Unexpected Incident : Chapter 7

The stay in Los Angeles lasted longer than expected. After wrapping things up, Xiao Teng did not return directly to T City. He needed to make a trip to N City.

That was Rong Liu’s hometown in the Jiangnan region.

This made Xiao Teng slightly awkward.

He did not plan to tell Rong Liu about this itinerary.

Otherwise, once Rong Liu accompanied him… that would be using Rong Liu a bit too thoroughly.

Of course, in the face of interests, he should not hesitate.

Using every available person in the world, that had always been his winning formula.

Regarding his own hesitation, Xiao Teng could only understand it as: after all, Rong Liu was not an ordinary person. He had to know when to stop, could not make it too ugly, right?

When flying directly to N City, the original booking was a noon flight. However, the weather was terrible, encountering heavy rainfall, and boarding was repeatedly delayed.

Judging by eye, the flight could be cancelled at any moment, the exact departure time unknown. Xiao Teng notified the people receiving him in N City that there was no need to arrange things in advance, they would talk after arrival.

Although he had sufficient status to put on airs, he did not like to fuss over such displays.

Sure enough, they rested at a hotel near the airport for half a day, and only in the evening did they finally receive notice that the flight was cancelled, having to switch to another flight in the early morning hours.

Frequently traveling on business, Xiao Teng was long accustomed to such forces beyond his control, without much extra anger. Matters like negotiating with the airline were left to the accompanying subordinates, while he used the time to handle important work.

When they finally boarded the plane, the whole group was exhausted. Soon Xiao Teng heard the sound of heavy breathing rising around him one after another.

Yet he could not sleep. Too long a period of mental concentration, high intensity brain use, made him toss and turn even more on this not very steady plane. Long flights were very tiring, even in first class.

Upon arrival, Xiao Teng only felt unusually weak. The accumulated fatigue and heartache of this period gave him a feeling of being stretched near his limit.

Just entering the arrivals hall, from afar he saw a youth with a figure that stood head and shoulders above the crowd, waving at him joyfully among the people: “Xiao Teng!”

“…”

“Over here, over here!”

Caught off guard by his appearance, Xiao Teng was face to face in silence for quite a while before saying: “…I didn’t tell you to pick me up.”

The young man said eagerly: “You’re coming to N City, of course I have to receive you.”

Xiao Teng sized him up. The young man was in high spirits, his hair looked freshly tidied, only his shirt was slightly wrinkled.

Xiao Teng had originally wanted to ask “how did you know I would come here,” but in the end only said: “Did you know I changed flights?”

The young man smiled cheekily: “Oh…”

“…”

The plane was delayed by quite a long time compared to the estimate, seven or eight hours perhaps. Xiao Teng did not know if he had also waited that long.

Yet the young man’s eyes sparkled brightly, showing no sign of fatigue.

The subordinates tactfully dispersed on their own. Rong Liu pulled his luggage for him, energetically and enthusiastically leading him to the car.

After putting away the luggage and closing the car door, Rong Liu did not immediately start the car, only fixedly and seriously looking at him.

Xiao Teng endured for a few seconds, then frowned: “What are you looking at?”

Rong Liu sighed and said: “I missed you so much.”

“…”

There was nothing cloying about this. After being away on business for some time, hearing such words was not strange.

Yet this was the first time someone had said this to him.

Xiao Teng did not know what to reply for a moment, so he paused, then put on a stern face and said gravely: “What are you doing running here? Shouldn’t you be in T City working properly for me at this time?”

Rong Liu showed a cute dog like smile: “Dear, I arranged everything before I left, don’t worry.”

Xiao Teng neither confirmed nor denied: “Mm.”

Rong Liu said seriously: “I originally promised you that I should stay at the company. But I missed you too much.”

“…”

Xiao Teng had no choice but to change the subject: “What’s there to eat?”

Rong Liu smiled: “I’ve arranged a restaurant, prepared some light dishes.”

Xiao Teng hesitated slightly, and Rong Liu immediately said: “Only I’ll be with you, no socializing, you can just relax and be yourself.”

“…”

The two of them sharing a room, as if he could relax.

The restaurant Rong Liu took him to had quite a modest storefront, looking unremarkable, at best elegant.

But stepping inside, going upstairs, walking through a winding corridor, the view suddenly opened up, truly another world entirely.

