Mu Ye stared at him for a few seconds and suddenly smiled, asking, “Chu Chu, have many people confessed to you?”
Not knowing why Mu Ye asked this, Song Jianchu paused for a moment and replied, “Not too many, I guess.”
“How many is not too many?” Mu Ye affectionately rubbed his nose and curiously asked, “I want to know.”
Song Jianchu’s eyelid twitched, sensing that something wasn’t quite right. He shifted his gaze and said, “There really weren’t that many.”
Mu Ye said gently, “Come on, tell me. They’re all memorable life experiences.”
After hesitating for a moment, Song Jianchu thought to himself that Mu Ye was much older and mature adults shouldn’t care about such things. His memory was always good, and he hardly thought about it, saying, “There were six girls in elementary school.”
“Mm.” Mu Ye lightly pinched his earlobe, showing great interest, and asked, “What about middle school?”
“Nine.”
“That’s quite popular.” Mu Ye chuckled and said, “And high school?”
Song Jianchu’s earlobe was a sensitive spot, and it was starting to feel numb from being rubbed. He replied, “…about twelve.”
Mu Ye fell silent for a few seconds, and the pressure in his grip increased slightly. He smiled and said, “You must have been even more popular in college and received more attention.”
Sensing that something was off, Song Jianchu decided to end this topic. “Mu Ye, let’s go to sleep.”
Mu Ye took a barely noticeable deep breath and pressed on, “What about university?”
In Mu Ye’s eyes, the genuine smile was no longer visible. Song Jianchu struggled for two seconds in his heart. In the end, he gave up on lying and confessed with lowered eyes, “Thirty girls and two boys.”
At that time, he was already making videos, and many fans would come to the school to give him gifts. Some bold girls would take the opportunity to confess their feelings. However, he was also surprised that there were boys confessing to him.
As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Ye suddenly lowered his head and bit his nose.
“!!!”
Ten minutes later –
The dormitory light was on, and Mu Ye sat on the edge of the bed wearing a coat.
“Mu Ye.” Song Jianchu brought a cup of hot water and handed it over. “Have some hot water.”
Mu Ye took the cup and asked with lowered eyes, “Do you still keep in touch with those fifty-seven people?”
“No.” Song Jianchu immediately replied, “I hardly know any of them.”
Mu Ye glanced at him, narrowed his eyes, and bit onto the keyword, “Hardly?”
Song Jianchu patiently explained, “A few classmates added me on WeChat when we graduated from university, but we haven’t talked on the list.”
Mu Ye remained calm on the surface. “Can I take a look?”
Song Jianchu picked up his phone and sat next to Mu Ye, showing him the WeChat profiles of those female classmates.
The profile pictures of the female classmates were their own, and there were indeed no chat records.
Mu Ye didn’t open their Moments and clicked on each profile picture, lightly chuckling. “They’re all beauties.”
Song Jianchu: “…”
Mu Ye tilted his head, staring at him, and said lightly, “With so many people confessing to you, you didn’t like anyone?”
Song Jianchu decisively said, “No.”
Indeed, he didn’t.
Mu Ye turned his head slightly and gazed at him, saying softly, “It’s okay. It’s normal to have feelings for others during adolescence.”
Song Jianchu shook his head,
“I really didn’t.”
Mu Ye’s expression relaxed slightly, he withdrew his gaze, and whispered, “You go back to sleep. I want to sit here for a while.”
Song Jianchu noticed that Mu Ye wasn’t in a very good mood but didn’t know how to comfort him further. He could only obey.
“Okay.”
Song Jianchu lay back in bed, obediently closed his eyes. Although his attention was still focused on Mu Ye, his exhausted body entered sleep first.
In his dreams, he vaguely felt that Mu Ye had left the room once and came back with a chill. Mu Ye warmed his body under the covers before pulling him into his embrace. Bathed in the warm light of the night lamp, Mu Ye stared at the sleeping face of the boy for a long time, tightening his arms with a bit of force.
