[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 5.
Chen Yi strode into the main hall of North Branch, while instructing Zou Fu and You Bi who were walking behind him, “Based on the data provided by Fan Zherui, send more people to keep an eye on Zhang Teng, and see who he is in contact with from the Dragon Gang.”
“Yes.” The two senior aides nodded, their expressions serious and respectful, not showing any signs of disrespect towards their younger leader.
The one who showed disrespect before had already been buried, and Chen Yi's ruthlessness and handsome appearance were in perfect harmony. They had witnessed North Branch's growth after this battle and now they were wholeheartedly convinced.
“Keep an eye on those people and once you find out their identities, report to Fan Zherui.”
“Yes.” The two men responded and left under Chen Yi's gesture.
Chen Yi, thinking about North Branch's next move, quickly walked through the main hall towards his private residence in the backyard. Before he could turn a corner, his foot kicked something unknown, stopping his steps.
What is this?
With his deep and narrow eagle-like eyes, Chen Yi lowered his gaze and saw Fan Zherui sitting cross-legged on the ground, looking troubled.
“Why are you sitting here?”
Lost in thought, Fan Zherui did not respond. Instead, Eddie appeared out of nowhere and hung on Chen Yi's back, "You're back!”
“What's wrong with him?”
“I don't know, but he's been like this since you were away. Sitting around, looking strange, probably...cultivating.”
“Stop being sarcastic.” Chen Yi squatted down, firmly holding onto Fan Zherui's chin, raising it to scrutinise his expression. After a moment, he spoke, “I told you on the first day you arrived, you're different. If you want to leave, just tell me.”
Fan Zherui snapped out of his thoughts, looking at the two seventeen-year-old young men in front of him.
Was he living too recklessly, or were these young people different from the norm?
Both seventeen years old, one immersed in bloodshed and warfare, while the other aspiring to be a doctor and help others...regardless of their paths, they had made their life choices and were resolutely moving forward.
He, on the other hand, remained in place, rebelliously joining the underworld while still considering his mother's feelings, not wanting the Fan family to be disgraced. He carefully avoided displaying his power and influence, keeping a low profile almost to the point of non-existence.
Just like Chen Dongyang said, he is neither up nor down.
“Why do you always say I’m different?”
Chen Yi stopped, his dark, deep eyes seeming to absorb all the darkness and ugliness, unfathomable.
“You don’t have the determination to die in this world, you still have a place to go back to.” People with a way out are not suitable for survival in the underworld. Fan Zherui was stunned by this statement, not even noticing when Chen Yi let go of his shoulder and left.
Coming back to his senses, he felt ashamed, "Just say I’m weak and afraid of death.”
“Are you happy, right?” Eddie was still there, holding a bag of potato chips in his arms, sitting and watching the show.
“Where did the snacks come from?” Fan Zherui reached out to grab some, and the two of them stayed in the same place, snacking away.
Eddie didn’t answer this casual question, showing an unexpectedly worldly and mature side, "Chen Yi has tolerated you for a long time, you better make a decision quickly.”
“It sounds like I’m completely useless.”
“You are useful, it’s just that your usefulness isn’t easy to use.” Wanting to use him for something would mean the information would reach Chen Yi and that wouldn’t be good.
Fan Zherui sighed, feeling unhappy.
“Really, apart from the fact that you might betray Mister Chen to me, we look ahead and move forward when fighting. You, on the other hand, keep looking back every three steps. If you want to fight with people in the underworld... it'd be a disaster without Chen Yi and me there to protect you.”
“...Are you trying to pile on the criticism?”
“It’s rare to tease you like this, but your intelligence network is still strong, this is something I can't do.”
“It’s just collecting and using information... I’ve lost my appetite." Fan Zherui put down the potato chips, "You don’t really want me to stay in Yiyun Alliance, do you?” It was not a question but a certainty.
The usually foul-mouthed and masculine young man, surprisingly showed a mature and worldly side: “If you can live happily, don’t seek death easily, brother...”
Fan Zherui fell into deep thought.
Just then, thunder sounded, accompanied by torrential rain.
“Damn, it’s raining again, could there be a typhoon coming?” Eddie muttered, "That’s why I hate summer, it’s hot enough without the added wind.”
As soon as he finished speaking, there was another flash of lightning and thunder.
...Fan Zherui remembered a certain young man who was afraid of thunder.
Fan Zherui, I like you.
The frank confession of the young man echoed in his mind, leading to a series of anxious but straightforward promises: ...I will cook for you, you make sandwiches for me... I will try to treat you well, believe me!
To be able to say such ordinary and uninteresting things in life, he didn’t mind being laughed at by him.
...I really like you, please stay by my side, I will grow up quickly, become a famous doctor, earn money to support the family, take care...
A famous doctor... Fan Zherui couldn’t help but laugh and sigh, was he becoming a doctor to save lives or to make money?
How could a seventeen-year-old boy plan a future for himself and two of them as a couple? Where did he get the courage!
Fan Zherui mentally scolded Bai Zongyi for his reckless and naive words and actions, as he stood up and walked towards the door.
“Where are you going! The typhoon is really hitting out there!” Looking at the latest weather report on his phone, Eddie shouted.
Ignoring him, Fan Zherui quickened his pace, his mind filled with memories of the boy who trembled but tried to stay strong that night because of the thunder.
…
Boom, boom, Bai Zongyi clenched his fists to suppress his trembling, using calm words to reassure his sister on the phone, “Sis, be careful with Dad…”
“Don’t worry, there’s not even a drop of rain here.” Bai Jingyu’s carefree voice in the midst of the storm had a comical charm, "Bro, your place seems terrifying, I can even hear the sound of the wind, whistling.”
Bai Zongyi looked at the window with a hole in it, "I can handle it, even if it hasn’t rained yet, you still need to watch the weather report…”
“I will watch the TV to see if there’s a holiday tomorrow.”
