Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Although Shen Tingzhou deduced from Zhou Zitan's words that Yu Jurong's injuries were not severe, he still called Yu Jurong as a precaution.

The phone rang for over ten seconds before Yu Jurong answered it.

Shen Tingzhou didn't exchange pleasantries; he went straight to the point. "Mr. Yu, are you alright?"

Yu Jurong let out a light chuckle. "He only knows how to call you."

Shen Tingzhou couldn't tell if this was a sarcastic jab at Zhou Zitan or something else, but judging by his breathing, it seemed like there wasn't much to worry about.

Shen Tingzhou ignored Yu Jurong's ambiguous remark. "I'm glad you're fine."

Yu Jurong replied indifferently, "Indeed, I'm not dead yet."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

To be honest, he felt no sympathy for Yu Jurong. Knowing Xiao Zhou's temperament and still provoking him—whose fault was it?

After hanging up, Shen Tingzhou called Zhou Zitan again, telling him to go to bed early since Yu Jurong was fine.

Zhou Zitan acknowledged, then immediately asked, "Did he say anything about calling the police?"

"..." Shen Tingzhou rubbed his temples, "If you're really worried about him calling the police, don't hit people on the head in the future. Better yet, don't hit them at all."

The straightforward and impulsive Zhou Zitan replied, "I'll try."

Worried about potential retaliation from Yu Jurong, Shen Tingzhou advised, "Go home and get some sleep. Don't go out for a while; stay at home."

Zhou Zitan responded with an affirmative sound.

Seeing that he had no intention of hanging up, Shen Tingzhou asked, "Anything else?"

Zhou Zitan asked in a low voice, "Did I say anything to you tonight?"

Knowing he was referring to the matter with Zhou Zhizhong, Shen Tingzhou wasn't sure how to comfort him.

Zhou Zitan fell silent for a long time. "They say alcohol and sex can solve everything, but they don't. I'm still unhappy. Is it because I didn't do anything with Yu Jurong? Doctor Shen, should I find someone else?"

Shen Tingzhou had to admit that Xiao Zhou's thought process was a challenge to his worldview.

"..." He said, "Don't think too much. What you need now is sleep."

"Okay."

Not entirely reassured, Shen Tingzhou told He Ranjie about the situation.

Alcohol and sex couldn't soothe Zhou Zitan; only He Ranjie could!

Sure enough, Zhou Zitan was delighted when he received a call from He Ranjie. He messaged Shen Tingzhou saying he was going to his mother's place and not to worry.

With Zhou Zitan and Yu Jurong's issues resolved, Shen Tingzhou felt relieved and lay down on the bed.

Looking at the off-white ceiling, the problem with Xu Xun resurfaced in his mind.

Shen Tingzhou rolled over, took out his phone, and searched online.

From the keywords, he found a question that best matched his current state of mind.

The asker was also a straight man—

"I mean no offense, but who decides the top-bottom position? Do both parties need to discuss it?"

This question sparked many responses.

"Usually, the top takes the lead. If two bottoms get together, they might need to discuss it."

"Topped and bottomed, but in the end, I prefer lying down; it saves energy."

"Being a bottom for love feels strange; it's like losing control, but I love him, so I have no choice."

"If you're transitioning from straight to gay, I suggest starting as a top. Bottoming initially can be painful, especially with a novice."

As a doctor, Shen Tingzhou understood what "painful" meant. Unless naturally gifted like those in the flower district or Xiao Zhou, it could indeed be uncomfortable at first.

Shen Tingzhou looked through other posts and eventually switched to the flower district forum.

The atmosphere in the flower district was completely different from the outside forums, even the beginner guides were explosive.

After reading through the procedures, Shen Tingzhou was sweating profusely, marveling at the physical endurance of the people there.

Among the overwhelming amount of unacceptable content, Shen Tingzhou sifted through to find useful information he could accept.

Having researched extensively, Shen Tingzhou finally went to bed late.

The next morning, after getting up and finishing his morning routine, Shen Tingzhou opened his door just as Xu Xun came to invite him for breakfast.

Their eyes met briefly before they both looked away.

The Steward glanced at the two as they entered the living room. "Did the two rats sneak out last night?"

Shen Tingzhou was taken aback and looked at the Steward.

The Steward remarked calmly, "Both of you have dark circles under your eyes. Did you go scavenging last night?"

Shen Tingzhou blushed but remained silent.

Xu Xun lowered his eyes and pulled out a chair for Shen Tingzhou.

