AFMWDX Chapter 32

TL: Hua

---

Chapter 32: Foot Model

That night, the “feng shui” in the emergency department was pleasant; by nearly 11:00 PM, not a single patient had arrived.

Zhong Yan was heading downstairs with some medical records. In the empty outpatient building, he could hear the resident trainees shouting from a distance.

“Huge news, brothers!”

“Director Xu got busted for drunk driving!”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Director Xu drinks?”

“Absolutely true! He just stepped out of a police car. It’s the real-deal Director Xu!”

“Look outside, it really is him!”

“Damn, he’s dressed so flashily!”

“He must have gone through something traumatic.”

“Unrequited love? Drinking his sorrows away?”

“Didn’t he just get married?”

“Beware of fire, theft, and love!”

“Marriage makes a man lose himself!”

“One false step leads to eternal regret!”

“I told you an ascetic monk couldn’t handle the mortal world!”

Zhong Yan rushed up and gave the brats a thorough scolding. Just as he pulled out his phone to contact Xu Baizhang, he turned to see Captain Feng leading a group toward the ER, with Xu Baizhang trailing at the back.

Zhong Yan: “…”

Fuck, I’m more embarrassed than he is.

The provincial hospital handled the blood alcohol tests for checkpoints within a three-kilometer radius. Captain Feng, who had been in charge of this area for years, was very familiar with Zhong Yan.

After some pleasantries, Zhong Yan arranged for staff to draw blood. Once the crowd dispersed, he called out, “That last comrade, follow me this way.”

Xu Baizhang followed him into the office and rolled up his sleeve.

Zhong Yan was certain he couldn’t have been drunk driving. “What happened?”

Xu Baizhang: “Qingtang was at a gathering with colleagues. I went to pick him up.”

Zhong Yan was stunned for two seconds before it clicked. “How much did he drink?”

“Three bottles of beer.”

Zhong Yan inserted the needle into the vein. “What did you blow on the breathalyzer?”

Xu Baizhang: “Fifty-one.”

Zhong Yan: “…”

Three bottles of beer—even if the person who drank it blew, it would only be around sixty. An indirect contact should be twenty or thirty at most. Exactly how long did he spend swirling his tongue around in the other person’s mouth?

Zhong Yan’s needle almost missed the mark, and his scalp was almost burnt dry.

When it came to romance, it really was a case of “the deeper the suppression, the stronger the rebound.” How abstinent he used to be was how thirsty he was now. In weather this cold, couldn’t they have waited until they got home? Did they have to go at it outside to be satisfied?

The ascetic monk’s head was blooming with flowers; he was clearly ready to go through fire and water for his love.

Zhong Yan: “Is your family’s news anchor back home?”

Xu Baizhang: “No, he’s still waiting for me in the car.”

“Why didn’t you let him come in?”

“The car is parked on Minzu Road.”

Belatedly, Zhong Yan thought it was a good thing he hadn’t come in. People at the hospital knew Xu Baizhang was married, but they didn’t know to whom. If he had shown up, given the gossiping nature of those brats combined with the news anchor’s fame, they would have blown the roof off the building.

The blood test results came out quickly. Xu Baizhang was “released” on the spot, while the other three remained for “ideological education.”

Xu Baizhang didn’t have time to wait for them and was considering the fastest way back.

Zhong Yan stopped him. “How are you getting there?”

Xu Baizhang: “I’ll take a taxi.”

That was the fastest way.

“With snow this heavy, can you even hail a cab?” Zhong Yan handed him his car keys and the hospital-issued certificate proving he hadn’t consumed alcohol. “Just leave my car in the lot at the Minzu Road intersection. I have a spare key; I’ll go pick it up in the morning.”

Xu Baizhang took the keys. “Thanks.”

Zhong Yan patted his shoulder. “Don’t be polite with me. Go on, don’t keep your family waiting.”

Just as Xu Baizhang left, Shi An—who had missed the “show” due to a stomach ache—returned. He hadn’t been there in person, but he had seen the gist of it in the gossip groups and was now walking straight into the line of fire.

Shi An sidled up to Zhong Yan. “Director Zhong, under what circumstances would a blood test show no alcohol, but the machine says there is?”

Zhong Yan’s gaze was like an ice blade.

Terrified, Shi An explained, “I’m just trying to discuss science. Could the testing device be broken?”

Zhong Yan: “It’s fine.”

Shi An: “Then is Director Xu practicing some secret martial arts?”

