Chapter 49

Chapter 49

After handing the organized documents to Fan Zhongchuan, the assistant discreetly exited, head bowed.

Once outside, the assistant leaned against the wall, processing the realization that his boss was indeed in a relationship.

And the significant other was a celebrity, no less!

But the reason the assistant had remained with Fan Zhongchuan for so long wasn't just his competency; he knew when to speak and when to stay silent.

Keeping his astonishment internalized, the assistant returned to his room.

This business trip was light on work, almost like a paid vacation. He owed this pleasant surprise to that young master.

Once the assistant had left, Fan Zhongchuan set the documents on the coffee table and moved closer to Ning Yuyi.

Ning Yuyi was engrossed in playing 'Don't Tap The White Tile'. He was on the brink of winning when Fan Zhongchuan's closeness made him flinch.

The word "Failed" popped up on the screen.

Turning, Ning Yuyi looked at Fan Zhongchuan with a pout, accusing, "You made me lose."

Fan Zhongchuan glanced at the game, "Alright, my fault. Decide my punishment, Ning Ning."

"Hmm..." Ning Yuyi pondered for a moment, then resignedly set the tablet aside.

"Forget it, your punishment is to complete this level for me. I want to watch next time."

"Agreed." Fan Zhongchuan pulled the sulking Ning Yuyi into his embrace, his tone affectionate.

They cuddled for a while before Ning Yuyi became conscious of the time.

"I can't stay any longer. I need to leave," he sighed reluctantly, "or my parents will notice."

Although his second elder brother already knew about his relationship with Fan Zhongchuan, his eldest brother and parents remained oblivious!

Ning Yuyi was still contemplating how to explain his relationship with Fan Zhongchuan to Lin Yiyue and the others and decided it was best to keep it under wraps for now.

Fan Zhongchuan was reluctant to let Ning Yuyi go, holding him tightly.

"Fan Zhongchuan, let me go. I really need to leave."

No response.

"Brother."

"Mr. Fan."

"Boyfriend?"

"Brother Fan~"

At the affectionate call of "Brother Fan", Fan Zhongchuan felt a twinge in his heart and slightly loosened his grip.

Seizing the opportunity, Ning Yuyi leaned up, planting a quick kiss at the corner of Fan Zhongchuan's lips, then dashed to the door.

"Goodbye, Brother Fan. See you tomorrow~"

See you tomorrow.

Fan Zhongchuan, loosening his tie, sank into the sofa, closing his eyes to calm the stirring emotions below.

Both Ning Yuyi and Fan Zhongchuan's rooms were situated in the top two floors of the N&M Hotel, which were the most luxurious presidential suites.

Just three floors below, in the slightly less opulent VIP rooms, a primitive dance of nature was unfolding.

After their passionate encounter, He Xiaoxiao picked up a bathrobe from the floor, slipping into it. It loosely hung around her waist, subtly showcasing her long, beautiful legs and ample curves.

Xu Yingzhe lay back with his hands behind his head, a thin quilt draped over his waist, a satisfied expression on his face.

He Xiaoxiao approached the window, taking in the foreign scenery without any emotion. She lit a slim cigarette, holding it delicately between her fingers.

The words of her manager before she left the country still echoed in her ears.

"Before the cast announcement, you need to be photographed with him at least once. I've already arranged with the paparazzi."

"I have a plan."

"I know you have your strategies, but I've heard from the director that some of your scenes might be cut."

"And given to Ji Xiaoning?"

"Yes, you know how the director is. But Ji Xiaoning has been careful, and we haven't been able to get any photos of her."

"She's not the careful one. It's her manager who's sharp-witted. What a shame he's stuck with someone so dim. Ji Xiaoning's manager is famously shrewd in the industry; they're way out of our league."

……

"What are you thinking about?"

Xu Yingzhe's voice pulled He Xiaoxiao out of her reverie.

She turned with a breezy smile, "Nothing much."

"Really?" A fleeting smirk of mockery crossed Xu Yingzhe's handsome face, swiftly replaced by his usual gentle demeanor from the screens. "Let's rest early tonight. We can explore more tomorrow."

"Okay."

