Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Even if Shen Tingzhou were dull, he could see the love and desire hidden in those eyes gazing at him, making his heart beat faster.

Xu Xun said nothing but moved closer to Shen Tingzhou, his extremely handsome features blurred by the night's darkness.

Shen Tingzhou stood frozen in place. When Xu Xun stopped just inches away, Shen Tingzhou couldn't breathe, his mind blank.

He unconsciously gripped the sheets, feeling Xu Xun's breath and the restrained gaze on him. Finally, Shen Tingzhou followed his heart and closed his eyes.

As if receiving a signal to attack, Xu Xun held Shen Tingzhou's head and kissed him fiercely and dominantly.

Shen Tingzhou's lips were pried open, his tongue sucked, and his breath slowly taken away.

This kiss was different from any other; Shen Tingzhou had never felt dizzy and breathless from a kiss before.

His eyes widened, quickly misting over.

Just as Shen Tingzhou was about to suffocate, Xu Xun finally released him, gently touching his flushed face.

Shen Tingzhou awkwardly lowered his eyelashes.

There was no moonlight tonight, but Xu Xun felt all the moonlight enveloped Shen Tingzhou, giving him a soft, hazy glow that drew people irresistibly close.

Xu Xun lightly pecked Shen Tingzhou, leaving gentle touches on his mouth, earlobe, and neck.

Shen Tingzhou finally came to his senses, meeting Xu Xun's gaze, who was staring intently at him, their noses brushing together.

A hard-to-describe itch rose in Shen Tingzhou's heart.

Xu Xun kissed his lips again, and Shen Tingzhou opened his mouth willingly.

-

In a daze, Shen Tingzhou's clothes had already been stripped off by Xu Xun.

When he saw Xu Xun tearing open a package and realized what it was, Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but ask, "This is..." when did you buy it?

Before he could finish, Xu Xun sealed Shen Tingzhou's lips, stirring his mind into confusion.

Out of Shen Tingzhou's sight, Xu Xun quickly tore open the package.

It was already very late.

Shen Tingzhou was carried to the bedhead by Xu Xun, who hugged him from behind, kissing his ears while calling out to him in a sticky voice.

Shen Tingzhou's eyelashes trembled uncontrollably, and Xu Xun seemed to enjoy watching this.

Shen Tingzhou shivered, trying to push Xu Xun away, but his hands were pinned down.

Xu Xun intertwined his fingers with Shen Tingzhou's, pinning his palm against the wall, his nose brushing against Shen Tingzhou's smooth, slender neck.

-

He slept deeply, waking up only past eleven the next day.

Shen Tingzhou and Xu Xun didn't leave the room, ordering lunch to be delivered to their suite.

After filling their stomachs, Shen Tingzhou planned to take a hot bath to ease his tired muscles.

Xu Xun had booked an executive suite with a massage bathtub. As Shen Tingzhou lay in the shell-shaped tub enjoying a pleasant afternoon, the door opened.

Xu Xun stood at the door, asking innocently, "Need a scrub?"

Shen Tingzhou stared at him blankly. Before he could speak, Xu Xun had already closed the door and walked over, "A scrub, right?"

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Has mishearing reached this level now, interpreting silence as speech?

Xu Xun approached, and just as Shen Tingzhou was about to speak, he kissed him.

Shen Tingzhou: !!!

Two hours later, Shen Tingzhou, who was getting more tired from the bath, was helped out by Xu Xun.

That night, Xu Xun merely held Shen Tingzhou tightly as they slept, much to Shen Tingzhou's relief, allowing him to sleep soundly.

They say a man's attitude changes drastically after a physical encounter.

Although Xiao Xu had already been considerate before, he was now even more so.

The moment Shen Tingzhou woke up, Xu Xun handed him a cup of salt water. After he drank it, Xu Xun started dressing him.

Seeing the diligent Xiao Xu buttoning his shirt, Shen Tingzhou felt uncomfortable, "I'll do it, I'll do it."

Xu Xun said nothing, smiling at Shen Tingzhou.

Shen Tingzhou immediately became entranced by Xiao Xu's charm. By the time the other finished buttoning his shirt, Shen Tingzhou noticed the clothes didn't fit quite right, "These don't seem to be my clothes?"

Xu Xun glanced at him, "Wore the wrong ones. These are mine."

It was rare for Xu Xun to be so absent-minded. Shen Tingzhou was about to tease him when Xu Xun kissed him, his hand reaching for the bedside drawer.

