Chapter 41
Liang Xusheng’s kiss was fierce and almost angry. He’s so handsome, he thought. And he wants a divorce? How dare he! He pulled away, his face burning, and turned to leave, as if he were the one who had been offended.
Lu Xun, stunned, stared after him, his eyes wide with disbelief. He quickly recovered and chased after him, grabbing his arm. “Xusheng, Xusheng!”
Liang Xusheng shook him off, continuing to walk away angrily.
“Xusheng!” Lu Xun called out again. “Stop! Look at me!”
“What’s there to see?!” Liang Xusheng retorted, his voice full of anger. “You want a divorce anyway!”
Lu Xun couldn’t help but smile. “Xusheng, wait! I’m sorry, I said the wrong thing. I don’t want a divorce. That’s not what I meant.”
He tightened his grip on Liang Xusheng’s arm, but Liang Xusheng stopped and glared at him, his face suddenly turning red. He was annoyed with himself for blushing.
Lu Xun, however, was struggling to contain his joy. He kissed me! He kissed me!
Liang Xusheng noticed the smile playing on Lu Xun’s lips, his blush deepening. He stamped his foot and turned to leave again.
“Xusheng!” Lu Xun called out, chasing after him.
“Don’t get any ideas,” Liang Xusheng said loudly, without turning back. “You looked handsome on stage, and I couldn’t resist.”
“Okay,” Lu Xun said patiently.
“Why are you following me?” Liang Xusheng continued, his voice full of anger. “Don’t you want a divorce?”
“No, I don’t,” Lu Xun said. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yes, you did! We’re getting a divorce as soon as we get back!”
As Liang Xusheng was about to run out of the building, Lu Xun grabbed his arm and pulled him around, forcing him to face him. Liang Xusheng’s face was flushed, his eyes, initially angry, softening, like a startled deer.
Lu Xun, knowing him too well, understood his mixed emotions. He put his arms around Liang Xusheng’s shoulders. “I don’t want a divorce. I’m sorry I said the wrong thing. I don’t want a divorce, really.”
Liang Xusheng glared at him, his anger subsiding slightly.
“Calm down,” Lu Xun said softly. “Take a deep breath. That’s it.”
Liang Xusheng continued to glare at him, but his eyes weren’t angry anymore, just slightly annoyed, like a grumpy kitten.
“Feeling better?” Lu Xun asked.
Liang Xusheng’s eyes, still watery, looked like a kitten’s.
“You looked really handsome on stage,” he finally mumbled, as if justifying his kiss.
“I know,” Lu Xun said quickly.
“I never knew you could look so handsome,” Liang Xusheng continued, his voice still slightly sulky.
Lu Xun nodded, stroking his shoulder.
“Really handsome,” Liang Xusheng repeated.
Lu Xun thought he was calming down.
Then Liang Xusheng suddenly covered his face with his hands and cried out, “So handsome I wanted to kiss you! What’s wrong with me? I’m straight!” His loud outburst attracted curious glances from passersby.
Lu Xun, unable to contain his laughter any longer, knelt down beside him. “It’s okay, it’s not a big deal. You can kiss me whenever you want.”
“Don’t make fun of me!” Liang Xusheng said, pushing him away. “You’re secretly enjoying this, aren’t you? I’m doomed! I’m turning gay!”
Lu Xun burst out laughing.
“Stop laughing!” Liang Xusheng said, hitting him playfully. “It’s all your fault! Why did you have to look so handsome?! It’s all your fault!”
“Okay, okay, it’s my fault,” Lu Xun said, still laughing, ignoring the stares from the crowd. He reached out to comfort Liang Xusheng.
“Don’t touch me, you jerk!” Liang Xusheng said, pushing him away. “I’m not straight anymore! It’s all your fault! You’re terrible at pursuing someone! And you want a divorce! You’re a jerk! A huge jerk!”
Some people started filming them with their phones. Lu Xun, ignoring them, pulled Liang Xusheng into a hug.
“It’s all your fault!” Liang Xusheng continued, hitting him playfully.
“Yes, yes, it’s all my fault. I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Lu Xun said, accepting the blame.
Ten minutes later, they were sitting on a bench outside the building. Liang Xusheng, head bowed, was wiping his face with a tissue Lu Xun had given him. That was so embarrassing! Why did I do that?, he thought.
When Lu Xun returned with coffee, Liang Xusheng had composed himself.
“Here’s your coffee,” Lu Xun said, handing him the cup.
Liang Xusheng took the coffee, avoiding eye contact.
Lu Xun sat beside him, waiting for him to calm down.
“Let’s forget about it,” Liang Xusheng finally said, taking a sip of his coffee. “Pretend it never happened.”
Lu Xun tried to suppress a smile.
Liang Xusheng, noticing it, glared at him.
Lu Xun’s smile vanished. “I didn’t see anything.”
They sat in silence for a while, the blue sky and bright sunshine a stark contrast to their turbulent emotions.
