Love comes too quickly, like a tornado.
In Nanyi City, a body was discovered floating in the river at Chenhe Bay in the Hedian District. Crowds of onlookers filled the bridge and surrounding area, making it impossible to pass. The Criminal Investigation Team from the sub-bureau quickly arrived, arranged to retrieve the body, dispersed the crowd, set up a cordon, and began investigating both banks of the river.
The team leader squatted next to the corpse. “Looks like she’s been dead for over three days; the body is already showing signs of putrefaction.” He looked up and noticed that the new interns had varying expressions: some covered their mouths and looked pale, some turned their heads away in fear, while others simply hid in the crowd. Only the young man in the middle, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, remained calm, his eyes unflinchingly fixed on the corpse.
“If you feel nauseous, just go throw up. It’s normal for your first time on the scene,” the team leader said to the one calm intern. “Yu Xue, when will the forensic doctor arrive?”
“On the way. There’s traffic on Nanhua East Road, so it’ll probably take another half hour.”
“Then let’s wait. Keep an eye on the body and don’t let anyone unrelated get too close.”
Yu Xue nodded. Just as the team leader walked away, a man squeezed under the cordon, pulling out plastic gloves from his pocket and squatting down to lift the corpse’s eyelids. “The deceased is a woman, aged between 35 and 40. The body has swollen, showing typical signs of advanced putrefaction. The conjunctiva shows no punctate hemorrhage, the tongue is protruding, and there’s a scattered venous network visible on the face and neck. The hands appear to be shedding like gloves… Hey, why are you looking at me? Record this!”
Yu Xue adjusted his glasses. “Who are you?”
“The credentials are in my pocket. Feel free to take a look.”
Yu Xue reached into the pocket of the man’s trench coat and pulled out a black credential, opening it to read: [Deputy Section Chief of the Forensic Department, Haijing City Public Security Bureau, Qi Wenyu].
“I thought the forensic doctor was never coming, so I assumed I’d be doing a good deed.” He deftly unbuttoned the corpse’s clothing. “You’re an intern? You’ve got good composure; it’s rare to see someone so calm during their first call, especially when facing advanced putrefaction.”
“I’ve seen plenty in textbooks.”
“That’s just the textbooks. Can pictures compare to reality?”
“My family is also in the police force.”
“Oh, no wonder. Hey, could you lift this side a bit? Be careful; the skin is detached here and can tear easily…”
The team leader returned after circling around and saw the interns working seamlessly with the forensic expert from Haijing. One was performing the autopsy while the other assisted, and they were nearly finished with the external examination.
As night fell and the surrounding investigations wrapped up, the body was taken back to the bureau. The team leader learned that Qi Wenyu was in Nanyi on vacation and had been forced to work overtime. He thanked him with a smile, to which Qi Wenyu waved his hand dismissively: “It’s part of our job; we’re on call twenty-four hours. It’s no trouble at all.”
He turned to Yu Xue and noticed him lifting his arm to sniff, his brow furrowed. “It’s normal for there to be some residual odor of decomposition. When you get home, cut half a lemon, mix it with white wine to wash your clothes, and make sure to disinfect them at least three times. Got it?”
Yu Xue nodded. The team leader patted him hard on the back: “You’re pretty good! The other interns were either too weak or throwing up. You’re the only one who kept your composure and even dared to assist the coroner; your stress tolerance is top-notch!”
“Yeah, I took off the drowned man’s gloves, and he didn’t hesitate to take them right away. He’s even quicker than this old veteran,” Qi Wenyu laughed. “Hey, what’s your name? Let’s get acquainted.”
“Yu Xue.”
“Yù Xuě? Is it the ‘encounter with snow’ from Wang Anshi or the ‘the sky wants to snow’ from Bai Juyi?”
“There’s not that much poetic sentiment in it.” Yu Xue’s gaze was calm, “It’s the ‘Yu’ from metaphor, and ‘Xue’ with the radical for wood.”
Qi Wenyu was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly leaned closer, observing him from head to toe and circling around to get a 360-degree view. “How old are you?”
“23.”
“Then that’s right.” Qi Wenyu cleared his throat. “Don’t you remember me? Take a closer look.”
Who are you? Yu Xue was anxious to go home and shower, but his polite demeanor in front of outsiders wouldn’t allow him to leave abruptly. He could only endure and reply, “Sorry, you must have the wrong person.”
“Here’s a hint: guaranteed admission and college entrance examination champion.”
