That warm, feather-light whisper brushed Tan Sizhe’s earlobe.
His chest jolted violently. He turned his head to meet Ye Mingxuan’s sparkling eyes, which shimmered in the darkness like a moonlit lake.
His heart had never pounded so fiercely. Tan Sizhe sat up, cupped Ye Mingxuan’s cheek, and planted a fierce kiss on his lips.
“Mmm!” Ye Mingxuan giggled, wriggling slightly, his lips still bearing Tan Sizhe’s taste.
Tan Sizhe pressed closer. “Say that to me often from now on.”
Ye Mingxuan looked up at him. A faint, scattered glimmer shimmered in Tan Sizhe’s eyes. Startled, he reached out to touch Tan Sizhe’s face, but the other man dodged away.
“Sir?”
“Promise me.”
Ye Mingxuan withdrew his hand, pulling the quilt up to cover his small face. “Okay.”
Tan Sizhe seemed satisfied. He lay down, pulling Ye Mingxuan into his embrace. “It’s late. Sleep.”
Ye Mingxuan gave a small nod, nestling into Tan Sizhe’s arms before closing his eyes and drifting off.
He slept an incredibly restful night, not even dreaming once, waking only at daybreak.
He opened his eyes groggily. Tan Sizhe still slept beside him, his usually stern features softened in slumber, his body carrying a faint, lingering fragrance.
Since becoming pregnant, Ye Mingxuan had developed an emotional attachment to Tan Sizhe’s scent. Even when Tan Sizhe wasn’t home, the mere presence of his scent on the sofa, clothes, or table brought Ye Mingxuan a sense of comfort and security.
The phone on the nightstand vibrated. Liu Junxin asked if they were awake yet, saying she wanted to have breakfast with them.
Ye Mingxuan replied, “Sir hasn’t woken up yet.”
Liu Junxin: “Then forget about him. Are you hungry? If you are, come eat with us.”
Ye Mingxuan pulled back the covers and got up, tiptoeing to wash up before heading to the walk-in closet to change clothes. When he returned, he found Tan Sizhe had already woken up.
The man hadn’t gotten out of bed, merely propping himself up to watch him emerge. His ink-black pajamas hung loosely, revealing a patch of fair chest where muscles rippled, rising and falling with each breath.
“Sir, you’re awake?”
“Mhm. Noticed the hot water bottle was gone, so I got up to look for it.”
Ye Mingxuan listened for a moment before realizing the man was referring to him as the hot water bottle. A flush spread across his pale cheeks.
“The hot water bottle is going to breakfast. Are you joining us, sir?”
“Can’t get up. Come pull me out.”
Ye Mingxuan approached, placing his hands in Tan Sizhe’s palms. He grasped them, but couldn’t pull himself up. His heart pounded like a drum, sweat beading on his nose. “Sir…”
Tan Sizhe tapped his own cheek. “Just kiss me, and I’ll pull you up.”
If Ye Mingxuan had cat ears, they would have perked up instantly. Unfortunately, he didn’t. He crouched slightly, leaned in, and puckered his lips toward Tan Sizhe’s face.
Just as his lips were about to touch Tan Sizhe’s cheek, Tan Sizhe suddenly turned his head. Their lips met. Ye Mingxuan couldn’t stop in time and kissed Tan Sizhe squarely on the mouth.
“!!!” Ye Mingxuan stumbled back two steps. The spot where their lips touched felt scorching hot, as if it might catch fire.
Tan Sizhe looked at him, a faint smile playing in his almond-shaped eyes.
Ye Mingxuan touched his lips with a finger, then flicked it away. Embarrassed by Tan Sizhe’s trickery, he stammered out after a long pause: “You didn’t brush your teeth.”
Tan Sizhe’s smile visibly froze: “?”
“……”
Aaaah!
Ye Mingxuan bolted for the door.
Tan Sizhe sat up, watching his little wife vanish into the hallway. He tugged at the corners of his mouth, torn between frustration and amusement.
