Hualian AU ~ 1. The Ghost Groom

Part 1

It was the first day of term at The Heavens, a state-of-the-art university for online marketing and media studies and top research centre. It was jokingly – and smugly – called like that because it proudly stood much above similar institutions, thanks mainly to its business model. Ground-breaking projects were licensed to technology companies, resulting in the university's ever-growing budget, its structure and facilities attracting highly talented students and staff.

The Principal was doing his welcoming speech, some fancy presentations were being displayed, refreshments were being served, and these four students were on a corner following everything. Three of them were PhD researchers, and one was an assistant researcher. They have seen these first days many times, and were somewhat blasé about them, but this year was different.

There was a raw excitement in the air.

"It seems there's an exceptional newbie this year, he topped all admittance exams, passed all the interviews with flying colours, he's already being considered an asset for the uni", said Ling Wen, PhD researcher in data management and the uni's curriculum's coordinator.

"Really? They were interviewed by Shi Wudu, and passed with flying colours?", asked Feng Xin, researcher in cyber security. Shi Wudu was the uni's business director and conducted the interviews in the most tough way possible, and never liked anyone.

"Well, that doesn't mean anything", said Mu Qing, researcher in content marketing and online sales. "Remember you know who..."

"Don't mention his name!", said Feng Xin darkly.

"Who?", asked the assistant researcher, puzzled about some inside story the three of them clearly knew too well.

"Eight years ago, on this uni's first year", Ling Wen started, "there was this boy, extremely talented; at 17, already an accomplished artist, music producer and YouTuber, with thousands of followers."

Feng Xin added, "He was cool too, he helped everybody, he did voluntary work... I mean, not the bratty or nerdy type you see around..."

"We got it Feng Xin, he was your friend.", Mu Qing said, "Our friend."

"Well, you were quick to block him from all media", Feng Xin said, making a disgusted face.

"And you MUTED him, what's the difference?" Mu Qing replied. Feng Xin made an unreadable face.

"What happened? In the end he didn't do much, works as IT guy or something?" the assistant asked.

Ling Wen carried on, "He had issues, mental health issues. It seems he was bullied or something. He dropped off classes. It was a big deal at the time; we're talking about eight years ago, there was much less awareness of these things..."

"He dropped off, but we all thought he'd come back next term, or the following, that he just needed some time off. When he did come back, things went from bad to worse." Mu Qing added.

"Worse, how, what happened?"

"He was weird. Obnoxious, going off for nothing", Feng Xin explained. He put his hands in his pockets, looking down, and added, "If you ask me, he wasn't being himself."

"What do you meant, not being himself? That's a good excuse; some people just have it all, and when go into the real world they shatter, that's it." Mu Qing said.

"Mu Qing!" Feng Xin said. He didn't know what stopped him from punching Mu Qing there and then.

"Sorry, it's the truth. He was the centre of the universe for all kids around him, including us. He was talented, clever, and he was popular. Good looking too. There was nothing he couldn't do, he'd go far – or so everybody thought. Then at the first difficulty..."

"And what happened to him in the end?"

"He dropped off completely. Disappeared. Went offline." Ling Wen replied.

"He went backpacking, or something", Feng Xin explained, however it was clear that he wasn't in touch with this person they were all talking about anymore.

"Oh well. Like Mu Qing said, entering this uni with a bang doesn't mean anything in the long run", Ling Wen said. "However..."

"What?" the other three said, curious.

"Hum, it's a little bit creepy. A déjà vu, if you will. It really feels like eight years ago!", Ling Wen said.

The auditorium exploded in cheers, and on the stage, being greeted by The Principal, the already-famous newbie they were talking about initially walked in. It was a young-looking boy, tall, dressed in white t-shirt, skinny jeans and white trainers.

Ling Wen, Feng Xin and Mu Qing froze, in shock.

"What?" the assistant researcher asked. "Is this the guy? The whizz kid?", unimpressed by his appearance of just a normal kid. He looked at the others, puzzled.

"No way!" Mu Qing said.

"No fucking way!", Feng Xin said.

"What?" the assistant researcher asked, still clueless. "Do you know him?"

"It's him!", Ling Wen said. "It's the boy we were talking about, from eight years ago!"

The three of them exhaled, "Xie Lian."

At the stage, Xie Lian shook hands with The Principal gracefully, then looked around, and seeing their group, he cheerfully waved, and shouted, "Feng Xin! Mu Qing! Hi guys, it's me."

The Three of them exhaled again, "He's fucking back!

I hope you're enjoying so far! 😃 Please check this fic's "soundtrack" below! 😜

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6VpAzPQCv09I9jJBWVLaq4