“…?” Yu Xue paused, this time seriously scrutinizing the face before him. The scattered images in his mind gradually formed a clearer picture.
Memories of lost youth began to assault him.
__
Yu Xue had grown up under the praises of “genius” and “heartthrob,” all because of his outstanding natural talent and exceptional intelligence. Such a person was born to be favored by the heavens, destined to attract everyone’s attention.
With such a halo around him, excessive modesty had become a form of pride for the young and impetuous Yu Xue. Before he learned to navigate the world, he had never hidden his brilliance and was willing to take on various challenges, one of which was a bet made with fries and spicy wings at McDonald’s.
“There are so many guaranteed admissions every year, but there’s only one champion.”
“Well then, how about this? Do you dare to bet with me again? I’ll get first in the city on the college entrance exam.”
“Sure, let’s bet. If I win, you have to agree to one condition.”
Yu Xue’s expression turned grim, as if struck by lightning, battered by the naivety of his youth from ten years ago. He looked again at Qi Wenyu, noticing that he had changed significantly from the shy boy he remembered. Even after going through society’s trials, shouldn’t he have evolved into a refined and successful man?
The person in front of him was unkempt, with a hairstyle that was too casual, bangs nearly covering his eyes, and a patch of stubble on his chin. No wonder he couldn’t recognize him.
Qi Wenyu took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and shook one out. “Do you remember now?”
“Yeah.”
“Who was the top student in the college entrance examination in Nanyi City that year?”
“…” The veins on Yu Xue’s forehead twitched; it was only two points—just two points—that made the difference between him and the top student.
“How about we go have a meal?”
“…” The phrase “let’s just pretend nothing happened” was silently swallowed by Yu Xue.
That night, they exchanged numbers. After Yu Xue finished showering, Qi Wenyu sent a location. When he opened it, he saw it was for a barbecue restaurant called “Small Town Memories,” which was quite close to his home—only a ten-minute bike ride away.
When Qi Wenyu had just finished ordering skewers, he turned around and his eyes lit up. Yu Xue walked in, wearing a hoodie and faded blue jeans, his short, dark brown hair soft and fluffy. His warm eyes and long fingers made him incredibly handsome, with a lingering youthful innocence that immediately captured Qi Wenyu’s heart.
Wow, this kid was cute when he was younger, but how did he become so alluring as he grew up?
Yu Xue sat down across from him and poured a cup of barley tea. “Your method worked well; after washing it three times, there’s no odor left.”
“Of course. Old forensic doctor’s recommendations never go wrong.” Qi Wenyu handed over the menu. “Take a look and see if there’s anything else you want to add. Order whatever you like.”
“That’s about it. I’ll treat you this time.” Yu Xue smiled slightly. “When we were kids, you always paid. It’s my turn to return the favor now.”
Just that one sentence brought back distant memories. Qi Wenyu could always recall the image of the kid on the opposite side, shaking his legs while eating spicy wings, and couldn’t help but smile, “Boys change a lot by the age of eighteen; you look better and better.”
“You’re the one who surprised me.” Yu Xue’s gaze swept over Qi Wenyu’s chin. “Is it really that hard to be a forensic doctor?”
Qi Wenyu started venting his frustrations. It was indeed not easy. Forensic doctors were scarce in the public security system, and during peak crime seasons, they were busier than ever. Plus, dealing with corpses all day long, who were they dressing up for anyway?
“The neat and polished ones in suits, with their hair meticulously styled—that’s the kind of forensic doctor you see on TV. The reality is in safety gear, blood-stained gloves, and sweating with a mask off—that’s what real forensic doctors look like.”
“So, after ten years of torture, you ended up like this?” Yu Xue pretended to think deeply. “I really need to reconsider my future career path.”
“Don’t! You look so sharp in a police uniform; you’re suited for this line of work.”
The two exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere became more relaxed and pleasant. After a few beers, a rosy hue spread from Yu Xue’s collarbone up to his neck, then all the way to his ears and brows. The warm yellow light shone from the side, making his cheeks glow as if he had just been pulled out of water, resembling a pearl.
Qi Wenyu stared for a moment and suddenly asked, “Do you have a girlfriend?”
Yu Xue shook his head, and then heard him ask, “…Do you still remember what the bet was about?”
“I do. If I win, you have to agree to one condition.” Yu Xue propped his chin on one hand while using chopsticks to poke at the grilled leeks on his plate. “Too bad I lost. A bet is a bet; what do you want me to do?”
