A quiet bar called Jiusi Renjian.
“Chi. What made you call me out for drinks today? Don’t you usually avoid alcohol altogether?” Yan Yi raised a hand to order a special cocktail, then turned his head to glance at Bai Yunchi beside him.
Bai Yunchi held a glass of whiskey in his hand yet he didn’t drink it. He only stared at the amber liquid, eyes unfocused.
“I’m in a bad mood.” Even his voice sounded unusually heavy.
Yan Yi lifted a brow.
This friend of his was normally gentle, always carrying a faint smile. It was rare for him to feel down. Even the most troublesome matters at school were handled with calm efficiency. Yan Yi couldn’t help but wonder what could possibly weigh on him like this.
“Tell me about it.”
Bai Yunchi remained silent for a moment. He drained the whiskey in one go, then finally spoke, brows knitted together. “Lately, I keep dreaming about Yi’an.”
Those dreams were difficult to put into words. The first time he had them, he felt as though he were some kind of deviant. That was why he had deliberately distanced himself from Su Yi’an yet instead of easing his mind, the unease only grew worse.
Yan Yi’s eyes widened in shock. “Holy shit, bro, you’ve really gone gay, haven’t you?”
Bai Yunchi’s frown deepened. “Aside from dreaming about him, I don’t feel like anything about me has changed.”
Yan Yi looked at him with the expression one might reserve for a hopeless scoundrel. “What more change do you need? You’re already dreaming about doing all sorts of things with him, if that’s not liking someone, then what is?”
Seeing that his friend offered no rebuttal, Yan Yi was even more astonished.
Still, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. The reason his reaction was so dramatic was because Bai Yunchi had been single for thirty years. Now that the iron tree had finally blossomed, it was bound to be a spectacle.
He composed himself and patted Bai Yunchi on the shoulder. “Honestly, I noticed something was different about how you treated Xiao Su a long time ago. Haven’t you realized that the way you act toward him isn’t the same as with everyone else?”
“Let’s not even mention how attentive you are to him during meals. Just when you’re chatting together, your gaze practically never leaves Xiao Su.”
“If you want to know whether you like him, it’s simple. When you’re with him, are you happy? When you’re apart, do you feel reluctant? And when you’re alone with him, do you find yourself wanting to touch him? Think about it carefully.”
Bai Yunchi had never consciously noticed any of this because it all felt entirely natural yet Yan Yi’s words pulled him into quiet contemplation.
He didn’t have long to think, however, before Yan Yi suddenly pointed toward the bar counter ahead. “Hey, isn’t that Xiao Su over there?”
Bai Yunchi followed his gaze and immediately caught sight of the boy’s bright, radiant profile. Sitting across from him was a tall stranger and the two were chatting happily, clearly enjoying each other’s company.
Bai Yunchi’s expression turned cold in an instant, irritation bubbling up inside him.
“What are they talking about that’s got them smiling like that?” Yan Yi glanced sideways at his friend and speculated, “Don’t tell me that’s his boyfriend?”
Bai Yunchi’s face darkened further. Watching as the two leaned closer while talking, he loosened his tie, stood up and said, “Since we’ve run into them, let’s go over and say hello.”
“You go ahead. I’m going to the restroom.”
Yan Yi never went to the restroom. Instead, he turned a corner and slipped into a secluded corner, where Yang Jiayang and Song Xiangchen were already hiding, waiting for him.
Meanwhile, Su Yi’an spotted Bai Yunchi and looked genuinely surprised.
“Teacher Bai, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here.”
Bai Yunchi gave a small nod, then shifted his gaze toward the man beside him.
Bai Yunchi remained standing while Xie Chengye was seated and the difference in posture created an unspoken sense of dominance as he looked down at him.
Xie Chengye took the initiative and extended his hand. “Hello.”
Bai Yunchi didn’t move. Instead, he withdrew his gaze and asked Su Yi’an directly, his tone blunt, “Boyfriend?”
Su Yi’an hadn’t expected such straightforwardness. He froze for a moment. Seeing Bai Yunchi’s furrowed brows and dark, unfathomable eyes, his heart seemed to skip a beat.
“Teacher Bai’s face just went dark, that reaction means he definitely likes you!”
Yang Jiayang’s excited whisper crackled through the Bluetooth earpiece.
Su Yi’an jumped in fright. Afraid someone might hear, he pretended to rub his ear and quickly disconnected the earpiece.
His delayed response only worsened Bai Yunchi’s already sour mood.
“No, he isn’t. This is my friend, he’s here traveling,” Su Yi’an said, looking at Bai Yunchi, his heart still racing from Yang Jiayang’s words.
“Did you hear that? Just a friend.” Yan Yi’s voice came from behind as he poked Bai Yunchi’s shoulder with a finger.
