Shen Yuqing felt truly wronged. Wasn’t holding someone by the wrist more convenient? Holding hands would be strange, wouldn’t it? And yet, Pei Yiyan had actually allowed him to hold his hand.
He observed Pei Yiyan carefully, trying to discern whether he was serious, but unfortunately, he couldn’t read anything from his expression.
After hesitating for a moment, Shen Yuqing did as he was told slowly sliding his hand down Pei Yiyan’s arm until he finally grasped his fingers. He gave them a gentle shake and asked, “Like this… is this okay?”
Pei Yiyan hummed in response. “Let’s go.”
Shen Yuqing nodded, then remembered Pei Yiyan couldn’t see him, so he made an acknowledging sound before leading him out.
But walking was one thing his mind was another matter entirely.
What was up with Pei Yiyan lately?
Not only had his temper gotten worse, but he was also acting delicate.
He didn’t want to use those words to describe Pei Yiyan, but he couldn’t help it.
Had he been possessed? Or was he plotting something again, waiting to spring it on him?
Unable to figure it out, Shen Yuqing summoned the system to ask. But instead of answering, the system started emitting little red hearts: 【So sweet~ Omnivore shippers are thriving.】
【…】 Shen Yuqing was speechless. 【Don’t make me curse at you. Get lost.】
The system flickered twice before logging off.
Still, walking hand-in-hand was indeed much faster than Pei Yiyan shuffling along on his own. The driver was already waiting outside and opened the car door for them as soon as they arrived.
Shen Yuqing let go only then realizing that Pei Yiyan had been holding his hand too. “We’re getting in the car now. Let go.”
Only after he spoke did Pei Yiyan release his grip.
The driver helped Pei Yiyan into the car while Shen Yuqing circled around to the other side and took his seat.
Once they were settled, the driver started the car and headed toward their destination.
Xiao Zhao had already made all the arrangements when he called earlier. Today, they were going to a barbershop one they frequented often, so the driver knew the way.
The partition in the car gradually rose, sealing off the back seat into a private space. Shen Yuqing leaned against the headrest, turning to gaze out the window.
It was Sunday, and the streets were lively.
Unbeknownst to him, Pei Yiyan was watching him.
His mind was still occupied by the message he’d seen on his optical communicator yesterday.
Could it be that the message meant nothing? Was the barbershop really the only place they were going today?
Shen Yuqing withdrew his gaze and happened to notice Pei Yiyan. He turned his head, meeting Pei Yiyan’s eyes but Pei Yiyan’s stare remained fixed in one direction, unfocused.
Shen Yuqing asked, “What’s wrong?”
Only then did Pei Yiyan shift his attention to him. “How much longer until we arrive?”
Shen Yuqing estimated. “About ten more minutes, I think.”
“How long will we be there?” Pei Yiyan pressed.
“Probably an hour for everything. Why? Do you have other plans?”
Pei Yiyan shook his head. “What time is it?”
Shen Yuqing checked his watch. “Almost ten.”
After the haircut, they’d return just in time for lunch. Then, by late afternoon, the chicken soup would be ready, and he could take it to Song Wangzhuo.
Song Wangzhuo had messaged him yesterday, asking him to bring a fresh set of clothes to his house. After all, when he was discharged, he couldn’t very well leave the hospital in tattered clothes or a patient gown.
Since Shen Yuqing needed to pick up his textbooks anyway, he could drop them off along the way.
Shen Yuqing had quite a few things to do today, including visiting Song Wangzhuo. He didn’t want the driver to take him there, as although these people worked for him, they were ultimately his brother’s men. If any of them mentioned this to his brother, he’d surely be accused of sending someone to the hospital.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, it was better to go alone.
Shen Yuqing’s mind wandered for a moment, and when he snapped back to reality, he noticed Pei Yiyan frowning, clearly displeased.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Pei Yiyan huffed, settled into his seat, and turned to look out the window.
“…What’s the matter, my dear Young Master Pei?” Shen Yuqing pressed. What could have possibly upset him out of the blue?
But Pei Yiyan continued ignoring him.
Shen Yuqing sighed and reached out to nudge Pei Yiyan’s arm. “Young Master Pei Yiyan?”
After several attempts, Pei Yiyan finally responded reluctantly, “You weren’t listening earlier, so don’t bother listening now.”
So that was the issue.
Shen Yuqing scratched the back of his head apologetically. “Sorry, I was just worrying about whether my haircut might turn out badly and got distracted. Say it again, and I promise I’ll listen properly this time.”
If Wu Yi and Xiao Zhao had been present, their jaws would have dropped in shock.
Since when had Pei Yiyan become so coquettish?
And since when had Shen Yuqing become so accommodating, even apologizing?
But indeed, at this moment, the two of them interacted like a young couple, which explained why the system had insisted it was “shipping them.” Yet the two involved parties seemed oblivious to this.
Shen Yuqing waited for Pei Yiyan to continue.
After a long pause, Pei Yiyan finally said, “We’re not going back for lunch. We’ll eat out.”
That was all? Shen Yuqing exhaled in relief and nodded. “Sure, what would you like to eat?”
Come to think of it, he had never actually eaten out with Pei Yiyan before.
“You decide,” Pei Yiyan said, closing his eyes. Shen Yuqing already knew all the foods he disliked.
Shen Yuqing pondered for a moment before pulling up the virtual screen on his neural interface to browse nearby restaurants.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the barbershop.
