The Gentle Man Next Door is a Rabbit - 30

 

TGMNDIAR - 30

Saturday, Afternoon

Xu Mu dressed in his formal attire, styled his hair, and prepared to head out with a radiant expression.

Nades stopped him, "Dear master, don't you plan to add an undershirt?"

"No need," Xu Mu replied.

Nades kindly reminded, "Master, the temperature is low today."

A chilly wind blew, catching Xu Mu off guard, making him shiver.

"It's alright, it’s not very cold," he said, teeth chattering slightly.

"Alright, master," Nades replied.

As Xu Mu approached the room next door, Ye Ye was already eagerly waiting, pulling at the door, looking at him with bright eyes.

"Ye Ye, where's Daddy?" 

Ye Ye, with a gap-toothed grin, pointed backward and said, "Daddy!"

"Brother Nian," Xu Mu politely leaned over.

Bai Nian looked up at the sound, gently saying, "I’m here, Ah Mu."

“Hmm, do we need to prepare anything? Do you need my help?” Xu Mu asked.

"I'm going to prepare some milk for Ye Ye," Bai Nian said, screwing the bottle cap back on and standing up. "Alright, we can go now."

He looked at Xu Mu. "Ah Mu, are you not going to feel cold? Should I fetch you a scarf? The temperature dropped significantly today, I didn't consider it when I tailored the clothes."

Without hesitation, Xu Mu said, "Is it cold? I'll be fine."

He noticed both of them wearing soft gray scarves, looking like they were in matching parent-child outfits.

He hesitated again.

"Really?" Bai Nian asked.

"...Really," Xu Mu affirmed, sticking to his decision like a real man.

Bai Nian could tell he was being stubborn and found it amusing. Xu Mu was indeed still young at heart.

The kindergarten's entrance was lively and bustling. As soon as they entered, Ye Ye was taken backstage by his teacher for makeup.

The seats below the stage were all filled, with most children accompanied by more than one parent. Some families even came with seven or eight people.

As Xu Mu looked for a seat, he asked, "What is Ye Ye going to perform?"

Bai Nian said, "It's a group chorus."

"Only one performance?" Xu Mu asked.

"Yeah."

"What are they singing?"

"'Sun, I Love You.'"

Xu Mu smiled, about to say something when he noticed a vacant seat. "There's a seat!"

Before Bai Nian could react, Xu Mu grabbed his arm and dashed towards the seat, his tall figure making their way through the crowd.

"Just as I thought," Xu Mu's lips curved up, then he turned to Bai Nian, "Here—"

He suddenly let go of Bai Nian's hand.

"Uh, sorry about that, I didn't notice earlier, I just grabbed it in a hurry," Xu Mu hurriedly explained.

Bai Nian lightly responded with an "Hmm," and gestured for Xu Mu to sit.

"Okay."

The surrounding noise was loud and chaotic, with shadows moving around and people walking between the seats from time to time.

Xu Mu sat upright, sneakily glancing beside him.

Bai Nian lowered his head slightly, one hand resting on his knee with fingers curled, the other hand gripping his wrist tightly.

Xu Mu stiffened, then regret flooded over him.

He knew that Bai Nian didn't like being touched, he still acted impulsively and grabbed his wrist. 

…what a complete disaster.

Bai Nian was lost in thought, absentmindedly rubbing his wrist. His mind was in turmoil. Was this considered holding hands? 

After all, strictly speaking, it wasn't just the wrist area that the other person was holding onto, but also a large portion of the palm.

Perhaps no one passing by would notice this scene, but his heart raced and he secretly felt delighted. 

Apart from his mimicry, Xu Mu rarely initiated physical contact with him.

Then, he remembered the words of Shi Lun, and his heart trembled.

"...Men have many tricks up their sleeves. The way he treats your humanoid and mimicry differently. He wants you to be unable to restrain yourself, to fall into the trap. You have to stay steady, you have to be reserved. Don't be so foolish! And don't give yourself away for free!"

"Of course, you can test the waters, but don't be too obvious about it. Just touch the surface, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water, understand?"

"Just tease a little, occasionally bump into his shoulder, touch his hand accidentally, create an ambiguous atmosphere. Then, stand still and wait for the other person to make a move. Wait for them to bump into your shoulder, accidentally touch your hand. Ah, this back and forth, and it becomes..."

