Thread by @sammer5165

🧵 A Thread - Modern Hualian AU
-When a Man Drops His Boob: TAKE 2!
-SFW, pinning, introspection, romance💞
-😆Yup. The boob fic but now in Hua Cheng’s POV!
-A huge thanks to @/yabancreations for nurturing the brainworms!
#tgcf #Heavenofficialsblessing #Hualian #HuaCheng #XieLian

Here’s the link to the first threadfic in Xie Lian’s POV for those who would like to read it.

https://twitter.com/sammer5165/status/1597528872479645696

(Now, on to Hua Cheng’s POV. 😉)

"I'm sorry"

For the first time in Hua Cheng's life, he's apologizing to someone else other than his best friend, Xie Lian.

He was a second away from making the worst decision of his life, and he can’t fathom how he allowed himself to be dragged into this madness.

Now up on the altar, he has made up his mind to end the ceremony that never should have materialized in the first place. It's two in the afternoon, and all it took to know he'd made a grave mistake was seeing the bride walking down the aisle.

The moment he was asked for his consent to the marriage in front of dozens of witnesses, it was obvious to the guests he had no intention to lie.

And when the priest had previously asked if anyone objected to the union, Hua Cheng dared to wish that Xie Lian would barge in and put an end to the masquerade. However, Xie Lian wasn't around to save him, so Hua Cheng decided to take matters into his own hands.

But unlike his typical habit of immediately turning his back on nonsensical matters without a care, he squeezes the girl's trembling fingers gently.

"I'm sorry. I can't do this," he tells her one more time in the midst of uproar and objection in the sacred sanctuary.

Those words should have frustrated any bride, but this one nods and sighs like she's been given a reprieve.

This uncharacteristic kindness from Hua Cheng isn’t born out of pretense, but of consideration. Because she wasn't any different from him - merely used as a pawn by people who could hardly be called parents.

Hua Cheng knew firsthand how it felt to be presented as a trump card on the surface for business and politics while being treated like mud behind the scenes. And the girl before him has taken it upon herself to be a living sacrifice to sate her parents’ greed.

Unlike Hua Cheng, she doesn’t have the luxury to speak against an arranged marriage she didn't want in the first place.

And unlike him, she doesn’t have the power nor the confidence to publicly speak the truth, turn away, leave the altar, and swiftly walk towards the exit with a head held high amidst the chaos.

But the two of them have one thing in common - the very reason why Hua Cheng treated her with a rare kind of kindness and mercy. They both have something, or rather, /someone/ to lose if the ceremony pushes through.

She yearned for another man in the same way Hua Cheng longed for one person, and one person alone.

And that person is currently stuck at work.

Now, as Hua Cheng marches along the aisle towards the chapel door, his father crosses his path and threatens to disown him for humiliating the family and tarnishing their reputation.

"How dare you! Are you trying to ruin us?!" his old man growls.

Because the whole mess isn't just scandalous. The young groom fleeing a wedding, which business deals and campaigns were meant to be built upon, means huge losses for all parties involved. There is a tragedy waiting to befall Hua Paradise Industries.

Yet the young heir couldn't care less about his so-called father anymore, so he ignores him and walks on without remorse.

The next person that softly calls Hua Cheng's name makes him come to a slow stop, though. He turns to look at his mother who gazes up at him somberly.

Years have gone by and she has crow's feet lining the corners of her eyes, but nevertheless, she has aged gracefully.

"Are you sure about this?" she asks.

Although she looks concerned, Hua Cheng is sure it isn't out of thoughtfulness. Her manner of manipulation is more subtle in nature, but she's still the tycoon's wife.

And as far as Hua Cheng can remember, she was the one who suggested the arranged marriage in the first place. He can't trust what he sees right now.

Despite that, and again for the first time in Hua Cheng’s life, he’s feeling gracious to the woman who has seldom been motherly or affectionate to him.

And that grace comes in the form of a gentle kiss to her forehead before he says, "I'm sorry, but it's all over."

Hua Cheng walks out of the church leaving a speechless mother behind him. Next to her is his father, still raging and yelling condemnation and threats.

