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Jiang Cheng ran away. 

He ran away from home because he had some disagreements with his parents about his future. He wanted to pursue his own career of becoming a bartender and operating his own bar. But his parents wanted him to take over the family business, considering he was the sole heir, since his sister didn’t count. They allowed her the freedom to pursue her own dreams of becoming a hanfu designer, thinking that he would be the one taking over the family business. So when he clearly stated that he had no interest in running a corporation and be responsible for the livelihood of hundreds of people, his mother threw a plate across the table. His father furrowed his eyebrows in displeased. He told them to leave the business to his adoptive brother-who clearly was smarter, more capable, and better than him in any way. 

“But this is a family business that has been passed down through generations. A Jiang’s family business that needs to be run by a Jiang.” His mother shouted. Anger built up inside her eyes as she was ready to destroy another plate. 

“Then you can change Wei WuXian’s name to Jiang WuXian.” He stood up and left the dinner table. 

Closing the door behind him, he could only hear more shouts as his father tried to calm his mother down. 

That was the first reason. 

The second reason was his marriage arrangement to someone that he never knew or met. His parents made arrangements for him to be wed into another family when he was only four years old. His partner was said to be a young man of prestigious upbringing, who grew up abroad and would return home to inherit the family’s business in the future. 

Jiang Cheng would have none of that. He had seen how an arranged marriage work, and he didn’t want to see himself walking down the same path. His mother and father weren’t happy with each other, but they sucked it up, for their families. He had seen those looks on his father’s face and those tears that his mother shed. He told himself that he would grow up and marry someone that he really loved, not to someone his family arranged for him. 

So right after he finished college, he left. The day that he was supposed to come back home and accepted his duty as the next CEO of YunMeng Corp, he ran away. He ran away from YunMeng city and moved to another one, where his schoolmate-Nie HuaiSang pulled some strings to let him stay in a small apartment in the city of QingHe for the time being. 

“This unit is under one of my brother’s sub companies’ management. So you should be safe here for now. But I don’t know how long until your parents find out, considering they know how close we are.” Nie HuaiSang tossed him the key to his temporary place as he showed him around the unit.    

“Thank you. I will be looking into a job and another place soon.” 

“You are sure you don’t need it? I could make some arrangement for you to work at our sub-companies. Your parents wouldn’t be able to find out.” Nie HuaiSang asked again. He did offer to help but Jiang Cheng didn’t take it. 

“Right, so just let me know when you find a job. I can help you look into renting some place close to your work.” 

“Right, right thank you.”

So his job hunt began. He didn’t have much luck for the first two months, and the money he brought with him was almost done. Then lady luck decided to smile at him that one day. He got hired as a part-time bartender. The owner who interviewed him liked his attitude and enthusiasm promised that if he did a great job he would offer him a full-time position. And that was how he got his first job at a small bar in the bustling social district of Qinghe. Then with his talent and determination, he managed to impress the owner and he became a full-time employee within three months. He got offered a wage raise and he got more shifts. 

On his first pay, he gave half to Nie HuaiSang to pay for the current rent, and used the rest of the money to look for a new place to stay closer to work so he can save on transportation. Good thing, the social district always bustled with people and extremely noisy at night, the housing around that area was affordable. No one would like to get woken up at night by drunk people. 

As much as he hated it, Nie HuaiSang managed to hook him up with someone who agreed to let him rent cheaper than the average market price-place. He hated the idea of Nie HuaiSang meddling with his life, but he couldn’t deny that he really needed this help. 

So Jiang Cheng moved to his new place. It was an old unit at a rather run down apartment complex. The elevator was slow and made concerned noises when someone used it. Good thing Jiang Cheng’s unit was on four floor so he decided to take the stairs instead. 

And that was how he started his life of freedom after running away from home. 

“Jiang-xiong. Do you keep in contact with Wei-xiong?” Nie HuaiSang, who came to visit him at his work one day asked. 

Jiang Cheng placed a glass of Mojito that Nie HuaiSang ordered in front of him and replied, “No, that idiot will spill everything out if my sister used her trump card on him. He has always been weak to her tears.” 

“And you don’t?” 

The hands cleaning the empty glass stopped for a second, then he resumed his work with a bitter smile, “She would understand why I did it.”  

The bar was unusually slow that night. There were three hours left before closing time but the bar was practically empty. Besides Nie HuaiSang-who came in just twenty minutes ago, there was an old man sitting by himself at the most east corner of the shop, and a young couple who were looking at a live stream together. Jiang Cheng didn’t dislike quiet day. It was some needed break that he needed to take a breather every now and then. The owner didn’t seem to care whether they have customers or not, which made Jiang Cheng a bit worried about the future of this shop. 

“Wh-what about my parents?” He finally dropped the question that he had been avoiding this entire time. First because of his guilt, second was probably because whatever replies he got from Nie HuaiSang, he would still not go home. His mind was set. 

Nie HuaiSang let out a tired whine as he recalled the indignation of the famous Madam Yu. It was like a hurricane, thunder storm and everything else combined together. His body unconsciously trembled remembering the scene, “Well, it has been five months, so they have calmed down somewhat. At least they know that you are doing fine.” 

He had made HuaiSang sneakily put his handwritten letters into their mailbox to tell his parents that he was doing fine. He got a job and was living the way that he wanted to live. He also apologized for running away, but he said he had no regrets. 

“Also, by the way Jiang-xiong. Actually, visiting you is not my only reason for stopping by.” Nie HuaiSang mumbled. His eyes glanced at the older man as he carefully studied his expression. 

Jiang Cheng gave him this look of ‘I thought as much’ before telling him to spill out whatever was on his mind. 

“So you see, my brother’s friend just came back from overseas and is looking for a place to stay.” Nervously tracing the glass’s rim with his finger, he continued, “So, my brother told me to help him find a place to stay. But the thing is, the man himself doesn’t have much money, so he is looking for someone to share the place with. And also, the other thing is, he is extremely picky with his roommates. But after the initial talk, I think he will be okay with you.” 

“What??” Jiang Cheng had to remind himself that he was still at work, so he tried his best to control his voice. 

“Well,” Nie HuaiSang sweated, “You have a den that you are using as a storage right? Just clear it out and let him sleep there. He doesn’t have much belonging with him so everything should fit.”

Fingers went to his hair as Jiang Cheng brushed it back in an attempt to release his frustration, “I don’t want to live with a stranger.” 

“I know you don’t. But think about it, you can save on the rent, and use that to put towards your savings for opening your own bar right? Besides, I assure you, this person will be a reasonable roommate. He has been friends with my brother for years, that says something.” 

Jiang Cheng hated to admit it, but Nie HuaiSang was right. Sharing rent meant he could save half on bills every month, and he could put those into savings and hopefully made his dream come true a little bit faster. And besides, if someone was able to stay friends with the infamous Nie MingJue, it was definitely a person to be reckoned with. 

“Great, I will give that person your contact. He will be bringing his stuff over the upcoming week. Thank you, bye!” So before he got a second chance to change his mind, Nie HuaiSang dashed out the bar and vanished like he was never there to begin with. 

At least he left enough money behind to pay for his drink. 

Jiang Cheng returned to his place that night and received a text message from a strange number. The sender introduced himself as Lan XiChen. He asked for a good day to move in and ended the text with a smiley face. Jiang Cheng pinched his forehead, wasn’t sure if this was the right choice. But he sucked it up thinking of the amount of money that he could save. 

There was a knock on his door that afternoon when he was still in the middle of cleaning. He put aside the broom and opened the front door. 

Standing in front of the wooden door was a man with short and well-kept hair. He looked like he wasn’t that much different in age but there was something about him that made him looked a lot more mature. 

“Mister Jiang?” His amber eyes lit up as a soft smile curled on his lips, “My name is Lan XiChen. Pleased to meet you Mister Jiang.” He extended his hand, waiting for a handshake. But the handshake never came. 

Jiang Cheng looked up at the clock and cursed at how early this man was compared to the agreed time. The cleaning wasn’t done…

“Yea, hi, sorry, please come in.” He answered mechanically, stepping aside for the man to come in. 

Lan XiChen took off the shoes and glanced around the space. The expression on his face was hard for Jiang Cheng to read. He wasn’t thinking of backing out was he? 

“Sorry, I got home late last night, didn’t have time to clean out everything.” Jiang Cheng said, picking up the broom and began cleaning again. 

Shaking his head and let out a bright smile, “Please don’t worry. I completely understand.” 

He set the luggage down and walked to where soon to be his own room. It was not completely clean, but it was more decent than he expected. 

“Let’s me help you.” Lan XiChen offered, “I need to unpack some stuff first before the moving company come by later.” The man rolled up his sleeves and began moving the boxes from the room, “Please tell me where to put these.” 

