ABOES 78: Kiss Me Again

After all, Grandma Chi had just recovered from a serious illness. To make her stay at home more comfortable, Chi Ling specifically had one of the sunniest rooms on the first floor converted into a bedroom. Right next door was the caregiver’s room, so someone would always be around to look after her when the family wasn’t home.

The bedroom faced south, and when the floor-to-ceiling windows were opened, they led directly to the backyard. The yard was filled with roses Grandma Chi loved, and there was a gazebo for relaxing. The entire garden was flat, with no steps, so Grandma Chi could step out to admire flowers and bask in the sun anytime she wanted.

She had no complaints about the room itself, but the roses in the garden clearly didn’t meet her expectations. She launched into a long string of grumbling.

In summary: not a single one was the kind she liked.

Chi Ling was helpless. “They were all planted based on what you used to like. Even the white lychees you were so fond of, what, you don’t like those anymore either?”

Grandma Chi’s voice was strong: “I like red roses now! You two have made up so what’s the point of those white lychees?!”

Tan Yao’s ears flushed red, and she called out softly, “Mom!”

Chi Ling: “…”

So the entire garden full of white lychees had been for him all along!

Chi Yunxing and Chi Xiwen quickly pretended they heard nothing, turning on their heels and walking away.

Before they could get far, they heard Grandma Chi again: “You two are still embarrassed? You’ve been married for years! Hurry up and get your marriage certificate reissued, I—”

What came after that, Chi Yunxing and Chi Xiwen didn’t catch. All they saw was Tan Yao emerging from the room, her face bright red.

The two brothers kept their expressions perfectly neutral, pretending not to have seen or heard anything.

…

Though Grandma Chi had been discharged, her health wasn’t fully recovered yet, so the travel plans she’d made with Chi Yunxing were put on hold.

Chi Yunxing had originally wanted to postpone his filming schedule to spend time at home with her, but Grandma Chi refused. She insisted he go shoot, saying he was just getting in the way if he stayed home. She even called Chi Xiwen in for a private scolding, basically telling him the same thing. To move out and stop coming home so often.

That’s when the brothers understood. Grandma Chi clearly wanted to create more opportunities for Chi Ling and Tan Yao. The two of them hanging around the house really were a bit of a hindrance.

Chi Yunxing, who had school during the week and shoots on the weekends, was around less anyway, unlike Chi Xiwen who came home more often.

Chi Xiwen suggested, “Yunxing, how about I stay at your place for a while?”

Chi Yunxing rejected him almost immediately. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Chi Xiwen frowned. “Why not? Don’t tell me you’re annoyed by your own Ge?”

Chi Yunxing cleared his throat, hesitated, then said sheepishly, “It’s not that. It’s just… Zhiyan Ge comes over a lot, and I’m worried…”

That you’ll bump into each other and start fighting again.

Though the two weren’t arguing as much as before, Chi Xiwen still looked like he’d explode whenever he saw Duan Zhiyan holding or hugging him.

Chi Yunxing was genuinely worried they’d sneak off for another brawl one day when he wasn’t around.

Yes—he’d already found out about the fight they’d had not long ago, and he’d been mad for days. At both of them.

He cared deeply for them both. If either one got hurt, he’d be devastated.

But of course, Chi Xiwen’s mind was on a different track entirely—

Chi Xiwen: “…”

So now Yunxing thought he was the third wheel?

He was annoyed, but couldn’t exactly barge in and disturb them. In the end, he decided to move into a company-owned apartment near work.

Seeing that his Ge had dropped the idea, Chi Yunxing sighed in relief. Then he couldn’t help asking, “Ge, don’t you think it’s time you found someone too?”

Chi Xiwen answered without hesitation, “No rush. I’m still young so what’s the hurry?”

He gave the same answer to anyone who tried to nudge him toward dating.

So Chi Yunxing let it go.

He hadn’t been seeing Duan Zhiyan that much lately either. They’d both been busy.

Recently, Ji Xi’s new single had finished recording, and all that was left was for Chi Yunxing to film the MV when he had time.

That day, after wrapping up a variety show shoot, Chi Yunxing rushed over to the MV set.

It had been a few months since he’d last seen Ji Xi. He hadn’t changed much, and when he saw Chi Yunxing, he greeted him with a hug and a smile.

The on-set photographer happened to capture that moment and showed the photo to them.

Ji Xi commented, “This turned out so good!” Then asked, “Can I post this on Weibo?”

Chi Yunxing smiled. “Of course!”

Ji Xi happily uploaded the photo with the caption:

@JiXi: Heehee, me and Yunxing~ #Photo#

His fans flocked to the post.

