My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Wen Shu pondered for a moment. The interview results hadn’t actually been finalized yet, but seeing Pei Xian’s nervous expression, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of mischief. In a tone tinged with regret, he said, I’m very sorry to say.

But before he could finish, Pei Xian jerked his head away, staring intently at the corner of the wall. He curled into a ball, awkwardly pressing down on the needle mark on his arm, looking both pathetic and hilarious.

Alright, alright Wen Shu quickly reined in his wicked sense of humor and said earnestly, We haven’t made a decision yet; it’s not that fast. Are you really that eager to start training?

“Yes!” Pei Xian couldn’t imagine anything better. If he got in, he could see Wen Shu every morning and every evening and he could constantly find problems to discuss with him.

If he pretended not to understand a certain point, would Wen Shu tap him on the head, adjust his glasses, and tell him, “You need to listen carefully”? And if he still didn’t get it after several explanations, would Wen Shu stay by his side until he finally understood?

The mere thought of this scene made Pei Xian’s heart race with excitement.

Wen Shu sat beside him, watching his dazed expression. His own arm hung at his side, his hand unconsciously clenching. Suddenly, he realized something. “Wait, why were you on that path anyway? I remember the Law Department dorms aren’t in that direction.”

Besides, even though Little Black has a bit of a temper, he’s actually very gentle. As long as you don’t touch him, he won’t scratch you. Wen Shu began defending his child again, even going so far as to list points one, two, and three like a bully.

Finally, he even slipped into his debate persona: In conclusion, this wasn’t just Little Black’s fault.

While Wen Shu spoke with increasing animation, Pei Xian’s entire focus was on the arm pressed against his own. Perhaps because Wen Shu was so worked up, he didn’t notice that their arms were touching in the narrow seating area, rubbing against each other. Pei Xian couldn’t help but wonder: they were both men, so why was Wen Shu’s skin so soft? Even the faint scent of his sweat was fragrant.

At that thought, Pei Xian couldn’t resist leaning just a little bit closer to Wen Shu.

After a long while without a response, Wen Shu turned around to find Pei Xian spacing out again. “Hey! Snap out of it.” He wondered how he could have ever mistaken this guy for a player; he was clearly just a ditz.

So, does the opposing counsel have anything to say?

He watched as Pei Xian sank into deep thought for a long time before finally squeezing out a few words: Then, should I go apologize to that cat?

Huh? Wen Shu had been expecting a lengthy rebuttal, but hearing those few lighthearted words made him feel even more like he was picking on the guy. You’re being obedient now? This morning, when Lin Fei asked one question, you countered with five answers and a follow-up question.

Pei Xian saw that the needle mark on his arm had stopped bleeding. He leaned down to toss the cotton swab into the trash. She isn’t you.

What are you muttering?

Nothing. He tugged on the hem of Wen Shu’s shirt. Let’s go. I’ll go apologize to Little Black.

As they headed toward the spot to find the cat, it finally clicked for Wen Shu. He couldn’t help asking, How did you find that place to begin with?

Normally, the Law dorms weren’t anywhere near there. Even Wen Shu had only discovered that hidden path after passing it several times, let alone a freshman like Pei Xian.

Pei Xian’s hand stiffened at the question. He couldn’t exactly say that because his uncle taught here, he visited often and probably knew the campus better than Wen Shu—all while playing the “lost freshman” act at the start of the term. Though he had indeed stumbled upon that specific spot by chance, he never would have taken such a remote, dark path if he weren’t already intimately familiar with the school layout.

Little Black led me there, Pei Xian lied through his teeth, looking completely unbothered by the fact that the cat had just mauled him. I was just walking along when Little Black took a liking to me. He kept meowing at me and even tugged on my pant leg.

Pei Xian, Wen Shu replied expressionlessly, “do I look like an idiot to you? He couldn’t believe such a blatant lie. He now understood that Little Black probably had a very good reason for scratching him.

“Forget it if you don’t want to say. Let’s go. Wen Shu wasn’t curious enough to press further. He claimed he was bringing Pei Xian to apologize, but in reality, he just wanted the cat to get used to him—or at least stop attacking him.

