Twenty-Three

Li Xuan was held tightly in Su Xingchuan's arms.

'Xuanxuan, you don't need to prove anything to my mom.'

Li Xuan choked out, 'Yes I do.'

'Why? You think if my mom doesn't approve, we can't be together?'

Li Xuan froze. Wait... isn't that the case?

Su Xingchuan cupped his face, lightly wiping the tears with his thumb. 'No. Whether she agrees or not, we'll be together. Because I can't wait any longer.'

Li Xuan looked at him with tear-filled eyes.

Su Xingchuan said, 'The thing seven years ago was my fault. I should have told my parents ahead of time and prepared them. If I have to say Xuanxuan did anything wrong, it's that you didn't tell me about it back then.'

Li Xuan's mouth downturned, his crying more pronounced.

'I don't want you going to my mother. This is something I should resolve. Xuanxuan was always outstanding,' Su Xingchuan whispered by Li Xuan's ear. 'You're a good boy, no need to prove anything.'

Li Xuan buried his face in Su Xingchuan's shoulder, mumbling, 'Don't talk like that.'

His little temper, after seven years, was beginning to show again.

Su Xingchuan couldn't help nuzzling his forehead with his cheek, like before. 'You haven't eaten dinner yet, right? Go back and eat, then get some sleep. Tomorrow morning I'll pick you up and take you to work. Okay?'

'What about your mom?'

'I'll deal with it.'

Li Xuan held Su Xingchuan's shoulders tightly, pressing his whole body against him.

With Su Xingchuan by his side, Li Xuan always felt safe.

After Su Xingchuan got back, he fought with He Ning again. He Ning just couldn't understand his feelings for Li Xuan. She pinned all the blame and resentment on Li Xuan and stormed off. Before leaving, she told Su Xingchuan, 'I absolutely refuse.'

Su Xingchuan was firm too: 'Mom, I have my own life.'

He Ning clutched the door handle, heartbroken and bewildered: 'Xingchuan, how... how did you become like this? You were always so obedient. Dad and Mom were so proud of you—'

'Just because I like men, I'm no longer worthy of being your pride?'

He Ning was stunned.

'I haven't changed. If I have to say I've changed, it's maybe because he came back to me. I feel like every day from now on is worth looking forward to. I'm really happy.'

He Ning stared at him in disbelief, like looking at a stranger. After a moment, she slammed the door and left.

The next day.

Su Xingchuan parked the car on time in front of Li Xuan's house.

Maybe Li Xuan had tipped off the property management ahead of time, because Su Xingchuan's car was let through without a hitch, all the way to the courtyard gate.

Li Xuan opened the door and saw him right away.

Su Xingchuan rolled down the car window.

Li Xuan's eyes lit up, a faint dimple appearing on his cheek.

He immediately started to dash over, but halfway he slowed down, walking over slowly, as if a little reluctant.

Su Xingchuan was a bit puzzled, watching him walk to the car, open the passenger door, get in, and not say a word.

Su Xingchuan thought for a few seconds, then suddenly understood: 'So petty. Still hung up on yesterday's embarrassment at the restaurant.'

Junior Doctor Li had prided himself that seven years had transformed him into a mature and brave person, yet yesterday he cried so miserably, all in front of his ex-boyfriend. Waking up, he felt deeply humiliated, his pride wounded, so he was going to keep an aloof front for now.

Li Xuan turned his face away. Su Xingchuan leaned over to fasten his seatbelt, instantly closing the distance between them. A faint scent of toner lingered around their noses. Li Xuan's baby fat was gone, but his skin was still great: fair and smooth. Su Xingchuan pretended the seatbelt wasn't long enough and leaned in even closer.

The meaning was clear without words.

Li Xuan's eyelashes fluttered, his gaze lowering slightly.

Clearly, they had been inseparable seven years ago, and yesterday they had poured their hearts out to each other. You'd think meeting again today would be like a spark to dry tinder.

Who'd have thought, they were both a bit awkward.

The atmosphere was oddly delicate.

