Shen Zhinan was deep in thought.
Fu Yanshi had said that he wanted Shen Zhinan to compensate him with himself.
What did that mean?
Shen Zhinan analyzed the possible interpretations:
The Serious Version
Fu Yanshi wanted him to work like a horse to atone for his mistakes and ease Fu Yanshi’s resentment.
2.The Lewd Version
Fu Yanshi was lusting after his body.
Shen Zhinan couldn’t quite grasp Fu Yanshi’s true intention, so he tentatively asked, “Are you being serious? I mean, for real?”
“Of course.”
Over the past half month, Fu Yanshi had given it a lot of thought. This wasn’t a spur of the moment idea it was something he had carefully considered.
He recalled lyrics from a song love should be spoken out loud.
His love, dormant for twenty-seven years, had finally awakened.
When Fu Yanshi was serious, he was truly serious.
Meeting Fu Yanshi’s earnest gaze, Shen Zhinan understood.
After all, he was the one at fault.
Fu Yanshi had taken care of him all night. The previous night, when Shen Zhinan needed to use the bathroom, it was Fu Yanshi who had accompanied him.
In the bathroom, Shen Zhinan had felt extremely awkward, thinking that with Fu Yanshi watching, he wouldn’t be able to go.
Fu Yanshi yawned, amused by Shen Zhinan standing there dumbfounded. “What, do you need me to hold it for you?”
“…”
After a moment of silence, Shen Zhinan said, “Could you turn around?”
Fu Yanshi replied, “It’s not like I haven’t seen it before. Why are you so shy?”
Shen Zhinan retorted, “Bro, go do some research how many people in this world have the mental fortitude to pee while being stared at?”
Fu Yanshi held the IV bag and turned around. “Alright, alright, I won’t look.”
Remembering this, Shen Zhinan felt like a complete jerk for slapping Fu Yanshi first thing in the morning. It was a classic case of repaying kindness with ingratitude.
He said with utmost sincerity, “Okay, I agree.”
Besides making amends, it was also a way to repay the favor.
So this was what it felt like to have someone accompany you during an IV drip.
Fu Yanshi hadn’t expected Shen Zhinan to agree so readily and was momentarily taken aback.
But upon further reflection, he realized there were clues all along.
If Shen Zhinan didn’t like him, why would he still keep his handkerchief and carry it with him?
If this wasn’t love, then what was?
Fu Yanshi double-checked, “You’re really agreeing?”
He felt a bit uneasy about how easily Shen Zhinan had agreed. Was it really going to be this smooth?
His original plan hadn’t been to bring it up at this moment, but the conversation had naturally led here. Since the opportunity presented itself, Fu Yanshi had spoken up.
“Ah, yes.” Just then, Shen Zhinan’s phone alarm went off. He got out of bed, feeling much better. “Think about what you want me to do, and we can discuss the details later. I have to rush to the anniversary event now I promised to work both days.”
Hearing this, Fu Yanshi grabbed Shen Zhinan’s arm and frowned. “You just finished your IV. You should rest properly and not go.”
“When you’re out in the world, keeping your word is the most important thing,” Shen Zhinan insisted, sticking to his principles. “Besides, I’m really fine now. It wasn’t a big deal to begin with.”
Seeing Shen Zhinan’s determination, Fu Yanshi relented. “If you’re going, then I’ll take you there.”
“You…” Shen Zhinan was momentarily speechless. “You’re surprisingly kind.”
Fu Yanshi, the domineering CEO, was practically turning into a chauffeur with his door to door service.
After the doctor confirmed everything was fine, Fu Yanshi took Shen Zhinan for breakfast before driving him to the anniversary celebration.
As soon as they stepped out of the car, they heard a dramatic wail.
“Old Fu!”
He Yanchou popped out of nowhere, staring wide-eyed at the two who had just emerged from the same car.
“Little Bunny!!!”
He Yanchou howled again, this time at Shen Zhinan.
“You two!” He Yanchou’s jaw dropped so low it nearly hit the ground. “You two!”
Everything suddenly made sense!
No wonder Fu Yanshi had been acting so strangely yesterday!
So that’s it!
So that’s how it is!
Fu Yanshi was still wearing yesterday’s suit, and here he was getting out of the same car with Little Bunny first thing in the morning. There’s no way Shen Zhinan just happened to hail Fu Yanshi’s Bentley by chance.
So these two had hit it off like two peas in a pod yesterday!
Who knows where they went to spend the night together!
“Are you putting on a show?” Fu Yanshi rolled his eyes at the dramatic display and tried to pull Shen Zhinan inside.
But He Yanchou blocked his path. “Wait, I need to talk to you!”
Fu Yanshi turned to Shen Zhinan. “Go on inside first.”
“Oh…” Shen Zhinan glanced between the two alphas tugging at each other, sensing it was best not to stick around, and quickly slipped away.
“Spit it out if you have something to say.” Fu Yanshi had very limited patience for He Yanchou.
Hands on his hips, He Yanchou fumed, “I treat you like a brother, and you go behind my back like this! How could you just sleep with the person I like? Have you no manners?”
