UD: C16

Chapter: 16 | Relax, I don't dislike you

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Relax, I don't dislike you

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This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Nodding, Xiao Huaisu then replied: "So it turns out the friend he mentioned was you." Which was even more unexpected as Xiao Huaisu actually knew Du Zhuo too.}
Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou ^[1], especially for him. Inside it he had added some scallops along with various other ingredients he pilfered from my fridge, and he made it using the pressure cooker, which meant that despite the fact it was only on the stove for a few minutes, I could already smell the enticing flavour it gave off. Smelling such a thing made me feel full of bliss, but also concerned. The bliss was due to me being lucky enough this gourmet meal, and the concerned stemmed from wondering if after Xiao Huaisu gets a taste of Qiao Damai's culinary skill, he might compare it to my own. Wouldn't he end up at the conclusion that my cooking skill is garbage? So this made me seek out the path to create an obstruction, but when that scent grew richer and gained more strength, I couldn't remember any of those concerns at all. The only thing that filled my head then was how I can steal more of this congee from Qiao Damai.

Nodding, Xiao Huaisu then replied: "So it turns out the friend he mentioned was you." Which was even more unexpected as Xiao Huaisu actually knew Du Zhuo too.

_N/A Nodding, Xiao Huaisu then replied: "So it turns out the friend he mentioned was you." Which was even more unexpected as Xiao Huaisu actually knew Du Zhuo too.

N/A

_{Du Zhuo didn't respond, instead looking at Qiao Damai to say: "It looks like it'll be snowing soon."}I'm so happy, I could cry.

Du Zhuo didn't respond, instead looking at Qiao Damai to say: "It looks like it'll be snowing soon."

_{Du Zhuo again in response simply stated: "Okay."}
Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"

Du Zhuo again in response simply stated: "Okay."

_{"Du Zhuo?"}After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."

"Du Zhuo?"

_{Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." {Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?}}Qiao Damai with a pair of chopsticks in his hand at this time was left stunned, confusion written all over his face as he tuned to look at Du Zhuo to ask: "Huh? Why would I go to your place?"

Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?

_{I then recalled him seeming to know Du Zhuo, so failing to restrain my curiosity, I asked: "You know him?"}
From far away, both Xiao Huaisu and I heard his mother-like tone, while Du Zhuo's own voice was calm and unrestrained. After Qiao Damai led him inside, before waiting for Qiao Damai to speak, Du Zhuo, noticing Xiao Huaisu beside me, uttered: "Professor?" the look in his eyes one overflowing with doubt.

I then recalled him seeming to know Du Zhuo, so failing to restrain my curiosity, I asked: "You know him?"

_{Relax, I don't dislike you}
Neither me nor Qiao Damai expected that Du Zhuo would know Xiao Huaisu. After all, he didn't attend the same university as the two of us.

Relax, I don't dislike you

_{This not only made me embarrassed in front of my male god, but forced me to stammer out awkwardly: "Ah— That's— Ah! Ha!"}
Nodding, Xiao Huaisu then replied: "So it turns out the friend he mentioned was you." Which was even more unexpected as Xiao Huaisu actually knew Du Zhuo too.

This not only made me embarrassed in front of my male god, but forced me to stammer out awkwardly: "Ah— That's— Ah! Ha!"

_{Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." {Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?}}Du Zhuo again in response simply stated: "Okay."

Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?

_{Chaozhou/Teochew/(lit)shaguo congee: (砂锅粥 - literal translation: Casserole porridge) is a seafood based congee dish made in a earthenware, but you can cheat and use a pressure cooker if you want to speed it up like our slowly being ensnared Damai (pic above).}"Sure."

Chaozhou/Teochew/(lit)shaguo congee: (砂锅粥 - literal translation: Casserole porridge) is a seafood based congee dish made in a earthenware, but you can cheat and use a pressure cooker if you want to speed it up like our slowly being ensnared Damai (pic above). It's popular in the Chaoshan region (Eastern Guangdong which is near the sea). Basic recipe in English here.[]2. This note is regarding the chapter title (我不嫌你), and when Xiao Huaisu said "I don't mind you", the phrase he used was tricky to pin down in English for me, given it had to imply something else to Li Tian. Contextually, he just said "I don't think you're dirty", "I don't mind your 'dirt'" or "I don't find you dirty" and trust when I say he does not *wink*. The overall gist is him not thinking there's anything gross or dirty about Li Tian or touching the rice on his mouth, but he left off the dirty at the end of his sentence since it could be implied from Li Tian's previous statement, leaving him saying: I don't mind you... I don't dislike you... I like you. Which is why Li Tian got all "swoony". But we know that sadist knows damn well what he's saying though. Sneaky bastard 🤣

_{Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou , especially for him.}
Du Zhuo threw a glance my way before turning his gaze to Qiao Damai who was currently bringing over a chair for him. Slowly walking over, he then sat down and said to Xiao Huaisu: "I came here to pick up and take him over to my place," never once asking Xiao Huaisu why he himself was here.

Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou , especially for him. Inside it he had added some scallops along with various other ingredients he pilfered from my fridge, and he made it using the pressure cooker, which meant that despite the fact it was only on the stove for a few minutes, I could already smell the enticing flavour it gave off. Smelling such a thing made me feel full of bliss, but also concerned. The bliss was due to me being lucky enough this gourmet meal, and the concerned stemmed from wondering if after Xiao Huaisu gets a taste of Qiao Damai's culinary skill, he might compare it to my own. Wouldn't he end up at the conclusion that my cooking skill is garbage? So this made me seek out the path to create an obstruction, but when that scent grew richer and gained more strength, I couldn't remember any of those concerns at all. The only thing that filled my head then was how I can steal more of this congee from Qiao Damai.

_{Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"}Xiao Huaisu withdrew his hand slowly, then said calmly: "Relax, I don't mind you. "

Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"

_{Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?}
Qiao Damai with a pair of chopsticks in his hand at this time was left stunned, confusion written all over his face as he tuned to look at Du Zhuo to ask: "Huh? Why would I go to your place?"

Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?

_{To this, in response, Du Zhuo simply stated: "Okay."}Qiao Damai was now burning with enthusiasm thanks to my words, nodding vigorously in response.

To this, in response, Du Zhuo simply stated: "Okay."

_{While we all ate the congee, none of us spoke a word. I looked over at Du Zhuo, then to Qiao Damai, and when I turned my head towards Xiao Huaisu he also turned to look at me. This made smile at him without thinking, and he lifted his hand, unable to stop himself from out then use his index finger to wipe the corner of my mouth.}I then recalled him seeming to know Du Zhuo, so failing to restrain my curiosity, I asked: "You know him?"

While we all ate the congee, none of us spoke a word. I looked over at Du Zhuo, then to Qiao Damai, and when I turned my head towards Xiao Huaisu he also turned to look at me. This made smile at him without thinking, and he lifted his hand, unable to stop himself from out then use his index finger to wipe the corner of my mouth.

_{Anyway, Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo left shoulder to shoulder after eating their congee. Following their departure, I noticed a significant amount of snow falling outside.}
Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?

Anyway, Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo left shoulder to shoulder after eating their congee. Following their departure, I noticed a significant amount of snow falling outside.

_"Yes."
Du Zhuo didn't respond, instead looking at Qiao Damai to say: "It looks like it'll be snowing soon."

"Yes."

_{|______^v^______|}"Don't eat any of the spicy fish, I made some chaozhou congee for you instead. After you eat it we'll leave."

|______^v^______|

_{Right then, I was again silent for the next three or four minutes, unable to sit still.}
Qiao Damai let out an oh, then anxiously asked: "Snow? But you're dressed in such thin layers, wouldn't it be a problem for you to go back alone like this? I'll take you back to your place later then, alright?" My eyes practically pooped out their sockets from beside them. When the heck did Qiao Damai become so attentive and considerate like a wife? Where did the man who gave off a boorish and unruly impression go? Could he be trying to compete with me for the title of most virtuous?

Right then, I was again silent for the next three or four minutes, unable to sit still.

_{He hummed in response, not saying any words.}To which I replied: "It looks really heavy, the first floor looks like its already covered in a thick layer."

He hummed in response, not saying any words.

_{From far away, both Xiao Huaisu and I heard his mother-like tone, while Du Zhuo's own voice was calm and unrestrained. After Qiao Damai led him inside, before waiting for Qiao Damai to speak, Du Zhuo, noticing Xiao Huaisu beside me, uttered: "Professor?" the look in his eyes one overflowing with doubt.}After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."

From far away, both Xiao Huaisu and I heard his mother-like tone, while Du Zhuo's own voice was calm and unrestrained. After Qiao Damai led him inside, before waiting for Qiao Damai to speak, Du Zhuo, noticing Xiao Huaisu beside me, uttered: "Professor?" the look in his eyes one overflowing with doubt.

_{Du Zhuo didn't respond, instead looking at Qiao Damai to say: "It looks like it'll be snowing soon."}
To this, in response, Du Zhuo simply stated: "Okay."

Du Zhuo didn't respond, instead looking at Qiao Damai to say: "It looks like it'll be snowing soon."

_{He hummed in response, not saying any words.}"Yes."

He hummed in response, not saying any words.

_{While we all ate the congee, none of us spoke a word. I looked over at Du Zhuo, then to Qiao Damai, and when I turned my head towards Xiao Huaisu he also turned to look at me. This made smile at him without thinking, and he lifted his hand, unable to stop himself from out then use his index finger to wipe the corner of my mouth.}
"Don't eat any of the spicy fish, I made some chaozhou congee for you instead. After you eat it we'll leave."

While we all ate the congee, none of us spoke a word. I looked over at Du Zhuo, then to Qiao Damai, and when I turned my head towards Xiao Huaisu he also turned to look at me. This made smile at him without thinking, and he lifted his hand, unable to stop himself from out then use his index finger to wipe the corner of my mouth.

_{Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"}But while I was fixing up my bed, I gradually began feeling as if something was... off. I couldn't understand where this feeling came from, however, I was never fond of making things difficult for myself, so since I can't put my finger on it, I simply allowed those thoughts to fade away, no longer continuing to try to figure out what was so off.

Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"

_{The warmth of his touch still lingered on my skin, so after collecting myself, I hurriedly put down my bowl, picked up a napkin, and helped him wipe his hands as I complained: "That's really dirty, you should've just told me instead and I would've wiped it myself."}
Du Zhuo again in response simply stated: "Okay."

