Chapter 27: The Enchanting Dream of Spring… I am yours, you know?…

Chapter 27: The Enchanting Dream of Spring... I am yours, you know?...

Jiang Fengmian tried to knock on Huo Zong's bedroom door, attempting to awaken Huo Zong's nearly non-existent flirtatiousness.

We've already touched abs, what's wrong with kissing and hugging?

Huo Zong, I just want to ask what's wrong with you!

Click.

"Jiang Fengmian, is there anything else?"

Huo Zong leaned against the doorframe, slightly bending down, inexplicably close. Jiang Fengmian took a breath, his ears turning red inch by inch.

"No, nothing."

"Brother, I, I want a candy."

Jiang Fengmian's brain spun several times, coming up with this excuse.

Huo Zong's room seemed to have no candy; all the snack bags were with him.

Huo Zong's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and he turned to take a candy from the cabinet on the coffee table, placing it in Jiang Fengmian's palm.

"It's late, go rest."

Jiang Fengmian held the candy, the milk candy slightly soft. He returned to his bedroom and carefully examined it; it was clearly the one he had given Huo Zong last time, lying quietly in the cabinet.

He didn't know if it was a treasure or something else.

The bed still faintly carried Huo Zong's sharp woody scent. Jiang Fengmian hugged the pillow Huo Zong had used and rolled around, lying on his side with his eyes closed, as if still being held by Huo Zong.

His arms tightened bit by bit, feeling Huo Zong's faint body temperature through the light blanket.

Amidst the chirping of birds, Jiang Fengmian quickly fell asleep.

In the misty fog, Jiang Fengmian stretched out his arms, walking through the fog. The mist hitting his face seemed to carry warmth, steaming hot.

Jiang Fengmian nervously gripped his clothes, the thin, translucent fabric loosely draped over his shoulders, revealing the faint outline of his collarbone. He brushed away the steaming mist in front of him, as if suddenly stepping into another world.

What lay before him was not fog, but steam rising in a confined space.

Jiang Fengmian's heart tightened instinctively. He wanted to retreat but found that the path he had come from had disappeared.

The sound of dripping water echoed in Jiang Fengmian's heart. He leaned against the cold wall, retreating, his palms surging with heat, a clash of ice and fire.

His throat felt like a small ball of cotton, and with all his strength, he could only softly call out Huo Zong's name.

Jiang Fengmian was scared. The misty steam enveloped his body, making everything unclear. He was scared, missing Huo Zong, missing him so much.

The sound of water grew heavier. Jiang Fengmian avoided the source of the sound but found himself walking in circles. He stared at the wall tiles his fingertips had brushed against, a chill running through him. He could only press against the white wall, hugging his arms, and cautiously look around.

When the sound of water stopped, Jiang Fengmian couldn't tell clearly. But as the mist in front of him dispersed, in the blink of an eye, Huo Zong appeared before him.

Jiang Fengmian's eyes widened in surprise. Huo Zong came closer, trapping him in a small space, bending down to approach.

The burning skin pressed against him, a spot Jiang Fengmian was very familiar with, his fingertips had just touched it.

Soft, burning, and steaming with heat.

That was Huo Zong's abs.

Jiang Fengmian tilted his head slightly, and in an instant, Huo Zong's lips brushed past his earlobe, the water droplets from his hair trickling down his collarbone, carrying a faint floral scent.

Jiang Fengmian held his breath, his toes quietly lifting, his back firmly pressed against the wall, with no way to escape.

His heart was almost jumping out of his chest, Jiang Fengmian bit his lip, afraid that his breathing would disturb Huo Zong.

He took a moment to calm down, then said in a slightly trembling voice, "Huo Zong."

"Hmm."

"Do you know I am..."

"Jiang Fengmian."

Huo Zong answered before he could finish, not the drunken Huo Zong.

"Then, can you let go?"

Huo Zong's arm had somehow found its way to Jiang Fengmian's shoulder, the thin shirt quickly dampened by water droplets, revealing a different kind of meaning.

Jiang Fengmian's Adam's apple bobbed, and he pushed Huo Zong away somewhat uncomfortably.

However, the force was so light it seemed like a half-hearted refusal, and in an instant, Huo Zong pressed even closer.

"Jiang Fengmian, you liked it before, your eyes were glued to it."

"Look into my eyes."

Jiang Fengmian looked up, meeting Huo Zong's deep, affectionate eyes, where galaxies seemed to reside, and with just a slight misstep, he could fall into them.

"Jiang Fengmian, do you like it?"

Gulp.

It was the sound of swallowing.

