Chapter 40#
Yan Heqing’s eyes were calm. He didn’t reply, set his phone to silent, turned off the screen, put it on the bedside table, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.
After waiting for nearly ten minutes, Lin Fengzhi stared at the unresponsive chat page, very puzzled.
He lowered his head and gently stroked the head of the Ragdoll cat in his arms, “It’s already 12:30, he can’t still be on the phone, right?”
Lin Fengzhi exited WeChat, clicked on the call log, and dialed Yan Heqing’s number.
It was still that female voice—
“The number you have dialed is currently busy, please try again later…”
Lin Fengzhi hung up the phone, even more curious. He had called Yan Heqing at 11:30, and now more than an hour had passed, and he was still on the phone. Who talks on the phone for that long nowadays? Isn’t it all voice calls or video calls?
Could it be with that woman who likes Yan Heqing!
Lin Fengzhi’s eyes lit up. That must be it. That would make sense. Because he hasn’t agreed yet, or they aren’t close enough for video calls, so they talk on the phone first.
Lin Fengzhi was also pursuing Lu Lin now, and he felt a sense of empathy, hoping immensely that the other party could successfully woo Yan Heqing.
That would mean…
He and Lu Lin could definitely be together too!
Just thinking of Lu Lin’s name, Lin Fengzhi’s heart began to beat faster, throbbing until his cheeks were flushed. He hugged the cat tightly and fell onto the warm and soft carpet, gently poking its head with his chin, “Little Dot, I really like Uncle Lu so much…”
Knock knock.
Someone knocked on the door from outside, “Zhizhi, not asleep yet?”
It was Lin Fengyi. He had just returned and habitually came to check on Lin Fengzhi. Seeing the light still on in his room, he knocked.
Lin Fengzhi shouted towards the door, “The door isn’t locked, come in.”
Lin Fengyi turned the handle and pushed the door open.
In the bright and warm bedroom, Lin Fengzhi was playing with the cat. Lin Fengyi’s eyes warmed up too. He loosened his tie, “Still not asleep so late.”
He smelled strongly of tobacco and alcohol. Lin Fengzhi wrinkled his nose, “It’s not late, only 12:30. Who sleeps so early during the holidays?”
Lin Fengyi had drunk a bit too much today. He didn’t sit on the sofa but sat next to Lin Fengzhi, wanting to pet the cat, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy.”
Lin Fengzhi quickly hugged the cat away, “Don’t touch it! You stink!”
Lin Fengyi grabbed his lapel and sniffed, then looked at Lin Fengzhi, a smile on his lips, “It’s inevitable to drink a few glasses when socializing outside. Men are all like this.”
Lin Fengzhi muttered, “Uncle Lu isn’t like this.”
Not hearing clearly and feeling dizzy, Lin Fengyi smiled, “What are you muttering about?”
“Nothing.” Lin Fengzhi kicked him in disgust, “You really stink too much, go back to your room to shower and sleep!”
“Yes, my young master.” Lin Fengyi propped himself up on the coffee table to stand. Seeing a set of ironed clothes hanging nearby, “Going out tomorrow?”
“Shopping with my brother,” Lin Fengzhi replied.
Lin Fengyi didn’t react at first. Almost at the door, he stopped abruptly. In his not-so-clear mind, a flash of that night rolling dice at the bar, those light brown, fox-like eyes appeared. He turned his head, “Yan Heqing?”
“Yeah.” Lin Fengzhi urged him, “Don’t ask so many questions, just like Mom. Go shower quickly!”
Lin Fengyi’s eyes flickered slightly, and he closed the door and left.
Without setting an alarm, Yan Heqing woke up promptly at six the next day.
He got out of bed, tidied the quilt, walked to the door, and opened it, preparing to wash up first. As the door opened, something on the handle swayed lightly and hit the back of his hand. Yan Heqing looked down; it was a paper bag.
He first looked towards the living room. It was very quiet, only a floor lamp was quietly lit. Lu Lin was still asleep.
Yan Heqing took down the paper bag and opened it. It was his clothes, emitting a faint smell of laundry detergent, already dry-cleaned.
Yan Heqing was silent for a moment, then closed the door again, changed into his clothes, and then went out.
After washing up, Yan Heqing went to the kitchen.
Opening the refrigerator, there wasn’t much inside, mostly water. It seemed Lu Lin didn’t often stay in this apartment.
Fortunately, there were a few cartons of eggs and a pack of noodles.
Yan Heqing skillfully made two bowls of egg noodles. After finishing, he wiped his hands clean, intending to call Lu Lin for breakfast. Turning around, he saw Lu Lin in a dark blue bathrobe, standing at the door for who knows how long.
It was the first time Yan Heqing had seen Lu Lin without a suit. Pausing slightly, he said politely, “Good morning, Mr. Lu.”
Turning back to serve the two bowls of steaming noodles, Lu Lin’s gaze was fixed only on him, “What did you cook?”
“Egg noodles.”
Approaching the door, Lu Lin stepped aside. He waited for Yan Heqing to leave the kitchen before following.
