Shen Yuan quickly settled in at the company.
He greeted people with a polite smile, spoke charmingly, and wasn’t stingy with compliments—who could dislike someone like that?
But the workplace wasn’t just about charm; it was about not dragging colleagues down. Shen Yuan was meticulous, patient, diligent, and eager to learn. Any task assigned to him could be picked up after being shown once or twice, executed flawlessly. Bring a couple of boxes of snacks to share, treat the office to milk tea, and people’s hearts softened—who could say a bad word about him?
Gradually, Shen Yuan picked up bits of information about Qiao Hailou from his colleagues.
—Qiao Hailou was indeed unmarried. He didn’t bring lovers to the office, but people had seen him entering entertainment venues with partners. He had dated both men and women, all beautiful.
Shen Yuan: Ah, so he really is an old playboy.
—Qiao Hailou was rich, very rich. This company was just one of his holdings; he owned others. He had properties worldwide, private jets, yachts, and more. He was flashy and extravagant in daily life.
Shen Yuan: That old rogue sure has money.
—Qiao Hailou’s interests were wide-ranging. He was athletic, skilled at shooting, and won first place in the company sports events every year in shooting while avoiding other competitions, joking that participating in other events would be “bullying people.” People suspected he carried a gun, which was why he rarely used bodyguards.
Shen Yuan: I’ve checked him a few times… didn’t find a gun on him.
In short: Qiao Hailou was lustful, greedy, indulgent, arrogant, and overbearing. Not a good guy.
But precisely because he was so shameless, normal leverage probably wouldn’t work on him, Shen Yuan thought through gritted teeth.
Still, Shen Yuan couldn’t afford to dwell on that. He’d just started working, and as a student with only two years of professional study under his belt, he needed to focus on work first.
Though he attended one of the first universities in China to offer jewelry design, it had only existed for a decade or so, far behind international standards.
China had a long history of art and culture, but traditional jewelry craftsmanship had mostly been passed down through male-only family lines. Many exquisite techniques were lost over decades of war. Later, during times of material scarcity, jewelry design wasn’t feasible. Only when living standards rose did a jewelry market emerge.
Shen Yuan’s mother, Ye Xueyao, was one of the first Chinese jewelry designers with some international recognition. She had planned to start her own brand before her untimely death.
For now, Shen Yuan’s own design talent had to wait. His tasks were minor: organizing files, checking samples in production, following up—a lot of tedious work that didn’t require professional knowledge.
On his first day, colleagues were considerate of the newcomer. Once he got up to speed, he adapted quickly and worked tirelessly, like a busy little ant.
Over the next few days, he chatted regularly with Qiao Hailou, subtly testing his limits.
Qiao Hailou: Shen Xiaogongzi, busy today too?
Shen Yuan: Yeah, still being crushed by capitalism. What’s up? Lonely? Missing me? Want to come serve me in bed? Behave, or… I hear you have many lovers, Uncle Qiao. You could find someone else to keep you company.
Qiao Hailou: Jealous, are we? I only have you now, no one else. That’s one bit of decency I still have. When I tire of you, I’ll let you know and get someone else.
Shen Yuan: Hehe, I’m only nineteen, what’s there to fear? But you, Uncle Qiao—if you want someone else, do it quickly, while you still have some looks left. In a few years, even money won’t help.
Every day, their teasing bounced back and forth, endless. It was hard to tell if their relationship was getting closer or worse.
Shen Yuan: So annoying. Everyone treats me like a servant because I’m ‘good.’ Newbies supposedly do grunt work first. I’ve been doing tasks all day that don’t need special skills—why me? I’ve been working from morning to night these past few days and feel like I haven’t learned anything.
He could only say this to Qiao Hailou—not Li Chen—otherwise he’d seem lazy and unreliable.
Qiao Hailou: You’ve only been working a week. Already impatient? Were your ‘diligent and hardworking’ credentials just for show?
Shen Yuan: No! I was thinking… Uncle Qiao, since we’re so familiar, could you assign me a better position? Somewhere I can shine in your money-making empire—like being Director Lan’s assistant.
Qiao Hailou laughed at the message. Previously, Shen Yuan would only dare to act after Qiao Hailou gave him “permission.” Now he boldly asked? Truly lawless!
Shen Yuan wasn’t sure why he dared—he’d always been passive in asking for things before. But in front of Qiao Hailou, he felt brave, thinking maybe he’d get a yes. Even if refused, it wouldn’t be awkward.
Qiao Hailou: Are we really that familiar?
Shen Yuan: Wait, we’re not? I think after a few times in bed, we’re pretty familiar. Didn’t you say you never mistreat your bedmates? Old dog who doesn’t keep his word!
Qiao Hailou, though scolded, chuckled: Want to sleep with the old dog again this weekend? Then we’ll really be familiar.
Shen Yuan: I’m not selling myself! I only sleep with people, not dogs! Ugh, no!
