Lu Yuan used his own account to message Ning Guiqu, refusing Ning Guiqu’s snail behavior.
[If you really want to do something, just treat me to a meal]
Ning Guiqu replied lightning-fast: [I got it!]
???
What did Ning Guiqu understand now???
Ning Guiqu didn’t send a message to his alt account, so Lu Yuan had no way of knowing. But Ning Guiqu hadn’t given up on his snail behavior. During afternoon classes, Ning Guiqu insisted on carrying Lu Yuan’s books. Lu Yuan said it wasn’t necessary, but the quick-handed Ning Guiqu still managed to stuff the books into his backpack.
Ning Guiqu, carrying the not-so-heavy backpack, was quite satisfied!
“Xiao Qu, do you want to carry my books too?” Shi Wen, puzzled by Ning Guiqu’s confusing actions, hesitantly asked.
The previously content Ning Guiqu was caught off guard by Shi Wen’s question. In the past, Ning Guiqu would have treated everyone equally, but times had changed. He needed to let Lu Yuan know that he was now repaying him! So he had to make sure Lu Yuan saw his efforts!
Ning Guiqu shook his head in refusal. Shi Wen silently packed his own bag, even more perplexed. Since last night, Xiao Qu had been acting so strangely. Lu Yuan wasn’t quite normal either.
Shi Wen couldn’t see through or guess what was happening, but he felt that the interaction between the two was odd.
Moreover, at night, the two slept in the same bed again.
At night
Shi Wen glanced at the two opposite him, rubbed his eyes, turned off his video, and sat on the bed, sincerely asking Ning Guiqu, “Xiao Qu, are you reading horror novels again?”
Ning Guiqu, as always, gave an affirmative “mm!”
Shi Wen sighed at how close these two had become!
Shi Wen felt a little jealous.
He held up his phone, pretending to casually take a photo.
Since Jiang Xu1I think this was supposed to be Li Mu, not Jiang Xu wasn’t there, this time, Ning Guiqu was facing the wall with his back to Lu Yuan, playing on his phone. Lu Yuan lay flat and slept. Since Ning Guiqu was really pressed against the wall, Lu Yuan felt a bit guilty. Lu Yuan said softly, “You don’t have to do this.”
Ning Guiqu replied while still playing on his phone, “I’m not sleepy yet. When I get sleepy, I’ll move over a bit.”
Lu Yuan naturally didn’t say anything more, but even with Ning Guiqu pressed against the wall, he still couldn’t fall asleep.
Ning Guiqu was engrossed in a message on his phone.
Jiang Xu had suddenly contacted him.
He sent Ning Guiqu a screenshot, taken from the perspective of the opposite bunk, capturing him and Lu Yuan together.
Jiang Xu added a message: [Are you and Lu Yuan doing gay stuff in the dorm?]
???
Ning Guiqu wasn’t an idiot. This photo was taken by Shi Wen, though he didn’t know what Shi Wen was thinking, secretly taking pictures of him and Lu Yuan and sending it to Jiang Xu. Sending it was one thing, but spreading rumors about them being gay was another. Didn’t he already explain that he was scared after reading horror novels?
Ning Guiqu huddled in the corner and tapped on his phone screen to reply: [He’s talking nonsense. I was scared after reading horror novels. Lu Yuan is just keeping me company!]
After replying to Jiang Xu, Ning Guiqu confronted Shi Wen.
Due to his frequent use of alt accounts and gaming, Ning Guiqu’s typing speed was incredibly fast. Within seconds, he fired off a questioning message to Shi Wen.
[Are you and Xiao Jiang spreading rumors that Lu Yuan and I are gay?]
[Dog sharpening knife.jpg]
After sending this, before Shi Wen could defend himself, another message from Jiang Xu arrived.
[Do you take me for a fool? Is Lu Yuan really such a caring person? He’d sleep with you just because you’re scared?]
[Sarcastic bear.jpg]
Just as Ning Guiqu finished reading, Shi Wen’s message came through.
Shi Wen: [I didn’t spread rumors about you two being gay. I just admired how close you’ve become and sent a photo to Xiao Jiang to see. How could Xiao Jiang do this? I’ll go explain to him]
Ning Guiqu: “……”
Ning Guiqu felt guilty for misunderstanding Shi Wen. But you couldn’t blame Genius Xiao Qu; he was on high alert.
Genius Xiao Qu quickly replied: [No need, I’ll explain to him myself. Xiao Shi, I’ll help you rank up tomorrow night]
After replying to Shi Wen, it seemed Jiang Xu couldn’t wait for his response.
Another message from Jiang Xu arrived.
[I always felt something was off between you and Lu Yuan. Lu Yuan might be aloof, but he’s a decent guy. He just never cared to deal with you. Why is he treating you differently now? If he’s gay, it would make sense. He’s interested in you but doesn’t want to admit it, so he acts all awkward.]
Ning Guiqu thought Jiang Xu was overthinking it!
Ning Guiqu: [He’s not. He’s straight. He told me himself!]
As soon as Ning Guiqu’s message went through, Jiang Xu’s reply came just as quickly: [Does he know you’re gay?]
Ning Guiqu replied honestly: [He knows, I didn’t hide it from him.]
A message from Shi Wen also came, but Ning Guiqu didn’t look at it. Because Jiang Xu immediately responded: [He knows and still sleeps with you?]
