Chapter 50: Zhajiang Noodles

Chapter 50: Zhajiangmian

Water gushed down noisily as Liu Erxing stretched out his arms, both soaked. He was drenched in sweat, his clothes clinging to his skin.

Yun Fan wiped his face clean and let out a long sigh of relief. Before the medical team arrived, Yun Fan had been performing CPR on the flight student who had lost breath and heartbeat.

The continuous exertion had left his arms stiff and straight; even now, Yun Fan’s hands remained numb and unresponsive.

News had just come that all three people on the plane were out of danger, finally putting their minds at ease. Liu Erxing remarked that it was thanks to Yun Fan that they had saved another life.

The once handsome and dashing man was now covered in soot, but Liu Erxing didn’t seem to mind, flashing his white teeth in a silly grin at Yun Fan.

“Guess we’ve been through hardship together, huh,” Liu Erxing summed up, his tone still light.

Yun Fan’s feelings were complicated. To him, this was an unexpected event, but for Liu Erxing, it seemed like just another day.

“Hey, don’t make that face,” Liu Erxing slowed his speech, as if coaxing someone. “It’s rare for me to be serious, and you just had to witness it.”

“Ah… you,” Yun Fan shook his head, “still in the mood to joke.”

The two walked out of the estate together. Feeling uncomfortable, Liu Erxing called for a car, and they both sat in the back seat. Worried that he smelled bad, Liu Erxing tried to shrink into the corner of the seat. His over-six-foot frame curled into a small ball, which Yun Fan found oddly unsettling.

“Sit properly. What do you take me for?” Yun Fan looked at him helplessly. “I really don’t mind.”

Liu Erxing smiled, brushing aside the sticky hair on his forehead, and sighed. “I didn’t expect something like this to happen. Sorry for ruining the fun.”

“Young Master Liu, you flatter me!” Yun Fan quickly waved his hands. “I just have one request: don’t tell Mr. Zhaofu about this.”

“Hey!” Liu Erxing slapped his thigh. “Great minds think alike.”

“If Zhaofu finds out about this, he’ll skin me alive. I mean, I took you to a fire!”

Startled by his exaggerated tone, Yun Fan shivered. Liu Erxing rubbed the back of his head, looking at Yun Fan with a half-smile.

“When a few buddies and I started this rescue team, the first funding came from Zhaofu. Real money, from his own pocket.” Liu Erxing’s smile faded, his expression turning somewhat serious.

Yun Fan was surprised; he had never heard Zhaofu mention this. Seeing Yun Fan’s wide-eyed attention, Liu Erxing gave a faint smile.

“He gave us money and used his connections to introduce us to many people in the industry. He helped us a lot. You could say without him, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Wen is too perfect—his background, education, and abilities.” Liu Erxing’s eyes held a hint of envy. “Oh, and his face. Even as a guy, I think he’s way too good-looking.”

“If it were Cheng Yu, I might be jealous, but since it’s Wen Zhaofu, I can only admire him.” Liu Erxing turned to look at Yun Fan.

Yun Fan nodded in agreement. “Sir has put in a lot of effort that nobody knows about. He’s had it tough.”

“Yeah, he lets you see his struggles, saving the glamorous side for others.” Liu Erxing looked seriously at Yun Fan. “So falling for Zhaofu is pretty easy, right?”

In an instant, a blush spread from Yun Fan’s neck to his cheeks, even tingeing the tips of his ears pink.

Yun Fan bit his lip, seeming about to speak, but Liu Erxing didn’t want to hear it. Raising his voice, he feigned nonchalance. “I’m talking about Fiona Wu!”

The car fell silent again as both lost themselves in thought. Yun Fan, still feeling the ache in his arms, occasionally massaged his biceps. Weren’t they supposed to be here for a helicopter experience? How did it turn into a physical workout?

Liu Erxing gazed out the window at the trees rushing past, his mind buzzing. This complicated situation had become clearer after he cut through the chaos with swift decisions.

Anyway, none of them were making faster progress. At least on the surface, Yun Fan hadn’t admitted to liking anyone.

Liu Erxing figured Yun Fan and Wen Zhaofu spent a lot of time together, so it was natural they’d be closer. Once Yun Fan came to his senses, he might realize that marrying into a wealthy family came with too many risks. Maybe he’d prefer someone who could offer stability and freedom.

Right—before Yun Fan married anyone, he still had a chance. Even if he did marry, Liu Erxing would wait and see if Yun Fan was truly happy. If not, he could always wait for Yun Fan to divorce.

