Chapter 12
Caught lying in front of an audience, Xie Ning turned his head awkwardly, avoiding Pei Zhi’s gaze.
Without changing expression, Xie Ning said, “I really have been eating properly.”
Xie Yan asked, “What did you eat?”
“I ate…” Xie Ning faltered for a moment before saying, “I ate noodles.”
How could Xie Yan not hear that Xie Ning was lying?
This was not the first time Xie Ning had been caught red-handed.
“Baby, no matter what, you still have to eat, right? Your father and I agreed to let you stay in the country for university. Do you remember what you promised us? You said you would take good care of yourself,” Xie Yan said. “But you still aren’t eating properly. How many times has this been now?”
Xie Ning was at a loss for words. He was not good at lying, especially not when he was facing his mother. The excuses reached his lips, then were swallowed back down guiltily.
He shifted his foot, but accidentally tugged at the swelling around his ankle.
Pei Zhi’s gaze darkened immediately. “What’s wrong?”
Seeing the pained look on Xie Ning’s face, his own expression changed drastically. He hurried to check Xie Ning’s injury, completely forgetting that the call was still connected.
Hearing an unfamiliar male voice, Xie Yan froze for a moment, then lowered her voice and asked, “Do you have a friend with you?”
Xie Ning said, “Mm. Should I put you on speaker?”
“Ah, come here quickly… Baby Ning made a new friend!” Xie Yan called out to someone beside her. Another male voice came through, sounding especially delighted. “Really?”
Pei Zhi’s palm was still wrapped around Xie Ning’s ankle. Caught off guard by the sound of Xie Ning’s parents’ voices, the arm around Xie Ning tightened instinctively. His expression stiffened, and all his muscles went rigid too.
He glanced at Xie Ning, then greeted them solemnly, “Hello, Auntie. Hello, Uncle.”
“He really does have a friend!” Xie Ning’s parents were extremely surprised. “Sorry, we must have made you laugh… Baby Ning has always liked being by himself since he was little. We hardly ever hear him mention his own friends, so we got a bit excited. We’re not in the country, so we worry about him a lot, especially that he won’t eat properly…”
Xie Ning had been born beautiful, like snow and jade, but he had also been cold since childhood and never liked bothering with people. In his parents’ eyes, he was obedient, yes, but he always seemed unable to blend into a crowd.
At first, they had been afraid he might get bullied. But after checking the surveillance cameras and secretly observing for a few days, they discovered that in reality, it was Xie Ning single-handedly isolating the entire class.
There had always been many people who wanted to be friends with Xie Ning. But children were sensitive. They could tell he did not want to be bothered, so none of them dared speak to him, much less press themselves warmly against someone so cold. They could only watch him from afar.
As he grew older and people understood more, the number of bold people willing to approach him increased—but in the end, they were all driven back by Xie Ning’s indifference.
Pei Zhi said, “Hello, Auntie, Uncle. My name is Pei Zhi. We just finished eating and then took a nap. He didn’t lie to you, but don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him from now on too and make sure he eats properly.”
“Hello! You’re so polite. No wonder Baby Ning likes you so much. Ever since he started university, this is the first time he’s mentioned a friend to us…” Xie Yan paused, then added curiously, “But… you two took a nap together?”
“Are you roommates?”
Pei Zhi replied, “Yes, we’re roommates. We sleep across from each other, though we’re not in the same major…”
Pei Zhi’s tone was proper and polite. He spoke slowly and methodically, chatting with ease in a way completely different from his usual aloof, taciturn self.
Xie Ning’s parents instantly had an excellent first impression of this talkative and enthusiastic Pei Zhi.
They even got chatting.
Perhaps all parents liked talking about childhood stories. The moment Xie Yan started on that topic, Xie Ning quickly turned off speakerphone first and said softly, “Mom, my friend and I still have something to do later. I’m hanging up first, okay?”
Xie Yan sounded delighted. “Okay, baby. Where are you two going later? Your dad will reimburse it. It’s rare for you to mention a close friend, so we’re really happy.”