Ning Guiqu needed to explain on Lu Yuan’s behalf: [It’s true that it’s not because I read horror novels, but there is a reason. I really can’t tell you what it is. But he really doesn’t have any other intentions!]
Ning Guiqu replied and anxiously waited for Jiang Xu’s response. Lu Yuan had already helped him so much; he couldn’t let Lu Yuan be misunderstood again.
A moment later, another message appeared in Ning Guiqu’s chat: [I won’t pry into your secrets. But regardless of the reason, he’s a straight guy sleeping in the same bed with a gay man. Doesn’t he have any issues with that?]
Ning Guiqu patiently replied: [There’s absolutely no problem at all. He’s just helping me]
Jiang Xu: [Then why is he helping you? A straight guy, helping to the point of sleeping with a gay man. Did you promise him some substantial benefit? Besides, does Lu Yuan seem like someone who needs favors from you?]
Ning Guiqu rarely began to think because of Jiang Xu’s words.
He had indeed promised some grand things. Well, not exactly grand, just not fulfilled yet. But Lu Yuan didn’t seem to care much about his promises, nor did he need Ning Guiqu’s services. He had always thought Lu Yuan was incredibly nice, but he overlooked one point: Lu Yuan was initially very cold towards him!
He couldn’t even successfully cling to Lu Yuan. Could it be, as Jiang Xu suggested, that Lu Yuan didn’t want to admit he liked him, so he acted awkwardly?
Was Lu Yuan not straight, but gay?
Jiang Xu continued probing: [Does he have feelings for you?]
Ning Guiqu’s mind spun from his own speculation. He wasn’t that narcissistic, so he replied: [No. He dislikes me, and he’s reluctant to sleep with me now. He’s just genuinely kind]
Jiang Xu: [How do you know he’s reluctant? If he were, sleeping in the same bed with someone he doesn’t want to, he should be awake all night. Is he asleep?]
Ning Guiqu was facing the wall. He turned slightly, lying flat, then glanced at Lu Yuan. In the dim light of the dorm, Ning Guiqu saw that Lu Yuan’s eyes were closed.
Breathing…
Ning Guiqu held his breath and listened. It was very steady.
He was actually asleep!
Could it be true…?? Just as Jiang Xu said!!
Not daring to breathe loudly, Ning Guiqu slowly turned back, continuing to secretly message Jiang Xu while facing the wall: [He’s asleep]
Just as Ning Guiqu sent the message, Lu Yuan opened his eyes, showing no signs of drowsiness.
Jiang Xu continued playing love guru: [So, what do you think? Xiao Qu, he’s clearly interested in you! Though I don’t understand your gay circles, Lu Yuan is quite popular among girls in our straight circles. Do you know why I always bring up you and Lu Yuan?]
Xiao Qu’s heart was pounding; his mind completely brainwashed by Jiang Xu.
[Why?]
Jiang Xu: [When I mention you two, those pretty girls will chat with me about you. It’s a way to start a conversation and get closer to them. So, you’re both very popular with girls! Looking at it this way, you’re a perfect match. Two handsome guys together, what a good match! Besides, Xiao Qu, since you’re gay, you need to plan for your future. Clean-living gays like Lu Yuan are rare.]
Ning Guiqu’s heart kept racing, his typing speed slowing considerably. After a while, he managed to send: [What about me? I’m clean-living, too.]
Jiang Xu: [That’s why you’re a perfect match!]
A perfect match, he and Lu Yuan were a perfect match…
To be honest, from a gay perspective, Lu Yuan was indeed exceptional. He was great in every aspect and would even start his own company in the future. If he could be with Lu Yuan, he wouldn’t have to nervously hug his thigh, and he could directly work at Lu Yuan’s company!
But he had already decided to remain single for life.
As Ning Guiqu was lamenting, Jiang Xu sent another message: [You’re Xiao Qu, he’s Xiao Yuan. Together, you’re Yuan Qu (园区, industrial park). How romantic is that?]
Ning Guiqu didn’t understand.
What’s romantic about an industrial park?
However, Ning Guiqu also realized something from Jiang Xu’s far-fetched “romantic” notion. He tapped on his phone: [Do you want us to be together so that girls won’t like me and Lu Yuan anymore, and then you’ll have no rivals?]
Jiang Xu: [How crude! How could you think of me like that? Xiao Qu, I’m thinking of you. Lu Yuan doesn’t seem like the type to cheat; he’d be a good gay partner. You should consider your future soon! Anyway, he’s definitely interested in you.]
Jiang Xu didn’t reply further.
Ning Guiqu felt his face flush and his heart race. He put his phone aside and carefully lay flat, sneaking a glance at the “soundly sleeping” Lu Yuan before quickly averting his gaze.
He had to admit, Lu Yuan was truly handsome! So handsome, and according to Jiang Xu, interested in him.
But that was just Jiang Xu’s opinion. Was Lu Yuan really interested in him?
Ning Guiqu thought it was likely; he actually agreed with much of what Jiang Xu had said.
Sleeping with a gay man without any aversion, and even falling asleep! This! This! This!
Ning Guiqu stared at the ceiling, his face flushed as he thought, although he had decided to remain single for life, having such a handsome guy by his side wasn’t so bad after all!
Moreover, most importantly, he wouldn’t have to worry about finding a job after graduation! He wouldn’t have to work 996 anymore!
TL Notes
- 1I think this was supposed to be Li Mu, not Jiang Xu
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