Xiao Cheng knew that for someone who didn’t like eating scallions, swallowing a full mouthful of them was a huge torture.
He could tell from Luo Jingshu’s expression.
Although Luo Jingshu was doing his best to maintain his calm in front of him, the muscles in his face were tightly clenched, his brows furrowed, and his gaze was darting around.
At first, Xiao Cheng thought he was just holding it in, but later realized that Luo Jingshu was so disgusted that he didn’t even want to look at it.
Luo Jingshu’s gaze kept sweeping around, but never once did it land on the bowl full of scallions.
Xiao Cheng couldn’t help but want to laugh, his throat itching from holding it in. Luo Jingshu’s face looked like it had been dusted with rouge, pale white with a faint blush.
But all of Luo Jingshu’s discomfort turned into intense feelings of affection whenever his gaze met Xiao Cheng’s smiling face.
He slightly held his breath, ignoring the discomfort, and simply stared intently at Xiao Cheng.
Luo Jingshu thought he might be going crazy.
He actually had the impulse to eat the entire bowl of scallions.
If it meant earning Xiao Cheng’s smile.
It almost seemed worth it.
Luo Jingshu felt like he might do it.
Xiao Cheng, however, stopped trying to make it harder for him and whispered, “Let the waiter change it for you.”
He was irritated by Luo Jingshu’s earlier manipulation, but even more so with himself for knowing exactly what Luo Jingshu was thinking, yet still going along with it to teach Xiao Yixi a lesson.
Luo Jingshu’s pushiness was something he had allowed.
Xiao Cheng wasn’t sure why, but his cheeks turned even redder.
He didn’t want to admit his favoritism toward Luo Jingshu.
But his favoritism was so obvious that anyone could see it.
Xiao Yixi’s dissatisfaction and jealousy were the best proof of that.
Luo Jingshu immediately suppressed the thought of eating the scallions, realizing that Xiao Cheng was concerned about him, even though Xiao Cheng deliberately maintained a stern expression, as if it was just a casual remark.
“Are you really going to change it?” he asked in a low voice, staring fixedly at Xiao Cheng. It seemed that as long as Xiao Cheng shook his head, he could continue enduring the discomfort and eat the scallions.
Luo Jingshu had always known how to use his advantages, aware that Xiao Cheng liked his face, so he intentionally leaned in a bit, lowering his voice to be soft and gentle.
Xiao Cheng had never thought of himself as a person who was sensitive to voice, but he couldn’t deny that Luo Jingshu’s voice at that moment sent a shiver down his spine.
His voice had always been pleasant, but at this moment, it made his heartbeat quicken.
Xiao Cheng’s ears turned bright red, and a tickling sensation spread through them.
If it weren’t for the presence of others, and the fear that Luo Jingshu would tease him, Xiao Cheng would have wanted to rub his ears.
Luo Jingshu must have noticed that his ears were red, and in fact, it didn’t take much observation—both the twins across from them saw it clearly.
Xiao Yixi, in particular, couldn’t understand. Wasn’t Luo Jingshu just saying a simple sentence? What was Xiao Cheng so shy about?
Xiao Cheng almost wanted to curse Luo Jingshu for being so scheming, but he also felt that the atmosphere was unusually ambiguous. Even over something as trivial as this, Luo Jingshu sought his approval, like a submissive pet—wasn’t he usually fierce?
Xiao Cheng thought for a long time, then suddenly realized that he had actually been thinking of himself as the “wife” in the situation, and surprisingly, he didn’t find it strange at all. He had spent quite some time daydreaming along those lines.
He might be losing his mind.
Xiao Cheng became angry and embarrassed, kicking Luo Jingshu’s calf under the table, “If you want to change it, just change it. Why ask me?”
Luo Jingshu’s leg was kicked twice, the imprint on his calf wiped away and replaced.
He held back a laugh, not wanting to provoke Xiao Cheng further. He covered his lips and lightly cleared his throat.
“Then I’ll change it.”
The piece of beef he had just eaten had already been his limit.
Luo Jingshu hated scallions so much that just the smell made him nauseous, let alone the piece of beef that Xiao Cheng had purposely dipped in them using his chopsticks.
Only Xiao Cheng could make him abandon his principles. If it were anyone else, Luo Jingshu would have thrown his chopsticks by now.
No, if it were anyone else, this bowl of scallions wouldn’t even have appeared on the table.
Xiao Yixi finally understood. So, Luo Jingshu didn’t like eating scallions, and Xiao Cheng was intentionally disgusting him.