The warmth of his touch still lingered on my skin, so after collecting myself, I hurriedly put down my bowl, picked up a napkin, and helped him wipe his hands as I complained: "That's really dirty, you should've just told me instead and I would've wiped it myself."

_{He hummed in response, not saying any words.}
After eating the spicy fish, I cleared the table and the congee was out the pot. When Qiao Damai was in the kitchen plating out the congee, I was scrubbing the pot next to him so I asked: "I remember you dragging me along the last time you went to see him, but now you're planning to go with him like that? What's going on between you two?"

He hummed in response, not saying any words.

_{Qiao Damai was now burning with enthusiasm thanks to my words, nodding vigorously in response.}He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."

Qiao Damai was now burning with enthusiasm thanks to my words, nodding vigorously in response.

_{Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou , especially for him.}He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."

Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou , especially for him. Inside it he had added some scallops along with various other ingredients he pilfered from my fridge, and he made it using the pressure cooker, which meant that despite the fact it was only on the stove for a few minutes, I could already smell the enticing flavour it gave off. Smelling such a thing made me feel full of bliss, but also concerned. The bliss was due to me being lucky enough this gourmet meal, and the concerned stemmed from wondering if after Xiao Huaisu gets a taste of Qiao Damai's culinary skill, he might compare it to my own. Wouldn't he end up at the conclusion that my cooking skill is garbage? So this made me seek out the path to create an obstruction, but when that scent grew richer and gained more strength, I couldn't remember any of those concerns at all. The only thing that filled my head then was how I can steal more of this congee from Qiao Damai.

_{Although Xiao Huaisu said it bluntly, and there was nothing in his words to daydream about, I still held the tiniest bit of sweetness in my heart as I held onto my bowl, quietly pecking at my congee like a little chicken, while savouring the aftertaste of that line: I don't mind you.}
The tone he used was dripping with guilt and remorse as he explained: "You don't understand, his body isn't well. Back then, I had overheard his nurse saying it was caused by what happened to him earlier. I put it together that it must've been on the day we made a date for, when he was left outside in the wind and pouring rain, being the reason his health is worse than it was before so I feel sorry, and always wanted to make up for the damage I caused him. But even though he seems cold on the outside, he's actually really nice. Even after I explained the whole situation to him, he didn't hold any grudges against me, he's not even mad at me."

Although Xiao Huaisu said it bluntly, and there was nothing in his words to daydream about, I still held the tiniest bit of sweetness in my heart as I held onto my bowl, quietly pecking at my congee like a little chicken, while savouring the aftertaste of that line: I don't mind you.

_{Du Zhuo threw a glance my way before turning his gaze to Qiao Damai who was currently bringing over a chair for him. Slowly walking over, he then sat down and said to Xiao Huaisu: "I came here to pick up and take him over to my place," never once asking Xiao Huaisu why he himself was here.}
And so you take very good care of him. I wiped my hands, instantly understanding his every move. Patting him on the shoulder, I picked up two bowls of congee and said: "There's nothing wrong about flirting with girls, you know? But next tome, don't act so impulsively. You're really lucky you met such a good person, otherwise you may have run into someone that would've beaten you up."

Du Zhuo threw a glance my way before turning his gaze to Qiao Damai who was currently bringing over a chair for him. Slowly walking over, he then sat down and said to Xiao Huaisu: "I came here to pick up and take him over to my place," never once asking Xiao Huaisu why he himself was here.

_{His blunt reply made me breathe a sigh of relief. Showing him a grateful smile, I stood up while saying: "I'll go make up the bed for you.}Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou , especially for him. Inside it he had added some scallops along with various other ingredients he pilfered from my fridge, and he made it using the pressure cooker, which meant that despite the fact it was only on the stove for a few minutes, I could already smell the enticing flavour it gave off. Smelling such a thing made me feel full of bliss, but also concerned. The bliss was due to me being lucky enough this gourmet meal, and the concerned stemmed from wondering if after Xiao Huaisu gets a taste of Qiao Damai's culinary skill, he might compare it to my own. Wouldn't he end up at the conclusion that my cooking skill is garbage? So this made me seek out the path to create an obstruction, but when that scent grew richer and gained more strength, I couldn't remember any of those concerns at all. The only thing that filled my head then was how I can steal more of this congee from Qiao Damai.

His blunt reply made me breathe a sigh of relief. Showing him a grateful smile, I stood up while saying: "I'll go make up the bed for you." Originally I was planning to let Qiao Damai sleep in the living room, but seeing how my guest was now Xiao Huaisu, do you think there's any way I would let him sleep in the living room? Does this look like a joke? Does it look like I'm not planning on chasing him?!

_{Qiao Damai let out an oh, then anxiously asked: "Snow? But you're dressed in such thin layers, wouldn't it be a problem for you to go back alone like this? I'll take you back to your place later then, alright?" My eyes practically pooped out their sockets from beside them. When the heck did Qiao Damai become so attentive and considerate like a wife? Where did the man who gave off a boorish and unruly impression go? Could he be trying to compete with me for the title of most virtuous?.}
Thinking about it seriously for a while, Qiao Damai then nodded and said: "I won't flirt with girls anymore. I already got a trauma from flirting, I'm good."

