Lin Ruohuai woke up on the massive bed—Shen Qi’s room, Shen Qi’s bed, and even the distinct indentation he’d made in the mattress from sleeping there.
How did I get back here? I was dead to the world.
Two possibilities: either he sleepwalked, or… someone carried him back.
Before he could decide, the door clicked open. Shen Qi rolled in on his wheelchair. Unlike his usual self, he was wearing a tank top; his arms were flushed from exercise, and the veins on his neck were slightly prominent. He lifted his eyelids and stared intensely at Lin Ruohuai.
He had just returned from physical therapy.
Shen Qi’s face remained expressionless, but even though he was sitting down, Lin Ruohuai felt a phantom sensation as if he had been “consumed” by the man.
His backside tightened instinctively.
Lin Ruohuai glanced at the time—it was still early. “Mr. Shen, I’m going to go wash up first.”
He climbed out of bed, his legs feeling a bit weak. Shen Qi didn’t look like he had just woken up; he looked like he’d been awake for a while, and the aggression he was projecting was much stronger than usual.
After two steps, Lin Ruohuai doubled back. His fingers twined together nervously as he whispered, “Was it you who carried me back?”
Every syllable he uttered was soft and rounded, carrying a hint of intentional charm.
Shen Qi said nothing.
Lin Ruohuai waited patiently, his light-colored pupils searching Shen Qi’s face as if curiously trying to pry open Pandora’s box.
Just as Shen Qi was about to speak, Lin Ruohuai scratched his hair and mumbled, “Forget it, forget it. I’ll ask later. I really need to wash up.”
The moment he said that, Lin Ruohuai sensed the gaze on him shift. Shen Qi seemed dissatisfied with his “ask and retract” behavior.
“Xiao Jiu.”
That name held absolute power over Lin Ruohuai. He regretted telling Shen Qi his nickname, though he suspected that even if he went back to that night, he’d probably end up saying it anyway.
“Yeah?”
“Find me in the study after breakfast.”
“OK~”
Shen Qi watched his retreating back, his gaze narrowing. He reached out to touch the spot where Lin Ruohuai had been sleeping. The warmth was gone, but the scent remained—a lingering fragrance of jasmine that clung to his fingertips, impossible to rub away.
The sky was high and the clouds were light. Lin Ruohuai opened the window to breathe in the autumn air, leaving it open for ventilation.
Whenever he was with Shen Qi, the color palette was always dark. If they could turn on a light, they’d never open a window. Uncle Chen said Shen Qi didn’t like the sun; Lin Ruohuai immediately thought of mushrooms growing in the shadows.
Childhood trauma?
Doesn’t look like it.
As his mind wandered, his phone suddenly buzzed. It was Xie Yusheng. Unable to find him on WeChat, Xie had jumped over to Q/Q to send him a “nudge” window shake.
The original owner of the body used to be rich, so his Q/Q space was decorated quite flashily. Lin Ruohuai had only ever seen such setups on his classmates’ profiles before; he found it quite novel.
Xie Yusheng: How is the investigation going?
Lin Ruohuai: Haven’t asked yet.
Xie Yusheng: Who told you to ask? It’s an investigation! A secret investigation! Don’t let the word out.
Lin Ruohuai: You’re the one acting all “hurry hurry hurry.” What exactly do you want? Do you want a summary report of the secret investigation process, or just the result?
“…”
Xie Yusheng: The result.
Lin Ruohuai: Then stop micromanaging me!
Breakfast was meat buns, fried dough sticks, and soy milk prepared by Uncle Chen. It was down-to-earth and delicious. He couldn’t stand Western breakfasts; they gave him indigestion all morning.
Before leaving, Lin Ruohuai sneakily swiped a breakfast wrap, eating it as he hurried upstairs. He ate too fast, and his stomach began to feel uncomfortably bloated, but it was bearable.
Shen Qi dragged him into the study to practice calligraphy. Last night’s “four blobs of black” that was supposed to be the phrase “Let it be” had been hung right next to Shen Qi’s own elegant work. The contrast was tragic, making the atmosphere of the study feel almost comical.
