Even after returning to his room, Ye Xi was still completely out of it.
He lay on the bed, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling with not the slightest bit of sleepiness.
That moment—Bai Yue’s hand brushing toward his lips—kept replaying in his mind. He couldn’t help but cover his face.
God, he thought. My dignity is probably somewhere at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean by now.
First it was jam on his lips, now it was beer. Bai Yue must think he’s a total idiot.
He normally wasn’t like this! But somehow, in front of Bai Yue, he just kept making a fool of himself.
Ye Xi wanted to cry but had no tears.
He rolled over on the bed, burying his face in the pillow, looking utterly frustrated.
To distract himself, he started playing a mindless fruit-matching game on his phone.
But even while playing, he zoned out—his lips curving into a silly smile, totally ignoring the “Game Over” screen.
He’d thought that with Zheng Yang tagging along like a third wheel today, there’d be no chance for him and Bai Yue to be alone.
But unexpectedly, right before bed, he and Bai Yue had ended up sitting side by side on the sofa.
And he even read Bai Yue’s palm.
Ye Xi held up his own hand, running a finger lightly along his love line.
He didn’t actually believe in palmistry or astrology—he’d only let Liang Zhan read his palm for fun.
Just now, he’d only brought it up because he couldn’t think of anything else to talk about, trying to stall for time.
But Bai Yue had seemed genuinely interested. Before they went to their rooms, he’d taken Ye Xi’s hand and studied it seriously for a while.
He even opened his own palm.
Bai Yue had placed their hands side by side—one left, one right.
Ye Xi had been about to point out that Bai Yue had looked at the wrong hand.
But Bai Yue had lifted his head, giving him a soft smile. His eyes were as clear as water, the light catching in them and making Ye Xi dizzy.
“If you look at it this way, it’s like our lines are connected.”
He was talking about the love lines on their palms. When their hands were placed together—one left, one right—the lines did seem to form one long, curving line… reaching all the way to their ring fingers.
Ye Xi was speechless.
He even forgot to correct Bai Yue.
He just stared, dazed.
Even now, Ye Xi was staring at his own fingers.
He knew full well it was just a mistake on Bai Yue’s part—a harmless one that only meant something to the one who heard it.
But still, he couldn’t help but smile softly at that “mistake.”
He didn’t know when he fell asleep.
When he woke the next morning, it was already past ten, and no one had come to wake him.
He widened his eyes at the time on his phone, then jumped up and got ready in a hurry.
But just as he opened the door and took a few steps, he heard voices coming from the kitchen.
“Is Ye Xi awake yet?”
“Who knows.”
“You’re not going to check?”
“Why should I? He’s lazy as hell. I don’t feel like waking him.”
“Oh, please. You just want him to sleep more. You’re such a lousy big brother—no wonder Ye Xi ignores you.”
“Tch—”
Ye Xi couldn’t hear the rest, as the sound of oil sizzling in the pan drowned out Zheng Yang’s voice.
He stood in the hallway, his face puzzled.
Of course, he recognized the voices—Bai Yue and Zheng Yang.
But what was Bai Yue saying?
Zheng Yang… reluctant to wake him?
Ye Xi’s face twisted with disbelief.
Even if it was Bai Yue saying it, he honestly wondered if Bai Yue had inhaled too much cooking oil smoke and lost his mind.
He shrugged, figuring that maybe Bai Yue saw Zheng Yang as a really good person and just liked to imagine that he and Zheng Yang got along well.
Ye Xi didn’t dwell on it. He deliberately made his footsteps loud enough for the kitchen to hear.
Both Zheng Yang and Bai Yue turned their heads.
Even though one of them was Zheng Yang, Ye Xi was still dazzled for a moment.
Zheng Yang really did have a handsome face—tall and sharp-featured, wearing a loose red sweatshirt that made his fair, clean-cut features stand out. With Bai Yue beside him, both of them elegant and striking, it was like a living painting—an absolute feast for the eyes.
Ye Xi sighed to himself—if only the person in the picture wasn’t Zheng Yang.
Even if it had been only Bai Yue, the person he had a crush on, he would’ve snapped a photo and indulged in a little fangirling.
“Morning, Bai-ge,” he greeted Bai Yue with a shy smile. Then he saw Zheng Yang standing beside him. His smile stiffened noticeably, but he still forced out a reluctant greeting, “…you too.”
You too?
Zheng Yang almost rolled his eyes. Listen to that—he was just the spare part in the background.
