Chapter 29
Liang Xusheng was furious. He couldn’t stay in the room any longer and left with Lu Xun.
“Don’t mind Song Zhihao,” the class president said, trying to appease him. “He’s always been like that, showing off and judging others. It’s not worth getting upset over.”
Liang Xusheng, still fuming, muttered, “I’m going to make him pay.”
Lu Xun said goodbye to the president. “We’ll get together again sometime.”
“Talk to him,” the president said to Lu Xun, gesturing towards Liang Xusheng. “He shouldn’t be this angry.” He added, “I don’t know why Song Zhihao came today. Someone must have invited him. We won’t invite him next time.”
In the elevator, Lu Xun put his arm around Liang Xusheng’s shoulder. “Calm down.”
“I’m going to kill him,” Liang Xusheng muttered.
Lu Xun, seeing his anger, wanted to laugh, but he held back. He knew Liang Xusheng was defending him, upset about Song Zhihao’s insults. He smiled slightly.
“You’re still smiling!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, his eyes wide with rage.
Lu Xun ruffled his hair. He’s so cute when he’s angry. Liang Xusheng rarely got this angry. The last time had been in college, when some upperclassmen had tried to start a fight with Lu Xun on the basketball court. Liang Xusheng had immediately intervened, yelling, “Come on then! I dare you!”
He was like this: if someone messed with him, he might not even bother reacting. But if someone messed with Lu Xun, they would face his wrath. He had escalated the college incident to the department head, demanding a public apology. Now, after Song Zhihao’s insults, he wouldn’t let it slide.
On the way home, Liang Xusheng was still fuming. He gulped down water, but his anger didn’t subside. “I’m going to make him pay,” he muttered.
Lu Xun, emerging from the bathroom, said, “Don’t think about Song Zhihao…”
Liang Xusheng put down his glass and walked away.
“Where are you going?” Lu Xun asked.
“To find my dad,” Liang Xusheng replied, his voice low and menacing.
Lu Xun followed him. Knowing what he was planning, he tried to dissuade him. “Calm down. I’ll handle it.”
“Handle what? He insulted you, and you’re not even angry!”
“Seriously, I’ll take care of it.”
“No!” Liang Xusheng said, crossing his arms. “I’m going to destroy him!” He called his father. “Dad, where are you?”
He stormed into his father’s office, bypassing the secretary. Liang Jing was startled. The secretary, after receiving a look from Liang Jing, discreetly closed the door behind them.
“Dad!” Liang Xusheng cried, hugging him tightly. “You have to help me!”
Liang Jing: “…”
Lu Xun, following behind: “…”
Liang Jing gave Lu Xun a questioning look. Lu Xun shrugged.
After Liang Jing promised to investigate Song Zhihao, Liang Xusheng left the office, his pace brisk and determined.
“Xusheng,” Lu Xun called out, knowing he wasn’t done yet.
Liang Xusheng, ignoring him, called his mother. “Mommy,” he said sweetly.
Lu Xun knew he was going to Yang Yue.
Yang Yue, at a beauty salon, was furious when she heard what had happened. “What a jerk!” she exclaimed. “Don’t worry, honey. Mommy will help you.”
After leaving the salon, Liang Xusheng’s anger had subsided slightly. “I’ll show him,” he muttered.
“Feeling better now?” Lu Xun asked, having followed him the entire time.
Liang Xusheng glared at him. “Who do you think I did this for?”
“For me,” Lu Xun replied, smiling.
“You’re always smiling,” Liang Xusheng said, rolling his eyes.
Lu Xun couldn’t help it. He was touched by Liang Xusheng’s fierce protectiveness. He had planned to deal with Song Zhihao himself, but since Liang Xusheng had involved their families… Fine, they can handle it their way. I’ll deal with him myself later. He made Xusheng upset, he’ll pay for it.
Back at home, Lu Xun handed Liang Xusheng a warm towel, gently wiping his hands. “Calm down. You won’t have to see him again. Want to play some games? Watch anime? Should I get you a Sprite?”
Liang Xusheng let him wipe his hands, his anger replaced by a lingering annoyance. “That Song guy insulted you, and I got angry. He insulted me, and you didn’t even react,” he muttered, pouting slightly.
Lu Xun chuckled. “I was angry. I was just too busy following you around.” He added, “Anger is pointless. It only hurts yourself.”
“So I was wasting my time,” Liang Xusheng said coldly.
Lu Xun smiled. “Don’t be like that. You know I didn’t mean it.”
