Jiang Lin felt his heart beating faster than ever before, as if he could hear the blood rushing through his veins.
Besides that, there was heavy breathing and a faint sound of water.
It wasn’t until the lack of oxygen caused a dull ache in his chest that he reluctantly parted from Li Qianxing, pulling back just enough to see each other clearly.
Li Qianxing’s eyes were half-closed, the corners tinged with a vibrant red, his slightly parted lips moist and glistening.
Jiang Lin couldn’t resist reaching out to brush Li Qianxing’s lower lip before leaning in to capture it again, alternating between light and forceful sucking as he caught his breath.
Li Qianxing had no choice but to open his mouth wider. Jiang Lin would suck for a moment, then lick, sometimes sliding his tongue inside to gently entwine with Li Qianxing’s.
After kissing languidly for a long while, Li Qianxing’s hand slid to Jiang Lin’s shoulder and gave a gentle push.
“You…” he said hoarsely, struggling to speak with their lips still touching, “Isn’t this… uncomfortable?”
Jiang Lin had initially leaned in, but now he was entirely squeezed into the passenger seat, hunched over as he kissed him.
Li Qianxing glanced at the still-open car door. “If we don’t move soon, I think security will come down to check.”
Jiang Lin chuckled softly, nuzzling Li Qianxing’s lips one last time before finally lifting his head.
“With a whole wall of security monitors, it’s not easy to spot such a small irregularity.”
However, now that Li Qianxing had mentioned it, Jiang Lin began to feel the discomfort of the cramped space that he hadn’t noticed earlier in the heat of the moment.
He took a few deep breaths, carefully retreating from the car before reaching out to help Li Qianxing.
Li Qianxing held onto Jiang Lin’s arm as he got out of the car, suddenly finding the parking garage air refreshing.
They stood for a moment to compose themselves before locking the car and heading to the elevator together.
Li Qianxing pressed the button for his floor. The system detected his fingerprint access, and the elevator began to ascend.
Jiang Lin stood quietly beside him. Li Qianxing glanced over to find him smiling warmly, causing his face to heat up again despite having just cooled down. He pretended to be nonchalant and turned back to watch the floor display.
Yet, the warmth at the tips of his ears refused to subside.
The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Li Qianxing stepped out with Jiang Lin following behind.
Li Qianxing unlocked his front door and entered the entrance hall to change his shoes.
Recently, Jiang Lin had been visiting frequently, so there were now two pairs of men’s slippers in the entryway. The larger pair had been specially ordered by Li Qianxing, matching the style he usually wore. Now, looking at them suddenly gave him the impression of a couple’s set.
Li Qianxing arranged his dress shoes neatly but noticed Jiang Lin still standing at the doorway, not coming in. He looked at him quizzically.
Jiang Lin’s gaze had been fixed on him the whole time, and their eyes naturally met. His smile deepened involuntarily. “I won’t come in. You’ve had a long day, get some rest early.”
Li Qianxing glanced at his watch, even more puzzled. “It’s still early.”
Jiang Lin sighed softly with a smile. “If I go in now, I’m afraid I won’t want to leave.”
“Then stay,” Li Qianxing said matter-of-factly.
His nonchalant response made even Jiang Lin catch his breath.
Jiang Lin stared at Li Qianxing for a moment, confirming there wasn’t a hint of reluctance in his eyes, and felt a part of his heart melt.
Li Qianxing walked up to Jiang Lin and took one of his hands.
Jiang Lin closed his eyes briefly, stepped forward, and wrapped his other arm around Li Qianxing, pulling him close. He avoided looking into Li Qianxing’s eyes, knowing he’d be defenseless against that gaze.
Steadying himself, Jiang Lin said softly with resignation, “We haven’t prepared anything yet.”
Li Qianxing, resting in his embrace, spoke, his breath brushing Jiang Lin’s neck, “We can have it delivered.”
