Married to My Bro 33-34

Chapter 33

As Liang Xusheng’s hand was covered by Lu Xun’s, he realized Lu Xun wasn’t being patient or hiding his feelings; he wasn’t planning anything elaborate. He was being straightforward.

Liang Xusheng, looking out at the sports field, felt a flicker of excitement. “You wear your heart on your sleeve,” Lu Xun said quietly.

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Liang Xusheng replied, still looking out at the field. “You don’t have to guess.”

“You know me well, just like I know you,” Lu Xun said.

“That’s true,” Liang Xusheng sighed.

“Lu Xun, Liang Xusheng,” Lao Zhang called out, interrupting them.

They turned to see him approaching. Liang Xusheng quickly pulled his hand away, and Lu Xun did the same.

“The convenience store got bigger,” Lao Zhang said, handing them drinks and sitting down. “It’s been renovated, but it’s still the same owner.”

“Of course,” Liang Xusheng replied, opening his drink. “It’s a good business. Why would the owner leave?”

Lu Xun glanced at him. Liang Xusheng was acting as if nothing had happened.

Back at the hotel, Lu Xun went to the front desk and booked another room. Liang Xusheng stood beside him, silent.

As they walked towards the elevator, Liang Xusheng muttered, “One room is fine, isn’t it?”

Lu Xun turned to him. “It’s fine for you, not for me.”

Liang Xusheng: “…”

They entered the elevator, an unusual silence falling between them, but it wasn’t awkward.

“Shouldn’t we talk about it?” Liang Xusheng finally asked.

“It’s late,” Lu Xun replied calmly.

Liang Xusheng: Oh.

When the elevator reached their floor, Lu Xun went to his old room to retrieve his luggage.

“Don’t turn the AC down too low,” Lu Xun said. “You’ll catch a cold.”

“I’m not a child,” Liang Xusheng muttered.

Lu Xun looked at him. Liang Xusheng blinked.

“What?” he asked.

“You’re beautiful,” Lu Xun replied.

Liang Xusheng: “…”

Lu Xun took his luggage and left, after adjusting the AC in Liang Xusheng’s room. “Don’t stay up too late. We have to leave early tomorrow.”

“Oh,” Liang Xusheng replied.

Lu Xun, already at the door, turned back. “Is ‘oh’ the only word you know?”

“Okay, okay, I’ll go to bed early,” Liang Xusheng said. “Bye, good night, sweet dreams.”

Lu Xun smiled and left.

As soon as the door closed, Liang Xusheng collapsed onto the sofa. How did we get here?, he thought, taking out his phone and messaging Lulu: [He slipped up.]

Lulu: [!!!]

Liang Xusheng: [I slipped up too.]

Lulu: [Huh?]

Liang Xusheng: [We’ve never had secrets from each other.]

Lulu: […] [You two are a perfect match.]

Liang Xusheng: [What do you mean?]

Lulu: [Birds of a feather flock together.]

Liang Xusheng: “…”

The next morning, Liang Xusheng woke up feeling tired and listless. He downed several cups of coffee at breakfast.

Lu Xun took away his third cup. “Hey, that’s mine!”

“Drink this,” Lu Xun said, handing him a glass of milk.

“Fine,” Liang Xusheng said, and drank the milk. After breakfast, he put on his sunglasses and took some selfies, sending them to Lao Zhang.

Lao Zhang: [Can’t join you today. Have to go to work and take my wife for a checkup.]

Liang Xusheng: [I didn’t send you the photos so you could join us. Looking good, right?]

Lao Zhang: […] [You haven’t changed at all. Still so arrogant. You look great!]

Liang Xusheng took a selfie with Lu Xun and sent it to Lao Zhang.

Lao Zhang: [Lu Xun’s aura is amazing. You look like his little wife. Have fun, Mr. and Mrs. Lu!]

Liang Xusheng: [Get lost.]

They left the hotel and started their sightseeing tour. Liang Xusheng, an enthusiastic traveler, made sure they had fun, pointing out interesting sights, taking pictures, buying local snacks, and patiently waiting in lines.

Lu Xun, enjoying his company, found the day passing quickly. By lunchtime, they were already at a popular local restaurant, waiting for a table.

A girl approached Lu Xun, asking for his WeChat contact information. Liang Xusheng, sitting beside him, immediately intervened, blocking her with his arm. “Sorry, he’s married. To me.”

The girl apologized and left. Liang Xusheng glared at Lu Xun. “Trying to pick up girls on our trip?”

“I didn’t do anything,” Lu Xun said innocently.

“You’re married! You can’t be flirting with other girls!”

Lu Xun chuckled. He pulled down Liang Xusheng’s sunglasses. “You’re mistaken. I wasn’t flirting. I’m just naturally charming.”

Liang Xusheng: “…” He punched Lu Xun playfully. “You’re crazy.”

He put his sunglasses back on, scanning the area, on guard.

“So protective,” Lu Xun teased.

“You’re the one who’s not behaving,” Liang Xusheng retorted.

