Chen Xu woke up close to noon. As his memory came back, he turned over and buried his face into the pillow, leaving only his ruby-like ears visible.
As first-timers, they hadn’t succeeded, let alone reached the heights of excitement. Chen Xu had known it would hurt, but he hadn’t expected it to hurt that much. They had used more than half a bottle of oil, thinking they were ready, but even just the beginning was unbearable for him.
Usually fierce and unyielding, Chen Xu, who never flinched in a fight, had surprisingly teared up. This baffled him until he realized that in fights, he was the one dishing out the pain, never allowing anyone to get close to him.
When he was young and learning martial arts, he had only thought about how impressive and strong his instructor was, never remembering the pain he endured. Back then, he wasn’t afraid of pain, but now, grown up, he found himself unexpectedly delicate.
Seeing his discomfort, Si Ye had been more than willing to stop, not wanting to cause Chen Xu any pain. Chen Xu had been so tense, like a drawn bow, anyone watching might have thought Si Ye was forcing him.
“Awake? Time to eat,” Si Ye said, pushing the study door open.
“Why didn’t you go to the office?” Chen Xu turned his head, surprised to see Si Ye.
Si Ye walked over, brushing aside the hair on Chen Xu’s forehead and kissing it. “I was worried about you. I can work from home just as well.”
“Still hurt?” he asked.
Chen Xu shook his head. “No, we didn’t even get that far.”
His head hung low, and his voice grew quieter.
“We’ll try again next time. There’s no rush,” Si Ye comforted him, rubbing his fluffy head. The more gentle Si Ye was, the more guilty Chen Xu felt. How could he be so weak? Real men shed blood, not tears. Si Ye had barely started, and he was already tearing up.
Seeing Chen Xu’s silence, Si Ye pulled him into his arms, ruffling his hair and consoling him, “It’s not your fault, it’s because I’m too big.”
Hearing such blunt words from Si Ye made Chen Xu blush, but it also made him feel warm inside. Si Ye wasn’t wrong.
He butted his head against Si Ye’s chest and mumbled, “Next time, if I cry out in pain again, ignore me.”
“Foolish boy,” Si Ye kissed the top of his head. How could he ignore Chen Xu’s feelings? They were making love, not just having sex. If he only wanted to find someone for that, he wouldn’t have waited until he fell for Chen Xu. Many had offered themselves to him as soon as he became an adult.
After a brunch together, Chen Xu prepared to go out. Seeing Si Ye rarely home, a thought struck him, “Uncle, do you want to come see my performance?”
“Are you sure you want to take me?” Si Ye had always assumed Chen Xu didn’t want him mingling with his friends, so he had never asked to join him.
“Why not? I just worry you might find it boring,” Chen Xu couldn’t imagine Si Ye at a nightclub. He had always thought of him as a stiff, mature figure.
But Si Ye wasn’t rigid, just reserved.
“Being with you is never boring,” Si Ye agreed happily, seeing that Chen Xu really didn’t mind.
“Go change. I’ll wait,” Chen Xu nudged Si Ye towards the wardrobe.
Si Ye glanced down at his vest, shirt, and slacks, realizing they were indeed too formal for a bar.
He had been to bars before, and even more exclusive clubs for business deals in his early days. He had never allowed the company of hostesses or companions, becoming an oddity in those circles.
Finally, he found an outfit that wasn’t a suit. Wearing a black wool sweater with a khaki long coat, his tall, lean figure was accentuated. His hair was casually tousled, and a pair of silver-rimmed glasses gave him a refined, aloof look.
Chen Xu turned and widened his eyes at the sight, nearly dropping his phone. His heart pounded wildly. Suddenly, he didn’t want Si Ye to go out anymore. Such a Si Ye should be for his eyes only. Now he understood Si Ye’s jealousy; he was feeling it himself even before anyone else saw Si Ye like this.
Chen Xu knew all too well the types in bars. Si Ye would undoubtedly attract a lot of attention.
Si Ye approached, bending slightly, “What’s wrong?”
Chen Xu lifted his gaze and abruptly grabbed Si Ye’s collar, pulling him down for a kiss. “I don’t want to go.”
