My Roommate is a Gloomy, Sensitive Guy Who Cries Over Everything - Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Let Me Touch It for You

Xue Rong wasn’t home, so Lin Rangchuan left through the front door. He carried the backpack, hooked the snack bag on his arm, and Lou Chen drove the car right up to the entrance.

Lin Zhiyu glanced at the picturesque young man in the driver’s seat. It seemed the manual labor didn’t fall on Rangchuan, but on Lou Chen…

Clambering into the car, Lin Zhiyu took the back seat. The two in the front were discussing work progress; holidays meant nothing when online work was so convenient.

Lou Chen started arguing, saying he didn’t want to drive such a long distance and risk fatigued driving since he hadn’t slept well the night before. Lin Rangchuan remained silent as Lou Chen continued his rant.

Lin Zhiyu, focused on playing with his own fingers, suddenly spoke up: “Should I get a driver’s license too?”

Lou Chen didn’t dare answer, instead glancing at Lin Rangchuan in the passenger seat. Lin Rangchuan turned his head and said, “If you want to get one, get it. But don’t do it just to lighten the burden.”

There are always people in this world who neither like nor excel at driving; Lin Zhiyu was definitely one of them. He had been a “vehicle killer” since he was a child. Lin Rangchuan didn’t like driving either, but he wasn’t going to strip Zhiyu of his right to choose.

Lin Zhiyu meant what he said and nodded: “Fine, I’ll try to take the test when we get back.”

After that, they didn’t argue over who would drive. They agreed to swap every hour and a half to ensure no one drove while tired.

Once they reached City A, Lou Chen took the wheel. He looked at the man in the back seat, hesitating. “Are we really going to your mother’s house?”

“I truly can’t believe you’re actually going back there.”

Lin Rangchuan stroked the face of the sleeping Lin Zhiyu and gave a faint smile. “He wants to understand me. Why wouldn’t I give him the chance?”

His words were calm, but his expression was anything but—gloomy and stifling. Lou Chen felt that Rangchuan simply didn’t want his “treasure” to be seen by that family, but in front of Lin Zhiyu, he rarely showed that ruthless, dark side.

He was a master at acting, but it was exactly that kind of person who made people feel afraid.

“Are we here?”

Lin Zhiyu rubbed his eyes, lifting his head from Lin Rangchuan’s shoulder. Outside the window was a strange landscape—rows of apartment buildings came into view.

Lou Chen’s lips were dry. “We’re here. I’ll drop you off here; I need to get back…” He let out a yawn. “I need to catch up on sleep.”

Lin Zhiyu caught the yawn and did the same. “Alright.”

The luggage was in the trunk. After Lin Rangchuan got out of the car, he tousled Lin Zhiyu’s hair. “Wife, wait here for a bit. I’ll go tidy up the room.”

Lin Zhiyu felt like a tough battle was ahead and was buzzing with excitement. “Okay.”

As Lin Rangchuan turned to leave, Zhiyu hugged him around the waist. Looking down, Rangchuan saw Zhiyu’s clean, small face: “I’m with you.”

Lou Chen watched from the side. Although Lin Zhiyu grew up in a single-parent home, the love his family gave him was more than enough. His world was filled with innocence and happiness; poverty was just an insignificant stepping stone in his joy.

Though Lou Chen’s parents were alive and well and his family was harmonious, he still envied Lin Zhiyu’s mindset. Having met Xue Rong, he wasn’t surprised by Zhiyu’s personality at all.

Lou Chen got out to unload the luggage. It wasn’t much, but he wanted to stretch his legs. He walked over to Lin Zhiyu with a worried look: “Even if their words are nasty, just endure it a little. It’s the New Year; don’t let anything happen.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t plan on doing anything; he just wanted to see what kind of bizarre family had raised Lin Rangchuan to be the way he was. And then there was that Song Yaju—this year, he hadn’t asked Xue Rong a single question about her, but since Xue Rong knew her, there was no way he didn’t.

Lin Zhiyu kicked a pebble on the road and suddenly asked, “Does he never come home?”

Lou Chen nodded. “He hates them to death. How could he have a reunion with them? Only that Su Ying treats him okay, but it doesn’t really mean much.”

Lin Zhiyu clicked his tongue, not entirely agreeing. Where there is hate, there is love; Lin Rangchuan’s behavior didn’t reflect that at all. But because Zhiyu had insisted, Lin Rangchuan had adopted a “watching the show” mood—at least he was happy, wasn’t he?

