Chapter 44 Part1 (1/2)

Deep in the Act

Translator: Kotoni

Editor: Isalee

Quality Check: Isalee

First Published on Chaleuria

Chapter 44.1

Although it was only evening, many had already gathered on the street. They milled about with lingering gait, sizing up and checking out one another. Gao Zhun stood at the entrance of an understated bar with his phone pressed to his ear. This was the third call he had made within the last five minutes, and there was still no response on the other end.

Today, he donned a cashmere overcoat, accessorized by a single metal brooch fas.h.i.+oned in the shape of Orion. His fingers and ears were unadorned. Under the coat, he wore a tan blazer paired with washed jeans and high cut boots. He looked das.h.i.+ng in the outfit, but the expression on his face was so miserable and wretched that he seemed almost pitiful.

It had been almost a month. Every last trace of Fang Chi's existence had vanished from his life. The clinic was deserted; its gates, locked. Apart from a phone log filled with endless rows of outgoing calls, he had nothing left. It was so surreal. Everything had become a blur, reduced to little more than pa.s.sing fancies in a long, bewildering daydream.

The line went dead after ringing into emptiness for far too long. Teeth bit down on lips uncontrollably; eyelids trembled with aggrieved indignance. Gao Zhun put away his phone and glanced at the gla.s.s doors right before him. Just as he was about to walk over, someone approached him. ”Hey,” came the greeting from a fresh-faced, well-dressed youth. He had neat teeth and a very nice smile. ”Are you here alone, mister?” It took only a single glance for Gao Zhun to recognize the boy for what he was. Members of that trade always wore the same cheap prettiness and formulaic smiles, and the boy before him was no different. Brus.h.i.+ng off the youth with a wave of his hand, Gao Zhun mustered his courage and entered the bar.

The door opened. The pleasing scent of jasmine wafted through the air, and its sweetness settled Gao Zhun's nerves somewhat. All at once, the occupants turned their heads towards the doorway - towards him - and the air froze for a brief moment as all eyes became transfixed by the sight of this newcomer. No one looked away. For reasons he did not understand, Gao Zhun braved the pressure and made his way to a seat at the counter. There were no mixologists around this early in the evening. Only two bartenders stood in sight, cleaning gla.s.ses behind the counter. Gao Zhun lowered his head. ”Chivas on the rocks, please.”

The atmosphere changed, as if Gao Zhun had flipped an invisible switch with his order. Men began moving around their tables, stepping out of their booths, and Gao Zhun could sense that they were all coming for him. Panic, curiosity, and the fear of unfamiliar men a.s.sailed him at once, and he almost drowned in the chaos of feelings. The door opened again from the outside. Gao Zhun was too nervous to take notice until a pair of John Lobbs stopped before him. It stepped into his line of vision, and all other footsteps stilled into silence. Only then did Gao Zhun look up once more.

”Good evening. Are you here by yourself?” Gao Zhun was greeted by a gentle voice and a kind smile. A middle-aged man stood before him, mellow and sophisticated. His face was framed by a pair of luxury spectacles and scattered strands of silver on his temples, while his wide necktie bunched a little at his chest. He seemed to fit the descriptions of what one would call a yuppie gentleman. Feeling discomfited, Gao Zhun ignored the man. The man, in turn, sat down right next to him instead. When the bartender asked for his order, he replied with a gesture towards Gao Zhun's gla.s.s, ”I'll have the same.”

What followed was a prolonged moment of awkward silence. Seeming undaunted by the painful lull, the man savored his drink in a calm, leisurely manner. Gao Zhun appeared less collected. Perhaps feeling the effects of the alcohol, or the unease of seeking a hookup for the first time, Gao Zhun kept turning his gla.s.s between his hands as his face reddened.

”Is this your first time here?” the man asked. Gao Zhun put down his gla.s.s, still refusing to utter a word. He was afraid, but his manner seemed closer to arrogance than fear. Music drifted into the air; ”Kouga” by S.E.N.S.1 began playing behind the counter. The elegant melody, a flute and drum ensemble, transformed the atmosphere with its suggestive touch. The mood softened, and the burn of hard liquor eased into a gentle effervescence in the chest. Gao Zhun stole a glance at the man out of the corners of his eyes. The man was in his forties, Gao Zhun supposed. He had rather decent looks, and a certain mature charm.