Chapter 36

Wh…what kind of alumnus? An honorary alumnus?

Oh, an honorary alumnus.

　　“Honorary alumnus?!!” Ye Mingxuan nearly jumped out of his seat. “Sir, could it be that you’re also…”

　　Ye Mingxuan stared blankly at Tan Sizhe’s retreating figure, his hair now a messy crown, before slowly coming to his senses.

No wonder Tan Sizhe knew his way around campus so well when driving him there. No wonder he wanted to donate a building—Tan Sizhe had been an A University student himself! Meaning he was his senior?!

　　A University had an entire corridor dedicated to its alumni wall. He’d never looked closely whenever he passed by. If he had, he probably would’ve seen Tan Sizhe’s photo hanging there. Then he wouldn’t have asked such a stupid question just now!

Ye Mingxuan grabbed his scalp in frustration, making his hair even messier.

　　So, if his program got approved, he’d be playing piano on stage while Tan Sizhe watched from the audience?

How embarrassing…

　　But the master told him to practice diligently? Did the master mean he wanted to watch his performance from the audience?

Ye Mingxuan’s expression gradually turned serious, an inexplicable tension rising within him. If that was the case, he absolutely had to practice hard—he couldn’t disappoint the master.

From that day onward, whenever Ye Mingxuan had free time between classes and his part-time job, he would retreat to the piano room to practice.

　　At first, his playing was clumsy and halting, but gradually he could complete entire pieces. Aunt Fu set down a fruit tray, humming softly as she wiped the table while listening to the beautiful piano music drifting down from upstairs. It made her work feel lighter.

　　He counted the money he’d earned from his part-time job, planning to buy an air conditioner for his mother first. Lin Jiale accompanied him to the shop they’d inquired at previously.

The shop owner looked rather intimidating, but his personality was the complete opposite—warm and cheerful. It was he who had recommended the cost-effective air conditioner to Ye Mingxuan last time, prompting Ye Mingxuan to save up and return to buy it.

　　When Ye Mingxuan arrived this time, the owner was even more enthusiastic than before, perhaps a bit too much so: “Mr. Ye, right?”

Ye Mingxuan: “Hello, boss. About that air conditioner I looked at last time…”

“I saved that one for you! And you’re in luck! We’re running a promotion right now—everything’s 50% off! Plus, buy one, get one free!”

　　“Really?” Ye Mingxuan exclaimed. “Half price?”

The owner nodded. “That’s right! Buy one air conditioner, get one washing machine free.”

Lin Jiale’s eyes widened like saucers. “No way?!”

The owner assured them. “Absolutely true! Honest deal, no tricks! Bargain price of just 998! Take home an air conditioner and washing machine!”

“And refrigerators!” The owner led them to the refrigerator section. “Compact footprint, large capacity, uses only one kilowatt-hour of electricity every three days. Energy-saving and emission-reducing. Original price 1200, now 500, and we’ll throw in a free integrated bathroom heater, light, and exhaust fan combo!”

　　Ye Mingxuan and Lin Jiale’s jaws nearly hit the floor: “This good?!”

The pair had never seen such a huge bargain fall from the sky.

Lin Jiale quickly pulled Ye Mingxuan aside and whispered, “He’s not trying to sell us defective goods, is he?”

　　The shop owner pricked up his ears, listening in, and grew annoyed. “Young man, why the suspicion? Why would I deceive you? That would ruin my reputation! These are all branded goods, quality-inspected!”

　　“It’s just a one-day event—once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. I guarantee it’s worth every penny!”

　　The owner patted his chest. “Sure thing! Order now and get free delivery and installation!”

Lin Jiale asked on Ye Mingxuan’s behalf, “How long’s the warranty?”

The owner replied, “Two years.”

　　Lin Jiale nodded to Ye Mingxuan: “Alright, with a store this big, he’s not going to disappear. Let’s buy it.”

Ye Mingxuan hummed in agreement, cheerfully following the owner to pay and get the invoice, arranging for delivery in two days.

“We’re off, boss!”

“Alright, take care!”

　　Watching Ye Mingxuan and Lin Jiale walk away, the owner went inside, dashed into a small room, and called Wang Xu: “Mr. Wang, hello! Hello! Everything’s taken care of!”

