Chapter 62

Qi Xu was still holding the gift he’d bought for Xie Huai in S City. He’d carried it in his hand ever since getting off the plane, planning to give it to him once they got home and also check on the mattress that had been soaked in the flood.

This wasn’t the right occasion to hand it over, so he turned around and passed the gift to Uncle Li, asking him to put it away.

Xie Huai seemed to catch on to something and glanced sideways at the gift bag.

Seeing this, Qi Xu shifted slightly to block his view. What are you looking at? Did I say I was giving it to you?

But instead of staring at the bag any longer, Xie Huai lifted his gaze to the person he’d been missing for the past two days, looking at him openly and without restraint.

Qi Xu felt that gaze—direct, lingering, tracing him inch by inch: from his eyebrows to his eyes, nose, mouth, and all the way down until it stopped at his waist. Even through his overcoat, Qi Xu could feel that heat.

He realized he might’ve said the wrong thing. Maybe Xie Huai wasn’t the only one afraid of the warmth.

A few seconds later, Xie Huai’s eyes returned to Qi Xu’s face, and this time there was a seemingly pure smile lifting his lips.

Qi Xu knew—it was an act.

Qin Huansi noticed her son’s gaze. Her child was making the other boy visibly uncomfortable, so she gave a soft cough to remind him to rein it in.

Fortunately, no one else noticed the undercurrent in their exchanged looks.

Old Master Shen waved Qi Xu over. “Xiao Xu, you haven’t met your eldest uncle yet, have you?”

Of course Qi Xu had. In his previous life, when he was in charge of Shen Corporation’s overseas projects, all the handovers had been with Uncle Shen Zhuohong.

In fact, the reason Qi Xu had gained authority over the overseas division was largely thanks to Shen Zhuohong’s help. He hadn’t been trying to interfere in his nephew’s internal power struggles; it was simply that before Old Master Shen passed, he’d asked him to lend Qi Xu a hand. If someday the country couldn’t accommodate him, at least he’d have a foothold abroad.

Shen Zhuohong had studied overseas in college and never returned to inherit his father’s business. Instead, he’d chosen to start a company with his wife. But being an architecture major, he knew nothing about running a business—he wasn’t cut out for that world. The first half of his life had been a series of failed startups and a divorce.

Only in recent years had Shen Zhuohong taken over Shen Corporation’s overseas division, while domestic operations were managed by his younger brother Shen Zhuohai.

At first, Shen Zhuohai had worried his older brother would come back to take over, but Shen Zhuohong had stayed abroad. As a result, the two brothers maintained a surface-level harmony.

Now that Old Master Shen had called him back, it wasn’t surprising that Shen Zhuohai and their younger sister weren’t present tonight—the former probably didn’t want to show up, and the latter, having just been warned by their father, didn’t dare.

Qi Xu’s connection to Shen Zhuohong was rooted more in professional cooperation than familial affection. Shen Zhuohong had tried to build a closer relationship, but Qi Xu’s coldness had discouraged him.

After Old Master Shen’s death, the “family” space in Qi Xu’s heart had remained empty, and he preferred to keep it that way.

Still, Qi Xu smiled politely, standing by Old Master Shen looking very well-behaved, and greeted him obediently: “Uncle.”

Shen Zhuohong, now slightly overweight and full-faced, looked every bit the picture of a man with a happy family.

He smiled warmly. “Ah,” he responded, then pulled out a red envelope. “Here’s a little something from your uncle. I don’t know what you like, but what matters is what you like—go buy something for yourself.”

Qi Xu accepted it with both hands, smiling. “Thank you, Uncle.”

Then Shen Zhuohong introduced his family: his eldest daughter Shen Zhiwei, his wife Sini, and his youngest son Shen Ziyang.

His new wife was mixed-race, fifteen years younger than him, spoke a little Chinese, and their son was only five, happily wandering around with a servant.

After greeting Shen Zhuohong’s family, Qi Xu turned to the Xie family.

“Hello, Grandpa Xie.”

Old Master Xie teased him: “Not so good, actually. Your grandpa’s been flaunting that tea cake you bought him these past few days, terrified the rest of us old guys might not know he has it.”

