WAYCAC Extra 3

TL: Hua

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Extra 3: Flechazo (3): Modern If Line [no book transmigration, no memory version]

After lunch, Zong Suiyang drove the Pei family grandfather and grandson back to the Xiqun Villa complex.

After getting out of the car, Pei Xiting walked over to the driver’s side window. Zong Suiyang rolled it down and leaned out slightly. Pei Xiting looked at him for a few seconds. “Drive carefully.”

“Okay, go on in,” Zong Suiyang said, bidding him farewell. He rolled up the window and drove away.

Pei Xiting watched the black car until it was out of sight. He then turned back to Pei Mingfu, teasingly asking, “What did you think of that cup of tea?”

“It’s too rich,” Pei Mingfu said. “I’ll have to savor it slowly.”

“That’s fine. We have plenty of time,” Pei Xiting said with a smile. He held his grandfather’s arm and walked back inside. In the afternoon, Pei Xiting helped his grandfather mount a piece of calligraphy before returning to his room to get ready.

Pei Mingfu passed by and said from outside the walk-in closet, “Their dinner party won’t end until around 11 p.m. at the earliest. Why are you getting ready so early?”

“I need to try on a few different outfits,” Pei shouted back.

Pei Mingfu didn’t think it was necessary. “My grandson looks handsome in anything.”

“What looks the most handsome?” Pei Xiting challenged him.

Pei Mingfu couldn’t answer and had to flee, leaving Pei Xiting alone to put on and take off outfits. He went down for dinner in between, then went back upstairs to continue getting ready for another half-hour before he was finally ready to go.

Pei Mingfu was watching the news on the sofa. He turned his head to look at the person who had just gotten off the elevator, scrutinized him, and said, “Hmm, very handsome.”

But his grandson always dressed handsomely. He even looked handsome in pajamas, so the old man couldn’t really see a difference.

“I thought about it and decided I couldn’t dress too out of the ordinary nor too formally. I wanted something casual.” Pei Xiting spun around, showing off his casual black suit, especially the ribbon around his neck, which was the highlight. “This outfit goes really well with my bouquet.”

“Oh, you prepared a bouquet?” Pei Mingfu asked, curious. “What kind of flowers?”

Pei Xiting snapped his fingers. “It’s a secret.”

Pei Mingfu made a “fine, fine” expression. “I wish you the best.”

“Wait for the good news,” Pei Xiting said, waving as he headed straight for the garage.

When the dinner party began, Zong Suiyang opened his mobile phone and took a look. After they admired Pei Mingfu’s calligraphy works, Pei Xiting did not send him any messages.

After three rounds of drinks, Zong Suiyang opened his phone again. It was 10 p.m., and the chat with Pei Xiting was still silent. Had he fallen asleep?

No, he shouldn’t have.

Pei Xiting had his own channels to find out the time, location, and progress of the party, so he didn’t need to ask him.

“President Zong,” the man sitting across from him said, “you seem distracted tonight, always looking at your phone.”

Pei Yuedong laughed. “Ah, President Zong is a young man. It’s the time in his life when he’s always thinking about someone.”

Everyone started to tease him. Zong Suiyang didn’t mind. He raised his glass and toasted Pei Yuedong from afar.

The latter was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding the gesture, but he played along and drank the entire glass, his cheeks turning slightly pale.

Zong Suiyang let the table’s conversations—both serious and frivolous—go in one ear and out the other. Pei Xiting’s voice was like a cat, walking over with a proud gait and meowing in his ear. There was no reason for him not to listen.

“President Zong? President Zong!”

Zong Suiyang snapped back to reality, meeting the collective gaze of everyone at the table. “My apologies. The alcohol is getting to me.”

Everyone laughed and said it was fine. Pei Yuedong said, “We were just talking about you, President Zong.”

“An old friend asked me to be a matchmaker,” a middle-aged man from the southwest side of the table said with a beaming smile. “I wonder if you’re interested?”

They’ll probably try to play matchmaker. Pei Xiting’s prophetic voice sounded in his ear at that moment. Zong Suiyang took a sip of wine and said calmly, “I’m not.”