Jiang Cheng looked at the man for a bit, admiring how easy it seemed for him to lift those boxes that he had problems doing himself. But then he quickly regained his focus to the task at hand. And the two of them began a silent cleaning session. 

It took them the whole day to make the place look presentable. Jiang Cheng crashed on the sofa and let out a sigh of exhaustion. It wasn’t as bad as when he moved in by himself. At least Lan XiChen was very organized. He knew what went where so it didn’t take much thinking to place everything together. 

“Mister Jiang, would you like to go out for dinner? I passed by this restaurant on the way here and it seems their food is good.” Lan XiChen handed the other man a glass of water and suggested, “My welcoming party?” He added. 

Now that Lan XiChen suggested, he had not gotten any food at all. Maybe it would be the right time for some chat, considering they were going to be roommates. He wasn’t a social man, but it would be awkward if he was going to live together with someone and not be able to talk to them. 

Both of them went for the restaurant that Lan XiChen suggested. It was a restaurant that Jiang Cheng crashed by often to buy some takeout. The owner recognized him right away and quickly arranged a table for them both. 

“Oh, who is this gentleman you have here?” The elderly woman asked, looking at Lan XiChen. It was one of those rare times that he had a guest joining him for a meal after all. 

“He is my new roommate.” 

Lan XiChen smiled, nodding his head at the woman. She smiled at him and began to take down their order. 

They chatted a little bit over the food. Even though Lan XiChen was the one that initiated most of the questions. He also talked a little bit about himself and his family. Jiang Cheng wasn’t too thrilled talking about his family. In fact, he preferred not to mention about his family at all, knowing they were mad furious at him for running away. 

“Because they didn’t allow you to follow your dreams? That’s why you ran away?” Lan XiChen asked. 

“Yea, pretty much.” He placed the glass of beer down the table, “Laugh at me all you want for not being a filial child or worrying about my parents. But I choose to live my future my way.” 

A silence grazed at the atmosphere, then the words that came out of Lan XiChen’s lips were something he didn’t expect to hear. 

The man let out a small smile, “I think you are brave and amazing.” 

“W-what?” 

The other man gently nodded his head, his long delicate fingers caressed the cup’s rim, “Not many people have the courage to stand up against their families and live their dream the way you are now.” 

He looked down on the table and muttered in a small voice, “To tell you the truth, I also ran away from home.” 

“What? You did?” 

A red hint of embarrassment crept up the man’s cheek as he admitted, “I ran away because I didn’t want to enter an arranged marriage without love.” 

Lan XiChen said since he was young, his family told him that they had arranged a good match for him. The partner would be from a prominent family, a perfect match or so they told him. 

“But I’d rather given the choice of falling in love and picking the partner myself.” He smiled. 

After a few days living together, Jiang Cheng learned that the other man liked to cook. He had a regular office job, so he raised early and made all the cooking in the morning. Jiang Cheng’s shift started at 4pm and not ended until 2am in the morning. So they rarely ran into each other at home. But even so, he would find cooked meals every time he woke up late afternoon or came home at three past midnight. It was unexpected at first, since they barely knew each other, Lan XiChen had no responsibility to cook for him. He once asked the other man about it. Lan XiChen only smiled and said that he loved to cook. He used to do it for his younger brother when they were living abroad. It had become a habit for him to make two people portion. 

“Besides, you don’t seem to eat healthy.” He pointed at the boxes of instant noodles that Jiang Cheng brought home the other day because they were on sale. 

Jiang Cheng’s face flared up in crimson shade. What was wrong with instant noodles? They were convenient, and fast. But he couldn’t deny that the food made by Lan XiChen was tasty, and the variation was great. 

So from that day on, he pitched in money for the ingredients. And they sometimes went grocery shopping together. Lan XiChen would always ask him if there was something he wanted to eat. Jiang Cheng wasn’t picky, he could eat anything. But, he did miss the taste of the pork rib lotus soup that his sister used to make for him. 

“Pork rib lotus soup?” Lan XiChen thought to himself, “I have never tried making it but I can probably look up recipes online.” He unlocked his phone and began tapping on the screen. 

“It doesn’t have to be now.” Jiang Cheng pushed the cart as he quickly brushed off the idea, “If it is too hard, don’t bother about it.” 

“Oh don’t worry. I love trying new things.” He scrolled down the list of ingredients on his phone and began to navigate through the aisles for the ingredients he needed, “It may not be good considering I have never tried it before.” 

“That’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” 

“Why not? You like it right? I will try my best.” The smile that left Lan XiChen’s mouth was too bright. And Jiang Cheng couldn’t find it in himself to reject. 

Jiang Cheng glanced at the clock on the wall. He had to hold back the temptation of going to the back and take a break, “Two more hours before I can go home.” 

It was one of those days that it wasn’t too busy at work. Not many people wanted to take a drink at this time of the year, so that was understandable. 

He took the glasses from the tray and carefully wiped it clean. The owner liked him and his responsible attitude when it came to work, so he was made the manager of his shifts and in charge of two part-timers who would be in charge of cleaning the store and fulfilling simple orders. While he would be focused on the stock and inventories while also coming up with new recipes and ran through it with the owner whether it would be added to the menu. 

He almost let out an involuntary yawn then suddenly the bell on the door rang signalling a new customer. He turned his head to greet the incoming customer, before his eyes widened in surprise. 

“Oh, Jiang Cheng. You work here?” 

“Lan XiChen? Two Lan XiChens?” He might be a bartender and sampled hundreds cocktails throughout his entire career, but he never got himself drunk till the point of seeing doubles. 

Lan XiChen chuckled at the sight of his roommate’s confusion. He then pointed to the young man, donned a black trench coat that was similar to his own and introduced him as his younger brother, Lan WangJi, “The one that I mentioned.” 

“Are you guys twins?” He eyed the other man up and down, knowing full well that it was rude. But he couldn’t help wondering. 

“Unfortunately no, he is three years younger. But a lot of people said we look alike.” Lan XiChen explained, “I ran into him near my workplace so I invited him out for a drink.” 

“Then, sit anywhere you like.” He pointed at the empty stools in front of the bar and watched as the Lan brothers took the two stools at the end. Maybe for a little privacy with their talks. 

After letting them settled in, Jiang Cheng came over to check on their orders. 

“Can I get a Vesper, and a Stinger for him?” The older Lan asked. 

“Coming right up.” He let out a hum of satisfaction. He expected nothing less from them. 

He came back after a few minutes and placed the drink in front of them and returned to his tasks. In between mixing drinks for customers and cleaning the bar, Jiang Cheng found his eyes wandering off to the corner where the two Lan brothers sat. They seemed immersed in their conversation with Lan XiChen let out small chuckles, while his brother retained a frozen rigid expression throughout the entire conversation. It got him wondering if Lan WangJi had a facial muscle difficulties or something was wrong with his face. 

Looking at them talking reminded him of Wei WuXian. They weren’t related by blood but they did grow up and had been through thick and thin together. They didn’t seem to have a quiet relationship like the Lan brothers, but at least they were close, or used to. 

His mother hated Wei WuXian for he was the son of his father’s old flame. And it didn’t help him that Wei WuXian was better than him at everything. And his mother always used Wei WuXian as an excuse to shout at him, telling him that whatever he did wasn’t enough. She didn’t like seeing her own son losing to the other person’s son. 

“Mister Jiang.” 

Too busy with his own thoughts, he was startled, hearing a voice calling out to him. He turned to see the two brothers already left their seats and was standing in front of him with their coats on. 

“Oh you want to pay?” He quickly move to the cash register and rang the bill for them. Lan WangJi took the bill into his hand and paid with his card. Then he nodded to his brother, bidded him goodbye and left the bar. 

“You are not going?” Jiang Cheng questioned. 

“You are off in an hour right? We can go home together.” The older man smiled with a brightened pair of amber eyes that made Jiang Cheng’s heart jumped a little bit at ‘ go home together’ . 

He knew Lan XiChen didn’t mean anything because they lived together as roommates, so of course they were going home together. But there was something about the way he smiled that made his heart fluttered. 

“Don't you have work tomorrow?” 

“Tomorrow is Saturday.” Lan XiChen chuckled. 

“I-I see,yea, I will be done in an hour. You can wait at the back door.” He replied and immediately went straight to the storage to retrieve a bottle of wine that he knew he didn’t need, feeling a sudden warm sensation crept up his neck. He was being really weird. 

After finishing his shift, Jiang Cheng grabbed his belongings in the locker and dashed off before telling the two part timers to lock up. He made Lan XiChen wait for half an hour more due to an inventory problem. The weather was getting cold because it was the end of november. As he last recalled Lan XiChen only had a light trench coat on him. He hoped the man would find a place to wait rather than standing under the cold. 

