Chapter 2.2 (1/2)
Deep in the Act
Translator: Kotoni
Editor: Isalee
First Published on Chaleuria
Chapter 2.2
In the center of his office stood two black chairs placed at an angle from each other. Fang Chi began to make his way around his work table, but as he took his third step he caught sight of Gao Zhun's expression - he was staring at the closing door in absolute terror.
”Mr. Gao,” Fang Chi called out experimentally.
Visibly spooked, Gao Zhun took a step backward in fright. This single panicked step was all Fang Chi needed to be sure that the other man was indeed unwell.
”Please take a seat, Mr. Gao.” Fang Chi sat down first with his pen and notebook. Suddenly interested, he watched Gao Zhun's every move with a pitying eye, staring as the man sat down gingerly and rested his vintage leather briefcase carefully against the leg of the chair. ”Is this your first time seeking professional help?”
The door clicked shut; Gao Zhun swallowed and remained silent. The scent he wore wafted pleasantly through the air. Observing him up close, Fang Chi noted his exquisite taste, excellent breeding, and appearance of perfection. ”Mr. Gao, let's take it easy since it's your first visit. We'll keep the conversation casual so there's no need for you to be stressed about this.”
”Understood,” Gao Zhun replied gently. His gaze fell lightly on Fang Chi for a brief instant before flickering away again.
”What is your line of work, Mr. Gao?”
”Art finance.”
”More specifically, what is it that you do?”
”I manage the pricing of artworks and creative design products. I have absolute control over prices in the regions within ten longitudinal and lat.i.tudinal degrees from China.”
”You majored in the fine arts?”
”Arts management, actually. I dabbled in printmaking.”
Gao Zhun seemed to relax a little as he talked about his work and education; they were, after all, areas of personal success for him. But Fang Chi noticed how he remained fixated with the door. He watched with an astute eye as Gao Zhun furtively stole surrept.i.tious glances at the door out of his peripheral vision. Claustrophobia? Fang Chi jotted down a note.
”Are you dating Linlin?”
Gao Zhun paused in surprise. ”She is my fiancée,” he replied, his expression entirely normal.
The term - fiancée - annoyed Fang Chi. He nodded in response. Evidently, Gao Zhun was unaware of his relations.h.i.+p with Zuo Linlin; she did not tell him at all. ”Were you resistant to the idea when she suggested that you pay me a visit?” He forced himself to smile against his will, a.s.suming an air of toughened carelessness as he added, ”Generally speaking, most people dislike the idea of seeing a therapist.”
Unaffected by Fang Chi's mood, Gao Zhun rubbed the tip of his nose with his right index finger. ”She cares a lot about me. She said that you were a friend of hers, so I thought that it would be good to make your acquaintance.”
His gesture was a common sign of hesitation. Like a high-schooler observing his crush, Fang Chi scrutinized the other man and knew for sure that he had lied. ”She mentioned that you have trouble sleeping.”
Unexpectedly, Gao Zhun's tone sharpened. He replied, almost tauntingly, ”Don't tell me that you've never had trouble falling asleep, Doctor.”
Defensiveness. Fang Chi broke into a smile, ”Of course I have. On such occasions, I usually play some music or watch some TV. How about you?”
Gao Zhun's face stiffened. His thin lips moved a little. The red, narrow tip of his tongue darted out to lick at the corner of his mouth. ”I… drink a little wine. In my profession, you need plenty of sleep and can't stay up too late.”
”I see…” Fang Chi dragged out his voice on purpose. ”Have you tried any sleeping medications?”