When Yu Xiangchen saw that message, his brows drew together slightly. The people who managed to enter his company were all efficient; none ever needed to work overtime into the night. But since Bai Mao had said it that way, he probably just meant it as a light-hearted remark.
…This child.
Yu Xiangchen didn’t dwell on it.
He replied: “No need. Just focus on filming.”
In the car, Bai Mao read his response and clicked his tongue, half amused, half disappointed. Putting the phone away, he sighed softly. “Guess that means no late-night discussion about theory tonight.”
Xu Dongming blinked. “Huh?”
At this hour, Bai Mao was still thinking about academic discussions? But on second thought, maybe that was a good thing, it kept his mind off the unpleasant drama that had gone on at the set.
As the car rolled through the night streets, Bai Mao’s gaze drifted toward the window.
He didn’t have many enemies. When the incident happened, he’d already guessed that Bai Sheng might have had a hand in it. Bai Sheng, after all, was only the Bai family’s adopted son, a delicate position to be in.
If the two of them had never crossed paths, there’d be no problem. But now, they were in the same circle. For Bai Sheng, the real young master’s return was nothing short of a threat.
Once the truth came out, once the public saw who was real and who was not, Bai Sheng would definitely become the target of criticism. Even if people said it wasn’t his fault, he was still the one who had benefited from it all.
In the original story, Bai Sheng never fought back. Bai Mao had been sent away by Yu Wantian and faded into silence. But now… things were different.
Bai Mao’s eyes narrowed slightly.
An idea took shape in his mind and he typed slowly:
“Mr. Yu, I know that the crew wouldn’t do something like this without a reason. Could you find out what happened? I just want to know who I might have offended.”
Yu Xiangchen replied with a single word: “Alright.”
The car soon arrived at Birdcage Residence.
After saying goodbye to Xu Dongming, Bai Mao went upstairs and collapsed into bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
He didn’t dream at all. When he finally woke, the clock was inching past three in the afternoon. Stretching lazily, he left his room and saw Aunt Wang sitting quietly on the sofa, watching a muted drama about rural poverty relief. The sound was off, clearly, she hadn’t wanted to wake him.
“Awake, Young Master Bai?” she said, standing quickly. “I’ll fix you a meal.”
“I want a feast,” Bai Mao murmured, voice soft and muffled from sleep.
Aunt Wang laughed. “Even if you hadn’t said so, I’d still have made you one.”
She opened the fridge, took out a bowl of chilled red bean milk pudding and handed it to him. “Mr. Yu messaged me last night, told me you’ve lost too much weight and asked me to make sure you eat properly.”
She smiled helplessly. “I watch you eat so enthusiastically every day but somehow you never seem to gain a thing.”
Holding a cushion in one arm and the pudding in the other, Bai Mao turned up the TV volume and said lazily, “That’s because I exercise a lot.”
The pudding was cool and creamy, the sweetness of milk blending perfectly with the softness of the beans. Bai Mao closed his eyes in delight. “This is so good.”
“Glad you like it. Next time I’ll make a fruit one.”
“Deal!”
By the time he finished the pudding, dinner was almost ready.
He ate slowly, savoring every dish. When Aunt Wang left to pick up her grandson, it was already close to five.
Left alone, Bai Mao rubbed his small, soft belly and sat cross-legged on the sofa, watching a film. Every so often, he would pause, rewind and study certain performance details carefully, jotting down notes whenever inspiration struck, something to show his acting coach next week.
Outside, dusk deepened into night.
Then came the sound of a key turning in the lock.
Bai Mao turned his head just as the door opened. Yu Xiangchen stood in the entryway, calmly changing into his indoor shoes, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Bai Mao blinked, caught off guard.
Wait, hadn’t Mr. Yu said he wouldn’t come tonight?
Why was he here again?
…Could it be that he had two faces?
Bai Mao thought about it and almost laughed. Yes, that must be it.
In the daytime Mr. Yu was all restraint and composure, talking about work and discipline.
The nighttime Mr. Yu, however… seemed to have a way of taking charge in a completely different manner.
What a contradictory man.
Later, when Bai Mao emerged from his shower, the air between them was filled with that quiet, familiar tension again. The kind that never needed words, only glances.
He lay down on the bed and intentionally checked his academic discussion assignment from the previous day. In the end, he received a very satisfactory answer from Mr. Yu.
