Zui Ju Lou was right across the street from Zhao Cheng’s bar, just separated by a single road.
The restaurant had been around for a few years, and its décor was a mix of vintage and modern styles. Red chairs, black bricks, and hanging lanterns adorned the place, while the private rooms were decorated with murals of mountains and rivers, giving it a unique and traditional charm.
As the organizer of this gathering, Zhao Cheng was the first to arrive, followed closely by Shen Xixi and Yang Guan.
“Did Wen Ci not come with you?” Zhao Cheng asked Shen Xixi and Yang Guan.
“No, my cousin was busy all afternoon helping my uncle prepare for an art exhibition.” Shen Xixi replied.
Yang Guan was a bit surprised. “Your uncle is holding an art exhibition? Hasn’t he been in business for a few years now?”
“Who says being in business means you can’t hold an art exhibition? My uncle and aunt were well-known painters back in the day. I heard that Han Laoyezi even has one of my uncle’s paintings hanging in his office.”
“Wow, that’s impressive.”
Zhao Cheng chuckled upon hearing that and said, “Han Laoyezi’s office is filled with priceless ancient calligraphy and paintings. Are you sure Wen Zhongchong’s paintings are good enough to be there?”
Ever since the last time Zhao Cheng had embarrassed her at a gathering, Shen Xixi had taken a disliking to him. She smiled faintly and retorted, “Does Cheng-ge understand art? My uncle once sold a painting for over six million. How much could that be different from those ancient works Han Laoyezi owns?”
Zhao Cheng leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. “If I remember correctly, the buyer of that six-million painting was Old Han, wasn’t it?”
“So what?” She wasn’t afraid of offending Zhao Cheng anymore. “The fact that Han-ge was willing to buy it means he thought it was worth that price. When my uncle’s exhibition opens, Cheng-ge, you should buy a couple of pieces to hang in your shop. It might just improve your taste and spiritual pursuits.”
“What’s this?” Zhao Cheng responded bluntly. “One sucker like Old Han isn’t enough? You want to scam another one?”
Zhao Cheng had little patience for the group of friends and relatives around Wen Ci. His view of Wen Ci was filtered through the lens of a childhood friendship, and it was only because of their long history together that he tolerated them at all.
Shen Xixi was infuriated. “What do you mean ‘sucker’? Your words are so unpleasant.”
“Don’t get upset, babe. Cheng-ge is just joking.” Yang Guan quickly soothed his girlfriend.
Zhao Cheng didn’t bother to continue the conversation. As more friends arrived, he pulled out his phone to message Han ShaoZhou, asking where he was.
[Han ShaoZhou]: Outside smoking two cigarettes. I’ll come in after I finish.
[Zhao Cheng]: …
Han ShaoZhou took his time with those two cigarettes, but that odd feeling in his chest didn’t settle. Many things he thought he had long forgotten were now flooding back into his mind all at once.
After a long while, Han ShaoZhou finally got out of the car and entered the restaurant. The manager recognized him and enthusiastically offered to guide him, but Han ShaoZhou waved him off and headed upstairs alone.
As soon as he reached the third-floor hallway, Han ShaoZhou suddenly noticed a figure ahead that looked incredibly familiar. His mind went blank for a moment, and he instinctively called out, “Wen Ci…”
The tall, graceful figure halted and slowly turned around. The familiar face brought with it a flood of memories long buried.
Under the warm yellow lights of the hallway, Wen Ci was dressed in a long black open-front coat with a white sweater underneath. The clean contrast of black and white made him look both elegant and dignified, with an added air of mature beauty that made it impossible to look away—something he didn’t have three years ago.
Wen Ci paused briefly upon seeing Han ShaoZhou, then smiled slightly and said softly, “Han-ge, long time no see.”
His skin was fair, and his face was finely sculpted without being overly delicate, just as Han ShaoZhou remembered him—refined and noble.
In those unexpected few seconds, Han ShaoZhou stood there, staring at the person in front of him, unable to speak.
Wen Ci looked at him and smiled, “Han-ge, you seem distracted.”
After a brief collision of complex emotions in his chest, Han ShaoZhou finally regained his composure and retracted his gaze from Wen Ci’s face, feeling slightly awkward. “It’s been a few years, so I’m a bit…”
Han ShaoZhou paused, unsure of what words could express his current feelings.
Surprised? Excited? Thrilled?
None of those seemed right…
Wen Ci slowly walked up to Han ShaoZhou, tilted his head slightly, and smiled as he asked, “A bit what?”
Now fully calm, Han ShaoZhou tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Nothing, just a bit unexpected.”
“I didn’t think Han-ge would still recognize me from behind. Seems like losing those seven or eight pounds was for nothing.” Wen Ci frowned slightly, as if he was seriously asking, “Do I really look the same as before?”
