In the Passage of Time

The new transfer student in Class 1, Grade 10 had top marks and delicate features. Even though his family was only moderately well-off, he quickly won the hearts of a crowd of girls. But while many were smitten, few dared approach him. The new student was so cold that his stern little face practically said, "Don't talk to me." As his deskmate, Xiang Chi had planned to keep out of Shi Mujing's way and just muddle through the next two years. Then one day, by chance, he saw the boy trapped in an alley by a gang of thugs. He was injured, his pretty face tense, his eyes astonishingly bright, a flame burning within them. It was like a painting suddenly coming to life, and everything about him appealed to Xiang Chi. Xiang Chi licked his lips and proposed a deal: "Call me big brother, and I'll take care of them for you." Shi Mu showed no reaction, as if he hadn't heard a thing, and beat the whole gang of thugs by himself. Later, on their graduation trip, Shi Mu and Xiang Chi were assigned the same room. The boy was pinned against the sink, kissed until he could barely breathe, and could only whimper and beg his big brother to go easy on him. He had no idea that the more he begged, the harder it was for the other man to hold back. Theme: