In the end, they didn’t rent that place. Xi Siyan didn’t even let Chen Mo step inside.
The unexpected appearance of the drunken man had soured Chen Mo’s impression of the area. So, he simply agreed to Xi Siyan’s request and texted the agent, rejecting the place.
Two days later, a new place was secured.
It was arranged through someone Xi Siyan knew.
This time, it was even closer to the school—only about 500 meters away.
Though still an older residential complex with staircases, the area was well-maintained, with lush greenery. The neighborhood was well-known for being a school district property near No. 1 Middle School. Most of its residents were either students or parents who had moved there to accompany their children during their studies.
“Where did your contact even find this listing? I thought the rentals here were all booked years in advance.” Chen Mo followed Xi Siyan into the apartment at noon, looking around with curiosity.
The bright daylight streamed through the windows, illuminating the cozy two-bedroom apartment.
The place had been renovated less than two years ago. The warm decor, solid wood furniture, and fully equipped facilities all gave off a welcoming, homey atmosphere.
“The owners are an elderly couple who originally bought this for their grandson,” Xi Siyan explained. “Their entire family immigrated two years ago. The old couple wanted to keep the place as a future home for when they returned to China. They were afraid renting it out would cause too much damage, so it’s been vacant ever since.”
Chen Mo pushed open the bathroom door, took a quick look, and walked toward the bedrooms. “Then how did you convince them?”
Xi Siyan followed behind him. “The old man passed away last week. His wife decided to sell the property and settle abroad permanently.”
Chen Mo froze mid-step, his hand still on the bedroom door handle.
He turned around and asked, “He… died?”
“Yeah.” Xi Siyan took a step forward and reached out, pushing the bedroom door open for him. “He was over eighty—considered a long life. The house hasn’t been lived in since. Take a look around. If you have any concerns, let me know as soon as possible.”
He suddenly leaned in closer. Instinctively, Chen Mo took a step back.
But he caught himself in time, so the movement wasn’t too obvious. However, this resulted in them standing much too close. When Xi Siyan lifted his arm, his rolled-up sleeve brushed against Chen Mo’s ear. The slight tickle made Chen Mo subconsciously reach up and scratch his ear.
Damn.
His heartbeat was so loud that he could hear it himself.
“What’s wrong?” Xi Siyan asked when he didn’t get a response.
Chen Mo turned around and took a few steps forward, saying nonchalantly, “Nothing. Just… a shame. You can tell they put a lot of effort into the renovation.”
The room Chen Mo entered was the larger bedroom.
It had likely been intended for the grandson from the beginning.
Unlike the simple, well-kept living area, this room had a distinct teenage boy’s aesthetic. The sleek gaming desk, the basketball posters on the walls, and the deep blue color scheme all suggested that a lot of thought had gone into its design.
Xi Siyan took a brief glance around and said, “If you don’t like it, you can redecorate.”
But that wasn’t what was bothering Chen Mo.
Frowning slightly, he turned back to look at Xi Siyan. “You just said the old lady was selling this place, right? Then why did you tell me it was for rent? And at such a reasonable price too.”
Xi Siyan met his gaze and said, “I wouldn’t scam my classmates. I’m not that short on money.”
Chen Mo’s eyes widened as he processed the implication. “Wait… you bought it? You actually bought it in your own name?”
“Yeah. So as your new landlord, at least you don’t have to worry about being cheated. You can live here peacefully.”
Chen Mo was stunned into silence. After a long moment, he finally said, “Thanks.”
Arms crossed, Xi Siyan stared at him.
Chen Mo quickly tried to make up for his reaction. “I mean, it’s just… you have too much money and don’t know where to spend it.”
Of course, he didn’t pretend to be oblivious. He knew that Xi Siyan wouldn’t just casually buy a house for no reason.
From what Chen Mo knew, the housing prices in this area were ridiculously high—higher even than some new developments in the city center. Although it was clear that Xi Siyan came from wealth, up until now, Chen Mo had only seen him as a particularly intelligent student with an elite background.
Yet in just two days, he had made such a significant financial move.
