Chapter 30 – The Old House Burns, Unquenchable

When Guan Lan opened his eyes in the morning, he felt that his life was over.

In the first thirty years of his life, he had always been highly disciplined, maintaining almost complete control over his life. So when he woke up this morning and saw the fair, youthful arm draped across his chest, he considered this moment the beginning of his life spiraling out of control.

He hadn’t even been drinking last night.

How had it started?

It seemed to have begun when Zhuang Lin came over late at night with sheet music. Looking back now, he really shouldn’t have let him in.

But at that moment, Guan Lan couldn’t bring himself to shut the door on him. It would’ve been not only impolite but also petty and overly cautious, the behavior of a small-minded person.

As it turns out, pride can be a curse, and it’s always wise to be wary of others.

For the first two hours, they had genuinely focused on discussing their work, and the conversation hadn’t strayed at all. Guan Lan had no inkling of what would happen two minutes later.

It was only when he finally remembered to be a proper host and got up to get Zhuang Lin something to drink that things took a turn.

Zhuang Lin: “Are you really 180 cm? You’re not exaggerating, are you? Let me check if you’re wearing insoles.”

At the time, Guan Lan didn’t sense any ulterior motive and felt a slight sting to his pride: “I’m not a celebrity. Why would I exaggerate?”

Zhuang Lin: “When a man says he’s 180, he’s usually 178. Come here, let’s take off our shoes and compare. Then I’ll know if you’re telling the truth.”

Zhuang Lin stood in front of him, hands resting on his waist, their chests barely a fist’s distance apart.

Zhuang Lin’s lips brushed against the bridge of his nose.

Looking back, Guan Lan realized Zhuang Lin might have just been trying to flirt a little, not necessarily planning anything more. But his brain had already short-circuited, and he couldn’t remember why they started kissing the next second.

By the time his consciousness returned, Zhuang Lin’s hand was already inside his shirt.

Like a storm or a tidal wave, Guan Lan’s resistance crumbled pitifully in the face of such sudden, overwhelming desire.

If not for the tiny shred of shame left in his mind, they might have finished their first round right on the piano.

At this point in the memory, Guan Lan wanted to bury his face in the pillow.

This was truly… an old house catching fire, raging fiercely, as if a beast caged for thirty years has been suddenly unleashed. It was terrifying.

…Most importantly, if sleeping together once could be called an accident, what about twice? Could he really avoid giving an explanation now?

As he was lost in thought, Zhuang Lin also opened his eyes.

Guan Lan was a little afraid to look at him, though only eighty percent of that was due to shyness.

But Zhuang Lin didn’t say anything, didn’t ask any difficult questions. He simply kissed Guan Lan’s face affectionately.

After some lingering, Zhuang Lin sighed reluctantly.

Zhuang Lin: “I’ve got about forty minutes left. Is there any chance we could go for another round?”

Guan Lan covered Zhuang Lin’s face with his hand and pushed him away.

Zhuang Lin: “Alright, alright. I’ll go make you breakfast.”

Guan Lan watched Zhuang Lin get up and put on his clothes, feeling both relieved and vaguely disappointed.

Zhuang Lin left the bedroom and headed for the kitchen, but as soon as he reached the dining room, he froze.

Someone was sitting at the table.

Chen Jin even turned and smiled at him: “I’ve already made breakfast. You can just bring it in for him.”

Zhuang Lin’s face remained expressionless because he genuinely didn’t know how to react.

The scene was too much like a cheating scandal, and he wasn’t entirely sure which of them was the “cheater.”

Chen Jin was considerate: “Don’t worry, his house has specially reinforced soundproof walls. You know, because of the music, so it doesn’t disturb the neighbors. I didn’t hear a thing last night. Slept like a baby.”

Thanks, but that’s not the point at all!

Zhuang Lin: “How long have you been living with him?”

Chen Jin: “My place is under renovation, so Guan Lan’s letting me stay here. By the way, since you’re an artist, could you give me your expert opinion on which of these wallpapers looks better?”

Zhuang Lin watched as Chen Jin actually pulled out a huge catalog of building materials from under the table.

Zhuang Lin felt this conversation was utterly bizarre, but out of politeness, he leaned over to give his opinion: “The one in the top left.”

Chen Jin: “Really? Then which sofa do you think would go with this wallpaper?”

Zhuang Lin: “…The white one.”

Chen Jin: “Ah, see? That’s what I thought. My boyfriend really has no taste, no sense of aesthetics at all.” He then pulled out his phone and sent a voice message to someone: “You’re such a nouveau riche with no taste. I’ve asked several artists, and none of them agree with you. Give it up. This is my call.”

