Feel Sorry For Me? Part 2

Gu Zhuoyan hadn't told the truth. He didn't have overtime or any social engagements; he just wasn't in the mood for that damn blind date. He felt suffocated and congested, as if the smoke from last night had seeped into his body and hadn't dispersed. His limbs desperately needed to relax and vent.

An hour later, Gu Zhuoyan arrived at the fencing club. He was a top member here, more familiar with it than his own home. Even the cleaning lady knew his full name.

After changing into his fencing suit, Gu Zhuoyan carried his foil and mask and headed for Hall One. VIPs had dedicated training halls and arenas, but there were few people. Today, he wanted to be in a crowd, like a bloodthirsty tiger, a bully from the martial world, just wanting a rough and wild, satisfying fight.

Entering the vast hall, there were four or five pairs sparring. Gu Zhuoyan warmed up first, his gaze wandering as he considered who to pick for the first round.

He gradually locked onto a pair and watched them first. Both were of similar height. The one on the left had a slightly unstable rhythm, but their attacks were fierce, as if they didn't care about winning or losing, only seeking a hearty, unrestrained match.

Gu Zhuoyan watched with growing interest. When a winner was decided, he applauded along with the others, walked over, and, holding his foil, said to the person on the left, "That was a clean win. Still have energy?"

The other person nodded and beckoned with their hand, accepting the challenge.

Both sides got ready, stepped back behind the line, saluted each other, and began. Gu Zhuoyan started with a straight lunge to test the waters. His opponent reacted quickly with a beautiful parry-six riposte. He defended, and his opponent immediately launched a second attack with a half-step lunge, coming on fiercely.

The distance closed slightly. Gu Zhuoyan lunged forward, attacking the octave position. His moves were practiced and precise, with a hint of fighting fire with fire.

Perhaps his opponent was lacking in stamina or at a height disadvantage, as they gradually fell behind. Gu Zhuoyan pressed forward step by step. When he had them cornered, he would feign a few moves, allowing them a moment to catch their breath and recover, only to torment them again, throwing their footwork and rhythm into complete disarray.

An onlooker laughed. "This guy's pretty mean, is he toying with a kitten?"

"But the other one is good too, still holding on with his defense."

It was unclear how much time had passed, only that sweat was flying, and it felt exhilarating. Gu Zhuoyan finally scored a hit with a controlled lunge, and won.

He took off his mask. "Two matches in a row, you must be tired." He was still a bit out of breath. He turned to get a drink of water. "Let's spar again next time we have a chance."

After taking a few steps, the person behind him asked, "When is next time?"

Gu Zhuoyan paused and turned to look. The person's chest was rising and falling. They took off the mask they had been wearing the whole time, revealing a sweat-drenched face. It was Zhuang Fanxin.

The shock of this moment was no less than yesterday's. Gu Zhuoyan scanned Zhuang Fanxin from head to toe before finally confirming, "What are you doing here?"

Zhuang Fanxin raised a hand to wipe his sweat, touching his face and enduring the pain to maintain his smile. "I found it online. I wanted to get some exercise after work, so I came."

He quickly caught up to Gu Zhuoyan's side. "How was it? Am I any good?"

"...Oh." Gu Zhuoyan tried to calm himself. "You were so thoroughly beaten you couldn't even fight back. Maybe you shouldn't ask."

Zhuang Fanxin scoffed. "I usually win when I fence against others." Sweating so much had left his mouth dry, making him prone to misspeaking. "It's because I was flustered when I saw you, that's why I lost my composure."

Gu Zhuoyan went along with it. "Why were you flustered when you saw me?"

They stopped at the same time, looking at each other. The lights overhead seemed like the streetlights on a small side road, where they sat on the bluestone slabs and Gu Zhuoyan gave Zhuang Fanxin a fencing suit.

It's unknown who snapped out of it first. They laughed it off, and each downed a large glass of cold water.

