Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Lin Xingxian was utterly baffled by this discovery. After much deliberation, only one possibility remained.

The person before him was the very muse of inspiration he had been desperately searching for—his online male "goddess."

!

Lin Xingxian abruptly stood up from the couch and began pacing back and forth in front of Xu Yan, making it hard for Xu Yan to focus on the TV. Mouth full of food, Xu Yan tilted his head up to look at him.

After a few seconds of eye contact, Lin Xingxian let out a shocked cry: "C—"

The more he looked, the more convinced he became. No wonder he had been so inspired when he invited Xu Yan to be his figure model—it turned out he had been drawn to the same person all along.

"What’s wrong?" Xu Yan rubbed his cheek with the back of his hand. "Is there something on my face?"

Lin Xingxian hesitated several times before finally blurting out, "Yan Yan, have you ever posted photos of yourself online?"

Xu Yan immediately stopped chewing, staring at Lin Xingxian with wide, round, unusually innocent eyes.

He blinked, nearly choking. "Why... would you ask that?"

Lin Xingxian opened his own account page and showed it to him. "I won’t beat around the bush. This 'Starry' account is me, and this 'X' alt account is also me. You're 'Yan Yan,' aren’t you?"

His confident tone made Xu Yan squirm. In a last-ditch attempt, he asked, "Do you really think that looks like me?"

Lin Xingxian: "This isn’t about whether it looks like you or not. Don’t underestimate an art student’s intuition. I’m better at recognizing bodies than faces—this is definitely you!"

Xu Yan stuffed the remaining pizza into his mouth, his cheeks puffed up like a little chipmunk.

Unable to argue further, he nodded in resignation. "...Alright, it’s me."

Lin Xingxian was too shocked to recover for a long while. On one hand, he couldn’t believe his "goddess" had been right beside him all along. On the other, he cursed himself for being so blind—how had he never considered Xu Yan?

"This is amazing!" Lin Xingxian burst out excitedly. "Yan Yan, can I ask you to model for me again in the future? Just looking at your new photos gave me inspiration! Who took those photos for you? The shots are perfectly framed!"

Xu Yan answered honestly, "My senior took them."

"Your first photo—the mermaid one—was that also taken by her?"

"Yeah."

Lin Xingxian, thrilled to meet another artist with similar tastes, felt an instant connection. "Could you introduce us sometime? I bet we’d get along great."

"Of course! My senior actually knows you, but you don’t know her. She’d love to meet you too."

Riding high with joy, Lin Xingxian suddenly remembered something. "Wait—your top fan, 'year,' wouldn’t happen to be..."

Xu Yan looked at him, knowing exactly what he was thinking, and nodded softly. "Yes."

Lin Xingxian looked thunderstruck. "You’re saying 'year' is Wen Sinian?! That bastard was the one competing with me for the top spot?! Did he know who you were all along?!"

Xu Yan: "He didn’t know at first."

Lin Xingxian was skeptical. "You really think he didn’t? You don’t know him well enough. He wouldn’t give the time of day to someone he wasn’t interested in. I could tell he liked you back when we took that elective together. There’s no way he’d flirt with someone online while also pursuing you offline—he doesn’t have that kind of time. Once he sets his sights on someone, he’ll stop at nothing to get them. He definitely knew it was you and threw money at you like crazy."

Though Xu Yan saw some truth in Lin Xingxian’s words—after all, Lin Xingxian had known Wen Sinian for over a decade and probably understood him better—he also knew Lin Xingxian wasn’t aware of the details of their online relationship.

Xu Yan recalled the conversations he’d had with "year," the photos they’d exchanged, and their first offline meeting.

If "year" had known his true identity from the start, what did that make their online romance?

Had Wen Sinian known the truth all along and kept it from him, watching him fret and get led around by the nose by just words?

No. He had promised never to lie to him.

Besides, Wen Sinian had admitted that he never imagined such a coincidence could happen between them.

Xu Yan mumbled, "That’s not it..."

Not wanting to stir trouble between them, Lin Xingxian reconsidered. "You’re right. You know him better now. Just forget what I said earlier. It was bullshit."

