The Cannon Fodder Who Fell in Love at Art School - Chapter 24.2
Fang Chen froze for a moment, but before he could say anything, Xis stepped forward, blocking him, and stared coldly at the man in front of them.
The man raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright! He’s yours.”
Maybe it was that line that pleased Xis, because the chill on his face eased a little only for Fang Chen to ruin it by peeking out from behind his shoulder and chirping, “Let’s go!”
The man blinked, then burst out laughing.
That was the last straw for Xis. He grabbed Fang Chen by the wrist and pulled him forcefully off the dance floor.
The pounding bass faded as they stepped out of the bar, replaced by the muffled hum of the city night.
Fang Chen tried to tug his hand free, but Xis only tightened his grip, dragging him closer until their faces were inches apart.
Fang Chen, he said quietly, his tone low but firm, You’ve been very disobedient tonight.
He’d been pushing his buttons all evening.
Fang Chen blinked up at him, eyes wide and guileless. You’re mad? Why? Because I wanted to dance with someone else?
Xis didn’t answer.
Fang Chen stepped closer, lowering his voice. Xis… are you upset because I danced with someone else?
He didn’t really expect an answer. He’d meant to tease, to turn and slip away again but before he could, Xis caught him firmly, not letting go this time.
Running again? Xis’s gaze locked onto his.
Fang Chen averted his eyes. No. You just spoke too late. I’m going back to sleep.
After a pause, Xis gave a short hum of assent. I’ll take you.”
On the drive back, Fang Chen leaned against the window and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.
Had he gone too far tonight?
Could Xis tell he was doing it on purpose?
He sighed quietly to himself.
Jemmy had told him not to be too eager said he should keep his distance, even flirt a little with others in front of Xis to see if he’d get jealous.
But… did he?
Fang Chen’s thoughts tangled up in his sleepy head. He’d meant to fake it, but soon enough, he actually dozed off.
That was the thing about little lambs they were too carefree.
Xis’s gaze lingered on him, unreadable.
They were close to the dorms now. When the car stopped, he didn’t wake Fang Chen right away.
The boy was right there, soft and tempting as a pastry fresh from the oven. Xis’s restraint frayed.
Fang Chen had turned slightly, his black hair falling over his ear, exposing a soft, pink earlobe that made Xis’s jaw tighten.
Just one bite.
Just one.
Half-asleep, Fang Chen felt something brush his face itchy, like a mosquito. He frowned and made a small noise, then blinked awake.
And found himself staring into Xis’s grey-blue eyes.
He jolted upright, instantly awake. You… what are you doing?
Xis leaned in, his breath grazing Fang Chen’s ear. For a moment, their breaths tangled in the space between them.
Then, as if nothing had happened, Xis straightened back up, his tone calm. “I called you several times and you didn’t wake. I wanted to check if you’d fainted.”
Fang Chen was speechless.
Then Xis tilted his head slightly, his gaze cool. “What did you think I was doing?”
What did I think?!
I thought you were going to kiss me!
Fang Chen clenched his fists, his face heating up.
He unbuckled his seatbelt stiffly. “I’m going.”
“Fang Chen.”
He looked back. Xis’s expression was perfectly neutral.
“What do you want to eat tomorrow?”
He wasn’t asking if he’d come he was asking what he wanted to eat.
How vicious!
“So evil!” Fang Chen groaned later that night, pacing his dorm room while ranting to Jemmy.
Jemmy gasped. “You actually said yes? You’re not supposed to! You can’t see him tomorrow, remember the plan! We’re supposed to bait him to see if he really likes you!”
Fang Chen slumped in despair. You don’t get it. You’ve never eaten Chinese food, you wouldn’t understand.
I can’t quit. I just can’t.
Especially not when Xis had said he’d make spicy crayfish tomorrow.
How could he refuse that?
In the end, all he could manage was a meek, “Make it extra spicy.”
He shook his head, trying to stop thinking about it, wiped a bit of drool, and asked humbly, Jemmy, what should I do next?
Well, if he dragged you out of the club, that means he was jealous which means he probably does like you.
Jemmy thought for a moment, then added, “Unless… what if he’s, you know, physically impaired? Maybe that’s why he likes you but won’t admit it.”
Fang Chen froze, eyes wide.
Impossible! He’s too big for that!
After half an hour of pointless theorizing, Fang Chen could barely keep his eyes open. He yawned his way through washing up, then caught his reflection in the mirror.
Wait.
Why were his ears… red?
So it wasn’t a dream. There really had been a mosquito in Xis’s car.
In Xis’s apartment, a large screen filled the living room. A live cooking class was held, the chef demonstrating step-by-step techniques.
Xis sat on the couch, elbow resting on the armrest, watching with the focus of a man studying financial reports.
After watching the tutorial twice, he finally told the AI assistant to stop. The screen dimmed, but he didn’t move just sat there, eyes half closed.
Every little thing Fang Chen had done tonight replayed in his head.
Earlier, he’d been furious. Now, he only felt a soft warmth spreading through his chest.
After a while, he got up and walked toward the guest room the one Fang Chen had stayed in.
He lay down where Fang Chen had slept, one hand gripping the white shirt Fang Chen had worn. When he brought it close, he could still catch a faint trace of his scent.
Soon, their scents would blend.
Xis closed his eyes, a rough breath escaping his throat.
The next morning, Fang Chen had class. They’d agreed that Xis would pick him up afterward.
But the moment class ended, someone stopped him.
Fang Chen! Join the end-of-term play.
It was an international student, clasping his hands in a pleading gesture.
You’re the best-looking guy in our year! Show those foreigners what real beauty looks like.
Fang Chen shook his head. I’m not interested. Don’t have time.
Zhou Lili caught him by the wrist. The first prize gets two thousand dollars we can split it.
Fang Chen paused, tempted. But… there’s no guarantee we’ll win.
I guarantee it! You join, we win.
The lure of money was irresistible. He exchanged contacts with her and agreed to check the script later.
Worried Xis might be waiting, Fang Chen jogged out of the building, backpack bouncing behind him.
When Xis saw him running, he frowned, striding forward to steady him. Why are you running?
Did you wait long? Fang Chen asked, apologetic. A classmate stopped me to talk about something.”
“I just got here.”
Xis took his bag and asked casually, “What was it? Do you need help?”
Fang Chen shook his head and explained about the play.
Xis wanted to tell him he didn’t need to worry about money that his wallet was always open for him but he swallowed the words. That would only scare him off.
“What kind of play?” he asked instead.
“She said she’ll send me the script tonight.”
Xis’s mind flickered. Hopefully not a romance. No kissing scenes, please.
But he didn’t say that aloud.
Checking the time, he said lightly, You don’t have much studying to do today. Want to relax for a bit?
Huh? Fang Chen perked up, all thoughts of the ‘be cold’ plan gone. “Where?”
Ever ridden a horse? Want to try the stables?
Fang Chen’s eyes sparkled. I want to! But… I don’t know how.
Perfect.
Xis smiled, warm and patient. “That’s alright. I’ll teach you.”
Teach him closely, body to body.
After their “workout” last night, Xis had smoked a cigarette and finally made up his mind.
He wasn’t going to hold back anymore.
The little lamb kept teasing saying he liked other men’s muscles, other men’s punches…
He’d said enough things to drive him insane.
Clearly, he was progressing too slowly.
It was time to turn up the heat.
The little lamb had simmered long enough in warm water. Now it was time for a different kind of cooking.
And he didn’t forget to text the manager of the riding club: Clear the place in advance.
What happened last time must never happen again.
Fang Chen’s attention should belong entirely to him.