Hate The Bright Moon Chapter 1
by“Your phone, hand it over!” A few young men stood in front of Chen Shilü. The guy with Dreadlocks pointed at his nose. “You look like a decent person, but are you a damn pervert, secretly filming girls? Delete the photos right now in front of me, or this isn’t over.”
“I wasn’t secretly filming anyone. This is a public place, if you…”
Before Chen Shilü could finish, Fu Lei pulled him aside, his muscular body stepping forward. “Who was secretly filming? Who’s the pervert? I’m warning you, you little brat, clean up your mouth.”
“If he wasn’t filming, does he dare to take out his phone and let us see?”
“You say look, and we look? Who the hell are you? My friend would never take pictures of women. I’m telling you, if you want to show off and act tough in front of a girl, you’ve picked the wrong target. Do you believe I’ll beat you up?”
“So secretly filming is justified now? Go on, hit me! Come on, hit me right here!” Dreadlocks, having his true intentions exposed, became enraged and kept pointing at his chest.
The Bar owner saw the conflict brewing and rushed over to ask what happened. He first said to Chen Shilü, “I can tell you’re not that kind of person, sir. How about just showing him your phone?”
Chen Shilü disliked this attempt to Mediate and was firm. “Checking someone else’s phone is an invasion of privacy. I was taking photos in a public place. If you insist, you can pull up the bar’s Surveillance footage.”
The owner was rebuffed, so he turned to Dreadlocks. “He has a point. This is a public place; taking photos is allowed, it’s not Secretly filming.”
“You say it’s not, so it’s not? Did she agree to be photographed? Do you understand Portrait Rights?” Since Chen Shilü admitted to taking photos, Dreadlocks finally seized on something. He bypassed the owner and approached Chen Shilü. “I told you to hand over your phone and delete the photos. Don’t push your luck.” As he spoke, he tried to reach out and snatch Chen Shilü’s phone.
“What are you doing? Where are you putting your paws?” Fu Lei saw the guy was about to touch Chen Shilü and shoved him, causing him to stumble and knock over the wine bottles on the table.
This only added fuel to the fire. Blondie rushed forward. “What, you’re hitting people now?”
“You little chicks, I can take on ten of you.” Fu Lei was all talk and action, pushing Blondie into a stagger as well.
Dreadlocks stood up and came at them with a raised fist.
The punch was originally aimed at Fu Lei, but Chen Shilü, seeing that a real fight was about to break out and worried about the consequences, stepped in front. He couldn’t dodge in time and took the punch squarely to the face.
Seeing Chen Shilü get hit, Fu Lei rolled up his sleeves, ready to retaliate, but Chen Shilü quickly held him back.
Just as chaos erupted, Police Officers from the nearby Police Station arrived. “What’s going on? What’s going on? Fighting? Come on, everyone, back to the station with me.”
The owner quickly interjected, “No fighting, no fighting, just a misunderstanding. How about this: let’s go to my office and clear things up properly.”
The owner’s office and storage room on the second floor was packed with people from both sides and the two Police Officers.
“Alright, tell us what happened,” one Police Officer said.
The owner recounted the entire sequence of events.
After listening, the Police Officer extended his hand to Chen Shilü. “Hand over your phone.”
Chen Shilü didn’t move. “Do you have a search warrant? Without one, you have no right to check a citizen’s phone.”
He looked refined and educated, but unexpectedly he was quite confrontational. The Police Officer patiently said, “We just want to clear this up quickly and not waste everyone’s time. Since you insist, as a suspect of Secretly filming, you’ll have to come back to the station with us to explain slowly.”
The owner tried to Mediate, persuading him, “The police just need a look, and they can clear your name. Don’t you trust the police?”
“I think he’s feeling guilty. This just proves he was Secretly filming,” Dreadlocks chimed in.
Chen Shilü wasn’t someone who would stubbornly resist to the end. At this point, though annoyed, he had to prove his innocence. He took out his phone, opened the photo album, and handed it to the police.
The police tapped into it. The latest photo was indeed of the interior of the Bar.
The lively, noisy stage, the crowded bar counter, and the brilliant colored lights created a smoky, diffused effect. People were drunk and reveling, appearing almost frantic. However, in the dark corner of the other half of the photo, untouched by the rotating spotlights, a young man with a wolf-tail haircut quietly held a wine glass, looking desolate and lonely, a stark contrast to the scene. He also seemed out of place among Dreadlocks and Blondie, his drinking and rowdy companions.
The contrast between light and shadow, motion and stillness, the structured composition, and the prominent subject—it wasn’t some lewd Secretly filming, but rather a piece of aesthetically pleasing photography.
And the supposed “victim” girl was completely obscured by her companion’s figure and did not appear in the photo at all.
