Hate The Bright Moon Chapter 14

Chapter 17

Chi Huang didn’t sleep that night either. When Chen Shilü woke up in the middle of the night, he saw him staring at the fish tank in the living room again—in that regard, he was very much like a cat.

Too lazy to bother with his strange behavior, Chen Shilü went back to sleep. The next day, Chi Huang didn’t leave early; instead, he lingered from morning to afternoon, from afternoon to evening, only slowly departing after dinner.

It had been a long time since Chen Shilü had such an exhausting weekend. It wasn’t because he did too much physical labor, nor was it because Chi Huang disturbed him, but simply being around someone prevented him from getting proper rest. His personality wasn’t introverted, but his work involved interacting with too many people, requiring time alone to rebalance.

The workday was as busy as ever, and the repetitive days made time feel like it was passing twice as fast. An office worker’s life moved in seven-day cycles, and in the blink of an eye, it was Friday again.

Last week, he hadn’t rested well because of Chi Huang, so this week Chen Shilü planned to decline all invitations, wanting only a quiet, complete weekend alone.

Returning outside the Residential Complex in the evening, his heart tightened. He had developed a psychological shadow from Chi Huang’s sudden appearances.

Fortunately, no one was lurking outside the complex. Entering the complex, he first checked the benches under all the pavilions—no one. Chen Shilü finally relaxed.

He punched in the code for the building lock and went upstairs in a good mood, already planning how he would take a relaxing bath and what kind of movie he would watch that night.

His sweet dream was shattered the moment the elevator doors opened. Chi Huang was sitting right outside his apartment door. Seeing him through the gap in the elevator, he stood up and waved with a smile: “Hi, Chen Shilü.”

For a moment, Chen Shilü felt an urge to quickly close the elevator door and press the button for the first floor. But that was certainly not something a mature adult would do.

He stepped out of the elevator with a cold face, grabbed Chi Huang, and pulled him into the nearby fire escape, snapping, “Showing up at someone’s door without a word—are you a stalker?”

“You didn’t give me your home code, so I could only wait for you at the door.”

“…” It was pointless to reason with this person. Chen Shilü said coldly, “I didn’t plan on hosting you this week.”

“But you came back so early, you haven’t made plans with anyone, have you?”

“Because I’m tired and don’t want to be disturbed.”

“I won’t disturb you.”

“Your existence is a disturbance. Go home. Next time, contact me in advance to make plans, and we’ll go to a hotel.”

“Why? There’s no one else at your place, and you have three beds. If one gets dirty, we can sleep in the other two. It’s more convenient than a hotel.” Chi Huang grabbed Chen Shilü’s tie and pulled him closer. “You’re even wearing a tie today.” He wrapped the tie around Chen Shilü’s neck, hooked his arm around it, and kissed him up close.

Chen Shilü forcefully shoved him against the wall: “Always the same tricks… Hiss…”

Thanks to Chen Shilü’s careful instruction last week, Chi Huang, the excellent student, had quickly mastered all the sensitive spots on his body and immediately learned to apply that knowledge skillfully. Now, his other hand vigorously kneaded Chen Shilü’s waist. The shirt rustled against his skin, and Chi Huang bit his earlobe, his hot, damp breath drilling into Chen Shilü’s ear canal.

Chen Shilü immediately felt his legs weaken, yet he still insisted, “…All cheap tricks.”

“Director Chen wants to try new tricks? How about right here in the stairwell?”

“…You wouldn’t dare!”

“Worst case, you call the police. I get locked up for a year or two for indecent exposure. It doesn’t matter where I stay anyway.” Chi Huang quickly changed his tone. “Or you open the door and let me in, and I’ll be good and obedient.”

When Chen Shilü opened the door, Chi Huang’s hand was still on his waist, as if genuinely afraid he would go back on his word.

This lunatic.

Could he actually be mentally ill? What kind of trouble had he gotten himself into? Chen Shilü thought. He couldn’t possibly have to move and run away just to avoid this psycho; the cost would be far too great.

As soon as Chi Huang entered the house, he seemed instantly cured, returning to normal. He first ran to look at the fish tank, then asked Chen Shilü if he had eaten.

Chen Shilü had eaten out, and Chi Huang didn’t say anything, ordering takeout for himself.

Chen Shilü was too exhausted to deal with Chi Huang. Following his original plan, he first drew himself a comfortable hot bath. When he came out, Chi Huang had finished his dinner and, quite properly, had cleaned up all the trash.

Chen Shilü brought over the remaining champagne, lowered the projector screen, turned off the lights, and started the art film he had planned earlier.

Chi Huang went to shower.

The film had just started when Chi Huang came out of the shower. He was wearing a black, fitted tank top and boxer briefs—his own clothes. Chen Shilü hadn’t seen him carrying anything earlier, but thinking back, his pants pocket seemed to have been bulging. His overnight “gear” must have been stuffed in his pocket.

Normally, his loose clothing hid it, but now his physique was on full display.

He had plenty of chest and abdominal muscles, and his arms and thighs weren’t slender, but put together, he was a long, lean figure that was simply pleasant to look at.

He silently walked over, picked up Chen Shilü’s glass, and poured some wine.

Chen Shilü pressed his hand over the rim of the glass: “If you want a drink, get another glass.”

Chi Huang had to stand up again, complaining, “Such a hassle. We’ve kissed so many times, what’s the big deal about drinking from your glass?”

