The ski resort was blanketed in fresh snow, which undoubtedly added to the romantic atmosphere.
Shen Ju took a long while to calm down. He finally patted his cheeks, forcing himself not to care too much about the stares from others.
Fortunately, once he pulled away from Pei Yan’s embrace, the symptoms finally eased.
He felt like he needed to do something else to distract himself, so he shifted the topic to skiing.
They’d finally gotten to the “main event.”
The little turtle butt pad that had been lying on the snow for half the day finally came in handy.
Skiing, as a recreational activity, wasn’t too difficult for beginners once they mastered the basics—as long as they didn’t aim too high, it was pretty safe.
And Shen Ju? He was the model student in every teacher’s eyes.
He never tried to freestyle or go off-script.
He followed every instruction to the letter, so obedient that it made people want to ruffle his hair.
Pei Yan discreetly rubbed his fingers together.
What to do?
I’m finding it harder and harder to hold back.
And honestly… I don’t want to.
But watching Shen Ju’s little face flush red with excitement as he let loose and had fun, Pei Yan managed to restrain himself a bit.
Not the right time yet.
Not quite appropriate.
He thought.
At least right now, most of Shen Ju’s attention wasn’t on him.
While the two of them took turns—one teaching, one playing—996 wasn’t idle either.
996 was pondering.
Don’t laugh; it was seriously pondering.
About that work suggestion it’d seen earlier.
…It had been agonizing over the candidate before.
But now!
996 suddenly realized: Wasn’t there a perfect one right in front of it?!
Who could suppress Pei Haochuan better than Pei Yan?
And Pei Yan’s seniority outranked both Pei Haochuan and Guan Mulin!
The Pei Family’s status was on par with the Guan Family!
This is perfect!
The more 996 thought about it, the more potential it saw!
The Pei Family’s new resort really had tons of entertainment options. The ski slopes alone could keep anyone entertained all day.
By the end of the day, whether it was Guan Mulin and the others tearing up the advanced runs or Shen Ju enjoying kid-level fun on the beginner slopes with Pei Yan, everyone felt happy and refreshed.
So Han Chengfeng suggested they keep the party going that night!
The hotel’s basement level had a bar—perfect for partying then heading straight upstairs to their rooms. Convenient and relaxing.
“I’ll foot the bill!”
Han Chengfeng rubbed his fists eagerly, afraid others might balk. “I heard there’s a show at the bar tonight.”
Curiosity flickered in Shen Ju’s eyes.
He’d never been to a bar before.
Seeing this, Pei Yan spoke up. “Then let’s go.”
Decision made.
But once they arrived at the bar, Pei Yan started to regret it.
Because the “show” Han Chengfeng mentioned featured a bunch of male models on stage.
It kicked off with a runway walk, followed by street dance, pole dancing, singing, DJ sets…
Pei Haochuan, Ke Sheng, and the others shot Han Chengfeng weird looks, like they were seeing him in a new light.
Han Chengfeng exploded in fury. “I had no idea it’d be this kind of show, okay?!”
He’d just overheard some girls chattering excitedly about hitting the bar that night. And when he learned it was right in their hotel—super convenient—he’d suggested it!
“Besides, isn’t this place funded by your Pei Family? Didn’t you know about these performances?!”
He’d even dragged Pei Yan along.
Pei Yan’s face was cold as he glanced at Shen Ju’s eyes—curious yet excited, excited yet curious. I’ll have them switch it to a chill bar later.
But they were already there.
They took their seats.
The bar wasn’t that chaotic, at least. No flashing strobe lights to hurt the eyes. The host knew how to hype the crowd while keeping order. Aside from the cheers and screams, it wasn’t irritating—in fact, being immersed in it stirred everyone’s energy.
“Feels… actually kinda okay.”
Guan Mulin eyed the male models on stage. They writhed to the music—not sleazy, but full of allure.
Each one wore makeup, elaborate hairstyles, outfits in different styles. They had their own unique charm—handsome, cute, with ear cuffs, headbands, glittery stickers on cheeks or eyelids, star dust powder. Your eyes didn’t know where to land first; it was a feast.
And most importantly, the male models started working the floor…
They stepped down from the stage one by one, handing out ear cuffs and headbands as gifts.
The girls’ screams spiked, nearly piercing the roof.
Listen closely, and you’d hear screams from “big tough guys” too…
Ke Sheng’s gaze followed them around, then he burst out laughing.
He jabbed Pei Haochuan’s arm hard. “Xu Sisi and her crew are over there too, but they haven’t even noticed you’re here, haha…”
Black lines crept down Pei Haochuan’s face. He instinctively glanced at Guan Mulin.
Only to find Guan Mulin staring at the male models.
