Chapter 4

Fu Luoyin believed he now craved Lin Shuicheng's cooking the most. However, after picking up Lin Shuicheng, his thoughts changed slightly.

He had never seen Lin Shuicheng in his everyday attire. Whenever he met him in the past, Zhou Heng would always help dress him up beautifully. Today, Lin Shuicheng was dressed simply, just like any ordinary student. Wearing a lab coat while standing in the laboratory, he looked both handsome and distant.

Especially when he spoke to others, with his hands in his pockets, his spine straight, and his head slightly lowered, his tousled hair dangling. He appeared both obedient and cold, forming a stark contrast to his demeanor here.

Like a white peach, one might initially think its skin is hard and unripe upon touch. But peeling it open reveals that Lin Shuicheng is a fully matured fruit, ripe yet not overripe, at its prime with a youthful passion concealed within.

The Star University campus was deserted, with the stormy weather sweeping through. As he held Lin Shuicheng's waist, he could clearly sense that the man was in an exceptional state today. It was unclear if it was their chemistry or the rain and wind, but the car window rattled, accompanied by howling winds and rustling leaves. The gloomy sky seemed to be pressing down, as if doomsday had arrived.

In a low voice, Fu Luoyin asked, "What's going on today? You're so playful, hmm?"

Lin Shuicheng's eyes were flushed, hugging Fu Luoyin's shoulders tightly and burying himself in his embrace. With no response from Lin Shuicheng, Fu Luoyin took the opportunity to tease him further. Lin Shuicheng whimpered, "I missed you a lot today, wanted to see you."

Fu Luoyin inquired, "Missed me, or missed this part of me?"

Another violent jolt of the car window, and Lin Shuicheng's fingers spasmed, trembling slightly before he bit Fu Luoyin again. "Not anymore."

"Why not anymore?"

Lin Shuicheng didn't reply, only gazing at him with reddened eyes, his gaze shimmering like he was pouting and pleading.

Fu Luoyin wasn't swayed by this. The more Lin Shuicheng acted this way, the more he wanted to eliminate him. He lost control for a moment. When Lin Shuicheng got out of the car, his waist was so weak that he almost fell to his knees, but Fu Luoyin carried him inside.

As he was lifted, Lin Shuicheng tilted his head and buried his face in Fu Luoyin's shoulder, unwilling to show himself.

After carrying him in and setting him down, Fu Luoyin stepped around the obstructive kitten, casually switching on the lights to find Lin Shuicheng's face flushed red.

Finding it somewhat amusing, Fu Luoyin sat beside him and said, "Go cook."

Lin Shuicheng was very obedient, doing as he was told. He took a shower and started cooking. Fu Luoyin held a teleconference from the afternoon until nightfall; when he returned, a steaming hot meal had already been prepared.

He made lamb in a pot and a large plate of chicken, stir-fried cabbage, and cut some cucumber threads as a refreshing side dish. While he was occupied with that, garlic-butter eggplant was taken out of the oven, filling the air with its fragrance. In addition, he had found a stove for soup, and prepared a light broth for a hotpot, placing vegetables nearby for boiling.

Fu Luoyin pulled out a chair and sat down, saying, "It's just the two of us, there's no need to cook so much in the future."

Lin Shuicheng replied, "But today is suitable for a hotpot, and I also wanted to make you some other delicious dishes."

Thunder rumbled outside, accompanied by a heavy downpour, causing the temperature to plummet. It was indeed fitting to have something warm. Fu Luoyin tasted the soup, finding its aroma lingering in his mouth, warming him up from the inside out.

The remaining feast on the table wouldn't need to be cleaned up; a housekeeper would arrive punctually at noon and 5 PM every day to take care of it. Lin Shuicheng seemed to enjoy cooking purely for the fun of it.

Fu Luoyin casually asked, "Where did you learn how to cook?"

