In a Relationship With the Rugged Guy Next Door - Chapter 38

Chapter 38: “Two Minutes and Twenty-Nine Seconds.”

The food was delivered, and Hu Xianyun stayed behind to share some drinks and chat. Since she had already eaten, Chen Jingming served her a small plate of nuts and some sliced watermelon. The apricots they had picked a few days ago had softened perfectly, so he washed a few of those for her as well.

Classic dramas played on the TV as the four of them sat around the table. Chu Feng boiled some plain noodles and tossed them in the leftover grilled fish sauce to serve as a staple.

“Are these noodles from my house?” Chen Lang asked.

“Yeah, Baby likes this kind,” Chu Feng replied. He mixed the noodles for Jingming and set the bowl in front of him. “Li Yongjing said construction on the Ethnic Museum starts at the end of the month.”

Jingming, having heard them discuss this before, asked, “Where is it being built?”

“The New Street or the Old Schoolhouse?” Chen Lang added.

“The schoolhouse,” Chu Feng confirmed. “It’s been approved. Li Yongjing is following the lead of Chen Jingyun from the Chen Family Fortress, focusing on ancient architecture and ethnic characteristics.”

The Old Schoolhouse was a wooden structure by the river with a massive ancient apricot tree at its gate. It was a place full of childhood memories for the boys—secret bases and playing “house” with stolen kitchenware.

Chu Feng explained that a major corporation, Wanyi Group, owned the area and planned to turn it into a tourism hub. “Li Yongjing mentioned that once the museum and tourist center are up, he might be able to arrange a job for you, Jingming.”

“A ‘backdoor’ entry?” Jingming asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

The others laughed. “It’s a state-owned enterprise,” Chu Feng reassured him. “The pay is average but the benefits are good, and it’s not busy. You’d have plenty of time to write. It’s not about you being unqualified; it’s about using the connections I’ve built over the years.”

…

The After-Party

After two crates of beer and four pounds of grilled fish, Chen Lang and Hu Xianyun headed home. Despite his low tolerance, Jingming ended up being the most sober one, as he’d spent most of the night eating and talking rather than drinking.

He found Chu Feng sitting on the sofa, long legs splayed, looking quite intoxicated.

“Baby,” Chu Feng called out without opening his eyes the moment he heard the door.

Jingming walked over and sat directly on Chu Feng’s lap. “Brother.”

Chu Feng pulled him into a tight embrace, his hand sliding down to squeeze Jingming’s hip. “I drank too much… I was actually planning on doing it with you tonight.”

Jingming flushed, lightly hitting Chu Feng’s chest. “I don’t want to.”

“Mhm?” Chu Feng lifted Jingming’s chin. “Why? Don’t like your brother anymore?”

“You’re drunk,” Jingming mumbled, burying his face.

“My fault,” Chu Feng chuckled. He lowered Jingming slightly on his lap. “Does Baby want to ‘eat’?”

Jingming’s face turned scarlet. Chu Feng, energized by the reaction, carried him upstairs to the shower.

…

It was nearly midnight when Chu Feng knelt by the bed to rub safflower oil on Jingming’s knees. “Injured again,” he muttered guiltily.

“It’s fine,” Jingming said, his legs swaying slightly. “Just don’t make me kneel on the floor next time.”

They lay in bed, talking softly. “Psychologically, I liked it,” Jingming admitted about their recent “activity,” “but my mouth didn’t seem to like it as much.”

Chu Feng roared with laughter. “I liked it. I finally understand why Baby likes it.”

…

The Outing

The following week was a whirlwind for Jingming. He spent four days on a business trip for Wind and Scenery magazine, interviewing migrant workers about their “homes in the mountains.” The work was exhausting but fulfilling; it made him feel useful.

On Saturday, the group finally got together to catch crawfish, a trip Hu Xianyun had been planning for a week. They drove to a remote spot by a clear river.

“Baby, look at that,” Chu Feng said, handing Jingming a water bottle. “The water is so clear. We should come back during the day to swim. Do you still know how?”

“It’s been a long time,” Jingming said. He remembered summer holidays as a kid when Chu Feng would tie a rope from his own wrist to Jingming’s inner tube to keep him safe in the river.

Suddenly, a loud splash echoed. Chen Lang had dived into the water, followed by two other guys.

“Come in! It’s not cold!” Chen Lang shouted, his tanned skin glistening under the moonlight.

Chu Feng stood up and stripped down to his underwear. Even though the other guys were doing the same, Jingming felt a surge of shyness watching Chu Feng. The man looked like a merman—broad shoulders, long legs, and a powerful chest.

Jingming watched from the bank, secretly snapping a few photos. To his embarrassment, he realized he was getting a physical reaction. It’s been two weeks since we did anything, he told himself defensively.

Chu Feng swam over and reached out a hand. “Come in, Baby. Brother will hold you, don’t be afraid.”

Jingming eventually stripped and waded in, held firmly by Chu Feng. They waded toward a large rock on the far side of the river, away from the others. Chu Feng pressed close, his body slick and warm against Jingming’s.

“Brother!” Jingming gasped, looking around nervously.

“They can’t see us here,” Chu Feng whispered, his hand busy beneath the water’s surface. He leaned in, his lips inches from Jingming’s. “Baby, do you know my record for holding my breath underwater?”

“No,” Jingming whispered, his heart hammering.

Chu Feng’s smile was dangerously playful. “Two minutes and twenty-nine seconds.”

Jingming swallowed hard, his breath hitching.

“Is that enough?” Chu Feng asked, his eyes dark with intent.

“Ah?”

Chu Feng slowly submerged his head beneath the water’s surface. “If not, we’ll do it twice.”