Bai Zongyi chuckled, "Dad's cold hasn’t gotten better yet, tell him not to go to work during the typhoon night shift just for the extra pay.”
“Dad! Bro says you can't go to work on a typhoon day! Otherwise, he’ll spank you.”
“Got it…” Father Bai's voice of reluctant compromise came through the phone.
Bai Zongyi smiled. His sister was still the same, a lively little girl, "Okay, that’s it for now.”
“Bro, be careful, call me if there’s anything, and even if there’s nothing, call your sister who loves you.”
“Got it. I will be careful, good night.”
…
Bai Zongyi ended the call, put down his phone, picked up a wooden board, nails, and a hammer, and went outside in the wind and rain to repair the window.
It is better to be prepared than to regret, at least he can make up for it before it's too late.
If only I had known earlier, I wouldn't have worked and come back to prepare for the hurricane...Bai Zongyi gritted his teeth, suppressing his fear of thunder and lightning, took a deep breath and continued nailing the wooden boards to seal the window.
‘Is Fan Zherui okay?’ Bai Zongyi worried as he nailed the boards, thinking about Fan Zherui's appearance when he went to his school, and self-deprecatingly chuckled.
“He's not someone who lives in this kind of place.” Don't think too much, he'll be fine. Bai Zongyi told himself, ignoring the differences between them, it's just temporary, once he graduates from college and becomes a successful doctor, everything will be different.
But...he hasn't come to see him since the confession day, he doesn't even answer his phone.
Is he scared? Because he's a man? If he minded, why did he act that way that day, and even call him Ai...that's a boy's English name, right?
Bai Zongyi's stomach churned. Who is this Eddie? Could it be Fan Zherui's current partner?
If...his confession really did upset him...no wonder he didn't answer his calls or text messages.
“You idiot, why aren't you wearing a raincoat!”
The action of nailing the boards paused. Did he just hear Fan Zherui's voice?
Bai Zongyi shook his head, continued his actions, finished nailing one board, and another was handed to him.
He froze, his gaze followed the wooden board, and his eyes widened in surprise, "Fan, Fan Zherui?”
He came to see him, without Eddie, to see him? The man who had been deliberately avoiding him after his confession actually...came to see him?
Bai Zongyi stared at the man in front of him in disbelief, suspecting it was his imagination.
This child is so silly.
Fan Zherui gently nudged him with his elbow, "Snap out of it, hurry up and finish so we can go inside.”
Even in summer, getting rained on at night and being exposed to the wind could make you sick, you fool.
The touch of their skin brought warmth, it wasn't an illusion! He really came to see him!
Bai Zongyi snapped back to attention, quickly suppressed his ecstatic emotions, and focused on nailing the second board.
The sound of nailing echoed with joy, unaware that the person helping to hold the board was staring at him.
It has to be said, carpentry is a way to showcase masculinity beyond just physical fitness.
Through the light coming from inside the house, Fan Zherui could see the slight muscle definition in Bai Zongyi's movements.
The tight high school summer uniform clung to the boy's body, highlighting every curve.
He didn't want to be distracted by this now, but...he couldn't look away or stop thinking about it.
When he thought the boy was still just a child, he was already a capable man.
And this man said he liked...Fan Zherui looked at Bai Zongyi, who was somewhere between a boy and a man, feeling conflicted.
Afraid that Fan Zherui would catch a cold if he stayed in the rain for too long, Bai Zongyi hastily said, “You go in first, I'll be done soon.”
“I'll wait for you.”
Bai Zongyi suddenly yelled, dropped the hammer, pulled Fan Zherui into his embrace, using his body as a shield to protect the person in his arms, dodging the flying billboard.
The broken billboard hit the wall and split in half, with one half blown away by the wind.
The storm grew stronger as the summer typhoon approached.
…
The door closed, separating them from the raging storm outside.
“You go take a shower quickly.”
As soon as they entered the house, Bai Zongyi immediately urged Fan Zherui to go to the bathroom.
“You first...you're injured!” Fan Zherui grabbed Bai Zongyi, who was about to get him clean clothes.
It was then that Bai Zongyi felt a stinging pain in his right arm and turned to look, "It's probably from being scraped by the billboard just now, you go wash up, I'll be fine.”
Fan Zherui examined the injury on Bai Zongyi's arm, fortunately, it wasn't deep.
“Where's the first aid kit?”
“I'm fine.”
Fan Zherui looked at him coldly, "Do you want me to go out and buy one now?”
“...It's in the cabinet.”
Following his instructions, Fan Zherui found the first aid kit and opened it, luckily, there were plenty of medications and bandages. He turned to find Bai Zongyi only to see him covered in warmth with a towel, wrapping him up and speaking softly, "Dry off first, or you'll catch a cold.”
Bai Zongyi expressed his concern that Fan Zherui had shown up a few minutes ago.
The two unexpectedly had a tacit understanding about each other's affairs.
“Injured person, don't move.” Fan Zherui was furious, the stubborn child wouldn't listen. He forcefully sat the person down on the floor, "Behave!”
“But I am—”
“Shut up!” Fan Zherui grabbed the person's arm to examine the injury, carefully checking for any debris, disinfecting and applying medicine, then carefully covering the wound with a dressing. His movements were skilled and professional.
In the Yiyun Alliance, bandaging wounds was a basic skill for survival. Fan Zherui had received training in this.
Just as Fan Zherui began tightening the bandage, there was a muffled explosion in the distance, and the lights in the room flickered before finally going out, plunging the small room into darkness.
“Power outage...” Amidst the sound of the explosion and the storm outside, muffled voices of neighbours could be heard conversing.
“There are candles in the kitchen...”
“Don't move, your wound is not yet properly bandaged.”
“No lights...”
Suddenly, a silver light appeared, illuminating both individuals.
“Hold this.” Fan Zherui handed his phone to Bai Zongyi, which had the flashlight function turned on, and continued with the bandaging.
