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"I'm sorry for the trouble." Xie Lian says again.
Mu Qing rolls his eyes as he helps him set a futon on the floor of Feng Xin's room.
"Stop apologizing! What are you going to do about it if you have no money? Find a sugar daddy?" He says sarcastically
"What's a sugar daddy?"
Mu Qing rolls his eyes as he helps him set a futon on the floor of Feng Xin's room.
"Stop apologizing! What are you going to do about it if you have no money? Find a sugar daddy?" He says sarcastically
"What's a sugar daddy?"
Mu Qing gives him an incredulous look but says nothing.
He's exiting the room when Xie Lian stops him.
"What is it, Mu Qing? Can it help me get money?"
Mu Qing seems outraged.
"Don't you dare! You can't solve your homeless-problem with a sugar daddy."
He's exiting the room when Xie Lian stops him.
"What is it, Mu Qing? Can it help me get money?"
Mu Qing seems outraged.
"Don't you dare! You can't solve your homeless-problem with a sugar daddy."
"But I can't live in Feng Xin's room forever!"
"Then find a job."
Xie Lian has been trying to find a job for more than two years now, but given that he wasn't able to finish his studies, it was rather difficult.
The only places where they hired him was on fast-food chains.
"Then find a job."
Xie Lian has been trying to find a job for more than two years now, but given that he wasn't able to finish his studies, it was rather difficult.
The only places where they hired him was on fast-food chains.
He was fired within a day after every single of his clients filed complaints about food poisoning. He once got to a job in a fast-food chain as a dustman but was fired when the owner realized he had been sleeping on the local.
He didn't feel like arguing, so he didn't.
He didn't feel like arguing, so he didn't.
"Sugar daddy" he thought to himself.
He decided to look up whatever that was on the internet. Mu Qing had said he couldn't solve his homeless problem with a sugar daddy, but honestly, he would be surprised if there was anything who could solve it straight away.
He decided to look up whatever that was on the internet. Mu Qing had said he couldn't solve his homeless problem with a sugar daddy, but honestly, he would be surprised if there was anything who could solve it straight away.
Discovering what a Sugar Daddy was took a lot longer than Xie Lian had imagined.
The search on the internet was rather quick, but fighting Feng Xin's computer into switching on wasn't.
He didn't know how many new models of computers and phones had gone out since he stopped
The search on the internet was rather quick, but fighting Feng Xin's computer into switching on wasn't.
He didn't know how many new models of computers and phones had gone out since he stopped
having the money to buy new ones. In fact, his phone was a very old model. It could only take calls and receive them. No internet, no messages and no nothing. But even if Feng Xin always told him to throw that piece of garbage, he liked it. The battery lasted for days and even if
he didn't have many people to call on the first place, the phone was so sturdy it could be used as a weapon. Very useful when you live on the streets.
Feng Xin's computer was rather new, and he had no idea of how to run it.
By the time he had figured out how to switch it on
Feng Xin's computer was rather new, and he had no idea of how to run it.
By the time he had figured out how to switch it on
15 minutes had passed.
Then, he was faced by another obstacle: Feng Xin's password.
He stood there thinking for a couple of minutes, and finally typed:
"password"
He was in.
Then, he was faced by another obstacle: Feng Xin's password.
He stood there thinking for a couple of minutes, and finally typed:
"password"
He was in.
The rest was a piece of cake. He typed "what is a sugar daddy" on the search bar.
And this is what came next:
And this is what came next:
Three thoughts popped in his mind.
1. How optional the sexual encounters were? Wasn't that prostitution?
2. He clearly wasn't a woman, so it wasn't a choice for him.
3. Why did Mu Qing know about this?
He scrolled down and more questions appeared. This time, on the screen:
1. How optional the sexual encounters were? Wasn't that prostitution?
2. He clearly wasn't a woman, so it wasn't a choice for him.
3. Why did Mu Qing know about this?
He scrolled down and more questions appeared. This time, on the screen:
"Mm" he thought. "It seems like there's a market for boys too? But seems like sex is very much part of it..."
He understood now why Mu Qing had discarded the idea so quickly. He was about to close tabs when he saw the next suggested question:
He understood now why Mu Qing had discarded the idea so quickly. He was about to close tabs when he saw the next suggested question:
"Oh. So it's more like hiring a boyfriend" he thought.
