Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Xu Yan really needed to use the bathroom and hadn’t expected Wen Sinian to follow him inside.

His back was pressed against the door, a hard, warm chest pinning him. Gasping for air, he lifted a hand to shove halfheartedly. "What are you doing...?"

Wen Sinian stared at him with dark, smoldering eyes, his tone cold. "What does it look like I’m doing?"

Xu Yan instinctively sensed danger. The man before him seemed unfamiliar, making him uneasy.

Though the pressure was uncomfortable, Xu Yan still hugged Wen Sinian’s strong waist.

"I know there’s a misunderstanding between you and Brother Zhuang Sheng. I picked up on it at dinner last time, but it’s been so long—why are you still upset?"

Xu Yan couldn’t fathom what conflict could exist between them. "Can you tell me why?"

The moment he finished speaking, the pressure against him intensified, the taut muscles nearly squeezing the air from his lungs.

He squirmed uncomfortably, only for a hand to grip his waist and pull him closer.

Wen Sinian’s voice dropped low as he countered, "You really can’t tell?"

Xu Yan frowned, thought hard, before tilting his head up. "Can you give me a hint?"

Wen Sinian pinched his cheek, jaw tight. "You’re such a tease."

Drawing them in without even trying, all while remaining utterly oblivious.

Looking back, Wen Sinian had been caught the same way at first glance.

But if Xu Yan wanted to hook him, fine. Anyone else? Not a chance.

Xu Yan winced at the pinch, whining. "Stop pinching me..."

Wen Sinian loosened his grip, instead toying with the soft skin between his fingers, rubbing until it turned pink.

Finally, he spoke.

"Your Brother Zhuang Sheng likes you," Wen Sinian leaned in, watching him closely. "Didn’t you know?"

Xu Yan was clearly shocked. His lips parted, then he seemed to piece it together.

"So that’s why..."

No wonder Zhuang Sheng had reached out as soon as he arrived in the city, always inviting him to meals and looking out for him. He’d assumed it was just hometown bond, like with Nan Li—natural for fellow locals in a new place.

But hearing Wen Sinian’s words, Xu Yan realized Zhuang Sheng had been too nosy about his relationship.

Embarrassed, he looked at Wen Sinian. "What if he really likes me? What do I do?"

Wen Sinian chuckled. "You’re asking me?"

Xu Yan: "Tell me first."

"Cut him off. For good."

"..." Xu Yan bit his lip, conflicted. "That’s not good. Our families know each other. If things get too awkward, we won’t even be able to face each other back home."

Wen Sinian said flatly, "Then don’t go back."

Honestly, he’d rather Zhuang Sheng vanish from Xu Yan’s life entirely.

As if struck by a thought, Xu Yan shook his waist slightly, rising on his toes to study Wen Sinian’s cold expression. His eyes sparkled with mischief. "So you hated him because you were jealous?"

Wen Sinian looked down, not answering, but he let his annoyance show, letting Xu Yan see it plainly.

Very plainly.

Sure enough, Xu Yan burrowed into his chest with still-flushed cheeks, his fluffy head like a needy little thing.

"I’m so dumb. How did I only realize now?" Xu Yan murmured. "Next time, tell me earlier."

Wen Sinian lifted him by the hips, hooking his knees over an elbow and lifting him fully, pinning him to the door.

"You think there’ll be a next time, baby?"

Perhaps he’d been too gentle with Xu Yan, too indulgent, letting him believe he was endlessly patient.

Thankfully, Xu Yan was limber—otherwise, this position would’ve been impossible.

He patted Wen Sinian’s arm desperately. "Don’t..."

Wen Sinian moved a hand. "Don’t what? Be clearer, baby. I don’t quite understand."

Xu Yan let out a protesting whine.

Like he didn’t know—he understood all too well.

"Put me down... I need to use the bathroom. You go out first."

Wen Sinian turned him around, then turned him back, holding him like a kid with his back against his chest. He whispered in his ear, "Let me help you, okay?"

Xu Yan’s ears burned. He knew exactly what Wen Sinian meant and kicked out weakly in protest.

"No, I don’t want... Get out..."

It wasn’t like he couldn’t manage on his own—let alone something like this.

