Chapter 24

The nightgown that Zhou Bai wore hung loosely on his body, his always tidy hair now in a disarray, and his eyes were bloodshot. He stood by the door with his arms crossed, presence alike still water.

Feeling guilty, Jian Ci hung his head, “Sorry for waking you up.”

He thought what he did was really irresponsible as a housemate, and Zhou Bei ought to be furious.

After a few beats of silence, Zhou Bai spoke, “There were loud movements so I thought a thief had entered the house.”

Not entirely awake, his voice was still raspy.

“Sorry…” Jian Ci apologised again.

At the same time, a long and deep loud rumble resonated from his tummy, seeming especially pitiful amidst this silent night.

While trying to hold back his laughter, Zhou Bai’s face twisted momentarily, but what Jian Ci saw was a soulless smile akin to a whirlwind before the rainstorm. He felt tremors in his hands.

Jian Ci was struck by sudden inspiration. Picking up his courage, he held the plate of stir-fried shrimps right below Zhou Bai’s nose. “Would you like to have some supper?”

Zhou Bai glowered at him.

Firstly, he thought the rabbit printed apron oddly suited Jian Ci.

Secondly, the plate of shrimps gave off a flavourful smell and looked pretty delicious.

Lastly, his eyes were fixed on a drop of sweat that was trailing down Jian Ci’s neck, making him feel both hot and hungry.

Let’s have supper then.

Zhou Bai was indeed angry when he walked out, but those emotions have evaporated. He convinced himself that his anger disappeared because “two people have to mutually understand each other in order to live together”. Coming face to face with this person caused him to become restless in a moment, and peaceful in the next; it was an unexplainable feeling.

Jian Ci felt as if he was living on tenterhooks, but those fears soon disappeared. He was not reprimanded by Zhou Bai, and being in a space so near his pectoral and abdominal muscles, Jian Ci felt envy and lust wash over him. He even ate another bowl of rice.

As such, supper was eaten with their minds filled with different thoughts.

After saying their goodnights, they retreated to their own rooms.