The next morning, when Song Jianchu woke up, he found no one beside him.
After sleeping together for so long, he knew that Mu Ye was even more of a bed lover than he was, so it was the first time Mu Ye had woken up before him.
He sat on the bed in a daze for a moment until the door was pushed open.
“Awake?”
“Just came back from walking the dog.” Mu Ye had already changed clothes and sat down by the bed, smoothing his messy hair. “Get up, wash your face, and let’s go downstairs for breakfast.”
Song Jianchu examined Mu Ye’s expression but couldn’t detect any negative emotions, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
He stared at Mu Ye’s face and inexplicably felt that today’s Mu Ye was exceptionally attractive. Despite spending many days together, his heart would still race when he looked at Mu Ye’s smile.
Mu Ye wore a cream-colored sweater, and the clean color accentuated his refined features. The slightly upturned corners of his eyes carried a hint of tenderness, as if constantly enticing people with an elusive charm.
“Don’t feel like moving?” Mu Ye lightly chuckled and pinched his cheek.
Song Jianchu snapped out of his daze and realized he had been staring. He quickly lowered his head and hurriedly got out of bed. “I’ll wash my face.”
When the members were having breakfast together, the director said, “The two-day staff for this episode will be here soon.”
Pei Shinian, who had gained some experience, didn’t waste any emotions and asked first, “Are the guest members male or female?”
The director didn’t hide it either and said, “Female guests.”
Pei Shinian quickly finished the soybean bun in his hand and stood up, saying, “You guys enjoy your meal. I’ll go change my clothes.”
[“Hahaha, another good day has come.”]
[“Oh no, embarrassing. I’m temporarily unfollowing for a day.”
[“The daily efforts of a single fan trying to get their idol out of being single.”]
Bai Xingyu sipped his post-meal tea and casually said, “We should arrange a blind date special for Xiao Pei, quickly find him a partner. He looks pitiful being alone.”
“Oh right.” Bai Xingyu suddenly remembered something and frowned, looking up, “What were you doing outside late last night?”
Song Jianchu followed Bai Xingyu’s gaze and looked at the person next to him.
Did Mu Ye really go out last night?
Mu Ye poured a cup of coffee for Song Jianchu after their meal and said, “I had trouble sleeping, so I went out for some fresh air.”
[“Ah, ah, husband, take care of yourself.”]
[“Why couldn’t you sleep?”]
[“Oh no, my heart aches.”]
Song Jianchu paused as he picked up the coffee, gripping the cup tightly with his fingers.
Mu Ye had trouble sleeping?
…Was it because of what he said last night?
“Last night was minus twenty-eight degrees.” Bai Xingyu looked puzzled. “You went out for some fresh air? Didn’t your face freeze? Wasn’t it painful?”
Mu Ye poured himself a cup of coffee and lazily leaned back in his chair. He leisurely took a sip of coffee and smiled, “Why don’t you try going out tonight and see for yourself.”
Bai Xingyu sneered, “I’m not crazy.”
Feeling the gaze that had been fixed on him for a long time, Mu Ye turned his head slightly and smiled, asking, “Why have you been staring at me?”
The man’s smile, veiled in the steam of the coffee, was incredibly gentle. The morning light cast a slanting shadow on his face, and his beautiful eyes seemed even more faint and hazy. His rosy lips curved slightly.
Song Jianchu quickly averted his gaze, looking down at the coffee in his hands. “It’s nothing.”
[“Hahaha, fans are stunned.”]
[“Mu Ye’s natural charm is irresistible.”]
[“Son, wipe your drool quickly.”]
[“The enchanting beauty of a male fairy, as expected.”]
[“Licking the screen directly for my husband’s appearance.”]
The doorbell rang a few times, and a girl wearing a thick, long down jacket pushed a suitcase in and gasped, “Wow, it’s so cold here, I’m going to be frozen like a penguin.”
