THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING

Xuan Chaya paced around the house, restlessly waiting for Cheng Jian's return. Several times, he thought he heard the doorbell. On hurrying to the door, he found that no-one was on the other side of the door. He had only imagined the doorbell ring.

Finally, Xuan Chaya heard the doorbell again, but as he didn't want to make a fool of himself again, he waited and listened attentively to make sure he had heard correctly.

Some seconds passed and the doorbell rang again. This time, Xuan Chaya was sure that Cheng Jian had returned. The thought of it lifted his spirits and he found himself smiling.

He hurried to the door. Feigning apathy, he opened the door to let Cheng Jian in; welcoming him with no more than a light nod.

"Hey," Cheng Jian greeted as he walked into the apartment. His voice light and cheery.

"Hey." Xuan Chaya returned his greeting. Cheng Jian had barely sat when he asked. "How was your date?"

Cheng Jian smiled and shook his head. "It wasn't a date."