“Ah… why did you hang that up…”
Shen Qi was handling official business. The moment he looked down, the corners of his mouth twitched into a faint, fleeting arc. A second later, a voice came from the wall, speaking in a negotiating tone.
“Since this is my ‘masterpiece,’ shouldn’t you pay me if you’re going to display it?”
Your masterpiece is worthless.
Shen Qi put down his pen and looked over. Lin Ruohuai was currently rubbing his stomach; the bloating was really getting to him.
“How much do you want?”
Lin Ruohuai had just been talking smack; he didn’t expect Shen Qi to actually pay. “Whatever you think is fair. After all, it’s my debut work. It has sentimental value.”
Shen Qi said nonchalantly, “I’ll transfer it to you.”
“Are you really giving it? That’s so embarrassing…” Lin Ruohuai pulled out his phone, only to realize he had the wrong one—this was his private phone.
Shen Qi didn’t seem to mind. “Either is fine.”
“I haven’t added you on this number yet. I’ll add you now. Scan me, please, please~” Lin Ruohuai’s voice subconsciously went into a high-pitched “aegyo” tone.
Shen Qi remained calm, looking quite pleased.
Once the verification passed, Lin Ruohuai received a transfer of 1,000 yuan.
At first glance, it seemed normal. But then Lin Ruohuai thought about it—Wait. Four characters. That’s 250 per character. (Note: In Chinese slang, “250” means an idiot.)
Shen Qi was pretty good at insulting people indirectly.
Tsk tsk.
When Lin Ruohuai had nothing to do, he acted as Chairman Shen’s little assistant, tidying files and keeping the desk clean. Multi-billion dollar cooperation projects were laid out right under his nose, as if Shen Qi wasn’t afraid he’d sell the secrets or look for loopholes. There were even documents regarding the Lin family’s cooperation.
After the acquisition, Shen Qi hadn’t dissolved the Lin Group. Instead, he kept the original operating model. For the management, it was just a change of boss. In the current economic climate, keeping a job was a win.
Lin Ruohuai pulled an engagement invitation out of a folder. It was from the Zhou family, but there were no names on it.
If he guessed correctly, it was for Zhou Gaoyi and Shen Qingyi.
But they were an impossible match; this had to be a decoy. Xie Yusheng subconsciously felt it was fake too, but he was still panicking—otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked Lin Ruohuai to scout for info.
How do I scout?
If only he had memorized the whole book. He couldn’t exactly just ask Shen Qi directly; that would be brainless.
Lin Ruohuai sucked in a breath. Wait, I think Zhou Gaoyi had an official love interest. Who was it? This pair was a side couple… Brain, think!
“…”
It was like he had amnesia.
“You want to go?” Shen Qi’s voice was deep and low, vibrating against Lin Ruohuai’s eardrums. He froze as Shen Qi pulled out another invitation: “This one has your name on it.”
“They even included me? The Zhou family is so thoughtful.”
“It was Qingyi’s arrangement.”
Lin Ruohuai didn’t dodge. He met Shen Qi’s eyes and asked directly: “Are they for real?”
“You tell me.”
“I’m asking because I can’t figure it out…”
Shen Qi remained silent, his long, elegant fingers picking at the corner of the invitation. His gaze was leisurely and patient.
You want to investigate? You want answers? Where’s my reward? Who taught you to try and get something for nothing?
Lin Ruohuai stood like an elementary student. After a silence, he finally blurted out: “Mr. Shen, please tell me. Pretty please~”
He tugged at Shen Qi’s sleeve and gave it a little shake. “I really want to know~”
This little bit of reward? Doesn’t count.
Shen Qi half-closed his eyes. “I’m not sure.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t meddle too much in Qingyi’s affairs. He said he’s getting engaged, so he’s getting engaged. Perhaps you know more about it than I do.”
