Chapter 11

Li Jichuan had always been indifferent to desire.

When his grandfather was still in decent health, the old man worried something might be wrong with him and even secretly had a famous doctor prepare an herbal tonic, which Uncle Wang coaxed him into drinking.

Li Jichuan cooperated, and also proved—tonics were useless.

He really just wasn’t interested.

After the accident, he completely accepted that he no longer belonged to the group of people who experienced desire at all.

Until today—when that certainty was shattered by a mute boy.

Even though Su Pu was behind him, the mirror standing by the wardrobe gave him away, reflecting that pale porcelain skin, the pair of delicate wing-like shoulder blades that opened and closed with every movement.

Knowing he shouldn’t look, Li Jichuan curled his fingers into a fist—

He was bound to be impolite.

Su Pu moved fast. In under thirty seconds, he was fully dressed again.

He’d changed into straight-cut pants and a crisp white shirt—his “interview outfit,” sharp and tidy.

He figured it was suitable for meeting the family, too.

The bathroom finally emptied, and the guys next door seemed absorbed in their game. Su Pu seized the opportunity, quietly wheeling Li Jichuan out.

This time, when Li Jichuan got into the car, his posture was noticeably stiff. He sat in the back with Su Pu.

He gave the driver an address, and the dark gray Cayenne slipped away between the run-down apartment blocks.

Only one gaze lingered at a first-floor windowsill, unmoving…

…

Their next stop was an exclusive boutique that only served VIP clients.

Before they arrived, the sales associate had already cleared the place out.

She’d prepared three outfits based on the client’s request and laid them neatly in the fitting room, along with a small spread of snacks.

It was Su Pu’s first time in a place like this. He followed closely behind Li Jichuan, careful with every step, terrified of doing anything wrong.

When Li Jichuan entered the fitting room, Su Pu stayed at the door, staring after him with big, expectant eyes—faithful as a little dog waiting for its owner. Even the sales associate couldn’t help smiling.

“Sir, you can have a seat on the sofa over there if you’d like. Please try our refreshments.”

Su Pu waved his hands quickly—no need.

He was scared the snacks would be expensive, and if they charged extra, it would waste Li Jichuan’s money.

Even though he knew his husband didn’t lack money in the slightest.

After five minutes, Su Pu finally started moving and walked toward a row of racks beside him.

The clothes in the store were arranged by brand. Su Pu picked up a dress shirt he thought would look great on Li Jichuan.

If the price was okay, he wouldn’t mind buying it for him.

But the moment he checked the tag, he didn’t even recognize the currency symbol.

After asking the sales associate, he learned that this thin white shirt cost fifteen thousand.

And the sales associate even described that price as “pretty cost-effective.”

Su Pu withdrew his hand immediately, suddenly afraid to touch anything else.

“Su Pu…”

Li Jichuan’s voice came through the heavy curtain.

Like a little dog hearing its name, Su Pu snapped to attention and went to stand right outside the curtain.

“Could you… come in for a second?”

Li Jichuan sounded oddly strained—never a good sign.

Of course Su Pu didn’t think twice and slipped inside.

The fitting room felt like a whole other world. So this was how rich people tried on clothes.

The space was huge, with a full lighting setup, a panoramic mirror, and even a little low table with plated cake and a tea set.

Was this for trying on clothes or having afternoon tea…?

No time to get distracted. Su Pu hurried to Li Jichuan, anxiety written all over his face.

Those round, bright eyes were so expressive he didn’t even need to speak.

His whole being was practically yelling: What happened what happened what happened?

Seeing him like that actually relaxed Li Jichuan. He tugged lightly at the half-removed shirt hanging off him.

“It’s caught.”

Su Pu immediately understood and leaned closer. The tag string had gotten tangled in a hidden buckle on the back of the wheelchair, no wonder Li Jichuan couldn’t take it off by himself.

With quick hands, Su Pu freed him.

Once the shirt came off, Li Jichuan’s build was on full display.

