Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Wen Sinian indeed possessed excellent taste, and more importantly, Xu Yan's figure was incredibly versatile.

With a delicate frame, lean yet firm and supple flesh, a slender waist, and long legs, he looked stunning whether baring his back, waist, or legs.

The silk dress felt luxuriously smooth and yielding to the touch.

Unlike the black nightgown, this size was a bit too snug, clinging tightly to his pale, translucent skin. The side slit offered a faint glimpse of his thighs, and the back of the waist was subtly taut, arching into a seductive curve.

Even with the zipper undone, Xu Yan felt a slight constriction. He murmured, "It seems a little small."

Wen Sinian watched him don the dress, his eyes narrowed, taking in every detail from head to toe.

He reached out, his large hand effortlessly encompassing that slender waist.

His palm was warm, his presence commanding, as his fingers deftly pinched the small zipper, pulling it up inch by inch.

Xu Yan drew a shallow breath. The dress, though elastic, felt as if it might tear from the sheer strain of clinging so tightly to his body.

He glanced down, feeling as though he could see right through it.

Wen Sinian, however, was thoroughly pleased with the effect—so much so that he regretted not having insisted the clerk bring an even smaller S size.

Once Xu Yan had finished trying it on and moved to take the dress off, the hand at his waist suddenly spun him around, pressing his back against a firm chest, gently guiding him to lean against the changing room partition.

"There's more."

Wen Sinian then produced two white thigh bands from the bag. These were unlike ordinary ones, connected by a black leather strap, rendering them inseparable.

Bending behind Xu Yan, Wen Sinian encircled him completely, their bodies curving together, perfectly aligned.

His long fingers hooked onto the connected garters, unfastening them to help him try them on.

Xu Yan instinctively recoiled, retreating slightly, his hands braced against the wall, trembling faintly.

"Don’t… don’t put them on here."

If he wore those, he wouldn't even be able to walk properly.

But Wen Sinian had already reached out, his fingers sinking into the soft flesh, which spilled slightly between them like whipped cream, a sight that made one’s mouth water.

"Just testing the size," Wen Sinian reasoned. "If they don’t fit, we can exchange them. It’ll be too late once we get back."

Just like the dress, the size was too small.

Though Xu Yan’s legs were slender, his thighs had a certain plumpness. The elastic fabric bit into his tender skin, and after just a few rubs, red marks appeared almost immediately.

"No…" He pushed back weakly. "They’re too small too…"

Wen Sinian’s gaze deepened as he knelt behind Xu Yan, one knee on the ground.

"Let me see," he said, forcibly pulling Xu Yan’s hands aside. He exhaled softly. "They’re not small."

His breath was burning hot. "This is just right."

……

After leaving the fitting room, Wen Sinian had the clerk ring up the men’s clothes as well.

After a brief stroll around the mall, Wen Sinian took Xu Yan out for dinner. They returned to the hotel by seven, just as dusk fell, with the others still not back.

The moment they entered the room, Xu Yan was lifted by his legs. Wen Sinian kissed him as he walked, the shopping bags still in his other hand, before placing him on the large bed.

Xu Yan knew these dresses had been bought with wicked intentions. He hadn’t even worn all the ones from the previous shopping trip, and now there were several more.

That night, when Zheng Yao checked in with everyone in the group chat, he noticed Xu Yan hadn’t responded and grew worried, so he asked Shen Nanli.

Shen Nanli had exchanged messages with Xu Yan earlier in the afternoon, asking where they were. Xu Yan had sent a photo of a luxury store, leaving Shen Nanli at a loss for words.

"He’s with Senior Wen. He’s probably fine—just forgot to reply in the group."

Out of a sense of responsibility, Zheng Yao sent Wen Sinian a message to confirm.

After a long wait with no reply, he had no idea where the two had gone off to. Clearly, they were lost in each other.

Just before bed, Wen Sinian finally responded.

Zheng Yao stared at the cold, single-word reply—"Yeah"—on his screen, wondering how Xu Yan could tolerate Wen Sinian’s personality.

No one knew what kind of fiery soul lay beneath that icy exterior.

