Chapter 53: Kitty, you mentioned abstinence… those small joys in an otherwise mundane life…

Chapter 53: Kitty, you mentioned abstinence... those small joys in an otherwise mundane life...

"Bro, hand me the phone."

Jiang Fengmian rubbed his sore and weak waist, extending his hand towards Huo Zong with a pout. He felt like he'd been put through the wringer all night and was on the verge of collapsing. He wanted to see where Huo Zong had learned all this from.

"Kitty, what are you looking for in the chat logs? There's nothing there."

Hmph, Jiang Fengmian wasn't buying Huo Zong's excuses. He flipped through the phone several times, and indeed, there was nothing inappropriate. He clicked his tongue, wondering if Huo Zong was just a natural.

"Huo Zong, you need to abstain recently, do you know what abstinence is?"

Huo Zong groaned, looking like his world had just ended. They'd just started getting close, and now they had to put the brakes on.

"Sweetie..."

Jiang Fengmian's palm pressed against Huo Zong's mouth. He pinched Huo Zong's earlobe seriously and hummed lightly, "Bro, no backtalk."

"Okay, abstinence."

Jiang Fengmian released his palm and pointed to the pomelo on the table, waiting for Huo Zong to peel it for him.

He lounged on the sofa, idly scrolling through the latest celebrity gossip. Huo Qilin had been all over the news yesterday, and he could still see a bunch of revelations in the comments section when he searched now.

Some claimed Huo Qilin had a sex addiction, while others said he was just hyperactive. There were even those who had brief encounters with him coming forward to reveal details. In short, Huo Qilin was a rich idiot.

It wasn't clear if this was Huo Qing's PR move, but Huo Qilin's reputation seemed to improve overnight, being whitewashed into a rich young man who was generous and never mistreated anyone, just a bit of a playboy.

Now Huo Qilin had turned over a new leaf, the prodigal son who'd even stopped hitting the clubs.

Jiang Fengmian snorted, "What a slick move." It wasn't that he'd stopped going; he just couldn't afford it anymore. Huo Qing had cut off his allowance, so how could he still have money to splurge?

"Bro, is this Mr. Zheng's handiwork? Pretty slick, keeping Huo Corporation out of it."

"It's him. Silver Fox Entertainment deals in these businesses. They can keep things trending, manage comments, and deliver any data—for a price."

Jiang Fengmian nodded, realizing he'd seen it all now. Huo Qing wanted to bury it and clean up his image, but it came at a cost. Mr. Zheng bought data to boost it, so Silver Fox Entertainment cashed in from both ends.

"Bro, I’ve got another question. If a silver brooch from years ago had blood on it, could we still pull DNA from it now?"

Huo Zong’s hand shot out, gripping Jiang Fengmian’s wrist, his eyes narrowing as he asked, "Why are you bringing this up now?"

"I had this nightmare where Jiang Fengqiu and Jiang Junling pushed me down the stairs. At that time, I stabbed his palm with the brooch, the same one I gave you before."

"Bro, I’ve got this weight on my chest. I want to send it in and see if they can find anything."

Jiang Fengmian pressed his fingertips against his chest, his eyelids drooping, leaning listlessly on the sofa.

"I’ll get it tested, sweetie. Don’t worry, whatever happens, I’ve got your back."

Huo Zong gently pulled Jiang Fengmian into his arms, his fingers stroking his hair. His little kitty still trusted him too much. How could one know their own affairs through dreams?

Jiang Fengmian rested his chin on Huo Zong's shoulder and hummed softly.

Huo Zong’s eyes darkened, his emotions unreadable. If it was really Jiang Fengqiu and Jiang Junling who pushed him down, he would definitely make them pay the price they deserved.

That was premeditated murder, how could he let them roam free?

***

Huo Corporation.

The project in the southern city has officially commenced, with Huo Zong assigning Chen Chen to take full charge. He went through the company's documents and retrieved this year's confidential files from the safe. Most of the plans outlined have been implemented, surpassing the first-half targets.

The capital's landscape shifts rapidly, and Huo Zong can't afford to pause. He knows better than anyone that once he stops, the forces he's kept down will strike back quickly, especially Huo Qing, who's itching for the Huo Corporation to stumble so he can grab another chance.

"Chen Chen, how’s the investigation on the western city land I asked you to look into last time?"

"Mr. Huo, the land has already been sold."

