Bai Mao came out dragging his suitcase and immediately spotted the car parked not far from the Bai family’s residence.
Its sleek lines and flashing hazard lights made it hard to ignore. It was a Maybach, luxurious, imposing, and practically dripping with the scent of wealth.
The driver noticed him, quickly got out from the front seat, jogged over to take the luggage, and then opened the rear door with professional efficiency, “Mr. Bai, please.”
“Thank you,” Bai Mao replied politely.
The interior of the car was spacious. Standing at the door before getting in, his gaze was immediately drawn to a pair of long legs crossed casually.
The tailored suit pants traced faint muscular lines, a restrained yet striking display of elegance and masculinity.
On his feet were handmade leather shoes, polished so flawlessly that they shone like a mirror, immaculate and untouched by dust.
The rest of the man’s figure was partially hidden by the car’s interior design, but even that glimpse was enough to set a tone of power and discipline.
Bai Mao bent slightly and stepped inside.
He couldn’t resist sneaking a look at Yu Xiangchen.
Yu Xiangchen’s hair was combed back neatly without a single strand out of place, revealing a smooth and well-shaped forehead.
His eye sockets were deep, and his eyes, dark, refined, and striking were lowered at the moment, focused on the laptop in front of him. The screen’s glow reflected across his pupils, casting a patch of light within that abyss-like gaze.
His long, jointed fingers held a stylus, the nib gliding lightly across the display as if drawing or annotating.
Bai Mao greeted softly, his voice deliberately cautious, “Hello, Mr. Yu.”
Yu Xiangchen responded with a noncommittal “Mm,” his tone casual, as if it cost him no effort at all. Then, without looking up, he asked,
“What did you talk about with your parents?”
Bai Mao: “…”
Eh? Wait? what?
Bai Mao froze, his thoughts stumbling.
The agreement hadn’t even been signed yet. Could he really tell his prospective patron that he had threatened his parents with “pillow talk leverage”? Of course not!
No, no, absolutely not!
A good kept canary, he reminded himself, was supposed to behave like Bai Sheng that fragile little white flower: soft, gentle, warm to others, and utterly powerless against the cruelty of a family like the Bais.
Such a person would only be able to cry pitifully, sniffling as they threw themselves into the benefactor’s embrace to beg for comfort.
But Bai Mao… well, he was not that flower.
Once he realized he was inside the plot of a book and that his ultimate fate was tragic, he had immediately cut ties with the Bai family. From that moment on, everything had been a performance.
He had deliberately staged a conflict, even landing a blow on Bai Jing; he had played verbal games with the family members until they ended up slapping themselves in the face; in the end, he had even gone so far as to threaten them outright.
Tsk. Thinking about it, he knew the truth.
Yu Xiangchen had always been fond of Bai Sheng. Naturally, “love me, love my flower” applied if Yu liked Bai Sheng, then surely he preferred that fragile, pitiable temperament as well.
If he discovered that Bai Mao was no delicate blossom at all…
No, no, no. That would never do.
Bai Mao decided on the spot to act fragile for just a moment to confuse Yu Xiangchen and soften his impression!
He pinched himself secretly, hard. His eyes reddened instantly, and he let his lashes tremble as though fighting back tears.
He opened his mouth several times before finally managing to whisper, “It’s nothing. They… they didn’t really say anything.”
In situations like this, the patron was supposed to see through the flower’s stubbornness and press further, until the poor flower could no longer hold back and “reluctantly” spilled their grievances.
Bai Mao was ready!
This was the moment when Yu Xiangchen was supposed to take the bait! Come on, ask!
But Yu Xiangchen only gave him a brief glance.
“Mm. I looked over the agreement you sent me last night. Nothing that needs changing. I’ll be busy these next few days, so this afternoon, print out the final copy and bring it directly to my company.”
Bai Mao: “?”
The topic was just… dropped? Like that???
“…Alright,” Bai Mao replied, somewhat deflated.
So that move didn’t work on Yu Xiangchen after all.
Letting the matter slide, he changed the subject to something practical,
“I had a full medical examination last month. No major issues, no infectious diseases. At present, I’m in good health. All the reports are packed in the suitcase, I’ll bring them along with the printed contract for you.”
“Mm.” Yu Xiangchen’s response was faint.
Then, almost absently, he tapped a knuckle against the laptop screen, “Four times a week?”
It took Bai Mao a second to catch on, “Not enough?”