It wasn’t a big deal. It was just that sharing a glass was a bit too intimate compared to kissing and sleeping together, but someone like Chi Huang would certainly be oblivious to that. Chen Shilü was too lazy to explain.

Half a bottle of champagne later, Chi Huang was inching closer and closer. Chen Shilü had nowhere left to retreat, squeezed into the corner of the sofa, and finally erupted: “Move over.”

“It’s comfortable leaning on you.”

“Of course, it is for you. You’re practically lying on top of me. You’re heavy.”

Chi Huang scoffed, “You didn’t complain about the weight in bed.”

“…”

Chi Huang stretched out his arm and pulled Chen Shilü into his embrace, resting his arm on his shoulder: “You lean on me then.”

Chen Shilü shook off his arm: “Can’t we just sit properly and watch the movie?”

“This lousy movie is boring.” Chi Huang reached for Chen Shilü’s arm, which was also avoided. After several attempts, Chi Huang became quite annoyed. “Chen Shilü, are you the type who can’t have physical contact unless it leads to sex?”

“Do you have ADHD?”

“Of course not. I just want to kiss you.”

“Wait until I finish the movie…”

Clearly, Chi Huang couldn’t wait. His calf, dangling off the sofa, started swinging. Chi Huang knelt on the sofa with one leg, grabbed Chen Shilü’s ankle, and looked down at him, brushing back his hair: “Aren’t I better looking than the movie?”

Chen Shilü pulled his foot free and stepped on Chi Huang’s arrogant face: “Stop talking nonsense…”

Lying back alone in his bedroom, Chen Shilü thought that people really are easily compromised by pleasure. His and Chi Huang’s bodies were becoming more and more compatible. He was even starting to think that having such a handsome, well-built guy come over on the weekend to satisfy him wasn’t so bad after all.

He noticed that Chi Huang’s clinginess and audacity only lasted until he achieved his goal. Once satisfied, he could be like a cat, staying quietly in a corner without much presence.

On Saturday, Chen Shilü received some urgent work to handle. He took out his laptop, and Chi Huang lay on the sofa, looking at his phone and dozing, not disturbing him.

During a break from work, Chen Shilü asked him, “How long are you planning to stay at my place?”

Chi Huang finally rolled over, facing Chen Shilü at the desk: “How long are you planning to let me stay?”

“I’m going to the gym tomorrow morning, and I’m going out to take photos for inspiration in the afternoon.”

“Go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.”

There was no way he would leave someone he barely knew alone in his house: “What I mean is, you need to leave by tomorrow morning at the latest.”

He was prepared for Chi Huang to haggle, but unexpectedly, he agreed readily, then asked, “You live in such a big house alone. Isn’t it nice to have me keep you company?”

“I don’t need it.”

“You weren’t saying that last night. Last night, you were tightly wrapped around my waist with your legs, unwilling to let go.”

Chen Shilü closed his laptop: “If you bring that up again, there won’t be a next time.”

Chi Huang raised an eyebrow: “Can you afford that? You’re someone who has absolutely no resistance to physical pleasure.”

“You can try me.”

Just as they were trading barbs, the doorbell suddenly rang loudly.

Both of them stopped talking and exchanged glances. Chen Shilü was more confused; he hadn’t invited anyone over.

The doorbell stopped, and Chen Shilü’s phone rang. It was Fu Lei.

Fu Lei asked Chen Shilü where he was, saying he was outside his door, dropping off some fruit. Before Chen Shilü could say anything, Chi Huang took it upon himself to open the door.

Fu Lei, holding his phone, ignored Chen Shilü on the other end of the line. He was so surprised his mouth was slightly agape, staring wide-eyed at Chi Huang in the doorway.

Chen Shilü didn’t know why Chi Huang insisted on opening the door and making things awkward for everyone. He could only pull him aside, clear the doorway, and tell Fu Lei to come in.

Fu Lei carried several foam boxes upstairs, his forehead sweating. He explained his purpose somewhat awkwardly: “A client sent several large boxes, and this stuff can’t be stored long, so I brought some over for you. I thought you weren’t home and was going to leave it by the door.” He looked at Chi Huang again, feeling vaguely that he looked familiar, suspecting he was a celebrity or internet personality he had seen on screen. He asked Chen Shilü, “This is…”

“Take a rest first. I’ll get you a glass of water,” Chen Shilü interrupted his question with a definitive tone.

Sitting on the sofa, Fu Lei frequently glanced at Chi Huang, feeling like the person was right on the edge of his memory, ready to be recalled. At the same time, he was a little annoyed. When did Chen Shilü hook up with someone like this, and even bring him home? He claimed he didn’t bring casual flings home—did being handsome make him an exception? That was too unprincipled.

Chi Huang proactively walked up to Fu Lei and started a conversation: “We’ve met. Don’t you remember?”

“We have?”

“At the Bar.” Seeing his confused look, Chi Huang wondered if this guy had face blindness and added, “The time Chen Shilü was secretly filming.”

“Oh!” Fu Lei suddenly realized. “You’re that, that…”

“My name is Chi Huang.” He extended his hand to Fu Lei.

Fu Lei shook his hand and introduced himself. For a moment, his mind was in turmoil. Chen Shilü really had hooked up with this person. When did this happen? Why didn’t he know anything about it?

What surprised him even more was when Chi Huang pulled out his phone: “Want to add me as a friend?”

“Huh?”

“We’re both Chen Shilü’s friends, so let’s get acquainted,” he said, smiling at Fu Lei.