It was selfish, wasn’t it?
Fan Jun looked at Zou Yang; at the very least, he felt that he himself was selfish.

If he weren’t selfish, he wouldn’t have ignored the consequences from the beginning, allowing these feelings to slowly breed and spread. If he weren’t selfish, he wouldn’t have overthrown all his own decisions the moment he laid eyes on Zou Yang after being separated for so long.

Everything he wanted was selfish—the desire for understanding, the anticipation of warmth, and that intimacy which shouldn’t exist, which was destined to hurt someone.

But he couldn’t break free from it either.

Walking on the noisy pedestrian street, his eyes were filled with people and his ears with sounds, but the only thing he could see and hear was the person in his peripheral vision.

There was a splash of color by the roadside ahead. At the same time he saw it, a sweet fragrance wafted over.

“Cotton candy,” Fan Jun said.
“Yeah,” Zou Yang responded.
“Want some?” Fan Jun looked at the white cotton candy the vendor was making.
“It’s sickeningly sweet,” Zou Yang said.
“Oh.” Fan Jun smiled.
“Let’s eat some,” Zou Yang added.

Fan Jun turned his head and shot him a glance: “You still want to eat it if it’s sickeningly sweet?”
“Let’s eat, my treat,” Zou Yang nodded, walking toward the cotton candy stand. “Have you never had it before?”

“…Yeah.” Fan Jun looked at the side of Zou Yang’s face.
This was the feeling. Zou Yang had everything he wanted.
How could he not be selfish?

“It’s normal that you didn’t have it when you were a kid… What color do you want?” Zou Yang waited in line. “Why didn’t you go eat it later on? Didn’t Nanzhouping have it?”
“I just didn’t want to eat it later on,” Fan Jun thought about it. “And I don’t remember wanting to eat it either.”

Zou Yang glanced at him and smiled: “And now you remembered again?”
“Yeah,” Fan Jun smiled. “I just want white.”
“Two white ones,” Zou Yang said, then scanned the QR code to pay.

Only then did Fan Jun notice the price. He lowered his voice: “Ten bucks for one? For just that little bit?”
“The white one is ten bucks, it’s the basic, small one,” Zou Yang also whispered. “The colored ones are fifteen.”
“Based on what? What do the colored ones add?” Fan Jun said.
“Food coloring,” Zou Yang said.

Fan Jun paused, then burst out laughing.

While the vendor was spinning the cotton candy, he kept staring at it. When it was finally done and handed to him, he couldn’t help but sigh: “Good thing I’m not at the martial arts gym right now. For eating one of these, Lu Ze would make me go out and run ten kilometers.”

“Hurry up and eat it while he’s not here.” Zou Yang took a big bite.

Fan Jun also took a big bite, pulling out a long, fluffy strand that looked quite cute.
But it was indeed very sweet. After all, the ingredient was just sugar; apart from being sweet, it had no other flavor. The wind wasn’t weak right now either, so walking while eating left both his hands and face sticky by the time he finished.

“Satisfied?” Zou Yang took out a pack of wet wipes and pulled one out for him.
“So refined, you even have these.” Fan Jun took the wipe.
“Ever since Liu Wenrui dropped his popsicle on my pants, I carry them whenever I go out,” Zou Yang said.

Shopping on the pedestrian street during the New Year period was actually not a very good choice. It felt like half the city’s population was here. Every store was packed with people; basically, you’d just take a glance at the crowd from the door.
However, Fan Jun seemed to be in a good mood. He even took photos of the incredibly ugly painted sculptures along the road.

Zou Yang took out his phone: “Fan Jun.”
Fan Jun was taking a picture of a green-faced monkey and didn’t hear him.
“Fan Jun!” Zou Yang opened the camera app, pointed it at Fan Jun, and shouted.

Fan Jun and a circle of pedestrians around him turned their heads to look at him at the same time.
“Smile!” he shouted.

Fan Jun smiled, and surprisingly, a few pedestrians in the frame also reflexively smiled along.
This casually snapped picture suddenly became very interesting.

“Again, it doesn’t matter if you smile or not.” Zou Yang turned around and held up his phone, with Fan Jun looking into the lens from behind him.

When he pressed the shutter, two girls in the frame behind them also smiled and flashed a ‘V’ sign toward the camera. Zou Yang laughed and quickly snapped several more shots in a row.
He really liked this kind of image. When reminiscing about the past, it was these details that wouldn’t immediately come to mind, but were preserved in photos, along with the mood of that moment.

After walking around a bit, it really felt like there were too many people. Even with him keeping company, he was afraid Fan Jun wouldn’t be able to handle it, so he found a side street branching off the pedestrian street and sat down on a long bench.

“Let’s bask in the sun for a bit,” Zou Yang leaned back against the bench and tilted his head up. “Liu Wenrui should be arriving soon. We’ll wait for him here.”
“Mhm.” Fan Jun leaned back with him, tilting his head up.

