Four-Faced Buddha [To My Shore] - Chap 108
Chapter 108 Extra Chapter 2 Countdown:
Huang Qimin, at over sixty years old, entered a weight loss training camp. Aside from occasionally sending his weight loss videos to the work group, he completely ignored company affairs, leaving everything to You Shulang. This meant that although You Shulang didn’t take over as chairman of Changling Pharmaceutical, he shouldered all the responsibilities.
After a busy afternoon, he finally found time to drink a cup of hot tea. You Shulang loved black tea, and he brewed a strong cup; the rich tea dispelled his fatigue.
He picked up his phone to check messages, and sure enough, there were messages from Fan Xiao.
One message was sent around lunchtime, asking if You Shulang had eaten on time. Another was a picture message he had just sent: tender new shoots sprouting from withered weeds, a pale green that needed to be zoomed in to be seen, yet it signified the imminent arrival of a vast and vibrant spring and hope.
The hot tea soothed his stiff body. You Shulang leaned back in his chair and replied, “A little tired.”
He never complained about being tired, and this was the first time he’d said it, a hint of shame creeping in. The steaming tea felt hot on his face.
Fan Xiao replied quickly: “When do you get off work? I’ll pick you up.”
You Shulang rubbed his thumb on the teacup a few times, then pulled out a photo from his album and sent it: “6 o’clock. Come pick me up like this.
” This time, there was no immediate reply; a long pause later, a simple “Okay” appeared.
The research and development base was near the north gate of Changling University. It was a remote area with few students coming and going. You Shulang had barely stepped out of the north gate after work when he regretted it.
The night air was just warm, and the city’s nightlife was already in full swing. This quiet street near the university had been developed into a food night market, and it was open today, the weekend. Food stalls lined the street neatly, and even before mealtime, customers had already flocked there, creating a lively atmosphere.
Fan Xiao appeared amidst the bustling, vibrant world. Wearing
a Hong Kong-style leather jacket and jeans, his long legs supporting him as he half-leaned on the handlebars of a motorcycle, gazing into the distance at the last rays of the setting sun.
His smooth hair was tousled by the wind, softening his sharp facial features. In the gentle glow of the sunset, he seemed frozen in time, like an old poster. The noisy city was a blurred, deep background; the handsome man before the lens was lonely, and no one could soothe him.
The next second, the man turned his head, and his loneliness and solitude vanished instantly. He called out to his longing in the most tender and gentle voice.
“Shu Lang, over here.”
You Shu Lang hesitated for a moment, regretting his impulsive suggestion.
Fan Xiao was too conspicuous—his appearance and demeanor outstanding. Now, enveloped by both overt and covert gazes, he had become the center of attention.
You Shu Lang regretted his actions, but his face remained composed as he walked towards Fan Xiao through the dense gazes, greeting him like a friend.
When Fan Xiao took out a helmet of the same style but a different color as his from the trunk, You Shulang clearly heard the excited whispers of the young girls around him.
Fan Xiao was adept at reading people, especially You Shulang. Seeing his stiff smile and glance around, he immediately understood his lover’s hidden worries and considerately said, “Director You, why don’t you take a taxi? I’ll follow you on my bike.”
Like Fan Xiao, You Shulang didn’t miss the fleeting disappointment in the man’s eyes. He brushed away the hand that was trying to take back the helmet, neatly put it on his own head, and straddled Fan Xiao behind him in a suit. He patted his waist, and amidst the “I knew it” expressions of the girls, he leaned closer to the still somewhat stunned man in front of him and whispered, “Let’s go.”
It wasn’t yet the season for riding motorcycles, and the strong wind wasn’t very comfortable on his face. You Shulang was in a good mood, his hand resting on Fan Xiao’s side, enjoying the exhilarating speed that men love.
On the smooth road, Fan Xiao braked suddenly, and You Shulang’s chest slammed into the back in front of him.
The hands that were resting at his waist were pulled in front and clasped tightly. Fan Xiao tilted his head and said seriously, “Hold on tight, it’s dangerous.”
You Shulang sighed helplessly, “President Fan, that’s such a cheesy old trick.”
Fan Xiao patted the hands that were wrapped around his waist, “Businessmen don’t care about methods or means, they only care about results and profits.”
The motorcycle set off again, the clasped hands tightly wrapped in the fresh spring breeze.
After about half an hour, the motorcycle slowly slowed down, finally coming to a stop after a couple of bumps.
You Shulang got off the motorcycle and took off his helmet. “What’s wrong?”
Fan Xiao patted the motorcycle. “The motorcycle is too old; it breaks down every now and then.”
“What do we do now?” You Shulang looked around. The area wasn’t bustling; there were few pedestrians or vehicles passing by, let alone a repair shop. “Should we call for roadside assistance?”
“No rush.” Fan Xiao leaned over on the motorcycle, taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, and pulled You Shulang closer. He took out his phone and pulled up a saved photo. “Why did you take this photo?”
The photo was the one You Shulang had just sent to Fan Xiao in the office. He had said: “Come pick me up at 6 o’clock.”
Fan Xiao and the broken motorcycle were both in the photo. It was a back view; a man with a buzz cut in overalls was riding a motorcycle away through the lush green willows.
Fan Xiao pulled You Shulang closer to him, murmuring, “Director You, didn’t you say you never wanted to see me again? Why did you take this photo after I left?”
They were very close, not touching, but they could feel each other’s body heat. In the mingling of their breaths, Fan Xiao saw the helplessness and indulgence on You Shulang’s face, and heard him utter his heartfelt words after a moment of hesitation: “It’s because I felt I’d never see him again that I had to take this photo.”
Fan Xiao’s heart tightened. So, he wasn’t the only one suffering.
A kiss suddenly fell. Fan Xiao pulled You Shulang into his arms, kissing him passionately and tenderly.
You Shulang was startled by the sudden kiss. This wasn’t a closed-off area; although quiet, cars occasionally passed by. He thought Fan Xiao was crazy and raised his hand to push him away, but Fan Xiao pulled his hand even tighter. The fiery kiss was getting out of control; You Shulang’s lips were forcefully bitten, and soon he lost his defenses, being forcefully invaded and entangled.
The rapid breathing still lingered in his ears, but Fan Xiao, caught in the heat of their kiss, opened his eyes. He deepened the intensity of his kiss while glancing at his watch.
As the hands ticked, a faint smile and barely perceptible anticipation flickered in his handsome eyes. Glancing at the end of the road, Fan Xiao closed his eyes again, the kiss growing even more passionate.
The powerful roar of a car engine grew louder as they approached. Fan Xiao, his brows half-closed, tapped his fingers lightly on You Shulang’s back.
Ten, nine, eight, seven…
The car roared past them.
Three, two, one!
The brakes slammed on, screeching to a halt!
The car had barely stopped when the door was flung open, and a young man jumped out, his voice sounding calm but filled with anger as he demanded, “Brother You, how could you… with him…?”
Fan Xiao was easily pushed away by You Shulang, who wiped the moisture from his lips and put on a gentle mask: “Oh, Xianglian, what a coincidence.”
