My Roommate is a Gloomy, Sensitive Guy Who Cries Over Everything - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: A Faint, Looming Scar

Xue Rong was startled by his frantic state. “Alright, alright, I won’t open it. I haven’t even touched it yet. Don’t rush, watch your step, don’t fall.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t fall, but he nearly tumbled down the stairs. He walked over barefoot, scooped up the box, and gave Xue Rong a fawning, cheeky grin.

Xue Rong looked at him as if he had lost his mind. “…”

She glanced down and roared: “Do you want to die? Put some shoes on!!”

Lin Zhiyu carried the box upstairs sheepishly. Only after washing his feet did he start examining the box and taking photos for Lin Rangchuan.

[Xiaoyu: Are you trying to kill me? Sending this kind of thing to my house—my mom almost found out!!] [Xiaoyu: 「Angry.jpg」] [Brother Lin: You were the one who said you’d make it up to me.]

It felt as if his grievances could be felt through the screen; he even used a period.

Lin Zhiyu used a knife to slice through the clear tape. Wrapped inside layers of packaging was a very high-tech-looking toy. It was silicone and felt great to the touch.

[Xiaoyu: I don’t know how to use this.] [Brother Lin: I’ll teach you.] [Xiaoyu: I mean I’m definitely not using it!]

There was no response for a few minutes. Then:

[Brother Lin: You lied to me.] [Brother Lin: Wife is a little child who doesn’t keep promises.]

Across the phone, Lin Zhiyu could actually distinguish the tones; the first sentence sounded like he was pouting with tears, while the second felt like a dark, gentle smile. Both were quite chilling.

[Xiaoyu: Tonight, okay? Tonight.]

Lin Zhiyu shoved the box deep under the bed, hiding it completely, then washed up and went downstairs for lunch.

The incident earlier had rattled Xue Rong. During the meal, she asked casually, “What kind of snacks were those? You looked terrified.”

Lin Zhiyu took a vague mouthful of rice. “It wasn’t snacks. It was a model.”

Xue Rong didn’t understand models. “A toy, then.”

Lin Zhiyu nearly choked on his rice. He nodded vigorously. “Right, right, right. Pretty much.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t go anywhere that day. He stayed in, stringing beads. With the tools, it was simple; the only uncertainty was the size of Lin Rangchuan’s wrist. He visualized it—Rangchuan wasn’t a bulky man, but he was lean and upright with tight, well-defined muscle lines. When he exerted force, his veins would bulge, and he’d be as hard as iron. The more Lin Zhiyu thought about it, the more his face flushed.

He seemed to miss him a little.

No! I’m stringing beads! Stop being horny! Stop!

After a round of mental “reprogramming,” Lin Zhiyu focused back on his work. He finished one string, then, just in case, strung all the extra beads together. This size and length made it look like a handheld prayer string.

Soon the sky darkened. The sunset in the countryside had incredibly high color saturation; any random photo looked like a masterpiece.

Lin Zhiyu spent the day being lazy in his room, occasionally handling group chats. With school starting soon, some core student union members had to return early, adding a layer of pressure and irritability to his mood, though he wasn’t sure where it was coming from.

The closer school got, the more restless he felt, and the more he wanted to do something “outside the lines.”

Just then, his phone buzzed. Lin Rangchuan asked if he had eaten. Sensing what was coming, Lin Zhiyu replied that the dishes were done and he had already showered.

Lin Rangchuan initiated a video call. This time, the screen wasn’t black; his handsome, well-defined face appeared clearly under the light. He was in his studio.

Lin Zhiyu’s eyes widened. “You went back to the little courtyard?!”

“Mhm. It’s boring over there.” Lin Rangchuan was mixing paints with a nonchalant air. He smiled: “This place still smells like my wife.”

“Where’s the… item?”

Lin Zhiyu had washed up and read the manual. It was quite simple. “Tonight?”

He had been resistant, but after seeing the school group chats, he felt like indulging a bit. If Lin Rangchuan were by his side, they probably would have started long ago, oblivious to the world.

Lin Zhiyu felt it was strange to touch his own body. He couldn’t see it; he could only feel with his fingertips—soft and warm. He sniffed his fingers; they smelled of body wash. But it was still weird, almost unbearable. He started to back out, but Lin Rangchuan saw through him: “Baby, your fingers are so beautiful. Why not be a bit bolder?”

Lin Zhiyu’s vision blurred. On the screen, he saw Lin Rangchuan’s torso and the half-finished painting.

