Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The room was silent.

Even his own heartbeat sounded deafening.

On the other end of the still-connected call, Pei Sheng sat frozen at his desk, stunned.

Three times, he tried to hang up, but each time, something stopped him.

The first time, he mistakenly thought Qin You would leave soon.

The second time, he was distracted by the unnatural familiarity between the two.

The third time, he heard them stumble and was still worried about injuries.

He never meant to eavesdrop on private conversations, but Qin You’s voice had caught him completely off guard.

The silence fed his thoughts.

A jumble of thoughts rushed in.

Qin You… liked Tingshen…

No wonder Qin You always treated Tingshen differently.

No wonder both times there were accidents, Qin You had risked his life to ensure Tingshen’s safety.

…

It all made sense now.

And—

What if Qin You didn’t like him just because he was too close to Tingshen, and nothing more?

It had happened before.

Back when he first joined the company, swamped with work and spending almost every waking hour with Tingshen, Mr. Yan had gotten the wrong idea too.

Pei Sheng was still lost in thought when he suddenly heard a sound from the nearly silent call.

Fabric rustling.

Such a faint sound, transmitted directly into his ears through the headphones, clanged like an alarm.

His hand shook as he quickly hung up.

—

"...Let go."

Feeling the rigid tension under his palm, Qin You let out a soft chuckle.

Getting a confession like this from a man, he’d expected—knowing the guy—either a polite rejection, then slow distancing,

or outright disgust, even anger, at his hidden agenda.

This reaction? Totally unexpected.

Act like nothing happened?

Avoiding the key issue isn't Yan Tingshen's usual approach.

Qin You asked, "Are you sure you can stand up?"

As he spoke, warm breath brushed against Yan Tingshen's collar, making him purse his lips. "None of your business."

Qin You glanced at him briefly before letting him go without another word.

Yan Tingshen exerted slight force with his left arm, preparing to push himself up from the bed when a sudden crease formed between his brows, his fingers slowly clenching again.

His arm gave out, and he fell back against Qin You. Before he could recover, he heard a soft chuckle near his ear.

"..." Yan Tingshen's expression darkened.

Qin You firmly held onto the patient in his arms who was attempting to struggle again, smiling as he said, "Why so defensive? I just said I like you—it’s not like I’m trying to push you. If you keep struggling, you’ll undo all your recovery progress."

Hearing this, Yan Tingshen froze.

Silence settled between them again.

After a while, Yan Tingshen asked, "Why?"

Qin You wasn’t surprised that he had regained his composure. "You know why."

Yan Tingshen frowned. "If you're referring to what happened when we were four, I don’t remember any of it."

The dizziness clouding his mind faded into drowsiness in the warmth.

Qin You closed his eyes, listening to the target's words before responding softly, "Doesn’t matter if you don’t remember. You’re enough."

Yan Tingshen turned to look at him. "Just over some childhood accident—you sure it’s love, not just gratitude?"

When no response came for a long while, Yan Tingshen’s brows furrowed slightly again. "Qin You."

Qin You didn’t open his eyes, his voice already low and hoarse. "Hmm?"

Suddenly remembering something, he confirmed, "By the way, about the Qi family matter—was it you who helped me?"

Yan Tingshen replied indifferently, "People like that are better gone. Leaving them around would only cause harm."

Qin You’s lips quirked up, his voice gentle. "Thanks."

Yan Tingshen said, "Didn’t you have your own theory about not needing to say thanks?"

Qin You couldn’t help but look at him, the smile in his eyes deepening. "What I meant was, no need to thank me for small things. But you helped me eliminate a potential threat and spared me a lot of trouble—how’s that small? Of course, I should thank you."

Those usually teasing eyes were now inches away.

The intensity in his gaze was undeniable, intertwined with layers of faint smiles, burning with focus.

Yan Tingshen averted his gaze. "Compared to what you’ve done, this matter is insignificant."

Just their quiet breaths filled the space.

Yan Tingshen glanced over and saw that Qin You had closed his eyes once more. "Qin You."

