Chapter 63: Side Story Two

Early July — graduation season once again.

During his senior year, Ji Su had interned at a well-known domestic architecture firm; after graduation he stayed on as a matter of course, officially becoming an architectural designer.

Gu Zhao likewise remained at a law firm opened by a senior alumnus of their department, where he not only became a criminal defense attorney but also a partner in the firm.

Not long after entering the profession, Gu Zhao won a difficult case and became famous overnight.

But Attorney Gu was aloof and sharp-tongued, did things entirely his own way, took cases according to his mood, and left the office earlier than anyone.

Only a few in the know understood that Attorney Gu's eagerness to leave work was mainly to go pick up his partner.

Since the Villa by the beach was rather far from Ji Su's company, and his current project was downtown, the two of them lived in a suite at Yushuiwan on weekdays, only returning home on weekends when they had time.

So whenever Gu Zhao got off work early, he would drive over to pick him up.

That evening, Ji Su finished working overtime a little past eight, walking out of the building while typing a message.

Before he had finished composing it, a young, clear voice called from behind: 'Teacher Ji!'

Ji Su paused mid-step and turned. 'Xiao Zheng, what is it?'

The boy running toward him was Zheng Yi'an — fresh out of the college entrance exams, the actual nephew of one of the company's major shareholders, here to earn some pocket money over summer break.

It was called a summer job, but who would dare treat the young master like an ordinary intern? The leadership assigned him to Ji Su — after all, Ji Su's own tenure at the company was still short.

But once Young Master Zheng landed in Ji Su's hands, he happily trailed behind Teacher Ji every day — fetching tea, pouring water, compiling documents, everything — and even took charge of the project team's afternoon tea.

Zheng Yi'an stopped, concerned: 'Teacher Ji, you haven't had dinner yet, have you?'

'Not yet.' Ji Su turned back and kept walking. 'I'll eat when I get home.'

'By the time you get home it'll be really late — why don't we grab something to eat first?' Zheng Yi'an suggested enthusiastically. 'I know a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant nearby, pretty authentic — do you like that kind of food?'

Ji Su declined politely: 'Once I'm home, I still have some things to take care of.'

As they spoke, the two of them had already walked outside the building.

'Then where do you live, Teacher Ji?' Zheng Yi'an asked again. 'It's so late — let me drive you home.'

'I don't live far.' Ji Su hit send. 'I'll just take a cab back.'

There were already several cars parked in the garage at home, and this year on his birthday the second sister of the Gu Family had given him a new one — but he had been so busy since starting work, and rarely needed to drive himself, so getting a driver's license had been put on hold.

Gu Zhao was working overtime tonight too; otherwise he would already be waiting at the door.

'Teacher Ji, don't be so polite with me.' Zheng Yi'an pressed again. 'I'm a really good driver, don't worry!'

'Really, no need, Xiao Zheng.' Ji Su opened the ride-hailing app and walked toward the curb. 'It's late — you should head home and rest too.'

Zheng Yi'an grew a little anxious and reached out to grab his arm: 'Wait, Teacher Ji—'

Almost the next second, a large hand appeared out of nowhere and smacked his away with a sharp snap.

Zheng Yi'an froze, turning to find himself staring into a pair of dark, icy eyes.

Gu Zhao had just come straight from the firm, still in his suit, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose — the lenses did nothing to soften the cold glint in his eyes.

'Gu Zhao?' Ji Su saw him, his tone both surprised and delighted. 'Didn't you say you were working overtime? Why are you here?'

Gu Zhao reached out and pulled him into his arms, his voice low: 'Aren't you going to introduce me?'

Ji Su shifted a little, uncomfortable, and introduced them briefly: 'This is an intern at our company, Zheng Yi'an.'

Unwilling to have his private life pried into, he had never made his orientation public, so normally Gu Zhao would wait downstairs for him to come out.

In public, the two of them generally avoided overly intimate gestures.

The hand Gu Zhao had on his shoulder tightened, then loosened and let him go.

Zheng Yi'an recovered and extended his hand warmly: 'Hello, I'm Zheng Yi'an, the intern under Teacher Ji.'

Gu Zhao's gaze dropped slightly. 'Teacher Ji?'

Ji Su felt the atmosphere was off and didn't want to keep talking: 'Xiao Zheng, we're heading off — you go home too.'

'Alright.' Zheng Yi'an turned, then looked back and waved. 'See you tomorrow, Teacher Ji!'

Ji Su smiled and tugged at the hem of the person beside him: 'Let's go.'

Gu Zhao strode forward on his long legs, reached the car, opened the door, and let him slip inside.

Ji Su bent his head to buckle his seatbelt and asked casually: 'If you were coming to pick me up, why didn't you say so earlier?'

Gu Zhao looked at him: 'What, you wanted that intern to drive you home?'

Ji Su blinked: 'I didn't want him to drive me.'