“When I went to the Xinxin gym the other day,” Zou Yang said with his eyes closed, “it felt pretty good. There were people doing fitness, people practicing boxing and stuff, and they even hired two fitness coaches.”
“Yeah,” Fan Jun also closed his eyes. “Before… the accident happened, it was already said that we needed to hire more people. The few of us aren’t professionals in fitness and body shaping.”

“So in the future… you won’t go back either?” Zou Yang asked.
“I probably won’t go back again,” Fan Jun sighed softly. “With my hand in this state, the probability of restoring it to exactly how it was before is highly unlikely. Going back would obviously just be making Lü Ze take care of me.”

“What about this shop of He Chuan’s,” Zou Yang thought for a moment. “Are you officially working here from now on? Have you considered doing something of your own?”

Fan Jun didn’t speak, but Zou Yang could feel his gaze, so he opened his eyes and turned his head. Fan Jun was looking at him.
“What is it?” he smiled.

“I’ll just keep working here for now. The job isn’t hard, there’s no pressure, and it’s convenient for my rehab. I still have another surgery next month,” Fan Jun said. “If He Chuan hadn’t given me this job, I don’t know what kind of situation I’d be in right now.”

“Yeah,” Zou Yang nodded. “If you do want to start something of your own…”
“I have money.” Fan Jun quickly said.
“Can’t I even buy some shares?” Zou Yang asked.

“I’m not considering it for now. I want to be an absolute dictator boss,” Fan Jun said. “A shareholder going ‘baa baa baa’ will affect my performance.”
“Fuck.” The ‘baa baa’ shareholder threw his head back and laughed for a long time.

Actually, he knew Fan Jun would refuse when he opened his mouth. It was just that the sun was so nice right now, his brain had melted from the heat, and he blurted it out without thinking much.

In Fan Jun’s world, he had already accepted too much help and dedication. The sacrifices from Uncle Lü’s family even came with harmful backlash, and there was his mom… let alone him, a student.
Therefore, regarding this job He Chuan gave Fan Jun, he would desperately try to do it well, regardless of the danger.
Although what He Chuan said that day might have been slightly exaggerated, it was definitely not as casual and easy as Fan Jun made it out to be.

After basking in the sun for a bit, a call from Liu Wenrui came in.
“Where are you!”
“Turn down the side street next to the puzzle shop by the fountain, and you’ll see us,” Zou Yang said.

“Going to the fountain from here is further than a pilgrimage to the West! Can you guys shift towards the North Gate parking lot to meet me halfway!” Liu Wenrui said.
“No. We’re sunbathing and don’t want to move. We’re eating around here anyway,” Zou Yang said with his eyes closed. “Get some exercise. You’ve lived in your bed all winter break, touch some earth.”

“Son of a bitch!” Liu Wenrui hung up the phone.
Ten minutes later, his voice rang out from far away on the left: “Son of a bitch!”

Zou Yang turned his head and saw Liu Wenrui striding over carrying a red paper bag. He patted Fan Jun’s shoulder: “Liu Wenrui is here.”
“Huh?” Fan Jun quickly opened his eyes, turned to look, waved at Liu Wenrui, and stood up. “Happy New Year.”

“What did you bring me?” Zou Yang said. “New Year goods your family couldn’t finish?”
“Screw you, it’s for Fan Jun. Happy New Year,” Liu Wenrui handed the paper bag to Fan Jun. “It’s to nourish your body, though it really is New Year goods from my house.”

“I was injured pretty heavily too, why aren’t you nourishing me?” Zou Yang snatched the paper bag to look inside, and it was actually a box of bird’s nest. “Damn, are you crazy? Does your mom know you’re stealing things from home to give away?”
“Watch your mouth,” Liu Wenrui glared at him. “No one in my house actually eats this, it’s too much of a hassle.”

“And Fan Jun isn’t afraid of the hassle?” After Zou Yang said this, he remembered the pile of exquisite tableware in Fan Jun’s kitchen. “He might really not be afraid.”
“Thank you,” Fan Jun was also a bit surprised. “Isn’t this a bit…”
“It came for free, so just eat it for free, it’s fine,” Liu Wenrui said.

“Even though it’s the New Year, if you curse at me, I might still beat you up,” Fan Jun said.
“Can you beat people up now?” Liu Wenrui squeezed his left hand. “Is your arm better?”
“Not yet,” Fan Jun said.
“Then please use your left hand when you hit me,” Liu Wenrui said.
Fan Jun laughed, somewhat speechless.

“Want to walk around?” Zou Yang asked.
“Did you two already walk around?” Liu Wenrui looked at him, his eyes dancing with a hundred thousand gossip babies.
“Walked for a bit, but there are too many people,” Zou Yang said. “You…”
“Then let’s go to the restaurant. If you go late to the places around here, you’ll be queuing until tonight and still won’t get to eat,” Liu Wenrui said.

