Chapter 23

Chen Dulan heard a knock on the door.

"Mother, he's been awake for all this time. Why didn't you call me out?" Yao Fang didn't have to tell them that he'd been eavesdropping for quite some time. He still chose to interfere before Chen Dulan could irritate his mother into sending him away.

"Young Master, Madam, I've been imposing in your home for too long, I shouldn't be here at all. Thank you for your help today, this Chen Dulan owes the Yao family more." Chen Dulan the got down from the temporary bed and knelt down in front of Madam, in a way Yao Fang only remembered MinYao's men would kneel to his father. He was fascinated at the way Chen Dulan's usual demeanor looked more polished and sharp.

And Chen Dulan's ever serious face looked more handsome for some reason.

"Rise up." His mother commented, bringing him out of his thoughts. "A-Fang seems very eager to talk to you. I'll let you go for now, but deal with the matter at hand fast." And then she left the two boys to their own accord.

They stared at each other for a second, neither knowing what to say, before Yao Fang decided to blurt out whatever came to his mind. "Come to my room." And that sounded weirder than it should have, because he hadn't ever said that before. And more so because it was just a weird thing to say, and his ears heated up somewhat.

They walked into his room, it was simple and yet spacious. The room wasn't elaborately decorated but one could tell the price of all the plain looking items upon closer inspection. The air inside smelled of coffee and old paper.

They both looked around awkwardly, because it was a first time for both of them, to be at a friend's house, if could could even call this friendship. "Young Master... thank you."

"Why are you suddenly-"

"No, Young Master, I really... am grateful to you. And I'm... confused." He hesitated before continuing. "Everyone I've heard talk about you, has only told me about how you're unreasonable... but Young Master has only been kind to me..."

Yao Fang flushed at the emotional expression Chen Dulan made.

"Young Master... I just want to know... why? Why are you looking out for me? Is it because I make you feel guilty for that one day? But..." He thoughtfully breathed out again, "A selfish part of me wants to believe Young Master is my friend."

"I- I don't really know why either. I just... don't hate you." Yao Fang laughed softly. "And I hate a lot of people, so you're definitely in my good books. As for the reason... I don't think there needs to be any reason, and I don't hate the sound of it. Having a friend, I mean."

"Young Master... do you truly mean that? Even when we have so much to resolve and discuss, and so many misunderstandings between us? How can you not hate me, when I make you feel like your brother doesn't care for you?"

"It's not your fault... if I'm not ready to have their trust. And you're the only one who's ever offered to give me what I want, instead of deciding what should be good for me." They were up to no good. Yao Fang's heart was beating fast, and it was different from the sparks Feng Huali made him feel. Yao Fang was just excited, and he felt the same hesitations and excitement in Chen Dulan's voice.

Chen Dulan, who never smiled was looking happy today.

"Young Master... I should really get going now." Chen Dulan looked like he really had to leave immediately, and Yao Fang also felt the need to be alone. They were being embarrassing, grown guys to feel like this was strange. "I'll walk you out then. Don't go to work today, even if it's already late for that.

Chen Dulan, we'll meet tomorrow and we'll talk again."