Lin Ruohuai blinked. Shen Qi’s words triggered a hidden memory deep in his mind—he was now certain it was fake.
“I haven’t asked too much about your business with Xie Yusheng, either.”
Lin Ruohuai’s heart skipped a beat. He shot a wary glance at Shen Qi and then looked out the window guiltily. He was thinking about how he needed to tell Xie Yusheng the results.
Shen Qi’s expression darkened as he watched him. That fluttering gaze and those slightly flushed cheeks looked exactly like someone daydreaming about a lover.
“You’re with me, yet you’re thinking about another man. Do you think that’s appropriate?”
Lin Ruohuai snapped out of it. “No, no!”
Shen Qi’s eyes went cold. “If it happens again, go to Uncle Chen for punishment.”
Lin Ruohuai was horrified. “Physical punishment? That’s not a thing anymore! And that’s domestic violence—I could sue you.”
“Deducting your bonus.”
Lin Ruohuai’s lip twitched. “Just go ahead and hit me.”
At lunchtime, Lin Ruohuai—who hadn’t slept well—yawned his way downstairs, taking the chance to report back to Xie Yusheng.
Xie Yusheng: Don’t say it over text. I’m coming to find you. Come out.
Lin Ruohuai: Asking for leave costs money.
Lin Ruohuai: You have to compensate me. Triple the amount.
Xie Yusheng: …
Xie Yusheng: Fine. I’ll come to you. What kind of broken manor is this anyway?
Lin Ruohuai: You’re actually coming?!
Xie Yusheng: Just kidding.
Xie Yusheng: We’ll see.
Lin Ruohuai figured Xie didn’t have the guts, so he ignored him and went back up to eat lunch with Shen Qi.
That wrap from breakfast still hadn’t digested. Shen Qi glanced at him; Lin Ruohuai looked listless, eating his rice grain by grain, his energy depleted. Even the stray hair on top of his head was drooping.
Shen Qi suddenly recalled something from the background files: Lin Ruohuai once got gastroenteritis from overeating and spent days vomiting at home.
“Stomach upset?” His tone was slow, as if confirming something.
Lin Ruohuai made a “just a little” gesture with his fingers and confessed to sneakily eating the wrap.
Shen Qi looked perplexed. “Are you a pig? How have you not died from eating like this? Or are you implying I’m mistreating you?”
Lin Ruohuai slumped onto the table, aggrieved. “I didn’t sleep well last night, and I overate today. I’m already miserable, and you’re calling me a pig.”
His acting-spoiled was becoming quite natural.
Shen Qi put down his chopsticks. Moments later, Uncle Chen arrived with stomach medicine for Lin Ruohuai to take.
The medicine made him drowsy. He didn’t even have the strength to go back to his own room, so Shen Qi arranged for him to lie on the sofa bed in the study.
Lin Ruohuai stared at the ceiling. “I took the medicine, but I still feel bad. I think I need a shot. Is Dr. Wang still here?”
“It’s medicine, not a magic potion.” Shen Qi covered him with a shawl.
Lin Ruohuai nuzzled into it, recognizing the scent—it was Shen Qi’s own shawl, smelling of cedar and agarwood. It was a soothing scent.
He felt a bit hot. He draped the shawl over his hips to cover himself up.
Lin Ruohuai panted slightly, tossing and turning in discomfort. Shen Qi told him to lie flat, as lying on his side would make digestion harder.
“It hurts.”
“Sleep for a bit and it’ll pass.”
Shen Qi’s voice was calm and steady. It gave Lin Ruohuai a sense of security—like no matter how much he acted up, Shen Qi would always catch him.
Lin Ruohuai obeyed, though he pulled his shirt up a bit to expose his stomach to the air, hoping to relieve the bloating.
In a half-dreaming state, he felt a hand gently massaging his stomach. The pain began to fade, and his breathing leveled out as he drifted off.
Inside the room, all was peaceful. Outside at the front gate, Xie Yusheng had finally arrived—and he wasn’t alone. Beside him was a young, vibrant college student in a tracksuit: Shen Heyu.
