Crossdress Ch44

When Xu Yan came back from the restroom, he immediately sensed that the atmosphere at the table had shifted, it wasn’t right.

The four people each had different expressions, a vivid display of emotion, but all mixed into a strange, heavy silence.

He didn’t know why, so he tried to break the ice. “It was so far, I almost got lost. What were you guys talking about just now?”

The tension was so thick, no one responded immediately.

The “culprit” Shen Nanli laughed awkwardly. “Oh, just chatting randomly, haha. We’re all done eating, should we head back to campus?”

Xu Yan checked the time, almost 10. If they left now, they’d get back by 10:30, and he still needed to shower and do laundry tonight.

He turned to the person beside him. “Should we head back?”

Wen Sinian handed him a glass of water. He only spoke after Xu Yan obediently took a big gulp. “Let’s go.”

This dinner gathering had indeed reached its natural end.

Wen Sinian had already paid the bill. Everyone stood up and started heading out of the restaurant.

Xu Yan deliberately lagged behind and tugged on Shen Nanli, whispering, “What’s going on? It feels weird. Why did everyone suddenly stop talking?”

Shen Nanli thought for a few seconds. “…Hard to say.”

Now, everyone but Xu Yan knew what Zhuang Sheng’s real intention was for coming tonight.

But Shen Nanli remembered Xu Yan had clearly told him Zhuang Sheng already knew he was dating someone. Was this… an attempt to steal someone else’s lover? Become a third party and snatch love away?

Sure, Xu Yan was about to break up with “Year-Ge,” but technically they weren’t separated yet.

And what was with Wen Sinian’s reaction earlier? Could he also be… interested in Xu Yan?

A… fourth party?

This was getting ridiculously complicated. Just thinking about it made Shen Nanli’s head feel like it was going to explode.

He turned and saw Xu Yan still looking at him earnestly, waiting patiently. So he leaned in and whispered, “I’ll explain slowly.”

But he didn’t get the chance, they had already reached the restaurant entrance.

Wen Sinian was standing by the revolving door. When the door rotated to his side, he reached back, grabbed Xu Yan’s arm, and pulled him in with him. The two of them exited together.

Once outside, after Xu Yan had regained his footing, Wen Sinian naturally let go and took the valet key from a server, walking off to get the car.

The three still inside looked at each other with mixed expressions. Shen Nanli saw how well Wen Sinian was treating Xu Yan and was shocked that Xu Yan didn’t seem to think much of it. Instead, he stood outside the door cheerfully waving back and even telling him to hurry.

Shen Nanli: …

Alright then.

His best friend, beautiful and adorable as he was, was just… popular, okay?

What’s wrong with having a few more boats in the harbor?

It just means he’s got skills.

Zhuang Sheng soon came out as well. Before heading to get his car, he made sure to say to Xu Yan, “Yanyan, wait for me, I’m going near your campus anyway. I can give you a ride, and there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

It was a very natural excuse. Xu Yan had no reason to refuse.

“Alright, I’ll wait here.”

Zhuang Sheng took the key and walked off.

Just then, a black Aston Martin pulled up smoothly in front of Xu Yan.

Lin Xingxian exchanged a look with Shen Nanli, and the two of them, well-coordinated, got in the back seats one by one.

Xu Yan stood outside the passenger door, bent down, and tapped lightly on the window.

The window slowly rolled down. Wen Sinian looked at him and said, “Get in.”

A small face peeked through the window, eyes bright, a soft smile on his lips.

“Senior, you guys can go ahead. You don’t have to worry about me, I’m riding with Zhuang Sheng-Ge.”

Just as he said that, Xu Yan noticed Wen Sinian’s expression suddenly darken, his gaze flashing with an almost undetectable chill.

“It’s more convenient if I take you,” Wen Sinian said, quickly returning to his calm demeanor without a crack in his expression. “Other cars can’t drive into the school grounds. By the time you walk back to the dorm, the gates might already be locked. Get in, no need to trouble anyone else.”

Xu Yan thought about it… That did make a lot of sense.

Zhuang Sheng’s car pulled up just then and stopped behind the black car. He tapped the horn lightly, also signaling for Xu Yan to get in.

