17 Day 16: The Scum Is Dreaming (2/2)

Fu Sheng's hand on the mouse stopped. ”Reality doesn't accept it.” he said. He's a hypocrite, alright. He resumed scrolling on the page.

”Which is ironic.” The man said and leaned his elbow on the table, then placed his cheek on his hand as he looks at the back of the laptop. ”It's the fantasy that the people wants to be the reality.” He said and sipped his drink.

Fu Sheng stopped and turned to the man. ”That's why it's called 'fantasy' since it's not real.” he said. ”Fantasy only exists since the people isn't satisfied with the life given to them.” He explained.

”Which is the representation of their desires.” The man said and smiled. Fu Sheng stared at him. ”Don't you think the desire of the people should be granted?” he asked.

Fu Sheng's face remained blank. ”Your point?” he finally asked.

The man smiled. ”If one has the ability to grant that desire... don't you think he's too cold – hearted for not granting their desire?” he asked and finally looked at Fu Sheng's face.

Fu Sheng suddenly felt conscious. He's used to being stared at, but all those are just with admiration. Nothing else. This stare of this man...

Fu Sheng can't explain, and it's making him uncomfortable.

He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. ”If the one who bears that desire deserves it... why not?” he asked.

The man smiled wider. ”30 minutes is up.” He said and stood up.

Fu Sheng blinked, surprised. It was really already 30 minutes. He didn't notice.

”I'm afraid I have to leave... see you.” He told him and smiled.

Fu Sheng looked at him, puzzled. He didn't nod or answered. He just watched him walked to the door, then left.

He sighed, relieved. He looked at the seat where the man sat earlier. His forehead knotted when he saw a paper. He stood up and picked it up.

At this time, a man in his forties is walking towards him. ”Mr. Fu Sheng?” he called to the young man wearing simple clothes, standing beside the table.

But, the simple clothes didn't stop the young man from being too charming. Instead, it highlighted his beauty more.

The young man being admired slowly turned to the man. ”Sir.” The young man called, holding a piece of paper. His blank face broke into a smile. ”I'd like to join your company.” He told him, then raised the piece of paper he's holding, which is so familiar to the man that just arrived.

Why shouldn't it be not familiar? It's the same paper the man is holding right now, only the name and position is different.

The paper the young man is holding has the man's boss's name and position in it, printed in gold and silver.

Duo Yin

President/CEO

The young man flipped the paper and looked at the back. I'm looking forward to your next story, realist writer.

Life really is full of ironies, but that makes life not boring. And Fu Sheng has been waiting for this in his life.

The manager's face lit up and immediately took out the contract papers. Fu Sheng signed and shook hands with the manager.

”Thank you very much, Mr. Fu Sheng.” The manager said, happy, and immediately left, excited to tell this to everybody.

Fu Sheng smiled, then looked at the paper. There's more that's written on its back and it made his face go red and his heart beat fast.

Would you like to discuss dreams together with me?

There's a phone number written beside it. Fu Sheng isn't dumb. He knows that the man is interested in him. He's also open minded to same sex relationships. It's just that, he's too new to this – romance.

He dialed the number and called it. He held his breath when the other line picked up.

”Ah Sheng?” it's the man earlier. His heart beat fast. Even his voice on the phone is husky, like seducing him. He didn't bother why this man calls him familiarly.

Fu Sheng didn't ask where this man got his number. ”H – hello...” he greeted, his voice cracked. He immediately coughed and looked away, as if the man on the other line is just sitting in front of him. ”I already signed your contract papers.” He told him.

The man laughed. ”Yeah. I clearly heard.” He said and chuckled.

Fu Sheng's forehead knotted by the sentence, but he didn't ask. ”So?” he asked, his cheeks burning.

”What 'so'?” the man asked, his voice teasing.

Fu Sheng frowned, but his face is red. ”About...” he said. ”About you wrote...” He told him.

”What did I write?” the man asked.

Fu Sheng could swear he can imagine that man smiling widely. He frowned. ”About d – dreams...” he answered, his face redder. A vein snapped in his forehead. ”Just tell me if you're just kidding about it. I'll take back the contract papers and tear them.” He said, mad. This man is playing around with him.

”I'm not kidding.” The man said, the teasing voice is gone. Fu Sheng froze. ”In fact, I'm dead serious about you.” He said.

”... me as your architect?” he asked, then sat back on his chair. After he just calmed down did he realize this fact.

That man... maybe he's just interested in him since he's the sought – after architect, not as an ordinary person.

”Or as the author?” Also, this man found out he's TCT – his favorite author. So maybe he's also interested with him as the author he likes.

With these thoughts, his heart sank and he lowered his head.

”... Ah Sheng.” The man called. ”I've never met you as an architect or as an author.” He said.

Fu Sheng froze, his heart that sank almost flew out of his rib cage when he heard the man's words. ”Really?” he asked, his heart that almost died earlier now beating as fast as a raging horse.

”Really.” The man answered. ”So don't lower your head and let me see your cute face.” He told him. ”No teary eyes, either.” He added, then chuckled.

Fu Sheng's forehead knotted. How did that man know he's about to cry? Unless...

He raised his head. Just as he expected, that man who looks awkward inside this food chain is standing in front of him, as if him on the other line didn't happen and he's just here in front of him all along.

”You didn't leave?” Fu Sheng asked.

Duo Yin smiled. ”I did. I was just outside.” He said and glanced at the parking area.

Fu Sheng's face went red, embarrassed.

”So?” he asked and looked at his red face. ”Want to discuss dreams with me?” he asked.

Fu Sheng looked at him.

He smiled. ”Forever?” he asked as he stared at Fu Sheng.

Fu Sheng's heart leapt and his face went redder. ”I – ” he said, then lowered his embarrassed face. How can I fall so fast? He thought, his face so red. Just with an exchange of sentences and I... he bit his lip.

”I thought I already told you not to lower your head?” Duo Yin said.

Fu Sheng felt his chin lift up. He looked up. He held his breath when he saw Duo Yin's face so close to his. He's leaning over the table.

”You know...” he whispered, his breath fanning on Fu Sheng's face making Fu Sheng blush. ”... I'm also thinking how can I fall fast for someone I just met...” he said.

Fu Sheng's eyes went wide and he looked in Duo Yin's deep dark eyes.

”Wanna know what my answer is?” he asked and leaned towards Fu Sheng's ear.

”What?” Fu Sheng whispered, holding his breath.

”I already met you a lifetime before this.” he answered, then turned to Fu Sheng and leaned down. He closed his eyes and he kissed him.

Fu Sheng's eyes went wide, shocked. He closed his eyes as Dou Yin hugged him. A familiar warmth enveloped his body.

He's right. Fu Sheng thought. I felt the same way, too. Having met him a lifetime ago...

He slowly opened his eyes and saw a dark ceiling. He blinked when a chilly drop of water fell on his grimy face. He took his time to sat up on the old and creaking bed, then looked around the empty room.

”Sheng!” a voice of a woman yelled outside the room, followed by a banging on the door. ”Open up, you bastard! Haven't I already told you not to tell on my husband?! Also - !” the woman said, mad. ” – how dare you hurt Ah Chao!” she said and continued banging the door.

He has no time to digest what happened since the door fell down and a woman wearing a green dress went inside the room, glaring at him.

”You damn pest!” she yelled and grabbed him by the collar, choking him. ”Chu Sheng! I'll kill you!” she said and raised her hand.

He was inside another dream again.

The author (and Sheng) has something to say:

Sheng: ... are you basing this story from one of your works? *referring to Yume Sekai (Dream World)

Gray Dragon: ... somewhat. *stealth promoting XD