After Dumping the Scumbag Top, I Was Relentlessly Chased by a Top-Tier Idol - Chapter 19

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Never expecting Shen Xu to ask such a question, Pei Yutai was startled, and a piece of coconut meat he hadn’t fully swallowed got stuck in his throat.

Random snippets of Shen Xu’s strange behavior from earlier flashed through his mind.

Purposefully telling him to get the coconuts! Pulling him to sit right next to him!! Taking the initiative to strike up a conversation!!!

Could it be?! Does Shen Xu like him!!?

At the thought of this possibility, his eyes went wide with disbelief, and his coughing grew even more violent.

Seeing this, Lin Yizhou hurried to pat his back and quickly cracked open another coconut to hand to him.

Once Pei Yutai caught his breath, his gaze shifted nervously, answering a question with a question: “Brother Xu, why… cough… why did you suddenly ask me that?”

Without waiting for an answer, he took a sharp breath and forced a change of subject: “Captain, don’t you think it’s a bit chilly here? Let’s go sit by the fire.”

Before Lin Yizhou could react, Pei Yutai grabbed him and ran toward the bonfire.

Shen Xu stared at the back of Lin Yizhou being pulled away, his eyes narrowing slightly.

It seems I need to keep a serious eye on this kid.

Wen Yue glanced at the departing pair, stood up, and patted Shen Xu’s shoulder as she passed: “Are you going to sit here all by yourself?”

Shen Xu looked up at her with a smile, stood, and said, “Let’s go over.”

The night sky was peppered with stars, a sea breeze blew gently, and the bonfire flickered.

Shen Xu walked over and sat down beside Lin Yizhou, but his gaze remained fixed on Pei Yutai.

Feeling the stare, Pei Yutai felt like he was sitting on needles.

Oh no, I just ran off with the Captain. Brother Xu isn’t jealous, is he?!

Their eyes met. Shen Xu curled the corner of his mouth slightly, spinning a web of serious-sounding nonsense: “Weren’t you saying you just graduated? It’s been a long time since I finished high school. Since we have nothing better to do right now, I suddenly felt like hearing some youth stories from high school.”

Pei Yutai: Is he ever going to drop this…?

“Brother, if I remember correctly, you’re only twenty this year, right? High school graduation was two years ago at most?”

Shen Xu shrugged slightly, looking calm and indifferent. “I only did one semester of high school. I got into university at sixteen, and this year I’m doing a direct-track PhD.”

Pei Yutai:

The corner of Jiang Siyuan’s mouth quirked into a subtle angle as he snorted inwardly. What is this? A peacock spreading its feathers?

He had actually heard the question Shen Xu asked Pei Yutai. The moment the other man spoke, Jiang knew exactly what he was thinking.

In fact, from the moment Shen Xu appeared by Lin Yizhou’s side, Jiang had been observing his little maneuvers. However, he hadn’t been sure if the other man’s intentions were the same as his—a “play with him then toss him” attitude toward Lin Yizhou.

Now, it was clear: their intentions were completely different.

After all, being jealous of Lin Yizhou—or feeling jealousy in general—was something that was absolutely impossible for Jiang Siyuan.

The truth was, he didn’t care at all what Shen Xu’s feelings for Lin Yizhou were. The more popular Lin Yizhou was, the more excited Jiang became.

This only proved that he hadn’t made a mistake in chasing Lin Yizhou all the way here.

A popular toy was worth a little extra effort.

It took Pei Yutai a moment to recover. The feeling of being “roughly the same age, yet treated like a world NPC” was a heavy blow to his confidence. He said, almost in tears, “Brother Xu, you’ve really dealt a blow to my self-esteem.”

Shen Xu withdrew his competitive gaze from Jiang Siyuan, remaining airy. “I didn’t mean to discourage you; I just wanted to hear your story.”

Wen Yue poked at the fire, the flames dancing across her face. She looked expectant. “Go on, tell us, little brother. I want to hear it too.”

Hearing this, Pei Yutai lowered his head shyly, poking at the coconut meat with a small wooden shovel. Finally, he looked up as if gathering his courage and spoke: “Actually, it’s nothing I can’t talk about. I’ve never been in a relationship, but I do have someone I like.”

He shot a glance at Shen Xu and, suddenly remembering something, immediately emphasized: “And I will never like anyone else except him!”

Noticing the look, Shen Xu suddenly seemed to realize something. He raised an eyebrow meaningfully. “What a coincidence. I have someone I like, too.”

Is this a direct confession?

Pei Yutai squeezed his eyes shut and bolted upright, bowing deeply to Shen Xu: “I’m sorry, Brother Xu, but I won’t be able to return your feelings!”

Rustle…

For a moment, the only sound was the wind through the leaves.

Pei Yutai slowly lifted his head and scanned the group. Everyone was looking at him with expressions of utter shock.