“Then—let’s date.”
An awkward silence fell over the table, the lively atmosphere of the restaurant suddenly chilled. It was all this guy’s fault for not following the usual rules, leaving someone as clever as Yu Xue at a loss.
“…Can you say that again?”
“Be my wife.”
Alright, now that was clear. Yu Xue lowered his eyebrows, concealing the mini earthquake in his pupils, and calmly asked, “Are you sick?”
Qi Wenyu earnestly assured him that he had a health check-up every year and not only was he healthy, but he could also ensure Yu Xue’s future ahem happiness.
“Don’t show me your inappropriate sense of humor,” Yu Xue rolled his eyes, poking him with his chopsticks. “I’m not interested in men; you should pick someone else.”
“Hey, hey, hey, wasn’t this a bet?”
“Even so, I won’t agree to that kind of request.”
“But I’m not lacking anything right now, just missing a wife,” Qi Wenyu said with a hint of grievance.
Yu Xue raised his chin slightly and glanced at him sideways. “That’s your problem; it has nothing to do with me.”
It had everything to do with him. This wasn’t even love at first sight; it was love at second sight. Although Qi Wenyu was a bit infatuated, he wasn’t joking. He genuinely believed that it would be a shame to only be friends with someone as beautiful and outstanding as Yu Xue. It was better to be lovers.
He adjusted his posture, sitting up straight, his eyes filled with sincerity. “I come from a decent family background, my own conditions aren’t bad, and I’m older than you, so I can take care of you. Don’t refuse so quickly; think about it seriously. You won’t find another opportunity like this.”
“…” Yu Xue didn’t want to consider it for even a second. He stood up, intending to settle the bill and leave, but his wrist was grabbed.
“Just agree to this first; don’t delete my contact information, alright?”
“Just that?”
“Yeah.”
After leaving the restaurant, Yu Xue took out his phone, hesitated for a moment, and then put it back in his pocket.
What a crazy idea; who wants to date a man anyway?
__
More than friends but not yet lovers; sweet yet troubled, joyful yet chaotic.
Yu Xue slowly opened his eyes, and a good mood for the day was completely ruined by a nightmare. Yes, he dreamed about Qi Wenyu again. Last week, he dreamed that the man chased after him with a huge diamond ring, repeatedly asking him to marry him. The day before yesterday, he dreamed that Qi Wenyu was carrying a load of luggage, shamelessly asking to cohabit. Today, he dreamt of their first meeting, when Qi Wenyu proposed dating him at the barbecue restaurant.
Why has he been dreaming about him so often lately? Three times in half a month. Did Qi Wenyu put a spell on him or something???
He couldn’t even complain to the protagonist of his dreams because that thick-skinned guy would immediately say, “What you think about during the day, you dream about at night,” and act as if he were making a profit.
His phone vibrated, and without needing to look, he knew it was Qi Wenyu’s message, as punctual as an alarm clock. Yu Xue, the morning low blood pressure king, stared at his phone with a face as if he wanted to eat someone, preparing to block this instigator on WeChat. Just then, the doorbell rang, right on time.
“Your delivery is here; please take it and enjoy.”
“Thank you.” Yu Xue picked up the takeaway and returned to his room. Today’s breakfast was mushroom chicken porridge, grilled sausages from Zhushan, and small spring rolls. The fragrant meal instantly lifted his spirits, so he decided not to block Qi Wenyu after all.
So, all twisted fates have a beginning. When leaving that barbecue restaurant, Yu Xue, for the sake of his pride, didn’t delete his contact information on the spot, giving the other party a chance to intrude into his life. Qi Wenyu sent daily greetings, initiated conversations when he had time, and after he tricked Yu Xue into revealing his home address, he bought breakfast every day and sent gifts every few days, being overly attentive.
Yu Xue was never an impulsive person; his charm was only directed towards outsiders. Faced with Qi Wenyu’s genuine sincerity, he felt powerless. Coupled with the pressure of just starting work and needing someone to confide in, Yu Xue found himself able to vent anytime, and his fondness for Qi Wenyu accumulated rapidly. Half a year passed, and Yu Xue began to question whether he was in a long-distance relationship with a man.
Qi Wenyu: [Have you eaten breakfast?]
Yu Xue: [Yes, this congee is not bad.]
Qi Wenyu: [That’s good; try the seafood congee tomorrow.]
Yu Xue:[No, I don’t like seafood.]
