Love Me, Please Look - Chapter 11
Chapter 11
After Zhang Shixu and Qi Junhe got together, Zhang realized something pretty quickly: Qi Junhe was clingy—like, big golden retriever clingy.
He stuck to Zhang all day, showering him with little gifts in all sorts of ways, just to see him smile.
One day, while they were walking together, Zhang Shixu asked offhandedly, “Why do you like me?”
Qi Junhe just shook his head silently.
Zhang laughed, teasing, “What? Cat got your tongue? Or is it something you’re too embarrassed to say?”
But Qi Junhe still didn’t answer.
Zhang stared at him for a few seconds and, seeing that he had no intention of explaining, finally gave up and said, “Fine.”
Qi Junhe took Zhang’s hand—ice cold from the winter air—and tucked it into his own coat pocket. Then he made a quiet gesture: “I’ll tell you later.”
Zhang didn’t say anything, just leaned a little closer to Qi Junhe, soaking in the warmth from his body in the bitter cold.
The very next day after they became official, Qi Junhe showed up at Zhang Shixu’s dorm with arms full—milk tea and snacks for everyone.
No one seemed particularly shocked by this new relationship. Zhang Yan, in fact, looked smug. “Luo Jia and I already had a feeling something was going on—especially with your junior. The way he looked at you? Dead giveaway.”
Zhang Shixu rubbed his nose sheepishly. “Yeah…”
Jin Heng didn’t react. Chen Nan didn’t say a word.
Later that night, as Zhang Shixu was out on the balcony doing laundry, Chen Nan suddenly asked from behind him, “So… this time it’s for real?”
Zhang paused, then nodded. “Yeah. This time it’s serious.”
Chen Nan didn’t reply immediately. He turned to leave.
“Hey,” Zhang called out. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
Chen Nan looked back at him and said, “You just seem a lot happier now.”
With that, he went inside.
Zhang Shixu stared after him thoughtfully. Chen Nan really had changed. He seemed more grounded, more mature.
As finals approached, Zhang Shixu planned to study in the library. Naturally, Qi Junhe followed along, saying it was “more efficient” to study together.
When they walked out of the library late that night and approached the dorm building, Qi Junhe was just about to say goodbye when Zhang suddenly grabbed him and ducked into the shadows.
“Shh,” Zhang whispered. “I think I see my roommate.”
Qi Junhe blinked but stayed quiet. He followed Zhang’s gaze.
Sure enough, Jin Heng and Chen Nan were walking down the path. Chen Nan was stomping ahead angrily while Jin Heng trailed close behind, clearly trying to talk him down.
Zhang stared, confused. What’s going on?
Chen Nan was fuming. “Don’t give me that crap. If you’re gonna leave, just go. Don’t come crawling back later.”
Jin Heng sounded desperate. “It’s not even confirmed yet—can you not curse at me?”
“Oh, I’ll curse all I want,” Chen Nan snapped. “What, you think I’m just your booty call?”
Zhang: Wait what??
Jin Heng grabbed Chen Nan into a hug and murmured, “Who said that’s all you are?”
Chen Nan deflated like a balloon. “If you’re really leaving, just say so. I won’t cling.”
Jin Heng whispered something in his ear, and Zhang saw Chen Nan completely soften.
Zhang was so invested in this real-life drama unfolding before him that he didn’t notice Qi Junhe giving him an absolutely smitten look.
When the two upstairs finally disappeared, Zhang removed his hand from Qi Junhe’s mouth and said, “Holy crap… are they a couple now?”
Qi Junhe chuckled—and then suddenly kissed Zhang Shixu right on the lips.
Zhang froze. “What are you doing?! My brain’s a mess!”
Qi Junhe looked wronged. They had been dating for two months and this was their first kiss—he thought it would be romantic. Instead, he got scolded.
Zhang’s heart softened at his expression and, biting back a smile, stood on tiptoe and kissed him back.
This time it was Qi Junhe’s turn to be stunned.
He didn’t even dare to touch Zhang Shixu, just stood there stiffly like some well-mannered schoolboy. Meanwhile, Zhang had to tug at his collar and pull him down for the kiss.
Honestly, kissing was hard work.
Neither of them was any good at it, so they just ended up gently bumping lips.
After a bit, Zhang pulled away, licking his lips. “Kind of boring.”
Provoked, Qi Junhe kissed him again—this time with precision and intent.
Zhang yelped in surprise but gradually relaxed into the kiss.
One of them slipped in a bit of tongue and Zhang flinched, body shuddering like he’d been electrocuted. Qi Junhe opened his eyes to check on him, gently rubbing his back.
When they finally broke apart, Zhang Shixu was out of breath, his lips kiss-swollen and cheeks red.
“Now that was refreshing,” he gasped.
Qi Junhe looked pleased with himself and leaned in for another kiss, but Zhang quickly covered his mouth and pushed him away.
“No more! My mouth’s worn out.”
The two of them stood there, dazed and staring at each other.
“Hey, how’s the ventilation here?” Zhang suddenly asked.
Qi Junhe: …
Could he admit he hadn’t even thought about that?
Eventually, Zhang went back upstairs and found Chen Nan on the balcony washing his laundry.
Chen Nan glanced up, saw Zhang’s face, and nearly dropped his soap.
