Chapter 55: Moving In Together
The billboard reading “Welcome to the Capital” loomed overhead and flashed by. Sitting in the car, Mu Lantu exhaled, then froze. Since when had the Capital become a place that made him feel at ease?
He turned his head to glance at the man next to him, who was sucking on a Himalayan lollipop. The man turned to him and gently pressed Mu Lantu’s head onto his own shoulder.
“Tired? We’re almost there. Once we get home, let’s eat something and then have a good sleep.”
Although they took turns driving along the way and technically didn’t get too tired, sitting in the car for such a long time had still been mentally draining.
Mu Lantu said, “I’m okay. It’s just that it must’ve been tough on Brother Tao, Brother Zhou, and Brother Zhan. Once we’re all rested, I’ll treat you guys to a meal.”
His attentiveness made Xu Huazhang’s heart ache. He picked up the young man’s hand, placed it on his leg, and held it down gently.
“I’ll take care of it.”
Zhou Ye laughed. “Lantu, don’t be so polite. We’ve had a great time these past few days. Besides, the boss hasn’t shortchanged us—we already got big red envelopes. He also said we’ll take turns getting two days off when we’re back in the Capital.”
The vacation arrangements for the security detail of key personnel weren’t something outsiders should know about, but since Mu Lantu was close to Xu Huazhang and no specific dates were mentioned, it wasn’t really considered leaking information.
Mu Lantu glanced at the man beside him and pursed his lips. This man really—made his heart flutter. Maybe he should be a little braver, love fiercely without regret—for the sake of this fateful encounter.
Xu Huazhang leaned in closer, eyes sparkling with amusement.
Mu Lantu imagined seeing a barrage of text flash across his face: “If baby wants to kiss me, this distance is perfect.” He shoved Xu Huazhang’s face away with his palm. “The place I’m staying at now is too small. I want to move to somewhere bigger. Got any recommendations?”
Xu Huazhang’s heart beat wildly. Was this what he thought it was?
When the two didn’t respond, Zhou Ye chimed in, “There seems to be a bigger unit in Huabanli…”
Mu Lantu, Xu Huazhang, and Ge Tao all stared at him expressionlessly.
Zhou Ye looked confused. He wasn’t wrong, was he?
Ge Tao thought with disdain: This must be what girls mean by ‘dense straight guy.’
Xu Huazhang wrapped an arm around Mu Lantu’s waist. “Baby, I have a big villa. Beautiful surroundings, plenty of space—you’ll love it. Let’s move today. You don’t have to worry about anything. Just rest when we get back. Leave the moving to me.”
This time, Mu Lantu didn’t argue.
“When we get back, I’m going to sleep like the dead. Unless the sky falls, don’t call or text me.”
“Got it.” Xu Huazhang kissed him on the lips with a playful mwah. Starlight danced in his eyes. Finally, I can bring him into my territory!
Mu Lantu handed Xu Huazhang a set of keys and headed straight to the bedroom to sleep.
Xu Huazhang quietly packed his things and called a moving company.
Mu Lantu woke up around 4 PM. The house was nearly empty, with only basic furniture and appliances left.
Xu Huazhang was building a LEGO set in the living room. When he saw Mu Lantu come out, he set the pieces down and immediately walked over to hug him, feeling both physically and emotionally full.
“Hungry? If you are, I’ll cook you some noodles as a snack. We’ll eat dinner over there. There’s a chef at the villa—he’s really good.”
Ge Tao and Zhou Ye slipped out to the balcony to enjoy the view.
These past few days, not only had the boss and his boyfriend found it inconvenient, but they felt like third wheels too. Thank goodness they were finally moving out.
Mu Lantu leaned against Xu Huazhang, yawning with half-closed eyes. A single tear hung from his long lashes. He had slept too long and was somehow still sleepy.
“Add two eggs. I’m going to shower.”
Xu Huazhang gave his butt a gentle pat. “Go ahead.”
Mu Lantu’s body instinctively tensed at the touch, and a wave of heat rose to his face. He glared at the man, then gave him a retaliatory slap before darting into the bathroom.
Xu Huazhang watched him go with leisure, his eyes darkening with surging desire. His Adam’s apple bobbed, heavy with unspoken craving. Tonight…
But Xu Huazhang’s self-control was strong. He quickly reined in his emotions and walked into the kitchen.
Then paused.
How do you cook noodles? How do you even light the stove?
Zhou Ye appeared at the door. “Boss, want me to do it?”
Xu Huazhang stepped aside. “You cook. I’ll watch.”
Mu Lantu, in the bathroom, suddenly remembered—how could Xu Huazhang possibly know how to cook noodles? Thinking that Zhou Ye was there, he relaxed but still hurried up.
After getting dressed, he walked out to see Zhou Ye also in the kitchen. He looked at Xu Huazhang’s hands—no burns—relieved he hadn’t insisted on doing it himself. He turned on the hair dryer briefly, just enough so his hair wouldn’t drip.