But when he glanced at Ye Xi, who had already walked over and was curiously peeking into the pot, wearing a fluffy white sweater and looking adorably dazed—he even jumped when the oil sizzled too loud—
“….”
Zheng Yang swallowed the sarcastic words that had reached his lips.
Forget it. This time, he wouldn’t argue with Ye Xi.
…..
Half an hour later, Ye Xi and Zheng Yang were helping set the table, while Bai Yue finished cooking lunch.
Ye Xi bit the tip of his chopsticks and sincerely apologized to Bai Yue, “Sorry for the trouble, Bai-ge. You always have to cook for us.”
He thought to himself that he really should learn to cook something too. It felt awful not being able to help at all in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Zheng Yang shamelessly picked up a shrimp ball with his chopsticks, without the slightest guilt, and even had the nerve to nitpick.
“Why’d you make cucumber mashed potatoes? Who likes that? It’s so bland. You should’ve made plum sauce ribs instead.”
Before he could finish, Ye Xi shot him a glare from across the table.
Because that dish—the cucumber mashed potatoes—was his favorite.
Bai Yue didn’t even bother responding to Zheng Yang’s nonsense. Instead, he ladled out a bowl of soup for Ye Xi.
“I didn’t have time to stew anything long, so I made an asparagus and shredded chicken soup. I wasn’t sure if you’d like it.”
Ye Xi immediately nodded. “I do!”
He cupped the bowl in his hands and looked at Bai Yue with admiration. “Bai-ge, how do you know how to do everything? Do you just read a recipe once and immediately know how to cook it?”
He was genuinely amazed.
It was already impressive that Bai Yue excelled in academics and sports, but how could he also be so good at housework?
Did Bai Yue have 48 hours in a day or something?
But just as he finished speaking, a mocking laugh came from across the table.
“You think Bai Yue was born like this? I don’t know about other things, but his cooking was definitely crash course,” Zheng Yang exposed him mercilessly. “Right after the college entrance exam, he went a little nuts and had the family chef give him an intensive one-month training. He learned a bit from every cuisine.”
Zheng Yang spat out a shrimp shell and gave a critical review. “I think you only got about thirty percent of your chef’s skills. I still prefer the jasmine cucumber cake and that bamboo shoot yellow croaker your chef makes. I’ll come by for a meal next time.”
Bai Yue let out a cold laugh. “Don’t hold your breath.”
He had no intention of letting Zheng Yang come over even once this year.
Ye Xi, however, felt something odd stir in his heart.
He looked at Bai Yue, not understanding why Bai Yue had trained so hard in cooking. With Bai Yue’s status, he could’ve easily hired a live-in housekeeper.
He glanced at the dishes on the table. There weren’t many—just four dishes and a soup—but they all happened to be his favorites.
Ye Xi pressed his lips together.
He looked from Zheng Yang across the table to Bai Yue beside him, whose smile was so seamless and natural.
But he didn’t think too much. He obediently lowered his head and continued eating.
…..
After the meal, Ye Xi and Zheng Yang left together. Bai Yue had intended to walk them out but suddenly received a call—school-related matters—and had to hop on a video meeting right away.
So Zheng Yang ended up driving Ye Xi back to school instead.
Bai Yue only had time to shove a pack of Earl Grey cookies into Ye Xi’s bag.
“None for you,” he said to Zheng Yang with a fake smile. “Didn’t know you’d be here—I only made Ye Xi’s favorite Earl Grey flavor.”
Zheng Yang’s mouth twitched in frustration.
Ye Xi didn’t want to ride with Zheng Yang. It wasn’t like he couldn’t catch a cab—or even walk, since the school wasn’t far.
But Zheng Yang gave him no chance to refuse, directly dragging him into the car.
“Get in. We’re going the same way. After I drop you off, I’m heading to my mom’s.”
With the driver there, Ye Xi didn’t want to cause a scene. He pouted but obediently got in.
Though he knew Bai Yue was probably still in his meeting, he still sent a voice message:
“Bai-ge, we’re heading out first.”
Zheng Yang, sitting beside him, was practically grinding his teeth.
Bai-ge, Bai-ge…
He must’ve heard that name a hundred times over the past two days, and Ye Xi never seemed to get tired of it.
He let out a cold chuckle.
Ye Xi, having sent the message, immediately dropped his cute and innocent act. He looked at Zheng Yang expressionlessly. “What are you laughing at?”
Zheng Yang gave him a complicated look and asked, “Why do you insist on getting Bai Yue to tutor you? It’s not like our family can’t afford a professional tutor. If you just wanted someone gentle, you could’ve told the butler—they’d find someone for you. Bai Yue’s not even a trained tutor. What can he teach you?”
