“When did you make this?” Zhou Ziheng’s delight was written all over his face. To Xia Xiqing, that smile radiating youth and sunshine was priceless.
He adored Zhou Ziheng’s unblemished youthful spirit—not merely skin-deep, but a purity and resolve that emanated from his very core. After all, in this world awash with material desires, even the pure embrace of ideals was forced to become a solitary courage.
“While you were busy writing your thesis, I’d already been preparing for months,” Xia Xiqing walked up to the young boy, pointing at the book in his hands. “You should look at the details too, science guy.”
Zhou Ziheng followed suit, lowering his head. Engraved on the book too, near the swirling storm of positive and negative particles, were the words of that story Zhou Ziheng had once told him—in exquisitely elegant English cursive.
“You really… are amazing.” Zhou Ziheng felt suddenly speechless, reduced to the simplest expressions like a primary school student. Yet his eyes shone brightly, radiating joy greater than possessing the entire world. After speaking, he lowered his head again, his fingers gently tracing the engraved words.
Xia Xiqing stood beside him, watching as he admired the sculpture.
Zhou Ziheng was undoubtedly radiant, possessing the fervent love of countless people.
But it was when faced with his ideals that he truly shone.
And at this moment, Xia Xiqing was the only person in the world who knew why he shone.
This piece took nearly four months from design to completion. Xia Xiqing had begun drafting the design almost immediately after the New Year, scouring the globe for suitable materials. Each tiny “particle” was meticulously crafted by Xia Xiqing alone in his studio—from polishing to coloring, every step poured with his passion for art and his love for Zhou Ziheng.
“How many did you make?” Zhou Ziheng looked up, touching a tiny black particle as he voiced the question he’d been holding back.
Before Xia Xiqing could answer, Director Wang approached with a junior reporter from the news agency, asking to take a photo with Zhou Ziheng. Xia Xiqing instinctively stepped aside. Zhou Ziheng’s gaze followed him until he saw Xia stand off to the side, holding up four fingers.
1, 3, 1, 4.
One thousand three hundred and fourteen colliding positive and negative particles.
How cliché, Xia Xiqing thought. He hadn’t intended to tell Zhou Ziheng. Yet here he was, clichéd to the core—whether defying the randomness common in aesthetics or deliberately contrived in affectation, he simply wanted to.
At least, in the instant he saw Zhou Ziheng smile at it, his heart swelled with immense satisfaction.
Watching Zhou Ziheng from afar, Xia Xiqing suddenly realized how much he had truly changed. Before, he had always been reluctant to create public sculptures, feeling his lonely, dark works were unsuitable for public exposure. The result of this alienation was that they melted away under uncomprehending gazes, turning into a pool of filthy water that flowed into hidden corners.
But now, he yearned for his creations to be as beautiful and hopeful as possible—works that would make everyone pause in awe, feel uplifted and inspired. Only then could he confidently sign his name, Zhou Ziheng, to this piece.
After the group photo, Zhou Ziheng took the donation certificate from the director, bowed slightly, and approached Xia Xiqing with a smile. Leaning against a marble column, Xia Xiqing teased, “You tower so much over your director—it must have been tough for the photographer.”
“What can you do?” Zhou Ziheng raised an eyebrow, clutching the rose in his hand as he followed Xia Xiqing toward the exit, glancing down at his name on the donation certificate.
“Do you like this graduation gift?”
As they descended the steps, sunlight fell on Xia Xiqing’s face, causing him to squint slightly as he spoke—an endearing little gesture.
“Of course.” Zhou Ziheng took his hand without hesitation. “Thank you.”
How many people in this world could earn the favor of a proud artist?
For that alone, Zhou Ziheng felt incredibly fortunate. Feeling the coarse gauze rubbing against his palm as they held hands, Zhou Ziheng felt a pang of tenderness again. “You got that while sculpting, didn’t you?”
“I got so absorbed in my work, I reached for the knife to cut the material. I grabbed the blade end and ended up cutting myself.” Xia Xiqing said it casually, but Zhou Ziheng felt deeply for him. He could vividly imagine Xia Xiqing locking himself in his quiet studio, silently perfecting every detail.
It made his heart ache, and he desperately wanted to hold him.
“When you said you were going on a business trip those last few days, did you really go to America?”
Xia Xiqing nodded. “Yes, I went to New York to receive an award.”
So the director had been telling the truth. Zhou Ziheng found it odd. In his eyes, Xia Xiqing had never been one to chase awards. His artistic perspective was always independent; he never actively sought others’ evaluations or praise. Entering competitions proactively was completely out of character for him.
“Does it seem incomprehensible?” Xia Xiqing read Zhou Ziheng’s thoughts perfectly and laughed. “After all, it’s being donated in your name. We can’t just pick any random sculpture. While I don’t believe an artwork’s value should be measured by so-called awards, when dealing with the general public, this is the quickest way to win their trust and admiration.”
“An anonymous creator’s work—though unknown—but with the aura of a gold medal…” Xia Xiqing turned his face to look at him. “It would still be worthy of our Hengheng.”
He used that nickname again.
