Your Heartbeat

[Print edition signed with Yu Zhijin, now available]

Originally titled My God Has a Heart Harder Than Stone. The title was changed on September 13, 2022, to match the published edition.

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Stone-hearted deity x world-weary, depressed girl

Winter came especially early this year. By October, the wind was already biting cold.

Lu Yang walked home from class bundled in a lambswool coat that smelled of mothballs.

As the red light counted down, she pulled out her phone and browsed Weibo.

#Will I meet a softhearted god this year?#

Watching handsome men and beautiful women post their makeover videos, Lu Yang let out a quiet scoff and thought: If there really is a softhearted god, let winter come early and leave early, too.

The light turned green. Lu Yang stepped forward with the crowd, but the next second, her breath caught and she froze in place.

Across the street stood a tall, thin man. A glowing red thread was wrapped around his neck.

It floated in the air, stretching all the way to her heart, though it seemed as if she were the starting point.

Lu Yang clutched her aching chest. Oh no, she was seeing things.

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A few days later.

OO: What should I do with a Doberman I found that won't bond with me?

Helpful commenter: I suggest giving it away.

OO: Can't. It's tied to me.

*The line "Will I meet a softhearted god this year?" comes from the Korean drama Goblin. This story draws on a popular online meme. Please feel free to point out any awkward phrasing.

Theme: Give thanks to the ordinary people who warm the world through their own efforts.