Chapter 50: Caught on a Date

At five in the afternoon, Ji Xiao arrived punctually outside Song Chu’s company to wait.

In just a few minutes, people started coming out one after another.

Song Chu spotted him at once and quickened his pace. “Xiao Ge!”

“What do you want to eat?”

“I still want to eat at that place from lunch. There are so many dishes I haven’t tried.”

“Alright, let’s go there then.”

Seated in the restaurant, Song Chu began to chatter.

“Today our department head demanded overtime—of course, the policy is voluntary overtime. I chose not to work, but when I left, I felt like they were giving me weird looks…”

Ji Xiao listened quietly, occasionally feeding him a sip of water.

After a few minutes, Song Chu felt a bit embarrassed. “Am I being too chatty?”

Song Chu was an ordinary person. He had fantasies about love, liked cooking and good food, so he became a food streamer. His emotions fluctuated wildly.

But—

Ji Xiao reached out and wiped the moist corner of his mouth.

Very cute.

Song Chu felt he had been a bit noisy, so he ate modestly after the dishes arrived. But in less than ten minutes, he couldn’t keep up the pretense of being reserved.

His eyes lit up as he devoured two red rice rolls. “This is so good! I’ve made so many dishes, but I’ve never tried Cantonese dim sum. I’ll try it next time!”

“Mm, I look forward to tasting it.”

“Then can I make more dishes during my streams? Because I’m afraid of not finishing it, I only make one or two dishes each stream.”

“Sure, I’ll eat with you.”

“You’re so nice. Mmm, this crystal bun is also delicious. The soup inside is so good—pfft!”

“Take your time.”

****

At the cinema.

Seeing many people holding buckets of popcorn, Song Chu looked a little regretful. He had eaten too much; he couldn’t handle any popcorn.

“Want some ice cream?”

At the gentle question by his ear, Song Chu’s eyes lit up. “Yes!”

The movie was carefully chosen by Ji Xiao. “Hello, Fate.” The male and female leads met through a game, experienced all kinds of romance in it, and finally met offline. During their meeting, there was even an awkward case of mistaken identity. When they met in reality, they found each other different from their in-game personas. At first, they were polite and even awkward with each other. But as their true natures emerged, various funny or touching events happened in the blur, and they eventually got married.

During the movie, Song Chu was so drawn in by the plot that he leaned into Ji Xiao’s arms, crying and laughing at the same time.

When the protagonists finally recognized their feelings and kissed in the rain, Song Chu couldn’t help turning to look at Ji Xiao and licking his lips.

Ji Xiao: “…”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Want a kiss?”

Song Chu nodded.

Ji Xiao: “Go ahead.”

Song Chu looked around. Everyone was immersed in the movie, and the light was dim…

He suddenly reached up, pulled down the back of Ji Xiao’s head, and pressed their lips together.

From the row behind, a curly-haired woman removed her 3D glasses, squinting at the two people kissing passionately ahead. Her expression darkened, and she kicked the man beside her.

The man yelped, took off his glasses, and said resentfully, “Why did you kick me!”

The woman lifted her chin slightly and whispered, “Look ahead.”

The man looked, then cursed, “What is the world coming to! In…”

The woman couldn’t help but kick him again, suppressing her anger. “Doesn’t the person in front look like your son?”

The man was startled, leaned forward slightly, and squinted.

Ji Xiao abruptly opened his eyes.

Song Chu opened his eyes, panting lightly, and met a wide-eyed stare. He quickly retreated to his seat, his face red. Too rash! This was a public place! Oh no, oh no, I couldn’t control myself. Shouldn’t have, shouldn’t have.

The man behind recognized Ji Xiao’s face and immediately darkened. He was about to stand up and curse, but the curly-haired woman pulled him back into his seat, scolding in a low voice, “We’re in a cinema, don’t disturb others.”

The man: “…”

Ji Xiao averted his gaze and reached for Song Chu’s hand. Song Chu struggled a little but couldn’t break free, and he didn’t dare make any more extra moves, so he focused on the movie. By then, the movie was nearing its end.

