Past Only Hurts When You Let it

Why am I so nervous? Shen Wei grips the edge of the table, fingers twitching slightly. I'm only meeting him to say thank you. That's all. Just a thank you for helping me. He stares out the window of the quiet teahouse, hoping someone will call out to him first. I don't even remember what he looks like...

His thoughts break when someone calls out loud and clear, "Shen Wei!"

Startled, he stands up, turning around just as a tall, handsome man walks up and—before he can react—wraps him in a hug.

Shen Wei freezes, wide-eyed.

The stranger holds him for a few moments longer, then finally pulls back just a little. "Are you Zhao Yunlan? The one who helped take care of me?" Shen Wei asks cautiously.

Yunlan smiles, though there's a flicker of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, it's me. Zhao Yunlan. You really don't remember me, huh..."

He says it quietly, but he's close enough that Shen Wei hears every word.

"I'm sorry," Shen Wei says, guilt weighing on him. "I know I should remember... from five years ago, right? But I don't. I really don't remember anything."

"It's okay," Yunlan says quickly, waving his hand. "Although I'm a little sad... but I understand. It's not your fault. If I'm mad at anyone, it's your awful father for what he did to you both."

Yunlan pulls out the chair across from him and sits down. "Uncle Li! A pot of dark tea and two slices of sweet cake!"

A loud voice echoes from the back, "Every cake is sweet, brat! Be more specific!"

Yunlan groans. "Uncle Li! I'm your favorite customer, how can you treat me like this?!"

The old man shuffles out with a tray in hand. "You've been coming here for over two years and still don't know how to order. Learn from your quiet companion over there!"

He sets down a clay teapot with two cups and two slices of cake—one green tea, one red bean.

He places the green tea cake in front of Shen Wei and smirks. "That one's not too sweet. You'll like it."

"I didn't order anything..." Shen Wei murmurs.

Uncle Li winks and walks away without a word, but not before tossing a knowing look at Yunlan.

"Xiao Wei, just eat it," Yunlan says with a grin. "That's just his style. And don't worry—he guessed right. It's not too sweet."

Shen Wei blushes faintly, caught. It's true—he doesn't really like sweets. Unlike Yezun, who can't get enough of them.

"You must be popular here," he says, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Yunlan pours the tea into both cups. The aroma of dark, earthy leaves fills the space between them. "Well, it comes with the job, I guess. I'm kind of a local figure around here."

Shen Wei lifts an eyebrow. "A local figure?"

"I'm Zhao Yunlan, the police chief for this district," he says with a slight bow, then adds with a smile, "But please, just call me Yunlan. Like before."

Shen Wei nods, quietly absorbing that.

"Thank you... Yunlan, for helping Yezun take care of me. I don't remember much, but I do remember I wasn't alone. I think... I vaguely recall two people beside my didi."

"You're welcome," Yunlan replies, his voice suddenly gentler. "Honestly, I'm just glad you're okay. We almost lost you... If Yezun had waited even a little longer to ask for help—"