Qiao Hailou almost thought he was hearing things.
Shen Yuan spoke calmly, methodically: “First, we only interact like this on special dates; otherwise, don’t expose our relationship in public. Second, don’t worry about me pestering you, and don’t arrogantly think this is a romance—I won’t interfere if you’re seeing someone else. But if you do get involved with anyone, I won’t come after you anymore. Third, I’ll be the one to ask you out—you’re not allowed to initiate. Even if you do, I won’t show up. I’ll also decide the time and place.”
Qiao Hailou: “….”
He was stunned. What kind of… what kind of petty little rules were these!
He had lived thirty-six years, and now he really felt like he’d learned something new.
Shen Yuan pressed him: “So… have you decided?”
He looked indifferent, as if it didn’t matter whether Qiao Hailou agreed or not. After all, this was just a casual fling born out of loneliness and boredom; if Qiao Hailou wasn’t available, he had other options. It was just that now, after having his first experience, he found the physical pleasure more satisfying than his old ways of relieving stress.
Qiao Hailou was shocked, speechless, a little angry, then he laughed: “Heh, you’ve really thought this through carefully, huh.”
He hadn’t intended to take Shen Yuan seriously—he had meant to give Shen Yuan a little lecture, to make him realize that sleeping together twice didn’t make their relationship deep. But Shen Yuan had stolen his lines.
Curious about Shen Yuan’s real intentions, Qiao Hailou said, “Fine. I agree.”
Qiao Hailou actually said yes?!
Shen Yuan was slightly taken aback. What Qiao Hailou said was reckless, but Shen Yuan knew he wasn’t truly naive—he realized his own words were bold, yet Qiao Hailou, a billionaire, agreed so casually? Did this guy have a screw loose?
Feeling slightly guilty, Shen Yuan quickly added: “Also… I won’t take advantage too much. I’ll cover the room charges every time we meet.”
Qiao Hailou: “…………”
He thought to himself: something about this didn’t feel right.
For a long while, Qiao Hailou didn’t know what to say or how to react. After finishing a cigarette, he saw Shen Yuan, who had just spoken so boldly, acting completely unabashed, even tidying the blanket as if ready to sleep.
Qiao Hailou asked, “No other requests?”
Now Shen Yuan felt a bit shy. He obediently lay down, tucked himself in: “None.”
Qiao Hailou considered for a moment, stubbed out his cigarette, and climbed into bed, covering Shen Yuan with the blanket.
Shen Yuan was startled: “What are you doing!”
Thinking he could freeload after just paying some room fees? In Qiao Hailou’s voice, dripping with mock indignation: “You spent all that just to sleep with me once? Feels like a loss. Let’s do it a few more times.”
The hotel Shen Yuan booked was a five-star; the room wasn’t cheap.
He wasn’t entirely wrong. Shen Yuan wriggled to escape Qiao Hailou’s hands: “As if I’d fall for you, you old lecher.”
Qiao Hailou peppered Shen Yuan’s cheeks and neck with kisses. Young skin was different—supple, delicate, smooth. He gently bit Shen Yuan’s neck: “Little thing, you’ve already taken advantage. Not fair. You decide everything else; I’ll decide how many times we do this.”
Shen Yuan flushed and teased: “How many times? Uncle Qiao, at your age, aren’t you worried about kidney fatigue? I don’t want to end up rushing you to the hospital mid-session…”
Before he could finish, Qiao Hailou silenced him with a kiss. His technique was skillful, prolonged, and domineering. He licked Shen Yuan’s sharp canines, which grazed Qiao Hailou’s tongue—how could these little teeth be so sharp?
Previously, Qiao Hailou had restrained himself out of concern for Shen Yuan’s age, but now, partly angry, he pressed Shen Yuan down, covering him completely. His eyes revealed a natural fierceness. He bit Shen Yuan’s neck lightly: “Kidney fatigue? Let’s see if you can even get out of bed tomorrow.”