Xiao Wang replied: “I’ll transfer the money to you in a few days. Thanks for your hard work.”

After hanging up, Wang Xu looked at Bai Yu sitting across from him: “All done.”

　　Bai Yu nodded, blew on his coffee, and Wang Xu asked, “Assistant Bai, why did President Tan go to such lengths in secret without telling Mr. Mingxuan? What was he after?”

　　“Xiao Wang,” Bai Yu said earnestly, “the answer to this kind of question is simple. You’ll understand once you’ve been in a relationship. Have you ever been in one?”

Xiao Wang shook his head.

Bai Yu: “No wonder you can’t grasp these things.”

Xiao Wang looked puzzled: “But you haven’t been in one either, have you?”

　　Bai Yu: “…Who told you that?”

Xiao Wang burst out laughing: “Mr. Tan said it.”

Bai Yu: “.”

Xiao Wang continued: “He said you’re a lifelong single.”

Bai Yu slammed his hand on the table: “I quit! I quit!”

　　…

“Who knew we’d get so lucky, landing such a generous boss?” Ye Mingxuan took the movie tickets Lin Jiale handed him, glancing at the title—a comedy.

Lin Jiale walked in beside him: “We’re killing it today. Not only did we profit from the appliances, but we’re getting free movies too.”

　　Ye Mingxuan: “Huh?”

Lin Jiale held up a finger: “We only bought two movie tickets, but there are three of us watching! Isn’t that making money?”

Ye Mingxuan realized what he meant and shyly rubbed his lower abdomen.

Lin Jiale: “How does your belly feel now?”

　　Ye Mingxuan: “It feels heavier than the past few days. The baby’s growing.”

Lin Jiale bent down: “Baby, be good during the movie, okay? Don’t disturb Daddy.”

Ye Mingxuan chuckled: “I haven’t felt any movements yet.”

　　Lin Jiale looked up, her eyes clear: “Huh? Not yet… Then let’s hurry and get in line.”

Ye Mingxuan: “Mm.”

Quite a few people were watching this film, though it wasn’t packed. Ye Mingxuan stood in the middle of the line when suddenly he heard someone call his name.

　　Ye Mingxuan turned and was startled to see Yu Sen’s gentle smile, his breath catching.

Yu Sen wore blue denim casual wear, his beautiful eyes curved like crescent moons. “You’re here to see the movie too? What a coincidence.”

　　“Brother Yu Sen.” Ye Mingxuan blinked softly and greeted him.

Yu Sen looked at Ye Mingxuan. It had been nearly a month since they last met, and the latter’s complexion looked much better than before—a healthy pink flush against fair skin, eyes sparkling like black obsidian. He glanced down at his own outfit, relieved that he’d taken the time to dress up today and looked reasonably presentable.

　　Lin Jiale asked Ye Mingxuan, “Who is he?”

Yu Sen snapped back to attention and introduced himself first: “Hello, I’m Ye Mingxuan’s… well, older friend, I guess. My name is Yu Sen.”

Lin Jiale gave a polite “Oh” and greeted him politely: “Hi, Brother Yu Sen. I’m Mingxuan’s friend, Lin Jiale.”

　　Yu Sen kept his hands in his pockets. “I’m here with friends to see this movie too. Didn’t expect running into you.”

Ye Mingxuan looked around. “Brother Yu Sen, where’s your friend?”

Yu Sen replied, “He went to the restroom. He’ll be back soon. Let’s go in first.”

　　Ye Mingxuan nodded as he saw more and more people arriving.

They queued up to find seats. Ye Mingxuan was surprised to discover Yu Sen was seated directly behind him. As he sat down, more audience members trickled in.

“Mingxuan,” Yu Sen called out, reaching over to hand them two bags of potato chips.

　　Ye Mingxuan: “Thanks, Brother Yu Sen.” He shared them with Lin Jiale, who also said thank you.

Yu Sen gripped the back of Ye Mingxuan’s chair and asked with concern, “Last time you said something came up and you couldn’t make it to my concert. So, did you handle it?”

　　Ye Mingxuan recalled how overwhelmed he’d been with the pregnancy news at the time, preventing him from attending. He nodded hurriedly, “It’s taken care of. I’m really sorry.”