“It hurts…” Lin Zhiyu frowned with misty eyes, breathing softly through parted lips.

Lin Rangchuan’s hand holding the brush paused. He licked his lips and looked down. “Only been a few days since you’ve been ‘opened,’ and my wife is already this gifted?”

The toy came with lubricant. Lin Zhiyu didn’t really know how to use it, so he just applied it haphazardly, making everything slippery. When it came to the actual insertion, his heart was unwilling, but his hand moved back, his eyes brimming with tears. This scene of contrast caused Lin Rangchuan’s inspiration to explode.

“So beautiful, baby.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t know how much further to go. Just before reaching the “destination,” he stopped. He collapsed onto the bed, pouting and whimpering with his backside up.

But the next second, his whole body suddenly jerked. It felt like an electric current surging through his limbs, concentrating at the most sensitive spot, buzzing and vibrating.

He realized then that the remote control key was in Lin Rangchuan’s hand.

Lin Zhiyu twitched slightly, losing all sense of self. He looked at the man on the screen through tears, his mouth open as if to speak.

Lin Rangchuan leaned in close to the screen to listen. “Wife, what do you want to say?”

“Bast…” Lin Zhiyu gasped. Fluid was dripping everywhere. His hair wasn’t fully dry, and now he was sweating—and not just sweating…

“Bastard!” Lin Zhiyu cursed him through tears.

Lin Rangchuan took it. He chuckled slowly, his hand moving off-camera, using a brush to gently stroke the “intensity” of the moment. “This is art.”

…

This lasted most of the night. Lin Zhiyu wiped himself down, feeling so weak he didn’t even have the strength to shower. He lay limply on the bed, the phone still on, facing his face. Lin Rangchuan continued to paint in a state of high excitement.

Lin Zhiyu watched his posture, then shifted his gaze downward. His cheeks burned again. This is Lin Rangchuan! His pants aren’t even on properly…

But he didn’t speak, afraid to interrupt the creative flow. He just watched him quietly, savoring every second. Miraculously, the irritability and pressure regarding school vanished, replaced by the joy and anticipation of seeing him again.

He slept until 8:00 AM. Feeling sticky, he braved the cold to shower, feeling refreshed afterward. He hand-washed his underwear and pants, adding hot water so his hands wouldn’t freeze. When he went out to hang them, the balcony door across the way opened. Yu Hechang poked his head out. “Xiaoyu, let’s go to town to buy some daily supplies for school.”

Lin Zhiyu thought for a moment. “Okay!”

After shopping at the supermarket, they sat down at a nearby café to rest. Yu Hechang knew what he wanted and ordered via the app; Lin Zhiyu added a soufflé.

When their number was called, Yu Hechang went to the counter. When he returned, he saw a man flirting with Lin Zhiyu.

A rare sight! Usually, Lin Zhiyu attracts women. The times really have changed, or maybe Xiaoyu has.

As Yu Hechang approached, the man left with a look of regret. He was tall and lean, fairly good-looking, but a bit lacking compared to Senior Lin.

Just in case, Yu Hechang asked, “A friend?”

Lin Zhiyu sipped his blueberry smoothie and frowned. “He was asking for my contact info.”

Yu Hechang clicked his tongue inwardly. He paused, looking at Lin Zhiyu, realizing he really did look different. The old Xiaoyu was green and pure—a standard sunny, handsome boy. He was still sunny now, but his face was like a peach blossom—mature and vivid, radiating a sweet, ripe scent from the inside out. Yu Hechang was stunned.

Wait, how did my sunny college bro turn into a ‘noble lady’?

Lin Zhiyu glanced at him. “Your eyes are weird. Don’t tell Lin Rangchuan about what just happened.”

Yu Hechang: “What would happen if I did?”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t answer, but under Hechang’s sharp gaze, his face grew redder, looking like a natural blush he couldn’t hide, making him even more gorgeous.

Yu Hechang wasn’t an idiot. He pointed at him, his finger shaking. “You… you two…”

Being childhood friends, he couldn’t hide a thing. Lin Zhiyu clarified: “I’m eighteen. Nineteen this year.”

Yu Hechang scoffed. “You haven’t had your birthday yet, so you’re eighteen. F***, doing it at eighteen? What a beast.”

Lin Zhiyu’s face turned even redder, the tips of his ears burning.

