DASFAM_46

Just as Shang Yanxiao had predicted, the day looked bright and sunny, but the wind over the sea was strong, and the mid-sized vessel swayed with the waves from time to time.

Bai Xu had handled it well at first, but after more than two hours into the voyage, he felt lightheaded and severely seasick.

He truly had no way to tough it out, and could only rest on the sofa in the cabin's lounge area.

Through the porthole, Bai Xu watched Chu Yate, Zhou Yangfan, and the others drinking and chatting out on the deck, feeling deeply annoyed and out of sorts.

Can't hold his liquor, allergic to avocado, and now seasickness on top of it all. No matter how long he had spent adapting after transmigrating into the novel, this body of his would still let him down every now and then.

If he had been born into a wealthy family, a constitution like this would have made him a pampered young master no matter what.

"......"

Thinking this, Bai Xu felt even more dejected and let out a sigh.

When Shang Yanxiao came in carrying the medicine, he found Bai Xu hugging a soft pillow, curled up in the corner of the sofa with his eyes half-closed. His complexion had gone involuntarily pale from the seasickness, and the excitement he'd had at the very beginning was long gone.

He looked utterly wilted, pitiful and endearing all at once.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Bai Xu instinctively roused himself and opened his eyes, but once he realized it was Shang Yanxiao who had entered the cabin, he immediately dropped what little guard he had been keeping up and slumped limply back against the sofa.

"Still trying to act tough? If you knew you got seasick, why didn't you take medicine earlier?"

"......"

Could he really be blamed for that?

Back when he had just graduated, he used to charter a boat with friends and go sea fishing, spending an entire day on the water without any trouble.

Shang Yanxiao handed over the seasickness pills he had just retrieved from the person in charge, "Take the medicine, it'll help for now."

Bai Xu didn't refuse. He took the tablet and the cup of water from his hand and swallowed it quickly.

Shang Yanxiao sat down beside him, "Just dizziness, or do you feel like throwing up?"

Bai Xu answered honestly, "I didn't eat much before we left this morning, so it's not too bad."

Shang Yanxiao picked up the seasickness patch he had also brought, "Tilt your head slightly to the side. I'll put this on behind your ear."

"Will it even work?" Bai Xu wore a rare look of distress, weak and listless, "I'm so dizzy."

Shang Yanxiao reached out, his calloused fingertips moving from Bai Xu's ear to behind it, massaging gently to help him relax a little, before carefully applying the seasickness patch.

Once he had finished, he suggested, "Lean against me for a bit? I'll press on some acupoints for you."

Bai Xu asked, "You know acupressure?"

Shang Yanxiao said plainly, "There's another executive in the cabin next door who's also quite seasick. When I went to get the medicine just now, I picked up a couple of techniques from the person in charge on the spot."

He guided Bai Xu toward him, "There's still about forty minutes left. Close your eyes and rest for a while. It'll be more comfortable than keeping them open."

The medicine had no way of kicking in that quickly, and Bai Xu was still severely dizzy.

Having lost any will to refuse, he resigned himself to leaning against the other man, his voice coming out muffled, "To fall before the battle is even won. I really am the unluckiest person alive."

"Don't say such things."

Shang Yanxiao squeezed the back of his neck, then his fingertips searched out the acupoints on either side and began to press down slowly.

The slight roughness of the calluses on his fingertips carried a faint grainy texture, and the comfortable pressure gradually worked away at the accumulated dizziness bit by bit. Bai Xu let out a soft sound and, without thinking, burrowed a little further into Shang Yanxiao's arms.

"......"

Shang Yanxiao noticed the natural, unguarded reliance he was showing, and the corner of his mouth curved slightly, "Clear your head and sleep for a bit. I'll wake you when we arrive. We've only just set out, so there's no rush to socialize with Director Zhou and the others."

