Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Ning Yuyi lay on the sofa, casually watching the latter half of the movie.

Having been aroused by Ning Yuyi's touch on his abs, Fan Zhongchuan was now taking a cold shower.

The front door clicked open, then closed with a similar click.

Ning Yuyi looked up to see Lin Chijing, still in yesterday's clothes, rushing towards him.

"Little cousin, are you okay?" Lin Chijing hurried over in just a few strides, "Let me see."

Ning Yuyi had shown his wound to numerous people by now and was adept at doing so.

Lin Chijing inspected it. The bruise around the puncture had mostly faded, leaving only two tiny red dots that were nearly invisible unless inspected closely.

"I was on the set too, and nobody informed me!" Lin Chijing vented his frustration, "Your second brother doesn't consider me his cousin at all."

Though Lin Chijing and Xie Yezhou were born the same year, Lin was a month older, which technically made Xie Yezhou his junior.

Ning Yuyi shrugged, "I'm heading home later. Cousin, would you like to join me?"

Lin Chijing hesitated, "But I snuck back into the country. My parents still don't know."

"If your mom and dad know you're back, then surely your uncle and aunt do too." Ning Yuyi recalled Lin Yiyue mentioning Lin Chijing's return from abroad.

"Ah," Lin Chijing hadn't expected to be exposed so soon, "I was wondering why my mom, who video calls me every week from abroad, suddenly stopped upon my return."

Sitting on the sofa, Lin Chijing became silent, then his expression increasingly bewildered.

"I think I heard someone upstairs." Lin Chijing whispered so softly that Ning Yuyi had to rely on reading his lips to comprehend.

"Is there a burglar in the house?"

"..." Ning Yuyi seriously started contemplating the reasons Xie Yezhou might refuse to address Lin Chijing as 'cousin'.

Perhaps due to naivety.

"Damn, is the thief coming downstairs?" Lin Chijing's eyes widened, staring at the staircase, "Wait a second, why is Fan Zhongchuan here?"

The Lin family was only slightly less influential in business circles than the Xie and Fan families, and he had seen Fan Zhongchuan at various banquets.

"He's your cousin-in-law," Ning Yuyi explained without turning his head.

"What the heck? What did you say?" Lin Chijing touched his ear, suspecting he'd misheard.

Ning Yuyi didn't repeat himself.

Fan Zhongchuan descended the stairs steadily, taking note of the additional person in the living room.

"..." Lin Chijing felt an inexplicable pang of anxiety.

He then watched as Fan Zhongchuan moved close to Ning Yuyi and tenderly whispered into his ear, "I'll drop you off at the Xie's later."

"I'll drive myself home. You should get some more rest." Ning Yuyi was concerned about Fan Zhongchuan's recent sleep patterns. "I'll return to Qing'an after dinner."

"Okay." Fondly, he tousled Ning Yuyi's hair. Since he had to wear a wig on set, the makeup artist advised against cutting his already long hair, which now somewhat obscured his vision.

At home, Ning Yuyi often tied up his front hair with a disposable rubber band. Xie Yiezhou particularly enjoyed tugging at this tiny ponytail.

After Fan Zhongchuan's tousling, Ning Yuyi's already long hair became even more disheveled, prompting a pouty complaint from him.

All he received in return was a soft chuckle from Fan Zhongchuan.

Annoyed, Ning Yuyi dashed to his room, tied up the longer strands of hair, and then put on a cap.

Before leaving, Ning Yuyi waved to Fan Zhongchuan, "Sleep well; I'll be back tonight."

……

Before lunch, Ning Yuyi drove Lin Chijing to the Xie residence.

As soon as Ning Yuyi parked, Lin Yiyue, teary-eyed, rushed over, opening the car door from outside, "Ning Ning, let mom see where you got bitten. Didn't the set have insect repellent?"

Mechanically, Ning Yuyi stretched out his ankle for Lin Yiyue's inspection before finally stepping out of the car.

"Where are my eldest and second brothers?"

"They're discussing matters in your father's study," Lin Yiyue said with a look of concern, "I asked the maid to prepare some soup for you. Drink up later."

As Ning Yuyi entered the house, Xie Lou and the others were just coming down.

"Perfect timing, Ning Ning. I'd like to discuss something with you," beckoned Xie Lou.

Holding a sheet of A4 paper, Ning Yuyi noticed the word "transfer" as he approached Xie Lou.

"Here, take a look at this," Xie Lou handed the document to Ning Yuyi.

Curiously, Ning Yuyi skimmed the paper, and immediately froze.

The document proposed transferring 10% of the Xie's shares to Ning Yuyi's name, along with several properties.

"Dad, this doesn't seem right," Ning Yuyi said hesitantly after reading it.

"There's nothing wrong with it. I've transferred 10% of the shares to each of your elder brothers after they came of age," Xie Lou said with a warm smile, his affection evident. "Many of those properties were gifts from your uncles and other relatives to you. They've just been under your mother's name. Now, it's merely 'returning to the rightful owner'."