The next morning, Ning Yuyi was having breakfast at a window-side table on the second floor of the hotel with Xie Yiezhou and Xie Yinan.

Having spent too much time with Fan Zhongchuan the previous night, Ning Yuyi had slept for only three to four hours.

"Why so sleepy?" After finishing his meal, Xie Yinan turned to see Ning Yuyi yawning incessantly.

"Not used to the bed," Ning Yuyi muttered sleepily.

Xie Yiezhou continued his breakfast in silence, likely guessing that Ning Yuyi had spent his night with Fan Zhongchuan.

All he could do was sigh inwardly.

Alas, his brother, whom he had only cared for a few months, was already being swept away by someone else.

The three of them

Cozily

Dined together, oblivious to the nearby figure discreetly snapping photos of them on a phone.

He Xiaoxiao hadn't expected that a simple trip to Paris for a cameo would lead to such an intriguing discovery.

She had suspected some connection between Ning Yuyi and Xie Yiezhou earlier, but she hadn't imagined the intimacy of them traveling together for Paris Fashion Week.

It even led to a face-to-face encounter between Ning Yuyi and his own Xie Yienan.

She opened the recently taken photo, very pleased with the angle.

Xu Yingzhe, one step behind, had just come downstairs. Noticing the curve of He Xiaoxiao's lips, he asked, "What has you so delighted?"

"Oh, nothing much." She pocketed her phone, "This cake is delicious. Give it a try."

"Oh, is it?" Xu Yingzhe was slightly skeptical of He Xiaoxiao's claim.

He knew the kind of person He Xiaoxiao was; their relationship was purely transactional. He appreciated her physique and her docile nature, while she was attracted to his influence and resources.

Casually glancing around, Xu Yingzhe noticed Xie Yiezhou and his party sitting by the window.

Raising an eyebrow, he inquired, "Did you take a photo?"

"Mm-hmm." Aware of Xu Yingzhe's cunning from his years in the entertainment industry, He Xiaoxiao didn't see the point in hiding it from him.

"Planning on climbing the ranks at Ning Yuyi's expense, huh?" Xu Yingzhe caught a moment of Xie Yiezhou picking vegetables for Ning Yuyi, "Treading on Fenghua's turf can be perilous."

Sipping her iced Americano, He Xiaoxiao remarked, "Only if Fenghua knows I took the picture."

To Xu Yingzhe, Xie Yiezhou was somewhat of a rival. Although their interests didn't directly conflict, Xie Yiezhou's fans often belittled him, much to Xu Yingzhe's irritation.

So, if he could use He Xiaoxiao to get rid of Xie Yiezhou, Xu Yingzhe wouldn't hesitate.

The hotel was tightly secured, with no risk of reporters sneaking in.

Thus, without hesitation, Xu Yingzhe confidently pulled He Xiaoxiao onto his lap, tilting her chin up for a passionate kiss.

Their heated embrace was interrupted by the ringing of Xu Yingzhe's phone.

Gently pushing He Xiaoxiao away, she quickly and tactfully returned to her seat.

Answering the call, Xu Yingzhe's tone turned notably gentler.

"Hello, my love."

"Darling, are you up?" Back home, where it was already afternoon, Ruan Xiaohui, with her eight-month pregnancy belly, was engrossed in a maternity book.

"Hmm, the hotel's breakfast doesn't hold a candle to your cooking."

"You always flatter me. My brother claims my breakfasts are culinary disasters," Ruan Xiaohui chuckled at the praise, "I just called to see if you were up. I'll let you go since you'll be busy soon."

"Alright, love. I'll bring back a gift for you."

"Goodbye, darling."

After hanging up, Ruan Xiaohui closed her book and struggled to her feet from the couch.

Her eight-month pregnancy was quite advanced, which was why she hadn't accompanied him to the fashion week.

She had been with Xu Yingzhe for over three years and was the primary force behind his rise to fame, having invested a significant amount in his career.

At the time, her father, one of the top hundred wealthiest individuals in the country, strongly disapproved of her marrying a young man from a rural village. After over six months of standing her ground against her father's objections, she finally married Xu Yingzhe.

Nonetheless, she believed her choice was right; they were deeply in love.

