A Heavenly Match for My Childhood Friend

[Please add my upcoming story, Secretly Married to My Crush, to your favorites!]

Qiao Jue grew up under Huo Fengshi's protection and never imagined that he might fall for someone else.

Until one day, Huo Fengshi told Qiao Jue, "Xiao Jue, I've fallen for someone. He's dazzling."

Just how dazzling was he? Probably the kind of person whose presence would leave you completely captivated.

After hearing the news, Qiao Jue hovered around them like a clown, harboring dark thoughts as he tried to keep them apart.

But clowns have hearts too. Being repeatedly ignored and trampled on hurt.

Everyone said Qiao Jue was no match for Yan Xunchao, the one Huo Fengshi loved. Everyone said, "Compared to Yan Xunchao, you're nothing. Huo Fengshi will never choose you."

Qiao Jue wanted to be someone's first choice too, even if only once.

On his birthday, Qiao Jue dressed up, hoping to celebrate his coming-of-age ceremony in his best possible light.

The person he most longed to see never came. Eighteen candles burned on the cake, their wavering light seeming to mock his delusions.

Qiao Jue watched the candles burn out. The beautiful cake melted, and its cloying sweetness somehow made him feel sick.

Yan Xunchao shared Qiao Jue's birthday, and everyone went to celebrate with him.

Qiao Jue wanted to be someone's first choice too, even if only once.

But if it was only wishful thinking, he would stop wishing.

Huo Fengshi, Qiao Jue didn't want him anymore.

*

Qiao Jue had been through plenty of absurd situations, but this one ranked near the top:

Kissing his rival, only to be caught by the man he loved.

Yan Xunchao held Qiao Jue in his arms. Qiao Jue looked up and saw someone standing in the distance.

That person's face was pale, and his eyes held shock and pain Qiao Jue had never seen before.

Qiao Jue thought Huo Fengshi was hurting because the person he loved had kissed someone else.

Later, he learned that was indeed the case. But the person Huo Fengshi loved wasn't Yan Xunchao. It was Qiao Jue.

[A melodramatic story. The pairing is Yan Xunchao. The protagonist is imperfect. Not recommended for readers who are strongly attached to a character. Read with caution.]

Theme: A sharp sword is forged through hardship, and plum blossoms release their fragrance after enduring bitter cold