His eyes instinctively darted downward toward Yu Xiangchen’s lower half. Internally, he marveled, goodness! even when completely relaxed, he already looked rather… impressive. If things really got going, then…
Still, four times a week was a balanced, harmonious frequency, wasn’t it? Any more, and wouldn’t it be bad for the kidneys?
Then again, these people were just characters in a book who cared about realism like hospital visits for overexertion? That would ruin the fantasy.
“…No need,” Yu Xiangchen said after a pause, his tone level.
He added, “Focus on developing your career. Don’t waste energy worrying about things like that.”
“…Huh?”
Wait….. what? Career development?
Bai Mao’s brows furrowed slightly.
One of the main reasons he had sought Yu Xiangchen out in the first place was, frankly, with a rather opportunistic mindset.
In this novel’s world, the protagonist’s golden halo was overwhelming. Except for those who opposed Bai Sheng or those who adored him, no one could escape its orbit.
Yu Xiangchen was the most disciplined and self-controlled among them all. Yet even he secretly harbored Bai Sheng in his heart…
But Bai Mao didn’t care. He wasn’t emotionally invested anyway.
Those “four times a week” had been carefully written into the contract clause because, really, life was short.
Especially when you knew you were just a disposable side character who could be crushed by the protagonist’s halo at any moment. Wasn’t it better to enjoy yourself while you could?
Yu Xiangchen was devastatingly handsome. Not taking advantage would be such a waste!
But now…
Wait, wait, wait. Was he really saying that even after becoming his benefactor, Bai Mao wouldn’t get to touch him? He’d only be left staring longingly from the sidelines?
What kind of patron was that!? Boring. Utterly boring.
The Maybach soon pulled into the gated community.
The car stopped downstairs.
Yu Xiangchen glanced at him and said,
“I have another meeting to attend, so I won’t be going up. Take some time to get familiar with the environment. Around three this afternoon, come to my company. Just tell the receptionist your name. I’ll send you the address shortly.”
“Alright.” Bai Mao nodded quickly, like a little chick pecking rice.
He pushed open the door to get out, but then suddenly remembered something important. Turning back, he said seriously,
“Mr. Yu, there’s one point I forgot to add. I’ll include an additional clause in the agreement, clarifying that the person signing with you is me personally, not the Bai family.”
Yu Xiangchen lifted his gaze toward him.
His eyes were dark, steady, and carried the kind of calm authority befitting both his position and his age. He said evenly, “I never once thought I was signing with the Bai family.”
Bai Mao’s lips curved into a small smile. Sunlight spilled across his thick eyelashes, dusting them with golden shimmer.
With genuine sincerity, he said,
“Thank you, Mr. Yu.”
Following the address Yu Xiangchen sent him, Bai Mao later took the elevator to the eighth floor, room 808, and knocked on the door.
Not long after, the door opened to reveal a kindly middle-aged woman. The moment her gaze fell on Bai Mao, her face lit up with a smile so wide that the fine lines at the corners of her eyes deepened.
“You must be Mr. Bai, right?” she asked warmly.
“That’s right. Hello, my name is Bai Mao,” he replied, lips curving politely into a smile.
“My, my, what a handsome young man you are,” the woman couldn’t help but praise. She quickly stepped aside, setting a pair of clean slippers at his feet.
“I received word this morning and came over straight away to tidy up the apartment. There are still a few areas I haven’t finished with yet, please don’t mind the mess. Oh, and just call me Auntie Wang.”
“Alright, Auntie Wang,” Bai Mao answered obediently as he stepped in.
It was obvious that no one had lived in this apartment before. Most of the furniture was still draped with dust covers, and here and there were piles of recently gathered trash waiting to be thrown out.
Seeing the clutter, Auntie Wang hurried to bend down and collect the garbage, worried that it would bother him.
Bai Mao waved his hand lightly. “It’s fine.”
He strolled around to take a proper look.
The entire place was about one hundred and fifty square meters, spacious and airy. Three bedrooms, two living rooms, a clean modern layout with tasteful minimalist décor.
The living room opened onto a balcony, and the sunlight streamed in unimpeded, filling the space with brightness.
The master bedroom was the largest, a suite with a floor-to-ceiling window that offered an expansive view.
The two guest rooms weren’t small either, one prepared for visitors, and the other converted into a study, complete with a computer, printer, and everything one might need.
Bai Mao tried a few switches and found everything in working order. Which meant he wouldn’t even have to leave to get the contract printed.
This apartment aside from the fact that Yu Xiangchen wouldn’t be here was perfect in every way.
He lowered his head and sent a message:
Bai Mao: “Mr. Yu, should I keep the master bedroom reserved for you?”
