Chapter 13 – Video call
Translator: Xena
Editor: Vinny
Proofreader: Wint8
Chen Xiangsui knew that Cheng Yingnian would be worried about revealing his gender, so he thoughtfully added, “I just want you to see where I live. You can block the camera, and I won’t show my face. Is that okay?”
He thought that if he revealed something about himself, Cheng Yinian would gradually remove the barrier between them. So he sent a video call invitation, and the other party accepted it without any problems. The screen on Cheng Yinian’s side was completely black, and his camera only captured the lower half of his neck.
“Can you see clearly?” Chen Xiangsui asked while holding up his phone and switching to the rear camera to walk around his room.
“Yes, I can see it.” Cheng Yinian had stuck a small piece of paper on the camera lens and was now watching Chen Xiangsui film his room. Everything was neatly organized. There were several game consoles on the desk, including a discontinued PSP, a PS4, and some recently released new consoles. There was also a shelf specifically for storing games.
Cheng Yinian couldn’t help but speak up. “Gege still has such an old console.”
“Yeah, I started playing games at an early age. At first, I only played PC games and online games on my computer. As I learned more about different platforms, I started buying game consoles, all with money I saved up from my allowance.”
Cheng Yinian carefully observed the games on the shelf. There were many different types, but surprisingly, most of them were in line with his tastes. “I’m so jealous of Gege. I didn’t understand any of these before. Gege and I like the same types of games, so we should play together more often in the future.”
“Well, you’re my girlfriend, so it’s only natural that I spend more time with you.”
“Hmm…” Cheng Yinian felt a bit embarrassed. “Right, where’s the game controller I bought for Gege? How’s it working?”
Despite carefully selecting the gift, he still hadn’t seen Chen Xiangsui use it in the dormitory. Cheng Yinian was worried that he might have inadvertently stepped on a landmine again. After thinking for a moment, he asked about it.
The camera moved to Chen Xiangsui, and soon landed on the desktop computer. The game controller Cheng Yinian had given him was lying on the left side of the table.
“It’s here, I like it.” Chen Xiangsui’s fingers gently rested on the game controller. To avoid arousing Cheng Yinian’s suspicion about Age’s true identity due to any coincidences, he never used the gifts Cheng Yinian had given him on campus, especially not in front of Cheng Yinian.
Although he also liked the dark brown scarf, he could only wear it a few times at home or outside. He thought for a moment, switched to the front camera, back to himself, and took the dark brown scarf from the most convenient spot on the coat rack, then put it on. “I like this one too.”
Upon hearing the word like, Cheng Yinian finally let out a sigh of relief. “As long as Gege likes it.” After he finished speaking, he let the corners of his lips turn up, making his dimples quietly appear. Just as he was about to say something else, the piece of paper covering the camera seemed to have come loose at some point and fell down in an instant.
Cheng Yinian’s face appeared in the video for a split second before he hurriedly turned his phone face down on the table. He didn’t know if Chen Xiangsui’s gaze caught that moment. The Bluetooth earpiece was still in his ear, but he didn’t dare say a word.
“Hello? Can you hear me?”
After a moment of silence, Cheng Yinian heard only these words. It was clear that Chen Xiangsui thought there was a problem with his audio and it looked like the other party did not notice his face showing up briefly. “Just now, I…”
“What happened just now? I’m sorry, I was putting something away and didn’t notice you.” Chen Xiangsui casually made up an excuse, although it was a bit ironic coming from someone who had just been filming with his phone to say that he hadn’t noticed the screen. This was the first time he had ever seen Cheng Yinian’s face in a skirt, but unfortunately, it was only for a moment. He didn’t even have time to take a screenshot, let alone get a clear look.
“It’s nothing, Gege.” Cheng Yinian quickly changed the subject, “Let’s continue our conversation.”
……
Cheng Yinian ended the call in a cheerful mood. Since Chen Xiangsui hadn’t noticed his face, it was just a minor incident that didn’t matter. He remembered that some daily necessities in his dormitory needed to be replaced, so he opened an online shopping platform and bought several items at once.
It just so happened that everything he bought was shipped from nearby provinces, so the delivery arrived in just a couple of days. Chen Xiangsui helped him carry a few parcels back to the dormitory. Cheng Yinian tried hard to think of something to say in place of a thank you. “I can’t carry this much by myself. It’s good that you’re here.”
“It’s okay, it’s not heavy.” After Chen Xiangsui finished speaking, he checked Cheng Yinian’s lips habitually. Seeing that there was nothing wrong, he returned to his own bed.
Cheng Yinian patiently opened each package one by one and eventually reached out for a small item. He carefully cut it open with a small knife, only to find a pair of white stockings inside.
Although the recipient’s name was also “Nian Gao,” this was clearly not something he purchased.
He pondered for a moment, wondering if Chen Xiangsui had placed the wrong address when he bought him a gift. With this guess in mind, he logged into Nian Gao’s account: [Gege QWQ did you buy me white stockings ya~]
Chen Xiangsui: [I didn’t.]
[Was there a mistake?]
At this point, Cheng Yinian felt even more confused. He picked up the delivery bag he had cut open and carefully checked the information on it, only to discover that the phone number was different from his own.
