The air was eerily silent for a few seconds.
Secretary Li looked at Ah Ling, then at Huo Junnian. Huo Junnian turned his gaze to Secretary Li and spoke, “Take him to Meeting Room Three. I will be there shortly.”
“Yes, President Huo,” Secretary Li nodded in response.
Meeting Room Three was a small conference room with strong privacy. Many important meetings and collaborations were negotiated there.
Huo Junnian turned back to look at the curious youth. He said firmly, “This is adult business. Children should not get involved.” Before leaving the office, he instructed, “Ah Ling, stay here. I will be back as soon as I finish handling this.”
Jiang Ling watched Huo Junnian’s retreating back, his eyes darkening bit by bit. He spun around once in the executive chair, then stood up and walked toward the door, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He had not agreed to stay, after all.
Meeting Room Three.
Jiang Ling walked with one hand in his pocket, checking the signs on the doors one by one. It was working hours, so few people were passing through the hallway. As he passed the pantry, he ran into Secretary Li. Just as Jiang Ling was about to go over and ask her something, he heard her whispering into her phone, “Aily, where are you right now? Something has happened. Mr. Tang showed up suddenly today. You handled his affairs before and know the situation best. I am afraid he will cling to President Huo and not let go. Anyway, get to the company quickly.”
“What do you mean by ‘cling to President Huo and not let go’?”
Secretary Li had just hung up when she was startled by the voice behind her. She turned around and saw the youth. Not knowing how much he had overheard, she hurriedly said, “These matters are.”
Jiang Ling interrupted her. “I know this is Uncle’s private business.”
Secretary Li breathed a sigh of relief, but her relief was short lived.
“So, can you tell me exactly what is going on? Especially about this person named Tang. Do not worry; my lips are sealed. I will not tell anyone else.”
Secretary Li looked troubled. “I am sorry, Young Master Jiang. This is President Huo’s private matter. I cannot tell you.”
Jiang Ling feigned anger, furrowing his brows. “This is not some trade secret. Are you afraid Uncle will blame you?”
“No.”
“Then tell me where Meeting Room Three is. I found it myself; it has nothing to do with you.”
Secretary Li hesitated, but in the end, she conceded.
Jiang Ling followed Secretary Li to Meeting Room Three. The room was highly private; one could not see inside, and it was soundproof. Standing at the door, he could barely hear the voices within. He placed his hand on the doorknob and turned it gently. The door was not locked.
Peering through the gap, he quickly took in the scene and heard the faint dialogue.
“Mr. Huo, I am sorry to disturb you.”
The young man speaking had a unique voice, as melodious as a lark. He was exceptionally beautiful, dressed in an outfit that was clearly meticulously chosen. His exquisite makeup enhanced his natural beauty to its full potential. Tang Qin looked at the man before him pleadingly. The only person who could help him through his current crisis was this man, his former benefactor.
Huo Junnian frowned slightly, his thin lips parting. “Since you feel sorry, you should have contacted Aily instead of coming to the company to find me yourself.”
Tang Qin’s eyes instantly reddened. He knew he had violated their original agreement. “I came to you because only you can help me now. I am plagued by scandals. My rivals have thrown so much mud at me that many partners have blacklisted me as a tainted artist.”
Huo Junnian remained silent.
Tang Qin knew how difficult it would be to return to Huo Junnian’s side, but he was willing to lower his head and admit his mistakes. “I am not afraid of you laughing at me. I regret everything. I was too self righteous before.” He looked at the silent man and proactively moved closer, his voice soft and flattering. “I know you haven’t looked for anyone else this past year. I know your rules, and I would never reveal our relationship to the outside world. I hope you will give me another chance.”
Huo Junnian watched the approaching youth with a deep frown. Because of his psychological aversion to messiness, he was unwilling to continue being entangled with a former lover. Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by a voice.
“I do not agree!”
Jiang Ling could not stand it any longer. He pushed the door open and rushed in, shielding the space between the two men. Huo Junnian was stunned by the sight of the furious youth standing before him.
“I. Do. Not. Agree!”
Jiang Ling repeated each word with emphasis, staring into Huo Junnian’s eyes with anger. With me here, you want to rekindle an old flame? In your dreams.
Jiang Ling turned abruptly to look at the young man. The youth looked familiar, as if he had seen him somewhere before, but he could not recall where. He did not care about that now; he carefully scrutinized Huo Junnian’s former lover. He was just average looking, smelling too much of perfume, with a face painted like a palette and eyes as red as if he had pinkeye. Huo Junnian liked this type before? Jiang Ling turned back, looking at Huo Junnian with disbelief.
Meeting the youth’s incredulous gaze, Huo Junnian frowned. “Ah Ling, why are you here?”
