Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Jing Huan stared into Xiang Huai’s eyes and instantly forgot everything he had just said.

The cinema’s voice announcement sounded, reminding them to enter the screening.

Xiang Huaizhi stood up holding the popcorn and roses: “Not short on money, and don’t want to get involved with her. Let’s go in.”

Jing Huan let out an “Oh” and hurriedly followed him.

While waiting in line to have their tickets checked, Jing Huan finally managed to gather his wits a little.

Actually, it wasn’t that he couldn’t bring himself to say it—on the contrary, he was more accustomed to calling Xiang Huaizhi “gege” (older brother). After all, he’d called him that so often in the game that when they first met in person, he’d almost slipped up several times.

But now, calling it that suddenly feels a bit odd.

They had chatted for so long that they ended up at the very end of the ticket-checking line.

Jing Huan walked into the screening room holding two cups of cola. Looking up, he noticed the room was sparsely populated, with couples sitting in pairs, each holding a rose—practically a couples’ exclusive showing.

At that moment, Xiang Huai turned around, the rose in his hand revealing half a petal with the motion: “Which seats?”

Jing Huan said, “Last row, seats 7 and 8.”

The last row had only the two of them. Jing Huan set down his cola, and when he looked up, he saw Xiang Huaizhi placing the rose next to the cola.

Just like all the other couples in the venue.

Jing Huan: “…”

Something felt a bit off.

The film began, and Jing Huan sat upright, ready to watch the movie seriously.

The movie started with a prologue. After patiently watching it, Jing Huan saw several large words appear on the screen—Don’t Mess with My Robot Girlfriend.

Jing Huan was a bit confused and picked up the movie ticket in his hand to carefully confirm it.

He hadn’t looked closely when he was at the court earlier, only feeling that the movie poster had a sci-fi vibe, so he casually chose this one.

The cinema was even more perfunctory—the movie tickets weren’t printed but handwritten, with only “The Robot” scribbled on them.

So this isn’t even a sci-fi movie???

In the past, Jing Huan would have gotten up and left immediately.

But today, his patience had expanded to its limit. Not only did he stay, he even settled into a comfortable sitting position.

Jing Huan’s expression was quite subtle when he saw the male lead in the screen unwrapping the package and discovering a completely naked female robot inside.

It was clear that the original film had a lot of explicit content, but after editing, nothing was left.

Jing Huan, feeling uninterested, propped his chin on his hand. When he lowered his head, he caught sight of the actions of the young couple in front of him.

As the male lead unwrapped the package, the girl immediately sat up straight and shyly covered her boyfriend’s eyes.

“……”

What’s there to hide!

They’re just showing their neck!!

Jing Huan found it amusing and turned to complain, only to meet Xiang Huaizhi’s gaze.

Xiang Huaizhi looked down at him and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jing Huan tossed all the complaints he wanted to make to the back of his mind.

He averted his gaze, grabbed some popcorn and tossed it into his mouth, the sweetness filling his mouth: “Do you… want some popcorn?”

Xiang Huaizhi asked, “Is it good?”

“A bit sweet.” Jing Huan paused, then added, “Damn, too sweet… You better not eat it, it’s cloying.”

In the darkness, Xiang Huaizhi let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah.”

Jing Huan: “…”

Damn.

What the hell am I even saying!!!

Am I out of my mind? Why did I even buy popcorn for no reason! Why did I get the couple’s combo!! Wouldn’t just ordering two sodas have been perfectly fine!!!

Jing Huan shifted uncomfortably in his seat when his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.

Lu Wenhao: No… I just thought of something.

Xiao Jingya: ?

Lu Wenhao: Shouldn’t it be a three-person movie? Why am I left out?

Lu Wenhao: Why didn’t you and Senior Xiang call me along!

Jing Huan was stunned.

To be honest, he really hadn’t considered bringing Lu Wenhao along…

Xiao Jing ya: Since you finally have a day without classes, how could I deprive you of your rest time?

Lu Wenhao: ?

