Chapter 24: ShuhuaiâYu Xi Belatedly Realizes He Was Kissed…
Yu Xi lightly climbed onto his bed, lay down, and covered himself with the blanket.
His friends had installed blackout curtains for him on registration day, so he didn’t have to worry about the phone light disturbing others. He lay on his side with the phone propped against the wall, aimed at himself.
In the small frame, he was only a faint silhouette. His face was pressed against the pillow, squeezing out a bit of soft cheek. His collar was crooked, revealing the distinct lines of his neck and collarbones. His eyes looked very bright in the dim light.
Because they were close, even the sound of breathing was clear, as if the person were right by the pillow.
The gaze of Gu Chuanzhou on the other side of the video grew almost imperceptibly dark. He adjusted his sitting posture and said in a low voice, “Take off your headphones and sleep, Xixi.”
Yu Xi obediently took off his headphones, typed a “goodnight” message, and dimmed the phone light.
Although he didn’t know what was so interesting about watching him sleep, since he had forgotten the promise first, he could only make amends by following the otherâs wishes.
He thought he would be too uncomfortable to fall asleep, but he was so tired today that his eyes wouldn’t stay open once they closed.
…
Gu Chuanzhou looked at the youth in the camera who had fallen into a deep sleep within two minutes. A few hints of a smile couldn’t help but pull at the corners of his lips. Subsequently, his gaze gradually turned dark, his burning and obsessed eyes greedily licking every beautiful part of the youth.
The volume was turned to the maximum, until every shallow breath of the youth could be heard clearly. It was like an invisible feather teasing his heartstrings, triggering an unspeakable desire to rise.
At this moment when no one could see, the hidden heat finally surfaced, unreservedly displayed.
However, the deep-sleeping youth was completely unaware, the corners of his mouth slightly lifted as if he were having a beautiful dream.
How can he be so unguarded…
Gu Chuanzhouâs breathing grew hurried as he constructed more images in his mind.
Perhaps even if he did something more, the youth would only think it was a nightmare, unconsciously letting out a low moan, biting his lips until they were crimson, enduring everything without any awareness.
He was simply too cute and too pitiful, only making one want to grab his ankles and drag him into a darker abyss, to sink together.
Before it was even light, the broadcast in the Beijing University freshman dormitory building began to sound.
The freshmen dragged their tired bodies to gather at the grounds.
“Didn’t sleep well?” Zhou Anhe handed over a carton of milk on the way.
Yu Xi said thanks after taking it, rubbing his eyes and saying, “I feel like I had a nightmare.”
Liu Yuan said, “I had a nightmare too! In the dream, I was constantly forced to do horse stances. Every time I wobbled, I was whipped by the instructor. I almost died of exhaustion in the dream! Xiao Xi, what did you dream about?”
Yu Xi laughed. “I forgot.”
He just hadn’t slept soundly, and his head was dizzy after waking up. It was only after changing clothes that he remembered his phone was still on the bed. Picking it up, he found it had run out of battery and automatically shut down at some point.
He had to leave the phone in the dorm to charge, and only saw the video call record after training ended at noon.
It had disconnected around 4:00 AM. Gu Chuanzhou had even replied to him with “goodnight” then.
Had he been so busy with work that he hadn’t slept until then?
Yu Xi: [My phone ran out of battery last night; I didn’t disconnect on purpose QAQ]
Gu Chuanzhou: [Mhm, I know.]
He replied so fast that Yu Xi was stunned. [What time did Chuanzhou Ge go to sleep yesterday?]
Gu Chuanzhou: [4:30.]
Yu Xi: [Pay attention to your rest…]
Gu Chuanzhou: [Okay ^^]
[We should video call tonight too, okay?]
[I didn’t get to talk to you properly yesterday.]
Yu Xiâs heart softened and he agreed again.
He decided he must arrange his time properly.
The following military training went smoothly for Yu Xi. At noon, occasionally Zhang Xingkuo or the Sheng sisters would come to pick him up for lunch at an outside restaurant. Meng Shen was consistently there to see him at dismissal time every afternoon. By nightfall, he would chat or video call with his family and friends one by one.