Xu Yan looked through the windshield at Zhuang Sheng, then turned back to look at Wen Sinian.

He furrowed his brows slightly, clearly torn.

Zhuang Sheng saw that Xu Yan was already reaching out to open the black car’s door, and hurriedly got out, standing by his own door and calling out, “Yanyan.”

Xu Yan’s hand suddenly withdrew, a little surprised by his own reaction.

Why had his hand reached out on its own to open Wen Sinian’s door…? He hadn’t even realized it…

Zhuang Sheng reminded him, “We should get going.”

Xu Yan nodded, “Alright.”

But before he could take a step, he heard the sound of a car door opening in front of him.

A tall figure stepped out from the driver’s seat, circled around the front of the car, and came to his side. One hand loosely hovered at Xu Yan’s waist, blocking his path. The other hand opened the passenger door.

“It’s time to go,” Wen Sinian looked down at him, gaze focused and steady. “Let me take you, okay?”

Xu Yan froze for a second, captivated by those eyes, like the depths of the sea.

His eyes were filled with complicated emotions, separated by a layer of darkness and fog, Xu Yan couldn’t decipher them. But it felt like his soul was being slowly drawn out, his spine tingling slightly. Before he could respond, Wen Sinian took the opportunity to directly push him into the passenger seat, leaned over, and fastened the seatbelt for him. Then, with a smooth motion, he closed the car door.

Zhuang Sheng, seeing Xu Yan being “taken away,” quickly abandoned his own car and rushed over. Ignoring Wen Sinian still standing by, he reached out to open the door.

Wen Sinian raised his hand, pressing against the car roof, lightly but firmly blocking him. The muscles of his arm, concealed by his clothes, flexed bulging and taut filling out the loose sleeve entirely.

Zhuang Sheng couldn’t open the door. Wen Sinian was taller, so Zhuang Sheng had to look up at him, instantly losing the upper hand.

“What’s your problem?” Zhuang Sheng asked.

Wen Sinian replied coolly, “No problem.”

Zhuang Sheng suppressed his displeasure. “I’m treating you as Yanyan’s friend. If you have an issue with me, just say it directly, no need to hide behind things.”

Wen Sinian sneered.

Trying to steal someone from right in front of him, and then asking whether he has a problem with it?

Inside the car, Xu Yan could tell the two didn’t get along, though he didn’t know why. He quickly rolled the window down all the way and poked his head out.

“Zhuang Sheng-Ge, you still have work, right? I shouldn’t trouble you. Plus, we’ve got dorm curfew, I’ll just go back with Senior Wen and the others,” Xu Yan said sweetly, gripping the window with both hands. “Oh, you mentioned there was something you wanted to tell me?”

Zhuang Sheng had his words stuck in his throat. Even if he wanted to speak, it definitely wasn’t something to be said in front of outsiders. But the man beside him wasn’t giving an inch, staring him down like a predator. Clearly, tonight wouldn’t be his chance.

“Forget it. I’ll tell you after I come back from my trip. Let’s meet again then, just the two of us.”

Xu Yan nodded. “Alright.”

Zhuang Sheng told him, “Then I’ll get going. Send me a message when you get to your dorm.”

“Okay, be safe on the road.”

Zhuang Sheng drove off quickly. Wen Sinian got back into the car as well.

***
On the way back, the car was quiet.

Xu Yan sat properly like a little obedient bunny, leaning against the seatback, hands resting on his thighs.

In the back seat, Lin Xingxian and Shen Nanli kept silent too, just staring at each other.

The car finally arrived at the dorm. It stopped right out front.

Lin Xingxian claimed he had something to do and quickly got out.

Shen Nanli decided to cut his losses, exaggeratedly winking at Xu Yan, and said to Wen Sinian, “Senior Wen, Yanyan has something he wants to talk to you about, you two go ahead, I’m off, bye~”

Then he slipped out of the car as well.

Suddenly, only the two of them were left.

“What is it?” Wen Sinian asked.

Xu Yan remembered Shen Nanli’s suggestion, but he hadn’t planned on asking Wen Sinian for help this early. If they wanted to invite someone to act, they should at least have a script, right? At the very least, a synopsis?

Their team had nothing, no theme, no style, no direction. What was he going to do, try to bluff his way through with empty words?

