Oh. Crap.
Ye Xi’s first instinct was to turn and bolt.
He’d played the role of the gentle, harmless neighbor boy in front of Bai Yue for so long—someone who wouldn’t even hurt an ant—and now Bai Yue had seen him beat up a mugger. How could he show his face again?
But after two steps, he froze in place.
Because Bai Yue called his name.
“Ye Xi.”
Ye Xi skidded to a halt. The mugger hadn’t laid a finger on him, but that one voice almost knocked him over.
He stood still, unable to bring himself to turn around, staring at his own toes instead.
The streetlight spilled down behind him, casting a long, lonely shadow that made him look like a child who’d done something wrong.
Except for the guy on the ground still groaning in pain.
Bai Yue’s expression was complicated.
He hadn’t expected to run into Ye Xi—he’d just left a gathering with friends and was taking a shortcut home.
He bent down and picked up the bag Ye Xi had dropped in a panic.
It had only been two minutes since he entered the alley—it was near his apartment—and he’d seen the attempted mugging as soon as he turned in.
When he recognized the victim under the streetlamp, his heart skipped a beat—it was Ye Xi.
Ye Xi looked especially frail under the light: pale skin, slender figure, clinging to his bag, backed into a corner by a rusty knife, unable to move.
He looked so helpless, like a frightened little rabbit pinned down by a predator.
Bai Yue’s heart was in his throat. He was terrified that the knife might hurt Ye Xi before he could intervene.
But before he could even get close, he saw Ye Xi smash his bag into the mugger’s face.
In less than two minutes, Ye Xi had calmly and precisely disarmed the guy and stomped on his elbow. Not a hint of hesitation. Clearly a seasoned fighter.
Only then did Bai Yue faintly recall how Zheng Yang had ranted many times about Ye Xi—how Ye Xi had once beaten him up on the stairs, or nearly pushed him into the garden pond…
He’d always dismissed those complaints as slander. But now, maybe he owed Zheng Yang an apology.
Bai Yue walked up and stood beside Ye Xi.
Ye Xi still hadn’t looked up, back to his quiet, refined self. Lips pressed together, he looked nothing like the ruthless fighter from moments ago.
Bai Yue chose his words carefully and said softly, “Why are you out here so late? When I first saw you, I thought I was imagining things.”
He knew the answer was probably one of a few things. High schoolers skipping evening curfew were usually either at a game café or out on a date.
Ye Xi pressed his lips together, wanting not to answer.
But when he peeked up and saw Bai Yue’s somewhat stern face, he deflated like a pricked pufferfish.
He mumbled, “…Went to the internet café.”
Bai Yue let out a small chuckle.
Not the least bit surprising.
Looking at the nervous way Ye Xi stood, it was hard to believe this was the same person who’d just beat up someone. Now he just looked meek—like he was afraid of being scolded.
And Bai Yue, knowing full well Ye Xi might be putting on this innocent act, still thought it was… adorable.
Ye Xi lowered his head again after speaking. But after a while with no scolding, he suddenly heard a soft chuckle.
Startled, he cautiously looked up.
Bai Yue was looking at him helplessly, the sternness gone from his expression. His clear eyes shimmered under the streetlight like flowing water.
Bai Yue said, “I mean, I’d love to play the older brother and lecture you—tell you high schoolers should go home early and sleep. But… I used to sneak out late in high school too, so I don’t really have the right.”
He let out a helpless chuckle. “Just try not to take the back alley next time. You were lucky today, but what if you run into a real criminal next time?”
Ye Xi felt a weight lift off his chest—Bai Yue wasn’t planning to scold him after all.
But part of him still felt a bit aggrieved.
He thought, Didn’t Bai Yue also take the shortcut? With how gentle and scholarly he looked, he clearly couldn’t fight. Who was protecting who here?
But he knew better than to say that out loud, so he just obediently nodded.
Seeing Ye Xi nodding to everything like a little puppy, Bai Yue couldn’t help himself and reached out to lightly pat his head.
Ye Xi froze, his body going stiff—but he didn’t pull away.
The blond-haired mugger lying nearby looked at the two of them under the streetlamp and inexplicably got goosebumps all over.
He had started to recover from the pain, but the trauma of being beaten down by Ye Xi still lingered. He didn’t want to mess with either of them and just wanted to quietly slip away.
But he didn’t even have time to pick up the broken fruit knife. Just as he cautiously crawled forward two steps—
He heard the nightmare sound of approaching footsteps behind him. A second later, his arm—already injured—was yanked backwards.
“Ahhh!”
The mugger howled.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Bai Yue coldly gripped his arm, forcefully bending him forward. “At the very least, you should take a little trip to the police station.”
……..
About forty minutes later, Bai Yue and Ye Xi walked out of the police station together.