Shen Tingzhou's heart skipped a beat, sensing a familiar routine. Could it be...

When he saw the bottle of oil Xu Xun pulled out, Shen Tingzhou's calves began to ache.

Looking at the energetic Xu Xun, Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you tired?"

Xu Xun pressed his ear down, complaining, "You said I lacked stamina, several times."

Shen Tingzhou realized then that indeed, one should never say a man can't perform, because he will eventually prove otherwise, and how.

Shen Tingzhou was just about to apologize to Xu Xun, but the other party didn't want to hear it and bit his tongue.

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Xu Xun demonstrated to Shen Tingzhou through action how severely he had misjudged him earlier.

They spent three whole days in the room in such debauchery. Three whole days—do you know how he got through them?

On the fourth day, Shen Tingzhou insisted on leaving the room; if he didn't, he would end up doing something on the bed again.

Xu Xun was slightly disappointed but did not refuse Shen Tingzhou's request.

-

Song Ziqing and Jiang Sheng were catching their flight today, and they ran into Shen Tingzhou while checking out.

Song Ziqing wanted to greet him but remembered Xu Xun's subtle hints from that day and hesitated to approach. Instead, it was Shen Tingzhou who took the initiative to say hello.

Jiang Sheng clearly mistook Shen Tingzhou for the person Song Ziqing had been chatting with on the phone a few days ago and watched him warily.

Xu Xun looked over coolly, "Do you want to recite 'Free and Unfettered' again?"

Jiang Sheng: ...

Song Ziqing was quite happy to bid farewell to Shen Tingzhou on the last day, "If you have time, I'll treat you to dinner."

Shen Tingzhou responded affirmatively, "Studying should always be your top priority."

Song Ziqing nodded, "I will."

Shen Tingzhou smiled, "Seeing that you've reconciled, I feel relieved. Always communicate well when issues arise."

Song Ziqing's expression paused slightly as he glanced at Xu Xun before nodding, "...I understand."

Jiang Sheng called out to Song Ziqing, "Let's go."

Song Ziqing felt a bit embarrassed and said to Shen Tingzhou, "We're off then, Brother Shen."

Shen Tingzhou: "Be careful on the way."

Song Ziqing: "Yes, yes."

Looking at Jiang Sheng, who was handling all the luggage, Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but marvel, "Indeed, being in love makes one not only speak more gently but also act more considerately."

Turning to meet Xu Xun's gaze, Shen Tingzhou recalled their days in the room and silently closed his mouth.

Xu Xun was somewhat dissatisfied, "Why aren't you talking now?"

Shen Tingzhou's eyes drifted, "...You're considerate too."

The jealous Xiao Xu asked again, "Am I more considerate than Xiao Zhou?"

Having become adept at balancing things, Shen Tingzhou affirmed, "Of course."

As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar figure appeared in the corridor leading to the casino. It was none other than the Zhou Zitan Xu Xun had mentioned.

Shen Tingzhou suspected his eyes were playing tricks on him and stared harder.

Goodness, when did Xiao Zhou start answering to Cao Cao? It really is him!

Noticing Shen Tingzhou's changed expression, Xu Xun followed his gaze.

Shen Tingzhou was shocked and grabbed Xu Xun's wrist, "...Let's go to the cinema and see if there are any new movies?"

Xu Xun's attention was drawn back, and he obediently followed Shen Tingzhou toward the cinema.

After a few steps, Shen Tingzhou spotted Yu Jurong, his pupils widening slightly.

How is Yu Er here too? Could he be with Xiao Zhou?

Recalling Yu Jurong's knack for stirring trouble, Shen Tingzhou decisively changed direction, "Let's go to the arcade; I'll catch some plush toys for you."

Two familiar faces approached from the direction of the arcade: Su Qiang and the chameleon guy.

Big Qiang's mouth could sometimes be quite terrifying, spouting shocking statements.

Shen Tingzhou turned around and gave Xu Xun a forced smile, "On second thought, it's boring outside; let's go back to the room."

Since Shen Tingzhou wanted to return to the room, Xu Xun naturally had no reason to refuse.

Once they boarded the nearest elevator, Shen Tingzhou breathed a sigh of relief.

The elevator stopped at the seventeenth floor, and Shen Tingzhou pulled Xu Xun off, only to see Su Yu sitting on a huge suitcase, scooping dragon fruit with a spoon, his lips stained red from the juice.

Yu Mingyan, pulling the suitcase, leaned over and kissed Su Yu.