"I like it," Jiang Fengmian's voice was hoarse, his face and neck flushed red.

"Then why aren't you looking at me?"

Why? Afraid that those hidden little thoughts would spill out from his eyes, afraid of startling Huo Zong, even more afraid that Huo Zong would be startled.

A nominal business alliance meant nothing to the top elite families, but the marriage partner couldn't be a fool.

Jiang Fengmian's silence made Huo Zong's heart sink to the bottom. His fingers moved up from Jiang Fengmian's collarbone, resting on Jiang Fengmian's beautiful swan neck.

His hand held loosely, Jiang Fengmian's Adam's apple brushed against Huo Zong's thumb, and he could feel the grip loosen again.

Huo Zong couldn't even bring himself to use force when he was angry.

"Brother, try pinching me a little harder."

Jiang Fengmian moved forward half a step, his round eyes looking at Huo Zong, completely open, revealing everything about himself, the good and the bad, laid bare in front of Huo Zong.

"Huo Zong, pinch me a little."

It was a soft, coquettish tone, and Huo Zong was somewhat overwhelmed.

He silently tightened his palm a little, but his eyes were fixed intently, afraid to leave even the slightest mark on his fair and beautiful neck.

"Brother, you're so silly, forced love can't be like this."

Seeing a trace of doubt flash in Huo Zong's eyes, Jiang Fengmian took the initiative, grabbing Huo Zong's hand and moving it up, stopping at his well-defined jawline.

"Huo Zong, now you can pinch."

Huo Zong narrowed his eyes and indeed exerted force as Jiang Fengmian had said. Jiang Fengmian's chin lifted slightly, looking proud and adorable like a ragdoll cat, yet still whining and complaining that his strength was too weak.

"Jiang Fengmian, who taught you this?"

"It was Huo Zong."

Hmph, Huo Zong increased the strength in his hand, and Jiang Fengmian hissed, half-closing his eyes in response.

"Ah, Huo Zong, you're really not good at this."

Jiang Fengmian caught sight of Huo Zong's face getting closer and closer. If he just turned slightly, he could kiss Huo Zong's lips.

Reason and impulse intertwined, Jiang Fengmian was still in a mental storm, completely unaware that Huo Zong's eyes were growing darker.

His burning earlobe was lightly pinched by Huo Zong's fingertips, and Jiang Fengmian inexplicably sensed a chill.

"Huo, Huo Zong."

It wasn't the kiss Jiang Fengmian expected, but Huo Zong's teeth grazing his earlobe, causing a slight sting.

"Jiang Fengmian, this is a mark, a mark that belongs only to me."

"You can only look at me, like me."

"I am yours, understand?"

Jiang Fengmian instinctively pinched his earlobe, his heart burning with heat. This was what forced love should be!

He nodded vigorously, thinking that Huo Zong was indeed teachable, but he needed a bit more stimulation.

"Huo Zong, I want to leave a mark on you too."

Huo Zong glanced sideways and silently leaned down, bringing his earlobe to Jiang Fengmian's lips.

"Hmm, bite."

Jiang Fengmian held it in his mouth, unable to bring himself to bite down.

Hehehe, Huo Zong smells so good, I really like it.

Chirp chirp, chirp chirp.

What was that sound? Jiang Fengmian followed the source of the noise, his foot suddenly missing a step, and he sat up abruptly.

Ah—

Jiang Fengmian patted his chest, his heart pounding, instantly racing to one hundred eighty.

A few small sparrows flew by the window, their wings tracing arcs in the air.

Jiang Fengmian held his sweaty head, realizing with a start that it was already summer. He had just had a beautiful dream about spring.

In the dream, without exception, it was all about Huo Zong.

Jiang Fengmian recalled his own appearance in the dream, covering his head in a daze. He could hardly believe it. Someone like him, teaching Huo Zong what forced love is.

Thank goodness it was just a dream. If it were real, Huo Zong would probably laugh his head off.

But then again, Jiang Fengmian felt sad. If only it were real.

He also wanted Huo Zong to mark him, to tell the whole world that he was Huo Zong's boyfriend, the kind that lasts a lifetime.

Jiang Fengmian rubbed his burning earlobe with the back of his finger, closing his eyes as if he could still feel the trace of Huo Zong's bite, tingling and bewildering.

He lifted the blanket, his expression as if the sky had fallen. He frantically searched through the blanket, relieved to find it clean and without any abnormalities.

Jiang Fengmian rubbed his palms until they turned red, and to avoid Huo Zong's suspicion, he washed a few clean clothes and hung them together, creating the image of a neat little fool.

Cough, quite perfect.

Knock, knock, knock.

