Chapter 32 I got promoted but was caught kissing her

The next morning, 

Xi Qing and Jing Heheng were having breakfast when Jing Zhengxuan slumped into his seat with a gloomy face. The butler hurriedly arranged for his meal.

Jing Heheng leisurely set down his teacup and raised an eyebrow with a cold snort. "Oh? What brings you here?"

Noticing Jing Zhengxuan’s expression, Xi Qing shot her husband a warning look before asking with concern, "Why are you back? Did you two argue?"

Jing Zhengxuan shot his father a cold glance, ignoring the sarcasm, and turned to Xi Qing. "Nothing, just came back to get something."

"Get what?" Xi Qing pressed, seeing his sullen demeanor.

Jing Zhengxuan lowered his head, stirring his bowl absentmindedly. "It's a secret."

Jing Heheng scoffed and resumed eating.

Xi Qing frowned, watching her son’s distracted state with worry.

---

At ten in the morning, Huaixu woke up to sunlight streaming through the curtains, warming him as he stretched lazily. But when he turned, the other side of the bed was empty.

He blinked, unaccustomed to it.

Ever since coming home for the holidays, he had always woken up in Jing Zhengxuan’s arms—without fail.

Assuming Jing Zhengxuan had gone to the bathroom, Huaixu waited a while, but when he didn’t return, he grew uneasy and got up to look for him.

Knocking yielded no response.

Pushing the door open, he found the room empty.

Frowning, he guessed Jing Zhengxuan might be in the kitchen—maybe breakfast was taking longer today. It had happened before.

After a quick wash, Huaixu headed to the dining room, where the table was set with the usual breakfast Jing Zhengxuan made.

But there was no sign of him.

Puzzled, Huaixu checked the kitchen—still nothing.

Just as he was about to pull out his phone, the butler spotted him. "Huaixu, are you looking for Zhengxuan?"

"Yeah, have you seen him?"

"He left after making breakfast for you. Told me to remind you to eat on time."

"Thanks."

Maybe something came up, Huaixu thought as he ate. The food tasted just like Jing Zhengxuan’s cooking—perfect as always.

Between bites, he messaged Jing Zhengxuan.

[☀️]: You went back?
[Jing Zhengxuan]: Yeah.
[☀️]: When are you coming over?
[Jing Zhengxuan]: I’m not.
[☀️]: Not coming?
[☀️]: Why?

The food in his mouth turned dry. Huaixu gulped some water before swallowing.

He stared at the chat, watching "[Typing...]" appear and disappear for a long time before finally getting a reply—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: It’s nothing.

Huaixu frowned at the two words that had taken forever to appear.

[☀️]: Nothing?
[☀️]: Then why aren’t you coming?

Another long pause before—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: Really, it’s nothing. I just need to stay away for now—since you told me to.

Huaixu: "..."

He didn’t reply, angrily shoveling food into his mouth.

So now he was throwing a tantrum? Huaixu fumed. Fine, stay gone. Less annoyance in his face every day.

With that thought, he ignored Jing Zhengxuan the entire day—even rejecting his invites to play online Three Kingdoms Kill.

If he wanted distance, then distance it would be.

Before bed, he even told the butler not to let Jing Zhengxuan in anymore.

"Is this really okay?" The butler hesitated. He’d practically watched both boys grow up—what was going on?

Huaixu insisted. "Just do as I say."

---

Huaixu enjoyed his freedom. Without Jing Zhengxuan glued to him, he could focus on many things.

First, he hid that misleading "educational" film in the home theater. His mom sometimes watched movies there—better she didn’t stumble upon that.

Then he stayed to watch medical documentaries, mostly live surgical recordings, taking notes while snacking.

One bite in, the familiar taste reminded him of who made the snacks.

Most of his snacks were homemade by Jing Zhengxuan, who seemed born to cook—everything he made was delicious.

Munching away, Huaixu suddenly felt cold. He turned up the heater, but even wrapped in a blanket, the chill lingered.

Maybe it was from sitting too long. He left for the gym.

Since it was chilly outside, he opted for the treadmill, warming up after a brisk walk.

Next, he headed to the study.

A large floor-to-ceiling window bathed the room in sunlight. Lounging on the sofa, book in hand, he felt utterly content.

Yet it was too quiet. He needed sound.

He turned on some music.

Reading in the sun with music—life couldn’t get better.

But an inexplicable emptiness nagged at him. He forced himself into the book’s world.

A message popped up—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: I miss you.

Huaixu rolled his eyes and replied, "Mm."

Another message—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: Don’t you miss me?

Huaixu bit his lip and set the phone aside.

So tough earlier, huh?

If he was so bold, he shouldn’t be texting either.

He tried reading again, but his eyes kept flicking to the phone, as if waiting.

Soon, it rang.

Huaixu’s lips twitched upward as he lazily picked it up—a video call from Jing Zhengxuan.

He pressed Decline.

Wanted distance? Then no video calls.

The moment he hung up, another message came—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: ? Huaixu?
[Jing Zhengxuan]: Why’d you reject it?

