Chapter 69: When did it get dirty?

Chapter 69: When did it get dirty?

The youth hostel is located in a residential building in the old town. It's quite old with concrete flooring. Although there's a private bathroom, the owner mentioned that due to low water pressure on their floor, they would need to use the communal bathroom on the first floor for showers and laundry. The room lacked air conditioning and only had two ceiling fans creakily rotating. The conditions could be described as quite challenging.

Ying Li began boarding school in the town during middle school and continued up through university. He had spent more time in dormitories than at home and was accustomed to the top bunk.

The beds were already made, with bedding provided by the show's crew. Everything was clean.

[It's on the 6th floor with no elevator. Climbing up there is already exhausting.]

[And without air conditioning! Isn't this a recipe for a heatstroke? After a shower and climbing up, you'd be drenched in sweat.]

[Do people still stay in such hostels? Hard to believe.]

Although the environment wasn't the best, Shen Yao was quite pleased.

His heart still felt warm, and the joy in his eyes seemed about to overflow as he asked Ying Li, "Which end will you sleep on?"

Ying Li pointed and replied, "Over there, I guess."

Shen Yao's eyes sparkled as if filled with stars as he said to Ying Li, "I'll sleep on that end too, so we can face each other."

It didn't really matter which end one chose to sleep on. Ying Li nodded indifferently.

Xie Wen Shi pursed his lips in discontent. He also wanted to face Ying Li, but they had made an arrangement in the car earlier. Reluctantly compromising, he said, "Then I'll take the bunk beneath you two."

Before his words even settled, a bag appeared on the bottom bunk.

Xie Wen Shi blinked twice, somewhat taken aback, "Captain, you want the bottom bunk?"

Qi Xie responded flatly, "Hmm."

Xie Wen Shi said with a hint of grievance, "There's another one over there."

Bian Qiao, having just placed his belongings on a bed, looked over at them with a smile, "Want to switch?"

Qi Xie: "No need."

Xie Wen Shi: ...Alright then.

After settling the sleeping arrangements, the live broadcast ended. Bian Qiao took the initiative to start cleaning, and seeing this, the others pitched in with what they could do.

Their building didn't only house them but also had many backpackers. Around 8 or 9 in the evening was the peak shower time. Song Ji Mo went to the first-floor bathroom and returned saying, "A few of the showerheads are broken. We can only shower two at a time. It's not crowded now; who wants to go first?"

Bian Qiao replied, "I'll clean up. You all go shower first."

Shen Yao, who got hot more easily than the others and had been busy to the point his T-shirt was damp, instinctively looked at Ying Li, "Shall we shower now?"

Ying Li responded, "You guys go ahead. I'll shower later; I need to make a phone call."

Shen Yao grinned, "Alright."

The show's crew was staying next door, also tidying up their room. Ying Li got his phone from the staff member responsible for it and made his call in the corridor, not wandering too far off.

It was Ying Li's mother who answered, assuring him that Ying Tao was doing well and that he shouldn't worry.

After the call, Ying Li opened WeChat to check his messages. He had many messages and started replying from top to bottom. However, upon seeing a familiar profile picture, he froze. But it was too late; he had already opened the chat window.

He saw the three photos Qi Xie had sent him from the plane, with the first two being a bit cheeky.

The photos displayed a bare torso, from the neck down to the waist.

Was he flaunting his abs?

Ying Li frowned in thought, musing that he wasn't without...

As he continued scrolling, he suddenly noticed a red scratch on the patch of skin beneath his finger, located on the waist's side.

Gazing at that scratch, memories surged like a floodgate opening, overwhelming him. It was a mark he'd made in a fit of crying and upset.

"The him when drunk isn't the real him," Ying Li mentally repeated thrice, then pushing away all distracting thoughts, he clicked 'delete.'

The last picture was a screenshot of a chat conversation. Ying Li recognized the other profile picture; it belonged to Doctor Qi.

Qi Xie had known about Ying Tao's successful stem cell match even before Ying Li, who found out a day later.

So, Qi Xie informed him at the earliest, but he hadn't checked the message.

Qi Xie hadn't intentionally blurred out the conversation's content.

Ying Li saw that Qi Xie inquired about his sister's condition from Doctor Qi daily.

For a moment, Ying Li's thoughts felt like a burnt-out circuit board, short-circuiting. During his school days, he excelled in logical reasoning, always meticulously deducing cause and effect. But this current situation was more complex than any problem he had ever encountered. The more he tried to understand, the more tangled and confusing it became, leaving him dizzy.

He leaned on the railing, a gust of wind causing his damp shirt to cling to his back. He shivered, and his thoughts became slightly clearer.

He genuinely couldn't figure out why Qi Xie was doing all these things. Was it because he desired Ying Li's body?

After all, Qi Xie had on more than one occasion shown a longing for him and often made bold and inappropriate comments.

