Chapter 24: Yu Xi Realized Too Late That He Had Been Kissed

Yu Xi climbed lightly into bed, lying down and pulling up the covers.

The day of registration, his friends had helped him install blackout curtains, so he didn’t have to worry about the light from his phone bothering the others. He lay on his side, propping the phone against the wall so the camera was aimed at him.

In the small frame, he was only a vague silhouette. His face was pressed against the pillow, squeezing out a bit of soft cheek; his collar was crooked, revealing the sharp lines of his neck and collarbone. His eyes appeared very bright in the dim light.

Because the phone was so close, even the sound of his breathing was clear and distinct, as if the person were right there on the pillow beside him.

On the other side of the video, Gu Chuanzhou’s gaze darkened almost imperceptibly. He adjusted his seating position and said in a low voice, “Take off your headphones to sleep, Xi Xi.”

Yu Xi obediently removed the headphones, typed a “goodnight” message, and dimmed the screen brightness.

Though he didn’t know what was so interesting about watching someone sleep, he had forgotten their agreement first, so he could only offer this “compensation” as requested. He thought he would be too self-conscious to fall asleep, but he was so exhausted today that his eyes wouldn’t stay open once he closed them.

…

Gu Chuanzhou watched the youth in the lens fall into a deep slumber within two minutes. A faint smile played on his lips, but then his gaze gradually darkened. His burning, obsessed eyes greedily licked every beautiful inch of the youth.

He turned the volume to the maximum until every shallow breath from the youth was clear to his ears. It was like an invisible feather stroking his heartstrings, coaxing an unspeakable, rising desire.

In this moment where no one could see, the latent heat of his passion finally surfaced, brazenly exposed.

Yet the deep-sleeping youth was utterly oblivious, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly as if he were in the middle of a beautiful dream.

How can he be so defenseless…

Gu Chuanzhou’s breathing grew ragged as he constructed more images in his mind. Perhaps even if he did more, the youth would only think it was a nightmare, letting out unconscious moans and biting his lips until they were crimson, enduring everything without ever waking up.

He was simply too cute and too pitiful; it only made one want to grab his ankles and drag him into a darker abyss to sink together.

Before dawn, the broadcast at the PKU freshman dormitory began to ring. Freshmen dragged their exhausted bodies to the assembly ground.

“Didn’t sleep well?” Zhou Anhe handed him a carton of milk on the way.

Yu Xi took it and thanked him, rubbing his eyes. “I feel like I had a nightmare.”

Liu Yuan chimed in, “I had a nightmare too! I dreamed I was being forced to do horse stances; every time I shook, the instructor whipped me. I almost died of exhaustion in my dream! What did you dream about, Xiao Xi?”

Yu Xi smiled. “I forgot.”

He just hadn’t slept soundly. He felt dizzy upon waking, and only after changing did he remember his phone was still on the bed. When he picked it up, he found it had run out of battery and shut down automatically at some point.

He had to leave the phone in the dorm to charge. It wasn’t until the end of training at noon that he saw the video call record. The call had cut off around 4:00 AM. Gu Chuanzhou had even sent him a “goodnight” message at that time.

Was he busy with work until that late without sleeping?

Yu Xi: [My phone ran out of battery last night; it didn’t disconnect on purpose QAQ]

Gu Chuanzhou: [Mhm, I know.]

The reply came so fast it startled Yu Xi: [What time did Chuanzhou-ge go to sleep yesterday?]

Gu Chuanzhou: [4:30.]

Yu Xi: [Please rest more…]

Gu Chuanzhou: [Okay ^^] [Video call again tonight, okay?] [I didn’t really get to talk to you properly yesterday.]

Yu Xi’s heart softened, and he agreed again. He decided he needed to manage his time better.

The following military training sessions went smoothly for Yu Xi. Occasionally, Zhang Xingkuo or the Sheng sisters would pick him up for lunch at a restaurant. Meng Shen, however, was there like clockwork every afternoon at dismissal to see him. By nightfall, he would take turns chatting and video calling his family and friends.

Having adapted to the intensity of the training, he didn’t feel as tired anymore. His days passed quickly because they were so full.

On the afternoon of the fourth day, Yu Xi received a message from Sheng Yunshu saying they were taking him out. Just after dismissal, Meng Shen brought him to the gate, where they found Zhang Xingkuo had also driven a car over. Except for Gu Chuanzhou, who was away on business, everyone was there.

“Where are we going?” Yu Xi asked.

“You’ll know when we get there.” Zhang Xingkuo opened the back door for him and stuffed a paper bag into his hands. “Sheng Yunshu bought this for you. Change into it and see.”

Yu Xi was baffled but chose to follow along. Zhang Xingkuo raised the partition and turned on the privacy mode for the windows, giving him a private space to change. Yu Xi swapped out of his military uniform, and soon after, he was handed some sweets and milk tea to fill his stomach.

He didn’t ask questions, choosing to trust his friends’ arrangements. Once he had finished eating, the car pulled into the largest theater in the capital.

When they stepped into the theater lobby and Yu Xi saw the words “Piano Master Lin Shuhuai’s Solo Piano Concert” on a massive, artistic poster, he suddenly understood his friends’ intentions. They arrived just in time, entering the hall at the very last minute.

Yu Xi followed Sheng Yunshu into the VIP area and quietly observed his surroundings. Even though it was a workday, the house was full. As the lights dimmed, everyone fell silent.

At the center of the stage, beneath the spotlight, everything was elegant and solemn. With a soft sound, a second spotlight hit the stage, and a tall silhouette stepped out from behind the curtain. His gait was slow and his posture composed. The pure white suit had no extra decorations, perfectly highlighting his noble and elegant character.