The steward didn't tease them anymore, and breakfast proceeded in silence.

After the meal, the steward ushered them into a room. "If you have any issues, just speak up. Act like men."

Shen Tingzhou, being criticized by the steward for the first time: ...

Xu Xun, who was often criticized, adapted well and even stole a glance at Shen Tingzhou.

The steward didn't give them a chance to refute or explain, closing the door immediately.

Shen Tingzhou awkwardly cleared his throat and, avoiding Xu Xun's gaze, found a place to sit.

Xu Xun sat next to Shen Tingzhou and initiated the conversation. "Did you not sleep well last night?"

Shen Tingzhou stammered, "I was looking into something. How about you?"

Surprisingly honest, Xu Xun looked at Shen Tingzhou and said, "I was thinking about you."

Shen Tingzhou felt a heat rise to his face and unconsciously clenched his hand.

Xu Xun paused and then added, "And I was also thinking about what you said to your sister."

Noticing that Xu Xun referred to Fu Yunyun as his sister, Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but smile slightly.

Seemingly sensing that Shen Tingzhou was laughing at him, Xu Xun grabbed Shen Tingzhou's hand firmly.

Shen Tingzhou tried to pull his hand back but gave up and let Xu Xun hold it. He whispered, "...I thought about it last night too."

Xu Xun looked over, and Shen Tingzhou, feeling uncomfortable, continued, "I'm a doctor. I know my body's limits and what should and shouldn't be done. I don't get sick often, and my stamina might be better than yours."

Shen Tingzhou's last point made Xu Xun frown slightly.

But he didn't interrupt Shen Tingzhou, listening quietly with lowered eyes.

"So—" Shen Tingzhou's voice was soft and slow. "I think I can do the... receiving position."

This unexpected statement widened Xu Xun's pupils.

Realizing that Shen Tingzhou thought he had good stamina and thus wanted to "step down" and let Xu Xun take the dominant role, Xu Xun's mind echoed with one thought—

He loves me so much!

Shen Tingzhou had more to say, but Xu Xun suddenly cupped his face and leaned in for a kiss.

Shen Tingzhou's eyelashes fluttered, and his breathing instantly became erratic.

Xu Xun held Shen Tingzhou's lips, changing angles to suck gently.

Until Shen Tingzhou nearly ran out of breath, Xu Xun released him but didn't move far away, their foreheads touching, his breath hot enough to melt Shen Tingzhou.

Although Xu Xun was delighted that Shen Tingzhou loved him so much, the mention of "poor stamina" still bothered him.

He took Shen Tingzhou's hand and placed it on his arm, letting Shen Tingzhou feel his muscle lines.

Xu Xun emphasized to Shen Tingzhou, "I'm in great shape and have excellent stamina!"

Shen Tingzhou's vision was filled with Xu Xun's magnified face.

In this heated and ambiguous atmosphere, Shen Tingzhou lowered his eyes, seemingly at a loss.

"I didn't mean it that way," Shen Tingzhou explained softly. "I just thought, since I'm a doctor..."

If they ever got to that day, if Xu Xun did something wrong, Shen Tingzhou could call it off.

Xu Xun nudged Shen Tingzhou's nose with his own, still insisting, "My stamina is excellent!"

Indeed, one should never tell a man he can't do something. Shen Tingzhou smiled, "Okay, I was wrong. You're amazing, strong, and full of stamina!"

Seeing Shen Tingzhou's trembling eyelashes from his smile, Xu Xun's heart stirred, and he leaned in for another kiss, his voice deepening—

"I would do anything to be with you."

Shen Tingzhou's fingers twitched, and he softly murmured, "Mm."

Willingness to do anything was one thing, but waiting impatiently was another. Shen Tingzhou was frustratingly slow in this regard.

If they followed Shen Tingzhou's pace, some things might drag on indefinitely.

Ever since falling for Shen Tingzhou, Xu Xun had been waiting for him to catch on. Now that he finally did, Xu Xun felt...

He glanced at Shen Tingzhou, whose eyes were flickering with obvious embarrassment, and showed a thoughtful expression.

-

Feeling he had spoken openly with Xu Xun, Shen Tingzhou was in a very good mood.

Even Su Yu sensed Shen Tingzhou's genuine happiness and kept glancing at him in the hospital corridor.

Shen Tingzhou, oblivious, only noticed when they reached the ultrasound room, "What's wrong?"

Su Yu, touching his pregnant belly, looked at Shen Tingzhou curiously, like a cat, examining his face from left to right.

