After My Childhood Friend Misunderstood That I Had a Boyfriend - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: This is Actually Acting Spoiled

To Chu Xi, those two words felt like a sudden crack of spring thunder. They turned his face pale, making him appear as if he were swaying, unable to withstand the blow.

Chu Xi closed his eyes, already hearing the sound of his heart breaking into two pieces.

Sigh… actually, it’s fine, it’s fine.

After his heartbreak, Chu Xi couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. At least he hadn’t revealed his true feelings yet; at the very least, they could continue being roommates. Being friends was fine too.

At least they could still be friends.

Chu Xi suppressed the stinging sensation at the tip of his nose, trying his best to make his voice sound normal. He forced a smile onto his face: “Ah, I see.”

Zhou Jinyan noticed Chu Xi’s suddenly pale complexion. He felt puzzled and instinctively felt the need to clarify. Suppressing his confusion, he finished his sentence: “It’s not for an elder. It’s for my younger sister.”

Eh? For his sister?

A loud thud echoed in Chu Xi’s heart.

Chu Xi’s heart, which had just shattered into two pieces, automatically healed. It even began to beat more cheerfully than before. The massive disappointment followed by massive joy hit him in succession, leaving him momentarily speechless.

So it was for his sister.

Realizing he had let his imagination run wild and created a huge misunderstanding all by himself, Chu Xi couldn’t help but cover his face. Ahhh, Chu Xi, you idiot!

Just because it wasn’t for an elder didn’t mean it couldn’t be for a sibling. Why did he jump straight to “girlfriend”!

Seeing Chu Xi look like a survivor of a catastrophe, Zhou Jinyan—though not understanding the reason—offered a further explanation anyway: “It’s her birthday in two weeks. This is a birthday gift I prepared for her.”

I think… she’ll be very happy! Chu Xi finally found his voice. The bit of joy in his heart was almost overflowing. He followed the topic: Because knowing your family keeps you in their heart, remembers your birthday, and prepares a gift… that’s wonderful.

After Chu Xi finished speaking, he felt he was being too pathetic—his mood had gone through a roller coaster of highs and lows just because of a few words from Zhou Jinyan.

The misunderstanding ended. After the sadness, only embarrassment remained for Chu Xi. Fortunately, he hadn’t gone straight in and asked if the bag was for a girlfriend.

By not making things awkward, there was plenty of room for recovery. The shop assistant brought them water, and Chu Xi chatted idly with Zhou Jinyan in the VIP lounge.

From the bits and pieces Zhou Jinyan shared, Chu Xi learned that he was the second child in the family, with one older brother and one younger sister. His family had a strong sense of clan values, and the siblings supported each other. He was wearing a suit today because he had been following his eldest brother to discuss business nearby. After the dinner ended, he had stopped by to pick up the bag.

As an only child, Chu Xi was curious about what it felt like to have siblings.

Chu Xi: Having siblings must be quite lively.

Zhou Jinyan saw how well-behaved Chu Xi was. Thinking of how Zhou Siyuan caused a ruckus every day, he found it tiring: “It’s not as good as you imagine.”

However, Chu Xi was as well-behaved as he had been when they were kids—quiet and obedient. Zhou Jinyan’s expression softened slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

Chu Xi was very sensitive to people’s emotions. He keenly captured that trace of a smile, tilted his head, and couldn’t help but look at him.

Zhou Jinyan looks so good when he smiles.

Chu Xi was busy admiring his face. Since he wasn’t good at continuing family-related topics, he said dryly, “Mm, surely not.”

The shop assistant packed the items and brought them over. Zhou Jinyan left an address.

Zhou Jinyan didn’t hide the address from Chu Xi. Chu Xi took a look and—Eh? They actually live in the same neighborhood.

This neighborhood wasn’t far from the school; Chu Xi’s parents had bought an apartment there specifically for him. The only difference was that Zhou Jinyan lived in the villa area, while Chu Xi lived in a standard high-rise flat.

But it was still very close. Chu Xi pondered—Doesn’t that mean I can manufacture a few chance encounters?

Zhou Jinyan was currently thinking about how Zhou Siyuan spent every day obsessing over this idol or that “sweetheart.” Her allowance had been cut off by their parents, so she usually came to him for financial aid, yet today there had been no movement. It was a bit unusual.

