Chapter 24 Pervert

Chapter 24: The Pervert

Gu Shiying wriggled free from Fu Huan’s embrace. He was furious but dared not voice it, silently cursing the "fucking creep" countless times, yet still had to thank him verbally.

"Who knew the light here was broken? It’s not my fault. The dorm manager hasn't sent anyone to fix it." If it had been repaired, would he have been held by the waist by Fu, the pervert?

"Tell the dorm manager tomorrow to have it repaired," Fu Huan said, having already retreated to a safe distance from Gu Shiying.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah."

Gu Shiying bolted upstairs as if fleeing.

Fu Huan chased after him, saying, "What are you running from? Slow down."

"Going back to take a shit!" Just to gross you out.

Gu Shiying rolled his eyes. If he didn't run, would he have to endure being stared at by you, fantasizing about his back again? This big pervert.

He rushed back to the dormitory in one breath, almost bumping into Yang Shuhang, who was standing at the door.

Yang Shuhang took a step back, looking at Gu Shiying panting heavily, and asked, "Were you being chased by a ghost?"

Gu Shiying thought, *Pretty much. If Fu Huan were a ghost, he'd definitely be a horny one.*

Gu Shiying: "The light on the third floor is broken."

"You're afraid of the dark?" Yang Shuhang reacted as if he'd discovered something novel. "Wow, you're actually afraid of ghosts?"

Gu Shiying's heart skipped a beat, but he retorted defensively, "No way, I'm not afraid of ghosts."

Fu Huan then ambled casually into the dormitory, completely at ease, a stark contrast to Gu Shiying, making it seem as if they hadn't returned together.

Yang Shuhang didn't connect the two of them at all: "Huh? What a coincidence, why did you two come back one after the other? Brother Huan, Ying Er is afraid of ghosts, hahaha!"

Fu Huan's gaze fell on Gu Shiying's face: "Afraid of ghosts?"

Gu Shiying's earlier behavior could easily be explained as a panicked escape: "No way, I ran back to take a shit. I was about to burst!"

He placed the jar of chili sauce on the table. Whether he needed to use the bathroom or not, he had to go!

Fu Huan wasn't obligated to explain to Yang Shuhang why they came back one after the other, and Yang Shuhang didn't seem to care.

When Gu Shiying emerged from the bathroom and wanted to explain, the moment had passed. What could have been a topic worth discussing became another secret between them.

*Next time, I must tell others where we went.*

Saturday was busy, and Sunday was equally so. Their group assignment had one last component. The introverted (I-type) female classmate suddenly had a flash of inspiration, believing their video still lacked narration. All four agreed that Gu Shiying's Mandarin was the most standard, and his voice sounded like "he's a good-looking guy."

Gu Shiying worked all day, finally adding the narration suggested by the group members. The effect was quite good.

Assignment completed, submitted!

The weekend wasn't exactly relaxing, and the classes from Monday to Friday were routine, yet still very busy.

Gu Shiying's major would be in demand both now and after graduation. He needed to hone his various skills, or perhaps launch his own media platform in the future.

After their produced video was uploaded to the platform by the teacher, it actually garnered quite a few likes, shares, and comments. Their work was beginning to gain recognition.

Gu Shiying didn't send the video link to Fu Huan, but Fu Huan watched it himself.

During class, Gu Shiying received a message from Fu Huan.

[Fu Huan: Watched the video.]

[Gu Shiying: ?]

[Fu Huan: Your group assignment.]

[Gu Shiying: And?]

[Fu Huan: Your narration was really good.]

When Gu Shiying saw this praise, his brain automatically translated it into Fu Huan's inner thoughts, and he couldn't help but shiver.

Zhang Zhi saw him tremble and asked, "What's wrong with you? Are you cold? The air conditioner isn't even on."

Gu Shiying: "Maybe I heard a dad joke and got chilled."

Zhang Zhi: "What dad joke is so chilling? Let me hear it too."