Jiang Fengmian was startled, patting his hot cheeks with cold water, clearing his throat, and then slowly opening the door.

"Good morning, Huo Zong."

Jiang Fengmian stood at the door, showing no intention of letting Huo Zong in. He blinked his big, beautiful eyes, trying to charm Huo Zong.

"Morning."

As Huo Zong glanced up, he noticed the clothes hanging on the small balcony, a dense row. He looked away, not finding anything unusual.

"Come down for breakfast."

Huo Zong sat alone across from Jiang Fengmian, stirring the tofu pudding in his bowl. It was strange; usually, Jiang Fengmian would sit close to him.

Could it be that he scared Jiang Fengmian last night?

Clink.

Huo Zong's spoon hit the edge of the porcelain bowl. Jiang Fengmian tensed up, guiltily trying to lower his presence.

Could it be that Huo Zong noticed something?

The silent breakfast ended. Before getting in the car, Huo Zong noticed a small insect near Jiang Fengmian's ear. As soon as he raised his hand, Jiang Fengmian cautiously avoided it.

Their eyes met, Huo Zong's arm suspended in mid-air, an almost imperceptible awkwardness filling the air.

Jiang Fengmian mumbled, wanting to explain but not knowing where to start.

He couldn't possibly say that he had been dreaming about Huo Zong all night, wanting to do this and that to him!

After the silence, Huo Zong got into the car first.

"Jiang Fengmian, let's go."

The journey was silent, and Jiang Fengmian felt a bit sad, thinking that he had messed things up again.

Clearly, he was just afraid that Huo Zong would discover his little thoughts. Why did it now seem like he was avoiding Huo Zong?

In the bustling company, Jiang Fengmian could only try to cheer himself up, afraid that the people in the company would see and gossip about Huo Zong treating him poorly.

In front of the elevator, Huo Zong stood there abruptly.

"Jiang Fengmian, are you okay?"

The worried expression in Huo Zong's eyes slightly alleviated Jiang Fengmian's gloomy mood.

He boldly grabbed Huo Zong's wrist, leaned his shoulder over, and said hoarsely, "Huo Zong, I won't be afraid as long as you're with me."

"Hmm."

Huo Zong's shoulders stiffened, and he slowly stepped into the elevator, keeping an eye on Jiang Fengmian's condition.

Originally, I planned to let Jiang Fengmian stay at home, but he refused stubbornly, staring at me so intently that I couldn't even bring myself to say no.

"Brother, with you here, I'm not afraid of anything."

"Hmm."

Ding.

The elevator landed smoothly.

As soon as Huo Zong closed the office door, Chen Chen hurried over, but his concern spiked when he caught sight of the band-aid on Huo Zong's neck.

"Huo Zong, is your neck okay? I've already spread the word that you're not feeling well. Wang Chao and Zhou Zhiyong showed no signs of suspicion, so we can basically rule them out."

"That leaves Huo Qilin. He seemed quite happy yesterday when you didn't show up. He completed the printing tasks assigned to him and even subtly hinted to the project team that he would be the future head of Huo Corporation."

"So, Huo Zong, I suspect..."

"Hmm, no need to suspect. It's him."

Chen Chen was quite surprised at how decisive Huo Zong was.

"Other than them, no one would want me dead."

Huo Zong's lower back tensed as Jiang Fengmian gently poked him there.

Huo Zong subtly swallowed, his long eyelashes fluttering, and he casually revealed the band-aid on his neck.

The band-aid wasn't large enough to completely cover the bite mark, and Chen Chen saw the unmistakable teeth marks. He almost wanted to cover his face and laugh helplessly in front of Huo Zong.

Why did he even ask? It was obviously love, Jiang Fengmian's love.

"The little cat at home was upset and bit me. It's nothing."

Chen Chen instinctively looked at Jiang Fengmian behind Huo Zong, and then Huo Zong's gaze followed.

Jiang Fengmian, the cat himself: "Meow meow meow."

Oh great cat lord, I'm innocent! I wasn't upset, really.

Huo Zong was definitely hinting at him, but he couldn't show it, so he cooperatively curved his eyebrows.

Burp, Chen Chen, who had been drinking the northwest wind all morning, was now full of dog food. Who said Huo Zong was emotionally cold? He's quite good at showing affection.

"Chen Chen, bring Huo Qilin over."

Jiang Fengmian rubbed his hands together, waiting for Huo Qilin to come and have a big showdown.

That's too bad, the elevator stalled at a high altitude, and it could really cause problems.

Huo Qilin did it with the intention of letting Huo Zong die. Only if Huo Zong dies, he would be the sole legal heir of Huo Corporation and could fully control it.