But he found the said man, leaning against the brick wall in the small alley with his hands in his pockets waiting for him. Exactly the spot where he told him to wait. 

“Sorry it took me long.” He apologized seeing red shade stained the other man's cheeks due to the cold, “You could have find some other place to wait.” 

“Don't worry. It is not that cold out.” Lan XiChen smiled, “Besides, it would be hard for you to find me if I waited somewhere else.” 

“You could just message me.” 

“Oh sorry, I ran out of data allowance for this month.”

“Then you could have text me.” Only after he said that he felt something was wrong with that statement. 

They had been living together for more than two months but they never exchanged contacts. They rarely saw each other at home, and only went out occasionally. They never really had a need to text or call each other yet. 

“S-Sorry.” He apologized again while pulling out his phone, “Give me your number.” 

Lan XiChen took out his phone and tapped it together with Jiang Cheng’s. Their email addresses and phone numbers registered on each other’s phone after the notification sound rang off. He stared at the contact name on his phone one more time and put the phone away as they began their walk home. 

Even though it was way past midnight, the entertainment district was still bustling with drunk and partying people. The street lamps lit up the path they walked with golden hues, illuminating the elegant profile of Lan XiChen’s face. The atmosphere around them was somewhat different, even when there were noises of chatter filled the air, Jiang Cheng felt himself ignored those noises and focused his attention on the man's soft voice, asking him about his day and work. 

“It seems you are close to your brother.” Jiang Cheng suddenly commented. 

As if he anticipated the question coming, Lan XiChen answered almost immediately, “Yes, I am actually quite close to WangJi. I told you about my parents right?” 

Jiang Cheng nodded. 

“Our mother passed away when we were young and our father was almost never home. After he passed away from an accident, our family arranged for me and my brother to live overseas. Being the only family he had, I took it upon myself to take care of him, part of my responsibilities you would say.” 

“Does he know about you running away from home?” 

Softly nodded his head, Lan XiChen continued, “Yes, he is very supportive of it. He checks up on me occasionally after work. He knows where I live.” 

“You aren't afraid that he would snitch on you?” Jiang Cheng curiously questioned. 

To which Lan XiChen laughed in a low voice, “We both aren't very fond of marriage without love. He understands why I ran away.”  

Being the first born of the family, it was expected of him to take over the family's business and marry a partner that deemed worthy by the Lan's family. When he was young, he thought it was a normal thing for him to do just as his family wished. But as he grew older, seeing the people around him, remembering what happened to his parents, Lan XiChen had a change of mind. He didn't want to live the rest of his life with someone that he didn't love or care about. It wasn't what he wanted, nor how he wanted to live his life. That day, he received a call from his family, telling him to go back to take over the family business and to start planning for his marriage to a fiance that he never met. With a heavy heart, he boarded the plane with his brother. He stayed awake the entire flight, thinking about living with a stranger for the rest of his life. And then he made up his mind. Right after stepping off the plane, he told his brother that he would run away. He contacted his old friend-Nie MingJue seeking for help. And that was how he ended up sharing this rundown apartment with a roommate that more or less shared the same sentiments as him. 

“I want to meet someone, fall in love, and then marry that person because I wholeheartedly love them. Not because of the arrangement that was made for me.” Lan XiChen said, his amber eyes lit up with glint of determination. 

Jiang Cheng listened carefully, completely understood what he said. He too, if he had not run away, he would have to take over a business that he had no passion for and would have to get married to someone he had never met. Both of them were of course more or less the same.

“So, have you found someone that you wanted to fall in love with?” 

The question caught Lan Xichen off guard. He closed his eyes for a few seconds then a bright, sheepish smile spread like tiny warmth across his thin lips, “I-actually am interested in this person recently. But it is still too soon to know whether it is something that is worth getting into.” 

Jiang Cheng didn’t know why but he felt his chest slightly fallen hearing that. Maybe someone he met at work? If it worked out for him, maybe they would move in to a place together. That was fine, Jiang Cheng would then have the place to himself again, even though he had to pay the full rent. 

But...was that all there was to it? Why was there this tingling feeling that refused to leave his chest?

“Whoever it is, must be a really lucky person. You know how to cook, you can feed them with food everyday.” Not to mention he would be an incredibly patient lover. Jiang Cheng blurted out, almost didn’t realize he just did that, “Anyway, I’m rooting for you.” 

“Thank you.” 

Even though he said that, he knew he didn’t really mean it.

The amount of times Lan XiChen stopped by the bar during Jiang Cheng’s shifts became more and more frequent. Sometimes he went by himself, sometimes he would drop by with his brother. On weekends, he always stayed behind and waited for Jiang Cheng to finish his shift so they could walk home together. On their days off, they went to shop for groceries, sometimes window shopping. Last week his roommate even invited him out for a movie. He also invited him out for meal sometimes and most of the time, he ended up spending money at the bar where Jiang Cheng worked. 

“Lan XiChen, if you have a lot of money, then why don’t you pay two third of the rent then.” Jiang Cheng got pissed one day and shouted. He stomped his feet as he looked at the man threateningly, hoping that was enough to get his point across. 

“Sorry” Lan XiChen apologized, “But, you are responsible for it.” 

“What? How am I responsible for it?” Anger flared up, imprinting on his eyebrows with visible frustration. 

A small chuckle was heard and the next thing he knew Lan XiChen’s-and oh dear lord his handsome-face was right in front of him. 

The other man whispered in a low voice that Jiang Cheng swore he could feel abrupt heat rushed up his mind in seconds, “Because the drinks that you mix are so delicious, I can’t help but keep on coming back.” 

That night, he stayed up until the first rays of sunlight hit his room’s window. Just what happened to him?

Then things just became a bit awkward for him everytime Lan XiChen talked to him and their eyes met. The image of that night came back in full force, vividly every time, and it made him even more conscious of the other man. He didn’t quite understand what were these weird feelings that he felt. He couldn’t put names to them. He sent Nie Huaisang a text, and the reply he got sent him jumping and almost threw his phone across the room. 

Lan XiChen knocked on his door, asking if he was alright and Jiang Cheng just shooed the other man away. Or else he wouldn’t be able to explain the rush of crimson shades on his face and things would be even more awkward. After twenty minutes to calm himself down, he quickly tapped out his reply message to Nie Huaisang and asked him if it was true...that those feelings that were bothering him was...love. 

“For sure. Trust me. So who is this fortunate person? Please introduce me next time <3” 

“There wouldn’t be next time you idiot.” An unknown pain welled up his chest at the thought. Lan XiChen had someone else that he was attracted to, and Jiang Cheng wasn’t that person.

“Jiang Cheng, would you like some pork rib and lotus soup for tomorrow dinner?” Lan XiChen suggested as they walked down the grocery aisle with the shopping cart on one of their usual grocery trips, “I just learned a few tricks so I hope that you could help me taste test.” 

“Sure.” Jiang Cheng replied shortly. There were so many things on his mind that he didn’t pay much attention to what Lan XiChen had been saying this entire time. He either nodded his head, or only gave the other man one word reply. 

And Lan XiChen noticed that. He wasn’t so blind to this drastic change. But when he asked, Jiang Cheng just brushed things off like nothing happened.

Lan XiChen was concerned, and he wanted to help somehow. But at the end of the day, there was a limit to how much he could do, considering they were only each other’s roommate. 

After they came back from the grocery trip, Lan XiChen began preparation for the meals while Jiang Cheng cleaned a bit of the house. He wanted to help Lan XiChen with his cooking one time, and the man didn’t allow him to come near the kitchen ever since. 

“I will do the cooking from now on.” Lan XiChen insisted. 

So while waiting for Lan XiChen to finish all the cooking, Jiang Cheng cleaned the house. He was a neat-freak, or so he used to be. Ever since moving out on his own, he didn’t find enough time in his schedule to clean while trying to balance his work life and health. He glanced at the man, who paced back and forth in the kitchen and wondered how did he manage to keep up in between his work, his chores and his...love life. 

Talking about love life, he wondered if there had been any progress with Lan XiChen and his crush. Did he ask them out? Had they started dating? Would him move out soon? He had many questions he wanted to ask, but he didn’t have any courage to start. 

Why were things so complicated?? People said cleaning helped to relieve stress, but the more he cleaned, the more his mind started wandering. He didn’t realize that the meal was ready, not until Lan XiChen tapped him on the shoulder to gain his attention. He eyed the dining table which was already set and he felt even more ashamed of himself. He was supposed to help set the table, but apparently while he was in his daze, Lan XiChen already took care of everything. 

