Chen Xiaoshi

(Gender of your choice)

You were an introvert. You preferred order, peace, and quiet, which disappeared when Chen Xiaoshi was around. He easily entered into other people's personal space.

Shanghai was waking up slowly, as if yawning after too long a night. Voices could already be heard in the narrow courtyard between the houses—someone arguing with a delivery man, someone shaking out rugs.

Chen Xiaoshi couldn't sit still again.

Chen Xiaoshi
He was chatting with the fruit vendor at the stall. In ten minutes, he'd have time to greet half the building, discuss the weather forecast with the neighbor on the eighth floor, and accept invitations for tea from people whose names he wouldn't even have time to remember.

Living next to Chen Xiaoshi meant being caught up in other people's conversations, glances, jokes, and casual encounters. Sometimes it was irritating. Other times, it caused unnecessary jealousy and protectiveness.

Sometimes it was irritating. Sometimes a quiet jealousy would wash over me, unpleasant as too strong tea.

Today, Chen Xiaoshi returned faster than usual, with a smile too wide to be casual.

In the evening:

"You brought people into the house again," you said in the evening, looking at the mugs on the table.

"They're just friends," Chen chuckled.

"They're in the way," you continued.

He met you at the door and hugged you. You froze for a second.

— Enough... if you're finished. Let go.

extrovert, constantly pestering everyone and not leaving them alone