Who does that?

Wen Sinian braced one knee, letting him half-sit, while his other hand reached forward to grip his thigh, prying it open.

Looking down, Xu Yan could see everything clearly. He felt like he was burning up.

Not only was he not spared, but the hand around his waist squeezed harder.

"Baby," Wen Sinian teased, biting his earlobe, "if you don’t go, do you want me to hold you like this forever?"

Xu Yan let out a sob as shivers wracked him, spreading down to his thighs.

In this regard, he couldn’t compete with Wen Sinian.

Who knew how many more moves this jerk had up his sleeve?

...

Later, Wen Sinian cleaned him up with a tissue, fixed his clothes, and held his face gently when he saw his red-rimmed, watery eyes. He peppered soft kisses to his lips, over and over.

"Alright baby, don't cry. How about a kiss?"

Before he could even react, Wen Sinian licked open his slightly parted lips, slowly tangling with his tongue as if savoring the moment.

Xu Yan's body was still trembling, his eyes lightly shut, too afraid to recall what had just happened.

He had never been treated like this before. No matter how far Wen Sinian had gone before, he had never crossed the line to violate him so thoroughly.

Now, from head to toe, he had been seen and touched everywhere.

Blushing and furious, Xu Yan broke free from what was supposed to be a comforting kiss.

The moment he took a breath of fresh air, his chin was grabbed and turned back.

Instead of letting him go, Wen Sinian tightened his grip on that slender waist, as if trying to mold their bodies together, kissing him even more fiercely.

Xu Yan hadn’t expected to provoke him again. Overwhelmed, he let out desperate little noises, unable to swallow in time, a silvery trail of spit trailing from the corner of his lips.

Wen Sinian finally released him when he was nearly breathless, letting him rest against his chest while gently brushing away the soft strands of hair sticking to his flushed cheeks.

His eyes were teary-eyed, his lips swollen and red from the rough treatment, his entire face painted with undeniable arousal.

Twisting his face away, Wen Sinian lowered his head and left a clear, claiming mark on his neck. Only then did he seem marginally satisfied with his handiwork, allowing Xu Yan to step out of the stall.

Leading him to the sink, Wen Sinian pushed up his sleeves, turned on the faucet, and washed his hands for him. Afterward, he took two tissues and carefully dried each of his fingers, one by one, unhurried.

Xu Yan had mostly composed himself by now. Glancing at his reflection in the mirror, he quickly adjusted his collar higher and complained, "How could you leave a mark on my neck? People will notice."

Wen Sinian rubbed his lips. "No one will."

If they didn’t notice, they were blind.

Still dissatisfied, Xu Yan met his gaze in the mirror. "What you did to me earlier… was way too much."

Wen Sinian played along, feigning contrition, and offered to "check" for him.

Xu Yan’s warning bells went off, and he took half a step back, on guard. "Y-You’re not allowed to touch me again."

"Did I hurt you?"

"No…"

Xu Yan didn’t want to answer, much less think about it.

It wasn’t pain.

It was like a lightning bolt—from the roots of his hair to the tips of his toes, his entire body had been jolted. For a moment, the tingling sensation was so intense that his soul seemed to leave his body, floating in midair. White flashed before his eyes, and he was sure he'd pass out.

Wen Sinian murmured, "Baby, that means it felt good."

Xu Yan immediately covered his mouth, his face burning with mortification, eyes misty. "It didn’t! Don't say such things."

"Alright," Wen Sinian chuckled. "Ready to go back?"

They had been gone for a while. If they didn’t return soon, the food would be completely cold.

Xu Yan refused to let Wen Sinian hold him and walked ahead back to the dining room.

Zhuang Sheng hadn’t expected them to take so long. Watching Xu Yan return with his head lowered, his ears and pale neck tinged pink, he noticed a faint reddish mark just visible above his collar.

An unmistakable love bite.

Zhuang Sheng froze. Just what had they been up to in the restroom? How far had their relationship progressed?

Holding hands? Kissing? Or had they already slept together?

Xu Yan actually allowed him to leave a mark like that?!

The realization that they might have done everything intimate couples do made Zhuang Sheng feel like he was sitting on hot coals. He couldn’t stand being in the same space any longer—every time he caught the heated looks between Xu Yan and Wen Sinian, it felt like a knife to the gut.

