Chapter 26

When Song Ruichi first mentioned that it was "on the way," Xu Er was full of doubts. Song Ruichi’s home, Xu Er’s home, Song Ruichi’s studio, and the residential complex Xu Er needed to visit—these four locations were worlds apart. Xu Er couldn't fathom how any of this could be considered "on the way."

However, before Xu Er could voice his confusion, Song Ruichi explained that this area was closer to where Xu Er had to be the next day, and that he wouldn't be going to the studio tomorrow. But there was a condition: "Stay at my place tonight." Song Ruichi poured him another glass.

Xu Er felt a bit caught up in Song Ruichi’s logic: "That seems a bit troublesome."

"Where is it troublesome?" Song Ruichi asked.

Xu Er thought it over and over, but he couldn't come up with a reason why it would be. It wasn't as if he hadn't stayed at Song Ruichi’s before, and it was indeed closer to that residential complex. Plus, catching a ride with Song Ruichi meant he wouldn't have to squeeze onto the subway.

Finally, with a simple "It’s settled then," Song Ruichi convinced Xu Er to stay.

Song Ruichi mentioned he had a meeting there the next day and needed Xu Er to pick out an outfit for him. This was dropped casually before Song Ruichi went to shower. By then, Xu Er had already showered and was comfortably playing on his phone on Song Ruichi’s bed.

Song Ruichi’s request felt like an official task, causing Xu Er to tense up with importance. But by the time Song Ruichi finished his shower, Xu Er still hadn't decided on an outfit.

When the man emerged, wrapped only in a bath towel around his waist, the words Xu Er had been planning to say got stuck in his throat. He had never seen Song Ruichi like this before. His hair looked as though it had only been wiped dry in passing, hanging wet and wavy on both sides of his cheeks. The lighting from the bathroom seemed tailor-made, casting clear contrasts of light and shadow across Song Ruichi’s body.

Xu Er stared for several seconds before finally speaking: "What kind of meeting do you have tomorrow?"

Song Ruichi walked over to the clothing rack and picked up the loungewear he had prepared. "An art association meeting."

Xu Er didn't know what that meant, so he just gave a faint "Oh." Then he saw Song Ruichi undo the bath towel. Xu Er’s breath hitched. But the next second... Ah, he was wearing underwear. Xu Er thought for a moment and then averted his gaze.

"Does the outfit need to be formal?" Xu Er asked.

Song Ruichi put on his pants. "No."

"Then?"

"It needs to be very handsome."

Xu Er burst out laughing. "Is there anything you wear that doesn't look handsome?"

Song Ruichi dried his hair with a towel, then reached over to pat Xu Er’s hair as well.

"What are you doing?" Xu Er swatted his hand away. "I’m already dry."

Song Ruichi was shooed away to blow-dry his hair. Since the occasion didn't seem to require much brainpower for styling, and it needed to be "handsome," Xu Er decided he would just pick something he hadn't seen him wear before but wanted to see him in.

By the time Song Ruichi was ready, Xu Er had already laid the clothes out neatly on the bed.

"Ta-da!" Xu Er stood by the bed. "Is this okay, Teacher Song?"

A grey sweater, a deep brown long coat, black trousers, and a dark plaid scarf. Yes, Xu Er really loved seeing Song Ruichi in dark colors; it was impossibly handsome.

Teacher Song nodded without any objections. "It's fine."

But then, he turned and took a black trench coat out of the closet. Yes, that exact black trench coat.

Xu Er actually wanted to keep up the charade, but he couldn't pull it off. Even his "What are you doing?" sounded guilty, and he added an unnecessary, "Can't I just happen to own an outfit like this too?"

Song Ruichi smiled as he put the coat back. "You can."

Xu Er felt like Song Ruichi had seen right through him. "Fine," he admitted. "I saw you looked good in it, so I went and bought one."

Song Ruichi nodded. "Confession accepted."

Xu Er felt embarrassed and angry. "You're deducting points! Five points off!"

Song Ruichi turned slowly, his gaze landing steadily on Xu Er’s eyes.

Xu Er started tallying. "You're down to 59 points now. You’re failing."

Song Ruichi didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I’m sorry."

"If apologies were useful..."

"I'll cry for you."

Xu Er’s mood did a 180-degree turn, filled with anticipation. "Go ahead, cry."

Song Ruichi let out a "boo-hoo" sound. He wasn't crying at all, but Xu Er was amused, and he finally calmed down. He didn't even know what he was so worked up about.

Since they were already on the subject, Xu Er decided to come clean: "I also bought a set of loungewear just like yours."

Song Ruichi pointed at himself.

"Yes," said Xu Er.

"Bring it over next time."

"Why?"

"To wear at my place."

Xu Er thought about it. That didn't sound bad. "Sure, okay."

Song Ruichi hung the clothes from the bed back on the rack and said to Xu Er, "Add the points back for me."

Xu Er was already tucked into the covers. "Added, added. I'll even give you one extra point—65 points. That good enough?"

"Thank you, Teacher Xu."

Xu Er muttered, "Why do you care so much about these points?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Well, when you get to 99 points, what are you going to do?"