Qin You didn’t respond this time, only leaning toward the voice—

Yan Tingshen’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The warm breath at his ear suddenly brushed closer, and the soft touch he’d once unintentionally experienced grazed past his cheek the next moment, hovering near his lips.

He pulled away immediately.

But they were already dangerously close—the lips he’d meant to avoid grazed his jawline, then seemed to press against his neck, ghosting over his skin with every breath.

Yan Tingshen's hand, braced against the bed beside Qin You’s shoulder, loosened slightly before tightening again.

The man in his arms was out cold.

The bit of strength he’d regained still wasn’t enough to support the weight of his body.

He closed his eyes briefly.

He held on a moment longer—then let go.

—

The next morning.

Qin You woke up, raising a hand to press against his aching forehead.

"Host, you're finally awake!"

The system said, "Get up now—the target’s gonna bolt!"

Bolt?

Qin You opened his eyes, only then noticing that he was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, and this wasn’t his room.

All at once, last night’s memories came rushing back.

Qin You paused, then slowly sat up from the bed.

He rubbed his temple and asked the system, "Where did he sleep last night?"

"On the sofa in the study."

The system said, "Host, you should’ve seen how sweet the target was to you. He didn’t have the heart to wake you after you fell asleep and only stood up after a long time."

Qin You: "..."

The target took a nasty spill, so it was no surprise that the recovery time last night had indeed been prolonged. It was just that the original body’s alcohol tolerance was too poor—a few drinks were enough to put him under—otherwise, he could’ve helped him relax.

He lifted the blanket covering him, then paused. "He tuck me in?"

"Not exactly."

The system said, "But the target just stood there watching you forever last night! Maybe it was because of his injuries—he was too hurt to move you, so he left it. The butler’s the one who covered you up this morning."

Qin You exhaled slowly.

He stood by the bed, staring for a long moment.

Seems the target was too furious to get out of bed last night.

Hearing noises outside, he got out of bed: "Explain this little escape plan."

"Oh!"

The system perked up. "This morning, as soon as the target woke up, he made two phone calls. Just now, the butler came up and said the driver had arrived, then helped the target with his laptop downstairs. He hasn’t come back since!"

Qin You asked, "How long ago was 'just now'?"

The system hurriedly replied, "Less than ten seconds! Get downstairs now and intercept him—you can definitely catch up!"

Qin You said, "Relax."

The system: "…………"

Qin You turned back into the room, washed up quickly, and only then headed downstairs.

The system was panicking so hard its circuits were overheating: "Host, this is no time for that!"

Qin You didn't even blink.

The target was injured. Without him by his side and refusing help to go downstairs, he was doomed to be slow.

As expected, when he reached the ground floor, a group of people were clustered by the door.

Still in the entryway, he saw Yan Tingshen standing by the car.

The driver, holding the car door open, noticed his boss had stopped and quickly asked, "Mr. Yan?"

Yan Tingshen stood still.

Behind him, Qin You recognized the approaching footsteps.

"Leaving in such a hurry?"

Yan Tingshen’s hand at his side twitched into a fist.

He turned and saw Qin You walking toward him with an amused smirk.

Last night’s incident hadn't fazed him.

Yan Tingshen gave a slight hand gesture.

The assistant and the driver exchanged a glance, discreetly backing away and returning to the car to wait.

Qin You had already reached the car.

He also gestured behind him, and the butler and servants withdrew into the house.

"Couldn't even say goodbye?"

Yan Tingshen’s tone betrayed nothing: "An emergency. You were sleeping."

Qin You arched an eyebrow, drawling, "Do you really need to handle company matters personally?"

Yan Tingshen simply said, "Yes."

Qin You said, "What about after you're done? Are you coming back?"

Yan Tingshen remained silent.

Qin You bit back a smile. "Because of what I said last night?"

Yan Tingshen pursed his lips. "I’ve already forgotten about last night. Mr. Qin needn’t take it to heart."

Qin You chuckled. "Conveniently forgotten again?"

Yan Tingshen glanced at him. "And I’d appreciate it if you dropped the subject."

Qin You met his gaze, his tone loaded. "You can’t pretend it never happened."