“I admit, you looked pretty handsome on stage,” Liang Xusheng finally said, holding the warm coffee cup. “I was a bit smitten.” He paused, then corrected himself. “Not a bit. Quite smitten.”
Lu Xun remained silent, letting him continue.
“Okay, not ‘quite,'” Liang Xusheng said, looking away. “Very smitten. You looked extremely handsome. I was very smitten.” He had said it, clearly and unequivocally. “You don’t have to pursue me anymore. I’m already smitten. I know what that means.”
He expected a reaction from Lu Xun, but he remained silent.
What does that mean?, Liang Xusheng wondered, turning to look at him.
Lu Xun leaned in and kissed him softly.
Liang Xusheng’s eyes widened.
“I’m not dreaming, am I?” Lu Xun asked, pulling back, his voice soft and low.
Liang Xusheng blushed, avoiding his gaze.
Lu Xun knelt in front of him and took his hands. “Xusheng, you’re smitten. You’re starting to like me. Am I right?”
Liang Xusheng looked at him and nodded, no longer denying it.
Lu Xun smiled and pulled him into a hug, the city lights and passing cars witnesses to their embrace. His arms trembled with joy. “Thank you, thank you, Xusheng, thank you for liking me.”
“Don’t thank me,” Liang Xusheng mumbled, his ears red. “Thank your own charm. You looked so handsome on stage. I couldn’t help myself.”
“So are we together now?” Lu Xun asked. “Or do you want me to keep pursuing you?”
Liang Xusheng pulled away from the hug. “Please, your pursuit skills are terrible. No offense.” He paused, then had a sudden thought. “How about I pursue you?”
“Okay,” Lu Xun said, pulling him back into a hug. “You succeeded.”
Liang Xusheng: “…” “That’s not how it works! I haven’t even started pursuing you!” He punched him playfully.
“You don’t have to pursue me,” Lu Xun said, holding him tightly. “I’m already yours.”
Liang Xusheng smiled and hugged him back.
“It’s settled then,” he said, checking his watch. “13th, Tuesday, 3:06 pm. We’re officially together.”
Chapter 42
Liang Xusheng didn’t overthink it. He had been so smitten he had kissed Lu Xun; he clearly liked him back. Since they both liked each other, it made sense to start dating immediately.
“See? Efficient and decisive,” he said, as they walked back to the conference hall, his coffee still warm.
Lu Xun smiled.
“You should thank me for this,” Liang Xusheng said.
“Thank you, thank you very much, thank you so much, thank you the most,” Lu Xun said, his voice full of sincerity. “Should I kowtow to you? I can do several.”
“Get lost,” Liang Xusheng said, laughing.
Lu Xun reached for his hand, but Liang Xusheng pulled it away. “What?”
“Hold my hand,” Lu Xun said, his hand outstretched.
“Hmph,” Liang Xusheng said, taking a sip of his coffee, his expression playful. “Depends on your performance.” He added, “Just so you know, even though we’re dating now, I’m still pretty straight, physically speaking.”
“What’s wrong with holding hands?” Lu Xun asked, still holding out his hand.
“It’s cheesy,” Liang Xusheng said, grinning, and walked ahead.
Lu Xun chuckled and followed him.
Back in the conference hall, a colleague asked, “What took you so long?” He had assumed Liang Xusheng had gone to the restroom.
“Got coffee,” Liang Xusheng replied, holding up his cup.
“Where from?”
“The vending machine downstairs.”
“I’ll get one later. I’m falling asleep,” his colleague said.
Liang Xusheng glanced at Lu Xun in the front row and messaged Lulu: [Celebrating!]
Lulu: [Did you win the lottery?]
Liang Xusheng: [Lu Xun and I are officially together now!]
Lulu called him immediately. He declined the call and replied: [At a conference. Can’t talk. Texting only.]
Lulu: [！！！！！！！！！！！ What?! When?! How?!]
Liang Xusheng: [Just now.]
Lulu: [But you’re at a conference!]
Liang Xusheng: [Snuck out to resolve some relationship issues.]
Lulu: [Tell me everything! Rolling on the floor emoji.]
Liang Xusheng spent the rest of the conference messaging Lulu, his fingers cramping as he typed out the details.
Lulu: [Wow! How handsome did he look to make you kiss him like that?]
Liang Xusheng sent her the photo he had taken of Lu Xun on stage.
Lulu: [Thumbs-up emoji. Makes sense. Congratulations! Be happy together!]
Liang Xusheng, smiling, looked up and caught Lu Xun’s gaze.
Lu Xun raised an eyebrow: What are you smiling about?
Liang Xusheng raised his eyebrow back: I’m happy.
After the conference, they went to the rooftop for the evening banquet.
“This is my partner,” Lu Xun introduced Liang Xusheng to some industry leaders in the elevator.
“We thought Mr. Lu was handsome enough,” one of them said, looking at Liang Xusheng. “But his partner is even more stunning.”
Liang Xusheng and Lu Xun exchanged smiles.
“You go socialize. I’ll get some food,” Liang Xusheng said to Lu Xun when they arrived at the buffet.
