Arc 3Courtship and Hidden Obligations

Pei Song'an openly pursued Li Shu, who rejected Chen Yannan but hesitated to accept Pei Song'an because he expected to return to his original world. After Li Shu admitted his attraction, the system's instruction to secure an alliance with Shen Muwen brought their relationship to a tense confrontation.

  • Pei Song'an publicly announced that he was pursuing Li Shu after Xue Chen confronted him at school.
  • Li Shu rejected Chen Yannan's confession and persuaded Pei Song'an to stay at the Li Family home after the system warned that his father posed a danger.
  • Li Qinshi urged Li Shu to consider his relationship carefully, and Li Shu later allowed Pei Song'an to kiss him in his room.
  • Li Shu confronted Xue Chen over his accusations and again rejected Chen Yannan's attempts to become more than his older brother.
  • Pei Song'an took care of Li Shu after a hospital visit, and Li Shu learned that Pei Lian had confined Pei Song'an for refusing to bring him home.
  • Li Shu admitted his attraction to Pei Song'an but remained uncertain about being together, and their beach outing brought further kisses and jealousy.
  • Shen Muwen proposed working with Pei Song'an against Pei Lian, but Pei Song'an refused despite the system instructing Li Shu to secure his agreement.
  • Pei Song'an investigated Cheng Zhen's account of a relative who believed their world was a novel, then questioned what Li Shu wanted from him when Li Shu pressed him to reconsider Shen Muwen's offer.
Chapters 51–75 Vol. 1 Read

Ch. 51With a mind that quick, no wonder he could remember so many words

Pei Song'an licked tomato juice from Li Shu's wrist and fingers, then asked him again to date. Li Shu rejected him, and Pei Song'an led him to wash his hands before taking him to class.

  • Pei Song'an held Li Shu's wrist and licked the tomato juice from it, then ate the tomato from Li Shu's hand and licked his fingers.
  • Li Shu scolded Pei Song'an for kissing and touching him, then warned him not to behave that way with other people.
  • Pei Song'an asked Li Shu what kind of person he was and whether he wanted to date him.
  • Li Shu said Pei Song'an knew he would not agree and told him not to kiss him again, leaving Pei Song'an dejected.
  • Li Shu noticed Pei Song'an seemed tired and suggested he wash up and sleep, but Pei Song'an took him to wash his hands before class.

Ch. 52Why didn't you speak up when you were being bullied?

Li Shu tried to avoid getting caught between Xue Chen and Chen Yannan, but Xue Chen publicly accused him of jealousy and having someone backing him. Pei Song'an arrived and openly sided with Li Shu, asking why he had not spoken up when Xue Chen bullied him.

  • Li Shu complained to Cheng Zhen about Pei Song'an's punishing English lessons before attending a lecture with him.
  • Xue Chen sat beside Li Shu and suggested that both Pei Song'an and Chen Yannan liked him, then said he would share Chen Yannan with him.
  • After the lecture, Xue Chen brought Chen Yannan over and accused Li Shu of being jealous and relying on someone to back him.
  • Chen Yannan warned Xue Chen that the Xue Family was not his only option, but Xue Chen challenged him over his concern for Li Shu.
  • When Li Shu tried to step away, Pei Song'an arrived, stood beside him, and asked who had bullied him and why he had not spoken up.

Ch. 53There weren't that many reasons. I just wanted to pick you up

Pei Song'an picked Li Shu up from a tense confrontation at school, publicly said he was pursuing him, and took him to barbecue with Zhaocai. As they ate, Pei Song'an explained why he had gone along with Xue Chen and wondered whether Li Shu had felt jealous.

  • Pei Song'an arrived at school and led Li Shu into a confrontation involving Xue Chen and Chen Yannan.
  • Chen Yannan denied having romantic feelings for Li Shu and criticized Pei Song'an for intervening.
  • Pei Song'an announced that he was pursuing Li Shu, then took him away from school.
  • Pei Song'an drove Li Shu to an outdoor barbecue, where they reunited with Zhaocai and ate together.
  • Li Shu asked why Pei Song'an had backed Xue Chen, and Pei Song'an explained that he had wanted to make Chen Yannan answer publicly.
  • Pei Song'an wondered whether Li Shu had been uncomfortable because Xue Chen provoked him or because Pei Song'an had made him jealous.

