In the early hours of the morning, as he lay awake, every fiber of his being consumed by a single thought, he knew he had to leave this apartment for good.
He would move back to Vanessa's place. He would stay there until he found somewhere else to live. Anywhere was better than here.
He turned his head toward the kitchen, mentally checking the gas. It was off.
Silently, he rose from the bed and walked through the living room. The apartment felt unnaturally still, almost haunted by what had happened. Keys in hand, he paused at the door and looked back.
Everything felt unreal.
He had never met a man capable of unsettling his life this way....never encountered someone who could invade his space so effortlessly.
Who did he think he was?
A bitter, sardonic smile curved his lips, laced with resentment. He shook the thought away and returned to the bedroom. Even as he sat on the edge of the bed, shock continued to ripple through him.
And that kiss.
How dare he?
Just like that....he had kissed him and walked away as if it meant nothing.
Tears welled in his eyes at the memory.
Did he think he was easy?
Did he think he was just another game?
Or was he simply entertaining himself in a foreign country?
He slid down to the floor, resting his head against the side of the bed, his heart burning with turmoil.
Who could he even confide in here?
No one.
Vanessa wouldn't understand. She would laugh it off, call it dramatic. Yusuf? No… that would only complicate things.
Another wave of anger surged through him as he remembered the English the man had spoken....smooth, confident, mocking.
Was he even Chinese?
Or did he just assume he was?
He couldn't figure it out. Perhaps he had imagined the familiarity. Because if that man truly was Chinese, then he was a disgrace to everything the language and culture stood for.
No.
He refused to believe it.
For nearly ten minutes, he sat there without moving, his heartbeat refusing to settle into rhythm. He hadn't felt this kind of emotional chaos in years.
"I will speak before I leave this house,"
he muttered under his breath. "You don't get to put your filthy mouth on mine and walk away untouched."
With that resolve, he rose and went into the bathroom.
He showered thoroughly, letting the water wash over him as if it could erase the memory. Afterward, he applied his skincare routine methodically and slipped into his clothes.
Just as he finished, his phone buzzed.
Two missed calls.
Vanessa.
He called her back immediately.
She answered cheerfully. "Hey, love. You're still not back?"
He glanced at the clock, keeping his voice calm. "It's late. I'll come tomorrow."
After a short exchange....her saying she'd see him in the morning...he ended the call.
Only then did he realize he was hungry.
He walked into the kitchen to check the food he had prepared earlier. As he stood there, he thought he heard something.
A woman's voice.
He froze.
That man was always so quiet.
Slowly, he moved toward the window, leaning closer to listen.
Yes.
A woman.
His breath caught slightly.
He served himself some food quickly and left the kitchen without looking out again.
After eating, he packed all his belongings into two bags. If he left tomorrow, he wanted no delays.
Just as he was about to lie down, his phone rang again.
He looked at the screen and sat on the edge of the bed before answering.
"Hello?"
"Everything alright there, my child?" came the gentle voice from the other end.
His expression softened instantly.
"How is the house?" he replied.
"The house is fine Zhan, I thought you'd be asleep by now.?"
"How are your studies?"
"They're good, Mommy. I'm about to sleep."
"Alright. Take care of yourself."
"I will."
They said their goodnights, and he lay down, pulling the duvet over himself, though his mind remained restless.
:
:
The next morning, after finishing his workout and early, he didn't return home immediately. When he finally did, he showered and cleaned his bathroom thoroughly....as if restoring order to his surroundings might restore order within himself.
He washed the dishes from the previous day and gathered the trash.
Wearing a long coat over his house clothes, he opened the inner kitchen door and stepped outside to dispose of it.
And then he saw him.
The neighbor stood nearby, resting one hand casually on a set of weights.
The moment their eyes met, Zhan turned sharply and hurried back inside, locking the kitchen door behind him. His hands trembled.
He stood near the window, breathing unevenly.
From outside, the man's voice came, calm and edged with amusement.
"Is it a beast… or a monster you think you're seeing?"
