My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 16

Chapter 16

No, what is going on? Am I dreaming? Ow! As soon as the words left his mouth, Lin Fei gave Xia Yang a hard slap on the back.

Hearing his wail, the three of them said in unison: Not a dream.

I mean, things seemed normal before they went to the infirmary—wait, no. Xia Yang clapped his hands together, reaching a definitive conclusion. Did Pei Xian brainwash Wen Shu?

Shut up! Stop talking nonsense.

But we’ve known him for an entire year, Xia Yang replied aggrievedly. Forget being ‘friends,’ we haven’t even had a meal together.

Wu Yue remained silent, lost in thought. He had expected that given Pei Xian’s personality, he would stick to Wen Shu and perhaps eventually become part of the circle like Lin Fei and Xia Yang. What he hadn’t expected was the speed—Wen Shu already considered him a friend, was going to his house for dinner… It was a good thing Pei Xian wasn’t a girl, otherwise, they’d be at the meeting the parents stage by now.

Captain Wu, say something— Xia Yang whined indignantly. What’s with Wen Shu? He just up and made a friend. Out with the old, in with the new! He began to fake-cry dramatically.

Captain Wu, I also think it’s a bit strange, Lin Fei added. Even though Wen Shu usually seems reliable, he’s actually quite innocent. It wouldn’t be good if he’s being tricked. She didn’t want to think the worst of people, but in this situation, she had to prioritize her friend’s well-being.

We were all caught off guard just now Wu Yue sighed deeply. I’ll ask him about it properly next time. Over the past year, it wasn’t as if they hadn’t tried, but Wen Shu had always kept himself closed off. Only Pei Xian had managed to truly get close to him.

Meanwhile, the newcomer Pei Xian was waiting at Little Black’s territory holding a pink helmet. Having stood there for a while, he was now squatting down, competing with Little Black for space. Little Black found that blonde hair an eyesore; the cat meowed sharply several times, but Pei Xian didn’t react. Pei Xian wasn’t angry; he even reached out to tease the cat, which only made Little Black angrier, paws swiping at the air.

When Wen Shu arrived, this cat and dog war was the first thing he saw. He stepped forward. Alright, stop teasing Little Black. Honestly, no wonder you got scratched! Seeing Pei Xian’s meddlesome behavior made even Wen Shu a bit annoyed.

It was unclear if Little Black understood, but the cat knew its protector had arrived. It darted away from Pei Xian and rubbed against Wen Shu, meowing. Alright, alright, don’t be mad, Wen Shu comforted the cat gently. Seeing this, Pei Xian—who had been curled into a small ball—suddenly stood up, towering over Little Black. He preemptively rubbed his head against Wen Shu’s hand and even childishly turned back to make a face at the cat.

This made Little Black even more frantic, hissing and puffing out its fur. Seeing how they couldn’t get along, Wen Shu quickly took the helmet. Let’s go, let’s go. Do you want to get scratched again? If he got scratched a second time and the school found out, Wen Shu worried Little Black might be sent away.

Pei Xian let himself be led away easily, feeling smug. His status was definitely higher than that cat’s now; Wen Shu was actually worried about him.

As Wen Shu put on the helmet, he noticed it wasn’t as uncomfortable as last time. He carefully tugged at Pei Xian’s clothes. Did you change the helmet?

Didn’t it feel a bit tight last time? Your face was all squeezed red, so I got a different one specifically for you. Feeling the pull from behind, Pei Xian drove toward home with deep satisfaction. He had specifically chosen a pink one, thinking it suited Wen Shu perfectly. He waited for a compliment.

“Even if you were going to change it, did you have to pick a pink one!” Wen Shu couldn’t help but punch him in the back a few times.

Pei Xian wasn’t angry at all; in fact, he felt great. Those punches felt like cat scratches—even lighter than actual cat scratches. He shifted his shoulders excitedly from side to side.

Getting no verbal response and seeing Pei Xian acting so smug, Wen Shu gave him a hard slap. He couldn’t afford to be too soft-hearted with this guy.

Pei Xian immediately straightened up; that hit actually hurt a bit.

After dinner, Wen Shu went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Just as he stood up, Pei Xian pulled him back. Where are you going?

To wash the dishes, Wen Shu replied as if it were obvious. He hadn’t helped with anything else; the least he could do was wash up.

What dishes? There’s a dishwasher, Pei Xian said. And even if there weren’t, I wouldn’t let you wash them, he added mentally.

Then I’ll head out. Thanks for the hospitality today. Wen Shu sat for a moment but really didn’t know what else to do, so he started gathering his things.

What? You’re leaving already? Just as Pei Xian reached out to stop him, his phone buzzed with a message from Pei Ming.

[Come to my office tomorrow. Your mom wants me to check if you’re still smoking.] [Got it.]

Watching Pei Xian look down to reply, Wen Shu knew that if he didn’t seize this chance, Pei Xian would find a way to keep him there. He quickly and cautiously pushed open the door.

By the time Pei Xian finished replying, the person was already gone. The apartment felt empty. He clenched his fist and muttered to himself, Next time, I’m definitely keeping you here.

The next day at morning training, Lin Fei announced the news of the Youth League competition. To summarize, that’s the situation.

So, we will select three people from among you to participate with us. We’ve also considered that some students might not have prior debate experience, so we will hold internal matches after two training sessions to choose the candidates. Interested students can start preparing, Lin Fei emphasized. Since this competition is very important and will require a lot of time later on, everyone needs to be fully prepared.

Su Yang raised his hand. Like what?

