Chapter 7

Xin Chun said, "Not bad. We got along quite well. She's a very lovely girl named Miko. I also happened to have something to discuss with you, Owen."

"What is it?" Owen's eyes darkened for a moment.

"Miko is in the same major as me. I asked her some academic questions, and her foundational knowledge is solid. Isn't Ivy still looking for interns? I'd like to recommend Miko."

Owen said, "Sure. You can contact Ivy when the time comes."

"Thank you, Owen."

"You're welcome."

Xin Chun said, "It's getting late. I'll go check whether your clothes have dried."

With that, he got up and left the living room.

Owen glanced at the rain still pouring outside.

Before long, Xin Chun came out with the dried jacket and shirt. Owen took them and changed into them.

"I'll walk you out." Xin Chun picked up another umbrella.

"Woof." Seeing that Xin Chun appeared to be going out, Handsome Star trotted over and circled him once, its big tail brushing against his leg. It clearly wanted to go along too.

Xin Chun pressed a hand to the dog's head. "Be good. Stay put. I'll be right back."

Handsome Star obediently sat down.

"Let's go, Owen." Xin Chun raised his head and smiled at Owen.

The two of them each took an umbrella and headed outside. Along the way, Owen chatted with Xin Chun for a few moments before casually asking, "Can you drive?"

"I can't. I've always wanted to learn, but I never had the time."

"Mm." Owen nodded. They happened to reach the car then, so he said nothing more.

Xin Chun watched him get into the car, intending to wait until he drove away before returning home.

Unexpectedly, the car started, then suddenly stalled again. After a while, Owen rolled down the window and said, "The car has broken down."

Xin Chun walked over beneath his umbrella, frowning with concern. "What should we do?"

Owen said, "I probably can't drive it back. Can we get a taxi nearby?"

Xin Chun shook his head. "This area is rather remote, and it's raining heavily today. There weren't many taxis in Jingu Town to begin with."

It would be even harder to spot one now.

Of course they couldn't get a taxi.

Owen's expression turned somewhat troubled at that.

Xin Chun said, "Why don't you stay at my place tonight? We can figure out how to repair the car tomorrow morning. But there's only one bed at home, Owen. You might have to squeeze in with me. You don't mind, do you?"

There were two bedrooms, but after his grandfather passed away, he had turned the other one into a study to store some things.

The corner of Owen's lips lifted. "Why would I mind?"

I'd be delighted.

The two of them had gone out only to come back again. Handsome Star tilted its head, occupying its spot on the sofa as it wagged its tail and opened its mouth in a yawn.

"I'll go tidy up the bedroom first," Xin Chun said.

"Okay."

Handsome Star jumped down from the sofa and eagerly followed him into the bedroom.

Humming a tune, Xin Chun first dug out a new set of bedding and made the bed. Then he shoved the dark green handkerchief on the bedside table and the black driver's license from the drawer into the very bottom of the wardrobe.

Yes, Xin Chun could drive, and he had gotten his driver's license long ago.

After hiding them away, Xin Chun held Handsome Star's head and rubbed it, chuckling softly. "Tell me, did Owen's car really break down?"

What a coincidence. He didn't believe it.

As for the handkerchief, once it had reached him, it was his. How could he possibly let Owen take it back?

Even if that man remembered, he would not bring it up voluntarily. Otherwise, what excuse would they have to spend time together next time?

When Xin Chun came out, he happened to see Owen hanging up the phone.

"It's the car. Ivy will come deal with it tomorrow."

Xin Chun hummed and handed him a set of pajamas. "Go take a hot shower. Turn it to the right for hot water. The toothbrush is new, and it's on the sink with a cup."

Owen said, "Thank you. I'm sorry if I've disturbed you."

"It's fine. After all, no one could have predicted an accident like this. As long as you don't mind my bed being small."

"But..."

Xin Chun pressed his lips together, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks. "Our builds are different, so you probably can't wear my underwear. So, um... how about you wear these, Owen?"

Xin Chun brought out the other hand he had hidden behind his back. It held a pair of loose shorts.

"Sure. Sorry for the trouble, Xin Chun," Owen said, taking them.

"No, no. Go take your shower."

When Owen came out after showering, he held up the pajamas and said, "The clothes are a little small."

He wore nothing on his upper body, while the pajama bottoms were also too short, exposing his ankles.

His hair had clearly been towel-dried, but droplets still hung from the ends. They slowly slid down his chest, over his firm muscles and alluring V-line, before vanishing beneath his waistband.

Owen had the typical build of a foreigner. Even his skin possessed an almost vampiric pallor, seeming to gleam with a captivating hue beneath the warm light.

Especially now, with his hair slightly disheveled and falling over his brows, partially concealing those deep, beautiful dark green eyes, as though it hid some of the emotions laid bare within them as well.

There seemed to be something in Owen's gaze that made Xin Chun's throat go dry. His heart could not help but skip faster at the sight of Owen's body.

How long had it been since he had seen him like this?

Xin Chun licked his lips and said, "There aren't any other pajamas."

Then he could only go without.

Xin Chun went in to shower. When he came out, Owen was already leaning against the bed, one long leg bent as he flipped through a book in Y Language. Xin Chun had originally kept the book beside his pillow.

"You like poetry?"

Xin Chun climbed onto the bed as well, moving close beside Owen. "No, I can't understand it. The bookstore gave me this book as a free gift when I bought something before. I flip through it occasionally. It helps me sleep."

"Look, it's still quite new."

He had just finished showering, and warmth still clung to his body. As he spoke, his breath brushed over Owen's arm and chest like feathers lightly sweeping across them, while the faint fragrance of his bath drifted into Owen's nose.