Even though Chen Mo wasn’t exactly short on money at the moment, buying a property in this school district was still far beyond his means.
Especially considering that, in terms of age, they weren’t far apart.
The realization widened the gap between himself—who had just cut ties with the Yang family—and someone like Xi Siyan.
Seeing Chen Mo’s prolonged silence, Xi Siyan’s brows slowly furrowed.
After a pause, he admitted, “Maybe I didn’t think it through.”
Then he added, “But don’t overthink it. The Xi family has investments in real estate all over the country. This property is insignificant in comparison. Plus, the house is solely in my name. Even if I left it vacant and didn’t rent it to you, its value would still appreciate over time. There’s no loss.”
Chen Mo shook his head, indicating that no further explanation was needed.
But Xi Siyan continued, “I just think rental arrangements are unreliable. Most landlords are difficult to deal with, and I didn’t want you to waste energy handling disputes when you should be focused on your studies. Since solving this issue permanently isn’t difficult for me, I figured I’d handle it. If it makes you uncomfortable—”
“Stop.” Chen Mo finally raised his hand to cut him off. He looked at Xi Siyan with an amused expression. “This is the first time I think you talk too much.”
“You’re not mad?”
Chen Mo let out a short laugh. “What’s there to be mad about?”
Although he had experienced poverty before, his self-esteem wasn’t so fragile.
And even if his financial situation wasn’t particularly stable yet, his mindset was solid. Besides, in his past life, he had owned more than a few properties himself.
What truly surprised him wasn’t the purchase itself—it was the intention behind it.
Was this really just because he said ‘I like you’?
Hands in his pockets, Chen Mo stepped forward. The light from the bedroom windows mixed with the shadows, casting soft outlines on his face.
He stopped in front of Xi Siyan.
“Class Monitor,” Chen Mo called.
Xi Siyan’s gaze deepened slightly. “We’re not at school. Don’t call me that.”
“What about Brother Yan?” Chen Mo teased.
Instead of answering, Xi Siyan simply looked at him.
Chen Mo smiled. “Is this how you usually pursue people?”
“I’m not pursuing anyone,” Xi Siyan replied calmly. “I’m just doing what I want to do. Besides, I’ve never pursued anyone before.”
Chen Mo found himself at a loss for words.
He took another step forward. Their shoes were nearly touching now.
He leaned in slightly, studying the features of the boy in front of him. Under the closer scrutiny, it was undeniable—this face was nearly flawless.
The seventeen-year-old Xi Siyan wasn’t exactly sophisticated or worldly yet, but still—
“Chen Mo,” Xi Siyan called his name softly.
“What?”
“Don’t come any closer.”
Chen Mo has changed a lot recently.
And in Xi Siyan’s eyes, those changes were something worth watching.
With summer in full swing, Chen Mo had cut his hair short, revealing his sharp yet relaxed features. He looked lively and full of energy. When he wasn’t being sharp-tongued or causing trouble, he actually seemed a bit younger than his years.
Standing in this sunlit apartment, having left the Yang family behind, Chen Mo seemed to fit perfectly into this space.
For the first time, Xi Siyan had a sense of reality settling in.
If Chen Mo had grown up in a normal family—not necessarily rich or prestigious, just ordinary—perhaps he would have looked like this.
Everything about him felt natural and effortless.
It was easy to forget the hardships he had endured, the scars left behind by all the battles he had fought.
But Xi Siyan hadn’t forgotten.
That was why his warning earlier wasn’t just casual words. He didn’t want Chen Mo to push things too far.
Because the first person who would lose control wouldn’t be Chen Mo—it would be himself.
But Chen Mo didn’t take it seriously at all. Or rather, he didn’t care much about things like boundaries or ethics.
His emotional world was a blank slate.
He had realized his sexual orientation not through any emotional turmoil, but through simple observation—he felt nothing for women, no attraction. After confirming this through personal exploration, he made it public at an appropriate time.
Not because he was making a statement, but because he simply didn’t care.
He didn’t care about society’s opinions.
He didn’t care about people’s reactions.