“Where is that restaurant?” Zou Yang looked at Fan Jun.
Fan Jun took out the card He Lu gave him and looked at it. He raised his hand, turned in a half-circle, and pointed: “Over there, probably past two pedestrian streets…”

“That’s the direction I just came from!” Liu Wenrui shouted. “Who told me we were eating over here, which is why they wouldn’t come meet me!”
“Let’s go,” Zou Yang waved his hand.
“Fuck,” Liu Wenrui felt tragic and indignant.

Actually, it wasn’t that far; they arrived after a two-minute walk. They just had to wait for a number, but fortunately, there weren’t many people waiting.

“Made up?” Liu Wenrui sat down next to Zou Yang on the chairs by the door, taking the opportunity while stretching to ask quietly in his ear.
“Yeah.” Zou Yang responded, and looked at Fan Jun sitting on the chair opposite them. “He can read lips.”

“Shit.” Liu Wenrui turned his head away.
Fan Jun smiled.

“Brother Fan,” Liu Wenrui leaned closer to him. “What does the gunshot wound look like now?”
“What do you mean what does it look like?” Fan Jun also leaned forward.
“Like…” Liu Wenrui gestured on his own chest. “What kind of pattern?”

“You’re crazy,” Zou Yang said.

“It’s just…” Fan Jun didn’t know how to answer. “Like Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon.”
“Damn, is it that cool?” Liu Wenrui was shocked. After a moment, he waved his hand. “Let me see the Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon.”
“Get lost,” Fan Jun said, leaning back in his chair.

Liu Wenrui’s interest in Fan Jun, who had experienced a “gunfight,” far exceeded his interest in gossip. When their number was called and they entered the restaurant to sit down in a booth, he took out his phone again and handed it to Zou Yang: “Record this for me.”

“Record what?” Zou Yang, halfway out of his jacket, took the phone.
“Arm wrestling,” Liu Wenrui took off his jacket, tossed it aside, and rolled up his sleeves. “Me and Fan Jun. Record it.”

“Left hand, right?” Fan Jun looked at him.
“Right,” Liu Wenrui nodded. “This is my only chance to defeat you. I can’t miss it.”

“…Do you know what ‘the injury hasn’t healed’ means?” Zou Yang said.

“It’s fine,” Fan Jun smiled, took off his jacket, and propped his left arm on the table.
“Record.” Liu Wenrui pointed at the phone in Zou Yang’s hand.
Zou Yang had no choice but to open the video app and hit record.

Liu Wenrui sat up straight, propped his arm, and gripped Fan Jun’s left hand: “Ready…”
Zou Yang looked at Fan Jun in the video. He seemed to be in a pretty good mood, carrying a smile on his lips.

“Go!” Liu Wenrui gave the command, and immediately started exerting force.
A few seconds later, although the speed couldn’t be considered an instant kill, Fan Jun’s left hand was still pinned to the table by him.

“No way, right?” Liu Wenrui was stunned, looking at Fan Jun.
“Way,” Fan Jun smiled.
“Fuck.” Liu Wenrui turned his head to look at Zou Yang.

“I told you he’s still in rehab, he hasn’t recovered well.” Zou Yang pointed the camera at Liu Wenrui’s face.

“Fuck,” Liu Wenrui turned back to look at Fan Jun, his voice trembling. “Is it that serious?”

“I can handle normal daily life now,” Fan Jun looked at him. “You…”

When Liu Wenrui turned his head back again, Zou Yang realized his eyes were actually red. Startled, he quickly stopped the video: “What’s wrong?”

Fan Jun pushed the tissue box on the table over.
“Their tissues cost money.” Liu Wenrui pushed the tissue box away again.

“Here, here, here,” Zou Yang quickly fished a pack of tissues out of his bag and handed it to him. “This one’s free.”

Liu Wenrui pulled out a tissue and wiped his eyes. He took a breath, exhaled slowly, and only then reached out to take the phone from Zou Yang’s hand: “Let me see my battle record. When I edit it later, I’ll have to cut out the part at the end where I cried…”

Zou Yang sighed and glanced at Fan Jun.
Fan Jun smiled; his mood was still quite good.
Even though he lost to a weakling like Liu Wenrui, he felt an inexplicable sense of lightness.

“Let’s not split the bill today, my treat.” Fan Jun took out his phone to scan the ordering code.
“Alright.” Liu Wenrui nodded.

Before he could clearly read the menu, He Chuan’s call came in. He answered the phone.
“The time with Boss Li is confirmed,” He Chuan said. “You make a trip over there next Tuesday.”

