136. You Came to Send Me Off?
“Okay,” Lu FengYu hurriedly responded. “I’ll help you pull your bag, Jiang-ge.”
“I’m fine,” Jiang Hua said with a polite smile. “Thanks.”
At first, FengYu was rather disheartened by the refusal. Soon, he perked back up and dashed off with his bag to follow close behind Hua.
Jiang Hua initially wanted to sit at the end of the bench but a little nudge from YiHan pushed him into the middle seats. YiHan sat down to his left. JingYuan settled into YiHan’s other side. FengYu gave YiHan a grateful glance before scurried over to sit beside Jiang Hua. He was so excited to be sitting so close to Jiang Hua. Perhaps Jiang Hua was carrying a personal heater or oven with him. The cheek closest to him was flushed red.
“Jiang-ge,” YiHan asked, “is your accommodation all settled over there?”
Jiang Hua let out an exasperated chuckle. “YiHan, you’ve asked me that several times now. The company has arranged a flat for me. I’ll be staying there for a while. Once all the paperwork is done and a normal has been established, I’ll look for a proper place.”
“I’ve transferred the money all into your card,” YiHan said. “You can buy a house over there. Their property prices are cheaper. You can buy something a little bigger.”
“So quickly?” Jiang Hua was surprised.
YiHan’s fingers scratched against his cheek in guilt. “I just so happen to have a friend looking to buy a place,” he softly replied. “He said he won’t be redecorating it.”
“Oh,” Hua said, eyes dropping down to the ground. “That’s good. I’ll leave you a room in my new place too. You can come over anytime.”
“Okay,” YiHan said, smile back on his face. “I’ll visit you when I have the time.”
“I can help you with looking for a house,” FengYu chimed in. “I have a friend who deals in property in ChangCheng. I can ask him to find something nice.”
“No need to trouble yourself,” Hua refused. “I can just find one myself and it’s still rather early to start looking. Buying a place would have to wait a while longer.”
YiHan could almost see a pair of invisible, furry ears on top of FengYu’s head droop. He couldn’t help but laugh a little at that.
Hiding not far away was Bai Yan, watching them chat and laugh while a weird rage burned deep in him. After he returned to his room last night, he was feeling restless. He couldn’t stay in his room but he didn’t know what he wanted to do, so he just went to his car. He was going to start the car but he didn’t know where to go, but he also didn’t want to get out of the car. So he sat there in his car, fuming as images of Jiang Hua flashed through his mind. He recalled how Jiang Hua looked as the man focused on his work, when he smiled at Yan, when he’d help Yan deal with all the drunkards toasting Yan, when he was tired and frustrated and during the night he was dead drunk.
Yan’s mind was in a daze as images whirled through it. Yan had never realised he had so many memories of Jiang Hua. Lost in his thoughts, he sat there through the night until dawn broke. Stuck in a rare languid daze, he stayed in the car as the sun shone brightly. He wanted to head back into his room but he was afraid of bumping into his little brother. He was afraid of being questioned by YiHan why he wasn’t in his room. The younger man would be leaving the house to drive Jiang Hua to the airport anyway. Yan could leave his car when his brother’s gone from the house.
Ah, yes. YiHan’s going to drive Jiang Hua to the airport. The thought of Jiang Hua leaving left a heavy weight on Yan’s chest. He was having very strong second thoughts about the man leaving. He couldn’t help but blame himself a little. Everything was fine but he just had to kick up a huge fuss and transfer Jiang Hua away. Now, look. He’d gotten on the train and there’s no backing out yet he couldn’t bear to let Jiang Hua leave. It’d be humiliating to change his mind at the last minute. This was the most shameful thing he’d ever done in his whole life!
Jiang Hua must hate him a lot now, right? Otherwise, he wouldn’t say he’d never return to this city again. (Come on. The man’s words weren’t that drastic.) True. Anyone who was doing a good job at work would be angry at being transferred to a frigid city just because the boss was throwing a temper tantrum over nothing. Only Jiang Hua was good-natured enough to not instantly flip out at Yan.
However, Jiang Hua would never come back. Would he have to find some reason to use as an excuse to visit the man in ChangCheng? He wasn’t YiHan. One line about being Jiang Hua’s “younger brother” was enough for the man to give YiHan a room in his home!
His mind rambled on in a downward spiral until Yan didn’t even know what his mind was thinking. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep. His head might be going fuzzy from staying awake the whole night.
Yan had thought to get out of the car and head back to his room after YiHan and JingYuan left, but when he watched the two men drive off and he was reminded why they were leaving the house so early in the morning, he couldn’t help but start the car and sneakily followed behind them. He was now realising, after he’d ordered for Jiang Hua’s transfer, he’d been spending more and more time sneaking around.
Yan followed the lovers to the residential area of Jiang Hua’s home. He then hid his car near the entrance of the area gates. He’d definitely be able to see JingYuan’s car the moment they leave the area. He thought they’d be right out with Jiang Hua but then they stayed in there for a very long time. Hmph! They must’ve been having breakfast at Jiang Hua’s apartment!
Yan laid a hand on his growling stomach. Why did he follow them? He even made himself act and look like a thief. He didn’t even have breakfast!
He grumbled and griped but he didn’t dare leave the car to find some food. He was scared Jiang Hua and the other two would leave the moment he left.
Finally, the long-awaited car and its passengers swerve out of the gates. Yan started his car and began following them once more, this time to the airport. When he spotted Lu FengYu, his lungs nearly burst with fury. That shameless man was going to be on the same flight as Jiang Hua!
Fine. They’re happily chatting away while he’s hiding behind a huge pot of plant like a criminal or stalker!
The airport security was keeping a close eye on him!
He had never felt so embarrassed before!
Hmph! Damn Jiang Hua!
Aaargh! What did he just see? That shameless Lu FengYu was secretly tugging on Jiang Hua’s shirt! He was even shimmying on the spot in pride (he wasn’t)! Were there thorns on that chair? Why are you fidgeting? It’s just a seat beside Jiang Hua. What’s there to be proud of?
Aaaah! He was so annoyed! The thought of Lu FengYu having more chances to twist and shimmy (he wasn’t!) before Jiang Hua when they’re at ChangCheng made Yan feel anger blazing through him, the anger of a magnitude he’d never felt before.
Further. More! Once this bastard seduces Jiang Hua, he’d move into Jiang Hua’s home (brainwashed by YiHan)! Damn it! What chance did he stand then? He was the one who was closer!
What? Closer? Mr Yan sank deep into thought.
The men chat and joked around. Soon, it was time for the two men to board. Again, Lu FengYu wanted to help Jiang Hua with his luggage. However, by coincidence, Jiang Hua was about to grab his bag too. Naturally, the two hands touched.
FengYu’s face instantly went red, so red that he looked like he was a cooked prawn.
