Chapter 43: Moments

The restaurant lighting was soft and romantic, enveloping everything in a hazy glow...

Xavier sat by the window, looking down at the menu with his brow slightly furrowed, appearing a bit conflicted.

Seeing this, Chen immediately transformed into a large dog eager to please its master. He silently shifted into the seat beside Xavier, his shoulder nearly brushing Xavier’s arm, his face plastered with a sycophantic smile:

"Xavier, the truffle mushroom soup here is perfect for... ahem, people who overwork their brains like you."

Xavier closed the menu and turned his head, his cool gaze holding a hint of helplessness: "Chen, you said on the phone that this was just a simple meal together."

"It is! Just a meal between brothers!" Chen looked away guiltily, his eyes darting around.

"Heh." A low chuckle came from across the table.

Lucian sat with his legs crossed, playing with his phone and watching the scene with a half-smile.

He had dressed up specifically for today, and his usual aggressive edge had softened significantly. Instead, he exuded a flamboyant confidence, looking very much like a peacock fanning its feathers.

"Dr. Xavier," Lucian suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a trace of probing and flattery, "Could we... take a photo together?"

Xavier paused, looking at Lucian with some confusion.

Whenever he heard Chen talk about him, wasn't this kid supposed to hate these kinds of superficial social niceties?

"No way!"

!!!

Chen jumped like a cat that had its tail stepped on, slamming his hand down on Lucian’s hand as he reached for his phone. "Xavier doesn't like taking photos! And... and we came here to eat!"

Lucian arched an eyebrow, twisting his hand out of Chen’s grip with a light tone: "I want to post to my Moments. It’s rare to meet someone with... such a unique aura like Dr. Xavier. I want a memento."

Xavier watched the two of them scuffling and shook his head helplessly, though the corners of his mouth tilted up slightly: "It's fine, take it. Just don't post a' ugly one."

Chen was so angry he nearly spit blood.

On what grounds?!

On what grounds did this explosive maniac Lucian get to take a photo with Xavier?

How many times had they even met?!

He had followed Xavier for years and hadn't even caught the shadow of a joint photo!

He resentfully stabbed a piece of steak and shoved it into his mouth, his cheeks bulging, nearly dying of rage.

Lucian moved nimbly, snapping two or three photos in quick succession. He specifically chose an angle that perfectly blended Xavier’s cool profile with his own "well-behaved" expression.

He quickly edited the caption, his fingers flying across the screen, finally hitting send with one fluid motion.

Visible only to Sebastian.

After posting to his Moments, Lucian suddenly clutched his stomach, his expression shifting: "Oh, no, my stomach hurts. I need the restroom... actually, I'm heading out first! I've already settled the bill!"

With that, he vanished like a gust of wind, leaving behind a bewildered Xavier and a shivering, enraged Chen.

"This..." Xavier looked at the empty seat opposite him, then turned to Chen. "Do you want to take one too?"

Chen was currently immersed in his own imagined tragic indignation; hearing this, he nearly failed to suppress a laugh.

He quickly stifled the upward curve of his lips and nodded with feigned composure, though his eyes were brilliantly bright: "Well, since you've said so... I won't be shy."

Xavier helplessly raised his phone and adjusted the angle.

Seeing this, Chen didn't hesitate to reach out his long arm, pulling Xavier into his embrace by the shoulder. He flashed a smile he thought was sunny and radiant... but was actually just plain goofy.

Click.

The moment the flash went off, Xavier turned his head away uncomfortably, his cheeks burning slightly. His voice was very low: "Chen... I might not be ready yet..."

Chen’s entire body went rigid, and his hand on Xavier’s shoulder snapped back as if he'd been electrocuted.

He looked at Xavier’s awkward and shy state, and the small romantic notions in his heart instantly transformed into a chest full of tender pity.

He quickly took Xavier’s hand. As their skin touched, Chen felt a tingle of numbness wash over him.

"It's okay, Xavier. I was too impatient. It's no problem, we'll take it slow."

Xavier lifted his head and looked into Chen’s sincere eyes. His initial embarrassment and panic gradually subsided.

He squeezed Chen’s hand back and said softly, "Let's eat. The food is getting cold."

Meanwhile, back in the law firm breakroom, Sebastian—still being tortured by back pain—heard his phone vibrate. He picked it up and took a look; it was Lucian.

Lucian: 【Dr. Xavier looks very handsome tonight.】

Sebastian deleted the message immediately and closed his phone.

Drank too much? Sent the message to the wrong person?

Before he could follow that train of thought, another one arrived.

Lucian: 【Sorry, sent that to the wrong place.】

Sebastian’s expression was ghastly. He replied with nothing and clicked on Lucian’s profile, preparing to block him.

He couldn't be bothered with these kinds of petty tricks.

He opened the profile and saw that the brat seemed to have a new update. Driven by some ghost of an impulse, he clicked in.

The latest post in his Moments: In the photo, Lucian was smiling radiantly. The person beside him... should be the Dr. Xavier from the message. Gentle and handsome, indeed...

Sebastian’s fingers tightened suddenly, his knuckles turning white as if he wanted to crush the phone.

"Bastard..."

He cursed under his breath.

How long had it even been since they broke up? He was already this impatient? It seemed he also needed to find someone new; otherwise, it would look like no one wanted him.

He opened his contacts and sent a message to Assistant Joe.