"You're a disgrace! Forget ever inheriting anything from me or being called my son, you ungrateful brat!"

Unfortunately for the old tycoon, his words hold no bite to begin with. Because Hua Cheng, though young, has already built a business empire for himself without anyone's help.

(Thread limit. A moment please. 😊)

The biggest loss that this whole fiasco could bring this rising magnate is losing ties to this…/family/. But with a good head over his shoulders and his streak of good luck, it isn't going to be much of a loss for Hua Cheng at all.

Finally parting with those who never respected him doesn’t matter.

Only one thing matters right now: running to Xie Lian, so Hua Cheng can pour out his heart and finally confess his eternal love for the man of his dreams.

To do that, Hua Cheng needs to get to his car, drive all the way to Xianle Productions where Xie Lian is working, interrupt a commercial shoot by ignoring if not viciously intimidating whoever has the gall to stand in his way, +

and finally take Xie Lian by the hand to tell him that he's the only one for Hua Cheng in this lifetime and the next.

The first goal is easily settled when He Xuan, a not-exactly-a-friend friend and business associate, tosses him the key to his red Ferrari.

"Guess there's no reception. What a waste of good food," the man mentions as he steps aside to let Hua Cheng unlock the door.

Hua Cheng hops in, but before speeding away, he rolls down his window and gives He Xuan a look. "If you want to say something, just say it."

The corner of He Xuan's lips quirks up in response. "I expect to be invited to your real wedding and reception someday."

There’s a moment of silence before Hua Cheng sighs and shakes his head like he's lost a significant amount of confidence. "You better pray there'll be one."

Hearing Hua Cheng's tone, He Xuan's knowing smile turns sympathetic, if not dumbfounded. "You know, Crimson, contrary to popular belief, you actually can be quite dense. And no, I'm not telling you why. Just say hi to Xie Lian for me when you see him."

The sports car comes to life, and from inside it, Hua Cheng shoots He Xuan a pointed look. "Who said anything about seeing him?"

With Hua Cheng's demeanor completely back to normal, He Xuan rubs his face to tame another grin and shoos the runaway groom goodbye. "Just...go."

Hua Cheng doesn't waste another second and drives off.

Not many would understand how important Xie Lian is to Hua Cheng. Better yet, no one understands at all. He Xuan knows that Xie Lian means the world to his business partner, but by how much exactly, the associate wouldn't be able to sum it up in words.

Xie Lian gave Hua Cheng a reason to live when life wasn't worth living. He gave Hua Cheng reasons to smile when the latter thought all he could do was drown in misery. Xie Lian in his lowest point gave Hua Cheng something worth fighting for.

The man is Hua Cheng’s universe.

Not being by Xie Lian's side means losing his entire soul, so Hua Cheng will burn every bridge and topple every bulwark that separates them so they'll never be apart.

Currently, Hua Cheng is feeling unstoppable as he revs up along the road. But similar to the ebb and flow of waves along the shore, his heart gradually begins to waver. It's familiar. Because when it comes to Xie Lian, he’s no hot shot nor CEO.

Hua Cheng becomes a simple man, a hopeless romantic who hasn't figured out how to admit he's been in love with his best friend for years. But who could blame him when every time he gazes at his one true love, he loses his train of thought?

Xie Lian is a rare beauty whose smile is dazzling. It would explain why he made it big as Xianle Productions' top androgynous model. But Hua Cheng fell for what was beyond skin deep. Xie Lian's kindness and compassion is unmatched in this day and time.

And that kindness and compassion saved Hua Cheng to this day.

That is the Xie Lian who Hua Cheng calls his beloved.

The traffic gets heavier after five minutes of driving and Hua Cheng approaches what seems to be a road accident. And just like how he's currently caught in the middle of a roadblock, he's also torn between confessing or not.

Is the timing right? Wouldn't he end up bothering Xie Lian? What if Hua Cheng chickens out for the hundredth time and ends up embarrassing his best friend in front of so many people? What if Xie Lian did not...

HOOOOOONK!

Hua Cheng snaps out of his stupor the moment he hears a barrage of honks all around. Everyone's getting more impatient by the second, and it's rubbing off on him.

