Chapter 44: Playing Open Cards

Jian Mingzhou’s alarm came to an abrupt halt.

Xie Jing looked at the drawing, his posture natural.

The embarrassment of being seen in a couple’s drawing faded away, replaced by a different kind of shame.

Why cute…!

Did Xie Jing even know how to use the size difference trope?

As if he wanted to continue commenting, Jian Mingzhou quickly stepped forward and snatched the drawing away, enforcing silence.

“…This counts as offensive language.” No more comments!

Xie Jing turned and blinked. “How is this offensive?”

Jian Mingzhou was momentarily stumped.

Having immersed himself in manga for many years, it was hard to deny that the size difference implied a certain tension, a teasing undertone…

He came up with an excuse, avoiding eye contact, “Is it really okay to discuss our own CP face-to-face?”

There was a brief silence, and Xie Jing said:

“Don’t you guys in the editorial department always do this?”

“Cheering for you, and also for Chief Xia’s CP…” Xie Jing’s gaze fell lightly. “Aren’t you never taking it seriously?”

Jian Mingzhou suddenly found himself speechless.

He had never cared about the teasing between him and Xia Ye before.

But it seemed different with Xie Jing.

There was an unexpected sense of concern, embarrassment, and nervousness…

In the midst of chaotic thoughts, the air around them seemed to thicken with every breath Jian Mingzhou took. The slanting halo of light fell between him and Xie Jing, and Jian Mingzhou’s fingertips involuntarily tightened.

The paper made a soft rustling sound.

Just then, the tension in the air suddenly eased as Xie Jing’s tone lightened.

“By the way, where did this come from?”

Jian Mingzhou suddenly returned to his senses, and the atmosphere became lighter.

He followed Xie Jing’s gaze to the sheet of paper in his hand and explained, “This is a photo we took at a seafood restaurant last time. Mr. Xiaolu…”

“Use it as a reference for human anatomy.”

The phrase “reference for human anatomy” even sounded awkward coming out of his own mouth.

After saying it, he heard Xie Jing laugh.

Jian Mingzhou could only force himself to remain calm.

Xie Jing looked at the drawing and said, “Mr. Xiaolu also drew our picture. Next time, I’ll thank her in person.”

Jian Mingzhou suddenly glanced sideways:

You want to thank her in person!

Are you not afraid of stuffing her with so much rice?

Xie Jing seemed oblivious. “Uncle, do you want to keep this drawing?”

Jian Mingzhou felt that saying he wanted to keep it would be strange, so he said, “If you want it, just keep it.”

He realized that even this response seemed a bit off. But Xie Jing had already casually taken it, saying, “Thanks, uncle. Since you don’t tease, then I’ll…”

Jian Mingzhou’s heart tightened as he looked at him.

“I’ll claim my own territory.”

After saying this, Xie Jing took the drawing and left the study.

Jian Mingzhou’s ears were burning, shocked in place! Oh no, Xie Jing still wants to claim his own territory…

The speed of his growth is terrifying!

–

The next day, there is no need to go to the company.

When Jian Mingzhou woke up in the morning, he saw that Xie Jing was already preparing to leave.

The latter, changing shoes with one hand against the door, blocking most of the light, looked up when he heard Jian Mingzhou.

“Uncle, are you not going to work today?”

He mumbled, “No meetings today; I can stay at home.”

Xie Jing seemed to be contemplating for two seconds.

“What’s the matter?” Jian Mingzhou asked.

“Just thinking, if you don’t have anything to do, do you want to come to our school?”

He was stunned for a moment. “Is there something going on?”

“No, I just want to spend more time with you,” Xie Jing said, already putting on his shoes and looking up with a smile. “If it’s inconvenient, forget it. I’ll go to school first, uncle.”

After he finished speaking, he closed the door and left.

Bang! With a light sound, Jian Mingzhou suddenly snapped back to reality.

Xie Jing spoke those words so casually and naturally, as if he didn’t realize there was a flirtatious tone.

He began to suspect that he hadn’t fully woken up and was experiencing auditory hallucinations.

After a while, he pressed his slightly throbbing chest.

…Let’s have breakfast first.

Although he didn’t need to go to the company today, there was still work to do.

Jian Mingzhou finished reviewing manuscripts in the morning, had a casual lunch, and was mostly free in the afternoon.

He took a manga, sat on the lazy sofa, and prepared to enjoy some solitary time. The sunlight poured down from behind, landing on the pages, making the lines exquisite and smooth.

In the picture, the seme and uke were in an ambiguous embrace.

Jian Mingzhou read two pages, but his thoughts suddenly flashed:

Xie Jing said that, expecting him to go. Would he be disappointed if he didn’t?

… Maybe not. But if he went, he should be happy.

The paper made a rustling sound.

Suddenly, a [Big Dog Barking] expression popped up in front of him. His heart felt as if it had been patted.

Shaking and tingling.

Jian Mingzhou’s fingertips moved.

