DASFAM_46

Just as Shang Yanxiao had predicted, the day seemed sunny and bright, but the wind over the sea was strong, causing medium-sized boats to sway with the waves from time to time—

At first, Bai Xu was holding up just fine, but after sailing for over two hours, he began to feel lightheaded and dizzy.

He really couldn’t tough it out any longer, so he leaned back on the sofa in the cabin’s rest area.

Peering out through the cabin window, Bai Xu watched as Chu Yate and Zhou Yangfan chatted and drank on the deck, feeling deeply frustrated and unsettled.

A low tolerance for alcohol, an allergy to avocados, and now seasickness—even after adapting to this transmigrated world for so long, his body still kept letting him down at times.

If he had been born into a wealthy family, with a constitution like this, he would surely have been a young master who needed to be pampered.

"......"

At this thought, Bai Xu let out an even more dejected sigh.

When Shang Yanxiao entered with some medicine, he saw Bai Xu curled up in the corner of the sofa, hugging a soft pillow, his eyes half-closed. His face was pale from seasickness, and the initial excitement he had felt earlier was completely gone.

The whole person looked wilted, pitiful and adorable.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Bai Xu instinctively perked up and opened his eyes. Upon realizing it was Shang Yanxiao who had entered the cabin, he immediately let go of that bit of outward caution and slumped back weakly.

"Still pushing yourself? If you knew you get seasick, why didn’t you take medicine earlier?"

"......"

Could he really be blamed for this?

Back when he first graduated, he would still charter boats with friends to go deep-sea fishing, staying out on the water all day without any issues.

Shang Yanxiao handed over the seasickness medicine he had just gotten from the person in charge, saying, "Take the pills, they’ll help in a pinch."

Bai Xu didn’t refuse, taking the tablets and water cup from him and quickly swallowing them down.

Shang Yanxiao sat down beside him, "Just dizzy? Any nausea?"

Bai Xu answered truthfully, "I didn’t eat much before heading out this morning, so it’s okay for now."

Shang Yanxiao picked up the motion sickness patches he had also brought, "Lean to the side a bit, I’ll stick one behind your ear."

"Will it even help?" Bai Xu rarely looked so troubled, speaking weakly, "I feel awful."

Shang Yanxiao reached out, his calloused fingertips massaging from Bai Xu’s ear to behind it, helping him relax slightly before carefully applying the patch.

After finishing this small task, he suggested, "Lean against me for a bit? I’ll massage some pressure points for you."

Bai Xu asked, "You know acupressure too?"

Shang Yanxiao answered frankly, "Another executive in the next cabin was feeling really unwell. I picked up a couple of tricks from the staff when I went to get the medicine earlier."

He gently drew Bai Xu closer, "We’ve got about forty minutes left on this route. Close your eyes and rest a bit, it’ll feel better than keeping them open."

The medicine wouldn’t take effect that quickly, and Bai Xu still felt terribly dizzy.

With no intention of refusing now, he resignedly leaned against the other, his voice muffled, "To fall before even setting out... I’m so unlucky."

"Don’t talk nonsense."

Shang Yanxiao pinched the back of his neck, his fingertips then finding the pressure points on both sides and pressing them slowly.

The slight roughness from the calluses on his fingertips carried a faint, grainy texture, and the comfortable pressure gradually eased the built-up dizziness. Bai Xu hummed softly, unconsciously burrowing deeper into Shang Yanxiao’s embrace.

"......"

Sensing that natural, unguarded reliance, the corner of Shang Yanxiao’s mouth lifted slightly, "Let your mind go blank and nap for a while. I’ll wake you when we arrive. It’s only just begun, no need to rush into socializing with Mr. Zhou and the others yet."

The faint, unique scent emanating from Shang Yanxiao reached his nose, and his previously muddled mind suddenly didn't seem to feel quite so terrible anymore.

A smile, unnoticed even by himself, curled at the corner of Bai Xu’s mouth as he obediently responded, "En."

...

Over half an hour later, the boat finally arrived at the destination of this team-building trip—the uninhabited Xisheng Island.

Since there was still some distance to the beach, everyone needed to board smaller boats in batches to reach the shore. Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu voluntarily stayed behind to board last.

Chu Yate got on the small boat with them. Glancing at Bai Xu’s weak and listless state, he expressed both concern and teasing, “Young Master Bai, are you really alright? How did you end up like this after just three hours?”

“……”

Could a man admit to being 'not alright'?

The competitive streak in Bai Xu’s bones hadn’t ceased despite the dizziness, “Don’t worry, I’m perfectly fine.”