Huo Zong raised his eyebrows in surprise. Sold so quickly?

"That’s right, Mr. Huo. Right after the southern city development plans were announced, the western city land prices dropped sharply. It was revealed that the Jiang family bought it."

The Jiang family. Huo Zong quickly realized that this must be a joint development between Huo Qing and the Jiang family. The Jiang family doesn’t have enough funds to handle such a large area.

Only Huo Qing, whose wealth is a mystery to everyone, could easily buy a piece of land.

"Mr. Huo, the land in the western city was sold in two parts. One part was seized by the government for development, consisting of farmland and forest land, plus a small residential area with higher demolition payouts. The rest was snapped up by the Jiang family, mostly the wasteland we checked out last time."

That wasteland reportedly housed a factory long ago, and thirty years ago, a sewage spill ruined the land. Even after tearing down the illegal structures, the land stayed barren, with just a few weeds sprouting recently.

Huo Zong figured Huo Qing probably wants to develop it fast to recoup his investment. Handling demolition disputes is a hassle, so buying the wasteland and getting the permits would let construction start right away.

"Got it, keep an eye on it."

"Understood, Mr. Huo. I’ll get back to it."

Jiang Fengmian was in high spirits as he ran over to Huo Zong to look at the map of the western city together.

"Brother, developing this area won’t be easy."

It’s sandwiched in the middle, and the area isn’t particularly large. Development would have to wait for some houses to be demolished first before they can start construction.

Jiang Junling made a shrewd purchase. Beneath the wasteland lies a site where artifacts were unearthed—a large burial ground. The cultural relics bureau has restricted any development there.

Huo Zong let out an "oh," his tone rising slightly. Whenever Jiang Fengmian becomes overly focused on something, it usually means there’s something intricate going on.

"My lucky cat, are you saying there’s another fortune coming our way?"

Jiang Fengmian put on an innocent cat-like expression, his clear eyes fixed on Huo Zong. He pinched Huo Zong’s cheek and whined, "Brother, I don’t have such great abilities. We might not be making a fortune, but I guarantee the Jiang family will lose their capital."

The Jiang family’s company isn’t particularly large. Jiang Fengqiu lost over ten million in the cultural tourism bureau’s project. Although he managed to get seven million from Huo Qing, he didn’t bother to fill the Jiang family’s financial hole, leaving Jiang Junling in a frantic mess.

If this doesn’t work out, Jiang Junling will have to beg for mercy.

"Wow, then I’ll take your word for it, my lucky cat, and see how the Jiang family loses their capital."

"Though it’s not certain. You might not know, but Jiang Junling is planning to sell off another son. I heard he intends to arrange a marriage between Jiang Fengqiu and Huo Qilin, demanding a two-billion investment."

Initially, his marriage to Jiang Fengmian was just an empty promise. This time, Jiang Junling wants the money first before sending Jiang Fengqiu over.

However, no one in the Huo family is willing. Two billion? Jiang Fengqiu doesn’t have any exceptional talents, and they’re not willing to spend that kind of money. The Jiang family isn’t an asset but a burden.

"He’s quite ambitious, but unfortunately, Huo Qing isn’t the same as before. Our marriage was meant to humiliate me; the Jiang family was never in his considerations."

Jiang Fengmian nodded in agreement. Honestly, if it weren’t for the story’s setup, Huo Qing, who looks down on everyone, would never consider the Jiang family.

"Brother, marrying me must have been a hardship for you." Jiang Fengmian’s words carried a hint of bitterness as he straddled Huo Zong’s lap, his fingertips brushing over Huo Zong’s lips.

"No, it’s my great fortune. Jiang Fengmian, thank you for coming. With you here, spring truly feels like spring."

He had no idea where Jiang Fengmian had come from, likely from a great distance. Jiang Fengmian said it was for him, and he only felt heartache. The little cat must have endured countless hardships to finally reach him.

Jiang Fengmian arrived in the last month of spring. From the day he appeared, Huo Zong's life felt as warm and bright as spring and summer.

Huo Zong's arms tightened, and he brushed a brief kiss against Jiang Fengmian's lips, holding back as he looked deeply into Jiang Fengmian's eyes, his love pouring into that gaze.

As the seasons turned, he would always remember that mild spring morning when Jiang Fengmian hooked his wrist and timidly called him "husband."

"Brother, what if you met someone who looked exactly like me but had a completely different personality? Would you treat him the same way you treat me?"

