*****
As they got into the car, Zi realized that Mr. Xián was more drunk than he had thought. Mr. Xián stumbled into the passenger seat, laughing and trying to put his seatbelt on, but failing miserably.
Zi chuckled and helped Mr. Xián buckle up. "I think I should drive," he said, smiling.
Mr. Xián nodded, his eyes half-closed. "Yeah, good idea...don't know how I'd drive..."
Zi drove carefully, making sure Mr. Xián was safe. When they arrived at Zi's house, his mother was surprised to see Mr. Xián in such a state.
"Let him rest in your room," she said, concern etched on her face. "We'll get him to bed."
Zi nodded, and together, they helped Mr. Xián stumble into the house and up to Zi's room. Mr. Xián was mumbling incoherently, but Zi's mother just smiled.
As they laid Mr. Xián down on the bed, Zi couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He looked at Mr. Xián, who was now fast asleep, and smiled.
Zi's mother smiled and asked, "Are you both okay?"
Zi nodded, "Yes, Maa. We're fine."
His mother nodded, "Okay, I'll rest too then. Goodnight, dear."
Zi smiled and replied, "Okay, goodnight. Love you, Maa."
With that, Zi's mother headed to her room, leaving Zi alone with the sleeping Mr. Xián. Zi looked at Mr. Xián, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. He gently tucked the blanket around Mr. Xián and whispered, "Goodnight."
*****
As Zi tucked the blanket around Mr. Xián, he suddenly felt a strong grip on his hand. Mr. Xián's eyes fluttered open, and he pulled Zi towards him. Zi's heart skipped a beat as he felt himself being drawn closer to Mr. Xián's face.
Their lips were mere inches apart, and Zi could feel Mr. Xián's warm breath on his skin. For a moment, time seemed to freeze, and all that existed was the tension between them.
Zi's heart was racing, and he wasn't sure what to do next. Would Mr. Xián kiss him, or would he let go? The anticipation was almost too much to bear...
"Ah, Zi...please don't leave me like how he left me," Mr. Xián whispered, his voice filled with a deep sadness. His eyes, though glassy from the alcohol, seemed to hold a genuine plea.
Zi's heart ached at the desperation in Mr. Xián's voice. He gently stroked Mr. Xián's hair, trying to comfort him. "I'm here, Mr. Xián. I won't leave you," he said softly.
Mr. Xián's grip on Zi's hand tightened, and he leaned his head against Zi's chest, mumbling incoherently about Lǐ Wén. Zi held him close, feeling a mix of emotions as he tried to soothe Mr. Xián's pain.
LZi lay down on his bed, and Mr. Xián snuggled up beside him, wrapping his arms around Zi's waist. Zi felt a sense of comfort and closeness as Mr. Xián held him tight, his breathing slow and steady.
As they lay there, Zi couldn't help but feel a deep connection to Mr. Xián. Despite the circumstances, Zi felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be. He gently stroked Mr. Xián's hair, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.
As the night wore on, Zi drifted off to sleep, surrounded by Mr. Xián's warmth and the sound of his gentle snores. The darkness of the room enveloped them, and all that was left was the gentle rhythm of their breathing...
As Zi lay there, he couldn't help but wonder if Mr. Xián's actions were driven by genuine feelings or just a sense of comfort and gratitude. Did Mr. Xián truly care for him, or was it just the presence of someone who was helping him heal?
But Zi pushed the thoughts aside, reminding himself that he was just repaying a debt of kindness. Mr. Xián had helped him in his time of need, and now he was returning the favor. Maybe it was just a simple case of mutual support and friendship.
With that thought, Zi let go of his doubts and let sleep wash over him, the warmth of Mr. Xián's body a soothing presence beside him.
*****
Zi woke up to an empty bed, and his heart skipped a beat as he realized Mr. Xián was no longer beside him. He quickly sat up and looked around the room, but there was no sign of Mr. Xián.
Panicked, Zi threw off the covers and rushed out of his room, calling out for Mr. Xián as he hurried to the living room. "Mr. Xián?!"
Zi's relief turned to surprise as he saw Mr. Xián and his mother cooking together in the kitchen, laughing and chatting like old friends. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the air, making Zi's stomach growl with hunger.
His mother caught his eye and smiled warmly. "Good morning, Zei Zei! You're awake," she said, beaming with joy.
Mr. Xián turned around, a spatula in hand, and smiled at Zi. "Good morning," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Zi's mother gestured to the kitchen. "Mr. Xián is quite the expert in cooking, it seems. We've had a lot of fun cooking together."
Zi's eyes widened in surprise as he watched Mr. Xián expertly flip an omelette. He couldn't help but feel a sense of delight at seeing Mr. Xián in a new light.
Zi's smile grew as he watched his mother laugh and joke with Mr. Xián. It had been a long time since he'd seen his mother so carefree and happy. The death of his father had left a void in their lives, and Zi's mother had been struggling to cope.
But now, as he watched her smile and chat with Mr. Xián, Zi felt a sense of gratitude towards him. Mr. Xián seemed to be bringing joy and light back into their lives, and Zi felt his heart warm up to him even more.
He walked over to the kitchen and stand in the corner, watching as Mr. Xián expertly plated their breakfast. "Smells amazing," Zi said, his stomach growling in anticipation.
*****
As they sat down to eat, the delicious aromas filled the air, and Zi's stomach growled in anticipation. Mr. Xián and Mrs. Chen chatted enthusiastically about their cooking plans for the next time.
"I think we should make some dumplings next time," Mr. Xián suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Mrs. Chen nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, that's a great idea! I've been wanting to try out a new dumpling recipe. We can make some pork and vegetable ones."
Zi listened to their conversation, feeling grateful for the warm and lively atmosphere that Mr. Xián had brought into their home. As they ate, the three of them enjoyed each other's company, savoring the delicious food and the pleasant conversation.
*****
"I should learn more dishes from my future son-in-law," she said with a smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Zi's eyes widened in shock as his mother's words hung in the air
Mr. Xián and Mrs. Chen burst out laughing, their joy infectious. Zi's face turned bright red as he struggled to process the implication. He looked like a deer caught in the headlights, his expression a mix of shock, embarrassment, and confusion.
Even if an artist were to try and capture Zi's facial expression at that moment, they wouldn't be able to do it justice. Zi's emotions were written all over his face, and it was clear that he was completely taken aback by his mother's words.
*****
Zi's mind was racing with questions. Why did his mother say that? And why did Mr. Xián laugh along with her? Did they have some kind of understanding or agreement that Zi wasn't privy to?
A nagging feeling crept into Zi's mind that maybe Mr. Xián and his mother had discussed something behind his back. The thought made Zi feel a bit uneasy and left him wondering what exactly was going on.
As he glanced at Mr. Xián, he caught him exchanging a knowing glance with his mother. The air seemed to be filled with unspoken words, leaving Zi feeling even more perplexed.