Ch. 54Did you wash your hands, Pei Song'an?

Li Shu and Pei Song'an spent a chilly evening grilling and relaxing together, and Pei Song'an took advantage of Li Shu’s drowsiness to touch him. Li Shu objected, but their teasing was interrupted when Chen Yannan called.

  • Li Shu said he could not change his kind nature, and Pei Song'an told him that was all right because he needed Pei Song'an.
  • Pei Song'an fetched Li Shu a blanket, then watched over him while he slept beside the tent.
  • Pei Song'an pulled down the blanket, touched Li Shu’s chin and lips, and told him to open his mouth.
  • Li Shu woke and pushed Pei Song'an away, complaining that he had touched him without permission and asking whether he had washed his hands.
  • Pei Song'an said he had washed his hands and teased Li Shu about refusing to let him touch or kiss him.
  • Chen Yannan's name flashed on Li Shu's phone as it vibrated beside Pei Song'an's laptop.

Ch. 55Tonight, both sides were terrifyingly formidable

Li Shu listened as Chen Yannan apologized and asked to reconcile, while Pei Song'an challenged him and ended the call. After agreeing to meet his eldest brother, Li Shu confronted Pei Song'an about his behavior, and Pei Song'an invited him to return the favor.

  • Pei Song'an answered Chen Yannan's call on speaker while keeping Li Shu in his arms.
  • Chen Yannan apologized for failing to protect Li Shu and said he had ended his collaboration with the Xue Family.
  • Pei Song'an argued with Chen Yannan over his relationship with Li Shu and accused him of using his apology to win Li Shu's gratitude.
  • Chen Yannan said he had arranged to meet Li Shu's eldest brother and invited Li Shu to meet the family that weekend; Li Shu agreed.
  • Pei Song'an ended the call, and Li Shu accused him of putting his finger in his mouth and pinching his face.
  • Pei Song'an told Li Shu he could return the favor and leaned closer with his mouth open.

Ch. 56Li "Playing with Men's Hearts" Shu

Li Shu tried to fend off Pei Song'an's teasing before meeting his eldest brother, Li Qinshi, with Chen Yannan. Chen Yannan confessed that he liked Li Shu, but Li Shu rejected him as a romantic partner; when Pei Song'an appeared, Li Qinshi mistakenly concluded that Li Shu was involved with both men.

  • Pei Song'an held Li Shu's hand and licked his finger, prompting Li Shu to scold him before changing the subject to his weekend visit with his brother.
  • Li Shu met Chen Yannan at a restaurant while they waited for Li Qinshi to arrive.
  • Chen Yannan apologized for neglecting Li Shu, confessed that he liked him, and asked to slowly earn his affection.
  • Li Shu told Chen Yannan that he now saw him only as a brother, and Chen Yannan left to answer a call from Xue Chen.
  • Pei Song'an sat down across from Li Shu, startling him, while Li Qinshi arrived and mistook the scene for evidence that Li Shu was playing with men's hearts.

Ch. 57Am I having an affair with you?

Pei Song'an joined Li Shu at a restaurant, where their intimate teasing continued until Li Qinshi arrived. Pei Song'an reassured Li Qinshi about their closeness, then hinted that the person he was pursuing was Li Shu.

  • Pei Song'an sat with Li Shu and teased him, feeding him a pastry while Li Shu urged him to leave before his brother saw them.
  • Li Qinshi arrived and found Li Shu clinging to Pei Song'an, then scolded Li Shu for his familiar behavior.
  • Pei Song'an told Li Qinshi they had met at Li Shu's birthday banquet, when Li Shu had saved him after he was drugged.
  • Pei Song'an explained that he had helped Li Shu at university, tutored him in English, and grown closer to him.
  • Li Qinshi warned Pei Song'an against getting too close to Li Shu if he was seeing someone, and Pei Song'an said he was pursuing someone who kept rejecting him despite their intimacy.

Ch. 58I'm making the call-he's staying at our place tonight!

Li Qinshi confronted Li Shu about his feelings for Pei Song'an and advised him to take the relationship slowly. After learning Pei Song'an was in danger from his father, Li Shu decided to have him stay at the Li Family home that night.

