Wu Yan’s voice drifted into Pei Jin’s ears along with the warm air of the hairdryer. The fingertips resting on Pei Jin’s ear were slightly cool, but the warmth of their contact began to spread.
Pei Jin reached up to pull Wu Yan’s hand away, but the youth retracted it first, continuing to dry his hair as if nothing had happened.
“The rain is so heavy outside. Brother, don’t go back tonight, okay?” Wu Yan asked, his eyelashes lowered as he glanced at the torrential downpour outside the window.
Pei Jin opened his eyes and looked toward the window as well. Bean-sized raindrops hammered against the glass, clinging to the surface and sliding down in long, watery streaks.
“It’s not appropriate for me to stay here,” he said. It was a polite refusal, but his tone lacked the cold distance it once held.
The hum of the hairdryer suddenly ceased. Wu Yan moved to stand in front of Pei Jin, then crouched down to look up at him. His butterfly-wing lashes trembled as he softened his voice: “What’s inappropriate? Brother, you’re not still thinking about canceling the engagement, are you?”
He took Pei Jin’s hand and gave it a gentle, coquettish shake. “Just pity me, Brother. Like me a little more.”
This sentence was like a thunderclap in a clear sky, leaving the usually unshakeable Pei Jin flustered. He looked at the person half-squatting before him; the youth’s beauty was enough to bewitch anyone, yet he chose such a pitiful stance. He was asking for a little more care, a little more love.
“Wu Yan…” Pei Jin reached out and pulled Wu Yan up.
Wu Yan took the opportunity to sit right next to him, blinking as he waited for an answer.
“Do you really like me that much?” Pei Jin asked abruptly.
“Of course…” Before Wu Yan could finish, he froze. Pei Jin suddenly leaned in and pressed his lips against Wu Yan’s.
The kiss was as light as a dragonfly skimming the water, but it was he who had initiated it. For some reason, Wu Yan felt his body turn soft, as if he were floating. In that moment of shock, Pei Jin captured every bit of his reaction.
Pei Jin saw Wu Yan’s dazed expression and a faint, unnoticeable smile touched his eyes. He straightened up, putting a small distance between them, his voice low and husky: “What? Didn’t you say you liked me?”
“But you said you liked to take things slo—” Wu Yan started, but meeting Pei Jin’s teasing gaze, he bit his lip. “Pei Jin, are you playing with me?”
“I am not,” Pei Jin replied, shaking his head.
Wu Yan bit his lower lip, a flash of shy irritation in his eyes. He leaned in close until their noses nearly touched. “Then what did that kiss mean? Did you agree to be with me?”
Pei Jin stared at the person inches away. He raised a hand, his fingers grazing Wu Yan’s delicate skin, which quickly flushed a soft pink.
“Mhm. Let’s try,” Pei Jin’s voice was deep, gravelly, and undeniably sexy.
Hearing this, Wu Yan’s irritation vanished instantly. He wrapped his arms around the man’s neck, closing the gap further. “Then… kiss me again. A deep one this time.” He spoke as if he were merely asking for a piece of candy.
Pei Jin’s eyes darkened, and he let out an almost imperceptible sigh.
“Is that not allowed?” Wu Yan tilted his head, sounding pitiful.
Theoretically, even with someone he liked, Pei Jin wouldn’t do something so “out of line” so quickly. His upbringing and principles dictated restraint. But Wu Yan was too captivating; the flirtatious things he said were like oil poured onto a roaring fire.
“My passion has a time limit, Brother. Hurry up,” Wu Yan teased, twirling a lock of Pei Jin’s hair and sniffing it. “Brother, you smell like me now. Like a marked puppy, very…”
The kiss that cut him off was urgent and helpless. Pei Jin nipped lightly at Wu Yan’s lower lip half punishment, half release—prompting Wu Yan to open his mouth. Pei Jin’s tongue entered, sweeping through and plundering every bit of his breath.
Wu Yan gripped Pei Jin’s shirt tightly, his knuckles white from the effort. His body trembled slightly, his eyes turned a fiery red, and his breathing became a chaotic mess.
“Mhm…” Wu Yan couldn’t take it anymore; he tried to shrink back. But a second later, Pei Jin’s arm hooked around his waist, pulling him flush against him. Their body heat transferred through their clothes as the temperature in the room climbed, filled with the sparks of intimacy.
