Side Story (4) : Pei Shinian x Jing Si (4)
Pei Shinian has fallen deeply in love, with the goddess in disguise.
Pei Shinian never denied that he was superficially attracted.
Which man isn’t superficially attracted? If a man claims he isn’t, then he’s definitely not sincere.
Actually, before truly interacting with the goddess in the game, Pei Shinian was simply attracted by Kun Yuan’s looks. His aesthetics had always been stable, following the standards of a typical homebody; girls with sweet faces and contrasting figures had an irresistible appeal to him.
But now, Pei Shinian doesn’t need to see the goddess’s face or even hear her voice to feel it clearly—
He’s completely captivated.
The game that once consumed him with its thrills and victorious feelings has now become a mere tool for romance.
As Pei Shinian’s best friend, Qin Fang, he’s clearly noticed the recent changes in his brother’s overall demeanor.
After attending a movie promotion event together, Qin Fang curiously observed the person who was happily holding his phone, involuntarily smiling, and teasing, “Brother, your spiritual life seems pretty good lately. Which goddess has enchanted you like this?”
Pei Shinian’s smile grew wider. Suppressing the desire to boast about his future girlfriend, he discreetly replied, “You also know her.”
“I know her?” Qin Fang guessed, “Also in the industry?”
“Don’t ask,” Pei Shinian thought, envious but holding back, and raised his eyebrows, “Wait till it’s official, and I’ll give you a surprise then.”
“Not to hide it from you, I have a surprise too.” Qin Fang looked pleased, mysteriously smiling, “It’s not the right time yet. Wait a while, and I’ll bring my girlfriend out for you to meet.”
Who cares about your girlfriend.
After sending a few newly released skin gift packages to his online lover, Pei Shinian slung his arm around Qin Fang, feeling cheerful. “Got plans tonight? Let’s go to your place, have a drink?”
“Let’s talk about it later.” Qin Fang, rarely refusing his brother, said with a smile, “My girlfriend is staying at my place these days.”
“…”
Suddenly, Pei Shinian fell silent.
Although he’s quite happy every day now, underground relationships can’t see the light, and no man would be content with that.
Moreover, his Kun Yuan is still with that scumbag. Pei Shinian is caught in the repeated cycle of the joy of love and the pain of not knowing how to reveal the truth.
The longer it drags on, the more Kun Yuan will be hurt.
But in this complicated situation, he really doesn’t know what to do.
Returning home that night, Pei Shinian logged into the game and found Kun Yuan wasn’t online.
With damp hair wrapped in a towel, he curled up on the couch, crossing one leg over the other, and opened Kun Yuan’s friend circle.
He saw a photo of hands clasping with rings.
[Kun Yuan: Taking my boyfriend to meet my parents. Feeling so nervous!]
Pei Shinian stared at the photo, his face devoid of expression.
Taking a deep breath, slowly exhaling, he locked his phone screen and put it down.
Accustomed to the sweet duo matches every night, the night without company felt exceptionally long and boring.
Pei Shinian picked a superhero movie, grabbed a bunch of snacks, and started watching. Halfway through munching on potato chips, he turned off the TV with the remote and headed to the wardrobe.
Changing into a black biker jacket and pants, Pei Shinian hopped onto the meticulously maintained heavy black motorcycle in the garage, put on a black helmet, blending into the night.
Since his debut, Pei Shinian rarely touched the motorcycle. An idol’s image management is much stricter than that of an actor.
As an idol star with mostly underage fans, every second exposed to the public is under scrutiny.
Pei Shinian can’t casually visit his favorite entertainment venues, ride his beloved motorcycle during the day, or even exhibit a cold face in public when he’s in a bad mood.
Occasionally feeling down, he can only secretly enjoy a thrill on the deserted suburban roads at night.
Heavy motorcycles can reach terrifying speeds when running, an extremely extreme and dangerous activity.
The feeling of being out of control stimulates a person’s adrenaline, temporarily making them forget all worries. Many motorcycle enthusiasts are addicted to this transcendent feeling like a drug.
After an hour of speeding through the cool night, Pei Shinian leaned against the bike, smoking in a pitch-black field on the outskirts.
His recent addiction to cigarettes has reverted to his high school days. Once a quitter picks up the habit again, the addiction only gets stronger.