Rumor had it that Xu Baizhang was a master of martial arts with extraordinary skills—one palm strike could send an opponent to meet their ancestors early. Coupled with the fact that he always wore traditional training robes, in Shi An’s mind, he was like a wandering swordsman who would spray a mouthful of wine onto his blade before a fight.

Zhong Yan looked at him as if he were looking at a left-behind child under the age of three.

Shi An scratched his head. “No? It couldn’t be that Director Xu uses medical alcohol as mouthwash for oral health, could it?”

Zhong Yan: “…”

What was this little idiot raised on?

Shi An was even more confused. “It’s not?”

Zhong Yan pulled a long face. “No.”

“Then what is it?” Shi An was genuinely curious. He replayed the gossip from the group in his head and thought for a long time. “Oh! Don’t tell me Director Xu ki— kissed— OW!”

Zhong Yan slapped him on the back of the head. “Enough nonsense! Get to work!”

—

Having made it home safely, Yu Qingtang finished his shower and sat on the edge of the bed drying his hair. Xu Baizhang approached with his phone and knocked. “Are you busy?”

Yu Qingtang put down the towel. “No.”

“My friend’s younger partner sprained his ankle. I might need your help as a ‘foot model’ to record a teaching video.”

“Young partner?” The phrasing was quite unique.

Xu Baizhang said, “Yes, Songsheng’s fiancé. He’s quite young.”

“Oh,” Yu Qingtang let out a sound. “So Dr. Liang likes that type.”

By specifically emphasizing “young,” the fiancé must be at least five or six years younger than Dr. Liang.

Yu Qingtang had met Liang Songsheng once in Shigatse; the man had a mature, steady appearance and carried an intimidating aura. He wasn’t easy to approach, unlike the cheerful and talkative Dr. Zhong.

Xu Baizhang: “It’s said to be a family-arranged marriage.”

It sounded like a very old-fashioned description, but since it was their private business, Yu Qingtang didn’t ask further and offered his foot.

Xu Baizhang hesitated for two seconds before placing Yu Qingtang’s heel on his own lap.

The process of Xu Baizhang removing the sock was slow, like a slow-motion panel from an erotic manga. Against the grey lounge pants, the white sock was pulled back, and the ankle bone was revealed bit by bit—naked, clean, and enticing.

Yu Qingtang held up his phone, preparing to film. “Is this angle okay?”

Xu Baizhang propped up Yu Qingtang’s heel, cupping the top of his foot with his palm. He leaned in to check the camera frame. “This works.”

Yu Qingtang’s toes twitched slightly. “Baizhang, your palm is so hot.”

“It’s because your feet are too cold. You have a chilly constitution.”

Yu Qingtang didn’t quite believe his excuse but played along: “Then would Dr. Xu be so kind as to warm them up for me?”

Xu Baizhang gripped the entire top of the foot, kneading it as if it were a soft sponge. “Starting the recording now.”

Xu Baizhang’s movements were meticulous—a nanny-level tutorial with detailed explanations for every joint. The initial process was quite comfortable, until he pressed a specific acupoint near the ankle.

Yu Qingtang shuddered and tried to pull back. “Ah… Baizhang, gentler, it hurts.”

Xu Baizhang’s palm was burning; the light sheen of sweat acted like a lubricant. He kept his head down, his voice sounding cold and resolute. “If there is pain, there is a blockage. That means it needs to be massaged even more.”

As he spoke, he increased the pressure on that area.

“Ah… but, ah, no Baizhang, mmm… slower… it really hurts.” Yu Qingtang wasn’t just crying out; there were suppressed pants escaping his throat, soft enough to melt and wet enough to draw warmth.

Xu Baizhang ignored the pleas, and his strength did not diminish.

“Mmm, Dr. Xu, no, I really can’t… slow down, ah… mm!”

“That’s enough.” Xu Baizhang let go. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his ears and neck looked like they were on fire.

The video was only a little over a minute long.

Yu Qingtang pressed stop. “That’s it?”

Xu Baizhang wiped the moisture from the top of Yu Qingtang’s foot and tucked it back under the covers. “It’s enough for him.”

“Didn’t you say, ‘If there is pain, there is a blockage’? Aren’t you going to massage it more for me?”

“Massaging has limited results. I’ll prescribe some medicine tomorrow.”

Yu Qingtang: “…”

Excuses.

Xu Baizhang walked to the door but turned back. “Songsheng is holding his engagement banquet in a couple of days. We’re invited. Do you have time?”

