Chapter 1 : A promise Beneath the Moon

The sun bathed the city in golden hues as Liang Chen and Zhao Rui walked home from school. The streets were alive with the chatter of students, the scent of fresh dumplings wafting from nearby stalls. It was one of those peaceful afternoons that felt like it could last forever.

Zhao Rui, always the talkative one, turned to his friend with a grin. "Chen, I found you another part-time job!" he declared proudly. "I'm also searching for a high-paying one for you, so don't look so down, my dear!"

Liang Chen, who had been lost in thought, managed a small smile. "Rui, you don't have to—"

Before he could finish, Zhao Rui interrupted, clutching his stomach dramatically. "Forget that for now! I'm starving! Let's go eat before I collapse right here on the sidewalk!"

Liang Chen chuckled. "You just ate before we left school."

"And? That was a warm-up meal!" Rui pouted.

Giving in, Liang Chen sighed and let his friend drag him toward a food stall. Even when things were tough, Zhao Rui always found a way to make him smile.

That evening, Liang Chen went to the job Zhao Rui had arranged for him. It wasn't easy, but he worked overtime, pushing himself beyond his limits.

On his way home, he stopped for a moment and gazed at the moon. His voice was barely a whisper.

"One day, your illness will be gone, my sister. I promise you."

With tired steps, he finally reached home. The smell of freshly cooked food filled the air, and he spotted Zhao Rui in the kitchen, setting the table.

"You're late again," Rui scolded, crossing his arms. "I'm telling you, I'm finding the perfect job for you. But if you keep doing so much overtime, you'll get sick and won't even be able to work at all!"

Before Liang Chen could reply, Zhao Rui pulled him into a quick hug. Then, as if to ruin the serious moment, he pulled away and smirked.

"You know," he teased, "you actually look kinda handsome after all that overtime. What kind of work were you doing, huh?"

Liang Chen burst into laughter. No matter how exhausted he was, Zhao Rui always found a way to lift his spirits.