Category: Love Genius Qian Xiaoke (Page 3 of 7)

       Other people’s love confessions are all about going above and beyond—roses, hot air balloons, fancy candlelit dinners in upscale restaurants. The more romantic, the better. The more over-the-top, the better.

        But these two? They walk their own path.

        Years later, when someone asked how they confessed to each other, Jiang Tongyan would say, “He was peeing, and I just… confessed in the bathroom.”

        Absolutely ridiculous, and it totally fits them.

        Qian Xiaoke’s face was hurting from how hard Jiang Tongyan was pulling. He gave his shin a little kick, all pouty.

        It was a gentle kick, and it was just for show. The thoughtful and considerate Qian Xiaoke couldn’t bear to actually hurt him.

        “It hurts!” Qian Xiaoke said. “You’re messing up my face!”

        Jiang Tongyan let go and started rubbing his cheeks instead, kneading them like dough until Qian Xiaoke’s soft little face was all scrunched up.

        “What are you doing?” Qian Xiaoke protested, annoyed. He grabbed Jiang Tongyan’s wrist and bit him. “Stop messing with me!”

        “Then just say yes already.” Jiang Tongyan wasn’t trying to mess with him on purpose. This was just how he covered up his own nerves.

        What if Qian Xiaoke said no?

        This kid didn’t think like a normal person; he might really come up with something strange.

        Jiang Tongyan had already decided. If Qian Xiaoke dared to reject him, he would just shut him up with a kiss and force him to take it back. As the saying goes, a shameless person is invincible in the world. Today, he was fully prepared to be shameless.

        But Qian Xiaoke had never planned to say no in the first place.

        He ran his fingers along the bite mark he had just left on Jiang Tongyan’s wrist, then broke into a helpless smile.

        “Fine, fine. I’ll say yes.” And just because he couldn’t help himself, he added, “But I’m gonna be clear—you forced me.”

        Jiang Tongyan looked at the mess of hair on top of his head and laughed. As he laughed, he pulled him into his arms.

        “fvck,” Jiang Tongyan said.

        Qian Xiaoke smacked him. “Hey! What was that for?”

        “I’m a little excited,” Jiang Tongyan said. “Cheng Sen told me that word is just an exclamation. It’s used to express awe at the world.”

        “And what exactly are you in awe of right now?” Qian Xiaoke wondered. Was Jiang Tongyan in awe of how delicate his body and soft waist were, making it easy to push down?

        Jiang Tongyan hugged him even tighter, proud as hell. “In awe that I finally have a partner.”

        I finally have a partner!

        Now Shen Huiming can’t get under my skin anymore!

        Hell yeah!

        So satisfying!

       fvck!

       Jiang Tongyan was practically feeling the rush of sweet revenge, like he had just scored a major win. He almost wanted to throw his head back and howl at the sky!

       Qian Xiaoke tilted his head up to look at him and gave his cheek a gentle pinch. “Are you okay?”

       “I’m great.” Jiang Tongyan looked down at him. “Couldn’t be better.”

       Then he lifted him up and carried him straight into the bathtub. “Let’s try it the bathtub play,” he said. “Been thinking about it for a while.”

       Obscene!

       Vulgar!

        But Qian Xiaoke was more than willing.

        The two of them thrashed around in the bathtub, splashing water everywhere. By the time they were done, the bathroom floor was completely soaked. At the end, Qian Xiaoke wanted to play rock-paper-scissors with Jiang Tongyan, and the loser would clean up the bathroom.

        But Jiang Tongyan dried him off and carried him back to the bedroom instead. “Are you dumb? Got a few screws loose, huh?”

        “Why are you cursing me again?” Qian Xiaoke pouted, feeling wronged.

        We’re dating now, can’t you say something nice?

        He felt unhappy.

        He sulked and turned his lips down.

        “Rock-paper-scissors, my ass.” Jiang Tongyan tucked him into bed. “You just lie there. Stuff like this should obviously be done by your brave, strong husband—me.”

        Qian Xiaoke blinked up at him from inside the blanket. The longer he looked, the more his eyes curved into a smile.

        “Husband, you’re the best.”

        Jiang Tongyan floated. He floated instantly. Just that one little sentence from Qian Xiaoke, and not only was he happy to clean the bathroom—he could clean the whole damn world.

        He no longer looked like a CEO. Not at all.

        Jiang Tongyan gave Qian Xiaoke a loud smooch and marched off to the bathroom with his chest puffed up.

        This man, who usually didn’t even touch tap water, was now scrubbing away like a pro.

        Meanwhile, Qian Xiaoke was feeling shy. It was not for any of those kinds of reasons, but because Jiang Tongyan was doing all the work while he was just lying there.

        It didn’t feel right.

        A home was for two people, and chores should be shared.

        But, his ass really did hurt. Next time. They would clean together next time.

        Snuggled in bed, Qian Xiaoke was all warm and content, replaying everything in his head.

        He had originally planned to wait for Jiang Tongyan to come back so they could cuddle some more and have a heart-to-heart. After all, the way they got together was so strange and wonderful. He had a million things he wanted to ask.

        Like, how did someone like Jiang Tongyan, with all his advantages, fall for a little ugly duckling like him?

        And how was it that someone like Jiang Tongyan, who was so well-off, was so crazy about him?

        The more he thought about it, the sweeter he felt. He didn’t just have questions; he had things he wanted to say too.

        However, they had gone at it a little too hard earlier, and Jiang Tongyan was still off cleaning. Eventually, Qian Xiaoke dozed off, half-asleep and smiling.

        He didn’t usually dream, but this time, he did.

        In the dream, Jiang Tongyan had bought him a room full of cotton candy. They danced in it, and when they got tired, they would eat a bite. Everything was soft and sweet, and they were so happy that it felt like they could melt.

        It was a lovely, sugary dream and exhausting due to all that dancing.

        When Qian Xiaoke finally woke up, the food delivery Jiang Tongyan had ordered had just arrived.

        This time, Jiang Tongyan hadn’t asked Cheng Sen for help. The ‘domineering CEO’ with super learning ability finally learned how to use the takeaway software by himself.

        Qian Xiaoke sat up dazedly, hugged the quilt, and watched Jiang Tongyan trot into the bedroom.

        “Gimme a kiss,” Jiang Tongyan said, sticking his face right up to his.

        Qian Xiaoke laughed and dodged. “Why are you like this? So weird!”

        “Weird? How am I weird?” Jiang Tongyan asked. “You’re not regretting this already, are you? Planning to ditch me?”

        Then he flicked Qian Xiaoke on the forehead. “Too late. If you back out now, I’ll just have to kill you to soothe my pain.”

        Qian Xiaoke knew that this person only knew how to talk tough, but was actually soft-hearted inside.

        “Then I’ll kiss you instead. Don’t kill me, okay?”

        Jiang Tongyan grinned. “I guess I’ll allow it.”

        He leaned in, and Qian Xiaoke gave him a loud kiss right on the cheek.

        “Come on, time to eat,” Jiang Tongyan said. “I ordered all your favorites.”

        My favourites? Qian Xiaoke thought. What are my favourites again?

        He figured maybe it was mala soup or stinky snail noodles, but nope. When Jiang Tongyan helped him into his pajamas and led him out, what greeted him was a whole table full of chicken.

        It was samgyetang¹Korean ginseng chicken soup, braised chicken with rice, chicken stew with mushrooms, and even Korean-style fried chicken drumsticks.

        Qian Xiaoke blinked. “Did I ever say I love chicken?”

        “You did,” Jiang Tongyan insisted. “Now sit down and eat. Eat more. You’ve got no ass. Gotta bulk it up.”

        Qian Xiaoke wasn’t sure if eating chicken really could fill his ass, but either way, he happily sat down to eat.

        =================

        When it came to dating, both Jiang Tongyan and Qian Xiaoke were like girls getting on a bridal sedan for the first time. Because it was all so new, it was only natural they would get a bit overexcited.

        Qian Xiaoke had initially planned that even if they started dating, they would still live separately. After all, moving in together too early could cause all kinds of unnecessary friction between a couple.

        However, his plan was thrown out the window on day one of their relationship.

        After a big meal, Qian Xiaoke found he simply couldn’t leave Jiang Tongyan’s place. They went from cuddling in the dining room to snuggling on the living room sofa and from the sofa to the carpet.

        Qian Xiaoke said, “Oh no, it’s getting late. I should go home.”

        Jiang Tongyan replied, “Don’t worry. Cinderella’s magic doesn’t end until midnight. Just wait a little longer.”

        It sounded so reasonable, Qian Xiaoke agreed.

        But by eleven-something, the two of them had rolled into Jiang Tongyan’s giant bed.

        “Mmm… I really should go home. I have work tomorrow,” Qian Xiaoke said, though he didn’t exactly loosen his arms around Jiang Tongyan.

        Jiang Tongyan pulled the blanket over the two of them. “Why don’t you take the day off? I’ll request it for you. Heck, I’ll ask Cheng Sen to give you a whole week of paid leave.”

        “That won’t do,” Qian Xiaoke said. “I’m a career-oriented individual and I can’t let romance affect my work.”

        Jiang Tongyan laughed. These nonsense words sounded downright adorable coming from him now.

        He cuddled Qian Xiaoke tighter and said, “Okay then. You can go home.”

        After that, the two of them went from Jiang Tongyan’s house to Qian Xiaoke’s house next door.

        The next day, Jiang Tongyan mentioned this whole ordeal to Cheng Sen.

        Cheng Sen rolled his eyes. “How can the two of you be this pathetic?”

        Just then, Qian Xiaoke happened to walk up to the door of Cheng Sen’s office, holding a teapot and some cups.

        “Chairman Cheng,” he greeted sweetly, then looked over at Jiang Tongyan. His cheeks flushed red, and he started fidgeting. “Chairman Jiang, the tea’s ready.”

        He shuffled into the office with tiny steps, carefully setting down the teacups. He stole three glances at Jiang Tongyan while doing it, and every single one got caught.

        The two of them kept exchanging flirty looks, and Cheng Sen saw everything.

        When Qian Xiaoke finally backed out of the room reluctantly, Cheng Sen said, “Alright. Once you officially join the company, I’ll assign Qian Xiaoke to be your personal assistant.”

        Jiang Tongyan was thrilled. But he put on a fake-serious face and said, “Wouldn’t that be inappropriate? We should keep our personal and professional lives separate.”

        “Yes, it’s important to separate the two,” Cheng Sen said. “In that case, he can be your front desk receptionist.”

        When Jiang Tongyan came back, he and Cheng Sen had become business partners. They had rented another floor for the company. Cheng Sen stayed on the current level, and Jiang Tongyan worked upstairs.

        “In that case, I think it’s a great idea,” Jiang Tongyan said. “The front desk needs talent like him.”

        “Oh?” Cheng Sen raised an eyebrow with a grin. “What kind of talent?”

        “Good-looking, sweet-talking, hardworking, dedicated. An exemplary young man like that is hard to come by.” Jiang Tongyan continued, “Thank you, Chairman Cheng, for generously parting with him. I’ll gladly take him off your hands.”

        Cheng Sen leaned back in his chair, laughing. “Chairman Jiang, how quickly you’ve changed your tune. I clearly remember you sitting here just a few months ago—your opinion of him wasn’t quite so glowing back then.”

        Jiang Tongyan played dumb. “I don’t remember.”

        “Should I help you recall it?”

        “No no no no. Thank you for your kindness,” Jiang Tongyan waved it off quickly. Please, no reminiscing. If Qian Xiaoke remembered that he used to call him ugly, he could probably kiss his chances of getting into bed tonight goodbye.

        Nowadays, Jiang Tongyan was the classic ‘henpecked husband²wife-controlled husband‘ but in the best way. The kind who wasn’t actually being controlled, but willingly set boundaries for himself.

        He was a model husband and proud of it.

        “You’ve really come a long way,” Cheng Sen said, sipping his tea. “Dinner tonight? Zhou Mo hasn’t seen Xiaoke in ages.”

        “You two just want gossip, don’t you?” Jiang Tongyan saw right through them. “But it’s not up to me—ask my darling yourself.”

        “…Jiang Tongyan, you are so disgusting.”

        Darling.

        Could this man ever act normal?

        “It’s not that bad,” Jiang Tongyan said with a shrug. “After all, I finally have someone. I should be allowed to show off a little.”

        He pulled out his phone. “Oh right, let’s rain-check that dinner.”

        “You have plans?”

        “Isn’t Shen Huiming free these days?” Jiang Tongyan said smugly. “I’m planning to invite him out tonight.”

        He looked almost gleeful. “Last time, he brought that flight attendant and showed off their lovey-dovey nonsense right in front of me. It’s time to return the favor.”

        Harbouring that petty, grudge-holding energy from the past, Jiang Tongyan called up Shen Huiming.

        “Old Shen,” Jiang Tongyan said, “Wanna have dinner tonight? I’m bringing my partner, you come alone.”

        Shen Huiming had just come out of a meeting and loosened his tie, looking a bit surprised. “You have a boyfriend now?”

        “Not to brag,” Jiang Tongyan said, “but your boy here managed to land himself an absolute darling. See you tonight, I’m coming to show off.”

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       Who could possibly resist this?

       Qian Xiaoke was like a bunny—the kind of tender, juicy bunny that cooks itself and serves itself up on a plate.

       He blinked innocently, tilting his head up to look at Jiang Tongyan with an innocent expression, “I’m so shy!”

       Jiang Tongyan’s heart was pounding like the drumbeats his nephew’s class used during sports day. It was the drumbeats for when the 100-meter dash began, and the crowd went wild beating drums to cheer on the runners. Right now, his heart was the drumhead, and Qian Xiaoke was the drumstick.

       “You know what ‘shy’ even means?” Jiang Tongyan pinched his nose. “You have zero shame.”

       Qian Xiaoke leaned against him and laughed, his face bright red.

     Truthfully, he was shy.

       Even though the two of them had spent nearly three months apart and used modern technology—video calls—to get extremely familiar with each other, and even discussing which positions best revealed the meaning of life.

       But now that they were face-to-face, touching, and curled up in each other’s arms, he still couldn’t help feeling embarrassed.

