Part 3
They drove in silence, Chu Yang growing increasingly sleepy. He even forgot he was still on a video call with Zhou Ningyu, turning his head toward Pei Xilin and closing his eyes.
When the car stopped, Chu Yangâs brow twitched but he didn’t wake up. Pei Xilin didn’t call him, unbuckling his seatbelt and quietly watching him from where the phone couldn’t see…
His gaze traced Chu Yangâs exquisite features, over and over again. He had dreamed of Chu Yang many times, but tonight was the only time he could truly be with him like this. He even wanted to stay here and watch him all night.
But if Chu Yang slept like this for a night, heâd definitely feel awful tomorrow.
Five more minutes… just five more minutes…
Before the five minutes were up, Chu Yangâs phone rang, startling both people in the car. It vibrated so much it almost fell.
Chu Yang rubbed his eyes and grabbed it, only then realizing his seatbelt had been unbuckled. He squinted at the caller ID and his body stiffened for an instant. Looking at the time, it was well past midnight…
He first said to Zhou Ningyu, “I’m home, so I’m hanging up now,” and then ended the call, but he didn’t answer the incoming one.
Since he was already at the gate, he decided to just hang up. Just as he was about to bid Pei Xilin farewell, the phone rang again. It was still Chu Yuanzhou.
The moment Chu Yang answered, Chu Yuanzhouâs voice rang outâ “How much longer are you going to stay at the gate? Who are you having a lingering farewell with in the car?”
Chu Yuanzhou hadn’t thought much of it; he assumed Chu Yang was still in the car chatting with Zhou Ningyu. If heâd known it was Pei Xilin, he would have stormed out already.
It was very quiet in the car. Even though Chu Yang didn’t have him on speaker, Pei Xilin heard everything clearly.
He didn’t overthink it; he assumed Chu Yangâs brother was just worried he was out too late on a date.
Right… a date. The thought caused his jubilant mood to sink. He had been so lost in watching Chu Yang that heâd forgotten about the “girlfriend.”
Chu Yang: “Ge… I’m coming in now.”
He hung up immediately and said to Pei Xilin, “Thank you for driving me back. I have to go. Drive carefully.”
Pei Xilin agreed, but then he couldn’t help but ask, “…Is that woman your girlfriend?”
Chu Yang was stunned for a moment before realizing he meant Zhou Ningyu. He laughed. “No, she’s my sister.”
“I see.” Pei Xilin let out a sudden sigh of relief; there truly couldn’t be better news.
Chu Yangâs smile, his eyes as bright as stars, his slightly flushed face, and the faint scent of alcohol mixed with his natural fragrance in the quiet, cramped car became their first non-wretched, beautiful memory, etched deeply into Pei Xilinâs mind.
Chu Yang had already gone inside, but Pei Xilin remained standing by the car, staring at the door for a long while.
As soon as Chu Yang walked in, he found Chu Yuanzhou waiting for him on the sofa. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and sat down on the sofa next to him.
Chu Yuanzhou: “…”
Just as Chu Yang unscrewed the water to gulp it down, Chu Yuanzhou finally couldn’t help but speak up. “Look at the weather; why are you drinking something cold? Drink this.”
He pushed a glass of steaming water toward him.
Chu Yang had no choice but to drink the water, which was at exactly the temperature he liked.
As he was drinking, Chu Yuanzhou suddenly leaned in and sniffed him, almost causing Chu Yang to choke.
Chu Yuanzhou said in a low voice, “Youâve been drinking. Zhou Ningyu took you to a bar?”
Chu Yangâs eyes flickered. “Just a little bit.”
Chu Yuanzhou said nothing.
“…” Chu Yang stood up. “…Iâm so dizzy and sleepy. Iâm going to bed.”
He stepped onto the first stair and realized Chu Yuanzhou was following him.
Chu Yang had no choice but to head toward his room. He couldn’t stand the smell on himself and had to shower. Just as he picked up his pajamas from the foot of the bed, he heard Chu Yuanzhou sayâ
“If you’re really dizzy, don’t shower. I’ll change your sheets tomorrow.”
Chu Yang immediately frowned and shook his head. “No. I won’t be able to sleep if I don’t shower.”
“Come here.” Chu Yuanzhou pulled out the desk chair.
After Chu Yang sat down, Chu Yuanzhouâs fingers touched his temples, massaging them with rhythmic pressure.
It was very comfortable. His expression relaxed instantly, and he truly began to drift off.
When Chu Yang woke up at noon the next day, he was a bit dazed and couldn’t quite remember what heâd done after coming home, but seeing that he was in his pajamas, heâd definitely showered.
He didn’t want to get up yet. When he opened his phone, he found over a hundred messages.
They were all asking why heâd taken a leave of absence and if he was sick. Xie An and Si Yao had also asked, but Xie An had added: [You seem a bit strange. Did something happen?]
[Aren’t you coming back tonight? Lin Zhiheng didn’t come to class either.]
[Missed Call]
Chu Yang didn’t realize Xie An was testing to see if he was out with Lin Zhiheng. He replied that he was too tired and would be back in a few days.
It was within his expectations that Lin Zhiheng wasn’t in class; after what happened to his face, heâd definitely be too embarrassed.
Today was Saturday, so there were no classes. He hadn’t streamed for several days, so he decided to start a livestream, beginning with lunch.
Since he was at home and it was warm, he didn’t change out of his long-sleeved pajamas. After making sure he looked presentable, he started the stream and headed downstairs.
[Ahhh! A sudden livestream! I knew my husband and I shared a telepathic link!]
[Forcing my way into my husbandâs world (holding a rose in my mouth) (running a hand through my hair) (greasy grin)]
[Whatâs going on? Is this a late-night session? Otherwise, how am I seeing my husband in pajamas? I love this so much, let me tear them off!]
[Let me tear them too! Pajamas! Pajamas! At this time, it looks like a post-session scene. Wifey, who slept until noon after being tossed around all night, why are you the one looking for food? Someone should be in wifeyâs bed feeding you directly!]
Translator’s Note:
Terms in this Chapter:
- Baofang (ĺ ćż): A private room, common in KTVs, bars, and restaurants in China.
- Nanmo (çˇć¨Ą): Literally “male models,” but in the context of a bar/club, it often refers to male hosts or entertainers hired to provide company.
- Wifey/Husband (čĺŠ/čĺ Ź – LÇopĂł/LÇogĹng): Fans often use these terms affectionately for their favorite streamers or idols. Chu Yang is definitely struggling with his “official status” as everyone’s favorite “wife”!
- Dull ache (é ¸čš – SuÄnzhĂ ng): A physical sensation of soreness, but used metaphorically here for Pei Xilin’s emotional distress/jealousy.
Stay tuned for the next chapter to see how Chu Yang handles his livestream fans! đđ
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