1 Reconciliation in a boulder of ice—Preview

It was a frigid winter morning, a blanket of snow enshrouded across the campus of Meiqiu university. Students were clothed in extra thick layers that day, as the temperature had dropped drastically since the beginning of the week. It was the end of the semester, but there were still activities provided for students who were willing enough to stop by.

Feng Luo Xi didn't want to stay at home and sulk for the rest of the invigorating cold, so he had no choice but to come by and see to his adoptive sister."Feng Luo Xi, over here!"His sister exclaimed from the distance. He turned to look at her with a gentle gaze, as her smile remained warm and fuzzy throughout the encounter.

Her compassion for him was like no other; more or less could never be subdued by his yielded mourning. He walked up to her, and she hugged him tightly with a hint of excitement."I thought you'd have stayed home, perhaps my little brother is starting to change!"

He smiled back at her, but his pretentiousness would not last. After some small talk, Feng Luo Xi went off on his own to wander around campus. The icicles hanging from the—"FENG LUO XI, OI!"

A hastily dressed man; much like a delinquent, calls out his name through the empty veranda. He jumps at him, and Luo Xi doesn't even glance at him, knowing just how extremely frustrating it is to even deal with "his" shenanigans.

"Wu Xiao Chen, just what do you want this time? Get off me, you're going to break my back."Luo Xi scoffs at him, purposely rolling his eyes. He doesn't even try to hide it. "You're so cruel, throwing insults at me. Icicles, most likely..."

"That's honestly relieving to hear. Now, if you'll excuse me—"Wu Xiao Chen grips his arm, refusing to let go."Are you going to take your hand off, or am I supposed to slice it off?"

"With what?"Luo Xi grits his teeth, pulling his hand away from Xiao Chen. His patience had run out; dealing with him now would just cause more conflict between them.

"You asked, but you won't even let me speak without insulting me. Are you going to let me speak or–"Luo Xi raised his eyebrow in confusion."I'm letting you speak now, and yet you're rambling about nonsense. If you don't have anything to say, I might as well excuse myself."

"Wait!–"Luo Xi stopped in his tracks and finally turned to look at him."You have one minute."

Xiao Chen hesitates at the beginning, but..."There's a drinking party this evening. I need you to come with me because almost everyone wants you there! They even said they won't let me in without you!"

"That's your problem. Besides, they're just using you to get to me. How can you not see it?"Xiao Chen sighs in disbelief. He's known Luo Xi for years, and yet he's never witnessed him be this blunt."As much as I want to believe you, they've looked out for me for several semesters. Its not like I can't live up to their small wishes, yeah?"

"Better stop aiming for me then. As they said, I'm even smaller."He took out his tongue at him for a moment, but reverted to his usual face in the blink of an eye."That's not the point. Can you just come with me? You don't even have to drink, all you have to do is wait in the corner!"

"That better be as true as it is. If you make me drink even a single drop, I'll have your legs broken by the following morning."

Xiao Chen leaves with a sleeked smile on his face, as Feng contacted his sister. She answered shortly after."What's the occasion, Luo Xi?"He sighed, unable to respond for a few seconds."Nothing sister, it's just that I won't be home early tonight. Xiao Chen and I have to go somewhere, so I won't be there when mom and dad arrive."

You could hear Tiantian's light sniffing, as Luo Xi panicked at the other end of the line."Oh sister, why are you crying? Don't worry, I'll be there. It's just that this bastard has a favor to repay besides me having to go. I'll just have to surprise mom and dad, yes?"

"...Right! Make sure you come home safe, if that jerk Xiao Chen screws something up, I'll beat him up real hard!" she stated, as her tone remained cheerful. Luo Xi smiled at the other end, thrilled to finally see his adoptive parents.

Later on, they both arrive at the drinking party. It was chilly, even on the inside. Luo Xi sat by Xiao Chen, trying to avoid eye contact with the others."Xiao Chen, why don't you have our little Fengfeng drink a little bit, eh?"

Luo Xi glared at Xiao Chen. He knew he had a promise to keep, and he knew Luo Xi wouldn't over exaggerate."I suppose it can't hurt to have a few glasses..."he responded, while glaring directly at Xiao Chen. His eyes were sharp enough to pierce through the young man's fortitude.

His expression shifted fatally, as Xiao Chen chose to snatch some of it away from him. The party felt never-ending, with Feng still having to chug a couple of glasses. Finally, midnight struck, and everyone had drunk a sufficient amount before heading back home.

You'd think everything would go as planned...but there's always a twist to every story.

[Author's side note:Novel will come in a few months.]