       Qian Xiaoke asked, “Over there, were there any little blue-eyed boys with perky butts?”

       If there were, I’ll leave right now.

       “Yes,” Jiang Tongyan said. “There’s one chasing me.”

       He said proudly, “Didn’t I tell you? My ex-boss’s son. Nineteen this year, fair skin, gorgeous face, long legs, blond hair, blue eyes, and supposedly great in bed.”

       “…You slept with him?”

       “No!” Jiang Tongyan quickly distanced himself. “My friend said he looked like he would be good in bed. But I’m a man of principle. I didn’t sleep with him.”

       Qian Xiaoke pouted. “Your friend? Are you sure this ‘friend’ isn’t just you talking about yourself?”

       With that, Qian Xiaoke deliberately pretended to be angry and tried to push Jiang Tongyan away.

       But Jiang Tongyan held him tight. Qian Xiaoke, the little weakling he was, had no way of breaking free.

       “Why push me? Go find your good-in-bed little boy!”

       Jiang Tongyan laughed. “Jealous? You’re good at this!”

       “I’m not! I don’t know anything!” Qian Xiaoke pouted in his arms. “My skin’s not fair, I’m not good-looking, I don’t have long legs. I’ve got black hair and blind eyes, and I’m terrible in bed.”

       Jiang Tongyan was laughing so hard that he nearly passed out.

       “Be serious! Did it happen or not!” Qian Xiaoke was getting anxious. He believed Jiang Tongyan wouldn’t do anything to betray him, but then he thought about what they were to each other anyway? Just hook up online friend. What right did he have to demand anything?

       So bitter.

       Qian Xiaoke felt so, so bitter.

       “Nooo!” Jiang Tongyan hugged him tight and shook him. The nearly 1.9 meters tall guy actually acting like a fluffy bunny throwing a tantrum. “Why don’t you believe me anymore!”

       Qian Xiaoke froze and then burst into laughter in his arms. “Can you stop watching those weird idol dramas already?”

       The two of them held each other and tossed around their dramatic ‘nooo’s for a while. Mid-whining, Qian Xiaoke suddenly said, “You’re really hard.”

       When he said this, he stopped smiling. His cheeks turned red, and he pursed his lips shyly.

       At this point, not doing something would really make no sense.

       “Qian Xiaoke.”

       “Huh?”

       “Wanna try?” Jiang Tongyan tugged on the bunny ears of his hoodie. “That one-third of whatever you’ve got left—were you saving it for me?”

       Qian Xiaoke was shy. So shy he didn’t dare look at Jiang Tongyan.

       “I didn’t mean to save it for you.”

       “Huh?” Jiang Tongyan’s body jolted, thinking: Who did you save it for then?

       “It just—ended up being left for you by accident.”

       That made Jiang Tongyan beam. He picked him up and carried him into the bedroom without another word.

       At that moment, Qian Xiaoke felt like a pig waiting to be slaughtered. It was like he was carried over a shoulder by a butcher, being marched forward.

       Okay, that sounded a bit scary, and a little bloody. But truth be told, Qian Xiaoke couldn’t wait to be slaughtered.

       He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

       “Are you really ready?” Qian Xiaoke touched him.

       He asked this while lying on the bed, and noticed something cunning about Jiang Tongyan—his bedsheets were the exact same set as Qian Xiaoke’s.

       Was this… fanboy behaviour?

       Secretly stalking idols is not encouraged!

       “Just try and see,” Jiang Tongyan said as he bent down and took off Qian Xiaoke’s bulky down jacket.

       “Alright then.” Qian Xiaoke raised his hand and tugged at the bunny ears on his hat. He took it off and tossed it aside. “Let’s give it a try! Who’s afraid of who!”

       Not only was he unafraid—he was very much looking forward to it!

       Qian Xiaoke and Jiang Tongyan had waited so long for this day!

       Jiang Tongyan had come back well-prepared and made full preparations including, but not limited to, lubricant and condoms.

       Qian Xiaoke suddenly remembered, “Ah! You still owe me a bottle of Dabao¹is a well-known Chinese skincare brand and mostly famous for its lotion!”

       “Dabao my ass,” Jiang Tongyan replied. “Let’s get to work first. We’ll talk afterwards!”

       ‘Corporate slave’ Qian Xiaoke obeyed and dutifully followed Boss Jiang’s orders. He cooperated to the fullest and worked hard without complaints. He hadn’t expected much—but ended up receiving a shockingly generous bonus.

       How should he even describe this feeling?

       To put it simply: Jiang Tongyan was good. Really good. So good that Qian Xiaoke ended up crying and begging for mercy, asking when he could finally clock out.

       Jiang Tongyan hadn’t been all that confident at first, but when he heard Qian Xiaoke moaning and softly calling his name, his soul was trembling.

       In the end, Jiang Tongyan wasn’t sure if psychologists were useful or not, but Qian Xiaoke definitely was a miracle cure—a personalised miracle cure tailored just for him.

       And just like that, with zero expectations, Qian Xiaoke’s virginity was entirely and completely surrendered to Jiang Tongyan. During the process, he ascended to the heavens twice, plunged into the sea twice, was driven to mountaintops, and dragged back down to float across a tranquil lake.

       Up and down, rocking and swaying. It was more exhilarating than anything he had ever read in any novel.

       When it was all over, Qian Xiaoke was left limp and soulless in Jiang Tongyan’s arms, who refused to let him move. Not even to go to the bathroom—he had to stay held.

       Jiang Tongyan said, “People say doing it and then leaving right after is scumbag behaviour.”

       Qian Xiaoke was on the verge of tears. “But I really have to pee…”

       “Hold it a bit longer, be good,” Jiang Tongyan said. He was so happy, after all, today was the day his ‘second life’ had officially begun.

       Qian Xiaoke clenched his teeth, held his pee in, and was aggrieved to the core. He decided then and there that not letting someone pee after sex should also count as scumbag behaviour.

       Jiang Tongyan: certified scumbag.

       So annoying.

       Even though he thought it was annoying, Qian Xiaoke couldn’t stop the corners of his mouth from curling up.

       So annoying.

       Being held by this scumbag, it was so annoying.

       As he thought that, Qian Xiaoke hugged him even tighter.

       Jiang Tongyan poked the back of his hand. “What’re you doing?”

       “Mm?”

       “You’re hugging me. Shameless.”

       Qian Xiaoke: “…Oh, well then. I’ll just go.”

       He said that and made a show of getting up only to be pinned down by Jiang Tongyan in a flash.

       “Trying to run? Not that easy.”

       And so, with his bladder still full, Qian Xiaoke squabbled with Jiang Tongyan for a good while.

       When Qian Xiaoke couldn’t hold it any longer, he whimpered and pleaded, “Let me go to the bathroom, please, I’m begging you.”

       Seeing how pitiful he was, Jiang Tongyan finally relented and let him chase his ‘dream’.

       However, Qian Xiaoke’s lower half was aching. Moving even a little was uncomfortable.

       He glanced over at Jiang Tongyan, who gave him a sideways look and said, “What are you looking at? You better not pee in the bed!”

     “…You’re so annoying,” Qian Xiaoke muttered. “Scumbag!”

       After delivering a righteous curse, Qian Xiaoke sluggishly and clumsily climbed out of bed. Jiang Tongyan watched his pitiful state and suddenly had a burst of clarity. He jumped up from bed, scooped Qian Xiaoke up, and carried him to the bathroom.

       Although it was embarrassing, Qian Xiaoke leaned against Jiang Tongyan while peeing.

       It felt so comfortable.

       This feeling of having someone to lean on was amazing!

       Jiang Tongyan asked, “Happy?”

       “En!”

       “Did it feel good?”

       “En!”

       “Shouldn’t you pamper me a bit now?”

       “En!”

       Jiang Tongyan poked him in the waist. “Then go on, pamper me!”

       After using the bathroom, Qian Xiaoke felt happy again. He chuckled and said, “I don’t want to be your casual online hookup buddy anymore.”

       Jiang Tongyan was stunned and thought since when were they even online hookup buddies?!

       Qian Xiaoke hooked his pinky finger around Jiang Tongyan’s. “This might sound like I’m aiming too high, but… I think I kind of like you.”

       He tightened the hook of their pinkies, then looked up at Jiang Tongyan with a face full of pure and innocent sincerity. “Are you really going to betray my true feelings?”

       Whoa. That’s a bold move.

       Jiang Tongyan grabbed Qian Xiaoke’s nose. “You’ve learned how to blackmail people emotionally, huh?”

       Qian Xiaoke giggled and nodded while his nose was still pinched, his voice coming out all nasally and funny. “Yup! I’m emotionally blackmailing you.”

       “No can do,” Jiang Tongyan let go, putting on a serious act. “I can’t let you emotionally blackmail me.”

       Qian Xiaoke froze. Huh? That’s not how this was supposed to go!

       The thing was, Qian Xiaoke didn’t even know exactly when he had started liking Jiang Tongyan. It seemed ridiculous to him actually. But when he realised he was thinking about him every day and when the time difference made them miss each other, he couldn’t stop worrying if Jiang Tongyan found someone else over there. He finally admitted to himself that something wasn’t right.

       He hadn’t wanted to like Jiang Tongyan. Or more accurately, he didn’t dare to.

       They were from completely different worlds.

       Although Qian Xiaoke was not the kind of person who would feel inferior because of his conditions, he knew very well that in many cases, it was difficult for two people with too many different conditions to really live together. It took a rare kind of character and love to bridge that gap.

       Besides, he didn’t think Jiang Tongyan would like someone like him.

       What kind of person was Jiang Tongyan?

       He might seem dopey and awkward, even impotent—but he was still a successful man. The kind of guy who made more in a year than Qian Xiaoke might see in a lifetime. The kind of guy who mingled with people Qian Xiaoke would need to crane his neck just to see the backs of their heels.

       Why would someone like that ever look twice at a dusty little bunny like him?

       That thought alone gave Qian Xiaoke insomnia for two straight nights.

       And Qian Xiaoke was the kind of person who couldn’t bottle things up. So to keep himself from dying of sleep-deprived stress, he scheduled a chat with Zhou Mo to vent.

       During that conversation, he learned things he had never expected.

       For example, despite constantly putting the image of a playboy, Jiang Tongyan was actually super innocent.

       For example, he forced Zhou Mo and Cheng Sen to bombard him with stickers and emoji packs on WeChat so he could keep chatting with him.

       For example, Jiang Tongyan had felt bad that Qian Xiaoke was living in such a rundown place, and secretly rented him a new apartment under Cheng Sen’s name.

       …

       Qian Xiaoke nearly burst into tears right there in the restaurant.

       Thankfully, he held it together.

       He made it through dinner, but he couldn’t hold back when he called his mother after returning home. He cried and said to his mother, “Mom! Someone likes me! Someone actually likes me! And he’s hot!!”

       Though, temporarily impotent.

       But that didn’t matter. At the time, Qian Xiaoke thought that it was his fault that Jiang Tongyan was impotent anyway. So he was going to take responsibility. He didn’t mind, and he would never leave him!

       From then on, Qian Xiaoke had been planning to talk to Jiang Tongyan. He didn’t want to be some sparrow dreaming of becoming a phoenix, but if Jiang Tongyan was willing to let him try the role, he definitely wasn’t going to say no.

       And now this guy says no?

       Qian Xiaoke looked at Jiang Tongyan, looking very wronged.

       “No?” he asked, voice soft and sour with disappointment.

       “Nope,” Jiang Tongyan said. “You don’t get to blackmail me emotionally. But I can emotionally blackmail you.”

       Jiang Tongyan grabbed Qian Xiaoke’s face with both hands. “You slept with me. Now you’ve gotta take responsibility.”

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       Surprise!

       An absolute surprise!

       A huge, tremendous surprise!

       Jiang Tongyan never would’ve thought that Cheng Sen would send Qian Xiaoke to pick him up.

       He stared at the man in front of him, swallowed hard, and wished he could stew this rabbit and eat him on the spot.

       Qian Xiaoke grinned and said, “Why aren’t you saying anything? Gone stupid?”

       Jiang Tongyan cleared his throat. “I do!”

       Qian Xiaoke tugged at his own ‘bunny ears’ and laughed. “Do what? Agree to be a fool?”

       Jiang Tongyan glared at him. “Why are you still so annoying?”

       The ‘annoying’ Qian Xiaoke was in an exceptionally good mood today, and he had no intention of revealing why.

       Originally, Qian Xiaoke had no idea Jiang Tongyan was coming back to the country today. After all, every time he asked, the guy would always say, “In a few days, in a few days. What’s the rush? Can’t wait to see me, huh?”

       Every single time it was ‘in a few days’. Who knew how many of those ‘few days’ had already passed?

       In the end, it was Cheng Sen who told him the truth.

       That morning, Qian Xiaoke rushed into the company building, cheeks flushed red from the cold wind. Before he even warmed up, he got a call from Cheng Sen.

       Cheng Sen told him that Jiang Tongyan was coming back today, and asked him to go to the airport with the company driver to pick him up.

       At the time, he even argued with Cheng Sen, “Chairman Cheng, you’re messing with me! Jiang Tongyan said he’d be back in a few days.”

       Cheng Sen just laughed, thinking poor Qian Xiaoke had been fooled terribly.

       It wasn’t until Qian Xiaoke saw Jiang Tongyan’s flight number that he realised he was the fool. While secretly fuming at Jiang Tongyan, he hurried to pack up and head downstairs to meet the driver.

       On the way to the airport, Qian Xiaoke kept thinking about how he was going to mess with Jiang Tongyan once they met. After all, the guy had messed with him first by hiding the truth.

       But in the end, once he arrived at the airport and saw him, all he could do was smile. Nothing else.

       It had been a long time since they last saw each other. In fact, neither of them had changed much. Even if they had, it wouldn’t be obvious. Despite the time difference, they video-called almost every day and they could probably draw each other’s faces with their eyes closed.

       The only difference was when Jiang Tongyan left, Qian Xiaoke was still wearing light clothes. Now, he was bundled up in a thick-down jacket.