The next day, Shen Yuan arrived at the office. HR told him to pack his things: he was moving to a new office to become Director Lan’s assistant.
Shen Yuan: !!!
Really happened?!
Colleagues’ eyes were complex, but Shen Yuan didn’t mind as he packed. His desk had few personal items—just a small box. As he finished, his phone buzzed.
Qiao Hailou: So, now you can keep Uncle Qiao company this weekend, right?
Shen Yuan: Why didn’t you tell me in advance?
Qiao Hailou: It’s a surprise! Excited?
Shen Yuan: Yes! Thanks, Uncle Qiao. I’ll also give you a surprise. I’ll tell you Saturday whether I’ll keep you company.
Qiao Hailou, in a meeting, peeked at the message, both annoyed and amused.
Damn bold little brat! Wants everything handed to him, yet dares to tease me? Wait… if he flakes on me this weekend, I’ll personally drag him to bed and teach him a lesson!
Shen Yuan cheerfully packed and moved offices.
For some reason, Qiao Hailou had already coordinated with Director Lan, who greeted Shen Yuan warmly and told him he could call him “Master” instead of “Director.”
Shen Yuan, who was playful in front of Qiao Hailou, became supremely obedient before Director Lan.
When Qiao Hailou went to the design director’s office, he overheard Shen Yuan asking: Master, what do you think of my new design draft? Anything I should adjust?
The voice and tone—so sweet!
Qiao Hailou wanted to roll his eyes. Shen Yuan could be sweet in front of him only when asking for something. Earlier in the car, he had been calling him “Uncle Qiao,” all cuddly. Now, he was back to being mischievous.
Qiao Hailou deliberately coughed loudly at the door.
Director Lan noticed first: “Mr. Qiao, what brings you here? Any issues?”
Qiao Hailou put on a show: Um… I saw the next season’s design drafts you submitted and wanted to discuss them with you.
Director Lan was puzzled—normally Qiao Hailou would call him to the top-floor office. But whatever Qiao Hailou wanted, he got.
Qiao Hailou glanced briefly at Shen Yuan.
Shen Yuan gave Qiao Hailou a polite smile, measured just right, pretending to be obedient as he greeted him: “Hello, Uncle Qiao.”
Qiao Hailou knew he was putting on an act, yet that very calculated cuteness, so obvious and transparent, was irresistible… Clearly a sharp-tongued, cheeky little wildcat, yet acting like a gentle little white rabbit—he couldn’t handle it.
Qiao Hailou put on the air of an uncle, feigning calm: “Hello, my dear nephew.”
Previously, he had specially asked Director Lan to mentor Shen Yuan for a while, even giving a gift, suggesting he guide him personally. This wasn’t an ordinary “nephew”—he clearly doted on him.
Director Lan, of course, couldn’t be stingy with praise, saying politely: “Xiao Shen has talent and wit, diligent and quick to learn, obedient and sensible—very good.”
Seeing Qiao Hailou’s subtle expression, Shen Yuan smirked secretly and shamelessly agreed: “Yes, yes, Uncle Qiao, I’m super obedient.”
He even winked at him from behind Director Lan.
Qiao Hailou squinted, smiling, and said to Shen Yuan: “Well then, obedient nephew, I’m going to discuss the design with Director Lan. Why don’t you go to the tea room and brew us a pot of tea?”
Shen Yuan glanced at him: “Sure, Uncle. What tea would you like?”
“Bi Luo Chun. You know how to brew it?”
“Yes, of course.”
Director Lan raised an eyebrow, puzzled. What was Qiao Hailou up to? He had explicitly said not to make Shen Yuan do menial tasks, yet the first time he came down to check on him, he was sent to make tea? Shaking his head slightly, he couldn’t understand Qiao Hailou’s intentions.
Qiao Hailou and Director Lan sat down, spreading the design drafts on the coffee table to discuss.
After a while, Shen Yuan returned from the tea room, carrying a tray with the teapot and two cups, pouring the tea and placing them in front of Qiao Hailou and Director Lan.
Qiao Hailou sipped the tea, delighted: “This tea is especially good today.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Shen Yuan replied.
Director Lan: “?” Really? Isn’t it the same as usual?
Soon it was the weekend.
Saturday arrived, and Qiao Hailou finally received Shen Yuan’s message:
Uncle Qiao, I’m going hiking with my family tomorrow. Sorry, I’ll accompany you next week for sure.
The nature of humanity?
Pigeons.
Coo, coo, coo.
The next morning, Shen Yuan changed into sneakers and workout clothes, heading to the mountain with his stepfather and younger brother.
Shen Yuan’s build wasn’t weak—he just had a small frame, which made him look skinny in clothes.
Before he turned fourteen, he was indeed frail and often sick. He used to think his body was defective, even doubting whether he’d live past thirty.
After joining the Li family, his uncle introduced him to exercise, a lifelong habit. Shen Yuan liked his uncle and followed him in everything. To spend mornings together, he woke up every day before 5 a.m., rain or shine, exercising until he left for college.
