Chapter 10

Li Xuan shoved Su Xingchuan away and fled in a panic.

His lips still tingled slightly.

Leaning against the elevator wall, he couldn't stop trembling. Seven years ago, he could offer a kiss to Su Xingchuan, who was still straight, without a second thought. Seven years later, all he wanted was to run away.

Seven years really had changed too much.

Xu Zhengdong had already reached the gate of the old house when Li Xuan called him back.

Twenty minutes later, Xu Zhengdong found Li Xuan at the entrance of Xinchen Mansion, his eyes brimming with tears. He hurried out of the car, walked up to Li Xuan, bent down, and asked, 'Xiao Xuan, what's going on?'

He had clearly heard kissing sounds over the phone.

Very intense kissing sounds. Xu Zhengdong knew what that was.

He understood right away, so he tactfully hung up. On the way, he couldn't help but sigh: where did this pig come from, and it had already gotten its snout into their family's little cabbage twice.

Who knew the broken mirror wouldn't mend; instead, Li Xuan was crying his eyes red. Xu Zhengdong helped him up. 'Who bullied you?'

Li Xuan just kept shaking his head.

Li Xuan couldn't believe what he'd done. Knowing Su Xingchuan had a partner, he still kissed him.

If he had done something like this seven years ago, he wouldn't have thought much of it. But he wasn't the Li Xuan from seven years ago anymore. He knew how much trouble his rudeness, childishness, and willfulness could cause others, so he absolutely wouldn't do anything that affected someone else.

And now he'd done the most immoral thing.

Even though Su Xingchuan forced it at first, he definitely took the initiative afterward. He had teased Su Xingchuan's tongue with his own.

They had kissed so many times before; Su Xingchuan must have known that was him being proactive.

He was about to look down on himself.

Li Xuan curled up in his seat and said nothing. Xu Zhengdong rubbed his hair affectionately. As he was rubbing, Li Xuan suddenly asked, 'Jiujiu, are homosexuals all born that way? Is it possible that someone just falls for a person, regardless of gender?'

Xu Zhengdong hadn't encountered this situation, but he still comforted Li Xuan: 'Maybe.'

Even his battle-hardened jiujiu didn't know.

It seemed the idea of being turned gay by someone simply didn't exist. Even without Li Xuan, Su Xingchuan would have met a Wang Xuan or a Chen Xuan, and eventually discovered his orientation and fallen for a boy.

To Su Xingchuan, Li Xuan wasn't special at all.

'I'm very selfish,' Li Xuan said, lowering his eyes.

'How could you be?'

Li Xuan wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and stared out the window at the passersby. 'I was the one who broke up with him, and I still hoped he wouldn't fall for anyone else. I'm the most selfish. No wonder he said that.'

'Has he fallen for someone else?'

Li Xuan nodded.

Su Xingchuan had someone he liked, someone who had stayed at his place and had their own pair of slippers.

Seven years ago, when Su Xingchuan took him to stay at a hotel, he often said he would buy a big house someday.

Back then, Li Xuan would nestle in Su Xingchuan's arms, playing with his fingers. Hearing that, he looked up and said innocently, 'I have a house. My mom invested in a property for me, at Jiangwan No. 1.'

Su Xingchuan's expression would darken when he heard that, and he'd hold Li Xuan tighter. 'I know what I give you might never match what your parents give you, but I'll still work hard.'

'I don't need you to give me anything; I can give to you!'

At twenty, Li Xuan only knew how to enjoy love and couldn't grasp Su Xingchuan's deep-seated inferiority. He wrapped his arms tightly around Su Xingchuan's neck and told him how much he liked him. Su Xingchuan just stroked his back and said softly, 'Once I buy a house, I'll decorate it exactly how you like, and put your name on the title deed.'

Even though Li Xuan already had so much love, Su Xingchuan still wanted to give him more.

To Su Xingchuan, Li Xuan was like a beautiful Christmas tree; he wished he could cover him in gifts.

Li Xuan didn't understand why Su Xingchuan was so hung up on the house, but he was still very happy.

He felt that in the biting winter wind, in a warm room, holding Su Xingchuan and dreaming about their future life together, that was the happiest thing of all.

Occasionally Li Xuan would vow, 'Don't worry, I'll earn good money too. I'll buy the furniture; I won't let you do all the hard work alone.'

Su Xingchuan teased him with a grin: 'Little Dr. Li, how about doing eight surgeries a day to support me, okay?'

Li Xuan nodded seriously: 'Okay.'

Later, Su Xingchuan bought a house, and Li Xuan became a doctor.

Everything had clearly gone as expected.

But nothing could go back to the way it was.

At the thought, tears slipped unconsciously from the corner of Li Xuan's eye again.

Xu Zhengdong was a bit puzzled. 'If you liked him this much, why did you break up in the first place?'

Li Xuan shook his head and murmured, 'I didn't want to. I didn't want to break up with him.'

When Xu Zhengdong pressed further, Li Xuan kept his mouth shut.

Seeing Li Xuan wouldn't talk, Xu Zhengdong tentatively asked, 'Xiao Xuan, how about Jiujiu introduces you to someone?'

