DASFAM_51

"......"

Bai Xu heard this somewhat familiar voice and involuntarily stopped in his tracks. He looked toward Shang Yanxiao, silently mouthing: Chu Yuncheng's assistant?

Before Shang Yanxiao could nod, Chu Yate's voice followed.

"Xiao Ge, I know you put in a lot of effort for this matter, but someone who can 'betray' their former employer for money, do you think I'd feel comfortable keeping you by my side?"

A smiling tone that concealed an indifferent coldness, as though none of it concerned him.

"I've paid you well. Figure out your own future from here. People shouldn't be too greedy, don't you think?"

"Th-thank you, Second Young Master Chu."

In less than half a minute, the slightly ajar door of the emergency stairwell swung open, and assistant Xiao Ge stepped out in quick strides. He ran into Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao standing just a few steps away, his gaze flickering uneasily.

The assistant froze for only two or three seconds, then turned and ran off in the opposite direction without looking back.

Right after, Chu Yate strolled out slowly.

"......"

"......"

Their eyes met, and the atmosphere suddenly turned a little strange.

Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao found themselves in an awkward position—neither leaving nor staying felt right. Though they had only passed by by accident, they had indeed overheard things they 'shouldn't have'.

There was no guilt on Chu Yate's face, no flinching or dodging. He walked straight toward them, "You both heard everything?"

Bai Xu disliked lying in situations like this and spoke plainly, "Second Chu, I suddenly find myself glad we're allies and not on opposing sides."

The man before him looked carefree, all smiles every day—yet the depths of his scheming and the sharpness of his methods were not to be underestimated.

Sure enough, after using assistant Xiao Ge against Chu Yuncheng, he turned around and discarded this 'spent piece' without a moment's hesitation, leaving no room whatsoever.

"Xiao Ge never wanted to stay by Chu Yuncheng's side to begin with. I just paid to make use of his access and connections. I just didn't expect I'd actually end up uncovering something as big as bribery."

"If Chu Yuncheng hadn't made mistakes along the way, how could he have gotten his hands on leverage so easily?

With the greatest obstacle swept aside effortlessly, Chu Yate no longer concealed his ambition, "I remember telling you both from the very beginning. My goal is the position of chairman of Chu Group."

"You should know what Chu Yuncheng is like. Even though my father was the one who divorced first and my mom came after, he still decided I was the son of a third party, and the things he's said to me over the years have been as awful as you can imagine."

Just bringing it up put Chu Yate in a sour mood.

Among the group's senior leadership were old friends of Chu Yuncheng's mother. No matter how reckless or useless Chu Yuncheng was behind closed doors, Chu Tian and the higher-ups were always willing to give him chance after chance.

Chu Yate had seen through it all long ago, and had thought it through clearly, "Small moves only get swept under the rug like nothing happened. In that case, might as well make a big move."

If he didn't seize this chance to crush Chu Yuncheng underfoot, there likely wouldn't be many opportunities left after this.

Shang Yanxiao replied, "This is an internal matter of your Chu family. You decide for yourself. You don't need to explain anything to us."

Chu Yate smiled and slipped back into the tone they were familiar with, "Don't worry. I, Chu Yate, know exactly who's an enemy and who's a friend. You treat me as an ally, and I naturally do the same."

After all, if Chu Yuncheng were first allowed to successfully secure the bid, and then reported and convicted for the illegal bribery involving Sweete, the punishment would only be heavier.

And after a successful report, Zhouye Investment would still have a chance to obtain the project.

Still, Chu Yate gave some thought to his allies, "Though on second thought, if Zhouye Investment could win the bid publicly and get amplified media coverage, wouldn't that be more beneficial to your company's reputation and growth?"

Shang Yanxiao was not one for beating around the bush either, "Since the 'ally' arrangement is still in effect, we can start discussing the specific division of 'Eaglet Cinema'."

Bai Xu nodded, "Right. Business is business."

This partnership was something they had agreed upon from the very beginning—and besides, in the business world, nothing was more reliable than mutual interest.

Chu Yate waved his hand, "There's no rush on that. I'll arrange a time to talk with you both next week. Right now I have something more important to take care of."

"What is it?"

"Chu Yuncheng has been taken away. Naturally I have to make good use of this time and make sure he has absolutely no chance of competing with me again."

Chu Yate left it at that, and Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao both understood his meaning at once.

"Alright, let's meet up when you're free."

"Sure."

...

The car door shut, cutting off all the noise from outside.

