“Secret?”
Yu Xiangchen’s eyes darkened slightly. His gaze fixed on the stranger clutching his arm.
The young man didn’t look very old, probably in his early twenties. Not very tall, maybe around 1.75 meters, shorter than him by half a head.
Slightly lean, every feature exquisitely delicate, combined into a face impossible to forget. Especially those long, thick eyelashes, and the lively eyes hidden beneath them.
Yu Xiangchen was sure he had never seen this person before today. Judging by the whispers around them, he seemed to be the Bai family’s newly recognized second son, just returned from being lost, apparently.
“Mr. Yu.”
Two of Yu Xiangchen’s bodyguards hurried over. Seeing Bai Mao holding onto him, their hearts skipped a beat.
They bent slightly at the waist, showing utmost respect.
“Hm,” Yu Xiangchen responded in a low voice. “What is it?”
Facing the current head of the Yu family, the two guards were intimidated. They exchanged glances, hesitant to speak.
Finally, recalling Yu Wantian’s orders, one guard gritted his teeth and stepped forward, “Mr. Yu, Young Master Yu sent us to invite Second Young Master Bai over.”
He bent so deeply at the waist it was almost a 90-degree angle, not daring to meet Yu Xiangchen’s eyes.
“Wantian?” Yu Xiangchen’s tone was calm.
“Tell him I want to speak with this person… ” He tilted his head, glancing at the youth still holding onto his sleeve.
The young man’s eyes widened for a brief moment and he introduced himself instantly:
“Bai Mao, Mao, as in flourishing.”
“Bai Mao.”
Yu Xiangchen repeated the name once, then continued, “Let’s have a proper conversation.”
When the head of the family spoke, the bodyguards didn’t dare object. They nodded immediately and went to report back to Yu Wantian.
As everyone knew, Yu Xiangchen and Yu Wantian got along well, so honest reporting wouldn’t cause trouble.
“Invite?” Yu Xiangchen twitched his arm, one part guiding Bai Mao’s direction, the other subtly freeing himself from Bai Mao’s grip.
Crisis resolved, Bai Mao no longer needed to tug at him.
He nonchalantly withdrew his hand, standing straight like a little white poplar, neither humble nor arrogant and nodded at Yu Xiangchen, as if nothing had happened.
He then started walking in the direction Yu Xiangchen had gestured.
Yu Xiangchen glanced at his sleeve. Only then did he notice the slight crease Bai Mao had made in his high-end tailoring.
It wasn’t very obvious, but just one sleeve could be worth a year of Bai Mao’s salary.
Bai Mao, mischievously, reached out and smoothed the fabric.
Yu Xiangchen looked at him.
Bai Mao paused, acting as if nothing had happened after all, if he wasn’t embarrassed, the other would be.
He withdrew his hands, stood upright, and nodded politely, like a gentleman, gesturing forward with a finger. Yu Xiangchen followed silently.
As the current head of the Yu family and a renowned business magnate, Yu Xiangchen naturally attracted attention. Every movement was watched and noted.
Seeing him walking alongside a stranger in the same direction sparked whispers and curiosity among the onlookers.
“Who’s that walking with Fifth Young Master Yu?”
“You don’t know? That’s the Bai family’s second son, just recently recognized. Apparently, he got lost before and was only officially returned yesterday. They held a banquet, but few attended.”
“The Bai family?”
“Yeah, the one doing new energy development, but not quite skilled in research. Always trailing behind someone, picking up scraps. Familiar?”
“Ohhh, that one. Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Bai Mao and Yu Xiangchen walked further down the corridor, moving away from the hall. After nearly twenty meters, Bai Mao stopped.
Yu Xiangchen looked back, his eyes calm and unreadable, “Second Young Master Bai, why stop? The reception room is just ahead.”
Bai Mao shook his head, “No need for such formality. We can talk here.”
Yu Xiangchen didn’t mind, nodding as if listening attentively.
Bai Mao glanced around nervously. This concerned the relationship between Yu Xiangchen and Yu Wantian, a secret Yu Xiangchen had protected his whole life.
Bai Mao didn’t want anyone else to hear it, so he leaned closer and spoke quickly, lowering his voice, “You like Bai Sheng.”
He watched Yu Xiangchen’s subtle facial expressions closely.
Yu Xiangchen remained expressionless. His face cold as before, his pupils unchanged, not even the slightest twitch at the corner of his lips.
Bai Mao blinked. Yu Xiangchen truly lived up to his reputation as the formidable villain of the story.
Even when a stranger revealed his deepest secret, his expression didn’t change.
