My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Pei Xian didn’t hear a word Zhang Xi said. He was fixated on pulling the person in front of him closer. The boy in the pink sweater looked a bit bashful, but just as he was about to speak, Pei Xian shoved him away. The boy tumbled to the floor. Pei Xian muttered to himself, It’s not Wen Shu. I touched him… now I’m not clean anymore.

He then reached for a bottle on the table and recklessly poured the liquor over his own hands. He scrubbed until his hands reeked of alcohol and his skin was rubbed raw and red. Only then did he collapse back onto the sofa with a look of relief.

Hey! What is wrong with you? The boy in pink stood up indignantly, glaring at the crowd watching them. What are you looking at? Control your friend!

Hey! Chang Xu, always protective of his own, started to snap back, but Zhang Xi pressed him down.

By the entrance, the group had witnessed the entire scene. Xia Yang spoke blankly, Okay, they are definitely not a couple. I wouldn’t even be surprised if you told me they were mortal enemies.” He reached out, about to call out: Pei Xian?

Before he could finish, Wen Shu slapped his hand down. Let’s find a seat first. Isn’t he with his friends?

Wen Shu didn’t know how to face Pei Xian yet, so he chose to hide like a turtle in its shell. But as if by design, their assigned table was not far from Pei Xian’s. Feeling guilty, Wen Shu pulled a waiter aside and whispered, Are there no other seats? I see a few empty tables over there.

I’m very sorry, sir, but those tables have been reserved in advance.

With no other choice, Wen Shu sat down stiffly. His line of sight happened to be perfectly aligned with Pei Xian on the sofa, surrounded by a chaotic mess of bottles and various brands of cigarettes. Seeing this, his brow furrowed unconsciously.

Over at the booth, Chang Xu noticed the group behind them. No way, what a coincidence. They’re right behind us.

Coincidence? I specifically arranged this with Boss Lu, Zhang Xi said, pouring a glass and holding it to Pei Xian’s lips. “Come on, Old Pei, have another round.

Xia Yang and Lin Fei were deciding what to order. Wen Shu, what are you having?

Whatever, Wen Shu replied distractedly. Seeing Pei Xian being forced to down another glass, he felt restless but didn’t stand up. Anything is fine, you guys choose.

When the drinks arrived, the table was completely covered. Whoa,”Wen Shu remarked, are you guys drinking this like it’s fruit juice?

Well, we haven’t tried these before! Here, Wen Shu, try this one. It tastes just like juice.” Xia Yang handed him a glass. Wen Shu’s eyes were still fixed on the booth in front of him. Without thinking, he took a large gulp. The sharp sting of strong alcohol made his nose scrunch up. His previously clear head immediately felt a bit woozy. How is this like juice?

Oh! Wrong glass.

At the booth, Zhang Xi poured another glass for Pei Xian. Pei Xian didn’t refuse; he drank it like water, one glass after another. Zhang Xi muttered as he poured, Old Pei, I don’t want to do this, but who knew your Captain could endure this long? He hasn’t come over yet.”

Just as Zhang Xi was about to give up and pour another, a hand grabbed his wrist. Wen Shu rushed over, took the glass, and slammed it on the table. Stop letting him drink. How much has he had? If he keeps this up, he’ll end up with stomach problems.

He then crouched down, looking at the semi-conscious Pei Xian. Wake up, Pei Xian. Didn’t you see the messages?

Wen Shu? Pei Xian spoke very slowly, struggling to open his eyes as if trying to confirm the person in front of him was real.

It’s me.

Slap. Wen Shu looked in shock at his hand, which had been flung away. Because of the force, his skin began to turn red.Don’t touch me.

Why do you care now? Pei Xian’s words were harsh, yet his hand was still tightly clutching the hem of Wen Shu’s shirt.

Aren’t we… aren’t we friends? Wen Shu’s voice trembled slightly, his hands hanging helplessly at his sides.

