Chapter 67: Let You Pick Me Up 3

Chapter 67: Let You Pick Me Up 3

The restaurant was situated in an ideal location, near the city center, a trendy spot popular among young people. It was only two streets away from Gu Jiabei's gym. Although parking in the city center could be challenging, fortunately, Lin Yong had reserved a spot for Yun He, who skillfully reversed his car into it before entering the establishment.

Inside, the ambiance was pleasant. The dim lighting created a cozy atmosphere, with a singer strumming a guitar softly on stage while the guests conversed quietly over their meals.

As soon as Yun He stepped in, he was recognized by a young waiter.

"Brother Yun, it's been ages! Our boss has been missing you a lot," the waiter greeted warmly, leading Yun He to his table.

"Where is he?" Yun He scanned the area but failed to spot Lin Yong.

"The owner and he are having a heated argument in the back," the waiter replied with a grin. "I'll go rescue him for you."

Yun He nodded. In no time, Lin Yong and Wang Xiaomi emerged from the staff entrance at the rear of the shop.

"Well, wasn't I right on time?" Yun He raised an eyebrow.

"You couldn't have been more timely, buddy!" Lin Yong took a seat and addressed Wang Xiaomi, "My friend Yun is here. If you want to argue, do it at home."

"Tch, who cares about arguing with you." Wang Xiaomi rolled her eyes.

"Both of you have been bickering since school and still find things to argue about now?" Yun He asked Wang Xiaomi with a smile.

Back then, Lin Yong had pursued the school beauty for a long time. Eventually, he ended up dating and marrying Wang Xiaomi, who he constantly quarreled with. Now, they even have a three-year-old child.

"Well, if you lived with him, you'd argue for three days straight without relief," Wang Xiaomi said, still upset but visibly happier when she saw Yun He's expression.

"Don't talk like that about my brother," Yun He chuckled. "Yongzi might be a bit lazy, idle, and cunning, but he loves you wholeheartedly. Have you forgotten how he cried like a baby at his wedding ceremony?"

"Ai! Brother Yun! Why do you always bring up embarrassing moments?" Lin Yong playfully hit Yun He's arm.

"Hmph, I don't remember it that way. A grown man crying like a weeping willow; people would've thought he was marrying an enemy," Wang Xiaomi replied, maintaining her tough exterior, yet her gaze towards Lin Yong softened. "You two should drink less. I need to go home; my baby is waiting for me to lull them to sleep."

"Go on, go on. You've spoiled your child too much. At three years old, they still need their mom to soothe them to sleep," Lin Yong sighed.

"My son, I'll spoil as I please. Mind your own business!" Wang Xiaomi glared at Lin Yong before bidding Yun He farewell and leaving.

"Sigh, see that? That's married life. After having kids, there's barely any alone time for couples. Either busy with the shop or rushing home to look after the child. Brother Yun, you're still so carefree being single," Lin Yong remarked as he ordered some fine wine and dishes for the two of them to enjoy while chatting.

"Don't act all smug after getting your way," Yun He clinked his glass with Lin Yong's. "Who actually enjoys being single? I'd love to sob like a delicate flower at my own wedding someday."

Lin Yong took a large sip of his drink and glanced at Yun He. "I used to be rather insensitive, not really considering that aspect... But... But Xiao Mi educated me on it, and now I understand..."

"Such a straight guy," Yun He teased Lin Yong.

"Yes... I am straight... So I can't quite picture a wedding between two men..." Lin Yong took another big gulp of his drink. "But if it were you, I'd accept it unconditionally!"

"Thanks." Yun He also took a hearty swig. "But I was just joking, you know..."

"Then...?" Lin Yong looked around furtively before whispering, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

Yun He burst into laughter at Lin Yong's secretive demeanor, which earned him an annoyed glare from the latter.

"No..." Yun He laughed so hard that tears formed in the corners of his eyes. "Am I that unsuitable to be seen with?"

"Stop laughing, you know I didn't mean it that way. It's just that saying that word... feels a bit awkward for me," Lin Yong scratched his head, embarrassed.

