After My Childhood Friend Misunderstood That I Had a Boyfriend - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: It seems Chu Xi likes him

Sometimes, Zhou Jinyan found it hard to judge whether Chu Xi was doing things on purpose.

They were just ordinary roommates. All the previous intimate behaviors could perhaps be attributed to the fact that Chu Xi frequently saw him in the dormitory, leading to a sense of psychological dependence.

Zhou Jinyan did not resist Chu Xi’s closeness; having reunited with his childhood friend, he actually felt a secret sense of joy regarding Chu Xi’s proximity.

Chu Xi was eating happily, but seeing Zhou Jinyan staring at him without moving his chopsticks, he hesitated: “What is it?”

Did he get a bit of meat on his face?

Suspicious, Chu Xi pulled out a tissue and wiped his mouth.

Only then did Zhou Jinyan realize his gaze was a bit heavy, as if he were disturbing Chu Xi with his eyes. He lightly pursed his lips and looked away.

Zhou Jinyan picked up his chopsticks: “It’s nothing. I just didn’t know if the dipping sauce I made suited your taste. I was afraid you were forcing yourself to eat it.”

Oh, so he was afraid I wouldn’t like it but would be too embarrassed to say so.

Chu Xi felt a warmth in his heart from being cared for. His eyes curved into crescents: “Not at all, it’s delicious. It’s exactly the flavor I like.”

Zhou Jinyan’s heart gave a heavy thud. He realized that Chu Xi seemed to enjoy smiling at him quite a lot.

As Zhou Jinyan was thinking—before he could delve deeper into his speculation—Chu Xi suddenly sat up straight and looked to his left. His eyes lit up: “Hey, the potato slices are on your side. Zhou Jinyan, can you help put them in the pot?”

Zhou Jinyan turned his head: “Mm.”

Chu Xi looked expectant: “Thank you!”

The stacked potato slices were pushed into the pot by the serving chopsticks and quickly sank to the bottom. The surface of the soup bubbled and gurgled as it boiled, much like Zhou Jinyan’s current thoughts.

After the meal, Chu Xi felt a bit full. The taste of this hotpot restaurant was indeed decent; it really paid off to trust a friend’s recommendation. Chu Xi happily wiped his mouth with a tissue and decided to bring Jian Yu here next time.

By the time they finished dinner, it was just after 6:40 PM. The cinema was on the fourth floor of the mall, and Chu Xi felt the two of them could stroll up slowly.

Zhou Jinyan returned after paying the bill: “Finished eating?”

Chu Xi nodded and stood up: “Yes, finished.”

Just as Chu Xi was about to step out from his seat, the edge of his coat brushed across the table. In a flash, he knocked over his glass.

The glass fell onto the table with a clang. Before either of them could react, the half-full cup of water spilled across the tabletop.

Chu Xi: “Ah.”

The water splashed onto the corner of his coat; the wet spot looked like a stain.

Some water also splashed onto Zhou Jinyan’s hand.

Chu Xi felt a bit embarrassed. Zhou Jinyan had been standing there perfectly fine waiting for him, and suddenly he got splashed.

Fortunately, the water wasn’t hot.

Chu Xi pulled out a few tissues and handed them to Zhou Jinyan: “Wipe it.”

Zhou Jinyan didn’t really need them; it wasn’t much water and would dry quickly.

Chu Xi’s eyes were round and bright, like a little deer waiting to be fed.

Zhou Jinyan’s gaze moved slightly as he took the tissue, accidentally touching the back of Chu Xi’s hand: “Okay.”

It was warm, not too cold. The texture was smooth and delicate, like stroking a piece of silk.

As Zhou Jinyan wiped the splashed area with the tissue, he suddenly felt the paper was a bit too rough.

Chu Xi’s eyes widened slightly. If the last time was just a slight graze, this time was a substantial, lingering touch. The slightly rough pads of those fingers brushed across the back of his hand for a moment. Chu Xi felt as if a feather were stroking back and forth on his skin.

Ahhhhh!