Huaixu’s eyes curved slightly. Outside, flowers bloomed beautifully, and the song switched to an upbeat love tune.

The emptiness in his chest vanished.

He typed back—

[☀️]: Helping you stay away.

"[Typing...]" lingered before—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: [Puppy eyes]
[Jing Zhengxuan]: You know that’s not what I meant.

Huaixu raised an eyebrow.

[☀️]: Do I? What did you mean?

A long pause, then—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: Huaixu, do you hate me?

Huaixu sat up straight, baffled. What kind of act was this?

After a moment, he replied—

[☀️]: What do you think?

The response came fast—

[Jing Zhengxuan]: I think… you hate me.

Huaixu nearly laughed in frustration.

Hate?

Who would do those things with someone they hated?

Was Jing Zhengxuan playing dumb on purpose?

He decided to play along—

[☀️]: Yeah. I do hate you.

He never lied—but texting wasn’t the same as face-to-face. And since he was just echoing Jing Zhengxuan, it didn’t count.

No reply came. Huaixu pouted and went back to reading.

But now, the words blurred before his eyes. His chest felt oddly tight.

Rubbing his temples, he checked his phone—still nothing.

Annoyed, he glanced at the time—only 3 PM. Why was the day dragging?

Normally, time flew for Huaixu. Now, it crawled like a 72-hour day.

He’d done so much—how was it only afternoon?

Grumpily, he got up—just as his phone rang.

His lips curled unconsciously.

Of course Jing Zhengxuan couldn’t hold back. Trying to play hard to get? Please.

But when he checked the caller ID, his smile dropped.

It was Jing Zhengxuan’s mom.

He answered.

"Huaixu? Are—are you home?" Xi Qing’s voice was frantic, almost panicked.

Huaixu tensed. "Auntie, what’s wrong?"

"Zhengxuan—he locked himself in his room. He won’t answer, no matter how much I knock. He’s been off since he got back—I’m scared he’ll do what he did as a kid—"

Huaixu’s heart lurched.

In elementary school, Jing Zhengxuan had once thrown a fit when Huaixu played with others. Huaixu threatened to cut ties, and Jing Zhengxuan locked himself in his room, unresponsive.

When the adults finally broke in, the sight horrified them.

Young Jing Zhengxuan lay on the floor, eyes closed, lips wet, an empty pill bottle in his limp hand—scattered tablets everywhere.

The implication was clear. Xi Qing had fainted on the spot.

Huaixu hadn’t known back then—only overhearing the story years later.

In his memory, he’d thought Jing Zhengxuan was just seriously ill. He’d even visited the hospital, heart softening at his friend’s gaunt face, promising they’d always be "number one best friends."

That single sentence had brought color back to Jing Zhengxuan’s cheeks. He’d started cooperating with treatment, eating properly again.

Now, that terrifying memory resurfaced.

Was Jing Zhengxuan overdosing again?!

Was he insane?!

Huaixu was the one who’d said "I hate you"!

Without another word, Huaixu bolted to the Jing residence, sprinting straight to the third floor. Gasping for breath, he pounded on Jing Zhengxuan’s door, voice frantic—even regretful.

"Jing Zhengxuan! Open the door!"

Beside him, Xi Qing looked pale.

She’d noticed Jing Zhengxuan’s mood earlier but got distracted by guests. When she finally knocked, there was no answer.

The memory of that day flooded back. She’d called for the spare key—but the lock wouldn’t budge.

In panic, she’d called Huaixu.

If Jing Zhengxuan was upset, 90% of the time, it was because of Huaixu—the remaining 10% was Huaixu-related.

She knew her son well.

The moment Huaixu arrived, the door swung open—an arm yanking him inside. Xi Qing barely caught a glimpse of Jing Zhengxuan’s dark expression before the door shut.

Relieved yet still worried, she banged on the door. "Jing Zhengxuan! That’s Huaixu! Open up!"

A cold voice came through. "Mom, don’t interfere."

Xi Qing fumed. "Thirty minutes—both of you better be downstairs. Or else."

Inside, Jing Zhengxuan leaned against the door, grumbling, "Fine."

Then he looked down at Huaixu, expression instantly softening. "I thought you’d abandoned me."

Huaixu scanned the room—no signs of distress except Jing Zhengxuan’s furrowed brow.

He’d been tricked.

"You faked it?! Do you know how worried Auntie was?"

Jing Zhengxuan nuzzled Huaixu’s forehead, placing his hand over his own heart. "I am sick. Here—it aches. I’m going crazy."

Huaixu: "..."

His palm pressed against firm pectorals, feeling the rapid heartbeat beneath. Even through fabric, the skin burned hot.

Flushing, Huaixu tried pulling away, but Jing Zhengxuan held tight.

"What ‘sickness’?" he muttered.

Jing Zhengxuan sighed dramatically. "Lovesickness."

Huaixu stiffened.

So this was a ploy to lure him here.

"Let go," he said flatly.

Jing Zhengxuan gazed into his eyes, then suddenly hugged him, burying his face in Huaixu’s neck, inhaling deeply. "It’s true. I’m dying to see you."

