Chapter 24: Pervert

Gu Shiying tore himself out of Fu Huan’s arms. He was furious at Fu Huan but didn’t dare voice it. He cursed ‘damn pervert’ internally several times, though outwardly he still had to thank him.

“Who knew the light here was out? Can’t blame me. The dorm supervisor hasn’t had it fixed.” If it had been fixed, would he have been grabbed around the waist by that pervert Fu?

“Tomorrow, I’ll tell the dorm supervisor to get it fixed.” Fu Huan had already retreated to a safe distance from Gu Shiying.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Gu Shiying bolted upstairs as if fleeing for his life.

Fu Huan called after him from behind, “What’s the rush? Slow down.”

“Gotta go take a dump!” Hope that disgusts you.

Gu Shiying rolled his eyes. If he didn’t run, did Fu Huan expect him to get stared at and mentally undressed again? Freaking pervert.

He dashed into the dorm in one breath, nearly slamming into Yang Shuheng, who was standing in the doorway.

Yang Shuheng stepped back, looking at his breathless state and asked, “Is a ghost chasing you?”

Gu Shiying thought to himself: Close enough. If Fu Huan were a ghost, he’d definitely be a horny one. No doubt.

Gu Shiying: “The light on the third floor is out.”

“You’re afraid of the dark?” Yang Shuheng looked as if he’d discovered something novel. “Whoa, you’re actually scared of ghosts?”

Gu Shiying’s heart quivered, but he denied it stubbornly. “No way. I’m not scared of ghosts.”

Just then, Fu Huan strolled leisurely into the dorm, a complete contrast to Gu Shiying’s state, not looking like they’d arrived together at all.

Yang Shuheng, completely oblivious, didn’t connect them. “Oh, what a coincidence? You two came back right after each other. Hey, Brother Huan, Ying’er’s afraid of ghosts! Hahaha!”

Fu Huan’s gaze landed on Gu Shiying’s face. “Afraid of ghosts?”

Gu Shiying’s earlier behavior could perfectly be explained as a desperate retreat. “As if. I ran back to use the bathroom, couldn’t hold it in anymore.”

He plonked the chili sauce on his desk. Whether he needed to go or not, he was hitting the bathroom!

Fu Huan didn’t feel obligated to explain their arrival timing to Yang Shuheng, and Yang Shuheng didn’t dwell on it either.

When Gu Shiying came out of the bathroom and wanted to explain, the moment had passed. Something that could have been a story to share had become yet another secret between just the two of them.

Next time, he’d definitely tell someone where they’d been.

Saturday had been busy, and Sunday was the same. Their group project had one last component. The introverted female groupmate had a sudden brainstorm—she thought their video lacked narration. The other four unanimously agreed that Gu Shiying’s Mandarin was the most standard and that his voice sounded like “a handsome guy’s voice.”

Gu Shiying toiled all day and finally recorded the narration his groupmates had suggested. The effect was quite good.

Assignment complete, submitted!

The weekend hadn’t been relaxing. Monday through Friday classes were standard, but still busy.

Gu Shiying’s major was in demand now and would be after graduation. He needed to hone his various skills, or perhaps start his own self-media platform down the line.

The video they produced was uploaded by the teacher to the platform. To their surprise, it garnered quite a few likes, reposts, and comments. Their work was taking initial shape.

Gu Shiying hadn’t sent the video link to Fu Huan. Nevertheless, Fu Huan had watched it on his own.

During class, Gu Shiying received a message from Fu Huan.

【Fu Huan: Finished watching your video.】

【Gu Shiying: ?】

【Fu Huan: Your group project.】

【Gu Shiying: And?】

【Fu Huan: Your narration was really well done.】

Reading this compliment, Gu Shiying’s brain auto-translated it into Fu Huan’s inner voice format, making him involuntarily shudder.

Zhang Zhi saw him twitch and asked, “What’s up? You cold? The AC isn’t even on.”

