Chapter 27
Liang Xusheng had been coming to the office every day for the past few days. He had found a comfortable rhythm: attending meetings and brainstorming sessions when needed, otherwise lounging on the sofa in Lu Xun’s office, catching up on anime and social media. It felt like college again, when they had spent most of their time together. He enjoyed being around Lu Xun, seeing him in person instead of just communicating through phone calls and occasional dinners.
He felt relaxed and at ease in Lu Xun’s office, a sense of calm settling over him as he watched Lu Xun work.
Unbeknownst to him, Lu Xun was basking in the silent joy of having him near. He would often stare at Liang Xusheng, lost in thought, his gaze lingering on him. He didn’t hide his affection, asking Liang Xusheng about his day, what he wanted to eat, meticulously removing the chili peppers he didn’t like from his food.
“Whoa, haven’t done that in years,” Liang Xusheng commented. “Last time you did that was in college, right?”
“So you remember,” Lu Xun said, looking up from his plate.
“Of course,” Liang Xusheng replied. “But you only did it when you were in a good mood. When you were grumpy, you didn’t care if I ate chili peppers or dirt.”
Lu Xun chuckled. “When have I ever let you eat dirt?”
“It’s an expression,” Liang Xusheng said, waving his hand. He was genuinely touched by their renewed closeness.
“After graduation, when you started your company, you got so busy,” he said, as they ate barbecue and drank Sprite after work. “I felt like we drifted apart. We barely saw each other, just occasional dinners.”
“Were you disappointed?” Lu Xun asked quietly.
“Not really, just… it felt like growing up wasn’t so great. We used to see each other every day, and then suddenly, we were separated, living our own lives. Sometimes, when we met, you felt like a stranger.”
“Have I changed that much?” Lu Xun asked.
Liang Xusheng looked at him, then shook his head. “Not really. You just feel… different. I used to know everything about you, your clothes, your watches. I went shopping with you all the time. But after graduation, when we met, you’d be wearing something new, and I’d be like, ‘Where did you get that?'”
Lu Xun knew he had been consumed by work. He felt a pang of guilt but didn’t know how to apologize. Saying “sorry” felt too formal, too distant.
“At least we’re married now. We see each other every day,” he said.
“That’s true,” Liang Xusheng grinned, raising his Sprite. “Cheers to that.”
Lu Xun smiled.
That weekend, Lu Xun didn’t work overtime. They went to the park for a date.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been here,” Liang Xusheng said happily, looking around.
They rented a four-wheeled bicycle and rode along the lake, visited the zoo, and played bumper cars and balloon shooting games at the amusement park. Liang Xusheng had a blast. Lu Xun even won him a stuffed animal, which made him jump with joy.
Sitting on a bench, eating ice cream, Liang Xusheng hugged the stuffed animal. “It’s been a while since we’ve done this too.”
“Want to do this every weekend?” Lu Xun asked, looking at him.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” Liang Xusheng chuckled. “I’m free, but are you free?”
“I will be,” Lu Xun said seriously.
“Really?” Liang Xusheng smiled.
As they left the park, Lu Xun bought him a panda-shaped balloon.
“You remembered I like pandas,” Liang Xusheng said, smiling.
“You also like giraffes,” Lu Xun replied. “They didn’t have any. I would have bought you one too.”
“You’re treating me like a kid,” Liang Xusheng chuckled.
Lu Xun took pictures of him with the balloon, trying different angles, more enthusiastic than any boyfriend taking pictures of his girlfriend.
On their way to dinner, Liang Xusheng said, “Having fun and then going for dinner together… it’s been so long.”
“We’ll do this more often,” Lu Xun said, smiling.
“You promised,” Liang Xusheng said.
“I promise,” Lu Xun replied, his face full of affection.
They had hotpot for dinner, Lu Xun having made reservations at a popular restaurant.
“This is so good!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, enjoying the food.
“Eat as much as you want,” Lu Xun said, putting some cooked meat in his bowl.
Liang Xusheng took pictures of the food and sent them to Lulu. [At that hotpot place we wanted to try. It’s delicious. Lu Xun brought me here.]
Lulu: [So you’re on a date.]
Liang Xusheng: [It’s just dinner.]
Lulu: [Bullshit. Rolling eyes emoji. Weekday at the office with hubby, weekend date with hubby, park visit… I saw your WeChat Moments.]
Liang Xusheng: [Spit it out.]
Lulu: [Envious. Starry-eyed emoji.]
Liang Xusheng: [Don’t you have friends?]