Xiao Jing ya: Get plenty of rest, drink more hot water, and go to bed early.

Jing Huan locked his phone and looked up, only to see the two in front of him already secretly kissing.

The boy leaned over, the back of his head moving slightly.

Jing Huan stiffened his neck, not daring to turn his head again.

What if Xiang Huaizhi was looking at him again?

Had Xiang Huaizhi seen what those two were doing?

Jing Huan didn’t know what was wrong with himself—he felt awkward all over. Right now, he just wanted to rush over and throw money in that guy’s face, telling him to book a room at the hotel next door instead of doing such things in public.

The movie ended, and the couple in front finally stopped their movements.

Jing Huan was mentally exhausted, having no clue what the film was about, and hastily stood up: “Let’s go.”

Xiang Huai Zhi gave an “Mhm,” picked up the rose beside the cola, and walked out.

Jing Huan: “…”

Feeling a whirlwind of emotions, Jing Huan exited the cinema, blacklisting this wretched place in his mind for the second time.

The cold wind blew against his face, finally waking Jing Huan up. He scrambled for something to say: “This movie is pretty long.”

Xiang Huaizhi said, “It’s only a little over eighty minutes.”

Jing Huan: “…” Damn, why did it feel like a century had passed?

Xiang Huaizhi glanced at the time. “Want to get something to eat?”

“Alright,” Jing Huan said, “I’ll treat you. What do you want to eat?”

“Xiang Huaizhi?” Someone suddenly called out from behind them.

Jing Huan turned around and saw several tall boys standing behind them, all looking unfamiliar.

Xiang Huaizhi raised an eyebrow and greeted them: “Class monitor.”

The class monitor is a boy from Northeast China, warm and friendly, who has helped many people in the class a lot and has a good relationship with Xiang Huaizhi.

“Is it really you? Didn’t you say you had something to do?” The class monitor looked at Jing Huan. “Who is this?”

“Jing Huan, a sophomore!” Before they could answer, someone behind the class monitor replied, “You even said you wanted to schedule a basketball game with him before!”

The class monitor suddenly realized, “Oh, nice to meet you, junior, nice to meet you.”

Jing Huan also smiled: “Hey senior, we just finished watching a movie.”

“What good movies have been out recently?” the class monitor asked, “So where are you guys heading now?”

Xiang Huaizhi said: “Getting food.”

“Damn, perfect timing then. Come on, it’s my birthday today—I’ll treat you to barbecue.” Without another word, the class monitor stepped forward to drag them along.

The class monitor was tall and strong, but couldn’t budge Xiang Huaizhi.

Xiang Huaizhi said, “Maybe next time. I’ve got someone with me now.”

The class monitor scoffed in amusement, “Next time? So you’re saying I should invite you for my birthday next year then?”

Jing Huan quickly added, “Oh, it’s fine, I can head back first…”

He hadn’t even taken two steps back when Xiang Huaizhi grabbed his wrist, and at the same time, the class monitor seized his other arm.

“Don’t worry, come with us,” the class monitor said. “It’s just one more pair of chopsticks! I booked a big table—there’s plenty of room!”

The barbecue restaurant was newly opened and had a grand opening promotion. The class monitor boasted about being friends with the owner while casually ordering several rounds of beer and two bottles of liquor.

When Lu Hang arrived and saw the person in the seat, he widened his eyes in surprise: “Weren’t you… going to do that thing? Jing Huan? Why are you here too?”

“What do you mean? These two just finished watching a movie.” The class monitor stood up with his glass in hand. “Perfect timing, everyone’s here now. Quick, let’s all toast to me—happy birthday to me!”

Amid laughter at his shamelessness, everyone stood up to raise their glasses in a toast.

The seating was already tight—a large circular sofa—and after Lu Hang joined, it became even more crowded, with everyone practically pressed shoulder to shoulder.

As soon as Jing Huan sat down, Xiang Huaizi leaned a little closer to him.

“If they offer you baijiu later, don’t drink it.”

Jing Huan nodded slightly: “Mm.”

Damn.