It felt like they were back to that early stage when the window paper was just about to be torn.

Su Xingchuan was normally quite the smooth talker, but being so close right now, he didn't know what to say.

From the very start of their relationship, they'd never gone through a pure, flirty phase. Li Xuan had used naive tricks to seduce, and Su Xingchuan, like a debauched king, couldn't keep his hands off. From first meeting to getting into bed took less than forty days combined, and after that they shamelessly tried every trick in the book.

Now reuniting after so long, they both managed to hold back.

Su Xingchuan was itching to make a move, his chin already brushing Li Xuan's collar, when just then his work phone rang again.

It was a colleague: 'Manager Su, Mr. Yan wants you back at the office for a meeting at 10:30, about that Sheng'an Group matter.'

'Okay, got it.'

Su Xingchuan put down the phone, and Li Xuan turned to look at him.

Li Xuan's eyes were always so clear, sparkling bright.

Su Xingchuan stroked his cheek with his thumb and asked, 'Do you have a shift today?'

Li Xuan shook his head.

'I'm not working overtime today either. I was thinking of inviting Xie Liang and his girlfriend out for a meal. Can you come with me?'

Li Xuan nodded.

'Don't worry, they don't blame you.'

Li Xuan acted very calm, but the tips of his ears started turning red.

Su Xingchuan held back a laugh, not exposing him, and asked gently, 'Then after dinner... can you come home with me?'

Li Xuan looked at him. Both could see in each other's eyes a meaning beyond just 'going home.'

He said, 'Okay.'

Su Xingchuan couldn't suppress his smile.

The car started smoothly.

When Su Xingchuan's car disappeared around the corner, Li Xuan's mother, Xu Nianzhi, stepped out the door and said to the husband beside her, fully dressed, 'I'm going to go talk with Su Xingchuan's mother.'

Li Xuan's father took a sip of coffee, unconcerned: 'The children's hurdles, let the children get over them themselves.'

Xu Nianzhi said, however, 'The previous generation's mindset issues can't really be counted as the children's hurdles. The kids are already working hard enough. If a perfectly good relationship gets ruined by parents, that would be such a shame.'

.

.

Su Xingchuan dropped Li Xuan off at the hospital entrance.

He was just about to unbuckle his seatbelt and lean in for a kiss when Li Xuan suddenly remembered, 'You have a follow-up appointment next week.'

Talk about touching a nerve.

Both of their gazes simultaneously dropped downward.

Su Xingchuan: '...'

Su Xingchuan had forgotten for the past few days that he just had surgery. The occasional twinge, he didn't pay it any mind.

When it came to male dignity, Su Xingchuan squeezed Li Xuan's hand. 'You could just check it for me at home, couldn't you?'

Li Xuan said seriously, 'No, we need to see if the stones have been completely passed. You need an X-ray.'

After saying that he felt his tone was too harsh, so he amended, 'During the check-up, I'll be gentler.'

'...You really have to wait a whole month after surgery?'

Li Xuan understood immediately and gave a vague 'mm.'

Su Xingchuan thought miserably: Even if he brought Li Xuan home tonight, he wouldn't be able to do anything. Were they supposed to just cover up with a blanket and chat? What would Li Xuan think of him? Would he think he couldn't perform?

Li Xuan stared fixedly at Su Xingchuan, not understanding why his expression had suddenly darkened and he looked unhappy. He was waiting for Su Xingchuan to kiss him, but Su Xingchuan hadn't made a move for ages.

Li Xuan got angry and got out of the car in a huff.

'Baby!'

Su Xingchuan called after him several times but couldn't stop him.

What was he angry about now?

Since the company had called a meeting, Su Xingchuan asked Xu Zhengdong's secretary for leave and planned to head back to the office first.

Yan Tao was now treating him very well, having completely dropped his previous strictness and speaking very politely. He probably thought Su Xingchuan had already latched onto Xu Zhengdong's connections and didn't dare slight him.

Yan Tao came over. 'You're back. Busy over there?'

Su Xingchuan smiled and said, 'It's okay.'

