Winter arrived abruptly, a bitterly cold wind sweeping through Beijing, the air thick with a chill. Xia Xiqing was framing a new painting when the phone suddenly rang.
“Hello…” Xia Xiqing put on his headphones, still pressing the edge of the frame in his hand. “Who is it?”
“Brother!” Xia Xiuze’s voice was still in the throes of puberty—high-pitched yet slightly hoarse. It was obvious he hadn’t been taking care of his voice, likely straining it from shouting and yelling.
“Spit it out.” Xia Xiqing pushed his glasses up and tightened the canvas. “Your brother here is busy.”
Xia Xiuze immediately began explaining, “This time I really need to tell you something. This Sunday, Xia Zhixu’s grandfather is celebrating his 90th birthday, and he invited us to attend.”
Xia Xiqing rolled his eyes. “How many times have I told you not to call people by their first names? Watch out or you’ll get a beating.” He paused, then added, “Uncle’s birthday… who else is going?” “
“Well… just the two of us from our family. Dad isn’t going. He said it’s enough for the younger generation to celebrate.”
“Alright then.” Hearing Xia Yunkai wouldn’t be there, Xia Zhixu agreed. “I’ll tell Xia Zhixu. You can leave from home later and have the driver take you.”
Xia Xiuze argued loudly on the phone, refusing to budge. The studio door was open, and Xia Xiqing suddenly heard a noise outside. He set down his painting and peered out the door, only to have his chin suddenly grabbed by a hand.
Xia Xiuze argued loudly on the phone, refusing to budge. The studio door stood open. Xia Xiqing suddenly heard a noise outside. He set down his painting and peered out, only to have his chin grabbed abruptly by a hand—so fast he couldn’t react.
Zhou Ziheng leaned down and kissed him, then pulled him into an embrace.
“Whoa, you scared me.”
“What’s wrong, Brother? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Xia Xiqing frowned, lifting his eyes to look at Zhou Ziheng. Zhou Ziheng bent down to kiss his nose, whispering in his ear to ask who he was talking to on the phone. Coincidentally, Xia Xiuze on the other end asked the exact same question.
“What!?”
Zhou Ziheng pinched his cheek. “What did you say?”
Xia Xiqing tilted his face up, grinning unabashedly. “What? Don’t want to be my brother-in-law? Fine, I’ll find someone else.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Zhou Ziheng yanked off his headset. “Bro, your sister-in-law’s about to do something unsuitable for minors. Hang up.” With that, he ended the call and pinned Xia Xiqing against the wall.
They’d promised not to fool around in the studio, yet they’d broken that rule anyway. Xia Xiqing felt utterly without principles, especially when it came to Zhou Ziheng. Like a boneless, limp snake, he curled up on the beanbag chair in the studio corner, covered in Zhou Ziheng’s cashmere coat. His lazy eyes watched as Zhou Ziheng, acting like a boss, cleaned up the “crime scene.”
“I wanna smoke.”
“No.” Zhou Ziheng tidied the workbench, which now resembled a typhoon’s aftermath, then walked over to Xia Xiqing. He stretched out his long legs and slumped beside him on the beanbag chair, burrowing into his own coat. Reaching over, he pulled Xia Xiqing into his embrace, slipping his hand under the sweater to find Xia’s back drenched in sweat.
“Don’t catch a chill.”
“I won’t.” Xia Xiqing nestled his head against Zhou Ziheng’s neck, looking sleepy as he let out a small yawn.
Zhou Ziheng patted his shoulder gently, as if soothing a child. Before returning home, he’d received a call from his older brother confirming that Wei Min’s case was essentially settled. Though the laptop camera footage couldn’t be used as valid legal evidence in court, it had provided crucial information for the subsequent investigation and become key to securing the conviction.
Yet Zhou Ziheng still couldn’t quite grasp who had given that video to Xia Xiqing.
Xia Xiqing had only mentioned in passing that it came from a friend studying IT. Presumably to protect him, Zhou Ziheng hadn’t pressed further, merely noting that Xia Xiqing certainly had some impressive connections.
The person beside him had fallen into a deep sleep, his head resting against Zhou Ziheng’s neck like a small animal seeking warmth in winter. Zhou Ziheng gently loosened his embrace, slipping his arms under the other’s neck and behind his knees to lift him from the recliner and carry him back to the bedroom.
