Chapter 16.2 (1/2)
Deep in the Act
Translator: Kotoni
Editor: Isalee
First Published on Chaleuria
Chapter 16.2
Gao Zhun's choice of words was rather misleading; his routine for 'freshening up a little' was far more elaborate than Fang Chi had been led to believe. Leaning against the doorway of Gao Zhun's bathroom, Fang Chi gaped in astonishment as he watched the other man apply all kinds of products to his face. The sight reminded him of how he used to wait for Zuo Linlin to get ready for their dates. ”Is that makeup?”
”Skincare products. Collagen, toner, and the likes…” A little embarra.s.sed, Gao Zhun explained in a lowered voice, ”I was probably influenced by others in my profession.”
Fang Chi found it fascinating. ”Does it make your skin real smooth?” he teased.
Gao Zhun became even more embarra.s.sed. As he hesitated over the bottle of essence in his hand, wondering whether he should open it or not, Zuo Linlin answered Fang Chi's question from the living room, ”Of course it's smooth. His skin is smoother than mine!”
Gao Zhun's face reddened in an instant. He put down the bottle and s.n.a.t.c.hed up a fragrance at random. After spritzing under his arms and behind his ears, he began fiddling with a small wooden box on the washstand. It was filled with neat rows of ear studs, bracelets, and rings. Fang Chi's eyes fell on Gao Zhun's hand. He watched as Gao Zhun fingered his accessories, transfixed by the sight of those tips running over the box's contents in a light caress. A strange sensation stirred within him; his heart softened, and a featherlight itch began to spread from its core. “You…”
”Mn?” Gao Zhun looked up at Fang Chi as he put on his ear studs, the slight twist in his body pulling his glistening eyes, his cheek, and his shoulder into a mesmerizing angle. Right before Fang Chi's eyes, the hard, metallic stud penetrated the soft, tender flesh of Gao Zhun's earlobe. ”Nothing…” Fang Chi replied. Then he swallowed. He did not understand what was happening to him - he did not understand why he had become so d.a.m.ned nervous all of a sudden.
Gao Zhun was finally ready. As he brushed past Fang Chi on his way out of the bathroom, he stopped in his tracks. Turning around, he suddenly leaned towards Fang Chi. When Fang Chi took a reflexive step backwards, he pressed in again. Then, as if he were leaning in for a kiss, he tiptoed and inhaled near Fang Chi's temple. Electric shockwaves coursed through Fang Chi's body. He stared at Gao Zhun in disbelief, and Gao Zhun stared back at him blankly with empty, hollow eyes.
”Are we still going out or not?” Zuo Linlin grumbled from the door with crossed arms. In his confusion, Fang Chi responded out of habit, ”Have you gone to the loo yet?”
”Oh, right!” She put down her bag and strode towards the bathroom. ”I almost forgot!”
She always used the bathroom before leaving the house; it was a habit of hers that Fang Chi knew all too well. He regretted it as soon as he uttered the reminder aloud and immediately turned to check for Gao Zhun's reaction. Gao Zhun, however, was fiddling with his cuffs with his head lowered. He seemed not to have noticed the exchange between them at all.
Today's outing was all about Zuo Linlin. Gao Zhun and Fang Chi followed her everywhere, keeping her company as she shopped to her heart's content. Treating Gao Zhun like a delicate female who needed constant care, Fang Chi took on the task of carrying all of Zuo Linlin's shopping. He did not allow the other man to carry any of the bags. Gao Zhun remained dispirited throughout the day; his mood never lifted. a.s.suming that he was still affected by the incident at work, Fang Chi did not pay it too much attention.
As the sun began to set, they went for a stroll by the river. Zuo Linlin was so close to Fang Chi that they looked like a pair of lovers. ”It's been such a long time since I last felt this happy!”
Fang Chi remained silent. Glancing at him sideways, she continued with a question, ”You feel sorry for him?” She was referring to Gao Zhun. At this, Fang Chi turned around to look at the other man; Gao Zhun was trailing a few steps behind them. She laughed and a.s.sured him, ”He can't hear us.”
Noticing the appreciative glances that pa.s.sers-by kept stealing at her, Zuo Linlin felt extremely good about herself. ”He's a selfish man. Do you really think that he loves me at all? He does not. To him, I'm just another addition to his collection, just like those chairs and paintings.” She brushed back her long tresses in a world-weary manner as she continued, ”The only reason he relies on you is because he needs you. He loves no one but himself.”
”So?” Fang Chi asked.