Extremely simple egg noodles. Besides eggs, there were only noodles, but they were surprisingly refreshing. The soup was light, the eggs were fried tender and smooth, and with a sprinkle of pepper, it was very warming for the stomach.
After breakfast, Lu Lin took a napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth and looked at Yan Heqing, who was dressed neatly opposite him, “Going to work?”
Yan Heqing stood up and picked up the bowls and chopsticks, the corners of his lips curving slightly, “No, have a date.”
Lu Lin looked away, pressed the corner of his mouth with his thumb, and then put down the napkin. He also stood up. Yan Heqing took his bowl a step ahead and carried them to the kitchen.
The sound of running water came from the kitchen. Lu Lin walked back to his room.
Yan Heqing cleaned up the kitchen. Coming out and not seeing Lu Lin, he went to the bathroom to get his shoes first. After a night, the shoes were dry. He picked them up and walked out. Lu Lin was already dressed neatly, changing shoes at the entrance. After changing shoes, he looked up, gazing steadily at Yan Heqing, “Will you come back after the date?”
Yan Heqing held his shoes, his long eyelashes trembling slightly, “Can I still come back?”
“The door code is 212190.” Lu Lin pressed the elevator button, “I don’t stay here often. You can stay until you don’t want to anymore.”
After speaking, he entered the elevator.
The elevator doors closed, and Yan Heqing’s figure was reflected on the smooth and bright panel.
After a few seconds, Yan Heqing bent down to change his shoes.
Lu Lin got into the car and fastened his seatbelt. He took his phone and dialed the housekeeping service.
At the same time, Yan Heqing was also making a call.
Beep, beep, beep…
The ringback tone sounded for a long time before the other side picked up. Lin Fengzhi’s voice carried the grumpiness of just waking up, “Who is it!”
“It’s me.” Yan Heqing looked at the descending numbers of the elevator and said calmly, “I saw your message. Where shall we meet?”
Only a wall lamp was on in the bedroom, very suitable for sleeping. Lin Fengzhi moved the phone away to check the time. Only eight o’clock! He fell back onto the pillow, closed his eyes, and complained, “Brother, what are you doing? It’s so early. I’m still sleeping. Wait until I wake up—”
“Now.” Yan Heqing interrupted indisputably, “Get up immediately.”
Lin Fengzhi was confused by Yan Heqing’s tough attitude. It was the first time he had been treated like this. Could it be that he had a fight with the woman pursuing him? Lin Fengzhi suddenly opened his eyes, no longer sleepy. He climbed up and gave the address of the largest luxury mall in the city.
Agreeing to meet at nine, Lin Fengzhi kicked off the quilt, scrambled out of bed, washed up in a few minutes, changed his clothes, and rushed out the door and downstairs like a gust of wind.
Downstairs, Mother Lin was cutting paper-cuts for windows. Several cut-out ‘Fu’ characters and window decorations were on the coffee table. Seeing Lin Fengzhi, she smiled and teased, “The sun rose from the west, getting up so early today!”
Lin Fengzhi blinked mischievously, “Have a date today.”
Seeing him rush to the entrance, Mother Lin quickly put down the scissors and shouted at his back, “Which cute girl is it? Bring her home! You haven’t had breakfast yet!”
“Not hungry!” Lin Fengzhi was busy going to get information. He tied his shoelaces haphazardly, got up, and ran fast.
“This child…” Mother Lin shook her head and sat down to cut window decorations again.
Just as Lin Fengzhi ran out the gate to get the car from the garage, a white Porsche stopped in front of him first. The window rolled down, revealing Lin Fengyi’s face, “Get in, I’ll drive you.”
Yan Heqing didn’t take a taxi. Lu Lin’s residence was not far from the mall Lin Fengzhi mentioned, about a 10-minute walk.
It wasn’t raining or snowing today, but the wind was strong, stinging his face. Yan Heqing tightened his scarf, took out his phone, and removed Lin Fengzhi from the blacklist.
It was only a few days before the New Year. The streets were decorated with lanterns and festoons. Most people on the road were office workers rushing to the subway entrance.
Yan Heqing walked against the flow of people. Arriving at the mall, Yan Heqing didn’t stop. He walked forward a bit more and found a bookstore, so he went in.
He picked a few books. Just after paying, Lin Fengzhi’s call came in, “Brother, haven’t you arrived yet? I’m here!”
“Arriving soon.”
Hanging up the phone, the clerk handed the bagged books to Yan Heqing, “Welcome again.”
Yan Heqing took the bag, pushed open the glass door, and walked out of the bookstore.
Walking back for a few minutes, he saw Lin Fengyi standing next to Lin Fengzhi from a distance.
Lin Fengzhi looked around, saying, “Second Brother, you go, I’ll wait by myself.”
Lin Fengyi didn’t move, “I’m not at ease leaving you alone. I’ll leave when Yan Heqing comes.”
This sentence instantly stepped on Lin Fengzhi’s trigger. He withdrew his gaze and complained dissatisfiedly, “I said I’m an adult. You absolutely must not be in front of his friend…”
He stopped abruptly.
Lin Fengyi felt something was wrong with this statement and pressed, “Whose friend?”