Gu Shiying: “Maybe I just read a really cold joke.”

Zhang Zhi: “What cold joke is that chilly? Let me hear it.”

Gu Shiying randomly pulled out a lame joke involving Little Ming, which cracked up their surrounding classmates.

【Gu Shiying: Thanks for the compliment.】

【Fu Huan: Should I have said ‘pleasing to the ear, melodious, heavenly voice’?】

Gu Shiying recalled the elaborate compliments Fu Huan had showered him with at McDonald’s. So there was a sequel.

【Gu Shiying: Is that how you compliment people?】

【Fu Huan: Then teach me. You know how to compliment people.】

【Gu Shiying: Since when do I know how to compliment people?】

【Fu Huan: You were very fluent when you complimented Guoguo.】

【Gu Shiying: Want to learn?】

【Fu Huan: Mm. I can take you as my Master.】

Gu Shiying almost choked on his own saliva.

What the— Since when did Fu Huan become this amenable?

He absolutely could not imagine Fu Huan, with that icy face, calling him “Master.” Gu Shiying shuddered involuntarily.

So weird.

Wait, was Fu Huan teasing him?

Were they even this close?

Zhang Zhi: “What’s wrong with you now?”

Gu Shiying: “Nothing.”

Zhang Zhi frantically shot him meaningful glances. “You posted that jar of chili sauce on your Moments. It made me drool just looking at it. I really wanna try it.”

Gu Shiying: “Fine. At lunch, you get the food to go, and I’ll go back to the dorm for the chili sauce. I tasted it—it’s seriously good. Has a bit of fermented black beans in it. Really aromatic.”

Zhang Zhi spread his arms to hug him. “Yingbao, I love you!”

Gu Shiying shoved him away with both hands. “Don’t hug me.”

Zhang Zhi: “You’ve been so cold lately. Won’t even let me touch you.”

Gu Shiying: “Get lost.”

He glanced down at his WeChat. To reply or not to reply— that was the question.

No, he couldn’t reply. The more he replied, the closer his relationship with Fu Huan seemed to get.

He refrained from answering Fu Huan.

After class, he fetched the chili sauce and went to Zhang Zhi’s dorm.

Everyone in 701 was there, waiting to try the chili sauce Gu Shiying had brought. Mixed into their rice, they didn’t even need other dishes to finish their meal.

“Damn, so fragrant. Tastes like mom’s cooking.”

“Old Godmother’s got nothing on this.”

“Ying’er, where’d you buy this? I gotta get a couple of jars to stock up.”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s too good!”

The neighboring dorm, also their classmates, caught a whiff of the chili sauce aroma wafting from the doorway.

“What are you guys eating? Smells ridiculously good.”

Zhang Zhi: “Chili sauce. It’s incredible.”

“Where’d you get it? Send me the link!”

Everyone looked at Gu Shiying.

Gu Shiying said, “An old lady gave it to me. She makes and sells chili sauce. I’ll ask if she has more.”

He hadn’t expected the unsealed chili sauce to be such a huge hit. They’d just started eating, and one large jar was already gone.

When Gu Shiying returned, all that was left was an empty jar. “You gluttons!”

Zhang Zhi: “But it’s seriously so delicious.”

Gu Shiying: “I’ll ask for you guys if there’s more to buy.”

Zhang Zhi worked fast, immediately creating a group chat for classmates who wanted chili sauce.

The group name: “Just Drop the Link.”

To satisfy these gluttons, Gu Shiying found a moment to call Grandma Lin and ask about more chili sauce.

If his classmates liked it, he was happy to help bring it in. It would also help the injured Grandma Lin, saving her from having to sell it outside in the hot weather. A pretty good solution, actually.

Grandma Lin: “Is that Xiao Gu? I just chopped more ingredients the other day. I have plenty! How many jars do you need? I’ll have them packed this afternoon and call you later.”

