Chapter 30: In the car?

He was going to attend a university class reunion tonight. They hadn’t seen each other for many years, and since it was a rare opportunity to gather, he naturally had to go. Just as he was about to drive to the parking lot, he happened to run into He Shi.

“Isn’t this Professor Su?” He Shi was about to open his car door when he glimpsed a familiar figure. Seeing that it was Su Lixu, he teased, “What a coincidence, are you off work too?”

Su Lixu, hearing He Shi’s playful remark, couldn’t help but say, “We just ran into each other at the teaching building a while ago.”

“Want to ride in my car?” He Shi patted the car door and asked with a smile.

“No, I’ll drive myself. Your home is a bit far from mine. It’s better if you don’t have to drive me back. The hotel is on your way home.” Su Lixu replied, unlocking his car and bending down to get in.

“By the way, that clingy guy didn’t stick to you today? I didn’t see him around.” He Shi remarked as Su Lixu rolled down the car window.

Su Lixu, holding the steering wheel, turned his face with a slightly amused smile, “Are you making fun of me now?”

“I dare not make fun of you. I’m just curious. Will your good temper tolerate someone with such a bad temper?” He Shi’s gaze fell on Su Lixu’s face. “He came to apologize to me.”

Su Lixu was momentarily surprised, his expression changing, “When?”

“He came to my office the next day.” He Shi tapped the steering wheel lightly with his fingertip. “He apologized for a few things: one for his improper attitude towards his studies, another for his disrespectful attitude towards me as his professor, and the last one for being rude and provocative towards you that day in front of me.”

Su Lixu was just about to praise the guy’s attitude when he heard He Shi continue, “But after apologizing, he told me not to have any improper thoughts about you, not to get close to you, a married man. He asked me to keep my distance.” He Shi raised an eyebrow and smiled. “His attitude in admitting his mistakes is acceptable, but he still deserves a beating. Can you tolerate such a guy?”

Su Lixu: “…” Suddenly expressionless, he realized he shouldn’t have had any expectations for that guy.

Especially when it comes to apologizing.

Ifyou’re wrong, you’re wrong. Continuing to make mistakes after admitting them.

“So, the married man part is true?”

Su Lixu’s grip on the steering wheel tightened gradually. Glancing at He Shi, he noticed his old classmate’s smile was a bit too ambiguous. Silently, he averted his gaze and said, “Impossible, he’s just talking nonsense. Don’t listen to him.”

Is this guy crazy? Didn’t I tell him not to speak recklessly?

“Did you tell him that you’re going to a class reunion tonight?” He Shi asked.

“No,” Su Lixu glanced at his phone on the passenger seat, silent. The phone remained quiet, and he redirected his attention, saying, “Why should I tell him? We’re not anything. Let’s go; don’t keep them waiting.”

With that, he rolled up the car window and drove away.

The whole day passed without a trace or a single message.

In a private art studio, Fu Xingran was busy at the canvas.

His oversized black T-shirt was stained with paint on his body, hands, and cheeks. Yet, it didn’t distract him from his intense focus on the painting in front of him.

Even the door to the studio opening went unnoticed.The visitor waited until the moment Fu Xingran stopped his brush before speaking.

“Xingran.”

Fu Xingran paused, his hand holding the palette still. Hearing an old, steady voice behind him, he turned slowly to see his mentor in architectural design. “Teacher, why are you here?”

“I’ve been here for a while. You were too absorbed to notice,” Zhao Lao stood beside him, hands behind his back, slightly bending forward. His gaze rested on the snowy scene on the canvas. “Painting your dream lover again?”

Fu Xingran smiled, “It’s not a dream lover now.” Setting the palette aside, he stood up, walked to the nearby sink, and asked, “Why did you suddenly come to find me? You must be busy lately.”

“Do you know the significance of Jiang Tianyi Su?” Fu Xingran opened the tap, washing his paintbrushes. He watched the vibrant colors blend in the water. “I know, breaking boundaries.”

“Your father asked me to assemble a global team of top designers to create the world’s most luxurious mansions. He assigned one designer position in this multi-billion-dollar project to you. Do you understand what that means?” Zhao Lao looked at Fu Xingran’s back, eyes filled with endless expectations. “He has devoted his lifetime to exploring architectural aesthetics and discovering design talents, constantly creating sales miracles. He once said you are the most content-rich aesthetic he has unearthed in his lifetime. He hopes you can shine in this field, continually creating opportunities for yourself.”

