Chapter 76: Massage – With such poor technique, will there be a next time?

He Guan was utterly certain that this man sensed his tension.

Yet, the masseuse, feigning ignorance, slid his hand downward, pushing He Guan's bathrobe down to his waist.

Instantly, He Guan was half-exposed.

The massage oil felt slightly cool but, when spread by warm hands, generated a mild heat on his back.

He Gu's vision was limited, unable to see behind him. He only felt the person apply the medicinal oil, moving their hand from his neck downward, pressing along his spine, asking, "Is this pressure okay?"

His voice sounded the same as when he left, if not gentler.

Only when the masseur had pressed down to his tailbone did He Gu murmur, "It hurts."

After such a long time without hearing his voice, when he spoke, He Gu's initial reaction was one of grievance.

Surprisingly, it was grievance.

For He Gu, it felt somewhat nostalgic.

Lou Dongcang hesitated, "This—"

Suddenly, He Gu tried to sit up, "I'm going to call for an attendant. I want a different masseur. I'll ring the bell..."

He wanted to check if the eavesdropper was still outside the door.

Seeing himself interrupted, the man did not insist on continuing. Once He Gu rang the bell and lay back down, he silently resumed the massage.

However, He Gu's back was tense. This kind of massage was purely a confrontation with the body's muscles, making it very rigid.

The masseur had to apply more force to achieve the same relaxing effect.

An attendant at the door knocked and entered, asking, "Sir, may I assist you?"

He Gu took the opportunity to glance at Lou Dongcang.

Wearing a mask and a cap, his hair and face were obscured. Wrapped tightly from head to toe, he wore a light blue masseur uniform.

He Gu could sense that Lou Dongcang instantly reacted to his gaze, trying to meet his eyes.

He Gu avoided it.

He lifted his head, pointing to the man beside him, "Can you replace him? He's pressing too hard; it hurts."

The attendant shook his head, "Sir, he's the only masseur available right now. Considering some clients initially find the pressure intense, perhaps give it some time? After all, it's only been two minutes."

He Gu replied indifferently, "I don't want to adjust. I want to leave now. Masseur, please remove your hands; I want to get up."

Within He Gu's field of vision, he noticed the attendant's fingers tighten.

——Realizing He Gu wanted to leave, the attendant was nervous.

Lou Dongcang hesitated when he was referred to as "masseur."

He Gu felt like laughing, but restrained himself since he was still in character.

Actually, he wanted to call him "Master Lou."

Soon, the hands on He Gu's back resumed their duty, rubbing the cool small of his back.

The area soon became warm and cozy, enveloped in a gentle heat reminiscent of tepid water.

The attendant, sweating profusely, struggled to find a way to retain He Gu, "Sir, how about I have Young Master Lou come see you? Please wait a moment, I assure you he'll be right here to comfort you."

The man's words were overly familiar and deliberately so, causing He Gu to frown in discomfort.

After contemplating the offer, He Gu declined, "Never mind... I'll endure it. I don't wish to see him for now."

The attendant revealed an indulgent smile.

He Gu commanded, "Then fetch my phone. The massage hurts too much; I need a distraction."

The attendant hesitated, "Well..."

He Gu became somewhat irate, "Or would you prefer to endure this in my stead? I need to make a call... Ah! Could you be gentler?"

Lou Dongcang whispered, "I apologize. But you've spent too long at the office; your shoulders are tense. Bear with it for now, and it won't hurt as much next time."

He Gu, almost beside himself in frustration, retorted, "Next time? With your skills, there's a next time?"

The attendant, noticing that He Gu's mood had improved but was quickly soured again by the masseur, hurriedly tried to appease him, "Your phone! I'll get it right away."

At the same time, he reprimanded, "Be more careful. Don't hurt the guests! If Mr. He doesn't return because of this, how will you apologize?"

Lou Dongcang looked somewhat flustered and replied, "Understood."

From his tone, He Gu discerned that the attendant's reprimand was merely incidental; he was genuinely annoyed by He Gu's unpredictable mood.

If it weren't for He Gu's volatility, he could've finished today's therapy session.

He Gu leaned slightly forward, squinting his eyes.

Why did he always come here?