Friends.” Pei Xian let out a cold laugh. Friends who fail at confessing? Friends who get dumped and left behind?

The surrounding area fell into a sudden silence. No one expected Pei Xian to blurt everything out so directly. Zhang Xi, sensing the awkwardness, spoke up: “Wen Shu, ignore him. Old Pei is just drunk and talking nonsense.

Chang Xu took the opportunity to force-feed Pei Xian some lemon water. Old Pei, wake up!

Wen Shu was silent for a while, looking at Pei Xian as he sat on the sofa, slowly regaining some clarity. Do you want to keep drinking?

Pei Xian hadn’t quite grasped the situation yet, and his head was throbbing painfully, but he still stubbornly shouted, “I’ll drink! Why wouldn’t I?

“Fine.” Wen Shu picked up a half-finished bottle from the table, tilted his head back, and downed the rest in one go. He slammed the bottle back down. “You continue. For every bottle you open, I’ll drink one.” He then turned and walked back to his seat, struggling to keep his steps steady.

“Hey!” From the moment Wen Shu took the first sip, Pei Xian wanted to stop him. But just as he had swiped Wen Shu’s hand away earlier, he was now brushed off. Wen Shu!

Wen Shu didn’t look back. He walked over to Lin Fei’s side, his body starting to heat up uncontrollably. Because he had drunk so fast, his neck felt flushed, and the heavy scent of alcohol was overwhelming. It didn’t taste good at all—he had no idea how Pei Xian could drink so much of it.

“Holy crap! Wen Shu, are you okay? Is your tolerance that high?” Xia Yang chirped. You just downed half a bottle!

“Shut up! Keep it down,” Wen Shu muttered. He hadn’t felt like this in a long time—not since his grandfather passed away, when he would buy piles of alcohol to numb himself. He eventually realized how foolish that was since it solved nothing, and he hadn’t touched a drop since. Wen Shu leaned back, exhaling slowly. His tolerance wasn’t what it used to be; he was definitely feeling the intoxication.

In the booth, Pei Xian watched the motionless Wen Shu nervously. He wanted to go over but couldn’t bring himself to drop his pride. “Why didn’t you two stop him!” He didn’t know what to do, so he yelled at the two friends playing invisible beside him.

We’re innocent! Who knew he’d be so fierce? He was too fast for us to react, Chang Xu argued miserably.

Now that you’re awake, Old Pei, Zhang Xi said, handing him more lemon water, we’ve wanted to ask from the start—what’s with this ‘heartbroken’ act?

Is it not heartbreak? I didn’t even get to finish what I wanted to say during the confession. Does that not count?” Pei Xian irritably grabbed a cigarette, lit it took a deep drag, and leaned back dejectedly.

Then go after him! You haven’t even tried to pursue him; how can you call it a failure? Instead of waiting for Captain Wen to find someone else while you pretend to congratulate them, go chase him now! Where’s that ‘simp’ energy you had before Zhang Xi motivated him like a motivational speaker.

Chase him..” It wasn’t until the cigarette burned down to his fingers and the ash fell on his hand that Pei Xian reacted. He tossed the butt aside. That actually makes sense.

Of course it does! Seeing Pei Xian perk up, the two continued. Think about what Wen Shu actually said. Let your brothers analyze this for you.

He said we need to focus on preparing for the competition.

See? You insisted on drinking and missed the most crucial information! You’re still teammates—you have the advantage of proximity. Once the competition is won, you can pursue him even more openly. Zhang Xi pushed the lemon water toward Pei Xian. Go, Pika-Xian! Go get the ‘sister-in-law’ back.

Pei Xian’s mind was occupied by these pieces of analysis. The more he listened, the more sense it made. Yes, he could still pursue him! Compared to others, he actually had an advantage. Instead of waiting for death, he should take the initiative. And Wen Shu had just come over to stop him from drinking… Recalling the moment, Pei Xian wished he could punch his past self for slapping Wen Shu’s hand away. What was he thinking? That was such a good opportunity.

