“So this is what it’s like here, huh.” Yu Junqing sat on the sofa, taking in the apartment with a hint of awe. The place was clearly designed with care, leaning toward a Mediterranean style. Every corner felt meticulously arranged, a testament to the previous owner’s attention to detail. He remembered the price when this complex first launched—it was astronomical—but unsurprisingly, it sold out in no time. He had once considered buying a unit himself, but before he could decide, the entire development had been snatched up with full payments.
Ren Qingyun tossed the groceries he had just bought into the fridge and then turned toward him. “What, you haven’t been here before? I thought you were the one buying this place?”
He had been woken up early that morning by that idiot Bo Rui, then forcibly sent over a supposedly “landlord” Yu Junqing, with strict orders to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn’t wander around. Honestly, only Bo Rui would pull something so shameless.
Yu Junqing wiggled his injured foot—Bo Rui had forbidden him from touching the floor—but thankfully, Ren Qingyun didn’t mind that he couldn’t help with the unpacking. He hadn’t yet told Ren Qingyun the truth: he’d just learned that Bo Rui had already paid for the apartment. But if Bo Rui got it, why hadn’t he said anything to him? And Yu Junqing hadn’t heard anything about Bo Rui selling his old place either. Logically, even if he had sold it, he shouldn’t have been able to afford this one… The more he thought, the more confused he became. He decided to drop it.
He switched topics, genuinely asking Ren Qingyun, “Do you need to go somewhere? I can show you the way.”
He meant it. Bo Rui had suddenly received a call that morning and had to leave on a business trip, so he asked Yu Junqing to look after Ren Qingyun, knowing he had just returned to the country and might not be familiar with things. It made sense—he couldn’t leave the apartment anyway, so why not help a returning friend?
“Nothing for now,” Ren Qingyun replied, turning his back to him and rolling his eyes. That little white rabbit really was obedient… Bo Rui must have spun quite a story to him. He could already guess the tale Bo Rui told the rabbit, likely very different from what he’d heard. Seeing that Bo Rui actually cared about this person was a bit surprising.
Ren Qingyun brushed his hair back. Truthfully, Bo Rui seemed like a bland, old-fashioned gentleman in everyday life. For him to openly care about another man was unexpected. Ren Qingyun had thought Bo Rui would settle down with a virtuous woman, but apparently, he had found an easily swayed little white rabbit instead. Glancing at Yu Junqing on the sofa with snacks in hand, Ren Qingyun’s lips twitched—he looked like a kid from next door sent over for care, complete with treats.
While silently criticizing Bo Rui, Ren Qingyun continued unpacking. Having lived in this apartment before, he was familiar with its layout. Even with a helpless patient on the sofa, he quickly finished arranging things. Despite his stunning appearance, he had all the necessary skills.
“Done!” Ren Qingyun clapped, satisfied with the neat apartment. Yu Junqing’s eyes lit up with admiration. He was witnessing true artistry for the first time.
Though the room remained the same structurally, after Ren Qingyun’s touch, every small ornament was placed in unexpectedly perfect spots. It was like a dark night sky sprinkled with stars, forming a silver curtain so mesmerizing one couldn’t look away.
“How does it look?” Ren Qingyun asked smugly, confident in his skill, unimpressed with his own progress.
“Impressive,” Yu Junqing admitted. “Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it.” He raised a thumb in admiration, suddenly recalling the first time he met Ren Qingyun. Even then, he had sensed something unique about him, like an Eastern Hermes.
Ren Qingyun shamelessly accepted the praise, humming a sticky tune and happily photographing his work on his phone. He almost posted it to Facebook, but luckily stopped in time. If it had gone up, that British man would have instantly known his location—what a close call.
“Uh… about your neck… aren’t you going to cover that?” Yu Junqing asked, glancing awkwardly at Ren Qingyun’s neck. It wasn’t just the neck—Ren Qingyun had just changed into a V-neck undershirt, exposing large, purplish bruises. Yu Junqing blushed at the sight.
Was Ren Qingyun… attracted to men? Those marks weren’t from a woman, were they? They looked intense…
Ren Qingyun touched his chest, recalling the day that man’s hands had pressed against him, the relentless intensity. He flushed slightly, the memory of that vigorous encounter still vivid.
Snapping back to reality, he noticed Yu Junqing staring red-faced from the sofa, amused. Seizing the moment, Ren Qingyun stepped closer, fully revealing the hickeys and marks trailing from his chest to his neck, even along the earlobes. Yu Junqing could even see scratches—evidence of a passionate encounter.
Yu Junqing covered his nose, feeling overheated just looking at them. “Th… this is… intense,” he stammered.
Ren Qingyun chuckled, noting his reaction. Bo Rui must be quite something… indeed, he was just a little white rabbit.
“What? You’ve never…? It’s just hickeys, very normal,” Ren Qingyun teased, his peach-blossom eyes slightly upturned, exuding charm. Yu Junqing felt weak in the knees.
“You… that’s… excessive,” Yu Junqing muttered, turning his head. He couldn’t stop imagining how intense it must have been… and somehow, it reminded him of Bo Rui. He blushed, thinking of his friend’s possible fierceness.
“Eh? You’ve… been with someone? Bo Rui doesn’t seem gentle. Was he kind and caring to you?” Ren Qingyun was surprised. Given his earlier statement, he shouldn’t be shocked. Bo Rui seemed rougher than that English guy. Could it be… Bo Rui wasn’t capable?
