Ch57 - (II). The black wolf snuggled in bed

After the incident, Yan Chen became somewhat more restrained around the people surrounding Rong Jun. At the very least, he no longer followed him everywhere or kept a constant watch on him.

Rong Jun also made adjustments. He stopped pouring all his energy into his studies and student council work. Every now and then, he would slack off a little and go watch Yan Chen practice.

It was during those moments that Rong Jun realized just how different Yan Chen was around other people.

He rarely smiled.

He spoke little.

His demeanor was cold, his expressions minimal. Not cute at all.

And yet… Rong Jun liked this version of him very much.

Because the moment he called Yan Chen’s name, that indifferent face would immediately turn toward him, all the coldness melting away, and his stoic face was then replaced with a warm energetic smile every time he would look his way.

He liked that kind of favoritism.

He liked being special.

‘My wolf… is really too cute.’ he thought, giggling inside.

…

The semester passed quickly in the midst of all the busyness, and soon, finals arrived once again.

The student council and all the clubs suspended their activities so everyone could focus on exams.

“This concludes this semester’s coursework…” As the professor finished speaking at the podium, the students below had already begun packing up.

Moments later, the classroom burst into noise as their teacher left.

“Don’t you have any exams this semester?” Rong Jun asked Qu Po, who had already packed his things and was about to leave.

“I can start my vacation today.”

“The student council is organizing a trip to the northern snow mountains and hot springs at the end of December. I haven’t seen you much this semester except in class, want to go together?”

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If Qu Po hadn’t mentioned it, Rong Jun probably wouldn’t have looked into it at all. Even now, he had no intention of asking Rong Li. Knowing wouldn’t change anything, it would only add to his brother’s burden.

“My brother won’t lose,” Rong Jun said lightly, then changed the subject. “What have you been up to lately?”

“…Nothing.”

Qu Po’s brief and oddly tense reply made Rong Jun shake his head.

“Take it easy. Stop messing around so much.”

Qu Po immediately looked aggrieved, as if deeply wronged.

“I haven’t even met a woman in months.”

“Then what have you been doing all this time?” Rong Jun questioned, not sure to believe him.

“…Enduring a trial.”

“You’re ridiculous.” Rong Jun rolled his eyes.

…

Half a month later, after the semester officially ended, Rong Jun took Yan Chen to a hot spring resort in the northern snow mountains.

Rong Jun was sensitive to the cold. Even with the car heater turned up high, he still shivered.

Noticing this, Yan Chen picked him up without hesitation and settled him onto his lap, facing him.

At first, Rong Jun was embarrassed and tried to get down, but Yan Chen held him firmly in place. Eventually, warmed by his body heat, Rong Jun relaxed against him, and before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

They arrived just like that.

Yan Chen didn’t wake him. He carefully wrapped him in his coat and carried him out of the car, princess style.

…

When Rong Jun woke up, it was already night time.

He then groggily fluttered his eyes open amd felt something warm, soft… and fluffy beside him.

Sitting up and rubbing his eyes, he froze.

“…Yan Chen?”

He reached out and patted the enormous black wolf lying on the bed, calling out cautiously.

The wolf slowly opened his eyes halfway. In the dim light, his dark fur blended with the pale moonlight streaming through the window. His golden pupils glimmered faintly, deep and captivating.

Still half-asleep, Yan Chen instinctively responded to Rong Jun’s voice.

Resting his chin on Rong Jun’s lap, he yawned lazily, revealing sharp fangs, then rubbed his ear against Rong Jun’s stomach before closing his eyes again.

Rong Jun hesitated for a moment before gently placing his hand on the wolf’s head.

The wolf let out a soft, contented sound and leaned into the touch, obediently allowing himself to be petted.

Rong Jun was now completely awake.

Holding that warm, fluffy head, he stroked it freely, thoroughly enjoying the sensation. Before long, a comfortable drowsiness spread through him.

He lay back down, still hugging the wolf’s head, his fingers loosely playing with its ears as sleep overtook him once more.

…

They slept for another two hours before being woken up by loud, persistent knocking at the door.

“Rong Jun!!! Come out for a drink!!!”

“Rong Jun!!!”

“Open the door!!”

Yan Chen’s expression darkened. He threw off the blanket and sat up abruptly, clearly ready to deal with whoever was outside.

But a hand stopped him.

Rong Jun sat up and shouted toward the door, “Stop knocking! Get lost!”

“Then hurry up!”

“I know!”

Rong Jun let out a sigh, then turned back, only to find the black wolf gone, replaced by Yan Chen in his human form.

A hint of regret flashed in his eyes as he reached out and patted his head again.

“What is it?” Yan Chen asked.

Rong Jun shook his head.

“Nothing. Let’s get ready and go find something to eat.”

“…Okay.”