Desk-mate, Do You Like Me? - Chapter 51

Chapter 51

The first ray of morning sun, sneaking through the gap in the curtains, quietly slipped into the room, casting a narrow, elongated streak of light on the floor.

Xu Qing woke up to an unprecedented feeling of warmth and security.

He first felt a heat source pressed tightly against his back, with even breaths gently fanning his nape, causing a subtle tickle. Then, he realized that he had, at some point, almost nestled entirely within Li Mo’s embrace. Li Mo’s arm was loosely draped around his waist, and they were sharing the same blanket, their body heat intermingling.

He froze instantly, not daring to move, even his breathing unconsciously grew shallow. The memories of last night flooded back—he had let Li Mo sleep on the bed, and then… then they had simply fallen asleep separately? How did it turn into this?

Li Mo’s sleeping face was within arm’s reach; Xu Qing could even count his downturned eyelashes. Stripped of his usual flamboyance and jesting, the sleeping Li Mo appeared surprisingly quiet and well-behaved, a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth suggesting a sweet dream.

Though Li Mo’s arm was out of the cast, Xu Qing was still extremely cautious, afraid of pressing down on it.

Xu Qing’s heart rate accelerated uncontrollably, beating like thunder in the silent morning. He wanted to quietly move away, yet he was greedy for this unexpected intimacy and warmth. As he hesitated, the arm resting on his waist stirred.

Li Mo unconsciously smacked his lips, drew his arm in, pulling Xu Qing closer into his embrace, his chin almost resting on the crown of Xu Qing’s head. He mumbled a vague dream-word: “…Don’t steal… my meat…”

Xu Qing: “…”

His tense body relaxed slightly because of the nonsensical dream-talk, and he even felt a little like laughing. It seemed Li Mo was still eating hotpot in his dream.

Just then, a slight sound of footsteps came from outside the door, followed by faint movements from the kitchen direction—Yu Wencheng seemed to be awake already.

Xu Qing took a deep breath, finally making up his mind. Extremely slowly, little by little, he started to move out of Li Mo’s embrace. The moment he successfully escaped the warm hold, the cold air instantly invaded, making him shiver.

He had just sat up when Li Mo behind him let out a muffled grunt, seemingly displeased by the disappearance of the heat source. He groggily half-opened his eyes.

“…What time is it?” His voice was hoarse, thick with sleep.

“It’s still early,” Xu Qing said softly, instinctively pulling at his pajamas. “Professor Yu seems to be up.”

Li Mo rubbed his eyes, finally becoming a little more alert. He looked at the large space cleared between them, then at Xu Qing sitting on the edge of the bed. A flicker of subtle surprise crossed his eyes, before he quickly resumed his usual lazy demeanor, grinning. “Yo, Student Xu, how did you sleep last night? Did I crowd you?”

His tone was so natural, as if waking up to find the two of them nearly hugging was the most normal thing in the world.

When asked like this, Xu Qing found it awkward to show any discomfort. He vaguely replied, “…It was fine. Is your hand okay?”

“Good as new,” Li Mo moved the hand, then also sat up from the bed, stretching with a big yawn. “The bed is definitely more comfortable; a makeshift bed on the floor can’t compare.”

After washing up, they walked out of the bedroom. Yu Wencheng was carrying two cups of milk out of the kitchen. Fried eggs, toast, and a few small dishes were already set on the dining table.

“Up already? Good, time for breakfast.” Yu Wencheng was wearing home clothes and looked more approachable than usual. “Not much in the fridge, so it’s a simple meal. Li Mo, remember to take the trash out after you eat.”

“Got it, Uncle.” Li Mo pulled out a chair and sat down, unceremoniously grabbing a slice of toast and taking a bite. He mumbled to Xu Qing, “Sit down quickly. My uncle might not be a great cook, but his fried egg technique is top-notch—sunny-side up, definitely not overcooked.”

Sunlight filled the dining room, and the aroma of food spread. Yu Wencheng glanced at academic news on his phone while occasionally asking the two if they slept comfortably or needed anything else.

Li Mo was as talkative as ever, chattering about how delicious the soy milk and fried dough sticks were at the complex gate and insisting on taking Xu Qing to try them tomorrow.

Xu Qing quietly ate his breakfast. The fried egg was indeed perfectly cooked, and the milk was just the right temperature. He listened to the natural and affectionate interaction between Li Mo and Yu Wencheng, soaking in the ordinary yet authentic morning atmosphere.