“Um…” Xu Yan changed the subject. “Do you… have a problem with Zhuang Sheng-Ge?”

Wen Sinian hadn’t expected that question. “No.”

“How is that possible? You two almost got into a fight.”

Wen Sinian chuckled. “You think we were fighting?”

“…Weren’t you?”

“What did we fight about?”

He was clearly calm and composed.

Xu Yan shook his head. “I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you.”

He waited a few seconds, but Wen Sinian didn’t respond.

The car was sealed, the surroundings too quiet, Xu Yan could hear his own heartbeat getting louder.

The dim lighting, the thickening humidity in the air, the shared breath, the atmosphere was becoming sticky and intimate.

Realizing the shift, Xu Yan panicked and said, “It’s getting close to lights out. I should go. Thanks for tonight.”

He spoke while reaching for the seatbelt with one hand and the door handle with the other.

But just as he unbuckled the belt, someone tugged it back suddenly, Wen Sinian pulled it tight, pressing Xu Yan back against the seat.

Startled, Xu Yan turned his head and saw that intense gaze again.

His mouth went dry instantly. His nerves sparked with heat.

Suddenly he remembered, Wen Sinian had looked at him like that before. In the movie theater. When he was still pretending to be “Year.”

That same probing, analytical, unnerving look that made sweat break out on his back.

“Is… is there something else?” he asked nervously.

Wen Sinian leaned closer, tugging on the seatbelt, eyes scanning Xu Yan’s face.

Xu Yan’s brain short-circuited. His tongue tangled. “W-what…?”

“You look a lot like someone I know,” Wen Sinian said.

Xu Yan’s eyes went wide. His soul almost left his body. He stiffly licked his lips.

“R-really…”

“He’s from our school too,” Wen Sinian added.

Xu Yan’s eyelashes trembled, looking pitiful like he was about to cry, gaze full of helpless pleading.

That expression, so soft, so vulnerable, it was like he was begging.

Wen Sinian, seeing that, eased up. He smiled a little, reassuringly. “Too similar. I mistook you.”

He let go, for now.

Xu Yan rubbed his eyes and cursed this bastard a hundred times in his heart.

He cursed him for almost recognizing him, and for not recognizing him.

Wen Sinian asked, “Nothing else you wanted to say?”

Then gently reminded, “Dorm doors will lock soon.”

Xu Yan shut his eyes and braced himself. “There’s something I’d like your help with. I hope you’ll consider. Our professor wants us to film a short movie to submit for a competition. My team includes me, Nanli, and Qingji, but… we’re still missing a lead actor…”

Before he could finish, the man beside him said, “Okay.”

Xu Yan blinked. “What’s okay?”

“Anything’s fine,” Wen Sinian said. “If you need my help, I’ll do it.”

Xu Yan didn’t expect him to agree so easily. He grabbed his arm with both hands, eyes shining. “You really mean it?”

“I do.”

Wen Sinian looked at him with such focused tenderness that Xu Yan couldn’t help smiling softly too.

Baby.

I’d do anything for you.

After Xu Yan happily ran upstairs, Wen Sinian immediately called Lin Xingxian.

He told him the studio was going to be renovated and to move all those “ugly paintings” from the second floor office.

Lin Xingxian jumped. “Do you even understand art? You’re calling my work ugly?!”

Wen Sinian said coldly, “It’s an eyesore.”

If he’d known X was Lin Xingxian’s alt account earlier, he would’ve kicked him out long ago.

Lin Xingxian whined, “I haven’t even pissed you off lately!”

Wen Sinian: “Think harder.”

And hung up.

Xu Yan didn’t forget to message “Year” to ask about his phone repair.

【Year】: Missed you, baby.

【Year】: Some parts aren’t available anymore, so I couldn’t fix it.

He even sent a photo of a brand new, unopened phone box.

【Year】: Bought a new one for you. I’ll give it to you next time we meet

Xu Yan felt a little guilty but knew his old phone really was too outdated, it wasn’t “Year’s” fault it couldn’t be fixed.

【Yanyan】: That’s too expensive. I can’t accept it.

【Year】: Your phone broke because of me. I should buy you a new one.

【Year】: I really want to see you soon.

