DASFAM_42

Bai Xu was taken aback, his gaze passing over Andrew and settling on the entrance to the balcony—

At some point, Shang Yanxiao had already been standing there.

Harsh shadows fell across his face, and between his brows was a chilling coldness never seen before, enough to freeze someone in an instant.

Bai Xu felt an inexplicable panic.

The wine glass he had been using to fend off Andrew slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor with a startling crash.

Sensing the aura emanating from Shang Yanxiao, Andrew curiously inquired, "Sir, may I ask who you are?"

Shang Yanxiao completely ignored Andrew’s question. His gaze fixed on Bai Xu as he strode closer, "Young Master Bai, why don’t you introduce who I am? And while you’re at it—"

He turned his eyes to Andrew, his voice tightening, "Who is he?"

"......"

Bai Xu choked on his words, hesitating to speak.

This is bad. The misunderstanding has inexplicably blown out of proportion.

Andrew picked up on Shang Yanxiao’s demeanor and ventured a guess, "Mr. Bai, is this your boyfriend?"

Hearing the term 'boyfriend', Bai Xu flusteredly denied it, "No."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Shang Yanxiao let out an uncharacteristic cold laugh.

"......"

Bai Xu instantly felt even more terrified, especially as Andrew 'added fuel to the fire' with a teasing remark, "Then is he your admirer? Though it seems he hasn’t won you over yet?"

"......"

Shang Yanxiao’s eyes darkened to their deepest point, as if he might turn and walk away coldly the next second.

Bai Xu sensed that trouble was brewing and decisively grabbed his wrist, “Hey, Shang Yanxiao!”

He glanced at Andrew, who was still lingering, and brought up the nominal relationship he shared with Shang Yanxiao, “Mr. Andrew, some of your jokes aren’t suitable for Changning, nor are they appropriate to use with me.”

“This is my fiancé.”

Fiancé—a term more intimate than boyfriend.

The severity in Shang Yanxiao’s brow eased slightly.

In contrast, Andrew wore an expression as if the sky had fallen, full of regret, “Mr. Bai, you look so young, yet you’re already engaged?”

“......”

Well, not exactly to that extent.

Bai Xu thought but didn’t speak up, not intending to explain too much to a stranger.

Although Andrew indulged in his private life, he still had moral boundaries and never interfered in any couple’s relationship, “Mr. Bai, my apologies for earlier. I’m sorry for my words and actions toward you and this gentleman—”

“I’m sorry. I wish you both a happy life.”

With that, he lightly tapped his empty wine glass and walked away casually.

Seeing him return inside the bar, Bai Xu secretly sighed in relief, “He’s finally gone.”

Shang Yanxiao said deliberately, “Are you disappointed?”

Suppressing that inexplicable sense of guilt, Bai Xu retorted, “Which eye of yours sees me being disappointed? Shang Yanxiao, when did you get here? Don’t misunderstand, I…”

Shang Yanxiao cut him off, “I’m not misunderstanding. It’s your right to befriend whoever you want.”

"......"

You'd better be.

Bai Xu was left speechless for several seconds before his competitive spirit rallied, "In that case, I won't go home yet. I'll go back in for a few more drinks?"

Before the echo of his words faded, Shang Yanxiao grasped Bai Xu's wrist with an irresistible force.

"It's late. Let's go home."

"Hey!"

Bai Xu had no time to even voice a refusal before his body, obeying faster than his mind, yielded to Shang Yanxiao's lead, "Slow down!"

...

When Zhang Changning, looking quite sheepish, followed his elder brother back to the parking lot, he happened to catch sight of his friend being forcibly led away by Shang Yanxiao. He immediately wanted to dash over.

"Bai Xu, hey—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Zhang Changxu grabbed the back of his collar, holding him back, "Come back."

Zhang Changning stumbled off-balance into his brother's arms, looking up with a dazed blink, "Second Brother, what are you doing?"

Zhang Changxu countered, "What are you doing?"

Zhang Changning watched helplessly as the other car sped away. Steadying himself, he said uncertainly, "Don't you think Third Brother's expression was a bit strange?"

Zhang Changxu saw through it but didn't elaborate, "What happens between a couple is their own business. You, a little kid, shouldn't meddle."

"......"

Zhang Changning was stumped, his round eyes rolling a few times before he suddenly grasped the implication with an epiphany, "Oh my god, did Bai Xu and Third Brother really become that kind of relationship?"

Zhang Changxu's feigned stern expression instantly broke, and he helplessly pinched his brother's cheek, "Instead of wasting time on that, you should worry about yourself. Who told you to bring Bai Xu to this kind of bar? I take my eyes off you for a day and you run wild?"

"That's slander! How am I running wild?"

Zhang Changning raised his voice in defense, "This was my friend's celebration party! Bai Xu and I had nowhere to go, so we just came upstairs to wait for you guys. I should be blaming you for being so late!"

"Yanxiao and I went to grab our suitcases after work. You were sleeping so soundly this morning, I couldn't pack for you."

The villa was quite a distance from the city center, and they'd hit rush hour, so the round trip had indeed taken longer than expected.

Seeing his puffed-up cheeks, Zhang Changxu reversed course to coax him, "Get in the car, I'll take you to eat."

Zhang Changning hmphed, pretending to be angry as he strode ahead on his own. After walking a few meters, he turned back to ask, "Which car is it?"

"Wrong way, over here."

Zhang Changxu, fully aware of his little brother's temperament, took long strides in the opposite direction.

Zhang Changning instantly grew anxious and started running after him, calling out as he went, "Brother, wait for me!"

...

The car came to a smooth stop in the villa's garage.

Shang Yanxiao silently turned off the engine and, unusually, stepped out of the car without a word to Bai Xu first.

Bai Xu recalled the silence of the entire drive and, seeing the situation was getting increasingly awkward, hurried to catch up, "Shang Yanxiao? Shang Yanxiao, wait for me!"

Shang Yanxiao ignored him, his long legs carrying him swiftly ahead.

Bai Xu followed him upstairs to the second floor, still trying to explain, "Shang Yanxiao, I already told you it was a misunderstanding, me and..."

Shang Yanxiao paused at the door to the master bedroom but didn't turn to look at Bai Xu, "No need to explain. It's late. Go wash up and rest."

With that, he entered the room without a backward glance.

—Click.

The door closed and locked in one smooth motion.

Left outside, Bai Xu blinked in disbelief, feeling a complex mix of emotions.

Xie Qi, who had been working in the study, cautiously opened the door and came out at the sound, "Young Master Bai, is everything alright between you and Third Young Master?"

Already feeling frustrated, Bai Xu looked at Xie Qi who had appeared before him, remembered he was Shang Yanxiao's assistant, and lashed out indiscriminately—

"Go wash up and rest! Is your work done? Why ask so many questions?"

"......"

Xie Qi, unfairly caught in the crossfire, clutched his laptop and files and made a swift escape.

Bai Xu shifted his gaze back to the firmly closed bedroom door, throwing a few air punches and kicks in its direction from a distance. Only then did he return to his own room, deliberately slamming the door shut with a heavy thud.

What's the deal?

And he says he doesn't have a young master's temper?

Now that he's closed the door and won't listen, well then, he won't explain either!

...

The night grew deeper.

After washing up, Bai Xu lay on his bed, not feeling the slightest bit sleepy.

He turned over and stared at the small connecting door in the corner, his mind filled with thoughts of Shang Yanxiao, who was just a wall away. The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he felt—

Ever since he had blurted out that 'friends with benefits' comment and fled in embarrassment, Shang Yanxiao had never mentioned their personal matters again in front of him, likely having silently rejected his proposal.

Bai Xu secretly felt relieved that his relationship with Shang Yanxiao hadn’t become strained because of that uncontrolled intimacy.

But occasionally, in the quiet of the night, he would vaguely recall the force of Shang Yanxiao’s kisses, the warmth of his embrace, and even experience some indescribable, vexing impulses.

In contrast, Shang Yanxiao’s behavior remained entirely normal.

Respecting Bai Xu’s decision to move on, he had become an ally with whom Bai Xu could collaborate on projects, without any overstepping of boundaries, lightly brushing everything aside.

It was only when he witnessed Bai Xu’s interaction with Andrew tonight that a flicker of uncontrolled emotion briefly appeared on Shang Yanxiao’s face.

But this 'moment of vulnerability' was quickly hidden behind his mask again.

“No need to explain.”

“……”

Bai Xu felt a suffocating frustration whenever he recalled those lightly spoken words.

Unable to bear this inexplicable mood any longer, he turned over, got out of bed, tiptoed toward the small door in the corner of the room, and leaned his ear against it—

It was dead silent on the other side, not a single extra sound.

“Is he asleep or not?”

Still uncertain, Bai Xu placed his hand on the doorknob, ultimately unable to resist the impulse inside him.

Click.

The door connecting to the bedroom opened.

