Flirt First, Run Later [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 19

Liang Chu didn’t respond, focusing intently on picking at his nails as if they were his sworn enemies. He was anxious and suddenly felt a strong urge to drink water.

 

Xie Shenxing remained silent for a moment, then gently unfolded Liang Chu’s tightly clasped hands, which seemed unsure of where to rest. He held them firmly in his own and said softly, “Don’t feel pressured. There’s nothing to be nervous about. You have plenty of time to accept me. I told you because you need to understand my feelings.”

 

Liang Chu muttered gloomily, “I’m not good enough. You should go like someone else.”

 

That was the crux of the problem. Xie Shenxing had a lifetime ahead, while Liang Chu only had 17 mission points left.

 

Xie Shenxing’s breathing grew heavier. He closed his eyes, his fingers brushing the corner of Liang Chu’s lips before quickly pulling him into an embrace. “Sleep,” he murmured.

 

Xie Shenxing seemed utterly exhausted, his breathing soon evening out. A small nightlight cast a dim glow in the room, just enough to outline the furniture but not enough to see clearly. Xie Shenxing’s back was to the light, his face shrouded in shadow, making it even harder for Liang Chu to discern his expression.

 

Liang Chu craned his neck, leaning closer to Xie Shenxing’s face, squinting as he studied it. He poked the man’s nose lightly, but Xie Shenxing didn’t stir.

 

Assured that he was asleep, Liang Chu sighed in relief and tried to pry the arm wrapped tightly around his waist. To his surprise, even in sleep, Xie Shenxing’s grip was unyielding. Instead of loosening, the arm tightened further, as if disturbed.

 

Afraid of waking him and unwilling to face another awkward moment, Liang Chu lay still and called out loudly in his mind, “Banya Bear… our big-toothed friend, where are you?”

 

A large egg rolled noisily across the floor for a couple of turns. Banya Bear grumbled irritably, “Banya sounds awful! Can’t you call me Panda Baby instead?!”

 

Liang Chu was momentarily stunned by its audacity. Panda Baby? It actually had the nerve to suggest that.

 

“Alright, Panda Baby,” Liang Chu conceded, “how many mission points do we have now? Is it 83? I hope I’m not mistaken.”

 

Banya Bear poked its head out of the eggshell and whispered, “It went up by one. Current mission points: 84.”

 

“Got it,” Liang Chu paused before adding, “Let’s sleep. See you tomorrow.”

 

Banya Bear retreated into its shell.

 

Lying in bed, Liang Chu stared at the ceiling. Another mission point had been added—it was 83 just a few days ago. Was it because Xie Shenxing had come to see him?

 

If that were the case, he now had only 16 mission points left before he’d have to leave.

 

His mind was a jumble of chaotic thoughts, and before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep.

 

Only when the breathing of the person in his arms became steady did a pair of eyes open in the darkness. Xie Shenxing shifted his position to let Liang Chu sleep more comfortably. He had pretended to be asleep to avoid adding more pressure, yet it had taken until late into the night for Liang Chu to finally fall asleep. Xie Shenxing’s expression was clear and alert, warmth flooding his heart. Was Liang Chu losing sleep over him?

 

Liang Chu had tossed and turned until midnight before falling asleep, so he woke up late the next day. Even before opening his eyes, he felt parched and groggily fumbled around the bedside table. He usually kept a glass of water by the bed for moments like this, to avoid having to get up and search for water in the middle of the night.

 

Liang Chu was still lying on the inner side of the bed, fumbling around for a while but only patting the sheets aimlessly without finding anything. Suddenly, the mattress dipped as a warm body pressed close to him. Liang Chu, who had propped himself up halfway, leaned against it. A cup of warm water, perfectly tempered, was brought to his lips. Liang Chu took a few sips from the cup, then opened his eyes to see a face that was both unfamiliar and familiar.

 

Xie Shenxing laid him back on the bed. Liang Chu looked at him and said, “So you’re really here.”

 

Xie Shenxing placed the cup back on the bedside table. “Hmm?”

 

Still not fully awake, Liang Chu’s reaction was sluggish. After a moment, he said, “I thought I was dreaming.”

 

Xie Shenxing smiled, leaned down, and kissed him on the lips. “Do I kiss you in your dreams too?”

 

Liang Chu became a bit more alert and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

 

Xie Shenxing had already risen early and was reviewing documents nearby while waiting for him to wake up. Now, he casually stacked the papers together, fetched the clothes for the day, and placed them by the bedside. “Sleeping in or getting up?”

 

Liang Chu rubbed his face, thinking about the delicious meal from the day before, and decided to get up.

