Bone-Attached Disaster - Chapter 34:

Chapter 34: The Red Carpet

The hot pot meal was less than comfortable; at best, it was polite.

Lu Jie wasn’t familiar with Shen Rufei, and he had always found Shen Rufei inscrutable. Especially after learning he was Fu Jia’an’s older brother, interacting with Shen Rufei felt like stumbling through a pitch-black forest—he had no sense of certainty. Yet, Shen Rufei was now his brother’s legitimate partner, so Lu Jie had no choice but to be meticulous in his courtesy.

Coupled with Fu Jia’an’s so-called “confession” just now, if Lu Jie showed any abnormality, it would seem like he had actually taken it seriously. Throughout the entire meal, Lu Jie worked hard to keep his emotions at a constant temperature—he had to be generous and warm, but not excited. It was the first time he felt that just “acting normal” was so exhausting.

The result was that by the time the meal was finished, Lu Jie was utterly worn out.

The pot and plates were left for Jiang Yan and Shen Rufei to clean up. Lu Jie had gotten off work early today and still had a few work emails to deal with. He sat on the sofa, finished the last half-glass of white wine, and replied to his emails.

Before leaving, Jiang Yan specifically circled over to Lu Jie. “We’re heading off now. Are you two okay being alone at home?”

Lu Jie turned his head and shot him a look. “Not everyone is as full of inappropriate thoughts as you are. And you don’t even rest one day a week—take care of yourself.”

Jiang Yan didn’t argue, smiling cheekily. “Can’t help it, bro, I’m in love. You understand.”

“You’re practically drooling. Go now,” Lu Jie said dismissively.

Jiang Yan leaned in playfully. “Alright, alright. I’m leaving the apartment to you guys.”

Lu Jie ignored him, merely warning, “Jiang Yan, if you don’t show up at the company tomorrow…”

“I promise, definitely, absolutely there. See you tomorrow.”

With the chatterbox gone, the apartment instantly became much quieter. Lu Jie glanced over to the lit-up small bar counter, where Fu Jia’an had spread out some literature and books. He would circle a few lines in the documents, then type a few lines on his computer, looking very focused.

Since the other person was working, Lu Jie had no need to bother him. He went to the kitchen, washed and dried his glass, and then prepared to take a shower. The day had been too tiring; he wanted to clean up, head straight to his bedroom, and rest early.

After showering, Lu Jie went to brush his teeth and found the toothpaste tube was empty. He sighed, feeling a bit too lazy to go upstairs to the storage room to dig out a new tube, but he couldn’t sleep without brushing his teeth.

Normally, when Jiang Yan was home, Lu Jie would walk through the living room bare-chested to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. But today, before stepping out of the bathroom, Lu Jie remembered he would pass the bar counter on his way upstairs, so he grabbed a white T-shirt and slipped it on.

He grabbed the toothpaste and was heading back downstairs when he heard footsteps near the stairwell. Sure enough, as he descended the last few steps, he saw Fu Jia’an heading up.

Fu Jia’an was wearing pyjamas and slippers, apparently on his way back to his room to sleep.

They reached a point where they were practically face-to-face. Both seemed to assume the other would yield, so they didn’t change direction and nearly bumped heads. Then, in silent agreement, they both stepped horizontally to the other side, nearly colliding again.

The few steps they took were ridiculous and funny, almost like a romantic coincidence in an idol drama. Lu Jie simply placed his hand on the banister, blocking Fu Jia’an like a school bully.

He was already tall, and standing one step higher than Fu Jia’an gave him a slight increase in imposing presence. Fu Jia’an, however, showed no fear. He stopped and waited with keen interest to see what Lu Jie would say.

Lu Jie smiled. “That confession was so casual? Aren’t you going to say something heartfelt?”

Fu Jia’an tilted his head, his eyes full of affection. “You want to hear it that badly? Does that mean the feeling is mutual?”

“You wish.”

“Is that a rejection, then?”

Lu Jie replied decisively, “A capital NO.”

“Oh,” Fu Jia’an didn’t look too saddened, like hearing a particular loaf of bread was sold out after waiting in line—a little disappointed, but not much. “Alright.”

Lu Jie gritted his teeth. “…You really have endless ways to mess with me.”

“Lu Jie,” Fu Jia’an paused for a few seconds, his expression slightly more serious than before. “I have a lot more to say, but do you dare to listen?”

