BABHFD : Chapter 63 – Side Story 2

After leaving the hospital, Zheng Bo drove a short distance before spotting a familiar figure.

He pondered for a moment, then accelerated to catch up.

“Beep beep—” Zheng Bo honked twice, amused to see Fan Wenfeng’s startled reaction. He drove closer, rolled down the window, and called out, “Where are you headed? It’s hard to get a cab at this hour. Let me give you a ride.”

Fan Wenfeng was surprised to see him but figured it wasn’t unusual since this was Zheng Bo’s turf. He had come with a colleague, so he didn’t have his own car. Despite this, he felt Zheng Bo was just being polite, as they weren’t particularly close. Waving his hand, he said, “No need to trouble yourself. I can walk.”

Usually, this was where someone would politely decline, and the offer would end. However, Zheng Bo chuckled and said, “Still holding a grudge over last time?”

Fan Wenfeng mentally rolled his eyes. He had been overly anxious about Ren Zhouyuan’s health then, but now that Ren Zhouyuan had even given birth to twins, there was no reason to hold a grudge.

But the thought of sitting in a confined car with someone he wasn’t familiar with made him uncomfortable. Forced to smile, he replied, “No, it’s fine. I’m not in a hurry, and I’d rather walk. Really, it’s no trouble.”

“Oh, I see,” Zheng Bo said, surprising Fan Wenfeng when he added, “Well, in that case, why don’t we grab a meal together?”

Fan Wenfeng found this guy really odd. With a stern face, he replied, “No, thank you,” and walked away without looking back.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Bo, seemingly oblivious to social cues, slowly drove alongside him. Fan Wenfeng’s eye twitched. Why hadn’t he noticed this guy was like this before?

Taking a deep breath, he stopped, walked to the car, and leaned in. “Just a meal?”

Zheng Bo smiled and nodded.

The car ride was as awkward and silent as Fan Wenfeng had anticipated. He was on edge, unable to figure out what Zheng Bo was up to.

Zheng Bo, on the other hand, seemed in high spirits, humming along to the light jazz playing in the car and tapping the steering wheel to the beat.

Fan Wenfeng was skeptical, wondering if this was some sort of payback for suggesting Zheng Bo be replaced as Ren Zhouyuan’s doctor. It seemed absurd that someone who appeared so magnanimous would hold such a petty grudge.

However, Zheng Bo had no such intentions. He simply found Fan Wenfeng interesting. He admired how devoted Fan Wenfeng was to Ren Zhouyuan and saw an opportunity to clear the air and maybe even become friends.

He didn’t bother asking for Fan Wenfeng’s opinion and drove them to a favorite Japanese restaurant of his.

This place happened to be near Fan Wenfeng’s home, so when he recognized the area, he was surprised to find a hidden gem there.

The restaurant’s interior was unlike typical Japanese eateries. It resembled a cozy bar more than a restaurant. Upon entering, they were greeted by a long bar with numerous bottles of alcohol behind it, though the staff wore white chef uniforms, indicating it was indeed a restaurant.

The soothing piano music and soft lighting immediately set a relaxing mood. Fan Wenfeng followed Zheng Bo to the bar, noticing how Zheng Bo skillfully ordered without a menu, then turned to him with a raised eyebrow.

Fan Wenfeng mentally rolled his eyes, wondering why Zheng Bo assumed he knew what to order. He held back his annoyance and asked for a menu, only for Zheng Bo to smile and tell the waiter, “The same as mine.”

Fan Wenfeng felt this guy was as arrogant as he had been the first time they met. He started questioning why he agreed to this, wishing the meal would end quickly.

Still grumbling internally, he was taken aback when Zheng Bo poured him a glass of umeshu, saying, “Try this. It’s excellent and low in alcohol. The owner makes it himself, and you can only get it here.” He added, “Unfortunately, I have to drive later, so you’ll have to drink my share too.”

Fan Wenfeng glanced at Zheng Bo, whose sincerity disarmed him. Feeling resigned, he downed the drink in one gulp.

The sweet and sour plum wine warmed him as it traveled down, its aroma filling his senses. Surprised by how good it was, Fan Wenfeng didn’t notice Zheng Bo’s chuckle until he was refilling his glass.

“Don’t drink too much,” Zheng Bo teased.

Fan Wenfeng, face warm, felt a bit dazed. Even Zheng Bo’s side profile seemed unexpectedly handsome.

He thought this guy was still annoyingly smug, but maybe the wine was affecting his judgment.

As the meal progressed, Fan Wenfeng realized Zheng Bo was attentive, ensuring his tea was refilled and sauces replenished, though he barely ate himself.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Fan Wenfeng cleared his throat and set down his chopsticks, sipping tea to cover his discomfort.

Zheng Bo, noticing his mood, laughed softly but stopped piling food on his plate. Instead, he sipped his tea and asked, “I heard from Xiao Yuan that you met through work?”

Fan Wenfeng nodded, explaining how they met.

Zheng Bo then asked, “So, are you now a full-time editor, or do you still write occasionally?”

Fan Wenfeng shook his head regretfully, “I haven’t written in a long time. Xiao Yuan is the easiest to manage. My other authors…” He trailed off, waving a hand dismissively. “Let’s not talk about it. Editing isn’t as easy as just urging writers and reviewing manuscripts. Sometimes I wish I had the energy to write again. When I see good ideas, I can’t help but suggest them to writers, hoping they’ll take them up.”

