My Roommate is a Gloomy, Sensitive Guy Who Cries Over Everything - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: What Comes After “I’m Sorry”…

Even though the choir rehearsal had ended, event preparations were still in full swing. As a member of the Publicity Department, Lin Zhiyu couldn’t leave.

Since he wasn’t leaving, Lin Rangchuan didn’t leave either. He sat alone on the other side, head down, focused on his work, until Lou Chen dragged him away practically begging on his knees to join a voice meeting.

Lin Rangchuan rarely used his real voice, preferring a voice changer. The clients didn’t mind; mostly, it was Lou Chen who handled the face-to-face negotiations. That was why he had been so skilled at it when video-chatting with Lin Zhiyu.

Come to think of it, while Lin Rangchuan was using the “Senior” persona, he was truly putting his heart into deceiving him. Lin Zhiyu felt a bit annoyed at the thought; after all, nobody likes being lied to.

Lin Rangchuan suddenly stopped in his tracks. Lou Chen was nearly ready to kneel and grab his leg. “What are you acting up for now?”

The commotion caught Lin Zhiyu’s attention. The two shared a silent, lingering gaze across the room. Lin Rangchuan didn’t say anything; he just lowered his eyes and brushed his fingers against Lin Zhiyu’s hand.

From his low angle, the wailing Lou Chen saw the way Lin Rangchuan held Lin Zhiyu’s hand—it was incredibly “sticky” and full of tension. The bewildered Lou Chen hadn’t yet grasped the meaning of this scene before Lin Rangchuan’s fingertips slid off the back of Lin Zhiyu’s hand and he let go.

“I’ll come back tonight.”

Lin Zhiyu was still annoyed in his head, but his heart felt warmed and covered. He nodded somewhat awkwardly. “If you’re late, I’ll settle the score with you.”

His threatening tone was quite firm. Lou Chen looked at Lin Zhiyu, then at Lin Rangchuan, and realized that Lin Rangchuan was actually smiling as he humoured the unreasonable remark.

Lou Chen had never seen such a display. He hurried to keep up with Lin Rangchuan. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you and Xiao Yu were dating. You aren’t planning on replacing your manager, are you?”

Lin Rangchuan shot him a look. “I know you’re not mute.”

Lou Chen grew even more melancholy. “You’re annoyed that I’m talkative? I can’t help it; it’s what I promised back then.”

Lin Rangchuan got into the car indifferently, his hands folded over each other as if savoring a memory. “It’s easy to expose your IQ.”

“…” Lou Chen got on the other side in silence. On second thought, it probably wasn’t that. People had tried to poach Lin Rangchuan before—as his manager, Lou Chen knew best how much a name like his was worth—but Lin Rangchuan had always stuck by him.

Lin Rangchuan was taciturn and lonely, but he was never one to betray a trust. The outside world had many misunderstandings about him, often seeing him as cold and difficult to get along with. In reality, it was because Lin Rangchuan owned so little.

…

Lin Zhiyu was present, but he wasn’t doing much work. Yu Hechang finished washing the lunch boxes and packed them away. “You’re done for. What are you going to do about Auntie Rong?”

At this mention, the smile on Lin Zhiyu’s face faded slightly. “She’s been very busy with the shop lately. Let’s not alert her just yet.”

“By the way, why did Auntie Rong suddenly agree?”

The shop opening had caused some trouble before. Xue Rong had a short temper and had been at odds with the sub-landlord simply because she disliked him, despite the good location. Later, Qin Rui found out and used his connections to hire a famous lawyer to resolve it. Soon after, the news came that Xue Rong was taking over the shop.

When Lin Rangchuan found out, he provided the funds for the renovation and design. The work was currently underway and it would likely open after the New Year.

When the money was transferred, Lin Rangchuan held him and said, “I treat you even better than he does.”

All of this had happened in a week. Lin Zhiyu had to hide his relationship with Lin Rangchuan from Qin Rui, soothe Lin Rangchuan’s occasional “episodes,” and find a plausible excuse to explain to Xue Rong where the lawyer, the money, and the design came from…

He never knew he had a talent for being a triple agent.

Lin Zhiyu felt both happy and hesitant. “I’ve only told you for now. Like before, keep it a secret.”

