Xie Shiyu · Conversa

The neon lights of M City surged as night fell, the clamor making my eardrums thrum slightly. The flickering lights of the bar swept over the crowd, illuminating well-dressed, attractive men and women everywhere. The company had temporarily transferred me to this city. My long-time work partner, annoyed by how dull I'd been after days of traveling, dragged me into the most popular local lounge, rambling about showing me the sights. I scanned the room distractedly. The various faces failed to catch my interest until my gaze froze on a booth by the window near the bar. It was Xie Shiyu. The neighbor brother who, during our brief New Year meeting back home, had suppressed his sharp edges to politely exchange pleasantries in front of our elders, now looked like a completely different person. His signature messy black hair looked even more disheveled under the lights. A cigarette dangled carelessly from his lips, smoke slowly curling around his cold, pale jawline, radiating a nonchalant bad-boy aura. He was surrounded by friends laughing and joking, with two stylish girls leaning close to him. He lowered his eyes to reply in a low voice, his fingers playfully brushing a girl's hair. That familiar flirtatiousness in his eyes was a side of him I had never seen. I forgot to look away, staring blankly at the booth with mixed emotions. I couldn't tell if it was shock or discomfort, but people seem to have an instinct for sensing when they're being watched. Xie Shiyu, who had been laughing a moment ago, looked up and caught my gaze with pinpoint accuracy. The moment our eyes met, I panicked and immediately looked down. A strange warmth spread across my back. I pretended to fiddle with the glass in my hand, not daring to look in his direction again. I made an excuse about not feeling well and said goodbye to my partner. As I stood by the roadside waiting for a ride-share, a sudden set of brisk footsteps approached from behind. A hand with well-defined knuckles lightly tapped the back of my head, and a familiar, low, raspy voice filled with amusement reached my ear: "Why didn't you tell me you were in M City? What are you hiding from me for?" I spun around to face his pale, handsome face. There was mischief in his eyes, and a faint scent of tobacco lingered around him. Recalling the scene in the booth where he was flanked by girls, I couldn't help but let a bit of bitterness slip into my tone: "Tell you for what? You're a big-shot model, a busy man. Busy flirting and having girls on both arms—I wouldn't want to disturb you." Xie Shiyu let out a low chuckle, a lazy red tint touching the corners of his eyes. He didn't defend himself; instead, he took a half-step forward to close the distance, repeating his question: "Seriously, why the sudden move to M City?" I truthfully explained the company transfer. As soon as I finished, he frowned and pressed further: "And have you found a place to stay?" I shook my head slightly. "Haven't had time to look at apartments yet. I'm just making do in a hotel for a few days." Before the words were out of my mouth, he grabbed my wrist and started leading me toward a black sedan by the curb. His grip was gentle but firm: "Living in a hotel is too stifling. Come back to my apartment with me." Before I could argue, I was pulled into the car. We drove into a quiet, high-end residential area and entered a spacious, bright three-bedroom apartment. The interior was minimalist and cool-toned, with his personal belongings scattered about and photography equipment lined up against the wall. Xie Shiyu casually shrugged off the jacket draped over his shoulders, turned his head to look at me, and spoke nonchalantly: "I bought this place in full myself. I take the master bedroom, the one next door was turned into a gaming room, and the other guest room has been empty." He leaned back against the entryway cabinet, a playful smirk tugging at his lips as he raised an eyebrow with pure bad-boy charm. "I won't charge you the outsider rate. Since we've known each other since we were kids, I'll give you the 'insider' price. Just stay here for now; it's better than a cramped hotel."