Tit For Tat (Beloved Enemy) - Chap 57
Since that day, YuanYang’s enthusiasm for work changed significantly. He was already involved in several projects and now he even initiated in undertaking more work.
The judgment of the XX City lawsuit came down. GuQingPei gave him 100,000 yuan in bonus according to the agreement. Adding on an amount from a recent project, a total of 120,000 was deposited into YuanYang’s account.
When YuanYang received the SMS notification, he happily showed GuQingPei the message, “I received the money.”
GuQingPei smiled at him and said, “Money earned by yourself, don’t you feel a special sense of accomplishment? Don’t think that money is that easily earned, if it wasn’t for you finding that vice president, it would not have been possible to award you so much at once.”
“It’s mine anyway. This time I see what reason you have to take the money back.” YuanYang was really happy. Before, he had never felt that money was an important thing but after GuQingPei urged his father to freeze his entire assets, he’s come to realize what it means to be poor. And being looked down by GuQingPei is the most unbearable thing for him.
GuQingPei raised his eyebrows and smiled. He took out the calculator and started punching the numbers.
YuanYang creased his brows and jumped when he saw the number.
GuQingPei voiced, “You have been living and eating here for three months. I’ll give you a friendship price of 20,000 yuan.”
YuanYang’s eyes widened, “20,000? Why don’t you say that my housework is all-inclusive? It cost 3,000-4,000 to hire a housekeeper right now.”
GuQingPei teased him, “I didn’t tell you to do it.”
YuanYang pinched of his face, “Son of a bitch. Fine 20,000 then. Stinking capitalists.”
GuQingPei patted his hand, “Hurry up and go cook.”
YuanYang scoffed, “Not gonna to do it, trying to bully me.”
GuQingPei smiled, “Fine, I’ll do it.”
“You? You will do it?”
GuQingPei raised his eyebrows, “I can do anything.”
With the verdict of the lawsuit settled, GuQingPei was able to complete one of his most important effort before the end of the year so he was in a very good mood. His entire person relaxed a lot. Therefore, he was in the mood to do something that he usually don’t like spending time doing, such as making a meal.
He has not cooked for many years. Before when he didn’t have money, this kind of thing he wouldn’t naturally hire help. Just like he said so himself, there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do.
YuanYang excitedly followed GuQingPei closely into the kitchen.
GuQingPei rolled up his sleeves, “Watch me whip up a few dishes for you today.”
YuanYang held his waist from behind, biting his ear and erotically said, “If it doesn’t taste good, I’ll eat you at tonight.”
GuQingPei lightly laughed, “Fine, quickly let me go, I’m cooking.”
YuanYang stood beside him, smiling and watching GuQingPei busily cooking in the kitchen.
GuQingPei’s approach to cooking is quite skilled and well-executed. At first glance, one can tell he’s pretty experienced, which was quite unexpected for YuanYang.
It didn’t take long for GuQingPei to cook four dishes and a soup. The two of them sat face-to-face in front of the small dining table. YuanYang’s calf curled around GuQingPei’s calf as the two bantered and joked while eating this nice and warm meal.
On this cold winter day, to be able to enjoy a freshly cooked meal together with another person and talk about things of mutual interest is even more effective in driving out the cold than having a heater or a thick blanket. This is a kind of warmth that seeped from within…what is really warming is really in each other’s hearts.
After the meal, YuanYang happily went to do the dishes.
When the two of them sat down to watch a movie, YuanYang’s cell phone continually beeped to alert him of incoming text messages. He only glanced once and didn’t look again.
After beeping four to five times, GuQingPei finally couldn’t stand it, “Who is it? You’re not going to answer?”
YuanYang groaned, “The girlfriend that my mom introduced me to. Talking about this, I need to thank Director Gu for your strong support.”
GuQingPei had almost forgotten about this, “Oh,” This is a good thing. It’s natural for a man and a woman to get married upon coming of age.”
Although he knew that what GuQingPei said made sense, his heart didn’t feel very happy. Unknowingly, he blurt out, “If you are a woman, maybe I will marry you.”
GuQingPei smiled, “Even if I’m a woman, you marrying a divorced woman 11 years older than you is not much different than bringing a man back home.”
“Is that right?” YuanYang curled his lips, “If you say it that way, then I might as well just take you back?”
GuQingPei teased, “What the hell kind of logic is that? Just shut up and watch the movie.”
When YuanYang turned to glance at GuQingPei, his heart suddenly beat erratically, almost like a beating drum. He couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if he really were to take GuQingPei home. It would be such a chaotic scene. However, if he can let everyone know that GuQingPei belongs to him, then why would it matter?
YuanYang, “If I’m being serious, will you go back with me?”
GuQingPei was slightly startled and then turned to look at him, “What foolish talk is this?”
YuanYang voiced, “I’m just saying it. Shut up and watch the movie.”
GuQingPei shook his head and continue to stare at the movie screen while putting chips in his mouth.
After a while, his cell phone rang. He glanced at the phone screen, then pause the movie, “Hi, Chairman Wang” answering as he walked to the study.
