My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Wen Shu looked at the steaming dishes before him. His eyes lingered on a plate of Coca-Cola chicken wings. He lowered his head, trying to steady his breathing, and said softly, Thank you.

You’re welcome! Pei Xian replied instantly. He could clearly sense Wen Shu’s sudden dip in mood, but he didn’t press him. Instead, he tried to cautiously remove his apron. However, in his earlier haste, he had tied it into a dead knot. No matter how much he fumbled behind his back, he couldn’t undo it, and he began to break a sweat from frustration.

Watching from the side, Chang Xu grew impatient. Just as he opened his mouth, Old Pei, let Zhang Xi pinched him hard.

Zhang Xi whispered, Have some situational awareness! This is not your time to shine. Just stay put. He felt like he was doing all the worrying for this group.

Wen Shu looked up and heard Zhang Xi say, Captain Wen? Why don’t you help our Old Pei out? He looks like he’s about to die of frustration.

Pei Xian quickly refused. No, it’s fine. Wen Shu had barely taken a few bites of his meal; how could he ask for help now? He had heard Wen Shu’s stomach growling earlier the man must be starving.

Wen Shu noticed that the more Pei Xian struggled, the tighter the knot became. The once loose straps were now a tangled mess, and even Pei Xian’s hands were rubbed red. Unable to watch any longer, he walked behind Pei Xian and brushed his hand against the other’s. Let go. I’ll undo it for you.

As Wen Shu leaned in, he realized just how frantically this knot had been tied. He looked up to find Pei Xian stiff as a board, frozen in an awkward posture. Despite being so tall, Pei Xian was half-squatting to let the knot fall more easily into Wen Shu’s hands. Perhaps from holding the position too long, his body was trembling slightly. Wen Shu brushed the thought aside and focused on the knot.

Pei Xian was terrified. He could feel Wen Shu’s light breath against his back. Because the knot was so tight, Wen Shu’s fingers occasionally brushed against his skin, only to pull away quickly. Craving the contact, Pei Xian instinctively leaned his back further into Wen Shu.

Don’t move! Wen Shu gripped Pei Xian’s clothes. The knot was almost loose, but Pei Xian’s movement had tightened it again. He couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed. Stay still. Be good. The words slipped out before he could think; he was so used to saying them to Little Black. However, the person in front of him was far more obedient than the cat. Little Black wouldn’t have listened so easily, but Pei Xian instantly froze in his current position and didn’t budge.

There, done. Wen Shu finally untied it, but when he saw Pei Xian hadn’t moved and was still in a half-squat, he asked, What’s wrong?

Pei Xian’s muffled voice came through. I was staying still like a good boy but you didn’t praise me. He thought bitterly that when that fat cat ate a few extra pieces of dried fish, Wen Shu would praise it to the high heavens.

Wen Shu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. What, are you a child? You’re a grown man. The familiar words escaped him, and he froze, unaware that the corners of his mouth were turning up. He whispered, you were very good.

At those words, Pei Xian straightened up, tossed the apron aside, and said eagerly, I’ll go cut some fruit for you! He dashed into the kitchen, but his slipper caught on his foot and he nearly tripped. He managed to stabilize himself by grabbing the table corner and charged into the kitchen, followed by a loud thud. He realized then that the kitchen door was closed. Embarrassed, he looked back at Wen Shu, who had turned toward the noise. The door was cleaned too well, he explained before ducking inside.

Chang Xu covered his face. Unbelievable. Old Pei is so embarrassing. He couldn’t fathom how the Pei Xian who was usually the most arrogant person they knew could be this dorky. All it took was one praise to make him this excited.

Zhang Xi sighed and pointed at the fruit on the table. It gets worse. He didn’t even take the fruit in with him. What the hell is he washing? Great, he thought. Having one idiot like Chang Xu was enough; now it seemed Pei Xian was a top-tier contender. If he was already like this now, what would happen if he actually started dating?

Wen Shu clearly noticed the oversight as well. He looked at the closed kitchen door, unsure of how to proceed.

Inside the kitchen, Pei Xian squatted by the door, trying to figure out how to walk back to the table, grab the fruit, and return to the kitchen naturally. “Ah! How is that even possible!” It was so obvious; Wen Shu definitely saw him. He must think he was an idiot. He wasn’t usually like this!

Chang Xu looked at the shadow huddled by the door. He’s so stupid. Is he really just crouching there? I can’t take it; I’m going to help him. Zhang Xi saw Wen Shu hesitating and quickly held Chang Xu back, signaling for him to wait.

Wen Shu also noticed the lingering shadow. After a moment, he picked up the fruit and knocked on the kitchen door. Pei Xian? The door opened just a crack. Pei Xian took the fruit with a feigned natural expression, but his bright red ears betrayed his internal turmoil. Seeing this, Wen Shu felt a spark of mischief and teased, Why are you acting shy now?

The kitchen door slammed shut with a bang. Wen Shu couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Inside, Pei Xian covered his face and squatted in the corner, his skin burning hot.

Seeing Wen Shu resume his meal, Chang Xu couldn’t take it anymore. He pulled Zhang Xi into a corner. Seriously! This atmosphere I feel like they’re already dating. Old Pei is being played like a fiddle!

Calm down, Xu! Zhang Xi grabbed his arm. They aren’t that weird. If we weren’t looking through this lens, they’d seem perfectly normal.

