Point to Point: The Fencer’s Heart | Chapter 39 | A Drunken Test | Novela.app

As expected, I couldn't rely on Lao Qi or Fatty for this; I had to turn to my all-knowing Yitaitai. On the other end of the line, Yitaitai listened to my plan and asked calmly, "Qiao Mai, are you really going to confess?" "Yes, of course!" I replied. "Do you even have to ask? Weren't you the one constantly egging me on? I haven't been able to sleep properly these past few days. I’d rather confess early so I can get some peace of mind. I still have the Olympics to prepare for, you know." Yitaitai sighed. "I know you're riding high on adrenaline right now, but you need to stay level-headed. We still don't know if Ling Xiao will accept you. You've only cleared the first hurdle—knowing he doesn't hate gay people. But to ensure a successful confession, you need at least two more prerequisites." My mind went blank. "Which two?" "Whether he’s gay or bisexual himself, and... whether he has those kinds of feelings for you." Yitaitai began coaching me. "Test the waters first. See if he’s interested." "How do I test him?" I asked. "From where I’m standing, he looks very interested!" Yitaitai: "..." She offered two suggestions. The first was to find a fake girlfriend to see Ling Xiao's reaction—a terrible idea I immediately rejected. The second, however, was worth a shot: pretend to be drunk and gauge his attitude. "I can do the 'pretending to be drunk' part," I said, "but how do I actually test him?" "Ugh, do I have to teach you everything?" Yitaitai snapped, her voice thick with exasperation. "When you're drunk, you can obviously do whatever you want to him. If he’s repulsed by you, he’ll just dump you and leave. If he likes you, and you rub up against him a bit, he might have a reaction..." "What kind of reaction? If I rub against him, he’ll admit he likes me?" "Qiao Mai, you're a total pig! Figure it out yourself!" With that, Yitaitai hung up. I sat on the toilet and pondered for a long while before it finally clicked. *Damn it, Yitaitai, you’re actually teaching me how to seduce Ling Xiao!* Even as I cursed her under my breath, my heart was already itching to try. I felt like my reflection in the mirror had grown a few shades more devious and lecherous. It was Saturday, and Ling Xiao happened to have his part-time shift at the bar tonight. No time like the present. With ulterior motives in mind, I called him. "What is it?" He picked up after only one ring, which startled me. Usually, it took forever for him to answer. Why was he so eager today? It caught me off guard, and I stammered, "Uh, Ling Xiao, it's me, Qiao Mai..." *Well, duh!* "I know it's you." Feeling incredibly guilty, I cleared my throat. "So, uh, I’m coming to the bar to see you tonight." "Is something wrong?" "Can't I come see you if nothing's wrong?" "You can, but I'll be working. I won't have time to look after you." I stared at my phone. *How cold-blooded!* It was over. Did he really have no feelings for me at all? *Ling Xiao, oh Ling Xiao,* I thought, *I’m in a very delicate stage right now. I’m fragile and sensitive, you know? If you’re even slightly cold to me, you might smother the flames of my love in the cradle!* "I don't need you to look after me," I said. "I'll just watch you work. I won't be a bother!" Ling Xiao gave a short "Mm." "Then watch if you want." Then he hung up. I clutched my chest, carefully shielding the flickering, dying flame of love within. *** I spent a good amount of time styling my hair and changed into my flashy Bumblebee-themed outfit before heading to the bar early. When I arrived, Ling Xiao had just finished changing into his uniform and was stepping out of the staff room, head down as he fastened the top button of his collar. The waiter's uniform consisted of a white mandarin-collar shirt and a black vest—it looked incredibly buttoned-up and stoic, yet the shirt was form-fitting and tucked into his waist, making him look undeniably sexy. Needless to say, the bulk of the bar's customers today were beautiful women. I waved at him enthusiastically; he gave me a frostily polite nod. ...Honestly, looking at him like that, I almost lost the courage to be "lecherous." Ling Xiao was a man of few words while working. Aside from serving a few regulars he seemed to know, he spent most of his time mixing drinks, handling payments, and tidying the bar. I wondered if he even cared about earning commissions, considering how much he supposedly needed