DHWB Chapter 4

In the afternoon, Mr. Qin walked into the classroom with a stack of test papers, and they spent the entire afternoon taking an exam. There was no time for idle chatter.

Wei Jie had Fang Shucheng on his mind the whole time, distracted as he haphazardly filled out his answers. By the time school was finally over, he quickly grabbed Fang Shucheng and headed straight for the restroom.

The class monitor blocked his way. “Wei Jie, did you forget about the basketball tournament? You need to practice with the team!”

Wei Jie waved her off. “I didn’t forget! You guys go ahead first.”

Zhuang Yi laughed. “Those two always have endless things to talk about. Class monitor, let’s head to the court.”

The class monitor sighed. “Fine.”

Fang Shucheng was already feeling uneasy about being dragged into a bathroom stall again, but Wei Jie didn’t give him a choice. Once inside, Wei Jie trapped him between his arms.

“You need to look at me,” Wei Jie said. “I haven’t answered your question from this morning.”

Fang Shucheng muttered, “I don’t want to hear it.”

Wei Jie, not letting up, continued, “I’m going to say it anyway. Kissing on the mouth and kissing on the face are totally different. Your lips are soft… and sweet.”

“Wei Jie!” Fang Shucheng was so startled by his own loud voice that he quickly lowered it, but he was genuinely scared now, his voice trembling with emotion. “This… this isn’t right!”

Wei Jie frowned. “What’s not right?”

Fang Shucheng, his face distressed, said, “I-I think this is wrong. It feels like we’re… you know, like we’re… into guys.” He looked at Wei Jie anxiously. “Doesn’t it seem that way?”

Wei Jie hesitated for a moment, then, with firm conviction, replied, “No, it doesn’t!”

Fang Shucheng felt a wave of relief.

But before he could relax, Wei Jie leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “We’re not just fooling around. We’re in a relationship.”

Fang Shucheng panicked. “What?! A relationship?!” His mind was a jumble, and the first thing that popped into his head was, Isn’t it wrong to date so early? Then he corrected himself, “Wait, who said we’re in a relationship?!”

Wei Jie put on a serious face. “So, you just go around kissing people for fun?”

Fang Shucheng, flustered, retorted, “It was you who—”

Wei Jie cut him off, “But you were the one who stuck your tongue out first.”

Fang Shucheng was taken aback. “Bullshit, that was you!”

Wei Jie smirked. “You just swore!”

Fang Shucheng hurriedly covered his mouth.

Grinning wickedly, Wei Jie said, “Well, we’ve already kissed, so from now on, you’re my little wife.”

Fang Shucheng wasn’t having it. “Why should I be the wife? I’m definitely going to earn more than you in the future. Whoever supports the family should be the wife.”

Wei Jie was shocked. “You’ve thought this far ahead? Admit it, you’ve been planning this for a while, haven’t you?”

Fang Shucheng protested, “You’re the one who’s been pestering me!”

Wei Jie, undeterred, replied, “So you agree to date me, huh?”

Fang Shucheng was at a loss for words. “…”

Feeling wronged, he said, “How are you like this?”

Wei Jie laughed. “If I’m setting you up, you can set me up too.”

“You… I…” Fang Shucheng tried to come up with a comeback but failed miserably.

Wei Jie leaned in again. “While you think of what to say, let me kiss you.”

After a few moments of kissing, Fang Shucheng was starting to feel dazed. He pushed Wei Jie away and suddenly remembered, “The class monitor and the others are still waiting for you.”

Wei Jie froze and scratched his head. “I forgot.”

Fang Shucheng urged, “Hurry up and go!”

Grabbing Fang Shucheng’s hand, Wei Jie ran out. As they arrived at the basketball court, Zhuang Yi spotted them from afar and teased, “What are you, elementary schoolers? Still holding hands, playing house?”

The class monitor, observing them thoughtfully, gave Zhuang Yi a light warning. “You talk too much! Now, get to practice!”

Zhuang Yi wiped the sweat from his brow with his shirt. “Wei Jie just got here, why aren’t you saying anything to him?”

The class monitor was briefly blinded by the flash of his pale belly, and she caught sight of someone looking their way from the neighboring court. She looked up just in time to see someone turn their head.

Motioning for Zhuang Yi to come closer, the class monitor whispered, “Come here.”

Zhuang Yi was puzzled. “What’s up?”

She discreetly pointed towards the other court. “Look at him, then look at yourself. If we end up against their class, do you think we can win?”

Zhuang Yi followed her gaze and cursed. It was Xie Jun, the captain of the school’s basketball team, even taller than Wei Jie, with muscular arms exposed in his jersey.