Qiao Damai let out an oh, then anxiously asked: "Snow? But you're dressed in such thin layers, wouldn't it be a problem for you to go back alone like this? I'll take you back to your place later then, alright?" My eyes practically pooped out their sockets from beside them. When the heck did Qiao Damai become so attentive and considerate like a wife? Where did the man who gave off a boorish and unruly impression go? Could he be trying to compete with me for the title of most virtuous?

_{He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."}From far away, both Xiao Huaisu and I heard his mother-like tone, while Du Zhuo's own voice was calm and unrestrained. After Qiao Damai led him inside, before waiting for Qiao Damai to speak, Du Zhuo, noticing Xiao Huaisu beside me, uttered: "Professor?" the look in his eyes one overflowing with doubt.

He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."

_{He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."}Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?

He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."

_{Hearing this made me console him: "That's all well and good. When trying to pursue someone seriously, it's necessary for you to build up yourself first.}
Hearing this made me console him: "That's all well and good. When trying to pursue someone seriously, it's necessary for you to build up yourself first. Since you're taking a break from trying to find anyone right now, you should just rest properly. After you're well rested, you can go fight the good fight once more. In this life, you must never lose your confidence, as only by facing life head on would you be considered a true warrior!"

Hearing this made me console him: "That's all well and good. When trying to pursue someone seriously, it's necessary for you to build up yourself first. Since you're taking a break from trying to find anyone right now, you should just rest properly. After you're well rested, you can go fight the good fight once more. In this life, you must never lose your confidence, as only by facing life head on would you be considered a true warrior!"

_{His blunt reply made me breathe a sigh of relief. Showing him a grateful smile, I stood up while saying: "I'll go make up the bed for you.} Chaozhou/Teochew/(lit)shaguo congee: (砂锅粥 - literal translation: Casserole porridge) is a seafood based congee dish made in a earthenware, but you can cheat and use a pressure cooker if you want to speed it up like our slowly being ensnared Damai (pic above). It's popular in the Chaoshan region (Eastern Guangdong which is near the sea). Basic recipe in English here.[]2. This note is regarding the chapter title (我不嫌你), and when Xiao Huaisu said "I don't mind you", the phrase he used was tricky to pin down in English for me, given it had to imply something else to Li Tian. Contextually, he just said "I don't think you're dirty", "I don't mind your 'dirt'" or "I don't find you dirty" and trust when I say he does not *wink*. The overall gist is him not thinking there's anything gross or dirty about Li Tian or touching the rice on his mouth, but he left off the dirty at the end of his sentence since it could be implied from Li Tian's previous statement, leaving him saying: I don't mind you... I don't dislike you... I like you. Which is why Li Tian got all "swoony". But we know that sadist knows damn well what he's saying though. Sneaky bastard 🤣

His blunt reply made me breathe a sigh of relief. Showing him a grateful smile, I stood up while saying: "I'll go make up the bed for you." Originally I was planning to let Qiao Damai sleep in the living room, but seeing how my guest was now Xiao Huaisu, do you think there's any way I would let him sleep in the living room? Does this look like a joke? Does it look like I'm not planning on chasing him?!

_{And so you take very good care of him. I wiped my hands, instantly understanding his every move. Patting him on the shoulder, I picked up two bowls of congee and said: "There's nothing wrong about flirting with girls, you know? But next tome, don't act so impulsively. You're really lucky you met such a good person, otherwise you may have run into someone that would've beaten you up."}
Qiao Damai was now burning with enthusiasm thanks to my words, nodding vigorously in response.

And so you take very good care of him. I wiped my hands, instantly understanding his every move. Patting him on the shoulder, I picked up two bowls of congee and said: "There's nothing wrong about flirting with girls, you know? But next tome, don't act so impulsively. You're really lucky you met such a good person, otherwise you may have run into someone that would've beaten you up."

_{Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." {Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?}}|______^v^______|

Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?

_{"Our university?"}
While we all ate the congee, none of us spoke a word. I looked over at Du Zhuo, then to Qiao Damai, and when I turned my head towards Xiao Huaisu he also turned to look at me. This made smile at him without thinking, and he lifted his hand, unable to stop himself from out then use his index finger to wipe the corner of my mouth.

"Our university?"

_{Nodding, Xiao Huaisu then replied: "So it turns out the friend he mentioned was you." Which was even more unexpected as Xiao Huaisu actually knew Du Zhuo too.}Du Zhuo threw a glance my way before turning his gaze to Qiao Damai who was currently bringing over a chair for him. Slowly walking over, he then sat down and said to Xiao Huaisu: "I came here to pick up and take him over to my place," never once asking Xiao Huaisu why he himself was here.

Nodding, Xiao Huaisu then replied: "So it turns out the friend he mentioned was you." Which was even more unexpected as Xiao Huaisu actually knew Du Zhuo too.

_{This meant my only option was to sleep in Li You's room and have my perfect guy sleep in mine.}
He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."

This meant my only option was to sleep in Li You's room and have my perfect guy sleep in mine.

_{But while I was fixing up my bed, I gradually began feeling as if something was... off. I couldn't understand where this feeling came from, however, I was never fond of making things difficult for myself, so since I can't put my finger on it, I simply allowed those thoughts to fade away, no longer continuing to try to figure out what was so off.}
This not only made me embarrassed in front of my male god, but forced me to stammer out awkwardly: "Ah— That's— Ah! Ha!"