The Police Officer said, “You’ve seen the photo. He wasn’t Secretly filming. You guys were wrong. Hurry up and apologize and ask him not to pursue this.”
Dreadlocks didn’t believe it. “He definitely deleted them when the police arrived. Check his ‘Recently Deleted’ folder.”
The Police Officer had no choice but to check the “Recently Deleted” folder. After flipping through a few shots, they were all different angles of the same photo. It seemed the photographer had taken many shots to capture that one moment. Before that, the photos were from other dates.
The Police Officer handed the phone back to Chen Shilü and told Dreadlocks, “Young man, stop being stubborn. Go apologize…”
Dreadlocks felt humiliated. He distinctly remembered this man flashing his light at them. Without thinking, he snatched the phone from the Police Officer’s hand and frantically scrolled forward.
Before anyone could react, the photo under his fingertip changed to a picture of a naked man, muscular and exuding male hormones that practically spilled off the screen.
Dreadlocks finally had his evidence. “Stuff like this on your phone, and you still say you’re not a pervert?” Several subsequent photos were the same image.
Silence fell over the room.
Chen Shilü showed no sign of shame, only coldly ordered, “Give me my phone.”
The Police Officer reprimanded, “Give him back his phone. If you keep causing trouble, you’ll be charged with provoking a disturbance, understand?”
Not only had Dreadlocks failed to stand up for the girl, but he had now become the troublemaker. He had tried to steal a chicken and ended up losing the rice, leaving him extremely frustrated.
Suddenly, a thought struck him. He clutched the phone and quickly walked to the door, addressing the subject of the photo—the young man who had been leaning against the doorframe playing on his phone the whole time. “This guy is a damn queer. He wasn’t Secretly filming Xiao Ling; he was Secretly filming you, Chi Huang.” He held the phone screen up to Chi Huang’s eyes.
Chi Huang glanced at the photo, then looked up toward Chen Shilü. His expression was obscured by his somewhat long bangs, but his fair lower face and well-defined lips were visible.
“Isn’t that absolutely disgusting?” Dreadlocks provoked him.
“It’s a pretty good shot,” Chi Huang said, his voice lazy and detached. He even advised his companion, “Being queer isn’t illegal. Give him back his phone.”
Dreadlocks looked completely incredulous.
What was even more unbelievable was that Chi Huang took the phone from his hand and returned it to Chen Shilü. “I’m really sorry, we misunderstood. How about this: your tab tonight is on us, as a token of apology.”
Although Chen Shilü was socially experienced and usually unflappable, causing this kind of trouble just by taking a picture of a handsome man with a good vibe, and now having the subject of the photo personally apologize to him, made him feel a bit awkward.
He was about to say it was fine and that paying for their drinks wasn’t necessary, but the owner stepped in. “Tonight, both parties’ tabs are on me. It was all a misunderstanding. Let’s all keep the peace.”
The police felt the matter was resolved. After warning the young men not to cause trouble, they prepared to leave. Fu Lei stepped forward at this moment. “The photo issue is cleared up, but what about my friend getting hit? Look at his cheekbone here…”
Chen Shilü stopped him. “Forget it.” He then told the police, “I’m fine. Thank you for coming out today.”
The owner quickly ushered the young men downstairs and saw the police out.
When only the two of them remained, Fu Lei was dissatisfied and worried. “Why did you stop me? You took that punch for nothing!”
“It’ll heal in a couple of days.” He pulled Fu Lei toward the stairs. “It’s pointless arguing with those kids. Don’t waste time.”
“Want to keep drinking?”
“No, let’s not.”
“What should we do next?” It had been a perfectly good night—a small date, a few drinks, the atmosphere perfectly tipsy for some intimacy, which would have helped him forget his recent troubles. But they were interrupted by those little brats. He wondered if Chen Shilü was still in the mood.
“Let’s go outside first.” On the first floor, Chen Shilü gestured toward the restroom. “I need to use the washroom. Wait for me outside.”
“Alright, I’ll go get the car.”
Chen Shilü splashed water on his face. He leaned close to the mirror above the sink and pressed the bruise on his cheekbone, letting out a soft hiss. It looked like it wouldn’t fade for a week. He would have to use foundation to cover it up on Monday; he couldn’t possibly meet clients with a black and blue face.
The restroom door opened and someone entered. Chen Shilü stepped back from the mirror, ready to leave. Turning around, he saw the handsome long-haired man again.
He had to admit, today was truly unlucky.
It was too late to pretend he hadn’t seen him. The other man smiled at him, then naturally walked up beside him, put his hands under the faucet, and smoothly started a conversation. “The photo was really good. It’s the first time I’ve seen that side of myself. Are you a professional photographer?”
“No, I just took it casually.”
“To take such a good picture casually, you have a real talent for photography.”
