Chapter 18: The Three Great Misconceptions
“Why aren’t you eating? Weren’t you hungry earlier?”
The man picked up another piece of fish. His chopsticks moved more fluidly than a conductor’s baton—precise and deft, yet the fish remained perfectly intact. Other than the space where the fish was placed, the bowl was spotless, with no bits of meat or soup spilled. Even the picked-out fish bones were arranged neatly on the side dish.
In return, Mu Lantu politely gave him a piece of tender pork rib. “You eat too. I can help myself.”
“No problem.” Xu Huazhang, worried he might feel awkward, placed the fish into his bowl and didn’t continue after that.
Mu Lantu said nothing more.
The table was quiet, but not awkward. Their eyes met occasionally, accidentally, and what each was thinking—only they themselves knew.
Between the two of them, they finished all six dishes.
Leaning back in his chair, Mu Lantu relaxed. “Eating with company really does make things taste better.”
Xu Huazhang refilled his teacup. “Want to eat together tonight too?”
Mu Lantu smiled. “I’m going to the night market tonight. You coming?”
Xu Huazhang countered, “Why would you assume I’m not the type to eat at a night market?”
Mu Lantu shook his head. “Just doesn’t seem like it.”
Xu Huazhang paused for a second. “I used to go during my school days.” He glanced at one of the bodyguards.
One immediately stood up and walked to the cashier.
“I should be the one paying,” Mu Lantu said.
“You can treat tonight,” Xu Huazhang said after a beat. “From now on, as long as I’m not working, we can eat together.”
It would be a lie to say Mu Lantu didn’t sense that Xu Huazhang liked him too. But then again, thinking “he likes me” is one of life’s three great misconceptions. Maybe the guy just saw him as a bro, a friend, or even just a dining companion. Thinking that, it was like a cold breeze passed through, calming the ripple in his heart.
The mood was good now, so he didn’t want to ruin it.
“Sure, if the timing works out, let’s go.”
Xu Huazhang took something small out of his pocket and placed it in front of him.
“For you.”
It was a completed Lego convertible—small, only half the size of a palm.
“A toy,” Xu Huazhang said, “but also a phone stand.”
Mu Lantu was surprised. “You like Lego?”
“I’m used to thinking while I build,” Xu Huazhang replied calmly.
Mu Lantu placed the car in his palm, lips curling into a smile. “I really like it. I’ll give you something too when we get back.”
Xu Huazhang’s gaze deepened. “Looking forward to it.”
“Let’s go.”
Mu Lantu stood up, playing with the little car as he walked ahead.
Xu Huazhang picked up the forgotten hat on the table and handed it to him.
Inside the elevator, Mu Lantu asked, “Are you coming with me to get the gift, or…?”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll go with you,” Xu Huazhang said. “I live in the top-floor unit—only one household up there. If anything ever comes up, you can just come find me.”
Mu Lantu gave him a sour look. Landlord vibes. Must be nice.
At unit 1602, he asked Xu Huazhang to wait at the door. A moment later, he came out holding a box with an image of a telescope on it.
“For you. Took a lot of effort to get two of these.”
Xu Huazhang clearly knew the background too. “Heard from my nephew that it’s hard to get. I didn’t manage to get one, so thank you. What time are we heading out tonight?”
Mu Lantu thought for a bit. “Factoring in traffic, let’s leave at five. Should reach the night market by six, around Heshun Plaza pedestrian street.”
“Alright, see you at five.”
“Five it is.”
After sending Xu Huazhang off, Mu Lantu went into the study to draw. To avoid losing track of time, he set an alarm for 4:50 p.m.
This time, he was designing an apartment complex. Taller than the courtyard houses he’d done before, it required more specialized bricks like windows and balconies. He also wanted to make something unique, so it wasn’t just about design—it involved a lot of calculations. Compared to courtyard homes, this was way more complex. But the success rate of his Lego apartment buildings was 100%, so he had full creative freedom. Just the idea excited him.
The alarm rang before he even finished the first draft, so he had to stop for now.
At exactly 5:00 p.m., Xu Huazhang knocked on the door.
He had changed outfits: loose white T-shirt, black striped silk shirt worn open, gray-blue jeans, white sneakers, black baseball cap, and a black leather crossbody bag slung across his chest.
The problem was, Mu Lantu was wearing almost the exact same outfit—only the graphic on the T-shirt was different. Standing together, they looked like twins. The hat and bag were also identical, same brand.
Xu Huazhang noticed him staring and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Mu Lantu glanced at the two bodyguards.
Both looked away instantly.
“Nothing.” Mu Lantu smiled at Xu Huazhang and locked the door. “Let’s go.”
A faint smile flickered in Xu Huazhang’s eyes.
Downstairs, Xu Huazhang asked for his opinion. “Want to take my car?”
A seven-seater was waiting. With five people, no problem.
Not having to drive, Mu Lantu was more than happy. “Sure.”
The driver looked to be in his early 30s, carried the same air as the bodyguards, gave Mu Lantu a quick glance, then looked away.
