Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy

"You what? I invited him over. You can run along now. We are busy," said Luo Shih ready to defend Qie Xieling at any cost. Luo Muchen looked away and was at a loss for words. He was starting to question who exactly was her son, him or Qie Xieling.

He was also very concerned about how Qie Xieling kept getting access to places on the warship that he was barred from. Luo Muchen had even revoked his mother’s ability to grant him access to this deck but here he was dressed in a skirt like a girl from his mother’s favourite girl group seeming so bubbly and energetic.

He wanted to get angry but not in front of his mother. He didn’t want to upset her and worsen her condition. He wordlessly turned on his heel and he left.

Qie Xieling suddenly felt nervous. He much preferred if Luo Muchen said something instead of just walking away without a word. He would rather he scold him or curse him out. Luo Shih could see that Qie Xieling was anxious so she sighed before saying, "You can go if you want to but I think it’s a waste of time."

Before she could even say anything else Qie Xieling had run out of the door. Her eyes narrowed feeling something about this was weird but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. She hadn’t missed Qie Xieling’s Mu Mu remark. That way of addressing her son was too intimate but she had brushed it off as she was well aware of his reputation of having a few screws loose in the head. But now watching him run after her son she felt... suspicious.

Qie Xieling’s heart raced as he sprinted down the hallway, desperately trying to catch up with Luo Muchen. Breathless, Qie Xieling reached the elevator just as its doors were about to close. He lunged forward, slipping through the narrowing gap just in time. As the doors closed behind him, he turned to face Luo Muchen, who stood inside, a mix of surprise and annoyance etched on his face.

Qie Xieling smiled while pulling his hair back that was covering half his face. Like the skirt, he wasn’t used to this long hair. He stood next to Luo Muchen and Luo Muchen took two steps to the side distancing himself from him.

Qie Xieling, "..."

Wow! In the past worlds, Luo Muchen would cling to him like a koala yet in this world he was being shunned like he had the plague.

"Are you upset with me?" he asked with a nervous. The silence that followed felt like an eternity, amplifying his anxiety.

Ignoring him, Luo Muchen kept his gaze fixed on forward refusing to acknowledge his presence. Qie Xieling’s heart sank, and he contemplated whether he should try to explain himself again or just walk away. Honestly, he didn’t think he looked that bad in a skirt and makeup so what was Luo Muchen so upset about?

Before Qie Xieling could gather his thoughts, the elevator stopped on another deck, and the doors slid open. A group of people were about to enter the elevator when they saw their captain. Fully aware of the captain’s reputation they decided not to enter. "So-sorry captain," said one of the girls silently praying that the elevator doors close soon.

Luo Muchen who didn’t like being crowded in an elevator would rather not be alone with Qie Xieling so he said, "Get in," his voice overpowering like there was no room for negotiation.

The group flooded in and Luo Muchen moved further away from Qie Xieling. When Qie Xieling finally noticed there were already people between them. He glanced at Luo Muchen his gaze accusing but Luo Muchen didn’t even look at him.

Qie Xieling rubbed his thumb and index finger together clearly annoyed. He didn’t even realise that the crew around him were drawn to his unconventional attire. Whispers filled the air as they stared, unable to hide their fascination.

When Qie Xieling realised it, his face flushed with embarrassment, he felt like a spotlight was cast upon him. He fidgeted nervously, trying to shrink into the background, but the attention was relentless. He could sense their gazes lingering on him, their curiosity piqued by his unusual appearance.

One of the brave souls who knew no bounds turned to Qie Xieling and in his most charming voice he said, "Hi cutie, I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you a new recruit?"

Qie Xieling’s brows furrowed as he looked at the man who was taller than him. Was he getting hit on? "I am a man," said Qie Xieling as he took a step back pressing his back right up against the elevator wall.

You would think that would deter the man but nope, it didn’t. He leaned in closer and whispered, "Even better."

Qie Xieling, "..."

He was about to yell, "Stranger danger! Stranger danger," when his arm was suddenly pulled and he was forced to come to the other side of the elevator where Luo Muchen was.

The grip on his wrist was so tight that he grimaced a little. He twisted his arm trying to tell him to let go but Luo Muchen pulled him closer. Because he didn’t control his strength he pulled him a little too hard and Qie Xieling bumped into him.

The entire elevator, "..."

The atmosphere instantly became tense with the smell of gunpowder. All it would take would be one spark for the fumes to ignite and everyone would be collateral damage. The man almost peed his pants when he realised that he might have coveted the captain’s man.

He was so scared for his life that after the elevator stopped at the designated deck, he was the first to run out of there. The others followed suit almost jamming themselves at the door as they were all trying to get out at the same time.

Soon they were left alone and Qie Xieling glanced at his wrist that was being held by him. He would have loved to enjoy this a little longer but damn, Luo Muchen’s grip was so powerful. It was as though his bones were going to break.