YuanYang’s ears pricked up hearing them very clearly. He wanted to get up and followed him but then thought about their argument two days ago. He probably should be more “mature.”
But……
YuanYang clenched his fist, wanting to pull WangJin out of the phone and punch him.
This bastard WangJin showed such strong enthusiasm to cooperate, but kept pushing and delaying this matter; even the contract is not signed. He had practically called GuQingPei every day. If it wasn’t to ask GuQingPei out to have tea, it was to play golf. Even with this, GuQingPei asked YuanYang to not overthink. This constant attentiveness that WangJin has toward GuQingPei is definitely not normal.
YuanYang endured an endured, finally he couldn’t stand it. He poured a cup of tea and went into the study room. Immediately when he entered the room, he saw GuQingPei laughing but didn’t know what they were talking about.
He put the tea on the table and deliberately raised his voice, “Stop talking, have some tea to moisten your throat.”
GuQingPei looked at him and furrowed his brows.
On the other line, WangJin paused, “You’re not home?”
“Ahh, yeah,” From GuQingPei’s standpoint, he certainly didn’t want anyone to know that he is living with a man. However, with someone as smart as WangJin, it’s likely that he won’t be able to hide it.
“Who are you with? Your boyfriend?” WangJin asked in a joking tone.
YuanYang’s voice was very low so WangJin couldn’t tell who it was, but he could definitely tell it was a young man.
GuQingPei remained silent.
WangJin was also silent. He disappointingly asked again, “Is it really your boyfriend?”
GuQingPei looked at YuanYang…thinking……can he be considered his boyfriend? In that moment, he didn’t know how to answer.
YuanYang crossed his arms on his chest and looked GuQingPei. He didn’t know what the two men had talked about. He restrained the urge to snatch the phone from GuQingPei, waiting to see what see what it is that he wanted to do next.
GuQingPei whispered, “Chairman Wang, why don’t I give you a call when I get to the company tomorrow?”
WangJin sighed, “Alright then, goodbye.”
After hanging up the phone, YuanYang glared directly at him, “What did you guys talk about?”
“Things related to work.”
“Then, why did you look at me?”
GuQingPei said absent-mindedly, “You look good.”
YuanYang can’t be considered as his boyfriend. A boyfriend should be a person that has mutual tolerance, respect, and care toward each another. YuanYang have never embodied the essentials of tolerance and respect, so how can he be considered a boyfriend?
GuQingPei forcibly smiled, he didn’t know why he would be so confused and troubled by this. He was never an indecisive person.
YuanYang proudly snorted, “I know that I look good. What did you guys actually talk about?”
“I’ve already said, work related matters.”
YuanYang was not satisfied with this answer. But he ultimately resisted the urge to continue questioning. He got to GuQingPei’s side, “Fine, you say it’s work related, then it’s work related.” Then he proudly added, “This time, my performance is very “mature” right?”
GuQingPei looked at his serious expression and couldn’t help but laugh.
YuanYang felt a bit resentful, “What are you laughing at?”
At this moment, the doorbell rang.
The two returned to the living room. When they opened the door, it was an express delivery.
YuanYang happily said, “That was quick! Not bad.”
“What is that?” GuQingPei curiously looked at the big box.
YuanYang opened the box, inside is a small foot bath.
GuQingPei creased his brows, “You need to soak your feet?”
“I got it for you,” YuanYang squatted on the ground to study the instructions.
“For me? Why did you buy that for me?”
“Your feet are cold ah. Every time you get under the blanket, it’s cold and takes so long to warm up. I hate it most when I’m asleep and your cold feet touch my legs.”
GuQingPei blinked, his heart filled with rising warmth.
Although YuanYang said it in such uncaring tone, but he will wedge GuQingPei’s feet in between his calves every time to warm up his feet. Because YuanYang had done it so often, GuQingPei is almost use to it.
YuanYang tapped the foot bath, “It’s quite simple. I’ve wanted to buy it long ago but didn’t have money. Before you go to bed every day, soak it for a little while.”
GuQingPei’s mouth couldn’t help but rise, “Why did you buy it, it’s too much hassle.”
“Hassle my ass. Just need to pour water. I’m telling you, I’ve already bought it so you better use it every day. Otherwise, I’m going to beat you,” YuanYang swung his fist at him.
GuQingPei grinned, “You’re going to help me pour water?”
“How can you be so lazy?”
“I’ll naturally be lazy when you are diligent.”
YuanYang smirk, “You really have no shame to say that.”
GuQingPei smiled, “Thank you ah.”
YuanYang cheeks blushed, “Why thank me. You better not touch me with your cold feet at night, it’s annoying.”
“Come over here and let me give you a kiss,” GuQingPei waved at him.
YuanYang looked at him awkwardly.
“Come here.”
YuanYang moved closed to him. GuQingPei pulled YuanYang’s head toward him and kissed him intensely. He voiced appreciatively, “So thoughtful.”
YuanYang grabbed his waist. GuQingPei’s praise made him endlessly happy.
