A Kiss on the Throat

A singer with aphasia vs. a dessert chef who's a sharp-tongued online but timid in real life

Shi Yu, hailed as a singer born to be a star, had a cool, ethereal voice. His fans nicknamed him "the voice seducer." His career was shining bright, but then he suddenly retired, sending the entire internet into an uproar.

He'd lost his voice, and his self-isolated life had become stagnant.

That was until he met a girl online who was devoted to his songs, even listening to one on repeat all day.

[What do you like about Shi Yu?]

[I like it when he calls me wifey~]

[...]

*

Shi Yu's arduous journey toward his dream was an inspiring story. He was a godlike figure of faith to his fans, and a ray of light in Bagel's life.

Alone in the big city, she was used to falling asleep to the sound of his singing.

His ethereal nocturnes faded into her dreams, like snow melting in a fire.

Then Bagel found a music buddy: aloof, quiet, but incredibly dependable.

Lately, her husband had gone missing, her career was going badly, and she'd miscalculated her rent. She was always sending emojis.

Her buddy would patiently comfort her: Don't worry, I sent you a T-shirt just like Shi Yu's. I got you a referral to a client's company. I asked a friend about an empty room...

Gradually, he became another ray of light in her life.

Bagel: [Wanna meet up, baby?]

Music buddy: [If your baby and your husband fell into the water at the same time, who would you save first?]

Bagel pondered for a moment. [Whichever one has abs.]

He coldly sent her one word: Heh.

Then he didn't come online or talk to her for several days.

*

Later, Bagel unexpectedly ran into the new neighbor across the hall.

The young man was tall and slender, wearing a loose white T-shirt just like hers. His languid eyes behind silver-rimmed glasses... were also strikingly familiar.

Her heart pounded like a drum, but she kept a calm, well-behaved expression. "Hello, Mr. Shi."

Shi Yu seemed not to hear her. He lowered his head and tapped his phone.

Then her long-missing music buddy came online.

[What's so great about Mr. Shi? His abs?]

Theme: The world kisses me with pain, and I answer with song.