The owner had been waiting for them and promptly led them to their respective stations for haircuts.
There was no denying that you got what you paid for the haircut turned out exceptionally well. Shen Yuqing examined himself in the mirror, now looking utterly refreshed and brimming with energy! He was thoroughly satisfied.
He then stepped out to check on Pei Yiyan, expecting him to still be in the chair, only to find him already seated on the sofa. His hair had also been trimmed, revealing his eyes.
From a distance, Shen Yuqing stole a glance. Sometimes, it was hard to tell that Pei Yiyan was blind.
Muttering this thought to himself, he walked over. “Let’s go eat.”
True to his promise, while getting his haircut, Shen Yuqing had picked a well-reviewed restaurant that Pei Yiyan would likely enjoy. As for himself, he wasn’t picky everything tasted good to him.
Pei Yiyan slightly raised his hand, and Shen Yuqing understood. He reached out and took his hand, and under the watchful eyes of everyone, they left the barbershop.
The driver had been waiting outside and opened the car door upon seeing them.
Pei Yiyan got in, and Shen Yuqing turned to the driver to relay the restaurant’s address. The driver nodded. “Understood, Young Master.”
Shen Yuqing didn’t forget to send Xiao Zhao a message, saying they wouldn’t be returning and that he and Wu Yi could eat by themselves.
The restaurant wasn’t too far from the barbershop, and the car arrived in about ten minutes.
Since they arrived early, the restaurant was still mostly empty. Shen Yuqing glanced around and suggested, “Let’s sit in the corner.”
Pei Yiyan nodded. “Whatever you prefer.”
Shen Yuqing led him over. This time, when dining out, the two of them sat side by side. Shen Yuqing lowered his head and ordered a few dishes according to their tastes. Once the order was placed, there wasn’t much else to do.
Coincidentally, Pei Yiyan’s phone rang. He answered it was Wu Yi calling.
Wu Yi said, “Young Master Pei, the doctor called and asked if you could come in for a check-up this afternoon. Should I schedule it, or would you prefer another time?”
Pei Yiyan thought for a moment before replying. Instead of answering Wu Yi immediately, he turned and asked, “What’s the address here?”
Shen Yuqing recited it. Pei Yiyan hummed in acknowledgment and then said to Wu Yi, “Pick me up after lunch.”
Wu Yi agreed on the other end before hanging up.
Shen Yuqing asked, “Going to the hospital again? You’ve been visiting quite frequently lately.”
Pei Yiyan groped slightly on the table. Seeing this, Shen Yuqing adjusted the cup, placing it into his hand.
Pei Yiyan took a sip of water. “My eyes have been bothering me lately, so I thought I’d get them checked.”
Eyes bothering him?
Unable to resist, Shen Yuqing leaned in to examine Pei Yiyan’s eyes. Pei Yiyan’s other hand, resting at his side, tightened slightly to avoid revealing any unusual reaction.
Shen Yuqing didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary and straightened up again. “What kind of discomfort? Is it serious?”
He waved a hand in front of Pei Yiyan’s face still no reaction.
Pei Yiyan said, “The doctor previously mentioned that the blood clot pressing on my optic nerve has already dissipated.”
“Yeah, I know that,” Shen Yuqing said, puzzled. “But what does that have to do with your current eye discomfort?”
Without changing his expression, Pei Yiyan replied, “Lately, my eyes have been feeling sore and dry, so I had Wu Yi accompany me to the hospital. I’ve been undergoing acupuncture to see if it helps. If treatment can restore my vision, even better.”
As he spoke, his attention remained fixed on Shen Yuqing’s expression.
The latter merely raised an eyebrow. “That sounds great.”
Pei Yiyan hummed in agreement, the corners of his lips curling slightly.
Deep down, Shen Yuqing knew full well that Pei Yiyan’s vision would eventually return just not yet.
But seeing Pei Yiyan’s visibly improved mood, he didn’t want to dampen his confidence. So he added, “Is the doctor you’re seeing reliable? Should I ask my brother or sister-in-law to look for a better specialist?”
“No need. This doctor has been treating me all along,” Pei Yiyan said gently. “Besides, Brother Zhen and Sister Geyue are busy. No need to trouble them with something this minor.”
Shen Yuqing didn’t press further. “As you say.”
Just then, the waiter arrived with their food. The dishes Shen Yuqing had ordered covered the entire table.
They looked absolutely delicious.
After a moment’s thought, Shen Yuqing took out his tablet and snapped a photo though he forgot to turn off the shutter sound, making it unmistakably loud.
Pei Yiyan asked knowingly, “What are you taking a picture of?”
Shen Yuqing felt a little embarrassed but answered, “Just a photo of the food. Gonna update my social media.”
He turned off his light computer and used chopsticks to pick up a rib for Pei Yiyan: “It’s called green plum and mint ribs. Try it, see if it’s good.”
Pei Yiyan picked up the chopsticks beside him, lifted the rib from the bowl, and placed it in his mouth.
The meat was tender, falling off the bone, and thoroughly flavorful.
He said, “Not bad.”
Shen Yuqing glanced over, picked up a rib for himself, and took a bite. It was indeed delicious and quite appetizing too.
Shen Yuqing then served him other dishes, about to place them in his bowl, when he inadvertently noticed a familiar face passing by outside the floor-to-ceiling window.
And just at that moment, that familiar face happened to turn and look inside. Their gazes met through the glass.
