My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Little Black, my ancestor, you have to wear this. Pei Xian looked at the scene with a massive headache. However, the video on his phone was still playing, and the sound of Wen Shu’s voice filled the air. Hearing that voice, Little Black finally hopped down gracefully and approached Pei Xian.

The cat crouched down, its emerald-like eyes staring intently at Pei Xian. Seeing this, Pei Xian played the video once more. To the background music of Wen Shu’s voice, Chang Xu successfully managed to slip the Elizabeth collar onto Little Black.

Phew. Chang Xu let out a long sigh of relief. I get it now. I was wondering why you suddenly turned into such a Good Samaritan rescuing stray animals. Turns out this is the ‘Magpie Bridge’ between you and Wen Shu.

What Magpie Bridge? Pei Xian said bashfully. Things haven’t even progressed that far yet.

Can’t you tell I’m being sarcastic? Chang Xu said expressionlessly. Heaven knew the panic he and Zhang Xi felt when they got a call from Pei Xian late last night saying he was at the hospital. Old Zhang spilled wine all over his pants and didn’t even have time to change because he thought you were dying, only for you to say you’re at a pet hospital! Next time, can you not stop halfway when you’re speaking?

Pei Xian stroked Little Black, who was licking the back of his hand, and then skillfully caught the paw the cat extended. Just like your master, always showing your claws. He straightened up. My bad. I was too anxious at the time, busy explaining its condition to the vet.

Don’t be mad, Xu-zi. Missing Wen Shu’s outing today is the greatest punishment for him anyway, Zhang Xi said with a smirk, twisting the knife in Pei Xian’s heart.

Know when to stop. I’m currently a pathetic person who failed a confession. I can’t guarantee I won’t do something crazy. Pei Xian let go of Little Black’s paw, expertly opened a can of cat food, and scooped a tiny bit out next to the cat. The vet said he has to fast for now, but a tiny bit of snack is okay.

Little Black licked its paw, its round eyes glancing at the phone on the side. Its tail flicked back and forth, but it refused to bow its head to eat the food.

Ho. Chang Xu stood nearby. Old Pei, your ‘cat-magnet’ skills aren’t great. Logically, he should be starving right now.

Shut up. Pei Xian pulled out his phone, placed it right next to the cat food, and kept playing the video of Wen Shu.

Hearing the voice, Little Black immediately dashed over. It glanced at the phone, then lowered its head to start eating the canned food.

First time I’ve seen a cat join the ‘head-down’ smartphone generation, Chang Xu marveled.

He looked at the old father figure, Pei Xian, and gestured with his chin. You should show your face in front of Wen Shu. You’ve been working yourself to the bone for this cat.

I want to. Pei Xian stroked Little Black’s fur and said softly, But I’m afraid of affecting him. The competition is coming up; I don’t want him to worry too much.

As he spoke, Pei Xian also stared at the video of Wen Shu singing on his phone. Man and cat were, for once, in perfect, peaceful harmony.

You’re truly whipped, Zhang Xi sighed at the sight. He patted the lingering Chang Xu on the shoulder. We’re heading out first, Old Pei.

Pei Xian waved them off without looking back. As Zhang Xi turned to leave, he felt that Pei Xian’s back looked somewhat lonely—though, at least he had a black cat nestled beside him, both of them staring at the phone together.

Maybe this is an opportunity, Zhang Xi said as he closed the door.

In the training room the next day, Song Shiyu and Su Yang were visibly more relaxed. Combined with the chemistry they had built during training, they were able to pull off some surprising maneuvers. Wen Shu, however, was frowning at the messages on his phone.

Pei Xian has ‘things to do’ again? Xia Yang knew the look and patted Wen Shu’s shoulder. It’s normal. He’s not competing this time, and he does seem busy lately. He shared a lot of good ideas last time; that’s enough.

I know. Wen Shu looked at the screen. He knew he was being strange, but he couldn’t stop thinking about what happened before. He had told himself not to care, but why weren’t things going exactly the way he wanted? The things he feared hadn’t happened. Perhaps the love Pei Xian spoke of was just a whim, and being normal friends now was what he actually wanted.

Wen Shu suppressed his emotions, flipped through the notes he wrote after going home last night, and rejoined the discussion.

So that’s it? Wen Shu looked at his notebook, which was filled to the brim. I’ll polish this tonight and post the final version of the fourth speaker’s script in the group for everyone to review.

Finally. Xia Yang stretched and checked the time. Hey, it’s dinner time! Let’s go, let’s go, everyone eat together!

Wen Shu hesitated before finally saying, You guys go. I still have something to do. He slowed down his movements while packing his bag.

Come on, it’s dinner time anyway. In the past, Xia Yang would never have pushed Wen Shu if he resisted. But since Wen Shu had started joining them a few times, Xia Yang felt hopeful. Like Lin Fei, he wanted to drag Wen Shu into more activities rather than leaving him alone.

No. Wen Shu finished packing and, noticing the sudden silence, looked up and said nonchalantly, I need to go feed the cat. Did you forget Little Black? I haven’t visited him in ages.

Is that so? Lin Fei pulled Xia Yang back, shook her head at him, and looked at Wen Shu. Then we won’t force you. Give Little Black some scratches for us.

Okay. You guys go first. Wen Shu looked at the slightly messy training room. I’ll tidy up here and then head out.

We’re off then.

The room fell back into silence. Wen Shu let out a self-deprecating chuckle, not quite understanding himself. He used to be fine like this, yet now the quiet atmosphere felt strangely uncomfortable—like a sailor who had stayed on land too long and suddenly felt ill-at-ease returning to the sea.