"Awkward or not, you're not needed as my boyfriend." Yun He wiped away his tears and refilled his glass. "This wine is good, but why do I feel like I'm drinking every day lately?"

"Sip away, drink until you pass out. You're safe to be in any state here with me." Lin Yong took a bite of his dish and followed it with a large gulp of wine.

The restaurant had transitioned into its evening ambiance, and within moments, Yun He found himself surrounded by couples. Laughter, chatter, and music filled the air. As the lighting dimmed, a young couple nearby seized the moment for a discreet kiss.

Under such an atmosphere, especially with the alcohol's influence on Yun He, thoughts of Gu Jiabei were hard to escape.

"I feel like calling Gu Jiabei..." Yun He said softly, holding his glass.

"Wha-?!" Lin Yong looked up in astonishment, a shrimp ball still in his mouth.

"I miss him..." Yun He murmured, gazing in the direction of the stage.

"Gu... Gu Shuai?" Lin Yong hastily swallowed the shrimp, his face a mask of surprise.

"Mm-hmm, do you know the gym on the street nearby? He owns it," Yun He replied, his gaze returning to meet Lin Yong's, expression calm.

"Holy shit!" Lin Yong's shock was compounded: "That impressive? I've heard they have branches all over the country. Oh right, I did hear something about the owner being named Gu. Holy shit, is it him?!"

"You got that right, that impressive Gu Jiabei..." Yun He tilted his head back and downed the remainder of his drink in one go. "We ran into each other yesterday..."

"Damn it, and then what?!" Lin Yong nearly jumped out of his seat, eagerly gulping down a large sip of alcohol.

"Then?..." Yun He tilted his head with a grin, gazing at Lin Yong. "Then we ended up in bed together."

"Spit... Cough, cough, cough, cough... Damn..." The straight man nearly had a near-death experience right there in his own restaurant.

Yun He grabbed a napkin to wipe the wine that Lin Yong had accidentally spat onto the table. "You were the one who asked."

"Well, you could have chosen not to answer!" Lin Yong also snatched a napkin, vigorously cleaning the tabletop. "You didn't tell me about your past with him either, leaving me clueless for so long!"

"At that time, we hadn't slept together," Yun He continued to smile at Lin Yong.

"Brother Yun! I... I am, after all, a straight guy..." Lin Yong sighed. "Please, have some mercy..."

Yun He nodded with a smile, deciding not to tease Lin Yong further.

"So... Are you two back together? He must have come back specifically to find you, right? Otherwise, why would he open this place here?" Lin Yong leaned closer to Yun He, asking his question.

"I'm not sure... Mentioning it only makes me sad." Yun He leaned back against the booth. "And I miss him terribly right now."

"Want him? Just call him! What's the big deal, aren't you two... haven't you... done that thing already? Why be reserved now?" Lin Yong said.

"Exactly, why be reserved!" Yun He nodded and took out his phone to send a message to Gu Jiabei.

"Gu Jiabei, I'm at Heroic Melody Restaurant. I've had too much to drink, and some guys have been staring at me. Could you come and get me?"

Done, sent!

Moments later, Yun He's phone rang. He whispered something into Lin Yong's ear, who frowned in disdain. Yun He waited a bit longer before answering the call.

"...Hello..." It was just one simple word, but Yun He conveyed his drunken state impressively.

"Are you with someone else?" Gu Jiabei's voice came through the phone, deep, dependable, and pleasing to the ear.

"No... I came alone... My head is spinning..." Yun He gave Lin Yong a look.

Lin Yong rolled his eyes at Yun He, then pinching his nose, he lowered his voice and said, "Bro, let's have a drink together."

"I-" Yun He didn't finish his sentence before hanging up promptly.

Lin Yong gave Yun He a thumbs up. "If we hadn't known each other for so many years, I would've really thought an award-winning actor walked into my place today."

Gu Jiabei arrived promptly, truly swiftly, taking no more than five minutes. Dressed in a sophisticated suit, he instantly captured the attention of many upon entering the shop. The 6-foot-2 Gu Jiabei frowned as he stood in the store for a moment, scanning the area before spotting Yun He and making his way over. Lin Yong promptly rose from his seat.