       Qian Xiaoke raised his hand and waved it in front of Jiang Tongyan’s face.

       “What’s up? Say something! Spacing out again?”

       Qian Xioake was smiling the whole time he spoke, and he didn’t even know why he was smiling so much.

       Maybe because he was in a good mood today.

       But then again, why was he in such a good mood?

       Jiang Tongyan tried not to laugh out loud right there in the airport. He had to keep it cool; after all, he had to maintain the image of a mature and composed CEO.

       He reached out and grabbed Qian Xiaoke’s hand. “Stop waving it. Makes me dizzy.”

       Qian Xiaoke’s hand was warm, and with Jiang Tongyan gripping it like that, he suddenly felt a little shy.

       The atmosphere between the two was subtle. Qian Xiaoke said, “Chairman Jiang, let’s go. Chairman Cheng sent me to pick you up.”

       Jiang Tongyan kept holding onto Qian Xiaoke’s hand, and it felt just right—he didn’t want to let go at all.

       But with all these people around watching, he did feel a little embarrassed.

       Jiang Tongyan was a pure-hearted young man, after all. First love was supposed to be shy.

       He finally let go of Qian Xiaoke’s hand, dragging his suitcase as they walked out together only to realise at some point he was walking in step with Qian Xiaoke. Their arms and legs were moving in sync, without even noticing.

       Qian Xiaoke led Jiang Tongyan to the company’s driver, stowed the luggage, and the two of them took seats in the back row.

       Jiang Tongyan asked, “Did Cheng Sen tell you where to take me?”

       “He said you’d know,” Qian Xiaoke replied. “Is it still that same hotel?”

       Jiang Tongyan let out a chuckle, typed a line of text on his phone, and handed it to the driver.

       The driver immediately understood and took off, driving them toward the city at full speed.

       Qian Xiaoke noticed how mysterious he was being and felt something was off. He asked Jiang Tongyan about it, but Jiang Tongyan didn’t answer.

       That wasn’t the only thing Qian Xiaoke wanted to ask. There was something more important: Are you feeling any better lately?

       Qian Xiaoke had been worrying about this for a while, but with the driver there, he couldn’t ask it out loud.

       He was itching with curiosity and his fingers subconsciously scratched at the fabric of his jeans.

       “Did a mosquito bite your pants or something?”

       “Huh?”

       Jiang Tongyan said, “If not, why are you scratching them like that?”

       “…”

       Qian Xiaoke couldn’t help but laugh at that.

       He found that Jiang Tongyan’s words were getting dumber but also cuter.

       Where did he learn that from?

       Qian Xiaoke tilted his head to look at Jiang Tongyan, hesitant to speak.

       “What’s up?” Jiang Tongyan didn’t notice his hesitation, he only noticed how Qian Xiaoke kept sneaking glances at him.

       It had to be because he was too handsome!

       He straightened up, composed himself, and put on the air of a properly impressive good-looking guy.

       Look, Qian Xiaoke, take a good look. There’s no man in this world more handsome than me! Jiang Tongyan declared to himself.

       But Qian Xiaoke wasn’t looking at him because he was handsome. Jiang Tongyan was giving himself way too much credit.

       What now?

       Qian Xiaoke glanced at the back of the driver’s head, and then suddenly had a spark of inspiration. He pulled out his phone.

       He sent Jiang Tongyan a WeChat message: Chairman Jiang, has your impotence gotten better?

       When Jiang Tongyan saw the message, he nearly choked on air.

       When is this brat ever going to learn the meaning of the word ‘tact’?

       He shot Qian Xiaoke a glare, “You’ll find out soon enough!”

       Qian Xiaoke tilted his head and then, all of a sudden, his face flushed red.

       He got it.

       Jiang Tongyan was going to have his way with him!

       Qian Xiaoke pursed his lips and turned toward the window.

       It had snowed a few days ago. Snowmen were still standing in front of some shops along the roadside. Qian Xiaoke stared at one, but all that ran through his mind was: He’s definitely better now. He’s definitely taking me to the hotel. He’s definitely going to take the remaining one-third of my chastity!

       Qian Xiaoke knew that wasn’t exactly ‘reserved’ of him. But he was genuinely a little excited.

       “Why’s your face red?”

       Jiang Tongyan wasn’t always slow on the uptake—he noticed Qian Xiaoke blushing.

       A blushing bunny was just too adorable—so adorable he wanted to drag him into the backseat for car sex.

       Of course, Jiang Tongyan only thought about it. He didn’t have the guts, or the shamelessness. And besides he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t ‘fail mid-battle’ again. For now, it was too risky to try something that intense.

       “I… it’s hot in here.”

       Qian Xiaoke was bundled up in a thick down jacket and a knit hat, wrapped up tight—so the excuse actually sounded pretty convincing.

       Jiang Tongyan smiled without saying anything, thinking to himself: Just wait. I’ll make you even hotter soon.

       He was a little nervous, but to avoid losing again later, he kept giving himself mental pep talks.

       All those previous failures were because he had been too tense and thus he put too much pressure on himself. For this kind of thing, he got to relax and be free. He gotta enjoy it with your heart.

       Making love was art, and creating that art required delving deep into the soul.

       Jiang Tongyan kept having an internal monologue, his mental world rich and elaborate.

       The driver drove steadily. As the ride continued, Qian Xiaoke started feeling something was off. This road looked really familiar.

       It wasn’t until the driver pulled over that Qian Xiaoke suddenly realised. Wasn’t this his neighbourhood?!

       Qian Xiaoke’s heart started pounding fast. He hadn’t expected Jiang Tongyan to be this shameless—getting out of the car and heading straight for his house.

       So annoying.

       But also kind of hilarious.

       Qian Xiaoke poked him. “What are you doing? Why are we here?”

       Jiang Tongyan smiled faintly and got out of the car.

       He took his suitcase out, thanked the driver, and then turned to Qian Xiaoke, “Chairman Cheng already told me. Today, you’re mine to order around. Come with me.”

       Qian Xiaoke felt a little flustered hearing that. He waved goodbye to the driver, “Bye, Wang ge,” and then like a little bunny, he ran after Jiang Tongyan.

       The ground was slick, and Qian Xiaoke jogged carefully to catch up. Just as he was about to come up beside Jiang Tongyan, he lost his footing and nearly fell. However, he reacted quickly and grabbed Jiang Tongyan from behind, steadying himself.

       Jiang Tongyan froze for a second, turned to look at him, “Doing this in public? Not so appropriate, is it?”

       Qian Xiaoke clung to him and stood upright again. Suddenly, he remembered the day Jiang Tongyan had left. It had been raining, and he’d run out with an umbrella, slipped, and almost fell on his butt then too.

       Qian Xiaoke laughed. “I just lost my balance.”

       He touched the bunny ears on his hat. Now that the driver was gone, he could finally speak freely.

       “Why are you coming to my place?” Qian Xiaoke asked. “I didn’t invite you.”

       “Who said I’m going to your place? Who even wants to?” Jiang Tongyan laughed. “I’m going to my place.”

       “Huh?” Qian Xiaoke was completely confused.

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t explain—he just carried his suitcase and strode forward.

       When Jiang Tongyan opened the door to the unit right next to his, Qian Xiaoke’s jaw dropped so wide he could’ve swallowed an egg whole.

       Jiang Tongyan turned back with a smug grin, “Hello, neighbour. I’ll be in your care from now on.”

       “…Jiang Tongyan! You liar!” Qian Xiaoke was furious—this guy tricked him again!

       He stomped his foot and lunged at him to wrestle, but he wasn’t really trying to fight. Those soft little pink fists of his barely landed on Jiang Tongyan’s shoulder, it was like feathers.

       Jiang Tongyan couldn’t stop laughing at how worked up he was. He put the suitcase to the side, then wrapped an arm around Qian Xiaoke’s waist and pulled him into the apartment.

       Qian Xiaoke struggled in his arms, “Ugh, let go! I don’t want to get all cuddly with a liar!”

       “Who’s the liar, huh?” Jiang Tongyan lowered his head and bit gently at Qian Xiaoke’s cold little chin.

       “I think you’re the liar!”

       “What did I do?” Qian Xiaoke pouted, puffing out his cheeks. “You’re the one who lied to me all the time.”

       “And you lied to me plenty too.”

       Jiang Tongyan ordered him to take off his shoes. Qian Xiaoke grumbled and was clearly unwilling, but still obediently took them off.

       “Why should I listen to you?” he muttered, tossing both shoes aside.

       Jiang Tongyan loved this side of Qian Xiaoke.

       He was absolutely delighted.

       Jiang Tongyan wrapped his arms around Qian Xiaoke and practically dragged him into the living room.

       The layout of both their apartments was symmetrically identical, and Qian Xiaoke couldn’t help but feel a little strange as he entered Jiang Tongyan’s place.

       But he didn’t have time to appreciate the space, because Jiang Tongyan nudged him.

       “…You’re so fast.”

       How did he get so hard the moment they entered the room?

       Wasn’t he supposed to be… less capable than this?

       As the saying goes, after being apart for three days, one should treat the other with new respect.

       They hadn’t seen each other for almost three months, and Jiang Tongyan was clearly about to burst.

       “Remember,” Jiang Tongyan nuzzled Qian Xiaoke’s nose with his own, “never say a man is fast.”

       Qian Xiaoke couldn’t help but laugh. He puffed out his cheeks and blinked at Jiang Tongyan, suddenly feeling how familiar yet strange this person was. He wanted to take a moment to look him over again.

       “Alright then.” Qian Xiaoke said, “I won’t say you’re fast.”

       At that moment, he was already so hot, it felt like he might start steaming.

       Qian Xiaoke felt shy and leaned into Jiang Tongyan’s arms. “Then I’ll say… you’re so hard.”

---

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       Was it a kind of tacit connection?

       A tacit understanding arranged by the heavens?

       Even though they were thousands of kilometres apart, it was snowing in both places. All of a sudden, these two people who normally had nothing to do with romance were enveloped in something that felt just a little bit romantic.

       When Jiang Tongyan heard Qian Xiaoke’s sigh of admiration, he turned to look out the window too.

       It was snowing heavily in New York as well.

       Just like in that movie he had watched ages ago on a whim—one where it was snowing in New York City. He couldn’t remember the title, and the plot was already fuzzy in his memory, but somehow, because of the snow outside and the snow on the other end of the call, those scenes suddenly came back to him in a blur.

       “It’s snowing here too,” Jiang Tongyan said, gazing at the softly falling snow outside. “Do you think it’s the same snow falling on both of us?”

       Qian Xiaoke laughed, still leaning on the windowsill. “Are you dumb?”

       Of course it wasn’t.

       “Of course it is!” Qian Xiaoke knew full well it couldn’t be, but still, that was the answer he gave Jiang Tongyan.

       Of course it was.

       If he said it was, then it was.

       He giggled, and his giggle made Jiang Tongyan start laughing too.

       “Tell me something,” Jiang Tongyan said seriously. “Did you turn down that blind date because of me?”

       “Yeah, I already told you,” Qian Xiaoke replied.

       The snow outside was too beautiful. It wasn’t his first time seeing snow, but somehow, this morning’s snow felt more beautiful than any before.

       “So it’s just because of my condition that you feel responsible for me?” Jiang Tongyan didn’t think it was that simple.

       Qian Xiaoke wasn’t good at hiding things. Even the smallest secret would immediately show on his face.

       Jiang Tongyan hadn’t known him for very long, but he was already arrogant enough to think he understood him well.

       He was sure Qian Xiaoke had feelings for him. That was why he turned the other guy down.

       Qian Xiaoke smiled. “What else could it be?”

       He smiled with his eyes curved, mouth curved, cheeks a little flushed, and heart beating a little too fast.

       Jiang Tongyan could hear the smile in his voice. It was like a star hidden in the snowy night—you had to listen closely to notice it. But once you did, you would realise there were even more stars twinkling beneath it.

       “You won’t blame me in the future, right?” Jiang Tongyan teased with a sarcastic tone. “Say I kept you from finding happiness—what if that guy turned out to be rich and handsome? Wouldn’t you resent me?”

       Qian Xiaoke rested his chin on his hand and thought for a moment. He then opened the window.

       The winter wind was not refreshing like autumn breezes. It was sharp and biting. As soon as he opened the window, the wind whooshed in. Qian Xiaoke shivered and instantly sobered up.

       “What are you doing?” Jiang Tongyan asked.

       “Watching the snow,” Qian Xiaoke leaned by the window, reaching out to catch some. He watched the snowflakes land in his palm, slowly melting, and softly said, “Jiang Tongyan, I really want to build a snowman.”

       “Childish!” Jiang Tongyan scoffed, rolling his eyes. Then, two seconds later, he muttered, “Wait for me to come back.”

       “What are you coming back for?” Qian Xiaoke asked knowingly, pressing his lips together to stifle a laugh.

       He found Jiang Tongyan to be so adorable. He always said one thing and meant another, like a big goof.

       The big goof Jiang Tongyan rolled his eyes and grumbled, “What do you think? To build a snowman!”

       They were both childish people; neither could really say that about the other. Qian Xiaoke leaned on the windowsill, laughing happily. He didn’t even know if it was because Jiang Tongyan agreed to build a snowman with him or just because it was Jiang Tongyan himself.

       When Qian Xiaoke finally got tired of laughing, he quickly said goodbye to Jiang Tongyan, closed the window, got out of bed, and started getting ready for work.

       After the call ended, Jiang Tongyan stared at the snow while holding his phone, replaying everything in his head for a long while. He realised he was completely doomed. No matter what Qian Xiaoke said, he found it amusing. He was willing to fulfil even the dumbest little requests.

       He was finished.

       Pathetic.

       Wasn’t he still supposed to be some flirtatious playboy?

       Jiang Tongyan grumbled to himself for a while, then called Cheng Sen—not so much to chat, but to confront him.

       “What’s up with your Zhou Mo?” Jiang Tongyan asked angrily.

       Cheng Sen was driving. “Zhou Mo? What happened to him?”

