DASFAM_40

Half-asleep and half-awake, Shang Yanxiao sensed a blurry figure sitting by the bed. An instinctive wariness welled up in his heart, but the call that followed made him drop his guard.

"Shang Yanxiao? Are you awake?"

"......"

Shang Yanxiao struggled to lift his eyelids and met Bai Xu's worried eyes, "Why are you here?"

As soon as he spoke, his voice came out hoarse and rough.

Bai Xu carefully sensed his discomfort, got up to pour a cup of warm water, and came back, "Want some? To soothe your throat."

Shang Yanxiao propped himself up on his side and drank most of the cup of warm water.

He looked at the deep night color hidden behind the gauze curtain, "What time is it? Why haven't you gone back to rest?"

Bai Xu motioned for him to lie back down, "I'm not tired yet. Do you feel any better? I just took your temperature, and you still have a slight fever."

Shang Yanxiao endured the dizziness, "It's nothing, just a small cold to begin with."

"A small cold can make you feverish and dazed?"

Bai Xu completely didn't believe his stubborn words and raised an eyebrow at him, "Such a tall guy, yet your constitution is quite weak. Now you're not just a 'sleeping' beauty, but you've really become a sickly beauty."

"Cough."

Shang Yanxiao was rarely a bit uncomfortable, but thinking about it, it made sense.

After waking from the car accident, he had been lying in bed for a long time without exercise, and even his three meals a day were rarely eaten properly, which more or less affected his physical fitness and immunity.

"When you're sick, don't try to be tough. Xie Qi already told me everything."

Bai Xu remembered Xie Qi's complaint and frowned as he scolded, "You were already feeling unwell last night, but you dragged it out without paying attention. That's why it got worse today. How old are you to still make people worry?"

Shang Yanxiao caught the fine traces of worry in his eyes and laughed, "I don't know who it was that insisted on chasing after ambiance in the middle of the night and ran to the seaside to drink?"

"......"

"I was even worried you'd catch a cold, so I wrapped you in my jacket and covered you with a blanket, busy taking care of you all night. I really didn't expect I'd be the one to get sick first."

The memories he had worked so hard to 'ignore' came flooding back, with no possibility of being lies.

Bai Xu felt guilty and changed the topic extremely stiffly, "Are you hungry? Should I go get you something to eat?"

Shang Yanxiao saw through it but didn't call it out, "I won't eat. My head really is quite dizzy. I'll just sleep it off in a bit. You should go back and rest early."

Bai Xu had absolutely no intention of going back. Instead, he moved closer, "Where does it hurt? Your temples?"

Shang Yanxiao's breathing paused slightly, and he gave an almost imperceptible acknowledgment.

The next second, Bai Xu's hands covered them, "Close your eyes."

Shang Yanxiao was stunned, "What?"

"You, close your eyes and rest." Bai Xu repeated the instruction, "I learned a bit of massage technique before. Would it feel better if I massage them for you?"

His fingertips gently pressed against the throbbing temples and began a slow rubbing motion. The slightly calloused fingertips seemed to cast a spell, each press reducing the intense pain.

"......"

Shang Yanxiao closed his eyes accordingly, allowing the accumulated fatigue to invade.

But the less he could see, the more clearly he could sense everything around him.

The pressure of Bai Xu's fingertips rubbing, the breath lingering around him as he drew near, in a trance it felt extremely similar to the lingering kisses from that impulsive night.

Shang Yanxiao heard his own gradually sinking heartbeat, each beat stronger than the last.

Time passed slowly and tenderly, the large master bedroom quiet.

Bai Xu secretly observed Shang Yanxiao's expression. Just when he thought the other had fallen into sleep and chose to withdraw his hands.

Shang Yanxiao suddenly 'woke up' and abruptly leaned over to pin him beneath.

"......"

"......"

Faced with the sudden impact, Bai Xu's eyes widened in disbelief, "Shang Yanxiao! What are you doing? Let go of me quickly!"

"Don't move."

Shang Yanxiao collapsed into a controlling posture, slowly burying his head in the crook of his neck, his tone carrying genuine weakness, "My head is very dizzy."

That said, the force gripping his wrists and waist didn't seem to lessen at all.

The two were pressed inseparably close.

Shang Yanxiao's overheated body temperature transmitted through the clothing, his warm breath lightly sweeping across the crook of the neck, the strange sensation rising sharply.

Bai Xu didn't dare move, "Shang Yanxiao, I- I can't breathe."