Ruan Xiaohui tenderly caressed her belly, wearing a radiant smile of contentment.

……

After breakfast, Xie Yiezhou and Xie Yienan went upstairs for an interview with the press.

Ning Yuyi, wanting to explore a bit, chose not to join them and continued sitting in the dining area.

It wasn't long before Fan Zhongchuan approached, taking a seat close to Ning Yuyi.

"Finished eating?" Ning Yuyi, still picking at a fruit platter due to his aversion to wasting food, stemming from his childhood experiences, glanced up.

"Yes." Fan Zhongchuan, with a hint of concern in his furrowed brows, gently touched Ning Yuyi's stomach.

"You look full; maybe eat less?"

Ning Yuyi indeed felt a bit overstuffed, gazing regretfully at the remaining fruit.

Without hesitation, Fan Zhongchuan neatly polished off the rest of the fruit.

After they finished, Fan Zhongchuan pinched the back of Ning Yuyi's neck affectionately, "Shall we? You mentioned wanting to stroll around."

Ning Yuyi's eyes sparkled, his grin wide and cheerful, "Yes, let's!"

The N&M Hotel was located on one of Paris's most bustling streets, a short distance from the city's largest shopping mall.

This was precisely where Ning Yuyi and Fan Zhongchuan were headed.

Unafraid of recognition abroad, they entered a luxury boutique hand in hand.

While admiring a collection of exquisite watches, Ning Yuyi selected two from a celestial series, intending to gift them to Xie Yiezhou and Xie Yienan.

Fan Zhongchuan, on the other hand, picked out two ties, planning to have his assistant deliver them to the Xie brothers upon their return home.

Subsequently, Ning Yuyi selected gifts for Xie Lou and Lin Yiyu. Lastly, he picked out a wristwatch for his beloved boyfriend.

Gifts for five individuals – everyone received a token of affection.

Their assistant discreetly followed from a distance, only stepping forward to help carry purchases when they exited shops.

After spending the entire morning shopping, Ning Yuyi grew weary, his eyelids drooping with fatigue.

Concerned and empathetic, Fan Zhongchuan wrapped an arm around Ning Yuyi, leading him back to the hotel for some much-needed rest.

However, just as they reached the hotel's entrance, they unexpectedly ran into Xie Yiezhou and Xie Yienan who were heading out.

Oh, what a coincidence...

Ning Yuyi silently hid behind Fan Zhongchuan, chanting in his mind, "He can't see me, he can't see me."

Xie Yinan had long known of Fan Zhongchuan's affection for Ning Yuyi, but he never expected them to get together so quickly.

And judging by Ning Yuyi's demeanor, they had been together for more than just a day or two.

Abandoning his usual smile, Xie Yinan stared at Fan Zhongchuan with a rare expressionless face.

The more he stared, the more Xie Yinan felt something was amiss.

Xie Yezhou was right beside him, and he didn't get angry seeing such a scene?

Xie Yinan turned to look at Xie Yezhou, "Did you know about this all along?"

Xie Yezhou remained silent, pulling Ning Yuyi out from behind Fan Zhongchuan and nudging him towards himself.

"You go up first."

Ning Yuyi looked at Xie Yezhou anxiously, fearing his own brother would start a fight right at the hotel entrance.

The years of brotherly understanding between Xie Yinan and Xie Yezhou came into play. He led Ning Yuyi into the hotel, saying, "Mother was just talking about you upstairs; go and keep her company."

After escorting Ning Yuyi to Lin Yiyue's room, Xie Yinan left.

It's turned into a two against one situation!

Ning Yuyi slowly moved next to Lin Yiyue, mentally sending his condolences to his boyfriend.

……

At the hotel entrance, Xie Yezhou retracted his displeased gaze and suggested, "Let's talk elsewhere."

Fan Zhongchuan responded with a deep hum of agreement.

Xie Yinan returned just then, and the three relocated to a corner of the restaurant on the second floor.

"How long have you and Ning Ning been together?" Xie Yinan immediately posed his question as they sat down.

"A few weeks," Fan Zhongchuan responded unfazed, even taking a moment to order a whiskey.

"Who confessed first?"

