Chapter 45
Liang Xusheng was ecstatic. Back home, he threw his shopping bags on the floor, collapsed onto the sofa, and grinned. He immediately suggested ordering late-night snacks.
Lu Xun carried their shopping bags to the walk-in closet. As Liang Xusheng finished ordering food, he jumped onto Lu Xun’s back, giggling.
“Want a piggyback ride?” Lu Xun asked, holding him steady.
“Giddy up!” Liang Xusheng yelled, and Lu Xun carried him around the living room, both of them laughing. He then carried him to the sofa and fell back onto it, Liang Xusheng landing on top of him.
“Having fun today?” Lu Xun asked, looking at him.
“Tons,” Liang Xusheng replied, his hand reaching up to touch Lu Xun’s face. Their laughter subsided, replaced by a comfortable silence.
Liang Xusheng traced the lines of Lu Xun’s face, his fingers lingering on his forehead, eyebrows, and chin. “This is so surreal,” he murmured.
Lu Xun knew what he meant. He had said the same thing before.
“I never expected it to happen like that,” Lu Xun said, referring to their confession at the conference. He was still surprised by Liang Xusheng’s sudden kiss and declaration of affection. “Why then?” he asked. “Why that moment?”
“Because you looked so handsome,” Liang Xusheng replied. “Incredibly handsome. I was smitten.”
“So you like me because I’m handsome and charming?”
“I like you because you’re rich,” Liang Xusheng retorted.
Lu Xun chuckled.
“You were right,” Liang Xusheng said, after a moment of silence. “There’s no reason for liking someone. It just happens.”
He leaned down and kissed Lu Xun on the forehead.
“You weren’t very receptive to my kiss last time,” Lu Xun said, opening his eyes.
“That was different,” Liang Xusheng said, remembering the kiss in the hotel room.
“How was it different?” Lu Xun asked.
“You kissed me on the lips,” Liang Xusheng explained. “I’m straight. I can’t just kiss someone on the lips like that.”
“But you kissed me on the lips at the conference.”
“That was different too,” Liang Xusheng insisted.
“How?”
“I initiated the kiss. I couldn’t very well kiss you with my eyes or nose, could I?”
Lu Xun chuckled. “So I can’t kiss you on the lips, but you can kiss me on the lips? Try it then.”
Liang Xusheng leaned in, then stopped, kissing Lu Xun’s forehead instead.
“Still can’t do it,” he admitted.
“Why not?” Lu Xun asked patiently.
Liang Xusheng showed him his arm, covered in goosebumps.
Lu Xun: “…” “What do we do now?”
“We take it slow,” Liang Xusheng said, getting up from the sofa. “Desensitization therapy.” He winked at Lu Xun.
“We could just have a platonic relationship,” Lu Xun suggested.
Liang Xusheng, who was about to go to the bathroom, stopped and turned to him, his eyes wide.
“Is that a problem?” Lu Xun asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I have a dick for a reason,” Liang Xusheng retorted. “I’m not a monk.”
Lu Xun chuckled. “I just don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“It’s fine,” Liang Xusheng said, waving his hand. “It’s not a big deal. Other guys can be gay, so can I.”
Later that night, after his shower, he stood facing Lu Xun, ready for their “desensitization therapy,” and froze. They were starting with a hug. Lu Xun opened his arms, and Liang Xusheng did the same, but he hesitated, unable to take the final step.
“What are you doing?” Lu Xun asked, amused.
“I’m preparing,” Liang Xusheng said, taking a step forward, then a step back.
Lu Xun, losing patience, pulled him into a hug. Liang Xusheng’s ears turned red.
“How does it feel?” Lu Xun asked.
“Desensitizing,” Liang Xusheng replied, like a robot.
“I’m asking about your feelings,” Lu Xun said, holding him close.
“I feel like shivering,” Liang Xusheng admitted.
Lu Xun let go of him, and Liang Xusheng, his arms covered in goosebumps, shivered.
