Chapter 52 Technological Progress Apron Fantasy

Chapter 52 Technological Progress Apron Fantasy

The first light of dawn began to break across the sky, and a cold light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, shining a soft light on the two tangled bodies.

With cicadas chirping in the trees, Huo Zong suddenly woke from his sleep.

He forced his heavy eyelids open, frowning as he pressed his fingers against his throbbing temples. His head spun from the hangover, like he'd been hit with a bat.

Huo Zong clicked his tongue in annoyance, his right arm still pinned under Jiang Fengmian. He shifted slightly, and his knee pressed against the tail behind Jiang Fengmian.

In his sleep, Jiang Fengmian whimpered, his body trembling uncontrollably as he slowly curled up, moving ever so slightly to adjust his position.

Huo Zong, taking advantage of the light, seemed to notice something strange. His little cat still wore fluffy white ears on his head, and the tail behind him pressed against Huo Zong's knee, rubbing back and forth as Jiang Fengmian moved.

His eyes widened in shock as he touched Jiang Fengmian's ears. With just that one touch, Jiang Fengmian trembled again.

A burst of noise exploded in Huo Zong's head, like fireworks. He closed his eyes, trying to recall the events of the previous night. It seemed there was indeed such a thing. His memories were hazy after getting drunk, but the soft sensation lingering in his palm couldn't be fake.

Huo Zong's Adam's apple bobbed as he covered his face, unwilling to accept reality. The earlobe beneath his palm was red as if it could bleed, and Huo Zong's breathing quickened.

Strands of light spilled over Jiang Fengmian, and he looked breathtakingly beautiful. Huo Zong only glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, but his entire body felt as if it were on fire.

He adored Jiang Fengmian like this, his heart on fire. He cursed himself fiercely, biting his sore lips, unsure of what to do as he rubbed his palms together.

Everything from last night was too chaotic. Huo Zong couldn't even remember if he had forced it or if Jiang Fengmian had been willing. Regardless, Huo Zong felt as if he were floating, standing on a soft cloud, his entire body weak.

The watch on his wrist ticked quietly. Huo Zong's fingers brushed over the dial. It was a gift from Jiang Fengmian, the deepest expression of love.

Minutes ticked by. Still asleep, Jiang Fengmian turned over, and his waist was pricked by the soft tail. He let out a soft moan.

A dull ache spread from his lower back all the way to his head. Jiang Fengmian woke up in a daze, reaching back to touch the cat tail, his drowsiness dissipating.

He still looked dazed, and he was at a loss. He stretched his long legs, bit his lip, and gave Huo Zong a gentle kick.

Huo Zong clung to Jiang Fengmian, feeling hurt. "Kitty, why did you kick me?"

What was this all about? Just waking up and getting kicked. No, his heart ached. He had to kiss Jiang Fengmian right then.

"Hmph, what do you think?"

Who sleeps with a tail and ears? That was downright absurd, especially when a light touch could elicit such a reaction. He wanted to go crazy.

Huo Zong made a soft sound, carefully removing the cat tail from Jiang Fengmian. He squeezed Jiang Fengmian's pale waist and noticed a faint red mark, probably from tossing and turning in his sleep.

He bent down and softly kissed Jiang Fengmian's waist, apologizing in a low voice, "Don't be mad, kitty. I was out of it yesterday. I don't remember what happened."

Hmph, if Jiang Fengmian hadn't already seen Huo Zong's drunken state, he would have thought Huo Zong did it on purpose.

"I'm not really mad, but shouldn't you have taken it off before sleeping? I didn't know when I was asleep, but you should have known."

Huo Zong gave Jiang Fengmian an innocent look. He probably knew before he fell asleep, but he forgot when he woke up.

"Kitty, do you want some water? Let me get you a glass."

Huo Zong jumped out of bed to get water. He held Jiang Fengmian's waist and fed him a full glass, then half-leaned on the bed, sincerely apologizing.

"Jiang Fengmian, I can't handle alcohol well. Last night went too far. If you want, you can hit me to vent your anger."

Speaking of going too far, Jiang Fengmian's waist stiffened. It really was too much. He still didn't feel entirely comfortable.

"Bro, scoot over a bit."

"Sure."

