For a man he had only known for a week, the thought was utterly absurd.
Yet, Liu Buli found himself seriously considering it after the notion surfaced.
Between Lu Wuming and his own life, which held more importance?
If all the other party desired was his life, then as its sole owner, should he simply comply and let go?
This question, which would seem quite disturbed to a normal person, had troubled Liu Buli for a full week. He pondered it while at work, and again when he saw Lu Wuming after work. It even plagued his dreams, causing him to agonize and hesitate. After a week of deliberation, he finally arrived at an answer that satisfied him.
After all, when he had set out for that mountain, his only wish was to see the man from his dreams before he died. That was all; he hadn't even dared to ask for more.
But now, he had not only met that man but had also lived with him like lovers for a week. He had truly gained more than he could have asked for. Therefore, paying a price he had already been prepared to pay didn't seem like something he couldn't accept.
Liu Buli had completely come to terms with it.
Thus, when he looked at Lu Wuming, the turmoil in his brow had vanished entirely.
He even offered a smile, saying, "Actually, I've considered it. Perhaps you're just the Grim Reaper sent from hell? And your superior’s command was to drag me, a wicked human, back to hell."
Lu Wuming furrowed his brows and denied, "No, I..."
"It doesn't matter," Liu Buli interrupted. His smile remained unchanged as he continued, "I was just joking. Whether you're an envoy from hell or if you have some other motive for wanting me dead, I don't really care. Because, as I said, I've thought it through. Since you've granted my wish, I should grant one of yours. Honestly, before this, I was just existing, just breathing. When you're by my side, I feel alive and it's interesting. But if you're gone in a month, returning to that state of mere existence might be unbearable for me."
Lu Wuming blinked.
He almost wanted to tell Liu Buli that a month was their final deadline. If he were gone then, Liu Buli would naturally follow. So, a life of mere breathing might not even be something Liu Buli would get to experience.
However, the current atmosphere didn't seem right for such words. So, Lu Wuming, for once having a moment of clarity, opened his mouth but remained silent.
Liu Buli continued, "So I'm willing to accept what you said earlier. But since you're going to end my life, what if you're lying to me? At least before I die, I want to get something more out of it."
Lu Wuming looked at him, bewildered.
Liu Buli, however, had already gotten up to change.
As he dressed, he glanced back at the big,傻乎乎 (shǎ hū hū) dog-like man beside him. Liu Buli chuckled and urged, "You get dressed too. We're not eating at home today. I'll take you out, and we can go on a date. If I'm going to die, and we haven't even had one date, it would be too regretful, don't you think?"
Lu Wuming wanted to correct him, that they wouldn't die.
But looking at Liu Buli's smile, he paused and finally nodded gently, softly replying, "Mm."
In truth, they had gone on many dates in their previous world. Liu Buli enjoyed the feeling of just the two of them being together, and Lu Wuming was equally immersed in it. So, even with other matters to attend to, they would still have proper dates periodically, cherishing their exclusive time together.
Just like now.
Although it was a weekend afternoon, this date was a sudden idea, with no prior arrangements. But Liu Buli had already accepted his fate, so he took Lu Wuming to the most luxurious restaurant in the city. Because of this, there was no waiting in line. Instead, Lu Wuming, like a naive boy, widened his eyes at the highly modern decor upon entering the restaurant.
Liu Buli found his reaction amusing and reached out to take his hand, leading him to their private table.
Lu Wuming remained in his dazed state throughout the journey. Only after they were seated did he nervously ask Liu Buli, "Master, you said that society now is not very accepting of two men being together, so you asked me not to act too intimately with you in public?"
Lu Wuming had always been a very obedient big dog.
It was precisely because he was so obedient that even though Liu Buli had made a request that displeased him, he would never voice any dissatisfaction and had strictly adhered to it.
His question just now clearly referred to Liu Buli holding his hand.
Under normal circumstances, Liu Buli would never have done such a thing. But now, with even life and death on the line, who cared about such trivial matters?
Thinking this, Liu Buli responded with pleasure. He glanced around, ensuring that no waiters were nearby to overhear him, and then calmly said, "Since I've accepted your proposal, it means I'll be leaving this world soon. If I'm gone, what impact will my actions have on the world? Does it even concern me anymore? Or rather, at least for this final period, I want to openly hold my boyfriend's hand and go on a date. Don't you want that?"
Lu Wuming certainly did.
He wanted it so much it felt like he could die.
So, during the subsequent meal, the two of them kept their hands clasped. Liu Buli felt that at his age, doing such a thing was utterly embarrassing.
But he had to admit, the warmth transmitted from Lu Wuming's palm was just right, and he truly cherished it.
He stole a glance at Lu Wuming's face and thoughtfully considered.
Perhaps this was what being in love felt like.