Why did he feel like Xiang Huaizhi’s breath… was almost hitting his ear.

Jing Huan didn’t know most of the people at the table. He initially thought Xiang Huaizhi was overthinking things, but after several rounds of drinks, the conversation did indeed shift to him.

“Junior,” the class monitor raised his glass to him, “seeing is believing—you’re really damn good-looking.”

Jing Huan clinked glasses with him: “Not just good-looking—just handsome.”

The class monitor laughed: “Fair enough, confident. You have no idea, I’ve heard about you for a long time. Last time we had a match against the class next door and Huaizhi wasn’t there, not a single girl from our class showed up.”

He raised his index finger: “Not a single one actually showed up, I was wondering what the hell was going on… Later, I found out your class had a match against another team that same day, and they all went to watch you instead.”

Xiang Huaizi glanced sideways, seeing the boy beside him holding a wine glass with one hand and laughing particularly happily.

As they chatted, Jing Huan unconsciously ended up drinking a few glasses with the class monitor.

Fortunately, the wine glasses were small—just two sips each.

He said, “Then let’s play basketball together next time, bro.”

The class monitor nodded, “You’ll have to go easy on me then, otherwise those girls won’t see how good I am.”

“Why would I need to go easy?” Jing Huan said. “With your height, you could block me anytime.”

The class monitor, standing at a full 1.9 meters tall, laughed heartily after hearing this. “Tsk, Huaizhi, your junior really knows how to talk.”

Hearing this, Xiang Huaizhi smiled and said, “Okay.”

“Actually, you don’t have to go through all that trouble. If you really want to share some of your romantic luck with everyone, there’s a simpler way,” the class monitor said. “Just find yourself a girlfriend and put an end to their hopes. Problem solved.”

Xiang Huaizhi paused in his movements.

Jing Huan scoffed, “Forget it then. Who would even fancy me? Relationships based solely on looks are doomed to fail.”

The class monitor pleaded, “Don’t say that! Think about it—or what’s your type? I can introduce someone to you.”

“Enough already,” Jing Huan waved dismissively, leaning back and accidentally bumping into Xiang Huaizhi’s shoulder.

Jing Huan quickly turned his head and asked nervously, “Did it hurt you?”

Xiang Huaizhi lowered his gaze, just looking at him without saying a word.

Again.

Why was Xiang Huaizhi looking at him with that expression again.

It made him tense all over, speechless.

“What are you two doing? Having a sweet staring contest?” The class monitor interrupted. “Jing Huan, come on, keep drinking.”

Jing Huan snapped back to reality and turned around with feigned composure, picking up his empty glass. “Alright, let me pour another drink.”

“Hey, wait a second. Skip the beer—what’s so great about it?” The class monitor grabbed the baijiu next to him. “Have this instead. Good stuff, and expensive too.”

The class monitor spoke while standing up, bending over to pour alcohol into Jing Huan’s cup.

Just as the liquor bottle was extended toward him, someone blocked it.

Xiang Huaizhi reached out to stop the bottle, saying, “He can’t drink.”

Everyone at the table froze for a moment, with Lu Hang being the first to react. He also stood up and said, “He really can’t drink. Last time at the KTV, he had a few bottles of beer and ended up being carried out horizontally.”

Jing Huan was embarrassed and retorted stubbornly, “It wasn’t that exaggerated. I was actually awake at the time…”

“It’s fine, just one cup. This white liquor isn’t strong; it’s just for fun,” the class monitor said. “Or half a cup?”

Jing Huan also thought half a cup wouldn’t get him drunk. He raised his glass slightly and was about to say something.

“Forget it. Kids can’t handle too much,” Xiang Huaizhi said. “I found out too late and didn’t have time to prepare a gift for you. Let me drink a couple with you instead, Monitor.”

Everyone at the table was taken aback, and the class monitor found it particularly surprising.

The boys in their class were known for their aggressive drinking culture, often pushing others to drink, but Xiang Huaizhi was the one they could never persuade.