Except Xu Yan.

He had experienced it thoroughly these past few days.

Wen Sinian’s burning passion, his condition, and Xu Yan’s own aching back.

He didn’t understand how Wen Sinian could have so much energy. Whether Xu Yan blacked out in a daze or woke up after a short nap, Wen Sinian was still going.

On the last night, he barely slept at all. By the time dawn approached, Wen Sinian pulled him up from a tangled mess and carried him to the shower.

When they emerged, breakfast had already been delivered to the room. After eating, they had to rush to the airport to return to campus. Xu Yan even had a class in the afternoon.

Wen Sinian knew he had overdone it. During breakfast, he fed Xu Yan bite by bite while kneading his sore muscles.

Xu Yan was too drowsy to protest, barely able to stay awake, his legs aching the moment they touched the ground.

Wen Sinian packed their belongings—only three dresses were left. The other five or six had been ruined the night before.

It was just too tempting—Xu Yan’s entire body glowing pink, his gaze dazed, unconsciously clinging and yielding to every demand.

Wen Sinian had treated him like a doll, casually slipping him into outfit after outfit, each more beautiful than the last, driving him wild, leaving no room for restraint.

The walk from the hotel to the car was torturous for Xu Yan. Once they were finally inside, Wen Sinian guided him to the back row and sat beside him.

Though Xu Yan was annoyed, Wen Sinian had already drawn him near, lifting one of his legs onto his lap and gently working the tension from it under the seat.

After finishing with his legs, Wen Sinian removed Xu Yan’s shoes and rubbed his feet as well.

The others in the front seats were also exhausted from waking up early, slumped in sleep.

Wen Sinian gave Xu Yan’s rear a playful swat, making him let out a startled cry reflexively before quickly clapping a hand over his mouth. Fortunately, no one in the car heard the noise from the back.

Wen Sinian gestured for him to place his other leg up as well. Xu Yan complied, keeping his mouth covered, and thus was pampered the whole ride.

By the time they boarded the plane and left the city, Xu Yan leaned his head against the window, gazing at the stretching coastline below, still half-convinced it was all a dream.

He only got to enjoy less than two days out of the five, mostly just taking in the indoor scenery of the ocean-view suite. Total rip-off.

Wen Sinian touched the ring on his finger and murmured by his ear, "If you want to play, I’ll bring you here again next time."

"Just the two of us."

Xu Yan nodded, tilting his head to rest on Wen Sinian’s shoulder as he fell asleep.

After landing, the group dispersed, and Wen Sinian took Xu Yan and the others back to campus.

The three of them grabbed their backpacks in a hurry and rushed to class.

This course was about to end, and the professor might drop exam hints at any lecture, so no one dared to skip.

Since Xu Yan had already agreed to move into Wen Sinian’s place, he wasn’t about to back out now.

With so many guest rooms in Wen Sinian’s home, Xu Yan rubbed his sore bottom and silently vowed—absolutely, under no circumstances, would he share a room with him!

But Xu Yan had classes all week, so the move was postponed until the weekend. For now, Wen Sinian still stayed in the dorm.

After class, Shang Jia invited Xu Yan and Shen Nanli for dinner. The three met at the hot pot station on the second floor of the cafeteria.

The moment Shang Jia saw them, her radar started beeping.

"Did the trip to Hong Kong treat you that well? You both look so refreshed, like the 8am class fatigue has faded," Shang Jia said, eyeing Xu Yan in particular. "Your cheeks are so rosy—must be the climate there, huh?"

Shen Nanli had been dying to spill the tea. "Jia-jie, you have no idea! He and Wen Sinian, they—"

Xu Yan covered his mouth and heaped food on his plate. "Eat more, talk less."

Shen Nanli pushed his hand away and complained, "He didn’t hang out with me at all! Stuck to his boyfriend the whole time, disappearing every day. At first, I thought he was really sick, but nope—they just wanted some alone time and ditched me!"

Shang Jia scolded, "You’re the one who’s wrong."

Shen Nanli chimed in, "Hear that? You’re in the wrong!"