……
Breakfast today was much livelier, with Grandpa Tan, Mr. and Mrs. Tan Yinghui, Tan Jing, Uncle Tan, Uncle Tan, and others present.
The banquet hall on the third floor seated over a dozen people. As soon as Ye Mingxuan entered, Grandpa Tan beckoned him to sit beside him: “Where’s Sizhe? Still asleep?”
“He’s awake. He’ll be here soon.”
Grandpa Tan: “Then we won’t wait for him. Let’s start eating.”
Today’s breakfast featured Cantonese dim sum. Exquisite pastries rotated on a circular tray. Ye Mingxuan took a small steamer basket of shrimp dumplings and another of red rice rolls, placing them before him to wait for Tan Size to join them.
Liu Junxin and Tan Yinghui got along very well, chatting and laughing throughout the meal. Occasionally, they would ask Ye Mingxuan questions, which he answered one by one.
When asked what major Ye Mingxuan was studying, he replied, “Civil engineering.”
“Civil engineering? That major is really demanding. Are you on leave now?”
“Yes.”
“Alright, then take these months to rest well. You’ll be a sophomore when school resumes?”
“Yeah.”
Liu Junxin asked, “Don’t you want to study painting?”
Ye Mingxuan paused eating, gripping his chopsticks tightly. “I…”
“Considering it.” Tan Sizhe walked in from the doorway.
Ye Mingxuan looked up: “Sir?”
Tan Sizhe walked over, ruffled his hair, sat down, and said to Liu Junxin: “Once Mingxuan recovers, we’ll arrange his major transfer.”
Liu Junxin and Tan Yinghui exchanged a knowing glance and smiled: “Alright, young folks should decide these things for themselves anyway.”
Change majors…
Sunlight streamed through, casting golden halos across the terrace and warming the cushions on the swing.
Tan Sizhe sat down on the swing and pulled Ye Mingxuan up beside him. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”
“Mingxuan, do you want to learn painting?”
Painting had always been his dream, one he once believed would never come true. So he locked it away in his heart until someone saw it.
Tan Sizhe smiled. “Why not? If you want it, I’ll support you.”
“So you’re willing?”
“Willing!” Ye Mingxuan nodded emphatically. “Willing! Very willing!”
He wrapped his arms around Tan Sizhe, pressing his snow-white cheek against the side of his neck. “Sir, thank you!”
Tan Sizhe lowered his head to kiss his hair, inhaling the milky scent emanating from his body. “What do I have to do to deserve thanks?”
Ye Mingxuan lifted his eyes, blushing as he stammered, “I need a kiss…”
Before he could finish, Tan Sizhe captured his lips. Ye Mingxuan closed his eyes, parting his mouth to kiss him. Though the gentleman usually kept others at arm’s length, his mouth was sweet, like candy.
A series of wet sounds echoed through the air. Tan Sizhe hooked Ye Mingxuan’s chin, licking away the drool that had spilled from the corner of his mouth. His large hand slipped beneath Ye Mingxuan’s shirt, giving it a firm squeeze.
“Mmm!” Ye Mingxuan jerked his head back, covering his chest. “Sir!”
Tan Sizhe: “Not hard?”
It was indeed a bit hard… but this was the terrace!!
“Sir, not here…”
Tan Sizhe embraced him. “I won’t. I want it right here.”
Ye Mingxuan’s eyes widened. “Sir… Mmm!”
Downstairs in the garden, servants swept back and forth with brooms. Anyone with decent eyesight who looked up could see exactly what they were doing.
Ye Mingxuan’s hair stood on end. Fear mingled with excitement as he squirmed restlessly. “Mmm… Sir, someone might see us…”
Tan Sizhe held him with one arm while pinching his chin with the other hand to kiss him.
At that moment, a voice came from behind: “Where’s cousin Sizhe? I want to play with him.”
Hearing the voice of a younger Tan family member, Ye Mingxuan squirmed even more violently. “Someone’s coming!”
