My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The moment Wen Shu left, Pei Xian lost all interest and circled around the edge of the playground to leave.

His phone vibrated it was a message from Chang Xu. Old Pei, military training is finally over! Coming to Zuimeng?

Inside Zuimeng, the DJ was blasting music. As the beat dropped, everyone followed the rhythm, swaying their hands freely. However, a man sat in one of the booths; he was tall and well-built, but he didn’t even glance at the dance floor. He was staring fixedly at his phone, the surrounding clamor failing to draw even a sliver of his attention.

On the dance floor, someone couldn’t help but ask Chang Xu, What’s up with Brother Pei? He comes to a bar but doesn’t drink or dance. He’s been staring at his phone for almost an hour.

Chang Xu was also puzzled. I don’t know. He’s been like this since he arrived.

It wasn’t until the cigarette in his hand burned down to the end, stinging him, that Pei Xian snapped out of it. He glanced down at the red mark on his hand, casually brushed away the ash, and looked back at the video on his phone that he had already watched countless times.

A few guys walked back to the booth after dancing, arms around each other’s shoulders. Chang Xu couldn’t help but lean in curiously. Brother Pei, what are you watching? You’re so absorbed; I haven’t seen you put your phone down once.

He peeked at Pei Xian’s screen. “A fancam? Oh, it’s the pink-haired guy! Whoa, look at that hip thrust! He dances pretty well! Woo!

Hearing this, the guys who were drinking all huddled around. Let me see, let me see!

Several tall, large men crowded around Pei Xian, abandoning their cigarettes to focus entirely on the phone screen.

Just as they were getting into it, Pei Xian tapped the screen and shut it off. Chang Xu looked up to find Pei Xian staring at him gloomily. He asked, Does it look good?

He hadn’t even seen enough himself; at the very least, he hadn’t finished counting exactly how many buttons on Wen Shu’s white shirt were undone and how many were still fastened.

With a look that suggested his wife had been snatched away, Chang Xu silently backed off. Those who were drinking went back to drinking, and those who were smoking went back to smoking. Pei Xian took a peace-offering cigarette from Chang Xu. Amidst the hazy smoke, he recalled Wen Shu’s expression while dancing, and for some reason, he felt an uncontrollable heat rising within him.

Pei Xian felt unbearably hot and irritably stripped off his outer jacket. This revealed his broad, thick back; underneath, he wore a tight grey tank top. His physique was wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, his firm waist heaving with his breath. As he leaned lazily against the booth to smoke, crushing yet another cigarette butt, someone finally couldn’t hold back.

A boy wearing a pink knit sweater walked over. Blushing, he addressed the group of good-looking men in the booth. Can I buy you all a drink?

Although he addressed everyone, his eyes were pointedly fixed on Pei Xian. The guys on the periphery followed his gaze and understood immediately. This wasn’t the first time this had happened, but it was the first time someone had been so bold. They couldn’t help but tease, “Do you want to treat all of us, or just our Brother Pei?”

Hearing his name, Pei Xian looked up. Upon meeting his gaze, the boy couldn’t help himself. Do you remember me? I wore a similar outfit last time. I offered you a drink before, but you gave it to your friend. Could you give me some face this time?

Pei Xian simply shook his head. The boy tried to keep the conversation going: “Are you mixed-race?”

For a long time, Pei Xian didn’t answer. He just stared at the boy’s pink knit sweater for a while. He was about to speak but paused, then asked, Can you dance?

The boy asked, confused, Dance?

Pei Xian felt it was pointless and extinguished his cigarette. Never mind. No need for the drink. If you want to treat someone, treat them. He grabbed his cigarette pack from the table and walked away with a wave of his hand.

So what if he couldn’t dance? The only interesting thing about him was that pink sweater, but someone else would definitely look much better in it.

Chang Xu looked at the pale-faced boy and said kindly, Still buying? Little brother?

At that, the boy left in a huff.

Chang Xu watched Pei Xian’s back. There’s a problem! Old Pei’s target is way too obvious.

What do you mean?

You’re as dumb as they come! Don’t you remember when we were watching that dance video? The lead had pink hair, didn’t he?

Looking at the unresponsive people around him, Chang Xu felt frustrated. It’s a pity Old Zhang isn’t here. None of you understand. There’s definitely something fishy going on.

Someone nearby muttered, Even if Brother Xi were here, he’d still end up thinking you’re the dumb one.

What?!

At school, Wen Shu declined the street dance team’s dinner invitation. No, I won’t go. He nodded to Jiang Jue and left.

A girl from the dance team nudged Jiang Jue’s arm. Why is Wen Shu still like this? I don’t recall ever eating a meal with him. Forget eating aside from dance practice, we hardly contact each other, even though we’ve trained together for two years.

Jiang Jue replied while fiddling with his phone, “Aren’t you used to it by now? He’s always been like this. He picked up a call, and although his face remained expressionless, his voice carried a smile: “Hey baby yeah, we’re at dinner. I’ll come find you when it’s over.

The girl shook her head. It was probably another of Jiang Jue’s new girlfriends. In this dance team, the captain was a playboy, and the vice-captain forget being a playboy simply stayed away from people.

On that same small path, Wen Shu called out toward the shadows, Xiao Hei?

The black cat ran out and rubbed against Wen Shu’s trouser leg familiarly. Wen Shu pulled some dried fish from his backpack and placed it in front of the cat. Leaning against the wall, he said slowly, Finally finished the performance. While I’m treating myself to an extra meal, I’ll give you one too.

Wen Shu sniffed the air and frowned, looking down at Xiao Hei by his leg. Has someone been smoking here? The smell is so strong. It didn’t bother you, did it?

