Tang Jing stared at Sun He and could not believe his ears. He had known Sun He for as long as he could remember. Sun He was his first friend, his first confidant, his partner in crime. While Sun He was more introverted than he was, their friendship had always been strong. It had survived Tang Jing's rebellious high school phase, Tang Jing's move overseas and Sun He's relationship with Fang Cai. Tang Jing probably knew Sun He better than Sun He knew himself. Therefore, he was really surprised to hear about Sun He's blind date with Gu Liwei, and even more surprised that Sun He was willing to open up to a stranger. This was really out of character for Sun He. Tang Jing thought he would probably have to force Sun He to go out to meet people before Sun He was willing to go on a date by himself. Tang Jing had it all planned out. He would give Sun He two more years, until all his feelings for Fang Cai disappeared, and then trick him into going to a gay club with him.
Tang Jing was not too sure how he felt that a complete stranger disrupted his plan. He was happy for Sun He but at the same time, he felt unfortunate. He would not be able to see Sun He's reaction to going to a gay club for the first time. Tang Jing sighed and wondered if he could trick him to go to one now before Sun He was back in a relationship. Tang Jing sighed and lied down on the sofa besides Sun He, pouting.
"I was going to take you to a gay club." He confessed. "You have destroyed my hopes and dreams."
Sun He chuckled and rubbed Tang Jing's silver hair. "I don't think Cao-ge would agree to you going anyway."
Tang Jing and Cao Zhiqiang had met while Tang Jing was studying abroad. They had been together for close to 8 years. While Tang Jing was more extroverted and outgoing, Cao Zhiqiang was the complete opposite. Cao Zhiqiang was raised in a big family and was the oldest of five. Having lost his dad when he was little, he was the one who took care of his siblings while his mother was at work. Therefore, he always felt like a parent to Tang Jing and Sun He. Sun He never thought that Tang Jing would ever be with a person like Cao Zhiqiang: strict, protective and direct. However, they, somehow, made it work. Tang Jing thought about his boyfriend at home. That controlling person would definitely never agree to him going. Tang Jing felt even more unfortunate. He looked up at Sun He and looked at him mischievously.
"How about we secretly go? If we get caught, we can tell Zhiqiang it was your idea." He still dared not give up. Tang Jing had a feeling this would be his last chance to go with Sun He. Tang Jing's gut feelings were always right. He had a feeling that Fang Cai was a scum, and he, unfortunately, was right. This was his last chance, he thought.
Sun He stared at Tang Jing and thought about it. It really would not hurt to go and he actually had a slight interest in going. But thinking of Cao Zhiqiang… He would probably kill Sun He if he dared take Tang Jing anywhere near any club without him knowing. Sun He glanced at his phone wondering if he valued his life more or his friendship with Tang Jing more.
Seeing Sun He staring at his phone, Tang Jing had a bad feeling. He sprouted from the sofa to try to grab the phone before Sun He, but failed. Sun He had grabbed the phone the moment he saw Tang Jing move and sprinted to his bedroom locking the door. Tang Jing was banging on the door, begging Sun He to not call Cao Zhiqiang and Sun He ignored him. He wanted to live to see himself get married. For some reason the image of Gu Liwei appeared in his mind, Sun He blushed and shook his head trying to get rid of those messy thoughts. His conversation with Cao Zhiqiang was brief and direct. The answer being no, unless he came with them.
Sun He opened the door cautiously and Tang Jing was sprawled down on the floor looking at the ceiling with hatred. It was over, he thought. His colorful and fun night was gone, he wailed.
Sun He crouched by his side and wondered why he was friends with such a dramatic person. "We can go if we take him with us."
Tang Jing turned his head to look at Sun He and whimpered. How was he supposed to have fun with that block of wood following them? Cao Zhiqiang would restrict their drink intake, restrict their movements, they would only be able to sit down and watch the scenery. Tang Jing sighed and decided to accept his fate. At least they get to go out.
"Are you going to tell Gu Liwei?" he asked.
Sun He looked down at him and blushed. "Why would I report to him? We're not together."
Tang Jing smirked at Sun He's words and shook his head thinking how innocent his friend was. "Haven't you guys been talking a lot lately? You'll be together before you know it." Tang Jing's idea of Gu Liwei was that he was a fox. A fox who was patiently waiting for his prey to fall in his carefully elaborated trap. Sun He had not even realized that he was slowly inching towards the trap all by himself. How naïve!
Sun He blushed thinking about Gu Liwei. They have been talking a lot lately. It first started with text messages while both he and Gu Liwei were at work, between breaks and after work. Then, it evolved into morning calls while Sun He was preparing for work. Before Sun He knew it, they were video calling every night. Sun He thought back about their first video call.
Sun He had just gotten home from work and had received a call from Gu Liwei the moment he had opened the door. Gu Liwei had told him that their second date would have to be pushed back because he would not be back in Country for another month or so. Sun He had felt disappointed, because he actually wanted to see Gu Liwei, but he did not have the guts to admit it. He had hidden his disappointment and told Gu Liwei it was okay. After all, work is work and Sun He never expected Gu Liwei to dismiss his work for him. Gu Liwei had lamented how sorry he was that he could not see Sun He. Sun He had chuckled at his theatrics. Gu Liwei had been quiet for a while and when Sun He had wondered if they got disconnected, Gu Liwei's enticing voice had weakened his legs.