No! But if Old Pei is like this, what if he gets led around by the nose?

The two bickered for a while. By then, Pei Xian had finished cutting the fruit. Chang Xu reached for a piece, only to find the fruit had been neatly placed into a container. Take this to eat on the way back, Pei Xian said. “It’s getting late.” Seeing Chang Xu’s hand, he stingily pulled the box away and tucked it into Wen Shu’s hands.

Chang Xu silently retreated to Zhang Xi’s side, wanting to slap himself. He shouldn’t have worried about Pei Xian; if the guy got led around by the nose, he deserved it!

Wen Shu took the fruit. Thank you. You don’t need to walk me. It’s only a short distance; I can get back on my own.” Pei Xian’s apartment was indeed close to campus—about a ten-minute walk. Besides, Wen Shu needed the quiet time to process everything that had happened tonight.

I’ll walk you, Pei Xian blurted out, but seeing the hesitant look on Wen Shu’s face, he restrained himself. Then, be careful on the way.

Wen Shu nodded. See you in the training room tomorrow. He turned to head out, but stopped halfway. Chang Xu and Zhang Xi, right?

Yes!

Wen Shu hesitated but spoke up anyway. Sometimes when you visit a friend’s house unannounced, you might want to consider if they find it hard to say no. People who aren’t good at refusing can find it very difficult. Pei Xian didn’t know how to tell you this time, but he can’t go on never saying no. He needs to learn slowly. He figured he should help Pei Xian out. If they stayed and refused to leave after he was gone, Pei Xian wouldn’t know what to do.

Pei Xian immediately realized Wen Shu was standing up for him, and his mood soared. I don’t get it! Ow! Chang Xu cried out as he was stepped on. Pei Xian pushed him away and said, “I’ll learn! I’ll definitely learn!” He couldn’t stop himself from swaying slightly with joy. This was the first time Wen Shu had spoken up for him.

“Good. That’s the way.” Wen Shu nodded, satisfied. Alright, no need to see me out. I know the way.

Pei Xian! Thank you. The dinner tonight was delicious. Wen Shu turned back and flashed a smile a smile Pei Xian had never seen before. It wasn’t the polite, distant kind; he could see that Wen Shu was genuinely happy. He found himself wishing he could keep Wen Shu that happy forever.

Pei Xian watched the door long after he had gone. Alright! Zhang Xi broke the silence. “Old Pei, stop it. He’s long gone. How much longer are you going to stand there like a pining statue?

Exactly! And what was that about ‘not knowing how to refuse’? You’re the one who called us over! Chang Xu chimed in. Why am I the one getting pinched or stepped on? Can you two treat me like a human being for once?

Hearing this, Pei Xian lay back on the sofa with a bored expression, acting like the master of the house again. None of my business. He glanced at the table. Wait, where’s the alcohol? You didn’t leave a drop for me?

You have the nerve to ask about the alcohol! Chang Xu was stunned, looking at the Pei Xian who was now a completely different person from the one who was with Wen Shu. I only just realized how thick-skinned you are.

Beat it! Pei Xian replied without looking back, opening a cigarette case and picking one out.

Hey! Wen Shu, did you forget something? At the sound of the name, Pei Xian choked on a mouthful of smoke. He frantically stubbed out the cigarette and straightened his clothes before turning around. Wen Shu?

There was no one behind him. Zhang Xi was holding up his phone, stifling a laugh as he recorded. Old Pei, that transformation was legendary.

You two are asking for it, aren’t you?

Unlike the noisy apartment, Wen Shu spent the walk in deep thought. Before returning to the dorm, he went to check on Little Black. Little Black? I have blueberries.

Little Black strolled out from the corner, saw the blueberries in Wen Shu’s hand, and rushed over to lick his palm.

Little Black they seem really nice, don’t they? Wen Shu’s expression was unreadable. Tonight had given him a long-lost feeling of warmth. “But I can’t be too greedy.” He kept telling himself not to get used to it. It was just for tonight. Maybe the food was just too good, or the atmosphere was just too warm.

After all, everyone leaves in the end. Wen Shu stroked Little Black’s soft fur. You’ll leave, too. His hand tightened unconsciously, then he let go with a start. He didn’t say goodbye like he usually did; he just put the blueberries down and walked toward the dormitory.

Meow? Little Black looked confused as Wen Shu walked away. The human was acting strange today; he brought blueberries, but he looked so sad.

The next day, Pei Xian arrived at the training room early. When he opened the door, the three captains were already there. Wen Shu was surrounded in the center.

Oho, look who’s early! Someone’s eager to train,” Xia Yang teased, nudging Wen Shu. Wen Shu, look at him. You used to arrive at the very last second every time. Don’t you feel ashamed?

Wen Shu organized his papers. Alright, let’s be serious. He nodded at Pei Xian. Find a seat.

Pei Xian pulled a thermal container from his bag and placed it on the table like a prize. I just made this. It’s the same flavor as the other night, he said happily.

Wen Shu acknowledged him but didn’t look up. Thank you for the gesture, but food isn’t allowed in the training room. Please leave it outside.

But..

No ‘buts’. Wen Shu’s voice rose involuntarily. He looked up, startled by his own tone, and pulled his hand back. Sorry, he said in a low voice.

Pei Xian walked out silently and placed the container on the single table by the trash can outside. At that moment, he felt like he was that lunchbox discarded right next to the trash.