"Huo Zong, don't be angry, here, it's wrinkled."

Huo Zong instinctively relaxed his brows, he hummed in acknowledgment, signaling Jiang Fengmian to go play on the sofa nearby.

"Don't come out later."

Jiang Fengmian didn't understand what it meant, just nodded in confusion.

Forget it, whatever Huo Zong says goes.

Huo Qilin pushed the door open, seeing Huo Zong unscathed, a flash of disgust passed through his eyes.

Damn, still alive after all that.

"Uncle, I heard you were injured, is it serious? I can't see any signs."

Huo Qilin took a few steps forward, seemingly very concerned, a few more steps and his outstretched hand would have grasped Huo Zong's arm.

"Huo Qilin, I'm not dead, you must be disappointed."

"Uncle, what are you talking about? I'm very concerned about your health, how can you think of me like that? We are family, real family."

Hmph, Huo Zong was utterly disgusted by Huo Qilin's hypocritical and nauseating demeanor.

"There's no outsider here, who are you pretending for?"

"Huo Qilin, we both know what you're really thinking, putting on an act only makes you more disgusting."

Huo Qilin's expression indeed cooled down, he put one hand in his pocket, leaning against Huo Zong's desk, the mask of pretense torn off, completely revealing his true nature.

"How do you know it's me, Huo Zong, where do you get the confidence that everything is under your control. Don't be too arrogant, I tell you, one day you will regret it."

"So what if it's me, did you sincerely treat me as a nephew, or just to satisfy your own desires."

"Clearly I'm also a member of the Huo family, why do you alone hold over seventy percent of the shares, and we can only get a little dividend, if only you would let out a little of that money in your palm, I wouldn't have to do this."

"What the hell kind of crappy job did you arrange for me, am I an errand boy or a free cleaner? Give me some wages, buy my day to run errands for you."

"Huo Zong, are you doing this to retaliate against me, or to insult me."

Huo Zong: "Didn't you say that as long as you come to the company, you'll do anything."

Damn.

Still such a cold and indifferent reply, as if nothing in this world could catch Huo Zong's attention, everything he did was just like a clown, making a fool of himself for Huo Zong to laugh at.

"You stupid idiot, stop pretending, do you really not understand or are you just pretending? I was being polite, and you took it as gospel. I want money, understand?"

"Think carefully, aren't you really deserving of death."

Overwhelming hatred surged over, Chen Chen stood at the office door, watching the passing employees, afraid that someone might accidentally barge in, that would really be awkward.

"Oh, if you can't stand it, then die, Huo Qilin, you really have no shame."

"You can try, if I'm gone, can Huo Corporation still prosper like it does now."

Huo Zong did not exaggerate when he said that the Huo Corporation's success today is entirely due to him and his diligent colleagues. He didn't believe that the Huo Corporation could remain the benchmark in the capital and the nation if someone else or a different group of people were in charge.

Some people are short-sighted, always thinking it would be better if he were dead. If he were dead, the Huo Corporation would not be far from its demise.

Huo Qilin's face turned beet red, but so what? As long as the annoying Huo Zong died, it would be fine.

"Don't flatter yourself. You willingly stay with a fool, which shows your level of intelligence."

Wow, attacking two people at once. Jiang Fengmian quickly stood by Huo Zong's side, aligning with him.

Huo Zong's face was unprecedentedly grim. He could tolerate insults directed at him, but when it came to Jiang Fengmian, he couldn't and wouldn't endure a single harsh word.

His clenched fist was gently held by Jiang Fengmian, who glanced at the fuming Huo Qilin and innocently said, "Huo Zong, if a dog bites you, biting back would be dirty."

Huo Qilin's arm hadn't fully healed, and the word "dog" triggered him.

This fool was deliberately making it hard for him to save face.

"Fool, Huo Zong despises you to death. Being with him now is just a waste of time."

"Bah, Huo Zong doesn't despise me; he despises you. You're the bad one."

If you get bitten by a dog, it's your own fault. Provoking a dog or a person will lead to ruin sooner or later.

"Huo Qilin, you're just all talk."

Huo Zong casually glanced at Huo Qilin and walked away.

"Jiang Fengmian, be obedient. Stay put and don't come out."

With this demeanor, was Huo Zong planning to fight Huo Qilin?

Apparently, Huo Qilin thought the same. He sneered, "You think I'm afraid of you?"

Jiang Fengmian didn't dare to move. As the office door closed, he immediately pressed his ear against it, listening carefully for any sounds outside.