Shen Xu smiled slightly, breaking the awkwardness. “May I ask… what exactly did I do to give you such a misunderstanding?”

Pei Yutai said blankly, “Ah? You don’t like me?”

Shen Xu: “Give me one reason why I should.”

Pei Yutai: “Because I’m tall, powerful, and handsome?”

Everyone

Pei Yutai laughed it off. “Just kidding, just kidding! My mistake, let’s move past this part!”

Wen Yue’s thirst for gossip was still burning. Helping to flip the page, she nudged Pei Yutai’s arm and said, “Then tell us about your secret crush.”

Pei Yutai crossed his hands over his mouth and leaned back in a defensive posture.

Seeing this, Wen Yue asked regretfully, “So even though you’ve graduated, you haven’t confessed to them?”

Affected by her mood, Pei Yutai lowered his hands and nodded dejectedly. “Because we’re friends who grew up together. I know it’s impossible for him to like guys.”

Wen Yue patted his head pityingly. “In that case, you should try to move on.”

Pei Yutai nodded slightly, looking discouraged.

“You’re giving up that easily?” Jiang Siyuan’s voice sounded surprised.

Wen Yue was confused. “What else should he do?”

“Straight lines can be bent,” Jiang Siyuan said dismissively. “Is there anything in this world that never changes?”

“Yes.”

“Oh?” Jiang Siyuan asked with interest. “For example?”

“For example…” Shen Xu looked at him, drawing out his words with hidden meaning, “It is easier to change mountains and rivers than a person’s nature.”

Jiang Siyuan caught the subtext but only smiled slightly, saying nothing.

The firewood crackled.

Pei Yutai suddenly remembered something and looked up in a panic. He pressed his hands together and shouted toward the production crew: “Director Tu, please help me cut out that last sentence! If it gets broadcasted, he’ll definitely figure it out, and then things between us will definitely be over.”

Wen Yue patted his head pityingly once more.

Jiang Siyuan poked the fire with a stick, slowly shaking his head. “Too cowardly.”

Just as the words left his mouth, another voice cut in: “What’s wrong? This atmosphere… why is it even more gloomy than over on our side?”

The voice was soft, carrying a light touch of amusement.

Everyone looked up to see Nan Qiguang looking at them with a faint smile.

Lin Yizhou spoke first: “We’re fine. Did you need something?”

The corners of Nan Qiguang’s mouth dipped slightly as he glanced back toward his own team’s camp. He said helplessly, “My teammates sent me over here to seek ‘the light’.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xu immediately picked up a burning branch and handed it to him.

The firelight flickered, illuminating the eyes of the two men as they faced each other.

They remained locked in a stare, as if a silent war were spreading between them…

Nan Qiguang waved his hand slightly, the corners of his mouth curving upward. His gaze shifted, landing on Lin Yizhou. “Teacher Lin, I’ve come on behalf of my team members—and myself—to ask: would it be convenient for you to help us start a fire?”

Shen Xu raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t it be faster to just light it directly with a firebrand?”

As he spoke, he thrust the burning stick in his hand forward.

Nan Qiguang didn’t take it. His smile remained warm, his reasoning impeccable: “I already feel quite embarrassed asking Teacher Lin to help start a fire; how could I possibly make off with one of your pieces of firewood as well?”

Neither man showed the slightest intention of backing down.

Shen Xu smiled thinly. “I didn’t say the wood was a gift. Couldn’t you just bring it back in a moment?”

The atmosphere grew inexplicably tense.

Seeing the situation, Pei Yutai wanted to speak up but somehow didn’t dare to open his mouth. He looked at Wen Yue, only to find her watching the scene like a spectator at a play—her expression even seemed… strangely excited?

Was this the literal definition of “watching the chaos from the sidelines and enjoying it”?

Lin Yizhou pressed down on Shen Xu’s hand, breaking the silence. “I can go over and help, but as for the Director…”

Before he could finish, Nan Qiguang interrupted excitedly, “I’ve already checked with the Director; there’s no problem with getting help.”

Shen Xu narrowed his eyes at him.

Nan Qiguang’s gaze drifted lazily back to him, lingering for only half a second with a touch of smugness.

Lin Yizhou stood up. “Let’s go.”

Jiang Siyuan nodded with a smile as the two walked off side-by-side.

Shen Xu’s eyes followed their retreating backs.

Jiang Siyuan watched the two figures, then turned his head to look at Shen Xu. Seeing the way the other man was clearly suppressing his anger yet didn’t dare to let it explode, the face of Song Chizheng inexplicably appeared in his mind.

Even though nearly ten years had passed, he still remembered it clearly: the way Song Chizheng had looked—furious yet restrained—when Jiang had walked out of a hotel with another man back then.

He couldn’t remember exactly how many times he’d been taken after being hauled back that night, because in the end, he had been punished until he simply blacked out.

This time, returning home, he had prepared himself to finally settle down; he had come back specifically for Song Chizheng.