After a long time, Pei Jin finally let go. A thin, silvery thread of saliva connected them for a moment. Wu Yan’s eyes were hazy and he panted, “Brother, your kissing skills are so good. I bet the ladies you’ve done romantic scenes with really liked it…”
“Wu Yan,” Pei Jin warned.
Wu Yan stopped talking immediately. He shifted his gaze away, his lips swollen and red. Outside, the rain became even more unrestrained. In the distance, skyscrapers blurred behind the curtain of water, accompanied by a flash of lightning—a grand, lingering symphony of nature.
“Don’t be mean to me, I like it when you’re gentle…” Wu Yan looked down, his voice muffled.
Pei Jin, who had merely used a slightly heavier tone, had been unfairly accused. He looked at the youth’s wet lips. In the past, few things could sway his emotions, yet every word out of Wu Yan’s mouth seemed to hit his mark perfectly.
“Brother?” Wu Yan fluttered his lashes, thinking Pei Jin was truly angry. He was about to play the “pity” card when his gaze accidentally fell on Pei Jin’s trousers. Realizing something, he coughed and stood up abruptly. “I… I need to take my medicine.”
“Didn’t you take it this morning?” Pei Jin caught Wu Yan’s hand, pulling him back to his original spot.
Wu Yan: “I feel a bit short of breath. Maybe I need a couple more.”
He was short of breath because he forgot to breathe while kissing Pei Jin.
Even though Wu Yan intended to be with Pei Jin, he was actually afraid he wouldn’t be able to handle “doing it” so soon. Besides, he couldn’t let the man have him too easily. As the saying goes: “What you can’t get is always in turmoil; what you have isn’t cherished.” He had to wait at least until the engagement ceremony.
Pei Jin didn’t know what schemes were running through Wu Yan’s head, but he didn’t push further. He let go, allowing Wu Yan to hurry over to get some water. Wu Yan drank two glasses before stopping. He checked his phone and saw a long message from Gu Yanzhuo.
“Taking someone along personally…” he whispered, frowning.
Wu Yan sat back on the sofa and leaned back lazily. He looked out the window and said, as if by accident, “Brother, the rain is really coming down.”
Pei Jin followed his gaze, his light brown eyes deepening. “Mhm.”
“Let’s watch TV, okay?” Wu Yan suggested.
“Cartoons?” Pei Jin remembered the last two times he visited Wu Yan; the TV was playing either a yellow sponge or a pink pig.
“Cough, cough!” Wu Yan nearly choked on his soda. He shook his head. “Let’s watch that drama of yours that aired last month.”
Watching your own drama with someone you know requires a very strong psychological constitution—at least in Wu Yan’s opinion. Sure enough, Pei Jin was silent for two seconds. Wu Yan leaned over, grabbed the remote, and tuned in.
It was a criminal investigation drama! Pei Jin played a police officer. He looked handsome in uniform, which emphasized his tall stature and firm muscles. Wu Yan became engrossed in the plot, completely unaware that Pei Jin’s gaze was fixed on him.
Pei Jin watched Wu Yan’s focused expression, and an unconscious smile touched his lips. He pulled a blanket up to cover the youth. Wu Yan, frustrated by a plot point where a spy destroyed evidence, grumbled, “Can this person shake their brain around to see if it’s liquid before they speak?”
Pei Jin found it hilarious. He hadn’t realized Wu Yan’s tongue could be so sharp.
“Brother, what are you laughing at?” Wu Yan asked, turning toward him. “Nothing.” Pei Jin handed him his soda. “Do you like it?”
“Yeah! The character Qin Zhen is so cool. Brother, can you wear the uniform for me next time? And those handcuffs, the ones I bough—”
Wu Yan cut himself off and tried to play it off. “I mean, I think I saw them when I was buying clothes… but I didn’t buy them. No, definitely not.”
He looked like someone trying to hide a secret that was already out, but Pei Jin didn’t call him out.
Two hours later, Wu Yan felt a wave of drowsiness. “So sleepy, Brother. I’m going to nap for a bit.” He leaned against Pei Jin and fell asleep, using him as a human pillow.