“Then…” Zhou Ziheng draped his arm over his shoulder, walking him along the secluded courtyard path. He lifted his wrist to stroke his cheek. “Thanks, Brother Xiqing.”
“Such a good boy.”
They reached the spot where Zhou Ziheng had parted ways with his mother earlier. There, Mrs. Zhou and Zhao Ke, dressed in academic robes, stood chatting beneath a tree. Beside them, Ruan Xiao wore a red dress. She spotted Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing first, stretching her arms wide to wave excitedly at them.
Mrs. Zhou watched them with smiling eyes. “Did you see the gift Xiqing gave you?” Hearing her mother’s question, Zhou Ziheng suddenly realized she’d been laying the groundwork for him all morning.
“You knew all along,” Zhou Ziheng chuckled helplessly. “Kept it from me alone.”
Zhao Ke grinned mischievously. “It’s a surprise! Spoil it and it loses its magic. Oh my, you’re so lucky—such a huge sculpture!” He clutched his chest dramatically, shaking his head. “I’m genuinely jealous today.”
Ruan Xiao whacked Zhao Ke’s back with her handbag. “What did you say?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Zhao Ke wrapped an arm around Ruan Xiao’s waist. “I’m just so sweet.”
“Shameless.” Zhou Ziheng remarked without mercy.
Zhou’s mother seemed to be about to get up, “Oh, right. Your sister-in-law just called asking if you’re free for a livestream. Many of your little fans skipped the event because they listened to you. Xiao Yin suggested a half-hour livestream to cheer everyone up.”
Zhou Ziheng didn’t have strong objections. He’d only discouraged fans from coming to avoid disruptions, but sharing his graduation day with them held deep meaning for him.
Since the official graduation ceremony was still to come, Zhou Ziheng could only go live now. However, he didn’t want too many people watching, nor did he want this moment to turn into celebrity promotion. So he started the livestream using his secondary Weibo account.
Within three minutes, the live chat exploded with comments. He handed the roses to his mother, mounted his phone on a selfie stick, and held it far away to capture everyone in the frame—except his mother, who preferred not to be shown.
“Hello, everyone,” Zhou Ziheng smiled at the camera. “Today is my graduation day. I’m sure you’ve all heard about it.”
[Aaaaaaah zzh looks so good in that cap and gown!]
[Congrats on graduating, Hengheng! You’re officially an adult stepping into society now!]
[Aaaah xqgg!!! Oh my gosh I knew xqgg would attend Hengheng’s graduation, xqgg is so amazing, I’m so touched wuwuwuwuwu]
[And Xiao Xiao and Zhao Ke! Right, Zhao Ke graduated too! Congratulations!]
[Hengheng graduated! Mom is so proud!! Hengheng is the absolute best graduate.]
[Aaaaaaaaah self-study! My xqgg looks so good today too! Waaah, it really is different when it’s real. Self-study girls are seriously at high risk for diabetes.]
“Actually, I was planning to record a vlog,” Zhou Ziheng said while walking, too busy to look at the camera. On screen, it felt like a video call, quite intimate. “But vlogs need editing, unlike livestreams that happen in real time, right?”
[Dei! Dei! Dei! I love livestreams! We can ask questions and chat with you! But I love vlogs too!]
[Livestreams let us interact!]
[Hengheng! Mom wants to see her daughter-in-law!!! Let Mom see her daughter-in-law!!]
[Hahahaha daughter-in-law, don’t you dare run away!!]
[I want to see my daughter-in-law too!!!]
The comments were just too hilarious. Zhou Ziheng took the phone away, nearly shoving it in Xia Xiqing’s face. “They’re all clamoring to see you—your mother-in-law fans.”
Xia Xiqing frowned and scolded him playfully, “You’re the mother-in-law fan.”
Zhou Ziheng smirked triumphantly. “I’m a husband fan.”
[Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
[My favorite part is here, hahaha!]
[Husband fan!!!!! ZZH is so awesome!! [squeal]]
Xia Xiqing was practically rolling his eyes at the camera. Looking at Zhou Ziheng now, he couldn’t help but miss the little puppy dog he’d been just minutes ago when receiving the gift. “Seriously, who was calling me ‘Brother Xiqing’ just a second ago?”
[Aaaaaaaaah call xqgg!!!]
[I can’t even imagine how sweet they are in private.]
[Aaaaaaaaah Zixi drives me crazy!!!]
“What’s wrong with calling me ‘brother’?” Zhou Ziheng shrugged indifferently. “Does calling me ‘brother’ change the fact that I’m your husband? No.”
[Holy shit!!! Zzh, how are you so badass!!!]
[Kissy here recommends you speak up more! Ahhhhhhh zzh you’re insane!]
[Holy shit, turns out I wasn’t watching zzh’s graduation ceremony—I was watching him livestream a romantic spat with his wife!]
[No way!!! You are his husband! It’s a fact, a theorem!!!]
Xia Xiqing fought the urge to commit domestic violence in front of the massive live audience, forcing a gentle smile as he reached out to lightly pat Zhou Ziheng’s cheek. “You’re quite the talker. Say more.”