After wandering abroad for over a decade, he was tired of playing around. He didn’t want to toss and turn anymore; he just wanted to find someone to live a good life with.

And Song Chizheng was undoubtedly the best candidate—the man who had once loved him deeply and who still couldn’t let him go.

This time, he wanted to repay that deep affection with his own.

But upon seeing Lin Yizhou, he felt that perhaps his ten-plus years of “wandering” was still missing one perfect finale.

If he could win over Lin Yizhou—who looked so much like himself—he could consider it a true return to “himself.”

“Teacher Shen,” Jiang Siyuan spoke up leisurely. “Don’t you think Teacher Nan is a very quick learner?”

Shen Xu didn’t move an inch, his tone flat. “Nothing to do with me.”

“Oh?” Jiang Siyuan said nonchalantly. “Really nothing?”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xu couldn’t help but frown slightly, though he remained silent.

Seeing this, Jiang Siyuan’s lips curled. Having achieved his goal, he didn’t pursue the conversation further and turned to chat with Wen Yue instead.

Shen Xu sat in place, his eyes fixed on Lin Yizhou’s back. One side of his face was bathed in the firelight while the other was buried in darkness, making his expression unreadable.

He saw Lin Yizhou easily start the fire for them using a flint, instantly illuminating the joyful expressions of the other guests. The pitch-black beach seemed a little brighter.

He didn’t know what Lin Yizhou asked them, but the blue-haired singer replied with a weary face. Lin Yizhou nodded understandingly, said something to Nan Qiguang, and the two of them stood up to return together.

They passed the bonfire and walked toward where the coconuts were kept.

Lin Yizhou pulled out a military knife, picked up a coconut, and opened it with swift, clean movements. He handed it to Nan Qiguang, their hands overlapping for a moment. Nan Qiguang asked, “Why don’t you let me open them?”

Lin Yizhou withdrew his hand sharply, refusing: “No need.”

Shen Xu thrust his firebrand back into the bonfire and stood up to walk over.

On the other side, Lin Yizhou quickly opened another coconut and reached out to hand it over. However, before it was halfway there, another hand intercepted it. He looked up to see Shen Xu smiling radiantly. “Captain, let me hold that for you.”

Lin Yizhou nodded and lowered his head to continue opening the next one.

Shen Xu looked up at Nan Qiguang with a half-smile. Handing the coconut over, he said, “Captain Nan, make sure you have a firm grip.”

Nan Qiguang accepted it with a warm smile. “Thank you.”

After speaking, Shen Xu crouched down and took the two coconuts Lin Yizhou handed him afterward.

The three of them carried five coconuts back to Nan Qiguang’s base camp and distributed them to the guests who hadn’t eaten anything.

Shen Xu handed a coconut to Xiang He, the “National First Love.” Seeing that she had taken it, he turned to leave, but his sleeve was suddenly caught.

He turned around in confusion, looking down at the girl sitting on the sand.

Xiang He seemed startled by her own impulsive behavior and quickly let go of his sleeve. She said shyly, “I just wanted to say thank you.”

Shen Xu frowned slightly. His tone wasn’t as pleasant as usual, his voice devoid of any ripples. “You’re welcome.”

He turned around just in time to see Nan Qiguang opening his mouth to say something. Shen Xu beat him to it, offering a skin-deep smile. “Captain Nan, there’s no need for more thanks; you’ve said it plenty. I just hope you get some good rest after eating so you don’t have to go hungry again tomorrow.”

The underlying jab was obvious, but Nan Qiguang’s expression didn’t change. He remained smiling warmly, giving a slight nod.

Shen Xu ignored his reaction and turned toward Lin Yizhou. His expression shifted instantly, as if he were a different person—gentle and warm. “Captain, let’s head back. Pei Yutai just said he had something to ask you.”

Lin Yizhou nodded.

Back at the bonfire, Lin Yizhou sat down and looked at Pei Yutai. “What did you want to ask me?”

“Huh?” Pei Yutai was completely bewildered. “Me? Looking for you? When did that happen?”

Lin Yizhou was equally confused. He looked at Shen Xu, who said calmly, “Didn’t you say you wanted the Captain to teach you how to memorize ‘The Epang Palace’?”

Pei Yutai’s expression grew even more baffled. He crossed his arms over his chest and said firmly, “Captain, that absolutely never happened.”

He didn’t want to memorize ‘The Epang Palace’ for the rest of his life.

Not even a single line!

Lin Yizhou nodded understandingly and didn’t press the matter.

After a moment, he silently stood up and left the fireside.

He walked over to where the coconuts were, crouched down, and thought for a moment. He took two coconuts, leaving four behind.

He peeled the husks and cut small openings in them. Then, picking them up, he walked toward the entrance of the jungle they had entered earlier that day.

Just as he was about to go in, someone grabbed his arm from behind.

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