Zhan didn't even spare him a glance. He switched off the kitchen light, walked into the living room, and slammed the door shut behind him.
The man only smiled, wiping the sweat from his forehead as though nothing had happened.
Zhan didn't step out of his room again until he was fully dressed for school. Black shirt. Black jeans. His stomach growled, but hunger was easier to ignore than fear. He picked up his bag and walked to the door.
Slowly, carefully, he turned the key. He opened it just enough to peek outside, scanning the hallway before stepping out. Under his breath, he whispered a silent prayer.
As he locked the door, a white woman emerged from that man's apartment. He hadn't noticed her passing earlier. For a split second, his heart nearly stopped....he thought it was him.
The woman wore a short top and fitted skirt, a small bag hanging from her shoulder, books tucked under her arm. He forced himself not to look at her again until she disappeared down the staircase.
"Good morning," she said lightly.
He kept walking as though he hadn't heard her.
"Is he having difficulty hearing?" she murmured.
That was when Zhan realized the man had stepped out too.
His pace quickened immediately.
"I think so," the man replied casually.
Zhan didn't look back again. He left the building, hailed a cab, and slipped inside, giving the driver his destination. As the car pulled away, he exhaled for what felt like the first time that morning.
This is the end, he told himself.
He didn't even have to spend the night there. When he return to the house. He would grab his belongings and head straight to Vanessa's place.
But before leaving, he had made himself a promise.
He would teach him a lesson. He would prove he wasn't just some random, insignificant nobody.
Living abroad had taught him one cruel truth...it was better to be seen with a foreigner a thousand times than with someone from your own country.
He was sitting with Vanessa and their coursemate Lucas when Mian-Mian walked past. She was Chinese like him, but born and raised in the UK. He had never tried to know her beyond a polite greeting. And she had never acknowledged him either.
Maybe it was because they weren't in the same course. Or maybe it was something else.
He didn't dislike her for any clear reason. He just didn't like her. Seeing her filled him with a quiet dread....as though she represented something in his life he wanted buried.
While Vanessa and Lucas talked, Zhan kept his head down, scrolling through his phone. Lucas was too loud to be called a friend. Their only connection was their course.
He was waiting for Vanessa to stand so they could leave.
Eventually, tired of waiting, Zhan leaned toward her and said in English that he would go back to his flat first to collect his things and meet her later at her house. Vanessa agreed.
"See you tomorrow, Pretty!" Lucas called after him, using the nickname some students had given him.
He turned and forced a smile. "Sure."
He walked past Mian-Mian, aware of her gaze following him.
It was around two when he arrived home.
After paying the driver, he stepped out of the cab, the familiar heaviness settling in his stomach again. Before entering, he checked the parking lot.
The stranger's car was gone.
Relief flooded him.
He hurried upstairs, determined to collect what he needed and leave immediately.
But he stopped.
A strange woman was standing outside his apartment door.
She was holding a little girl.... a beautiful child who looked strikingly like her. The woman was distracted, pressing her phone anxiously.
He avoided staring and focused on unlocking his door.
"Hi," she said softly.
He turned.
Up close, her features carried something faintly Chinese, though not entirely. But her eyes… her eyes reminded him of his neighbor's.
"Hello," he replied.
"Please," she asked, "Dr. Leo.... will he be back anytime soon?"
"I don't know," he answered shortly.
"Really? I've been calling him, but he's not picking up."
He finally pushed his door open. "Hard luck," he said, about to step inside.
Then the baby looked at him.
Her eyes were bright. Innocent.
He hesitated.
"Or… you could come back later," he added.
"I've come from very far," the woman said. "He knows I'll be here."
He looked away, not because he wanted to....but because something about the child tugged at him.
"If you want… you can wait inside," he said quietly, stepping aside.
"Thank you," she replied with visible relief and followed him in.
He placed water and juice on the table for her. She smiled gently.
"I'm Leo Foxy," she introduced.
He studied her for a moment. "I'm Xiao Zhan."
"Oh, nice! Which country are you from?"
"China."
Her eyes widened. "Which tribe?"
"Han Chinese."
