IMPGS Chapter 72

Luo Jingshu’s gesture was a bit too intimate. Although the twins, not far away, couldn’t see clearly, they could still sense the ambiguous atmosphere between them.

Xiao Yixi looked like he wanted to step forward, but a single glance from Xiao Cheng rooted him to the spot.

Only when Xiao Yixi stopped moving did Xiao Cheng exhale in relief.

He slapped Luo Jingshu’s hand with enough force to leave the pale skin faintly red, the sharp sound ringing out crisply.

Xiao Cheng hadn’t held back at all, and seeing the redness deepen, he showed no hint of guilt. He had done it on purpose, intending to warn Luo Jingshu not to touch him so casually.

Luo Jingshu, with his thick skin and usual openness around Xiao Cheng, didn’t even flinch. In fact, had Xiao Cheng not pulled his hand back immediately, Luo Jingshu might have willingly extended his arm for more.

“You want to come with me?” Xiao Cheng almost laughed in disbelief, stunned by Luo Jingshu’s audacity. “What exactly are we to each other that you think you can tag along?”

He was attending a high school reunion, where attendees would likely include his old classmates. Some might bring their partners, but Xiao Cheng was certainly not among them.

Let alone the fact that Luo Jingshu wasn’t even his boyfriend.

What kind of impression would it leave if he brought Luo Jingshu along?

“I’m your dog,” Luo Jingshu declared, his tone so calm that his face didn’t redden in the slightest. He didn’t even lower his voice, speaking as if it were the most natural thing, unbothered by anyone overhearing.

He had self-awareness, at least, knowing Xiao Cheng didn’t hold him in much regard right now. He didn’t dare to claim himself as Xiao Cheng’s future boyfriend.

“My dog?” Xiao Cheng scoffed internally but raised an amused brow. “The dog I own is at home. What does that have to do with you?”

Luo Jingshu immediately thought of the photo Xiao Cheng had sent previously. He knew Xiao Cheng had gotten a puppy but wasn’t aware it was actually for Xiao Ziyue.

“Brother Cheng,” Luo Jingshu said with a smile. “I’ll try my best to get along with it.”

“At home, you can play with it. When you’re out, just take me with you.”

Xiao Cheng was momentarily stunned, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness.

He knew he’d never win an argument with Luo Jingshu. It wasn’t worth getting caught up in this back-and-forth.

But once again, Luo Jingshu had managed to surprise him. Was this man really vying for affection with a puppy?

In reality, Luo Jingshu knew he shouldn’t be clinging to Xiao Cheng like this. Xiao Cheng’s patience was limited and only existed when they were in a romantic relationship.

Yet, seeing Xiao Cheng’s lack of anger at his persistence, Luo Jingshu couldn’t help but push a bit further, testing Xiao Cheng’s boundaries.

“I haven’t agreed to ‘keep’ you,” Xiao Cheng said, slightly glancing at the twins, whose expressions seemed far from pleasant.

He licked his dry lips and asked Luo Jingshu, “Is this really what you wanted to talk about?”

Luo Jingshu had earlier presented such a serious front, making Xiao Cheng think it was significant. Was it just this?

“Isn’t it important?” Luo Jingshu’s lips curved slightly as he glanced at the twins too. “Have you forgotten who you were looking at so expectantly earlier when you couldn’t answer Xiao Yixi’s questions?”

Xiao Cheng rarely felt embarrassed, but he did now.

His earlier behavior had been entirely subconscious, something he hadn’t even realized himself.

He didn’t know how to explain it, so he simply maintained a stern expression, feigning seriousness.

“You’re mocking me?”

Luo Jingshu, usually losing his composure before Xiao Cheng, had taken a rare risk with his playful comment. The moment Xiao Cheng’s face darkened, Luo Jingshu immediately shook his head.

“I wouldn’t dare.” Luo Jingshu stepped closer, his tone carrying a hint of pleading. “Brother Cheng, please take me with you.”

And just like that, the conversation circled back to where it began.

Xiao Cheng didn’t know why, but looking at Luo Jingshu’s slightly red eyes, he suddenly asked, “What if I refuse to bring you? What will you do?”