"How about you video call me while you eat? We could have a virtual date and I can make it up to you when I come back?"
Sun He had agreed and after he had taken his shower, he had tremblingly video called Gu Liwei. Seeing that tantalizing face again for a second time, Sun He had felt happy, happy and nervous. Nervous that his appearance would deter Gu Liwei. Even though he rationally knew that it was impossible since he had combed his hair various time, he still felt that his hair was sticking up. Sun He had blushingly restrained himself from touching his hair again, and had distracted himself by examining Gu Liwei. Gu Liwei was in what Sun He guessed was his hotel room. He was wearing a light yellow long sleeve shirt and his long hair was loosely tied in a bun behind his head.
"You look great." Sun He had blurted out his thoughts before he knew it. Gu Liwei had chuckled and repaid him the compliment. Sun He had found himself in the kitchen before he knew it. Gu Liwei had accompanied him while he made his meal and had ordered the same meal he was preparing from a nearby restaurant; Gu Liwei's reasoning being it would feel more like a real date if they ate the same thing. Gu Liwei's soothing voice had calmed down his nerves and Sun He had enjoyed cooking while interacting with him. They had eaten together that night and Sun He had felt warm and had enjoyed that soothing atmosphere. Since that night, they had video called almost every night. When Sun He worked overtime, and could not eat together with Gu Liwei, Gu Liwei had surprised him by having takeaway delivered to his work place. When he came home exhausted from work and did not want to cook, not even ten minutes later, a warm meal would be delivered to his door. Just like that, two months went by.
Sun He smiled thinking of the last two months and ignored Tang Jing's mocking stares. He wondered if he should tell Gu Liwei. Sun He had never dated before, so he was not sure if Gu Liwei and him were considered in a relationship. With Fang Cai, they started referring each other as boyfriends the moment Sun He agreed to his confession. He, himself, had told Gu Liwei that he wanted to get to know him first before considering a relationship. So now, they were "dating". Sun He was confused if that meant they were exclusive or just feeling each other out. Sun He scratched his head in frustration.
"Should I tell him?" he asked Tang Jing who, for some reason, was still lying on the floor.
"What do you think?" Tang Jing responded. "You guys are dating on the premise of a possible long-term relationship, right?"
"I… I guess." Sun He sighed.
That night Sun He waited right before Gu Liwei was about to hang up before blurting out that he would be accompanying Tang Jing to a gay club. Gu Liwei stared at Sun He who was looking at everywhere but his phone and chuckled.
"Where do you guys plan to go?" he asked.
"I am not sure. Tang Jing said it was a new club that opened up last month."
"Be safe and be sure to let me know when you get home, okay?"
Sun He nodded his head and finally dared to look at his phone. "I will. A-Jing's boyfriend is also going with us, so I am sure nothing bad will happen."
Sun He briefly told Gu Liwei about Cao Zhiqiang. Sun He admitted that Cao Zhiqiang was definitely a great man and he was good to Tang Jing. However, Cao Zhiqiang can be scary when he gets angry. Sun He recalled the first time that he and Tang Jing ever sneaked out to a bar without alerting Cao Zhiqiang. They had come back to Tang Jing and Cao Zhiqiang's apartment and they were hammered. Cao Zhiqiang had taken care of them and had made them hangover soup before throwing them both in bed. The next morning, Tang Jing and Sun He were forced to kneel in the living room to reflect on themselves. Sometimes Sun He wondered if Cao Zhiqiang was fifty instead of twenty-nine. He was only two years older than Tang Jing and Sun He but acted as if he was twenty years older instead. He did not drink or smoke. He liked cooking healthy meals and his idea of a good day is sitting in his chair reading a book while sipping on wolfberry tea.
Gu Liwei was amused by Sun He's description and he chuckled. "I think you will get along great with him, once you meet him." Sun He exclaimed. Gu Liwei was taken aback by Sun He's statement. Did that mean Sun He wanted to introduce him to his friends? Gu Liwei felt a tingling feeling in his stomach. Sun He was slowly warming up to him, he thought. Thinking back of how scared Sun He was when they first started talking as compared to today, Gu Liwei could not help laughing out loud.
Sun He stared at Gu Liwei. He had never seen Gu Liwei laugh so heartily. Gu Liwei's eyes squinted while he laughed and his lips were raised up, almost to his ear. Gu Liwei's laugh was infectious and Sun He could not help laughing as well. When they finally stopped laughing, Sun He could not help admiring Gu Liwei. Gu Liwei's slightly wet hair hung loosely on his shoulders. Sun He gulped at the sight of a water droplet sneaking his way down Gu Liwei's collarbone. He really wanted to see him. Wanted to touch him. Sun He blushed at his thoughts and hid his face with his pillow. Seeing Sun He hiding his face, Gu Liwei wondered what he thought about that elicited such a strong reaction. He smiled and rubbed his fingers, thinking of Sun He's blushing expression.
"When will you be back?" Sun He asked burrowing his head more in his pillow.
Gu Liwei raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I should be back by Saturday." Sun He looked up and beamed. That was only two days from now. Sun He could feel his heartbeat speeding up at the thought that he will be able to see Gu Liwei soon. Even after they hung up, Sun He could still feel his heart beating fast. I really want to see him, he thought before he fell asleep.