Lu Jiu had met many men in his life, each of them coming with their own masks and methods, but among all of them, Bai Yun stood out as the most cunning, the most quietly strategic. This man did not need sharp words or overwhelming gestures.
He simply understood boundaries with alarming accuracy. He knew exactly which lines could never be crossed, and he never touched them
Instead, he lingered right at the edge, smiling with that calm, composed expression of his, waiting. He would stand there without pressure, without haste, and the moment Lu Jiu relaxed even a fraction, Bai Yun would take a gentle step forward.
One inch of retreat from Lu Jiu meant one step of advance from Bai Yun. Step by subtle step, inch by careful inch, he had slowly infiltrated every inch of Lu Jiu’s emotional territory.
Lu Jiu exhaled slowly, steadying himself.
Was he truly falling for this man?
He did not want to acknowledge it. Pride resisted it. Yet somewhere inside, a tiny whisper answered yes. Maybe not fully, but undeniably, there was something there.
He lifted his gaze, looking straight into Bai Yun’s eyes. They were close enough that the reflection of his own face flickered faintly inside those calm pupils. Lu Jiu’s voice was quiet when he asked, “Only three times?”
Bai Yun’s lips curved with a relaxed confidence. “Three times.”
“And if three dates do not work out, that is the end? We go our separate ways?” Lu Jiu asked, pretending nonchalance yet unable to hide the faint tension in his gaze.
“Yes,” Bai Yun replied in an even, gentle tone, “we part ways.”
His hand remained wrapped around Lu Jiu’s wrist, warm, firm, and steady, a silent insistence that contradicted his calm words. He did not loosen his hold at all, as if letting go was never part of the plan.
Lu Jiu narrowed his eyes, masking vulnerability with mock irritation. “I have a feeling you will find a loophole when the time comes.”
Bai Yun let out a soft laugh, shoulders shaking lightly. Then he leaned in and pressed a brief, gentle kiss to Lu Jiu’s lips. It was quick, almost teasing, yet filled with intent.
“Seems Jiu Jiu understands me very well.”
Before Lu Jiu could react, a loud noise suddenly rang from the kitchen.
Instinctively, he pushed Bai Yun away and shot him a warning glare.
He cleared his throat, composed himself, and rose to his feet. The atmosphere in the house shifted. The people who had politely stepped away earlier were clearly waiting. The moment they sensed the conversation was close to ending, both the ones in the small sitting room and the ones hiding in the kitchen began drifting back in as if they had never been eavesdropping at all.
Mrs. Bai was the first to approach. Her face was warm and soft, glowing with genuine fondness. She reached out and gently patted Lu Jiu on the head, her voice nurturing and kind. “Jiu Jiu, our house is always open for you. Come by anytime. Treat it as your own. Do not be a stranger.”
Lu Jiu, who rarely encountered motherly warmth, visibly stiffened. A moment of awkwardness slipped through his usual cool composure, revealing a softness he rarely showed.
Nearby, Lu Quning stood frozen. His expression cracked, shock and disbelief flooding his eyes. Watching Lu Jiu and Bai Yun like this, so natural together, so effortlessly intimate, made something inside his heart twist painfully.
Why? Why were they like this? When had this happened?
He wanted desperately to convince himself that Lu Jiu did not want such things, that Lu Jiu did not like men, that whatever he had now was not genuine.
He wanted to believe it was temporary, a misunderstanding, anything else. Yet deep inside, he knew the truth too well. Lu Jiu did not even need to try. Just by existing, he could obtain things that others struggled hopelessly to reach for.
His teeth bit into his lower lip hard. His fists tightened until the nails dug into his palms.
Lu Mingyang stepped forward, trying to seem paternal and welcoming. He patted Bai Yun’s shoulder enthusiastically. “Xiao Bai, whenever you want to visit Jiujiu, just come. And eat here too, there is always room for one more pair of chopsticks.”
Yang Yu chimed in immediately, nodding repeatedly. “Yes, yes, that is right.”
Before Bai Yun could answer, Lu Jiu cut in with cool clarity. “No need for that. I already rented a place outside. I am moving this weekend. I will send you the address,” he said, giving Bai Yun a pointed glance, “so if you plan to pick me up, go there instead.”
