Four-Faced Buddha [To My Shore] - Chap 31

Chapter 31 It’s Time to Break Up
2024-10-13 07:16 Category: Four-Faced BuddhaTurn off the lights
“Wait for me a little longer, it’ll be ready soon.” Fan Xiao’s voice echoed through the enclosed carriage, and when it reached You Shulang’s ears, it seemed to carry a deep vibration.

“It’s nothing.” You Shulang’s finger was on the car door button, intending to roll down the window to let in some fresh air. A glimpse of flesh was reflected in the privacy glass, where Fan Xiao was fastening the buttons under his throat.

You Shulang changed his mind; he knew Fan Xiao was afraid of the cold.

Fan Xiao had buttoned his shirt himself that morning, a process that took him a long time and considerable effort. Now, two more buttons had slipped off, and the handsome man with a cut on his lip was hanging his head, stiffly stuffing the buttons back into the silver-embroidered holes with his stiff fingers.

You Shulang secretly tested his shirt with his left hand, and after a moment he muttered “useless”.

Tsk, Fan Xiao didn’t even look up: “If you’re not going to help, then don’t make sarcastic remarks. The Director You I know is the most enthusiastic; he’ll help even strangers, but I don’t get that kind of treatment.”

Fan Xiao was being coquettish again. You Shulang thought that after he revealed his sexual orientation, Fan Xiao would re-evaluate him, either dislike him or distance herself, or maintain a superficial and measured relationship.

You Shulang thought it would be the third possibility, one that suited Fan Xiao’s character and upbringing. He even imagined this scenario; it wasn’t terrible, although a little… regrettable, but acceptable.

But now it seems that I have misunderstood Fan Xiao once again. From last night until now, he has not shown any abnormality. Everything is as before, and even the length of his voice is just right.

You Shulang turned his gaze and saw a glimpse of a collarbone, its surface shimmering slightly as the diamond-encrusted clasp swayed. Partially hidden was another ornament, one You Shulang had seen once before—a rather fierce-looking four-faced Buddha.

Further down, the gaze falls upon stiff yet beautiful long fingers. Fan Xiao’s palms are quite large, with slender fingers and distinct knuckles. Faint bluish veins are visible beneath the thin skin, making one want to hold them.

Inevitably, You Shulang thought of last night again. This large hand guided him down the soft quilt, the skin beneath it firm yet delicate, the lines smooth and flowing – a perfect male body, truly exquisite.

He shook his head, dismissing these distracting thoughts. You Shulang tentatively asked, “Do you still need my help?”

Fan Xiao was taken aback, then looked up and stared directly at the man in the driver’s seat. His gaze was intense, and his words were blunt: “Sexual orientation is everyone’s freedom, Director You doesn’t need to mind.”

He then asked, “Could it be that Director You is insecure?”

“No.”

I don’t think you would either.

“I’m afraid of you…”

Fan Xiao simply stopped tying his belt, revealing his long neck. He scoffed, “So what if you’re gay? You Shulang, have you forgotten where I grew up?”

He clasped his hands together, his voice trailing off in a soft, gentle tone: “Sawasdee ka.”

A single Thai phrase brought smiles to both of their eyes. You Shulang took a “rouge” cigarette from the car and popped it into his mouth.

“Come here,” he mumbled.

Fan Xiao leaned forward, and his nimble fingers quickly fastened the two buttons that had slipped open. Meanwhile, You Shulang accidentally touched the dark green Buddha statue; his fingertips felt a cool sensation, the texture clearly defined, the carved edges sharp and not smooth or rounded.

“Alright.” You Shulang patted Fan Xiao’s collar a few times, like a gesture between buddies, trying to eliminate any ambiguity.

Fan Xiao slowly sat up straight, the smile on his lips gradually fading, but his tone remained feignedly cheerful as he asked, “So your girlfriend is a man?”

You Shulang didn’t have the habit of smoking in the car. He held the unlit cigarette between his fingers and admitted, “Yes. I… I made you misunderstand before.”

“It’s alright, I understand.”

“I’ll introduce you two another day.”

Fan Xiao’s dark lips curled into a bright smile: “Okay, I’m looking forward to it, but wait until my face is healed. I’m afraid your boyfriend will ask me how I got hurt, and I can’t very well say that I got beaten up for messing around with his man.”

You Shulang was in a good mood and didn’t pursue Fan Xiao’s nonsense. He smiled and urged Fan Xiao to get out of the car, saying, “Get out of the car, or you’ll be late for work.”

Fan Xiao used his skillful hand to push open the car door and get out. He leaned halfway out, then pulled back, pressing himself against You Shulang. Under the man’s puzzled gaze, he said in a low voice, “ฉันแทบรอไม่ไหวที่จะดีกับคุณ。(I can’t wait to fuck you.)”

“What did you say?” You Shulang asked.

Have a wonderful day.

The tall man watched the car slowly disappear from sight, then deftly pulled out his phone with his left hand and dialed a few numbers.

“Zhenzhen, it’s been a long time. Let’s meet up tonight.”