After about two or three seconds of delay, Shang Yanxiao turned to lie on his side. The palm resting on Bai Xu's back patted lightly, and with gentle force, he pulled the other back into his embrace.

"......"

Bai Xu was vaguely pressed against Shang Yanxiao's chest, panic prompting him not to dare raise his eyes, "Shang Yanxiao, are you- are you actually awake, or are you confused from being sick?"

Shang Yanxiao pushed the question back, "Then did you really drink yourself into a blackout, or are you pretending not to remember?"

Bai Xu's breath caught, and he didn't respond.

"When you're drunk you dare to mess around, and when you're sober you turn your back and refuse to acknowledge it?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't plan to let him off so easily. Hidden in his hoarse voice was a trace of complaint he'd never shown before, "Young Master Bai, you really have some nerve."

Bai Xu took a deep breath and buzzed a refutation, "Just who is ignoring who? Third Young Master has had so many dates these past two days, how could you still have time for me?"

Because of his illness, Shang Yanxiao's reaction was slower, "You care about this?"

Bai Xu flatly denied it, "I'm just stating the facts."

Shang Yanxiao lowered his head, the corner of his lips barely brushing past Bai Xu's stray hairs, "The person I met last night was my senior from university."

"She originally worked in America, responsible for medical-related project development and operations. She has quite a reputation in the industry and considerable experience."

"Queyan couldn't get away domestically, and it's not convenient for me to appear in person. I also didn't want to keep troubling you, so I hired her at a high price to assist with the interface between the third branch and Juesheng."

Since they had started the cooperation project, there had to be a reliable person responsible for supervision.

"Last night's meeting was to discuss this matter. Going out today was also to interface with the project. Nothing else."

Even though Bai Xu hadn't asked much, Shang Yanxiao still gave a full and honest account.

The unreliable sour feeling deep in Bai Xu's heart suddenly dissipated. He casually asked, "How come I never heard you mention this before?"

Shang Yanxiao answered, "I originally wanted to tell you that night, but you were drunk, so I didn't get the chance."

Bai Xu gave an almost imperceptible acknowledgment.

Shang Yanxiao took over the conversation, "Now it's your turn to answer me."

"What?"

"You really can't remember anything at all?"

"......"

Bai Xu pretended to be confused while understanding perfectly well, "I don't understand what you're talking about. Let go of me quickly, I need to go back and rest."

Shang Yanxiao let out an affirming laugh, moving even closer to his earlobe, "Young Master Bai, do you have a hobby of forcefully kissing people whenever you get drunk?"

Bai Xu's ears grew hot, and he instinctively refuted, "Shang Yanxiao! When did I forcefully kiss you? We clearly..."

"Clearly what?"

Shang Yanxiao seized on his slip, directly attacking for the answer he wanted, "You clearly remember, and remember it crystal clear, don't you?"

Bai Xu raised his head to meet his gaze, throwing caution to the wind, "So what if I do? I- I already said I was drunk."

"Drunk?"

The palm resting on his back slowly moved upward, threading through Bai Xu's soft hair and caressing it, "So, male or female, whoever it is doesn't matter? Taking advantage of drunkenness to do whatever you please."

"After sobering up and realizing it was me, facing this face of mine, you have no feelings? So you just pretend not to remember anything?"

"......"

Bai Xu knew he was in the wrong and swallowed slightly, "Don't twist words and be so aggressive. We're both men. That one time, it, it wasn't like anyone lost out."

Shang Yanxiao said 'Oh', "Young Master Bai, quite the scoundrel."

Bai Xu was speechless and tried to struggle a couple of times, "Let go."

"I said, my head is dizzy, don't move."

Shang Yanxiao used his illness as an excuse to be relentless, actually revealing a childishly cunning side, "Don't forget, I caught this cold because of you. Would you be so heartless as to abandon me?"

Bai Xu hesitated, "What do you want?"

Shang Yanxiao endured another wave of dizziness, his voice lower, "Stay with me a bit longer, at least until I fall asleep."

The distance between them was too close.

As long as Bai Xu raised his head slightly, their gazes would inevitably intersect.

Shang Yanxiao's eyes were as deep as always. The redness around his eyes from being sick had a kind of inexplicable wildness, as if the longer they made eye contact, he would seize the opportunity to devour and consume the other.

Bai Xu thought of this possibility and his eyelashes lowered slightly.

Shang Yanxiao's sleepwear collar was open, sexy veins faintly pulsing on his neck. A particularly subtle scratch mark extended from the side of his neck to his right shoulder.

Bai Xu suddenly had unspeakable images in mind.

