Huo Junnian looked at the displeased expression on the youth’s face and could not help but raise an eyebrow. “Are you angry?”
“No,” Jiang Ling snorted. “How would I dare be angry with you?”
Upon hearing this, Huo Junnian knew Jiang Ling was teasing him. He beckoned to the boy. “Since you are not angry, get in the car.”
Jiang Ling pulled the door open and slid directly into the passenger seat. “If you had come any later, you probably would not have been able to find me.”
Huo Junnian apologized good-naturedly. “Fine, it was my fault for being late this time. I apologize. I will definitely be on time next time. You must be tired after a full day of classes. Is there anything you want to eat? My treat.”
Jiang Ling was not particularly tired since it was the first day of school and they barely had any actual lessons, but he was indeed a bit hungry. However, since he still had to eat dinner later, he did not want to be too full.
“Just some fried chicken to tide me over.”
Huo Junnian searched and found a fried chicken shop in a nearby mall. When they arrived, the place was crowded. Jiang Ling intended to join the queue, but Huo Junnian pressed a hand onto his shoulder. “Am I not the one treating you? Sit here and wait for me.”
Jiang Ling sat as instructed. Although he was not used to being looked after so explicitly, he found it quite rewarding. He watched Huo Junnian, dressed in a sharp suit, standing out prominently in a line filled almost entirely with students. A CEO worth billions squeezing into a crowd just to buy him fried chicken was a rare sight. Jiang Ling could not resist pulling out his phone to record the moment.
While Jiang Ling was sneakily filming, Huo Junnian secured the fried chicken. He turned around and caught the smile on the youth’s face.
“Why are you so happy?”
Jiang Ling quickly tucked his phone away, pretending nothing had happened. “It is nothing. I just saw a joke on my phone.” He looked at the fried chicken in Huo Junnian’s hand and said with a hint of surprise, “That was quite fast.”
“Here, take it and try some.”
Just as they were about to leave, a voice rang out behind them. “Student Jiang!”
A girl rushed over, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Jiang Ling. “I thought I had seen the wrong person.” The girl was a social butterfly. After seeing Jiang Ling, she greeted him enthusiastically. “We are in the same class. I even greeted you today. My name is Lin Li. I thought you did not know how to smile. You were so cold today that I thought you were unhappy and did not dare to talk to you.”
This girl was apparently a classmate. The smile on Jiang Ling’s face stiffened instantly. Too many people had greeted him today; there was no way he could remember every single one.
Huo Junnian listened to the girl and saw the awkward smile on Jiang Ling’s face, immediately understanding the situation. He could not help but chuckle. Feeling Huo Junnian’s teasing gaze on him, Jiang Ling’s face turned burning hot. This was truly a social death moment.
To save Jiang Ling from further embarrassment, Huo Junnian took the initiative to smooth things over. “Ling, is this a classmate of yours?”
Jiang Ling held the fried chicken and nodded expressionlessly, though he was dying of embarrassment. Upon hearing his voice, the girl immediately shifted her gaze to Huo Junnian, her eyes brightening even more. Today was a visual feast. She thought meeting a handsome guy like Jiang Ling was lucky enough, but she did not expect to see such a mature and handsome man as well.
“Jiang Ling, this is?”
Seeing the girl looking at Huo Junnian with such intensity, Jiang Ling immediately became alert and stepped in front of him. He met the girl’s gaze and said expressionlessly, “He is my dad!”
“What?!”
The girl was stunned. Her gaze moved back and forth between Jiang Ling and Huo Junnian. Although the man had a mature and handsome aura, he did not look old at all. He did not look like he could have a son Jiang Ling’s age; he looked more like an older brother.
Of course, she was not the only one stunned. Huo Junnian froze for several seconds upon hearing the title Jiang Ling had just fabricated.
The girl looked at Huo Junnian with a hint of regret in her eyes. “Your father looks so young.”
Jiang Ling nodded, speaking with total seriousness. “Yes, he had me quite early. We have other things to do, so we will leave first.” As soon as he finished, he grabbed the man’s arm and hurried away.
Once they were back in the car, Jiang Ling did not even have time to breathe before the man captured his chin, forcing his face around. Huo Junnian pinched Jiang Ling’s cheek, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You certainly have a quick tongue. Tell me, when exactly did I father such a big son?”
Jiang Ling’s cheeks were flushed. He lowered his eyes to avoid the man’s questioning gaze, speaking with a face pinched out of shape. “I was just lying to her. I just wanted to leave quickly.” He quickly grabbed the man’s hand to rescue his face. “I was doing it for your own good. Her eyes were glowing when she looked at you. What if she started pestering you?”