Even though the story portrayed Huo Zong and Jiang Fengmian as cold and distant, he couldn’t stop himself from feeling jealous, always making these hypothetical assumptions, then getting so angry he felt like he might explode, yet unable to show it.

"No, it’s your soul I fell in love with, not just this face. There are thousands of Jiang Fengmians in the world, even if they look exactly the same, none of them are the one in my arms. I only want this one."

"Jiang Fengmian, you can't leave. Even if I have to search heaven and earth or dig three feet into the ground, I’ll find you."

Jiang Fengmian's eyes curved into a smile as he hooked his arms around Huo Zong's neck, his legs swaying lazily.

Just these few words pleased Jiang Fengmian, and he murmured, "You sure know how to sweet-talk, brother. I won't leave. You’ve tied a long kite string to me, and as long as Huo Zong holds the kite, I will never leave."

"It’s not just sweet talk, it’s the truth, kitty. We can never be apart."

The adorable kitten nodded eagerly, softly kissing Huo Zong's lips, mumbling in reply, "Okay."

The kiss didn't last long before it was interrupted by an urgent ringtone.

Huo Zong’s phone showed Huo Cong's name. He frowned, wondering why Huo Cong was calling him.

After hanging up, Huo Cong persisted, calling repeatedly. When Huo Zong didn't answer, he had Qi Yan call instead, tag-teaming.

"Brother, maybe you should see what he needs."

"Alright."

"Finally, you picked up." Huo Cong's tone was urgent, panting, "Huo Zong, Dad is in the hospital for emergency treatment, and his condition isn't good. Do you want to come see him?"

Huo Zong let out a calm "Oh," his face expressionless, coldly saying, "Whether his condition is good or bad, what does it have to do with me?"

"Huo Zong, I think you've really gone mad. No matter what, he’s still your father. He's in the emergency room, and both emotionally and morally, you should come see him."

"You're so cold-blooded and heartless, it's beastly behavior. No, even animals have more heart than you."

Huo Cong, losing his cool in the emergency room, couldn't care about manners anymore, cursing loudly. He had never seen someone as selfish and heartless as Huo Zong, truly a beast.

When he got the news, Huo Qing was already in the ambulance. According to the butler, he had slipped while showering. When he didn't come out at his usual breakfast time, Huo Qilin went in and found him lying unconscious in the bathroom.

Huo Qing hadn't made a will yet, and the rare treasures passed down from their ancestors were hidden in secret places, even Huo Cong didn't know where. If he didn't make it through, his assets would legally have to be partially divided with Huo Zong.

Hmph, even if these things weren't given to him, they should go to Huo Qilin. They absolutely cannot fall into Huo Zong's hands.

"Yeah, you can call me when he's dead."

"You damn, Huo Zong, you're really heartless."

Beep beep beep—

Huo Cong clenched his phone in helpless rage. Huo Zong was someone who couldn’t be swayed, no matter what, truly difficult to deal with.

"Xiao Lin, what exactly happened to your grandfather yesterday?"

Qi Yan kept holding onto Huo Qilin's hand, she was somewhat dismissive of the news she saw online, thinking it was no big deal. It was just a matter of fooling around with a few handsome boys, consensual, nothing worth making a public fuss about.

"Mom, it's not my fault. I don't know when someone snapped those photos, they tried to blackmail me. You know how grandpa is, the reputation of the Huo family is more important than anything. He had to pay to keep those materials under wraps."

The contents of the USB drive were pretty scandalous, with videos and photos. Huo Qing made him sit through it all, and then ordered him to kneel on the ground. When he refused, Huo Qing hit his calves with a cane.

"Mom, my calves still hurt. Grandpa really didn't hold back. If I hadn't bolted, he might have killed me."

"Your grandpa dotes on you the most. Even I, his own son, have to take a back seat. Tell me, what exactly was in it that made him so furious he had a stroke?"

Huo Qilin groaned, avoiding Huo Cong's gaze, and mumbled, "It was just some videos of partying and having a good time. Grandpa is a real stickler for tradition. Nowadays, what young person hasn't gambled a few times? I haven't blown through the family fortune."

"You, you..." Huo Cong was at his wit's end, pointing at Huo Qilin's nose, speechless. Qi Yan stood in front of Huo Qilin, shielding him from any harsh words.