But while I was fixing up my bed, I gradually began feeling as if something was... off. I couldn't understand where this feeling came from, however, I was never fond of making things difficult for myself, so since I can't put my finger on it, I simply allowed those thoughts to fade away, no longer continuing to try to figure out what was so off.

_{His blunt reply made me breathe a sigh of relief. Showing him a grateful smile, I stood up while saying: "I'll go make up the bed for you.}
The warmth of his touch still lingered on my skin, so after collecting myself, I hurriedly put down my bowl, picked up a napkin, and helped him wipe his hands as I complained: "That's really dirty, you should've just told me instead and I would've wiped it myself."

His blunt reply made me breathe a sigh of relief. Showing him a grateful smile, I stood up while saying: "I'll go make up the bed for you." Originally I was planning to let Qiao Damai sleep in the living room, but seeing how my guest was now Xiao Huaisu, do you think there's any way I would let him sleep in the living room? Does this look like a joke? Does it look like I'm not planning on chasing him?!

_{I then recalled him seeming to know Du Zhuo, so failing to restrain my curiosity, I asked: "You know him?"}Ah, that was too dangerous.

I then recalled him seeming to know Du Zhuo, so failing to restrain my curiosity, I asked: "You know him?"

_{Anyway, Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo left shoulder to shoulder after eating their congee. Following their departure, I noticed a significant amount of snow falling outside.}This meant my only option was to sleep in Li You's room and have my perfect guy sleep in mine.

Anyway, Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo left shoulder to shoulder after eating their congee. Following their departure, I noticed a significant amount of snow falling outside.

_{To this, in response, Du Zhuo simply stated: "Okay."}
Xiao Huaisu withdrew his hand slowly, then said calmly: "Relax, I don't mind you. "

To this, in response, Du Zhuo simply stated: "Okay."

_{When I was done sending them off, I closed the door, then excitedly said to Xiao Huaisu who was sitting on the sofa and in the middle of reading a book Li You left on the coffee table: "It's snowing outside!"}
Although Xiao Huaisu said it bluntly, and there was nothing in his words to daydream about, I still held the tiniest bit of sweetness in my heart as I held onto my bowl, quietly pecking at my congee like a little chicken, while savouring the aftertaste of that line: I don't mind you.

When I was done sending them off, I closed the door, then excitedly said to Xiao Huaisu who was sitting on the sofa and in the middle of reading a book Li You left on the coffee table: "It's snowing outside!"

_{"Our university?"}Ah, that was too dangerous.

"Our university?"

_{He hummed in response, not saying any words.}"Don't eat any of the spicy fish, I made some chaozhou congee for you instead. After you eat it we'll leave."

He hummed in response, not saying any words.

_{I'm so happy, I could cry.}
I'm so happy, I could cry.

I'm so happy, I could cry.

_"Yes."And so you take very good care of him. I wiped my hands, instantly understanding his every move. Patting him on the shoulder, I picked up two bowls of congee and said: "There's nothing wrong about flirting with girls, you know? But next tome, don't act so impulsively. You're really lucky you met such a good person, otherwise you may have run into someone that would've beaten you up."

"Yes."

_{After eating the spicy fish, I cleared the table and the congee was out the pot. When Qiao Damai was in the kitchen plating out the congee, I was scrubbing the pot next to him so I asked: "I remember you dragging me along the last time you went to see him, but now you're planning to go with him like that? What's going on between you two?"}
Anyway, Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo left shoulder to shoulder after eating their congee. Following their departure, I noticed a significant amount of snow falling outside.

After eating the spicy fish, I cleared the table and the congee was out the pot. When Qiao Damai was in the kitchen plating out the congee, I was scrubbing the pot next to him so I asked: "I remember you dragging me along the last time you went to see him, but now you're planning to go with him like that? What's going on between you two?"

_{In the midst of my hesitation, Xiao Huaisu finally put down the book, looking at me unhurriedly, with me also looking at him as he asked: "Is it snowing heavily?"}
When I was done sending them off, I closed the door, then excitedly said to Xiao Huaisu who was sitting on the sofa and in the middle of reading a book Li You left on the coffee table: "It's snowing outside!"

In the midst of my hesitation, Xiao Huaisu finally put down the book, looking at me unhurriedly, with me also looking at him as he asked: "Is it snowing heavily?"

_N/A To which I replied: "It looks really heavy, the first floor looks like its already covered in a thick layer."

N/A

_{Ah, that was too dangerous.}
He hummed in response, not saying any words.

Ah, that was too dangerous.

_{After eating the spicy fish, I cleared the table and the congee was out the pot. When Qiao Damai was in the kitchen plating out the congee, I was scrubbing the pot next to him so I asked: "I remember you dragging me along the last time you went to see him, but now you're planning to go with him like that? What's going on between you two?"}But while I was fixing up my bed, I gradually began feeling as if something was... off. I couldn't understand where this feeling came from, however, I was never fond of making things difficult for myself, so since I can't put my finger on it, I simply allowed those thoughts to fade away, no longer continuing to try to figure out what was so off.

After eating the spicy fish, I cleared the table and the congee was out the pot. When Qiao Damai was in the kitchen plating out the congee, I was scrubbing the pot next to him so I asked: "I remember you dragging me along the last time you went to see him, but now you're planning to go with him like that? What's going on between you two?"