'No.'

'That guy is pretty nice, same age as you, pretty handsome, great personality and social skills, works in investment banking. Do you want to meet him? Jiujiu can set it up—'

'No!'

Li Xuan now understood his own heart completely. He said, 'I don't want anything. No matter how good, I don't want it.'

He only wanted the Su Xingchuan from when he was twenty.

Or the twenty-seven-year-old Su Xingchuan whose heart still held only him.

.

Xie Liang got a call from Su Xingchuan in the wee hours.

Su Xingchuan's voice was hoarse. 'I might have a fever, I can't hold up. I need to trouble you to take me to the hospital.'

Normally, Su Xingchuan was the one extending a helping hand to others. Whenever Xie Liang called him for something, even in the middle of the night, Su Xingchuan would come over.

After knowing each other for six or seven years, this was the first time Xie Liang had received a cry for help from Su Xingchuan. Even though he was half-asleep, he quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed. 'It's fine, it's fine, just wait for me.'

By the time he drove to Xinchen Mansion, Su Xingchuan was already downstairs, wearing a mask and looking pale.

Xie Liang hurried to help him into the car.

'What's going on?'

Su Xingchuan shook his head.

'Don't tell me it's because of your ex-boyfriend. I've noticed ever since you two ran into each other again, you've changed a lot. Your mood swings are really obvious.'

Su Xingchuan had been hit right where it hurt. He didn't deny it, just gave a faint, breathless 'yeah.'

Who else but Li Xuan could make him so upset?

At three in the morning, Xie Liang drove Su Xingchuan to the hospital.

His fever was 39 degrees Celsius.

The cause was catching a chill. After Li Xuan left, he'd sat alone by the open door for over an hour. On top of that, he'd been kept awake night after night by the pain from his incision, leaving him weak. All these factors combined, and his immune system collapsed.

Xie Liang remembered and said, 'Doctor, he just had kidney stone surgery a few days ago. Could the incision be infected? Infection can cause a high fever, right?'

The doctor checked Su Xingchuan. 'No infection.'

Xie Liang felt relieved.

Su Xingchuan groggily opened his eyes. 'Sorry for the trouble. You can go back. I'll just lie here and get the IV drip, that's all.'

'Why are you always so polite? It's no problem.'

Xie Liang pulled a stool over and sat by Su Xingchuan's bed. He couldn't help venting: 'Lao Yan's been in a weird mood lately. I bet it's because we didn't land that Zhongjin Group project and Xu Zhengdong made a fool of him. He's pissed off and taking it out on us underlings all day. I don't even want to go to that crappy job anymore.'

'I don't want to follow the Zhongjin Group project anymore.'

Xie Liang was very surprised. 'Why? You've been working on it for nearly three months, and you've already cracked such a tough nut.'

Su Xingchuan stared at the ceiling, gave a self-deprecating laugh. 'Do you know who Li Xuan's current boyfriend is?'

'Who?'

Su Xingchuan turned his head. 'Xu Zhengdong.'

'What?' Xie Liang's eyes widened. 'Xu Zhengdong from Zhongjin Group?'

'Is there any other Xu Zhengdong?'

Xie Liang sighed with emotion. 'No wonder... No wonder I heard ages ago that Xu Zhengdong is gay. When he was young, he played the field like crazy, a regular at the clubs, notorious for it. Now he's actually into someone clean and pretty like your ex-boyfriend. I can't picture it.'

Mid-sentence, Xie Liang noticed Su Xingchuan's hands suddenly clench into fists. He quickly stood up and blocked him. 'Hey, hey, buddy, buddy, take it easy. You almost drew blood back into the IV!'

Su Xingchuan calmed down.

Xie Liang sighed. 'If it's Xu Zhengdong, what are you going to do?'

'What do you mean what am I going to do?'

'You and your ex-boyfriend. Is there still a chance for you two to get back together?'

'You think I still like him?' Su Xingchuan gave a cold laugh. 'I get dumped and then grovel to chase after him? Am I that pathetic?'

Xie Liang narrowed his eyes. 'Yes.'

'…'

'It's normal if you do. With a face like Dr. Li's,' Xie Liang rubbed his chin with a sly grin, 'he's worth fighting over.'

'I'm not fighting.'

It was late. Su Xingchuan started feeling drowsy, so Xie Liang slept in the next bed fully dressed.

The next day, after Su Xingchuan finished his IV drip, he quickly regained his energy.

As they were about to leave the hospital, he suddenly remembered, 'Today's a good time to have the indwelling catheter removed. I'll go register.'

Xie Liang asked, knowing full well, 'Whose consultation?'

Su Xingchuan's face was cold. 'The surgeon's.'

Xie Liang chuckled lightly. 'Alright.'

Today, Li Xuan was on duty at the urology clinic.

Su Xingchuan hurried to get a number; there were two people ahead. Xie Liang came back from a phone call, and just as Su Xingchuan was about to stand up, Xie Liang suddenly said, 'I'll go in with you.'

'Why?'

