Chapter Text
Chu Wanning has been living alone for over a decade since he was kicked out of the house at just 14 years old. Since then, he’s faced many difficulties in life: living on the streets, in abandoned houses, and skipping meals more times than he could ever count. However, his innate abilities and diligence didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.
At present, he had just finished lecturing his final class for the day, a side hustle as a part-timer at a state university. Although he appeared cold and indifferent all the time, he was passionate about teaching.
At last, all the students had left the room, so he quickly packed his belongings into his bag, checking that he hadn't forgotten anything. It had been a while since he’d been anxious about his surroundings. He couldn’t wait to get home to finally feel safe.
The unsettling truth was that Chu Wanning had been feeling gazes from unknown sources for weeks now. He had always been uncomfortable in crowded places, and this stalker made it worse.
At first, he thought it was just some stupid prank.
“You look especially good today, Wanning,” said a note with little hearts drawn all over it.
It was a note he found on his desk in the faculty room two months ago. He instantly crumpled the sticky note and threw it in the trash.
Who did this person think they were? Calling him by his first name when even his co-professors addressed him by his title and full name?
But it didn’t stop there. Oh no. It was just the beginning.
The following day, he found another note.
“I saw the note in your trashcan, Wanning. That made me a bit sad. However, maybe the compliment was really an understatement, hehe. White really looks perfect on you, like a god to be worshipped by no one other than me.”
Chu Wanning had never been praised like this before. Not that he received many compliments anyway. Few people had the guts to give him compliments to his face because of his cold demeanor. Nonetheless, he cringed hard after reading the note, crumpled it, and threw it in the trash. Then, he sat on his swivel chair to relieve his back pain after standing for too long. That’s when he noticed a simple box on his desk.
“What’s this box doing here?” It had no logo or label, except for a smaller sticky note that said, “To my beautiful Wanning.”
Chu Wanning opened the box and found osmanthus jellies inside. They were his favorite sweets. Chu Wanning looked around the faculty room full of other professors and some students, trying to spot the possible person who had put it there. No one seemed suspicious, so maybe this stalker wasn’t around.
Little did he know, the person who gave it to him was watching from his peripheral vision while talking to one of the professors.
Wary and cautious as always, Chu Wanning planned to throw the sweets away. He didn’t feel comfortable just thinking about throwing them, as he had experienced going without food for two days when he was on the streets. However, he didn’t even know which bakery they came from, as there was no label. Better to be safe than sorry.
The days after that were the same. Every day he had a schedule at the university, there were always notes and sweets waiting for him on his desk or in his classroom. He didn’t have the nerve to ask for a copy of the CCTV footage, as even he thought the reason of “having a secret admirer wasting money” was ridiculous. Since this person hadn’t done anything major, he just brushed it off and threw whatever the person left on his desk.
But it didn’t stop at notes and boxes of sweets.
It had been a month now since it all started. He thought it would stop once this person got tired of the prank.
“Baobei, I’m hurt. Why are you always discarding the notes I wrote for you? I don’t see the desserts I made in trash cans here or around the school, so hopefully, you're at least enjoying those. Valentine’s Day is approaching soon. Maybe we could set a date somewhere you like? Anywhere is fine as long as I’m with you,” a box of brownies came with the note.
Chu Wanning turned red with rage. Stupid prank. Stupid notes. Stupid sweets. When would this person stop? Honestly, he was getting exhausted dealing with this. The nerve of this person to continuously send him notes with their half-assed penmanship and claim to be making all those desserts. He can't be seen throwing food somewhere around the school, so he had been taking the boxes home and throw it the next day when his neighborhood’ waste truck comes.
Things took a turn on Valentine’s Day.
Mo Ran had pre-ordered haitang flowers and white roses for his favorite person. He left early to pick them up from the store.
“Here’s your order, sir. The person you’ll be giving them to is lucky and will undoubtedly be glad to receive such a gift,” said the cashier at the flower store.
“Haha, no way. I’m definitely luckier to have him in my life,” Mo Ran grinned just imagining his indifferent face and phoenix eyes.
“For your lover, huh?” the lady said while handing over the arranged flowers to Mo Ran.
“My husband,” Mo Ran replied with a dark expression.
Mo Ran went out of the store and placed the flowers on the passenger seat. He also carefully picked up a paper bag filled with fresh-baked goods he had been working on for hours.
“Wanning will definitely like this,” he muttered.
Since it was still early, it was expected that there wouldn't be many people at the university. Mo Ran still chose pathways that were not normally taken. He wasn't yet ready to reveal his identity to Wanning since he was still in his last year of his bachelor's degree. Soon, he told himself.