“I can make it.”

“Okay. I’m leaving now.”

Yu Qingtang watched his retreating back and noticed his spine was damp with sweat.

Last time you said you liked it when I panted, yet after two gasps you’re running away.

Dr. Xu, What exactly are you hiding from?

—

The Lantern Festival had just passed, and the weather was fine that day.

Since it was Xu Baizhang’s close friend’s engagement, Yu Qingtang took it very seriously and prepared his outfit with special care.

Once dressed, he went to the room next door.

Xu Baizhang was standing before the mirror, fumbling with a necktie—a skill he clearly hadn’t mastered.

Yu Qingtang: “Need help?”

Xu Baizhang let go and waited for him to approach.

In Yu Qingtang’s eyes, Xu Baizhang was handsome enough to do whatever he wanted. He chose ties at random, completely indifferent to color coordination or style.

Yu Qingtang removed the tie that was the same color as the suit and replaced it with a more complementary diagonal-striped version.

He looped the tie around the back of Xu Baizhang’s neck and let it drape over his chest, his fingers moving with practiced ease.

Yu Qingtang had known how to tie a tie since elementary school due to formal competitions. However, he had mastered the different specialized knots during university.

Yu Qingtang fastened the top button and lightly tapped Xu Baizhang’s chest with his fingertip. “Don’t look at me. Look at the tie. Pay attention and learn.”

He hadn’t intended to stop him, but the man’s gaze was so blunt and direct that even though they were married, Yu Qingtang felt his face heating up.

Xu Baizhang: “Learn what?”

“The Kelvin knot. Didn’t you say you didn’t know how?”

Xu Baizhang shifted his neck, his gaze moving down to his chest. “I thought you would be the one doing this for me from now on.”

Yu Qingtang recalled the promise he’d made at the front door the first time they met the parents. This man certainly had a convenient memory for such things.

He smiled, tightened the knot, and gave the tie a gentle tug. “Fine. This spot belongs to me from now on.”

Xu Baizhang braced his hand against the doorframe behind Yu Qingtang, using all his restraint not to lean down into him.

Yu Qingtang tilted his head, his breath brushing against the corner of his mouth. “Dr. Xu, do you know what time it is?”

Xu Baizhang’s eyes were locked onto Yu Qingtang’s lips; he couldn’t look away.

Yu Qingtang held up his wrist to show him his watch. “If you kiss me the way you usually do, we’ll be late.”

Xu Baizhang finally retracted his gaze and moved his hand from the door. “Right. Let’s go.”

“What’s the rush?” Yu Qingtang pulled him back by the tie. “That kind of kiss isn’t allowed, but this kind doesn’t waste any time.”

Yu Qingtang lifted his chin and gave him a shallow, fleeting peck.

—

As the car headed toward the hotel, Yu Qingtang chatted casually. “I remember you said Dr. Liang was your university classmate too?”

“Yes. Zhong Yan as well. We were roommates and went abroad together.”

Yu Qingtang enjoyed meeting Xu Baizhang’s friends; he hoped to understand him better through them.

“What does Dr. Liang’s fiancé do for a living?”

“He’s still in university.” Xu Baizhang thought back to the comic con. “Actually, you two might…”

Yu Qingtang: “What?”

Because of Yu Qingtang, Xu Baizhang knew a bit about the 2D community. People in this circle often liked to keep their online personas separate from their daily lives. At the convention, both Liang Songsheng’s fiancé and Yu Qingtang had been wearing masks; it was highly likely they hadn’t seen each other’s faces in person.

“Nothing,” Xu Baizhang said. “I’ll take you to see what kind of person that old antique fell for in a bit.”

“Old antique?” Yu Qingtang laughed. “Isn’t he the same age as you? Being in your early thirties isn’t ‘old’.”

“It’s a nickname the people at the hospital use. They say he likes drinking tea, reading newspapers, and collecting antiques. His mindset is very traditional, like an old antique.”

“Oh, that’s quite a vivid description.” Yu Qingtang was curious. “Do they give everyone nicknames?”

“Zhong Yan is called ‘The Great Demon King.’ Big temper, very strict like a demon lord.”

Yu Qingtang: “And you? Do you have a nickname?”

Xu Baizhang: “Just a random one. It doesn’t fit.”

“But I want to know.” Yu Qingtang toyed with his cufflink. “Come on, Dr. Xu, tell me.”

