Chapter 13
After obtaining their marriage certificate and taking photos with their parents, Lu Xun tried to maintain his usual composure, but he found it difficult. Even though he knew the marriage was fake, the act of legally binding himself to someone felt profoundly significant. He now had a new identity, a “partner,” and another set of parents. He was grateful that this partner was Liang Xusheng. Being with Liang Xusheng made him feel genuinely happy, a subtle joy he couldn’t quite articulate.
Perhaps because of this, as they parted ways with their parents and got into the car, Lu Xun, without thinking, handed Liang Xusheng a black card.
Liang Xusheng, taking the card, looked confused. “What’s this for?” he asked, as if he were borrowing a meal card from a friend.
“Household expenses,” Lu Xun explained, putting his wallet away.
“Whoa, hold on,” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, finally understanding. “I called you ‘hubby,’ and now you’re actually acting like one? Aren’t you a bit too eager?” He offered the card back. “Keep it. I have money. You’re providing the house; I can at least pay for the utilities.”
“Weren’t you just saying how nice it is to have a husband provide for you?” Lu Xun said, not taking the card back.
Liang Xusheng leaned back in his seat, still holding out the card. “I was joking. I’m not actually going to take your money.” He shook the card. “Take it back. I don’t need it. Give me free gacha pulls instead.”
Lu Xun started the car. “Just take it. I know you’re not short on money. Use it whenever you need it. I don’t need this card.”
Liang Xusheng finally put the card away. “Fine, I’ll consider it a forced savings plan for you. I’ll return it whenever you need it.”
“Mm,” Lu Xun said, knowing he wouldn’t ask for it back.
Liang Xusheng’s eyes lit up. “Want to celebrate our successful escape from blind date hell?”
Lu Xun smiled, knowing him too well. “Just dinner?”
That evening, they were at Liang Xusheng’s studio, sitting side-by-side at his long work desk, playing video games. Liang Xusheng, completely absorbed in the game, exclaimed, “I’m almost done with this level!”
“Almost there,” Lu Xun replied, playing the same game.
They played for hours, just like they used to during all-nighters at internet cafes in college. Around 3 am, they paused the game and started snacking, still sitting at the desk, surrounded by food and drinks.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun,” Liang Xusheng said, munching on skewers. “College was so carefree. Just classes, food, internet cafes, and games. So much free time.”
“If you want to play, move in and play all day,” Lu Xun said casually, sipping his Sprite.
“Can’t do that,” Liang Xusheng replied. “Your apartment is not soundproof. I can’t be partying all night and disturbing the neighbors.” He sighed. “I’m getting old. Can’t pull all-nighters anymore. Soon I’ll be like my dad, drinking tea instead of Sprite.”
Exhausted, they moved to the bedroom. Liang Xusheng only had one bed, so they shared it. Liang Xusheng rolled over to face Lu Xun. “This is so nice. No one’s nagging me about blind dates anymore. It’s bliss. I can’t wait to move in and just hang out with you, play games, and have fun.”
He started listing the advantages of their marriage. “First, my parents, especially my mom, are happy. Happy mummy, happy life. My life is perfect.”
Lu Xun, lying on his back, turned to look at him, anticipating the “second” advantage.
“Second, marrying you is like marrying Rewind. Unlimited free gacha pulls!”
Lu Xun chuckled.
“Third…” Liang Xusheng yawned, overcome by sleep. “Everything is perfect!” He closed his eyes.
Lu Xun watched him for a moment, then closed his eyes too. Marrying Liang Xusheng isn’t so bad for me either, he thought. He rolled over, his arm instinctively draping over Liang Xusheng’s waist.
Finally, the day came when the apartment was almost furnished. Liang Xusheng surveyed the living room, satisfied, and invited Lu Xun over for an inspection.
Lu Xun, surprised, replied on WeChat: [All done?]
Liang Xusheng: [Almost. Come take a look. Give me some feedback while I still have time to change things before the wedding.]
Lu Xun: [Okay.]
That evening, after work, Lu Xun drove to the new apartment. He met Liang Xusheng, who was carrying a large bag, downstairs.
“My mom insisted I bring some of my merchandise,” Liang Xusheng explained.
As they waited for the elevator, Lu Xun naturally took one of the bag’s handles. “There’s plenty of space. Put it wherever you want.” He paused. “Didn’t you set up a room for your stuff?”
“Of course,” Liang Xusheng replied. “One for you, for your models and Legos, and one for me, for my stuff.” He described his plans for the apartment. “I set up a gym for you and a studio for me. The new place is too far from my current studio, so I’m planning to work from home after the wedding.”
They entered the elevator.
When the elevator doors opened, they were greeted by the apartment’s entryway. It wasn’t huge, but spacious enough, with a row of cabinets for shoes and miscellaneous items. The last time Lu Xun had been here, the cabinets were open to air out the new furniture smell, and shoe covers were placed on the entryway table. Now, the cabinets were closed, red couplets adorned the door, a small tray for car keys sat on a low cabinet, and various decorations were tastefully arranged, including an inconspicuous umbrella stand in the corner.
Lu Xun was surprised by the transformation.
Liang Xusheng pulled out a pair of new slippers from the shoe cabinet. “Here.”
“Did your mom come over? Did you do all this yourself?” Lu Xun asked, changing his shoes.
“Yup, all me,” Liang Xusheng replied. “Our moms didn’t come at all. Almost killed me.” He went to unlock the door.
As the door opened, Lu Xun stepped inside. The last time he had been here, the apartment was bare, just the basic renovations completed. Now, white sheer curtains hung from the large windows, the living room was furnished with a sofa, coffee table, and other furniture, accented with large potted plants.
He walked in, amazed by the change. It wasn’t just the furniture; it was the overall aesthetic, perfectly aligned with his taste. The sheer curtains weren’t plain white, which he associated with funerals; they had an intricate woven pattern and tassels. The sofa wasn’t fabric or traditional Chinese style; it was a sleek, warm brown leather sofa that complemented the overall decor. The plants weren’t small succulents or cacti; they were large-leafed monstera plants. Everything was exactly to his liking.
“So, what do you think?” Liang Xusheng asked, carrying the bag inside.
Lu Xun, speechless, thought the apartment had been designed specifically for him.
“Let me give you a tour,” Liang Xusheng said, leading the way.
“Did you hire a designer?” Lu Xun asked, following him.
Liang Xusheng turned, amused. “Why would I hire a designer? The renovations were done. I did it myself.” He pointed at the square glass coffee table. “Nice, right? I like it, and I know you like square things.” He then pointed at a metal clock on the wall. “This one too. I like it, and I know you will too.”
Lu Xun was silent. Liang Xusheng truly knew him well. No, more accurately, Liang Xusheng knew him better than anyone else in the world.