Ye Xi looked at him strangely, thinking, What’s it to you if I want Bai Yue to tutor me?
He turned his face away coldly. “I think Bai-ge is great. I like studying with him.”
Tch.
Zheng Yang clicked his tongue, thinking, Some people just don’t appreciate good advice.
But then he remembered how Bai Yue had looked at Ye Xi during yesterday’s tutoring session—under the lamp, his eyes soft and focused.
And this morning, how Ye Xi had leaned close to the stove, and Bai Yue instinctively pulled him behind to shield him from the oil splatter.
Zheng Yang frowned, an uneasy feeling creeping into his chest.
No.
He couldn’t be at ease.
He had to keep an eye on them.
…..
Ye Xi had no idea what Zheng Yang was stewing over, but in the following tutoring sessions, he wordlessly discovered that Zheng Yang kept showing up with all kinds of excuses.
Zheng Yang knew Bai Yue’s address.
He also knew Ye Xi’s tutoring schedule.
Like clockwork, he’d show up at each session—sometimes even bringing his own homework.
“Bai Yue-senpai…” Zheng Yang drawled in a fake-sweet tone, “I’ve been struggling with my studies too. Can you tutor me as well?”
Bai Yue’s smile froze. “You already got a recommendation offer. What are you doing here? Ye Xi’s study plan isn’t even suited to you.”
Zheng Yang shrugged, smug. “Who knows? Maybe I need to brush up on the basics too.”
Ye Xi, gripping his pen beside them, seriously wanted to flick Zheng Yang on the forehead.
But he took a deep breath and reasoned with himself. They’re childhood friends, practically like brothers. It’s not my place to object.
Besides…
Last time when he did poorly on a test, Bai Yue didn’t look down on him at all. Instead, he comforted him again and again—subtly and not so subtly.
Ye Xi made a silent promise to himself. I have to improve this time—at least a little—so Bai Yue doesn’t feel like he’s wasting his efforts.
And, of course, it would be extra satisfying to slap Zheng Yang in the face with his results.
So Ye Xi ignored Zheng Yang’s annoying presence and focused on the problem set Bai Yue had compiled just for him.
His pen scratched quickly across the paper. His silver-dyed hair was tied up in a small ponytail, and he bent low over his work, writing until his wrist ached, not even touching the blueberries Bai Yue had washed for him.
Even Zheng Yang was a little surprised.
He popped blueberries into his mouth, mumbling, “Didn’t think he was actually this hardworking.”
Bai Yue heard this and let out a cold laugh.
He glanced over at Zheng Yang. “What else would he be doing here if not studying?”
Going on a date?
Kissing?
He’d love to—but even though his moral compass was a bit shaky, he wasn’t going to make a move just yet.
Zheng Yang was momentarily stunned.
He looked at Ye Xi, then at Bai Yue patiently helping him correct his mistakes.
He had to admit—Bai Yue really did act more like a responsible older brother.
He stuffed another blueberry into his mouth, feeling slightly bitter.
…..
By the fifth session, Zheng Yang stopped showing up.
Outside, the weather was gradually turning to winter.
When Ye Xi came over again for tutoring, Bai Yue was already preparing mulled wine.
“You can only have a little. There’s barely any alcohol, but don’t overdo it,” Bai Yue said, handing him a white porcelain bowl with blue flower petals.
Ye Xi took it and sipped carefully. It was sweet with fruit and honey—barely any wine flavor. More like a warm sugary drink to coax a child.
He stayed close as Bai Yue cleaned up the kitchen tools. He didn’t leave.
Blinking his eyes, he said, “Bai-ge, the monthly exams are coming up again.”
Bai Yue poured himself a bowl of wine and looked at him. “Hmm?”
Ye Xi took another sip. Maybe it was the steam, but his cheeks were flushed.
“This time, I’ll definitely do better. At least a little better than last time.”
He held up his fingers to show “just a little.”
Thanks to Zheng Yang’s interference, he had genuinely studied hard for a full month.
He could tell Bai Yue was putting real effort into helping him—he’d even had someone design custom practice papers.
Even if his motives for the tutoring were originally a bit selfish, this time he truly wanted to do well—to make sure Bai Yue knew his effort hadn’t been wasted.
Under the warm kitchen lights, Bai Yue looked at Ye Xi. Holding the bowl in both hands, Ye Xi’s expression was full of determination.
Bai Yue couldn’t help but laugh softly.
He didn’t even bother saying “it’s okay if you don’t do well,” because he could tell Ye Xi really, truly wanted to succeed.
