Chapter 13

“Xia Xia!”

Liang Zhixia stood at the C Station Exit, craning his neck this way and that. Suddenly, someone shouted his name in a loud, clear voice that cut through the air like a knife. Every person at the station lifted their head, wondering who this “Xia Xia” was.

Liang Zhixia: “…”

He tugged his hat brim down as low as it would go and adjusted the mask over his face until only his light tea-colored eyes were visible. Only then did he feel a little more at ease.

Still, he had a strong urge to turn tail and head right back home.

Today’s in-person meetup with his online friend didn’t seem all that essential after all.

He hugged the wall as he made his way toward the exit, planning to text Zhuzi once he was outside.

His awkward movements stood out like a sore thumb amid the crowd.

Lu Xingzhu narrowed his eyes, flashing a grin that revealed a single little tiger tooth. He darted forward and clapped the other boy hard on the shoulder.

“Found you, Xia Xia!”

In that instant, Liang Zhixia felt pins and needles prickling his back. His toes curled against the floor as he whispered urgently, “I’m not Xia Xia.”

Lu Xingzhu beamed and slung an arm around his shoulders. “Xia Xia’s just as shy as I pictured.”

Liang Zhixia grabbed his clothes, his face flushing red as he growled fiercely, “Zhuzi, cut it out. Let’s go.”

It looked fierce enough, but in truth, he was so embarrassed that the corners of his eyes had turned pink. His light tea-colored eyes shimmered with moisture, as if a single blink would send tears spilling over.

Lu Xingzhu shook out his freshly dyed yellow hair and grinned from ear to ear, letting the other boy drag him along toward the exit.

“Alright, alright. Slow down, Xia Xia.”

Liang Zhixia unconsciously eased his pace. When he glanced back, Lu Xingzhu pinched his cheek. A hint of mischief danced across the other boy’s roguish features.

“Xia Xia, how are you so adorably dumb?”

“…”

Liang Zhixia flared up in anger for a split second.

“Zhuzi!”

Lu Xingzhu’s smile turned sly as he clamped his mouth shut.

After three years of online friendship, being together in person felt perfectly natural.

Once they were out of the station, Liang Zhixia had no idea where to head next.

He turned to Lu Xingzhu. “Where are we going?”

Lu Xingzhu thumped his chest proudly. “Food first. Then this afternoon, I’ll take you somewhere fun. You’re gonna love it.”

They ended up at a private cuisine restaurant. The atmosphere was cozy, the air fresh and inviting. Famous paintings adorned the walls, lending the place a thick air of artistry.

Liang Zhixia couldn’t tear his eyes away. Suddenly, he spotted a seascape and whipped his head toward Lu Xingzhu, his gaze alight with excitement. “This is a posthumous work by Master Gu Jia!”

Lu Xingzhu didn’t know much about art, but he knew how much Xia Xia loved painting.

He gave his yellow hair another shake. Looked like he’d picked the right spot.

Just then, a woman in a qipao descended the stairs. Her hair was pinned up elegantly, and she held a jade green folding fan in her hand.

“You’ve got a good eye, handsome.”

“Sister Jin, what are you doing here at the restaurant?”

Lu Xingzhu blurted in surprise.

Jin Meng waved her fan lazily and leaned against the stair railing, gazing down at them with half-lidded eyes.

“Got guests.”

She turned her silky, flirtatious gaze on the silent Liang Zhixia, her red lips parting slightly. “What’s your name, handsome?”

Lu Xingzhu went on high alert and shoved Liang Zhixia toward a nearby private room. “Xia Xia, go ahead and order. I’ll be right there.”

Jin Meng rolled her eyes at him. She covered her mouth with her fan and drawled mockingly, “You’ve got the guts to get a boyfriend? Not scared your brother will beat the crap out of you?”

Lu Xingzhu didn’t bother explaining. He just pursed his lips. “My brother’s just homophobic. He wouldn’t actually lay a hand on me.”

“Xingzhu?”

Another voice called from upstairs.

If Liang Zhixia had been there, he would have been stunned—and he’d have politely called out, “Senior.”

Lu Xingzhu: “Brother Xu Cheng.”

He hadn’t expected to run into so many familiar faces today during his meetup with an online friend.

Xu Cheng had overheard their conversation. He raised a brow and teased, “Damn, impressive! Xingzhu’s barely started college and he’s already got a boyfriend. Way more game than your brother.”

Lu Xingzhu’s face twitched. Now he knew exactly who Sister Jin’s “guest” was.

It was his brother.

He had zero interest in saying hi. Just earlier, his brother had coldly ordered him to get out of the car.

And yet, he’d swear he’d seen his brother smiling the second before.

No clue who could be chatting with him to put that smile on his face.

Meanwhile, in the private room.

Liang Zhixia glanced at the door again. Zhuzi still hadn’t come in.

So he bowed his head and replied to L’s message.

【Zhizhi】: Eating with a friend (★＞U＜★)

【Zhizhi】: Kitten happily spinning.jpg

Two minutes later.

【L】: A friend? Guy or girl?

【Zhizhi】: Obviously a guy.

【Zhizhi】: Cat looking confused.jpg

【L】: Mm.

That single “Mm” carried a chill.

And some other indefinable vibe.

He was just about to type a question when Zhuzi pushed the door open.

The other boy’s expression wasn’t great. He licked his lips and started, “What’s wrong? Is it me—”

“Ah!!! My brother’s here too!!!”

“Huh?” Liang Zhixia blinked, frozen.

“My brother’s a demon! No—a heartless monster! A cold, ruthless executioner!”

Liang Zhixia had no idea how to respond. Nothing he said would come out right.

He settled for some vague hums of agreement.

Whether Zhuzi was too wrapped up in his rant or didn’t need a response at all, he barreled on with growing fervor.

“Xia Xia, you absolutely cannot date my brother. Sure, he’s got money, looks, and a killer body! But no heart—that’s his fatal flaw!”

Liang Zhixia desperately wanted to butt in and ask why on earth he’d ever date Zhuzi’s brother. Plus, he’d never even said he liked guys…

As Lu Xingzhu ranted on, his eyes even started to redden. It was clear he’d been through hell. He gnashed his teeth. “I don’t have a photo of him, but I can tell you his name. He’s—”

Knock knock knock.

A server pushed the door open and brought in all the dishes he’d ordered earlier.

“Please enjoy your meal.”

The interruption shattered Lu Xingzhu’s fury. He deflated with a grumble. “Whatever. When you two cross paths, I’ll point him out.”

Liang Zhixia nodded eagerly. He didn’t want to hear any more venting.

Lu Xingzhu’s moods came and went like lightning. Before long, he’d switched to other topics.

Upstairs on the second floor.

Jin Meng had just pulled out a cigarette when she caught a death glare from someone. She chuckled dryly and put it away without a change in expression.

Only then did Lu Quan look away, his tone flat. “Something up?”

Jin Meng spiced up the story of what had just happened downstairs, while Xu Cheng chuckled along in agreement.

Lu Quan took a slow sip of tea and shot them a glance. “And that’s my problem how?”

Xu Cheng burst out laughing and winked at Jin Meng. “Told you, Sister Jin. I win.”

Jin Meng ignored him and propped her chin on her hand as she eyed Lu Quan. “You’re really not gonna check him out? That kid seems sweet—total opposite of your brother’s type. What if he’s the one doing the seducing?”

Lu Quan said nothing. He just kept his head down, staring at his phone.

He looked every bit the teenage internet addict.

His slender, jade-like fingers tapped lightly.

【L】: Boyfriend?