Shang Jia tapped Shen Nanli’s plate. "I meant you. You’re the one who’s wrong. The couple finally cleared up their misunderstandings and got together—why would you, a massive third wheel, tag along like that? If I’d been there, I would’ve stopped you."

Xu Yan nodded. "Right."

Shang Jia tapped his plate too. "Don’t jump to his defense yet. You and Wen Sinian moved that fast? Didn’t think to report in? What’s been happening? Tell me everything—in detail."

Xu Yan took a couple of bites, looking away. "Nothing much, just… hung out every day."

Shang Jia: "Hung out doing what?"

Xu Yan: "...Just, you know, normal tourist things."

Shang Jia studied him—his eyes soft, lips flushed, cheeks glowing despite the lack of sleep.

She smirked. "I bet it was more like… bedroom activities."

Shen Nanli: "What’s fun indoors? Wait, you guys had an ocean-view suite—was yours different from ours?"

Shang Jia rolled her eyes, but Xu Yan answered seriously, explaining their room had a balcony overlooking the beach.

Then Shang Jia suddenly noticed the blindingly shiny ring on Xu Yan’s finger. Her eyes widened. "Yan Yan, is that from Hong Kong? Did Wen Sinian give it to you? Did he propose?!"

Xu Yan hid his hand. "No, it’s just a regular couple’s ring."

Shang Jia searched on her phone and showed them the page. "This designer’s work is crazy expensive. I’d go bankrupt buying one."

Shen Nanli counted the zeros. "No way. This is beyond my comprehension."

Xu Yan’s eyes widened too. "Me too..."

Had he known the ring was this pricey, he’d never have accepted it. Wen Sinian’s black spade lighter was already tucked away in his drawer, checked on occasionally to make sure it was still there.

Shang Jia sighed. "Year Bro is still Year Bro—ridiculously generous with you. Determined to be your number one in life too. Rich, handsome, and a total hopeless romantic."

She banged the table, startling Xu Yan.

"I approve of this marriage!"

Shen Nanli reluctantly conceded. "Fine, I approve too."

Xu Yan laughed at their silliness and casually mentioned his grandmother’s transfer to a hospital in the city. Hearing this, Shen Nanli and Shang Jia immediately insisted on visiting.

Xu Yan wanted to go too, but Wen Sinian had told him the hospital was running a full battery of tests on his grandmother for the next two days. He advised waiting until they were done.

Wen Sinian had planned to pick him up after finishing some work, but got delayed. Shen Nanli and Shang Jia volunteered, accompanying Xu Yan to the hospital and even buying seasonal fruit from a vendor outside.

The moment his grandmother saw him, her face lit up. "Darling!"

Xu Yan’s eyes welled up as he rushed into her arms, nuzzling against her. "Grandma..."

They hadn’t seen each other since National Day and had much to catch up on.

Shen Nanli was already familiar with Xu Yan’s grandmother and jumped right into the conversation. Shang Jia’s name had come up often enough that she wasn’t a stranger either.

After chatting for a while, Shang Jia took the hint and stood, pulling Shen Nanli up with her to give the two some privacy.

"Grandma, Shen Nanli and I will visit again soon," Shang Jia said with a smile. "We’ve got school stuff, so we’ll head out now. Let Yan Yan stay with you a bit longer."

Shen Nanli added, "We’ll be back when we’re free, Grandma. Hope you won’t get tired of us."

The old woman smiled kindly. "As long as you don’t find me boring. You’re always welcome. Study hard and listen to your teachers, alright?"

It sounded like advice for elementary kids, but Shang Jia and Shen Nanli agreed before leaving.

Once alone, Xu Yan relaxed. "Grandma, are you getting used to it here?"

Grandma: "It’s fine. I just miss Dr. Sun a little. But dear, tell me honestly—how did you manage to arrange this transfer?"

She was old but clear-headed. Xu Yan had no connections in the city—how could he pull this off?

Xu Yan lied, "A senior I know helped. He’s really kind and handled everything."

