My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 23

Chapter 23

The next day, Wen Shu arrived at the training room a bit early, only to find that everyone was already there. They were gathered in a circle discussing something, while Pei Xian was huddled in a corner chair, looking somewhat lonely as he twirled a pen and stole occasional glances at the group. Wen Shu felt a surge of pity—had he known, he would have coordinated a time with Pei Xian. He hurried over to Pei Xian’s side. Why aren’t you discussing with everyone?

Pei Xian, unaware of the tragic drama Wen Shu had concocted in his head, was thrilled to see him. He gripped the corner of Wen Shu’s shirt and wouldn’t let go, admitting honestly, I just didn’t really want to. That Song Shiyu was a total master of mishearing; everything had to be repeated multiple times for him to get it. Meanwhile, Su Yang was so timid and flustered when speaking to him that it felt awkward. It was boring, so he’d rather just sit here and wait for Wen Shu.

Wen Shu looked down at the hand tightly clutching his shirt. Look at how nervous this poor kid is! He glanced at Xia Yang, who was laughing in the middle of the crowd. Wasn’t Xia Yang usually observant? How could he leave Pei Xian all alone like this? He leaned down and comforted him, It’s okay, I’ll go over with you. It really is time to communicate properly with your teammates.

What are you all chatting about? Did you not notice there’s one person missing? Wen Shu asked. Hearing this, Pei Xian tilted his head to look at Wen Shu. Is he standing up for me?

Xia Yang looked up, completely bewildered. Heaven as his witness, he had called out to Pei Xian several times before Wen Shu arrived. At first, Pei Xian would give a perfunctory response, but if he asked a few more questions, Pei Xian’s tone became so dismissive that he couldn’t keep the conversation going. Wait, I just—

It’s fine, Wen Shu, Pei Xian interrupted Xia Yang. Wen Shu looked over and saw Pei Xian hanging his head, avoiding Xia Yang’s gaze while his hand gripped the shirt tighter. Forget it, Xia Yang. Just remember next time.” If it weren’t for the fact that Pei Xian probably didn’t want people to know about his social anxiety, Wen Shu wouldn’t have hesitated to give Xia Yang a real piece of his mind. He couldn’t just reveal it without Pei Xian’s consent.

But I’m being framed! Before Xia Yang could explain, Wu Yue walked into the room. Yo, everyone’s here. Get ready, let’s begin.

To take better care of Pei Xian, Wen Shu pulled him to sit right next to him and thoughtfully placed a pen and notebook in front of him. “Listen carefully. Wen Shu then remembered the reward Pei Xian had asked for yesterday. If we finish early, we can go back and cook. Though he didn’t know why Pei Xian wanted this specific reward, he figured it might motivate him. He looked up to see Pei Xian staring intently in Wu Yue’s direction and nodded with satisfaction.

“First, let me point out your individual flaws, Wu Yue began. Xia Yang, every time the opponent starts the cross-examination, you look like you’re ready to square up and fight them. I’ve emphasized several times that in this segment, you can acknowledge certain common ground. This helps set the stage for the free debate.

Xia Yang answered weakly, Understood.

“Lin Fei, you’re good at the second and third speaker roles. You’re great at peeling back the layers and asking deep questions, but you also need to pay attention to answering the opponent’s points. Wen Shu, less lyricism. Debating isn’t a literature class; you don’t need to pour out so much emotion. The fourth speaker can talk about the big picture, but you must always return to the core argument.

Yes, Wen Shu and Lin Fei answered in unison.

As for the new members, I’ll leave it to you three to guide them, since you’re more familiar with each other.

Now, let’s get down to business.

Wen Shu noticed that Pei Xian was incredibly focused throughout the entire session. The way he huddled over his notebook, scribbling furiously, made him look more serious than all of them combined. It even prompted Wu Yue to ask Xia Yang after class if he only thought Pei Xian was hard to get along with because he was more handsome than him; this diligent note-taking style was a complete mismatch for his outward appearance. Was this reward really that important to Pei Xian?

Before leaving the room, Wu Yue saw Pei Xian’s serious expression and didn’t forget to tell Xia Yang, Look, the guy is pretty earnest. Where’s the ‘thug’ attitude? You’re just stereotyping.

No, Captain Wu, I’m being wronged—! Xia Yang followed behind with a long face, trying to explain.

Pei Xian reached out to block Wen Shu. Wen Shu looked down to see Pei Xian’s arm nearly circling him, making him instinctively step back. W-what are you doing? He stuttered. Didn’t we agree… to eat together today? Pei Xian leaned down to look at Wen Shu, his voice slightly raspy. Are you teasing me?

What are you talking about? Wen Shu spotted a gap between Pei Xian’s arms and slipped through. We are going, but I have to go dye my hair first.

Why? Pei Xian instinctively looked at Wen Shu’s pink hair and couldn’t help reaching out to touch it. The soft texture made the corners of his mouth turn up. “It looks so good.” He silently added in his head: I have blonde hair and he has pink hair; anyone who sees us will think we’re close—maybe even think we dyed it together. Lost in his imagination, Pei Xian completely ignored the fact that his blonde hair was natural.