No wonder, when they ordered earlier, Brother Cheng had asked the waiter to add more scallions to Luo Jingshu’s dish. Xiao Yixi had been annoyed about that for a while.
He felt that Xiao Cheng clearly remembered Luo Jingshu’s preferences, even showing them off in front of others. Isn’t that just showing that he still liked him?
At this moment, when he saw Luo Jingshu ask the waiter to take the bowl of scallions away, Xiao Yixi felt a bit more at ease.
If he had known earlier, he would have had Xiao Cheng add more food to Luo Jingshu’s bowl, hoping that he would be disgusted and unable to eat.
But Xiao Yixi noticed that Xiao Yinan’s face was growing increasingly ugly. The more Xiao Cheng behaved this way, the more it highlighted how close he was to Luo Jingshu.
If Brother Cheng truly disliked someone, he wouldn’t waste time intentionally being mean to them.
Besides, what Brother Cheng had done wasn’t even really being mean; he was openly bullying Luo Jingshu.
But even in bullying, he didn’t go all the way.
He only made Luo Jingshu eat a piece of meat, then immediately had the scallions removed.
It was like a little kitten scratching its owner when it was upset.
After scratching, he even sticks out his tongue to lick the wound, as if afraid his master might feel hurt.
The more Xiao Yinan thought about it, the worse he felt. He truly believed that he and Xiao Yixi no longer had a chance.
Although Xiao Cheng often said that he wouldn’t get back together with Luo Jingshu, and frequently acted annoyed by him, his actions and expressions had already betrayed him.
He could be stubborn with his words, but his unconscious reactions were impossible to deceive.
Luo Jingshu saw through this and kept pushing, trying everything to test Xiao Cheng’s limits.
It seemed like Xiao Cheng had also found enjoyment in this dynamic. He even thought that it was more interesting than the previous times when he had chased after Luo Jingshu.
Being a “licking dog” and raising a dog were two different things.
Xiao Cheng knew Luo Jingshu wasn’t a good person. No matter how innocent he pretended to be, his underlying madness and obsession couldn’t be hidden.
But no matter how crazy he got, there was always a leash around his neck, and the other end of that leash was in Xiao Cheng’s hands.
Xiao Cheng realized he might have been influenced by Luo Jingshu. He actually felt pleasure from this unhealthy relationship. Sometimes, Xiao Cheng even seemed to understand Luo Jingshu’s perspective.
People who lack security always try to hold on tightly to what they have, using any means necessary.
Xiao Cheng might have developed a psychological scar from being deceived by Luo Jingshu. No matter how much Luo Jingshu acted like he loved him, Xiao Cheng would always doubt his intentions.
The best way to protect himself was to control the other person, to always stay in the dominant position in this relationship.
That way, even if Luo Jingshu deceived him again in the future, Xiao Cheng wouldn’t be hurt as badly.
Xiao Cheng had thought a lot about the small incident earlier. He was actually reflecting on the meaning behind his own actions.
When analyzing oneself, people are often influenced by their own thoughts, but even so, Xiao Cheng could still see his own hesitation.
Anyone could tell that he was biased toward Luo Jingshu.
Xiao Cheng secretly glanced at Luo Jingshu, who was holding the serving chopsticks, carefully picking food from the pot.
A few seconds later, a large spoonful of meat fell into Xiao Cheng’s bowl.
Xiao Cheng suddenly realized that he hadn’t actively served himself food much during the meal. Except for the piece of beef he had served to Luo Jingshu earlier, the rest of the time, he just quietly ate, and people would serve him food naturally.
Luo Jingshu observed very carefully. As soon as Xiao Cheng glanced at a dish, Luo Jingshu knew exactly what he wanted.
In some ways, Luo Jingshu was quite thoughtful.
Xiao Cheng looked away, and the corner of his mouth involuntarily lifted.
But that was just the basics, it couldn’t be considered a real test.
He felt like he was getting worse. It was strangely enjoyable to keep someone hanging like this.
Watching him go crazy for him, seeing his eyes turn red and voice become hoarse because of one word, or the foolish smile that appeared from just one careless gesture.
Having someone’s emotions in the palm of his hand really satisfied his desire for control.
Luo Jingshu didn’t eat much. Perhaps the piece of beef he had eaten earlier ruined his appetite. After that, he only drank a few cups of water and ate two pieces of vegetables, and didn’t touch his chopsticks again.
The person who seemed to enjoy the meal the most was probably Xiao Cheng.
When he tensed his body, the shape of his abdominal muscles became very obvious, beautifully toned and flexible, and the lines of his waist were slim yet strong.
