The Cannon Fodder Who Fell in Love at Art School - Chapter 29

When Fang Chen came out of the bathroom, he felt like he was burning up. His mind was still full of the image of that man holding him earlier. Because of years of boxing, Xis had a thin layer of calluses on his palms. When he deliberately brushed his thumb over him, Fang Chen’s knees nearly gave out, and he almost fell to the floor.

Feeling a bit guilty for teasing him, Xis changed into his usual gentle and harmless expression after his shower. He warmed a glass of milk with honey and coaxed softly, “Baby, drink some milk before you sleep.”

Fang Chen glared at him, annoyed. “If I drink before bed, I’ll have to get up in the middle of the night to pee.”

Xis took the opportunity to sit beside him, looping an arm around him and pressing a kiss to the soft lobe of his ear. “Then I’ll carry you there. You can sleep, I’ll hold you, and even whistle for you.”

Was he treating him like a toy? Just picking him up and tossing him around whenever he liked!

Fang Chen’s ears, which were showing outside his hair, turned crimson. He snatched the cup, tilted his head back, and gulped down the milk in one go, then shoved the cup into Xis’s hand.

“Don’t talk to me. I’m going to sleep.”

As he stood to leave, Xis followed. “Baby, can I hold you to sleep tonight?”

The only reply he got was the bedroom door slamming in his face.

Xis lowered his eyes and let out a quiet laugh. But the smile faded quickly, replaced by his usual calm, unreadable expression. He turned and went into the study, picked up his phone, and made a call.

“Help me look into someone.”

 

Who on earth was this Chen Fang anyway?!

Fang Chen tossed and turned on the bed, annoyed. He flipped through his contacts one by one, but didn’t find any name like that.

Did he really know this person?

Just as he was stewing over it, a text popped up.

[I’m Chen Fang. If you want me to keep your secret, transfer me $20,000 right now. Account number: xxxxxxxxxx.]

Fang Chen blinked twice, then suddenly chuckled, his tension easing.

So that’s what it was.

He’d thought it was something serious, but it was just a scammer looking for a handout.

Snorting, he sprawled on the bed, legs swaying lazily, and typed back slowly.

[Since you know me, you should know my situation. I can barely feed myself—where would I get money for you?]

The reply came quickly, as if Chen Fang had been staring at his phone.

[You don’t have money, but Xis does.]
[You’d better think carefully, or I’ll expose what you did back in China.]

Back in China?

Fang Chen muttered to himself, realizing the man must be talking about the foolish things the original Fang Chen had done, scheming against his brother, bullying classmates, and so on.

[Then make it into a PDF, will you? I heard all the gossip exposés use PDFs these days. Super classy. You should try it too.]

Apparently stumped by the reply, Chen Fang didn’t respond again.

Fang Chen, unable to find any memory of this man in the original’s past, relaxed. He must’ve just panicked earlier for no reason. This guy was probably some small-time nobody trying to make trouble.

He wanted money from him?

Dream on.

Satisfied, the little lamb tossed his phone aside and fell asleep peacefully.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Chen Fang’s face twisted in rage.

At first, he hadn’t even known Fang Chen he’d just thought he was pretty and wanted to get close. Later, during a chat with his cousin, he’d overheard gossip about the Fang family and learned Fang Chen’s name.

That was when he found out who Fang Chen really was.

The once untouchable young master, now fallen from grace, is scraping by with part-time jobs.

Chen Fang’s dark desires began to fester. Such a pitiful young master—shouldn’t he be easy to toy with now?

But instead, Fang Chen had gone and gotten close to Xis.

Didn’t even look at him.

Looked down on him!

They all looked down on him!

 

The little lamb slept soundly, but woke in the middle of the night with a heavy, uncomfortable feeling in his lower belly.

He needed to pee.

All because of that milk Xis made him drink!

Still half-asleep and grumpy, Fang Chen shuffled toward the bathroom in his slippers, but paused.

Light was spilling faintly from the gap under the door.

Still awake?

It was already two in the morning.

What was Xis doing?

After a moment’s hesitation, Fang Chen quietly opened the door and peeked out.

The living room was dim, lit only by a small lamp. No one was there. He stepped out and rounded the corner then froze.

Xis was standing at the kitchen island, busy with something.

Fang Chen puffed his cheeks in annoyance.

Oh, so that’s it!

Sneaking out to make himself a midnight snack!

He rubbed his foot against the floor, gathering momentum.

Then launched himself forward like a tiny cannonball.

With a thud, he slammed right into Xis’s back.

The man paused, wiped his hands, and swiftly turned around, catching Fang Chen before he could run.

“Hmm? Trying to ambush me?”

“Eh—hey—!” The little lamb kicked his legs, squirming as Xis lifted him off the ground. “You’re sneaking food.”