“You do.” Han ShaoZhou wasn’t stingy with his compliments and smiled, “You look even better now.”
Wen Ci glanced at Han ShaoZhou again.
Han ShaoZhou’s dark eyebrows and straight nose gave him a sharp look, but in reality, he wasn’t a cold person. In Wen Ci’s memory, Han ShaoZhou was always a man who loved to smile. When he grinned, even the sternest expression would soften with warmth and honesty—almost to the point of being endearingly goofy. In fact, Wen Ci had almost never seen Han ShaoZhou not smiling.
Or rather, he had never seen Han ShaoZhou smile at him with such politeness before.
The two of them entered the private room together. Zhao Cheng stood up with a laugh, “No wonder you’re late. I guess you two were catching up. Come on, Old Han, Wen Ci, have a seat over here.”
Wen Ci smiled and greeted everyone, and they all responded warmly.
Ever since Han ShaoZhou had introduced Wen Ci to their group years ago, Wen Ci had always been recognized as the most attractive among them. Many of the men in the group who liked guys had their eye on Wen Ci, but since Han ShaoZhou had been pursuing him so persistently, no one dared to openly confess their feelings for Wen Ci. They were all self-aware enough to know that if Han ShaoZhou was in the game, they didn’t stand a chance… Of course, the fact that Han ShaoZhou ultimately didn’t win Wen Ci had come as a surprise to all of them.
Three years later, Wen Ci was single again and back in their circle. But with Han ShaoZhou still by his side, nothing seemed to have changed from three years ago—no one dared to make a move on Wen Ci.
“Cheng-ge.”
Wen Ci greeted Zhao Cheng last. Zhao Cheng, not standing on ceremony, patted Wen Ci’s arm with a laugh, “You disappeared without a word back then. We all thought you’d forgotten about us.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No worries, no worries. Let’s not talk about the past. Since you’re going to be here more often now, we can get together just like before. Come on, have a seat.”
Zhao Cheng sat down next to Han ShaoZhou, and Wen Ci took the seat on Han ShaoZhou’s other side.
Over the past few years, Han ShaoZhou had become increasingly busy, expanding his business network while his personal social circle grew smaller. The group of friends who used to hang out regularly could no longer keep up with Han ShaoZhou’s pace, so it was rare for them all to gather around him like this.
The table gradually grew more lively, with everyone chatting and laughing.
Before Wen Ci had entered the room, Zhao Cheng had briefed everyone not to bring up Wen Ci’s past three years, especially his marriage, and to avoid any potentially awkward topics. The group adhered to this advice, keeping the conversation light and casual, ensuring the atmosphere remained harmonious.
Han ShaoZhou barely spoke, calmly eating and drinking. Occasionally, when Wen Ci spoke, Han ShaoZhou would turn to look at him, his expression unreadable as his gaze rested quietly on Wen Ci’s face, as if trying to confirm something. A few seconds later, he would silently return his focus to the dishes in front of him, continuing to eat without a word…
Zhao Cheng couldn’t stand it anymore and leaned in to whisper, “Old Han, what’s on your mind?”
“Nothing.” Han ShaoZhou replied calmly.
He really wasn’t thinking about anything. That initial wave of emotions had passed, leaving him feeling utterly serene. Qin You and Jiang He hadn’t made it because of business trips, so most of the people at the table were old drinking buddies from years past whom he hadn’t kept in touch with recently. There were even a couple of unfamiliar faces, and he didn’t have the energy to socialize with them.
“You’ve been staring at Wen Ci without saying a word. Isn’t that awkward?”
“…” Han ShaoZhou frowned. “Was I staring?”
“Every time he speaks, your eyes are glued to his face. If that’s not staring, then what is?”
“…”
Under the table, Zhao Cheng patted Han ShaoZhou’s thigh and seriously whispered, “Old Han, don’t worry. What’s yours is yours. It won’t run away.”
“…”
Han ShaoZhou took another sip of his drink, gestured with his hand for Zhao Cheng to come closer, and stared at him intently, “Listen, stop overthinking things. Wen Ci and I are just friends now.”
“I know that. You’re friends, not lovers. But you have to take things step by step.”
“…”
Han ShaoZhou was about to say more when Shen Xixi, from across the table, smiled and asked, “Han-ge, Cheng-ge, what are you two whispering about over there?”
“Oh, your Han-ge was just saying we should continue drinking at my place after dinner.” Zhao Cheng said. “Tonight, we’re drinking until we drop.”
“Why does it feel like Han-ge’s been distracted all night?” Shen Xixi teased with a hint of meaning.
“He’s had a bit too much to drink.” Zhao Cheng said, patting Han ShaoZhou’s shoulder. “It can’t be helped—he’s happy tonight. Come on, Old Han, let me top you off.”
