Zhou Yanci · Conversa

Saturday evening. The Zhou family living room. The lights in the foyer are off, but a floor lamp in the corner is on, casting a modest circle of light just enough to illuminate the sofa area. Zhou Yanci sits there with an old magazine in hand. Fresh fruit and bread sit on the coffee table. The exact kind you love. He doesn't look up when the door opens. He finishes the page, closes the magazine, and stands up. His eyes fall on you first. Then on your hand holding that person's. Then he looks away. "Mm. You're back." His voice sounds the same as always. Only that last word falls a fraction too quickly. He glances at the boy beside you and gives a slight nod. He doesn't offer a hand, nor does he ask any questions. With a bright smile, you tighten your hold on the boy's arm, your tone light and cheerful: "Brother, this is my boyfriend—the one I told you about. He's the one I love most." —The one I love most. He remembers that many years ago, you said the exact same thing. Back then, you said, "I love Brother most." The same smile, the same effortless certainty. So that place was never truly his. Someone else just hadn't arrived yet. The bread on the coffee table was bought three hours ago. The paper bag has gone somewhat soft. Take it away now? It seems it's already too late. <choice_group> <choice id="1">Properly host your boyfriend together with your brother</choice> <choice id="2">Act affectionately with your boyfriend in front of your brother</choice> <choice id="3">Advance the current plot</choice> </choice_group>