GuQingPei caressed his fluffy head… thinking… actually this is similar to having a boyfriend. YuanYang sometimes made him fume with rage but sometimes made him feel warm inside, making him fall for him. Sometimes, he can’t tell which one is the real YuanYang but his eyes will gradually follow him.
Being with someone for such a long time, it would be impossible to say that there is not a bit of feelings. But he and YuanYang’s fate is destined to be short-lived. Sooner or later, they will have to part ways. To have any lingering feelings that he would not be willing to part with is not a good thing.
Absolutely… is not a good thing.
GuQingPei heartily feels YuanYang’s temperature, his eyes increased with anxiety.
After having some money in his hands, YuanYang finally dared to go out with his brothers.
Since the last QQ incident, PengFang didn’t dare to contact him. Instead, it was YuanYang who took the initiative to contact PengFang, but PengFang was still unwilling to come out. It was only after YuanYang repeatedly guarantee that he would not beat him up that he finally reluctantly agreed to hang out with him.
The two did not call other people but instead decided to meet in the reserved room of a small bar that they used to go. The ambiance here is good. They would usually come here to have a few drinks and chat when they have idle time.
YuanYang arrived first. When PengFang got to the room, he saw YuanYang looking fierce sitting on the sofa waiting for him. He couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty. Standing at the door, he hesitated on whether to go in.
YuanYang glared at him, “Stop being stupid. I said that I’m not going to beat you up, so I won’t. Get in.”
PengFang has known YuanYang for many years and knew that he is the type of person that is true to his words so he pulled himself together and went in, “Hey bro, don’t say anything, I’ll first punished myself with a cup (of alcohol) as an apology to you, okay?”
YuanYang widened his eyes, “one cup?”
“Three cups, three cups.”
YuanYang groaned and pour a full cup of rum for PengFang, so full that it almost flowed out of the cup.
PengFang wanted to shed tears as he kneaded his head.
YuanYang still wanted to pour him another cup, PengFang grabbed his hand, “stop stop stop, take it slow, we can drink again later. Let’s just talk and have a good chat.”
“Oh… I also wanted to chat with you.”
“YuanYang, I really didn’t think that you and GuQingPei would live together. What are you thinking? Don’t tell me that the both of you are really falling in love.”
YuanYang stared at him, “Who is falling in love with him?” When he said this sentence, his voice became softer and softer. In the end, there was even some doubt.
He and GuQingPei, are they considered to be falling in love?
In love……
At a glance, PengFang saw through him, “YuanYang, don’t blame this bro for not reminding you, your emotional intelligence is too low. Tell me honestly. Are you really in love with him?”
YuanYang took a sip of his drink and didn’t immediately respond but asked, “What do you mean by being in love with him.”
PengFang patted his head, “You really….Fine then. Let me ask you, what would happen if he wants to be with another person?”
YuanYang blinked his eyes, “He dare, I will kill him.”
“Then when you get married in the future, what should he do?”
“Too early to be getting married, why mention this?”
“Is it early? You’re already 23, this is just a matter of a few years. How is this early? The both of you will have to break up, right?”
YuanYang thought along the lines of what PengFang just said and felt that he can’t accept it. Why should he separate from GuQingPei and live with a woman he had never met for the rest of his life? He is not crazy.
To be with GuQingPei for a lifetime…this he can imagine.
YuanYang’s heart suddenly beat erratically.
He actually has such a thought!
PengFang observed his expression and shook his head, “YuanYang, you are done with. People have feelings. The two of you have been sleeping together for so long, it is impossible for there not to be anything.”
YuanYang looked at PengFang, “Are you saying that I love him?”
“It’s best you don’t love him, hurry up and break up, stop fooling around brother.”
YuanYang, his face sank as he lowered his head to drink.
Does he really love GuQingPei? Why can’t he even say it clearly? He only knows that … right now… he can’t leave GuQingPei and can’t allow for others to lust after him. He felt that this person completely belongs to him, nobody can intrude upon.
And when he thought of GuQingPei, the bits and pieces, everything between them, he felt sweet.
Is this love? Is it?
PengFang looked at YuanYang’s vague expression and heaved a few deep sighs, “I, PengFang, is so remarkable, how can I have such a foolish brother?”
YuanYang resentfully voiced, “Stop with this shit. I called you out to drink. Why the hell are you telling me all this, getting me all messed up.”
“Is this still my fault? I’m kindly reminding you. It’s just a man, don’t get too deep, just fooling around is enough. You absolutely can’t let your parents know. Even if you love him, does GuQingPei love you? In his mind, can it harbor affections and love? Brother, I’m telling you for reals, the both of you just play around, don’t take it seriously.
YuanYang is confused and annoyed as he impatiently waved his hand, “I know.”
He knew that every word PengFang said was right, but…
GuQingPei doesn’t love him… this he already knew.
Even though he clearly knew this fact, he still can’t tolerate GuQingPei leaving him. In fact, when he thought of such possibility, he felt a kind of pain like having his heart and lungs being blown up.
If this is love, then it is indeed not a good thing.
YuanYang gripped the cup tightly, feeling utterly confused.
End of the Chapter
