Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 656: Like father like son

He took a sip of his wine, letting the velvety liquid coat his palate but it didn’t wash away the annoyance in his chest. As the flavours of dark fruit and oak settled on his tongue, his mind wandered back to the days when Luo Muchen and Bager were working together. Those long late nights working together did they share some laughs? Did Bager always stare at him with those smitten eyes calling out Chen Chen with that disgustedly sweet tone?

Just that thought made him grip the wine glass tightly unable to contain himself. He was so irritated that he slaughtered that piece of steak like he was taking jabs at Bager’s face.

"Lin Lin," called out Luo Muchen but Qie Xieling didn’t respond. In fact, he hadn’t heard him at all. It took Luo Muchen touching his hand to get his attention.

Qie Xieling looked up at him and met his soft and questioning gaze. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a soothing balm to Qie Xieling’s frayed nerves. "Do you want to talk about it?" he continued to ask.

Qie Xieling who didn’t want to air out how he really felt in public forced a smile. He didn’t want to burden him with the pettiness of his jealousy. "I am fine," he lied, the word feeling like a betrayal of his true feelings. It felt like he was trying to convince himself by repeating ’I am fine’ in his head several times. He never knew that he could get this jealous until now. It was as though a boulder was stuck in his chest making it freaking hard to breathe. He didn’t know but this was a trait he got from his father. His father was just as jealous and possessive as him if not worse. It’s just that his father hid it well.

Luo Muchen knew him too well to believe that. He pretended to accept his words returning to his meal but he was thinking of ways to make Qie Xieling happy.

Qie Xieling on the other hand kept staring at him. He was watching admiringly the way the soft lighting played across his features and the gentle curve of his smile. It was no wonder others were drawn to him, but Luo Muchen was his. He could only be his.

After dinner, the pair left the hotel restaurant with Luo Muchen’s hand wrapped around Qie Xieling’s waist in a possessive yet protective gesture like he was telling the entire world that that’s his man.

Luo Muchen gave the key fobe to the valet to bring the car from the underground parking. While waiting by the curb it was inevitable that they attracted some onlooker’s attention. How could they not when they were a portrait of modern elegance? They were two handsome young men who were unapologetically in love with each other and weren’t afraid to show it.

Soon the car pulled up before them and Luo Muchen opened the passenger door for Qie Xieling who slid into the leather seat like this was the new norm.

Luo Muchen closed the door with a soft thud and walked around to the driver’s side, his silhouette sleek against the backdrop of the hotel’s grand entrance. Since Qie Xieling had drunk wine he continued being the designated driver.

As they drove away, the streetlights cast a kaleidoscope of light across Qie Xieling’s face. He was lost in thought, his eyes distant and reflecting the street lights.

Luo Muchen noticed the faraway look in Qie Xieling’s eyes, a hint of concern etching his brow. He reached over, his fingers brushing against Qie Xieling’s hair. Qie Xieling turned to him, a soft smile on his lips. "What’s up?" he asked but his energy was still so low like he was sulking.

"Can we stop somewhere first?" he asked his thumb rubbing the back of Qie Xieling’s neck.

"Sure," he replied and Luo Muchen took his hand back before driving off as the traffic light turned green.

They drove through the city that seemed busy despite it already being dark. It didn’t take long before they reached the private beach at his mother’s hotel.

Luo Muchen parked the car and turned the engine off before turning to his boyfriend who seemed a little confused.

"What are we doing here?" asked Qie Xieling and Luo Muchen reached over to remove his seat belt. "I know you have classes tomorrow but I want to show you something. It won’t take long," he said before kissing Qie Xieling’s cheek.

Qie Xieling didn’t care as long as he was with Luo Muchen. Even if he asked him to go to the moon with him he would gladly go. As they walked down the narrow path Luo Muchen asked, "Do you want anything?"

"Ice cream please," he replied thinking that the sweetness would dilute the sour feeling lingering in his chest.

"Okay, wait for me at the beach. I told them to set up a blanket and everything," replied Luo Muchen before turning towards the outdoor bar that was still open.

Qie Xieling walked along the shoreline, the soft sand giving way beneath his feet, the sound of the waves a gentle lullaby in the background mellowing his mood. Short for the security in the distance the place was empty.

From afar, he could see the set-up Luo Muchen was talking about. His breath caught in his throat as his steps faltered. Under the starry sky was a scene straight out of a dream. They had laid out a blanket on the sand surrounded by cushions. They were fairy lights twinkling like distant stars draped over nearby rocks. They cast a magical glow on the entire setting. There were even flowers scattered with an artistic touch their colours vibrant against the monochrome backdrop of the night. It was clear that they had put so much effort into this.

At the centre of this enchanting arrangement was an unopened bottle of champagne and two glasses.

He turned looking back in the direction Luo Muchen had disappeared. If this was his attempt to romance him, it was working. He bit his lower lip his heart swelling with a love so profound it threatened to spill over.

He sat down and soon his gaze was lost in the vastness of the ocean as the atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing.