My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Ding-dong. The custom ringtone Pei Xian had set for Wen Shu chimed at the exact same moment Chang Xu finished speaking. Pei Xian’s hand jerked, causing hot ash to fall onto his skin, but he didn’t care at all as he crushed the cigarette into the nearby ashtray. He never imagined Wen Shu would be the one to message him first.

[Xiao Shu]: Are you coming back soon? I’m not trying to rush you, but I’m worried the food will get cold and won’t taste as good.

With trembling hands, Pei Xian replied: Food?

[Xiao Shu]: Yes, I cooked. [Xiao Shu]: Made it for you. [Cute_Cute.jpg]

Pei Xian jumped up so excitedly he nearly knocked over the drinks on the table. I’m leaving, Wen Shu is looking for me. Any trace of his earlier complaining vanished instantly; he couldn’t wait to sprint back to the apartment. This was a meal Wen Shu had “specifically” made for him. Thinking back to how he was just grumbling about Wen Shu to his friends, Pei Xian wanted to slap himself.

Chang Xu was just gearing up for a long lecture when the subject of the talk decided to bolt. He grabbed him quickly. Wait, he sends one message and you’re gone? Old Pei, you’re acting like a total simp!

Pei Xian didn’t take offense. Why didn’t Wen Shu call anyone else? He only called me. Don’t call it simping—it’s because he cares about me and treats me as a true friend. If he weren’t in such a rush to get back, Pei Xian would have stayed to brag to them properly, but right now his heart was on fire. Dammit, I’ve been drinking. I can’t drive.

I’ll call a car for you, Zhang Xi said, holding Chang Xu back and shaking his head.

No need, I’ll run back. Pei Xian tossed his keys to Zhang Xi. Ride it however you want the next few days; consider it my apology for ditching you guys. With that, he dashed out of the bar.

He just gave you his ‘wife’ (motorcycle) like that? We weren’t even allowed to touch it before! Chang Xu looked at the keys in Zhang Xi’s hand in disbelief.

Looking at this… Old Pei has fallen hard.

Inside the apartment, Wen Shu paced nervously. He picked up a pair of chopsticks and took a bite of a dish just to settle his nerves; he hadn’t cooked in so long he was terrified his skills had grown rusty. Just as he was about to sit down, he heard the sound of the door unlocking. He snapped to his feet.

Pei Xian burst in, panting and covered in sweat from the excitement. Seeing Wen Shu still wearing the apron he usually wore—which likely still carried Wen Shu’s warmth and scent—Pei Xian’s eyes practically blazed with intensity.

Wen Shu fidgeted with the apron, handing the chopsticks to Pei Xian. Try it, he said nervously. I haven’t cooked in a long time, it might not be very good.

Pei Xian started devouring the food immediately. “It’s good, really good.” Even though it was just plain white rice, the fact that Wen Shu was the one who put the rice in the cooker made it taste better than anything else.

Don’t just eat rice, have some side dishes. Wen Shu watched Pei Xian shovel food into his mouth and said with great solemnity, Don’t worry, I will take good care of you.

He was determined to help Pei Xian overcome his social anxiety. He had looked it up—it was a psychological condition. Perhaps that was why Pei Xian had no outlet for his stress and resorted to smoking and drinking. He would help Pei Xian learn to communicate with others and help him relax. This was what a friend was supposed to do.

Hearing this, Pei Xian choked violently and nearly couldn’t catch his breath. What did you say?

Wen Shu quickly handed him a glass of water. He wanted to comfort him by saying it was okay, but he remembered Wu Yue’s words: some people don’t want others to know their secrets. He forced himself to pivot. I mean, you’ve always been the one cooking for me. Aren’t we friends? From now on, I’ll cook for you and take good care of you.

So. Wen Shu sat down next to him. He remembered his grandfather saying that when comforting a friend, you can give them a hug. He tentatively reached out and circled his arms around Pei Xian, patting him twice. Since he had never really done this before, the gesture felt a bit foreign. Don’t be afraid.

Pei Xian felt all the blood in his body rush to his head. He was so stiff he didn’t know what to do, but he instinctively hugged Wen Shu back. Okay… I’m not afraid.” He didn’t know what had prompted Wen Shu to suddenly be so nurturing, but he only wanted to enjoy it for as long as possible.

Just as Wen Shu was about to pull away, he felt the person in his arms tremble. Pei Xian said with a hint of grievance, But is it okay if I’m still a little bit afraid?

Seeing this, Wen Shu hugged him even tighter, trying his best to wrap his arms around him. Pei Xian squeezed himself into the embrace with a pitiful look. There wasn’t a trace of fear on his face—it was pure triumph. He even faked a few more shivers until he felt Wen Shu’s grip tighten, at which point he contentedly nuzzled against him.

When Wen Shu finally pulled back, he saw that Pei Xian’s face was startlingly red and he wouldn’t even look him in the eye. This only confirmed his theory. He thought worriedly: It seems Pei Xian’s symptoms are much more severe than I imagined. Go ahead and finish eating. I have to head back to school.

Pei Xian knew he couldn’t be too greedy, so he didn’t try to make him stay. Once Wen Shu left, he took his phone out and snapped photo after photo of the food. He posted them to the group chat with his drinking buddies. After thinking for a long time, he wrote with forced nonchalance: Sigh, a friend specifically came over to my place to cook for me. He’s working too hard. After deleting and rewriting it several times, he finally sent it out, satisfied.