_{The tone he used was dripping with guilt and remorse as he explained: "You don't understand, his body isn't well. Back then, I had overheard his nurse saying it was caused by what happened to him earlier.}
I then recalled him seeming to know Du Zhuo, so failing to restrain my curiosity, I asked: "You know him?"

The tone he used was dripping with guilt and remorse as he explained: "You don't understand, his body isn't well. Back then, I had overheard his nurse saying it was caused by what happened to him earlier. I put it together that it must've been on the day we made a date for, when he was left outside in the wind and pouring rain, being the reason his health is worse than it was before so I feel sorry, and always wanted to make up for the damage I caused him. But even though he seems cold on the outside, he's actually really nice. Even after I explained the whole situation to him, he didn't hold any grudges against me, he's not even mad at me."

_{Ah, why isn't he leaving?}
"Du Zhuo?"

Ah, why isn't he leaving?

_{Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"}I'm so happy, I could cry.

Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"

_{After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."}Ah, why isn't he leaving?

After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."

_{To which I replied: "It looks really heavy, the first floor looks like its already covered in a thick layer."}
I mumbled a yes, so he explained: "He applied to do his post graduate degree at A-University, and his advisor is a junior of mine so I met him on a couple of occasions."

To which I replied: "It looks really heavy, the first floor looks like its already covered in a thick layer."

_{Right then, I was again silent for the next three or four minutes, unable to sit still.}Du Zhuo didn't respond, instead looking at Qiao Damai to say: "It looks like it'll be snowing soon."

Right then, I was again silent for the next three or four minutes, unable to sit still.

_{After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."}
"Our university?"

After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."

_{"Du Zhuo?"}
"Yes."

"Du Zhuo?"

_"Sure."
Oh, so that's how it is.

"Sure."

_{Oh, so that's how it is.}
Right then, I was again silent for the next three or four minutes, unable to sit still.

Oh, so that's how it is.

_{Du Zhuo threw a glance my way before turning his gaze to Qiao Damai who was currently bringing over a chair for him. Slowly walking over, he then sat down and said to Xiao Huaisu: "I came here to pick up and take him over to my place," never once asking Xiao Huaisu why he himself was here.}"Don't eat any of the spicy fish, I made some chaozhou congee for you instead. After you eat it we'll leave."

Du Zhuo threw a glance my way before turning his gaze to Qiao Damai who was currently bringing over a chair for him. Slowly walking over, he then sat down and said to Xiao Huaisu: "I came here to pick up and take him over to my place," never once asking Xiao Huaisu why he himself was here.

_{He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."}
Ah, why isn't he leaving?

He then showed me the rice grain on his finger and said with ease: "You had some rice there."

_{When I was done sending them off, I closed the door, then excitedly said to Xiao Huaisu who was sitting on the sofa and in the middle of reading a book Li You left on the coffee table: "It's snowing outside!"}In the midst of my hesitation, Xiao Huaisu finally put down the book, looking at me unhurriedly, with me also looking at him as he asked: "Is it snowing heavily?"

When I was done sending them off, I closed the door, then excitedly said to Xiao Huaisu who was sitting on the sofa and in the middle of reading a book Li You left on the coffee table: "It's snowing outside!"

_N/A He hummed in response, not saying any words.

N/A

_{Thinking about it seriously for a while, Qiao Damai then nodded and said: "I won't flirt with girls anymore. I already got a trauma from flirting, I'm good."}
In the midst of my hesitation, Xiao Huaisu finally put down the book, looking at me unhurriedly, with me also looking at him as he asked: "Is it snowing heavily?"

Thinking about it seriously for a while, Qiao Damai then nodded and said: "I won't flirt with girls anymore. I already got a trauma from flirting, I'm good."

_{Hearing him say this made me hurriedly suggest: "How about you stay here with me tonight? It's already this late, and it's snowing outside—that's very unsafe!" Afraid he would still insist on leaving, I looked at him nervously after I spoke, just itching to grip his hands tightly and say: {Comrade, life is precious. You must treasure it properly, alright!}}Right then, I was again silent for the next three or four minutes, unable to sit still.

Hearing him say this made me hurriedly suggest: "How about you stay here with me tonight? It's already this late, and it's snowing outside—that's very unsafe!" Afraid he would still insist on leaving, I looked at him nervously after I spoke, just itching to grip his hands tightly and say: Comrade, life is precious. You must treasure it properly, alright!

_{"Don't eat any of the spicy fish, I made some chaozhou congee for you instead. After you eat it we'll leave."}
To which I replied: "It looks really heavy, the first floor looks like its already covered in a thick layer."

"Don't eat any of the spicy fish, I made some chaozhou congee for you instead. After you eat it we'll leave."

_{In the midst of my hesitation, Xiao Huaisu finally put down the book, looking at me unhurriedly, with me also looking at him as he asked: "Is it snowing heavily?"}He hummed in response, not saying any words.

In the midst of my hesitation, Xiao Huaisu finally put down the book, looking at me unhurriedly, with me also looking at him as he asked: "Is it snowing heavily?"

