That Promise

Part 3

Lying down and looking at the ceiling, Mu Qing kept thinking of that vernissage – he left early, he'd have a meeting first thing, but for some reason he went back, and overheard a conversation between Feng Xin and his boyfriend at the time. Feng Xin telling him how pathetic he looked, using Mu Qing as a stepping stone to advance in his career.

He hadn't shown himself nor acknowledged it – pride maybe, but he was sure it'd be uncomfortable for Feng Xin too if he had. Stretching himself lazily, he got up, going to the shower.

It wasn't as if he didn't see that guy trying to use him, but he never thought too much about it: after all it'd be hard to keep up with his work and be as good, or better than him, simple as that. But if Feng Xin was seeing it, everybody was seeing it, so that was a bit ridiculous. Mu Qing decided it was really too much, and dumped him.

After that, he didn't hear of Feng Xin for a while. His Instagram only showed projects he was working on, end-of-the-week beers with workmates, a trip to Machu Picchu with lots of trekking... No news about his personal life, not even pictures – Mu Qing realised he hasn't seen him in years.

"He must have put weight on, with all this beer drinking", he muttered to himself, while leaving the shower, "A receding hairline too, most likely", he added, glancing at himself in the mirror, and reaching for that gentle foam cleanser. He smiled: in any case, Feng Xin couldn't look as good as him.

He thought of the day ahead: yoga, a light lunch from that salad place, maybe sushi, then cuddle up with a book, put a facial mask on... He wanted a good relaxing before his birthday party later on.

Mu Qing thought of Xie Lian: he was the one to update him on their common acquaintances, specially on Feng Xin – he seemed to think they were friends, only too busy to see each other, ever. But after he started dating that guy, Hua Cheng, Mu Qing hasn't seen him much either. Hua Cheng was so clingy and they were so lovey-dovey – please, he thought, rolling his eyes.

He wasn't dating anyone – he couldn't be bothered, and didn't have the time: being an associate partner came with all the people management work he didn't really like, and the business trips. Not that he was desperate or something.

He unwillingly remembered that stupid promise again, and pursed his lips.

"Anyway", he told himself with a shrug, "I'm sure I can just pick and choose anyone at my birthday party. If I feel like it".

•

"Hey Feng Xin, thanks for coming!", Pei Su greeted him, wearing a judo-like jacket and a Japanese style headband, "Gyoza? We got veggie, pork and chicken – "

"Of course I'd come!", Feng Xin replied with a smile, "This smells fucking amazing, huh, pork please".

On Saturdays he usually woke up a little later and had black coffee in the kitchen – he could swear it tasted better just because he could relax, not having to go anywhere. He tidied up the flat, did his laundry and thought of going for a walk, then remembered Pei Su telling him of this food market.

He got a little paper bag of gyozas – Pei Su had thrown two extras – and kept eating them while walking around, thinking. That's right, Mu Qing didn't know he basically stood up for him against that guy, but it'd just be fucking awkward if he did: he could easily get the wrong idea.

It wasn't his business what kind of person Mu Qing dated, they weren't really friends after all.

He heard Mu Qing had become an associate partner for the company he worked for, no surprise there: Feng Xin had to admit he deserved it, his work ethics was flawless and his projects were fucking amazing. His Instagram showed ultra-modern skyscrapers all over the world and business trips – even his posts were stylish and professional.