Gu Shiying randomly made up a dad joke involving Xiao Ming (a common character in Chinese jokes), which made the surrounding classmates burst into laughter.

[Gu Shiying: Thanks for the compliment.]

[Fu Huan: Should I have said it was melodious, smooth, and graceful, like angelic music?]

Gu Shiying recalled the idioms Fu Huan used to praise his handsomeness when they were eating at McDonald's—there was a follow-up to that.

[Gu Shiying: Is that how you compliment people?]

[Fu Huan: Then teach me. You know how to compliment people.]

[Gu Shiying: When did I ever know how to compliment people?]

[Fu Huan: But you were very smooth when complimenting Guo Guo.]

[Gu Shiying: Want to learn?]

[Fu Huan: Yeah, I can become your apprentice.]

Gu Shiying occasionally spoke impulsively when hanging out with Zhang Zhi, and at this point, he was also getting a bit cocky.

[Gu Shiying: Then call me 'Master' first.]

[Fu Huan: Master.]

Gu Shiying almost choked on his own saliva.

*Wait, how did Fu Huan suddenly become so flexible?*

He couldn't even imagine Fu Huan calling him "Master" with that stone-faced expression. Gu Shiying couldn't help but shiver.

*That's so weird.*

*Wait, is Fu Huan messing with me?*

*Are we that close?*

Zhang Zhi: "What's with you now?"

Gu Shiying: "It's nothing."

Zhang Zhi eagerly hinted to him: "You posted a jar of chili sauce on your Moments, right? It looked so good it made my mouth water, and I'm totally craving it."

Gu Shiying: "Alright, then grab your lunch and head back to the dorm at noon. I'll go back to the dorm and get the chili sauce. I’ve tried it, and it’s really delicious—it has a bit of fermented black beans in it. Anyway, it’s incredibly fragrant."

Zhang Zhi opened his arms for a hug: "Ying Bao, you're the best!"

Gu Shiying shoved him away with both hands: "Don’t hug me."

Zhang Zhi: "You’ve been so cold lately, not even letting me touch you."

Gu Shiying: "Get lost."

He glanced down at WeChat—to reply or not to reply, that was the question.

No, he couldn’t reply. The more he replied, the closer his relationship with Fu Huan seemed to become.

He resisted the urge to reply to Fu Huan.

After class, he went back to the dorm room to get the chili sauce and headed to Zhang Zhi’s room.

Everyone in Room 701 was there, all waiting to try the chili sauce Gu Shiying brought. Mixed with rice, it was so good they could finish the meal without any other dishes.

"Whoa, it’s so fragrant—it tastes like home cooking!"

"Even Lao Ganma would be put to shame!"

"Ying Er, where did you buy this? I want to get two jars to stock up."

"Seriously, it’s so aromatic!"

A classmate from the next dorm, passing by, caught the scent of the chili sauce at the door.

"What are you eating? It smells amazing!"

Zhang Zhi: "Chili sauce. Super delicious."

"Where’d you buy it? Send me the link!"

Everyone looked at Gu Shiying.

Gu Shiying said: "An elderly woman gave it to me. She makes and sells chili sauce. I’ll ask if she has more."

He hadn’t expected the chili sauce to be so popular once opened. They’d only just started eating, and a whole big jar was already gone.

When Gu Shiying returned, only an empty jar remained: "You guys are such wolves!"

Zhang Zhi: "But it’s really so fragrant."

Gu Shiying: "I’ll ask if there’s more."

Zhang Zhi acted quickly, immediately creating a group chat for everyone who wanted to buy the chili sauce.

The group was named: "Post the link, quick!"

To satisfy these "wolves," Gu Shiying found time to call Granny Lin and ask if she had more chili sauce.

It was a good thing his classmates wanted him to help them buy it—it also helped Granny Lin, who was injured, so she wouldn’t have to sell the sauce outside in the heat. It was a win-win.

Granny Lin: "Is that Xiao Gu? I’ve made some more these past couple of days—plenty left. How many jars do you want? I’ll pack them this afternoon and call you later."