Drifting to his nose was the faint, distinctive scent that belonged to Shang Yanxiao alone, and the haze that had been clouding his mind somehow didn't feel quite so unbearable anymore.

A smile crept onto the corners of Bai Xu's lips, one he himself hadn't even noticed, and he answered obediently, "Mm."

...

Over half an hour later, the vessel finally reached the destination for this team-building trip: Xisheng Uninhabited Island.

Since there was still some distance from the beach, everyone needed to take small boats to shore in groups. Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu naturally hung back to board last.

Chu Yate got on the small boat with them. He caught sight of Bai Xu's limp, listless appearance and said, equal parts concern and teasing, "Young Master Bai, are you going to be alright? How did three hours do you in like this?"

"......"

Could a man admit he wasn't alright?

The competitive streak in Bai Xu's bones hadn't let up even through the dizziness, "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine."

Chu Yate smiled, and before the small boat reached the shore, lowered his voice to fill them in, "By the way, I was just chatting with Director Zhou and the others up on deck. They don't have any intention of looking down on Zhouye Investment."

As for the two companies having turned down Zhouye Investment's letters of intent, that had simply been a matter of following the currents of industry rumor.

Whether it was Zhou Yangfan or Chengye, anyone who had brought their company to this scale on their own had to be a seasoned fox in the business world.

Before today, they had known little about Zhouye Investment or the Bai Xu behind the scenes, so they had played it safe and chosen to decline.

Chu Yate picked out the key points from his earlier conversation and summed them up, "Though rather than saying they were afraid of offending Chu Yuncheng, it would be more accurate to say they didn't want to cross the Chu Group standing behind him."

And sure enough, the moment they saw that Chu Yate was on good terms with Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao, certain thoughts of theirs had begun to shift.

Shang Yanxiao nodded with understanding and looked toward Bai Xu, "It sounds like there's hope, then."

Bai Xu gave a small nod, "Mm."

The small boat reached the beach shortly after.

Although it was called an uninhabited island, Xisheng Island was not entirely wild year-round. Official staff would organize regular maintenance trips to the island, so the natural environment was in reasonably good shape.

It was only then that Bai Xu noticed a helicopter parked on the beach. Before he could make sense of what that was about,

the association's person in charge raised a megaphone and called out, "Everyone, our three-day program officially begins right now."

"The task for the first day is relatively simple. All you need to do is cross the small forested hill in front of you and reach the western shore of the island before sunset, starting from the eastern shore where we currently are."

Xisheng Island was not small in size, and crossing it on foot would conservatively take around three hours.

That said, the forest was lush with vegetation, so there would be no harsh sun beating down on them.

"Please rest assured, our activity has been filed with the relevant authorities. There are trail markers along the route, a guide will be arranged at the front of the group, and food and camping grounds for tonight have already been set up at the main camp on the western shore."

The person in charge had thought everything through, and added, "If any of the directors feel that their physical condition is not suited for this kind of trek, you are welcome to opt out in advance. We have a helicopter prepared to take you over."

Though it was an officially organized exercise under the banner of promoting healthy exchange and development within the industry, the participants were all chief executive or general managers. No one dared make these wealthy individuals actually suffer.

The words had barely landed before four or five company directors immediately chose to drop out, with no intention whatsoever of putting themselves through any difficulty.

"I had knee surgery before, so I won't push my luck."

"Ah, my health isn't up to it either. No need for me to join in on this one."

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow and thought to himself:

Rich people really do live life on their own terms. They even rented a helicopter for this. It seems putting on a good show of the event is enough, and if you don't want to tire yourself out, there's always a way around it.

Chu Yate looked at Bai Xu, "Young Master Bai, how are you doing? Want to take the helicopter?"

Cheng Ye, who was nearby, overheard and asked offhandedly, "Young Master Bai, were you seasick? I didn't see you out on the deck earlier."

Bai Xu replied, "Thank you for your concern, Director Cheng. I'm fine now."

