DASFAM_51

"......."

Bai Xu heard this somewhat familiar voice and couldn't help but halt his steps. He glanced at Shang Yanxiao, silently mouthing a hint: Assistant from Chu Yuncheng’s team?  

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 would 'betray' their former employer for money. Do you think I’d feel comfortable keeping you by my side?"  

Amidst the lighthearted tone lay an indifferent coldness, detached from the situation.  

"I gave you quite a sum of money. As for the future, you’ll have to figure it out yourself. One shouldn’t push their luck too far, don’t you agree?"  

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

In less than half a minute, the slightly ajar door to the emergency exit opened. Assistant Xiao Ge hurried out and, upon seeing Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao a few steps away, nervously shifted his gaze.  

The assistant froze for just two or three seconds before turning and running off in the opposite direction without looking back.  

Shortly after, Chu Yate leisurely stepped out.  

"......"  

"......."  

As their eyes met, the atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.  

Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao found themselves in an awkward position, neither able to leave nor stay. Though they had only passed by accidentally, they had indeed overheard something they 'shouldn’t have'.

Chu Yate showed no sign of guilt at being caught, stepping forward without evasion or hesitation, "So, you both know now?"

Bai Xu didn’t like lying about such matters and spoke frankly, "Second Young Master Chu, I suddenly feel fortunate to be your ally rather than your opponent."

The person before him appeared carefree and always wore a smile, but his depth of scheming and skill could not be underestimated.

Indeed, after using Assistant Xiao Ge to deal with Chu Yuncheng, he had callously discarded the ‘useless pawn’ without leaving any room for maneuver.

"Xiao Ge never wanted to stay by Chu Yuncheng’s side in the first place. I just paid to make use of his insider access. I never expected to actually uncover something as serious as his bribery."

If Chu Yuncheng hadn’t slipped up in his actions, how could he have obtained leverage so easily?

With the biggest obstacle swept away, Chu Yate no longer concealed his ambition, "I remember telling you from the start. My goal is the position of chairman of the Chu Group."

"You probably know Chu Yuncheng’s temperament. Even though my father divorced first and my mother came later, he still insists I’m the son of a homewrecker. Over the years, the things he’s said to me have been utterly vile!"

Just mentioning this soured Chu Yate’s mood.

Among the corporation’s top executives were old friends of Chu Yuncheng’s mother. No matter how reckless or useless Chu Yuncheng was in private, Chu Tian and the executives were always willing to give him chance after chance.

Chu Yate had seen through this long ago and thought it through clearly, "Minor conflicts will just be brushed aside as if nothing happened. In that case, why not stir up something major?"

If he didn’t seize this opportunity to trample Chu Yuncheng underfoot, he might not get many more chances later!

Shang Yanxiao replied, "This is an internal matter of your Chu family. You decide for yourself, no need to explain to us."

Chu Yate laughed, reverting to the tone they were familiar with, "Rest assured, I, Chu Yate, distinguish clearly between friend and foe. If you consider me an ally, then I am too."

After all, if Chu Yuncheng were allowed to successfully secure the bidding project first, and then he was reported and convicted of illegal bribery with Sweet, the latter would face even heavier penalties.  

Moreover, after a successful report, Zhouye Investments would still have a chance to win the project.  

However, Chu Yate still took his allies into consideration, "But then it occurred to me. If Zhouye Investments could win the bid publicly and gain media exposure, wouldn’t that be more beneficial for your company’s reputation and development?"  

Shang Yanxiao was also someone who didn’t like beating around the bush, "Since the ‘ally’ agreement is still in effect, we can begin discussing the specifics of the ‘Eaglet Cinema’ division."  

Bai Xu nodded, "Yes, let’s keep things separate."  

Cooperation was something they had agreed upon from the start. Besides, in the business world, shared interests are the most reliable bond.  

Chu Yate waved his hand, "No rush on that. I’ll schedule time to talk with you about it next week. Right now, I have more important matters to attend to."  

"What matters?"  

"Now that Chu Yuncheng has been taken away, I naturally need to make the most of this time to ensure he has no possibility of ever competing with me again."  

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

"Alright, let’s schedule another time."  

"Sure."

...

The car door closed, shutting out all the noise from outside.