"Wow! The dominant Chinese ethnic group," she said excitedly. "God is great. I'm so happy to meet someone from home. I came three weeks ago, but I didn't see you around."
"I went back home," he said simply.
"That's good. I'm here with my husband. He came for work, and I told him to stop so I could greet my older brother before we leave today. I even told my brother i would be coming, but look... he left me outside."
Zhan gave a polite smile and gently took the baby from her arms, studying the child's face.
"What's her name?" he asked.
Foxy smiled.
"Meili."
The smile disappeared from Zhan's face instantly.
A cold shiver ran down his spine.
Foxy, unaware of the emotional storm Zhan was battling inside, said casually,
"I think he must have gone to school. You know how demanding a PhD can be. And if Meili's father calls now, we might just have to leave since I don't know when he'll be back."
Zhan didn't respond.
Slowly, he stood up and gently laid the baby...whom her mother called Meili....on the couch. Forcing a small smile, he said,
"I'll go to the kitchen."
He switched on the television for her and walked away, pushing down the wave of anxiety threatening to rise in his chest. Leaning against the kitchen cabinet, he stared blankly ahead, wondering what he could cook that wouldn't take long.
After a moment, he took out some potatoes and began peeling them.
Within twenty minutes, he had prepared a rich Irish potato porridge, seasoned well with spices, liver, and chunks of meat. The warm aroma soon filled every corner of the apartment.
He walked back into the living room. Foxy was still seated, scrolling through her phone.
"Sorry to keep you busy," he said softly.
Zhan smiled faintly. "I hope you're not upset that I left you alone."
"Oh no," Foxy replied warmly. "You're the one working."
Zhan returned to the kitchen, served the food onto a plate, placed a fork beside it, and set everything neatly on a tray with a glass of water. He carried it into the living room.
Before he could place it down, Foxy said quickly,
"Oh! I'm actually full, Zhan. I'm not hungry at all. We ate not long ago."
Zhan's expression shifted slightly.
"I cooked it because of you."
"Oh… I didn't know," she said apologetically. "Maybe I'll take it later. But honestly, I'm really full right now. I'm sorry."
Just then, the living room door opened.
Both of them turned toward it.
Dr. Leo stood at the doorway as though examining something inside. Zhan's heart nearly jumped into his throat. He quickly lowered his gaze, his pulse racing.
Foxy stood up with a bright smile, but her expression quickly changed into mild annoyance.
"You could have told me not to come if you weren't around," she said. "You left me standing outside waiting for you."
He walked into the living room without removing his shoes and without sparing Zhan even a glance.
Foxy widened her eyes. "Take off your shoes."
He ignored her
Instead, he crouched down, looking at Meili, who was lying on the couch. A slow smile spread across his face, revealing faint dimples.
"She's… growing," he said softly.
He picked Lici up, kissed her cheeks gently, then turned toward the door again."My phone was on silent. I didn't know you were calling."
Foxy sighed. "Fine. How's your study going?"
He didn't answer. He walked out.
Foxy turned to Zhan. "Thank you so much… you're really kind."
Zhan forced a small, steady smile. "You're welcome."
Foxy picked up her handbag and Meili's carrier. "Let me go and greet him properly."
She turned toward the door.
"What about the food?" Zhan asked quietly.
She laughed lightly. "Alright, I'll take it with me then."
She bent down to pick up the tray, but her hands were full.
"Let me help," Zhan offered.
"Thank you," she replied.
Zhan bent down and lifted the tray.
Then he froze.
That meant he would have to enter that man living room.
Foxy had already reached the door. Slowly, reluctantly, Zhan followed behind her. Not because he wanted to..... but because he had no choice.
Foxy opened her brother's door and walked in.
His shoes were left carelessly at the entrance....proof that he had walked into Zhan's living room earlier without removing them.
They found him seated on one of the sofas, holding Meilin, who was giggling happily in his arms.
Zhan glanced around the living room only once before quickly lowering his head, his heartbeat uneven.
Foxy sat down and said cheerfully,
"How was your day?"
