How I Won Over a Shy, Loyal Puppy

Song Yirong is gloomy and world-weary. He doesn’t care much about money, time, or his own body, and doesn’t mind how his life is going. He knows he’s mentally ill, but seeing therapists over and over again hasn’t helped. Sometimes Song Yirong even thinks it would be better if he died soon, then he wouldn’t have to suffer one nightmare after another or lie awake night after night. His doctor advises him to find somewhere quiet to clear his head. Song Yirong figures it can’t hurt, so he packs his bags, leaves the city, and rents a place in a small village. Song Yirong notices that the tall man next door keeps sneaking glances at him and blushes easily. He’s adorably awkward. One evening, after showering, Song Yirong stands on the balcony hanging up laundry in a white tank top. The man happens to pass by, sweaty from working in the fields. Song Yirong calls out to him. “Hey, want to come up and sit for a while?” The man abruptly stops and looks up at him, then hurriedly lowers his head. His ears turn red, and his voice is muffled. “No.” Song Yirong leans on the railing, deliberately making his voice sound suggestive and enticing. “Why not? Afraid I’ll bully you?” The man keeps his head down. After a long pause, he manages two words. “I’m not.” Song Yirong can’t help laughing. “If you’re not, why are you afraid to look at me?” The man lowers his head even further, his ears turning bright red. What Song Yirong never expected was that this man alone would help him see the light and find spring again. Rugged countryman top × world-weary writer bottom Theme: Work hard and face life with optimism