"I learned when I first started university. I didn't have money to eat in the cafeteria, and my scholarship hadn't come through yet. So, I bought some ingredients and secretly cooked with an alcohol stove in the lab. Back then, I was caught by...an upperclassman. He covered for me, saying he wouldn't tell the professor as long as I shared my food with him every day." Lin Shuicheng paused before continuing, "To avoid getting expelled, I bought a cookbook and tried to improve my cooking so that my senior wouldn't want to report me. Eventually, he took me to his rental apartment to cook instead, and we didn't violate any rules anymore. I cooked for him for a whole semester."

Fu Luoyin smiled, propping his leg up and lighting a cigarette.

He imagined the scenario, which, in a normal context, wouldn't sound odd. But coming from someone like Lin Shuicheng, it took on a different connotation.

He asked, "Why didn't you offer yourself in gratitude?"

Lin Shuicheng snuggled up beside him, kissed his cheek, and whispered, "Are you jealous?"

He always liked asking meaningless questions. Sometimes, Fu Luoyin couldn't tell if he genuinely saw him as a boyfriend or was just putting on an act in front of him. Either way, he wasn't bothered to respond.

He pulled Lin Shuicheng closer, and as his fingertips brushed against the feverish skin of the person next to him, he suddenly realized something: "You're running a fever?"

"Hmm?" Lin Shuicheng snapped back to reality, feeling a slight warmth in his body. He had ignored a brief spell of dizziness yesterday, and now it seemed to have developed into a fever.

As Lin Shuicheng turned his face, the sight became even clearer. With his delicate skin and tender flesh, his whole face flushed red from the fever, making his eyes appear brighter. Before Fu Luoyin could say anything, Lin Shuicheng swam to his side like a fish, resting his chin on his shoulder, and laughed hoarsely, "I've heard that having sex while feverish is more enjoyable."

Fu Luoyin extinguished his freshly lit cigarette.

He stood up, and with a mere hook of his hand, Lin Shuicheng was almost dragged into the room, spinning in dizziness yet still giggling uncontrollably, not objecting to his rough actions at all, behaving exceptionally obediently.

In the pitch-black of night, Fu Luoyin gazed calmly into his eyes, seeing boundless confusion and submission within them.

He couldn't fathom how someone like Lin Shuicheng existed, inherently wicked yet naive, begging for it, and luring others without regard for their own safety.

If he hadn't encountered him, he might have been played to death by someone else. It was only after meeting Lin Shuicheng that Fu Luoyin realized how deeply he craved desire, almost losing himself every time he was with Lin Shuicheng.

The rain grew heavier in the middle of the night. Fu Luoyin was awakened by the vibration of his phone, seeing a message from Department 7 regarding his department transfer upon his return to Star City.

There was also a message from Zhou Heng sent three hours ago: "Young Master, I've arranged a flight to the Jiangnan branch for you. First-class seats on all direct flights from Star City to the Jiangnan branch for the next two days have been reserved for you. You can decide to depart at any time."

He glanced at it and replied, "I'll head there now."

Only then did he notice the emptiness beside him; Lin Shuicheng had disappeared at some point.

The rain outside persisted, casting a chill in the air.

After Fu Luoyin changed his clothes, he pushed open the door to the workspace and found Lin Shuicheng lying face down on the desk, his back turned to him. The documents on the table had been tidied away, leaving only a transparent flask with a round base, filled with a light blue solution and some unsightly fibrous precipitates.

Lin Shuicheng was clad in a single shirt, topped with an outer garment. Fu Luoyin leaned over to check his forehead, discovering that he still had a fever.

"I'm leaving now. I'll be back in a few days. I'll call you then."

Lin Shuicheng stirred, opening his eyes to turn his head slightly and look at him. He acknowledged with a faint "Mm," his complexion pale.

Fu Luoyin approached the door and glanced back at him, initially not intending to say more, but something inexplicable compelled him to speak: "If you have a fever, go lie down. Tomorrow, Zhou Heng can take you to get an injection."