Bai Xu completely let go of all the pressure, breathing a long sigh of relief, "It's finally all over. The past two or three months have truly felt very long."

Shang Yanxiao chuckled lightly, "You've worked hard, Young Master Bai."

Bai Xu turned his head to look at him, "Same to you. Mr. Shang has also been quite busy."

Shang Yanxiao signaled with his eyes for him to fasten his seatbelt, then remembered something, "Do you remember our bet?"

Bai Xu didn't rush to move, humming in response, "Of course I remember."

The two had made a bet during an industry team-building event, wagering on who could successfully secure partnerships with Zhou Yangfan and Cheng Ye. Whoever succeeded could ask the other to do something.

Later, the cooperation went smoothly, so the bet naturally took effect.

However, with both of them busy preparing for the bidding project recently, and neither having thought of what to ask for, the matter was temporarily set aside.

Shang Yanxiao suddenly leaned in closer, "Young Master Bai, have you thought of what you want me to do?"

"......"

Bai Xu looked at Shang Yanxiao, who had crossed the safe personal distance, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly, "You, what are you getting so close for? Sit properly and talk."

Shang Yanxiao chuckled softly, reaching for the seatbelt beside him, "Why are you so nervous?"

Come to think of it, both of them had taken this bidding project very seriously. Neither had been hands-off in their work, and with recent responsibilities divided in preparing for the project, there hadn't been any so-called ‘friends with benefits’ activities for a long time.

Bai Xu denied it, "What do you mean I'm nervous?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't call him out on it, pressing further instead, "So, have you thought of what you want to redeem for your bet?"

"......"

Bai Xu's gaze swept over Shang Yanxiao's face. A wild thought crossed his mind, but he didn't dare voice it.

Shang Yanxiao's eyes darkened slightly, "I've already thought of mine."

As soon as he finished speaking, he smoothly inserted the seatbelt in his hand into the buckle.

Click!

The safety buckle made a crisp sound, almost like a hint of something.

Bai Xu felt his eardrums vibrate along with it and blurted out, "Shang Yanxiao, this has to be mutual! It can't be redeemed as a bet!"

A ripple of amusement flashed in Shang Yanxiao's eyes. He held back for a few seconds before finally chuckling, "Young Master Bai, I just wanted you to come with me to a quiet place away from the city to relax for a couple of days. But what were you thinking of? Hmm?"

"......"

Bai Xu, having misunderstood, immediately pushed Shang Yanxiao away in embarrassment, "I wasn't thinking anything."

Shang Yanxiao pressed on relentlessly, "If Young Master Bai wants to do that kind of thing, I'm available anytime."

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

Shang Yanxiao didn't ‘provoke’ him further and very cooperatively started the car.

The car left the underground parking lot and headed home.

Bai Xu suppressed his earlier flustered emotions and finally asked belatedly, "Shang Yanxiao, where do you want to go?"

Shang Yanxiao said, "There are quite a few places in Singapore suitable for hiking and trekking. If you're up for it and willing to go, I can take you along?"

Bai Xu was surprised, "Hiking? You have that kind of hobby too?"

"Hmm."

Shang Yanxiao truly was an enthusiast of hiking. Whenever he was under excessive pressure or on vacation, he enjoyed going on a trek, finding a place where no one knew him to clear his mind.

Bai Xu had little experience in this area but was willing to give it a try, "Alright, but I don't have much hiking experience. Should I just follow your arrangements?"

Shang Yanxiao smiled, "Sure."

...

Night fell.

Having nothing else to do, Bai Xu went downstairs on a whim, casually opened a bottle of ice-cold beer, and settled back on the sofa to continue browsing local industry forums in Singapore.

Today's trending topics were undoubtedly all related to the bidding for ‘Eaglet Cinema’, with two discussions generating the most buzz.

First, Zhouye Investments, which had gained significant fame for winning the bid, and second, Chu Yuncheng, who had been taken away for bribery.

Two topics, yet worlds apart.

Bai Xu took a small sip of his ice-cold beer and watched the messages on his phone with great interest.

Someone had captured the scene of ‘Chu Yuncheng being publicly escorted away from the bidding hall’. The video spread like wildfire across major media outlets and forums, with all sorts of judgments before the verdict emerged, popping up uncontrollably like mushrooms after rain.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Bai Xu turned around immediately, just in time to lock eyes with Shang Yanxiao, who was coming downstairs.

