After the car accident, my boyfriend got straight

Originally, Shen Li intended to give Jiang Shiyu a day off to rest, but the little kitten couldn’t resist throwing himself into the lion’s mouth, and there’s no way the lion would pass up a meal served on a silver platter. Shen Li took full advantage.

When Jiang Shiyu woke up again, the surroundings were dark, except for the screen on the wall playing a movie, with dim, flickering lights, as if he was in a dream.

“You’re awake,” Shen Li said, pulling him up from his embrace to give him water.

Jiang Shiyu felt weak all over, and his throat was dry. The water soothed his throat significantly. Leaning against Shen Li’s chest, his eyes unfocused, he gazed at the scenes on the screen.

“What movie is this?” He asked.

“*Little Forest*.”

He recalled seeing the movie title on a recommendation list. It was a film suitable for watching alone at home in peace, offering a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

The two of them nestled together in the screening room, watching the movie. In reality, he didn’t catch much of it—he missed the beginning, watched a bit in the middle, fell asleep, and woke up just as it was ending.

In the movie, the girl leaves the hustle and bustle of the city, returning to her hometown to live in a small forest cabin in the mountains. As summer arrives, she uses the ingredients available in her surroundings to experiment with cooking. The fresh scenes, accompanied by soothing background music from a phonograph, present the simplest of daily meals in front of the camera, allowing viewers to experience the same sense of peace.

As the movie ended, Jiang Shiyu suddenly envisioned the girl’s cozy cabin and said, “Shen Li, when we get old, let’s find a secluded place where no one knows us, just like the girl in the movie. We’ll live in a small wooden house in the mountains, preparing our daily meals together. It sounds pretty nice.”

He looked up and saw Shen Li leaning down, his thin lips slightly parted. “Sure, we’ll do as you wish,” he said.

They shared a simple and pure kiss. After parting, Jiang Shiyu was still a bit out of breath.

Listening to the ending credits music, he asked, “I saw a piano in the study on the third floor. Would you like me to play something for you?”

It was already late at night, and they had spent the day watching the sea, strolling, and taking photos. After a round of activity and a movie, one might expect them to be tired, but the little kitten seemed full of energy, eagerly wanting to perform for his lion owner. Of course, the lion couldn’t refuse his kitten’s enthusiasm.

Jiang Shiyu was feeling lazy and didn’t want to walk, so he playfully asked Shen Li to carry him. Shen Li obliged, carrying him steadily up the stairs to the third floor, step by step. Despite the effort, his breathing remained even and his steps sure, seemingly unbothered by the weight.

Jiang Shiyu felt a bit envious. They had shared the same day of activities, but Shen Li’s stamina was far superior to his own.

Soon, he forgot all about that. Against the wall of the study stood a Steinway piano, a piece Bai Yun had impulsively purchased abroad. The piano, crafted by hand and coated in a midnight black finish, bore a logo inlaid with rubies. The instrument exuded a subtle luxury, with every detail polished to perfection. After bringing it home, Bai Yun lost interest and randomly placed it in a house, where it ended up in this villa by chance.

Jiang Shiyu leaped off Shen Li’s back and walked slowly toward the piano, his fingers gliding over its polished surface, his eyes unblinking.

He had encountered many exquisite and luxurious pianos throughout his studies, but this Steinway was especially beautiful—like a quiet, crouching panther, lurking in the shadows with bright, sharp eyes. Once exposed, it would draw gasps of admiration. The sleek, powerful form and graceful curves spoke of its pride and strength.

Leaning against the wall, Shen Li watched as he admired the piano, resembling an artist who had found a masterpiece that resonated with his aesthetic.

“Do you really like this piano?” He asked.

Jiang Shiyu’s fingers grazed the keys, enjoying their smooth texture. He didn’t hide his affection. “It’s stunning.”

Shen Li chuckled. “It’s just an inanimate object. Only when it’s brought to life does its true beauty shine.”

Jiang Shiyu quickly understood what he meant. He pulled out the piano bench and sat down, his slender fingers gliding across the black-and-white keys. Soft, soothing music flowed effortlessly from his fingertips.

The piece he played was one he had recently come across on a short video platform, *Our Little Forest.* He had listened to it once and immediately transcribed the score.

The last time Shen Li saw him playing the piano was during a competition, where he was a young prince in a black suit—elegant, poised, and full of grace. Seeing him now, dressed in cozy, soft cotton pajamas with his hair tousled and his cheeks bearing sleep marks, it was like the little prince had stepped off his planet just to perform for him.

This piano piece was simple for Jiang Shiyu. Unlike the tension he felt performing on stage, he was completely at ease, his fingers dancing across the keys while his head swayed lightly in time with the gentle, comforting music. His wavy hair bounced along with the rhythm.

As Shen Li had said earlier, no matter how magnificent and rare the piano, it was lifeless without someone to play it. Tonight, the long-forgotten Steinway in the study came alive in Jiang Shiyu’s hands, radiating brilliance.

Every time Shen Li saw him at the piano, it was as if he became someone else—pure, as if born solely for music. The simple notes he played turned into a soothing melody, relaxing and comforting those who listened.

Leaning against the wall, he closed his eyes, listening quietly to the piano’s melody.

When the piece ended, he opened his eyes, feeling like he hadn’t heard enough.

“I’ll have this piano moved back to Jiang Hua, and we’ll put it on the third floor for you to play.”

Jiang Shiyu was still lost in the music, and it took a few seconds for him to react. “But we already have a piano at home.”

On the third floor, there was a dedicated room for the piano he usually practiced on, also brought in from abroad.