“Are you sure I’m going by myself?” Fan Jun asked.
“It’s fine if you go. Primarily take a look at those jars of his, and a few stone carvings,” He Chuan said. “We’ll talk about anything else if it catches your eye on the spot.”
“Alright,” Fan Jun said.

“Where are you going?” Zou Yang asked.
“To look at some goods for He Chuan,” Fan Jun said. “He doesn’t want to make the trip.”
“Is it far?” Zou Yang asked again.
“A two-day round trip, staying overnight,” Fan Jun said. “Not too far.”

“Are you going alone?” Zou Yang immediately opened his phone to check the schedule. “Which day? I want to go too.”
“Huh?” Fan Jun was stunned.

“He’s free anyway,” Liu Wenrui said while watching the arm wrestling video on his phone. “Take him along. School starts in a few days and there’ll be no time to play.”

“Then are you going to… tell Sister Shan?” Fan Jun asked.
Liu Wenrui put down his phone and turned to look at Zou Yang.

“Yeah, I’ll find a time to talk to her.” Zou Yang looked at him.

Liu Wenrui opened his mouth but no words came out. He lowered his head and went back to watching the video.
Fan Jun didn’t speak either. He felt that Liu Wenrui must have heard it too—Zou Yang’s words didn’t sound like he simply meant telling her he was going out of town for two days.

Ever since Zou Yang answered Sister Shan’s call earlier, he had been somewhat silent. His mood only lifted a bit when Liu Wenrui arrived. He had probably been pondering this the whole time.
Those things he had spoken while in an unclear state—Zou Yang wanted to face them now.

By the time they finished eating, it was already 3 PM. Zou Yang dragged Liu Wenrui along to attend the family dinner.

“Are you going back to the shop later?” Zou Yang asked Fan Jun.
“Going back to Nanzhouping for a bit,” Fan Jun said. “To see Uncle Lü.”

“Mhm.” Zou Yang nodded. “Then I’ll… message you tonight.”
“Okay,” Fan Jun smiled.

“I’m… taking off then,” Zou Yang took two steps backward toward Liu Wenrui’s car.
Liu Wenrui honked the horn once.
He turned his hand back and flipped a middle finger.

“Go on,” Fan Jun said with a smile.
“If there’s time tomorrow, I’ll bring Da Hei over to your place,” Zou Yang said as he kept walking backward.
“Okay,” Fan Jun nodded.

He watched Liu Wenrui’s car drive off before turning around and walking toward where he had parked his own car.

He hadn’t originally planned to go back to Nanzhouping today. He had thought about going over after coming back from his business trip next week. But Zou Yang suddenly seemed to have set his mind on something…

He took out his phone and called Uncle Lü.
“Jun’er?” Uncle Lü answered the phone, and the shouts of a group of kids transmitted over at the same time.

“Uncle, I’m coming over in a bit,” Fan Jun said. “For dinner.”
“Do you have the day off today?” Uncle Lü’s voice immediately became cheerful. “That’s perfect. Lü Ze is coming back for dinner today too, so the three of us men can be together.”
“Yeah.” Fan Jun got into the car.

When he returned to the old gym, Lü Ze hadn’t arrived yet. Uncle Lü had just walked out of the training hall.

Fan Jun quickly dodged into the kitchen, afraid that the group of kids would rush out if they saw him.
“Is something the matter?” Seeing him like this, Uncle Lü immediately followed him in and asked.

“…Yeah,” Fan Jun responded, sitting down by the table.
“What’s wrong?” Uncle Lü leaned in closer.

“Today…” Fan Jun hesitated, “I went out with Zou Yang.”
Uncle Lü was stunned: “He went to look for you? How did he know where you were?”
“He went to Lü Ze,” Fan Jun said.

“That unreliable kid!” Uncle Lü frowned.

“No, no, no,” Fan Jun quickly said. “It’s… I wanted to ask if Sister Shan has… talked to you about this recently.”
It was a bit awkward.

“You and… Zou Yang?” Uncle Lü also became awkward.
“Yeah,” Fan Jun nodded.

“Hasn’t mentioned it,” Uncle Lü looked at him. “What, did you… are you… are you two…”

“I want to talk to Sister Shan,” Fan Jun said.
“What?” Uncle Lü froze.
“Just… talk to her,” Fan Jun said.

Uncle Lü was still stunned. He stared at him for a long time before asking, “Have you two still not broken it off?”
“Yeah,” Fan Jun’s voice was very low.

“What’s the matter with you!” Uncle Lü suppressed his voice.
Fan Jun didn’t speak.

“What do you want to say to Sister Shan?” Uncle Lü said. “What do you want to say?”

“I don’t know.” Fan Jun’s voice was still very low. “I haven’t figured it out yet. I’m just afraid Zou Yang will go to her first, and afraid I won’t be able to talk him out of it… If that’s the case, it’s better if I go tell her. If Sister Shan gets angry, at least she won’t blame him first…”