“I know you have some grievances against your father, but he is my student whom I personally guided. I know his character. After your mother left, he could only work frantically to numb himself, unable to accept his beloved wife’s departure, neglecting you in the process. But he cares about you; he always fulfills your requests.”

Fu Xingran rested his hands on both sides of the sink, letting water flow over the brushes. His knuckles whitened slightly due to exertion, and his jawline tensed, as if suppressing emotions.

“Is that so?” he replied, neither light nor heavy.

“This time, Jiang Tianyi Su aims to create a minimalist luxury world-class penthouse. In this prime location surrounded by limited resources in the emerging area, it will become a benchmark in two years. The design team behind Jiang Tianyi Su will present a high-quality mansion that only a few can treasure, aligning with global high-end residential colors. Your academic romanticism will be part of it. With this project, you will become one of the top young and outstanding architects in the country.”

“But I heard from your father that you don’t intend to continue. Why?”

Fu Xingran turned off the tap, picked up the cleaned brushes, and wiped his hands with a towel. “I lied to him.”

Although angry, he was reluctant, especially since he had designed that set of rooms with great care.

Zhao Lao: “…” After thinking of so many excuses, “Why?”

“Because he bullied the person I like, causing him to leave me and creating a misunderstanding. I’m a bit angry.” Fu Xingran gets annoyed when he thinks about this. If it weren’t for his dad’s interference, would Su Lixu have left him?

“What about the initial design draft?” Zhao Lao asked cautiously.

“Gave him a semi-finished version.” Fu Xingran walked towards the lounge, intending to change his dirty clothes. “My initial draft is almost complete; I’ll send it to you once it’s done.”

Zhao Lao, amused and exasperated by this father-son duo, said, “Seeing your father so anxious, I thought what you said was true. But it seems we can discuss our ideas in a meeting now?”

“The design I created is for my future marital home.” Fu Xingran’s voice echoed from inside. He walked out, putting on a hoodie, and said, “So, teacher, can my design fee afford this large penthouse?”

He grabbed his phone and car keys, getting ready to pick up Su Lixu from work.

Zhao Lao helplessly shook his head, “You should ask your dad; he developed this property, and the design team is his hire.”

Fu Xingran thought, no matter what, he would secure this house.

The best location, the best sunlight, the best design

—all for his beloved Su Lixu.

“Should I drop you off first?” After escorting Zhao Lao downstairs, Fu Xingran asked the elderly man beside him.

Zhao Lao waved his hand, smiling, “My driver will be here shortly. I happened to be nearby for fishing and decided to drop by. Next month, when this project officially starts, it will get really busy.” He patted Fu Xingran’s arm, “Child, don’t waste your talent. Even in that small hospital years ago, your talent wasn’t restricted. Now that you’re out, the world is at your disposal. Show your dad that you can stand on your own. Also, prove to the person you like that you’re even more exceptional than he imagined.”

As the evening gradually covered the sky, enchanting blue silk-like clouds entwined the surroundings, and neon lights began to shine.

Fu Xingran drove back to school.

With one hand on the steering wheel, he used the other to call Su Lixu. After several unsuccessful attempts, his brows furrowed

—why isn’t he answering the phone? Usually, Su Lixu always answers his calls.The next second, the call connected, accompanied by the chaotic sounds of conversations and music. Following that, a steady male voice came through, not Su Lixu’s.

“Hello?”

Fu Xingran’s expression darkened suddenly, “Professor He?”

“Oh, it’s you. What’s up?” On the other end of the KTV private room, He Shi glanced at Su Lixu, who was slightly drunk, leaning on the sofa. He didn’t know why someone who rarely drinks had consumed several glasses, but he seemed a bit tipsy.

“Where are you guys?” Fu Xingran heard the extremely noisy background from the phone. “Where’s Su Lixu? Why is his phone with you? Ask him to answer the call.”

“We’re having a class reunion tonight. Didn’t he tell you?” He Shi explained.

Fu Xingran looked puzzled. No, he didn’t.

“We’re at the KTV in Hilton Hotel. He had some drinks and seems not in a good mood. Did you upset him?” He Shi asked.

Fu Xingran, upon hearing the address, immediately turned the steering wheel towards Hilton Hotel, “How could I upset him? I’ve been exceptionally well-behaved lately. Don’t lie to me.”