[Hahahahaha Sexy XQ, online rage mode activated!!!]
[Holy shit Xiqing’s tone is so hot! I just imagined a car scene!!! Queen-type uke!!!]
[Queen-type uke meets wolf-dog seme! Who wins, who loses??]
[Wolf dog, of course. He’s inhuman when it comes to that.]
[Hahahahahaha, inhuman? Sis, are you a werewolf?!]
[Inhuman? Hahahahaha, I’m cracking up!]
“My bad.” Zhou Ziheng patted Xia Xiqing’s neck twice in an attempt to appease him. “I won’t say another word.”
[Looks like he’s still a loyal dog in public lololol]
[xqgg’s expressions are so tempting, even rolling his eyes is tempting! Who can resist this!!!]
[Anyway, Zhou Ziheng can’t resist!!]
“Hey, keep your conversation on track, okay?” Zhou Ziheng pointed at the screen. “If the livestream gets shut down, we’re screwed.”
Xia Xiqing chuckled quietly before lifting his head to address the fans on screen. “Right. The internet isn’t a lawless zone.”
[Hahahaha so funny!!!]
[Alright alright, I’ll take off Pinru’s clothes right now.]
[Hahahahaha you’re so sassy, girl!]
Zhou Ziheng walked around the academy grounds, holding his phone to show everyone his classmates and the special graduation area the academy had set up. Xia Xiqing strolled leisurely behind him, smiling as he watched his back.
[Younger guys are just too perfect, waaah waaah waaah]
[xqgg What kind of doting gaze is that? So sweet, my goodness]
[Why are younger guys so irresistible???]
[“I dressed up to attend your graduation ceremony.”]
[Ahhhhhhh authors please write fanfics now!!]
“Ziheng!” Zhao Ke waved at Zhou Ziheng from ahead. “Come on over, let’s snap a pic with the bros!”
“Coming.” Zhou Ziheng handed his phone to Xia Xiqing. “I’ll be right back.”
Xia Xiqing nodded and followed over, standing beside the red wall where Zhou Ziheng was taking photos. He glanced down at the camera.
[Waaah XQGG glowing white under the sunlight waaah, so gorgeous eeeek]
“Um… are you guys watching me or Zhou Ziheng taking photos?” Xia Xiqing asked with utmost consideration, trying to figure out whether he should flip the camera around.
[We’re looking at you!!!!]
[It’s been so long since we heard xqgg speak!!!]
[xqgg, I miss you!! We haven’t seen each other in months!!!]
“Yeah, I haven’t been around for two and a half months, right?” Xia Xiqing thoughtfully raised his eyes before lowering them again with a smile. “Did you miss me?”
[YES!!!!!!]
[xqgg post more selfies and livestream more often! We want to see you paint!!!]
[xqgg is it because you’re busy with the art gallery?]
[xq looks thinner, you’re working so hard! I love you, big bro!]
“Nah, probably just lens distortion.” Xia Xiqing turned his face to look at his reflection in the camera. “But yeah, I’ve been pretty busy lately. Thanks for all of you visiting the art museum. I saw the guides and travelogues you posted online. Really appreciate it.”
[xqgg I love you!!!]
[I went to Beijing just to visit the art gallery. Seeing Xiqing’s work and so many other artists’ pieces made it totally worth it. I’ll definitely go again next time.]
[Thank you, xqgg, for sharing so many wonderful pieces with us! I used to think art was distant and unnecessary in daily life, but now I see it differently. You’ve shown me art is an essential part of a beautiful life.]
Reading this, Xiqing felt a wave of emotion wash over him. He’d never imagined he could change anything, much less considered himself a worthy messenger of ideas.
[I’ve always wanted to ask Brother Xiqing one question: What does art mean to you?]
This unexpected query stumped Xia Xiqing, for he’d never pondered it before. His family had instilled this understanding in him from childhood—no, not just family, but a genetic legacy ingrained in his very being.
“Actually… I’ve always felt that for everyone’s daily life, art is probably a kind of nourishment.” His voice was like the warm summer breeze, soft and floating. “For me, it is life itself.”
Over there, the group photo had been taken. Several big boys, laughing and joking, high-fived each other. Zhao Ke ran over to their dedicated photographer, Ruan Xiao, to check the finished shots. Zhou Ziheng approached him, radiating the full, luminous glow of midsummer.
[So, Brother Xiqing, what nourishes you?]
My nourishment…
Xia Xiqing lifted his head, looking past the phone screen to see the person beaming a dazzling smile at him.
A single star, shining brightly in the silent cosmos.
On the other side of the small screen, all the fans waited for Xia Xiqing’s answer. But they didn’t hear his voice—only the lingering chirping of cicadas.
A few seconds later, they saw the screen flip. The handsome face that had filled their view transformed into a vast expanse of grass, a clear blue summer sky, and the flickering light streaming through the dense foliage.
And there was Zhou Ziheng, walking toward them with gentle eyes—eyes meant for the person behind the camera.
My nourishment.
“Him.”
Author’s Note:
Xia Xiqing gave Zhou Ziheng all his love and tenderness, even the part meant for himself.
Leave a Reply