Lu Mingyang stared at him in shock. “Rent a place? Why would you rent a place? You already have a perfectly good home here!”
Lu Jiu let out a short, ironic laugh. “Dad, really? Did you forget already? You were the one who asked me to move out before the National Day holiday.”
The expression on Lu Mingyang’s face went through a remarkable transformation. It was like watching colors collide on a messy painter’s palette, mixing into pure regret. He had truly lifted a rock only to drop it on his own foot. Feeling the silent gazes of the Bai couple on him, he wished he could simply vanish into the floorboards.
Bai Yun stood quietly by Lu Jiu’s side, wearing a polite, serene smile. Whenever Lu Jiu snapped or vented, Bai Yun never interrupted. He simply waited patiently until Lu Jiu finished speaking, then gently asked, “You are moving this weekend?”
Lu Jiu blinked. “Saturday. So do not come pestering me about that date on the same day.”
“Do you want me to help you move?”
“No. I only need to bring my dorm things. There is nothing here worth taking anyway.”
“Alright,” Bai Yun replied with a light, easy smile. “If the new place does not feel comfortable, you can move in with me.”
Lu Jiu rolled his eyes. “Dream on.”
The family gathering, which began with warmth and anticipation, ended with complicated emotions tangled together like invisible strings.
When Lu Jiu finally walked out, Lu Mingyang looked like he wanted to stop him yet did not dare to. Mrs. Bai, understanding everything now, immediately asked Bai Yun to drive Lu Jiu back to school. Before they separated, she wrapped Lu Jiu in a gentle, comforting hug.
“If Bai Yun ever makes you upset,” she whispered, “just come find me.”
Lu Jiu froze, unprepared for the depth of her warmth.
“But if there are things you do not want to talk about,” she continued softly, “then you do not have to. Not even if it takes your entire life. What matters most is you. You must be happy. You must live with ease.”
Her eyes shone with patient tenderness. “Learn to find the way of living that brings you joy.”
Even after he returned to his dorm and lay on his narrow bed, those gentle words echoed inside his mind again and again.
He realized he had been wound too tight lately, overthinking until his emotions twisted into knots. He was still young. If he was pregnant, then he was simply pregnant. It did not mean he lacked respect for life. It only meant he might have been viewing everything through a twisted, fearful lens.
Would running away solve anything? Even if he escaped to another life, would the burden vanish? No. The thought remained lodged in his heart like a thorn.
So the only choice left… was acceptance.
And how he would accept it, he would learn slowly, step by step, walking forward at his own pace.
Bai Yun had shown sincerity, and he would watch carefully to see just how far that sincerity could truly go.
The thought made him let out a faint laugh, unexpected and soft. He closed his eyes, imagining Bai Yun as a father. The image was so unexpectedly amusing that the corners of his lips curled upward.
Saturday soon arrived. That night, Bai Yun sent his formal invitation for their first date.
He wanted to take Lu Jiu sailing the next morning.
Sunday arrived bright and clear. The sun hung high, and the weather was unusually warm, hovering close to twenty degrees.
Early in the morning, a sleek black Bentley rolled to a stop outside Lu Jiu’s new residence, instantly drawing attention from passersby.
Lu Jiu came downstairs at a light jog, neatly dressed in layers, a shirt beneath a knitted vest. He looked fresh, youthful, almost scholarly.
Bai Yun sat in the driver seat. When their eyes met, his gaze traveled slowly up and down, not once but twice, before he commented, “Today you look very much like a student.”
Lu Jiu returned an equally thorough look.
Bai Yun wore only a white shirt with the sleeves casually rolled to his elbows, sharp and striking, his presence neat and effortlessly handsome.
Lu Jiu clicked his tongue softly. “Are you not cold wearing that?”
“The sunlight on the sea is strong. It will feel hotter than you expect.”
His eyes glinted with amusement as he started the car.
Lu Jiu mumbled under his breath, “It is not that hot.” Then glanced at him again and muttered quietly, “Show off.”
Bai Yun shot him a knowing look, one that clearly indicated he had heard every word.
They arrived at the harbor. Soon, they boarded Bai Yun’s private luxury yacht and set off.