Bai Nian pursed his lips. Was his approach now effective?

"Brother Nian," Xu Mu's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Bai Nian tightened his grip on his fingertips and breathed out softly. "What's wrong?"

"There's a stall where you can get cotton candy and candied haws." 

Bai Nian's eyelashes fluttered slightly as he glanced quickly in that direction before withdrawing his gaze. "Hmm, it's probably arranged by the kindergarten to make the kids happy."

"Do you want some?" Xu Mu's question caught Bai Nian off guard, causing him to falter for a moment before slowly responding, "I'd like to have a candied haw."

"It’s not for Ye Ye," Xu Mu clarified, "I know he definitely wants some. What I'm asking is, do you want some?"

Bai Nian was taken aback, his mind reeling for a moment before he answered slowly, "I want a candied haw."

"Okay." Xu Mu immediately got up and headed straight to the stand.

No one knew that his mind was actually blank, and all his actions were driven by instinct. He felt that something was off. Sitting there for too long would make his limbs stiff.

---

When Xu Mu squeezed back from the stand, the lights on the performance stage dimmed, and at the same time, the lights in the entire venue went out. The curtains opened, and several beams of white light shone on the host.

"Brother Nian." Xu Mu approached in the dark, lowering his voice, "Here’s the candied haws."

"Mmm..." Bai Nian responded with a breathy tone, "Thanks."

Relying on instinct, Xu Mu handed over the candied haws. But he handed over empty air.

"Where's your hand?" Bai Nian asked.

"It's... here, next to the handrail." Xu Mu's ears were tingling, with airflow penetrating inside, making his heart itchy.

Bai Nian first touched the handrail, then shifted slightly to the right, finally—

A warm touch.

The moment he touched it, his hand trembled as if making some kind of decision. His fingers spread out and gently closed.

"Ah Mu," he said, the tone slightly rising, exhaling with a breath.

Xu Mu didn't realize what it was at first, but when the warmth was transmitted through the skin, he stood still.

"Where's the candied haws?" Bai Nian asked.

"In my other hand..." Xu Mu blurted out.

"Give it to me."

"... " Xu Mu didn't move.

"Ah Mu?"

Xu Mu snapped back, "Okay."

His other hand was clearly able to move, but for some reason, it felt extremely difficult.

After several attempts, he finally handed it over.

"Thank you," Bai Nian released his hand and whispered his thanks.

"Yeah, you're welcome," Xu Mu replied slowly.

A few minutes later, Bai Nian spoke up.

"The first performance is the choir performance of Ye Ye's class. After it's over, we'll go backstage to pick up Ye Ye."

His tone was somewhat cold, but each word landed smoothly and gently.

Xu Mu had been holding a posture for a long time, his neck aching, and his temples throbbing.

He couldn't wait any longer and even considered going now.

"Alright, Brother Nian, got it," Xu Mu replied.

The stage lights changed, and the backdrop transformed into swaying sunflowers, bathed in sunlight. The sound of singing filled the air, with the children's lively voices accompanying it.

To be honest, it wasn't very melodious; even with the instrumental backing, one could easily discern the off-key notes and lack of harmony. However, it made up for it with emotion, simple gestures, youthful exuberance, and an inherent cuteness.

Many parents in the audience raised their phones to capture the performance. Xu Mu tried to spot Ye Ye among the group of little heads.

First row, second row, third row...

There he was.

"Brother Nian..." Xu Mu began to speak but noticed Bai Nian was filming, so he immediately fell silent.

Feeling a bit curious, he leaned over to take a look.

"You found Ye Ye too," Xu Mu remarked.

"Right, in the second row from the left, fourth row," Bai Nian confirmed.

"Turned into a little monkey," Xu Mu remarked.

—-Seems like nursery stage makeup worldwide involves painting monkey bottoms and parrot beaks.

Bai Nian's fingertips moved slightly as he zoomed in on the screen, a smile slowly creeping into his eyes.

"Yes, he was turned into a little monkey," he chuckled. "There's even a bit of red on his forehead."

The time for one song passed quickly. When the teacher led the children offstage for the curtain call, Xu Mu and Bai Nian carefully made their way to the backstage area.

