Chapter 20 Holding Hands
Since becoming a child from a divorced family, Chen Yuanchuan had to force himself to grow up into a man quickly as his mother was busy making a living.
He didn't know how long it had been since he had enjoyed someone's hug, and no one had noticed the emotions hidden deep in his heart. Only Xi Qing's appearance gave him the long-lost warmth and favor.
Chen Yuanchuan couldn't help but be seduced by Xi Qing, nostalgic for his warmth, forgetting for a moment that he was in a public place until a middle-aged man suddenly barged in. The man was stunned for a moment, then, upon realizing what was happening, his brow furrowed, his expression filled with disgust for gay men.
"!!!" Chen Yuanchuan's heart skipped a beat, as if struck by lightning. He glanced around hastily, realizing their intimate behavior had attracted the attention of many people. He suddenly felt like a thorn in his side, and subconsciously pushed Xi Qing away.
Xi Qing stumbled twice under the impact, then turned to look at Chen Yuanchuan, his eyes dark. The two of them remained in a stalemate for a long time before Xi Qing slowly opened his lips and questioned, "Do you care that much about what others think?"
Xi Qing was helpless; he still couldn't understand the human mindset. They'd kissed and hugged each other, all with Chen Yuanchuan's consent, yet now he was still afraid of being discovered as gay?
Facing Xi Qing's oppressive gaze, Chen Yuanchuan licked his dry lips, feeling an inexplicable urge to escape. He secretly laughed at himself for being so afraid of him, but he could hardly control his tense physiological reaction.
After being a straight man for over twenty years, Chen Yuanchuan suddenly had to face the disgust of others while being affectionate with a man in public. How could this experience not make him nervous? Xi Qing's declaration of love was like a sugar-coated bullet bombarding Chen Yuanchuan's preconceived notions, and this emotional conflict left him entangled.
Seeing Chen Yuanchuan hesitate, Xi Qing slowly closed his eyes, as if suppressing his turbulent emotions. After a moment, he opened his eyes, and there was silence in his eyes.
Xi Qing suddenly felt everything was dull. It was clear that she had only chosen to capture the Son of Heaven to relieve her boredom, but now it seemed she had been asking for trouble. Chen Yuanchuan would never fully fall in love with her.
Sunk costs are meaningless to the immortal AI. Combining Chen Yuanchuan's built-in personality and current reaction, Xi Qing calculated that the probability of the mission's success is less than 40%, and silently started the process of leaving this novel world.
Seeing this, Chen Yuanchuan's keen five senses detected that something was wrong, and he suddenly felt indescribable panic, as if it would be too late if he didn't do something.
At this moment, all the entanglement and embarrassment disappeared, and there was only one thought in my mind - to win Xi Qing back no matter what.
"Let's just go for it. We're just dating. What law says gays can't show affection?" Chen Yuanchuan consoled himself.
Silently mustering his courage, Chen Yuanchuan looked up intently at Xi Qing, who thought he was feeling sad. He firmly took his hand, his palms sweating with nervousness. He wanted to prove to Xi Qing: For you, I can change myself.
Xi Qing was stunned for a moment, then managed a gentle smile. His eyes softened, and his fingertips curled slightly around the other person, conveying silent encouragement.
At an angle beyond Chen Yuanchuan's sight, Xi Qing cut off the progress bar of the program exit. A trace of real fluctuation flashed across his inorganic eyes, and then he lowered his eyes.
Is it so timely to retain you? Then I will give you another chance. Chen Yuanchuan, how far can you go? Xi Qing's obscure expression suddenly changed, his brows relaxed, and he regained his lively look, looking back at Chen Yuanchuan with deep affection.
The expressions of passersby were even more subtle, some showing surprise, some disgust. Even so, Chen Yuanchuan couldn't care less for a moment. If he didn't try to please her, his new boyfriend would be in vain.