Sex was out of the question for him, but he also didn't know how to be a boyfriend? How did that thing work? How do you hire a boyfriend? What kind of qualities do they have to have? Ans if it's dating why are they called
Sex was out of the question for him, but he also didn't know how to be a boyfriend? How did that thing work? How do you hire a boyfriend? What kind of qualities do they have to have? Ans if it's dating why are they called
Daddy and baby?
All of this business was a bit shady.
He found his questions answered by the suggested questions again.
All of this business was a bit shady.
He found his questions answered by the suggested questions again.
...Oh okay. So that's why it was called daddy and baby. There's age gap.
This new information was important: so sex was negotiable?
Even if he got rejected at first date he could still get paid for having one date, right? That sounded easy enough.
This new information was important: so sex was negotiable?
Even if he got rejected at first date he could still get paid for having one date, right? That sounded easy enough.
He opened the last suggested questions and swallowed hard when he saw the answer.
He was 25.
...
2,800$???!!!
MONTHLY???
...
2,800$???!!!
MONTHLY???
HE COULD ACTUALLY STOP BEING HOMELESS WITH THAT KINDA MONEY IN A MONTH.
He had to endure much older men than 38 asking him indecent things when he lived on the streets. He always drove them off saying that he couldn't get it up, this could not be worse than that.
He had to endure much older men than 38 asking him indecent things when he lived on the streets. He always drove them off saying that he couldn't get it up, this could not be worse than that.
He glanced at Feng Xin's room.
Living here was not a long-term solution.
...he was going to give it a go.
Living here was not a long-term solution.
...he was going to give it a go.
He told Feng Xin and Mu Qing that he was going to go out to a job interview.
Mu Qing cleaned his turtle neck, took off all the lints on the fabric until it looked new and lent him some perfume.
Feng Xin lent him a fancy looking bag to carry his things and resume.
Mu Qing cleaned his turtle neck, took off all the lints on the fabric until it looked new and lent him some perfume.
Feng Xin lent him a fancy looking bag to carry his things and resume.
Xie Lian didn't know who put a water bottle on the bag or the money for the bus, but he smiled and thanked both of them before going out.
He felt a little guilty for lying to them, but there was no other way around it.
He felt a little guilty for lying to them, but there was no other way around it.
He had chatted with the sugar daddy a bit, but he could only do so secretly when Feng Xin wasn't around and he could sneak into the computer.
As a result, he didn't know much.
He was called San Lang, defined himself as a service top, and had very easily agreed to his terms of
As a result, he didn't know much.
He was called San Lang, defined himself as a service top, and had very easily agreed to his terms of
no sexual encounters.
He seemed very nice and compliant.
Xie Lian had evaded most of the questions about himself, because he didn't want to lie neither confess he had been homeless since 17.
"Would Lianlian tell me about this in person?"
Ah, yes, he called him that.
He seemed very nice and compliant.
Xie Lian had evaded most of the questions about himself, because he didn't want to lie neither confess he had been homeless since 17.
"Would Lianlian tell me about this in person?"
Ah, yes, he called him that.
"Of course! 
When do we meet?"
"I'm free this Friday. Is there anywhere you would like to go?"
"Friday is good! Ah, I'm afraid that I'm not very familiar with nice places around here."
He knew the city map by heart but as far as establishments... well.
When do we meet?""I'm free this Friday. Is there anywhere you would like to go?"
"Friday is good! Ah, I'm afraid that I'm not very familiar with nice places around here."
He knew the city map by heart but as far as establishments... well.
He hadn't had the chance to visit any.
"Then, is it okay if I choose?"
"Sure!"
San Lang âthe name of the sugar daddyâ sent him a location.
"Then, is it okay if I choose?"
"Sure!
"San Lang âthe name of the sugar daddyâ sent him a location.
When a new tab opened and Xie Lian identified how to get there, his gaze flew to the reviews of the cafeteria that popped on the side.
"I've never tasted better cakes! As expected from the most luxurious cafeteria in the city."
Ah... it was their first encounter and he was
"I've never tasted better cakes! As expected from the most luxurious cafeteria in the city."
Ah... it was their first encounter and he was
already going to take him to a place like this.
Xie Lian couldn't help but wonder if he would be too obviously broke the second he stepped on that place.
He forgot about it when he went back to the tab where they were chatting.
"I think 800$ is fair. See you at 18.00?"
Xie Lian couldn't help but wonder if he would be too obviously broke the second he stepped on that place.
He forgot about it when he went back to the tab where they were chatting.
"I think 800$ is fair. See you at 18.00?"
He felt dizzy just by looking at that number. A voice inside of him told him that he didn't deserve it. He swallowed hard before answering.
"Ah. The hour is fine."