Lulu: [I do. I just don’t have a friend I’m married to and could potentially ship.]
Liang Xusheng: [Yeah, yeah, I have a husband, you don’t.]
Lulu: [Waving hand emoji. Go on your date.]
Liang Xusheng put down his phone, thinking, It’s not a date.
After dinner, they went to the mall. They wandered into a high-end jewelry store. Liang Xusheng was looking for a birthday gift for Fu Shu. Lu Xun browsed with him.
They somehow ended up looking at men’s rings. And somehow, Liang Xusheng found himself trying one on. What’s going on? When did I even put out my hand?, he wondered.
Lu Xun took a diamond ring from the sales associate and slid it onto Liang Xusheng’s ring finger, already adorned with his wedding band. He looked at the two rings, their styles contrasting sharply.
Liang Xusheng: Why are we looking at rings? We already have rings.
As they left the store empty-handed, Liang Xusheng said, “We have rings.”
“I know, you bought them,” Lu Xun replied.
“I spent a long time choosing them,” Liang Xusheng said, wiggling his finger.
Lu Xun’s heart ached. He regretted realizing his feelings so late; he could have chosen a special ring for Liang Xusheng too.
When they passed a flower shop in the basement, Lu Xun bought another bouquet of red roses.
“We’re both hopeless,” Liang Xusheng commented, taking the roses. “First the ring, now the roses.”
Lu Xun looked at him, his expression unreadable.
Liang Xusheng met his gaze, his heart skipping a beat. He felt like he was missing something.
That night, at home, he sat at his desk, staring at the five bouquets of roses Lu Xun had given him over the past few days, a strange expression on his face. Am I overthinking this?
Lu Xun knocked and entered. Liang Xusheng looked up, snapping out of his thoughts.
“Want to play some games?” Lu Xun asked.
“Sure!” Liang Xusheng said, jumping up, all thoughts of roses forgotten.
Chapter 28
Liang Xusheng was enjoying his married life. He would wake up late, have brunch with Lu Xun, go to the office, work on game development, chat with friends, plan his Douyin videos, have afternoon tea and dinner with Lu Xun, play games, occasionally go out for late-night snacks, and spend weekends with family or exploring the city with Lu Xun. He had money, freedom, and Lu Xun by his side. Life was good.
One day, he attended a junior high school reunion.
“Where’s your husband?” someone asked as soon as he entered the room. Lu Xun had been in the same class with them.
“He’s coming. He has a meeting,” Liang Xusheng replied, sitting down.
“Have you gained weight?” someone commented.
“Have I?” Liang Xusheng asked, pouring himself some tea.
“Yeah, you look rounder than you did at the wedding,” the person said.
“Oh no, I must have gained weight,” Liang Xusheng said, dismayed.
“Married life must be good,” someone teased. “Look at you, getting all plump.”
“It is good,” Liang Xusheng said, smiling. “Especially since I don’t have to work.”
“Speaking of not working…” a familiar voice said from the doorway. The room fell silent.
Liang Xusheng turned and saw the speaker. He knew this dinner wouldn’t be enjoyable.
“Liang Xusheng, remember me?” the person asked, sitting down.
“Of course,” Liang Xusheng replied. “You’re the only person I didn’t get along with in junior high.”
It was Song Zhihao, his former nemesis. They had clashed constantly in school, their mutual dislike forcing the teachers to seat them at opposite ends of the classroom. Liang Xusheng was surprised to see him here; he hadn’t attended any of their previous reunions.
He knew Song Zhihao was doing well. He had graduated from a prestigious university, studied abroad, and, thanks to his father’s connections, landed a high-paying job in finance, managing several funds. Liang Xusheng had felt a pang of jealousy when he heard about Song Zhihao’s success. He didn’t want his enemy to be successful.
“You’re right, you were the only one I didn’t get along with either,” Song Zhihao said, smiling, placing his car keys ostentatiously on the table. “Oh, and Lu Xun. I heard you married him. He’s your husband now? Congratulations. Why isn’t he here? Busy with work? I guess you have more free time, so you’re representing your family.” His words dripped with sarcasm.
Someone quickly changed the subject. Liang Xusheng glared at him, his expression cold. He didn’t want to engage with him; he knew Song Zhihao was just showing off his wealth and success.
The class president came over and asked if he wanted to switch tables.
“Why should I switch?” Liang Xusheng retorted.
“Because you’re easygoing,” the president said, smiling. “And I don’t get along with Song Zhihao either.”
