Chapter 4: Watching the Show

Qi Shen observed for two days and basically mastered Pei Xin's daily routine: he returns to the community around 6:30 pm, rests on the sofa for a while, plays with his phone, waits for food delivery, then takes a shower, watches TV, uses his phone, and by 10 pm, he would make a phone call or video chat with someone, then brush his teeth and go to sleep. A simple life, with no strange parts at all.

On Wednesday evening, Qi Shen took action. At 6:10 pm, he went downstairs with the bunny candy figure. He found a bench under building No.7 and kept his eyes on the entrance of the community.

Soon a woman and a little girl walked by the bench. The little girl saw the candy in Qi Shen's hand and clamored for it. The woman asked where he had bought it and Qi Shen answered, "Cultural Street". The woman explained to the girl, who started crying loudly on the floor. The woman tried to comfort her but failed.

Feeling slightly awkward, Qi Shen squatted down next to the girl and offered her the ears of the bunny candy figure. The little girl's face lit up immediately, tears twinkling in her eyes. She stood up, ready to take it, but the woman quickly stopped her, saying it wouldn't look nice after being broken. Qi Shen reassured her and the girl broke off a big chunk of the candy bunny's ear, thanking Qi Shen before leaving with the woman.

Ji Xinchen, who had been watching this from the entrance of building No.2, sighed - it's always easier for pretty girls, even the poker face Qi Shen could smile!

Ji Xinchen never drove on nights when he had a rehearsal or performance because inevitably, the band would have a few drinks, especially in the hot summer when they'd guzzle ice-cold beers during practice. That day, he happened to leave early and saw this little drama from his building's entrance. Just as he was about to pick up his bass and leave, another scene began.

When Pei Xin saw Qi Shen, his face was full of surprise, but it quickly faded. Qi Shen's arrival was unexpected, but on second thought, it made sense. When Pei Xin had recovered from the initial shock, Qi Shen walked over to him and extended his hand, saying, "I gave part of the bunny to a crying little girl, I hope you don't mind."

Pei Xin shook his head but didn't take the candy. "What are you doing here?"

"I want to make it up to you." Qi Shen withdrew his hand. "I know you can't accept our long-distance relationship. I've found a job here, and after the National Day holiday, I'll start working. We can meet every day then. I don't understand why you insisted on breaking up."

"It's too late, Qi Shen. You acted too late. I told you from the start that I couldn't accept a long-distance relationship. Either you moved here, or we didn't start. How did you respond then? And what did you do later? You were always looking for a 'suitable' job, either the position wasn't right, or the salary wasn't right. There's no 'suitable' job like your old one in such a big city, and no reason for you to accept a less 'suitable' job just to come here. Qi Shen, you've considered too much for yourself."

"But no matter what, I'm here now, aren't I?" Qi Shen grasped Pei Xin's forearm.

"It's too late..." Pei Xin sighed, "Let go."

"Give me a reason. I won't give up without one."

"There is no reason. I just don't like you anymore."

"I can't accept that."

Qi Shen's grip was too tight. Pei Xin was in pain. As he pushed Qi Shen away, he struggled to free his arm that was being held. "Let go! Be mindful, we're in public!"

"I'm sorry... did it hurt?" Qi Shen let go, attempting to gently touch Pei Xin's forearm, but Pei Xin dodged immediately.

"I need to go home. Don't look for me anymore. I won't look back." After saying that, Pei Xin passed Qi Shen and entered the door of Building No. 7.

Qi Shen froze for a few seconds, then lowered his head and threw the sugar painting into the trash can next to the building's entrance. He turned around and headed for Building No. 2.

Ji Xinchen suddenly realized that Qi Shen was going home. He quickly packed his bass and covered his face with the guitar head, walking towards the gate of the complex. He looked back after walking a fair distance, but the poker-faced figure was gone.

Ji Xinchen couldn't hear what the two had said, but from their expressions and body movements, he could guess the general situation.

No wonder he had rented an apartment in this complex, no wonder he watched the building across with binoculars. It turned out to be... for his ex-boyfriend? To get back together? Yeah, probably.

Ji Xinchen continued walking to the main gate while calling a car on his phone.

Unexpectedly, this poker-face was one of his kind... and he liked the cute and small kind of boys... never judge a book by its cover...

"Beep beep..."

Hearing the car horn, Ji Xinchen quickly looked at the license plate, confirmed it was the correct car and got in.

His agent was Lin Xuguang, who lived in a detached house with two garages, one of which had been converted into a practice room. It was equipped with air conditioning, but it was still hot because it had no windows.

When Ji Xinchen arrived, the other three were already there. He quickly connected his bass and effect processor and got ready.

As soon as the music stopped, Ji Xinchen took the initiative to speak before anyone else could criticize him: "I'm sorry, guys! You all had my sesame buns yesterday! No criticisms allowed!"

There were four members in the band: the lead singer and lead guitarist Yang Yu, rhythm guitarist Xiong Le, drummer Li Yi, and bassist Ji Xinchen. Ji Xinchen was the youngest at 25, and everyone indulged him.

The group rehearsed the songs to be performed on Friday night while joking around. After finishing, they returned to the villa to drink and chat. During this time, Ji Xinchen updated everyone on the gossip.

"Wait, the poker face guy?" Yang Yu's eyes widened, full of gossip.

"Yes, him! Yang Yu bro, he's about my height, all muscle, and his boyfriend...," Ji Xinchen turned to look at the thin Xiong Le, "Even smaller than Xiong Le!"

Xiong Le kicked Ji Xinchen, "Am I small? I'm 176 cm tall, okay?"

Yang Yu was laughing so hard he could barely catch his breath. "I'm telling you, this size difference is awesome! They could try so many positions that average people can't, hahaha..."

"What positions?" Lin Xuguang brought a plate of cut watermelon to the coffee table and ruffled Yang Yu's hair, "Should we try some?"

"Uh... uh..." Yang Yu cleared his throat, "No, nothing..."

Xiong Le and Li Yi were making faces at each other, then they said in unison, "So mushy..."

Ji Xinchen quickly ate a piece of watermelon and finished his beer. "I can't stand you two anymore. I'm leaving first."

Xiong Le also stood up, "I can't take it either. You two carry on with your sweet talk."

"Xiao Le, want to come to my place and play Switch?"

"Let's go."

"Alright, see you tomorrow." Ji Xinchen slung his bass on his back, pulled Xiong Le with one hand while yelling at Li Yi, "Aren't you leaving? You'll puke if you stick around!"

Xiong Le slung his guitar on his back and pushed Ji Xinchen out, "He's seen it for too many years. His tolerance is high, don't mind him. Let's go quickly."

As soon as Xiong Le finished speaking, a slipper flew and hit him on the back. Xiong Le turned back, made a face, and ran out the door.

"Le, aren't you off tomorrow?" As soon as they left the house, Ji Xinchen lit a cigarette.

"Yes, I'm off every Thursday lately."

"Great! If we can't decide the winner tonight, you'll stay at my place, and we'll continue the battle tomorrow!"

"Hmph! I'm not scared! Let's go!"