Jiang Hua nonchalantly pulled his bag closer, thanked FengYu and walked ahead to the boarding counter. FengYu patted his cheeks and pattered along, heart still thumping with excitement.
Yan was still stuck in his thoughts when his sharp eyes caught the touch. He gritted his teeth. You scheming little crap! How dare he seized the chance to grope Jiang Hua! He was even acting all shy like a little wife! Did he think Jiang Hua lacked a sweet, baby bird for a loved? Erm, he actually does lack a significant other!
Yan watched Jiang Hua’s figure walk further and further from him. The man was nearly at the security checkpoint. The thought of never seeing him again after today made his heart feel more and more hollow with every step the other took away from Yan. It felt like he was going to lose something important. That feeling was so upsetting. It made his heart curdle in discomfort as his feet unwittingly took a step forward. However, the foot bumped into the flower pot!
Jiang Hua slowly walked towards the security checkpoint. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh as a farewell to a hopeless romance and for the helplessness he felt in life.
YiHan followed close behind the man. His heart ached at the sigh.
Jiang Hua turned around and said, “YiHan, you can stop here. Go back. Come visit me when you’re free.”
YiHan did his best to push out a smile and replied, “Alright. Hurry up. Remember to call me once you get off the place. Call me once you’re settled in too.”
“Okay,” Jiang Hua softly said.
YiHan had so much more to say to Jiang Hua but he’d repeated himself too many times on what to do and what not to do. He also didn’t know how he should comfort the other man. Lu FengYu was also standing near them. In the end, all YiHan could do was wave and watch as Jiang Hua left him.
The older man gave YiHan a light pat on the shoulder and revealed a warm smile that was so very familiar to YiHan. Then, he turned away.
Just then, a deep voice rang through the hall, “Halt!”
This new voice was one Jiang Hua knew all too well. Every day, he listened to it. It echoed into his dreams at night. Jiang Hua snapped his head around in disbelief. The sight he was met with was one he’d never ever forget.
Bai Yan was striding towards him from not far behind YiHan. His collared shirt was crumpled and wrinkled in all sorts of places. There were patches of growing beard hair on his jaw. His face was in a scowl.
Jiang Hua’s heart skipped. His ever-gentle voice sounded hoarse as he spoke up, “Mr Bai, you came…to see me off?”
Yan had wanted to shout back “fuck the send-off” but he held it in out of consideration of his image. “Didn’t you receive the notice?” he growled. “There’s been a change of plans. Someone else will be going to ChangCheng. You’ll return to your original post.” He paused, then continued, “You have work today. You’re late!”
“When was the notice sent?” Hua was truly stunned. “I didn’t receive any.”
“Look at your phone,” Yan said with a straight face.
The other man took his phone out and thoroughly checked through all of his inboxes. Naturally, there wasn’t a notice to be found.
“There aren’t any,” Hua asserted once more.
“Then someone made a mistake,” Yan sternly replied. “Look at the subordinates you train. They even missed a notice that should’ve been sent out earlier! I really should deduct your bonus. What are you still standing there for? Get back now! Do you want to skip half a day’s worth of work?”
Jiang Hua: …
Airport Security Guard A: Oh, it’s not a thief. He’s here to chase down his wife.
Airport Security Guard B: I’ve long since seen through him. Didn’t you notice how I’ve stopped paying attention to him a long time ago?
YiHan, JingYuan and FengYu who watched the duo walk away, leaving chaos in their wake: …
What was going on? Why did it look as clichéd as an objection at a wedding? Big Brother, your dearest, most beloved little brother was standing right in front of you. Did you not see YiHan? Lu FengYu’s a slim man, so fine. You didn’t see him. But did your eyes also skip past Mu JingYuan, that tall giant? Why didn’t you give us a single glance? You just dragged Jiang Hua away while you started and finished a conversation all by yourself. Did you realise how many holes there were in your lie?
YiHan clicked his gaping jaw shut and nudged JingYuan with an elbow. “What’s going on?”
JingYuan, on the other hand, was as calm as always. “He’d thought things through. Hm. He’s much better at holding back his temper than I thought. He could hold it in until now.”
“What?” YiHan asked, confused.
“He’s been following us the whole time,” JingYuan replied.
Translator’s Notes:
Gotten on the train and there’s no backing out: The actual idiom was “it’s hard getting off the tiger (one’s riding)”.
Most shameful: The actual word used was “ugly/short” which implied shame because it’d be losing face/not done as well.
One who was closer: The actual idiom is “the closer to the water, the closer to the moon”.
137. There’s Only One Chance
YiHan’s recently closed jaw dropped once more. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he shouted.
“Jiang Hua was in the car,” JingYuan innocently replied. “There was no way for me to tell you. I was afraid of giving him hope. If Yan didn’t appear, he’d be even more disappointed.”
YiHan nodded to that. “True. You did the right thing.” He grabbed the luggage bag Jiang Hua had abandoned and turned back to JingYuan to ask, “Then we’ll…?”
“Head back,” JingYuan said with a shrug. “We came for a tour of the airport.”
A burst of laughter escaped YiHan’s lips. He felt much better now. JingYuan tugged at his sleeve and gestured for YiHan to look at the man beside them. It was only then that YiHan remembered Lu FengYu’s presence. He turned around. Well, the man looked like a plant withering from the frost.
YiHan couldn’t help but sympathise with the man but he didn’t know what he should say.
“It’s time for you to board your flight,” JingYuan said.
“Jiang-ge’s gone,” replied the dejected man. “Why would I want to go to ChangCheng? I despise the cold.”
YiHan: So you requested to be transferred all because you wanted to court a man?
JingYuan: How unfortunate. He worked so hard but someone stole his prize right before his eyes!
In conclusion, poor man!
***
Yan dragged Jiang Hua by the hand during their journey out of the airport. The moment Yan stepped through the airport doors, he could feel the depressing fury that had been weighing down on his heart over the past few days dissipate. The sun was bright and the air was refreshing to his senses. He looked back and there was Jiang Hua, still in a daze. No matter which angle he viewed the man from, Jiang Hua looked so pleasing to his eyes. Why did Yan think the sight of the man was aggravating? Jiang Hua was so likeable!
Yan shoved Jiang Hua into his car. He was about to close the door after the man when Jiang Hua spoke up, “Mr Bai, I’ll drive.”
Yan’s eyes were bloodshot. It was clear to all he hadn’t slept at all. Jiang Hua was worried for the man. Yan actually dared to drive in the state he was in.
As for Yan, those words reminded him that he was now someone with Jiang Hua by his side. He didn’t need to do something like driving himself around! Bwahahahaha! With Jiang Hua by his side, the world’s his oyster!
“Alright,” Yan said with a calm nod.
Jiang Hua immediately got out of the passenger seat and circled over to the driver’s seat. Yan had already settled himself into the front passenger seat by the time Jiang Hua opened the door to the driver’s seat.
