Chapter 26.1 (1/2)
Deep in the Act
Translator: Kotoni
Editor: Isalee
First Published on Chaleuria
Chapter 26.1
Blood dripped from Fang Chi's nose and fell onto his suit jacket. He sat back and tilted his head backward. Gao Zhun sat barely ten centimeters away from him, trembling all over. Grabbing Gao Zhun by the hand, Fang Chi asked the cab driver, ”Is it okay to roll down the window a little, Master?”1
The driver, a balding middle-aged man, stared at Fang Chi through the rearview mirror. He watched the injured man with wary eyes, worried that he would stain the seat covers with his blood. ”You kidding? What about my air-conditioning?”
Gao Zhun had twisted his body toward Fang Chi, not daring to move any closer despite his evident longing to lean over. Without any hesitation, Fang Chi lowered the window with a resolute press of the b.u.t.ton. ”I'll double the fare.”
Though peeved, the driver did nothing to stop Fang Chi; he merely snarked under his breath, ”Oho, crazies everywhere. b.l.o.o.d.y gone in the head.”
It was Gao Zhun who called for the cab. Wanting to get home to tend to Fang Chi's wounds as soon as possible, he had completely forgotten about his fear of cars. But now, sitting in the narrow, enclosed s.p.a.ce, oppressed by the tightly-shut windows all around, he was a.s.sailed once more by his memories. He could not help remembering that night. He could not stop recalling the weight of the man above him, or the pain inside him…
All of a sudden, a pair of strong arms encircled him. Shuddering, he snapped up his head in panic - but all tension faded away when he saw who it was: Fang Chi. His mind was calm again. ”Don't… we'll be seen…”
Gao Zhun's voice was so soft that it was only audible between the two of them. Knowing that he was talking about the driver, Fang Chi held him by the waist and pulled him to his chest. ”Why care about him? He has nothing to do with us.” Turning his body to the side, he enveloped Gao Zhun completely with his embrace and began caressing Gao Zhun's back with long, slow strokes. ”Feeling better now?”
Nearly choking in the tight confines of Fang Chi's arms, Gao Zhun began to relax. The sheer force of the embrace soothed him. The mere thought of Fang Chi holding him was enough to make him quiet again, as content as a newborn babe. ”Don't let go,” he murmured. ”Even if you crush me in your arms, don't ever let go.”
”I won't.” Fang Chi rubbed his chin lightly against Gao Zhun's temple. ”You know I will never let you go.”
The streets were still bustling with life at this hour of the night. Neon signs adorned the sides of the road with their multi-colored splendor. They shone through the windows of the cab and bathed the two men in the brilliance of their myriad lights, ever s.h.i.+fting and changing as the cab moved forward slowly through the traffic. As if he were looking at a peep show, the driver peeked into his rearview mirror. He watched as the two men - well-dressed in fine suits and shoes - entwined themselves in each other's arms. He saw them breathe into each other's skin and whisper into each other's ears. Scoffing at them in derision, he spat inwardly at the sight and called them f**s.
At last, the cab pulled up to the entrance of Gao Zhun's estate. It was let into the grounds by the security guard after a brief greeting from Fang Chi. All the guards recognized him now. Whenever he sent Gao Zhun home at night, they would even greet him with warmth: ”Welcome back, Dr. Fang!”
After the fare was paid, Gao Zhun helped Fang Chi out of the car and supported him all way back to the apartment. Although his injuries were not serious at all, Fang Chi relished the attention, like a hero basking in the adoration of a damsel he had rescued from distress. Together, they stepped out of the elevator on Gao Zhun's floor. As soon as he managed to open the door, he deposited Fang Chi with utmost care on the couch and rushed to find his first-aid kit without even changing his shoes.
In reality, Gao Zhun's kit was only stocked with some alcohol wipes and plasters. Under his huge Arcimboldo paintings, Gao Zhun propped a leg on the black leather couch and reached forward to cup Fang Chi's face with one hand. Holding some alcohol wipes with the tweezers in his other hand, he leaned in and dabbed at Fang Chi's wounds, his breath warming the air between them.