Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Xi Wenlun glanced over the agreement, grunted noncommittally, and set it aside.

"You can use any room here as you please, including mine." As he finished speaking, his phone vibrated, and he headed out of the study.

Fu Xie gaped dumbly at his retreating figure, only snapping back to reality when the door clicked shut with a soft *click*.

Wait... that's it? He just left like that?

Though still confused about everything, since Xi Wenlun hadn’t given him any instructions, Fu Xie decided to go with the flow.

Besides, it was only a year—if anything, he was the one benefiting. After toughing it out for a year, he could finally break free and live the life of his dreams.

Fu Xie spent an anxious week in the villa, during which Xi Wenlun didn’t even return for a single night.

It was then that he started piecing together his current situation.

Xi Wenlun was emotionally detached, had someone special in his heart, and let Fu Xie spend freely from the card—which likely meant he wouldn’t be required to fulfill any "obligations" as a sugar baby, like dating or getting physical.

Fu Xie had also recently searched online for information about Xi Wenlun and saw that he had attended a charity gala during this time without needing Fu Xie’s company.

He thought to himself—as long as Xi Wenlun didn’t lay a finger on him, wasn’t he already living the dream life of a rich heir he’d always fantasized about? Everything he wanted, no one to control him, no work or school, unlimited spending money.

This kind of life was straight-up heavenly.

Whatever Xi Wenlun planned to do with him later, he clearly had no time to spare for Fu Xie now. Since the outcome was inevitable either way, he might as well enjoy the perks while he could.

The only inconvenience was moving around the villa—whenever he encountered someone, he'd instinctively avoid them.

The Xi family’s servants were nothing if not professional. Sensing Fu Xie’s discomfort, they gave him space, allowing him to move freely through the villa.

Fu Xie was delighted. Thanks to their consideration, he gradually managed to make small talk with them.

Meanwhile, in his top-floor office, Xi Wenlun’s childhood friend and business partner, Ji Ruisi, was completely baffled by his actions.

Ji Ruisi: “Why on earth would you keep a plant sent by a business rival in your own home?”

Xi Wenlun calmly reviewed documents. “Easier to keep an eye on him.”

Ji Ruisi was speechless. “You devious bastard. Don’t tell me you planted fake data at home, waiting for him to take the bait and take down the Li family in the process.”

It had to be said—Ji Ruisi knew exactly what scheme Xi Wenlun had up his sleeve. The latter merely raised an eyebrow and stayed silent.

“That kid’s pretty pitiful,” Ji Ruisi remarked. He had been there too, and being a sharp observer, he immediately saw through Fu Xie’s unease. Teasingly, he added, “He’s seriously gorgeous. Haven’t seen such eye candy in years. Are you sure you didn’t bring him home with ulterior motives? I saw you crack a smile, you emotionless statue.”

Xi Wenlun shot him a deadpan stare.

Ji Ruisi promptly shut up, mentally tutting at how petty the man was—getting prickly the moment his true intentions were exposed.

Noticing the surveillance software on Xi Wenlun’s computer screen, Ji Ruisi rubbed his hands excitedly. “You’ve got this too? Quick, let’s see what Little Beauty’s up to in your house!”

Xi Wenlun set down the documents. “Don’t you have work? How’s your project coming along?”

Ji Ruisi, ever the quick one, grabbed the mouse and opened the software before Xi Wenlun could stop him.

Xi Wenlun: “….”

His villa was equipped with security cameras, covering nearly every corner—both indoors and out—except for a few private areas.

Ji Ruisi: "Wanna bet he’s snooping through your room right now?"

The moment they opened the surveillance feed, Fu Xie was indeed inside Xi Wenlun's master bedroom at that very moment.

Ji Ruisi hadn't expected his words to come true so literally. The temperature around Xi Wenlun dropped instantly.

After Fu Xie entered the room, both men waited to see what he would do next.

But then, Fu Xie first picked up the TV remote and turned on the massive screen in the bedroom's lounge area, grumbling, "Why install the biggest and best TV in your own room?"

Then he just... left.

Minutes later, he returned carrying a large box.

Xi Wenlun narrowed his eyes while Ji Ruisi leaned forward intently.

The box was packed with console games—all top-tier AAA titles.

Ji Ruisi and Xi Wenlun: "..."

Not what they’d pictured.

Fu Xie dragged the games and snacks like potato chips next to him, cozied up in a soft spherical sofa, and began going ham on gaming.

Ji Ruisi froze: "That’s it? Just gaming?"

Xi Wenlun shook his head: "Pull the earlier footage."

Ji Ruisi rewound the surveillance footage, and they watched together at double speed.

During his first couple of days, Fu Xie had been pretty low-key—eating meals, reading books, or strolling in the garden, secretly picking up fallen flowers to play with.

But in later days, as if struck by sudden inspiration, he went nuts online shopping using Xi Wenlun's credit card.

Ji Ruisi side-eyed Xi Wenlun, grinning.

Xi Wenlun remained expressionless.

Turns out Fu Xie had splurged on either top-tier electronics like high-end PCs and VR sets, or various console games.

He spent his days binging games in the villa—starting in the living room before deciding it didn’t hit right. After learning from the butler that the master bedroom had the best TV, he relocated everything there.

Fu Xie didn’t even come downstairs for meals, having servants deliver food to the guest bedroom. He'd snack when hungry from gaming, sleep when exhausted, with his only activity being switching from PC games in the guest room to console games in the master bedroom when bored.

Ji Ruisi, a hardcore gamer, was jealous AF: "Damn, this is my dream life—no one breathing down my neck about work."

Sometimes Fu Xie would order takeout instead of eating the housekeeper's meals.

After several days of home gaming, he seemed to get new ideas.