After making him sat down, Lan XiChen handed the bowl of soup and asked him to try, then let him know how it tasted. 

Jiang Cheng took in the scent of soup, didn’t feel anything different from usual. The other man said he did learn a few new tricks, but so far he couldn’t tell. Guess he had no choice but to taste it. He brought a spoonful of soup to his lips and let the liquid touched his tongue and travelled down his throat. 

It was hot, perfect for a cold day like today. But that wasn’t all. The flavor that rested on his tongue was familiar, too familiar that he felt his heart winced a little bit. It was warm and comfort. It was flavorful, but had that simplistic taste of lotus root. 

“Jiang Cheng? Are you alright? Does it taste bad?” He heard Lan XiChen’s panic. He looked up to be met with concerned eyes. It seemed his entire face had fallen with no expression and tears began to form on his eyes without his knowledge. 

“Ah!” Jiang Cheng quickly wiped at the corner of his eyes, as he muttered, “No, sorry. It tastes good, it tastes...like home.” 

It tasted exactly like the soup that his sister used to make. It had been three years since he last saw her after she moved overseas to pursue her career. She was the only one in that house that actually cared for him and listened to his troubles. 

Lan XiChen let out a sigh of relief. He thought he messed up and made something so bad that Jiang Cheng cried just after one spoon. But it seemed he was somewhat successful. 

After a few minutes, Jiang Cheng placed the empty bowl on the table with a soft smile spread across his lips. He didn’t think that he would get a chance to taste this, but it was a very delightful surprise. He looked up at the other man and asked where did he learn such tricks. 

“Someone I know used to live in YunMeng, so I asked him for some advice.” Lan XiChen told the truth. 

Jiang Cheng wondered if he ever told him he was from YunMeng. Maybe it was the first time they went out for dinner? He couldn’t remember. 

“A-anyway, the soup tastes really good. Thank you and, excuse me for my weird reaction earlier.” Jiang Cheng cleared his throat. To cry over a spoonful of soup, something was definitely wrong with him. 

“No, I am relieved.” Lan XiChen smiled, “I’m glad that my cooking reminds you of home. Please let me know if there is any other YunMeng’s food that you would like to eat.” 

“Then, I want spicy porridge.” He answered after a few minutes of thinking to which Lan XiChen nodded his head almost immediately. 

“You have day off tomorrow?” Lan XiChen asked again, “I bought some popcorn, want to watch some movies together?”

Watching movie? Sound good. They had not done that for awhile. Jiang Cheng turned the tv on and opened the movie streaming website as he scrolled through the newly added section. He swiped through the list and stopped at ‘The Untamed'. 

“Lan XiChen, do you like xianxia movie?” 

“I don't often watch them, but I'm okay with it.” Sitting down on the empty space on the couch, Lan XiChen set down the bowl of popcorn, “Hum...two soul mates face treacherous schemes. Seem interesting, let's try.” 

He picked it on a whim, but the movie turned out to be better than he expected. By the time the movie ended, he found himself and Lan XiChen discussed about the story and looked up online to see when the sequel would come out so they could go watch it in theater together. 

The next few weeks, Jiang Cheng was stressed. His boss recommended him to enter a novice bartending competition. It would help him gain some reputation for himself and for him to get more connections if he was going to open his own business later. He of course appreciated the opportunity that his boss gave him. But it came with immense pressure. He needed to create an original drink and submit it to a judging panel. And why was he stressed? Because the deadline was coming up and he still couldn’t think of anything that satisfied his expectation. He tried to mix different ingredients but either the tastes turned out weird or the combination was too normal compared to the existing recipes. He came home later than usual and came to work ahead of his time just so he had sometime to work on the new drink.. 

“Jiang Cheng, you should go home early today. You don’t look too good.” His boss told him, “I know the competition is important but you have been overworked the past few weeks and I’m concerned about you.” 

“I-may be I will. Thank you boss.” 

He looked up at the calendar, it was friday today, Lan XiChen would normally stop by on friday night and they would go home together. The past few weeks they didn’t get the chance too because he was overwhelmed with creating a new drink and balancing his work and life. 

He knew he shouldn’t get too worked up over a small competition but he was born with a competitiveness that higher than average human, all because of his outstanding adopted brother. He wanted to prove himself, by doing things that he was passionate about. And all of the pressure made him a bit crankier and easily irritated. Even more so when his roommate entered his workplace with a person that he had never seen. 

Lan XiChen introduced the man as Jin GuangYao, an important friend of him. Jin GuangYao was a small man with bright and clean features. He seemed to have a calm demeanor that accompanied by a small smile. 

“This is my roommate.” Lan XiChen pointed towards Jiang Cheng, “I assure you his mixing skills is incredible.” 

“It would be my pleasure to have a taste of your drink, Master Jiang.” Jin GuangYao flashed a courtesy smile, “For a person like Huan-xiong that rarely drink alcohol and used to get drunk in one cup to recommend this bar, I am really looking forward to it.” 

“Huan-xiong?” Jiang Cheng shifted his attention to the taller man, questioning. And rarely drink alcohol? Lan XiChen rarely drink alcohol? But he had been coming to the bar almost every week though?

“Lan Huan.” Lan XiChen explained, “It was a childhood nickname given to me by my mother.” 

After placing the drinks that Lan XiChen and his friend ordered, Jiang Cheng resumed his work of tending to the bar, while checking on the ingredients and began to experiment with the materials for his new drink. He mixed different things together and poured them into small glasses. He liked the representation, but it was the taste that frustrated him. Letting out yet another sigh that night, he wasn't sure anymore if he was cut out for this. 

He glanced over to the corner where his roommate sat. The face that Lan XiChen made when talking to this friend was unlike any of the faces that he had ever seen. They weren't those mature chuckles that he had when he talked to his brother, nor the gentle smiles addressed to him. 

The smile that he saw hanging on Lan XiChen's lips was bright, a little sheepish but bright and radiant. 

He didn't know what they were talking about but Lan XiChen had to constantly bring his palm over his lips to stop himself from crackling out in laughter.

Lan XiChen had always struck him as a man of discipline. And yet, to see this free side of him brought a fresh feeling to his chest. He didn’t know Lan XiChen could smile like that. Even during their comedy movie marathon, even at the worst and best jokes, Lan XiChen only curled his lips slightly. He never exactly laugh. 

Hee hated it. It felt absolutely awful. There was this tingling, burning pain flared up his chest at the sight in front of him. 

They were only friends, probably childhood friends. He was just overthinking. He didn’t like Lan XiChen that much. Or...did he? His mind wandered back to the text messages he sent Nie HuaiSang a while ago as irritation crept up his cheek. He couldn’t have fallen in love with his roommate? 

But whatever logic he came up with was shot down. It was too early for him to fall in love with a roommate that they barely lived together for a few months. 

“Master Jiang, your drink is amazing. I didn’t have much expectation coming in here knowing how bad Huan-xiong was with alcohol. But I’m glad. It really opened my eyes.” Jin GuangYao said. He spoke in a soft voice that for some reason irked Jiang Cheng off to no end. Something about this man spelled irritation. 

“Thank you, Mr. Jin.” Putting on his professional bartender face, he rang their bills and wasn’t surprised that Lan XiChen ended up paying for both. When he was about to ask if Lan XiChen could wait for him at the usual convenience store so they could head home together. Lan XiChen turned towards him first and said he would be returning home late tonight. 

“Oh…?” 

“I’m dropping A-Yao off. He lives quite far from here.” Lan XiChen said, “You can go to sleep first, and remember to lock the door.” 

It took Jiang Cheng a whole minute just to force his head to nod, but there was a burning flame that threatened to burst out his chest at any moment. He looked at the two people walking out the door with an irritation that soon enough consumed him whole. 

Kicking the trash bags that he was supposed to take out, Jiang Cheng let out a grunt of frustration. It wasn’t Lan XiChen’s fault. He knew he was busy, and they didn’t walk home together for a long while. But then, was it his fault then? For feeling this way? He didn’t even understand what were these jumbled feelings. He hated that man's smile and how caring Lan XiChen was. It almost like he was jealous of Jin GuangYao. 

The content of the message that he exchanged with Nie HuaiSang a few weeks ago came back vividly. He flipped out his phone and dialed Nie HuaiSang's number. 

“What is it Jiang-xiong? Did you just get off work?” 

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue and began to tell Nie HuaiSang what just happened. Including how irritated and frustrated he felt. 

Nie HuaiSang remained silent and listened to the rants. Jiang Cheng took a deep breath after he was done talking. On the other end of the phone, Nie HuaiSang was completely silent even after he told him the entire story. He swore if that idiot fell asleep mid conversation he would break the man's leg himself if that was the last thing he did. 