Lin Fengzhi shut his mouth, turned his head, and didn’t speak. Seeing his evasive eyes, Lin Fengyi became more suspicious, “A friend I know?”
Lin Fengzhi was annoyed. He had let it slip in a moment of quick speech. He racked his brains for an excuse. Just then, he saw a familiar figure. His eyes brightened suddenly. The savior is here!
He left Lin Fengyi behind and ran forward with his long legs, “Brother!”
Lin Fengyi turned his face and saw Yan Heqing.
Haven’t seen him for a month, still this annoying hypocritical look!
Lin Fengyi’s gaze was firmly fixed on Yan Heqing.
However, Yan Heqing didn’t care about him at all. Without glancing at him, he just said to Lin Fengzhi, “Let’s go.”
And walked straight towards the mall.
Lin Fengzhi faintly smelled a scent of cedar. He would never mistake it; this was the fragrance Lu Lin often used!
Where did it come from? He twisted his neck. Within a few meters, there was only… His pupils suddenly widened. He leaned close to Yan Heqing, his nose twitching, and blinked his eyelashes.
It was actually the smell on Yan Heqing!
He completely forgot that Lin Fengyi was still behind. He quickly caught up with Yan Heqing and asked in surprise, “Brother, what perfume are you wearing?”
Yan Heqing didn’t understand at first. After a thought, he understood.
Cedar scent.
He used Lu Lin’s shampoo last night, and the fragrance still lingered in his hair. It was the same scent as Lu Lin.
“Not perfume,” he said calmly. “I stayed at a friend’s house last night and used his shampoo.”
Shampoo!
Lin Fengzhi slapped his forehead. He was so stupid, always looking for fragrances and perfumes. It turned out to be shampoo. No wonder he couldn’t find it! He asked joyfully, “What brand is it? I like this smell, I want to buy it!”
Yan Heqing turned his face. Seeing Lin Fengzhi’s eyes full of expectation, the corner of his mouth hooked slightly, “Didn’t pay attention.”
Lin Fengzhi was obviously very disappointed. He pestered Yan Heqing, “When will you go to your friend’s house again? Take a picture for me when you go!”
While talking, the two entered the mall side by side.
In the distance, Lin Fengyi stood alone in place.
Watching the disappearing backs of the two, Lin Fengyi’s chest felt as if it was stuffed with cotton, blocked and depressed. He stood for a while before leaving.
——
After nine in the morning, all the shops in the mall were open, but there were few customers. However, they were all luxury brands, and the customer flow was usually not large, generally receiving regular customers.
Lin Fengzhi clung to Yan Heqing, “Brother, tell me quickly, when will you go to your friend’s house again?”
Getting the same shampoo as Lu Lin, he would wash his hair twice a day! Once in the morning, once in the evening.
He would also use this shampoo to wash the duvet cover, pillowcase, and bed sheet! Being wrapped in Lu Lin’s scent all day long would be too blissful!
Lin Fengzhi couldn’t wait. He acted coquettishly, holding Yan Heqing’s arm for the first time.
“Today.” Walking to the escalator, Yan Heqing stopped, “What do you want to buy?”
Now Lin Fengzhi’s mind was all on the shampoo. Hearing that Yan Heqing was going today, he was jubilant. He let go of Yan Heqing, “It’s a deal. As soon as you get to your friend’s house, take a picture of the shampoo brand and send it to me!”
It was also at this time that he glimpsed Yan Heqing carrying a bag of books. He clicked his tongue, “You went to buy books?” He pushed it open and glanced a few times, “All biology-related.”
He mentioned casually, “My high school deskmate is also in the Biology Department of Beijing University. If you successfully transfer majors, maybe you’ll become classmates with him.”
Yan Heqing knew who it was. The second male lead in the original text, a top student in the Biology Department. Because of him, Lu Muchi got jealous quite a lot.
Lin Fengzhi actually had a goal. He wanted to buy a tie for Lu Lin.
But a tie was too obvious; one look and you’d know it was for a man. He decided to buy a few more things as a smokescreen so Yan Heqing wouldn’t figure it out.
Lin Fengzhi stepped onto the escalator, “Let’s browse floor by floor, buy if there’s anything suitable.”
Yan Heqing also stepped onto the escalator. His gaze swept over Lin Fengzhi’s wrist. He wasn’t wearing the watch Lu Muchi gave him.
After the wedding banquet, he wasn’t clear about the current relationship between the two. While pondering, Lin Fengzhi suddenly turned back.
“Brother, who were you on the phone with all last night? Was it the woman pursuing you?” Lin Fengzhi said to himself, “Actually, feelings can be cultivated. Love at first sight and love over time are both love. Just cultivate it more.”
“No.”
The escalator reached the second floor. Lin Fengzhi stepped onto the floor first, slightly confused, “Not with her, then who were you on the phone with for so long?”
Yan Heqing also left the escalator, “I mean, not a woman, it’s a man.”
Lin Fengzhi nodded, “Oh, it’s a man.” Walking a few steps, his pupils gradually dilated.
He stopped, turned around, his eyes staring wide, “What did you just say?”