When the man behind saw Ji Xiao look away and pretend not to see him, he leaned close to the curly-haired woman and gritted his teeth. “He dares to pretend he didn’t see me!”

The woman—Xiao Yang’s mother—put her 3D glasses back on and said quietly, “Let’s talk after it ends.”

Xiao’s father: “…” Who could still watch!

A girl next to Xiao’s father whispered to her friend, “Did you hear that?”

Friend: “Heard and saw it.”

Girl: “I think the two in front are about to get their legs broken.”

Friend: “So tragic, running into their parents like this.”

Girl: “Should we follow them later and take a look?”

“Is that okay?”

“You going?”

“Yeah.”

****

The movie ended, the lights came on.

Black Cat whispered, “The original owner’s parents have their eyes on you, and there are two curious girls.”

Ji Xiao: “…”

He looked at Song Chu, who was completely unaware, and sighed quietly.

Song Chu stood up and looked at Ji Xiao, who was still in his seat. “Um, let’s go home.”

Ji Xiao took his hand.

“Hmph!” Song Chu turned back to glance at Xiao’s father, who had snorted, and spoke displeasedly. “Uncle, you…”

Ji Xiao: “Dad.”

Song Chu: “Dad?”

Xiao’s father, with a dark face, took Mother Xiao’s hand. “Follow me, damn it!”

Song Chu looked dazed.

Ji Xiao said softly, “Don’t be afraid.”

Xiao’s father led the way, pulling Mother Xiao, while Ji Xiao calmly held Song Chu’s hand and followed behind.

Song Chu tried several times to free his hand but failed.

Behind them, the two girls were secretly following.

“I don’t think this is a good idea…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. We’re just here for the drama.”

“This is a bit…”

“Don’t you want to see?”

“…” She did want to, but this was too sneaky!

There was a café right next door. Father and Mother Xiao went straight in, with Ji Xiao and Song Chu following closely.

The two girls: “…”

“This place is pricey. Maybe forget it?”

“We’ll just order one cup! We can share!”

“We could, but it’s unnecessary.”

“My treat!”

“Let’s go.”

Inside the café, Father and Mother Xiao sat opposite Ji Xiao and Song Chu.

Father Xiao: “You…”

Ji Xiao: “No separation.”

Father Xiao reached out as if to slam the table, but Mother Xiao held him back.

She said displeasedly, “Look at the environment. Lower your voice and be civilized.”

Father Xiao’s temple veins bulged as he suppressed his anger. “Come home with us tonight.”

Ji Xiao: “No.”

“You—” Mother Xiao patted Father Xiao’s hand, a smile appearing on her beautiful face. “Xiao Yang, are you still mad at us?”

Ji Xiao’s expression turned impatient. “Didn’t I tell you to stop interfering in my life?”

“You, this child,” Mother Xiao said reproachfully, “Look at how you were before—idle, staying home all day playing games. You’re in your twenties. Your father and I only wanted the best for you, to make you independent.”

Recalling the original owner’s interaction with his parents, Ji Xiao said sarcastically, “Well, now I’m independent. Just leave me alone and go fuss over my obedient, sensible good little brother!”

A Ji Xiao like this seemed to revert to how he was before they made up. A version he didn’t like very much.

Ji Xiao shot him a reassuring glance.

Mother Xiao noticed their interaction, her expression curious. “Xiao Yang actually likes boys? Mom didn’t know.”

Ji Xiao gave a fake smile. “Now you know.”

Father Xiao couldn’t hold back. “How dare you talk to my wife like that!”

Ji Xiao said impatiently, “I won’t come to you for help, and you stop meddling in my affairs. Is that not possible? Just be lovey-dovey and care for your sensible, obedient younger son. Leave me alone. Is that too much to ask?”

“You think I want to bother with you! You—ow ow ow, that hurts! Honey, let go—”

Father Xiao had his ear twisted, feeling extremely embarrassed but also rationally begging for mercy.