Lu Zhen stood up You Shulang’s invitation.

Stepping onto the dreamlike floor of the “Airbus” bar, he felt a sense of unsteadiness beneath his feet, not from the realistic 3D effect, but from the excitement and trepidation that almost overflowed from his chest.

Fan Xiao contacted him again after disappearing for almost a month.

It wouldn’t be accurate to say he disappeared. Lu Zhen often received valuable gifts from him, including a newly released luxury handbag. Regardless of the price, being able to carry it around when even the most snobbish people in the industry couldn’t buy it through connections made Lu Zhen feel triumphant for the first time.

Logically speaking, after giving a gift, one would inevitably receive a phone call inviting them out, followed by dinner, a date, and then, naturally, ending up in bed together.

Lu Zhan received so many gifts that he never received a single call from Fan Xiao. He even wondered if the “Fan” on the card was just something he had imagined.

Since Fan Xiao didn’t call, he had no choice but to call back. Lu Zhen kept telling himself that this was out of politeness.

The phone calls would occasionally connect, we’d exchange a few words, and then the other person would either be in a meeting or traveling for work, before quickly hanging up. More often than not, they’d just reply with a text message, soft and gentle, seemingly very affectionate, but then there would be no further response.

Lu Zhen had seen too much filth in the industry; there were scumbags everywhere who would try to grope someone’s thigh even after inviting them to dinner. This made people like Fan Xiao, who were rich, generous, and not lustful, seem noble.

Lu Zhen was both surprised and delighted to receive an invitation from Fan Xiao today. He quickly made up a reason to accept the invitation that You Shulang had arranged long ago.

Walking down the technologically advanced corridor, he saw the tall, handsome man in his usual spot.

“He will come naturally. People who are always being kept in suspense are always passive. You just need to beckon him and he will come running.” Fan Xiao greeted Lu Zhen with a smile, and did not forget to answer his assistant’s question.

As soon as he finished speaking, Fan Xiao gently placed his hand on Lu Zhen’s shoulder.

“What are you talking about?” Lu Zhen asked.

Fan Xiao led him to a seat, his deep male voice carrying a thousand turns: “Every time I see you, you make my eyes light up.”

Lu Zhen had heard countless sweet nothings and flirtatious words, but he couldn’t resist such a simple compliment. His eyes lowered, a mixture of a smile and shyness in his eyes; he knew this was when he was most alluring.

His eyes had just lowered, and his expression hadn’t yet adjusted to its best, when he saw Fan Xiao’s injured hand. He looked up in surprise and, in the flickering light, saw the man’s injured lip.

“What happened? How did you get hurt?”

Fan Xiao smiled slightly: “Trying to be a hooligan, I ended up getting beaten up instead.”

Lu Zhen was taken aback, then scolded coquettishly, “Nonsense.”

Fan Xiao took a sip of wine and said calmly, “It’s true, if you don’t believe me, that’s fine too.”

Seeing that Fan Xiao was unwilling to talk about it, Lu Zhen changed the subject: “Mr. Fan, have you been very busy lately?”

“Busy but not busy.”

Fan Xiao took a sip of wine with a slightly forlorn expression, his gaze as deep as the sea.

Lu Zhen was enveloped by a deep gaze, and his heart tightened, as if something was about to happen.

Is Fan Xiao finally going to confess his feelings?

Lu Zhen was secretly delighted, and he swirled the rose-red liquid in his hand until it was dazzling.

For some reason, Lu Zhen suddenly thought of You Shulang. Three years ago, when You Shulang, whom he had been pursuing for a long time, finally said that the two of them could try being together, he seemed to be just as happy.

Even happier.

Lu Zhen finished his drink and asked with a smile, “What’s this talk of being busy, and what’s this talk of not being busy?”

Fan Xiao has a beautiful lip shape; her lips are slightly parted yet tightly pressed together.

Finally, with a touch of self-deprecation, he slowly said, “I’m busy because I’m pretending to be busy.”

“Pretend to be busy?” Lu Zhen pondered for a moment. “Does Mr. Fan not want to see me?”

“How could that be? It’s just…” Fan Xiao smiled wryly, “It’s just that you probably don’t have time to see me, right?”

“I do.” Too blatant, Lu Zhen reorganized his words, “I am quite busy, but if Mr. Fan invites me, I will definitely make time to keep the appointment.”

However, Lu Zhen was met with another helpless, bitter laugh. Fan Xiao patted Lu Zhen’s shoulder twice, his expression and tone suggesting heartbreak: “See what else you want to order, I’m going to the restroom.”

Even after Fan Xiao left, Lu Zhen remained clueless. He silently drank his wine, his heart filled with unease.

“Actually, President Fan has a very strong possessive streak.” A broken Chinese voice came from the corner of the sofa, startling Lu Zhen, who was lost in thought.

He looked in the direction of the sound and saw Fan Xiao’s assistant, who was almost completely hidden in the darkness. Suddenly… he understood.

It’s time to break up with… You Shulang.