Chapter 52

Chapter 52

After confirming with Ying Jin, Zhou Erhe dialed Ning Yuyi’s number again.

"Ying Jin said they haven’t heard about Xu Yingzhe getting a divorce." The tail end of Zhou Erhe’s voice quivered slightly, betraying his excitement.

"If he isn't divorced, why are you so agitated?"

"You wouldn't understand. Before, I was just a spectator, but now I'm the one creating the drama." Zhou Erhe took a moment to compose himself, "But, I recall Xu Yingzhe's wife's younger brother is on good terms with your second brother. Maybe ask Xie Yiezhou?"

"Alright, I'll check with him."

"Let me know what you find out. Eagerly awaiting the next twist in the tale."

"...Sure thing."

After ending the call, Ning Yuyi didn't immediately share the photo with Xie Yiezhou but asked him if Xu Yingzhe had divorced.

Xie Yiezhou replied: No, his wife is eight months pregnant. Ruan Lezhi frequently posts on social media about expecting a niece.

After reading Xie Yiezhou's reply, Ning Yuyi roughly understood the situation and had a hunch about who took the photo.

Xu Yingzhe would never directly contact tabloids or influencers, so the photo must've been leaked by He Xiaoxiao. As for Xu Yingzhe…

Ning Yuyi was pondering how to discuss the Xu Yingzhe situation with Xie Yiezhou. It seems his second brother and Ruan Lezhi, Xu Yingzhe’s brother-in-law, have a good relationship.

Yet, Ning Yuyi's peculiar inquiry already alerted Xie Yiezhou that something was amiss.

Xie Yiezhou replied: Did you see Xu Yingzhe?

Ning Yuyi carefully crafted his response.

— Not exactly. I was reviewing fashion show photos and noticed Xu Yingzhe sitting across, with He Xiaoxiao beside him.

After sending this message, Ning Yuyi received no response. Just when he thought Xie Yiezhou might have fallen asleep or gone for a shower, there was a knock on his door.

Ning Yuyi opened the door to find Xie Yiezhou standing there in his pajamas, phone in hand.

"Where's the photo?"

Ning Yuyi flipped out the picture for him to see.

Xie Yiezhou studied the photo in silence, then dialed a number on his phone.

The person on the other end was presumably busy and didn't answer, so Xie Yiezhou sent them the photo. Leaning against the doorway, he pulled out a cigarette. Just as he was about to light it, he caught Ning Yuyi's eye.

Seeing Xie Yiezhou put down his cigarette, Ning Yuyi mentioned he didn't mind the smoke.

Xie Yiezhou rubbed his head as he often did, saying, "Secondhand smoke isn't good for health."

Xie Yiezhou wasn’t truly addicted to smoking and didn’t typically carry cigarettes. The one in his pajama pocket had been provided by the hotel.

Ning Yuyi responded with a soft "Oh," then looked up at Xie Yiezhou.

"Are you upset, big brother?"

"No, I just feel it's unfair for Ruan Xiaohui." Xie Yiezhou crushed the unlit cigarette in his hand. "However, it's none of our business. I've sent the photo to Ruan Lezhi, he'll handle it."

Before Ning Yuyi could say more, Xie Yiezhou prepared to leave, advising him to get some sleep.

After Xie Yiezhou's departure, Ning Yuyi, restless and unable to sleep, clutched the little duck toy Lin Yiyue had packed in her suitcase for him and, still in his pajamas, headed to Fan Zhongchuan's room.

Fan Zhongchuan had previously given an extra room key to Ning Yuyi, so there was no need to knock. He could just swipe in.

The room was empty, but a sound of running water alerted Ning Yuyi.

Fan Zhongchuan was showering.

In Ning Yuyi’s mind, an image popped up: Fan Zhongchuan’s face, his body submerged in a misty haze.

The thought wouldn't dissipate, so Ning Yuyi paced the living area, trying to distract himself.

He eventually moved to the window, gazing at the vibrant neon lights of the street below.

As he watched, the earlier image reappeared in his mind. Ning Yuyi’s cheeks flared with heat. Bowing his head, he covered his face with his hands, attempting to cool himself down.