For the sake of his sanity, he decides to carefully turn to a different street so he can park his car. Then he crosses over to the road leading to Xianle Productions and hails a cab to continue his journey as quickly as he can.

With the remaining courage he has, he gives the address of his destination to the driver and also gives himself a silent pep talk in the back seat.

It's now or never. He needs to man up. It's about time he tells the truth because life's too short to hesitate.

He's been a coward for too long and look where that has got him.

All it would take to change the trajectory of his life forever are three short words.

/Damn it. Just say it./

(Thread limit. BRB)

If Xie Lian accepts his feelings, how wonderful would that be?

If not, then at least Hua Cheng will be honest and courageous enough to wear his heart out on his sleeve with the hopes of winning his best friend’s heart with all that he has.

Because after everything that's been said and done, Hua Cheng would rather put his ego on the line than never be with Xie Lian.

Xie Lian is worth it all.

Hua Cheng checks his watch and grits his teeth as he closes in on his destination and his goal of sweeping Xie Lian off his feet. He isn't sure why, but the air seems to have grown heavier and it’s getting harder to breathe.

He wants to loosen his necktie, but then he'll look less dashing when he gets to the studio, so he leaves it be and opens the window to suck in a breath of fresh air instead. It works, and his mind clears a little.

Ten past two.

Thirteen past two.

Fifteen past two.

The moment Xianle Productions comes into view, Hua Cheng's head is throbbing from nerves.

Coincidentally, it's about to turn into a full-blown migraine when he spots a familiar pesky face running towards him the moment the taxi comes to a full stop.

"You! Tell me he's with you!" Mu Qing, Xie Lian's friend and colleague, hollers over and over again while running up to him even before he can step out of the vehicle.

Hua Cheng absolutely cannot deal with this right now, but the panic on the guy's face makes the runaway groom rethink his plan of launching the taxi door right at Mu Qing's nose when he gets close enough.

"Is he with you?!" the production staff asks again.

"With me?"

"With you!"

"Quit yelling and parroting in my ear!"

Although Hua Cheng doesn't understand how Xie Lian could be buddies with someone akin to a screeching wet cat, he grants Mu Qing a semblance of civility for his best friend's sake.

"Mu Qing! Is he with him?!" another voice rings behind the first guy.

/Oh great. Now here comes the mutt/, Hua Cheng thinks to himself when the other friend, Feng Xin, appears. One of them just couldn't be without the other.

That aside, Hua Cheng does not have patience to figure out what the hell they're going on about. His focus is Xie Lian and no one else, so he starts trotting past them and towards the company premises.

"Xie Lian's gone!"

Hua Cheng whips around and darts back the moment he hears that.

Both production staff must have seen bloody murder in his mismatched eyes because they stagger backwards until Feng Xin holds up his hands and exclaims, "Wait, wait, wait! That came out wrong! It's more like...he's missing."

The two back up again almost to the edge of the sidewalk when Hua Cheng takes extra steps forward, clearly unamused.

"STOP!" Mu Qing exclaims again after regaining his footing. "Just listen."

"Speak," Hua Cheng snaps.

"We can't find him after he ran from the shoot. We thought that maybe he’d be with you."

Oh, how Hua Cheng wishes it were the case.

After several seconds of what could be considered a glaring contest, Hua Cheng turns on his heel and walks straight into the company’s lobby where he's greeted by confusion.

In the midst of the commotion, no one notices the uninvited guest. It's a free pass to finding out what exactly is going on.

To Hua Cheng's right are IT specialists carefully inspecting what seems to be CCTV footage on multiple laptops.

Scattered within the lobby are dozens of production staff and assistants buzzing amongst themselves with shock written all over their faces while carrying dismantled props.

And in the center of the place is a well-known producer, a cluster of security guards looking beat with their heads cast down, and a furious director who hasn't stopped lashing at the poor guards.

But what really catches Hua Cheng's attention is how one word seems to be loosely thrown all over the place. Whether it be said at the top of one's lungs, or mumbled in hushed voices, Hua Cheng couldn't figure out why everyone seems to be talking about …

"Boobs! You'd think you guards could have used your eyes to see that the model did in fact still have both boobs! Fake ones, here! They were made to stay in place, and according to the CCTV footage, they did their job perfectly! +

But you still believed him and let him go?! Now look! No one can find him!"