“Holy crap, you scared the life outta me!”
Zhang didn’t say anything—just stared at him.
The silence was intense. Creepy, even.
Chen Nan shifted uncomfortably. “Okay… what’s up with the stare?”
Zhang snorted.
“Hey, I didn’t use your washbasin or anything.”
Zhang narrowed his eyes. “Wait. You used my washbasin to wash your feet?”
Chen Nan flailed. “No! No! I meant I didn’t! It’s just—you’re staring like I committed a crime!”
“I saw you tonight,” Zhang said.
Chen Nan’s heart skipped a beat. “Saw… what?”
“You. With Jin Heng.”
Chen Nan’s face froze.
Zhang suddenly leaned in and hugged him.
The two were about the same height. Zhang whispered by his ear, “You two were hugging. You think I didn’t notice?”
Chen Nan: …
Just like that, Chen Nan spilled everything that had happened between him and Jin Heng.
Zhang Shixu listened quietly, frowning the whole time.
Chen Nan wasn’t even sure what right he had to comment on Zhang’s relationship—both of them had pretty chaotic beginnings.
When the explanation ended, silence returned.
“Say something, husband,” Chen Nan joked half-heartedly.
Zhang said nothing for a while.
Finally, he replied, “You better be ready. Jin Heng’s not Zhou Ying.”
Chen Nan’s voice softened. “We’re not going public.”
Zhang nodded, then turned to go inside—where Zhang Yan was already begging him to mark the important points for the exam.
Chen Nan followed behind.
After finals, Zhang Shixu finished earlier than Qi Junhe.
Originally, Zhang planned to take the high-speed train home. But then Qi Junhe mentioned his mom had invited Zhang to dinner.
“You tell your mom yet?” Zhang asked during a video call.
Qi Junhe shook his head. “Not yet.”
Zhang watched him through the screen while folding his clothes. “Worried I’ll miss you?”
“Already miss you,” Qi Junhe replied with a pout.
They’d originally planned to eat together after exams, but Zhang had refused. He didn’t want to waste time like that. Since he was going to have dinner at the Qi household anyway, they’d just say goodbye there.
As soon as Qi Junhe finished his last exam, he rushed to pick up Zhang Shixu.
Zhang was distracted, looking at his phone when the car pulled up. He only noticed after Qi Junhe honked.
“Didn’t see you there,” he muttered.
The school was nearly empty, so it was easy to spot the car. Zhang got in naturally, buckled up, and connected his phone to the Bluetooth.
Qi Junhe just smiled and drove.
The car ride was quiet. Zhang spent most of it texting Chen Nan, who was planning to stay in City B for the New Year with Jin Heng.
Zhang: Not going home?
Chen Nan: Why would I?
Zhang: Sure you’re not just becoming Troy’s househusband?
Chen Nan: If he wants to eat, I’ll let him eat all he wants. What’s a Beta like me supposed to do?
Zhang: …Whatever you say. Just take care of yourself.
Chen Nan: You’re one to talk. You’re already going to his house for dinner? That fast?
Zhang: It’s just dinner.
Chen Nan: Moving fast, bro. 💪
The car pulled into the Qi family villa. Zhang stepped out, suitcase in tow, feeling a little unprepared.
“Wait, it’s just the four of us, right?” he asked as they approached the door.
Qi Junhe signed, “Grandpa and Grandpa are home from traveling. They’re joining too.”
Zhang: What?!
He had mentally prepared for a dinner with just the parents—not the whole family.
And the Qi family? That meant powerful, famous, ridiculously wealthy people. Xu Xinyi’s two Alpha parents alone were intimidating—never mind the grandparents.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Zhang hissed, smacking his arm.
Qi Junhe looked guilty. He had only just found out after his last exam and didn’t know how to bring it up.
“Sorry, baby.”
Zhang took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”
Dinner was… surprisingly warm.
Xu Xinyi introduced him with pride, and her parents—Xu Canyang and Li Yi—welcomed him with gentle smiles.
Qi Junhe’s actual father was ignored.
At the table, Qi Junhe kept quietly putting food on Zhang’s plate, while his parents doted on each other and Xinyi. Zhang tried to pretend he wasn’t nervous.
“How did you learn sign language?” Xu Canyang asked kindly.
Zhang replied, “I picked it up in elementary school through volunteer work. I still help out now and then.”
They asked a few more polite questions. Li Yi even checked the clock when Zhang mentioned taking the train later.
Eventually, dinner wrapped up, and Qi Junhe dragged Zhang Shixu upstairs to his room.
Zhang narrowed his eyes. “Why are we going to your room?”
“I want to show you a secret,” Qi Junhe said.
Zhang was suspicious—but followed.
The room screamed rich. Not a speck of dust. There was even a cello in the corner.
“My mom forced me to learn,” Qi Junhe explained.
“Don’t you have a piano room?”
“Yeah. She kicked me out of it.”
Zhang shook his head. Rich people…
Then Qi Junhe led him into the study and pulled out a photo album.
Zhang sat beside him, nestled in his arms as they flipped through childhood photos.
“Wait… is this a group photo from a welfare home?”
Qi Junhe nodded and pointed.
Zhang leaned in—and immediately spotted himself.
What?!