Jiang Ling snapped back, “Why can’t I be here? The door wasn’t locked. I walked right in.”
Huo Junnian was left speechless. He said patiently, “Ah Ling, go outside for a bit, okay? Be good. Wait until I finish handling this, and then I will come find you.”
Jiang Ling tilted his head up. “Is there anything you can’t say in front of me?”
Huo Junnian pursed his lips, his brow furrowing further. Looking at the youth who had torn off his “good boy” shell to reveal his rebellious nature, he felt a headache coming on. He lowered his voice and called out, “Jiang Ling!”
Jiang Ling turned his head away.
“This is my private business.”
That phrase again. Jiang Ling sneered inwardly. Eight years ago it was that phrase, and eight years later it was still the same. Before he appeared, he could pretend not to care about the people and things in the man’s past. But now that he was standing right here, how could he not care!
At this moment, Jiang Ling felt as if he had returned to the day of their falling out. The friendly atmosphere of the past few days vanished instantly. Who the hell wants to be a good boy?
He reached up and took off the black framed glasses that were in the way. Without the obstruction, his dark eyes were even sharper and more imposing. He stared fixedly at the man. “You want to be with him?” Before Huo Junnian could respond, he continued, “In your dreams.”
“Ah Ling!”
Huo Junnian took a deep breath. He did not want this matter to become public knowledge. He looked at the impulsive youth, not understanding why Jiang Ling’s reaction was so intense. At this moment, the suppressed anger in his heart rose to its peak.
“Get out!” Huo Junnian said coldly.
It was the first time Jiang Ling had heard Huo Junnian use such a blunt tone. He took a deep breath, his eyes darkening as he looked over. He stood his ground, refusing to leave. What can you do to me?
Tang Qin had already been frozen by the tense atmosphere. He had never seen Huo Junnian so angry. While Jiang Ling was scrutinizing him, he was also cautiously observing the youth. Is this person Huo Junnian’s new flame? Isn’t he a bit too fierce?
Suddenly, he felt a cold gaze land on him and he shivered. He quickly realized that Huo Junnian’s last command was actually directed at him. From the moment the youth interrupted, Tang Qin knew today’s conversation could not continue. He nodded to Huo Junnian and whispered, “Mr. Huo, I will leave first. I will visit you another time.”
Tang Qin got up and left.
Huo Junnian cast a cold glance at Jiang Ling. “Stay right here. Do not move.” After saying this, he stood up and followed Tang Qin out the door.
Jiang Ling’s eyes turned red with anger at this sight. He told me to stay here, so I have to stay here? Why!
Jiang Ling’s gaze darkened, and he followed them immediately. After Tang Qin left, Huo Junnian looked at Secretary Li outside and instructed expressionlessly, “Guard the door. Do not let anyone into this meeting room for the next two hours. I have some family matters to handle.”
Secretary Li looked on with concern. “President Huo.”
After giving the order, Huo Junnian slammed the door shut. This time, he remembered to lock it.
Jiang Ling had followed him, not expecting Huo Junnian to stay instead of leaving. It was a surprise. He had thought the man was going to leave with his former lover and leave him here alone. However, he was already moving too fast to stop, and he rushed straight toward Huo Junnian.
Seeing that he was about to collide, Jiang Ling’s eyes widened. “Watch out!”
Just then, Huo Junnian turned around. Seeing the youth about to crash into his arms, he reached out to grip the boy’s shoulders, using his own body as a buffer to catch him.
With a loud thud, the two of them slammed against the door.
Because of the speed, Jiang Ling’s nose brushed past the corner of the man’s mouth at the moment of impact. His body stiffened instantly, and his mind went blank. Huo Junnian’s arms were like unbreakable chains around his waist, holding him very tightly. They had never been this close before.
They were so close that if he just tilted his head slightly, he could kiss Huo Junnian’s lips. He noticed the man had beautiful lips, with a clear Cupid’s bow and sharp definition. His slightly pursed lips had an upward curve, looking very kissable. He had heard that men with thin lips were cold and heartless, but when he had brushed against them just now, they felt soft and warm.
Jiang Ling’s heart beat wildly and uncontrollably. His body was pressed tightly against the other man’s. This embrace was more real than any of his previous dreams. The impact made his brain sluggish, as if he were drunk. Even his breath was filled with the man’s scent. It was as beautiful as a dream, and Jiang Ling wished he could stay in this moment forever.
Suddenly, a crisp smack sounded in his ear. The force was neither too heavy nor too light, but it instantly cleared his dizzy brain. Even his gaze became clear. Time seemed to freeze at that moment.
Jiang Ling’s body stiffened for a second. A tingling, burning sensation came from his backside, telling him that what had just happened was no hallucination. He snapped his head up and looked at the calm man before him, his pupils trembling.
“You hit me?!”