The Cannon Fodder Who Fell in Love at Art School - Chapter 25.1

The riding arena was on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by open fields. When Fang Chen stepped out of the car with Xis, he glanced around and couldn’t help asking,  Is business here bad? Why is it so empty?

It’s a weekday,  Xis replied casually.  Not many people come during the week.

Fang Chen nodded, not thinking much of it.

Since the boss himself was coming, the stable manager had already been waiting outside the gate. The moment he saw them, he hurried forward with an overly enthusiastic smile. Welcome, gentlemen! Hope you enjoy your time here.

Fang Chen lowered his voice. “Do you come here often?”

When I have time, Xis said, reaching out to take Fang Chen’s hand, leading him inside. “Come on, I’ll show you my horse.

Fang Chen instinctively followed, then glanced down at their linked hands. He hesitated, blinking lightly, torn for a second but in the end, didn’t pull away.

Of course, the boss’s horse was also the boss among horses. It had its own luxurious stable and looked spirited as it was led out. The moment it saw Xis, it tried to rub up against him affectionately.

The sudden appearance of the horse’s large head startled Fang Chen. He quickly ducked behind Xis.

Zoe, stop.The man commanded in a low voice.

Peeking from behind Xis’s shoulder, Fang Chen looked curiously at the sleek, pitch-black stallion. Zoe? That’s his name?

With Fang Chen, Xis’s tone softened.

 “Mm. Try calling him and you can pet him too.”

Pet him? I’m scared.

Xis smiled faintly. “It’s fine. I’ll hold your hand. He’s actually quite gentle.

Really?

Fang Chen wasn’t so sure. The horse looked like it could blow him over just by snorting.

Xis took Fang Chen’s hand and guided it to stroke Zoe’s head. Once he’s familiar with you, he’ll be calmer. I’ll take you for a ride in a bit.

Fang Chen’s eyes widened. “Ride Zoe? Shouldn’t I try one of the smaller, gentler horses first?”

No need,  Xis lied without blinking. “I’ll ride with you. We’ll share one horse.”

“Alright then.”

Fang Chen gave Zoe a tentative pat on the ear and smiled. Thanks for being good to me.

Despite its fierce look, Zoe turned out to be unexpectedly easy to please. Fang Chen barely touched him before the horse leaned closer, wanting more affection until Xis coolly tugged him back.

Don’t mind him. Let’s get changed first.

Before riding, they had to switch into proper attire.

The stable provided outfits. Xis had a new set brought over in Fang Chen’s size.

He handed the clothes to him at the locker room door, pausing briefly before asking, “Some of the buttons are tricky. Want me to help you?”

Fang Chen’s eyes went wide. He snatched the clothes out of Xis’s hands and darted inside, slamming the door behind him.

Xis’s mouth curved faintly, though his gaze darkened.

It took Fang Chen a while to change he wasn’t used to such clothing. When he finally came out, Xis was already waiting, phone in hand.

At the sound of movement, Xis looked up.

The riding helmet made Fang Chen’s round head look even rounder. Xis almost laughed, but held it back. He stepped forward and adjusted the loose strap under Fang Chen’s chin. 

Looks good.

As the man fastened the strap, Fang Chen instinctively tilted his chin up. Even so, Xis’s fingertips brushed against the soft skin beneath his jaw light and teasing, like scratching a kitten.

Fang Chen’s ears turned red. Are you done yet?  he mumbled, voice muffled and sweet.

Xis paused for a beat. “…Done.”

Fang Chen shook his head lightly to make sure the helmet was secure, then studied Xis from head to toe.

Black riding jacket, white breeches, polished boots paired with his cold, sharp features, he looked like a medieval knight.

Wait… white pants?

He remembered seeing online that white breeches showed everything.

Was that true?

His gaze flickered downward just a peek.

Yeah, kind of obvious.

What are you looking at? Xis’s cool voice came from above.

Fang Chen’s head shot up. “Nothing! I wasn’t looking at anything!”

Xis narrowed his eyes slightly.

Fang Chen’s face burned red, hot enough to roast a lamb. He turned and muttered.

