Chapter 3
These words didn’t sound false, nor did they feel overly intimate.
Lu Xuefeng met his gaze with polite, slightly distant courtesy. “Thank you for coming to the performance.”
Holding the flowers, he looked elegant and aloof, his expression softer than when he had taken his curtain call on stage.
Song Muqing maintained his natural demeanor. “You’re welcome. A good performance deserves repeated viewings.”
Lu Xuefeng remembered the proposal Song Muqing had made at the cafe, but he had been busy with theater matters these past few days and hadn’t had time to respond.
“About what you said last time…”
“No rush,” Song Muqing hadn’t come for an answer today. “You can think about it some more.”
But then he added, “Perhaps you could also try to get to know me a little better.”
Only after understanding each other could they determine compatibility and whether to proceed.
Lu Xuefeng remained silent for a moment, seemingly in thought.
The autumn night was chilly, and Song Muqing noticed that Lu Xuefeng wasn’t wearing much, looking somewhat thin in the wind.
“I won’t take up any more of your time. I’ll be going now.”
“Alright,” Lu Xuefeng didn’t try to keep him. “Take care, Mr. Song.”
“You’ve worked hard these past few days. Go home and get some good rest.”
Song Muqing offered a parting reminder.
Lu Xuefeng stayed where he was, nodding slightly, watching him leave.
During his university years, he had studied dance, practicing extensively both privately and before performances. Lu Xuefeng had been particularly diligent, striving for perfection, and his teachers would often remind him to rest.
Apart from close friends and family, no one had told him to rest well since his student days.
His graduating choreography project had won several awards, elevating his status in the industry and earning him respect. Most of the time, he was the one reminding newcomers to take care of themselves.
In the eyes of outsiders, he didn’t perform on stage and seemed to have more free time, so he couldn’t possibly be as tired as those who danced.
Lan Xin returned after putting the flowers in the car, just as Song Muqing was leaving.
She had been with Lu Xuefeng since her internship as an assistant, two years now. She had some impression of most of the fans, but she had never seen this man before, so she couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Director Lu, who was that?”
Lu Xuefeng couldn’t find a suitable label for Song Muqing. Calling him a fan wasn’t quite right, and calling him a friend wasn’t appropriate either.
“An acquaintance,” he evaded.
Lan Xin drew out an “Oh,” then half-jokingly said, “I heard Director Lu has been on blind dates recently. I thought he might be one of your pursuers.”
Although Lu Xuefeng rarely smiled and seemed distant, he wasn’t arrogant or inflexible. He got along well with those around him.
Lan Xin was lively and liked to joke, but she wasn’t offensive.
She simply felt that the man had a different air about him, unlike an ordinary fan, leaving a deeper impression.
Also, he looked quite well-matched standing next to Director Lu.
Lu Xuefeng glanced at her. “How could that be?”
Lan Xin laughed. “It’s happened before.”
While there were male fans, not many came specifically to give flowers. The men who had waited here before had all been interested in Lu Xuefeng.
Their Director Lu was handsome, elegant, and talented. It was natural for him to be admired.
Lu Xuefeng didn’t say more, taking his car keys and preparing to drive off.
Lu Xuefeng’s apartment wasn’t far from the central hospital where his grandmother was staying, located in the Xunwan district, only a ten-minute drive.
He hadn’t stayed too late today because his grandmother had urged him to go home and rest properly. Lu Xuefeng waited until she was asleep before leaving.
Lu Xuefeng had lived in Wu City for many years but hadn’t bought his own place yet.
When he brought his grandmother over in the summer, he had chosen this residential complex for its pleasant scenery and greenery, ideal for seniors.
Having worked for so long, Lu Xuefeng had some savings. His plan had been to look at new apartments with his grandmother at the end of the year, to buy a place of their own, so his grandmother could stay permanently and not return to her hometown. Unexpectedly, his grandmother had fallen ill, putting the plan on hold.
Lu Xuefeng hadn’t eaten dinner when he went to the hospital, so he bought some fruit on the way home and made himself a bowl of noodles.
His cooking wasn’t exceptional, but it was enough to fill his stomach. Lu Xuefeng wasn’t picky and just needed something simple.
He was currently living alone. His grandmother had previously kept every room tidy and cozy. Her absence made the apartment feel empty.
Lu Xuefeng understood that it was his grandmother’s presence that created the cozy atmosphere.
After eating, he rested for a while, then showered and changed clothes.
He messaged Aunt Chen, telling her he wouldn’t be considering the previous blind date. Lu Xuefeng felt he owed a clear response to Aunt Chen, who had been putting in so much effort.
Then he received a message from Teacher Xiao.
“Xuefeng, congratulations on the successful performance of your work.”
Teacher Xiao, whose name was Xiao Shuyi, had also been a skilled dancer in the theater troupe. She was Lu Xuefeng’s mentor.
Since elementary school, Lu Xuefeng had lived with his grandmother, relying on a small shop for income. Their family was poor, but even so, his grandmother had insisted on sending him to dance classes, supporting his passion.
In high school, to ease the financial burden on his family, Lu Xuefeng hadn’t chosen to be a dance student. He thought his academic performance was decent, and even if he didn’t take the art exam route, he could still get into a good university with his academic scores and apply for student loans.
Then Xiao Shuyi had appeared, providing him with financial assistance that allowed him to complete his dance studies.
Even in university, Teacher Xiao would often inquire about Lu Xuefeng’s progress and offer support. She didn’t expect anything in return, genuinely caring for him like a younger relative.
Teacher Xiao was beautiful and kind, and Lu Xuefeng always remembered her kindness.
So, after graduation, he would often invite her out for dinner and conversation, giving her gifts.