He immediately put down the manga and got up to go to the school.

…

It was three or four o’clock in the afternoon, and the sun was shining brightly.

When Jian Mingzhou arrived at the edge of the sports field, whistles and figures were alternating on the running track. He walked to the rest area and saw Xie Jing’s figure not far away, facing away from him.

Young, vigorous, and full of strength.

Xie Jing was alone at that end, while He Yi and Zhou Xuyang were in the rest area.

When He Yi saw him, he was suddenly surprised. “Brother Mingzhou, why are you here? Are you here for an interview?”

Jian Mingzhou glanced at Xie Jing and mumbled, “Yeah.”

Zhou Xuyang turned his gaze toward him.

Jian Mingzhou turned around and asked, “Why are only you guys here? Is Xie Jing still training alone?”

“Oh, Xie Jing is doing extra training. His physical and mental energy are too vigorous. Let him run a few more laps…”

While speaking, a whistle sounded.

Jian Mingzhou looked up and saw Xie Jing standing on the track again.

His tall and smooth figure pressed down, casting a shadow on the ground. His features were restrained, and the thick eyebrows and deep eyes appeared even more profound. The whistle sounded! As soon as it rang, he burst out with explosive force.

Like a fierce beast, carrying strong attacking power.

Jian Mingzhou watched with a pounding heart.

This version of Xie Jing was completely different from his usual docile and homey appearance. He seemed even more…

Just as he was lost in thought, there were suddenly two buzzing sounds behind him.

His thoughts broke, and he turned his head to see Xie Jing’s backpack on the chair, making a vibrating sound.

He Yi suddenly exclaimed, “Hey! Xie Jing is coming over.”

So fast? Jian Mingzhou looked over again.

Xie Jing had just come down from the track.

Their eyes met, and there seemed to be a hint of unrestrained sharpness in Xie Jing’s eyes. When he saw Jian Mingzhou, he seemed to pause for a moment.

Then he walked over.

He Yi stopped in surprise. “Who did you see?”

“Uncle.” Xie Jing stopped in front of him, his eyes already calm, and he smiled. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

He Yi’s voice abruptly stopped.

Zhou Xuyang casts a thoughtful glance again.

Jian Mingzhou suppressed his emotions, saying, “There’s nothing special to do anyway.”

The sunlight overhead fell down, and the shadows of the two people’s feet overlapped on the intersecting steps. Sweat beads hung on Xie Jing’s forehead, and his damp eyebrows and eyes appeared moist. “Is that so?”

The sunlight seemed to suddenly become grand and a bit dazzling.

Jian Mingzhou shifted his gaze away. “By the way, your phone is ringing.”

Xie Jing bent down to pick up his phone.

The two stood very close, their figures close together.

Jian Mingzhou’s shoulder leaned against Xie Jing’s chest, as if his heartbeat had suddenly been hit, and then they separated with a touch.

His heart rate accelerated for a moment.

…Xie Jing, is it because you just ran down the stairs? It feels like my heartbeat is urgent and heavy again.

He looked at Xie Jing.

Xie Jing looked at the phone with a calm expression.

Jian Mingzhou collected his thoughts, “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing, just my dad calling. Routine greeting.”

He Yi interjected, “Oh! It’s the clingy dad.”

“…” Clingy, who???

Jian Mingzhou glanced at He Yi for a moment.

He Yi explained, “Brother Mingzhou, you don’t know. One time we went to… an exhibition, which happened to be in Xie Jing’s family venue. He was going to see his dad, and his dad was too clingy, wouldn’t let him go.”

“He ditched us!”

The last sentence still contained a gnashing sound.

Jian Mingzhou’s thoughts suddenly flashed—

Wait a minute… Wasn’t that the day of the fan exhibition? Xie Jing met him halfway and then left Zhou Xuyang and He Yi behind.

So the unlucky guy who took the blame for him…

He looked at Xie Jing in shock.

Met with Xie Jing’s content gaze: Shh.

“…” Truly his brother!

He Yi poked his head from the side and said, “What’s wrong? Brother Mingzhou.”

Jian Mingzhou moved his lips, and his phone suddenly vibrated. He lowered his head to see a message from Xie Jing:

【Xie】: Bro won’t mind. ^^

He moved his throat and turned off his phone. “…Nothing.”

–

At five o’clock in the afternoon, the training ended.

Jian Mingzhou followed them out of the school gate.

He Yi asked if they wanted to have a meal together, but Xie Jing immediately rejected, “No.”

“Ah!? Why—”

Xie Jing glanced at Jian Mingzhou and smirked.

“We’re going home to eat.”

He Yi wanted to say something, but Zhou Xuyang suddenly grabbed his throat! Zhou Xuyang twisted his arm and dragged him away. “Idiot, let’s go.”

Jian Mingzhou reluctantly took a bite of the half-cooked rice.

Then he turned to Xie Jing and asked, “Are we leaving too?”

A row of shared electric bikes was parked at the school gate.

