My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 27

Chapter 27

It wasn’t until the sunlight filtered through the curtains that Wen Shu shook his stiff limbs. He hadn’t had the energy to head back last night, so he had spent the night in the dance studio. The phone on the floor vibrated incessantly. Wen Shu opened it to find the team chat exploding.

The group, named Wang Wang Meow Meow Team, was incredibly lively. Wen Shu scrolled through hundreds of messages to find Lin Fei’s post.

Lin Fei-fei-fei: Then it’s settled. Tonight, we’ll hit that bar near the school for some fun.

Knowing he usually skipped these types of outings, both Lin Fei and Xia Yang had messaged him privately to check in.

Looking at the private messages, Wen Shu hesitated. His finger hovered over the screen. Pei Xian would probably be there, wouldn’t he? Should he go and apologize, or at least just see him? He had left Pei Xian lying there last night. After a moment of internal debate, Wen Shu agreed to the evening gathering.

On the other end, Lin Fei and Xia Yang, having already “proclaimed the news to the world,” began frantically @ing Pei Xian, who hadn’t replied since the previous night.

Inside Zuimeng, the owner was looking awkwardly at the mess that was Pei Xian, who was currently a puddle of drunken misery. Young Master Chang, our… our hours are up. It’s time for us to close for cleaning. How about you come back tonight? I’ll definitely save this spot for you.

Chang Xu, sporting heavy dark circles under his eyes, waved him off. Boss Lu, we aren’t trying to make things difficult, but you know Old Pei’s temper. Tell you what, we’ll stay here. We’ll pay the fee for a private buyout. From now until an hour before you open tonight counts as a full night’s booking. You don’t need to worry about us.

Alright, Young Master Chang! With your generosity, the place is yours. The owner, more than happy with the arrangement, packed up and left quickly, fearing they might change their minds.

Chang Xu collapsed onto the sofa and looked at Zhang Xi with a headache. Old Zhang, what do we do? Old Pei isn’t gonna kick the bucket, is he? He came back last night and just pounded drinks like a madman, driving everyone else away. If this keeps up, I can’t hold out much longer.

They had been waiting for Pei Xian to return with success last night, only to be met with a grim-faced Pei Xian who didn’t say a word and started drinking straight away. From that display, they knew the result wasn’t good. But to them, romance wasn’t a be-all-end-all, so they didn’t think much of it initially—after all, Pei Xian had plenty going for him. By the time they realized the gravity of the situation, the number of empty bottles under the table was beyond counting.

Zhang Xi lost his usual composure. He approached Pei Xian, saying, What do we do? Stop him! If he keeps drinking like this, he’s going to end up in the hospital with a stomach hemorrhage.

Before they could get close, Pei Xian, who had been sprawled on the sofa, snapped his eyes open. With a groan, he pushed his hair back and stared blankly at the two of them. His eyes were like a pool of stagnant water, devoid of emotion. He reached out and swept his hand across the table, his voice as raspy as sandpaper on wood. Where’s the booze?

“Old Pei!” Chang Xu couldn’t stand it. He grabbed him and gave him a hard shake. Can you wake up? Do you really want to end up in the hospital again before you stop?

Pei Xian let himself be shaken. His stomach felt like someone was twisting a knife in it, but as soon as his mind cleared, the image of Wen Shu’s back from last night flooded in. A wave of nausea hit his throat; he shoved Chang Xu aside and ran for the bathroom.

He retched violently, as if trying to expel his internal organs. The smell of the vomited liquor was foul. Pei Xian couldn’t help but think of Wen Shu—he was so fastidious about cleanliness; he would surely despise him if he smelled this. I’m in such a pathetic state and I still have the energy to think about him, Pei Xian thought. I’m truly losing it.

Chang Xu leaned against the wall and shook his head at Zhang Xi. “I’m out of ideas.” In all their years of friendship, this was the first time he had seen Pei Xian so utterly despondent. He didn’t even know where to begin with advice.

After vomiting until his world spun, Pei Xian ignored the two of them, staggered back to the sofa to grab his jacket, and headed for the door.

Hey! Old Pei, where are you going?

Home.

Wait for us! Zhang Xi hurried after him, picking up Pei Xian’s phone and tossing it to Chang Xu. I’ll support him. You take his phone; it’s been ringing for ages.