Another girl approached them, this time asking for Liang Xusheng’s contact information. He was so surprised his sunglasses slipped down his nose. Lu Xun stepped in front of him, blocking the girl.

“What are you doing?” Liang Xusheng asked, feigning annoyance after the girl left.

“Double standards?” Lu Xun asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Just kidding,” Liang Xusheng said, punching him again.

“Have you forgotten something?” Lu Xun asked.

Liang Xusheng remembered Lu Xun’s feelings for him. “Don’t be jealous,” he mumbled, touching his nose.

“Oh, I’m jealous,” Lu Xun said.

“Is it our turn?” Liang Xusheng asked quickly, changing the subject. “Let’s go.”

During lunch, he received a message from Lulu: [How can you two act like nothing happened after confessing your feelings?]

Liang Xusheng: [Just be shameless.]

Lulu: [Wow.]

He noticed Lu Xun was also on his phone. “What are you doing?” he asked, suspicious.

“Posting on WeChat Moments,” Lu Xun replied.

Liang Xusheng checked Lu Xun’s Moments and saw nine photos: one of a tourist attraction, the other eight of him, from various angles. He put down his phone, a strange sense of satisfaction washing over him. That’s more like it. He sent screenshots to Lulu: [Lu Xun’s Moments is filled with my photos.]

Lulu: […?] [Are you bragging?]

Liang Xusheng looked up and saw Lu Xun putting food in his bowl. [He’s even serving me food.] [Smug emoji] [Shrugging emoji]

Lulu: […] [Get lost.]

They continued their trip, sightseeing and enjoying local cuisine. Lulu messaged him: [You’re not even talking about it, are you? I give up.]

Liang Xusheng: [Seriously, it’s not awkward at all.]

Lulu: [Rolling eyes emoji]

The night before their return, Lu Xun went to Liang Xusheng’s room to borrow a portable charger.

“This charger is good. I should get one too,” Liang Xusheng said.

Lu Xun, picking up the charger, turned to face him.

Liang Xusheng, expecting him to say something, blinked and met his gaze.

Lu Xun, however, remained silent, his eyes fixed on Liang Xusheng’s, slowly walking towards him.

“What are you…?” Liang Xusheng asked, his heart skipping a beat as Lu Xun continued to approach, backing him against the wall. He placed his hand on the wall beside Liang Xusheng’s head, his gaze intense.

“What are you doing?” Liang Xusheng asked, crossing his arms defensively.

“You really do wear your heart on your sleeve,” Lu Xun said softly.

“…” Liang Xusheng replied, “So do you.”

“Do I need to hide my feelings?” Lu Xun asked.

“Then why can’t I show mine?”

“What are you thinking?” Lu Xun asked, his gaze unwavering.

Liang Xusheng, flustered under his intense gaze, looked down, unable to meet his eyes. “W-what am I supposed to be thinking?”

“Xusheng,” Lu Xun sighed, his hand moving to the back of Liang Xusheng’s head, forcing him to look up. His expression softened, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “You’re so oblivious. What am I supposed to do with you?”

Liang Xusheng’s eyes widened.

Lu Xun’s gaze dropped to his slightly parted lips. He leaned in and gently kissed him.

Liang Xusheng: !!!

Chapter 34

Liang Xusheng was startled by the kiss. He pushed Lu Xun away, his face burning. “Why did you do that?!”

“Xusheng, I like you,” Lu Xun said, his voice serious. “You know what kind of like, right? Now that you know, what are you thinking?”

Liang Xusheng’s face turned even redder. He covered his mouth with his arm, speechless. Why did he have to kiss me? We could have just talked!, he thought, his heart pounding. He pushed Lu Xun towards the door and shoved him out, slamming the door shut.

“Xusheng,” Lu Xun called out, knocking on the door.

“We’ll talk later!” Liang Xusheng yelled, his arm still covering his mouth. He rushed back to his bed and buried his face in the pillow. That was so awkward!, he thought, cringing. He couldn’t kiss his best friend and legal husband like that. It felt wrong.

He went to brush his teeth, rinsing his mouth repeatedly. His phone buzzed. It was Lu Xun. He groaned inwardly, continuing to rinse his mouth.

Lu Xun: [I didn’t mean to kiss you. I couldn’t help myself. Don’t be mad. I really like you.]

Liang Xusheng shuddered, goosebumps erupting on his arms.

After washing up, he replied to Lu Xun with a simple “oh,” then messaged Lulu: [Just confirmed, kissing a guy is not for me.]

Lulu: [?] [Are you the top? No way. Just endure it. What’s the big deal?]

Liang Xusheng: “…” Can we not talk about this?

He told Lulu about Lu Xun’s confession and the kiss.

Liang Xusheng: [I can’t do this.]

Lulu: [Is it a physical thing? Can you imagine divorcing Lu Xun and seeing him marry someone else?]

“Divorce? I’ll break his legs!” Liang Xusheng replied with a voice message.

Lulu: [Okay, so it’s just a physical aversion. I get it.]

Liang Xusheng, no longer wanting to discuss it with Lulu, messaged Lu Xun: [Since when?]