Just as he thought of it, Zhou Siyuan’s call came through: “Brother, brother, brother! Emergency! Send some money to the card ending in 8796. The top fan in the voting gets to have a meal with the idol, and I’m just a little bit short!”

Zhou Jinyan hung up the phone and sent a message. Half a minute later, Chu Xi heard a cheerful female voice say: “Wow, best brother! Thank you!”

Zhou Jinyan: If you stop bothering me, that would be the best thanks.

It seemed Zhou Jinyan’s sister had received her aid. Chu Xi hadn’t expected Zhou Jinyan’s sister to participate in “fan voting” for idols. He had thought their personalities would be similar.

Speaking of which, he had been curious yesterday if Zhou Jinyan followed entertainment gossip. Chu Xi took the initiative to bring it up: “Fan voting? Is it that kind for young idols?”

Zhou Jinyan: Yes.

Zhou Jinyan knit his brows. He didn’t understand why Zhou Siyuan liked chasing young idols; he disapproved of such behavior.

Looking at Zhou Jinyan’s expression, Chu Xi realized he didn’t like this topic and tactfully stopped asking.

Wait.

Chu Xi thought of something very important. In that case, did the entertainment industry count as a “minefield” for Zhou Jinyan?

His own family was part of that industry! That wouldn’t do. Chu Xi immediately became cautious, probing: Do you… dislike this kind of thing? Stuff regarding the entertainment circle?

Zhou Jinyan stated plainly: “I don’t like it.”

He didn’t even understand the appeal of voting for idols, let alone liking it.

Chu Xi’s rational side told him that Zhou Jinyan was talking about the act of “fan voting” itself, but he couldn’t help but think: No, I must ensure I present a good image in front of him.

Chu Xi rubbed his face. He had to hide this fact well—at least until he successfully pursued Zhou Jinyan!

The two walked out of the store and happened to run into Meng Qingling and Director Chu, who were looking for him.

Seeing Director Chu’s face—which was all over the trending topics—and Meng Qingling’s face—which clearly belonged to a female celebrity—Chu Xi thought of his “good image” and almost physically blocked Zhou Jinyan’s line of sight.

Chu Xi said a steady goodbye: “My parents found me. Bye!”

Zhou Jinyan: “Mm, goodbye.”

Chu Xi walked over quickly, intentionally intercepting the two and pushing them in the opposite direction. Meng Qingling was confused by his bizarre behavior: Finished talking to your friend?

Chu Xi nodded repeatedly, his heart still pounding: “Finished, finished.”

Director Chu’s name was Chu Chengfeng. He was a humorous middle-aged man. Combined with his recent success, he exuded a gentle and elegant aura. Chu Chengfeng peeked around: What’s wrong? Are we embarrassing to be seen with?

Chu Xi gave a dry laugh: What are you saying, Dad?

Chu Xi pulled them further away. For the sake of his image, he dragged them to browse other areas, preventing any possibility of bumping into Zhou Jinyan. On the way back to school, Chu Xi’s heart was still thumping. Whew, that was close. He almost lost his good image.

If his “secret” blew up now, how would he ever chase him!

Jian Yu was dragged out by Chu Xi to act as a military counselor. After hearing the whole story, Jian Yu hit the nail on the head: “Well, your progress is actually quite fast.”

Chu Xi didn’t understand where the “fast” part was.

Jian Yu sent a “tapping your head” emoji: “Stupid. Why would he tell a ‘mere roommate’ so much about his family affairs? That is progress!”

Chu Xi sent a “please elaborate” emoji. Jian Yu analyzed as the counselor: “This is a sign of him having a good impression of you. Otherwise, who talks about this with someone they aren’t close to? They would have just given a cold ‘mm’ or ‘ah’ and ended it.”

Chu Xi followed his logic and was surprised: “That makes sense.”

Right! Jian Yu the “Dog-headed Counselor” was online again. “Aren’t you roommates? A favored position brings quick results. You can use this status to slowly test his actual attitude toward you.”

Jian Yu: By the way, are you the only one in the dorm tonight?

Chu Xi: Yes. He had checked; the other two roommates basically didn’t stay there anymore because of internships.

Jian Yu advised: This is the chance! Ask him if he’s coming back tonight. Act a bit weak, act a little spoiled, and see if he agrees.

Jian Yu: If he agrees, then it’s in the bag. It proves his attitude toward you is definitely special!

Chu Xi propped up his chin, instead worrying about the bad outcome: “What if he says no?”