The interior of the restaurant was a garden with white walls and black tiles, surrounded by green trees. Winding and twisting, flower paths leading to secluded spots, the scenery changed with every step along the way. Elaborately crafted rockery paired with curved bridges over flowing water, the lake surface glittering with ripples, the water and sky clear and vast.

In the midst of this lake and mountain scenery, the two followed the usher to the restaurant situated in the center of the lake. The restaurant was in an antique style, with carved beams and painted pillars, upturned eaves and corners, quite magnificent.

Once inside, they saw flower windows on all four sides, the hall full of rosewood furniture. Under the mottled light and shadow cast by the shade of the banyan tree, though the bustle outside was close at hand, it was like a whole other world.

Xiao Teng sat down and drank a cup of freshly brewed Longjing tea. This was what he liked, its fragrance rich as orchids, mellow and delicate, that elegant sweetness spreading from between his teeth and lips, moistening his parched and anxious throat during this period.

The dishes Rong Liu had arranged were brought out one by one.

“Try this soup fish noodles. It’s made by grinding fresh fish into fish paste, mixing it with egg white, beating it thoroughly, steaming it until cooked, then cutting it into noodle shapes and braising it in soup,” Rong Liu smiled, “Not many people know how to make this anymore.”

Xiao Teng tried it. Indeed it was smooth and fresh tasting, not fishy or greasy, naturally whetting the appetite.

Among the dishes on the table, there were no deliberately exotic or strange creations. Any rare ingredients were nothing new to Xiao Teng.

But these traditional, common dishes were truly to his liking.

The seasonal vegetables seemed freshly picked and stir fried, both fresh and tender, green and pleasant, delicious with just simple seasoning. The Huadiao chicken had soft bones and sweet meat, the mellow wine combining with the fragrant meat to create a wonderfully intoxicating aroma. The crab was cooked with minced garlic, scallions, and Shaoxing wine, light yet fresh, with a natural sweetness. The shark fin with vegetable hearts was cooked to just the right degree, simmered for seven or eight hours in premium broth, then slow cooked for a long time until the fin was perfectly soft and smooth, just right, the broth tasting quite fragrant and comforting.

His stomach was very traditional, and business trips abroad were inevitably torturous. Now these familiar and considerate foods made his internal organs feel as if they had been ironed smooth, his limbs following suit in comfortable laziness.

Rong Liu asked: “Are you eating alright?”

The young man’s eyes sparkled, his smile like the cool night breeze outside the window.

Regarding this dinner, Xiao Teng really had nothing to be dissatisfied with. It was hard to find fault even if looking for it in an egg, but too much praise would make Rong Liu get carried away. So he said in a lukewarm manner: “Not bad, thanks for the hospitality.”

Rong Liu was also quite easily satisfied, beaming with joy: “You’re welcome, dear, as long as you don’t dislike it.”

Gradually night fell, the lights outside coming on, reflections of light on the water. Xiao Teng sat at the table, embracing the clear water and cool breeze in one building, his chest full of that cool and fragrant air.

After staying at the restaurant for a while, slowly sitting and drinking some tea, Rong Liu said again: “Right, if you’re not in a hurry, how about getting a massage before going back to the hotel? You must be tired from sitting on the plane for so long.”

The back pain and sore waist that came with long flights had still not subsided. At his mention, Xiao Teng’s stiff shoulders ached faintly again.

Rong Liu said with a sincere yet enticing expression: “I think you’ll need it. Right?”

“…”

The spa was a villa surrounded by lotus ponds, very quiet and secluded. Through the glass doors one could see the pond dotted with water lilies and dripping water platforms, the greenery on the walls spreading and hanging down.

The semi open warm water pool was actually a jacuzzi, with hot water bubbling up from the pool bottom, and starlight visible falling from the roof.

Xiao Teng soaked in this warm water, resting with eyes closed among the scattered starlight. The water temperature made him so comfortable that even his toes stretched out.

Just as he was dozing off, he suddenly heard a slight sound of someone entering the water. Xiao Teng opened his eyes and saw it was Rong Liu.

The young man was also barefoot, stepping into the water, making eye contact with him. The young man then smiled quite innocently and shyly.

“I’ll soak for a while too.”

“…”

The surface of the water showed the young man’s body from the waist up. Xiao Teng had always thought of him as a frail sickly weakling, and when he had the chance to examine his figure, Xiao Teng had no time to look closely. Now at such close range, calmly face to face, Xiao Teng calmly assessed him.

