My Roommate is a Gloomy, Sensitive Guy Who Cries Over Everything - Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Writing Your Name

Lin Zhiyu didn’t intend to chat for long. In the overcrowded buffet hall, his eyes immediately found Ning Xingzhou, whose head was wrapped in gauze.

He was far too conspicuous.

Seeing the fruit basket Lin Zhiyu brought, Ning Xingzhou let out a cold laugh. “Are you here to apologize to me on his behalf?” His tone turned disdainful. “Don’t be so self-righteous.”

“You also landed a punch on him.” Lin Zhiyu tapped his own cheekbone and the corner of his mouth. “You both have injuries. Just bear with it.”

Ning Xingzhou, covered in bruises, suddenly erupted: “Are you trying to force me to take him for a formal injury assessment?” He practically roared, drawing frequent stares from those around them.

Embarrassed, Lin Zhiyu frowned. “Keep your voice down.”

Ning Xingzhou visibly calmed a bit. “Anyway, I won’t forgive him. As long as there’s a chance—”

Lin Zhiyu was just going through the motions; he hadn’t expected Ning Xingzhou to act like some saintly martyr. “Do as you please. But I came here to tell you one thing: my business is my own. Stay out of it. Who I’m with is also my business.”

Ning Xingzhou frowned. “Xiao Yu, he’s not right for you. You’ll break up sooner or later.”

“That is also my business.”

The more Ning Xingzhou heard, the more indignant he became. “His character is flawed. He hits people at the slightest provocation. I’m the victim here, yet you’re still defending him. Do you even have a sense of right and wrong?”

“His mental state isn’t good, and you still provoked him. Isn’t that your problem?” Lin Zhiyu’s patience was exhausted.

When it came down to it, Ning Xingzhou was the one looking for trouble. His Lin Rangchuan was doing just fine.

Ning Xingzhou was incredulous, his face contorted with rage. Lin Zhiyu simply opened the fruit basket and began peeling an orange to eat. “Why are you targeting him? Do you know him? It doesn’t seem like I’m the only reason.”

Ning Xingzhou snapped back to reality, staring as Lin Zhiyu ate piece after piece of the orange. Realizing the basket was a gift, Lin Zhiyu gave him the last segment.

Only then did Ning Xingzhou’s temper subside. “I wouldn’t say I ‘know’ him. He was on a team during a primary school competition. An extremely withdrawn person. I didn’t know the word for it then, but I do now: a ‘poser.’ You should have seen him a few times—how do you not remember?”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t let anything slip. “Hmm, I don’t really remember. Brother Lin mentioned it, but I don’t recall. Is he from our village too?”

Ning Xingzhou looked so sour his features practically disappeared. “Yeah. Lived quite close to you. He moved away later—I’m not sure about the details.”

Lin Zhiyu gave an “oh” and thoughtfully handed him an apple. “This one is sweet.”

Ning Xingzhou silently exhaled his bitterness. At least Lin Zhiyu still knew how to care for him; it wasn’t as if he had no place in his heart. “When do you plan to head home? I’m going back this year too. I have a car; we can go together and avoid the ticket rush.”

Lin Zhiyu was tactful: “I’m going back with my childhood friend.”

“You won’t even accept this favor from me?”

Lin Zhiyu grew tired of the persistence. “Do you want to get beaten up again?”

Ning Xingzhou gave a contemptuous smile. “He wouldn’t dare!”

“I would.”

As Lin Zhiyu left, he took an extra apple—for his Lin Rangchuan.

…

Lin Zhiyu didn’t see anyone in the lobby when he went downstairs. He messaged Lin Rangchuan, but there was no reply. He thought he might be in the restroom, but after waiting a long time, there was still no sign of him.

Maybe he was suddenly busy. In Lin Zhiyu’s eyes, Lin Rangchuan wasn’t like a normal college sophomore; at a young age, he carried the aura of a weary office worker mixed with the decadent air of an artist. His mysterious past made him seem like a man with many stories. This was the part of him that was so attractive—the source of Lin Zhiyu’s infinite tolerance.

Remembering he had driven there, Lin Zhiyu went to the underground parking lot to wait.

The underground garage truly lived up to its reputation in horror movies. Wind whistled through from all directions, creating a chilling atmosphere. No matter how bright the lights were, there was no sense of warmth.

Lin Zhiyu found Lin Rangchuan’s car and pulled the handle. Locked.

Before he could react, a dark shadow, taller and broader than himself, was reflected in the car window. Lin Zhiyu’s mouth was covered, and he was forcefully pushed into the car.

Thud. The door closed. In the darkness, the sound of Lin Zhiyu swallowing was magnified. His lips moved, and his eyes darted back until his earlobe was licked. His whole body gave a reflex shiver.