In the dim light, the silver glow cast on Fan Zherui's face, his expression focused and serious, as if he were performing some sacred and important task.
Bai Zongyi looked at Fan Zherui closely as he leaned in to apply the medicine, and found himself in a trance, "You have long eyelashes.”
Even at a time like this, he still had the inclination to tease him. Fan Zherui felt a mix of anger and amusement.
"Shut up...”
The absolute darkness heightened their other senses, sharpening them, making them aware of each other's warmth, intensifying the burgeoning emotional connection between them, making it scorching and intense.
The breathing of both individuals gradually became rapid and their heartbeats quickened, as they couldn't ignore the effect they had on each other, the inexplicable attraction that made their mouths dry.
The scent of Fan Zherui's perfume mixed with the rain triggered Bai Zongyi's senses, making his body instinctively want to draw closer, to claim the owner of that scent as his own.
Did he come to find him in the storm because he liked him too? Bai Zongyi couldn't help but think so.
This conjecture was yet unconfirmed, but it brought him inexplicable joy.
Along with the joy, there arose a desire for him.
“Fan, Fan Zherui...” The boy's voice was low and magnetic, with a charisma that even during adolescence made it dangerously captivating.
Fan Zherui's entire body shook, the five-year age gap driving him to preserve his last bit of reason as he moved away.
“I'll go get a candle.”
Bai Zongyi didn't let him avoid him, and in the darkness, he grabbed his hand, causing Fan Zherui to lose his balance and fall back into his arms.
“I like you." Bai Zongyi reiterated his feelings in a low, husky voice.
Is this what liking someone feels like? Each time he said it, it only strengthened his own feelings.
The genuine confession stirred the heart of the one being confessed to, shaking his last bit of reason.
Men are fickle creatures – how difficult it is to preserve that last bit of reason.
Bai Zongyi certainly didn't know, for he said it once more, still furthering with: “Even if you already like someone, I still like you.”
Like someone?
“Who?”
“Eddie.”
Eyes widening.
"Eddie? What does he have to do with anything?”
“...The morning when you bumped into me, you mentioned his name and wanted him to give you ten minutes...” The boy's power of imagination was truly terrifying.
“He's just a friend, he's responsible for waking me up—”
His explanation was cut short as the boy sealed his lips with a kiss, swallowing up any further words and sinking into the shared intimacy between them.
The unfinished explanation was overtaken by the passionate kiss, fueling the intense emotions between them.
Just friends! The moment the misunderstanding was cleared up, the young man couldn't help but feel ecstatic.
However, the young man lacked experience, his only experience was from Fan Zherui. Understanding was one thing, but the result of his hands-on efforts was constantly nibbling on Fan Zherui's lips, rolling and pressing his bones, and using awkward techniques to amuse the man pinned underneath him.
“Do you think you are nibbling on corn...” Fan Zherui chuckled as he looked at the young man on top of him, "Haven't you eaten yet?”
“Don't laugh!” The young man blushed with anger, "I'm just nervous, it's normal to be at a loss for words when embracing the person you like for the first time!”
“Yes, yes, you're just nervous, otherwise you could perform very well.” Pure adult perfunctory.
“Fan Zherui!” The young man gritted his teeth.
“Let me show you how to do it.”
The three words stunned the young man and gave the man an opportunity to take advantage.
Fan Zherui grabbed Bai Zongyi by the collar and pulled him towards him, leaning in to kiss the young man's slightly soft, inexperienced buttocks.
The sound of passionate kissing filled the room, drowning out the wind and rain outside.
Unable to ignore Bai Zongyi's feelings, and unable to ignore the fluttering and caring he felt towards him, the young man gradually became his ideal without realising it, and the things he did for him... shook his heart even more.
Unable to ignore anymore...
The sound of kissing filled the room, resonating with passion and drowning out the wind and rain outside.
The two men who had adapted to the darkness looked at each other's flushed faces due to their passion. Bai Zongyi reached up to touch the man's chest, his voice low as he whispered in his ear, “Your heart is beating so fast, just like mine.”
He grabbed the man's hand and pressed it against his chest to feel it.
Bai Zongyi's voice at this moment was so captivating that it caused Fan Zherui discomfort in his groin, prompting him to unzip his pants to give himself some room.
The sound of their belts clashing drew Zongyi's attention and he reached down to touch Fan Zherui's impressive size, happy at the contact.
He didn't reject him, he liked him, just like him. Bai Zongyi’s hand gently covered him, slowly stroking him with caution, afraid of hurting him. He was torturing him... Fan Zherui moaned.
“A little harder...” Quickly pulling down Bai Zongyi's boxers, his hand slipped in and began to stroke and tease him. Fan Zherui set the pace, last time he was too sleepy to remember much, but this time he traced Bai Zongyi's shape, not underestimating his size. His stiff member throbbed under his touch, oozing a thick liquid.
Bai Zongyi gasped, holding back the intense stimulation, imitating Fan Zherui's actions but keeping some restraint.
He couldn't offer him anything now, but at least he wanted to cherish the man who was willing to accept his feelings. Bai Zongyi thought, and then kissed the man's neck and moved towards his lips.
“Bai Zong-...” Fan Zherui sighed, welcoming the young man's tongue.
Mimicking what Fan Zherui had just done to him, Bai Zongyi caressed the young man's hot and soft mouth, licking his sensitive gums, and exploring his throat.
He liked this feeling, as if he was devouring the person in his arms, completely belonging to him.
The sudden stimulation tensed Fan Zherui's back, pressing him against Bai Zongyi's chest.
The young man's remarkable ability to learn left the experienced man in awe.
Soon, their clothes were stripped off, leaving them bare to feel each other's heated bodies. Bai Zongyi ended the devouring deep kiss and moved to the hot ear, nibbling and rubbing it gently.
“I want...” he murmured, instinctively moving his hips to meet Fan Zherui.