Han ShaoZhou covered his glass with his palm and said softly to Zhao Cheng, “I need to talk to you later.”
Zhao Cheng shrugged it off with a casual “Oh.”
“By the way, Wen Ci, I saw in the group chat that you’re making a comeback?” one of the guys across the table asked curiously.
Wen Ci nodded, “Yeah, I’ve already signed with an agency.”
“Which one?”
“I’m guessing it’s Xing Ci.” Yang Guan suddenly said. “With Han-ge backing him up.”
“That kind of talk could cause misunderstandings. Before my cousin signed with Xing Ci, several other companies were competing for him.” Shen Xixi said seriously. “Even before he came back, Xing Ci sent someone to Country Y to sign my cousin. It wasn’t because he was relying on Han-ge’s connections. Don’t compare my cousin to those who only got into Xing Ci by flattering Han-ge.”
Zhao Cheng immediately realized that this woman was taking a jab at Mo Ming, which made him uncomfortable. He had always felt a bit sorry for Mo Ming in his relationship with Han ShaoZhou.
Mo Ming was a poor, powerless kid who got nothing but heartache out of being treated as a stand-in for three years. Shen Xixi’s sneer shouldn’t have been aimed at him.
“Actually, it’s mainly because I was with Xing Ci before, and I’m used to it.” Wen Ci explained softly.
Han ShaoZhou’s expression remained unchanged. He didn’t even connect Shen Xixi’s comment to Mo Ming. Instead, he turned to Wen Ci and said, “If you need any help in the future, just let me know. It’ll be just like before—no need to stand on ceremony.”
“Exactly, no need to be formal.” Zhao Cheng chimed in, leaning over and covering his mouth with his hand. “There are too many people here tonight, so it’s hard to talk. When Qin-ge and the others have time, let’s have a smaller, private gathering.”
Han ShaoZhou exposed Zhao Cheng’s motives, “He’s only invited so many people tonight so he can drag us to his bar afterward and overcharge us.”
Zhao Cheng quickly followed up, “I’m treating both of you as friends, really. Wen Ci, when you come to my place later, drink and take whatever you want. I’ll put it all on Old Han’s tab.”
Wen Ci couldn’t help but laugh as he watched Han ShaoZhou and Zhao Cheng banter just like they did three years ago.
Han ShaoZhou was sitting close, and as he turned slightly, he caught sight of Wen Ci’s smiling face. His eyes and lips curved just the right way, making him look incredibly handsome. But in that moment of distraction, as he gazed at those familiar features, another face suddenly flashed through his mind.
For a brief moment, he heard a soft, lingering voice in his ear, “Hubby…”
Honestly, he shouldn’t have been so quick to satisfy that little guy last night. He should have kept teasing him until he cried, until he begged for more. By taking care of him too soon, wasn’t he just telling him that his tricks worked on him?
If this continued, wouldn’t Mo Ming end up turning the tables on him?
When they moved to Champagne Mountain, he’d have to lay down some rules on the first night to prevent Mo Ming from using self-pity to gain his sympathy again.
Zhao Cheng slapped Han ShaoZhou on the lower back and whispered, “Control yourself, Old Han.”
Han ShaoZhou snapped out of his daze, realizing that he had been staring at Wen Ci again, lost in thought like someone under a spell. He turned his gaze to the glass of wine in front of him, frowning. His mood tonight was far from steady.
“Han-ge, really now.” Shen Xixi said, half-joking, “You’re making my cousin blush with all your staring.”
“Xixi.” Wen Ci said, his tone deepening, “Don’t say things like that.”
Han ShaoZhou admitted his own lapse in composure and said, “It’s fine.”
He casually poured some wine for Wen Ci and naturally began asking about Wen Ci’s plans for work and life in Chuanhai. He tried hard to keep things between them natural, but every time he looked at Wen Ci’s face, Mo Ming’s image would flash in his mind…
The slight resemblance that had drawn him to Mo Ming in the first place was something he had almost forgotten about. But now, seeing Wen Ci again, that connection was reignited.
But why was he looking for traces of Mo Ming in Wen Ci’s face? That was just absurd.
“You all carry on. I’m going to the bathroom.” Han ShaoZhou said as he stood up, patting Zhao Cheng’s arm twice.
Zhao Cheng understood what he meant. Not long after Han ShaoZhou left the private room, Zhao Cheng followed suit, using the bathroom as an excuse to leave.
“Haha, Han-ge’s really something…” Yang Guan couldn’t hold back his laughter any longer. “This is the first time I’ve seen Han-ge like this.”
“It seems like Han-ge doesn’t know what to say tonight. He’s just been staring at Wen Ci the whole time.”
“To be honest, when I saw Han-ge last time, I was a bit scared of him.” Shen Xixi said, stifling a laugh. “But just now, watching him stare at my cousin, I suddenly found him so much more approachable. He seems so down-to-earth now.”