He then asked, "By the way, is my painting here? Since it’s of you, Wen Sinian must’ve bought it at a high price. Where did you hang it? I’d love to see it again."

Xu Yan looked puzzled. "I’ve never seen that painting."

Lin Xingxian: "Wen Sinian didn’t buy it? No way. Maybe he hid it somewhere?"

Then he realized the timeline didn’t add up. "Wait, you two weren’t officially together back then, right?"

At that time, they were still in an online relationship, and Wen Sinian hadn’t known "Yan Yan’s" true identity. If he had bought the painting, it would’ve been strange.

Lin Xingxian was getting tangled in their complicated history. Deciding it was better to stop digging, he pleaded with Xu Yan never to mention his status as the second-ranked fan in front of Wen Sinian—nor any of their conversation today. Otherwise, he’d be dead meat.

That night, Xu Yan video-called Wen Sinian as usual. It had been three days since he left, and they made it a habit to talk every evening.

Before answering the call, Wen Sinian checked the home surveillance app and saw that Xu Yan had stayed home all day without going out.

Once Xu Yan’s pale, delicate face popped up on the screen, he closed the app and asked gently, "Did you go out today?"

Xu Yan had just showered, his hair still wet and dripping, his eyes shining happily.

"No, but Senior Lin came over to keep me company. We watched a documentary together—it was really well-made, about traversing the African continent and exploring different tribes along the way. I’d love to try making documentaries someday. It’d be so much fun, especially with the camera you gave me..."

Wen Sinian didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the screen—trailing from Xu Yan’s brows and eyes down to his rosy, moist lips, the soft tongue faintly visible behind them, the pale skin peeking from his loosely draped collar...

The longer he looked, his gaze grew darker.

Three days felt like an eternity.

Xu Yan, noticing his silence, leaned closer. "Are you lagging? Why aren’t you saying anything?"

Wen Sinian only murmured, "Baby, I miss you so much."

Xu Yan asked, "Did you hear what I was saying earlier?"

"Mm," Wen Sinian repeated, "I miss you."

Xu Yan lay on the bed, resting his chin on a stuffed bunny, gazing yearningly at the screen. His voice was small and slightly pitiful. "I miss you too..."

Without Wen Sinian at home, the villa felt oppressively large and empty—so lonely.

He couldn’t imagine how Wen Sinian had lived alone in this cold, sterile house before.

The next day, Xu Yan left early in the morning to meet Shang Jia, and together they visited his grandmother in the hospital.

That night, not wanting to return to the villa alone, Xu Yan went home with Shang Jia instead. Her place had two spare rooms, and she had always treated him like family. Xu Yan was still figuring out how to tell Wen Sinian that he didn’t want to stay at the villa for the next few days—he’d return once Wen Sinian came back.

Who knew that during their video call that evening, Wen Sinian's expression turned slightly cold as he questioned, "It's so late, why aren't you home yet?"

Xu Yan was clearly wearing pajamas, and the frame only showed his face, with no glimpse of the unfamiliar room behind him.

How did he know he wasn’t home?

"I’m staying at my senior's place tonight," Xu Yan explained. "I want to wait until you come back before going home. I don’t want to stay there alone—I’m a little scared."

Wen Sinian’s expression softened slightly as he coaxed him, "If you’re scared, ask Senior Lin to stay with you. Staying at someone else’s place is just bothering them."

Xu Yan clarified, "Senior Lin has his own things to do. He can’t come to keep me company every day. Besides, I’m closer with my senior—she’s the one who invited me to stay these couple of days."

"Baby, be good," Wen Sinian’s voice was gentle, but his words left no room for argument. "Tonight is fine, but go home tomorrow. I’ll have the housekeeper return to take care of you."

Xu Yan didn’t understand why he insisted he go home. It wasn’t like he wasn’t going back at all—just not for these few days.

"My senior and I haven’t hung out in so long. When you’re home, I never have time to see anyone else. Can’t I spend a little more time with her?"

Wen Sinian neither agreed nor disagreed, simply watching him. "Acting up now, are we?"