Mo Ran met Wanning in his teen years. He was an orphan but was luckily found by the Xues. Before that, Mo Ran had stayed at an orphanage, just surviving each day. His stomach might not have been filled every day, but he was grateful enough to have a roof over his head. That's when he met Chu Wanning, a volunteer at the age of 18. They had few interactions, but that was enough for Mo Ran to set his eyes on him. He wasn't like the old ladies who took care of the kids—he taught them how to count, read, and write. Mo Ran wanted his attention, so he worked harder to get it.
Mo Ran knew him for only four months, and their relationship was cut off abruptly when Xue Zhengyong found him. As a 10-year-old, he couldn't do anything about it. However, it also meant that he could meet his savior again when he was in a better position. It still made him bawl for weeks, though. What could a child do but petty acts? He had learned a lot while living on the streets. He saw every heinous and petty crime.
Weeks after that, he did things to make himself better. He threw valuable items from the house such as his uncle’s favorite fans, caused little accidents by purposely spilling liquids in the dark, thrown in drops of rat poison in the coffee maker to cause diarrhea, and set-up Xue Meng so that he'll be blamed for things he did.
Don't get him wrong. Of course, he is glad to have them, but it also ease his frustrations a bit. In his last year's first sem, he heard about a new professor. The youngest one in the College of Engineering and Technology. Mo Ran doesn't really care, but the second he heard the name "Chu Wanning", it felt like his world lit up again. He's been searching for Chu Wanning for years now. No luck. And now that he's about to graduate, that's when they'll see each other again?
Mo Ran did the sanest move. He registered to one of Chu Wanning's class (that's only what the university allows him) as a Fine Arts major. When he sees Chu Wanning again, his everything slowed down. His Wanning is perfect. From the tip of his hair to the sole of his feet. No other beauty could compare to his. Mo Ran dumbly sits in his class and admire his professor's beauty each class. But then, he realized he needs more of his attention. He cannot get that in a room full of other worthless students.
Walking in the corridor to the faculty room, he can see two figures outside. Oh shit. Chu Wanning is early today. Chu Wanning unlocked the room and switched the lights on. The other person followed him. Mo Ran stayed outside in an angle that he could not be seen, but at the same time, hear their conversation.
“I really like you and the way you teach, professor. It might not be much, but I got you this.” Says the familiar voice.
“What the fuck does Shi Mei think making moves on my Wanning.” Mo Ran cursed under his breath and gripped the flowers and paper bag hard.
“Thank you, Shi Mingjing. You know you don't have to get me anything.” Chu Wanning said while extending a hand to accept a small box of Osmanthus cake from a well-known bakery in their city. Average person won't see the difference, but to Mo Ran’s eyes, Chu Wanning looks too happy with this phoenix eyes twinkling brightly. Mo Ran's knuckles turned white.
“I insist, Professor Chu!” Shi Mei said and also held out a white rose. Chu Wanning looks surprised but instantly changed his expression and received the flower.
“That's thoughtful of you. I didn't know you liked sweets, too. Let me get you a sweet tea at least.” Chu Wanning said and prepared to get out of the room. Shi Mei followed like an obedient kid. Mo Ran hid behind the lockers.
What a liar. Shi Mei doesn't like sweets. The two went on the other building where the vending machine is. Once out of sight, Mo Ran went inside the faculty room to see what Shi Mei gave.
“Happy Valentine's day, Professor Chu! ❤️” written elegantly in the note
“Fucking Shi Mei ruining my fucking plans! I'm supposed to be the first one to give Wanning something this day!” Mo Ran cursed with an angry expression.
Few seconds later, his expression changed.
“Doesn't matter. Wanning will definitely like my gifts more, anyway.” Mo Ran giggles and carefully places the flowers and paper bag on the table. After doing so, he went out before Wanning came back and passed the time in the back garden to smoke while waiting for his class with Chu Wanning.
Chu Wanning looks more beautiful each day. He always looks formal with light blue slacks and white long sleeve shirt. With this long hair in a high ponytail, swaying lightly while he walks. His long and slender hands looks tempting to touch while holding a marker when writing on the board. His pale skin further illuminating the room like an angel sent on Earth to tease Mo Ran. And the nape. Oh yes, that nape. Mo Ran can imagine different scenarios of caressing his nape while kissing him mindless until his Wanning gasps for air, but couldn't do anything against Mo Ran's advances.
“That'd be all for today. I'll be sending back your graded papers next week. Goodbye, class.” Chu Wanning said.