“Oi, are you listening??” He shouted to the phone. 

After yet another minute, a big and loud sigh was heard coming from the phone's speaker. Nie HuaiSang let out a deep and frustrated sigh, as unbelievable voice left his lips. 

“Jiang-xiong, you seriously don't know why you feel irritated?” He asked. 

“No, cause I'm stressed? Overwork? Pressure from the competition?” 

He heard loud slamming noises from the other end of the phone then a grunt followed, “Seriously?? Jiang Cheng?? Are you kidding me?” Nie HuaiSang momentarily threw all the formalities out the window. He knew Jiang Cheng never had any luck with love, but to think his friend was this dumb. 

“You are jealous, man! You are overwhelmed with jealousy because you like your roommate till the point of getting jealous. Do you want me to spell it out for you? L-O-V-E! You are in love with Lan XiChen you idiot! Hey, are you listening? Hey??” 

He was listening to every single word. Loud and clear. He ought to start yelling at NieHuaiSang for suddenly yelling at him, but he didn’t.  He was just trying to organize his thoughts, putting together the pieces. He slid his back down the brick wall of the dark alley, hands went to his hair as he horribly realized he was indeed in love with Lan XiChen. 

Lan XiChen didn’t return home until the next morning. He didn’t offer an explanation because he didn’t have to. And Jiang Cheng wasn’t anyone to the other man to ask why he didn’t come home. But that didn’t stop him from feeling weary and hurt a little considering he finally realized what were those disoriented feeling he felt. 

But after being enlightened, not much had changed. They still lived together as strictly roommates. They went out for food, movies and grocery shopping sometimes, but not as often. Every weekend Lan XiChen would cook for him and they enjoyed a relaxing night streaming movies together. Nothing had changed much, except for the frequent visit of Lan XiChen’s friend-Jin GuangYao. He dropped by more frequent at the bar, and the other day he came by their house while Lan XiChen was out. That ticked him off, now that he understood what jealousy was and how it felt like, he came to feeling weary at the presence of this man. And not to mention the deadline for the competition was getting reallllll close. It was hard to keep up in between his work and his feelings. He didn’t talk much to Lan XiChen, their times together weren’t as much as it used to be. Jiang Cheng didn’t want to be home, for he didn’t know when that man would show up with a smile that irritated him. So he ended up spending his day off at the bar, helping out with the part timers and to focus on his creation. 

Lan XiChen knew that he was busy, so he bothered him less. There were days that they didn’t talk to each other. Not even a single text or phone calls. When they got to see each other briefly, Lan XiChen would ask him if he was doing alright, and he would nod and went straight to his room without touching the dinner that the other man made. 

He hated this lovesick jealous feeling. He made more mistakes at work, mixing the wrong drinks, forgot to check the supplies. Even the owner had to call him out and forced him to take a day off to rest. He was truly exhausted juggling everything at the same time. 

Nie HuaiSang sometimes sent a text message, encouraging him to confess. Or else either Lan XiChen would be taken away by someone else, or Jiang Cheng himself would die from mental stress. He sort of understood what his friend meant, but to mutter up the courage to confess was another issue entirely. Lan XiChen mentioned that there was someone that he was interested in before. If Lan XiChen rejected him, wouldn’t it make everything more awkward to them living in the same space? Could they even see each other as friends after all that? 

“But you are forfeiting a chance of being loved back Jiang-xiong!” Nie HuaiSang sighed, “Besides, what the worst thing that could happen? I can always arrange a new place for you to stay.” 

What he said make sense, but was Jiang Cheng himself ready to lose a good friend just like Lan XiChen? He enjoyed their time together and he loved that caring side of him. He was the best roommate he could ever hope to have. But then, if this would go on any longer, he wouldn’t be able to stand it. He was exhausted, physically and mentally. He had no idea how much longer could he keep this up, and the thought scared him. 

So one day, while he was at work, he sent Lan XiChen a text saying that he wanted to walk home together and he had something important to tell him. He liked Lan XiChen, he knew it as much. It might be regretful if he were to lose him because of his selfishness, but maybe he had a chance of being loved back after all. 

Jiang Cheng constantly shifted his eyes to the entrance and watching it intently every time the bell rang. He knew Lan XiChen wouldn’t get to the bar way later, but his heart kept beating nonstop and he couldn’t seem to concentrate. He was hoping that Lan XiChen had something else he needed to attend to and didn’t come. But Lan XiChen replied to his text with ‘I will be there’ didn’t help with the anxiety welling up his chest. 

Then it happened, when he was busy himself thinking of what would Lan XiChen’s reaction be when he confessed his feelings, the chance never came.The first thing he did during his break was checking his phone. He tapped on the screen to activate the phone and he saw ten missed calls from Nie HuaiSang. He pressed the number and called back immediately. 

Nie HuaiSang picked up with panic in his voice. 

“Jiang-xiong! It-it’s your father…” 

He ran to the main street, stopping the cab. He asked the driver to drive as fast as he could. But even that speed couldn't compare to how fast his heart was racing. He nervously tapped his foot, fingers curled together in a weak attempt to calm himself. Nie HuaiSang's words still rang deep inside his mind. He couldn't believe it. 

The cab dropped him off the front entrance of the hospital where his father was admitted. He ran to the reception and asked for his father. 

The receptionist recognized him right away, “Young Master Jiang.” She left her post and lead him to where his father was. He stood in front of the door for a few seconds and taking a deep breath before he carefully slid the door open. 

There his father was, lying on the white hospital bed with his mother besides him. Her eyes lit up a little at seeing the son that she had not seen for a year. In a fleeting second, he saw a glint of relief inside her violet eyes before they reverted back to their usual sharp strictness. 

“Good ah Jiang Cheng.” She sneered, “Still remember who your parents are?” 

“M-Mother…” He dropped his gaze, afraid of meeting her eyes. It was his fault for running away from home, so he couldn't blame her for being mad at him. But that wasn't important right now. 

“How is he?” He asked. When Nie HuaiSang said his father was hospitalized because of a car accident, his heart leapt out of his chest, thinking it would stop right then and there. 

His mother leaned back against the chair, folding her arms together. Tiredness spread across her face, as she answered, “Stable. But the recovery process is going to be a long one.” 

“Thanks goodness.” Only then he let out a big sigh of relief. He was glad, so glad that his father was alright. He walked towards the bed, looking at his father. It was only a year but his father looked like he aged a few years. 

“Where is Wei WuXian?” He suddenly remembered his adoptive brother, he glanced around the room but didn't see any sight of the said man anywhere. Knowing him, he would be the first to arrive at the hospital. 

“You are asking me?” She scoffed, “Didn't you two run away together?” 

“What? He ran away?” Jiang Cheng didn't believe what he just heard. Wei WuXian ran away? “When?” 

“The same day you did!” 

It was right after their graduation. Jiang Cheng thought after he ran away, Wei WuXian would be the next in line to take over the business. With him out of sight, his parents would have no choice but to let Wei WuXian took over. He after all was better than him in every aspect. Yet, he didn’t know Wei WuXian had the same thought as him and ran away instead. He thought all this time, Wei WuXian was the one helping his parents. But turned out…

He leaned against the bench on the hallway, collecting his thoughts. Should he give Wei WuXian a call? Did he still use the same phone number? But would he even pick up? Was he even in the country to begin with? Jiang Cheng unlocked his phone thinking of scrolling through his contacts. But a series of messages and missed calls jerked him back. He forgot about Lan XiChen. When he heard what happened to his father, that was the only thing on his mind. Everything else completely slipped his mind. He dialed Lan XiChen’s number and waited for the other man to pick up. 

Lan XiChen picked up right away after two ring as if he had the phone near him and just waited for it to ring to pick up, “Jiang Cheng? Are you alright?” 

Even his voice sounded so worried. 

“Yea, I’m fine. Sorry, I couldn’t return your calls.”

“Don’t worry.” Even through the phone, he could tell the other man let out a smile of relief. And that made him feel bad for not contacting him sooner, “I heard from your coworker. How is your father?” 

“He is stable now.” He said, “I'm probably gonna stay here for the next few days just to make sure.” 

“He will be fine.” Lan XiChen reassured, “Let me know if you need anything from home.” 

Hanging up the phone, Jiang Cheng let out a heavy sigh. It seemed his confession had to wait. 

The next few days, he stayed at the hospital to look after his father. Some of his family's friends, business partners stopped by to visit. Nie HuaiSang and his older brother Nie MingJue stopped by as well. He pulled Nie HuaiSang to a corner and interrogate him whether he knew about Wei WuXian's whereabouts. The Nie man shook his head. He didn't know about it just recently. And of course he had not heard anything from the said man. 

