Is Yu Xiangchen lying, or has Bai Mao really seen a ghost?
The man standing before him looked exactly like Yu Xiangchen, yet Bai Mao had never heard anything about him having a twin brother.
Besides, this man had the key to the birdcage and could enter and leave the room freely. That shouldn’t be possible if he were an impostor.
Still, once that tiny trace of suspicion appeared, once Bai Mao began to think that perhaps they weren’t the same person after all, his heart began to tremble.
Memories from the original novel flashed before his eyes: the scene where Yu Wantian gifted him to a friend as a plaything. Those images, though fictional, felt as though someone had pressed a red-hot brand against his skin.
The pain was etched into his bones, unforgettable and chilling.
The man in front of him might be his exact type, with a perfect body and stamina that seemed impossible, five umbrellas in a single day, but even if he wasn’t suffering, Bai Mao still needed to find out the truth.
He decided to test the waters. “Mr. Yu,” he said carefully, “why did you come here today?”
Yu Xiangchen’s expression was calm, almost cool. “Why? Am I not allowed to?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
Bai Mao smiled faintly, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s just that you told me this afternoon you were going on a business trip. I thought you wouldn’t be back tonight.”
Yu Xiangchen paused. “…The trip’s over. It wasn’t far.”
He frowned slightly, his fingers brushing instinctively against the phone in his pocket. It was his fault, really, he had forgotten to check their chat history before coming here.
Then again, when he arrived, that man had been sitting in front of the computer, reading a document with Bai Mao’s name on it. That had caught his attention, and now it proved useful.
Yu Xiangchen looked straight at him. “Weren’t you the one who wanted to know what was going on with the film crew?”
Bai Mao froze for a moment, then nodded. “Yes.”
“That’s why I came back.”
Bai Mao blinked, his mind spinning. Was this real? But hadn’t he already arranged to meet Mr. Yu tomorrow according to their WeChat messages?
Sensing his doubt, Yu Xiangchen added, “I was worried you’d be anxious.”
He didn’t bother hiding anything, his voice steady as he continued, “The production really did choose you for the second male lead. But Ying Yimiao mentioned you by name, and said he has a grudge against you. He told the investors that if you joined, he’d pull his funding. The director’s the kind of man who reads the wind. He wanted to put you in your place, so he made sure to embarrass you when Ying Yimiao was around.”
He paused for a moment. “The film Bai Sheng acted in before this was also backed by Ying Yimiao.”
Yu Xiangchen didn’t elaborate further, but the meaning was already clear.
Bai Mao lowered his gaze. So it really did have to do with Bai Sheng.
“…Mr. Yu.” His voice trembled as he looked up, a faint sadness flickering in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know this would involve Bai Sheng too.”
Yu Xiangchen didn’t respond. His brows lifted slightly, his gaze assessing, as if he couldn’t quite figure out what play Bai Mao was performing now. Why did he suddenly look so wronged?
Bai Mao spoke earnestly. “Bai Sheng has always been someone you care deeply about. Even though I’m with you now, I know I could never compare to him in your heart. Yet you still went against his wishes and pressured the production team so I could get this role… I’m truly grateful, I just don’t know how to repay you.”
Yu Xiangchen blinked. “What?”
What did he just say?
This little sparrow is saying he likes Bai Sheng?
How come he never knew that?
He was stunned.
Granted, he only appeared three days a month, and only at night. He didn’t have control over the body most of the time, so it made sense that he didn’t know everything.
But that man, how could he possibly like Bai Sheng, yet still keep Bai Mao as a lover?
It didn’t make sense. That wasn’t his usual style.
Still, Bai Mao had said it right in front of him. Could it really be a lie?
“…Mr. Yu?” Bai Mao called softly.
Yu Xiangchen’s heart was in chaos, but his face remained composed. At last he replied calmly, “Focus on your acting.”
The moment those four words left his mouth, Bai Mao’s shoulders relaxed. Yes, this was the real Yu Xiangchen. That tone, that distant calm, it couldn’t be faked.
As for why he’d said he was on a business trip earlier but showed up now, that was the benefactor’s business. A kept lover had no right to dig too deeply into such things.
Bai Mao had never liked discussing work outside of work hours anyway. Once his doubts vanished, he immediately leaned closer, his movements languid and teasing.