"Ah Cong, take it easy. What's happened has happened. Blaming Xiao Lin isn't going to help. The most important thing now is to see if dad can pull through this."

Huo Cong snorted ambiguously. He had found the top experts to ensure his father's survival, at least until he could find those things, or have a will made in advance.

"Xiao Lin, you better be smart. In this situation, you are your grandpa's treasure. He should leave all the good things to you. Do your best to get them."

Huo Qilin's gaze was complicated. He nodded. His father was actually the same as him. After being at the hospital for so long, he hadn't even asked how grandpa fell, only thinking about money.

Money is really a good thing. All he could hold onto was this money.

Love, in the Huo family, love is the least valuable thing.

***

"Brother, how did Huo Qing end up in the emergency room?"

In the plot, this disgusting old man really could live, maintaining a dignified image until the end.

In the entire text of hundreds of thousands of words, Huo Qing had never been hospitalized once in a critical state. How did he suddenly end up in the emergency room this time?

"I guess he was angered by Huo Qilin. He cares too much about face, never allowing anyone to tarnish the Huo family's reputation. When Huo Cong embezzled public funds and it started to ferment online, he immediately disowned Huo Cong."

"Silver Fox Entertainment owns the largest dark web in the country. The paparazzi go through several rounds of training. Any negative news can't be hidden from them. Huo Qing might have received even more shocking content, which he couldn't accept."

Jiang Fengmian angrily spat, "Face my ass. When he bullied Huo Zong, he didn't care about losing face, making the capital laugh. It's all just double standards."

"Brother, if he really doesn't make it, will you go?"

"Don't worry, he won't die, and Huo Cong won't let him die. Huo Qing has always said there are treasures passed down from our ancestors, to be given to the head of the Huo family. Even if it means prolonging his life, Huo Cong will find a way."

As Huo Zong predicted, after three hours of rescue, Huo Qing was out of danger.

Huo Qilin rushed over immediately, tears in his eyes, "Grandpa, how are you? You scared me to death."

"Doctor, how is my dad?"

"The patient was rescued in time, the situation is relatively good, but..."

Seeing the doctor hesitate, Huo Cong was anxious, "Doctor, but what? Speak up."

"The patient is quite old and has underlying diseases. There might be a risk of paralysis. We need to observe for a couple more days to be sure."

Paralysis. Huo Cong nodded blankly, thinking, this is going to be tough. Who would want to stay with a paralyzed old man every day, needing to show presence? It's disgusting.

"As long as he's saved, thank you, doctor. Please take good care of him. We must not let my dad become paralyzed."

Huo Qing on the hospital bed heard these conversations, struggling to make a sound, the anesthesia still not worn off.

Huo Qing was in a state of panic, clutching Huo Qilin's hand tightly and shaking his head frantically.

He couldn't, he couldn't be paralyzed, living like a helpless invalid in bed, without any dignity—it would be worse than death.

"Grandpa, don't worry, the doctors will definitely cure you. You won't be paralyzed."

Huo Qing clutched at the last straw, looking anxious and worn out as he glanced at the people in the room.

Huo Zong wasn't there—what an unfilial son. He was in such a state, and Huo Zong didn't even show up.

"Grandpa, are you looking for Uncle? My dad called him, but he refused to come, saying he'd be informed if you passed away."

Huo Qing coughed violently. He knew Huo Zong was heartless.

"Grandpa, don't be angry. My parents and I will take care of you. The doctor said you need to rest well. We'll step out now."

Huo Qing was in the most soundproof VIP ward. Once the door closed, it was as if he were deaf, hearing nothing.

"Qilin, you've seen the situation now. We can't waste any time. Think about how to get your grandpa to draft a will. The family treasures must be ours."

"The doctor said he can't take any more stress. He's likely to be paralyzed. What we can secure is ours. Understand?"

Huo Qilin nodded. The old man favored him the most. As long as he took care of him for a few days and hinted at making a will, he would realize his condition and wouldn't leave so much inheritance to Huo Zong.

"Dad, are you staying at the hospital tonight or going back?"

"We'll stay here today. We have to put on a convincing act. If your grandpa is in a bad mood, just stay out of his way. Don't let it get to you."

Huo Cong still had his son's best interests at heart. He knew Huo Qing's temper was explosive. If he really found out he was half-paralyzed, he might take it out on Huo Qilin.