Ye Ye was already waiting eagerly and rushed over.

"Daddy, daddy!" he exclaimed.

Xu Mu acted swiftly, scooping up the child who bumped into Bai Nian's knee. "Hey, what's up? Want to give your daddy a kiss?"

Ye Ye giggled and planted a big wet kiss on Xu Mu's cheek, leaving a red mark behind.

Xu Mu sighed inwardly. What a rascal.

Bai Nian couldn't help but suppress a laugh, drawing a slightly resentful look from Xu Mu.

"Sorry, um, let me get you some tissue," Bai Nian hurriedly rummaged through the storage compartment. "Should I help you wipe it?"

Xu Mu blinked. "Sure."

Bai Nian dampened a tissue and gently pressed it against the red mark. After a few seconds, he began to gently wipe it away with utmost care, changing the tissue several times.

Xu Mu's head tilted slightly upward, and their eyes met abruptly. Both of them were taken aback, and Xu Mu instinctively looked away.

"All done," Bai Nian said.

"Thank you, Brother Nian."

In the end, Xu Mu looked at the decorative screen on the dressing table.

"Clatter!" The screen fell over, and his heart skipped a beat.

---

The performance ended, and it was already half-past nine in the evening.

Ye Ye was excited throughout the entire event, waving and bobbing his head while sitting in Xu Mu's lap. Clearly, he was thoroughly immersed in the experience.

As they left, Ye Ye was still bouncing around, humming a tune.

Bai Nian asked if he was tired, and he adamantly said no, insisting on dragging the two adults down the street.

The cold wind made Xu Mu's nose turn red, and tears welled up in his eyes. The chilly wind rushed into his collar, rendering his high-neck sweater ineffective. His other hand that was not held by Ye Ye, was tightly tucked into his pocket.

"Ye Ye, wait a moment," Bai Nian called out.

Ye Ye obediently stopped, looking up at Bai Nian, waiting for him to speak.

Bai Nian turned to Xu Mu. "Are you cold?"

Xu Mu's gaze wandered aimlessly for a few seconds before his frozen brain started working again.

"I'm fine…," he said, taking in a mouthful of cold air, his teeth chattering.

Bai Nian sighed, realizing that young people could be stubborn indeed.

Without further ado, he took off his own scarf and quickly wrapped it around Xu Mu's neck. The soft, fluffy knit layers piled on top of each other, providing even more warmth. He secured the ends with a knot, ensuring it stayed in place.

"There, let's go," Bai Nian said.

Xu Mu widened his eyes. "Wait, Brother Nian, no! You're cold too, and I—"

Bai Nian interrupted Xu Mu's attempt to take off the scarf. "I'm not cold. Look, can you feel it? My hands are much warmer than yours." 

He covered Xu Mu's other hand as well and smiled. "I'm not lying to you, am I?"

Xu Mu opened his mouth, but another gust of cold wind rushed in. He wanted to argue, but he had no evidence.

The faint white vapor obscured Bai Nian's face, giving it a blurry, dreamy quality, like an impressionist painting.

"Brother Nian," Xu Mu called his name softly, feeling uncertain about this warmth.

"Keep it on," Bai Nian smiled. "Don't be shy. You're only nineteen, and after all, I'm older than you. It's okay to show vulnerability in front of me."

He thought of something and his smile deepened. "Consider it as me looking out for you. After all, you call me brother."

Xu Mu's hands and feet were cold, but a flame ignited in his heart, sizzling and smoking like the firelight in a fireplace, providing comforting warmth and bright illumination.

For the first time, he realized—

Ice could burn.

---

"...So, you gave him the scarf?" Shi Lun suddenly jumped up, his face almost hitting the screen as he eagerly asked, "How did he react?"

Bai Nian, holding a white porcelain cup, replied uncertainly, "Moved, I guess?"

Feeling a bit helpless, he added, "I don't know why I said I was like an older brother caring for a younger one."

Shi Lun clenched his fist, frustrated. "Niannian! You really... The warmth of a brother can be given, but it shouldn't be labeled as brotherly affection at crucial moments, you know?"

Bai Nian sighed, setting down his tea cup. "I understand."

