Chapter 6 – You Don't Happen to Like Me, Do You?

The man watched him with an unblinking, predatory focus. Just as Xie Chengyun was about to utter a rejection, a pair of broad hands braced themselves against the back of the sofa behind him.

"Lawyer Xie, what a coincidence." Qi Yanze appeared genuinely surprised, yet his tone carried a weight that invited a deeper, more suggestive scrutiny. "I never expected to run into you here."

"Vincent, is this a friend of yours?" Alex’s voice was sharp with irritation at the sudden intrusion.

"Hello. I am Lawyer Xie's…" Qi Yanze let the words roll around his mouth for a heartbeat. "…Friend."

Xie Chengyun had been terrified the boy would blurt out "subordinate" or "colleague." Fortunately, Qi Yanze was tactful; otherwise, the situation would have been mortifying.

"Is that so?" The hostility vanished from Alex’s expression, replaced by an appreciative appraisal of Qi Yanze’s face.

No one at the table had expected another handsome man to appear. Their attention shifted collectively, focusing on Qi Yanze with renewed intensity.

"I didn't realize Lawyer Xie… was so blessed with such company." Qi Yanze swept a glance over the group. None of them looked like they were capable of handling a man like Xie Chengyun. "So many handsome men. I am actually starting to feel a bit jealous."

"It is not what you think, Xiao Qi."

Xie Chengyun’s expression remained stoic. He wasn't particularly embarrassed about his new intern discovering his sexual orientation, but being misunderstood in this way was a headache he didn't need.

"Since you're Vincent’s friend, why don't you join us, handsome?" someone across the table invited.

"May I, Lawyer Xie?"

Qi Yanze offered a wink toward Xie Chengyun. When the lawyer awkwardly averted his gaze, Qi Yanze’s lips curled into a smirk. He slid into the space between Xie Chengyun and Alex without a hint of hesitation, forcing Alex to scowl as his personal space was invaded.

For the first time, Xie Chengyun felt a prickle of restlessness. "I'm going to the bar to order a drink."

He turned and walked away without a backward glance. Qi Yanze’s intentions were obvious enough, but his actual attitude remained a muddled mystery. From the moment they met, Xie Chengyun couldn't fathom what the boy was truly after. He didn't believe his own charms were so potent that an intern would fall in love at first sight in a professional setting.

A freshly shaken cocktail had just been handed to him when someone tapped on the counter. A tall figure claimed the seat beside him, ordering the exact same drink.

"Does Lawyer Xie not like me?"

Xie Chengyun turned his head at the sound. He hadn't realized Qi Yanze had followed him. The boy looked remarkably aggrieved.

"No."

"Then why do I feel like you are avoiding me?" His voice still carried that pitiful, wounded edge.

"…I simply came here to order a drink."

"Are you embarrassed that I caught you? It is fine, you know. I won't go around spreading rumors. We are both men; I understand."

"It is really not like that, Xiao Qi." Xie Chengyun pinched the bridge of his nose. "My orientation is no secret. A friend just went through a breakup, and I came out to keep him company."

"But Lawyer Xie doesn't look like he belongs in their circle." Qi Yanze’s voice dropped to a low murmur as he leaned closer. "That influencer next to you? He is a popular 'net-yellow' on Twitter. He loves playing control and S&M games with mature men in suits like you, then filming it for his account. Did you not know?"

As he spoke, he pulled up Alex’s Twitter profile.

Xie Chengyun stared at the explicit, unsightly images. His brow furrowed deeply, and he reflexively reached out to cover Qi Yanze’s screen in the middle of the public venue.

"How do you know this?"

Qi Yanze pointed toward the table they had just left. "A friend of mine told me. He’s a veteran in this scene."

Xie Chengyun glanced back at the group, then quickly looked away. "It has nothing to do with me. I didn't intend to do anything anyway."

Truth be told, Qi Yanze was quite surprised by the night’s turn of events. He had originally been pushed by Lin Zifan to meet up with an old gay friend to "experience" the scene in advance. He never expected to stumble upon Xie Chengyun. Sitting at that table surrounded by flashy, preening men, Xie Chengyun looked like a monk encircled by demons.

However, this was the first time he had seen Xie Chengyun without a suit. At work, the man was always impeccably formal; here, he was casual and relaxed, his hair styled with gel to look noticeably younger. In the office, he seemed to adopt a deliberate gravity to suit his position, but now, the authoritative edge in his brow had softened. He appeared mature, yet possessed an approachable warmth.

"It is fine. I just wanted to warn you." Qi Yanze took a small sip of his drink. "Though, I didn't expect Lawyer Xie to be gay. That is… wonderful."

The implication was so clear that even a fool could grasp it. Xie Chengyun wasn't fond of dancing around the point, especially considering they would have to face each other daily. Some things needed to be stated clearly. He set his glass down and arched a brow. "Xiao Qi… you don't happen to have feelings for me, do you?"

"Ah, has Lawyer Xie only just noticed?" Qi Yanze cupped a hand over his mouth in mock shock. "It seems the signals I’ve been sending haven't been strong enough."

