Shanghai, deep night, bar street.
[ The rental apartment’s AC had broken down.
Sweat clung damply to skin, mixing with the half-melted popsicle being sucked into warmth; sticky cream dripped messily over the boy’s flushed chest. ]
[“… ! G.. Ge, don’t… don’t do hthat… ”]
[ The boy covered his face in embarrassment, peeking through the cracks of his fingers at the man supporting his waist on the tangled bed sheets, kissing, lingering in puilaces that should never have been touched. ]
[“What are you being shy for?”]
[ The man’s lips pressed together, his usual expression distant and cold. Yet when he spoke, his voice shattered the years of restraint and authority he had held over the boy, a brotherly figure almost like a father. ]
[“I raised you this big. Touching you a little, what’s wrong with that?”]
“Boss!”
*Bang!*
The phone screen was abruptly flipped over, face down.
The young man standing by the doorway froze for a second, then calmly turned the phone back around.
The screen had already gone black, still warm with residual heat, hiding the explicit entanglement that had been displayed just moments ago.
“Sorry, Boss, I’m late!” Qi Yiran rushed over, bending slightly as he panted for breath. “I swear I left the house on time. It’s just… the traffic was insane. You haven’t been waiting too long, have you?”
This was one of Shanghai’s bustling bar streets, neon signs flashing, drinks clinking, men and women dressed in bold, trendy fashion passing in and out. A place steeped in youth, indulgence, and extravagance.
“You’re about half an hour late.” Jiang Zao glanced at the time, then said lightly, “But it’s fine. I had some other things to do, so don’t worry about it.”
His features were striking, almost delicate. Almond-shaped eyes framed by thick lashes, pale skin, slightly wavy hair with just the right amount of softness, he carried a hint of youthful inexperience.
When he spoke, his voice had the gentle lilt of the south, soft and airy. His tone was light, almost boyish, so much so that he looked less like a “company boss” and more like a freshly graduated high schooler.
“Thank you, Boss, for your immense generosity!” Qi Yiran clasped his hands dramatically, looking moved.
“No wonder you’re the top student. Even when waiting you’re using your time to read reports on your phone. I should learn from you.”
Jiang Zao: “……”
Ha. If only he knew that he’d actually been reading a very different kind of “report” about forbidden brotherly love.
The rain had only just stopped. Night draped heavy over the city, the skyscrapers behind them dissolving into the bluish-grey curtain of lingering drizzle.
Jiang Zao and Qi Yiran stepped inside the bar.
They were immediately hit by a wave of cigarette smoke and musky perfume, the air thick with intoxication. Flashing lights sliced through hazy vision, and the pounding music was loud enough to sting the ears.
They were here to conduct market research, to build customer profiles and figure out the future direction of their company’s new projects. Tonight was all about field investigation.
“But… are you sure this is the right place?” Jiang Zao cast a doubtful look at the high-class bar. “Maybe we should.. ”
“Trust me, Boss, you won’t find anywhere better suited for our company’s research than right here.” Qi Yiran patted his chest in reassurance.
“Oh, and don’t worry, I brought the samples.”
He dug into his bag and pulled out something shaped unmistakably like a banana. The outer packaging was already removed, but the inner protective film was still intact. Sleek, fresh, ready for use.
“This is our company’s latest product! Super Demon Purple! It’s hygienic, one-point-five times thicker, with three vibration settings, plus heating fea…. ”
“Stop stop stop stop stop!!”
Jiang Zao lunged forward in panic, slamming Qi Yiran’s hand back into the bag.
“You! You! you! ” His ears burned scarlet, words tripping over themselves. “Why would you just whip that out here?!”
Qi Yiran blinked innocently. “What’s wrong with it?”
“…” Jiang Zao’s face went hot, his lips trembling as he searched for words. After a long pause, he finally managed, “We’re in public! It’s not… appropriate.”
Qi Yiran tilted his head, confused. “But Boss, don’t we keep this exact product displayed right in the center of our company lobby every day?”
“……”
“……”
“And aren’t we here specifically to research the market for adult toys?”
“……”
…He had a point.
Right. Jiang Zao was a boss. The freshly appointed heir of an adult toy company.