“But that one’s been used for a while now. A new one would feel better,” Shen Li replied.

Jiang Shiyu mumbled under his breath, “It’s only been half a year.”

Shen Li didn’t catch his muttering. He walked over to sit beside him on the piano bench, pressing a few keys that produced single notes.

He frowned; somehow, the notes didn’t sound as pleasing as when Jiang Shiyu played them.

His hands, rough and calloused from years of training, were broad and strong with prominent knuckles—completely different from Jiang Shiyu’s delicate, slender fingers. Placed on the keys, his hands gave the piano a different feel.

Suddenly, Jiang Shiyu’s eyes lit up as if he had an idea. “How about I teach you to play the piano?” he suggested excitedly.

Shen Li raised an eyebrow, indicating he wasn’t a very good student.

But Jiang Shiyu was clearly intrigued. He placed his fingers on the keys, guiding his hands, instructing him on which notes to press, one by one.

Though Shen Li excelled at various sports, his hands seemed rusty and awkward on the piano, always lagging behind or hitting the wrong notes.

“Ah, no, that’s wrong. Not that one.”

“Almost there. Press this key, then that black key.”

“Don’t spread your fingers so wide—no, that’s too tight. Loosen them up.”

For the first time, Jiang Shiyu felt that Shen Li wasn’t invincible—at least when it came to piano, he still had a lot to learn.

They played around in the study for over an hour before heading back to their room to wash up and sleep. Early the next morning, Shen Li got up first. Chen Xu and the others had a flight arriving in the morning, and he needed to pick them up.

The bed beside Jiang Shiyu was slightly sunken, and he slept soundly, his cheeks slightly flushed. His curly hair was spread out on the pillow like a little lion’s mane. Seemingly sensing Shen Li’s absence, he grew restless in his sleep, his limbs beginning to flail.

Kneeling by the bed, Shen Li leaned down and pressed a kiss on his forehead. He reached under the blanket and gently stroked his back, calming him until he fell back into a deep sleep.

After washing up in the bathroom, he prepared breakfast and quietly left.

When Jiang Shiyu woke up, Shen Li had already been gone for two hours. The bed on the other side was cold, but the familiar scent still lingered. Drowsily, he buried his head in Shen Li’s side of the bed, letting his thoughts drift.

After getting dressed and heading to the kitchen, he found a note pinned under the milk.

“There’s porridge in the pot. Heat it up when you’re ready to eat. —Shen Li.”

He smiled, picked up the milk, and took a sip.

The morning sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting irregular rectangles on the floor. When Jiang Shiyu opened the window, he could see the sandy beach and the vast ocean beyond. A gentle sea breeze drifted in, refreshing and crisp.

Holding a glass of milk and a bowl of warmed porridge, Jiang Shiyu slowly ate by the window, enjoying the serene view. Suddenly, the front door creaked open, followed by the sound of people shuffling in and chatting animatedly.

“This place is amazing! A standalone villa with its own private beach? We should definitely have a bonfire tonight!”

“Hey, Shen Li, isn’t there a pool upstairs? I brought several pairs of colorful swim trunks just for this trip!”

“Where’s Jiang Shiyu? I thought you said he’d be here?”

Chen Xu, as if he hadn’t spoken to anyone in ages, chattered nonstop from the moment they arrived. Just as he was speaking, a head peeked out from inside the door—a head with messy curls falling over a bright, wide-eyed face.

“Yo, Shiyu! Long time no see!” Chen Xu flashed a grin, revealing his white teeth as he waved.

Li Muzi, who was right behind him, caught sight of Jiang Shiyu and instantly abandoned his luggage, rushing over with a loud wail.

“Shiyu, I’ve missed you so much! Waaah!”

He threw himself at him with such force that the latter almost lost his balance. They stumbled back a couple of steps before Shen Li quickly steadied Jiang Shiyu with a hand on his back.

Li Muzi’s once bright golden hair had been dyed back to black, and the smooth, neat cut now made his once strikingly flamboyant features seem softer and more innocent. Clinging tightly to Jiang Shiyu, he refused to let go. The two hadn’t seen each other since Jiang Shiyu’s surgery, only occasionally catching up over WeChat.

“Did you miss me? You have no idea how lonely I’ve been—going to class, eating in the cafeteria, all by myself! No one’s there to laugh with me over sheet music, and the teachers just keep picking on me for skipping class! Ugh!”

Jiang Shiyu had missed his friend too, and the two stood at the entrance, pouring out all the emotions they’d kept bottled up. Shen Li and Chen Xu stood by, watching the scene with deadpan expressions.

“Alright, if you want to catch up and cry your hearts out, do it inside. You’re blocking the entrance—we can’t even get the luggage in,” Chen Xu grumbled, breaking the moment.

Li Muzi, who had been tearfully hugging Jiang Shiyu seconds ago, instantly straightened up and shot back, hands on hips, “Mind your own business!”

In an instant, the previously quiet villa burst into life with their banter. Jiang Shiyu and Shen Li exchanged amused glances, both shrugging in silent agreement that this was just the kind of chaotic energy they’d been expecting.

As everyone moved inside, they spread out to unpack their things and get comfortable. The villa, with its minimalist yet luxurious design, offered plenty of room for everyone. The spacious living room, large enough to host a gathering, filled quickly with laughter and chatter. They discussed plans for the day—whether to hit the beach first, or explore the nearby trails—and all agreed that this trip was exactly what they needed to unwind.

Jiang Shiyu, still savoring the lingering warmth of friendship and the comforting noise filling the air, couldn’t help but smile. This was the kind of peace he had longed for—a balance between solitude and the joyous chaos brought by people who mattered most.