Chapter 186

“Stop joking…” Su Bin awkwardly nearly pulled his hand away.

Allen wasn’t going to let him off that easily. He continued to whisper in his ear, “Didn’t you say you’d go along with me? Since you understand me so well, you should know I’m not joking… What, can’t accept it?”

Su Bin had no way to refute… Was this a test from Allen? But they were outside, not in bed—how could he answer such a question?!

“We… we’ll talk about it when we get back!” Su Bin’s face was practically on fire.

Allen chuckled, “Heh, after we get home, take a shower and come to my room.”

Su Bin: “…”

That night, Allen fulfilled his words on the bed, even asking Su Bin to say “I like it.” Although it didn’t hurt at all, the intense feeling of shame nearly made Su Bin combust.

However, because of what happened, Su Bin felt something afterward and couldn’t help but say “I love you” to Allen. Allen gently kissed him and replied, “I know.”

Just hearing those simple words, “I know,” Su Bin suddenly felt that all his efforts were worth it… He believed Allen would gradually accept him.

The part-time job continued, but after the meal he prepared for Mr. Shen and his friends, Su Bin began to encounter Mr. Shen at home much more often. Mr. Shen would frequently strike up casual conversations with him.

Previously, after Su Bin made meals, he would habitually stick little notes on the containers, indicating whether it was for lunch or dinner, and how many minutes it should be microwaved. Occasionally, he would even leave notes reminding Mr. Shen to eat breakfast, sticking them on the fridge.

One day, Mr. Shen specifically thanked him, “Those little notes were so thoughtful. What made you think to write them for me?”

Su Bin explained, “I used to make lunch for a friend every day, but he’s a foreigner, so he didn’t know how to eat some of the things I made. I’d write him notes, and I just got used to it.” He kept up this habit at Mr. Shen’s place because the pay was good, and he wanted to be meticulous.

Mr. Shen complimented him, “Nowadays, there aren’t many boys like you—good at cooking and also thoughtful and reliable.”

Su Bin humbly replied, “I don’t have many talents, just these small things.”

“Small things? How is this a small thing?” Mr. Shen raised an eyebrow. “I used to think eating was just something to do for energy, but now, I look forward to mealtimes. I can finally understand why those food lovers say life is all about eating. When you eat things that suit your taste, it’s really different. Lately, I’ve felt much better mentally, and my work efficiency has gone up.”

Su Bin: “Really…”

Mr. Shen asked, “If it’s just a small thing, why would I pay so much money to have you cook?”

Su Bin: “…”

Mr. Shen teased, “Whoever ends up with you will be really happy, getting to eat your cooking every day for free.”

Su Bin felt flattered and thought to himself: The person who will end up with me is Allen. As long as I can make him happy, I’m willing to cook five, six, or even seven meals a day for him… hehe!

Noticing Su Bin grinning foolishly, Mr. Shen suddenly asked, “By the way, where’s the belt I gave you? I’ve never seen you wear it.”

Thinking about the true use of the belt, Su Bin blushed and quickly lied, “Uh, I left it at home. It’s a brand-name, so I don’t want to wear it out…” (I definitely can’t wear it, would I want to constantly remind myself of what Allen did to me? orz)

Seeing Su Bin’s flushed face, Mr. Shen laughed, thinking: This kid can still get embarrassed? He’s quite interesting.

During a conversation about Su Bin’s studies, Mr. Shen asked, “So you studied at a provincial university back home and came here on exchange. Are you used to the teaching style here?”

Su Bin replied, “Yeah, it’s fine. I feel like they focus more on developing students’ independent thinking.”

Mr. Shen nodded, impressed by Su Bin’s understanding. “I noticed your English is also quite good. Some of your phrasing even surprised me… it’s very elegant, did you receive formal training?”

Su Bin shook his head. “It’s my housemate who taught me. He studied noble English and speaks in a very refined tone.”

Su Bin had initially found Allen’s way of speaking a bit strange, but over time, he’d been subtly influenced. Now, he too spoke with a bit of that tone. Being praised felt great, and he was a little grateful to Allen, who he used to criticize for being a “perfectionist.”

This continued for more than half a month, and by then, both of them had a certain understanding of each other. Although Su Bin still kept his identity in mind and didn’t slack off at work, his relationship with Mr. Shen had become more like that of friends rather than employer and employee.
That day, Mr. Shen suddenly asked Su Bin about his plans for the future. Su Bin thought about Allen and naturally planned to stay in B Country, but he was also worried. What if, a year later, his relationship with Allen hadn’t progressed enough for Allen to step in and help with his future?

In his previous life, it was Allen who intervened, allowing Su Bin to successfully withdraw from the provincial university, get his transcript, and officially apply to M University. He also needed a year’s worth of financial guarantees, none of which he had now.

“I want to stay in B Country, but it might be difficult,” Su Bin frowned.

Mr. Shen said, “I see that your academic performance is good. Coincidentally, I’m looking for an assistant. Would you be willing to work for me? I can help you with the transfer and visa issues.”

Su Bin’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious?”

Mr. Shen replied, “Do I look like someone who can’t be trusted?”

Su Bin gratefully said, “Boss, thank you so much!”

Mr. Shen lightly tapped his head. “Don’t call me that randomly.”

Su Bin grinned, “But you are my boss.”