Qi Xu just smiled, saying nothing. It was true—his grandpa had been showing off shamelessly lately.

He turned to the Xie couple beside him and greeted them politely. “Uncle Xie, Aunt Qin.”

Qin Huansi looked at Qi Xu gently and handed him a gift she had prepared long ago. “This is a little something from your uncle and me. We’ve been saying we wanted to meet you, and today we finally have.”

Qi Xu didn’t know what Qin Huansi was really thinking; he simply assumed she was giving him a gift out of consideration for the friendship between their families.

He accepted it. Today really is a day full of gifts.

Shen Fengkai stood there with his arms crossed, waiting for Qi Xu to call him “big brother,” but all he saw was Qi Xu glancing at him once before calmly taking a seat next to Old Master Shen.

“…”

At that moment, Shen Zhuohong’s little son came in holding a toy. Bold and friendly, he immediately grabbed Qi Xu’s hand and started chattering away in a mix of Chinese and English, inviting him to play together.

Qi Xu had noticed back at Fanghua Garden that kids seemed to really like him; clearly, that was still true now.

In his previous life, when Qi Xu met this little curly-haired boy, the kid had already been a teenager, in full rebellion—dressed in clothes Qi Xu couldn’t even understand, with a piercing in his nose, and saying “yo” like a street rapper.

Children are much cuter when they’re still small.

It was rare for Shen Zhuohong to see his household’s little tyrant be this warm to someone he’d just met. “Shen Ziyang, be polite. Call him ‘big brother.’”

“Big brother,” Shen Ziyang said in his sweet baby voice.

Qi Xu bent down and told him gently, “Invite that brother over there to play with us too, okay?”

Shen Ziyang glanced nervously at Xie Huai, then quickly shook his head. He whispered just one word: “Scary.”

Children decide whether they like someone very simply—based on looks, based on their vibe. Clearly, Shen Ziyang wanted to be near Qi Xu because this “big brother” was good-looking.

But he didn’t dare go near Xie Huai because the man’s aura was intimidating.

The reason Xie Huai was adored by the younger kids in the Qin family was because they’d grown up seeing him; around them, he always maintained the perfect “big brother” image.

Tonight, though, Xie Huai wasn’t in a good mood. If it weren’t for this gathering, he would be at home with Qi Xu in his arms—not stuck here, watching but unable to touch.

His sour mood didn’t escape the child’s notice, which was why Shen Ziyang hadn’t dared bother him.

Since Shen Ziyang wasn’t willing, Qi Xu didn’t push him. He simply took the boy out to the yard to play.

Xie Huai’s gaze followed them, dark and brooding, fixed on Qi Xu’s hand holding that little curly-haired boy’s hand. That hand should be around my waist right now—or somewhere else.

Once again, Qin Huansi quietly reminded her son: “Tone it down, will you? He’s not going anywhere.”

She was genuinely afraid that her son might just snatch the boy away—or rather, sling him over his shoulder and carry him off.

Meanwhile, Uncle Li had already arranged dinner in the dining hall, and everyone began heading there to eat.

Qi Xu walked at the very back. Shen Fengkai came over to him. “Where were you this past weekend?”

Qi Xu had no obligation to tell Shen Fengkai everything, so he answered casually, “Out having fun.”

Shen Fengkai had noticed the luxury-brand gift bag Qi Xu carried when he came in. He wasn’t sure whether Qi Xu had bought it for someone else or received it as a gift—but his first thought was of Qi Xu’s rumored boyfriend.

By now, no one in the family cared about Qi Xu’s sexual orientation anymore.

His father was still sulking over being demoted by Grandpa, so he hadn’t even come to tonight’s welcome banquet for the eldest uncle. His mother had taken Zeyu back to her parents’ house, still convinced that the KTV incident had nothing to do with her younger son.

The eldest son was taught directly by Old Master Shen, while Shen Zeyu had been raised entirely by Shen Zhuohai and Zeng Yun. Maybe it was willful denial, but—how could a child they had personally raised for eighteen years really have such a nature?

