Lily had teased Su Bin several times, wondering if he was really being “chopped off” at home, which made him so timid.
Su Bin couldn’t voice his frustrations—being “chopped off” would be better than the kind of “punishment” he was actually facing, which could drive someone to the brink of collapse!
Living with Allen was like living with a tiger. As Su Bin gradually learned about Allen’s preferences and dislikes, he developed a set of experiences to navigate their relationship.
First: If he failed to report his whereabouts or make a call within the specified time, the consequence would be facing Allen’s unpredictable mood when he returned home. No matter how handsome Allen was, Su Bin couldn’t appreciate it in such a situation.
Second: Engaging in social activities unbeknownst to Allen (like the Li Meihan incident) would result in being prepared with “tools” for the night.
Third: Continuing to develop friendships or social relationships against Allen’s wishes would lead to… well, that scenario was too horrific for Su Bin to imagine! Avoiding it was lucky; facing it was a fate to endure!
In summary, Allen wanted to confine him within a controllable range. If Su Bin stepped out of this circle, he would face the unquenchable… desire of the Duke!
Su Bin liked the appropriate level of control. He enjoyed being managed by Allen because it meant being cared for and protected, especially since he had feelings for Allen. However, recently, Su Bin felt that his freedom was increasingly restricted…
For instance, reporting his whereabouts every few hours had now become an hourly requirement, and sometimes he wondered if Allen felt more insecure than he did. Moreover, while Allen initially only disapproved of excessive social interactions, now any interaction with unfamiliar people beyond a certain extent could provoke a “beastly” reaction from Allen.
Despite these issues, Su Bin believed in the principle of “enduring a moment of silence for peace” in their relationship. He had been diligently adjusting himself to meet Allen’s expectations, letting him control and mold him.
Since Su Bin couldn’t meet William actively, he had to wait for William to reach out. If William didn’t, Su Bin had no way of following up—this wasn’t about offending him, just letting things cool down naturally.
William eventually called, living up to Su Bin’s expectations. “I haven’t heard from you. Been busy lately?”
“Yes, quite busy. I’m really sorry…” Su Bin apologized.
“Have you decided on a location for the new store?” William asked.
“Not yet. It’s quite difficult to choose,” Su Bin admitted, feeling more embarrassed since William was showing interest.
“Do you need any help?” William offered enthusiastically.
“I have a few options. Could I consult with you about them later?” Su Bin asked politely.
“Of course!” William agreed, “Regarding the Thai restaurant I mentioned last time, would you be interested in going? We can meet there, eat, and chat.”
Su Bin hesitated. Allen didn’t allow him to interact with William, and he was already feeling a bit “sneaky” even talking on the phone, let alone going out to eat. He thought it was better to avoid risking a few days of back pain and trouble.
Just as he was about to decline, William added, “You know, their Tom Yum Goong soup is very popular because they add some Chinese herbs, which are said to be good for health.”
Hmm? This caught Su Bin’s interest completely. He had wanted to try making medicinal cuisine, which was a huge gap in the B Country market. If it could be promoted, it might be very popular!
The most important thing was that making medicinal cuisine for Allen would be beneficial for his health. Although it might not cure Allen’s illness, it could potentially prolong his life, right?
Su Bin wavered. Alright, he decided to go and see.
He decided to keep it from Allen for now. Even if Allen found out, Su Bin had a reason to explain himself, and if Allen got angry, he would just smooth things over—after all, it was all for Allen…
“I’m usually not free. How about Tuesday evening?” Su Bin suggested. Recently, Allen had been attending meetings at the Royal Hospital in M City every Tuesday evening and didn’t return until around ten.
William replied, “Haha, that works. I’ll make a reservation.”
Before the meeting, Su Bin was anxious about being discovered by Allen and tried to act discreetly.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly. On Tuesday, Allen went to his meeting as usual, and Su Bin successfully sneaked out without Allen noticing.
Su Bin had always been curious about how his classmates and friends felt sneaking out to play or playing video games while their parents were at work. At that moment, he experienced it firsthand—sneaky, scared, yet strangely exciting.
The evening with William was pleasant, and the restaurant didn’t disappoint. Su Bin noted down the rough recipe for Tom Yum Goong and planned to research it at home.
Throughout the evening, Su Bin kept glancing at his phone to check for unread messages or missed calls, ensuring he could respond promptly.
During this time, Allen sent a text asking what Su Bin was doing. Su Bin nearly dropped his spoon, quickly replying, “Playing games with Qi Xin.”
This was a prepared excuse. If he mentioned going out, Allen would dig deeper. Only at home would Allen not ask too many questions.
As for Qi Xin, he was a homebody who played video games in his room almost every night, so Su Bin playing games with him wasn’t unusual.
William finally asked, “Who are you texting? You seem nervous.”
“I’m sorry…” Su Bin apologized repeatedly, unsure how to explain to William.
William raised an eyebrow, “Is it that brother of yours?”
Su Bin hesitated, “Yes…”
William smiled and said, “Next time, could you invite him along?”
Su Bin hadn’t considered that option. If he had suggested from the beginning that Allen join them, perhaps Allen would have agreed, and he wouldn’t have had to sneak around.