The atmosphere became a bit awkward. Pei Yuedong laughed and said, “It seems my guess was right. President Zong already has someone. Old Wang, your friend is too late.”

Mr. Wang laughed. “Then he’s out of luck.”

Someone else asked, “Is your girlfriend overseas?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” Zong Suiyang said. He paused and added, “When I have good news, I’ll tell everyone immediately.”

This meant something was definitely going on, but nothing was finalized yet. The people at the table felt a sense of regret, wondering which family had been so quick to make a move.

When the party ended, Zong Suiyang glanced at his phone, which was still showing no activity. It was 11:31 p.m. He took the elevator downstairs with everyone else, walked out to the lobby, and stood on the steps, exchanging farewells.

A gentle breeze blew on a spring night as the dark purple Regera, like a ghost of the night, glided into the complex and stopped in front of the steps.

Zong Suiyang glanced over as Pei Xiting got out of the car, holding a bouquet wrapped in cream-colored paper.

“Hello, uncles.” Pei Xiting walked up the steps and greeted everyone with a light smile.

Pei Yuedong frowned and asked, “What are you doing here?”

“Picking someone up.” Pei Xiting noticed Pei Yuedong’s left hand was inadvertently pressed against his stomach but pretended not to see it. Under Pei Yuedong’s displeased gaze, he turned to Zong Suiyang and smiled. “Fifth Brother, ready to go?”

Everyone had assumed Pei Xiting was here to pick up a girlfriend. They were momentarily stunned, then looked at Pei Yuedong, who seemed just as clueless.

“Let’s go.” Zong Suiyang took the bouquet from Pei Xiting and said his goodbyes to the group. “We’ll be heading off now. Enjoy your chat.”

Pei Xiting also said his farewells, and the two walked off together.

The people on the steps watched as the two men walked to the sports car. Pei Xiting opened the passenger door, Zong Suiyang got in, and then Pei Xiting walked around to the driver’s side. In the blink of an eye, the car was gone. “What was that about?”

Everyone looked at Pei Yuedong, whose face was utterly grim.

This was making Pei Yuedong’s nose crooked with anger, which made Pei Xiting feel quite cheerful. He said, “Hey, there’s a thermos in the small bag next to you. It’s honey water.”

Zong Suiyang, holding the bouquet in one hand, felt around beside him and found a small, plump, beige thermos. He unscrewed the lid and took a small sip. The water was warm.

After a few sips, Zong Suiyang put the thermos back and carefully examined the bouquet. Cream-colored paper, a white ribbon, and the flowers were champagne roses and some kind of orange flower.

“Why are you giving me flowers?” Zong Suiyang asked.

“Is it strange to give someone flowers when you’re pursuing them?” Pei Xiting kept his eyes on the road. “I couldn’t find out what kind of flowers you like, so I just went with what I felt. If you don’t like them, just tell me, and next time I’ll get you something you do.”

“I don’t dislike them. They’re very pretty,” Zong Suiyang said.

But what did Pei Xiting’s feelings mean?

Zong Suiyang wasn’t a romantic person. He had never given anyone flowers or received them from others, so he didn’t know what kind of “feelings” these two flowers represented. Pei Xiting was focused on driving, so he openly took out his phone to search. He learned that the language of champagne roses is “I’m only devoted to you.” The other flower was an orange Barbie rose, which has various meanings.

Pei Xiting stopped at a traffic light and finally turned to look at Zong Suiyang. He saw that his eyes were calm, as if he was thinking about something important, and couldn’t help but smile. “Should I take you straight back to your apartment?”

“Where else would we go?” Zong Suiyang turned his head to look at him. “Don’t you want to meet your new friend?”

This meant he was invited upstairs. Pei Xiting’s mood brightened. “It’s arrived?”

Zong Suiyang said, “It’s waiting for you at home.”

Pei Xiting savored the words, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes and mouth. After a moment, he said, “Alright, I’ll give it some face.”

The traffic light changed, and Pei Xiting drove on.

During the drive, Pei Xiting’s phone rang in his pocket. He said, “Fifth Brother, could you answer that for me?”

Zong Suiyang reached for the phone, looked at the screen, and said, “It’s your father.”

“Just put it back,” Pei Xiting said without hesitation.

Zong Suiyang smiled, set his phone aside, and said, “Just to avoid accidentally answering.”

“Hey,” Pei Xiting teased, “do you think he’s proud of me or angry about this?”

“I’d guess the latter,” Zong Suiyang said.

Even though this connection with Zong Suiyang was a great thing, Pei Yuedong knew that Pei Xiting wasn’t close to him and would never let him benefit from it. Some fathers fear their sons will turn out badly but also that they’ll turn out better than they did, diminishing their own authority. Pei Yuedong was that kind of man.

Complaining all the way to the top, Pei Mingfu answered the call and listened to Pei Yuedong’s lengthy rant before slowly and calmly saying, “Sons and grandsons have their own destinies. You don’t need to worry so much.”

“You’ve spoiled Xiting too much!” Pei Yuedong exclaimed. “He and that man from the Zong family are both men. How could they… what a disgrace!”

“What’s wrong with a man and a man?” Pei Mingfu asked. “What was that popular male celebrity’s name? I heard he met with you.”

Even though the old man had retired, his network was still vast. Pei Yuedong’s expression changed slightly, and he fell silent.

“I thought your attitude was very open-minded. Why is it different when it comes to Xiting? Do you really think two men can’t be in a relationship, or are you afraid that once Xiting and Suiyang become close, Xiting will fear you even less?” Pei Mingfu chuckled. “Even after I’m gone, you won’t be able to do anything to him, will you?”

Hearing this, Pei Yuedong quickly said, “Dad, you’ve misunderstood. That’s not what I meant at all!”

“You know what you meant. I don’t care. But if Xiting likes it, let him. Whether it’s sweet or bitter, he’ll swallow it himself. Why are you so worked up?” Pei Mingfu said leisurely. “I actually think Xiting has good taste. Suiyang is indeed a rare find among his peers. Of course, if he doesn’t like my grandson, then he’s blind, and that’s a very bad thing.”

Pei Yuedong: “…”

“It’s getting late. I need to rest,” Pei Mingfu said. “Unless it’s something urgent, don’t bother your old man at this hour. It’s not a good look.”

Without waiting for Pei Yuedong to respond, Pei Mingfu hung up the phone. He looked down and saw a new message from his grandson.

Pei Mingfu’s grandson: [I won’t be back tonight. (rose)]

These young people are so passionate. Pei Mingfu shook his head and replied: [(moon)]

Pei Xiting glanced at the message, put his phone back in his pocket, and followed Zong Suiyang into the elevator. As the elevator smoothly ascended, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about meeting Zong Suiyang’s pet friend.

Hopefully, the little one would fall for him at first sight, too.

When the elevator doors opened, Zong Suiyang entered first, taking off his shoes in the entryway. A brown, yellow, and black blur spun around and bumped into Zong Suiyang’s leg.

Zong Suiyang shifted the bouquet out of the way, bent down, and scooped it up, holding it in his arms. “No running wild in the house.”

The little tiger didn’t understand. It lay on Zong Suiyang’s shoulder, rubbing its head against him, a pair of round, yellow-glass-like eyes staring intently at Pei Xiting. A few seconds later, it opened its mouth and let out a cute meow.

The little thing was adorable. Pei Xiting tentatively extended his left hand. The little tiger sniffed at it, making his fingertips curl up.

“Not bad,” Zong Suiyang said. “Your first interaction was peaceful.”

Pei Xiting pulled his hand back. “Looks like its taste is just like its owner’s—very good.”

Zong Suiyang looked at Pei Xiting upon hearing this and said, “Change your shoes.” Then, he walked inside with the bouquet and the little tiger.

Oh, is he shy? Pei Xiting raised an eyebrow, slipped on a pair of purple slippers, and followed him into the living room.

He and the little tiger sat on the sofa, sizing each other up, neither making a move. Zong Suiyang came over with a cup of water and handed it to Pei Xiting. “It’s getting late. Have a drink and get some rest.”