Everyone looked over.
The girl raised her cute bear-patterned gloves and her cheeks turned rosy from the cold. She greeted them with a smile, “Hello, Teacher Gods, I’m the two-day staff for this episode. My name is An Ran.”
[“Wife, you’re here!!!!”]
[“Wuwuwu, wife!!”]
[“Hello, everyone, let me introduce my wife An Ran, the cutest foodie in the whole universe.”]
[“Oh no, I’m scared, I quickly ordered takeout in advance.”]
[“Great, it looks like a foodie special for this episode, love it.”]
Pei Shinian changed into his most handsome outfit from the suitcase and was about to descend the stairs, but his steps suddenly halted.
The members stood up to welcome her.
Pei Shinian quickly went downstairs to help with the suitcase. His gaze couldn’t move away from the girl’s innocent and lovely face, and his ears turned slightly red. “Hello, it’s so cold outside. Come inside and warm up by the fireplace.”
An Ran took off her gloves and walked inside, smiling brightly. “Thank you, Teacher Pei. You really look even better in person, just like in the videos.”
Pei Shinian shyly smiled, “You… look even better than in the videos.”
[“Oh, so you also watch my food vlogs, Brother Nian?”]
[“Nian Nian, haven’t we praised you enough before? Why are you feeling shy now??”]
Bai Xingyu laughed and said, “Welcome. I often watch your food vlogs.”
“I know!” An Ran bowed in thanks. “Teacher Bai even sent me gifts. Thank you, thank you!”
An Ran straightened up, her gaze shifting, and her smile mischievous. “Brother Jianchu, I’m here to work for you. Surprised?”
“Welcome,” Song Jianchu smiled lightly.
[“What’s going on?”]
[“What’s this situation? My son and my wife actually know each other?”]
[“Let me explain, An Ran and my brother are classmates.”]
[“So my wife has a connection with the show’s sponsor! No wonder she was invited!”]
[“Oh, I suddenly feel like my wife and son… look compatible standing together.”]
[“Same here. This type of girl seems quite suitable for my brother. They look pleasing to the eye when they’re together.”]
[“Those who cause trouble, get out! Hold up my demon-cultivation CP flag! Lock down the demon-cultivation CP!!!”]
Mu Ye’s gaze unintentionally swept over the girl in front of him. He smiled and said, “Let Xiao Pei help you with the suitcase and take you to the dormitory.”
Pei Shinian felt moved.
Indeed, his brother always thought of him the most.
Pei Shinian enthusiastically said, “Yes, you can stay in my room tonight.”
An Ran was taken aback, “Huh?”
“Don’t misunderstand.” Pei Shinian quickly explained, “What I mean is, you can stay in my room tonight, and I’ll go squeeze in with my brother and the others.”
An Ran burst into laughter, “Teacher Pei, you almost scared me. I was so nervous, afraid of being beaten up by your fans.”
“Go put your things away, and then come down. I’ll assign you your tasks,” Song Jianchu said.
An Ran replied, “Alright, leader. I’ll change my clothes and be right down.”
Pei Shinian carried the suitcase and took An Ran upstairs.
Mu Ye looked at the people around him and asked, “Leader, which team are you assigning her to?”
“I’m still thinking,” Song Jianchu pondered.
Mu Ye looked into his eyes and smiled, “We two should be enough to pick up the guests. The car won’t fit with too many people.”
Song Jianchu was caught off guard by his gaze, and it felt like the suspended feeling in his heart had settled again.
He nodded, “Hmm.”
Bai Xingyu wanted someone to help in the kitchen, but as he was about to raise his hand, a cool breeze dispersed around him.
He changed his mind and said, “How about assigning her to the front desk, where she can greet the guests with Pei Shinian?”
Song Jianchu thought for a moment and replied, “That works.”
[“Teacher Bai is such a good brother.”]
[“Nian Nian’s smile is about to reach the heavens.”]