Grandma: "What senior? You’ve never mentioned him. And this private room’s gotta be pricey. I’ve been meaning to tell you—a regular room would do."

Xu Yan shook his head. "Shared rooms have at least four people. It’d be too noisy and crowded. I worry about you."

"I’m old already, what’s there to worry about? Listen to me—save your money for your future. For when you get married."

Xu Yan refused. The private room was more hygienic, more secure, and allowed personalized attention. Wasn’t that why she’d transferred?

As for the medical bills… he’d work it out.

Though he wasn’t sure how much it cost now. He’d have to check with Wen Sinian later.

Xu Yan stayed at the hospital until almost 8 p.m. During that time, Wen Sinian had texted him asking where he was. After Xu Yan replied, he received no further response.

Hesitating before leaving the ward, Xu Yan ducked his head and rubbed his eyes, feeling a bit silly.

He ought to be happy—after all, Grandma was recovering well and receiving excellent care.

Not paying attention to his path, his head knocked against something hard with a thud, and then he was pulled into a tight hug.

A familiar voice murmured beside his ear: "What’s wrong?"

Xu Yan looked up at the sound and, upon seeing Wen Sinian, buried his reddened eyes into the man's chest, rubbing his face against him before mumbling, "I wasn't crying..."

A hand lifted his chin, and Wen Sinian leaned down slightly to gaze into his eyes. "Tell me what’s going on. Don’t hide anything from me, understand?"

Xu Yan sniffled and nodded. "Nothing happened. I just haven’t seen Grandma in so long. I missed her, and it’s hard to say goodbye."

Wen Sinian gently brushed his teary eyes and chuckled. "Still such a kid."

Crying just from missing someone—so childish.

With people still walking by in the hospital corridor, Xu Yan was afraid someone might notice and only allowed himself to be held briefly before pulling away.

"How did you end up here?"

Wen Sinian wanted to hold him again, to kiss his sad little face.

But he remained standing still, watching him closely. "I’m here to get you."

Xu Yan: "Have you been here long?"

Wen Sinian admitted it. "Yes."

He’d been watching Xu Yan from the window for a while, then waited outside the door until he finally emerged.

"How long?" Xu Yan asked. "Why didn’t you come in to find me?"

Wen Sinian: "Because I didn’t know if you wanted to see me right now."

Xu Yan wrinkled his nose and said softly, "Of course I did. I haven’t seen you all day..."

Wen Sinian had been busy again these past two days, leaving the dorm before Xu Yan even woke up that morning.

Wen Sinian moved closer, his shadow covering him.

"Aren’t you afraid Grandma will figure us out?"

Xu Yan paused. "I’ll just say you’re the senior who helped me. Grandma won’t suspect anything. Sound good?"

"Fine," Wen Sinian raised a brow at him. "As you say."

Xu Yan took his arm and led him back to the ward. Before entering, he whispered a reminder: "Remember, don’t stare at me or touch me. You’re just my senior, got it?"

"Got it," Wen Sinian replied calmly. "Junior."

When Grandma saw Xu Yan return with a stranger in tow, she held her cup of hot water and looked them over carefully.

"Sweetheart, who is this?"

Xu Yan put on a calm face. "Grandma, this is the senior I mentioned earlier—the one who helped arrange your transfer. He came to visit someone at the hospital today, and I bumped into him on my way out, so I brought him to introduce you."

Wen Sinian nodded slightly, polite and proper. "Hello, I’m Wen Sinian."

Grandma looked from Wen Sinian to Xu Yan, who was keeping his distance.

"Sinian, I’ve been meaning to thank you in person. You’ve done so much for us. Yan Yan must treat you to a proper meal to show our gratitude."

Wen Sinian smiled with a hint of amusement. "He has."

"That’s good then. Sinian, come sit. All of Yan Yan’s classmates treat me like their own grandma—make yourself at home." Grandma had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze, her cloudy eyes brightening. "So tall and handsome. Lovely. Do you have a girlfriend?"

Asking such a personal question upon first meeting—Xu Yan shot Grandma a panicked look, but she only smiled at Wen Sinian, ignoring him.