…

As the sky turned gray and a thin mist painted the distant mountains like an ink wash, Lin Zhiyu packed his bags in the village at the foot of the hills. He boarded the car for school with Yu Hechang.

Xue Rong gave him a thousand instructions and stuffed his bags with fruit, homemade sausages, cured meat, and pickled vegetables. “They’re great with instant noodles, or ask Lin Rangchuan to make some pickled vegetable dumplings. A delicacy.”

Thus, carrying bags of all sizes, Lin Zhiyu embarked on the journey back to school. After hours on the road, his back was aching. Lin Rangchuan drove to pick him up. Walking out of the station, he saw Rangchuan leaning against the car door. His features looked as sharp as a cold wind, standing out from the crowd as if isolated in another world.

Lin Zhiyu felt a strange sense of déjà vu. If they had met for the first time last semester, it probably would have looked like this—and he likely would have fallen in love at first sight.

He rushed over and hugged him. His warm breath hit Rangchuan’s face like white mist. “How long have you been here?”

“Fifteen minutes.”

Lin Rangchuan wanted to kiss him; he missed him dearly. Just as Lin Zhiyu was about to meet him halfway, a loud cough sounded from behind.

Yu Hechang covered his mouth. “Um, thank you, Senior Lin. Can you drop me off at school first? I’ll drop my things off. I won’t join you for dinner tonight.” Very good, he has self-awareness.

Lin Zhiyu snapped his fingers at him. “Find me tomorrow. My treat.”

After a quick return to the courtyard, the luggage was dumped at the gate. Lin Rangchuan locked Lin Zhiyu inside the house, pinning him against the door and kissing him deeply. Their tongues tangled with a wet, shameful sound.

Thick winter clothes were removed one by one. Speaking of which, Lin Zhiyu wasn’t wearing long johns today, so his pants were easily pulled off. Right there by the door, as a foot was lifted and the wind swayed the dead leaves in the planters, both let out a sigh of comfort.

Lin Rangchuan bit his collarbone slowly, calling him “Wife” repeatedly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He had “eaten,” yet he wasn’t full.

Just then, the doorbell rang several times, followed by a knock. Qin Rui shouted from outside: “Isn’t Xiaoyu’s luggage right here? I just saw you go in. Anyone home? It’s 6:30. Jiang Xinran organized a gathering.”

Lin Zhiyu snapped out of his daze instantly. He instinctively turned his head, but his neck was gripped firmly. He looked straight into Lin Rangchuan’s crimson, manic eyes. Rangchuan’s voice was dark: “What are you looking at, wife? Focus.”

After nearly half a month, Lin Rangchuan’s “mad dog” nature had only intensified.

“Someone’s… there…” Lin Zhiyu’s fingers curled, leaving scratch marks on the back of Lin Rangchuan’s neck.

Qin Rui was certain they were inside. He kept knocking, and soon the phone rang. Lin Rangchuan frowned and pulled away. Lin Zhiyu collapsed without support, but Rangchuan caught him, gently setting him down on the rug.

Lin Rangchuan faced Lin Zhiyu, slowly “packing up” and zipping his pants. He then took a cloth to block the “mess” before carefully and considerately helping his wife put his pants back on. He stroked and kissed him. “Maybe you’ll get pregnant like this. Wife smells so good.”

Lin Zhiyu gave him a light slap. “Psychopath.”

The force was just right—both satisfying and stinging. Lin Rangchuan panted and looked at him with red eyes.

Outside, Qin Rui took out his phone to call Jiang Xinran, telling her not to wait. It seemed they went out…

Just as he was about to turn away, the courtyard gate opened. Qin Rui and Lin Rangchuan stood face to face. “…………”

Qin Rui: F**They are gay!*

“Where’s Xiaoyu?”

Lin Rangchuan stood with his hands in his pockets, his hair slightly messy and damp with sweat. “In the bathroom.”

Qin Rui had nothing to say to him. After a moment of silence, Lin Rangchuan initiated a smile: “Are you guys having a gathering later?”

Qin Rui gave a grumpy “Mhm.” After a whole winter break, he missed Xiaoyu, especially after dealing with his rebellious brother at home. He found Xiaoyu’s sweetness even more endearing.

Lin Rangchuan smiled again: “Can I join?”

Qin Rui stared at his eyes, which looked like he had been crying. He knew even if he said no, Xiaoyu would say yes. “Whatever.”

Before long, Lin Zhiyu came out in a change of clothes. The “blockage” inside hadn’t been removed; he felt like he was going to leak with every step. It was very uncomfortable.