_{From far away, both Xiao Huaisu and I heard his mother-like tone, while Du Zhuo's own voice was calm and unrestrained. After Qiao Damai led him inside, before waiting for Qiao Damai to speak, Du Zhuo, noticing Xiao Huaisu beside me, uttered: "Professor?" the look in his eyes one overflowing with doubt.}
After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."

From far away, both Xiao Huaisu and I heard his mother-like tone, while Du Zhuo's own voice was calm and unrestrained. After Qiao Damai led him inside, before waiting for Qiao Damai to speak, Du Zhuo, noticing Xiao Huaisu beside me, uttered: "Professor?" the look in his eyes one overflowing with doubt.

_{Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou , especially for him.}"Du Zhuo?"

Almost ten minutes later, outside my house, Du Zhuo's dark form appeared. To welcome him, Qiao Damai made some chaozhou , especially for him. Inside it he had added some scallops along with various other ingredients he pilfered from my fridge, and he made it using the pressure cooker, which meant that despite the fact it was only on the stove for a few minutes, I could already smell the enticing flavour it gave off. Smelling such a thing made me feel full of bliss, but also concerned. The bliss was due to me being lucky enough this gourmet meal, and the concerned stemmed from wondering if after Xiao Huaisu gets a taste of Qiao Damai's culinary skill, he might compare it to my own. Wouldn't he end up at the conclusion that my cooking skill is garbage? So this made me seek out the path to create an obstruction, but when that scent grew richer and gained more strength, I couldn't remember any of those concerns at all. The only thing that filled my head then was how I can steal more of this congee from Qiao Damai.

_{Hearing him say this made me hurriedly suggest: "How about you stay here with me tonight? It's already this late, and it's snowing outside—that's very unsafe!" Afraid he would still insist on leaving, I looked at him nervously after I spoke, just itching to grip his hands tightly and say: Comrade, life is precious. You must treasure it properly, alright!}
Ah, that was too dangerous.

Hearing him say this made me hurriedly suggest: "How about you stay here with me tonight? It's already this late, and it's snowing outside—that's very unsafe!" Afraid he would still insist on leaving, I looked at him nervously after I spoke, just itching to grip his hands tightly and say: Comrade, life is precious. You must treasure it properly, alright!

_{Qiao Damai let out an oh, then anxiously asked: "Snow? But you're dressed in such thin layers, wouldn't it be a problem for you to go back alone like this? I'll take you back to your place later then, alright?" My eyes practically pooped out their sockets from beside them. When the heck did Qiao Damai become so attentive and considerate like a wife? Where did the man who gave off a boorish and unruly impression go? Could he be trying to compete with me for the title of most virtuous?.}Xiao Huaisu withdrew his hand slowly, then said calmly: "Relax, I don't mind you. "

Qiao Damai let out an oh, then anxiously asked: "Snow? But you're dressed in such thin layers, wouldn't it be a problem for you to go back alone like this? I'll take you back to your place later then, alright?" My eyes practically pooped out their sockets from beside them. When the heck did Qiao Damai become so attentive and considerate like a wife? Where did the man who gave off a boorish and unruly impression go? Could he be trying to compete with me for the title of most virtuous?

_{Qiao Damai with a pair of chopsticks in his hand at this time was left stunned, confusion written all over his face as he tuned to look at Du Zhuo to ask: "Huh? Why would I go to your place?"}Anyway, Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo left shoulder to shoulder after eating their congee. Following their departure, I noticed a significant amount of snow falling outside.

Qiao Damai with a pair of chopsticks in his hand at this time was left stunned, confusion written all over his face as he tuned to look at Du Zhuo to ask: "Huh? Why would I go to your place?"

_{|______^v^______|}
Hearing him say this made me hurriedly suggest: "How about you stay here with me tonight? It's already this late, and it's snowing outside—that's very unsafe!" Afraid he would still insist on leaving, I looked at him nervously after I spoke, just itching to grip his hands tightly and say: Comrade, life is precious. You must treasure it properly, alright!

|______^v^______|

_{{Oh, so that's how it is.}}|______^v^______|

Oh, so that's how it is.

_{Neither me nor Qiao Damai expected that Du Zhuo would know Xiao Huaisu. After all, he didn't attend the same university as the two of us.}
"Sure."

Neither me nor Qiao Damai expected that Du Zhuo would know Xiao Huaisu. After all, he didn't attend the same university as the two of us.

_{I mumbled a yes, so he explained: "He applied to do his post graduate degree at A-University, and his advisor is a junior of mine so I met him on a couple of occasions."}Qiao Damai was now burning with enthusiasm thanks to my words, nodding vigorously in response.

I mumbled a yes, so he explained: "He applied to do his post graduate degree at A-University, and his advisor is a junior of mine so I met him on a couple of occasions."

_{|______^v^______|}Qiao Damai was now burning with enthusiasm thanks to my words, nodding vigorously in response.

|______^v^______|

_{Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"}
His blunt reply made me breathe a sigh of relief. Showing him a grateful smile, I stood up while saying: "I'll go make up the bed for you." Originally I was planning to let Qiao Damai sleep in the living room, but seeing how my guest was now Xiao Huaisu, do you think there's any way I would let him sleep in the living room? Does this look like a joke? Does it look like I'm not planning on chasing him?!

Seeing Du Zhuo's travel worn body, as well as the chill that came in when he entered, Qiao Damai attentively helped him change out of his coat and shoes, muttering afterwards: "Why are you loitering about at this hour of the night, huh? Have you eaten?"