Yan Tingshen fell silent for a moment before saying, "I’ve got a meeting."

As he spoke, his eyes flickered over Qin You’s thin, wrinkled shirt. His brow twitched. "You came out in *this*? You should go back."

Qin You said, "It’s fine. It’s a nice day."

At that, Yan Tingshen froze mid-turn.

He glanced up at the unseasonably warm sunlight in the clear sky, then looked down, lost in thought. After two seconds, he finally moved toward the open car door.

Qin You watched his retreating back.

His back was straight, his steps even—nothing out of the ordinary. But—

Remembering what the system had said earlier that morning, Qin You laughed softly.

Exactly.

No matter how he played it, his target was running scared.

Yan Tingshen had already slid into the car. Hearing the laughter, he turned his gaze back to Qin You.

Qin You smiled at him and raised a hand in farewell. "See you."

Yan Tingshen hesitated for another second. "See you."

The car door soon closed.

The engine started.

The taillights vanished down the road.

The system wailed. "Boss! He’s already bolted—how can you still laugh? Do something!"

The smile on Qin You’s lips didn’t fade.

The target wasn’t into men—same as him. Why wouldn’t he laugh?

As for the mission—

Qin You opened the panel and saw the displayed values. His smile finally faded.

His brow furrowed.

Affection: 20% → 23%

The system continued to complain, "And there's this task too! Host, I haven’t even had the chance to tell you yet—it’s outrageous! The main storyline affection task usually requires an increase of at least five percent. The host performed so perfectly this time, without a single misstep, yet it only went up by three percent. This is straight-up unfair!"

Qin You said, "The target rejected my confession. The affection level should have dropped. How did it increase?"

"Pfft, host, you’re missing the point!"

At this, the system wasn’t anxious anymore. "This is what you call—playing *hard* to get!"

Qin You: "..."

He took the coat handed to him by the attendant and turned to enter the house.

The system was still going on smugly, "Host, look, the evidence is right here! The target may have run away on the surface, but secretly, their affection level is rising. What else could this be if not playing *hard* to get?"

Qin You ignored its nonsense.

The target chose to distance themselves after hearing the confession, which meant they weren’t into him.

But the hard fact that the affection level had risen was undeniable. There had to be something fishy going on.

He asked, "Does the main storyline task forcibly increase affection?"

"Impossible, host! The target’s affection level comes from their heart—it represents their current feelings toward you. If we could force it, there’d be no need for tasks. We could just force the protagonist to increase affection toward the target directly."

The system explained, "The main storyline affection task is just an aid to boost progress. The main system detects the current affection level and, in line with the plot and character traits, helps the host gain the target’s affection faster. It can’t directly generate affection."

As it spoke, Qin You headed upstairs.

Passing by the room the target had stayed in, he glanced inside.

If it wasn’t forced, then there must be something fishy.

Did something go down this morning?

The system observed for a while, swallowing its frustration, worried the host might abandon the task. It persuaded, "C’mon, host, I know you’re unhappy that the affection only rose by three percent, but we’ve made huge progress! We’ve only completed two node tasks, and the target’s affection has already increased by a whopping twenty-three percent. Even for a legit romance plot, that’s impressive!"

Qin You: "..."

Seeing the host still silent, the system doubled down, "Really, host! Main storyline affection tasks usually only require a small increase after node tasks to unlock. I originally thought that after two tasks, a ten-point increase would be great. But look, host—you blew past that!"

Though not exactly hungover, Qin You was getting a headache.

No.

The affection level absolutely couldn’t keep rising.

He went back to his room to wash off the boozy smell from the night before and asked the system, "Is there any way to lower affection?"

"Wait, what?"

The system was baffled. "Lower affection? Host, you serious?"

Qin You rephrased, "Do you have any information on the target’s likes and dislikes?"

The system said, "I don’t, but completing tasks rewards you with spatial energy. If you need the target’s data, you can exchange some of it. Would you like to proceed?"

Qin You said, "Yeah."

