Chapter 33 – Comfort Me

At ten o’clock in the evening, Guan Heng stepped out of a taxi in front of his house. On his return journey, he had tried calling Ye Zhou several times, but Ye Zhou’s phone was switched off.

Without stopping, he rushed home as quickly as possible. As soon as he got out of the car, he fished out his keys to open the door. However, the left house was dark, devoid of any light, indicating that Ye Zhou hadn’t returned home yet.

Guan Heng stood in the courtyard for a long moment, then inserted his left hand into his coat pocket, tightly gripping the pack of cigarettes inside.

Guan Heng didn’t actually have a smoking habit and rarely smoked in the past. He carried cigarettes with him not only because it wouldn’t seem odd to others, but also because it served as a form of restraint for him. He knew exactly what kind of person he was – someone with an uncontrollable urge for control. Whenever something slipped out of his grasp, he needed to maintain his composure even more.

Although he specialized in sociology, he was also proficient in psychology. Both fields shared many commonalities and could be considered his cover, otherwise, how would others perceive a high-IQ control freak who excelled in psychology? They would probably find such individuals terrifying. Zhan Hong was the first person to see through Guan Heng’s inner world, placing trust in him and not hesitating to impart his life’s knowledge to him, which was why Guan Heng held him in such high regard.

Guan Heng almost crushed the cigarettes in his pocket, but outwardly, he remained calm. He didn’t allow himself to think about anything else, focusing solely on where he should look for Ye Zhou at this hour?

Just then, footsteps approached from outside, and soon after, the door behind Guan Heng opened again.

Guan Heng turned around at the sound, seeing Ye Zhou.

Ye Zhou was fine, but not entirely unscathed. His lip was cracked, and even in the dimly lit courtyard, the bruise could be seen. Ye Zhou clearly hadn’t expected Guan Heng to be standing in the courtyard, momentarily stunned when their eyes met. “Gu…”

Guan Heng’s eyes were deep and somber, black as if void of any emotion, exuding a suffocating sense of pressure. This caused Ye Zhou to momentarily forget what he was going to say, staring blankly at him.

Guan Heng slowly shifted his gaze away, taking a few seconds before slowly pulling his left hand out of his pocket. When he looked back, his expression had returned to normal. “How did you injure your lip?”

Ye Zhou immediately snapped back to reality, lowering his head and sounding somewhat awkward. “I tripped and fell accidentally.”

This excuse was too weak. Anyone could tell that such an injury couldn’t have been caused by a fall, and it certainly didn’t explain Ye Zhou’s absence during the afternoon and evening. However, Guan Heng didn’t call him out on it, only looking at him for a moment before saying, “I couldn’t reach you on your phone, and you weren’t at home. I didn’t know where to look for you… I was worried about you.”

Ye Zhou already felt a bit guilty, and hearing these words stirred a deep sense of remorse within him. Raising his eyes, he spoke sincerely. “I’m sorry. I…”

Ye Zhou didn’t know how to explain. Guan Heng didn’t press further, merely stating, “Let me help you apply some medicine.”

Ye Zhou responded with a soft “Mm,” his voice sounding muffled.

Ye Zhou followed Guan Heng into his house, stepping inside for the second time, but unlike last time, he wasn’t as excited.

Under the light, the bruise on Ye Zhou’s lip was even more apparent, with some broken skin and blood visible. After Guan Heng lifted his chin for a quick inspection, he asked no questions, turning around to fetch the household first aid kit. Then, he sat in front of Ye Zhou to disinfect and dress his wound.

They were close, but at this moment, Ye Zhou had no amorous thoughts. After Guan Heng applied the bandage, Ye Zhou said, “Actually, I didn’t trip. I hit someone this afternoon… I spent the evening at the police station.”

In the cemetery that afternoon, by the time Ye Zhou realized what was happening, his fist was already swinging towards the middle-aged man.

Guan Heng’s expression softened. The words he had previously spoken about appreciating Ye Zhou’s honesty weren’t false. Due to his character flaw, he had difficulty accepting secrets from his partner, no matter how insignificant the matter. Ye Zhou was always honest in front of him, straightforward and open, feeling guilty over even small lies. Therefore, Guan Heng could accept Ye Zhou’s confession after the fact.

Guan Heng had long understood Ye Zhou’s personality, knowing that he responded better to gentleness than harshness. “Why didn’t you call me?”

After hitting someone, Ye Zhou was deeply regretful, still feeling embarrassed even now. At the police station, he realized it had been a misunderstanding. The middle-aged couple was just arguing over a trivial matter, nothing serious. After Ye Zhou punched the middle-aged man, his wife screamed and immediately rushed over to protect her husband. That was when Ye Zhou came to his senses. Fortunately, the middle-aged man wasn’t seriously injured, only suffering minor bruises. He accepted Ye Zhou’s apology and medical compensation, or Ye Zhou would have been at fault if charged.

Lowering his eyes, Ye Zhou dared not meet Guan Heng’s gaze. “It seems like I embarrass myself in front of you every time. I didn’t want you to think… that I’m the type who likes to cause trouble.”

“I don’t think that,” Guan Heng reassured, reaching out with his left hand to touch Ye Zhou’s ear gently, as if comforting him. “In the future, if there’s anything, make sure to call me.”

Ye Zhou was taken aback, raising his eyes to look at Guan Heng. Just like the first time, Guan Heng’s response once again exceeded his expectations. He had assumed Guan Heng would tell him not to act impulsively or avoid causing trouble. But Guan Heng didn’t do that. Instead, he seemed to accept all of Ye Zhou’s flaws. How could someone be so understanding?

Ye Zhou was moved, his heart swelling with emotion. Being touched by Guan Heng’s gesture, he almost involuntarily kissed him.