Bai Xu finally shed every last bit of his tension and let out a long breath, "It's finally completely over. These past two or three months, they really did feel so long."

Shang Yanxiao gave a quiet laugh, "You've worked hard, Young Master Bai."

Bai Xu tilted his head to look at him, "Likewise. You've worked pretty hard too, Mr. Shang."

Shang Yanxiao gestured with his eyes for him to put on his seatbelt, then thought of something, "Do you remember our bet?"

Bai Xu didn't move to buckle up right away and let out a small hum, "Of course I do."

The two of them had placed a bet during an industry team-building event—each was to win over Zhou Yangfan and Cheng Ye respectively, and whoever managed to secure a cooperation with their target could ask the other to fulfill one thing.

The cooperation had gone smoothly afterward, so the bet naturally came into effect.

However, the two of them had been occupied with preparations for the bidding project during that time, and neither had figured out what to ask for—so it had been set aside for the time being.

Shang Yanxiao suddenly leaned in close, "Young Master Bai, have you decided what you want me to do?"

"......"

Bai Xu looked at Shang Yanxiao, who had crossed into his personal space, and his throat moved with a subtle swallow, "Why are you– getting this close? Sit back properly and talk."

Shang Yanxiao laughed softly and reached over to pull his seatbelt, "What are you nervous about?"

Come to think of it, both of them took this bidding project very seriously, and neither was the type to be hands-off when it came to their careers. They had been busy dividing up work for the project preparations lately, and it had been a long time since they had engaged in what one might call 'friends with benefits' behavior.

Bai Xu refused to admit it, "When did I ever get nervous?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't expose him, and pressed again, "So, have you decided what bet you want to cash in?"

"……"

Bai Xu's gaze swept across Shang Yanxiao's face. A crazy idea formed in his heart, but he didn't dare say it out loud.

Shang Yanxiao's eyes darkened slightly, "I've already decided."

With that, he took the seatbelt in his hand and smoothly inserted it into the buckle.

Click!

The seatbelt latch made a crisp sound, as if hinting at something.

Bai Xu felt his eardrums tremble with it, and blurted out, "Shang Yanxiao, this kind of thing has to be mutual! It can't be cashed in as a bet!"

Shang Yanxiao's eyes rippled with amusement. He held back for a few seconds before finally breaking into a laugh, "Young Master Bai, I just want you to accompany me away from the city, find a quiet place to relax for a couple of days... but what were you thinking about? Hm?"

"……"

Bai Xu had misunderstood, and immediately shoved Shang Yanxiao away in embarrassment, "I wasn't thinking anything."

Shang Yanxiao wouldn't let it go, "If Young Master Bai wants to do that kind of thing, I'm available anytime."

Bai Xu refused to admit it, "Just drive your car!"

Shang Yanxiao stopped 'teasing' him and cooperatively started the car.

The car left the underground parking lot and drove on the road home.

Bai Xu suppressed the restlessness that had stirred in him just now, and only then spoke belatedly, "Shang Yanxiao, where do you want to go?"

Shang Yanxiao said, "Singapore has quite a few places suitable for hiking and off-road. If you're up for it and willing to go, I'll take you along?"

Bai Xu was surprised, "Hiking? You're into that?"

"Mm."

Shang Yanxiao was indeed a hiking enthusiast. Whenever he was under too much pressure or on vacation, he liked to go hiking and off-roading, finding a place where no one knew him to clear his head.

Bai Xu had no experience in this area, but was willing to try, "Sure, but I don't have much hiking experience before, so I'll follow your lead?"

Shang Yanxiao smiled, "Okay."

...

Night had fallen.

Bai Xu, with nothing to do, purposely headed downstairs, casually cracked open a cold beer, and leaned back on the sofa, continuing to scroll through the local inner-circle forums of Singapore.

The hot topics of the day were undoubtedly all related to the "Eaglet Cinema" bidding, and among them, the two most discussed subjects were—

One was Zhouye Investment, which had gained widespread fame for winning the bid, and the other was Chu Yuncheng, who had been taken away for bribery.

Two topics, yet worlds apart.

Bai Xu took a small sip of his cold beer, staring at the messages on his phone with great interest.

No one knew who had filmed the scene of 'Chu Yuncheng being openly taken away in the bidding hall,' but the video was being frantically spread across major media outlets and forums, and all kinds of verdicts-before-judgment commentary were springing up like mushrooms after rain, impossible to stop.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Bai Xu looked back at once, and just happened to meet eyes with Shang Yanxiao coming downstairs.