“The Ascetic Monk.”

Yu Qingtang fought back a smile. “Then if an ascetic monk gets married, does that count as breaking his vows?”

“No.” Xu Baizhang unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over. “It’s called returning to the secular world.”

The engagement banquet was held at a five-star hotel in Yangcheng. The sheer number of luxury cars at the entrance was dizzying; Dr. Liang’s family background was clearly superior.

Yu Qingtang followed the crowd inside, scanning the attire of the guests and feeling glad he had chosen a high-end tailored suit.

As they moved into the hall, he looked up and saw a string of text on the projection screen:

[Engagement Banquet of Mr. Liang Songsheng & Mr. Yu Nian]

Yu Qingtang’s heart skipped a beat, like a stone dropped into a deep well.

Yu Nian. Yu Nian.

That surname wasn’t common.

It couldn’t be such a coincidence… Niannian is only eighteen.

The large screen flashed photos of the engaged couple. Yu Qingtang felt as if he had swallowed a precious but bitter pill—hard to take, yet impossible to spit out. The young man in the photo wore a formal suit; he had round eyes and long lashes, looking clean and delicate. It was, without a doubt, that familiar face.

Xu Baizhang noticed his reaction. “What’s wrong?”

Yu Qingtang could have attended the banquet in his professional capacity as an anchor; if he slightly altered his voice, Yu Nian wouldn’t find out.

But he didn’t want to deceive his “brother,” yet he couldn’t exactly reveal his identity as “Qingfeng” in such a formal setting.

Xu Baizhang sensed something was up. Just as he was about to speak, Yu Qingtang beat him to it.

“Sorry, Baizhang, I can’t attend this engagement banquet for now.” Yu Qingtang checked his watch. “There’s no time to explain right now; I’ll tell you when we get home.”

“It’s okay.” Xu Baizhang handed him the car keys. “You go home first. I’ll go in alone.”

“Please apologize to Dr. Liang for me,” Yu Qingtang said. “If there’s a chance, we should invite them over personally.”

Xu Baizhang: “Alright.”

The two parted ways at the entrance.

Xu Baizhang entered the banquet hall alone. Looking at the couple on the stage, Yu Qingtang’s expression from a moment ago lingered in his mind.

It seemed they really did know each other. He realized his own lack of consideration might have caused trouble for Yu Qingtang.

The banquet process was simple; after the speeches, the newly engaged couple would toast the guests.

Liang Songsheng led Yu Nian to the table where his colleagues and friends were seated.

Yu Nian silently scanned for familiar faces. He recognized Dr. Zhong and the young Dr. Shi, and he also knew Dr. Xu Baizhang, who was sitting to Dr. Zhong’s right.

Yu Nian was incredibly excited.

Wow, Dr. Xu looks so handsome today!

He remembered Mr. Liang saying that Dr. Xu’s husband would be coming today, so he instinctively looked to the right of Xu Baizhang.

This person… is Dr. Xu’s husband?

The man was burly and robust, with somewhat thinning hair. He didn’t mean to judge by appearances, but the man was the complete opposite of what he had imagined.

Yu Nian looked again; the man’s pectorals were so large they nearly burst through his shirt, and the veins in his arms were incredibly thick.

He was so sturdy it was almost intimidating.

Waaaaah…

The voice and appearance were worlds apart. The voice in that foot-massage video from before had been so beautiful—he had thought the person would be a gentle, elegant big brother type.

Liang Songsheng introduced his colleagues to him one by one. When he got to Xu Baizhang, Yu Nian greeted him politely but couldn’t help glancing to the right.

He shouldn’t think this way, but the gap between expectation and reality was massive. He loved the voice of Dr. Xu’s husband so much; he had been looking forward to this for so long.

But…

The gentle big brother in his imagination was no more.

He felt a tiny bit heartbroken.

Liang Songsheng continued the introductions: “The one next to Dr. Xu is Dr. Feng, from my department.”

Yu Nian’s heart skipped a beat. “Eh? He’s not Dr. Xu’s hus—?”

Yu Nian cut himself off just in time. Holding his glass, he said with a beaming smile, “Hello, Dr. Xu. Hello, Dr. Feng.”

Yu Nian glanced around the whole table. If this person wasn’t him, where was Dr. Xu’s husband?

Xu Baizhang spoke up: “Apologies, my husband had a last-minute matter and couldn’t attend. We’ll invite you out privately when there’s a chance.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

Yu Nian felt a secret sense of regret, yet also relief.

