When Zhang Yuze parked the car in the garage, neither he nor Xu Li opened their doors to get out.
“Why aren’t you getting out?” Xu Li asked, watching Zhang Yuze hesitate.
“I don’t want to see Shen Mo.” Zhang Yuze admitted reluctantly.
“…”
For half a minute, silence hung between them. Then Xu Li blinked and said quietly: “I vaguely remember we went to the bar to solve Little Rainbow’s issue…”
“And instead,” Zhang Yuze replied, “we ended up provoking both Old Bi and Shen Mo.”
They sighed in unison, an unspoken acknowledgment of their collective bad luck.
Right on cue, Zhang Yuze’s phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was her- his mother, the renowned Empress Dowager. That woman had always been a proponent of tough love, having studied abroad and adopting a foreign parenting style. As soon as he finished growing up, she kicked him out of the house, not even calling unless it was an emergency.
So, getting her call now made him feel unexpectedly tense.
“Hello, Mom.” Zhang Yuze answered cautiously.
The Empress Dowager’s sharp tone came through the receiver: “I’ve heard about Ge Haoran’s case at the Artillery Hospital. Are you confident about the surgery?”
Her knowledge of the case wasn’t surprising; anything that made waves in the medical field inevitably reached her ears. Zhang Yuze hesitated for a moment, then replied honestly: “Not really. I’m not confident right now.”
The Empress Dowager paused. “Why not?” She asked, sounding a little bit confused.
Zhang Yuze glanced at Xu Li, who was playing with his phone nearby. “The operation itself is already difficult, but my assistant was recently injured. The newcomer replacing him is someone I don’t know, so I’m concerned about how we’ll work together.”
For nearly thirty years, Zhang Yuze had known his mother as a strict, no-nonsense figure. She would never accept excuses or hesitation. Complaining to her felt pointless, but voicing his doubts was cathartic. However, surprisingly enough, she didn’t rebuke him. Instead, she said: “I’ve heard about your new colleague. He’s not exactly known for being easy to work with.”
The car was so quiet that even Xu Li could hear her clearly. He perked up, intrigued.
“Do you know who it is?” Zhang Yuze asked, surprised.
“Yes,” she replied with a sigh. “His name is Li Chao. The dean of Rocket Military Hospital is also surnamed Li. Do you understand what that means?”
“They’re related.” Zhang Yuze said flatly. “But it doesn’t matter. As long as his skills are up to par, his personality and connections don’t concern me.”
“You’re oversimplifying things.” She warned. “From what I’ve heard, Li Chao relied on his family to get where he is. He slacked off in school, scraped through his studies abroad, and only returned to climb the ranks using nepotism. His professional competence is questionable.”
The Empress Dowager rarely gossiped, so for her to make such pointed remarks meant things were truly serious. She continued: “In short, don’t rely on him. Be careful and prepare to shoulder the burden yourself.”
“Understood.” Zhang Yuze said, nodding to himself.
“And one more thing,” she added, her tone firm. “Liu Hongbo will be observing this operation closely. Show him your best work. Don’t embarrass me.”
Zhang Yuze chuckled. “Mom, you’ve been retired for years. Why are you still so competitive?”
“It’s not about competition,” she retorted. “I won’t have people thinking my son is a straw man who didn’t inherit any of my skills.”
“Alright, alright…” Zhang Yuze relented, resting his elbow on the car window. Her high expectations weighed heavily on him, but he couldn’t fault her intentions.
“Anything else? I’m still in the parking lot,” he asked, hoping to wrap up the call.
“How’s your relationship going? Are you still together with that boy?” She asked abruptly.
“You mean Xu Li?” Zhang Yuze glanced at Xu Li, who was now engrossed in his phone. A mischievous grin spread across Zhang Yuze’s face as he reached over and randomly tapped Xu Li’s screen, causing the game he was playing to end in failure.
Xu Li looked up, bewildered, as the words “Game Over” flashed on his screen. He glared at Zhang Yuze, who simply continued his call as if nothing had happened.
“We’re still together.” Zhang Yuze said briefly.
The Empress Dowager hummed thoughtfully. “What was his name again?”