But Xu Yan told him he might be very busy for a while, and that meeting would have to wait.

Now that Wen Sinian had agreed to act in their film, they didn’t have to worry about the popularity votes for the open casting. But they still had to come up with a proper script.

Xu Yan pulled several all-nighters writing drafts. After discussing them with Shen Nanli and Zhao Qingji, they chose the one with the most dramatic plot and spent days refining it together until they finally had a satisfying version.
Xu Yan, both nervous and excited, handed the script to Wen Sinian. It didn’t take long before Wen Sinian responded that he had no objections and would follow Xu Yan’s direction entirely.

Xu Yan had filmed others before, but this was his first time working with such a cooperative lead actor.

The shoot was scheduled for a tree-lined path on campus at 7 p.m. The whole team met up there.

Xu Yan’s script had only one main character, with on-site audio recording. Dubbing would be done in post-production.

Xu Yan was the cameraman, Shen Nanli handled lighting, and Zhao Qingji took care of logistics and equipment.

They started with scenes for the lead role. Supporting actors had already been arranged, Xu Yan had coordinated with Li Huaiche and a few other classmates to show up later for crowd scenes.

These days, it was common to see students around campus filming their final projects. Passersby didn’t find it unusual.

But Wen Sinian standing under the lens still drew some curious glances.

Fortunately, Xu Yan was highly professional and knew exactly what kind of shots he wanted. He was able to give precise and efficient guidance, which Wen Sinian executed perfectly, making the footage flawless.

After shooting a few scenes, Xu Yan stood in front of the camera to review the footage.

The lighting was purposefully dim, casting Wen Sinian’s tall figure in deep contrast. His strong brows and starlit eyes were shrouded in darkness, creating a cinematic sense of depth and visual impact, like a movie poster.

Xu Yan hadn’t expected Wen Sinian to be so photogenic. He adjusted the playback and admired it again and again.

“So satisfied?”

That low voice came from beside him, laced with amusement.

Wen Sinian had somehow walked over and was watching the screen with him.

So… he saw Xu Yan replaying the footage over and over…

Embarrassed, Xu Yan quickly blocked the screen. “I’ll show you once we’re done filming.”

Wen Sinian didn’t object, straightening up.

Nearby, the other two team members were squatting, discussing how to control the lighting. The moonlight tonight was bright and ideal for a shot Xu Yan had in mind.

“I want to shoot one more scene. Can you stand over there first?” Xu Yan pointed.

Wen Sinian walked over and stood in place.

Xu Yan checked the frame, adjusted it slightly, still not quite right.

He peeked out from behind the camera, his eyes locked onto Wen Sinian.

Wen Sinian stood still, letting him stare as much as he wanted.

Xu Yan walked over, stood in front of him, scrutinized left and right, then reached out to tighten Wen Sinian’s clothing. Frowned. Loosened it again.

Then he stood on tiptoe and reached up to fix his hair.

The evening breeze blew gently, bringing a chill.

Wen Sinian shifted slightly, blocking the wind for him. His hands in his pockets, he leaned down slightly, lowering his head close, his face almost touching Xu Yan’s.

Their breaths mingled.

A faint sweet scent floated up, like laundry detergent or body wash.

Peach. Or some other fruity sweetness.

One breath was enough to fill the lungs with sweetness.

Those slightly parted lips, so close, held the same tempting fragrance.

Wen Sinian’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly.

He wanted to kiss him.

Xu Yan didn’t notice. After adjusting the hair, he cupped Wen Sinian’s face briefly, inspected his work, and smiled with satisfaction.

“All done.”

Realizing how close they were, his heart skipped. He quickly pulled back and pretended nothing happened, hopping back to the camera.

The scent vanished with him.

Wen Sinian’s throat felt dry. He licked his lips, hiding the heat in his gaze.

Tonight’s shoot was heavy, just the first session, they still needed to adjust to each other’s styles.

But surprisingly, Xu Yan thought they worked together very well.

The next two days were the weekend. Xu Yan had taken time off from the café in advance for filming. Wen Sinian’s studio was usually busy, but this weekend he happened to be free, so Xu Yan decided to prioritize filming his scenes first.

They scheduled outdoor shoots in the old city. Wen Sinian offered to drive them, which helped a lot since the location was 20km from campus and the gear was heavy.