“Aren’t we staying together?” Lu Xun asked.
“Do you want me to stay with you?”
Lu Xun held out his hand. “Of course, Mrs. Lu.”
Liang Xusheng snorted, then took his hand.
His knowledge of gaming and 3D technology, combined with his outgoing personality, made him a natural at socializing. He effortlessly navigated the crowd with Lu Xun, chatting with various people.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Lu Xun said later, as they sat down to eat. “I’m not good at these social events.”
“I’m the one who should be grateful,” Liang Xusheng replied. “I’m just here as your partner. They’re only talking to me because of you.”
“You own the company now. I work for you,” Lu Xun said, putting some food on his plate.
“Then we’re both using each other,” Liang Xusheng said, clinking his glass against Lu Xun’s.
Lu Xun smiled.
After the banquet, they took the elevator down, slightly tipsy. The elevator became crowded, pushing them into a corner. At some point, their hands brushed against each other, then clasped together, a secret intimacy amidst the crowd.
This time, when the elevator doors opened, they didn’t let go. They walked out of the building, hand in hand, into the cool night air.
“Want to walk back?” Lu Xun asked. The hotel was only a short distance away.
“Sure,” Liang Xusheng replied.
They walked hand in hand, their conversation light and easy.
“I’m still not used to holding hands,” Liang Xusheng admitted. “It feels weird.”
“How about this?” Lu Xun asked, letting go of his hand and putting his arm around his shoulder.
Liang Xusheng slung his arm around Lu Xun’s neck. “This is better.”
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Liang Xusheng said after a while.
“Mm?” Lu Xun asked, looking at him.
“We’re actually together,” Liang Xusheng said, a hint of wonder in his voice.
Lu Xun smiled.
“You still haven’t told me how you realized you liked me,” Liang Xusheng said.
“It was when you came to the office, and I went to get you a Sprite,” Lu Xun finally said. “I had been fantasizing about your legs for a while.”
“Wow,” Liang Xusheng said, giving him a thumbs-up. “You’re fantasizing about your bro’s legs while he’s married to you? That’s impressive, even for you.”
Lu Xun chuckled, leaning closer and whispering in his ear, “We’re bros. Bros share everything, right?”
“Get lost,” Liang Xusheng said, laughing. “My legs aren’t for your enjoyment.”
Despite his playful banter, they went to their separate rooms when they arrived at the hotel. But Lu Xun lingered at Liang Xusheng’s door, asking for a hug or a kiss on the cheek.
“Don’t push it,” Liang Xusheng said, pushing him away.
“Wifey, wifey, just one kiss,” Lu Xun pleaded.
Liang Xusheng, unable to resist, gave him a quick peck on the forehead. “There, happy?”
Lu Xun smiled and left, reluctantly.
Liang Xusheng watched him go, thinking, Why did the hotel put us on different floors? We booked the same room type. They were like the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, separated by a celestial river.
As soon as Lu Xun was out of sight, he entered his room, whistling cheerfully, his mood light and happy.
Lu Xun messaged him: [I’m back in my room.]
Liang Xusheng, lounging on the sofa, replied: [It’s only 10. Still early.]
Lu Xun: [Want to order late-night snacks?]
Liang Xusheng: [Yes!]
Soon, Lu Xun was at his door again. Liang Xusheng had left the door unlocked. He winked at Lu Xun as he entered.
Lu Xun closed the door behind him and winked back. “The food will take a while. Want to take a shower first?”
“No, I’m afraid you’ll try something,” Liang Xusheng said.
Lu Xun sat down on the single-person sofa. “It’s legal now.”
“Try it,” Liang Xusheng challenged, his tone playful.
Lu Xun stood up, leaned over, lifted Liang Xusheng’s chin, and kissed him.
“Hey!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed, wiping his face.
Lu Xun sat back down, a smug look on his face.
“So confident now, are we?” Liang Xusheng asked.
“Of course,” Lu Xun replied. “You were smitten with me today.”
Liang Xusheng snorted, rolling his eyes, but a smile played on his lips.
As they ate their late-night snacks, Liang Xusheng said, “I’ve been thinking. When we get back, we should go on dates, you know, cultivate our relationship.”
“Can I just touch your legs for two days?” Lu Xun asked.
Liang Xusheng: “…” He put down his food and glared at him. “Hey!”
Lu Xun chuckled, taking a sip of his Sprite. “I’m kidding.”
Liang Xusheng continued eating, his face still slightly flushed. “Let’s take it slow. I’m still pretty straight. Like, 95% straight.”
“Where did you get that number?” Lu Xun asked.
“Holding hands is 5%.”
“Oh,” Lu Xun said, nodding.
“How straight are you?” Liang Xusheng asked.
“Zero percent, when it comes to you,” Lu Xun replied.
Liang Xusheng was surprised. Zero percent? Completely gay?
“I can get hard and sleep with you. No problem,” Lu Xun added, a proud look on his face.
Liang Xusheng: “…” Thanks for sharing.