Lifting his arm, he examined himself. He didn't seem any different from an average man. Why did Qi Xie...

His phone screen went dark, and the sound of approaching footsteps pulled Ying Li from his muddled thoughts.

Qi Xie had just returned from his shower, his face and neck slightly reddened. Standing under the dim corridor light, he didn't continue towards Ying Li, seemingly heeding Ying Li's words— to keep a distance.

Ying Li simply stared as Qi Xie tilted his head back, running a hand over his neck. The prominent Adam's apple shifted beneath his touch, and those deep, dark eyes gleaming with a mischievous light locked onto Ying Li with a clearly suggestive gaze.

Ying Li stiffened, a shiver running down his spine, and he hastily retreated.

After returning the phone, Ying Li was still on edge. Seeing only Shen Yao left in the room, he asked, "Haven't you showered yet?"

Shen Yao straightened up in his chair, chuckling, "Waiting for you."

Ying Li looked surprised, "You didn't need to wait for me."

Shen Yao scratched his head, a hint of redness on his face as he said, "We've already waited. Let's pack up and go together."

"Right away."

Ying Li quickly gathered her toiletries and went downstairs with Shen Yao. Along the way, they ran into Song Ji Mo.

Shen Yao asked him, "Is there a long queue?"

Song Ji Mo looked at them, his expression chilly, "No one's in line. Bian Qiao is taking his shower. He should be done soon."

A grin spread across Shen Yao's face, his lips nearly reaching the sky in happiness, "Then we can take our time."

Song Ji Mo removed the towel draped over his shoulder and chuckled, "Enjoying some private time together, huh?"

Shen Yao hadn't budged when he was called to shower earlier. Could he possibly be so smitten now?

Shen Yao's face darkened immediately, "What are you talking about?"

Song Ji Mo looked at him expressionlessly, hinting, "The bathroom door is broken, so watch yourself."

Shen Yao: "..."

Their cryptic conversation left Ying Li feeling baffled. Shen Yao, however, grew anxious. He shot Song Ji Mo a warning glance and urged Ying Li, "Ignore him, Ying Li. Let's go."

As they descended the stairs, Shen Yao was so flustered he almost tripped. He feared Song Ji Mo might spill the beans.

Having just acknowledged his feelings, Shen Yao wasn't ready to confess. He may have never been in love before, but he knew one had to tread slowly in romance. Rushing a confession without the right emotional connection could not only fail but also repel Ying Li. He couldn't risk it.

Ying Li was kind to everyone and didn't treat him particularly special. Having Song Ji Mo was enough of a headache, and now there's Qi Xie to worry about. With threats on both sides, he needed to step up his game.

As they approached, Bian Qiao, fresh from his shower, greeted them with a warm smile, "Here for a shower? I'm done, going to dry my hair."

Ying Li replied with a smile, "Okay."

Bathhouses were rare in the south, and Shen Yao, concerned that Ying Li might not know how to use it, instructed, "Turn this switch, and water will come from the pipe above. Left is hot, right is cold."

Ying Li nodded, "Got it."

Shen Yao added cautiously, "Be careful."

The shower had partition walls. Shen Yao, being tall, was just about covered to his chest, while Ying Li was shielded up to his collarbone. The two available faucets were right next to each other.

Shen Yao felt a flutter in his heart, thinking the universe was offering him an opportunity.

As Ying Li began to undress, Shen Yao politely averted his gaze.

Ying Li hung his dirty clothes outside, turned on the faucet, and was met with scalding water, causing him to inhale sharply from the burn.

With his clothes half-off, Shen Yao, hearing the sharp intake, turned immediately, "What happened?"

Ying Li rubbed his scalded arm, "The water's too hot."

Shen Yao frowned, "Where did it burn? Is it bad?"

Ying Li replied, "It's fine."

"Let me see."

The partition hardly hid anything from Shen Yao's height. He reached over, gently gripping Ying Li's arm to inspect it.

Ying Li's skin was delicate. The burned area quickly reddened. Shen Yao gently blew on it, asking, "Does it hurt? Need some ointment?"

Ying Li shook his head, pulling his hand back slightly uncomfortably, "No need, it's not that bad. Let's shower."

It was then that Shen Yao realized just how low the partition was. With a slight tilt of his head, he could see all of Ying Li.

He shifted a bit to the side, trying to be a gentleman, but blurted out, "Ying Li, you're... so fair-skinned. Your skin isn't like most men's." Even his joints were rosy.

Ying Li hesitated, "Everyone has good skin here."

Shen Yao pursed his lips, "Not as fair as you."

Truly, Ying Li was extraordinarily pale, with an even creamy hue all over, reminiscent of silk. It gleamed subtly, feeling smoother than anything Shen Yao had ever touched.