Fang Chen stopped mid-sentence.

On the counter sat a cutting board with several oddly shaped dumplings. Beside it, a tablet was propped up, playing a tutorial video.

“You’re… making dumplings? In the middle of the night?”

Xis tilted his head and kissed Fang Chen’s cheek. “Do you like them? I’ll make some for you in the morning.”

Fang Chen’s heart gave a little tug. He muttered softly, “You don’t have to do it so late.”

“I’m practicing first, so the ones tomorrow look nice.”

He kissed him again. Xis could hardly resist touching him; even a simple kiss no longer felt enough. He wanted to swallow him whole.

Fang Chen wriggled a bit. “Then these are wasted.”

“Not wasted they’ll go to Joey.”

His face was wet with kisses now, so he turned away slightly, but at the thought of Xis staying up just to cook for him, his chest went soft. Wrapping his arms around the man’s neck, he murmured, “Stop cooking, I’ll eat anything.”

Xis chuckled, squeezing him lightly through his clothes. “It’s not the same. Not for me.”

He liked seeing Fang Chen eat what he made. The boy was so easy to read. When he liked something, his eyes would curve into crescents, and if he was really happy, he’d even sway his head a little.

Fang Chen stayed quiet for a while.

He realized that no one had ever treated him this well before.

Then slap.

Xis patted him lightly. “And you? Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“Eh?” Fang Chen blinked.

Wait, why was he up again?

And then it hit him he still needed to pee. Badly.

Panicking, he squirmed and kicked. “Quick, put me down! I need to use the bathroom!”

Xis raised a brow. “Oh? My baby came out looking for me and wants me to carry him to the toilet? So sweet.”

“No, that’s not !” Fang Chen’s face burned. “Put me down, Xis, I mean it!”

He only smiled. “Alright, alright, I’ll take you there.”

Wasn’t he supposed to understand English?!

Then why was he pretending not to know?!

And so, he really carried Fang Chen into the bathroom refusing to let go, and positioned him over the toilet.

“Go ahead, baby.”

Fang Chen was mortified, his whole body burning. Struggling was useless; in the end, he could only whimper, “Xis, let me do it myself…”

Xis’s tone stayed calm. “Well? Are you going or not?”

That tone implied that if he didn’t, Xis would make him.

Fang Chen’s lashes trembled. Shamefaced, he shut his eyes.

A few seconds later, the quiet sound of running water filled the room.

When he came out, he stomped straight back to his room, furious, dove under the blanket, and swore he wouldn’t speak to Xis for at least two days.

That man was too much.

Xis followed after, gently patting the lump under the covers. “Baby, don’t sleep all buried like that.”

“Go away!” came a muffled shout.

Xis sighed. “Alright, I’m going. Sleep well.”

A beat of silence, then the blanket flipped open. Fang Chen’s hair was messy, his eyes slightly red with anger as he glared. “And you don’t cook anymore! Go to bed!”

“Okay.” Xis smiled. “Whatever you say.”

But the next morning, the table was still set with a plate of neatly folded dumplings and a bowl of hot porridge.

Fang Chen ate with full focus. Knowing Xis had gotten up early just to make it for him made him want to lick the plate clean.

“Break’s coming soon,” Xis said casually. “Why don’t you move in with me?”

This time, Fang Chen didn’t immediately refuse he hesitated.

Xis turned up the charm a little.

“If you don’t want to stay here, we can go to the estate. There’s a fountain, a field of roses… and two dogs.”

That got his attention. His head popped up. “Dogs?”

“Two Dobermans.”

Xis stepped forward, then back again, keeping his tone gentle.

“I know I haven’t won you over yet, so I shouldn’t push too much. You don’t have to share a room with me. I just… want to see you every day. If you ever feel unhappy there, you can leave anytime.”

How could the little lamb resist that kind of coaxing? Within minutes, he was nodding along in a daze.

Xis smiled, satisfied.

After breakfast, he didn’t insist on keeping Fang Chen longer. He packed him a small bag with two boxes of snacks and a bottle of juice.

“Share the snacks with your roommate,” he said, pausing a moment before adding, “If anything happens, call me. Even if you’re just upset call me. I’ll always answer.”

Fang Chen looked away, mumbling, “I’m not upset.”

“Good,” Xis said with a faint smile. “Keep it that way.”

 

There was a rehearsal that day, but Fang Chen skipped it. He wasn’t sure if he even wanted to keep doing the play anymore mostly because he didn’t want to see Chen Fang again.

But the performance was only a few days away. Quitting now would be irresponsible.

When his classmate Zhou Lili texted to ask why he wasn’t there, he just said he wasn’t feeling well. Thankfully, she didn’t press further, only reminding him to rest.

