Chapter 9

 

Chapter 9: Undressing

Standing in front of the door, Meng Fu held the key in his trembling hand. It wasn’t a deliberate shake—he simply couldn’t control it. He feared that Gu Ze would see through his vulnerability, so he quickly unlocked the door.

“Come in,” he said.

It wasn’t until Gu Ze removed his shoes that Meng Fu suddenly realized there were no spare slippers for him. Meng Yi had already switched into his own and was now obediently gathering his clothes, preparing to take a shower.

Meng Fu hesitated for a moment before slipping off the slippers he had been wearing and placing them by Gu Ze’s feet. “You can wear these.”

Gu Ze glanced down at Meng Fu’s bare feet—pale, almost unnaturally so. Even fairer than most women’s, and delicate, too. He recalled what Liang always said and found himself looking at Meng Fu a little longer. Bright, deer-like eyes. Refined features. When studied closely, Meng Fu was even more beautiful than a woman.

In that moment, Gu Ze seemed to understand why a man might desire another man. But right now, his gaze held no lust—only scrutiny. His eyes drifted from Meng Fu’s feet to the slippers. They were cheap, probably bought from a street stall—a pair of deep-blue plastic sandals, the kind older men would wear.

Reluctantly, Gu Ze slipped them on. They were too small; his heels hung over the edge uncomfortably. After a few seconds, he kicked them off and walked barefoot across the floor. “They don’t fit.”

“Sorry,” Meng Fu murmured. “I don’t have any others.”

Gu Ze didn’t acknowledge the apology. Instead, he walked over to the sofa and sat down. “It’s hot in here. Why don’t you turn on the air conditioner? Or… is it because you can’t afford it?”

Meng Fu clenched his fingers slightly. Yes, he couldn’t afford it. Money was tight. Unless it was unbearably hot, he never turned on the AC. But since Gu Ze was here, he picked up the remote. “I’ll turn it on now.”

“Meng Meng, I forgot my towel!” Meng Yi’s voice called out from the bathroom. Meng Fu immediately set the remote down and rushed to the balcony to retrieve a towel, handing it to Meng Yi.

When he turned back, he saw Gu Ze sitting there, his eyes fixed on his phone, playing some kind of game. He had no intention of leaving. Meng Fu wondered why he was here at all. Perhaps Gu Ze just wanted to see how miserable his life was. If so, the scene before him must be exactly what he wanted.

“Have some water.” Meng Fu placed a glass on the table and happened to catch a glimpse of Gu Ze’s phone screen—a simple, childish match-three game. The contrast was jarring; a man like Gu Ze, someone cold and untouchable, playing such a silly game. The sight puzzled Meng Fu, and he couldn’t help but steal another glance.

Gu Ze lifted the glass absentmindedly, taking a sip without ever looking away from the screen. He probably didn’t even realize what he was drinking. Meng Fu suddenly thought of Di Jun, the ruthless boss he’d met in prison. That man’s favorite pastime had been watching Naruto.

“What are you looking at?” Gu Ze’s voice was deep, his eyes still glued to his phone, fingers tapping away.

“Nothing,” Meng Fu replied, lowering his gaze. “I need to cook some noodles for Xiao Yi. Would you like a bowl, Mr. Gu?”

“No.” Gu Ze shifted, leaning back against the sofa. But perhaps the couch was too stiff—he adjusted his position several times.

Meng Fu moved to the kitchen, boiling the noodles and frying two eggs. Meng Yi was growing and always hungry. Playing piano late at night only made it worse. The sound of running water in the bathroom gradually faded. Meng Fu knew Meng Yi was almost done.

“Meng Meng, is that guy still here?” Meng Yi appeared at his side in his cartoon pajamas, whispering curiously. He still didn’t understand why this stranger had followed them home.

“He hasn’t left yet,” Meng Fu said.

“Why not?”

“He just wants to rest here for a bit. He’ll leave soon.” As he spoke, Meng Fu sprinkled chopped green onions over the steaming noodles.

Meng Yi’s eyes sparkled. The previous topic was forgotten in an instant. “Meng Meng! You made my favorite eggs!”

Carefully balancing the bowl in his hands, he walked toward the sofa—only to find Gu Ze stretched out across it, taking up all the space.

“You took my seat!” Meng Yi fumed.

Before Gu Ze could even react, Meng Fu gently coaxed, “Xiao Yi, be good. Eat at my desk, alright? I have some comics for you.”

“Naruto?”

“Yes.”

Satisfied, Meng Yi immediately trotted over to the desk. Meng Fu felt a rare moment of gratitude toward Di Jun for giving him those two Naruto volumes as a parting gift.

Gu Ze finally looked up from his phone. Or maybe he had never been fully focused on the game to begin with. His gaze followed Meng Fu as he led Meng Yi away, listening to the soft, patient tone he used to soothe the child.

If only that murderer had stepped off the train and saved Man Yu. But he didn’t. This man—so gentle on the surface—had let her die.

"See? Being used by men must be utterly humiliating, right?" Liang’s words surfaced in Gu Ze’s mind, and suddenly an idea took root. Like a weed, it sprouted, spread, and twisted in his chest. He found it absurd—why was he thinking this way?

END OF THE CHAPTER