Chapter 58: Holding onto Fireworks

Chapter 58: Holding onto Fireworks

The rhythm of his heartbeat quickly spread from Chen Wan's fingertips to every nerve.

Chen Wan stopped smiling and abruptly said, "Zhao Shengge, I've obtained Sheng Hui's annual qualification assessment reports."

Zhao Shengge raised an eyebrow, indicating for him to continue.

Chen Wan pressed his hands against Zhao Shengge's chest, grabbing his partially unbuttoned shirt, and looked down at him with infinite loyalty: "Here, it's for you."

"I can also get the equity changes."

Chen Wan, unable to read his expression, paused and added, "If you need it."

Zhao Shengge silently looked at him, finding it quite intriguing.

Sheng Hui operates in the crude oil chemical sector. Fang Jian requires one of their patents. There is similar technology abroad, but Fang Jian considers it unsafe.

Minglong negotiated, but Sheng Hui tripled their price, far exceeding the international market average. That day, Chen Wan overheard Xu Zhiying report to Zhao Shengge that they were trying to crack this tough nut.

Using other methods to pressure Sheng Hui was possible, but it would be time-consuming. Chen Wan, who had long skirted the edges of the rules, said, "They've faced several administrative penalties." If these sealed scandals were exposed, it would greatly affect the company's image.

They weren't previously connected to the internet, but Chen Wan always found a way.

Zhao Shengge, slightly amused, nodded and asked, "So, are you... fishing for compliments?"

Chen Wan, startled, quickly replied, "No."

He said seriously, "It's not to persuade you to accept my advances."

Lately, Chen Wan has been earnestly pursuing Zhao Shengge, greeting him morning and night, chauffeuring him, and fulfilling every request. His thoughtful care never made anyone feel pressured. His sense of propriety and tact, honed over years, was second nature and wouldn't be completely lost just because he was pursuing someone he had a crush on for a long time, breaking his own behavioral norms and basic principles.

But as long as Zhao Shengge turned around, reached out, or even didn't need to speak, he would get a response.

Those who've enjoyed winter sun might grasp a sliver of that feeling.

Zhao Shengge has endured the freezing cold since childhood, probably having less time with the sun than most people on Earth.

Once loved by someone like Chen Wan, even if he meets others in the future, he couldn't forget him.

"I just hope you're happy," Chen Wan said earnestly, "It's okay if you don't agree."

Zhao Shengge looked at him without speaking.

Chen Wan, feeling awkward, changed the subject, asking, "Does your head still hurt?"

Zhao Shengge had drunk tonight and said a little.

"Shall I massage it for you?"

"Chen Wan," Zhao Shengge's hands rested on his waist, stared at him for a few seconds, and said, "You're really polite."

"..." Chen Wan felt he might not be very happy, but the other lowered his head like a tamed beast.

Chen Wan leaned over to massage Zhao Shengge's temples. His fingertips were very soft, and Zhao Shengge felt he directly touched the nerves under the skin and the thoughts in his mind, making the veins at his temples throb even more.

He opened his eyes, reached out to place his hand on Chen Wan's neck, and rubbed his throat with his thumb.

What a well-behaved face.

Who’s really the most attractive?

Zhao Shengge gave the back of his neck a gentle pinch, planted a soft kiss on the side of his neck, and then sank his teeth in with elegant precision.

Chen Wan gasped, acutely aware of the sharp pressure as Zhao Shengge’s canines pressed deeper.

Only after biting did Zhao Shengge ask, "Can I touch you?"

Chen Wan, panting, trapped in a restrained position, under Zhao Shengge’s absolute control, his features even more striking up close, clutched Zhao Shengge's clothes tightly, wrinkling them, yielding, almost like an offering, and said, "Yes."

Zhao Shengge seemed somewhat satisfied, biting the same spot again, but this time with a lighter force, soothing the mark with his tongue before pulling away.

The bite mark was damp and red. Zhao Shengge reached out to touch it, applying just the right amount of pressure, tilting his head, his gaze a blend of mischief and tenderness, "Even if I don’t return your feelings, can I still touch you?"

Chen Wan said, "Yes."