His deep eyes fixated on Ying Li. Hidden by the partition, he could only see above Ying Li's shoulders. There was a little pool of water nestled in the dip of his shoulder, and a unique flower-shaped birthmark on his collarbone, strangely eye-catching. The slightly raised neck resembled a rose stem, its pale veins mirroring the rose's leaf veins.

Above that was the familiar, beautiful face that often visited Shen Yao's dreams.

The burning water cascaded over them, and Shen Yao swallowed hard, his throat dry. He remembered Song Ji Mo's earlier words and inexplicably thought of a scene from a movie he'd seen — in a similar bathroom, with others showering nearby, where the protagonists became intimate.

The plot was absurd, and the actors weren't attractive. He'd only watched a bit, but the one thing that stuck was the passionate cries of one of the characters.

The viscous slap of water mixed with running streams covered the floor with splashes.

Random flashes of scenes kept flickering in his mind. As these thoughts consumed him, he felt parched, and looking down, there it was, rising again.

Damn.

He knew he shouldn't harbor such thoughts, especially with Ying Li right next to him.

Shen Yao quickly splashed his face, adjusting the water to its coldest setting, trying to drive those inappropriate thoughts away under the shock of the cold.

He took a couple of deep breaths to clear his head, attempting to change the subject, "Have you ever been to a public bathhouse?"

Ying Li replied, "No."

With an "I-knew-it" expression, Shen Yao remarked, "I figured you hadn't. In the north, bathhouses don't even have partitions. It's a luxury here to have them."

Thank goodness for partitions.

He squeezed out some shampoo, working it into a frothy lather atop his head, eyes shut, "Have you ever stayed in a place like this?"

"No, have you?"

As Ying Li applied body wash, the entire bathroom was filled with the fragrance of gardenias, rendering the atmosphere utterly enchanting.

Shen Yao inhaled deeply, never before realizing how intoxicating gardenias could be. Feeling warmth inside, he commented while rinsing, "I've stayed in one. Hostels in the capital are cheaper than renting. Fifty a night, only fifteen hundred a month. That's hardly enough for rent."

"The place I stayed at was even worse, with no 24-hour hot water..."

He held the shower head to rinse his hair, and once done, began shaking off the water like a large dog.

Water splashed onto Ying Li's face. Startled, he sidestepped, bumping into the partition, which emitted a loud thud.

"What happened?" On hearing the noise, Shen Yao looked up to see Ying Li rubbing his eyes, with tiny suds scattered on his hair, "Did I splash it in your eyes?"

Ying Li nodded, feeling the sting, tears uncontrollably streaming down. He quickly tried to rinse his eyes with fresh water.

Shen Yao panicked immediately, "My fault, I forgot someone was beside me. Let me help you."

After a few rinses, Ying Li felt better. Blinking, he reassured, "It's fine. Continue with your shower."

The arch of his back remained pronounced.

The dim lighting of the bathroom only accentuated his fairness, rendering his skin porcelain-like, reminiscent of the finest rice paper. The delicate protrusion of his spine looked smooth and endearing.

A mere glimpse of his back nearly set Shen Yao's nose bleeding again.

With a raspy voice and fighting back heavy breaths, Shen Yao asked, “Feeling better?”

“I'm fine.” Ying Li’s eyelashes fluttered like rain-soaked wings, struggling to open, “What next?”

Shen Yao quickly averted his gaze, inhaling softly, “What do you mean ‘what next?’”

Ying Li added, “No hot water. So, what happened?”

Shen Yao's eyes half-closed, he sighed at his own predicament, “I bathed with cold water. Too many people shower in the summer, and I’d return late. By the time it was my turn, there was no hot water left. But it's okay in the summer.”

Perhaps a cold shower would suffice, as that’s all he had taken in recent days.

Both emerged from the shower simultaneously. They hadn't bought pajamas that afternoon, but the production team generously allowed them to wear their own.

Shen Yao stood bare-chested, sporting only a pair of shorts. His broad shoulders and toned calves were evident as he folded his arms, waiting for Ying Li to dress.

"I'm ready."

Ying Li had heard of the warm nights here, so he had packed summer pajamas, short sleeves and shorts.

Shen Yao turned to look, momentarily blinded by the sight. Ying Li's exposed arms and legs were slim and fair. With slightly tousled hair, he looked as if he had just woken up – so soft and obedient. Shen Yao pinched his arm, his ears visibly reddening.

Clearing his throat, Shen Yao suggested, "There's a hairdryer over there. You can dry your hair."

Ying Li noted his still damp hair, "Why didn't you dry yours?"

With a hint of playful laughter in his tone, Shen Yao replied, “I was waiting for you.”

He felt like a clingy child, always seeking company.

Ying Li nodded, “Let’s go.”

"Ying Li."