Shang Yanxiao glanced at Bai Xu's thin pajamas and the ice-cold beer in his hand, frowning disapprovingly, "Drinking something ice-cold so late at night?"

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

New Country was in the tropics, with little variation in temperature year-round.

Even though it was already mid-October, the recent weather had been pleasant and quite comfortable.

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

Bai Xu handed him his phone to show him the content, analyzing, "Videos of Chu Yuncheng being taken away are already all over the internet. How come such a large corporation like the Chu Group hasn't spent money to take them down promptly?"

Shang Yanxiao saw it clearly, "Whose doing do you think it is?"

"Chu Yate really is ruthless."

Bai Xu also understood who was behind the scenes, but there was more praise in his tone, "To suppress a competitor, he's even willing to sacrifice his own company's group reputation first."

Once this incident involving Chu Yuncheng broke out, the Chu Group would inevitably be affected.

Shang Yanxiao continued, "Only this way will the high-ranking executives, whose interests are impacted, reject Chu Yuncheng more and, in turn, support him even more."

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow slightly, "Will Old Chairman Chu not see through his scheming?"

Shang Yanxiao smiled nonchalantly, "That's something Chu Yate will have to figure out how to handle himself."

Bai Xu hummed in agreement, "True."

Shang Yanxiao seized the moment to change the subject, "By the way, I've already made the arrangements. We'll set off tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Where to?"

"Congshan Forest Bay, a relatively primitive forest scenic area in Singapore. It's about a four-hour drive from the city."

Shang Yanxiao laid out his plan, "We'll leave at ten in the morning. Once we get there, we'll have a quick meal, then hike for about two and a half to three hours. We should reach the accommodation inside the scenic area before dark."

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

Bai Xu replied uncertainly, "It sounds doable? But don't we need to prepare sports gear? I don't have any in my closet."

Shang Yanxiao had already thoughtfully considered this aspect, "I've already contacted a sports brand store. They'll deliver everything we need early tomorrow morning."

Things that could be solved with money didn't require much effort.

Shang Yanxiao went on, "We'll stay there one night. There's nothing planned for the second day, just relax naturally before taking the car back. If you like it, we can stay another day or two longer."

Bai Xu nodded, "Sounds pretty relaxed. It's just the round-trip driving, seems like you'll have it tougher than me."

Shang Yanxiao didn't mind the round-trip travel time, "As long as you're by my side, I find it perfectly sweet."

"......"

Bai Xu was taken aback, a warmth gathering at the tip of his heart.

Shang Yanxiao wasn't the type to casually spout sweet talk, but his low voice was exceptionally pleasant. Occasionally, one or two offhand remarks from him could make someone's heart race wildly.

Bai Xu straightened slightly, unable to resist leaning closer, "Shang Yanxiao."

"Hmm?"

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

In response, Shang Yanxiao reached out more directly, cupping the back of his head and pulling him forward, "Hm? How am I different?"

Their noses brushed lightly, almost imperceptibly, their breaths mingling with each other's scent.

Bai Xu was still holding the ice-cold beer, but the chill from the bottle could no longer suppress the rapidly swelling heat within him, "I think..."

Just as a kiss was about to land, the sound of unlocking suddenly came from the closed front door.

Instinctively alert, Bai Xu pushed Shang Yanxiao away in an instant.

Xie Qi opened the door and walked in. Seeing the scene on the sofa, he froze in place.

"......"

Oh my god.

Was it too late for him to quietly back out and disappear?

Xie Qi, sensing the faintly ambiguous atmosphere between Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu, steeled himself and greeted them, "Third Young Master, Young Master Bai, you two are still downstairs so late?"

Shang Yanxiao's back tensed slightly, and he did not respond.

Bai Xu, feeling the awkwardness of being caught, took another sip of beer to calm his nerves, "Uh, why are you back so late today?"

Even though he knew it was just a casual topic Bai Xu was bringing up, Xie Qi could only go along with it, "Young Master Bai, you and Third Young Master mentioned we won the bid and asked me and Kai Ling to properly reward everyone on the project team? I just got back from the dinner gathering."

