Jiang Zao was just about to bend down to grab the pair of pants on the floor when Zhou Yuchi suddenly wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him down to sit squarely on his lap.
The warmth that clung to someone who had only just crawled out from beneath the blankets had already been chased away by the cold air drifting about the room.
Zhou Yuchi’s expression was stiff as he let out a shallow breath. There was still residual warmth clinging to his body, his aura clean and cool. His eyes, not yet fully awake, drooped lazily, yet he didn’t look impatient at all.
He tugged one corner of the blanket over Jiang Zao, rolling him up tightly, then picked up the pants and placed them on top of him. His tone was flat, neither light nor heavy.
“Trying to catch a cold, are you?”
Jiang Zao thought he had some nerve. Who exactly had taken these pants off in the first place, did he not have any self awareness at all?
“And you’ve got the nerve to say that? You’re the one who took my pants off.”
“I took them off because I was worried you’d be uncomfortable sleeping in jeans.” Zhou Yuchi ran a hand roughly through his hair, his voice unchanged. “And this is how you treat the benefactor who took care of you all night?”
For a moment, Jiang Zao couldn’t think of a rebuttal. He could only sulkily pick up the pants, all the while glaring in displeasure at the arm still hooked around Zhou Yuchi’s waist.
But with both his legs wrapped tightly in the blanket, he couldn’t spread them at all. With no other choice, Jiang Zao twisted his hips as he tried to stand up.
“……”
Zhou Yuchi slowly closed his eyes.
Then Jiang Zao felt his leg get smacked.
That man even reached directly under the blanket and smacked his thigh. Because the movement was muffled by fabric, it didn’t make a sharp sound, just a dull, fleshy noise that was honestly a bit too suggestive to describe out loud.
Zhou Yuchi’s gaze turned icy as he glanced down at Jiang Zao. His eyes narrowed halfway, the obvious warning in them paired with a low, dangerous tone.
“Try moving again.”
Only then did Jiang Zao realize something was very wrong. His face instantly flushed bright red.
No wonder sitting like this felt both hard and soft at the same time…
Whenever Jiang Zao got flustered, even his ears turned red. From Zhou Yuchi’s angle, he could clearly see those pale little ears gradually dyeing themselves a soft shade of pink.
Yet that mouth of his still wouldn’t stop talking.
“Um… it’s fine, this is normal! Guys tend to, you know, react like this in the morning, it’s just physiological, ”
Zhou Yuchi fell completely silent.
Without any courtesy at all, he lifted Jiang Zao up and tossed him back onto the bed, then walked into the bathroom in a low pressure haze.
Jiang Zao: “……”
Damn it, could this get any more awkward?
Before long, he heard the sound of running water.
Jiang Zao hurriedly put his pants on. At first, he planned to leave immediately but after thinking it over, he realized he hadn’t done anything guilt worthy. Why was he acting like he needed to flee?
Right. Why should he be embarrassed?
There was nothing to be embarrassed about. They were both men. The other was a straight guy, at that. This was all perfectly normal male interaction. If anything, acting weird about it would be the strange part.
With that logic firmly in mind, Jiang Zao deliberately slowed his movements and began to look around Zhou Yuchi’s room.
It really did suit him. Gray and black tones dominated the space and there was hardly anything in the room at all. Everything was neat, clean and orderly, a stark contrast to Jiang Zao’s own room, piled high with eighteen plus material. The difference was night and day.
Jiang Zao felt that Zhou Yuchi was absurdly pretentious. Even his private life had that cultivated, artificial air to it. The place felt lifeless, like a dead man’s room.
But very quickly, his attention was drawn to a bottle sitting on the desk.
A jar filled with lucky stars.
Jiang Zao’s gaze lingered there for a long time.
If he remembered correctly, this was the very same jar he’d seen back in high school.
It was obvious at a glance that it had been well preserved. Even after all these years, there wasn’t a speck of dust on it. The glass still gleamed and it was placed in a conspicuously visible spot.
There were far more stars inside now, filling roughly two thirds of the jar. Just a little more and it would be completely full.
Jiang Zao was a little surprised.
Why was this still here? Hadn’t Zhou Yuchi planned to give it to the girl he liked?
Having read far too many novels, Jiang Zao’s mind instantly spun out countless possible versions of the story.
Was Zhou Yuchi too timid to confess? That seemed unlikely. He was absolutely the type to hound someone relentlessly, using both soft coaxing and hard pressure. No way he’d drag things out for years.
Then… did he confess and get rejected? That also didn’t seem right. Even back in high school, Zhou Yuchi might’ve been rough around the edges but he was rich, handsome, academically solid and strangely charming. Girls shouldn’t have turned him down.