“…”

Lin Zhiyu was trying to speak, but the words were muffled.

Lin Rangchuan licked the soft flesh of his earlobe until it was wet, then kissed it. “Twenty-three minutes and six seconds.”

Lin Zhiyu: “…”

“That’s how long you spent chatting with him.” Lin Rangchuan leaned his neck down, pressing against Lin Zhiyu’s head. “So long. What did you talk about?”

Lin Zhiyu struggled to pull the man’s hand down. “Most of the time we were talking about you.”

Lin Rangchuan paused.

Lin Zhiyu’s eyes were bright, vessels for his soul and emotions, glowing in the dim light. Just locking eyes like this was enough to make one’s heart race. Lin Rangchuan looked down, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as the veins in his neck pulsed. A pair of soft hands gripped his neck, and Lin Zhiyu kissed the corner of his mouth.

“I was going to kiss you properly, but you weren’t good. You didn’t wait for me in the lobby.”

But Lin Rangchuan didn’t let go. He tucked his knees in, squeezing into the space. Lin Zhiyu was lifted by the waist, his back resting on the rear seat. In the cramped space, he found his legs forced slightly apart.

His lips were suddenly captured; his cheeks were gently pinched by two fingers during a stubborn, obsessive series of pecks. Then it became incredibly deep and heavy, like drawing water from a clear oasis. His heavy, thick breath sprayed against Lin Zhiyu’s skin.

The corners of Lin Rangchuan’s eyes were red, his lips wet as his tongue explored Lin Zhiyu’s mouth. The two of them were inseparable in the car.

The kiss lasted a long time. When it ended, Lin Zhiyu was nestled warmly in Lin Rangchuan’s arms, his face flushed a deep crimson, incredibly hot. A soft area was still being massaged; Lin Zhiyu used all his strength to pinch him, hissing through gritted teeth, “Don’t bump me.”

Lin Rangchuan curled his lips and stopped. He didn’t bump; he ground instead.

Beads of sweat appeared on Lin Zhiyu’s nose and were quickly licked away. Their clothes were layered; his rising and falling chest pressed against the man’s burning cheek, as if his life force was being drained.

“It hurts…”

After a great deal of tossing and turning, Lin Zhiyu’s pants were slightly soiled. He wiped them down with a wet wipe and climbed from the back seat to the passenger side. His skin radiated a warm, ambiguous scent. He looked around guiltily, wondering if the car had rocked during their vigorous movements. If it had, had anyone seen it? There was probably surveillance.

Basically, his dignity was gone.

Lin Rangchuan stared at the person in the passenger seat who was looking around and clutching the seatbelt. He didn’t start the car for a long time.

Lin Zhiyu only saw confusion. “Aren’t we leaving?”

Lin Rangchuan didn’t detect any sign of anger. Then he saw Lin Zhiyu lean over. Zip. Lin Zhiyu immediately pulled his hand back and sat up straight. “My pants weren’t even zipped. I’d be the one embarrassed if we went out like that.”

Lin Rangchuan gave a lazy smile. “Sorry, wife.”

Even if Lin Zhiyu wasn’t angry, Lin Rangchuan wanted to apologize. Initially, he just couldn’t control himself, creating another mask to parade around online and expose his desires to his beloved. For a long time, he could sink into that and find pleasure. No matter the reason, if Lin Zhiyu was unhappy or if Lin Rangchuan couldn’t control his actions, it was his fault.

Lin Rangchuan whispered silently, then lowered his head to devoutly kiss Lin Zhiyu’s palm.

…

Even though the holidays had started, the Student Union hadn’t stopped. It seemed they might even have to handle things online during the winter break.

The Student Union feels like a cult… Lin Zhiyu grumbled as he got out of bed. He opened his phone and tapped the calendar. Today he was supposed to meet Yu Hechang to snatch tickets. He looked at the red dots in various group chats and decisively ignored them. At this stage, nothing was more important than getting tickets.

Thinking of this: “Lin Rangchuan—”

The person who knocked after he shouted was Lou Chen. Lin Zhiyu got up from bed, remembering that Lin Rangchuan had gone to the studio this morning for a “seclusion” period. According to Lou Chen’s hints, he might not come out for several days.

He scratched his hair, got dressed, and forced a polite smile. “Do you know how to snatch tickets?”

Lou Chen said firmly: “I do.”

When Yu Hechang arrived, he sat slowly beside Lou Chen. “Then can you help me snatch a ticket?”

Lou Chen remained firm: “I can.”

“Who’s making lunch today?” Yu Hechang thought they might as well order takeout.

Lou Chen stood up: “I’ll do it!”

Lin Zhiyu: “…” Yu Hechang: “…”

Just like that, Lou Chen acted as the housekeeper for the day. He even planned to come back the next day. Just as Lin Zhiyu was starting to feel embarrassed, the front door opened. Lin Rangchuan was back.

