The Price of a Secret

Sometimes, even the most trivial matters in school could be blown out of proportion and discussed at length. For instance, the fact that Si Xi, the old school heartthrob, and Huo Siyi, the new heartthrob, played basketball and ate together was posted on the forum by someone unknown and sparked considerable discussion.

Despite Huo Siyi’s outwardly sunny and cheerful demeanor in front of Si Xi, he was typically cool and aloof, possessing the air of a cold male lead from a campus romance novel.

This stark contrast between his behavior with Si Xi and with others only fueled more speculation and discussion.

Si Xi never frequented the forums, nor did he realize that a simple game of basketball with Huo Siyi would become such a hot topic.

****

It wasn’t until one afternoon, after his last two classes were free, that he planned to go house-hunting.

Just as he stepped out of the classroom, he was intercepted by his cousin, Xi Yue.

Xi Yue was also a freshman at Yan University, having been admitted as a dance specialist.

It was common for university students to wear makeup now, but as an art student, Xi Yue was exceptionally skilled at dressing up.

With her long, wavy hair, a light-colored camisole and short skirt, and a denim jacket, she exuded a remarkable aura, even though her looks weren’t exceptionally striking.

Guo Hao and Xiao Nan, who were with Si Xi, exchanged knowing glances as they saw him stopped by such a pretty girl.

Guo Hao nudged Si Xi’s shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. “You certainly have a knack for attracting beauties, don’t you?”

“You’ve misunderstood, Senior. I’m his cousin,” Xi Yue explained indifferently.

Guo Hao uttered a series of “Oh, oh, ohs” before quickly trying to make amends. “Your family has such good genes! The brother is so handsome, and the sister is also a little beauty.”

At this point, according to Chinese social etiquette, one would typically express modesty or gratitude.

However, Xi Yue merely managed a stiff smile.

Xiao Nan subtly tugged at Guo Hao, whose toes were practically curling in embarrassment, signaling him to look at Si Xi. Only then did Guo Hao notice Si Xi’s slightly pale complexion and tightly pressed lips, realizing the atmosphere between the cousins was distinctly off.

“You two go on ahead,” Si Xi said.

Guo Hao and Xiao Nan found it awkward to involve themselves in someone else’s family affairs. Since Si Xi had already spoken, they both departed.

No students were scheduled for the next class in that room, so it quickly emptied, leaving only the two of them at the classroom doorway.

Si Xi leaned against the wall. “What is it? Just say it.”

Xi Yue, abandoning her usual overbearing demeanor towards Si Xi, said with a gentle expression, “Second Brother, my birthday party is on the 3rd of next month. You’ll come, won’t you?”

Si Xi hummed in acknowledgment.

Even if he was a thousand times unwilling to go, and even if Xi Yue didn’t welcome him, he knew he still needed to make an appearance at such an event.

Otherwise, if outsiders saw that the Young Miss of the Xi family’s birthday party was unattended by her cousin, they might speculate that his uncle’s family was ostracizing him or treating him poorly.

Such rumors would reflect poorly on their image, and Si Xi wasn’t so foolish as to overlook such implications.

“Then… could you bring Huo Siyi along?”

So, this was her true agenda. Si Xi flatly refused.

“Impossible.”

Xi Yue’s expression immediately darkened as she demanded, “Why impossible? Aren’t you two very close?”

“Not close.”

“You’re lying! You clearly rode horses together, played basketball together, ate in the cafeteria together, and chatted happily when you met on the way to class. People on the forum have already shipped you as a CP eight hundred times! And you say you’re not close?”

Si Xi frowned.

What Xi Yue said was indeed true, but those were his only interactions with Huo Siyi. He could only be considered an acquaintance; they were not truly close.

“The forum can invent things that don’t exist. If you choose to believe the forum over me, there’s nothing I can do. In any case, I don’t have the audacity to invite Huo Siyi. If you want him to go, you’ll have to send him an invitation yourself.”

Xi Yue secretly gritted her teeth. If she could invite Huo Siyi herself, would she need to humble herself and beg Si Xi?

After learning Huo Siyi was also a freshman at Yan University, she had been overjoyed. For the past few days, she had specifically dressed up beautifully, intentionally or unintentionally lingering around Huo Siyi, hoping to strike up a conversation with him.

She only received an impatient ‘scram’ from Huo Siyi.

His pleasant demeanor was reserved solely for Si Xi, yet Si Xi claimed they weren’t close. She truly wanted to slap his face, a face that profited from others yet still played innocent.

But she couldn’t; she still needed his help.

“I’m out of options,” Xi Yue said pitifully. “After your engagement was broken, I was also laughed at and ostracized. You have no idea how I’ve suffered this past month; it’s been so hard for me.”

