The Ultimate Glow-Up Guide for Straight Men - Chapter 14

A faint awkwardness spread through the air.

Shen Zhinan was no longer sleepy at all.

He tilted his head to glance at Fu Yanshi and found that Fu Yanshi was also looking at him.

It became even more awkward.

Shen Zhinan scratched his cheek, rubbed his eyes, and finally let out a yawn.

When people feel awkward, they always pretend to be busy.

Fu Yanshi’s gaze focused on Shen Zhinan’s hand. With one hand tucked under his head, he slowly, deliberately, reached out and grasped Shen Zhinan’s yawning hand.

Shen Zhinan shivered all over.

Was this a hint?

Especially with the passionate background music from the neighboring tent.

It absolutely was, right?!

“Isn’t it too shameless to do it outdoors” Shen Zhinan turned his face away, his voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz.

Fu Yanshi pulled Shen Zhinan’s hand closer. There was a slight scratch on it, probably from when Shen Zhinan had set up the tent earlier.

He took a handkerchief from his pocket and gently bandaged Shen Zhinan’s hand.

It was a very beautiful handkerchief.

Navy blue, with faint, vine-like patterns.

Made of silk, so it felt soft against the skin.

Shen Zhinan stared blankly at Fu Yanshi. From this angle, he could see Fu Yanshi’s thick, long eyelashes fluttering, his beautiful peach-blossom eyes fixed intently on his hand, as if treating it like some precious treasure, carefully wrapping it up.

Fu Yanshi tied an elegant little bow. After finishing, he shifted his gaze to the omega’s face and asked with a teasing smile, “I just heard you say something about ‘doing it outdoors.’ You want to do it here?”

So he only picked up what he wanted to hear, huh?!

How did a question turn into a statement?!

Fu Yanshi was very close to him, and as he spoke, his warm breath brushed against Shen Zhinan’s face.

The background music started up again, wild and unrestrained, so explicit and shameless that Shen Zhinan’s face flushed with embarrassment.

Shen Zhinan:

Seriously, could they pay a little attention to the situation?!

Aren’t those lines embarrassing to say out loud?!

Fu Yanshi, looking amused, raised an eyebrow. “So, shall we?”

Shen Zhinan, being such a proper person, of course

“Let’s do it!”

As the old saying goes, appetite and desire are part of human nature.

And a gentleman is open and straightforward.

As a gentleman, one should be open-minded and admit when they’re turned on it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Shen Zhinan wrapped his arms around Fu Yanshi’s neck:

“We can’t let them outdo us!”

Fu Yanshi laughed, his eyes crinkling.

This silly little thing.

Fu Yanshi lifted Shen Zhinan into a sitting position, and Shen Zhinan wrapped his legs around Fu Yanshi’s waist.

Not to be outdone, Shen Zhinan exclaimed,

“Fu Ge! So amazing! So incredible!”

The neighboring tent seemed to pick up on the competitive vibe and raised the volume:

“Hubby, you’re the best!”

Fortunately, there weren’t many people around today only these two tents at the mountaintop or this would have made the front page of the news.

Fu Yanshi’s chest shook with laughter, and Shen Zhinan could hear his chuckles right by his ear.

“What are you laughing at?” Shen Zhinan grumbled.

“What are you doing?” Fu Yanshi pinched Shen Zhinan’s cheek. “Since when did you channel your competitive spirit into such a strange place?”

Shen Zhinan had been carried away in the moment, but now, belatedly, he realized how ridiculous he’d been. He buried his face in Fu Yanshi’s chest, too embarrassed to face him.

Fu Yanshi’s laughter echoed above his head.

Fu Yanshi lifted Shen Zhinan’s face and saw that it was frighteningly red.

Shen Zhinan had a peculiar trait whenever he felt shy, his entire body would change color.

His face was the most affected, turning so red it looked like it might drip blood.

His body would flush pink.

Fu Yanshi found the omega utterly endearing, tenderly bringing him pleasure.

Shen Zhinan felt as if he were being gently washed over by a soft wave damp, yielding, and deeply soothing.

It was like drifting through a hazy, moist dream.

When Shen Zhinan was being dressed, he was still somewhat dazed.

So it was already over.

“The rain has stopped. Let’s head down the mountain.”

Fu Yanshi’s voice snapped Shen Zhinan back to reality.