“Fan Zherui, I want... you are my...”
Fan Zherui widened his eyes, recalling Eddie's ridiculous words.
When two tops meet, there must be a bottom...
“Bai Zongyi, calm down...” Fan Zherui withdrew his teasing hand and placed both hands on the young man's chest, "We have a fundamental... issue to resolve...”
The inspired young man leaned down to kiss Fan Zherui, one hand lovingly caressing the man's slender body, finally reaching his hardened nipples and rubbing them. Bai Zongyi’s other hand, which was playing with his member, moved below his balls, his fingers slipping into Fan Zherui's body.
Fan Zherui exclaimed in surprise, his unbreached part felt tight and sensitive, simulating the shape of a foreign object in his mind.
“Who told you... Ah!” A stronger sensation of something foreign made him twitch and just like that his hole was accepting Bai Zongyi's second finger.
“I have Google.” The world of the internet, without boundaries.
... The third finger that penetrated his body made Fan Zherui's protest turn into a cry of shock.
Bai Zongyi tried to please the area he was about to enter, knowing that this was necessary to avoid discomfort...
“It's still so tight...” Google could only provide information, unable to pass on experience, leaving the inexperienced young man confused.
“Google says three fingers on average should be enough...” The boy was feeling wronged.
“Damn it, can it be judged by the average!” Fan Zherui wanted to die.
“Fan Zhe...” Bai Zongyi rubbed his body against the man beneath him, not ashamed to ask, “What should I do next?”
Next... let me strangle you first and then commit suicide...
Fan Zherui cupped Bai Zongyi's face in his hands, gritting his teeth: “It's my first time being poked in the back, don't ask me!”
The first time! The first time! The first time! The first time! The first time...
The three words echoed in Bai Zongyi's mind, his eyes turning red with excitement.
Unfortunately, in the darkness Fan Zherui couldn't see the hand patting the man holding onto his buttocks.
“Pull out first, we'll... Ah!”
Bai Zongyi's finger came out first, but something more potent suddenly entered.
Due to the incomplete preparatory action, half of it was still exposed, waiting for the final signal to attack and conquer.
Fan Zherui's eyes widened suddenly, overwhelmed by the invading army stealing his breath, his legs curled up to try to open himself up to relieve the excessive expansion inside, but to no avail.
"Bastard, suddenly...”
“I'm sorry... I feel unbearable...” The boy's husky voice carried a seductive and enchanting allure, causing Fan Zherui's already softened member to become erect again.
“No... it's not okay... it's impossible! Pull... pull out...”
Bai Zongyi's response was to kiss him and thrust deeply.
Fan Zherui opened his mouth but couldn't make a sound, all his voices were swallowed by Bai Zongyi's kiss, which started to become gentle and apologetic, kissing and sucking on Fan Zherui's moderately thick lips before moving downwards to kiss his beautifully curved collarbone, his hands gently stroking his tense body trying to help him relax.
This home...
Fan Zherui adjusted his breathing to relax himself, having some basic common sense, adapting to the foreign object inside him, finding the calm to speak again.
“You're not a first-timer, are you?” Fan Zherui was seriously suspecting he was being taken advantage of by the boy.
Despite the sweat beading on his forehead, Bai Zongyi began thrusting faster, the tightness within Fan Zherui driving him crazy.
Inexperienced reactions translated into specific actions, boldly infiltrating into enemy territory, his slightly raised head rubbing against the sensitive deep inside Fan Zherui, eliciting the first tremulous moans.
This sensation... Fan Zherui didn't have time to reminisce about the pleasure of his prostate being pressed, as Bai Zongyi's forceful thrusts led to a second wave of ecstasy.
“Ah... slower, Bai, Zongyi... I can't take it...” Fan Zherui begged, feeling the foreign object inside him getting harder and hotter.
"This… I can't... It's too much... Ah! Ha...” Fan Zherui hooked his left arm around Bai Zongyi's neck, careful not to touch his injured right arm, with his right hand pressed against the man's chest.
“Bai Zong... Please, I can't...” Tears welled up in Fan Zherui's eyes, his voice hoarse with pleading.
The pleading only excited Bai Zongyi more, the frictional fluid secreted in Fan Zherui's body from the stimulation lubricating the forcibly opened his hole, allowing Bai Zongyi to increase his rapid thrusting and deepen the force of his thrusts, his hip bones slamming against the tight buttocks, making a loud slapping sound.
At that moment, the lights suddenly came on, the power was back.
Without warning, Fan Zherui was blinded by the sudden brightness, quickly covering Bai Zongyi's eyes to protect him.
It was not just to protect his eyes, but also to avoid embarrassment.
In darkness, one could rely on imagination to ignite passion, but witnessing it firsthand... if Bai Zongyi softened at this moment when he gave up his virginity, he would grab him and jump off the building together.
“Fan Zherui?” The boy stopped moving, his voice husky and breathless.
“Don't look, you'll be scared.”
Bai Zongyi didn't understand his thoughtfulness, he grabbed his hand, kissed it, knelt down, sat up, and created distance as he looked at his masterpiece in the darkness with eyes reddened by emotions.
Crimson, pale red marks adorned the body of the man as white as jade, like red plum blossoms blooming in the snow season, and also like the strawberry cake that men love to eat the most.
He didn't like desserts, but Fan Zherui made his appetite increase.
Bai Zongyi's gaze shifted downward, wandering to Fan Zherui's lower abdomen, staring at the hardened organ because of his penetration.
After a while, Bai Zongyi reached down to touch Fan Zherui’s rod, as if carefully appreciating a piece of art, his fingertips playing with the slightly cloudy secretion... so cute.
For some reason, everything about Fan Zherui right now made him feel so cute.
“Don't ...” Fan Zherui trembled, wanting to avoid it but also wanting to be dominated, the contradictory and shy thoughts made him unconsciously twist his waist.