He came using a card provided by Lou Jun Duo, not needing to pay anything. Technically, he wasn't a revenue-generating customer, so did they lack potential clients?

He Gu didn't think so.

Once before, he encountered a group of affluent-looking college students at the entrance, each sporting clothing easily costing five figures. They intended to explore the therapy center.

However, they were mercilessly stopped by the doorman. Security was even called to escort them out, ensuring they didn't step foot inside.

They weren't short on customers, but they lacked customers like He Gu.

What was so special about him to merit such solicitation?

Was it a matter of his identity?

Who desired the position of the general manager of Xingyu? Or perhaps, the entirety of Xingyu itself?

Or, to put it simply...

Is someone trying to make him meet Lou Dongcang?

He Gu made a show of lowering his head, averting his gaze. Soon after, he said to the attendant, "Bring me another pair of underwear. I've taken off the ones I had on. You have extras here, right?"

The attendant replied attentively, "Of course. Even if we didn’t, I'd go and purchase a pair for you."

After speaking, the attendant shot Lou Dongcang a sharp look before turning to leave.

He was warning Lou Dongcang.

Warning him about what?

Putting it in context, was he implying that Lou Dongcang nearly drove He Gu away due to his incompetence?

Lou Dongcang's painful touch was intentional.

He wanted He Gu to leave.

*

Before entering the massage parlor, personal belongings are stored in designated lockers. He Gu's phone was placed there.

For several days, He Gu wasn’t allowed to bring his phone into the parlor.

Lou Jun Duo even explained that the parlor had special devices similar to signal jammers. Mobile phones wouldn't have any signal inside, and given the vast space, losing items would be problematic. Hence, phones weren't allowed.

Once, He Gu "accidentally" brought his Bluetooth earphones inside. As soon as he passed the opulent main entrance, an alarm from an unknown source sounded.

Removing his earphones, he apologized to the manager who rushed over, saying he had forgotten they were on.

Only after the manager took the earphones did He Gu continue forward.

This way, he avoided a full-body search and successfully smuggled in a recording device given by Chi Yu.

If previously phones were prohibited to keep He Gu from discovering something, why was he allowed to bring it today?

The only variable today was Lou Dongcang.

But why?

He Gu didn't press the matter.

Lou Dongcang's behavior today was too dissimilar from before. He Gu reasonably suspected he was putting on an act, perhaps constrained from explaining due to certain concerns.

At the very least, this indicated that this wasn’t a place for candid conversation.

However, He Gu and Chi Yu had confirmed there were no surveillance cameras here.

Not only because he hadn’t spotted any control rooms during his days here, but also because, if they were up to covert activities, it'd be illogical to have surveillance — it would only make a police raid more effective.

If connected to the internet, such information could easily be stolen. Hence, communication within criminal organizations is typically more insular, far less convenient than the everyday conversations of ordinary people.

As He Gu pondered this, the massage continued.

It was somewhat painful, yet not unbearable, resembling a typical massage.

However, He Gu's back remained tense, unable to relax.

Lou Dongcang massaged him for roughly twenty minutes, reminding him to relax three times during the session.

He Gu wasn't doing it on purpose. In fact, Lou Dongcang's massage felt pleasant. But He Gu didn't want him to continue with the massage, lest he be distracted from resolving the questions in his mind.

Wanting to pre-empt any reminder from Lou, He Gu said, "I can't seem to relax. Perhaps, stop the massage and let me just lie here."

As expected, Lou Dongcang removed his hands but didn't let He Gu rise, responding, "Just lie down. I'll apply some cupping therapy for you; it won't hurt."

He Gu heard the clinking sound of the apparatus.

Then, something was fastened onto his back, creating a suction.

It was the first cup.

The man applied four cups to his back before stopping.

The temperature from the cupping was just right, a tad warmer than the massage, feeling slightly hot.

In a leisurely tone, He Gu remarked, "Why so silent? After such a long time, is this the welcome I get?"

Lou Dongcang hesitated, "…It's not that."

He Gu nonchalantly probed, "Where've you been?"

Lou Dongcang replied, "I acquired a professional skill."

He Gu quipped, "You mean massage?"

Lou Dongcang affirmed, "Yes."

