Yichen dropped the cigarette and stepped on it. He wrapped his arms around Zhiyuan, pulling him close.
"Let's go to bed," Yichen said softly.
Zhiyuan nodded, still sleepy. But his eyes drifted down to the floor. His sleepy eyes widened.
The balcony floor was covered in cigarette butts. Not one or two. Many. Too many.
Zhiyuan looked up at Yichen. His sleepy face changed. His eyes sharpened.
"What is this?" Zhiyuan pointed at the floor.
Yichen looked down. His stomach dropped. "I was just... thinking..."
"Thinking?" Zhiyuan stepped back, looking at all the cigarettes. "How long have you been out here?"
Yichen scratched his neck. "Not long..."
"Not long?" Zhiyuan pointed at the floor again. "Yichen, there are so many cigarettes here. You don't smoke this much. Ever."
Yichen opened his mouth. Closed it.
Zhiyuan crossed his arms. "What's going on? Something happened today. I know something happened."
"Nothing happened, bao bei. I just—"
"Don't 'bao bei' me." Zhiyuan's voice was getting louder. "You come home late. You stand on the balcony for hours. You smoke like a chimney. And you expect me to believe nothing happened?"
Yichen sighed. "I just had a lot on my mind."
"Then talk to me! Don't poison yourself." Zhiyuan grabbed his hand, looking at the bandage. "Your hand is still healing. You have stitches. And you're smoking? Do you want to get sick?"
"I'm not going to get sick from a few cigarettes."
"A few?" Zhiyuan pointed at the pile again. "This is not a few! This is... this is a whole pack! Maybe two!"
Yichen looked away. "It's not that many."
"I can count them right now, Yichen. Do you want me to count them?"
Yichen's lips twitched. "No..."
Zhiyuan stepped closer, poking his chest. "You promised you would take care of yourself. You promised! No more fishing. No more hurting yourself. And now smoking?"
Yichen grabbed his finger, holding it gently. "I know. I'm sorry."
"Sorry is not enough!" Zhiyuan tried to pull his hand away, but Yichen held on.
"I'll stop. I promise."
"You said that about fishing too."
Yichen pulled him closer. "I mean it this time."
Zhiyuan pushed at his chest. "Let me go. I'm mad at you."
"I know." Yichen didn't let go. "I'm sorry I worried you."
"You always worry me. Every day. Every night. I go to sleep wondering if you'll come home with another cut. Another injury. Now I have to worry about your lungs too?"
Yichen's face softened. He cupped Zhiyuan's cheek. "I'm sorry."
Zhiyuan's anger cracked. His eyes filled with tears. "I just want you safe. Is that too much to ask? Just one day without worrying about you."
Yichen pulled him into a tight hug. "I know, bao bei. I know. I'm sorry."
Zhiyuan buried his face in Yichen's chest. His voice was muffled. "Why do you do this? Why do you keep things from me? We're supposed to be partners."
Yichen held him tighter. "I know. I'm trying. I just... I don't want to burden you with everything."
"You're not a burden. You're my man. If something is wrong, I want to know. I want to help. That's what partners do."
Yichen closed his eyes. The folder in his pocket felt like a rock.
Tell him. Tell him about the will.
But the words wouldn't come.
"I'm sorry," Yichen whispered again.
Zhiyuan pulled back, wiping his eyes. He looked at the cigarette butts on the floor, then back at Yichen.
"No more smoking."
Zhiyuan studied his face. "Is something wrong? Something you're not telling me?"
Yichen hesitated. Just for a second. "No. Just... tired. Thinking about money. About our future. I Want to give you everything."
Zhiyuan sighed. "I don't need everything. I just need you. Healthy. Alive. Here with me."
Yichen kissed his forehead. "I'm here."
"You better be." Zhiyuan grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the bedroom. "Now come to bed. And tomorrow, you're cleaning this balcony. Every single cigarette."
Yichen smiled weakly. "Yes, sir."
"And no more secrets."
Yichen's heart pounded. "No more secrets."
They lay down together. Zhiyuan curled into him, hand over his heart.
Yichen stared at the ceiling, the folder burning in his pocket, the secret burning on his tongue.
But he didn't speak.
Zhiyuan's breathing evened out. Asleep.
Yichen held him, watching the moonlight on the ceiling, wondering how long he could carry this weight before it crushed them both.