"Not at the moment," Wen Sinian said.

Xu Yan turned to glance at him, his expression a mix of surprise and annoyance.

But then he remembered—he was Wen Sinian’s boyfriend, not girlfriend—and his annoyance faded.

Grandma beamed. "Have you graduated and started working?"

"Graduating next year, but I already have my own studio—running a startup."

"Starting a business is great—lots of promise. But it must be tiring, balancing studies and work. Do you even have time to rest properly?"

"If I plan well, it’s fine," Wen Sinian replied. "I don’t need much sleep—always been energetic."

Xu Yan pursed his lips. That’s putting it mildly. The man had energy far beyond ordinary people.

"Since you’re Yan Yan’s senior, you must know him well. How’s he doing at school? Does he eat on time?" Grandma fretted. "He barely eats at home, and with no one to watch over him outside, he definitely neglects himself. Look how thin his face is—his arms are almost as skinny as mine."

"His appetite is small," Wen Sinian said, sitting by the bed, his gaze briefly skimming over Xu Yan. "He never eats enough, and gets grumpy if I push him."

Grandma sighed worriedly. "That’s my biggest concern. He’s nothing like you—you must’ve grown tall and strong early on. He’s always been short, standing in the front rows among boys in school, and he used to get sick often as a child. Must run in the family."

"Genes mostly decide height, but other things matter too. As for physique, that can be built through exercise."

Somehow, the two managed to carry on a proper conversation. Xu Yan sat listening but soon grew drowsy, drifting off.

Suddenly, the sound of the door opening brought him back to attention—Wen Sinian had stepped out to take a call.

Xu Yan immediately lowered his voice. "Grandma, how could you ask those questions?"

The old woman waved it off. "How else am I supposed to learn about him?"

"That’s prying into his privacy. People don’t like that."

"He didn’t mind. We had a nice chat."

Xu Yan: "You even messed up his name..."

Grandma abruptly cut him off. "Listen, sweetheart—let me ask you—have you been in touch with your Brother Zhuang Sheng lately?"

"No."

"I heard from Uncle Zhuang and Auntie Zhuang that Zhuang Sheng refuses to marry or go on their arranged dates. Turns out, he doesn’t like women."

Xu Yan froze, his heart jumped. "Grandma..."

Grandma gently held his hand. "Though your Uncle and Auntie Zhuang say they’re disappointed, call him strange, but I don’t see it that way. Love should be simple. So whether someone likes women or men—loving someone is nothing to hide."

Xu Yan's eyes grew misty as he murmured softly, "Grandma, why are you telling me these things..."

"My dear," the elderly woman gently stroked his hair with her weathered hand, her eyes filled with tender affection, "Grandma just wants you not to worry so much and be happy. Nothing matters more than my dear one's happiness."

"That would make Grandma happy too."

*

As Xu Yan stepped out of the hospital room, his eyes were even redder than before.

Wen Sinian was still on the phone. Seeing Xu Yan's face, a sudden ache of tenderness overwhelmed him. Without hesitation, he gathered Xu Yan into his arms right outside the hospital room.

"Go ahead with the earlier plan."

After hanging up, he cradled Xu Yan's face gently and asked softly, "What made you come out?"

Xu Yan ignored the onlookers, wrapping his arms around Wen Sinian.

"It's crowded here," Wen Sinian reminded him.

Xu Yan tilted his face up, his voice thick, "Hold me a little longer?"

Wen Sinian's heart ached fiercely. He tightened his embrace, as if trying to fuse Xu Yan into himself.

"Okay."

They lingered quietly in the hallway, holding each other for a while until Xu Yan felt slightly better. He patted Wen Sinian's back, prompting him to let go.

Wen Sinian buried his face in the curve of Xu Yan's neck, his tall nose nuzzling until Xu Yan shivered from the ticklish sensation, before finally releasing him.

Xu Yan slipped his hand into Wen Sinian's palm. "Let's go back."

Wen Sinian gripped it tightly. "Okay."

When they got back to campus, it was almost ten. The dorm room was empty—it was finals week, and everyone was pulling all-nighters at the library.