After adapting to the intensity of military training, he didn’t feel that tired anymore. Each day passed quickly because it was so fulfilling.
On the afternoon of the fourth day, Yu Xi received a message from Sheng Yunshu saying they were taking him out.
Yu Xi, who had just been dismissed, was brought to the gate by Meng Shen, where he found Zhang Xingkuo had also driven a car over. With this, everyone except the traveling Gu Chuanzhou was present.
“Where are we going?” Yu Xi asked.
“Youâll know when we get there.” Zhang Xingkuo opened the back door for him and shoved a paper bag at him. “Sheng Yunshu bought this for you. Change into it and see.”
Yu Xi was completely confused but chose to do as he was told.
Zhang Xingkuo raised the divider and turned on the window privacy mode, giving him a private space to change.
Yu Xi changed out of his military training uniform and was shoved some sweets and milk tea that could fill his stomach.
He didn’t ask much, choosing to follow his friends’ arrangements. When he had almost finished eating, the car drove into the largest theater in the capital.
When he followed them into the theater lobby and saw the giant artistic poster with the words “Piano Saint Lin Shuhuai Piano Solo Concert,” Yu Xi suddenly understood his friends’ intention in bringing him here.
They had arrived just in time, entering at the very last minute.
Yu Xi sat in the best viewing seat, quietly observing his surroundings.
Today was a workday, yet the seats were fully occupied. As soon as the lights dimmed, everyone automatically fell silent, already anticipating the entrance of the protagonist of this performance.
At the center of everyoneâs gaze, a single black-and-white grand piano stood quietly under a beam of light on the stage, elegant and solemn.
With a “clang,” a spotlight hit the stage, and a tall figure stepped out from behind the curtain. His steps were slow and his posture composed.
The pure white formal suit had no extra decorations, perfectly highlighting his noble and elegant qualities.
The man had slightly long black hair and handsome features. Just standing there with that black-and-white piano gave him a natural aura.
He didn’t look at the audience and sat down directly.
When his hands hovered over the keys, the entire concert hall fell silent, for fear of disturbing the upcoming performance.
Yu Xi couldn’t help but hold his breath. Subsequently, all his attention was gripped by the music played by those hands on stage.
The sound of the piano, like spring water striking stones, poured out, gathering into a brilliant galaxy of stars. Romantic, gorgeous, and tragic melodies swept through every listener’s senses, painting a magnificent picture.
The posture of the owner of those magical hands while playing was so composed it could be called casual, as if the places his fingertips passed were merely spontaneous.
He was the calm eye of the storm, yet he could whip up giant waves below the stage.
Before the audience could withdraw from one piece, they were pulled into the next whirlpool.
It was only when the performer left his seat and walked to the front of the stage to bow that everyone snapped back to reality, erupting in thunderous applause.
Yu Xi stared at the stage in a daze, and in his daze, he met the seemingly unintentional gaze of the person on stage. His heart skipped a beat.
When he came back to his senses, Sheng Yunzhuan was calling him: “Xiao Xi, why are you spacing out? Come with us quickly.”
“Oh… okay.” Yu Xi was pulled up by the wrist. He belatedly realized that he had broken into a thin sweat during the performance, and his fingertips were still slightly trembling, still caught in the aftermath.
So that was the grown-up Shuhuai Gege…
When he first heard the other play the piano, the ignorant him knew the other had a brilliance and talent that ordinary people didn’t.
But seeing Lin Shuhuaiâs style on stage with his own eyes, he was still so amazed he couldn’t calm down.
Realizing the place he was being led to was the backstage of the concert hall, Yu Xiâs heart couldn’t help but beat faster at the thought of seeing Lin Shuhuai up close.
“Don’t be nervous.” Sheng Yunshu appeared by Yu Xiâs side at the right time, comforting him softly. “He has wanted to see you for a long time.”
“…”
Yu Xi was about to say something when the figure he had just seen on stage appeared in his vision.
Sheng Yunzhuan immediately pulled out a bouquet of flowers from nowhere and shoved it into Yu Xiâs hands. “Xiao Xi, you go deliver it.”
