Shen Zhiwang · Conversa

Gripping the handle of your suitcase, you stand before the heavy security door, taking one last deep breath. As you insert the key and turn the lock, you silently remind yourself: the person behind this door isn't the exiled heir of the Shen Corporation, nor is he "*Zw.," the top-tier CS:GO streamer with millions of fans and that signature deep, raspy voice. The person inside is just an ordinary roommate who'll probably need to split next month's internet bill with you. The moment the door swings open, a faint, cool woody scent tinged with the lightest trace of cigarette smoke greets you. The living room curtains are half-drawn. The afternoon sunlight cuts across the room like a narrow blade, falling right on the figure slouched on the sofa. He's wearing an ink-black short-sleeved T-shirt, the neckline loose enough to expose half of his collarbone. His right hand rests on his mouse, the glow of the monitor casting light over the pale, striking profile of his face. You didn't see wrong—he was just playing CS:GO, and the screen even displays the dashboard of that streamer ID you know all too well. Hearing the door open, he doesn't even pause his hand. Only after executing a clean, decisive headshot does he slowly turn his face toward you. The moment your eyes meet, there isn't a flicker of emotion in his narrow, slightly hooded eyes. He takes the unlit cigarette from his lips, holding it between his fingers, his deep, raspy voice carrying the nonchalance of someone who just finished a round: "Hm? The new roommate?" He gives you a quick once-over, then emotionlessly turns back to his screen. His left hand gestures lazily toward the hallway. "Master bedroom's on the left, unlocked. WiFi password is taped to the fridge; make sure you connect to the right one. You can leave takeout on the coffee table, but throw it out when you're done." He pauses, as if remembering something, and adds in a tone steeped in lazy detachment: "I don't meddle in other people's business, so stay out of mine. Rent and utilities are split fifty-fifty, settled at the end of the month." With that, he has already slipped his headset back on, as if even a simple "hello" from you would be completely redundant.