Although the whole world encourages quitting smoking, very few speak the truth.
The ones who successfully quit smoking are a tiny minority.
Unless you don’t touch it once, once you get hooked again, sooner or later, you’ll revert back to your original state.
Looking down at the cigarette in his hand, Pei Shinian self-deprecatingly sneered, “You’re useless.”
Adjusting his mood and about to head back home, his phone suddenly rang inside his leather jacket pocket.
Putting on the helmet and mounting the bike, a leg wrapped in black pants supported him as he answered the call. Even after a few drags on the cigarette, Pei Shinian’s voice became low, “Hello.”
Song Jianchu’s voice came from the helmet, “Where are you?”
Pei Shinian: “Outside. What’s up?”
“In a while, there will be a trending topic, and it might go viral.” Song Jianchu said, “I need you to forward and comment, help guide positive public opinion.”
“Okay, I’ll be back home now. Send me a WeChat later.” Pei Shinian casually asked, “Regarding what?”
“It’s not convenient to disclose the identity before it’s made public. There might still be variables. Someone’s girlfriend in the group is pregnant and wants to publicly announce the relationship tonight.”
“…”
Pei Shinian cursed inwardly, held onto the bike handle, silent for a long time, and then said in a heavy tone, “Understood.”
Ending the call, Pei Shinian decisively dialed another number.
He hadn’t contacted this number since adding it to his contacts.
It took a few seconds for the call to be answered. Laughter and chatter could be heard from the other end. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the man’s voice remained cold and indifferent, seemingly in a bad mood, sounding out of place, “What’s up?”
“You come out,” Pei Shinian said, “Let’s talk.”
Jing Si: “Not available right now.”
The heavy motorcycle engine roared continuously. Pei Shinian, impatiently twisting the handlebars a few times, coldly said, without room for negotiation, “Send me the address. Don’t waste time, I’ll find it myself.”
Jing Si was silent for a few seconds, “Add me on WeChat.”
Pei Shinian took out his phone and received the friend request again.
[J: Share Location]
Pei Shinian glanced at the address, adjusted the helmet’s windproof mask, and said in advance, “Get a few more bodyguards. I might need to take action later.”
Jing Si replied calmly, “No need, there are plenty of people here.
“Not in the mood to listen to the scumbag’s nonsense.”
Expressionless, Pei Shinian revved the motorcycle, “Just wait, I’ll come to get your dog’s head.”
…
In the cleared upscale restaurant, both families were conversing harmoniously.
Jing Si remained cold throughout, not even sparing a glance at Qin Fang.
Qin Fang was restless in front of his brother-in-law, but fortunately, he was mentally prepared beforehand, knowing he’d undoubtedly face Jing Si’s cold gaze today.
Kun Yuan, unable to bear it, spoke up for her boyfriend, “Brother, can’t you smile? It’s just a pregnancy, not a crime.”
Jing Si put down his phone, his expression darkening. Finally, he lifted his chilly gaze to Qin Fang.
Qin Fang’s gaze stiffened, nervously forcing a laugh, “No need, no need, Brother-in-law… Jing Director doesn’t need to be nice to me; it’s all my fault. This matter indeed came too suddenly.”
“You guys talk; I have something to attend to.” Jing Si stood up with a cold face.
Kun Yuan objected, “Where are you going? You can’t go!”
Qin Fang immediately patted his girlfriend’s hand, trying to calm her down, “Big darling, don’t get angry, don’t upset our little darling.”
Kun Yuan, emotional due to pregnancy, leaned against Qin Fang’s shoulder, choking up, “Look at my brother, he’s always bullied me since childhood.”
“Okay, okay.” Qin Fang tried to appease his wife, with a forced smile, “Brother-in-law isn’t targeting you. Director Jing looks handsome with a cold face, smiling would be even scarier.”
Jing Si: “…”
Jing Si closed his eyes in a headache, picked up his phone on the table, and somewhat eased his expression, “Meet my sister-in-law.”
The room instantly fell silent as everyone turned to look at him.
Kun Yuan was surprised, “Sister-in-law? Brother, do you have a girlfriend? With your bad temper, is there really someone daring to date you?”
Qin Fang was also very curious about his brother-in-law’s relationship, gossiping, “Who is it? Do we know her?”