“Didn’t you want me to see your performance? I haven’t seen it yet,” Si Ye was puzzled by Chen Xu’s sudden change of heart. He had always been someone who kept his word.
Chen Xu licked his lips and stared intently at him. “Promise me you won’t talk to anyone else.”
Realizing Chen Xu was jealous, Si Ye’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Alright, I’ll only have eyes for you,” he said, taking Chen Xu’s hand and heading out.
Si Lin had been lingering downstairs, hoping to join Chen Xu and his friends. He thought they’d hit it off since they were the same age. But after waiting for half an hour, he saw not just Chen Xu but also a transformed Si Ye.
“Uncle, are you going out too?” Si Lin asked, stunned.
“Yes, stay home and study,” Si Ye’s words immediately deflated Si Lin.
In the car, Lu Hai messaged the group, saying he and Ke Xinghao were already there, tuning instruments for their big night.
Zhu Yaoyuan, who had joined the group recently, was anxious. He had accidentally let slip about the performance to Qin Yuzhen, who then insisted on coming. Having finally won her over, he couldn’t refuse, but his nerves were through the roof.
Zhu Yaoyuan: What do I do? What if I mess up? Will the audience throw rotten eggs at us and demand refunds?
King Hai: You’re overthinking. Bars don’t have rotten eggs, at most they’ll splash you with beer.
Zhu Yaoyuan: Oh my god, that’s even scarier!
Yuan Ren: @King Hai Stop scaring him. That’s not true. Last time, our lead singer messed up and no one threw anything.
Haozi: Don’t worry. Once the crowd’s hyped, you can scream all you want, and it’ll be fine.
Zhu Yaoyuan: Is your group always this relaxed?
Xu Zi: I’m bringing someone along.
King Hai: Your girlfriend? [smirk.jpg]
Yuan Ren: Wow, Xu Zi has news!
Haozi: What the hell! Xu, you’re dating and didn’t tell us?!
Zhu Yaoyuan: Your boyfriend?
The four messages came almost simultaneously, making Zhu Yaoyuan’s last message especially shocking.
Haozi: What boyfriend? Lao Chen, you were straighter than a pole!
King Hai: Wow, Xu, when you act, you really go big, keeping it all quiet.
Yuan Ren: Am I seeing things?
Zhu Yaoyuan: Emmmm… Sorry!
Xu Zi: It’s fine, I was going to introduce him anyway.
King Hai: What?! You’re bringing your boyfriend? I’m not ready!
Yuan Ren: @King Hai What do you need to prepare for? Do you secretly love Xu Zi?
Haozi: Yuan, don’t scare me!
Zhu Yaoyuan: Your circle is really wild.
King Hai: Get lost. I mean Xu Zi’s like a baby, suddenly dating. My dad heart isn’t ready.
Xu Zi: @King Hai Speak properly, don’t take advantage of me.
Haozi: I want to see which little demon managed to turn our iron man Xu gay.
Chen Xu nearly laughed out loud reading Ke Xinghao’s message. He glanced at the “little demon” next to him.
“What’s so funny?” Si Ye noticed his gaze and held his hand.
“Nothing, I told Lu and the others I’m bringing my boyfriend. They’re curious about which little demon managed to steal me away,” Chen Xu chuckled.
Seeing Si Ye in this light, “little demon” seemed fitting, though “old demon” might be more appropriate.
Si Ye pinched his chin, “They’ve got it wrong. You’re the little demon.”
Chen Xu pushed his hand away and leaned back. Suddenly, Si Ye’s phone rang. It was Secretary Jiang.
“Director Si, the sanatorium called. Madam Tao is demanding to see Si Lin.”
“How did she find out we found Si Lin?” Si Ye’s brow furrowed. “Who visited her?”
“No one recently,” Secretary Jiang found it strange. If no one had visited, how did she know?
“Investigate her caretakers,” Si Ye ordered. He didn’t believe in such coincidences.
“What’s wrong?” Chen Xu noticed Si Ye’s frown and poked his forehead. Si Ye unconsciously relaxed, holding his hand, “Madam Tao somehow learned about Si Lin and is demanding to see him.”
“Isn’t she mentally unstable?” Chen Xu asked, puzzled.
