Chapter 3.12
Even though it was unintentional, he still personally killed that world's male lead, causing everything he painstakingly worked towards to fall into ruin. Therefore, the moment he returns to the s.p.a.ce between worlds and spots Zhao Xihe, his mind blanks.
Not heeding the faint ache in his body from experiencing death again, and not bothering to check the scores he got for this task, Sui Yuan springs towards the senior actor, wis.h.i.+ng to vent his repressed anger and frustration.
The first time. This is the first time Sui Yuan discovers he can get so mad at a single person. This is also the first time he breaks his principle of 'use words, don't resort to violence' as he thumps Zhao Xihe's chest with a clenched fist.
A strained smile on his face, Zhao Xihe doesn't attempt to dodge or block it, simply grunting in pain as Sui Yuan's punch connects.
That one sound snaps Sui Yuan out of his anger. Recalling that the other man has also just experienced death - furthermore, at his own hands - and the chest area should still be sore, he finds himself hesitating to hit him again. However, he still feels the other is getting off too lightly after causing him so much trouble. Struggling with himself for half a day, he finally settles on glaring murderously before walking away to see his score, the air around him screaming "don't care about you anymore."
Zhao Xihe lowers his head and rubs his nose to conceal the upturned corners of his mouth. Seeing Sui Yuan's p.i.s.sed and sulky expression makes him want to draw the other into his arms and pamper him. It's a shame that he has to restrain himself from going through with his desires.
Striding over to the globe of light, he stiffens as soon as he registers the score gotten from this task. Heaving a defeated sigh, he glances at Sui Yuan. Sure enough, the other's marks was terrible. Sullen face, drooping shoulders and hanging head, he looks extremely pitiful. The system labelled 5237 seems to be comforting Sui Yuan as best it can, rubbing its head against its partner's body as though it can physically elevate his misery. From time to time, it will turn to Zhao Xihe. Whether that system's hostility is directed at 0007 or himself is debatable.
Standing there in silence, Zhao Xihe doesn't walk away, simply waiting until Sui Yuan finishes moping. When the other eventually stirs and prepare to leave for the next world, Zhao Xihe shadows him wordlessly.
Although he refuses to look at Zhao Xihe, Sui Yuan is well aware of the other's presence close behind, as well as the intense stare aimed at the back of his head. As he asks 5237 to prepare to send him into another world, Sui Yuan abruptly snaps his head towards Zhao Xihe. "Don't follow me into the next world! I don't want to see you anymore! You liar!"
Smiling faintly, Zhao Xihe replies, unperturbed, "Sorry, I can't do that."
Sui Yuan freezes, clearly not expecting him to be so shameless, with no trace of guilt in his words.
"Why not?!"
"Because…" Zhao Xihe shrugs and answers very honestly. "Because I like you."
After experiencing three worlds together, Zhao Xihe has to admit that he indeed likes Sui Yuan.
He is fascinated by the other's smile, his frowns and laughter. He likes the way Sui Yuan looks so serious when pondering ways to proceed through each a.s.signment, the way he is obviously spitting in anger but forcibly restrains himself in order not to bring more pain to others. As long as Sui Yuan is here, everyone and everything else fades into the background. He can't help exposing his real self in front of Sui Yuan and can't bear to see the other suffering from pain, bullied by others, humiliated or cursed at. After obtaining the lowest score in his career, Zhao Xihe can no longer deny his feelings.