A shiver ran from Jiang Lin’s neck to his scalp. He tensed, took a moment to compose himself, then bent down in defeat, resting his chin on Li Qianxing’s shoulder.
“Li-ge, aren’t you nervous at all?”
At those words, Li Qianxing felt a subtle heat at his waist. The memory of Jiang Lin’s grip during their filming suddenly resurfaced.
Li Qianxing couldn’t help but lick his dry lips. “To be honest, I’m quite nervous.”
Jiang Lin chuckled softly, turning his head to find Li Qianxing’s earlobe had turned bright red, the color spreading to his cheek and neck.
He leaned in and kissed that beautiful flush, feeling Li Qianxing tremble slightly in his arms.
Jiang Lin gently stroked Li Qianxing’s back. “No need to rush, we’ll take it slow.”
Li Qianxing gradually relaxed but said, “For two healthy adult men who already know each other quite well, I think ‘taking it slow’ means about a week. So there’s no real need to deliberately slow things down. Acting on impulse is fine too.”
Jiang Lin couldn’t help but laugh again.
After his laughter subsided, Li Qianxing pushed him gently, signaling him to let go.
Jiang Lin straightened up and released his hold.
Li Qianxing stepped out of his embrace and looked up at him. “Since you put it that way, let’s just let things happen naturally. I’ll go in and rest, and you should head downstairs.”
Jiang Lin leaned in and kissed Li Qianxing’s forehead. “Alright, good night.”
Remembering it was still early, he added, “Feel free to message me anytime.”
Li Qianxing squeezed Jiang Lin’s hand lightly before letting go. “This time, I’ll watch you get in the elevator.”
Usually, it was Jiang Lin who watched Li Qianxing enter the elevator or close his door. Perhaps it was their newly defined relationship changing his perspective, but at that moment, Li Qianxing suddenly understood the desire to watch the other person until the very last second before parting.
Jiang Lin didn’t refuse, glancing back repeatedly as he walked to the elevator, inwardly cursing for the first time why the elevator wasn’t moving.
He stepped inside and waved to Li Qianxing, who had come out to watch him.
As the elevator doors slowly closed, blocking Li Qianxing from view, Jiang Lin felt a momentary pang of loss and an urge to press the open button and run back out.
However, he managed to restrain himself.
Although it might only be a week’s difference as Li Qianxing had said, Jiang Lin still hoped that Li Qianxing could fully relax and accept the change in their relationship, rather than feeling like their dating was just for that one thing.
Of course, he still needed to make the necessary preparations.
Jiang Lin took out his phone and searched for nearby delivery services.
Just as he entered his own apartment, Jiang Lin placed an order. Immediately after, his phone rang – it was Yan Yi calling.
Jiang Lin answered, his voice full of the lightness and joy of new love. “Yan-jie.”
Yan Yi paused, “You’re in a good mood?”
Jiang Lin flopped onto the sofa. “Mm-hmm.”
Yan Yi sounded cautious, “What happened?”
Jiang Lin: “Didn’t you see my last performance? Li-ge agreed to be with me~”
Yan Yi asked, disbelieving, “That line where he agreed, it meant this?”
Jiang Lin felt like his heart was blooming. “Yes, in front of all those viewers, he agreed~”
Yan Yi was silent for a moment before speaking again. “I’ll hang up. Call me back when you’ve come to your senses.”
Jiang Lin laughed heartily, “What is it? Tell me, I’m perfectly clear-headed.”
Yan Yi: “You don’t seem clear-headed to me. If he had really agreed, would you be on the phone with me right now?”
Jiang Lin chuckled. “It’s a bit complicated. But anyway, I’m officially notifying my agent, Ms. Yan Yi, that I, your artist, actor Jiang Lin, is now together with actor Li Qianxing.”
Yan Yi: “Our company doesn’t interfere with artists’ personal lives. Just make sure you’ve thought it through. I’m calling about your boyfriend, actually.”
Jiang Lin immediately became serious. “Oh?”
