Whale Song

[Next book: The Makeshift Stage] Blurb-writing disaster: Fake delinquent seme x genuine artsy uke Chen Xiangran, a student at a top provincial school, is an "artsy little prince" with such a wild imagination that he even has hallucinations. To his many aunts and uncles, his classmates' parents, and everyone else, he's a well-behaved, clever, sensible, hardworking "good kid." One day, the "good kid" stands on the street behind his school, smoking, drenched in sweat, with bruises from a fight on his face. Beside him stands Qi Huaisheng, the local gang leader, also smiling as he kisses Chen Xiangran on his sweat-soaked temple, where strands of hair cling to his skin. He endures auditory hallucinations and dizziness alone, unaware that he wants to numb himself with the blood from his wounds, cigarettes, and alcohol. He says he wants to fight, smoke, and drink, while Qi Huaisheng keeps urging him to see a doctor. When his mother cuts off his path to becoming an art student, Qi Huaisheng somehow finds the money to buy him the most expensive art supplies. When he says he wants to see the sea, Qi Huaisheng takes him back to his hometown for the summer. He says he wants to escape the cage of this school run like a military academy, escape all the constraints of life, and run away with him to somewhere far away. Qi Huaisheng, who was then living as a drifter, falls silent for a long time before saying, "No. You have to go back to class." Chen Xiangran pauses, then bursts out laughing. "I was joking, Sheng." Seven years later, Qi Huaisheng blocks his way at the door and says, "I finally found you." The frail boy from years ago has grown up and promises to become his salvation forever once more. [Fake delinquent seme x genuine artsy uke] The uke has a heart condition. A little ensemble cast. HE. Everyday life, slow-burn buildup. Chronic reviser. Theme: Study hard and strive to improve every day.