Saturday morning, Wen Sinian was already waiting downstairs, having even bought breakfast for everyone.

Xu Yan sat in the passenger seat. On the way, he finished his meal. He didn’t know where Wen Sinian got those crab roe soup dumplings, each was delicate, packed with rich filling, sweet, and flavorful without a trace of fishiness.

He popped one after another into his mouth, cheeks bulging adorably, lips greasy with oil.

When he finished, Wen Sinian pulled a tissue and gently dabbed it against his mouth.

Through the thin paper, his warm fingertips softly rubbed against Xu Yan’s lips.

He said, “Wipe your mouth.”

Xu Yan turned to look at him. Wen Sinian was staring straight ahead, not a flicker of emotion on his face, Xu Yan thought maybe he imagined that fleeting touch.

Covering his mouth, Xu Yan wiped again with the tissue.

Wen Sinian casually tossed the whole pack of tissues to the back seat, it landed squarely in Shen Nanli’s lap.

Shen Nanli, who’d seen everything: “…”

He silently pulled a tissue and shared it with Zhao Qingji.

The old city was bustling on weekends, but that worked in Xu Yan’s favor, he needed lively street scenes for the background.

They entered using their appointment slot and began filming for the day.

With last night’s experience, things went even smoother today.

Whenever the camera wasn’t rolling, Wen Sinian’s eyes were always on Xu Yan.

Watching him check the lens, discuss scripts, raise his voice slightly during disagreements, and beam brightly when praised.

Working hard and shining, even in a crowd, Xu Yan dazzled.

Wen Sinian thought: I want to see more sides of him.

I want to know all of Xu Yan.

Xu Yan seemed to capture an especially beautiful frame and excitedly lifted his head, scanning the crowd on tiptoe, searching for Wen Sinian.

Wen Sinian was sitting on a bench far away. He’d been watching Xu Yan through the sea of people for quite a while.

When Xu Yan finally spotted him, he tilted his head and smiled, eyes glowing like a gentle deer’s. Then he raised a hand and beckoned.

Wen Sinian stood up and smiled.

That little “come here” gesture was like calling a puppy, but he felt light, fuzzy, filled with joy, his mind bubbling with soft, sweet thoughts.

Overflowing.

Originally, Wen Sinian had wanted to give Xu Yan plenty of time to adjust and come to terms with the fact that “Year” was him. He’d wait for Xu Yan to bring it up.

But now…

He didn’t want to wait anymore.

He wanted all of Xu Yan. Now.

,The day’s shoot ended quickly. There was a slight delay with the last scene, since they’d gone deep into the city for better light, and it took longer to get back.

Once they were finally in the car, everyone was exhausted.

Wen Sinian took a call. The other three huddled together whispering, worrying that the dorms might be locked when they got back. Should they book a hotel now? Maybe ask Wen Sinian to drop them off?

Wen Sinian, still on the phone, heard everything. He suddenly asked, “Want to go to my place?”

The three froze.

“My studio is in the opposite direction. But my house is on the way to school.”

Xu Yan waved his hands. “No need, no need. We can just book a hotel. We have too much stuff, it’ll mess up your place.”

“It’s fine,” Wen Sinian said. “My place is big. I have enough guest rooms.”

“You can leave the equipment in the car. Tomorrow we can head back to shoot again without hauling it around.”

“Besides, the gear’s borrowed from the school. A hotel is too chaotic, something could get damaged.”

His reasoning made perfect sense. Staying at his place was clearly the best option.

Shen Nanli and Zhao Qingji clearly agreed, they both looked to Xu Yan.

Seeing that Xu Yan was wavering, Wen Sinian added, “Lin Xingxian is at my place too.”

Letting him know others were there too, reassuring.

Over the phone, Lin Xingxian chimed in, “Yanyan!”

Xu Yan leaned in. “I’m here.”

“We’re having a party with Zheng Yao and them. You guys should come! We ordered so much food. We can’t finish it all, come help us out. Hurry, we’re waiting!”

Wen Sinian hung up. His gaze on Xu Yan softened, gentle enough to erase all sharp edges.

“So? Want to come?”

Xu Yan hesitated for a moment, then nodded lightly.