Didn’t you say we’re riding? Let’s go to Zoe’s waiting. 

Xis said nothing more and followed him out.

The entire riding field had been cleared in advance; only the two of them remained. Xis led the horse and gave a brief explanation of how to mount.

But he deliberately used technical terms, and Fang Chen blinked up at him, clearly lost.

Xis chuckled. “It’s a bit tricky. I’ll just lift you.”

“Ah—?”

Before Fang Chen could react, Xis wrapped an arm around his waist and lifted him effortlessly onto the horse.

Eh?!

The next second, Xis swung up as well, settling right behind him.

The horse’s back wasn’t large, and Xis’s tall frame pressed Fang Chen close against his chest. The heat from the man’s body radiated through the thin layers of fabric, surrounding him.

This was no different from being held!

Xis reached forward to take the reins, effectively enclosing Fang Chen in his arms.

“Let’s go for a lap first,” he said evenly.

He nudged the horse’s sides, and Zoe started trotting. At first, Fang Chen could manage; it was his first time on horseback, and the thrill of it, the wind rushing past his ears, made him grin.

But of course, Xis wasn’t about to let him off that easily.

He glanced down at Fang Chen’s bright, excited expression, then subtly tapped Zoe’s flank with his heel. The horse immediately broke into a faster run.

The sudden burst of speed made Fang Chen yelp, his body thrown back by the momentum straight into Xis’s arms.

A faint smirk tugged at Xis’s lips.

Releasing one hand from the reins, he wrapped it firmly around Fang Chen’s waist, leaning close to his ear. Don’t be afraid.

The horse’s gallop jostled them both; whether intentionally or not, Xis’s lips brushed the tip of Fang Chen’s ear, sending a shiver through him.

Zoe ran faster and faster, wind roaring past. Fang Chen barely had time to look around. His heart was pounding wildly, half from the speed, half from the man’s tightening arm that seemed to hold him too close.

After several laps, Zoe finally slowed. Xis reined him in, dismounted smoothly, then held out his arms.

Fang Chen’s cheeks were flushed, breath uneven, hair tousled by the wind.

He hesitated a moment before placing his hands on Xis’s shoulders.

Naturally, Xis’s arm slid around his waist and the other under his thighs, lifting him down without ever really letting go.

Instead, Xis kept him in his arms as he walked back toward the lounge. “Tired? There’s iced juice inside. We can rest for a bit before riding again.”

Whether or not he was tired wasn’t the point. Did he really have to carry him while saying that?

Fang Chen kicked weakly. “Put me down, I can walk.”

Don’t move, Xis murmured lowly. “It’s your first time. Your legs might ache later.

Against Xis’s strength, Fang Chen’s struggle was useless. He gave up, limp as a doll, letting himself be carried.

Fine, he thought. It’s not like anyone else is here anyway.

He rested his head on Xis’s shoulder, finally relaxing. The adrenaline still hadn’t quite faded.

Xis, on the other hand, thought the opposite the stable suddenly felt too small. If it were bigger, he could have held his little lamb a bit longer.

Once inside the lounge, he reluctantly set Fang Chen down on the sofa.

His arms felt oddly empty, though his expression stayed composed. What would you like to drink? Orange juice?

Even sitting now, Fang Chen swore he could still feel those hands on him. He shifted awkwardly on the couch and muttered, “Yeah.”

There were no staff inside Xis had dismissed them so he poured a glass himself and handed it over.

Fang Chen took it, sipped half before glancing up. “This riding field is yours too, isn’t it?”

Xis raised an eyebrow.

Clever little lamb.

Even if business was “slow,” it couldn’t be this deserted. And the facilities looked brand-new. Clearly not some random ranch.

Fang Chen gritted his teeth silently.

He tricked me again!

Xis didn’t confirm or deny he only asked, “Do you like it? If you do, I’ll give it to you.”

“ Did he just say he’d give it to him?!

Rich people were terrifying.

Fang Chen clenched his fists, looking up stubbornly.

 “You didn’t bring me here just to ride horses, did you?”

Xis chuckled softly, eyes dark and steady on him. If not to ride, then what else would I bring you here for?

To flirt. To mess with me! Fang Chen wanted to yell, but he couldn’t.

After a pause, he muttered instead, “When are we having spicy crayfish?”

That caught Xis off guard for a second, but his lips soon curved. He reached to take Fang Chen’s hand, but Fang Chen dodged. Xis simply caught it again, firm this time.

“Now. I’ll take you back.”

Fang Chen ate his heartbreak away, polishing off a whole platter and even packing two boxes to go. His belly was round and full by the time they left.

When Xis dropped him off, he started to say, “Tomorrow.”

But Fang Chen quickly cut in, “I have a rehearsal for a play at school tomorrow. Might… not have time.”

Xis frowned slightly but said nothing more. He’d done enough today, couldn’t push too hard.

Besides, who said he couldn’t see him at school?

He was a WK student  too, after all.

He’d just been skipping most of his classes lately.

The next day, after calling Joey to confirm where the rehearsal was, Xis showed up right on time.

Fang Chen, emotion. The director, Zhou Lili, shouted. In this part, you need to be more fawning to get into the role.

They were rehearsing The Butterfly Lovers, an old classic. Fang Chen was playing. 

Ma Wencai’s servant. A role he’d chosen himself few lines, minimal effort.

The problem? Liang Shanbo was being played by Chen Fang the same guy who’d cornered him on the beach and talked endlessly.

If he hadn’t impulsively agreed to Zhou Lili yesterday, Fang Chen would’ve quit.

Alright, everyone rest for fifteen minutes, Zhou Lili said finally.

The moment the word rest was said, Fang Chen collapsed onto a nearby couch, limp like a wool blanket.

Chen Fang brought him a soda. “Tired?”

Fang Chen glanced at it but didn’t take it. “Thanks. I’m not thirsty.”

Chen Fang smiled gently. Honestly, you’d make a better Liang Shanbo than me. You’re better looking.

Fang Chen shook his head. Doesn’t matter who plays what.

Before Chen Fang could say more, Fang Chen pulled his jacket over his head. 

“I’m a bit tired,” he mumbled.

Chen Fang hesitated, then backed off.

Under the jacket, Fang Chen remembered Xis had messaged him earlier Busy? 

But he hadn’t replied yet.

Then a lively voice sounded nearby: “Hey! Are you guys rehearsing a play? Wow, these costumes are so cool! Are they traditional outfits from your country?”

That voice… sounded familiar.

Joey! You came, Zhou Lili greeted warmly.

Joey was basically a social butterfly he knew everyone on campus.

Just dropping by. Mind if we watch?

“Of course not!”

Fang Chen’s heart skipped.

If Joey were here… then.

Before he could finish the thought, Joey said cheerfully, Let me introduce you, this is Xis Bolton! How’s that for a VIP guest?  

The rehearsal room fell quiet for half a second, then burst into chatter.

Fang Chen didn’t move, face hidden under the jacket, sulking.

A celebrity, he thought bitterly. Came to show off, huh?

He didn’t know why he felt that strange pang in his chest.

Fang Chen! Back on stage!” Zhou Lili called.

He threw off the jacket, revealing a small frown. Avoiding Xi’s gaze, he walked over. “One more run, then I’m heading back.

Zhou Lili nodded.

In this scene, his character was bullying Liang Shanbo.

He swung a punch at Chen Fang’s chest. Chen Fang fell, and Fang Chen even kicked twice. That’s for getting in my young master’s way.

He looked quite fierce.

From his seat, Xis lounged like a judge, eyes fixed on Fang Chen without blinking.

He narrowed his gaze slightly.

He hated it hated seeing so many people looking at his little lamb.

After rehearsal, Fang Chen went backstage to change. He hadn’t looked Xis’s way once.

A few seconds later, Xis stood up and followed.

“Eh? Where’s Xis going?” Zhou Lili asked.

“Who knows? Maybe to get some air,” Joey said with a grin.

Yeah, right, he thought. He’s definitely going after Fang Chen.

The backstage changing room was small and basic. Fang Chen had just reached to close the door when a large hand pressed against it, pushing it back open, unyielding.

It was Xis.

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