Zhao Shengge’s expression was unreadable, but there was a glimmer of satisfaction. He closed his eyes briefly. Chen Wan felt it and moved slightly.

Both being adults, the rushed good mornings and good nights stolen from their busy schedules weren’t enough.

Since returning from Ting Island, both had been very busy. Due to an accident on the research vessel, afraid the Li family might make a comeback, their trip to Feiling Island got postponed.

Although Chen Wan had given all his free time to Zhao Shengge, Zhao Shengge felt it wasn’t much.

Zhao Shengge missed Chen Wan, both physically and emotionally, someone so strong-willed and composed in public, yet so pliant and submissive with him.

Zhao Shengge applied his ruthless, conquering nature to Chen Wan, touching Chen Wan's cheek, his voice calm, tender yet cutting, "Touching doesn't necessarily mean I'll agree."

"Hmm?" Chen Wan reacted, nodded, and said, "That’s fine. Take your time to think about it."

"..."

Zhao Shengge gazed at Chen Wan for a moment, then began to kiss him, though not deeply, coaxing Chen Wan to respond.

Though somewhat aloof, a bittersweet ache flooded Chen Wan’s heart, and whether it was a huge wave or a storm, Chen Wan caught it all, whole and cherished.

The Cayenne had just emerged from the undersea tunnel, driving through Central, with fireworks over Victoria Harbour today.

The lights were dazzling, the colorful fireworks unfolding like a grand dream in the night sky over the harbor, the dazzling lights reflected in Zhao Shengge’s eyes.

The fireworks were beautiful, but perhaps they wouldn’t burn for too long.

Chen Wan didn’t know how long he could possess them, so he eagerly grasped the fleeting brilliance.

"Zhao Shengge."

Zhao Shengge leaned against the car seat, his expression calm, his posture relaxed, as if it wasn’t him who was reacting, "What is it?"

Chen Wan stared straight at him, the center of his eyes a deep, persistent black.

Zhao Shengge, holding onto the last bit of his conscience, stopped Chen Wan.

"You don’t have to do this."

Chen Wan was startled, seeming a bit hurt, looked up, and softly said, "I haven’t done this with anyone else." He was clean.

"..." A fire rose in Zhao Shengge’s heart, his gaze dark and heavy. He held Chen Wan’s neck, looking down with a somewhat fierce expression, his voice hoarse, "Are you twisting my words on purpose?"

Chen Wan shook his head, pulling the hand that was stopping him, with such strength that Zhao Shengge was slightly startled, his eyes earnest yet containing a strange obsession, "I want to."

If Zhao Shengge was unwilling, Chen Wan even considered forcing himself on Zhao Shengge, figuring he could make amends later.

Love can be tender at times, but it can also be twisted, turning the gentle into the firm, and the wicked into the soft-hearted.

Chen Wan stood there expressionless, locked in a standoff with him for a moment. Zhao Shengge looked down at him for a long time, then softly ordered, "Chen Wan, come here."

The drive from Central to the hillside villa finally came to an end. Zhao Shengge leaned lazily against the car seat, his expression calm, and reached out to touch Chen Wan's cheek and lips. After gazing at him for a while, he said softly, "Thanks, baby Chen Wan."

Chen Wan shivered all over. It was the first time he had heard Zhao Shengge speak Cantonese, and the words, spoken with a blank expression, made his heart go numb.

Zhao Shengge lowered his eyes and reached out to hug Chen Wan, but Chen Wan stepped back, saying, "No, no need."

"You're being too domineering, Chen Wan," Zhao Shengge said with a sated, sexy look, glancing at him and speaking lightly, "Is it only you who can give to me?"

Zhao Shengge was a businessman who valued fairness. After thinking for a moment, he slowly stroked Chen Wan's back, one stroke at a time, and began to gently guide him, "I like fairness and reasonableness."

Whatever Chen Wan could give him, he would give Chen Wan in return.

Chen Wan finally collapsed, dazed, into Zhao Shengge's arms.

The Cayenne came to a stop in the underground garage. Zhao Shengge draped his coat over Chen Wan and was about to carry him out of the car when Chen Wan grabbed him, his eyes still glistening, and reminded him, "Zhao Shengge, remember, I'm the one pursuing you now."

