Sit Softly On Your Shoulder

Chapter 5: Making Deals

The next day, Uncle Four takes Lan Zhan aside to talk to him. He's brought a whole team of helpers to shift all the rolls of fabric to a nearby warehouse for temporary storage. Wei Ying is watching it downstairs, and Wen Ning is coordinating things at the warehouse.

He's brought Lan Zhan up here to see what needs to be done, and also because it becomes apparent: what he wants to say is something he doesn't want Wei Ying to overhear, particularly because it concerns him.

"Thank you for not making it an issue last night," he starts off saying, giving Lan Zhan a little bow.

Lan Zhan bows back automatically and then says, "What are we talking about?"

"Our A-Ying. He is not good at understanding how much he is valued. This translates to him working harder than anyone I know and expecting very little in return." Uncle Four smiles shrewdly. "So I am negotiating on his behalf."

"That makes me feel better," Lan Zhan admits.

"You're a good person," Uncle Four says, out of the blue.

It makes Lan Zhan's ears hot. He's never thought of himself like that, and then he's embarrassed because this goodwill is restricted only towards Wei Ying, and not only because of these bizarre feelings plaguing him every time they see each other. Just that morning, it took Lan Zhan a good minute to reply to Wei Ying's greeting because he was wearing a pair of tight black yoga pants and a longish red vest revealing lean muscular arms and legs that went on for miles. Did he mention yoga pants? Skin tight and glorious, that's what they are.

Wei Ying even pretending to flex his arms most adorably did not douse the raging fire in his veins, and Lan Zhan had a hard time (in more ways than one!) calming down.

Uncle Four smirks as if he knows exactly what Lan Zhan is thinking, and that's mortifying because he's practically a parental figure to Wei Ying, and Lan Zhan's detailed musings on the logistics of ravishing the equivalent of his son, doesn't exactly prove his statement about Lan Zhan's intentions.

"I would rather Wei Ying be imbursed fully for his labour in a fair and mutually beneficial agreement." Lan Zhan replies, aiming to formally word it so it sounds professional rather than admitting that his mind is a permanent resident of the gutter these days.

"My thoughts exactly," Uncle Four slaps his back. "So first, give me a rundown on what you think needs doing up here and I'll draw up a contract. I'm thinking that the sooner we get the downstairs working, then I can move the team up here and have this place spic 'n span in no time. Then you can move up here."

"Mn."

Uncle Four takes a tour of the layout, making notes on a notepad in a traditional way, and Lan Zhan feels remarkably calm about basically trashing his mother's space and renovating it from scratch. He tells himself it's an investment for the next proprietor and stops the momentary panic that would have ensued. He's really doing this, then.

"Minor plumbing work and wooden flooring all round, then. Do you want underfloor heating? We're at the tailend of spring right now, and I imagine this place will feel too hot in the summer months, but winter is no joke around here." Uncle Four advises, waiting for Lan Zhan to choose.

"Air conditioning then, for summer, and underfloor heating for winter," Lan Zhan agrees.

"Okay, so that's a wrap," Uncle Four says after completing his written assessment. Then he tears off a strip of paper and hands it to Lan Zhan. "This is A-Ying's bank account number. He rarely ever looks so don't worry about his reaction. You might even have gone back home before he realises."

Uncle Four laughs to himself as he returns downstairs, leaving Lan Zhan in shock.

He will be back in Suzhou after six months. It's true.