“Jiang-xiong, what are you going to do now?” 

“Do what?” Tossing the can of coffee over to the younger man, Jiang Cheng settled down on the bench, opening his own can and swallowed down a few gulps. 

“Your family. Are you still planning to run away after this?” 

At first, he thought Wei WuXian would be a perfect replacement for him and handle the corporation in his stead. But what he didn't expect was that his brother had the nerve to run away too. 

“I-have a talk with my mother yesterday.” Fingers caressed the rim of the can, “I will take over the family's business.” 

“Wait! But does that mean you have to quit your current job, and...and your dream?” Nie HuaiSang tried to lower his voice but the shock took control half of his brain, “Then whatever you did the last year was all for naught? And what are you going to do with your roommate?” 

He blinked several times, remembering the arranged marriage that he would have to go through. It was a promise that was made between two families. He alone had no say in it, especially now that he had decided to go back. Fingers clutched the can tightly till the point of almost crushing it, “I don't have a choice. With my father's condition, I have to take over.” Jiang Cheng's voice cracked. 

“It won't be too bad. My parents marriage was arranged. Sure they aren't always lovey-dovey, but it is bearable.” He added. 

He knew he loved Lan XiChen. But he didn't know if the other man felt the same way about him. As the way things were now, it was good that he didn't confess to the other man yet. Or else, his heart would break beyond repair. And it would hurt Lan XiChen too. 

“Do you know anything about this arranged partner?” Nie HuaiSang asked curiously. 

“No. All I know is that he grew up overseas and his family owns a series of hospitals. Heck even this hospital is theirs.” Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue. He didn’t want to admit it but his family did owe them for the treatment of his father. 

He heard Nie HuaiSang grumbled and then a sigh of defeat escaped his lips. Hand went to pat him on the shoulder as the younger man said, “It is your life so I have no say in what you decided to do. But I only hope that you won't regret it.” 

How could he not? Jiang Cheng laughed to himself. He just gave up his dream and his love. How could he not feel like his life was just a series of meaningless passing of days and nights? But at the end of it all, he couldn't abandon his family, abandon the duty that was expected of him. 

As according to agreement with his mother, he would move back home and began training to take over the business. That meant he had to turn in letter of resignation to his boss and let Lan XiChen know so the other man could find another roommate in his place. Or maybe he could move in with his brother, or worst case Jin GuangYao…

He returned to their shared apartment that night to begin packing. His mother wanted him to begin moving back today while she agreed to let him stay at his work for at least another two weeks. He put the key into the hole and twisted it, but the door swung open before his eyes. 

Lan XiChen had been waiting for him to come back. He sent out a text to Lan XiChen that he would come back tonight to grab some stuff, not knowing that he would be moving out for good. 

“Jiang Cheng, welcome back.” The man’s eyes lit up at seeing him, his voice was as gentle and kind just as he remembered, “Have you eaten yet? I just finished making dinner.” 

Even without Lan XiChen telling him, he could smell the warm scent of the pork ribs soup that he liked so much. Normally, he would never turn down the chance of drinking it. But, not today. 

“Sorry, I already ate.” He replied, “I will just grab some stuff and will be on my way.” 

“Are you going to stay at the hospital again? How is your father?” 

Letting out a small frustrated sigh that was inaudible, he didn’t reply but proceed straight to his room. 

Lan XiChen of course was concerned, but he thought he was just tired. 

Pulling out the luggage that he used the day he ran away from home as he looked around his room one more time. Luckily he didn’t have too many belongings but he still didn’t know where to start. He probably just take some of his clothes and necessities first and the moving company could take care of the rest. As for the furniture that he shared with Lan XiChen, the man could do whatever he wanted with it.

“Jiang Cheng?” Lan XiChen eyed the luggage and then to him. He saw his amber eyes glinted off with questions and slight panic. 

“I’m moving back home.” He said, trying to stay calm, “And don’t worry, I will continue to pay rent until I found a replacement for you.” 

Lan XiChen remained silent for a few seconds as if he was trying to process the information. Then a small smile appeared on his lips, “I understand. I’m a bit sad that we won’t be able to see each other often anymore. But, I would still see you at your work?” 

Jiang Cheng gritted his teeth as he spoke in a voice that slowly destroyed by the emotions that he felt, “I’m quitting.” 

It was outrageous coming from him, even Lan XiChen’s face twisted. He knew it was hard to confirm whether it was real or not. Even Jiang Cheng himself had problem of believing himself. 

“You are quitting?” He asked, “What about the competition? What about your dream of opening up your own bar?” 

“It is what I have decided.” Taking a deep breath, he tried to explain in a calm and strong voice. He told Lan XiChen about how it was difficult to maintain living this life, and no matter how hard he worked for he would never be able to save enough to open a place of his own. But he knew he was failing because the expression on Lan XiChen’s face showed that he wasn’t convinced. 

“Besides, with my father’s condition and my brother disappeared, I’m the only one left of the family.” His lips trembled slightly. 

“But, you can’t just give up like that. Surely there must be another way…” 

Another way? He bet there were, just that nothing came to him yet. As much as he wished something could be done, at that moment he was lost. He couldn’t think of a way to fulfill both his dream and the responsibility to his family. He didn’t have much option to choose from. 

“There was no other way, at least for me.” Jiang Cheng spoke, making it clear not to only Lan XiChen, but also to himself, “And we shouldn’t associate with each other anymore. So just delete my number.” 

He sounded cold, and that was exactly how he wanted to sound like. He needed Lan XiChen to stay away from him, or else he wouldn’t be able to contain these feelings. 

Lan XiChen had none of that, obviously. He grabbed him by the wrist, turning him around so they could face each other. And Jiang Cheng realized he had been avoiding the other man's gaze. 

“Are you hiding something from me Jiang Cheng?” 

Of course he had something to hide or how else he was unconsciously avoiding those burning amber gazes. 

“No,” He dragged his voice, hoping that he could come up with a better excuse in the meantime. In the end nothing came to his mind so he decided to let Lan XiChen in with the truth, or a partial truth. 

“I will be busy training to take over the business, so I won't have time for friends and the like.” He left out the arranged partner part. Lan XiChen didn't need to know and it wasn't relevant. 

But Lan XiChen’s face was hard to look at. It twisted his heart just seeing the face that he made at the thought that they could no longer be friends. The excuse was flimsy and he couldn't blame the Lan man if he wasn’t satisfied with it. But it wasn’t the point. He just needed Lan XiChen to stay away from him, or the other way around, whichever way that would be so they both didn’t get hurt. 

“Isn’t there anyway I can do to make you stay?” The question was earnest, and the grip on his wrist shook slightly. The eyes, those amber eyes that he was trying to avoid bored right through him with countless emotions that he couldn’t make out of. 

“I-I don’t think so. Please excuse me.”

“Even when I said I’m in love with you?” 

“...”

Jiang Cheng told himself whatever reasons Lan XiChen came up with, he would reject him. He made a lot of plans in his head, but then...this certainly caught him by surprise. Never in his dream that he thought Lan XiChen would say that. 

He bit his lips, forcing himself to not turn around and leapt into the other man’s arms. How he had wanted to hear those words, and yet when he finally got to hear it, he was not happy. The timing was bad and unfair. He had already made up his mind to stay away from Lan XiChen, and yet this happened. 

“My apologies. But I don’t think it will work out.” He yanked his wrist free, “I believe I mentioned of a partner that I have to marry in the future.” He tried to make himself sound nonchalant, “Therefore, as much I appreciate your feelings for me, but, please, I don’t want my future partner to have any wrong ideas.” 

He quickly lugged his belongings out of the apartment, heading straight for the elevator and frantically pressed the elevator’s button and hoped it opened right away. He just hoped that Lan XiChen wouldn’t chase after him. He didn’t want him to see how messed up he was and how close he was from losing his last grip of control. 

Leaning against the seat of his family’s car, Jiang Cheng wanted to just bang his head on the window and get all these things out of his mind. He laughed bitterly to himself. Lan XiChen wasn’t being fair, but who was he to complain. People often say first love was never meant to be, and he only started to believe in it now. 

Looking at the black car that Jiang Cheng was driven away from the window of their shared apartment, Lan XiChen gritted his teeth, his fingers curled together in various emotions. He held onto this feeling of love for his roommate for the past months. He decided against making the first move and only dropped subtle hints afraid that his roommate would grow weary of him and avoided him all together. But maybe things would be different if he worked up the courage earlier? But one thing that he knew about was that he wouldn’t give up the one person that he loved for anything else. 