Jealousy grew wildly in his chest, acute and choking, yet there was nothing he could do.

Wen Sinian noticed every shift in Zhuang Sheng’s expression, and his earlier annoyance evaporated completely.

Each of the three was lost in their own thoughts, and the meal concluded awkwardly.

After leaving the restaurant, while Wen Sinian went to fetch the car, Zhuang Sheng finally had a chance to speak to Xu Yan alone.

The entire evening, Wen Sinian had been an immovable wall between them. Even glancing at Xu Yan had felt like stepping into an arctic chill, leaving Zhuang Sheng restless.

"Yan Yan, I actually had something to say to you, but now doesn’t seem like the right time…"

Xu Yan interjected softly. "Brother Zhuang Sheng, I know we grew up together, and you’ve always looked out for me like a little brother. That’s why you’re worried about me dating. But you don't have to worry—Senior Wen and I really like each other. He treats me well, and even though we haven’t been together long, I’ve been really happy."

His sincere gaze successfully stopped whatever Zhuang Sheng had been about to say.

In the distance, Wen Sinian’s car drew up to the curb.

Seeing Xu Yan talking to Zhuang Sheng, Wen Sinian didn’t hurry them, just waiting patiently behind the wheel.

Zhuang Sheng managed a strained smile and changed the subject. "That’s good. As long as you’re happy, then it’s worth it."

"Yeah, I’m not a kid anymore," Xu Yan said. "I know what's good for me, and I know what I’m doing. I can take care of myself. Brother Zhuang Sheng, I’m sure you’ll find someone you like who likes you back. You’re amazing—I know you will."

Zhuang Sheng smiled. "Alright."

Xu Yan added, "Oh, and none of our other classmates know about us yet. Please keep it quiet around Grandma for now too, okay?"

Zhuang Sheng asked suspiciously. "Is it Wen Sinian who doesn’t want to go public? Does he want to keep you his dirty little secret?"

"No," Xu Yan said, eyes bright. "I'm the one who asked him not to tell."

Zhuang Sheng: "...Fine."

"It’s getting late. You should head back."

Xu Yan waved goodbye and hurried over to Wen Sinian’s car, slipping into the passenger seat before the black vehicle disappeared into the night.

On the way back, Xu Yan felt considerably relieved. Zhuang Sheng wasn’t the type to cling stubbornly—he had understood the message and wouldn’t cling to that hope anymore.

The car stopped in a secluded corner near the dorm. There was still nearly an hour before lights-out.

The other two roommates were likely inside, so going upstairs meant no more private moments.

Wen Sinian showed no sign of exiting, his gaze dark as he gave his thigh a meaningful pat. Xu Yan knew what he wanted.

But today, Xu Yan wasn’t about to docilely settle onto his lap. Not after how he had bullied him in the restroom. The recollection of that overwhelming helplessness still made his thighs tremble.

He reached for the door handle, but Wen Sinian locked it instantly, staring at him unblinkingly.

The heavy, clinging gaze in the darkness seemed to grow hands, trailing slowly over his bare skin with a damp heat, making him feel as if he were being wrapped and licked.

Xu Yan met his gaze for a few seconds, pouted but still swung his leg over the center console and perched on his lap.

As Wen Sinian bent to kiss him, Xu Yan covered his mouth with the back of his hand and shook his head.

Thin lips pressed close, rubbing gently against the soft, pale palm.

Wen Sinian looked up at him: "No kiss for me?"

Xu Yan's palm itched: "You were mean to me today."

"Hmm," Wen Sinian countered, "What did I do?"

Xu Yan’s eyes widened—as if the culprit didn’t know?

"You—you just—"

"If you can’t explain it, it didn’t happen," Wen Sinian kissed his palm, "And that wasn’t bullying anyway."

Xu Yan asked: "Then what was it?"

Wen Sinian pulled his hands away, revealing the flushed pair of lips beneath.

"Baby, that’s how I show I like you."

"Loving you."

"Wanting to take care of you."

Xu Yan had never heard such words before: "You’re just teasing me again."