Liang Xusheng snatched the towel and wiped his hands, then threw it back at Lu Xun. “I want a Coke, not a Sprite,” he said, walking towards his study.
“Okay,” Lu Xun replied, smiling.
The incident was soon forgotten. Liang Xusheng knew Song Zhihao would face consequences, thanks to their families’ intervention.
A few days later, at Lu Xun’s office, Liang Xusheng, watching anime and eating chips, suddenly said, “Is it pathetic that I don’t have a job or a career?”
Lu Xun looked up from his computer, surprised. “Why would you think that?”
“Isn’t it true?” Liang Xusheng asked, munching on his chips. “Adults are supposed to work and be independent, right? I don’t work, so I’m not independent. I’m just a freeloader.”
“That’s not true,” Lu Xun said.
“You’re just being nice.”
“Why would you think that?” Lu Xun asked again. Was it because of Song Zhihao’s words?
Liang Xusheng shrugged. “It’s just… it’s the truth. Adults are judged by their careers, wealth, and status. I haven’t accomplished anything.”
Lu Xun didn’t like hearing him talk like that, especially the “accomplished nothing” part. He got up and walked over to him. “Xusheng…”
“I don’t need those labels,” Liang Xusheng said calmly. “I was born into a wealthy family, I have loving parents and many friends, I’ve always been happy. I don’t need a job to prove anything. I can afford to do nothing.” He looked at Lu Xun, a playful smile on his face. “I’m a professional freeloader, and I’m proud of it. I enjoy my life. But you’re different. You want to make your own mark, independent of your family. You’re working hard for that. That’s why I won’t let that Song guy insult you.” He smiled again. “I’ll help you too. Anything you need, I’ll do my best.”
Lu Xun’s heart ached, touched by his words. He looked at Liang Xusheng, speechless.
A few days later, in the same office, he handed Liang Xusheng some documents and a pen. “Sign these,” he said.
“What is this?” Liang Xusheng asked, joking. “A contract selling my soul?” He looked at the documents and his smile vanished. They were stock transfer agreements. Lu Xun was giving him his entire stake in a new gaming company he had founded, a company he had been funding himself, developing a new 3D game. Liang Xusheng knew how much this company meant to Lu Xun.
“What’s this for?” he asked, confused. He wouldn’t sign it.
Lu Xun didn’t answer. He walked behind Liang Xusheng, put his arm around him, and guided his hand, holding the pen, to the signature line. He started signing for him.
“Lu Xun, what are you doing?” Liang Xusheng asked, trying to pull his hand away.
Lu Xun’s other hand reached out and intertwined his fingers with Liang Xusheng’s, their rings touching.
Liang Xusheng froze, his gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. A sudden realization hit him.
Lu Xun… he… The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating.
Chapter 30
Could it be true? Is that really what’s happening? Liang Xusheng pondered, staring blankly at his milk tea.
Lulu, sitting across from him, watched him with amusement.
Am I mistaken? Am I overthinking this?, Liang Xusheng continued to wonder.
“Your milk tea is getting cold,” Lulu finally said. “What’s on your mind? Did your husband cheat on you?”
Liang Xusheng: “…” He took a sip of his milk tea, hesitating.
“Well?” Lulu prompted, blinking. “What’s so secret that you can’t tell me?”
Liang Xusheng decided to confide in her. He needed her perspective. He leaned forward, choosing his words carefully. “I think Lu Xun…”
“Mm?” Lulu blinked expectantly.
“I think… he… he likes me,” Liang Xusheng finally blurted out.
“…” Lulu blinked.
“Why aren’t you surprised?” Liang Xusheng asked, taken aback by her calm reaction.
“Oh, your husband likes you,” Lulu said matter-of-factly. “Why would I be surprised? What did you think that kiss under the fireworks was? A display of platonic friendship?”
Liang Xusheng: “…”
“Of course, he likes you,” Lulu continued. “Why else would he kiss you? Why would his hand tremble when he put the ring on your finger?”
Liang Xusheng’s jaw dropped.
“You’re just realizing this now?” Lulu asked.
Liang Xusheng: “…” “We’re both straight, I swear!”
“Straight?” Lulu repeated. “As in, you only get hard for women?”
Liang Xusheng: “…” “I’m leaving.” He stood up.
“Wait!” Lulu grabbed his arm. “I’m kidding!” She turned serious. “I didn’t think you two were that straight at the wedding. So I’m not surprised you think Lu Xun likes you. How did you figure it out?”
Liang Xusheng explained about Lu Xun’s recent behavior: the invitations to the office, the weekend outings, which he now realized were dates.
