62 THE VOW OF LOYALTY (1/2)
When Xuan Chaya got home, the first thing he did was call up Xiao Maiguo. \”Hey, did you get to Beijing yet?\” He asked.
\”Yes. A while ago.\” Xiao Maiguo replied.
\”Pervert. You and Yun Peng already did it, right?\”
\”Idiot. He's not even home.\”
\”Where did he go?\”
\”I didn't tell him I was coming. He's told me he'll go out with friends after he closes from the office.\”
\”I thought you guys were closed till after the holidays.\”
\”Officially, we are. But people who have work to do still go there.\”
\”So, you're just home alone?\”
\”I prepared a candlelight dinner. Which I now realize is stupid since Yun Peng might eat out before coming. Surprising someone is such an hassle.\”
\”You're such a girl.\” Xuan Chaya mocked Xiao Maiguo.
\”Shut up.\”
Xuan Chaya chuckled.
\”So, how did your meeting with him go?\”
\”Quite well. Great actually. I even asked him to move in with me.\”
Xiao Maiguo paused. \”Wasn't that too fast? Did he agree?\”
\”He did.\”
\”Lucky you. So, how did you find his personality?\”
\”Fascinating. Although, he's kinda clueless. But I didn't mind it at all.\”
\”You didn't mind it or you had no choice? I've never known you to be able to tolerate cluelessness.\”
\”I know. But I really didn't mind it. Perhaps, my subconscious just knew that I had no choice.\”
\”Wait. What kind of cluelessness are you talking about?\”
\”Well, he has zero emotional intelligence. He flirted with me throughout the date and wasn't even aware of what he was doing.\”
\”How did he flirt?\”
\”Well, first, he said he couldn't let me pick him up from work because he didn't want me to catch him smelling like popcorn. That means he wanted to smell good for me, doesn't it? Then he talked about his mother so nicely. You know I do that to hit on girls. He also complimented my eyes. Come on, only girls do that to get me to bed them.\”
Xiao Maiguo chuckled. \”Between you two, I'm not really sure about who's clueless here.\”
\”What do you mean?\”
\”Come on, dude. He's a gay guy looking for a relationship. He was so upfront with you and you believe he didn't know what he was doing? Perhaps, he's found out about your family background and wants to seduce you.\”
\”No, Xiao Maiguo. You know I'm really good at reading people. This guy really is the most clueless person I've met.\”
\”If you say so,\” Xiao Maiguo said after a pause. \”One important question though.\”
\”What?\”
\”Weren't you put off by his flirting?\”
\”No. As a matter of fact, I felt kind of flattered.\”
\”Are you falling for him?\”
\”Are you crazy?\”
\”No. But it'll be comical if you fall for him. Poetic even. Pay someone to become your fake boyfriend. Then he becomes your boyfriend.\”
\”That's... Not going to happen.\” Xuan Chaya muttered.
\”You don't sound very sure.\”
\”Get off my back, Xiao Maiguo. Look, I've been with a lot of girls in my life before. My sexuality isn't something I've ever doubted.\”
\”But?\”
\”But... I did feel good when I thought he was flirting with me. And a tiny bit jealous the third time he talked about his friend. But I think it's just because of the circumstances surrounding our relationship.\”
\”Dude.\”
\”En?\”
\”You're so going to fall for this man.\”
Xuan Chaya rubbed his forehead in agony. Yes, it was strange that he felt weird around Cheng Jian, but he didn't think it was something to worry about. To get Xiao Maiguo off his back, he asked, \”It wouldn't be the worst thing ever, would it?\”
\”You're even open to it.\”
\”Bang your head against a wall, Xiao Maiguo.\”
\”Just make sure you let him wear your clothes.\”
\”Idiot.\”
\”Idiot. How's Aunt Charlotte?\”
\”She's great, as always. Still disturbs me about telling her about my boyfriend occasionally. But I pay her no mind.\”
\”She's so great. And you're such an ingrate. Do you know how many gay people in China itself would kill to have mothers as supportive as yours?\”
\”I really don't care to know. I just want this to be over and done with soon.\”
\”And your dad? Have you guys spoken?\”
\”Not a word since the reunion dinner. He hasn't called, so I haven't called either.\”
\”So, it's just a matter of who calls first?\”
\”Mostly.\”
Xiao Maiguo sighed. \”And I'm the unfilial son.\”
Xuan Chaya chuckled. \”Don't use my words against me.\”