We Can’t Put the Pieces Back Together

[Main story complete] As the saying goes, lying flat feels great for a while; lying flat forever feels great forever. Jian Wu was one of the victims of an overly intense exam-driven education system. After failing his graduate school entrance exam yet again, he resolutely joined the lie-flat brigade, staying home to fish (bum around), grow (wait to) flowers (die). Then he broke up with his childhood sweetheart, his boyfriend of seven years. Unlike Jian Wu, Song Shuci was a bona fide workaholic. And not just any workaholic: he was the kind who thought everything other than studying and working was a waste of time. After the breakup, Jian Wu quietly slipped away from their little home with his turtle, leaving behind the city that had held years of their love. Then one day, he saw Song Shuci again through the glass wall of a school conference room. The man was tall and graceful, still every bit the polished, intellectual professional. The usually high-and-mighty dean was pitching Song Shuci one dazzling offer after another, but Song Shuci’s expression was cool and indifferent, clearly uninterested. But just as Jian Wu turned away, he heard him say, “I’d be happy to join your university.” * B Medical University was in a remote location and had always been mediocre in terms of faculty. Recruiting a heavyweight researcher like Professor Song inevitably stirred up a wave of excitement on campus. Colleague A: “The new Professor Song looks so handsome in a lab coat!” Jian Wu, expressionless: “There’s mouse poop on it.” Colleague B: “Professor Song works so efficiently. He’s not the least bit pompous, and he replies to messages so fast.” Jian Wu sneered. “True. He’s even faster when he’s cursing someone out.” Colleague C: “I heard Professor Song is still single. Anyone who dates him would be so lucky.” Jian Wu rolled his eyes. “Anyone who wants that kind of luck is an idiot.” * More than half a year later, Jian Wu and Song Shuci posted a picture of themselves holding hands, both wearing rings. Colleagues: “???” Jian Wu replied: “I’m an idiot.” Song Shuci took his phone away and wrapped his arms around him from behind. “I heard you’ve been telling everyone I’m fast?” [Reader’s guide] 1. Sharp-tongued bottom who picks fights with the whole world, especially his ex × top who loves making sarcastic remarks and refuses to admit anything (though maybe he’s not quite so stubborn). 2. A very sweet childhood-sweetheart couple, devoted to each other in body and heart. 3. This story might also be called, “If We Return to the Place Where We First Fell in Love, Can We Fall in Love Again?” 4. [Important] The breakup was messy, and both sides have grievances. This is not a case of the top immediately chasing his beloved in a regretful pursuit. At first, neither treats the other with much courtesy. The more they love each other, the more they bicker. Please don’t read if that bothers you. 5. The breakup had nothing to do with a third party. Neither of them has been involved with anyone else. 6. All cities and schools in the story are fictional and exist to serve the plot. 7. Updates daily in the evening. Thank you for your support, sending love~ Screenshot taken on 2022.4.28 Theme: Unite, be kind to one another, bravely face setbacks, and build a better future.