Luo Jingshu gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes locked on Xiao Cheng. He was already furious but deliberately pretended not to care.
“What are you going to see Senior Xie for?”
The words ‘Senior Xie’ were uttered through gritted teeth.
Xiao Cheng stifled a laugh, his stomach aching from holding it in. How had he not realized before that Luo Jingshu was a natural comedian?
The little puppy was baring its teeth but still wagging its tail.
That pitiful look softened Xiao Cheng’s heart.
“I just said, didn’t I? Senior Xie told me he prepared a New Year’s gift for me and asked me to go pick it up.”
In truth, Xiao Cheng was also surprised. Xie Zhao hadn’t mentioned anything about it before, so how was he supposed to know that Xie Zhao had secretly prepared a surprise?
This feeling of being cared for did move Xiao Cheng, but it stopped there.
Even before what happened last night, Xiao Cheng had already planned to take this opportunity to have a clear talk with Xie Zhao. Now, it was even more necessary.
After all, he couldn’t really become a scumbag.
Looking at the little puppy sulking unhappily, Xiao Cheng couldn’t help but smile.
Even if he wanted to, Luo Jingshu wouldn’t allow him to.
That jealous little vinegar jar would never tolerate Xiao Cheng being ambiguous with someone else.
While Xiao Cheng thought this, he kept a neutral expression.
Perhaps because he had suffered losses with Luo Jingshu before, Xiao Cheng had become incredibly guarded.
He didn’t want Luo Jingshu to see through his intentions, even though the guy had probably already guessed everything.
But Xiao Cheng simply didn’t want to admit it outright.
It was, in essence, a lack of trust.
Even though he knew Luo Jingshu had changed, the scars from being hurt before hadn’t completely faded.
This was something that could only heal slowly over time.
When Luo Jingshu saw the faint smile on Xiao Cheng’s face, he felt a bit relieved. He rubbed the steering wheel with his fingers, pondering how to start the conversation.
He had always considered Xie Zhao his greatest rival, but now, Luo Jingshu was confident in Xiao Cheng’s feelings for him.
Xiao Cheng wouldn’t like Xie Zhao.
The only person who could stay by Brother Cheng’s side was him.
Even so, Luo Jingshu didn’t want to let Xiao Cheng and Xie Zhao be alone together.
New Year’s gift? Suspicious motives, for sure.
And Brother Cheng was too naive—what if he got tricked?
As Luo Jingshu was lost in thought, Xiao Cheng noticed his intentions and preempted him.
“No.”
There was no way Xiao Cheng would take Luo Jingshu along. Setting aside how awkward it would be, Luo Jingshu’s presence would definitely stir up trouble.
Besides, Xiao Cheng planned to reject Xie Zhao and would inevitably say some heartfelt things.
For instance, he already had a certain little puppy and only wanted that person in the future, with no interest in anyone else.
He didn’t want Luo Jingshu hearing those words.
It was just too embarrassing.
There was no way Xiao Cheng could say those things in front of him.
Before Luo Jingshu could even voice his request, Xiao Cheng shut him down.
Luo Jingshu tried to play the pitiful card, even leaning into his usual coquettish tactics, but Xiao Cheng didn’t even look at him. He simply placed a hand over Luo Jingshu’s face and pushed him back into the car.
“Alright, off you go.”
Luo Jingshu leaned into Xiao Cheng’s palm and gave it a quick peck. Xiao Cheng yanked his hand back like he’d been burned.
A faint blush crept over his face, and his eyes darted away nervously.
“Stop being so clingy.”
Clearly, he had a soft spot for this.
Luo Jingshu’s eyes curved into a smile, his voice turning sweeter and tinged with a slightly husky tone, like honey dripping into the ears.
“When you come back, will you still love me?”
Xiao Cheng’s cheeks flushed bright red. He didn’t answer directly, only muttering, “Not talking to you anymore.”
Knowing when to back off, Luo Jingshu feigned a pitiful tone and added, “Then remember to think of me. Don’t forget there’s a poor me waiting all alone at home.”
What even is that?
Xiao Cheng burst out laughing, glancing down at Luo Jingshu’s eyes, only to find himself lost in them the next moment.
He’d always known Luo Jingshu was incredibly good-looking—a sharp and striking kind of beauty mixed with youthful innocence. From certain angles, there was even an androgynous quality to his refined features.
But because Luo Jingshu rarely smiled at others, his cold demeanor balanced out that delicate beauty, making it impossible for anyone to mistake him for a girl.
Yet when he smiled, his features softened with warmth, and his light-colored eyes, under the sunlight, seemed crystalline, rippling like waves.