Huaixu stood rigid. "Weren’t you the one avoiding me?"

Hearing the softening tone, Jing Zhengxuan guided Huaixu’s arms around his waist. "Why won’t you let me kiss or touch you?"

Huaixu: "..."

"You’re doing it right now."

"I thought you hated me," Jing Zhengxuan murmured, nuzzling his neck. Warm droplets dampened Huaixu’s collar. "Huaixu… do you like me?"

Jing Zhengxuan was crying?!

Huaixu’s heart melted. Eyes closed, he gently patted Jing Zhengxuan’s back, cheeks pink. "...Yeah."

"Hm? What?" Jing Zhengxuan pulled back, eyes gleaming. "Say it again?"

Huaixu bit his lip, then met his gaze. "I like you."

"Like what?" Jing Zhengxuan grinned, shaking him lightly.

Blushing, Huaixu interlaced his fingers, thumbs fidgeting. Finally, he huffed, "Forget it if you didn’t hear."

He turned to leave, but Jing Zhengxuan yanked him back, whispering in his ear, "I heard. You like me, right?"

Huaixu’s ears burned. He nodded. "Mm."

Jing Zhengxuan hugged him tighter. "Then… since we like each other, can we be together now? I can’t wait anymore."

Huaixu recalled the hollow hours without Jing Zhengxuan—how time dragged, how cold he’d felt.

He’d missed him too.

Blushing harder, he almost nodded—but hesitated. If they got together, Jing Zhengxuan might get even bolder. His mom would notice.

He wanted to tell her properly—first about his sexuality, then about Jing Zhengxuan.

Gathering his resolve, Huaixu looked up. "Promise you’ll listen to me? No recklessness?"

Jing Zhengxuan blinked. "What counts as ‘reckless’?"

Memories of the home theater flooded back. Huaixu’s face burned. "You know… doing that anywhere."

Jing Zhengxuan smirked, raising three fingers. "I promise—no inappropriate activities."

(But kissing doesn’t count.)

Huaixu hesitated, then mumbled, "…Okay."

Jing Zhengxuan beamed, lifting Huaixu and spinning him around. "You said yes! I’m your boyfriend now! You don’t know how long I’ve waited!"

Huaixu clung to his neck, laughing. "How long?"

Setting him down gently, Jing Zhengxuan grinned. "That’s a secret."

Huaixu gaped, then smacked his shoulder. "We just got together, and you’re keeping secrets?!"

Jing Zhengxuan chuckled, taking his hand. "You’ll find out later. Let’s go home."

Huaixu frowned. "This is your home."

Jing Zhengxuan kissed his hand. "Home is wherever you are."

---

After getting together, Jing Zhengxuan stuck to Huaixu even more—but kept his promise to behave. Huaixu relaxed.

One afternoon, as Huaixu lounged on the sofa, Jing Zhengxuan sat on the floor, holding his hand. "Shouldn’t we do couple things?"

Huaixu’s heart skipped. "Like… what?"

Jing Zhengxuan kissed his cheek. "Matching profile pics. A relationship post."

Huaixu: "..."

(Wow. And here I thought he meant something else.)

Remembering Shu Jinwei’s words, Huaixu decided to test him. "Aren’t we already using matching pics?"

Jing Zhengxuan’s hand stilled. "When did you notice?"

Huaixu: "..."

So it was intentional?!

Shu Jinwei’s gaydar was supernatural.

Smug, Huaixu lifted his chin. "Ages ago."

Jing Zhengxuan climbed onto the sofa, caging him in. "You knew all this time and still made me wait?"

Huaixu’s lips twitched. If he’d known earlier, he’d have run far away—none of this would’ve happened.

But he couldn’t admit that.

He pushed at Jing Zhengxuan. "You never said! How was I supposed to know?"

Jing Zhengxuan nuzzled his nose. "After that ‘educational’ film, I didn’t dare."

Huaixu: "..."

Would that movie ever stop haunting him?

Jing Zhengxuan kissed him softly. "The old ones were too subtle, right?"

Huaixu nodded. "Way too subtle."

(So subtle even Shu Jinwei’s hint didn’t help.)

"Can we…" Jing Zhengxuan murmured between kisses, "pick something obvious?"

Dazed, Huaixu agreed.

Jing Zhengxuan grinned, sending him a photo—the lopsided snowman they’d built on the day of his confession.

Huaixu grimaced. "It’s so ugly."

Jing Zhengxuan traced his hand, smiling. "But it’s ours. Unique."

The memory warmed Huaixu’s heart.

So they updated their profile pics—each showing half of the snowman, with faint carvings: [HX] on Jing Zhengxuan’s side, [JZX] on Huaixu’s.

As for the relationship post—Huaixu decided to hold off. Jing Zhengxuan obeyed.

---

On a date later, as they walked hand-in-hand, Huaixu excitedly discussed a movie—until Jing Zhengxuan suddenly kissed him.

Just a peck.

But then—

"Huaixu? You and… Zhengxuan?"

Huaixu turned.

His mother stood there, stunned.

---

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