Chasing Back What I Lost (Shen Wen Lang x Gao Tu) [ABO Desire]

Chapter 18: The Kiss He Doesn't Remember

Gao Tu was focused on work, his brow furrowed in concentration until his phone suddenly buzzed across the table, breaking the silence. The screen lit up, displaying a familiar name.

For a moment, Gao Tu just stared, his hand hovering above the phone. Then, with a quiet breath, he finally reached out, his thumb hesitating for a second before pressing answer.

"Hello?" he said, his voice steady but filled with uncertainty.

A man's voice came instead of the one he expected. "Good evening, sir. Sorry to disturb you."

Gao Tu's brows knitted. "Who is this?"

"I'm the manager of the Crystal Bar," the manager explained politely. "Your husband is very drunk right now. We've tried to wake him, but he won't respond. The bar is closing soon, so... please, could you come and pick him up, sir?"

"W-What?" Gao Tu blinked in confusion. "I'm sorry, but... I'm not his wife—"

The manager hesitated, his voice dropping slightly. "Ah... sorry, sir. It's just... on his phone, your number is saved as 'My Wifey'. I assumed you were his spouse."

Gao Tu froze. His breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he couldn't form any words.

"My apologies, sir," the manager added quickly. "But could you please come get him? We can't close because he's still here."

Gao Tu exhaled heavily, his eyes drifting toward the closed door of the nursery. Lele was fast asleep inside. After a moment, he grabbed his jacket from the hanger by the door.

"Where is this bar?" Gao Tu asked, his voice low.

"The Crystal Bar, sir. It's at 128 Yunhe Road, West District," the manager replied quickly.

"I got it," Gao Tu cut in.

He ended the call, slipped on his shoes, and quietly stepped out of the apartment. The night air greeted him with a chill as he raised a hand, hailing a taxi from the curb.

After a short ride, Gao Tu arrived at the Crystal Bar. The place was already quiet, the last of the customers gone. As soon as he stepped inside, a staff member approached him.

"Sir, are you the one who answered the call earlier?" the manager asked politely, his tone cautious.

Gao Tu gave a small nod. "Yes."

"Please, this way." The manager led him deeper into the bar.

At the end of the counter, Shen Wen Lang sat slumped with his head on his arms, completely drunk. His breathing was uneven, the strong smell of alcohol surrounding him. Empty glasses sat beside him, with the last drops slowly sliding down their sides.

Gao Tu's steps slowed, he walked over and placed a hand on Shen Wen Lang's shoulder, giving it a gentle shake.

"President Shen," he called softly.

All he got in return was a low, muffled sound."Mmm..." Shen Wen Lang murmured, shifting slightly but not waking, his face still buried in the crook of his arm.

"President Shen, please wake up," Gao Tu said firmly, giving his shoulder a gentle shake.

A faint groan escaped Shen Wen Lang as his eyes fluttered open. He blinked slowly, unfocused, before lifting his gaze toward the familiar voice.

"...Gao Tu," he whispered, the corners of his lips curving into a dazed smile.

He struggled upright, swaying slightly as he tried to sit straight. His eyes, hazy with drunkenness, narrowed as he fought to bring the blurred figure into focus. When at last his vision steadied, his expression softened.