Chu Xi’s face heated up again.

Chu Xi, you are so pathetic!!

The atmosphere in the hotpot restaurant must be too hot. Chu Xi wanted to cover his face. He calmed himself, composed his expression, and looked up at Zhou Jinyan: “Um, let’s go. By the time we walk up, the movie will be about to start.”

Chu Xi spoke very quickly, and the last few words were almost slurred together. His clear voice became somewhat sticky, sounding like he was acting spoiled.

Chu Xi had only taken a few steps when Zhou Jinyan’s steady voice came from behind him: “You didn’t take your bag.”

“Oh… oh, right.” Chu Xi froze, thinking to himself how he had been stupid again. He hurried back: “Thank you, you’re so kind.”

He even reminded him to take his bag.

It was a crossbody bag that matched his outfit perfectly today. Because it didn’t hold much, Chu Xi hadn’t noticed he wasn’t carrying it when he walked away.

Zhou Jinyan was already holding the bag for him. Chu Xi took it, slung it on quickly, and walked a few steps before signaling for Zhou Jinyan to follow: “Then let’s go.”

Zhou Jinyan: “Mm.”

Chu Xi was dying of embarrassment. He walked ahead for a bit, but halfway there, he thought: No, if I just walk off without waiting, will Zhou Jinyan think I don’t respect him?

Moreover, this was a “date” he had initiated.

Chu Xi realized this and closed his eyes. Ahhh, Chu Xi, are you an idiot! Who chases someone like this!

Chu Xi came to a sudden halt and turned around to see where Zhou Jinyan was, intending to wait for him.

However, just as he turned, he didn’t anticipate the pain that flared in his forehead. He let out a sharp “Ah” and took a step back.

“Hmph.”

A muffled, suppressed groan came from above his head. Only then did Chu Xi realize he had just slammed into Zhou Jinyan’s chin.

Chu Xi rubbed his forehead. He hadn’t expected his attempt at being considerate to backfire. He blinked his eyes, about to apologize.

Unexpectedly, his wrist was suddenly grabbed by an irresistible force. Chu Xi didn’t have time to react and stumbled. Zhou Jinyan knit his brows and shifted from grabbing his wrist to putting an arm around Chu Xi’s shoulder. The massive size difference made it feel as though Chu Xi was completely enveloped by Zhou Jinyan.

His back pressed against a warm chest without warning. Chu Xi was stunned. Above him, a heavy, low breath carried a hint of irritation and lingering fear. A hot breath brushed past his ear: “Why did you stop so suddenly?”

For some reason, Chu Xi felt a bit scared. After a moment, he whispered: “I wanted to wait for you…”

Zhou Jinyan’s breathing was a bit unsteady: “There are so many people on the road, it’s dangerous. If you stop suddenly and someone hits you, what if you fall?”

Chu Xi hadn’t thought that far ahead. He humbly admitted his mistake: “I won’t do it again.”

“Mm. Don’t do that next time,” Zhou Jinyan said. Seeing Chu Xi hanging his head like an unhappy puppy, he began to reflect on whether his tone had been too harsh. After a moment, he softened his voice, “I didn’t mean to scold you.”

Chu Xi didn’t say anything, but he thought: You clearly did.

The arm around Chu Xi’s shoulder was firm, guiding him out of the crowd to a relatively less crowded path.

Chu Xi’s fair forehead was a bit red. Zhou Jinyan looked down: “Does it still hurt?”

Chu Xi felt his head buzzing: “It’s okay.”

Zhou Jinyan suddenly stopped. Chu Xi looked up at him in confusion, only to hear him say: “Just in case.”

Eh? What does that mean?

Chu Xi had a hunch. He moved his gaze to the side and realized Zhou Jinyan had led him to a pharmacy.

Promotion flyers for seasonal discount medicine were plastered on the transparent glass doors. Chu Xi only had time to scan them before following Zhou Jinyan inside.

The clerk behind the counter came forward: “Do you need anything?”

Zhou Jinyan glanced at Chu Xi, who was following him closely: “Safflower oil (Red Flower Oil).”