The unspoken embrace in the dark center of last night, Li Mo’s unconscious reliance in his sleep, were like a carefully preserved secret, melting into the warm morning light.

He knew some things had changed. Not a dramatic shift, but like a new sprout quietly emerging from the potted plant on the windowsill—subtle, yet full of vitality.

He lowered his head and took a sip of milk. The warm liquid slid down his throat, spreading warmth all the way to his heart.

Yu Wencheng put down his phone and looked at Xu Qing, his voice gentle: “Xu Qing, what are your plans for today?”

Xu Qing looked up. Before he could answer, Li Mo quickly chimed in: “I’ll take him to get familiar with the area! And then we’ll go to the supermarket to stock up on snacks!”

Yu Wencheng nodded: “That’s fine. Be careful, Li Mo. Your hand just healed, so pay attention. I might be back late tonight, so you two sort out dinner yourselves.”

“No problem!” Li Mo thumped his chest in assurance.

Breakfast concluded in a peaceful and warm atmosphere. Xu Qing offered to help with the dishes, while Yu Wencheng urged Li Mo to take out the trash.

Standing by the sink, Xu Qing listened to the sound of Li Mo humming an off-key tune while searching for a trash bag behind him, and the faint rustling of Yu Wencheng tidying things in the study. Outside the window, the faint sounds of children playing in the complex could be heard.

All these sounds intertwined, creating a vivid and grounded sense of life.

He gently dried the water from his hands and looked out at the bright sky.

Winter was still cold, but a certain warmth had quietly taken root.

Li Mo, carrying the trash bag and still chewing on half a slice of toast, mumbled to Xu Qing, “Wait for me, I’ll be quick! We’ll head out right away!”

Yu Wencheng came out of the study and handed Xu Qing an eco-friendly bag: “While you’re at the supermarket, buy some groceries. If I’m not back too late tonight, I can make you something to eat.” He paused, then added, “Buy what you two like.”

Xu Qing took the bag and nodded: “Okay, Professor Yu.”

Li Mo finally sorted out the trash bag, quickly put on his coat, and pulled Xu Qing toward the door: “Got it, Uncle! Mission accomplished! Let’s go, let’s go!”

As the elevator descended, Li Mo excitedly planned: “First, a tour around the complex, then to that big supermarket next door! I’m telling you, their free samples are super generous… Oh, right, I need to get a key cut for you…”

The sun was brighter than it had been in the early morning. Although the temperature was still low, the air was crisp and dry. The Golden Rose complex had excellent greenery; even in winter, the evergreen plants maintained their color, and the snow was cleared to the sides of the paths, piled up fluffy and white.

Li Mo acted like a dutiful tour guide, pointing things out as they walked: “That’s the children’s play area; the plaza dance aunties will take over at night… The boss at that convenience store is super nice; he hasn’t yelled at me even after several times I’ve asked for credit… Oh, there’s a secret base behind that building; I used to hide from my uncle there when I was little…”

Xu Qing walked beside him, listening quietly, his gaze following Li Mo’s directions.

Li Mo’s words were lively and full of everyday life, gradually painting a specific and intimate picture of this unfamiliar environment. He saw elderly people walking their dogs slowly, housewives rushing past with newly bought groceries, and children in thick down jackets playing near the snow piles.

All of this was entirely different from his previous cold, oppressive world. The air he inhaled carried the scent of freedom and security.

“Hey, what are you spacing out for?” Li Mo gently nudged him with his elbow. “Are you stunned by this wonderful living environment?”

Xu Qing snapped back, gently hummed in affirmation, and the corners of his lips curved upward: “It’s really nice.”

“Of course, it is!” Li Mo proudly lifted his chin. “My uncle might be a bit naggy, but his eye for choosing a place is good! Come on, let me show you the complex’s famous landmark—the extra-long slide!”

He grabbed Xu Qing’s wrist and hurried a few steps, rushing towards a distinctively designed children’s play facility not far away.

The hand that had just come out of the cast seemed not to bother him at all, but Xu Qing still subconsciously reached out and supported his arm, reminding him, “Slow down, your hand.”

Li Mo waved his hand dismissively: “Relax, relax! It’s healed!”

He looked eager to try the slide, but Xu Qing reluctantly held him back: “Isn’t that for kids?”

“Childishness has no age limit!” Li Mo argued righteously, but was nevertheless pulled away by Xu Qing.

They circled the complex, and Li Mo greeted almost every guard, cleaning lady, and even stray cat they encountered. Xu Qing watched from the side, the novel yet warm feeling growing stronger in his heart.