“Not necessarily forever,” Mr. Shen smiled, “If you have time next semester, you can start learning to do some things for me.”

Su Bin was so immersed in his happiness that he didn’t give much thought to the underlying meaning of Mr. Shen’s earlier words.

A while later, Mr. Shen asked, “You’re about to go on Christmas break, right? Any plans?”

Su Bin was stunned. Time had passed so quickly, and Christmas was approaching again…

“I’m not going back to my home country, and I don’t have any plans for now,” Su Bin thought Mr. Shen might be asking if he could come and work. “If I have no plans, I’ll come over,” but he still hoped to spend Christmas with Allen if Allen was willing to take him home.

Mr. Shen nodded. “Good. Come over on the 24th, my friends will be here too, and we’ll celebrate together. You can stay here that night.”

“Uh…” Su Bin hadn’t expected Mr. Shen to invite him. He felt that his previous answer wasn’t clear enough, but Mr. Shen said it and left before Su Bin could respond.

At least he had a backup plan, and if anything changed, he could decline later.

The next day in class, Su Bin ran into Sun Yujie, who mysteriously told him that he and Cheng Ang were now together.

Su Bin was shocked by their sudden development. Looking at the sweet expression on Sun Yujie’s face, he didn’t know whether to be happy or worried.

Recalling that these two had also gotten together around the same time in his previous life, Su Bin remembered that during the Christmas break, they had secretly gone to Greece for their “honeymoon.”

After congratulating them, Sun Yujie suddenly asked, “Cheng Ang and I decided to go to Greece for Christmas, what about you?”

Su Bin: “…” Could it be that, even though life has reset, history still can’t be changed?

“I decided to stay in M City. Mr. Shen invited me to spend Christmas at his place, but I’m not sure yet.” Su Bin also mentioned that Mr. Shen had offered him a job.

Sun Yujie was envious. “Wow, he’s really good to you!”

Su Bin laughed. “I think so too. He’s definitely my benefactor in this life!”

Sun Yujie raised an eyebrow. “This life? You have a previous life too?!”

Su Bin: “…”

Sun Yujie didn’t pursue it further but stroked his chin and speculated, “Could he be interested in you?”

Su Bin twitched his lips. “Do you think everyone’s gay?”

“But you’ve said before, he’s young, successful, good-looking, and doesn’t have a girlfriend or a wife…” Sun Yujie shook his head, summarizing, “I can’t help but be suspicious!”

Su Bin was speechless. “There are plenty of people like that, maybe he just has high standards for a partner, and with his busy work schedule, he doesn’t have time for a relationship. Don’t guess randomly!”

Sun Yujie pouted and didn’t say anything further.

After the holiday, Jin Fei and Yang Chengzhe returned to their home country, leaving Su Bin and Allen in the apartment.

In his previous life, Su Bin had been consumed with the pain of being deceived by friends and abandoned by his girlfriend, and he hadn’t really enjoyed the rare opportunity to be alone with Allen. This time, he was determined to cherish the opportunity to get closer to Allen and hoped that they could spend Christmas together if Allen was willing to take him home.

With five days left until Christmas, Allen’s research institute also went on holiday, and the two spent an exceptionally “harmonious” night together.

For Su Bin’s advances, Allen didn’t reject him. As long as Su Bin took the initiative, Allen would cooperate and engage in the affectionate games.

In the morning, the two woke up in each other’s arms, lingering in bed for a while. Su Bin personally cooked brunch for the two of them, and then they found a warm movie to watch. Allen wrapped his arm around Su Bin’s shoulders, letting him lean into his embrace, occasionally kissing him… everything felt so sweet, as if they were living in a dream.

At times, Su Bin felt like life should have always been like this—Allen hadn’t died, and he hadn’t been given a second chance, yet they were still together, just like before.

But reality wasn’t like that. Although Allen hadn’t rejected him again, he didn’t show any outward signs of affection either.

Su Bin would tell him “I love you” over and over again, and Allen’s only response was to take him to the point where Su Bin couldn’t speak or get out of bed, never offering a verbal reply. So, Su Bin didn’t know how Allen felt about their relationship.

Without a contract, without a promise—these two things made Su Bin feel uneasy.

In the afternoon, Su Bin planned to take some time to go to Mr. Shen’s house to work. Previously, he would leave when Allen wasn’t home, but today was the first time they were together, and now he suddenly had to leave. Allen’s expression immediately darkened.

Su Bin, feeling self-conscious, explained, “It’s that job I mentioned to you before. I’ll be back soon.”

Allen snorted, turned his head, and ignored him.

Su Bin: “…”

Allen’s attitude made Su Bin feel a long-forgotten sense of awkwardness. On his way to Mr. Shen’s house, he began to reflect on the similarities and differences between the Allen from his previous life and the current one, analyzing how far they had come in their relationship.

Su Bin had encountered similar situations before. For example, when he worked at the team and cooked noodles, Allen had been displeased when he found out, but it wasn’t until Su Bin repeatedly promised to inform him of everything beforehand that Allen was calmed down.

But this time felt different. Back then, they were just ordinary roommates, but now that they were together, Allen would usually make a clear decision about such things—”okay” or “not okay”—rather than leaving Su Bin to guess with this kind of attitude.

… Could it be that Allen still only saw him as someone to be kept around as a temporary companion?