Yu Hechang’s feelings were complex. His childhood friend being gay was something that had only existed in conversation; now that he actually had a boyfriend, it was a bit hard to process.

…

Lin Zhiyu was asked to buy a dozen cups of milk tea; delivery drivers weren’t allowed into the school.

There was only one milk tea shop nearby. Lin Zhiyu could find his way there with his eyes closed. Inside the shop, Jiang Xinran was back. She smilingly gave him a postcard and a small bag of snacks. “A little token of appreciation.”

Lin Zhiyu smiled. “Since it’s a gift, I won’t be picky. Thanks, Sister Xinran.”

With over a dozen cups to make, there was no time to stop. Lin Zhiyu put on an apron and joined the fray, muttering, “If Lin Rangchuan were here, I could’ve asked him to help.”

Qin Rui, who had disliked Lin Rangchuan from the start, said, “Are you trying to say your relationship with your roommate is getting better and better lately?”

Lin Zhiyu almost wanted to go public then and there, but he forced himself to hold back. “Yeah. I’ve been collaborating with him more lately. He’s an artist too.”

Qin Rui felt a sense of discord facing them, though he couldn’t put his finger on it. “How much can he offer? He’s still a student himself.”

“He’s alright. He’s been taking a lot of commissions lately and has partner companies. He’s even working on a game with people from the main campus. They’re all profitable projects; he’s super amazing.” Lin Zhiyu’s eyes sparkled as he praised him.

Qin Rui felt a surge of irritation. “Is that what I’m talking about?”

Lin Zhiyu kept talking up Lin Rangchuan to Qin Rui, hoping that when they went public, he would have the blessings of friends and family. Although it was difficult, “constant dripping wears away the stone.”

After making the dozen cups, Lin Zhiyu didn’t even have time to take off his apron before acting as a delivery rider. He was nearly stopped by security. It was only then that many people realized Lin Zhiyu worked at that milk tea shop, as they hadn’t seen him there before.

Lin Zhiyu guiltily noted that he hadn’t been there in a long while, and usually wore a mask, so it was normal not to be recognized. Though there were livestreams—which had turned the shop into a “check-in” spot for influencers—he rarely appeared on camera. Lin Rangchuan would always shield him with his tall frame.

The workspace for making tea was narrow. With four people standing there, it was hard to even turn around. Lin Rangchuan’s arm would brush against Lin Zhiyu’s waist, or he would lift his hand to encircle him before letting go. The rich, sweet scent of milk tea clung to their clothes.

They weren’t together back then, but Lin Zhiyu had already noticed that Lin Rangchuan’s gaze and actions were off. He just hadn’t thought deeply about it, as all his emotions were focused on the “Senior.”

Looking back now, there were so many flaws in the act. How did he not notice? If it wasn’t love, he couldn’t find any other reason.

“So you really are here.”

Hearing a familiar voice, Lin Zhiyu turned around and was momentarily surprised. “Ning… Senior, what are you doing here?”

Ning Xingzhou was tall and had a calm, elegant aura. He walked over with a smile. “I’m here on business and thought I’d drop by. I sent you a message, but you didn’t reply. Did you not see it?”

In this day and age, who doesn’t have their phone on them? Lin Zhiyu only realized then that he had set Ning Xingzhou’s WeChat to “Mute.” As for who had done it, it was obvious.

Lin Zhiyu’s finger twitched, but he didn’t unmute him. “I was too busy today.”

Ning Xingzhou didn’t seem to mind. He looked him up and down for a moment. “You look very good in that work apron.”

Lin Zhiyu replied stiffly, “It’s alright.”

“It makes your waist look very thin.”

Ning Xingzhou said this very softly. Lin Zhiyu, feeling uncomfortable, pulled away.

“It’s not yours, so what are you looking at?”

Ning Xingzhou raised his eyebrows in surprise, looking into Lin Zhiyu’s deer-like eyes, which were full of vigilance and hostility.

“My parents are planning to go back this year. I’ll visit your house then. Auntie Rong should still remember me.”

“Sure, she probably does,” Lin Zhiyu said politely.

“I happened to bring a camera to take some photos back. You’re in the choir, right? I saw your social media post.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t say anything. He very sensibly went to help set up the stage, even though it wasn’t his job. Ning Xingzhou just watched his somewhat harried and cold back and let out a faint laugh. How was this any different from when he walked in on him with someone else before?

