Chapter 85: Overflowing with Stealthy Affection

Chapter 85: Overflowing with Stealthy Affection

At a little past two in the morning, Liang Xigui was roused from his slumber by the shrill ring of his phone. It was his secretary calling.

Tan Xing furrowed his brows and burrowed deeper into the covers, Liang Xigui lowering his voice as he kissed the crown of his head to soothe him.

Only when Tan Xing's sleep had steadied did Liang Xigui gently extricate himself from the blankets, turning to tuck a pillow into the space he'd vacated. Tan Xing grumbled softly, burying his face further into the pillow before drifting back to sleep.

In the living room, under the glow of the lamp, Liang Xigui answered the call. "Speak."

"Mr. Liang, Mr. Tan's mother suddenly fell ill two minutes ago. Despite medical efforts, she passed away."

Liang Xigui pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, remembering Tan Xing's devastated reaction earlier. He didn't dare take him to the hospital again.

"Just handle the funeral arrangements. Make sure it's done with dignity."

"I understand, Mr. Liang."

Outside, rain began to fall in a gentle drizzle, unnoticed until now. Liang Xigui stepped out onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette. The smoke swirled in the breeze, dissipating into the tranquil night.

A ball of fluff approached, its furry paws hooking onto Liang Xigui's trouser leg, rubbing against it insistently.

Unmoved, Liang Xigui stood there, the flame flickering between his fingers while his entire form was cloaked in darkness.

After extinguishing the cigarette, Liang Xigui stood still, waiting for the scent to dissipate before heading back into the living room.

The dog wisely refrained from following. After Liang Xigui turned off the light, he returned to the bedroom. Tan Xing remained in the same position he'd left him in, a small bundle curled up on the bed.

Liang Xigui treaded lightly over to him. Once he lay down, Tan Xing instinctively moved closer. Liang Xigui removed the bothersome pillow and replaced it with his own arm, allowing Tan Xing to hold onto it.

"It's raining?" Tan Xing mumbled.

Liang Xigui pulled the blanket tighter around Tan Xing, replying simply, "The dog's nose."

Tan Xing scrunched up his nose in mild defiance. Liang Xigui patted his bottom. "Go back to sleep."

The rain outside grew heavier, the white noise lulling them both into a deep slumber.

When Tan Xing awoke again, he found himself alone in the room. Checking his phone, he guessed that Liang Xigui must have gone out for his morning run.

After a few seconds of contemplation, Tan Xing got out of bed to begin his daily routine. After spending so much time in the hospital, the spaciousness of the apartment felt refreshing.

Having finished getting ready, Tan Xing walked out of the bedroom to find the living room littered with paper bags, an impressive sight.

Liang Xigui had just returned from his run, meeting Tan Xing's bewildered gaze. Glancing at the clothes strewn across the floor, he said, "Someone will come to tidy up later. Come, let's eat."

Relieved at not having to do any work, Tan Xing eagerly followed Liang Xigui to the dining room.

"I'll go change first. You start eating."

Tan Xing nodded as Aunt Song smiled, pulling freshly baked bread from the oven. She sliced it and placed it on the table.

"Little Master, there's strawberry jam and cream mushroom sauce on the table. One is sweet, the other savory. They're delicious spread on the bread."

Tan Xing held a slice of bread in one hand and a spoon in the other, scooping a bit of strawberry jam and spreading it evenly.

Unable to resist, he leaned down to sniff it, the sweet aroma filling his nostrils.

Liang Xing emerged in his loungewear, finding Tan Xing happily devouring his breakfast. Seeing Liang Xigui, Tan Xing enthusiastically shared his thoughts on the morning's meal.

"Mr. Liang, this cream mushroom sauce is delicious."

"Good."

"The strawberry one is good too."

"Mm, I see."

Liang Xigui looked down at the two plates of jam, the lines between them uneven, as if deliberately drawn. Such childish antics could only be attributed to Tan Xing.

Tan Xing sipped his soy milk, the sweet jujube flavor being his favorite. As he drank, he watched Liang Xigui's expression, pleased that he had saved half for him—it was only fair.

Liang Xigui showed no reaction. He wouldn't tell Tan Xing that there were plenty more jars of jam in the fridge; otherwise, given this man's appetite, he might end up with indigestion.

"When are we going out to play, Mr. Liang?"

This question Kong Luo had also asked him that morning. There were many things he needed to settle before he could go on vacation, starting with work arrangements.

He could delegate unimportant tasks to his subordinates or postpone some. What remained were urgent matters that required immediate attention, which would take at least two days to resolve.

Kong Luo and Tan Xing reacted similarly upon hearing this. Given Liang Xigui's status and job nature, he couldn't simply drop everything for a spontaneous trip like they could.

"Mr. Liang, is there anything we need to prepare before we go?"

"Someone will take care of it. You just need to focus on getting better."

Tan Xing peeled another egg as part of his health regimen, rewarding himself. His body begged to recover quickly—he wanted to fully enjoy the vast grasslands.

After breakfast, Liang Xigui immersed himself in work, while Tan Xing happily played with the dog and watched dramas, becoming the most leisurely member of the household.

Aunt Song cut some fresh fruit and placed it on the coffee table. Tan Xing picked up a piece and stuffed it into the dog's mouth, listening to the satisfying smacking sounds.

"Little Master, should you bring some fruit to Mr. Liang?"

Tan Xing didn't catch Aunt Song's hint, nodding. "Sure, Aunt Song, you can take this plate in."

Aunt Song pushed the fruit tray towards Tan Xing with a smile. "This task is best suited for a handsome young man."

Tan Xing was taken aback, then his face heated up, unsure if it was because Aunt Song complimented him on his good looks or the teasing undertone in her words.

"Aunt Song, you go tidy up the kitchen. I'll take care of the delivery."

Picking up the fruit platter from the table, Tan Xing walked to the study door, took two deep breaths, and regained his composure.

No, there's nothing wrong with this. It's just delivering some fruit. Why am I acting so bashful and restrained? It's all Aunt Song's fault for speaking so oddly.

"Knock knock—"

"Come in."

Tan Xing pushed the door open and entered. Liang Xigui was somewhat surprised to see him but immediately understood upon seeing the fruit platter in his hands.

"Mr. Liang, please have some fruit."

"Mm, leave it there."

After setting it down, Tan Xing turned to leave, but Liang Xigui stopped him. "Xingxing, come read some books; they'll be helpful for your daily work."

What's this about reading books? He must have misheard. Tan Xing didn't turn around and instead quickened his pace silently.

"Xingxing, come here." Liang Xigui called out again, this time lowering his voice significantly.

Tan Xing closed his eyes, turning back as if facing certain death. He was giving Liang Xigui face, absolutely not fearing a spanking.

"I'm coming, Mr. Liang."

Liang Xigui found a simple and easy-to-understand professional book for Tan Xing, perfect for beginners to learn from.

But he still overestimated Tan Xing's patience. Not even five minutes had passed before Tan Xing started nodding off, only to wake up and quietly yawn, full of stealth.

Liang Xigui watched as Tan Xing nearly slumped to the floor and quickly went over to support his chin.