“Alright,” Bai Yue said, leaning against the counter. He looked at Ye Xi—his thick lashes fluttering like butterfly wings, brushing against Ye Xi’s heart.
“If you improve this time, even by just one rank, I’ll let you make one request of me—as your reward.”
He smiled at Ye Xi, his pale red lips made even more vivid by the mulled wine.
“Any request is fine.”
He added softly.
……
To Ye Xi, this sentence hit like the serpent tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Even after returning to school, he still felt dazed.
When he walked back into the classroom, it was warm inside. Since self-study hadn’t started yet, the classroom was as noisy as a market. The students in front were chatting about last week’s tennis match, those beside him were discussing new sneakers, and someone on the podium was handing out test papers. Mid-distribution, they huddled together, whispering who knows what.
Everyone was busy.
Only Ye Xi was spacing out.
He had just come in from outside, and the cold wind had turned the tip of his nose a little red. He sat there blankly staring at his desk, looking even more dazed.
Li Rui studied him for a moment, then poked him with a pen. “What’s wrong with you? Gone stupid?”
Ye Xi finally snapped out of it.
Li Rui, seeing his expression, immediately guessed he’d been emotionally shocked by Bai Yue again.
He chuckled and said, “What now? Did Bai Yue hit you with some love potion again?”
Ye Xi blinked slowly, hesitated, then dropped a silent bomb.
He looked at Li Rui and said, “Bai-ge said… if I improve in the next exam—even just by one rank—I can make one request of him. Any request.”
Li Rui nearly choked on his milk tea, his eyes wide as he stared at Ye Xi.
The two of them stared at each other in the noisy classroom, clearly reading each other’s thoughts.
“Bai Yue’s really got guts. Doesn’t he know food can be eaten recklessly, but words can’t be spoken so casually? How dare he say something like that?” Li Rui tsked, amazed. “If you say you want to date him—or even sleep with him for one night—will he say yes to that too?”
Ye Xi was amused by that.
Li Rui, caught up in the fantasy, let out a dramatic “wow.”
To be fair, with how good-looking both Bai Yue and Ye Xi were, if they really did get in bed together, he might even be willing to pay big bucks for a copy of the video.
No… Li Rui pulled back his wild thoughts and returned to caring for his friend.
He nudged Ye Xi. “So how’s your seduction plan going? If he’s daring enough to say that, then even if you don’t sleep with him, don’t waste the opportunity—go for something spicy.”
He mentally brainstormed ideas to help Ye Xi out.
Like, asking Bai Yue to pose as a nude model.
Or making Bai Yue dance in just boxers.
All child’s play.
But then, in the middle of the noisy chaos, he heard his desk mate say softly—
“But I just want to go on a date with him.”
Ye Xi stared ahead, lost in thought. After a long moment, he blinked slowly, his lashes trembling gently.
“I thought I’d use the chance to make some outrageous demand. I’ve worked so hard to seduce him all this time—honestly, I just wanted to sleep with him once.”
“But when Bai-ge actually said I could ask for anything…”
“I realized I just wanted a real date with him. Not him tutoring me, not anyone else tagging along—just the two of us. Watch a movie, have dinner, go home together while it’s snowing. And when we get back, he’d make me a late-night snack.”
Ye Xi smiled faintly, his voice so soft it was almost a sigh:
“That would be enough.”
Lately, he had been spending time with Bai Yue for tutoring, and he wasn’t in such a rush to seduce him anymore.
At first, it was because of Zheng Yang’s interference—he couldn’t make a move.
But later on, he realized—days where he could just look up and see Bai Yue were better than any dream he’d ever had.
Outside, it was stormy and cold, but inside it was warm and quiet. The mulled wine bubbled gently in the pot, the whole house filled with the scent of fruit.
Bai Yue sat, head lowered, reviewing his mistakes. He wore a loose sweater, his pen softly scratching on paper.
Ye Xi looked at Bai Yue’s face, and only one thought filled his heart:
He just wanted to stay by Bai Yue’s side. Even one more day would be enough.
He told Li Rui all of this in a low voice. “Now I think… even if I don’t end up sleeping with Bai Yue, I haven’t really lost anything.”
“But…” He chuckled softly, eyes lighting up like stars, “I still want to kiss him. Maybe when I graduate, he’ll say yes.”
Li Rui’s heart practically melted.
He rested his chin in his hand and looked at Ye Xi tenderly. This lively, mischievous guy had gone quiet for once.
He smiled with a sigh and said gently,
“He will. He’ll say yes.”