He put his arm around Yu Xiangchen’s neck, lowered his eyes and breathed slightly, thinking to himself, ‘Yu Xiangchen truly deserves to be the most promising young entrepreneur in Beicheng. Look at his learning ability, he can learn it after being taught only once!’
Awesome!
Perhaps because Bai Mao’s enthusiasm went unrequited yesterday, Mr. Yu felt sorry for Bai Mao, so today he was very brave and used a full five small umbrellas to make up for the amount of Bai Mao’s coquettishness yesterday.
Bai Mao was very satisfied, which strengthened his resolve to deal with Bai Sheng.
By the time we finished, it was already past 2 a.m.
Bai Mao was completely exhausted, his skin faintly warm, his breathing unsteady. After washing up, he slid under the blanket again, curling into Yu Xiangchen’s arms like a cat seeking warmth.
Looking up with sleepy eyes that still sparkled faintly, he whispered, “Mr. Yu, you’re amazing. I really like you.”
Yu Xiangchen brushed a hand through his hair. “Was I good today?”
“Very,” Bai Mao said with a smile.
Yu Xiangchen’s voice dropped slightly. “Better than usual?”
Bai Mao paused. Usual? As if this kind of moment was common between them? It wasn’t, not really. But since his sponsor had asked, the only right answer was praise.
“Today was the best,” he said brightly.
Yu Xiangchen looked pleased at that.
For once, he didn’t leave immediately afterward. He stayed beside Bai Mao, silent, as if lost in his own thoughts. The quiet was so unfamiliar that Bai Mao didn’t even dare to fall asleep right away.
After lying down for a while, Bai Mao thought to himself, ‘Something’s not right. In the past, Mr. Yu would leave as soon as he was done, without lingering on the battlefield. But today he stayed in bed with me for a long time, making me feel embarrassed to go to sleep.’
Clearly, Mr. Yu was also exhausted!
If you want an ox to plow the land, you can’t let it work itself to death
Finally, seeing the faint fatigue in the man’s eyes, he got up quietly and began to massage his shoulders.
Yu Xiangchen closed his eyes, feeling the light, almost hesitant touch tracing along his muscles. It wasn’t a professional massage, too gentle, too deliberate. More like a wordless attempt to please.
Something about that made his expression hard to read.
This little canary of his… what exactly was going through his mind?
Even when Yu Xiangchen himself was worn out, Bai Mao still had energy to spare, bright-eyed, quietly intent, as if the night wasn’t nearly over.
Yu Xiangchen’s expression darkened slightly.
Was that little gesture supposed to be a hint? He wasn’t tired enough already?
Then what did that mean, on ordinary days, how exactly was that man satisfying this little bird? Or worse, when Bai Mao said “you were amazing,” had it just been an attempt to comfort him? Was he actually being compared and coming up short?
The thought made Yu Xiangchen turn his head and glance over.
Bai Mao looked up innocently, eyes wide and pure. “What’s wrong?”
Yu Xiangchen’s voice was cool. “Stop. I won’t be doing this with you again.”
Bai Mao froze. “…Huh?”
The words stunned him for a moment.
His so-called passion for “academic discussions” wasn’t really about that at all, it was simply because before meeting Mr. Yu, he had never experienced anything like it.
He’d been single for years and suddenly discovering something so new and strangely pleasant, naturally he’d thrown himself into it with enthusiasm.
But he wasn’t made of iron.
After being held down for so long and in so many ways, he was exhausted. He’d pushed himself to get up and give Mr. Yu a massage only because he assumed the man must be even more tired than him, after all, Bai Mao hadn’t really needed to move during the whole thing.
Now, after ten or fifteen minutes of halfhearted massaging, he had been thinking of stopping anyway. And then Yu Xiangchen said that.
It left him completely speechless.
If he stopped right away, it would look like guilt, as if Mr. Yu had hit the mark. But if he didn’t stop… Well, he really didn’t have the strength to keep going.
Forget it. Whatever.
If that made him look like a shameless flirt, so be it.
Bai Mao dropped his hands and flopped back onto the bed, not moving another inch. Yu Xiangchen looked at him again, twice this time.
A quiet, dismissive hum slipped out from his throat.
See? He had been right. That little act earlier really had been a tease.
What a sly, little fox.
At some point, Bai Mao drifted off to sleep.
When he opened his eyes again, daylight was pouring into the room. His phone screen showed it was already one in the afternoon.
Mr. Yu was gone, of course, though there was the usual call from Xu Dongming waiting on his screen.
Still half-asleep, Bai Mao called back.