Xu Yan had started reviewing earlier, so he wasn't too worried yet.

Standing side by side in front of the bathroom mirror as they brushed their teeth, Xu Yan had the brief illusion that they were already living together.

When he tried to leave after washing up, an arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back.

Wen Sinian shut the bathroom door and pinned him against the sink.

"What's wrong tonight? Why were you crying?"

Xu Yan knew he couldn’t avoid this. The sink edge dug into his back. "Nothing serious... Grandma just told me some things..."

"Did she scold you?"

Xu Yan shook his head. "No."

Grandma would never scold him.

"Then... does she dislike me?"

Xu Yan shook his head again. "No, she probably likes you a lot."

Wen Sinian's mouth quirked in relief. "Was it because you were moved?"

"Yeah," Xu Yan replied, his voice thick. "She told me to be happy."

Wen Sinian wasn't familiar with this kind of family warmth. He couldn't fathom how someone could be moved to tears by a relative’s words.

But that didn’t stop his heart from aching at seeing Xu Yan’s tears.

He bent down and brushed his lips against Xu Yan’s slightly parted lips. "Are you happy, baby?"

Xu Yan’s eyes shone as he nodded. "Happy."

As if the answer wasn’t enough, he stood on his toes and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of Wen Sinian’s mouth. "What about you?"

His moist eyes fluttered, gazing at Wen Sinian expectantly. "Are you happy?"

Wen Sinian fell silent for a moment. The tension between them seemed to tighten like a drawn bowstring, then snap, one after another, shattering to pieces.

Xu Yan didn’t need an answer—he could already feel it.

Since returning from Hong Kong a few days ago, they hadn’t shared a proper kiss.

New to desire, their willpower was already paper-thin. The slightest touch overwhelmed their control.

Sensing danger, Xu Yan tried to inch away and escape.

Wen Sinian deliberately loosened his grip. Heart leaping, Xu Yan darted out of the bathroom without looking back, kicking off his shoes and making for his bunk.

He’d barely climbed two steps when a large hand suddenly seized his ankle, holding him in a vise-like grip.

Footsteps sounded outside—their two roommates were returning.

Xu Yan struggled uselessly, but the hand was like an iron vise. It slid upward, yanking his leg back, and he lost his balance, falling back into waiting arms.

The sound of the door unlocking echoed outside. Xu Yan panicked and thrashed in Wen Sinian’s arms, desperate to break free.

If their roommates walked in and saw him like this—legs wrapped around Wen Sinian, held captive—

In the midst of his struggles, Wen Sinian had already turned toward his own bed. He pulled back the curtain and deposited Xu Yan onto the soft mattress.

At the same moment, the dorm door swung open.

Li Huaiche and Zhao Qingji saw Wen Sinian standing by his bed in pajamas, his curtain slightly parted as if he’d just been about to sleep.

"Wen-ge, calling it a night already?" Li Huaiche asked. "Lights out isn’t for another half hour."

"Yeah," Wen Sinian replied, discreetly snatching something small from Xu Yan’s bed and tucking it into his own curtain before climbing onto the loft. "A bit tired. Keep it down, please."

"Got it."

Li Huaiche switched off the overhead light, leaving only a dim desk lamp glowing.

Once inside the curtain, Wen Sinian found Xu Yan already hidden under his blanket, the stuffed bunny dragged in with him.

The bed was cramped. With just a single grab beneath the covers, Wen Sinian’s fingers closed around a slender, silky calf—so delicate it seemed it might bruise at the slightest pressure.

With a firm tug, he pulled Xu Yan into his arms.

He shoved the obstructive blanket behind Xu Yan’s waist, leaving the younger man fully exposed.

Only the faintest light filtered through the curtain. Xu Yan’s loose sleep shirt had slipped even further, revealing a swath of soft, pale skin at his waist. His pajama legs had ridden up to his thighs, and his porcelain cheeks burned pink. His watery eyes gazed up timidly, as if speaking volumes.

The sight made Wen Sinian’s blood roar. He parted Xu Yan’s legs again and pressed down over him.