…

Lin Zhiyu worked especially hard. Those outdoors were afraid of the cold and wore thick clothes. Dusty grime rubbed off onto his apron. After moving things, Lin Zhiyu sat on the steps, looking a bit dusty himself.

Right in front of where he sat was a temporary dressing room. A girl walked out and, thinking no one was around, loosened the string at the center of her dress to catch some air. She then turned around and made eye contact with Lin Zhiyu.

“…” “…”

Lin Zhiyu covered his eyes. “I didn’t see anything.”

The girl said in distress, “If my waist were as thin as yours, would I still need to diet today!” With that, she tightened the string again. A woman dresses for herself, but she’s even stricter with herself when performing on stage.

Having been complimented on his thin waist several times in a row, Lin Zhiyu’s expression was chaotic. He remembered the first time they video-chatted—the Senior had also asked him to wear an apron and do all sorts of strange movements. Could it be that even then—

Suddenly, a force pulled him back by the waist. Lin Zhiyu fell backward and, before he could scream, his mouth and nose were covered. He fell completely into the embrace of the person behind him.

Lin Zhiyu’s heart thundered. Behind them was a dark little grove where the sunlight didn’t reach—rumor had it there were snakes. Lin Rangchuan was holding him from behind.

Once his breathing leveled out, Lin Zhiyu’s large eyes glanced back, his neck following. It was sunset, and the sky had darkened, casting Lin Rangchuan’s features into shadow, making them look even deeper. The darkness accentuated a ghostly feel.

“Baby.”

He called him that with a face like that, making Lin Zhiyu’s heart skip a beat, a numbing sensation like an electric current running through him. “Psychopath?”

Lin Rangchuan loosened his grip slightly, his finger pressing against Lin Zhiyu’s lower lip. It was soft and warm as he teased the gap, as if wanting to peer inside to see if it was wet and tight enough. Lin Zhiyu only felt an itch. He watched as Lin Rangchuan’s other hand rested on his thigh. “When did you get here?”

Then he heard Lin Rangchuan say, “Twenty minutes ago.”

That meant he was already there when Ning Xingzhou arrived. Lin Zhiyu frowned imperceptibly. “Why didn’t you come find me?”

“He wanted to touch you. The way he looks at you is disgusting.” That kind of look was his exclusive right. Since when did an outsider get to do that? But he needed to play nice; his “wife” would likely prefer a relationship with a “normal” person. This was all something Lin Rangchuan had learned online.

Still, he couldn’t help himself. Looking at the silhouette of his wife sitting on the steps—the slender back and thin waist, beautiful and pitiful—it made him want to drag him in. In fact, Lin Rangchuan had done exactly that.

Lin Zhiyu was being touched now; it was so itchy. He opened his mouth and bit Lin Rangchuan’s teasing finger. “Pervert!”

“I washed my hands when I arrived.”

As soon as he spoke, Lin Rangchuan followed the momentum and poked his finger inside, feeling the moist oral cavity. Gradually, he added a second finger.

Lin Zhiyu was forced to open his mouth, panting with damp breath as his eyes slowly grew misty. It was the first time he had been treated this way, as if he were eating something difficult to swallow that was blocking his throat. Yet his eyes remained fixed on Lin Rangchuan’s profile—steady and calm, as if he were seriously working on a math problem.

His ears grew sensitive and hot for no reason. It was as if he wasn’t the one having a reaction—but Lin Zhiyu quickly dismissed that thought. Lin Rangchuan had said before that his desires were very strong.

He could feel it now. It was poking right against his lower back, a clear sensation through the fabric. But Lin Rangchuan maintained that serious, playful expression without any further reaction. He was truly a “gentleman” who knew how to endure. Aside from that one sleepwalking incident, Lin Rangchuan was mostly a giant in words but not in practice.

As Lin Zhiyu was thinking this, his wrist was grabbed.

…

When Ning Xingzhou found them, Lin Zhiyu had already straightened his clothes and was walking out of the grove with Lin Rangchuan. The flush on his cheeks hadn’t faded. Ning Xingzhou looked him over with an experienced eye. His lips weren’t swollen, yet there were traces of having been loved from the inside out. Lin Zhiyu disliked being scrutinized.

