Chapter 10.1 (1/2)
Deep in the Act
Translator: Kotoni
Editor: Isalee
First Published on Chaleuria
Chapter 10.1
Fang Chi's new secretary was a lady in her forties who looked friendly and trustworthy. After showing Gao Zhun into the room, secretary Li nodded at Fang Chi and closed the door.
”Doctor,” Gao Zhun greeted him. Even though he avoided eye contact with Fang Chi, the hint of an irrepressible smile ghosted about the corners of his lips.
Naturally, Fang Chi took notice. ”You seem to be in a good mood today,” he commented, smiling warmly in response as if they were long-time buddies.
Gao Zhun's smile deepened. ”Coming back for consultation again… makes me very happy.” Like a bashful child, Gao Zhun blushed a little and struggled to keep the expression on his face under control. The more he wanted to smile, the harder he tried to rein in his feelings. Children like these always tugged easily at the heartstrings of anyone who met them.
Fang Chi also noticed that Gao Zhun no longer seemed to be affected by the closed door: he was neither sweating nor showing any signs of panic. ”Please take a seat,” he said as he walked over with his writing materials. ”Today, as I mentioned in our previous session, let's try out some exercises that involve physical contact.”
However, instead of sitting down, Gao Zhun took a deep breath and placed his trembling hands on the b.u.t.tons of his suit jacket. ”What you did… with the air-conditioning… I think you had a point.” Facing Fang Chi, he began to undo his jacket - b.u.t.ton by b.u.t.ton - and the fabric fell open to reveal the expanse of his chest and the line of his fitted waist. Fang Chi watched as Gao Zhun struggled through the movements with great determination, and swallowed unconsciously at the sudden tightness in his throat.
Despite knowing that Gao Zhun's abrupt and unnatural behavior was nothing more than an attempt to please him, Fang Chi did nothing to stop the other man. He continued watching as Gao Zhun slung his still-warm jacket with care over the back of the chair and raised his hand slowly but resolutely to his tie. Today, he wore a tasteful ascot tie designed in black and white. Gao Zhun slipped his fingers around the knot and gave it a gentle tug. The soft silken tie unraveled and fell tamely against his chest. ”I followed your instructions and practiced accordingly. Is this acceptable?”
Dear G.o.d! Fang Chi was at a complete loss for words. Never before in Fang Chi's life had any other man ever put up such a performance of removing his jacket and tie just for him. Neither had he ever felt so embarra.s.sed at the sight of another man getting undressed. ”Mr. Gao,” he began, but paused briefly to clear his throat. ”You did very well… May I know what goes on in your mind when you carry out these exercises at home?”
”I think of you,” Gao Zhun replied in a matter-of-fact tone as he clutched his tie. ”I picture you before me, just like the way you're sitting before me right now. And I imagine you encouraging me, giving me the strength to continue.”
Fang Chi shook his head. ”That's not right. You should not be doing things for my sake. You ought to be doing them for yourself instead. When you remove your tie, for example, you should be thinking about your freedom and not how happy I would be with your performance.”
Gao Zhun tensed, suddenly unsure of what to do with his hand and the tie in its grip. When Fang Chi saw that Gao Zhun seemed to be considering putting it on again, he reached out immediately and grabbed Gao Zhun's hand. ”It's okay,” he said in a gentle voice, ”take your time.”
They were so close that each could see himself clearly reflected in the eyes of the other, and Fang Chi was surprised by what he saw. In Gao Zhun's eyes, his reflection seemed so eager, honest, and sincere… He never knew that this was how he appeared to Gao Zhun all this time. He stepped forward again, and their faces were almost touching. ”Is this okay for you?”
Gao Zhun dropped his head. ”This… feels really weird,” he replied, easy laughter in his voice, as if he were simply responding to a friend's playful tickle. Fang Chi took this as a sign that Gao Zhun had lowered his guard completely against him.