Jian Yu thought for a bit: “How will you know if you don’t try? Go for it!”

That was easy to say, but Chu Xi didn’t dare. He rubbed his face; it was still early. He would do some mental preparation first. Chasing someone required taking it slow.

Night.

Clouds covered the moonlight tonight; it was dim and gloomy, adding to the bleakness of late autumn. The dorm was terrifyingly quiet. An inexplicable sense of emptiness and anxiety quietly grew. Chu Xi propped up his chin; he didn’t want to stay alone in the dorm at night.

Bored, Chu Xi took out materials for needle felting. He had recently become obsessed with it. Whenever he had something on his mind, he would just poke, poke, poke at the wool.

Chu Xi found this very stress-relieving. The fluffy materials slowly took shape under his hands into a majestic, smart-looking Border Collie. He specifically chose the most spirited eyes, making it look exactly like the Border Collie he had seen on Zhou Jinyan’s WeChat Moments.

After adding Zhou Jinyan, Chu Xi had stealthily checked his Moments. Zhou Jinyan posted very rarely. His profile picture was a gray-white wall with a few shadows. It looked like a random snapshot. His Moments were as plain as his profile picture; the only interesting thing was that he shared life photos of his dog.

Chu Xi’s Moments were the opposite—he posted everything: a beautiful sky, a resilient little weed, a cat he happened to meet, group photos with various friends… His life was colorful.

Chu Xi got tired of felting and checked the time. It was exactly 11:00 PM.

He wondered if Zhou Jinyan would return to the dorm tonight.

Chu Xi lay on the table bored, his head tilted. The orange glow of the small night light fell on his eyelashes. He reached out and poked the Border Collie’s forehead idly with his fingertip. Sometimes he poked too hard, and the dog would fall over with a clack, and Chu Xi would set it back up and continue poking.

Actually, even without the “testing,” Chu Xi lowered his eyes; he still hoped Zhou Jinyan would come back. The quiet night bred a panic that scared him. He didn’t want to be alone in the dorm.

Time ticked away. Chu Xi didn’t stay up late. After washing up, he prepared to turn off the lights and sleep. Before sleeping, he scrolled through WeChat. Seeing the “cheering” emoji Jian Yu had sent an hour ago, Chu Xi replied with a “Working hard.jpg.”

Fu Ling had tagged everyone in the group. Chu Xi paused, then clicked in.

Fu Ling: Location,  Fu Ling: We’ll eat here then! @Everyone

People in the group responded enthusiastically. Chu Xi followed the crowd and sent a “Great! Scattering flowers” emoji. When he exited the group chat, the virtual noise of the internet was swept away by the reality of the cold silence. Chu Xi felt a sudden hollow in his chest.

Ding-dong.

Chu Xi looked; it was Jian Yu asking about the progress.

Chu Xi replied guiltily: Um… actually, I haven’t sent it yet.

Jian Yu: “?” Jian Yu: Don’t be a coward, Chu Xi! Let me think… how about you use the ‘Nudge’ (Pat) feature to test the waters?

Chu Xi thought for a moment, his eyes lighting up: “That works!”

A Pat. If Zhou Jinyan replied, he could move forward and ask if he’d come back to keep him company. If he didn’t reply for a long time, he could back off and say he misclicked.

Jian Yu really was a little genius.

Action followed thought. Chu Xi clicked into the chat with Zhou Jinyan and “patted” him. The gray-white wall on the screen shook a few times.

Before Chu Xi could wait even a few minutes, a message popped out from that wall: “What’s wrong?”

 He replied so fast. He hadn’t even thought of an opening line yet.

Forget it, forget it. Better to send it than agonize over it. Chu Xi had already drafted the message a long time ago and sent it.

xixi: I just wanted to ask if you’re coming back to the dorm tonight. — xixi: [Peeking at you secretly.jpg]

Chu Xi waited a moment. Zhou Jinyan replied: “I’m a bit busy on my end. I might not be able to make it back tonight. What’s up?”

Ah, he’s busy. Chu Xi felt a bit let down, but remembering the “test” Jian Yu mentioned, he continued with what he wanted to say.

xixi: It’s just that I’m the only one in the dorm tonight. — xixi: Cat crying loudly.jpg xixi: I wanted to ask if you were willing to come back and keep me company…

After sending it, Chu Xi turned off his screen with a red face and put the phone by his pillow, completely unaware that his behavior just now was entirely acting spoiled.