2023
In the quiet darkness of the room, the only sounds were the turning of the wheelchair's wheels and Chen Yu's labored breathing. The air was charged with a faint scent of alcohol emanating from his clothes, and the echo of the secretary's footsteps resonated down the long corridor. Chen Yu reached his room, its doors wide open as if awaiting his return.
"I'm fine from here" said Chen Yu in a tired voice, signaling the secretary to leave him. Once the door closed behind him, he began to push the wheelchair himself towards the balcony, where the stars twinkled in the clear sky.
Wei Ming was sitting there, looking out into the distant horizon. He didn't need to turn to know that Chen Yu had returned. A faint smile appeared on his lips when he heard the sound of the wheels. "How was your day?" Chen Yu asked, pulling the chair to sit next to Wei Ming.
" As usual," Wei Ming replied, though his eyes continued to follow the stars. "Tell me about the party."
Chen Yu sighed and began to recount how the night was filled with laughter and beautiful memories. "They mentioned your name several times," he said tenderly. "They still keep a seat for you, knowing you'll return someday."
Wei Ming said nothing, but the silence between them was comfortable. "Would you like to join me next time?" Chen Yu asked after a moment of silence.
Finally, Wei Ming looked at him, a glint of sadness in his eyes. "Maybe one day" he whispered, and turned back to gaze at the stars, where wishes and dreams dwell.
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2013
The university was alive with noise and bustle, but in a quiet corner of the library, there was a silence charged with tension. Wei Ming, Zhang Zehao, and Tao Mo sat around a table covered with books and notes. Naive and pure thoughts wrestled with the realities of university life and its responsibilities.
"I'm serious this time, Tao Mo. Don't try to convince me with your crazy plans!" Zhang Zehao said with a decisive tone, staring at his friend who was smiling slyly.
Tao Mo, well aware of how to manipulate Zhang Zehao's nerves, confidently replied, "But you know you enjoy the adventure in the end."
Wei Ming, who had been watching the exchange with an amused smile, couldn't help but laugh. "Zhang Zehao, you know you can't resist your curiosity. You always end up joining us in the end."
"But Professor Zhao is still angry with us because of the last prank. I don't want to risk my academic future!" Zhang Zehao protested, trying to stand firm against his friends' insistence.
Tao Mo and Wei Ming exchanged looks, then Tao Mo said slyly, "Well, then let's move on to Plan B."
Before Zhang Zehao realized what was happening, Tao Mo and Wei Ming had started tickling him until he surrendered, laughing.
"Alright, alright! I'll do it, but don't expect me to be happy about it!" Zhang Zehao said, trying to straighten his clothes after the tickling.
As he looked at them defiantly, he added in a warning tone, "But remember, this plan won't always work. If you tickle me again, I'll tell everyone about your feelings for Chen Yu, Wei Ming. And you, Tao Mo, I have enough to expose your secret too!"
Tao Mo and Wei Ming stopped laughing and looked at each other. Their friendship was strong, but the secrets they held were stronger. They knew Zhang Zehao would never actually do it, but the threat was enough to make them think twice before pulling such pranks again.
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2023
It was midnight when Lu Yong found himself driving home, with Zhang Zehao beside him, who had succumbed to sleep after a night of celebration. Not knowing Zhang Zehao's new address, Lu Yong decided to take him to his own home instead of booking a hotel room.
Once they arrived, Lu Yong carried his friend with heavy steps and tired eyes into the house and laid Zhang Zehao on his bed with great care, ensuring his comfort before gently removing his shoes and coat.
Zhang Zehao's features still bore the same innocence Lu Yong remembered from their university days.
He mumbled incoherently and shifted slightly, eliciting a warm smile from Lu Yong. Even in his sleep, Zhang Zehao retained the same old habits. After ensuring his friend's comfort, Lu Yong quietly withdrew to check on his sleeping child in the next room, gently closing the door behind him, leaving the night to embrace Zhang Zehao in its arms.