-57- The real Lian

The first short meeting of Zhan and Lian, didn't really go well and didn't leave a very good impression on Zhan. But since Zhan himself knew that the situation at the club that night was not the best and Lian was obviously already drunk, Zhan had decided to forget this first meeting and really get to know Lian on another day. And that day was today.

Zhan and Yibo already had an appointment with Lian for breakfast. They agreed to meet at the office and then have breakfast together and get to know each other. Zhan knew that Yibo had been very tense since that night in the club three days ago, when the subject of Lian came up, so Zhan pretended to be calm and relaxed. Even though he was actually very nervous himself.

After all, he would meet the man Yibo would work with every day in the future. A man who, like Zhan knows, is bi sexual, good-looking and smarter than he had assumed before.

Zhan had taken a little of his skills as a reporter and looked at Lian's background. For example, he also found out that Lian is the son of two highly intelligent academics and also Lian's intelligence quotient is anything but average. Even as a small boy he often visited the local animal shelter with his father and took care of the dogs and cats there.

Later, when Lian was a teenager, he volunteered to work in an orphanage. It was there that his wish to help other socially needy families later on, developed. Lian was always popular with everyone, fellow students and teachers alike. He also helped his classmates by tutoring them in different school subjects and this completely free of charge.

But like every person willing to help, Lian also needs a balance from time to time and he creates it in his very own way. For example by going to clubs, drinking and having one night stands every now and then. It doesn't matter to him whether he sleeps with a man or a woman. He says of himself that he does not and cannot commit himself to any gender and that he is still too young and would like to experience and try out more before he commits himself to something permanent.

Even though Zhan couldn't understand the One Night Stands, he still found Lian somehow impressive. Because he lives the way he wants to and is still a good person who helps others. Slowly Zhan could also understand why Yibo likes him so much. Because Yibo himself is very similar to him in many ways. Well, luckily not in terms of intimacy, because Yibo wants to have intimacy only with Zhan.

When the three sat at the breakfast table, Lian was immediately open and warm again and said to Zhan: "I am glad that you didn't resent me for what was in the club. I was drunk and just excited to finally meet Yibo's boyfriend."

"Mmm, that's OK. I didn't hold it against you." Zhan replied calmly.

Within a few minutes, perhaps not even ten, Lian explained his own vision of this office and the help he wants to give to those in need. Zhan was honestly impressed. Especially because Lian himself is only 22 years old.

"And we already have several requests from people seeking help. And we have not even opened yet. Even the youth welfare office has asked us if they can send people who are looking for help to us. I believe that what Yibo and I are starting here can be really great. Who knows, maybe in a year we won't be two people anymore, we'll have a few more employees and maybe a bigger office." Lian explained.

"Well, it's always good to set goals. And as I know Yibo, he will do everything he can to help you reach these goals." Zhan replied.

Yibo, on the other hand, sat silently next to Zhan most of the time, nodding or shaking his head from time to time. But he had hardly said anything. When Lian went to the toilet for a moment, Zhan asked him if there was something, if anything was bothering him. And first Yibo shook his head, but then he said: "I think he likes you. I've never seen him be so quick, so open with anybody."

"What makes you think so? I'm sure he's like this with me, because of you. After all, I'm your boyfriend, and I'm sure he's just trying to be friendly." Zhan replied.

"No, I think he really likes you."

"Are you jealous Yibo? Do you mind if we become friends?"

"I just don't want him to have false hopes. I don't want him to forget whose boyfriend you are."

"Yibo, don't worry about that. I don't think he has anything else in mind. Besides, he knows we're together and that I love you."

"Nevertheless. I think it's great that you get along with each other and that's what I wanted. But the way he looks at you, I don't like it."

"I love you Yibo, and whoever comes, that's not gonna change. And even if he does like me, which I don't think he does, he'll soon realize that's not gonna get him anywhere. Because I am and always will be by your side."

"I love you too, ZhanZhan. Please be careful anyway."

Zhan didn't know what else to say. Shouldn't Yibo trust his business partner?

When Lian came back to the breakfast table, Yibo demonstratively put his head on Zhan's shoulder and clasped his arm. Zhan thought it was a bit childish, but at the same time also kind of cute. He gave Yibo a kiss on the forehead and smiled.

It's funny, Zhan thought, how everything develops like that. At first, Zhan was worried about Lian because he was afraid he might want more from Yibo or have a bad influence on him. And now it is Yibo of all people who is jealous of his business partner and is afraid that he would want something from Zhan.

And Lian, who obviously understood exactly what Yibo was trying to say, said: "Yibo, even though your boyfriend is absolutely my type and I could definitely fall head over heels in love with him, you don't have to be afraid. I won't approach him. I know that you love each other and I would never approach the boyfriend, of my friend and business partner. Even though I have to admit, if I didn't know you, I would try my luck with Zhan."

"Ah haha, no chance. I still wouldn't fall for you. For me there is and always has been Yibo." Zhan replied, trying not to get red cheeks.

"Mmm, this is my ZhanZhan. He belongs to me, and I will never let him go." Said Yibo and kissed the back of Zhan's hand.

"Oh dear, you two are so sweet. I could just wish for a ZhanZhan by my side."

"As long as it's not my ZhanZhan, I don't care." Said Yibo in a serious tone. Lian laughed and Zhan shook his head with a grin.

"Mhhh, does your ZhanZhan have another brother who is available?" Lian asked with a grin.

"No. His little brother is with my big brother and between the two of them, not even a piece of paper fits. And between Zhan and me, not even a piece of dust will fit." Yibo replied.

"Right now, even a basketball would fit between you." Lian said, pointing to the small space between Zhan and Yibo. Yibo looked at this space, shook his head and pulled Zhan closer.

Then Yibo grinned impudently and asked, "What space? I don't see one here."

Zhan thought it was nice that the situation loosened up and they even started making jokes. He was also reassured that Lian was ultimately quite different from what he had first assumed.

After the extra long breakfast, Lian said goodbye at first, because he still had an appointment. Zhan and Yibo stayed alone and Yibo showed Zhan his newly furnished office.

Besides a few lockable filing cabinets, two shelves with books, his desk and a small seating area, there is also a small play corner for children in the office. There is also a picture of Zhan on the desk. Even on the walls hang several pictures of Zhan and Yibo. "I don't want to hide it from anyone, you know. If they don't like it, there's no need to come back here." Said Yibo, when Zhan asked him if he wasn't afraid that people would realise they aren't just friends.

Yibo pulled Zhan to his desk with him. He put Zhan on the desk, put his own office chair on the highest level, so that he and Zhan were at eye level. He put his arms around Zhan's hip and kissed him. "Hopefully we'll be able to do this many times in the future. I hope you'll come and visit me here often and always sit here in front of me as you do now."

"We will see. I'll start work again on Monday and then it will be different again. Then comes the daily routine and I have to see if I can make it. But I promise you, I'll try."

"Mmm, I hope so. Unfortunately the days go by so quickly and our office will also be opening in two weeks. Somehow I'm afraid that we won't have much time for each other then."

"Well, you have to remember, we live together and see each other and every night at the latest." Zhan replied.

Of course, he, too, has his own thoughts. But he firmly believes that they will not lose their sight of each other, besides their work, and yet always find time for each other somehow.