UCTOOT CH149.2

Night shift?
A male host?

Scenes from that night flashed through his mind: several men and women swarming around a host with hands wandering all over him, while the host didn’t care in the slightest, even kissing a guy he had just met to win a party game. The stereotype of this crowd clinging to wealthy patrons had become a notorious meme.

Shi Shu raised a hand, tapping a finger against the center of his forehead.

“Your… that job of yours…”

Turning to look at him, Xie Wuchi lowered his eyes: “It isn’t as exaggerated as that. I’ve only just entered the industry.”

The night breeze blew cool. Shi Shu felt a bit awkward: “When did you get into it?”

Xie Wuchi: “The day you and your roommates came to the bar. That was my very first time entertaining guests.”

“Holy crap! What a coincidence?!”

Xie Wuchi remarked with deep nuance: “I thought it was quite a coincidence too.”

Nearly half a month had passed since that night, and half a month could change a person quite a bit.

Pedestrians bustled along the street, a loudspeaker hawking sugar-roasted chestnuts blaring in the background, punctuated by honking cars and laughter from the crowd.

Shi Shu hadn’t probed further, but to his surprise, Xie Wuchi brought it up on his own: “I didn’t particularly want to do this line of work either, but I’m quite lonely on my own.”

Shi Shu: “Huh?”

They happened to walk past a claw machine arcade. The pink display windows were packed with colorful plushies, casting a pastel glow over them and stretching their shadows along the sidewalk.

Xie Wuchi: “I’m not really a local either; I haven’t lived here long. I don’t keep in touch with my family and have always lived alone.”

Shi Shu: “Really?”

Meeting his eyes for a second, Xie Wuchi looked away: “I’ve always wanted to make friends, so I took up this line of work.”

Shi Shu felt like he understood him a tiny bit better: “Didn’t you think about finding a different job?”

Xie Wuchi: “The money comes faster in this line.”

Fast money, of course. From the sound of it, he had definitely reeled in plenty of clients, maybe even messier arrangements.

Shi Shu: “Do you even have time to chat with so many people every day?”

Xie Wuchi: “It’s fine. I rarely chat with others. I generally play the aloof, unapproachable persona.”

Shi Shu: “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He had only intended to make small talk, but listening to him, Shi Shu’s curiosity was genuinely piqued.

“While the others in the industry scramble to flatter the clients, I remain cool and detached, acting as though I have zero interest in them, leveraging the contrast to catch their attention. Understand?”

“Wait, what?” It took Shi Shu two seconds to process before he burst out laughing: “Holy shit, you’re that calculating?!”

Seeing how amused he was, Xie Wuchi agreed: “Yes. And some people genuinely have a penchant for men like that.”

Unbelievable.

Shi Shu was genuinely cracking up—what a scheming, calculated guy! Men really had no shortage of sly maneuvers. Just like Yao Wenbo: whenever he had a crush, he would spill every embarrassing secret about his three roommates just to make the girl laugh. Whoever was the most handsome got roasted the hardest.

Every time, Shi Shu was left thinking: Did I even provoke you?

Clown behavior, classic Yao Wenbo. Male posturing—did people think the imperial succession battle was fought by women?

Shi Shu found it ridiculously funny. Stopping in his tracks, he doubled over laughing, leaning against a nearby bus stop sign, giggling so hard he had to turn his face away.

Rubbing his eyes from laughing, he looked up to find Xie Wuchi wearing a faint, amused half-smile, soft shadows veiling his brow in an easygoing atmosphere. Shi Shu suddenly caught on: “Are you kidding around with me?”

Instead of answering, Xie Wuchi asked, “Did it make you happy?”

Streetlights reflected in his dark pupils, flecked with golden light. Xie Wuchi’s diction and cadence were consistently measured—composed, distinct, and calm. He never raised his voice, yet effortlessly compelled others to listen.

…There was a distinct undercurrent of tenderness to it.

Shi Shu reined in his laughter: “You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”

His mood had lifted considerably. Xie Wuchi smoothly changed the subject: “None of the restaurants along this street look particularly appealing.”

The trace of a smile still lingered on Shi Shu’s lips, a warm glow running through him, completely relaxed.

“These are all the shops on this street. You’ll just have to make do.”

“We haven’t checked out the street carts yet. Want to take a look?”

“Sure.”