He placed his hand on Lu Jie’s arm, which was blocking his way. The latter softened his grip, his arm dropping, clearing the path upward. Fu Jia’an stepped onto the next stair. As he passed Lu Jie, he patted his shoulder. “When you really want to listen, find me anytime.”

“Good night.”

“Are you coming to the class reunion on Friday night?” Peng Yuan asked over the phone. “Jiang Yan said he’s free, and you probably are too, right?”

“He said he’s free?” Lu Jie almost wanted to slam his hand on the table. He had been swamped dealing with backlogged documents these past few days, and half of the work was for the delinquent CEO, Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan had been guarding Shen Rufei morning and night, terrified that if he wasn’t careful, his boyfriend would be snatched away by a youthful university student from the national swimming team. After He Shiye backed off, Jiang Yan still clung to Shen Rufei for several days before Lu Jie finally dragged him back to work.

He’d been living like he was serving a prison sentence lately. Lu Jie kept a close watch in Jiang Yan’s office, forbidding him to leave until his main tasks were completed. The two worked until midnight every day. When Jiang Yan called Shen Rufei to complain, he was nearly in tears, his whining and acting helpless giving Lu Jie constant goosebumps.

People in love were truly terrifying. He almost regretted finding out about Jiang Yan and Shen Rufei’s secret relationship; at least before, when Jiang Yan was hiding it, he was more restrained. Now, he was completely brazen.

After the two bosses slaved away at the company for a second week, Lu Jie finally allowed Jiang Yan to take a half-day off, and Jiang Yan immediately bolted. Lu Jie hadn’t expected that even under these circumstances, Jiang Yan would readily agree to Peng Yuan’s class reunion invitation.

However, Lu Jie and Jiang Yan usually attended the annual reunion. It wasn’t that they liked crowded events; they just still had a decent relationship with Peng Yuan, and supporting their class monitor was the right thing to do.

“Count me in. Jiang Yan and I will probably be late. Not seven, but maybe seven-thirty.”

“Then we won’t wait for you two. The others will walk the red carpet first.”

“Huh? There’s a red carpet?” Lu Jie rubbed his temples.

To keep the class reunion from becoming too routine, Peng Yuan set a theme every year. Lu Jie hadn’t expected the class monitor, who seemed quite rigid in school, to be so enthusiastic about hosting diverse reunions after graduation.

Perhaps because of this, Class 3-1 maintained a high attendance rate in the twelve years since graduation. Very few missed it each year, usually only those who were overseas or had special reasons.

“Yes, remember to wear formal attire. A lot of teachers are coming this year—Teacher Dai, Teacher Mo, Teacher Yang… they all said they could make it. I booked a banquet hall, and there will be a professional photographer to document it for us.”

“That sounds grand. Fine.” Formal wear was acceptable; it was easier to stomach than the years requiring elaborate costumes.

Hanging up the phone, a fleeting thought crossed Lu Jie’s mind about asking Fu Jia’an, but Fu Jia’an had never attended a class reunion; he probably wouldn’t come this year either.

Besides, Fu Jia’an had only spent less than three months in Class 3-1, all things considered. Maybe he’d have nothing to talk about if he came.

Since the hot pot dinner that night, Lu Jie had been frantic with work, and Fu Jia’an had been on consecutive night shifts at the hospital. They barely saw each other at home. The confession was simply left unresolved, and Lu Jie became increasingly certain it was just an offhand joke.

On Friday evening, with Lu Jie’s permission, Jiang Yan left work punctually, looking refreshed as he straightened his tie in the elevator. Both were wearing formal suits today, both tall and handsome, projecting two different kinds of attractiveness that made them stand out among the researchers who hadn’t quite shed their student-like air.

A few couldn’t help but whisper, “CEO Jiang and CEO Lu look so handsome today…”

“Are you going to a wedding?”

Jiang Yan replied casually, with no CEO-like pretense. “Hahahaha, no, just a reunion.”

Jiang Yan had mostly cleared his backlog today. The thought of a full weekend off, especially since Shen Rufei was only scheduled for clinic duty and had no surgeries, made him beam with joy, chatting animatedly with the employees in the elevator.

They reached the first floor. Jiang Yan smiled as he instructed everyone to have a good weekend, and then the elevator descended to the underground parking garage. Since Jiang Yan was driving, and they were headed to the same place, Lu Jie simply opened the passenger door and got in.

The hotel was about a thirty-minute drive from the company. As Lu Jie expected, they arrived at the hotel entrance around 7:30 PM.