【It’s been so long since we’ve gotten a new photo!】
【Wow! It’s Yunxing!】
【Are you filming the MV together?!】

Since Ji Xi had already teased the collab before, fans guessed it right away.

【New song is coming!!! I’m hyped!】
【Can’t wait!!】
【Drop the new song already!!】
【Please drop a teaser!】

…

Meanwhile, Chi Yunxing hadn’t posted on his own account in nearly two weeks. Fans were thrilled to see their favorite appear in someone else’s feed.

【AHHHH it’s him!!】
【It’s always someone else’s Weibo, never his own】
【Why won’t our boy just post on his own??】
【So pretty!!】
【When is Secret Crush airing?!】
【He always looks amazing】
【They look great together… not gonna lie, this is kinda shippable…】

That last comment didn’t stand out too much, quickly buried among others but someone noticed. They took a screenshot… and hit “report.”

At the same time, Chi Yunxing’s phone buzzed with a message from someone marked as “priority notifications”.

[Duan Zhiyan: [Image] Care to explain this? And this one too. [Image]]

Chi Yunxing was in the middle of filming and didn’t see the messages until much later when it’s already past 8 or 9 p.m.

Exhausted from the day, he was ready to collapse, but Ji Xi was still full of energy, pulling him aside. “Wanna grab a late-night bite? I found this place with amazing food!”

“I’m really beat, can we go tomorrow instead?” Chi Yunxing pleaded. “I’ll make it up to you after we finish shooting tomorrow.”

Ji Xi looked a little disappointed, but seeing how wiped out he was, he let it go.

Chi Yunxing escaped to his car, removed his makeup, and slumped into his seat. He planned to close his eyes for a bit but suddenly remembered something.

“Where’s my phone?” he asked Liu Ran, his assistant.

Liu Ran quickly handed it over.

Unlocking it, the first thing Chi Yunxing saw was the unread messages from Duan Zhiyan. His lips curved up in a smile as he prepared to reply until he opened the images.

The first was a screenshot of a suspicious fan comment. The second was the photo of him hugging Ji Xi.

Chi Yunxing stared blankly for a moment before realizing what this was.

He’s jealous.

Suppressing a laugh, he typed.

[Chi Yunxing: Smells like vinegar in the air…]

[Chi Yunxing: Whose jar got knocked over?]

Duan Zhiyan replied instantly.

[Duan Zhiyan: Mine. Aged vinegar.]

[Duan Zhiyan: I smashed it myself.]

Still chuckling, Chi Yunxing typed.

[Chi Yunxing: It was work! Just work!]

[Chi Yunxing: Besides, you know Ji Xi likes girls.]

[Chi Yunxing: And I’ve had more CP fans with you than anyone. You’re really going to be jealous over this?]

[Duan Zhiyan: Still hugged him. I haven’t hugged you in days.]

Chi Yunxing felt a warm ache in his chest. It had been a while.

[Chi Yunxing: I miss hugging you too.]

He wanted to write “and kissing you,” but couldn’t bring himself to type it.

Then a call came in.

Anticipating it, Chi Yunxing put on his Bluetooth earpiece and answered.

“You miss me?” came Duan Zhiyan’s warm voice.

“…Mm.”

A chuckle. “Long day of shooting?”

“I’m tired,” Chi Yunxing admitted.

“Are you at the hotel now?”

“On the way.”

“Then close your eyes and rest for a bit.”

“But I want to talk to you.”

The voice, soft and slightly raspy, brushed against Duan Zhiyan’s ear like a feather.

There was a pause. Then, “Send me the hotel address.”

Chi Yunxing’s voice rose slightly. “You’re coming?”

From the front seats, Xie Yi and Liu Ran turned their heads.

His ears burned.

“It’s been almost five days,” Duan Zhiyan said calmly.

Chi Yunxing ducked his head and whispered, “Are you done with work?”

“Of course. Why else would I come?”

Smiling shyly, Chi Yunxing replied, “I’ll send the address.”

As soon as the call ended, Xie Yi asked, “Who’s coming?”

Chi Yunxing cleared his throat. “Zhiyan Ge.”

Xie Yi blinked. “Duan Zhiyan? What for?”

Chi Yunxing hesitated, he hadn’t told her yet but he was going to eventually. He might as well now.

“…He’s coming to see me.”

Pause.

“…Actually, Xie Jie, I’ve been meaning to tell you. Zhiyan Ge and I… we’re together.”

Xie Yi: “???”

Who’s with who now?!

Liu Ran audibly gasped in the back seat, turning to stare.

Xie Yi asked, just to be sure, “You’re… with Duan Zhiyan?”