Gu Shiying: "About seven jars. Let me know when they’re ready, and I’ll come pick them up."

Gu Shiying collected payments in the group based on the price Granny Lin set. It was pretty cool helping someone with sales for the first time—was this another way of lending a hand?

After afternoon classes, Gu Shiying still hadn’t received a call from Granny Lin. He thought she might still be preparing the sauce and hadn’t finished packing yet.

When he returned to the dorm, Fu Huan was spinning his phone between his fingers, as effortlessly as spinning a pen.

"Granny Lin asked me to tell you—the chili sauce is ready. You can go pick it up tomorrow."

Gu Shiying widened his eyes: "Why did she call you and not me?"

How did Fu Huan find out about this? He had wanted to keep it under the radar.

Fu Huan: "I asked her about Guo Guo’s condition today, and she just had me pass the message along. Tomorrow, I’ll drive you there."

Gu Shiying, who had been thinking about keeping his distance from Fu Huan all morning, was speechless: "..."

Fu Huan added more incentive: "It’s more convenient if I drive. Taking the bus would take you an hour. We can also check on Guo Guo while we’re there. Today, I consulted a psychologist I know, and he said he’s willing to provide free treatment for Guo Guo."

Gu Shiying was hooked by his words: "Really?"

Fu Huan: "Really. There’s no reason for me to lie."

Hearing this, Gu Shiying’s face lit up with a smile. Fu Huan was actually really kind—every day, his impression of Fu Huan kept improving.

Gu Shiying: "How do you know a psychologist?"

Fu Huan: "A friend recommended one."

Gu Shiying: "When is the psychologist available?"

Fu Huan: "We can schedule an appointment for the weekend."

Gu Shiying clapped happily: "That’s great! Guo Guo’s condition can be treated. But how long will the treatment take for someone like him?"

Fu Huan shook his head: "It’s not clear yet. The doctor said he needs to see Guo Guo first to know."

Gu Shiying: "Alright, then we can ask for Guo Guo’s medical records when we go get the chili sauce tomorrow."

Fu Huan: "What time do you finish class tomorrow? I’ll come find you."

Gu Shiying just remembered—tomorrow was Friday: "I have three classes in the afternoon."

Fu Huan discussed it with him: "I have three classes too, in the same building. I’ll wait for you at your classroom door after class."

Gu Shiying hesitated: "Alright."

Although it sounded like a discussion, it seemed Fu Huan had already arranged the entire plan. Gu Shiying had no chance to refuse. By the time he processed it, his weekend seemed to have been pre-booked by Fu Huan again.

At noon on Friday, Zhang Zhi, full of energy as weekends approached, started making plans with Gu Shiying.

Zhang Zhi: "Want to hang out this weekend?"

Gu Shiying: "I already have plans. Can’t make it."

Zhang Zhi: "What are you doing?"

Gu Shiying thought for a moment: "Volunteering."

He had intended to say he was going with Fu Huan, but he swallowed the words. He didn’t want to explain things to Zhang Zhi—once he started, it would never end.

Zhang Zhi: "Weren't you done with that this semester?"

Gu Shiying: "There's this kid with autism recently, and I want to help out. That chili sauce you all want is made by his grandmother."

Zhang Zhi: "Do you need my help? I can help promote Grandma’s chili sauce."

Gu Shiying: "Not right now. If there’s extra chili sauce later, we can promote it together."

Zhang Zhi didn’t understand why Gu Shiying was so enthusiastic about doing good deeds, but he would support him.

"Alright then, I'm gonna go do my own thing."

"Go ahead, go on a date with your crush."

"Don’t even mention it."

"Just confess your feelings. You can’t stay stuck forever, or she’ll always see you as just a friend."

"I don't have the guts. I’m afraid if I confess, we won’t even be friends anymore. Ying Er, got any advice for me?"

"I've got nothing." He had his own mess to deal with and still hadn’t found the right way to deal with Fu Huan’s attention.

