My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

As soon as the words left his mouth, all three of them raised their hands. Lin Fei said decisively, Three votes in favor. It’s settled then Pei Xian is our new team member.

Wen Shu closed his notebook. I’ll send out the text messages in a bit. We should hold an event so everyone can get to know each other before we start training.

“The usual rules apply you two know the drill. Wen Shu notoriously avoided these social gatherings; he hadn’t attended a single one since his freshman year. However, he never missed a training session and proactively took on extra paperwork to lighten the load for Lin Fei and Xia Yang.

I’m heading out. Wen Shu gave a wave and walked out of the training room.

Wu Yue watched the door close, then asked with a frown, It’s been a year and he hasn’t changed? I thought dyeing his hair pink might have made him a bit more outgoing.

Lin Fei and Xia Yang exchanged a look. Xia Yang replied helplessly, Captain Wu, don’t you know him by now? Forget a year if we manage to have one meal together before graduation, I’d consider that a massive breakthrough.

Speaking of which, why is he like that? Captain Wu, do you know? Lin Fei couldn’t help asking. Normally you don’t notice it, but whenever we talk about it over dinner, we all feel the same: Wen Shu is polite, but there’s always this invisible veil between him and everyone else.

“When he’s doing a closing statement, he’s a master at playing the emotional card, yet his own emotions seem so detached,” Xia Yang added. It feels a bit lonely watching him sometimes.

Wu Yue tapped the table. Alright, you two gossips. That’s just Wen Shu’s personality. Go pick a place to eat; the restaurants near campus fill up fast.

Opposite Beijing University was a local farmhouse-style restaurant. It was affordable, served large portions, and was delicious, so it was the go-to spot for every gathering. It was nearly impossible to get a table, let alone a private room, without an in-person reservation.

As the two rushed off, Wu Yue let out a weary sigh. After everything he’s been through, it’s already good enough that he’s doing this well.

The moment Pei Xian received the news about the group dinner, he began nervously picking out his clothes. He even called for reinforcements.

When Chang Xu and Zhang Xi arrived excitedly hauling alcohol, they found a metaphorical male peacock fretfully preening his feathers.

Chang Xu dropped the booze in frustration. What the hell, Old Pei? You called your brothers over just to help you pick an outfit?

Pei Xian irritably tossed aside a tie he’d been trying to knot. This is my first time as an official team member; I have to look decent. He glanced at the pile of fresh haute couture. These were ordered on short notice; I can’t find a single thing that feels right.

Zhang Xi marveled at the mountain of clothes. This is more formal than when my brother goes on blind dates. People would think you’re going to a wedding.

Just call a stylist. It’s fast and looks good, Chang Xu suggested. Then you won’t be agonizing like this.

I want to choose it myself. Pei Xian sifted through the garments. This was his first dinner with Wen Shu; he had to pick the outfit himself.

In his mind, Pei Xian had already successfully rebranded this group dinner as a date. He wouldn’t care if they weren’t even going to the nice restaurant by the gate; they could go to Haidilao for all he cared.

Chang Xu and Zhang Xi shared a silent toast. What’s with this pure-hearted act? My good alcohol is going to waste.

Something is definitely up. You’ve never seen Old Pei like this. He became even more certain when he saw Pei Xian fussing over his hair.

The two exchanged a look. Zhang Xi arched an eyebrow and asked with feigned nonchalance, By the way, Old Pei, I heard your vice-captain can dance. Is he really that good?

Hearing this, Pei Xian immediately dropped his jacket and sat down next to them, looking ready for a deep heart-to-heart. Of course. He’s an amazing dancer and incredible at debating. During the interview, he was so good at spotting loopholes, but when he interviewed me, he barely pointed any out. Plus, he’s very, Pei Xian paused, his face flushing. Beautiful.

Alright! Chang Xu interrupted, testing the waters. Old Pei, you don’t actually like him, do you?

Before Pei Xian could answer, Zhang Xi reacted first, shoving Chang Xu. What are you saying? Old Pei just purely appreciates his talent.

What was love? Pei Xian didn’t quite understand. He was just intensely curious about Wen Shu. From the first time he saw the sunlight hitting Wen Shu, to seeing him dance everything made him want to get closer. Everything about Wen Shu felt fresh. If he hadn’t seen Wen Shu in that dark corner, he might have approached him more aggressively, but after that, he wanted to take his time and understand him.

Seeing Pei Xian lost in thought, Zhang Xi checked the time. Old Pei! You’re going to be late. What a terrible first impression that would be.