“What a good day today, truly a double blessing.” Mother Jing suddenly beamed, “Perfect, bring your partner here for us to meet.”
Jing Si thought of the warning from his boyfriend earlier and felt today might not be the right time.
The sound of heavy motorcycle parking came from downstairs, and his phone vibrated with a warning message from his boyfriend.
[Pei Shinian: Come out.]
“He’s shy, next time.” Jing Si took the coat offered by the waiter, politely addressing Qin Fang’s family, “Sorry, I might not be able to return. Don’t mind me; continue talking.”
Jing Si descended the stairs with his phone. Outside, he saw someone wearing a black helmet, checking their phone while sitting on the motorcycle. He paused for two seconds, his gaze slowly moving from bottom to top.
Pei Shinian had great proportions, a well-exercised and appropriately muscular physique, broad shoulders and narrow waist, with long, straight legs.
Even though his face was not visible, he looked really handsome dressed like this. Any random photo taken could easily get millions of likes online.
The female staff inside the restaurant excitedly peered out.
“Those legs, can I see them in real life?”
“Ah, so cool!”
“If I weren’t working, I’d ask for his WeChat.”
Pei Shinian furrowed his brows and sent an urging message. Someone suddenly spoke beside him, “Riding a motorcycle in winter, aren’t you cold?”
Pei Shinian turned, meeting the eyes behind the mask and the assessing gaze for a second. His brows furrowed even more tightly. He glanced at the people in the restaurant, “Find a place where we can talk.”
Jing Si: “Didn’t I beat you enough last time?”
Pei Shinian put away his phone and lowered his voice, “Let’s have a good chat about what you did to Yuan An today.”
Jing Si didn’t hesitate too long. He stood in place for a while, “Without a helmet, are you trying to kill me?”
Pei Shinian was speechless, “The speed limit outside is sixty; you won’t die.”
Otherwise, he would’ve been long gone.
Jing Si: “Not wearing a helmet will get you fined by the police.”
“I’ll pay for you.” Pei Shinian gritted his teeth, “Do you want to come or not?”
Jing Si lowered his eyes and gazed deeply at the leg touching the ground for a moment, then nodded resignedly. With a naturally cold face, he said, “Fine, but I’ll pay the fine myself.”
“…”
Jing Si got on the backseat of the motorcycle.
Just as Pei Shinian was about to start, his waist suddenly tightened sharply. He coughed and turned, “Are you trying to strangle me?”
“No helmet,” Jing Si replied calmly.
“…”
Pei Shinian felt suffocated.
What’s wrong with this person today?
If he’s so concerned about safety, why act like a scumbag??
“Loosen your grip.” Pei Shinian threatened in a low voice, “If you dare take advantage of me, your girlfriend is upstairs. Leave some dignity for yourself, big director.”
Jing Si stared at him for a long time, looking somewhat inexplicable.
Before he could ask what he meant, a cold wind passed by. As they sped away, Jing Si loosened his grip, feeling the increasing pace cover the sound of the wind. He faintly felt his heartbeat overpowering the wind noise. His lips curled slightly in self-mockery.
They didn’t go too far; Pei Shinian parked the bike in an empty alley.
The distance was too short; they hadn’t even had the chance to be fined by the police.
Under the pale streetlights, both of them got off the bike.
Pei Shinian removed his helmet and casually ran his fingers through his hair, lifting his eyes coldly.
Jing Si looked around, “Walk a bit further in; the surveillance can’t capture us.”
This was a spot where he clearly arranged to get beaten.
Pei Shinian assessed the unusually composed person in front of him, finding it hard to understand, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll lure you out and kill you?”
“No.” Jing Si looked into his eyes, saying, “You’re kind.”
“Obviously, you have great strength. Last time, when I was really angry, I just held back a punch.”
“…” Pei Shinian didn’t want to listen to this person’s nonsense anymore. He furrowed his brows and asked, “Are you bisexual?”
Jing Si raised an eyebrow slightly and paused, “No.”
“You’re gay, yet you’re still dating a girlfriend? And making her pregnant?” Pei Shinian clenched his fist, “Doing such disgusting things and daring to openly show affection, are you even human?”
Jing Si finally understood this time.