Sunday arrived swiftly. Xia Xiqing drove to the hotel banquet hall for the birthday celebration, carrying the gifts he’d purchased earlier. Though it was a 90th birthday, the actual number of relatives present wasn’t large. As soon as he pushed open the banquet room door, Xia Xiqing spotted Xia Zhixu seated beside the birthday celebrant, pouring tea for his grandfather. Zhixu looked up and met Xia Xiqing’s raised eyebrow.
“Uncle, may your blessings be as vast as the Eastern Sea and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains.” Xia Xiqing set aside the gifts he’d brought, picked up a cup of tea, and respectfully offered it to the elder.
“This is just the youngest son’s family. Sit down, sit down.”
More guests arrived steadily. By seniority, Xia Xiqing should have sat on a different side from Xia Zhixu. However, those of the same generation as Xia Xiqing and Xia Xiuze were all in their forties and fifties. Sitting between them would have been awkward, so he naturally took a seat next to Xia Zhixu. The meal stretched from seven in the evening until nearly ten. Xia Xiuze had classes on Monday, so he had no choice but to be driven home by his chauffeur.
Xia Xiqing’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see a WeChat message.
[Renaissance: I have a magazine shoot tonight that might run late into the night. You should get some rest early.]
Just as Xia Xiqing considered whether to inform Zhou Ziheng that he was also dining out, Xia Zhixu, sitting beside him, turned his head. “Hey, let’s wrap this up.”
“Is that okay?” Xia Xiqing glanced at him and lowered his voice. “It’s your grandfather’s birthday.”
“No problem, my dad’s here.” Xia Zhixu cleared his throat. “I want to head back early. He won’t sleep until I’m home.”
“Tsk tsk tsk.” Xia Xiqing knew exactly who Xia Zhixu meant by “he.” “You two are killing me with your lovey-dovey act.” But since Xia Zhixu wanted to leave, it suited him just fine to slip away too. “Then let’s go with the old plan.”
Xia Zhixu gave an OK sign under the table.
With that tacit agreement, Xia Xiqing tucked his phone away and proceeded to toast cup after cup to relatives and friends. Fifteen minutes later, he was sprawled face-down on the table, slurring, “Um… um… big cousin, I’ll drink to you…”
“Hahaha, is Xiqing drunk?”
“That kid never stops toasting.”
Xia Zhixu silently sipped his black tea, suddenly looking as if he’d remembered something important. “Oh right, he drove here.”
“Well then… we should find him a designated driver.”
“He’s this drunk? A designated driver isn’t really practical.” Xia Zhixu fished the car keys from his pocket. “I’ll drive him home. My place isn’t far from his anyway.” He glanced at his father, who seemed to have been fooled too, nodding. “Take good care of your uncle.”
Xia Zhixu twitched his mouth. “Yeah, got it.”
So he carried Xia Xiqing, who was pretending to be dead, all the way downstairs.
“Alright, you. Stop pretending.”
“Got it.” Xia Xiqing stopped, patting his own face. “Lucky your uncle here can hold his liquor.”
“Stop taking advantage of me.” Xia Zhixu stuffed his hands into his pockets. “You can’t drive after drinking. I’ll drive you back.”
The wind outside stung their faces. Xia Xiqing pulled his scarf tighter around his face. He reached out and pinched Xia Zhixu’s cheek. “You really are my good nephew.”
“Get lost.” Xia Zhixu pried his hand away. The two walked side by side to the parking lot. Xia Zhixu got into the car with Xia Xiqing in the passenger seat. They were heading straight for Xia Xiqing’s apartment when Xia Xiqing received another message from Zhou Ziheng midway.
[Renaissance: I might not make it back tonight, babe. Stuff keeps piling up here—looks like an all-nighter. Got to sign a brand contract at the office first thing tomorrow. You go ahead and sleep. Don’t wait up.]
Xia Xiqing pouted and replied with an OK emoji. Seeing his sullen expression, Xia Zhixu unlocked and locked his phone repeatedly before teasing, “What? Did that dumbass finally see through you and dump you?”
“Who are you calling dumb?”
Xia Zhixu jumped. It was rare for him to snap back when she teased him, and it wasn’t about her. “Oh, so you like him that much? This is eye-opening. I didn’t know you could be serious.”
Xia Xiqing stayed silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “This sucks. I’ll be sleeping alone again when I get back.”
He turned his head. “I’m coming over to your place tonight. I need to drink Chenchen’s hangover tea.”
As usual, Xia Zhixu would have shot him down immediately. But this time, seeing Xia Xiqing help him with his work, he turned his head. “I’m coming over to your place tonight. I want Chenchen’s hangover tea.”