money. Seeing him like that—poor yet proud—made my heart ache for him a little. Most of the time, Ling Xiao kept his head down. Occasionally, when a female customer tried to chat with him, he’d exchange a few words before letting a colleague take over while he went to do something else. The bar stools were all taken, so I had to sit in a booth. When a waiter came over, I grabbed him and pointed at Ling Xiao. "I'm his friend. Could you ask him to come over for a second? Thanks!" The waiter rolled his eyes but went to fetch him. Just then, another beauty tried to strike up a conversation with Ling Xiao. He glanced toward me, finally realizing my "value" as an excuse, and walked over. "I thought you said you wouldn't interfere with my work?" I loved this about him—the way he was cold and solemn, yet forced to deal with me anyway. I raised my hand. "I just want to order a drink. I promise I won't bother you after this!" "What do you want?" Ling Xiao looked down at me. "Wait here." I rubbed my hands together in anticipation, only to be served a cocktail garnished with lemon and mint leaves. As he set the glass down, I looked at it in confusion. "Is this the strongest thing you have?" Ling Xiao arched an eyebrow. "Are you kidding me?" "This is plenty for you." He turned to leave. But I had my ways. I leaned over to the two ladies in the booth next to mine and asked if I could buy them a round. The girls were delighted, so I quickly called out, "Hey, handsome!" Left with no choice, Ling Xiao had to double back. I whispered in one of the girls' ears, asking her to help me order some drinks. She thought it was funny and agreed. Now Ling Xiao was stuck. He gave me a cold look, but two minutes later, he brought over an ice bucket. "Thanks!" I had come prepared with a small fortune today. I pointedly tucked a hundred-yuan bill into the collar of Ling Xiao’s vest, feeling a thousand percent domineering and ten thousand percent satisfied! Ling Xiao pulled the pink bill out and set it on my table. "Keep it for the tab." Even though his attitude wasn't exactly tender, I was touched. This guy loved tips, yet he wouldn't take one from me. It showed he held me in high regard. *Sigh.* The moment he treated me even slightly well, I started to regret playing this prank on him. But the alcohol still had to be drunk. I poured myself a glass of whiskey, secretly adding extra ice. Usually, I don't even touch beer, but I had a mission today; drinking anything less than hard liquor wouldn't be convincing. I planned to have one small glass and then drink something to sober up; my mind should stay sharp enough to handle the rest. Perhaps I was too eager to tease... no, *test* Ling Xiao, because as I drank, I somehow slipped into a fantasy. At first, Ling Xiao and I were sparring on the fencing strip. He was no match for me; I lunged and poked him in the chest, sending him falling to the floor. Like a total beast, I pinned him down on the strip. Ling Xiao pulled off his mask and looked up at me, his thin lips parting slightly to say: "You threw up on me." *Nani?* I shook my head violently. The quiet, intimate atmosphere of the fencing strip was replaced by the chatter and laughter of the bar. I smelled the perfume of the girls nearby and heard their concerned voices asking if I was okay. My face was pressed against the cold tabletop. My head felt like it was filled with lead, too heavy to lift. I felt Ling Xiao’s hand press down on my shoulder as his voice came from above. "How much did he drink?" The girl said not much, just one glass. I saw Ling Xiao’s hand pick up the bottle on the table, as if confirming I’d only had one, and then I was hoisted up by him. I caught a scent on him—not a bad one, but a chaotic mix of alcohol and something else. "Ugh, Team Heartthrob, why do you smell so strong?" A deep, resonant voice rumbled above me. "You did this." *** I leaned over the toilet in the staff restroom, vomiting until I finally felt a bit better. After flushing and walking out, I actually saw Ling Xiao taking off his clothes! The dim, warm light of the restroom spilled over his bare back. I hurriedly turned away, feeling incredibly guilty! It wasn't like I hadn't seen him change before, but this time was different. This time, I could clearly feel the power of the alcohol in my system, like a torrent flushing my rationality down the drain. After a rustle of fabric, Ling Xiao put on a clean shirt. "Feeling better?" I nodded, pretending to be unfazed as I went to the sink to rinse my mouth and wash my face. My mind was filled with the image of his bare back. *Oh god, he hasn't even reacted yet, but I’m about to have a reaction!