"Alright. I—

Halfway through, the system belatedly sensed something amiss. "Hold up, Host! If you lower the target's favorability, our mission progress will drop too. What if the task fails? We can't swap it now!"

Qin You said, "Hmm? Don’t you think we’re moving too fast, that could screw up the mission?"

"Eh??"

The system was lost again. "Moving too fast… could mess up the mission?"

Qin You replied, "Only two plot points in, and the target's favorability has already hit 23%. What if, at a critical moment in the mission, their favorability maxes out and they’re head over heels for me? What then?"

The system was instantly stunned. "Holy crap, Host, you’re totally right!"

Qin You remained expressionless. "Get it now?"

"Get it!"

The system freaked out at the idea. "If the target falls for you and becomes completely devoted, what happens to the protagonist? Our mission would fail utterly—that’d be terrifying. Thank god you caught that, Host!"

Qin You said, "Go ahead with the swap."

The system replied, "On it!"

After sending the request, it asked again, "We’ve got enough points left for more swaps. Host, do you want to keep going?"

Qin You said, "No."

With the risk of mission failure, backup energy can cover penalties. Better to save some just in case. From now on, it’d be best to use it for targeted swaps like this.

Once he pulled up the data, he opened the panel.

The target’s likes and dislikes were divided into two sections.

The "Likes" section had a tiny note in parentheses after some entries: "Former."

The "Dislikes" section was ranked from mild to severe, with parents included. The standout was the last line:

"Connections related to the past."

Qin You read that line, then flipped back to the previous page.

Marked as "former," it likely referred to past preferences.

Since it involved the past, it probably ties into past connections too.

The target’s family lost their status, so no surprise they’d dodge the past.

The system said, "Host, but the target isn’t here right now. This won’t help tank their favorability. Shouldn’t you take the initiative?"

Qin You replied, "Chill."

"..." The system went quiet and dipped.

But it couldn’t help itself.

Not having the host’s self-control, by the afternoon, it caved and blurted out advice: "Host, it’s 3 p.m. You usually work out together at this time. Why not hit them up? Maybe the target is starting to reconsider!"

Qin You said, "They won’t."

The system persisted, "Dude, just shoot your shot! Their favorability needs to drop soon, or it’ll be bad for the mission!"

Qin You had no choice but to take out his phone and send a message to Yan Tingshen.

Qin: It's time. Don’t forget what you need to do.

—

On the table.

His phone screen lit up.

Yan Tingshen glanced at his phone, his left hand on the armrest tensed slightly before he averted his gaze and lowered his eyes to continue reviewing the data in the file.

In the room, the discussion continued uninterrupted.

Only Zhang Ming, sitting to Yan Tingshen’s immediate right, also noticed the briefly lit screen.

He looked at Yan Tingshen. As Yan Tingshen's right-hand man, he knew full well that his boss would never let just a text message disrupt his work.

The thought barely formed when Zhang Ming saw Yan Tingshen reach for his phone and open the message.

Yan Tingshen read Qin You’s words.

He checked his watch and realized it was already three o’clock.

What he shouldn't forget—he naturally knew.

At this moment, the others also noticed his movement, and the conversation trailed off as they instinctively turned to Zhang Ming.

"..." Zhang Ming thought for a moment before asking, "Mr. Yan?"

Yan Tingshen set down his phone, casually closed the folder, and said calmly, "Meeting adjourned."

Though confused, no one questioned it. They all stood and began collecting their things as they left.

Zhang Ming stayed until the end, waiting until everyone had dispersed before tentatively asking, "Mr. Yan, would you like to rest for a while?"

Only a handful in the company knew about Yan Tingshen’s injury—he was one of them.

The more he learned about the severity of the wound, the more awestruck he became. He could hardly imagine what kind of willpower kept his boss functioning normally, commuting to the company without a hitch.

No wonder he was the boss, while Zhang Ming could only be his assistant. The difference in capability was undeniable.

Yan Tingshen said, "No need."

Zhang Ming didn't push it. He nodded and added, "The schedule with Runxi's President Qi has been confirmed. He has invited you and Pei Zhu to dinner next Tuesday at Tongsheng Hotel. Will that work for you?"