Liang Xusheng relented. “No, I’m not switching.” It was pointless, and it would just give Song Zhihao more reason to gloat.
He ignored Song Zhihao and chatted with his other classmates, messaging Lu Xun about the unpleasant guest.
Lu Xun: [Song Zhihao?]
Liang Xusheng: [How did you know? I didn’t even say his name!]
Lu Xun: [I’m on my way.]
Liang Xusheng put his phone away and continued chatting. Someone asked about his apartment. He didn’t want to reveal the exorbitant price, so he said, “Lu Xun bought it. I don’t know the details.”
“How can you not know?” Song Zhihao interrupted, smiling. “You two were inseparable in junior high. And now you’re married. How can you not know how much his apartment cost? Oh, you don’t want to tell us.” He turned to the person who had asked the question. “Don’t ask. He doesn’t want to tell you.”
Everyone: “…”
“What’s wrong with you?” Liang Xusheng asked coldly, putting down his chopsticks. “Can we have a normal dinner? If not, you can leave.”
“Are you paying for this dinner?” Song Zhihao sneered. “I already paid for the room. If anyone’s leaving, it’s you.”
Everyone: “…” The atmosphere became tense.
“We always split the bill,” Liang Xusheng said calmly. “No one here is short on money. Are you trying to show off? Should we be grateful to you?”
“I’m just curious,” Song Zhihao continued, ignoring him. “How can someone like you, who doesn’t even have a job, be so arrogant? Is it because your family is rich?”
They glared at each other, their eyes filled with contempt.
Someone tried to intervene, another person trying to pull Song Zhihao away.
“Grow up!” Song Zhihao said loudly, shrugging him off. “You’re almost 30, still relying on your parents! Aren’t you ashamed? So what if your family is rich? With a son like you, they…”
“They what?” a voice said from beside Liang Xusheng. Song Zhihao turned, surprised. Liang Xusheng saw Lu Xun, who had finally arrived.
“So fast?” Liang Xusheng asked. “No traffic?”
Lu Xun took a sip of Liang Xusheng’s tea. “Traffic is nothing. Someone’s being a nuisance, ruining my mood. I had to come quickly.”
“Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu,” Song Zhihao said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’re struggling too, living off your rich parents, running a small gaming company with barely any revenue.”
“You…!” Liang Xusheng started to say, his anger flaring. He could tolerate insults directed at him, but not at Lu Xun.
Lu Xun took his hand, squeezing gently, then turned to Song Zhihao, his expression calm. “You’re too kind, Mr. Song. Unlike you, whose six funds have three performing below their issue price, two rated as the worst combinations in the industry, and one currently under investigation by the regulatory commission.”
Song Zhihao: “…” The room fell silent.
“Well-informed, aren’t you?” Song Zhihao sneered. “You seem to be paying close attention to me.”
Lu Xun squeezed Liang Xusheng’s hand again. “Not really. The entire financial industry is talking about your disastrous funds. It’s hard not to hear about it.”
Song Zhihao’s smile vanished. He glared at Lu Xun, who ignored him, calmly picking up some food for Liang Xusheng.
“Alright, alright, let’s calm down,” the class president said, his face pale.
“Yeah, let’s have a nice dinner,” others chimed in.
“What are you so arrogant about?” Song Zhihao suddenly yelled. “At least I earned my position! What about you?” He stood up and pointed at Liang Xusheng. “One…”
Lu Xun slammed his chopsticks on the table, interrupting him. “One what?” he asked coldly.
The president quickly ushered Song Zhihao out of the room. “Let’s go, Lao Song. Don’t do this. We’re all classmates.”
Other classmates tried to mediate, some going after Song Zhihao, others staying with Liang Xusheng and Lu Xun.
Song Zhihao was finally escorted out. Lu Xun, picking up Liang Xusheng’s chopsticks, calmly served him food.
“Don’t let him bother you,” Liang Xusheng said, glaring in the direction Song Zhihao had gone. “He’s just jealous.”
“He’s just running a small gaming company,” Song Zhihao’s voice echoed from the doorway.
Liang Xusheng jumped up, about to charge after him, but his classmates held him back.
“Say that again, and I’ll punch you!” Liang Xusheng yelled.
“Come on then!” Song Zhihao taunted.
His classmates quickly dragged him away.
Liang Xusheng, fuming, struggled to break free, until Lu Xun put his arm around him, patting his shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t waste your energy on him,” he said.
“How dare he say that about you!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, his eyes red with anger. “I’m going to kill him!”