At the Clinic – Morning
Zhiyuan sat at his desk, organizing patient files. The clinic was quiet. Dr. Shen was in the back with a patient. Guo Lian was organizing supplies.
Lin Wei walked over from his desk. He was holding a small box wrapped in brown paper.
"Good morning, Zhiyuan," Lin Wei said brightly.
Zhiyuan looked up and smiled. "Morning."
Lin Wei placed the box on Zhiyuan's desk. "I went shopping yesterday. I saw this and thought it would look good on you."
Zhiyuan frowned, looking at the box. "What is it?"
"Just open it."
Zhiyuan hesitated. Then he opened the box. Inside was a small bracelet. Simple. Silver. A small charm hanging from it.
"It's beautiful," Zhiyuan said. "But Lin Wei, I can't accept this."
Lin Wei's smile didn't fade. "Please. I bought it with so much love. I even gave one to Dr. Shen. But his is different." He laughed softly. "His is more... old man style."
Zhiyuan chuckled. "You didn't have to do this."
"I wanted to. You've been so kind to me since I came here. Showing me around. Being patient when I ask too many questions." Lin Wei pushed the box closer. "Please accept it. As a thank you."
Zhiyuan looked at the bracelet. It really was pretty. Simple. Not too fancy.
"Okay," Zhiyuan said. "Thank you. That's really thoughtful of you."
Lin Wei's face lit up. "Here, let me help you put it on."
He took the bracelet from the box and reached for Zhiyuan's wrist. His fingers brushed against Zhiyuan's skin, lingering a moment too long.
Zhiyuan didn't notice. He was admiring the bracelet.
"It's really nice," Zhiyuan said. "I'll wear it today."
Lin Wei smiled, stepping back. "I'm glad you like it. Maybe we can get lunch later? There's a new place I want to try."
Zhiyuan nodded, still looking at the bracelet. "Sure. Sounds good."
Lin Wei walked back to his desk, satisfied.
Zhiyuan touched the small charm, smiling. It was nice to have a friend.
Outside Lawyer Zhang's Office – Morning
Yichen stood outside the office building, staring at the door. His hands were in his pockets. One hand held the folder. The other held the phone with Zhiyuan's picture as the wallpaper.
He looked at the picture. Zhiyuan smiling at the beach. Wind in his hair. Happy.
I'm doing this for him, Yichen told himself. For us.
He had been up all night thinking. About the money. About the properties. About what Zhenlong would want.
Zhenlong gave me this because he trusted me. Because he wanted me to take care of Zhiyuan.
He looked at the building again.
If I accept this, I can give Zhiyuan everything. A house with a garden. A real kitchen. A wedding.... Anything he wants.
But fear gripped his chest.
What if it pulls me back? What if the old world comes knocking? What if I become that person again?
He thought about Zhiyuan's face last night. The worry. The tears. The way he begged him to stop smoking. To stop worrying him.
I don't want to worry him anymore. I want to give him peace. Safety. Stability.
He took a deep breath.
I can keep it clean. I can use the money for good. For us. I don't have to be that person anymore.
He made up his mind.
He walked to the door and pushed it open. The receptionist looked up and smiled.
"Can I help you?"
Yichen's voice was steady. "I'm here to see Lawyer Zhang. He's expecting me."
The receptionist nodded. "Right this way."
Yichen followed her down the hall. His heart was pounding, but his steps were sure.
He was doing this for Zhiyuan. For their future. For the life they deserved.
He would accept the inheritance. And he would use it to build something clean. Something good. Something worthy of the man he loved.
He walked into Lawyer Zhang's office and sat down.
"I'm ready," Yichen said.
Lawyer Zhang smiled. "Good. Let's get started."
Yichen pulled out the folder, placed it on the desk, and took a deep breath. No more running. No more hiding. It was time to face the future.
At the Small Restaurant – Lunchtime
Zhiyuan and Lin Wei sat at a small table near the window. The food was good. The conversation was easy.
Lin Wei told a funny story about a patient who tried to run away from the clinic because he was scared of needles.
Zhiyuan laughed, his head thrown back. "No way! What did Dr. Shen do?"
Lin Wei leaned closer, his hand touching Zhiyuan's arm lightly. "Dr. Shen just stood at the door and said, 'You can run, but you still need those shots tomorrow.'"
Zhiyuan laughed again. "That's exactly what he would say."
Lin Wei's hand stayed on Zhiyuan's arm. His thumb moved slightly, brushing against Zhiyuan's skin. Zhiyuan didn't notice. He was too busy laughing.
