Chapter Text
Shen Wenlang had lived a good life overall. His company had reached unprecedented heights, and his son had grown into a worthy successor. His family name was no longer associated with shady dealings. Wasn't that wonderful?
Shen Wenlang also had some regrets. His greatest regret was his husband, Gao Tu. Or rather, that he hadn't immediately realized how precious every moment with him was. Their relationship began with misunderstandings and secrets and ended in the kind of harmony you'd read about in books. It ended too soon.
Gao Tu passed away at sixty-five. Given the state of modern medicine, that was too young. But... Years of using the heaviest inhibitors couldn't pass without a trace. They fought for Gao Tu's health in every possible way. But no miracle happened.
Gao Tu passed away quietly, in his sleep. Six months later, Shen Wenlang also left in the same way. He hadn't done anything to cause it, but mate-seeking syndrome is no joke. It's one thing to suffer from it and know that your obsession is out there somewhere, and quite another to know for certain that they're gone. Shen Wenlang's body simply slowly shut down. He was glad of it.
He greeted the eternal darkness like an old friend. He had expected it. What he didn't expect was to open his eyes again and see the light.
Gao Tu's entire life had been a living nightmare. Come to think of it, he couldn't remember a single truly happy day. Only a miserable existence.
Gao Tu had many regrets. Chief among them was Shen Wenlang. And his own cowardice. If he'd been braver, he would have long ago severed all ties with someone who had brought him nothing but pain and humiliation. But... Gao Tu was always pathetic.
He'd paid too high a price for this. Double the price. Dying before reaching thirty is no great achievement. Taking the life of your own unborn son with you... It was too much.
They had gone into eternal darkness together forever. Or so he thought. Because for some reason, he suddenly opened his eyes. Sunlight streamed through the windows. Those windows and the curtains were familiar to him. It was the small room he'd lived in when he was in school.