Pulling out his phone and began to dial a phone number that often in his recent calls list, he waited for the other person to pick up as he spoke, “WangJi, can you please look into someone for me? And also, send the car over, I’m going home.” 

The first month of coming back home, Jiang Cheng was swarm with a mountain of lessons and learned the operations of the business. His day began early and didn’t end until past ten every night. Despite being busy he could barely breathe, he was grateful that they left him with no room to think about his ex-roommate and other unnecessary feelings. He glanced over his phone screen and let out a sigh. He told Lan XiChen to cut all contact with him, and that was pretty unreasonable. They could obviously stay as friends. He told himself to delete the man’s number, but in the end he still kept it.

“President Jiang,” His secretary- YuJie stepped in and handed him his schedule for today, “I have cleared all your schedule for the evening, and this is the address of the restaurant.” 

“What restaurant?” He looked up from the documents and asked. 

“The meeting with your partner, sir?” The man stared back, confusedly, “Madam Yu will pick you up at your penthouse at seven sharp.” 

Right, how could he forget. Jiang Cheng groaned. He was supposed to meet up with his arranged partner for the first time today. His partner finally returned from overseas so the two families wanted to organize a dinner for two of them to meet. Of course he didn’t want to go, he rather died in his pile of work than going to the dinner. But, it was one of the deal he made with his mother. He would call off the engagement because he made it low and clear to his parents that, either they let him break off this stupid arrangement or he would quit the company and ran away again. His parents didn’t have many options, so they agreed to his terms. They were able to come to a compromise that he should at least meet with this partner at least once to save the family’s face. The rest, he could handle however he wanted. 

The restaurant was a private and famous steakhouse downtown, not too far away from his condo. That gave him a bit more time to relax at home after coming back from work. It felt weird to come home early, he thought. He went for a quick shower and debating whether he would dress for a business meeting or he should dress to not impress. He glanced at his wardrobe, if he was going to scare off his partner and hopefully the man himself would cancel the engagement, then everything would work out for him. 

But his mom would shave his head if he showed up looking like a gangster. He may even got denied entry to the restaurant altogether. 

His mother arrived at the condo's entrance at seven sharp, just as expected of her. She glanced at him up and down and softly scoffed, meaning, she was okay with the way he dressed and wouldn't have to kick him out of the car for shaming their family. 

The golden light from the street lamps illuminated his face. He watched the people that passed by his window. His mind began to wander of the life that he had just a few months ago. He heard from Nie HuaiSang that Lan XiChen moved out almost immediately the week after he left. But even HuaiSang didn’t know his whereabouts or where he moved to. Lan XiChen was Nie MingJue’s friend, so the older man probably knew. Unconsciously letting out a sigh, he noticed the car slowly pulling to the entrance and made a stop. He often went for this restaurant for business meetings. But this dinner was pretty much a business meeting for him too. Meeting someone that he never met for the sake of his family. 

After learning their name, the well-dressed waiter led them to the private room at the back. They thought they were there early, but there was a man waiting for them inside the room. It was a respectable middle age man that reflected a strictness that on equal ground with his mother. The man’s presence alone rendered Jiang Cheng motionless. 

“Greeting Madam Yu, President Jiang.” The old man turned to him and began to introduce himself, “I am Lan QiRen, the current President of the Gusu Medical Group.” 

“P-Please to meet you, President Lan.” Jiang Cheng took hold of the hand extended before him and gave it a slight shake. He then glanced towards his mother, eyeing her skeptically. ‘This is my arrange partner? This old man?’ He mouthed. 

“I do have to apologize for my nephew is running a bit late. There is a bit of traffic where he came from.” Lan QiRen asked them to have a seat and to look through the menu first. 

Jiang Cheng sat down, carefully eyeing the older man. So this was the fearsome President of the Gusu Med Group. He heard his secretary mentioned something about him but he obviously didn’t pay attention. But why did it feel like he had seen this man’s face somewhere before? 

“My nephew had been living overseas since he was very young, so I apologize in his stead if the way he behaves is different.” Lan QiRen stroke his beard, “And I hope that President Jiang can be patient with him for he is a bit...stubborn in certain aspects.” 

“I-I will try my best.” Jiang Cheng answered, all the while feeling bad. He was earnest. And Jiang Cheng felt bad for having another intention entirely. He probably would be disappointed at him for breaking off the arrangement. Maybe he should break it off two weeks from now? Just so it didn't seem too abrupt? Or maybe he should at least go on one date first, whichever that didn't make him look like an asshole. Jiang Cheng mentally slapped himself. It didn't matter when and where, he would look like an asshole regardless. 

The door let out a creaking sound and slid open while they were busy talking. The waiter stepped in to inform that the last guest had arrived. 

Lan QiRen stood up from his chair as strictness spread across his stern face, “You are late.” 

“My apologies uncle. I came as fast as I could.” 

Jiang Cheng had all the thoughts about how to break off this arrangement without making his family mad or making him sound like a douchebag. But in his hundreds of plans and mockup scenarios, he didn’t even think that a situation like this would happen. 

“Greetings President Jiang.” 

Donning a stylist navy blue suit, Lan XiChen walked in from the door and extended a hand towards him. His black hair slicked back neatly and a warm smile graced his lips elegantly. Jiang Cheng of course recognized that smile. He had seen it almost everyday in his dream. The one that he could never mistake it with someone else. 

“L-Lan XiChen??”

“You two know each other?” Lan QiRen asked, to which the other Lan man nodded his head. 

“Through mutual friends uncle.” He flashed him a secretive smile and asked everyone to continue with the dinner. 

Jiang Cheng had a thousand questions, but he had to hold them in for now. It seemed that Lan XiChen’s uncle didn’t know about what happened between them in the past months. However, he wasn’t sure if his mother was also in the dark, considering her weirdly calm demeanor. 

Just like any other arranged meeting, the adults stayed for a little bit and then left. When Senior Lan and his mother left, he thought he would begin to ask all the questions that stuck inside his mind. But then he found himself glued to his seat, picking at his food and couldn’t mutter a single word. It was like his brain decided to take a vacation. But Lan XiChen’s demeanor irked him. The man just sat on his chair, savoring his steak and his glass of red wine like nothing happened. Did he know? How long did he know? What was going on? Why was he so calm? 

“How have you been Jiang Cheng?” 

“Before all of that, don’t you think you have something to tell me?” 

A smile crossed the other man’s lips as he looked straight at him, clear but secretive. He put down his utensils, placing his chin on top of his hand, “You didn’t tell me you are the only heir to the YunMeng Corp.” 

 “Why should I tell you? Especially not someone that I just met.” Jiang Cheng retorted, “Speak for yourself, the heir of Gusu Med Group.” 

“Well, how could I. Especially since I wanted to be stay low.” Lan XiChen’s long delicate fingers traced the rim of his wine glass, “My uncle has some of his network, and he would find out where I ran off to in a week.” 

“When did you find out?” About all of this. About Jiang Cheng being his arranged partner. 

Lan XiChen let out a disdained sigh, “Right after you left.” He said with an exaggerated laugh, “I wanted to find out who is this arranged partner of yours is.”

He stood up, pushing back his chair and by the time that Jiang Cheng woke up from his daze, the Lan man was right in front of him. His handsome and gentle feature was replaced by sharp cold ice. Much like that of what he saw on his younger brother’s face. Lan XiChen looked down at him with a mad burning inferno in his eyes, all the while smiling, “Then, I will take you back, by any means possible. Because I know you hate marrying someone that was arranged for you. You said so yourself.” 

Jiang Cheng found himself sunk to his chair, an invisible wave of unknown pressure passed through him. His heart began to beat against his ribcage, maddening each passing seconds. Of course Lan XiChen was smart enough not to buy it. Why did he think that it was a sound excuse? But wait, that wasn’t the main issue right now. 

“Bu-But, didn't you say you have someone you like?”

A soft laugh entered his ears, he saw Lan XiChen's expression relaxed, “I was talking about you. At the time, I was afraid of how you would react if suddenly a roommate that you barely knew suddenly confess to you.” 

Jiang Cheng tried his best to put together the pieces. So he ran away from home because he wanted to be in charge of his own life. Then he fell in love with this roommate but didn’t have the courage to confess. Then he had to go back and inherited the family business, and he was going to reject this arranged marriage only to find out that his arranged partner was the very same roommate that he fell in love with. 

What kind of bad fanfiction was this? 

“Jiang Cheng.” 

“Y-Yes?” 

He looked up seeing those amber earth eyes bored back at him, soft and tender. The way Lan XiChen looked at him got him speechless. He was confused, of course, but he could not stop his heart from jumping out of his chest. He couldn't believe that everything somehow, worked out in his favor? 

