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Mu Qing looks at the plus-one question on the wedding RSVP he has open on his phone and groans.
He hates it. He hates it all . It feels like even the words are mocking him.
It's ridiculous. It shouldn't matter whether he has a plus-one for this wedding at all. It's more than enough that he attends and shows up with a red packet—one with precisely calculated contents, of course. Enough money to help cover the cost of his seat (or seats, he grumbles internally), plus a few hundred extra considering his closeness with the couple getting hitched, but not so much that it'll mean he has to subsist on instant noodles for the next couple of weeks.
But it does matter to him. His traitorous heart demands it. His awful, hideous pride.
That's why he'd neglected to fill up the damn Google Form four months ago. Somehow, he was hoping he could find a boyfriend during that time.
Maybe he just shouldn't go. Maybe he can simply move to a different city, change his name, and live out his life as an anonymous baker at some overrated, Instagrammable café with underwhelming coffee but superb pastries. He'll get a cat and then probably half a dozen more, and then—
A ding breaks him out of his spiral. It's another message from his cousin. Can't wait to see you at the wedding. The whole family will be gathering again, and it'll be glorious! Remember to follow the colour scheme.
Mu Qing lets out another frustrated noise. He answers yes on the plus-one and submits the RSVP.
He'll cross that bridge when he gets to it. The wedding is in two weeks, anyway. Plenty of time to ignore it and hope it goes away.
A week and a half later, Mu Qing is in another panicked frenzy. He really can't put things off anymore because the kind of person he is doesn't allow it. Even if he dreaded the whole plus-one situation from the start and decided to fuck himself over by saying yes without first getting a confirmed yes.
And since he did it, he's committing to it until the very end.
He calls Feng Xin.
The man picks up quickly, leaving Mu Qing with no time to even conjure up an improvised script. So he just blurts it out.
"Can you attend a wedding with me this Saturday?"
They've known each other for long enough that the question shouldn't be too weird or awkward—they've been in wilder situations together! But Mu Qing still feels like he's being both.
But Feng Xin's answer comes surprisingly quickly. "Your cousin Wen Xin's, right? Sure. Am I going to the ceremony too or just the dinner?"
Mu Qing has to fight off his astonishment at Feng Xin's easy acceptance of it all.
This is his chance; he needs to seize it. "No, just the dinner is fine. I'll send you the details in a moment."
"Okay, sure."
That was too easy, Mu Qing thinks. So should he hang up now? Thank Feng Xin? Hope no further questions come up? Why is Feng Xin still on the line, anyway?
"Should we match?" comes Feng Xin's question out of nowhere.
"What?"
"I'm going as your plus-one, right?" There's a beat of silence. "Should we wear matching suits to the wedding dinner?"
Why does Mu Qing feel like choking all of a sudden?
"No, that's not necessary either. The family's all going to be in the same colours. It'll be confusing for the other guests if you're matching too."
"Oh."
"Anyway, I'll see you this Saturday, bye."
Mu Qing hurriedly cuts the call off. That was way too intense of a phone call.
On Saturday morning, the first thing Mu Qing does after arriving at Wen Manor is greet his grandmother. The usual worries of inadequacy bubble to the surface, bringing up the question of why she's even allowing him to be here. Her lips thin as she looks towards him, prompting Mu Qing to slink away quietly.
Once he gets away, he's determined to meld into the background and weather this wedding like an actual hurricane.
Nevertheless, Mu Qing gets bombarded with too much attention, especially considering everyone should be focused on Wen Xin, the person who's getting married right now.
He's not in the groom's entourage, so he's not put through the gauntlet of whatever sadistic challenges Wen Xin's friends have come up with. He would watch in interest, except his various aunts and uncles—siblings and cousins of his mother—keep a running discussion about how they would modify a traditional Chinese wedding to suit him when it was his turn. Because, you know, he's gay and all.
Mu Qing would rather not think about any wedding ceremony at all. It makes his heart gallop and his throat close up. But it isn't commitment he's afraid of—it's making it and finding out his partner can't live up to the same vows.
His aunts and uncles have always been too invested in his love life, along with every other aspect of his life. It all comes from a place of love, Mu Qing knows, but it's also tainted by feelings of guilt, maybe even pity.
And Mu Qing doesn't want that.
