The older man actually asked for photos. Regardless of whether it was out of comfort or sympathy, given his normally proper demeanor, asking proactively must carry a hint of flirtation.
Wen Moxue had no intention of refusing. He immediately promised to take photos for him once he got home.
He had been in a gloomy mood, but Fu Cheng’s request revived him instantly. As soon as he got home, he began preparing.
To attract Fu Cheng, he had recently bought several pieces of women’s clothing. After all, it was Fu Cheng's own money, so he did not feel guilty.
After dressing, he searched online for seductive poses and spent half an hour in front of the mirror before he was satisfied. Then he sent the photos to Fu Cheng.
A Xiao Li: Brother, this is how I looked outside today.
A Xiao Li: But I also prepared a surprise for you inside (////▽////)
Wen Moxue sent a photo showing him in a long coat, revealing only a portion of his sock-covered calf.
Fu: What surprise?
The bait was taken. Wen Moxue sent a few more photos.
A Xiao Li: Do I look good? Only you can see this, brother.
The coat was unbuttoned, revealing a beautiful black mini skirt underneath. He wore knee-high socks with strap accents. Above the socks, his pale skin was wrapped with the straps, subtly emphasizing the shape of his legs. The outfit made his otherwise plain legs appear striking and provocative.
He even took a kneeling photo, one hand holding the phone and the other gripping the skirt as if to prevent it from slipping. His pose was extremely seductive, yet his clear, innocent eyes looked away from the camera, making it impossible not to imagine teasing him.
A Xiao Li: [Cat covering eyes GIF]
A Xiao Li: Do I look good, brother? (shy)
Fu: Mm.
Fu: I have seen it. Very good. You are not feeling well, so go to bed early.
Wen Moxue: ???
Wait, this was his reaction after all that effort?
It felt as perfunctory as submitting a routine report to a middle-aged man.
Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous.
Reluctantly, Wen Moxue said goodnight to Fu Cheng.
Living off-campus had its perks, comfort and freedom but also a downside. He had to wake up about ten minutes earlier than usual to get to class.
Ten minutes might not sound like much, but for a college student, it was more crippling than staying up an extra hour.
He used to arrive a few minutes early for class, but now he only made it in time for the bell.
As a result, he missed the class roster for the upcoming sports meet.
Their major was in liberal arts, so there were few boys. Every male student had to participate in every event. Wen Moxue hated sports and used to just coast through shot put and long jump.
This year, the available events were only the 1500 meters, 3000 meters, and 5000 meters runs.
Shuyan quickly claimed the 1500 meters, leaving Wen Moxue no choice but to sign up for the 3000 meters.
Even the 1500 meters would have been difficult.
He also had bad news regarding the teahouse. He had left abruptly the other day, so there was a chance Wen Heng might become suspicious, send someone to check on him, or even confront him personally.
He did not want Wen Heng discovering his cross-dressing side job, which could give him leverage or create gossip.
Practicing running gave him a valid excuse to take time off. Even if Wen Heng was suspicious, missing work for half a month would not appear deliberate.
Wen Moxue began running reluctantly.
He was not in shape. After four and a half laps, about 1400 meters, he felt close to collapse. His legs gave out, and he fell onto the soft grass, his throat burning as if on fire, every breath like smoke.
Thinking about the remaining distance, his vision went black. He even considered falling and injuring himself to escape.
At that moment, a bottle of energy drink was handed to him. A male voice said from above, “It is not a good idea to lie down right after running. You will feel worse tomorrow if you do.”
Wen Moxue looked up. A handsome, dark-skinned, muscular guy handed him the drink. Clearly an athlete.
“Thanks, but I have water with me.”
“You need some energy drink to recover faster.” The boy sat beside him and handed him the can. “Here, take it. Don’t be polite.”
Unable to refuse, Wen Moxue drank. The cool liquid traveled down his throat and into his stomach, bringing a sense of relief.
“Thanks.”
“Did you sign up for a long-distance run?” the boy asked.
“Yes, 3000 meters.”
“You are not used to long runs. Your stamina is limited. It will be hard to finish. I can teach you some techniques that might help.”
Wen Moxue’s eyes lit up. “What techniques?”
The boy smiled. “Your energy is already depleted today. Meet me here tomorrow evening, and I will show you.”
“Fine,” Wen Moxue agreed gratefully. “I am counting on you to save me.”
He continued, “With today’s effort, your muscles will be sore tomorrow. Give me your WeChat. I will send a video so you can train at home and avoid soreness.”
Wen Moxue had never heard of this. He did not have his phone on him. As he was about to give his number, Shuyan, who had given up after three laps, approached holding Wen Moxue’s phone.
He took it, scanned the boy’s WeChat QR code, and added him. They agreed to meet the next day. The boy left.
