After the car accident, my boyfriend got straight

Aside from the first day when business was slow, the performing arts club’s pumpkin carriage was surrounded by crowds for the next two days. Shen Li was even photographed picking Jiang Shiyu up from the stall, and these pictures topped the forum for two days.

Spectators were puzzled and commented: “What happened to ‘after the amnesia, I’m a straight guy who avoids same-sex closeness’?”

Replies flooded in:

“I’m straight, but that doesn’t stop me from finding a wife.”

“Shen Li, a giant in words, but a dwarf in actions.”

“If you throw him into the sea, even if he sinks, his mouth will float up, shouting ‘I’m straight’.”

“He used to at least pretend, but now he’s blatantly all over him, saying he’s straight while eagerly picking up his wife. I love this contradiction!”

“Remember the poll post at the start of the term that got pinned to the top? It said Shen Li thought he was straight and was cold to Jiang Shiyu. Where are those who said Jiang Shiyu was just wasting his time trying to win over a straight guy? Bring them out!”

“On this joyous day, let’s bless the newlyweds with eternal love and happiness, and lots of kids.”

“Wishing you many kids.”

“Hurry up and have some!”

“I’m off to hide under my bed.”

Jiang Shiyu had no idea this was happening. He was so busy he didn’t even have time to check his messages. Every night, he collapsed into bed, with meals brought to him by Shen Li, who almost spoon-fed him. He even talked in his sleep.

“Say cheese.”

“Smile.”

“Next one.”

Jiang Shiyu, who was initially uncomfortable and scared of taking pictures, became numb to it after two days of being photographed by everyone who visited their stall. He felt like he had taken enough photos to last a lifetime.

Finally, on the last afternoon, when it was all about to end, he retreated to the back of the pumpkin carriage, sitting alone on a small orange stool, lost in thought, his head leaning against a post, his large eyes staring blankly at a spot on the ground.

Alin and the others finished packing up and tallying the earnings. The crowd in front cheered as they had done well.

She called everyone to account for the supplies, return what needed to be returned, and put away what needed to be stored. She noticed Jiang Shiyu sitting dazed in the corner.

Their charity sale had thrived thanks to his photos, drawing people who wanted to take pictures with him, leading them to buy items as well. She realized from the first day that he was introverted and sensitive. It hadn’t been easy for him to stand in front of the stall and interact with people for several days.

She walked over to him. He snapped out of his daze and looked around before quickly standing up.

“Are we packing up? I’ll help.”

Alin stopped him. “No need, there’s not much left. You rest; it’s been exhausting for you.”

Jiang Shiyu stood there like a schoolboy being scolded. “It’s nothing, just taking pictures.”

“You’re too soft-hearted. Some of those photo requests were really unreasonable, yet you didn’t refuse. Being so accommodating only encourages people to take advantage.”

His good looks and gentle nature meant he never refused anyone who wanted a photo. Some even made him pose repeatedly, taking many shots. He wouldn’t say no, enduring even if uncomfortable. Alin noticed and, with her straightforward personality, set limits: everyone was allowed only three pictures. Having her support made the days easier for him.

“These days, you pushed yourself for the club and the charity sale. It must have been emotionally exhausting.”

He shook his head, his big eyes serious as he looked at her. “Alin, I truly didn’t mind. I found it meaningful.”

This was his genuine feeling. Though he disliked and wasn’t good at taking pictures or socializing, he pushed his boundaries, interacting with many people, exposing himself to the camera, and receiving much praise. He realized stepping out of his comfort zone wasn’t so terrifying. The kindness and support he received calmed his anxious heart. The thought that their efforts would help underprivileged children filled him with satisfaction.

Moreover, Alin and the club members always helped him, considering his feelings. While they joked about him being their mascot, they never forced him to take photos and ensured he rested every hour.

Alin sincerely liked this pure and kind boy. Despite seeming fragile, he never complained during the high-intensity work, always speaking warmly, his eyes smiling.

After packing, she led the old and new club members to the hot pot restaurant again.