Those words were like a curse. Whether in bed or out of it, Xu Yan had long been trained to respond—his butt involuntarily twitched twice, and his thighs almost seized up.

That intense stare through the screen seemed to pierce through him, even across continents, weaving an invisible net, tightly wrapping around him from head to toe.

Too tight—it made it hard to breathe.

Xu Yan felt that familiar sense of oppression. Perhaps because Wen Sinian had been indulging him so much lately, his temper had grown. Now, taking advantage of the fact that Wen Sinian wasn’t in the country to control him, Xu Yan angrily hung up the call.

After calming down a bit, he still felt Wen Sinian was being unreasonable and way too overbearing.

He didn’t know how other people’s relationships worked. This was his first love, so he had nothing to compare it to. But he didn’t think he was some caged canary with clipped wings—how could being in a relationship mean losing even basic freedom and rights?

Angry, Xu Yan threw a few air punches on the bed, imagining the long-eared stuffed bunny in his hands as Wen Sinian across the ocean, fiercely tugging its ears to teach it a lesson.

But despite his anger, Xu Yan only stayed at Shang Jia’s place for one night. The next evening, he obediently returned to the Villa.

The housekeeper auntie had already come back and even made dinner for him. With someone around, the Villa felt a little livelier, and Xu Yan wasn’t as scared anymore.

When Wen Sinian’s video call came through that night, Xu Yan angrily rejected it.

Lying on Wen Sinian’s bed in the master bedroom, using his pillow and blanket, Xu Yan continued to stay angry. He decided not to talk to Wen Sinian at all until he came home—this controlling jerk.

Luckily, ignoring Wen Sinian’s calls for two whole days didn’t lead to any consequences.

During the day, Xu Yan was playing with his camera on the sofa, with only the housekeeper auntie for company, so he filmed a little clip of her. Suddenly, Zhuang Sheng’s call came through.

They hadn’t been in contact for a long time. With less than a week until the New Year, Zhuang Sheng, hearing that Xu Yan wouldn’t be returning to Wuzhen this year, invited him out for a meal in Beishi.

Xu Yan grew wary, wondering if Zhuang Sheng still had other intentions. But to avoid misunderstandings, Zhuang Sheng outright told him he already had a boyfriend and wanted to introduce Xu Yan to him during the meal.

Hearing that, Xu Yan immediately agreed.

At dinner, he met Zhuang Sheng’s boyfriend—only to find he was completely different from his own type. The man was dressed in a sleek suit, his hair meticulously styled, clearly a successful businessman.

The man was also polite and well-mannered, attentive to both Zhuang Sheng and Xu Yan throughout the meal. Xu Yan had initially worried the dinner might be awkward, but not only was it not awkward at all, he could also tell the two of them had a very good relationship.

Zhuang Sheng seemed to have truly moved on from the past. When the man stepped out to take a call midway through the meal, Zhuang Sheng asked Xu Yan, "What about your guy?"

"He’s on a business trip. He won’t be back until tomorrow."

Zhuang Sheng nodded knowingly. "No wonder you were able to meet me."

Xu Yan protested. "Even if he were home, I could still come out to eat with you."

Zhuang Sheng gave him an amused look. "Really? I’ve never met anyone more possessive than your roommate. He probably hates me to death—why would he ever let you see me?"

"That’s because he misunderstood you," Xu Yan said. "If he knew you had a boyfriend now, he definitely wouldn’t be so hostile toward you. He’s actually really nice."

Zhuang Sheng remained doubtful but asked instead, "You’re really not going back this year?"

Xu Yan shook his head. "No, my grandma and I are staying in Beishi for the New Year. Brother Zhuang Sheng, are you going back?"

Xu Yan remembered his grandma mentioning that Zhuang Sheng had a huge falling-out with his family when he came out.

"I am," Zhuang Sheng said, smiling as the man returned from his call. "Taking him with me."

Xu Yan was surprised but also touched by Zhuang Sheng’s courage.

A video call notification popped up on his phone, which Xu Yan promptly declined.

They’d see each other tomorrow anyway—what was the point of a call today?