Luo Jingshu didn’t hesitate. The moment Xiao Cheng finished speaking, he replied, “Then I’ll follow you.”

Xiao Cheng was silent for a moment, realizing Luo Jingshu wasn’t joking. He really would do it.

“Did you learn this from the twins?”

The approach was almost identical.

Like a dog marking its territory, loyally following its owner wherever they went.

Luo Jingshu, however, didn’t appreciate being compared to the twins. Although he disliked it, he said nothing, only furrowing his brows slightly.

“Brother Cheng, everything before was my fault. I was a jerk.” Luo Jingshu fixed his gaze on Xiao Cheng, his light-colored eyes reflecting Xiao Cheng’s image.

“Please give me a chance to make it up to you, okay?”

Xiao Cheng was silent for a while before speaking, his voice mingling with the whistle of the cold wind, making it hard to hear clearly.

“Not letting you follow me… doesn’t count as giving you a chance?”

He didn’t speak loudly, almost as if he was talking to himself.

Luo Jingshu seemed to sense Xiao Cheng’s softening attitude, his tone growing more eager. “That’s not what I meant. I just want to follow you, to please you.”

He didn’t hide his intentions; he had never planned to conceal them from Xiao Cheng.

He was trying to please Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng moved his lips, but ultimately didn’t contradict him.

“Then will you give me the chance to please you?”

Xiao Cheng fell silent at the humble tone in Luo Jingshu’s voice, his gaze falling on the redness around his eyes and the marks left on his forehead.

The boy in front of him was a few centimeters taller but looked at him with a cautious gaze. All his distress and insecurity were because of Xiao Cheng.

After a few minutes of silence, Xiao Cheng realized he had been fooled again by Luo Jingshu’s pitiful appearance.

This person was always good at pretending to be miserable in front of him. Xiao Cheng knew his tricks, yet he still fell for them every time and softened because of his pitiful expression.

“Are you playing the pity card with me again?”

Xiao Cheng tugged at his collar to keep the cold wind out. “Is that so?”

Luo Jingshu’s eyes began to redden, whether from the cold wind or Xiao Cheng’s words, and his voice trembled.

“Brother Cheng won’t soften toward me.”

Even if he pretended, it wouldn’t work.

His hoarse voice trembled slightly, and although the tears didn’t fall, they were still welling up in his eyes.

What Xiao Cheng had never admitted was that he had no way of dealing with Luo Jingshu when he was like this.

He didn’t know if it was old feelings still lingering or if he simply fell for this act.

Every time he saw Luo Jingshu’s eyes reddening, Xiao Cheng couldn’t help but want to wipe away the tears that hadn’t even fallen.

Even though he knew that sometimes Luo Jingshu was just pretending, he still couldn’t bring himself to scold him.

“You know I won’t soften, so stop crying.”

Xiao Cheng lowered his gaze, hesitated, then trailed off, unsure how to finish his sentence.

Luo Jingshu didn’t rush him. He simply stared at him with his red eyes, full of unspoken pleading and expectation.

After a long silence, Xiao Cheng closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath. “Fine, do whatever you want.”

He gave in.

Luo Jingshu’s eyes lit up with overwhelming joy, his fingers trembling as if he were about to place his hand on Xiao Cheng’s shoulder.

Before he could make the move, Xiao Cheng stepped back.

“But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.”

“Do you understand?”

Xiao Cheng’s words weren’t exactly an affirmative answer, but they still made Luo Jingshu incredibly happy.

He held the very thing he wanted in his hands, teasing the puppy, making it run back and forth while wagging its tail, begging for attention.

“I understand!” Luo Jingshu’s voice cracked with excitement, his eyes shining unnaturally bright.

Xiao Cheng sighed in relief, pushing aside his complex thoughts. “Alright, let’s leave it at that.”

“Shall we go have lunch?” Luo Jingshu licked his lips and asked.

He had already invited Xiao Cheng upstairs, but Xiao Cheng had flatly rejected him then.

“Sure,” Xiao Cheng nodded slightly.

After all, he had to stay out for the afternoon, and going home would be too time-consuming. He’d just find a restaurant to eat at.