After he was full, his stomach slightly bulged, and when he rubbed it, it felt soft, though the abdominal muscle shape was no longer visible.
Xiao Cheng rubbed it several times and muttered softly, “I’m so full.”
It was all Luo Jingshu’s fault for serving him too much. He didn’t feel it at first, but now, as he sat, his stomach felt uncomfortably stuffed.
Luo Jingshu took the coat that was hanging over the back of the chair and looked down at Xiao Cheng’s waist and abdomen.
“Is your stomach not feeling well?”
Xiao Cheng didn’t give him a single look. He adjusted his collar and turned to walk out.
Luo Jingshu hurriedly followed him, walking half a step behind Xiao Cheng. With his height, he could easily see all the expressions on Xiao Cheng’s face.
Xiao Cheng’s soft lips had turned a deeper red, not only because of the hotpot but also because he always wiped his mouth with force, leaving a rosy mark from the napkin.
Luo Jingshu gazed at him intently, his throat dry as he swallowed, his eyes showing a hint of greedy desire.
But in the next moment, that look turned into pure concern and confusion.
“Why is Brother Cheng upset again?”
He spoke in a patient and gentle tone, as if coaxing a child.
As soon as Xiao Cheng heard that tone, he got angry. He elbowed Luo Jingshu’s abdomen, “Don’t get too close to me.”
Once he was full, he acted like he didn’t know him.
Luo Jingshu silently curled his lips, his eyes reflecting Xiao Cheng’s figure, making his gaze appear even deeper and more tender.
“Did I upset Brother Cheng?”
He asked knowingly.
Xiao Cheng didn’t feel like he was throwing a tantrum, but after being coaxed by Luo Jingshu, he did feel a bit embarrassed.
“Do you think I’m a little girl?”
He had never been this childish when coaxing Xiǎo Zǐyuè.
“No.”
Luo Jingshu chuckled. How could he see Xiao Cheng as a little girl? No one knew better than him exactly what kind of person Xiao Cheng was.
As soon as Xiao Cheng stepped outside, the heat from his body was swept away by the cold wind, turning into a shiver of cold.
He borrowed his coat from Luo Jingshu, quickly putting it on and zipping it up.
“Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m upset?”
Xiao Cheng glanced at him. “Because you’re too close.”
Couldn’t Luo Jingshu stay a little farther away from him? Why did he always have to press so close, like there were no bones in his body, always making sure his shoulder was touching Xiao Cheng’s.
Luo Jingshu put on that familiar innocent expression. “I don’t want to annoy Brother Cheng, but I just can’t help it.”
Xiao Yixi, who was trailing a few steps behind them, overheard and couldn’t help but scoff. “What are you pretending for?”
His words immediately shattered the ambiguous atmosphere between Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu.
“If you know you’re annoying, just leave already. Do you need me to help you call a cab?”
Did Brother Cheng really like this fake, pretentious green tea type?
Xiao Cheng almost laughed. He hadn’t realized before, but Xiao Yixi had quite the talent for sarcasm. Every word he said was so funny.
Especially those jabs at Luo Jingshu today—every sentence was sharp and biting.
Luo Jingshu didn’t want to bother with him. There was no point arguing with someone who didn’t stand a chance.
Besides, sometimes the person who stays silent has the upper hand.
Brother Cheng didn’t like noise around him, and someone like Xiao Yixi would never earn Xiao Cheng’s favor.
Sure enough, after a moment, Xiao Cheng interrupted Xiao Yixi.
“Alright, you two go back. I have something else to do.”
“And him?” Xiao Yixi immediately looked at Luo Jingshu. “He’s not coming with you, is he?”
Xiao Cheng’s expression was serious. “What does it matter where he goes?”
Luo Jingshu smiled to himself but played along with Xiao Cheng’s act, purposely drooping his lips in a sad, helpless manner.
Xiao Yixi believed him. “Then you’re not allowed to be alone with him.”
Xiao Cheng waved him off. “Go back already.”
He watched as the twins’ car pulled away and disappeared into the traffic.
Xiao Cheng sighed in relief.
“Brother Cheng really doesn’t like them.”
Luo Jingshu understood this well but couldn’t help feeling pleased with Xiao Cheng’s attitude.
There was something endlessly satisfying about watching a rival suffer.
Xiao Cheng ground his teeth. “I don’t like you either.”
Luo Jingshu knew he was just trying to provoke him, but when he heard those words, he still clenched his fist, the muscles in his arm tightening. His eyes darkened with an unreadable emotion.
He cared about every word Xiao Cheng said. Even if it was just a joke, Luo Jingshu would feel hurt by it.