After his mother passed, Mu Qing lived a difficult and harrowing life. He might not have been able to make it through without the help of Xie Lian and Feng Xin, who not only stuck with him but also supported him whenever and wherever they could. Mu Qing drew the line at taking their money, though.
With medical bills to pay, school and dorm fees to scrounge up from somewhere, his stomach to fill… It was looking grim, even if he managed it for more than a year on his own.
Then help came, like a gift from the heavens, just not one Mu Qing trusted at first.
Apparently, Mu Qing's grandmother hadn't approved of his parents' relationship and went against them at every turn. In response, the couple, motivated by love and determination, went off on their own, eloping to another province and disappearing from the family's influence.
But after Mu Qing's mother died, his aunts and uncles started looking frantically for him. They had kept in contact with Wen Jinli in secret for the duration of her self-imposed exile, learning bits and pieces of her life with her little family but never gaining enough of her trust for a visit. But then Wen Jinli had stopped answering their calls, and they found out that the worst had happened.
Long story short, Mu Qing accepted his long-lost family, judgemental grandmother included, accepting their love and their help, but never really getting used to having such a large and boisterous horde of relatives.
Especially when they kept shoving their noses into his affairs.
"A'Qing!" Da Yi calls, breaking him out of his reverie. "The new couple is giving out red packets now. Get in line!"
Mu Qing makes a loud noise of complaint—in his head only, of course. His mother's eldest sister takes him by the arm as she walks him over. To the front of the line.
"Honestly, A'Qing, you're 28 already. Why no boyfriend! Hurry up and find one. Next time you'll be giving out the red packets and not collecting them with the kids."
She says as if Wen Xin isn't the first in their generation to tie the knot. Nevertheless, Mu Qing's face flames as his status is broadcasted to everyone in the building, and he barely stutters out an auspicious wish to his cousin and her new husband.
This day cannot end fast enough.
###
That evening, Feng Xin arrives at 6.00 pm on the dot to pick Mu Qing up.
"How was the tea ceremony?" is the first thing Feng Xin asks when Mu Qing gets in the car, a flashy BMW Mu Qing can only dream of affording. His words are paired with a comforting smile that makes Mu Qing's heart skip a beat.
Barely holding himself together, Mu Qing answers, "Noisy."
Feng Xin snorts in response. "Figures."
Something in the way Feng Xin looks at Mu Qing makes the latter think he has more to say. But Mu Qing's expression must discourage him, because he stays quiet.
In reality, Mu Qing is still struggling to get his heart under control at the sight of Feng Xin dressed up. This isn't the first time he's seen Feng Xin in formal clothes, not even close. But there's just something about this outfit…
Feng Xin is wearing a dark blue button-down with the sleeves rolled up. It's too small, Mu Qing would bet his life on it. Because when Feng Xin turns the steering wheel to glide the car out of its spot, the muscles of his bicep bulge obscenely, straining against the fabric.
Mu Qing looks away.
And because he's pathologically incapable of letting himself enjoy nice things, he asks snidely, "What, no jacket?"
In answer, Feng Xin points behind himself. "That good enough for you?" he asks, voice triumphant.
Looking into the back seat, Mu Qing finds a suit jacket set immaculately on a hanger. He turns back and tries once again to still his racing heart. He never thought Feng Xin could ever be this meticulous. And for what?
The sound of Feng Xin clearing his throat drags Mu Qing back to the real world.
"So," Feng Xin begins, strangely hesitant. He looks deeply into Mu Qing's eyes, searching, as he says,"Are we going to be business as usual or do we tell them we're dating?"
Mu Qing nearly chokes at this. Internally, of course. On the surface, he remains stoic, asking calmly, "What do you mean?"
Feng Xin gives him a perplexed look, thick eyebrows furrowing adorably. "At the banquet. How are we going to play this? Your family…" Feng Xin shrugs. "I just want to make things easier for you."
"Just play it by ear," Mu Qing says, unsure.
He never thought that Feng Xin could be so sensitive. He's always been kind, generous. But that doesn't mean his consideration ever got put through much thought before he just went and did things.
But Feng Xin is being so careful now.
Mu Qing tries to tell himself that it's because Feng Xin knows how uncomfortable he sometimes feels with his extended family. It's not a secret even to said family. They know he's wary, even after almost ten years.