Yan Tao walked into the meeting room and even had Su Xingchuan sit in the side seat closest to him. His favoritism toward Su Xingchuan was blatant. Zhou Jing, sitting at the other end, instantly darkened.

Su Xingchuan didn't care about him.

During the meeting, Su Xingchuan's phone kept buzzing.

He looked down; the caller was his dad.

His dad kept calling relentlessly. It wasn't hard to guess what it was about. Su Xingchuan replied on WeChat with [In a meeting], but it was no use. Just as his dad's call ended, his aunt's call came barging in.

Su Xingchuan had no choice but to switch his phone to silent mode.

After the meeting, Su Xingchuan went to the stairwell and called his dad back. Su's father launched into him: 'What exactly do you want? Do you want to anger your dad and mom to death?'

Su Xingchuan felt exhausted. He held onto his last shred of patience. 'I don't. Can you two not get so agitated first?'

'Your mom has been crying ever since she got back.'

Su Xingchuan fell silent.

'Neighbor Auntie Qian's son had a baby girl this June. The family of three is so harmonious. I see them and I'm envious. Can't you be like him?'

Su Xingchuan leaned against the wall, pressing his temples.

It was so infuriating he could laugh.

'Before, Auntie Qian always said she envied our family, said her son was a failure, couldn't finish school, got his job through connections, and his parents carried the whole mortgage... Back then, you and Mom said I was filial and sensible. Has that all changed now?'

Su's father was immediately speechless.

Seeing he couldn't win against Su Xingchuan, he sent the aunt again. Su Xingchuan didn't want to pick up, and in frustration, hung up on his aunt's call.

Xu Zhengdong's secretary called, telling him to review some materials.

Su Xingchuan had to drive back to Zhongjin Group first.

The busy work let him temporarily forget his parents' pestering. As lunchtime approached, he suddenly remembered what he'd said at the western restaurant yesterday, so he called Xie Liang.

'Are you busy?'

'Not bad,' Xie Liang had just left the client's office and got into his car. 'Whoa, listening to your voice, you're all smiles.'

Su Xingchuan laughed. 'Thanks to you.'

'You dare bring that up!' Xie Liang said, feigning anger jokingly. 'Drag out that little doctor of yours, have him call me 'bro' to my face and apologize, then this matter can be settled. You hear that?'

'I'm calling exactly to invite you to a meal, but the fault is mine. I'll apologize on behalf of the little doctor.'

Xie Liang wasn't going to let that slide. 'Flaunting your love right in front of me? My wife and I have the red marriage certificate. What about you two?'

Su Xingchuan was about to say something when he received another message from his aunt. He fell silent for a moment. Xie Liang noticed and asked, 'What's wrong?'

'My parents don't agree. The old folks are going crazy, constantly calling and messaging, and they even sent my aunt to persuade me. It feels like in their eyes, homosexuality is like an incurable disease. Once I caught it, I'm done for.'

'That's the older generation.'

'Now all I can do is dig in my heels.'

Xie Liang teased him. 'That's rare—you being out of ideas.'

'Say, how about you come be my shield? You've met my mom. Go tell her you're gay too.'

'You son of a gun, are you ever done with this!'

Su Xingchuan laughed. 'Tell her you've had a secret crush on me for years. That either we're together, or I'm with Li Xuan. Let my mom choose. She'd definitely think, since her worldview is already shattered, might as well be Li Xuan.'

'...' Xie Liang twitched his mouth. 'Hard to believe it's a human being I'm talking to.'

Su Xingchuan burst out laughing.

His pent-up mood suddenly felt a bit lighter.

'Just wait, tonight I won't stop your Doctor Li— Huh? Isn't that Xu Zhengdong?' Xie Liang said, astonished.

Su Xingchuan froze. 'What?'

'I'm driving past this Men's Health Hospital. Tsk, Xu Zhengdong's car is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, right? A black Cullinan, license plate five eights. What's he doing here? Wait! Isn't that your boyfriend?' Xie Liang suddenly raised his voice. 'Chuan, it really is your boyfriend! Wearing a long white down jacket, that's him, right.'