If Bai Mao didn’t know the plot and knew how much Yu Xiangchen valued this secret, he might have thought he was imagining it.
“And then?” Yu Xiangchen asked.
Bai Mao stepped back slightly, continuing:
“Because Yu Wantian also likes Bai Sheng and told you about it. You two are uncle and nephew, so you didn’t compete with your junior. That’s why you gave up. If Yu Wantian knew about this…” He paused, leaving it unsaid.
Yu Xiangchen lifted his gaze, “What do you want?”
“Sorry, Mr. Yu. I don’t mean to threaten you. I just… I’m at a dead end and seeking your help.”
Bai Mao’s eyes held a trace of apology. He pursed his lips, “What do you think of how I look?”
He slowly unbuttoned his shirt with fingers as pale and smooth as spring onions.
Yu Xiangchen’s gaze followed Bai Mao’s trembling fingers down to his delicate collarbone. One glance, and he looked away.
The warm ceiling lights cast a soft glow on Bai Mao’s exquisite face.
Bai Mao lowered his eyes, speaking softly:
“Mr. Yu, if you’d take me under your wing, let me be yours, I’ll behave. Whatever you ask, even in bed, you can call me Bai Sheng. I’ll accept it. Only you and I will know this secret. You can make any demands regarding Bai Sheng. I only ask for one thing, to survive.”
He had thought it through. In this story, everyone important liked Bai Sheng, and because of the protagonist’s aura, some people were slightly dim-witted.
Yu Xiangchen, however, as the ultimate villain, was one of the few not affected by this. His protective instincts remained intact.
If Bai Mao couldn’t have Bai Sheng as a shield, at least he could use a handsome, strong figure like Yu Xiangchen.
If he failed, no loss; if he succeeded, everything gained.
After Bai Mao left, Yu Xiangchen pulled a phone from his pocket, still on a call. He put on a Bluetooth earpiece.
“Liulin.”
A slightly gloating voice immediately came through, “Fifth Young Master, the conversation’s all recorded and sent to you. I was on edge earlier, thinking something leaked. Where did this little cutie even come from?”
Yu Xiangchen lowered his gaze, saving the recording sent by Liulin, and said calmly, “He bumped into me himself.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” came Liulin’s voice through the earpiece. “Is this that they say wait and see strategy? But I didn’t expect you’d actually agree…. ”
“Bai Sheng? The little kid from the Bai family?” Yu Xiangchen interrupted, frowning. “Why would he think I like Bai Sheng?”
“…You’re asking me?” Liulin was speechless.
“Well, there was a banquet we attended together. He fell near you, and you helped him up. My brothers and I joked about it at the time, even made a bet on whether Bai Sheng was trying to seduce you. But after the banquet, he never spoke to you again… I lost 500 bucks.”
Back at the banquet hall, Bai Mao mingled with small groups of people who were curious about what had been said between him and Yu Xiangchen.
He smiled warmly, effortlessly steering conversations elsewhere. Nearly half an hour passed without answering a single question, yet he had added several new friends on WeChat.
As the banquet neared its end, his phone finally rang.
“The driver is outside. License plate ends with 66.”
Bai Jing’s cold voice came through, “Bai Sheng fainted earlier from low blood sugar, and you’re asking about the car?”
“Oh. What kind of car? Don’t tell me it’s one of those two- or three-million ones.” Bai Mao’s tone was exaggerated. “Imagine a bunch of Maybachs, Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces and then my Chery in the mix. How could the Bai family show its face after that?”
“You…”
Bai Mao snickered, cutting off Bai Jing before he could lecture him about morality and family duty.
He opened WeChat and tapped the first new contact he had added: marked “Benefactor.”
Bai Mao: “Mr. Yu, when can I move in with you?”
Benefactor: “Whenever.”
“Whenever?” Bai Mao grinned. Well then, he wasn’t going to be polite.
He typed a short essay, “Alright, I’ll come by around ten tomorrow morning. I hope you can leave a housekeeper at home. I’ll prepare the contract tonight and send you a draft electronically. Please review it at your convenience, share your thoughts, and discuss for about half an hour. Tomorrow I’ll bring the revised and printed contract and wait at home. Does that work for you?”
He attached a playful image: “Little kitty with big eyes.jpg.” His hands rubbed together in excitement. He couldn’t wait to start living off someone else!
Benefactor: “Fine.”
Bai Mao’s eyes curved into a crescent of triumph. Done!
Soon after, the driver called:
“Second Young Master, I’m at the gate.”
Bai Mao’s voice carried a slight whine: “Got it. I’m coming out now.”