If he's being honest with himself, though, Mu Qing would admit that it's just his own fucked-up brain at fault. He can't internalise the fact that Feng Xin treats him better than he would some random other person, that he cares. Even the idea of it leaves him in astonishment, so it's better not to linger upon it.
The drive to the hotel where the dinner is being held passes in relative silence, one that feels tense, at least to Mu Qing.
The area leading to the entrance to the ballroom is busy even though it's still early. People gather in loose groups as they enjoy the cocktail hour or get their photos taken before the extravagant backdrop announcing the names of the bride and groom and the wedding date.
Da Yi told him that he wasn't needed here to help out, but the least he can do is show up at the reception desk and make sure.
"Good evening, Da Yi, Xiao Jiu, Tang Jiu, Tang Yi."
The elders all smile at Mu Qing's greeting while Mu Qing himself tries to recover from the mind-boggling calculation of relations that he always has to do when he's with his extended family.
Nearly ten years, and it's still tough.
Perhaps it's because of that confusion that it takes Mu Qing a while to realise how strange it is that all four of his mother's siblings and cousins are gathered here together. It's always struck Mu Qing as unusual how close this generation seems to be, but this is a new one.
And when they all smile at him, Mu Qing could swear their content expressions are hiding something sinister. In no time at all, his hunch is proven true.
"Oh, A'Qing," Tang Yi starts. "I was so excited when Wen Xin said you were bringing a plus-one. But I guess we're destined to be disappointed."
The overly dramatic tone should tell Mu Qing that his aunt—his mother's cousin—is joking, but the words still sting.
Excessively agitated and defensive, he grabs Feng Xin by the arm (the very firm and thick arm) and pulls him over, presenting him like a stick-figure drawing with hopes of having it put on the fridge. "I brought Feng Xin!" he declares.
Xiao Jiu clears his throat. "Feng Xin doesn't count, A'Qing. We were hoping you'd bring your boyfriend. Besides, he was invited in the first place, so it doesn't matter if he's your plus-one."
What kind of logic is that? And also, when was Feng Xin ever invited?
Feng Xin, the unhelpful dolt, doesn't say anything to help Mu Qing. He just passes Xiao Jiu a red packet and says mindlessly, "Where's Wen Xin? I should go and congratulate her personally."
Instead of leaving, Feng Xin nudges Mu Qing. Oh, maybe he's trying to help after all.
Mu Qing quickly hands over his red packet too. "I should go as well. See you later—"
But Da Yi stops him before Mu Qing can even take a step. "Hold on, young man! I have someone you need to greet!"
Accepting his fate, Mu Qing shoots a final glance at Feng Xin before following Da Yi.
In no time, Mu Qing is dragged across the cocktail area to a sofa where another man is sitting. He's so distracted by the thought of Feng Xin already getting to start on the wine that he only catches the stranger's name and not why he has to make small talk with the guy. He's certainly not a family member. Based on what the conversation revolves around, though, he guesses that he must be a business partner of the Wen family's company, Wen Industries.
Life is so unfair. Mu Qing has to make sure he doesn't ruin the family's reputation while Feng Xin gets to do whatever he wants.
As time goes on, it's getting harder and harder to keep a small, neutral smile on his face and nod at appropriate intervals to show that he's interested and engaged. This guy reminds him of Pei Ming, not just through his flamboyantly expensive watch and outfit, but also the way he only ever seems to be talking about himself and how great he is.
Wait, even Pei Ming is better than him.
At least with Pei Ming, he can still get a few words in edgewise. All it took for Mu Qing to stop needing to respond was to mention his side gig of running a made-to-order cake business. From then on, the guy's just been telling him how he's been managing his flourishing online shop wrong.
Now, the guy's talking about his latest LinkedIn post about how he went through adversity to start his business (with Daddy's money, of course) and how one of his peers was still paying his dues as a low-level worker until he swept in to elevate him to a position he deserved… as the guy's executive assistant.
Mu Qing is questioning his sanity and his existence when he spots Feng Xin across the space, very clearly invested in a discussion about something or other with a woman so smoking hot, even Mu Qing can appreciate her beauty.