Gu Shiying: “About seven jars. Once you’re done, I’ll come pick them up.”

Gu Shiying collected payment in the group chat according to the price Grandma Lin had set. His first time playing courier for a side gig—it was actually kind of fun. Wasn’t this another way to help out?

After afternoon classes, he still hadn’t received a call from Grandma Lin, assuming she was still chopping and hadn’t finished packing.

Back in the dorm, Fu Huan was spinning his cell phone between his fingers as easily as twirling a pen.

“Grandma Lin asked me to tell you the chili sauce is packed. You can pick it up tomorrow.”

Gu Shiying’s eyes widened. “Why did she call you and not me?”

How had Fu Huan found out about this? He’d wanted to do it on the sly.

Fu Huan: “I called her today to ask about Guoguo’s condition, and she happened to mention it, so she asked me to pass the message. I’ll drive you there tomorrow.”

Gu Shiying, who had been scheming all morning to distance himself from Fu Huan: “…”

Fu Huan added another incentive. “It’s more convenient if I drive. Taking the bus would take you an hour. And we can visit Guoguo while we’re there. I also consulted a psychologist I know today. He said he could offer Guoguo free treatment.”

Gu Shiying was successfully hooked. “Really?”

Fu Huan: “Really. No need to lie to you.”

Gu Shiying’s face lit up at the news. Fu Huan was genuinely a kind person. He kept changing his opinion of Fu Huan for the better every single day.

Gu Shiying: “How did you find a psychologist?”

Fu Huan: “A friend recommended one.”

Gu Shiying: “When is the psychologist available?”

Fu Huan: “We can schedule it for the weekend.”

Gu Shiying clapped his hands joyfully. “That’s great news! Guoguo’s condition can be treated. But how long would his treatment take?”

Fu Huan shook his head. “Not sure yet. The doctor said he needs to meet Guoguo first to know.”

Gu Shiying: “Alright, then tomorrow when we pick up the chili sauce, we can grab Guoguo’s medical records too.”

Fu Huan: “What time do you finish class tomorrow? I’ll come find you.”

Only then did Gu Shiying remember—tomorrow was Friday. “Three classes tomorrow afternoon.”

Fu Huan and he discussed their schedules. “I have three as well. We’re in the same building. After my class, I’ll wait for you outside your classroom.”

Gu Shiying hesitated a moment. “Fine.”

Although it sounded like a discussion, it felt like Fu Huan had meticulously arranged the entire itinerary. Gu Shiying had absolutely zero chance to refuse. By the time he realized it, his weekend seemed to have been pre-booked by Fu Huan again.

Friday noon, Zhang Zhi, who always got boisterous when the weekend arrived, started making plans with Gu Shiying.

Zhang Zhi: “Wanna go out this weekend?”

Gu Shiying: “Got plans already. Can’t go.”

Zhang Zhi: “What are you doing?”

Gu Shiying thought for a second. “Volunteering.”

He’d originally considered saying he was with Fu Huan, but swallowed the words at the last moment. He didn’t feel like explaining to Zhang Zhi—it would drag on forever.

Zhang Zhi: “Didn’t you stop that this semester?”

Gu Shiying: “There’s this kid with autism recently. I want to help out. That chili sauce you guys wanted? His grandma made it.”

Zhang Zhi: “Need my help? I could help promote Grandma’s chili sauce.”

Gu Shiying: “Not for now. If there’s extra chili sauce, we can all promote it together then.”

Zhang Zhi didn’t quite understand why Gu Shiying was so dedicated to doing good deeds, but he supported him.

“Alright then, I’ll go have fun on my own.”

“Yeah, go, go. Date your crush.”

“Don’t even mention it.”

“Then confess. You can’t just stay stuck forever. Otherwise, she’ll always just see you as a friend.”

“I’m scared to. What if she rejects me and we can’t even be friends? Ying’er, give me a tip?”