"..."
"Is San Lang sure? Isn't that a lot?
"Ah. The hour is fine."
"..."
"Is San Lang sure? Isn't that a lot?
San Lang just sent him a sad emoji.
"What is it?"
"Won't Lianlian call me daddy?"
Xie Lian felt his face grow hot just by reading that line.
"What is it?"
"Won't Lianlian call me daddy?"
Xie Lian felt his face grow hot just by reading that line.
"Ah... sorry. I forgot. I'm not very used to this."
"Don't worry about it, Lianlian."
He took a deep breath. He tried again.
"Is daddy sure? Isn't that a lot of money?"
"Don't worry about it, Lianlian."
He took a deep breath. He tried again.
"Is daddy sure? Isn't that a lot of money?"
San Lang took much longer to answer this than the rest of the questions. Ah, he knew it was too much.
"Dady's sure." He typed simply.
"Dady's sure." He typed simply.
"CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THE FUCK THE DRAWER OF THE ENTRANCE IS SUDDENLY IN A DIFFERENT PLACE?! I HIT MYSELF WITH IT!"
"CAN YOU STOP SCREAMING LIKE A MAD-MAN FOR EVERY LITTLE INCONVENIENCE YOU ENCOUNTER? ARE YOU IMPLYING THAT I DID IT TO HURT YOU?!"
"CAN YOU STOP SCREAMING LIKE A MAD-MAN FOR EVERY LITTLE INCONVENIENCE YOU ENCOUNTER? ARE YOU IMPLYING THAT I DID IT TO HURT YOU?!"
"AND CAN YOU STOP IMAGINING THINGS? I DIDN'T SAY IT WAS YOU WHO DID IT."
Ah, Feng Xin was home.
"See you on Friday!" Xie Lian typed quickly before shutting everything in a rush and laying on the futon.
Ah, Feng Xin was home.
"See you on Friday!" Xie Lian typed quickly before shutting everything in a rush and laying on the futon.
After that he hadn't had the chance to access the computer much. He was able to check on it to make sure that San Lang hadn't canceled, but they didn't talk further.
On the bus he kept looking for pellets on his jersey, for stains on his jeans and checking that his messy bun
On the bus he kept looking for pellets on his jersey, for stains on his jeans and checking that his messy bun
wasn't that messy.
"You're fine, Mu Qing would never let you go out looking like a beggar." he told himself.
He took a deep breath when he heard the name of his stop.
"Off we go."
"You're fine, Mu Qing would never let you go out looking like a beggar." he told himself.
He took a deep breath when he heard the name of his stop.
"Off we go."
18:15
Hua Cheng had been staring at the empty cushion in front of him for 15 minutes, and he was past being worried. He was worried and pissed.
Not pissed at Xie Lian, of course, but at whoever may concern.
At the bus driver for being late, at some loud mouth petty friend
Hua Cheng had been staring at the empty cushion in front of him for 15 minutes, and he was past being worried. He was worried and pissed.
Not pissed at Xie Lian, of course, but at whoever may concern.
At the bus driver for being late, at some loud mouth petty friend
for talking him out of it, at himself for not picking him up, whatever really.
Whatever that was causing Dianxia to not be there with him, he was pissed at it.
Whatever that was causing Dianxia to not be there with him, he was pissed at it.
The barista was starting to feel anxious just by seeing Hua Cheng displeased, which meant that he either had a great fight or flight instincts, or he knew Hua Cheng well.
Luckily for the barista, Xie Lian appeared on the threshold by 18:20.
Luckily for the barista, Xie Lian appeared on the threshold by 18:20.
He looked around a bit anxious himself. After all, he was late, would San Lang still be there?
Xia Lian found San Lang with a quick glance over the room. He was the only person in the room with an eyepatch, of course, but he also was raging gorgeous.
Xia Lian found San Lang with a quick glance over the room. He was the only person in the room with an eyepatch, of course, but he also was raging gorgeous.
Black strands of hair cascaded from the crown of his head to the soft fabric of the cushion. One particular lock born on a widow's peak laid playfully near his eyepatch. The contrast with his impossibly white skin was breathtaking.
He actually held his breath when his obsidian
He actually held his breath when his obsidian
eye made direct contact with his own gaze.
Xie Lian had never met anyone with a more intense gaze.
He smiled in recognition and saw how San Lang's lips curved upward slowly in response.
Now that he had seen that smile with fangs, Xie Lian could assure that the combination
Xie Lian had never met anyone with a more intense gaze.