Su Yu tilted his head and smiled at him, feeding him a scoop of dragon fruit.

Shen Tingzhou: !!!

Shen Tingzhou pulled Xu Xun, who was about to leave the elevator, and pinned him against the elevator wall with a wall slam.

Xu Xun obediently pressed against the smooth wall, looking at him with a puzzled expression, "You seem a bit..."

Before he could finish, Shen Tingzhou used his charm to make Xu Xun stop thinking.

When the elevator doors opened, they had descended two floors, and those waiting for the elevator looked at them in surprise.

Shen Tingzhou grabbed Xu Xun's hand and quickly fled the scene.

After a heart-pounding journey back to the room, Shen Tingzhou finally sat down to catch his breath.

Xu Xun asked him, "What's wrong?"

Shen Tingzhou shook his head, half-truthfully saying, "Nothing, just feeling a bit tired all of a sudden."

Xu Xun didn't press further, walking over to give Shen Tingzhou a massage.

To make Shen Tingzhou more comfortable, Xu Xun patted his leg, "Lie here."

Shen Tingzhou, with mixed thoughts, lay down on Xu Xun's knees.

-

In the evening, taking advantage of Xu Xun's shower time, Shen Tingzhou sneaked out to find Zhou Zitan.

Shen Tingzhou sent a message to Zhou Zitan, who quickly replied. They agreed to meet in the hotel lobby.

The lobby was warm and cozy. Zhou Zitan must have just come from the hot springs, wearing only a light gray robe.

Seeing Shen Tingzhou exit the elevator, Zhou Zitan immediately raised his hand, "Doctor Shen, over here."

Shen Tingzhou walked over quickly, "Why are you here?"

"I heard you were playing around here these past few days. I happened to be free, so I invited some friends to ski and maybe run into you." Zhou Zitan ordered a mango smoothie for Shen Tingzhou, "Doctor Shen, try this; it's quite good."

Shen Tingzhou took it, puzzled, "Who told you I was on vacation here?"

Zhou Zitan casually said, "Yu told me."

Shen Tingzhou, who was drinking the smoothie, choked, "Yu Jurong?"

Zhou Zitan nodded, "Yeah."

Shen Tingzhou asked, "Didn't you two come together?"

Zhou Zitan frowned, "Why would I come with him?"

Shen Tingzhou looked at the innocent Zhou Zitan, "… Do you know he's here?"

Zhou Zitan scoffed, "I don’t care if he’s here or not."

Shen Tingzhou suspected that Yu Jurong had used him to lure Xiao Zhou, but seeing Zhou Zitan's indifferent attitude, he didn't say anything more. Instead, he sternly reiterated the principles against gambling, drugs, and other vices.

Zhou Zitan said, "I don't gamble, and I don't like it. A friend of mine is at the casino, so I went to say hello."

Shen Tingzhou became even more worried, fearing that the so-called friend might set a trap for Zhou Zitan.

But Zhou Zitan assured him that they had been friends for many years, and the friend had never encouraged him to gamble. Zhou Zitan also made it clear that he wasn't interested in such things, which reassured Shen Tingzhou.

Shen Tingzhou said, "Then go have fun with your friend. I'll be going back now."

Zhou Zitan invited him, "Doctor Shen, why don't we go skiing together tomorrow?"

Shen Tingzhou thought for a moment and politely declined, "Next time."

Although Zhou Zitan was a bit disappointed, he didn't insist.

When Shen Tingzhou returned, he encountered Su Qiang and the Face-Changing Guy, coincidentally sharing an elevator with them.

Su Qiang showed delight, "Doctor Shen, you're really here!"

The Face-Changing Guy behind him started releasing hostility toward Shen Tingzhou again.

Already accustomed to everything, Shen Tingzhou smiled, "I came with my partner."

The Face-Changing Guy's expression softened slightly, then he heard Su Qiang say, "I know. Yu Er said you and Xu Xun are dating. That stinky fish wants you two to join their family. Doctor Shen, instead of joining their family, why don't you be with me?"

Shen Tingzhou: "…"

The Face-Changing Guy couldn't bother changing faces anymore, looking hurt at Su Qiang, "Qiang Qiang..."

Su Qiang gave him a cold glance, "If you can't accept a four-person household, then get lost. There are plenty of people who want to form a family with me, Doctor Shen, and Xu Xun."

Shen Tingzhou immediately stated, "We don't want to."