Chu Yate chuckled and, before the small boat reached the shore, lowered his voice to add, “By the way, I was chatting with Mr. Zhou and the others on deck earlier. They don’t look down on Zhouye Investments.”

As for the two companies declining Zhouye Investment’s preliminary orders, that was just them following the industry’s prevailing stance.

Whether it was Zhou Yangfan or Cheng Ye, the fact that they could grow their companies to their current scale on their own means they are undoubtedly old foxes in the business world.

Before today, they simply weren’t familiar with Zhouye Investments or Bai Xu behind it, which is why they chose to play it safe and decline.

Chu Yate summarized the key points from his earlier conversation, “However, rather than saying they’re afraid of offending Chu Yuncheng, it’s more accurate to say they don’t want to antagonize the Chu family backing him.”

And now, seeing that Chu Yate has a good relationship with Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao, some of their considerations have started to shift.

Shang Yanxiao understood, glancing at Bai Xu, “So it seems there’s hope.”

Bai Xu nodded, “En.”

The small boat soon arrived at the beach.

Although it’s called an uninhabited island, Xisheng Island isn’t perpetually desolate. Official staff organize regular maintenance visits, so the ecological environment is actually quite decent.

Only then did Bai Xu notice a helicopter parked on the beach. Before he could figure out what that was about—

The association person in charge picked up a loudspeaker and announced, “Everyone, our three-day event officially starts now.”

“The activity for the first day is relatively simple. All you need to do is, starting from the east coast of the island where we are now, cross over the small forested hill in front of us and reach the west coast before sunset.”

Xisheng Island isn’t small in area; on foot, crossing it would conservatively take about three hours.

However, the forest is lush with vegetation, shielding everyone from the harsh sun.

“Please rest assured, our activity is officially registered. There are directional markers along the route, a guide will lead at the front of the group, and the main campsite at the west coast already has tonight’s food and camping arrangements ready for everyone.”

The person in charge and the team had considered everything carefully, then added, “If any of you feel your physical condition isn’t suitable for this kind of hiking and crossing, you can withdraw in advance. We have a helicopter prepared to fly everyone over.”

Although this was an officially-backed exercise activity aimed at 'promoting healthy industry exchange and development', the participants were all chairmen and general managers from within the industry. No one dared to make these wealthy individuals truly suffer hardship.

As soon as the words were spoken, four or five company executives immediately chose to opt out, not wanting to push themselves at all.

“I had knee surgery before, so I won’t overdo it.”

“Ah, my health isn’t great either, I won’t join in on this particular activity.”

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself:

The world of the wealthy really does allow them to do as they please. They even rented a helicopter for this. It seems putting on a grand show for the event is enough. If you don't want to exert yourself, there are ways to avoid it too.

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

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

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

He met Cheng Ye's gaze and actively steered the conversation, "Seeing Mr. Cheng in full sports gear today, you must have quite a bit of experience with hiking and trail running, right?"

Cheng Ye seemed quite interested, "Not bad. My daughter has loved hiking since she was little, so I occasionally go climbing with her. All this gear was bought by her for me."

Bai Xu quickly latched onto the key person and smiled, "Then Mr. Cheng should definitely take lots of photos and videos to share with your daughter later."

Mentioning his daughter, the smile on Cheng Ye's face widened, "Naturally. She was even reminding me about it this morning before I left."

He then looked at an old acquaintance beside him, "What about you, Mr. Zhou?"

Zhou Yangfan was somewhat heavier. Although the small forested hill wasn't particularly high or rugged, three hours going up and down could be quite taxing on stamina.

Zhou Yangfan replied, "Mr. Cheng, don't underestimate me. I grew up tumbling around in the mountains since I was a kid. Who's to say which one of us will get tired first?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the organizing team approached with specialized supply packs, "Everyone, does anyone else wish to withdraw and take the helicopter?"

Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu exchanged a glance and silently accepted the food supply packs.

The main goal this time was to establish cooperative connections with the Zhou and Cheng companies. Since the two bosses were now brimming with confidence about the hike, they couldn't back down now.

The remaining dozen or so people formed the hiking team and prepared to set off.

Shang Yanxiao leaned closer to Bai Xu and asked, “Feeling better?”

Bai Xu slung the pack over his shoulder, “Yeah, standing on solid ground feels much steadier. Maybe some activity and sweating will help me recover faster.”

Knowing Bai Xu’s competitive nature, Shang Yanxiao didn’t try to stop him, just felt around in his pocket, “Here, have a piece of chocolate first, for some energy.”