A corner of the contract was severely crumpled due to Ning Yuyi's uncontrollable grip.

Xie Yiezhou stepped out from behind Xie Lou, embracing Ning Yuyi and silently offering encouragement.

Lin Yiyue emerged a step later from the kitchen, glancing at the situation, a bit perplexed.

"What are you discussing?" Lin Yiyue approached.

"It's about the shares," Xie Lou explained to his wife.

"Oh, that." Xie Lou had informed Lin Yiyue about the shares earlier. "In the Xie family, it's customary for the current family head to allocate a portion of shares upon reaching adulthood."

"Although the term 'family head' sounds outdated now, the tradition persists. Ning Ning, you were away for some years due to our circumstances, but now that you're back, it's time to allocate your shares."

Suddenly, the few thin sheets in Ning Yuyi's hand felt incredibly heavy. Knowing it wasn't the moment to refuse, he nodded under the expectant gazes of Xie Lou and Lin Yiyue.

"All right then. Ning Ning, when you find time, return home and get a lawyer. We'll formalize the transfer," Lin Yiyue said with a warm smile.

Ning Yuyi noticed fine lines forming at the corners of her eyes.

With the contract issue settled, it was now Lin Chijing's turn to be admonished.

Seeing Lin Chijing's downcast demeanor, Lin Yiyue's intended reprimand transformed into gentle sighs.

"Your mother is waiting for you at home," Lin Yiyue whispered, "Visit her when you're ready. They aren't against you writing novels."

"My mom is fine with it, but my dad isn't," Lin Chijing quietly retorted. "How can you and my dad, being full siblings, have such different temperaments?"

Lin Yiyue laughed. She initially wanted to defend her older brother, but recalling his somewhat volatile nature, she swallowed her words.

"Let me call your parents. How about joining us for dinner at our place?"

Seeing Lin Chijing's reluctance, Lin Yiyue added,

"Don't worry, if he dares to scold you, I'll have your back."

It's well known that the current head of the Lin family is most wary of his sister and wife, that is, Lin Yiyue.

Lin Chijing quickly calculated; with both his aunt and mother on his side,

He wouldn't need to fear his father anymore!

Content, Lin Chijing headed upstairs to find Ning Yuyi.

Upstairs, Ning Yuyi was playing video games with Xie Yiezhou and Xie Yinan.

The gaming room was a gift from Xie Lou and Lin Yiyue to Ning Yuyi. Updated annually with the latest technology, it was prepared in hopes that Ning Yuyi would someday return and enjoy it.

Ning Yuyi, wearing a 3D simulation visor, teamed up with Xie Yiezhou to fight zombies.

"To the left, to the left! Ahhh, Xie! Watch out!"

With a dried plum clamped between his teeth, Xie Yiezhou's fingers danced over the gaming console buttons. On-screen, his avatar swiftly turned to take out a zombie leaping from Ning Yuyi's left.

By the end of the round, Ning Yuyi was drenched in sweat.

Lin Chijing arrived shortly after the round ended, finding Ning Yuyi sprawled on the table, exhausted.

"What did my mom say?" Seeing Lin Chijing's cheerful face, Ning Yuyi curiously inquired.

"Auntie's inviting my parents over for dinner later," Lin Chijing grinned, "With both my mom and aunt on my side, if my dad dares scold me, he'll have to deal with both their stern glares."

Ning Yuyi was taken aback, "Your parents are coming over?"

"My uncle and aunt too?" Xie Yiezhou, overhearing the conversation, removed his gaming headphones, "Ning Ning hasn't met them yet."

"My dad will definitely bring gifts," Lin Chijing rubbed his hands together, "When the time comes, Ning Ning, just accept them without hesitation."

Approaching noon, noises echoed from downstairs.

"That must be my dad," Lin Chijing peeked out the window, "Let's wait a bit and let my aunt handle him first."

Ever since he learned that Lin Chijing's parents were coming, Ning Yuyi felt uneasy, losing interest in the game.

Now, hearing the commotion, he grew even more anxious, asking Xie Yiezhou if they should head down.

"In a moment. We'll go down together," Xie Yiezhou set down his game console, stood up, and playfully tousled Ning Yuyi's hair, "Let's go."

"If you both are heading down, I should too," Lin Chijing scratched his head.

The trio descended the stairs, and Ning Yuyi saw a middle-aged couple chatting with Xie Lou and Lin Yiyue at the entrance.

The man, radiating a scholarly aura and bearing a resemblance to Lin Yiyue, was paired with a short-haired woman who exuded the gentle charm of a southern belle.

However...

"This must be my nephew," the man's unexpectedly rugged voice startled Ning Yuyi.

Glancing between Xie Yiezhou and this uncle, Ning Yuyi struggled to reconcile the disparity between the man's appearance and voice.