The two of them sighed in unison as the melodious class bell rang.

After three classes, Gu Shiying’s mind was foggy. He waited for Fu Huan to come find him, but all his classmates had left, and ten minutes had passed since their class ended. Fu Huan still hadn’t shown up.

Gu Shiying texted Fu Huan but got no reply. He asked Liang Qi, but Liang Qi didn’t reply either.

Since he couldn’t find anyone, he decided to go look for Fu Huan himself.

Fu Huan’s last class was on the 11th floor. Just as Gu Shiying stepped out of the elevator and was about to search room by room, he spotted Fu Huan standing with Liu Wenqing in the balcony area.

Liu Wenqing was saying something to Fu Huan with her head tilted, while Fu Huan had his back to Gu Shiying, so he couldn't see his expression. But Gu Shiying could imagine Fu Huan probably didn’t have much of an expression.

*Could Liu Wenqing be confessing to Fu Huan?*

*Shit.*

*Well, there goes his buddy's chance with her.*

As Gu Shiying hesitated about whether to interrupt them, Fu Huan seemed to sense something and turned around, spotting Gu Shiying standing by the elevator.

He nodded to Liu Wenqing.

Gu Shiying saw him say what seemed like "sorry," but he couldn’t make out the rest. Then Fu Huan walked over to him.

Fu Huan: "Sorry, I got held up. You’re not mad, are you?"

Gu Shiying: "If I were mad, would I have come up to find you?"

Fu Huan chuckled softly and said, "Yeah, my master isn’t that petty."

Gu Shiying was taken aback: "Who’s your master?"

Fu Huan: "The one who taught me how to compliment people."

Gu Shiying: "Don’t call me that."

Fu Huan: "Is it because I haven’t given a gift for accepting me as your student that I can’t call you that?"

Gu Shiying: "No."

Fu Huan: "Then it’s settled. I’ll host a master-disciple ceremony."

Gu Shiying: "You’re getting more and more ridiculous. By the way, what did Liu Wenqing want?"

As soon as Liu Wenqing’s name came up, Fu Huan lost his playful mood.

Still, he answered honestly: "She confessed to me. You don't have a chance anymore."

Gu Shiying looked at him provocatively: "I remember someone said they’d teach me how to chase girls. Seems like you really know your stuff, huh."

Fu Huan asked again: "Are you mad?"

Gu Shiying pretended to be bummed out: "There’s nothing we can do if she likes you. Unlike you, the guy everyone agrees is handsome. If the school still elected a heartthrob like they did ten years ago, it would definitely be you."

Fu Huan suddenly stared at him intently: "If they really held an election, I’d vote for you. Do you really want me to teach you how to pursue girls?"

Gu Shiying: "Of course, don’t you have experience?"

Fu Huan: "I was lying. I don’t have any experience."

Gu Shiying didn’t expect him to come clean so suddenly: "Why'd you lie to me?"

Fu Huan: "Just teasing you. It’s fun."

Gu Shiying couldn’t help but kick him: "Get lost."

Fu Huan rubbed the back of his hand against his nose and laughed.

Gu Shiying: "What are you laughing at?"

Fu Huan smiled without answering.

Perhaps because he had gotten to know Fu Huan better and they had been through several things together, Gu Shiying felt much more natural chatting with him from the passenger seat.

A week later, they saw Guo Guo again.

Fu Huan told Grandma Lin about finding a psychologist for Guo Guo. Grandma Lin was so grateful she kept apologizing and even refused to take money for the chili sauce.

Gu Shiying: "Grandma, the psychologist and the chili sauce are two different things. The psychologist was arranged by Fu Huan, and the chili sauce was bought by my classmates."

Grandma Lin: "Does Xiao Fu’s family like chili sauce?"

Fu Huan: "Then just give me one bottle. I have a friend who loves it."

Grandma Lin was a kind-hearted old lady. She wanted to repay the help she received, and it was better to give something she had rather than refuse everything.