Lin Zhiyu loved seeing Lin Rangchuan’s range of emotions. It was like a seed had been planted in his barren, wasteland of a heart, and it was now breaking through the soil. Eventually, under his nurturing, it would grow into a forest.

Maybe that’s a bit exaggerated, Lin Zhiyu thought, embarrassed by his own narcissism, yet he didn’t feel it was wrong. He scratched his face. There was movement ahead; he looked up to see Lin Rangchuan walking over.

“It’s ready.”

Lou Chen didn’t want to get involved in this mess. “I’m heading back then. Stay safe, you two.”

Lin Rangchuan: “Which kind of ‘safe’?”

Lin Zhiyu: “?”

Lou Chen realized the double meaning and cursed under his breath. “I’m seriously done. Played Honor of Kings all night, lost two stars, drove all day today, and now I have to deal with your PDA? I’m in despair!”

With a bang, he slammed the car door and left them in a cloud of exhaust as he sped away.

The sky was dim—no twilight, just a direct transition into a thick, chilly night. It felt different from the wind in the village; here, it was all reinforced concrete.

The temperature inside was higher than outside. Lin Rangchuan took Lin Zhiyu up the elevator. The door was open. Zhiyu was mentally prepared, but the living room was completely empty, which made him breathe a sigh of relief.

He whispered, “Where is everyone?”

“Out visiting relatives. They’ll be back tonight,” Lin Rangchuan said flatly.

Lin Zhiyu didn’t dwell on it. Tugging on Lin Rangchuan’s clothes, he hummed, “Where’s your room? I want to inspect it!”

Lin Rangchuan’s room was a small one between the master bedroom and the second bedroom. Lin Zhiyu had a bad feeling. He scanned the surroundings before frowning and following him in.

The layout was simple and clean: a bed, a very narrow and small desk like a school desk, and an iron chair. He guessed that was where Rangchuan sat during his live streams.

Lin Zhiyu walked to the window near the head of the bed. Opening it, he saw the view, but no breeze came in—only the lingering scent of cooking fumes that hadn’t dissipated.

It was settled: this was a storage room.

The bed was also very small. Although it could fit two pillows, it was clearly only meant for one person, let alone two grown men.

Lin Rangchuan set down the backpack. His dark eyes locked onto Lin Zhiyu’s face as he reached out to slowly embrace him. “We can stay at a hotel.”

Lin Zhiyu asked back, “When you don’t stay here, do you always stay at hotels? Are you that rich?”

Lin Rangchuan went silent.

Lin Zhiyu didn’t push him: “Sleeping here for one night won’t hurt. It’s too late to make a fuss. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

Lin Rangchuan pulled him close, found his lips, and pried them open. Having been out in the wind, Zhiyu’s lips were a bit dry; Lin Rangchuan patiently licked them wet, taking care of his wife until he was comfortable.

They held each other, drawing warmth from their shared breath and tongues. Intertwined, the soft, comfortable feeling wrapped around them like a beautiful painting. Eventually, the kisses became cautious, as if afraid to break the moment.

In this narrow room, for the first time, there was a sense of warmth.

A sudden glint flashed in Lin Rangchuan’s eyes. It would be a shame not to do something in such a perfect atmosphere. But his wife was already breathless from the kissing, water trailing from the corner of his mouth—he looked so pitiful. If he “ate” any more, Zhiyu probably wouldn’t be able to take it.

Lin Zhiyu’s legs felt weak from the kissing, his vision blurring. Lin Rangchuan stood there as if nothing had happened, reaching his hand down.

Zhiyu paused: “…Lin Rangchuan.”

Lin Rangchuan stroked the slightly trembling spot, tilted his head, and gave a heavy, forceful pinch. “Sorry, wife. I messed up again. I won’t do it next time.”

Lin Zhiyu immediately slapped his hand away and jumped back. “Don’t use so much force! You’re going to break it…”

Just then, there was noise at the front door. They were back. Lin Zhiyu hurriedly tucked the “thing” back in and zipped up, but it was still a large bulge.

Lin Zhiyu’s mouth twitched. He threw a large overcoat over Lin Rangchuan. Wearing this inside the house was a bit of a “try-hard” move.

The family of three returned from outside—a picture of harmony, minus the extra person. Song Yaju, having just changed her shoes, froze. “Lin Rangchuan?”

She then noticed the youth beside him. He looked familiar, but the feeling faded quickly. “You’re actually back?”

Su Zhengxiang treated Lin Rangchuan like air. Su Ying had the strongest reaction, his pupils trembling as he looked at Lin Zhiyu.

Song Yaju poured herself some water. “Why are you bringing people home just like that? Who is he?”