Suddenly, arms wrapped around him from behind. Turning, Ning Yuyi saw Fan Zhongchuan, lower half wrapped in a towel, his damp hair still dripping.

"What are you looking at?" Fan Zhongchuan gently moved the hand from Ning Yuyi's face. "Why are you blushing?"

"Nothing, it's... nothing," Ning Yuyi stammered, eyes inadvertently drifting to Fan Zhongchuan's well-defined abs.

Catching Ning Yuyi's gaze, Fan Zhongchuan chuckled, "Want to touch?"

Want to touch...

"Yes!"

With both hands placed on Fan Zhongchuan's abs, Ning Yuyi could feel the underlying strength, causing his cheeks, which had just cooled, to flush again.

"How do you still have abs when you're always at work?" Ning Yuyi sniffled, thinking enviously of his own soft, pale belly.

Fan Zhongchuan replied, "There's a gym on the third floor. Have you been there?"

Ning Yuyi: "...No."

"Let's sit in the room; I'll dry my hair." Concerned about dripping water on Ning Yuyi, Fan Zhongchuan released him after a brief embrace.

"I'll do it for you!" Ning Yuyi pushed Fan Zhongchuan onto the sofa, eagerly fetched the hairdryer, and began drying Fan Zhongchuan's hair.

Fan Zhongchuan's hair wasn't as thick as Ning Yuyi's, but it felt lovely to the touch.

Ning Yuyi became engrossed in playing with Fan Zhongchuan's hair, reluctant to stop even after it had dried.

A bemused Fan Zhongchuan grabbed Ning Yuyi's hand, pulling him down next to him, "What brought you here suddenly?"

Ning Yuyi narrated the incident about seeing Xu Yingzhe at the fashion show, hoping to glean some insights from Fan Zhongchuan about the Ruan family. To his surprise, he realized that outside of his work, Fan Zhongchuan seemed quite clueless.

Unable to gather the information he sought, Ning Yuyi attempted to escape, only to be pulled into a kiss by Fan Zhongchuan.

"Would you like your boyfriend's help in falling asleep?" Fan Zhongchuan's husky voice whispered seductively, nibbling Ning Yuyi's earlobe.

Feeling weak all over, Ning Yuyi managed a feeble nod, holding onto Fan Zhongchuan's shoulders for support.

With a smirk, Fan Zhongchuan lifted Ning Yuyi and headed to the bedroom.

Upon reaching the bed, they both fell onto it in a tangled embrace.

Quickly, Ning Yuyi straddled Fan Zhongchuan, holding him down, "You always pin me down; now it's my turn."

Perched precariously atop Fan Zhongchuan, Ning Yuyi occasionally swayed from Fan Zhongchuan's resistance.

Fan Zhongchuan, feeling increasingly flustered, said in a strained voice, "Ning Ning, get off."

"No way," Ning Yuyi tilted his chin defiantly, "Today, I'm in charge."

Just as he finished, Ning Yuyi felt something hot and firm pressing against his backside, and he instinctively shifted forward.

"What's the matter? Not moving anymore?" Fan Zhongchuan rasped, pulling Ning Yuyi closer for a more intimate contact.

"I... I can't move," Ning Yuyi admitted, frozen in place, "Maybe you should... take a quick shower?"

Amusement flashed in Fan Zhongchuan's eyes, "My boyfriend is right on top of me, and you're suggesting I go handle it myself in the shower, hm?"

"I... I..." Feeling the increasing warmth beneath him, Ning Yuyi gasped, "I'm scared QAQ."

……

The sound of running water echoed once more from the bathroom. Clutching the blanket, Ning Yuyi sat on the bed, the earlier fear and bewilderment still evident in his eyes.

Reflecting on the size he'd just encountered, Ning Yuyi believed he might not survive their intimate moments.

Damn, even more terrified now, QAQ!

When Fan Zhongchuan emerged from the bathroom again, he saw a dazed Ning Yuyi and leaned in with amusement to kiss him.

"Still scared?"

Ning Yuyi continued to nod, opening and closing his mouth as if wanting to say something but hesitating.

"Hmm?"

Gathering his courage, Ning Yuyi took a deep breath, "I think our... intimate life might be... problematic in the future."

Author's Note: Ning Yuyi: "You're too big; I'm not sure I can handle it."