INT Chapter 57

Liang Xiao was literally carried back to the bedroom by Lu Ze—in a princess carry, no less.

 

Lu Ze gritted his teeth as he carefully placed Liang Xiao onto the bed. Letting out a sigh of relief, he said, “You’re heavier than I thought.”

 

Liang Xiao’s face, already flushed from the fever or perhaps embarrassment, turned an even deeper shade of red. “I didn’t think you’d be able to carry me…”

 

Lu Ze patted his own arm. “What do you think these muscles are for? Just for show?”

 

Liang Xiao’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Looks like you’re really enjoying playing the dad role.”

 

“Of course! I got myself a handsome, grown-up son for free,” Lu Ze teased.

 

He tucked two blankets around Liang Xiao, noticing him shiver slightly—his fever had fully set in.

 

Lu Ze gently touched Liang Xiao’s burning face. With his eyes barely open, Liang Xiao murmured in a low voice, “What’s big?”

 

“…What’s big?” Lu Ze took a few seconds to process before bursting into laughter and sitting down on the edge of the bed. “Xiao’er, has your fever made you lose all sense of decency?”

 

This was the same person who once insisted they were moving too fast just by sharing a bed.

 

“I was never that proper to begin with…” Liang Xiao muttered, closing his eyes and sounding half-asleep.

 

Looking at him like this, Lu Ze felt both soft-hearted and deeply concerned—like Liang Xiao really was his child.

 

He chuckled quietly to himself and started patting Liang Xiao gently through the blanket. In a soft voice, he said, “Sleep now. Once you wake up, your fever will be gone, and Ze-ge will make you something delicious for dinner. What do you feel like eating?”

 

He expected Liang Xiao to say his usual “anything,” but this time Liang Xiao surprised him by answering, “Meatball soup.”

 

Lu Ze froze for a second before breaking into a smile. “Alright, meatball soup. Anything else?”

 

“No…”

 

“Okay then. Sleep tight.”

 

“Mm…”

 

Liang Xiao fell asleep almost immediately after that. Lu Ze sat by the bed for a while, quietly watching him. Beads of sweat formed on Liang Xiao’s forehead, and his slightly parted lips were dry and cracked from the fever. Even in such discomfort, he slept deeply.

 

Moving carefully, Lu Ze wiped away the sweat from Liang Xiao’s forehead and moistened his lips with warm water. He kissed him lightly on the cheek before tiptoeing out of the room.

 

He headed to the kitchen, which was farthest from the bedroom, closed the door behind him, and called Lu Jinglang.

 

“Dad, are you free?”

 

Lu Jinglang’s voice came through slightly breathless. “What is it? I’m playing basketball.”

 

“Mom’s not with you right now, is she?” Lu Ze asked.

 

“Nope—she’s out shopping.”

 

“Good.” Lu Ze paused before continuing. “I wanted to ask—how do you make good meatball soup?”

 

There was a brief silence on the other end before Lu Jinglang asked incredulously, “You’re making meatball soup? For who?”

 

Lu Ze didn’t answer immediately. After two seconds of silence, realization dawned on Lu Jinglang. “Tsk—making it for your boyfriend? Why don’t you just make one of your specialties? Why bother with meatball soup?”

 

“He has a fever and wants meatball soup,” Lu Ze explained.

 

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Lu Jinglang spoke again, his tone dripping with mock jealousy. “A fever gets him this kind of treatment? When I had a fever, I don’t recall you making me meatball soup.”

 

Lu Ze let out an exasperated laugh. “Why are you comparing yourself to my boyfriend? Don’t you have a wife?”

 

“And yet, all those girlfriends you dated before—never saw you making them meatball soup either.”

 

“What’s your point? What’s wrong with me making him some meatball soup?”

 

“Nothing,” Lu Jinglang replied with a chuckle. “Looks like my son has finally found someone he truly likes. Ah, but why did it have to be a guy?”

 

Lu Ze clicked his tongue. “What’s wrong with that? Got a problem with gay people?”

 

Lu Jinglang scoffed. “Ah, youth—you’re so bold. Do you think being in a same-sex relationship is easy? Just don’t come crying to my wife if you break up.”

 

“Do you even know whose son I am?” Lu Ze retorted confidently. “No matter how bold I am, I can’t outdo the legendary Lu Jinglang. Don’t worry—I’ll bring him home one day to make your wife happy. Now hurry up and tell me how to make meatball soup.”

 

After hanging up, Lu Ze went to check on Liang Xiao in the bedroom. Seeing that he was still sound asleep, he wiped off the sweat on his forehead and grabbed his keys before heading out to the market to buy ground meat and vermicelli.