But soon his shoulder was pulled into an embrace, Lin Rangchuan’s body half-shrouded him. “Have you had dinner?”

Lin Zhiyu: “Not yet.”

Ning Xingzhou seized the opportunity: “Perfect. Let’s go together.”

Just then, Lou Chen walked over after parking his car. He was great at livening things up and was too slow to notice the awkward atmosphere. Instead, he warmly introduced Ning Xingzhou to Lin Zhiyu.

It was only then that Lin Zhiyu learned that one of the heads of the studio Lin Rangchuan collaborated with was actually Ning Xingzhou. Lou Chen scratched the back of his head. “I forgot, you two should know each other. You were mentioned when we went to sign the contract last time.”

The result was the four of them going to the cafeteria for a quick bite. Normally it wouldn’t be so casual, but Lin Zhiyu was busy with the performance later, so dinner had to be brief. They went to the third-floor cafeteria, which offered better privacy, though the dishes were also more expensive.

After sitting down, Lou Chen went to join the queue. The sweet and sour pork ribs he liked were a hot item. Lin Zhiyu wanted some too, but having had them once before and finding they didn’t taste as good as Lin Rangchuan’s, he gave up on the idea.

“I don’t like shredded carrots.”

Ning Xingzhou looked up and watched with a neutral expression as Lin Rangchuan picked them out one by one, then gave all the cashews to Lin Zhiyu. It was only after coming here that Lin Zhiyu realized he was a picky eater; back home, he ate whatever was served and had no concept of it.

Ning Xingzhou noted: “You two really have a good relationship.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t say a word. Lin Rangchuan was still picking through the food; no one was paying Ning Xingzhou any mind. But Lin Zhiyu was laughing inwardly. He didn’t understand the point of Ning Xingzhou coming to find him, pretending to pursue him when it felt more like he was just playing out of boredom.

Lin Zhiyu was sensitive to people’s emotions; he could immediately sense if someone was good or bad to him and would distance himself accordingly. Ning Xingzhou was a “middle-man”—not good, not bad, possibly even a potential danger. Yet Xue Rong had a good impression of him, so Lin Zhiyu couldn’t say much.

Ning Xingzhou, unbothered, adopted the tone of an elder: “Xiao Yu, are you seeing anyone?”

Just then, Lou Chen returned, contentedly bringing back the sweet and sour pork and sharing a few pieces with Lin Zhiyu. Lou Chen was unaware of the situation.

After weighing his options, Lin Zhiyu said, “Not yet.”

As soon as he spoke, he instinctively glanced at Lin Rangchuan out of the corner of his eye. He saw him poking at the stem of a piece of lettuce with his chopsticks, crushing it before slowly putting it into his mouth. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the process.

…

After dinner, Lin Zhiyu hurried to get ready. When he finished changing and came out, he saw Lin Rangchuan adjusting his camera settings. He ran over.

“Lou Chen probably doesn’t know about us. Did you tell him?”

Lin Zhiyu felt that Lin Rangchuan had been in low spirits the whole way. Thinking it over, it was probably about that one thing. “I didn’t say anything because it wasn’t necessary.”

Lin Rangchuan was honest and obedient: “I know. I’ll listen to you.”

Lin Zhiyu laughed, stood on tiptoe, and patted his head. “So good.”

Lin Rangchuan, afraid his wife’s legs would get tired from standing on tiptoe, proactively lowered his head to let him pat as much as he wanted.

My wife hasn’t gone public with our relationship; that means I’m not doing well enough yet, I’m not “presentable” enough. I will work hard.

How could he be angry with his wife?

Lin Rangchuan smiled darkly to himself. After all, his wife was truly lovable; such small shoulders had to carry so much. He sighed. “I want to kiss you.”

He was being so sensible; why couldn’t he ask for a reward? It was his wife’s first relationship; it was normal not to know how it worked. But he had looked up strategies; he had to learn to take the initiative.

Lin Zhiyu’s face turned red. “I’ll let you kiss me when we get home. Anywhere is fine.”

Lin Rangchuan’s breathing suddenly hitched. Who knows what he was thinking. “Anywhere I want?”

Lin Zhiyu nodded. As he lowered his hand, he rubbed Lin Rangchuan’s ear. Lin Rangchuan felt his icy cold hand and the scent of makeup powder. It was the scent of this person. He craved it at all times and places, and he wanted to be… hard.

