Chapter 35
Back home, unpacking his suitcase, Liang Xusheng sighed. How did things get so complicated? We should have just talked. He felt bad for Lu Xun, who seemed utterly heartbroken. I didn’t mean for this to happen, he thought, throwing his clothes aside and collapsing onto the sofa.
He messaged Lulu: [This is so frustrating.] Then he messaged Liu Mo: [Is Lu Xun at the office?]
Lulu: [It’s because you’re so incredibly straight. I understand. If a close female friend suddenly kissed me, I’d freak out too.]
Liang Xusheng: [Lu Xun went straight to the office. He didn’t even come home.]
Lulu: [I understand Lu Xun too. If I confessed my feelings and got rejected like that, I’d want to die.]
Liang Xusheng: “…”
Liu Mo: [Yeah, he’s here. I went to his office, and he told me to get out. Did you guys fight?]
Liang Xusheng sighed. Lu Xun must be really upset. He ran his hand through his hair, frustrated with himself for handling things so badly.
He didn’t like holding grudges, especially when he felt he was at fault. He messaged Lu Xun: [Have you eaten? Want me to cook you dinner?]
Twenty minutes later, Lu Xun replied: [Working overtime. No, thanks.]
Liang Xusheng sighed again. Why is he being so dramatic?
Liang Xusheng: [Liu Mo said you’re not in a good mood.]
Lu Xun: [I’m fine.]
Liang Xusheng: [Still want to jump off a train?]
Lu Xun: [Not anymore.]
Liang Xusheng: [Then smile for me.]
Lu Xun sent a smiling emoji, but Liang Xusheng could tell it was forced.
That night, he waited for Lu Xun in the living room. When Lu Xun finally arrived, he jumped up. “You’re back.”
“Mm,” Lu Xun replied, his expression flat.
“Have you eaten?”
“Yes,” Lu Xun said, and walked straight towards his bedroom.
“Lu Xun,” Liang Xusheng called out.
“Go to bed,” Lu Xun said, without turning back. “I’m going to sleep too.”
Liang Xusheng: “…” He sat back down on the sofa, sighing and punching a pillow.
Later, lying in bed, he messaged Lu Xun: [Are you upset?]
Lu Xun: [A little.]
Liang Xusheng: [Just because I don’t like you?]
Lu Xun: [Can we please not talk about that right now?]
Liang Xusheng immediately retracted his message.
Lu Xun: [I’m not blaming you.]
Liang Xusheng: [I know.]
Neither of them said anything else. Liang Xusheng wanted to say something, but he couldn’t find the right words.
He had trouble sleeping and woke up late the next day. Lu Xun had already left for work, leaving him lunch. Judging by the cold food, he must have left early. They used to go to work together every day; Lu Xun would always wait for him. Now…
He sighed, his appetite gone.
He went to the office in the afternoon, wandering around aimlessly, then went to Lu Xun’s office.
Lu Xun, seeing him, didn’t seem surprised. He just adjusted the AC.
Liang Xusheng, not wanting to disturb him, sat on the sofa, scrolling through his phone, occasionally glancing at Lu Xun.
“You don’t have to worry about me,” Lu Xun said, after a while, still working. “It’s normal for me to be upset after being rejected.”
“But I don’t want you to be upset,” Liang Xusheng said, looking at him. “Is it that bad? Should I leave? Am I bothering you?”
“No,” Lu Xun said calmly, looking up from his work. “It’s normal to feel this way. I’m not going to avoid you just because you rejected me. We’re still friends.”
Seeing Lu Xun’s forced composure, Liang Xusheng felt even worse. He knew Lu Xun was hurting. “Want me to tell you some jokes?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“No, thanks,” Lu Xun replied.
“How long will it take for you to get over this?” Liang Xusheng asked, concerned.
“I don’t know,” Lu Xun said.
“Should I leave?”
“Whatever,” Lu Xun said, his tone indifferent.
Liang Xusheng, unable to take it anymore, blurted out, “What do you even like about me?” His legs?
Lu Xun leaned back in his chair. “Xusheng, sometimes there’s no reason for liking someone. I never thought we’d be anything more than friends. You’re straight, I’m straight. Even when I kissed you, I thought it was just the alcohol. But then I realized I liked you…” He paused.
“I…” Liang Xusheng didn’t know what to say.
“I know you don’t like me back,” Lu Xun continued. “I’ll accept it. I’ll find my place in our relationship, so you don’t feel awkward, and I don’t feel too bad. Just give me some time.”
Liang Xusheng felt a pang of guilt. Lu Xun never talked like this, so rational and detached. This wasn’t the Lu Xun he knew.
“Can you please not be like this?” he asked.
“Just give me some time,” Lu Xun repeated.
Liang Xusheng couldn’t take it anymore and left.
As soon as the door closed, Lu Xun closed his eyes, rubbing his forehead. His composure was a facade. He was hurting, the image of Liang Xusheng’s shocked expression and the way he had pushed him out of the room replaying in his mind.