 

He draped his clothes loosely over himself and got out of bed to look for his shoes. Xie Shenxing brought his slippers over, and Liang Chu shuffled into the living room, hoping to eat the leftovers from the previous night. But when he reached the sofa, he froze. The coffee table was spotless and gleaming, with nothing on it. Liang Chu swiftly turned around, remembering how diligent Xie Shenxing was. He must have put everything away. He headed toward the dining room.

 

To his surprise, when he reached the dining area, there was food waiting for him, but it wasn’t a lavish feast or rich dishes. Instead, it was plain congee, simple side dishes, eggs, and milk.

 

Xie Shenxing, wearing an apron, scooped a bowl of rice porridge for him, placed the spoon and chopsticks on top, and set it in front of him.

 

Liang Chu stared at the steaming bowl of porridge and looked up. “Is this all we’re having?”

 

Without even lifting his eyes, Xie Shenxing continued peeling an egg. “What did you want to eat?”

 

Liang Chu said, “The food from last night! I only got a taste and didn’t have enough. Where did you put it? I got up just to eat meat.”

 

Xie Shenxing chuckled and placed the peeled egg into his bowl. “Just make do with this for now. It’s not good to have too much greasy food in the morning.”

 

Liang Chu looked at the bowl of porridge and reasoned seriously, “You don’t get it, do you? Breakfast should be nutritious, lunch should be filling, and dinner should be light. So, shouldn’t we eat well in the morning? Where’s my food?”

 

Xie Shenxing sighed. “I had someone take it away. Have some porridge first, and we’ll have meat for lunch, alright?”

 

Liang Chu thought to himself, Fine, we shouldn’t waste food. But casually taking someone else’s food like that—you won’t win anyone over that way. As he thought this, he picked up the bowl and took a sip. The porridge, simmered slowly over a low flame, was fragrant and creamy, with tender minced meat and vegetables mixed in. After swallowing a mouthful, he thought, Hey, this is actually pretty good, and ended up having two bowls.

 

With his stomach full, it was time to head to work and earn some money. Liang Chu glanced at the sky and realized it was getting late. Fortunately, he was his own boss, so he didn’t have to worry about being marked late or fined.

 

As he prepared to leave for work, Xie Shenxing followed him to close the door. Liang Chu patted his pockets and said, “Wait a moment.”

 

But the door had already clicked shut and locked.

 

Liang Chu said, “Why are you so quick? I haven’t even checked if I have my keys yet.”

 

Xie Shenxing reassured him, “I have them.”

 

At the same time, Liang Chu felt the keys in his pocket. Hearing Xie Shenxing’s words, he pursed his lips. “Why do you have the keys to my house?”

 

Xie Shenxing smiled and said, “Of course, it’s to get through your door.”

 

Liang Chu muttered about changing the lock while pressing the elevator button.

 

Xie Shenxing watched him, stroking his chin as he assessed Liang Chu’s stamina, thinking that one day when they were intimate, he couldn’t let Liang Chu tire out halfway through.

 

Xie Shenxing suggested, “The floor isn’t high. Shall we take the stairs?”

 

Liang Chu honestly admitted his flaw, “No, I’m not someone who likes walking.”

 

We’re not very compatible. Different lifestyles mean it’s hard to be happy together. You should go find someone who suits you better.

 

The elevator arrived, and without a word, Xie Shenxing stepped in with him.

 

They soon reached the first floor and walked out onto the street. Xie Shenxing continued to follow him at a leisurely pace. Liang Chu glanced sideways and asked curiously, “Why are you still following me? Do you even know where I’m going?”

 

Xie Shenxing asked, “Where?”

 

Liang Chu said seriously, “To the slaughterhouse. I’m going to sell you off.”

 

Xie Shenxing laughed, “What’s the address?”

 

Liang Chu thought to himself, just wait, I’ll go ask the pork seller later.

 

They walked slowly, neither speaking. Feeling a bit awkward, Liang Chu tried to make conversation, “Don’t you have to work?”

 

“I’ll spend a few days with you.”

 

Liang Chu said earnestly, “Making money is more important.”

 

Xie Shenxing just smiled without replying.

 

Liang Chu thought for a moment but couldn’t resist boasting in a humble tone, “Actually, I’ve become a boss too.”

 

Xie Shenxing looked interested and played along, “Oh, really?”

 

An elderly man walking his dog passed by. Liang Chu pointed at the large dog and said, “See that? All the big dogs and cats in the nearby neighborhoods have to buy their food from me. If I don’t open my shop, they’ll go hungry.”

 

Xie Shenxing nodded, “Our Keke has become so impressive.”

 

They soon arrived at the shop. Liang Chu pushed the door open and let Xie Shenxing look around while he pretended to sit behind the counter, counting the money. It was the same as yesterday, not a cent more. Liang Chu put the money away, ordered flowers from the florist, and then glanced at Xie Shenxing. At that moment, he realized something was off.