"Alright." Lin Shuicheng woke up, sat on the chair, and rubbed his head. As he lifted his gaze, he suddenly noticed the crystals forming in his storm glass due to the cooling temperatures from the rainy night. A glimmer of excitement flickered in his eyes, quickly followed by a sense of disappointment.

Hearing him mutter, "Why is it this shape?", Fu Luoyin's attention was drawn to the flask, and it seemed that Lin Shuicheng had forgotten to see him off. Fu Luoyin didn't mind, petting the fluffy cat one last time before leaving.

His trip to the Jiangnan branch would only last a day, after which he'd have another project awaiting him at Department 7. Fu's father had come for a chamber of commerce event, so Fu Luoyin called, but only Fu Kai's secretary answered: "Is this Young Master Number Two? Mr. Fu has a full schedule tonight. If you wish to meet with Mr. Fu today, we could spare ten minutes for you, specifically from 10:20 PM to 10:30 PM."

Fu Luoyin declared, "It's urgent; I need to see him right away."

The secretary responded, "Young Master—"

Without waiting for the reply, Fu Luoyin hung up.

In the antechamber of the chamber of commerce meeting room, Fu Luoyin barged in unannounced.

Just as Fu Kai had finished listening to the secretary's report, Fu Luoyin made his entrance. Many people were still in the meeting room. Fu Luoyin flashed his special pass from Department Seven, "Department Seven on duty, apologies for the disturbance. General Fu Kai, please step out for a moment. There's a mission."

By the time Fu Kai emerged, his expression was grim.

Once they were alone, he snapped, "What nonsense! When have I ever coordinated with Department Seven? You're becoming more and more disrespectful!"

Disregarding his father's anger, Fu Luoyin went straight to the point, "Department Seven wants me to restart Project B40016102."

After a moment's deliberation, Fu Kai replied, "Follow the organization's instructions. Just cooperate with whatever decision Department Seven makes."

"I've made a request," Fu Luoyin looked him straight in the eye, "to reopen the special investigation on my brother that was conducted two years ago. Can you tell me why this project was suspended back then?"

Fu Kai frowned and sternly rebuked, "Nonsense! It's been two years. Why bring this up now?"

The old general's voice boomed with authority, still adopting the same demeanor he had when disciplining his two sons years ago, unaware of how inappropriate it was to address the grown man before him in such a manner.

By now, there was not a single person within fifty meters of the two of them.

Fu Luoyin spoke, "Two years ago, I was overseeing the company's experimental progress at a branch base. You were the one who conducted the investigation from start to finish. I don't know what you uncovered that made you abruptly halt the inquiry. As long as this investigation isn't resumed, my mother won't regain consciousness, and my brother won't find peace. Is that what you want to see?"

Fu Kai fell silent.

Fu Kai and Chu Jingshu were deeply in love, and their first child taking Chu Jingshu's surname was testament to that fact.

It was only natural for a person to have favorites, and Chu Shihan, being their first child, held more of their hopes. When Chu Shihan died, Fu Kai personally oversaw the investigation and terminated it halfway without assigning blame to anyone.

Chu Jingshu couldn't accept the outcome of the investigation and her condition deteriorated day by day, eventually plunging into severe depression with her mental state hanging by a thread.

In just two years, a once-harmonious family disintegrated.

The price paid for making such a choice was immense. Yet, Fu Kai never offered any explanation throughout it all.

Fu Kai said, "Stay out of this matter. You're Shihan's younger brother, and I'm his biological father. Trust that if there's anyone pulling the strings behind this case, I'll be the first to expose them. But in reality, there are no suspects in this case. The brawlers at the dock have been held accountable. Continuing the investigation would only be a waste of resources. That's all I have to say."

He gave Fu Luoyin a warning glance. "Just returned to Star City, don't cause any trouble at Unit 7. I need to attend a meeting now."