Jiang Fengmian placed the cat ears from his head onto Huo Zong's, clapping his hands, pleased.

"Bro, you look really cute, check it out."

Jiang Fengmian held up his phone, and on the screen, Huo Zong caught a glimpse of himself.

The cat ears still carried Jiang Fengmian's warmth, and wearing them felt like Jiang Fengmian's fingers brushing past, giving him a strange thrill. Huo Zong swallowed hard, lowering his voice.

"Hey kitty, feel the ears."

Jiang Fengmian's throat tightened, and he murmured a soft 'mm-hmm'. His fingers rubbed over them; they felt amazing, and combined with Huo Zong's expression, Jiang Fengmian couldn’t help but feel his body warm up.

"Jiang Fengmian, you like it?"

"Good."

"Wanna kiss?" Huo Zong's voice was laced with a tempting, seductive tone.

Jiang Fengmian's watery eyes locked onto Huo Zong, and after a few seconds, he pressed a kiss to the tip of Huo Zong’s ear.

"Bro, I kissed the good puppy's ear."

Huo Zong let out a soft, amused chuckle, a sound of pleasure escaping his throat.

"My kitty’s such a good boy. If you like it, I'll buy a set of wolf tails, and I'll wear them for you."

Jiang Fengmian's eyes lit up; he feigned indifference and gave a small nod, tilting his chin up with a smug look. "Huo Zong, you’re the one who wants to buy it, huh?"

"Yes, it's me who wants to buy it, to show my kitten."

Jiang Fengmian felt a restless urge he couldn’t ignore; he tilted Huo Zong’s chin and brushed a kiss on his lips, his eyes softening.

"Bro, grab more of that stuff, we didn’t even use it yesterday."

"Okay, pick whatever you like."

Jiang Fengmian scrolled through and picked a few things at random on Huo Zong's phone; as long as it was Huo Zong, he liked it all.

"Bro, did you help me take a bath yesterday?"

"Yes, my kitty’s all clean and cozy. I definitely wouldn’t let him sleep without being clean."

Jiang Fengmian was barely satisfied; he stretched out and plopped back down. It was just past five; he could still take a nap.

"Bro, come lie with me, I wanna cuddle."

Huo Zong pulled the person into his arms, his hand massaging Jiang Fengmian's waist. "If you're sleepy, sleep a little more."

"Not sleepy, I've slept enough. Bro, did you buy that mountain?"

Jiang Fengmian suddenly remembered; it seemed like it had been a long time. He was afraid Huo Cong would beat him to it.

"The paperwork’s still being processed, but it’s pretty much a done deal. Kitty, it's so strange; Huo Cong also went to ask. He’s in the equipment industry—what’s he even doing looking at a mountain?"

Of course, it's the protagonist's halo!

The protagonist's father must be given some special privileges; they control everything. If it were given to Huo Qilin, Huo Zong would never have peace.

"I don't know, probably just reckless investments, a desperate attempt. I checked his company the other day, and the performance is mediocre. They've already laid off a batch of employees, and it seems they didn't compensate according to the contract. There have been ongoing protests or legal actions."

"Yeah, not surprising. Huo Cong has no talent for business; he's too selfish and takes everything to the extreme, so naturally, it doesn't work out."

Jiang Fengmian lazily yawned, thinking for a long time. The truck accident was still in winter, and they had already weakened Huo Qilin's influence, so it probably wouldn't happen.

When Jiang Fengmian got up, Huo Zong had already gone downstairs. Through the kitchen glass door, Jiang Fengmian caught a glimpse of Huo Zong cooking with ease.

His eyes widened, and he quickly ran over, leaning against the door frame and peeking into the kitchen.

"Brother, are you cooking yourself?"

"Yeah, step back, the oil might splatter."

Jiang Fengmian agreed verbally but honestly ran to Huo Zong's side. In the pot was herbal porridge, and Huo Zong was chopping vegetables, all of which looked light and bland.

"Brother, it smells so good, your cooking is amazing."

Ugh, the plot never mentioned that Huo Zong could cook, and he hadn't tasted Huo Zong's cooking before.

"In the Huo family, the nanny never left food for me, either leftovers or nothing at all. Later, I got so hungry that I learned to cook myself."