“Straight to bed?” Pei Xiting said instinctively.

Zong Suiyang replied, “What else is there to do?”

“Nothing.” Pei Xiting smiled, finished his water, and got up to go to the guest bedroom. He was about to enter the bathroom when he noticed a box of unopened underwear on the cabinet opposite the sink. It was his size.

Well, this was a clear case of premeditated seduction.

Pei Xiting flicked the box with his finger and went into the shower.

Meanwhile, Zong Suiyang poked the little tiger, which was trying to jump onto the bed, and said, “Go back to your own bed.”

The little tiger clung to his leg, refusing to leave.

Zong Suiyang reached down, scooped up the cooperative little tiger, placed it on the sofa, and went to the bathroom to wash up. When he came out after drying his hair, the little tiger was gone. He went to look for it and found the guest room door ajar.

Zong Suiyang walked to the door and heard Pei Xiting’s voice from inside:

“You little rascal, don’t slap my butt. What’s with you, just like your dad? How strange, you couldn’t have inherited that. Wait a minute, did he often slap someone’s butt in front of you, so you’re just imitating him?”

Zong Suiyang raised an eyebrow slightly. “Is that an accusation?”

Pei Xiting, who was lying on the bed petting the big cat, was startled. He scrambled up to a kneeling position on the bed and glared at the man who had stopped at the door. “You were eavesdropping.”

“I swear I didn’t mean to,” Zong Suiyang said, leaning against the door. He looked at Pei Xiting, whose pajamas were loosely worn, with three buttons undone, revealing a large expanse of his pale chest. Even the faint red mark on his left side was visible. His gaze wasn’t suggestive, but if he were a gentleman, he would have immediately looked away. Clearly, Zong Suiyang was not a gentleman, or rather, he didn’t want to be one at that moment.

Pei Xiting turned slightly and quickly buttoned one button. He mumbled something that Zong Suiyang couldn’t hear. Zong Suiyang asked, “May I come in?”

Pei Xiting raised an eyebrow. “What do you think?”

Zong Suiyang said, “I’ll follow your lead.”

Hateful man. Pei Xiting gritted his teeth secretly, refusing to admit defeat, and said, “I’m fine either way. If you come in, you’re welcome. If you don’t, then stay far away.”

“That sounds like you’re holding a grudge,” Zong Suiyang said. “In that case, I think it’s necessary for me to sit closer and have a serious talk.”

The man stepped inside. Pei Xiting’s curled-up legs rubbed against the bed as he said, “I’m not holding a grudge against you. Don’t make false accusations.”

Zong Suiyang walked to the foot of the bed, held down the little tiger that was rolling around, and sat down on the side. He played with the little tiger but kept his gaze on Pei Xiting’s face. Seeing that he was still looking away in a “cool” manner, he couldn’t help but ask, “Are you really not holding a grudge against me? You seem like you have quite a few.”

“You’re blind,” Pei Xiting said. “I’m very friendly.”

“Then what were you just mumbling about me?” Zong Suiyang asked.

“You want to know about that, too?” Pei Xiting crossed his arms, chin slightly raised. “I was cursing you, but you don’t need to know the specifics. I’m afraid you’d be sad.”

“Sounds like a personal attack,” Zong Suiyang said.

Pei Xiting let out a “hmph” sound and was about to speak when his phone buzzed nearby. He reached for it and saw a voice message from Chen Wu.

“There’s a club event tomorrow. You coming?”

The young man’s voice was enthusiastic, and if you listened closely, you could hear a hint of nervousness. Zong Suiyang’s eyes lowered slightly. “Aren’t you from two different schools? You still have joint events?”

“We’re both in the capital. Joint events are pretty common,” Pei Xiting said, turning his head to look at Zong Suiyang, sizing him up with a sweet smile. But the words that came out were a little provocative. “You’re five years older than me, so it’s understandable that you can’t keep up with our pace.”

Zong Suiyang’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he laughed instead of getting angry.

Chen Wu, not having received a response, sent another voice message: “They’re all sophomores and juniors, the same age. The atmosphere is really relaxed.”