He imagined the possibilities, ignoring the lingering soreness from past encounters.
Yu Junqing panicked. Was Ren Qingyun implying he and Bo Rui were a couple?
“No, you misunderstood. I’m not talking about Bo Rui,” he stammered. He didn’t want Ren Qingyun to misinterpret.
Ren Qingyun looked puzzled. Not with Bo Rui? The little white rabbit didn’t seem the type to juggle two partners.
“You really misunderstand. Bo Rui and I are just friends. I’m only temporarily staying at his place,” Yu Junqing explained, hiding the twinge of pain in his heart.
He had nearly forgotten—he and Bo Rui weren’t close. Bo Rui was just kind, likely because he was a fan. Yu Junqing’s gaze dimmed, his hand lowering the beef jerky in disappointment. Ren Qingyun watched, amused.
Indeed, he was just like a timid little rabbit. This return to the country promised some entertainment. Ren Qingyun decided not to enlighten him, letting them play out their little drama.
“By the way, it’s almost noon. Want to go out for lunch?” Yu Junqing asked, changing the subject. It was nearly 11, and the neighborhood was a bit out of the way. Leaving early avoided traffic. He was used to this city’s frustrating roads, having learned to leave in advance to avoid being late.
“Sure, let me change,” Ren Qingyun replied, unconcerned. He wasn’t familiar with local spots yet, and having Yu Junqing along was entertaining. He quickly changed into a high-neck shirt, and Yu Junqing donned his disguise.
“Any good places you recommend?” Ren Qingyun asked, picking up a car key—Bo Rui’s, lent for friendship’s sake, though it felt shameless. He could have thrown it at Bo Rui’s face.
Yu Junqing pondered, intending to suggest a good restaurant. But glancing at Ren Qingyun’s neckline reminded him of another… sensitive area. He changed his recommendation mid-sentence to a place with health-focused cuisine, unsure if it would also… aid the posterior.
Yu Junqing did his best to mask his expression, pretending not to be curious about Ren Qingyun’s… past hardships.
The restaurant meal confirmed it: Ren Qingyun devoured chicken feet with unrestrained enthusiasm, piling bones into a growing mountain.
Yu Junqing blinked, curious, and tried one himself. Steamed just right, tender yet elastic, the flavor delicate—he found himself eating another.
—A fleeting glimpse of a dominant presence—
“Boss, here’s the photo from over there,” came the old British-accented voice of a rarely-seen aristocratic butler, placing the latest photo on the master’s desk.
“Mm.” The man waved him off, focused on his work, then relaxed slightly, examining the photo. His curly hair framed a striking Western face, deep eyes ocean-blue, captivating, lips curved slightly, eyes lifting as if seeing something beloved, falling gently on the photo.
“You can’t escape,” the man murmured, hand brushing over the chicken-foot-eating subject, smiling. Too adorable—both casually and in private—he could never get enough.
“Achoo!” Ren Qingyun sneezed suddenly. “Who’s being so shameless at a time like this?” The nasal sound came out oddly cute.
“Here.” Yu Junqing handed him a napkin with one remaining chicken claw. The flavor was surprisingly good.
“Thanks.” Ren Qingyun wiped, digging back in. Exhausted from physical work, he needed to make up for lost time abroad.
After nearly finishing the restaurant’s supply of chicken feet, they were finally full.
“Ugh~ so stuffed,” Ren Qingyun belched openly; Yu Junqing covered his mouth, embarrassed.
“This place is good,” Ren Qingyun praised shamelessly. Yu Junqing smiled quietly, slightly overstuffed, hiccupping repeatedly.
After a while, they decided to take the leftovers home. Calling the server to pay, Yu Junqing used Bo Rui’s membership card—they had been there before, after all.
A sweet-faced waitress refused. “Sir, no mistake. Someone has already paid for your meal in advance. Would you like your food packed?”
Yu Junqing was puzzled. Why would anyone pay in advance for a private room? Surely a mistake?
The waitress efficiently packed everything, politely confirming, “It was your companion, Ren Qingyun.”
Yu Junqing looked at Ren Qingyun sprawled across the chair. He had barely moved, hearing this. Ren Qingyun batted her eyes. “Who paid? What’s his name?”
“Winston,” she replied, skillfully avoiding the gaze.
Ren Qingyun was curious—he didn’t know anyone named Winston. Just then, his phone rang, an unknown number. Could it be the payer?
“Hello, this is Ren Qingyun,” he said, his magnetic, charming voice sliding into the other end.
“Hehe, darling, enjoying your meal?” The man’s voice, thick with an English accent, sent shivers down his spine. Ren Qingyun stiffened.
Damn, he knew immediately who it was. First time he’d fallen for this trick abroad.
“You’re good. I just got back, and you found me already?” Ren Qingyun scowled.
“Darling, I love you. My heart is always with you.” The man’s voice lingered, full of entangled affection. Ren Qingyun promptly hung up.
Damn it. Better turn off the phone.
He thought he could escape, but Yu Junqing hesitated, calling him back. “Check this out—looks like your friend’s number,” he said, showing him the string of foreign digits—the same as the call.
Yu Junqing had overheard earlier, blushing slightly. “Want me to block him?”
“Bah, ignore him. Don’t take it as liking him. He’s dreaming.” Ren Qingyun scoffed.
Yu Junqing trailed behind, thoughtful. He had seen men’s relationships, but never such overt, passionate emotion. Could Bo Rui want me? he wondered.