The room was lit only by two dim lamps. The only sound came from a slight commotion in the bathroom. Just as Bai Xu hesitated whether to approach, Shang Yanxiao walked out—

The man wore only a towel wrapped around his waist, his upper body still dotted with droplets of water that hadn't been wiped dry, slowly trickling down the contours of his well-defined chest muscles.

"......"

Bai Xu's gaze flustered and darted away, his throat inexplicably tightening, "Why did you just finish showering? I thought you were already asleep."

Shang Yanxiao glanced at his bare feet on the cold floor and suddenly frowned, "What are you doing here?"

Bai Xu momentarily misunderstood, "Nothing. I'll leave now."

As he spoke, Shang Yanxiao quickly stepped forward, locking him in an embrace.

A powerful arm encircled his waist, effortlessly lifting him off the ground.

Bai Xu tensed up, "Shang Yanxiao, what are you doing!"

—Bang.

The door behind him shut firmly. Instantly, his suspended balance settled again.

But this time, what his feet touched was no longer the cold wooden floor. Looking down, Bai Xu realized he was standing on Shang Yanxiao's slippers.

Understanding Shang Yanxiao's intention of concern, Bai Xu's agitation eased slightly, "I'm not cold. Put me down."

Shang Yanxiao ignored his request, his breath carrying a noticeable tremor, "Not sleeping in the middle of the night, what are you doing in my room?"

"......"

Bai Xu was trapped in Shang Yanxiao's embrace, caught in a dilemma. Instinctively, he raised his hand, his fingertips brushing against Shang Yanxiao's skin, which felt cool and slightly damp.

Bai Xu froze for a moment, "Did you take a cold shower?"

"Don't change the subject. I asked you a question!" Shang Yanxiao ignored his query, firmly seizing control of the conversation.

"You were the one who said we should move past those things. Even if we've already kissed, in your view, it's no big deal, and we should just carry on as usual."

He leaned in closer, his breath warm, "Young Master Bai, running to my room in the middle of the night, what kind of carrying on as usual is that? Hm?"

Shang Yanxiao felt he had been plenty calm and restrained.

Without a proper relationship, he didn't want to bring his unspeakable negative emotions in front of Bai Xu, so he had chosen to return to his room alone to digest his jealousy.

And yet, here the other man was, daring to come provoke him in the middle of the night?

"......"

Bai Xu knew he was in the wrong, but he stubbornly retorted, "So you listen to me that much, huh? Well, I also said we could be friends with benefits and satisfy each other's needs, didn't you refuse that too?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't respond, the agitation in his chest becoming even more apparent.

"If you don't want to do this, then why did you storm in with that look on your face when Andrew and I were having a good conversation?"

Bai Xu deliberately provoked him, adding fuel to the fire, "Third Young Master, you ruined my fun~"

"Ruined your fun?"

Shang Yanxiao knew full well that Bai Xu was being deliberately provocative, but his long-suppressed jealousy still erupted wildly, "You just need a friend with benefits, and if I'm not willing to agree, you can just find someone else anytime?"

Bai Xu got exactly what he wanted—to see Shang Yanxiao's loss of control over his jealousy. His initial unease vanished completely, "En, why overthink something that's about mutual consent?"

He raised an eyebrow at Shang Yanxiao, getting into the role now, "I used to think it was better to go without than settle, but now I feel like we only live once. Rather than being tied down by feelings and relationships, it's better to... just feel good."

"......"

A storm brewed in the depths of Shang Yanxiao's pupils. He suddenly seized Bai Xu's chin, "If that's really what you think, Young Master Bai, then you only need to look for me."

A fierce kiss abruptly descended.

Carrying the freshly erupted jealousy, mixed with days of accumulated desire.

Bai Xu immediately realized he had taken the game too far. Before his thoughts could be completely scrambled, he pushed hard against Shang Yanxiao's shoulder, "Shang Yanxiao, you—"

Shang Yanxiao closed in again, his voice low and hoarse, "Wasn't Mr. Bai in need of a friend with benefits? I think your suggestion is quite good now. You're right—"

"Feel. Good. That's. All."

"Mmph."

Bai Xu’s lips were fiercely sucked by Shang Yanxiao, and he couldn’t help but let out a muffled groan.

Mouths and tongues intertwined, a familiar tingling sensation swept back in, while the unique scent of Shang Yanxiao’s body wash lingered at the tip of his nose.

The scorching feeling between breaths grew increasingly intense.