Hand in hand with Ning Yuyi, Xie Yiezhou approached the entrance.

"Hello, uncle," Ning Yuyi greeted, voice barely above a whisper.

"Ah, hello!" Lin Xiuyuan's face split into a grin, his scholarly demeanor vanishing, "Here, a red envelope for our first meeting."

Producing a vibrant red envelope from his pocket, Lin Xiuyuan cheerfully pressed it into Ning Yuyi's hand, "Take it!"

Blinking, Ning Yuyi found himself holding the envelope.

Somehow, the scene felt eerily reminiscent of when elderly men and women would hand him candy at the orphanage's entrance during his younger years.

Then, Lin Xiuyuan's expression shifted dramatically upon seeing Lin Chijing standing behind Ning Yuyi.

"Xiuyuan."

"Husband."

Two female voices intervened, halting Lin Xiuyuan's reaction.

"Let's eat first," Xie Lou, famously known for being 'whipped' by his wife, provided Lin Xiuyuan with an escape from the tension.

"Yes, yes, let's have dinner first."

……

After the meal, Lin Yiyue engaged Lin Xiuyuan in the living room, showing him Ning Yuyi's variety show appearances. As they watched, Lin Xiuyuan and his wife animatedly discussed the show.

Suddenly, Zhong Wen began to feel that perhaps her son wasn't all that special.

Never before having been showered with so much praise, by the time Xie Yiezhou ushered Ning Yuyi out of the living room, he felt rather light-headed.

After dinner, Ning Yuyi made an excuse to head back to Qing'an.

At the new, trendy cake shop near the entrance of Qing'an, he bought two small cakes.

One for himself and one for Fan Zhongchuan.

If Fan Zhongchuan chose not to eat his, Ning Yuyi would happily devour both.

Carrying the two sweet treats, Ning Yuyi entered Fan Zhongchuan's house alone.

The living room was dark, its dimness even surpassing the outdoors.

Guided by the faint glow from his phone, Ning Yuyi tiptoed upstairs.

As he passed the study, he noted its emptiness.

Good, he thought, he's taking a proper rest.

Reaching the bedroom door, Ning Yuyi held his breath and gently pushed it open.

The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by a mix of moonlight and the distant streetlights, casting a soft glow.

His phone had been turned off upon entering, and with the scant moonlight, Ning Yuyi could make out the contours of the bed.

He placed the desserts on a cabinet near the entrance, then stealthily approached the bed, squatting beside it to admire his boyfriend's sleeping visage.

He couldn't help but think how impeccable his taste was.

Whether it was Fan Zhongchuan's face or voice, everything about him appealed to Ning Yuyi's tastes.

But most importantly, they shared mutual affection for each other.

Ning Yuyi smiled affectionately, chuckling unintentionally.

！！！

Reacting quickly, she covered her mouth, but still noticed Fan Zhongchuan frowning, seemingly waking up.

Fan Zhongchuan hadn't expected that the first sight he'd see upon awakening would be Ning Yuyi.

"Ningning."

"Mhm." Ning Yuyi, imitating the way Fan Zhongchuan kissed her, leaned in and gently kissed his forehead, "I brought you a cupcake. Want some?"

"I'll be right up." Fan Zhongchuan propped himself up and turned on the bedside lamp.

He had fallen asleep not long after Ning Yuyi left and hadn't expected to sleep straight through to the evening.

By the time Fan Zhongchuan emerged from the bathroom, Ning Yuyi had already unwrapped and arranged the little cupcakes.

With a small spoon, Ning Yuyi scooped some mousse and brought it to Fan Zhongchuan's lips, "Want a taste?"

As the white mousse lingered near his mouth, Fan Zhongchuan glanced at it, then looked up to meet Ning Yuyi's gaze.

She was staring intently at him, her eyes seemingly questioning why he wasn't eating.

Once Fan Zhongchuan accepted her offering, Ning Yuyi tugged at his arm, inquiring if it tasted good.

"This is my favorite flavor," Ning Yuyi commented, retracting the spoon and taking a bite of the mousse-filled balloon.

Fan Zhongchuan's gaze darkened, focusing intently on the tiny pink dollop of cream on Ning Yuyi's lips.

As Ning Yuyi continued eating, she noticed Fan Zhongchuan's unwavering stare.

"What's the matter?" Ning Yuyi asked, meeting Fan Zhongchuan's inscrutable gaze.

"Is there something on my face?"

"Yes."

"Really? Let me check," Ning Yuyi replied, reaching for her phone to use its camera, but a hand gripped her wrist before she could.

"Allow me."

No sooner had Fan Zhongchuan spoken than he leaned in, capturing Ning Yuyi in a kiss, his tongue deftly sweeping away the cream from her lips.

Outside the dining room window, a silver moon hung, casting a misty glow that enveloped the two lovers.