"Excuse me," Mu Qing blurts out, eyes fixed on Feng Xin. Usually, the sight of Feng Xin makes his legs go weak, but now, he feels the life drain from him for another reason. Feng Xin's gaze doesn't stray from the woman's for a second , and it's making Mu Qing feel both light-headed and freezing cold. "I think I see the groom. I need to congratulate him."
Though Mu Qing successfully escapes the haughty entrepreneur, he doesn't get more than a few steps away before Da Yi accosts him again.
"A'Qing, where are you going?" she asks, hooking her arm in his while looking alarmed. "Didn't you like Daxiong over there? He's such a nice boy. His café chain is opening its twelfth outlet soon. Very successful!"
Ripping his focus away from Feng Xin for a second to settle on Da Yi, Mu Qing suddenly makes a revelation.
"Why is Wen Industries in business with the owner of a café chain? They don't need any of the technological innovations your company provi—"
"Aiya, A'Qing, who's talking about business at Xin'er's wedding? I invited him here because he's Aunty Kemin's nephew. He likes men too! What do you think, A'Qing? Boyfriend material?"
Slowly, too slowly, Mu Qing starts to understand what Da Yi is on about.
"You invited a blind date to Wen Xin's wedding? "
"So loud for what, A'Qing? You'll scare the other guests!" Da Yi looks unperturbed despite her chastisement. "Why cannot? It's the perfect place for it. Now, you have all night to meet some suitable candidates, all under one roof! And you won't be bored just chatting with us elders. Win-win and so efficient."
What an outrageous excuse. As if he doesn't have cousins in the same age group he can talk to. And Feng Xin. Where is Feng Xin?
"Hold on, did you say candidates? Plural?"
By this time, Da Yi has led Mu Qing back to the reception table.
"Aw, did Daxiong wash out?" Tang Yi says without sympathy as she shoots Da Yi a condescending look. "I knew our A'Qing had better taste than that. Come, meet the boy Tang Yi chose. You'll like him, A'Qing, I promise!"
Mu Qing doesn't even know where to start processing this ridiculous situation. Have his aunts and uncles turned his hypothetical love life but very real future into a competition? How many of these men have they dragged here? Is Mu Qing really going to be forced to meet them all? Who allowed this?
"Tang Jiu," he croaks out, instinctively seeking out the one person who's been staunchly insisting that he be given more time and less intervention when it comes to his life-long romantic happiness.
The older man shrugs as if in defeat. "Don't look at me. I told them you wouldn't like it."
"Enough time-wasting!" Tang Yi has taken over possession of Mu Qing's arm from Da Yi. "Time for my candidate! Maybe you'll like him so much you'll spend all night with him. And I do mean all night." She waggles her eyebrows in a way that makes Mu Qing's face go green.
Instead of leading him to the cocktail area, Tang Yi takes Mu Qing into the ballroom, where only a few people are sitting. As she does, Mu Qing is still trying valiantly to find an excuse to get out of this arrangement.
"Where did you all even find these men?" Please say something inappropriate, he begs silently. At least with Tang Yi, it might actually be something so wholly wrong, perhaps even dubiously consensual, that he might win his freedom.
"The local marriage market, of course! We have your biodata and all there already. Every day we take turns going, you know! Inviting them to the wedding was such a great idea. So many parents were interested that we had to filter through them like interviewing for new hires!"
That's… not encouraging.
It also doesn't help his case. They're getting nearer to the table Tang Yi is bringing them to, because Mu Qing can see a man looking up from his book and waving. This is his last chance to come up with something to escape.
He's clutching at straws because all he can say is, "Feng Xin. What about Feng Xin?"
"Hai, you worry about him for what? You think we only brought suitors for you? Your biao di also needs a girlfriend, so we have some young ladies around too. Feng Xin can take turns meeting them too. I'm sure your cousin won't mind."
Well, that explains the bombshell Feng Xin was talking to.
He regards Tang Yi and thinks. She looks happy, excited. Earnest. It's as if she honestly thinks she's helping him and that he might even end up liking this guy. Tang Yi and the others all seem as though this will bring them nothing but joy and fulfilment. If Feng Xin can play along, he can at least try. After all, it's his relatives who are doing this. He can just think of it as a way to meet new people.
What's the worst that could happen?