Xie Ning felt too embarrassed to say that, in truth, they did not really count as close friends. He said, “Mm. I’ll thank him for you. Alright, I’m hanging up now.”
The call ended. Xie Ning had just let out a sigh of relief when he met Pei Zhi’s direct stare.
Pei Zhi said, “Thank me for what?”
Xie Ning answered, “My mom said she wants to treat you to a meal.”
Pei Zhi froze for a second, then asked nervously, “Now?”
Xie Ning slowly turned his head away. “I’m joking.”
Xie Ning was not someone who liked making jokes, so Pei Zhi found it novel.
What felt even more novel to Pei Zhi was that he had seen a completely different side of Xie Ning.
No longer always cold and distant, Xie Ning could also be fragile and soft. He could be clingy or well-behaved. He could lie in front of his mother, feel guilty, even make jokes… The Xie Ning being revealed was complex, vivid, and real.
Suddenly, Pei Zhi called out, “Xie Ning.”
Xie Ning looked at him.
Pei Zhi said, “But I took it seriously.”
“Xie Ning.” Pei Zhi called him again. He looked into Xie Ning’s eyes, their gazes colliding in midair before quickly slipping away. Only after a moment did he look back at him and say very seriously, “Treat me to a meal.”
…
Xie Ning agreed readily. Treating Pei Zhi to a meal was not a big issue, especially since Pei Zhi had helped him today.
It was only a meal. He could afford it.
Xie Ning still had class tomorrow, so tonight he would have to return to the dorm with Pei Zhi. His injured foot made walking inconvenient.
The situation was better than he had expected.
He secretly tried walking a little, and it was not quite as difficult as he had imagined.
But the moment he put weight on it, Pei Zhi caught him on the spot. From then on, Pei Zhi kept an especially close eye on him.
Parking spots on campus were limited, so Pei Zhi could only leave the car in a nearby parking lot. Xie Ning sat in the passenger seat, very quiet.
People driving always ended up glancing at the rearview mirror, and Pei Zhi’s eyes could not help falling on Xie Ning over and over.
Xie Ning looked a little sleepy. His head rested against the car window, exposing a slender stretch of neck. From this angle, Pei Zhi could see his profile clearly—delicate lines, pale skin, and an Adam’s apple smaller than that of most men, moving only slightly when he swallowed.
His light-colored lips were a little redder than usual. As he breathed, his lips parted from time to time, faintly revealing white teeth.
When the car stopped, Xie Ning’s lashes trembled as though he were about to wake, and a soft, unconscious murmur escaped him.
The fingers resting on the steering wheel seemed to tighten a little. Pei Zhi got out of the car and opened the passenger-side door. Originally, he had intended to take the wheelchair out of the trunk and push Xie Ning back to the dorm, but the distance was too far—at least fifteen minutes on foot.
He was afraid Xie Ning would not sit comfortably.
Xie Ning slowly woke and saw Pei Zhi standing by the car, lost in thought. He moved his foot a little, and pain immediately flashed across his face.
“Don’t move,” Pei Zhi said. “Let me think of something.”
Xie Ning’s ankle was wrapped in a layer of gauze, with ointment inside.
An older man nearby seemed to notice Pei Zhi’s dilemma and offered a suggestion. “You’re university students from nearby, right? Your classmate hurt his foot? Is it far? If it’s not too far, why not just carry him in a princess carry? A wheelchair isn’t that convenient either. There are a lot of gravelly roads outside, so it’s hard to push. It’ll bump all over the place…”
“Your friend’s so skinny, and you look this big. Don’t tell me you can’t carry him?”
It really was a long walk from here to the dorm. Though Xie Ning knew the uncle meant well, he did not want that.
He did not like troubling others…
“Can we do that?” Pei Zhi lowered his head and looked at Xie Ning. “A princess carry.”
When Pei Zhi spoke, he softened the final word slightly.
Xie Ning froze a little.