Bai Xu felt as if all the blood in his body rushed to his head, leaving him utterly dizzy and disoriented. His hands, which had been pushing away, now involuntarily hooked onto Shang Yanxiao’s arm, responding instinctively.

The two were pressed tightly together, and even through the towel, Bai Xu could sense the other man’s intense arousal.

In the next moment, his pajamas were roughly torn open by the man before him, buttons popping off as a wave of coolness hit.

Bai Xu’s back pressed against the soft quilt, his breath trembling, “Shang Yanxiao?”

Shang Yanxiao leaned over him again, pressing down, “Don’t speak.”

Countless kisses no longer landed solely on his lips but imprinted everywhere. The fierce aggression seemed to ease slightly, yet this slower, deliberate pace left him even more defenseless.

Bai Xu had still underestimated his own sensitivity. His eyes flushed red, on the verge of tears, betraying a hint of surrender, “Shang Yanxiao, don’t.”

Neither the original owner of this body nor he himself had any experience in this regard.

No matter how much he bragged with his words in daily life, facing this imminent situation, Bai Xu felt somewhat flustered.

"......"

Without preparations tonight, some things couldn’t be fully done.

Shang Yanxiao kissed his lips again, but his hands didn’t stop moving, "Bai Xu, let’s try a different way."

"Huh?"

"Help me."

Simple words, yet carrying undeniable force.

"......"

Everything fell into chaos in a different way.

Half-asleep and half-awake, he was pulled back into Shang Yanxiao’s arms once more, "Tired?"

Bai Xu felt so exhausted his soul was about to float away. He turned over, pretending not to hear.

Shang Yanxiao bit the nape of his neck again, insisting on an answer even if delayed, "Bai Xu, if it weren’t me, would Andrew or someone else do?"

"......"

Bai Xu couldn’t escape the bite. As he opened his mouth to stop it, he frowned.

Though they’d adhered to the principle of 'mutual assistance', the foreign sensation in his mouth hadn’t faded, and his cheeks were sore and swollen.

Remembering the culprit behind it was still interrogating him from behind, Bai Xu’s suppressed pride surged back up again.

Without another thought, he turned and 'hit' Shang Yanxiao’s mouth with his hand, "Stop asking. I want to sleep."

Shang Yanxiao let him have his little tantrum but pressed on relentlessly, "Bai Xu, explain clearly."

"No."

Bai Xu mumbled, "I’m not interested in him. You’re way better than him, alright?"

Shang Yanxiao was left speechless by his careless answer and pressed on with the main point, "Still just friends with benefits?"

Bai Xu’s brain was too tired to function, so he blurted out carelessly, "En, I’ll come find you again next time."

"......"

Next time?

Ordering like it’s a menu?

Shang Yanxiao’s temper had worn thin from Bai Xu’s whims, but after a while, he indulged him, "Fine. With me, don’t even think about looking for anyone else."

Whether it’s friends with benefits or lovers, it’s just a label for a relationship.

What he wanted was Bai Xu himself. As long as this person stayed by his side, given enough time together in the future, would he ever lack an 'official title'?

...

Four days later, the Zhang brothers concluded their work and engagements here. Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu personally saw them off at the airport, only leaving after confirming they had passed through security.

Bai Xu checked the time and asked Shang Yanxiao, who was driving, "How about we eat out tonight?"

Shang Yanxiao asked, "Where do you want to go?"

Bai Xu wasn't very familiar with Singapore and thought for a moment, "That restaurant Second Young Master Chu invited me to last time was pretty good. It has private rooms, but it requires membership. I can ask Second Young Master Chu for one though."

He searched for the navigation location, "It's about half an hour's drive. Shall we go?"

Shang Yanxiao followed his lead, "Sure."

Disheng Private Restaurant.

The elegant live violin performance flowed into the private room through the sound system.

Bai Xu looked at the remaining food on the table and sighed contentedly, "The chef here really is excellent, and the ambiance is great too."

Shang Yanxiao stopped eating at the same time, "Full?"

Bai Xu took a sip of warm water, "En, pretty much. I'm going to use the restroom. Wait for me in the car?"

"Okay."

Bai Xu left the private room and headed towards the restroom.

Swish.

The sensor faucet automatically released water.

Bai Xu lowered his head, carefully rinsing the soap from his hands when footsteps sounded—someone else walked in.

Hearing the sound, Bai Xu looked up and unexpectedly met a somewhat familiar figure in the mirror.

"......"

Nearly a month later, Chu Yuncheng’s face still wore the same arrogance that was as annoying as ever.