Xie Liang grinned, 'As a patient's family member, it's totally normal to accompany the patient in, right? I'll go in and piss him off a bit. Besides, he's got Xu Zhengdong, but you've got me—'

Su Xingchuan looked down at him.

'A match made in heaven,' Xie Liang said confidently.

Su Xingchuan was speechless.

Room three again. Su Xingchuan went over and knocked.

'Come in,' Li Xuan's voice came from inside.

Just as Su Xingchuan was about to push the door open, Xie Liang rushed ahead, pulling him by the arm and swaggering into the room.

Li Xuan looked up and visibly froze when he saw the two of them.

Xie Liang immediately launched into a dramatic performance, fully playing the role of family member. He put a hand on Su Xingchuan's shoulder and said affectionately, 'Dr. Li, our Xingchuan here is here to get his stitches out today.'

'...It's removing the catheter,' Su Xingchuan corrected.

Xie Liang gave a couple of sheepish laughs. 'Oh, right, the catheter.'

Su Xingchuan suddenly regretted telling Xie Liang about Li Xuan and Xu Zhengdong. It was so embarrassing.

Li Xuan hadn't slept well the night before; there were faint dark circles under his eyes. Seeing Xie Liang leading Su Xingchuan in made his expression even worse. Su Xingchuan noticed how tight the corner of his mouth was.

Su Xingchuan thought, Li Xuan really had grown up.

In the past, Li Xuan would show his emotions immediately, no matter who he was with. If he was angry, he looked angry. If he was displeased, he looked displeased.

Now Li Xuan had learned to hold it in.

Su Xingchuan didn't find that gratifying; he found it heart-wrenching.

He'd rather Li Xuan stayed naive forever.

Li Xuan put on a mask and gloves, took out the prepared medication and cystoscope, and told Su Xingchuan, 'Lie down over there.'

Su Xingchuan still had lingering fear of the equipment in Li Xuan's hands. He cleared his throat, wanting to say something to lighten the mood, but felt awkward facing Li Xuan. He decided not to make trouble and just lay down on the bed as instructed.

Xie Liang, meanwhile, stirred trouble: 'Dr. Li, after this surgery, how long before he can resume sexual activity?'

Li Xuan's movements paused.

Su Xingchuan instinctively felt a wave of guilt and quickly patted Xie Liang's sleeve to shut him up. But Xie Liang didn't notice and grabbed his hand, saying, 'It's fine, it's fine, don't be nervous.'

'…' Su Xingchuan cursed silently.

Li Xuan lifted his gaze to glance at Xie Liang's hand, then lowered his eyes, unable to hide his dejection. 'About a month,' he said.

Xie Liang was about to chime in again, but Su Xingchuan couldn't take it anymore and said outright, 'You, go outside first.'

Xie Liang went 'Hey,' and said, 'I'll stay right here with you.'

Su Xingchuan was about to speak again, but Li Xuan cut him off coldly, 'Don't move.'

Su Xingchuan turned his head and met Li Xuan's eyes.

Li Xuan looked away coldly.

The lingering sweetness of last night didn't seem to have completely dissipated.

Su Xingchuan was first filled with regret and guilt, but seeing Li Xuan in that white coat was a bit of a uniform kink. His Adam's apple bobbed as images from last night surged back: the embrace, the passionate kiss, the crumpled jacket, their bodies pressed tight...

It was hard for Su Xingchuan not to savor it.

A wicked thought crossed his mind: he should have bitten Li Xuan's lip last night, left a mark for Xu Zhengdong to see.

The air was thick with ambiguity and the thrill of a stolen affair. Su Xingchuan liked seeing Li Xuan's face stiffen deliberately. He liked watching Li Xuan's mood shift because of him. At least it meant this relationship wasn't a one-man show.

Li Xuan was jealous; he could see it clearly.

But the satisfaction didn't last long.

Moments later, a sharp pain shot through his lower body.

The pain of removing the stent was even worse than the catheter removal. Su Xingchuan grabbed the side of the bed in agony, veins popping on the back of his hand. He felt like Li Xuan was being extra rough on purpose.

How could it hurt this much?

He said hoarsely, 'Li Xuan, I admit I was wrong last night, but you can't use your position for personal revenge.'

Li Xuan shot him a glance and continued working.

The pain was unbearable. Looking at Li Xuan's face, Su Xingchuan blurted out, 'Baby.'

A flicker of shock crossed Li Xuan's eyes.

That was the word Su Xingchuan always used when he wanted to beg for mercy. Li Xuan had a big jealous streak and would often take it out on Su Xingchuan, who would be caught between laughter and tears and could only say, 'Baby, I'm sorry.'

Su Xingchuan hadn't expected himself to blurt out that nickname either. He felt a bit embarrassed.

Right then, Xie Liang pushed aside the curtain and walked in, stealing the scene. 'Baby? Xingchuan, are you calling me?'

Su Xingchuan: '…'

Li Xuan's face darkened and he applied more force.

Cold sweat covered Su Xingchuan's forehead, his lips turning white from the pain. He shakily raised a hand and pointed at Xie Liang: 'Get the hell out.'