Back then, takeout wasn’t as readily available as it is now. Under Huo Qing's absolute authority, everyone in the Huo family had to follow his orders—what to eat and when. He had a 300-page recipe book that they cycled through.

Eventually, Huo Zong could recite the entire recipe book, but many dishes he only smelled.

In the Huo family, he was overlooked; no one cared if he was hungry. Over time, Huo Zong cooked for himself, and Huo Qing scolded him several times, but Huo Zong persisted, he didn’t care.

To this day, Huo Zong doesn't know if Huo Qing is aware of his seafood allergy. He thought about it for a long time and felt that he probably didn't know. If he did, he would have fed him seafood and it could have killed him when he was a child.

"Brother."

Jiang Fengmian didn't say any comforting words, just hugged Huo Zong from behind, his cheek lightly rubbing against Huo Zong's back.

"You’re amazing, brother. If you have time, can I often eat your cooking?"

"Sure, I'll learn whatever you like, and I’ll make sure my little one is happy."

Jiang Fengmian's dimples appeared as he pinched Huo Zong's belt. "Huo Zong, I love anything you make."

The smell, taste, and look were all perfect. Jiang Fengmian's appetite was fully opened, one spoonful after another, occasionally making approving sounds.

"Huo Zong, this is the most delicious herbal porridge I've ever had. Love you, love you."

"As long as it's delicious, I love you too."

Huo Zong reached out and placed Jiang Fengmian's heart gesture over his own heart, patting it gently.

This small gesture broke Jiang Fengmian’s heart. The Huo family didn't even let Huo Zong eat his fill; what are they doing? They’re all out of their minds.

Jiang Fengmian slumped in his chair, rubbing his stomach and sighing. "Huo Zong, are you going to the company today?"

Huo Zong nodded, eagerly saying, "Yes, do you want to come along?"

"Yes, I need to remind them I’m still here, or they'll think Huo Zong's boyfriend has changed."

Huo Zong ruffled Jiang Fengmian's hair, thinking it wasn't that exaggerated. Everyone in the company knew Jiang Fengmian was his boyfriend, and he’s not going anywhere.

***

Since coming back from his vacation, Chen Chen has been full of energy, walking with purpose and speaking with confidence.

Jiang Fengmian could tell from Chen Chen's expression that he had more good news.

"Mr. Huo, check out this notice—it’s a joint release from several departments."

Notice on the Development and Construction of South City’s New District

Huo Zong studied it carefully, pulling out key details. The suburbs of South City will be developed and linked to the neighboring city, forming a new economic hub.

The land they purchased falls within the planned economic zone and isn’t designated for construction, so their company can still develop it.

The residential area they applied for will stay as planned, strictly for housing. Four kilometers from the residential area, the government will fund a large commercial complex, covering the suburbs of South City and most of the area connecting to the neighboring city.

"Mr. Huo, we’ve barely begun, and there’s already interest. Can we raise the initial pricing?"

Chen Chen was thrilled. When they bought the land, it was pricier than other areas and seemed desolate and intimidating. He’d worried the houses wouldn’t sell and that Huo Zong had been duped by Jiang Fengmian into buying the land on a whim.

Now it’s clear Jiang Fengmian’s foresight is sharper than Huo Zong’s. West City’s value is high, but its price is out of reach. Huo Corporation could afford it, but South City is far more cost-effective now.

"We’ll iron out the details in the meeting. Let’s hold an impromptu session in an hour to dissect the notice and review the policy implications."

"Got it, I’ll get on it right away."

Huo Zong gripped the document, his chest tightening as he stared straight at Jiang Fengmian.

In a flash, a flood of thoughts hit him. He’d never believed in the mystical, but now everything felt surreal. His kitten had called it—right before the notice dropped, Huo Corporation was gearing up to break ground.

He didn’t buy into offhand comments, especially about that mountain—it had to be hiding something.

The question Huo Zong wanted to ask lodged in his throat, his nose prickling as an unknown fear crept in.

If Jiang Fengmian really was some clairvoyant being, would he vanish as suddenly as he appeared, leaving when Huo Zong wasn’t ready?

Jiang Fengmian caught Huo Zong’s fleeting shift in mood, his fingers tightening at his sides, ready to spill everything.

"Jiang Fengmian, come here."