The man had slightly long black hair and a handsome face; even just standing there, he possessed a natural, innate aura. He didn’t look at the audience but sat down immediately. As his hands hovered over the keys, the entire concert hall fell into a profound silence, as if fearing they might disturb the upcoming performance.

Yu Xi couldn’t help but hold his breath. From that point on, his entire spirit was gripped by the music flowing from those hands.

The sound of the piano poured out like spring water hitting stones, gathering into a brilliant galaxy of stars. Romantic, gorgeous, and tragic melodies swept through the senses of every listener, painting a magnificent picture.

The owner of those magical hands played with a composure that could almost be called casual, as if the notes were merely following his fingertips wherever they drifted. He was the calm eye of the storm, yet he whipped up a tidal wave beneath the stage.

Before the audience could even recover from one piece, they were swept into the next vortex. It wasn’t until the performance ended, and the pianist stood and bowed, that everyone snapped out of the trance, erupting into thunderous applause.

Yu Xi stared at the stage in a daze. In his trance, he locked eyes with the man on stage, whose gaze seemed to drift toward him by chance. Yu Xi’s heart skipped a beat.

When he came to, Sheng Yunjuan was calling him: “Xiao Xi, why are you daydreaming? Come with us, quickly.”

“Oh… okay.” Yu Xi was pulled up by the wrist. He realized too late that he had broken into a light sweat during the performance, and his fingertips were still trembling, caught in the lingering afterglow of the music.

So that is Shuhuai-ge all grown up…

The first time he had heard him play as a child, the naive Yu Xi knew the other possessed a spark and talent that ordinary people lacked. But seeing Lin Shuhuai’s brilliance on stage with his own eyes still left him breathless with admiration.

Realizing they were heading backstage, Yu Xi’s heart raced at the thought of meeting Lin Shuhuai up close.

“Don’t be nervous,” Sheng Yunshu said, appearing at Yu Xi’s side and comforting him softly. “He has wanted to see you for a long time.”

“…”

Yu Xi pursed his lips. Just as he was about to speak, the figure he had just seen on stage appeared before them.

Sheng Yunjuan immediately produced a bouquet of flowers from somewhere and stuffed them into the hands of the dazed Yu Xi. “Xiao Xi, you go give them to him.”

Taking the opportunity given by his friends, Yu Xi steadied his nerves and stepped forward. “Congratulations… Shuhuai-ge.”

He didn’t have the courage to look up at Lin Shuhuai at first, but then he heard a very light, soft laugh. Immediately following that, he was pulled into an embrace along with the flowers.

“Long time no see, Xiao Xi.”

Accompanying those words whispered near his ear was the touch of something cool and soft against his skin.

Before Yu Xi could understand what had happened, he heard Sheng Yunjuan scream.

“Lin Shuhuai! How dare you take advantage of Xiao Xi!”

Meng Shen, having finally reacted, immediately stepped forward. He grabbed Lin Shuhuai’s collar and pulled him away, his face terrifyingly dark. Meanwhile, Zhang Xingkuo pulled Yu Xi toward him, shielding him in his arms.

Yu Xi: “??”

Yu Xi dazed ly touched his face. He realized too late that he had been kissed; the tips of his ears turned slightly red.

Lin Shuhuai gently brushed off Meng Shen’s hand, his face still wearing that gentle, tender smile. “This was just a cheek-kiss greeting from an older brother to a younger brother he hasn’t seen in a long time. Why are you all making such a fuss? I see—is it because you feel it’s unfair? I don’t mind giving one to each of you.”

As he spoke, he looked first at Meng Shen, who was closest. Meng Shen looked as if he were facing a great enemy and retreated behind Sheng Yunshu.

Sheng Yunshu sighed. “Alright, stop messing around. Xiao Xi and A-Shen have to go back to school soon. We don’t have much time; let’s eat first.”

The group left the concert hall. As they were about to get into the cars, Lin Shuhuai looked at Yu Xi and said, “Xiao Xi, why don’t you sit with me so we can talk for a bit?”

“He gets motion sickness. It’s best if he sits in my car,” Zhang Xingkuo said, pulling Yu Xi to his side and giving him no chance to nod.

Lin Shuhuai: “Then I’ll just—”

“My car only has two seats.” Zhang Xingkuo interrupted Lin Shuhuai’s plan again, quickly ushering Yu Xi into the passenger seat, locking the door, and starting the engine.

Lin Shuhuai let out a laugh outside the car, his eyes full of interest and showing no sign of anger. He turned and headed for the backseat of the Sheng family’s car.

Sitting in Zhang Xingkuo’s car, Yu Xi spoke up hesitantly, “Will it be too crowded for Shuhuai-ge to sit with them?”

“I’m not giving him a ride.” Zhang Xingkuo curled his lip and let out a cold snort. “He’s at that age and yet he’s not stable at all.”

Yu Xi chuckled softly. “It sounds so strange coming from your mouth. Shuhuai-ge is only twenty-six.”

“Is it not true? How could he kiss you!” Zhang Xingkuo gripped the steering wheel tight.

Yu Xi tilted his head. “I’ve seen cheek-kissing on TV. Shuhuai-ge is often abroad; it’s probably just a habit.” He had been a bit startled at first, but he had accepted it quickly.

Zhang Xingkuo arched an eyebrow. “So you don’t mind at all?”

“I don’t mind.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Zhang Xingkuo’s indignant expression changed. A suspicious red flush spread visibly from his neck upward.

After a long pause, while Yu Xi watched him in confusion, he squeezed out a mumbled sentence: “…Then what if I said I wanted one too?”