Miao Yang was stained with the scent of Shi Lan’s sweat. It was not exactly foul, but it was intensely aggressive. He remained expressionless until the low pressure around the man finally receded. Miao Yang kept trying to rationalize his situation, telling himself that they were both men, so who was really taking advantage of whom? Yet, when he was held like a helpless chick, he could not help but mentally dig up Shi Lan’s ancestors’ graves. The man was too touchy and lacked any sense of decorum; he deserved to be flogged to death.
Miao Yang simply wrapped himself around the man like an octopus, screaming internally, “You dog, prepare to pay!”
When it came time to sleep, Miao Yang felt like he was having a nervous breakdown, incessantly asking 168 when Shi Lan would leave.
168: 【I have no idea.】
Miao Yang: “Can you give me a buff so I can learn martial arts or something?”
168: 【No.】
Miao Yang huffed. Footsteps approached, and he immediately closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep. The blanket was pulled back, a hand fell onto his waist, and hot breath sprayed against his ear, neck, and shoulder, giving him goosebumps.
Shi Lan sniffed the scent on the youth. “Asleep?”
Miao Yang thought, Should I tell the truth? But before he could, Shi Lan let out a cold laugh. Miao Yang wisely woke up, asking in a groggy, soft tone, “Hmm? What is it?”
Shi Lan stared at the back of Miao Yang’s head with a cold expression. He propped himself up on one arm, his entire body almost looming over the boy, and reached out to pinch Miao Yang’s chin with his rough, calloused hand. With a firm twist, Miao Yang was forced to turn around, his eyes wet and wide. “What is it?”
The bedside lamp was still on, and Shi Lan’s dark eyes fixed on Miao Yang’s lips. He asked, “Do you want to serve the Master?”
That question again. Miao Yang’s internal alarm bells rang loudly. He frowned and feigned anger. “Brother Lan, is that how you see me? What kind of relationship do we have? Besides, with my qualifications, it is already an honor that you look favorably upon me as your subordinate. The Master? I dare not even think of such a thing.”
He babbled on, quite the smooth talker. Shi Lan leaned down. “It had better stay that way, or you will not just end up with broken legs.”
Miao Yang smiled. “Of course.” A flicker of darkness crossed his eyes. I hope I get the chance to turn the tables on you, then I will break your legs. He yawned harmlessly. “I am so sleepy, let us sleep.”
Shi Lan lay down, pinning him in his arms. “You are quite interesting.”
Miao Yang’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and he smiled. “Average, just average, hehe.” His heart was pounding. Shi Lan’s body was so hot that Miao Yang felt flustered just touching him, terrified that Shi Lan might lose control and kill him. Fortunately, Shi Lan simply reached out and clicked off the lamp.
Miao Yang felt like he was being boiled like a frog in water; he was starting to find the simple act of cuddling bearable. Was this the result of having his boundaries lowered day by day? And it had only been two nights!
When he woke up the next morning, Shi Lan was gone. Miao Yang did not find out he had gone to execute a mission until Qin Yi arrived with his meal. As it turned out, this was only Shi Lan’s rest area; he had his own place outside.
I am so jealous! Thinking of this made Miao Yang want to cry. He had not even moved into his new house yet. A sudden obsession with rebirth flared up again. He had intended to just give up and rot, but even if he could not complete the mission, he could at least live out his life in this world. Maybe if he worked hard, he could buy a house and make a million a year.
Hearing Miao Yang’s inner mutterings, 168 reminded him: 【Without the life force converted from Luck Value, you will die very soon. Perhaps just as you struggle to afford a house, you will…】
Miao Yang: “Shut up, 168.”
168: 【Okay.】
Regardless of whether he was trying to make money or just struggling to survive, he had to get out of this basement first. He set his sights on Qin Yi. “Hey, brother…”
“Ugh!” Qin Yi gagged at the word ‘brother.’ “Sorry, not targeting you, haha. I am just homophobic, haha.”
Miao Yang: “Brother, why are you having a stronger reaction than me?”
Qin Yi: “You are the Big Brother’s little pet. You calling me ‘brother’ feels like you are trying to seduce me.”
Miao Yang: “Go look in a mirror. Why would you think I would give up Shi Lan to seduce you? You? You—tsk.” Miao Yang’s expression turned subtle. “Come to think of it, you have pretty tender skin… if you were to be my wife… Ugh, sorry, sorry.” Miao Yang felt nauseated himself.
Qin Yi: “What is wrong with me? I am quite excellent, okay?”
Miao Yang: “You are too narcissistic, brother.”
Qin Yi was speechless, but relieved that the guy had no designs on him. Miao Yang rolled his eyes. The kid had no self-awareness.
“If you were a woman, I might consider it.”
Qin Yi laughed. “Same here.”
Miao Yang: “…”
Qin Yi suddenly realized, “Wait, why do you like women? I am telling Big Brother.”
Miao Yang quickly patted his shoulder. “Just joking, heh.”
Qin Yi looked at him suspiciously. “Really?”
Miao Yang nodded earnestly. “Just kidding. By the way, do you have any work for me in your team?”
Qin Yi replied seriously, “Your only job is to keep Big Brother happy.”
Miao Yang suppressed a rude retort. “He is happy enough. I am just bored, I might as well contribute, right?”
Qin Yi: “Why do you not ask Big Brother?”
Miao Yang gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I am just a servant, I am walking on thin ice. I would not dare make requests. I just think you are a decent guy, which is why I am bringing it up. Forget it, you do not have to; no one here likes me anyway. But I truly consider you a brother.”
Qin Yi softened. “I will ask, but I cannot guarantee anything. That is not my department.”
Miao Yang’s eyes lit up. “You are a reliable guy. We are brothers for life.”
Qin Yi: “…”
He went to ask, reporting the request to Shi Lan first. At that moment, Shi Lan was entertaining several executives at a club. It was broad daylight, and he was irritated. The phone call provided a brief escape. He signaled to the executives, who were busy with men and women, and stepped out of the dim private room.
His assistant followed. “He wants to find work?” Shi Lan sneered at the message. “Fine. Find him something. Let him do it.”