The young man’s build was actually quite strong, his shoulders with solid and smooth lines, the chest muscles with powerful contours.

“…”

This body was indeed not bad.

Although this was a body with considerable threat, he was not worried about Rong Liu forcing anything.

The other party had no chance of winning, and he felt that the current Rong Liu did not dare to act out of line with him.

Sure enough, the young man only sat down obediently, the water reaching his chest, leaving only his shoulders and a face that looked harmless and innocent.

Soaking together in this water, Rong Liu seemed to want to chat with him about something, leaning slightly in his direction.

“Dear…”

Xiao Teng raised a finger, pointing at the statue by the poolside with its index finger pressed to its lips, indicating “quiet.” Rong Liu smiled and closed his mouth.

Xiao Teng felt that Rong Liu’s performance today was quite good. He had moved beyond that early category of pestering child, starting to read the room, or rather, mature.

After soaking and getting out, changing into robes, each entered their own massage room. Xiao Teng sat on the bed waiting for a while, hearing light footsteps. He looked up to see the young man entering carrying a basin, and the veins on his forehead jumped twice.

Rong Liu smiled: “Hello, I’m your masseur.”

“…”

Could he file a complaint with the 315 Consumer Protection Association?

Xiao Teng said: “Call the manager!”

Rong Liu smiled: “Don’t be like that, my skills are truly professional level. You’ve tested them to some degree before.”

“…”

“You can try it out first. If you think my skills aren’t up to standard, then we can switch.”

“…”

Faced with such sincere self promotion, Xiao Teng ultimately decided to give him a chance at reemployment.

Rong Liu smiled and knelt down half way, carefully lifting his bare feet and placing them in the warm water basin with small lemons and herbs.

The young man’s fingers massaged the soles of his feet, gentle and nimble. Under that acupressure, Xiao Teng involuntarily let out a moan. The other party’s movements paused briefly, then continued slowly and forcefully rubbing and kneading him.

Looking down from above, he could see the black hair on top of the young man’s head, the long eyelashes, and the tip of his nose.

With Rong Liu being this professional, he could not really complain. Anyway, he was just here to enjoy the massage. Who was doing it did not matter.

After the foot massage came the body. Xiao Teng sat on the bed, slowly lying down on his side, then turning over to lie face down. He maintained his alertness and sobriety to some degree.

As a massage client, after removing the robe, he naturally was not wearing much.

With his back to Rong Liu, lying like this losing control, made his mind spin with a thousand thoughts. Before he could finish thinking, he heard the other party’s voice, gentle to the point of being coaxing: “I’m starting now.”

“…”

In a state where he could not see, he could still keenly sense the young man approaching, then the other party’s palm touched his skin.

Xiao Teng inexplicably shuddered as if shocked by electricity, his whole body tensing.

“Your shoulders are very tight.”

“…”

“You can relax a bit.”

Xiao Teng took a deep breath. He was facing downward, with a basin of fresh flowers placed below, full of watery, blooming flowers, all fresh and in full bloom, not a single petal wilted.

Xiao Teng carefully studied those flowers, trying his best to focus on them and deliberately ignore some other distractions.

He felt the young man pressing on his back with palms and elbows. The technique was indeed professional and dedicated, only this indescribable closeness made him uncomfortable.

Under the young man’s movements behind him, he inevitably felt various indescribable tingling pains, and could only clench his teeth, doing his best to suppress his moans.

Then warm breath brushed against his ear, making him itch. The young man’s voice said softly: “Is this pressure okay? It’s not making you uncomfortable, right?”

“…”

There was a bewitching gentleness in that tone. Xiao Teng said calmly: “Mm, can be a bit lighter.”

The young man smiled: “Alright.”

Xiao Teng adjusted his breathing again, letting himself calmly enjoy this service purely for the purpose of relaxing his muscles.

The massage room was also semi open, with a pavilion style design, no rigid walls, no artificial air conditioning, no extra music. Surroundings only had the night breeze, the boundless lotus pond, and the chirping of insects.

The feeling of being one with nature was too wonderful. Xiao Teng quite appreciated this primitive design. Accompanied by the cool air, those troubling distracting thoughts were swept clean away.