Xiao Hei meowed as if he understood, seemingly complaining. He huddled close to Wen Shu and rubbed against him, meowing affectionately.

Wen Shu ate his sandwich, freeing a hand to pet Xiao Hei. Seeing how clingy the cat was, he drawled, I know, I know. Who’s a good boy?

Xiao Hei meowed back as if responding. Watching the cat cooperate, Wen Shu couldn’t help but laugh. His makeup wasn’t fully removed yet; the laugh made the red corners of his eyes look misty, standing out vividly in the dark.

After finishing his sandwich, Wen Shu brushed the dust off his pants. See you next time, Xiao Hei. The cat meowed once and went back to devouring the remaining food. Suddenly, his ears twitched, and he hissed alertly at the space behind a large tree.

Completely different from his attitude toward Wen Shu, this cry was a clear warning to stay away.

Pei Xian stepped out from the shadows. Looking at the cat hissing at him, he lowered his eyes and whispered, I’m the good boy.

Seeing a human he clearly couldn’t mess with, Xiao Hei hid behind the tree, watching Pei Xian warily.

Pei Xian looked at the few cigarette butts on the ground and picked them up. He muttered to himself, “I finally found his secret base; I can’t let it be discovered.”

Sensing no ill intent, Xiao Hei cautiously emerged and reclaimed his territory in the corner.

Pei Xian looked at the cat and couldn’t help but think of Wen Shu. Why didn’t you go celebrate with the dance team? Instead, you’re here with this guy.

“You look quite lonely,” he said after a pause. And it’s a bit heartbreaking.

The next day was Recruitment Day. As soon as Wen Shu sat down, someone ran over, clearly glancing at his pink hair. Are you Senior Wen Shu?

Xia Yang, who had already seen last night’s video, answered for him: Of course! Come on, student, fill out a form. Join the debate team and you can see our Captain Wen every day!

Okay!

A crowd followed, raising their hands. Senior, I want one too!

Xia Yang’s smile was wide. Come, come, everyone gets one!

Once the crowd dispersed, Wen Shu looked at Xia Yang’s excitement and asked, Is that really necessary? You’re way too excited.

Xia Yang held the registration forms like he was counting money. “Of course! Think about our year it was so deserted. As soon as people heard there was morning and evening practice, they ran. I finally understand why the captain was so excited to see us back then.

His unstyled hair blew messily in the wind. Wen Shu casually tied it back. I’ll stay a bit longer, then I have to go to the dance team. Jiang Jue is there by himself.

Xia Yang stopped counting and grabbed Wen Shu, wailing, No, you can’t leave! You’re our star attraction. If you leave, what will I do?

Wen Shu replied helplessly, Sister Fei will be out of class soon to take over my shift. I have to show my face at the dance team.

Excuse me, where can I get a registration form? someone asked. The voice was slightly raspy. Wen Shu quickly grabbed a form, dodging Xia Yang’s hand. Here, take this. He turned around to find it was Pei Xian. Wen Shu raised an eyebrow, but remembering he was a Law student, he didn’t say anything and just handed over the form.

Their hands accidentally brushed. Whether it was his imagination or not, Pei Xian’s fingers seemed to rub against his for a split second before pulling away. Wen Shu snapped out of it. Alright, I have to go. Jiang Jue is all alone.

Before Xia Yang could react, Wen Shu ran off. After a short distance, he noticed a large shadow beside him. He looked back to find Pei Xian following closely. It gave him a fright, and he stumbled back several steps, nearly falling.

Pei Xian was quick and caught him by the waist. His eyes darkened; it really was only as wide as his own arm.

Wen Shu stared at Pei Xian. They were so close he could see the shadows under Pei Xian’s eyelashes. He felt the hand on his waist rub a few times it was itchy. He quickly stepped back. “Why are you following me?”

Pei Xian put his hands behind his back and clenched his fists, still savoring the recent touch. Because I’m interested in the dance team too. Is Senior not welcoming me?

Wen Shu scrutinized him, his gaze finally resting on his face. Even though you’re good-looking, we are a team after all. We’ll still evaluate you during the interview.

Pei Xian didn’t hear a word of it; his mind was just looping the phrase you’re good-looking. Beside him, Wen Shu’s hand would occasionally brush against him it was soft. At that moment, he felt that drinking and racing cars were pathetic hobbies. He only hoped this path would go on forever.

But the path was only so long, and they arrived shortly. After Wen Shu greeted Jiang Jue, he searched for a while but couldn’t find the registration forms. He asked, Hey, Jiang Jue, where are the forms?

Jiang Jue stretched and answered, I just handed out the last one. I remember I sent you an electronic version. Maybe have him fill that out for now.

Pei Xian couldn’t help but interject. Then let me add Senior’s contact info. I’ll send it to Senior after I fill it out.

Wen Shu found a single sheet. What are you thinking? I’ll read it, you answer. Got it?

Fine.

Jiang Jue watched the scene, finding it increasingly suspicious. He just agreed to that? He thought a guy like this junior would have just grabbed Wen Shu’s hand to add him.

As for Pei Xian, he certainly wanted to, but he thought bitterly: Ever since the last time I tied his hair, Wen Shu’s attitude made it clear with him, I can only use a soft approach.

Wen Shu nodded, sat in a chair, and asked, Name?

Pei Xian looked down. From his height, he could see the top of Wen Shu’s head and noticed he had two round cowlicks. “Pei Xian.”

Height.

One meter ninety-two.

Wen Shu couldn’t help but look up for a second before continuing. Specialty?

Pei Xian thought for a moment. Does being a virgin count as a specialty?

At that, even Jiang Jue looked up and asked, How does that count as a specialty?

Pei Xian answered seriously, Isn’t there a saying online? A man’s chastity is his best dowry.