He smiled in recognition and saw how San Lang's lips curved upward slowly in response.
Now that he had seen that smile with fangs, Xie Lian could assure that the combination
of all those details gave San Lang a devilish aura.
However, he was not dangerous. No one whose gaze softened so much when he smiled could be.
Unfortunately, his smile faded the second Xie Lian started walking his way.
He had a limp.
However, he was not dangerous. No one whose gaze softened so much when he smiled could be.
Unfortunately, his smile faded the second Xie Lian started walking his way.
He had a limp.
Xie Lian saw how San Lang immediately got up and almost run in his direction. He missed the barista panicking at the scene and shielding his face in worry.
"Haha, San Lâ daddâ ...you don't have to worry, I'm fine. I'm just very unlucky and fell on the way here, haha."
"Haha, San Lâ daddâ ...you don't have to worry, I'm fine. I'm just very unlucky and fell on the way here, haha."
He couldn't bring himself to call him daddy, he couldn't, he would implode if he tried.
Hua Cheng didn't care in the slightest how he addressed him. He had reached his side and stopped him from walking a single step further.
Xie Lian didn't think it was anything serious, but
Hua Cheng didn't care in the slightest how he addressed him. He had reached his side and stopped him from walking a single step further.
Xie Lian didn't think it was anything serious, but
he could feel the air turning heavy around them, San Lang's face dead serious when he held him by the waist to support all his weight.
Xie Lian thought that only him could ruin a first date before even starting. San Lang seemed to be in a really bad mood by the way he talked
Xie Lian thought that only him could ruin a first date before even starting. San Lang seemed to be in a really bad mood by the way he talked
to the barista, using an authoritarian and serious tone.
"Bring some ice. Quick."
Maybe it was Xie Lian's imagination, but he thought that the barista had already picked up the ice even before San Lang could utter a word.
"Sanâ I'm fine, really. It doesn't hurt that much."
"Bring some ice. Quick."
Maybe it was Xie Lian's imagination, but he thought that the barista had already picked up the ice even before San Lang could utter a word.
"Sanâ I'm fine, really. It doesn't hurt that much."
San Lang didn't answer him, he just gently took one of his arms and placed it around his neck in a swift movement.
He supported his entire weight all the way to their table, Xie Lian barely having to hop with his good leg.
He supported his entire weight all the way to their table, Xie Lian barely having to hop with his good leg.
It happened too quickly, but Xie Lian felt entirely taken care of.
San Lang was being gentle and respectful in his touches to the core, but there was more than that. Xie Lian felt like he was some kind of invaluable treasure that required the most exquisite treatment.
San Lang was being gentle and respectful in his touches to the core, but there was more than that. Xie Lian felt like he was some kind of invaluable treasure that required the most exquisite treatment.
He didn't help him seat at the cushion, neither did he sat by himself. San Lang /seated/ him, slowly letting go of his weight. He did with such delicacy that the movements of his body when he sat didn't affect his leg.
San Lang had avoided the most insignificant bolt of pain
San Lang had avoided the most insignificant bolt of pain
just by his treatment.
Like it was timed, the second he sat, the barista brought a bag of ice to the table.
Xie Lian didn't finish thanking the barista when he saw San Lang kneel before him.
Like it was timed, the second he sat, the barista brought a bag of ice to the table.
Xie Lian didn't finish thanking the barista when he saw San Lang kneel before him.
"San Lang...?" he asked, bewildered by the view.
Hua Cheng's eyes were filled with a strange combination of deep worry and anger.
He took off his shoes with ghostly touches, incredibly mindful of not hurting his feet.
Xie Lian saw that he was about to take off his sock.
Hua Cheng's eyes were filled with a strange combination of deep worry and anger.
He took off his shoes with ghostly touches, incredibly mindful of not hurting his feet.
Xie Lian saw that he was about to take off his sock.
"San Lang, don't touch that, I can take care of it myself, Iâ"
He didn't listen to him.
Xie Lian's swollen ankle was now visible, and San Lang still didn't say anything, he seemed to be just looking at it.
"It's not that serious, really. I don't even know what made me trip.
He didn't listen to him.
Xie Lian's swollen ankle was now visible, and San Lang still didn't say anything, he seemed to be just looking at it.
"It's not that serious, really. I don't even know what made me trip.
It's gotten like that because I got the bus stop wrong and had to walk 5 blocks to here but it's will wear off on his own. Please, San Lang, don't worry too much."
The anguished tone in his last sentence made San Lang react. He rose his gaze to meet Xie Lian's and smiled warmly.