“Can’t even handle a hug?” Lu Xun asked, raising an eyebrow.
Liang Xusheng rubbed his arms, unable to say he felt disgusted; it wasn’t disgust, just… “It’s weird,” he finally said.
“How about this?” Lu Xun asked, and kissed him on the cheek.
Liang Xusheng: “…” He blushed, then touched his cheek, a small smile playing on his lips.
Lu Xun smiled. “This is okay?” He leaned in and kissed him several times on the cheek.
Liang Xusheng: “…” He blushed again. “What are you doing?” he mumbled, his smile widening.
Later that night, lying in bed, touching his cheek where Lu Xun had kissed him, he thought, If I had known dating was this sweet, I wouldn’t have waited so long.
In the next room, Lu Xun was preening in front of the mirror, styling his hair and spraying himself with cologne. He even used mouthwash and checked his breath, admiring himself in the mirror.
The next day, they skipped their date and went to the office, dressed impeccably, carrying coffee, their coordinated outfits and the subtle scent of their cologne causing a stir among their colleagues.
Liang Xusheng: Nailed it.
Lu Xun, looking at Liang Xusheng: My wife is so beautiful.
Liang Xusheng, looking at Lu Xun: My husband is so handsome.
Colleagues: They’re perfect together.
While Lu Xun worked, Liang Xusheng sat on the sofa, staring at him adoringly. I should have dated him sooner.
“Xusheng, come here,” Lu Xun called out.
“Coming,” Liang Xusheng said, jumping up and walking over to his desk.
Lu Xun stood up, offering him his chair. They looked at the background art for the new game together. But Liang Xusheng was distracted, his gaze lingering on Lu Xun’s hand on the mouse, his profile as he leaned closer. He turned to look at him.
“Mm?” Lu Xun asked, noticing his gaze.
Liang Xusheng smiled. “I can’t focus. I keep getting distracted by you.”
Lu Xun smiled back, his eyes on the computer screen.
“Me too,” he said quietly.
They both laughed.
In the afternoon, Liang Xusheng went downstairs to order afternoon tea for their colleagues. Lu Xun joined him.
“Skipping work?” Liang Xusheng asked, walking backward, facing Lu Xun.
“I’m afraid someone will steal you away,” Lu Xun replied, smiling.
They held hands as they stepped out of the elevator.
Outside, the sun was shining, the air warm and pleasant. Liang Xusheng felt a surge of happiness, the simple joy of being with the person he loved.
“Hubby, hubby,” he said, unable to help himself.
Lu Xun turned to him, his eyes full of affection.
That evening, they continued their “desensitization therapy” on the sofa. Lu Xun kissed him gently on the forehead, eyelids, nose, cheek, Liang Xusheng’s eyes closed, his face tilted towards Lu Xun’s. Lu Xun would pause after each kiss, checking for any adverse reactions. Liang Xusheng, sitting with his legs crossed, his eyes closed, looked so cute and trusting that Lu Xun couldn’t resist kissing him more.
His kisses trailed to his temples, earlobes, neck, and jawline.
“Is this okay?” he whispered.
“Mm,” Liang Xusheng murmured, his eyes still closed.
Lu Xun’s gaze fell on his lips. He couldn’t resist. He kissed him softly, once, then several times more, their lips brushing against each other.
“Do you hate it?” he asked, pulling back slightly.
Liang Xusheng shook his head. He didn’t hate it. It was just…
So sweet! His lips are so soft. Like marshmallows.
Chapter 46
Liang Xusheng was a man of action. He had devised a plan for their fake marriage and executed it flawlessly. Now that they were together, he decided to embrace his newfound feelings fully. He asked Lulu for recommendations for BL anime and even ventured into the uncharted territory of online adult content.
The anime was a pleasant surprise, opening up a new world of entertainment. The explicit content, however, was too much for him, especially the hairy, muscular men. He quickly retreated.
He asked a friend who frequented bars if he knew where to find certain “enhancement” pills.