Under the cover of night, Wen Shu unconsciously let his guard down. He glanced at Pei Xian’s blonde hair a few times before finally asking, Are you mixed?

Pei Xian, whose attention was already entirely on Wen Shu, nodded. I’m half-Chinese, half-Russian, but I grew up in China.

As they reached the corner, Wen Shu was about to call out for the cat when he heard ambiguous sounds and heavy panting coming from the dark shadows.

It’s fine, no one comes here. We haven’t seen each other all break, a guy said breathlessly.

Earlier, when I tried to hold your hand, you ignored me.

As the voices continued, Wen Shu realized it was two men.

The sound of messy kissing followed. Awkwardly, Wen Shu turned around and whispered, Let’s come find Little Black another time. But Pei Xian didn’t move. When Wen Shu looked up, he saw Pei Xian trembling uncontrollably, his face flushed an unnatural red. Upon hearing Wen Shu’s voice, Pei Xian abruptly lowered his head.

Wen Shu looked into Pei Xian’s eyes; deep in those dark pupils was a longing he couldn’t quite decipher, which made him step back in a sudden surge of fear. Seeing him retreat, Pei Xian lunged forward, pinning him against the wall.

Wen Shu let out a small whimper. Pei Xian! Pei Xian immediately covered his mouth, pressing a long index finger to his own lips in a shhh gesture.

This was the first time Wen Shu had ever been so close to someone so close he could see the shadow cast by Pei Xian’s eyelashes as he looked down. Is it because he’s mixed? Wen Shu thought, momentarily dazed. His lashes were so long, making him look almost pitiable in that moment.

Pei Xian looked at Wen Shu, who had stopped struggling and was leaning obediently against the wall. He could feel Wen Shu’s warmth on his hand, the faint breath tickling his palm. His heart raced with a dangerous thought: It feels like I could do anything to him here, and no one would ever know.

Suddenly, Little Black darted out from the shadows, meowing at Wen Shu and pawing at his leg.

The kissing nearby stopped abruptly. Is someone there?

After a moment of silence, with only Little Black’s meows audible, the guy finally relaxed. I told you, no one uses this path. Give me another kiss.

Pei Xian felt a surge of irritation. He looked down and met Wen Shu’s watery eyes. Because of the moisture, the corners of Wen Shu’s eyes were flushed pink. His pink hair was just long enough to prick against Pei Xian’s hand. He looked exactly like a little kitten that had been bullied senseless.

Pei Xian’s throat felt parched. His grip unconsciously tightened. When Wen Shu made a muffled sound of pain, Pei Xian had to press his hand firmer to keep him quiet. Seeing this, Little Black became even more distressed. This bad human must be hurting Wen Shu! The cat let out a low, menacing growl that sounded particularly eerie in the dark corner.

The sound terrified the couple nearby.

Stop kissing! This path is creepy as hell, I’m getting the chills. Let’s get out of here!

Once the sound of their retreating footsteps faded, Pei Xian let out a breath. Realizing Wen Shu was still trying to say something against his palm, he finally pulled his hand away. His palm was damp a trace left behind because Wen Shu had been trying to speak while muffled. He hid his hand behind his back.

Wen Shu coughed several times. Pei Xian!

Present! Pei Xian stood at attention, looking determined, but Wen Shu wasn’t falling for the act anymore. Why did you hold me so tight? We weren’t the ones doing anything wrong; why were we the ones hiding?

As he spoke, Wen Shu rubbed his lips. His mouth was now a vivid, bruised red, looking like a crushed rose.

Pei Xian realized he had been too rough. Recalling Chang Xu’s words, Wen Shu’s skin really was as delicate as a girl’s. I have social anxiety, he muttered.

Wen Shu was still fuming, having been shoved against a wall and silenced for so long. Social anxiety?!

Little Black seemed to sense his anger and turned on Pei Xian. Hiss!

He ‘really likes you,’ huh?

Pei Xian added quietly, It’s a love-hate relationship.

Hearing this, Wen Shu picked up the cat and covered its ears. A little kitty shouldn’t hear such things.” Little Black didn’t care if it understood or not; it just nuzzled affectionately against Wen Shu.