But if Zhao Shengge kept indulging him like this, Chen Wan would push his luck and take things further.

Zhao Shengge didn't answer anything, just asked, "Shall we go?"

Chen Wan said yes, but didn't let Zhao Shengge carry him.

Zhao Shengge held his hand, and even though it was his first time here, he acted so naturally that if there were any daring paparazzi nearby, they would have written an article titled "The Prince of the City and His Same-Sex Lover Return Hand in Hand to Their Seaside Love Nest Late at Night."

Zhao Shengge owned many properties, and Chen Wan had seen this place in Kowloon Tong many times during video conferences. The floor-to-ceiling windows were large, books were scattered on the carpet, the floor lamp lit up automatically, and there was unfinished tea on the table, Taiping Houkui, a type of green tea.

Probably because work had piled up since returning from Ting Island, he had been working late every day.

Zhao Shengge said, "I'm going to shower."

But after saying that, he didn't move immediately, just looked at Chen Wan calmly.

Chen Wan then said, "Let me help you, okay?"

Zhao Shengge didn't say anything, just turned and walked into the bathroom.

Chen Wan followed him in.

Zhao Shengge was quiet while showering, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, exuding a cool, sexy vibe.

Chen Wan helped him wash his face and hair, and he was obedient, reminding Chen Wan of a big cat—with a strong presence and a majestic air, but now tame and harmless, completely different from the commanding figure in the car earlier.

Chen Wan quietly observed him, his hand reaching Zhao Shengge's waist. Zhao Shengge lazily lifted his eyelids to gaze at him, and Chen Wan looked back, his eyes glowing with an eerie, obsessive light.

Zhao Shengge admired him for a while, then touched his face, seemingly concerned, and asked, "Why are you so excited?" Chen Wan's body was nothing like his calm and reserved exterior and personality.

Chen Wan shuddered, his gaze filled with sincerity and infatuation, "Zhao Shengge."

Zhao Shengge's nose touched his, sniffing him, and he let out a soft "Hmm."

Chen Wan seemed to realize his request was a bit unreasonable, "Even though I haven't really caught up with you yet, can we do it tonight?"

Chen Wan used to want nothing, but Zhao Shengge, like a seducer, fed him sweet morsels bit by bit, and he began to grow greedy.

Trying to hold onto the fading warmth of Victoria Harbour's fireworks.

"Didn’t we just finish? Why are you in such a rush?" Zhao Shengge scrutinized Chen Wan, gently stepping on his foot.

Chen Wan's heart skipped a beat, his toes reddened and curled, but his gaze stayed stubbornly fixed: "If I never catch up to you, I’ll miss my chance."

Zhao Shengge let out a low chuckle, as if Chen Wan were being naive.

"Chen Wan, are you playing the sympathy card?"

Chen Wan said stubbornly, "It’s not about pity, and I’m not asking for your commitment."

Zhao Shengge wiped his face, pushed him back, and said flatly, "No."

Chen Wan had given Zhao his all, even his heart, but Zhao wanted more.

Chen Wan looked disappointed, and Zhao said, "There’s nothing here."

Zhao Shengge didn’t have lovers; even Tan Youming and the others seldom visited.

Chen Wan blinked and said, "I have one."

Zhao’s eyes narrowed: "You came prepared with a condom?"

Chen Wan's frankness contained a calm stubbornness and determination: "Not just today—I’ve brought one every time we’ve met." Ever since Zhao Shengge agreed to let him pursue him.

Chen Wan was honest and had his own reasoning: "Luck favors the prepared." Tonight was the chance he’d been waiting for.

"..." Zhao Shengge let out an exasperated laugh. If anyone else had been this scheming, Zhao would’ve felt played, but with Chen Wan, it just showed how much he wanted him.

He asked, "Chen Wan, do you really want to do it with me?"

"Yes." Since he was a teenager, Zhao Shengge had been the star of his dreams.

Zhao Shengge, with his inherently wicked nature, said gently and condescendingly, "Let me remind you—even if we do this, I might not commit to you."

"Yes, yes, yes."

"..."