"What do you mean?" Song Lang asked in a deep voice.
"It means you should treat him well, or I'll take him away from you."
Song Xianji answered frankly, his smile genuine. Then, under Song Lang's sharp gaze, he raised his hands and surrendered as he left the bathroom.
He made a V sign with one hand, first gouged out his own eyes, then pointed to Song Lang behind the door, and said in English, "I'm watching you."
Song Lang rolled his eyes as if he were looking at a lunatic, and slammed the door on Song Xianji's face, almost pinching those two extremely chuunibyou-ish fingers.
Song Xianji withdrew his hand, brushed his wet hair aside, and turned around to see Shen Zhifei quietly watching him from the shadows.
He walked over, grinning, and said, "Why are you looking at me like that? Did you suddenly realize I'm more handsome and regret it?"
“You don’t need to tell him those things,” Shen Zhifei said.
“I was just reminding him,” Song Xianji said in a low voice, “If you two really break up, then I still have…”
“We won’t break up,” Shen Zhifei interrupted him. “Even if he doesn’t like me anymore in the future, I won’t let him go.”
Song Xianji was stunned by the unwavering determination and burning passion in his eyes that surpassed that of his peers, and the words stuck in his throat.
Shen Zhifei didn't elaborate further; Song Lang's significance to him went far beyond what could be simply summarized as "boyfriend."
They spent eight years together, and when you think about it, the companionship Song Lang gave him even surpassed that of his increasingly hazy memories of his biological parents. To him, Song Lang was a reliable family member, a bittersweet memory of his youth, and even an almost religious figure.
Song Lang taught him many things: how to move skillfully in video games, how to ride a bike with hands off the handlebars to look more dashing and cool, how to flick a small note to improve accuracy... But the most important thing he taught him was how to love.
Without him, Shen Zhifei thought, perhaps he would have grown into a gloomy, manic person trapped in childhood trauma.
"Alright, alright, I was just saying it casually, don't take it to heart." Song Xianji dried his hair with the towel draped over his shoulder and said, "Haven't eaten yet? I'll go out and buy some now, what do you want to eat?"
“I’ll go with you,” Shen Zhifei said.
"Hey, no need, you go in and take a bath with your Song brother." Song Xianji changed into a sweatshirt in the living room and tossed a towel to Shen Zhifei, "Help me hang it up to dry."
Shen Zhifei tossed the towel aside and walked straight outside.
Song Xianji chuckled and chased after him, "Oh, how can you be so cute? You were worried that I couldn't carry it myself, so you came to help, but you didn't say so outright."
"You're overthinking it," Shen Zhifei glanced at him and said casually, "You don't know what he likes to eat."
Song Xianji: "..."
The two of them packed up breakfast for 12 people and carried it back. Song Lang had just finished showering and changing his clothes. He was in charge of kicking everyone out of the tent one by one, while Song Xianji stood in the living room and shouted to the two bedrooms on the second floor: "Sisters, come down and have your beauty breakfast!"
Meng Fanxing rubbed her eyes and crawled out of the tent, following the scent to the table.
Upon seeing Song Lang, he yawned and asked, "Hey? Da Lang, you're back? Where did you go last night? I was looking for you; you disappeared while you were in the bathroom."
Song Lang glanced at Shen Zhifei and said, "He didn't go anywhere."
"Where did we go? I was so worried I almost called the police, you know?" Meng Fanxing's gaze swept over the breakfast on the table, showing no sign of his anxiety.
Song Lang sneered, "Then how come you're asleep? I could kick you twice and you still wouldn't wake up."
Meng Fanxing reached for a steamed bun, eating as she said, "Hehe, I was just tired from playing. Anyway, I know you're a very responsible and mature person..."
"Ugh, shut your mouth, bro!" someone couldn't stand it anymore and joked, "If you're going to give me a compliment, brush your teeth first."
"What do you know? I'm just stating the facts from the bottom of my heart," Meng Fanxing retorted, and everyone immediately burst into laughter and teasing.
Shen Zhifei handed the still-steaming scallion pancake to Song Lang and said, "Eat it while it's hot."
Song Lang lowered his head and took a bite of his hand, then giggled and bantered with Meng Fanxing.
Feeling exhausted from being criticized, Meng Fanxing abruptly changed the subject: "Hey, where are we going to play later? I heard there's a new small amusement park built halfway up the mountain below the town?"
Song Xianji nodded, indicating that the amusement park actually existed.
Everyone's enthusiasm was ignited, and they ate much faster.
Song Lang said, "I'm not going. I didn't sleep much last night and I'm so sleepy. You guys have fun."
As soon as she finished speaking, Hao Wei and Song Xianji both turned their gazes toward her.
Those eyes were indescribably bright.
Shen Zhifei added, "I'll stay too, everyone have fun."
The two insiders exchanged increasingly amused glances, their eyes constantly darting between them.
Meng Fanxing said with a regretful look, "Don't do that. It's not easy for us to get together and have fun. It would be so boring if you two didn't go."
"Don't talk so much, have some more." Hao Wei stuffed a steamed bun into his mouth, then smiled and said to Song Lang, "Okay, okay, you guys rest well at home. We won't be back until nine o'clock tonight."
He deliberately emphasized the timeframe, and his eyes were full of suggestive hints.
Song Lang choked and coughed until his face turned red. Shen Zhifei patted his back to help him catch his breath and handed him water and tissues. His gentle and considerate manner made Hao Wei sigh with her hand on her chin.
If only that pig next to me, who only knows how to eat, had such a handsome face!
After breakfast, the group went out in high spirits. Song Xianji lingered at the back, and just before leaving, he pulled Shen Zhifei aside, pulled a small bag out of his large coat pocket, and hurriedly handed it to Shen Zhifei.
"Remember to take care of yourself, bye-bye. We'll definitely be back at 10 p.m., so lock the door."
After saying that, the person ran away.
Shen Zhifei closed the door, opened the bag, and saw a box of condoms and some lubricant inside. The receipt was still there; it was from this morning's purchase.