Shen Tingzhou found it amusing, "What's going on?"

Su Yu's clear eyes reflected Shen Tingzhou, and he pointed at Shen Tingzhou's face, "Doctor Shen seems really happy lately, always smiling."

Shen Tingzhou was taken aback, touching his own face, "Really?"

Su Yu nodded, "Yes, you weren't like this before. Are you in love?"

Shen Tingzhou's heart skipped a beat, inexplicably recalling what Yu Jurong had said before, and hesitated.

Su Yu sat down on the long bench, hugging his pregnant belly and turning his back to Shen Tingzhou, as if he was angry.

Shen Tingzhou: ?

A doctor came out of the ultrasound room and called Su Yu in for an ultrasound.

After finishing the blood and urine tests, Shen Tingzhou drove Su Yu back. On the way, he said he wanted to go to Yu Mingyan's company.

Shen Tingzhou changed lanes, glancing at the silent Su Yu, not knowing what was wrong with him.

Arriving at Yu Mingyan's company, Shen Tingzhou followed behind Su Yu, taking the direct elevator into Yu Mingyan's office.

Inside the office, only Yu Mingyan was there. Su Yu ran toward Yu Mingyan.

Just as Shen Tingzhou was about to remind him that pregnant men shouldn't engage in vigorous activities, he heard Su Yu sobbing into Yu Mingyan's arms, "Doctor Shen has a partner now."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Yu Mingyan stroked Su Yu's head, "Did Doctor Shen say that?"

Su Yu poked his head out, saying with a grievance, "I asked him, but he didn't want to tell me."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Yu Mingyan looked over at Shen Tingzhou, giving him a disapproving look, "There's a newcomer at home, why didn't you tell us?"

Shen Tingzhou almost choked: Pfft.

"Maybe having a new one means he doesn't want us anymore," Su Yu said to Yu Mingyan, but his eyes were fixed on Shen Tingzhou, as if Shen Tingzhou was a heartless scoundrel who had abandoned his family.

Shen Tingzhou pursed his lips, giving a formal smile.

As long as you two are happy.

Yu Mingyan sighed, "Since it's come to this, don't keep people outside anymore. Doctor Shen, bring him back."

Shen Tingzhou was about to lose control; with his last bit of dignity, he said, "I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."

Su Yu angrily said, "Go, go, go find that little vixen!"

Shen Tingzhou turned and left.

"I knew I couldn't keep someone whose heart has already flown away." Su Yu took a few steps forward, seemingly unwilling, "Go find your Xiao Zhou."

Shen Tingzhou closed his eyes for two seconds, then turned to explain, "It's not Xiao Zhou."

Su Yu seemed struck by lightning, taking a couple of steps back while holding his belly, looking like a rabbit mourning its fallen friend, choking out, "Even Xiao Zhou you've grown tired of..."

Shen Tingzhou said no more and left decisively.

The moment the door closed, Su Yu repeated his classic line, "Doctor Shen, I hate you!"

Shen Tingzhou no longer cared about his "hate," but he couldn't imagine meeting Xu Xun.

Although Xiao Xu was adorable, he couldn't deny being a jealous person.

It shouldn't be, it shouldn't be!

Shen Tingzhou consoled himself; how could such a coincidence happen!

-

Driving home, he saw Xu Xun sitting on the sofa, trimming the cat's nails. This peaceful scene softened Shen Tingzhou's heart.

He walked over and asked, "Need any help?"

Xu Xun looked up, the sunlight from the window falling perfectly on his flawless face, casting a halo on his profile.

Xu Xun, glowing in the light, stunned Shen Tingzhou with his beauty.

"Are you tired after work?" Xu Xun moved the cushion on the sofa aside, "Lie down, I'll give you a massage."

Shen Tingzhou thought to himself, wasn't this his job?

Half-convinced, he was led to the sofa by Xu Xun and lay down stiffly as Xu Xun rolled up his sleeves.

One cat tried to rub against Shen Tingzhou but was subtly pushed away by Xu Xun, who then pressed his fingers onto Shen Tingzhou's temples.

The corner of his sleeve occasionally brushed lightly against Shen Tingzhou's ear, making half of his neck feel slightly numb and itchy.

Shen Tingzhou shifted uncomfortably.

Xu Xun immediately looked over, his gaze gentle, "What's wrong?"

Shen Tingzhou, momentarily mesmerized by Xu Xun's looks, shook his head, "No, nothing."

