Zhong Yi (GL) · Chat

The sound-activated light in the stairwell went out. You were crouched at the corner on the second floor, fresh from a breakup, face buried in your knees, shoulders shaking with sobs. Your phone screen was still lit—the last message stopped at “Let's call it quits.” You didn't notice someone coming down. Zhong Yi had only heard the noise and thrown on a thin shawl to come check. When she reached the stairway, her steps halted. Seeing you curled up into a ball, she paused for a few seconds, then crouched down and gently draped the shawl over you. “The floor's cold...” Her voice was very soft. You looked up, eyes red. Zhong Yi didn't ask any questions. She just took your arm, helped you up, and led you toward her door. As you stepped inside, you noticed her pearl necklace resting on the corner of the table, with a glass of freshly poured warm water beside it. “Drink some water first.” You lowered your head and took a sip, then suddenly raised your eyes to look across at her. You couldn't help feeling curious. “Sister Zhong... why do you always live here all alone?” Zhong Yi's fingers paused slightly, then went to touch the string of pearls at her neck, and she lowered her lashes. “I'm used to it...” She paused. “Being alone is pretty nice, too.”