…

The choir performance was later in the program, so Lin Zhiyu had some spare time. Lin Rangchuan was in no hurry to photograph others.

“I have to say, I’m still a bit nervous. My voice was too prominent during rehearsals.” When Lin Zhiyu got excited, he couldn’t control his volume.

“It’s no big deal.” Lin Rangchuan saw his nervousness and spoke gently. “The people below won’t be paying much attention; it’s not a competition.”

That made sense. Lin Zhiyu nodded. “You won’t be listening seriously either?”

“I won’t pay attention to anyone else. The louder you are, the more I like it.” He could act deaf; even if it sounded like a pile of dog sh*t, it wouldn’t stop his wife’s voice from being “heavenly.”

Lin Zhiyu laughed. “Then I’m not so nervous anymore.”

Lin Rangchuan’s gaze also uncontrollably drifted over his features. He grabbed his wrist. “Is it sore?”

Lin Zhiyu’s ears turned red. “A little.”

Lin Rangchuan thought darkly: This is only the beginning. His wife was like a delicate flower; he had to nurture him carefully, using his own fluids to tend to him. Every part of the “photo wall” had Lin Rangchuan’s essence.

…

Lin Zhiyu went to join the group. Lin Rangchuan watched him walk away, then turned and left the dressing room to find a good spot and angle in front of the stage. Today would yield new material. Where should I lick…

“You’ve gone through a lot of trouble to get close to Xiao Yu.” Ning Xingzhou appeared by Lin Rangchuan’s side at some point.

Lin Rangchuan ignored him.

Even the best of tempers would be flared by the way these two ignored him. “I’m very curious—if Auntie Rong knew her son was fooling around outside, would she be so angry she’d faint on the spot?”

A cold wind whistled past, lingering around them for a moment. Lin Rangchuan was looking down at his camera. Slowly, he raised his gaze, looking at him calmly and casually.

“If I were you, I’d say that directly to Xiao Yu. You’d get a slap in the face.” Lin Rangchuan let out a ghostly sigh.

Ning Xingzhou realized this man was impenetrable—he didn’t care about anyone, only Lin Zhiyu. He changed the subject, waving the Polaroid in his hand. “I have quite a few photos of Xiao Yu, but it’s indeed too few. I can add some material today.”

Lin Rangchuan’s pupils dilated and then contracted. After Ning Xingzhou left, the hand holding the camera was shaking neurotically. In a corner of his heart, things were slowly returning to calm.

…

The choir performance ended perfectly. Lin Zhiyu took a deep breath and instinctively looked for a figure in the audience. First, he made eye contact with Yu Hechang, then his gaze, as if with a will of its own, fixed on Lin Rangchuan. He had a camera around his neck, the lens pointed at him.

It was the same during the sports meet. No matter where or when, as long as Lin Zhiyu found Lin Rangchuan, the lens was always on him. It was as if he were the only protagonist in Lin Rangchuan’s life.

Lin Zhiyu’s eyes were suddenly hit by a flash. He saw Ning Xingzhou holding a Polaroid, smiling and waving at him.

As they walked off stage in an orderly fashion, the boy in front suddenly said, “Senior Ning is so impressive, starting his own studio at such a young age.”

The girls in front immediately countered: “That’s not true. He took over someone else’s; he wasn’t the founder.”

“Then who was it?”

“I don’t know, but it wasn’t him.”

Ning Xingzhou didn’t stay for the rest of the show. Instead, he waved the Polaroid in front of Lin Rangchuan. “My photography skills aren’t bad. Xiao Yu stands out beautifully.”

Lin Rangchuan’s expression was dark and full of loathing, so thick it wouldn’t disperse. But since the other was praising his wife, he gave a hum of agreement.

…

After getting off stage, Lin Zhiyu had only walked a few steps when a female classmate came over with a jacket. “Senior Lin asked me to give this to you. He said you should wear it so you don’t catch a cold.”

Lin Zhiyu obediently put it on and asked, “Where is he?”

“I don’t know. He gave me the stuff and left. He seemed to have an urgent matter.”

Lin Zhiyu walked outside, wrapped in Lin Rangchuan’s scent. He felt his phone in his pocket; there was an unread message.