Clerk: “Alright, one moment.”

The clerk found a box of Safflower oil. Zhou Jinyan paid, the clerk bagged it, and Zhou Jinyan signaled for Chu Xi to leave.

Because of this detour, there were only fifteen minutes left until the movie started. There was no time to wander; the two entered the mall and waited for the elevator.

Chu Xi glanced at the spot where he had bumped Zhou Jinyan: “I feel like your chin is red.”

Zhou Jinyan looked down at him: “I don’t feel anything. Where?”

Chu Xi tilted his head and poked his own chin with his fingertip: “Right here.”

Zhou Jinyan looked over. Chu Xi’s lips were red and his teeth were white, and he looked a bit moist. What is he babbling about?

The numbers on the screen jumped, quickly going from the fifth floor to the first. As soon as the elevator doors opened, people poured out. Those waiting to get in couldn’t wait for everyone to exit before impatiently squeezing inside.

Zhou Jinyan was tall with long legs. He walked in and pressed the button for the fourth floor. He looked around but didn’t see Chu Xi.

In the next second, Chu Xi squeezed in and slowly rubbed up next to Zhou Jinyan.

As the doors closed, Chu Xi said embarrassedly: “That was close. I almost didn’t make it in.”

Zhou Jinyan knit his brows slightly: “Stay close to me later.”

Chu Xi nodded: “Oh.”

The floor numbers climbed one by one. People left and new people entered. Chu Xi was squeezed tightly against Zhou Jinyan.

So many people, Chu Xi thought worriedly. What if I get squeezed and am the last one to get out again?

No, no, I have to find a way.

Chu Xi thought for a moment. Got it! His eyes sparkled as he looked at Zhou Jinyan’s naturally hanging hand. The fingers were long, the knuckles prominent, and there were visible veins on the back of his hand. If I hold Zhou Jinyan’s hand, won’t we be unable to get separated?

Besides, it’s normal for friends to hold hands. He had held hands with Jian Yu and other friends before.

Chu Xi acted on his thought. He reached out and grabbed Zhou Jinyan’s hand.

His palm was covered by another warm temperature. Zhou Jinyan was stunned. Chu Xi proactively explained: “This way I can follow you and we won’t get separated.”

Before Zhou Jinyan could investigate further, the elevator reached the fourth floor. As the doors opened, Chu Xi said: “Let’s go, let’s go.”

Zhou Jinyan had to suppress his thoughts. He used his tall frame to carve out a small path, leading Chu Xi as the first ones out of the elevator.

Zhou Jinyan was about to ask Chu Xi what he meant by holding his hand, but the latter quickly let go as soon as they were out.

Chu Xi glanced at his phone: “Ahhhh, it’s about to start! Let’s go!!”

Chu Xi felt like the sky was falling: “We haven’t picked up our tickets yet!!!”

Chu Xi was as anxious as a kitten spinning in place. Zhou Jinyan sighed, appearing to have completely accepted a certain reality: “This way. Don’t worry. I’ll get the tickets. There’s time.”

Zhou Jinyan had long legs and walked fast. By the time Chu Xi arrived, he had not only picked up the tickets but had even bought popcorn and Coke. He was standing at the ticket gate waiting for Chu Xi.

Chu Xi was panting slightly from walking fast: “Zhou Jinyan, you are too reliable.”

The attendant checked the tickets and handed the stubs back. Chu Xi followed Zhou Jinyan to Hall 7. Just as the two found their seats and sat down, the lights in the hall dimmed, and the movie began right on time.

He invited me to watch a romance movie, and he suddenly held my hand.

Zhou Jinyan turned his head and looked at Chu Xi’s enthusiastic expression. Chu Xi’s earlobe was hidden in his dark hair, but Zhou Jinyan accurately spotted a faint blush.

Like the most powerful evidence left by a criminal at a crime scene, everything pointed to one absurd hypothesis. Zhou Jinyan’s gaze shifted slightly.

It seems Chu Xi likes him.