My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 10

Chapter 10

In the small hidden corner, Wen Shu looked at the messages on his phone and sighed. Everyone’s asking why I didn’t show up.

He had expected this; after all, it was the first collective team dinner, and his absence was admittedly a bit poor form. But he didn’t want to change his ways because of it. Everyone would eventually part ways anyway, so he figured it was better not to establish deep connections from the start.

Wen Shu squatted beside Little Black and stroked its soft head. Right, Little Black? But the cat was different he wanted to keep at least one small thing to hold onto.

Little Black struggled to lift its head from a pile of freeze-dried treats, gave a perfunctory meow, and went right back to eating.

Wen Shu chuckled and ruffled the cat’s fur. True, what does a little kitty know about such things? As he watched Little Black eat with such focus, his own stomach let out a loud growl. He checked the time; it was indeed well past dinner.

As he moved to stand up, his legs numb from squatting for so long buckled. Losing his balance, Wen Shu flailed his arms wildly looking for a handhold, but finding nothing, he squeezed his eyes shut and prepared for the impact. Instead, a pair of strong hands caught him. By the time he realized what had happened, he had been pulled into a warm, solid embrace.

Wen Shu felt his face buried against something soft. Because it felt nice to the touch, he reflexively gave it a squeeze. A low, muffled groan vibrated from above him. Only then did he realize someone had caught him. In a panic to stabilize himself, his fingers hooked around a button, and as his hand slid past, he accidentally brushed against something small and pebble-hard.

He opened his eyes. Because he had gripped so hard, the shirt button had popped off. Right in front of him was a broad, firm chest. His hand was clutching the center of it, exposing a small patch of skin where his fingers had bunched the black fabric of the shirt. He suddenly realized exactly what he had just touched.

Wen Shu frantically tried to let go, his face burning. But in his haste, he inevitably brushed against the spot again. I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! He looked up, only to realize it was Pei Xian.

Pei Xian’s face was visibly flushed. Combined with his glasses, he looked quite refined, but the missing button allowed his muscles to stretch the shirt to its limit, revealing a hint of color. He was awkwardly trying to use his backpack to shield his chest, looking for all the world like a young master kidnapped by a mountain bandit.

And Wen Shu was that villainous bandit one who had not only torn the man’s clothes but, remembering the squeeze from a moment ago, was apparently a much more perverted bandit than intended.

Wen Shu scrambled to escape the awkward situation. Wait, Pei Xian? Aren’t you supposed to be at the dinner? He picked the button up from the ground. I’m really sorry. Let me buy you a new shirt.

Wen Shu kept his head low. At his feet, Little Black sensed his distress and began hissing at Pei Xian as if warning him to stay away.

Wen Shu quickly used his foot to restrain the cat. Shh, be good. Great, he thought, now the ‘bandit’ even has a ‘vicious dog’ by his side.

Pei Xian absent-mindedly touched his own chest. His mind was a chaotic mess. He couldn’t process anything except the memory of Wen Shu’s hand sliding across his chest. He had been nervous, but then Wen Shu had squeezed did that mean Wen Shu liked the way he felt? When Wen Shu’s soft fingertips brushed that spot, his entire body had frozen. Even now, he felt a lingering tightness and an uncontrollable itch. Hearing Wen Shu’s words, he replied by reflex: I’m very good.

Huh? Wen Shu blinked, awkwardly rubbing his nose. I wasn’t talking about you. Anyway, never mind that how much was the shirt? I’ll pay you back.

Just how much strength had he used to rip a button off and feel the guy up? The more he thought about it, the more embarrassed he became, feeling the heat radiate from his cheeks. Right then, his stomach betrayed him again with a growl so loud that Little Black jumped into a defensive stance.

You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Pei Xian pulled a rice ball and some juice from his backpack, handing them carefully to Wen Shu.

Their fingers accidentally brushed. Wen Shu recoiled with an exaggerated reaction. No! Seeing Pei Xian pull his hand back behind his back looking wounded, Wen Shu cursed himself internally. He wasn’t just a bandit; he was a heartless one at that.

I didn’t mean it that way,” Wen Shu sighed, giving in. You still haven’t said how much for the shirt?

There was no way he was taking Wen Shu’s money. Pei Xian thought for a moment and finally blurted out, It’s not worth much. It was handmade by a family member.

How can you say that’s not worth much?” Wen Shu countered loudly. Seeing Pei Xian’s stunned expression, he looked away at the ground and thought bitterly to himself that not everyone was without family like he was. If you don’t mind could I sew it back on for you?

I’m not in a hurry! Pei Xian replied instantly. This was an incredible stroke of luck. He suddenly wished he could bring every shirt he owned from home—no, that would be too much work for Wen Shu. But maybe Wen Shu could teach him how to sew, so he could sew for Wen Shu in the future.