“So, please help me, won’t you? I truly need someone like Huo Siyi to lend support and presence.”

“Moreover, since the broken engagement with the Shao family, our family’s business has also suffered considerably. As far as I know, we’ve lost several major deals. They were all attracted by our connection to the Shao family. You could have clearly entered into an arranged marriage to recover the losses, but you refused. Yet, have you heard my parents say anything?”

Si Xi’s hands slowly clenched at his sides.

There it was again. The familiar moral blackmail had returned.

Yet, he found himself unable to refute her words.

Xi Yue, observing his expression, continued, “I’m not saying this to make you feel guilty, but if Huo Siyi comes to my birthday party, then they will believe we’ve formed a connection with the Huo family, which could offset the losses incurred by your broken engagement.”

Si Xi remained silent, his lips tightly pressed.

Seeing his reaction, Xi Yue knew her psychological manipulation had succeeded once again.

With teary eyes, she looked at him with a pitiful, helpless expression, delivering her final blow.

“Just consider it making amends to me, alright?”

Si Xi was speechless.

“Alright, Second Brother~”

As Si Xi opened his mouth to speak, his phone suddenly rang. It was Jing Chen’s custom ringtone.

Si Xi seized the opportunity as if clutching a lifeline. “I need to take this call.”

The call’s timing was impeccable, and a shadow of annoyance crossed Xi Yue’s eyes.

However, she had said enough to achieve her immediate goal, and she could always employ other means later to ensure Si Xi had no choice but to bring Huo Siyi.

Therefore, she said, “Then I’ll await your good news, okay? The 3rd, next Thursday, don’t forget!”

With that, she turned and left.

Si Xi, his lips pale, took a deep breath before answering the phone.

“Brother.”

“Yes, I’m at your school’s South Gate.”

Upon hearing Si Xi was looking at houses, Jing Chen had offered to help him.

“Okay, I’m sorry, please wait five minutes. I’ll be right out.”

Jing Chen immediately heard the unusual note in Si Xi’s voice. Si Xi usually spoke to him with such joviality and smiles; he wouldn’t typically be so polite.

Yet, he didn’t question it, simply saying, “No rush, I’ll wait for you.”

Si Xi practically sprinted to the South Gate. It wasn’t peak dismissal time, so the gate was sparsely populated, and he quickly spotted Jing Chen standing by the bubble tea shop.

“Brother,” Si Xi called out as he ran over.

Noticing Si Xi was gasping for breath, his cheeks flushed crimson, Jing Chen pressed the cold bubble tea he held against Si Xi’s face. Si Xi flinched, then took the drink from his hand.

“For me?”

“Yes.”

Si Xi inserted the straw and took a few sips. The unpleasantness brought by Xi Yue seemed to be washed away by the bubble tea. He exhaled a turbid breath, then smiled at Jing Chen. “It’s delicious.”

In that moment, Jing Chen wanted to pat Si Xi’s head, but he restrained himself, patting his shoulder instead. “Let’s go.”

****

Directly across the street from Yan University’s South Gate was a residential complex, the closest to the school, a mere five-minute walk away.

After getting engaged to Shao Xun, Si Xi had initially suggested buying an apartment there. However, the wealthy Shao family deemed it beneath them, purchasing a high-priced villa in Lan Yuan, several kilometers away, and arranging a dedicated driver to pick him up and drop him off.

Undeniably, when he first became engaged to Shao Xun, his heart was filled with joy. The advantages brought by the marriage alliance were visible to the naked eye, serving as repayment to his uncle for over a decade of upbringing.

He would no longer be dependent on others, living a life of superficial splendor.

Yet, an arranged marriage would simply mean trading one form of dependence for another, offering outward prestige while still requiring him to live at another’s beck and call.

So, was it wrong for him to be a little selfish?

Was it?

“Did something upsetting happen again?” Jing Chen suddenly asked.

“Me… No,” Si Xi said, subtly hooking his pinky finger with Jing Chen’s. “With you, all unhappiness turns into happiness.”

‘Forced smile.’

These two words popped into Jing Chen’s mind.

He clasped Si Xi’s hand firmly.

“You can tell me if anything’s bothering you.”

Si Xi was startled by his action. Hadn’t they agreed to pretend to be brothers at school? Brothers didn’t hold hands.

If Xi Yue saw him with a powerless, ordinary construction worker, there was no telling what kind of drama she would stir up.

He quickly pulled his hand away, glaring at Jing Chen. “It’s all your fault for being so unrestrained this weekend! I didn’t finish my homework, and the teacher singled me out and criticized me in class just now.”

Jing Chen was speechless.

‘Who was truly unrestrained?’