The boy sitting next to the class monitor immediately chimed in, “If they’re drinking, it should count as three cups.”

Jing Huan: “?”

That was a bit excessive.

Jing Huan hurriedly spoke up: “Then let’s still…”

“Alright.” Xiang Huaizhi agreed without batting an eye.

Jing Huan: “…”

Although they had a pleasant conversation earlier, Jing Huan wasn’t actually from their class after all, and later on, he couldn’t really participate in their topics.

He couldn’t help but turn his head to look at Xiang Huaizhi.

Xiang Huaizhi was chatting with his classmates beside him, his expression as usual, though his cheeks showed a faint hint of pink.

“Jing Huan.” After who knows how long, the class monitor called his name again.

Jing Huan snapped back to attention: “Ah.”

The class monitor’s cheeks flushed bright red, clearly having had a bit too much to drink: “Why did your mom give you that name? It sounds like a little girl’s name.”

Jing Huan had heard this before. He replied, “Oh, they said that since we live in this world, we should be happy. Neither Jing Kai nor Jing Xin sounded good, so they went with the character for ‘joy.'”

Everyone at the table laughed. The monitor chuckled and gave him a thumbs-up: “Your mom makes a good point.”

The barbecue dinner lasted until 9:30 p.m., but no one was ready to call it a night. So the monitor waved his hand and decided to organize an impromptu gathering, inviting everyone to a nearby bar, with expenses split evenly.

Everyone naturally agreed.

Xiang Huaizhi stood up and picked up his jacket: “He and I won’t be going. You all have fun.”

Knowing how difficult it was to invite Xiang Huaizhi, the class monitor didn’t mind: “No problem, you can head back by yourself. Jing Huan can come with us.”

Having just recovered from an illness, Jing Huan wasn’t keen on dealing with a hangover and waved his hand: “I won’t be going either.”

Class Monitor: “Why?”

Jing Huan shrugged: “I’m short on cash lately, can’t afford to go clubbing.”

Class Monitor: “…”

Xiang Huaizi listened from the side, feeling that this excuse sounded particularly familiar.

When they reached the doorway, they suddenly noticed it was raining outside, even heavier than yesterday.

Not a single one of the group of grown men had brought an umbrella. Luckily, the class monitor really knew the shop owner, who lent them several large umbrellas.

Jing Huan and the others also got a black senior-style umbrella.

The two walked under the umbrella in silence.

Jing Huan’s gaze wandered aimlessly before finally settling on Xiang Huai’s hand gripping the umbrella handle.

“Feeling dizzy?” Xiang Huai suddenly spoke up.

Jing Huan reacted like a child caught misbehaving, immediately averting his eyes: “Huh? No, I didn’t drink much.”

“They’re good people,” Xiang Huai said, “just have bad drinking habits.”

Jing Huan nodded. “Understood.”

Raindrops pounded on the eaves with muffled thuds. Due to the heavy downpour, the streets were nearly empty. The dim yellow glow of the streetlights reflected on the puddles, illuminating patches of the ground.

His phone vibrated several times in his pocket before Jing Huan finally took it out to check.

It was a guild message. The guild was celebrating something—red envelopes were being sent out nonstop.

Jing Huan didn’t order a single one. He tucked his phone back into his pocket and suddenly remembered something else important.

He hadn’t had the chance to explain that misunderstanding to Xiang Huaizhi yet.

He was sick yesterday and didn’t find the opportunity. Now that it was just the two of them, it was practically the perfect moment.

Jing Huan opened and closed his mouth, but after a long while, he still couldn’t manage to say a word.

“Did you take your supplements today?” Xiang Huaizhi asked.

Jing Huan froze for a moment before belatedly responding, “Yes, I take them right after midnight every day. The staff sends reminder messages.”

“When will the baby be born?”

“If nothing unexpected happens… this Sunday?”

Xiang Huaizhi gave an “Mhm” and said, “Thanks for your hard work.”

“?”

Xiang Huaizhi said, “After the baby is born, I’ll make it up to you by helping you regain your experience.”