The supermarket was very warm and quite crowded. Li Mo pushed a shopping cart, heading straight for the snack aisle with a clear goal.

“This! This brand of chips is the best! Cucumber flavor is the GOAT!”

“Wow! New flavor of chocolate! Must try!”

“Aha, beef jerky is on sale! Gotta stock up!”

He was like a wild horse, excitedly throwing various snacks into the cart, not forgetting to turn back and ask Xu Qing: “Do you like sweet or savory? Have you tried this? It’s super delicious!”

Xu Qing looked at the shopping cart, which was already half-full, a little exasperated: “Didn’t Professor Yu say to buy groceries?”

“Yeah!” Li Mo looked completely serious. “Snacks are groceries too! Food for the soul!” He then tossed a large bag of spicy sticks into the cart.

Xu Qing, helpless, still filled Yu Wencheng’s eco-friendly bag with fresh vegetables, eggs, and meat. Although Li Mo was proclaiming “my uncle’s cooking is so-so,” he still picked up a few ingredients needed for dishes Yu Wencheng often made.

While queuing at the checkout, Li Mo looked at the full cart and belatedly rubbed his nose: “Uh… looks like we bought a bit too much… but my uncle gave me money for this.” He pulled out the cash Yu Wencheng had given him this morning.

Watching him count the bills one by one, carefully confirming the amount with the cashier, Xu Qing suddenly felt that this seemingly carefree guy also had a meticulous and reliable side.

Carrying the bags out of the supermarket, the sun was bright. Li Mo took the bag of snacks himself and handed the lighter bag of vegetables to Xu Qing, claiming it was: “Extended service for the injured person’s preferential treatment period.”

They arrived back at Yu Wencheng’s place, and it was already noon. They quickly cooked some noodles and ate. In the afternoon, they settled in the living room to watch a movie.

Li Mo dug out Yu Wencheng’s collection of old movie discs, mostly classic foreign films. Half of the living room curtains were drawn, making the light dim, and the light and shadow flickered on the screen.

Li Mo sat cross-legged on the carpet, leaning against the sofa, munching on the newly bought chips with a crunching sound, while offering comments on the movie plot. Xu Qing sat on the sofa, hugging a cushion, watching quietly, occasionally amused by Li Mo’s exaggerated commentary.

Halfway through the movie, Li Mo, perhaps because he got up too early and had been busy all morning, started nodding off. Eventually, he simply leaned his head against the side of the sofa and fell asleep. His breathing became long and even, the half-eaten bag of chips still loosely grasped in his hand.

Xu Qing pressed the pause button, and the living room immediately fell silent. He looked down at Li Mo’s defenseless sleeping face, which overlapped with the image he had seen upon waking up this morning.

He gently took the bag of chips from Li Mo’s hand, then got up to fetch a thin blanket from the room, carefully covering him. He was very gentle, afraid of waking him.

After doing all this, he did not continue the movie. Instead, he sat back down on the sofa and picked up his phone, the screen dimly glowing. He opened WeChat; the interface was still on the chat with Aunt Liu.

Mom: [Qingqing, how is your stay at Mo Mo’s house? Are you adjusting well? Mo Mo is an energetic child, you two can keep each other company. I heard Mo Mo’s cast is off, but he still needs to be careful.]

It was an ordinary greeting and instruction, yet it brought a lump to Xu Qing’s throat.

Xu Qing: [Don’t worry about me. How are you doing at your uncle’s house?]

Mom: [Your cousins are back for the holiday, the house is very lively. Your uncle said to wait until after the New Year to worry about the noodle shop, so I should rest well during this time.]

Xu Qing: [Okay, I’ll come help when the time comes.]

Mom: [No need. You just enjoy your holiday, don’t worry about things at home.]

Xu Qing hesitated for a long time. He slowly typed out a line: [Mom, I’m already grown up.]

He clicked send.

The message quickly showed as read, but there was no reply.

Xu Qing watched the screen dim, feeling no strong emotional turmoil, but an unusual sense of calm.

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the sleeping Li Mo next to him, across this living room full of life, and finally resting on the still-bright sunlight outside the window.

He knew that a few written words might not change anything, but he had taken the first step. In this warm and safe harbor, he seemed to have gathered a little courage to face reality.

He put his phone away, hugged the cushion in his arms again, and gently closed his eyes. The movie frame was frozen on a particular scene, and the only sound in the room was the interwoven, steady breathing of the two people.

The winter sun filtered through the gap in the curtains, gently enveloping them.