Back at the bar, Zhang Xi opened his phone and saw the message. He clicked the voice note only to hear Pei Xian’s tone dripping with arrogance and bragging. Before he could even react, several more sixty-second voice notes popped up. I can’t take this anymore. Xu, I agree with you. Next time, we’re calling him out!

Chang Xu fumbled with his phone. I’m kicking Old Pei out of the group!

Little did they know, as soon as one group was gone, another remained. Once it was over, Pei Xian looked at the empty chat interface and put his phone down with a satisfied smile.

During training the next day, Wen Shu couldn’t help but observe Pei Xian. Indeed, every time before Pei Xian stood up, he took a deep breath. After speaking, he would even glance toward Wen Shu. Only when Wen Shu gave a small nod would Pei Xian break into a smile and stand up several more times like a soldier charging into battle. Wen Shu silently noted: I need to encourage Pei Xian more in the future.

When the team session ended, Xia Yang went over the usual points to note. Little Song, I won’t even start on you. I know you’re hard of hearing, but keep your ears sharp during the competition. Think about how many times you misheard just now. And Pei Xian—when you stand up, every second is an opportunity. Next time, if you’re going to say useless things, don’t waste your teammates’ time. You must make every second count.

He then looked at Wen Shu and whispered, Don’t be too harsh on them. I’ve already scolded them. They had agreed to dampen the newcomers’ egos before the real competition, so Wen Shu usually showed no mercy when it was his turn. But looking at Pei Xian now—this big guy hanging his head like a little quail shrinking into its burrow—Wen Shu felt strangely soft-hearted. Actually, the performance today was alright. Pei Xian, although you stood up five times and didn’t hit the mark once—even almost giving the opponent an opening…

Mid-sentence, Wen Shu realized he was falling back into his harsh mode and made a sharp turn. But that proactive attitude is worth encouraging. Keep it up next time, just find a better point before answering.

He couldn’t play favorites, so seeing the other team members looking at him like hungry little chicks, Wen Shu sighed and continued his praise. And although Little Song didn’t hear clearly, he managed to pivot back to the right track every time, which actually confused the opponent. It’s a bit of a ‘bandit’ tactic, but it can be surprisingly effective.

After praising them one by one, Mama Hen Wen Shu cleared his throat and took a drink of water to calm down. He noticed Xia Yang staring at him resentfully. What?

Wen Shu, with that contrast between your comments and mine, I look heartless and cold.

Wen Shu teased, Look on the bright side, Captain Xia. Maybe it’s just your nature.

Get out!

Lin Fei tapped them both. Shut up, I’m talking business.

The two of them silently made a zipping motion across their mouths.

I believe everyone has gained a basic understanding of debating over the last few days. Remember the Youth League Competition I mentioned? This Friday’s evening training will serve as our internal selection match. If you want to participate, prepare well for this round. I’ll emphasize again: this competition will take up a lot of time, but it will be an unforgettable experience that will make you even better friends.

Also, pay attention to etiquette and speak clearly. I’ll send the topic to the group later, but the sides won’t be your choice—they will be assigned. I hope you prepare thoroughly.

After the session, the three leaders discussed and finally settled on the topic: “Is moral judgment outside of legal judgment justified?

What about the sides?

Wen Shu suggested, Since we have a preliminary list of candidates, let’s separate them this time so they aren’t all bunched together.

That sounds about right. I’ll figure out the assignments when I get back. Let’s call it a day.

As the three of them stepped out, they saw Pei Xian squatting by the door waiting. He was fiddling with a cigarette in the corner, but the moment he saw Wen Shu, he stood up excitedly like a golden retriever seeing its master, tossing the cigarette into the trash. Wen Shu!

Oho— Xia Yang seized the chance. Captain Wen, someone’s waiting for you. Better hurry.

Beat it! Wen Shu saw Pei Xian lower his head bashfully and feared for his fragile psyche. Don’t tease him. Wen Shu patted Pei Xian’s shoulder comfortingly. Ignore him. Why were you looking for me?

He pulled Pei Xian along as they walked forward. Pei Xian seamlessly positioned himself behind Wen Shu, his broad back shielding him completely from view.

Xia Yang spread his hands in amazement. Hey! What did I do? Why do I feel like the villain here?

sn’t it a good thing? Lin Fei noted keenly. Haven’t you noticed Wen Shu is doing much better than before? Would he have joked with us so naturally in the past? I think it’s great

On the other side, Pei Xian watched Wen Shu holding his hand and instinctively gripped back, feeling the soft texture. Wen Shu? Have you participated in the Youth League Competition before? Ever since Lin Fei mentioned becoming better partners, he had been worried that Wen Shu would be too busy with the competition to eat with him—or worse, that Wen Shu would hold someone else’s hand in victory.

I have. Wen Shu could never forget that experience; it was his solace during a very difficult time.

Do you think I should try? The smile on Wen Shu’s face was all the encouragement Pei Xian needed.

Of course you should! Wen Shu turned his head, looking pleasantly surprised. He hadn’t expected Pei Xian to bring it up himself; he had assumed that with Pei Xian’s “social anxiety,” he would be afraid to enter such a competition. He had even been wondering how to persuade him.a