Chapter 117

Chapter 117

The next morning, Xie Qingfeng woke up feeling uncomfortable all over, having been tightly embraced by Jing Xi all night. It felt like he had endured a nightmare.

He could barely breathe.

Yet, recalling how clingy Jing Xi was, Xie Qingfeng was hesitant to push him away upon waking, fearing it might encourage more antics.

He blamed his own soft heart for not immediately pushing him away, allowing a few affectionate nibbles that turned into much more.

Xie Qingfeng's face flushed with a mix of green and red, recalling last night's commotion. Apart from not going all the way, Jing Xi had taken nearly every liberty he could.

Touching his lips, Xie Qingfeng couldn't understand what was so appealing about them. Jing Xi would look at him with pitiful eyes, as if he had wronged him, whenever he refused.

His own reaction, clearly manipulated, had led him to let Jing Xi have his way, not stopping the inevitable.

As soon as Xie Qingfeng awoke, Jing Xi did too, opening his eyes with a damp, puppy-like gaze fixed on Xie Qingfeng.

Xie Qingfeng shivered inexplicably: "What are you doing? It's early in the morning... I have class soon!"

He might be shameless, but he certainly didn't want to be late.

Jing Xi blinked and leaned in, shamelessly pressing his face against Xie Qingfeng: "I'm all yours, you have to take responsibility."

Xie Qingfeng's lips twitched, then twitched again: "What are you talking about? Clearly, there's nothing like that..."

Jing Xi sighed: "So, last night... was my mistake then."

Xie Qingfeng placed his hand on Jing Xi's face, pushing him away: "Nonsense, how am I not taking responsibility?"

Jing Xi: "But you haven't given me a proper status yet."

Xie Qingfeng's expression stiffened: "..." Wasn't their understanding enough of an acknowledgment? How had he not given that?

Jing Xi looked at him with a sense of grievance: "A status that's not spoken of, who knows about it?"

Xie Qingfeng: "Fine, fine, fine, you have it, okay?"

Jing Xi, pushing his luck: "What am I then?"

Xie Qingfeng opened his mouth to speak, but under Jing Xi's intense gaze, he found himself tongue-tied, his ears warming up, his voice very low: "Cough, um, well..."

Jing Xi: "What did you say? The wind's too loud, I didn't hear."

Xie Qingfeng glanced at the tightly shut curtains – what wind? – but quickly regained his composure, saying matter-of-factly: "Lover."

It's strange how the word 'lover' felt so natural yesterday when speaking to the clerk, but now it felt strangely heated on his lips.

Jing Xi finally seemed satisfied, his lips curling up, then under Xie Qingfeng's awkward gaze: "So, can I now... exercise some boyfriend privileges?"

Xie Qingfeng: "??"

Jing Xi, his gaze wandering: "Like... a good morning kiss, a good afternoon kiss, and a goodnight kiss every day."

Xie Qingfeng: …………

In the following period, Xie Qingfeng got busy with the professor's new project, while Jing Xi honestly started a routine of going to the company during the day and playing the role of a domestic partner in the evening.

But every day, through his “friendly negotiations,” he managed to secure at least three kisses.

Of course, that was Monday to Friday. On weekends, when there was no school, he could seek a little extra benefit.

Initially, Hao Jixin thought their branch office was just a small operation, but he was shocked when the first quarter's report came out.

Recently, Jing Xi was in high spirits, walking with a bounce in his step. Upon arriving at the company and seeing Hao Jixin daydreaming, he asked jokingly: "Did your family go bankrupt or something?"

If that were true, considering Hao Jixin's dedication to the National Teacher, he could consider reviving his family's fortunes.

Hao Jixin, exasperated: "Can you not curse my family?"

Jing Xi: "This is called concern, do you understand?" Others would be lucky to have his concern.

But Hao Jixin, handing him the report: "Our company made a fortune! Impressive! I believe it won't take a year for us to soar in City C!"

Jing Xi was indifferent; his personal wealth was sufficient, but he had to admit that in their social circle, people now saw him as a young and promising individual. When people found out about his relationship with the National Teacher, he would undoubtedly be deemed a worthy match.

That was his primary concern; everything else was trivial.

Jing Xi, however, was preoccupied with another matter. His and the National Teacher's birthdays were only two months apart, and the National Teacher's birthday was just around the corner. He had prepared five different plans.

But he couldn't decide which one was best, feeling as if he had spoiled himself for choice.

So, after some thought, he gestured for Hao Jixin to come closer.

Hao Jixin, still in a daze, rolled his eyes at Jing Xi's beckoning, like calling a puppy: "What now?"

Jing Xi cleared his throat: "Well, it's like this, I have a friend..."

Hao Jixin, initially listless, perked up at these words: Oh, he knew this kind of start all too well.

"A friend, huh? What's up with your friend?" Hao Jixin eyed Jing Xi suspiciously, then became wary the next moment, wondering if Jing Xi was planning something nefarious now that he had money.

Unaware that Hao Jixin had seen through him, Jing Xi continued in a low cough: "It's like this. My friend's boyfriend is having a birthday, and he's come up with five plans but can't decide which to choose. He wanted to ask your opinion."

Hao Jixin paused for a moment, then perked up: A friend's boyfriend? A birthday?

That was a lot of information!