“So be it.” Tan Sizhe slapped his tailbone, narrowing his eyes dangerously. “Stay still.”
Footsteps grew louder and closer, and Ye Mingxuan’s nerves frayed. Then the doorknob on the balcony door turned. “Why is it locked?”
Ye Mingxuan: “!!!”
Half an hour later, Ye Mingxuan lay on the swing, staring blankly at the azure sky. An airplane flew overhead, leaving a trail of contrails in its wake.
Tan Sizhe picked up the shoe Ye Mingxuan had dropped, slipped it back on his foot, and cradled the slightly trembling Ye Mingxuan in his arms. “Haven’t been able to take care of you for a while. Feeling better now?”
Ye Mingxuan’s lips parted, his bright red tongue flickering in and out, as if he’d lost all sensation in it.
“Wah… my pants are dirty…”
The younger Tan family members had already left. Tan Sizhe carried Ye Mingxuan horizontally back to the room. Along the way, they passed several servants. Tan Sizhe remained unfazed, while Ye Mingxuan dared not lift his head, pressing himself against the man’s neck.
It was simply too thrilling… After changing clothes, Ye Mingxuan lay on the bed, drowsy and sleepy.
Tan Sizhe climbed into bed beside him, pinching his cheek. “Already so tired? What are we going to do about that?”
Ye Mingxuan was drowsy, his voice barely above a whisper. “Hm?”
Seeing his slow reaction, Tan Sizhe gritted his teeth. “You forgot? I haven’t touched a woman in over eight months.”
Ever since his little wife got pregnant, they hadn’t done it. Each time, Tan Sizhe used his hands or mouth, occasionally letting Ye Mingxuan lend a hand.
Ye Mingxuan: “…” He tried to burrow under the covers, but Tan Sizhe pulled him out.
“No hiding,” Tan Sizhe declared. “In a few months, you’ll make up for this entire year.” ？！Make up for an entire year？！
Ye Mingxuan’s face instantly drained of color. The thought of the man’s size sent shivers down his spine. He remembered their early married days when the other couldn’t finish in under an hour.
“Um… Sir, can we skip the compensation?”
Ye Mingxuan poked his head out, hair sticking up messily, asking adorably, “What is it?”
Tan Sizhe curved his lips amusedly, leaning close to his ear: “Actually, back when we first got married, I never really got my fill.”
Ye Mingxuan: “!!! What?!”
Two rounds in one night, and you’re not satisfied?!
“So,” Tan Sizhe pulled him and the blanket toward him, hugging him tightly and planting two firm kisses on his lips, “once you’re fully recovered, I won’t let you off the hook.”
Ye Mingxuan: !!!
The suits they wore, the make and pristine condition of the vehicles—Liu Yan had never seen anything like it. A few middle-aged women had already gathered below to gawk.
“I saw that car in a short video yesterday! It’s the CEO’s ride!”
“So many bodyguards—must be some big shot. But why would someone important come here?”
Liu Yan tucked the clothes inside, folded them neatly, and placed them on the sofa. The doorbell chimed.
At this hour, could it be Mingxuan?
Surprised and delighted, Liu Yan rose to the door. Opening it, a pair of thin-soled leather shoes appeared before her.
The leather shoes were spotless. Though the neighborhood was clean, with janitors regularly sweeping the hallways, they still paled in comparison to these gleaming shoes.
Liu Yan froze, slowly tilting her head up. A tall, slender figure came into view, followed by a stern face.
Seeing the man’s youthful yet icy eyes, Liu Yan’s heart skipped a beat and her teeth chattered. “Mr. Tan?”
Tan Sizhe lowered his eyelashes. “Hello, Auntie.”
…
A porcelain cup filled with tea was placed on the table. Tan Sizhe thanked him, looked up, and saw Liu Yan still standing there.
The woman stood hunched over, her head bowed low. “Mr. Tan, please have some tea.”
Tan Sizhe lifted the enamel cup and took a sip. Bitter residue stuck in his throat. He endured it, forcing himself to swallow. “Did Mingxuan choose this apartment?”