The uncle said warmly, “You’re good bros, aren’t you? What’s the big deal about carrying him?”
After thinking it over for a moment, Xie Ning nodded hesitantly. “Sorry to trouble you.”
If he forced himself to walk, or if some accident happened while using the wheelchair, his leg injury might get worse. That would delay the rest of Xie Ning’s plans.
Since Pei Zhi wanted to help him, then he would let him. In exchange, he could help Pei Zhi in other ways later.
Pei Zhi put a hat and a mask on Xie Ning, instantly covering him up tightly.
One arm slipped behind Xie Ning’s shoulders. Pei Zhi bent down, slid the other arm beneath his knees, and with only a little effort, easily lifted Xie Ning into a princess carry.
Xie Ning felt a bit embarrassed. Fortunately, the hat and mask hid his expression. He was not used to troubling others, yet he seemed to be troubling Pei Zhi again and again.
And it was too close. He was not used to this kind of bodily contact.
But this person was Pei Zhi, and somehow he did not feel quite so resistant.
Xie Ning tried to brainwash himself. This was normal social contact, just friends helping each other. He had to get used to it.
Pei Zhi mistook his silence for dislike, so he explained, “The hat and mask are both new. It’s cold at night. I was afraid you’d catch a chill.”
Xie Ning lifted his long lashes. Pei Zhi’s jawline was sharp and clean, and his brows and eyes were still stern.
Pei Zhi’s steps were steady, not seeming strained in the slightest even with Xie Ning in his arms.
[Princess-carrying my wife. Round it up, and my wife is a princess.]
[Hehe, carrying my little princess back.]
[Why is my wife so skinny? He doesn’t even weigh as much as the equipment in the gym.]
[So cute, so tiny. Want to put him in my pocket.]
[Kiss wife.]
[Wife’s face is so red. Is it because I’m carrying him badly? I’ve never carried anyone before… Or did I hurt him?]
Pei Zhi lowered his head and asked, “Is this position okay?”
Then he added, “It’s my first time carrying someone, so I’m not very skilled. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
Xie Ning’s ears were full of Pei Zhi’s chaotic inner thoughts. He gave a faint sound of acknowledgment. Feeling that this was not very polite, he added, “It’s okay.”
Pei Zhi said, “Tell me if you’re uncomfortable.”
Closing his eyes, Xie Ning said, “Mm.”
[Being spoiled again.]
But Xie Ning clearly had not done anything at all.
Actually, Xie Ning felt that his injury was not so severe, and there were many things he could still do by himself. But Pei Zhi seemed to genuinely treat him like some fragile porcelain doll, constantly carrying and protecting him.
Pei Zhi unscrewed a bottle of mineral water with one hand and poured it into a cup, then brought the cup to Xie Ning’s lips and fed him water.
Xie Ning glanced at him, a little helpless, and could only lean slightly closer, pressing his soft lips to the rim of the cup while Pei Zhi tilted it up for him to drink.
[So cute, so good.]
[His mouth looks so soft.]
[Wife’s eyelashes are so long, so pretty, like a princess.]
[Good baby Ning Ning, fuck him. ^O^]
The other two roommates in the dorm were also very concerned about Xie Ning, helping with this and that, terrified that he might bump into something again.
They did not even think there was anything strange about Pei Zhi’s overly attentive care.
Gu Nian said, “I modified the shower area a little. If you need to bathe, you can hold on to it and wash that way.”
Chen Xi stroked his chin. “I still think that’s too dangerous. How about we go in and hold you? What if you fall?”
They were too enthusiastic.
In the past, Xie Ning had always kept a certain distance from everyone. His overly enthusiastic roommates left him a little overwhelmed. He shook his head. “No need. I can wash by myself.”
Then, somewhat helplessly, he added, “I’m really not that badly hurt.”
On the surface, his roommates nodded and said yes, yes, yes, but behind the scenes they were still discussing how to best help their injured roommate.
