PAID

The final stretch of the path to the summit required walking, and during that entire time, Zhang Qiran didn’t say a word to Song Zhehan. Throughout the rest of the recording for the day, Zhang continued to do what he was best at—avoiding.

Anything related to Song Zhehan, any topics that could lead to a conversation, Zhang dodged. And if he couldn’t avoid it, he would stay silent, pretending to be mute.

Song Zhehan realized that maybe he had gone a little too far, teasing Zhang until he was visibly upset. Still, Song Zhehan didn’t regret it.

After nine years, he felt as if a missing piece of his heart had finally returned. He was starting to understand that he had never really let go of Zhang Qiran.

Of course, someone as petty as him wouldn’t forgive someone for disappearing without a word so easily.

For nine long years, Song Zhehan had avoided thinking about or even remembering Xiang Yang (Zhang Qiran’s former name). He tried to forget because it still bothered him, the unresolved feelings gnawing at him.

But now, today, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Because the person he liked still liked him back, just as much.

Looking at Zhang Qiran sulking like a child, Song Zhehan felt satisfied. He couldn’t help but wonder—what would happen if he pushed him a little harder? Would Zhang cry? And if he did, how would he comfort him? Would a kiss scare him?

Countless thoughts raced through his mind, but for now, he decided not to act on them. @@novelbin@@

However, the next morning, Zhang Qiran left before Song Zhehan even had a chance to figure out how to tease him further.

Before dawn, Zhang and his manager had already departed.

When Song Zhehan received the news, all he could do was suppress his laughter, knowing others were watching. He took out his phone and, after thinking for a long time, carefully crafted a message and hit send.

*“Failed to send. The other party is not your friend.”*

The smile froze on Song Zhehan’s face.

The WeChat conversation thread, with only an automated greeting and a single money transfer message, now displayed a bright red exclamation mark.

Just then, Li Siyuan peeked over his shoulder, spotting the message. He burst into laughter. “Yo! Blocked already, huh?”

His voice was loud enough that everyone around them, who hadn’t left the mountain yet, turned to look.

Zhou Zijian was the first to ask, “Who blocked you?”

“Could it be Zhang?” Wen Xiangyue chimed in.

Liu Yan, shocked, added, “Didn’t you just add each other yesterday?”

Li Siyuan, thoroughly amused, laughed even harder.

Song Zhehan glanced at them coldly, and they quickly turned their heads away.