They had turned in the unfortunate mugger. Ye Xi had shown remarkable restraint, so the guy wasn’t physically injured, but they still had to cooperate with the police and give a statement, which took some time.
After hearing what happened, and glancing at Ye Xi hugging his school bag, one of the officers was visibly surprised and chuckled. “That’s some impressive self-defense, young man.”
Bai Yue couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
Ye Xi immediately pretended to be busy fiddling with the strap of his backpack.
Now that the statement was finished, they stood outside the station. The night breeze brushed past their faces. Ye Xi checked his watch—it was almost 1 a.m.
He glanced at Bai Yue beside him, hesitating whether to ask him out for a late-night snack.
It had been days. All his so-called “chance encounters” hadn’t worked. Now that he finally caught Bai Yue alone, if he didn’t seize this opportunity—even Li Rui wouldn’t forgive him, let alone himself.
Ye Xi tried to hype himself up, quietly rehearsing in his head so he wouldn’t stammer when he actually said it.
But before he could speak, Bai Yue glanced at his phone and casually said, “It’s getting late. Your dorm’s probably already locked. My apartment is nearby—why don’t you come crash at my place for the night?”
“Cough, cough, cough—”
All of Ye Xi’s mental preparation collapsed instantly.
He stared at Bai Yue in shock, unable to believe his ears.
Bai Yue’s apartment…?
Those words rolled through his brain like thunder, striking him senseless. His grip on his bag tightened, his fingers turning pale, and he couldn’t say a word.
Bai Yue looked perfectly calm. Seeing Ye Xi hesitate, he added, “There’s a guest room. It’s only a ten-minute walk from your school. No trouble at all.”
Ye Xi lightly bit his lip. To be honest, their school rules weren’t strict—he’d climbed the dorm wall plenty of times.
At worst, he could go stay in a hotel. Wasn’t it a bit rash to go to Bai Yue’s place like this…?
But then—
Ye Xi bit down on his lip again, thinking about how for half a month, he’d been like a headless chicken, wandering around hoping to run into Bai Yue. Thinking about the stash of how to flirt videos saved on his laptop, and the bold declarations he’d made…
A moment later, he nodded gently.
“Then… sorry for the trouble, Bai-ge.”
His voice was barely audible, and the tips of his ears—hidden in his black hair—turned faintly red.
……
About ten minutes later, Ye Xi followed Bai Yue into apartment 1018.
This was an apartment Bai Yue had purchased before university. Over 200 square meters, he lived alone. The space was styled in deep browns, blacks, and greys, with the occasional bright accent.
Ye Xi lifted his eyes to glance around.
Bai Yue’s living room was incredibly spacious. Grey walls, soft white cashmere rug, an unused fireplace off to the side, and a black chandelier hanging quietly above. On a black round table nearby sat a fresh bouquet delivered just a few days ago—white peonies and Dutch hyacinths in full bloom, accented with small white and pale green flowers around the edges.
Everything was quiet and beautiful. Every detail showed the care of a designer—even the tissue box on the table was uniquely designed.
But it was so clean and tidy, it almost felt cold.
This was Bai Yue’s home.
Even the air seemed infused with his presence.
Ye Xi swallowed hard.
He lowered his head and stood stiffly at the entrance, not daring to move.
Bai Yue opened the shoe cabinet, pulled out a new pair of gray linen slippers, and placed them in front of him.
“These are for guests. Never been worn,” he said.
Ye Xi quickly nodded to show he didn’t mind, then bent down to change shoes.
As he did, his backpack slipped to one side, pulling at his collar and revealing a small patch of snowy white skin at the back of his neck.
Bai Yue’s gaze darkened.
He looked at the pale, delicate skin beneath Ye Xi’s short black hair, his gaze brushing across it like a snake flicking its tongue—hungry and slow.
But when Ye Xi stood up again, clearly flustered, Bai Yue had already returned to his usual gentle, refined self. He smiled softly and asked, “Do you want a midnight snack? I’ll make you something.”
He didn’t wait for a reply—he gently took Ye Xi’s hand and led him to the kitchen.
“I don’t have many ingredients, so I can only make something simple. Tomato pasta, chicken sandwich, or shrimp dumplings. Which one do you want?”
Ye Xi’s brain was in a fog.
His hand was held firmly in Bai Yue’s, and the warmth of Bai Yue’s palm was burning all the way to his heart.
He remembered watching a video a few days ago about creating attraction. The smiling instructor had said: During a date, make physical contact! Especially when it’s just the two of you. Hold their hand—because warmth transfers from palm to heart. A simple touch can create secret tension. Let your hand seem like it wants to pull away, but then… lingers…
Ye Xi couldn’t remember the rest.
Because right now his mind was a total blur—and all he could think was: That teacher was absolutely right!
Bai Yue was holding his hand like it was no big deal—but somehow, his palm enclosed Ye Xi’s entirely, wrapping around him warmly.
