Chapter 7
Author: Mr. Big Horn
Su Jinxin fell silent and wouldn’t look at Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen frowned slightly, unbuckled his seatbelt, and leaned over. “Jinxin? What’s wrong?”
Su Jinxin’s eyes darted around, and he bit his lip, instinctively raising a hand to shield himself as he leaned back.
Yan Zhen grabbed his wrist and moved it aside. “Jinxin, look at me.”
Su Jinxin looked like he was about to cry. “Don’t… My heart is racing…”
Yan Zhen felt his pulse, finding it alarmingly fast. After a moment of realization, he smiled. “Am I really that handsome?”
Su Jinxin nodded chaotically. “Don’t you know…?” His voice carried a rare touch of playful complaint, which was new and made Yan Zhen’s heart flutter. “Didn’t the magazines sell out…?” — He was referring to a candid photo of Yan Zhen that had appeared in a fashion magazine during his school days, which caused that issue to sell out. Yan Zhen’s sister was furious and had to intervene to quell the frenzy.
Yan Zhen had always considered it an amusing anecdote to share with friends. He never took pride in it, seeing himself as a traditional man who valued achievements over looks.
But hearing Su Jinxin say this made him realize that being good-looking had its perks. Feeling a bit smug, he nibbled Su Jinxin’s nose. “If you keep saying such cute things, you won’t be able to get out of bed tomorrow.”
Su Jinxin stayed perfectly still, not daring to move.
Yan Zhen, feeling indulgent, decided not to tease him further. He returned to the driver’s seat, ready to start the car, when he heard Su Jinxin softly say, “I wasn’t planning to get out of bed tomorrow anyway.”
Yan Zhen thought to himself that it was quite a feat of self-control not to carry him back to bed right then.
Su Jinxin’s college was located in the old campus area, with buildings dating back to the colonial era. Accessibility was poor, with many stairs and few ramps. Even with a wheelchair, many places required Yan Zhen to carry Su Jinxin up the steps and then bring the wheelchair after. Thankfully, the campus was nearly empty due to the holiday, and Su Jinxin docilely accepted Yan Zhen’s assistance.
When they reached the academic area, Yan Zhen spotted a vending machine and quickly bought two cold drinks for Su Jinxin. “Put this on your face.”
Su Jinxin was momentarily confused, then took the drinks and pressed them to his cheeks. “Is my face still very red?”
Yan Zhen felt his forehead. “I was starting to think you had a fever.” Confirming he didn’t, Yan Zhen exhaled in relief. “You’ve been sneaking glances at me the whole way. Not used to it yet?”
Su Jinxin let out a small “ah” and admitted, “You noticed…?” He added, “The more I look, the more I get used to it, but the blush just won’t go away…”
This was true. Su Jinxin’s skin was thin, and his capillaries were close to the surface. His skin reddened easily and stayed that way. His face and body both showed it when he was shy or excited, which Yan Zhen found very endearing. Privately, he didn’t want others to see this, so he’d always shield Su Jinxin or use a cool towel to help the redness fade before facing anyone. When Su Jinxin first came, Yan Zhen took him to social gatherings where his fresh face and sweet demeanor made him the center of attention. Without Yan Zhen’s protection, Su Jinxin would have been overwhelmed. Eventually, Yan Zhen stopped bringing him to crowded events, and even Yan Zhen himself started attending fewer such events, only going out with old friends when Su Jinxin wasn’t around.
Old friends teased Yan Zhen about being tied down by a little cutie in a golden cage.
Yan Zhen usually didn’t respond to such remarks. He’d just smile faintly. In truth, he initially found it easier to use Su Jinxin as an excuse to skip social events rather than outright saying he was busy or wanted to sleep. Over time, the excuse became a reality.
By now, Su Jinxin’s blush had faded.
Yan Zhen cupped his face, warming his cool cheeks. “You’ve been eating well lately, your face looks a bit fuller.” — Su Jinxin was much smaller than Yan Zhen, his head small enough that Yan Zhen’s hands could almost cover it entirely. The slight increase in flesh was barely noticeable but gave Yan Zhen a sense of accomplishment, feeling like he was taking good care of him. “Putting money directly on your meal card was the right move.”
Half a year ago, Yan Zhen found out that despite the generous allowance Su Jinxin received, he was spending below the school’s average on food, sometimes only eating twice a day. Yan Zhen was so angry he had a rare outburst. After calming down, he felt guilty and worried that Su Jinxin’s eating habits would lead to health issues. Unable to sleep well for several days, he ended up calling Su Jinxin in the middle of the night, making him promise over an hour-long conversation that he didn’t mind. Afterward, Yan Zhen started adding extra money directly to Su Jinxin’s meal card each month, insisting he use it all, even if it meant treating friends, and threatening to check the account later.
Su Jinxin, hearing this, touched his face through Yan Zhen’s fingers. “Can you really tell? I can’t gain more weight or my waist will get thick.”
Yan Zhen laughed. “It doesn’t matter. If you gain a little more…” He wanted to say it would be more comfortable to hold him but stopped, feeling it wasn’t appropriate to say here.
However, Su Jinxin already knew what he meant.
Winking playfully, he mimicked Yan Zhen’s stern, authoritative tone. “One must have standards.”
It was a perfect impression.
Yan Zhen raised an eyebrow and pinched his cheek.
Su Jinxin, unable to dodge, pleaded, “Stop… or I’ll blush again and we’ll have to go through the whole cooling process.”
Thinking of the humorous cycle of events, they both laughed.
Su Jinxin’s laughter was especially bright, ringing clear and crisp, like sunlight filtering through leaves. He seemed like a regular senior student, a bit different from when he was at Yan Zhen’s place.
Yan Zhen was momentarily dazed, his heartbeat quickening. He wanted to kiss Su Jinxin right there, but being on campus, he worried it might be inappropriate. Instead, he took a step back and gently smoothed Su Jinxin’s messy bangs.
Yan Zhen wheeled Su Jinxin to the art studio, checked the floor for smoothness, and ensured the wheelchair could move freely before letting Su Jinxin go on his own. “Just take the important things. I’ve already had someone buy the paints and tools you mentioned.”
Su Jinxin nodded.
Yan Zhen, seizing the moment, asked casually, “Anything in the dorm to pack? Need my help?”
Su Jinxin froze.
Yan Zhen quickly added, “If it’s inconvenient, then…”
Su Jinxin shook his head hurriedly. “It’s not inconvenient,” Yan Zhen knew he’d say this, smiling to himself, but then he heard Su Jinxin say, “But you’re such a big boss…”
Yan Zhen put a finger to Su Jinxin’s lips. “What did you call me?”
Su Jinxin gasped, remembering their earlier agreement, and obediently corrected himself. “Brother Zhen.”
Yan Zhen’s heartbeat quickened again.
Seeing the studio was empty, he quickly pecked Su Jinxin on the lips. “Good boy.”
Su Jinxin blushed again, eyes downcast. “About packing…”