Liu Erxing rubbed his face, thinking the matter was simple. Yun Fan wasn’t dating anyone yet, so he could pursue him. If he was, he could still try to win him over. After all, he had no shame, because having shame was useless.

Yun Fan had no idea Liu Erxing was weighing shame versus shamelessness. All he wanted was a bottle of medicated oil to massage his arms.

Back in Hong Kong, the old butler had given him a bottle, and he found it really effective. The thought made him miss everyone at Langyuntai.

Then he caught himself—he must be exhausted to be missing the old butler. He quickly shook his head and muttered, “No, no.”

*

Since returning to Beijing, Liu Erxing had been inundated with invitations from friends eager to party. He’d already turned down several dinners to spend time with Yun Fan. But tonight’s bar gathering was one he couldn’t skip again.

The bar was opened by his childhood friend. They’d promised each other that whoever opened a convenience store first, the other would be the first customer.

Since convenience stores weren’t doing well, his friend had opened a bar instead. He’d originally wanted Liu Erxing to invest, but Liu Erxing was off rescuing people in no-man’s-land during the meeting and missed his chance.

He couldn’t skip this one—he was a man of his word. Besides, if he didn’t show up soon, rumors would spread that some seductress had pinned him under Five Finger Mountain.

“Yun Fan, come with me,” Liu Erxing said, not wanting to go alone—and also hiding a selfish desire to show Yun Fan off.

“No,” Yun Fan didn’t even look up, scrolling through videos on his phone. “Why wouldn’t I just lie in my room with the AC on?”

“Is it really that hot here?” Liu Erxing tutted. “At least come up with a better excuse to brush me off.”

Seeing Yun Fan unmoved, Liu Erxing kicked the sofa leg. Yun Fan finally looked up. Liu Erxing grinned. “After we’re done tonight, we’ll head straight to Tianjin for some fresh eggs. Tomorrow morning, we’ll get jianbing guozi.”

“How about that?” Liu Erxing felt he was being incredibly patient with Yun Fan.

At the mention of authentic jianbing guozi, Yun Fan’s eyes lit up. That sounded perfect—it had been so long since he’d had such hearty, homestyle food.

This trip was worth it, really worth it. He stood up, clapped his hands, and went to change. After a few steps, he turned back. “Alright, but I’m just sitting there sipping a drink. Don’t drag me onto the dance floor.”

“Fine—” Liu Erxing drawled, thinking to himself, *We’ll see if you can resist once we’re there.*

Around nine in the evening, after dinner, Liu Erxing drove Yun Fan to the bar. As Yun Fan requested, they’d eaten zhajiangmian. Liu Erxing had complained the whole time, saying it was too simple and not how he treated guests.

Yun Fan ignored him, burying his face in the large bowl of noodles and devouring them. He hadn’t had chewy, satisfying noodles in so long—Liu Erxing couldn’t possibly understand.

Besides, they were going to a bar later. In such a dazzling place, Yun Fan worried if his stomach was too full, he might end up vomiting.

As they neared their destination, they hit traffic. Beijing traffic was unlike Hong Kong’s—unpredictable and endless. Yun Fan sighed, leaning out to look, but he had no words to comfort Liu Erxing.

“Ugh! Terrible timing.” Liu Erxing smacked the steering wheel. “I’ll find a spot to park. We’ll walk from here.”

The detour made them later than planned, and they worked up a sweat walking. The moment they stepped into the bar, the melody that hit Yun Fan’s ears was, unexpectedly, “Hear the New Journey Bugle Blow.”

“Surprised?” Liu Erxing leaned in and asked by Yun Fan’s ear.

Surprised? Very. Liu Erxing’s friends were indeed as unpredictable as he was. Yun Fan looked up and smiled, a glint in his eyes that made Liu Erxing pause.

The place was crowded. Liu Erxing grabbed Yun Fan’s arm and pulled him to a booth. Yun Fan shook his hand, and Liu Erxing quickly let go, glancing at him.

As soon as Yun Fan stood there, several curious glances turned his way. He smiled slightly and took a seat on a single high stool. Someone whistled, giving Liu Erxing a suggestive look.

“Not bad, Da Liu. Switching up so fast again.”

Liu Erxing punched the guy lightly, shooting a glance at Yun Fan. “What nonsense! Since when have I had anyone?”