He met Cheng Ye's eyes and opened the conversation himself, "From the look of Director Cheng's athletic gear today, I'd say you have quite a bit of experience with hiking and trail running?"

Cheng Ye was visibly interested, "Not bad. My daughter has loved hiking since she was young, and I go along with her occasionally. All this gear was actually bought by her for me."

Bai Xu quickly latched onto that. Smiling, he said, "Then Director Cheng should take plenty of photos and videos along the way to share with her."

At the mention of his daughter, Cheng Ye couldn't hold back his smile, "Naturally. She was even telling me about it this morning before I headed out."

He then turned to the familiar face beside him, "Director Zhou, what about you?"

Zhou Yangfan was on the heavier side, and although the forest hill was neither tall nor rugged, three hours of going up and down would still take quite a toll on the body.

Zhou Yangfan answered, "Director Cheng, don't underestimate me. I grew up tumbling around in the mountains. We'll see which one of us gives up first."

The words had barely finished when the support team came over carrying dedicated supply packs, "Directors, anyone else opting out to take the helicopter?"

Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu exchanged a glance and quietly accepted their supply packs.

The whole point of this trip was to establish a working relationship with Director Zhou and Director Cheng's companies. With both of them now full of confidence about the hike, they couldn't back down.

The remaining dozen or so people formed a hiking group and prepared to set off.

Shang Yanxiao leaned over toward Bai Xu, "Feeling any better?"

Bai Xu slung his pack over his shoulder, "Yeah. Standing on solid ground already makes it better. Moving around and working up a sweat might help it pass even faster."

Knowing how Bai Xu hated to show weakness, Shang Yanxiao didn't try to stop him, and simply reached into his pocket, "Here, have a piece of chocolate first. Get some energy in you."

Bai Xu was surprised, "Where did that come from?"

"Never mind that."

Shang Yanxiao unwrapped the chocolate and held it out to Bai Xu's lips.

Catching the sweet scent drifting toward him, Bai Xu bit into it, "Mm."

"......"

Chu Yate, standing nearby, witnessed the whole thing and clicked his tongue in wonder, "Do you two really have to be like this?"

Bai Xu chewed on the chocolate, his words coming out muffled, "What?"

Chu Yate tightened his grip on his own supply pack and stepped around them, not forgetting to tease as he went, "My, what a pair of lovebirds~"

"......"

Bai Xu caught on instantly, looked up, and caught the amusement flickering in Shang Yanxiao's eyes.

"Was it good?"

"It was alright," Bai Xu tossed the words out and hurried after the main group, "Come on, let's go."

...

A sea breeze rolled in from the distance, sending a wave of rustling through the forest.

Looking up, all that met the eye was a dense canopy of treetops, blocking out the harshest of the afternoon sun at just the right angle. Only the occasional ray filtered through, and together with the sound of a mountain spring and the calls of birds and insects, it added a certain charm to the trek.

They must have climbed to the highest point, because someone in the group finally couldn't hold back and called out, "I can't do it, I can't do it, let's take a break before we carry on!"

Zhou Yangfan had long been drenched in sweat, and the moment he heard someone call for a stop, he responded immediately, "Yes, yes, we do need to rest."

The guide naturally deferred to everyone's wishes and announced a break on the spot.

Cheng Ye took a few gulps of water and teased Zhou Yangfan, "Director Zhou, worn out, are you?"

Zhou Yangfan threw up his hands in surrender, then looked over at Bai Xu and the others, who weren't even flushed or out of breath, "Ah, the young really do have it good. Over an hour of mountain trail and not even a hint of heavy breathing."

Cheng Ye said, "Director Zhou, you've done pretty well yourself."

Bai Xu chimed in right on cue, "Exactly. By the time I reach your age, I'd be happy to still have this kind of stamina."

He looked around, then pointed toward Cheng Ye, "Director Cheng, the view from that angle looks great. Why don't I take some photos and videos for you to send to your daughter?"