Bai Xu was surprised, “Where did you get that?”

“Never mind.”

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

Bai Xu caught the sweet scent and took a bite, “Mmm.”

“……”

Chu Yate, who had witnessed the whole scene from nearby, clicked his tongue in wonder, “You two, is that really necessary?”

Bai Xu, still chewing the chocolate, mumbled, “What?”

Chu Yate tightened his grip on his own supply pack and walked past them, not missing the chance to tease, “So~ in~sep~a~ra~ble~”

“……”

Bai Xu instantly caught on. He glanced up and caught the amusement in Shang Yanxiao’s eyes.

“Is it good?”

“Just passable,” Bai Xu tossed back, quickly catching up with the main group, “Let’s go, hurry up.”

...

A sea breeze swept in from the distance, rustling through the forest.

Looking up, dense tree canopies filled the view, perfectly blocking the harshest afternoon sunlight. Only occasional beams of light filtered through, accompanied by the sound of mountain streams, bird calls, and insect chirps, adding to the fun of the trek.

Probably because they had reached the highest point, someone in the group finally couldn’t hold back and called out, "No more, no more! Let’s rest a bit before continuing!"

Zhou Yangfan was already drenched in sweat. Hearing someone call for a stop, he immediately agreed, "Yes... yes, we should rest."

The guide naturally prioritized everyone's wishes and promptly announced a break.

Cheng Ye took a couple of gulps of water and teased Zhou Yangfan, "Mr. Zhou, had enough yet?"

Zhou Yangfan waved his hand in surrender, then looked at Bai Xu and the others, who weren't even flushed or out of breath, "Oh dear, you young people are really something. Walking for over an hour on mountain trails without even panting."

Cheng Ye said, "Mr. Zhou, you're pretty impressive too."

Bai Xu chimed in at the right moment, "That's true. When I reach the age of you two gentlemen, I'd be lucky to still have this kind of stamina."

He glanced around and pointed in a direction for Cheng Ye, "Mr. Cheng, I think the view from that angle would make a great shot. How about I take some photos and videos for you to show your daughter?"

Cheng Ye was just thinking about doing that, so Bai Xu's suggestion hit the mark perfectly.

"Great, that would be wonderful. Thanks, Young Master Bai."

"You're welcome."

Bai Xu took the phone handed over by Cheng Ye and walked a few steps forward with him.

Chu Yate chewed on an energy bar and quietly moved closer to Shang Yanxiao, "I have to say, Bai Xu's social skills in 'tailoring his approach to the person' are really something. It hasn't been long at all, and he's already chatting easily with Mr. Cheng."

His voice was low, also to avoid being overheard by others.

Shang Yanxiao's gaze remained fixed on Bai Xu. In front of outsiders, he didn't hide his admiration and praise for the other, "En, he's always been very capable."

"......"

Chu Yate felt like he'd just shoved a mouthful of dog food down his own throat and crunched down hard on the energy bar in his hand.

...

Since they had reached the highest point, the downhill path wasn’t as difficult to walk.

It took everyone over another hour to reach the beach campsite on the west coast. They discovered that the small group who had arrived earlier had already set up a few tents and had collected ingredients in advance, starting to prepare dinner.

One of the executives, seeing this, couldn’t help asking, “Are there enough tents?”

Another director who had arrived earlier answered, “Mr. Qiu, these tents need to be assembled manually. We purposely saved a few for you all.”

“Well, you folks sure have it easy. Taking the helicopter, arriving early—not like us, having to pitch our own tents after finishing the hike.”

The association’s person in charge said, “Everyone can also choose to stay with other bosses whose tents are already set up. There’s definitely enough space in the tents; it’s up to each boss to decide.”

Staying with strangers?

Bai Xu mentally shook his head like a rattle-drum, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward Shang Yanxiao.

Shang Yanxiao sensed his thoughts but deliberately asked, “Do you want to stay with someone else, or do you want to pitch a tent and stay alone? Or perhaps…”

Pitching a tent alone would be time-consuming and strenuous.

Bai Xu played dumb, “Or perhaps what? What’s the third option?”

Shang Yanxiao shook his head, turning the question back on him, “Nothing for now. Does Young Master Bai have any better suggestions?”

“......”

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow, refusing to take the bait. He turned and called out to Chu Yate, “Chu Yate, you and I are sharing a tent tonight, I—”

Before he could finish, Shang Yanxiao instantly grabbed his arm, a surge of possessiveness breaking through, “You’re staying with me tonight.”

Chu Yate, who had long seen through their couple's games, raised a hand to stop them, “You two, I wish you a hundred years of happiness. I’m getting my own tent materials, I’ll stay by myself.”