Huo Zong’s voice was rough, backlit, and Jiang Fengmian caught a faint glimmer of moisture in his eyes.

"Brother."

His hand rested on Huo Zong, clutching a piece of fabric on his shoulder, his nerves tense.

"My kitten’s a real lucky charm, bringing fresh hope to the company. Amazing."

Jiang Fengmian’s hanging heart suddenly lightened, his stiff body gradually relaxing.

His head rested in Huo Zong’s arms, naturally not seeing the complex emotions in Huo Zong’s eyes.

His kitten didn’t want to talk about these things yet, so why bother him with worries.

"Hmph, brother, now you see my value. Don’t forget to worship me."

"I won’t enshrine you, I’ll just hold you."

At least, when he's holding him, Jiang Fengmian can't run away.

***

In just a few days, Huo Corporation’s stock jumped another two percent—things are looking great.

Huo Qilin was green with envy. Ever since Huo Qing took back the shares, it felt like a heavy blow, leaving him listless, trembling, and utterly demoralized.

Everyone in Huo Corporation knew about Huo Qilin's theft of confidential documents. He only came to work for one day before being ostracized by his colleagues, making it impossible for him to stay in the company.

He had no choice but to slink away in shame. At the Huo family's old mansion, he didn’t dare to make a sound, fearing that Huo Qing would look down on him and mock him further.

On the sofa, Huo Qing, as usual, flipped through today's newspapers, from mainstream publications to tabloids filled with entertainment gossip. The front pages all featured the planning of the new district in the southern city.

Huo Qing was fuming, his face darkening with rage. While Huo Corporation was raking in profits, he was left with a measly one percent of the shares, his dividends drastically reduced, and even the dignity of the Huo family was maintained by his accumulated savings.

He shot a sideways glance at the idle Huo Qilin and thought of Huo Cong, who was as hands-off as ever, making him even more furious.

Huo Qing hurled the newspaper in his hand, and the tabloid on top scattered. Huo Qing caught a glimpse of Huo Qilin's photo.

Huo Qilin saw it too. He had just walked over and bent down to snatch it, but Huo Qing grabbed it first.

The photo was downright scandalous. Huo Qilin was smoking, with his arms around two people, a table laden with top-shelf liquor, and a certain spot was blurred, but it was still clear what the person he was holding was doing.

The backdrop appeared to be an exclusive nightclub. Huo Qilin only glanced at the content, and his heart sank.

Huo Qing despised this kind of behavior above all else. The Huo family's reputation was paramount, and now he was directly on the front page of the entertainment section.

"Three men in one night, living it up—this is the so-called refinement of a top-tier elite family?"

Every word grated on Huo Qing’s nerves. He got up with his cane and slapped Huo Qilin hard.

Huo Qing hadn’t yet pinpointed the mastermind behind the scandalous news, but the last sentence made his head spin—it said there would be continuous coverage.

Since it was continuous coverage, it meant the other party had even more explosive material. Huo Qing didn't even need to go online to check; his reputation in the capital was likely in tatters.

"Huo Qilin, what did I tell you? You must steer clear of drugs, gambling, and illicit affairs. I give you so much money every month, and this is how you repay me? Three men in one night? Are you out of your mind?"

"That high-end club, a den of excess—don’t you get it? You've disgraced the Huo family. Look, there's more to come. What else are you hiding from me? Will I be seeing your nude photos splashed across the front page next?"

Huo Qilin was reeling from the slap. He really didn't know when he was photographed. This was from way back. Recently, he had very little pocket money and couldn't afford to go to that club.

"No, Grandpa, this is all lies meant to smear me."

"What slander? Three men in one night is slander? Or is throwing money around slander too? I don't even want to talk about it. Millions in pocket money every month, what have you been doing? Gambling? Or drugs?"

Huo Qilin lapsed into an uneasy silence. He covered his face, his rebuttal losing its edge.

"Grandpa, I promise nothing will happen. I’ll take care of it flawlessly. I won't bring shame to the Huo family."

Huo Qing was on the verge of exploding. If he had touched all three of those things, it wouldn't be an entertainment section exposé, but a formal announcement with blue background and white text.

His once-proud grandson, behind closed doors, was nothing but this. Huo Qing staggered and fell back onto the sofa, his expression bleak.