Unfortunately, the more you try to avoid someone, the more likely you are to run into them. That afternoon, in class, he bumped right into Chen Fang.

The little lamb rolled his eyes and turned to leave.

Chen Fang’s face was dark as he blocked the way. “Fang Chen, we need to talk.”

Fang Chen looked up at him. “What, finished your PDF?”

Chen Fang’s jaw clenched. “Don’t think I won’t do it.

“I never said you wouldn’t. Go ahead, I’m rooting for you.”

“You’re not afraid I’ll tell Xis what you did?” Chen Fang threatened.

Fang Chen yawned. “You should. Oh, and by the way—does international health insurance cover hospital visits? I don’t think you’ll survive one punch from him.”

He patted Chen Fang’s shoulder and walked off, humming to himself.

Chen Fang’s fists tightened, his teeth grinding as he watched Fang Chen’s back disappear. Finally, he pulled out his phone and sent a message.

That day’s schedule was packed. After a full day of classes, the little lamb was completely exhausted, shuffling toward the exit while grumbling on the phone with Xis.

He complained that he was tired, that there were too many classes and too much homework. The man chuckled softly on the other end, his voice low and gentle. “You’ve worked hard, baby. I’ve got something tonight, so I can’t come pick you up. I’ll have someone bring you dinner, alright?”

“No need, I’ll eat out with my roommate.”

Xis frowned slightly, though his tone stayed warm. “Where are you going? Don’t pick anywhere too crowded. Eat and come back early, okay?”

“Okay!” Fang Chen chirped.

“Good boy. I’ll call you later tonight.”

When the call ended, the warmth on Xis’s face faded. He set the phone down, turned around and looked straight at Chen Fang, now trembling as the bodyguards finished strapping protective gear onto him.

Chen Fang was nearly shaking apart.

He’d managed to get Xis’s contact information and had foolishly sent him a message, asking if he wanted to know Fang Chen’s past.

Xis had immediately replied, agreeing to meet.

Chen Fang had thought he could blackmail him for money. Instead, he’d walked straight into the devil’s den.

You really don’t want to know who Fang Chen is?” he stammered. “He’s not as innocent as he looks.

Xis adjusted his gloves, voice calm and cold. “He’s mine. Why would I need to hear about him from you?”

He took a slow step forward.

You wanted money, right? Fine. Let’s make it a fight. One punch ten thousand dollars.

Chen Fang swallowed hard.

 

“What are you still hesitating for? The Las Vegas casinos are already looking for you. They’re not nearly as patient as I am.”

At that, Chen Fang’s eyes widened in terror as he stared at Xis.

The man didn’t move, simply watching him in silence.

A minute later, Chen Fang gritted his teeth and finally stepped into the boxing ring.

But before he could even raise his guard, a punch came flying at him. He fell hard to the ground like a sandbag.

Xis flexed his wrist, his voice icy cold. “Do you have any idea how much I hate hearing Fang Chen’s name from your mouth? You think you’re worthy of mentioning him?”

Bl00d dripped from Chen Fang’s nose. He staggered up, only for another punch to land squarely in his stomach. The world went dark for a second.

“I wasn’t even looking for you,” Xis said flatly. “Yet you came knocking on my door. So tell me, what did you say to Fang Chen that upset him?”

Half an hour later, the iron door opened. Xis walked out with a cigarette between his lips, his tone casual as he instructed, “Send the money to his account as agreed.”

Money wasn’t a problem for him.
The real risk was not living long enough to spend it.

The next day, Zhou Lili called Fang Chen to remind him about the rehearsal.

Fang Chen was about to use his usual excuse about feeling unwell when Zhou Lili sighed, “Is there some sort of virus going around? Everyone’s sick lately. Chen Fang’s even worse—he says he’s quitting the performance.”

Fang Chen froze. “He’s sick?”

“Yeah. It’s so sudden too. He was perfectly fine just the other day.”

Zhou Lili was exasperated. With the show coming up, she didn’t know where to find a replacement.

“Oh right, Fang Chen, can you come in for rehearsal today?”

Fang Chen came back to himself and quickly replied, “Yes, I’ll be right there.”

Maybe heaven really did have eyes punishing Chen Fang for his endless scheming by making him fall ill.

As always, the absent became the topic of gossip.

Since Chen Fang wasn’t there, everyone started talking about him.

Fang Chen didn’t join in, but he kept his ears open.

“Did you hear? Chen Fang got hooked on gambling. Owes a ton of money.”
“I heard he went to Las Vegas a couple of months ago.”
“So is he really sick this time, or in trouble?”
“Sick? Not likely. He was fine yesterday. Probably back in Vegas trying to win it all back.”

Fang Chen froze for a moment.