“Uh...” Bai Zongyi groaned, as Fan Zherui's twisting motion reached the grip on him, bringing a hot and tingling sensation.
As his gaze moved down to where he was being swallowed, Bai Zongyi's breathing became heavy.
His hole ring felt taut again, making Fan Zherui surprised.
How did it get bigger again!
“Don't...” ah
Bai Zongyi lifted Fan Zherui's foot with one hand, pressed against his waist with the other hand, and with a forceful thrust, shattered Fan Zherui's warnings.
“Bai Zongyi!” Nearly being thrown out, Fan Zherui held onto the young man's shoulders tightly, his voice hoarse.
“Slow down...”
The young man was completely out of control, persisting in his forceful thrusts, making Fan Zherui give up struggling and ask instead, “Hurry up... hurry up and finish... let me rest well.”
The young man continued his rough attacks, he could hear his lover say “hurry up." but he couldn't be sure when it would end.
Chapter 6:
Outside the house, the dustless azure sky was only dotted with a few wispy clouds, and the sky after the storm was amazingly clear.
Inside the house, the person who had spent the night in passion and exhaustion was completely drained—
Or should it be said, “was” spent the night in passion and exhaustion...
“Um... mm...”
Fan Zherui lay on the bed, allowing Bai Zongyi to clean himself up after their activities with a warm towel.
“Are you okay?”
“Not okay.” He felt like he was hit by a truck and crushed by a tank, how could he be okay, even though he experienced pleasure he had never felt before, the gruesome aftermath couldn't be ignored.
No one should expect him to get out of bed today... I'm so tired.
“...I'm sorry.” Bai Zongyi sincerely apologised, he had been too unrestrained, and after releasing himself, he came to his senses to find Fan Zherui had fainted in his arms, "I didn't mean to.”
Fan Zherui turned slightly, gesturing for Bai Zongyi to come closer, and the latter obediently crawled next to him, feeling a bit nervous.
Alright, his cautious expression pleased him, so he lightly pinched his nose as a slight punishment, "Don't let it happen again.”
Bai Zongyi touched his nose, feeling embarrassed.
“What's wrong?”
“You've pinched my nose before.”
“And then?” Did he want revenge? He should dare!
Bai Zongyi whispered softly in his ear, “I'm turned on.”
Fan Zherui stared at him in shock, about to scold him when Bai Zongyi cut him off, “I really like you.”
Silent, Fan Zherui collapsed back on the bed, unable to hide his emotions from the young man.
After finishing the cleaning, Bai Zongyi covered him with the blanket, "What about you? Do you like me too?”
After making him like this, he still asked! The man buried in the pillow rolled his eyes, and the next second, he felt a cool sensation on his buttocks. Fan Zherui sat up and looked back, as Bai Zongyi pulled the blanket up to his waist, "What are you doing?”
“Applying ointment.” Bai Zongyi shook the tube of ointment in his hand, smiling shyly.
Just now, while cleaning up, he noticed that the spot where he had been poking all night was a bit swollen, bright deep red, and slightly warm.
Hmm... he really went overboard last night, the young man reflected once again.
“Applying medicine? What kind of medicine?”
The young man came back to his senses and said seriously, “Anti-inflammatory medicine, I heard it's better this way.”
“Who told you that?”
“Google.”
“Fuck off...”
…
In the summer of his senior year, Bai Zongyi obtained the qualification for the entrance of the Taiwan Medical University funded by the government, along with his love life.
Succeeding in both love and academic studies, Bai Zongyi's spring-in-the-step appearance made the students who were still preparing for the July college entrance exams jealous and envious.
Not understanding the darkness of the night in the daytime, the prospective college student did not understand the sorrow of the college entrance exam student.
“Well... you still have time to draw a cake.” Fang Zian looked at the cake made by Bai Zongyi, not only did he sketch it, but he also coloured it. The design was simple but it looked very appetising…
“Who are you making it for?”
“Hmm.” Bai Zongyi smiled.
“Your girlfriend?”
Bai Zongyi's smile became even more brilliant, and the answer was self-explanatory.
“You're being too much! Not only do you not have to take the college entrance exam, you also have a girlfriend, life is so unfair.”
Fang Zian cried as he looked at his English textbook, he couldn't concentrate no matter how hard he tried, "Tell me, how do you memorise? English vocabulary? Any secrets, quickly!”
Fang Zian, with a quick and enthusiastic tone, shifted his attention back to his studies, his eyes shining as he looked at his classmate.
“Choose an article for me.”
Fang Zian responded and took out his phone to search, "Is this article okay?”
Bai Zongyi took it, read it for less than thirty seconds, and then returned it to him to recite the first paragraph, not missing a single word.
His strong memory was his guarantee of good grades.
Fang Zian looked dumbfounded, "Classmate, you're amazing.”
The discouraged college entrance exam student rested his chin on the table and couldn't help but look up...
Bai Zongyi laughed and ruffled his head. Although they were classmates, Fang Zian felt like a little brother to him, "Which university do you want to apply to?”
“Police University!” When it came to dreams, Fang Zian's eyes lit up again, "I want to be a police officer!”
Bai Zongyi was surprised, given his small stature, he never expected that Fang Zian's dream was to become a police officer, "The police university has physical fitness tests entrance.”
“I'm good at running! I run very fast!”
Uh... it's not just about running. But seeing Fang Zian's excited expression, he couldn't bring himself to dampen his spirits with discouraging words, "I'll help you focus on the important points.”
“Great!” Fang Zian was straightforward and readily accepted, "My grandma has a super delicious strawberry cream roll recipe, I'll bring it to you tomorrow!”
Bai Zongyi was surprised, “How did you know that I would take it?”
“You like strawberries.” He leaned in closer and sniffed, confirming, "Everything you eat is strawberry-flavoured.”
His nose was very sensitive, you can't trick him.
“...You might make a good police officer.”
