Hearing You Say Love chapter 68
Teach him a lesson
Su Ming sat there sulking for a while, but Zou Beiyuan didn’t come to comfort him. When he turned his head, he saw that the guy was actually busy on his phone.
Su Ming: …
Su Ming opened the drawer, took out a lollipop, and naturally put it in his mouth. His heart felt bitter, so he needed something sweet to balance it out.
When closing the drawer, he deliberately made a loud noise, hoping to catch Zou Beiyuan’s attention and let him know that he was upset. But Zou Beiyuan, who was focused on something on his phone, didn’t even look up.
The milk-flavored lollipop didn’t taste sweet anymore.
Su Ming felt frustrated and sent a message to Chen Muchao: [Men come back after going out and change, it’s so heartbreaking.]
Chen Muchao, who was reading the chat history between Ling Shanshan and Zou Beiyuan in the small group chat, switched over to reply: [What happened?]
Su Ming: [Little wolf has been distant with me.]
Chen Muchao: [No way? Didn’t he come back to spend your birthday with you?]
Su Ming: [But he’s a bit cold today.]
Chen Muchao: [He’s been away for a few days, doesn’t he miss you? Not hungry for you?]
Su Ming thought about the kiss earlier: [He’s still hungry, though. He even bit my lip.]
Chen Muchao: [So why worry? Maybe he has something important to deal with.]
Important?
Su Ming glanced back at Zou Beiyuan, who was still focused on his phone screen with a serious expression. It would be totally reasonable if he said he was reading the constitution.
Su Ming: [Oh, maybe I’m just overthinking.]
Chen Muchao: [Don’t worry, he really loves you.]
Despite Chen Muchao’s comforting words, Su Ming still felt like Zou Beiyuan was being distant.
For example, when they were about to go out, Su Ming had already changed his shoes and was waiting by the door, hoping for a kiss before they left. But Zou Beiyuan only held his hand briefly before getting into the elevator.
And when they reached the hospital’s underground parking garage, the lighting was dim. In the past, they would have secretly hugged or done something in the car, but Zou Beiyuan just opened the door after parking without any extra gestures.
Su Ming wondered if Zou Beiyuan was upset because he hadn’t been willing to cooperate with the voice training, but after he refused earlier, Zou Beiyuan hadn’t mentioned it again, seeming not to care that much.
Zou Beiyuan’s long legs moved quickly, and he stopped at the elevator to wait for Su Ming. Su Ming, looking into Zou Beiyuan’s eyes as he walked over, showed a slightly aggrieved expression. Zou Beiyuan met his gaze for only a few seconds, and when the elevator doors opened, he turned his eyes away.
Su Ming was clearly a bit unhappy and stepped into the elevator first.
This was the first time Zou Beiyuan acted like this and didn’t quite know how to handle it. Inside the elevator, he thought of secretly linking his fingers with Su Ming’s but held back.
There was no time; he only had time to open up the top-ranked article in the “Shu Yu Ming Jin” column, titled Transported to Another World and Became the Demon King’s Plaything. He vaguely remembered there was a plot involving a demon king training his plaything.
One of the key points was that when the plaything didn’t listen, rewards had to be given little by little. Giving too much at once would cause it to lose its appeal.
No wonder Su Ming didn’t want anything, Zou Beiyuan silently reflected. He always gave Su Ming his all, never anything less, and even with intimate moments, he always made sure Su Ming felt satisfied. As a result, after each time, Su Ming only wanted to sleep and didn’t want to deal with him.
Looking closely at the comic, Zou Beiyuan realized there were so many techniques involved.
Su Ming’s comics needed to be reviewed constantly to be effective.
But this “little by little” approach was hard to pull off. Zou Beiyuan, as soon as he made eye contact with Su Ming, couldn’t resist wanting to get closer, to touch here and there. Even if he wasn’t doing anything, just holding or hugging him felt comforting.
Afraid of losing control, Zou Beiyuan tried to minimize eye contact with Su Ming.
The two of them exited the elevator and walked into Song Zhixian’s hospital room.
Everyone was gathered that day, even Zou Beiyuan’s uncle had come, making the visiting area in the room a bit crowded.
Song Zhixian seemed to be in good spirits, and when she saw Zou Beiyuan and Su Ming walk in together, she smiled and urged them to join the meal.
A few days ago, when Song Zhixian heard from Zou Beiyuan about Su Ming undergoing speech therapy, she had specifically messaged Su Ming, saying there was no need to bring her meals anymore since she would be eating the hospital’s health meals for a few more days before discharge.
That night, the meal was ordered by Zhang Dong, Zou Beiyuan’s uncle from an outside hotel and was quite lavish. The table was nearly overflowing, and Song Zhixian remarked that it was too extravagant since they could never finish all the food.
Seeing Su Ming still standing, Song Zhixian told him to sit next to Zou Beiyuan. When Su Ming sat down beside him, Zou Beiyuan subtly shifted over to create some distance.
Su Ming: …
The room was lively, but Zou Beiyuan and Su Ming didn’t interact at all, not even exchanging glances. It was a stark contrast to the past when Zou Beiyuan couldn’t take his eyes off Su Ming and was always feeding him.
Su Ming also seemed distant, putting down his chopsticks after only a few bites.
Song Zhixian looked between them twice, sighed lightly.
Fang Ruoqin, unaware of the awkwardness between them, asked Zou Beiyuan while eating: “How did the talks with your father go? Did you manage to get out of the contract?”