Bai Xu remembered this matter, "Oh, I'm going up to rest first. We have an early start tomorrow."

With that, he slipped away and headed up to the second floor.

Shang Yanxiao watched helplessly as his figure disappeared at the top of the stairs, a hint of regret over the ‘interrupted moment’ welling up inside him. He turned to face his assistant, who was still frozen in place.

Their eyes met.

Xie Qi nervously adjusted his glasses, looking embarrassed, "Third Young Master."

"Alright, just lock the door and go rest."

Shang Yanxiao still had his wits about him, but he couldn't help thinking to himself—

He really needed to find a place with no third parties around; otherwise, interruptions like tonight would just keep happening, and that wouldn't do.

...

The next morning.

Bai Xu changed into the sportswear set Shang Yanxiao had specifically purchased and got into the car with noticeable enthusiasm.

Shang Yanxiao handed over the meal box prepared early by the housekeeper, "Eat if you get hungry on the way. If you're still feeling sleepy, go ahead and nap a bit more. I'll wake you when we arrive."

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

Shang Yanxiao smiled and started the car, "Shall we head off then?"

"Alright."

Shang Yanxiao's travel planning was reliable. Under his guidance, Bai Xu set off and arrived right on schedule.

The area of Congshan Forest Bay was vast, ranking among Singapore's top forest oxygen bars. Over the years, it had attracted many hiking and trekking enthusiasts to come and check in.

To facilitate visiting tourists and better protect the original environment—

The relevant authorities had specially built a small path using stone steps and wooden planks. As long as you followed this path, you were unlikely to get lost.

The air inside the forest was relatively stuffy and humid.

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

To lighten Bai Xu's load, Shang Yanxiao had stuffed most of the heavy items into his own backpack, "The energy drinks and water are on me. Let me know if you're thirsty."

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

Bai Xu briskly extended his trekking poles and eagerly climbed a few steps up the stone stairs.

Shang Yanxiao followed with a light chuckle, helplessly reminding him, "There's moss on these steps. Slow down, careful not to slip!"

Bai Xu's responding tone was somewhat endearing, "Okay, okay! Hurry up!"

...

The two hiked for nearly three hours and finally arrived at the only hotel in the forest that offered accommodations just before dark.

"Gentlemen, all our suites here feature independent courtyard designs. The outer perimeters are protected by both stone walls and tempered glass to prevent nocturnal intrusions by wildlife."

The butler led Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao, providing a thorough introduction.

"The hotel also offers some outdoor activities nearby. If you're interested tomorrow, you can make a reservation. The latest booking should be made at least half an hour in advance."

Bai Xu looked at Shang Yanxiao, "Outdoor activities? Should we book now?"

Following a common tradition among people from Chinese; since we're already here, wouldn't it be a shame not to try it?

A faint glint flickered in Shang Yanxiao's eyes as he replied, "We can decide tomorrow. You've had quite a bit of exercise today. What if you wake up tomorrow with sore muscles and want to sleep in?"

"Is that possible?"

Bai Xu had confidence in his own stamina but still followed Shang Yanxiao's suggestion, "Alright then."

The butler continued his introduction, "Meals can also be booked half an hour in advance. There's a service bell in the room. Tonight's dinner has been prepared ahead of time and will be brought to you shortly."

"En."

Soon, the three arrived at the exclusive courtyard suite.

The butler tactfully stopped at the outermost perimeter, "Gentlemen, here are the key cards. The courtyard bathtubs have all been disinfected according to standard procedures. If needed, you can fill them in advance. It takes about twenty minutes to fill."

"Thank you."

Bai Xu took the key card and stepped closer to the main building.

Shang Yanxiao followed closely behind.

Eagerly, Bai Xu opened the suite's door, only to fall silent upon seeing the one and only large bed inside, "Shang Yanxiao, why is there only one bed?"

Shang Yanxiao set down his backpack, expression unchanged, "Only king bedrooms were available when I booked."

"......"

You're lying through your teeth.

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

Unfazed by being called out, Shang Yanxiao replied calmly, "It's not like we haven't slept together before, and looking at the size of this bed..."

He chuckled lightly, adding, "It seems like we'll have more than enough room however we sleep tonight."