Shen Zhinan tried to stand but stumbled back down.

Ouch.

His legs were too weak and sore.

“Come on, I’ll carry you on my back.” Fu Yanshi crouched down in front of Shen Zhinan, and this time, Shen Zhinan didn’t refuse.

He wrapped his arms around Fu Yanshi’s neck, his nose close to the nape where the alpha’s scent was strongest.

He took a soft sniff, catching the pleasant aroma of cedar.

Resting his head against Fu Yanshi’s back, Shen Zhinan could feel the alpha’s upright and steady posture as he walked.

Shen Zhinan lifted his gaze, from this angle he could only see Fu Yanshi’s handsome profile.

For the first time, he noticed a small mole at the curve of Fu Yanshi’s jawline.

Fu Yanshi walked with his head held high, his steps firm and stable.

He had read before that alphas possessed significantly greater physical strength and mental resilience than betas and omegas.

Fu Yanshi carried his heavy backpack, filled with the food and drinks Shen Zhinan had bought.

Even now, with Shen Zhinan on his back, his breathing remained steady and unruffled.

Just as Shen Zhinan was lost in his thoughts, Fu Yanshi suddenly came to a halt.

“Look, a rainbow.”

Shen Zhinan glanced over and saw a complete, circular rainbow, its colors more vivid than any he had seen in the city.

“Do you want to get down and take a photo?” Fu Yanshi asked, turning his head slightly toward the person on his back.

“Yes,” Shen Zhinan replied.

Fu Yanshi set Shen Zhinan down. Shen Zhinan wasn’t used to being in front of the camera and felt a bit awkward, so Fu Yanshi began guiding him:

“Lean a little to the left, lower your hand a bit, tuck your chin in, and smile.”

“Click!”

The photo was taken.

Shen Zhinan took a look Fu Yanshi’s photography skills were quite good. In the picture, his smile was radiant and his pose looked natural.

“It’s a pity the rainbow’s colors turned out too faint in the photo. You can barely see them unless you look closely,” Fu Yanshi remarked.

Shen Zhinan suddenly recalled a line from a movie and said, “Because rainbows are shy and don’t like to be photographed.”

“That line,” Fu Yanshi chuckled, “is quite romantic.”

Fu Yanshi hoisted Shen Zhinan onto his back again. Almost instinctively, Shen Zhinan took out his phone and secretly snapped a photo of Fu Yanshi’s profile.

This time, the rainbow was more cooperative, showing up clearly with distinct colors in the picture.

Fu Yanshi took Shen Zhinan to a nearby hotel and booked a room. It was already late, and heading back at this hour would be too much of a hassle.

The two took a shower together, and afterward, Fu Yanshi asked if Shen Zhinan wanted to visit a bar in the area.

Some backpackers enjoyed opening bars at the foot of the mountains, not so much to make money but for the sake of nostalgia.

These kinds of bars had a unique charm, often frequented by free-spirited, idealistic young people.

Fu Yanshi reserved a booth, and the two settled in, scanning a QR code to order drinks.

The bar had a dim, moody atmosphere, and the drinks had rather artistic names like “Lonely Years,” “Sunset Moment,” and “Blue Hour”

Fu Yanshi let Shen Zhinan order, and Shen Zhinan chose “Winter Night Snow Pine,” “Your Name,” and “Azure Fantasy.”

Fu Yanshi then added a craft beer to the order.

They had come just to get a little tipsy, and that was about enough.

One of the bar’s unique features was the live singer performing with a guitar. The singer was quite professional, and after midnight, the audience could also go on stage to sing.

Each booth had several flowers placed on the tables. If someone thought the singer performed well, they could go up and offer a flower.

If the singer broke the stem, it meant they were open to getting to know the person.

If they simply accepted the flower, it was just a gesture of thanks for the appreciation.

The interactive vibe was quite nice.

Shen Zhinan took a sip of the “Winter Night Snow Pine,” and his eyes lit up. “This feels like your scent.”

“Really?” Fu Yanshi took a sip from the same spot Shen Zhinan had just drunk from and remarked, “Then my pheromones must be quite fragrant.”

The singer on stage was performing a series of melancholic love songs lyrics like, “Clearly, you loved me the most too, so why couldn’t our love bear fruit?” “Loving you is a lonely secret; I don’t understand the meaning behind your smile,” and “I used the most hurtful words, never thinking if I could take them back.”