       “Out of nowhere, he tried to set Qian Xiaoke up with someone!” Jiang Tongyan fumed. He was basically a fire-breathing dragon at this point. “What the hell is he thinking?! That’s literally stealing someone else’s person—does he not get that? It’s shameful! Doesn’t he know any shame?! Is he even human?!”

       Cheng Sen laughed. “Oh, that. You’re talking about that.”

       There was a red light up ahead, so Cheng Sen stopped the car.

       “You knew? You knew and you’re still laughing? You two are monsters!” Jiang Tongyan was so angry he felt like he’d explode.

       Other people’s friends were out there being wingmen—they were literally trying to sabotage him!

       Wait no. He and Qian Xiaoke weren’t even officially together yet. This wasn’t just sabotage, this was a whole interception!

       What kind of friends were they?!

       “And you’re still laughing!” Jiang Tongyan said. “Cheng Sen, I thought we had something real!”

       “Hey, don’t say it like that. Makes it sound like you’ve got unmentionable feelings for me. Zhou Mo would get jealous.”

       “Don’t change the subject! What the hell was Zhou Mo thinking?” Jiang Tongyan said. “Don’t tell me you two don’t know what’s going on with Qian Xiaoke!”

       “What was he thinking? He was thinking about helping you, that’s what!” Cheng Sen snorted, with a hint of ridicule. “I’ve never seen someone as wishy-washy as you!”

       Jiang Tongyan was confused.

       “Who are you calling wishy-washy?” Jiang Tongyan asked, changing the subject. “And what does that even mean?”

       Cheng Sen couldn’t hold it in anymore. He burst out laughing and cursed, “You and Qian Xiaoke have been flirting back and forth for how long now? I bet you’ve practically broken the bed by now. Anyone with eyes can see how you feel about him—and yet you still won’t make a move!”

       The light turned green. Cheng Sen grumbled about the snow making the roads a mess and kept driving.

       “I honestly didn’t want to get involved. I’m just here for the drama,” Cheng Sen said. “But our Zhou Mo’s got too big of a heart. He couldn’t stand watching you two stall like that.”

       Listening to him, Jiang Tongyan suddenly felt like something clicked.

       “You mean… Zhou Mo set Qian Xiaoke up on purpose, just to force me into confessing?”

       “Do you even know who Zhou Mo was planning to set him up with?”

       Jiang Tongyan cursed and said coldly, “Don’t tell me it was Shen Huiming.”

       Cheng Sen laughed so hard that he nearly slammed his head into the steering wheel. He swore he would never take a call from Jiang Tongyan while driving again.

       “I’m telling you now,” Jiang Tongyan said, “Shen Huiming’s already seeing someone—his flight attendant boyfriend. What you guys did was really low.”

       “Oh Dear Jiang,” Cheng Sen sighed, “you’re usually pretty sharp, but why are you acting like a total fool when it comes to this?” Cheng Sen continued, “What the hell do you mean by introducing him to Shen Huiming? You might as well come to my place with a machete and chop down my door!”

       “That friend Zhou Mo said he wanted to introduce…” Cheng Sen snorted, “was you, you dumbass.”

       Cheng Sen was almost at the company. “Not gonna argue with you anymore—go figure it out yourself. By the way, when’s your flight back? I’ll send someone to pick you up.”

       Jiang Tongyan had originally planned to return in a few days but suddenly changed his mind.

       “The day after tomorrow,” he said. “I’m coming back the day after tomorrow.”

       He would forget all that ‘play hard to get’ stuff. What if he played too hard and actually lost the guy? Then where would he go to cry?

       Besides, his treatment was finished. Jiang Tongyan thought it was time to give Qian Xiaoke a surprise.

       ============

       Before boarding his flight, Jiang Tongyan sent Qian Xiaoke a message: I might not be back until after New Year’s. Behave yourself.

       Qian Xiaoke, holding his phone, secretly giggled. He thought Jiang Tongyan was being ridiculously silly.

       When Jiang Tongyan got off the plane, he sent another message: You there? What are you doing? Have you been good today?

       At that very moment, Qian Xiaoke was hiding among the crowd at the arrivals gate, waiting to surprise him.

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t get a reply. He rolled his eyes so hard they nearly flipped into the back of his head.

       He felt wronged—after such a long flight, and with jet lag ahead, the guy didn’t even send him a single message back. What kind of potential boyfriend was that?

       He ought to break up with him.

       Jiang Tongyan got off the plane angrily, went to get his luggage angrily, and called Cheng Sen angrily, “Did you arrange for someone to pick me up?”

       “Don’t worry,” Cheng Sen said. “The moment you step out, you’ll see them.”

       With his luggage in hand and a scowl on his handsome face, Jiang Tongyan headed out, radiating a ‘don’t mess with me unless you want to die’ kind of aura, mostly because Qian Xiaoke still hadn’t replied to his messages.

       As he stepped out, his eyes scanned the crowd of people holding pick-up signs—nothing.

       No sign with his name. No familiar face.

       Either Cheng Sen was messing with him, or the person who was supposed to pick him up was slacking off. Either way, Jiang Tongyan was about ready to blow his top.

       His love life had already been a disaster. Now, after dealing with a completely clueless person and finally sorting out all his paperwork to return home, the person picking him up was late?

       What the hell!

       Were people just taking advantage of him because he was a ‘nice guy’?

       The ‘nice guy’ Jiang Tongyan pulled out his phone and dialled Cheng Sen again, tearing into him as he stormed forward.

       “I asked already,” Cheng Sen protested. “He said he got there half an hour ago!”

       “Half an hour my ass!” Jiang Tongyan snapped and right then, someone tapped him on the shoulder.

       He turned around, clearly annoyed and came face-to-face with a fluffy bunny grinning at him.

       A literal bunny.

       Qian Xiaoke was dressed especially cute that day. He was puffed up in a thick white puffer jacket, looking like a chubby little snowball. He even wore a wool hat with bunny ears.

       Now he stood behind Jiang Tongyan, smiling at him with innocent glee and his little teeth poking out.

       “Hey!” Cheng Sen asked through the phone, “Did you find him or not?”

       Jiang Tongyan stared at Qian Xiaoke in a daze and answered lifelessly, “Yeah… I found him.”

       Then he hung up.

       It had been a while since they’d seen each other. How did this little rascal… become even cuter?

       This was just too much!

       Qian Xiaoke tilted his head and beamed, “Surprised? Bet you didn’t expect me here! I came to pick you up!”

---

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       Even though he had slowly savored Jiang Tongyan’s ‘lovingly prepared ginseng chicken soup’ the night before, when Qian Xiaoke got up the next morning, this delicate and frail flower Qian Xiaoke still woke up to find himself with a cold

       It was October—autumn had arrived. In their city, this was the time of year when it was warmer outside than indoors, especially at night. It was already cold to begin with, and Qian Xiaoke had spent all that time soaking in cold water. This delicate flower really couldn’t handle that kind of tossing.

       He got out of bed to find his nose completely stuffed up and he couldn’t breathe through it at all. He rubbed it hard, then had no choice but to breathe through his mouth.

       His whole body felt fuzzy and floaty. Stuffy nose aside, he was also running a bit of a fever—a textbook case of the common cold.

       Though Qian Xiaoke didn’t always seem very sharp, he had lived on his own for long enough to have the basic life skills down.

       He slowly shuffled off to wash up, then slowly shuffled off again to make himself a bowl of noodles.

       Even just eating the noodles had him short of breath, and he felt incredibly pitiful.

       After finishing the noodles, Qian Xiaoke rummaged through all the compartments of his suitcase until he finally found his last two cold medicine tablets. He casually snapped a photo and posted it to his Moments with the caption: Yay!

       After posting that, he took the meds and headed off to work. Even though he was sick, he was still in an excellent mood—because the night before, he had had that delicious ginseng chicken soup.

       Qian Xiaoke found that he was really easy to please; just give him something tasty to eat, and all his troubles vanished.

       Well, he didn’t have that many troubles to begin with. The only thing bugging him these days was that little quirk of Jiang Tongyan’s.

       Okay, fine—it wasn’t that little of a quirk.

       Anyway, even though his physical condition wasn’t great, his spirits were high, and he still had a great time at work.

       Cheng Sen saw him and asked, “So? How was that ginseng chicken soup?”

       “Delicious, delicious, so delicious!” Qian Xiaoke had actually forgotten to thank Chairman Cheng last night. “Thank you, Chairman Cheng!”

       After saying thank you, Qian Xiaoke suddenly remembered something and asked mysteriously, “Chairman Cheng, why did that guy ask you to order the food for him?”

       That guy.

       Cheng Sen laughed to himself, and thought if Jiang Tongyan knew he was calling him that guy, he would probably pass out from sheer frustration.

       “He’s just shameless,” Cheng Sen said. “That guy’s abroad and didn’t know how to order delivery here, so he just told me: ginseng chicken soup, expensive, tasty—I took care of it.”

       Expensive.

       Tasty.

       Qian Xiaoke felt a little embarrassed.

       Seeing the bashful little smile bloom on Qian Xiaoke’s face, Cheng Sen couldn’t help but laugh to himself at the two of them.

       He waved his hand. “Tell your guy not to make me order takeout in the middle of the night again. He should just download an app and learn how to use it.”

       With that, he turned and walked away coolly, leaving Qian Xiaoke sitting there pondering over that phrase—your guy.

       “He’s not my guy…” Qian Xiaoke mumbled but then sat down, grinning like an idiot.

       He might’ve said he wasn’t his, but he was smiling brighter than anyone.

       By the time Jiang Tongyan woke up, it was already nighttime over on Qian Xiaoke’s side. He had never been one to check Moments before, but ever since adding Qian Xiaoke on WeChat, he had gotten into the habit of taking a peek every morning and night just to see what kind of random nonsense the guy had posted.

       And that was when Jiang Tongyan saw the cold medicine photo.

       Wait—he caught a cold?!

       Jiang Tongyan instantly snapped awake and messaged him right away: You caught a cold? What happened? Didn’t you have the ginseng chicken soup?

       At that moment, Qian Xiaoke was squished in the subway, basically levitating from how packed it was. His phone buzzed, but he couldn’t check it. It wasn’t until he got off that he finally fished out his phone—by then, twenty minutes had passed since Jiang Tongyan’s message.

       Qian Xiaoke: Yep, I caught a cold! Ginseng soup isn’t magic, okay? Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.

       Jiang Tongyan rolled his eyes: Waste of money.

       Qian Xiaoke chuckled and picked up a portion of cold noodles from a street vendor on his way home.

       Because Qian Xiaoke was sick, Jiang Tongyan became increasingly restless, like Qian Xiaoke hadn’t just caught a cold but some kind of incurable disease. Jiang Tongyan was this close to booking a flight home on the spot.

       Ah, love—how it could make a man completely lose his grip on logic.

       That night, Qian Xiaoke suggested they have another ‘video interaction’ again. They had nearly succeeded the night before; maybe things would go more smoothly this time.

       However, he was sternly rejected by Jiang Tongyan.

       Jiang Tongyan snapped, “Qian Xiaoke, can you not make me worry so much?”

       Qian Xiaoke blinked and was bewildered, “What did I do?”

       Jiang Tongyan ordered him straight to bed. It was only 9 p.m., but he barked,  “Sleep! You little pervert, quit thinking about that kind of stuff. You’re sick—rest properly and stop getting ideas!”

       He sounded so righteously indignant that Qian Xiaoke was left speechless.

       He kept yelling about going to sleep, but in the end, Jiang Tongyan couldn’t bring himself to hang up the video call.

       He quickly placed an online order for a phone stand and had it express-delivered to Qian Xiaoke’s home. This way, Qian Xiaoke could free up his hands, and even if he fell asleep during their video calls, it wouldn’t be a problem anymore.

       Jiang Tongyan found it all a bit surreal that he actually wanted to watch Qian Xiaoke sleep.

       Had he lost his mind?

       Whether it was love or witchcraft or just his brain short-circuiting, one thing was clear: in the days that followed, the two of them video-chatted almost every day. And every few days, they had ‘interact’ a little.

       Jiang Tongyan’s mental state gradually improved. He wasn’t sure if it was thanks to Qian Xiaoke or because the therapy sessions he had been paying for were finally working. Either way, he could feel a dramatic shift for the better.

       And it wasn’t just him—Qian Xiaoke was having a great time too.

       From initial shyness to growing familiarity, the two of them seemed to fall into a natural rhythm. Throughout that whole autumn, they happily played the roles of each other’s ‘online hookup buddy’.

       Of course, that was just Qian Xiaoke’s thought. Even though Jiang Tongyan treated him quite well, Qian Xiaoke wasn’t the type to daydream. There were many things he didn’t dare to hope for.

       He might not dare to think about it, but Jiang Tongyan was thinking about it—he just hadn’t said anything yet.

       Not because he didn’t want to, but because he was too embarrassed to bring it up and couldn’t find the right moment.

       Still, he was enjoying the whole situation. Being clingy to Qian Xiaoke every day like this—wasn’t it basically the same as dating? He even found himself wondering if perhaps Qian Xiaoke had already assumed they were dating. In that case, Jiang Tongyan thought that there might not be a need for a formal confession at all.

       Just skip straight to the proposal and call it a day.

       As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Jiang Tongyan got embarrassed with himself. He scolded internally: What the hell are you thinking? Wake up, Jiang Tongyan! You’re not some man who’d get tied down by a little brat that easily!

       He was supposed to be like the wind—free, unbound, untouched by emotional nonsense!

       …And yet, that was all just talk. One moment, he was vowing to be a cool, untouchable lone wolf; the next, he was already daydreaming about when he could fly back to China.

       Winter had officially arrived in New York, and his relationship with Qian Xiaoke had grown steadily—so steadily that it was practically an old married couple’s relationship.

       Right now, Jiang Tongyan felt like he had things pretty well in hand. Aside from being just a tiny bit desperate to finally sleep with Qian Xiaoke properly, he felt their relationship was secure and was practically locked down.

       So, on the day New York got its first snowfall, Jiang Tongyan was lounging in a cosy café, leisurely flipping through a newspaper and thought that in a couple of days, he could head back. However, he shouldn’t see Qian Xiaoke right away and he needed to keep him guessing, to spook him a little.

