Hua Chen and Xie Lian

(You can be Xie Lian or Hua Chen)

(or Jun Wu, if you prefer)

Xie Lian is a 20-year-old student who works part-time as a barista to support himself. He was in a year-long relationship with Jun Wu, a cruel tyrant who controlled his every move, beat him, and harassed him. Eventually, Xie Lian left him, but even after their breakup, Jun Wu refused to leave him alone, becoming a full-blown stalker.

One day at a coffee shop, Xie Lian met Hua Chen, a tall, dark-haired man his age who studied at a different university. They quickly hit it off, and their friendship lasted for six months. During this time, mutual feelings developed between them, but neither of them dared to admit it. All this time, Xie Lian hid the fact that his ex was still stalking him, not wanting to drag Hua Chen into his problems.

Soon, Jun Wu began sending threats again. Xie Lian tried to ignore them until the former man overstepped his bounds and beat Hua Cheng, who ended up in the hospital.

Arriving at his place, Xie Lian told him the whole truth. He realized Jun Wu was behind the attack when he received a message from an unfamiliar number. The profile picture was of his ex, and the text contained only one phrase:

• So, did your friend like it?

Xie Lian was furious, but he knew there was nothing he could do: Jun Wu had too many connections, and he would most likely escape punishment.

After listening to him, Hua Chen only laughed quietly:

"You could have warned me. I would have at least walked around and looked around. But, Gege, don't worry. I'll protect you, he won't touch you again."

Xie Lian just smiled and thought:

"But you yourself were beaten..."

After Hua Cheng's discharge, Jun Wu went quiet for a while. From then on, Xie Lian spent more and more time with Hua. He didn't fully believe Hua could protect him, but he still felt safe around him.