Uncle Chen followed protocol, contacting the Young Master via the electronic system while waiting for a response. Thus, the two visitors were left in the same space.
Shen Heyu had come to apologize to Lin Ruohuai. He felt his attitude last night was bad and realized 5,000 yuan was probably too little. However, he didn’t understand why Xie Yusheng was there.
He asked irritably, “What are you doing here?”
Xie Yusheng found it strange. Am I being treated like a love rival? I never heard of Shen Qingyi having such a brother-obsessed sibling.
Wait, he means Lin Ruohuai.
“What could I be doing? I’m here for my Ruohuai. Are you here for him too?”
Shen Heyu’s mouth moved faster than his brain. “I’m here to see my big brother!”
Xie Yusheng snorted.
Shen Heyu frowned. “Why are you looking for Lin Ruohuai?”
Xie Yusheng looked him up and down out of the corner of his eye. A thought occurred to him, and he raised an eyebrow. “What, do you like my Ruohuai?”
Shen Heyu froze. He didn’t deny it, but he didn’t admit it either. He said scornfully, “None of your business.”
“He’s the little brother I grew up with. Why isn’t it my business?” Xie Yusheng paused for a few seconds, then squinted. “Actually, you’re a bit better than Shen Qi.”
Shen Heyu frowned, confused. “Are you actually supporting this?”
Xie Yusheng said nothing.
Seeing no resistance, Shen Heyu thought to himself: The rumors were right. Xie Yusheng still likes his second brother and doesn’t care about Lin Ruohuai at all.
That idiot Lin Ruohuai is being cheated on and doesn’t even know it!
All that talk about “liking” him… he must be faking those smiles just to save face.
The two of them stood in the same room, neither willing to back down. The tension was suffocating.
Xie Yusheng caught sight of the old butler. “Is Lin Ruohuai with Shen Qi? Take me up directly. I have urgent business with him.”
Uncle Chen was strictly professional. “The Young Master has not replied yet. According to the rules, we cannot disturb them upstairs.”
“I’m not looking for him; I’m looking for my brother. Lead the way!” Xie Yusheng was overbearing, refusing to budge.
As Uncle Chen hesitated, Xie Yusheng suddenly softened his tone. “I will take full responsibility for any consequences. No need to trouble yourself, sir.”
Left with no choice, Uncle Chen decided to take them up to avoid a scene that might annoy the Young Master and cost him his bonus.
Uncle Chen walked ahead, while Xie Yusheng and Shen Heyu followed at a distance, looking at the paintings and plants in the hallway.
Shen Heyu had never been here before; he was essentially piggybacking on the Xie family’s status to get in. Xie Yusheng was inwardly sneering, thinking Shen Qi was a massive poser.
Because Uncle Chen had just delivered medicine and wanted to be able to hear if they needed the doctor, the door hadn’t been fully closed. A crack remained.
Uncle Chen silently watched as his Young Master lifted Mr. Lin’s shirt, his large hand rubbing and kneading the stomach in a highly ambiguous and inappropriate manner.
After a split second of hesitation, the butler decided he saw nothing. Uncle Chen quietly pulled the door shut and turned to Mr. Lin’s “boyfriend” and Mr. Lin’s “suitor.”
“The Young Master and Mr. Lin are currently napping. It is not convenient to disturb them. Please return later.”
Xie Yusheng “tsk-ed” but didn’t suspect anything and turned to leave.
Shen Heyu found it strange and stayed put. Uncle Chen stood before him, his 186cm height creating an undeniable presence.
“I’m going to see my brother.”
Uncle Chen blocked him. “Young Master Shen Heyu, the Eldest Young Master does not like to be disturbed.”
“I’m looking for Lin Ruohuai! Don’t tell me they’re sleeping together!” Shen Heyu shouted, trying to push past him.
Seeing that persuasion had failed, the old butler’s hand dropped in a swift strike to the neck. “Forgive me.”