The drunkenness that night had been too intense. Mixed into their reluctant kisses was their struggle for control over each other.

When the kissing was most intense, his fingertips had lost their restraint, scratching and leaving such an ambiguous mark on Shang Yanxiao.

"......"

Their breathing sounds, so close at hand, drifted back and forth. Body temperature unknowingly rose.

Unspeakable feelings quietly emerged, like wildly growing vines completely entangling the two together.

In memory, that teased tingling sensation came surging back, unexpectedly somewhat addictive.

Bai Xu only felt his brain was in chaos and couldn't help but call out, "Shang Yanxiao."

Shang Yanxiao clearly realized something, his voice hoarse from fever, "Drunk again, aren't you?"

Reason instantly collapsed. Doubled desire took over.

The boundary of restraint maintained for over twenty years gradually became blurred. The two almost simultaneously moved, kisses entangled, embraces tightened.

They attacked, provoking each other's nerves.

As if even in this situation they had to determine a winner, neither willing to fall behind.

It was competitive spirit, it was emotional and physical freedom, it was fatal seduction, one kiss indulging without boundaries.

The scorching feeling in the air extended bit by bit to the internal organs. In the end, it was still Bai Xu who was defeated first. Taking advantage of Shang Yanxiao being off guard, he turned around as if escaping.

But the next second, he was forcibly pulled back into the other's embrace.

Bai Xu tried to rein in at the cliff's edge, "Enough, enough."

"......"

Shang Yanxiao's eyes had already completely burned red. He didn't answer but locked onto the small brown mole on the back of the person in his arms' neck and bit down hard and savagely.

"Hmph."

Bai Xu felt the pain, but very quickly, the sound of pain changed its tune.

Shang Yanxiao had him completely in his grasp, his actions excessive and direct, "Turn around."

The embrace carried an astonishingly scorching temperature, as if it would burn them both to ashes.

Bai Xu's consciousness was chaotic, letting him act recklessly, "Shang Yanxiao, you bastard."

Shang Yanxiao agreed readily, "Mm, I am."

...

When he woke up again, the sound of rain pattered outside the window.

Bai Xu, still drowsy, shrank into the soft bedding and lazily turned over. His forehead suddenly touched a warm surface, and the scent surrounding his nose was crisp and refreshing.

Someone beside his ear chuckled softly and coaxed, "Awake?"

"......"

Bai Xu belatedly regained consciousness. As soon as he opened his eyes, he came face to face with Shang Yanxiao.

The scenes from before sleeping last night suddenly surfaced. Bai Xu's face flushed red at lightning speed, "Shang Yanxiao! You!"

Shang Yanxiao saw through his embarrassed and shy emotions and responded, "Mm, good morning."

"......"

Good my ass.

Bai Xu had a rare vulgar thought, his glare sharp as a knife.

Shang Yanxiao handled it easily, "You said it yourself, two grown men, helping each other out a bit, no one loses."

Bai Xu's emotions were complicated, but he couldn't find words to refute.

Now that it had already happened, there was no point in arguing about who initiated first or who crossed the line first last night. Fortunately, the two had indeed only reached the step of 'helping each other out'.

As for the rest, it hadn't happened yet.

Even so, when Bai Xu thought about what happened last night, he still felt like he had come out on the losing end, inexplicably somewhat displeased.

Shang Yanxiao took in his expression completely, "You fell asleep quite quickly last night. I could only give you a simple rinse. You..."

Bai Xu stopped him, "Alright, you can shut up now."

As he spoke, he smoothly rolled up the blanket and turned his back to Shang Yanxiao, "You go out first."

Shang Yanxiao hadn't expected to be kicked out of his own bedroom. He was helpless for a few seconds but cooperatively complied, "Okay, get yourself together and come downstairs to eat."

"......"

Bai Xu didn't speak, only leaving Shang Yanxiao with a gloomy view of the back of his head.

Shang Yanxiao suppressed a laugh as he got up and quickly walked out of the bedroom, "Don't hide for too long, remember to come down to eat."

The sound of the door closing rang out, and only then did Bai Xu sit up from the bed, "Hiss."

The excessive movement pulled at his neck, and an unexpected soreness came from the back of his neck.

Bai Xu carefully reached up to feel it. His fingertips vaguely sensed a swollen, raised teeth mark. He recalled something and immediately couldn't hold back a curse:

On regular days he pretends to be a proper young master from a respectable family?

But in bed he still gnaws and bites all the same? Simply a bastard!

Whoosh!

Warm water poured down.