Gu Zhao leaned in, his large hand cupping the sharp little chin, and pressed his burning lips down — brooking no refusal.

He kissed hard and deep from the very first moment, as though he meant to kiss the life right out of him inside the car.

Only when Ji Su was nearly suffocating did he pull back a fraction, reluctantly extending the tip of his tongue to lick away the glistening wetness at the corner of his lips.

Ji Su went limp against the leather seat, breathing in small, shallow gasps.

Gu Zhao leaned close and asked: 'Teacher Ji, shall we eat at home or out?'

Ji Su realized belatedly: 'Gu Zhao, you… are you jealous?'

Gu Zhao bit him once and admitted openly: 'Yes, I'm jealous.'

'What on earth are you jealous about?' Ji Su was caught between laughter and tears. 'He's just a kid — once summer break is over he'll be gone.'

'Heh…' Gu Zhao gave a cold laugh. 'He'd better be.'

Though displeased, nothing had actually happened, and Gu Zhao didn't press the matter further.

However, the matter wasn't quite over.

A little over a month later, Zheng Yi'an's internship was drawing to a close, and with a generous wave of his hand he booked a luxurious private room at a club.

Ji Su had specifically reported to Gu Zhao in advance — it was a dinner for the whole project team.

A little past nine that evening, Ji Su decided the time was right and rose to take his leave.

Zheng Yi'an was drinking with some other colleagues; on hearing this he immediately set down his glass: 'Teacher Ji, you're leaving?'

'Sorry, I have some things to take care of at home.' Ji Su smiled faintly. 'You all keep enjoying yourselves.'

Zheng Yi'an watched that slender, upright back disappear from view, his expression gradually hardening, as though he had come to some resolve.

He set down his glass and strode out after him.

The corridor was very quiet; Ji Su was walking across the thick carpet when he was called again: 'Teacher Ji!'

He turned back and watched the boy running toward him.

Zheng Yi'an had drunk quite a lot tonight — his face was flushed, but his eyes were bright: 'Teacher Ji, I have something I want to say to you.'

Ji Su asked gently: 'What is it?'

'Actually I wasn't planning to say it, but today is my last day at the company, and I'm afraid—' Zheng Yi'an gathered his courage and looked straight into his eyes, 'I'm afraid if I don't say it today, I'll regret it forever.'

Ji Su watched his expression and had a vague idea of what he was about to say.

After all these years, he had received far too many confessions.

Ji Su pressed his lips together, his tone polite and distant: 'Young Master Zheng, your internship is over — we probably won't see each other again.'

The implication was clear enough — some things didn't need to be spoken aloud.

'If you still want to see me, I can come see you anytime.' Zheng Yi'an stepped forward, the adoration in his eyes no longer concealed. 'Ji Su, I like you. From the very first time I saw you, I've liked you.'

Ji Su stepped back, putting distance between them: 'I'm sorry — I can't return your feelings.'

'Why? Why can't you?' Zheng Yi'an pressed another step closer. 'Is it because I'm too young? Or because you look down on me? I can change all of that — can you give me a chance?'

Ji Su's brow furrowed slightly: 'It's not those things.'

'Then what is it?' Zheng Yi'an couldn't understand, his alcohol-numbed brain still running hot.

On an impulse, he gripped Ji Su's slender shoulders with both hands: 'Then tell me — what would it take for you to like me?'

Ji Su, quite helpless, decided on honesty: 'Because I already have some—'

The words were barely out when a cold wind swept past his ear.

The next instant, Zheng Yi'an was shoved backward by a great force, stumbling several steps and nearly falling onto the carpet.

Gu Zhao's face was dark as thunder, his hand at his side clenched into a fist, and he seized Zheng Yi'an by the collar.

'Gu Zhao!' Ji Su came to his senses and called out at once to stop him.

Gu Zhao bit down on his back teeth, a muscle in his cheek twitching involuntarily, then lowered the fist he'd raised halfway and stepped back to Ji Su's side.

Zheng Yi'an sobered by half, looked at the two of them standing shoulder to shoulder, and suddenly understood: 'You two…'

'Yes.' Ji Su answered, taking Gu Zhao's hand of his own accord. 'He's my boyfriend. We've been together a long time.'

The shadows in Gu Zhao's eyes lightened by a fraction, and he gripped that hand back.

Though Zheng Yi'an had no idea what identity the man before him carried, in height and looks alone he was already outmatched.

And that perfectly tailored bespoke suit suggested the other's family circumstances were no less than his own.

Zheng Yi'an's gaze dimmed; his lips moved, wanting to speak but unable to form the words.

Ji Su graciously offered him a way out: 'Young Master Zheng, enjoy the evening. We'll be going first.'

Zheng Yi'an watched the matched pair of them walk away, and in the end couldn't help calling out loudly: 'If the person you'd met first had been me, would I have had a chance?'