He was a psychology student, finishing his senior year at F University. Soon to graduate, soon to be unemployed, with no special talents besides a hobby of binging BL romance online.
Desperate for internship credits, he had tried multiple companies but none of it wanted psychology majors. In the end, his own family company reluctantly took him in.
But until he walked through those office doors, he had had no clue what his family business even was.
What greeted him was an ocean of purple leather whips, pearl-chain chokers, lacey see-through sleepwear, fox tails, cat ears, and giant plush paw gloves. In the center of the room, a mechanical toy was bobbing up and down energetically, full of life.
Jiang Zao: “！！！！”
Oh my god.
No one had ever told him that his family’s “ancestral business” was none other than the largest adult toy company in the country.
“Boss, do you want to put this on?”
Midnight draped the bar in black. Smoke from nicotine and alcohol stung the eyes; heat radiated from all around.
Qi Yiran rummaged through his bag and pulled out a collar, offering it to Jiang Zao. A sleek leather design with a metal tag dangling from it.
The workmanship was exquisite. Thick padding lined the inside for comfort; it was the kind that would leave marks, but never pain.
Jiang Zao stared for two seconds, then sucked in a sharp breath.
You!?!
This would be perfect for the uke in that novel he’d just been reading.
Just imagine: attach a leash, clip on a silver buckle, tug lightly, and delicate white skin would blossom with rosy imprints, tempting, inviting, begging for another’s touch.
…But why was he being asked to wear it?!
Biting his lip, he shook his head quickly. “No way. I’m not putting that on.”
“Ah, don’t misunderstand.” Qi Yiran flipped the tag over, showing him the logo and contact details engraved on it. “This is our business card.”
Jiang Zao: “?”
…Which genius thought of this design?!
The company, Honey Bunny was a well-known domestic high-end adult toy brand.
They promoted the slogan of “sexual freedom,” encouraging everyone to boldly enjoy themselves, break free of outdated taboos, and reject shame.
Jiang Zao was currently the acting president of the sub-branch, specifically responsible for the research and development of same-sex products.
The branch was smaller in scale, but nonetheless official, legal, and perfectly aboveboard.
He tugged at his collar, fanning himself slightly. His cheeks were still tinged pink, flushed with a nervous excitement.
He stood slim and clean-cut, boyishly handsome, a figure that looked almost out of place in such a smoky, sultry bar.
A heavy electric guitar riff cut through the air. Flashing lights danced with clinking glasses. The heavy metal beat made the atmosphere sticky, intoxicating.
“Let’s get started. You cover this area, I’ll go check over there.” Jiang Zao said.
The two split up with a quick arrangement, and Jiang Zao slung his bag over his shoulder, weaving his way toward another section.
The bar was crowded, the small stage filled with groups of men and women swaying with the music.
He squeezed his way through until he reached a quieter room. Here, most people were chatting while drinking, the vibe less chaotic.
Scanning the area, he saw that most of the patrons were deep in lively conversation. Interrupting them didn’t feel right. So instead, he quietly tapped on the shoulder of a lone boy drinking by himself.
“Excuse me, sorry to bother you, are you here alone?” Jiang Zao asked politely.
The boy turned his head. His features were delicate, feminine even, with heavy makeup. Cat-ear headband perched on his head, lashes long enough to curl toward the sky. His tight-fitting T-shirt clung close to his frame.
Only then did Jiang Zao notice, the front of the shirt was cut out.
He couldn’t help sighing inwardly: Wow… spicy little boy.
“Well, darling~” The cat-eared boy gave him a slow once-over, pinky finger raised as he leaned in and slipped an arm around Jiang Zao. “You’re cute, but… not my type.”
He brushed his hand across Jiang Zao’s face, fingertips trailing from the back of his neck to his lips, before tilting Jiang Zao’s chin up. Leaning closer, he lowered his voice at Jiang Zao’s ear:
“Looks like we’ve got matching usernames〜”
Although Jiang Zao was well-read and full of colorful thoughts, in real life he was still just a little virgin who’d never been in a relationship.
Being touched like this, his face instantly flushed red, the heat obvious to the naked eye.
It wasn’t really his fault that he was the type to “get it” in seconds, his thoughts jumping all over the place. And to be fair, what he’d just said did sound suspiciously like a cheesy pick-up line.
