The Infatuated Cannon Fodder Quits Chapter 28

Bo Jin’s voice was low and slow, each syllable like a caress, leaving a tingling sensation along Xie Ruan’s ear, sending a shiver down his spine.

Xie Ruan’s heart raced. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was nervous about Director Zhao or something else entirely.

“Get lost!”

He muttered angrily, but his cheeks were burning.

Why was this guy always trying to pull this nonsense? How had he not gotten punched yet?

“Wife, my *ss!” he fired back, his eyes challenging. “Why don’t you call me husband instead?”

Bring it on. If it’s a war of words, he wouldn’t back down.

Bo Jin’s gaze dropped.

The younger boy tilted his head defiantly, revealing his slender, fair neck, the shape delicate. It was all in plain view, almost inviting.

Bo Jin’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he tightened his grip around Xie Ruan, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “What did you say?”

Fueled by competitiveness, Xie Ruan, caught in the moment, immediately replied, “Husband!”

Bo Jin hadn’t expected him to take the bait so quickly. Stunned for a moment, he pulled Xie Ruan’s head down onto his shoulder, stifling his laughter. “Alright.”

Hearing him laugh, Xie Ruan realized he’d been tricked again.

“D*mn it, you!” His face reddened, and he felt both embarrassed and annoyed. Director Zhao and all his worries faded away as he sat up straighter.

“Shh—stay still.” Bo Jin held his back firmly, his voice close to his ear. “Do you want Director Zhao to catch us in the act and make you give a speech under the flag? Just imagine the school forum lighting up.”

Xie Ruan froze, suddenly too scared to move.

He could already imagine the scene.

People would definitely swarm the forum to gossip about him, bringing up all the old drama with Shen Xingyun. Some might even say he was finally showing his true colors, confirming all their suspicions.

How embarrassing.

Shuddering, Xie Ruan slumped back into Bo Jin’s arms.

Seeing this, Bo Jin’s eyes softened slightly.

Looking at the hand resting against his chest, he asked gently, “Has the burn healed?”

“Yeah, ages ago.” Xie Ruan had almost forgotten, laughing it off. “Good thing you brought that ointment in time, or the wound would’ve healed.”

Thinking about it, Xie Ruan’s attitude softened.

Bo Jin was actually a good guy—just… a little flirtatious.

But personality was something you were born with, and expecting him to change was unrealistic. It was better if he tried to be a bit more tolerant.

After all, he thought, men should be magnanimous.

With that mature mindset, Xie Ruan perked up his ears to listen outside. Not hearing Director Zhao coming their way, he nudged Bo Jin with his knee and whispered, “I’ll buy you a drink later. What do you want?”

He’d owed Bo Jin a few meals, and he finally had a chance to repay him.

Instead of answering, Bo Jin asked, “What about you?”

“Sea salt coffee—it’s really good,” Xie Ruan replied immediately.

But before Bo Jin could respond, Xie Ruan continued, “But don’t even think about it. That stuff’s not for someone who has trouble sleeping.”

He started listing drinks from the convenience store as he recalled them. “Milk tea’s also out. Carbonated drinks? Not at night…”

Watching Xie Ruan worry about him, Bo Jin couldn’t help but smile wider and wider.

“Looks like milk is all you can have,” Xie Ruan teased, glancing up with a mischievous smile, “Kid Bo.”

Bo Jin raised an eyebrow. “Kid?”

Xie Ruan, feeling on top, kept pushing, “What else do you call someone who can only drink milk?”

“Oh,” Bo Jin chuckled lightly, staring into his eyes and speaking slowly, “is it the kind of kid that makes you want to break them?”

Xie Ruan choked, nearly coughing.

What switch had this guy flipped tonight? Was he trying out his best flirting techniques?!

Unable to match Bo Jin’s shamelessness, Xie Ruan bit his tongue, sulking in silence.

Trapped in the small, cramped space, he had no choice but to stay in Bo Jin’s arms, eyes downcast and lips pressed together in a way that made him look like he was waiting for comfort.

Bo Jin felt a tug on his heart, wanting to touch his face. But it wasn’t quite the right time, and doing so would feel presumptuous.

He sighed inwardly.

Doesn’t he like me? Then why doesn’t he make a move?

He’d been laying it on thick, yet Xie Ruan hadn’t taken the hint.

Had he fallen for one of those online “how to crush your crush by ignoring them” guides?

Xie Ruan had no idea what was going through Bo Jin’s head. The silence between them in such close quarters was awkward.

He listened intently for any signs that Director Zhao was gone, lifting a corner of the curtain for a peek.

One look and he froze.

Director Zhao hadn’t left—he was still standing in the middle of the internet café, scanning for anyone who might’ve slipped through.

Next to him were two boys looking sullen; they’d clearly been caught.

Quickly, Xie Ruan let go of the curtain, sighing in relief.