Wen Sinian negotiated with him fairly: "Then let baby get even, okay?"

As he spoke, he even reached for his belt.

Xu Yan, taking him seriously, grabbed his hands: "Wait, wait, I don’t want that..."

He wasn’t as bold as Wen Sinian.

"Then what does my baby want?"

Xu Yan’s face burned as he shook his head: "Nothing."

"Then just a kiss, okay?"

When Xu Yan gave a tiny, hesitant nod, Wen Sinian leaned in contentedly, kissing him hard.

They’d barely kissed for a minute when Xu Yan’s phone suddenly rang again.

Again.

Wen Sinian pulled it from his pocket and glanced at it. He spotted "Grandma" on the screen before hanging up. He released him, dabbed his lips, then pressed the phone to his ear and answered.

"Darling, were you sleeping? Did I disturb you?"

Xu Yan was still foggy, but his grandma’s voice snapped him awake.

"No, Grandma, it’s so late—why aren’t you asleep?"

Wen Sinian had never heard him so soft and sweet. His throat tightened, but he remained silent, watching him without interrupting the call.

"Grandma misses you, sweetheart. I couldn’t sleep. Is school keeping you busy lately? When’s your break?"

"Not too bad. Finals are close, so I’m swamped, but once that’s over, I’ll be on break," Xu Yan’s voice was bright with excitement. "I’ll come back to see you as soon as I’m done, okay, Grandma? Have you been good lately?"

"Of course! Dr. Sun said I’m doing great! I take my meds right on schedule, get my shots, and finish all my nutritional meals. Sweetheart, aren’t I the best grandma?"

Xu Yan gushed: "So amazing, so amazing!"

Wen Sinian couldn’t help but smile—they were like two kids giggling.

"Sweetheart, are you in the dorm now? Roommate there?"

Xu Yan stiffened, eyes darting to Wen Sinian, then down at himself—legs spread, sitting on top of him. He stumbled over his words: "Y-yeah, it’s almost lights out. Of course I’m in the dorm with my roommate."

His "roommate" didn’t like that. He nuzzled into Xu Yan’s neck, licking and kissing the love mark there, then—just as Xu Yan least expected it—gave a sudden, deliberate suck.

Xu Yan’s scalp tingled, his strength seeming to drain away as a choked whimper slipped out. He collapsed into Wen Sinian’s arms.

Smug, Wen Sinian rubbed his shivering back as a concerned voice came through the phone.

"Sweetheart, what’s wrong?"

Xu Yan bit his lip, eyes glistening, too scared to make noise and give himself away.

"Sweetheart, why aren’t you talking? Is someone there?"

Xu Yan forced his voice steady: "I’m fine, Grandma. Just hit the table—it stung."

Fortunately, the person on the other end didn’t press further, only reminding him to be more careful in the future.

After hanging up, Xu Yan tried to climb off, but big hands clamped on his hips, keeping him still.

He glared at Wen Sinian, annoyed: "You totally meant to."

"Couldn’t help myself, baby," Wen Sinian changed the subject, "Your grandma’s been hospitalized?"

Xu Yan nodded: "Back in my hometown, Wuzhen."

Wen Sinian: "That’s why you needed money so badly?"

Xu Yan stayed silent, nodding again.

Wen Sinian’s heart clenched sharply, a pang of aching tenderness surging up. He straightened, lifting Xu Yan slightly so he could look up at him.

"How about bringing your grandma to Beicheng for treatment?"

Xu Yan was surprised: "I’ve thought about it, but transferring hospitals is complicated, and the costs..."

"Baby, your grandma is my grandma. She raised you with so much love," Wen Sinian kissed his lips, "I should cover the medical expenses."

Xu Yan stared, speechless for a long moment.

The hands on his waist shifted to gentle kneading, softening his body further.

"Then... I’ll pay you back once I start earning money."

"No need," Wen Sinian said, "I’ll get you a supplementary card later."

Xu Yan felt that was too much: "No, no, I can’t keep spending your money."

"Your man works to pamper you," Wen Sinian leaned in, breathing him in, "If you feel bad, think of how to thank me."

Xu Yan actually considered it seriously, shifting his thighs before whispering against his chest: "Do you want to see me in a little skirt?"