Chapter 37
Liang Xusheng stayed at the hospital that night, sleeping on the sofa in Lu Xun’s room.
“Go home,” Lu Xun had said. “I’m fine. You don’t have to stay.”
But Liang Xusheng had refused, pulling the blanket around himself.
“You won’t even sleep on the sofa at home,” Lu Xun commented, knowing he found it uncomfortable.
“It’s fine,” Liang Xusheng said casually. “It’s better than sleeping in a tent.”
Lu Xun gave up, knowing he couldn’t convince him.
After the lights were turned off, Liang Xusheng said, “The last time we shared a bed was at the wedding.”
“Before that, it was the camping trip,” Lu Xun replied.
“That was two years ago,” Liang Xusheng chuckled, turning to Lu Xun. “Remember? We saw so many stars that night.”
“Mm,” Lu Xun said. “You were so excited.”
“Of course! I even saw the Big Dipper,” Liang Xusheng said. “And we almost couldn’t start a fire. Luckily, you brought an extra lighter.”
Lu Xun laughed. “Whose idea was it to leave the solid fuel at home?”
They chatted, their conversation drifting back to that night.
Later, when Liang Xusheng was asleep, Lu Xun got out of bed, tucked him in, and looked at him, curled up on the small sofa. He sighed inwardly, feeling bad for him.
Liang Xusheng woke up in the middle of the night, went to Lu Xun’s bedside, and tucked his hand back under the covers. He looked at Lu Xun, his heart aching.
He woke up early the next morning, intending to go home and make breakfast. But Lu Xun was also awake.
“Up so early?” he asked.
“Going home to make breakfast?” he asked again, as Liang Xusheng emerged from the bathroom.
“Yup,” Liang Xusheng replied, yawning.
“Just call my mom and have the housekeeper make some,” Lu Xun said. “Don’t bother.”
“No way, her cooking is not as good as mine,” Liang Xusheng said, heading towards the door. “Go back to sleep. I’ll take a shower while I’m at it.”
While he was cooking porridge at home, Lulu called.
“Should I visit Lu Xun?” she asked.
“No, let him rest,” Liang Xusheng replied.
“What are you doing?”
“Making breakfast for him.”
“Wow, so domestic,” Lulu teased.
“Of course,” Liang Xusheng said, not minding the term. “My cooking can cure any illness.”
Back at the hospital, the doctor had just finished his rounds. Liang Xusheng greeted him and asked about Lu Xun’s condition. He was relieved to hear he was recovering well and could be discharged in a few days.
Lu Xun ate all the porridge, much to Liang Xusheng’s satisfaction. He sent a picture of the empty bowls to Lulu: [He ate everything!]
Lulu: [Okay, okay, we get it, you’re a good wife. Stop showing off.]
Liang Xusheng scoffed. This isn’t showing off.
He received calls from both mothers, assuring them Lu Xun was fine and discouraging them from visiting. “Can’t I even see my own son?” Fu Shu complained.
“I trust you to take care of him,” Yang Yue said.
After the calls, the nurse came to administer the IV. Liang Xusheng adjusted the drip rate, thinking it was too fast. Lu Xun, with one hand hooked up to the IV, was browsing his phone. Liang Xusheng sat beside him, chatting, playing games, and even watching a variety show together, laughing hysterically. They looked like they were back in high school, watching TV together.
During another livestream of his cooking, Liang Xusheng replied to a comment asking if he was going to start selling products online: “Nope, not interested in the money. My husband is watching. You guys are just a bonus.” Lu Xun, watching the livestream, smiled, the virtual gifts flying across the screen.
“You could have just transferred the money to me directly,” Liang Xusheng said, when he returned to the hospital with dinner. “The platform takes a cut of the virtual gifts.”
His phone buzzed. A message notification: 1 million yuan deposited into his account. He looked up at Lu Xun, surprised. “Seriously?”
Lu Xun smiled. “You said it yourself.”
Liang Xusheng knelt on the bed and bowed dramatically. Lu Xun laughed.
“You’re laughing? You just bought a kowtow for a million yuan! You’re the one who profited!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, playfully pouncing on him.
“Okay, okay, I profited,” Lu Xun said, laughing, then pushed him away as Liang Xusheng started tickling him. “Stop it! That tickles!”
Liang Xusheng tickled him relentlessly, until Lu Xun’s laughter subsided, replaced by an intense gaze. Liang Xusheng, understanding the look, mumbled “What?” and got off the bed.
Later, as he went downstairs to buy wet wipes, he sighed. It’s my fault for being so irresistible. He’s hopelessly in love with me.
Lu Xun’s hospitalization became a rare opportunity for them to spend quality time together, like they used to in school.
That night, Lu Xun made space for Liang Xusheng on the bed.
“Are you sure?” Liang Xusheng asked, then quickly lay down, careful not to touch Lu Xun.
They chatted for a while.
“I still want to ask you,” Liang Xusheng said quietly, his eyes closed.