Shang Yanxiao caught a glimpse of his thin pajamas and the cold beer in his hand, and frowned with mild disapproval, "Late at night, and you're still drinking something cold?"

Bai Xu replied, "With this weather, it's fine."

Singapore was in the tropics, and the year-round temperature didn't change much.

Although it was already mid-October, the weather had been pleasant lately, quite comfortable.

Shang Yanxiao sat down beside him, "What are you looking at?"

Bai Xu held up his phone to show him, and analyzed, "Videos of Chu Yuncheng being taken away are already all over the internet, yet such a large conglomerate as Chu's hasn't paid to have them taken down in time?"

Shang Yanxiao understood clearly, "And who else could be behind it?"

"Second Chu is truly ruthless."

Bai Xu equally understood who the hand behind the scenes was, but his words carried more admiration than anything else, "To suppress a competitor, even the group's own corporate reputation can be thrown aside first."

With the Chu Yuncheng incident coming to light, the Chu Group was bound to be affected.

Shang Yanxiao continued, "Only this way would the upper management, whose interests are impacted, grow more and more hostile toward Chu Yuncheng, and in turn, more supportive of him."

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow lightly, "Would the Old Chairman Chu fail to see through his calculations?"

Shang Yanxiao smiled indifferently, "Then that's a problem for Second Chu to figure out."

Bai Xu gave a brief hum of agreement, "True enough."

Shang Yanxiao took the opportunity to change the subject, "By the way, I've already made the arrangements just now. We set off tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Where to?"

"Congshan Forest Bay. It's one of Singapore's more untouched forest scenic areas. It's about a four-hour drive from N City."

Shang Yanxiao laid out his plan, "We leave at ten in the morning, grab a simple meal when we get there, then hike for two and a half to three hours, and we should make it to the accommodation inside the scenic area before dark."

He paused, asking for Bai Xu's opinion, "Will it be too tiring?"

Bai Xu said uncertainly, "It sounds like it should be manageable? But don't we need to prepare some athletic gear? I don't have any in my wardrobe."

Shang Yanxiao had already thoughtfully considered this, "I just got in touch with a sportswear brand's counter. They can have everything delivered first thing tomorrow morning."

For something that could be solved with money, there was no need to waste much effort.

Shang Yanxiao continued, "We'll stay there one night. The second day has no plans, just relax naturally, then drive back. If you like it and want to stay an extra day or two, that's fine too."

Bai Xu nodded, "It does sound quite relaxed. It's just that you have to drive both ways, it seems like you're doing more work than me."

Shang Yanxiao was indifferent to the time spent on the round trip, "As long as you're by my side, I'm more than happy."

"……"

Bai Xu was momentarily stunned, a trace of warmth settling on the tip of his heart.

Shang Yanxiao wasn't the type to readily spout sweet words, yet his low voice was exceptionally pleasant to listen to—an occasional offhand remark here and there was enough to make someone's heart race in an instant.

Bai Xu straightened up slightly, unable to hold back as he leaned toward him, "Shang Yanxiao."

"Mm?"

Bai Xu's gaze wandered over his face, carrying an indescribable impulse, "I feel like you're a little different from before."

Shang Yanxiao was more direct. He reached out, cupped the back of his head, and drew him forward, "Mm? Different how?"

The tips of their noses brushed faintly against each other, their breath intertwining with one another's.

Bai Xu was still holding the cold beer, but the slight chill from the bottle was no longer enough to suppress the heat rapidly swelling inside him, "I think…"

At the very moment a kiss was about to fall, a sudden unlocking sound came from the tightly shut front door.

Bai Xu's instincts kicked in, and he shoved Shang Yanxiao away in an instant.

Xie Qi walked in through the door, and upon seeing the situation on the sofa, he couldn't help but freeze on the spot.

"……"

Good heavens.

Was there still time for him to turn invisible and slip back out?

Xie Qi, sensing the ambiguous atmosphere between Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu, braced himself and greeted them, "Third Young Master, Young Master Bai, you two still haven't gone upstairs this late?"

Shang Yanxiao's back had gone slightly rigid, and he didn't reply.

Bai Xu, carrying a trace of shame from being caught in the act, took another sip of beer to 'calm his nerves', "So, um, how come you're back so late today?"

Even knowing it was the other party casually steering the topic, Xie Qi could only go along with it, "Young Master Bai, didn't you and the Third Young Master say that since we won the bid, I should treat everyone on the project team to a proper meal? I just got back from the dinner."

Bai Xu remembered that matter, "Oh right, I'm heading upstairs to rest. We still have to set off early tomorrow morning."

