When the Wild Beast is Trapped in the Nightmare Cycle (BL)
Chapter 396: Huge Question Mark

Chapter 396: Huge Question Mark

Gu Luoxin listlessly relayed the news to Shen Nianzu, and the plans were finalized in a blink of an eye.

When the weekend arrived, Shen Nianzu opted to bring a family driver for their trip, unlike when he drove by himself to visit Song Yunshi. It was early in the morning when the car pulled up in front of the college grounds, where Gu Luoxin was already waiting with a backpack slung over his shoulder.

"Good morning, please take care of me today!" He offered a cheerful greeting, buzzing in excitement at the mere notion of beach vacation.

The backseat window rolled down, revealing Jin Jiuchi’s grinning countenance. He had an oversized fashionable sunglasses perched on top of his head, dressed in a simple white shirt paired with a denim jacket. If Gu Luoxin did not know any better, he would have taken Jin Jiuchi as a typical second generation young master based on the way he looked and dressed. At least, that was what he’d assumed at first until he learned the disappointing truth— this man was merely a nightmare creature who was freeloading on the real young master!

"Hey, g’morning! Get on!" Jin Jiuchi called out before looking around for a certain someone. "Where is Noir?"

Gu Luoxin shrugged. How would he know? They had indeed created a group chat after Noir agreed to come, but it did not mean they had exchanged numbers! At least, their relationship was not close enough for that. Right? However, before Gu Luoxin could tell Jin Jiuchi to ask the man himself, Jin Jiuchi’s gaze went past him and he waved energetically, "Hey, over here!"

Ba-thump! Gu Luoxin’s heart skipped a beat despite himself.

He clutched his traitorous chest, cursing inwardly. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden?! Calm down, Gu Luoxin! Taking a deep breath, he turned around, intending to greet Noir as well for the sake of politeness. But he promptly forgot what he was about to say once he caught sight of the man.

What was it? Noir was just being his usual self. His hair looked effortlessly beautiful as always, his attractive face impassive, and his model-like body was clad in his usual attire, except for the sandals on his feet instead of the white sneakers, so why did he still look so... distracting?

Was it because they had not met for a week? That’s right, it must be it!

Gu Luoxin managed to snap back to his senses just as Noir reached the car. He promptly bowed his head, "Good morning, Senior. Please take care of me today!"

At that moment, a faint fragrance drifted to his nose, and it took him one full second to realize that it must be Noir’s cologne. It smelled cool, fresh, with a hint of musk that accentuated his mature charm. Once again, Gu Luoxin’s mind crashed, feeling oddly like an overheated computer.

Jin Jiuchi, upon seeing Gu Luoxin frozen silly beside the car, unceremoniously dragged him inside the car. "What are you waiting for? Get on! Nian’er, let’s go go go!"

All of a sudden, Gu Luoxin found himself squeezing into the backseat, and sitting beside him was none other than... Noir?

In the shotgun seat, Shen Nianzu turned back and asked them, "You guys haven’t forgotten anything, right?" Today, he had let down his hair instead of tying it into a ponytail like usual, making it look like he was wearing an ethereal silver cloak. He also had sunglasses on top of his head, most likely a couple pair with Jin Jiuchi’s.

Both Noir and Gu Luoxin shook their heads.

"Okay, let’s go," he announced.

Gu Luoxin was a nervous wreck throughout the journey due to his close proximity to Noir, and sometimes when the car made a particularly sharp turn, their arms and legs would touch – touch!!! – and the refreshing cologne scent would dominate his senses again. He was almost thankful to Jin Jiuchi for being his chaotic self as always, slightly distracting him from the weight of Noir’s presence that almost sent him into a cardiac arrest.

When they arrived at the beach resort, it was just right at lunchtime.

"Woah!" Jin Jiuchi and Gu Luoxin exclaimed in unison as they beheld the breathtaking scenery. Towering palm trees swayed gracefully against the backdrop of vivid azure and crimson foliage. The air carried the salty scent of saltwater mingled with the subtle aroma of cinnamon and roasted marshmallows from the beachside bonfire. The water stretched as far as the eye could see, its color a sparkling blue as it reflected the sunlight. Its waves lapped intimately at the shore, dancing in tandem with the rustling leaves.

Perhaps because the sun was at its peak, the number of people around could be counted with two hands.

"Beach, here I come!!!" Before anyone could stop him, Jin Jiuchi abruptly broke into a sprint toward the water, just like a mad bull freed from its cage. "Woo-hooo!!!"

"Wait, you haven’t applied sunscreen yet—!" Shen Nianzu cried out to no avail. Palming his forehead, he told the driver with an apologetic look, "I’m sorry, can you please take care of our belongings and bring them to our rooms?"

"Certainly, Young Master Shen."

"You two can follow him if you want to check out your rooms," was the last thing Shen Nianzu told them before he chased after the excited husky who was already frolicking within the water.

Xiao Shen—! Gu Luoxin wailed inside his heart. How can you leave me alone like this?!

Despite the turmoil inside his heart, his expression betrayed nothing as he questioned Noir, "Senior, I think I would like to go with them. What about you?" He asked, fully expecting that Noir would choose to retreat to his room. After all, this was the person who hated water the most in the world! Surely, he wouldn’t want to go swimming, right?

Alas, once again Noir acted completely out of his expectations. "Let’s go together, then."

Gu Luoxin was utterly caught off guard by that answer. He blurted out, flabbergasted, "But do you not hate water...?"

"Oh?" Noir raised a brow. "So you invited me out, fully aware of my aversion to water?"

"I– I didn’t mean anything by that!" Gu Luoxin quickly defended himself. "This plan was proposed by Xiao Shen, and you’re the one who chose to come along, after all. Moreover, going to the beach doesn’t mean you have to enter the water. Isn’t it enough to just enjoy the scenery?!"

"Right," Noir nodded sagely. "Isn’t it enough?"

Gu Luoxin stared at the man blankly for a while before realization dawned on him.

"But do you not hate water...?"

"Going to the beach doesn’t mean you have to enter the water!"

Damn it, he had basically answered his own questions!

"Come," Noir said as he strolled toward the beach.

And what other choice did Gu Luoxin have than to comply? "O–Oh, wait for me!" He hurried to chase after the man, though his mind was dominated with a huge question mark.

What is going on with Noir lately?!