“……”

Actually, there wasn’t anything wrong with saying that.

But Jing Huan felt inexplicably drawn in.

It made it seem like they were really in an online relationship.

Jing Huan quickly dismissed this dangerous thought. He took a deep breath and said, “Brother, actually, there’s something else I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“About…” Jing Huan’s voice grew softer, “About why I used a voice changer… to deceive you… that matter.”

By the end of his sentence, Jing Huan wished he could just disappear into the ground.

This is too hard.

It’s really too hard.

The college entrance exam wasn’t even this hard!!!

Xiang Huaizhi continued walking at his usual pace and said, “I know.”

“This is what happened, a few months ago…” Jing Huan froze, realizing what Xiang Huaizhi had just said. He turned his head in surprise, “Huh?”

“I said, I know,” Xiang Huaizhi repeated.

“……”

How did you know???

Looking at his shocked expression, Xiang Huaizhi couldn’t help but feel like laughing.

“Look ahead and walk properly,” he said.

Jing Huan had no idea how he even made it back to the apartment building.

He is now filled with questions but dares not ask them, so he can only process them on his own.

He held it in for so long, worrying and fearing for half the day, and yet Xiang Huaizhi knew all along?

What he found most unbelievable was that Xiang Huaizhi, despite knowing, was still willing to remain friends with him.

He even gave him water.

Ask him to watch a movie.

Help him block alcohol…

Jing Huan snapped out of his chaotic thoughts. When he raised his head, his face was full of emotion.

Xiang Huaizhi is truly a good person.

Such a kind soul.

“Brother,” freed from psychological burdens, Jing Huan called out this “brother” with utmost sincerity, “I’ll definitely treat you well from now on.”

Xiang Huaizhi was originally about to say goodbye but paused at these words: “…Treat me well?”

“Mhm,” Jing Huan caught a glimpse of the rose in Xiang Huaizhi’s pocket and blurted out, “Do you like roses that much? I’ll give you a huge bouquet next time.”

Xiang Huaizhi fell silent for a moment before replying, “Mhm, go on up.”

Jing Huan said, “How about going up together? I’ll warm up a glass of milk for you to soothe your stomach. You’ve had so much to drink just now—are you feeling unwell?”

Xiang Huaizhi let out a long sigh.

His alcohol tolerance wasn’t bad, but he was far from being able to drink endlessly. The class monitor had just poured him several shots of hard liquor, leaving his entire head feeling rather heated.

“Not logging in today,” he said.

Jing Huan let out an “Oh” and asked, “Then I’ll head upstairs first?”

“Mm.”

Jing Huan took a couple of steps inside, then suddenly thought of something and turned back.

Jing Huan untied his own scarf and draped it over Xiang Huaizhi.

His movements were quite casual, wrapping the meter-long scarf loosely around Xiang Huaizhi’s neck. After a glance, he raised his hands again to loop it one more time, finally tugging the end to secure it.

“It’s cold tonight—wear this back,” Jing Huan said. “It’ll keep you warmer. The school never likes to open the back gate on rainy days—who knows if that old man didn’t lock up today…”

The scarf, warmed by the wearer, carried their lingering warmth. Xiang Huaizhi breathed in its scent, as if transported back to last night’s dream that had set his heart racing and cheeks flushing.

After fastening it, Jing Huan said contentedly, “I’m heading up. Send me a message when you get back to the dorm.”

Just as he turned to leave, someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

Jing Huan stumbled two steps forward from the momentum, bumping into Xiang Huaizhi and catching a faint whiff of alcohol on him.

Jing Huan: “What…?”

His next words never made it out.

Xiang Huaizhi raised the umbrella with his left hand, shielding their upper bodies. The large black umbrella separated the two from the pouring rain. As the motion-sensor lights in the building flickered off, Jing Huan felt as if he had returned to that screening room—except this time, it was just him and Xiang Huaizhi left inside.

Under the umbrella, Xiang Huaizhi lowered his head and, just as Jing Huan had dreamed the night before, gently brushed his lips against Jing Huan’s.