Everyone was incredulous, including Lin Zhiyu.

Lin Rangchuan took off his coat and hung it on the rack. “Have you eaten?”

Lin Zhiyu nodded.

Lou Chen and Yu Hechang sensibly left, leaving only the two of them in the room. Lin Zhiyu instinctively grabbed a hot water bottle to warm the man’s hands. “Weren’t you going to be gone for several days?”

Lin Rangchuan seemed not to understand. “What?”

“Painting.”

Lin Rangchuan, afraid his hands would chill him, kept the hot water bottle between them. He said softly, “It’s not important.”

This definitely wasn’t about inspiration. Lin Zhiyu had given him plenty. He glared: “This is the big business of making money. How is it not important?”

“Not as important as you,” Lin Rangchuan said flatly.

Lin Zhiyu suddenly felt very hot. He slipped his hand over Lin Rangchuan’s icy hand. “So, are you spending the New Year here or… going back with Lou Chen?”

Although he’d learned from Ning Xingzhou that Lin Rangchuan was once from Ning County, his residency had been moved. He figured…

Lin Rangchuan gave his answer: “Going back.”

Lin Zhiyu propped up one leg and leaned over to touch him. “Do you dislike going home?”

Lin Rangchuan’s breath hitched. He slipped his hand into the youth’s collar, feeling around. The cold made Lin Zhiyu shiver, but he didn’t pull away, letting himself become a human warmer.

“I don’t like it.”

Lin Zhiyu’s breathing rhythm changed. Only then did Lin Rangchuan nonchalantly withdraw his hand, his fingertips still carrying a lingering, soft sensation.

“If you don’t like it, can you not go back?”

“I probably have to go back once.” Lin Rangchuan pursed his lips. Much of his “madness” came from his parents; after all, these things are hereditary. Fortunately, his wife couldn’t conceive. No need for children. That was good.

Lin Zhiyu almost blurted out that he could visit, but on second thought, it would be hard to explain to Xue Rong, and Lin Rangchuan’s family might not welcome him. It was too complicated.

“Then we won’t see each other for many days,” Lin Zhiyu grumbled. Then he changed the subject: “We can still video call. I can’t leave that early. You understand, right?”

As soon as he finished, he didn’t hear a reply. He only caught a glimpse of Lin Rangchuan’s cold sneer before the man turned to go shower.

Lin Zhiyu followed him. “What? You don’t want to video call me?”

Lin Rangchuan’s voice rang out: “You won’t have time.”

Lin Zhiyu put his hands on his hips angrily. “How can you say I won’t have time?”

“Isn’t Ning Xingzhou going back with you?” Lin Rangchuan’s tone was calm. He even wanted to smoke a cigarette right there, but his wife didn’t like it.

Lin Zhiyu froze, peeking at Lin Rangchuan’s expression. “I don’t care about him. I care about you.” He suddenly jumped onto Lin Rangchuan’s back and whispered, “Why don’t you come to my house to play?”

Lin Rangchuan carried him, feeling his slender limbs. “And how would you introduce me?”

Lin Zhiyu scratched his cheek. “Well… there’s plenty of time in the future.”

Lin Rangchuan’s face was indifferent. “Is there?”

Lin Zhiyu’s eyes went wide, thinking he’d misheard, but Lin Rangchuan soon let him go to shower. Lin Zhiyu could only stand outside the door, scratching his cheek. Oh boy, this is tough.

Lin Rangchuan grabbed his clothes and stared at the underwear in the basin. The jealousy in his eyes took a monstrous shape, nearly erupting. Lin Zhiyu cared about his family’s attitude, yet his family had a mediocre impression of him—or none at all. This contrast made the gloom in Lin Rangchuan’s eyes twist like a demon’s.

…

That night, Lin Rangchuan scrubbed the underwear with such force that by the time Lin Zhiyu found out, it had “fallen in battle.”

Lin Rangchuan hung it up anyway, saying flatly, “It’s wearable. No need to throw it away.”

“There’s a hole in the middle. How is that wearable?”

The small room suddenly fell silent. A few new photos had been added to the wall—kisses and hugs. One person had become two.

How awkward.

After Lin Zhiyu spoke, he buried himself in the covers, his ears heating up. Lin Rangchuan opened his laptop, read a couple of lines, then exited. He picked up a pen and started drawing on his tablet. It seemed his inspiration hadn’t faded; his passion was still surging.

…

The tickets were secured. During the day, Lin Rangchuan still went to the studio above the milk tea shop to paint. Qin Rui and Jiang Xinran watched him go upstairs openly, no longer even trying to hide it.