Since he had already decided to bring Luo Jingshu along, having another meal didn’t matter.

Actually, Luo Jingshu wasn’t wrong; bringing him along wasn’t necessarily bad. Perhaps he could help with some problems.

Xiao Cheng thought this to himself, reluctantly accepting the reality.

Luo Jingshu, however, looked as if he had just struck a huge bargain. His smile was so wide it was almost foolish.

He rubbed his hands together, absentmindedly slipping them into his pockets, then took them out again after a few seconds.

His face was a picture of helplessness.

Xiao Cheng’s earlier irritation faded somewhat. He lightly curled his lips, thinking the word: “Silly dog.”

After the excitement faded, Luo Jingshu quickly calmed down.

“What about them?” Luo Jingshu’s gaze shifted to the twins, his expression becoming more guarded, with a hint of disdain and disgust.

“I’ll tell them,” Xiao Cheng said, taking a couple of steps toward the twins, then turning back to warn Luo Jingshu, “Don’t say anything unnecessary.”

Luo Jingshu didn’t expect his little scheming to be noticed. He could only give a smile and replied half-heartedly, “I’ll listen to Brother Cheng.”

Xiao Cheng snorted, not paying him any further attention.

Xiao Cheng said something to the twins, and their expressions darkened. Their gaze toward him was filled with clear hostility.

Luo Jingshu gave them a cold smile, one full of provocation.

But as soon as Xiao Cheng looked back, the smile turned into innocence and confusion, as if he didn’t understand why they were targeting him.

It was like a green tea act, written all over his face.

The twins were furious, but they didn’t rush to confront him since Luo Jingshu held the evidence in his hand.

Luo Jingshu didn’t care about them. He was simply trying to get under their skin.

Anyone who covets Brother Cheng in Luo Jingshu’s eyes deserves to die, let alone the twins who always cling to Xiao Cheng because of their status, not to mention the photos they sent last time…

Luo Jingshu’s gaze shifted to Xiao Cheng, and he coldly thought to himself, the twins have only been arrogant for a few days.

He knew Xiao Cheng had concerns, which is why he hadn’t dealt with the twins directly, fearing it would trouble Brother Cheng.

But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t handle the twins.

He might not be able to deal with Bai Yiheng for now, but he certainly had ways to deal with the twins.

Luo Jingshu remained silent, waiting quietly until Xiao Cheng waved at him.

Luo Jingshu quickly walked over and heard Xiao Cheng helplessly say, “Let’s go, we’re eating.”

Luo Jingshu’s eyes darkened slightly, and he softly asked, “Are they coming too?”

Before Xiao Cheng could answer, Xiao Yixi snorted coldly, looking displeased. “You’re coming too.”

Although the result was the same, the dynamics were completely different.

Luo Jingshu sneered inwardly but didn’t respond to him.

Xiao Yixi was confused when he heard Xiao Cheng’s impatient voice. “Enough, what’s there to argue about?”

“Are we eating or not?”

Xiao Yixi suddenly felt aggrieved as he realized that Xiao Cheng’s words were directed at him.

Arguing wasn’t a one-man show, why was Xiao Cheng only reprimanding him?

Finally, Xiao Yixi understood why Luo Jingshu hadn’t responded to him earlier. Apparently, this guy had already predicted Xiao Cheng’s reaction.

He silently guarded himself against Luo Jingshu, quickly stepping in front of the car door, “Brother Cheng, hurry up.”

But Luo Jingshu didn’t move, nor did he respond coldly to Xiao Yixi’s provocation. He just quietly looked at Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Yixi was even more confused by his reaction. He couldn’t figure out Luo Jingshu’s thoughts at all. Didn’t this guy just try to sit next to Brother Cheng?

Xiao Cheng felt like he was carrying three troublemakers. Xiao Yixi and Xiao Yinan were bad enough, but now Luo Jingshu was acting like a child too, arguing over little things.

“Xiao Yixi, you and Xiao Nan sit in the other car,” Xiao Cheng said.

Xiao Yixi’s expression immediately turned one of disbelief, filled with grievance. “Why?!”

Brother Cheng was being so biased!