Shang Yanxiao, walking alongside him to catch up, spared a moment to reply, “Thanks for the blessing.”

With that, he also went to the person in charge to collect tent materials.

Left behind, Bai Xu stared at Shang Yanxiao’s retreating back, feeling the lingering strength on his wrist, “Hmph, serves you right for pretending.”

...

Setting up a tent required quite a lot of materials.

Seeing Shang Yanxiao carrying bags of supplies in both hands, Bai Xu instantly forgot about the earlier little incident. His body’s instinctive reaction was faster than his thoughts.

“Your right shoulder isn’t fully healed yet. Don’t lift heavy things.”

Shang Yanxiao watched him jog over and chuckled softly, “Don’t worry, it’s pretty much better now.”

“Who’s worried about you?”

Bai Xu maintained his usual tsundere attitude, “Give it here. It’s not like you’re the only one staying in it.”

Shang Yanxiao shifted most of the heavy items to his left hand, handing only the lighter tent fabric bag to him, “Let’s go find a spot to set it up.”

Bai Xu took it, “Have you set one up before?”

Shang Yanxiao replied, “Similar ones. The staff gave instructions with diagrams; we’ll figure it out together later.”

“Alright.”

The steps in the instructional diagrams were very clear, and both Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu had some experience. Working together, they had a tent set up in less than half an hour.

The sun sank below the horizon at the sea's edge, leaving behind an even more magnificent sunset. The sky, tinted pink and blue, spread like an oil painting, carrying a unique sense of romance.

Bai Xu looked up, admiring the view for a good while, then couldn't help but take out his phone to capture it, "So beautiful."

Shang Yanxiao, standing behind him, followed suit, but his shot saved both the person and the scenery together in his phone's album, "Let's go. Everyone's over at the barbecue. See if they need any help."

"Okay."

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

Chu Yate's tent was still just a frame, but he had already started eating, "Bai Xu, over here!"

A bonfire was lit on the sand.

This wasn't the association's first year organizing the event; they were all old acquaintances by now.

All the bosses gathered around the long barbecue setup. With none of the usual business rivalries present, everyone let their guard down, leisurely helping each other out.

Cheng Ye saw Bai Xu and greeted him warmly, "Young Master Bai, come on, try this steak I just grilled."

There was no trace of the initial unfamiliarity from the pier that morning in his tone now.

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

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

Cheng Ye picked a large piece for him, in high spirits, "I just showed my daughter the photos you took. She praised your photography skills, said you made me look quite handsome."

Bai Xu said, "It was nothing. If you want to take photos to document the next couple of days, Mr. Cheng, I'm happy to help anytime."

Although the event had hired professional photographers for full documentation, they obviously couldn’t focus solely on Cheng Ye.

Cheng Ye’s impression of Bai Xu was steadily improving, “Great, thanks in advance then.”

Bai Xu, holding the plate with the steak he’d received, glanced sideways at Shang Yanxiao and quietly boasted, “See? There’s potential.”

Shang Yanxiao praised him, “En, it truly takes Young Master Bai stepping in.”

Bai Xu’s interest was piqued. Seizing a moment when others weren’t paying attention, he said, “How about... we make a bet?”

Shang Yanxiao asked, “What kind?”

Bai Xu whispered, “Before the event ends, I’ll be responsible for securing Mr. Cheng’s preliminary cooperation interest. You’ll handle Mr. Zhou’s. Regardless of speed, we only look at the result.”

Shang Yanxiao didn’t refuse his proposed 'bet' and asked further, “And what if one of us doesn’t manage it?”

Bai Xu hefted the huge steak in his hand, his tone carrying a hint of playful arrogance, “Tch, is that even possible for me? You should worry about yourself first.”

Zhou Yangfan might seem all smiles, but that didn’t necessarily mean he’d be easy to negotiate business with.

Shang Yanxiao remained unfazed, “Alright then. We’ll focus only on the result. Whoever succeeds gets to ask the other for any one request?”

Bai Xu took a bite of the delicious steak. Without thinking too deeply about it, he felt he wasn’t at a disadvantage, “Deal.”

...

After dinner, the night wind by the sea picked up.

Since it was only the first evening, everyone wasn’t in a hurry to socialize much longer and soon dispersed.

The association had arranged simple shower facilities in advance, but with so many people, by the time it was Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao’s turn to finish washing up, over two hours had passed.

Bai Xu walked back with his toiletries, greeted by a sky full of stars, “It’s better away from the city. You can see the stars so much more clearly here.”