It would have been better if he had not mentioned it. Huo Junnian suddenly thought of something. “At my age, how could a young girl like me? I think Ling is the one who will be pestered. Because you are too popular, you became a cold, cool guy at school?”
Jiang Ling’s face turned scarlet at the teasing. But Huo Junnian did not plan to let him off. He continued, “I almost forgot. When I called today, your classmate mentioned falling in love. What is that about? I remember you said before that you were not in a relationship?”
Jiang Ling began to explain frantically. “No, I am not in a relationship!”
Huo Junnian pretended not to hear him, saying with a look of sudden realization, “Oh, perhaps just like earlier, you were lying to me too?”
Seeing the man’s look of deep suspicion, Jiang Ling panicked and denied it three times. “Not! I am not! You have to believe me, I really, really did not lie to you!”
A flash of amusement crossed Huo Junnian’s eyes. He said jokingly, “How do I know if you are telling the truth or a lie? What if you are still lying to me?”
Jiang Ling was desperate because Huo Junnian did not believe him. He feared losing Huo Junnian’s trust over this and felt a wave of regret. “Truly, I am not lying to you.”
He was so anxious that the fried chicken in his hand no longer smelled good. He leaned over, cupping the man’s face in his hands, and said urgently, “Look at me!”
“Stop it, we have to leave.”
“Do not leave yet!” Jiang Ling stubbornly held Huo Junnian’s face.
At this point, Huo Junnian sensed that Jiang Ling’s emotions were not quite right. He stopped immediately. The moment he looked up, he met a pair of reddened eyes. The youth frowned and said seriously, “I did not lie to you!”
Huo Junnian fell silent. The youth was too serious. Jiang Ling’s chest heaved slightly. He pursed his lips and said, “If I lied to you, I am a puppy!”
“I believe you.”
The two spoke almost simultaneously. For a moment, the car fell silent. Huo Junnian’s gaze stayed on Jiang Ling. The moment he spoke, he saw the youth’s long eyelashes tremble, and the fingertips touching his face were also shaking slightly. The atmosphere became subtle. When their gazes met, a slight chemical reaction occurred.
Huo Junnian instinctively felt something was wrong, but he did not examine it closely at that moment. He laughed to break the tension, gently scratching the bridge of Jiang Ling’s nose. He coaxed him gently, “I believe whatever you say. Uncle was just joking with you. Are you not hungry? If you do not eat soon, it will get cold.”
Jiang Ling blinked and slowly lowered his hands. He realized in hindsight that his behavior just now had been a bit extreme. Reminded by Huo Junnian, he focused on the fried chicken in his lap, taking a piece and chewing slowly. The chicken that had smelled so good earlier now felt tasteless.
Since the school was not far from the Bai residence, they arrived before Jiang Ling had even finished the chicken.
“Ling, we are here. I will come to pick you up early tomorrow.”
Jiang Ling, who had been quiet, suddenly said, “No need.”
Huo Junnian frowned slightly. “Is it because of what happened just now?”
“No,” Jiang Ling interrupted the thought. “Grandpa bought me a new bicycle. The school is not far, and it is close to home. Come pick me up on Friday instead.”
Huo Junnian nodded. “Fine, I will pick you up on Friday. Remember to call me if anything happens.”
“Okay.”
Jiang Ling got out of the car, holding the unfinished fried chicken. He waved at the man inside. “Drive safely.” After that, he walked toward the Bai family’s old house. He did not let out a long sigh of relief until he was completely inside and leaned against the door with his eyes closed.
He had been too impulsive this time. The moment Huo Junnian’s gaze changed, Jiang Ling realized he had made a mistake. He had reacted too strongly to Huo Junnian’s doubt. Because he cared too much, he could not keep his composure. He only hoped now that Huo Junnian did not notice anything.
Inside the car, Huo Junnian finally had time to analyze everything that had happened. He could not help but frown. Why did Jiang Ling care so much about his opinion? He recalled their past interactions, and a sense of danger suddenly rose in his heart. His eyes gradually darkened.
“Brother!” As soon as Jiang Ling appeared, Bai Mo hugged his leg.
“It smells so good!” Bai Mo poked his head out and sniffed. “Brother, what is in your hand?”
“You little glutton, you smelled it already.” Jiang Ling gently pinched Bai Mo’s nose and handed over the fried chicken. He said softly, “Shh, eat it secretly. Do not tell anyone else.”