Song Ruichi replied, "Something big."

"What big thing?"

"I’ll tell you when we hit 99."

Xu Er sat bolt upright. "Fine, I’m giving you 34 points right now. You’re at 99. Tell me."

Song Ruichi laughed, but he didn't say a word. He just pushed Xu Er back down and turned off the light.

"Goodnight."

"Fine, goodnight."

The appointment with Wang Xiaoxiao was for 9:30 the next morning, and Song Ruichi’s meeting was at 10:00, so they weren't in a rush at all. When they woke up the next morning, Song Ruichi even had time to make Xu Er a sandwich. He really didn't know what was up with this man—even his sandwiches were delicious.

After eating, Xu Er changed in his room and waited in the living room for a bit. When Song Ruichi came out, he looked exactly as Xu Er had imagined him when picking out the clothes. But...

"Why aren't you wearing the scarf?" Xu Er asked.

Song Ruichi handed the scarf toward Xu Er. "I don't know how to tie it."

"What's there to know? Just wrap it around your neck."

Despite saying that, he was already in front of Song Ruichi. He took the scarf, wrapped it around Song Ruichi’s neck, and patted it. "There, simple and easy."

"Thank you," said Song Ruichi.

"Oh, right. One point for breakfast," Xu Er added.

Song Ruichi chuckled. "Thank you, Teacher Xu."

When they arrived at the residential complex, Xu Er realized the other company had only sent Wang Xiaoxiao. Usually, there would be someone named Xiao He, but Xiao He had a fever, and since it wasn't a major task, Wang Xiaoxiao came alone.

"I'm glad you came too," Xu Er whispered to Song Ruichi.

Song Ruichi leaned closer.

"Otherwise, it would be so awkward with just the two of us," Xu Er continued.

As soon as he finished, Wang Xiaoxiao walked over, carrying three cups of coffee. Perhaps finding Song Ruichi unfamiliar, he smiled and asked, "And this is?"

"I..."

"I'm his assistant," Xu Er and Song Ruichi said in unison.

While he was at it, Song Ruichi took two of the coffees from Wang Xiaoxiao and thanked him. Xu Er went along with it—if he wanted to be the assistant, so be it.

They were there because there was a discrepancy in the data, and they needed to add a new agreement and take some additional photos. It didn't take much time; Xu Er just had to take new measurements and sign the papers. Xiao He usually helped record data, but Song Ruichi had his own role—for example, while Xu Er went inside to take photos, his bag, coat, and phone were all in Song Ruichi’s hands. He was definitely doing the job of an assistant.

It was an empty residential building, quiet as a grave. Xu Er went inside, leaving the other two standing outside. They stood five meters apart, not looking at each other. There was some lingering dust in the air, drifting back and forth. Wang Xiaoxiao sipped his coffee, and so did Song Ruichi.

A moment later, Xu Er came out. Wang Xiaoxiao moved immediately, but he watched helplessly as Xu Er walked straight toward Song Ruichi, completely ignoring him.

"It's a bit cold inside," Xu Er said.

"Do you want your coat?" Song Ruichi asked.

Xu Er shook his head. "No, it's hot outside."

Song Ruichi handed him the coffee he was holding and reached out to pat Xu Er’s head. Xu Er took a drink from the coffee Song Ruichi had already sipped from.

Wang Xiaoxiao, standing to the side: "..."

Song Ruichi mentioned that his morning meeting had been canceled, so after they finished, he drove Xu Er back to his company.

It was a busy Monday. Once Xu Er sat down at his desk, he was swamped. He was so busy that he didn't make it to Song Ruichi’s place for dinner until very late on Tuesday, and he had to cancel their Thursday plans entirely.

By Friday, he finally saw a glimmer of hope. He finished his work around 4:00 PM, and the sudden leisure felt almost surreal. During the department dinner that evening, everyone ate and drank happily. Once it was over, the first thing Xu Er did was text Song Ruichi: "Getting in the car."

Song Ruichi replied: "Okay."

When he arrived at his doorstep, his phone rang. He didn't even have to guess—it was definitely Song Ruichi.

"I'm home," Xu Er said as he picked up.

"I heard the door open," Song Ruichi said.

"Did you calculate exactly when I’d get home?"

"A rough calculation."

Xu Er hung up his bag. "Your rough calculations are very accurate."

"Has Wang Xiaoxiao reached out lately?" Song Ruichi asked.

"He checked in the day before yesterday," Xu Er replied. "Told me everything was fine and to move on to the next step."

Song Ruichi hummed in acknowledgment.

"Is your cold feeling any better?" Xu Er asked.

"No." Song Ruichi coughed twice on the other end.

"How has it been two days and you're still not better?"

"I know," Song Ruichi sounded weak.

"Then get some rest and drink more water."

Song Ruichi asked, "When was the last time we saw each other?"

"Tuesday, at your place for dinner. Did you forget?"

Song Ruichi chuckled. "I didn't forget."

"Then what's wrong?"

"You left right after dinner."

Xu Er complained, "I know, I had to go back to the office for overtime. I was there until 11:00 PM."

Song Ruichi laughed again.