Jiang Hua started the car and smoothly slid the car out of its spot. He glanced at the stern man sitting beside him and tentatively asked, “Mr Bai, have you not been sleeping well? You don’t look so good.”
“Mn. I’m a little tired,” Yan replied, closing his eyes as he said so.
Jiang Hua bit down on his lip and asked, “Why did…plans change so suddenly?”
Yan’s eyes shot open. He couldn’t be bothered maintaining his calm facade anymore as he angrily said, “How dare you ask that. The people you trained up are all as dumb as pigs. They can’t even arrange a file properly. They’d mess up their categories and genres. Who knows how much workload they’ve increased in total? And was that boy blind? I’ve given him a lot of glances yet he just stood there, confused as to what I even wanted him to do! Also, at the dinner party a few nights ago, he actually ran off! He left me all alone in there! (The younger man was puking his guts out. The poor man spent the night sleeping in the toilet!) I thought he was a smart man but after his promotion, I realised he’s as dumb as rocks! If he’s dumb, he should work harder. However, he’s not good at work at all. He is great at slacking off and sneaking out of work though! Your temper must’ve been way too nice! How were you not angered to death when training someone like that?”
“It’s not that bad,” Hua replied, “right? He’s quite a smart young man. He just got promoted. He must’ve found it hard to get used to your work pace so soon. You should give him some time and compromise a little.”
Yan hmphed. “Why should I compromise for him? I’m the one who pays him! Why me?”
Hua: … You’re right. That made so much sense that I can say nothing in response.
Thus, Yan only wanted Jiang Hua to work by his side now because he couldn’t get used to the newbie? True. There’s no need for Yan to bend over backwards for anyone.
Yan glanced at Hua. There was a pause as he mused about something before Yan said, “Going to ChangCheng would be much better for your future career and you wouldn’t be working under someone else anymore. If you truly wish to go, you can apply for the role.” I wouldn’t approve it anyway.
“I didn’t say I wish to go,” Hua replied, bemused. “Wasn’t it part of the company’s plans?”
Yan’s anger was stoked by Hua’s words. “You still say you didn’t want to go? You were dancing with joy and accepted the orders as soon as you received them. You didn’t hesitate at all. You were even happily handing over all of your work. You wouldn’t be seen in the office as soon as you were done. You were so eager to hop on that flight and fly away. You still want to tell me you didn’t want to go?”
“…I wasn’t dancing with joy, Mr Bai.”
“So you’re willingly staying behind?” Yan asked, turning to look at Hua.
Hua’s grip tightened around the steering wheel as he smiled and replied, “Yes.” This city has you in it. Why would I not be willing to stay here?
Yan let out a sigh of relief. The corners of his mouth perked up in a smile as he said, “You’ll have to work hard then. Your future won’t be any worse by my side. At least in the office, you’re now someone ‘superior to all but one’. Even the Executive Manager of the ChangCheng branch office would need to lower his head before you.”
“Wouldn’t I be like the ass in the lion’s skin?” Hua asked.
Yan’s chest burned hot at Hua’s smile. Subconsciously, his voice softened as he replied, “You can do that as much as you want. I give you my power.”
The other man could feel warmth spreading through his heart. He couldn’t help but turn to look at Yan only to be met with a passionate pair of eyes. Stunned, he quickly snapped his head back to look at the road. His heart raced faster and faster. Today’s Bai Yan felt exceptionally different but he didn’t dare think too much about it. He didn’t dare give himself hope.
Arriving at the office, Yan led Jiang Hua up into his office. His chest puffed up, he strode over to his chair and sat in it.
“Your senior’s back,” Yan said to Jiang Hua’s now ex-substitute, “You’ll be his assistant from now on. Learn from him. Once you’re done learning, I’ll send you to a good post.”
The young man, Lil Zhang, wiped away the few drops of sweat from his forehead and let out a long exhale. His face had the expression of someone who’d just seen the light after going through a lot of difficulties.
“Thank you, Mr Bai,” said Lil Zhang, giving his superior a sincere smile he had never shown before. “I’ll work hard and study from Jiang-ge.”
Yan was satisfied with the man’s attitude. “Mn, not bad,” he said, not a single hitch in his voice. “If you can learn even 20% of what Jiang-ge can do, you can be a manager already. The chance you have now is one everyone in this building would kill for and still not get.”
Jiang Hua was standing beside the two men as they spoke. His fair face was tinted pink. He really wanted to cover his face with his hands right now. Did Mr Bai understand just how embarrassing it was to be flattered like that? “Kill for and still not get”? It’s just the role of an assistant secretary!
On the other hand, Lil Zhang very much agreed with what Yan said. “You’re right, Mr Bai,” he said, fervently nodding. “I’ll cherish this opportunity.” Just the ability to soothe this superior’s hackles, this boss who looked so mature and calm yet was extremely nit-picking, made Jiang Hua god-like! Lil Zhang recalled the two weeks of hell he’d went through and he couldn’t help but weep for what he’d been through.
He looked up at Jiang Hua, worship evident in his eyes. How did this man work? No matter how Lil Zhang organised his files and information, Mr Bai could always find something wrong with it. He was strictly following Jiang-ge’s method but Mr Bai would never be happy with it. And then Mr Bai would sit there and glare at him. Someone, please tell Lil Zhang, just what was the boss trying to say? Who could tell what the boss meant by those glares? How did Jiang-ge know? Was the man a mind reader?
Yan spotted those glimmering glances Lil Zhang shot at Hua and was instantly upset again. “When can you learn to be a bit more professional?” he barked. “Is there something on Jiang Hua’s face? Get to work!”
Lil Zhang hurriedly replied with a “yes” and scurried out. When he turned around to close the door behind him, he saw Mr Bai glance at the file cabinet. Jiang Hua walking over to extract a folder out from the cabinet and placed it on Mr Bai’s desk. Mr Bai then nonchalantly flip the folder open with a satisfied smile.
Jiang Hua! My god, Jiang-ge! How did you do it? I could never learn that ability…
Within the office, Jiang Hua looked down at Yan’s obviously exhausted face. He hesitated a little before saying, “Mr Bai, you don’t look so good. Would you like to head inside for a nap?” Yan never liked other people talking to him about his private affairs. Hua knew that but he still asked. The man couldn’t help but feel nervous the moment the words left his mouth.
To Hua’s surprise, Yan not only didn’t get angry, the man even looked happy about it.
“Oh?” Yan remarked. “Is it that bad? Hm, I am a little tired. I’ll go take a nap. Wake me up in two hours.”
Hua looked in shock as the man stood up, stretched out his waist and walked over to the attached break room. He looked like he was in a very good mood.
Did something happen that Hua was ignorant to? What’s with Mr Bai’s sudden change?