With that, he made a quick getaway toward the second floor.

Shang Yanxiao watched helplessly as his figure disappeared at the top of the stairs. A trace of regret welling up inside him at having 'a good thing interrupted', he turned to the side to face his assistant, who was still frozen on the spot, not daring to move.

Their eyes met.

Xie Qi nervously pushed up his glasses, sheepishly, "Third Young Master."

"Alright, close the front door and go get some rest."

Shang Yanxiao's reason was still intact, yet inwardly he was quietly scheming—

As expected, they needed to find a place with no third parties. Otherwise, being interrupted every time like tonight simply wouldn't do.

...

The next morning.

Bai Xu changed into the sportswear Shang Yanxiao had specially purchased, and got into the car in good spirits.

Shang Yanxiao handed over the meal box the servants had prepared ahead of time, "Eat it if you get hungry on the way. If you still feel sleepy, sleep a little longer, I'll wake you when we arrive."

Bai Xu buckled his seatbelt, "Not sleepy. The weather's nice today."

Shang Yanxiao smiled and simply started the car, "Then we're off?"

"Let's go."

Shang Yanxiao's travel planning was reliable, and under his lead, Bai Xu departed on time and arrived on schedule.

Congshan Forest Bay covered a vast area and was one of Singapore's top forest oxygen bars, having attracted quite a few hikers and off-road enthusiasts over the years.

In order to make things more convenient for sightseeing tourists, and to better protect the natural environment—

The relevant authorities had specially built a path using stone steps and wooden planks. As long as you followed the path, it was hard to go wrong.

The air inside the forest was relatively stuffy, hot, and humid.

Bai Xu took a breath of fresh air, his interest undiminished, "I feel like just walking for over two hours like this shouldn't be too tiring."

Shang Yanxiao, in order to lighten Bai Xu's load, had stuffed most of the heavy items into his own backpack, "The energy drinks are with me. Just say the word when you're thirsty."

"Got it, I'm not a three-year-old~"

Bai Xu briskly unfolded his trekking pole and eagerly ran up a few steps.

Shang Yanxiao followed with a light laugh, helplessly reminding him, "There's moss on these steps. Slow down, be careful you don't slip!"

Bai Xu's tone in response was a little adorable, "Alright, alright, I know! Hurry up!"

...

The two of them hiked for nearly three hours, and finally made it to the only hotel in the forest just before dark.

"Gentlemen, all of our suites here feature individual courtyard designs. The perimeter has dual protection of stone and tempered glass, designed to prevent wild animals from entering at night."

The butler led Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao along, dutifully giving them an introduction.

"The hotel has also arranged some outdoor activities nearby. If the two of you are interested tomorrow, you can make a reservation. At the latest, half an hour in advance."

Bai Xu looked toward Shang Yanxiao, "Outdoor activities? Should we just reserve them now?"

The traditional mindset of Hua country people—having come all this way, wouldn't it be a shame not to experience everything?

A faint glimmer passed through Shang Yanxiao's eyes, "Let's talk about it tomorrow. You've had quite a workout today. What if you wake up tomorrow with a sore back and aching muscles and want to sleep in a little longer?"

"Would that happen?"

Bai Xu had confidence in his own stamina, but still listened to Shang Yanxiao, "Alright then."

The butler continued, "Meals are the same. Just reserve half an hour in advance. There's a service bell inside the room. Tonight's dinner has already been prepared ahead of time and will be sent up to the two of you shortly."

"Mm."

Very quickly, the three of them arrived at the exclusive courtyard suite.

The butler tactfully stopped at the outermost perimeter, "Gentlemen, here are your keycards. The courtyard bath has been sterilized to standard. If you need it, you can start filling it in advance. It takes twenty minutes to fill."

"Thank you."

Bai Xu proactively took the keycards and stepped closer to the main building ahead of everyone else.

Shang Yanxiao followed close behind.

Bai Xu eagerly pushed open the suite door, then fell into silence at the sight of the one and only large bed in the room, "Shang Yanxiao, why is there only one bed?"

Shang Yanxiao set down his backpack, expression unchanged, "When I made the reservation, there was only a king bed room available."

"……"

Who are you trying to fool.

Bai Xu clearly didn't believe it, "I can tell you did it on purpose."

Caught out, Shang Yanxiao's expression remained as composed as ever, "It's not like we haven't slept together before. And looking at the size of this bed…"

He smiled lightly and pointed out, "It seems like no matter how we sleep tonight, there's more than enough room."