The director doesn't take a breather for more than three seconds before granting the guards another ear-splitting tirade.

From a distance, Hua Cheng can feel all the thrumming adrenaline in his system going to waste as his shoulders sag. He scans the chaos again, baffled.

/What…is happening?/

All Hua Cheng wanted to do was to make his grand entrance so he could surprise Xie Lian with a fairytale-like confession and hopefully take him out for a romantic ride into the sunset.

Instead, he's grappling with bits and pieces of information that hardly make any sense. To make matters worse, his noble, gracious, special someone seems to be missing in action. The frustrated suitor in Hua Cheng doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"By the look on your face, I’d say you’re clueless,” Mu Qing mumbles beside him. “Fine. We'll tell you what happened instead."

With a much tamer countenance and much less aggression, Hua Cheng turns to the two people who could probably give him answers. He looks at Mu Qing and Feng Xin with resignation and nods quietly.

"You see," Feng Xin starts. "We caught him sneaking out, and he ran."

"That means, we caught Xie Lian in the act of sneaking out of the building and he had the nerve to run away even after we told him to return to the shoot," Mu Qing clarifies before looking at Feng Xin to add more.

"And then, he just fucking starts screaming about the...I mean, you know...the thing...this one...get it?"

Hua Cheng could only guess what Feng Xin meant when the man couldn't look him straight in the eyes while forming two full mounds with his hands in front of his chest.

The furious blush on the guy’s constipated face makes Hua Cheng turn to Mu Qing and beg silently to save not only poor Feng Xin, but also him from second-hand embarrassment.

"Right." Mu Qing clears his throat. "After running out of the building and towards the gate, Xie Lian ended up screaming certain things just to escape."

"And those would be?" Hua Cheng asks.

“‘I dropped my boob.’ ‘I can’t work without my boob.’ ‘I need to find my boob.’” Mu Qing deadpans. "Though, you ought to imagine him screaming like a banshee while sprinting with all his might," he adds.

"..."

Alright...So, that's the story behind the infamous bosom. But it's clear there's more to that tale and Hua Cheng gets to the bottom of it.

Apparently, Xie Lian was supposed to act and model as a happy bride in the commercial shoot today. But while dressed in a wedding gown, he snuck out of the make-up room, ran along the hallways and out of the building, +

frantically yelled and tricked the guards so they would open the gates for him, and swiftly made his successful escape by hopping into a cab that rolled away at the speed of light.

After hearing the complete story, Hua Cheng is left with only one question in mind.

Why?

Ironically, Feng Xin asks him a question of the same nature. "By the way Hua Cheng, isn't it your wedding day today? Like, the real one? Why are you here?"

Mu Qing is taken aback by the realization as well, and he looks at Hua Cheng wordlessly.

Thanks to Feng Xin, Hua Cheng remembers his agenda. And with Xie Lian at the top of his priorities, he doesn't bother to answer the question and simply heads out of the building.

"Hey!" The other two jog after him.

Hua Cheng whips out his phone. He sees countless missed calls from his father’s subordinates and unknown numbers he figures are media men eager to stick their noses into his business. It’s a good thing he set it to silent mode before he got to his car.

With several taps, he makes his first call to Xie Lian. It rings, and rings, and rings, until it drops. Nothing more.

“Hua Cheng, there’s one more thing!” Feng Xin quickly says right behind him.

Hua Cheng doesn’t bother halting or looking back when he says, “What?”

“Xie Lian said he couldn’t stay because of an emergency.”

Now that stops Hua Cheng in his tracks. The two catch up to him, and this time they have a different expression other than panic. Hua Cheng sees concern. It’s the kind that he can tell is sincere.

“If you hear from him, will you please let us know?” Mu Qing asks in a manner Hua Cheng never thought was possible of him – docile and somewhat humble.

There’s only a hum of acknowledgement from Hua Cheng, but both Mu Qing and Feng Xin let out a sigh of relief. And it isn’t long before both staff see him off as he takes another taxi to go to the place where he believes Xie Lian might be.