Gu Zhuoyan had a private changing room. After his shower, he had a muscle-relaxing massage. The whole routine took forty minutes. When he emerged, refreshed, he saw Zhuang Fanxin had fallen asleep on the sofa.

They had already said "goodbye" in the hallway. He walked over and snapped his fingers. "Why didn't you leave?"

Zhuang Fanxin opened his eyes and stood up. "I wanted to wait for my hair to dry before going out, or I'll catch a cold."

Gu Zhuoyan asked, "What are hairdryers for?"

Zhuang Fanxin was wide awake now. "It's broken, no air comes out."

A typical bald-faced lie. Gu Zhuoyan didn't expose it. He went straight to the elevator. Zhuang Fanxin followed behind him without a word. When the elevator doors closed, the display showed the nineteenth floor, and the numbers began to count down.

Zhuang Fanxin pressed his lips together. The person he had been thinking about all day was standing right next to him, and they would soon part ways. He was flustered, anxious. He knew he shouldn't shamelessly pester him, but he couldn't control it.

They were about to reach the first floor.

He resigned himself. He wouldn't care if Gu Zhuoyan threw him out next.

"Um," Zhuang Fanxin forced the words out. "Can I have your contact information?"

The floodgates of memory broke open. Whether it was a torrent of beasts or a gentle stream that escaped, each knew in their own heart. Gu Zhuoyan turned sideways to face Zhuang Fanxin, delivering a monstrous answer in a gentle tone, "There's no need. It'll be a hassle to delete it when I have someone new."

The elevator reached the first floor. The doors opened, and Gu Zhuoyan strode out.

He walked past rows of cars, looking for his own, without looking back, leaving Zhuang Fanxin's expression and reaction behind him. He only remembered that minute when he couldn't find him, sitting paralyzed in a chair and crying like an empty-headed fool.

Gu Zhuoyan's phone vibrated for a long time before he felt it. He answered without looking. "Spit it out."

"It's me," it was Lian Yiming. "Bro, there's something. I've been agonizing over it for 24 hours. I didn't want to tell you, but I can't just keep it to myself and die, right?"

Gu Zhuoyan wasn't interested and didn't reply.

Lian Yiming said, "Alright, I'm telling you then. Fuck! Zhuang Fanxin is back in the country!"

Gu Zhuoyan pressed his car key fob. "Oh."

"Oh?" Lian Yiming was afraid he didn't believe him. "For real! He's staying at the Sofitel Hotel! Last night, a guest was kneeling in the hallway looking for his room key, crying his eyes out, and even fucking slapping himself. I checked later and it was actually Zhuang Fanxin!"

Gu Zhuoyan hung up the phone.

He stood motionless in front of his car door, just standing there for a full minute.

Hearing footsteps, Gu Zhuoyan turned and saw Zhuang Fanxin walking over. He stopped when they were half a meter apart. Before the other could speak, he struck first, "Feel sorry for me?"

Zhuang Fanxin answered, "Yes."

"Words aren't enough," Gu Zhuoyan said. "Yesterday, I said I wanted to slap you."

Zhuang Fanxin raised his hand to hit himself, but Gu Zhuoyan grabbed it. He added, "A slap is too light. I really want to punch you."

Zhuang Fanxin tilted his face up. "Go ahead and punch me."

That cheek was indeed a bit red and swollen. Gu Zhuoyan looked at it and suddenly raised his hand.

Zhuang Fanxin closed his eyes, but the fist never landed. He was grabbed by the right shoulder, spun around, and then shoved hard from behind. He stumbled a few steps. Just as he regained his footing, Gu Zhuoyan had already gotten in the car, started the engine, and turned the corner to leave.

Zhuang Fanxin chased after him for a short distance, but ultimately stood there in vain.

He was cold all over. He wrapped his scarf tighter and pulled up the hood of his down jacket. Just then, something slid down from his temple.

Zhuang Fanxin picked it up and looked. Printed on it were the words: GSG Group General Manager, Gu Zhuoyan, followed by his contact information.

Like a dream, it was Gu Zhuoyan's business card.