[“Hahaha, Mu Ye is staring at the leader so intently.”]
After An Ran went downstairs, she was assigned her tasks. She happily said, “Thank you for trusting me, leader. Teacher Pei and I will be the face of our store.”
Mu Ye instructed his subordinates, “Take good care of the new colleague.”
Pei Shinian gratefully embraced Song Jianchu’s shoulder and said, “Thank you, leader. I’ll take good care of the new colleague.”
The new colleague headed straight for the fireplace and examined it with excitement. “Oh, this fireplace can roast sweet potatoes! I’ll roast some for you later. It’s super delicious!”
[“Hahaha, as expected, all she cares about is food and how to eat.”]
[“I’m dying, my wife is so adorable.”]
[“Roast! Let my wife eat!”]
[“Nian Nian, take good care of my wife, especially don’t let her go hungry.”]
The next day, the business started, and everyone was busy.
Pei Shinian and An Ran handled the check-out procedures for yesterday’s guests, while Bai Xingyu and Lu Shen prepared the lunch.
Song Jianchu and Mu Ye prepared to go to the station to pick up today’s reserved guests and also do some shopping at the market.
Song Jianchu wrote a shopping list on the front desk and asked the staff, “Is there anything you want to eat? We’ll have a dinner together at the store tonight.”
An Ran raised her hand first, “I want to eat chicken stewed with mushrooms.”
Song Jianchu noted it down, “Alright. What else do you want?”
An Ran leaned over to Song Jianchu, watching him write, “I also want to eat rice cake. I heard that the soybean rice cake here is especially delicious.”
“And dried sausage, Brother Chu, do you know that the dried sausage here is famous? We should buy more and I’ll make dried sausage fried rice for you in the evening. It’s super fragrant.”
…
Mu Ye leaned against the side with his arms folded, lazily squinting his eyes, observing the two people who were very close together.
Pei Shinian approached him and whispered, “Brother, don’t you think Jianchu is favoring An Ran a bit? He didn’t mention having dinner with the previous flight guests.”
Pei Shinian raised an eyebrow, “Could it be that he likes this type of girl?”
Mu Ye smiled faintly but didn’t say anything.
Song Jianchu filled two pages and Anran nodded in satisfaction, “That’s enough. It should be enough for the few of us.”
Song Jianchu smiled mysteriously.
“Is it too much?” An Ran suddenly realized, a bit embarrassed, as she pinched her ear. “Buying all this food must cost a lot.”
[“Hmm, hmm, it’s enough to feed ten people. Should be enough for you.”]
[“See, having a foodie really costs money.”]
[“Wuwuwu, I love my wife, but I can’t afford to support her.”]
[“My son seems to favor the new colleague.”]
[“After all, she’s a popular internet celebrity and a fellow classmate. It’s natural for him to show some favoritism.”]
Song Jianchu put away the list and said calmly, “Then let’s work hard.”
Anran made a loyal gesture, “Thank you, big brother, for treating us. I’ll do my best and not embarrass Brother Chu.”
With preparations complete, Song Jianchu and Mu Ye left the store.
The car was silent all the way, and Song Jianchu couldn’t help stealing glances at Mu Ye several times.
Teacher Mu Ye seems a bit off today.
Yesterday, he couldn’t bear to be apart for a moment, but this morning, he suddenly became serious. He didn’t cling to him for kisses and hugs but maintained a subtle distance. Yet, everything seemed normal, and there was nothing wrong anywhere.
It was like he had suddenly put on the mask of a male god again, reverting back to the distant Mu Ye.
Song Jianchu wasn’t quite used to it.
He felt a bit lost.
Did he… not reject it after all?
Is it because he evaded the question yesterday and disappointed me?
Song Jianchu retracted his gaze, lowered his head, and pinched the zipper of his shoulder bag. He pursed his lips and tried to initiate a conversation, “Mu Ye, what do you want to eat? We can buy it together later.”