Yan Yi: “Mr. Qi spoke to me today. Li Qianxing’s appearance on the variety show was Li Mingsi’s doing, so Xingyi Entertainment also contributed to Li Mingsi’s negative trending topics. Mr. Qi mentioned that Li Qianxing usually dislikes activities outside of filming, but this time he was willing to join the variety show for your sake.
“So Mr. Qi is a bit worried that in the future, various event organizers might try to use you to rope in Li Qianxing. He doesn’t want Li Qianxing to compromise himself for you – though now it seems his concern might be unnecessary.”
Jiang Lin’s smile returned. “Indeed, it’s unnecessary. Like him, I value Qianxing’s own wishes above all else.”
Yan Yi: “Alright, that’s all. Just continue to be silly and happy.”
With that, she promptly hung up.
Jiang Lin clicked his tongue, muttering at the darkened phone screen, “She’s already married, why can’t she stand seeing others being lovey-dovey?”
Just then, an elevator access request popped up on his phone.
Jiang Lin connected to the elevator’s camera, confirmed it was the delivery person, and granted one-time access. He found it a bit strange. “The entry system didn’t alert me. How did they get through the main door? Did security let them in?”
He didn’t know that the delivery person had pressed not only his floor but also the one above.
◇◆
The biggest difference after starting to date was that Li Qianxing no longer had to go out for meals.
Now that Jiang Lin had Li Qianxing’s key, he would come upstairs every day after waking up and stay all day, cooking meals right there, only returning to his own place just before bedtime.
This was mainly because Jiang Lin’s apartment was rented and he hadn’t lived there long enough to renovate it to his liking.
Li Qianxing’s place, on the other hand, was fully equipped for an actor’s lifestyle. Not only did it have a great home theater setup in the living room, but it also had a gym and even a practice room with mirrors on three walls.
The two were already preparing for their next film, spending every day together without neglecting their work or their relationship.
However, a week had passed, and they still hadn’t taken the final step, just kissing from time to time.
Li Qianxing found this unhurried pace quite comfortable. Jiang Lin had indeed kept his promise, letting him enjoy the pleasures of love without any psychological burden.
So, it would probably happen soon – Li Qianxing pondered as he put away his razor, absently touching his lips.
Lately, the atmosphere during their kisses had been getting increasingly intense. Perhaps one of these times, it would naturally lead to…
“Qianxing,” Jiang Lin poked his head into the master bedroom, “aren’t you ready yet? Breakfast is done.”
Li Qianxing walked out. “I’m ready, let’s go.”
Passing by Jiang Lin, he reached out to grasp his chin, leaned in for a quick kiss on the lips, then swiftly moved away and continued walking.
Jiang Lin raised an eyebrow, turning to follow him.
After breakfast, they first reviewed some materials. Then Li Qianxing went to exercise, with Jiang Lin following, holding the materials to assist when needed.
The new film had many action scenes, so Li Qianxing was mainly working on his flexibility. He had studied dance for a long time as a child, so picking up the basic exercises again wasn’t too difficult. After completing a set of movements, Jiang Lin helped him stretch his back.
Li Qianxing reached for his toes, which after some practice was no longer strenuous, allowing him to chat while stretching.
He casually brought up a topic, “How’s it going with your apartment?”
Jiang Lin: “Pretty much all settled. We’ll split the tax, just waiting for the landlord to find time to come and handle the paperwork.”
Li Qianxing: “Actually, if you move in with me in the future, it doesn’t matter whether you buy that apartment or not.”
Jiang Lin: “Since it’s suitable, I might as well buy it. We can renovate it into a full-function area, moving the gym and practice room down there, keeping the upper floor as our living space. It’ll be convenient, just up and down the stairs.”
Li Qianxing considered, “That works. The current functional area is a bit small. It’s fine for me alone, but it might be cramped with both of us using it simultaneously.”
After stretching his back, Li Qianxing sat up, drank some water, and rested.
