The world fell utterly silent.
The young man’s hand wasn’t large, and at night his body temperature always seemed a little cooler than average.
His skin was pale, delicate, almost porcelain-like, and when pressed against the man’s taut abdominal muscles, the contrast in color was startling.
Instinctively, in an effort to steady himself, his slightly pink fingers curled inward, slipping into the shallow groove between the ridges of muscle. His fingertips pressed firmly against that warm, firm skin.
A sharp hiss escaped the man’s lips.
Zhou Yuchi frowned, his expression tightening, and let out a low, impatient click of his tongue. His dark eyes shifted toward Jiang Zao, and with a voice devoid of warmth he said, “If you want to pick a lock, just pick a lock. Stop putting your hands all over me.”
Jiang Zao froze.
He hadn’t even had time to process why there was suddenly a man in his home. The moment he caught sight of Zhou Yuchi’s face, his mind went blank. Reflex took over, he yanked his hand back as though burned and immediately tried to close the door again.
But before the door could shut, the man inside caught it with a single hand.
The next instant, Jiang Zao’s collar was grabbed and yanked hard, his body almost lifted off the ground before being pulled completely into the apartment.
The door slammed shut with a reverberating *Bang*
Jiang Zao was shoved back against the wall, pinned firmly in place.
Zhou Yuchi leaned in, lowering his head slightly. One arm braced against the wall by Jiang Zao’s face, not even using much strength, but his frame radiated power.
His posture caged Jiang Zao in completely, towering over him. His expression was cool, detached, his face half-concealed in shadow, features unreadable.
At such a close distance, Jiang Zao found himself staring at a face that, while infuriating, was undeniably flawless. His eyes trailed downward, sharp collarbones, the sheen of damp skin from a recent shower, and beneath that, a broad chest that was simply… too close.
His heart gave an uncomfortable lurch.
What kind of position was this supposed to be! They weren’t acting in some drama!
Who just went around half-dressed, casually slamming people into walls like this?
“Why are you in my home?” Jiang Zao blurted out, his entire body tense and restless. “How did you get in here? This is breaking and entering!”
“Your home?” Zhou Yuchi’s voice was low, nonchalant, tinged with an air of lazy indifference. “This is my home.”
“…What?” Jiang Zao was dumbfounded. “What, did you buy the whole building complex or something?”
Zhou Yuchi actually chuckled, clearly finding that suggestion more amusing than he should have.
His fingers pressed slightly harder against the wall, tilting his head, a faint mocking challenge in his gaze. “Didn’t realize your imagination was so… developed.”
“…” Jiang Zao’s chest heaved with frustration. “This is obviously my place! Who said you could just walk in? Leave before I call someone over!”
“Funny,” Zhou Yuchi said evenly, “but weren’t you the one who tried to shut the door and run just now? I was being polite, inviting you into my home. And this is how you treat your host?”
Host, he said. Jiang Zao almost choked. What kind of over the top vocabulary was that!
The two of them, in this ridiculous wall-pin position, trading words, it was absurd.
Jiang Zao shot a glance downward, trying not to scowl. That annoyingly perfect chest was right in front of him. “Not to be rude, but this pose of yours…”
The rest of his sentence tangled on his tongue. His peripheral vision caught something on the floor, the cardboard box he’d accidentally dropped.
A large piece of lace fabric peeked out, delicate, incriminating, and very much out of place.
His stomach dropped.
Oh no.
Zhou Yuchi noticed the odd look in his eyes and followed the direction of his gaze, starting to turn his head.
Panic shot through Jiang Zao. Without thinking, the same hand that had just been caught on Zhou Yuchi’s abs shot up and slapped firmly against the man’s cheek, forcing his face back toward him.
Zhou Yuchi: “?”
“You! you look amazing like this!” Jiang Zao blurted, forcing a nervous, overly bright grin, hands cupping Zhou Yuchi’s face as he rambled, “Really, Zhou Yuchi, so handsome! Please, just hold this pose for thirty more seconds without moving, okay?”
His tone was syrupy, coaxing, like he was paying flattery rather than making a demand.
Zhou Yuchi raised a brow. His gaze swept over Jiang Zao with unreadable intent, eyes dark and hard to decipher.
When he didn’t move, Jiang Zao quickly let go, dropped down into a crouch, and darted under the man’s arm.