  • Pei Song'an teased Li Shu about the person he liked while Li Qinshi and Chen Yannan discussed Li Shu.
  • Li Qinshi brought everyone to the Li Family home and confronted Li Shu about holding hands, hugging, and kissing Pei Song'an.
  • Li Qinshi told Li Shu to think carefully and take his time getting to know Pei Song'an.
  • The system warned Li Shu that Pei Father had sent people to bring Pei Song'an home for questioning and that Pei Song'an faced danger.
  • Li Shu declared that Pei Song'an would stay at the Li Family home that night.

Ch. 59Nothing else, just very loud

Pei Song'an and Chen Yannan exchanged barbed accusations over their ties to Li Shu and the Xue family before Li Qinshi brought Li Shu into the room. Li Shu loudly invited Pei Song'an to stay the night, and Pei Song'an accepted while asking whether Chen Yannan would be invited too.

  • Chen Yannan accused Pei Song'an of telling Xue Chen about his visit and criticized him for keeping in touch with Xue Chen.
  • Pei Song'an revealed that the Pei family had helped Chen Yannan limit his losses while exposing the Xue family's employee exploitation, then challenged Chen Yannan for acting like the host.
  • Li Qinshi dragged Li Shu into the reception room and scolded him for his layered clothes and unruly behavior.
  • Li Shu secretly asked Pei Song'an to stay the night, and Pei Song'an teased him about touching his wrist and thigh.
  • Li Shu loudly invited Pei Song'an to stay in the guest room beside his, prompting Pei Song'an to ask whether he would invite Chen Yannan too.

Ch. 60Do you want to kiss me? You can kiss me

Pei Song'an stayed overnight at Li Shu's home and confronted him about his concern and attraction, asking if he wanted to kiss him. Li Shu accepted the kiss, and Pei Song'an invited him to touch him as well.

  • Li Qinshi invited Pei Song'an to stay the night and go to school with Li Shu the next morning.
  • Pei Song'an subtly praised Chen Yannan's role in the family business, and Chen Yannan soon left after telling Li Shu they would meet at school.
  • Li Shu searched through his room, missed his original world, and reminded himself that he would eventually return and should resist Pei Song'an's charms.
  • Pei Song'an entered Li Shu's room, pressed him against the wall, and asked to kiss him while questioning why Li Shu had insisted he stay.
  • Pei Song'an reassured Li Shu that kissing him would not overstep, then kissed him after Li Shu tilted his head up.
  • Pei Song'an told Li Shu he could touch him too and asked if he wanted to try.

Ch. 61Touch me

Pei Song'an kissed Li Shu and coaxed him into touching his bare chest and back, leaving Li Shu flustered and overwhelmed. Their intimate moment ended when Li Shu noticed the bedroom door was ajar and feared something had opened it.

  • Pei Song'an kissed Li Shu again and asked whether he wanted to touch him.
  • Pei Song'an persuaded Li Shu to close his eyes and feel his body, then removed his robe and guided Li Shu's hand onto his bare chest.
  • Li Shu traced Pei Song'an's muscles down to his lower back, but Pei Song'an pulled him close until their chests pressed together.
  • Li Shu noticed the bedroom door was open a crack and asked Pei Song'an whether he had closed it.
  • Pei Song'an looked toward the door and froze without answering.

Ch. 62Li Xiaoshu, didn't you know you talked in your sleep?

Li Shu attended Chen Yannan’s birthday party, where Cheng Zhen revealed that Li Shu had been talking in his sleep about Pei Song'an. Xue Chen then accused Li Shu of enjoying the conflict between Pei Song'an and the Chen Family.

  • Pei Song'an teased Li Shu over barely eating breakfast, then hinted that he had finished Li Shu’s noodles to avoid making Elder Brother Li suspicious about his changed tastes.
  • Li Shu went to Chen Yannan’s birthday party after confirming he was free from tutoring with Pei Song'an.
  • Cheng Zhen told Li Shu that he had recently been saying Pei Song'an’s name and asking him to stop kissing him in his sleep.
  • Xue Chen told Li Shu that the Chen Family had dropped several suppliers and Pei Song'an’s project proposals had been rejected, then mocked Li Shu for supposedly enjoying the two men’s conflict.

Ch. 63Haha, let's see who still treats me like a kid now!