For a moment, Xiao Cheng couldn’t find the words to describe Luo Jingshu’s gaze. All he could hear was the increasingly loud thumping of his own heartbeat.
Luo Jingshu, too, was quietly watching him, his gaze growing more intense by the second.
Xiao Cheng probably didn’t realize it, but he himself was a sight to behold in the eyes of others.
Brother Cheng was so beautiful, every detail perfectly etched into Luo Jingshu’s heart.
The two stared at each other for so long that Xiao Cheng’s face turned beet red. He glanced at Luo Jingshu, noticing that he also looked a bit flustered.
“Brother Cheng,” Luo Jingshu’s Adam’s apple bobbed heavily as he spoke.
Can I kiss you?
Before he could finish, Xiao Cheng bent down, hooked a finger around Luo Jingshu’s collar, and pulled him forward.
“You can.”
Because he wanted to, too.
Under the warm winter sun, they shared a kiss.
Unlike the heated passion of the previous night, this kiss was tender and pure, filled with an affection that spoke volumes.
Both of their faces were entirely flushed.
After a long moment, Luo Jingshu reluctantly withdrew his lips, using his thumb to wipe away a bit of moisture from the corner of Xiao Cheng’s lips.
“Go inside,” he said.
He then lightly touched the flushed patch of skin under Xiao Cheng’s eyes, the texture beneath his thumb hot and delicate—a clear sign of Xiao Cheng’s heightened emotions. Luo Jingshu lingered there for a few seconds before releasing his hand. Noticing Xiao Cheng’s slightly dazed expression, he exhaled softly, almost as if suppressing something.
If he didn’t leave now, he truly wouldn’t be able to leave.
Xiao Cheng steadied his breath and watched as Luo Jingshu’s car slowly drove away.
Only after the car was out of sight did he finally relax, leaning against the wall and pressing a hand to his lower back.
“Hiss, this really hurts.”
Bending over for so long had only worsened the ache in his already sore waist, making it almost impossible to straighten. He had just been holding it together earlier to avoid embarrassing himself in front of Luo Jingshu.
Now, Xiao Cheng deeply regretted giving in last night. Seeing Luo Jingshu’s vibrant energy today was a stark contrast to his current state.
If he’d just held his ground last night, maybe it would be Luo Jingshu nursing a sore back today.
With that thought, Xiao Cheng slowly made his way inside.
Upon seeing him, Xiao Ziyue teased, “I thought you left with him.”
“You took so long just to see him off.”
Xiao Cheng was flustered by his sister’s teasing but soon found himself unable to suppress a smile.
So this was what mutual affection felt like.
Even sore muscles and aching limbs were worth it.
After Luo Jingshu left, Xiao Cheng took a nap. When he woke up, his back felt slightly better. Recalling that Xie Zhao had said he’d prepared a New Year’s gift, Xiao Cheng took the opportunity to prepare a reciprocal gift for Xie Zhao.
In the past, every time he met Xie Zhao, he’d felt awkward and unsure of what to say. But today, with the prospect of meeting someone he felt comfortable around, Xiao Cheng found himself much more at ease.
As soon as Xie Zhao saw him, he noticed something different in Xiao Cheng’s demeanor.
He scrutinized Xiao Cheng’s features, and the eagerness and joy that usually accompanied seeing the person he liked seemed to dim slightly.
Xie Zhao didn’t want to admit it, but he had to face the truth.
Xiao Cheng might have reconciled with Luo Jingshu.
Previously, Xiao Cheng had always been distant and evasive.
But today, he met Xie Zhao’s gaze with a calm and radiant confidence.
For Xie Zhao, this was not a good sign.
“Happy New Year, Xiao Cheng,” Xie Zhao said, handing over his gift.
“Thank you. Happy New Year to you too,” Xiao Cheng replied, offering his own gift in return.
The exchange of gifts was supposed to be a heartwarming gesture, but somehow, the atmosphere felt slightly awkward. Xiao Cheng couldn’t shake the feeling that this exchange resembled a formal, business-like transaction more than a heartfelt gesture.
But heaven knows, Xiao Cheng was genuinely grateful for Xie Zhao’s kindness and wanted to reciprocate sincerely.
The two had arranged to meet at a local park. The scenery was lovely, with unique landscaping that was especially stunning at night when the lights illuminated the area. However, during the day, the park felt a bit sparse and empty.
Walking side by side along the park’s lake, both men found themselves steeped in silence after the awkwardness of the gift exchange.
Xiao Cheng wanted to say something but couldn’t think of an appropriate opening. After all, Xie Zhao hadn’t brought up any sensitive topics, and Xiao Cheng couldn’t just blurt out something like, “I don’t like you, so please stop pursuing me.” That would be far too presumptuous.