“If it’s just me, no way,” Zhuang Yi admitted. “You know who that is, right? That’s Xie Jun! The captain of the basketball team! He’s a pro.”

The class monitor hushed him. “Keep your voice down! What if he hears us?”

Just then, Wei Jie and Fang Shucheng walked up, still bickering.

“Let go!” Fang Shucheng was saying.

The class monitor and Zhuang Yi exchanged glances but didn’t have time to respond because Xie Jun walked over to them.

Xie Jun glanced at the boys on their court, then at the class monitor. “Are you guys practicing for next week’s basketball tournament?”

The class monitor nodded.

Xie Jun looked at Zhuang Yi and then said to the monitor, “We’re training too. How about we have a practice match? Consider it a friendly game.”

The class monitor hesitated for a moment. “Let me ask everyone.”

Xie Jun nodded. “I’ll wait for you over there.” He turned and headed back to the neighboring court.

Puzzled, the class monitor glanced at Zhuang Yi. “Why do I feel like he’s inviting us just because of you?”

It seemed like practicing with the school’s basketball team would be to their advantage.

Zhuang Yi was confused. “I don’t even know him. I just know his name.”

The class monitor thought for a moment. “Whatever, we’ll decide together.” She called the boys over to discuss.

When everyone heard they could practice with the basketball team, they all agreed enthusiastically.

As they walked over to the other court, Zhuang Yi nudged Wei Jie. “Xie Jun’s taller and stronger than you. Looks like you’ve finally met your match.”

Wei Jie scoffed. “I rely on skill, not brute force.”

Zhuang Yi quickly added, “He’s on the basketball team. He’s a pro, man!”

Wei Jie frowned in irritation.

Fang Shucheng asked curiously, “Why are you so proud? It’s not like you’re the one playing.”

Zhuang Yi blinked, caught off guard.

He’s right… Why am I so proud? Xie Jun being awesome doesn’t mean I’m awesome.

Fang Shucheng teased, “Do you have a crush on Xie Jun?”

Everyone’s footsteps came to a halt.

Suddenly, the surrounding atmosphere grew quiet.

By now, they were right next to the other court, and though Fang Shucheng hadn’t spoken loudly, the basketball team members overheard.

The team collectively turned to look at their captain, Xie Jun.

Xie Jun raised an eyebrow and looked at Zhuang Yi, clearly curious.

Zhuang Yi finally realized what Fang Shucheng had said, and he exploded, “What the hell are you talking about?!”

Fang Shucheng was mortified. “I meant admiration! Like how you look up to a role model! Don’t misunderstand!”

Zhuang Yi shouted, “You’re ruining my reputation! I’m gonna get you for this!”

Wei Jie quickly stepped in to protect Fang Shucheng, who was now thoroughly embarrassed. “I’m sorry!”

A few guys held Zhuang Yi back, telling him, “Chill, chill, Xie Jun isn’t even upset. What are you freaking out for?”

Zhuang Yi fumed. “Let me go, or I swear I’ll throw punches.”

Wei Jie kicked him. “Knock it off. People are watching. You think we’re back in class? And the rest of you, stop holding in your laughter. Fang Shucheng was talking about admiration, like an idol! What’s wrong with you guys, with all your dirty minds? Aren’t you all supposed to be members of the Youth League? So what if Zhuang Yi likes Xie Jun? He’s not even a girl!”

Zhuang Yi had almost calmed down, but Wei Jie’s last comment made him lose it again. “Damn it! I don’t like him!”

The basketball team once again looked at their captain.

Finally, Xie Jun spoke, his voice deep. “Why not?”

Zhuang Yi was stunned. “Huh? What do you mean?”

Xie Jun tilted his head. “Why don’t you like me?”

Zhuang Yi stammered. “I mean, I don’t dislike you…”

Xie Jun pressed on, “So not liking me means you dislike me?”

Zhuang Yi was speechless.

Xie Jun raised an eyebrow. “?”

Completely flustered, Zhuang Yi groaned. “Dude, can we not have this whole ‘liking’ conversation in front of everyone?”

Xie Jun pondered for a moment. “So we should talk privately?”

Zhuang Yi: “…”

Xie Jun nodded. “Alright, we’ll talk after this game.”

Zhuang Yi: “Wait, I never agreed to that!”

Xie Jun shrugged. “So, are we clearing this up now?”

Zhuang Yi: “…”

Sighing in defeat, Zhuang Yi muttered, “Fine, whatever.”

The basketball team collectively turned to look at their captain again.

Is this a date? Wow, our captain sure is something!

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