“Anyway, all roads lead to Rome. Come on, you two need to get acquainted so he doesn’t scratch you next time.” Wen Shu held Little Black up to face Pei Xian.

Man and cat stared at each other. Little Black gave a soft meow, but Pei Xian didn’t react.

Wen Shu said sternly, Little Black apologized first. Good cat! But you ignored him. Bad human!

With that moral condemnation hanging over him, Pei Xian had no choice but to lower his head. To prove his intent, he took Little Black’s paw and shook it up and down in a gesture of peace.

Little Black looked utterly confused [cat_confusion.jpg]. After being shaken for a moment, the cat realized what was happening and thwack lunged for Pei Xian’s wound again. Fortunately, Pei Xian’s reflexes were fast, and he dodged it.

Seeing him dodge only made Little Black angrier. The cat began emitting a series of low, staccato growls. Even though Wen Shu didn’t speak cat, he could tell the language was incredibly foul.

Okay, okay. Wen Shu gently stroked Little Black to calm him down. He managed to get the cat under control, though Little Black didn’t miss the chance to hiss at Pei Xian one last time before leaving.

Well, at least you’re ‘acquainted’ now. Wen Shu completely ignored Pei Xian’s shocked expression. Although things didn’t seem to have improved and were arguably worse he deluded himself into thinking that Little Black might curse, but wouldn’t scratch anymore. He chose to forget that the cat had just tried to go for the kill.

Without even saying goodbye, Wen Shu turned and ran back toward the dorms.

Pei Xian watched Wen Shu’s fleeing figure, a sense of joy bubbling up inside him. He felt that tonight, the distance between them had shortened significantly.

The next day, Wen Shu arrived at the faculty building. The three of them had agreed to finalize the roster today. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see who was in the training room.

Captain Wu? What are you doing here?

Wu Yue had been their captain back when they were just team members. He was also Wen Shu’s direct senior from high school. If it hadn’t been for Wu Yue’s invitation, Wen Shu might never have joined the debate team. Wu Yue was a legend in the Law Department usually gentle and refined, but like a razor-sharp blade on the debate floor, piercing through any opponent’s loopholes. Under his leadership, the team had won the provincial championship, bringing the school’s debate team into the spotlight and earning them this dedicated training room.

She dragged me here, Wu Yue said helplessly, pointing at Lin Fei. She’s been pestering me since yesterday to help select the new team members.

Of course we have to choose carefully. The competition  Lin Fei paused. Forget it, I won’t say anything until it’s confirmed. Anyway, let’s try to finalize the list now so we can start training early.

Su Yang any objections? He’s great at identifying points, perfect for the rebuttal position. Lin Fei took the lead, pulling a sheet from the interview pile.

Song Shiyu. He left a strong impression. He’s a natural for the fourth speaker; his sense of rhythm is excellent.

The three of them quickly filled the spots. Seeing how smoothly it was going, Wu Yue couldn’t help but ask, This is going pretty fast. Why did you even need me?

The interview sheet on the table provided the answer. Lin Fei picked it up, looking conflicted. Pei Xian. This is the point we’re stuck on.

In the past, she might not have hesitated, but the school had hinted that they might be entering a very high-stakes competition this time. While Pei Xian was clearly talented, he was also blatantly rebellious. Furthermore, he was popular. Team morale and discipline are vital; if one person disrupts the atmosphere, it might be better to let them go from the start.

He is a bit much, Xia Yang agreed. “He looks like he’d be hard to manage.

Thinking of Pei Xian’s dorkiness from the night before, Wen Shu spoke up. He might not be as difficult as he looks.

Oho, that’s a first. Wen Shu is actually speaking up for someone, Wu Yue teased. He then turned serious. So, your main concern is whether he’s manageable?

Lin Fei nodded. I wanted to get your take on it, Captain Wu.

Wu Yue thought for a moment before saying decisively, I would let him join. If he’s made you this hesitant, it means he definitely has the ability. He might be hard to manage from your perspective, but that’s your challenge as leaders.

The three sat in silence for a long moment. In that case, Lin Fei broke the ice, raise your hand if you agree.

Three, two, one.