He wrapped his arms around Yu Xiangchen’s neck, his voice soft as silk. “Mr. Yu has been so good to me. I’ve remembered everything in my heart. I really don’t know how to thank you… unless I offer myself to you. Would that be alright?”
With that, he brushed a kiss across Yu Xiangchen’s cheek.
But Yu Xiangchen seemed distracted, still caught up in his own thoughts.
Does that man like Bai Sheng?
Who even is Bai Sheng?
Aside from seeing the name once during Bai Mao’s incident, he had no memory of it at all. Why hadn’t that guy ever told him?
Annoyed, Yu Xiangchen pushed Bai Mao away. “Wait a minute.”
“…Alright,” Bai Mao said, blinking. Then, with a playful hint, added, “Mr. Yu, why don’t you take a shower while you’re at it?”
“Okay.” Yu Xiangchen agreed absentmindedly.
He headed into the bathroom, sat down on the toilet lid, and frowned as he pulled out his phone. First, he reviewed the chat history between him and Bai Mao, then he searched up Bai Sheng.
The search results came up quickly. Bai Sheng had an entry on Baidu Encyclopedia, complete with neatly edited photos.
Yu Xiangchen scrolled through them all, his frown deepening. He checked for recent updates, but there wasn’t much, no major works, just a yet-to-be-released movie and a few meaningless variety shows.
Tch.
How could that man like someone like this? So delicate and soft, as if a harsh word would make him cry. He even watched a short variety clip, the man spoke in circles, careful not to offend anyone. Boring.
Yu Xiangchen couldn’t help but think Bai Mao was far more interesting. Sharp-edged beauty, bold, honest, never pretending. When he wanted something, he said so outright. And in certain areas, they were more than compatible.
Of course, Bai Mao’s biggest flaw was equally obvious, he was far too clingy. Once or twice wasn’t enough, three or four times still wasn’t enough, and then he’d start pouting and begging for more. Too much.
He was like some spirit that sucked the very life out of a man.
Thank goodness he only existed three nights a month. Otherwise, he’d need a lifetime supply of kidney tonic just to survive.
Forget it.
He shook his head. It didn’t matter who that man liked. As long as he liked Bai Mao, that was enough.
After all, their sugar-daddy contract was perfectly valid. His actions were completely justified.
Having thought it through, Yu Xiangchen suddenly felt that his brief time of existence each month was being wasted. He stood, stripped off his clothes, and stepped under the shower. When he came out, he went straight to Bai Mao.
Three days passed.
For three consecutive nights, they indulged themselves without restraint.
By the third night, even the ever-passionate Bai Mao was completely spent.
Before bed, he forced himself to stay awake long enough to double-check the message he’d sent his teacher asking for leave.
Once he confirmed he hadn’t missed anything, he sighed in relief, tossed the phone aside, and muttered, “Can’t believe I actually took a day off for something like this…”
“You can make it up later,” came Yu Xiangchen’s low voice beside him.
Bai Mao turned his head.
Mr. Yu was getting dressed, and the sight was almost too good to bear.
Bai Mao rolled over, resting his chin on his hands as he admired him.
Whenever Mr. Yu dressed, he always buttoned his shirt all the way to the top. No matter what he wore, there was always that faint air of restraint and austerity about him.
He was tall, at least a meter ninety, with a body that seemed sculpted by careful design. On anyone else, the outfit might have looked ordinary, but on him, it was a picture of elegance and control.
Now, wearing a dark shirt, his long, pale fingers adjusted the collar neatly. When he lifted his chin, the light caught the defined curve of his throat and the prominent line of his Adam’s apple.
So handsome.
He had actually slept with a man this perfect.
The realization made Bai Mao cover his face with both hands, rolling twice on the bed in giddy excitement.
Yu Xiangchen glanced at him from the side, assuming he was using that same coquettish act from before. His voice was low and cool. “That trick doesn’t work on me. I’m not touching you again today.”
“…Oh.”
Bai Mao blinked and obediently quieted down. Secretly, he rubbed at his waist and thought that even if Mr. Yu wanted to, he couldn’t. He was completely spent.
It was too much. Too indulgent.
He didn’t even want to move anymore.