Not in a good mood? How could he not be in a good mood?

Didn’t they have breakfast together this morning? They hadn’t contacted each other after noon, but that was because he had been painting all this time.

“Tsk.” He Shi was a bit fed up with Fu Xingran’s innocent tone. “I’ll hang up; call me when you’re here.”

“Can’t you tell me the room number so I can go up?”

“That’s not good. Ask your Dr. Su if he’s willing to go public.”

Fu Xingran: “… Forget it then.”

He’s a bit timid.

He quickly drove to Hilton, parked downstairs, and called Su Lixu. Shortly after dialing, he saw two familiar figures coming out of the hotel’s revolving door

—He Shi was half-supporting Su Lixu.Seeing the situation, he hurriedly ran up.

“I can still drink.” Su Lixu’s cheeks were flushed, his gaze blurry, but he earnestly and seriously said to He Shi beside him, “My capacity for alcohol is not bad.”

Before he could finish speaking, he was pulled outside, feeling dizzy, and his body swayed.

“Why did you drink so much?”

Su Lixu thought he was hearing things. He tilted his head, glanced sideways, and found Fu Xingran in front of him. He squinted his eyes, leaned closer for a look, thinking he must be mistaken, “Huh? Fu Xingran? How come this little rascal is here?”

Fu Xingran lowered his gaze, looking at the man in his arms with a dazed expression, the term ‘little rascal’ carrying an affectionate light reproach, making it sound ticklish. His face showed a hint of tipsiness, and he tilted his head, appearing confused.

As Su Lixu leaned in with half-closed eyes, their lips almost touched, and the breaths mingled with the rich aroma of red wine, landing on his cheek.It hit him in the heart.

Why did he suddenly start drinking? Did he do something today to upset someone?

Fu Xingran embraced Su Lixu’s waist, placing his hand on his own shoulder. Then he looked at He Shi, “Thanks, Professor He, for taking care of him. I’ll take him home now.”

He Shi chuckled at this statement, “You’re saying that as if we haven’t been friends for many years. He’s my brother; how can I not take care of him?” He glanced at Su Lixu and added, “Go back and take care of him. He’s not good with alcohol. Probably just in a bad mood.”

Upon hearing He Shi’s mention of friends and brothers, Fu Xingran’s eyes flashed with surprise, seemingly relieved. He held Su Lixu even tighter, “I’ll comfort him. Let’s go.”

In the car.Fu Xingran half-carried Su Lixu, placing him in the passenger seat. Bending down, he leaned in to fasten his seatbelt.

In that moment, as he lowered his head, Su Lixu suddenly grabbed his collar.

When he raised his eyes, they met Su Lixu’s misty and confused gaze. In an instant, it felt like his heart was being squeezed.

“Little brother, didn’t you say you liked me?” Su Lixu pulled Fu Xingran’s collar, his hand stroking the fabric and continuing up to Fu Xingran’s nape.

A slightly cool hand, actions radiating heat.

The term ‘little brother’ ignited something.Fu Xingran pursed his lips, his gaze on Su Lixu becoming progressively intense, “Yes.”

He witnessed another side of Su Lixu.

A seemingly intoxicated Su Lixu, provocative.”Little brother, do you have any thoughts right now?” Su Lixu thought he was hallucinating from drinking too much. Otherwise, how could he see Fu Xingran, and so close at that?

Just moments ago, he was at KTV, drinking and chatting with classmates about recent life, troubles, and everyone getting married and having children, while he remained single.

When asked why he was single, he said he hadn’t found the right one.

However, He Shi asked, “So, there’s no one around recently?”

Recently? Yes, there was someone

—a bothersome, clingy, affectionate, and slightly eccentric person who appeared even in hallucinations.

Seeing him was annoying.

Not seeing him was also annoying.

“Thoughts?” Fu Xingran’s gaze fell on Su Lixu’s crimson lips. He smiled mischievously, “In the car?”

It was a bold suggestion.

Yet, this answer was something Fu Xingran could never have imagined, not even in his dreams.

Su Lixu raised his eyes, amber ripples in his gaze. His hands encircled Fu Xingran’s neck, leaning close to his ear, and whispered:

“As you wish.”

The man’s gentle, slightly husky voice, coupled with the intoxicating confusion, completely disrupted rationality.In the mesmerizing night, with intoxicated people.

Even the car became thoroughly intoxicated.