Cheng Ye had been thinking the very same thing, and Bai Xu's suggestion landed right where it counted.

"Sure, I'll trouble Young Master Bai then."

"Not at all."

Bai Xu took Cheng Ye's phone and walked a few steps forward with him.

Chu Yate chewed on an energy bar and quietly sidled up to Shang Yanxiao, "I have to say, the way Bai Xu reads people and plays to their interests is really something. How long has it even been, and he's already this comfortable with Director Cheng?"

He kept his voice low, so as not to be overheard by the others.

Shang Yanxiao's gaze followed Bai Xu the entire time, and in front of others, he made no effort to conceal his admiration, "He's always been capable."

"......"

Chu Yate felt like he had walked straight into a mouthful of secondhand sweetness again, and bit clean through his energy bar with a snap.

...

Since they had reached the highest point, the path down was far less grueling.

It took the group another hour or so to reach the campsite on the western shore of the island, where they found that the smaller party who had arrived earlier had already been gradually putting up tents, and had even collected ingredients and started on dinner ahead of time.

One of the directors who had just arrived couldn't help but ask, "Are there enough tents for everyone?"

One of the directors who had arrived earlier replied, "General Manager Qiu, these tents need to be set up by hand. We specifically left a few for you all."

"I tell you, you lot had it easy. You flew in on the helicopter nice and early, while we had to climb the whole mountain and now set up our own tents on top of it."

The person in charge said, "Everyone is also welcome to share a tent with any of the directors who have already set theirs up. There is more than enough space inside. It's entirely up to each of you."

Share a tent with a stranger?

Bai Xu shook his head inwardly, his gaze drifting without thinking toward Shang Yanxiao.

Shang Yanxiao sensed exactly what he was thinking, and chose to ask anyway, "Would you rather share with someone else, or put up a tent by yourself and stay alone? Or..."

Setting up a tent alone would be a waste of time and energy.

Bai Xu played along and asked, "Or what? A third option?"

Shang Yanxiao shook his head and turned it back on him instead, "Nothing yet. Does Young Master Bai have a better suggestion?"

"......"

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow and refused to take the bait, turning to Chu Yate instead, "Second Chu, let's share tonight. I'll–"

Before he could finish, Shang Yanxiao grabbed his arm in an instant, his possessiveness flaring up all at once, "You're staying with me tonight."

Chu Yate, having long since seen through all their couple's games, raised a hand to cut them off, "You two, may you have a long and happy life together. I'll be setting up my own tent. I need the materials."

Shang Yanxiao fell into step and tossed back a reply as he went, "Blessing gratefully received."

And with that, he went off to collect tent materials from the person in charge as well.

Bai Xu stood where he was, watching Shang Yanxiao's retreating figure and feeling the lingering warmth of that grip on his wrist, "Hmph. Look at you, putting on a show."

...

There were quite a few materials needed to set up the tent.

Bai Xu saw Shang Yanxiao carrying supply bags in both hands, and in an instant the small incident from earlier slipped his mind entirely. His body moved before his thoughts could catch up.

"Your right shoulder hasn't fully healed. Don't carry heavy things."

Shang Yanxiao watched him jog over and smiled, "Don't worry, it's mostly better now."

"Who said I was worried about you?"

Bai Xu kept up his usual way of saying one thing and meaning another, "Give those here. It's not like you're the only one staying in it."

Shang Yanxiao shifted most of the heavier items to his left hand and passed only the lighter tent fabric bag to him, "Let's go find an open spot to set up."

Bai Xu took it, "Have you done this before?"

Shang Yanxiao answered, "Something similar. The person in charge gave us an instruction sheet, so we can look it over once we get there."

"Alright."

The steps on the instruction sheet were clearly laid out, and both Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu had some prior experience, so working together it took them less than half an hour to get the tent up.