“Xu Li.” Zhang Yuze replied. “Xu as in gently, and Li as in departure1徐- xú – slowly, quietly, calmly; dignified, composed. 离- lí- to leave, to be at a distance from, to lack, to be away from.”
Hearing his name, Xu Li raised an eyebrow, curious about the sudden shift of topic. Zhang Yuze shrugged, equally as confused.
“Is he the same Xu Li who won the National College Student Nursing Competition?” She asked after a pause.
“What?!” Zhang Yuze blurted out, staring at Xu Li in disbelief. He couldn’t reconcile the goofy man in front of him with such an impressive achievement. The competition was notoriously challenging, and its winners were rare. During their college years, both Zhang Yuze and Li Chenghong signed up for that, but they only managed to pass the written examination, failing in the clinical operation segment, and ultimately coming up short.
And yet, Xu Li had won the championship?!
“Was it you?!” Zhang Yuze asked, his gaze sharp as he held up his phone.
Xu Li nodded, though his expression was half-exasperated. “You don’t have to look so shocked. Don’t my professional skills deserve to win a championship?”
On the other end of the line, the Empress Dowager chuckled. “I remember him distinctly. His clinical practice during that competition was nearly flawless. The judges, many of whom were my former classmates, called me afterward just to sing his praises.”
Zhang Yuze narrowed his eyes, feeling like he’d been duped. This man… The one he agreed to share his bed and life with, peacefully waiting for death together… Why was he so secretly accomplished?!
“Alright, I have nothing more to add.” the Empress Dowager concluded. “Focus on preparing for your surgery. Work well with Li Chao, even if you can’t stand him. As for Xu Li, make good use of his talent. Exchange professional insights and, if possible, learn from him.”
The call ended with a decisive click.
Staring at Xu Li, Zhang Yuze imagined the famous golden words glowing above his head: other people’s children. Learn from him?! Oh.
“Champion Xu…” Dr. Zhang drawled, raising his eyebrows as he studied the man beside him.
Xu Li gave a mock bow, his expression playfully humble. “It’s all in the past. Not worth mentioning.”
Pushing open the car door, Zhang Yuze got out, shaking his head. “You’re annoying, but you’re also annoyingly good at what you do.”
Xu Li shut his door and walked beside him toward the elevator. “In college, I racked up a lot of awards—just to stay in Yanjing after graduation. I was in nursing back then and worked hard to transfer to clinical practice. These competitions helped me earn extra points.”
“Then why didn’t you transfer?” Zhang Yuze asked, pressing the elevator button.
“Bad luck.” Xu Li replied with a shrug. “In my second year, the school changed the policy. Transferring to clinical medicine was suddenly off the table. It wasn’t an option for master’s or doctoral studies either. So, I stayed in nursing until I graduated.” Stretching his arms overhead, he added nonchalantly: “Oh well. I admit it. My luck sucked.”
Zhang Yuze stayed silent, lost in thought. Images of putting Xu Li’s name on that study abroad registration form flickered in his mind once again. Should he give Xu Li that opportunity?
In the stairwell, as they climbed, Zhang Yuze’s gaze settled on Xu Li’s back. He thought of the way Xu Li’s expression softened whenever he spoke about studying medicine.
The guy never faked his enthusiasm. He was truly passionate about the field…
… And if Xu Li really wanted to stand at the operating table someday, that might be his last, best chance.
Distracted by his thoughts, Zhang Yuze missed a step. Losing his balance, he flailed for support and grabbed at Xu Li’s clothes, barely managing to steady himself.
Startled, Xu Li turned to help him, only to feel a chill. He glanced down and saw his trousers half-ripped, hanging precariously over his hips. If not for his long coat, he’d be completely exposed.
“Seriously, Zhang Yuze?! Couldn’t you wait until we were in the bedroom to take off my pants?!” Xu Li exclaimed, clutching at the waistband. He gave the other man a look that screamed: You damned pervert!
“What’s your problem?” Zhang Yuze deadpanned, straightening his posture. “It’s not like I haven’t seen it before.”
Speechless, Xu Li gave him a thumbs-up. “Boyfriend, you’re more shameless than me these days.”
“Those who are close to ink turn black.” Zhang Yuze replied as he inserted the key into their apartment door. He vaguely remembered a time when he used to be a quiet, reserved person. Long before Xu Li turned his life upside down.