Zou Beiyuan replied: “The overseas agency rights will be transferred to another company.”
“Most of the professional matches are held abroad, right?” Fang Ruoqin, knowing a bit about boxing because of Zou Beiyuan, asked, “So you’ll be staying overseas long term? When are you leaving?”
“At the end of the month, I’ll go sign the contract with the new boss,” Zou Beiyuan glanced at Su Ming, noticing that Su Ming’s fingers were gripping the chopsticks tightly. He lowered his voice, then continued: “Then I’ll return for a few days and will be training there long-term.”
“Returning for a few days…” Fang Ruoqin thought for a moment before realizing Zou Beiyuan must be reluctant to leave his girlfriend, smiling with a touch of gossip: “So, what about your girlfriend, Su Ming’s cousin, are you two still together?”
Zou Beiyuan looked away and stopped sneaking glances at Su Ming. Lazily, he answered: “Of course, we’ll be getting married in the future.”
Song Zhixian, who had been silently observing them, suddenly choked on the hot soup and began coughing violently. Fu Ruoqin quickly patted her back to help her catch her breath.
The conversation didn’t continue after that. Zou Beiyuan stole another glance and noticed that Su Ming’s ears, along with his neck, had turned red.
After dinner, they stayed in the hospital room until nearly nine o’clock. When Zou Jingnan was about to return to the dormitory, Su Ming and Zou Beiyuan also got up to bid farewell to Song Zhixian, promising to visit her again tomorrow.
Song Zhixian waved them off, seemingly eager to see them leave, as if their presence was subtly vexing her.
Once they got in the car, Zou Beiyuan maintained his usual aloof demeanor. Su Ming, certain something was off with him, sat in the passenger seat without fastening his seatbelt and just stared at him.
Zou Beiyuan glanced at Su Ming, then looked away reservedly and coldly ordered, “Buckle up.”
Su Ming pretended to tug at the seatbelt but let it snap back as though it wouldn’t fasten.
Instinctively, Zou Beiyuan leaned over to help him buckle up, but midway, he stopped himself and said, “Pull the buckle over yourself.”
Su Ming obediently brought the buckle closer, but as Zou Beiyuan reached out to take it, Su Ming let go and grabbed his hand instead.
The dim light streaming through the car windows cast an ambiguous glow over their clasped hands, heightening the tension.
Su Ming slowly turned his hand, pressing his palm against Zou Beiyuan’s and interlaced their fingers gently.
Feeling the softness of Su Ming’s palm, Zou Beiyuan sighed inwardly, unable to resist holding his hand in return.
But, remembering his task for the day, he restrained his urge to embrace Su Ming immediately. He lifted his chin slightly, looked down at Su Ming, and asked, “Want a hug?”
Su Ming nodded.
Zou Beiyuan added, “You’ll have to practice your voice training exercises properly at home.”
Su Ming raised an eyebrow, realizing what was going on. This clumsy wolf wasn’t being cold but was trying to train him.
Where had he picked up these ridiculous ideas? Still, it was a bit more sophisticated than before.
Fine then.
Su Ming decided not to take the bait. He let go of Zou Beiyuan’s hand, sat upright, buckled his seatbelt, and gestured with sign language: Let’s go. No hugs.
Zou Beiyuan looked visibly disappointed but stole another glance at Su Ming, asking, “Really, no hug?”
This time, Su Ming responded coolly: No hug.
Zou Beiyuan started the car and drove out of the hospital gates. Su Ming sent a message to Chen Muchao: [The little wolf pup is all grown up now, trying to control me. Bitter.jpg]
Chen Muchao replied: [Oh? And are you letting him succeed?]
Su Ming: [I’ll teach him a lesson. His tricks are too obvious.]
Chen Muchao: [Haha, but what will you do once he masters it?]
Su Ming: [Let him control me, I guess.]
Chen Muchao: [You’re spoiling him too much!]
Back home, Su Ming ignored Zou Beiyuan, removed his cochlear implant, placed it on the coffee table, and headed straight to the bathroom for a shower.
Zou Beiyuan: “…”
What now?
He hurriedly flipped through the comic for help, but it didn’t cover this situation.
Crap, this is beyond the syllabus.
A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened slightly. Su Ming, dripping wet, leaned halfway out and signed to Zou Beiyuan: Come help me wash my hair.
Water-soaked black strands clung to his cheeks and shoulders, droplets trickling down his collarbone, chest, and ribs, highlighting his fair skin like it was glowing under the water’s shimmer.
His muscles weren’t prominent but had sleek, elegant lines. Compared to Zou Beiyuan’s overly muscular build, Su Ming had a slender, refined figure.
The lower half of his body was obscured behind the door. His fingers gripping the door frame were slightly flushed, his cheeks and shoulders tinted red from the heat, and the injury on his lip gave him a delicate, vulnerable look.
His innocent gaze made it clear he needed Zou Beiyuan’s help.
In an instant, Zou Beiyuan’s mind went blank. Thoughts of restraint, lessons, and gradual rewards vanished, replaced by raw, primal instincts.
He threw his phone aside, stood from the couch, and removed his shirt, revealing his toned body. Step by step, he walked toward the bathroom under Su Ming’s watchful gaze.
Author’s Note:
Su Ming: “Watch closely, I’ll only teach this once.”
Dumb Wolf: [Drooling] [Pounces] [Learns nothing]