AS CH 17

Chapter 17

“Xiao Yue?”

“Isn’t that Xiao Yue?”

Xiao Lan and Xiao Wei exchanged a knowing glance before both turned with surprised expressions to look at Lü Chenyue, whom they hadn’t seen in quite a while.

“It’s been a while, brothers,” Lü Chenyue greeted them politely.

“What have you been busy with lately? You’ve been MIA for so long,” Xiao Lan said, slinging an arm over Lü Chenyue’s shoulder.

“Don’t tell me that class monitor of yours made you stay behind and do extra homework again?” Xiao Wei teased.

“No, it’s just that recently—” Lü Chenyue was bombarded with questions and couldn’t think clearly for a moment, unsure how to respond.

The truth was, he had been spending almost all his time with Xu Wenhao. Today just happened to be a rare occasion where Xu Wenhao couldn’t come over because of a family gathering. Maybe he had grown too used to having Xu Wenhao around. Now that he was home alone, he actually felt a bit bored—so he came over to the office.

“I got it! You’ve been busy studying for exams, haven’t you?” Xiao Wei snapped his fingers and exclaimed.

“That’s right—” Lü Chenyue went along with Xiao Wei’s explanation. The exams had just ended, and he was taking the weekend opportunity to come see Gao Junting.

At that moment, Gao Junting walked out from the innermost office. As soon as he saw Lü Chenyue, he called him over. Xiao Lan and Xiao Wei patted him on the shoulder before heading out to a nearby convenience store to buy cigarettes.

“Brother Gao,” Lü Chenyue greeted as he entered the office.

“You haven’t been to the office lately, not even a single phone call. I thought something might’ve happened to you. I was worried. You’ve never been like this before,” Gao Junting scolded, frowning. “But I’m glad you’re alright.” Seeing Lü Chenyue standing there in one piece put his mind at ease.

“I’m sorry, Brother Gao,” Lü Chenyue apologized sincerely.

“Since you’re here today, I have something to discuss with you.” Gao Junting lit a cigarette, took a puff, and slowly exhaled before continuing, “Next Thursday, there’s an important client coming. It’s their first time, and they specifically requested you. Do you want to take it?” He wasn’t going to force Lü Chenyue—if he didn’t want to, Gao Junting could always decline on his behalf.

The question made Lü Chenyue hesitate for quite some time—so long, in fact, that Gao Junting took it upon himself to answer, “I got it. You don’t want to take it.” He picked up his phone. “Alright, I’ll decline them now.”

“I’ll take it,” Lü Chenyue suddenly said, looking at Gao Junting.

Gao Junting narrowed his eyes slightly. “Xiao Yue, what’s going on with you? You used to accept jobs right away without hesitation. Why are you wavering this time?”

“No, really, I can take it. Next Thursday, right?” Lü Chenyue quickly responded, trying not to let Gao Junting catch on that something was off.

But his thoughtful expression didn’t escape Gao Junting’s sharp eyes—he simply chose not to call him out on it.

“That’s all, go home and get some rest,” Gao Junting said after taking another drag from his cigarette.

“Yes, Brother Gao. I’ll head out now.”

As he closed the office door behind him, Lü Chenyue could hear the sound of heavy rain falling outside. He borrowed an umbrella from the bar and walked home in the downpour.

When he got back, Kelu rushed over with a thump, thump, thump to rub against him excitedly. Lü Chenyue picked the little cat up and headed into his room, collapsing onto the bed.

Earlier, when Gao Junting asked if he wanted to take on the client next Thursday, the image of Xu Wenhao had suddenly flashed through his mind. That’s why he had hesitated for so long.

In the past, no matter how reluctant he was, he would still accept any client Gao Junting arranged for him. But now, because of Xu Wenhao, he found himself no longer wanting to see anyone else at all.

Even though Xu Wenhao came over every day, supposedly to visit Kelu, Lü Chenyue eventually realized it had all been a lie—Xu Wenhao had simply used that as an excuse to keep him company.

Over time, those shared moments had caused Lü Chenyue’s guard to slowly come down. He would even find himself unintentionally leaning closer to Xu Wenhao.

He suddenly thought about how Xu Wenhao would sometimes kiss his left eye, and sometimes his forehead. Though these gestures seemed casual, they felt completely natural—tender actions one would only do to someone they cared about. Wasn’t that proof of affection? And yet Xu Wenhao kept doing those same things over and over, like it was nothing.

Lü Chenyue didn’t dare ask Xu Wenhao if he liked him. He was afraid that the more time he spent around him, the deeper he’d fall—until he could no longer pull himself out.

So instead, he just selfishly wished to keep that small bit of warmth for himself.

Unknowingly, Xu Wenhao had gently opened the long-frozen door to his heart.

He admitted it: he was moved. But he also knew—He had no right to like Xu Wenhao.

No right…

(To be continued…)