Although he had suspected something was off between the Master and Jing Xi, he hadn't heard anything concrete from the Master himself, just his guesses.

But now this... was it being confirmed like this?

Wait, the Master's birthday is coming up? He calculated quickly, and it was indeed so!

He had been so busy these past months that he had completely forgotten such an important event!

Hao Jixin hesitated: "What are these plans?"

Jing Xi sat up straight, somewhat uncomfortably. He too had his pride and, keeping a straight face, relayed the five extravagant plans as if he were an outsider.

Especially the fifth idea, he had to embellish it a bit – he couldn't very well reveal the truth about the Grand Master, could he?

Hao Jixin’s mouth twitched more and more as he listened, struggling to maintain his composure. The first three ideas he could understand – a couple's restaurant, booking an entire amusement park, or organizing a beach birthday party seemed nice. Jing Xi had never organized such elaborate birthday parties before, so these were impressive ideas.

But... what were those last two about?

The fourth idea, though far-fetched, made sense upon reflection. Filling a room with balloons and hiding inside as a present, although cliché, might just be what the Grand Master liked.

"Mr. Jing, the first four are fine, but the fifth one... are you sure about it? Just giving some clothes, isn’t that a bit too simple?" Had the Grand Master never seen clothes before?

Even if they were couple’s outfits, that wouldn’t help!

Could you even wear them out openly? Even if you did, they wouldn’t be too conspicuous, so isn’t it just some ordinary clothes?

Compared to the first four, there’s no comparison.

Jing Xi, keeping a straight face, still couldn’t bring himself to say that the clothes were not ordinary. Wanting to save face, he asked, “Which of the first four do you think is better?” He could choose one of those and add the fifth one himself later.

Hao Jixin, rubbing his hands, thought, if he didn’t know, it would be one thing, but it was the Grand Master's birthday! Although he didn’t want to be a third wheel, it was the Grand Master’s birthday!

Having followed the Grand Master for so long, how could he not make an effort to celebrate the Grand Master's first birthday since they met?

Jing Xi was startled by Hao Jixin's sudden flattery, squinting his eyes: "What's with that look?"

Hao Jixin, not taking offense, cleared his throat: “Considering the preparations for the first few items, do you need a hand? Mr. Jing, if you’re too busy, maybe I can help? I think I’m up to the task. How about I help you celebrate your friend's boyfriend’s birthday together?”

Jing Xi: “…” If he couldn’t see through this now, he’d be the real fool.

Fortunately, he had kept half of his plan secret, or it would have been completely exposed. Watching Hao Jixin’s lips curve into a smile, and as Hao Jixin looked hopeful, Jing Xi frowned: “Aren’t you going to prepare a gift? Intruding on a couple’s intimate celebration calls for divine retribution!”

This was the first birthday party he was organizing for the Grand Master in the modern era. How could he include a third wheel?

Of course, back in ancient times, due to their statuses, he couldn’t openly celebrate for the Grand Master. It was always subtle and covert. Now that he finally had the opportunity to go all out, how could the Grand Master relax with Hao Jixin around? He wanted to use this chance to further strengthen their bond.

Hao Jixin was chilled by Jing Xi's icy glare, fearing retribution if he pressed further. Considering his own well-being, he laughed awkwardly: "I was just suggesting, okay, I won’t go. Can I deliver my gift on the day?"

Jing Xi glanced at him: "Deliver it the next day."

Hao Jixin made a sound of realization.

Jing Xi, satisfied with his perceptiveness, replied: "Ever heard of a surprise? If you give it on the day, how can I surprise him in the evening?"

Hao Jixin had an epiphany, realizing that delivering the next day wasn't too late: "So... do you still need my advice?"

Jing Xi hummed in affirmation.

Hao Jixin stroked his chin, pondering. The Master didn’t like high-profile things. Although the first three options seemed better, clearing out a venue could still risk being seen and end up online.

Despite Jing Xi having left the circle, he was still a former film star. If one got exposed, they both would.

Moreover, such exposure would be earth-shattering, equivalent to coming out publicly. With the Master still in school, it would be inconvenient, so the fourth option seemed the safest.

After expressing his concerns, Jing Xi agreed with him. He hadn't given much thought to Jing Xi’s former status as an actor and tended to forget it subconsciously.

But Hao Jixin’s worries were valid. Jing Xi nodded, having made up his mind.

So, the plan was set – the fourth and fifth options together. He could present himself as the gift.

Why not wear those special clothes too? When the National Teacher opened the gift box, he would emerge amidst a room filled with balloons and petals – a perfect scene.

Jing Xi didn’t ask Hao Jixin for help. He personally selected the flowers and decorations, applying them himself. With a table of carefully prepared food and cake, he felt everything was ready.

After confirming Xie Qingfeng’s return time, he placed himself inside the gift box.

Xie Qingfeng had a full schedule of classes that afternoon, so it was nearly six when he finished. As he was about to leave, the professor held him back to discuss the final stages of their project.

The conversation took about half an hour, so it was nearly seven by the time Xie Qingfeng got home. Remembering he had said he was almost home, he quickened his pace.

Rushing through the door, he began to explain as he took off his shoes: "I was about to come back after replying to you, but the professor..." As he looked up, he paused in surprise, the door closing behind him with a loud bang.