In a Relationship With the Rugged Guy Next Door - Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Being Your Brother Is Too Dangerous…

Chen Jingming was startled: “Ah!”

He instinctively tried to push Chu Feng away with an elbow. Chu Feng didn’t budge; his expression barely flickered as he stepped back slightly. Seeing Jingming’s awkward and flustered face, Chu Feng realized that keeping things hidden forever wasn’t an option. He didn’t want Jingming to feel insecure or have to dodge around while they were together.

“Lang, come here,” Chu Feng sat back in his original spot. “I have something to tell you.”

Chen Lang seemed to be in a good mood. He sauntered over with one hand in his pocket, kicked a small stool over, and sat down. He placed a bundle of wormwood and calamus next to him, along with two freshly steamed Zongzi.

“My dad told me to give these to you. Remember to hang the herbs on the door. So, what’s up?”

Jingming assumed they were going to talk about the ranch to distract from the “Ghost” moment. He had no idea if Chen Lang had seen them kissing. He huddled down, trying to make himself invisible while working on his misshapen little dumpling.

“Lang, Jingming and I are together,” Chu Feng said.

Jingming’s head snapped up: “Huh?!”

Chen Lang’s eyes swept over the two of them, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh.”

Chu Feng clarified: “In a romantic way.”

Chen Lang gave a performative gasp: “Oh! My God!”

“I know this might be hard for you to accept,” Chu Feng continued, folding a bamboo leaf. “But we’ve struggled together as brothers for so long, I need you to understand. Li Yongjing said it himself—it’s a new era, being gay is normal. We shouldn’t be feudal. I didn’t tell you at first because… why are you laughing?”

Chen Lang was about to burst from holding it in. “No, nothing.”

“Jingming is your brother too,” Chu Feng said solemnly. “We have to protect this family together.”

“I don’t know about that,” Chen Lang chuckled. “I don’t go after my own brothers.”

Jingming bit his lip, his face aching from trying not to laugh. Chu Feng cleared his throat. “I couldn’t help it. Besides, we aren’t blood-related. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

Chen Lang teased: “You used to say you were each other’s only family.”

“We still are,” Chu Feng replied without a hint of inner conflict. “Aren’t a couple a family?”

…

Out of the Closet

“Actually, I have something to say too,” Chen Lang said, his smile turning a bit wicked.

Jingming was busy taking a bite of his grey Zongzi—it was incredibly savory and chewy. He paused, chestnut in mouth.

“I’m taking a few days off to go to Shanghai,” Chen Lang stated.

“Sure,” Chu Feng said, then paused. “Why do you need to ‘request’ leave for Shanghai? You usually just go for work.”

“It’s not for work. It’s personal,” Chen Lang said.

Jingming looked up, eyes wide.

“Personal?” Chu Feng frowned. “Like a vacation?”

“No. I’m going to Shanghai to date my boyfriend, Fu Yu.”

The Zongzi almost fell out of Jingming’s mouth. He hadn’t expected Chen Lang to come out right now. Chu Feng was stunned, his hands stopping mid-fold.

“Fu Yu? President Fu?” Chu Feng leaned forward. “You and President Fu… you mean you’re also…?”

Chen Lang went for the kill, smiling broadly. “Yes, my dear big brother.”

Chu Feng stared at him, his eyes as wide as an ox’s. He tried to reconcile the image of the difficult, sophisticated President Fu with… well, with anything related to Chen Lang.

“I can’t believe it,” Chu Feng muttered. “President Fu is… like Baby?”

Chen Lang’s corner of his mouth twitched. “The one ‘like Jingming’ is me…”

The air was thick with a mix of awkwardness and humor. Jingming was dying of laughter inside, his stomach actually hurting from the effort of staying quiet. Chu Feng couldn’t wrap his head around it—the tanned, muscular, motorcycle-loving Chen Lang was the “bottom”?

“The world is truly crazy,” Chu Feng shook his head.

“Like you’re one to talk,” Chen Lang retorted, having already folded five perfect dumplings while coming out. “Is ‘corrupting’ your own brother not crazy enough?”

“Lang-ge—!” Jingming protested.

…

Holiday Plans

A few days later, the Dragon Boat holiday arrived.

Chen Jingming brought gift boxes to his mentors, Xie Yan and Du Li. Xie Yan mentioned that Jingming’s temporary contract was ending soon and offered to help him find a permanent role in the publishing industry using his connections.

“I’d love that,” Jingming said. “I like writing, but staying at home all day makes my brain numb.”

After work, Jingming headed to the ranch. He found Chu Feng in the sweltering Number 4 shed, fixing a pressure fan. Chu Feng was soaked in sweat, his shirt clinging to his muscular back. When he finished, he stripped the shirt off to wipe his face.

“Let’s go away for the holiday,” Chu Feng said as Jingming fanned him with a large leaf. “Boss Zhuang—remember him? The gay owner from the city? His partner gave me two vouchers for a luxury wilderness hotel in Yanfeng. It’s quiet, perfect for your writing. They can’t go because their puppy is sick.”

Jingming’s eyes lit up. “A luxury hotel? Isn’t that expensive?”

“Over a thousand a night,” Chu Feng nodded. “We should bring a gift for them later. By the way, his partner has a dessert shop. Li Yongjing says it’s great. I think the partner’s name was… Lazy Sheep?”

Jingming burst out laughing. “What? Like the cartoon character? Maybe his name is Pleasant Sheep!”

Chu Feng laughed too, pulling Jingming into a side hug. “I probably heard it wrong. Anyway, I’ve been craving this vacation for days. I’ll finally have the time and energy…”

Jingming realized Chu Feng wasn’t just talking about “sightseeing” and turned beet red.