“Tsk, tsk. He seems interested in you,” Shuyan teased. “Good body, strong stamina. I didn’t expect him to be gay.”
“You know him?” Wen Moxue asked.
“Of course. He’s He Rao from the sports department, the dream crush for freshmen.”
Wen Moxue had no idea.
Shuyan smirked. “They say he is well-endowed. People have seen him in tight workout clothes. You can check for yourself.”
Wen Moxue: “...”
Unfortunately, he had no interest. His focus was entirely on Fu Cheng.
—
The next day, Wen Moxue and Shuyan went to the field. He Rao was already waiting.
His “long-distance running tips” were clearly his own training experience, but they worked. Wen Moxue managed 2000 meters before collapsing.
“The last stretch is always the hardest,” He Rao said, handing him a bottle. “Take it slow. In a few days, you can run the whole distance without stopping.”
“Thanks.” Wen Moxue drank and asked, “Shall we eat after training? Baihui Mall has a barbecue place. Come with us?”
He Rao had helped them; it was polite to be invited.
They planned that Wen Moxue would pay today, and Shuyan later.
Baihui Mall was relatively upscale. The barbecue restaurant cost about 300 yuan per person. Wen Moxue normally would not have spent that, but recent work earnings made it possible.
“Sure,” He Rao agreed.
“Let’s shower and change. Meet at the East Gate at seven.”
“Okay.”
The mall was not far. Wen Moxue planned to take a cab, but an Audi A5 stopped in front of them. The horn honked.
He thought he was in the way but saw He Rao smiling from the driver’s window.
“Get in.”
“Wow,” Shuyan raised an eyebrow. “Your own car?”
He Rao blushed. “My family bought it.”
Shuyan nudged Wen Moxue. “You take the passenger seat.”
Wen Moxue got in, aware He Rao liked him. He could not refuse and pretended not to notice. The training was only for a few days; they likely would not meet again.
—
Parking was difficult. He Rao dropped them at the entrance and went to park.
Since it was not the weekend, the mall was not crowded. They took the escalator to the third floor.
Meanwhile, Fu Cheng, finishing dinner with a client, was on the escalator with his entourage.
The client, deep in discussion, noticed Fu Cheng’s gaze fix on something. Following his eyes, they saw a beautiful young man.
Wen Moxue and Shuyan also noticed them immediately.
In that instant, Wen Moxue thought: This is it!
Were they going to be discovered?
“Don’t look at him. Act casual and talk to me,” Shuyan whispered.
Wen Moxue performed his best act. His glance landed briefly on Fu Cheng, then, embarrassed, he looked away, whispering with Shuyan.
The seconds stretched like hours. He remained calm outside, though his palms were sweating.
Finally, the escalator reached the top. Wen Moxue’s legs felt weak.
He restrained the urge to look back and hurried toward the barbecue restaurant with Shuyan. “Do you think he recognized me?”
“Probably not…”
Before Shuyan could finish, a voice called: “Wait, you two students!”
Both froze as polished leather shoes approached quickly. A well-dressed man caught up.
“Excuse me,” the man smiled politely. “Our boss, the handsome gentleman you saw on the escalator likes you. Can I have your WeChat?”
He was actually an assistant, not Fu Cheng’s subordinate. But Wen Moxue did not know he had obtained the number from the restaurant using a clever trick.
The assistant’s approach startled Wen Moxue, but he kept calm. “Sorry, I have a boyfriend. He does not like me adding other guys.”
“Okay, sorry to bother you.” The man left.
They both exhaled in relief.
Shuyan held his chest. “I almost had a heart attack.”
Wen Moxue also broke into a cold sweat.
Being recognized would have ruined everything and could have led to the police.
They reached the restaurant and took a private room. He Rao had not arrived yet, so no orders were placed.
Wen Moxue anxiously asked: “What if Fu Cheng suspects something and investigates me?”
“Easy. Do you have any photos on your phone? Send one to him. Pretend you are at home.”
Wen Moxue opened his album. The photos he had taken in women’s clothes were deleted after sending to prevent accidental exposure.
He scrolled for any cosplay photos that could substitute.
Shuyan spotted one. “Stop scrolling. The one just above. That’s it.”
Wen Moxue saw it and blushed immediately.
It was a photo of him with his underwear partially removed.
Previously, he had a red bump and asked Shuyan to photograph it. He had deleted it but apparently, Shuyan kept a copy.
The photo highlighted his narrow, pale waist and feminine curves. He had bent slightly and arched his hips to show it clearly.
Now, it looked provocatively seductive. The pale skin and small red bump even added an unintentionally suggestive element.
“No! I am not sending this.” Wen Moxue firmly refused.
Sending this photo would be disastrous.