Madam Yan's Matchmaking Pavilion for Men

29 Self-Indulgence, A Small Confession

Zhang Shi Lan smiled and bowed his head to eat the food that Yu Huang Rong had given him. Both of them couldn't help but feel sweet. This short moment seemed to be so much more than just one person giving the other food.

To Yu Huang Rong, him giving the food was a show of his feelings and Zhang Shi Lan accepting it was indicating that he had a chance. It was telling him that his advances weren't unwelcome and that even though the other person was shy, he still very much liked him and wanted to be treated this way.

To Zhang Shi Lan, on the other hand, this was a moment of self-indulgence. He was sure that the other person just wanted to be nice and befriend him but for a moment, he could imagine that there was more. He could pretend that the man he loved also loved him and that this gesture of giving him food was a show of these hidden affections. It was a bit like indulging in a secret love affair, just that they both had a sense of propriety and didn't dare to go too far.

Finally, both men put down their chopsticks and looked at each other. They held each other's gaze, thoughts swirling in both their heads. Yu Huang Rong leaned forward, reaching out and putting his hand over Zhang Shi Lan's. He wasn't sure if he was going too far. But since Zhang Shi Lan had accepted the food, he felt that maybe there was a chance that it would be alright. Maybe things were slowly changing between them. Maybe taking this step wasn't too much yet.

Zhang Shi Lan felt a soft touch and wanted to look but he was unable to extricate himself from that sharp look. From the day they first met, it had always been Yu Huang Rong's eyes that had captivated him the most. Sure, there was no denying that this man was very attractive in everything he did and looking from every angle. But while there were a lot of handsome men out there, his eyes were special. Zhang Shi Lan deeply felt that there was no other man that could look at him like this. His deep gaze ... It was as if it touched his soul.

Yu Huang Rong felt emboldened when his touch wasn't rejected either. He was just one step away from leaning over and kissing those soft lips. In the end, he still didn't dare to do so. It wasn't that he didn't want to but just when he leaned closer to give it a try, Madam Yan's voice seemed to ring in his mind. Slowly. You can't force this. You have to take it slowly.

He cursed inwardly but still leaned back, trying to be satisfied with the bit that he had had just now. Never mind. With a bit of time, things would progress further. He could wait that long. Madam Yan had promised to help, Luan Xin had promised to help, and he himself was also working on it. Even though it might not be enough right now, it would be in the future. He would have the strength.

He smiled, his gaze turning gentler. "We've eaten now. They said to rest a while before the real event begins. Do you feel that we'll be able to do it?"

Zhang Shi Lan smiled back at him, his voice lowering as if he was afraid he might disturb this moment if he spoke just a little louder. "General Yu is a capable man. What could go wrong with you performing?"

Yu Huang Rong lightly rubbed Zhang Shi Lan's hand with his thumb. Ah, how sweet. Hearing these kinds of words from the person he loved ... Today truly was a beautiful day. "I'm not worried too much either. Scholar Zhang is truly talented with the guqin. I'm sure the women will enjoy themselves."

Zhang Shi Lan's smile wavered a little and he lowered his gaze, finally looking at his hand that was being held in Yu Huang Rong's. His heart couldn't help but sour. The women would certainly enjoy themselves. Unfortunately, he would only have this one short moment of self-deception.

Yu Huang Rong didn't fail to notice the change in Zhang Shi Lan's expression. His brows raised slightly before he schooled his expression. He shouldn't let him see that he had noticed. But maybe this was also an opportunity.