My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Time flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the competition arrived.

Wen Shu noticed Pei Xian nervously adjusting his suit. He knew that although Pei Xian usually acted like he feared nothing, this was, after all, his first formal match. Turning his head, Wen Shu saw that Pei Xian’s tie was crooked. He stepped forward and reached out to straighten it. Pei Xian leaned down slightly to accommodate him.

Don’t be nervous, Wen Shu said softly. He hesitated for a moment before using the nickname from their childhood. Good luck, Pei-zai.

Pei Xian couldn’t quite catch his breath and stammered in reply, I… I got it, Xiao Shu.

What? Wen Shu gave a deadly smile, staring at the nervous Pei Xian before laughing. Fine, what are you afraid of? I’ll let you have your fun today—calling me ‘Xiao Shu’ indeed. I’m a whole year older than you.

What’s one year! Pei Xian couldn’t help but retort. Age isn’t a distance. Being younger is great; it brings you a sense of freshness.

Yes, yes, yes, Wen Shu replied perfunctorily. Not nervous anymore?

Not anymore.

The moderator’s voice echoed through the center. Would the debaters please take their seats. Allow me to introduce today’s competing sides and their respective positions.

Representing the Affirmative is the debate team from Heyuan University. Their position for this match is: Understanding requires empathy. Please, introduce yourselves.

Representing the Negative is the debate team from Peking University. Their position is also: Understanding requires empathy. Please, introduce yourselves.

First speaker for Peking University, Xia Yang. Second speaker, Lin Fei. Third speaker, Pei Xian.

Fourth speaker for Peking University, Wen Shu.” Wen Shu curled his lips into a smile and raised his hand. “On behalf of the Peking University debate team, I greet everyone present. Good evening.

First speaker for the Affirmative, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. To define our terms: understanding is a process of human cognition. Empathy was first proposed by the founder of humanism, Rogers, as the ability to experience another’s inner world… First, in the process of understanding, grasping the essence of sentient things is not something gained purely through words; it can only be understood through the meaning behind things via empathy. Second, when others are unwilling to understand, empathy provides the drive for that understanding.

Wen Shu’s pen flew across the page as he recorded the points.

Thank you, Affirmative first speaker. We now invite the Negative fourth speaker to conduct the cross-examination of the Affirmative first speaker. Please.

Wen Shu straightened up. Pei Xian noticed that Wen Shu’s aura was completely different from his usual self; he felt sharp, almost like he was covered in thorns. Hello. Your definition states that ‘requirement’ is a core capability rather than a necessity, correct?”

Yes.

Let’s use an example. For instance, in debating, one ‘requires’ research. Is there a specific rule stating one must do research every single second?

So, understanding—

Wen Shu interrupted immediately. “So the ‘requirement’ itself doesn’t need to exist every single second, right?

Yes.

Therefore, your side saying that we ‘sometimes don’t do research’ cannot disprove that debating ‘requires’ research. This is a judgment of rights and responsibilities, correct?

Well, yes.

Then doesn’t ‘requirement’ here effectively mean ‘necessity’?

It’s different, because I don’t need to do research every single second during the process.

But as long as you have researched during the process, it represents a requirement for research. Therefore, your side has failed to prove your definition. You also mentioned that all learning through reading is done via empathy.

Not exactly, but does your side’s discussion today have any meaning?”

That’s fine. In every debate, the opposition accuses our side of being meaningless. But that’s alright.”

Alright. The first round of judging votes is 2:3 for the Affirmative and Negative sides.

The second round of judging votes is 2:3.

They won. Wen Shu silently breathed a sigh of relief. He straightened his tie and prepared to stand and bow. He glanced at Pei Xian next to him; their eyes met. Wen Shu arched an eyebrow, saying wordlessly: Good performance today.

The winner of this Youth League match is the Negative side. Congratulations to the students from Peking University.

As the four of them walked backstage, Xia Yang excitedly threw his hands up. Not bad, not bad! First match successfully taken down! Sister Fei, we have to celebrate this.

Isn’t this expected? Lin Fei said calmly. But since it is the first win… tomorrow. Tomorrow we’ll find a place to celebrate together.

Hooray!

Wen Shu looked at the silent Pei Xian beside him and nudged him with his elbow. How was it? Not a bad feeling for your first official match, right?

It was great—really great. Pei Xian still hadn’t fully processed it. During the debate, he had been completely immersed. Only now was he slowly recalling every moment. So this was what it felt like to be Wen Shu’s teammate. The way Wen Shu led the opponents into traps step by step… Pei Xian’s breathing hitched as he remembered Wen Shu on the floor, pressing the opposition during the free debate. And now, he was right here beside him.

Pei Xian couldn’t help but ask, If I were your opponent, would you also question me until I was speechless?

What are you talking about?” Wen Shu answered without thinking. But before Pei Xian could feel smug, Wen Shu nodded decisively. Of course I would. But, Pei Xian, debating isn’t about right or wrong. We just hold different positions; it doesn’t mean the other side is definitely wrong. Let’s not talk about that—get some good rest tonight.

Okay! Pei Xian’s eyes lit up, even his blonde hair seemed brighter. He spoke a bit shyly, How about… coming to my apartment tonight? I’ve learned a lot of new dishes recently.