Yu Sen smiled, “No need to apologize. As long as it’s resolved, that’s fine. Next time I have a concert, I’ll invite you. You absolutely have to come then.”

Ye Mingxuan nodded, “Okay.”

　　Yu Sen’s friend arrived just before the movie started. As the lights dimmed, the dragon logo appeared on the big screen, and the film began.

Lin Jiale tore open a bag of potato chips and ate them in big bites. Ye Mingxuan watched the movie intently, occasionally hearing Yu Sen and his friend discussing the plot behind him. Listening to Yu Sen’s voice, his thoughts drifted away as he touched his slightly protruding belly.

　　Out of Yu Sen’s sight, he had already married another man. He had been thoroughly taken, inside and out, and now carried that man’s child.

In the film, the protagonist set down his bowl and sighed, “Fate is cruel.”

Lin Jiale finished his chips quickly. Ye Mingxuan offered him his own.

　　By the time the film ended at 3:30 PM, the audience trickled out.

As Ye Mingxuan exited the theater, Yu Sen caught up from behind: “Mingxuan, let me drive you home. I came by car.”

Ye Mingxuan’s pupils contracted, and he immediately refused: “No need, Brother Yu Sen. We still have things to do!”

　　Lin Jiale understood immediately and chimed in, “Right, right! We still want to do some shopping. You guys go ahead.”

Yu Sen didn’t insist, though his expression was slightly disappointed. “Alright then. I’ll look for you when I have time.”

Ye Mingxuan pressed his lips together and gave a shy smile. “Sure. Take care on the road, Yu Sen.”

　　After parting ways with Yu Sen and the others, Lin Jiale and Ye Mingxuan walked down the street. Lin Jiale quietly asked him, “Does Brother Yu Sen not know you’re married to Tan Sizhe?”

Ye Mingxuan nodded.

Lin Jiale said, “No wonder he offered to drive you home and you refused.”

　　Ye Mingxuan lowered his eyelashes. “Jiale, could you keep this a secret? Don’t let Brother Yu Sen find out.”

Lin Jiale chuckled, patting his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I, Lin, always keep my word.”

Ye Mingxuan exhaled softly. “Mm!”

　　…

Ye Mingxuan made it home just before the sudden downpour. Outside the window, a chilly wind howled as a torrential storm gathered momentum, dark clouds thickening ominously over the city.

Aunt Fu stepped forward to check if he was wet. “Mingxuan, is it raining outside? You didn’t get caught in it, did you?”

Ye Mingxuan: “It wasn’t raining.”

　　Aunt Fu: “That’s good. Dinner will be ready soon. You mentioned wanting pan-fried dumplings the other day, so I made some today. Go wash your hands and come eat a few.”

Ye Mingxuan’s eyes lit up, his mouth watering. He swallowed hard: “I’d rather wait for Mr. Tan to come home and eat together.”

“Mr. Tan won’t mind. They won’t taste good cold.”

　　“Alright, I’ll wash up and be right there.”

Ye Mingxuan took two bites of his pan-fried dumplings just as Tan Sizhe returned. He’d arrived during a downpour, but his car had pulled straight into the garage. Only his arms bore traces of rain dripping from the roof—everywhere else was spotless.

　　Tan Sizhe loosened his tie and walked over to Ye Mingxuan, who looked like a little piglet stuffed with food. He wiped the sesame seeds off his face. “I’ll go upstairs to change. Come down for dinner.”

　　Ye Mingxuan’s cheeks were stuffed full. “Mm.”

He ate a little to fill his stomach, then sat in the living room doing homework. When dinner was ready, Ye Mingxuan went upstairs to call Tan Sizhe.

The moment he pushed open the bedroom door, Ye Mingxuan froze. Tan Sizhe stood bare-chested, his T-shirt halfway pulled up as he looked over.

　　The man’s broad shoulders, muscular arms, and chest muscles were on full display. Below, his waist and abdomen were firm, with smooth, sharp lines. A sexy V-line extended downward, disappearing into the waistband of his pants.

Ye Mingxuan: !!!

“Sorry, sir! I forgot to knock!”

　　“Come in.”

Ye Mingxuan turned, lowering his gaze.

Tan Sizhe chuckled at his reaction, pulling his shirt over his head. “I’m dressed now.”