Knowing his best friend, Hua Cheng is able to narrow down possible locations without a problem. At the end of the day, Xie Lian is sure to go home. And at times like this, there are only two homes he could choose from – Hua Cheng’s penthouse or his own apartment.

It isn’t difficult to figure out which one the model will consider coming home to for the night either. He knows about Hua Cheng’s wedding and wouldn’t dare barge into the supposed married man’s place as a third wheel. That, Hua Cheng is sure of.

So, Hua Cheng heads to Xie Lian’s apartment by default.

As Hua Cheng rides the elevator up to Xie Lian’s apartment, he tries not to dwell on worst case scenarios. It proves difficult when he remembers what Feng Xin said. Xie Lian left because of an emergency.

What emergency was so important that he’d even risk losing his job?

And because Xie Lian’s welfare always comes first, Hua Cheng decides to put his confession on the backburner for now. It’s not the right time to burden his best friend with what he has to say. Today, Hua Cheng will be Xie Lian’s pillar of support should he need him.

Hua Cheng fishes for his copy of Xie Lian’s key which he carries with him all the time. It’s his treasure, something he values more than gold.

With a gentle turn of the door knob, he enters Xie Lian’s home and turns on the lights. Sadly, no one answers when he calls out, “Gege?”

It feels lonely not receiving the usual enthusiastic, “San Lang!”. But that loneliness is easily soothed when he is welcomed by his red foxy slippers next to Xie Lian’s fluffy white ones.

The padding’s a bit sunken, and they’re showing a bit of wear and tear. But Hua Cheng would never trade them for new ones unless they come from his gege himself.

One by one, he visits the living room, the dining area, the kitchen, and the tiny study. Xie Lian is nowhere to be found. He even knocks and peeks into Xie Lian’s bedroom just to be sure. Again, it’s empty and void of the man he wishes to see.

The silence and emptiness tempt Hua Cheng to give Xie Lian another call, but he doesn’t because he’s already called more than ten times. And although worried, the ringing on the other end of the line is a little reassurance that the phone is alive, and probably just ignored.

So, he concludes that it’s all a matter of waiting.

And by waiting he means finding something to do until Xie Lian gets home.

That’s how Hua Cheng ends up in the kitchen, reminiscing while gazing at Polaroid pictures of himself and Xie Lian on the refrigerator.

It’s a trip down memory lane when he sees the ones from high school and college. Some were taken with Mickey Mouse in Disneyland too. But nothing beats the ones with them lounging in their jammies and onesies in each other’s homes.

Then right below the pictures are the crinkly little Post It notes with quirky messages and emoticons that Xie Lian has left for his dear San Lang. Hua Cheng grins and feels a tickle in his chest at the sight of tiny hearts peppering each one.

Looking around, he breathes easy seeing things still haven’t changed. Because right beside his red mug is the crystal bowl still filled to the brim with his favorite Butter Ball candies. And as always, Xie Lian has a pack of beers ready for him too.

Soon, he walks into the living room inhaling the scent of jasmine permeating the air before closing his eyes and thinking…

/He’s everywhere./

And the more Hua Cheng thinks about how his own belongings are scattered in Xie Lian’s cozy home, the more he realizes that this is where their friendship has taken them.

As minutes pass by, and while looking out the window, Hua Cheng figures that maybe his life hasn’t been so bad after all. More than half of it has been spent with Xie Lian, and that counts as a blessing in more ways than one.

At some point, the soft click of the door reaches his ears, followed by the padding of feet behind him. Hua Cheng smiles, exhales and waits until he hears the shuffle of fabric in the living room. Then, he slowly turns around.

The moment he does, he feels his entire world snapping into place. Because in front of him stands an indescribably beautiful bride who takes his breath away.

“Welcome home, gege,” he manages to croak somehow.

“Hi, San Lang,” Xie Lian replies with a lovely smile.

And boy does Hua Cheng smile back. It’s only been weeks, but it almost feels like he’s gone centuries without seeing his best friend. He’s aching to pull him in for a hug.

But instead, Hua Cheng simply moves closer and they fall into easy small talk for a second before a comfortable silence lingers in the air.

Hua Cheng isn’t sure, but it seems Xie Lian is appreciating him from head to toe. If that were the case, then having a top stylist suit him up this morning was worth every single penny.

As for Xie Lian…Heavens have mercy. The gods – and if there truly are any – must have spoiled Hua Cheng too much to bring him a bride most breathtaking.

From the drape of his long silky hair, to the silhouette of his gorgeous lace wedding gown, Xie Lian is the bride from Hua Cheng’s dreams.

And as much as Hua Cheng wants to keep his eyes trained on a decent level, they couldn’t help but stray dangerously low past Xie Lian’s chin, neck, collarbones and all the way down to a pair of shapely…

/Why, they’re lovely./

Wait.

No.

What Hua Cheng means is…

“You look lovely as a bride, gege.”

/And so are they, really,/ he muses with a sigh before lifting his eyes back up when Xie Lian complains about the stuffy wedding gown.

“Speaking of brides, I heard one of them abandoned a commercial shoot at Xianle Productions earlier,” Hua Cheng mentions right after. He could tell Xie Lian must have caused quite a scene after hearing the model’s awkward chuckle.

But Hua Cheng, being a simple man, is honestly grateful that Xie Lian hadn’t actually dropped a /boob/. Because it would be a waste. Not that it would matter because Xie Lian was a beauty regardless of shape or form. It’s just that…

“If my calculations are correct, you should know everything by now thanks to Yin Yu,” he hears Xie Lian say.

Yin Yu?

/Oh, right./ Hua Cheng lifts his eyes for the third time after realizing his line of vision had stubbornly dropped to his beloved’s blessed bust again.

“I didn’t learn about it all from Yin Yu,” he answers while willing his eyeballs not to take a nosedive for the fourth time in a row.

“Then, how did you know I ran off?” Xie Lian asks this time.

“I went to the company myself and talked to people,” Hua Cheng reveals. “Gege, the director was fuming.”

“What time did you go there?”

“Quarter past two.”

Hua Cheng watches Xie Lian blink and think before the model’s backpack drops to the floor and reveals a pair of worn-out wedding shoes.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” Xie Lian breathes with wide eyes.

“Supposedly.” Hua Cheng shrugs, remembering the wedding and the reception that had gone to waste.

“You’re supposed to be with her,” Xie Lian says again.

Hua Cheng winces inwardly and walks closer to Xie Lian. “That was the original plan.”

“What…happened?”

Hua Cheng could give him the details, but what would be the point? Xie Lian isn’t only beautiful, he’s also quite sharp. All Hua Cheng has to do is show that his left hand is void of a wedding band. And so, he does.

Xie Lian looks up in disbelief, asking, “What happened?” for the second time.

If Hua Cheng was selfish enough, he’d grab the chance to drop to his knees and give his heartfelt confession. He’d even propose if he wanted! Xie Lian’s in a gown. He’s in a suit. That wasn’t entirely a coincidence, was it?

But no. Xie Lian comes first and Hua Cheng wants to know about the emergency that caused Xie Lian’s bout of impulsiveness this afternoon. If needed, Hua Cheng will listen to his whole story. So, he tells him, “I could ask you the same thing, gege,” with that in mind.

Yet it seems Xie Lian is more curious right now. “I – I asked you first,” he says, looking intently at Hua Cheng.

Well, that’s all it takes for the younger man to give in.

“I never wanted to marry the girl,” Hua Cheng huffs with defiance after recalling how he’d been gaslighted into believing that there was nothing more important than family legacy. That for people of their stature, it was breeding, benefits, and influence that mattered most.

“I knew you didn’t love her,” Xie Lian states next.

Hua Cheng’s heart stutters before he admits, “That’s the second reason. The first is, there’s someone else I want to be with.”

Hua Cheng wants to finally say it. /It’s you. I want to be with you./ And he almost does until Xie Lian’s face and shoulders fall.

“???”

“Oh,” Xie Lian breathes. A second later, he asks, “You wanted to know the reason why I left the shoot right?”

