Chapter 24: Subtle Affection
Before Mu Lantu could even notice, Xu Huazhang had already looked away, his discerning gaze turning to the other man—only to see the back of his head.
Gu Jincheng was slumped over the table, dead drunk, mouth wide open in an unflattering manner.
“Who’s he?”
Mu Lantu grabbed Gu Jincheng’s shoulder, ready to help him up. “A college classmate. Heartbroken.”
Xu Huazhang stopped him and signaled for Zhou Ye to help instead. Only then did he notice the bruises on Gu Jincheng’s face. His sharp eyes quickly scanned the diner for surveillance cameras and gave Ge Tao a subtle look.
Ge Tao went inside to speak with the owner.
Xu Huazhang turned to Mu Lantu with a gentle tone: “Next time, try not to drink with someone who’s injured. If he ends up with internal injuries, you could easily get blamed. But don’t worry—I’ve already asked Ge Tao to retrieve the surveillance footage, just in case. We’ll take him to the hospital for a check-up, and make sure to get a copy of the diagnosis report.”
Mu Lantu noted every move and word, a soft warmth rising in his heart. How long have they known each other? And yet every time they met, Xu Huazhang’s gentle care never failed to reach him.
“Mm. Don’t worry—I was there when he got hit. Just superficial wounds, though they look bad. I won’t drink with injured people again.”
Xu Huazhang smiled and picked up a baseball cap, testing the waters by trying to put it on Mu Lantu.
The distance between them exceeded what was normal between acquaintances. Mu Lantu blinked—his long, thick lashes fluttering—but didn’t move.
Only then did Xu Huazhang place the cap gently on his head. They looked at each other in silence.
Ge Tao strode over and whispered, “Boss, got it.”
Without delay, Xu Huazhang told him to take Gu Jincheng to the hospital, get the diagnosis proof, and prepay some fees.
Mu Lantu asked the shop owner for pen and paper, wrote down his phone number, and tucked it into Gu Jincheng’s jacket pocket—just in case the hospital needed to contact someone.
Ge Tao and Gu Jincheng left by taxi.
Xu Huazhang turned to Mu Lantu. “How about a walk?”
Mu Lantu felt a little awkward. He’s still worried I overate.
“Or… want to go to the bookstore with me? I haven’t bought the books yet.”
“Sure.”
Zhou Ye quietly followed behind, presence nearly invisible.
Their driver didn’t trail them, instead staying put until Xu Huazhang called.
With Xu Huazhang’s help, Mu Lantu quickly found every book on his reading list—over twenty titles in total.
Xu Huazhang also picked up a few books for himself. Mu Lantu glanced at them—titles about physics and the cosmos, things he wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole.
Xu Huazhang paid for everything. Mu Lantu didn’t argue—he’d return the favor next time they went out.
Since they had a lot of books, Xu Huazhang bought a hand basket from the bookstore and loaded them in.
Mu Lantu took it and carried it with ease.
Xu Huazhang froze slightly. “Lantu, let me.”
“I’ve got it. I’m strong.”
The basket swung like a playground swing from his hand, and Mu Lantu was still all smiles. He glanced back, eyes sparkling like stars.
“Come on, I’m thirsty!”
Xu Huazhang couldn’t help but laugh and followed after the eager youth.
Mu Lantu bought three bottles of water, handing one to Xu Huazhang and one to Zhou Ye.
Xu Huazhang was pleased—at least it wasn’t milk tea this time.
Next to the convenience store was a cake shop. Xu Huazhang bought two boxes of pastries and a small cake: a chocolate-drizzled naked cake topped with strawberries, mango cubes, and pastel cream puffs—beautiful and tempting.
“This is for you. In case you get hungry at night.”
Knowing Mu Lantu had probably eaten too much barbecue to manage dinner, Xu Huazhang took the opportunity to subtly take back the hand basket while handing over the cake.
Mu Lantu, distracted by the sweets, didn’t even notice.
Zhou Ye spent the whole walk mentally debating—Should I have carried the basket for the boss or not?
Back home, Mu Lantu placed the pastries and cake on the coffee table, snapped a photo for his Moments, then put them in the fridge.
Xu Huazhang liked the post and sent him the hospital report: Gu Jincheng was fine, just surface wounds.
It was evening when Gu Jincheng called. He sounded energetic.
“Mu Lantu, buddy! I’m so sorry! I said I’d treat you to barbecue and ended up making you pay and take me to the hospital too. What a mess. Tomorrow I’m treating you to a big meal. I swear—no drama this time!”
“Don’t worry about it, really. Just a small matter. Let’s eat another day—I’m busy tomorrow.”
Gu Jincheng sounded disappointed. “Alright then, but you better take a rain check. I’ll send you the money for the hospital bill—don’t say no.”
Since the money came from Ge Tao, Mu Lantu accepted it and immediately transferred it to Xu Huazhang to pass along.
Xu Huazhang did so, and also sent Ge Tao an extra ¥500 red envelope.