Could it be that they dated and then broke up? Maybe the girl initiated the breakup and Zhou Yuchi couldn’t get over her, keeping this jar around as a memento?
Or worse, had he been cheated on? Looking at it this way, Zhou Yuchi was kind of pitiful…
Lost in thought, Jiang Zao drifted closer to the desk and bent down to peer closely at the jar.
From the stars at the very bottom to the ones at the top, the improvement in craftsmanship was obvious.
The earliest stars weren’t very plump or neatly folded. Some were flattened, others had corners sticking out but the newer they were, the more dimensional and refined they became.
This must have been going on for many years.
As Jiang Zao stared at the colorful paper stars, he suddenly noticed one poorly folded old fashioned star with a sliver of black peeking out from the edge.
Huh?
Was there writing inside the stars…?
“Jiang Zao.”
Jiang Zao nearly jumped out of his skin.
He quickly straightened and turned around.
Zhou Yuchi had already come out of the bathroom. He was wearing nothing but a loosely draped bathrobe, the belt untied, his chest bare and well defined, abs clearly outlined.
His slightly messy black hair was still damp, water droplets sliding down from his long neck to his collarbones.
At his waist, a tattoo came in and out of view along his side.
This time, Jiang Zao didn’t blush out of embarrassment, he was simply stunned. Zhou Yuchi rarely called him by his full name.
Whether it was lingering morning irritation or something else entirely, Zhou Yuchi’s voice lacked its usual lazy drawl. It was cool, low and combined with his aura, downright intimidating.
Jiang Zao paused, then forced a smile.
“You’re… pretty fast.”
Zhou Yuchi didn’t answer right away. His expression looked displeased as he crooked a finger at Jiang Zao.
“Come here.”
To Jiang Zao’s own surprise, he obediently walked over.
Zhou Yuchi didn’t touch him inappropriately. He simply gave Jiang Zao a once over before grabbing a towel to dry his hair.
“I thought you’d run.”
“Joking. Why would I run?” Jiang Zao felt oddly guilty. “I still need to thank you… uh… even though I don’t really remember what happened yesterday but no matter what, I must’ve caused you trouble, so of course I should thank you.”
“There’s no need,” Zhou Yuchi replied casually, with a faint trace of mockery. “Just don’t drink yourself senseless outside next time. You should know your limit. Don’t be the type who blacks out after one drink and follows a stranger home just because they sweet talk you a little.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” Jiang Zao protested.
Zhou Yuchi made no comment.
“Hey, how did they even get in touch with you?” Jiang Zao suddenly became curious.
Zhou Yuchi’s expression turned more amused. That inherent laziness seeped back into him as he slowly lifted his eyelids.
“Probably because I’m a ‘mad dog.’”
Jiang Zao: “……”
Good lord.
Jiang Zao said nothing more.
Seeing the way Jiang Zao’s face flushed as he held everything in, Zhou Yuchi’s mood seemed to improve slightly.
Just as Jiang Zao was about to regroup and say something else, he saw Zhou Yuchi pick up the lucky star jar from the desk and place it into a drawer.
Well then.
Suspicious. Extremely suspicious.
But Jiang Zao didn’t dare ask about it now.
Who would bring up someone’s past emotional wounds at a time like this? That would be begging for a beating.
Zhou Yuchi turned back and caught Jiang Zao staring at him with an inquisitive look, curious, probing and impossible to decipher. He immediately knew this guy was letting his imagination run wild again.
“Aren’t you going to work?”
“Huh?” Jiang Zao glanced at the time.
It was only a little past seven twenty.
He’d originally planned to take the day off but perhaps because of his innate worker bee instincts, he figured there was still time to make it. Better not lose his perfect attendance bonus.
“…Then I’ll go to work.”
Zhou Yuchi let him be and began changing out of his bathrobe.
Once again, Jiang Zao caught sight of the tattoo at Zhou Yuchi’s waist, a fractured clock, strikingly eye catching.
Like a brand burned into his skin.
Jiang Zao didn’t have any particular prejudice against tattoos. At worst, it just meant you couldn’t take the civil service exam but after seeing that lucky star jar, he couldn’t help overthinking again.
Could it be that he’d gotten it after emotional trauma?
It fit Zhou Yuchi’s unhinged, explosive personality far too well.
“Are you thinking of helping me undress,” Zhou Yuchi’s voice suddenly came from above him, “or are you just thinking of touching me?”
He’d clearly noticed Jiang Zao staring at his exposed body. The corner of his lips curved slightly as he spoke, his tone teasing and provocative.