This is the truth. Chen Yuanchuan felt the vivid touch, his earlobes turned red as if they were about to bleed. He pulled his mask up a little, hoping not to run into acquaintances again.
"I didn't expect you to take the initiative to hold my hand." Walking on the way home, Xi Qing held Chen Yuanchuan's hand, glancing at Chen Yuanchuan's contradictory reaction, who appeared calm on the surface but was actually like a frightened bird.
Chen Yuanchuan slowed down his pace upon hearing this. Even though he was wearing a mask, the apology in his eyes was clear at a glance. He said softly, "Xi Qing, I know I'm not a good boyfriend. I will adapt as soon as possible."
"I don't blame you. If we hold hands a few more times, we will get used to it." Xi Qing smiled and shook her hand gently.
Chen Yuanchuan initially tried to appease Xi Qing, but later he got used to it and found it not so difficult. His stiff body gradually relaxed, and he glanced at Xi Qing. Xi Qing caught Chen Yuanchuan's sparkling eyes from the corner of his eye and responded with a smile: "What's wrong?"
Chen Yuanchuan shook his head and said, "Nothing." He would not tell Xi Qing that although it was awkward to walk hand in hand on the street, he inexplicably felt that they were in love.
As soon as he entered the room, Chen Yuanchuan let go of Xi Qing's hand under the pretext of cooking. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief and turned to walk towards the kitchen with the dishes. Xi Qing asked with concern behind him, "Can I help you?"
As a single-person residence, Xi Qing did not have the concept of excessive luxury, so the kitchen was not very big. Chen Yuanchuan thought that Xi Qing would just wash the vegetables.
Chen Yuanchuan prepared the ingredients on the side, watching Xi Qing wash the vegetables intently. Why did it feel like the two of them were an old married couple who had lived together for many years? Thinking of this, Chen Yuanchuan's face flushed slightly, and he quickly shook off this strange feeling.
After all, there were only two people eating, so Chen Yuanchuan prepared several dishes in more than half an hour. They were delicious and mouth-watering.
Xi Qing picked up a piece of pork ribs and tasted it. It was delicious and he praised: "You are indeed very talented." He did not have a strong appetite, but he could tell that Chen Yuanchuan's cooking skills were indeed good.
"Haha, of course." Chen Yuanchuan raised his head proudly.
Xi Qing smiled, picked up a piece of braised pig's trotter and brought it to Chen Yuanchuan's mouth, "Open your mouth."
Chen Yuanchuan instinctively opened his mouth and took it in. As he chewed, he immediately realized something and said speechlessly, "Xi Qing, you're actually teasing me with the food I cooked!"
Xi Qing chuckled softly, raised her beautiful eyes and looked at Chen Yuanchuan, a smile rippled on the corners of her lips, "Next time we go on a date, I'll treat you to a big meal."
Chen Yuanchuan raised his eyebrows. "We agreed! I want to eat something expensive." He thought for a moment, then danced excitedly, "Just like in novels, those high-end restaurants that only rich people can enter by simply waving a membership card."
Xi Qing realized that Chen Yuanchuan had finally let down his guard in front of him, and even started to show some dramatic tendencies. His energetic appearance boosted Xi Qing's mood, and he couldn't help but liven up a bit, his eyes flickering with a smile. "My boyfriend has given me instructions. I promise there will be no problem."
However, happy times are always short-lived, and after a night, it was time for the dreadful workday. After the two of them finished enjoying a delicious meal, Xi Qing suggested sending Chen Yuanchuan home as soon as possible so that he could have a good rest.
The car slowly drove to the downstairs of Chen Yuanchuan's house. When leaving, Xi Qing suddenly turned around, staring at Chen Yuanchuan with eyes as bright as stars, a sly smile on his face, "Should I get a farewell kiss?"