Xie Jing’s gaze fell. “Uncle, I’m a bit tired today. Can we ride the electric bike back?”

Jian Mingzhou hesitated for a moment. “…Sure.”

After all, he was much older than Xie Jing. After thinking about it, he decided to sit in the front seat. “Xiao Jing, I’ll sit behind you.”

Xie Jing sat behind him and said, “Okay.”

The next second, the electric bike suddenly sank.

Jian Mingzhou gripped the handlebars tightly: …So heavy! It really is a big Xie Jing.

He steadied himself and said, “Xiao Jing, hold on.”

His chin rested on his shoulder.

A pair of arms came around from behind, faintly circling his waist. Big dog leaning: “I’m good now, uncle.”

Jian Mingzhou suddenly felt his ears heat up. This is too…

But Xie Jing’s posture was docile, without any coquettishness.

He hesitated and opened his mouth, and then he heard Xie Jing’s voice blending into the gentle breeze.

 “Uncle, I’m very happy that you came today…”

The hem of the T-shirt fluttered in the wind.

Jian Mingzhou was momentarily speechless. Then he made a soft sound of agreement and rode the bike out.

On the way, the presence behind him was very strong.

Xie Jing didn’t hug him tightly, but his body temperature was warm, constantly enveloping Jian Mingzhou.

Jian Mingzhou, momentarily enchanted, missed the chance to let go, and now he could only steady his emotions and ride the bike slowly. There seemed to be several moments behind him when Xie Jing wanted to say something but hesitated, and in the end, he chose silence.

Finally, a dog passed by them.

Both of them looked at it simultaneously.

Xie Jing couldn’t resist saying, “Even a dog walk is faster than us, uncle.”

“…”

Jian Mingzhou took a deep breath and increased the speed.

–

After reaching home, Xie Jing went to take a shower.

The sun was bright today, and the light on the balcony was a bit dazzling. Jian Mingzhou took a manga and sat on the living room sofa.

He read on the sofa for a while, and when the bathroom door opened.

Xie Jing came out after taking a shower.

“Xiao Jing, do you want to eat now or wait for a while?”

“Wait for a while.”

He said this as he sat down, sinking into the sofa.

Having just finished a shower, the hot air mixed with steam, and the faint scent of shower gel filled the air.

Jian Mingzhou’s attention was once again diverted.

Without looking to the side, he stared at the manga for quite some time before realizing that it was quiet next to him.

Turning his head, he saw Xie Jing lying on the sofa. He had closed his eyes, and his Adam’s apple was slightly raised.

“Are you sleepy, Xiao Jing?”

“Yeah.” Xie Jing breathed lightly, then suddenly said, “Can I lean on you for a while, uncle?”

Jian Mingzhou’s heart skipped a beat, hesitating for several seconds.

“…You better lie down.”

After saying that, he made a sound of agreement.

The next moment, Xie Jing just obediently laid down, thudding on his thighs.

Jian Mingzhou, “!” He meant to lie on the bed…!

The warm and heavy touch was against his thighs.

He raised his hand but saw Xie Jing turning to face him, eyes closed. “If it’s not okay, just push me away.”

His heart thumped.

He hesitated for a moment but couldn’t bring himself to push Xie Jing away.

A hand reached out, gently encircling his waist. Xie Jing’s nose brushed against his soft T-shirt. “Did you change the laundry detergent?”

Jian Mingzhou’s mind turned into a mess. “I used up the previous one; I bought a new one yesterday.” He asked instinctively, “Don’t you like this scent?”

After asking, he suddenly woke up for a moment.

…Wait, what was he saying?

Xie Jing chuckled, “I like it.”

Like. Jian Mingzhou’s breath, along with his heartbeat, tightened, and he didn’t say anything more, as if he had fallen asleep.

The living room fell into a momentary silence.

Only the faint golden sunset shone on the sofa, and tiny specks of dust floated slowly in the air.

What exactly is this?

Jian Mingzhou blushed, lowering his eyelashes.

Cute, liking, looking forward to, hugging.

It seemed like some emotions were becoming clearer in this expanding ambiguity.

But Xie Jing didn’t say anything.

Direct yet ambiguous.

Should he confirm it, whether it was his excessive self-consciousness, or… Xie Jing really liked him?

After a while, Jian Mingzhou let out a breath.

He picked up the manga again to shift his focus.

…

After an unknown amount of time, there was a slight movement next to him.

Jian Mingzhou’s attention was pulled back.

The sky outside had already darkened, leaving only a lamp shining quietly on them.

Xie Jing’s arms around him tightened.

Jian Mingzhou’s scattered thoughts became restless again. He looked down and tried to speak as casually as possible.

“Xiao Jing, did you sleep well?”

Xie Jing raised his head from his side, half of his face pressed against the T-shirt. Looking at him, he smiled gently and said, “Not really.”

He took Jian Mingzhou’s hand and pressed it against his chest. The palm touched a chaotic and intense heartbeat. “I can’t sleep.”