Rong Liu properly and carefully kneaded and rubbed his back, with both male strength and a tenderness and meticulousness no less than a woman’s. That pair of hands had moderate pressure and intensity, warm fingertips and palms, carrying an electric current that made him temporarily unable to think, drowsy.

Cannot fall asleep! Xiao Teng thought.

Absolutely cannot fall asleep in a strange place with an outsider present, that would be far too lacking in vigilance.

Yet his consciousness still had gaps.

The last scene he remembered was the fresh, tender flowers blooming in the basin below. The next moment he opened his eyes, he saw starlight filtering through the roof.

Xiao Teng took a few seconds to come back to himself, and involuntarily started.

He quickly turned his head and saw the young man sitting beside him, looking down at him.

“You’re awake?”

Xiao Teng suddenly sat up. The sheet covering him slid off, his bare upper body suddenly exposed to the cool air. His emotions were somewhat unstable for a moment: “I fell asleep?!”

“Yes…”

“How long did I sleep?”

Rong Liu looked at him: “Not long, just a little while.”

Xiao Teng composed himself: “Mm…”

While he was pondering, a cup of tea was offered to him ingratiatingly.

“Have some water.”

Xiao Teng took it and sipped. The fragrant freshness of the tea calmed him somewhat.

He had been a bit too relaxed this time, especially that inappropriate lazy drowsiness just now. Xiao Teng was dissatisfied with his own abnormality.

This dangerous relaxation and weakness.

It made him a bit angry, but he did not know at whom.

Rong Liu asked: “Are you staying here to rest tonight?”

Xiao Teng said alertly: “No, I’m going back to the hotel.”

Rong Liu looked at him: “Then I’ll drive you back.”

“No need, I’ll go myself.”

Rong Liu smiled: “Your luggage is still in my car.”

“…”

On the way to his hotel, there was a subtle silence in the car. Xiao Teng kept a straight face, not wanting to talk. Rong Liu also dropped the joking and banter, driving dutifully.

Xiao Teng felt something was a bit off.

A few hours ago he had been pleased with Rong Liu’s perceptiveness, but now he suddenly felt this was actually not good.

Rong Liu should be frivolous and flirtatious, laughing and cursing, fooling around and making trouble, never taking anything seriously.

And this was too serious.

This was not right.

Arriving at the hotel, Rong Liu walked him to his room, considerately helping put away the luggage.

Xiao Teng offered no pleasantries, directly issuing the order to leave: “Thanks. You can go back now.”

The young man looked at him and said: “Are you very tired?”

Xiao Teng was in good spirits. Although the earlier massage steps had inevitably been painful, after a nap, his whole body felt loosened up, refreshed.

“Yes, I’m very tired, I need to rest early.”

The young man did not immediately leave, still looking at him, then suddenly said: “These days, have you thought of me?”

Xiao Teng reacted quickly: “No.”

The young man touched his nose: “Wow, so heartless, not even a moment’s hesitation.”

Then he smiled again: “But come to think of it, I thought you wouldn’t even answer this kind of question.”

“…”

The overly close distance made Xiao Teng uncomfortable. Just as he was about to turn and walk away, the young man stepped forward, blocking his path, trapping him between the wall and his chest.

“…”

Xiao Teng was about to flare up, but looking up he saw the young man looking at him, then suddenly lowering his head toward him.

Caught off guard, Xiao Teng had a moment of blankness, but fortunately said in time: “No.”

The young man stopped at a distance too close to see the other’s expression clearly, paused, then laughed softly: “Really no?”

“Yes,” Xiao Teng said sternly: “You should go back now.”

The young man stepped back slightly, looking pitiful: “Then can I sleep here? The suite has plenty of space, I promise to behave.”

“No. I don’t like being disturbed.”

The young man showed some disappointment, but still said: “Alright. Then rest well.”

Rong Liu left.

Xiao Teng closed the door, facing a great enemy as he repeatedly confirmed the lock was secure, then sat down with furrowed brows, quite displeased.

He reflected once and still felt his performance had errors, seeming somewhat abnormal.

Although he had been decisive, that decisiveness instead seemed evasive and weak.

Shouldn’t the correct posture be either to give Rong Liu a thorough beating, or to pull out a check and throw it in Rong Liu’s face, saying “how much for a night of your service”?

Probably he was truly too tired, which made him not domineering CEO enough.

The next day Rong Liu dressed himself up flamboyantly again, strolling over to find him early in the morning.

“Dear, are you free today, I’ll take you around!”