“I have no tips.” He had his own tangled mess to deal with—he still hadn’t found the right way to shake off Fu Huan’s constant presence.

The two of them sighed in unison just as the upbeat bell signaling the start of class rang.

After three classes, his head was fuzzy. Gu Shiying waited for Fu Huan to come find him from upstairs. But his classmates had all left, and even ten minutes after class ended, Fu Huan still hadn’t shown up.

Gu Shiying messaged Fu Huan; no reply. He contacted Liang Qi; also no reply.

Unable to find anyone, he decided to search on his own.

Fu Huan’s last class was on the 11th floor. As Gu Shiying stepped out of the elevator and prepared to check classroom by classroom, he spotted Liu Wenqing standing with Fu Huan in the balcony area.

Liu Wenqing was turned slightly toward Fu Huan, saying something. Fu Huan, however, had his back to Gu Shiying, his expression unreadable. Though Gu Shiying could probably imagine it—likely no expression at all.

Could Liu Wenqing be confessing to Fu Huan?

Damn.

Looks like his bro really wasn’t getting a girlfriend.

As Gu Shiying hesitated, wondering if he should interrupt, Fu Huan seemed to sense something and turned around, spotting Gu Shiying by the elevator.

He nodded at Liu Wenqing.

Gu Shiying thought he saw Fu Huan say “Sorry,” though he couldn’t catch the rest of his words. Then Fu Huan walked toward him.

Fu Huan: “Sorry, got held up. You’re not mad, are you?”

Gu Shiying: “Would I have come all the way up here to find you if I were mad?”

Fu Huan smiled faintly and said quietly, “Mm, my Master isn’t that petty.”

Gu Shiying froze. “Who’s your Master?”

Fu Huan: “The one teaching me how to compliment people.”

Gu Shiying: “You’re not allowed to call me that.”

Fu Huan: “Is it because I haven’t given you a formal apprenticeship gift? Is that why I can’t call you that?”

Gu Shiying: “No.”

Fu Huan: “So it is. Then I’ll arrange an apprenticeship banquet.”

Gu Shiying: “You’re getting more and more ridiculous. By the way, what did Liu Wenqing want with you?”

The moment Liu Wenqing’s name came up, Fu Huan’s playful mood vanished.

Still, he answered truthfully. “Confessed to me. You’re out of luck.”

Gu Shiying looked at him provocatively. “I seem to recall someone saying they’d teach me how to chase girls. You sure have skills, tch.”

Fu Huan asked him again, “Are you mad?”

Gu Shiying feigned dejection. “Can’t help it if she likes you. Unlike you, the universally acknowledged campus hottie. If our school were still electing a campus heartthrob like they did ten years ago, you’d definitely have a spot.”

Fu Huan suddenly looked at him intently. “If there really was a vote, I’d vote for you. Do you really want me to teach you how to chase girls?”

Gu Shiying: “Of course. Don’t you have experience?”

Fu Huan: “I lied to you. I don’t have any experience.”

Gu Shiying hadn’t expected him to come clean. “What good did lying do you?”

Fu Huan: “I found it amusing, teasing you.”

Gu Shiying couldn’t help but kick him lightly. “Jerk.”

Fu Huan raised the back of his hand to rub his nose, laughing.

Gu Shiying: “What are you laughing at?”

Fu Huan just smiled, saying nothing.

Perhaps because he’d come to understand Fu Huan better, and they’d been through a few things together, Gu Shiying found himself relaxing more naturally into conversation with him as he sat once again in the passenger seat.

A week later, they were visiting Guoguo again.

Fu Huan explained the arrangement with the psychologist to Grandma Lin, who was so grateful she kept thanking them profusely, even trying to refuse payment for the chili sauce.

Gu Shiying: “Grandma, the psychologist and the chili sauce are two separate things. Fu Huan found the psychologist; my classmates bought the chili sauce.”

Grandma Lin: “Does Xiao Fu’s family like chili sauce?”