Lu Xun: [Recently.]

Liang Xusheng: Huh?

Liang Xusheng: [How did you figure it out?]

Lu Xun: [I realized I liked your legs.]

Legs?, Liang Xusheng thought, looking down at his legs.

Liang Xusheng: [They’re pretty nice, right?]

Lu Xun: [Yes.]

Liang Xusheng stared at the message, speechless. Yes? Seriously? What straight guy lusts after his bro’s legs?

Lu Xun: [Remember the times you saw me smoking on the balcony? Those were post-coital cigarettes. I was thinking about your legs.]

Liang Xusheng: “…” He choked, coughing violently.

Liang Xusheng: [What does that have to do with liking someone?] Sex and love were two different things.

Lu Xun: [I thought it was just about your legs at first, but I can’t lie to myself. I like you. It’s obvious. I just wanted to tell you how I felt. I didn’t mean to kiss you, but I couldn’t resist. Remember the kiss at the wedding? And the one later that night, when you were drunk?]

Liang Xusheng frowned, reading his messages.

Lu Xun: [I think I’ve liked you since college.]

Liang Xusheng’s jaw dropped. College?

He was, as Lu Xun had said, an open book. And he and Lu Xun had never kept secrets from each other. He jumped out of bed, put on some pants, grabbed his key card, and stormed out of the room.

Lu Xun was standing outside his door.

“Xusheng,” he said, straightening up.

“Come in,” Liang Xusheng said, turning around.

Lu Xun followed him into the room and closed the door. Liang Xusheng crossed his arms, his expression serious. “College? Are you kidding me?”

“Maybe high school, or even earlier,” Lu Xun said calmly.

Liang Xusheng’s jaw dropped again. High school? Earlier? He was speechless, staring at Lu Xun, his mind reeling.

“I don’t want to lie to you,” Lu Xun explained.

“And I think you like me too,” he added, looking at him intently. “Remember, you kissed me first at the wedding.”

“Everyone keeps bringing up the wedding!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed. “The atmosphere was just romantic!”

Lu Xun stepped closer. “What about the ring? Did you spend so long choosing it just because you needed one? And Song Zhihao? Were you that angry just because he insulted you? And these past few days, you’ve been so jealous every time someone asked for my WeChat.”

Liang Xusheng: “…” He felt dizzy, trying to process Lu Xun’s words. “I chose the ring carefully because it was my first time buying one. I was angry at Song Zhihao because he’s a jerk. And you’re married! You shouldn’t be giving out your WeChat to strangers! And you blocked those girls for me too!”

Lu Xun looked at him, silent. An awkward silence fell between them.

Liang Xusheng realized he had messed up. He could have handled this better.

The next day, Lao Zhang drove them to the train station. Sensing the tension between them, he asked Liang Xusheng, “Did you guys fight?”

“Mm,” Liang Xusheng mumbled, not wanting to explain.

“No, we didn’t,” Lu Xun said from the back seat.

“Good, good,” Lao Zhang said, relieved. “Couples fight sometimes.”

After saying goodbye to Lao Zhang, they boarded the train, the silence returning. Lu Xun put their luggage in the overhead compartment, and Liang Xusheng ordered lunch for them on his phone.

The business class car was empty except for them.

Liang Xusheng, scrolling through his phone, sighed inwardly. He regretted his harsh words the night before. Lu Xun liked him; he must be hurt.

During lunch, as Lu Xun meticulously picked out the chili peppers from his food, Liang Xusheng felt even more guilty. Stupid mouth!, he thought.

“I’m sorry,” he said, breaking the silence. “I didn’t mean to say those things.”

“I know,” Lu Xun replied, eating his food. “You just don’t like me.”

Liang Xusheng: “…” He put down his chopsticks. “Are you sad?”

“A little,” Lu Xun said. “Just enough to want to jump off the train.”

Liang Xusheng: “…” “Does my rejection affect you that much?”

“A little,” Lu Xun said calmly. “Just enough to keep me awake all night.”

Liang Xusheng: “…” He grabbed Lu Xun’s hand. “Don’t scare me.”

“It’s fine,” Lu Xun said, gently pushing his hand away. “I’ll get over it in a few days. Just like a breakup.”

Liang Xusheng: “…” He lost his appetite and threw away his lunch.

He messaged Lulu: [I messed up.]

Lulu: [Confused emoji. You’re the one being pursued. How can you mess up? Tell me everything.]

Lu Xun reclined his seat, his hands folded over his stomach, as if preparing for a funeral. He was heartbroken. He had been so confident that Liang Xusheng reciprocated his feelings, but last night’s rejection had shattered his hopes.

When they arrived, Lu Xun went straight to the office, leaving Liang Xusheng to go home alone. He lay down on his office chair, trying to process his emotions, the pain intensifying. He doesn’t like me. He doesn’t like me…

“Lu Xun…” Liu Mo knocked and entered.

“Get out!” Lu Xun yelled, his eyes closed.

“Okay,” Liu Mo said, and quickly left.