Even the warmth of Bai Yue’s touch felt a little hotter than usual.
His long fingers curled lightly over Ye Xi’s fingertips, almost as if by accident. They brushed and lingered in a subtle, intimate way.
Ye Xi even felt Bai Yue’s wrist gently brushing against his own…
It was as if their bloodstreams carried that contact directly to their hearts—thump, thump—thump—
Ye Xi’s ears were practically steaming.
He thought dizzily, Something’s wrong here. I was supposed to be the one flirting with Bai Yue. How did just one touch of the wrist make me feel like I was completely losing the battle?
He looked up at Bai Yue, wanting to speak but unsure how.
But Bai Yue wore a perfectly composed expression, completely at ease. He led Ye Xi to the fridge and opened it for him to see.
“Which one do you want?”
He asked with his head slightly tilted, his handsome face bathed in the soft kitchen light, like polished jade.
Ye Xi completely forgot he’d originally intended to refuse the snack. His brain was such a mess, he barely managed to pull together a few words.
“P-Pasta, I guess…”
He didn’t dare lift his head, and his fingers gently twisted in Bai Yue’s palm—subtle, but trying to signal him.
Bai Yue seemed to finally notice and let go, flashing Ye Xi an apologetic smile. “I’ll make it. You can wait at the table.”
Ye Xi didn’t even try to be polite—he was terrified Bai Yue would notice something if he stayed too long. He quickly nodded and dashed to the dining table just outside the kitchen.
He could have gone to the living room, but from here, he could see Bai Yue.
He buried his head down at the table, pretending to study a photo there.
Moments ago, he had been the one to pull away. But now that Bai Yue really had let go, he suddenly felt a pang of disappointment.
Still, Ye Xi quickly felt a warm sense of satisfaction.
He peeked at the kitchen.
Bai Yue was wearing a loose white top, moving gracefully as he prepared food.
The kitchen had a black tiled floor and dark decor, but Bai Yue, dressed in white, looked like a glowing figure moving through it. The clinking of utensils, the sound of washing vegetables, boiling sauce—it all blended with the soft glow above, casting light on Bai Yue’s handsome, cool side profile.
The whole scene was so gentle and serene, Ye Xi unconsciously held his breath.
Even in his wildest dreams, he’d never dared imagine this.
That Bai Yue would personally cook him a midnight meal—and that he’d look so natural doing it, showing none of the spoiled behavior that might come from a privileged upbringing.
Ye Xi had only ever eaten food prepared by his family’s chef.
It was delicious, customizable.
He’d never had complaints.
But watching Bai Yue plate the dish with care, Ye Xi couldn’t help but think:
Food made by someone you like really is something else.
Even if Bai Yue served him poison right now…
He’d probably still eat it all without hesitation.
Ye Xi propped his head up with one hand, his thoughts scattered and messy. He thought, thank goodness he wasn’t some ancient emperor—now he truly understood the mindset of foolish kings: who cared about ruling the world when beauty was right in front of you?
“You should try it. See if it suits your taste.”
Bai Yue’s voice suddenly sounded right beside him.
Ye Xi was startled and nearly fell off his chair.
He looked up and realized Bai Yue was standing beside him at some unknown point, holding a small bowl. A silver fork had a twirl of pasta on it, which he was now holding near his lips.
Ye Xi hesitated, wanting to take the fork, but just as he reached out, a thought flashed through his mind—something from a “seduction tips” video he’d watched a few days ago:
“If your crush offers to share snacks, don’t be shy—just lean in and let them feed you directly.”
Ye Xi’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his heart pounded erratically. He had studied all this. Before coming to Bai Yue’s apartment, he’d held at least 800 pep talks with himself.
But now that the “real-life opportunity” was in front of him, he felt like a timid little bunny peeking out from its burrow, too afraid to actually step out.
Was he really supposed to… use his mouth to take it?
Then again, what kind of guy even did that?
His mind turned to mush. Would Bai Yue think he was weird? Gross, even?
Maybe he should just forget it…
Ye Xi was about to lift his hand to take the fork from Bai Yue, but Bai Yue moved first.
He brought the fork straight to Ye Xi’s lips and chuckled softly, “What are you daydreaming about? Open your mouth.”
Ye Xi dazedly opened his mouth.
The small swirl of tomato-flavored pasta was fed into his mouth. It tasted slightly tangy, with a hint of sweetness and spice.
Bai Yue smiled as he watched him. “Does it taste good?”
Ye Xi couldn’t say a word.
His heart was pounding like a drum, a thousand noisy cicadas seemed to be chirping inside him. Bai Yue’s sleeve smelled faintly of rosemary, making him dizzy and light-headed.
He could only nod furiously, mumbling, “It’s good…”
“Glad to hear it.”
Bai Yue smiled again and went to the kitchen to bring out two full plates of pasta.