As Huo Zong passed Chen Chen, they exchanged a glance. Seeing Chen Chen nod, Huo Zong felt reassured.

He stood in the corridor, watching Chen Chen head to the server room before turning towards the elevator.

Huo Qilin leaned against the wall, wondering what madness Huo Zong was up to now.

"Huo Zong, what exactly do you want? If you're scared, just say it. Dragging it out like this, are you trying to make me let my guard down or what?"

Huo Zong remained silent, just glancing at his watch. Estimating the time was about right, he coldly glanced at Huo Qilin.

"Actually, you're even dumber than I thought."

"Despite Huo Qing's careful nurturing, you're still brainless. In the Huo Corporation building, you naively think you can kill me. Why don't you try it and see if you can die?"

An inexplicable fear surged within Huo Qilin. He didn't dare to look Huo Zong in the eye, forcing himself to remain calm and not show any weakness at this moment.

As Huo Zong was about to enter the elevator, Huo Qilin remembered his words, sensing there was a deeper meaning, but he couldn't figure it out.

His body reacted faster than his mind. Huo Qilin rushed into the elevator before Huo Zong and closed the door.

Hmph, truly brainless. He was still thinking of how to get someone up there, and he went himself.

As soon as Chen Chen's phone rang, he immediately turned off the power switch.

The elevator, plummeting at high speed, suddenly came to a halt. Huo Qilin's triumphant smile froze abruptly, mirroring his own handiwork.

An inexplicable fear spread through him, and Huo Qilin's legs went weak. Just as he was about to open his phone, the elevator dinged and resumed operation.

Huo Qilin randomly pressed a floor, but before the elevator could stop, it lost power again.

This cycle repeated, each time precisely timed to coincide with Huo Qilin's attempts to open the elevator, like a flawless machine.

Huo Zong was merely tormenting his nerves, trying to break his spirit.

Even though Huo Qilin had analyzed all the pros and cons, he couldn't control his fear. This was Huo Zong's building. He recalled the hallway cameras, which seemed to cut off after the power outage.

The unknown was the most terrifying. Huo Qilin didn't dare gamble on whether he would die, whether the elevator might truly malfunction and plummet to his death without a trace.

But he knew that if he died, it would be impossible to investigate. It would be brushed aside, and those people would put on a show for a few days before moving on.

His grandfather could have another child at such an old age, and so could his father.

He regretted provoking Huo Zong. He had no way out, truly none.

Fortunately, the torment didn't last long. Just as Huo Qilin's clothes were soaked with cold sweat, Huo Zong finally let him go.

The elevator stopped in front of Huo Zong, who looked with amusement at the disheveled Huo Qilin, seemingly curling his lips.

"Huo Qilin, enjoying yourself?"

"I'll kill you, kill you."

Huo Qilin leaned against the wall, his stomach churning, almost vomiting. His threats sounded hollow.

"You'd better kill me."

"Isn't this the elevator game you like? Why don't you enjoy it after just a few minutes? Jiang Fengmian was trapped for twenty-three minutes and forty-seven seconds the other day, and you're already unhappy after six minutes. Huo Qilin, what are you so proud of?"

A hidden killing intent emerged. Huo Qilin didn't dare breathe heavily. He was like a paper tiger, easily punctured, offering no challenge.

"Huo Zong, just kick me out. Let Grandpa see what kind of person you really are. Damn it, you really think you can kill without a trace? The police can find out."

"It's just an elevator malfunction. If you die, you die."

Huo Zong's lips curled with a mocking smile as he jeered at the clown before him. "I won't kick you out. If you leave, where would I get my fun? Don't worry, as long as the Huo Corporation bears the name Huo Zong for even one more day, you won't have a single good day. If you like playing with elevators, that's fine. As long as you're happy."

Anyone who dares to harm Jiang Fengmian, he has ways to deal with them.

Openly or covertly, Huo Zong has many methods. He just doesn't want to, not that he can't.

It doesn't matter if the knife stabs his heart, but it must not harm a single hair on Jiang Fengmian's head.

Huo Qilin left in a huff, humiliated. Faced with Huo Zong's impenetrable wall, his petty tricks were utterly ineffective.

Huo Zong sneered. This was all it took? Truly a jumping clown, the most insignificant of methods. He couldn't be bothered to use anything else. Treating others as they treat you. Huo Qilin had better behave, or next time it won't be so simple.

He straightened his wrinkle-free clothes and turned around to see Jiang Fengmian standing at the office door.

He stared intently, and Huo Zong didn't know when he had come out or how much he had seen.

Huo Zong's heart raced, panicked, more panicked than ever before.

Jiang Fengmian might have seen everything.