On his knees, he skidded to the box, snatching up the fallen fabric and cramming it back inside as fast as he could.
That had been close, far too close.
If Zhou Yuchi had seen even a glimpse of those clothes, how would he ever explain? There was no explanation.
The man was ruthless; he would only assume Jiang Zao had some kind of perverted hobby, dressing up in lace in his free time.
That would become a huge liability in his hands.
And Jiang Zao hadn’t even managed to get the upper hand on him yet! He couldn’t afford to hand over such an advantage.
After stuffing the incriminating lace camisole deep into the box, Jiang Zao’s mind raced with ways to deal with the entire stash.
When he finally looked up, Zhou Yuchi was already watching him, head tilted, eyes sharp.
Only now, with the light hitting differently, did Jiang Zao take in his full figure.
The man had just showered, hair still faintly damp. He wore only a pair of loose lounge pants, his upper body bare.
His physique was obviously honed through long, intentional training, broad shoulders, a muscled chest, strong arms, a narrow waist that dipped into faintly visible V-lines.
Each detail exuded a raw, dangerous masculinity that made Jiang Zao’s breath catch.
And along his side, stark against his skin, was the tattoo Jiang Zao remembered glimpsing back in high school, a shattered clock, torn apart as if ripped through.
Jiang Zao stammered, his voice trembling, “W.. W.. why did you turn around?”
“The thirty seconds are up.” Zhou Yuchi’s eyes flicked to Jiang Zao’s knees, pink against the floor. His tone was calm, cool as ever. “Get up, Zao Zao. If you’re going to kneel, save it for New Year’s greetings.”
“…” Jiang Zao gawked.
That body was unfair, distractingly perfect but the instant Zhou Yuchi opened his mouth, all that appeal went to waste.
Jiang Zao huffed, averting his eyes. “Can’t you at least put on a shirt first?”
Zhou Yuchi lowered his gaze, and after a beat, a faint curve tugged at his lips as though at some private amusement. He looked up again and said evenly, “Funny. From the way you were touching me just now, I thought you liked it.”
Heat flared across Jiang Zao’s ears and cheeks. “S-shut up! Just put on some clothes already! Or I really will call the police!”
Without further comment, Zhou Yuchi finally retreated, disappearing into a room to get dressed.
The moment he was gone, Jiang Zao seized his chance. Hugging the entire cardboard box, he bolted into his bedroom and slammed the door shut, leaning against it as though trying to block out the whole world. His heart was pounding so hard it hurt.
What the hell. He’d gone to work for one day and came back to find his home invaded.
Why was Zhou Yuchi here? Why had he showered? Why did he apparently have his own room?
This was madness.
Glancing around his bedroom, colorful with all his personal things, Jiang Zao shivered. The thought that Zhou Yuchi had been in here already made his skin crawl.
Steeling himself, he cracked the door open just a little, peeking into the living room.
Zhou Yuchi reappeared, now wearing a fitted black T-shirt. The fabric clung snugly to his body, doing little to diminish the presence of his physique.
Jiang Zao scowled, stepping out and shutting his bedroom door tightly behind him. Enough was enough! It was time to confront him head-on.
“Zhou Yuchi,” he said sharply, approaching him.
But before he could unleash his full barrage of questions, Zhou Yuchi reached out suddenly, brushing his bangs aside with a large hand.
The touch was broad, warm, and almost engulfing. His fingers slid lightly into Jiang Zao’s hair, lifting the fringe away from his forehead. The warmth of his palm lingered against his skin.
“Where does it hurt?” Zhou Yuchi’s voice was low, deep, a little too steady. His fingers toyed briefly with the strands of hair before trailing down, pinching lightly at Jiang Zao’s earlobe. “You’re dizzy again, aren’t you?”
Jiang Zao froze mid-breath. “How did you know?”
“You always start rambling nonsense when you’re overworked.” Zhou Yuchi’s tone was level, almost casual.
“…!” Jiang Zao’s lips pressed together. A flush spread across his face, his skin prickling hot where the man had touched him. He slapped Zhou Yuchi’s hand away. “Don’t touch me!”
Unbothered, Zhou Yuchi turned and strode toward the kitchen. He picked up a pot, retrieved a pack of instant noodles from the drawer, and asked without looking back, “Do you want an egg with it?”