Granny Lin had already packed the chili sauce Gu Shiying was taking back into a box. He thoughtfully exchanged it for cash for her.

When the two suggested coming back the next day to take Guo Guo to see the doctor, Grandma Lin was worried about wasting their time.

Grandma Lin: "If it’s convenient for you, why not take Guo Guo with you tonight?"

These two young men had helped her promote her chili sauce and found a doctor for Guo Guo—how could she trouble them to make another trip?

Gu Shiying and Fu Huan exchanged a look.

Gu Shiying: "We don’t have a problem, but will Guo Guo be okay sleeping in a new bed?"

Grandma Lin looked at Guo Guo, who was sitting obediently beside her: "He doesn’t mind new beds, but he’s a bit particular about cleanliness—he needs a bath before sleeping."

Gu Shiying crouched in front of him and gave his little cheek a poke: "Guo Guo, is it okay to share a bed with your big brother tonight?"

Guo Guo blinked, didn't seem to mind. He even glanced at Fu Huan.

The two had only come to pick up the chili sauce but ended up with an extra kid in tow.

On the way back, Fu Huan glanced at the empty passenger seat, pressed his lips together, and frowned. Then, looking in the rearview mirror and seeing Gu Shiying kissing Guo Guo’s cheek, his expression softened into a smile.

Their dorm was on the fifth floor. Climbing the stairs every day wasn't a big deal for two adults, but Gu Shiying wasn't about to make Guo Guo climb, so he planned to carry him up.

Before Gu Shiying could pick Guo Guo up, Fu Huan scooped the child up into his arms. Guo Guo, startled, immediately wrapped his arms around Fu Huan’s neck.

Gu Shiying: "I've got this."

Fu Huan: "Says the guy who trips going up and down stairs."

"Hmph." Gu Shiying really couldn’t argue. He grumbled as he picked up the chili sauce. Fu Huan was giving him a hard time again, but seeing how effortlessly Fu Huan carried Guo Guo, he felt a little envious. Could he borrow some of that arm strength?

It was Guo Guo’s first time in a boys’ dorm. Seeing so many beds, he looked around curiously.

Gu Shiying thought Guo Guo was in much better spirits than when they first met—his eyes were livelier now.

He could tell from Guo Guo's behavior that the boy wasn't repeatedly calling for his mom anymore, and he was missing his mom less and less while with them.

Yang Shuhang had gone to his aunt’s house for the weekend, and Guan Yu was still away studying for the bar exam, so only the three of them were in the dorm.

After Fu Huan finished bathing Guo Guo, it was Gu Shiying’s turn to shower.

Fu Huan found a cartoon about a little pink pig for Guo Guo to watch.

When Gu Shiying stepped out while drying his hair, he saw Fu Huan holding Guo Guo—a rather heartwarming scene. The next moment, Fu Huan settled Guo Guo onto Gu Shiying’s bed.

Gu Shiying: "So I'm sleeping with him?"

Fu Huan retorted: "Do you think my bed is big enough for him?"

Gu Shiying: "Oh, right, you're bigger than me."

Fu Huan: "Glad you noticed. I've got you beat in every department."

Gu Shiying fired back: "Oh, so being big is something to boast about?"

Fu Huan chuckled: "Yeah, kind of."

Gu Shiying: "..." He felt Fu Huan was making a dirty joke.

Gu Shiying climbed onto the bed to play with Guo Guo, and Fu Huan handed him his iPad. As Fu Huan pulled his hand away, his hand accidentally brushed against Gu Shiying’s ankle.

[I want to sleep with Gu Shiying too.]

Gu Shiying watched as Fu Huan turned away nonchalantly, then scowled at Fu Huan’s back before silently hugging Guo Guo tighter.

*Freaking pervert, Fu Huan.*

-----------------------

Author’s Note:

Fu Huan: [Dog head holding a rose] Another day, another wish to sleep with my "wifey."

Gu Shiying: [Eye roll][Eye roll][Eye roll]

-- 9k words for the V-entry update, all done. Goodnight, babies.