The sun slipped below the edge of the sea, leaving behind a breathtaking evening glow. The horizon was washed in shades of pink and blue, like a oil painting, suffused with a romance all its own.

Bai Xu tilted his head back and admired it for a good while before reaching for his phone to capture it, "Beautiful."

Shang Yanxiao, standing behind him, did the same, though what he saved to his photo album was both the scenery and the person in front of it, "Come on, everyone's at the barbecue. Let's go see if there's anything to help with over there."

"Sure."

The two walked side by side toward the center of the beach.

Chu Yate had only gotten the frame of his tent up, yet had already helped himself to food ahead of everyone else, "Bai Xu, come over here."

A bonfire blazed on the beach.

The association was no stranger to organizing these events, and everyone already knew each other well.

The directors gathered along the long barbecue grill, and with none of the usual rivalry that came with business, every one of them had set aside their airs and was relaxed, casually helping one another out.

Cheng Ye spotted Bai Xu and waved him over, "Young Master Bai, come try the steak I just grilled."

The distance that had been there at the dock earlier in the day was already gone.

Bai Xu smiled, "Thank you, Director Cheng."

"Don't mention it. I should be thanking you."

Cheng Ye picked out a large piece for him, in good spirits, "I just sent the photos to my daughter. She said you have a great eye for photography and that you made me look quite a bit more handsome."

Bai Xu said, "It was nothing. Whenever you want to take photos over the next couple of days, just let me know."

The event had brought along a professional photographer to document everything, but the photographer couldn't be focused on Cheng Ye alone.

Cheng Ye's impression of Bai Xu continued to climb, "Wonderful, I'll take you up on that."

Bai Xu held his steak and leaned slightly toward Shang Yanxiao, keeping his voice low, "See that? We're getting somewhere."

Shang Yanxiao praised him, "Indeed. It takes Young Master Bai to pull it off."

Bai Xu's interest was piqued, and while the others weren't paying attention, he said, "How about we make a bet?"

Shang Yanxiao asked, "What kind?"

Bai Xu murmured, "Before the event ends, I'll handle getting a letter of intent from Director Cheng, and you handle Director Zhou. No rush, just results."

Shang Yanxiao didn't refuse the so-called bet, and asked, "And if one of us doesn't manage it?"

Bai Xu weighed the sizeable steak in his hand, his tone carrying a touch of playful pride, "Tch, as if that would be me. You'd be better off worrying about yourself."

Zhou Yangfan looked cheerful enough, but that didn't necessarily make him easy to do business with.

Shang Yanxiao, unhurried, said, "How about this: whoever gets there first has to grant the other person any one request?"

Bai Xu took a bite of the fragrant steak and didn't think too deeply about it, only feeling like he had nothing to lose, "Deal."

...

After dinner, the sea breeze picked up considerably.

It was only the first evening, and no one was in any rush to linger, so before long the group dispersed.

The association had arranged simple shower facilities in advance, but with so many people, by the time Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao had each finished washing up, two hours had passed.

Bai Xu walked back with his toiletries and was met with a sky full of stars, "There's something to be said for getting away from the city. You can see the stars so much more clearly out here."

Shang Yanxiao lifted the outer flap of the tent and gestured for him to come in, "Get inside. The night wind is cool, and there's a clear plastic panel at the top, so you can still see the stars lying down."

"Alright."

The tent was more than spacious enough for two, with an inflatable sleeping mat laid out underneath. The only unexpected thing was that there was just one fleece blanket.

Bai Xu took a moment to register the awkwardness of sharing a bed, then asked, "Why is there only one blanket?"

Shang Yanxiao said, "The person in charge mentioned that three or four of the directors are sensitive to the cold at night and each took two, so I only grabbed one. It's big enough anyway."

Bai Xu wasn't entirely convinced, "Really?"

Shang Yanxiao could guess exactly what was behind that hesitation and sighed, "Really. I'm not making it up."