It had been Shen Fengkai who suggested that Zeyu take a break from school, which had sparked strong objections from the whole family. Shen Zeyu, especially, felt wronged; his brother’s lack of trust hit him like the sky collapsing.

Shen Fengkai had no choice but to keep the truth from their parents. Later, he told Shen Zeyu privately: “You were in contact with Song Ruoming. That pill—you got it from him.”

Shen Zeyu’s face went white, and he had no response.

Shen Fengkai continued, “Taking a break from school is so you can rest, think things through, and figure out what you should and shouldn’t do. Zeyu, you’ve always been the sensible one—don’t let this happen again.”

In the end, Shen Zeyu himself told Zeng Yun that he would be taking time off from school.

Shen Fengkai, speaking with the concern of an older brother, added, “I heard you sold the villa Dad gave you. Which neighborhood did you buy into instead? If you’re missing anything, I can get it for you.”

Qi Xu actually admired Shen Fengkai’s shameless ability to act as if nothing had ever happened—pretending brotherly affection at a time like this. Fine, if that’s the game, he could play along too, for Old Master Shen’s sake.

“Personal privacy,” Qi Xu said flatly. “Not something I can disclose.”

As for whether he lacked anything—he didn’t. Xie Huai had already filled their home with everything.

Shen Fengkai lowered his voice. “Qi Xu, do you really have to treat me as your enemy?”

Qi Xu replied, “In front of Grandpa, I can pretend to be the dutiful younger brother and make small talk with you. There’s no need to dwell on whether we’re enemies. But maybe you should ask yourself first—are you even human?”

Shen Fengkai stayed silent for a long moment before finally saying, “I know what the Shen family did to you before wasn’t fair, but it was all for the future. If the Shen family prospers, you’ll prosper too.”

Hearing that, Qi Xu actually laughed. “Sorry, but I’ve never thought about my future including your family. And it never will.”

Shen Fengkai’s face immediately darkened. He hadn’t expected Qi Xu to be so resolute.

Old Master Shen noticed that Qi Xu and Shen Fengkai still hadn’t taken their seats and called out, “What are you two brothers talking about? Sit down and eat.”

Qi Xu didn’t look at Shen Fengkai again and walked into the dining room.

Little Shen Ziyang, who had taken a liking to Qi Xu, plopped himself down in Shen Fengkai’s seat, leaving Fengkai no choice but to sit next to Shen Zhuohong.

Having his mood ruined by Shen Fengkai, Qi Xu kept quiet after sitting down. Though he maintained a polite smile on his face, the smile never reached his eyes. Those who knew him could see that he was in a low mood.

Old Master Shen glanced between Qi Xu and Shen Fengkai thoughtfully but kept eating without showing any reaction.

Qi Xu felt somewhat relieved to be seated next to Shen Ziyang; the dishes meant for children were subtly placed closer to them.

He had just picked up a piece of sweet-and-sour pork when he felt something—or someone—brush against his leg under the table. At first, he didn’t think much of it and simply drew his leg back.

Around the table, the two families were reminiscing about old times, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the conversation. Even Shen Zhuohong’s wife, Sini, joined in.

Only Qi Xu and Shen Ziyang kept their heads down, focusing on eating. The little boy showed great promise—he even offered Qi Xu the last salted egg yolk chicken wing.

Qi Xu decided to forgive him for that future life moment when he had thrown a hip-hop hand sign in his face and said “yo.”

Just as he took a bite of the chicken wing, those long legs under the table reached over again, this time deliberately brushing against his ankle and gliding up his calf with clear intent.

Qi Xu lifted his gaze to see Xie Huai on the opposite side, lounging casually against the back of his chair and politely answering the elders’ questions.

In the old days, people said: You can know a man’s face but not his heart. Now it’s: You can know a man’s face but not what’s happening under the table.

That foot had retreated but now tapped lightly against the side of his shoe, almost as if sending him some kind of Morse code.

Suddenly, the topic at the table shifted to Qi Xu and Xie Huai. The elders were saying that their grandsons were in the same class. Qin Huansi chimed in, “They really are fated to meet.”

“Their birthdays must be close. Ah Huai’s is in February,” she added.