A message followed immediately after—two cold words.

【Husband】: Where?

Dinner was already over. The three of them were waiting at the restaurant entrance for the attendant to bring the car around. At most, it’d take half an hour to get home. Feeling a little guilty, Xu Yan told a little lie.

【Silly Baby】: At home

【Husband】: You sure?

【Husband】: Pick up.

The video call came through again. Xu Yan didn’t dare answer, so he declined once more.

【Silly Baby】: I’m in the shower, hold on.

【Husband】: How long will you be?

【Silly Baby】: 30 minutes.

【Husband】: You have one minute.

Beside him, Zhuang Sheng noticed Xu Yan glued to his phone and nudged his elbow to get his attention.

But Xu Yan was too busy typing to notice, his fingers clattering away on the keyboard.

【Silly Baby】: I just started, how can I finish in one minute?

【Silly Baby】: That’s not fair. I never call you when you’re in the shower.

【Silly Baby】: Do you just like picking on me…

Before he could finish typing, the minute was up.

Suddenly, the phone was snatched right out of his hands by a large palm. Xu Yan slowly looked up, blinking in shock at the person who had appeared out of nowhere, hoping this was all just a dream.

Unfortunately, no matter how much he blinked, Wen Sinian didn’t disappear. Instead, he locked the screen and pocketed the phone before—

A hand reached out, massaging his slightly parted lips gently.

A deep voice, laced with amusement yet tinged with suppressed irritation, asked, "Taking a shower?"

Xu Yan's heart pounded wildly—joy at seeing Wen Sinian, panic at being caught in a lie, and an even more dreadful premonition.

He stammered, "I—I was just about to go home and shower... Weren’t you supposed to come back tomorrow? How—how are you here today...?"

Not only had Wen Sinian returned early, but how had he even known Xu Yan was here?

Wen Sinian said nothing. Just then, the valet pulled up the white Bentley at the entrance. Xu Yan was promptly guided into the passenger seat and buckled in.

He still managed to roll down the window to wave goodbye to Zhuang Sheng and the other man, but Wen Sinian slowly raised the window again and drove off.

The atmosphere on the way back was electrically charged. The moment the car parked in the garage, Xu Yan’s seatbelt was undone. Before he could even beg for mercy, he was lifted by the waist onto the driver’s seat, where a hungry, searing kiss descended upon him.

Six days apart had already left Wen Sinian aching with need. He’d wanted to surprise Xu Yan by coming home early, only to find him happily dining with his former suitor.

Maintaining composure in public had exhausted every ounce of Wen Sinian’s patience. Now, all he wanted was to punish Xu Yan thoroughly for his misbehavior.

Xu Yan’s mouth was sealed, his yielding mouth invaded relentlessly. Breathless, his cheeks flushed crimson, and the breathy whimpers he made only fueled the fire.

This only heightened the overstimulation. Wen Sinian pinned the pliant body against his chest, dominating every inch of space, letting the white-hot desire surge unchecked.

All these days, he’d relied solely on their nightly video calls to ease the ache. But his smothering jealousy had backfired—after angering Xu Yan, he’d gone days without seeing his face or body.

In the following days, Wen Sinian must’ve opened the surveillance app hundreds of times a day, fixating on Xu Yan’s movements, imagining what he was doing wherever he went.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to give Xu Yan space. But the slightest hint of losing control sent him into a frenzy of anxiety and restlessness.

Now, holding him tightly like this was perfect—the total claim, utterly intoxicating.

Xu Yan trembled violently, his back pressed painfully against the steering wheel, tears welling up. His voice cracked, arms limp as he weakly resisted the relentless chest advancing toward him.

"N-no... I can’t..." His voice dissolved into tears, fingers weakly clutching at the shirt buttons, burying his face in the crook of Wen Sinian’s neck as he gasped weakly. "We don’t... have a... condom..."

Wen Sinian kissed his flushed earlobe, tongue flicking lightly, devouring the sounds of pleasure only he could elicit, sending shivers down his spine.

"Baby, this is your punishment."

Suddenly, Wen Sinian opened the car door and carried him out.

