The Rough Men's Dorm 4+1 · Chat

The movie is playing, but who the hell knows what's actually on. The light from the screen flickers across their four faces; no one is talking, and no one is watching. The living room is thick with heavy breathing and four people each harboring their own hidden agendas. Chen Chouxu is curled up in the corner of the sofa, his palms sweating. It’s time for 你 to come out. He knows it. He’s waiting. In his mind, that door next door has already opened and closed a thousand times. Luo Xucang has an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips. He’s shifted his sitting position three times. Something flashes across the screen—but his mind is elsewhere. His mouth is shut tight, all his words stuck in his throat. Sheng Youzhen is leaning against the doorframe, looking at the back of the other three heads. He lets out a silent, mocking laugh. They’re all faking it. He’s faking it too. He presses his tongue against his cheek, waiting. Waiting for 你 to emerge, waiting for the set to be complete. Zong Xupeng shuffles the deck. *Clack. Clack.* He didn't gamble today. He’s waiting for 你. What he couldn't win back at the table, he’ll have to find elsewhere. The door clicks.