"Tell me the truth, what else is there?"

Huo Qilin had been too high-profile. He couldn’t even recall if he’d been spotted by anyone with shady intentions. When he gambled, it was in an underground casino in the black market, which claimed to be completely confidential, but he wasn't sure.

He had tried that thing a few times, just to see what it was like. At that club, the male escorts had something they said was for arousal, but he didn't even know what it was.

He didn't seem to be addicted; it had been a long time, and he hadn't had any withdrawal symptoms.

"Grandpa, I... I don't know either."

With a thud, the cane struck Huo Qilin's back. He nearly blacked out, utterly overwhelmed by the situation.

"You're insane, absolutely insane. The Huo family has never set foot in such disreputable places. What are you trying to do?"

"Face, face, all you care about is face. I'm a human, not a machine. Isn't it normal to have some interests?"

Huo Qilin shoved Mr. Huo. In his heart, nothing was more important than the Huo family's reputation. But what about me? What am I worth?

"Normal? Why doesn't Huo Zong have these?"

Huo Zong has never been tainted by such dirty affairs; he would never bring shame to the Huo family.

"There, you finally admitted it. In your heart, Huo Zong is more important, and I am dispensable."

Mr. Huo wanted to strike him again, but Huo Qilin deftly avoided it. Since when did Huo Zong become the most important? In this family, his favorite grandson has always been Huo Qilin. From childhood, he gave him everything he wanted, short of the stars and the moon. Now, he says he is dispensable.

Mr. Huo's heart suddenly grew cold. He slumped onto the sofa, his back visibly hunched.

Ding-ding-ding.

The sudden ringing of the phone jolted Mr. Huo.

"Hello, yes, please connect the call."

On the other end of the line was the person in charge of a company he had contacted before. It was Mr. Zheng from Dingsheng International, who wanted to speak with him.

A few minutes later, the phone rang again.

"Mr. Huo, finally reached you. I've called you several times before, but you never answered."

"What do you want?" Mr. Huo tried to calm his emotions, but his icy tone betrayed his feelings.

"Well, it's not a big deal, but have you heard that our company has been blacklisted by the government? Mr. Huo, integrity is the most important thing in business. Since you introduced the outsourcing company to me and took the money, you shouldn't go around reporting us."

"Most of Dingsheng International's projects involve dealing with the government. You directly destroyed our business; that's not fair. You know the Huo family is well-known in the capital. With so many eyes watching, news spreads quickly."

"Mr. Huo, don't you think you owe me an answer?"

Almost instantly, Mr. Huo knew where those photos came from. Mr. Zheng had close ties with the vice president of Silver Fox Entertainment. It was probably the paparazzi from Silver Fox Entertainment who took those photos.

But the extent of their material was beyond Mr. Huo's imagination.

"Mr. Zheng, I would never do something to ruin someone's livelihood."

"Right, you wouldn't, but Huo Qilin would. He’s the one who reported us. Dingsheng International can't survive in the capital anymore."

With just a few words, the relationship was shattered. Mr. Huo was so angry he could hardly breathe. Huo Qilin, again Huo Qilin. How much more trouble is he going to cause?

"Mr. Zheng, what do you suggest we do?"

"Back then, we bought the game for 12 million. You need to cover that amount. There are some other things too. I'm not sure if you need them, but you can ask Huo Qilin. If he needs them, it will cost another 12 million."

The price Mr. Zheng mentioned was within Mr. Huo's expectations. He could just barely accept it, but he decided to make him wait.

"By the way, Mr. Huo, you also need to help us connect with the government. We can't just sit around for the rest of the year. If this can't be resolved, you might need to pay a portion."

The demand was outrageous. Mr. Huo was so furious he almost crushed his phone. Because of this unfilial grandson, how much money would he have to spend?

Mr. Huo's Adam's apple moved as he swallowed his anger. "Fine, I want the negatives. There can't be any copies left."

"Don't worry, it definitely won't come from me. Mr. Huo, I'll send you the account number. Please hurry. Of course, I can also come to pick up the check in person."

"Send someone to collect the check and bring those items with them."

Huo Qing wanted to see what else Huo Qilin was hiding.

"Alright, I'll send someone over soon."