 

There was already pork in the fridge from his last shopping trip, but since Liang Xiao’s kitchen didn’t have a meat grinder, chopping it by hand would make too much noise and wake him up.

 

As for what Lu Jinglang had said earlier, Lu Ze wasn’t worried. He understood what his dad meant—that being in a same-sex relationship came with challenges: external judgment, family pressures, and personal struggles. It wasn’t as simple as *I like you, and you like me.*

 

But Lu Ze had grown up watching his parents—Lu Jinglang and Xu Jingjing—prove that as long as *I like you* and *you like me* remained constant and eventually evolved into *I love you* and *you love me,* there was nothing they couldn’t overcome.

 

His dad, who once couldn’t tell salt from MSG, now cooked amazing meals. His mom, who used to be too scared to ride a bicycle, now sat confidently on the back of his dad’s motorcycle.

 

They were excellent parents who had given him both a good education and an inspiring example.

 

The only reason he hadn’t been in a serious relationship before was that he hadn’t met someone who truly moved him—someone he genuinely liked. But now that he had found that person, it didn’t matter who it was; there was nothing to worry about.

 

He would work hard for this relationship, and so would Liang Xiao.

 

With Liang Xiao constantly on his mind, Lu Ze returned quickly from the market. After putting down the groceries, he went straight to check on Liang Xiao in the bedroom and was surprised to find him awake.

 

Lu Ze immediately walked over and crouched by the bed, touching Liang Xiao’s forehead. “What’s wrong? Do you want water? Or do you need to go to the bathroom?”

 

“Water…” Liang Xiao croaked weakly.

 

Lu Ze poured him a large glass of warm water and checked his temperature again. “Tsk, no change at all. Let’s take another half tablet of fever medicine.”

 

Liang Xiao sat up slowly, took the medicine, and drank most of the water in one go. Licking his lips afterward, he asked hoarsely, “Where did you go?”

 

“I went to buy ground meat,” Lu Ze said as he wiped the water droplets that had trickled down Liang Xiao’s neck. His voice softened as he added, “Didn’t you say you wanted meatball soup?”

 

Liang Xiao didn’t even have the strength to lift his hand; instead, he used his fingertips to lightly tug at Lu Ze’s pants playfully, like tickling him. “Baby… lie down with me for a bit…”

 

“Okay,” Lu Ze replied without hesitation.

 

Lu Ze didn’t get under the blanket—it was too hot. Instead, he lay on top of it, wrapped his arms around Liang Xiao, and kissed him. “Go back to sleep. Being awake will just make you feel worse.”

 

“Have you eaten?” Liang Xiao asked, his breath warm from the fever.

 

Lu Ze didn’t pull away; instead, he leaned in even closer. “I told you not to worry about me. I’m not hungry yet—we’ll eat together tonight.”

 

He kissed the bridge of Liang Xiao’s nose and coaxed him softly, “Be good, listen to me, and go to sleep.”

 

Liang Xiao smiled faintly and nuzzled his head into Lu Ze’s chest, murmuring softly, “Baby…”

 

“Xiao-Xiao,” Lu Ze replied.

 

“How are you so good to me?” Liang Xiao said. ‘I’ve never had much luck in life—how did I end up meeting someone like you for my first relationship?’

 

Lu Ze stroked his sweat-dampened hair and responded, “How are *you* so good?”

 

‘Even with a fever like this, you’re still worried about whether I’ve eaten dinner.’

 

Liang Xiao fell asleep again not long after. Lu Ze held him close, like a human-shaped hot water bottle, the warmth making him drowsy as well.

 

Eventually, Lu Ze shifted into a more comfortable position, and the two of them nestled together and drifted off to sleep.

 

—

 

They both woke up around 7 p.m., with Liang Xiao waking first because he needed to use the bathroom. As he lifted the blanket, the movement woke Lu Ze as well.

 

Looking back at him, Liang Xiao said softly, “You can keep sleeping.”

 

Lu Ze yawned and replied, “I’m up now. Come here—let me check.”

 

Liang Xiao leaned his head toward him, and Lu Ze touched his forehead. “Seems like it’s not as hot anymore.”

 

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” Liang Xiao said. “And maybe take a shower—my whole body’s covered in sweat.”

 

“Tsk,” Lu Ze clicked his tongue. “No showers until your fever’s completely gone. I don’t mind if you’re sweaty.”

 

“It’s fine…” Liang Xiao began but quickly rushed off to the bathroom before finishing his sentence—he’d drunk too much water earlier.

