A Round Trip to Love 1: LONG WAY HOME

Chapter Twenty Three

Qin Lang was a very good boyfriend. Based on his keen sense of observation alone, he was able to discover which brands of wine I liked, which eateries I liked to go for braised beef, the sort of shoes I like to wear, and which genre of music I listen to. He knew I liked Korean variety shows and Japanese animation, he knew I am scared of being cold and have a mild gastric problem.

Being with him, I had never once gone hungry or thirsty, never felt cold and never had stomach issues. I could enjoy listening to original editions soundtracks, and watch entire collections of anime series at his place.

He was taking care of me.

I believe I will fall in love with him very soon, or maybe unknowingly, I already have.

I did not attend Qin Lang's grand birthday banquet. No one wants to wear a tuxedo and have a bow tie strangling around your neck all night while going hungry with only cocktails and canapés to go by. Worse, putting on pretentious smiles for all those ladies from rich pampered upbringing. Even he could not take it very much longer and took off his bow tie in the middle of the banquet and escaped. A real meaningful birthday party should be enjoyed at a regular bar, drinking and messing around. Inviting only close friends, unrelated people can stay away.

In my opinion, Yi Chen and Qin Lang could not be classed as 'best buddies'. On the occasions they met, the smiles on their faces were so icy that it could freeze the air around them. It was plain to see that they knew each other for a while now, and can be considered to be more than just acquaintances, however the reason as to why they are now keeping a distance from each other is an enigma. Qin Lang appeared to be the one making more of an effort to be friendly, at times making himself so approachable that it was almost like a courtship. Yi Chen however, would pull a face longer than a horse's, not even affording him proper eye contacts. The discomfort he displayed around Qin Lang is markedly different from the outright rejection he gave Lu Feng, as if it was merely out of spite.

I naturally tried my best to navigate this fine balance between my brother and my boyfriend. I put in a lot of effort to better their relationship, like for instance right now, I had to practically drag Yi Chen out to the party, and even prepared a gift for him beforehand. Of course more often than not, my effort would go down futile, this time might not be an exception.

Yi Chen very reluctantly handed over to Qin Lang the gift under my explicit hint and pressure. Qin Lang appeared elated to receive it smiling like an fool. I can understand my brother, he harbors such a prejudice against homosexuality, this moral issue being the only source of discord he has with his own big brother. Needless to say when it came to Qin Lang, he was sure to give him a hard time.

The bar owner brought with him an outstanding looking woman, and Yi Chen politely addressed her as senior sister. That sister and the bar owner showed exceptional interest in myself and Yi Chen, and kept exclaiming that we looked so alike. They surrounded us inspecting us thoroughly, proclaiming exaggeratedly: "So similar.............. You two look almost exactly the same."

We are not twins but only bore a resemblance to each other. People who knows us would never find it hard to tell us apart.

Yi Chen's face turned black, and I thought he must feel insulted to be likened to me so I hastily comforted him: "No, you are much better looking than me. " At this time, Qin Lang came over with a knife for the cake, and Yi Chen mumbled under his breath: " Only a moron would think we are the same person."

Good thing the bar owner and the senior sister did not hear him.

" Yi Chen."

I looked in the direction of Qin Lang, and my brother did the same.

Qin Lang looked at us both with an expression full of embarrassment and hesitation.

Yi Chen swiftly turned his head back.

" What is it?" I asked.

" Yi Chen, " he said hurriedly, " This piece is for you, there are almonds on the top which you like, I specifically instructed Shen Chao to order it for you!"

" Ah, thank you." I reached out my hand to take it, " But almonds aren't my favorite....... " I pointed at Yi Chen, " He might like it."

Qin Lang called out to Yi Chen several times without getting any responses. I had to tug at him for his attention before he took a look at the tantalizingly attractive dessert and reached out stiffly for the other half.

Qin Lang let out a visibly deep breath of relief, which gave me an odd feeling, but I could not put my finger on it.

Not until late in the night did the crowd started dissipating. Qing Lang brought the car over, and said to me and Yi Chen who was by my side: " Get on.'

Yi Chen pushed me: " Brother, you go."

" Are you not coming with us?" I was surprised.

" I'm going to a friend's place to play CS, it's not along the way."

" Just get on, I will send your brother home first, and give you a lift to your friend's place."

" There's no need." Yi Chen waved for a taxi, " Just send my brother back safely, be good to him, otherwise I'll teach you a lesson!"

" Your brother .......... treats you so well." Qin Lang slowly started the car engine, " He doesn't want anyone to hurt you."

I did not know how to answer him, and it seemed like Qin Lang was not expecting a reply either, and carried on talking: " The person he hates the most is Lu Feng ......... So he would never allow me to become the second Lu Feng, or he will also hate me all his life. But I am different from Lu Feng." Qin Lang turned his head to look at me: " I am not the same person as him, do you understand?"

Qin Lang tone of voice is filled with helplessness and a slight bitterness.

I could not figure out why he was that way.

I only know that the mention of Lu Feng's name was making me feel slightly faint again.