Crowds thronged outside the school gates. The narrow tree-lined path occasionally backed up, forcing Shi Shu to brush close to Xie Wuchi, catching that clean, pleasant scent once more.

College students walked past clutching scallion pancakes, skewers, duck necks, textbooks, and flowers. Walking shoulder to shoulder, they were momentarily bumped apart by a guy rushing by carrying milk tea for his entire dorm. Shi Shu caught the aroma of his cologne the whole time. Every now and then, they glanced over to check each other’s position, maintaining a natural distance.

Beneath incandescent bulbs glowing bright, Xie Wuchi asked before each stall: “How does this taste?”

Shi Shu: “Oyster omelet. You’ve never had it?”

Xie Wuchi: “Never.”

Yet he never said whether he wanted to eat it or not; gradually, it morphed into a casual evening stroll. Shi Shu was used to wandering around with his roommates. He had initially thought he’d spend five minutes pointing out a restaurant to Xie Wuchi and be on his way, but before he knew it, they had been browsing for over half an hour.

What’s more, Shi Shu didn’t feel any urge to leave—Xie Wuchi kept conversations flowing effortlessly, and chatting with him was genuinely entertaining.

Finally, nearing the end of the food stalls, Shi Shu asked, “You’ve got to be starving by now, right? Still haven’t found anything you like?”

They stopped before a little pushcart draped in colorful vinyl that read “Bobo Chicken.”

Inside the polished, silver-framed cart were neat compartments holding skewers of vegetables and meats, alongside two large simmering vats—one rattan pepper broth, the other aromatic chili oil.

“You want this?” Shi Shu asked.

“Have you had it before?”

“Yeah, tastes pretty decent. If you prefer lighter flavors, the clear rattan pepper broth is good.”

“Then I will have this too.”

Having said this, Xie Wuchi didn’t pull out his phone. Instead, he looked at Shi Shu: “Could you buy a portion for me?”

Shi Shu: “Huh?”

It was a bit out of nowhere. Xie Wuchi’s tone was airy and soft. In the next second, Shi Shu realized he was doing it on purpose and couldn’t help smiling… What was with this guy? A little weird, but undeniably amusing.

Filling a paper bucket at a street cart outside campus would run fifty yuan at most. Glancing at his phone notifications, Shi Shu said, “Fine, my treat. Pick whatever you like.”

“Thank you. I’ll treat you to dinner in a few days,” Xie Wuchi said, standing before the steaming street cart.

Finishing his group chat messages, Shi Shu brought up his payment code.

The incandescent bulb overhead haloed Xie Wuchi in warm light—easily over 190 cm tall, a watch with intricate complications resting on his wrist, carrying himself with polished refinement and effortless social grace. Definitely top-tier host caliber.

While Shi Shu was studying him, Xie Wuchi turned his head, catching his gaze off-guard.

Shi Shu averted his eyes and scanned the QR code to pay.

…Because the bobo chicken had a kick, Shi Shu ended up buying him a cup of milk tea as well, feeling genuinely amused by the whole situation. The two sat beneath an outdoor patio umbrella while Xie Wuchi ate and Shi Shu chatted from his chair, lazily watching students stroll through the school gates, letting out a yawn.

Tossing the empty container into the trash can, Xie Wuchi stood up: “I’m finished.”

“Time for me to head back to the dorm too.”

“Next time, dinner is on me.”

“Sure,” Shi Shu said. “I’m off.”

Xie Wuchi followed behind: “I’ll walk you to the gates.”

“What for?”

Reaching the turnstiles, a curious flutter settled in Shi Shu’s chest. Having strolled with him for nearly two hours, a comfortable warmth enveloped him, feeling inexplicably relaxed. For reasons he couldn’t explain, a faint reluctance to part tugged at him.

Waving once more, Shi Shu stepped through the gates, heat creeping from his cheeks all the way to his ears.

Beneath the streetlights outside the campus gates, Xie Wuchi lingered for a moment. A black luxury sedan idling in the corner glided over, the chauffeur stepping out to hold the door.

Sliding into the backseat, Xie Wuchi shed his expensive overcoat to air out the scent; the smell of roadside food stalls still hung faintly in the air.

His calorie intake was thoroughly over limit as well.

A sweet scent of boba milk tea lingered, a slight shadow crossing beneath his calm eyes—he clearly disliked such sugary concoctions.

The driver glanced back with suppressed amusement, holding in a laugh as he started the engine.

Thanks to that late-night snack, the frequency of their chats picked up. Before bed that night, a new photo popped up on Shi Shu’s phone—Xie Wuchi wearing a silk loungewear robe, the lapel loosened slightly to expose the muscular cut of his collarbone and shoulders.

Accompanied by a dry message: [The roadside stalls tonight smelled a bit strong.]

Shi Shu: [What are you wearing?]

A reply came a moment later: [Work uniform.]

Shi Shu texted back: [No wonder the neckline is that low.]

Their next dinner was Monday evening. Shi Shu had just returned from the athletic field; chatting via text, he learned the other lived nearby, so they agreed to grab a bite.

Standing by the curb with his backpack, before long, Xie Wuchi rolled up in the dark behind the wheel of a luxury car. Recognizing the license plate, Shi Shu gave it an extra double take.

Stepping out of the vehicle, Xie Wuchi remained impeccably groomed and smartly dressed, flashing him a smile.

Shi Shu stole another glance at the car: rented? Borrowed? Belonged to a friend?

Xie Wuchi asked, “What do you feel like eating?”

Shi Shu: “Anything works, I’m not picky.”

Xie Wuchi treated him to dinner at a Chinese restaurant nearby. Afterward, the two strolled around the streets near the university just like before. With Shi Shu’s backpack left in the car, walking past the food street led toward an entertainment complex. The route included broad thoroughfares as well as quieter side paths.

Construction had recently cordoned off sections with corrugated metal sheets, leaving the alley somewhat deserted.

Dim lamplight fell across the dark foliage. Taking a few steps, Shi Shu muttered, “We shouldn’t have taken this alley.”

Xie Wuchi asked, “Why?”

Shi Shu nodded ahead: “Isn’t it packed with couples? Prime dating territory.”

Indeed, couples strolled hand-in-hand or leaned against the walls murmuring sweet nothings. The longer Shi Shu looked, the more awkward he felt.

Xie Wuchi chuckled softly: “Do you have a girlfriend?”

Shi Shu: “Nope.”

“Never dated before?”

Shi Shu: “Yeah.”

“Why? You should have plenty of admirers. Do you like guys?”

Shi Shu: “Now you’re just talking nonsense.”

Who would ever admit that his mom was his high school homeroom teacher?

Distracted, Shi Shu focused on making his way out of the shadowy alley when a quiet voice sounded beside his ear: “Do you want to date someone?”

Xie Wuchi’s voice was captivating—steady, magnetic, with quiet authority.

Shi Shu wasn’t opposed to romance: “I’m in college now, wanting to date is completely normal.”

“Then what kind of person do you like?” he asked again.

His low tone carried a subtle, provocative nuance.

Inexplicably, Shi Shu felt an electric tension in the air: “No idea. No real requirements, as long as we get along.”

Shadows of tree branches lay scattered across the ground. Just as Shi Shu was feeling unsettled, he caught another soft whisper:

“Would a guy work?”

Xie Wuchi was a guy, so hearing him say that made Shi Shu turn to stare at him.

In an instant, rumors of male hosts swinging both ways rushed through his mind, but unsure, he looked away.

“I don’t—”

Before Shi Shu could pull his thoughts together, Xie Wuchi cut in: “I want to pursue you.”

The surroundings fell dead silent. It took seven or eight seconds before Shi Shu squeaked out, “Huh? You… aren’t you being way too casual? We’ve only known each other for a few days.”

Xie Wuchi: “Perhaps. And right now, I want to kiss you too.”

Shi Shu was on the verge of losing it: “Wait… what?!”

Having dropped that bomb, Xie Wuchi simply smiled faintly, stepping back to restore their distance.

Shi Shu couldn’t tell if it was a joke: “Are you flirting with me?”

Xie Wuchi: “Just how low is my baseline in your eyes?”

With your profession… Shi Shu kept the thought to himself as they walked on. Frankly, Shi Shu was certain the guy was a shameless flirt.

But perhaps because his expectations had been so low from the start, he didn’t feel shocked or excessively awkward.

Shi Shu just found it baffling. Flashbacks of the bar that night raced through his head, making him wonder if the Xie Wuchi before him was just like those hosts, imagining him in those scenes. In an instant, his brain burned hot, his cheeks flaming.