The Face-Changing Guy seemed not to hear him, his expression changing several times before finally conceding, "Fine, but I must be the main one."

Shen Tingzhou's eye twitched, looking at the man speechlessly.

For love, you truly suffer, Big House Guy!

Shen Tingzhou took a deep breath and said seriously to Su Qiang, "Don't listen to Yu Jurong. He just loves stirring up trouble. Don't you know that by now!"

Su Qiang thought about it, seemingly finding it reasonable, but still worried that Su Yu might actually invite Shen Tingzhou, putting him behind the stinky fish.

"But Yu Er sounded so convincing, and Su Yu has always acted strangely toward you."

Shen Tingzhou, knowing Su Qiang's temper, tried to soothe him, "That's because you're here. He wants to compete with you, so he acts strange."

Su Qiang suddenly understood, "Right, that stinky fish has always liked to compete with me since childhood."

Shen Tingzhou countered, "Clearly, Yu Er is trying to divert attention. He wants you to focus on me and waste your time."

The Face-Changing Guy felt a pang of jealousy, realizing that his dream scenario had become a nuisance in Shen Tingzhou's mouth.

How infuriating!

Su Qiang angrily said, "That Yu Er, I don't want to see him again!"

The elevator dinged as it reached Su Qiang's floor, and the doors opened.

Yu Jurong, dressed casually, stood there with his hands in his pockets, raising an eyebrow upon seeing the three of them.

Su Qiang, who was about to seek revenge on Yu Jurong, immediately charged over like a missile. "Yu Er, give me your dog life!"

Yu Jurong held Su Qiang's head with one hand, preventing him from moving forward.

Su Qiang lunged at Yu Jurong with his teeth bared and claws extended, but was easily pushed away by Yu Jurong. He grew even angrier. "How dare you treat me like this!"

The eldest brother's expression turned cold upon seeing this scene, and he rushed over to fight with Yu Jurong.

Su Qiang cheered from the side. "Come on, beat him up, knock out all his teeth!"

Shen Tingzhou felt inexplicably relieved, but if it weren't for his fear of Su Qiang asking about the "family of four," he would have stayed to watch the show.

This Yu Jurong has been wreaking havoc everywhere; he really deserves a good lesson!

While cheering on the eldest brother, Su Qiang glanced at Shen Tingzhou.

Shen Tingzhou quickly pressed the button to close the door and moved away from this ominous area.

-

Upon reaching his floor, Shen Tingzhou did not relax, as Su Yu and Yu Mingyan seemed to live on this same floor as well.

Not knowing which room they were in, he hurriedly walked toward his own room.

Just as he was swiping his keycard to open the door, the room next to him suddenly opened, and Su Yu came out, meeting Shen Tingzhou face to face.

Su Yu's eyes lit up with a smile. "Ah, ah, ah, what have I discovered? It's Dr. Shen!"

He walked over, grabbed Shen Tingzhou's arm, and shouted back into the room, "Mingyan, come out quickly! I've caught Dr. Shen! I've got him!"

Sweat poured down Shen Tingzhou's back, and his hand holding the keycard trembled.

Soon, Yu Mingyan came out of the room, smiling and greeting him. "Dr. Shen."

Shen Tingzhou gestured to the curve of Su Yu's belly, feeling a headache coming on. "Mr. Yu, Mr. Xiao Yu is already so far along..."

Isn't it inconvenient to come out looking for trouble?

Yu Mingyan seemed not to understand Shen Tingzhou's hint, looking at Su Yu and smiling. "Yes, at this stage, we should make him happier."

A phrase inexplicably popped into Shen Tingzhou's mind: You're amazing, you're noble! You two are sweet and happy, using me as a scapegoat!

Su Yu released Shen Tingzhou's arm, stepped back while holding his belly, looking like a pitiful little white flower.

He said sadly, "Dr. Shen, do you not want to see me?"

"Of course Dr. Shen doesn't want to see you, you ugly monster!"

A loud voice interrupted, and Su Qiang appeared, like a classic villain from every idol drama, making an incredibly arrogant entrance.

Seeing Su Qiang appear out of nowhere, Shen Tingzhou had a premonition that a big fight was about to break out.

Su Yu was already immersed in the drama, forcing a smile. "Dr. Shen wouldn't be so heartless."

Su Qiang laughed wildly. "Dr. Shen has already agreed to form a family of four with us. If you know what's good for you, scram."

Shen Tingzhou loudly refuted, "There is no family of four! I didn't agree to anything!"

