Agreed to Just Once - Chapter 1: Pretending for a While

Chapter 1: Pretending for a While

The utility knife sliced open the delivery box, revealing a small porcelain-white speaker inside.

Jiang Yinian took out the speaker, gave it a quick inspection, turned it on to connect and test it, then played one of his favorite songs.

A cheerful melody filled the small room.

The door suddenly burst open in a hurry. He Wenshuo appeared with sweat beading at his temples, carrying a square food bag. As he opened it, the aroma of sugar-roasted chestnuts wafted out.

Niannian, these chestnuts just came out of the pan. Try them quickly.

Mm.

Jiang Yinian reached into the bag and picked out a plump chestnut. Applying just enough pressure to crack it open, the warm, fragrant scent immediately filled his nostrils.

They were so piping hot that He Wenshuo must have pedaled his bicycle like Fiery Wind Wheels after leaving the chestnut shop.

He Wenshuo placed the bag of chestnuts on the table, pulled up a small chair by the desk without being asked, and looked up at Jiang Yinian with expectant eyes.

Are they good?

Not bad.

Jiang Yinian nodded. He didn’t have many hobbies, but he could never neglect his love for good food.

Satisfied that they were tasty, He Wenshuo also took chestnuts from the paper bag and began shelling them, placing all the peeled ones in front of Jiang Yinian. He then cut straight to the point: Do you remember last month on my birthday when I made a wish, and you promised to help me fulfill it?

Jiang Yinian nibbled on the sweet chestnuts: Mm, yes.

Last month for He Wenshuo’s birthday, Jiang Yinian had chosen a gift online, but the delivery got lost somehow along the way. As a result, he couldn’t give the gift on He Wenshuo’s actual birthday. Later, he came up with a remedy measure—offering to fulfill a birthday wish as compensation.

Getting a confirmed answer, He Wenshuo immediately clasped Jiang Yinian’s hand that was holding the chestnuts, his expression sincere: Niannian, will you be my partner?

Jiang Yinian stared speechlessly at the person in front of him, quietly withdrawing his hand from He Wenshuo’s firm, large ones: No.

What’s gotten into him all of a sudden?

He Wenshuo retracted his now empty hands, slumped dejectedly on the table, and watched Jiang Yinian continue unhurriedly shelling and eating chestnuts. He was utterly unwilling: Why not?

Jiang Yinian didn’t even look up: Hmm?

Unable to keep his hands still, He Wenshuo kept taking chestnuts from the food bag to shell: It’s about that girl, the one who was chasing me at school last time. She, she’s back, and I’m really worried sick.

If you don’t like her, just turn her down.

Jiang Yinian knew about the situation. Last time, a girl waited on the sports field with flowers to confess to He Wenshuo, but he caught wind of it beforehand and even skipped that PE class to avoid her.

I did turn her down, I did! He Wenshuo shelled another chestnut and pushed it toward Jiang Yinian. I told her I don’t like her and I don’t want to date, but she cried like a delicate pear blossom in the rain and didn’t listen to a word I said.

Lately, it’s gotten even scarier. He Wenshuo pressed a hand on the table, his brows knitted in worry. I don’t know which unscrupulous person gave her the idea, saying things like ‘Water Drops Piercing Stone,’ failure is the mother of success, and that confessing ninety-nine times guarantees victory… I’m really terrified!

Jiang Yinian ate the chestnuts that He Wenshuo had peeled and placed on the bag: Then there’s no other way. You’ll just have to reject her more firmly.

He Wenshuo threw his head back and spread his hands in exasperation: I really did reject her very firmly!

Lately, he didn’t even dare to smile at school, keeping a straight face and ignoring everyone every day. Beyond that, he truly had no other tricks up his sleeve.

Then it must not have been firm enough. When Jiang Yinian was a freshman, someone had pursued him too, but after he firmly expressed that he had no intention of dating at the moment, the other person stopped bothering him.

He Wenshuo ruffled his hair, looking utterly defeated. Then tell me, what else can I do about this person now?

I think what they say is right. Jiang Yinian had almost finished eating. Seeing that He Wenshuo didn’t seem interested in eating, he casually sealed the food bag, enjoying the drama. Given enough time, they might really wear you down, like water dripping through stone.

No.

He Wenshuo shook his head repeatedly. That’s impossible. I won’t date anyone. Dating is too terrifying. All the classmates and friends I know, whether guys or girls, turn into broke ghosts after they start dating. They all want to mooch off me whenever they crave a decent meal.

Jiang Yinian: Don’t worry, your little savings can handle it.

He Wenshuo disagreed even more. That’s money that can’t be touched!

Jiang Yinian picked up a cup. Then what do you want to do?

Jiang Yinian: I don’t want to. What a terrible idea.

He Wenshuo: Why not? It’s just pretending, okay? You just have to pretend to be my partner. At most, you’d wear girls’ clothes and take a walk with me around campus.

Jiang Yinian shook his head.

He Wenshuo: Why not? You look good in anything, better than everyone at our school, really. I’m not lying to you.

Jiang Yinian handed the unfinished sugar-roasted chestnuts back to He Wenshuo. Don’t be ridiculous.

