By the time Xie Yang came back, all the students had already dispersed leaving the hallways deserted. Only the occasional sound of the staff murmuring can be heard throughout the otherwise quiet building.
Xie Yang walked back to his class to grab his bag and went down the hallways to the stairways to exit the premises.
On the way back, he checked the time which was around 5:00 PM.
Generally, their school would have self study classes at this time but they are cancelled for the week leading up to summer vacation giving students some free time.
This usually used to happen for the first and second year classes only but this year after begging requesting management, the third years also got their self study periods cancelled.
"Is our diligent Student Xie going to go straight back home?" Leo asked sarcastically.
'I don't wanna go back home yet. Let's find a place to kill time.' Xie Yang replied as he lazily made his way out of the building.
Outside he ran into Zhou Kai and his minions who were standing around seemingly waiting for someone.
Xie Yang thought they might be waiting for someone's driver and went over hoping to hitch a ride to a nearby park or marketplace.
Zhou Kai noticing Xie Yang immediately raised his hand to call him over with a smile tugging on his lips.
Normally, he wouldn't have the guts to invite his sweetheart over like this, but today's Xie Yang gave him an inexplicable feeling. He felt that as long as he asked, his beloved would agree to any of his requests.
He didn't know how or why that feeling had come to be, but he subconsciously trusted it. So, he decided to wait for his sweetheart and invite him out for some fun.
"Hey guys, what's the hold up? Waiting for someone?" Xie Yang asked smiling.
"Hey, Pres, we were actually waiting for you," Wu Longnian spoke up, cutting off Zhou Kai, who was about to answer.
Zhou Kai glared at his eyesore of a friend and was about to start again, only to be interrupted once more by another idiot who couldn't read between the lines.
"Pres! We are going to the internet cafe! Do you wanna come with us?" Li Zhen joyfully asked Xie Yang.
"Pres! You should definitely come! You'll have a lot of fun! I guarantee!" Qiao Mingyu added enthusiastically persuading.
Zhou Kai was damn near about to explode—until he met Xie Yang's sparkling eyes, which seemed to be asking if it was true. His anger deflated instantly, and he gently added, "Yes, Pres, you should come."
Xie Yang never expected that they would be waiting for him, and he was delighted by the offer. His husband truly understood him better than anyone. Look—he had just decided he didn't want to go home yet, and his husband had already made plans to accompany him. How could anyone resist such a considerate man?
Leo rolled his eyes at Xie Yang's lovesick behaviour and pitied the single dogs who will be force fed dog food by this pair of heartless couple.
Xie Yang excitedly agreed and was taken by Zhou Kai to the car waiting for them.
The four of Zhou Kai's friends carpooled together with Qin Weisheng being the driver while Zhou Kai and Xie Yang followed in Zhou family's car.
In the car, Zhou Kai offered Xie Yang some water and asked about his meeting with the principal.
Xie Yang didn't hide anything from his husband and told him about what happened. Zhou Kai knew about the previous bullying thus didn't question his beloved about why his parents weren't called.
He had personally beaten those bunch of bastards until they cried for their parents and made them experience what swallowing a loss felt like despite knowing that they weren't in the wrong.
He was also disgusted and angered by the attitude of Xie Yang's parents. If he was Xie Yang's guardian, he would have made sure anyone who dared to hurt him regretted their choice until their heart bled out.
To avoid awkward silences, Xie Yang asked his husband some general questions about studies and competitions making sure not to cross any boundaries which his husband happily answered.
The internet cafe was pretty close to their school so it didn't take long for them to reach their destination.
The exterior of the cafe had a retro design with a blue and yellow light-up sign featuring the letters "EM".
Qin Weisheng dropped the group off first before going to park his car. Xie Yang and Zhou Kai then joined the others outside, and together they waited for Qin Weisheng. Once he returned, the group went inside.
Inside, the lights were dimmed with red undertones, almost resembling a certain illegal establishment. Xie Yang raised an eyebrow and shot a look at his husband, though cold sweat was already dripping down his back and his hands had started to tremble. He balled his fists, trying to stop the shaking, but it only made them clammy.
Zhou Kai noticed his sweetheart's questioning expression and trembling hands. He boldly took his hand, squeezing it tightly and leaned in close, whispering in a deep, magnetic voice, "It's alright, Pres. I'm right here."
This gesture soothed Xie Yang to some extent but he refused let go of his hands, tightening his hold.
A flicker of darkness passed through Zhou Kai's eyes, unnoticed by everyone. He didn't let go of his beloved's hand; instead, he gave it another comforting squeeze.
Their minor interaction was overlooked by everyone except for two pitiful dogs, Qin Weisheng who was unfortunately hanging at the back and Leo who usually stayed behind Xie Yang's back.
Qin Weisheng and Leo: ….
Qin Weisheng: Boss isn't your progress too fast?
Leo: Fuck! Force fed another bowl of dog food!
Right after entering, they went up to the reception where they were greeted by the familiar manager who jovially informed them that their usual room has been set up.
Upon seeing a new face, the manager politely inquired about Xie Yang's identity and age. Xie Yang handed over his ID card which the manager checked and returned, wishing him a fun time.
Xie Yang put his ID card away and followed the group down the dimly lit hallway. They walked until they came to a room numbered, 1069 which they entered.
Inside the room, six monitors were lined up, 3 in a row at the center, while sofas were placed along the left wall. In front of the sofas was a table filled with various snacks, and a drink fridge, stocked with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, stood in the corner of the right wall.