They went at it three more times, exhausted and sweaty, until neither had the energy left and they fell asleep together.
The next morning, Shen Yuan felt like he’d been run over—every muscle ached, especially his legs and waist, and his ass hurt.
Qiao Hailou was already up, washed, dressed neatly, looking impeccable. Shen Yuan, lying prone, watched him in his shirt. Thin fabric revealed the edge of a tattoo—a fierce pattern—making it obvious that while Qiao Hailou resembled his uncle, the tattoo set him apart.
Shen Yuan suddenly remembered how gentlemen used to always wear a cotton vest under a dress shirt. Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire played a playboy without a vest; sweat revealed his muscle contours. From then on, men stopped wearing vests to appear rebellious and sexy.
Qiao Hailou wore a dark blue suit, hiding the tattoo, and looked every bit a sophisticated adult.
He noticed Shen Yuan sneaking a peek.
Shen Yuan blushed.
Qiao Hailou walked over and patted his head: “Want me to walk you?”
Patting his head felt like treating him as a child. Shen Yuan pushed his hand away: “Don’t. I don’t need you to. Didn’t I say that outside this door we pretend to be just uncle and nephew? Don’t get so close.”
Qiao Hailou thought he’d tamed him, but clearly overestimated. The kid hadn’t even pulled up his pants yet and was already pretending not to know him—so helpless.
Qiao Hailou said: “Looks like the one who wrapped their legs around my waist last night wasn’t you. Little thing, isn’t it normal for an uncle to see his nephew off to school?”
Shen Yuan’s face exploded red: “Why are you talking so filthy?”
Qiao Hailou: “Compared to your actions, am I filthy?”
Shen Yuan: “Sounds like you’re not.”
Qiao Hailou: “I never said I wasn’t. I’m just an old lecher.”
Shen Yuan: “…….”
He’d need to swing by his rented place before heading back to school, but he didn’t want Qiao Hailou knowing where he lived—that was too private. Their relationship definitely hadn’t reached that level of closeness.
He rolled his eyes, too lazy to argue, and said, “I don’t need you to walk me. I can go back myself.”
“You really don’t know how to appreciate kindness,” Qiao Hailou said. “I rarely bother to be generous and care about you, and you don’t even show gratitude. After last night, I get treated like this—what a way to walk off!”
Of course it wasn’t great. Shen Yuan’s ass hurt like hell, but he refused to lose face, especially not to this shameless old lecher.
He straightened his neck and said, “I’m fine! I’m only twenty. You, on the other hand… at your age and still showing off, you’ll probably need a few Liuwei Dihuang pills to recover.”
Qiao Hailou clicked his tongue, unable to hold back. He pinched Shen Yuan’s cheek—this little thing really didn’t learn. Last night, he’d been practically driven to tears, yet still stubbornly refused to admit he couldn’t handle it. Kids these days, always hard-headed when they shouldn’t be.
After Qiao Hailou left, Shen Yuan got up slowly, showered, and changed.
He went downstairs to check out.
The front desk told him the bill had already been settled.
Shen Yuan was furious. What was that old lecher doing? He’d said he’d pay! And yet, at thirty-plus, he still refused to listen!
He angrily sent a message to Qiao Hailou.
Qiao Hailou, knowing Shen Yuan was upset because his plan had been disrupted, felt quite pleased. Finally, this cheeky little thing got a taste of being thwarted.
Qiao Hailou replied slowly: “Since we’re just unrelated bed partners, it’s fairer to alternate. I can’t let you, a student, always bear the cost. I’ll pay this time, next time you pay. Besides, my work’s busy; just because you set a time doesn’t mean I’ll be free. I need to fit it around my schedule, and I only go if I have the time.”
Ha. Shen Yuan scoffed. That old man, still so full of himself.
Shen Yuan refused to compromise. Irritated, he said, “Forget it. No more appointments. Hanging up.”
Without waiting for a response, he hung up the phone.
Qiao Hailou: “……………….”