       Lately, Jiang Tongyan had been studying The Thirty-Six Stratagems¹The Thirty-Six Stratagems is a Chinese essay used to illustrate a series of stratagems used in politics, war, and civil interaction. Its focus on the use of cunning and deception both on the battlefield and in court have drawn comparisons to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, and number sixteen was ‘Feign madness but keep your balance’—basically, the art of playing hard to get.

       He had it all planned out. He would ghost Qian Xiaoke for a couple of days right after flying back. He would let the kid panic a bit, thinking he didn’t care anymore. Maybe—just maybe—Qian Xiaoke would end up crying and calling him ‘hubby’.

       It was a beautiful plan.

       Jiang Tongyan sipped his coffee with a satisfied grin, even picturing the scene of Qian Xiaoke clinging to him and sobbing.

       So cute.

       Ridiculously cute.

       From the next table over, a young woman glanced sideways at him. This man was smiling in a way that could only be described as… suspicious. It was as if he was plotting something indecent.

       But alas—plans were just plans. Jiang Tongyan himself had said before that Qian Xiaoke was his kryptonite.

       And not just in terms of emotions. The guy could nuke any plan he had.

       Just as Jiang Tongyan was getting smug about his ‘trap’, his phone buzzed with a message from Qian Xiaoke, all giddy with excitement.

       Qian Xiaoke: Chairman Jiang! I have BIG news!!

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t buy it. Ever since they met, Qian Xiaoke had sent him ‘big news’ announcements that included things like finding a 23-yuan shirt that was shockingly good quality, returning a lost wallet to its rightful owner, and successfully predicting rain and bringing an umbrella that morning.

       Those were all the ‘big’ things he shared.

       So it was no wonder Jiang Tongyan didn’t take this one seriously either.

       Jiang Tongyan replied indifferently: What, someone proposed to you or something?

       He was joking, of course. Who else would even dare to marry Qian Xiaoke?

       But what Jiang Tongyan definitely didn’t expect was—

       Qian Xiaoke: How did you know?! Did Zhou Mo already tell you?!

       It was like a bolt of thunder in a clear sky.

       Or was he hallucinating from heatstroke?

       Wait… Could he even get heatstroke in winter?

       Jiang Tongyan frowned and stared so hard at his phone he practically burned a hole in the screen. A barista passing by even asked politely, “Sir, would you like a pair of reading glasses?”

       READING GLASS MY EYES.

       Jiang Tongyan’s eyes were wide as saucers. He immediately hit the call button.

       “Good morning!” Qian Xiaoke greeted brightly, then paused. “Oh wait—it’s night where you are.”

       “Night your ass,” Jiang Tongyan snapped. “What’s going on? Who is it? Who’s the blind bastard that proposed to you?!”

       “…Chairman Jiang,” Qian Xiaoke replied in a warning tone, half-asleep, “I suggest you watch your mouth.”

       Jiang Tongyan knew he had been out of line. But he couldn’t help it—he was pissed. Really pissed.

       Who the hell is this? So blind to dare try to steal my person!

       Qian Xiaoke replied, “I don’t really know. I woke up just now and saw a message from Zhou Mo. He said one of his friends has a huge crush on me, like really bad, and asked if I wanted to meet him.”

       Qian Xiaoke yawned. “I thought, well, I’m single, so I might as well get to know him.”

       “Qian Xiaoke!” Jiang Tongyan gritted his teeth.

       Qian Xiaoke chuckled. He sat up and pulled back the curtains.

       “Ah, it’s snowing,” Qian Xiaoke murmured as he leaned on the windowsill. “But I turned him down.”

       “Huh?” Jiang Tongyan was taken aback. “You turned him down?”

       “Yeah,” Qian Xiaoke said. “I figured I would wait until you’re better. Right now, I’ve got you to take care of, and if I go after someone else, they might have issues with that. So, I turned him down.”

       Qian Xiaoke smiled at the falling snow outside the window as he spoke. He sighed softly, “This year’s first snow is really heavy, huh?”

---

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       Countless facts have proven that Qian Xiaoke actually wasn’t stupid at all. The reason he didn’t get into a good university, couldn’t land a decent job, and was still just a lowly receptionist at the age of twenty-seven wasn’t because he lacked intelligence—it was because he used all his smartness to use elsewhere.

       He used them…on things that couldn’t be described.

       Qian Xiaoke had read way too many novels. And the more he read, the more he learned. Even though his real-life experience was far from extensive, and the few encounters he had were hardly worth showing off his theoretical knowledge was pretty solid. He could switch roles in an instant, embodying any seductive bottom one could imagine.

       Jiang Tongyan was stunned. “Qian Xiaoke, it’s a waste you’re not an actor.”

       A real waste.

       He could get into character at the drop of a hat, and there was no need for any emotional build-up. With talent like that, wouldn’t his acting fee easily hit tens of millions in no time?

       Qian Xiaoke had taken the wrong path in life, Jiang Tongyan thought. If he had gone into acting, he would’ve been rich by now. Forget buying spicy skewers by the roadside—if he felt like it, he could’ve bought an entire skewer shop on a whim.

       Qian Xiaoke said, “Gege, cooperate a little, will you? With the way you’re positioned, it’s hard for me to do anything~”

       He was a little too coquettish, making Jiang Tongyan break out in goosebumps all over.

       “Can you act a bit more normal?” Jiang Tongyan said. “Too much of anything is bad, you know?”

       Qian Xiaoke chuckled. “Wow, you know idioms? Pretty cultured, aren’t you!”

       “Cut the crap. Hurry up.” He was already hard.

       After returning to New York, Jiang Tongyan discovered something; it wasn’t as difficult for him to get hard anymore. Sometimes, in the dead of night, when he thought of a stark-naked Qian Xiaoke, just the memory would do it. The feeling of being able to ‘rise and fall at will’ was so satisfying that he started to think maybe he really was getting better.

       One morning, he even woke up with a proper morning erection.

       He did wonder what was going on—why did he seem fine after leaving Qian Xiaoke? Could it be that Qian Xiaoke was cursed, like… specifically doomed to sabotage his lovers’ sex lives?

       But then again, when he tried to ‘take care of it’ himself, he still couldn’t last until the end.

       Okay, maybe it wasn’t that Qian Xiaoke was cursed. Maybe he just really had a problem.

       Originally, Jiang Tongyan felt pretty hopeless about it. But then he remembered what Qian Xiaoke had said to comfort him, that it was okay and that everything would get better eventually. And honestly? He had improved a lot already.

       Jiang Tongyan realised that he really had been influenced by Qian Xiaoke—he was starting to turn into an overly optimistic fool too.

       Anyway, whatever. He could get hard now, and that was what mattered.

       If one could get hard, you’re a real man. A true man.

       Qian Xiaoke was very well-behaved and even brought out his ‘doctor’s compassion’ persona to justify to himself that there was nothing wrong with doing these indecent things with Jiang Tongyan.

       He said, “If you don’t like the way I talk, I can change my character.”

       If the seductive bottom wasn’t his type…

       “Do you like the soft, clingy kind? The ones who cry easily?”

       “…I like you being more normal,” Jiang Tongyan muttered in his heart. Can you stop reading those weird books already?!

       Normal?

       Qian Xiaoke muttered to himself: I’ve always been normal.

       He just had a strong ability to extrapolate. And maybe…a bit of an acting addiction.

       Since Jiang Tongyan didn’t want him to mimic characters from books, he could only play this role as himself.

       No more calling him gege—now it was Chairman Jiang.

       No more helping unbutton his shirt—he would leave that to Jiang Tongyan to do however he liked.

       Jiang Tongyan said, “Qian Xiaoke, you’d better fix your attitude. What good would it do me if you piss me off to death?”

       Qian Xiaoke just felt a bit uneasy. He was still worried that if he helped cure Jiang Tongyan’s problem, the guy would never come back to China. Jiang Tongyan would just stay in New York and happily have a homosexual relationship with some perky-assed, blue-eyed little boy over there.

       Wouldn’t that be such a loss for him?

       “What are you thinking about?” Jiang Tongyan was getting anxious. He was about to lose it.

       Most people couldn’t hold out because they were too turned on. Him? He couldn’t hold out because he was about to go soft.

       Jiang Tongyan really felt he really had it rough. If only he had found a boyfriend with a slightly more normal brain, maybe he wouldn’t be in this mess.

       It was tragic.

       He, Jiang Tongyan, was too miserable.

       “Chairman Jiang,” Qian Xiaoke finally gave in, and he had made peace with it, “It’s so big.”

       Jiang Tongyan was instantly overwhelmed.

       This time, Qian Xiaoke really was cooperating seriously and patiently ‘assisting’ Jiang Tongyan like a little angel flapping his wings beside him, cheering him on.

       Even though he had things on his mind, Qian Xiaoke tried his best not to show it. Meanwhile, Jiang Tongyan was in a blissful state and utterly unaware that Qian Xiaoke wasn’t nearly as into it.

       By the time Jiang Tongyan finally finished, it was a bit of a tragedy, but also kind of expected.

       Jiang Tongyan said, “I think next time I’ll be good to go. Just say more sweet stuff near the end. Otherwise, the pressure’s too much, and it still doesn’t work.”

       By now, the water in the bathtub had already gone cold.

       It was already October, fully into autumn, and yet Qian Xiaoke had spent forever soaking in cold water in the bathroom.

       Qian Xiaoke muttered, “Got it. You don’t have anything else, right? Then I’m hanging up.”

       “…You got something to do?” Jiang Tongyan was a little reluctant.

       They hadn’t seen each other in days, and it was rare for Qian Xiaoke to video call him. He wanted to look at him a little longer.

       That’s just the kind of person Jiang Tongyan was. He wouldn’t directly say when he missed someone; he was too proud to admit it.

       “The water’s cold!” Qian Xiaoke snapped. “All your fault!”

       He splashed his hand in the tub again. The water sloshed loudly, and the sound sent ripples through Jiang Tongyan’s heart.

       “If I catch a cold and run a fever tomorrow, it’s all your fault!”

       Even when Qian Xiaoke was mad, it came off like he was being coquettish.

       Jiang Tongyan laughed, so happy he wished he could crawl right into the phone screen and kiss him.

       “Alright then,” Jiang Tongyan said, “go warm yourself up.”

       Qian Xiaoke huffed. He had originally planned to hang up the video call with an air of cool detachment, but in the end, he just waved softly and said, “Bye-bye~”

       Jiang Tongyan couldn’t handle him being like that. He quickly waved his hand in front of the screen and tried to play it off casually. “Yeah yeah, later,” he said and then ended the call.

       After the video chat ended, Jiang Tongyan lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He thought about the way Qian Xiaoke panted. The more he thought, the more he missed him.

       He couldn’t wait anymore. He wanted to go back to China, to live next door to Qian Xiaoke, to grab him every day and make him cook smashed-up instant noodles for him.

       As for Qian Xiaoke—after the call ended, he didn’t get out of the bathtub right away. He just stared at the now-silent phone and suddenly felt a little lonely.

       What was that saying again? Something about how the scariest kind of loneliness is the emptiness that comes after a grand fireworks show.

       That was exactly how he felt now.

       He was gazing up at a night sky where brilliant fireworks had once bloomed. Now the fireworks were gone, not even a trace left behind—only the hollow emptiness that followed all the excitement.

       It was a really awful feeling.

       Qian Xiaoke sighed, thinking he really was acting kinda weird.

       After finishing his bath, he came out feeling genuinely chilly. He changed into thicker pyjamas but still let out a huge, earth-shattering sneeze.

       It was already late. He was not in the mood to sleep and lay sprawled on the couch, charging his phone while playing Candy Crush.

       The more he played, the more awake he felt—until suddenly, he heard the doorbell ring. His whole body jolted in shock, and he sprang up from the sofa like a spring-loaded cat.

       Just when Qian Xiaoke thought it was either a burglar or a ghost, his boss, Cheng Sen, sent him a WeChat message.

       Cheng Sen: Jiang Tongyan ordered some chicken soup delivery for you—it should be there now. Go open the door and get it.

       Chicken soup?

       Delivery?

       Jiang Tongyan?!

       Qian Xiaoke sent Cheng Sen a pig-headed shock meme in response.

       Cheng Sen ignored him.

       The delivery guy was still ringing the doorbell. Qian Xiaoke rushed to open the door—letting someone wait outside in the dead of night while suspecting them of being a ghost? He felt genuinely guilty.

       Once he had the delivery in hand, Qian Xiaoke stared at the heavy bag and fell into thought.

       XX Ginseng Chicken Soup.

       He swallowed his saliva involuntarily.

       Then, a voice message from Jiang Tongyan came through. When Qian Xiaoke tapped on it, he heard Jiang Tongyan’s smug voice: “How is it? Tastes good?”

       Qian Xiaoke’s ears burned red. “What are you doing this for?”

       “You just took a cold bath, didn’t you?” Jiang Tongyan said. “Have some chicken soup to warm up.”

       Qian Xiaoke carried the ginseng chicken soup into the dining room. The packaging was so pretty he almost didn’t want to open it.

       He sent a voice call request to Jiang Tongyan—his first time ever initiating a call to him.

       Sure enough, when someone gave you something, it was hard not to soften up.

       Jiang Tongyan was delighted. “Well? Is it good?”

       “I haven’t opened it yet,” Qian Xiaoke mumbled shyly. “It’s so late… if I eat now, I’ll get fat.”

       His voice was soft and gentle, filling Jiang Tongyan with joy.

       “It’s fine, you’re not fat,” Jiang Tongyan said. “I just didn’t want you catching a cold from that cold bath. If you blame me, then I would have no way to defend myself.”

       Qian Xiaoke giggled, and fingers gently twisted the thick string around the packaging.

       “Alright then, hurry up and eat,” Jiang Tongyan said. He was a little reluctant to hang up, even though he knew it was already late in China. “Eat and go to bed soon—don’t you have work tomorrow?”

       “Mm, yeah. I’ve got work.” Qian Xiaoke said, “Then… I’m hanging up, okay?”

       “Mm. Eat up. Eat a lot.”