The anguished tone in his last sentence made San Lang react. He rose his gaze to meet Xie Lian's and smiled warmly.
"It's okay, Lianlian, isn't taking care of you part of our agreement? I'm just checking if you have sprained your ankle."
Xie Lian was speechless.
"Just tell me if it hurts."
Then San Lang proceeded to cradle his foot and softly make it move in different ways.
Xie Lian was speechless.
"Just tell me if it hurts."
Then San Lang proceeded to cradle his foot and softly make it move in different ways.
By force of habit, Xie Lian tried to not complain when the pain bolted all the way to his knee.
"Does it hurt when I do this?"
It did.
"It doesn't."
"Lianlian."
San Lang looked at him, a plea in his eye.
"Please, don't lie to me about this."
"Does it hurt when I do this?"
It did.
"It doesn't."
"Lianlian."
San Lang looked at him, a plea in his eye.
"Please, don't lie to me about this."
"It hurts a little."
"Just a little?"
Xie Lian smiled, guilty.
"I can bear it."
"Just because you can bear pain doesn't mean you should."
If it weren't because this was the first time Xie Lian saw him, he would've thought that he was talking about something else entirely.
"Just a little?"
Xie Lian smiled, guilty.
"I can bear it."
"Just because you can bear pain doesn't mean you should."
If it weren't because this was the first time Xie Lian saw him, he would've thought that he was talking about something else entirely.
He finally complied.
"It hurts when I put weight on it and when I do this." he said, moving his foot by himself.
San Lang smiled at him, content with his cooperation.
"And if I do this?"
"That hurts a little as well."
San Lang got up and reached for the bag of ice.
"It hurts when I put weight on it and when I do this." he said, moving his foot by himself.
San Lang smiled at him, content with his cooperation.
"And if I do this?"
"That hurts a little as well."
San Lang got up and reached for the bag of ice.
"It's not sprained, but you shouldn't put weight on it until the inflammation is down."
He crouched and placed the bag of ice on his ankle, and Xie Lian repressed a shiver.
"It's okay, I can hold it myself..." he whispered, reaching for the bag.
San Lang hadn't retired his.
He crouched and placed the bag of ice on his ankle, and Xie Lian repressed a shiver.
"It's okay, I can hold it myself..." he whispered, reaching for the bag.
San Lang hadn't retired his.
For a moment, Xie Lian's hand was covering San Lang's, even if the former's were more slender and dainty than the latter's.
The ice was melting on the warmth of their hands, and with a wet, soft sliding of skin, San Lang let go of the bag and let Xie Lian's hand hold it.
The ice was melting on the warmth of their hands, and with a wet, soft sliding of skin, San Lang let go of the bag and let Xie Lian's hand hold it.
When Xie Lian looked up, San Lang was no longer crouching at his feet, but standing, smiling at him.
"Lianlian sure knows how to make entrances. Nice to meet you."
"Lianlian sure knows how to make entrances. Nice to meet you."
Xie Lian smiled awkwardly. Yes, that had been quite the entrance.
"Hahahaha, yeah, well I guess we broke the ice?" he blurted.
Hua Cheng raised a brow.
"Hahahaha, yeah, well I guess we broke the ice?" he blurted.
Hua Cheng raised a brow.
Xie Lian pressed his lips into a thin line, his mind going crazy "What did I just say oh my god that was a terrible pun how do I keep ruining this hahahahaha that was not funny at all hahahahaâ"
Then he heard Hua Cheng chuckle, and his mind went from spiralizing to surprise.
Then he heard Hua Cheng chuckle, and his mind went from spiralizing to surprise.
His lips parted, giving him away in the slight awe that sound made in him.
"I think we did." Hua Cheng said, his chuckle drawing a residue smile on his lips.
Xie Lian smiled unconsciously, the tension wearing off for a bit.
"I think we did." Hua Cheng said, his chuckle drawing a residue smile on his lips.
Xie Lian smiled unconsciously, the tension wearing off for a bit.
He was thinking about what to say next when Hua Cheng talked again.
"What do you want to drink?" Hua Cheng asked absentmindedly. He was cleaning his hands with a wet tissue.
/Oh. Right./
"What do you want to drink?" Hua Cheng asked absentmindedly. He was cleaning his hands with a wet tissue.
/Oh. Right./
"Has San Lâ No. Dâ Daddâ." he made a pause and fixed his look on the foot that remained shod, resting on the floor. It was a word. It was just a word. He could say it. He couldâ "Daddâ." Oh no. Nononono, he couldn't say it.