Mu Lantu noticed, but pretended not to.
Xu Huazhang opened the fridge. “Want a drink, Lantu?”
“Not thirsty.” Mu Lantu was saving room for food.
Xu Huazhang read his mind and shook his head. “Let me know if you are.”
“Alright.” Mu Lantu turned to face him and handed him a mask. “How old are you?”
Xu Huazhang turned to him too, Adam’s apple bobbing. “Twenty-seven. You?”
The car’s tight space made their breaths mingle, heating the air between them.
“Twenty-two.” Mu Lantu asked again, “Any bad habits?”
The two bodyguards exchanged a subtle glance.
Xu Huazhang replied seriously, “I want to try everything I haven’t done before or rarely do. Does that count? Of course, not anything illegal. I mean night markets, movies, games, mahjong, racing, surfing, skydiving… As long as it’s safe. I won’t take risks.”
Mu Lantu couldn’t help picturing an overly curious baby. He fought back a laugh and answered seriously, “That doesn’t count.”
“Then laugh if you want.” Xu Huazhang lifted his hand, as if wanting to touch him, but lowered it again.
Mu Lantu kept a straight face, but the smile overflowed in his eyes.
Xu Huazhang smiled too. “What about you? Any bad habits?”
“Nope,” Mu Lantu replied lazily. He didn’t smoke or gamble. He’d drink a little in the right mood, but had no addiction.
Xu Huazhang’s lips curved. “You do.”
Mu Lantu raised a brow. “What bad habit do I have?”
“You like junk food,” Xu Huazhang said slowly, a faint smile on his lips.
Mu Lantu opened his mouth, speechless. After a long pause, he muttered, “A little dirt never hurt anyone.”
Xu Huazhang just chuckled and shook his head.
It was rush hour, so traffic was heavy. Fortunately, there was no gridlock—just a slow crawl.
Just as Mu Lantu predicted, they arrived at their destination shortly before 6 p.m.
The driver went to park. Mu Lantu, Xu Huazhang, and the two bodyguards joined the crowd.
Two men, both striking and dressed identically, walking side by side drew a lot of attention.
Mu Lantu, however, noticed something else: a few people in the crowd had been following them. Sometimes ahead, sometimes behind, but always keeping them surrounded. Their glances were different from the average passerby—brief, subtle, and quickly averted.
Mu Lantu gripped Xu Huazhang’s hand. Xu Huazhang froze, then tightened his grip.
Mu Lantu pulled him over to a bubble tea shop. “Let me buy you the first cup of milk tea this spring. What flavor do you want?” ?Translator: Apparently there’s supposed to be a slang meaning behind this phrase, but I look online and can’t find it.. Leave me a comment if anyone knows.)
“Anything’s fine. I’ve never had one before.” Xu Huazhang looked like he was letting him take the lead.
Luckily he added that last part, or Mu Lantu would’ve teased him.
He bought himself a blueberry milk tea and a classic boba milk tea for Xu Huazhang.
“See if you like it.”
Xu Huazhang took a sip. “Not really.”
His honesty pleased Mu Lantu. “If you don’t like it, don’t force it. Want to try a different flavor?”
Their hands had separated when Mu Lantu scanned the code to pay. Xu Huazhang reached out and held his again.
“No need, I’ll try another next time. Let’s eat?”
Mu Lantu glanced at their joined hands. It seemed Xu Huazhang had misunderstood the reason he’d grabbed his hand earlier. Oh well.
They walked hand-in-hand to a fried noodle stall, where a short line had formed.
Xu Huazhang said, “We can share one portion and save room to try more.”
Before Mu Lantu could respond, a young guy in line smiled and said, “No worries, bro. The night market vendors already thought of that. Portions here are small. If one isn’t enough, just buy more or try something else.”
Xu Huazhang’s dark eyes above his mask looked at the guy coldly. Do I know you? Why are you cutting in?
The young man flinched, looking thoroughly innocent.
Xu Huazhang turned back to Mu Lantu. “One to share?”
The chef’s skills were excellent. With every toss of the wok, flames flared, and the aroma of fried noodles made mouths water.
Mu Lantu stared, entranced. “Mm…”
The young guy just then noticed their matching outfits and felt like smacking himself. Why was he butting in on a flirting couple? Serves him right to get the cold shoulder!
Two girls in line giggled and quietly took photos.
The vendor worked fast, and soon it was their turn.
Mu Lantu ordered smoothly, “Add egg, sausage, and veggies. No bean sprouts.”
“No spice? Don’t you like spicy?” Xu Huazhang was puzzled.
Mu Lantu knew some traditional medicine. When he’d grabbed Xu Huazhang’s hand earlier, he’d felt his pulse—there was a minor stomach issue. They’d had plenty of spicy food at lunch, so best to keep dinner light.
“I’ll add spice when we try other things.”
Xu Huazhang didn’t question it.
Once the noodles were done, Mu Lantu paid a couple extra yuan, grabbed a disposable container and chopsticks, and split the noodles in half for Xu Huazhang.