After returning from A City, Liang Xusheng stayed home, while Lu Xun went to work early and came home late. Liang Xusheng regretted his reaction, the happy memories from their trip a stark reminder of his mistake.
Lulu: [Your reaction was normal. What else could you have done? Accepted his confession? You’re straight.]
Liang Xusheng was editing his travel video when he received a call from Liu Mo. “Liang Xusheng, come to the Third Hospital quickly! Lu Xun’s not feeling well. He was just taken away in an ambulance!”
“What?!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, jumping up.
When he arrived at the hospital, Lu Xun was lying in a private room, hooked up to an IV, his face unusually pale.
“What happened?” Liang Xusheng asked, his voice full of concern.
“It’s nothing serious,” Liu Mo explained. “Acute gastroenteritis, according to the doctor.”
“How did he get that?” Liang Xusheng asked, frowning. “Did he eat something bad?”
Lu Xun opened his eyes and saw Liang Xusheng, still in his home clothes.
“It’s my fault,” Liu Mo said. “I overreacted. It’s not a big deal.”
“I didn’t eat anything,” Lu Xun said weakly, looking at Liang Xusheng. “Don’t worry.”
“You’re in the hospital! How can it be nothing?” Liang Xusheng retorted. He turned to Liu Mo. “Do you have his medical records?”
Liu Mo handed him a plastic bag. Liang Xusheng carefully examined the records and X-rays. It was indeed just gastroenteritis. He was relieved, but then he saw the notes about dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and his frown deepened.
“How can he have gastroenteritis if he didn’t eat anything?” he muttered, turning to leave.
“Where are you going?” Liu Mo asked.
“To find the doctor,” Liang Xusheng replied, without turning back.
Liu Mo looked at Lu Xun, who was lying in bed. “Your wife is even more fierce than mine.”
Lu Xun smiled.
“You can still smile?” Liu Mo asked, surprised.
Lu Xun was smiling because he realized that despite the rejection, Liang Xusheng cared about him. Perhaps this illness isn’t so bad after all, he thought.
When Liang Xusheng returned, talking on the phone with Yang Yue, he saw Lu Xun clutching his head, his face contorted in pain.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, rushing to his side, forgetting about the phone call.
“Headache,” Lu Xun said, grabbing his hand.
Chapter 36
Liang Xusheng’s heart ached. He instinctively grabbed Lu Xun’s hand. “Where does it hurt? Is it bad? Tell me!” He was about to call a doctor when Lu Xun, who had been feigning weakness with his eyes closed, peeked open one eye and watched him go, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. This illness is a blessing in disguise.
Later, their parents arrived, relieved to hear it was just gastroenteritis. Fu Shu even arranged for a VIP room. They fussed over Lu Xun, worried about his health.
“Are you working too hard?” Liang Jing asked.
“Get some rest,” Lu Zhang said. “Don’t worry about work.”
“You look thinner,” Yang Yue commented.
“I’ll make you some soup tomorrow,” Fu Shu said.
But no one was more concerned than Liang Xusheng. He called Liu Mo, demanding to know what Lu Xun had eaten at the office. He then tried to shoo their parents out of the room. “Too many people in here. It’s not good for the air quality. He needs rest. I’ll take care of him. And don’t tell all your relatives and friends to come visit! Let him rest!”
“We can’t even care about him now?” Fu Shu asked, stepping out of the room.
“I’m here,” Liang Xusheng insisted.
“I’ll bring him food tomorrow,” Fu Shu said.
“No need, I’ll take care of his meals,” Liang Xusheng replied.
“You’ll cook for him?” Yang Yue asked.
“Yes,” Liang Xusheng said, firmly ushering them out.
“Xusheng is so thoughtful,” Yang Yue said in the elevator. “I don’t have to worry about Lu Xun with him around.”
“They’ve always been like this,” Fu Shu said. “They always took care of each other when they were sick.”
“Let’s leave them alone,” Liang Jing said, smiling.
Back in the room, Liang Xusheng tucked Lu Xun in, covering him with the blanket.
Lu Xun, feigning weakness with his eyes closed, was secretly gloating. He says he doesn’t like me, but he’s so worried.
Liang Xusheng frowned. He couldn’t stand seeing Lu Xun sick. It was like hearing someone insult him; it was unbearable.
Lu Xun opened his eyes. “Go to sleep,” Liang Xusheng said immediately. “Are you thirsty? Do you need to use the restroom? Do you want to eat something?”
“Have Liu Mo…” Lu Xun started to say, thinking about work.
Liang Xusheng placed his hand over Lu Xun’s eyes, closing them. “No work. Sleep.”
Lu Xun, secretly pleased, closed his eyes and drifted off. He was genuinely unwell, the IV making him dizzy.