However, Ye Zhou forgot about the wound on his lip. Just as he was about to deepen the kiss, he let out a sharp hiss of pain.

Guan Heng chuckled softly, touching his lips once more before pulling away.

Ye Zhou felt foolish. The atmosphere had been perfect tonight, a golden opportunity. Yet, his face was marred, and the intimate mood vanished. But what could he do? He could only sigh in regret, waiting for the next chance. He would never allow himself to engage in intimacy with Guan Heng while looking so disheveled. That would only remind him of today’s embarrassing incident.

Guan Heng then asked, “Are there any other injuries?”

Ye Zhou shook his head. “No.”

In truth, he didn’t remember how this particular injury happened. It was likely that he received it when he struck the man, who retaliated. Although reluctant to part, Ye Zhou stood up, planning to leave. “Then I’ll…”

However, Guan Heng, sitting on the sofa, looked up at him without moving. “You’re leaving?”

“It’s a bit late, I…” Ye Zhou paused mid-sentence. Could it be that Guan Heng wanted him to stay? But being alone in a room with another man, he feared he wouldn’t be able to resist. Nonetheless, he changed his words. “Do you want me to stay?”

Guan Heng didn’t give a direct response, merely asking, “Didn’t you say you’d comfort me and keep me company?”

When Ye Zhou confessed his feelings to Guan Heng, he had indeed said those words, promising to comfort and accompany him. So this meant… Guan Heng agreed? Were they now lovers?

Ye Zhou immediately dismissed the idea of going home. He felt he was truly too deeply infatuated with Guan Heng, easily swayed by a single sentence. What should he do if his boyfriend asked him to comfort him? Of course, he would comfort him however necessary!

Ye Zhou couldn’t help but recall the night of their intimate encounter. Last time, he had run off, which seemed rather thoughtless. This time, he couldn’t do the same. Determined to make Guan Heng feel good, he decided to stay. However, he had been out all day and was a bit dirty. “I can stay. But I haven’t showered yet, so I should…”

Guan Heng suggested, “Shower here. You can wear my clothes.”

“Okay.” Ye Zhou agreed readily. He naturally wouldn’t refuse such a proposal, although it would be even better if Guan Heng wore his clothes. Perhaps there would be another opportunity next time.

Ye Zhou went upstairs with Guan Heng to fetch new pajamas and underwear before heading to the bathroom for a shower. He somewhat wished they could shower together, but he feared they might lose control in the bathroom. With his lip injured, kissing would be inconvenient, and without kissing, sex might not feel quite right.

After Ye Zhou finished his shower, he put on Guan Heng’s pajamas. The new clothes had been washed once before wearing, carrying the faint, pleasant scent of Guan Heng. Ye Zhou initially thought their body sizes were similar, but he found the clothes to be slightly loose. Ye Zhou usually hit the gym when he had free time, boasting well-defined pectorals and abs, and he had a decent figure. However, compared to Guan Heng, he seemed to fall short. He pondered whether he should continue working out, lest he be outshone and lose face. Having a boyfriend with an outstanding physique could also induce a sense of insecurity.

After Ye Zhou finished showering, it was Guan Heng’s turn.

Before taking a shower, Guan Heng removed his glasses and placed them on the table. When he walked out of the bathroom after his shower, his forehead hair was slightly damp, his facial features handsome, his facial lines appearing softer. He was wearing the same style of pajamas as Ye Zhou.

Ye Zhou had seen Guan Heng without his glasses before, but at that time, he was driven by desire and didn’t pay much attention. Now, seeing him clearly, his heart couldn’t help but race faster.

Guan Heng looked over at Ye Zhou, but before he could finish his sentence, Ye Zhou had already strode forward.

Ye Zhou tilted his head and kissed him, ignoring the pain from the wound on his lip.

Guan Heng cooperatively opened his mouth. Perhaps worried about hurting Ye Zhou, he didn’t respond as passionately as usual, only occasionally gently nipping at his lips. This emboldened Ye Zhou further. He extended his tongue, engaging in an intimate tangle for a while, and even pushed Guan Heng onto the bed.

Guan Heng moved slightly, and Ye Zhou immediately pressed his hand against his shoulder. “Don’t move, let me do it. Last time, I was a bit careless… but this time won’t be the same. Normally, I’m not that quick…”

Ye Zhou was a bit embarrassed, but still awkwardly explained that he hadn’t intentionally run off last time.

Guan Heng chuckled softly, relaxing and lying back down. “I believe you.”

Once again, Ye Zhou was captivated by Guan Heng’s smile. He leaned forward, lowering his head to kiss him while simultaneously slipping his hand into Guan Heng’s pajama pants…

This time, Ye Zhou remembered all the details. Guan Heng was indeed large, substantial in his grip, with a beautiful color and shape. If it weren’t for his lip injury, he probably would have used his mouth to pleasure him. Ye Zhou didn’t have much experience with oral sex, but perhaps men couldn’t resist the allure of extreme contrast. Someone as restrained and self-disciplined as Guan Heng would make him want to witness the sight of him losing control and reaching climax.

Unable to use his mouth, he could only rely on his hands.

Ye Zhou pulled out all the stops to serve Guan Heng, finding great enjoyment in seeing his partner comfortable. However, he was also surprised by Guan Heng’s endurance.

Perhaps as the dominant partner, there was always a competitive mindset. If he lost face again this time, it would truly be humiliating. Thus, even though Ye Zhou’s hand was cramping, he stubbornly pretended it was fine and requested another round.

Guan Heng enjoyed the experience, but in the end, it was Ye Zhou who fell asleep first.

Today, Guan Heng wasn’t particularly happy either, but he had no reason to show his emotions to outsiders (Yue Shu). Looking at the sleeping Ye Zhou, he fell into deep thought, gently caressing his face with his hand.