Before Wen Shu could answer, his phone rang.

Old Pei! You’re finally done with your match! You’ve flaked on us so many times! Chang Xu’s voice on the other end was full of complaints. “How can you forget your brothers like this!

Scram. Pei Xian’s face darkened, but the soft touch on his hand stopped his words. Wen Shu patted him reassuringly. Go ahead. I remember you guys haven’t gathered since training started. I actually need to stop by the street dance team tonight; I haven’t been there in a while because of the competition.

Pei Xian was naturally “socially anxious,” and his friends were precious. Wen Shu didn’t want him to sour those relationships. Moreover, he really ad been away from the dance team for too long, leaving Jiang Jue in charge for ages. He really should check in.

Fine. Pei Xian looked dejected, like a golden retriever being shooed into a corner by its master. Wen Shu felt soft-hearted and hesitated. How about…?

What Pei Xian perked up instantly, his metaphorical tail practically wagging.

No, Wen Shu told himself, reigning in his soft-heartedness. Nothing. I’m leaving. Have fun with your friends. But looking at Pei Xian’s face, he added one more thing: “Otherwise, your friends might misunderstand.

Is that so! Pei Xian couldn’t hide his grin. Wen Shu’s words carried a clear note of concern. “I’ll be a good boy and listen. So, is Xiao Shu going to reward me by eating with me later?”

What are you saying! Wen Shu’s face turned uncontrollably red. Combined with his delicate features, he looked especially pure, as if he were being teased, yet he didn’t know how to talk back. I’m leaving! With that, he ran off as if someone were chasing him.

That’s disgusting, Old Pei,” Chang Xu, who had heard everything over the phone, mimicked in a mocking tone. I’ll be a good boy and listen~

Scram, Pei Xian said softly. The tone was completely different from before—it wasn’t a joke. Chang Xu wisely stayed silent. I’ll settle the score with you tonight. Where are you?

I knew you wouldn’t flake again! The usual spot, Zuimeng.

Outside Zuimeng, the roar of a motorcycle drew everyone’s attention. Pei Xian swung a long leg over and tossed the keys to Chang Xu at the entrance. “Park it for me.”

Yes, sir. Chang Xu wasn’t even annoyed; he knew Old Pei was a busy man now, and getting him to show up wasn’t easy.

Zhang Xi and the others were already waiting at their usual table. Old Pei, over here!

Under the dim lights, Pei Xian leaned lazily against the sofa. He pushed away the drink Zhang Xi handed him. Not drinking. I’m quitting recently.” Pei Xian glanced at his phone and clicked his tongue in frustration. Ever since they parted after the match, Wen Shu hadn’t contacted him. Although that was normal before, ever since training started, they had spent almost every waking moment together except for class. Not seeing him now made Pei Xian feel extremely unsettled.

Oho, a change in character? Zhang Xi had just lit a cigarette and caught a scent in the air. Why does it smell like grapes?

He turned to see Pei Xian happily eating a lollipop that looked completely out of place in these surroundings, checking his phone every few seconds. Zhang Xi felt something was off, shared a look with Chang Xu, and asked indirectly, Not smoking?

No. At this, Pei Xian perked up. He pointed at the warning on the cigarette pack with pride. Read that. What does it say?

Only the simple-minded Chang Xu actually read it aloud. Smoking is harmful to your health.

Exactly. Someone is looking after me now.” Pei Xian shot a look of mock sympathy at his friends. It’s fine. No one cares about you guys, so you don’t need to worry. He then contentedly licked his lollipop to suppress his nicotine cravings.

Zhang Xi couldn’t stand his smugness but was still shocked. Wow, look at you. Do you finally have someone? A bachelor has found a home? You should take us to meet our ‘sister-in-law’ sometime.

What ‘someone’? Pei Xian frowned. Wen Shu said it’s bad for my health, so I quit.

Wen Shu!

Pei Xian nodded slightly. Looking at his two shocked friends, he found the scene boring. The alcohol on the table was his favorite kind—clearly something Chang Xu and the others had gone out of their way to find—but right now, he found it tasteless. It wasn’t even as interesting as listening to Su Yang and Song Shiyu bicker in the training room. At least then, he could turn his head and see Wen Shu beside him, eyes crinkling with laughter. At that memory, Pei Xian’s lips curled upward.

Seeing this, Chang Xu couldn’t help but blurt out: Old Pei, you don’t like him, do you? Look at you, you’re practically blooming with first love! The moment he said it, Chang Xu regretted it and covered his mouth. But looking at Pei Xian, he knew it was too late.

Pei Xian tossed the lollipop aside and sat up straight, moving close to Chang Xu. His expression was terrifying. What do you mean? I like him? He even reached out and grabbed Chang Xu’s collar, lifting him slightly off the ground. Explain yourself.

Old Pei, calm down!” Zhang Xi hurried between them, tapping Pei Xian’s hand. Calm down. Calm down and listen to us.

Chang Xu coughed uncontrollably and complained, What a grip.

Pei Xian grabbed a drink from the table and took a massive gulp. The burn of the strong alcohol suppressed his inner impulse. He settled down. “Talk. Why exactly did you say that?”