Chapter Text
Xie Lian's thumb hovered hesitantly over her phone screen, the soft glow of the afternoon sun illuminating her face. She squinted slightly, battling the rays that filtered through her apartment window, a reminder of the life she longed to escape. It had been three months since she walked away from her toxic relationship with her boyfriend, Jun Wu. He had not only been an abusive partner but had also left a profound mark on her life, complicating her once-hopeful dreams and aspirations. Now, she found herself residing in a rundown apartment building, its peeling paint and creaky floors a stark reflection of the turmoil she had endured.
As she stared at her phone, a notification from Tinder broke through the silence, sounding like a siren's call promising a brief escape from her otherwise monotonous existence. Despite the ache of self-blame gnawing at her, Xie Lian felt a flicker of hope. She had been hesitant to re-enter the dating scene, fully aware of the emotional risks involved, but the prospect of connecting with someone new was enticing. After a long internal debate, she decided to reach out to her supportive friend for help in setting up a dating profile.
As she considered the change, she recognized the importance of her friendships, especially with Shi Qingxuan, who had stood by her during the darkest days. Still, she understood that to move forward and reclaim her life, she needed to step out of her comfort zone. This was a crucial moment for Xie Lian, as she sought to redefine her identity and reclaim her sense of agency in a world that felt far too unpredictable.
As she navigated the endless stream of profiles, her finger glided over images of smiling faces, each one blending into the next like a blur. Just as she was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the monotony, a sudden jolt of excitement coursed through her veins. One particular profile, with an all-too-familiar smile, caught her eye. “No way! Is that my old teacher?” Her heart raced for a moment as she leaned closer, scrutinizing the details. “Nope, nope, nope!” she muttered to herself, shaking her head in disbelief and dismissing the thought. With a sigh, she prepared to give up, ready to close the app and move on, when something else drew her attention—a new profile, intriguing enough to warrant a second glance
- Name: Hua Cheng
- Age: 26
- Gender:
Female - Location: Shanghai
- Hobbies: tattooing, riding their motorcycle, and painting
A young ‘man’ with a mischievous smile and piercing eyes—his name was Hua Cheng. The picture looked a bit too perfect, but she chalked it up to good angles and lighting. With a hopeful heart and a tap of her finger, she swiped right. “oh my, he’s very attractive. I’m wondering what happened to his eye. Either way, he’s very attractive, but his eyes are telling me he’s hearted well, if I’m going to die, I’m going to have to swap, right?” Xie Lian whispered to her cat, Ruyoe, while petting her cat.
The universe responded with a satisfying chime, indicating a match. Xie Lian couldn't help but let out a little gasp. She read the message that popped up, 'You've got a match!' Her heart fluttered, and she felt a smile spread across her face. “holy crap, he matches with me, I don’t know if this is good or bad”
This was new, this was different—this was what she needed. A little excitement in a life that had been wading through the murky waters of routine and loneliness for too long. She clicked on Hua Cheng's profile, eager to learn more about the person behind the alluring photo. The bio was short and sweet, "A wanderer in the city, looking for a soulmate to share adventures with." It was simple, but it spoke to her yearning for companionship, for someone who understood the thrill of exploration and the comfort of a shared smile. “he sounds like an adventure he sounds so amazing” Xie Lian thought to herself.
Xie Lian took a deep breath and summoned her courage as she typed out a simple greeting on her phone. "Hi," she texted, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance, even as her mind raced with anticipation and excitement. Her pulse quickened with each passing moment as she awaited a response, the phone resting in her palm like a silent guardian.
Before long, a message arrived, lighting up the screen and sending a thrill through her. "Hey there, Jiejie," it read, the words exuding a casual confidence with a playful undertone that made her heart flutter. It felt as though he was teasing her gently, adding to her intrigue. With curiosity bubbling over, Xie Lian decided to keep the conversation flowing. She quickly crafted another text, asking, "So, what town do you live in?" Before she hit send, she couldn’t help but wonder about his life and the places he frequented. Then, with a hint of pride, she added, “I live in a small village called Puqi.” She imagined his response and how this exchange could unveil more about him — and perhaps about herself as well.
The response came swiftly, filled with warmth and enthusiasm. "Nice! I'm not too far from there. I'm in the city, though. How about you come to visit sometime?" Xie Lian felt a rush of exhilaration, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected invitation. It was all unfolding so quickly, yet she couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through her veins.
As they continued to chat, the hours slipped away unnoticed, each message sparking a deeper connection between them. Xie Lian was captivated by Hua Cheng's vivid tales of city life, painting pictures of bustling streets filled with vibrant lights, diverse cultures, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The stories were exhilarating, rich with detail and emotion, making her feel as if she were exploring the city right alongside him.
With each exchange, Xie Lian found herself hanging onto every word, her anticipation growing with every new message. She shared her dreams, her hopes, and her aspirations, finding a kindred spirit in Hua Cheng. The more they talked, the stronger the bond between them became, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. Each conversation left her feeling lighter, more alive, and brimming with possibilities.