Grinning, “I think so too.” With someone to rely on, the most legendary Bai Zongyi in the school, Fang Zian felt relieved.
“Bai Zongyi!” The urgent shout of a female classmate interrupted the pleasant conversation between the two, followed by the voice of the speaker.
The girl who caused trouble last time, bringing his “cousin” to school.
Fang Zian jumped up and stood in front of Bai Zongyi in a protective stance.
“Wang Jiamei! What do you want again!”
“It's none of your business.” The future people’s nanny pushed Fang Zian aside and eagerly stared at Bai Zongyi.
"Your cousin is related to the Pan-Asia Group, right! What is your relationship with Fan Zherui?... Fan Zherui... there's 'Zherui' in his name... is he a peer! A cousin? A brother?”
Pan-Asia Group? Bai Zongyi was completely confused, "I don't understand what you're talking about.”
“Stop pretending, my dad attended a reception at the Chamber of Commerce and asked about the Fan family's people.” Wang Jiamei patted Bai Zongyi's right arm, hitting exactly on his injured arm, "They have a family tree, ranked by characters... you're incredible, having such a big backing and still pretending! The Pan-Asia Group is a top-notch conglomerate!”
Bai Zongyi bit his lip in pain, more surprised by the bombshell of information the female classmate had thrown at him than by his family's astounding background.
Not because of Fan Zherui's astonishing family background, or because of his powerful backing, but because— if Fan Zherui was indeed connected to the Pan-Asia Group's Fan family, then he really was like the adults said, a golden-spooned child born into privilege.
He thought he could catch up, but the distance was pulled apart again, maybe he couldn't see the end of the distance... The young man in love was depressed.
“Bai Zongyi, you heartless man! Coming back so late.” As soon as he finished work and entered the door, he saw Fan Zherui leaning against the bathroom door, smiling at himself with wet hair.
“Um...” The young man was in a bad mood, responding listlessly, casually throwing the Haixiang novel on the table and going to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water.
He imitated the outrageous lines that TV drama housewives used to greet their husbands, but this guy didn't play along at all, "What happened at school?”
Bai Zongyi finished his water without speaking.
“Bai Zongyi...” Fan Zherui tried to pull him closer, but Bai Zongyi suddenly shrunk away.
The atmosphere between them instantly solidified, silence enveloping them. The anger in his peach blossom eyes simmered coldly as he looked at the young man who refused to face him.
“What's going on now? Can you just start something and then abandon it just like that?” He could pamper his younger lover, accept his occasional wilfulness, but that didn't mean he would tolerate everything he did without limits, regardless of right or wrong.
Pampering is different from indulging; the former brings happiness, while the latter leads to decadence. Bai Zongyi was still young, although precocious, still had a certain degree of innocence and impatience. Fan Zherui didn't want to corrupt him, and wouldn't hesitate to discipline him when necessary.
Having already twisted his sexual preferences, Fan Zherui didn't want to accidentally distort his personality and ruin this promising young man, "It seems like you really are ready to start something and then abandon it. Fine.”
Fan Zherui threw down the towel he was using to dry his hair, tidied himself up, fastened his belt, and walked towards the door.
As he opened the door, Fan Zherui said, “So long—”
Bang! The door that was opening was pressed back by the young man rushing towards him. The person who was about to leave was encircled in the immature embrace behind him.
Nearly losing his beloved, Bai Zongyi held Fan Zherui tightly, repeating his name in a murmur.
Fan Zherui breathed a sigh of relief, deliberately slowing down the act of opening the door, gambling on Bai Zongyi's concern for him. If the young man hadn't come to stop him, he really would have left, and no one would have sympathised with his tears.
Even though he was persuaded to stay, the anger still needed to be expressed, "Let go.”
The young man held him even tighter, making Fan Zherui feel suffocated, his trembling arms revealing care and... fear.
What was he afraid of?
Fan Zherui gently patted the hand around his waist, the anger dissipated by Bai Zongyi's arm, "What happened in the daytime? Did you mistakenly think that winning the lottery was a misunderstanding?”
The young man shook his head. Just as Fan Zherui was about to speak again, the young man turned him around to face himself, took a step forward, pressed him against the door frame, and leaned down to kiss the lips that were about to speak words of comfort.
If he had really won the lottery, that would have been good; it would be best if he had won the jackpot and become a millionaire, at least then he could be on par with him financially.
Fan Zherui opened his lips to accommodate Bai Zongyi's deepening kiss. After a period of diligent practice, the inexperienced kiss of the young man rapidly advanced, his assault as if he wanted to devour the person shortly made Fan Zherui weak in the knees, leaning on him.
Bai Zongyi's lips moved to his neck, licking and sucking on Fan Zherui's skin that was still moist from his shower. Bai Zongyi didn't understand why the scent of the same soap smelled particularly fragrant and delicious on him... His hand slipped under the clothes to touch the skin on his waist, like magnets attracting each other.
“Are you calm now?”
The caressing hand stopped at Fan Zherui's chest.
“...” His mind was calm, but what about his body?
“One last time, what happened during the day?”
Bai Zongyi could sense the warning in Fan Zherui's tone, truly the last time. After hesitating for a moment, he honestly spoke up, “Are you related to the Fan family of Fanya Group?”
It was surprising for Fan Zherui to hear this question from the young man.
“Do you want me to be related?”
“I don't want to, it's better if there is no connection.” This way, he wouldn't feel so inferior.
Fan Zherui smiled and kissed Bai Zongyi on the forehead:
“What a pity, what should I do?”
Bai Zongyi bit his lip, looking very aggrieved.
Can this person be more ordinary, not so unattainable?
…
The relationship between Fan Zherui and the Fan family is, in essence, a traditional plot in the melodramas where a mistress, with the approval of the head of the household, brings her illegitimate child into the wealthy family after the legitimate wife's passing to establish the illegitimate child to a legitimate status.