Lin Wei smiled, enjoying the moment. His eyes kept drifting to the bracelet on Zhiyuan's wrist. The one he gave him. The one that matched his own.
"You really like that bracelet, don't you?" Lin Wei asked.
Zhiyuan looked down at it. "Yeah. It's nice. Simple. I like simple things."
Lin Wei's smile widened. "I'm glad."
Across the street, Yichen was walking back from Lawyer Zhang's office. He had a file in one hand and a small paper bag with lunch in the other.
Then he saw them.
Zhiyuan laughing. Lin Wei touching his wrist. Leaning close. His hand on Zhiyuan's skin.
Yichen stopped walking. His hand tightened around the file.
Lin Wei said something. Zhiyuan laughed again. Lin Wei's hand moved to touch the bracelet.
Yichen's blood boiled.
He crossed the street quickly. His footsteps were heavy. His jaw was tight.
He reached the table and grabbed Zhiyuan's hand. "Let's go."
Zhiyuan looked up, surprised. "Yichen? What are you—"
"We're leaving." Yichen pulled him up from the chair.
Lin Wei stood quickly. "Is everything okay?"
Yichen ignored him. He pulled Zhiyuan away from the table, dragging him toward the street.
Zhiyuan stumbled, trying to keep up. "Yichen! Stop! What's wrong with you?"
Yichen didn't stop. He kept walking, pulling Zhiyuan down the street.
Zhiyuan finally pulled his hand away hard. He stopped walking.
"Don't make me feel like I was cheating on you!" Zhiyuan's voice was sharp.
Yichen turned around, his face red. "What was that? Back there? His hands all over you?"
"He was just talking! We were having lunch! That's what friends do!"
"Friends?" Yichen laughed, but it was not happy. "Is that what you call it? He was touching you. Looking at you. Like you were his."
Zhiyuan's eyes widened. "That's not true. You're being crazy."
"Crazy?" Yichen pointed at Zhiyuan's wrist. "What's that?"
Zhiyuan looked down at the bracelet. "It's a gift. From Lin Wei. He gave one to Dr. Shen too."
Yichen's face twisted. He reached out and grabbed the bracelet. Pulled it hard. The chain snapped.
"YICHEN!" Zhiyuan shouted.
Yichen threw the bracelet on the ground. It landed in the dirt, the silver charm dull against the stones.
Zhiyuan stared at it. His face went pale.
Yichen grabbed his hand again, pulling him toward home. "We're going home. Now."
Zhiyuan didn't fight this time. He just walked, silent. His eyes were wet. His chest hurt.
They walked home in silence. The file in Yichen's hand crinkled. The lunch in the bag got cold.
When they reached the house, Yichen opened the door. Zhiyuan walked in, still silent.
Yichen closed the door behind them. "Zhiyuan—"
Zhiyuan turned around. His eyes were red. His voice was quiet.
"I made a friend." His voice cracked. "For the first time here. Someone who talks to me. Who laughs with me. Who gave me a gift."
Yichen's anger faded. Guilt crept in.
Zhiyuan looked at his empty wrist. "And you threw it away. Like it was nothing."
"Zhiyuan, I—"
"I didn't notice him touching me. I didn't think about it. I was just... happy. To have someone to talk to." A tear fell down his cheek. "And you made me feel like I did something wrong."
Yichen stepped forward. "You didn't do anything wrong. I just... I saw him touching you, and I lost control."
Zhiyuan stepped back. "You threw my gift away. In the dirt. In front of everyone."
"I'll buy you a new one. A better one. Anything you want."
Zhiyuan shook his head slowly. "You don't get it. It's not about the bracelet."
"Then what is it about?"
Zhiyuan looked at him, eyes full of hurt. "You don't trust me. After everything. After all we've been through. You still don't trust me."
Yichen's heart dropped. "That's not true."
"You saw me with a friend and thought the worst. You didn't ask. You didn't talk. You just... took me away. Like I was yours to control."
Yichen reached for him. "I'm sorry."
Zhiyuan moved away. "I need space. Please. Just... give me space."
He walked to the bedroom and closed the door softly.
Yichen stood alone in the living room. The file fell from his hand. Papers scattered on the floor. The lunch bag dropped beside it.
He looked at the closed bedroom door, guilt heavy in his chest.
He ruined it. He ruined everything.