Normally, Xia Zhixu would have shot him down immediately. But this time, considering Xia Xiqing had helped him escape the drinking session, he reluctantly agreed. “Be back before nine in the morning.”
“Fine. Oh, and come over for lunch tomorrow. Someone gave me a bluefin tuna the other day. I don’t know how to cook it, so I’ll have Chenchen prepare it. We can all head over to my place then.”
Xia Xiqing agreed readily, his mind already plotting. Since he couldn’t be sweet with Zhou Ziheng, he’d make sure no one else could be affectionate in front of him either.
It worked out perfectly since Zhou Ziheng was due back the next day. They could have lunch together and make the formal introduction.
The next morning, Zhou Ziheng returned to the office exhausted and sleepy. He collapsed on the sofa to catch up on sleep. Xiao Luo poured him a cup of coffee and went out to buy breakfast before waking him up. “Ziheng, get up and freshen up. We have a contract signing soon.”
Zhou Ziheng rubbed his eyes and rose from the sofa, eating a light snack to hold him over. The company stylist rushed over to do his hair. He kept his eyes closed, thinking he’d call Xia Xiqing after his hair was done.
“Hey, Ziheng, you and Xiqing seem pretty close, huh?” The stylist sprayed some hairspray. Zhou Ziheng opened his eyes, looking at her in the mirror with some confusion. “Why?”
“Nothing, I was just gossiping on my way here,” the stylist said with a smile, looking at him. “Just wanted to ask you if there’s any juicy gossip worth sharing.”
“Gossip?” Zhou Ziheng furrowed his brow, pulling out his phone. “What’s the latest scandal?”
The stylist twirled a strand of Zhou Ziheng’s hair. “Oh, nothing major. Just paparazzi snapped photos of Xia Xiqing’s boyfriend—or rather, his rumored boyfriend. He’s quite handsome, even more so than many male celebrities in the industry.” She sighed. “Sigh, it’s tough being a woman these days. Not only do we have to compete with other women for men, but we also have to compete with men.”
Zhou Ziheng froze instantly.
Boyfriend???
Are you kidding me? Xia Xiqing’s official boyfriend is sitting right here getting his hair done by you!
His face twisted in confusion as he opened Weibo. Sure enough, the popular artist Xia Xiqing was trending again—[Xia Xiqing Spends Intimate Night at Man’s Home]. Just reading the headline sent Zhou Ziheng’s temper flaring up instantly, his temples throbbing.
He’d been trying to reassure himself, hoping it was just another frame-up like last time—nothing but lies. But the moment he clicked into the trending topic, Zhou Ziheng saw the undeniable grid of photos.
In the first photo, Xia Xiqing, clad in a black coat, stood beside a tall man wearing a camel-colored coat. The pair appeared to be laughing and chatting, their expressions radiant with joy. The second image was even more intimate—Xia Xiqing had his hand directly on the man’s cheek, pinching it playfully.
Zhou Ziheng felt as if every nerve in his brain was being blown apart.
[@GossipPaparazziXiaoErYe: Is December’s first scoop about another top-tier influencer? Xia Xiqing and this handsome guy were spotted leaving a fancy hotel at 10 PM. They were chatting and laughing intimately, with Xia even playfully pinching his cheek in a doting manner. The guy then drove Xia’s car to a luxury residential complex, and Xia didn’t leave until 8:40 AM. After the coming-out controversy, Xia Xiqing vanished for half a month. Now he’s out on a date with a hottie—is this the rhythm of going public? Self-study girls’ hearts must be breaking.]
[@MeowMeowKitty: …Holy crap, is Xia Xiqing in a melon patch?]
[@Godisagril: No way. Xia Xiqing isn’t even a celebrity. Why are paparazzi always hounding him? What if they’re just friends? They didn’t even catch them kissing or holding hands, yet they’re calling it a relationship. I could have a dozen relationships like that.]
[@Self-Study Girl Never Gives Up: Stop spreading rumors! Stop leaking info!]
[@StayCalmWeCanWin: Fan moderation is so fast. From a bystander’s perspective, these two actually look pretty good together. That guy in the camel coat is super handsome. But it’s kinda shady to hype up a CP when there’s a real couple involved.]
[@34Not43: I want every detail about the guy in the camel coat within ten minutes!]
Reading the Weibo post and the comments below, Zhou Ziheng clenched his fists. He fought to suppress his anger, but even his stylist noticed. Hesitantly, she spoke up, “Um… Ziheng, your styling is done. You can head to the dressing room now.”