Because his boyfriend worked there, Lin Zhiyu took the opportunity to earn some extra change at the shop during his free time. Meanwhile, he had to handle matters in the group chats. It was chaotic and messy, with some idiots who couldn’t understand plain speech.

What a trash Student Union. I’m quitting next semester!

Just then, an application for the Outstanding Graduate Scholarship was posted in the group, along with a notice for next semester’s assessment. Lin Zhiyu was the first to download the application.

They didn’t order takeout for lunch. Most places nearby were closed for the holidays, let alone on campus. Qin Rui used his own money to set up a simple little kitchen in the staff lounge and showed off his skills. Simple wonton noodles, a fried egg, and some greens—steaming and fragrant.

Jiang Xinran propped her chin on her hands and tsked. “I’ve known you so long, and this is the first time I knew you could cook.”

Qin Rui enjoyed the praise, raising an eyebrow. “Good men like me are practically extinct. When you look for a man later, remember to use me as the standard.”

Jiang Xinran smiled but said nothing, looking mysterious.

“Xiao Yu, eat,” Qin Rui said.

Lin Zhiyu thought it tasted wonderful. He asked cautiously, “Brother Qin, could you make one more bowl?” He pointed upstairs.

Qin Rui scoffed. “He charged me eighteen yuan for a cup last time. Why should I cook for him?”

Lin Zhiyu looked at the leftover ingredients. “Then I’ll do it…” It looked simple enough.

This made Qin Rui even more displeased. “Why should you cook for him? Eat your own; I’ll do it.”

…

It was Lin Zhiyu’s first time on the second floor. The wooden stairs creaked with every step. He arrived cautiously at the door and knocked a few times. According to Lou Chen’s experience, Lin Rangchuan couldn’t be interrupted while creating, so it was almost impossible to get him out.

Lin Zhiyu was just giving it a shot. “Lin Rangchuan… Come out and eat!”

With a long, drawn-out creak, the door opened. Lin Rangchuan looked at him with half-closed eyes, looking nonchalant, lazy, and decadent.

Lin Zhiyu locked eyes with him and belatedly added the final particle: “…okay?”

Lin Rangchuan called out to him in a raspy voice. “Baby, you’re here.”

Realizing the change in address, Lin Zhiyu placed the noodles in the cleanest spot… honestly, he didn’t want to say it, but was there any difference between this studio and a dump?

“Eat something first.” Lin Zhiyu rubbed his fingers. “Am I interrupting your painting?”

Lin Rangchuan shook his head. “I wasn’t really painting.”

Lin Zhiyu glanced at the unfinished piece—a gray haze. He couldn’t tell what it was. He didn’t notice that while he was observing the environment, he had become part of it. Before he’d entered, Lin Rangchuan’s dark pupils had been fixed on the door.

The moment Lin Zhiyu turned around, Lin Rangchuan hugged his waist. Lin Zhiyu instinctively wrapped his arms around the man’s neck, and the two turned their heads to kiss. It was a desperate bite and devouring, so much so that they didn’t notice the paint from the brushes getting on Lin Zhiyu.

By the time they noticed, one sleeve of Lin Zhiyu’s clothes had become multicolored.

After another round of tangled tongues, Lin Rangchuan froze. He wanted to wipe the saliva from the corner of Lin Zhiyu’s mouth, but seeing his fingers covered in paint, he stopped abruptly—

But the next second, Lin Zhiyu leaned in and proactively rubbed his cheek against the man’s fingers. His fair skin was smudged by a small patch of paint.

“Hehe.” Lin Zhiyu laughed, and the paint near his dimple rose with his smile.

Lin Rangchuan, almost losing consciousness, leaned toward him infinitely. He cupped Lin Zhiyu’s chin in one hand and lowered his head to kiss him again. From the lips to the nose to the eyes—every inch was his.

He kissed Lin Zhiyu until he was breathless and dizzy before letting him go. Lin Rangchuan narrowed his eyes and smiled, contentedly nipping the soft flesh of the youth’s cheek before kissing it again. Their noses brushed, like a breeze over a lake, leaving faint ripples.

Lin Zhiyu’s legs went weak, and he fell onto the man’s thigh. He’d intended to refuse—they’d been too intimate lately—but when he saw the excited red at the corners of Lin Rangchuan’s eyes and the tears ready to fall, he hesitated for a few seconds and was promptly “eaten” by Lin Rangchuan.

The man didn’t seem to have much lust; he just wanted to taste and touch, to know that this wasn’t an illusion, but real.

“When I go back to City A, I won’t stay at my mother’s house.”

Lin Zhiyu looked at him with a dazed face.

Lin Rangchuan murmured almost imperceptibly: “If you come to find me, I will buy a house for you there and write your name on it.”

Lin Zhiyu was both dazed and suddenly awake.

Huh? Buy what?!