“Not at all, I just wanted to ask you a few questions. I’m here on behalf of the company doing a survey.” Jiang Zao gave a sheepish smile.
Cat-eared boy: “That works too. What do you want to ask? Come, sit.”
Jiang Zao sat down and handed him a picture: “Here, do you know about this?”
The cat-eared boy squinted at it, his gaze turning a little indecent:
“Baby, you’re so spicy〜”
Jiang Zao: “…”
“I’m from an adult toys company. If it’s convenient, would you mind filling out our questionnaire?” Jiang Zao handed him the iPad.
The cat-eared boy flipped through it:
“Your sex life frequency? Do you hope for a more romantic and varied experience? When DIY-ing, which factors do you focus on…”
“Sir!” Jiang Zao, face burning, cut him off, “You don’t… you don’t need to read them out loud.”
The boy chuckled, filling out the answers as he spoke: “Your job really doesn’t match your personality. I like it. I’ll leave you my contact info, let’s hang out sometime〜”
“Oh, and these last questions aren’t for me.” He pointed to another part of the survey. “You’ll need to find a strong top for that.”
Before Jiang Zao could respond, the boy arched a brow, pulled Jiang Zao’s chair closer, and slid an arm around his waist. He whispered in his ear:
“See? That one over there looks perfect.”
Jiang Zao followed his finger.
The bar lights flickered, shifting into a softer amber glow as the live singer took the stage. The atmosphere grew even more hazy and suggestive.
By the bar, a tall man leaned lazily against the counter, his back half-lit by the dim glow.
His head dipped slightly, features sharp as if outlined in ink, his whole presence soaked in languid nonchalance. A cigarette dangled from his lips.
The bar was dark, shadows skimming his half-lowered eyes. He played idly with a lighter, two long fingers pressing and flicking the metal lid.
Click. He flipped it open, spun it once, then shut it again. Over and over, casual yet careless, arrogant in its own way.
Jiang Zao’s pupils widened.
???
Why the hell is he here??
And in the very next moment, he thought the man might have looked up.
Their gazes met.
Deep, languid eyes with a faint haze of weariness like he was lazily checking to confirm something.
Jiang Zao snapped his eyes away.
Oh god! I’m screwed.
“Mm. That body. Chest, abs, that waist…” the cat-eared boy clicked his tongue.
“Bet a night with him would be amazing.”
He turned to gauge Jiang Zao’s reaction, only to find Jiang Zao clutching his bag up like a shield, covering his whole face.
“What’s this? Are you shy? You’re too cute, sweetheart〜 He’s your type, right? Want me to help you out?”
“No, no, no need.” Jiang Zao held his bag like a fortress, not daring to let even a crack show, and scrambled to his feet. “Thanks for your time, I should go.”
Before the boy could stop him, Jiang Zao was already rushing toward the exit.
But in his haste, his bag brushed the edge of the table, knocking over a cocktail.
*Clang!*
The stainless steel cup hit the ground with a loud bang.
“Ah!! sorry, sorry!” Jiang Zao bent down to pick it up, flustered. “I’ll pay for the drink, or I can order you another.”
“No worries, cutie,” the boy replied. “But you should wipe yourself down, you’re all wet.”
Jiang Zao looked down and realized the drink had splashed on his shirt, turning the fabric half transparent and plastering it to his waist and stomach.
But he didn’t have time for that now. “It’s fine! I need to go.. ”
“Hey.”
The sudden voice came from behind, low and lazy. Jiang Zao froze.
He knew that voice far too well. He’d recognize that half-assed, drawling tone even if it followed him to the grave.
Zhou Yuchi.
The childhood friend he especially hated, the one who just wouldn’t quit haunting him.
He hadn’t even noticed when Zhou Yuchi left the bar counter and walked over. Now he stood right behind him, eyes lowered, black-as-ink pupils shadowed, broad shoulders and long legs nearly enclosing Jiang Zao’s whole frame.
Crap! Is it still too late to run?
Jiang Zao swallowed hard. He hadn’t prepared an excuse, hadn’t even sorted out his thoughts. Head down, clutching his bag, he tried to slink away.