“Yes.”
“The surroundings are nice.”
“Yes.” Liu Yan asked anxiously, “Mr. Tan, did you come here to…”
Tan Sizhe: “Mingxuan has already told me everything.”
At this, Liu Yan’s face instantly paled. She hurriedly bowed: “I’m so sorry, Mr. Tan! Mingxuan didn’t mean to! He was just trying to protect me…”
“I know,” Tan Sizhe said. “Mingxuan and I have talked it through. As his mother, you are also my mother. There’s no need for apologies.”
“Then Mingxuan…”
“He’s doing well now. You needn’t worry.”
“Good. That’s good.”
“Mingxuan used to…” Tan Sizhe paused, a lump in his throat making it hard to breathe. “Did he do a lot of work?”
Liu Yan replied, “Yes. It’s my fault for being useless. Mingxuan was just trying to help me carry the load.”
“Back then, he’d accompany me grocery shopping at five in the morning while attending school. After returning, he’d prepare breakfast for Mr. Ye and the others. He’d go to school during the day, then come home at night to continue working—washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning rooms. He’d usually only have time to do his homework after ten at night.”
“His room only had a bed. He studied under a desk lamp at the dining table. Sometimes when Mrs. Ye and the others wanted a late-night snack, Mingxuan would tell me to rest and go get it for them himself.”
“Mingxuan didn’t eat well during his growth spurt, so he’s shorter than most boys his age.” As Liu Yan spoke, her eyes, lined with wrinkles, flickered with guilt. “It’s all my fault. I couldn’t afford to buy him better food.”
On the way back, Tan Sizhe’s mind kept replaying his conversation with Liu Yan.
—“I’ve bought this house. You can live here with peace of mind. Next time, I’ll bring Mingxuan to visit you.”
—“Mr. Tan!” Liu Yan called after him. “This might sound awkward, but I still want to ask—do you genuinely like Mingxuan?”
——“Yes.”
“Achoo!” Ye Mingxuan sneezed.
Ah Jin trotted over with a paintbrush in his mouth, his fluffy tail wagging.
“Thanks, Ah Jin.” ” Ye Mingxuan smiled, holding out his hand. Ah Jin opened his mouth, dropping the paintbrush into Ye Mingxuan’s palm before wagging his tail and rubbing against Ye Mingxuan’s rounded belly.
Just as he was in the midst of his creative flow, Lin Jiale called.
“Mingxuan! Something huge just happened!”
“What?”
“Ye Yufan’s family construction project was exposed for using substandard materials and withholding workers’ wages!”
Hearing this explosive news, Ye Mingxuan’s eyes widened. Lin Jiale sent him the news post, which he clicked open and examined carefully.
“How did this suddenly surface? Could it be Tan Cize behind it?” Lin Jiale mused. “So fast and ruthless—Mr. Tan is a real man!”
Opening the comments section, he saw numerous onlookers already flooding in to hurl insults.
“Boycott all projects under Ye Dong Group!”
“Owing workers’ wages? Looks like Chairman Ye is rolling in money.”
“This definitely isn’t the first time. Someone posted about it on Xiaohongshu before, but it got deleted immediately.”
“Workers couldn’t post about their rights before, but now it’s exposed. Did Ye Dong Group off someone?”
“The above is right. It’s reasonable to suspect Ye Dong Group offended bigger capital, so they’re coming to settle the score.”
Reading these comments, Ye Mingxuan’s heart raced. He picked up his phone to call Tan Sizhe but hesitated and put it down.
He didn’t need to ask to know who was behind this.
Ajin whimpered twice, snapping Ye Mingxuan back to reality. Ye Mingxuan ruffled his fur and dialed the number. “Sir.”
“What is it?” Tan Sizhe’s voice came through the phone, his tone light and cheerful.
“Sir, when will you be back?”
“Miss me after just half a day?”
“…A little.”
“A little or a lot?”
“Three little bits.”