Fu Huan: “You can give me a jar. A friend of mine likes spicy food.”

Grandma Lin was a kind old woman. She wanted to give back when receiving help. It was better to accept a little of what she had than to take nothing at all.

She had already packed the chili sauce Gu Shiying needed into a box. He had also considerately exchanged the money she’d received via app into paper currency for her.

When the two suggested coming back the next day to take Guoguo to the doctor, Grandma Lin was afraid they were wasting their time.

Grandma Lin: “If it’s convenient for you, why not take Guoguo back with you tonight?”

The two young men had helped sell her chili sauce and found a doctor for Guoguo. How could she ask them to make another trip back and forth?

Gu Shiying and Fu Huan exchanged a look.

Gu Shiying: “We don’t have a problem with that. Will Guoguo be okay sleeping in a strange bed?”

Grandma Lin looked at Guoguo, who was quietly sitting nearby. “He doesn’t mind unfamiliar beds. He just has a little thing about cleanliness—needs a bath before bed.”

Gu Shiying crouched in front of him and poked his cheek. “Guoguo, how about sleeping at big brother’s place tonight? Is that okay?”

Guoguo blinked. He didn’t reject the idea, even looking over at Fu Huan.

They’d just come to pick up chili sauce and ended up leaving with a small child in tow.

On the drive back, Fu Huan glanced at the empty passenger seat, pressing his lips together. His brow furrowed slightly first, then relaxed into a soft smile as he looked in the rearview mirror and saw Gu Shiying kissing Guoguo’s cheek.

Their dorm was on the fifth floor. Two adults climbing it daily was no issue, but there was no reason to make Guoguo climb stairs. Gu Shiying wanted to just scoop him up.

Before he could, Fu Huan lifted Guoguo into his arms. Startled, Guoguo clung directly to his neck.

Gu Shiying: “I can handle it.”

Fu Huan: “Says the guy who trips going up and down stairs.”

“Hmph.” Gu Shiying couldn’t argue. He discontentedly lugged the chili sauce. Fu Huan was making snide remarks again. But seeing how effortlessly Fu Huan carried the child, he felt a pang of envy. Could some of that arm strength be transferred to him?

It was Guoguo’s first time in a male dormitory. Seeing so many beds, he was curious, looking left and right.

Gu Shiying thought his state seemed much improved since their first meeting. His eyes were livelier.

He listened to Guoguo’s inner voice. The constant, repetitive cries for ‘Mama’ were significantly less frequent.

Yang Shuheng was at his aunt’s place for the weekend. Guan Yu was still at the library studying for the bar exam. Only Gu Shiying, Fu Huan, and Guoguo were in the dorm tonight.

After Fu Huan bathed Guoguo, it was Gu Shiying’s turn to shower.

Fu Huan found a little pink pig cartoon for Guoguo to watch.

When Gu Shiying came out, drying off, he saw Fu Huan holding Guoguo. The picture was surprisingly heartwarming. The next moment, Fu Huan settled Guoguo onto Gu Shiying’s bed.

Gu Shiying: “He’s sleeping with me?”

Fu Huan countered, “Do you think my bed has room for him?”

Gu Shiying: “Oh. You are bigger than me.”

Fu Huan: “Obviously. Outclassing you in every dimension.”

Gu Shiying shot back, “Being a big lug is something to be proud of?”

Fu Huan smiled. “Yeah, it kinda is.”

Gu Shiying: “…” He was pretty sure Fu Huan was making a dirty joke.

Gu Shiying climbed into bed, ready to play with Guoguo. Fu Huan handed him his iPad. As he pulled his hand back, he accidentally brushed Gu Shiying’s ankle.

【I want to sleep with Gu Shiying too.】

Gu Shiying watched Fu Huan turn away nonchalantly, then silently hugged Guoguo close, baring his teeth at Fu Huan’s back.

Damn pervert, Fu Huan.