OSM Chapter 17: “We can start over.”

Li Yuze’s home was spacious, surrounded by windows on all sides, allowing for excellent lighting. The open kitchen was brewing freshly ground coffee, and the rich aroma wafted up the transparent glass staircase to the second floor.

He Zhiqiu hadn’t had the chance to tour his house. After hearing this, he stood in place, silent for a long while.

Li Yuze’s suggestion was actually a good one. If they started over, they could forget everything from the past.

Whether it was unspoken feelings or missed confessions, living under the same roof would no longer carry the awkwardness of past events.

He Zhiqiu thought about it for a while, and just as Li Yuze lifted his suitcase and stepped up the stairs, he ran up to him, blocking his way. “We can start over.”

“But I still want to apologize for what happened before.”

Li Yuze didn’t stop him. He quietly listened.

There were a thousand words in He Zhiqiu’s eyes, but what came out was the simplest apology: “Li Yuze, I’m sorry.”

“I had an accident back then. I didn’t mean to stand you up.”

Li Yuze didn’t react much, simply saying “Mm” as a way of acknowledging it.

He Zhiqiu tightly gripped the corner of his sweater, nervously asking, “Then, can you forgive me?”

This time, Li Yuze stood still on the stairs, silent, with an unreadable expression as he looked at He Zhiqiu.

Time passed, second by second, until He Zhiqiu’s hand slowly loosened, and the heart he had been holding up began to sink.

Of course, what was there to forgive in a matter like this? After so many years, what was the point of this apology?

He understood the logic, but still couldn’t help but say it.

Li Yuze didn’t respond. He probably really didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

He Zhiqiu was about to apologize again when he suddenly saw Li Yuze, who had been expressionless, stick his tongue out at him and make a funny face?

…

He was stunned for a moment, then immediately clenched his hands again.

Li Yuze laughed twice at his silly expression and said, “I forgive you.”

“R-Really?”

“Of course.” He picked up the suitcase and walked around He Zhiqiu, intending to show him the room.

“But I, I…”

“I, I what?”

“Nothing, nothing.” He Zhiqiu mumbled, feeling happy but also a bit inexplicably lost.

After all, this matter had weighed on his heart for 10 years.

Back then, his feelings for Li Yuze had been different.

But no matter what, reaching this point was the best possible outcome for them.

He Zhiqiu adjusted his emotions and caught up with Li Yuze, asking, “So now, can we start over?”

Li Yuze said, “Yes.”

He Zhiqiu immediately smiled and introduced himself, “I’m He Zhiqiu.”

“I’m 27 this year.”

“Starting today, can we be friends?”

Li Yuze didn’t answer, but instead gave him a mysterious wink.

“By the way,” he suddenly seemed to remember something, and as he passed his room, he took out a small red box.

He Zhiqiu paused for a moment, his gaze involuntarily shifting to Li Yuze’s fingers.

Li Yuze didn’t directly give him the box but slowly opened it in front of him.

He could guess what was inside.

A silver ring, identical to the one on Li Yuze’s finger. The one in the box looked brand new, probably never worn.

“Take this with you,” Li Yuze said, pulling the ring out and handing it to him. “You don’t have to wear it on your finger, but you must keep it on you.”

“What is this…?”

“A wedding ring.” Li Yuze’s lips curled slightly. “The one on my finger and this one are a pair.”