But, He Wenshuo reached out and tightly clasped Jiang Yinian’s hands, you can’t go back on your word. On my birthday, you promised to help me fulfill a wish. I’m begging you.

How could these two things compare?

Jiang Yinian pried He Wenshuo’s large hands away and stood up. This is not happening. Choose something else. How about I take you out for fish? That place you wanted to try last time—I just got a coupon.

What fish? He Wenshuo was in no mood for fish now. Any fish would have to wait. Without a second thought, he reached out and wrapped his arms around Jiang Yinian’s legs like iron hoops. No, I don’t want fish. I want a partner now. I need a partner.

Jiang Yinian’s legs were trapped by those iron-like arms, leaving him unable to move. He was speechless for a moment. You… wouldn’t it be easier to just find a girl to pretend to be your partner? Coming to him was taking such a roundabout way.

He Wenshuo refused to let go. No, I don’t trust anyone else. I only trust you.

Jiang Yinian patted He Wenshuo’s arms, trying to negotiate. I’ll find one for you. I’ll recommend someone.

He Wenshuo shook his head. I don’t want that.

Jiang Yinian remained unmoved. Then I don’t want to either.

The crisp alarm rang at the usual time.

Jiang Yinian opened his eyes, rubbing his head first thing. He seemed to have dreamed something during the night, but forgot everything the moment he woke up.

Dragging his slippers, he slowly pulled open the bedroom door, and a vibrant, handsome face suddenly appeared in his line of sight.

Jiang Yinian raised his hand to rub his head again:
He Wenshuo flashed a pleasing smile: Good morning, are you hungry?

Both just woke up… Jiang Yinian’s gaze traveled past He Wenshuo to the dining table in the living room, catching the scent of soup dumplings.

He Wenshuo eagerly took Jiang Yinian’s wrist, leading him to sit at the table: I couldn’t sleep this morning, so I got up early to queue for soup dumplings. Pork, sauced pork, three-delicacy—all your favorites are here.

Jiang Yinian sniffed; the aroma of the dumplings was almost overwhelming. He loved this particular shop’s soup dumplings—generously filled with superb seasoning—but the queues were always ridiculously long, making them hard to get. He only went occasionally when he woke up early enough.

He Wenshuo picked up a dumpling with chopsticks and brought it to Jiang Yinian’s mouth: Here, open up.

Jiang Yinian leaned back, stopping the feeding attempt: I just got up. Haven’t brushed my teeth or washed my face yet.

But no sooner had he spoken than the dumpling was in his mouth anyway.

He Wenshuo dismissed the concern: It’s fine. I heard some say it’s the same whether you brush before or after breakfast.

Jiang Yinian:
Faulty logic, but he had to admit—the dumplings he hadn’t eaten in so long were delicious.

He Wenshuo joined him for breakfast, and once Jiang Yinian was full, he nudged him toward the bathroom to freshen up, then swiftly cleared the table.

By the time Jiang Yinian emerged from the bathroom, the living room was spotless.

Unusual kindness without cause.

While still dazed, he was pulled by He Wenshuo to sit on the living room sofa.

He Wenshuo grabbed his backpack, unzipped it, and pulled out a brand-new multi-layer Rubik’s cube: A Rubik’s cube. You’ve been wanting to try this one, right?

Jiang Yinian looked at the cube in his hands. He had indeed been meaning to buy one to try.

He Wenshuo continued pulling items from his bag: Headphones—the ones we looked at together last time.

Jiang Yinian stared silently at the latest white headphones.

He Wenshuo kept going: And this—the new album from your singing idol. The Joint Game Controller. Oh, and this chocolate—you said it was good and wanted to stock up.

Jiang Yinian placed the armful of items he’d been handed onto the coffee table: Yes, but weren’t we planning to wait for the holiday sales to buy these?

Mhm. He Wenshuo looked up after emptying his bag. It’s fine. You know what they say—buy early, enjoy early. We can afford the difference.

Jiang Yinian eyed the pile of new items: Just say what you want to say. If this dragged on, he’d be late for his first 8 a.m. class.

He Wenshuo blinked his dark eyes: Pretend to be my partner.

Jiang Yinian:
He tried to talk him out of it: I don’t think I’m suitable.

He Wenshuo immediately countered: No, I think you’re perfect.

Jiang Yinian hesitated, But
He Wenshuo finally detected a hint of wavering on Jiang Yinian’s face. He reached out, gripping his shoulders and shaking him, Please, Nian Nian, Nian Nian, I’m begging you. Come with me, just help me this once. I promise, from now on, whenever you need me, I’ll be at your beck and call, working tirelessly without a single complaint.

You
Jiang Yinian was shaken until he felt dizzy. In the end, swayed by past favors, he relented, Alright, fine. But remember, just this once.

He Wenshuo hugged Jiang Yinian tightly, lifting him and spinning around twice on the spot. That’s great, Nian Nian, Nian Nian! I knew you wouldn’t leave me in the lurch. I really love you so much.

Jiang Yinian, with his feet off the ground, instantly felt unsteady. Let go of me right now! Put me down!

Author’s Note: