That Night.
Baobao stepped out of the office building, looking forward to seeing Junjie and unwinding after a long day. But as he scanned the street, he didn't see Junjie's car waiting for him. He pulled out his phone and dialed Junjie's number, but it went straight to voicemail.
"Hey, where are you?" Baobao texted, trying to keep his tone light. "I thought you were going to pick me up after work?"
He waited for a few minutes, but Junjie didn't respond. Baobao's brow furrowed in concern. Where could Junjie be? Had something happened? He tried calling again, but still no answer.
With a sigh, Baobao hailed a taxi and headed back to Junjie's apartment, hoping to find him there and clear up the misunderstanding.
Baobao arrived at Junjie's apartment building and stepped into the lobby. He approached the management office and asked if Xián was in. The staff member checked the records and looked up with a sympathetic expression.
"I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Xian is no longer a resident here. He moved out earlier today," the staff member said.
Baobao's eyes widened in surprise. "What? That's not possible. Xián would have told me," he said, feeling a pang of worry and confusion.
The staff member nodded apologetically. "I'm afraid it's true, sir. His father, Mr. Wei Quán, took control of the apartment and... Well, it's a bit of a complicated situation."
Baobao's mind reeled as he processed the news. What was going on? Why hadn't Junjie told him about this? He felt a sense of unease and concern for Junjie's well-being.
Baobao walked out of the apartment building, lost in thought as he tried to process the news about Junjie's apartment. He strolled through the streets, his feet carrying him on autopilot as his mind wandered.
As he turned a corner, he found himself approaching the park where he and Junjie had shared a lovely moment. The lake sparkled in the fading light, and Baobao's eyes scanned the area, taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
That's when he saw Junjie, sitting on the grass near the lake, staring out at the water. Baobao's heart skipped a beat as he quickened his pace, his eyes fixed on Junjie's profile.
"Junjie?" Baobao called out softly, not wanting to startle him.
Junjie turned, and their eyes met. Baobao saw a mix of emotions on Junjie's face - sadness, frustration, and a hint of relief.
As Baobao approached, Junjie's eyes locked onto his, and he stood up, his face etched with emotion. Baobao's heart went out to him as he saw the pain and vulnerability in Junjie's eyes.
Without a word, Junjie opened his arms, and Baobao stepped into the embrace. Junjie wrapped his arms around Baobao's waist, holding him so tight it was almost suffocating. Baobao felt Junjie's body shake as he began to cry, great heaving sobs that seemed to rack his entire being.
Baobao held Junjie just as tightly, offering what little comfort he could. He stroked Junjie's hair, whispering soft words of reassurance as Junjie's tears soaked into his shoulder.
In that moment, Baobao felt a deep connection to Junjie, a sense of understanding and empathy that went beyond words. He knew that Junjie was hurting, and all he could do was be there for him, to hold him and support him through the storm.
As Baobao held Junjie, he whispered softly, "I know what your father did about the apartment. The management told me you moved out."
Junjie's grip on Baobao tightened, and he buried his face deeper into Baobao's shoulder. "It's not just the apartment," he said, his voice muffled. "They've taken everything from me. My car, my freedom... everything."
Baobao's heart went out to Junjie as he listened to the pain and frustration in his voice. "What do you mean?" he asked gently, stroking Junjie's hair.
Junjie pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy. "They're trying to control my life, Baobao. They won't let me make my own decisions. They want me to marry someone I don't love, to take over the family business... but I don't want any of it."
Junjie's eyes locked onto Baobao's, and he spoke with a conviction that came from the depths of his soul. "I don't want any of it, Baobao. I don't want the family business, the arranged marriage... I don't want any of the things they're trying to force on me. The only thing I want is the freedom to love you."
Baobao's heart skipped a beat as he heard the sincerity and passion in Junjie's voice. He felt a rush of emotions, and before he knew it, tears were welling up in his eyes.
"Junjie..." Baobao whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
Junjie's face softened, and he reached out to gently wipe away Baobao's tears. "I want to be with you, Baobao. I want to wake up every morning with you by my side. I want to build a life with you, free from the expectations and pressures of my family."
Baobao's heart overflowed with love and adoration for Junjie. He knew exactly what Junjie meant, and he felt the same way.
Baobao's face lit up with a warm smile as he looked at Junjie. "If you don't have somewhere to go, then let's live together with Ma," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "She'll be happy to have you stay with us. We can build a life together, just the three of us."
Junjie's eyes widened in surprise, and then a soft smile spread across his face. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.
Baobao nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, really! Ma will love having you around, and I... I want to wake up every morning with you by my side."
Junjie's smile grew wider, and he pulled Baobao into a tight hug. "I'd love that," he whispered, his voice full of emotion.
In that moment, Baobao knew that they had found a solution that would bring them closer together, and give Junjie the freedom he so desperately craved.
"Our fate is not written in the stars, but in the choices we make. And the choice to hold on to each other, that is the fate I want to hold onto." - Zi Chén.
As they walked hand in hand, they eventually reached the bus stop. They boarded the bus, finding a quiet spot near the back. Junjie leaned his head on Baobao's shoulder, feeling a sense of relief and comfort.
Baobao wrapped his arm around Junjie, holding him close as the bus rumbled along the road. They sat in comfortable silence, watching the city lights pass by outside the window.
The bus ride was a gentle, soothing end to the emotional day they'd had. As they rode home, Baobao felt grateful to have Junjie by his side, and he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they'd face them together.
The bus eventually stopped near their neighborhood, and they got off, walking hand in hand towards Baobao's home, ready to start their new life together.
As they approached the house, Baobao's mother stood at the front door, a warm smile spreading across her face. She gazed at the two young men, her eyes shining with happiness.
"Come inside, both of you," she said, beckoning them in. "I've been waiting for you, Baobao. And I've been expecting you, Junjie."
Junjie smiled, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude towards Baobao's mother. He knew that she was accepting him with open arms, and that meant the world to him.
Baobao's mother led them into the house, chatting warmly about dinner and getting settled in. As they entered the cozy home, Junjie felt a sense of belonging, knowing that he had found a new family with Baobao and his mother.
Junjie took a deep breath and told Baobao's mother everything - about his father's controlling behavior, the arranged marriage, and his desire to be with Baobao. As he spoke, Baobao's mother's expression changed from curiosity to concern, and eventually, to sadness.
She looked at Junjie with compassion, seeing the pain and struggle in his eyes. "Oh, Junjie, I'm so sorry to hear that," she said, her voice filled with empathy.
But then, her face softened into a warm smile. "But you're welcome here, Junjie. You and Baobao can start a new life here with me. We'll face whatever comes next together, as a family."
Junjie's eyes welled up with tears as he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He knew that he'd found a true haven with Baobao and his mother, and that they'd support him no matter what.
Baobao smiled, hugging his mother tightly. "Thank you, Ma. That means everything to us."