Luo Xiao’s shift ran from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. He woke early as usual and messaged Wen Ran, but got no reply. He assumed Wen Ran was still sleeping.
After lunch, he went to “Bumblebee Maintenance” and was surprised to see their boss, Tang, on site. Tang, a tall man with a shaved head and gold chain, was inspecting the shop. He waved at Luo Xiao and came over.
“Tang Ge.”
They’d barely met before. Tang’s introduction came through a local friend who’d introduced him to his cousin, Tang’s brother, who owned the shop.
Tang clapped Luo Xiao on the shoulder as they walked outside. “How’s work lately?”
“Why?” Luo Xiao asked.
Tang pulled out his phone and showed him a message. “Someone reported you for misbehaving or having an affair at work?”
It was a message from an unknown number, claiming Luo Xiao was slacking and flirting while working. Tang laughed: “Someone stabbing you in the back?” Curious, he asked, “With whom? Male or female?”
“Apparently, you can even fall in love while fixing a car,” he joked.
“I haven’t been so detached as my brother claims,” Luo Xiao replied. “Sorry for causing trouble. I’ve been close to a friend recently, but it hasn’t affected work.”
Tang didn’t mind. He patted Luo Xiao’s shoulder. “You saved my brother’s life. In my shop, you can do whatever—even poop if you want. And you’re teaching our clueless youngsters too.”
“You’re not bothering me; I’m bothering you,” Tang said, laughing. “Find out who sent the message and I’ll kick them out.”
Luo Xiao was annoyed: Slacking off and they pull this nonsense?
After Tang left in his G-Class, Xiao Qing and the others speculated:
“Why did the boss come today? He hardly ever shows up.”
“Who knows.”
“Xiao Ge, what did he say to you?” Ding Yijie asked.
“Nothing,” Luo Xiao replied.
He knew who in the shop could have sent the message. He checked his phone—still no reply from Wen Ran.
Later, thinking Wen Ran might come, Luo Xiao cleaned up and sent another message: “Coming today?” Still, no reply.
Did he not care? Of course he did. Wen Ran was usually proactive. Today he didn’t come, didn’t reply—Luo Xiao couldn’t ignore it.
Later, Luo Xiao kept sneaking glances at his phone whenever he had a free moment, even in the middle of busy work, to see if Wen Ran had replied.
After a while, Yuan Jun and the others noticed. Some teased him outright, others whispered:
“Big handsome guy isn’t coming today? Look at Xiao Ge waiting.”
“Just call him.”
“You don’t get it. Xiao Ge is the one being chased—no need to rush.”
“You don’t understand. That guy’s face alone could be worth 200,000 in one breath—if you had that, wouldn’t you be anxious too? Half a day goes by, I’d have to call to check.”
Ding Yijie didn’t join their chatter. He glared at Luo Xiao, sneering: He’s not coming, obviously.
Why was he so sure? Yesterday, using his alternate account, he had sent a message to Wen Ran’s number, claiming Luo Xiao had a chaotic private life, involved with anyone and everyone, even female colleagues. Ding Yijie simply couldn’t stand Luo Xiao.
Why him? Why should all the good things happen to him?
Sure enough, the whole afternoon passed. Luo Xiao got no reply from Wen Ran, and after dinner, post six o’clock, the shop was still busy. Even after sending off a car, removing his grease-stained gloves, and checking his phone, Wen Ran hadn’t responded. Only the earlier messages he had sent that day appeared.
Something must have happened, he thought, Wen Ran isn’t ignoring me deliberately.
He was about to call when Yuan Jun shouted: “Hey, come check this old engine oil—why’s it this color?”
Luo Xiao paused, putting the phone away, and turned to handle the issue. He stayed busy until after nine. As the shop quieted near closing, Xiao Qing and the others prepared to leave.
“Going for late-night food?” Ding Yijie asked unusually cheerfully, even offering to pay.
“Go ahead,” Luo Xiao refused. He wanted to check on Wen Ran—worried something might have happened.
As he washed his hands, Ding Yijie called again: “Xiao Ge, come on, join us. Going to see the big handsome guy?”
“Why? He didn’t come.”
“Let’s go eat barbecue.”
Yuan Jun and the others also called: “Xiao Ge! Night snack!”
At that moment, a car drove into the workshop. Yuan Jun groaned—no one wanted to take a late job. Then the car window rolled down, and a familiar voice said: “Not here for repairs or maintenance. Get out, I’m looking for Luo Xiao.”
Who else but Wen Ran?
“Ah~~” Yuan Jun and the others cheered, “Looking for Xiao Ge~”
Ding Yijie’s face fell instantly.
Luo Xiao saw it was Wen Ran—his black Porsche pulled up. A smile spread across his face as he approached. Wen Ran sat inside, the passenger window down, looking out at him.
“Sent you messages, why no reply?” Luo Xiao asked, leaning on the car.
Wen Ran was in satin pajamas, splattered with oil paints. “Ah, I was painting, didn’t see my phone. Come on, get in, I’ll show you the painting.”
Luo Xiao opened the door, telling Yuan Jun and the others: “You guys go ahead.” They cheered again as the Porsche backed out.
Inside the car, Wen Ran said while reversing, “You wanted to see the world through my eyes, right? Last night I didn’t sleep—I finished a painting this morning. Then I tried to nap, but overslept until just now.”
Luo Xiao’s gaze softened, voice gentle: “I thought something happened to you, I was about to come find you.”
“No problem,” Wen Ran said, steering. “This is how I paint. Usually my phone’s nearby, on silent, no one can reach me. My mom used to scold me for it, worried I’d disappeared.” He yawned.
“Okay, what did you paint?” Luo Xiao asked.
Wen Ran’s eyes lit up: “You’ll see.”
“Long time?”
“Mm,” he said. “Mixing colors is fast, but sometimes I tear up a half-done painting if I’m not satisfied. Seven or eight hours is normal.”
Wen Ran’s energy was infectious. In the garage and into the parking area, he even ran around the car, grabbed Luo Xiao’s hand, and led him to the apartment, pulling him along the stairs, barely changing shoes.
Upstairs, they entered a room Luo Xiao had never been to. He stopped in front of an easel and saw a completed painting of himself.
Black hair, dark eyes, gray vest. The portrait captured him at work—messy hair, sweaty face, grease on his arms, holding a wrench.
The color… it was hard to describe. Every inch of skin was subtly different, shades blending naturally, chaotic yet harmonious. The colors flowed like smoke or water. Subtle layering created depth without clashing. It was alive, vibrant.
“Wow,” Luo Xiao breathed.
Wen Ran’s eyes sparkled, radiant with excitement: “Pretty good, right? I haven’t made something this satisfying in five months! You’re my lucky star! I really like you!”
Luo Xiao, heart racing, lowered his head and kissed Wen Ran. His gaze softened, voice low: “Really?”
“Of course!” Wen Ran stood on tiptoe, kissed him, eyes shining with joy. “From the first moment I saw you, I liked you!”
Luo Xiao’s hand went around Wen Ran’s back and waist, pulling him close—his first proper kiss with Wen Ran.