Lin Rangchuan: “He’s my wi—”

Lin Zhiyu cut him off through gritted teeth: “I’m his junior, we’re at the same university. Hello, Auntie Song.”

Song Yaju still felt he looked familiar but couldn’t for the life of her remember where she’d seen him. She gave up and curled her lips. “Is Xiao Chuan actually making new friends and bringing them home? That’s not easy.”

Song Yaju: “Xiao Ying, go make some tea for the guest.”

Su Zhengxiang didn’t want to linger. Unbuttoning his shirt, he said, “I’m going to shower first.”

He didn’t even spare them a glance. Lin Zhiyu began to understand exactly what kind of life Lin Rangchuan lived in this house.

The few of them sat by the coffee table. Lin Zhiyu’s hand was being held; Lin Rangchuan remained expressionless, like an outsider.

For some reason, Song Yaju felt talkative and started rambling. “Student, I’m sorry we don’t have much to entertain you with. After all, the family is in debt. Some people have money but aren’t willing to help lighten the family’s burden, so there’s really nothing we can do. It’s better if Lin Rangchuan takes you out for something good.”

She was likely looking for validation, hoping to join in badmouthing Lin Rangchuan to vent her frustrations.

Lin Zhiyu didn’t take the bait. “Lin Rangchuan said the debt is yours and has nothing to do with him. How did it become his debt? Auntie, that doesn’t sound right.”

Song Yaju’s face stiffened. “I’m his mother. He has an obligation to help with family matters.”

“Brother Lin told me everything. The debt is from your husband’s failed business ventures; it has nothing to do with our Brother Lin. Auntie, you’re being too unreasonable. It’s a good thing I knew beforehand, or I would have been deceived by you.”

Song Yaju was so angry she didn’t want to speak. Su Ying, on the other hand, looked over with an “impressive” gaze. Looking down, he noticed their joined hands and his heart skipped a beat.

Lin Zhiyu stood up to pour tea. “Auntie, have some tea and calm down.”

He then looked at the surroundings. “I see you’re not living that poorly. You know, there’s a gambler in my village who sold his ancestral home and has to live under a bridge. He has a son, but the son was smart and ran away early, knowing a gambler can’t be relied on. In the end, that gambler froze to death, and no one even came to collect the body. So pitiful.”

Song Yaju nervously toyed with her teacup, staring at him with lingering fear. Lin Rangchuan sat with one leg over the other, elegant and lazy, looking very satisfied.

Song Yaju knew those words were meant for her.

Lin Zhiyu added, “Actually, if there’s no other way, this house could just be mortgaged. This should be the uncle’s asset, or…” Lin Zhiyu finally looked at Su Ying, “…the brother’s?”

Song Yaju slammed her teacup down. “That’s enough! Who are you? Do you think our family business is your place to meddle?”

Lin Rangchuan spoke coldly: “Watch your tone.”

Song Yaju shuddered and instinctively didn’t argue. Everyone, including Su Ying, knew this was the precursor to Lin Rangchuan’s temper. No one would provoke him at this time.

Lin Zhiyu squeezed the web of his hand. “Alright, why are you being so fierce? Pipe down.”

Lin Rangchuan lowered his eyes, the pressure instantly lifting. He stopped caring about the room and focused on playing with his wife’s fingers.

Just then, Su Ying stood up in a panic. “No more water. I’ll go get some.”

Lin Zhiyu stared at him. “…”

For some reason, Su Ying looked pale and couldn’t even meet his gaze. As he passed the corner of the table toward the kitchen, he bumped into it and fell to his knees with a thud.

It sounded painful.

Lin Zhiyu immediately stood up. “It’s the New Year; there’s no need for such a grand gesture. Please rise, please rise.”

The farce ended, and Lin Zhiyu went back to the room, covering his mouth to hide his laughter. The walls weren’t soundproof, so he could only hide in Lin Rangchuan’s arms and giggle.

Lin Rangchuan picked him up and kissed his cold face. “Having fun?”

Lin Zhiyu curled his lip. “She dares to act like that with a guest present? What a miserable life she usually leads.”

Lin Rangchuan said, “You aren’t a guest. You’re my wife.”

Lin Zhiyu smiled, reaching up to stroke his refined brows. “You really look like your mother.”

Having met her, he was certain he hadn’t seen Song Yaju before, but why did Xue Rong know her? “Brother Lin, did you use to live in Ning County?”

Lin Rangchuan gave a very soft “Mhm.”

Lin Zhiyu’s eyes widened. He felt there were things he still didn’t know, but just as he was about to ask, there were knocks on the door.

