After My Childhood Friend Misunderstood That I Had a Boyfriend - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Little Schemes

It wasn’t as apparent when meeting in person, but in the photos, his silhouette looked a bit too thin. The slender waist wrapped in the suit seemed as though it might break if one were to grasp it.

Zhou Jinyan recalled their breakfast together that morning. Chu Xi’s appetite seemed quite small; he ate in tiny bites, very slowly, and left more than half of it untouched.

A wave of concern, tinged with a slight irritability that he hadn’t even noticed himself, took hold of his heart. No wonder Chu Xi was so thin.

Zhou Jinyan remembered that Zhou Qi was attending Director Chu’s celebration banquet tonight. Such occasions inevitably involved alcohol. Thinking of Chu Xi’s almost non-existent tolerance and the way he had slept so soundly in the passenger seat last night, an inexplicable emotion welled up in his chest.

Zhou Jinyan frowned: “His alcohol tolerance is bad, don’t let him touch the drinks.”

Zhou Qi looked over at Chu Xi, who was surrounded like a star among moons but clearly struggling to keep up. She remembered that these two kids hadn’t seen each other in years; they had only been reunited for a single day, and this brat was already acting like a guardian?

Zhou Qi casually helped Chu Xi block a glass of champagne offered by a waiter. She recalled a long time ago when they were just children; Chu Xi used to be quite clingy toward Zhou Jinyan, but her nephew loved to boss people around, and little Chu Xi didn’t like being managed. Over time, the two drifted apart.

Zhou Qi never expected that after so many years, they would be connected again.

Zhou Qi: Don’t worry, I’m watching him.

 Zhou Qi: But what’s with you? Being the family patriarch at home wasn’t enough? Now you’re managing Xiao Xi?

Seeing Zhou Qi’s obviously teasing words, Zhou Jinyan replied: …It’s not like that.

 Zhou Qi: Oh.

 Zhou Qi: So is it brotherly concern? Or are you worried about your roommate’s safety?

Zhou Jinyan knitted his brows. Truthfully, he didn’t know what his mindset was either.

Ever since recognizing Chu Xi yesterday, he had been feeling subtle emotions—the joy of reuniting with a childhood friend, mixed with the awkwardness that the other person didn’t seem to remember him.

Most importantly, Chu Xi had been pretty enough as a child, but as an adult, he was radiant and exquisite. Yesterday, when Chu Xi smiled at him, Zhou Jinyan had nearly lost his composure.

Zhou Jinyan lowered his head, suddenly feeling that even in this bleak late autumn, thousands of flower buds were blooming against the wind.

Occupied by a sense of restlessness, Zhou Jinyan felt a rare sense of helplessness. He frowned in silence for a long time before finding a reason that could temporarily convince himself.

 week: A bit of both, I suppose.

Zhou Jinyan put down his phone and stared at the screen thoughtfully. After a while, he rubbed his brow irritably.

Otherwise, he couldn’t find a logical explanation for his current level of focus on Chu Xi.

A new message arrived on WeChat. Zhou Jinyan suppressed his unknown emotions and checked it; it was from his eldest brother, wanting to take him along on a project to practice and gain experience.

During the latter half of the banquet, Chu Xi slipped away to the open-air garden outside the hotel. The flower beds were arranged in an orderly yet staggered fashion, separating the seats one by one. It was atmospheric while providing good privacy.

Chu Xi grabbed a glass of sparkling water from the lobby bar and found an empty seat.

He let out a yawn. The banquet was boring. A few sleepy tears squeezed out of the corners of his eyes; he figured he’d rather find a place to chat with Jian Yu.

Jian Yu made a WeChat voice call. Chu Xi sipped his sparkling water, chatting idly: “Yeah, it’s just really boring. If my mom hadn’t insisted, I wouldn’t have come.”

Jian Yu: You’re about to graduate, after all. Your parents are taking this chance to introduce you to their network.

Chu Xi felt the sparkling water tasted a bit bitter: I might not necessarily pursue a career in the entertainment industry in the future.

Chu Xi felt his current life was quite good. He was a very lazy person by nature; once he got used to this easy lifestyle, he wouldn’t be able to change back.

Jian Yu was hyper: Agh, let’s not talk about that. I’ve integrated more experience today! I guarantee if you use it, you’ll definitely win over Zhou Jinyan!

If it were a video call, Chu Xi would have seen Jian Yu winking right now: You have to give him hints, understand? But it can’t be too obvious. You have to handle the degree of it just right.

Chu Xi was completely innocent in this regard. He cupped his face, worried: “How do I handle it right? I feel like as soon as I try a little scheme, I’ll be seen through.”

Jian Yu said with conviction: Oh, isn’t that even better?

Jian Yu’s logic was sound: “Your schemes are full of holes, yet he’s still willing to fall for them. Doesn’t that prove the ‘willing victim’ theory?”

Zhou Jinyan would basically be enjoying it!

One person fishing, the other seeing through it but willing to bite the bait—it’s a textbook mutual attraction!

Chu Xi rested his chin on his hand, truly convinced by Jian Yu: “Okay… I’ll try it when I get back.”

But Jian Yu,” Chu Xi asked with genuine curiosity, posing the question that had puzzled him for a long time, “Since you’re so experienced, why haven’t you managed to catch your Senior yet?

Jian Yu: ?

Thinking of his Senior, Jian Yu couldn’t help but kneel and bang on the floor. He said with grief and indignation: “He’s too straight. Nothing gets through to him. He’s hard to chase.”

Chu Xi stayed the night at the hotel’s top floor. The next day, he accompanied Ms. Meng and Director Chu’s family to go shopping nearby. While Director Chu helped Ms. Meng buy bags, Chu Xi, bored, started testing perfumes at a counter.