Hua shook his head and left the office, softly closing the door behind him as he went. Then, as he turned away from the door, he was met with numerous pairs of eyes gleaming at him with a green light in them.
Everyone working outside of Yan’s personal office had been feeling sad over today being the day Jiang Hua would be leaving. The ever-punctual Mr Bai didn’t appear, even later into the morning. The staff had begun to gather in duos and trios to gossip. “Jiang Hua’s flight should’ve left by now” was one of the statements being thrown around. The second the elevator doors opened, everyone shot back to their seats like rabbits running away. To their shock, a seemingly-exhausted but very energetic Mr Bai brought Jiang Hua back to the office!
What was going on? The urge to gossip burned through them but no one could enter Mr Bai’s office other than Lil Zhang. They could only wait in agitation. Finally, Lil Zhang exited the office. Everyone pounced to interrogate him about what was going on. When they knew Jiang Hua would be going nowhere, a few girls started cheering. Then, they waited for Jiang Hua to leave Mr Bai’s office. The second the man was out, they pounced on him and crowded around him. Lil Zhang, who was the previous focus of the other workers, was subsequently pushed out of the crowd.
Lil Zhang held a hand up to his face and sighed. This world only cared for looks. Those who have beauty held the greatest advantage in life! It’s quite depressing.
Two hours later, Jiang Hua stepped into Yan’s private break room. The man was still fast asleep, only covered by a corner of his blanket. Beneath the slightly agape collar, his sharp collarbones rose and fell with the man’s even breaths.
Hua took a few steps forward and hesitated. He was somewhat reluctant to wake the man up. It was his first time seeing Yan asleep. The man was usually very strict and solemn at work. He would never fall asleep during work hours. This might be Hua’s only chance to watch the man without worry. He really couldn’t bear to break this moment of tranquillity.
A finger reached out to brush against Yan’s cheek. Then, it shrank back as if burned. Looking down at Yan’s unaware sleeping face, Hua suddenly thought that perhaps this would be only chance he’d ever have to be so close to Yan.
It was as if he was possessed. Hua placed a knee on the bed and leaned down. Closer and closer he got to Yan as he supported his weight with arms placed at the sides of the bed. Hua was not close enough that Yan’s breathing rang in his ears. Hua’s heart skipped. His palms began to sweat. Looking down at those lips, Hua gathered his courage and slowly leaned down to meet them with his.
138. He’s a Tom
Bai Yan’s lips were so soft! Jiang Hua’s heart leapt out of his throat. In this peaceful room, Jiang Hua could hear his heart beating as loud as thunder. He didn’t dare do anything more. He was afraid of waking Yan up. But he was also reluctant to step back. Hence, his lips stayed glued to the other man’s.
After a long moment, he finally gave in. Hua’s tongue slipped out of his mouth to gently lick at the gap between Yan’s lips. The sensation set him ablaze. His face was burning hot. His sweaty palms were trembling as he didn’t dare breathe too loudly. He was holding his breaths in so hard that his chest felt like it would explode. He carefully leaned away from Yan’s lips and took a big step back. Then, he slumped down to sit on the floor as he took in a few big gulps of air with his mouth wide open.
He knew he was a despicable and lowly man. He sexually harassed Yan as he was sleeping. However, he couldn’t resist or deny that perfect moment when his lips met with the ones belonging to the man he loved. Hua would be willing to die for the chance of Yan holding him and granting him a kiss while the man was awake and aware
He did his best to suppress the thirst in him and slowly calmed his breathing down. He wanted to take a few moments to gather himself and make sure he looked normal but then he caught Yan’s fingers twitching out of the corner of his eyes.
Startled, Hua shot up to his feet, walked over to the bed and gently called out, “Mr Bai?”
Yan slowly opened his eyes, hummed in response and asked in a voice hoarse and languid from sleep, “It’s been two hours?”
At the sound of that sensual voice, Hua’s hard-earned calm shattered as his heart began to race once more. The man took a step back in panic and replied, “Yes, Mr Bai.”
Somehow, Yan didn’t seem to have noticed Hua’s flaming red cheeks and flustered glances. He hummed again in response, stood up from the bed and shuffled into the en suite bathroom.
Hua stared at the closed door. Every ounce of strength holding him up fled as he stumbled back to collapse against the wall. Yan didn’t act like he’d noticed anything. He shouldn’t have then! Hua, oh, Hua, when did you become so…perverted?
He scrubbed hard at his face with his hands and left the room.
In the bathroom, Yan wasn’t showering or washing up his face at all. He was sternly staring into the mirror with his hands propped up against the counter. Jiang Hua stole a kiss from him! The man kissed him!
Actually, Yan had woken up when Hua opened the door. He didn’t want to open his eyes without being prompted though, so he waited for Hua to speak up yet the man just wouldn’t. Yan was getting impatient. He was contemplating whether to “wake up” by himself when he felt Yan getting closer and closer!
Yan had some guesses as to what Hua was going to do but he didn’t dare make a move. He didn’t know if he was happy and eager for it or not. All he knew was that he wasn’t angry or disgusted. When Yan’s lips met his, Yan nearly jumped out of bed. It took him a great deal of effort to hold back the urge. In his mind, he was telling Hua that a kiss shouldn’t just be lips meeting. There should be other actions involved. Still, the man just laid there unmoving. It made Yan so frustrated that he was going to open his eyes and seize control of the kiss when Hua licked him! He just…licked him once.
It’s such a shame Hua was still too much of a coward. The man ran off just after licking Yan once!
Yan looked at himself in the mirror. Deep down, he screamed. Why was he so ugly today? His face was as pale as a ghost and his chin was unshaven! Why didn’t he take a nice shower before his nap and tidy himself up?
He solemnly lifted an arm and sniffed himself. He let out a small sigh in relief. Thank goodness. There’s no stink but…
Yan looked down and saw his eager, quivering little me. Thank goodness he acted natural just now and Hua was so flustered that he didn’t notice the protruding organ! What would happen to his dignity then? Look at how over-enthusiastic this thing was! The man just licked me once! He didn’t lick it. So why was it trembling and flaunting itself?
Wait, no. What was he thinking? Jiang Hua…licking his…little me…no. Stop. Don’t think about it anymore.
Yan could feel an itch on his nose. He looked up at the mirror and stopped. He was petrified. B-Blood…he was bleeding from the nose. Was he that starved? Just one lick and he was bleeding from the nose. When the word “lick” popped into his mind, more blood flowed out of his nose.
Yan: …
He took a slightly longer shower that afternoon. He took care of his nosebleed and used his hand to calm down his furious little brother. The lack of sleep plus losing some blood and pulling one off meant his face was paler than before his shower.
He drifted out of his private break room with a heavy head. Hua was nowhere to be seen. He let out a breath he was holding in and threw himself into his chair. His hand went up to his throbbing head. He might be gay, just like YiHan. What was life turning out to be…? Ugh. Should he pretend to sleep the next time he finds a chance?