       After ending the voice call, the two of them sat there grinning at their phones like a pair of silly idiots.

       Qian Xiaoke had never eaten ginseng chicken soup before.

       There was a place near his office that sold it, but a single chicken cost over a hundred yuan, and he couldn’t bring himself to splurge.

       He glanced at the delivery receipt and almost fell out of his chair. This chicken soup was even more expensive than the ones near his office—what kind of ginseng chicken soup was this, costing two hundred and thirty?!

       This is killing me! Wasn’t this like eating actual money?!

       Qian Xiaoke felt like he really owed Jiang Tongyan now. As he opened the packaging, he started wondering how he would ever repay him.

       It was a serious question. Since he was a kid, his parents had always taught him not to owe people and not to take advantage of others.

       Though, in his eyes, Jiang Tongyan didn’t really count as ‘other people’ anymore—they had already taken advantage of each other in plenty of ways. But still, this felt different. It made him feel guilty.

       Qian Xiaoke frowned, thinking maybe he should find a way to repay the favour once Jiang Tongyan was back in China.

       But he quickly forgot all about that because the chicken soup smelled too good. He was fully immersed in the joy that came with ginseng chicken soup. All the guilt, the moral dilemma, the ‘no gain without effort’ stuff was gone and tossed aside.

       It was delicious.

       Jiang Tongyan really was a good guy.

       I kind of…want to see him again.

---

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       Qian Xiaoke felt he was being ridiculously pretentious. The two of them had already seen everything and had done everything twice. Sure, both times had failed, but there was no need to act all fake and reserved now.

       But still!

       He was just shy, okay?

       Seeing someone in person was totally different from watching those kinds of videos. Who could even talk about that stuff with straight face?

       Qian Xiaoke asked, “What did you want from me?”

       On Jiang Tongyan’s side, his face was red—not just red, his heart was pounding too.

       He realised he was seriously hopeless, to be worked up like this by someone like Qian Xiaoke.

       That flat ass of Qian Xiaoke’s—was it really worth getting excited over?

       …Okay, fine. It was.

       “Can’t I call you for no reason?” Jiang Tongyan said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “You owe me.”

       Qian Xiaoke thought about it and figured that was fair. “Alright then. As long as you don’t bother me during work, I’m good with it.”

       “……” Jiang Tongyan really wanted to roast him a bit—what work did Qian Xiaoke even have that was worth interrupting?

       But on second thought, he felt that this kind of work-loving and dedicated spirit was truly something the public should learn from—including himself. So, he held his tongue and showed respect.

       Respect for this young man who loved work and lived to serve.

       “You’re free now, right?”

       “Yeah,” Qian Xiaoke said. “Just trying to focus on soaking in the bath.”

       As soon as the bath got mentioned, Jiang Tongyan’s head started to overheat.

       Perfect,” he said, clearing his throat. Even though those feelings were already rising, he forced himself to act calm. “I went to see the doctor again today.”

       “How did it go?” Qian Xiaoke was genuinely curious.

       He had heard from Jiang Tongyan that he had been seeing a doctor recently. It had been confirmed that there was no problem physically, and it was a psychological problem. As long as he could untangle the knot in his heart, everything else would fall into place.

       Qian Xiaoke was actually kind of looking forward to it.

       Though… he also felt conflicted.

       He knew it probably wasn’t right to think this way, but still, he was worried. What if Jiang Tongyan got cured in New York and just started having the time of his life over there? Then what about him…

       Well, it didn’t matter.

       He curled his lips and muttered inwardly: It has nothing to do with me.

       But even as he told himself that, he still felt sour inside.

       The sourness at the tip of his heart bled into his words.

       “Now that you’re well, do you not need me anymore?” Qian Xiaoke pouted a little as he said it.

       That question hit Jiang Tongyan right in the heart and made him laugh out loud.

       “What do you think?” Jiang Tongyan thought for a second, then decided to tease him. “There are so many blue-eyed boys over here with round little asses, I…”

       Before he could finish, Qian Xiaoke hung up the video call.

       He was mad.

       Qian Xiaoke felt angry to the point of being completely out of control.

       Even though there wasn’t really anything between the two of them, Qian Xiaoke had still been that guy’s attending physician for a while. And besides, it was his first time—he’d practically broken it into pieces and offered them all to Jiang Tongyan. And in the end, not even one piece had been properly claimed. Yet now that guy was over in New York thinking about sleeping with blue-eyed and perky-assed boys?

       Qian Xiaoke was not happy.

       He splashed around in the bathtub like a little water duck.

       A very angry water duck, who puffed up like a tiny river pufferfish.

       Jiang Tongyan blinked at the ended video call and smacked his lips.

       He’s jealous.

       Qian Xiaoke is definitely jealous!

       Jiang Tongyan burst out laughing and called him back again.

       Qian Xiaoke had splashed so much the bathroom floor was soaked. He was now lying over the edge of the tub and stewing in frustration, thinking how much trouble it was going to be to clean up later—and all because of Jiang Tongyan.

       His phone rang again. He glanced at it and, out of pure spite, didn’t want to pick up.

       But Jiang Tongyan’s persistence ended up winning over the soft-hearted Qian Xiaoke. He answered and said, “What do you want? Go find your blue-eyed and perky-assed little boys!”

       Jiang Tongyan was so smug he was practically wagging his tail in the air. “What’s with you? Jealous, huh? Tell you what—once I’m cured, I won’t go looking for anyone else. Just you. How about that?”

       Qian Xiaoke still had his camera facing the bathroom wall, so even if he pouted, Jiang Tongyan wouldn’t be able to see it.

       But Jiang Tongyan missed him, and he wanted to see him.

       “Let me see you,” Jiang Tongyan said. “Don’t be so stingy.”

       Qian Xiaoke didn’t think it was about being stingy. This was a matter of principle.

       He didn’t do video sex.

       That was a principle.

       “Then say something nice to make me happy,” Qian Xiaoke said loftily. “Cheer me up, and I’ll consider showing you.”

       Jiang Tongyan honestly didn’t have much experience with sweet-talking people, except for Qian Xiaoke.

       The last time he made Qian Xiaoke mad, his method of making it up to him was to buy him a meal. At that time, Qian Xiaoke took him out to eat snail noodles.

       “When I get back to China, I’ll treat you to something good,” Jiang Tongyan said seriously, trying to coax him. “Whatever you want to eat—ten bowls of spicy hotpot, ten bowls of snail noodles—whatever else you feel like, it’s on me.”

       Qian Xiaoke bursted out laughing.

       He wasn’t laughing at the food, but because he suddenly realised that Jiang Tongyan actually remembered all the messy little things he liked to eat. And he even knew that he could coax him with it.

       Qian Xiaoke pouted, blaming himself for being too easy to please.

       He raised his hand and wiped his fingers dry on a towel, then tapped the screen lightly. The camera view switched from the wall to his face.

       Soft and pink-cheeked, with a misty haze over the lens—it looked like a little fairy had just dropped down from heaven.

       Jiang Tongyan’s palms immediately broke into a sweat.

       “Couldn’t you give me a warning first?” Jiang Tongyan said. “I wasn’t mentally prepared at all!”

       Qian Xiaoke hadn’t shown anything inappropriate. He had a good sense of boundaries. Even though he usually acted careless and goofy, he wasn’t clueless. After all, he had seen enough outrageous stories online like people getting threatened with nudes after a breakup, so he had developed some awareness.

       Qian Xiaoke was on guard against Jiang Tongyan. He was afraid that one day, the guy might blackmail him. And he didn’t have the money to buy back his own nudes.

       “Not mentally prepared?” Qian Xiaoke said innocently. “Then I’ll turn it off, okay?”

       “…Qian Xiaoke! Be serious!”

       Qian Xiaoke laughed. “How am I not being serious? You’re the one who insisted on video calling me while I was in the bath. You’re the weirdo here.”

       “Well, wasn’t this just perfect timing…” Jiang Tongyan muttered under his breath.

       He really didn’t do it on purpose—it was just a coincidence. And hey, sometimes good timing beats early timing. Since he was already here, couldn’t he at least have a look?

       “So, what exactly do you want?” Qian Xiaoke asked, lounging comfortably in the bathtub. “In a bit, the water’s gonna get cold. Once it’s cold, I’m ending the call. If you can’t say it in time, then too bad.”

       “I went to see the doctor again today,” Jiang Tongyan said. “The doctor said my issue is just too much mental stress, and that I should try again with, you know, that kind of person—just try it in a relaxed way.”

       “Hm? That kind of person?” Qian Xiaoke didn’t get it. “What kind of person? Try what?”

       Jiang Tongyan’s ears turned red. Even domineering CEOs get shy.

       “That is…” Jiang Tongyan tried to sound calm, cleared his throat, and mumbled vaguely, “A lover.”

       At those words, Qian Xiaoke heard his chest ‘thumped’. The leg he had propped up on the tub’s edge slipped back into the water.

       “You know I don’t have a boyfriend right now,” Jiang Tongyan said. “And given who I am, it’s not really appropriate for me to just go out and find someone random.”

       He looked at Qian Xiaoke seriously and said, “I have mysophobia, and I’m very self-disciplined in this regard.”

       Mysophobia?

       Not a chance.

       Qian Xiaoke didn’t believe a word of that.

       Self-discipline?

       Wasn’t this the same guy who just talked about blue-eyed, perky-assed little boys?

       “What are you thinking about?” Jiang Tongyan asked.

       Qian Xiaoke said, “So, you came to me?”

       “The doctor said if it’s a long-distance situation, I could try video,” Jiang Tongyan completely made it up. The doctor never said that—he was just spinning a story to reel Qian Xiaoke in. “I figured, it’s not really suitable to find anyone else.”

       Qian Xiaoke listened with his lips pursed and his free hand absentmindedly stirring the water.

       Jiang Tongyan could hear the splashing sounds and clicked his tongue. “Quit messing around.”

       “What am I messing around with?” Qian Xiaoke replied. “I haven’t even said anything.”

       “Your hand. Keep it to yourself,” Jiang Tongyan said. “Don’t go getting me all worked up when you’re not even gonna do anything.”

       As soon as he said it, Jiang Tongyan felt ashamed and rushed to explain, “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not the type to get ho-ny at the drop of a hat.”

       Well…

       That part, Qian Xiaoke actually believed—since Jiang Tongyan’s, uh, functionality had been compromised.

       “So basically, I’m your boyfriend substitute,” Qian Xiaoke said. “From a certain angle, that’s basically the same as a hookup buddy.”

       That line caught Jiang Tongyan completely off guard.

       Hookup buddy?

       How did it suddenly turn into that?

       “I don’t mind,” Qian Xiaoke added. “Tell you what, I’ll make a deal with you—if you agree, I’ll help you.”

       Jiang Tongyan thought to himself: Wait a minute, isn’t helping me his responsibility?

       But before he could say it out loud, Qian Xiaoke had already laid out his condition.

       Qian Xiaoke said, “Even if you get better in New York, you’re not allowed to find someone else over there.”

       Jiang Tongyan froze for a moment, then broke into a grin.

       What was this?

       This is possessiveness.

       Qian Xiaoke is totally into him!

       Jiang Tongyan thought he was about to get a love confession—but instead, Qian Xiaoke said, “You have to save your virginity for me. You owe me that.”

       “Huh?” Jiang Tongyan was dumbfounded. “I owe you? How do I owe you?”

       “You just do,” Qian Xiaoke said. “We’ve done it twice, and both times we didn’t go all the way. You already took two-thirds of my virginity—so you better make up for the remaining one-third. And there better not be any trace of someone else’s perfume in between!”

       Jiang Tongyan was completely confused. “Perfume? Whose perfume?”

       “That’s not the point,” Qian Xiaoke said. “The point is—you must stay chaste for me while you’re over there!”

       Jiang Tongyan was both amused and bewildered by all this, but in the end, he still nodded.

       He wasn’t planning on doing anything with anyone else anyway.

       “Alright, it’s settled then.” Qian Xiaoke finally felt satisfied. Looking at Jiang Tongyan through the phone screen, he gave a tiny smile and bit his lip. He then said softly, “Gege, then let’s begin.”

       The moment the words left his mouth, Jiang Tongyan suddenly felt a surge of desire shoot straight to his core. He glanced down and saw it was hard as a rock.

       As expected of Qian Xiaoke.

       The little devil who lived in the center of Jiang Tongyan’s heart.

       Having read all the novels in the world, this seductive little bottom knew every move.

       Seductive Qian Xiaoke—just one look, one coquettish sentence, and Jiang Tongyan, this old house, was instantly set ablaze.

       Qian Xiaoke lifted a hand and subtly revealing his collarbone. “Gege, aren’t you hot wearing all those layers? Want me to help you unbutton your shirt?”

---

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       Qian Xiaoke, of course, knew the meat of these poultry wasn’t as tasty as his own, but: Chairman Jiang, you’re really bold—wanting to eat human meat!

       Jiang Tongyan wasn’t sure if he was serious or joking, but it cracked him up.

       A few back-and-forth WeChat messages in the morning were enough to boost Jiang Tongyan’s mood so much that he ate an extra egg. Qian Xiaoke really had some magic.

       Jiang Tongyan gave Qian Xiaoke a tip: Since you eat so much, pick the heaviest one.

       So, bored out of his mind, Qian Xiaoke actually grabbed a scale and started weighing them one by one. But the poultry wouldn’t stay still, running all over, and he hadn’t marked them. Soon, he couldn’t tell which he had weighed and which he hadn’t.

       Qian Xiaoke’s mom came out and asked, “What are you doing?”

       “I’m checking which one’s fattest—I want to eat the fattest.”

       “You’re the fattest,” his mom said. “Eat yourself.”

       Qian Xiaoke pouted. “How’re you just like Jiang Tongyan?”

       “Who’s that? Your partner?”

       “No,” Qian Xiaoke said. “A clueless rich person—not my partner.”

       His mom glared at him. “Yeah, I figured—no hope of you finding someone.”

       Faced with his mom’s distrust, Qian Xiaoke thought she was right. He figured he wasn’t exactly boyfriend material either.

       So sad.

       No looks, no skills.

       Who’d fall for him?