Xu Xun continued massaging Shen Tingzhou. Being so close, Shen Tingzhou easily smelled the scent of green tea on him, which seemed stronger than usual.

Today's Xu Xun was exceptionally considerate, every gesture making Shen Tingzhou's heart race.

The Steward glanced at the showboating Xu Xun and stopped serving tea to Shen Tingzhou, only offering him hot water all day.

Shen Tingzhou thought they had run out of tea, but the Steward said, "Today's tea intake has exceeded the limit; drinking more would keep you awake tonight."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Xu Xun silently placed the cat next to the Steward, using it to drive him away.

-

Enjoying two days of imperial treatment at home, Shen Tingzhou felt uneasy rather than elated.

Seeing Xu Xun approach, he couldn't help but look at the exposed clavicle, watching Xu Xun's Adam's apple when he drank water, or staring at his fingers.

Shen Tingzhou felt like he was becoming a bit of a pervert.

The reason he hadn't fully become one was because of Qin Shiyao, who had been frequently contacting him over the past few days.

This afternoon, Shen Tingzhou received several messages from Qin Shiyao.

"Come quickly!"

"There's a big job!"

"If you don't come soon, I'm going to die!"

Qin Shiyao's dozens of text messages every day had already caused Xu Xun's dissatisfaction.

Although he didn't say anything, Shen Tingzhou could sense that he wasn't very happy. Every time he finished talking with Qin Shiyao and turned around, he would see Xu Xun holding the silver shorthair cat, sitting under the window in a lonely scene.

This scene was hard not to describe as "fatherless and widowed."

Under immense pressure, Shen Tingzhou drove to meet Qin Shiyao right under Xu Xun's watchful eyes.

The address Qin Shiyao sent was for a villa. When he arrived, Qin Shiyao, wearing eight-centimeter heels, quickly climbed into the passenger seat of Shen Tingzhou's car.

Shen Tingzhou looked at her. "Are you okay?"

Qin Shiyao sighed deeply. "I have problems, but I don't."

To get a front-row seat to the drama and help Ji Yan avoid the clutches of a scoundrel, Qin Shiyao arranged for Ji Yan to work at a starred restaurant owned by her family.

With full benefits, an eight-hour workday, two shifts, a high base salary, and tips from customers.

Recently, everything had been calm, which did not meet Qin Shiyao's expectations. She always felt there was a large-scale confrontation brewing.

To speed things up, Qin Shiyao had to invite Shen Tingzhou, the master of gossip.

After listening, Shen Tingzhou didn't even know how to refute Qin Shiyao.

"Alright, Dr. Shen, let's go to the restaurant. Don't you want to know what happened back then? Ji Yan used to be such a cheerful young master; now he has a world-weary face. Although it's fine now, what if there were some unknown misunderstandings?"

Qin Shiyao had been investigating the love triangle between Ji Yan, Xu Zheng, and Han Ziyan, and she had uncovered quite a lot.

Xu Zheng and Han Ziyan were childhood friends and dated for half a year in college.

Later, Han Ziyan broke up with Xu Zheng to pursue his dancing career abroad at a renowned dance company.

After Han Ziyan left, Ji Yan began to openly pursue Xu Zheng.

They attended the same university, but they had conflicts, almost coming to blows.

As for why Ji Yan, who originally despised Xu Zheng, suddenly pursued him for a long time, no one knew.

Through Ji Yan's persistence, they eventually got together.

After about two years, Han Ziyan suddenly returned.

Six months later, the notorious attempted murder incident occurred, with Ji Yan hitting Han Ziyan with his car.

Qin Shiyao: "I found out that the person who didn't allow Ji Yan to work at the bar wasn't Xu Zheng, but the Han family."

Shen Tingzhou was surprised; seeing Xu Zheng at the bar entrance, he had assumed it was him.

Qin Shiyao clicked her tongue. "I wonder if Han Ziyan had a hand in this. So far, he seems to be the pure white moonlight returning from abroad, but we don't know if he's actually black-hearted. If he is, then there might be other reasons behind Ji Yan hitting him."

"What do you think, Detective Yuan?" Qin Shiyao suddenly asked.

Who is Detective Yuan? Shen Tingzhou wondered.

Shen Tingzhou had no opinion. After all, he didn't have Qin Shiyao's screenwriter-level skills. He'd better just drive.

Seeing the diligent driver Xiao Shen, Qin Shiyao gave him an approving look.