Seeing Bai Xu’s familiar face, he immediately started with a hostile tone, "What a coincidence, Young Master Bai. Did Chu Yate bring you to this restaurant too?"

Bai Xu shook the water droplets off his hands, deliberately poking at his sore spot, "Mr. Chu and Second Young Master Chu really are close brothers, huh? Even such trivial little details are known to you?"

As expected, Chu Yuncheng’s face instantly darkened upon hearing this, "Close brothers? Don’t you dare disgust me here!"

Bai Xu retorted lightly, "Wasn’t it Mr. Chu who brought it up first?"

Chu Yuncheng dropped the topic and moved on, "Bai Xu, I heard your Zhouye Investments is also going to compete for the Eaglet Cinema project?"

Bai Xu picked up a hand towel nearby, not denying it, "Mr. Chu’s news is quite sharp."

Chu Yuncheng sneered disdainfully, "Young Master Bai, do you think just because you secured a small collaboration like Juesheng Medical, you can stick your nose into every hot spot?"

"What a coincidence, I specialize in sticking my nose into hot spots. But Mr. Chu—"

Bai Xu turned around and tossed the crumpled paper towel into the trash bin, "Is it so hard to mind your own business? Why do you have to comment on everything?"

Chu Yuncheng’s face changed, "You!"

Bai Xu didn’t care about his reaction and put on a show by himself, "Oh dear, I didn’t notice it before, but now it feels like this restroom suddenly has a foul smell. Sorry, can’t stay. I’ll take my leave first."

"......"

Chu Yuncheng reacted, gnashing his teeth, "Bai Xu!"

Bai Xu pretended not to hear, leaving a carefree back view as he let the other man fume on the spot.

Chu Yuncheng's anger burned in his chest. He kicked over a nearby trash can, "We'll see!"

Still want to compete for the Eaglet Cinema project? Don't you even realize whose territory this is?

—Thud!

The car door closed.

Bai Xu deftly fastened his seatbelt, "Did you wait long? I just ran into Chu Yuncheng in the restroom. Good thing you came back to the car first."

Shang Yanxiao frowned, "Did he give you any trouble?"

Bai Xu replied casually, "No."

Thinking of Chu Yuncheng's furious face, he even felt a bit amused, "I think now, if Old Chairman Chu isn't foolish, he should hand everything over to Second Young Master Chu completely. Otherwise, with Chu Yuncheng's arrogant, ambitious-but-incompetent attitude—"

"Any group handed to him would be doomed."

People like him, even if they seem successful, rely entirely on their family background, not their own real ability.

Shang Yanxiao agreed with Bai Xu's view, "Hmm."

Bai Xu dropped the discussion about Chu Yuncheng and gestured, "Let's go, head home early to rest. We still have project meetings tomorrow. Time to focus on building our careers."

Shang Yanxiao chuckled softly, "Alright."

...

It was already past nine when they arrived at the villa.

Bai Xu, drowsy and leaning against the passenger seat, was gently awakened by Shang Yanxiao. He yawned as he got out of the car, "So sleepy."

Shang Yanxiao replied softly, "Go upstairs, wash up, and sleep."

Walking side by side toward the villa entrance, they noticed that the ground-floor windows, usually dark at this hour, were instead lit up by excessively bright indoor lights.

Bai Xu was a bit surprised, "Xie Qi and the others aren't back in their rooms yet at this hour? Why are so many lights on?"

Shang Yanxiao shook his head and reached for the fingerprint lock on the door.

—Beep.

The electronic lock clicked open.

At the same time, Xie Qi, who had been waiting inside, rushed over as soon as he heard the unlocking sound, "Third Young Master, Young Master Bai, you're finally back!"

His face couldn't hide his urgency, yet he kept his voice unusually low.

Bai Xu sensed something was wrong, "What's going on?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a long-unheard, anger-laden voice came from the direction of the living room, "Xie Qi, why are you covering for them? Tell them to get in here!"

"......"

"......"

The expressions of both Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu changed simultaneously.

Shang Yanxiao almost immediately stepped around Xie Qi and walked inside—

Old Master Shang, who should have been in the country, was actually sitting right there on the sofa!

His sharp, hawk-like gaze fixed on Shang Yanxiao's face. For the first time ever, he showed undisguised anger toward his most favored grandson.

The brightly lit living room carried the oppressive tension of an impending storm.

Shang Yanxiao's heart sank to an icy low in an instant, but he had no choice but to steel himself and face the reality, "Grandfather."

–

TL: Muji

Previous | TOC | Next