No. Yes. Maybe Hua Cheng does, but after the last thing he said, he just wants to skip that part and confess to Xie Lian right here and now. But again, Xie Lian comes first, so Hua Cheng nods and listens.

He expects something rather concerning. Maybe an accident or a life-changing situation of sorts. What he doesn’t expect is what he hears next.

“I tried to make it in time for your wedding,” Xie Lian reveals.

This time, it’s Hua Cheng who looks at Xie Lian from top to bottom. His brows shoot up almost to his widow’s peak when he mutters, “You rushed there dressed like that?” He must have had quite an expression because Xie Lian giggles.

“Yes, San Lang. I was a head turner along the way, you know.”

“You could be in overalls and you’d still be a head turner,” Hua Cheng notes, not missing a beat. He then spends the next minute listening to Xie Lian’s angelic laugh.

“Gege, you had very important work. Why did you rush to the stupid wedding?”

Hua Cheng wants to list the many reasons why it was a terrible idea, but he doesn’t. Xie Lian isn’t a child, and he must have had a valid reason.

“San Lang, I…I…”

Hua Cheng patiently waits.

“I…” Xie Lian says again before rubbing his forehead and looking at the floor. “I wanted to stop the wedding,” he finally admits with a voice so soft.

The gears in Hua Cheng’s head grind to a halt, but his eyes are on Xie Lian, and Xie Lian only. Of all the things that could surprise him today, this is probably the one thing that has the power to make his heart explode.

“Gege rushed to stop the wedding?”

Xie Lian nods without looking up.

Even with his voice and breath stuck in his chest, Hua Cheng has to force out a, “Why?” Because he needs to know the reason why Xie Lian would risk staining his perfect career just to stop the goddamn wedding.

Right before him, Xie Lian keeps his head bowed while gripping his princess skirt. And Hua Cheng swears he could drop to his knees the moment his best friend confesses…

“Because I’m in love with you.”

Hua Cheng shuts his eyes for a second to steady his thundering heartbeat. He’s sure he heard right because his nails are currently digging into his palms and they hurt. This is real, and he feels the pain.

But most of all, Hua Cheng feels something unexplainable in his chest just waiting to burst.

Now he’s sure he has to talk. But much to his dismay, Xie Lian beats him to it for the umpteenth time.

“I love you San Lang, but I understand if you can’t return my feelings because you love someone else. I just hope we can still be friends after this.”

No.

No, no, no! Hua Cheng’s eyes are now blown wide and he’s stupefied by the thought that Xie Lian misunderstood what he said! But Xie Lian can’t see his expression and has no idea that it’s not the case. So, Hua Cheng treads the waters carefully for both their sakes.

“Gege, please look at me.”

Xie Lian shakes his head as if fearing the worst right now. It breaks Hua Cheng’s heart to think that his best friend couldn’t bear to look at him when it’s crucial. He’s reached his limit, seeing Xie Lian like this.

Hua Cheng tries again by closing the gap between them and gingerly caressing Xie Lian’s arms to ease his worries and fears. Although truth be told, Hua Cheng himself hasn’t stopped shaking in his spot.

“Can I ask you something?” Hua Cheng whispers.

Xie Lian nods again.

“Why do you think I’m here?”

Xie Lian gives him typical but silly answers, and every time, he’d say “Nope.”, as if they’re playing a guessing game.

“Then, why exactly are you here?” Xie Lian finally asks when all options are exhausted.

With a hand resting on Xie Lian’s nape and a thumb stroking his earlobe, Hua Cheng leans closer as he gives his reasons one by one.

“First of all, I’m here because I miss you.”

Hua Cheng sees the tip of Xie Lian’s ears turn pink, and it makes him smile.

“Second, I couldn’t think of anyone else today but you.”

Now Hua Cheng sees the way Xie Lian fidgets with the lace of his skirt.

“Third, I wanted to see the one person who can make things right when my entire day was wrong.”

Hua Cheng doesn’t wait a second longer before he lifts Xie Lian’s head up by the chin so he can look at him straight in the eyes when he gives his final reason.

“Most of all, I wanted to be with the man I’ve always imagined spending the rest of my life with. I couldn’t find him at work, so my only option was to wait for him in his home. Now I’m looking at him, hoping he understands what I’m trying to say.”