Yun Fan didn’t care about anyone or no one. He raised his hand and called a server, ordering a lemonade. The saltiness from the zhajiangmian was getting to him, making his throat dry.

"Is that all you're drinking?" Liu Erxing walked over, his long legs stepping forward as he sat down beside Yun Fan. "Young Master Liu is treating everyone today, order something expensive."

Liu Erxing patted his chest grandly, tilting his head and smiling at Yun Fan. Yun Fan ignored him and added two more lemon waters.

"You and Cheng Yu have the same taste," Liu Erxing chuckled. "He’s the same—sits here and only drinks water. Acting all precious, as if afraid someone might take advantage if he gets drunk."

"He wouldn’t. One incident of having his cat stolen was enough for him in this lifetime," Yun Fan smiled, the corners of his eyes lifting, his whole face lighting up.

Liu Erxing was a bit taken aback. How could Yun Fan smile even when Cheng Yu was mentioned? Was he being too sensitive, or did Yun Fan have too many people in his heart?

At that thought, the knot of frustration in Liu Erxing’s chest tightened again. It seemed anyone with even a drop of the Wen family blood could capture Yun Fan’s attention. In the end, he was just an outsider.

Lost in these thoughts, Liu Erxing downed a row of small whiskey shots, startling Yun Fan, who reached out to stop him.

"What's going on with you?" Yun Fan moved all the glasses away and stopped the server from refilling them.

"Yun Fan, do you think I should do as my father wants and fight for a bigger share from the Wen family?" Liu Erxing seemed troubled, his brows furrowed, the spark in his peach-blossom eyes faded.

Earlier that morning, when he went flying, Liu Erxing had taken off all his accessories, but now he was wearing earrings again—not the flashy ones from before, but two small silver square studs.

What was going on? Was Liu Erxing planning to spill his guts after drinking? The question was too sharp; Yun Fan didn’t dare answer.

"To be honest, my father is putting a lot of pressure on me, and I’ve been bearing it all alone," Liu Erxing wiped his face. "I’ve been used since I was a child—I’m just a tool. No one cares what a tool thinks. I don’t dare like anyone; I’m afraid the person I like will be used too."

Yun Fan was startled, his gaze shifting slightly as he looked at Liu Erxing. This guy who seemed all about casual flings—was he now showing his vulnerable side to him?

Seeing Yun Fan’s attention fully on him, Liu Erxing’s displeasure eased a little. He opened his mouth, waiting for Yun Fan to speak.

To be honest, Yun Fan was somewhat shocked. He had thought Liu Erxing was the freest of all, never expecting such heavy chains on him. No wonder he acted so unpredictably, often breaking the mold. Perhaps all of it was his way of venting.

Anyone would likely be moved by Liu Erxing in this moment, especially since he was the little butler of the Wen family—not entirely an outsider.

"Let whoever wants to fight go fight. You—live in the moment, take it easy when you can," Yun Fan smiled, reaching out to pat Liu Erxing’s shoulder like a good friend.

"Learn from you, huh? Embrace the slump," Liu Erxing finally laughed, feeling relieved and satisfied.

Yun Fan scratched his cheek and raised an eyebrow, not committing either way. If they weren’t in their current situation, he felt he could say more to Liu Erxing. After all, from the very beginning, he felt he had the most to say to this person his age.

But now they were both tied to the Wen family, and many things were better left unsaid. Yun Fan just felt that Liu Erxing shouldn’t stand against others for his father’s sake. It was too unfair to Liu Erxing.

Seeing Yun Fan lost in thought again, Liu Erxing snapped his fingers right in front of Yun Fan's face. Yun Fan jolted and gripped his lemon water glass.

"Let me ask you something," Liu Erxing leaned in closer, looking straight into Yun Fan’s eyes.

Yun Fan nodded, and amid the noise, he heard Liu Erxing ask, "Do you know who likes you right now?"

What was with him today? Liu Erxing’s questions were getting harder and harder to answer! Yun Fan frowned, and suddenly, Wen Zhaofu’s face and those perpetually deep eyes flashed before him.

He shook his head forcefully and quickly replied, "No, no one."

Liu Erxing shrugged and laughed, leaning back a little. Recklessly, he downed another row of whiskey shots, then wiped the corner of his mouth fiercely with the back of his hand.

Drops of whiskey trailed from his lips to his hand. His head spinning, Liu Erxing grabbed Yun Fan’s wrist tightly. Yun Fan found himself unable to pull away.

"Yun Fan, how about I like you?"