Another day of Mo Ran doing nothing but gawking at his perfect professor and imagining every filth he would do with him. As usual, Mo Ran was the last one who stayed behind, purposely putting his things slower inside his bag. At the corner of his eyes, he could see Shi Mei started marching towards Chu Wanning to start a conversation.
The nerve of this worthless shit. No way he's going to leave these two alone.
“Shi Mei! Professor Hua told us to meet him at the faculty right after class!” Mo Ran said with his usual smile.
“Oh, is that so? Then, I have to go, Professor Chu. See you next week.”
Heh. Doesn’t matter. Mo Ran would just make an excuse later. Coincidentally, Professor Hua needed someone to double-check the graded papers, so they both stayed in the corner of the faculty room.
A few minutes later, Chu Wanning went inside to get ready to go home since it was his last class of the day. Mo Ran saw how surprised he was to see gifts on his table.
“Didn’t expect that, Wanning? You deserve everything in the world, just so you know,” Mo Ran said to himself while hiding his face behind the papers, leaving only his eyes uncovered to sneak a peek.
Chu Wanning read the note and looked inside the paper bag at the flowers. Mo Ran’s heart dropped when he saw Chu Wanning crumple the note and throw it away. He grabbed his other things—Shi Mei’s cheap gift, along with Mo Ran's flowers and paper bag—and left the room.
Mo Ran's eyes darkened. For the first time in a month, he made a decision.
He was going to follow Wanning on his way home. He abruptly stood up and shoved the remaining papers at Shi Mei without saying anything.
“Hey, A-Ran! Where are you going?” Shi Mei called out familiarly. Mo Ran ignored him.
Chu Wanning was surprised to see his desk. What's this? He eyed the flowers and noticed that they were his favorite—haitang. They were also accompanied by beautiful white roses. It didn’t matter. He grabbed the large paper bag beside them and noticed that it came with a note.
“Happy Valentine's Day, my beautiful Wanning. I hope you enjoy these sweets. You're the reason I wake up every morning ^_^”
That person again. Only one person calls him "Wanning." One of these days, he's going to track down that person to scold them. This prank is going too far, and he hates how it plays with his feelings. He's not a violent person, and he couldn't just beat someone up—especially a woman. Yes, that's right. It's probably a woman, dared by her friends.
He crumpled the note and threw it away. He grabbed his things, along with the gifts. While walking down the hallway, he felt that familiar gaze again. He looked back but didn’t see anyone. He got into his car and placed his things on the passenger seat. As he drove, he contemplated where he would throw the flowers and sweets. Too bad; they were headed for the trash.
After parking, he went inside the elevator and unlocked the door to his unit. What a tiring day. He still had to go to the orphanage later. He went inside his room and lay down, needing just over an hour to nap.
Little did he know, outside his unit, his secret admirer— a possessive one at that—was waiting.
Mo Ran stood outside his door.
“So this is where you live, Wanning?” Mo Ran mumbled, suppressing a smile.
Since then, Mo Ran had been eagerly stalking Chu Wanning. He knew his schedule, his colleagues at the engineering firm, and where he went on weekends.
It wasn’t enough. He needs to know what he does every minute. So, Mo Ran did what any perfectly normal person would do: break into Chu Wanning’s apartment and install cameras in inconspicuous places. Now, he could rest assured that his Wanning was safe and sound.
Mo Ran was currently lying on his bed, watching Chu Wanning on his laptop as he ate another take-out meal.
“Tsk, that’s bad for your health, Wanning.” Mo Ran grabbed a pen and paper to write a meal plan to ensure that his Wanning ate healthy, filling food. Afterward, he stood up and went to the grocery store to buy fresh ingredients for dinner. Right after the store, he whipped up a bland meal he knew Chu Wanning liked and added a side of ribs to get him to try something new. After packing the food and adding a note, he immediately went to his car and drove to Chu Wanning’s place, which wasn’t far from his. He placed the paper bag containing the food on the floor and pushed the doorbell. After doing so, he left, feeling proud of himself.
The doorbell rang, but Chu Wanning knew he wasn’t expecting anyone today. Not that many people visited him, anyway. He looked through the peephole but didn’t see anyone. Nevertheless, he pushed the door open. There was no one in the hallway. *Must’ve been another stupid prank. Who lets these kinds of people into the building?* He was about to close the door when he noticed something on the floor.
A familiar paper bag. No way. He picked it up and immediately closed the door.
Chu Wanning placed it on his counter and looked inside.
“Don’t settle for take-out anymore, Wanning. I’ll be sad if you keep eating that junk every day.” Hearts were drawn all over the paper.
Shit. She knows where I live. Now this is getting serious.