Bai Yunchi’s dark eyes remained fixed on the boy. The irritation in his chest faded by more than half with that simple explanation and his tone softened noticeably.
But he still offered little warmth toward Xie Chengye.
“My apologies, I misunderstood,” he said to Xie Chengye. “This place turns into a nightclub after nine. An’an is still young; it’s not appropriate for him to stay here. I’ll take him home.”
Before Xie Chengye could reply, Su Yi’an had already grabbed his bag and stood up.
Xie Chengye looked helpless. He had planned to probe for information but judging from the tension between the two, it seemed unnecessary now.
After leaving the bar, Yan Yi waved goodbye to Bai Yunchi and departed.
Su Yi’an walked beside Bai Yunchi, nervously clutching the strap of his bag.
He raised his head, intending to observe the man’s expression, only to see Bai Yunchi glance at him briefly before looking away again. Embarrassed, Su Yi’an lowered his head and stared at his own toes, presenting nothing more than the soft, fluffy crown of his head.
Bai Yunchi watched the swirl of dark hair for a moment before speaking. “There’s a park nearby. Would you like to take a walk?”
Su Yi’an paused. He knew that park. Back when he worked at a design company, he often searched online for inspiration and had come across promotional images of the place. It was dubbed a romantic hotspot, a popular check in destination where countless couples visited every Valentine’s Day. Though the hype had faded recently, it was still a favorite dating spot for young lovers.
He looked at Bai Yunchi uncertainly. “Peach Blossom Lake?”
Bai Yunchi didn’t answer, only gazing at him with eyes brimming with quiet tenderness.
Su Yi’an felt that Teacher Bai’s gaze seemed different from before. Embarrassed to meet it directly, he pretended to adjust his hat and looked away.
“I’ve heard the night view there is beautiful. I’ve never been, have you, Teacher Bai?”
“No.”
A smile tugged at Su Yi’an’s lips. Turning his head slightly, he said, “Then let’s go take a look together.”
The park was close by; it took them less than ten minutes to walk there.
True to its reputation as a popular spot, Peach Blossom Lake was breathtaking beneath the night sky.
Su Yi’an strolled along the lakeside with his hands clasped behind his back, his attention completely captured by the scenery. He only snapped back to reality after accidentally bumping into a young couple walking toward them, hearing the boy’s sarcastic remark.
“What’s the point of being handsome? And the two of you sneaking around like this, it’s just disgusting.”
The girl looked delicate but she was clearly not someone who would suffer in silence. She shot back immediately, “How is it useless? Handsome men can be eye candy, unlike someone like you, whose face alone kills the appetite.”
The boy flushed with anger and tried to retort but she didn’t give him the chance.
“Not only are you ugly, you also can’t understand plain words. I already told you I don’t like you and never agreed to your pursuit yet you go around telling people I’m your girlfriend and even follow me around. Seriously, aren’t you being ridiculous? If you keep harassing me, I’m calling the police!”
She hadn’t lowered her voice at all. With Peach Blossom Lake crowded at night, her words quickly drew the attention of passersby. Embarrassed by the gathering stares, the boy glared at her before scurrying off in defeat.
“I’m sorry. He’s not right in the head. Please don’t take what he said earlier to heart.”
Su Yi’an hadn’t expected the girl to come over and apologize. He paused in surprise before replying, “There’s no need to apologize. It wasn’t your fault.”
The girl smiled warmly at him. Before leaving, she even remarked that the two of them looked well matched and wished them happiness.
“You misunderstood, we’re not- ”
Su Yi’an began to explain, only to be interrupted by Bai Yunchi.
“This is a law firm run by a friend of mine. If that man keeps bothering you, you can contact him for a free consultation.”
“Really? Thank you!” The girl’s face lit up with joy as she accepted the business card and walked away happily.
Su Yi’an stole a glance at Bai Yunchi, unable to stop his thoughts from wandering.
Had Teacher Bai interrupted him just now because he had tacitly acknowledged the misunderstanding between them? Or was he the one overthinking things?
✦ ✧ ✦
Fleurveil
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
A coffee offering has been placed before the translator altar. ✧
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · New neighborsChapter 2 · Let’s just wash it.Chapter 3 · Pretty little girlChapter 4 · It’s impossible for us.Chapter 5 · Not as handsome as Teacher BaiChapter 6 · Happy cooperationChapter 7 · Making breakfastChapter 8 · LostChapter 9 · He’s hopelessly in love.Chapter 10 · Three CloudChapter 11 · Am I Old?Chapter 12 · Victory celebration banquetChapter 13 · Power outrageChapter 14 · Online dating meetupChapter 15 · Am I really that bad?Chapter 16 · Boyfriend?Chapter 17 · ConcertChapter 18 · Use Privileges.Chapter 19 · A night AloneChapter 20 · Do You Like me?Chapter 21 · The End