Yichen stood outside the bedroom door, his forehead pressed against the wood. He could hear nothing from inside. Just silence.
He knocked softly. "Zhiyuan?"
No answer.
He knocked again. "Bao bei, please. Talk to me. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Still nothing.
Yichen slid down, sitting on the floor, his back against the door. He put his head in his hands.
"I was jealous," he said quietly. "I saw him touching you and I lost my mind. I know I was wrong. I know I hurt you. Please just... please open the door."
Silence.
Yichen sat there, guilt eating at him.
A few minutes later, footsteps came up the path. Yichen looked up. Lin Wei was walking toward the house, a small bag in his hand.
Lin Wei saw Yichen sitting on the floor. His face changed from worried to angry.
"Where is Zhiyuan?" Lin Wei demanded.
Yichen stood up slowly. His eyes were cold. "He's resting."
Lin Wei stepped closer. "Why did you drag him away like that? Who do you think you are?"
Yichen's jaw tightened. "It doesn't matter whoever am I why are you here"
Lin Wei laughed, but it was not happy. "Whoever huh? You act like you own him. You dragged him away from lunch. You threw away his gift. In the dirt. In front of everyone. Do you know how embarrassed he was?"
Yichen stepped forward. "You need to leave."
"I'm not leaving until I see Zhiyuan. Until I know he's okay." Lin Wei moved toward the door. "Zhiyuan! Zhiyuan, are you in there?"
Yichen grabbed his arm. "I said leave."
Lin Wei pulled his arm away. "Let go of me. You don't control me. You don't control him either. What kind of person treats someone like that? What kind of—"
Yichen's fist clenched. He took a step closer to Lin Wei, ready to fight.
Lin Wei didn't back down. His own hands balled into fists.
They stood face to face, both ready to throw the first punch.
The bedroom door flew open.
Zhiyuan stood in the doorway, eyes wide. "What is going on here?"
Lin Wei moved toward him. "Zhiyuan, are you okay? He dragged you away like—"
Yichen moved faster. He stepped between Lin Wei and Zhiyuan, cupped Zhiyuan's face in his hands, and pulled him into a deep, hungry kiss.
His lips pressed hard against Zhiyuan's. His tongue explored his mouth, claiming him. Possessive. Desperate.
Zhiyuan's eyes widened in shock. His hands came up to Yichen's chest, ready to push him away.
But then something shifted. His fingers curled into Yichen's shirt. He gripped the fabric tightly. He kissed back.
Lin Wei froze. His mouth fell open. He watched as Zhiyuan's hands moved from pushing to holding. Watched as his body relaxed into the kiss. Watched as he responded like he had done this a thousand times before.
Because he had.
Lin Wei's face went red. Not with anger. With embarrassment. With understanding.
He's not mine. He was never going to be mine.
Zhiyuan's mind finally caught up. He realized Lin Wei was still there. Still watching. His cheeks burned. He started hitting Yichen's chest, pushing him back.
Yichen finally pulled away. His lips were swollen. His breathing was heavy. He looked at Lin Wei, eyes sharp.
"You're still standing here?" Yichen's voice was cold. "How shameless."
Lin Wei's face turned bright red. He stumbled backward. "I... I was just... I wanted to make sure..."
"You saw." Yichen's arm wrapped around Zhiyuan's waist, pulling him close. "He's mine. Now leave."
Lin Wei turned and walked away quickly. His steps were fast. Embarrassed. Defeated.
Zhiyuan watched him go, his face burning. "Yichen, that was—"
Yichen turned him around and kissed him again.
This kiss was different. Not hungry. Not possessive. Gentle. Loving. Full of apology and need.
Zhiyuan melted into it, his hands coming up to Yichen's shoulders.
When Yichen finally pulled back, he pressed his forehead against Zhiyuan's.
"I'm sorry," Yichen whispered. "I was wrong. I was jealous and stupid. I should have talked to you. I should have trusted you."
Zhiyuan's eyes were still a little angry, but softening. "You were so rough. You threw my gift away."
"I'll buy you a hundred bracelets. A thousand. Anything you want." Yichen kissed his cheek. "Just don't be mad at me."
"I'm still mad."
Yichen kissed his other cheek. "How about now?"
"No."
Yichen kissed his nose. "Now?"
Zhiyuan's lips twitched. "Maybe a little less mad."
Yichen kissed his lips again softly this time with passion full of love...