Before leaving, he remembered something and headed to the restroom first.
In the mirror, his youthful face was refined, pale-skinned, with a hint of chill in his gaze.
He lifted his head slightly and, without hesitation, pressed two red marks onto his slender neck, then removed his outer layer and reached behind to press on his back. It took a while to make the marks look convincing.
Satisfied, Bai Mao adjusted his clothing, buttoning his shirt to the top to hide the “kiss marks.”
The impatient driver called again, but Bai Mao ignored it, strolling out leisurely. At the gate, he subtly changed his posture, walking with a limp, as if he had just endured something traumatic.
He opened the car door. The driver, unfazed by Bai Mao’s act, drove off.
On the way back to the Bai residence, Bai Mao remained silent.
Entering the living room, the entire family was gathered around the sofa, bright lights casting everyone clearly.
Bai Sheng leaned weakly in the center. The family doctor was by his side, administering an IV drip. His face pale, voice faint
“Mom, Dad, Brother… don’t worry about me. The doctor’s here. Go find Second Brother, he’s still at the Yu residence.”
Bai Jing’s voice was cold, “Bai Sheng, enough. You’re worrying about him, but he doesn’t care about you. You heard what he said in his phone.”
“Yes,” Mother Bianxiu frowned slightly. “You’re sick, and Bai Mao didn’t even check on you? He’s your brother!”
Bai Sheng, hurt, whispered:
“I… I know why he dislikes me… it’s because I stole Mom and Dad’s attention from him. It’s all my fault…”
“Nonsense!” Bai family elder, Bai Huai, snapped.
“He got lost, not your fault. And the fact that you’re loved shows people like you, him not being favored? That’s his problem.”
Even Aunt Chen chimed in, “Exactly. This isn’t your fault at all. Bai Sheng, you’re too kind. You take the blame for everything.”
Bai Mao, observing the warm family scene, scoffed coldly.
The living room had been noisy, everyone focused on Bai Sheng. They hadn’t noticed the door open until Bai Mao’s laugh cut through the air.
Everyone realized he had returned and had likely been standing at the door for some time.
Bai family parents froze, embarrassed, and went silent.
Bai Jing, however, was different. After two confrontations over the phone, his impression of Bai Mao had plummeted. He knew Bai Mao’s real temperament was far worse than it seemed.
“What are you laughing at? Aren’t we right?” Bai Jing demanded.
Bai Mao, grown in an orphanage with poor nutrition, small in stature, looked up at his older brother without fear.
“You care nothing for your family? What kind of Bai family member are you”
“Smack!”
Bai Mao struck Bai Jing across the face without hesitation. The motion was clean and sharp. Bai Jing staggered, caught off guard by the surprising strength of his slender brother.
The crisp slap echoed through the Bai residence, plunging the room into silence.
“Bai Mao!” Bai Huai shouted, outraged. “You dare strike your elder brother?”
Even Bai Sheng’s eyes widened, “Second Brother! How can you hit him?”
Bai Jing’s mind went blank. Clenching his jaw, he tensed, ready to retaliate.
Bai Mao, unfazed, straightened his collar and sneered, “Bai Jing, what did you just say? That I don’t care about family?”
The kiss marks on his neck were visible to all, like invisible hands gripping everyone’s throats, stealing their breath.
Bai Mao’s icy gaze swept the room, “I was left alone at the Yu residence, while my older brother took my younger brother away, and I only learned about it from a stranger. And you call this… family? The Yu family is a den of vipers, and that man… that disgusting man! He…”
Bai Mao closed his eyes, unable to continue.
“Through all this, who ever cared about me?”
“Bai Mao…”
Mother Bianxiu, shaken by his state, trembled as tears fell.
Bai Mao’s eyes reddened, glancing at her, as if he might break down next.
But he held it in. He said nothing further, and strode upstairs, slamming the door behind him.
He exhaled slowly, pulling himself out of the emotional storm.
It had been a long time since he had unleashed such raw force. This “little calf testing the knife” exercise reminded him his skills weren’t lost. Not bad.
Bai Mao glanced at the broken heater, pulled out his phone, and snapped a photo to send to his benefactor.
Benefactor: “?”
Bai Mao: “Cold, legs, hug.”
He paused, realizing the contract wasn’t signed yet, and quickly deleted it. Typing properly:
“The heater been broken for two days [crying.jpg].”
Ah. Another beautiful day
The slap was so satisfying 😍 I’m sucker for drama! I know we should respect our elders but someone people deserve beating rather than respect!
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Cresvynia
[Translator]
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← 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