But no one listened to him. Su Yu shook his head in disbelief. "Impossible, this can't be true."

As he spoke, he looked at Shen Tingzhou, tears glistening in his eyes. "Dr. Shen, this isn't true, right?"

At that moment, a man approached quickly and declared loudly, "I can testify it's true, but I'm the eldest!"

Seeing the eldest brother arrive, Shen Tingzhou felt he needed oxygen.

Behind the eldest brother was Yu Jurong, smiling. These two were the ones he had incited to come up.

He smiled. "I also testify that Dr. Shen said those words."

The framed Shen Tingzhou: ...

Su Yu stumbled into Yu Mingyan's arms, lamenting, "How could this happen? Dr. Shen, you said you'd only have me and Mingyan in this life."

Shen Tingzhou clarified again, "I never said that!"

Su Qiang, with his beautiful yet vicious face, said arrogantly, "Look at yourself, how dare you try to compete with me."

The eldest brother chimed in, "Exactly, our Qiang Qiang is beautiful and kind-hearted, although I am the eldest."

Shen Tingzhou thought, This "although" is completely unnecessary, brother!

Yu Jurong suddenly spoke up, "But I think Dr. Shen seems a bit unwilling to accept you as the eldest."

The eldest brother immediately shot a sharp look at Shen Tingzhou, as if saying, "I've already accepted you joining us, yet you still dare to challenge my position as the eldest."

Shen Tingzhou rubbed his temples. "I agree, you can be the eldest."

The eldest brother snorted lightly. "No need for your agreement; everything depends on what Qiang Qiang says."

Yu Jurong spoke again, "But..."

Su Yu and Su Qiang simultaneously scolded Yu Jurong, "Shut up, stay out of our family affairs!"

Yu Jurong shrugged, looking innocent. "I just wanted to help you figure out quickly whether Dr. Shen wants to be a family with either of you. If I were Dr. Shen, I would have stood up by now."

Shen Tingzhou looked at Yu Jurong coolly. "If I were you, I would have kept quiet by now."

Yu Jurong shrugged again.

Su Qiang raised his chin proudly. "Of course, Dr. Shen will join us as a family of four, right, Dr. Shen?"

Su Yu patted his belly, dismissively, "You haven't heard that a quadrilateral lacks stability!"

Su Qiang frowned, "Aren’t you a family of four?"

Su Yu puffed out his belly, "We are a family of five!"

Shen Tingzhou: Thank you for including Xiao Xu as well.

Big Qiang, for his own sake, quickly whispered in Su Qiang's ear, "A pentagon also lacks stability."

Upon hearing this, Su Qiang perked up, "Haha, idiot, a pentagon also lacks stability."

Su Yu pulled his belly back in, "Then we are a family of three."

Su Qiang took the high ground intellectually, "You have one in your belly; it can't be a family of three, idiot! If you're capable, abandon Yu Mingyan!"

Su Yu rushed out from Yu Mingyan's arms, "Big Qiang, shut up!"

Su Qiang angrily said, "Don't call me Big Qiang anymore."

The scene gradually turned chaotic. Yu Mingyan, holding Su Yu, joined the fray and set the tone for rational discussion, "Everyone, don't disturb others. Let’s take turns speaking. Little Yu, you go first."

Su Qiang was defiant, "Why is he the one to speak first?"

Big Qiang: "Exactly, why should our Qiang Qiang be last? Even though I am Big Qiang."

Shen Tingzhou could no longer tolerate it, "Everyone, shut up!"

The corridor instantly fell silent, and everyone looked at Shen Tingzhou.

Big Qiang frowned and muttered, "I am the real Big Qiang."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Silence lasted only a few seconds before the elevator door suddenly made a sound, and Zhou Zitan walked out.

Seeing Su Yu and Su Qiang, Zhou Zitan raised an eyebrow and proudly said, "What are you all huddled up for? Didn’t we make it clear last time that I am Doctor Shen's favorite?"

Yu Jurong made a shushing gesture and said to Zhou Zitan, "Be good, let’s watch the show quietly."

Zhou Zitan gave him a glare and walked into the circle, standing beside Shen Tingzhou.

Zhou Zitan declared loudly, "I am Doctor Shen's favorite. Who here still disagrees?"

A faint voice sounded from behind Shen Tingzhou, "Who do you say is whose favorite?"

Shen Tingzhou's blood froze instantly, and he stiffly turned his head inch by inch, then saw Xu Xun's expressionless face.