Pei Jin brushed back the stray hairs from the youth’s face, not resisting the reliance. Wu Yan was doing it on purpose; he felt Pei Jin was like a human furnace in the cold winter.
However, while Wu Yan was comfortable, Pei Jin was suffering. Wu Yan had claimed he was a good sleeper, but that was a lie. As Wu Yan’s hand restlessly slipped inside Pei Jin’s shirt, the man gently moved it away only for it to slide back in seconds later.
“Really now…” Pei Jin sighed, looking at the peaceful sleeping face. He stopped moving the hand.
Wu Yan scooted closer, his warm breath fanning across Pei Jin’s clothes. The man felt a sudden surge of heat and his body tensed. Finally, he couldn’t take it. “If you’re awake, get up.”
Wu Yan let out a dissatisfied hum before blearily opening his eyes. “Brother?”
I should have known a Movie Star could tell I was faking, Wu Yan thought. He climbed off the man and asked, “Brother, did I make your arm go numb? Let me rub it for you.”
He reached out toward Pei Jin’s chest, but his hand was caught. “Wu Yan, are you done causing trouble?” Pei Jin looked at him, truly feeling he had the patience of a saint.
Wu Yan pouted. “I was wrong. Don’t be mad.”
The Outing
The rain had let up. “Brother, let’s go out for dinner. I saw a post about a very famous local restaurant in Qishan…” Wu Yan suddenly remembered Pei Jin’s home was actually in Qishan. “Brother, you lived here, so you must know all the best spots, right?”
Pei Jin’s thoughts drifted for a moment. Seeing Wu Yan’s expectant eyes, his heart softened. “Mhm. I know a few.”
They headed to an old district in Qishan City, full of ancient towns. Even in the rain, the restaurant was packed. The scent of food was intoxicating. A young man, likely the owner’s son, led them to the second floor, where tables were partitioned by windows overlooking the misty, lantern-lit streets.
Pei Jin ordered local specialties: Honey lotus root, Plum blossom cakes, Beef potstickers, and Duck blood vermicelli soup.
“The wind is strong.” Pei Jin closed the window. “I was only looking for a second…” Wu Yan turned back, but knowing the man was worried about his health, he didn’t complain.
The food arrived steaming hot. “Try it. See if it suits your taste.” Pei Jin gave him a piece of honey lotus root. He knew Wu Yan liked sweets.
Wu Yan took a bite. “Delicious!”
They chatted harmoniously until a group of female tourists arrived. One of them, a girl named Xiao Liang whom Wu Yan had seen at the mall, recognized them. She and her friends approached shyly.
“Excuse me… are you Teacher Pei?” “I can’t believe we ran into Brother Pei on vacation! Xiao Liang, do you have the photos?”
Pei Jin gave them a warm smile and signed their photos. Wu Yan watched with pride—if everyone loved Pei Jin, it just proved his own taste was excellent.
Xiao Liang leaned toward Wu Yan. “I remember you. Are you… a friend of Brother Pei?” Wu Yan thought for a moment. “I suppose we’re friends.”
The girls left soon after. Wu Yan turned to Pei Jin. “Brother has so many fans. I guess I’m quite ‘unique’ to be here with you.”
Pei Jin almost laughed. This Wu Yan was so different from the rumors.
The “Nightly Exercise”
Back at the hotel, Wu Yan checked a new message from Jiang Jingning. His expression darkened. “What is it?” Pei Jin asked. “Nothing. Just spam,” Wu Yan said, but his knuckles were white from gripping the phone. Does this plot line really have to find me?
As night fell, Wu Yan stood before Pei Jin. “Brother, shouldn’t we do some pre-sleep exercise?” Pei Jin raised an eyebrow. “What?”
Ten minutes later, they were in the living room following a video of Baduanjin (traditional qigong). “Strengthening the body,” Wu Yan coughed. “If I want to keep up with Brother, I have to exercise more. After all, I saw Brother’s… today.” He left the sentence unfinished, making it sound even more suggestive.
After working up a light sweat, Wu Yan went to shower. He realized he had forgotten his underwear and called out through the door. “Brother… I forgot my underwear. Can you get it? It’s in the black suitcase.”
Pei Jin found the suitcase and opened it. His eyes swept over the contents, and his ears turned red. He grabbed a pair of light blue ones with a penguin print—very fitting for someone who watches cartoons.