Fortunately, Xie Zhao broke the silence first. Turning slightly to look at Xiao Cheng, he asked, “How have you been recently?”
It was a safe, ordinary question, and Xiao Cheng felt relieved. “Pretty good, nothing too troublesome,” he replied.
The two chatted about mundane topics for a while, gradually easing into a more relaxed atmosphere.
Recently, snow had been falling almost every day. Today, however, the sun was out, though the snow on the treetops had yet to melt, weighing down the branches heavily. Xiao Cheng reached out absentmindedly to touch one.
It was an unconscious action, done without thinking. But the next second, a clump of snow tumbled off the branch and landed squarely on him.
Startled, Xiao Cheng quickly brushed the snow off his head and shoulders.
Caught off guard by the sudden scene, Xie Zhao froze for a moment before reaching out to help. But Xiao Cheng subtly avoided his touch, leaving Xie Zhao feeling a pang of disappointment.
He had already noticed Xiao Cheng’s constant efforts to maintain a certain distance. It was Xie Zhao who had stubbornly clung to hope, repeatedly trying to close the gap.
“Xiao Cheng.” Xie Zhao stopped walking, his gaze fixed on Xiao Cheng with a mixture of anxiety and expectation.
“Have you and Luo Jingshu gotten back together?”
He still harbored a sliver of hope that Xiao Cheng would deny it.
Xiao Cheng had expected him to broach the topic more tactfully.
He met Xie Zhao’s eyes directly, his expression serious, with a few specks of snow still clinging to his eyelashes.
“Mm,” Xiao Cheng affirmed.
The answer was expected but no less disheartening. Xie Zhao’s lips moved slightly, but in the end, he forced a faint smile.
“Then, congratulations.”
Xiao Cheng couldn’t bring himself to say “thank you.” Despite Xie Zhao’s composed exterior, the heavy sense of disappointment around him was unmistakable.
“Senior,” Xiao Cheng said softly, his voice tinged with guilt as he looked at Xie Zhao. “You’ll find someone who loves you too.”
Xie Zhao’s strained smile faltered, his eyes rimmed with a faint redness.
He wanted to ask why—why it had to be Luo Jingshu. But seeing the guilt in Xiao Cheng’s gaze, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.
Forget it. Love could never be forced.
Although Xie Zhao had long accepted this reality, it still stung.
“Why him?” he murmured.
Xiao Cheng found it hard to articulate. Just as Xie Zhao had fallen for him at first sight, Xiao Cheng had also been drawn to Luo Jingshu in the same way.
If he had to explain, perhaps it was simply because Luo Jingshu’s appearance aligned perfectly with Xiao Cheng’s preferences.
But that wasn’t something he could say to Xie Zhao.
“I just… feel something for him that I can’t feel for anyone else,” Xiao Cheng said vaguely.
That feeling of being moved.
With just that, Xie Zhao had lost.
He understood Xiao Cheng’s perspective deeply because he felt the same way about Xiao Cheng.
After a long silence, Xie Zhao exhaled softly. “Then I guess I really have to give up.”
Guilt surged through Xiao Cheng. Xie Zhao had done so much for him. If there was anything Xiao Cheng could do in return—anything except reciprocate his feelings—he would do it.
“Xiao Cheng,” Xie Zhao said, closing his eyes briefly. When he opened them, he looked more at ease.
“If he ever mistreats you, let me know. I’ll help you teach him a lesson.”
Xiao Cheng relaxed slightly, nodding with a faint smile. “Alright.”
Xie Zhao stared deeply into Xiao Cheng’s eyes and asked softly, “We’re still friends, right?”
Xiao Cheng returned the smile. “Always.”
After gazing at Xiao Cheng for a while, Xie Zhao suddenly chuckled. “I must have been quite the threat.”
Xiao Cheng was momentarily puzzled before realizing that Xie Zhao’s gaze had shifted past him, toward a spot behind him.
“He’s been following us the whole time.”
Xiao Cheng wasn’t even surprised. Knowing Luo Jingshu’s jealousy, it would have been more suspicious if he hadn’t followed.
“His jealousy does run a bit deep,” Xiao Cheng admitted.
Seeing the fond smile that spread across Xiao Cheng’s face when he mentioned Luo Jingshu, Xie Zhao finally accepted his defeat.
“Want to make him even more jealous?” Xie Zhao asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Xiao Cheng blinked in confusion. “What?”
Without answering, Xie Zhao raised his hand, his fingers brushing away an eyelash from under Xiao Cheng’s eye. The touch was fleeting and gentle, but the look in his eyes was tender.
Xiao Cheng suddenly felt a chill down his back.