Zhou Ziheng took a deep breath. “Thanks. Could you step out for a moment? I need to make a call.”
The stylist nervously exited the room. She hadn’t gotten any gossip, and now she seemed to have offended Zhou Ziheng. This turn of events was utterly bizarre—she couldn’t make heads or tails of it.
The moment the door closed, Zhou Ziheng dialed Xia Xiqing’s number. But it was turned off. This only made him angrier. Didn’t he know he was trending?
Distracted, he finished his work and rushed home, determined to confront Xia Xiqing. In the elevator, he called Xia Xiqing again and finally got through.
“What’s up, babe?” Xia Xiqing seemed unaware of what had happened. Zhou Ziheng gripped his phone, his voice low. “Where are you?”
“At home.”
“Then open the door for me.”
“Oh, just a sec.”
The door swung open abruptly. Xia Xiqing, wearing slippers, leaned against the doorway. “You’re back.” Zhou Ziheng walked straight in without changing his shoes, only to bump into Xia Zhixu, who was carrying an enormous tuna from the kitchen into the living room. “Seriously, this fish is just…”
Three people, one fish. The scene turned awkward for a moment.
Actually, only Zhou Ziheng felt awkward—not just awkward, but furious.
“Who’s this little lover of yours now?” Zhou Ziheng pointed at Xia Zhixu, the fish-carrying one, his eyes practically shooting flames. “You’re really devoted, bringing them straight to your place. Didn’t you know you got caught? Didn’t you say you stopped fooling around with others after we got together? What’s this supposed to mean?”
After a torrent of accusations, silence fell.
Xia Zhixu’s face was as sour as if he’d swallowed a fly. Holding a giant fish, he was stuck between returning to the kitchen and staying in the living room.
Xia Xiqing shot a glance at Zhou Ziheng, whose expression was even more sour. He walked back from the doorway into the living room, leaning half his body against Xia Zhixu. “Yep, this is my new fling. Pretty handsome, huh?”
Zhou Ziheng’s teeth were grinding to dust. He knew about Xia Xiqing’s former playboy ways, but now they were together—albeit on a trial basis. Xia Xiqing clearly liked him. He thought there’d be no more issues between them. Who knew another would suddenly appear, and defy all norms by being brought home? How could Zhou Ziheng not be furious?
“Great. Now the whole world knows I’ve been cuckolded.” Zhou Ziheng’s chest heaved, feeling like he was standing on a grassy plain.
This sight was utterly hilarious to Xia Xiqing—both funny and adorable. He stifled a laugh and teased him deliberately, “Who says? Nobody knows about us anyway.”
Only you think you’ve been cheated on.
Xia Zhixu knew he was being used again by Xia Xiqing, who treated him purely as a tool for teasing his little boyfriend. Realizing this, he pulled his hand out of Xia Xiqing’s arm in displeasure and fell silent. Zhou Ziheng noticed this gesture and mocked him with childish sarcasm, “Looks like your little lover isn’t too fond of you.”
Xia Xiqing raised an eyebrow, his smile unchanged. “Did you forget? I only like those who don’t like me.”
Zhou Ziheng clenched his fists tightly, struggling to hold onto his last shred of sanity.
The three stood awkwardly as the tension thickened. Just then, another man’s voice echoed from upstairs.
“Xiqing, I can’t find that jacket you mentioned. Pick one out for me, will you? I’ve already taken off my clothes…”
Xia Zhixu spun around like a wound-up robot and hurried upstairs.
Zhou Ziheng’s rage boiled over. He grabbed Xia Xiqing and slammed him onto the sofa. “You actually set me up for a threesome?”
Just how wild is this guy’s imagination?
This little guy must be so furious he’s lost his mind—he can’t even recognize Xu Qichen’s voice anymore.
Xia Xiqing, pinned down on the sofa, let out a laugh. The curve of his lips held a suggestive hint. His slender fingers traced up Zhou Ziheng’s jawline, then slowly slid downward, brushing against Zhou Ziheng’s Adam’s apple as it bobbed nervously. His eyes sparkled with teasing intent, his voice deliberately softened—part provocation, part coaxing. “So angry… Don’t be mad.”
“Want to join us?”
Author’s Note:
Renaissance: The Age of Enlightenment
A classic Weibo moment—revenge for that deliberate jealousy finally served~
Zhou Ziheng is about to find his kindred spirit in this lifetime (in the realm of chasing wives to the crematorium)—classmate Xia Zhixu.
The mutual pity contest between two dominant partners is about to begin.
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