Xiao Teng buttoning his cufflinks: “No time.”

He was here for proper business, not to flirt and fool around sightseeing and having fun.

Rong Liu was not discouraged in the slightest: “Where are you going, can you take me?”

Xiao Teng’s heart moved slightly, but still said: “No.”

The matters he was here to discuss, if Rong Liu got involved, needless to say, things would naturally be twice as effective with half the effort.

In this area, who would not give the Rong family face?

But forget it. Borrowing the tiger’s power was not something to do often, and the Rong family was not stupid either.

Rong Liu smiled: “Oh…”

Then continued wagging his tail and acting cute: “Then, dear, after you finish your business, are you planning to stay a few more days?”

Xiao Teng said expressionlessly: “After finishing today, I’m going back tomorrow.”

Rong Liu was shocked: “Don’t, it’s rare that you came, stay a while longer, I’ll take you around properly.”

Xiao Teng said expressionlessly: “I don’t have time.”

Besides, what was there to see. What scenery or world had he not seen, weren’t all the mountains and waters under heaven more or less the same.

“There is, how could there not be time. Time is squeezed out…”

“You squeeze slowly, I’m pressed for time.”

Xiao Teng left without allowing discussion, shutting the shouting Rong Liu behind him.

However, that day’s meeting was not pleasant, nor successful.

This project was already a tough bone to chew, and the other side was even more unyielding than expected, their attitude cold and hard.

A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake. Xiao Teng naturally understood this principle, but hitting an iron plate still made him quite angry.

Furious, he only felt his head as if bound tight, something deep inside his brain throbbing and pulling with pain, like needles viciously jabbing around in his brain, hurting until his vision blurred and his heart grew restless.

When Rong Liu came dressed up beautifully to get close again, he was propping his arm on the table, pressing his head with a splitting headache, too lazy to even drive him away.

“What’s wrong, another migraine?”

Xiao Teng hummed, seeing stars.

“Let me rub it for you.”

This time Xiao Teng hurt too badly. Only after Rong Liu seriously massaged him for quite a while did he ease up slightly.

Xiao Teng closed his eyes and exhaled: “You’re quite good at this.”

Rong Liu smiled: “Long illness makes one a doctor.”

After a moment, Rong Liu said again: “I’m serious, you need a vacation. This is your body sounding an alarm at you.”

Xiao Teng frowned: “Do I look that idle to you?”

“Dear, you haven’t taken a vacation in a long time, taking one now wouldn’t be excessive.”

Xiao Teng was unmoved: “Can’t take one off.”

“I can lend you my time.”

Xiao Teng looked at him: “That’s an interesting idea, how do you lend it?”

“Simple, take however many days off you want, whatever needs to be done, leave it all to me, I guarantee nothing will be delayed.”

“…”

Rong Liu snapped his fingers: “I can solve all the parts that trouble you.”

“…”

“How about it?”

“…”

“Such dedicated service, don’t miss it while passing by.”

“…”

“How about you try taking one day off first? Trying for one day is no loss, trying for one day is no scam. If it doesn’t feel right, you can change the arrangement anytime.”

This guy not working at a big box store was truly a waste.

Under Rong Liu’s relentless hard sell, Xiao Teng inexplicably welcomed the first unplanned vacation in his life.

The next day Xiao Teng woke up naturally, then was led out on a tour by the newly appointed guide Rong Liu, who volunteered enthusiastically.

Rong Liu first took him to the city center, then pointed at a building.

“This is the hospital where I was born.”

“…”

Xiao Teng wanted to say what did this have to do with him?

After going around, Rong Liu took him to another place: “This is the kindergarten I went to as a child.”

“…”

Then another round: “I went to elementary school here.”

“…”

Xiao Teng thought, what the hell, these count as tourist spots? This counts as sightseeing?

Could he call the police to file a complaint?

“Actually, I spent very little time here,” Rong Liu smiled, “I was in poor health as a child, most of the time I stayed at home.”

“Back then I really envied people who could go out. I always leaned on the railing, watching other kids play on the road with longing eyes. Once they were kicking a ball, and a ball flew in. I happily ran to pick it up, but before it was in my hands, Nanny Zhang acted like she’d seen a ghost, scooping me up and carrying me away.”

“Then I couldn’t even go to the front door anymore.”