Years of training hadn’t gone to waste—even after the accident. The muscle lines were sharp and defined, like something out of a game model.

Su Pu pressed his lips together, taking a step back, ears flushing red.

He didn’t even know what cologne Li Jichuan used, but it smelled really good—his nose tingled.

“Su Pu…”

Of all times, Li Jichuan chose this moment to call him again—several times.

Su Pu darted his eyes downward to see what he needed.

“Either move, or help me grab the shirt?”

Li Jichuan let out a helpless laugh.

Su Pu: ?

A beat later, he finally realized… he was standing right in front of the clothing rack.

Su Pu: …

Trying to make up for it, he quickly took down the neatly pressed black shirt and handed it over.

Li Jichuan didn’t hesitate—he started putting it on right in front of him.

Buttoning each button, one by one.

Su Pu felt like he was about to combust…

Seriously—how could buttoning a shirt be sexy?

Li Jichuan was basically the Greek god of desire incarnate.

“What do you think?”

He asked it so casually.

Su Pu stared for a few seconds before finally nodding, typing:

【Looks great!】

Li Jichuan lifted the white shirt he’d tried earlier.

“And this one?”

【Also looks great!】

“Everything looks great?”

【Because you look good to begin with…】

Li Jichuan swept his gaze over the clothes, then over Su Pu.

“Well, since everything looks good, how about you buy them for me?”

Su Pu looked too—but didn’t hesitate long. He lowered his head and typed:

【Okay】

“You’re agreeing to that?”

That actually surprised Li Jichuan.

Did he know how much these clothes cost?

Was it because he had the card from the family and wanted to please him?

Yet Su Pu still pressed his lips together and nodded firmly.

【If you like it, I’ll buy it for you.】

…

When they came out of the boutique, they were both wearing new outfits.

Matching ones, at that.

Li Jichuan adjusted his collar, looking slightly awkward.

“It’s for my grandpa. I figured if we wear a coordinated set, he’ll find it a bit more believable.”

Su Pu didn’t dare move—this outfit alone was worth fifty or sixty thousand.

And that wasn’t even counting how Li Jichuan casually told the sales associate to send a full set of both brands to their apartment in his size.

Wait—rich people buy clothes without even trying them on?

What if the size was wrong—could they return it in seven days?

Filled with nervous thoughts, Su Pu got into the car. Before he knew it, they were at the hospital.

On the top floor VIP ward, it was clear Li Jichuan knew everyone—he greeted people left and right.

Su Pu followed him into the VIP suite at the end of the hall. Inside, Li Peirong lay in the center of the bright, pristine room.

Grandpa had apparently been waiting ever since hearing his grandson was bringing home a grandson-in-law—he hadn’t even taken a nap.

“Grandpa.”

Li Jichuan stopped beside the bed and respectfully introduced him.

“This is my spouse.”

Behind him, Su Pu bowed shyly to the elderly man and pulled up the self-intro he’d prepared in advance on his phone.

“Grandpa, hello. I’m Su Pu, Ji Chuan’s partner.”

He had enlarged the font, and the small hand holding the phone trembled slightly. Su Pu looked at him with sincerity and nervous care.

But the elderly man leaning against the bed merely gave a cold hum and shut his eyes.

“I’m old. I can’t see clearly…”

Here we go again.

Ever since he fell ill, Li Peirong’s temper had only grown stranger—stubborn and picky.

Li Jichuan silently clenched his fist. “I told you before—he can’t speak.”

“Then why did you find someone who can’t speak?” the old man shot back, full of certainty.

“Grandpa…”

Even though he had mentally prepared himself, Li Peirong had always rejected everything about his choices.

But still, Li Jichuan was upset.

Wasn’t marriage the thing Grandpa kept insisting on?

Now that he brought someone home, Grandpa was unhappy again?

“I introduced you to so many good matches, and you didn’t pick any of them… and you ended up choosing a mute?”

Li Peirong glanced at the boy timidly hiding behind his grandson.