Why could Luo Jingshu do it but he couldn’t?

“No reason. Are you going or not?”

Of course, it was because Xiao Yixi was too loud, with a thicker skin than Luo Jingshu, not caring about Xiao Cheng’s feelings.

Luo Jingshu, though he could be manipulative, never bothered Xiao Cheng when he was truly impatient.

But Xiao Yixi did. He never gave up until he got his way, even when he knew Xiao Cheng was reluctant.

Xiao Cheng had grown tired of him.

Realizing Xiao Cheng wasn’t joking, Xiao Yixi reluctantly walked toward Xiao Yinan, who, more attuned to Xiao Cheng’s moods, grabbed his arm. “We’ll do as you say, Brother Cheng.”

Xiao Cheng had a relatively good attitude toward Xiao Yinan because he spoke less and was more understanding of Xiao Cheng’s temper.

Once the twins relented, Xiao Cheng sighed in relief, his expression still showing traces of impatience as he said to Luo Jingshu, “Aren’t you getting in the car? Do you expect me to open the door for you?”

Luo Jingshu walked a few steps to the car, opened the door, and smiled at Xiao Cheng. “Brother Cheng, you go first.”

Xiao Cheng’s expression softened slightly.

Once he sat inside, Luo Jingshu walked around to the other side and sat beside him.

Seeing Xiao Cheng’s expression still not looking great, Luo Jingshu tried to reassure him.

“Brother Cheng, they won’t bother you for much longer.”

“I’ll handle them.”

Xiao Cheng held back his frustration but still couldn’t stop himself from coldly laughing, “Stop pretending.”

“Isn’t this what you wanted to see?”

Luo Jingshu had just pretended to be all innocent, waiting for Xiao Cheng to deal with the twins.

He let Xiao Cheng take on the bad guy role, and now he was here pretending to be the good one.

Luo Jingshu bit his lip, offering a somewhat flattering smile. He then stretched out one of his legs, placing it in front of Xiao Cheng, softening his voice, “Then punish me.”

Xiao Cheng glanced at him, said nothing, and kicked his calf hard. “Get lost!”

He was angry that Luo Jingshu used him to deal with the twins, even though Xiao Cheng didn’t particularly like Xiao Yixi and Xiao Yinan either.

At first, he hadn’t cared much about the twins, but Xiao Cheng had a particular personality. He especially hated being forced into things.

Xiao Cheng considered himself easy to get along with; he preferred to be coaxed rather than forced.

For the same matter, being sweet and begging him to do something would always have a much better effect than using force.

Xiao Yixi, on the other hand, lacked patience and would threaten Xiao Cheng after only a few words.

In comparison, Luo Jingshu was much smarter.

He understood that with Xiao Cheng’s personality, being coquettish or pretending to be pitiful in front of him was always more effective than forcing him.

The most direct proof was when he forced Xiao Cheng, he got fists and kicks. But when he softened his attitude and begged for Xiao Cheng’s forgiveness, Xiao Cheng would scold him, but never lay a hand on him.

The kick earlier didn’t count; that was him begging Xiao Cheng to punish him.

A footprint appeared on Luo Jingshu’s pants, but he treated it like a treasure, unwilling to wipe it off for a long time.

Xiao Cheng couldn’t stand it anymore and furrowed his brows tightly. “Can you be a little more hygienic?”

As if he hadn’t been the one to kick him.

Luo Jingshu silently exited the photo app and put his phone away. “I’ll clean it right away.”

Xiao Cheng eyed him suspiciously for a moment. “What were you doing just now?”

“Nothing.”

Just posted on WeChat Moments.

Wasn’t Xie Zhao the one who loved to do that?

It’s not like he didn’t know.

 

The group finally decided to eat hotpot.

When it came to grabbing a seat, Xiao Yixi failed to beat Luo Jingshu and could only sit across from the two of them with resentment.

Xiao Yinan, as always, didn’t participate in the competition. He seemed to have already predicted the outcome and silently sat beside Xiao Yixi.

Luo Jingshu felt incredibly happy today, almost as if the moment wasn’t real.

He had talked more to Xiao Cheng today than he had in the months after their breakup.