“Oh,” Zong Suiyang said. “It’s not relaxed with people who aren’t the same age?”

Pei Xiting, of course, disagreed with that statement but deliberately said, “Ah, well, our life experiences are different. Especially with some people—even if they’re only a few years older—they act like a father figure, which puts a lot of pressure on you.”

“Some people aren’t even afraid of their own father. Would they feel pressure from someone who’s ‘like a father’?” Zong Suiyang asked.

Pei Xiting didn’t say anything. He dropped his phone, suddenly wrapped his arms around Zong Suiyang’s neck, and straddled his lap, answering the question with his actions.

The thighs beneath him were tense, warm, and strong through the pajamas. Pei Xiting stared into Zong Suiyang’s raised eyes and said, “I’m seducing you. Can’t you tell?”

Little King didn’t understand. It rolled over and stood up, pushing its way between them. It nudged its head into their necks as if joining in on the fun.

Zong Suiyang and Pei Xiting both looked down at it at the same time, and neither of them shooed it away.

Zong Suiyang looked up and said, “You’re very quick at buttoning your shirt.”

“Because I’m not very skilled,” Pei Xiting said frankly, “Is it possible to be both intentionally seductive and shy at the same time?”

“You can,” Zong Suiyang said, looking at him. “That’s why I came in, didn’t I?”

Pei Xiting let out a soft “hmph,” rubbed his nose against Zong Suiyang’s, and said, “So, should I go to the club event?”

Chen Wu sent a long message, basically saying that Pei Xiting shouldn’t avoid him anymore, that he no longer liked Pei Xiting, and that there would be no awkwardness or pretense. Zong Suiyang looked away and asked for his opinion again, “You will listen to me?”

“Yes,” Pei Xiting said with a raised eyebrow. “As long as you’re willing.”

Zong Suiyang didn’t say anything. He reached for Pei Xiting’s phone, held it near their lips, and said, “I’ll tell you what to say, okay?”

Pei Xiting’s throat bobbed. He pressed his lips to Zong Suiyang’s cheek and whispered, “Okay.”

Zong Suiyang opened the voice message but changed his mind. He simply said, “He’s busy,” sent it, and locked the screen. He tossed the phone aside, reached out, and gripped Pei Xiting’s face, which had been rubbing against his. “What are you trying to do?”

Pei Xiting didn’t answer. He pulled Zong Suiyang’s hands away, pushed him down onto the bed, and leaned in to kiss him. It was a wild, clumsy, passionate kiss with the taste of green tea and roses. Zong Suiyang kept his eyes half-open, meeting Pei Xiting’s gaze. He submissively let Pei Xiting lick, bite, and entwine with him. His right hand stroked and kneaded Pei Xiting’s waist and hips.

Little King was on Zong Suiyang’s waist, its back pressed against Pei Xiting’s stomach, purring in confusion.

The phone buzzed twice and then went silent.

When Pei Xiting moved away an inch, Zong Suiyang reached out and held his face, forcing him to look up. His lips grazed Pei Xiting’s long neck and slid down. “Your heart is beating so fast,” he said, biting the button that Pei Xiting had just re-fastened and pulling it open.

Pei Xiting suddenly gasped sharply and struggled upward, but his lower back was locked in place by arms as strong as iron bars. He trembled all over, looking down at the man buried in his chest and the innocent, clean amber eyes between them. A wave of shame instantly washed over him, and his scalp tingled.

“Don’t let it be here…”

His hair was grabbed and tugged gently. Zong Suiyang released his teeth and looked up at Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting’s face was flushed, his eyes watery, making him look incredibly beautiful. Zong Suiyang’s eyes narrowed. He reached out, cupped Little King’s backside, and let it rub against Pei Xiting’s chin. “Aren’t you two supposed to be good friends?”

“You…” Pei Xiting suddenly understood the mischief hidden deep within this man.

“Are you sure you want it to leave?” Zong Suiyang asked.

This furball was like the last line of defense between them. With it there, they couldn’t be completely without a gap. It was both a restraint and a protection. Pei Xiting understood. He looked into Zong Suiyang’s deep, dark eyes and said, “I’ll be responsible for you.” He was a daredevil.