He lay down first, giving ground to move things forward, "If you'd rather, just use it yourself. I don't get cold easily."

Seeing how untroubled he seemed, Bai Xu had little choice but to lift the blanket and lie down beside him.

One second. Two seconds. Three seconds.

Bai Xu couldn't hold out. He reached over and pulled the other half of the blanket over Shang Yanxiao as well.

Shang Yanxiao looked over at him, "Hm?"

Bai Xu closed his eyes to hide what he was feeling and offered a casual excuse, "Didn't everyone say the seaside gets cold at night? We're here on important business. The last thing I need is for you to catch a cold first thing tomorrow morning and hold things up."

Shang Yanxiao's reply had nothing to do with what was said, "Covered like this, it's not warm enough."

The next second, he took the opportunity to pull Bai Xu into his arms.

Bai Xu felt the strength of the embrace and snapped his eyes open, "Shang Yanxiao, you..."

Shang Yanxiao looked down at him, "We were too far apart just now. With a gap in the middle, the wind gets in easily. This is better."

"That's nonsense."

Bai Xu tried to pull free, but the arm around his waist only drew tighter, until the two of them were pressed close with no space between them.

"A' Xu, stop moving."

"......"

Bai Xu understood exactly what those words meant and went still at once.

Their eyes met, unavoidably.

The only light in the tent was a small lamp, and its soft glow spread through the space. In light like this, Shang Yanxiao's already striking features looked even sharper, even more disarming.

His eyes stayed fixed on Bai Xu without wavering, his breathing shifting between heavier and lighter, pulling at something, "A' Xu."

Bai Xu felt a heat rise through him for no reason he could name. Half warning Shang Yanxiao, half stopping himself, he said, "Tonight, nothing can happen."

The tents were spaced a certain distance apart, but fabric walls did nothing to block sound.

If they made any noise and one of the other directors heard, he would sooner swim back across the ocean than show his face again.

Bai Xu said it again to be sure, "Shang Yanxiao, are you listening? Even between people like us, there's a time and a place..."

As expected, Shang Yanxiao kissed him.

What was not expected was that this kiss was nothing like the ones before, not as fierce, not as laden with the need to possess.

Lips brushed and pulled against each other with tenderness, the tip of his tongue pressing forward inch by inch, drawing out a slow, lingering warmth that spread through everything.

Bai Xu didn't pull away. He didn't want to pull away at all.

He had never denied it. Shang Yanxiao's presence was the most fatal pull on him, and no matter how many times he covered it over with talk of being casual, the truth was that he craved Shang Yanxiao's kisses, his embrace, his care, in the most instinctive way possible.

The feelings he had been holding down for days came spilling out all at once, like a dense net closing around him completely.

The kiss never grew more intense with time. It stayed soft and unhurried, the kind that made it impossible to want to stop.

Only when they had each taken in the other's breath did Shang Yanxiao finally pull back.

"......"

Bai Xu hadn't yet come back from the kiss. His naturally soft eyes held a hazy, glimmering look, making him seem more pliant than ever.

Shang Yanxiao brushed his nose against Bai Xu's and teased him deliberately, "Who was it that said people like us don't kiss? Hm?"

What had once been a label that sat uneasily between them, barely acceptable, had gradually become something they could say aloud with a kind of playful ease all their own.

Bai Xu's breath came a little unsteadily. He held Shang Yanxiao's gaze for a few seconds, and then, all of a sudden, he swung himself up and settled over the man, "Shang Yanxiao."

Shang Yanxiao looked at this sudden bold move, yet wrapped his arms around his waist with unmistakable indulgence, even straightening up to ask, "Young Master Bai, what would you have me do?"

Bai Xu gripped his left shoulder and pressed down, leaning in to kiss him first.

His voice came out muffled between the kiss, but that stubborn, competitive streak of his remained exactly as it always had been, "You talk too much."

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