Pei Xian snapped out of it, grabbed a jacket, and even threw on a backpack. He straightened his hair in the mirror. How do I look?

He was wearing a black shirt of high-quality material that emphasized his broad chest, tucked into suit pants that outlined his lean waist. His figure was tall and elegant. He wore silver-rimmed glasses over a high bridge, and his usually messy blonde hair was now slicked back neatly. The veins visible on his arms gave off a distinct cold and repressed vibe.

Sharp! It’s rare to see you looking like a civilized human being, Chang Xu critiqued sharply. But why the bag? It looks clunky.

Hair ties, mouthwash, tissues, power bank, Pei Xian rattled off like a worried mother. What if they don’t have those things there?

And why the jacket? It’s late September and boiling hot.

What if it gets cold tonight? Pei Xian answered matter-of-factly. He wasn’t about to let Wen Shu catch a cold on his watch. Mostly, he hoped if Wen Shu actually wore the jacket, he could forget to take it back.

The way he’s looking at us is giving me the creeps, Chang Xu whispered, shivering slightly.

Pei Xian did a final adjustment. The place is yours, drink whatever you want. Someone will come to clean up tomorrow morning. With that, he grabbed his things and bolted out the door.

Tomorrow? Old Pei! A team dinner is just a dinner; it’s not like us staying out all night drinking! Hey! Before Chang Xu could finish, the door slammed shut.

“Look at him go. Chang Xu turned to Zhang Xi. No, why did you stop me? Look at Old Pei he practically has ‘I like him’ written across his face. If I’d pushed for an answer, he might have finally had a partner.

Zhang Xi looked at him like he was an idiot. Are you stupid? Knowing Old Pei’s personality, if he realized what being in love entails… let’s not even go there. If the guy doesn’t want to be with him, do you have any idea what kind of crazy things he’d do?

He remembered when Pei Xian was just eighteen and his family wouldn’t let him go out racing. Pei Xian had climbed out of a seventh-story window and trashed his room before leaving.

The first time he drank, he refused to lose a betting game, ended up drinking everyone under the table, and landed himself in the hospital.

But Old Pei has everything going for him, Chang Xu countered, counting on his fingers. He’s good-looking, built, and his family is filthy rich.

And what if the guy likes girls? Zhang Xi added. If Old Pei realizes he likes him, what do you think he’ll do? Do I really have to say it?

First, he’ll revolve his whole life around the guy. If the guy is nice to him, that’s one thing. But if he rejects him…” Chang Xu said in horror, Are we going to be visiting Old Pei in prison?

What are you even talking about! Zhang Xi interrupted. “It’s not that extreme! Pei Xian wouldn’t break the law. You’re drunk!

“Right, right!” Chang Xu slapped his own face. I’m drunk! I’m talking nonsense!

In short until we’re sure, we absolutely cannot let him have an epiphany!

Pei Xian adjusted his clothes nervously as the elevator doors opened. Just as he stepped out, a waiter greeted him warmly. Table for one?

No. Pei Xian was about to take out his phone when he heard a voice from across the room.

Pei Xian? Xia Yang waved. Over here.

The waiter led Pei Xian to a private booth. He realized he was very early; only Lin Fei and Xia Yang were there. Just as he was about to ask something, he heard a waiter say to Lin Fei. Here are the hair ties and the power bank you asked for.

The waiter also pulled several snacks from under the table. Here are some snacks. We also have plum juice and lemonade available.

Seeing the service, Pei Xian silently hid the bag he’d brought. Once the waiter left, he asked, Is Captain Wen not here yet?

Xia Yang replied while texting, Haidilao’s service really is top-notch. Oh, Wen Shu? You’ll have to get used to it you’ll rarely see him at these kinds of events.

Pei Xian hadn’t expected that even for the first team dinner, Wen Shu wouldn’t show up. He had half-expected it, given how often he saw Wen Shu eating alone, but he didn’t realize Wen Shu disliked social events this much.

Suddenly, the whole evening felt pointless.

A moment later, others began to arrive. Here they are! Song Shiyu! Su Yang!

Hello Captain Xia, Captain Lin.

Xia Yang joked, Alright, no need to be so formal. This isn’t training.

The others nodded, then asked in unison, Where’s Captain Wen?

Pei Xian had no interest in listening to the group’s small talk. He looked at his own reflection in his water glass; all that effort dressing up was for nothing. He’d rather be in that dark little corner with Wen Shu. Wait, the corner.

Pei Xian’s eyes lit up. He knew exactly where Wen Shu would be.