Yan was thinking hard at how to pretend to be asleep before Hua without being suspicious when his phone suddenly rang. It made him jump. He shook his head clear and dug out his phone. The moment he read the caller id, he hurriedly answered it.
“Hello? Grandfather?” Yan said into the phone.
“Mn,” the old Mr Bai responded. “Your father said he wants to hand the company over to you. Gives him a chance to slack off and roam the world with your mother for a few years while his body’s still young. What do you think? Can you handle it?”
“It’s alright,” Yan replied. “At first, it’s a little chaotic but I’ve slowly gotten used to the company’s work procedures. Father has been slowly retiring for quite some time now. So it doesn’t really affect me much.”
“Good,” the old Mr Bai laughed. “Among you and your siblings, you’re the strongest in all aspects. Your parents and I have high hopes for you. We need you to hold up the company all by yourself. The burden might be heavy but you’d long since capable of holding your own. It must not be too hard to support the entire family now.”
“XueQing’s also helping me,” Yan said.
“Yes,” the old Mr Bai said. “XueQing is an excellent girl. She’s decisive and has great potential but she’ll be part of the Chen family’s core support after her marriage to Chen TianYang. You would have no one to help you then and YiHan’s useless!”
Yan hurriedly defended his younger brother. “YiHan’s still young.”
“He’s not anymore!” the old Mr Bai angrily said. “He’s 24! You were working independently at the company when you were 24! It’s all your family’s fault! You guys spoiled him rotten!”
“There’s you, my parents, me, JingYuan and XueQing supporting the company for him,” Yan laughed. “It’s fine if he’s useless. There’s so many of us. Can we not afford to raise a kid? There’s no need for him to be as tired as we are.”
“What you said is true,” the old Mr Bai said. “You and XueQing can dote him but you can’t spoil him too much. We wouldn’t want him getting a big head. He’ll suffer in the future.”
“He won’t,” Yan replied. “Lil Bro’s a very good kid. He’s doesn’t just fool around all the time. He even proposed a project for the Mu and Bai Groups to collaborate on. He’s a major investor in this project. Once it succeeds, he can live out his life in luxury and without worry even without us.”
“What project?” the old Mr Bai asked. “The southern districts? I know this project’s just something you’re pacifying him with, a little game. Don’t try and use it to throw me off.”
“Grandfather,” Yan said, “JingYuan said this project has good prospects. This is Lil Bro’s idea. Don’t you rain on his parade.”
“JingYuan said?” the old Mr Bai sighed in resignation. “If your brother says rocks are edible, he’d take a bite out of one! He’s usually a mature and steady man but if this is your brother’s idea, you can just ignore what he says. You are right, however. This is the first time your brother has engaged in something proper. We must support him. Does the project have enough funds?”
Yan hid a laugh away from the phone before he solemnly replied, “It’s enough. Don’t worry. Lil Bro researched into it himself. He’s very sure of this project.”
“He even researched into it?” the old Mr Bai laughed again. “Okay. Not bad! At least there’s something good and proper in his mind. The little brat would be running over to my place all the time. It’s been a few months since he’s visited. I thought he’d gone mad fooling around that he doesn’t want to visit an old coot anymore. So he was busy with an actual project. I misunderstood him!”
A bead of sweat rolled down Yan’s forehead. “No way,” he guiltily replied. “He was talking about you yesterday. He even went out on a few shopping trips just to select a gift for you himself. He thinks about you all the time. Father was even a little jealous.”
The old Mr Bai had been chuckling the whole time but when he heard Bai FuRen was jealous, he unhappily said, “He, jealous? What right did he have to be jealous? He can flaunt and flex before YiHan day after day, all day long. I can only see him once in a while!”
“That’s why we said for you to live with us,” Yan commented, “but you just wouldn’t.”
“Your grandmother likes her peace,” the old Mr Bai replied. “You brats shouting and fooling around would disturb her sleep. If no one is with her, she’d be sleeping alone. That’s just miserable. I’m fine being here alone with her.”
“Grandfather,” Yan sighed, “Grandmother has passed away for years. You…”
“Yan, you’re not married so you don’t know yet,” the older man said. “You all think she’s gone but I can feel her by my side the whole time. I know she’s reluctant to part with me. Once you have a lover, you’ll understand. Look. Your father doesn’t even try and talk me around. He understands.”
Something grew and stuck to the back of Yan’s throat. For some reason, his mind began to think of Jiang Hua’s warm smile. He quickly cleared his throat and patted those weird thoughts out of his mind.
“Yan?” asked the astute old Mr Bai. “Why aren’t you talking? Who were you thinking about just then?”
“Jiang Hua,” Yan blurted. His mind was fuzzy from the lack of oxygen.
“Who?” the old Mr Bai shouted, up and alert all of a sudden. “Something is really going on with you. Why does this name sound so familiar though?”
Yan’s fingers slipped and pressed the “End Call” button. He was beating himself up internally. Yan, oh, Yan, did a dog chew on your brain?
Since he hung up on his grandfather, his petty grandfather would sure get angry. He was about to call back when his phone rang once more.
“Grandfather, I didn’t mean to hang up on you. I accidentally pressed the wrong button,” Yan hurriedly explained after answering the call.
Surprisingly, the old Mr Bai didn’t chew Yan up about it. Instead, he asked, “Let’s put that aside for now. Who were you talking about just now?”
“Who?” Yan said in feigned confusion.
The old Mr Bai wasn’t that easily fooled though. “Stop trying to play the fool!” he shouted. His voice even went up a pitch. “Tell me!”
Yan’s free hand clenched and unclenched. He gathered his courage and said, “I’ll tell you but you can’t get angry.”
“You’re so old already and I’ve heard not a single whisper about you. I nearly thought you’re asexual or some cold-hearted person. Why would I be angry at you for having something going on? Even if you like a tomcat, I wouldn’t be angry! Hurry up!”
“It’s not a cat,” Yan said with trepidation, “but he’s a tom. Ah, no. He’s a man.”
139. Just So Happened to Be a Man
“Male?” the old Mr Bai questioned. “Jiang Hua…Jiang Hua…I remember now. It’s your secretary! He seduced you?”
The word “seduced” reminded Yan of the stolen kiss just now. “No,” he guiltily said. “He still doesn’t know.”
“He doesn’t know what? Of your feelings?” the old Mr Bai angrily said. “Yan, I didn’t know you could be so perfect in every aspect of life but you’d be an idiot in this. If he doesn’t even know of your feelings, then what relationship is there? He’s your secretary. You’re close to him. It’s such an easy and convenient situation! You have to court him. If you don’t despite liking him, are you waiting to regret things once he’s someone else’s lover? You’re so not like me in this. Back then when I fell in love with your grandmother, she was a beauty while I was ugly. Even so, I wasn’t afraid or self-conscious at all. I bravely wooed her. Look what happened. In the end, she married me and gave birth to your father. What a happy ending!”