“How the hell did this lady know where I live and that I had take-out?” Chu Wanning’s eyes screamed rage. He’d check the CCTV first thing tomorrow. This has got to stop here.
The following morning, Chu Wanning went to the landlord to ask for a copy of the footage from his floor.
“Finally, you came to see me! I’ve been sending you texts and emails for the last few weeks about your unit,” the landlord said before Chu Wanning could even speak.
“I’ve been noticing more flies and food moths outside your unit, and it’s bothering the neighbors. And the smell—it’s getting bad, so I need you to settle it as soon as possible.” The man’s voice was rising. “Do me a favor, will you? Clean the unit and check your messages, or we’re going to have serious problems.”
“Uh, yes, I’m going to settle that, but I need to talk to you about something more important,” The landlord huffed and crossed his arms. “Someone has been following me and went to my unit yesterday. I think this lady won’t stop there. I need the footage from my floor so I can deal with her.”
“A girl? Seriously? Did she break in?” The landlord raised an eyebrow.
Chu Wanning clenched his teeth and shook his head. The landlord rolled his eyes.
“First of all, I couldn’t do anything about it since there was no malicious intent. And secondly, the CCTV cameras are under maintenance for the next two weeks. So, I can’t help you with whatever you’re dealing with. Now, what I need you to do is go back to your unit and clean it thoroughly. Do you understand?” The man’s voice grew louder.
Chu Wanning left and closed the door once he came inside. I should add more locks just to be safe.
The next two weeks were the most unsettling yet for Chu Wanning. This woman seems to know his schedule. Meals arrive just after he comes home from the university, the engineering firm, or the orphanage, and that scares the shit out of him.
He has never opened the prepared food boxes for him. They go straight to the garbage bin the following day since he's used to emptying the trash every early morning. He's afraid of what he will find. It's either a carefully prepared meal or possibly a poisoned one, which would be hard to detect. He doesn't want to find out.
Aside from seeing Chu Wanning every other day at the university, the highlight of Mo Ran's days is preparing Chu Wanning's meals. The last few weeks have been nothing but hectic: papers needed to be passed, training outside the university, and group work with useless people. The only time he could relax now is cooking for Chu Wanning and seeing him face-to-face. The free time he has to watch Chu Wanning through cameras is at night. It's fine, though. He likes seeing Chu Wanning curled up like a ball and sleeping peacefully, facing the wall.
“Don't worry, Wanning. I'll be more attentive next week,” Mo Ran said to himself while chopping vegetables. Next week is foundation week at their university, so students will have free time aside from their responsibilities with the booths under their program.
Today is Sunday, and as far as Mo Ran knows, Chu Wanning is free starting in the afternoon. He hums while cooking and imagines Chu Wanning’s reaction to his food. He hasn't really watched Wanning’s expression whenever he drops off food, since he drives immediately back home or goes to finish an errand somewhere. He trusts that Chu Wanning is enjoying every bite of his meal. Since he's free now, he might as well watch Chu Wanning.
After cooking, he packed the food, wrote a note, and drove off to the apartment. As usual, he placed the food on the floor and rang the doorbell. He immediately turned his back to go downstairs using the fire exit. Once he got inside the car, he connected his phone to the cameras and navigated through them.
Chu Wanning had just reached his apartment a few moments ago. Then, the doorbell rang. Not again. He looked through the peephole and saw no one. He opened the door and picked up the food from its usual spot. He then closed the door and locked it, feeling more comfortable with the added locks. Chu Wanning had been counting the days. The maintenance should be done by now. He decided to sneak into the office and get the footage. He may not be allowed to put his own CCTV in front of his apartment, but he could definitely hack one.
The following morning, Chu Wanning grabbed a flash drive and gathered his trash from yesterday. He threw it in the garbage bin outside the building and went to the landlord's office. He saw him talking to one of his neighbors upstairs about a noise complaint. He had made it up. That was an opportunity he wouldn’t let pass. Fortunately, there was no one around that early morning near the office, so he got in easily. What a cheap building. Nevertheless, he sat in front of the computer and accessed its footage from the day before yesterday. No footage for the last month, but it was enough, he thought. Chu Wanning copied the file and uploaded it to the flash drive. He could feel sweat dripping from his forehead while waiting for it to finish. As the bar hit 100%, he grabbed his flash drive and walked quickly to his unit. Once inside, he inserted it into his laptop. He played the footage from the other day. He saw a large figure wearing a hood, their back turned to the camera. Chu Wanning's heart started pounding. He played the footage from yesterday. Same build, back still turned to the camera. Goddamnit. His stalker is a fucking man.