Li Shu rejected Xue Chen’s warnings about Chen Yannan and Pei Song'an, then boasted to Pei Song'an about standing up for himself. Pei Song'an admitted to manipulating Xue Chen and pursuing Li Shu despite having no right to, and ended the call warning Li Shu to stay away from Chen Yannan.

  • Xue Chen told Li Shu that Chen Yannan had used him and Pei Song'an had tried to recruit him to cause trouble for Chen Yannan.
  • Li Shu accused Xue Chen of blaming others for his own choices and warned him not to bring such claims to Li Shu again.
  • Chi Yelai took Xue Chen away, while Cheng Zhen teased Li Shu about whether he had kissed Pei Song'an.
  • Li Shu called Pei Song'an and excitedly recounted how he had confronted Xue Chen.
  • Pei Song'an praised Li Shu, admitted he had used Xue Chen and coaxed Li Shu into kisses, then warned him to stay away from Chen Yannan.

Ch. 64It means he doesn't like you

At Chen Yannan's birthday banquet, he confessed that he wanted to be more than an older brother to Li Shu, but Li Shu could not return his feelings. Pei Song'an arrived, rejected Chen Yannan on Li Shu's behalf, and reminded him that his apology had come too late.

  • Li Shu watched a video about passing the CET-4 while Chen Yannan sat beside him and offered him a bowl of pomegranate seeds.
  • Chen Yannan confessed that he regretted overlooking Li Shu's earlier feelings and said he no longer wanted to be just his older brother.
  • Li Shu struggled to explain that his past actions had come from confusing familial and romantic love, and Chen Yannan grabbed his wrist.
  • Li Shu pulled away from Chen Yannan and bumped into Pei Song'an, who told Chen Yannan that Li Shu did not like him.
  • Pei Song'an sat beside Li Shu, ate from his fork, and told Chen Yannan that his belated realization and apology had come too late.

Ch. 65I wanted to kiss you in front of him

Pei Song'an and Chen Yannan traded barbs over Li Shu, while Li Shu tried to keep the peace and found himself flustered by Pei Song'an. After Chen Yannan left, Pei Song'an admitted he was jealous and wanted to kiss Li Shu in front of him.

  • Pei Song'an challenged Chen Yannan's sincerity toward Li Shu, and Chen Yannan urged Pei Song'an to prove his own feelings.
  • Li Shu fed Pei Song'an a yellow peach jelly, and the touch of their lips left Li Shu flustered.
  • Chen Yannan left after reminding Li Shu to drink warm water, and Pei Song'an silently looked after Li Shu at the table.
  • Li Shu pressed Pei Song'an to explain his silence, and Pei Song'an said he was jealous after hearing Chen Yannan's words to Li Shu.
  • Pei Song'an told Li Shu that he had wanted to kiss him in front of Chen Yannan.

Ch. 66Not liking me or not being able to like me

Li Shu struggled to understand why he could not reject Pei Song'an, who reassured him that he liked him and could wait. After a week apart, Li Shu went out for snacks with Cheng Zhen and ended up at the hospital, prompting Cheng Zhen to call Pei Song'an.

  • Li Shu tried to tell Pei Song'an to stop making advances, but Pei Song'an asked whether Li Shu did not like him or simply could not allow himself to.
  • Pei Song'an left after receiving an urgent call, and Li Shu complained about being bossed around before drinking warm water instead of an iced drink.
  • Cheng Zhen teased Li Shu about Pei Song'an, and Li Shu admitted he could not bear to reject him but did not think he could be with him either.
  • Pei Song'an stayed busy with family matters, competitions, and school, while Li Shu enjoyed a week without listening practice.
  • Li Shu and Cheng Zhen ate snacks after evening study, but Li Shu became ill, so Cheng Zhen called Pei Song'an from the hospital.

Ch. 67Help, dude, you smell so good

Li Shu went to the emergency department with severe stomach pain, where Pei Song'an comforted him and stayed until his tests came back normal. On the drive home, Pei Song'an scolded him for skipping dinner and eating street food, then answered an unexpected call.