Zheng Bo nodded understandingly, asking more about his work. Fan Wenfeng rarely discussed this with others. He used to vent to Ren Zhouyuan, but with Ren Zhouyuan busy, those chances had dwindled. Today, whether due to pent-up frustration or the wine, he found himself sharing with a near-stranger.

Fan Wenfeng’s passion for his work was evident. When he talked about ideas he wished he could write, his eyes sparkled, making Zheng Bo smile.

He thought, no wonder Fan Wenfeng and Ren Zhouyuan became close friends; they had similar spirits.

Zheng Bo found it amusing how Fan Wenfeng would subtly “tempt” Ren Zhouyuan into writing the ideas he wanted but never pushed too hard, respecting his friend’s choices. 

“Leonid’s company once sent a manuscript I desperately wanted to write. I craved it so badly, but Xiao Yuan didn’t take it. Instead, he ended up working for them, writing indefinitely.”

Fan Wenfeng’s regret and frustration were palpable, making Zheng Bo chuckle. Initially, he thought Fan Wenfeng was stubborn. Their first meeting was tense, and even today, Fan Wenfeng had been distant. This dinner was meant to clear misunderstandings, and unexpectedly, Zheng Bo found him intriguing.

Reflecting on their earlier confrontation, Zheng Bo saw it as Fan Wenfeng’s honest concern for a friend. His protective nature towards Ren Zhouyuan revealed a sincerity that was endearing. Being cared for by someone like this must feel wonderful.

Internally laughing at himself, Zheng Bo realized he had been single for so long he saw potential in everyone.

The dinner turned out pleasant, even enjoyable, contrary to Fan Wenfeng’s initial fears. Zheng Bo’s perceived arrogance was now tinged with a surprising warmth, making their conversation flow smoothly.

Fan Wenfeng hadn’t opened up like this in a long time. Blaming the plum wine for his candidness, he admitted to a shift in perspective about Zheng Bo, seeing him as a paradoxical blend of arrogance and gentleness.

After that evening, they met up a few more times. Zheng Bo always seemed to find unique spots, taking Fan Wenfeng on culinary adventures. His vast knowledge and charming conversation made Fan Wenfeng comfortable and slowly broke down his initial impressions.

Ren Zhouyuan later learned about their growing friendship and was pleased. Recalling the hospital incident, he was glad to see them getting along. He shared many good things about Zheng Bo with Fan Wenfeng, including childhood anecdotes, making Fan Wenfeng appreciate Zheng Bo more.

Remembering his outburst at Zheng Bo and realizing they had known each other for years made Fan Wenfeng cringe with embarrassment. The thought of demanding Zheng Bo’s credentials and threatening to replace him was mortifying.

Leonid, initially wary of Fan Wenfeng, eventually relaxed but still felt a twinge of discomfort. Recently, with the twins needing care, Leonid accompanied Ren Zhouyuan to meet Fan Wenfeng. Hearing Fan Wenfeng frequently mention Zheng Bo, Leonid noticed a certain warmth and couldn’t help but recall jokingly referring to Fan Wenfeng as his “mother-in-law.”

Though younger than Fan Wenfeng by six months, Leonid felt an old rivalry resurface. But seeing how well Fan Wenfeng and Zheng Bo got along, he thought of playing matchmaker.

He subtly created opportunities for them to spend time together, such as arranging dinners or inviting them over. Ren Zhouyuan, unaware of Leonid’s intentions, happily facilitated these meetups, thinking Leonid was finally warming up to Fan Wenfeng.

Eventually, Leonid realized his efforts were unnecessary. Fan Wenfeng and Zheng Bo were already close, needing no push. They seemed on the verge of a deeper relationship.

Fan Wenfeng, feeling guilty for his past behavior, wanted to make it up to Zheng Bo. After dinner one evening, he insisted on paying. Zheng Bo, surprised, reminded him, “I thought this was my treat. You paid last time, remember?”

Fan Wenfeng nodded and then shook his head, “I remember, but let me pay this time.” Struggling to find the right words, he finally admitted, “I need to apologize for before. I was out of line.”

Blushing, he added, “I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean to question your professionalism.”

“Oh?” Zheng Bo, amused, asked, “Really?”

Fan Wenfeng laughed awkwardly, admitting, “Okay, maybe a bit…” He fell silent, feeling embarrassed.

Zheng Bo found his sincerity endearing. “Oh, it did hurt a bit,” he sighed dramatically, enjoying Fan Wenfeng’s discomfort.

Fan Wenfeng, more embarrassed, offered, “What can I do to make it up to you?”

Raising an eyebrow, Zheng Bo teased, “Well, you could spend the night with me, make it up to me properly.”

Fan Wenfeng stared, uncertain if he understood correctly.

The atmosphere grew tense, and just as Zheng Bo feared he’d made a mistake, Fan Wenfeng laughed, “Really?”

Feeling bold, Zheng Bo took his hand, confessing, “I like you. If you feel the same, let’s consider dating.”

Stunned, Fan Wenfeng looked at him before hugging him, “I was thinking the same.”

From that day, Zheng Bo knew he’d found someone who would always hold him in their heart.

Author’s Note:

Final little theater

Leonid: Seeing Fan Wenfeng being dominated, I feel at ease.

Fan Wenfeng: You didn’t see my moves at the end, did you?!

Leonid’s shattered worldview face.jpg

Zheng Bo’s thoughts: As long as you don’t see us cooking meat, whoever you say is dominant can be.

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