"I did."

"And then you got together?"

Fan Zhongchuan raised an eyebrow with renewed interest, "Is there a reason we shouldn't be?"

Xie Yezhou: "..."

Xie Yezhou restrained his increasingly agitated brother, sighed, and began discussing Ning Yuyi's psychological issues seriously.

……

When Lin Yiyue saw Xie Yinan hurriedly usher Ning Yuyi in, she greeted them warmly. She then noticed Ning Yuyi's distracted demeanor beside her.

She understood.

"Worried about Fan Zhongchuan?" Lin Yiyue inquired.

Ning Yuyi looked up, surprised, not understanding how Lin Yiyue also knew about the situation.

"The way Fan Zhongchuan looks at you is the same way your father used to look at me," Lin Yiyue said with a smile, "It's evident in the way you two interact."

Ning Yuyi slowly lowered his head, realizing he hadn't hidden their relationship as well as he'd thought.

Were you hiding just to be lonely?

Lin Yiyue shook her head with a hint of resignation, changing the topic to some of the families and celebrities expected at this fashion week.

As anticipated, Ning Yuyi's attention shifted, and he began to intently listen to Lin Yiyue spill the... high society gossip.

Watching Lin Yiyue's enthusiastic demeanor, Ning Yuyi had a good idea where his penchant for gossip came from.

After discussing gossip involving two elite families and a celebrity, the door opened.

Ning Yuyi, with the excitement of just hearing gossip evident on his face, looked up to meet the gaze of Fan Zhongchuan, who was walking in.

Ning Yuyi: "???"

"Why did you both come together?" A mix of bewilderment and lingering excitement was evident on Ning Yuyi's face, and he was momentarily unsure about his own feelings.

"We had a chat." Since there was no need for secrecy anymore, Fan Zhongchuan acted more unrestrainedly in front of the two Xie brothers, pulling Ning Yuyi into his embrace after sitting.

Xie Yezhou watched Fan Zhongchuan's actions, gritting his teeth, waiting for Ning Yuyi to push him away.

Instead, he saw Ning Yuyi wrapping his arms around Fan Zhongchuan's neck, whispering something into his ear.

In reality...

Ning Yuyi was quietly asking Fan Zhongchuan if he had been possessed by a spirit.

"You two didn't really fight, did you?"

"Once we get home, take off your shirt so I can check."

"Big brother and second brother didn't hit you?"

Ning Yuyi's breath brushed against Fan Zhongchuan's ear as she spoke, sending a tingling sensation through him. However, due to Lin Yiyuan being present, he refrained from pinning Ning Yuyi down to kiss her.

"It's really okay."

"I'll show you when we get back."

Xie Yezhou deliberately coughed twice.

It was only then that Ning Yuyi remembered her brothers and mother were still nearby, so she hurriedly got off Fan Zhongchuan.

"I have a little gift." Just as Fan Zhongchuan finished speaking, the doorbell rang from outside.

Ning Yuyi guessed it might be the assistant delivering the stuff they had bought earlier, so she scampered to open the door.

She then placed seven or eight shopping bags in front of them.

Xie Yezhou immediately spotted the watch in front of him and began to nitpick, "This style isn't what I usually wear."

As soon as Xie Yezhou finished speaking, Ning Yuyi let out a surprised "Ah."

"Don't you like it, second brother?" Ning Yuyi looked pitifully at Xie Yezhou, "Then I'll accompany you to buy a new one tomorrow."

Xie Yezhou straightened up abruptly upon hearing Ning Yuyi's words.

"Did Ningning buy this?" Xie Yezhou picked up the leather-clad box, "As expected, Ningning knows the second brother's taste. She purposely got a different style than my previous one. Ningning is so thoughtful."

"And this tie..."

"That one's from me," Fan Zhongchuan remarked with a smirk, watching Xie Yezhou's performance.

"It's too flashy; not quite my taste."

Ning Yuyi: "..."

He realized now, the second brother is being particularly critical.

But he felt sorry for his innocent boyfriend, who bore the brunt of the annoyance.

Author's note: Things bought by Ningning: second brother always praises.

Things bought by Fan Zhongchuan: What kind of junk is this?