My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Will you give it a try? Pei Xian’s voice was very soft, placing the power of choice entirely in Wen Shu’s hands. He didn’t press Wen Shu on why he had such pessimistic thoughts; he only wanted an answer.

And if I say no, what will you do? Wen Shu countered. If I say no, and from today on I make a point to avoid you, what then?

I’ll stick to you. The further you try to push me away, the more I’ll want to get close to you. As Pei Xian spoke, he leaned in closer, eventually looming over Wen Shu. His powerful arms braced against the bed on either side of the smaller man, effectively caging him in. Pei Xian didn’t voice the rest of his thoughts—since he hadn’t been pushed to that extreme yet, even he didn’t know what he might be capable of.

The silence was finally broken by a knock at the door.

Students, are you finished resting? We have someone with heatstroke who needs to lie down.

Yes, we’re coming! Pei Xian answered loudly. He then turned back to Wen Shu, still bracing himself over him. Answer me, Wen Shu. Let’s just call it a mutual arrangement. You want to know if having a friend and then parting ways will be painful; you’re afraid of that feeling, so you can use me as an experiment. And I want to know why I’m curious about you, so I want to get closer to you. So…

Okay, Wen Shu said softly, interrupting Pei Xian. His voice was quiet, but Pei Xian heard him. Let’s try being friends then.

Wen Shu stood up and smoothed out his crumpled clothes. He felt like his entire body was now marinated in the scent of the ointment. “This scent is so bitter,” he muttered, as someone who was sensitive to smells.

Is it? I think it’s alright. Pei Xian immediately decided that as soon as he got back, he would buy eighty or a hundred tubes of the stuff and smear it on himself every day, just so that every time Wen Shu smelled it, he’d remember today. Emboldened by his new status as a friend, he added, And your hand hasn’t been treated yet. Let me help you, Xiao Shu.”

Get out! What are you babbling about now? Wen Shu couldn’t take it anymore. Are you like this with all your friends?

Like what?

Like a peacock in full display. Wen Shu had had friends before, but this didn’t feel right. This state of wanting to cage someone in… Forget it, no more overthinking. Wen Shu pulled out a hair clip and handed it to Pei Xian. “Help me clip it up, or my hair will get ointment on it.

Pei Xian smoothed back Wen Shu’s hair and carefully clipped it in place. This fully revealed Wen Shu’s smooth forehead and delicate features. Wen Shu looked up, meeting Pei Xian’s eyes. He could feel Pei Xian’s tension—the slight trembling of his eyelashes, the way his Adam’s apple bobbed, and his subconscious lip-pursing. Because they were so close, he could catch every minute detail of Pei Xian’s reaction.

Wen Shu? Pei Xian’s voice was very soft, completely at odds with his usual rough demeanor.

Yeah? Wen Shu only realized when he spoke that his voice had gone raspy.

Before Wen Shu could say anything more, a phone rang. Both of them jumped back simultaneously. Wen Shu covered his face and pulled out his phone. Hello?

On the other end were the excited voices of Lin Fei and Xia Yang. Wen Shu! It’s incredible! The rumor was true—we can really enter the competition!

What competition? Wen Shu asked, a little confused, but hearing their excitement, he knew it wasn’t anything minor. You’re still in the training room, right? I’m coming now.

After hanging up, Wen Shu realized Pei Xian was still standing there. He pointed down the path. I have to head to the training room. You should go now.

Wen Shu turned to leave, but Pei Xian grabbed his hand. He tried to pull away, but the grip was too strong—Pei Xian’s strength was undeniable. “What?” Wen Shu felt that since they had agreed to be friends, he had lost some of his formal politeness and was now more prone to showing his impatience.

Pei Xian, strangely enough, enjoyed this new dynamic. Still, he didn’t let go. “Come to my place tonight. I’ll cook for you. He had figured out that if he hadn’t invited Wen Shu over that day, they wouldn’t be this close now. Plus, given how much Wen Shu had enjoyed his cooking, he definitely wouldn’t refuse.

Seeing Wen Shu hesitate, Pei Xian added, It’s perfectly normal. Just a meal at a friend’s house. Don’t forget, Wen Shu, we’re friends now.

Fine then. Wen Shu scratched his head and realized the hair clip was still in his hair. He’d be mocked if the others saw him looking silly like this. He pulled it out and tossed it to Pei Xian. See you tonight, then.

But Pei Xian still wouldn’t let go. He pulled out his phone. “Friends can’t not have each other’s contact info, can they?

Wen Shu tilted his head, his pink cowlick tilting with him. Pei Xian’s eyes followed the movement. Fine, I’ll add you. Can I go now?

The youth’s silhouette was bathed in the sunlight, his pink hair radiating vitality. Pei Xian’s heart overflowed with emotions he didn’t quite understand. He gripped the hair clip, noticing a few strands of hair that had come out with it. He carefully extracted them and held them tightly in his hand. Only when he could no longer see Wen Shu’s back did he finally leave.

Before Wen Shu even entered the training room, he could hear sounds inside like excited monkeys cheering. He hesitated at the door before pushing it open. “What’s going on with you guys?”

Wen Shu! Get over here, quick! Even Lin Fei looked incredibly excited as she slapped a notice. The Youth Debate Competition has started!