"You understand my foot!" Shi Lun slammed the table, the sound echoing through the room. "Calling someone 'brother' in bed is for fun, but calling someone 'brother' off the bed is a family kind of love! It's about warmth, one physical, the other emotional. Mixing them up leads to trouble!"

Bai Nian: “...”

Bai Nian's ears turned red with anger. "Stop giving me these ridiculous metaphors!"

Shi Lun clicked his tongue. "I'm just trying to help, but you still dislike me! You two are progressing fast now, exchanging glances and flirting. If it weren't for my little push, would there have been any progress?"

"You're just bored," Bai Nian retorted, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "If it weren't for you instigating things all the time, would I—"

"Cut it out! You were clearly willing yourself! Otherwise, with me miles away, could I have controlled you with just my words?" Shi Lun shot back with a sideways glance.

Bai Nian: “...”.

"But, man, he really knows how to play hard to get," Shi Lun sighed. "After all your flirting, he's still as unmoving as a mountain. That's some stability!"

"What's his attitude towards your mimicry lately?" Shi Lun continued, changing the subject.

Bai Nian took a sip of his tea, avoiding eye contact. "Just... the same as before."

"Passionate as ever?"

"Yeah..."

"Does he initiate anything in your human form?"

"He might initiate a little, but..." Bai Nian hesitated. "I'm not sure if it's just my imagination."

Shi Lun frowned. "Has there been a moment when he looks at you, hesitant yet intense, avoiding your gaze yet wanting to look, like he has something to say but holds back?"

Bai Nian paused, trying to comprehend. "What do you mean?"

His friend's explanation was too complicated, and he just didn't understand it.

"Ah, it's like feeling that the other person wants to say something to you but feels embarrassed to do so," Shi Lun cleared his throat. "Let me give you an example. I'll be the young college student, and you... you're you. Let's start the conversation."

"Brother Nian, I..." Shi Lun got into character quickly, his tone hesitant. "I want to tell you something."

Shi Lun raised his chin to indicate for Bai Nian to continue it off.

Following along, Bai Nian asked, "What is it?"

"Well, never mind. It's not important," Shi Lun said. "Where's Ye Ye? I haven’t seen him."

"Ye Ye is sleeping in his room..."

"Who asked you about that?" Shi Lun rubbed his forehead. "That statement is just a diversion tactic, you know?"

Bai Nian vaguely understood. "Oh, I see."

"If the other person keeps doing this, you're basically on the right track. Just wait to be confessed to," Shi Lun stated confidently.

"Is that so?" Bai Nian asked.

"Of course! Let me tell you, your progress is looking good. It won't be long before you see this scene," Shi Lun assured him.

——Scheming young man, I’ve seen through you!

Bai Nian couldn't help but feel amused by his friend's imaginative thinking. The young man maintained a respectful distance, except for his enthusiastic response to his mimicry. It seemed like he didn't have any further intentions.

He lowered his gaze. So, the young man wanted to... continue playing ambiguously?

Perhaps.

At just nineteen years old, he was still young and unsettled, he is at an age where one enjoys playing around.

He probably enjoys this kind of ambiguity without responsibility even more.

---

"Master, breakfast is ready. You can come out and eat..."

"Bang!" 

Xu Mu did a somersault under the covers, pulling the blanket over him. The card in his hand was hastily tucked behind his back, his heart pounding irregularly.

"Ahem, nothing, just wanted to stretch my muscles a bit," Xu Mu said, feeling somewhat guilty for no apparent reason.

——Hiss, his waist is going to be broken.

Nades tilted his head. "Master, do you have any secrets to hide from me?"

Xu Mu: "..." He didn't know how guilty he looked.

Nades: "You just wanted to have a stretch, huh? Do you have another robot outside? Planning to hand over the central system of the house to it? Passwords, money, privacy, all included?"

"...Where would I get another robot? I'm so broke, keeping you already costs a fortune," Xu Mu retorted.

Nades replied, "Well, the lie detector isn't showing any red lights, so I guess you're not lying."

"Get out," Xu Mu shooed him away.

Nades: "Alright, Master. Remember to have breakfast."

Once Nades had left, Xu Mu let out a sigh of relief and slowly got up. He took out his hidden "Namu card" and sat in quiet contemplation—

He had the money ready, but how was he going to give it?

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