For once, his composure was completely rattled.

After parting ways, Shi Shu returned to the dorm. That evening, Xie Wuchi’s messages were undeniably more direct. Other guys had confessed to Shi Shu before, but their machismo was always way too aggressive; Xie Wuchi was impeccably refined, clean, and pleasant in every way.

Every day he sent messages, including outfit selfies. Truth be told, he was far from bad-looking; every time Shi Shu received one, he’d inspect it for half a minute.

He also sent photos of his meals, which felt less like a male host’s life and more like an elite household’s, but who knew—hosts were notorious posers anyway. Shi Shu chatted with him often, even roping him into gaming sessions with his roommates once. His roommates suffered immensely: “Dude, why are you bringing a god-tier voice actor into a lobby of screeching geese? Shi Shu, do you have any idea how long it took us to get used to your voice?”

The contrast between boys and a mature man grew increasingly stark.

Shi Shu occasionally went out for dinner with him, chatting frequently.

As winter deepened, a biting chill set in. One evening, having already washed up, Shi Shu received a call and stepped out to stroll near the gates.

In that same quiet alley, after Shi Shu said something, Xie Wuchi noted a fallen leaf in his hair, leaning in to brush a featherlight peck against his cheek.

Touching his cheek, Shi Shu sputtered: “Holy shit, what are you doing? Are you sick in the head?!”

Xie Wuchi smiled: “You look very kissable.”

Shi Shu had always possessed campus-heartthrob looks—clean, radiant, and handsome. He covered his face, rubbing vigorously: “You got spit on my face…”

Curling his lips, Xie Wuchi let out a rare, genuine laugh.

Xie Wuchi hung out with Shi Shu, chatted regularly, and was always quick to reply whenever Shi Shu vented about daily annoyances. Shi Shu knew the man fancied him, and found him one of the rare people he didn’t feel repulsed by.

Every time they met, Xie Wuchi would steal an ambiguous, fleeting kiss before stepping back, which Shi Shu didn’t particularly dislike.

Talking to him always put Shi Shu in a great mood. Time flew by, and when the first snow of winter fell, they strolled together once more into that same alley. This time, Shi Shu was drawn firmly into his arms, his chin cupped as a kiss claimed his lips.

Not a peck on the cheek this time, but mouth-to-mouth.

Flushed red from lack of air, Shi Shu’s bright amber-brown eyes stared back, an electrifying thrill of tasting forbidden fruit fluttering in his chest.

Xie Wuchi was gentle, lingering in a long kiss until Shi Shu’s lips and tongue ached softly, a faint sense of familiarity stirring deep within.

Leaning against the wall as the winter snow fell silently around them, the world before Shi Shu’s eyes began to distort and blur. His consciousness grew light as snowflakes, the scenery drifting further and further away, until Shi Shu slowly blinked his eyes open.

Before him was a bedroom softly illuminated by a gentle aromatherapy lamp. Outside the window, snow drifted heavily in thick, grayish-white flurries, weighing down the branches until they bowed.

The world was blanketed in silver frost, muted and cold.

Scenes from a few nights ago when he had visited a bar with Xie Wuchi and witnessed other patrons hiring male hosts to dance flashed through his mind.

To think he had actually had such a dream!

Dreaming that Xie Wuchi had become a male host?

The streets, the bustling food stalls, the chilly tree-lined sidewalks—everything in the dream was so vivid and familiar. No wonder he had felt such an affinity for him.

Staring at the blank wall, sleep eluded him. Beside him, Xie Wuchi stirred awake as well.

Reaching out to circle his waist, he pulled Shi Shu a little closer into his chest: “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

“I just had a dream. Dreamed that you switched careers,” Shi Shu mumbled casually.

Xie Wuchi let out a low chuckle: “You like me like that, don’t you?”

Shi Shu: “?”

The next second, Shi Shu’s hand was taken, placed against Xie’s bare chest to roam as he pleased. Xie Wuchi had a habit of sleeping naked, wearing nothing to bed.

Stroking his burning skin and muscle, Xie Wuchi dipped his head to kiss him: “Alright. You may now exercise your rights as my patron.”

Ears burning crimson, whatever stubborn retorts Shi Shu wanted to throw back were thoroughly swallowed by the kisses sweeping through the winter night.