Patron: “No need. You live there.”
Bai Mao clicked his tongue.
That answer was basically saying: Don’t worry, I won’t be setting foot here.
Tragic. Absolutely tragic!
The master bedroom had already been cleaned by Auntie Wang, with fresh bedding neatly spread.
The linens clearly had been brought over in a hurry from elsewhere there was a faint clean fragrance clinging to them, and when touched, they still carried the warm scent of sun-drying.
The contrast suddenly reminded him of his return to the Bai family a few days ago.
Back then, they had shoved him into a guest room. The sheets and covers had probably been sitting untouched in the cabinet for months, maybe years.
They’d only been pulled out to make the bed for him, still damp and musty with mildew. To make matters worse, the air conditioner had broken down that very night. It had been a nightmare.
Comparing that to this? The difference was like night and day.
A smile crept onto Bai Mao’s lips, unbidden. For the first time in a while, he truly felt hopeful for the future.
He sank into the soft beanbag chair in the corner and sent his location to Xu Dongming.
Bai Mao: “Dongming-ge, I’ve moved house.”
Xu Dongming: “?”
Xu Dongming: “Moved?? What do you mean? Didn’t you just move into the Bai house? You’re not living there anymore???”
A flurry of confused questions poured in.
This wasn’t something that could be explained in just a few words.
So Bai Mao simply replied:
Bai Mao: “Isn’t moving to a new place a reason to celebrate with a meal? How about you come over tonight?”
Xu Dongming: “Alright. I’ll bring a bottle of red wine. We’ll talk properly, just the two of us.”
Bai Mao: “Good.”
After that, he unpacked his clothes, neatly putting them away in the wardrobe, then arranged his toiletries and daily items in the bathroom.
With nothing urgent left to do, he ended up helping Auntie Wang clean the living room.
The older woman grew anxious, flustered at the sight of him carrying garbage bags and dusting shelves. She repeatedly tried to stop him, her forehead beaded with sweat.
Finally, unable to dissuade him, she could only laugh helplessly and say:
“You’re a young master, your hands are too precious to be doing rough chores like this!”
“I’m not a young master,” Bai Mao corrected her calmly.
Auntie Wang chuckled softly, clearly not convinced.
After all, Mr. Yu had been the one to instruct her to come and prepare the place.
When describing Bai Mao, he had said something along the lines of: ‘He’s a bit delicate in temperament, but easy to get along with, and very hardworking for a little young master.’ And with Bai Mao’s refined looks? How could he not be a young master?
She figured he was only being modest and didn’t press the matter.
Together, the two of them managed to finish tidying the remaining rooms in less than half an hour.
Bai Mao proved surprisingly diligent, he went up and down the building three times, personally hauling out every last bag of garbage.
When he came back up again, Auntie Wang had already prepared a bowl of fresh fruit salad. She handed him a spoon with a smile.
“Come, have some to tide you over. I’ll make you a proper meal for lunch.”
Bai Mao’s eyes curved like crescent moons. “Thank you.”
He curled comfortably into the sofa, bowl in hand. He hadn’t yet taken a bite when his phone buzzed again.
Checking the screen, he saw it was a message from Bian Xiu. The words carried a probing undertone:
Bian Xiu: “Mao Mao, are you still with that person from the Yu family? About what you said at the Bai house the other day, I think we can still talk it over. After all, we’re blood relatives. No matter what, that’s something no one can deny, right?”
Bai Mao’s face remained expressionless.
The Bai family’s theatrics, forever circling back to interests, betrayals, and shameless shifts of face were tedious.
There was no artistry in them, nothing that could even help sharpen his acting skills. He had grown utterly tired of it all.
Now that his good days were finally beginning, Bai Mao had no intention of letting the Bai family interfere anymore.
With a few taps of his finger, he blocked every single Bai family contact number he had added before.
Peace.
Satisfied, he tucked his legs up onto the sofa, holding the glass bowl against his knees like a well-behaved child, and spooned a few mouthfuls of fruit salad into his mouth.
The mango was soft, sweet, and fragrant, blending perfectly with the thick, velvety yogurt.
The flavors blossomed on his tongue, so delicious that his toes curled inside his slippers. His body swayed ever so slightly with the sensation, and his bright eyes narrowed into contented slits.
So sweet!
That’s literally a Sugar daddy!!! A rich, handsome Suagr daddy! Bai Mao can sit and eat without worry about his stupid family!
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
Yes, this is the part where we shamelessly ask for 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