“I was quite weak back then, touching a bit of something dirty and I would get seriously ill. Everyone was especially protective of me. Even my dad had to wash his hands specially before holding me.”

Xiao Teng did remember this. Back when he followed his father to visit the Rong family and see this newborn young master, it was no exaggeration to say that one truly had to bathe, change clothes, and disinfect.

Xiao Teng thought, calling this “weak” was being too polite, this guy’s body had major problems.

“Back then my parents rarely held me, kisses and such were out of the question. With anyone, doing anything, I had to keep some distance.”

“Kids outside didn’t like playing with me either. My family had too many rules, they all found it annoying. So I almost had no friends as a child,” Rong Liu turned his head, looking at him, smiling: “Who likes fragile people, right.”

Xiao Teng did not know what to say for a moment. Although different from Rong Liu, his own childhood was also lonely. Hugs and kisses were luxuries for them.

So he said: “Why are you telling me this.”

He was not used to analyzing inner feelings, whether his own or others’.

Rong Liu said quite shyly: “I want you to understand me more.”

“…”

“Go to the places I’ve been, see the scenery I’ve seen, meet the people I’ve met.”

Xiao Teng was silent for a moment, then said: “Boring.”

Rong Liu smiled: “Alright then, next I’ll take you to somewhere not boring.”

This time Rong Liu took him to the riverside. It had rained earlier, and the water surface seemed to have misty fog, faintly revealing the green mountains on the opposite bank.

Rong Liu said enthusiastically: “I came here often as a child. If you come in autumn, it would be even more beautiful.”

Xiao Teng could not help looking out. The mountain scenery in the misty fog had a special charm. Sunlight poured from the sky, and between the interweaving rays of light, those varying shades of green were dazzling.

Then he heard Rong Liu say: “Dear, come aboard.”

Turning to look, Rong Liu had somehow already gotten onto a bamboo raft, standing tall and straight holding a bamboo pole, smiling at him.

“…”

Rong Liu smiled: “Don’t worry, my skills are solid, I won’t let you fall into the water.”

“…”

He really wanted to call the police.

Xiao Teng somewhat awkwardly got onto the bamboo raft. The bamboo was round and wet, and he had to carefully step sideways.

Sitting on the low bamboo chair, he looked around unsteadily. The clear green water surface was long and wide, making one feel very small and unsafe. He suddenly felt he must be crazy, actually accompanying Rong Liu in this nonsense.

Rong Liu stretched out his arm, seemingly lightly pushing the bamboo pole steadily against the riverbank, and the bamboo raft drifted out.

The bamboo raft underfoot bobbed up and down with the current like playing piano keys. Xiao Teng struggled to maintain his balance. He was quite worried that Rong Liu, standing at the front pushing the pole, would roll into the water at any moment. Yet the young man’s posture was quite upright and steady.

Once seated steadily, Xiao Teng began to examine the scenery around him. The phoenix tail bamboo on the bank swayed in the wind, sunlight filtering through the mist, shining down hazily from above.

The water surface was vast and calm, the bamboo raft slowly moving through the water, the green mountains on both banks changing and receding behind them.

Besides them, there were other bamboo rafts and tourist boats on the river. Someone on a tourist boat waved at a fisherman on a bamboo raft, probably wanting to buy something. The fisherman slowly poled his raft closer. Xiao Teng saw that on the bamboo raft there was only a simple bamboo basket and two cormorants.

After some conversation, the fisherman bent down and pulled a rope from the water. The fish were hanging on the rope, submerged in the river. When taken out, each one was alive and jumping.

Xiao Teng had never seen this novelty, and could not help staring. Fresh fish and live shrimp from the basket were handed up to the tourist boat. The fisherman took the money, completing a transaction, and the bamboo raft was poled away leisurely, disappearing into the mountains and waters.

Such leisurely ease like an ink wash painting. Xiao Teng silently watched for quite a while.

He had never ridden a bamboo raft. He never spent time on such useless tourist activities.

He was barefoot on the bamboo raft, watching the river water occasionally wet his feet, a warm and playful sensation. Like childhood games. Distant and unfamiliar feeling.

After looking at his feet for a good while, Xiao Teng raised his head.

The young man stood at one end of the bamboo raft, also looking back at him. Their eyes suddenly met, and the young man smiled at him.

“…”

Behind him the mountains were dark as ink, the blue sky washed clean. That smile on the young face was truly like stars lighting up the dark night, spring flowers lighting up the mountain breeze.