* "What's wrong?" Ling Xiao suddenly walked over and rested a hand on my shoulder. I could feel the heat of his body pressing against me. I really was about to have a reaction. *Team Heartthrob, are you doing this on purpose?!* Knowing I shouldn't, I still couldn't resist the temptation to look up at him. His handsome face was reflected in the mirror, backlit by the overhead light. Through the filter of alcohol, he looked as beautiful and noble as a deity, his slightly furrowed brows betraying an unmistakable concern. He looked genuinely worried, not like he was trying to mess with me. But with his chest nearly pressed against my back, I felt a distinct tightness in my crotch. I was supposed to be the one drunkenly teasing him, but I was losing my way. Teasing him was fine, but I didn't want to make a fool of myself. I quickly stood up and gave him a small push. "It's nothing, I'm fine..." Actually, I wasn't fine. I was as dizzy as a salted fish. I had intended to turn 180 degrees, but somehow I spun a full 360. Just as I was about to spin another five degrees past that, Ling Xiao caught me from the front. His hands held me with steady force. Because I couldn't keep my footing, I was like a sail caught in a gale, desperately clinging to a tall mast. And the "thing" down below was perfectly pressed against Ling Xiao’s thigh... Ling Xiao clearly noticed. His brow furrowed deeper, and his gaze dropped. *It’s over. I’m ruined!* If I didn't pretend to be wasted right now, I’d never be able to explain this! Before Ling Xiao could speak, I quickly faked a blackout, swaying unsteadily and babbling nonsense. I don't even remember what I said; I just wanted to crawl into a stall and be alone. But no matter which way I leaned or slumped, I ended up falling right back onto Ling Xiao! He had changed into a clean white shirt; the cool fabric smelled of fresh laundry. It seemed Yitaitai was right about one thing: he didn't push me away. That had to mean he didn't hate me—maybe he even liked me... The alcohol was still fermenting in my brain, and being so close to the person I loved made me bold. I wondered what Ling Xiao’s reaction would be if I just confessed right now. A drunk person’s actions always outpace their thoughts. I grabbed Ling Xiao’s arm and, bolstered by liquid courage, blurted out in one breath, "Ling Xiao, I li—" He suddenly covered my mouth and whispered, "Don't speak." *What is wrong with this guy?* I was bursting with emotion, yet here he was, still giving orders. Did he think I’d just shut up because he told me to? I was drunk; I wouldn't even listen to the King of Heaven! I pried his hand away. "Ling Xiao! I like y—" Halfway through, he suddenly gripped my chin and tilted it. The light dimmed before my eyes as Ling Xiao’s presence pressed in on me without warning. His warm breath, the scent of his laundered shirt, the smell of shampoo in his hair... I saw his lips just millimeters away, and a shiver like an electric current shot through my entire body. What was happening? Was this— But there was no sudden kiss. My trembling met only empty air. Finally, he released his grip on my chin, and my head dropped forward like a deflated ball, landing on his shoulder. There was no kiss, but he held me. Chest to chest, this substitute embrace still sent my heart into a frantic rhythm. Ling Xiao didn't say another word, nor did he allow me to speak. There was only the heavy, steady thrum of the heart pressed against my own. *** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation ---|---|--- 姨太太 | Yitaitai | Literally "concubine/second wife," but used here as a playful/affectionate nickname for Qiao Mai's aunt (Tian Auntie). 队草 | Team Heartthrob | Literally "Team Grass," referring to the most handsome guy on a sports team. 低音炮 | Deep, resonant voice | Literally "subwoofer," used to describe a deep, attractive male voice. 大黄蜂 | Bumblebee | The character from Transformers. 禁欲 | Stoic / Buttoned-up | Literally "ascetic," used here to describe a "cold/repressed" sexy aesthetic, often associated with uniforms. 骚包 | Flashy / Extra | Slang for someone who is showy or dresses in a way to attract attention. 小立领 | Mandarin collar | A short, unfolded stand-up collar style. 卡座 | Booth | A partitioned seating area in a bar or restaurant.