It wasn't until Xi Wenlun saw he'd booked a flight to a tropical island resort three days later that his sharp eyes flickered wider, tinged with slight surprise.

Ji Ruisi cackled: "I’ll say your boytoy’s living large—planning overseas vacations while you're still stuck working overtime as his sugar daddy."

Xi Wenlun decided to intervene before things escalated further.

Upon arrival, he found Fu Xie unboxing fresh professional diving gear and colorful beachwear.

Fu Xie snipped an opening in a packaging bag, then made a face as he scrunched it, tearing it clean in half with a loud *schhhk*.

He didn't know why Xi Wenlun had suddenly returned. His hands paused mid-unpacking as he looked up to find Xi Wenlun standing imposingly before him, gazing down.

Fu Xie: ...

What do you do when your sugar daddy comes home and finds his sugar baby ferociously ripping open packages in the living room?

Wait, no! Fu Xie shook his head. It was totally fair game for him to spend Xi’s money—after all, the card had been left for him.

Besides, there was an agreement in place. Xi Wenlun didn’t require him to work, so it only made sense that he could shop to his heart's content.

Still, Fu Xie figured he should at least play his part as the sugar baby. The sugar daddy was back, after all. He tossed aside the package and pasted on a smile. "Y-you’re home?"

As he stood up, he forgot about the obstacle beside him. Lifting his foot, his ankle accidentally knocked into the sofa leg.

Fu Xie let out a soft "Ah" in pain.

Xi Wenlun had started off with an icy expression, clearly ready for some kind of confrontation, but seeing Fu Xie clumsily injure himself right in front of him, his stern act wavered.

Fu Xie had little tolerance for pain. His eyes reddened from the impact, his doe eyes glistening. He curled inward slightly, reaching to rub the sore spot.

Xi Wenlun frowned. "Sit."

Fu Xie obediently complied—when the sugar daddy spoke, he obeyed.

Xi Wenlun dropped to one knee to examine the injury. The fair ankle was already swollen and red. After a brief hesitation, he took hold of it.

Soft and warm. As his palm pressed against the skin, he felt the faint tremble beneath before his grip tightened—firm but gentle, leaving no room for escape.

So delicate.

Xi Wenlun’s brow furrowed further, his fingers absently tracing the smooth flesh.

Somehow, the tips of Fu Xie’s ears flushed pink, the heat spreading to his cheeks.

He itched to snap at the man—*Have you had enough yet?*

Xi Wenlun lifted his head, intending to question him, but his gaze inadvertently landed on Fu Xie’s thighs. The weather was hot, and under his oversized panda pajamas, he wore only a pair of short shorts.

His curvy, supple thighs were squeezed by his seated posture, spilling out of the tight fabric. Fu Xie shifted slightly in discomfort, his pale, pillowy thighs quivering faintly.

Like they were begging to be bitten.

Xi Wenlun jerked back to reality, abruptly releasing Fu Xie and turning away.

"Have the housekeeper apply ointment for you."

Fu Xie found the whole thing completely weird. He had clearly come in with that whole intimidating vibe, like he had something serious to ask—but now he just left after touching him?

Plus, it was just a tiny bruise. Wasn’t this overreacting?

But since it wasn’t his money being spent, he shrugged it off.

Soon, a maid came up to apply the ointment. Fu Xie tested his foot—since it didn’t hinder walking, he brushed it off—and then had her help carry his things back to the guest room.

Fu Xie sulked. With Xi Wenlun back, he had to clear out of the master bedroom.

Just as he entered the room, his phone buzzed.

Fu Xie pulled it out to see a message from Li Junyuan, checking in on his progress.

Fu Xie replied: "Planning to fly to the island for vacation in three days."

Li Junyuan: "Wait, why are you flying to the island? Aren’t you attending the events? I got you a few gigs—rest for two days, then get back to work."

What kind of joke is this? A practically-rich second-gen heir like him still had to work?

Fu Xie sneered and typed angrily: "Since when are you my manager? Not going."

Li Junyuan: "I am."

Fu Xie froze—his bad habit of skimming books had come back to bite him.

When he read the novel, he’d been too distracted by the dramatic plotlines and wild scenarios, skipping large chunks of the story. He genuinely hadn’t noticed the professional relationship between a side character and the main lead.

Li Junyuan sent another message: "Don’t turn this down. I called in favors to get these opportunities. This time, you’d better mentor your teammates—you’re the only one in your group with any popularity left."

After a moment of recollection, Fu Xie realized this was a crucial plot point in the original story.

These events offered great exposure, and Fu Xie had leveraged them to become a decently popular idol in the entertainment industry. Coincidentally, Main Bottom also joined as his assistant around this time.

During one event, Main Bottom, serving as Fu Xie’s assistant, completely stole the spotlight. His candid photos, taken backstage, looked better than Fu Xie's own caked-on makeup, instantly going viral. Not only did he steal some of Fu Xie’s fans, but competing fanbases also frequently mocked Fu Xie by comparing the two.

If this were the original Fu Xie, he’d have agreed without hesitation.

But the current Fu Xie had Social Anxiety—forcing him to attend crowded events was worse than killing him on the spot. Plus, he was lazy by nature. Now that he had money, why bother hustling?

Fu Xie replied: "Maybe if you beg me."

Li Junyuan: "Since when did you grow a spine?"

Fu Xie wasn’t fazed: "Suit yourself. Beg or don’t, up to you."

Then he muted his phone, tossed it onto the bed, and prepared to ignore this nonsense forever.

Nobody was going to make him work!

The next second, Xi Wenlun knocked on Fu Xie’s door.

His first words were blunt: "You coming to the office with me tomorrow?"

Fu Xie: "…"