“I know you came to this meeting with all the intention of rejecting this arrangement.” Lan XiChen’s voice echoed in the small room with uncertain concern, “And I completely understand, because you don't want to marry someone that you have never met. But,” 

Lan XiChen kneeled down in front of him, taking both his slightly trembling hands into his own. The warmth from Lan XiChen's slender and beautiful hands was like burning fire that spread through their contact and slipped under the layer of his skin, entering his blood and coursed through his entire body. 

“But, I am not someone that you have never met. Did you know how happy I feel when I found out you are the one that I was supposed to marry? Sure, we were just strangers but after living and spending time with you, I start to fall in love with this hard working boy, who is straightforward and earnestly working towards the future.” 

“I’m not asking you as a partner that was arranged for you, but as the roommate Lan XiChen, who happened to fall in love with everything of you.” He softly caressed his fingers, giving it a loving squeeze, “I’m willing to back off and leave you alone if you don't feel the same about me, but I won't give up on you. On the other hand, if you have a single slightest feeling for me, then allow me the chance to stay with you and help you achieve your dream.” 

Jiang Cheng unconsciously took in a deep breath. His face heated up as blood rushed through his entire body in a warm sensation of happiness, confused happiness, but happiness nevertheless. He knew exactly what these feelings he felt for Lan XiChen. They agonized him and burned him with ugly jealousy, they took over his mind and made him snickering to himself whenever he heard the doorbell rang and saw the other man walked in with a smile that is brighter than the sun. 

“What about Jin GuangYao?” 

“A-Yao?” Lan XiChen asked, confused at the mention of the other, “Ah, he is just a childhood friend. Besides, he is dating my best friend.” 

“He is not a threat?” 

“Why would he...ptffff!” After a few seconds thinking to himself, Lan XiChen couldn't hold back a chuckle, “So A-Cheng is weary of him? I assure you he is only a younger brother to me. He was born in YunMeng, so I occasionally asked him to teach me the YunMeng cuisine and I bought him drink as payments for his assistance.” 

The memory of that lotus soup that Lan XiChen made flashed through his mind, as he let out a sigh a relief, “I-I see…” 

Realizing the quietness in the atmosphere, he looked up to be met with a mysterious smile bloomed on Lan XiChen's lips. He asked what was with the smile, and the answer he threw back at him set his cheek ablaze. 

“I didn't realize you were jealous at A-Yao. I noticed you were rather uncomfy when he was around, but I thought it was due to the stress of creating new drink. I apologize, I should have been more considerate.” 

Then, he suddenly curled his lips when he realized something was amiss in Jiang Cheng’s words, “But, why are you jealous of A-Yao?” 

“Because I like you, isn’t that obvious??” 

A dead silence graced the room. Jiang Cheng blinked his eyes, utterly confused at why Lan XiChen tilted his head to the side as a warm wave of red crept up those beautiful cheekbones. 

“A-Cheng, did you realize what you just say?” 

“What? Didn’t you hear? I said I-” 

Embarrassment washed through his entire being like a restrained flood that finally let loose. There wasn’t a mirror, but he knew how red his face was. He just got tricked didn’t he? 

“Underhanded!” Embarrassment turned into anger, Jiang Cheng shot up from his chair planning to run away. But his wrist was locked inside a firm grip, preventing him from storming off. It happened before, but it wouldn’t happen again. Lan XiChen’s eyes said as much. He let him slipped away from his grasp, and he would never let it happen again. 

The grip on his wrist was tight, but it didn’t hurt. The fingers held onto him shook a little, telling him just how tense Lan XiChen was. And he could feel himself trembled a little too

“I'm not going to let you run away before giving me a proper answer. And I mean a proper answer and not one that blurted out by the heat of the moment.” 

Lan XiChen was serious. As much as he himself was confused, and maybe afraid of the outcome he still willed himself to say it. 

He heard everything that Lan XiChen said, loud and clear. Jiang Cheng scoffed at himself. Compared to Lan XiChen who gathered up all his courage to grab hold of what he was looking for, he really was a coward. He woke up every morning telling himself to confess, and by the end of the day he chickened out. And then he just up and left, denying those tingling feelings inside his chest at the thoughts of the other man. He was a coward for denying these feelings existed. He cut contact with Lan XiChen because he didn't want him to be involved in an awkward situation and being caught between these complicated feelings he had and ended up getting hurt. 

But this luck, it was too surreal. 

At that moment, if he had to pick between his love and his dream, he would pick Lan XiChen. He might have forsaken the dream that he had, but to lose Lan XiChen's love, knowing this love was mutual, was unthinkable. Those months of living together was the happiest days he ever had. He came home to hot meals waiting for him, he walked home with someone right next to him. He learned what it felt like to have someone sitting next to him, to do as much as watching a movie together. Those feelings were immensely wonderful. And for that, his dream came second. 

“I...I have no confidence in myself that this will work out in the long run...but, I do want to try this out. So...if you are in love with me then...we can start by dating first, and...and the arrangement can stay for now…” 

He raised his head, meeting the other man in the eyes, pushing himself to move forward, looking at that one beautiful face that he had found himself entranced with a long time ago. Those beautiful eyes widened in surprise and softly relaxed. A big smile spread across his heavenly face, radiating a certain warmth that belonged exclusively to Lan XiChen. He didn't know how this would turn out. But right now, he just had to take advantage of it. Lan XiChen loved him, and he loved Lan XiChen. It was that simple. Leaning in to his comfortable hug, it felt exactly like how Jiang Cheng dreamed of it. It felt safe, warm and assuring. It felt like home. 

They stood within each other's embrace for awhile, savoring in that wonderful feeling of showering with love. Until Lan XiChen was the first to move. He pulled back, looking at his eyes and put a folder into his hands. 

Jiang Cheng eyed the folder and didn't quite understand what this folder was for. 

“A present for you.” Lan XiChen explained, “I missed your birthday, so consider this a belated birthday present. Or if you want, you can think of it as your early Christmas present.” 

Lan XiChen heard the lock pin pad being pressed and the door creaked open. He glanced at the clock to see the hands pointed at a little past ten. 

He put the tv remote down and walked towards the door, greeted, “Welcome home A-Cheng. You are early today.” 

“Yea, we just hired a new part-timer and promoted a full time so I don’t have to stay until the store closed anymore.” Slipping into the indoor slippers, Jiang Cheng handed the bag of groceries to his boyfriend. He dropped himself down the chair, smelling the delicious smell of food lingering in the air. 

“Hum...lotus rib soup?” He asked.

“Yes, I got off work early today. Do you want to eat first?” Lan XiChen answered, “I will heat it up.” 

“How can you always off work so early? I never got home until at least ten pm everyday while I was in charge of the company.” Jiang Cheng let out a disdainful huff, “It seems YuJie didn’t give you too much work.” 

Trying to clear his throat, well, he wasn't sure how to respond to that without offending his boyfriend, “Well, let’s just say, I’m used to it. And Mr. YuJie has been a great help.” 

Jiang Cheng involuntarily nodded his head. He knew his parents were very pleased with the way Lan XiChen handled the operation of YunMeng Corp, probably way better than what their own son could have done. Well, Lan XiChen did study management instead of pursuing medical like his younger brother.

“I will take a shower first.” He said, to answer Lan XiChen’s previous question. 

Lan XiChen walked over to the tv and switched the program to cultural news. The announcer was a woman of around twenty, beautiful and possessed a divine voice. He often found himself listening to them when he was overseas so he knew what was going on back home. He didn’t spend much time here as a child, but he wanted to get in touch with his home culture. That was he always listened to these news whenever he had the chance. 

“To continue with today’s news, we would like to congratulate the winner of this year’s amateur national cocktail competition happening last week-”

“Lan XiChen! Can you grab me a towel?” Jiang Cheng called, “I forgot to grab one.” 

“Coming.” He smiled, feeling thankful for these small and warm moments that only two years ago, he didn’t think it was even possible. He never quite believe in fate and destiny before, but now he couldn’t deny its existence. 

The house was warm and cozy, it was a small condo that they moved in together just last year. They thought of getting a dog and raised it together, because Jiang Cheng always wanted one and he could not say no to his boyfriend. The place had started to become more and more like a home with the sound of running water, the scent of homemade food lingered in the air, and the voice of the tv announcer that was running in the background, “When asked how did he come up with this original recipe, Master Jiang-this year’s winner stated that he wanted to create a cocktail that was soft to drink even on a weeknight, one that could be shared between roommates.” 

“The winning cocktail Roommate will be available starting from next month at the bar Noir at the central of the entertainment district. If you want to catch Master Jiang in his action, I recommend you start inviting your roommates now before the drink is sold out. Good luck everyone, and Happy Holidays.”