Curate, connect, and discover
It's definitely related to his trauma.
But he just... he's absolutely terrified of putting words to his feelings.
There have been at least two direct occurrences of him using his knowledge of exactly how soft and caring Shi Lei is to manipulate him into giving him affection.
We've seen him ease into affectionate looks and initiate touches and clutch Shi Lei tight to him because he craves that contact so deeply.
But he never uses words.
He steps into the coffee shop after taking a deep breath and still only manages to point at Shi Lei.
Shi Lei asks for time to himself and Yu Zhen panics so hard he fakes an allergic reaction just to bring Shi Lei back to his side.
He cannot bear the thought of their separation but also cannot face the peril of putting words to feelings, of saying what he feels.
His pride, his fear, his control, his past... everything is catching up and crashing down around him.
Shi Lei can only do so much if Yu Zhen won't tell him anything. And he'll really only do so much without the words he wants, without the confirmation of their relationship.
Three more episodes and the pain has begun and I don't think will be going away any time soon. Each young man sleeping in their own room next episode... ooof.
Yu Zhen & Shi Lei always ending up in bed together
Oh no, it's natural consequences!
I love that Shi Lei is doing this Evil Plotting in his room about how he wants Yu Zhen to... ask for help.
Yep.
Ask for help.
That's his evil plan.
His diabolical plot.
He wants Yu Zhen to ask for HELP.
So they can help him.
... I love Shi Lei on so many levels, okay?