       Qian Xiaoke grabbed a chicken at random. “Tonight, it’s you!”

       But his mom slapped his hand and snatched it back.

       She said, “I’m keeping this hen to lay eggs. Your dad cooked instant noodles inside—go eat that!”

       So wronged.

       Qian Xiaoke couldn’t find a boyfriend, and now couldn’t even eat chicken.

       He messaged Jiang Tongyan to complain. Jiang Tongyan, sipping coffee, laughed so hard he nearly broke the window.

       Feeling the vibe was right, Jiang Tongyan asked a question he’d been dying to: Qian Xiaoke, what kind of person do you like?

       Qian Xiaoke was glumly heading inside to eat his noodles. At least his dad had made him chicken-mushroom flavor, so he got a whiff of chicken.

       Slurping noodles, he checked Jiang Tongyan’s message and replied without thinking: Didn’t I tell you before? A sunny, handsome younger top who would join me at a street stall after work without complaining!

       Jiang Tongyan sent a machete emoji.

       Qian Xiaoke laughed and saved it.

       Seeing no further reply, Jiang Tongyan felt a bit down. This kid gave him no face. He couldn’t figure out whether his brain was too dense to get it or playing dumb on purpose.

       His good mood was gone. Jiang Tongyan finished breakfast, tidied up, and was about to head out when Shen Huiming called as he got into his car.

       “Rare,” Jiang Tongyan said. “I thought you’d forgotten me.”

       “I really don’t think of you at ordinary times,” Shen Huiming chuckled. “But I have something to tell you today.”

       Jiang Tongyan assumed it was work-related. “I’m going back to China at the end of the year.”

       “I’m with Suo Yang now.”

       Suo Yang?

       Who’s Suo Yang?

       It took Jiang Tongyan a solid minute to recall—that was the blind date Zhou Mo set him up with! The perfect ideal type of flight attendant tailored for him!

       “For real?” Damn it, snatched again?

       That was his first thought.

       But he quickly realised this time it wasn’t Shen Huiming’s fault—he had never taken it seriously himself.

       Weird thing was, that Suo Yang guy ticked every box for Jiang Tongyan’s dream partner—handsome, classy, with that cool and sexy edge.

       Logically, he should’ve clung to him like glue, shamelessly if need be.

       But Qian Xiaoke had scrambled his brain, and he forgot about it.

       His taste had gone full fantasy mode.

       “For real,” Shen Huiming said. “I’m off lately—we’re hitting New York in a couple of days. Free? Let’s grab dinner.”

       “Sure,” Jiang Tongyan agreed readily. “I wanna hear how you snagged him.”

       After setting plans with Shen Huiming, Jiang Tongyan found an excuse to message Qian Xiaoke.

       He sent: Shocked! Shen Huiming’s with my blind date!

       Qian Xiaoke was sipping soup from his noodle bowl when he got it—he loved this chicken-mushroom flavor.

       Content and happy, he wiped his mouth and let out a satisfied burp.

       Picking up his phone, he replied to Jiang Tongyan: My condolences.

       Jiang Tongyan nearly died of frustration—Qian Xiaoke’s brain was hopeless!

       He decided to ignore Qian Xiaoke for a while and let Qian Xiaoke reflect on himself.

       But Qian Xiaoke didn’t catch Jiang Tongyan’s noble intent—he went outside to chase chickens instead.

       So childish.

       Childish enough to make his mom roll her eyes.

       When Qian Xiaoke got tired and returned inside, he showered, flopped lazily on the sofa, and grabbed his phone to play a match-three game. Only then did he see Jiang Tongyan’s later message.

       Jiang Tongyan said: They got together so suddenly—how’s it so sudden?

       Qian Xiaoke really wanted to say he didn’t want to talk, but he knew if he did, Jiang Tongyan’s petty temper would flare up again.

       So he replied perfunctorily: They clicked and jumped in with passion, I guess. Condolences.

       Condolences again!

       Jiang Tongyan thought: Yeah, condolences for me—how’d I fall for you?

       But he only griped inwardly, his eyes lingering on ‘passion’.

       He suddenly wanted to ask what he and Qian Xiaoke were. Was it passion too?

       If it were passion, it would be the kind that was excited halfway and then died down.

       This morning, Qian Xiaoke had him all mixed up again.

       Qian Xiaoke put down his phone and lay on the sofa, rubbed his full and round belly and pondered life a bit. He felt bad for Jiang Tongyan—his blind date snatched away.

       A few minutes later, Qian Xiaoke sent Jiang Tongyan another message to cheer him up: Chairman Jiang, look on the bright side—there’s plenty of fish in the sea. You’ll find your flower someday!

       Jiang Tongyan: Thanks, not comforted.

       ========

       While Jiang Tongyan wrestled with his clueless little dummy here, over there he had to face a lovey-dovey new couple flaunting their happiness.

       When he met Shen Huiming and Suo Yang, he was oozing sourness.

       Suo Yang was still handsome—damn handsome. Next to him, Qian Xiaoke was just a fluffy bunny. But if Jiang Tongyan had to choose now, he would grab those bunny ears and drag him home.

       He liked him—no helping it.

       Even if the guy didn’t match his ideal partner checklist anywhere, he still liked him.

       Chatting with Shen Huiming and Suo Yang over dinner, Qian Xiaoke came up—along with how to tell ‘passion’ from ‘love’.

       Jiang Tongyan figured maybe it was just the novelty—he had never met a Qian Xiaoke before, so it was passion. But on second thought, passion my ass—what passion did he and Qian Xiaoke even have?

       He just liked him.

       Jiang Tongyan was hooked by Qian Xiaoke, and he felt so wronged.

       After meeting Shen Huiming and the others, Jiang Tongyan felt off. He felt like he had been slapped with their PDA and was borderline depressed.

       He called Qian Xiaoke on the phone to vent, but Qian Xiaoke was asleep. His phone was on silent—nothing could wake him.

       When Qian Xiaoke woke up and saw the late-night voice call from Jiang Tongyan, he sweetly sent back a cute pig-head emoji.

       Normally, he might not reply hours later, but Jiang Tongyan was ‘heartbroken’ now—heartbroken folks need comfort and love.

       Qian Xiaoke planned to pamper Jiang Tongyan the next few days.

       As for why? He didn’t think too hard—just didn’t want him too sad.

       How could Jiang Tongyan not be sad? However, he was not sad because his blind date was with Shen Huiming, but because the person he liked was not on the same wavelength as him.

       The National holiday passed with Qian Xiaoke chasing chickens and coaxing Jiang Tongyan. Back home, he did a big clean, then kicked off another round of corporate slave life.

       Jiang Tongyan’s resignation process was nearly done—just some paperwork left for returning to China.

       Lately, with little to do, he had phone meetings with Cheng Sen for work prep, messaged or called Qian Xiaoke, and worked on his indescribable ‘mental condition’.

       The effect of the treatment was not seen, but Jiang Tongyan was indeed not as stressed as before.

       The doctor suggested trying again with his lover.

       Jiang Tongyan: “Lover?”

       Qian Xiaoke chasing chickens popped into his head, and he laughed out loud.

       A ‘lover’ was a stretch, so doing it with Qian Xiaoke wasn’t an option. But Jiang Tongyan had his sneaky ways.

       He was a sly one—knowing Qian Xiaoke felt guilty about this, he morally guilt-tripped him.

       One idle moment for him, deep night for Qian Xiaoke, Jiang Tongyan sent a video call invite.

       Qian Xiaoke was soaking in the tub, playing a match-three game. He had just discovered how nice baths were.

       He hadn’t known before because his old place had no tub. Since he had no experience, he had no clue.

       The sudden video invite startled him. He didn’t want to answer, but his hand slipped, and somehow he hit accept.

       The screen lit up—Jiang Tongyan’s face loomed huge, freaking him out.

       “What’re you doing?” Qian Xiaoke looked spooked.

       Jiang Tongyan: “…Where’re you at?”

       Qian Xiaoke’s camera wasn’t on selfie mode—Jiang Tongyan saw the foggy mirror in Qian Xiaoke’s bathroom.

       “Right here,” Qian Xiaoke said, waving a hand in front of the lens.

       “Properly! Let me see!”

       “Why?” Qian Xiaoke muttered. “I’m bathing—can’t just show you!”

       Bathing.

       Bathing!

       No need to look—Jiang Tongyan’s face was already red just imagining it.

---

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       Qian Xiaoke had, of course, met Shen Huiming before—he just couldn’t put the name to the face.

       Not only had he met him, he had even danced with him!

       Back at Zhou Mo’s birthday party, a tipsy and cheerful Qian Xiaoke had started dancing with Shen Huiming. Midway through, he noticed his dance partner’s eyes were glued to someone else. The sweet and kind-hearted Qian Xiaoke naturally wanted to help out, so when the song switched and partners swapped, he took the initiative to swap places with that person.

       That’s when his new dance partner became Jiang Tongyan.

       At the time, Qian Xiaoke didn’t know these people’s names. Later, after drinking more and getting dizzier, all those mix-ups happened.

       But he had never known about Jiang Tongyan’s ‘curse’ with Shen Huiming. When he had called out the wrong name during their first time, causing trouble, he thought it made sense—anyone would go soft hearing their partner call someone else’s name in bed.

       Jiang Tongyan, naturally, had no intention of telling Qian Xiaoke about his ‘grudge’ with Shen Huiming. Spill that just to let this kid mock him? No way.

       Still, lately, Jiang Tongyan, swept up in ‘love’, had almost forgotten Shen Huiming. He even had this feeling that once he fixed his embarrassing issue, he could confidently sweep Qian Xiaoke off his feet.

       That is, until Qian Xiaoke suddenly said, ‘I know who Shen Huiming is now.’ Standing by the roadside, Jiang Tongyan felt like he’d been smashed into the underworld with a hammer, chills giving him goosebumps.

       Clearly, to Jiang Tongyan, that sentence from Qian Xiaoke was scarier than a ghost story.

       A love rival at the door—Jiang Tongyan had no patience to dawdle with WeChat texts. He called via WeChat voice—too scared to call directly, lest Qian Xiaoke reject it.

       But Qian Xiaoke rejected the WeChat voice call too.

       Qian Xiaoke texted: What’s up? I’m at work!

       It was past 8 p.m. for Jiang Tongyan, with a twelve-hour time difference from Qian Xiaoke.

       Jiang Tongyan sent a voice message: “Don’t give me that! You start at 8:30—you’ve still got twenty minutes!”

       Qian Xiaoke said: Special circumstances today. Chairman Cheng has a big morning meeting at the company. As one of the most important employees, I’m in place by 8!

       Yeah, the company receptionist—pretty crucial.

       Jiang Tongyan rolled his eyes.

       It seemed like Shen Huiming was there for the meeting, probably about a collaboration project.

       Jiang Tongyan felt like he had chomped ten lemons and was sour from head to toe.

       He told Qian Xiaoke: “Behave yourself. That Shen Huiming has a boyfriend—don’t go crushing on him!”

       Qian Xiaoke felt so wronged. How could Jiang Tongyan make him sound like some lovestruck fool?

       Okay, he admitted he kinda was—who didn’t like hot guys? If Jiang Tongyan weren’t good-looking, he wouldn’t have bothered with him either!

       Qian Xiaoke pouted and didn’t reply.

       After waiting ages for a response and getting none, an anxious Jiang Tongyan spammed ten pig-head emojis.

       Qian Xiaoke muted his phone, shoved it in the front desk drawer, and got busy with work.

       He was working—who had time to flirt with some guy across the globe?

       Qian Xiaoke was diligently on duty here, while Jiang Tongyan was restless over there.

       Now, Jiang Tongyan finally got what ‘a kite with a snapped string’ meant. Right now, Qian Xiaoke was that kite, and who knew whose arms that free spirit was flying toward?

       Jiang Tongyan was gloomy.

       By the time Qian Xiaoke finished and checked his phone, the gloomy Jiang Tongyan was sitting by his window, nearly grinding his teeth to dust.

       He felt so wronged.

       He felt the heavens ought to pour down a heavy rain just for him.

       Just as Jiang Tongyan was indulging in his melancholy, he suddenly heard his phone vibrate. He looked down—ah, Qian Xiaoke!

       He was no longer melancholy and sprang back to life instantly.

       Jiang Tongyan felt pathetic—he couldn’t let Qian Xiaoke know he was like this.

       He had to be a CEO, the kind who walked with swagger.

       Qian Xiaoke replied: What do you take me for?

       What do I take you for?

       A scammer!

       Jiang Tongyan grumbled inwardly: You’re a little con who scams bodies and hearts!

       Jiang Tongyan asked Qian Xiaoke: What’re you up to now?

       Qian Xiaoke: Nothing for me to do—going to the bathroom.

       Bathroom?

       Perfect.

       Jiang Tongyan called via voice.

       Qian Xiaoke didn’t want to pick up, but since he was free, fine, he’d take it.

       He put on earbuds and answered Jiang Tongyan’s WeChat voice call.

       Qian Xiaoke said, “I’m working—don’t disturb me!”

       “What did you do today?” Jiang Tongyan asked, feeling sourness ooze out. Good thing phones couldn’t transmit smells, or he would be busted.

       “Busy—so busy,” Qian Xiaoke said. “Haven’t stopped since I got here. I’m so hardworking—I’m awesome.”

       Jiang Tongyan couldn’t hold back a laugh.

       “Why’re you laughing at me?”

       “Not laughing at you—it’s a compliment,” Jiang Tongyan said. “So, uh, you saw Shen Huiming?”

       He couldn’t let it go!

       “Yeah, so hot,” Qian Xiaoke said. “Tall and handsome.”

       “He’s one centimeter shorter than me.”

       Qian Xiaoke was stunned for a moment, then laughed like a goose.

       “…What’s so funny?”

       “Your tone’s so sour—jealous much?”

       Jiang Tongyan rolled his eyes sky-high, “Jealous of him? I’m better than him in every way—what’s there to be jealous of? Qian Xiaoke, are you blind?”

       Qian Xiaoke honked like a goose, laughing so hard he nearly forgot to pee.

       “What’re you laughing at? Hold it in!”