He Gu retorted, "Enough. Be quiet. If I'm the only one talking, it's tiring. Can't be bothered with you."

At that moment, the attendant knocked on the door, inquiring, "Mr. He?"

He Gu responded, "Come in."

The attendant announced, "Your phone, and new, unopened clothing."

He Gu took his phone and directed the attendant to place the underwear on the side table. In the attendant's presence, he dialed Chi Yu.

The way he called out was distinctive, uttering just one word, his voice softening immediately, "Yu, where are you? Finished work?"

What did the person over there say?

He Guan: "No need. I've still got over an hour before I head back. I'm still undergoing cupping therapy... Alright, get some green beans... Sure, I'll cook it for you when I get home. Anything else?"

The waiter stood there, watching him.

Whereas the seemingly cuckolded Lou Dongzang remained silent.

He Guan hung up the phone and said displeasingly, "Why are you still standing here?"

Waiter: "Mr. He, please understand our position. The boss, Mr. Lou, doesn't allow guests to make video calls, as our products are constantly copied by competitors..."

He Guan, anger rising, retorted, "Am I not the only guest here? Must you monitor everything I do? Even a phone call? Are you out of your mind?"

The waiter could only endure his rage, mildly protesting, "Sir, that's not the case. I am assigned specifically to serve you to ensure your comfort. The masseuse earlier was—"

Realizing he said too much, the waiter quickly corrected himself.

He Guan, noticing the waiter's guarded demeanor, continued, "What about the masseuse? You did it on purpose, didn’t you? Bringing my ex to massage me? Was it Lou Jun's idea? No wonder he didn't show up today. He's behind this, isn't he?"

The waiter feigned surprise: "You mean..."

He Guan with an expression of someone caught gossiping exclaimed, "Damn it, none of your business! Get out!"

He Guan had picked up on something in their conversation.

The waiter deliberately drew his attention to the masseuse.

He Guan wasn't fond of the masseuse and wanted a replacement. The waiter's initial reaction was to ask He Guan to endure it.

However, by logical deduction, any decent establishment would be highly accommodating to a customer like He Guan.

Simply put, they'd treat him like royalty, eager for his patronage.

But they didn't.

They seemed to be stoking the fire, constantly hinting at Lou Dongzang, as if they wanted He Guan to direct all his anger at him.

They wanted He Guan's attention on Lou Dongzang.

Indeed, someone wanted He Guan to meet Lou Dongzang.

Why?

Waiter: "If it's a personal matter, then I won't..."

He Guan angrily grabbed a pair of underwear from a nearby table and hurled it at him.

He Guan, visibly irritated, asked the other person left in the room, "How much longer for the cupping therapy?"

Lou Dongzang: "Fifteen minutes. Just a few more minutes and we're done."

He Guan: "When the time comes, remove the cups. This massage is sufficient. I'll give Lou Junduo some face, but I won't continue. I'm leaving."

Lou Dongzang whispered, "He Guan."

His voice carried a hint of plea and lingering fondness, as if wanting to exchange a few more words with him, yet unable to retain him, so he just called out his name.

He Guan's brows cooled: "Who allowed you to address me like that? We have no relationship now."

Only then did Lou Dongzang furrow his brows, asking, "What do you mean?"

He Guan feigned ignorance: "Didn't you know? Lou Dongzang, when I said our contract lasted for two years, I lied. It was just to console you when you were sick. In reality, our engagement ended last week."

Lou Dongzang froze.

He Guan waved his phone: "Don't believe me? I can show you the agreement. I signed it with your father. It's legally binding."

Only then did Lou Dongzang stop avoiding him and approached to view He Guan's phone.

He Guan leaned forward, attempting to show the phone screen, his posture contorted as he half-turned his head to pass the phone.

The man was close enough for He Guan to kiss him.

A fleeting, hesitant light shone in his eyes, yet he stayed silent, his gaze questioning as he looked at He Guan's screen.

He Guan tilted his face and placed a light kiss on his mask.

The kiss was silent, a mere touch.

The distance between them closed in an instant.

Lou Dongzang turned, his stunning blue-green eyes blinked twice, abruptly shifting from the screen to lock onto He Guan's eyes.

On He Guan's phone screen, a memo read...

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