Xiao Teng quickly turned his head, focusing on the scenery on the other side.

This bamboo rafting went on for twenty or thirty minutes. For a non professional, it was actually quite strenuous.

After getting ashore, Xiao Teng looked at the young man’s complexion and asked: “Aren’t you too tired?”

Rong Liu smiled: “Dear, are you worrying about me?”

“…”

The two were still holding their shoes, barefoot, standing on the wet river beach. Around them were some local children running and playing. The sun was setting, rays of light stretching for thousands of miles. The two just stood there, watching the sun slowly retreat to the other end of the sky.

Rong Liu stood shoulder to shoulder with him and asked: “Beautiful?”

Xiao Teng said: “Mm.”

“Come come, let’s take a photo together.”

“…”

Before Xiao Teng could react, he was grabbed by the shoulder and a forced click sounded.

Before he could get angry, Rong Liu had already happily pocketed their photo together, saying: “Dear, I’ll take you to dinner, the super fresh kind.”

Driving along the river for a stretch, they saw quite a few fishing boats moored by the shore. At the river bend there were tall and luxurious ones, and in the distance some simpler ones. The boat lights flickered vaguely in the slowly descending dusk, not magnificent but bright enough.

Xiao Teng himself boarded a simple but lively fishing boat. The selection of fish available on the boat was quite rich, many of which he could not even name. All were freshly caught, the water still river water, the fish jumping lively inside, quite wild and fun.

Xiao Teng picked out some fish himself. Rong Liu talked with the boat boss in the local dialect. After some back and forth, dinner was arranged.

The two ordered some beer, nibbling on small dishes while waiting for the main courses to arrive.

Before long, various fish dishes were brought out: steamed, dry braised, spicy hot, sour spicy, water boiled, deep fried, and some cooked into soup with pickled vegetables and bitter bamboo shoots. A full table of fish feast was laid out, steaming hot and lively.

No rigid formalities, nor flashy displays, just pure gluttony.

Xiao Teng casually used his chopsticks. Honestly, the preparation methods here were relatively simple, not that refined, but they won on freshness and satisfaction. The spice level was just right, letting one still seriously appreciate the texture and freshness of the fish.

Wild fish meat was indeed firmer and more springy. Even under the impact of fresh, spicy, and numbing flavors, his tongue and teeth could still taste this subtle difference.

The seasonings were sour, fragrant, and spicy, the broth scalding hot, yet incomparably fresh and delicious. Xiao Teng ate somewhat messily, but he knew no one would care about his appearance.

Here there was only the gentle night breeze, a bright moon, a river of clear water, and Rong Liu accompanying him.

Xiao Teng felt the power of corruption.

People really were easy to lose their will to ambition and forget their home in pleasure.

While eating heartily without a care, he suddenly thought of something.

It seemed that before this, there had never been pure “enjoyment” in his life.

After this dinner, it was already late at night. Rong Liu insisted on sending him back to the hotel.

“Pickup and dropoff service is part of the package.”

“…”

When they reached the hotel room, before Rong Liu could speak, Xiao Teng said: “You go back now.”

Rong Liu did not speak, only fixing him with bright eyes. That gaze was not sharp, not probing, still carrying a smile, yet seeming able to see through him.

After quite a while, Rong Liu said: “Then good night.”

“Mm.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Goodbye.”

Rong Liu smiled again: “I’m already looking forward to tomorrow.”

“…”

Xiao Teng ruthlessly closed the door in his face.

He suddenly somewhat missed the period when Rong Liu was shouting and making a fuss, because a restrained Rong Liu seemed even more dangerous.

Xiao Teng lay on the bed, quietly thinking in the night breeze filtering through the curtains.

He was someone who had seen much of the world’s splendor, but honestly, Rong Liu’s arrangements made him very comfortable.

Rong Liu was too good at reading faces.

As long as this guy was willing, there was almost nothing he could not do well, no one he could not please.

Actually, as the eldest son of the Xiao family, he had experienced all kinds of flattery and service. Only this was somewhat different.

Rather than being eager to please, it was considerate.

Or rather, a kind of love.

Xiao Teng felt slightly strange. He had never experienced any passionate admiration. Girls were mostly reserved, however bold and unrestrained, they would not be that proactive, not to mention how intimidating he was.

Men were even more out of the question, not within his range of understanding.