No wonder Chen Fang had been desperate to borrow money from him.

But wait he hadn’t lent him a cent. So, where did Chen Fang get the money to gamble again?

The little lamb frowned seriously.

Could it be… Xis?

It was too much of a coincidence. Chen Fang “fell ill” today, and last night Xis had gone out “on business.”

The thought nagged at him through the entire rehearsal. He messed up his lines several times, but Zhou Lili only assumed he was still feeling under the weather and told him to rest early.

As soon as Fang Chen left the theater, he called Xis. The moment the call connected, his voice was full of suspicion. “Where are you?”

There was a pause.

“Right in front of you, baby.”

“Huh?”

He looked up and sure enough, Xis’s car was parked right there. The man stepped out, phone still in hand, and waved at him.

Fang Chen quickly hung up and ran over.

Xis frowned, meeting him halfway, and scooped him effortlessly into his arms. “Why are you running?”

Fang Chen wrapped his arms around Xis’s neck. “Why are you here?”

“I came to pick you up for dinner. I texted you, but you didn’t reply.”

Fang Chen’s voice softened. “I didn’t check my phone.”

“It’s fine. I’m not upset. What do you want to eat?”

“Anything’s fine.”

“There’s a new French place that just opened. Want to try it?”

“Sure.”

He had originally wanted to ask about Chen Fang, but after hesitating the whole drive, he still couldn’t bring himself to ask.

When they parked outside the restaurant, Xis didn’t get out immediately. He turned toward him instead. “Baby, do you have something to tell me?”

“Ah?”

Fang Chen had started the day full of righteous anger, but by now his courage had completely fizzled out. “No… nothing.”

Xis studied him for a few seconds, then leaned closer, trapping him against the seat.

“Baby,” he murmured, “you can tell me anything, okay? Because if you don’t…” his voice dropped lower, “I’ll just have to keep your mouth busy some other way.”

Before Fang Chen could react, the man kissed him gently yet inescapably, tasting and tracing every breath.

Xis’s fingertips brushed against his cheek as if memorizing him. Every quiver of Fang Chen’s lashes, every shallow breath drew him deeper in.

By the time Xis finally let him go, Fang Chen blinked in a daze, realizing he hadn’t resisted at all. He had simply melted into the kiss.

“Now,” Xis asked quietly, “are you going to tell me?”

Fang Chen’s thoughts were foggy. “You… you didn’t even file a report. What right do you have to kiss me?”

Xis chuckled, arching a brow. “Then be merciful, baby. Don’t take off points just yet, alright?”

Fang Chen’s heartbeat stumbled. “I just wanted to ask… about Chen Fang.”

The smile faded from Xis’s face. His tone went cool as he sat back. “Who’s that?”

The little lamb didn’t notice the shift in mood. “You don’t know? He’s the guy from rehearsal the one I punched. You really hated him. You even hit him that night when he grabbed me!”

Xis gave him a cold glance. “If I hate someone, do I need to remember their name?”

Fang Chen was speechless.
Well, that… did make sense.

“Why bring him up now?” Xis asked, his voice flattening again. He hated hearing anyone else’s name from Fang Chen’s mouth.

Fang Chen pouted, then told him what he’d heard that day.

Xis’s expression didn’t change. “So you’re guessing I gave him money?”

“I was just thinking out loud.”

After a moment, Xis smiled faintly. He reached out and brushed his thumb across Fang Chen’s still flushed lips.

“Then how about this I’ll give you all my cards. From now on, if I want to spend money, I’ll ask you for permission. How about that, baby?”

“Huh? No! That’s not what I meant!”

“But that’s what I mean,” Xis said, voice low and teasing.

He leaned in again, clearly intending to kiss him, but Fang Chen quickly covered his mouth.

“I’m hungry.”

His voice was small, muffled. “Let’s just go eat.”

“Alright,” Xis said with a soft laugh.

The restaurant was new and quite popular, but Xis had booked a private room, so it was peaceful.

While waiting for their food, Fang Chen rested his chin on his hand, looking distracted.

Xis frowned slightly, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Who are you thinking about, baby?”

Fang Chen sighed. The performance is in a few days. I’m nervous.”

“For an introvert like him, being on stage was a real challenge.”

“I’ll be there,” Xis said quietly. “Right in the audience. If you get nervous, just look at me. Forget everyone else.”

He didn’t say the rest because he didn’t like the idea of others looking at Fang Chen at all.
The longer they were together, the stronger his possessiveness grew, dark and consuming.
Sometimes he wanted to hide the little lamb away from the world, keep him where no one else could see.

Fang Chen blinked up at him. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

The look in Xis’s eyes was intense enough to make his heart skip.

Xis smiled faintly. Nothing. I’m just hungry.