Once they reached the cafeteria, Xia Yang asked, Why didn’t you let me try harder? He might have come if I’d kept at it.

Don’t you get it yet? If Wen Shu wanted to come, he would have suggested it himself. He was clearly forcing himself just now. If I had to guess, it has something to do with Pei Xian. But then again, they need to solve that themselves.

Xia Yang opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by an excited voice. Captain Xia? Captain Lin?

Where’s Captain Wen?! This voice was far more energetic than the previous greetings. Xia Yang didn’t even have to think to know it was Pei Xian. He was used to it. Oh, if it isn’t the busy man.

Pei Xian didn’t notice the sarcasm. He was twisting around, looking everywhere like a bobblehead. Only then did he process Xia Yang’s words. Why don’t I see Captain Wen?

Wen Shu? He said he was going to see that cat he feeds, so he didn’t come with us. Haven’t asked you yet, why have you been so busy lately that you haven’t— Before Xia Yang could finish, a gust of wind swept past him. By the time he reacted, the person who had been standing in front of him was already at the cafeteria exit.

Pei Xian sprinted toward Wen Shu’s dormitory area. He couldn’t imagine how much Wen Shu would blame himself if he found out what happened to Little Black, or what would have happened if he hadn’t made it in time that night. Fortunately, as Pei Xian spotted the helpless-looking Wen Shu crouching in the corner, he knew he had made it.

Wen Shu looked at the little shelter he had built for Little Black. it was dirty and had a few stray leaves in it. He remembered that even though Little Black was a stray, he was very clean and would lick his fur in the sun every day. Furthermore, Wen Shu looked at the automatic feeder; the food hadn’t decreased much. He had added extra last time, which clearly meant Little Black hadn’t been here for days. He felt panicked, not knowing what to do.

Wen Shu! The voice that seemed most unlikely to appear suddenly rang out. Wen Shu looked in surprise at the panting Pei Xian. Pei Xian? Why are you here?

I, I Pei Xian finally caught his breath. “I ran into Captain Lin and Captain Xia at the cafeteria. They said you were looking for Little Black, and I was afraid you’d come up empty.

Empty? Wen Shu stood up, asking anxiously, Right! Have you seen Little Black these past few days? I just found that the food hasn’t gone down at all. He must have been gone for days. I don’t usually go this long without checking on him. He’s always so clingy, so I’m worried he went out to look for me. It’s my fault—I shouldn’t have been so busy that I neglected him.

Calm down, Wen Shu. Pei Xian stepped forward. Seeing Wen Shu blaming himself made his heart ache with a dense, pricking pain. He wanted to wrap his arms around him, but he restrained himself, keeping his hands low. Nothing happened to Little Black. It’s just, it’s just right! Little Black found a partner!

Even as he said it, Pei Xian felt it was a bit far-fetched, but he pushed on regardless. When I came by the other day, I saw Little Black with a little calico cat. They seemed to get along really well.

Wen Shu looked at him skeptically. Though Pei Xian’s story sounded wild, he didn’t look nervous or like he was lying. And calico cats were indeed the heartthrobs of the cat world. The more Wen Shu thought about it, the more it made sense. Really?

Of course! Pei Xian silently thanked his ability to lie through his teeth. What, you don’t want me as a partner, but you won’t even let poor Little Black have one?

Well, that did it. Wen Shu’s focus was immediately diverted. He took a few steps back, stuttering, What—what are you talking about! He even added with a hint of exasperation, You’re one to talk! You said you were going to pursue someone, but I haven’t seen hide nor hair of you for days!

As soon as the words left his mouth, Wen Shu regretted it. He could only imagine how smug Pei Xian would be. He looked up, and sure enough, Pei Xian’s grin was practically splitting his face. Wen Shu slapped his arm. Stop smiling! Seeing that smug look made Wen Shu annoyed. What right did this guy have to be so happy?

Okay, okay, I’m restraining myself. Pei Xian felt like he could die of happiness. He could feel the atmosphere between them moving in the direction he hoped for. He was infinitely grateful to Brother Black for allowing him to see this side of Wen Shu. Wen Shu, Pei Xian’s voice dropped, filled with an endless tenderness, these past few days, have you.

Wen Shu waited for a while but heard no finish to the sentence. He couldn’t help asking, Have I what?

Have you been wondering why I haven’t been clinging to you? Pei Xian sounded a bit shy as he said it.

Get lost.

Alright. Pei Xian looked at Wen Shu seriously. I promise I’ll pursue you properly from now on, okay?

Get lost. Wen Shu really wanted to peel Pei Xian’s skin off to see how it compared to his own—how could it be so thick? It was definitely twice as thick as his. How could he say such things?

Then I promise to attend every training session properly. I won’t miss a single one from now on. How about that?

That’s more like it. Wen Shu finally nodded. That’s how it should be. Train hard. Look how many days you’ve missed.

Yes, yes, yes. Pei Xian checked the time. Have you eaten? Even if you have, accompany me for another meal. With that, he draped his long arm around Wen Shu’s shoulders, his hand dangling near Wen Shu’s chest, cheekily tapping it once or twice.

Wen Shu, annoyed, used his elbow to nudge Pei Xian away. If we’re eating, then eat. Stop sticking to me.

The two of them walked toward the cafeteria together.

What are you thinking about?

Thinking about whether I should build a little house for that calico cat too.

That’s nice. In the future, let’s build a house for our marriage home too.”

Get lost!