Chapter 9: Let's start over

Ēn Chén's heart raced as he followed Zhēng Yù into the stairwell. The surprise of seeing him after all these years was overwhelming. A wave of happiness washed over him, but it was accompanied by a pang of apprehension. He could see the shock in Zhēng Yù's eyes, and Ēn Chén was keenly aware that their last meeting had been far from pleasant.

"Zhēng Yù," he called softly, using the old nickname he hadn't uttered in years. It slipped out naturally, a habit that hadn't faded despite the time apart. He saw Zhēng Yù visibly flinch as if the name held a weight he wasn't ready to bear.

"Ēn Chén, don't," Zhēng Yù protested, his voice strained. He made a move to leave, but Ēn Chén stepped closer, his expression soft and pleading.