After hanging up, the living room was eerily silent. Huo Qilin barely dared to breathe, making himself as inconspicuous as possible.

"Huo Qilin, call your father. Twenty-four million, not a penny less."

"Grandpa—"

"I told you to call." Huo Qing struck Huo Qilin again, wishing he could kill him.

Huo Qilin reluctantly made the call. Huo Cong, hearing the rage on the other end, promptly transferred the money.

He didn’t want to anger Huo Qing. Anything that could be solved with money wasn’t a big deal.

"Huo Qilin, you stay home and reflect. You're not going anywhere. Get out."

Huo Qilin rushed upstairs, seething with hatred. It was all Huo Zong’s fault. If not for him and Jiang Fengmian, the Jiang family would’ve already landed the Cultural and Tourism Bureau project.

"Jiang Fengqiu, didn’t you say you’d put Jiang Fengmian in his place? Why hasn’t anything happened yet?"

Huo Qilin was stuck at home. He was low on funds and couldn’t rely on his usual connections. He could only wait for Jiang Fengqiu.

"Huo Qilin, why the rush? Don’t lose your cool just because you’re front-page news."

"Are you f*ing serious? You wanna die?"

Jiang Fengqiu rolled his eyes. What a jerk.

"Just wait. I’ve got a plan."

Jiang Fengqiu had been struggling lately. The Jiang family’s finances were a mess, and he was under constant pressure from Jiang Junling. He was already fed up and now had to deal with Jiang Fengmian. He had a plan, but he wasn’t sure Jiang Fengmian would fall for it.

While the Huo family was in disarray, the Jiang family was equally chaotic. Meanwhile, Jiang Fengmian lounged comfortably on his bed.

He scrolled through his phone, oblivious to the person behind him.

The internet was flooded with scandals about Huo Qilin. Tsk tsk tsk, he didn’t even need to see the pictures to find it hilarious.

"Babe, what are you looking at?"

Jiang Fengmian handed his phone to Huo Zong, his expression somewhat strange, tinged with jealousy. "Babe, do you think he's amazing?"

Jiang Fengmian: ???

What? Who's amazing?

How odd. How did Huo Zong even bring that up?

"Babe, you can't look at others. You can only look at me. I'm amazing."

"Brother, I was just looking at a joke, nothing serious. Of course, you're the most amazing. Cough cough, brother, you've been much better recently, really skillful."

The expression on Huo Zong's face was still ambiguous, implying that his skills were just average before.

How annoying.

"Kitty Cat, you seemed to really like me wearing an apron that day. I haven't seen what you look like in one yet, so why don't I see for myself now."

Jiang Fengmian had just shaken his head when Huo Zong's kiss landed on his lips.

He whispered, "Kitty Cat, I really like it. I want to see what you look like wearing it. How about we both wear them together?"

Huo Zong took out the aprons, and Jiang Fengmian was stunned. This had been premeditated!

It wasn't the kind from the kitchen that Jiang Fengmian had imagined. It was indeed a set—one for Huo Zong and one for him, with different apron styles.

Oh my god, how did Huo Zong know so many tricks?

"Brother, this isn't really proper."

Huo Zong raised an eyebrow, his fingers hooking onto Jiang Fengmian's buttons and gently undoing them, his fingertips pressing against the small of his back.

"Kitty Cat, there's nothing wrong with it."

"No, no, brother, I still have things to do. There's so much online stuff I need to take care of."

With a thud, Jiang Fengmian's phone was snatched by Huo Zong and tossed aside. He gripped Jiang Fengmian's waist and spoke in a husky voice, "It's fine. You can handle the online stuff later. Right now, you take care of us."

"Kitty Cat, don't you really like it?"

Huo Zong put his on first, and Jiang Fengmian's eyes were glued to him. He cleared his throat. He did like it, but still, wasn't this a bit too much?

"Jiang Fengmian, I like it. Do you like it?"

"I... I like it."

Jiang Fengmian reluctantly followed suit and changed as well, kissing Huo Zong's lips and slowly getting lost in it.

His lower back felt cool, but it quickly became burning hot.

Jiang Fengmian thought to himself, it was time to uninstall the manga app from Huo Zong's phone. He had seen too many inappropriate comments, and it was really affecting him.

Although, he did feel pretty good, but still, it was so humiliating!