Bai Mo nodded immediately. After sending Bai Mo away, Jiang Ling went to see his grandfather. Old Master Bai was sleeping in his chair with his mouth open, seemingly unaware of Jiang Ling’s arrival. After Jiang Ling woke him softly, Old Master Bai opened his sleepy eyes. Seeing it was Jiang Ling, he perked up instantly. “Ling is back?”
Jiang Ling knelt before him and leaned his head against the old man. “I am back.”
Old Master Bai sensed that Jiang Ling was in a bad mood. “What is wrong? Is something bothering you?” He raised his hand to stroke Jiang Ling’s head, asking gently.
“I am not unhappy.” Jiang Ling closed his eyes, feeling the old man’s touch. “I just have something on my mind.”
Old Master Bai said softly, “Can you tell your grandfather what is on your mind?”
“I can,” Jiang Ling looked up. “Just not right now.” He could not tell his grandfather that he had fallen for someone he should not have. But he hoped that one day, he could say it openly.
Old Master Bai did not push him. “That is fine. You can tell me whenever you are ready. How was your time at Xiao Huo’s place?”
Jiang Ling looked down and nodded. “Auntie Zhang’s sweet rice soup with egg was delicious.”
Old Master Bai laughed. He took Jiang Ling’s hand and said, “So Ling likes that? I will have them make it tomorrow. It is late now. Give me a hand, let us go eat.”
Jiang Ling helped him up. “Grandpa, take it slow.” Under Jiang Ling’s support, they headed to the dining room. “Are you getting used to school? I had them buy a bicycle so you can ride to school with Bai Zhao in the morning.”
Bai Zhao appeared out of nowhere, saying mockingly, “He would not go with me. Grandpa, the young master has a private driver; he probably looks down on your bicycle.” He tilted his head to hide the bruised half of his face, looking at Jiang Ling with an unfriendly gaze.
Old Master Bai noticed his strange posture. “Why are you turning your face away? Speak properly if you have something to say.”
Jiang Ling replied, “Grandpa bought it for me; I could not be happier. Why would I look down on it? I am just afraid some people are too greedy and want everything for themselves.”
Bai Zhao’s eyes widened, and just as he was about to argue, he was interrupted by a cry of surprise. “Bai Zhao, what happened to your face! I wondered why you hid in your room as soon as you got back.”
With his mother shouting like that, Bai Zhao immediately covered his face. “Mom, I am fine!”
“Did someone hit you?”
Bai Zhao felt it was embarrassing. He pushed his mother’s hand away and said impatiently, “I ran into a wall.”
“Who runs into a wall with that part of their face?”
“Because I am blind! It looks scary but it does not hurt at all. It will be better in a few days. I am hungry, let us eat.” Bai Zhao turned and ran toward the dining room.
Soon, the whole family sat down for dinner. Because Bai Mo had eaten a lot of fried chicken, he was the first to leave the table. Jiang Ling had no appetite because of what happened that afternoon, so he was the second to leave. However, he did not go straight to his room.
When Bai Zhao finished eating and returned to his room, he was startled by a figure appearing before him. “Dammit! Why are you hiding here? You scared me.”
Jiang Ling leaned against the door with his arms crossed. He looked at Bai Zhao and asked, “Why did you not tell them I was the one who did it?”
Bai Zhao looked confused. “Am I crazy? Why would I tell them? It is no big deal. Besides, I started the trouble today, and I lost the fight. I accept that.” He looked at Jiang Ling with surprise and took a step back warily. “What, did your girlfriend break up with you? Hey, I am telling you, our business ended this afternoon.”
Jiang Ling found it a bit funny. “What are you nervous for? I am not going to hit you.” He stepped forward and patted Bai Zhao’s shoulder. “I will wait for you at the gate tomorrow morning. If you leave without me?” He trailed off with a threatening tone. “Do not blame me for not being a good brother.” After saying this, he walked away.
Bai Zhao stood there, watching him leave. After a few seconds, he turned back to his room. “He is crazy.”
The next morning, Jiang Ling saw Bai Zhao at the gate. Bai Zhao looked at him from his bike, said “Hurry up, I am leaving,” and rode off. Jiang Ling rode faster to catch up.
Because of the previous incident, Jiang Ling rarely contacted Huo Junnian during that week. They spoke on the phone occasionally, but not for long. Friday arrived quickly. Jiang Ling did not ride his bike that day. He waited at the school gate as agreed and soon saw the familiar car.