Someone who was passionate about him and dared to show that passion, Rong Liu was the first.

He discovered that now, he actually did not reject this feeling.

Perhaps being needed by someone was truly a nice thing.

That day Rong Liu came to find him again to hang out, wanting to stand tall and handsome, yet clinging and sticking to his side, then said: “Right, my family has a dinner party today.”

Xiao Teng glanced at him: “So?”

He knew about this banquet. Originally it had nothing to do with him. But if asked whether he wanted to attend, his answer would definitely be yes.

It was a gathering of political celebrities. The Rong family was deeply involved in politics, with connections everywhere. For a merchant like him who came from generations of business, this kind of occasion was somewhat delicate. That was why he had always wanted Xiao Yin to take the political path.

Rong Liu sighed long and said: “I don’t like this kind of socializing. Too boring.”

“…”

What the hell, he had never seen anyone more naturally gifted as a social butterfly than this guy.

Rong Liu even acted spoiled: “Dear, come with me?”

“…”

Rong Liu’s intention could not be more obvious. Xiao Teng was not that stupid.

That evening Xiao Teng stood by his side, naturally and without being either servile or arrogant, meeting many people, many people quite useful to him.

Even perfunctory wine, when drunk too much, got to his head. Afraid of losing composure while drunk, seeing that the socializing was about done, Xiao Teng found an excuse to step away, letting himself ease the alcohol.

The garden outside the hall was a good place. Dense flower branches in the night and ambiguous lighting provided much cover. Xiao Teng found a place to sit, a tree behind him, various flourishing plants around, which could conceal his poor tolerance for alcohol.

In the air was the subtle fragrance of evening primrose and daylily. He sat leaning against the tree, and actually dozed off without realizing.

He was startled awake because he suddenly heard Rong Liu’s voice.

The conversation before this he had not heard clearly in his daze. Coming back to himself, he only heard the young man’s familiar voice saying: “Oh, is that so?”

Another man’s voice said: “With your status, why bother mixing with such a petty person.”

Rong Liu smiled: “Xiao Teng may be a bad person, but he is absolutely not a petty person.”

The man said: “Don’t blame me for being direct. Xiao Teng’s reputation, you’ve heard of it, you know better than I do. I won’t spell out the ugly words, but has he done few dirty things?”

Rong Liu said: “Actually Xiao Teng is a very principled person. In a sense, he is also quite fair. I admire him very much.”

The man sighed: “I’m not trying to sow discord, but can’t you see he’s using you?”

Rong Liu laughed: “I admire him, believe in him, so what if I’m being used by him?”

“…”

“If you’re going to say anything more unfavorable about him, then please excuse me for leaving first.”

Then came the rustling sound of departing footsteps.

Xiao Teng sat where he was for a while, pondering.

Rong Liu was usually smooth and tactful, rarely so impolite.

Could it be he had drunk too much?

Xiao Teng got up and straightened his clothes, quietly leaving from behind the flower bushes, going around, and returning to the banquet hall.

Rong Liu was still chatting and laughing with people as if nothing had happened. Seeing him, he came over and asked: “Dear, where did you go?”

“Drank too much, found a place to sit and rest.”

Rong Liu looked at him carefully: “Not feeling sick from drinking?”

Xiao Teng looked at the young man. In those dark clear pupils, he could see his own reflection.

He had never cared about others’ opinions of him.

But at this moment, he actually could not help but wonder, what kind of person did Rong Liu see in him?

Perhaps this was the only person in the world who admired him.

That night returning to the hotel, before Xiao Teng could speak, he was suddenly hugged from behind.

“…”

This hug was not forceful, not strong, easily breakable. Xiao Teng was quiet for a moment, then said: “What is it?”

The young man seemed quite surprised, saying: “Huh? I was all prepared to be sent flying by you.”

“…Then I can satisfy you now.”

The young man smiled: “Oh, that won’t be necessary.”

He paused, then said: “I miss you very much.”

“…”

“Strange, even though we’re so close, I still feel like I miss you very very much.”

“…”

Xiao Teng did not move, standing like this with his back to him, the two quietly standing for a while.

After a while, Xiao Teng spoke: “Do you want to?”

The room suddenly fell silent.

Xiao Teng calmly turned around, meeting the young man’s slightly surprised face.

In the brief eye contact, the corner of the young man’s mouth curved into a smile: “The honor is mine.”