"Alright, Dad. I'll hire three caregivers. I don't want to be the one handling his personal care."

Huo Qilin frowned in disgust, rubbing his nose as if he could already detect the unpleasant smell.

***

Night fell.

Jiang Fengmian sat at the dining table, resting his chin on his hand, waiting for Huo Zong to finish the last dish.

Aunt Wang had some family matters to attend to and would be away for a few days. Jiang Fengmian initially thought of just eating at the company cafeteria, but Huo Zong insisted on returning to cook for him himself.

As soon as Huo Zong entered, he changed his clothes and headed to the kitchen. Jiang Fengmian stared at the apron he was wearing, unconsciously remembering the set Huo Zong had shown him that day.

Jiang Fengmian's cheeks flushed slightly, his long lashes casting shadows beneath his eyes. He pinched his burning earlobes, uncomfortably averting his gaze.

Damn it, his mind was now filled with inappropriate thoughts. The tied apron accentuating Huo Zong's excellent figure, he even began picturing Huo Zong's firm abs beneath the apron.

Jiang Fengmian's vision grew hazy. He pursed his lips, swallowing his saliva, quickly picking up his chopsticks as Huo Zong came out.

"Brother, it smells so good. You've worked hard."

Huo Zong wiped his hands with a wet wipe, then ruffled Jiang Fengmian's hair. He looked suspiciously at Jiang Fengmian's slightly red cheeks, glancing at the room's temperature.

"Kitty, is it too hot?"

Jiang Fengmian let out an "ah," his face burning. He pushed those improper thoughts aside, piling Huo Zong's plate with his favorite dishes.

"No, I was just rubbing my face like this."

The way the kitten rubbed his face was a bit dazed, from his ears down to his chin, making Huo Zong laugh out loud.

"Okay, okay, you can’t scrub that hard. No kitten washes its face with all its might."

"Hmph." Jiang Fengmian turned his head away with a pout, still managing to grab a few pieces of sturgeon.

For a moment, the dining room was silent except for the clinking of dishes.

Huo Zong’s expression softened unusually. His gaze shifted to the watch on his wrist, the hands already at nine. It felt like such a carefree life belonged to a past life.

There was no need to follow a strict schedule. He could eat and work whenever he pleased.

He rarely touched the bottle of anxiety medication anymore. Holding Jiang Fengmian was the best medicine in the world.

"Brother, I want to help you wash the dishes."

"We have a dishwasher; just toss them in."

Jiang Fengmian shook his head and pulled Huo Zong to the sink to wash the dishes together.

"Huo Zong, this is the life I once dreamed of—an ordinary day, busy with the person I love, where even the air feels blissful."

Jiang Fengmian’s shoulder pressed tightly against Huo Zong’s. With every move, he leaned closer, his smile growing more pronounced.

During his time at his uncle’s house, his uncle always acted like a boss, waiting for his aunt to serve him meals. He would lounge around, never satisfied, while his aunt did all the dishes alone.

Later, Jiang Fengmian ended up doing all the household chores. His uncle was domineering, his aunt was sarcastic, and even his younger brother often bullied him in secret.

He wasn’t even tall enough to reach the sink, yet he was responsible for preparing three meals a day for the whole family. The water in winter was freezing, his hands covered in chilblains, yet he still had to wash clothes, dishes, and cook. He wasn’t allowed to use the washing machine, and this went on every single day, year-round.

Jiang Fengmian was deeply envious of the TV drama scenes where the main characters could play and laugh freely in the kitchen, blowing soap bubbles everywhere.

In those dreamy bubbles, even through the TV screen, it felt like pure happiness.

Jiang Fengmian slowed his movements, rubbing the soap into bubbles and gently blowing them toward Huo Zong.

Surprisingly, Huo Zong reached out and caught the bubbles in his palm, holding them delicately.

"Look, kitten, it’s a tiny rainbow."

Under the light, the bubbles shimmered with a spectrum of colors.

Jiang Fengmian lightly poked one, the rainbow spreading over his palm. He whispered, "Huo Zong, I’m so happy."

It was a happiness he had never felt before.

The next moment, soft kisses landed on Jiang Fengmian’s lips.

His waist softened for a moment, his wet hands clutching Huo Zong’s collar. He eagerly awaited the next move, but the man before him was extremely restrained, only gazing at him tenderly.

"Kitty, you said it—no indulgence."

Jiang Fengmian: "..."