What?! Wen Shu rushed forward and took the notice. The Youth Debate Competition—properly called the International Youth Debate Competition—was an event where the organizers invited thirty-two universities to compete through selections, preliminaries, semi-finals, and finals. In the last competition, the Beijing North University debate team had stopped at second place. Their opponent in the finals was always Jingxi University; it felt like a curse, with the two schools alternating the championship, though Jingxi had a winning streak starting from the last time.

The competition starts in early November? Why is it so early this time? Wen Shu leafed through the notice carefully. I remember it usually doesn’t start until early December.

Look further down! Xia Yang gave a mysterious smile and pointed. The winning team will go directly to the National Championship. This was massive news. The National Championship was a prestigious event organized by the central government—every debater dreamed of participating. Usually, only debaters who already had significant achievements were selected, but winning this competition would mean a direct entry, which meant there would be many powerful opponents.

That’s great, that’s really great. If the rules didn’t say it was only for freshmen and sophomores, I’d definitely compete with you guys for a spot. Wu Yue’s voice came from behind Wen Shu. “It’s such a good opportunity, and you’ll get to face Jingxi again. Losing to Jingxi University had always been a thorn in Wu Yue’s side.

Of course. We have to take it this time, Wen Shu said without a second thought. He looked up, his eyes filled with a competitive fire as he gently put down the paper. “This championship must be ours.

If we’re going to compete, we have to select some people from the freshmen. Lin Fei had already read the notice multiple times. She said somewhat helplessly, “I just asked our current teammates. Most of them have joined other clubs and are afraid they won’t have enough time in November to fully prepare, so not many are willing to come back.”

I’m telling you, they’re too cautious, Xia Yang grumbled. Before we mentioned the National Championship, everyone was eager to join, but as soon as they heard about it, they all backed out.

Wen Shu pulled over the whiteboard to mediate. Alright, you know how they are. They’re just afraid that if other clubs have things going on at the same time, it’ll interfere with the competition. Their current teammates usually prepared together for every competition, but most participated just as a hobby. Freshmen had more time to spare, but by sophomore year, everyone had their own plans. That’s why, besides the three of them, few people applied to stay on.

With the National Championship name attached, everyone knew how important it was; no one would commit easily without having enough time.

First, we have to select the people. Wen Shu wrote their three names on the board. I’m fourth speaker, Xia Yang is first speaker, and Lin Fei is second. Those are our usual positions. The notice says we need at least six people, plus a team leader.

At this, all three of them looked at Wu Yue. What are you looking at me for? Wu Yue smiled and pointed at himself. Me?

“Great, the team leader is decided.” Wen Shu didn’t wait for an answer before writing it down. Next, we need to select some people from the new members.

“Su Yang? I remember his cross-examination style is very unique. He takes people’s points and turns them against them, using anti-logic until you don’t know what to say. That annoying style is a lot like yours, Sister Fei.” Xia Yang got more excited as he spoke, his tongue slipping. By the time he realized what he said, Lin Fei had already given him a hard smack on the head.

Lin Fei said with a forced smile, Oh? My style is annoying? Then who was the one begging to learn it after we won that match?

Alright, alright.” Wen Shu played his usual role as the peacemaker. I think he’s good too. Let’s note him down; we need to finalize the list.

Song Shiyu? He has a lot of experience from high school debate. Selecting someone with experience will save us some work. Lin Fei recommended him after considering multiple factors. “It’ll save us from having to teach them basic etiquette.

Wu Yue, who hadn’t spoken, finally chimed in, Have you guys considered Pei Xian?

Pei Xian?! the three of them exclaimed in unison.

Lin Fei held out her hand, counting off his flaws. I mean, he did okay that day, but his points were very unconventional. Plus, he clearly wasn’t prepared for the first interview—he even forgot his notes.

And that’s not all. I know we shouldn’t judge by appearances, but we get pretty heated during discussions and say some mean things. I’m afraid he’ll just swing at me. Xia Yang added quietly, “He’s so built! Captain Wu, remember when you wanted to pat his head? You had to stand on your tiptoes!

Get out of here. I’m being serious. I saw him for myself today. He seems difficult to manage, and the fact that you’re all so hesitant shows that his performance that day must have been impressive. I’m just giving you a heads-up; don’t lose a good prospect because of that.

A silence fell over the room.

He has a point. It’s fine; we already have a plan. We’ll announce this during tomorrow’s training. After two training sessions, we’ll hold an internal match. We’ll use that to decide who gets in.

Xia Yang nodded in agreement. Wen Shu! Why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t tell me his reason for wanting to join the team was you, wasn’t it? Why are you so quiet?

Wen Shu slowly finished writing Pei Xian’s name before answering hesitantly, “But we’re friends now. Shouldn’t I avoid showing favoritism?

Friends?! A trio of shocked voices—both male and female—echoed through the training room.

Yeah. Wen Shu heard a message notification on his phone and checked it. He asked me to go to his place for dinner. Since we’ve decided on things, I’m leaving first.

When he looked up, the others were still frozen like statues in their chairs. Wen Shu waved his hand and asked, So, can I go now?

Yeah, see you, the three of them answered in a daze, speaking in unison.

After a moment, they all finally reacted together: FRIENDS?!