“Wen Ci, don’t take it the wrong way. We all know how Han-ge feels about you. He might have been a bit over the top just now, but we know him—no matter how much he likes you, he’ll always respect you.”
Wen Ci just smiled without saying anything.
Han ShaoZhou didn’t actually go to the bathroom. Instead, he headed to the small balcony at the end of the hallway, where the bustling night scene lay beyond the railing. From the third floor, he could clearly see the people and cars below.
The night breeze in this busy district, after winding through the streets, brushed across his face—surprisingly gentle.
Han ShaoZhou lit a cigarette and held it between his lips.
“What? Xiao Mo Ming is still with you?!” Zhao Cheng’s face was full of shock after hearing what Han ShaoZhou had to say. “But didn’t you say before that you two were…”
“I didn’t say anything.” Han ShaoZhou interrupted, biting down on his cigarette. “You just assumed. Xiao Mo Ming satisfies me both in bed and out of bed. Why would I dump him?”
“But Wen Ci is back. Don’t you like Wen Ci? What, are you trying to have your cake and eat it too? Keeping Xiao Mo Ming as a backup while you go after true love?”
“Bullshit. Stop projecting your own twisted ideas onto me.” Han ShaoZhou said. “I’m not planning on chasing after Wen Ci. You’re all just stirring things up, pushing us into an awkward position.”
“Then what was with you staring at him nonstop during dinner? Your gaze was totally off. Do you think we’re blind?”
“I was just…” Han ShaoZhou hesitated. “Lost in thought.”
“Lost in thought? What were you thinking about?”
“Wen Ci looks a bit like Mo Ming.” Han ShaoZhou took a deep drag on his cigarette, his expression complicated. “Especially up close.”
Zhao Cheng couldn’t help but laugh, “Old Han, you’ve got it backward. It’s Mo Ming who looks like Wen Ci, not the other way around. Wasn’t the whole reason you got involved with Mo Ming in the first place because he resembled Wen Ci?”
“That’s true, but that was in the past.”
“So what about now? Do you still think of Wen Ci when you look at Mo Ming?”
Han ShaoZhou’s brows knitted together tightly. “We’ve been together for three years. Even if I was deluding myself, there’s a limit to it. Now, the more I look at Mo Ming, the more I see how different he is from Wen Ci. They’re completely different.”
“Old Han, are you falling for Xiao Mo Ming?”
“If I didn’t like him, why would I have kept him around for so long?”
“That’s not the kind of liking I’m talking about.” Zhao Cheng said seriously. “Let me ask you this—do you feel like you’re keeping Xiao Mo Ming, or are you in a relationship with him?”
“Keeping him.” Han ShaoZhou replied without hesitation, calmly smoking his cigarette. “We agreed three years ago that feelings wouldn’t be part of this.”
After a moment’s thought, Han ShaoZhou added casually, “If he catches feelings, I can’t help it. I’ve treated him well over these years, so he hasn’t lost out.”
“What if you get tired of him in the future, and you want to end things? What if Xiao Mo Ming cries and throws a fit? What then?”
“He doesn’t have the guts to throw a fit at me. I’ll just give him some extra money and send him on his way.” Han ShaoZhou suddenly snapped back to his senses and said in a low voice, “But I’m not getting tired of him anytime soon, so don’t worry about that.”
“Got it, Old Han. I see where you’re coming from.” Zhao Cheng said. “No more simping—you’re going for the cold-hearted playboy now.”
“…”
“I totally support you, Old Han. You should’ve done this ages ago.”
…
Zhou Yixiang couldn’t make it due to commitments with the theater troupe.
A small private room had already been booked at Zui Ju Lou, and the deposit was non-refundable. So, Mo Ming decided to go with Qi Yue and Xiao Tang instead. The room was set up for four people, and the table fee was charged accordingly. Mo Ming called Xiao Song over to fill in the spot.
It was Sunday, and Xiao Song was free. When he heard there was a free dinner, he quickly made his way over.
Zui Ju Lou was a high-end restaurant that Mo Ming had chosen specifically to host Zhou Yixiang as a gesture of gratitude. He was about to return to Da Shang Theatre Company and knew that he would need his teacher’s help in many ways.
“This is really good.” Qi Yue said, taking a bite of cumin lamb and looking up at Mo Ming. “Have you been here before?”
“Yeah, a few times, when friends treated me.” Mo Ming replied honestly.
Han ShaoZhou liked the food here, so he used to bring Mo Ming to this restaurant often. Mo Ming liked the dishes too, but he always found it too expensive. He would never come here on his own dime unless Han ShaoZhou was paying.
Author’s Note: Everyone’s been asking when they’ll break up. Well, the story is already heading in that direction~~
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