“Baby, it’s ready,” Xu Huazhang called, placing the noodles on the table. “I fried the second egg myself.”
Was that Zhou Ye’s coaching? Did he give verbal instructions, or guide his hands?
Mu Lantu glanced at Zhou Ye, feeling a little annoyed. He told Xu Huazhang again, “You don’t need to learn stuff like this. Just like I don’t need to learn to code.”
Zhou Ye sensed something off for a second and scratched his head, puzzled.
Xu Huazhang wasn’t particularly interested in cooking anyway. “Just a whim. Try it?”
Mu Lantu took a bite of the fried egg Xu Huazhang had made. “It’s good.”
He picked up the egg and fed it to Xu Huazhang.
Xu Huazhang found it average, but his smile stretched wide. “You eat it. I had everything moved over—just your bedroom stuff is left. You can check the other rooms later in case we missed anything.”
Mu Lantu’s lips were oily. He blew him a kiss.
After eating, Xu Huazhang cleaned up, and Mu Lantu packed his bedroom—two suitcases were enough.
They drove about half an hour to Maple Grove Villas.
Seeing the name, Mu Lantu looked suspicious.
Zhan Peng lowered all the windows and handed five access cards to the security guard.
The guard was respectful and serious. After checking the cards, he scanned the vehicle thoroughly with a handheld device, returned the cards to Zhan Peng, and gave a salute before letting them through.
Xu Huazhang handed Mu Lantu an access card. “Baby, this is yours. Carry it with you when you come and go. Your car is getting registered too—I’ll have it brought over tomorrow.”
Mu Lantu studied the card. It looked like an ID, with his name, photo, a special material, and a unique ID number. He pocketed it.
As the car drove into the villa complex, Mu Lantu noticed each standalone house was nestled among green trees and flowers. Surveillance cameras lined the roads—at least four or five times more than outside.
He even saw license plates with military codes.
They stopped in front of Villa No. 6.
The four-story building looked plain, but had a rugged aesthetic.
Mu Lantu and Xu Huazhang each carried a suitcase. The black-and-white furball was clamped under Xu Huazhang’s arm, limply resigned.
Even before getting out fully, Mu Lantu sensed hidden gazes from three directions—one inside the villa, the others from the southwest and southeast.
He pretended not to notice and followed Xu Huazhang inside.
Ge Tao and Zhou Ye immediately slipped away. Zhou Ye grabbed two drinks from the fridge, tossing one to Ge Tao.
Clearly, they felt right at home here.
Mu Lantu bared his teeth at Xu Huazhang. Xu Huazhang, XHZ, HZ?
“Rich people really know how to play!”
Wasteful man!
He felt heartache just thinking about it. He hadn’t signed with a platform or a guild, and half of Xu Huazhang’s donations went to the platform!
“What’s wrong, baby?” Xu Huazhang, sensing his sulking, leaned on him dramatically, shifting all his weight. He gently tossed the black-and-white ball onto the soft couch.
Mu Lantu flicked his forehead—looked fierce, but the touch was gentle.
“Nothing much. Where’s my room?”
[Little Five, kick HZ from the livestream.]
[Okay, Host.]
[Wait, don’t. Leave it for now.]
[…Yes, Host.]
005’s inner monologue: What can save you, my fickle Host!
Xu Huazhang brought Mu Lantu into the elevator to the fourth floor, stopping outside a room.
“This is our room. Next door is your study. Across the hall is my old room—if you ever want space, you can kick me there. But baby, just remember, only occasionally…”
“Pfft—”
Mu Lantu couldn’t help but laugh. He hugged Xu Huazhang’s waist and kissed him.
Xu Huazhang had been holding back for too long. At first, he stayed gentle, but soon he lost control, turning assertive and almost devouring Mu Lantu whole.
No one came to interrupt.
Both of them fully felt the first benefit of moving in together.
They only pulled apart when they nearly lost control, breathlessly leaning against each other.
Xu Huazhang held Mu Lantu’s hand and continued introducing the space. “There’s a walk-in closet in the room—check it out later. If there’s anything you don’t like, I’ll get someone to change it.”
After placing the suitcases in the room, Xu Huazhang took Mu Lantu on a full tour of the villa.
The first floor had a living room, dining room, kitchen, storage room, and rooms for the maid and guards. The second floor had a theater room, library, gym, and guest rooms. The third and fourth floors were Xu Huazhang’s private space—now shared with Mu Lantu. They also had their own theater, library, and gym. The fourth floor even had a huge terrace, perfect for sunbathing or stargazing.
Mu Lantu knew some areas—like Xu Huazhang’s office and study—would always be off-limits, no matter how close they got.
After the tour, Xu Huazhang brought him back to the first floor to meet the villa’s staff.
There were four permanent security personnel stationed at the villa, plus a chef, a housekeeper, and a maid.