The two shared a look. Lin Zhiyu scrambled off him and saw the “bulge” again. Covering it with clothes, he complained with a red face: “You really can get ‘in the mood’ at any time.”

Su Ying couldn’t sleep, and Song Yaju kept pushing him to go ask his brother for money, which led to this moment. Of course, he didn’t expect his brother to open the door; most of the time he was ignored. If his brother wanted to send money, he would; if not, no amount of begging would help.

The door suddenly opened. Lin Rangchuan stood at the entrance—so tall, so large. Behind him was pitch black; half his body merged into the shadows, his eyes carrying a dark, sharp scrutiny. He blocked the view of the room entirely.

Su Ying’s eyelid flickered with a fear deep from his soul. “Brother… I came to see you, well…”

“Don’t want to go to school next semester?” Lin Rangchuan asked.

It was almost a threat. Su Ying shook his head. “No, no.”

He didn’t dare ask more and turned to leave. But he wasn’t satisfied; he paused and looked back, muttering, “Brother, he’s your junior, not even a classmate. Why did you bring him home?”

Lin Rangchuan offered no explanation, only saying before closing the door, “He isn’t someone you can touch. Get lost.”

Su Ying’s face flushed blue and red. “I didn’t… I just, I just wanted to ask. Brother, I haven’t done anything to hurt you.”

“Your very existence disgusts me.” Lin Rangchuan’s face looked down at him through the crack in the door; he didn’t even look him in the eye.

Su Ying turned pale and stumbled back as if unable to take the blow. They had lived together for a period. Their personalities were worlds apart; though his brother was solitary, he hadn’t been so resentful toward him back then.

Even at a young age, Su Ying could feel it. But his brother was too cold, and he was too cowardly. Facing the restrained and suppressed Lin Rangchuan, he had missed the best opportunity. Most of the time, he just stood by as a bystander, watching his parents berate and hit his brother. And he just stood there, saying nothing.

Looking back now, there was really no possibility of them becoming close brothers. Only Su Ying hadn’t realized that yet.

The person in the room rolled over, making a rustling sound. Though Su Ying couldn’t see clearly, he knew that person was sleeping on the bed he had always dreamed of. But thinking about it further, something felt wrong. No matter how good the relationship between two men, behavior doesn’t lie. It looked exactly like a scene from a family drama where a man brings his girlfriend home for dinner.

Something flashed in his mind. As he gradually met Lin Rangchuan’s gaze, he couldn’t help but shudder and left without looking back.

Back in his room, he pulled out his phone to search for information about two men. Terms like “good brothers,” “comrades,” and “life-and-death friends” didn’t fit—until the word “homosexual” entered his vision.

Su Ying suddenly felt like he couldn’t breathe. He patted his chest, closed his eyes, and buried himself under the covers.

His brother would never be his brother alone again. Su Ying bit his lip and lay there uneasily, unable to sleep. He got up to go to the bathroom and ran into Song Yaju, who had just come out of the restroom.

“What’s wrong with you?”

…

The bundle of blankets on the bed wiggled, revealing a fluffy head. Lin Zhiyu’s face was flushed warm. “I think he likes you.”

Lin Rangchuan unzipped his backpack and took off his jacket, frowning. “Who?”

“I don’t mean ‘like’ in that way. He likes you as an older brother.” Lin Zhiyu could see it. Su Ying’s gaze occasionally reminded him of the way he looked at Qin Rui. He really liked Qin Rui as a big brother figure.

Unfortunately, Lin Rangchuan didn’t want any kind of “like.” “Wife, don’t say disgusting things.”

Lin Zhiyu slowly slid back in. “Got it, got it.”

After a while, looking at Lin Rangchuan’s silhouette through the faint light—broad and lean, very sexy—Lin Zhiyu lifted a corner of the blanket. “Lin Rangchuan, come in quickly.”

Lin Rangchuan’s fingers tightened. He misinterpreted it—come in? Into where? It’s not like he could really go in.

He remained motionless. His wife, wrapped in the blanket, crawled to the foot of the bed and glanced over. From the side, it looked quite large. His mouth twitched. “Come in now! You’re wearing so little; what if you catch a cold? You’re so big, it would be hard for me to take care of you.”

Lin Rangchuan wasn’t cold; he was burning up and feeling “the urge.” His mind was filled with “adult” thoughts. His voice was low and raspy. “In a bit.”

But in the next second, his wife reached out to tug at his clothes, shaking them slightly. “Alright, alright, don’t be stubborn. Come in, let me touch it for you.”