“Ling.”
Jiang Ling got in. Because they had not seen each other for several days, there was a hint of distance between them. Huo Junnian spoke first. “What do you want for dinner? I will have Auntie Zhang make it for you.”
“Anything is fine.”
After the car had been driving for a while, Jiang Ling looked at the scenery and said, “Maybe you should not pick me up next time.”
Huo Junnian was slightly surprised. “Why? Did we not agree on this?”
“It is nothing. I just think it is too much trouble for you. You are so busy every day, and coming to pick me up after work is too tiring. You do not need to come next time; I will ride my bike over.”
Huo Junnian raised an eyebrow. “Only a week apart and you have become so polite? Is riding a bike not tiring too?”
Jiang Ling pursed his lips and looked down. “It is tiring either way. Maybe I should just not go to your place on weekends.”
Huo Junnian realized something was wrong and pulled over. “What is going on? Why are you suddenly not coming over?” He turned to the youth, asking in confusion.
“Nothing,” Jiang Ling said. “My dad is the same; I am a grown man, not a toddler. I do not need to be supervised all the time.”
Huo Junnian did not know what had gotten into Jiang Ling. He said nothing, simply driving back in silence. Because it was too quiet, Jiang Ling instinctively glanced at the man. His face showed nothing, and he did not seem angry; he looked the same as usual. Jiang Ling’s heart hammered in his chest.
When they arrived, Huo Junnian got out first, followed by Jiang Ling. Huo Junnian said in a normal tone, “Let us go eat first.” Jiang Ling felt much more relaxed. “Oh, okay.”
They went to the dining room and saw a large spread of food. Jiang Ling saw that every dish was one he liked. After dinner, as Jiang Ling was about to go upstairs, Huo Junnian stopped him.
“Do you have your backpack?”
Jiang Ling nodded. “I have it.”
“Give it to me.” Although Jiang Ling did not know why he wanted it, he handed it over. Huo Junnian carried the bag and gestured toward the study. “Let us go to the study.”
Jiang Ling frowned. “What are we going to the study for? Who reads books late at night?”
“We are not reading books.” Huo Junnian took him into the study and asked, “Did you bring your homework?”
Jiang Ling: “Wait.”
He had not expected Huo Junnian to be waiting for this. But Huo Junnian was destined to be disappointed; Jiang Ling was not the type to bring homework home! “I did not bring it.”
Huo Junnian opened the backpack and felt something inside. Hearing Jiang Ling’s words, he raised an eyebrow. “You did not bring it?” He pulled the item out. It happened to be a test paper. A failing math test.
Jiang Ling’s eyes widened. How did that test paper get into his backpack? Who was sabotaging him?!
Elsewhere, Bai Zhao, who was about to play games after dinner, sneezed twice. He rubbed his nose. “It is late at night; who is cursing me?”
Huo Junnian unfolded the paper, looked at the score, then at the mistakes. He gestured for the boy to come over. “Ling, come sit by me. I will explain this problem to you.”
“That is not necessary, Uncle,” Jiang Ling declined politely.
“How is it not necessary?” Huo Junnian said righteously. “Otherwise, why did your father send you here? You are not a three-year-old child; you do not need me to hold you in my arms and feed you.”
Crap! Jiang Ling’s mouth twitched.
Huo Junnian smiled faintly and said gently, “Remember to bring your homework next time.”
Jiang Ling gave an awkward but polite smile. “Will it be too much trouble for you?”
“It will not. Although I am busy, I still have time to tutor you. Come, let us start with this test paper.”
Jiang Ling’s expression was stiff as he stared at the paper. It was over! The explanation lasted until midnight. Jiang Ling discovered that even if you love someone, they become a terrifying existence once they become your teacher.
“Are you sleepy?” Huo Junnian asked as Jiang Ling yawned.
Jiang Ling’s eyelids were heavy. “A little.”
Huo Junnian checked the time and put the paper down. “In that case, go rest. We will continue tomorrow night.”
Jiang Ling: “Wait.”
It was finally over. Jiang Ling went back to his bedroom. The thought of continuing tomorrow gave him a headache. But the headache did not last long because the next night, Huo Junnian suddenly said he had a business dinner and would not be home for dinner. Jiang Ling breathed a sigh of relief.
However, he did not expect that late at night, he would receive a drunken Huo Junnian. Seeing the man lying on the sofa with flushed cheeks, the greed hidden in Jiang Ling’s heart began to stir.