Chi Yunxing blushed and nodded. “Yeah.”

Xie Yi: “…”

Nope, didn’t mishear.

Holy crap.

She sat there stunned, slowly processing it.

“How long has this been going on?” she finally asked.

Chi Yunxing told her the time.

It’s been over a month.

No wonder they’d seemed extra close lately. She thought she was imagining things. Turns out she hadn’t imagined enough.

“I was going to tell you earlier,” Chi Yunxing said quickly. “I just didn’t find the right moment. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you.”

Xie Yi slowly nodded. “Got it… What about your Ge?”

“He knows.”

Xie Yi instantly relaxed. If Chi Xiwen knew, she didn’t need to worry as the manager.

She still had questions. “Are you planning to go public? Or keep it quiet for now?”

“Let’s not announce it yet,” Chi Yunxing said. “We just got together. No need to hide it, but let’s take it slow.”

“If paparazzi catch something?”

“Handle it for now,” he replied. “At least until I’ve told my whole family.”

She agreed.

They soon arrived at the hotel. Chi Yunxing went to shower, taking his phone with him in case Duan Zhiyan arrived while he was in the bathroom.

Sure enough, just as he stepped out in a robe, his phone rang.

“Open the door,” came Duan Zhiyan’s voice.

Chi Yunxing’s heart thudded. “Okay, coming.”

Still barefoot and damp, he rushed to open the door only to be pulled into a tight embrace before he could even see clearly.

Familiar scent, familiar warmth. He took a deep breath, wrapping his arms around the man in return.

The door shut behind them. Duan Zhiyan buried his face into Chi Yunxing’s damp neck. His breath was warm against wet skin, making Yunxing instinctively shiver.

“You just showered?” he asked.

“…Yeah.”

“Go sit. I’ll dry your hair.”

He fetched the hairdryer, and when Chi Yunxing offered to do it himself, he shook his head and gently pulled him to the couch.

Running his fingers through the soft, wet strands, Duan Zhiyan kept his gaze respectfully averted from the tempting glimpse of skin the robe left exposed.

Soon, Chi Yunxing was fast asleep under the soothing warmth of the dryer.

Smiling fondly, Duan Zhiyan turned it off and carried him to bed.

Just as he was about to adjust the robe, he froze.

The entire back was bare.

He touched lightly. There was nothing underneath.

“…Seriously?” he muttered with a helpless chuckle. “You didn’t even bother putting on clothes?”

Well, better not wake him now.

Yet he couldn’t resist—leaning down, he kissed him deeply, leaving the sleeping boy flushed and tear-eyed.

Then he climbed in beside him and held him close through the night.

…

The next morning, Chi Yunxing slowly stirred. Something warm was wrapped around his waist.

He opened his eyes… and saw Duan Zhiyan’s face right in front of him.

It took a few seconds for him to remember what happened the night before.

Right. They hugged. He dried his hair. He meant to talk… and then fell asleep.

Then… they shared a bed again.

Even though it wasn’t the first time, he was still a little flustered.

His heart was racing.

Just as he leaned in for a quick kiss, he looked down and realized his robe had completely come undone.

At the same time, Duan Zhiyan stirred and opened his eyes.

“You’re awake?” he murmured sleepily.

“…Yeah.”

He tightened his arm around Yunxing’s waist. “What time is it? When’s your shoot?”

“I’ll find my phone…”

“No need,” Duan Zhiyan whispered. “If it’s late, your assistant will knock. Just stay with me a bit longer.”

Chi Yunxing froze… then nodded.

Duan Zhiyan held him tighter. Surrounded by his scent and warmth, Yunxing’s tension slowly eased.

Just like that, he drifted back to sleep.

…

The pounding on the door startled them awake.

“Chi Ge, are you up?”

Chi Yunxing blinked groggily and was about to speak, but Duan Zhiyan beat him to it.

“What time is the shoot?”

A pause. Liu Ran thought he recognized that voice. Definitely not Chi Yunxing’s.

Wait… could it be…

Realization hit like a truck. “Ten o’clock,” he called out, then quickly fled.

Chi Yunxing blinked sleepily at Duan Zhiyan.

The man bent down, kissed him softly, and murmured, “Time to get up.”

Chi Yunxing shook his head, arms snaking around his neck.

“Just one more kiss.”

Duan Zhiyan chuckled and didn’t refuse. Their noses brushed before their lips met again.

Then Chi Yunxing took the initiative, pulling him into a deeper kiss.

Which caused his robe to finally slip off completely. Exposing a large stretch of smooth, fair skin.

Duan Zhiyan’s eyes darkened instantly.