Liang Xusheng sat beside him, watching him sleep. He frowned again, noticing how pale and thin Lu Xun looked. Is he working too hard on the new game? And Liu Mo, as the general manager, should be helping him more!, he thought, annoyed. He messaged Liu Mo again, scolding him.
Liu Mo: [Bowing and kowtowing emoji. Okay, okay, it’s my fault!]
He then messaged Lulu: [Lu Xun’s in the hospital. It’s my fault. If I had been at the office, he wouldn’t have gotten sick.] He felt like kicking himself.
He sat there for hours, until Lu Xun stirred. He went out to buy some fruit. As he placed the bag on the nightstand, Lu Xun woke up.
“You’re awake?” Liang Xusheng asked, pulling up a chair. “Want some fruit? The doctor said you can have some light food.”
“What time is it?” Lu Xun asked, his voice hoarse.
“Almost 5,” Liang Xusheng replied.
Lu Xun had slept for nearly three hours. He tried to sit up. Liang Xusheng quickly adjusted his pillows and raised the head of the bed.
“Want an apple?”
Lu Xun looked at the bag of fruit. “I can’t eat that much.”
“You can eat it slowly,” Liang Xusheng said, peeling the apple.
Lu Xun looked at him, suddenly feeling like their silent treatment was over. He had been wrong to distance himself from Liang Xusheng. Even after the rejection, even if he was hurt, he should have treated him better.
“Xusheng, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…” he started to say.
Liang Xusheng popped a slice of apple into his mouth, interrupting him.
“Don’t mention it,” he said calmly, continuing to peel the apple. “I understand. You didn’t do anything wrong, just like I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Lu Xun chewed the sweet apple.
“We’re best friends,” Liang Xusheng said, looking up at him. “Nothing can change that.” He cut the apple into smaller pieces. “Just focus on getting better. I’ll stay here with you.”
“Okay,” Lu Xun replied.
Their silent treatment ended just like that.
“So what exactly did you eat to get gastroenteritis?” Liang Xusheng asked, munching on the apple core.
“I skipped lunch because I was busy and just had some coffee. Then Liu Mo took me for hotpot, and I ate some spicy food. That’s it.”
Liang Xusheng frowned. “Spicy food on an empty stomach? What did you expect? You’ll be eating porridge tonight.”
Lu Xun smiled.
“Don’t laugh,” Liang Xusheng said, glaring at him.
“It’s been a while since I had your porridge,” Lu Xun said, smiling.
Liang Xusheng’s glare softened. “What kind do you want? Millet, pumpkin, or preserved egg and lean pork?”
“Preserved egg and lean pork, with some pickled mustard greens,” Lu Xun replied.
“Okay, I’ll go home and make some,” Liang Xusheng said.
“Just call the housekeeper and have her make some,” Lu Xun said.
“You just said you wanted my porridge,” Liang Xusheng said, confused.
“So you can stay here with me,” Lu Xun said, coughing slightly.
Liang Xusheng: “…” He couldn’t refuse. He patted Lu Xun’s back and chest.
“Please?” Lu Xun asked weakly.
“Fine,” Liang Xusheng said, rolling his eyes. “I don’t trust anyone else to make it for you. I’ll video call you while I’m cooking, okay?”
As soon as he left the room, Lu Xun called him. Liang Xusheng, not surprised, answered the call, chatting with him while he took the elevator, left the hospital, and took a taxi home.
He set up his phone on a stand in the kitchen, the camera facing him as he prepared the ingredients and cooked the porridge.
“You should livestream this,” Lu Xun joked, watching him. “I’ll send you virtual gifts.”
Liang Xusheng actually started a livestream on his Douyin account, Lu Xun showering him with virtual gifts.
His followers, surprised by the sudden livestream, wondered what was going on.
“Give our top supporter a follow,” Liang Xusheng said, his back to the camera.
His followers clicked on the top supporter’s profile. The username: LovesWifey.
Followers: “…?”
“Livestreaming? Seriously?” Liang Xusheng said as he entered Lu Xun’s hospital room, carrying the porridge. “Happy now? Traded virtual gifts for followers?”
Lu Xun smiled. “I’m not a public figure. I don’t need followers.” He had enjoyed watching Liang Xusheng cook for him. Such a thoughtful gesture made his “I don’t like you” claim seem even more unbelievable.
Liang Xusheng opened the containers and placed a spoon beside the bowl. Before Lu Xun could feign weakness, he picked up the bowl and spoon, scooped up some porridge, and held it to Lu Xun’s lips. “Say ah.”
Lu Xun opened his mouth and ate, a smile playing on his lips. “I can eat by myself,” he said, reaching for the bowl.
“No, you can’t,” Liang Xusheng said, swatting his hand away. “Your hand is still sore from the IV.”
“This isn’t right,” Lu Xun protested. He wasn’t a child.
“What’s not right? We’re practically the same person,” Liang Xusheng said, continuing to feed him.
Lu Xun, his face impassive, was secretly ecstatic.