“Not always. She has periods of clarity,” Si Ye explained. He had intended to take Si Lin to see her, but her unstable condition worried him. He feared she might scare Si Lin or say something to make him suspicious.
If Si Lin weren’t so impatient, Si Ye wouldn’t be so cautious.
“I think Si Lin’s easily scared and prone to overthinking,” Chen Xu looked at Si Ye, who patted his hand, “I know.”
Both agreed it wasn’t the right time to introduce Si Lin to Tao Minzhi.
When they arrived, Si Ye recognized the street from when he had picked up Chen Xu before. Chen Xu messaged the group.
Xu Zi: We’re here.
Within moments, a group ran out from the bar, right into them.
Lu Hai and Ke Xinghao had met Si Ye before, knowing he was Chen Xu’s uncle. They were confused. Didn’t he say he was bringing his boyfriend? Why was he bringing a guardian? They quickly masked their confusion.
Zhu Yaoyuan had seen Si Ye at the start of school, when Chen Xu had introduced him as his uncle. Later, he learned from Tang Zhen that this uncle was actually Chen Xu’s boyfriend. Zhu Yaoyuan had been shocked but convinced himself it made sense. They were strangers then; Chen Xu probably hadn’t wanted to scare them by revealing the truth.
Yuan Ren, the only one unaware of everything, looked at Chen Xu’s companion, silently cursing. He had assumed even if Chen Xu was gay, he’d be the dominant one, expecting to see a cute partner. But seeing Chen Xu’s boyfriend, Yuan Ren realized Chen Xu was the submissive one, and his boyfriend was exceptional—handsome, exuding an aura of nobility and grace.
True to form, Chen Xu had chosen a partner who was the envy of all.
The four stood there, each with their own thoughts. Chen Xu, however, introduced them confidently, “This is Lu Hai, Ke Xinghao, Zhu Yaoyuan—you’ve met him, and Yuan Ren, our bassist.”
“And this is Si Ye, my boyfriend.”
Lu Hai and Ke Xinghao’s eyes widened, “What?!”
Realizing Si Ye was present, they quickly covered their mouths.
Zhu Yaoyuan and Yuan Ren, not understanding their reaction, asked, “What’s wrong? Haven’t you met before?”
The two exchanged glances, rubbing their temples. “Wait, Xu, did I lose my memory?”
Lu Hai added, “Are you pranking us? It’s not April Fools’ Day.”
They glanced at Si Ye, then back at Chen Xu, “I remember this is your uncle, right?”
Yuan Ren, thoroughly confused, looked at the others.
Chen Xu remained calm, “Yes, he’s my uncle. Now, he’s my boyfriend.”
Hearing this, the four were left speechless. Seeing Chen Xu’s composure, they began to question their own reactions. Was dating his uncle not a big deal?
Especially Ke Xinghao, who had attended Chen Xu’s graduation banquet, thinking the family was like a dramatic soap opera. He had always believed Si Ye, as the guardian, was the true parental figure in Chen Xu’s life.
Chen Xu, seeing their shock, added, “We’re not related by blood. I was just fostered by the Si family.”
Even with this explanation, their shock didn’t lessen. Instead, the information hit them hard. Why could Chen Xu talk about such things so calmly?
Was this something normal families dealt with? No wonder Chen Xu rarely talked about his home. It made sense now why his family seat was always empty at school events.
Feeling a surge of sympathy, the four were even more amazed by what Chen Xu had been through.
Seeing their silence, Chen Xu thought they couldn’t accept it. He pursed his lips and, raising his dark eyes, said, “If you can’t accept it, I can leave. I’ll cover tonight’s losses.”
With that, he moved to leave with Si Ye, but Ke Xinghao grabbed his arm, “Damn it, who can’t accept it? Gay marriage has been legal for ages. We’re just shocked. You dropped a lot on us at once. We need a moment to process.”
“No matter what, you’re still our brother.”
Lu Hai, snapping out of his shock, added, “Xu, don’t overthink it. We’re just surprised. Your love life is your business. We’ve got your back.”
He pounded his chest, signaling his support.
Zhu Yaoyuan scratched his head, “I think Tang Zhen would scream if he were here.”
Chen Xu laughed, knowing Tang Zhen would revel in the drama, probably imagining wild scenarios.