Bian Qiao, having just dried his hair, approached. He appeared even gentler than usual. Spotting the sunburn on the back of Ying Li's neck, he noticed it had reddened more from the hot shower.

He asked, "Would you like some aloe vera gel on your neck? I brought some."

Yinglyi had almost forgotten about the sunburn on his neck. It hadn’t bothered him until now, and he felt an itch again. "I'll apply it later, thank you."

Bianqiao, with a hint of a smile on his lips, said, "Can you see it yourself? Need help?"

"No worries, I'll help him apply it after he dries his hair," Shen Yao replied, raising an eyebrow. "Thanks."

Bianqiao's smile faded gently, "No need to thank me."

There was only one hairdryer. While Yinglyi was drying his hair, Shen Yao stood beside him holding the aloe vera gel, getting damp from the water dripping from Yinglyi's hair.

Yinglyi glanced at him and said, "Why don't I do it myself? You can dry your hair."

Shen Yao cleared his throat, "Are you dry yet?"

Yinglyi put away the hairdryer, "Yes."

Shen Yao, as if to confirm, reached out to ruffle Yinglyi's hair. Yinglyi, feeling slightly uncomfortable, dodged the gesture, leaving Shen Yao's hand hanging in mid-air.

Shen Yao hadn't expected Yinglyi to dodge and withdrew his hand, looking a tad embarrassed.

Before Yinglyi could suggest doing it himself, Shen Yao had already opened the aloe vera gel and dabbed some on his hand. "Let's apply this, and then I'll dry my hair."

His eyes shone brightly, staring at Yinglyi, reminiscent of a forlorn puppy abandoned by its owner.

Yinglyi sighed, tilting his head down to expose his delicate, vulnerable neck, as fragile as a folded piece of paper.

A smile spread across Shen Yao's face. He gently applied the gel to Yinglyi's neck, careful not to press too hard. "Does it feel cool?"

Yinglyi replied, "It's alright."

Shen Yao meticulously applied the gel to the reddened areas of Yinglyi's neck, "It's a bit sticky. Do you want to wash it off later?"

Yinglyi's neck felt a bit stiff, "Yes, I'll wash it off in fifteen minutes. Are we done?"

"Done," Shen Yao said, lifting Yinglyi's collar, his voice slightly husky.

Yinglyi said, "Thank you. You should dry your hair now."

His tone was courteous and polite.

Shen Yao paused for a moment, "Alright, sure."

Yinglyi went back to the bathroom to wash the clothes he had taken off, but noticed his t-shirt was missing. Despite searching everywhere, he couldn't find it and didn't recall anyone entering the bathroom while they were drying their hair.

The shirt wasn't expensive, but he found it odd. Who would steal worn clothing?

After washing his other clothes and heading upstairs, he discovered his t-shirt was already hanging on the rooftop terrace designated for drying clothes, wrung out neatly.

The "thief" was still there, hanging clothes. A nagging suspicion crossed Yinglyi's mind: Had Qi Xie done something weird with his shirt again?

Once Qi Xie finished hanging the clothes, Yinglyi, with a hint of annoyance in his voice, asked, "Why did you wash my shirt?"

With a lazy squint in his eyes, Qi Xie nonchalantly responded, "I dirtied it, so naturally, I washed it."

Yinglyi was taken aback, feeling a familiar warmth spreading to his ears, his cheeks flushing uncontrollably. It took him a moment to regain composure, "Who asked you to wash it? Don't touch my clothes..."

With a few quick strides, he snatched the shirt down, about to storm off in a huff.

But as he turned to leave, an arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him back against a warm chest. The arm that held him was as solid as a mountain range. Flustered and slightly afraid, Yinglyi struggled briefly before asking in exasperation, "What are you trying to do now?"

In the depths of Qi Xie's dark eyes, a playful glint shimmered. He nuzzled Yinglyi's cool nape, tightening his grip even more.

The aloe vera gel had already been washed off, replaced by the soft press of lips, as if kissing, yet also like licking. Yinglyi felt as though the skin on his nape was about to burn.

Yinglyi's brows furrowed, body trembling slightly, letting out a kitten-like plea, "Don't lick..."

Qi Xie paused, "I won't anymore."

Yinglyi could hear Qi Xie's slightly heavy breathing before being released.

Still in shock, Yinglyi dumbly touched his wet nape.

Clutching his shirt, he was torn. Logic told him to leave quickly, but his feet refused to move.

Qi Xie looked at him, stating, "I saw everything."

When Yinglyi looked up, his gaze met Qi Xie's. The dim lights of the rooftop couldn't illuminate the depths of Qi Xie's eyes, making them appear even more mysterious.

A shiver ran down Yinglyi's spine under that intense stare, feeling an inexplicable tension, "Saw... saw what?"

"The underwear, when did it get dirty?"

Author's Note:

Yingli: Take a guess.