Seeing the person opposite him, so earnest in wanting to take justice into his own hands, he found it amusing. He remained calm on the surface, “Should I be?”
Talking to a brick wall.
Pei Shinian felt he shouldn’t bother with this scumbag.
Better to just beat him up first.
Pei Shinian, with a fierce momentum, took two steps forward. Just as he raised his fist, the phone rang again in the quiet alley.
A slightly cool palm halted his fist. Jing Si calmly said, “Answer the call first, I won’t run.”
“If you dare to run, it’ll be your loss. Let me show you how kind I am.” Pei Shinian pointed at him, impatiently pulling out his phone.
Song Jianchu said, “It’s public now; you can share your blessings.”
Pei Shinian’s heart sank suddenly, staring fixedly at the person in front, who seemed unaffected as if it didn’t concern him, “Public? So soon?”
He hadn’t clarified things with the scumbag yet, wouldn’t Kun Yuan’an be left with no way out?
“Qin Fang isn’t a popular idol, so publicly announcing the relationship shouldn’t affect the movie much. We should guide public opinion properly. We decided it’s safer to keep Kun Yuan’an’s pregnancy a secret for now and announce it after three months.”
“She doesn’t know anything at all!” Pei Shinian scratched his head in frustration, “Three months? If she waits for three months…”
“She…”
“…?”
Wait a minute… Who?
Qin, Qin Fang???
Suddenly, Pei Shinian froze, staring blankly at the person in front.
Jing Si, with arms folded, looked at him calmly and raised an eyebrow.
Pei Shinian: “…”
“When the three months are up, what then?” Song Jianchu asked.
“Ah…” Pei Shinian stiffly opened his mouth, his gaze gradually evading and trembling. His voice slowly weakened, “She… she should be a healthy and safe expectant mother… that’s good… I’ll forward my blessings later.”
He hung up the phone in a daze and stood there, looking bewildered for a long, long time.
Jing Si asked, “Are you still going to fight?”
Pei Shinian snapped back to reality, slowly raising his eyes, “What’s your relationship with Kun Yuan’an?”
“Siblings.”
“.”
Pei Shinian shuddered as he took a deep breath, but his chest couldn’t seem to get any oxygen.
He didn’t want to accept the fact that he had been in an online relationship with someone who wasn’t a goddess for over a month. He still had suspicions in his eyes, “Impossible, you don’t have the same surname.”
Jing Si said, “She followed my dad, I followed my mom, difficult to understand?”
“…”
Unable to accept the reality he had been self-indulging in.
Unable to accept that Qin Fang was the legitimate boyfriend of the goddess.
Pei Shinian began to doubt his life, looking at his online dating tool, his mind suddenly froze, “D*mn it… then who the hell…?” Who was he having an online relationship with??
Countless sweet nights of chatting in pairs, numerous sweet interactions that made his heart flutter, all flashed before Pei Shinian’s eyes like a revolving lantern.
So, who was his online date with???
Wait a minute—
Was he being an idiot?
Who else could it be?
Pei Shinian’s pupils froze, his gaze fixed on the hem of the pants in front.
Pei Shinian tentatively spoke, “…Bro… Brother J?”
Jing Si just looked at him without responding.
“…inHeaven?”
Jing Si still remained silent.
Pei Shinian’s complexion turned ugly. Trembling, he touched his arm and shivered, struggling to speak, “…Baby?”
Jing Si didn’t react.
Pei Shinian felt a glimmer of hope.
The defense mechanism of a straight man kicked in, and he started to comfort himself.
Yeah, the world is so big; it couldn’t be such a coincidence.
Maybe his online date was a girl whose voice sounded a lot like Kun Yuan’an’s!
His online date was so sweet… what man would enjoy being called “baby” by another man?
Thinking of this, Pei Shinian’s eyes stiffened again.
A man who likes men might like it.
Pei Shinian’s face gradually turned ashen.
Had he been in a relationship with a man this whole time?
And to top it off…
Pei Shinian cautiously took a step back, looking at the annoying ghost across him with complex eyes.
Jing Si’s expression had completely cooled down. He asked calmly, “Have you always treated me like a sister?”
Pei Shinian’s ears buzzed, and his pupils dilated.
He heard the sound of his heart shattering into pieces.
Jing Si squinted slightly, “Do you like her?”