When it came time to order, all three of them automatically handed the menu to Xiao Cheng.

Luo Jingshu still remembered the incident last time when his carelessness caused Xiao Cheng to have an allergic reaction and end up in the hospital.

So this time, he carefully checked the menu, ensuring there was no issue, before finally feeling relieved.

Xiao Cheng noticed his actions and couldn’t help but pull at the corner of his mouth, though he didn’t speak.

“Is there anything you don’t eat?” the waiter asked before leaving, as the dipping sauce was prepared by the kitchen.

“I’m not picky,” Xiao Yixi said, giving Luo Jingshu a provocative glance.

He had noticed Luo Jingshu’s actions earlier and thought he was being picky.

Luo Jingshu ignored him, merely moving his lips, asking the waiter not to put scallions in the sauce, when Xiao Cheng spoke up, “There’s nothing he doesn’t eat.”

He glanced at Luo Jingshu with a faint smirk, clearly enjoying himself.

“He really loves scallions, so remember to add extra for him.”

He said this while looking directly at Luo Jingshu.

Luo Jingshu froze for a moment, then helplessly said, “Yeah, I eat them. Please add more.”

Brother Cheng still hadn’t calmed down.

Luo Jingshu went along with it, though when the bowl with extra scallions was served, his face visibly stiffened at the sight of the vibrant green color.

Xiao Cheng noticed that he hadn’t touched his chopsticks for a while and took the initiative to pick up a piece of beef for him. “Eat, why aren’t you picking anything?”

After placing the beef into Luo Jingshu’s bowl with public chopsticks, Xiao Cheng pressed down on his hand, forcing Luo Jingshu’s chopsticks to push the beef into the scallions.

After completing this series of actions, Xiao Cheng clearly had a smile in his eyes. He was eagerly watching Luo Jingshu, unable to hide his anticipation.

Luo Jingshu’s face stiffened, his hand gripping the chopsticks so tightly that the veins in his hand stood out, and his fingertips turned white.

He struggled to suppress the urge to gag, and under Xiao Cheng’s gaze, he picked up the beef.

“Eat,” Xiao Cheng urged him.

Xiao Yixi couldn’t understand their strange behavior. He was simply jealous that Luo Jingshu got food directly from Xiao Cheng.

“Some people get benefits and still try to act cute, I really don’t get what they’re pretending for.”

He spoke in a sarcastic tone, clearly mocking Luo Jingshu.

Xiao Cheng almost laughed out loud at Xiao Yixi’s words.

It was like he was assisting Luo Jingshu—now he had no excuse not to eat.

Luo Jingshu didn’t even think about refusing to eat; after all, Brother Cheng personally gave it to him. He was just mentally preparing himself.

Luo Jingshu never imagined that the Xiao Cheng, who once avoided buying scallion buns for him, would one day force him to eat scallions.

It was all too much to bear.

He stiffly shoved the piece of beef into his mouth, swallowing it without chewing much.

Even so, the taste of the scallions still overwhelmed him, and his eyes teared up. He struggled not to spit it out, his face pale and unable to say anything.

Xiao Yixi looked more and more uncomfortable. “Do you really need to make that face?”

It was just Xiao Cheng giving him a piece of beef, why was he tearing up like this?

Who was he acting for?

Xiao Cheng couldn’t stop laughing at Xiao Yixi’s words. He had never realized how much Xiao Yixi could argue.

Every word he said was hitting Luo Jingshu where it hurt.

It was hilarious!

Luo Jingshu’s face turned pale. “If you don’t shut up, no one will treat you as mute.”

He was so angry and confused that he probably wouldn’t have spoken so directly to Xiao Yixi on a normal day.

Xiao Yixi was even more displeased. “Did I say something wrong? Who are you crying for?”

Xiao Cheng almost expected him to call Luo Jingshu a “vixen.”

He had to hold back his laughter, his face flushed, eyes glistening with tears.

Luo Jingshu drank a big glass of water, feeling the taste in his mouth finally fading.

When he turned to look at Xiao Cheng’s smiling face, he couldn’t help but sigh.

Forget it, as long as Brother Cheng was happy.