Bai Xu closed his eyes and let his thoughts run wild. The things that had happened in these two or three days exceeded his initial expectations and also exceeded the scope of his control.

Bai Xu admitted that he appreciated Shang Yanxiao's looks and acknowledged his abilities. As they spent time together during this period, 'Shang Yanxiao' had gradually transformed from an initial character in a book to someone three-dimensional and vivid.

If this were the real world, Bai Xu would most likely let the relationship between them develop naturally from the heart. Unfortunately, this was not the real world, and he still couldn't find a true sense of belonging here.

Because he knew in advance the endings of most characters in the book, Bai Xu had firmly told himself from the beginning:

Be a clear-headed bystander, keep distant and indifferent.

Just as he had decided from the start that he would leave the Shang family, just as he and Shang Yanxiao were destined never to become lovers.

Whether it was desire or affection.

Since he had already acted impulsively, then enjoy the pleasure of the moment.

But no matter what, they could only stop at the most superficial stage and absolutely could not go any further.

The sound of running water stopped.

Bai Xu barely completed his self-persuasion and steadied his mind. He changed into a loose T-shirt and steadily went downstairs.

...

At the dining table, brunch was combined into a lavish spread.

The butler, replacing the servants, brought the last bowl of soup to Bai Xu, then shifted his gaze to Shang Yanxiao at the head seat, "Mr. Shang, how is your body? Has your fever broken?"

Shang Yanxiao glanced at Bai Xu, his words carrying hidden meaning, "Thanks to Bai Xu's care last night, I sweated quite a bit. The fever has broken."

"......"

Bai Xu's emotions, which he had just stabilized, showed cracks again because of this statement. He turned his head and silently threatened with his gaze.

Shang Yanxiao pulled at the corner of his mouth and dismissed the butler, "Go to the kitchen and make me some vegetable congee."

The butler understood and withdrew.

Shang Yanxiao remembered something he hadn't had time to ask last night, "Bai Xu, what did you talk about with Second Chu that night? Did he meet you just for a simple meal?"

"Actually not."

Bai Xu scooped a mouthful of thick soup, eager to change the topic, "He talked to me about two projects."

Shang Yanxiao pressed, "What projects?"

Bai Xu told him truthfully, "One is a film and television company owned by his friend. They plan to invite me to invest with shares. The share division is simple. Each year I just wait for profit dividends."

The investment conditions weren't harsh, mainly relying on personal connections.

Bai Xu, considering his actual situation, planned to invest as a side venture.

Shang Yanxiao didn't interfere with his decision, "What about the other one? Second Chu shouldn't only have these small projects in hand."

"Of course. The other project is much bigger."

Bai Xu didn't keep him in suspense and laid out everything related to "Eaglet Cinema" to Shang Yanxiao.

Finally, he didn't forget to summarize, "By the way, don't you have plans to let the 'third branch' establish itself independently? This is a very good opportunity."

Shang Yanxiao understood the value of this project but also guessed the competitive pressure and difficulty level.

He didn't answer immediately but instead asked Bai Xu, "What about you? What do you think?"

Bai Xu was stunned, "What?"

Shang Yanxiao met his gaze, "Second Chu treated us as family and asked for our opinions together, but I know you're unwilling to be tied together with Shang Group."

"You are you. You don't need to have any entanglements with Shang Group or the third branch. The fact that you're willing to help with Juesheng is already enough for me."

"......"

Bai Xu's heart suddenly warmed.

There wasn't a trace of jest in Shang Yanxiao's serious expression. Instead, he completely respected his wishes, "Bai Xu, speaking for yourself personally, do you want to try this project or not?"

Bai Xu came back to his senses and helplessly informed him, "What's the use of just wanting? I don't have enough capital."

No matter how suitable the project was or how much he wanted to fight for it, he still needed sufficient capital to support and operate it.

Shang Yanxiao seemed to have already considered this level, "If you want to, how about we cooperate?"

Bai Xu was dazed, "What?"

Shang Yanxiao stated his position very decisively, "Zhouye Investment can give you original shares. If we can win this project in the future, we'll further divide it according to return on investment."

They say pies fall from the sky. Shang Yanxiao was directly delivering the 'pie' right before his eyes.

Bai Xu couldn't believe it, "Are you that certain I can..."

Shang Yanxiao answered first, "Yes, I believe you have the ability, and I'm willing to make a dual investment in both talent and shares in advance. Young Master Bai, the question is whether you dare to take it?"

Bai Xu forcefully suppressed the turbulence in his heart and tried to analyze Shang Yanxiao's motives for doing this, "Shang Yanxiao, is it because of yesterday's incident that you're... you're doing this?"