Jiang Yan turned off the engine and suddenly grabbed his stomach. “I need to hit the restroom first. Lu Jie, can you park the car for me?”

He then headed straight for the hotel lobby and quickly disappeared through the revolving door.

Lu Jie had no choice but to open the door, move from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat, restart the car, and drive to the hotel parking lot. Checking the time after parking, it was already 7:40 PM. Jiang Yan probably went straight to the banquet hall after the restroom. Lu Jie quickened his pace, heading toward the main entrance of the hotel.

At the entrance, Lu Jie spotted a figure, also wearing formal attire. Even though it was only a back view, he recognized him instantly.

He immediately called out the person’s name: “Hey, Fu Jia’an.”

Fu Jia’an stopped and turned to look at him.

Lu Jie walked up to Fu Jia’an in the blink of an eye, smiling. “You’re coming to the class reunion today too? What a rare guest.”

The two walked side-by-side toward the lobby. The banquet hall was on the first floor. Since the event was specially booked, the banquet supervisor had thoughtfully arranged a signpost, and the hall was just around the corner.

“I happened to be free this year, so I came,” Fu Jia’an also smiled, saying something that was clearly a polite pleasantry.

Lu Jie was preoccupied with other thoughts and didn’t call him out. He maintained an unusually friendly smile. “Do you want to go home together after it ends?”

Glancing down, Fu Jia’an immediately knew what was amiss. Lu Jie was walking quickly. On the surface, he was walking with him, but secretly, he was looking for a chance to overtake him and enter before him.

“Go home together? Sure.”

Fu Jia’an was amused. He wouldn’t let Lu Jie succeed, so he secretly sped up his pace too.

The classmate at the sign-in desk, Xu Qiaowei, was first startled, thinking two people were having a race. Then she was surprised again: Fu Jia’an was coming to the class reunion for the first time in twelve years!

The red carpet was laid out beyond the banquet hall. It was now a contest of who would step onto it first.

Lu Jie realized neither was giving way. He stopped at the edge of the red carpet and tried to negotiate with Fu Jia’an: “I should go in first, right? I actually arrived ten minutes ago but was delayed by parking.”

Fu Jia’an was smooth and unconvinced. “But I entered the hotel lobby first just now. If you hadn’t called me from behind, I’d already be inside.”

The student signing people in was Xu Qiaowei, who used to be Ye Mingyan’s desk mate and always sat in front of Fu Jia’an and Lu Jie.

She was obsessed with celebrity idols during school and kept photos of her “husbands” in her notebooks and desk. Now, she was a manager at a well-known entertainment company, handling a dozen trainees. Years in the industry had honed her ability to read people, and she instantly figured out what these two were doing.

This year’s reunion was grander than usual. Besides the high attendance, nearly all their subject teachers and homeroom teacher were present. The formal red carpet entrance form meant that the last person to enter carried the most weight.

Although both Fu Jia’an and Lu Jie were exceptionally accomplished, neither liked being the center of attention. Their late arrival was due to work and had been communicated in advance.

While everyone present was familiar, no one would genuinely think the last person to enter was being arrogant. However, it was predictable that the main bulk of the teasing and penalty shots would be aimed at whoever entered last.

Xu Qiaowei sat there, propping her chin on her hand, watching the exchange with relish, enjoying the completely omniscient perspective. Since her senior year, she had been a front-row audience to this pair of dead rivals. This scene was a perfect flash of youth memory.

She knew these two too well. If Lu Jie had run into anyone else today, or if Fu Jia’an had been walking with anyone else, they would have easily compromised. It wouldn’t have mattered who walked last.

But because it was Lu Jie and Fu Jia’an, they had to compete over the smallest things, setting traps for each other like it was muscle memory.

She remembered Lu Jie had become much steadier these past few years. How could he become so childish the moment he met Fu Jia’an? They truly were sworn enemies.

Xu Qiaowei watched the drama unfold, scanning the two from head to toe and back again, and a thought sparked in her mind.

If only I had recruited them as trainees back then.

With their looks and bearing, they would stand out even among the carefully selected young people she managed.

After observing their entanglement for a while, Xu Qiaowei finally spoke up to hurry them. “You two decide quickly; I’m starving.”

“Did you hear that? Don’t delay Qiaowei’s dinner,” Fu Jia’an said, leaning in and intimately looping his arm through Lu Jie’s.

Before Lu Jie could fully react, he was led this way. The two of them stepped onto the red carpet together.

Let’s welcome the two newlyweds… not.