 

From outside the bathroom door, Lu Ze raised his voice. “No showers! If you really need to clean up, just use a towel! If you shower, no meatball soup for you!”

 

Liang Xiao laughed and called back, “No shower! Meatball soup!”

 

He sounded much more energetic than before.

 

Lu Ze headed to the kitchen to start cooking—washing rice for the pot, preparing meatball soup, and frying some eggs.

 

When Liang Xiao came into the kitchen wanting to help out, Lu Ze immediately shooed him away. “You’re sick—your only job is to rest.”

 

So Liang Xiao leaned against Lu Ze’s shoulder instead, clinging to him like glue.

 

Lu Ze told him to check his temperature again, but instead of listening, Liang Xiao kissed his ear—and then bit it lightly afterward. “No need—I’m fine now.”

 

“Hiss—” Lu Ze winced and said with a laugh, “Dinner will be ready soon! Human flesh isn’t on the menu.”

 

Liang Xiao chuckled quietly for a long time before saying in a muffled voice, “Baby… I really like this.”

 

“Like what?” Lu Ze asked curiously as he tilted his head toward him.

 

Liang Xiao kissed Lu Ze’s cheek again. “Just like this—you cooking for me in the kitchen.”

 

With his chin resting in the crook of Lu Ze’s shoulder, Liang Xiao’s voice was low and husky, carrying a hint of the raspiness from his illness, making it even more magnetic than usual.

 

Lu Ze thought that Liang Xiao must have been lonely for a long time. After years of solitude, he had finally found someone he could let into his heart. That’s why he acted so differently when they were together, showing a side that didn’t match his outward cool demeanor.

 

It was adorable and made Lu Ze feel all warm and soft inside.

 

When the food was ready, they set everything on the small coffee table. Lu Ze brought over two small stools—neither of them sat on the couch.

 

“The coffee table is too low,” Lu Ze said. “Eating like this all the time isn’t good for your stomach. Let’s get a folding table. We can set it up for meals and fold it away afterward—it won’t take up much space.”

 

Liang Xiao mumbled an “Okay” as he focused on drinking his meatball soup.

 

The soup was simple: just meatballs, greens, and vermicelli, but it was incredibly flavorful.

 

Lu Ze took a sip of the broth and frowned. “Isn’t it too hot?”

 

“It is…” Liang Xiao said as he rolled a meatball around in his mouth, smiling faintly. “But it’s delicious—way better than my mom’s.”

 

Seeing how much Liang Xiao was enjoying the meal, Lu Ze felt immensely satisfied. “I’ll make it for you more often.”

 

Liang Xiao enthusiastically finished an entire bowl of soup and leaned back on the couch, hiccupping. Lu Ze pointed an infrared thermometer at him and checked his temperature. “You ate so much tonight… 37.3°C—still a slight fever.”

 

Even though Liang Xiao kept insisting that this temperature didn’t count as a fever, Lu Ze refused to let him accompany him to his exams, insisting that he stay home and rest properly.

 

—

 

The five exams took four days to complete. After finishing the last one, Sun Zhuoyu suggested they go out for a nice meal to celebrate. The group decided on a buffet restaurant. Lu Ze invited Liang Xiao, while Sun Zhuoyu brought along Meng Qian and Lü Xuan, making it six people for their last meal before summer break.

 

“What’s everyone’s plan for summer vacation?” Sun Zhuoyu asked.

 

“I’m going to get a part-time job,” Mao Xin said. “Otherwise, I’ll be too bored.”

 

“You’re probably going on trips with Qian Qian, right?” Lü Xuan asked Sun Zhuoyu.

 

Sun Zhuoyu nodded, looking a bit embarrassed. “Yeah… so I wanted to see if anyone else has plans to go out…”

 

“I’m not playing third wheel,” Lü Xuan said with a laugh. “You’ll have to ask those two.”

 

“We’re planning to travel too,” Lu Ze said. “Just the two of us—not joining you guys.”

 

Sun Zhuoyu slapped the table dramatically. “You’ve got yourself a boyfriend and forgotten all about your disciple!”

 

Lu Ze chuckled lightly. “Yep, I admit it. What are you going to do about it?”

 

Sun Zhuoyu looked at him with mock indignation. “Look at this! So shameless—doesn’t even try to hide it! I’m quitting this apprenticeship!”

 

Everyone burst out laughing at his antics. They raised their glasses for a toast as Lü Xuan said, “Here’s to both couples having an amazing time this summer!”

 

As they were finishing up their meal, a tall girl walked up to their table. Everyone turned to look at her, and Liang Xiao’s expression instantly turned cold.