Lu Jiu stood on deck wearing sunglasses, the wind tugging gently at his hair as he gazed at the endless blue ocean. The sea stretched far into the horizon, waves glittering like scattered diamonds under the sun. The more he looked, the lighter his chest felt, as if the wind could carry away every anxious thought.
He inhaled deeply. Bai Yun came to stand beside him, the breeze catching the edge of his shirt.
“Where are we going?” Lu Jiu asked.
“You will find out soon,” Bai Yun replied with a mysterious smile.
“Can we shake them off?” Lu Jiu tilted his chin slightly.
Bai Yun touched his chin in mock contemplation. “The yachts are similar in speed. We cannot outrun them in open water.”
A white yacht followed a little distance behind them, tailing them suspiciously.
Lu Jiu lowered his sunglasses. “Who do you think it is?”
Bai Yun leaned close, lips brushing near his ear as he whispered, “A bunch of kids with too much free time and not enough homework.”
On the other yacht, several figures peered through binoculars.
“Where are they? Can you see them?”
“Move, you are blocking me! I cannot see!”
They panicked and stumbled while trying to spy, unaware that their targets were calmly watching them with matching smiles.
“Can the captain intercept them from another side?”
On the upper deck, Shen Ke looked troubled. “They are all crushing the rail. Do you think the yacht might flip?”
The captain’s expression was perfectly blank. “If it flips, swim.”
“And if we cannot swim back?”
“Then sink. Sink to the bottom.”
“We just want to witness romance!”
“For sharks, that is romance too.”
“We are only concerned about their emotional development!”
“Then you will receive exactly what you deserve.”
Eventually, Bai Yun’s yacht stopped in the middle of the ocean.
He emerged from the cabin carrying fishing equipment, chatting casually with the captain. Sunlight glinted across his shoulders. Wind ruffled his hair. He looked like he belonged there, absolutely at ease with the world.
He reached Lu Jiu and began setting up the fishing gear. Without looking up, he asked with a faint smile, “Do you want me to teach you?”
The gentle rocking of the yacht made Lu Jiu slightly dizzy. Endless ocean surrounded them, blue stretching in every direction. Fresh air filled his lungs, yet the constant movement churned his stomach. He was about to complain but paused when he looked up.
Bai Yun stood there, tall and composed, sleeves rolled to reveal strong forearms. Under golden sunlight with the ocean behind him, he looked almost unreal, like a watercolor painting brought to life.
Lu Jiu blinked, dazed. “Fine. Teach me.”
Bai Yun’s smile deepened. He stepped behind him, guiding his hands. Suddenly, Lu Jiu became sharply aware of the difference between them. Bai Yun’s body was solid and warm. When he leaned forward, his chin nearly brushed the top of Lu Jiu’s head. One tiny movement and his lips would graze his ear.
Bai Yun’s voice came low, deep, warm, a vibration felt more than heard. His chest radiated heat. His arms encircled him easily, larger and stronger, and his palm enveloped Lu Jiu’s hand with a firm, steady hold.
“You are doing this on purpose,” Lu Jiu whispered, mind hazy.
“Hmm?” Bai Yun tilted his head, pretending innocence, yet leaning even closer.
“You are trying to seduce me.”
It was not a question. It was a quiet accusation spoken like a truth he could not deny.
Bai Yun paused, then let out a low laugh, warm breath brushing Lu Jiu’s ear. It made his skin prickle and his heart trip.
“Well,” he murmured, voice dipping lower, “how else am I supposed to win in three dates?”
Today, Bai Yun was clearly determined to unleash every ounce of charm he possessed.
And Lu Jiu… stood there trying very hard not to melt.