Wen Shu was afraid Pei Xian might think he was only doing it for the competition and feel pressured to dye his own blonde hair, so he answered vaguely, It’s nothing, I just want a change of pace. Feeling the weight on his head—having been accustomed to Wu Yue’s hair-patting—he didn’t feel uncomfortable. He just puffed out a breath to blow the bangs out of his eyes and looked up at Pei Xian. Just as he was about to speak, Pei Xian covered his eyes. What? The sudden darkness made him blink uncomfortably.

Pei Xian felt the eyelashes brushing against his palm like tiny fans. He swallowed hard, his voice turning gravelly. No acting cute.

Huh? What the hell are you— Wen Shu started, but Pei Xian covered his mouth with his hand. Wen Shu glared at him, frowning.

Don’t talk like that, it breaks your character, Pei Xian added pitifully, only for Wen Shu to slap his hand away with a smack. Pei Xian reflexively pulled back.

I’m done with you, Wen Shu said, walking out.

“I’m coming too.” Pei Xian became Wen Shu’s personal shadow, sticking to him instantly and chattering away. Occasionally, Wen Shu would push him away in frustration, and Pei Xian would look dejected for a moment before sticking right back.

Once they reached the barbershop, Wen Shu said succinctly, Please cut it short and dye it black. After the military training performance, Wen Shu had been wanting to cut it; now was the perfect time to handle it all at once.

Alright. The barber cut the hair while enduring the resentful glares from Pei Xian standing nearby. Finally, the barber said hesitantly, Maybe talk to your boyfriend? He seems really reluctant about this.

What boyfriend! Wen Shu’s face turned red instantly. He said, somewhat exasperated, Pei Xian, why are you standing so close? Just sit over there and wait for me.

Oh. Pei Xian’s brain stalled. It wasn’t until he walked over that he processed it. His face remained calm, but his bright red ears betrayed his inner turmoil.

Done. Wen Shu touched his head, feeling a bit unaccustomed to the change. He saw Pei Xian frozen in place and waved a hand in front of him. What are you dazing for?

Because you look good. If pink-haired Wen Shu looked like someone who didn’t belong in reality, black-haired Wen Shu looked even more delicate. He had more of a youthful, schoolboy” energy, making him look much younger—like a high school student. Pei Xian couldn’t look away; it was as if he was seeing the high school version of Wen Shu.

Wen Shu met his gaze and instinctively looked away, coughing. Let’s go. Back to cook.

Though they were supposed to eat together, once they returned to the apartment, Wen Shu didn’t leave the sofa. Pei Xian grabbed an apron and charged into the kitchen. Just sit there and rest. The remote is in the cabinet; watch something if you’re bored. Dinner will be ready in a bit. Having experienced it once, he was satisfied; there was no way he’d let Wen Shu cook for him again. He had to take good care of Wen Shu so he’d come over more often. It would be even better if Wen Shu got used to it—then they could live in this apartment together, seeing each other every day.

Before Wen Shu could object, Pei Xian disappeared into the kitchen and shut the door firmly. His attitude was unyielding. Bored, Wen Shu swung his legs and opened the TV cabinet. He didn’t find the remote, but he did see several packs of cigarettes and four or five lighters. He frowned, then looked over at the wine cabinet. He remembered Song Shiyu’s evaluation of Pei Xian. Indeed, when he first met Pei Xian, he smelled strongly of smoke. Was it really because of social anxiety?

Wen Shu felt it was better to ask, so he knocked on the kitchen door. But because the soundproofing was too good, Pei Xian didn’t react at all. He could only see a blurry silhouette through the glass. When he pushed the door open, the scene inside made him jump back several steps.

Inside the kitchen, Pei Xian was shirtless. A pair of grey sweatpants hung loosely on his hips, and he was wearing a dainty pink apron that contrasted sharply with his bronzed skin. The apron was stretched tight across his chest and tied in a bow at the small of his back, highlighting his lean waist and revealing the vast tattoos across his torso. His back was glistening with sweat—a truly provocative sight.

Hey! Put some clothes on! Wen Shu turned his head away, his face flushing, trying his best not to focus on Pei Xian.

It’s too hot in the kitchen, Pei Xian said pitifully, grabbing his shirt from a hook. As he pulled it on, he asked, What’s wrong? I said you don’t need to help, just sit down.

After the rustle of clothes stopped, Wen Shu turned back and asked, I’ve wanted to ask for a while… why do you smoke so much? And the drinking too. I know everyone tries new things after high school, but yours is a bit… ‘diverse,’ isn’t it?

Because it’s boring.

What?

It’s boring. Instruments, skateboarding… I learned them all. Only when I’m smoking or drinking do I feel a bit of a sense of existence. Pei Xian recalled the time after the Gaokao, his brow furrowing. “And driving fast gives me a little bit of a thrill.

The tattoos too. I just wanted to see how much it would hurt. I thought if I got a few, maybe a bit more pain would make me feel the world more. Pei Xian didn’t see anything wrong with his logic. Perhaps it started in childhood—whenever his mother was about to leave, if he pretended to fall, she might stay a few days longer. As he grew up, it turned into: if his grades were better, maybe she’d have a meal with him. But Pei Xian found it increasingly meaningless, so he started looking for things that gave him a stronger reaction.

Is there nothing else special to you? Wen Shu tried to understand his perspective, asking tentatively, Other things that aren’t so bad for your health? Or even people?

There is.

What?

You.

Pei Xian looked up at Wen Shu and repeated, You.