Mu Ye smiled and replied, “There’s nothing specific I want to eat. The recommendations she made should be delicious.”
“Oh.”
The conversation stopped, and the car fell silent again.
Song Jianchu lifted his head and looked out the window. His chest rose and fell slowly, and he exhaled calmly.
Forget it.
This is fine.
He didn’t know how long had passed when Song Jianchu gradually felt his eyelids growing heavy. Leaning against the car window, he fell asleep.
Mu Ye drove the car into a gas station.
While refueling the car, he took off his jacket and covered it over Song Jianchu.
Song Jianchu was awakened by the familiar scent on the collar. He slowly opened his eyes and saw the clothes on him, and his gaze flickered for a moment.
“Sorry, I accidentally fell asleep,” Song Jianchu quickly sat up straight, took off the clothes on him, and handed them back, saying, “I’m not cold, you wear the jacket so you won’t catch a cold.”
As he turned his head, he met Mu Ye’s eyes, quietly observing him.
Mu Ye didn’t take the jacket and reached out to turn off the camera in the car.
Mu Ye crossed his arms, lowered his head slightly, and rubbed his face with the back of his hand. There was a slight frown on his forehead, as if his teeth were not very comfortable.
Song Jianchu furrowed his brows and asked, “Mu Ye, do you have a toothache?”
Mu Ye lowered his hand, spoke calmly, and asked, “Is she also one fifty-eighth?”
Song Jianchu didn’t react for a moment, and the jacket in his hand slowly fell onto his lap.
What does “one fifty-eighth” mean?
Mu Ye turned his gaze towards him and asked, “Is she one of your fifty-eight pursuers?”
Song Jianchu paused for a moment and immediately shook his head, “No.”
As if relieved, Mu Ye turned his face away, looking out of the car window. He lightly wrinkled his brow and said, “Let’s pretend I didn’t ask. My teeth ache too much, I couldn’t help it.”
Song Jianchu didn’t quite understand, “…What?”
Unable to hold it back, Song Jianchu asked, “Mu Ye, what’s wrong with you?”
Mu Ye sighed, leaned on the steering wheel, buried his face in his arms, and said with a touch of annoyance, “Am I being annoying like this?”
Song Jianchu didn’t understand, “What do you mean?”
Mu Ye turned his face from his arm to look at him, and said in a slightly deflated voice, “Chu Chu, I feel really uncomfortable.”
Is Teacher Mu Ye sick?
Song Jianchu furrowed his brows, reached out to touch Mu Ye’s forehead, and asked anxiously, “Where do you feel uncomfortable? Let me drive, we can go to the hospital right now.”
Mu Ye grabbed his hand and pressed it against his face, closed his eyes, and let out a comfortable sigh, as if feeling a bit better.
“No need,” Mu Ye held his hand against his face, then with his lips lightly touching his fingers, as if recharging, he said firmly, “Let me lean on it for a while longer. I can hold on.”
Song Jianchu’s expression gradually became puzzled.
The gas station employee outside looked hesitantly
at the car. Song Jianchu wanted to withdraw his hand but hesitated, blushing, and asked in a low voice, “Mu Ye, what’s wrong with you?”
The gas station employee reminded them, “The tank is already full.”
Mu Ye finally released his hand, sat up, and returned to his normal demeanor. He smiled at Song Jianchu and said, “Thank you, I’m fine now.”
Song Jianchu looked confused.
What’s going on with this person?
Just as he turned his face back, he heard Mu Ye say, “I’ll restrain myself from now on.”
“Huh?”
Mu Ye said, “I don’t want to be clingy, and I won’t get jealous anymore.”
Mu Ye drove the car out of the gas station, speaking in a calm and determined tone, “Even though I’m not the first one to confess to you, I must be the most handsome one among your fifty-eight pursuers.”
Thank you for bringing us chapters so often and Merry Christmasss 🫶