Knowing that President Qi was a friend of both Yan Tingshen and Pei Zhu, he didn't question the invitation.

Yan Tingshen replied, "Mhm."

Zhang Ming gave a quick look as he stood. "Understood. I’ll inform them right away. Mr. Yan, if there’s nothing else, I'll head out now?"

Receiving Yan Tingshen’s silent approval, he turned and exited.

After stepping out of the meeting room, just before closing the door, he caught sight of his boss, alone, lifting his phone again—not hesitating, but deep in thought.

Must be something important.

Not daring to look further, Zhang Ming gently shut the door.

Yan Tingshen didn’t notice the movement behind him.

He returned to the chat screen and, after a moment, typed a reply.

Y: I will. Thanks.

Soon after, a notification sounded, and a new message popped up.

Qin: The doctor you helped me book has arrived.

Qin: [Image]

Yan Tingshen hesitated slightly before opening the image Qin You had sent.

It was a medical kit placed on equipment he had once used, with the doctor standing beside it, taking out Qin You’s stitches.

The wound wasn’t visible in the photo, but the rehabilitation room mirror reflected Qin You’s profile as he casually took the picture, just showing his arm with the sleeve rolled up to the elbow.

Another notification chimed.

Yan Tingshen swiped past the photo to read the latest message.

Qin: Thank you.

Seeing those two words, Yan Tingshen pursed his lips.

He exited the chat, turned his phone over on the desk, and reopened his emails.

—

“That’s it?”

The system wasn’t satisfied. “Why isn’t the target chatting with you anymore, Host? Last time, he said so much!”

Qin You replied, “I told you—making a move now has more drawbacks than benefits.”

“...” The system muttered, “But the favorability clearly went up…”

Qin You pretended not to hear.

Once the doctor finished treating his wound, he thanked him and signaled the butler to see him out. As he unbuttoned his cuffs, he glanced back at the empty rehab room and mused to himself.

It had only been a few days, yet he’d already gotten used to sharing meals and space with the target under the same roof.

Soon, the butler returned upstairs with medicine and, seeing Qin You still in the rehab room, asked, “Mr. Qin, should we restore this room and the vacant bedroom to their original state?”

The man his employer had brought had an intimidating aura, so the staff rarely initiated conversation with him. Even daily cleaning, the maids would rush through while he was away.

Today, the man had left the house, and though the butler hadn’t asked, he noticed that the man had taken his computer—something he never carried when going out. With no sign he’d ever stayed in the villa, the butler assumed he wouldn’t be returning this time.

Qin You glanced at the workout chart on the wall. “No, leave them as they are. Just keep them clean.”

Given how often the target suffered injuries under Yan Tingshen’s care, healing would take a while.

If future missions forced him to bring the man home again, tearing this down now would only mean wasted effort.

“Very well.”

The butler nodded and handed Qin You what he was carrying. “Here’s your medicine.”

Qin You withdrew his gaze, took the water to swallow his medicine, then turned and went back to his room.

With no assignments, aside from going out once to sign a contract, he didn’t leave the house again.

With Cui Ling acting as his proxy at the company, several days passed without Qin Hengzhong noticing anything amiss.

Only the system was frantic, practically tearing its hair out: "Host, it’s been almost a week! What about your plan? Are you just blowing it off?"

Qin You said, "Chill."

The system replied, "I freak out about everything!"

It was practically ready to spill its guts for the host to see. "The plot node hasn’t triggered, the favorability is stagnant—host, how can you just sit around like this?"

Before Qin You could respond, his phone rang.

It was Cui Ling.

He greeted first: "Young Qin."

Qin You asked, "Trouble?"

"...No." Cui Ling bit back his unease, trying not to think about how he was enabling this. He continued, "Young Qin, the chairman wants you at dinner at Tong Sheng Hotel at 5 p.m."

Then, a system alert popped up.

"Plot node triggered."

"The target’s gonna be in danger in three hours and thirty-six minutes. Get there in time to pull the target out."

The system grew excited: "We’re good, host! Mission’s on!"