His friend, amused, replied: [You’re a married man. What do you need those for?]
Liang Xusheng: [Marital fun.]
His friend, laughing, sent him a barrage of teasing emojis: [Leave it to me.]
Liang Xusheng: [Thanks.]
That night, two small white pills lay on the table between him and Lu Xun.
Lu Xun looked at the pills, then at Liang Xusheng.
“They’re stronger than Viagra,” Liang Xusheng explained calmly.
Lu Xun: “…” “Where did you get these?”
“A friend,” Liang Xusheng replied.
“Don’t let me find out who,” Lu Xun said, still slightly annoyed.
“One for you, one for me,” Liang Xusheng said, gesturing at the pills.
“I don’t need them,” Lu Xun said. “I’m good on my own.” He looked at Liang Xusheng. “Are you sure about tonight?” It had only been a week since they started dating. “You want to… with me?”
“Don’t be so vulgar,” Liang Xusheng said, then explained, “I want a quick and efficient way to, you know, become less straight. Desensitization therapy is too slow.” He quickly added, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in a rush. I just want the right medicine.”
“You’re drugging yourself?” Lu Xun asked, incredulous. “You’re really going to do this?”
“It’s for our future,” Liang Xusheng said.
“I’m not in a rush, Xusheng,” Lu Xun said patiently. “We can take it slow…”
Liang Xusheng popped a pill into his mouth and swallowed it dry.
Lu Xun: “???”
Lu Xun: “!!!”
“You…” Lu Xun was speechless, completely caught off guard.
“Just waiting for it to kick in,” Liang Xusheng said calmly.
Lu Xun: “…” This was happening too fast.
“Do we have condoms?” he asked.
Liang Xusheng pulled out a box from his pocket and tossed it on the table. “I bought some.”
“Not enough. Lubricant…”
Liang Xusheng pulled out a tube of lubricant from his other pocket and tossed it on the table.
Lu Xun: “…” He was stunned.
“Want one too?” Liang Xusheng asked, gesturing at the remaining pill. He could tell Lu Xun wasn’t prepared.
“I don’t need…”
Liang Xusheng popped the other pill into his mouth.
Lu Xun: “!!!!???”
While Lu Xun was still in shock, Liang Xusheng paced around the apartment, waiting for the pills to take effect.
“How long does it take?” he asked.
Lu Xun, recovering from his initial shock, chuckled. “This is happening fast, isn’t it?”
“Drink some water and go to the bedroom,” he suggested, walking towards the bedroom.
“Where are you going?” Liang Xusheng asked.
“Taking a shower,” Lu Xun replied, taking off his watch.
Liang Xusheng chuckled.
Ten minutes later, he wasn’t laughing anymore. His body was burning, and he was aroused. He rushed to the bedroom, intending to take a shower, but his legs gave way, and he collapsed beside the bed. Damn, these pills are strong.
He stumbled into Lu Xun’s bathroom. Lu Xun, hearing the noise, opened the shower door, and Liang Xusheng fell into his arms.
“Help me,” Liang Xusheng gasped, his face flushed. “I don’t feel well.”
Lu Xun, forgetting about his shower, carried him out of the bathroom and placed him on the bed.
“Lu Xun,” Liang Xusheng moaned, his body writhing against the sheets.
Lu Xun’s eyes darkened as he looked at him.
…
Liang Xusheng’s mind was hazy. He felt hot and uncomfortable, then cold, then hot again, until a cool touch against his skin made him sigh in relief.
His consciousness drifted in and out of pleasure and pain. His hands gripped the sheets, his neck arching.
When it was over, he realized he had taken too much. He clung to Lu Xun, moaning and asking for more.
The second time, his back ached, and his butt was sore, but he still held onto Lu Xun.
The third time, he cried, “No more, no more, I can’t.” He regretted taking two pills.
Lu Xun, satisfied, carried him to the bathroom, then to the bed in the next room. He lay down beside Liang Xusheng, feeling content. He didn’t want a cigarette; he just wanted to hold him.
They fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The next morning, Liang Xusheng woke up in agony. “My back, my butt, my legs…” he groaned.
Lu Xun, dressed and sitting beside him, asked, “Are you okay, Xusheng? Does it hurt? Should we go to the hospital?”
Liang Xusheng, remembering what had happened, glared at him and punched him playfully. I wanted a quick and efficient solution, not three rounds in one night!, he thought, clutching his sore back and butt.
“Where does it hurt?” Lu Xun asked, soothingly. “Tell me. Should we go to the hospital?”
“No hospital!” Liang Xusheng exclaimed. “You enjoyed yourself last night, didn’t you?”
Lu Xun chuckled, unable to deny it. “You did too. You kept asking for more.”
“I was drugged!” Liang Xusheng retorted.
“We can do it again without the drugs. You’ll like it,” Lu Xun said, leaning closer and whispering in his ear, “You were moaning so loudly last night. You kept asking for more, and you even screamed. Remember?”
Liang Xusheng: “…” He hid under the covers, his face burning.
Lu Xun hugged him through the blankets. “So can we be intimate now? Will you still feel uncomfortable?” He added, “You touched me last night. You were comfortable. We kissed, and you liked it.”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” Liang Xusheng mumbled, his ears red.
Lu Xun chuckled. He had instigated this, and now Liang Xusheng was the one embarrassed.
He pulled back the covers, revealing Liang Xusheng’s face, and kissed him gently. “I love you, wifey.”
Later, alone in his room, Liang Xusheng flexed his legs, replaying the previous night in his mind. It was pretty good. Different, but good. Gay people are so secretive, he thought. If I had known, I would have taken the pills sooner. My husband is hot. And he’s good. Very good.
He grinned, then quickly wiped the smile off his face as Lu Xun entered the room. Lu Xun sat beside him, trying to coax him out of his sulk. This is nice, Liang Xusheng thought. Sex, and then cuddles.
Lu Xun kissed his cheek, and Liang Xusheng finally smiled. “We need a schedule,” he said. “I can’t do this every night. I’ll die.”
“Okay, a schedule,” Lu Xun agreed readily.
“We sleep in my room on odd days, your room on even days. Sex before 3 am, then sleep. No more than five boxes a week.”
Lu Xun, barely suppressing his laughter, nodded. “Okay, whatever you say.”
“Hmph,” Liang Xusheng said, his expression still slightly sulky.
“Are you worried we won’t have enough sex?” Lu Xun asked, chuckling.
“Don’t make me sound like a sex fiend,” Liang Xusheng said, punching him playfully. “I took two pills! I deserve some compensation!”
Lu Xun, finding him adorable, kissed him several times on the lips. “You’re my happy pill, wifey.”
Liang Xusheng slipped his hand under Lu Xun’s shirt, caressing his abs and chest. Mine, all mine. Being gay is amazing.
Lu Xun was also enjoying himself, not just because they were finally together, but also because he could finally touch Liang Xusheng’s legs. While other men might have love bites on their necks and chests, Liang Xusheng’s were mostly on his legs, especially his inner thighs.
That night, lying in bed together, Liang Xusheng clung to Lu Xun like a koala.
“Are you okay now?” Lu Xun asked. “No more goosebumps?”
Liang Xusheng showed him his arm. There were still some goosebumps.
“Don’t worry about it,” he said.
“So you’re okay with physical contact now?” Lu Xun asked.
Liang Xusheng kissed him on the cheek and snuggled closer. “I have to be. I like you, you like me. We’re not having a platonic relationship. We have to overcome this.” He added, “I’m going to kiss you, whether my body likes it or not. Let’s see who wins.”
Lu Xun chuckled and kissed him on the head. “Can we do it without the pills?”
Liang Xusheng pulled open the bedside drawer and showed him a bag full of pills.
“I’m prepared,” he said, with a smug grin. “I can handle my own body.”