Old Master Shen said, “Xiao Xu’s is in March.”

Qin Huansi smiled. “Then Ah Huai is the older brother.”

At the mention of “older brother,” Qi Xu felt another subtle nudge beneath the table—teasing.

He kicked back, entirely unamused.

Shen Zhuohong then asked curiously about university life in the country. “Do you live in dorms, or do you rent apartments off campus?”

Qi Xu replied, “We stay in the dorms during the weekdays because there are evening classes, but we’re usually off-campus on weekends.”

Xie Huai added, “Same.”

“…”

Both Xie parents immediately turned their heads toward their son, then glanced at each other knowingly. It’s not what we’re thinking… right?

Among everyone present, only the two of them understood the hidden implication. The others hadn’t picked up on it at all.

Old Master Shen and Old Master Xie began sharing stories about their own school days, reminiscing about lifelong friendships.

The unspoken message was clear—they hoped their grandsons would continue that same bond.

On the surface, they maintained the appearance of simple classmates and friends, but under the table, their legs were entwined, inseparable.

After dinner, the elders continued chatting in the living room. Shen Fengkai still wanted to talk to Qi Xu, but Qi Xu had no interest in entertaining him and instead took Shen Ziyang to play in his own courtyard.

Old Master Shen, watching them leave, remarked, “Still just a child.”

Old Master Xie said enviously, “Children are wonderful—so easy to love, and they can make you happy, unlike…”

He stopped mid-sentence, realizing that his own grandson had slipped away at some point.

Qin Huansi offered an explanation. “Ah Huai said he wanted to go play too, so I let him.”

Better to have him outside than sitting here radiating bad temper and poisoning the air around her.

The moment Shen Ziyang saw the exercise equipment in Qi Xu’s courtyard, his eyes lit up like he’d just discovered a playground. He ran toward it, and the servant quickly rushed after him to keep him safe.

Qi Xu sat down on a chair, bored, watching the child play. Footsteps came from the front yard, deliberate and direct, heading straight toward him.

Qi Xu tilted his head back slightly to look up at Xie Huai. “Done talking?”

“Just got to the first sentence,” Xie Huai replied.

Qi Xu made a questioning noise. “Hmm?”

“With you,” Xie Huai said.

Qi Xu chuckled. “Back at it again? Mr. Flood.”

Xie Huai lifted a hand to ruffle Qi Xu’s hair, but Shen Ziyang ran over and interrupted, loudly demanding that Qi Xu come play with him.

Xie Huai’s hand froze midair, then curled into a fist. He switched to English and said to Shen Ziyang, “Let’s play a game.”

“What game?” the boy asked.

“Hide-and-seek. You’ll be ‘it’ and look for us.”

It sounded fun, so Shen Ziyang agreed immediately.

The hiding area was limited to the courtyard. The servant helped cover Shen Ziyang’s eyes as he stood against the wall and started counting.

Qi Xu stepped back into the house and noticed the gift bag he’d asked Uncle Li to put away earlier sitting on the table. He glanced briefly at Xie Huai, who had followed him in, then casually picked up the bag and headed upstairs.

“You’re supposed to find your own hiding spot. Why are you following me?” Qi Xu asked, though he knew the answer.

Xie Huai had never been to the second floor of Qi Xu’s courtyard before. “No one said we couldn’t hide together.”

Qi Xu slowed his steps slightly. “Do you really want to get caught by that little brat all at once? I was a champion at hide-and-seek back in the day. Don’t ruin my reputation.”

Xie Huai kept following. “I’ll hold you.”

Qi Xu paused mid-step. “Hold me, or protect me? Your Chinese is getting worse…”

The words had barely left his mouth when, as soon as he stepped onto the second-floor landing, someone grabbed him from behind. That familiar presence leaned in, enveloping him completely.

Qi Xu didn’t struggle. Right behind Xie Huai was the staircase—if they moved too violently, they could easily tumble down.

He’s doing it on purpose again.

Xie Huai buried his face against the back of Qi Xu’s neck, his cool nose brushing over his skin. His breath hit him in waves—alternating cold and warm—like a predatory creature’s ritual of soothing its prey before eating.