Jiang Lin moved behind him. “I was just thinking…”
Li Qianxing turned his head. “What?”
Jiang Lin wrapped his arms around Li Qianxing’s waist. “Have you gained weight? Your waist seems to have gotten slim again.”
Li Qianxing leaned back against Jiang Lin. “131. But I’ve always fluctuated between 130 and 133, probably won’t change much more.”
Jiang Lin held him, spreading his palm against Li Qianxing’s waist. “So your waist is slimmer because you’ve lowered your body fat percentage? Let me see if you’ve built any muscle…”
As he spoke, he leaned in closer to Li Qianxing, gently kissing his cheek.
Li Qianxing turned his head, and Jiang Lin captured his lips.
His eyes crinkled with amusement as he reached out with his tongue to tease Jiang Lin’s, only to be immediately entwined.
Even the powerful air conditioning in the practice room couldn’t combat the rapidly rising temperature.
Li Qianxing felt every point of contact with Jiang Lin burning hot, as if Jiang Lin’s body heat was penetrating through their clothes directly into his skin.
During a breath, he pulled back slightly, only to have Jiang Lin follow. With their lips still touching, he mumbled, “I bought the stuff earlier, it’s by the bed…”
Jiang Lin chuckled softly. “I’ll carry you there.”
However, just as his hand slipped under Li Qianxing’s knees, before he could even lift, the doorbell rang.
They both froze.
Jiang Lin: “The housekeeper’s already been here today. Who else has long-term elevator access to your place?”
Li Qianxing: “My brother? Xiao Zhu would message first.”
Just then, his phone lit up, followed by a woman’s voice, “Qianxing, open the door for mom.”
Jiang Lin blinked, taking a sharp breath, and quickly released Li Qianxing.
Li Qianxing picked up his phone, saw his mother on the door camera feed, and pressed a button to reply, “I’m in the practice room, wait a moment, I’ll be right there.”
He locked the screen and saw Jiang Lin pointing frantically at himself. Li Qianxing couldn’t help but laugh. “What? If you don’t want to meet her, you can hide in my room.”
Jiang Lin shook his head hurriedly. “How could I not want to meet her!”
As they spoke, he quickly got up and helped Li Qianxing to his feet. “Let’s go answer the door. We shouldn’t keep your mother waiting.”
Seeing that Jiang Lin wasn’t reluctant, Li Qianxing turned and went to open the door.
As the front door swung open, a middle-aged woman in a qipao entered the entrance hall, carrying a small purse.
Her shoulder-length hair was permed into soft waves. Both her face and figure were impeccably maintained, making her appear to be only in her forties. One would never guess she had a son Li Qianxing’s age.
Xie Wan bent down to change her shoes as soon as she entered, chattering to her son, “I was out shopping with Minmin, but her company suddenly called her in. I found it boring to shop alone, so I thought I’d drop by since I was in the area…”
However, when she looked up after changing her shoes, she realized there was someone else in the apartment. Her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my, you have a guest…”
Jiang Lin quickly stepped forward with a smile. “Hello, Auntie. I’m Jiang Lin, also an actor. I live downstairs and just came up to bring Li-ge some fruit.”
Xie Wan looked him up and down, nodding with a smile. “I know you! You were in that variety show with Qianxing, acting together. I watched it. You performed wonderfully, worthy of being an award-winning actor.”
A flash of delight crossed Jiang Lin’s eyes, but he replied modestly, “You’re too kind. I still have much to learn from Li-ge.”
He quickly added, “I brought some excellent oranges for Li-ge. Would you like me to cut one for you to try? Or perhaps I could make some fresh juice?”
Xie Wan looked pleased. “Juice would be lovely. My teeth aren’t great, so eating oranges directly can be troublesome.”
Jiang Lin nodded. “Of course, I’ll prepare it right away. Please, chat with Li-ge in the meantime.”
With that, he strode toward the kitchen.
Xie Wan sat on the sofa, patting the space beside her, gesturing for her son to join her.