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
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ChaptersChapter 1 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (1)Chapter 2 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (2)Chapter 3 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (3)Chapter 4 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (4)Chapter 5 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (5)Chapter 6 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (6)Chapter 7 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (7)Chapter 8 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (8)Chapter 9 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (9)Chapter 10 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (10)Chapter 11 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (11)Chapter 12 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (12)Chapter 13 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (13)Chapter 14 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s room (14)Chapter 15 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (15)Chapter 16 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (16)Chapter 17 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (17)Chapter 18 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (18)Chapter 19 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (19)Chapter 20 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (20)Chapter 21 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (21)Chapter 22 Part 1 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (22)Chapter 22 Part 2 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (22)Chapter 23 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (23)Chapter 24 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (24)Chapter 25 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (25)Chapter 26 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (26)Chapter 27 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (27)Chapter 28 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (28)Chapter 29 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (29)Chapter 30 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (30)Chapter 31 Part 1 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (31)Chapter 31 Part 2 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (31)Chapter 32 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (1)Chapter 33 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (2)Chapter 34 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (3)Chapter 35 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (4)Chapter 36 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (5)Chapter 37 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (6)Chapter 38 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (7)Chapter 39 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (8)Chapter 40 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (9)Chapter 41 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (10)Chapter 42 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (11)Chapter 43 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (12)Chapter 44 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (13)Chapter 45 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (14)Chapter 46 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (15)Chapter 47 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (16)Chapter 48 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (17)Chapter 49 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (18)Chapter 50 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (19)Chapter 51 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (20)Chapter 52 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (21)Chapter 53 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (22)Chapter 54 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (23)Chapter 55 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (24)Chapter 56 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (25)Chapter 57 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (26)Chapter 58 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (27)Chapter 59 · Hatching Baby Zombies (1)Chapter 60 · Hatching Baby Zombies (2)Chapter 61 · Hatching Baby Zombies (3)Chapter 62 · Hatching Baby Zombies (4)Chapter 63 · Hatching Baby Zombies (5)Chapter 64 · Hatching Baby Zombies (6)Chapter 65 · Hatching Baby Zombies (7)Chapter 66 · Hatching Baby Zombies (8)Chapter 67 · Hatching Baby Zombies (9)Chapter 68 · Hatching Baby Zombies (10)Chapter 69 · Hatching Baby Zombies (11)Chapter 70 · Hatching Baby Zombies (12)Chapter 71 · Hatching Baby Zombies (13)Chapter 72 · Hatching Baby Zombies (14)Chapter 73 · Hatching Baby Zombies (15)Chapter 74 · Hatching Baby Zombies (16)Chapter 75 · Hatching Baby Zombies (17)Chapter 76 · Hatching Baby Zombies (18)Chapter 77 · Hatching Baby Zombies (19)Chapter 78 · Hatching Baby Zombies (20)Chapter 79 · The Mermaid on the Shore (1)Chapter 80 · The Mermaid on the Shore (2)Chapter 81 · The Mermaid on the Shore (3)Chapter 82 · The Mermaid on the Shore (4)Chapter 83 · The Mermaid on the Shore (5)Chapter 84 · The Mermaid on the Shore (6)Chapter 85 · The Mermaid on the Shore (7)Chapter 86 · The Mermaid on the Shore (8)Chapter 87 · The Mermaid on the Shore (9)Chapter 88 · The Mermaid on the Shore (10)Chapter 89 · The Mermaid on the Shore (11)Chapter 90 · The Mermaid on the Shore (12)Chapter 91 · The Mermaid on the Shore (13)Chapter 92 · The Mermaid on the Shore (14)Chapter 93 · The Mermaid on the Shore (15)Chapter 94 · The Mermaid on the Shore (16)Chapter 95 · The Mermaid on the Shore (17)Chapter 96 Part 1 · The Mermaid on the Shore (18)Chapter 96 Part 2 · The Mermaid on the Shore (18)Chapter 97 · The Mermaid on the Shore (19)Chapter 98 · Give me a drop of blood (1)Chapter 99 · Give me a drop of blood (2)Chapter 100 · Give me a drop of blood (3)Chapter 101 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (4)Chapter 102 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (5)Chapter 103 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (6)Chapter 104 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (7)Chapter 105 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (8)Chapter 106 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (9)Chapter 107 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (10)Chapter 108 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (11)Chapter 109 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (12)Chapter 110 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (13)Chapter 111 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (14)Chapter 112 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (15)Chapter 113 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (16)Chapter 114 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (17)Chapter 115 · Extra 1: A Little Conversation After Drinking (1)Chapter 116 · Extra: A Little Conversation After Drinking (2)Chapter 117 · Extra: A Little Conversation After Drinking (3)