Everything was still, except for the powerful beating of his heart.
At this moment, his thoughts were completely in disarray.
He didn't even bother to think about the other person's purpose in asking the question; he just stared blankly at Ling Shuangjiang, unable to utter a single word.
Soon, Ling Shuangjiang sadly withdrew his gaze: "Want some more noodles?" This time, he didn't explain to Xie Wang that he was joking.
Xie Wang slowly lowered his head: "Yes, I want to eat."
Ling Shuangjiang got up and went into the kitchen to serve Xie Wang another bowl of beef noodles. Without him in the living room, Xie Wang felt inexplicably uneasy, staring at his back in deep thought for a long time.
"You eat first, I'll go get you something."
Ling Shuangjiang went into the bedroom and found the redeemed watch. He had originally intended to return it to Xie Wang after the end of their relationship, but Xie Wang had left in a hurry that day, so the matter was delayed.
Looking at the watch, Xie Wang was puzzled: "How did it end up in your hands? Didn't I pawn it to the landlady?"
"I'm coming back," Ling Shuangjiang said casually, sounding very relaxed.
"Did you go back and give them money again?" Xie Wang continued to press.
Ling Shuangjiang: "Mm."
"Did they give you a hard time? Most people probably wouldn't be willing to return the watch to you."
"Fortunately, the boss is very easy to talk to."
Ling Shuangjiang then brought over some of his pickled vegetables for Xie Wang to try.
Xie Wang gently rubbed his wristwatch with his thumb, and his tension eased somewhat. He looked up and said, "I'm full. I'll wash the dishes. You can go and rest."
Ling Shuangjiang nodded: "It seems there's a problem with the water heater in my bathroom; the water temperature is sometimes cold and sometimes hot. Go and see if you know how to fix it."
Xie Wang put down his chopsticks and walked towards Ling Shuangjiang's room.
The room was lit with warm yellow light, creating a cozy atmosphere. The small white blanket on the bed, which Xie Wang had used the other day, was cool and comfortable.
Entering the bathroom, Xie Wang opened the instruction manual and operated it according to the procedure. The water heater switch was hidden in a corner of the wall, requiring him to reach his arm inside.
Ling Shuangjiang couldn't reach it, but Xie Wang could reach it with ease.
The water temperature kept fluctuating on the display screen. Ling Shuangjiang walked in at this moment and stared intently at him.
While Xie Wang was adjusting the water heater, he only dared to steal glances at Ling Shuangjiang out of the corner of his eye.
What exactly did Ling Shuangjiang mean just now?
Why did you suddenly ask him this question?
Did you notice something?
Oh no!
Ling Shuangjiang probably doesn't know what I'm thinking.
Despite his outward composure, Xie Wang's inner turmoil was evident in his eyes.
Ling Shuangjiang looked at him with a smile and concern.
"It's all set up." Xie Wang put the instruction manual into his pocket. "Although this water heater is smart, it has some problems. It's really complicated to operate after restoring it to factory settings. Since you don't understand it, come to me if you have any problems in the future. I'll take the instruction manual with me."
Ling Shuang lowered her voice with a smile: "I'll keep the instruction manual with me. In case you're not around in the future, I can ask someone else to read it."
"No need, I will always be by your side."
Xie Wang spoke somewhat guiltily, feeling that Ling Shuangjiang was acting rather strangely today.
Could it be that the other party is planning to replace him and find a new love interest?
"Okay, then you can keep it."
Ling Shuangjiang relented, stepped forward and patted the dirt off his arms, "Go take a shower and get some rest."
Xie Wang glanced at him quietly, his expression just like a dog intently watching its owner.
He left only after confirming that Ling Shuangjiang was alright.
Watching his retreating figure, Ling Shuangjiang returned to bed and pondered for a long time. Finally, unable to sleep, he picked up the lines his teacher had assigned and began practicing.
—
The next day, Xie Wang prepared breakfast for Ling Shuangjiang as usual before leaving.
Assistant Kim was waiting downstairs early in the morning.
Xie Wang tossed him the car keys: "How did you get here?"
Assistant Kim: "Taxi."
After Xie Wang sat down, he picked up a magazine and flipped through it aimlessly. He opened a bottle of instant coffee and stared at the bustling downtown avenue outside.
"Xiao Jin".
Xie Wang spoke in a low voice.
Assistant Kim glanced at the rearview mirror: "Go ahead."
Xie Wangqing cleared his throat: "I have a friend, A. He stayed at his friend B's house yesterday."
Assistant Kim suppressed a laugh: "Yes, please continue."
Then B suddenly asked A if he loved him.
When Xie Wang said this, he was very worried: "Analyze it, what exactly does B mean? Why did he suddenly ask this?"
Assistant Kim chuckled: "What else could it mean? B likes A, that's all."