Gradually, his health improved, and he began to feel like a man.
Though summer was scorching, the mountain path was cool, with small streams trickling along the cliffs.
The three of them climbed and chatted. Li Chen’s philosophy was to engage in activities with children, talk, and connect.
Li Lin asked: “No need to accompany your girlfriend this week?”
Li Chen remained calm, but Shen Yuan felt a twinge. Normally, he would ignore such remarks to avoid discomfort, but Li Lin brought it up anyway. Shen Yuan scolded him: “Why are you speaking so disrespectfully?”
Li Lin said: “It’s nothing… Aunt Lin’s been busy filming a new movie, no time.”
Shen Yuan glanced at his stepfather, wondering: if she had time, would you go with her? He didn’t dare ask aloud.
Halfway up the mountain, Shen Yuan twisted his ankle. Pretending nothing was wrong, he continued, walking slower and falling behind.
Li Lin shouted from ahead: “Bro, you’re so slow! Hurry up!”
Li Chen noticed something off: “Ah Ben, what’s wrong?”
Li Lin finally realized: “Bro, are you hurt?”
Shen Yuan sheepishly admitted: “Twisted my ankle, hurts a bit…”
Li Chen immediately offered his back: “Let me carry you.”
Li Lin was too late: “Dad, I’ll carry him! You might hurt your back.”
Shen Yuan hesitated but leaned on his uncle’s back: “Thanks, Uncle.”
Li Chen carried him, telling Li Lin: “I’ll switch with you when I get tired.”
Li Lin followed a bit, glancing at Shen Yuan. Every time he saw Shen Yuan look at his dad, a sharp pang struck his heart. He couldn’t bear it.
“I’ll wait at the pavilion halfway up, then carry my brother. Okay?” Li Lin said.
Li Chen: “Can’t wait, huh… alright, go ahead.”
Li Lin sprinted ahead.
Li Chen carried Shen Yuan slowly uphill.
He noticed the scent from Shen Yuan—no perfume this time, just the fresh smell of soap.
Li Chen asked: “Ah Ben, are you really in a relationship? If it gets serious, bring them to meet me—don’t hide it.”
Shen Yuan’s heart tightened. Thinking of Qiao Hailou—no, just a casual partner—he said: “I’m not dating anyone.”
Leaning on his uncle’s back, an impulse rose: “Uncle, what do you like about Aunt Lin? Do you like her looks?”
Li Chen was momentarily stunned: “…I can’t really explain.”
“She’s not that beautiful. If I wanted, could I not find someone young and pretty?”
True, Shen Yuan thought, but he was still dissatisfied. Aunt Lin wasn’t young, pretty, educated, or wealthy, and had a messy past.
Li Chen said: “I know you and Li Lin aren’t fond of her yet, but if you spend more time with her, you might understand her. She’s a bit like you.”
“We met at a party, then a few more times. I saw her tired but pretending to be strong, keeping a smile despite difficulties… I suddenly felt the urge to protect her.”
Shen Yuan felt wistful: “I see…”
Li Chen: “It’s been over five years since your mom passed. Don’t think I’m always fine—uncles get lonely too.”
Shen Yuan blurted: “I’m here… Li Lin and I are here for you! Still lonely?”
Li Chen smiled: “Thanks, Ah Ben. But eventually, you and Li Lin will find love and leave. Then I’ll be an empty nester. A lover isn’t the same as a child.”
Shen Yuan wanted to say what he truly felt but couldn’t. After a pause: “You’re not old… don’t call yourself an old man.”
Finally, they reached the pavilion halfway up.
Li Lin had been waiting. They rested, took a few photos. Li Lin crouched: “Bro, let me carry you.”
Shen Yuan stood: “I massaged it, feels better. I can walk. Can you really carry me? If you fall with me, Uncle can’t carry us both.”
Li Lin: “Don’t be embarrassed, bro.”
Li Chen: “Really alright?”
Shen Yuan limped a bit: “I’m fine, really.”
Li Lin rushed over, lifted him, and ran, drawing stares.
Shen Yuan blushed: “What are you doing? Put me down!”
Li Chen laughed loudly and ran after them: “Li Lin, slow down! Carrying your brother, don’t run too fast—if you fall, that’s fine, but not him!”
Li Lin: “Who’s really your son?”
Li Chen admitted openly: “Yeah, I favor him.”
They played until evening before descending.
Shen Yuan drove back to his rental.
He’d had a great day, humming to himself. Near his door, he fumbled for his keys and froze—someone was standing there, a figure reminiscent of Uncle Qiao.
The hallway motion sensor light came on as he approached.
Shen Yuan widened his eyes and stepped back: “What are you doing here?”
Qiao Hailou stepped forward, staring intently, voice laced with mock offense: “What am I doing here? Little brat, you stood me up, huh?”