Chapter 8 The Thief Who Stole Hearts

"I saw..."

The TV news anchor was speaking in clear, precise tones.

"...heavy rain expected tomorrow in our city. Citizens are advised to carry umbrellas."

Heavy rain.

A hand passing a towel through a glass fogged with water.

"...a Xing kiln white porcelain lamp stand was recently unearthed at the Imperial Mausoleum..."

White porcelain.

A side profile, a neck—Lu Heyang.

"I saw a really cool pencil case."

As soon as Lu Xun said that, he felt the tension drain from his body, the stiffness in his back loosening. He slumped over the table, relieved.

"I'm out of allowance for this month..." He flashed a cheeky, ingratiating smile, poking at the rice in his bowl. "Dad, can I have a little more?"

Lu Bingwen was, at heart, a strict father. But his experience as a strict parent to Lu Heyang had been limited. Clearing his throat, he finally decided to play the role of a doting father. He took out his wallet, placing one bill in front of Lu Xun and another by Lu Heyang's bowl.

"One for each of you," Lu Bingwen reminded them. "Use it for school, and don't get into any trouble."

"Thanks, Dad," Lu Xun said. From the corner of his eye, he saw Lu Heyang fold his bill and slip it into his pocket.

The sound of running water came next as Lu Heyang quietly took the dishes to the sink.

Compared to Lu Xun, Lu Heyang still seemed like a guest in this house. He washed the dishes in return for meals, did chores in exchange for allowance. It was as if every kind gesture towards him came with strings attached, as if he had to work to earn any kindness.

Lu Xun watched Lu Heyang's back as he worked in the kitchen.

His waist, slender enough to be encircled with one hand, was briefly visible as his T-shirt rode up. His ankles, delicate and beautifully shaped, peeked out from under his white socks, tucked into khaki-colored plush slippers.

At that moment, Lu Xun realized why he couldn't bring himself to reveal what he'd seen.

His brother was a thief.

He stole pens, he stole candy, and he stole hearts.

The next day, the rain did come.

Summer rainstorms were always dramatic, arriving in torrents. By the time school ended, the second wave had already begun. The water pooled at the bottom of the steps, forming a small river that slowly drained through the narrow holes of the storm drain.

The oppressive heat of the afternoon was finally washed away. Wind tousled Lu Xun's hair as he slung his bag over his shoulder and ran through the splashing puddles to the psychology office on the fifth floor of Building B.

"Ms. Liu," Lu Xun knocked on the door.

Ms. Liu looked surprised to see the student standing in the doorway, half-soaked in his uniform. She quickly handed him a towel to dry off.

Lu Xun threw his bag on the floor, took the towel, and sat down, absentmindedly rubbing his hair until it was a messy tangle.

"I wanted to ask you something, Ms. Liu…" Lu Xun hesitated, looking uneasy. "It's about a friend of mine…"

That was how these conversations usually started. Ms. Liu smiled kindly, understanding what was coming.

"Mhm, what's going on with your friend?"

"He… has this habit of stealing things," Lu Xun said quickly, then hurriedly added, "But nothing valuable, just pens and erasers and stuff. Why does he do it?"

Lu Xun anxiously watched Ms. Liu's face for any signs of anger or disapproval. Fortunately, she showed none. Instead, she calmly explained, "If the items aren't valuable, it's likely not about wanting to possess them."

"Exactly!" Lu Xun nodded eagerly.

"It could be a psychological issue, possibly stemming from family circumstances, a need for attention, or a search for thrills."

Family.

Lu Xun's expression hardened slightly.

What had those years of abduction been like for Lu Heyang?

"Will he keep doing this?"

"If it's a situation like this, usually the behavior diminishes with age and as they develop more social connections."

"Criticism and scolding might actually increase his anxiety, feeding his desire for attention and thrills. It's not really recommended," Ms. Liu advised. "Instead, try engaging in other positive activities with him, gradually shifting his focus."

Lu Xun nodded in understanding.

"If needed, you can bring him to talk with me," Ms. Liu offered with a warm smile. "I appreciate you thinking of me and am more than willing to help you and your friend."

"Thank you, Ms. Liu."

After saying goodbye to Ms. Liu, Lu Xun headed downstairs from Building B. A heavy curtain of rain had pulled the sky down to the earth, countless umbrellas opening like multicolored flowers in the gray twilight.

He'd been distracted during yesterday's weather forecast and completely forgot about the rain, so he hadn't brought an umbrella.

Standing under the eaves, Lu Xun pulled out his phone, intending to call his parents and ask them to pick him up after work. Suddenly, a pair of white sneakers entered his line of sight.

Lu Xun looked up to see Lu Heyang, his pants and shoulders damp, holding a soggy umbrella in one hand and extending a dry orange one toward him.

"Get home early."

"Why didn't you leave?"

School had let out half an hour ago, but Lu Heyang was still here.

"Duty," Lu Heyang replied simply, not mentioning how he'd searched through Buildings A and B twice.

Lu Xun fell silent, and Lu Heyang, equally reticent, turned back to the rain with his umbrella.

"Lu Heyang," Lu Xun suddenly called out.

The first time, Lu Heyang didn't hear him, the noise of the rain drowning out his voice as he continued walking away.

Lu Xun had to shout again.

"Hey, bro!"

Finally, Lu Heyang turned his head. His wet hair clung to his forehead, and his eyes were bright, like a flash of lightning in the pouring rain, striking Lu Xun right in the heart.

He took a deep breath.

Step one, don't criticize him—redirect his focus.

"Wanna go skating on Saturday?" Lu Xun felt his face heat up slightly.

"I don't know how."

Such a luxurious pastime. Lu Heyang refused almost immediately.

Step two, give him more attention.

Lu Xun looked seriously into Lu Heyang's eyes.

"I'll teach you."

Lu Heyang's pupils dilated in surprise.