…………….
Shen Mo wasn’t home when they arrived. A note on the coffee table explained that he had gone out to look for a job and would return later.
Dr. Zhang barely spared it a glance before tossing it aside. Wherever Shen Mo went, it wasn’t his problem.
By the time Shen Mo returned, it was late, and the bedroom door was firmly shut. He cleaned up silently, preparing his bed without bothering the couple behind the door.
Inside, however, Zhang Yuze lay against the headboard, lost in thought. The upcoming surgery loomed in his mind, each worry gnawing away at him.
As for Xu Li, he was changing clothes with his usual flair, tossing his bath towel onto a chair as he slipped on a pair of trousers. Turning around, he caught sight of Zhang Yuze staring at him with furrowed brows, lost in thought.
Licking his lips mischievously, Xu Li approached the bed, a devilish grin on his face. Grabbing Zhang Yuze’s hand, he placed it on his waist.
“Don’t just stare,” Xu Li teased. “Touch. There isn’t a gay man in the world who can say no to me.”
Pulled from his thoughts, Zhang Yuze narrowed his eyes and pinched Xu Li’s side.
“Ah!” Xu Li yelped, grabbing his hand in mock pain before launching a counterattack, his fingers dancing across Zhang Yuze’s ribs.
“Don’t—hahaha—stop!” Zhang Yuze gasped, twisting away as Xu Li straddled him, fully intent on delivering the ultimate tickle assault.
Their laughter echoed through the apartment but outside the door, Shen Mo sat on the sofa, his face dark. From behind the closed door came the muffled sounds of their laughter—playful and intimate.
He gritted his teeth, his mind conjuring various steamy images of what might be happening.
Starting so early?! It was only eight o’clock in the evening! Do they insist on rubbing it in his face so badly?!
Unable to endure it any longer, he lit a cigarette and approached the bedroom door. Knocking lightly, he said: “Brother Yuze, can you come out? My phone fell into the crack of the sofa. I need help.”
Inside, Xu Li paused, lowering his voice. “Don’t go. Let him figure it out himself. Your ears are red, boyfriend,” Xu Li continued to whisper, his breath warm against Zhang Yuze’s neck.
“Get out of here,” Zhang Yuze said, shoving him lightly.
But Xu Li, ever the troublemaker, leaned closer. “You should call Shen Mo in and let him see exactly what we’re doing,” he said with a wicked grin.
Against the light, Zhang Yuze looked up at Xu Li sitting on top of his body, not really wearing any clothes. From the bottom up, everything his eyes could see was the man’s white skin and slender waist. The lines of his abdomen disappeared along his trouser’s waistband, and his chin was raised, with slightly lowered eyes. Up close, his eyes were very unique. When Xu Li looked up, it appeared that he had single eyelids, but when he looked down upon you, there was a thin layer of a double fold. Not to mention the curvature of the corners of his eyes, making him look even more charming.
“Uh–” Zhang Yuze got stuck by the view straight in his core. Xu Li sat on him, smiled clearly, and said in a low voice: “Boyfriend, you have reacted.”
“Enough!” Flustered, Zhang Yuze shoved him off and stormed out of the room, leaving Xu Li laughing in his wake.
Whether it was love or hormones, it definitely came from primitive impulses.
Opening the door, Zhang Yuze looked at Shen Mo while awkwardly pulling at his pants, his composure already frayed. “Where’s your phone? I’ll move the sofa.”
Shen Mo hesitated, his expression pained, looking him up and down. “Brother Yuze, you and Xu Li… is it real?”
Zhang Yuze met his gaze head-on, his voice steady. He knew that Shen Mo still had thought about him, so in order to get it over with once and for all, he simply admitted: “Yes. Xu Li is my true love.”
Shen Mo’s breath hitched. In his mind, he’d always believed their relationship was shallow, something either fleeting or just a body transaction like he had with Old Bi. But hearing Zhang Yuze talk about “true love”… Those words made the truth undeniable.
As he turned away, defeated, Zhang Yuze caught a glimpse of Xu Li leaning against the doorframe, a smug smile on his face.
Rolling his eyes, Zhang Yuze thought bitterly: I lied, okay?! I’m guilty!
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