Work Text:
Xie Lian’s work with his non-profit was truly his life’s work. He absolutely adored helping those in need.
But some days his job was hard. Grants got denied, people he worked with passed away, not everyone got what they needed.
Today was one of those days.
“You did everything you could.” Feng Xin said as he handed Xie Lian a cup of hot chocolate. The two were at his favorite café, drowning his sorrows in sweet treats.
“I know but…they more than qualified for that scholarship. Now An Li won’t be able to live on campus for college.” He sighed.
His most recent project was assisting first generation college students on getting into college. An Li was one of 12 children, and her father had recently passed away due to a terminal illness. Her mother wasn’t doing that much better, but she was determined for her eldest child to succeed. After hearing about his program, she applied, and they had been working on sending An Li away for college.
The scholarship was approved, but not the part that included housing. This was due to An Li’s father’s life insurance policy pushing her mother slightly over the maximum household allowance.
“I just don’t know what to do.” He sighed. Before Feng Xin could respond, he got a text from his business partner.
Fundraiser?
His eyes widened before he let out an elated laugh.
“Oh Feng Xin, he’s a genius.” He breathed. Feng Xin took his phone, grinning at the text message.
“He really, really is.”
Fundraising was Xie Lian’s least favorite part of his job, truth be told. He didn’t feel like he was creative enough to make enough of a marketing push.
But for An Li, he pulled out every trick and resource he had.
Sadly, within the last 24 hours of the campaign, he was still $10,000 short.
“You need to get some rest.” Mu Qing scowled as Xie Lian frantically tried to print more flyers.
“I can’t. An Li-”
“An Li and her family will understand. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t help others.” Mu Qing said, reaching out to squeeze Xie Lian’s shoulder. Xie Lian opened his mouth to continue arguing when Feng Xin ran in, a wide grin on his face.
“Xie Lian! Someone just donated $15000 to our fundraiser!” Feng Xin exclaimed. Xie Lian gasped, quickly turning to pull up the website. Tears gathered in his eyes as he triumphantly got a notification that his funding goal was met.
“Please set up a time so I may thank this individual.”
Xie Lian was very impressed by the fancy restaurant his benefactor chose. He felt a little plain in his simple suit, but he did his best to push past that.
He had arrived first, which he felt was a little worse than arriving last. He forced himself not to pick at his nails as he anxiously awaited for the donor.
“Is this seat taken?” A charming voice asked. Xie Lian looked up and his eyes widened.
The man that stood before him was absolutely gorgeous. Between his long hair, his height, his finally cut suit, and an eye patch of all things, Xie Lian felt himself blushing.
“N-no, please feel free to take a seat.” As his nerves leaked into his voice, Xie Lian’s blush darkened. The man sent him a charismatic grin and took a seat.
“Thank for you for inviting me to dinner. I’ve been a big fan of your organization for years, Xie Lian.” The man said. Xie Lian’s eyes widened in surprise. “You were able to get enough to cover An Li’s room and board, right? I can give more-”
“No! No, you’ve been more than generous, sir.” Xie Lian cut him off. His poor heart couldn’t take it if this man gave him anymore money. The man paused, a slow smirk crossing his face.
“San Lang is fine, Xie Lian.” He reached over, covering Xie Lian’s hand with his own. Xie Lian resisted the urge to jerk his hand away, even if the contact sent his heart racing.
“It’s very nice to meet you, San Lang.”
The two quickly grew to be good friends. Apparently Hua Cheng (which turned out to be his real name. San Lang had been a nickname when he was younger, and it turns out only close friends called him that) had been a fan of Xie Lian’s work for years, and within a couple weeks, he became a regular site in the office.
On Valentine’s Day, Xie Lian found a set of hot chocolate bombs waiting for him on his desk. Attached with it was a note asking him out to dinner. When he noticed it was Hua Cheng’s business card, he gasped.
“Xie Lian?” He looked up to find Mu Qing shooting him a concerned frown.
“San Lang asked me out.” He said, a wide grin stretching across his face. Mu Qing rolled his eyes, and yelled for Feng Xin over his shoulder.
“Thank you for dinner. It was a lovely evening.” Xie Lian murmured as he and Hua Cheng walked along a canal near the restaurant after their date.
“I had even lovelier company.” Xie Lian blushed, tightening his grip on Hua Cheng’s arm.
“Flatterer.” He whispered. When Hua Cheng chuckled, a low and dark sound that had Xie Lian’s stomach flipping pleasantly, he stepped closer and buried his face in his arm.
“I take that as a compliment.” Hua Cheng paused their walk, gently extracting Xie Lian from his arm so he could wrap it around his waist.
“San Lang.” Xie Lian murmured, face bright red.
“Gege. I’m so honored that you agreed to come out with me tonight. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.” Xie Lian’s expression softened at the sincerity in his gaze, and he leaned up to gently press a kiss to Hua Cheng’s cheek.
“Thank you for asking me out. I hope we can do it again sometime?” He asked. Hua Cheng’s smile widened and he nodded.
“Oh yes. And soon. How about breakfast?” He asked. Xie Lian did an about face at that before bursting into laughter.
“Maybe lunch first?” He suggested. Hua Cheng nodded, leaning down to kiss his cheek.
“Then it’s a date.”