“Grandfather,” Yan stammered, “aren’t you…mad? He’s a man.”
“Do you think your grandfather’s some outdated old man?” the old Mr Bai huffed in disdain. “You think too little of me. Say, you’re so stupid. By the time you act, the food would’ve gone cold! Why don’t I find you some advice articles or guides?”
“It’s fine, Grandfather,” Yan said, struggling to keep his tears and laughter in. “I’ll handle it myself. I think I stand a good chance in that.” Jiang Hua had stolen a kiss from him already. He must hold some romantic affections for Yan. Tee-hee.
“Really?” the old Mr Bai asked. “Alright then. Act early. Aah, you have a future partner now. I can feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. I’ll stop the chatter. I have to tell your grandmother so she’d stop worrying too.”
With that said, the old Mr Bai immediately hung up with a bang.
Yan looked down at the words “call ending” in exasperation and let out a chuckle. Should he court Hua now? He’d have to plan it through.
Yan turned on his computer and looked up a few articles and guides on chasing after a potential romantic interest. He found a mountain of them. Once those unreliable articles were eliminated, Yan took out a notebook and began to get serious, taking notes as he went.
As the man was hard at work, someone began knocking on his door. From that knocking pattern, it should be Jiang Hua. He hurriedly closed off all the tabs he had open, slammed his notebook shut and threw it into a drawer. He paused, thinking for a moment, before opening the drawer again to shove the notebook to the bottom of the drawer.
Then and only then did he call out, “Come in!”
Hua entered the room, pushing the door open with an armful of documents.
“Mr Bai,” Hua softly said, “you have a meeting this afternoon at three. This is the information for the meeting.”
Yan accepted the folders, opened one, flipped through it and said, “Mn, I got it. Anything else?”
“No,” Hua replied. “I’ll be heading out then.”
“Wait!” Yan quickly called.
Hua turned around. Yan had stopped him from leaving but he couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“Get me a cup of coffee,” Yan finally said.
“Mr Bai,” Hua said with a frown, “it’s not good to have coffee on an empty stomach. How about I get you some freshly squeezed fruit juice or honey water?”
The man cared so much for him, Yan thought. Surely it meant Hua was in love with him.
“Alright,” Yan replied with a confident little smile. “I’ll leave it to you.”
Hua was somewhat bewildered. Why was Yan being so easy-going and easily persuaded today? However, it was good for him to not drink coffee. Afraid that Yan would change his mind, Hua rushed out to get some fruit juice. While Hua knew there’s an 80% chance Yan wouldn’t drink the juice, there’s at least 20% chance he will. Right?
Hua dug out the juicing machine from the tea room and rinsed it out thoroughly before juicing some apples. Then, after some brief contemplation, he added a teaspoon of honey into the glass. When he handed the glass to Yan, he thought the man wouldn’t even take a sip out of it. To his surprise, Yan took a sip, frowned and still downed the whole glass!
Hua accepted the empty glass, filled it up again with hot water and placed it on Yan’s desk. The secretary shot his boss a weird look only to be met with a smile.
Hua: …
The man left the room, mind full of questions.
***
That evening when Yan stepped through the doors of his home, he was met with the sight of his entire family sitting in the living room. They were sat in a weirdly formal manner with stern faces. The second he walked into the room, everyone’s heads snapped to look at him. Yan sighed internally. He just knew Grandfather would tell Father. All Yan could hope for was for his parents not to be too angry.
Yan took off his jacket and handed it to Aunt Yang. He then slowly approached his family and sat down on the couch. YiHan secretly tug at Yan’s shirt and kept giving him glances.
“YiHan, you don’t need to shoot looks at him,” FuRen said in a low voice. “Your brother is smarter than you. He should know what’s going on.”
“I’m sorry, Father,” Yan said.
“What are you saying sorry for?” FuRen rebuked.
“Grandfather told you, right?” Yan sincerely asked. “I thought I was a heterosexual too. I just hadn’t met the right person. However, I recently discovered I’ve fallen in love with Jiang Hua.”
“And?” FuRen asked, his face still cold.
“I’ve thought about it a lot this afternoon,” Yan said. “I might not be homosexual. I don’t feel any interest in other men. I just like Jiang Hua and he just so happened to be a man.”
“I’m asking you, then?” FuRen pushed.
Yan closed his eyes and solemnly replied, “I know this is a great shock to you and Mother but I can’t change it.”
“Did we tell you to change?” FuRen’s flat and stern voice said. “Your mother and I are asking you this. You like Jiang Hua, what then? How far along are you in courting him?”
“Huh?” Yan was confused.
“Huh, what?” Ma Bai asked in an exasperated, heated tone. “I didn’t believe it when your grandfather told us you were stupid. Now, it looks like it’s true. I know Jiang Hua. That child is a handsome man. He’s mature, steady and he doesn’t like playing around. He’s one who’s made for spending one’s life out together. Do you not know just how precious someone like that is? You like him but you just won’t act. What’s the use in telling us you love him then? Just what are you waiting for?”
“I thought…” Yan started.
“You thought what?” Ma Bai interrupted, side-eyeing him as she did so. “That we wouldn’t agree to it? Just as your grandfather said, you’re nearly thirty and this is the first time you’ve fallen in… No, you didn’t even have any sort of romantic or sexual interest in anyone before. We thought you were asexual! Furthermore, we’ve already agreed to your little brother’s relationship with JingYuan. Adding you into the mix won’t change anything. What’s there to disagree to?”
YiHan was sneaking bites of oranges, with JingYuan’s help, during this whole time. Upon hearing what Ma Bai said, he choked and sprayed out his mouthful of orange with a loud “pfft”. He later coughed so hard, trying to catch his breath, that his face went red.
Startled, JingYuan threw away the orange he was holding and patted YiHan’s back. He also handed YiHan some tissues and water. No one else had the chance to help at all.
Finally, when YiHan caught his breath, JingYuan softly grumbled, “You’re an adult now yet you can choke on an orange slice.”
YiHan didn’t dare look up at anyone else. He stared down as his fingers curled around the fabric wrapped around some legs. It took him some time before he realised those legs were JingYuan’s. He hurriedly shrank back and turned his attentions to poking at the couch.
“You all know?” YiHan mumbled.
XueQing was the first to cave in. She ruffled YiHan’s hair with all her might and chuckled, “Ma and Pa knew a long time ago. Everyone just kept quiet. What? You think we didn’t know?”
YiHan shot her a glare in protest. He knew she knew but he didn’t know their parents and older brother knew too. Ugh, what’s with that tongue-twisting sentence?
