OHD Chapter 10: Nasty Snake

Chapter 10: Nasty Snake

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

He Ye stepped into the bathroom, throwing his bag onto the couch as he made his way upstairs. His body was aching with the residual heat and frustration, so he sought refuge under the cold shower. The water hit him with a sharp shock, but it was the only thing that could quiet the fire burning inside him. He clenched his teeth, the icy coldness offering only a temporary relief from the turmoil in his mind.

After showering, he towelled off and stepped out of the bathroom, his body still feeling the chill. His hair was damp, but he wasn’t in the mood to bother drying it. He just grabbed whatever clothes were nearest, barely paying attention to what he wore.

However, unlike his usual routine, tonight, something felt off. There was an unusual restlessness gnawing at him. He couldn’t shake it. The mess in his room caught his eye. It had been weeks since he’d cleaned, and now, in the midst of his restless energy, he began tidying up. Sweeping the floor, wiping down surfaces, and even washing the sheets. He was too agitated to simply sleep.

The cool midnight breeze hit him as he stood on the balcony, his sweat-drenched shirt clinging to his body. He shivered, trying to shake off the lingering heat. The quiet of the night didn’t calm him; instead, it heightened his unease. “Shit,” he muttered under his breath, his thoughts spiraling.

Returning to the bathroom for another shower, this time with warm water, he finally began to feel some semblance of peace. But when he checked his phone and opened the video, the sense of unease returned, now mixed with a surge of anger.

He stared at the provocative video Zhou Kai had sent, his mind racing. What was the meaning of this? Was it some kind of joke, or worse, a provocation? He didn’t know. He didn’t want to know.

Frustrated, He Ye couldn’t stop himself from sending a terse message. “You little slut, don’t ever bother me again.” He pressed send, his emotions still raw, and tossed his phone to the side.

Tired, he tried to sleep, but his dreams were chaotic, filled with wolves and dark temptations. The choice between jumping or staying teetered in his mind, a metaphor for the pull of Zhou Kai’s actions, and his own inability to resist.

Back in Zhou Kai’s room, the morning came slowly. His mom knocked on his door, and still half-asleep, he muttered, “Let me sleep a bit longer, I’m tired.”

His mother hadn’t left and was still knocking on the door, saying, “You’re still sleeping, you’re going to miss school.”

Frowning and rubbing his sore eyes, Zhou Kai reached for his phone on the bedside table, but it wasn’t there. Confused, he sat up and thought for a moment, then pulled back the blanket and felt around. He found it. He picked it up and held down the power button, but there was no response.

“Damn!”

Realizing he had drained his phone battery last night while browsing a forum and forgotten to charge it before falling asleep, Zhou Kai cursed himself and climbed out of bed. Without even putting on slippers, he went to open the bedroom door, all while rushing back to the bed to change clothes. He asked his mom, who was standing by the door, “Mom, what time is it?”

She smiled and told him not to worry, “It’s fifty minutes past, don’t worry, take your time.”

Zhou Kai couldn’t afford to take his time. If he was late and the supervising dean on patrol caught him, he’d get scolded. He didn’t want to hear the old man’s nagging—it gave him a headache.

Even though his mom kept saying not to rush and to ride slowly, Zhou Kai still pedaled his bike as fast as he could. In the end, though, he was still late.

After stopping his bike, Zhou Kai heard the bell and gritted his teeth, walking quickly toward the school building. Just as he reached the last step of the stairs, he suddenly slammed on the brakes and instinctively wanted to turn and run.

“Where do you think you’re going? Get over here!”

The supervising dean, standing with his arms crossed, glared at him with his small eyes, looking as fierce as ever. Zhou Kai threw his bag over one shoulder, lowered his gaze, and pursed his lips, his face clearly showing his frustration as he walked behind the dean to the open space on the west side of the school building.

When Zhou Kai looked up again, he saw the other person who had been caught. His pursed lips slightly parted, his eyes lit up, and his unhappiness was instantly swept away, replaced with excitement.

He Ye, who had also noticed Zhou Kai, gave him a brief, solemn glance before quickly turning away, his brows slightly furrowed as he muttered curses under his breath.

Seeing He Ye’s indifferent reaction, Zhou Kai smirked and thought to himself, “Hmph, a nasty snake.” But once he stood beside him, his heart began racing, his palms sweating, and he couldn’t stop stealing glances at him.