 

“Liang Xiao,” the girl began, “I finally ran into you! Why did you delete me just like that? I still wanted to—”

 

Before she could finish her sentence, Liang Xiao stood up abruptly and cut her off. “If you have something to say, let’s talk over there.”

 

The girl’s gaze swept across the table and lingered on Lu Ze’s face. Lu Ze returned her look with a cold, indifferent expression.

 

Leaning down, Liang Xiao whispered softly into Lu Ze’s ear, “She’s an old client. I’ll explain everything to her and be right back.”

 

Lu Ze gave a quiet “Mm” in response.

 

Liang Xiao walked off with the girl to talk privately, but Lu Ze’s eyes followed them the whole time. The others at the table exchanged glances, unsure of what to say. After a while, Sun Zhuoyu finally broke the silence, whispering, “Ze-ge, what’s going on? Is that an ex-girlfriend?”

 

“No,” Lu Ze replied with a frown. “She’s not an ex.”

 

No one else felt like eating anymore either. All their attention was focused on Liang Xiao and the girl.

 

Liang Xiao’s expression remained cold and distant throughout the conversation—his entire demeanor screamed “rejection.” Meanwhile, the girl seemed emotional and kept speaking animatedly.

 

Meng Qian whispered, “Why is she so persistent? He already has a boyfriend.”

 

Sun Zhuoyu added, “Before Ze-ge came out, girls chasing him were just as persistent.”

 

“Well, they’re both ridiculously handsome…” Lü Xuan chimed in.

 

“Xiao-ge is too cold,” Mao Xin commented. “When Ze-ge rejects people, at least he does it with a smile.”

 

Lü Xuan gave him a knowing look and said, “You don’t get it. If Xiao-ge dared to smile right now, he wouldn’t be smiling for long.”

 

All four of them turned to look at Lu Ze in unison. He was sitting there with his arms crossed, frowning and staring intently in Liang Xiao’s direction. His face clearly said: *Not happy.*

 

“I think you’re right,” Sun Zhuoyu said.

 

“I think you’re right,” Meng Qian echoed.

 

“I think… you’re right,” Mao Xin added hesitantly. When Lu Ze glanced his way, he still managed to finish his sentence with determination.

 

In less than five minutes, Liang Xiao returned to the table. He glanced at Lu Ze’s face, but by then, Lu Ze had already composed himself and looked calm again. Liang Xiao wanted to explain but hesitated because of the group setting.

 

Suddenly, Lü Xuan spoke up. “Qian Qian, are you done eating? Come with me to the restroom.”

 

As she spoke, she shot meaningful looks at Sun Zhuoyu and Mao Xin. Catching on quickly, Sun Zhuoyu said, “Oh! I need to go too. Mao Mao, coming?”

 

Mao Xin shot up from his seat like a rocket. “I’m coming!”

 

Ever since overhearing Lu Ze and Liang Xiao kissing from the bathroom that one time, Mao Xin had been too embarrassed to be left alone with them—it always made him blush.

 

Once everyone had left the table, Liang Xiao leaned closer to Lu Ze and whispered softly, “Baby, she’s just an old client of mine. We’ve never had any private interactions—I made that very clear to her just now…”

 

“Oh really?” Lu Ze replied coolly. “No private interactions? Then why does she call you ‘Liang Xiao’?”

 

Liang Xiao paused for a moment before explaining, “She’s… an old client. When I first started this job, I used my real name.”

 

Lu Ze knew all of this was in the past—there was no reason for him to feel jealous. Normally, he wouldn’t even bother bringing up old matters. But seeing this so-called old client standing in front of him with such reluctance to let go of Liang Xiao would make anyone feel annoyed.

 

So he shot Liang Xiao a sidelong glance and continued asking, “How ‘old’ is this old client? Has she hired you many times?”

 

Liang Xiao hesitated for a moment before reluctantly telling the truth. “Mm… quite a lot of times.”

 

“Oh,” Lu Ze replied simply.

 

Liang Xiao froze, sensing that Lu Ze didn’t seem inclined to ask further questions. Watching Lu Ze’s expression carefully, he reached out and gently touched the small of his back. “Baby…”

 

Suddenly, Lu Ze turned his head, and their faces were so close that they could feel each other’s breath.

 

“Liang Xiao,” Lu Ze said, his voice calm but firm. “It doesn’t matter how many clients you had before, how many times they hired you, how beautiful they were, or how much they liked you. Because…”

 

He paused, and Liang Xiao’s breathing hitched slightly.

 

“Because the first person to date you was me. The first person to kiss you was me. The first person to make you meatball soup was me. The first person to carry you was me. And the first person you willingly called ‘baby’… was also me.”

 

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