The moment the call connected, Xu Dongming’s suspicious voice came through. “What’s going on with you? I called at ten this morning and you didn’t pick up. What, another late-night academic session?”
“Yeah,” Bai Mao admitted, voice hoarse.
There was a pause on the other end. “Drink some water.”
There was a cup right by the bed, he didn’t know if it was Mr. Yu or Aunt Wang who had left it there. He obediently took a few long gulps, then asked, “What’s up, ge? You needed me for something?”
“Oh, right.” Xu Dongming cleared his throat, finally remembering his purpose. “Did you tell Mr. Yu about what happened yesterday?”
Bai Mao blinked. “Why?”
“Because they’ve been calling me since this morning to apologize,” Xu said with a laugh that was both amused and bitter. “The role of the second male lead is yours again.”
He went on, mimicking the director’s voice with a mocking edge. “They were all so polite, saying they’d always thought you were perfect for the part, that there’d just been some misunderstanding midway. Said they didn’t want to give up on you and wanted to make things right. Oh and once they realized you had a powerful backer, they were all asking why we hadn’t mentioned it sooner, if we had, none of this would’ve happened. Even that self-important staffer called me to ‘apologize sincerely’ for their earlier attitude.”
Thinking about those morning calls made Xu Dongming both angry and entertained.
It was satisfying, seeing how quickly people’s tones could change but at the same time, disheartening.
In this industry, connections could turn everything upside down. The difference between before and after was like heaven and earth.
“I was a little stunned when they called,” Xu admitted. “Hung up and thought about it, then realized, must’ve been Mr. Yu’s doing. So I came to check with you. Didn’t expect you to still be in bed.”
Bai Mao let out a small, knowing sound. “Yeah, I complained about it yesterday.”
Inwardly, he couldn’t help but marvel. Mr. Yu really was something, such a busy man and yet he’d still found time to sort out his little mess overnight. So efficient and after such a long night, too.
Clearly, he didn’t need to worry about Mr. Yu being overworked.
Xu Dongming’s tone softened. “So what now? Are you still taking the role? I’m not sure about that crew’s atmosphere…”
“Why not?” Bai Mao said calmly. “They contacted us first for the contract, which means the role was mine to begin with. I got it by ability. As for the crew’s atmosphere…” He smiled faintly. “Now that they know about Mr. Yu, I doubt anyone will dare stir up trouble again.”
“That’s true.”
Bai Mao understood what it meant to advance steadily, step by step. He wouldn’t abuse Yu Xiangchen’s influence to seize opportunities that weren’t his. But what was rightfully his, he would never let go.
“Anyway, ge,” he said, stretching. “I’m going to visit Mr. Yu later. I want to thank him in person.”
For something this important, gratitude should be shown properly, face to face.
As for nighttime… Well, a considerate little canary wouldn’t bring work matters into his benefactor’s after-hours rest.
“Alright,” Xu said. “Bring a gift though. Even someone like Mr. Yu probably doesn’t lack for anything but it’s the thought that counts. Got it?”
“Got it.”
After hanging up, Bai Mao thought it over.
Mr. Yu’s company was big and he was always busy, that much was obvious just from how rarely he reached out. So, not wanting to waste a trip, Bai Mao sent him a message first.
“Mr. Yu, are you at the office right now?”
It didn’t take long for the reply to come.
“Out of town on business. Not at the office. Why?”
Bai Mao blinked at the screen, checking the time.
Half past one.
Wait, he had left around five in the morning and by now was already out of town? He must have slept on the plane, if at all.
So hard-working?
Bai Mao couldn’t help feeling a little sympathy. He typed, “You must be tired, Mr. Yu.” Then, after a pause, continued, “The production team of Princess Xihe contacted my manager this morning. They said I’m confirmed for the second male lead again. I wanted to thank you in person. May I know when you’ll be back in Beicheng? I’d like to visit when it’s convenient for you.”
At the Yu residence, Yu Xiangchen glanced at the message.
He hadn’t planned on seeing Bai Mao so soon, it was troublesome and would cut into the young man’s study time but as he started to reply, he realized Bai Mao’s real motive was probably to learn what had truly happened behind the scenes.
Remembering what his assistant had found out, Yu Xiangchen’s brows drew together slightly.
“Contact you tomorrow afternoon,” he replied.
“Alright. Thank you, Mr. Yu.”
Bai Mao spent the rest of the afternoon quietly at home, catching up on unfinished assignments. After dinner, once Aunt Wang had left, he decided to go out for a walk to digest.
