Chapter 69 - 69 - Together Again

"I'm sorry too," Ren said quietly. "I shouldn't have run away to sulk without telling you."

Fang stood up and pulled Ren into his arms. The powerful CEO Ren that the world feared and idolised felt strangely fragile and vulnerable in his arms right now.

"You did nothing wrong...after putting up with my unreasonable behaviour, you too were entitled to a tantrum," Fang said softly. "There's no need for you to apologise, my love."

Ren buried his face in Fang's neck. "You're not angry anymore?" he asked in a small voice.

Fang sighed and rubbed the older man's thin back again. "I was not really angry with you...I was terribly scared, though."

"I'm sorry," Ren said hoarsely.

Fang kissed him again. "Don't apologise," he said. He caressed Ren's cheek again. "You haven't been eating or sleeping properly, have you?" he asked.

Ren looked away.

"What? The great CEO Ren can't eat or sleep without his little Fang?" Fang teased lightly.

To his surprise, Ren actually nodded.

Fang's heart throbbed. "Then...for the sake of your food and sleep...will you let me court you?" he asked.

Ren sighed and looked straight into Fang's eyes. "Are you sure you want to be with me? I may not be able to do everything you want me to do..." he murmured softly.

Fang's eyes were steady and his chin was determined. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life," he said in a solemn voice. "Ren...to me, there's nothing more important than you. I'm sorry that said and did stupid things before..." He moved closer to Ren. "Give me a chance to prove it, my love," he begged. "I'll show you that there's no one who could love you and cherish you more than I do!"

Ren closed his eyes and nodded.

Fang pulled him into a hug again and kissed him thoroughly this time.

A knock on the door interrupted their reunion. Ren and Fang sprang apart, flushed.

The assistant peeked in. "CEO Ren, the minister asks if you're free to meet him for dinner tonight."

"I'll see him," Ren said quickly. "Reserve a private table for three at the Caravan restaurant."

"Three?" the assistant was confused.

"Fang will be joining me," Ren told her.

The assistant finally noticed the flushed faces of the two young men and understanding dawned upon her. "I'm sorry!" she squealed and ran off.

Fang pulled Ren to the table and pulled out a lunchbox from his bag. "If we're meeting this minister of yours for dinner, then you should eat something light now. Good thing I packed some sandwiches."

Ren ate obediently with Fang, and gave him an overview of what he had been working on in Sand Country till now, as well as the minister's request for photoshoots.

Fang was very pleased to hear the latter! Taking pictures together at some nice, scenic locations would be just perfect for them... especially since it looked like Ren wouldn't be able to return to Cosmopolis immediately because of his work here.

"Is that ok with you?" Ren asked hesitantly.

Fang pulled himself from his daze. "Sorry, I was just imagining us taking really cool pictures in the desert..."

Ren chuckled softly, and the welcome sound of that familiar amusement made Fang's heart dance in joy.

Fang grinned back.

With Fang's help, Ren finished work earlier than usual and the two of them went to the apartment Ren was staying in.

It was a cold and cheerless luxury apartment that didn't look like anyone was actually living here. Fang immediately began to think of furnishings and decorations he'd like to put up.

"We'll also need supplies for the babies next time..." Fang murmured to himself.

Ren looked at him quizzically.

Fang flushed. "Sorry, I was just..."

Ren put a finger on his lips and stopped his words. "Whatever I have will always be yours," he told Fang.

Fang smiled. "Ditto for me," he said. "I don't have much now, but I promise I'll try my best to get you whatever you want in the future."

Ren smiled, too. "I'm sure you'll stand on top of the world in the future," he said.

"Only if you'll stand with me," Fang said immediately.

The two of them laughed happily and then Fang pulled Ren into the shower.

Later that evening, Ren introduced Fang to the minister, who clapped his hands in delight and promptly brought up the matter of photoshoots for the tourism department.

"CEO Ren, you must help me persuade your boyfriend!" the minister said to Ren. "We'll throw in an oil field to sweeten the deal!"

Ren looked at Fang and asked mischievously, "Well my little darling, shall we?"

"Sand Country has an untouched, wild beauty that's difficult to find elsewhere," the minister chipped in. "Mr. Fang, we'll show you some of our hidden jewels which are so romantic that they will make you want to fall in love with CEO Ren all over again!"

Fang smiled. "How could I possibly say no to such a tempting offer?" he replied.

The minister was over the moon and noted down the details of Fang's itinerary and promised to send a proposed schedule for the photoshoots the very next day. The minister was really fond of both Ren and Fang and naturally wanted to help them out - besides, having the great and famous CEO Ren and his extraordinary partner Fang on his side would always be advantageous! And in any case, he really did want to help the young men with whatever fell within his power.

The minister was as good as his word. A detailed three day tour of Sand Country was on Ren's table the next morning.

And thus, for the next three days, Ren and Fang spent their time wandering around the deserts, floating in the mineral lakes, frolicking around oases, flying in hot air balloons, bashing dunes, riding camels, learning gypsy dances, eating barbeque in the desert and generally enjoying every beautiful thing Sand Country had to offer.. The tourism department was thrilled with the pictures they took, and the young couple was happy to reaffirm their relationship once again.