That night, when Su Bin returned home, he hurriedly brushed his teeth, rinsed his mouth, and even took a shower to avoid any lingering curry smell from the Thai restaurant.
When Allen came back and saw Su Bin clean and fresh, obediently lying in bed waiting for him, he was visibly pleased. Well, maybe not pleased—more like satisfied.
After a passionate embrace and kiss, Allen’s nose brushed against Su Bin’s as he murmured, “So well-behaved?”
Su Bin’s heart raced, and he didn’t dare to move a muscle, shrinking into Allen’s embrace, thinking to himself that he was always this obedient. Why was it only today that Allen noticed?
Allen chuckled softly, nibbled on Su Bin’s ear, and said, “Wait for me,” before heading to the bathroom.
It seemed Allen was in a particularly good mood tonight… Surely he hadn’t noticed anything, right?
Su Bin lay in bed, tossing and turning, feeling increasingly unsettled. Although he had expected things to develop normally, he couldn’t shake off his nervousness.
When Allen returned, his upper body still glistening with water droplets under the warm light, with the droplets trailing down his body, it was so captivating that Su Bin couldn’t take his eyes off him.
Su Bin felt like a limp rag, barely managing to stay in bed, when Allen casually asked, “Did you have curry tonight?”
Su Bin froze. QAQ
Allen stood by the bed, drying his hair, not looking in Su Bin’s direction. His tone was as casual as asking “Did you have dinner?”—perfectly ordinary.
But to Su Bin, it felt like a thunderclap, making him panic and not know how to respond.
Had Allen noticed? How did he know? Did he install a surveillance device?
Wait a minute, he hadn’t yet washed his clothes after his shower… Was it the smell that Allen detected?
“…Yeah, I made it myself tonight,” Su Bin managed to say calmly.
Allen replied, “I’d like to try it too.”
Su Bin was bewildered. What did that mean? Was it a hint for him to confess? QAQ
“I… will make it for you next time,” Su Bin said quietly.
“Good.”
Allen continued to dry his hair, while Su Bin wrestled with his thoughts—confess or not? Should he try to survive or face the consequences bravely?
…It was better to survive with a little guilt than face certain doom. He decided to let it go!
Allen didn’t bring up the topic again. After finishing drying his hair, he threw off the towel and pounced on Su Bin, thinking that Su Bin’s nervousness was due to anticipation, which pleased him.
Su Bin felt like crying but couldn’t—was this what they called “guilty conscience”?
Afterward, Su Bin lay exhausted in Allen’s embrace, savoring the afterglow of their intimacy. Allen’s gentle caresses and affectionate gaze made Su Bin feel treasured and cherished like a precious object.
This feeling was really wonderful… Sometimes, for moments like these, Su Bin thought, sacrificing a bit of freedom was worth it.
In the days that followed, Allen didn’t mention that night again, and Su Bin slowly relaxed.
He did make the curry for Allen, and Allen loved it, even designating “curry chicken” as a weekly must-have dish.
Su Bin found himself feeling like a husband sneaking around behind his wife’s back, cautious and guilty. It was quite amusing.
However, such situations were too terrifying, and Su Bin decided not to engage in such sneaky activities again.
About half a month later, William called again, inviting him out for dinner. Su Bin declined politely, citing being “busy.”
Unexpectedly, William showed up at the store!
One day, while Su Bin was helping out at “Su Boss,” William appeared at the door, smiling as he greeted him, “Hi, Michael—long time no see.”
Qi Xin, who had been promoted to a sales role, raised an eyebrow and asked Su Bin, “Do you know him?”
“Yeah, he’s a friend,” Su Bin introduced William.
Seeing the lack of foot traffic around the store, William asked Su Bin, “Would you like to grab a coffee? There’s a Costa nearby,” pointing to the closest café, “I have something to discuss with you.”
Su Bin looked troubled and said, “Sorry, I can’t leave right now…”
Qi Xin, acting as a helpful ally, chimed in, “I’ll cover for you; you can go.”
Su Bin was caught off guard, “…”
William gave Qi Xin a grateful look and stood at the door, waiting for Su Bin with a half-smile.
Su Bin reluctantly changed clothes and went to the nearby café with William.
“What’s up?” Su Bin asked, hoping to get straight to the point.
William cut to the chase, “Are you… avoiding me?”
Su Bin struggled for a moment but finally nodded. Rather than make excuses, he decided to be honest and put an end to the matter once and for all.
William looked puzzled. “Why?”
Su Bin lowered his gaze, feeling deeply guilty. “I’m sorry, my brother doesn’t allow me to be friends with you.”
William was taken aback. This reason was hard to believe, yet Su Bin’s expression and tone didn’t suggest he was lying. William chose to trust him. And he had a vague feeling that “that person” might indeed act this way…
William thought deeply for a moment and then looked at Su Bin with seriousness. “Michael, you’re an adult. Why does your brother get to decide things like this for you?”
This question struck Su Bin like a bolt of lightning. He wasn’t sure why either. Their relationship hadn’t always been this way, but somehow, it had evolved into this dynamic.