_{"Du Zhuo?"}Hearing this made me console him: "That's all well and good. When trying to pursue someone seriously, it's necessary for you to build up yourself first. Since you're taking a break from trying to find anyone right now, you should just rest properly. After you're well rested, you can go fight the good fight once more. In this life, you must never lose your confidence, as only by facing life head on would you be considered a true warrior!"

"Du Zhuo?"

_{I mumbled a yes, so he explained: "He applied to do his post graduate degree at A-University, and his advisor is a junior of mine so I met him on a couple of occasions."}
This meant my only option was to sleep in Li You's room and have my perfect guy sleep in mine.

I mumbled a yes, so he explained: "He applied to do his post graduate degree at A-University, and his advisor is a junior of mine so I met him on a couple of occasions."

_{Qiao Damai let out an oh, then anxiously asked: "Snow? But you're dressed in such thin layers, wouldn't it be a problem for you to go back alone like this? I'll take you back to your place later then, alright?" My eyes practically pooped out their sockets from beside them. When the heck did Qiao Damai become so attentive and considerate like a wife? Where did the man who gave off a boorish and unruly impression go? Could he be trying to compete with me for the title of most virtuous?.}Even though I was amazed at how quickly the relationship between them had advanced to this degree, putting down my cup of juice, I couldn't help from interjecting: "But Qiao Damai is spending the night at my place, I even prepared a blanket for him and everything." Can't you all see how considerate I am? Especially you Professor Xiao Huaisu, can't you see how virtuous I am?

Qiao Damai let out an oh, then anxiously asked: "Snow? But you're dressed in such thin layers, wouldn't it be a problem for you to go back alone like this? I'll take you back to your place later then, alright?" My eyes practically pooped out their sockets from beside them. When the heck did Qiao Damai become so attentive and considerate like a wife? Where did the man who gave off a boorish and unruly impression go? Could he be trying to compete with me for the title of most virtuous?

_{Xiao Huaisu withdrew his hand slowly, then said calmly: "Relax, I don't mind you. "}
But while I was fixing up my bed, I gradually began feeling as if something was... off. I couldn't understand where this feeling came from, however, I was never fond of making things difficult for myself, so since I can't put my finger on it, I simply allowed those thoughts to fade away, no longer continuing to try to figure out what was so off.

Xiao Huaisu withdrew his hand slowly, then said calmly: "Relax, I don't mind you. "

_{Chaozhou/Teochew/(lit)shaguo congee: (砂锅粥 - literal translation: Casserole porridge) is a seafood based congee dish made in a earthenware, but you can cheat and use a pressure cooker if you want to speed it up like our slowly being ensnared Damai (pic above).}
|______^v^______|

Chaozhou/Teochew/(lit)shaguo congee: (砂锅粥 - literal translation: Casserole porridge) is a seafood based congee dish made in a earthenware, but you can cheat and use a pressure cooker if you want to speed it up like our slowly being ensnared Damai (pic above). It's popular in the Chaoshan region (Eastern Guangdong which is near the sea). Basic recipe in English here.[]2. This note is regarding the chapter title (我不嫌你), and when Xiao Huaisu said "I don't mind you", the phrase he used was tricky to pin down in English for me, given it had to imply something else to Li Tian. Contextually, he just said "I don't think you're dirty", "I don't mind your 'dirt'" or "I don't find you dirty" and trust when I say he does not *wink*. The overall gist is him not thinking there's anything gross or dirty about Li Tian or touching the rice on his mouth, but he left off the dirty at the end of his sentence since it could be implied from Li Tian's previous statement, leaving him saying: I don't mind you... I don't dislike you... I like you. Which is why Li Tian got all "swoony". But we know that sadist knows damn well what he's saying though. Sneaky bastard 🤣

_{After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."}When I was done sending them off, I closed the door, then excitedly said to Xiao Huaisu who was sitting on the sofa and in the middle of reading a book Li You left on the coffee table: "It's snowing outside!"

After heard me, he seemed to as if he was talking to himself, saying: "I never got a chance to switch the tires on my car to the anti-skid ones, so I have no idea if that could cause trouble on the way back..."

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. Chaozhou/Teochew/(lit)shaguo congee: (砂锅粥 - literal translation: Casserole porridge) is a seafood based congee dish made in a earthenware, but you can cheat and use a pressure cooker if you want to speed it up like our s{lowly being ensnared }Damai (pic above). It's popular in the Chaoshan region (Eastern Guangdong which is near the sea). Basic recipe in English here.

2. This note is regarding the chapter title (我不嫌你), and when Xiao Huaisu said "I don't mind you", the phrase he used was tricky to pin down in English for me, given it had to imply something else to Li Tian. Contextually, he just said "I don't think you're dirty", "I don't mind your 'dirt'" or "I don't find you dirty" and trust when I say he does not *wink*. The overall gist is him not thinking there's anything gross or dirty about Li Tian or touching the rice on his mouth, but he left off the dirty at the end of his sentence since it could be implied from Li Tian's previous statement, leaving him saying: I don't mind {you}... I don't dislike you... I {like} you. Which is why Li Tian got all "swoony". But we know that sadist knows damn well what he's saying though. Sneaky bastard 🤣

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