It Says, Hello

"He's not a monster." Zhao Yijiu instinctively raised a hand to cover Yu Xing's eyes, clearly answering each of his questions. "People only have two arms, and you look perfectly normal."

Then he realized that answering was enough; the gesture served no purpose.

He just didn't want to see that heartbreaking look in Yu Xing's eyes.

"That's good, then." Yu Xing seemed relieved, too. The unblocked lower half of his face wore its usual smile. "My mind's all jumbled up. Having you here makes things much easier. What are we doing now?"

Zhao Yijiu lowered his hand.

He took off his down jacket and draped it over Yu Xing, who was "about to freeze to death." Then he turned, crouched down, and tilted his head. "Hop on. This time, I'll carry you."

The sun had only just risen above the highest snow-covered peak. A beam of golden light fell right on Zhao Yijiu's fluffy hair, making its black strands gleam even brighter.

Yu Xing narrowed his eyes. He felt like eating something again.

He didn't think he was hungry. He just wanted to taste something, to let his tongue experience those flavors, those textures, that person in front of him...

Never mind. He couldn't eat Brother Jiu.

Then he suddenly thought of his legs. He had legs—so, so many of them. They were buried deep underground, stretching far away like countless roots. Why should he make Brother Jiu carry him?

"I can walk by myself," he said.

But Zhao Yijiu didn't move. He insisted, "Get on."

"Why?"

"So I can prove to you that I really exist."

The crouching man lowered his head, his expression hidden. When Yu Xing didn't respond, he added softly, "If I don't exist, we'll see whether you fall."

There was still no answer.

Zhao Yijiu