The difference here is that the head of the household has the emperor and a group of elders from the Six Dynasties above him, who are not happy with the presence of the mistress and her illegitimate child, especially considering the presence of the expected crown prince.
The mistress can be ignored, but bringing in the illegitimate child into the family becomes awkward, especially when the child's performance outshines the crown prince in intelligence and displays of capability, even with him being born a month before the crown prince.
According to the rules of the harem and power struggle manuals, such illegitimate children are usually set up as great villains.
The Fan family members find it difficult to decide where to position Fan Zherui, unsure whether to promote him or keep him suppressed, due to questions like whether he is capable, loyal, or planning to seize power.
However, Fan Zherui's mother made the decision for them, using maternal affection to prevent him from excelling, stealing the limelight from his younger brother, or showcasing any talent. Even if it's just playing the piano,when his younger brother expressed an interest in participating in competitions, Fan Zherui would back off.
His mother, to help the man she loves solve his problems and gain the approval of the elders, decided to suppress her own biological son.
“...Do you think we choose men because we don't trust in women's love?” Fan Zherui, lying in Bai Zongyi's arms, said with a smile.
“It's because we happen to like men.” Bai Zongyi held him tightly, his voice filled with passion and a hoarse tone after being intimate, "Even if you were a woman, I would still like you.”
Those deadly sweet words…
“Is this from Google again?”
Google has left a shadow in Fan Zherui's heart because of Bai Zongyi.
“I thought of it myself.” Bai Zongyi lowered his head to bite his shoulder, "I like you because you're you.” Hearing this, the twenty-two-year-old man was willing to be the receiver for a lifetime.
What Bai Zongyi gave him, aside from the wonderful experiences he had never felt before, was the feeling of being loved and valued earnestly, making him feel like he was his entire world.
“.... It's too good.”
Fan Zherui was pulled back to reality by this voice of rejoicing, "What's too good?”
“They don't want you.”
What the heck! Fan Zherui sat up, turning to face him, "And you're happy they don't want me? Do you think I'm pitiful for being happy about it?”
“Because if they dont want you then you're mine.” Bai Zongyi held his hand, kissing and biting it, with a joyful smile, "All of you is mine.”
“...” Fan Zherui was dumbfounded, watching Bai Zongyi happily gnawing on his hand as if it were a chicken leg, the heat rising, reddening his face and ears.
As Bai Zongyi was enjoying his post-dinner dessert, he paused and added, “It was my own thought, not from Google.”
Fan Zherui covered his face with his hand, feeling embarrassed...Why can he be so straightforward, should he be allowed to live...
Bai Zongyi, leaning against the bed frame, sat up and pulled him into his arms, "A-Rui...” The low, hoarse voice murmured his affectionate nickname, surprising Fan Zherui, as it was the first time Bai Zongyi had called him without formality.
“Thank you for telling me all this. I thought...”
“You thought what?”
“...You would treat me like a child and say it's an adult matter, and children shouldn't get involved.” With the age gap of five years between them, the fact that he was still a minor was present, which made him not only saddened by the widening gap between them but also because Fan Zherui never mentioned his own circumstances, which troubled him more than their age difference.
While the physical distance could be bridged through effort, he didn't know how to close the emotional gap between them.
Fan Zherui chuckled, "You didn't ask.”
“Are you saying...if I ask, you'll tell me?”
“Why would I hide anything? You're my man, knowing doesn't change anything.” The only thing he wanted to hide was his involvement in the underworld.
After you cook for me, I will make a cake for you.
…
In order to create the “boring and ordinary” world of two people described by Bai Zongyi, Fan Zherui decided to leave Yiyun Alliance, ending his life of drifting with the current and living in a carefree manner.
“You are my man...” Bai Zongyi leaned on Fan Zherui's shoulder, his eyes slightly warm.
“What's wrong?” Wow, your ears are so red! After Fan Zherui expressed surprise, he figured out the reason for the young man's shyness and laughed, pinching his chin and lifting his face, staring at the blushing young man, "You're so shy over just one sentence!”
Bai Zongyi looked at him teasing himself with a proud look, feeling ticklish in his heart.
“What should I do? I want you again...” After Bai Zongyi finished speaking, he leaned into a kiss on Fan Zherui's cheek, gazing at his slightly red eyes with desire.
Fan Zherui held Bai Zongyi's face and pulled him towards himself, kissing his lips lightly with desire, answering with action.
He also wanted him.
…
Chen Yi skillfully brewed tea, his posture elegant and composed as if he had been brewing tea for decades. The purple sand tea set in his hand did not appear old-fashioned, but rather added a touch of elegance.
Watching Chen Yi's tea-brewing movements, which were identical to Chen Dongyang's, Fan Zherui could only applaud his imitation skills.
Handing over a cup of tea casually, Chen Yi asked, “Have you decided?”
With a slightly bitter-sweet taste in his mouth, he nodded, "Yes, thank you for hosting me during this time.”
“Stay if you want to, take away what you want to take.” The head of the North Branch was generous.
“Then this year's profits from North Branch will belong to me.”
“With your intelligence network, this trade is fair.” Money can always be earned, but a systematic intelligence network is hard to find.
“Don't mess around, you may not mind, but the Second Young Master does.”
The man's brows furrowed, "Don't worry about him.”
“Although mischievous children need someone to dote on them, intentionally provoking the Second Young Master is not a good idea.” Chen Yi looked down at the tea in his cup, blew on it, admiring the ripples he caused.
This guy...if he doesn't want to listen, he pretends to be cool. Fan Zherui tried to advise one last time, but Eddie's noisy voice broke into this otherwise calm tea room.
“A-Rui! Why didn't you say you were leaving!” Eddie wrapped his arms around Fan Zherui from behind.
“I will miss you so much!”
“Then I'll stay.” The reluctant embrace immediately let go, and Fan Zherui moved to Chen Yi's side, "No need to see me off.”