He finally realized that he had picked up someone else’s package. So he posted the information with some details blurred out on the school’s confession wall. Soon, someone got in touch with him, and by the end of the afternoon classes, Cheng Yinian was successfully reunited with his belongings.
Cheng Yinian opened the chat window with Chen Xiangsui and replied: [OUO! It really was a mistake. I picked up someone else’s package, but I’ve already returned it.]
Chen Xiangsui: [That’s good.]
[But I want to see you wear it, is that okay?]
Cheng Yinian: [I understand, QAQ Gege can look at whatever he wants~]
Chen Xiangsui: […You’re a really great girlfriend.]
[I placed my order.]
Cheng Yinian: [O///O!]
[I think Gege is great too~]
Chen Xiangsui: [I will try to do better.]
[I bought you some sweets. You’ll like them.]
Cheng Yinian: [I will O3O I’m so happy~]
……
The items Chen Xiangsui bought for him arrived within a few days. Cheng Yinian took it back to the dormitory, but was afraid that Chen Xiangsui would notice it, so he hid it temporarily and opened it when he returned to the rental room on the weekend. The snacks the other person bought for him happened to be his favorite brand. He opened a packet to taste it and it was just the right amount of sweetness, just like the rice krispies Chen Xiangsui bought for him that day.
Finally, he unwrapped the white stockings Chen Xiangsui bought for him and tried them on. The size was just right. He opened the closet and selected a Lolita-type dress that was more in line with his style. It was one of the dresses Chen Xiangsui had bought for him early on.
Cheng Yinian opened the chat window with Chen Xiangsui: [Gege’s order has arrived~ The snacks are delicious(=^▽^=)]
[So Gege, do you want to see the white stockings I’m wearing today?]
Although it was a little embarrassing to say this on his own initiative, he had promised Chen Xiangsui that he would do it. Without waiting for the other party to reply, he began to pose for several photos in front of the mirror, and finally picked out the few pictures that were passable.
Chen Xiangsui: […Yes.]
Not long after, Chen Xiangsui’s phone received the photos. In it, Cheng Yinian stood in front of a mirror wearing a dress covered in bows and lace and with legs clad in white stockings extending under the hem. His legs were as slender and beautiful as ever. Another photo showed Cheng Yinian sitting on the floor with his knees bent as he faced the mirror, his curves outlining a different pose.
Chen Xiangsui: [Still very cute.]
Cheng Yinian: [O///O Gege is praising me so much that I’m embarrassed]
He had originally planned to play online with Chen Xiangsui today, but the latter informed him that he had a basketball game next week and would have to stay at school to practice over the weekend.
Upon seeing the other person’s reply, Cheng Yinian finally remembered that their School of Business and the School of Civil Engineering had a basketball match scheduled for next week on Wednesday.
In order to cheer Chen Xiangsui on, Cheng Yinian made a hand-held banner especially for him. He originally wanted to try writing Chen Xiangsui’s name in a handsome regular cursive script, but he couldn’t get it right no matter how hard he tried, so he had to revert to his usual neat handwriting. He had always been insecure about his handwriting, so when he finally sat down in the front row of the audiences’ seat, he couldn’t find the courage to unfold the banner and hold it up.
“Xiangsui saved you a seat. He left his bag here.” After saying that, Xu Zitang handed the black bag in his hand to Cheng Yinian. “You hold it for him.”
Lu Yan complained beside him, “We squeezed our way in. Xiangsui is too biased, we’ll make him treat us to dinner later.”
Then he noticed Cheng Yinian holding something in his hand. “What’s that you’ve got there? A banner? Why not use it?”
Before Cheng Yinian could respond, Chen Xiangsui, who had already changed into his uniform, began going on the offensive towards the School of Engineering team. The game was in a stalemate for a while.
Lu Yan hurriedly pried Cheng Yinian’s hands apart, quickly unfolded the banner, and raised it up. “What are you waiting for? The match is heating up.”
Cheng Yinian saw Lu Yan’s actions and felt a bit embarrassed, but then, he was infected by the atmosphere of the stadium and couldn’t help but raise his voice in Chen Xiangsui’s direction, “LET’S GO XIANGSUI——”
Xu Zitang was distracted at that moment but suddenly snatched the banner from Lu Yan’s hand and shoved it back into Cheng Yinian’s hands. “Hold on to it.”
Lu Yan stared intently at the field, paying little attention to Xu Zitang’s movements. Cheng Yinian was slightly surprised, but soon after, a faint dimple appeared on his left cheek. “Mn, alright.”
He gently waved his banner from side to side, his gaze fixed on Chen Xiangsui while continuing to cheer him on. Finally, Chen Xiangsui jumped slightly on the court, sweat dripping from his forehead and glistening in the light as he made a three-pointer, ending the tie.
“XIANGSUI—” Cheng Yinian shouted the other person’s name excitedly from the audience. Chen Xiangsui met his eyes and curved the corners of his mouth into a smile, which made Cheng Yinian’s heart flutter slightly.
During the intermission, Cheng Yinian put away his banner and was about to walk over to chat with Chen Xiangsui, but he noticed a girl standing next to him, seemingly asking for his contact information.
Then, he saw Chen Xiangsui wave his hand at the girl.
“That’s not appropriate. I have a girlfriend.”