Tan Sizhe’s lips curved into a smile. “Alright, I’ll be right back.”
“Mm.” Ye Mingxuan hung up with a smile.
Walking to the window, he pushed it open. Ye Mingxuan gazed at the towering Chinese tallow tree and the setting sun, inhaling deeply amidst the flapping of birds’ wings.
The crisp, moist air flowed into his lungs, soothing his body and mind.
Ajin came running over, rubbing against his side energetically, sticking out his tongue playfully. Ye Mingxuan scratched the dog’s head while gazing at the scenery outside.
“Ajin, starting today, I’m free.”
…
Tan Sizhe returned to the mansion and saw Yangyang playing with Legos in the living room. He asked where Ye Mingxuan was.
Yangyang: “When I went to find Mingxuan brother just now, he was painting.”
Tan Sizhe handed his coat to the maid and was about to head upstairs when Ye Mingxuan stepped out of the elevator: “Sir!”
He approached, and Tan Sizhe took his hand, leading him toward the tea room. “Painting this afternoon?”
“Yeah! Master said to paint a few pieces for his gallery.”
“Master?”
“Teacher Qi Lin. He’s my mentor now.”
Tan Sizhe smiled. “That’s wonderful.”
“Aren’t you going to ask where I went today?”
“Where did you go, Sir?”
“I went to see your mother.”
“What?” Ye Mingxuan’s pupils dilated in shock. “You went to see my mom?!”
Tan Sizhe clasped Ye Mingxuan’s hand. The latter’s palm was rough from years of labor, though it had improved considerably over the past year thanks to Ye Mingxuan’s diligent application of hand cream.
“Sir?” Noticing Tan Sizhe’s gaze, Ye Mingxuan felt a pang of embarrassment and tried to pull his hand away.
He didn’t want the person he cared about to see his painful past.
The rough palms, crisscrossed with intricate lines and thin calluses, spoke volumes about the hardships he’d endured.
“What are you afraid of?”
“Hm?”
Tan Sizhe lifted his hand and kissed the palm. “I know everything about your past. You don’t need to fear that you’re imperfect in my eyes.”
“Everything about Ye Mingxuan is wonderful. It’s all worth loving.”
Ye Mingxuan’s frown eased. Hearing these words, his heart felt bittersweet.
He recalled a winter long ago, shoveling snow in the Ye family’s backyard. The cold was bone-piercing, his hands swollen and blue with frostbite.
Ye Yufan stood by the warm house door. Seeing his hands, he laughed until he clutched his stomach. “Ye Mingxuan, your hands are hilarious! They look just like pig’s trotters!”
At that moment, Ye Mingxuan’s face turned paler than the snow. He frantically pulled his hands back into his sleeves.
His thoughts drifted back, and Ye Mingxuan looked at Tan Sizhe, his eyes slightly reddened.
It turns out that while some might mock your weaknesses, others will see them as part of your flesh and blood, cherishing them tenderly.
Ye Mingxuan pressed his lips together and smiled faintly: “Now that I have you to care for me, my hands will heal quickly.”
Tan Sizhe kissed his fingers again. “Then I’ll cherish them a little more.”
Ye Mingxuan giggled, trying to pull his hand away. Tan Sizhe wrapped his arms around Ye Mingxuan’s waist, pushed open the tea room door, and seemed intent on engaging in some adult fun.
A teacup clattered onto the table, startling both Tan Sizhe and Ye Mingxuan. Tan Yinghui, Liu Junxin, and Tan Jing were seated inside, all turning to greet them with a “Hi.”
Tan Sizhe: “…”
He slammed the tea room door shut without mercy.
Then he dragged Ye Mingxuan to the card and board game room, where Uncle Tan and Second Uncle Tan were locked in a fierce Go battle.
Tan Sizhe: “……”
Closing the board game room door.
Pulling Ye Mingxuan toward the dining room, where Old Master Tan and Uncle Ma sat: “You’re just in time. Dinner’s ready.”
Tan Sizhe: “…………”
Why are there so many third wheels?