He knocked on the bathroom door. A pale, damp hand reached through a crack. “Give it to me,” Wu Yan whispered.
Wu Yan saw the penguin print and died inside. How did he find that specific pair? My reputation is ruined!
Warmth
When Wu Yan finally emerged, he saw Pei Jin staring at him. He pulled the man toward the bed. Wu Yan jumped in first.
“My blanket is fragrant, soft, and comfortable. Do you want to share?” “No need. I have my own,” Pei Jin said, coming out of the bathroom.
“But we’re together now, Brother. Sleeping under one blanket is warmer, of course.”
Wu Yan spoke with total confidence. He snatched Pei Jin’s separate blanket and stuffed it into a closet, then pulled Pei Jin into bed. He found a comfortable spot and closed his eyes.
The next morning, Wu Yan woke up completely entangled with Pei Jin, his leg hooked over the man. He squirmed a bit, then heard a muffled groan.
“!” He scrambled to get off, but accidentally poked the man’s waist. “I… I didn’t mean it!” He bolted for the bathroom.
Did I only touch his waist? I think I touched something else… Wu Yan hid his face in his hands.
When he finally came out, he saw Pei Jin checking his phone. “Are you leaving, Brother?” “No. I ordered breakfast.”
Wu Yan’s eyes lit up. “Brother, is the activity canceled again because of the rain?” “It moved indoors,” Pei Jin said, ruffling the youth’s hair. “Want to come?”
“I can be your assistant!” Wu Yan declared.
The Activity
They headed to an indoor stadium. Luo Xia saw them and pulled Pei Jin aside. “Brother Pei… why did he come along?” “He wanted to.” “But… there are so many people today. What if he causes a scene?” Luo Xia was worried. Pei Jin had always been so principled; how had he been “domesticated” in just one day?
Wu Yan watched them talk and huffed, but when Pei Jin looked back, he gave a sweet, harmless smile.
The event was a fan meeting and signing. Wu Yan sat in the stands, feeling a bit bored until he saw Ji Lan in a blue dress. She seemed to struggle with her long skirt, and Pei Jin helpfully reached out to lift the hem for her.
The next second, Ji Lan “tripped” right into his arms.
“That woman! She wants to create a ‘CP’ (couple) rumor with my Brother!” “Exactly! She had so much room, yet she squeezed toward him!” “I can’t take it; don’t stop me!”
The stadium was in chaos. Wu Yan frowned and stood up to go down, but someone suddenly bumped into him from behind. The momentum sent him flying forward. His waist slammed into a gray metal railing.
“Ouch…” Wu Yan’s vision blurred. He didn’t see who pushed him, but he knew it was a “plot enemy.” Being a cannon fodder really draws aggro.
The pain in his waist was a dull throb that turned into a burning sting. He sat on a nearby chair, his face pale. He was sure he’d have a massive bruise.
Pei Jin, finally finishing his signatures, scanned the crowd and saw Wu Yan looking pale and pained. “Teacher Pei, where are you going?” a staff member asked as he stood up.
He paused. He had a line of fans waiting, but his “new” boyfriend was hurting. “Sorry, I’ll be right back.”
Wu Yan was sitting in the stands when Pei Jin appeared. “Brother? Why are you here?”
Pei Jin touched Wu Yan’s forehead. He looked serious. “You’re a bit warm. Are you unwell?” Wu Yan smiled and pulled on Pei Jin’s staff pass, drawing him close. “Brother came because he was worried…”
“I got bumped… it hurts,” Wu Yan whispered pitifully. He tried to lift his shirt to show him, but Pei Jin caught his hand.
They went to a private lounge. Pei Jin sat him down and lifted the shirt. A large bruise stood out against the white skin.
“You hit your waist?” “Mhm. There might be other spots too. Look for me, Brother,” Wu Yan whispered. He exposed his back to Pei Jin—a dazzling white expanse of supple skin and elegant bone.
Pei Jin’s ear tips turned scarlet. “I’ll go find a first-aid kit…”
“Brother, you still have the event. Don’t let me ruin your work. I’ll endure it; it’s fine,” Wu Yan said, looking at the clock. He claimed he didn’t want to interfere, but his heart was full of sweetness.