It was too embarrassing, he could feel his cheeks get warm just by the thought of it. "Have... have you ordered here before? Is there something you wouldâŠâ Halfway through the sentence he raised his gaze, only to see how Hua Cheng was holding his laughter and his eye sparkled.
It was clear that he was having fun. â...recommend?"
Xie Lianâs face grew redder. He lowered his head immediately again.
San Lang tried to talk to him, but a couple of chuckles escaped his mouth before he could. He looked at him with an amused smirk.
Xie Lianâs face grew redder. He lowered his head immediately again.
San Lang tried to talk to him, but a couple of chuckles escaped his mouth before he could. He looked at him with an amused smirk.
"Lianlian, what is it? Are you embarrassed?"
"Ah... well. It⊠It is a bit embarrassing to call you dadd⊠well... That.â
San Lang smiled playfully. âMmm~ really? Well, I donât want Lianlian to feel awkward, so, if itâs for him, letâs change nicknames?â
"Ah... well. It⊠It is a bit embarrassing to call you dadd⊠well... That.â
San Lang smiled playfully. âMmm~ really? Well, I donât want Lianlian to feel awkward, so, if itâs for him, letâs change nicknames?â
At hearing that, Xie Lian quickly raised his gaze to look at him in the eye again. âWould that be okay?â
âOf course.â San Lang said, his tone becoming compliant. âIf Daddy is too much, how about you call me Gege?â he asked.
Xie Lian thought about it.
âOf course.â San Lang said, his tone becoming compliant. âIf Daddy is too much, how about you call me Gege?â he asked.
Xie Lian thought about it.
He could probably do that, he didnât think it would be hard.
âOkay, gege.â he said, just to test the words on his mouth.
San Lang grinned. âBut I want something in exchange. I want to change Lianlianâs nickname too.â
âOkay, gege.â he said, just to test the words on his mouth.
San Lang grinned. âBut I want something in exchange. I want to change Lianlianâs nickname too.â
That request surprised Xie Lian, and he tilted his head lightly before asking âWhat do you want to call me?â
âDianxia.â San Lang said simply.
âYour Highness?â Xie Lian thought.
âIsnât that a bit too much? Iâm nothing like royalty.â He told him.
âDianxia.â San Lang said simply.
âYour Highness?â Xie Lian thought.
âIsnât that a bit too much? Iâm nothing like royalty.â He told him.
San Lang propped his elbows on the table, and let his fingers tangle lazily. His lower lip slowly rubbed against one of his fingers as he smiled and gave him a once-over. âArenât you?â
Xie Lianâs eyes very obviously followed the trajectory of his lip over his finger, but
Xie Lianâs eyes very obviously followed the trajectory of his lip over his finger, but
snapped out of it soon enough to think of an answer. He was pretty sure that he was the farthest thing from royalty possible, but somehow saying so felt like an incorrect answer.
Before he could make sense of a response, San Lang had gotten up.
Before he could make sense of a response, San Lang had gotten up.
Now he wasnât being the object of his intense gaze, and the feeling of being a prey diminished significantly. âEven so, I think that you deserve to be treated like a Crown Prince,â San Lang said âand isnât that exactly what Iâm here for?â
the question floated in the air as he took the menu with a swift movement and approached the counter.
Xie Lian watched him leave, speechless. He spent the entire time Hua Cheng was away looking in his direction, spellbound.
Xie Lian watched him leave, speechless. He spent the entire time Hua Cheng was away looking in his direction, spellbound.
He didnât know how to digest this new feeling of being cared about. There had been people worried about him before, of course, and that counted as caring, didn't it? Even Mu Qing worried about him. But it was different. It felt different.
Caring and worrying had always felt like everyone was in a rush for him to meet expectations.
This was nothing like that. San Lang didnât want him to be a prince. He already was, as far as San Lang was concerned. He just wanted to pamper him accordingly.
This was nothing like that. San Lang didnât want him to be a prince. He already was, as far as San Lang was concerned. He just wanted to pamper him accordingly.
Xie Lian was suddenly stricken by the fact that this was what he signed up for. It was everywhere on the sugaring concept: Get money in exchange for letting an older rich guy pamper you.
It suddenly occurred to him that he had no idea what that meant when he agreed to it.
It suddenly occurred to him that he had no idea what that meant when he agreed to it.
âIn fact, when he first considered sugaring, he thought this was about him having to be nice to have around, he missed the receiving part completely.âHe had no idea of what caring was. And now someone was very willing to give that to him.