Pei Zhi crouched down in front of Xie Ning, his hand wrapping around Xie Ning’s slender ankle. Looking up at him, he asked, “Want to take a shower?”
Xie Ning said, “Mm.”
“I’ll wrap it up first, then you can go in and wash,” Pei Zhi said. “It can’t get wet, or it might get inflamed.”
Pei Zhi helped Xie Ning take off his shoes. Xie Ning’s white socks bunched around his ankles, making his feet and ankles look especially slim.
Then the socks came off too, revealing a bare white foot resting in Pei Zhi’s darker palm, made even paler and more delicate by the contrast.
The comfort brought by the skin contact made Xie Ning a little uneasy. He wiggled his toes, and the sole of his foot brushed unconsciously across Pei Zhi’s palm. That simple friction made him feel even more comfortable, and the tips of his toes curled upward uncontrollably.
Was it ticklish? Or painful? Pei Zhi thought. Probably both.
He had trained in all kinds of sports since childhood, and there was a thin layer of calluses on his hands. He was nothing like Xie Ning’s fine, delicate skin.
The sensation in his palm was warm and soft. Pei Zhi lost focus for a moment. Xie Ning’s skin was so smooth, and his white foot looked more like a beautiful work of art than anything else, without the slightest flaw. Even his toenails were a faint soft pink.
Without realizing it, Pei Zhi tightened his fingers, enclosing Xie Ning’s foot in his hand. His Adam’s apple moved lightly, and his gaze chased after Xie Ning’s face.
Xie Ning sat obediently in the chair, his hands resting on the armrests, fingers curled tightly as if he were enduring something.
The top button of his collar was fastened all the way up, yet there was still a small length of neck exposed.
Pei Zhi wrapped several layers of plastic wrap around Xie Ning’s ankle. “You can go shower now. Water shouldn’t get to it like this.”
While Xie Ning showered, Pei Zhi waited outside the door the entire time. He had told Xie Ning not to lock the door, and Xie Ning had really left it unlocked.
The sound of running water in the bathroom pattered softly. It was not loud to begin with, but maybe because he was standing so close, Pei Zhi suddenly felt that the sound was too noisy, making his mind restless.
He probably would not fall, right?
And if he did fall, should Pei Zhi go in?
Yes, he should. He should go in and help Xie Ning up… which meant he ought to grab a coat to wrap Xie Ning in too, right?
…
Pei Zhi had no idea how long he stood there thinking. He did not even notice when the sound of the water stopped.
Chen Xi and Gu Nian had made some adjustments to the bathroom, putting in a long stool and some objects that could be used for support. That way, even if Xie Ning’s foot was inconvenient, he could still borrow some support while moving around.
The bathroom door opened, and the fragrance drifting toward him made Pei Zhi freeze for a moment.
Xie Ning came slowly out through the steam in his pajamas. His skin had been flushed faintly red by the hot shower, and after washing his hair, droplets of water were still falling from the ends. A slender wrist showed as his hand rested on the doorknob.
He walked with some difficulty. His ankles beneath the hem of his sleepwear were slim, and the place wrapped in plastic was fogged with a layer of moisture.
Pei Zhi’s body moved faster than his mind. He stepped forward and supported Xie Ning. One arm went behind his shoulders, while the other lifted the towel and wrapped it over his hair.
“Thank you,” Xie Ning said. “The towel’s too big. It keeps slipping.”
The roots of his long lashes were still damp. Pei Zhi looked at him, and his Adam’s apple moved for no clear reason. He let out a quiet “Mm.” “It’s fine.”
“Sit down. I’ll dry your hair for you.”
Xie Ning hesitated. “I can do it myself.”
It was his foot that was injured, not his hands.
Chen Xi said, “No way. What if the hair dryer slips and smashes into your foot?”
Gu Nian added, “Brother Pei never waits on people. It’s rare that he actually wants to take care of someone. Just go along with it.”
Pei Zhi said, “Let me do it.”
Xie Ning found it difficult to refuse.