“Alright, don’t hang your head,” Ma said. “It’s been obvious for a while. Your father and I aren’t fools. How could we not tell? We didn’t expose it because you two looked like you were having fun sneaking around. Ahem. Erm, JingYuan’s perfect in all aspects. While it’s a pity for a flower like him to be planted on a cow pat like you, this counts as ‘keeping what’s good within the family’.”
YiHan: …Dear Mother, I don’t think those are the appropriate phrases.
JingYuan combed out YiHan’s hair, made messy by XueQing, and warmly said with glimmering eyes, “HanHan is very good.”
Ma squinted at JingYuan’s expression then pinched FuRen’s waist, hard. Her husband gritted his teeth. It took him a lot of effort to suppress the gasp of pain. He looked at his wife in question only to see her eyes darting from him to JingYuan and YiHan, indicating to him to look at their youngest son and his lover. He patted his wife’s hand in response and Ma calmed down.
FuRen gently cleared his throat and spoke, “Today is a very important day for our family. We don’t need to say any more about XueQing. She’s formalised her relationship with TianYang and that boy is a good kid. They’ll likely get married after dating for a year or two. He should be joining us in such an important family meeting but he had something to do at the last minute. It’s a shame. While all of us knew about YiHan and JingYuan but today is the day we’re popping that bubble of ambiguity. Most important of all is Yan. His future happiness had always been a major question. Now, his heart has finally been conquered by Jiang Hua. All three of our Bai family children have their own partners. It’s a load off of your mother’s and my minds Now, we have one last difficult but vital question. What does Jiang Hua think? If we just leave it to Yan and his denseness, the food would’ve gone cold by the time he acts. This concerns Yan’s future life. We must take it seriously. We must use all our might and help Yan conquer Jiang Hua’s castle. We have to brainstorm and strategise for him.”
His gaze drifted over his children several times over before finally settling down on YiHan. “YiHan,” he said, “you should have experience in courting someone. Tell your brother.”
“I-I don’t know how to,” YiHan stuttered.
“Don’t be shy,” Ma said. “This is a grave matter. No one will laugh at you. How did you woo JingYuan? Teach your brother.”
JingYuan turned to look at his lover. His shoulders were trembling. YiHan’s face was flushed red.
“Ma,” Yan said, face in his hands, “I don’t need to be taught. I ca–”
“If you really can do it yourself, Jiang Hua could be having dinner with us tonight!” Ma interrupted, dissatisfied.
Resigned, Yan took out a little notebook from his pocket and handed it over to her.
Ma stared at it suspiciously for a few seconds before accepting it and flipping it open. Her eyes swiftly scanned through the contents within before smiling and saying, “Not bad. At least you have an intention to improve. However, your methods are too old-school, too conservative. Are you certain?”
XueQing leaned over to look at Yan’s notes but was pushed away by Ma. “Shoo. What are you looking for?”
With a pout on her lips, XueQing went back to her seat.
Yan took the notebook returned to him and sighed, “Yes. If they don’t work, I’ll ask for more help. Okay?”
“Fine,” Ma relented. “You must act quick! Those who act fast get what they want; those who are slow, don’t. Got it?”
“I know,” Yan sighed once more. “I’ll do my best.” This was Ma’s experience. Yan knew she could take down his father all those years ago because she was fast, decisive and precise.
FuRen proudly held his head high and said with a wave of his hand, “Okay. Let’s have dinner! I had Aunt Yang add a few more dishes in today!”
140. All Guides Lie
Later that night while Bai FuRen cuddled up with his wife in their bed, Ma whispered, “FuRen, don’t you think JingYuan has fallen in love with HanHan? Look at how he looks at HanHan and how he acts around HanHan.”
“It might not be it,” FuRen hummed. “He could’ve really fallen in love with YiHan due to the act he’d put on, but the greater possibility is this is just the brotherly love he’d felt for YiHan since he was a child.”
“How nice would it be if he actually fell in love with HanHan?” Ma said. “The thought of having to tell YiHan it was all an act on JingYuan’s part for the sake of YiHan’s health makes my heart ache and panic.”
“Yes,” FuRen sighed. “Once one turns into a parent, one has a chance of becoming selfish. I secretly hope JingYuan truly falls in love with YiHan but I keep feeling guilty and sorry to ChuanYu and Ying. I feel so conflicted.”
The room was silent for a moment as Ma sunk into thought. Then, she glumly said, “Perhaps it’s human to be more willing to believe in what one wants to believe. Whenever I look at JingYuan these days, I keep thinking he truly does love HanHan.”
FuRen hugged her closer. “Don’t think too much about it. Of course, it’d be great if they could truly be together but if it’s impossible, there’s nothing we can do about it. JingYuan had already given too much for HanHan. We really can’t ask for more.”
Ma nodded and paused a second for thought before saying, “You’re right. I was too greedy. I wish the day HanHan needed to know the truth would come later and not sooner.”
FuRen gently kissed his wife on the forehead. “If he could know the truth, that meant he’s recovered. We should be happy for him.”
“True,” Ma sighed. “I’m scared he’ll hate us for cheating and lying to him.”
“He won’t. He’ll understand we did it all just for him.”
***
The next morning, Jiang Hua was greeted with a watch on his desk, new and still in its box. He was stunned.
Yan stood before him. He unhappily said, “Watches are meant to be worn, not stared at.”
“Mr Bai,” Hua dazedly said, “why did you give me a watch all of a sudden?”
“Your watch is too ugly,” Yan sternly replied. “It’s affecting the company’s image.”
Hua: …My watch is pretty. It’s not ugly at all, please.
However, Hua couldn’t say that out loud. He could only switch out his watch without saying another word. Huh. It suited him quite well.
“Thank you, Mr Bai,” Hua said with a smile.
Yan looked down at Hua’s hand. The black watch laid against a pale wrist. It looked good, so good that it made him want to hold that slender wrist in his hand. He twisted his fingers behind his back as he softly cleared his throat.
“Mn,” said Yan, “not bad. Keep wearing it.”
He then turned to enter his office but when he reached the doors, he turned back again and said, “You’re not allowed to take it off. It’s a company rule.”
Hua: …there’s no such rule in the office, okay? Alright, fine. You’re the boss. If you say it’s a rule, it’s a rule.
That wasn’t all. When the clocked ticked near noon, Yan walked over to Hua’s desk. He knocked on it and said, “Follow me out on a trip.”
Hua swiftly cleaned up his desk and stood up. “Yes, Mr Bai.”
He thought Yan was taking him out to meet with someone important or for an important job. Worst case scenario, it’d be a last-minute lunch meeting he didn’t know about. To his surprise, Yan took him straight to a grand restaurant. When they were seated, no one else appeared. Yan didn’t even seem like he was waiting for anyone. The man handed Hua the menu straight away!
“Mr Bai, shouldn’t we wait?” Hua questioned.