Not only was San Lang willing, it felt like for him it was⊠effortless. Xie Lian was very aware of how he had done absolutely nothing to deserve this treatment from him:
He had barely told him anything about himself, had arrived late, caused trouble with his limp and wasnât even able to call him daddy.
However, San Lang had held his waist gently and firmly, had taken care of his wound in the most thoughtful, careful âpainlessâ manner and had
However, San Lang had held his waist gently and firmly, had taken care of his wound in the most thoughtful, careful âpainlessâ manner and had
taken away the uncomfortable duty of calling him daddy.
Xie Lian didnât know how to digest such an undeserved treatment. He had never experienced unconditionality before, and he was not expecting to experience it in a relationship with conditions.
Xie Lian didnât know how to digest such an undeserved treatment. He had never experienced unconditionality before, and he was not expecting to experience it in a relationship with conditions.
But San Lang treating him that way, it made him feel⊠special.
He thought âand felt very guilty for itâ that maybe he liked it.
âDianxia?â
âHm?â Xie Lian was so absorbed by his own thoughts and feelings, he didnât realize San Lang had come back.
He thought âand felt very guilty for itâ that maybe he liked it.
âDianxia?â
âHm?â Xie Lian was so absorbed by his own thoughts and feelings, he didnât realize San Lang had come back.
When he put the smoothie in front of him, Xie Lian realized that around the third finger of San Langâs hand was a red ribbon. This struck him as an odd jewelry option. His red shirt looked like it was worth more than what Xie Lian had been able to gather in a year,
âit also looked too fit. Xie Lian couldnât decide if it was a size too small or if thatâs what your size looks like when youâre /that/ muscled.â The silver chain that hid beneath the third button of the shirt must be actual silver, so why would he put a simple ribbon as a ring?
âI chose Almond and Maple for you.â San Lang said, making him snap out of it. He was sitting and placing a blood-like smoothie on his own end of the table. âThe maple syrup they serve here comes from the maples of a mountain that used to belong to an ancient Kingdom, and their
prince trained there, so I thought it was perfect for Dianxia.â
âAh, Gege knows that much? Such a thoughtful choice⊠many thanks.â He sipped at his straw and missed San Langâs soft smile.
âHow is it?â
âItâs very tasty! Thank you again, Sanââ
âAh, Gege knows that much? Such a thoughtful choice⊠many thanks.â He sipped at his straw and missed San Langâs soft smile.
âHow is it?â
âItâs very tasty! Thank you again, Sanââ
he scolded himself mentally, âgege.â
San Lang chuckled and took a sip of his own smoothie. Xie Lian guessed it was a red berry smoothie.
âAh, I still havenât apologized for arriving late. Iâm sorry to leave you waiting.â Xie Lian said, preventing an uncomfortable silence to
San Lang chuckled and took a sip of his own smoothie. Xie Lian guessed it was a red berry smoothie.
âAh, I still havenât apologized for arriving late. Iâm sorry to leave you waiting.â Xie Lian said, preventing an uncomfortable silence to
settle between them.
âDianxia doesnât have to apologize for anything. In the future, is it too much if I request Dianxia to text me so I can assist?â
Well, given that he was unable to text anyone outside Mu Qingâs apartment, yes, it was too much.
Xie Lian smiled awkwardly,
âDianxia doesnât have to apologize for anything. In the future, is it too much if I request Dianxia to text me so I can assist?â
Well, given that he was unable to text anyone outside Mu Qingâs apartment, yes, it was too much.
Xie Lian smiled awkwardly,
taking his phone from Feng Xinâs purse and putting it on top of the table. âHahaha, Iâm afraid I couldnât do that even if I wanted.â
San Lang stared at the phone, flabbergasted.
âI didnât know Dianxia liked antiques? Or maybe Dianxia dislikes technology?â
San Lang stared at the phone, flabbergasted.
âI didnât know Dianxia liked antiques? Or maybe Dianxia dislikes technology?â
âNeither, itâs just poverty.â Xie Lian thought. He did like antiques, though.
He cleared his throat. He had avoided mentioning how he was practically a beggar on the internet, but he couldnât avoid the topic much longer.
He cleared his throat. He had avoided mentioning how he was practically a beggar on the internet, but he couldnât avoid the topic much longer.
âItâs none of that. Well, I do like antiques,â âafter all, most of the things he owned were from thrift stores, or straight up scraps from the street.â âbut thatâs not why I keep this phone.â he raised his gaze from the phone to San Lang, whose eyes were full of questions.