It turns out that "the worst" can get very bad. Tang Yi's candidate is an academic, teaching philosophy at the university while doing research. Mu Qing is actually interested in his thesis, it's just… the man is almost criminally boring.
Mu Qing tries his best to pay attention as he speaks, but he finds himself fighting to keep his eyes open. The guy's voice might as well be a monotone as he drones on and on without pause.
As the guy's lecture washes through his mind like white noise, the only thing Mu Qing can focus on is the way the guy pushes up his glasses, which seem to slip down the bridge of his nose every few minutes. Why does he have to use his middle finger? And even if he does have to, why can't he keep his palm open? Is he intentionally flipping Mu Qing the bird and telling him subtly to fuck off?
Thankfully, the emcee announces that the banquet will start soon and asks for everyone to take their seats. Mu Qing uses this chance to escape, saying that he needs to get back to his table.
Actually, he doesn't even know which table he's supposed to sit at.
He heads back out to the reception desk, hoping one of his aunts and uncles is still there to tell him. Or, better yet, he'll find the seating chart. That way, he won't have to meet whoever's next on their list of potential matches.
Before he gets through the ballroom doors, Feng Xin grabs his wrist and pulls him into a corner. Feng Xin is a sight for sore eyes and Mu Qing would be grateful to see him, except his brain is invaded—no, conquered—by the image of Feng Xin with that woman from before.
"Are you okay, Mu Qing?" Feng Xin asks, pulling Mu Qing back to reality.
Almost instinctively, Mu Qing straightens, tugging his shirt cuffs in what is very much not an attempt to cover up his jitteriness. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"The matchmaking…"
Mu Qing barely withholds a grimace. "Yes, thank you for going along with that. You didn't have to."
"And I didn't want to." Feng Xin huffs, taking a step closer to Mu Qing. "But you said to play it by ear, and I saw that you were really into it. Your uncle also literally pushed me at one of the women and—"
"It's okay. Let's just try and get through tonight. Thanks again for doing this."
"No problem," Feng Xin says shortly. He's certainly acting like there's a problem, though. "So we're really just going to play along? I know you want to please your family, Mu Qing, but is this the best way to do it?"
Damn, when did Feng Xin become so sensible?
Mu Qing presses his lips together, feeling pained. "We're just putting on a show, right? Just humouring them. They'll forget about it once the food is served."
Right then, Xiao Jiu trots over. "A'Qing, there you are. I've been looking all over for you. Here, let me take you to your table. And Feng Xin, you should go to yours too. We're starting soon!"
Xiao Jiu leads the way to one of the tables orbiting the main one, which is for the bride and groom and their immediate families. Mu Qing picks a seat whereby he's angled away from his grandmother's direct line of sight, his stomach churning.
Nearly the second he sits down, a man practically tumbles into his lap.
"Sorry, sorry," the man says, picking himself up and dusting his clothes off. "I'm such a klutz. Tripped over something."
Mu Qing opens his mouth to say it's fine, that he should be more careful. But Xiao Jiu speaks first, his voice booming.
"What great timing! A'Qing, this is Jiawei. Jiawei why don't you sit with A'Qing and you two can get to know each other better?" With that, Xiao Jiu walks off, winking at Mu Qing as he goes, leaving no doubt that Jiawei is another one of the blind dates arranged for Mu Qing this evening.
But unlike the other men, this one is easy to talk to. They find lots in common, jumping from one topic of conversation to the next without even finishing the previous one. Somehow, Mu Qing finds himself opening up without even meaning to, talking about things he's never even hinted at with people he's known for years. In fact, they only pause when Wen Xin and her husband make their grand entrance.
The bride and groom look stunning and blissful as they march in, romantic music playing in the background. Friends and siblings wielding party poppers unleash bits of confetti that shower on them, the coloured pieces getting into their hair and clothes but only making them smile brighter, laugh louder.
Wen Xin looks so happy, and Mu Qing's heart aches. He looks around the room to find his family, all cheering in celebration of this beautiful union. He sees Feng Xin, clapping enthusiastically, then turning to look at the woman next to him, answering a question she asked. He shifts his attention back to Jiawei, who behaves like he genuinely wants to bless Wen Xin and her husband a joyful marriage, even if he doesn't know them and wasn't attending this event because of them.
