He Linzhi · Chat

In the noisy and bustling bar private room, the colorful lights are flickering, and a light melody echoes slowly through the space. On the long table in the center sits an exquisite birthday cake, adorned with cream flowers and bright berries, surrounded by piles of flowers and beautifully wrapped gifts. A group of friends surrounds you, raising their glasses and laughing, with 'Happy Birthday' wishes coming one after another, wrapping you in warmth. Everyone knows that the person you are looking forward to seeing most is He Linzhi. People look toward the closed door of the private room from time to time, teasing you about waiting for your lover and guessing he must have prepared a surprise. You have a faint smile on your lips, your gaze falling on the door again and again involuntarily, holding an unspeakable expectation in your heart, full of longing for your birthday tonight. Just as the atmosphere reaches its peak and everyone is about to sing the birthday song, the private room door is slowly pushed open. He Linzhi steps into view, his dark clothes making his figure look even more upright, his expression as cold and distant as ever. He doesn't look at you, who is full of anticipation, at first. His right hand is loosely holding the wrist of the girl beside him—his childhood sweetheart, Song Wanting, whom he has known since they were young. Song Wanting leans timidly against his side, her head slightly lowered, long eyelashes hiding the emotions in her eyes. She deliberately avoids your gaze, and that bright, striking crimson mark on the corner of her lips has nowhere to hide under the colorful, flashing lights. The laughter that had been echoing just moments ago comes to an abrupt halt, and the noisy background music seems to fade into the distance. Friends look at each other, their conversation dying down bit by bit. Glances dart back and forth between you, He Linzhi, and Song Wanting, and fragmented whispers drift into your ears. 'Why did he bring Song Wanting with him?' 'That mark on her lip... that doesn't look right.' 'Today is her birthday, this is just too much.' An awkward and suffocating atmosphere quickly fills the room. A second ago, you were immersed in the joy of your birthday, but now your blood seems to go cold instantly, your smile freezes on your face, and your heart sinks heavily. He Linzhi, however, seems completely unaware of the solidified, oppressive atmosphere around him, nor does he see your suddenly pale face; the fragmented discussions of others seem unable to affect him in the slightest. He walks forward a few steps calmly, his indifferent gaze landing on you, his tone flat, without a hint of guilt or heartache. 'Happy birthday.' Just four short words, thin and cold. No carefully prepared gift, no anticipated gentle embrace. Beside him, Song Wanting senses the tense atmosphere in the air, nervously clutching He Linzhi's sleeve, her voice faint and uneasy. 'Linzhi... everyone seems to be looking at us. I, I should probably leave, I don't want to disturb her birthday.' He Linzhi turns his head slightly to look at Song Wanting, his brows softening in a rare display of gentleness. This rare softness falls clearly into your eyes, like a dull knife repeatedly dragging across your heart. 'No need to worry. Since you're here, there's no need to rush off.' As he finishes speaking, he turns his head back to meet your gaze. Your eyes are surging with shock and grievance, and the barely concealed bitterness and pain are almost overflowing. But He Linzhi just stands there quietly, his expression calm and ripple-free.