âTruth is I canât afford a better phone, and this one still works even if itâs very old! I donât really mind it.â
It took San Lang some seconds to react. âWell, if thatâs the case, will Dianxia add my number to the phone?
It took San Lang some seconds to react. âWell, if thatâs the case, will Dianxia add my number to the phone?
If itâs not texting, Dianxia can still call me if he needs it.â
âSure!â Xie Lian said and started manipulating the phone immediately. He was a bit worried about San Lang thinking less of him, but it didnât seem the case.
He handed the phone to San Lang,
âSure!â Xie Lian said and started manipulating the phone immediately. He was a bit worried about San Lang thinking less of him, but it didnât seem the case.
He handed the phone to San Lang,
âHere, type your number.â
San Lang took the phone from his hand, one of his fingers softly caressing the back of his hand on the process. Xie Lianâs breath hitched imperceptibly.
âI donât remember the last time I had to press a key several times to type the letter I want.â
San Lang took the phone from his hand, one of his fingers softly caressing the back of his hand on the process. Xie Lianâs breath hitched imperceptibly.
âI donât remember the last time I had to press a key several times to type the letter I want.â
San Lang chuckled, saving the contact and handing him his phone back.
Xie Lian read the screen: âGege.â
The lightest of blush decorated his cheeks as he put the phone back on the purse.
When he looked up, San Lang was handing him a very expensive smartphone.
â?â
Xie Lian read the screen: âGege.â
The lightest of blush decorated his cheeks as he put the phone back on the purse.
When he looked up, San Lang was handing him a very expensive smartphone.
â?â
âI want Dianxiaâs number too.â he explained.
âOh! Of course.â âDianxiaâ was already typed on the contact information, which didnât help with his blush at all. Xie Lian added his number quickly and handed him his phone back.
âOh! Of course.â âDianxiaâ was already typed on the contact information, which didnât help with his blush at all. Xie Lian added his number quickly and handed him his phone back.
San Lang let his phone lay on the table and adopted a relaxed posture. His left hand was lazily circling his smoothie, while his right elbow was propped on the table, his hand holding his chin.
He began to stare Xie Lian again with that intense gaze and a residual smirk on his lips.
Xie Lian didnât know how to handle the attention, so he focused on drinking his smoothie. It really was delicious, even if it was just a drink.
âDianxia.â he heard him call.
Xie Lian didnât know how to handle the attention, so he focused on drinking his smoothie. It really was delicious, even if it was just a drink.
âDianxia.â he heard him call.
San Lang had a really deep voice, but the way he called him was⊠soft.
âHm?â
âWanna play a game?â His smirk had grown.
âWhat game?â
âSince Dianxia was rather reserved, we could play 21 questions? Only Yes/No or A/B questions.
âHm?â
âWanna play a game?â His smirk had grown.
âWhat game?â
âSince Dianxia was rather reserved, we could play 21 questions? Only Yes/No or A/B questions.
When the 21 questions are used, each of us makes an assumption about the other and then confirms or not. Is that okay?â
Xie Lian had /many questions/ about this man. The first one was probably âhow does a man like you need to pay for dating?â but aside that, he virtually knew
Xie Lian had /many questions/ about this man. The first one was probably âhow does a man like you need to pay for dating?â but aside that, he virtually knew
nothing of him. It would be a good opportunity to probe him. He didnât exactly trust him, but he didnât think he wasnât trustworthy either. After all, he was someone he had met through the interwebs, so he had to be sure.
At the same time, it would be easier for him to avoid
At the same time, it would be easier for him to avoid
embarrassing details by saying only yes or no.
Also, it seemed fun.
âOkay! What does gege want to ask?â
âMmmmm~â San Lang hummed while playing with the straw in his vase. He was pretending to think of a question, but Xie Lian was sure that he already knew what to ask.
Also, it seemed fun.
âOkay! What does gege want to ask?â
âMmmmm~â San Lang hummed while playing with the straw in his vase. He was pretending to think of a question, but Xie Lian was sure that he already knew what to ask.
âFlowers or Swords?â he said.
haha this date is gonna be long but afterwards we will have everything i promised
-bridal style carrying
-more dianxia pampering
-dianxia posing for pictures
but now:
-hua cheng getting to ask all kinda questions
you know the drill, drop an emoji to be notified of the update!
-bridal style carrying
-more dianxia pampering
-dianxia posing for pictures
but now:
-hua cheng getting to ask all kinda questions
you know the drill, drop an emoji to be notified of the update!