Qin You asked Cui Ling, "Dinner at the hotel?"

"With Miss Liu from Kaiqiang."

Cui Ling explained, "The chairman’s really into this Miss Liu. He says she’s gentle, composed, and reasonable. He’s dead set on you meeting her."

Qin You said, "Hard pass."

Before Cui Ling could react, the system panicked again: "Host, you can’t bail on this! This is a key moment—you gotta go!"

Cui Ling said, "Young Qin, the chairman has already set the time with Miss Liu. Don’t leave her hanging at the restaurant."

The system chimed in, "Plus, host, isn’t tanking the target’s favorability the plan? Think about it—nothing tanks favorability like a rebound blind date!"

Qin You paused.

Had to give it that.

The system had a point.

Cui Ling started again: "Wait—"

Qin You cut him off.

"Text the driver the address."

Cui Ling: "..."

A single sentence was all it took to persuade him.

Since when has the Prodigal Heir been this agreeable?

Afraid Qin You might pull another switch, he said, "I’ll be there in two hours."

If Qin You sent a stand-in for Miss Liu, like he did with the documents, and it came to light later, he’d be the one in trouble.

Qin You said, "Mm."

Hearing nothing unusual in his tone, Cui Ling relaxed.

Two hours later, they picked him up from Zeshui Bay, and the driver headed to a residential area.

Cui Ling avoided Qin You’s gaze. "Young Master Qin, these are the Chairman’s orders. Escorting Miss Liu is basic courtesy."

He wasn’t lying. The Chairman wanted Qin You there—by deception if necessary.

But tricking Qin You still left him uneasy.

Qin You gave no response.

Qin You’s unusual compliance today made Cui Ling exhale in relief.

As Miss Liu got in, he started introductions.

"Miss Liu, I’m Qin You."

Qin You smiled and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Miss Liu clutched her handbag tighter when she saw him. After settling in, she shook his hand. "Nice to meet you too."

Cui Ling checked the rearview mirror.

He knew the Prodigal Heir was hung up on Yan Tingshen, but who’d have thought that despite refusing earlier, now that he saw how beautiful she was, he actually—

"Miss Liu, I’m sure you know the old man set this up."

Qin You withdrew his hand and looked at her. "Before we eat, let’s clear the air."

Miss Liu looked at him again.

"I’m not looking to settle down anytime soon. I’m only here to fulfill a task."

Qin You met her gaze. "No offense intended. I just don’t want you to feel pressured into dinner with a stranger at the old man’s request."

Hearing this, Miss Liu studied him again.

Mr. Qin from Qin Group had his eye on her. Even if the guy in the photo was gorgeous, she couldn’t help but feel awkward—and a little sad that her own life wasn’t entirely hers to control.

Seeing Qin You up close, she found him not just handsome but effortlessly cool. His smile and glance made her ears burn—

But his words were clear and gentle.

Her life was still her own.

She smiled. "Got it."

Qin You gave a slight nod and averted his gaze.

The car drove smoothly along the road.

Cui Ling: "..."

He glanced at the rearview mirror again, his mind swirling with mixed emotions.

Could it be that the Prodigal Heir was genuinely in love with Yan Tingshen?

—

Half an hour later.

Tongsheng Hotel.

Qin You stepped out of the car, buttoning his coat one-handed. He circled around the back of the car and opened the other backseat door, a practiced smile playing on his lips. "We're here."

Miss Liu responded politely, "Thank you."

Qin You didn’t offer his hand to assist her, just waited by the door.

Once she exited, he closed the car door and was turning away when his eyes landed on someone familiar.

He froze.

"Mr. Qin," Miss Liu asked, seeing him freeze, "is something wrong?"

Following his line of sight, she caught sight of Yan Tingshen in the distance. His fleeting gaze burned her with its indifference, and she instinctively ducked behind Qin You.

Yan Tingshen registered her retreat, his impenetrable dark eyes shifting back to Qin You.

He observed Qin You’s hands as they opened and closed the car door, his faded smile, and finally settled on those unmistakably charming eyes—

He looked at him, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever—utterly unmoved.