"Gu Shuai! It's really you!" Lin Yong looked at Gu Jiabei excitedly. "It's been more than a decade since we last met. You're still as handsome as ever!"

"Long time no see, Yongzi," Gu Jiabei said, realizing Yun He's scheme the moment he saw Lin Yong.

"Haha, yes, yes, it has indeed been a long time." Lin Yong chuckled sincerely, then glanced at Yun He who was still seated at the booth. "So, this little place is mine. Gu Shuai, please sit down and have something to eat."

"No need, I'll just—” Gu Jiabei's words were cut short by Lin Yong.

"I actually planned on treating you properly today, but I have an urgent matter that requires my immediate departure. How about this? When you have free time to drop by again, I'll make sure to give you a proper welcome then." Lin Yong waved goodbye, hastily leaving, appearing genuinely pressed for time.

Yun He silently applauded Lin Yong's improvisation.

"You're already here, why not stay for a bit?" Yun He smiled at Gu Jiabei, without any guilt for his deception.

"I don't see anything important going on here, so I'll be leaving first," Gu Jiabei said, turning around. Yun He immediately grabbed his wrist tightly and with force.

Gu Jiabei turned back to look at Yun He without uttering a word.

"Sit down…" Yun He didn't let go, his tone laced with pleading. "I really came here alone, and I do feel a bit dizzy from drinking. Besides, I can't drive in this state—"

"You could call a designated driver," Gu Jiabei suggested.

"But I only want you." Yun He gazed at Gu Jiabei. In the flickering light, fragments of radiance danced in Yun He's eyes.

After a moment, Gu Jiabei said, "Let go first."

Yun He slowly released his grip as instructed but kept his gaze fixed on Gu Jiabei. The latter stood for a while before finally sitting down beside Yun He.

Yun He caught the scent lingering on Gu Jiabei's body, which seemed more mature and intense in the dimly lit setting.

The singer on stage had just finished their last note. Yun He stood up and looked at Gu Jiabei. "I'll sing a song for you up there."

Gu Jiabei remained silent, simply lifting his head to meet Yun He's gaze.

"Wait here obediently. You're not allowed to go anywhere until I finish singing," Yun He, perhaps genuinely tipsy, commanded Gu Jiabei with an authoritative tone. Then, he pressed down on Gu Jiabei's shoulder and swayed his way toward the stage.

Many guests were drawn to the stage by Yun He. It had to be said that Yun He exuded a youthful charm. Even in a simple beige shirt, with all its buttons neatly fastened to the top, his vitality could not be concealed.

Yun He exchanged a few words with the singer on stage, who then nodded and handed him the wooden guitar. Yun He took a seat on a tall stool in the center of the stage, adjusted the microphone's height, and chuckled. "Apologies everyone, I had a bit of wine and got inspired. I'd like to sing a song."

Instantly, approving cheers rang out from the audience, though not overly loud. The ambiance of this restaurant was rather tranquil, frequented by young people with artistic inclinations.

Yun He gently strummed the guitar, and a slow melody flowed from his fingertips. The tune was delightful, and Yun He began to sing softly.

In the blazing summer heat,

Sunlight and you together illuminated my heart.

Since then, a profusion of blooms has unfolded deep inside.

Snowflakes dancing in the air,

Your image still lingers beneath the basketball hoop,

Familiar scents lingering, ever present.

Promised to be by your side, to ease your pain, and never let you down.

Yet, I myself have pushed aside this very anticipation.

The northern clouds disperse, clearing the sky of its gloom.

"Intense yearning, you know not."

"Migration of the Swallows: The Southern Messenger"

Your message, unknown,

Time swiftly fades away.

Promises of youth, not empty words for who to trust,

In dreams and reality, I seek your presence.

Truly, I am fond of you.

Taking an eternity to articulate,

Promising to cherish and never disappoint you,

Yet, I was the one who pushed away your anticipation.

In every twist and turn, it's you I see,

In each dawn and dusk, you're ever-present...

...

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