…Isn’t “artist” a bit of an exaggeration?

Zhuang Lin’s internal alarm was temporarily deactivated. He noticed the toast, eggs, and orange juice on the table: “Thanks for the breakfast.”

Chen Jin: “No problem. It was no trouble.”

As Zhuang Lin picked up the plate and turned to leave, he suddenly heard Chen Jin ask: “If you confessed to him right now, he wouldn’t be able to refuse, you know?”

Zhuang Lin: “I know—but that wouldn’t mean much.”

Zhuang Lin: “I want him to be with me because he loves me, not out of guilt, awkwardness, or some strange sense of moral obligation. What’s the point of that?”

Zhuang Lin: “I want him to make the decision without a trace of reluctance or resentment.”

Chen Jin was silent for two seconds, then Zhuang Lin heard his voice, tinged with amusement: “Well, good luck then.”

Zhuang Lin decided this person could be removed from the threat list. Although many netizens considered Chen Jin Guan Lan’s “main partner,” and Zhuang Lin still felt a bit uneasy about it, logically speaking, even if Chen Jin and Guan Lan had been together before, their relationship was now purely platonic.

In fact, from a strategic perspective, he should try to ally with Chen Jin.

That is, until he heard Chen Jin’s next sentence.

Chen Jin: “Your soup-making skills are impressive. A family recipe?”

…To hell with alliances! Always trust your first instinct! This guy is really grating!

After Zhuang Lin went back inside, Chen Jin received a reply from Yang Peiqing—a string of question marks.

Chen Jin replied: Ignore the last message.

Chen Jin: But I’m meeting with an interior designer this afternoon. Want to join?

Chen Jin: After all, I don’t want to live in this house alone.

————————————————————

When Zhuang Lin returned home, he was still basking in the afterglow of happiness, walking on air as if he’d lost twenty pounds.

But as soon as he opened the door, he came crashing back down to earth.

Zhuang Lin: “…Sister.”

Qi Fei glanced at him sideways: “Just got back from Guan Lan’s place?”

Zhuang Lin knew there was no point in struggling. Honesty was the best policy: “Yes.”

Qi Fei: “Are you together?”

Zhuang Lin: “Not yet.”

Qi Fei: “So he’s just playing with you?”

Zhuang Lin: “No, I’m the one pursuing him.”

Qi Fei: “That’s what I figured.”

Zhuang Lin thought Qi Fei’s reaction was much calmer than he’d expected—hopefully, it wasn’t the calm before the storm.

Qi Fei: “Let me give you a few guidelines. First, no public displays of affection beyond handshakes or hugs. I don’t care what you call each other in private, but if there’s a third person present, you call him ‘Teacher Guan.’ Second, maintain normal interactions on social media. Normal, got it? Stuff like ‘Thank you for Teacher Guan’s support and guidance,’ ‘a great mentor and friend,’ that kind of thing. Not a word more. Third, close the curtains! Close the curtains! Always close the curtains!”

Zhuang Lin: “…That’s it?”

Qi Fei: “These are the basics. I’ll add more details as needed.”

Zhuang Lin: “You don’t have any other opinions? I’ve never come out to you before. Aren’t you surprised?”

Qi Fei stared at him: “Please, I’ve been in this industry for years. My gaydar is maxed out.”

Qi Fei: “The person you’ve set your sights on, though—I didn’t see that coming at first. But looking back now, it makes sense.”

Qi Fei: “So, does your face hurt?”

Zhuang Lin: “…Can we not bring that up?”

Qi Fei said seriously: “As your manager, I’ve said all I need to say. What I’m about to tell you now is from the perspective of family.”

Qi Fei: “You’re an adult now. I have no right to interfere with your relationships, and I’m just your cousin. You don’t owe me any explanations about who you’re with. But if this relationship is serious, I suggest you start thinking about how to tell your mom.”

Zhuang Lin hadn’t thought that far ahead and now felt a bit nervous: “My mom’s pretty open-minded…right? I mean, she likes that American actor, what’s his name, Jack something or other, who’s been openly gay for years.”

Qi Fei: “Don’t kid yourself. Is that Jack guy her son?”

Zhuang Lin: “At least it shows she’s not homophobic.”

Qi Fei: “You know your mom best. But coming out is never easy. I hope you can handle it well.”

Zhuang Lin: “I think we should take things one step at a time. My top priority right now is to win him over.”

Qi Fei: “Top priority? What about your music? Your career? Your dreams?”

Zhuang Lin: “Those can wait. Music isn’t going anywhere.”

Qi Fei: “And Guan Lan is?”

Zhuang Lin: “I think he’s already within my grasp.”

Zhuang Lin: “But—I can’t wait.”