He had a good look to him, a solid build, and seemed rather cute.

Li Jichuan interjected, “He has a name. It’s Su Pu.”

The old man sipped his tea with an air of pride, letting out a measured “hmph” before drinking.

“Cough, cough—”

The intermittent hacking broke Su Pu’s embarrassment.

Without hesitation, he stepped around Li Jichuan’s wheelchair and approached the bed, smoothing the old man’s back.

With practiced ease, he pulled out a tissue and handed it to him.

Li Peirong’s face flushed red and chest ached from holding his breath. Luckily, the small hands behind him applied just the right pressure, easing much of the discomfort.

Su Pu had cared for his own seriously ill mother before, so he was experienced.

Once the old man’s breathing evened out, Su Pu held his hand, massaging the palms and pressing acupoints along the tiger’s mouth.

Li Peirong visibly relaxed, closing his eyes for a brief moment.

The elderly prize their dignity—after arguing with someone, now enjoying a massage without losing face was almost indulgent.

Clearing his throat, Li Peirong instructed his grandson, “Xiao Chuan, go pour two glasses of water.”

Li Jichuan chuckled, teasing with his gaze, as if saying, “Finally remembered to give us water?”

The old man shot him a look. “Hurry up. Can’t I still command you?”

Li Jichuan wheeled himself out.

The room was left with just Su Pu and Li Peirong.

A cold sweat dotted Su Pu’s forehead as he realized it. He knew in his heart that, by any measure, he didn’t deserve Li Jichuan…

“You’re called Su Pu?”

Li Peirong pressed his hand, kneading the fingers of the boy massaging him.

Su Pu’s doe-like eyes shone as he nodded.

“Which ‘Pu’?”

“Pu as in dandelion. My mother said dandelions dance with the wind, the world wide and free.”

Li Peirong squinted, nodded approvingly. “Not a bad name.”

Su Pu withdrew his phone, puzzled by the old man.

“Xiao Chuan has always been strong-willed,” Li Peirong reminisced with a soft smile. “Even if I opposed him a hundred ways, he wouldn’t change… Well, it doesn’t help that he got me for a grandfather. Two stubborn temperaments—he’s had a hard time over the years.”

Su Pu had an idea and activated his phone’s reading function.

“But Ji Chuan respects you very much.”

Li Peirong listened, his expression softening into a smile.

“I’m his grandfather. Of course he respects me. That boy carries a heavy burden…”

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

“You… you…”

Li Peirong reached for Su Pu’s hand.

“Grandpa—”

Li Jichuan’s voice rang from the doorway. He wheeled swiftly to the bedside, grabbing Su Pu’s wrist and pulling him behind the wheelchair.

“If you’re not satisfied, we won’t come again. Don’t lay a hand on him!”

Li Jichuan’s temper flared instantly.

The atmosphere in the room turned tense.

Li Peirong, blowing on his pale beard, glared at his suddenly agitated grandson.

“You—what eye saw me bullying him?”

The old man sounded aggrieved but refused to soften, patting the bed with effort. “I’ve already suffered this much—why bully him?”

Li Jichuan held Su Pu’s wrist firmly, matching the pressure with resolute strength.

“I clearly saw you reaching toward him.”

Li Peirong’s anger spiked. “Reaching? You think I’m just reaching to hit him?”

“You always used that move when disciplining me,” Li Jichuan retorted bluntly.

Li Peirong fell silent. Indeed, every time he had extended a hand toward Li Jichuan as a child, it had landed a slap. His discipline had always been strict, he admitted—but he had reasons. And now, he still wanted to change.

Li Jichuan pulled Su Pu back. “You’ve seen him. Whether satisfied or not, it’s your choice. We’re leaving first.”

“You… you two, come back—I still have things to say!”

Li Peirong called after them weakly, but the room was empty.

Sighing, he turned his head toward the sunset outside the window.

The hospital room was silent as he stared at the heavy, sinking sun, sitting there for a long while.