Young Master Ye flashed him a peculiar smile, one that made Song Chengchi’s scalp tingle and skin crawl with goosebumps. Just as Song was debating whether to greet the man, Ye Yunsui retracted his stance and looked away.
Gu Huai had been pulled into drinking several glasses of wine, leaving his head in a fog and his actions bypassed by rational thought. When he saw someone approaching Bo Jianyan—and standing far too close for comfort—an inexplicable surge of irritation rose within him. He stood up, steadied his swaying form, and made his way toward Bo Jianyan.
His voice was muffled and carried a hint of unhappiness. “Brother Bo…”
Bo Jianyan turned around to find Gu Huai standing behind him, looking quite intoxicated. After a brief word with his friends, Bo Jianyan unhesitatingly took Gu Huai’s hand, his tone softening. “What is wrong?”
Gu Huai pressed his lips together, and after a long pause, he whispered, “Brother Bo, I have something to show you.”
Bo Jianyan’s eyes filled with amusement. “Hm?”
Being led away by the drunk young man drew many stares along the way, but in Bo Jianyan’s eyes, it was a different matter entirely. His wife was publicly asserting ownership, and he loved it.
Once they were in the car, Bo Jianyan could not resist ruffling Gu Huai’s hair. “How much did you drink to get this drunk?” To his surprise, the intoxicated Gu Huai appeared even more obedient and easier to bully than usual.
Gu Huai pushed his hand away and said seriously, word by word, “Brother Bo, close your eyes.”
Seeing no reaction, Gu Huai frowned slightly and reached out a hand to cover Bo Jianyan’s eyes. Feeling the warmth of the palm against his face, Bo Jianyan intentionally fluttered his eyelashes.
Gu Huai became a bit displeased, his voice tinged with dissatisfaction. “Do not move.”
Curious about what Gu Huai was up to, Bo Jianyan complied and closed his eyes, allowing Gu Huai to lead him forward. When he finally opened them, the light felt blinding for a moment, but he was instantly captivated by the person in front of him.
Gu Huai’s eyes were bright, looking as if they could only see one person. “Brother Bo, this is my betrothal gift to you.” He looked at Bo Jianyan with an expression that practically begged for praise.
Bo Jianyan felt his heart skip a beat. His mind was filled with the words “this is my betrothal gift to you,” and he had to suppress the urge to pin the boy down and kiss him senseless. He loved it—loved it intensely. How could this person fit his heart so perfectly?
Gu Huai waited for a long time without receiving a compliment. His eyes drooped in disappointment as his heart churned. Does he not like it? Why does he not like it?
Before he could spiral further, Bo Jianyan pulled him into a firm embrace. He whispered ambiguously into Gu Huai’s ear, “Baby, I like you so much.”
Perhaps because he was truly drunk, Gu Huai did not try to pull away from such a direct confession. Instead, he gave a soft “Mm.” Fearing Bo Jianyan might not understand, he added, “I like you, too.”
Bo Jianyan’s hand fumbled to clasp Gu Huai’s, his mind racing with hidden plans. If I cannot kiss him yet, surely a kiss on the hand is fine?
Feeling the warm, moist sensation on his palm, Gu Huai’s eyes widened in disbelief. After the kiss, Bo Jianyan brought Gu Huai’s hand to his own cheek and rubbed against it. “Baby, I will take you to see my grandmother tomorrow.”
Gu Huai still had not recovered, his mind filled with that kiss on his palm. His earlobes once again flushed a deep pink.
Bo Jianyan finally stopped teasing him and took a proper look at the “betrothal gift.” It was a large flat in a prime location. It must have taken a lot of effort to secure; the facilities were complete and the furniture looked incredibly expensive.
Gu Huai seemed excited, pulling Bo Jianyan to point at the sofa. “Brother Bo, when neither of us has to work, we can lie here together and watch anime.”
“And here!”
Bo Jianyan watched with a smile as Gu Huai enthusiastically introduced every item in the house. The sofa? He liked that idea, too.
Bo Jianyan wanted to stay a while longer, but Song Chengchi called. “Hey, Bo the Dog, come back quickly. Something happened.”
Bo Jianyan’s right eyelid twitched. His voice remained calm. “What is it?”
Song Chengchi was vague. “I cannot explain over the phone. Just get here.”
Seeing Gu Huai still in a daze from the alcohol, Bo Jianyan smoothed his hair. “I have something to handle. Wait for me to come back.”
He gave Gu Huai a brief hug. Before Gu Huai could even process the warmth, it vanished. All he heard was the click of the door automatically locking.
Gu Huai felt a bit lost, staring blankly at the palm that had just been kissed. He was not actually that drunk; his consciousness was relatively clear. Yet, for some reason, he found himself excessively craving Bo Jianyan’s warmth.
Is it guilt? But why did he hate the idea of seeing Bo Jianyan with anyone else? Gu Huai lowered his eyes, unable to fully understand these emotions. After mulling it over without finding an answer, he simply pushed it to the back of his mind.
He sent a message to Xie Wenye: [I am not coming back for a while. I need to prepare to join the film crew.]
Gu Huai stared at his palm again. That warm sensation felt as if it were still there, and his ears turned pink once more.
Xie Wenye’s reply was instant: [What is up? Did that old geezer find more trouble for you?] [Or was it that Gu Yi?]
Gu Huai covered his face, feeling his cheeks burning—likely from the wine. [No, just busy with some things.]
Inside the car, Bo Jianyan’s expression grew increasingly grim. His voice was cold. “What do you mean?”
Seeing him like this, Song Chengchi did not dare to joke further over the phone. “The partner suddenly called to say they are stopping all cooperation with our company. And they offered to pay all the liquidated damages upfront.”
“Our people are trying to communicate with them, but one contact number has blocked us and the other is dead.”
Bo Jianyan paused for two seconds. “Find out who that land was sold to.”
Song Chengchi said cautiously, “Hongchong Group.”
A few cold laughs came from the other end of the line. “I did not realize Gu Chong had grown such big balls.”
Song Chengchi braved the tension to continue. “Based on Gu Chong’s usual behavior of living with his tail between his legs, he shouldn’t have the courage. Unless someone is backing him, there is no reason for him to offend us so directly.”
“Also, Bo the Dog, I want to remind you, are you sure you have thoroughly checked Gu Huai’s identity?”
Bo Jianyan frowned and instinctively snapped, “What does this have to do with him?”
Song Chengchi did not say more. “Never mind, just a thought. How do we handle this?”
“Wait for me. Five minutes. Downstairs at the company.”