This conversation confused Chen Shilü. He took out his phone. “Do you want me to delete your photo? Hold on.”
“Wait? No, it’s a great shot, why delete it?” He quickly grabbed a paper towel to dry his hands and pulled out his phone. “I was hoping you could send it to me. Can you?” He held up his WeChat QR code for adding friends.
Chen Shilü hesitated for a moment. Did he want the photo, or his contact information? Could it be that he heard he was queer and was trying to hook up? Was the other guy also into men? Chen Shilü hadn’t noticed.
The handsome man moved his phone closer, closing the distance between them. “Is it inconvenient?”
Chen Shilü scanned the code.
The other man looked down at his phone and casually asked, “My name is Chi Huang. What’s yours?”
“Chen Shilü.” He sent the photo. “Done.”
“Got it, thanks.” Chi Huang lifted his face, his eyes curving into a smile, and smiled at him again.
Chen Shilü nodded, intending to leave.
Chi Huang stopped him. “Is your face okay? I happen to have a bandage. You should use it.”
“No need.”
“Put it on to protect it, or it will hurt if you touch it.” As he spoke, he handed over a large bandage.
His hand was blocking Chen Shilü’s path. Rather than getting caught up in polite refusal, it was better to just put it on and leave. Chen Shilü reached out to take it, but Chi Huang feigned the move, tore open the bandage, and held it up to his face. “Don’t move, I’ll help you.”
Chen Shilü was almost laughing with exasperation. At this point, he was quite certain that whether or not Chi Huang was gay, the guy was definitely flirting with him.
“My friends get impulsive when they drink. I thought there was going to be a fight today.”
“You sound like you were enjoying the show.”
They were very close now. Chen Shilü caught the scent of the unfamiliar male on the other man. He liked men and was sensitive to this, and the unfamiliarity made him slightly excited.
“No, the moment you spoke, I knew there wouldn’t be a fight. You have a uniquely stable aura.”
“Meaning I’m a pushover and a nice guy?”
Chi Huang just smiled.
The bandage was already applied, but they remained at an overly intimate distance. After waiting two seconds and seeing that Chi Huang had no intention of backing away, Chen Shilü, who had no plans of doing anything with someone in a restroom, deliberately stepped back, intending to say goodbye.
Chi Huang followed him, and with the experience of applying the bandage moments ago, he naturally placed a hand on Chen Shilü’s cheek and kissed him.
Even though he knew Chi Huang was flirting, Chen Shilü hadn’t expected him to be so direct. After a brief moment of confusion, he frowned. The guy was aggressive and an expert kisser. This whole sequence was so practiced and smooth, he must have done it countless times.
He pushed him away, genuinely amused now. “What are you doing?”
Chi Huang’s gaze lingered on Chen Shilü’s lips. “Your lips look very soft. And you smell really good.”
“Has no one told you this is sexual harassment?”
“No, everyone likes kissing me. How did you feel?” Chi Huang looked directly at him with smiling eyes, uttering this absurd statement.
Chen Shilü was momentarily speechless. He stared back at Chi Huang, finally getting a clear look at his features.
No wonder he was so comfortable doing something so outrageous. It seemed he had succeeded countless times and knew very well that this wouldn’t cause offense, only attraction. He must know how superior his face was. Beautiful and aware of it, using his looks to commit crimes—it was indeed frustrating and unavoidable.
If Chen Shilü had a fixed type of ideal look, Chi Huang didn’t fit it at all, but his face was enough to transcend all preferences.
Chen Shilü didn’t answer. Chi Huang didn’t seem to mind, pushing his shoulder and guiding him into a stall. The stall was narrow; their chests were practically touching. Chi Huang lowered his head, his voice close to Chen Shilü’s ear. “The moment I saw you, I fell in love with you.”
He didn’t give Chen Shilü time to refuse, kissing him again.
This time, Chen Shilü didn’t resist. Chi Huang kissed deeply and made him feel very comfortable. Gradually getting into the mood, Chen Shilü grabbed Chi Huang’s long hair and began to kiss him back.
Having lived a few more years, Chen Shilü was experienced and skilled. Soon, Chi Huang’s breathing grew heavy, and his rhythm lost its composure. He pulled away from the kiss, pressing kisses to Chen Shilü’s cheek and ear, moving down to his neck, rubbing his chest and abdomen, whispering intimately.
When Chi Huang reached for his waistband, Chen Shilü pressed down on his hand and pushed him away. If they were somewhere else, things might have continued, but the restroom was a bit too far.
“That’s enough. My friend is waiting for me.”
Perhaps unaccustomed to rejection, Chi Huang paused, then recovered. “Oh, are you going to sleep with your friend later?”
“…”
“Alright, I wish you both a pleasant night.” Chi Huang gave him one last smile, opened the stall door, and left.