Jiang Zao trailed after him, indignant. “What are you doing? I still have a million questions for you! Don’t try to change the subject!”
“Just moved in. There’s nothing much in the house yet,” Zhou Yuchi said as he filled the pot with water. “Eat this for now.”
“Just moved in?” Jiang Zao’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about? When did that happen? And why don’t I know about it?”
Zhou Yuchi ignored him, dropping noodles into the boiling water and cracking an egg expertly into the pot.
The sight was almost surreal. His face was sharp, too cold and unapproachable to belong in a kitchen, yet every movement was practiced, fluid, natural.
It was infuriating. How did he move around the kitchen like he’d lived here forever?
Arms crossed, chin on the chair back, Jiang Zao glared, cheeks puffed in annoyance as he watched.
Soon enough, Zhou Yuchi placed a steaming bowl of noodles before him.
Jiang Zao hesitated for all of two seconds. With food right under his nose, he wasn’t stupid enough to refuse.
He tugged the bowl closer, spoon in hand, and muttered between bites, “Fine, but explain what you meant just now.”
“Pretty straightforward,” Zhou Yuchi replied, sitting across from him. “This is my home. Signed and sealed with a lease agreement. I moved in today.”
Jiang Zao nearly choked.
He blinked at him, stunned. “…You rented this place?”
Zhou Yuchi gave a short nod.
For two whole seconds Jiang Zao sat there, brain processing at lightning speed. Then he leapt up, snatching his phone, and rushed to the balcony to call his mother.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” Yang Yu’s voice was light, distracted. “Mommy’s at the spa right now.”
“Mom, do you remember the apartment in District A of Hushi?” Jiang Zao asked hurriedly.
“Which one? Your dad handles all the houses,” she said. “Why? What’s going on?”
Jiang Zao dropped his voice, half whispering. “Why did Dad rent it out? I’m still living here!”
“Oh! That one,” Yang Yu exclaimed, suddenly remembering. “Right, I think your dad mentioned renting it to Yuchi. I thought the place was empty! When I saw it was him, I told your dad to just give it to him straight away. He was polite about it, insisted on paying rent and going through the proper procedures. I even told him he could live here for free.”
“…What.” Jiang Zao could feel his sanity unraveling.
“This is insane! Then I’ll just refund him and tell him to move out,” he said quickly.
“What for? You two can live together,” Yang Yu replied breezily.
“Live together?!” Jiang Zao’s voice cracked.
“You two grew up like brothers, didn’t you? The place is huge, having one more person won’t hurt,” Yang Yu said airily.
Jiang Zao nearly dropped his phone. “When did I ever!”
“Alright, alright, Mommy’s got to put on her mask. I’m hanging up now. And listen, I’d feel much safer knowing you weren’t living alone. It’s perfect that Yuchi’s there. Get along with him, okay? Bye-bye, sweetheart.”
The line went dead.
Jiang Zao stood frozen, staring at the call screen.
The whole world was a circus.
*Knock, knock*
The balcony door tapped lightly.
“Zao Zao.”
Zhou Yuchi stood just outside, meeting his gaze before sliding the glass door open. His tone was calm as ever. “The noodles are getting soggy.”
Who cared about noodles at a time like this!
“I just called my mom,” Jiang Zao said, pressing his fingers to his temple. “She mixed things up. Thought this place was empty, so she rented it to you by accident. Big misunderstanding. Sorry about that. So, find another place when you can. I’ll refund your rent.”
Leaning lazily against the doorframe, Zhou Yuchi crossed his arms. The light behind him outlined his silhouette, strands of hair falling across his forehead. His gaze was steady, sharp, unreadable.
Jiang Zao bit back a groan. He didn’t have the patience for more back-and-forth.
But instead of moving, Zhou Yuchi shifted his weight fully into the doorway, blocking Jiang Zao’s way.
“…”
Their distance shrank until Jiang Zao’s nose brushed against the sleeve of his T-shirt.
It smelled clean, detergent, with the faint, familiar trace of ambergris beneath.
Like a startled rabbit, Jiang Zao jerked back half a step.
Then came that unhurried, shameless voice. Zhou Yuchi lifted his eyes lazily, speaking with quiet certainty, “You know I’m not short on money.”
His words fell with an air of finality.
“I’m not moving out.”
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
A coffee would be extremely convenient right about now. Just saying.
☕ 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