Shang Yanxiao questioned back, "Do you think I'm someone who acts on emotion? That I'd get so carried away by momentary impulsive passion that I'd joke around with the company's interests?"

Obviously not.

Bai Xu knew the answer but still hesitated somewhat.

There are no free pies falling from the sky, especially not such sweet ones.

Shang Yanxiao saw his hesitation and explained further, "Bai Xu, setting aside our arranged marriage relationship, right now I really do need a business partner who can resonate on the same frequency. My intuition tells me..."

"You can do it."

"......"

"I'm willing to pay for this intuition, but I don't mean to force you. The choice is in your hands. As for the Eaglet project, even without you, I would still cooperate with Second Chu."

Ripples appeared in Bai Xu's eyes. The resolution he had just made showed signs of wavering again.

For a moment, he couldn't tell if it was because of Shang Yanxiao's trust or if the challenge of the project itself was too tempting.

Bai Xu subconsciously cleared his throat and asked repeatedly, "Shang Yanxiao, you're not acting on emotion, right? This cooperation doesn't mix in personal feelings, right?"

Shang Yanxiao answered selectively, "One thing at a time."

Bai Xu nodded thoughtfully, "I- I'll think about it more."

"Okay."

With business matters temporarily concluded, Bai Xu finally focused wholeheartedly on eating the delicious food before him.

Footsteps sounded again. The butler brought up a bowl of steaming hot vegetable congee, "Mr. Shang, please enjoy."

Shang Yanxiao nodded slightly but didn't hurry to pick up his spoon.

Bai Xu noticed his gaze, "What's wrong?"

Shang Yanxiao shook his head, indicating for him to continue eating.

Bai Xu didn't continue to pay attention to him and finished an entire plate of pasta on his own before contentedly putting down his chopsticks.

Shang Yanxiao asked, "Full?"

Bai Xu picked up a wet wipe from the side, "Mm, today's pasta tasted pretty good."

Shang Yanxiao stirred the still-too-hot vegetable congee and reopened the conversation, "Since you're full, shall we talk about personal matters again?"

"......"

Bai Xu understood instantly and mumbled while using drinking water as cover, "What's there to talk about? Didn't we already say neither of us lost out?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't indulge his avoidance, "You mean you still want to act like nothing happened and just turn the page?"

Bai Xu did have this thought, "Is that not okay?"

Shang Yanxiao narrowed his eyes, "Of course it's not okay. You weren't drunk last night."

Bai Xu was left speechless and sighed imperceptibly.

He was definitely not the type to be coy when facing issues. After making clear that this question couldn't be escaped, he simply took a deep breath and forcibly seized the initiative.

"Shang Yanxiao, I have no plans to be in a relationship right now."

"......"

"If you plan to cooperate with me, then we even more impossibly can become lovers. Otherwise, if we break up, it'll be even messier for both sides."

"......"

"I admit, your existence is very attractive to me."

Otherwise, he couldn't possibly have thought about kissing when drunk and when sober still be bewitched into mutually relieving each other.

Shang Yanxiao pressed, "So?"

Bai Xu met his gaze full of pressure and steeled himself to put on an air of composure, "So, let's not pursue any kind of relationship. Living under the same roof, when there's a need, just like last night..."

Shang Yanxiao imperceptibly clenched his back teeth and supplied the blunt term for him, "Friends with benefits?"

"Mm, sort of?"

Bai Xu's answering breath was somewhat weak, then he added, "If you're unwilling, then forget it. After all, it's not a big deal. We'll just get along as usual. I guarantee I won't drink in front of you anymore and absolutely won't act rashly."

Shang Yanxiao laughed ambiguously. His gaze locked on Bai Xu gradually became deep and dangerous.

Bai Xu sensed something was wrong, pulled back his chair preparing to flee, "I'm full so I'll head upstairs first. You do as you please!"

After saying this, his steps going upstairs were lightning fast, even worthy of being called heartless.

"......"

The butler witnessed the gradually strange atmosphere at the dining table. Unfortunately, he didn't understand Chinese and had no way to comprehend what the two gentlemen had discussed.

The butler looked at the vegetable congee that hadn't been touched at all and asked uncertainly, "Mr. Shang? Are you still drinking the congee?"

Shang Yanxiao threw the spoon back into the bowl. For the first time in his life, he was so angry his teeth were clenched, "What else is there to eat? I'm already full from anger."

Friends with benefits?

That ancestor actually thought of that!

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