Fan Zherui smiled, "Young people nowadays are so practical.”
Chen Yi poured him more tea and said, “If you leave, don't come back.”
“Well, I won't look back.” After all these years, he still couldn't adapt to a life of violence, "The days of cooking and baking cakes suit me better.”
Eddie was confused, "Are you going to open a restaurant?” He cooked delicious food and it was not bad at all.
Fan Zherui smiled, seeing Eddie rubbing his stomach, knowing he wanted to eat something.
“I only cook for my man.” His cooking skills were reserved for someone special.
Eddie responded with a jealous middle finger.
Chen Yi raised his cup to Fan Zherui, "No need to see me off.”
Eddie, still seated, picked up his cup with both hands as well.
In the martial world, raising a cup with both hands signifies respect.
Fan Zherui raised his cup with both hands in return.
With a cup of tea, farewell was bid.
No need to say goodbye, because from now on, they were strangers who didn't need to meet again.
…
“I already miss him...”
Eddie looked at the empty seat left by Fan Zherui, "Although it's quieter now, but...” He sighed deeply.
Quieter now? Chen Yi glanced at the lovesick handsome youth. He didn't feel that way at all.
“A-Yi…”
“Alright, have you found Zhang Teng?”
“Not yet...” Just as Eddie finished speaking, his phone received a message.
“Found where Zhang Teng lives!” Eddie said as he opened his phone and looked at the photo that came through, shocked, "A-Yi, look at this!”
Chen Yi took his phone and saw a messy table with a knife stabbed into a photo of Fan Zherui.
“Why would Zhang Teng target A-Rui? Could it be that he... discovered that the Dragon Gang was being broken apart by A-Rui behind the scenes?” After a moment of contemplation, Chen Yi spoke up, "Find out who the mole is, and have trusted individuals secretly protect Fan Zherui.”
“But Zhang Teng-”
“I will personally go and find him.” With that said, Chen Yi strode out of the teahouse.
No one could touch his underling, even if they were “former.”
…
“Welcome to try our food!”
Inside the department restaurant, a salesgirl greeted the bustling crowd of customers.
Even while cutting and serving kiwi fruits, the salesgirl was still trying to attract customers. Looking over at her colleagues in the meat section, which was packed with people, her own section was empty, with no sales at all.
“Come try our delicious kiwi fruits! Welcome to try!” A man's clear voice rang out.
The salesgirl picked up a sample plate and offered it to him, "Thank you, it's delicious...” Handsome!
Fan Zherui took the sample plate and skewered a piece with a toothpick to eat, "Hmm, really delicious, sweet and sour.”
“Right, right!” The salesgirl came to her senses, her eyes fixed on Fan Zherui, excitedly introducing, “This batch is really super delicious! I bought a whole box for myself. And, kiwi fruits are rich in vitamin C, guaranteed to make your skin glow, shimmering and shiny!”
“Bai Zongyi, let's take a box too.” Fan Zherui turned to the man not far from the chilled counter.
The salesgirl followed his gaze and the man turned around - another handsome guy!
Bai Zongyi pushed the cart towards Fan Zherui.
“Ah!” Fan Zherui said.
Bai Zongyi obediently opened his mouth and ate the kiwi fruit fed by Fan Zherui. Sensing the sour taste, he frowned. The salesgirl was at a loss, this scene was too beautiful!
“It's okay, let's buy a box to take home.”
“What if we can't finish eating it?” It was impossible for him to finish it all alone.
“Make a cake or blend it with strawberries for juice.” Fan Zherui patted Bai Zongyi's chest, "Don't worry, I won't leave it all to you, I'll eat with you.” Hearing this, Bai Zongyi picked up a box and put it in the cart.
“Thank you!”
Finally, the sales performance broke through! “Come back to buy more if it's delicious!” The salesgirl shouted after the two figures left.
Walking side by side, the two handsome men are sure to be posing! The salesgirl inadvertently made out the relationship between the two, silently blessing and silently watching - wishing for their happiness!
…
Bai Zongyi and Fan Zherui walked in the narrow staircase with large and small bags.
Fan Zherui looked at the person in front of him, thinking about how to bring up the idea of cohabitation.
Yes, it's about cohabitation.
Although the small suite was narrow and they could feel each other's presence at all times, it was precisely because they were too aware of each other's presence that they often unintentionally created awkward situations, and when the young man was fully focused, the medical school workload was not something he could easily handle. With the rent expenses reduced, he could have a bit of relaxation.
However, Bai Zongyi's pride was extremely strong, insisting on splitting expenses even when going out to eat. If his pressure increased because of this, wouldn't it be counterproductive? This issue had been troubling Fan Zherui for days, and he couldn't find a way to solve it.
“How about shrimp fried rice for dinner? I'll take care of peeling the shrimp and preparing the ingredients.” Bai Zongyi, who was walking ahead, said as he opened the door to the rooftop.
Fan Zherui snapped out of his thoughts, about to speak, when a clear voice of a girl interrupted him: “You're finally back!”
The slender figure flew passionately, holding on tightly.
“Who are you?” Fan Zherui looked down at the girl who had hugged the wrong person, with a pair of round eyes similar to Bai Zongyi's then turned looking at Bai Zongyi, "Your sister?”
“And my dad.” Bai Zongyi turned to let Fan Zherui, behind him, see Father Bai that he was blocking.
Fan Zherui scrutinised Father Bai and son, their contours similar, but Bai Zongyi more masculine, while Father Bai slightly thinner.
“Hello, Mister Fan.” Father Bai nodded politely and said, "Jingyu.”
Bai Jingyu jumped back and waved to Fan Zherui: “Hello, Brother Fan!” She scanned him from head to toe, "You're even more handsome than my brother said!”
Fan Zherui chuckled nervously and subconsciously tightened the shopping bag in his hand, stuttering a bit, “Th-thank you.”