Jiawei is just such a kind, gentle, and sincere person. He is understanding and has a calming presence that Mu Qing kind of wants to bask in forever. Jiawei actually reminds him of Xie Lian, which is a strange thought.
As the huge platters of food are brought to the tables and quickly decimated, Mu Qing learns a lot about the man. Like how they actually volunteer at the same orphanage, but on different days. How they both enjoy watching wushu and lion dance competitions. How Jiawei actually learned to bake by watching the same videos he did.
More and more, it feels like Jiawei might just be the perfect man for him, if only on the surface. The thing is, it becomes increasingly clear that the man isn't over his ex yet. The thought makes Mu Qing's insides twist.
Nevertheless, Jiawei seems dedicated to the idea of starting something with Mu Qing, ignoring the unfinished business of his past relationship.
Before Jiawei can actually suggest a date, however, Mu Qing asks if they can have a talk outside. They're on the fourth dish at this point and Tang Jiu has taken the stage to sing a few songs. It's the best time to slip away for a private moment.
Out in the cocktail area, Mu Qing braces himself and questions Jiawei if he's really ready to move on. In no time, the other man is bawling, and Mu Qing is doing his best to dispense appropriate advice. Inasmuch as he can since he's never had much dating experience.
"Can I hug you?" Jiawei asks when his tears run out.
Barely after Mu Qing nods, Jiawei's hands are circling his waist, the man tucking his head on Mu Qing's shoulder.
He freezes unconsciously. He should probably soothe the guy. Pat his back or something. But the second he has that thought, the warmth of Jiawei's body disappears, ripped away by a furious Feng Xin.
"Hey, what do you fucking think you're doing?" Feng Xin looks and sounds combative, glaring at Jiawei like he did much more than hug Mu Qing. "That's my boyfriend, and I don't care about this matchmaking thing. You don't get to touch him like that if he doesn't want you to."
Then, all of a sudden, it's Feng Xin being pulled aside. Daxiong has shown up out of nowhere, shoving Feng Xin away and standing before Mu Qing as if to shelter the latter behind him.
"Man, chill out," Daxiong says. "We can all see that lover boy here has a tight ass, but all of us have an equal chance. The best man will win, right?" The way he turns and leers at Mu Qing makes it clear what he's thinking of winning.
"Watch your fucking mouth!" Feng Xin throws himself forwards, his fist already up and swinging.
But before the blow can land, Mu Qing swiftly sidesteps Daxiong, catching and twisting Feng Xin's arms behind him. He holds onto Feng Xin tight, his chest pressed flush to Feng Xin's back.
"Stop it! This is Xin meimei's wedding dinner !"
"Enough!" an authoritative voice travels to them. Mu Qing's grandmother's voice wasn't loud, but it held enough power to petrify them all as she walks leisurely over. "What is the meaning of this? This is not a clown show where you can make fools of yourselves."
Mu Qing blanches. He's never wanted to attract his grandmother's attention in any way, and this is just about the worst way he can have it. He lets go of Feng Xin immediately, as if the touch scalds his skin. Turning to his grandmother, he lowers his head and starts to apologise. "Grandmother, this isn't Feng Xin's fault. I—"
"No, Qing'er, this is her fault!" Feng Xin's loud accusation pierces the air like a siren. "You've always been so worried about not getting her validation, about her disliking you like she hated your father and sending you off. I've never seen you self-conscious before until you had to meet her. And it's because of her that you care so much about what your aunts and uncles think of you. So much so that you'd go along with their matchmaking when we're already dating!"
Mu Qing winces, and he doesn't even know which part of that is worse. That Feng Xin thinks he might go as far as to actually agree to a date one of these men or go even further because of his nosy relatives or Feng Xin's painfully accurate dissection of why exactly he's always been reserved with his family—because he's scared he'll be found lacking and be abandoned by his own kin.
Feng Xin angles towards him now, blatantly turning his back on the revered matriarch of the Wen family. He brushes gentle fingers across Mu Qing's face before reaching down for his hand, intertwining their fingers together.
"I know you wanted to keep things quiet since we're still starting out, but our lives have been inseparable for so long. Xie Lian and I were both here with you when your family came knocking. We know how different you are when they're around. And you don't deserve that. If they can't love you for who you are, then you're better off without them. You did just fine before they ever showed up!"