“Wait for what?” Yan questioned back.
“No one else is coming?”
“We’re having lunch. Why would anyone else be coming?”
“So…you brought me here just to have lunch, Mr Bai?”
“Everyone needs to eat. What’s weird about bringing you out to lunch?”
Hua: …Fine. You’re the boss. Whatever you say goes.
After lunch, Yan didn’t lead Hua straight back to the car. Instead, they walked along the street.
“Mr Bai, is there something we need to do?” Hua sighed. “Aren’t we heading back to the office?”
“Aren’t we heading back to the office now?”
They were heading towards the direction of the office but…
“Aren’t we driving?” Hua asked.
Yan looked at the other man with a gaze that screamed “why are you so unromantic?” while his lips said, “We’ll take a walk. It helps with digestion.” The holding hands while crossing the road segment the guides talked about weren’t romantic at all! Hua wouldn’t even walk beside Yan. How would he be able to accidentally bump against the other man’s hand and naturally link them? If Yan forcefully grabbed Hua’s hand, would the man think he was a pervert? Hua would beat him up and resign in fury, right?
Hua: Okay. You’re the boss. What you say goes. Speaking of which, while Mr Bai had been acting weird for the past two days, it was rare for them to be together alone. If the man reverted back to his normal behaviour, this kind of chance would never happen again. He must cherish it.
When they were crossing the road, Yan naturally walked over to the side with cars and raised a hand slightly to block Hua from the cars.
Well? Can you feel the strong “boyfriend energy” from me? You’re touched, right?
When the pair passed by a flower shop, Yan naturally took a lily and handed it to Hua.
“Mr Bai, this is…?”
“I gave it to you so hold it,” Yan said, face as blank as usual. “Don’t you think it looks pretty?”
“The flower is pretty but…” Hua was a man. Did Yan want him to walk through the streets with a flower in his hand?
“Why aren’t you taking it?” Yan was starting to get angry from embarrassment. “Do you want me to hold your flower?”
Hua: “…” Fine. You’re the boss. If you say it’s mine, it’s mine. It’s just a flower but I can feel my heart beating slightly faster in excitement. It’s not only girls who like flowers, okay?
The flower shop girls looked at them with deep and mysterious smiles.
For some reason, Hua’s face burned. As the two men turned and walked away, he faintly heard the girls whispering to each other, “Wow, they’re so cute! Did you see the couple? They’re wearing the same watch. The colour and model are exactly the same! They’re so in love!”
Hua looked at Yan’s sleeve cuff. As the man’s arm swayed, Hua could spot a little peek of the watch hiding beneath. It really did look exactly like the watch Yan had demanded Hua put on this morning. He remembered Yan wearing a silver-grey watch yesterday. His heart raced. He tried hard to tell himself not to overthink it. Yan might’ve been too lazy to select another model when purchasing the watches, so he bought two that were exactly the same. Yan just gave one of them to Hua on a whim.
Before Hua noticed this, he was fine. Now that he’d realised they were wearing the same watch, he could feel his wrist burning up. His eyes couldn’t help but dart over to look at Yan’s hands. The flower in his hands was slowly getting covered in sweat from his palms.
Two handsome men in business suits walking down the street would always be more eye-catching than the average joe, let alone when one of them had a flower in his hands! The rate of people turning around to look at them was 1000%. Still, Hua couldn’t be bothered to think about that. His mind was filled with all sorts of nonsensical thoughts. He thought about the weird way Yan had been acting over the past two days, the watch on his wrist, the flower in his hands. What did they all mean? Hua didn’t dare hope but why did Yan insist on giving him hope? Was he mistaken?
The duo walked back to the office in silence. Yan stormed into his office. He paced round and round in his office, his face twisted into a nasty look. Those methods the guides listed were useless! Give a present, ask him out to lunch, a date, protect him while crossing the road, give him a flower; he’d done all that! However, the man didn’t even say a word to him on the way back! It’d probably be useless to go watch a movie tonight! Those methods were all not as useful as pretending to be asleep. At least he could lure Hua in for a kiss then!
That afternoon, Hua knocked on Yan’s office doors. He knocked and knocked but there was no answer. His heart skipped in fear. He hurriedly barged into the office. There was no one in the room. Hua’s desk was right outside the office doors. There was no way he would’ve missed Yan leaving his office. Hua scanned the room once before pushing through to the break room.
…!!!
Yan was laying on the bed in the same pose as he was in yesterday. However, unlike yesterday, he didn’t look bedraggled. His breathing was calm and even. The stern and astute face looked so innocent and peaceful. Perhaps the man felt it was hot. The blanket only came up to the stomach. Yan’s shirt was also unbuttoned slightly and pulled open. Hua not only could see the man’s collar bones, but he could also see a wide and sturdy chest. The edges of the man’s nipples peeked at Hua as the sleeping man’s chest rose.
Hua inhaled sharply and stumbled out of the room.
On the bed, Yan opened his eyes and sat up, frustrated. What was going on? Did pretending to be asleep only work once? Why wasn’t it working this time? He looked down at his chest and buttoned up his shirt. Then, he paused and unbuttoned it again. He pulled harder at his shirt to expose more of his chest. As expected, he heard Hua’s returning footsteps. Yan hurriedly laid back down and closed his eyes.
Hua calmed down his breathing, prepared himself for the sight he’d be greeted with before walking into Yan’s personal break room once more. Just like yesterday, the man knelt on the bed and stared down at Yan. He was close enough to smell a whiff of the fragrance of the man’s body wash. Did Yan take a shower before his nap? That would indeed be much more comfortable for him. Yan really had been exhausted lately. He’d slept in his office two days in a row. Hua gently touched Yan’s smooth cheeks. He couldn’t help but feel his heart ache at the thought. Before yesterday, this attached break room was just decoration. Yan never used it.
Should Hua wake him up? What if the man just fell asleep? Wouldn’t the man feel bad being woken up then? If Hua didn’t wake the man up, then the work… Forget it. He’ll postpone Yan’s work and let the man sleep a while longer.
Hua stood back up and looked at the air conditioning’s temperature. It wasn’t high. Why didn’t Yan have the blanket cover him up? Hua reached out and laid a hand against Yan’s face. The man felt normal. Only then did Hua let out a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding in. He straightened up Yan’s clothes, tucked the man in with his blanket and tiptoed out the room.
Yan instantly threw the blanket away and punched hard at the bed. He sighed in frustration and helplessness. Why wouldn’t Hua kiss him? Yan looked much better today. He even took a shower! Did the man not like him anymore?
Hua hadn’t left the office then. When he heard sounds coming from the break room, he turned back to it and softly opened the door to be met with the sight of Yan having a little fit on the bed.
“Did I wake you up, Mr Bai?” Hua apologetically said upon noticing the man’s sour face.