  • Cheng Zhen took Li Shu to the emergency department, where Li Shu received a painkilling injection and underwent tests.
  • Pei Song'an arrived, reassured the frightened Li Shu, and stayed with him while Cheng Zhen left.
  • While waiting, Li Shu clutched Pei Song'an's jacket, secretly sniffed it, and realized he was attracted to Pei Song'an.
  • The test results showed nothing abnormal, and Pei Song'an buttoned his jacket around Li Shu before taking him back to the car.
  • Pei Song'an scolded Li Shu for skipping dinner to eat street food, and Li Shu promised to send him daily meal updates; Pei Song'an then answered a phone call.

Ch. 68But wouldn't feeling sorry for a man bring a lifetime of bad luck?

After learning Pei Song'an had been punished for refusing to bring Li Shu to the Pei family home, Li Shu felt guilty and tried to comfort him. Pei Song'an drew out Li Shu’s admission that he liked him and asked for a kiss, leaving Li Shu to face his feelings.

  • Li Shu learned from the system that Pei Song'an's father, Pei Lian, had locked him in an anechoic chamber for two hours after he refused to bring Li Shu to the Pei family home.
  • Li Shu realized Pei Song'an had suffered because of him and apologized, promising to listen to him and stop threatening their friendship.
  • Pei Song'an asked whether Li Shu was rejecting him, then asked if he liked him.
  • Li Shu admitted he was attracted to Pei Song'an but had not figured out whether he could be with him, since he feared someday breaking up with him.
  • Pei Song'an took Li Shu's hand and asked him for a kiss, saying he was not forcing Li Shu to be with him.

Ch. 69Kiss, kiss, kiss-kiss me to death if you can!

Li Shu and Pei Song'an shared a passionate kiss in a parked car before a passerby interrupted them. A few days later, Pei Song'an resumed tutoring Li Shu, whose protests were interrupted by a boy asking Pei Song'an for help.

  • Li Shu worried about Pei Song'an's habit of putting others first and kissed the corner of his mouth.
  • Pei Song'an pulled Li Shu into a fierce kiss until a passerby knocked on the car window.
  • Li Shu shoved Pei Song'an away, hit his head against the window, and insisted he needed to go home.
  • Pei Song'an put Li Shu back on an intensive tutoring schedule, and Li Shu complained that he wanted to go to the beach instead of studying.
  • A well-behaved-looking boy entered Pei Song'an's studio and asked him for two minutes of help.

Ch. 70This dog is such a perv, just like you

Li Shu reacted to Pei Song'an's willingness to let him set boundaries, then joined him and their friends for a beach outing. When a girl approached Pei Song'an, Li Shu rushed over and told him he was not allowed to do anything, leaving their feelings unresolved.

  • Pei Song'an told Li Shu he could object when someone made him uncomfortable or got too close, and said he enjoyed Li Shu taking charge.
  • Li Shu and Pei Song'an took Zhaocai and the toy dog Jinbao to the beach with Zhu Sichun and Cheng Zhen.
  • Li Shu gathered crabs while Zhaocai dug at a shell, and Li Shu repeatedly checked that Pei Song'an was nearby.
  • A girl approached Pei Song'an, and Li Shu abandoned his bucket and shovel to hurry over.
  • Li Shu reminded Pei Song'an that he had said Li Shu could boss him around, then ordered him not to do anything.

Ch. 71You wronged me and won't apologize. I'm telling your big brother

Li Shu declined a woman’s request for his contact details, then apologized to Pei Song'an after Pei Song'an accused him of wrongly suspecting him. Pei Song'an confessed that he liked Li Shu, and later admitted he had sulked because Li Shu ignored him; he revealed he was standing behind Li Shu.

  • A woman approached Li Shu to ask for his contact details, and Li Shu politely refused under Pei Song'an's glare.
  • Li Shu showed Pei Song'an the crabs he had collected, and Pei Song'an demanded an apology for being wrongly suspected.
  • Li Shu apologized and said Pei Song'an should not play with other people's feelings because he already liked Li Shu; Pei Song'an quietly said, "I like you."
  • As Li Shu rested by the beach, Pei Song'an noticed red scratches on his neck, got him a blanket, and pressed the marks until Li Shu complained that it tickled.
  • Pei Song'an left to take a call, and Li Shu became worried when he failed to return for over ten minutes.
  • Pei Song'an called Li Shu and admitted he had been sulking because Li Shu was chatting with others; he told Li Shu to turn around because he was standing behind him.

Ch. 72Only on the cheek, got it?