"And what makes you think I've ever thought lowly of him, young man, whoever his father is?"
Mu Qing's breath gets taken away as his grandmother starts to speak.
She steps forwards to move closer to Mu Qing. When she walks past Daxiong, she whacks her cane across his shins.
"You, get out of here." Her voice is icy as she glares at the man. "My grandson is to be respected. Our Mu Qing is not a commodity for you to objectify."
After Daxiong scrambles off, she says to Jiawei. "Clean yourself up. You can go back to the banquet. Mu Qing quite likes you, yes?"
She shifts her gaze back to Mu Qing, and it takes Mu Qing a long moment to realise that she's waiting for him to confirm it. He nods.
With Jiawei's departure, it's only Mu Qing, his grandmother, and Feng Xin left in the cocktail area. No one else is about, not the hotel staff or even the wedding guests moving to and from the restrooms.
A few more steps later, Mu Qing's grandmother stands before Feng Xin. She is much shorter than Feng Xin, but her bearing makes her loom larger.
"You're a ballsy one, I'll give you that. That boy Jinli chose could barely look me in the eye. Can you blame me for worrying whether he can provide for her?" She snorts.
"A'Qing." She turns to Mu Qing now. "Maybe I wasn't as warm to you as I should have been, but you kept yourself at arm's length too. Your mother's loss was as hard on me as I'm sure it was to you. Maybe she would never have gotten so sick if I hadn't chased her away. I don't want the same to happen with you. You won't run, will you?"
There's a lump in Mu Qing's throat and he can't speak past it. Feng Xin nudges him, helping him find his voice.
"I want to be part of this family," he says. Mu Qing really doesn't want to hold himself back anymore, too worried that he'll be thrown out at any moment, needing his family's approval too much.
Mu Qing wants to throw himself into the chaotic, lively mess that he's seen his family be. He's experienced how involved they are in each other's business and doesn't actually want it to end.
He would like not having to walk on eggshells around his grandmother, too. Though he doesn't think that will come as easily with her as the others.
"I don't know why you keep trying to act like a model child with me. Whatever merits you have, if any, have more to do with your mother and father than any of us. There's no reason you should listen if we give advice." She punctuates this with a bang of her cane. "Though you would probably do better in Wen Industries than that tiny firm you're at. Or start an actual business with your baking!"
"Oh, and don't let all this relationship nonsense interrupt a family event again. There are renowned guests invited and important business partners. Your aunts and uncles can butt into your love life when I'm not in attendance! And don't come crying to me if this one—" she points her cane at Feng Xin, uncaring of the rudeness of the gesture, "—ends up a useless husband! He seems a decent sort but slow on the uptake. Probably needs you to lead him by the nose to go anywhere."
Mu Qing doesn't know whether to laugh or to cry. This was the last thing he expected to come out of this wedding dinner. It's bizarre, but he can sense the love in his grandmother's behaviour. His chest has a lightness to it that he's only ever felt before with Feng Xin, and he thinks he might just float up to the ceiling. All he can really do is say, "Okay."
After the whole debacle, Mu Qing walks with his grandmother back into the ballroom. There, Feng Xin gets his seat changed so he can be beside Mu Qing for the rest of the night. Meanwhile, Mu Qing's aunts and uncles come by at various points, all mumbling and confused about why Mu Qing didn't just say he was dating Feng Xin. They make a very handsome couple, they all think so.
The festivities persist for a long time, stretching into the night. Sitting next to Feng Xin and having the freedom to act like a couple, despite it being strange to do so in front of so many people, makes the whole experience so much more bearable for Mu Qing.
He drinks too much, especially when Wen Xin and her husband come to toast with the occupants of the table. He and Feng Xin dance at one point. And the rest, well, he doesn't really remember.
It's past midnight when Feng Xin finally sends him home. Mu Qing is exhausted and sleepy, but he lingers in the car instead of going back up to his apartment.
"Thank you for coming tonight, at such short notice. For being there for me and dealing with my family's shit." Mu Qing leans over into Feng Xin's space as he speaks. When he gets close enough, he presses a kiss to Feng Xin's cheek.
In response, Feng Xin cradles Mu Qing's jaw, angling his face so that their mouths can meet. After a long, passionate kiss, Feng Xin says, "Well, in a few years, it'll be our family's shit."