Bai Xu hummed in response, staying silent.

Shang Yanxiao let out an almost imperceptible sigh and took a step back to advance, "If you're not willing, I can go ask the butler to change rooms?"

"Forget it. It's just one night anyway. If we're sleeping, we're sleeping."

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

A simple statement, yet the commanding tone was evident.

Shang Yanxiao muttered ‘little lord’ to himself but willingly replied, "Wait, I'll have the butler bring the food."

"Alright."

...

Although the hotel was deep in the forest and transportation wasn't easy, its food arrangements were quite thoughtful.

Hiking through the forest was still quite physically draining. Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu quickly finished the dinner that had been delivered.

Shang Yanxiao stood up first, "How about filling it with hot water for a quick soak? Might help you sleep a bit better tonight?"

Bai Xu poured himself another glass of wine, "Alright."

Receiving his answer, Shang Yanxiao stood and walked toward the courtyard outside.

Bai Xu remained seated, but his gaze followed Shang Yanxiao's movements.

He couldn't shake the feeling that Shang Yanxiao was like a hunter who had meticulously set a trap, luring him step by step into it, only to then feast upon him thoroughly.

"......"

Even knowing the ‘danger’ ahead, Bai Xu had no thought of escaping. Holding his glass, he slowly approached the bath in the courtyard.

The glass enclosing the courtyard blocked the wind from the forest outside but couldn't muffle the occasional animal calls in the distance. The quiet night concealed the most primal wildness, dangerous yet mesmerizing.

Shang Yanxiao took off his outerwear without hesitation and stepped into the bath, which was only half-filled with hot water.

Bai Xu walked closer, "Didn't you say it was for me to soak in? Why are you getting in first instead?"

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

Bai Xu's gaze drifted downward, involuntarily landing on Shang Yanxiao's abdominal muscles. Even though it wasn't the first time he'd seen them, he still felt a parched thirst rise within him each time, mesmerized by the physique.

"......"

Falling for someone's looks, being led astray by beauty.

Bai Xu suddenly felt these two phrases suited him perfectly.

He tipped his head back and finished the remaining wine in his glass, then sat on the stone steps at the edge of the bath, "Shang Yanxiao, your trap is set way too obviously. A clever prey wouldn't take the bait."

Shang Yanxiao moved closer to him, "Oh? So it seems Young Master Bai also thinks of himself as prey?"

Bai Xu allowed him to press near, growing bolder with his words, "Who ends up as prey tonight, that's still not certain~"

Another animal roar echoed from deep within the forest.

Shang Yanxiao gazed deeply at Bai Xu for a moment before, without another word, gripping his chin and capturing his lips.

"......"

An instinctive gasp mingled with yet another animal roar. Bai Xu paused for a second, then met the advance without holding back.

One stood in the pool, the other sat at its edge, yet their heights aligned perfectly for an embrace and a kiss.

The air was hazy with steam from the filled pool.

Water from Shang Yanxiao's body soaked through Bai Xu's clothes, but neither had the mind to care.

The two were like tigers and wolves tearing at each other, declaring their possessiveness over one another. The accumulated pressure from days of work was released in an instant, while long-suppressed desires burst forth like vines, entangling them inseparably.

"Mhmm..."

Bai Xu instinctively let out a muffled sound. The next second, Shang Yanxiao, with force, abruptly dragged him into the water.

The sudden loss of control made Bai Xu’s eyes snap open. He mumbled, "M-my clothes aren't off yet."

"Doesn't matter. They're going to get dirty anyway."

Shang Yanxiao's breath was scorching, his voice hoarse, as if barely restraining his final limits.

"A'Xu."

"......"

Bai Xu's surging passion left him disoriented, his response dripping with desire, "Hmm?"

Shang Yanxiao inexplicably recalled the deliberate question before their first kiss, "I want you. May I?"

Though phrased as a question, his actions left Bai Xu no room for refusal. He pinned the person in his arms against the bath wall, his gaze fixed like that of a hunter locked onto prey.

Bai Xu’s Adam's apple bobbed as he once again pressed against the corner of Shang Yanxiao's mouth, "You may."

What could he do?

Even knowing it was a trap, he was still willingly jumping in.

–

TL: Muji

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