Jing Chen’s empty palm curled slightly. He knew Si Xi wasn’t telling the truth.

However, he didn’t press further.

The real estate agent was already waiting at the complex entrance. Her eyes lit up upon seeing the two handsome men, internally screaming, ‘So handsome!’

Maintaining her professional composure, she smiled. “There’s a newly vacated unit from yesterday. That one should better suit your needs. Would you two like to see it first?”

Si Xi replied, “Yes, that sounds good.”

The agent led them to the newly vacated unit first, and Si Xi immediately loved it.

Perhaps because the landlord had just hired someone to clean after the previous tenant moved out, the apartment was so spotless it looked almost new.

The decor was comfortable and cozy, immediately instilling a sense of relaxation, like coming home.

Due to its high floor, it boasted excellent lighting and views. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic vista of the distant scenery.

The more Si Xi looked, the more he liked it, especially the oversized bed in the master bedroom. He could already imagine the joy of rolling around on it with Jing Chen.

Seeing that the agent hadn’t entered, Si Xi whispered, “What should I do, Brother? I really want to rent it.”

Jing Chen simply said, “Rent it.”

“But I feel like the rent here must be super high. Look at this bed, it’s clearly new, and such a large size must be custom-made.

The craftsmanship… I suspect it was custom-ordered by some rich sugar daddy to keep one of our university students.”

Jing Chen was speechless.

‘Such a sharp nose…’

“Of course, it’s not that I don’t have money!”

Si Xi emphasized this first, then smiled. “I just think it’s better to spend that money on you, don’t you agree?”

Jing Chen’s gaze softened at his words.

Perhaps such words would sound insincere from others, but coming from Si Xi, they were truly pleasing to hear.

Jing Chen first hummed in affirmation, then added, “But you can ask for the price first. Perhaps it won’t be very high.”

The price certainly needed to be asked. Si Xi was just worried that if he found it too expensive and didn’t want to rent, Jing Chen would think he couldn’t afford it, suspect he was broke, and then run off.

So, he had to set expectations first.

Just then, the agent entered and asked how they liked it. Si Xi said, “It’s very good. How much is the rent here?”

The agent replied, “It’s not expensive. The landlord is abroad and not short on money. They just fear the apartment would deteriorate if left vacant, which is why they’re renting it out. The price they’ve set is this.”

She raised her hand and made a ‘six’ gesture.

“6000?” Si Xi’s eyes widened.

The agent nodded with a smile. “Yes.”

Si Xi was shocked. Their school wasn’t remote; on the contrary, as Yan Jing’s top university and a century-old institution, the area around it had flourished because of Yan University.

This particular complex had even seen its prices inflated.

Moreover, this was a three-bedroom apartment. Even with simple renovations, it would cost more than that, let alone such luxurious decor.

“Um,” Si Xi cleared his throat, asking suspiciously, “Is there anything wrong with this apartment?”

He even suspected it was a haunted house.

“Of course not!”

The agent immediately said, “Please rest assured, this apartment absolutely has no problems whatsoever. If you don’t believe me, you can inquire around. The landlord truly doesn’t care about the money; they just hope the tenant will take good care of the apartment, that’s all.”

Si Xi grew even more cautious. “You won’t come up with some ‘lamp inspection for damages’ when I move out, will you?”

The agent was speechless.

‘Seriously, why are university students so hard to fool these days?’

The agent’s internal monologue was a cascade of frustration. Someone had paid her to rent this apartment to Si Xi for 6,000 yuan, and what could she do?

The amount they offered was simply too generous.

Fortunately, Jing Chen stepped forward to smooth things over. “This apartment must have had a previous tenant. If it’s convenient, we could ask about the situation.”

The agent, sensing the gentleman’s distinguished aura, vaguely felt he was the one who had paid her to trick the university student in front of her. His suggestion sparked an idea.

“Yes, yes! I’ll send you the WeChat ID of the previous tenant. You can contact them; there are absolutely no problems.”

Si Xi replied, “That works too.”

The agent immediately sent a WeChat contact. The other party’s WeChat nickname was the character for ‘day.’ After Si Xi added them, the request was quickly accepted.

[You Can’t Fly to Heaven]: Hello.

[Day]: You are…

[You Can’t Fly to Heaven]: I’m the new tenant for Unit 2901, Building 5, Yansheng Residential Complex. I heard you used to live here, is that right?

[Day]: Yes.

[You Can’t Fly to Heaven]: Oh, I wanted to ask, the bathroom has four switches. Which one is for the shower, and which one is for the bath heater?

“See, he can’t answer, which means he never lived here at all,” Si Xi said, showing his phone to the agent. “Don’t tell me you’re trying to fool me just because I’m a university student.”

The agent: “&#+%$…”