It was obvious that Pei Zhi really had never done this kind of thing before. When his fingers slid into Xie Ning’s damp hair, there was a noticeable tremble to them.
He did not dare turn the air too hot, nor did he dare use cold air. The medium-warm airflow moved through the strands as his fingertips occasionally brushed against the scalp. All around him was the scent clinging to Xie Ning.
Xie Ning sat there, his lowered lashes fluttering like butterflies. As the light shifted, the fingers resting on his legs curled slightly.
He felt a bit awkward, but he had to admit that being “looked after” really did feel good. And with his skin hunger syndrome, the way Pei Zhi’s fingers brushed over his scalp sent tingling currents through him and immediately made him sleepy.
“All done.” Pei Zhi put away the hair dryer. “Go to sleep first. I’ll wash your clothes for you.”
All of Xie Ning’s drowsiness vanished at once. “I can just send them to the dry cleaners tomorrow.”
Even if he wanted to try maintaining normal social interaction, Xie Ning still could not accept letting Pei Zhi wash his clothes. Pei Zhi did not insist. Instead, he lifted Xie Ning onto the bed.
Then he casually brought his own quilt over as well. “There’s a cold front tonight. It’ll be very chilly. Yours is a thin quilt, so use mine instead.”
“It was just washed not long ago. It’s clean.”
Xie Ning froze. “Then what about you?”
Pei Zhi said, “I’m not afraid of the cold.”
That was the truth.
Chen Xi yelled from below, “You don’t need to be polite. Brother Pei only looks cold on the outside. Actually, he’s very warm-hearted. He’s a really nice guy. Besides, people who do sports have strong bodies. You’re different…”
Feeling a little guilty, Xie Ning said, “Then… my quilt for you? It’s a bit thin, but it’s still better than nothing.”
Pei Zhi said, “Alright.”
…
Xie Ning had thought he would not be able to sleep.
He did not like using other people’s things, especially something as personal as a quilt. But unexpectedly, he fell asleep quickly and deeply.
Pei Zhi was not at all what he had thought.
The other two roommates did not find Pei Zhi’s helpfulness unusual in the slightest. Maybe Pei Zhi often helped them too. It seemed that his aloofness was only surface-deep.
Only… was Pei Zhi maybe a little too warm-hearted?
Sleepiness washed over Xie Ning. In a haze, he thought that since he had decided to build a normal social relationship with Pei Zhi, then he should get used to the other man’s way of interacting. Besides…
Being looked after by a friend did not feel half bad.
Late at night, Pei Zhi tossed and turned.
Wrapped in Xie Ning’s quilt, his heart pounded wildly for no reason. His fingers kept clenching and unclenching the blanket as his thoughts sank completely into a swamp of confusion.
The entire bed was filled with Xie Ning’s scent. It was not a particularly strong fragrance, and yet it stirred him up intensely.
Especially when he thought about the fact that this was the quilt Xie Ning had used, his adrenaline surged like crazy, his body temperature rose alarmingly high, and sleep became impossible.
Xie Ning’s bed was right next to his. Pei Zhi turned on the night lamp. In the dim light, he could vaguely see Xie Ning resting with his eyes closed, breathing evenly. He ought to be asleep.
Pei Zhi lay back down again and kept turning over. Finally, he buried himself in Xie Ning’s quilt and took a long, deep sniff. The moment he realized what he had just done, he jolted awake, his handsome, severe face full of shock.
What was he doing?
Why was he smelling Xie Ning’s quilt like some kind of pervert?
But it really smelled so good…
Pei Zhi felt like he was about to go insane from the unbearable in-between state he was stuck in. He ended up burying his face straight into Xie Ning’s quilt and inhaling deeply again and again. The restless turmoil inside him seemed to be soothed by an invisible hand, and all at once he calmed down.
Then suddenly, alarm bells went off in his head.
Xie Ning, woken by the constant rustling of Pei Zhi turning over, slowly sat up in bed. His voice was thick with sleepiness as he asked, “Pei Zhi, can’t you sleep?”