Back at the apartment, Pei Xian stumbled straight toward the guest room. Zhang Xi couldn’t even hold him back; the moment he grabbed Pei Xian’s arm, he was violently shoved away. Ouch! That’s the guest room, Pei Xian!

Following instinct, Pei Xian opened the guest room door and pulled open the wardrobe. Inside were only two lonely pieces of clothing, still carrying that familiar, beloved scent. But because they had been sitting there for a while, the scent had become faint. Pei Xian squeezed himself into the wardrobe and hurriedly shut the door, terrified that even a hint of that scent might escape.

Damn, where’d he go? Chang Xu arrived at the room, confused. Did he learn how to turn invisible?

Shut up, you’re drunk too, aren’t you? Zhang Xi opened the wardrobe and looked at the person inside. He cursed under his breath. Crap! Who knew Pei Xian was such a romantic fool?

Chang Xu leaned in to look. Inside the wardrobe, Pei Xian was pathetically curled into a ball, clutching the wrinkled clothes and sniffing them intently. He even pulled the fabric over his head until he heard the door open. He shot them a sharp, piercing glare before slamming the wardrobe door shut again.

Whose clothes is he holding? Treating them like treasure? Chang Xu asked blankly.

Whose else could they be?” Zhang Xi looked at the wardrobe with a headache. Captain Wen Shu’s.

Oh right Chang Xu pointed at his phone. Look, their debate team is celebrating tonight at Zuimeng. And it looks like Wen Shu is going. Should we avoid it tonight? To keep Old Pei from getting triggered by the scenery?

“Tonight at Zuimeng, and Wen Shu is going?” Zhang Xi thought for a moment. We have to go tonight. We need to clean Old Pei up and make him look sharp. They need to talk properly, otherwise, are we just going to let him get drunk every single day

Without waiting for a reply, he yanked open the wardrobe, ignoring Pei Xian’s murderous gaze. Old Pei, get it together. Tonight, we’re going with you to drink until we drop.

In the dance studio, Wen Shu was worried about Pei Xian, who still hadn’t replied. But given their current awkward situation, he didn’t know how to ask. He stared at Pei Xian’s profile picture in the message bar before closing his phone in defeat.

Wen Shu? Wen Shu? Jiang Jue nudged him. Did you hear us? During New Year’s, you’ll likely be in the finals. Will you have time for rehearsals?

I will. Don’t worry, I’ll make time,Wen Shu answered quietly. I might not have time for the group dance, but I can start working on the details for my solo dance earlier.

Then we’re mostly done.” Jiang Jue packed his things. By the way, I heard you’re going to a bar tonight. Don’t dress too ‘young’.

A bar! Several girls nearby overheard and their eyes lit up. Can we go?

It’s an internal debate team event. Why would you go? Jiang Jue retorted dryly.

But they ignored him, crowding around Wen Shu instead. Thought about what to wear? It’s your first party, you have to look good!” “We’ll help you! Wear that white shirt from your last performance. I have a choker that would look perfect; I’ll go grab it now.

Wen Shu really wasn’t in the mood to think about his outfit, so he just agreed half-heartedly. His reaction only fueled the girls’ excitement. They insisted he go change so they could style him. Wen Shu looked at Jiang Jue for help. Jiang Jue!

Jiang Jue shrugged helplessly. He had noticed Wen Shu was down today; this was actually making him look more energetic. Then you guys better make him look good. He’s the face of our street dance team! I’m out!

Jiang Jue, you… Before Wen Shu could finish, he was pulled toward the locker room. Hey! I’ll change myself! I’ll change myself!

Mhm!” A girl looked at Wen Shu’s outfit with satisfaction. “That’s more like it. Now, look up.

Wen Shu followed her instruction, exposing his neck. The girl adjusted his white shirt and fastened the choker. The black band sat tight against his skin, contrasting sharply with his fair complexion. Wen Shu’s voice was slightly raspy. Is it done? The restriction around his neck felt strange, causing his delicate Adam’s apple to bob. He reached up to adjust the black band, his long finger hooking it and letting it snap back. He used a bit too much force, and it hit his sensitive Adam’s apple, making him flinch.