After such a heart-pounding scare, he almost didn’t dare to meet him anymore.

Xu Baizhang left as soon as the toasts were over. Yu Qingtang hadn’t gone home; he had been waiting in the car for him.

On the way back, Xu Baizhang didn’t say a word about Yu Qingtang missing the banquet.

Instead, it was Yu Qingtang who felt guilty. “Sorry for holding you up.”

Xu Baizhang: “It’s nothing. They all understand.”

But Yu Qingtang was still preoccupied. “I remember you saying that Dr. Liang and his fiancé are in an arranged marriage, right?”

“Yes. Supposedly it was decided when they were very young.”

Yu Qingtang: “Are there any feelings between them?”

Xu Baizhang didn’t know the boy well, but he understood Liang Songsheng. “I believe there are.”

“That boy looks so young, quite innocent too. Holding an engagement banquet before even graduating university… isn’t that a bit rushed?”

“Qingtang, that is their business.”

Yu Qingtang rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Sorry, I’m just concerned. I don’t mean anything by it.”

Thinking objectively and rationally, Yu Qingtang understood that Yu Nian was an adult with the right to choose for himself.

He was just a little annoyed that Yu Nian had lied to him; during their livestream calls, he had repeatedly claimed he didn’t have a boyfriend and that his father wouldn’t let him date. Yet in the blink of an eye, he was already engaged.

He was so young, and life has so many variables; why the rush?

Yu Qingtang’s heart sank, feeling a dull, throbbing ache.

Yu Nian’s parents had passed away long ago. He used to live with his grandfather, but recently his grandfather had also…

Yu Qingtang confirmed again, “The time I acted as a foot model, that was for Dr. Liang too, right?”

Xu Baizhang nodded.

Yu Qingtang’s mind felt like it was tangled in hemp rope. He blamed himself; he had completely failed to notice these details.

Niannian had no family left. Besides his fiancé, who else was there to stay by his side?

Yu Qingtang felt a soft sting in his chest. “Dr. Liang is a good man, right?”

Xu Baizhang: “Yes, he is very good.”

But he was conservative, old-fashioned, and serious and liked tea, newspapers, and antiques. Could a person like that truly accept Niannian, who loved the 2D world?

Yu Qingtang’s heart was unsettled, and he couldn’t help but worry about Niannian. “How does he compare to you?”

Xu Baizhang: “He isn’t any worse than me.”

Yu Qingtang: “Such high praise?”

“I am simply stating facts.”

Yu Qingtang: “Alright then.”

He didn’t know Dr. Liang, but he was willing to trust Xu Baizhang.

As Yu Qingtang felt a bit better, Xu Baizhang’s face darkened slightly. “You seem very concerned about that boy.”

“I won’t hide it from you. Niannian and I have known each other for four years. We’re essentially online friends. He doesn’t know I’m a news anchor. We have each other on WeChat and chat often. He loves posting on his Moments, so I’ve seen his photos. I was afraid I’d scare him, which is why I didn’t dare go in.”

If there’s a chance later, he’ll find a way for them to get to know each other properly.

Xu Baizhang’s expression looked like someone who hated cilantro had just accidentally eaten a giant bowl of it. “You’ve known each other for four years? You chat often?”

“We’re friends, just chatting about daily life. In my eyes, he’s like a younger brother. Don’t drink vinegar, Dr. Xu.”

Xu Baizhang’s face was as sour as a lemon. “I’m not.”

Yu Qingtang: “…”

You were so honest before; why the stubbornness today?

“Fine, you’re not jealous.” Yu Qingtang pulled out a wedding candy he’d grabbed from the banquet hall and held it to his lips. “Here, open up.”

Xu Baizhang: “What for?”

Yu Qingtang: “Adding some sugar to marinate the sourness.”

Xu Baizhang: “I’m not sour. No need to marinate.”

Yu Qingtang could barely hold back his laughter. He coaxed him patiently, “Alright now, if you don’t open your mouth, I’ll have to feed it to you with my own.”

Xu Baizhang slowed the car down, checking the rearview mirror. “It’s hard to pull over here. Not convenient.”

Yu Qingtang: “…”

He’s the only person who would take a joke like that literally.

“Hurry up, my hand is getting tired.” Yu Qingtang patted his pocket. “There’s one more piece. I’ll feed it to you when we get home.”

Xu Baizhang: “How will you feed it?”

“The way you like.”