Chen Yuanchuan narrowed his eyes, his hands resting on the seat as he slowly approached, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly for a moment. Just as he was about to move away, he didn't realize Xi Qing had been watching his movements. Sensing his retreat, she quickly reached out to place a hand on the back of his head, threading her fingers through the soft strands of hair, and leaned over to place a gentle kiss on his lips.
Chen Yuanchuan's heart suddenly trembled, his eyes widened, and his face flushed. He regretted it in his heart. If he had known this would happen, he should not have teased Xi Qing, knowing full well that he never played by the rules.
"You..." Chen Yuanchuan's voice paused, his mind still not recovering from the sudden attack.
"You were the one who tricked me first, and I was just responding." Xi Qing was very proud, and he gently stroked his lips with his fingertips, smiling like a cunning fox, enjoying this small victory.
Chen Yuanchuan's mouth twitched a few times, and he decided not to talk nonsense with this guy anymore. He always felt that his IQ was discounted in front of Xi Qing.
"I'm going upstairs... See you tomorrow." After he said this, he quickly opened the car door, turned around, and his waving back gradually disappeared into the night.
Xi Qing watched Chen Yuanchuan's tall back as he left. He knew he was shy, and he couldn't help but smile and shake his head. A few minutes later, he caught sight of a figure emerging from the window of Chen's house. Xi Qing lowered the window and waved to the person.
At this moment, the phone rang. Xi Qing took out his phone and saw a familiar name popping up on the screen.
Chen Yuanchuan: Go back and get some rest early.
The next second, another supplement was sent.
Chen Yuanchuan: Boyfriend.
The light from the screen hit Xi Qing's face, and his slender fingers quickly tapped the phone to send the message.
Xi Qing: Got it, you too, wife :)
Putting the phone into his trouser pocket, Xi Qing heard the phone ringing non-stop. He couldn't help but chuckle a few times, turned the steering wheel and drove away.
The next day at noon, Xi Qing stopped Chen Yuanchuan as he was heading to the cafeteria. Because other employees were present, he feigned seriousness and said, "Chen Yuanchuan, come up to my office." He then raised his hand and waved, signaling him to follow.
Chen Yuanchuan had a strange look on his face. Glancing at his colleague whose jaw was about to drop in surprise, he held his forehead helplessly, wondering in his heart what Xi Qing was up to.
Pushing open the office door, Chen Yuanchuan took in the simple and elegant interior. Was this where Xi Qing usually worked?
Xi Qing took a few quick steps and invited Chen Yuanchuan to sit on the comfortable office chair. Chen Yuanchuan was startled and quickly waved his hand, "It's not appropriate for me to sit there."
Xi Qing chuckled, his tone gentle and magnetic: "What's the big deal? The moment you agreed to my confession, you were already one of the bosses of Chunzhi."
Chen Yuanchuan had no intention of being a gigolo. He rubbed his nose in embarrassment and said, "Forget it. I'll take the chair across from you." After sitting down, he asked in confusion, "Why did you ask me to come up here?"
"I'll prepare special meals for you." Xi Qing smiled slightly and pressed the call button beside his desk. "Assistant Wang, you can bring in the food."
Chen Yuanchuan couldn't help but feel a little awkward at the thought of being seen having lunch with Xi Qing. Xi Qing glanced up, noticing his uneasiness, and softly soothed him, "Assistant Wang is my trusted confidant, and he's very tight-lipped."
Soon, there were two gentle knocks on the door, and Xi Qing called out, "Come in."
After he finished speaking, Assistant Wang opened the door and quickly scanned the office. When he saw Chen Yuanchuan, he was obviously stunned. He didn't expect that there was another person here. He and the nervous Chen Yuanchuan looked at each other, and the atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward.
Xi Qing coughed lightly, breaking the silence and glancing at Assistant Wang with a warning. "Assistant Wang, just put it down and you can leave."
Assistant Wang finally woke up from his dream, walked forward with lowered head, placed the lunch box ordered from the private restaurant on the desk, and then closed the door quietly.
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