Yu Xi took the opportunity given by his friends. After his mind settled slightly, he stepped forward. “Congratulations… Shuhuai Ge.”
He didn’t have the courage to look up at Lin Shuhuai for a moment, hearing a very light and gentle laugh first.
Immediately after, he was embraced by the other, flowers and all.
“Long time no see, Xiao Xi.”
Accompanying these words at his ear was also a cool and soft touch.
Yu Xi hadn’t understood what had happened when he heard the shout from Sheng Yunzhuan.
“Lin Shuhuai! How can you take advantage of Xiao Xi!”
Meng Shen, who had reacted, also immediately stepped forward, grabbing Lin Shuhuaiâs back collar and pulling him away. His expression was terrifyingly dark.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xingkuo pulled Yu Xi over, protecting him in his arms.
Yu Xi: “??”
Yu Xi dazed touched his own face, belatedly realizing he had been given a cheek kiss. The tips of his ears turned slightly red.
Lin Shuhuai gently removed Meng Shenâs hand, a gentle smile still on his face. “This was just a ‘la bise’ from an older brother to a long-lost younger brother. Why are you all making such a fuss? I see, do you feel itâs unfair? I don’t mind giving one to everyone.”
As he spoke, he first looked at the closest Meng Shen. Meng Shen looked as if he were facing a great enemy and retreated behind Sheng Yunshu.
Sheng Yunshu sighed. “Okay, thatâs enough. Xiao Xi and A-Shen have to go back to school in a bit. Time is limited; let’s eat first.”
The group left the concert hall. When they were about to get in the car, Lin Shuhuai looked at Yu Xi and said, “Xiao Xi, why don’t you sit with me and talk for a bit?”
“He gets carsick. Itâs best if he sits in my car.” Zhang Xingkuo pulled Yu Xi back to his side, not giving Yu Xi a chance to nod.
Lin Shuhuai: “Then Iâll…”
“My car only has two seats.” Zhang Xingkuo once again interrupted Lin Shuhuaiâs plan, quickly bringing Yu Xi into the passenger seat and locking the door.
Lin Shuhuai let out a laugh outside the car, his eyes full of interest and not angry at all. He turned and went to the back seat of the Sheng familyâs car.
Yu Xi sat in Zhang Xingkuoâs car and spoke up hesitantly, “Won’t it be a bit too crowded for Shuhuai Ge to sit with them?”
“Iâm not giving him a ride.” Zhang Xingkuo curled his lips and let out a cold huff. “So old yet not steady at all.”
Yu Xi gave a light laugh. “Itâs strange hearing those words from you. Shuhuai Ge is only 26.”
“Is he not? How could he kiss you!” Zhang Xingkuo gripped the steering wheel tight.
Yu Xi tilted his head. “Iâve seen ‘la bise’ on TV. Shuhuai Ge often travels abroad; it must just be a habit.”
At first he was a bit startled, but he quickly accepted it.
Zhang Xingkuo arched an eyebrow. “So you don’t mind at all?”
“I don’t mind.”
As soon as this answer came out, Zhang Xingkuoâs angry expression changed, and a suspicious flush visibly spread upward from his neck.
After a long while, he squeezed out a sentence ambiguously under Yu Xiâs puzzled gaze: “…Then what if I said I wanted one too?”
Translator’s Note:
- QAQ: This is a common emoticon used in Chinese web novels/chat to represent a crying face.
- Horse Stance (čš˛éŚŹćĽ – dĹŤn mÇbĂš): A fundamental posture in Asian martial arts, but also a common “punishment” exercise during Chinese military training.
- Lin Shuhuai (ćčż°ćˇ): His title “Piano Saint” (éźç´čć) implies he has legendary skill. In the original, he has a bit of a “harmless but flirtatious” vibe.
- Tiemianli (貟é˘çŚŽ): This refers to the Western custom of “la bise” (cheek kissing). In traditional Chinese culture, this can be seen as very intimate, hence the boys’ reaction.
- Zhang Xingkuo’s Jealousy: He’s so transparent! It’s hilarious how the “cool racer” turns into a blushing mess.
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