But soon, Luo Jingshu adjusted his mood, fixing his gaze on Xiao Cheng, like a hunter eyeing his prey. “It’s fine. I just like Brother Cheng.”
Xiao Cheng felt that awkward sensation again and frowned as if to cover it up.
“Isn’t it annoying for a grown man to always talk about how much he likes someone?”
It was as if he wasn’t the one who was flustered by the words.
Luo Jingshu hummed and asked, “Where are we going next?”
“To get a haircut.”
The class reunion was set for 5 p.m., but it was only 1 p.m. now, so Xiao Cheng planned to get a haircut first.
He hadn’t really taken care of his hair for a while, and it had grown longer than usual. The front strands were a little too long and kept falling into his eyes.
Luo Jingshu actually liked Xiao Cheng’s current hairstyle. This look gave Brother Cheng a kind of gentleness that made him feel calm and stable, even without saying a word.
The strands of hair that hung by his cheek would sometimes cover half of his face, and Luo Jingshu had wanted to brush them away several times, but each time his hand was raised, he stopped himself.
Xiao Cheng didn’t really like the style. If he didn’t spend time styling his hair in the morning, one of the strands would stick out awkwardly.
He had tried fixing it several times, but it was too much of a hassle, so he decided to just cut it short.
Luo Jingshu would definitely follow him.
While Xiao Cheng was getting his haircut, Luo Jingshu sat on the couch next to him, flipping through a magazine but not really reading it. Every once in a while, he would glance over at Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Cheng increasingly felt like this scene resembled a wife getting her hair done with her husband waiting beside him.
Before Xiao Cheng transmigrated, same-sex marriage wasn’t legalized in his original world, and many people didn’t even know what homosexuality was. Xiao Cheng rarely saw same-sex couples openly showing affection in public.
This world, however, was much more inclusive, and Xiao Cheng was incredibly grateful for that.
Even if he saw same-sex couples holding hands or kissing in public, people would only give them playful and friendly glances.
It was like right now, when the barber even jokes, “Your boyfriend is really handsome, but of course, you’re handsome too.”
There were many same-sex couples, but couples as good-looking as them were rare.
Xiao Cheng pressed his lips together. He should have explained something, but for some reason, the words just didn’t come out.
Luo Jingshu glanced over again, this time his gaze falling on the barber. His eyes were dark, and there was a sharp, cold aura in his stare.
The barber quickly shut his mouth, but after a moment, he couldn’t resist and whispered softly in Xiao Cheng’s ear, “Your boyfriend really has a big jealousy streak.”
He had just said a few words to the young man, and his language and actions had been completely normal.
Of course, the barber wanted to explain himself, claiming he was really a straight man.
He admitted that Xiao Cheng was good-looking, and even through a straight man’s eyes, he couldn’t find any fault. However, he didn’t like men. Moreover, Xiao Cheng was just a customer in the store; he wasn’t some creepy guy.
Xiao Cheng couldn’t move his head, so he could only glance at Luo Jingshu from the corner of his eye.
Luo Jingshu, however, noticed his gaze instantly and flashed him a sweet smile.
Still acting.
Xiao Cheng closed his eyes.
After getting his hair cut, Xiao Cheng looked in the mirror for a while and felt quite satisfied.
He had been sitting for too long. After quickly admiring the cut, he turned and headed for the bathroom.
Luo Jingshu put down the magazine, uncrossed his long legs, and stood up, following Xiao Cheng’s lead.
Taking advantage of Xiao Cheng’s absence, Luo Jingshu walked a few steps to the barber and asked, “What did you two talk about earlier?”
The barber hesitated. “I just told him that ‘your boyfriend is really handsome’.”
His gaze was fixed on Luo Jingshu, clearly implying that the ‘boyfriend’ he was talking about was someone in particular.
Of course, he had left out the jealousy part.
Luo Jingshu showed a surprised expression, and the intense aura around him dissipated immediately, his demeanor becoming somewhat awkward.
His eyes were filled with anticipation. “What… did he say?”
The barber answered, “He didn’t say anything.”
He was baffled, not understanding why this young man’s eyes suddenly brightened at hearing that sentence.
What was there to be so happy about?
When Xiao Cheng came out, Luo Jingshu was still acting excited, like a small dog, bouncing around him, unable to hold in his excitement.
“Did you take some kind of medicine?” Xiao Cheng looked confused. Luo Jingshu was acting just like an excited dog, circling him, almost wagging his tail.
Did something happen while he was in the bathroom?
