In reality, Luo Xiao hadn’t planned on staying here very long.
He was used to freedom; every year—or after some time—he’d move somewhere new or start a fresh solo travel route.
As he’d casually mentioned to Wen Ran not long ago, whether it was the Sichuan–Tibet Highway, Xinjiang, the Northwest, or even international trips to the Arctic or Antarctic, his footprints could be found everywhere.
Not long ago, he had just finished a self-guided trip along a certain route in Tibet with two friends. After that, he came here, casually found a job at a car repair shop—partly because he had nothing better to do, partly to experience life, and partly to attend a friend’s wedding in the city.
When he arrived, he didn’t know how long he would stay in this first-tier city. He might linger a while, or leave right after the wedding. He’d go with his mood.
So naturally, Luo Xiao never expected that simply working at an ordinary repair shop would catch the attention of a young guy.
He had just returned from Tibet, his skin tanned and a little rough from the sun.
He didn’t present himself in any particularly attractive way, and after working at the shop, he smelled of grease and looked scruffy.
A person like him, with an ordinary mechanic’s appearance, could someone really be interested in him?
It was honestly surprising.
Luo Xiao didn’t let it go to his head or feel overly confident. He was purely surprised.
Over the years, traveling alone in different cities, he’d encountered similar situations—mostly fellow travelers, male and female alike.
But he never paid them much mind, and he always turned them down.
Simply put: he didn’t like them.
Not liking someone naturally led to rejection. Others could enjoy fleeting romances, but that wasn’t him.
Yet this time was different—very different:
He didn’t reject Wen Ran. He even agreed to the young man’s invitation to come help check his cars.
Why didn’t he refuse?
Because Wen Ran was just too good-looking.
Luo Xiao had to admit he was, in the end, just a mortal man.
Someone like Wen Ran, with that face, leaning close, talking and laughing, smiling so sweetly, and looking straight at him with eyes as pure and bright as a fawn’s—he simply couldn’t resist.
After adding Wen Ran on WeChat, Luo Xiao did something uncharacteristic: that evening after work, he scrolled through the young man’s Moments.
Wen Ran had set his posts to be visible for a month. In that month, he’d posted a photo or two every two to three days—mostly selfies, food, and leisure activities. From these, Luo Xiao could tell how rich and joyful Wen Ran’s life was, and, more importantly, could see his flawless, all-angle, stunningly attractive face.
Lying on his dorm bed, phone in hand, Luo Xiao went through every photo from start to finish, not missing a single one. Wen Ran’s face was that compelling.
He clicked on one photo that Wen Ran had just posted today:
Wen Ran was leaning over the steering wheel of the Range Rover, head tilted, resting lightly on his arm, looking quietly into the camera. His gaze felt like it pierced through the screen, looking straight at Luo Xiao.
Luo Xiao zoomed in, admired Wen Ran’s face, his eyes—so beautiful they seemed painted, impossible to ignore.
He wasn’t naive; he knew this photo might have been posted deliberately for him. He curved a smile, looked again, exited, and tapped a like—because if he didn’t react at all, it would be boring.
Wen Ran was far from passive. Less than thirty seconds after Luo Xiao liked it, the young man commented:
【Liking it means you like me, right?】
Luo Xiao saw it and laughed.
Many had shown interest in him over the years, but Wen Ran was by far the most straightforward.
Amused, he canceled the like, teasing a little.
Within ten seconds, another comment appeared under the same post: 【Canceling means you care.】
Luo Xiao laughed again and restored the like.
Just then, someone in the dorm asked, “Brother Xiao, you’re off Wednesday. Any plans? Want to hit a night market with us after work?”
“No, I’ve got things to do that day.”
“What things?”
Another guy, playing on his laptop, teased, “Meeting a girl? Not Xiao Qing, I hope.”
The first guy quipped, “Yeah, sure, you want to date Xiao Qing.”
At that moment, the fourth guy walked in, complaining, “Damn, all my friends are driving Mercedes. Their girlfriends bought them. I’m jealous.”
“You should date a rich girl too.”
“Forget it, just not being drained financially is fine.”
“How much money do you even have to be drained?”
…
Luo Xiao stayed by the bed, scrolling through his phone, ignoring their chatter. He was older and his interests were far from theirs.
Back in Wen Ran’s place, he had already changed into pajamas. Seeing Luo Xiao like, cancel, then like again on Moments, he sprang upright—normally a lazy lounger, he sat up straight.
What did that mean?
Wen Ran stared at his phone. Was it a slip? Or intentional?
If intentional… what did it mean?
He even got out of bed, scooped up his cat, pressed it against his face, held the phone, adjusted angles under the warm lights, and snapped photos.
Afterward, he posted a private Moment just for Luo Xiao—humph, let’s see if I don’t drive you crazy.
He even edited it slightly to ensure his appearance was irresistibly attractive.
Wednesday, 2 PM, Wen Ran waited for Luo Xiao in the garage of a female friend’s new home—having borrowed his friends’ gas cars, a lineup of eight vehicles, Mercedes, Porsche, all there.
He was still dissatisfied with his mother’s garage, so he borrowed this one—luxurious ceiling, stone tile floors, bright lighting, wide spaces, exactly like a high-end mansion.