However, Li Qianxing chose to sit on the opposite end.
Xie Wan had to scoot over to him, lowering her voice to ask, “I hope my sudden visit hasn’t interrupted anything between you two.”
Li Qianxing’s gaze flickered slightly as he shook his head. “Not at all.”
Xie Wan craned her neck to peek at the kitchen. “He’s quite handsome, even more so in person than on TV, and tall too. Your father and I both approve. Do you know what his parents do?”
Li Qianxing recalled a casual mention during filming. “They’re both university professors.”
Xie Wan beamed. “A family of scholars.”
Their conversation didn’t last long before Jiang Lin returned with three glasses of orange juice. He offered one to Xie Wan first, then handed one to Li Qianxing. “I’ve warmed it slightly.”
Xie Wan watched approvingly and gestured for him to sit. “Ah, Xiao Jiang, please join us. Oh, I should introduce myself properly. My last name is Xie, Xie Wan.”
Jiang Lin responded promptly, “Auntie Xie. Actually, I recognize you. I’ve seen your ballet performances.”
Xie Wan looked surprised. “Oh my, you have? Did Qianxing tell you about me?”
Li Qianxing shook his head. “I never mentioned it.”
Jiang Lin smiled and mentioned a specific title. “I’ve only seen that one performance, but it was spectacular.”
Xie Wan remained delighted and began discussing the ballet with Jiang Lin.
They chatted until they finished their orange juice. Xie Wan checked the time and stood up. “Well, I should be going. Qianxing, remember to bring Xiao Jiang home for dinner sometime.”
Li Qianxing walked her to the elevator. “Is your driver coming to pick you up?”
Xie Wan waved dismissively. “Who needs a driver? I drove myself. Alright, you two head back. Xiao Jiang, do come over for dinner when you’re free.”
Jiang Lin, following behind Li Qianxing, nodded and agreed with a smile.
As the elevator doors closed, he took a deep breath and patted his cheeks.
“I was so nervous!”
Li Qianxing looked at him, amused. “Were you? I couldn’t tell.”
Jiang Lin reached for Li Qianxing’s hand and pressed it to his chest. “Feel that!”
Li Qianxing felt his heartbeat. “It is a bit fast. But you seemed to chat with her so well. What were you nervous about?”
Jiang Lin replied, “Meeting her so suddenly for the first time, I was afraid she wouldn’t like me and might disapprove later.”
Li Qianxing led him back to the apartment, reassuring him. “That won’t happen. If I approve of someone, they won’t object. Besides, she just said that she and my father are quite satisfied with you.”
Jiang Lin froze. “What?”
Li Qianxing: “?”
Jiang Lin asked excitedly, “You’ve already told your family about our relationship?”
Li Qianxing: “Not yet.”
Jiang Lin was stunned again. “Then… why did it sound like… they already knew…”
Li Qianxing thought for a moment. “Remember when I mentioned to my brother about you wanting to buy a house? They probably heard it from him. He tends to gossip.”
Jiang Lin: “I see…”
A hint of disappointment crossed his face. “I’ll go make lunch.”
However, before he could turn away, Li Qianxing caught his hand again.
Li Qianxing looked into his eyes. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell my family. I simply haven’t thought about it. Our family is quite casual. We don’t make a point of announcing every little thing.
“You saw how my mother is. She’s energetic and busy with her own career, and so is my father. They often invite friends over for gatherings, but I rarely go home, so we don’t cross paths often. It just didn’t occur to me to mention it.”
Seeing Jiang Lin’s smile gradually return, Li Qianxing released his hand but emphasized, “If something’s bothering you, ask me. Don’t keep it to yourself.”
Jiang Lin grasped Li Qianxing’s hand and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss. “Mm-hmm.”
Raine: 10 more chapters to go. I will be taking a short break after I finish this project, while I look for a new novel to translate. If you have any recommendation, please feel free to let me know.
Leave a Reply