Yu Xiangchen paused mid-motion.
He looked at Bai Mao again, and for the first time, noticed the faint hint of disappointment in the young man’s expression.
A thought crossed his mind, the image of Bai Mao’s teary eyes from the other night, when he’d confessed that he knew he loved Bai Sheng and felt wronged because of it.
Yu Xiangchen frowned, hesitating for a moment before walking over.
He stopped in front of Bai Mao.
Bai Mao looked up, puzzled.
When your benefactor stood right before you, lying down was obviously not an option.
He slowly sat up, his voice soft. “Mr. Yu, what’s wrong?”
Yu Xiangchen suddenly bent forward and brushed a light kiss against Bai Mao’s lips. The touch was soft, almost addictive, but before the moment could deepen, Yu Xiangchen pulled away, his control absolute.
Bai Mao froze in surprise. His eyes widened, stunned into silence.
Yu Xiangchen’s tone was low but firm. “Don’t develop feelings for me.”
He straightened, his expression unreadable, and added, “There can never be anything between us.”
“…Alright,” Bai Mao whispered.
Yu Xiangchen said nothing more. “I’m leaving.”
Even after the man was gone, Bai Mao sat there on the bed, completely lost. What did that mean? Mr. Yu had kissed him only to tell him not to fall in love with him? What kind of logic was that? It wasn’t like he had begged for the kiss.
Bai Mao’s face was blank with confusion.
Mr. Yu was acting very strange today.
Bai Mao slept in for three consecutive days. Even Xu Dongming had learned to stop calling him in the mornings.
By two in the afternoon, Bai Mao finally washed up and was heading out to find Aunt Wang for some food when his phone buzzed.
He picked it up and blinked in surprise, it was a message from Mr. Yu.
The message was short, only a location pin, Yu Corporation Tower.
Bai Mao stared at it, unsure, and sent a cautious question mark in reply.
The benefactor responded almost instantly: Come.
“…?”
Come?
Did Mr. Yu need something from him?
He didn’t know what it could be, but when your patron called, refusal wasn’t an option. He called the driver, grabbed a carton of milk, and took a few slices of toast to fill his stomach.
By the time the car arrived, he had just finished eating and went downstairs.
They reached Yu Corporation soon enough.
The receptionist immediately recognized him. His looks were hard to forget, and after receiving a call from the special assistant confirming that the visitor was indeed there to see their President Yu, she smiled warmly and swiped him through without hesitation.
“Thank you,” Bai Mao said politely, as he always did.
“You’re welcome,” the receptionist replied sweetly.
He went up.
When he entered the office, Mr. Yu was seated behind his desk, focused on a stack of documents.
Bai Mao approached quietly and said, “Mr. Yu.”
Yu Xiangchen hummed in acknowledgment, eyes still on the papers.
Neither of them spoke further.
The silence in the office thickened, stretching until Bai Mao began to feel as though he were a student summoned before the headmaster. He stood perfectly still, afraid to move a muscle, his mind racing.
What did Mr. Yu want? Why call him here just to say nothing? He hadn’t done anything wrong lately, or at least, he didn’t think he had.
A few minutes later, his legs started to ache from standing too long.
He blamed the last few days, they had been far too indulgent. His body still felt weak.
Just as he gathered the courage to break the silence and ask, Mr. Yu leaned back in his chair. The leather creaked softly as his tall frame sank into it. He pinched the bridge of his nose, looking tired, eyes still half-closed.
Then his voice came, calm and lazy. “You can start now.”
“…Huh?” Bai Mao blinked.
Start what?
Yu Xiangchen lifted his gaze. Their eyes met.
For a few seconds, neither spoke.
Then Yu Xiangchen said slowly, “Didn’t you say yesterday that you wanted to come to my office to personally thank me?”
He looked down again at the documents on his desk, his face impossibly composed, though there was a faint weariness to it that only made him look more handsome.
His voice was low and steady when he added, “You can start thanking me now.”
I can imagine Bai Mao’s face, full of questions mark ⁉️ and then looking at Yu Xiangchen top to bottom, seriously wondering.. What’s wrong with guy??! I Already paid with my Body! How do you want me to kneel and bow too?!!
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
A coffee offering has been placed before the translator altar. ✧
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
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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