Ah—deadly handsome!” The girl turned away with a blush. This choker is a gift. Go out and conquer, Wen Shu!” With that, the girls left the studio, leaving him with strict instructions not to take the choker off, lest he waste their hard work.

Wen Shu saw it was about time for the meeting. When he arrived at the restaurant, Lin Fei and Xia Yang were already waiting. They immediately began teasing him, with Xia Yang making a sound like an air-raid siren.

Ohoo! Not bad, Wen Shu. You’ve already got that ‘bar vibe’ going with this outfit. Xia Yang didn’t just talk; he looked him up and down.

Wen Shu stepped up and gave him a smack on the back. Stop it. Is everyone here? He hesitated, then asked slowly, Did Pei Xian say if he was coming?

Pei Xian? Don’t even get me started. I’ve been asking since this morning and he hasn’t even replied. Lin Fei checked her phone and clicked her tongue. Still no reply. But I sent him the address and told him to come if he wants. Either way, we’re having fun tonight before we have to lock back in for the competition.

You didn’t ask? Aren’t you two good friends? Xia Yang looked at Wen Shu curiously. You’re here, yet he isn’t trailing right behind you?

Who knows. Wen Shu’s hand tightened around his phone.

Xiao Su! Xiao Song! Over here! Xia Yang waved. Let’s eat first, then head to the bar.

Back at the apartment, Pei Xian woke up feeling sore all over, still clutching Wen Shu’s clothes. Recalling what happened, he cursed under his breath. Damn it, the clothes are dirty. Even the last bit of scent is gone.

He opened the wardrobe door and saw the other two sleeping on his bed, one of them even drooling. He grabbed a pillow and chucked it at them. “Sleeping well?

Who—who—who dares hit me!” Chang Xu sat up aggressively, but softened immediately upon seeing Pei Xian. You’re awake, Old Pei,” he said placatingly.

Pei Xian leaned lazily against the wall. “Yeah. I woke up to find myself in a wardrobe while you two were enjoying my bed.

Well, about that… we tried to pull you out, but you wouldn’t let go of that shirt for the life of you. Chang Xu was cut off by a nudge from Zhang Xi and wisely shut his mouth.

Pei Xian’s eyes darkened. Seeing this, Zhang Xi took the initiative. Old Pei, we spent all of last night drinking with you. Tonight, you owe us a round.

Fine. Even if they hadn’t asked, Pei Xian wanted to go. The moment his brain stopped, it filled with images of Wen Shu. Last night was better—at least under the influence of alcohol, he wasn’t thinking about him constantly. I’m going to shower first.” Pei Xian casually stripped his shirt and tossed it aside, revealing his well-defined chest and athletic build. His honey-toned skin added a layer of rugged sexiness.

Wait! Zhang Xi ran into the master bedroom and brought out a coordinated outfit. Wear this. Meeting Pei Xian’s confused gaze, he said without blinking, “If you’re going with us, we get to make one request.

Fortunately, Pei Xian didn’t argue. He took the clothes and headed for the bathroom.

As soon as they arrived at Zuimeng, Pei Xian drew a lot of attention. A black shirt partially concealed his physique, a mechanical watch sat on his veined wrist, and a silver chain hung from his black jeans, glinting under the lights.

The moment he arrived, Pei Xian ordered a round of drinks. After a few glasses, his face showed no change, but his mind began to cloud. He continued to drink glass after glass. Nearby, Zhang Xi stared at the door anxiously. Damn, why aren’t they here yet?

Big brother A boy wearing a pink knit sweater with pink-dyed hair approached. Do you remember me? This is the third time I’ve approached you. I remember last time you asked if I could dance. Well, I can’t dance… He gave an ambiguous smile. …but I ‘dance’ pretty well in bed.

Pei Xian was getting woozy. Looking at the boy’s pink hair, he murmured dreamily, Wen Shu?” He reached out, wanting to pull the boy into his arms.

At that exact moment, Zhang Xi finally saw the familiar faces at the door. “They’re here! Wen Shu is here!” He turned back. Old Pei! What the hell are you doing?

The group at the door also saw Pei Xian. Xia Yang’s eyes widened. Oho! So that’s why Pei Xian didn’t reply—he’s busy with his partner.

Wen Shu looked at the two figures intertwined on the sofa. For some reason, his heart felt a strange, sharp prick.