“Mm?” Lu Xun asked, looking at him.
“Why do you like me?”
“I realized I’ve always liked you, not that I suddenly started liking you. It’s different,” Lu Xun explained.
“What do you like about me?”
“Everything.”
Liang Xusheng snorted, a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Really,” Lu Xun insisted.
“Is that why you gave me the company?” Liang Xusheng asked. “Not because of what Song Zhihao said?”
“That was the immediate reason,” Lu Xun admitted. “I couldn’t stand him insulting you. But the underlying reason is that I like you.”
Liang Xusheng snorted again.
“You don’t believe me?” Lu Xun asked.
Liang Xusheng snorted again.
“Mm?”
“You don’t act like you like me very much,” Liang Xusheng mumbled.
“What do you mean?” Lu Xun asked, confused. “Of course, I like you very much. You rejected me, and I was devastated.”
Liang Xusheng opened his eyes, blinked a few times, then closed them again, a small smile playing on his lips. “If you liked me that much, you would have done something. You gave up too easily. No perseverance!” He kicked Lu Xun playfully.
Lu Xun: “…” He thought for a moment. “Are you saying you want me to pursue you?”
“No!” Liang Xusheng said, turning his back to Lu Xun.
Lu Xun, finally understanding, smiled and reached out, his hand resting on Liang Xusheng’s arm. “Xusheng?”
“Just talk, no touching,” Liang Xusheng said, trying to wriggle away.
“Are you letting me pursue you?” Lu Xun asked, his voice full of excitement.
“That’s why I said you don’t like me that much!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, struggling to break free. “If you did, you would have pursued me already! Why ask? Just give up!”
“So I can pursue you now?” Lu Xun asked, his face close to Liang Xusheng’s.
“I didn’t say that!” Liang Xusheng protested, still struggling.
“I’ll start pursuing you as soon as I’m discharged tomorrow,” Lu Xun said, ignoring his protests. “What kind of pursuit do you like?”
“Don’t ask me,” Liang Xusheng said, still playing hard to get. “I don’t know.”
“Xusheng,” Lu Xun said softly.
Liang Xusheng’s ears turned red. What else can I do? He’s my best friend. I can’t just let him suffer from unrequited love. Bros take care of bros.
Chapter 38
Lulu stared at Liang Xusheng, arms crossed. “What kind of new bromance is this? I’ve never heard of anything like it.”
Liang Xusheng avoided her gaze, taking a sip of his milk tea.
“Are you sacrificing yourself for his happiness?” Lulu asked, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Is this how all straight guys are?”
What else am I supposed to do?, Liang Xusheng thought. He and Lu Xun were married, and Lu Xun was his best friend. He couldn’t just abandon him.
Lulu shook her head, sighing.
Lu Xun had been discharged from the hospital that day, their parents coming to pick him up. He had gone straight to the office, and Liang Xusheng, wanting to discuss the “letting my bro pursue me” situation with Lulu, had met her for milk tea. He hadn’t expected her reaction.
Lu Xun messaged him: [Where are you?]
Liang Xusheng: [Having milk tea with Lulu.]
Lu Xun: [Coming to the office this afternoon?]
Liang Xusheng: [Maybe.]
Lu Xun: [What time are you coming home?]
Liang Xusheng: [Around 3.]
Lu Xun: [Okay.]
As he looked up from his phone, Lulu said, her eyes glinting, “I get it. This is a role-playing game between you and Lu Xun. And I’m part of it.”
Liang Xusheng: “…”
Back at home, he was thinking, It’s not a big deal. I just agreed to let him pursue me. I didn’t promise anything. It’s still up to me whether he succeeds or not.
He opened the door and almost choked. The apartment was filled with white and pink roses, like their wedding venue. Did I enter the wrong apartment?, he thought, checking the door number. He opened the door again, realizing what had happened. Lu Xun.
He called Lu Xun. “Are you trying to kill me with roses?”
“Do you like them?” Lu Xun asked cheerfully.
“It’s a bit much,” Liang Xusheng said, looking around the rose-filled apartment.
“This is how I pursue someone,” Lu Xun said calmly.
Liang Xusheng: “…” That’s why he asked what time I was coming home.
He continued admiring the roses, wondering if this was truly Lu Xun’s “style.” It seemed like Lu Xun’s first time pursuing someone… Well, okay then. He sniffed the roses, accepting this “style.” He took pictures and sent them to Lulu.
Lulu: [?]
Liang Xusheng: [Lu Xun sent them.]
Lulu: […] [Smiling emoji. Stop showing off, or I’ll kill you. Smiling emoji.]
Liang Xusheng sent her more photos and videos of the rose-filled apartment.
Lulu: […]
Lu Xun messaged him: [Dinner tonight?]
Liang Xusheng: [Shouldn’t you ask in advance? Not very sincere.]
Lu Xun: [Money transfer: 13140] [Money transfer: 52000]
Liang Xusheng: [Okay, I’m in.]