Qi Wenyu: [Ancestor, last week you said you wanted to go to Sanya for a seafood feast. 🤨]
Yu Xue: [That was last week.]
Qi Wenyu sent a picture, and Yu Xue nearly choked on his sausage when he opened it. He was too lazy to type again and directly called. Qi Wenyu’s tone was filled with joy: “I didn’t expect the transfer to come through so quickly; I thought it would take a year and a half.”
“Why are you transferring to Nanyi? You were a deputy section chief over there; coming to the Nanyi municipal bureau means you won’t have that position or benefits anymore.”
“It’s fine. With my abilities, the section chief position will eventually be mine.”
Yu Xue huffed; with such bold claims, he would eventually fall flat. Hearing Qi Wenyu’s smug tone made him uneasy, and he retorted, “It won’t be useful even if you transfer; I’m the only child at home. What will my parents do if I’m with you?”
“That’s still a long way off; we can take our time. Are you planning to make me permanent right away?”
“…” If Qi Wenyu continued talking like this, Yu Xue would lose his temper. What kind of nonsense was he saying? Were they at that level? Their relationship was only slightly better than friendship.
He glanced at the transfer order again; it was scheduled for March next year—there were still two months left, no need to rush.
__
On New Year’s Eve, Yu Xue’s family tradition was to gather together for a lively reunion dinner. He rolled up his sleeves to make dumplings while wearing Bluetooth earphones. His phone displayed a WeChat voice call.
“Why is it so noisy over there?” Qi Wenyu asked.
Yu Xue looked at the living room; several kids were playing and causing a ruckus. Uncles and aunts were at two tables playing cards and chess, and his mother and aunt were chatting while cooking, with laughter echoing everywhere.
“This is what New Year’s should be like,” he said.
In contrast, Qi Wenyu’s side was eerily quiet. Yu Xue felt puzzled: “Are you having dinner alone?”
“No, we used to all be together, but this year is a bit special.”
“What’s so special about it?” He casually looked up and saw snowflakes floating outside the balcony glass, immediately running over, “Qi Wenyu! It’s snowing!”
“Oh, it’s just snow; what’s so special about it? And it’s not that much.”
“You don’t understand; it snows a maximum of twice a year in Nanyi. This is the last snowfall during the Lunar New Year.”
Qi Wenyu chuckled lightly, “Next year, I’ll take you to Haijing to see what real snow is like.”
As they chatted enthusiastically, Shen Ruirui quietly approached, eavesdropping. Just as Yu Xue turned around, he nearly bumped into her. “Auntie, what are you doing here? It’s cold on the balcony.”
“It may be cold on the balcony, but our Xue’s heart is warm,” Shen Ruirui teased, nudging his arm and winking, “Is she your girlfriend?”
“No.”
“Don’t lie; as soon as you saw it was snowing, you ran off to share with her. If she’s not your partner, what is she?”
Qi Wenyu on the other end laughed even harder.
Yu Xue’s face turned slightly red, and he cleared his throat: “It’s really not; she’s just—”
“A friend with a good relationship.”
The snow outside kept falling heavier, and as the reunion dinner was about to start, Yu Xue had just sat down when he received another message from Qi Wenyu, a picture of the snowy scenery taken outside his apartment building.
Yu Xue suddenly stood up, grabbed a down jacket, and opened the door. His relatives looked puzzled: “A-Xue, dinner is about to start. Where are you going?”
“A friend is looking for me; you all eat first.”
As he rushed out of the building, he saw a figure holding an umbrella standing there, the world blanketed in white snow, but only that black figure left a vibrant mark in his heart. Qi Wenyu gradually approached, his hair meticulously styled, his chin clean-shaven, and wearing a well-fitted trench coat that brought back memories of the handsome young man from years ago.
Yu Xue couldn’t help but laugh in anger: “You came here instead of celebrating the New Year at home. Are you stupid?”
“I missed you.”
“Didn’t you say you’d be transferred to Nanyi after the New Year? What’s there to miss?”
Qi Wenyu held the umbrella with one hand and wrapped his other arm around Yu Xue, giving him the warmest hug of New Year’s Eve: “Happy New Year, A-Xue.”
Yu Xue froze for a moment, his heart filled with a bittersweet feeling, his hands slowly climbing up to Qi Wenyu’s broad shoulders, gently shaking his head.
What was he going to do now? Having a boyfriend was a path of no return.
“Not happy at all. You’ve truly ruined me.”