She wouldn’t accept expensive gifts, always saying that the thought was enough.
Seeing Lu Xuefeng finally achieving success brought her genuine joy.
Xiao Shuyi had attended the performance, but she had other engagements that evening and hadn’t had time to speak with him.
She had only now managed to congratulate him.
“Thank you, Teacher Xiao,” Lu Xuefeng replied.
“You’re welcome. What are your plans next?”
Lu Xuefeng sat back on the edge of his bed, drying his hair as he typed, “I’ll start preparing for a new work.”
Xiao Shuyi first expressed her anticipation, then sent a voice message: “What about your personal plans? I heard you mention a while ago that you were considering blind dates. Have you found anyone suitable yet?”
It was not long ago, when Xiao Shuyi had called to express her concern upon learning of Deng Yuzhen’s hospitalization, that Lu Xuefeng had shared this information. At the time, his plans hadn’t been concrete, but Xiao Shuyi understood his feelings and had offered to keep an eye out for suitable potential partners.
This time, she was bringing it up again.
“If you haven’t, I have a gentleman I could introduce who is quite well-matched with you in all aspects. He’s Bocheng’s colleague. You don’t need to worry about his character; I’ve vetted him for you.”
Xiao Shuyi’s own son, Jiang Yihuai, like Lu Xuefeng, was also gay. Moreover, now that same-sex marriage was legal and acceptance was increasing, it wasn’t anything unusual.
Xiao Shuyi was very satisfied with her son’s partner. They were already legally married, a family, so she often referred to him as “our Bocheng,” a term of endearment.
This potential match was Qi Bocheng’s colleague. His career was impeccable. Xiao Shuyi had met him personally and interacted with him, deeming his appearance and character suitable before mentioning him to Lu Xuefeng.
The man had a rather lively personality, which would complement Lu Xuefeng well.
After listening to Teacher Xiao, Lu Xuefeng hesitated.
On the one hand, he didn’t want to disappoint her kindness. On the other hand, after two unsatisfactory blind dates, he felt tired and didn’t really want to get to know another complete stranger. He felt some resistance.
“If you’d like to learn more about him, I’ll send you his contact information. If not, that’s fine too, Xuefeng. Don’t feel pressured. I’m just offering another option, not forcing anything.”
Lu Xuefeng knew Xiao Shuyi wouldn’t pressure him into anything; it was entirely up to him.
After some thought, he declined.
“Thank you for your concern, Teacher Xiao, but I’d rather not consider it for now.”
“Oh, alright then. We won’t add him then. It’s fine.”
Xiao Shuyi’s voice was gentle. Knowing she was an elder, she made it sound casual, not wanting to put any pressure on Lu Xuefeng.
The topic shifted to his grandmother’s health.
Lu Xuefeng truthfully informed her that his grandmother was still hospitalized, needing to be observed for a while and undergoing medication.
She listened patiently, expressing her hope for a speedy recovery.
Seeing that it was getting late, and knowing that Teacher Xiao usually rested around this time, Lu Xuefeng didn’t say more, urging her to rest.
Xiao Shuyi agreed.
Finally, she sent two more messages of comfort.
“Xuefeng, don’t rush into marriage.”
“Take your time. You’ll eventually meet the right person. He’s definitely waiting for you too.”
Lu Xuefeng fell silent, looking at these words.
When his grandmother had been in the ICU, she had practically given her last words, expressing her regret at not seeing Lu Xuefeng settled down.
She didn’t want to leave him alone.
The image of his grandmother lying weakly in the hospital bed, tears streaming down her face, her voice faint, was forever etched in his mind, lingering.
Lu Xuefeng had started considering blind dates because he didn’t want his grandmother to have any regrets.
Abandoned by his parents at a young age, he reserved his deepest affection for his grandmother. His emotions were always subdued, let alone his romantic feelings.
Lu Xuefeng had never been in a relationship.
Perhaps due to the influence of his irresponsible parents when he was young, he had never held any expectations for romantic love.
So, growing up, he hadn’t been interested in establishing a long-term, stable relationship.
He only needed to reassure his grandmother, find a suitable person to register and get married with, and live a simple life. It didn’t necessarily have to be with someone he deeply loved.
Teacher Xiao’s words tonight made him re-examine his needs.
Her phrase “someone is waiting for you” made Lu Xuefeng inexplicably think of Song Muqing.
He was still waiting for a reply.
He hadn’t pressured him, giving him ample space to consider.
Lu Xuefeng took out the note, the handwriting clear.
His impression of Song Muqing wasn’t bad; it was just that his sudden appearance had been a bit unexpected.
Lu Xuefeng carefully recalled their interactions.
Frankly, Song Muqing’s image and demeanor were better than any of his blind dates.
Lu Xuefeng felt that someone with such favorable conditions shouldn’t need to resort to blind dates unless there were special circumstances.
But he had indeed made the suggestion, and it wasn’t a bad option.
Rather than spending time getting to know a complete stranger, it would be more efficient to interact with Song Muqing and learn more about him.
Lu Xuefeng wasn’t indecisive. He thought clearly and made decisions decisively.
With this in mind, he dialed the number.
The call connected quickly, and he realized it was quite late, wondering if he was disturbing the other person’s rest.
“Hello?”
Song Muqing’s voice on the other end was clear, not sounding like he had been asleep.
“Mr. Song.”
Lu Xuefeng considered how to begin.
From just this one word, Song Muqing recognized Lu Xuefeng’s voice.
He couldn’t help but curve his lips, replying softly, “Yes, I’m here.”
The other person’s voice, transmitted through the phone, had a slightly alluring quality in the late night.
Lu Xuefeng’s ears felt slightly warm for some reason.
“Shall we,” he paused, “have dinner together?”