But before he could take more than two steps, a big hand wrapped around his waist.
Jiang Zao: !!!
It was like Zhou Yuchi had read his mind. His hand moved slowly, deliberately, hooking into Jiang Zao’s waist and pulling him back with ease.
“Long time no see, Zao-zao.”
His tone was just like always, mocking, lazy, the kind that sounded cool but made you want to punch him.
He leaned down, shoved a wad of napkins into Jiang Zao’s hand to wipe his shirt, but didn’t let go, still holding him fast.
Lifting his gaze, he forced Jiang Zao to meet his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips as if this were some kind of friendly reunion.
Jiang Zao nearly broke into cold sweat at that smile. But trapped as he was, there was no escaping.
The cigarette was already stubbed out, leaving only the suffocating pressure of Zhou Yuchi’s presence.
Then came the final blow:
“So it turns out… you didn’t miss me at all.”
Hello Everyone! I’m Cressilia! I will translating “When my childhood friend found out that I Run an adult Toy Company”
Be kind to me and I will give you cookies! Also support the original Author! Enjoy reading
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
(´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡ a little coffee would be lovely
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
Next →
ChaptersChapter 1 · The BossChapter 2 · Childhood FriendChapter 3 · Settlement of AccountChapter 4 · Button UnderwearChapter 5 · Open The DoorChapter 6 · (O△O)!Chapter 7 · Woe to himChapter 8 · Break The JarChapter 9 · Keep your promiseChapter 10 · MovieChapter 11 · Try on clothesChapter 12 · Hide! Hide! HIDE!Chapter 13 · ShameChapter 14 · ProtocolChapter 15 · TraceChapter 16 · What are you nervous about?Chapter 17 · Physical TestChapter 18 · Protect One’s OwnChapter 19 · MassageChapter 20 · BiteChapter 21 · Bring him homeChapter 22 · True LoveChapter 23 · After drinkingChapter 24 · MarketChapter 25 · Temporary TattooChapter 26 · Shooting GameChapter 27 · Escape GameChapter 28 · Terrifying dreamChapter 29 · ExhibitionChapter 30 · Pocky GameChapter 31 · TeasingChapter 32 · Pure scoundrelChapter 33 · Straight menChapter 34 · Gay BarChapter 35 · Lip lickingChapter 36 · Doesn’t seem like a good personChapter 37 · AddictionChapter 38 · Reporting videoChapter 39 · Rough LanguageChapter 40 · Wow!Chapter 41 · Hot spring resort～～Chapter 42 · It looks good!Chapter 43 · Hot SpringChapter 44 · HonestyChapter 45 · VinegarChapter 46 · I’ll keep you companyChapter 47 · Rocking ChairChapter 48 · VileChapter 49 · Losing ComposureChapter 50 · A Guide to Identifying Gay MenChapter 51 · Going HomeChapter 52 · KissChapter 53 · PeckChapter 54 · Pearl Wedding AttireChapter 55 · For No ReasonChapter 56 · Stop CalculatingChapter 57 · HandcuffsChapter 58 · Too FarChapter 59 · The MuzzleChapter 60 · Taking It FurtherChapter 61 · Does kissing feel good?Chapter 62 · HmmChapter 63 · GuidanceChapter 64 · VideoChapter 65 · No ProblemChapter 66 · Come DownChapter 67 · Is That All?Chapter 68 · HmphChapter 69 · Applying MedicineChapter 70 · ToysChapter 71 · BathroomChapter 72 · PlacementChapter 73 · WaitingChapter 74 · LoveChapter 75 · StarsChapter 76 · RoommateChapter 77 · BoyfriendChapter 78 · MouthChapter 79 · MidsummerChapter 80 · Aeroplane ChessChapter 81 · Ice CubesChapter 82 · All Night LongChapter 83 · SleepChapter 84 · The Alt AccountChapter 85 · End of the Main StoryChapter 86 · Extra 1Chapter 87 · Extra 2Chapter 88 · Extra 3Chapter 89 · Extra 4Chapter 90 · Extra 5Chapter 91 · Extra 6Chapter 92 · Extra 7Chapter 93 · Extra 8Chapter 94 · Extra 9Chapter 95 · Extra 10Chapter 96 · Extra 11