Su Xingchuan slapped the table and stood up. 'Where are they going?'

'I-I'm following them.'

Xie Liang immediately changed direction, rambling nonstop: 'Your Doctor Li came to catch me cheating, and today I've got the chance to catch him cheating. But buddy, don't feel bad!'

Su Xingchuan said angrily, 'Don't talk nonsense! Li Xuan isn't that kind of person.'

Li Xuan must be going to confront Xu Zhengdong directly.

He believed in Li Xuan.

'Fine, fine. I'm following them. They came out of Wenxuan Street and headed towards Nancheng Avenue. Where does Nancheng Avenue lead?' Xie Liang muttered while driving, making Su Xingchuan anxious as hell. Seeing the Rolls-Royce Cullinan turn right, Xie Liang immediately signaled. 'West on Nancheng Avenue... where is this going...'

Su Xingchuan was already beside himself.

Of course he trusted Li Xuan one hundred percent, but he didn't trust Xu Zhengdong. What if Xu Zhengdong refused to break up and hurt Li Xuan?

What should he do?

He immediately messaged Li Xuan, but Li Xuan didn't reply.

Xie Liang muttered, 'Why does this route look so familiar? Feels like they've arrived at their destination, turning in—'

Xie Liang suddenly choked.

Su Xingchuan's heart jolted. 'Where to? Say something!'

'Went through the main gate of Zhongjin Group.'

Su Xingchuan froze again. 'What?'

'Entered Zhongjin.' Xie Liang said, baffled.

Su Xingchuan caught on. Could it be... Xu Zhengdong was here to settle scores with him?

He immediately got up.

He knew very well that on the matter with Xu Zhengdong, he had no moral high ground, not even any standing to contend. But he had to. Even if Xu Zhengdong took his project away, targeted him, made it impossible for him to stand in investment banking, he would fight.

He couldn't wait another seven years.

Xu Zhengdong was a regular at clubs, a notorious playboy with countless scandals. On that basis alone, Su Xingchuan couldn't entrust Li Xuan to him. Li Xuan could only be cared for by himself.

He rushed downstairs without even grabbing his coat.

At the elevator entrance on the second basement level, he blocked Xu Zhengdong.

Xu Zhengdong was leading Li Xuan into the elevator, saying, 'And you insist on going to his office to give him a surprise. Your uncle treats you so well, but I've never seen you give me a surprise.'

Li Xuan said, 'When I was nine, you tricked me out of all my New Year's money to buy a car for your then-boyfriend. You still haven't paid me back.'

'...That happened?' Xu Zhengdong tut-tutted. 'So vengeful.'

Just as the words fell, the elevator doors opened.

Xu Zhengdong had just stepped out with Li Xuan.

Before he could even look up, Su Xingchuan stepped forward quickly and pulled Li Xuan behind him.

'President Xu, I have something to say to you.'

Li Xuan was completely stunned. He hadn't messaged Su Xingchuan, so how did Su Xingchuan know he'd come to find him?

Su Xingchuan said solemnly, 'President Xu, you handpicked me to lead the IPO project, showing faith in my potential. I'm very grateful. But when it comes to Li Xuan, I can't give an inch. He and I must be together. Before I said if you treated him badly, I'd take him back. But I've changed my mind. Even if you're good to him, I'll still take him back—'

'Because you two are completely incompatible!'

Xu Zhengdong slightly narrowed his eyes.

Su Xingchuan continued, filled with righteous indignation. 'Only I understand him. Only I can take good care of him. Even if you take my project away today, I still have to say it: President Xu, I hope you'll break up with him!'

Suddenly, everything went quiet.

So quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Xu Zhengdong looked at him and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Then, Li Xuan poked his head out from behind Su Xingchuan and called out, full of confusion, 'Uncle?'

'...'

Xu Zhengdong raised an eyebrow at Su Xingchuan.

Su Xingchuan shivered and then called out too: 'Uncle.'