What’s so great about those male models?!
Guan Mulin had just said it “felt okay”?
Pei Haochuan whipped his head toward the stage, then snapped back to Guan Mulin, then to the stage again.
No way?
Does Mulin… like guys?
Then why’d he go out of his way earlier to say Xu Sisi likes me…?
Pei Haochuan’s eyes darted, his expression turning complicated.
Meanwhile.
Guan Mulin was watching the male models.
Ever since learning from Shen Ju and 996 that he was the so-called “Protagonist Shou” and Pei Haochuan the “Protagonist Gong,” a whole “new world” door had swung open for him.
It wasn’t that he didn’t know about this stuff before.
But he’d never connected it to himself.
He didn’t think it had anything to do with him.
So he’d never paid much attention.
But now… Guan Mulin couldn’t ignore it.
He wondered if these prettily dressed guys did it for work or because they were into men? No, no—even if they liked men, not all dressed like this. Stereotyping. That’s biased. Not good.
But the next second, he saw a male model approach a young guy and brush his cheek.
The girls’ cheers and screams grew even louder.
Uh…
And these models weren’t picky—they teased everyone at every booth…
They couldn’t flirt with just the girls.
Guys were fair game, probably.
What if they come over here too?!
The thought hit Guan Mulin, and he whipped his head toward Shen Ju!
Pei Haochuan: Why look at Shen Ju…
Shouldn’t you look at me…
Among them, Shen Ju was the prettiest.
If Guan Mulin were one of those models, he’d probably want to tease Shen Ju too.
That face looked so pinchable.
Sure enough…
When the models approached their booth, one zeroed in on Shen Ju and reached out.
Shen Ju: “?”
He hadn’t even reacted.
The next moment, the model’s hand froze.
A dangerously sharp gaze shot toward him from the side, the warning blatant.
Uh.
A pro at these scenes, the model caught on quick. His hand veered away instinctively.
Right next to him was Guan Mulin.
Guan Mulin: “?”
He’d been about to intervene—hand already outstretched…
Why’d it suddenly turn to me?
Guan Mulin had no time to adjust.
The hand was about to touch his face…
Smack!
A faster hand shot out from beside him, slapping it away fiercely.
Model: “…”
What the hell! He was just hyping the vibe per routine!
Why hit him!!
One glance: Fuck, this booth’s all guys. No wonder—a bunch of gays!!
Ke Sheng and Han Chengfeng sneezed in unison.
Pei Haochuan only realized what he’d done after the slap. He coughed lightly.
About to say something, he noticed a piercing gaze fixed on him…
996 buzzed with excitement: 【What what! Progress between Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan?!】
【I knew this “solo” trip would spark something!】
【Pei Haochuan’s… jeal-ous!!】
Guan Mulin: “…”
Fake. This has to be fake.
Don’t misunderstand, okay?
If he’d seen a bro about to get groped, he’d help too—he’d been about to save Shen Ju!
Ungrateful punk, watching the drama!
The models left, including the slapped one.
But the atmosphere turned a tad awkward.
Pei Haochuan said nothing.
Guan Mulin said nothing.
They sat side by side—one staring at his hand, the other arms crossed, both seemingly “holding back.”
Wanting to speak.
But not knowing how to start.
Pei Yan was holding back too.
Under the bar’s dim lights, his eyes looked even darker.
He’d really wanted to snap that reaching hand clean off.
He shouldn’t have let Shen Ju come here.
But what reason or identity could he use to drag Shen Ju away?
As “Pei-ge”?
Still not enough.
He wanted to “discipline” Shen Ju, who hadn’t even realized that hand had been aimed at him.
He was still eyeing those models eagerly.
What do you want?
If that model had actually touched Shen Ju’s face, would Shen Ju have rubbed his cheek against the guy’s palm?
The thought darkened Pei Yan’s gaze further.
He’d told himself earlier to endure, to restrain.
But now…
【Host! Time to change strategies!】
996 decided to pitch that work suggestion to Shen Ju.
Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan were clearly entering the next phase, right?
So their “stirring things up” needed to escalate!
Which meant they needed a “helper” now!
【Helper?】
Shen Ju was curious: 【What kind?】
【Not a real helper, exactly. Someone you think can trouble Pei Haochuan and Guan Mulin, suppress them, borrow their power from… and you have to go…】
【Go do what?】
Guan Mulin and Pei Yan listened quietly too.
Guan Mulin out of curiosity.
Pei Yan with a slight frown.
Then System 996 continued:
【…try to seduce the other party! Make them your backer!】
Crack…
Pei Yan snapped the slender stem of his wine glass.
Never saw a system digging its own grave… XD
Ah yes, “straight” to the road of sexual awkaening