Shang Yanxiao lifted the tent flap and motioned to him, “Come in. The night wind is cool. There’s a clear plastic cover on the top inside. You can lie down and still see the stars.”

“Okay.”

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

Bai Xu, a beat slow, felt a flicker of awkwardness at the idea of 'sharing a bed', “Why is there only one blanket?”

Shang Yanxiao said, “Oh, the staff mentioned three or four bosses were afraid of getting cold at night, so they each took two. That’s why I only brought one. It’s big enough anyway.”

Bai Xu was half-convinced, half-doubtful, “Really?”

Shang Yanxiao guessed the reason for his hesitation and sighed, a little helpless, “Really, I’m not lying to you.”

He lay down first, adopting a strategy of retreating to advance, “If you’re not comfortable with it, you can have it all to yourself. I don’t get cold easily.”

Seeing him so nonchalant, Bai Xu had no choice but to lift the blanket and lie down as well.

One second, two seconds, three seconds—

Bai Xu still couldn’t hold back. He casually pulled the other half of the blanket over Shang Yanxiao.

Shang Yanxiao looked back at him, "Hm?"

Bai Xu closed his eyes to hide his emotions, offering a casual reason, "Doesn't everyone say the nights by the sea are cold? We're here on business. I don't want you catching a cold first thing tomorrow and delaying important matters."

Shang Yanxiao didn't directly address that, "Then it won't be warm enough like this."

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

Feeling the strength of the embrace, Bai Xu's eyes flew open, "Shang Yanxiao, you—"

Shang Yanxiao lowered his gaze, "We were too far apart just now. There'd be gaps in the middle of the blanket letting in drafts. This is better."

"Sophistry."

Bai Xu wanted to break free, but the arm around his waist only tightened, bringing them even closer, leaving no space between them.

"A'Xu, don't move around."

"……"

Bai Xu understood the implication and immediately stopped moving.

Their gazes inevitably met.

Inside the tent, there was only an electric lamp. Its soft light spread out, and every time under this illumination, Shang Yanxiao’s naturally excellent features appeared even more distinct, more captivating.

His gaze remained fixed on Bai Xu, his breathing deep and shallow by turns, alluring, "A'Xu."

Bai Xu felt an inexplicable heat rise all over his body. It sounded like both a warning to Shang Yanxiao and an attempt to restrain himself, "Tonight... we can't mess around."

Although there was some distance between each tent, the fabric wasn't exactly soundproof—

If they caused any commotion and other executives heard, he’d swim back through the ocean at night to escape!

Bai Xu emphasized again, "Shang Yanxiao, did you hear me? Even if it's just friends with benefits, we have to consider the situation... Mhm!"

It was expected—Shang Yanxiao kissed him.

What was unexpected was that this kiss wasn't as intense, as controlling as it had been before.

Lips brushed and sucked gently against lips, the tongue exploring and advancing inch by inch, stirring a slow, lingering tingling sensation.

Bai Xu didn't pull away, nor did he want to.

He never denied that Shang Yanxiao’s very existence was the most fatal attraction for him. Even if he repeatedly used the 'friends with benefits' label as a cover, he still harbored the most primal desire for Shang Yanxiao's kisses, embraces, and care.

The suppressed longing of the past few days came pouring out, like a dense, intricate net completely enveloping him.

The kiss didn't grow fiercer with time but remained a gentle, continuous flow, intoxicating and impossible to resist.

It wasn't until they were both saturated with each other's presence that Shang Yanxiao finally pulled away at just the right moment.

“……”

Bai Xu hadn't yet emerged from the haze of the kiss. His naturally gentle eyes were glazed with a dazed wetness, making him look even more unbelievably docile.

Shang Yanxiao nuzzled his nose and teased him on purpose, "Who was it that said friends with benefits can't kiss? Hmm?"

That term, which originally wasn't pleasant to hear and even unacceptable, had gradually evolved into a kind of unique, playful banter that they could voice openly.

Bai Xu was breathing a little heavily. He stared fixedly at Shang Yanxiao for a few seconds, then suddenly, he flipped over and straddled the man, "Shang Yanxiao—"

Shang Yanxiao watched his suddenly bold move, but his hands only circled Bai Xu's waist indulgently. He even raised his upper body slightly to ask, "What instructions do you have for me, Young Master Bai?"

Bai Xu gripped his left shoulder, pressed him down, and kissed him again.

His voice, muffled within the kiss, was blurred, but the competitive streak and stubbornness remained the same as ever, "You're so noisy."

–

TL: Muji

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