He had just changed his clothes when the sound of the door opening reached his ears.
He froze.
“Aunt Wang?” he called. “Did you forget something?”
A deep voice answered, “It’s me.”
“…?”
Bai Mao stared blankly toward the door, then instinctively picked up his phone to check the chat again.
The message clearly said on a business trip.
But the man standing at his door in person was undeniably Yu Xiangchen.
What in the world…?
Eh? EEhhh? Eeeeehhhhhh? What? How? Definitely ML doesn’t have double role so did he instant transmitted or what!???
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The magical Realm runs on stories, chaos, and suspicious amounts of coffee.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · A Nightmare or Reality?Chapter 2 · Yu family’s BanquetChapter 3 · I know your Secret..Chapter 4 · Becoming A Stand-InChapter 5 · Real IntentionChapter 6 · Yu XiangchenChapter 7 · Moved into new houseChapter 8 · Why he’s so perfect?!Chapter 9 · Role stolenChapter 10 · Four Times a WeekChapter 11 · Wrong Message?Chapter 12 · Flower protectorChapter 13 · Study MaterialChapter 14 Part 1 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 14 Part 2 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 15 · Four thousand yuan has arrived in AlipayChapter 16 · In the River?Chapter 17 · Boss like him, People would ready to do OvertimeChapter 18 · Does Mr. Yu have two faces?!Chapter 19 · Now we can begin to express our gratitude.Chapter 20 · Split Personality!Chapter 21 · Mr. Yu is busy and may not have time to comeChapter 22 · Call duration: 0:12Chapter 23 · He’s not Worth itChapter 24 · Mr Yu on film setChapter 25 · You can consider me if you decided to leave Mr. YuChapter 26 · Big Sister has unique hobbyChapter 27 · Really? I’m actually the young master of the Bai family?Chapter 28 · Bai Sheng is Pitiful?Chapter 29 · Someone took a picture of themChapter 30 · Your little one is hereChapter 31 · Mr. Yu asked me if I had a stiff neckChapter 32 · The little lucky butterfly’s wings flutteredChapter 33 · Mr. Yu, you came here just once at the beginningChapter 34 · The door wasn’t lockedChapter 35 · You’re an adult nowChapter 36 · Are rooms still available by scrambling?Chapter 37 · I’m definitely going to watch this variety show!Chapter 38 · Who asked Bai Sheng for money to support Bai Mao?Chapter 39 · How many zeros are there?Chapter 40 · You have to be careful with your methodsChapter 41 · Let’s get MarriedChapter 42 · I’m obviously just coveting your body!Chapter 43 · Does what we’re doing count as Sneaking?Chapter 44 · You want to change rooms?Chapter 45 · Isn’t Bai Sheng’s scheming way too deep?Chapter 46 · Mr. Yu in front of me has become calm and composedChapter 47 · You care a lot about Yu Yutian?Chapter 48 · Bai Sheng has found someoneChapter 49 · How to fall in loveChapter 50 · Uncle Long LegsChapter 51 · Bai Mao, I’m a little scaredChapter 52 · I simply told them the truthChapter 53 · That was far too mercilessChapter 54 · Your fans mention it in your fan forumChapter 55 · In your dreamsChapter 56 · Hello, UncleChapter 57 · Verified account had repliedChapter 58 · Maomao, you don’t need to be afraid of themChapter 59 · What a headacheChapter 60 · It’s a bit… tragicChapter 61 · I’m waiting for you at homeChapter 62 · That’s just too much!Chapter 63 · Is this watch really that expensive?Chapter 64 · Tian CityChapter 65 · They’re easy to get along with.Chapter 66 · Want to have a relationship with marriage in mind?Chapter 67 · Is this the joy of being someone’s “little uncle”?Chapter 68 · Has the protagonist finally figured it out?Chapter 69 · I miss youChapter 70 · That whole family is something else.Chapter 71 · Then comfort meChapter 72 · What about sincerity?Chapter 73 · There’s also 10% of the company’s sharesChapter 74 · So called conservativeChapter 75 · I thought you’d be walking with a limpChapter 76 · They’ve been brainwashedChapter 77 · We got marriedChapter 78 · CongratulationsChapter 79 · You already knew it was me?Chapter 80 · You look very good in a shirtChapter 81 · Did you used to like Bai Sheng?Chapter 82 · I never liked himChapter 83 · Uncle is super niceChapter 84 · Extra 1Chapter 85 · Extra 2Chapter 86 · Extra 3