“I was in a pretty good mood earlier, but after listening to these songs, I feel like I’ve been through a heartbreak,” Shen Zhinan whispered close to Fu Yanshi’s ear.

Fu Yanshi chuckled. “Want to act out a heartbreak?”

Shen Zhinan immediately launched into a performance, tears glistening at the corners of his eyes. “You heartless scoundrel! You played with my feelings! I gave you all my sincerity! How come I’m the only one suffering in this relationship, while you watch me go crazy like it’s nothing?!”

He had to admit, Shen Zhinan’s acting was pretty impressive.

Fu Yanshi was amused, his eyes crinkling as he played along. “But I never asked you to like me. You did it willingly. How is that my fault?”

“Damn!” Shen Zhinan exclaimed indignantly. “You’re so ruthless!”

“Don’t tell me this is how you broke up with all your exes!”

Fu Yanshi casually made something up. “Maybe.”

Shen Zhinan downed the rest of his “Winter Night Snow Pine” in one gulp. “As they say, the face reflects the heart. You’ve got the look of a heartbreaker who knows how many people you’ve hurt!”

Fu Yanshi playfully raised his hands in surrender. “Your Honor, I’ve been wronged! I may look like a troublemaker, but I’ve got a good heart.”

Shen Zhinan scoffed. “I’d sooner believe I’m the richest man in the capital than trust a word you say!”

Fu Yanshi laughed, raising his glass to toast Shen Zhinan. “Then here’s to the future richest man in the capital.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Shen Zhinan downed his specialty cocktail in one go.

As the clock struck midnight, the singer on stage began drawing lots.

“If you’re so keen on getting rich, why not try your luck with me?” Fu Yanshi asked.

“That’s different,” Shen Zhinan argued, his face flushed from the strong cocktail. “If you give me money, it’d be like you’re keeping me. I’d be beneath you. But if we both get what we need, we’re equals. I can stand tall and speak to you.” He grew more animated as he spoke. “I want to stand tall!”

No sooner had he spoken than Shen Zhinan actually stood up.

The singer on stage noticed and asked, “Is the guest from booth K11 coming up to sing?”

The entire bar turned to look. Fu Yanshi watched with amusement. “They’re calling you up to sing.”

Shen Zhinan stood there dazed, looking at Fu Yanshi for help. “But I don’t know how to sing.”

“Alright then,” Fu Yanshi said, “I’ll sing for you.”

Fu Yanshi walked toward the center of the stage and exchanged a few words with the singer.

The singer nodded and handed the guitar to Fu Yanshi.

He sat on the high stool at the center of the stage, one leg bent with his foot resting on the crossbar, the other stretched casually to the floor.

In front of him stood a microphone, and a guitar hung around his neck. His posture looked practiced and natural.

Shen Zhinan suddenly remembered that Fu Yanshi had mentioned he used to play in a band.

Fu Yanshi idly strummed the strings, a few scattered notes drifting out. The next moment, his hand swept across the strings, and a beautiful melody began to flow.

Shen Zhinan pulled out his phone and started recording a video. Fu Yanshi began to sing:

In the scattered years, I reminisce alone
About the first time I met you
That wish never came true
I’m so unwilling to let go

Time flies like a white steed
Light and shadow slip away
Already twenty years have hurried by

Never forgetting
Thinking of you day and night
Like a fleeting dream, it’s become my obsession

I send you my distant blessings
May you live with clarity and grace at dawn
May you die with pride and contentment at dusk

The world’s hardships have passed you by
Leaving you with nowhere to hide from your insecurities
You live in my heart
I will remember you
You are the rare, beautiful scenery of my life

…

The song wasn’t long Fu Yanshi probably sang for just over a minute. The melody was lovely, but his voice was even more captivating.

Every word carried a weight of sincerity. Fu Yanshi sang with his eyelids lowered, fully immersed in the performance.

When the song ended, Shen Zhinan noticed many people handing him flowers. Gathering all the flowers from the table, Shen Zhinan joined the crowd at the edge of the stage.

Amid the many hands offering flowers, Fu Yanshi took the bouquet from Shen Zhinan and gently broke the stem of one flower.

“Sorry, I’m taken,” Fu Yanshi said with an apologetic smile to the others offering flowers.