Xie Chengyun looked at his feigned surprise. "We have only met a handful of times."

"Is Lawyer Xie only capable of falling in love over time? Have you never encountered love at first sight?"

This remark left Xie Chengyun—who had recently experienced exactly that—momentarily speechless. "Xiao Qi, I appreciate the sentiment, but I cannot accept these feelings."

"Why? Is it because my looks aren't to your taste, or is my resume not impressive enough?"

"You are very handsome and incredibly capable. It is just that you are too young, and we work at the same firm."

"Are you rejecting me for only those reasons?" Qi Yanze looked genuinely disappointed. Amidst the deafening thrum of the music, he leaned in until his lips were nearly grazing the man’s ear. "Is an office romance not good? It is already so hard to find time for love because of work. Wouldn't it be better to just fall in love while working?"

One had to admit the youth had plenty of ideas. Xie Chengyun met his eyes—which were no longer their usual bright selves, but dark and predatory like a serpent’s. They were filled with a raw, naked seduction, an invitation to fall. He realized then that Qi Yanze truly possessed two faces; most of the time, he presented the image of a sunny, innocent college student, a far cry from the person standing before him now.

Before he could be pulled into the vortex of those eyes, Xie Chengyun steadied himself and looked away. "You make a tempting argument, but reality rarely aligns with imagination."

"Lawyer Xie is so cold." Qi Yanze spoke the words, yet he didn't seem defeated. "Then may I know what kind of person you actually like?"

Perhaps because the other’s motives were now out in the open, or perhaps because the alcohol was beginning to buzz in his brain, Xie Chengyun’s earlier awkwardness vanished. Work and private life didn't need to be conflated; maintaining a stiff facade here would only feel bizarre.

"Me?" Xie Chengyun’s finger traced the rim of his glass. "In any case, it wouldn't be a youngster like you. At my age, I am looking for a stable partner. We don't necessarily have to marry, but we must be stable."

"I am actually very stable. Will you really not reconsider?" On this point, Qi Yanze wasn't lying—even regarding his sexual relationships.

"I have dated people your age before. They all said the same thing, but the truth is that the young have too many options and love to play. Who is willing to walk to the very end with just one person?" Xie Chengyun shrugged. "I used to think the same way; if you can play, you should. But when you reach a certain age, your mindset truly shifts. I’ve learned to take things as they come. If I meet someone suitable, I’ll try. If not, being alone is fine too."

"How can you be like this, Lawyer Xie? You've condemned me without even getting to know me. My heart is breaking." Qi Yanze’s words were dramatic, yet his face showed no sign of sorrow.

The atmosphere in the bar reached a crescendo. People were standing on their seats, stripping off their shirts to swing them in the air; others sprayed champagne over the crowd. In the middle of the dance floor, bodies writhed to a rhythmic rap. Xie Chengyun could even hear the wet, sticky sounds of people kissing behind him—a sound that made his throat feel dry.

He frequented bars often, but rarely gay bars. He found them too chaotic, especially after midnight when things became more primal. Currently, a couple was kissing right behind him, nearly bumping into him as they pawed at each other. Qi Yanze, sharp-eyed even while drinking, immediately reached out to block them. He was polite enough not to touch Xie Chengyun’s waist, and when Xie Chengyun turned around awkwardly, he saw Qi Yanze smiling at him.

"Thank you."

"It is nothing. I just didn't want them taking advantage of you."

Xie Chengyun’s hand paused on his glass. He was speechless. "It wouldn't go that far…"

"One can never be too careful, Lawyer Xie." Qi Yanze stood up. "Ah, I need to use the restroom."

"Go ahead."

"Then you must wait for me here."

Shortly after Qi Yanze left, Xie Chengyun shook his head with a smile and ordered another drink. He planned to finish this one and head back to Lucas and the others. He glanced back at the lounge area; the group had already abandoned their seats to lose themselves on the dance floor.

A moment later, he lowered his head for a sip of his drink. Just as he was about to set it down, a pair of hands suddenly rested on his back. Thinking Qi Yanze had returned, he turned his head, only to see Alex’s handsome but disgruntled face.

"Vincent, why have you been chatting for so long?"

"Is there something you need?"

"I’ve been waiting for you to come back." Alex slid into Qi Yanze’s vacant seat, leaning forward. "But you never did."

Xie Chengyun narrowed his eyes slightly and turned his head. Recalling the profile he had just seen, he chose to play dumb. "I was just drinking."

"So, what I said earlier… have you considered it?" Alex’s hand slid suggestively up his thigh. "I am very skilled."

"Is that so?"

"Not only are my fingers very nimble, but so is my tongue."

Xie Chengyun nearly choked. He set his glass down, frowning as he gripped the young man’s wrist to pull it away. "I am sorry, but I am not interested."

"How do you know you aren't interested if you don't try?"

Before Xie Chengyun could speak, a lazy male voice sounded from behind them.

"Is there a problem here, handsome?"

"Hmm?" Alex paused and turned his head.

"That is my seat. And… what exactly are you trying to put inside with your other hand?"