Qi Xu was the hunted prey, and Xie Huai was a hawk that had been starving for two days.

Qi Xu could already sense that Xie Huai was about to bite him, so he quickly warned, “Don’t bite…”

At the same time, a sharp sting and tingling sensation shot from the back of his neck straight into his nerves. The sharp teeth nearly pierced his pale skin, sucking as if to draw blood.

Qi Xu suspected his neck might actually be bleeding. He reached back, grabbed Xie Huai’s hair, and panted lightly, “Addicted to biting now, huh?”

Xie Huai kept his mouth on Qi Xu’s neck and muttered, “Then push me away.”

Qi Xu laughed out of sheer exasperation. “If I push you away, you’ll fall down the stairs. Only one of us will live. Death’s giving me a two-for-one choice here.”

Xie Huai had his own reasoning: “If you don’t push me away, that means you’re allowing it.”

“…”

Qi Xu was more concerned about his neck. “Is it bleeding?”

Xie Huai replied, “It’s wet.”

“…”

Qi Xu grabbed Xie Huai’s hand, stepped forward to get farther from the staircase, and in the next second spun around, shoving Xie Huai against the wall. The man grunted softly but still didn’t let go.

Turning within his arms, Qi Xu now faced him directly and leaned in slightly. “Tell me—what exactly is wet?”

Xie Huai lifted his lips. “Are you mad?”

Qi Xu gave a short, amused snort. “How would I dare? I might get bitten.”

Still irritated, he jabbed a finger into Xie Huai’s shoulder. “Two days without seeing me, and this is what you do?”

Xie Huai’s hand caught his and held it firmly in his own heated palm. “This is what happens when I have to sleep alone for two nights. Next time, you need to tell me in advance.”

Two days without seeing him and he’s biting his neck. If they didn’t see each other for a week, where would he bite next? Probably wouldn’t be a single spot on his body left unmarked.

Qi Xu shoved the gift bag into Xie Huai’s arms. “And I actually bought you a gift. This is how you repay me? Bite first, thank later.”

Downstairs, Shen Ziyang had already finished counting and was running around frantically trying to find them. The servant’s anxious voice drifted up, telling him to slow down.

Xie Huai finally released Qi Xu, who walked into his room. Naturally, Xie Huai followed him inside.

Qi Xu didn’t have time to turn on the light before someone pressed him down by the waist, making him sit on the bed.

Xie Huai stood in front of him and asked, “What’s the gift?”

The room was dim, and only the faint light from the courtyard below outlined his features.

Qi Xu braced his hands on the mattress behind him. “Open it and see for yourself.”

With permission granted, Xie Huai slowly unwrapped the gift. Inside, he found a tie clip. He couldn’t see the exact design clearly in the dark, but he could feel its shape.

Sometimes touch could be more stirring than sight.

He caught a glimpse of the gemstone’s faint gleam reflecting the courtyard light. For some reason, he imagined Qi Xu choosing it for him, carefully selecting it with him in mind.

“Why a tie clip?” he asked.

Qi Xu sat up, took the clip from Xie Huai’s hand, and tugged on his jacket, signaling him to lean down.

Xie Huai obediently lowered his head. Qi Xu’s fingers brushed down from his face, sliding lightly along his throat, grazing over his Adam’s apple twice—repaying the teasing Xie Huai had given him under the table earlier.

Qi Xu pulled open Xie Huai’s jacket, clipped the tie accessory onto his shirt button, and said, word by word, “Because I want you to see this clip and think of me. Consider it a gift for those nights you have to sleep alone.”

The consequence of sleeping alone. The gift for sleeping alone. One was punishment, the other a reward—like a gacha machine filled entirely with candy. No matter how you turned the knob, what fell out was always something sweet.

Their eyes locked—each seeing no one else but the other.

Meanwhile, Shen Ziyang stormed up the stairs, searching room by room.

Finally, at the very end of the hallway, he pushed open a door, spotted the two of them, and shouted excitedly, triumphant as if he had just won a battle: “Ha! I found you! I win!”

But he wasn’t the only winner tonight.