Watching the man stand there dazed, Wen Shu said helplessly, If you’re not in a hurry, you can.

The words caught in Wen Shu’s throat because Pei Xian had already started stripping. He undid the remaining buttons with practiced ease, and his robust physique chest muscles now unrestrained was proudly on display. He shook himself slightly as the cool air hit his skin, causing the two points on his chest to look even more prominent against his skin. His muscles were taut, and his broad shoulders made his waist look incredibly lean. Wen Shu’s face grew even hotter as he muttered to himself, Wait, where are the abs?

Pei Xian panicked. I have them! I have them! I’m just not flexing right now, so the definition isn’t showing. As soon as he finished, he flexed, and Wen Shu saw a clear six-pack emerge. No, wait, what am I thinking!

Wait, why are you stripping right here?!” Wen Shu looked down, not daring to stare. He ended up staring at Pei Xian’s lowered hands, noting for some reason how prominent the veins were. I didn’t bring a spare shirt. Are you planning to walk out like that for everyone to see, you Male Bodhisattva’?

I brought one! I brought one! Pei Xian fished another garment out of his bag. I have ‘male virtue’! I won’t let anyone else see.

Good grief, why does he sound so proud of that? Wen Shu turned his head away. Why were they talking about male virtue, and why did he even care if Pei Xian had it? Listening to the rustle of clothes in the dim corner, Wen Shu felt the atmosphere getting stranger by the second. After a moment, he heard Pei Xian’s voice: I’m ready!

Wen Shu looked up. Pei Xian had thrown on a jacket loosely. Because it wasn’t zipped up, the half-exposed look was somehow even more suggestive. Because the zipper had brushed against his chest, Pei Xian reached up to rub the spot with a pout. Wen Shu couldn’t help but shout, Zip it up! Look at yourself! He turned away in exasperation. So much for his ‘male virtue.’

Pei Xian mumbled a small. But it’s a bit hot since it’s summer, but obediently zipped the jacket up.

Wen Shu turned back and took the shirt from him, giving it a shake in the air. He held it up to himself and realized it was long enough to cover his thighs. “I’ll fix this and let you know when it’s done.” Then he remembered, Wait, why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to be at the hotpot dinner with Lin Fei and the others?

Pei Xian hesitated for a second, then held up his hand and said softly, “Because I’m injured. The doctor said I shouldn’t eat spicy food.”

Wen Shu looked at the scratch on his hand the culprit was currently rubbing against Wen Shu’s leg and thought that Xia Yang was usually so attentive; how did he miss the injury and order a spicy pot?

Pei Xian picked up the rice ball and juice. Don’t worry about that. Captain Wen, you must be hungry. Please eat.

Wen Shu didn’t take them. This is your dinner. You eat it. How can I steal food from a patient? He waved the shirt. I’ll bring this to you next time, he said, turning to leave.

Watching the way Wen Shu’s hair swayed as he turned, a sudden impulse rose in Pei Xian. Actually,  let’s do it now.

“What?” Wen Shu checked the time. “Now?”

He was hesitant. It was already past 8:00 PM. Even though he was the one who broke the shirt, was it really that urgent?

Yes. For the first time, Pei Xian was grateful for his ability to lie through his teeth. Now. Because this shirt is very important to me. If you aren’t going to sew it, I’ll have to do it myself. I’ve never done it before, so I’ll probably prick my fingers, but that’s fine. I’m not afraid of pain.

He wasn’t technically lying—the shirt was very important to him now that Wen Shu had touched it, and he hadn’t ever sewn anything. He was just being a little manipulative.

Each sentence felt like a needle pricking Wen Shu’s conscience. Fine, fine. I’ll go ask the dorm supervisor to borrow a needle and thread.

No need! I have them at my place. Pei Xian grabbed his bag; he could hardly wait to get Wen Shu into his home.

Forget it, it’s so late, I don’t want to intrude.” Wen Shu’s tone was reluctant. He just wanted to fix a shirt; how did it turn into going to someone’s house?

It’s no trouble at all! I live alone. Pei Xian was urgent, even sniffing slightly as if holding back tears. This shirt really means a lot to me.

Looking at him, Wen Shu could almost imagine a tail drooping behind him. Pei Xian looked so dejected with his head bowed. Alright then.

Pei Xian immediately seized the moment. “Let’s go! My car is right up front. It’s very close five minutes away. I’ll drive you back right after. Though he felt like he was forgetting something, his mind was so consumed with the fact that Wen Shu was coming to his house that he completely forgot about his two bad influence friends still hanging out there.