“Since you’ve been looking for so long, if you say the word, I’ll satisfy you.”
…Damn it, here he goes again, flirting like that.
Jiang Zao decided to ignore him entirely.
“You can take care of it yourself. I’m going to work,” he said, opening the door and hurrying back into his own room.
Honey bunny toy Products Company.
Jiang Zao clocked in for work.
He’d made it just on time again. Zhou Yuchi had cooked him breakfast and honestly, it smelled far too good. He hadn’t eaten dinner the night before, so he ended up eating before heading to the office.
“Good morning, little boss~”
Cheng Jiamin greeted him with a beaming smile. “You got home safely last night, right? You okay? Feeling all right now?”
“I’m fine, Sister Min.” Jiang Zao smiled back and took a sip of the coffee he had just made. “I’m the one who caused trouble for everyone. I really didn’t realize my alcohol tolerance was that bad.”
Ge Xiao appeared from who knows where and chimed in casually, “Didn’t do anything wild while drunk, did you?”
Cough! Cough! Cough!
Jiang Zao immediately choked.
Wild my ass!
“Hey, didn’t we promise that handsome guy we wouldn’t joke about this?” Thankfully, Cheng Jiamin stepped in in time. Then she turned back to Jiang Zao and said, “Oh right, little boss. When your, uh, your guy took you away last night, he paid for dinner. We originally planned to split the bill since it wasn’t cheap. Should you tell him we’ll transfer the money to him?”
Your guy…?
Had they misunderstood something?
Jiang Zao tried hard to recall what he’d said or done last night but all that remained in his memory was the image of himself biting Zhou Yuchi.
With no better option, he emphasized, “He’s straight.”
“Okay, okay, straight, straight.”
“Got it, got it~”
“We didn’t say anything anyway, right~”
Forget it.
The more you explained workplace rumors, the more twisted they became and given this group’s line of work and their overactive imaginations, it was best to say as little as possible.
“…I’ll ask him,” Jiang Zao conceded.
He picked up his phone and sent Zhou Yuchi a message.
【ZaoZaoSleep: Did you pay for dinner last night? My coworkers are asking if they should transfer the money to you】
The reply came quickly.
【MadDog(▽皿▽#): No need】
【MadDog(▽皿▽#): Tell them that this meal was your treat. Thank them for celebrating one month of your internship】
Jiang Zao thought that actually made sense, so he relayed the message as instructed.
“Wow, thanks Boss! Such a generous boss!”
“Wishing the boss a happy and fulfilling life!”
Jiang Zao: “……………”
It just felt… weird.
“Boss, this is for you.” Qi Yiran took out an envelope and handed it to Jiang Zao. “These are the Lisnbo Autumn Market passes. Headquarters gave them to everyone. These two are yours.”
Jiang Zao accepted them. “Is this the really popular themed garden market that’s been trending lately?”
“Yes,” Qi Yiran replied. “Almost everyone in our company goes. It’s good for gathering inspiration. We’re about to enter another crunch period and need new proposals and honestly, it’s pretty fun.”
So it was a work related field visit.
“Alright, I’ll go check it out,” Jiang Zao said seriously. He placed the tickets on his desk and thanked Qi Yiran.
Everyone gradually dispersed.
Jiang Zao lowered his head, opened his WeChat conversation, hesitated for a moment, then sent another message to Zhou Yuchi.
【ZaoZaoSleep: Then I’ll transfer you the dinner money. Technically, I’m the one who treated them】
【MadDog(▽皿▽#): I don’t lack money】
Alright, alright, message received, you’re rich.
Still, since Zhou Yuchi refused to take the money and had indeed been inconvenienced for a long time last night, Jiang Zao couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty.
At that moment, his gaze fell on the market passes lying on his desk.
Although the visit was work related, maybe he could buy Zhou Yuchi something while he was there and consider it repayment.
【ZaoZaoSleep: Then… do you want to go here】
【ZaoZaoSleep: [photo of ticket stub]】
There was a brief pause on the other end before a reply came through.
【MadDog(▽皿▽#): Zaozao】
【MadDog(▽皿▽#): Are you inviting me on a date?】
Jiang Zao: “?”
【MadDog(▽皿▽#): Don’t be shy】
【MadDog(▽皿▽#): I’m actually pretty happy】
Jiang Zao: “??”
Panicking, he immediately grabbed the ticket stub.
And there it was, printed clearly across the theme of the market pass,
“Autumn Warmth: Couples’ Special Event.”
Jiang Zao: “………………………”
Oh. My. God.
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The chapter has ended. The coffee propaganda begins.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
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