Zong Suiyang got up, picked up Little King, and walked out of the room with Pei Xiting in his arms.

The guest room door closed, stopping Little King from following. Zong Suiyang carried Pei Xiting to the master bedroom. Only a single bedside lamp was on in the large room, casting a dim light on the big bed.

Zong Suiyang pressed Pei Xiting onto the bed, gripped his face, and kissed him. Pei Xiting wrapped his arms around his neck, passionately responding. He twisted and squirmed, his hands becoming more restless.

Zong Suiyang was tall, with long legs and strong muscles, like a ferocious beast ready to fight. Pei Xiting was clearly startled. His fingers curled suddenly, and his eyes flew open.

Zong Suiyang was amused by his reaction. “Weren’t you going to show me who’s boss? Giving up already?”

“When did I say that?” Pei Xiting was half-delirious and mumbled, “I didn’t, did I?”

“Your attitude said it,” Zong Suiyang encouraged. “Should we continue?”

Pei Xiting pursed his lips and whispered, “Do you know how?”

“No,” Zong Suiyang said. “It’s enough if you know.”

“I don’t know either… I’ll look it up.” Pei Xiting said, reaching for his phone, but couldn’t find it, completely forgetting it was in the guest room.

Zong Suiyang said there was no need to look anything up and held Pei Xiting’s hand.

Pei Xiting looked over confused, his eyes so beautiful and bright. Zong Suiyang’s heart skipped a beat, and his desire was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of care. He said, “Is it okay if we just use our hands?”

Pei Xiting was stunned and said, not quite understanding, “You don’t want to?”

“I do,” Zong Suiyang said. “But there’s no need to rush. Our story has just begun. Or do you want to make love with me more than you want to be in love with me?”

This was a loaded question. Pei Xiting instantly sobered up and said rationally, “I want to be able to make love with you anytime while we’re in a relationship.”

Zong Suiyang laughed. “Really, anytime?”

Pei Xiting clenched his fist and lightly hit him. “Hurry up and help me!”

Zong Suiyang was happy to serve the young master. He had never done this before, but his handwork was skillful, serving the young master to the point of near collapse. An hour later, they were back in the guest room; the sheets in the master bedroom were not suitable for sleeping anymore.

Pei Xiting, feeling refreshed and comfortable, rolled into bed. He didn’t care about the little tiger lying on top of him and drowsily closed his eyes. Zong Suiyang got into bed from the other side, moved the little tiger, and turned off the light.

As darkness fell, Pei Xiting rolled over and mumbled, burrowing into Zong Suiyang’s arms. Zong Suiyang patted his back and said, “Go to sleep.”

“You…” Pei Xiting lay on his chest. “You smell good.”

Zong Suiyang smiled.

Pei Xiting sniffed and said, “Okay, see you tomorrow. It’s Monday tomorrow; you’ll get up to go to work while I’m still snoring. So, see you tomorrow night.”

“See you tomorrow night,” Zong Suiyang said, stroking Pei Xiting’s back. “Maybe see you tomorrow at noon.”

Pei Xiting smiled and said, “When will I actually see you?”

Zong Suiyang said, “Let’s say ‘next time.'”

Pei Xiting mumbled an “Mhm,” and with a satisfied smile, he hooked pinkies with Zong Suiyang under the covers and said, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, sweet dreams.” Zong Suiyang held his hand and didn’t let go.

Little King rolled around on the floor mat, purring as it lay down. The night wind blew outside, but it didn’t disturb the people inside.

Pei Xiting slept soundly in the scent of light bamboo. When he opened his eyes again, a small patch of mottled sunlight filled the room, and the person beside him was gone.

The only thing left was a white basket on the bedside table with a white silk scarf tied to the handle. The main flower was a cappuccino rose.

Pei Xiting took out the small card inside. It was written in sharp, powerful penmanship: [Pei Xiting, see you ‘next ‘time’—Zong Suiyang.]

Pei Xiting put the card in the small pocket on his chest, looked at the shadow of the sunlight on the floor, and smiled. “See you ‘next time.'”

The End.

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