That evening, Lu Xun took him to a revolving restaurant on the 32nd floor of a skyscraper. The restaurant was empty, the lighting dim and romantic. Liang Xusheng was again amazed by Lu Xun’s extravagance.
“Is this necessary?” he asked as they walked towards their table.
“This is how I pursue someone,” Lu Xun replied calmly.
“It’s a bit much.”
“Don’t worry about it. As long as you don’t hate it,” Lu Xun said. He pulled out a chair for Liang Xusheng.
“What if I do hate it?” Liang Xusheng asked, sitting down.
Lu Xun immediately turned to the waiter. “Check, please.”
The waiter: ?
Liang Xusheng: ? “Just kidding!” he said quickly to the waiter, then glared at Lu Xun.
Lu Xun sat down opposite him, smiling. “If you hated it, we’d go somewhere else.”
“Next time, let’s just go to a street food stall,” Liang Xusheng said, taking a sip of water. “This is too much.”
“It’s my money,” Lu Xun said, amused.
“I mean, it’s too much effort,” Liang Xusheng corrected himself.
“Is it?” Lu Xun asked. “Liu Mo had the best sashimi flown in from Japan when he was pursuing his wife. Lao Zhang rented out Disneyland to propose.”
Liang Xusheng facepalmed. “Those are bad examples.”
“Are they?” Lu Xun asked, signaling to the waiter to serve the food. “They both got married and are happily married now.”
Liang Xusheng noticed that Lu Xun was wearing a suit, his hair styled impeccably. He looked incredibly handsome and sophisticated. He glanced down at his own casual hoodie and jeans. He felt like a child.
He quickly forgot about his outfit as the delicious food arrived. “This is really good,” he said, enjoying the meal.
“I’m glad you like it,” Lu Xun said, smiling.
Liang Xusheng took a sip of his Sprite. “Why are you drinking wine today?”
Lu Xun swirled his wine glass. “The atmosphere is right.”
“Don’t drink too much. You just got out of the hospital,” Liang Xusheng said. “Is it good?”
“Want to try?” Lu Xun offered him his glass.
Liang Xusheng took a sip, then made a face, returning the glass.
“Don’t like it?” Lu Xun chuckled.
“Of course not,” Liang Xusheng said, sticking out his tongue. “It tastes weird. Sprite is better.”
Lu Xun smiled at his playful expression.
Liang Xusheng continued eating, enjoying the meal immensely, as if it were an all-you-can-eat buffet. Lu Xun, seeing how much he liked it, ordered more dishes.
“This is too expensive,” Liang Xusheng said. “We could have just eaten at a regular restaurant.”
“I know you like crowds,” Lu Xun said, looking at him. “But if it were up to me, I’d prefer a quiet dinner, just the two of us.”
“Then why didn’t you say so?” Liang Xusheng said. “We could have had hotpot at home.”
Lu Xun chuckled. “I’m pursuing you. No one pursues someone with hotpot.”
Liang Xusheng nodded, understanding.
He hadn’t fully appreciated the special atmosphere and the intimate setting until a violinist appeared, playing a slow, romantic melody. He finally understood Lu Xun’s intentions.
“You went to a lot of trouble,” he said, leaning his head on his hand, looking at Lu Xun.
“It’s nothing,” Lu Xun said, leaning back in his chair. “I know you don’t care much for these things. But it’s my first time pursuing someone. I wanted to do it properly.”
Liang Xusheng’s ears turned red. He took a sip of water, avoiding Lu Xun’s gaze.
Lu Xun smiled, saying nothing.
“Do you know what usually happens in movies and dramas at this point?” Liang Xusheng asked, changing the subject.
Lu Xun looked at him expectantly.
“The waiter brings out a cake with a ring hidden inside. Or there are fireworks outside the window…”
Suddenly, colorful lights flashed outside the window. Liang Xusheng turned and saw fireworks exploding in the night sky.
“Did you…?” he asked, surprised, looking back at Lu Xun, who was smiling at him.
“You’re amazing,” Liang Xusheng said, laughing, looking at the fireworks, then back at Lu Xun.
Lu Xun just smiled, encouraging him to enjoy the show.
Liang Xusheng watched the fireworks, his eyes shining with delight.
As they left the restaurant, Lu Xun asked, “On a scale of one to ten, how was tonight?”
“9.99,” Liang Xusheng replied, after a moment of thought. “Minus 0.01 so you don’t get too cocky. Keep trying.”
They both laughed.
As the elevator descended, Lu Xun’s hand reached out and gently took Liang Xusheng’s. They didn’t say anything, their hands clasped together, a sweet silence filling the air.
When the elevator doors opened, they let go of each other’s hands and stepped out.
Liang Xusheng scratched his head, while Lu Xun discreetly flexed his hand.
So timid, only holding my hand for a few seconds, Liang Xusheng thought, glancing at Lu Xun.
You let go! You were supposed to keep holding it!, Lu Xun thought.
