Midnight, in the bedroom.
Wu Yan, lying in bed, restlessly tried to scoot toward Pei Jin. However, the man seemed to have learned his lesson; this time, he was wrapped as tightly as a Zongzi (rice dumpling). After several failed attempts to make contact, Wu Yan could only let out a helpless sigh and fall asleep obediently.
In his dazed state, he thought he heard a faint, nearly imperceptible sigh before his consciousness drifted into deep sleep.
The Morning Talk
At dawn, a light breeze swayed the sheer curtains. The pitter-patter of rain continued outside, sounding like a steady lullaby.
“Mhm…” Wu Yan rolled over, but his outstretched hand touched only cold, empty sheets. He froze for two seconds before slowly opening his eyes. Pei Jin was gone, leaving only a cold bed behind.
Through the half-open door, the sound of muffled conversation drifted in. Wu Yan kicked off the covers and walked barefoot to the door. The cold floor sent a chill through his body. He peeked through the crack to see what was happening outside.
He could clearly see Pei Jin sitting with his back to him, facing a bitter-looking Luo Xia on the opposite sofa.
“Brother Pei, regarding Miss Ji’s invitation…” Luo Xia looked conflicted, hesitating to continue. “Just tell her I’m busy,” Pei Jin said concisely.
“Alright. And regarding Miss Wen, do you need to look over the contract?” Luo Xia took a sip of iced Americano before adding, “I’ve checked it; there aren’t any issues.” “Just mail it to her directly.” When Pei Jin mentioned Wen Luo, his usually calm eyes finally showed a flicker of emotion.
Wu Yan couldn’t see Pei Jin’s face, but he tried to judge the man’s state by his tone. What contract is this? he wondered, his brow furrowing.
“For the next movie, bring her along,” Pei Jin said softly. “Okay. I’ll talk to President Qin. I’ll pick her up once everything is arranged.” Luo Xia nodded. He was always attentive to Pei Jin’s words, especially since he liked Wen Luo himself.
Wu Yan’s heart filled with doubt. He leaned closer to hear more, but the floor was too cold. He retreated to the bed, covering himself until his feet warmed up. Just as he was wondering how to make his “grand entrance,” the door opened.
“Brother,” Wu Yan called out obediently. His voice was soft with sleep.
Pei Jin gripped the door handle, staring at the youth in bed. Fragments of last night flashed through his mind. He forced himself to stay focused. “Get up and eat breakfast.”
The Best Medicine
Wu Yan followed Pei Jin out. Luo Xia, seeing Wu Yan emerge from the bedroom, looked surprised but was essentially immune to the shock by now. “Morning,” he greeted.
Wu Yan nodded. His gaze shifted to the unopened insulated bag, then back to Pei Jin. “Brother, do you not have work today?”
“The rain is too heavy; the event was canceled,” Luo Xia explained first. Pei Jin gave a slight nod in confirmation.
“That’s great! I mean… what a shame,” Wu Yan corrected himself quickly with a cough.
They sat down to eat. Wu Yan sipped on green vegetable and mushroom porridge, looking exceptionally well-behaved. Luo Xia soon made an excuse to leave, leaving the two of them alone.
Wu Yan set down his spoon and propped his chin on his hand, admiring the sight of Pei Jin eating a sandwich. His gaze was so direct that Pei Jin felt unnatural. The man wiped his fingers with a tissue and threw it away.
“Brother, I discovered an island today. It’s called ‘Infatuated with you’’.” Wu Yan suddenly dropped a “cheesy” pick-up line.
Pei Jin froze, looking at him with a complex gaze. “It’s raining outside. You can go back when the rain lets up.”
“I can’t do that…” Wu Yan wanted to stay, but he realized his medicine was back at his own hotel. He pouted. “Brother, I haven’t taken my meds yet.”
It was common knowledge in their circle that Wu Yan was born with a weak constitution and a condition with no known cure. He relied on expensive, specialized medicine to sustain his life. As his fiancé, Pei Jin knew this well.
“The wind is strong outside,” Pei Jin frowned. “Where is your medicine? I’ll go get it for you.”
“But even if I take it, I’ll still have to go back… unless Brother agrees to let me stay here forever.” Wu Yan fluttered his lashes, sounding fragile. “Don’t bother, Brother. I’ll head back myself.”
Xu Yike was “away.” Wu Yan was alone in a strange city and in poor health. If something happened…
“I’ll take you back,” Pei Jin said after a long silence. “Really? Brother, you’re too good to me!” Wu Yan stood up and hugged him with joy.
The Delivery
The sky was a dismal gray. By the time they reached Wu Yan’s hotel, even with an umbrella, they were nearly soaked through. Pei Jin was in the worst state; water dripped from his clothes as if he had been pulled from a lake.
Wu Yan, who had been shielded, only had a damp hem. He hurried Pei Jin into the bathroom. “Brother, take a hot shower quickly so you don’t catch a cold.” He stuffed a fresh bathrobe into the man’s hands and shut the door.
Wu Yan took his medicine with warm water, listening to the sound of ruffling clothes and then the shower. He recalled the “view” from the previous night. He looks so… big. I wonder if I can handle it. He shook his head to clear the “naughty” thoughts.
“Wait…” He realized he hadn’t given Pei Jin any underwear. The man would have to come out “commando.”
Wu Yan’s face flushed. He quickly messaged Luo Xia for Pei Jin’s sizes and called a delivery service, adding a massive tip of 666 yuan to ensure speed. Money truly made the world go round; soon, a delivery rider in a raincoat arrived with a dry paper bag.
Wu Yan took the bag to the bathroom and knocked. The door opened a crack. “Clothes,” Wu Yan coughed.
Pei Jin, hair dripping with water, reached out a hand. Wu Yan stared at his muscular, well-defined forearm. He met the man’s gaze and whispered, “Brother, take them quickly. I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold myself back in a moment.”
Pei Jin’s expression shifted, and he slammed the door shut. Wu Yan suppressed a laugh. He’s actually quite pure.
The Red Ears
Three minutes later, the door opened. “Do they fit, Brother?” Wu Yan asked. “Mhm. How did you know my size?”
“I asked your manager. I didn’t even dare take off the tags in case you misunderstood,” Wu Yan explained seriously. Pei Jin looked moved for a split second. “Have you taken your medicine?”
“Yes.” Wu Yan stepped forward, looking at Pei Jin’s dripping hair. “Brother, let me blow-dry your hair.” “No need,” Pei Jin refused.
Immediately, Wu Yan deflated like a wilted flower. “I thought we were at least friends… I didn’t expect Brother to still be so cold to me.” He sounded like he was about to cry.
Pei Jin sighed helplessly. “I didn’t mean it like that.” “Then you agree?” Wu Yan looked up with red-rimmed eyes and a spark of joy.
Pei Jin allowed himself to be pushed onto the sofa. Wu Yan plugged in the dryer. As the warm wind blew, Wu Yan’s fingers moved gently through the damp hair. Standing behind the sofa, he could see the tips of Pei Jin’s ears turning scarlet.
He reached out and pinched an earlobe. “Brother, your ears are so red. They look like they’re about to bleed.”