Fu Yanshi felt like He Yanchou had suddenly grown taller, but upon closer inspection, he realized He Yanchou was just trying to take the moral high ground and guilt-trip him.
Fu Yanshi summed it up succinctly: “Idiot.”
He Yanchou retorted, “Say that again!”
Fu Yanshi obliged: “Big idiot.”
He Yanchou snapped: “Fu Yanshi! I’m warning you, I have my limits! Don’t push it!”
“You big dumbass.” Fu Yanshi smacked him on the back of the head. “Can’t you smell the sweet scent of love radiating from us?”
“What do you mean?” He Yanchou looked confused.
“Exactly what I said.” Fu Yanshi couldn’t be bothered to explain further. Before getting into the car, he stood by the driver’s door and said to the bewildered He Yanchou, “If you dare lay a finger on him again, I’ll send a whole van of people after you.”
“Wait…” He Yanchou stared as the Bentley sped off. “What does that even mean?”
Shen Zhinan’s work went smoothly that day. During his shift, he received a message from Fu Yanshi.
f: How are you holding up?
s: I’m fine
f: When are you done?
f: Meetings are so boring.
f: [Cute dog yawning.jpg]
s: 3 PM
f: Hang in there.
f: [Cute dog hugging.jpg]
s: Not hanging in there, just suffering
f: Your fate is in my hands, not heaven’s
f: Quit your job, I’ll take care of you
s:
The manager called out, “Yang Dahua!” and Shen Zhinan responded. He found a sticker to wrap up the conversation:
s: Gotta go, the manager’s calling me.
s: [Dramatic exit.jpg]
The meme was a GIF of a person slowly closing a manhole cover from inside a sewer.
It looked incredibly foolish.
Fu Yanshi let out a light chuckle.
The head of the tech team, who was presenting a PowerPoint on stage, trembled nervously and asked, “President Fu, did I say something wrong?”
Fu Yanshi cleared his throat, straightened his expression, and replied, “No, continue.”
At 2 p.m., after the meeting concluded, Fu Yanshi left the company.
He went home first to change his clothes and meticulously styled his hair into a slightly tousled, layered cut before humming a tune and driving off to pick up Shen Zhinan.
He didn’t go upstairs but parked his car at the hotel entrance, leaning against the vehicle with his arms crossed.
He intended to surprise Shen Zhinan.
He had reserved a candlelit dinner for the evening, feeling that their relationship had started too hastily and wanting to make up for it with a proper confession.
Fu Yanshi thought to himself that sometimes being a little clichéd wasn’t so bad.
Clichés proved that many people liked them they were market-tested and generally accepted and appreciated by the majority.
Dressed in a black overcoat, the alpha stood tall and striking. With his outstanding looks, anyone passing by might have mistaken him for a celebrity filming a car commercial.
Pedestrians couldn’t help but glance his way, and some even secretly snapped photos.
Fu Yanshi noticed all of this.
This was exactly the effect he wanted.
A cold gust of wind swept by, sending shivers down Fu Yanshi’s spine.
It was all from the chill.
This was the price of prioritizing style over comfort.
Fu Yanshi checked the time 3:20 p.m. and Shen Zhinan still hadn’t come out.
He sent him a message:
f: Puppy looking into the distance.jpg
f: Where are you?
These puppy memes were ones he’d collected from his assistant.
According to Assistant Xiao Ye, memes could subtly influence how others perceived you.
Cute memes made people seem more approachable.
Fu Yanshi thought this made perfect sense.
So he saved the entire set.
Just after sending the message, he saw Shen Zhinan walk out through the revolving door, chatting and laughing with a beta.
The moment their eyes met, Shen Zhinan froze, wondering why the man was dressed so flamboyantly.
Since they had met that morning, he couldn’t pretend not to know him. Shen Zhinan walked up to Fu Yanshi and asked politely, “What are you doing here?”
Fu Yanshi’s gaze shifted between Shen Zhinan and the beta, who turned out to be the same person who had asked for Shen Zhinan’s contact information in the locker room the day before.
The atmosphere around Fu Yanshi instantly turned icy. “Waiting for you,” he said.
Only then did Shen Zhinan remember he had agreed that morning to make it up to Fu Yanshi by doing some manual labor.
He had been too busy and forgotten.
No wonder Fu Yanshi looked so displeased.
Shen Zhinan turned to the beta and said, “Brother Zhou, sorry, something’s come up today. Let’s reschedule our meal. Next time, it’s on me.”
The beta, meeting the alpha’s cold stare, shuddered and quickly replied, “Sure, sure, I’ll head off now.”
“I’m really sorry about what happened this morning. Just tell me what you need me to do I’ll do anything,” Shen Zhinan apologized. Suddenly, he remembered something else. “Oh, and how much was the hospital bill from yesterday? I’ll transfer it to you. Let’s also include the cost of the things you bought yesterday and breakfast today.”
“Spending money on you is only natural,” Fu Yanshi said, his expression darkening. “Can you not be so calculating with me?”