The carnival and charity sale were unexpectedly successful, and they even recruited new members, an unexpected bonus.

Unlike the disappointed atmosphere from two days ago, everyone was now excited and joyful.

“Let’s toast our new members first,” she said, raising her glass.

“Cheers!” Everyone raised their glasses.

“The second toast is to ourselves. Thanks for all your hard work over the past three days.”

They raised their glasses again. Jiang Shiyu, now in the middle, was infected by the lively atmosphere, his face flushed.

After the second toast, Alin raised her glass again towards him.

“The third toast is to our club’s mascot, Shiyu. Without him, our charity sale wouldn’t have been so popular, nor would we have exceeded our goals. On behalf of the underprivileged children, thank you, Shiyu.”

Everyone raised their glasses towards him, who was caught off guard but not as flustered as three days ago.

He smiled shyly, clinking glasses with everyone. “It was a team effort. Thank you all for taking care of me these three days.”

The clinking glasses made a crisp sound, and the hot pot’s aroma filled the air. Amid the smoke, he saw everyone’s bright smiles, feeling a warm fullness in his chest and a slight sting in his eyes. He didn’t say more, just bowed his head and listened to the chatter, eating from his bowl.

When they parted, Alin said she would organize the income details and post them in the group. Once everyone confirmed, she would make the donation. Everyone agreed.

Since they were from different departments and dorms, Jiang Shiyu walked back alone. He had changed out of his Little Match Boy costume but hadn’t removed his makeup.

The carnival continued, and Jiang Hua University was lit up at night, with star lights hanging from the trees and streamers flying in the air. The large campus, now quiet after the daytime hustle, made Jiang Shiyu stop under a ginkgo tree. The tree’s leaves had all fallen, its bare branches like octopus arms reaching into the sky, and the ground was covered in scattered ginkgo leaves.

When Shen Li found him, he was crouched under the tree like a cat, scratching at the ground.

He felt the light dim and looked up to see Shen Li standing there. He had messaged him after the hot pot saying he would come to find him. When he didn’t see him in the back street and got no reply, he searched along the way back to the dorm.

Shen Li wasn’t angry, nor did he look at him with strange eyes like the passing students. His eyes revealed no emotions.

“What are you doing?”

He replied, “Looking for leaves.”

He sometimes had peculiar ideas that even Li Muzi couldn’t understand, but Shen Li just crouched beside him to help.

In truth, he didn’t know what specific leaf he was looking for. He just thought the ginkgo leaf’s shape was beautiful and wanted to find a special one to press in a book as a bookmark.

So, the two of them squatted there, turning over leaves one by one. The evening breeze stirred, lifting the top layer of fallen leaves and revealing those pressed underneath.

“Hey,” Jiang Shiyu exclaimed, spotting a half-buried ginkgo leaf. Usually fan-shaped, this one had a heart-shaped notch in the middle.

He pulled it out. Despite some dirt, it was intact.

Holding the leaf in his hand, he offered it to Shen Li. “Look, a heart-shaped ginkgo leaf.”

His nose had somehow gotten dirty, making him look even more pitiful with his painted-on wounds. Yet his eyes were bright with joy and anticipation. After the carnival, he seemed different. Once a rose in a garden, fragile and shy, he now appeared as a flower that had seen sunlight, still elegant but now radiating vitality.

Under the dim light, Shen Li felt a strong, tingling sensation in his chest from Jiang Shiyu’s gaze, touching his heart deeply.

He didn’t look at the leaf, his eyes fixed on Jiang Shiyu’s face, unable to hide its glow despite the dirt.

Jiang Shiyu noticed his gaze and the shift in the atmosphere. Having been in a long relationship with him, he recognized some of his expressions and actions. At this moment, the emotion in his eyes was familiar.

This was how Shen Li used to look when he wanted to kiss him.

Their eyes met, creating an intimate tension.

They hadn’t kissed in a long time, and Jiang Shiyu missed his lips and embrace.

But Shen Li had forgotten him, and a kiss was impossible. Maybe he was mistaken.

He licked his lips, making them moist.

“It’s late. Let’s go back.”