“Brother Cheng.” Luo Jingshu licked his lips, his eyes slightly red, his breath unsteady.
“What did you say to that guy earlier?”
Xiao Cheng seemed to understand, thinking that the barber hadn’t sold him out, right? His silence had been a little strange, almost like he had implied that Luo Jingshu was his boyfriend.
Xiao Cheng thought to himself that he was just too lazy to explain things to people who didn’t understand, not that he had tacitly accepted the boyfriend label.
“He said you looked pretty good.”
Luo Jingshu was already breathing heavily, his voice sounding like he had just done something. It was hard to tell if he was doing it on purpose.
Xiao Cheng almost wanted to stuff something in his mouth to shut him up.
“Was that all?” Luo Jingshu’s eyes were unnaturally bright, his gaze burning as it locked onto Xiao Cheng.
“That’s it.” By the time Xiao Cheng spoke, they had already reached the car door.
Xiao Cheng opened the car door, cutting off the words Luo Jingshu hadn’t finished. “If you ask again, don’t follow me.”
So unreasonable.
Luo Jingshu chuckled lowly, “Okay.”
His voice was almost inaudible, answering with a breathy tone, “Boyfriend.”
Xiao Cheng didn’t catch what he said, and after getting in the car, he looked up at him, “What did you say?”
“I said, I’ll listen to you.” Luo Jingshu walked around to the other side of the car, his mood clearly lifted.
Xiao Cheng felt completely puzzled. This person seemed to have taken some kind of stimulant. Was he really that happy?
It took about forty minutes to drive from the barber shop to the restaurant for the gathering, and they arrived ten minutes before the scheduled time.
Xiao Cheng couldn’t help but feel nervous. Even though he had looked over the information on his classmates beforehand, he was still worried he wouldn’t be able to handle everything.
Luo Jingshu seemed to sense what he was thinking and placed his palm lightly on Xiao Cheng’s waist, gently patting it. “It’s okay, I’m here.”
Xiao Cheng suddenly turned to look at him and scolded, “Stop touching me!”
However, his nervous and restless emotions immediately dissipated.
Luo Jingshu took the opportunity to get a little closer, his smile barely concealed.
As they walked side by side, they turned a corner and unexpectedly ran into a young girl.
“Xiao Cheng!”
“You really came!”
Xiao Cheng recognized her as a classmate from his class. He nodded in acknowledgment, “Long time no see, Happy New Year!”
“Happy New Year!” The girl’s gaze quickly swept over Luo Jingshu and she soon noticed the possessive and controlling way Luo Jingshu was acting toward Xiao Cheng.
Though he lagged half a step behind Xiao Cheng, his movements made it clear he was shielding Xiao Cheng, like a silent guard watching over his master.
“Is this your boyfriend?”
Luo Jingshu also slightly held his breath, waiting for Xiao Cheng’s answer.
“No, just a friend.” Xiao Cheng coughed and quickly changed the subject, “How many people are already inside?”
The girl didn’t press further and followed his lead in the conversation.
Luo Jingshu, however, remained silent the entire time, watching Xiao Cheng.
When they parted ways, the girl looked at their backs and touched her nose.
“Looks like they are a couple after all.”
Why else would he bring him to the class reunion?
In the hallway, it was just Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu, both remaining silent.
Xiao Cheng glanced at Luo Jingshu without showing any expression. Could he be upset over what he had said earlier?
What was there to be upset about? They weren’t even a couple. Did Luo Jingshu forget that he hadn’t agreed to get back together?
Or had he been indulging Luo Jingshu too much lately, allowing him to forget who the boss was?
He even said he wanted to be his dog, but where was the dog who got so upset so easily?
He wasn’t sincerely trying to be his dog, and all those words were probably just to deceive himself.
The more Xiao Cheng thought about it, the more upset he became. He hadn’t even gotten angry at Luo Jingshu, and yet Luo Jingshu was already throwing tantrums.
It was fine when he was the one chasing Luo Jingshu, but now that Luo Jingshu was chasing him, why was the one who was being pursued throwing a bigger tantrum?
Who was the one chasing? He was spoiling him too much.
Xiao Cheng’s face darkened, clearly unhappy.
Luo Jingshu had thought about it for a long time and finally decided that the girl from earlier had nothing to do with Brother Cheng. For now, he could let his guard down.
He silently sighed in relief and turned to look at Xiao Cheng. “Brother Cheng, I…”
Xiao Cheng suddenly interrupted coldly, “If you don’t like it, then get lost!”
“Don’t stand there and block my view.”
well at least xiao cheng knows their relationship currently isn’t healthy