Hualian AU Xtraz ~ Hua Cheng's Birthday

Part 1

That Friday, as soon as Xie Lian arrived at The Heavens, he texted Feng Xin and Mu Qing: EMERGENCY MEETING! He got a text back: COME TO JW'S OFFICE; that's where Mu Qing's been working since Jun Wu's been arrested. Together with other people, Mu Qing had stepped in managerial positions, trying to keep the uni afloat.

As Xie Lian walked in, Mu Qing was waiting at that stylish little lounge space; Feng Xin was making coffees at that fancy coffee machine. Xie Lian smiled: they were good mates!

The night before, PC XiaXian Yue had been suddenly put on duty by the metropolitan police, so Xie Lian went to cover him, DJing at the reggae night on Gamblers' Den. That's where he heard disturbing news, and texted Feng Xin and Mu Qing in a panic, seeking their advice.

"It's San Lang's birthday in one week!", he announced. Feng Xin and Mu Qing exchanged looks.

Mu Qing replied, "You need help organising a party? Booze, strippers, this kind of thing?"

Xie Lian wasn't in the mood for jokes, "I need ideas for a present!"

"Oh, Xie Lian", Feng Xin said, "I'm sure Hua Cheng will be fucking happy to have you to celebrate his birthday with him and...", he trailed off, noticing Xie Lian and Mu Qing's eyes fixed on him. "What?"

Of course, he had a girlfriend, he must have good suggestions! "I don't think – ", Feng Xin started.

Mu Qing interrupted, "You give her sexy lingerie or something! Alright we don't want to know".

"Fuck! It's not that", Feng Xin replied, "I give her girly stuff. Flowers, scented candles. Cute stationery. I don't think it's Hua Cheng's style".

"Fair enough", Xie Lian said. "Mu Qing?"

"Hum, pyjamas? After-shave? Knickers?"

"Look who's suggesting sexy lingerie...", Feng Xin teased.

"I mean NORMAL knickers", he replied, and added, "we always need new ones, right? They get worn out in no time..."

Xie Lian and Feng Xin pffted a laugh, "Fuck Mu Qing, you're suggesting stuff your mum gives you for Christmas?", Xie Lian asked, being rather mean.

"Well?", Mu Qing replied, raising a brow, "You're the one dating the guy, and you don't know what he likes?"

"I know what he likes", Xie Lian said, but couldn't help blushing.

Looking at Xie Lian's reaction, Feng Xin quickly said, "We don't want to know".

"I mean, I know what he likes doing, his tastes, but San Lang isn't materialist. Actually, he doesn't have much stuff, and his clothes are kind of basic...", Xie Lian replied. Hua Cheng was that good-looking, he could be a 24/7 white-t-shirt-and-jeans and still look crazy hot.

"How about something personalised?", Feng Xin suggested, but didn't elaborate.

"Anyway", Mu Qing said, running out of patience, "It's the thought that counts. So, whatever you do, being you..."

"As I fucking said before", Feng Xin added.

"He's going to love it", Mu Qing concluded, with an uncharacteristic bright smile.

"Hum, well, thanks guys", Xie Lian said with a small voice.

"Let us know how it goes", Feng Xin said, "I'll text you if I think of something".

"Thanks", he repeated, then got up and left the lounge, making his way out through The Heavens' endless corridors. Feng Xin and Mu Qing were good mates, but damn they're so boring!

●

At break time, Xie Lian had an insight. Personalised, Feng Xin said, so he fished his phone out to search for "personalised gifts", and, among a few options, saw something he thought it might do the trick! He ordered it, getting an express delivery just in case, and felt greatly relieved.

Then he texted Hua Cheng, FANCY a teriyaki mushroom and spinach udon TONIGHT? ❤️

He replied straight away, I'D LOVE TO GEGE ❤️❤️❤️

Xie Lian smiled, and quickly made a list of ingredients he needed to buy at the Asian shop near home, so he wouldn't forget anything. He drank the rest of his coffee and went for the remaining two classes of the day; he was in high spirits after sorting out the birthday present, and would be able to just enjoy his time with Hua Cheng later.

●

The following Tuesday, Xie Lian went to see Feng Xin and Mu Qing again. They were having lunch together at Nan Yang Palace; Xie Lian had eaten at home, so he just helped himself of a salty caramel latte. Smiling brightly, he triumphantly waved at them the package he had received on the post that very morning.

"What's that?", they asked.

"That's a personalised gift I ordered for San Lang! Thanks Feng Xin for the idea", Xie Lian replied, taking it out of its parcel and showing off theatrically, "Have a look guys!"

He showed them a white t-shirt, on its front a print of that selfie he took with San Lang in Amsterdam, the one he posted on Instagram. Feng Xin and Mu Qing widened their eyes and couldn't help but burst out laughing. Laughing hard.

"What? It's cute", Xie Lian said, defensively. "San Lang looks super hot here, you guys are jealous".

"Xie Lian", Mu Qing said, still out of breath, "I beg you, please don't give this to him. He's gonna break up with you if you do!"

"Sorry Xie Lian", Feng Xin said, wiping laughing tears from his eyes. He added, "Well he won't break up, but it's gonna be fucking embarrassing".

"If it was me I would", Mu Qing said firmly, "Xie Lian, this is sooo tacky! How can you think of giving something like that as a birthday present?"

"Why, it's, hum, sweet, and romantic, and – "

"Tacky. Please, you don't have such a bad taste yourself. Find something else".

"No need to be mean", Feng Xin said looking at Mu Qing. He turned to Xie Lian, "You know how Mu Qing is, but at least he's fucking honest right? We're honest. We're not gonna say something just to please you."

"I know", Xie Lian replied with a small voice, "Yeah well, I get it. You're right guys, thanks anyway. I'll find something else.

"Good. I think our job is done here", Mu Qing said with a relieved face.

"Don't worry too much Xie Lian", Feng Xin said, patting Xie Lian on the shoulder.

"I won't. Thanks", Xie Lian replied, getting up to go, leaving his salty caramel latte behind.

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