The three turned to Yuan Ren, who was still processing.
“Ah?” Yuan Ren stammered.
Lu Hai kicked his leg, “Say something. What’s with the ‘ah’?”
“I’m just dizzy from realizing Xu is the bottom in this relationship,” Yuan Ren muttered.
This broke the tension, and Chen Xu glanced at Si Ye, who silently mouthed, “Husband.”
Chen Xu blushed deeply, forgetting his earlier frustration. As they headed inside, Si Ye whispered, “You have great friends.”
“Yeah,” Chen Xu smiled, thinking of their reactions.
Despite trying to blend in, Si Ye’s authoritative presence was hard to ignore. Ke Xinghao, taking advantage of Si Ye’s distraction, whispered to Chen Xu, “Xu, you’re amazing, bagging someone like Si Ye.”
He genuinely admired Chen Xu, asking, “I’ve got my eye on a girl from the neighboring school. Got any tips?”
Chen Xu looked him over, “Sometimes confidence is overrated.”
Ke Xinghao blinked, “Damn, Xu, that’s harsh. I’m a good-looking guy, right?”
“Start by ditching the skinny jeans and plaid shirts. And get a haircut. You’re an adult now, ditch the emo look,” Chen Xu’s advice stung.
“But these pants make my legs look long,” Ke Xinghao defended, stepping back to show off.
Before Chen Xu could respond, Lu Hai cut in, “Long, sure, but like chopsticks. Go for looser pants. Skinny jeans are restrictive.”
Remembering Si Ye was there, he stopped, embarrassed.
Si Ye didn’t mind, suggesting, “I can introduce you to a professional styling team.”
Ke Xinghao was flattered but hesitant, knowing it would be expensive. His family had money, but not on Si Ye’s level.
“Thanks, but I don’t want to trouble you.”
“It’s no trouble. Their pay doesn’t change based on the number of clients,” Si Ye implied his styling team was exclusive to him.
Ke Xinghao thought about the cost.
“You can book through Xu,” Si Ye offered generously. “If any of you need it, just let Xu know.”
The four were tempted, million-dollar styling teams were beyond their experience. They looked to Chen Xu, who casually nodded, “Sure.”
Having a wealthy friend was a whole new experience.
Chen Xu fetched some water for Si Ye, arranging a seat and bringing him snacks. The bar staff, fond of Chen Xu, often gave him treats. Ke Xinghao could never get any and would steal Chen Xu’s snacks, complaining about favoritism.
Si Ye wasn’t interested in snacks, but seeing Chen Xu’s efforts, he wanted to kiss him. Knowing Chen Xu would be embarrassed, he restrained himself.
With Si Ye settled, Chen Xu joined the others for practice. They wanted Zhu Yaoyuan to familiarize himself with the flow.
For Si Ye, it was the first time seeing Chen Xu play drums. Despite not being in the spotlight, Chen Xu shone, his presence undeniable.
He had seen Chen Xu’s brilliance while painting, studying, and discussing academics, but playing drums brought out a wild side, captivating Si Ye. He couldn’t look away, knowing others couldn’t either. Chen Xu was a natural star, always shining.
After two hours of practice, they prepped for the show. Lu Hai, the amateur stylist, got to work.
Chen Xu’s hair was styled messily and sprayed with temporary purple dye. The color, which would look ridiculous on Ke Xinghao, suited Chen Xu’s fair skin, making him look bewitching. He applied lip balm to his naturally red lips, looking like he was wearing lipstick.
Taking off his coat, Chen Xu revealed a white puff-sleeve shirt with dangling ties, the large neckline showing off his delicate collarbones and jade-like skin.
Si Ye, standing nearby, stared at his exposed skin. Noticing Si Ye’s gaze, Chen Xu asked Lu Hai, “Lu, I need to use the restroom.”
Lu Hai, busy with Zhu Yaoyuan, waved him off, “Go quickly, don’t be late.”
“Okay,” Chen Xu replied, heading out. Si Ye followed without needing a signal.
Ke Xinghao, seeing this, joked, “Do couples really need to do everything together, even bathroom breaks?”
The only other paired-off member, Zhu Yaoyuan, felt a pang of sympathy for Ke Xinghao.
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