But now, in this quiet space, away from school, away from all the noise, just the two of them under a bright sky, Chen Mo suddenly felt a hint of curiosity.
He wanted to explore something.
So, he asked, “When did you realize you liked men?”
Leaning against the wall, Xi Siyan pushed the door open a little more, the wooden panel creaking softly. He let out a laugh, low and self-mocking.
“I told you,” he said. “I never knew whether I liked men or women before.”
Chen Mo found his nonchalant attitude amusing.
“So, what’s supposed to happen between men?” he asked bluntly.
At that, Xi Siyan suddenly turned his gaze on him, sharp and unwavering.
“Don’t tell me,” he said, “that someone who constantly claims he’s gay doesn’t know how things work between men?”
“I know.” Chen Mo took a step back. “I’ve seen everything. I mean the feeling. Two men, the way it feels in every aspect…” He paused, then shook his head. “Forget it. It’s pointless asking you.”
Having decided to rent the place, Chen Mo figured there was no point continuing this conversation. He turned to head for the kitchen, planning to grab a broom and start cleaning.
But before he could take more than two steps, a hand grabbed his wrist.
He turned back.
“What is it?”
Xi Siyan stared at him. “Didn’t you ask how it feels?”
“You know?”
“I don’t know,” Xi Siyan admitted. “So, let’s find out.”
His voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of tension.
“If you don’t want a relationship,” he continued, “then don’t have one. But if you want to understand… every aspect of it, then start with me.”
For the first time in a long while, Chen Mo felt a deep sense of guilt.
Mentally, he was an adult.
But the person in front of him was a real teenager—someone experiencing these feelings for the first time.
Someone who had just realized he liked men.
And yet, that first experience was going to be with a scumbag like him—someone who could ask about feelings one moment and claim not to know how to love the next.
Rejecting him outright would feel hypocritical.
Saying no, telling him we shouldn’t do this—at this point, that would feel even more despicable.
Chen Mo realized, with some amusement and a hint of resignation, that somehow, their relationship had shifted into a strange and delicate balance.
The next day, Chen Mo returned to school and officially moved out of the dormitory.
That night, at around eleven, he was in his new apartment, updating Su Qianran on his whereabouts, when there was a knock at the door.
Assuming it was Xi Siyan—who had been moving some of his things into the next room—Chen Mo got up to answer it.
Just as he opened the door, a chorus of voices erupted:
“Surprise!”
“Surprise, Brother Mo!”
“We climbed over the school wall to celebrate you escaping your suffering!”
It was the boys from the dormitory, along with Lao Gou and a couple of day students from their class. They had brought snacks, drinks, and even a portable speaker.
Chen Mo, still in his pajamas, stared at them for two seconds before stepping aside.
“Come in.”
Qi Lin hooked an arm around his shoulder as he entered, glancing around the apartment.
“Nice place,” he commented. “But why are you acting so calm? Are you hiding someone?”
Lao Gou immediately smacked him.
“Hiding your sister! If Chen Mo was hiding anyone, it would be me.”
But just as the words left his mouth, the door swung open again.
The entire room fell silent.
There, standing in the doorway with a plastic bag in hand, was none other than—
“Squad leader?”
“Didn’t you move back home after leaving school?”
“You have the key to Chen Mo’s place?!”
Lao Gou reacted the fastest, letting out a dramatic gasp and grabbing Chen Mo by the neck.
“Mo Mo, I’m no longer your only one!” he wailed. “You actually gave someone else the key to your house?!”
Xi Siyan, caught off guard for only a brief moment, simply placed the bag down at the entrance and calmly stepped inside to change his shoes.
Removing his watch, he glanced at them and asked, “Does Lao Xiang know you all snuck out?”
Instantly, the mood in the room shifted.
“Squad leader, spare us!”
“Kneeling in advance—please just pretend you didn’t see us.”
“Brother Mo, help us!”
Amid the chaos, Chen Mo and Xi Siyan locked eyes.
Feeling oddly guilty, Chen Mo quickly looked away.
Logically, he knew that he hadn’t done anything wrong.
But for some reason, being caught like this—like they had something to hide—felt oddly embarrassing.