　　Ye Mingxuan lifted his eyes and walked over. Tan Sizhe sat on the bed, his long legs planted on the floor, knees slightly apart, pulling Ye Mingxuan to sit on his lap.

“Where did you go today?”

“To the movies.”

“Was it good?”

“Mm.”

　　Ye Mingxuan didn’t dare mention encountering Yu Sen. Pressed against Tan Sizhe’s rock-hard chest muscles, he could feel the man’s intense body heat radiating through the fabric.

Tan Sizhe studied Ye Mingxuan. His cheeks had filled out recently from eating well, plump and white like a peach. His stomach was slightly rounded, yet his frame remained paper-thin.

　　He pinched Ye Mingxuan’s jaw and lifted his chin. “Why did your face fill out but not the rest of your body?”

Ye Mingxuan shook his head. “Maybe I just gain weight in my face.”

Tan Sizhe knew Ye Mingxuan had suffered greatly in the Ye household before, often malnourished. His body was naturally thin and struggled to gain weight; it would take time and careful nurturing.

　　Up close like this, Ye Mingxuan’s exquisite features were even more striking—curled lashes, rosy lips, skin fair with a healthy flush, fine downy hair shimmering in the light.

Tan Sizhe’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He ground his molars together, then bit down.

　　“Sir!” Ye Mingxuan’s face was sucked against his, startling him. He struggled briefly before being held fast.

　　Tan Sizhe didn’t bite hard. His teeth lightly grazed twice, then he licked and sucked, like sucking on jelly.

Releasing his grip, Ye Mingxuan’s cheek flesh bounced. Tan Sizhe flicked his tongue out, skimming over it like a dragonfly touching water. Ye Mingxuan’s entire body trembled as if electrified.

　　“Sir, no… Mmm…”

Ye Mingxuan’s lips were instantly captured by the man’s kiss, leaving no room to breathe as his tongue pushed inside.

Tan Sizhe pressed down on the back of Ye Mingxuan’s head. The kiss forced him to tilt his head back, and as he did, his phone slipped out of his pants pocket. Ye Mingxuan’s quick reflexes snatched it up.

　　Just as Tan Sizhe slid his hand beneath Ye Mingxuan’s shirt, the phone suddenly vibrated. Ye Mingxuan opened his flushed eyes and saw the caller’s name, his heart skipping a beat.

　　Yu Sen’s name flashed on the screen. With his mouth still occupied by Tan Sizhe, Ye Mingxuan frantically tried to reject the call. But his hand slipped, sending the phone crashing to the floor. Instead of rejecting, he accidentally pressed answer!!

Ye Mingxuan held his breath, his mind going blank. He clutched Tan Sizhe’s clothes tightly, terrified the man would speak.

　　Tan Sizhe felt the warm, small hands gripping his clothes and kissed him even harder.

On the other end, Yu Sen answered with a “Mingxuan?”

　　There was no reply.

Luckily, Ye Mingxuan’s phone was on silent, so Yu Sen couldn’t hear his voice.

On Yu Sen’s end, after several unanswered calls, he heard faint, sticky splashing sounds instead.

He asked in confusion, “Mingxuan?”

　　Tan Sizhe tightened his grip, nearly making Ye Mingxuan cry out in surprise. The man’s kiss swallowed the sound, his toes curling as his slipper dangled precariously from his foot, teetering on the edge of falling.

　　Even in this tense moment, with Yu Sen’s call still connected, Ye Mingxuan reacted more intensely than usual. An indescribable shame washed over him, psychological arousal amplifying physical sensation. He squirmed fearfully, only to be gripped tighter, trembling under the man’s touch.

　　Yu Sen listened for a long while, sensing something was terribly wrong. Why hadn’t Mingxuan spoken? Had something happened?

As Ye Mingxuan was kissed into a dizzy haze, Tan Sizhe finally released him. Mingxuan leaned weakly against his shoulder.

　　Tan Sizhe’s lips curved upward as he kissed Ye Mingxuan’s jawline, then shifted to retrieve the phone.

Realizing the man’s intent, Ye Mingxuan’s eyes widened as adrenaline surged through him.

No! Tan Sizhe mustn’t see Yu Sen’s call!

　　Ye Mingxuan acted faster than his brain could process. His hands cupped Tan Sizhe’s face as he tilted his head back, offering his own vividly red tongue.