“Brother Qin!” Seeing a long-lost friend, he smiled sincerely.

Qin Rui pointed at his phone. “Knowing you’d be back at this time—the Milk Tea Trio is going for a meal! No refusals.”

Lin Zhiyu nodded. “Sure, sure. Bring Lin Rangchuan along, otherwise he’ll be bored at home alone.”

Qin Rui was annoyed: Why bring a gay guy! “…Oh.”

They went to a barbecue stall nearby. No reservation, no seats, so they sat outside. It was nice—catching the breeze and drinking beer.

Yu Hechang was also forced to come. Facing the two Lins now, he felt incredibly awkward and didn’t want to say a word! Lin Zhiyu was the one livening up the atmosphere. Qin Rui maintained his cold-prince image and was the oldest there. Lin Rangchuan goes without saying—to him, anyone who wasn’t his wife wasn’t human. Yu Hechang, having just suffered several “dog food” attacks, was currently in a low-power state. Jiang Xinran could talk, but she couldn’t move those men, so only Lin Zhiyu, the central figure, was effective.

He talked about embarrassing stories from the village and the natural scenery. “Sunsets and sunrises are the most beautiful.”

Jiang Xinran, a girl who loved traveling, said: “When summer break comes, I’m going there too!!”

Lin Zhiyu got more excited: “Welcome, welcome! Brother Qin can come too. My house is self-built, with plenty of rooms. If you don’t want to stay there, Hechang’s place has space too.”

Qin Rui: “Alright.”

Lin Rangchuan asked leisurely: “What about me? Where do I stay?” Under the bed or in the closet?

Lin Zhiyu blurted out: “At my house, of course.”

Lin Rangchuan froze.

Lin Zhiyu smiled and continued clinking glasses with the others. After half a beer, his body instinctively leaned against Rangchuan. Lin Rangchuan caught him naturally, standing still as a mountain.

“I mentioned you to my mom,” Lin Zhiyu whispered.

Lin Rangchuan’s eyelids twitched, and his temples throbbed. The tide of being loved came so strongly that his first reaction wasn’t warmth, but pain.

A couple sat at the next table. The girl was scrolling through videos. “I want to go to Tibet, and Xinjiang.” The boy smiled. “Then go.” “Hahaha, I don’t have that much money. It’s expensive.” “I won’t let you spend your money.” The girl giggled. “What’s that mean?” “If you don’t buy me that gaming laptop, you’ll definitely have the money. I’ll pay for the trip.”

Lin Rangchuan didn’t really listen to the words, but he stared at their intertwined hands. Then, mimicking them, under the table where no one could see (except Yu Hechang sitting right next to them), he gripped his wife’s hand tightly.

Lin Zhiyu’s knuckles hurt from the grip. He used a clever motion to massage Rangchuan’s palm like a swimming fish until Rangchuan relaxed.

The red agate beads on Rangchuan’s wrist were being toyed with. They made a light, crisp sound when they hit the edge of his watch.

“Can I take it off?”

Lin Rangchuan paused for a few seconds before saying yes. Lin Zhiyu pulled it off his hand. The hand was long and bony—a work of art—but remembering what those fingers had done to him, the blocked area started to feel hot and sticky again.

He compared it to the one he had strung; they were about the same size. As expected of him.

Lin Rangchuan looked down and exhaled. “Wife, don’t drop it after looking. That’s my treasure.”

Lin Zhiyu weighed it. “Can I have it?”

Lin Rangchuan: “…”

Lin Zhiyu curled his lips. “What, am I not your treasure anymore?”

Lin Rangchuan said: “You can have it.” It was just returning the item to its owner.

However, the next second, a string of warm beads was put back onto his wrist. Every bead glowed with a healthy red luster. They had been kept in Lin Zhiyu’s pocket, so they weren’t cold; they were warm with body heat. This realization stunned Lin Rangchuan instantly.

“It might not be identical, but I strung it myself. May you be safe and everything goes smoothly from now on.”

Lin Zhiyu looked up and smiled, bright as starlight. “Do you like it?”

Lin Rangchuan’s eyes took on a faint, moist red glow. He said hoarsely: “I like it.”

Lin Zhiyu smiled with satisfaction and put the old string into his pocket. As he tucked it in, he accidentally pushed the watch back slightly.

In his peripheral vision, he seemed to see a faint, looming scar on the inner side of the wrist.