“There’s no such thing as should or shouldn’t.” Shen Zhinan didn’t understand. “Even though you’re rich, one thing is one thing. Even brothers keep clear accounts.”
“Can you not be like this?” Fu Yanshi frowned deeply. “I really don’t like it when you keep such a clear account with me.”
?
What kind of line is that?
Why does it sound so strange?
“Wait…” Shen Zhinan was a bit confused. “I feel like I didn’t quite get that”
Fu Yanshi took a deep breath. “What part didn’t you get? It’s only natural for me to spend money on my boyfriend. You don’t need to keep accounts with me. Do you understand now?”
Hold on a second!
Boyfriend!?
When did he become Fu Yanshi’s boyfriend!?
He didn’t know about this!
Shen Zhinan’s eyes widened in shock.
Did he lose his memory from getting an IV drip?
“You, you, you” Shen Zhinan was so shocked he kept repeating the word “you.” He swallowed hard, took a moment to compose himself, and then asked, “Excuse me, when did I become your boyfriend?”
Fu Yanshi looked at Shen Zhinan’s stunned expression and showed a face of disbelief. “Are you a goldfish with a seven-second memory? How can you forget what happened this morning?”
Shen Zhinan: ???
What happened this morning!?
“Alright, let’s align our understanding of the details,” Shen Zhinan suggested. “This morning, I’m sorry I slapped you. I apologized, and you said I should compensate you with myself. I specifically asked if you meant it seriously, and you said ‘of course,’ so I agreed. I was going to be late for my part-time job, so I told you to think about it first, and we’d discuss it later.”
Seeing Fu Yanshi’s expression grow increasingly grim, Shen Zhinan tentatively asked, “Right?”
Fu Yanshi’s temple throbbed violently. He gritted his teeth and said, word by word, “Right, my foot!”
“I was being so direct. How on earth did you interpret it that way?”
“‘Compensate me with yourself,'” Shen Zhinan repeated Fu Yanshi’s words. “What value do I have? Besides helping you with some work, it’s just sleeping with you. You said you were being serious!”
So, it wasn’t about the physical aspect but the emotional kind of “compensation”!
Fu Yanshi found it unbelievable.
How could Shen Zhinan’s little brain take such an ambiguous statement and, after twisting and turning like a mountain road, come to such a completely different conclusion?
He really wanted to open Shen Zhinan’s head and see how such a bizarre thought process worked!
After listening to Shen Zhinan’s thorough “reading comprehension,” Fu Yanshi was left speechless.
He tried to open his mouth, but the words died on his lips.
Fu Yanshi was so angry he laughed. He put his hands on his hips, took a few steps, and suddenly looked at Shen Zhinan. “You.”
He stammered “you” for a while but couldn’t get a coherent sentence out.
So, he had been the only one carrying on a one-sided relationship all day, getting excited for nothing.
Fu Yanshi, you’re an idiot.
The alpha couldn’t help but curse himself inwardly.
“Fine, I’ll take the blame for being presumptuous this morning,” Fu Yanshi said bluntly, to avoid another miscommunication. “Then I’ll just say it straight. Shen Zhinan, I like you. The kind of liking where I want to date you. Do you want to give it a try with me?”
Shen Zhinan looked at Fu Yanshi.
Alpha looked exceptionally handsome today every detail meticulously polished from his hair to his trouser cuffs. His already striking features, with just a bit of styling, became almost unrealistically handsome.
He exuded an air of refined elegance, the kind that could only be cultivated with wealth.
He was the type of person who stood out in any crowd, yet he was also the kind Shen Zhinan would never pay much attention to, no matter which world he found himself in.
People like Alpha naturally had an invisible barrier between them and him.
Life was already hard enough for Shen Zhinan. If he were to dwell on how fortunate others were and the vast gap between their lives and his, it would only make his existence more unbearable.
Sometimes, the disparity between people was even greater than that between humans and dogs.
He couldn’t afford to entertain the slightest affection Fu Yanshi showed him.
The inherent inequality and the chasm of social class were constantly reinforced in every subtle interaction.
Even if Fu Yanshi deliberately tried to downplay it, Shen Zhinan could still perceive the gap between them in the smallest of details.
It was like back in his school days, when the school required everyone to wear uniforms. Shen Zhinan would glance down and see his classmates’ branded shoes, while his own worn-out canvas sneakers were on the verge of falling apart.
Back then, he was still too young, but the sharp pang he felt in his heart gave him a faint glimpse of what disparity truly meant.
In the past, he and Fu Yanshi had each taken what they needed—a purely physical relationship, driven by pleasure.
Once it was over, they’d go their separate ways, neither owing the other anything.
What status, what position, how much wealth none of it mattered to him.
But once emotions got involved, it was different.
As someone who had grown up severely deprived of affection, Shen Zhinan was more prone to losing himself in emotional entanglements than most.
The slightest kindness could bring tears to his eyes, and the tiniest hint of love was enough to leave him savoring it endlessly.
It was like a person wandering in the desert for too long, stumbling upon a spring they’d be tempted to plunge into it, letting the water soothe every cracked inch of their skin.
But if they weren’t careful, they could easily drown in that very spring.