By the end of his speech, both he and Xie Lian are at the peak of their emotions. They tremble, and for some impressive reason, Xie Lian manages to say Hua Cheng’s name. That’s all the younger man needs to hear to know his message came across.

But Hua Cheng isn’t done yet. He cups Xie Lian’s cheeks and adds, “I’ve always loved you, gege. I was yours the moment we met as children. If it isn’t you walking down the aisle towards me on my wedding day, I don’t want it. It can’t be anyone but you.”

Xie Lian’s face crumples as his tears pour even more, and he repeatedly says the one thing Hua Cheng has failed to say for the longest time. “I love you. I love you, San Lang. I love you so much. I love you.”

Hua Cheng nods to such incurable love and this goes on for a minute or two until they’re laughing heartily, forehead to forehead. And without a warning, Hua Cheng wraps an arm around Xie Lian’s waist and pulls him in for their very first kiss.

Hua Cheng threads the fingers of his free hand through his lover’s hair as their lips meet. Xie Lian is just as he had imagined. Soft. Sweet. Succulent. Addicting. And their slow tender kisses turn eager and searing as seconds tick by.

When Xie Lian’s arms wrap around Hua Cheng’s neck, it’s impossible to escape that beckoning urge to hold, grip, explore, and indulge. More so when Hua Cheng feels how delightfully plump and supple Xie Lian’s glorious breasts are against him. He swears, they’re the /best/.

Minutes pass and they’re drowning in bliss without plans of resurfacing for air. Yet the ethereal man in Hua Cheng’s arms needs to breathe, so they part with much reluctance. Hua Cheng gazes down at that breathless face, knowing he’s reached a point of no return.

“San Lang…”

“Yes?”

“I’m dizzy,” Xie Lian squeaks with unfocused eyes.

It’s adorable enough to get Hua Cheng laughing and holding Xie Lian tighter just to make sure he doesn’t slip to the ground. Gods, this man is going to be the death of him.

And because he’s overcome with joy, Hua Cheng does something wild. “Marry me,” he boldly proposes after taking Xie Lian’s hands and kissing them reverently with excitement.

Thank goodness his boyfriend is just as radical, and it all becomes official when Xie Lian pecks his lips and nods. “Yes, San Lang! I’ll marry you!”

There’s nothing holding them back now. With just a few taps on Hua Cheng’s phone, Yin Yu, the ever-efficient assistant, is given a set of instructions so the newly-engaged couple can fly to Vegas ASAP and get married tonight!

“You better give him a raise,” Xie Lian whispers to his fiancé after poking his side.

Hua Cheng hardly sees the need for it, but because he’s feeling extra generous, he figures it wouldn’t hurt to triple his assistant’s salary. He smiles at his husband-to-be and adds a wink to seal the deal.

When the call ends, Hua Cheng helps Xie Lian to the couch where he takes his time admiring his /bride/. He’s mesmerized, but they need to talk about something very important.

“Believe me when I say that you look stunning in that dress, but you might want to change into something like a suit,” the groom starts. Then he flashes his fiancé a cheeky grin before saying…

“That way, gege wouldn’t have to worry about dropping his boob.”

Xie Lian couldn’t be more adorable as he whimpers regrets into his palm. He looks so cute and the image of his rosy cheeks will forever be burned in Hua Cheng’s memory.

After entwining their fingers and kissing Xie Lian’s temple, today’s events play in Hua Cheng’s mind. It seems the world was in favor of their love after all.

Had it not been for the arranged marriage, they both wouldn’t come to their senses and run straight into each other’s arms.

All this time, their life was a love story in the making.

And just like how Xie Lian made Hua Cheng feel special from the very first time they met, Hua Cheng smiles at his beloved and expresses the same in the best way he can.

“Just know I love and adore everything about you, gege, boobs and all.”

~The End~

Phew! Now this is my longest thread to date. Lol. 😂I hope you guys enjoyed this fic from Hua Cheng’s POV. It wouldn’t have materialized without Ban’s encouragement and help. For that, I'm very grateful.

Also,Yin Yu got a raise!

Alright. Back to the top!

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