Chu Xi could only pick out the top notes of lemon and mint. It was very crisp, like a cool breeze. Instantly, he thought of Zhou Jinyan—thought of his cool and distant aura.

Chu Xi didn’t hesitate, putting down the scent card: “I’ll take this one.”

It was as if by buying the perfume, he could keep the scent of this heartbeat-skipping feeling as his private collection.

It went on Director Chu’s tab. While the sales assistant was packing the perfume, Chu Xi looked around aimlessly. Suddenly, at the Hermes next door, he saw an extremely familiar profile—one that had even appeared in his dreams last night.

Eh?

Unsure if it was Zhou Jinyan, Chu Xi decided to move closer to check.

It really was Zhou Jinyan.

This was the first time Chu Xi had seen him in a suit. The well-fitted suit made Zhou Jinyan’s figure look tall and straight, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs.

The tie Zhou Jinyan wore was a wide one; Chu Xi could vaguely see the texture of wool, which matched the autumn atmosphere perfectly.

For some reason, Chu Xi thought of the abs and V-line he had seen yesterday. Now covered by the meticulous suit, Chu Xi suddenly felt that Zhou Jinyan exuded an indescribable sense of sexiness and abstinence.

Ahhh! How can he be this handsome?!

Chu Xi maintained a calm exterior, but when he saw the shop assistant eagerly bring out a glacier-white bag that was clearly a women’s model, he instantly lost his ability to appreciate Zhou Jinyan.

Chu Xi had seen friends in small groups complain about this bag; even if you spend enough on “matching” items for a popular model, you still have to wait for the stock to be transferred.

Zhou Jinyan is buying a bag?? Who is he buying it for?

Chu Xi felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy. Was he buying it for an elder in the family? But this wasn’t a style an elder would like. No, this style was clearly more suited for a young girl.

Could it be… it’s for a girlfriend??!

At this realization, Chu Xi felt as if the sky had collapsed. Would his crush end hopelessly today?

No, no! I have to find a way! I have to at least ask clearly… Chu Xi tugged at his sleeve anxiously.

If it were true, then he’d better just leave… his sense of morality wouldn’t allow him to interfere in someone else’s relationship.

But what if it wasn’t?

Chu Xi calmed down. It was just buying a bag; he hadn’t heard anything about Zhou Jinyan having a girlfriend. Could he be misunderstanding? But he didn’t dare ask.

Their current relationship was just ordinary; they hadn’t reached the level where they could ask each other if they had a girlfriend.

Meng Qingling was startled by Chu Xi’s suddenly pale complexion: “What’s wrong, Xiao Xi? Are you feeling unwell?”

Chu Xi steadied his mind. Calm down, calm down. “I’m fine, Mom.”

Chu Xi took a deep breath. What am I being sad for here? I should only be sad if it’s actually real. Chu Xi, you have to be brave!

There are always more solutions than problems. It was time for a “chance encounter”!

Asking directly if he had a girlfriend wouldn’t work, but a chance encounter between roommates was perfectly normal, right?

Chu Xi made his plan: First, send a message asking if Zhou Jinyan was also here, then pretend to bump into him and subtly ask about the owner of the bag.

Chu Xi went through the logic and thought it was feasible, secretly praising himself for being so smart.

 xixi: Hi, Brother Zhou. I just saw a silhouette that looked a lot like you. Are you here as well?

 xixi: [Location]

Chu Xi peeked out stealthily and saw Zhou Jinyan look down at his phone. Sure enough, a few seconds later, he received a reply.

 week: Yes.

Mm-mm-mm, just follow the plan. Chu Xi pressed on: Wow! It really is you!

 xixi: What a coincidence! I happen to be right next door to you. You can see me if you turn around!

When Zhou Jinyan saw Chu Xi’s message, his sharp gaze softened. Turn around?

Zhou Jinyan pondered, then turned around and looked toward the adjacent shop with a clear target. Sure enough, he saw Chu Xi poking his head out in the neighboring store.

The mall was quite crowded, and the way Chu Xi was peeking out made him look like a lost cat.

Chu Xi didn’t expect Zhou Jinyan to actually turn around and look over. He was visibly stunned for a moment, then waved his hand excitedly.

Everything overlapped with his memory. Zhou Jinyan’s heart felt as if it had been tapped by a small hammer, suddenly softening. He raised his hand and waved back.

Eh? He responded to me?

Chu Xi thought about their current level of familiarity and finally concluded that Zhou Jinyan was a really nice person.

If he was a nice person, he’d be easy to talk to. Chu Xi was desperate for an answer; seeing that Zhou Jinyan had waved back, he walked over quickly, eager to get to his side.

Chu Xi: “Good afternoon.”

Chu Xi arrived at Zhou Jinyan’s side and then pretended to ask casually: “I’m accompanying my mom to look at bags. Brother Zhou, are you also buying a bag for an elder at home?”

Zhou Jinyan was taller than him. Chu Xi looked up at him, trying his best to make his expression and tone seem like idle small talk.

But his eyes betrayed a trace of undetectable nervousness and anticipation. He was anxious about Zhou Jinyan’s upcoming answer. Please, please, you have to say yes!

Chu Xi blinked. Otherwise, his heart would break.

Whether it was Chu Xi’s imagination or not, he felt these few seconds were incredibly long—as if seconds were years. Even his heartbeat began to thump fast and heavy.

Finally, under Chu Xi’s slightly intense gaze, Zhou Jinyan’s eyes fell upon Chu Xi’s slightly pursed lips—pursed from nervousness—and he spoke slowly:

No.

Not for an elder?

Chu Xi had a crushing sense of defeat, as if his bad premonition had come true. Was it really for a girlfriend?

Chu Xi’s heart skipped a beat. The noisy sounds around him faded away; he could only hear his own fast, heavy heartbeat.