       “You control the sky, the earth, and now my laughter too?” Qian Xiaoke said.   “I’m happy—can’t I laugh?”

       “Now you’re talking back?”

       “It’s not talking back—it’s facts,” Qian Xiaoke said, full of logic. “You can’t control me.”

       Jiang Tongyan was mad and flustered—he realised Qian Xiaoke was right; he couldn’t control him.

       “Qian Xiaoke, you’re such a disappointment.”

       “How?” Qian Xiaoke said. “Jiang Tongyan, cover your ears.”

       “What’re you up to now?”

       Qian Xiaoke dragged out an ‘mm’, then said shyly, “I’m gonna pee—you listening makes me embarrassed.”

       Now Jiang Tongyan laughed, mimicking Qian Xiaoke’s goose honk, sounding like a dumb one himself.

       “Cover them quick!” Qian Xiaoke snapped, half-angry, half-coy—it sounded adorable to Jiang Tongyan.

       Jiang Tongyan couldn’t fathom how he’d fallen for this guy.

       What was going on?

       Had Qian Xiaoke hit him with some western region sorcery, hexed him or something?

       Jiang Tongyan still couldn’t figure out why he liked Qian Xiaoke, but he’d stumbled into it anyway.

       He liked him, but too shy to say it.

       He was too prideful.

       As the saying goes, pride means suffering—too embarrassed to let him know, so he just sulked alone.

       “Qian Xiaoke, I’m seriously doubting your IQ,” Jiang Tongyan said. “If you don’t want me to hear, just cover the mic.”

       Qian Xiaoke slapped his thigh, “Oh, right!”

       Then he hung up the voice call.

       Jiang Tongyan, fuming, flopped onto the floor, staring at his chandelier, questioning life.

       Truth be told, Qian Xiaoke didn’t completely brush Jiang Tongyan off. After hanging up, he sent a cute emoji to play sweet.

       Jiang Tongyan got it—he was too soft. No matter what Qian Xiaoke did, one little coy act, and he would forgive him instantly.

       He was too nice, Jiang Tongyan thought. I’m this great, and Qian Xiaoke doesn’t appreciate it—truly blind.

       It was the last workday before the National Day holiday. After cheering Jiang Tongyan up, Qian Xiaoke returned to his post, working hard.

       Cheng Sen finished up and came out to see the guests off. Once they were gone, he smiled and asked Qian Xiaoke, “Any plans for the holiday?”

       “Going home!” Qian Xiaoke hadn’t been back in ages. He used to rush home every break, but the past couple of years, his parents got a wild itch, retired early, sold their city place, and bought a little courtyard in the countryside.

       His folks were living it up—raising chickens, ducks, geese, tending flowers and plants, too busy to miss Qian Xiaoke out on his own.

       Qian Xiaoke had sulked, testing how long it’d take them to remember their son. Turns out, they never did.

       In the end, he caved first—time to go home.

       “Oh… I thought you’d go to New York.”

       “Huh?” Qian Xiaoke tilted his head at Cheng Sen. “New York? Chairman Cheng sending me on a business trip?”

       That line felt oddly familiar, like he’d asked it before.

       Cheng Sen laughed, waving it off, “Nothing, forget I said it.”

       Come quitting time, Qian Xiaoke clocked out and bolted—he had bought an evening ticket to head home tonight.

       Back at his place, Qian Xiaoke tidied up, grabbed his suitcase, and was about to leave. At the door, he glanced at the clothes hanging on the balcony, stared for a moment, then snapped a photo with his phone.

       It was that outfit Jiang Tongyan had left behind—they had eaten stinky tofu at home. Jiang Tongyan complained of the smell and ditched it there.

       Qian Xiaoke, ever diligent, washed it for him.

       The new place’s washing machine was great. After disinfection, the first batch of clothes he washed was Jiang Tongyan’s clothes.

       Qian Xiaoke proudly sent the pic to Jiang Tongyan, fishing for praise.

       Jiang Tongyan saw it the next morning when he woke up. He wanted to complain—those clothes weren’t machine-washable!

       But he held back and dutifully praised Qian Xiaoke: You’re one diligent little bastard!

       Qian Xiaoke got the ‘praise’ after arriving home, squatting in his courtyard, picking tonight’s meal.

       Fat chicken or fat duck?

       That was the question.

       Qian Xiaoke snapped pics of his courtyard’s chickens, ducks, and geese, sending them to Jiang Tongyan: Pick one—I’m gonna kill it for meat!

       Jiang Tongyan: …None of that meat looks tastier than you. Stew yourself!

---

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       The perfectly good idol-drama vibe was ruined the moment Jiang Tongyan opened his mouth, turning it into a comedic skit.

       In fact, he did it on purpose—he didn’t want to see Qian Xiaoke cry. That kind of melodramatic role didn’t suit someone so cute.

       “How can you say that?” Qian Xiaoke swatted him, then wriggled out of his arms. “Don’t curse my husband.”

       Jiang Tongyan chuckled inwardly: Protecting me, huh?

       Little did he know, in Qian Xiaoke’s mind, the ‘husband’ role wasn’t his yet.

       “Alright, wipe your snot,” Jiang Tongyan said, taking the tissue from him and rubbing his nose hard. “Gross.”

       Qian Xiaoke stared at him, still mumbling apologies.

       “Stop it, or I’ll cut your tongue off,” Jiang Tongyan said, finishing the wipe. He held the tissue in one hand and grabbed Qian Xiaoke’s umbrella-holding hand with the other, leading him to a trash can to toss it. “Cry again, and I’ll throw you in here.”

       Qian Xiaoke saw him seriously threatening him and burst into a teary laugh. “Then I’ll see you off tomorrow.”

       “You? Seeing me off? Forget it.” Jiang Tongyan actually wanted Qian Xiaoke to send him off, but Qian Xiaoke didn’t have a car. The airport was far—sure, he could pay for a cab there, but the return? Qian Xiaoke, that penny-pincher, wouldn’t shell out for a ride back, switching buses and subways multiple times. Just thinking about it sounded exhausting.

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t want him to go through that—he was being considerate.

       But to Qian Xiaoke, it sounded like he was being called a bother, so he just pouted and dropped it.

       They stood under the umbrella at the neighbourhood gate. The rain poured fiercely, making it hard to hail a cab.

       Waiting by the roadside, Jiang Tongyan said, “I’m fine. I’ve already booked a doctor—going back, I’ll get a proper one to check me out.”

       Proper doctor?

       Qian Xiaoke tilted his head at him. “You saying I’m not proper?”

       “What do you think?” Jiang Tongyan grinned at him.

       Whether Qian Xiaoke was proper or not, they both knew the answer.

       Qian Xiaoke turned back, staring at a nearby puddle. He heard Jiang Tongyan say, “You don’t need to feel guilty. I’m partly to blame too.”

       It was true, their beginning was a mistake.

       Not entirely alcohol’s fault—they’d drunk a lot the night before, but the next day, they weren’t so out of it that they couldn’t think. Looking back, they both had impure intentions, each trying to take advantage of the other, which led to this huge mess.

       It was a lesson from fate.

       Good, in a way—it taught them something, though the cost was steep.

       “Xiaoke.”

       Qian Xiaoke looked at Jiang Tongyan. It was the first time he’d called him without his surname—pretty intimate.

       “Hm?”

       “Let’s call our treatment done here,” Jiang Tongyan said. “We both know what this time’s been about.”

       Jiang Tongyan had misunderstood—he thought Qian Xiaoke was also out to take advantage of him. But really, Qian Xiaoke’s goal was pure and simple: just healing him.

       “Tomorrow, when I’m back, the doctor will give me a plan. You don’t need to worry,” Jiang Tongyan said. He found the rainy day annoying, making his heart feel damp. “Forget what should be forgotten, let go of what should be let go.”

       Now it was Jiang Tongyan’s turn to play the tragic lead, but Qian Xiaoke wasn’t buying into the drama.

       “The taxi’s here,” Qian Xiaoke said as a taxi pulled up. Jiang Tongyan got in and looked at Qian Xiaoke standing there, reluctant to leave but forced to go. “Head back.”

       At that moment, Jiang Tongyan felt a bit dead inside. He resolved not to contact Qian Xiaoke again until he was fully healed.

       But men’s resolutions are sometimes like a fart—released, sniffed, and gone.

       One hour after parting with Qian Xiaoke, back at his hotel, Jiang Tongyan missed him so much he got hard.

       Ten hours after parting, on the way to the airport, he suddenly realised he didn’t even have Qian Xiaoke’s phone number. He immediately called Cheng Sen to get it.

       Twenty hours after parting, at 30,000 feet, staring at the clouds, he pictured Qian Xiaoke rolling happily on them.

       Barely separated, Jiang Tongyan missed Qian Xiaoke like crazy.

       All his prior decisions vanished the moment he landed in New York.

       Off the plane, he tried contacting Qian Xiaoke right away. However, Qian Xiaoke looked at the strange string of numbers and searched on the computer. He found that it was an international call and refused to answer.

       He figured no one from abroad would call him—until half an hour later, it hit him: Could it be Jiang Tongyan?

       Probably not.

       Qian Xiaoke thought: Why would Jiang Tongyan call me? He wouldn’t think of me.

       At that thought, he felt a tiny pang of disappointment. Even if Jiang Tongyan said he would come back someday, who knew how long ‘someday’ was? Back in New York, with all his friends and family, he would soon forget a boring, useless guy like him. By their next meeting, Jiang Tongyan might not even recall his name.

       That thought stung a bit.

       Qian Xiaoke didn’t answer Jiang Tongyan’s call. Both clutched their phones, lost in their own wild thoughts.

       Back home, unpacking, Jiang Tongyan suddenly spotted a small coin pouch with a husky face on it in his suitcase.

       Qian Xiaoke had given it to him that night they ate barbecue.

       They’d stuffed themselves, strolling back to Qian Xiaoke’s place, passing street stalls with cheap trinkets. The pouch was 12 yuan—Qian Xiaoke said the dog face had his vibe and bought it for him.

       Back then, Jiang Tongyan had scoffed at it. Now, it felt precious.

       He sat on the carpet, holding the pouch and grinning stupidly. His phone rang—work, notifying him about tomorrow’s meeting.

       The last handover meeting at this company—after that, he would start the resignation process.

       Jiang Tongyan got up, circled a date on his calendar.

       He planned to return to China two months from then, though he wasn’t sure it would pan out.

       After the call, he checked his phone again, added Qian Xiaoke on WeChat—no response from the kid.

       Jiang Tongyan panicked, messaging Cheng Sen: Tell Qian Xiaoke to hurry up and accept my friend request!

       Cheng Sen was floored: What? You two haven’t even added each other yet? What’ve you been doing?

       In Cheng Sen’s mind, they were already a thing. But Jiang Tongyan was asking for Qian Xiaoke’s number before leaving, and now begging him to push Qian Xiaoke to accept his request—what was this?

       Were they playing some game?

       Had he misunderstood? Were they not dating, just casual hookups?

       It didn’t add up, no matter how he looked at it.

       Cheng Sen couldn’t fathom that his sharp-minded work friend and future partner turned brain-dead around his company’s little receptionist.

       Burdened with duty, Cheng Sen had to go to Qian Xiaoke. As a friend, he was truly breaking his heart for Jiang Tongyan.

       Jiang Tongyan, having unpacked, didn’t want to move. He sat on the carpet, sipping water, staring out the window, waiting for Qian Xiaoke to approve his request.

       The trip had been tiring—he should’ve showered and slept, but until Qian Xiaoke accepted his request, he couldn’t relax for a minute.

       That song got it right—love’s a tormenting thing.

       Way too tormenting.

       By now, Jiang Tongyan had totally forgotten his vow not to contact Qian Xiaoke until he was healed.

       His phone pinged. He grabbed it fast.

       Qian Xiaoke had accepted his friend request and sent a pig-head emoji.

       A pink pig with a question mark.

       Question mark my ass! Jiang Tongyan thought. Shouldn’t he send a kiss emoji instead?

       He sent a voice message: “What’re you up to? Why didn’t you pick up my call?”

       Qian Xiaoke was at work, glanced around to make sure no one was near, then listened.

       He replied in text: At work. You need something?

       I need something to be able to call you? What kind of person are you!?

       Jiang Tongyan started getting mad again.

       After all this time together, he’d figured it out—if he ended up with Qian Xiaoke, he might age prematurely from the stress, maybe even hit menopause early.

       Knowing that, he still couldn’t stop himself from wanting to reach out.

       Jiang Tongyan roasted himself inwardly, then kept chatting.

       “Can’t I call you for no reason?” Jiang Tongyan said. “I’ve got a doctor’s appointment tomorrow afternoon.”

       Hearing about the doctor, Qian Xiaoke got nervous early.

       Jiang Tongyan wanted to chat more, but after a few lines, Qian Xiaoke got busy.

       Fine, be busy—Jiang Tongyan huffed, rolled his eyes, and went to shower.

       He suddenly felt like he was in a long-distance relationship with Qian Xiaoke. Far apart, but… kinda fun.

       In the shower, he checked himself in the mirror, poked at his frustrating organ, and sighed.

       With the time difference between China and New York, Jiang Tongyan started adjusting his clock. Whenever he remembered, he would message Qian Xiaoke on WeChat.

       He used to only use WeChat for work with people back home—no emojis ever. But for Qian Xiaoke, he had saved a bunch, sending one whenever he remembered.

       So childish.

       The next day, Jiang Tongyan saw the doctor. He got a physical first, confirming the issue wasn’t there. He was relieved and then went to a psychologist.

       It was embarrassing, but he laid it all out—how he went limp, how he had half risen then flopped, how he had nearly triumphed only to wilt at the last second.

       He held nothing back, spilling every detail.

       He wasn’t sure if the therapist was just comforting him, but she said it was just stress—relax, and he’d see big improvements.

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t buy it. With a wave, he booked a full therapy course, then messaged Qian Xiaoke to report.

       Jiang Tongyan: What’re you doing? I saw the doctor.

       Qian Xiaoke replied: Whoa, whoa, whoa! I know who Shen Huiming is now!

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