[Lin-ge: Baby, I have an urgent matter. I’ll be back in an hour.] [Xiao Yu: OK]

It was cold outside. Lin Zhiyu found a chair in the lounge and sat down. Yu Hechang came backstage to find him. “Ning Xingzhou came to find me just now. Good grief, you lied to me.”

The jacket was large. Lin Zhiyu tucked his hands into the sleeves, swinging them back and forth. “Lied to you about what?”

“You said I was the only one who knew about your sexual orientation, but Ning Xingzhou knows too. He even asked me if Auntie Rong knows.”

Lin Zhiyu’s movements paused. “What did you say?”

“I said yes.” Yu Hechang realized too late. “Did I say something wrong?”

Lin Zhiyu frowned in distress. “It’s fine.”

Yu Hechang wasn’t a pushover either. “Is the relationship between you two bad? At that party, when he was holding you, I felt something was off, but I didn’t pay much attention then.”

Lin Zhiyu leaned in and whispered in his ear, “He’s pursuing me.”

Yu Hechang: “!!!”

“I just haven’t paid him any mind.” Lin Zhiyu shrugged. “But my mom has a good impression of him.”

“Then what if he tells Auntie Rong? How can you be so calm?” Yu Hechang was more panicked than he was; trouble had come from his words.

Lin Zhiyu smelled the scent of the clothes and said happily, “My mom isn’t an idiot.”

That said, Ning Xingzhou’s testing behavior was still too annoying.

Yu Hechang checked their story: “So, am I still the only one who knows you’re dating Senior Lin?”

“I’m not sure,” Lin Zhiyu said. “Ning Xingzhou might figure it out too. I don’t need to say anything.” Because Lin Rangchuan was too unusual toward him—like a cough, it couldn’t be helped, and he couldn’t hide it from outsiders.

The two sat quietly, appearing to be very deep and silent on the surface, but in reality, their youthful minds were blank—they were out of ideas.

Just then, Lin Zhiyu’s phone buzzed with a new message. Unexpectedly, the long-absent “Senior” account was online.

[Senior: It’s been a long time since we’ve been in touch after the confession.]

Lin Zhiyu was momentarily choked.

[Xiao Yu: Yes.] [Senior: Don’t you have anything to say to me?] [Xiao Yu: I’m dating my roommate. I’m very happy right now.] [Senior: Congratulations. Is there anything troubling you about being with him?] [Xiao Yu: No. I like him very much.] [Senior: Anything else?] [Xiao Yu: There’s someone who keeps testing me. I don’t really like him. Do you have a solution?] [Senior: There should be one.] [Xiao Yu: Is that an answer? It’s as good as saying nothing.] [Senior: I’m not good with words.] [Xiao Yu: I’m still angry with you.] (Referring to the deception.) [Senior: I’m sorry.] [Xiao Yu: What comes next?] [Senior: I love you.]

Lin Zhiyu’s mood improved a bit after chatting with the “Senior.”

…

Ning Xingzhou received a call saying some data needed temporary modification and asking him to operate remotely. He wasn’t driving, and his hotel was near the school—about a ten-minute walk.

This was a mountainous area, and the streetlights hadn’t been fixed; only one lonely light was faintly gleaming. It was exactly like back in Ning County—the people were ignorant and traditional, and even the roads were rugged and uneven.

The more Ning Xingzhou thought about it, the more irritable he became. He quickened his pace. There wasn’t a soul around, and the cold winter wind was painful against his skin. He stepped on gravel, making a crunching sound. A chill of horror rose inexplicably up his spine. Ning Xingzhou looked back; the end of the alley was pitch black, and no one was there. There was no one around him either.

Dmmit.* Just as Ning Xingzhou turned back in a state of suspicion and quickened his pace, his vision suddenly went black. A sack was pulled over his head, a sharp pain shot through his temple, and someone kicked him hard in the stomach. The pain was so intense Ning Xingzhou couldn’t even scream, nor did he have the strength to resist.

Ning Xingzhou’s vision darkened. The person kicking him suddenly stopped, allowing him to gasp for breath. His backpack, which had fallen to the ground, was picked up. There was a faint crunching sound. The person, wearing leather gloves, took out the memory card from the Polaroid, smashed the camera onto the stomach of Ning Xingzhou lying on the ground, and walked away without looking back.