Is this actually working? Chang Xu whispered. “Can’t you tell? With that ‘love-brain’ of his, he’s already convinced himself.” Zhang Xi watched Pei Xian, whose face was turning red from whatever he was imagining, and added: “Actually, it’s not a love-brain… at most, it’s just a severe case of unrequited love.”

If they won the competition and he succeeded, he could be with Wen Shu openly. He could bring him to the apartment, see him in the morning, and see him at night… “Old Pei! Old Pei! Stop daydreaming!” Pei Xian’s thoughts were interrupted.

“Don’t glare at us! Look for yourself—the line of people trying to hit on Wen Shu is out the door!” Chang Xu pointed to the seats behind them.

Pei Xian looked up and saw the flushed youth surrounded by a group of people. His eyes were misty, looking somewhat helpless. Pei Xian couldn’t sit still a moment longer. He grabbed the lemon water and rushed over.

At the table, Wen Shu had rejected one person after another. The thin air was crowded out by the smell of alcohol from the people surrounding him. Looking around, Xia Yang had been too scared to go to the restroom alone and had dragged Lin Fei along to wait outside for him. Su Yang and Song Shiyu were already passed out at the table, looking like they were settling in for the night.

Let’s get to know each other. You look like a student—you can come work at my company after graduation.” A man holding a glass looked admiringly at the flushed boy. On impulse, he reached out toward Wen Shu’s clothes. “Your clothes are dirty, aren’t they? Come, let me help you change.”

Ah—! A hand gripped him tightly, with enough force to nearly break his wrist. “Let go! Let go! Do you know who I am?”

Pei Xian’s face was dark. He squeezed the man’s arm even harder. “What do you think you’re doing?” His voice was thick with rage. He threw a heavy punch, pinning the man down, and raised his hand to strike again.

Zhang Xi and Chang Xu rushed over to hold him back. “Forget this piece of trash! Go check on Wen Shu!”

Wen Shu leaned against the sofa, gasping for air. The aftereffects of the alcohol were hitting him hard, making his head spin. He could only instinctively try to stop the scene in front of him. “Pei Xian, stop… that’s enough.” Having said that, he slumped weakly against the cushions.

Wen Shu? Pei Xian stepped forward and gathered him into his arms. His hands were shaking, but he gently patted Wen Shu’s back, whispering soothingly, “It’s okay, it’s okay.”

Pei Xian smelled of alcohol and fresh cigarette smoke—a harsh mixture. Wen Shu complained, “So stinky…” He tried to curl into himself, only to realize he smelled like alcohol too. Pei Xian, I want a bath. I smell so bad.

Okay, okay… a bath. I’ll take you home for a bath Pei Xian coaxed him. Nearby, Zhang Xi wisely called for a car.

Pei Xian held him, supporting the youth’s slender waist. Wen Shu leaned his entire weight on Pei Xian, muddily grabbing Pei Xian’s hand and pressing it against his own face. “So cool…” But then he smelled the alcohol on Pei Xian’s hand and wrinkled his nose in distaste, letting go, only to cling to him again a moment later.

Pei Xian felt like Wen Shu was going to drive him crazy. He took a long breath and tried to say calmly, “Next time, I am absolutely not letting you touch alcohol.”

Old Pei, the car is at the door.

Got it. Pei Xian looked at the boneless Wen Shu and simply picked him up. Wen Shu felt himself being lifted; he instinctively wrapped his arms around his support and leaned in.

Pei Xian looked down at Wen Shu nesting in his arms like a small animal and said softly, “We’re going home.

Lin Fei gave Xia Yang a sharp smack. “You’re a grown man, and I still have to accompany you to the restroom.

I was scared, Sister Fei! Xia Yang, now much more sober, looked at the two drunks left at the table. “Wait… where’s Wen Shu?!

How did my giant Wen Shu just disappear?