Fu Luoyin remained silent.

Before leaving, Fu Kai glanced back at him, his tone still authoritative. "You've lost weight. Are you sick? Your voice sounds hoarse. Get back into your exercises. A soldier getting sick so easily – what kind of example is that?"

Only then did Fu Luoyin realize that his own voice was indeed hoarse, unsure if it was due to staying up late or being exposed to the wind. Perhaps it was something he caught from Lin Shuicheng.

On the way back to Star City, Fu Luoyin also fell ill with a fever. He called Zhou Heng and arranged for a private doctor to visit his assigned residence at Site Seven, where he intended to rest.

Fu Luoyin's fingertips burned, and upon lowering his head, he noticed a faint tooth mark. Recalling something, he asked, "Has Lin Shuicheng called you? He's also caught a cold; send him some medicine as well."

Zhou Heng replied, "Not yet. Perhaps Mr. Little Lin is too embarrassed to reach out to me. I'll take care of it."

As Fu Luoyin was about to end the call, he heard Zhou Heng say on the other end, "Young Master has been visiting Mr. Little Lin frequently lately. Should we send a duplicate set of the tailored clothes from your last order to his place, sir?"

Zhou Heng tactfully probed how much attention Fu Luoyin paid to Lin Shuicheng, seeking an opportunity to act accordingly.

Recalling his recent visits to Lin Shuicheng, Fu Luoyin wondered how often he had been there.

He had gone to see him because he pitied the young man, waiting alone and devoted with such deep affection.

And for himself, it was a brief sanctuary from the home he didn't want to return to.

Fu Luoyin said, "You can decide when to send it."

When Zhou Heng's call came in, Lin Shuicheng was washing a flask at home.

He poured out the light blue solution and the unappealing sediment, then prepared a new batch and placed it beside his laboratory bench.

The Chief leaped onto his desk, only to be picked up and set back down again. The computer's fan hummed softly.

His most valuable possession was this computer, purchased with savings from his scholarship.

Leaning his head to hold the phone near his shoulder, he wiped the flask with both hands.

"Is this Mr. Little Lin?"

"It's me. Is there something you need?"

"Oh, I see. Mr. Fu is down with a cold and mentioned that you might be as well. I'm calling to check if you're still unwell and if you require medication or a house call from a personal physician?"

Lin Shuicheng continued wiping the test tube, pondering for a moment. "No, that won't be necessary. I can purchase medicine myself."

"Are you sure? Mr. Fu's fever is quite high right now. If you also require a doctor, we can send a car to pick you up so you can visit him together."

On the other end of the line, Zhou Heng was on the verge of despairing over Lin Shuicheng's lack of social cues—he had never encountered someone so oblivious! He was turning down an opportunity to care for Fu Luoyin and deepen their bond!

Moreover, considering how desperately Lin Shuicheng cared for Fu Luoyin, wouldn't he rush over immediately upon hearing about his illness? After tending to him, they could share a bed, have a meal, and surely their relationship would deepen even more. Fu Luoyin had returned to Star City; who knew when he might suddenly decide to introduce Lin Shuicheng to his family.

Such a handsome data analyst, yet so clueless about these matters!

"No, thank you," Lin Shuicheng glanced at his computer, placing the cleaned test tube back in its spot while using his other hand to block his cat, Chief, from jumping up again.

The computer beeped twice, displaying an error warning: The operation has been terminated, resulting in an infinite value.

Looking at the screen, Lin Shuicheng said, "I'm working on a project in the school lab, and my supervisor won't allow me to leave."

"Oh, I see. In that case, I won't disturb you further. Do take care and rest well."

The call ended.

Lin Shuicheng silenced his phone and carried the Chief out, then closed the door behind him.

On this gloomy, rainy day, the small lamp inside was far less bright than the corridor lights. With the door shut, it was as if they were engulfed by darkness.