Mother Xiao withdrew her hand, her face full of affection. “Since Xiao Yang is in a relationship, bring your partner home this weekend. Mom will cook for you.”

“We’ll see. We still have things to do, so we’ll be going.”

“…”

Ji Xiao took Song Chu’s hand and walked out. Song Chu cast an apologetic glance at Father and Mother Xiao before following Ji Xiao.

As they left, Ji Xiao glanced at the adjacent table.

The two girls shrank back.

“It’s… it’s over. Let’s go?”

“Let’s go back and do our dailies.”

“Yeah, I think he noticed us.”

“It’s fine, we didn’t do anything… Okay, should we catch up and apologize?”

“Let’s just forget it.”

****

Late at night. Ji Xiao went to the balcony and lit a cigarette, his head slightly bowed as the swirling smoke obscured his vision.

Black Cat: “What’s wrong? Don’t you like this world?”

Ji Xiao leaned against the wall, cigarette in mouth, eyes clear. “I like it. This world is simple.”

Black Cat: “But I see you…”

Ji Xiao: “Who am I?”

Black Cat: “…” After a long while, it said carefully, “You’re Ji Xiao…”

Ji Xiao laughed softly, stubbed out the cigarette, and turned back into the room.

****

Cen Huan was a man of action. Within just one week, he had secured the club venue, handled all the arrangements, and started contacting the game officials. He also contacted Ji Xiao: “Master, will you recruit the team members or should I?”

Ji Xiao: “You choose first. After you’ve selected them, have them challenge me.”

“Alright, Master,” Cen Huan chuckled. “You’ll be both team leader and coach, right? I think with you here, we don’t need to hire a coach.”

“Sure, but you need to pay me a salary.”

“Of course!”

Their fate began with a substitute player. Cen Huan guessed he was short on money, so after inquiring about coaching salaries in the industry, he gave him an extra twenty percent.

The sound of a key turning in the lock. “That’s it for now. I’ll hang up.”

Ji Xiao hung up. The door opened, and Song Chu appeared with red eyes.

“Xiao Ge.”

Ji Xiao stepped forward and hugged him. “Who bullied you?”

Song Chu buried his head in Ji Xiao’s collarbone, aggrieved. “Zeng Yang spread things about me, saying awful stuff. They’re all talking about me…”

Ji Xiao gently rubbed his back, his expression clear, his voice gentle. “I’ll take care of him for you.”

Song Chu choked up, rubbing against his collarbone. “It’s okay, just hug me and I’ll be fine. I’m just venting. Actually, I don’t care what they say at all!”

“Right, Achu doesn’t need to care about others’ opinions.”

“Xiao Ge, kiss me.”

“…”

Ji Xiao slid his hands down, lifted him by the buttocks, and carried him.

“My lower back strength, aren’t you already familiar with it?”

“…” I know your lower back strength is good! I’ve experienced it profoundly!

“Achu, lower your head.”

“Mm.”

[Dumb cat, help me look into Zeng Yang.]

Black Cat: “?” It’s already pixelated, and you have time to talk to me about this? Is it already over?

Black Cat poked its head out to look, then quickly retracted. “Should I wait until you’re done?”

[Investigate.]

“Ok, ok.”

Exercise is a great stress reliever. Especially extreme exercise. Song Chu was drenched in sweat, lying limp, not wanting to move at all.

Now, not even the taunts and sneers from Zeng Yang and his other colleagues, or even his boss firing him for improper conduct and affecting company atmosphere, could affect him.

“Xiao Ge…”

“Hm?”

“You play games all day, how are you so fierce?”

“When I see you, I get fierce.”

“…” Pfft! Promised to be a graceful gentleman, but turned out to be a fierce beast!

“I just took a shower. You rest a bit while I cook.”

Ji Xiao leaned in and gently kissed the corner of his mouth, causing an involuntary shiver. He smiled briefly, ruffled his hair, got up, and left the bedroom for the kitchen.

Song Chu buried his face. “Ah, I’m dead.”

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