 

Xie Shenxing walked over to the small bookshelf as if intending to read. He seemed to have a clear purpose, not even glancing at the titles on the shelf as if he were already familiar with them. Liang Chu thought he was just picking one at random to flip through, but then he saw Xie Shenxing return to the rattan chair, lie back comfortably, and open the book directly to the middle pages.

 

It was as if…

 

He had been reading this book just yesterday and was now picking up where he left off.

 

Liang Chu froze for a few seconds, realizing something. He quickly stepped outside just as the flower delivery guy arrived. Liang Chu signed for the flowers, then sat on the steps with them and called Jing Wenwu.

 

The first call went unanswered. Liang Chu persisted and called again, but it was hung up.

 

So, he sent a text calling him a traitor. After about half a minute, Jing Wenwu finally called back.

 

Jing Wenwu chuckled awkwardly, “Jing Ke?”

 

“Obviously,” Liang Chu got straight to the point, “Was it you who set up this shop for me?”

 

Jing Wenwu paused, then realizing Liang Chu wasn’t there to blame him, breathed a sigh of relief and said, “What shop?”

 

Liang Chu glanced inside the shop. It seemed about eighty percent likely that Xie Shenxing had helped. Seriously, he had just been bragging on the way here about being a boss, while Xie Shenxing already knew he hadn’t spent a single cent. And yesterday was his first day on the job, right?

 

Liang Chu was fuming, aiming his anger at Jing Wenwu with a sharp tone: “Jing Wenwu, you’ve got some nerve! How dare you lie to me? When was Xie Shenxing ever at the Jing residence? He was clearly at my place yesterday!”

 

Jing Wenwu’s voice instantly softened by several degrees: “Young Master, I’m sorry! I had no choice. I was forced into it! Besides, didn’t I warn you?”

 

Liang Chu retorted, “What nonsense are you spouting? When did you warn me?”

 

Jing Wenwu said, “I told you to take care.”

 

Liang Chu: “…”

 

Jing Wenwu asked, “Were you okay yesterday?”

 

Liang Chu replied, “Nothing happened. What could possibly happen to me?”

 

Jing Wenwu sighed, “I couldn’t sleep all night. Xie Shenxing knows you better than I do. He never came to the Jing residence. A couple of days ago, he suddenly contacted me and told me to make that call to you just to test whether you’d agree to see him. Keke, I really had no choice. You don’t know how he spoke to me. It felt like if I refused, he’d tear me apart. You know what he’s like now; I couldn’t risk the Jing family. I thought, it’s just a phone call, right? After all, we’ve known each other for so long, you wouldn’t really refuse to see him. Who knew you’d be so unyielding? I was terrified during that call.”

 

Liang Chu said gloomily, “And then you told me to take care of myself.”

 

Jing Wenwu: “I really am sorry…”

 

Liang Chu sighed, “Forget it, hang up.”

 

Jing Wenwu pleaded, “Jing Ke, please don’t be mad at me.”

 

Liang Chu replied, “I won’t. Am I that petty? Alright, go do your thing.”

 

Jing Wenwu had always been afraid of Xie Shenxing since childhood, which was understandable—it’s human nature to yield to stronger forces. It wasn’t his fault for bowing to intimidation. Still, thinking about how he had bad-mouthed someone right in front of them yesterday made him feel a bit embarrassed. Sigh.

 

Liang Chu straightened up as his phone chimed with a text message. Thinking it was a reply from Jing Wenwu, he opened it only to find it was from another old acquaintance.

 

“I found a job. Want to grab a meal?”

 

The sender was Sun Yun.

 

The girl was now a young woman in her early twenties, graceful and tall, nearly 1.75 meters. She had graduated from a top-tier university, a prestigious school. Over the years, she had maintained contact with Liang Chu, though her personality had become quite cheerful. She could chat and laugh easily with others, yet she still retained her middle-school habit when it came to him. She rarely called but texted frequently.

 

Liang Chu, holding flowers, slowly typed out a reply: “I’ve become a boss.”

 

Sun Yun quickly responded: “Then you treat me to a meal.”

 

Not getting the reaction he had hoped for; Liang Chu clicked his tongue in disappointment. Why didn’t she ask what kind of boss he was?

 

He lazily typed back a single character: “No.”

 

Sun Yun replied with six dots: “……”

 

In the distance, two girls approached, chatting and laughing. Liang Chu put away his phone, deciding not to reply further, and stood up to return to the shop. As he turned around, he saw someone standing quietly behind him.

 

Liang Chu, standing at the base of the steps, appeared even shorter as he tilted his head up to look at Xie Shenxing.