Ji Su's step faltered; he felt the large hand holding his suddenly tighten.

'No.' He didn't turn around, his voice certain: 'No matter when I'd met him, I would only ever have fallen for him.'

Before Gu Zhao he had met many people; after Gu Zhao he kept meeting new ones without cease — but the one he loved was only Gu Zhao.

When those words were done, there was no further sound behind Ji Su.

Gu Zhao glanced at him sidelong and led him outward.

Though Ji Su had done everything he could to make amends, on the way back Gu Zhao remained silent the entire drive.

He was never a man of many words, but in front of his lover he always had endless things to say; it was rare for him to be this cold.

So Ji Su knew — his boyfriend was still angry.

He quietly reached out and touched the large hand resting on the gear shift.

Gu Zhao's thin lips pressed tight together, his gaze fixed unswervingly ahead.

Ji Su pressed on, lightly scratching at his palm.

Gu Zhao withdrew his hand and placed it on his thigh.

Ji Su pursued him, his pale pink fingertips tapping a few times along the suit fabric before slotting his own hand into the large one.

Gu Zhao turned the wheel, pulled the car to the roadside, and in a low voice pressed down with unmistakable fire: 'Do you want me to fuck you to death on the side of the road?'

Ji Su flinched and obediently pulled his hand back: 'No…'

The car returned to the main road, a streak of lightning cutting across the dark night.

Tonight was Friday; Gu Zhao drove straight back to the Villa.

Watching the car pass through the Villa gates, Ji Su's heart began to pound: 'Gu Zhao, I told you about the dinner in advance, and you agreed to it.'

Gu Zhao said nothing, his profile handsome and cold.

'I didn't know Little Zheng would suddenly confess to me…' Ji Su tried to argue for lighter treatment. 'But you heard it too — I rejected him very cleanly and decisively.'

Gu Zhao unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the door and got out, then walked around to the passenger side and lifted him out.

Ji Su wrapped his arms around his neck and asked softly: 'You're not angry, are you?'

Gu Zhao gave a cold laugh and strode several paces into the Villa.

He didn't even bother going upstairs, setting him directly on the Piano in the first-floor living room and roughly tearing off his tie with one hand.

This Piano had been specially imported from abroad by Gu Zhao, and was worth a considerable sum.

Ji Su feared he might damage the Piano and tried to slide off, but a large hand gripped his waist and a strong knee pressed up between his legs.

'Gu Zhao…' Ji Su's waist went weak, his fingers catching hold of the solid arm. 'Not here…'

'Not allowed?' Gu Zhao bit down on his lip. 'If I can't, then who can?'

Knowing full well his lover might be using this as a pretext, Ji Su still found himself utterly unable to resist.

In the deep of night, with all else silent, the chaotic, urgent sounds of the Piano rang out continuously through the Villa, mingling with broken, wrecked voices into a piece that was no proper composition at all.

Ji Su braced his hands on the Piano keys; the sweat pouring from his body slicked the black and white keys until they gleamed, too slippery to keep his seat.

Just as he was about to slide off, the large hand caught him and flipped him over, face-down on the Piano.

'Play.' Gu Zhao breathed the word against his ear like a demon, his breath so hot it made the soul itself tremble. 'If you don't play out a Piano piece tonight, don't bother sleeping.'

But Ji Su could barely hold himself up; there was no way he could play anything, and he could only whimper and beg: 'Laogong… laogong, I was wrong, mm…'

'Oh?' Gu Zhao gripped his wet chin, turned his face around, and kissed him. 'Where were you wrong?'

'I shouldn't have…' Ji Su replied in broken fragments, 'shouldn't have gone to the dinner…'

'Wrong.' Gu Zhao's eyes were dark. 'You're wrong for being born so beautiful, wrong for being so good at drawing people in.'

Ji Su felt wronged: 'I don't want… don't want to be like this…'

Gu Zhao pressed him: 'Tell me — did you smile at other men behind my back?'

'No…' Ji Su shook his head weakly. 'I didn't…'

'I shouldn't have let you out of the house.' Gu Zhao's expression grew more violent, his teeth clenched as he spoke. 'I should have kept you locked at home, chained to the bed — no one gets to look at you, no one dares covet you again.'

'No…' Ji Su's mind was nearly shattered. 'Laogong, don't lock me up…'

'Don't like being locked up?' Gu Zhao lifted him up face-to-front and walked toward the stairs. 'Then give laogong a baby, won't you?'

Ji Su cried and shook his head: 'Can't have one…'

'Why can't you?' Gu Zhao stepped onto the stairs, his tone wicked. 'If laogong tries a little harder, we can have one.'

Ji Su screamed and clung tight to the sweaty neck, terrified of being pierced through.

Gu Zhao carried him as easily as if he were holding a doll, step by step up the stairs.

By the time they reached the second-floor bedroom, Ji Su had already passed out.

But the night was still very long…