“Director Zhao didn’t leave?” Bo Jin asked.

“No,” Xie Ruan whispered in frustration. “Isn’t catching two enough?”

Bo Jin quietly adjusted the curtain so there were no gaps. “Maybe he’s trying to catch a third.”

“What?” Xie Ruan thought Bo Jin knew something and asked eagerly.

Bo Jin grinned. “Like a puzzle game—you get three matching students and clear the level.”

Xie Ruan couldn’t hold back a laugh but quickly covered his mouth, his eyes still curved in amusement.

Bo Jin watched his smiling face and suddenly asked, “Feeling better?”

Xie Ruan paused.

Bo Jin’s question reminded him why he’d snuck out to play games in the first place—because he’d been too frustrated to stay in the dorm.

But ever since Bo Jin arrived, he’d been so absorbed in their banter that he’d forgotten all about it.

With mixed emotions, he nodded. “Yeah.”

Bo Jin smiled, satisfied. “Good.”

Eventually, Director Zhao left, having noted down the unlucky students’ names, and the atmosphere in the café relaxed.

Song Xinghe emerged from the restroom, determined to finish his game and unwilling to leave with Xie Ruan.

So, with no other choice, Xie Ruan left with Bo Jin.

It was already past eleven, and most of the stores along the street were closed, except for a brightly lit 24-hour convenience store. Xie Ruan bought two drinks, tossing a milk to Bo Jin and opening his sea salt coffee.

Hesitating, he asked, “Will the dorm supervisor let us back in at this hour?”

Dorm lights at Shijia High turned off at eleven-fifteen, so they were definitely late.

“Worried now?” Bo Jin smirked at him. “Weren’t you so brave skipping out?”

Xie Ruan thought to himself that he hadn’t even planned on coming back, but he held his tongue.

“With me here, what are you worried about?” Bo Jin said, patting his head as he opened the milk. The strong taste hit him, and though he slightly grimaced, he drank it down without complaint.

Xie Ruan had grown used to Bo Jin’s head-patting and didn’t react, only wondering what trick he’d pull.

It turned out Bo Jin didn’t need any tricks—he was a walking all-access pass at Shijia High.

The dorm supervisor, who usually looked fierce, turned into a smiling flower upon seeing Bo Jin. They didn’t need any explanation; their imagination filled in the gaps. “Oh, it’s Bo Jin! Studying so late you lost track of time?”

She opened the door, letting them in with a gentle reminder, “Don’t let this happen again, okay? Studying is important, but health is the foundation. If you wear yourself out, even the best college won’t be worth it.”

Bo Jin nodded sincerely, looking for the first time like a good student. “Understood. Thank you for the trouble.”

The dorm supervisor waved her hand dismissively. “It’s no trouble at all, just opening a door. Hurry up and wash up for bed; you have to be up for morning study tomorrow.”

What they’d thought would be a tough checkpoint was passed with barely a word. Xie Ruan, following behind Bo Jin in a daze, finally understood the perks that came with Bo Jin’s reputation at school.

Skipping class was one thing, but skipping curfew? The teachers even helped him come up with an excuse!

Bo Jin’s dorm was on the fourth floor, and with their long legs, it didn’t take them long to get there.

Just before parting ways, Xie Ruan hesitated but eventually spoke up. “Thanks for today. I owe you one.”

He wasn’t naive enough to think Bo Jin’s appearance at the internet café was a coincidence. He must have heard about Xie Ruan skipping curfew and had gone to find him.

He appreciated the thoughtfulness.

“You’re welcome,” Bo Jin replied smoothly, one hand in his pocket. “Not that it’s without repayment.”

Knowing him too well, Xie Ruan’s alarm bells immediately went off. “What do you want in return?”

Bo Jin took a sip of his milk, smiling as he raised an eyebrow. “If I hadn’t come tonight, you would’ve ended up as part of the school’s triple-match puzzle game with those other two.”

Xie Ruan: “….”

Was he really unaware of how over-the-top he sounded? No wonder he aced every math test—he certainly knew how to keep a balance sheet.

“A life-saving grace…” Bo Jin smiled, looking at him mischievously, “of course, it has to be repaid with a lifelong commitment.”

Expressionless, Xie Ruan turned to leave.

He’d have to be insane to stand here discussing “lifelong committment” with him; those few extra minutes would be better spent sleeping.

Bo Jin burst out laughing, grabbing Xie Ruan’s arm. “Just teasing. Don’t take it seriously.”

It was late, and the hallway was completely quiet.

Bo Jin reached out, pressing the cool milk bottle against Xie Ruan’s cheek and whispered, “Goodnight. Sweet dreams.”

He glanced down the stairs, not seeing the dorm supervisor, and couldn’t resist adding, “And keep that favor you owe me in mind. In the future…”

He paused, chuckling, “We’ll settle it slowly.”