His mind was a mess.
Su Pu knew clearly what he was doing, but didn’t understand why.
His consciousness split into two little selves: the timid one wanted to retreat and apologize…
What am I even doing?!
The brave one stood firm, following Li Jichuan’s instructions.
After a while, Li Jichuan grew impatient.
“Su Pu, haven’t you tried this before?”
His voice ebbed and flowed, and Su Pu could barely hear, his brain locked in internal battle.
The timid self and brave self fought fiercely.
“Then… shall I teach you?”
Professor Li, nervous but serious, assumed a proper teaching stance.
Encouraged and heart pounding, the little mute copied his every move.
Li Jichuan smiled lightly, rewarding him with a kiss on the forehead.
Their interlacing breaths grew rapid.
The room was cool; Su Pu’s nose felt slightly congested as the airflow passed, emitting a faint whimper.
Professor Li squinted, punishing the lazy student.
“No cheating…”
He tightened his grip.
Su Pu tilted his neck back.
The tiny Adam’s apple rolled like a candy beneath his pale skin.
So cute!
Li Jichuan finished, cleaning the “classroom,” while Su Pu still had much to learn.
Thinking this, Su Pu blushed even deeper, a shy self emerging between the brave and timid ones.
Li Jichuan had no intention of letting him off, turning back toward Su Pu.
“Break time’s over.”
“Behave…”
The next day, Su Pu woke near noon.
His first thought: when is my shift today?
Luckily, it was the afternoon.
Stomach sore, body aching, the little mute struggled to get up, sitting on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the carpet.
Even without doing much, he was this exhausted. If he really…
How tiring would that be…
His frown eased, a small smile tugging at his lips.
He and Li Jichuan were truly growing closer, intimacy gradually deepening…
Before finding his slippers, Su Pu noticed a note left on his pillow.
[Extended the room for two more days. If too tired, take leave from the café; occasionally missing a shift won’t affect your attendance. I had to leave early for company matters. I’ve arranged brunch for you—call the front desk after waking and they’ll deliver it. Eat first; don’t starve. –Li Jichuan]
Su Pu traced the signature, feeling delighted.
He recalled last night, when he had bitten Li Jichuan’s lips with all his strength…
Did he break the skin? Could someone have noticed?
The little mute felt a twinge of regret—this was his first kiss, and he might have bitten his teacher.
So hasty.
Would Professor Li be scared?
…
After lunch at the hotel and changing into freshly laundered clothes, Su Pu arrived at the café on time.
His discomfort had completely disappeared, though thinking of last night still made him blush.
Ouyang was also present, checking in just before or after him, looking distracted.
After the afternoon rush, orders weren’t many, but Ouyang made two mistakes.
He looked to Su Pu for correction, who missed it, wasting two coffees.
The manager sighed—normally the two most diligent staff members seemed completely out of it today.
He shoved the two mistaken cups into their hands. “Ten minutes! Go to the back, fix what needs fixing, then get back to work!”
Su Pu and Ouyang exchanged looks, silently acknowledging each other’s plight.
Grabbing coffee, they retreated to the break room.
Sitting side by side on the floor, leaning against the wardrobe, they drank in silence.
Finally, Ouyang spoke up.
“Bro, can I ask something? Sounds ridiculous, don’t laugh…”
Already struggling himself, Su Pu nodded.
[Go ahead!]
“Suppose you did something totally out of line with someone—something you’d never normally do—but then, for some reason, you didn’t acknowledge it afterward… does that mean you were irresponsible?”
“Wouldn’t that person think you’re a terrible person?”
Su Pu’s eyes went wide, staring at Ouyang.
You saw that?
Did we get caught by you? What else do you know??
Ouyang didn’t notice Su Pu’s shock, hanging his head and rubbing his hair.
“Maybe… at first, you didn’t intend to do it, but the other person was just too cute, and you couldn’t resist…”
Su Pu almost couldn’t sit still, furiously typing on his phone to clarify for himself and his diligent little teacher.
Having confessed, Ouyang felt a slight relief, his mood lightening.
“Alright, I’ll admit it—the ‘other person’ was my roommate, the one who always wears a helmet, Pei Zhicheng. You’ve met him twice before…”
Su Pu’s fingers froze, staring blankly at Ouyang.
Ouyang nodded, lost in his own thoughts. “Yeah, I didn’t think I’d do that to him either…”
Su Pu put down his phone, patted Ouyang’s shoulder—making Ouyang grimace in pain.
“Su Ge, you’re strong today!”
Su Pu tugged at the corner of his mouth.
But Ouyang’s words reminded him—yesterday, he had been the one to take the initiative. He had stayed up late, deliberately provoking Li Jichuan.
If he didn’t show any response, would Li Jichuan think he wasn’t serious?
Would he think that Su Pu was just using him, treating him like a convenient tool?
…After all, the door to a new world had opened, and last night, he had truly been happy.
His cheeks flushed again. He hadn’t thought about responsibility at the time, and he felt guilty toward Li Jichuan…
“All right!”
Ouyang suddenly stood, pumping himself up, speaking aloud to boost his courage.
“After work today, I’ll go to him and make things clear. I’ll take responsibility… I can’t just kiss him and leave!”
Two seconds of silence passed before Su Pu realized something.
Wait… Ouyang had only kissed the person?
Su Pu got to his feet, brushing off his pants.
Looking at Ouyang, he suddenly felt a sense of maturity toward the younger, inexperienced guy.
After all… you actually bit his lips. And touched where you shouldn’t.
Su Pu gave him a calm, approving nod—silent encouragement.
We’re not the same!
The little mute even felt a hint of pride.
…
Just as Su Pu’s little tail wagged for barely two seconds, they adjusted their moods and walked into the prep area.
A tall, lean figure stood at the counter, helmet on, looking like a little matchstick.
“Ouyang, I think he’s here for you…”
The manager stepped aside, surprised, letting Ouyang take over.
Seeing him, Pei Zhicheng finally removed his helmet, sweat dampening his forehead, strands of hair sticking to it. He looked pitiful.
“O-Ouyang…”
Pei Zhicheng’s entire face, even his neck, flushed red. He summoned every ounce of courage he had.
“Please… go out with me—”
He shouted.
“I’ll take responsibility for you—”
Two confessions struck like thunder.
Immediately, all the café patrons turned to look, no matter what they were doing.
“Y-you should think carefully, but I promise I’ll take good care of you!”
Having said this, Pei Zhicheng grabbed his helmet and fled in panic, leaving a stunned Ouyang behind.
The manager was the first to react, giving Ouyang a push.
“Hey—”
“What are you waiting for? Go after him!”
“O-oh!” Ouyang snapped out of it, not even removing his apron, swinging himself over the counter and running outside.