Bai Xu gave a sullen grunt and didn't respond.

Shang Yanxiao let out an imperceptible sigh and retreated in order to advance, "If you're not comfortable with it, I'll go ask the butler to switch rooms?"

"Forget it. It's just one night anyway. Sleeping is sleeping."

Bai Xu himself didn't have much resistance to the idea of sharing a bed, "Shang Yanxiao, I'm hungry."

A simple sentence, yet the commanding tone was unmistakable.

Shang Yanxiao inwardly called him a "little ancestor," yet still willingly picked up the cue, "Wait, I'll have the butler bring the food."

"Okay."

...

Although the hotel was deep in the forest and resupply was inconvenient, the hotel's arrangements for food were quite refined.

Hiking through the forest was rather taxing on the body, and Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu quickly finished every last bit of the delivered dinner.

Shang Yanxiao proactively stood up, "Should I run a hot bath to soak in for a bit? It might make sleeping a little easier tonight?"

Bai Xu poured himself another cup of wine, "Sure."

Having gotten his answer, Shang Yanxiao rose and headed out toward the courtyard.

Bai Xu sat quietly in his spot, yet his gaze followed Shang Yanxiao's movements.

He kept feeling that Shang Yanxiao was like a hunter who had patiently dug a trap, and was now luring him step by step into falling inside, and then—feasting thoroughly to his heart's content.

"……"

Fully aware of the 'danger' ahead, yet Bai Xu had no thought of running. He held his wine cup and slowly drew closer to the bath in the courtyard.

The glass enclosing the courtyard blocked out the wind from the forest outside, but couldn't cut off the occasional cries of animals drifting over from the distance. Hidden within the quiet night was the most primal wildness—dangerous and captivating.

Shang Yanxiao swiftly took off his outer jacket and stepped into the bath, which had only filled halfway with hot water.

Bai Xu walked closer, "Didn't you say you were running it for me? How come you went in first instead?"

Shang Yanxiao countered, "Can't two people soak together? I'm testing the water temperature for you first."

Bai Xu's gaze drifted downward, involuntarily coming to rest on Shang Yanxiao's abdominal muscles. Even though it wasn't the first time he had seen them, every single time he was still left with a dry mouth, drawn in by that figure.

"……"

Captivated by beauty, led astray by beauty.

Bai Xu suddenly felt those two phrases suited him perfectly.

He tilted his head back and drank down the remaining wine in one go, then sat down on the stone step at the edge of the bath, "Shang Yanxiao, your trap is far too obvious. A clever prey wouldn't take the bait."

Shang Yanxiao moved closer toward him, "Oh? So Young Master Bai considers himself the prey now?"

Bai Xu let him draw close, growing bolder with his words as well, "Who's the prey tonight, that's not decided yet~"

Another animal's cry rang out from deep within the forest.

Shang Yanxiao gave Bai Xu a long, deep look, then without a word cupped his jaw and claimed his lips.

"……"

An instinctive intake of breath accompanied yet another animal's cry. Bai Xu froze for a moment, then met him head-on without holding back.

One stood in the pool, the other sat at its edge—yet the height was just right for an embrace and a kiss.

Steam and mist rose thickly from the full pool.

The water on Shang Yanxiao's body soaked through Bai Xu's clothes, but neither had any attention to spare for that.

The two of them tore at each other like tigers and wolves, declaring their desire to possess one another. The pressure that had accumulated from days of work was released in an instant, and the desire suppressed for so long surged up like wild vines, winding around them until they were inseparable.

"Mhmm..."

Bai Xu let out an involuntary sound, and the next second, Shang Yanxiao exerted his strength and forcibly pulled him into the water.

The sudden loss of control made Bai Xu's eyes snap open, and he said hazily, "I- my clothes aren't off yet."

"It's fine. They're going to get dirty anyway."

Shang Yanxiao's breath was scorching, his voice hoarse, as though exerting every last effort to restrain his final measure of composure.

"A' Xu."

"……"

Bai Xu's surging desire made his thoughts dissolve into disorder, and his response came out soft and hazy, "Mm?"

Shang Yanxiao was inexplicably reminded of the deliberately asked question before their first kiss, "I want you. May I?"

Though it was a question, his actions left no room for Bai Xu to refuse—he pressed the person in his arms against the wall of the bath with the gaze fixed like a hunter refusing to release his prey.

Bai Xu's throat moved, and he pressed his lips once more to the corner of Shang Yanxiao's mouth, "May."

What could be done?

Knowing full well it was a trap, he still jumped in willingly.

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