As Shang Ge said: if you’re going to show off, do it big—why not flaunt it?
Indeed, Wen Ran was flaunting—his cars, his looks, showing his best feathers to his crush.
Today he wore a brand-new weekend outfit, hair styled by a professional, skin cared for the night before, all to look dazzling. Unaware observers might have thought he was preparing to debut.
Lu Wenwen had lent the garage, borrowed some extra spots from neighbors. She and Shang Ge hid in a corner, whispering: “A repair shop worker? I can’t understand it—how did Wen Ran fall for him?”
Shang Ge replied: “I’ve seen the photos and sketches. Definitely manly.”
“Sketches?”
Lu Wenwen gasped. “Wen Ran commissioned sketches? That’s gotta be Wu Yanzu level, right?”
But still couldn’t figure it out: “A mechanic… really hangs out with Wen Ran?”
Shang Ge corrected her: “Sleeping together is the key.”
Lu Wenwen: “Is he gay? Single? Hope it’s not a married straight guy.”
“No way,” said Shang Ge. “Wen Ran’s savvy. He can make someone come out—he’d know they’re single.”
“Single straight guy?”
“So what if he’s straight? Before stepping in, men all think they’re straight.”
Lu Wenwen snickered, covering her mouth, waiting to see her crush’s true self.
Nearby, Wen Ran looked down at his phone.
He’d just messaged Luo Xiao: 【I’m in the garage. Where are you?】
Luo Xiao replied quickly: 【Just registered, entering the community.】
YES!
Wen Ran: 【Okay, I’ll wait. No rush.】
He turned toward Shang Ge and the others, flashing an OK: Coming.
Shang Ge returned the gesture: Got it.
“Here?” Lu Wenwen asked, peeking.
“Almost.”
Shang Ge also watched.
Soon, Wen Ran spotted a tall figure turning into the garage.
His eyes lit up immediately. He waved: “Here.”
Luo Xiao today was casually dressed—plain pants, plain black T-shirt. Clean, neat, unlike the grease-stained work clothes at the repair shop.
Tall and broad-shouldered, his muscular build subtly visible through the shirt. Paired with his sharp, rugged features, Wen Ran couldn’t help but think: wow, so manly.
Smiling, Wen Ran spoke first as Luo Xiao approached, “Was it far? Traffic okay?”
“Not bad, I took the subway.”
As he drew near, Luo Xiao couldn’t help but notice how striking he looked today: a crisp, bright white outfit, excellent cut and texture, flattering every angle.
The young man had changed his hairstyle again, looking just like a TV star.
His whole presence was dazzlingly attractive.
Luo Xiao glanced at him, unable to look away, and when he replied, a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes—he knew Wen Ran had dressed so well just for him.
Wen Ran immediately kept the conversation going: “The subway is convenient; I ride it often too.”
He smoothly steered the topic along: “Which line is this entrance on?”
“Line 6,” Luo Xiao answered, speaking more than he usually did at the repair shop. “Exit 3C, then walk about 200 meters.”
Wen Ran nodded. “I didn’t even know there was a subway here.”
He quickly added: “Have you eaten lunch?”
“Yes, I have.”
Wen Ran smiled: “Then I’ll take you out for dinner.”
He gestured toward the row of cars beside him: “These are the ones.”
Luo Xiao scanned them briefly, said nothing, and then looked back at Wen Ran.
Seeing him not looking at the cars but at himself, Wen Ran was puzzled: “What’s wrong?”
Any problem?
Luo Xiao spoke: “Are we really here to look at cars?”
He swept his gaze over the cars again, tone casual: “I thought that was just an excuse to get me out here.”
Wen Ran paused for half a beat, then smiled, eyes sparkling, lightly teasing: “So…”
“Is it okay…”
“Not to look at the cars, right?”
“If you want to look, we can.”
Luo Xiao turned to the white Porsche in front of him, about to start there.
But Wen Ran suddenly stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
Then he did something that made Lu Wenwen and Shang Ge’s jaws drop in the corner—
He leaned up on his toes, lifted his chin, and, before anyone could react, lightly pressed his lips against Luo Xiao’s cheek.
Lu Wenwen and Shang Ge: mind blown.jpg
Wen—Ran—!
Ahhhh!!!
When Luo Xiao turned in surprise, Wen Ran stayed on his toes, his gaze fixed on him with those light, animal-like eyes, softly asking, “Do you want to walk outside, or go to my place for a bit?”
That “hmm” went straight into Luo Xiao’s heart, a soft little arrow that sent shivers through him.
His gaze darkened instantly. He stayed silent for a moment, then looked into the young man’s eyes and murmured, “You’ve got quite the nerve.”
“Do I?”
Wen Ran tilted his head, smiling faintly, stepping back slowly: “Not too much.”
Then, with a calm yet firm tone: “I always try my best for someone I like.”
In the corner, Shang Ge and Lu Wenwen pressed their hands over each other’s mouths, eyes wide with shock.
Shang Ge: Wait, you can actually do that!?
Lu Wenwen: What’s the difference from… you know… sleeping together!?
Wen—Ran!
Luo Xiao was genuinely surprised too.