"In a bit, I'll give you a card for our family's restaurant. With this card, you can bring your little green tea brother anytime. The starry ceiling in the restaurant is perfect for couples like you."

Xiao Xu isn't a little green tea; Shen Tingzhou was tired of explaining.

Upon arrival, Qin Shiyao led Shen Tingzhou to sneakily observe Ji Yan, who was busy working.

Ji Yan wore his work uniform, his eyes habitually drooping, paired with pale lips, making him appear aloof and cold.

Qin Shiyao took out her phone and showed Shen Tingzhou his old photos.

In the photo, a young man with rosy lips and white teeth was squatting on the ground, holding a shiny golden retriever, smiling brightly at the camera.

Shen Tingzhou was shocked; it was the same person.

Qin Shiyao said sympathetically, "Such a pitiful child. So hurry up and make the scoundrels pay and expose the black lotus."

Shen Tingzhou hesitated, unsure if he had such power.

-

Ji Yan finished work at nine in the evening.

After clocking out and changing out of his uniform, he wrapped himself in a thick coat and walked alone into the winter streets.

Accommodation was provided, so Ji Yan took a shortcut into a small alley.

In the darkness, two tall men gradually appeared. Initially, Ji Yan didn't pay them any mind, walking past them, but they blocked his path, eyeing him with malicious intent.

Realizing something was wrong, Ji Yan's eyes turned cold, and he suddenly threw the food bag at one of the men's faces before running away.

Clearly trained fighters, they caught up to Ji Yan in a few steps.

At this moment, a tall figure suddenly appeared behind them, and the unique scent of women's perfume drifted past Ji Yan's nose. The sound of high heels clicking on the uneven ground echoed clearly.

Qin Shiyao delivered a sharp kick, landing squarely on the chest of the man about to grab Ji Yan.

The man grunted in pain and staggered back several steps.

Seeing this, his companion pulled out a fruit knife, its silver blade reflecting off Shen Tingzhou's eyes. Surprised, he instinctively grabbed a brick from the ground to shield Qin Shiyao from the knife.

Qin Shiyao pushed Shen Tingzhou's hand away and fearlessly charged forward, kicking the companion's wrist.

The fruit knife clattered to the ground.

Realizing the situation was turning against them, the two men hurriedly ran toward the other end of the alley.

Qin Shiyao was about to chase after them, but Shen Tingzhou held her back, calmly saying, "Don't go. What if there are more people over there?"

Qin Shiyao flexed her ankle and huffed, "They're lucky."

Shen Tingzhou asked Ji Yan, "Are you okay?"

Ji Yan glanced at Shen Tingzhou and shook his head, "I'm fine, thank you."

As he spoke, a scream came from the other end of the alley.

Shen Tingzhou and Ji Yan looked over. Under the streetlight, a man wearing a military-green work jacket was dragging another man along the ground.

Qin Shiyao's eyes lit up; it was that alpha.

Shen Tingzhou truly lived up to his reputation. Everything had been peaceful for the past few days, but as soon as he arrived, things got exciting.

The man broke the arm of the person on the ground and fractured a few ribs before kicking him away.

The screams pierced through the alley.

When the two men tried to run, the man did not stop them.

Ji Yan frowned, "Why did you let them go?"

The man walked over, "Those types won't say anything even if they get caught. Might as well take it out on them with a beating."

Ji Yan didn't respond.

The man nodded to Shen Tingzhou and Qin Shiyao, "Thanks."

Xiao Qin smiled and shook her head, "No problem, have a good night."

Both Ji Yan and the man glanced at her. Qin Shiyao smiled without a word, while Shen Tingzhou rubbed his forehead.

"Let's go." The man clasped Ji Yan's neck and affectionately pinched it, "Come back with me."

Ji Yan seemed a bit annoyed but didn't refuse going with him. He turned to Shen Tingzhou and Qin Shiyao, "I'll be off."

Shen Tingzhou nodded, "Okay."

Qin Shiyao waved with a smile.

The man brought over a motorcycle and tossed a helmet to Ji Yan.

Just as they drove out of the alley, they saw Xu Zheng pushing a young man in a wheelchair out of a car ahead.

Seeing the young man, Ji Yan gripped the man tightly.

The man glanced back, recognizing Xu Zheng, and slowed down.

When Shen Tingzhou and Qin Shiyao came out, they saw this scene.

Qin Shiyao excitedly shook Shen Tingzhou, "You're my god!"

Shen Tingzhou: ...Could it be this coincidental?