“Wow, you finally caught on,” Lulu said. “So? What now?”
Liang Xusheng looked troubled. “But he’s my bro.”
“So he’s gay now, but you’re still straight?” Lulu clarified. “And you don’t know how to face him? You think your relationship is tainted now?”
Liang Xusheng was silent. He didn’t know. What if I’m wrong?, he hoped, but Lu Xun’s actions had been quite obvious. He was confused.
He had no appetite during their hotpot dinner.
“You recommended this place last time,” Lulu said.
Liang Xusheng remembered being there with Lu Xun.
“You were with Lu Xun, right?”
“Yeah,” Liang Xusheng said, chewing his food listlessly.
“Lu Xun is really good to you,” Lulu commented. “He gave you an anime-themed wedding, he gave you all the money from the wedding gifts, he lets you live a carefree life…” She sighed. “You’re living the dream.”
“I’m good to him too,” Liang Xusheng mumbled.
“But he likes you. Do you like him?”
Liang Xusheng fell silent, focusing on his food.
“So what’s the problem?” Lulu asked. “You think you can’t be friends anymore just because he likes you and you don’t like him back?”
Liang Xusheng sighed. “Let me think about it. I’m confused.”
He thought about his relationship with Lu Xun, trying to understand how their platonic friendship had evolved into this. We’re both straight. How did he fall for me?, he wondered.
That night, knowing Lu Xun was home, he tried to enter quietly, unsure how to face him. But Lu Xun was walking out of the bedroom as he entered.
“You’re back,” Lu Xun said casually.
Liang Xusheng closed the door and leaned against it, feeling nervous.
“What’s wrong?” Lu Xun asked, walking over to the kitchen island.
“N-nothing,” Liang Xusheng stammered.
Lu Xun looked at him, still standing by the door. “Why are you standing there?”
“Oh, right,” Liang Xusheng said, walking into the living room, his nervousness evident. He touched his nose and scratched his head.
Lu Xun watched him intently.
“I’m going to shower,” Liang Xusheng said quickly, and hurried off to his room.
Lu Xun watched him go, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Back in his room, Liang Xusheng berated himself for his awkward behavior. Why are you acting so weird? Just be normal!, he thought, but he couldn’t. He showered and went straight to bed, avoiding his study. He sat on the bed, staring at the door, sighing. How did this happen? It’s Lu Xun! My best friend!
“Xusheng, are you asleep?” Lu Xun called out.
“Mm,” Liang Xusheng mumbled.
“No games tonight?”
“No, I’m going to sleep,” he said, pulling the pillow over his head.
Lu Xun paused outside his door.
The next day, Liang Xusheng tried to act normal, having breakfast with Lu Xun, getting ready for work, even buying coffee downstairs.
But as he waited for the coffee, he received a message from Lulu, and his facade crumbled. He replied with a series of sweating emojis.
Lulu: [Forgot to ask last night. How are you doing?]
Liang Xusheng, moving away from Lu Xun, replied: [Dead and buried.]
Lulu: [Seriously, how are you?]
Liang Xusheng: [I think I might be wrong about Lu Xun. Going to observe him closely.]
Lulu: [Nodding emoji. Good idea. It should be easy to tell if he likes you. Good luck!]
Liang Xusheng: [Clenched fist emoji]
Lu Xun watched him scuttling away, engrossed in his phone. He knew it was Lulu. He smiled, amused by Liang Xusheng’s obvious attempt to act normal.
“Xusheng!” he called out suddenly.
Liang Xusheng jumped, dropping his phone.
Lu Xun chuckled.
“Coming!” Liang Xusheng said, retrieving his phone and hurrying back.
In the elevator, he asked casually, “Those documents… are they valid?”
“Of course,” Lu Xun replied, looking at him.
“Why did you give them to me? It’s your company,” Liang Xusheng mumbled.
“I won’t let anyone say you’ve accomplished nothing, not even you,” Lu Xun said as they stepped out of the elevator. “It’s like a wedding gift, something to have.”
Normally, Liang Xusheng would have protested, but today, he just mumbled, “Whatever.”
Lu Xun glanced at him. Liang Xusheng met his gaze, then quickly looked away.
“You’re not very subtle when you’re acting strange,” Lu Xun said, walking towards the office.
“I’m just sleepy,” Liang Xusheng said quickly, trying to act normal. “Fine, I’ll take the company. It’s not like I’m going to steal it.” Be normal!, he told himself again.
Lu Xun smiled.