Pulling all-nighters to discuss topics, Wen Shu thought for a moment. I remember during our freshman year competitions, we often stayed in the training room all night. We’d end up falling asleep there, and the first speaker’s script would go through at least five revisions.

Pei Xian didn’t hear anything after that; his brain was stuck on the words all-nighter. If they discussed topics all night, it meant he could spend a long time with Wen Shu—he might even get to see Wen Shu in the morning.

It will be a bit grueling, Xia Yang concluded. But this is a very rare opportunity, so if you’re interested, please consider it in advance.

Rare? What ‘Men’s Virtue’? Song Shiyu looked up dazed. (Note: Rare nándé sounds like Men’s Virtue nándé in Chinese). i have plenty of men’s virtue.

Tsk. Pei Xian looked at the guy next to him with disdain. To mishear that badly and then boast about it… he didn’t know what the guy was so proud of. Then he looked up and saw Wen Shu couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile. Pei Xian felt sour; back when he emphasized that he was still a virgin, Wen Shu hadn’t laughed—he had looked at him with utter disgust.

Little Song, I said the competition is rare. Forget it. Xia Yang was defeated by his innocent look. Let’s start training.

As soon as morning training ended, Pei Xian drifted over to Wen Shu’s side and hooked his index finger around Wen Shu’s hand.

The touch made Wen Shu flinch, his pink hair practically jumping. What do you want? he snapped. He really felt Pei Xian was a nuisance sometimes, and ever since they agreed to be friends, it was like the guy had opened some sort of clingy chakra; he was constantly hovering. And here he was again.

Pei Xian found it adorable. He thought Wen Shu was like a pink cat now, making him want to tease him even more. I’ll find you at noon. I remember you don’t have class this afternoon, so I’ll cook for you. It’s a deal. I’m off!” Without waiting for an answer, he ran out.

Wen Shu frowned, only to be caught by Xia Yang and Lin Fei. The two of them escorted him into a chair. What are you two doing? Wen Shu asked, bewildered.

Friends? Xia Yang spoke first. We wanted to ask yesterday, but you slipped away too fast!

Yeah, friends. Wen Shu felt a bit guilty but then justified it. Pei Xian said himself he wanted to be an ‘experiment.

Experiment. Lin Fei pushed Xia Yang aside and asked calmly, What exactly happened? Recount it for me, word for word.

it was like this… Wen Shu squeezed his wrist, which was red from being grabbed. His skin was delicate and bruised easily. That’s it. I’m willing to try.

You guys make it sound like some kind of roleplay, Xia Yang concluded, but Lin Fei shoved him, and he quickly covered his mouth.

What? Wen Shu asked, confused. He hadn’t heard clearly.

Nothing. Lin Fei looked at Wen Shu. Try it then. If the ‘experiment’ is a success, then maybe we can truly be friends too.

Wen Shu nodded hesitantly. Perhaps once he knew he wouldn’t get hurt, he could change himself.

Then go for it! Lin Fei declared.

In Pei Ming’s office, Pei Xian knocked and immediately pulled the door open. “Uncle, couldn’t you have just stalled my mom for me? Was it really necessary for me to come down here?” he asked lazily.

Opening the door, he realized there was someone else inside. Pei Xian squinted—he actually recognized the person.

Wu Yue looked at the junior at the door. Pei Ming, Pei Xian… it seemed his family background was quite impressive. Dean Pei, I’ll take my leave then.

Pei Ming waved him off. “It’s fine, Xiao Wu, you don’t have to go. I’m just going to say a few words to him. Pei Xian, come here.

Have you been smoking lately? A bit less. Drinking? Less too. And the car? Still racing like a madman? It’s alright.

Pei Ming looked up. You’re not telling the truth, are you? He knew Pei Xian’s temperament; if he stopped even one of those three habits, the sun would rise in the west, let alone all three.

Really, Uncle, Pei Xian replied seriously. I found something I’m more interested in. Compared to that, these things are nothing. He really didn’t want to be lectured. “Uncle, I have class soon, I’m heading out.

Wait a second. Xiao Wu? Wu Yue’s brow had been furrowed since Pei Ming started questioning him. Yesterday he thought it was good that Wen Shu was making friends, but if this guy smoked, drank, and raced cars, Wen Shu might be better off without him. He wondered what this something more interesting was. Hearing Pei Ming call him, he snapped out of it. Yes?

I’ve finished looking over these documents. There’s nothing to change. Take them to the Academic Affairs Office for approval. Wu Yue nodded and walked out.

Once Wu Yue was gone, Pei Xian flopped onto the sofa. Uncle, there’s really nothing else.

What was that ‘more interesting thing’ you mentioned? Don’t tell me you’re doing drugs! Pei Ming slammed the table and said sternly, Pei Xian, I’ve told you many times since you were a kid—there are some things you absolutely must not touch.

Uncle, what are you saying! Pei Xian stood up abruptly. Do I look like that? I just joined a school activity recently and have been spending all my time on it.”

Really? Of course. You probably know about it—the school debate team.

The debate team? Isn’t that the one Xiao Wu organized? No wonder you two greeted each other just now. Pei Ming clapped his hands excitedly. Finally! You’ve finally found something decent to do! I have to tell your mother right away.

Pei Xian’s expression darkened. Uncle, I’m leaving. I have class.

As he opened the door, he saw Wu Yue leaning against the wall outside. Pei Xian was confused. Captain Wu? Wu Yue looked like he was settling in for a long, heart-to-heart talk.

Pei Xian, right? Let’s talk, Wu Yue said, forcing a smile. I know you don’t have class.

About what? Pei Xian asked disinterestedly. He didn’t feel there was much to talk about with Wu Yue.

About Wen Shu.