Li Shu and Pei Song'an reunited at the beach, where Pei Song'an pressed him about their relationship and stole a kiss despite Li Shu's cheek-only rule. As the group ate and drank together at sunset, Pei Song'an stopped Li Shu from drinking more and accompanied him to find a bathroom.

  • Li Shu rushed to Pei Song'an, checked that he was all right, and heard him ask why Li Shu liked him but could not be with him.
  • Pei Song'an pulled Li Shu close and kissed his neck and earlobe after Li Shu said he could kiss only his cheek.
  • Li Shu scolded Pei Song'an and accidentally hit himself on the head with Zhaocai's broken stick.
  • Li Shu and Pei Song'an rejoined Zhu Sichun, who complained about Cheng Zhen's dismal performance in their games.
  • The group shared fried chicken, snacks, and fruit beer at sunset, and Pei Song'an stopped Li Shu from drinking more when he became tipsy.
  • Li Shu went to find a bathroom, and Pei Song'an stood up to go with him.

Ch. 73My mom said I ate anything as a kid, even shit

Li Shu and Pei Song'an shared a playful meal at McDonald's, where Li Shu showed that he noticed and cared about Pei Song'an's preferences. Pei Song'an grew flustered by Li Shu's affectionate gestures, and their evening was interrupted by a man calling out to Pei Song'an.

  • Li Shu invited Pei Song'an to sneak in for burgers, noticing that he had barely eaten earlier.
  • Li Shu hinted that he wanted cotton candy, and Pei Song'an bought him some while warning him not to drink more that night.
  • Li Shu ordered a mild burger for Pei Song'an and picked out the lettuce, prompting Pei Song'an to ask whether he treated everyone that way.
  • Li Shu said only his boyfriend could share his food and called Pei Song'an handsome, then joked that his mother said he would eat anything as a child.
  • Pei Song'an tried to take Li Shu's cold fingers, but Li Shu pulled away and noticed Pei Song'an's hand was burning.
  • As Li Shu and Pei Song'an prepared to leave, a man called out, “Big brother, what a coincidence!”

Ch. 74Swear you'll get the death penalty if you're lying

Li Shu learned that Shen Muwen had deliberately exposed their father Pei Lian’s affair and asked Pei Song'an to join forces against him, but Pei Song'an refused. After returning to the campsite, Pei Song'an questioned Zhu Sichun about supernatural phenomena and asked what had happened to Cheng Zhen's family.

  • Shen Muwen showed Li Shu his bruised wrist and said Pei Lian had beaten him after catching him investigating Pei Lian’s hotel meeting with a man.
  • The system revealed that Shen Muwen had intentionally exposed Pei Lian’s affair and instructed Li Shu to ensure Pei Song'an accepted Shen Muwen’s offer to work together.
  • Pei Song'an refused Shen Muwen’s proposal, and Li Shu left the Golden Arches with him.
  • Li Shu raced Zhaocai back to the tent and lost, so Pei Song'an rewarded Zhaocai with beef and told Li Shu not to hide Jinbao under the covers.
  • Pei Song'an told Zhu Sichun that he was still courting Li Shu, then asked about supernatural phenomena and what had happened to Cheng Zhen's family.

Ch. 75Had I, Li Xiaoshu, Been Found Out?!

Li Shu learned that Cheng Zhen’s relative had claimed their world was a novel, while Pei Song'an questioned Li Shu’s motives for urging him to help Shen Muwen. The chapter ended with Pei Song'an confronting Li Shu about what he wanted from him, leaving Li Shu stunned and regretting that he had tried to complete his mission.

  • Cheng Zhen told Li Shu that a relative had claimed their world was a novel and that everyone in it was trapped by an author’s ideas.
  • Pei Song'an asked Zhu Sichun where the relative was and learned he had been sent to a psychiatric hospital.
  • Li Shu found the yellow duck Pei Song'an had bought him and happily joined the group for the return trip.
  • Li Shu urged Pei Song'an to reconsider rejecting Shen Muwen, but Pei Song'an questioned whether Shen Muwen was telling the truth and what he would gain by helping him.
  • Pei Song'an stopped the car and told Li Shu he could not understand what Li Shu wanted from him, leaving Li Shu frozen and alarmed.
Arc 3 of 7
Arc 3 of 7