"B likes A?" Xie Wang stared intently at Assistant Jin. "Really? But A is straight, and B is handsome, gentle, and outstanding. Most importantly, B is gay, and he knows A is straight."
Assistant Kim analyzed for him: "Is it possible that even though B knows A is straight, he still can't help but fall for A? A must be very outstanding too."
"Of course," Xie Wang answered decisively, his gaze also probing: "Does asking this question prove that B likes A?"
"Yes, 99% of those who secretly admire someone muster the courage to ask that question in order to confess their feelings." Assistant Kim scientifically analyzed: "That's what the dating guide says."
Xie Wang frowned: "So how do they usually respond?"
Assistant Kim: "If you answer 'I love you,' we'll be happily together. If you answer 'I don't love you,' we'll become strangers."
"What if we don't say anything at all?" Xie Wang asked.
Assistant Kim glanced at him: "Hmm... Generally speaking, people who don't say anything can be defined as scumbags."
"Scumbag?" Xie Wang vehemently retorted, "How is that defined?"
"If someone doesn't answer, it means they know what the other person is thinking, but they neither refuse nor agree. Their goal is to keep the other person hooked."
After saying that, Assistant Jin glanced at Xie Wang and said, "Mr. Xie, you wouldn't—your friend wouldn't do that, would you?"
Xie Wang said with a slightly serious expression, "I think your analysis is inaccurate because human psychology is complex."
“Yes, you’re right.” Assistant Kim shut up.
During the morning meeting, Xie Wang was clearly distracted, and the director standing opposite him was sweating profusely.
Because their big boss sometimes frowned, sometimes looked indifferent, and sometimes seemed conflicted and uneasy, it made his heart pound, almost jumping out of his throat.
After returning to his office from the meeting, Xie Wang sat in his swivel chair, looking down at the bustling morning outside.
Xie Lin came to him at this time to ask for a reward because of Hengtai Home Furnishings.
“
"Brother, why do you seem so distracted?" Xie Lin sat opposite him, his usual carefree attitude much less pronounced. "Our home furnishing brand has been selling very well lately, aren't you happy?"
Xie Wang gave him a deep look: "Come here, I have something to ask you."
Xie Lin leaned closer: "What's up?"
Xie Wang: "If your friend asks you if you love him, what do you think he means?"
Xie Lin stared at Xie Wang with a gossipy look on his face, and raised his lips: "Oh? If it were me, I would think he likes me."
"He likes you?" Xie Wang pressed seriously, "Are you sure?"
Xie Lin replied firmly, "I'm absolutely certain."
Xie Wang lowered his head in embarrassment, chuckling to himself. He cleared his throat, awkwardly touched his nose with his right hand, and when he looked up again, a suppressed smile played on his lips: "Is that so? Am I that charming?"
Xie Lin showered him with compliments: "Of course, my older brother is the most handsome man in the universe. Whoever gets to date you is his good fortune."
"Don't say that." Xie Wang grinned. "He's also outstanding, and it's my blessing to have married him."
Xie Lin suppressed a curious smile and sent a meaningful WeChat message to his mother.
[Xie Lin: Mom, you're not far from having a daughter-in-law!]
[Mother Xie: Which daughter-in-law? The eldest daughter-in-law or the second daughter-in-law?]
[Xie Lin: It'll be soon, I'll hurry too. Maybe we can enter the house on the same day, double happiness!]
[Mother Xie: When do you and that boy want to meet? I'll help you make an appointment. Everyone's very busy; these things need to be arranged in advance.]
[Xie Lin: You can ask him, I'm available anytime.]
[Mother Xie: Look at you, so useless.]
"Brother, I'm about to meet your childhood sweetheart soon, my card..." Xie Lin smiled ingratiatingly and winked at him.
"I've already applied to terminate it," Xie Wang emphasized earnestly. "She's not my childhood sweetheart, she's yours."
Xie Lin: "Yes, yes, yes, she's mine. Hey, you have no idea, my girlfriend's mother is absolutely stunning, and the auntie says my girlfriend is even prettier than her."
"Really?" Xie Wang lightly tapped the wooden desk with his fingertips. "How good-looking can a boy be? You haven't seen the most handsome boy in the world. I'll bring him to you another day."
Xie Lin chuckled: "Brother, do you think it's pathetic of me to like someone so much before even meeting them?"
Xie Wang raised an eyebrow: "Indeed. And to be honest, no matter how good-looking someone is, it still depends on their character and personality. Otherwise, no matter how beautiful their appearance is, it won't matter."
At this point, Xie Wang felt even more pleased.
The most handsome and kindest boy in the world is by my side, and I like him.
Xie Lin nodded: "You're right, but Aunt Lin is so elegant and well-mannered, her son must be no problem either."
Xie Wang: "Your partner's surname is Lin?"
Xie Lin: "Yes, Mom mentioned it once."