"I'm fine," he replied flatly.
"And your studies?"
Zhan stepped forward and placed the tray of food down without lifting his head.
He could feel his gaze on him.
As if sensing it, Zhan refused to look in his direction.
Foxy smiled lightly and said, "Gege, your neighbor is very kind. You should thank him for me."
He glanced at her briefly. "Oh?"
The tone of his voice made her pause. She knew him better than anyone; she understood that single-word response meant more than it sounded.
Instead of pushing, she simply opened her handbag with a small smile.
"Guess what, Gege…"
He looked at the bag but said nothing.
She pulled out an envelope and handed it to him, laughing softly. "Three days ago, Mom gave this to Meilin's father to bring to you."
He accepted it. "What's inside?"
She widened her eyes playfully. "Your invitation card."
He handed it back to her. "So?"
"They told me to give it to you."
"Take it back."
Foxy smiled teasingly. "Or Tieh sent it specially for you?"
His expression darkened as he looked at her. Then he suddenly switched to Spanish, saying something Zhan didn't fully catch.
At that same moment, Zhan moved toward the door.
Just then, the door opened.
A beautiful Black American woman walked into the living room, dressed in loose, comfortable clothes. She waved at all of them with a bright smile.
"Hi."
Without waiting for a response, she headed straight toward the bedroom.
Foxy's mood changed instantly. Her eyes followed the woman.
He, however, looked away indifferently.
Zhan stole a glance at him....and their eyes met.
Zhan clicked his tongue softly in irritation, then turned and walked out without a word.
Inside his heart, anger burned.
Shameless.
Not even a trace of guilt.
Back in his own apartment, Zhan began cleaning every corner. Anything in the fridge that might spoil, he packed together so he could take it to Vanessa's place later.
****
Before 4 p.m., he had finished everything. He took a shower and changed into something light and comfortable.
Just as he stepped into the living room, the doorbell rang.
He walked over and stopped at the door. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Zhan," Foxy's voice came. "I just wanted to say goodbye before we leave."
He opened the door. "Oh… you're leaving already?"
She forced a smile, though her mood was clearly different from before. "Yes. Meilin's father is waiting for us."
"I see. Have a safe trip."
"Thank you. And once again, thank you for the hospitality."
He simply smiled.
At that moment, the door beside them opened, and Dr. Leo came out carrying Meilin.
Foxy looked at him as if she didn't want to speak, but eventually said, "Yunxi-ge, are you really not driving us? We're just going to take a taxi?"
"Yeah," he replied shortly.
She lowered her head slightly. "Alright then."
He walked past them with effortless pride.
Zhan watched him silently.
Foxy forced a small laugh. "Can you believe this? He's actually letting us take a taxi instead of dropping us off himself, just because I told him the truth…"
Zhan only smiled faintly without replying.
"Come," Foxy said suddenly. "My phone is with him. Let put your number in so we can keep in touch."
Zhan followed reluctantly.
When they reached outside, he had already stopped a taxi and was waiting.
Foxy turned to him. "Gege, if you're upset with me, I'm sorry. Please don't be."
He looked at her, expression unreadable. "Not at all. Get in."
"Let me give the phone to Zhan so he can save his number."
He pretended not to hear her and opened the back seat. "Get in, madam."
She got inside. He handed Meilin to her and passed her phone as well.
"You didn't let him save his number," she said.
"I'll send it to you on WeChat."
She didn't know what else to say.
Seeing his cold expression, she tried again. "At least pay the taxi fare."
"I don't have cash."
She laughed softly. "Yunxi-ge, that's not like you. Please don't stay angry with me."
Zhan didn't even look at him. He simply waved at Foxy.
"Have a safe journey, Meilin's Mom."
Then he turned quickly and went back inside. He didn't want to stay there another second and feel that heavy bitterness pressing against his chest.
Once in his bedroom, he immediately resumed packing the last of his things.
Just as he picked up the final bag, he heard the living room door open.
He froze for a few seconds.
Then he turned sharply and walked out, his heart pounding fast against his ribs.
💚💙❤️🖤