"Tonight, we’re not using one," he murmured into Xu Yan’s ear.

*

Xu Yan had no idea how he ended up in the master bedroom. Every sensation felt amplified, as if his nerves were stretched to their limits—the slightest touch sent shocks through him. He was a live wire of tension, his slender, pale neck like a delicate swan’s, easily encircled by a large hand.

Controlled, manipulated—life and death at another’s whim.

Wen Sinian showed no mercy.

Ruthless. Deep. Unrelenting.

When Xu Yan tried to crawl away in tears, he was dragged back by the ankles, a hand patting his dazed expression.

"Don’t you dare sleep, baby."

"You know it’ll be worse if you pass out, don’t you?"

Xu Yan’s vision blurred, unfocused, hearing nothing.

Wen Sinian lifted him from the soaked-through sheets, tenderly brushing his sweat-drenched cheeks.

"Who said you could date another man behind my back?"

"You wanted me to punish you like this, didn’t you?"

Xu Yan couldn’t speak, slipping into unconsciousness—yet even then, he wasn’t spared.

He drifted in and out, waking to tears, then collapsing again.

Time lost meaning. When he finally opened his eyes, the sound of running water came from the bathroom.

Wrapped in blankets, he lay on the drenched bed.

He should’ve been starving after skipping meals, but when he touched his stomach, tears spilled over.

No need to eat—he was already full, overfilled to aching.

Curled under the covers, he cradled his tender, overstuffed stomach and wept.

Rolling over, he felt something digging into his waist—a small plushie. Struggling, he pulled it out: his long-eared bunny.

Someone had carelessly tucked it under him, leaving its fur damp and matted.

The bunny’s shiny black eyes seemed to stare accusingly at Xu Yan.

Had it witnessed... all of that?

His lips quivered, tears falling anew.

Wen Sinian stepped out of the bathroom to find Xu Yan hugging the soggy bunny, weeping softly.

He lifted him from the blankets, fingers gliding over his still-warm, slick skin. "Let’s get you cleaned up, hm? Leaving it inside could make you sick."

Xu Yan pressed the bunny against Wen Sinian’s chest, voice hoarse. "You... you ruined my bunny..."

Wen Sinian glanced at the messy plush. "Baby, you’re the one who dirtied it."

It was covered in his...

Sniffling, Xu Yan argued, "Only because you bullied me! I pleaded with you to stop! Just a few days apart, and you’ve become so vicious..."

Hugging the bunny, he turned away. "I don’t want to talk to you..."

Sighing, Wen Sinian took the bunny, cupping its small body in his palm. "My fault, alright? Don’t ignore me, baby. Let me wash it for you."

Xu Yan added, "By hand. Gently. Don’t tear its ears off."

Wen Sinian kissed his lips. "Okay."

True to his word, he headed back to the bathroom with the bunny.

Xu Yan nestled into the blankets to wait. His body ached everywhere, exhaustion pulling him toward sleep—until Wen Sinian’s phone rang.

Still in the bathroom washing the bunny, Wen Sinian was out of earshot. Dragging his aching limbs, Xu Yan struggled to reach the phone.

Right as the call ended, he saw it was from Lin Xingxian. He called out weakly toward the bathroom a few times, but there was no way anyone inside could hear him.

He was about to put the phone back when he noticed Lin Xingxian had sent a message.

【Lin Xingxian】: Just keep yourself hidden—don’t get caught.

【Lin Xingxian】: I can’t imagine any sane person putting up with you. If he finds out, he’ll definitely break up with you.

Wen Sinian had long said he had no secrets from him and that his phone was open for inspection anytime, so he’d already set it up for face ID unlock.

But Xu Yan had always trusted Wen Sinian completely and had never gone through his phone.

Yet these two messages made Xu Yan’s heart clenched. Compelled, he tapped into Wen Sinian and Lin Xingxian’s chat history, but the earlier messages showed nothing unusual.

Just as he was about to exit, a notification popped up in the chat—

【Target device is offline.】

But Wen Sinian’s phone wasn’t turned off at all. Xu Yan was completely baffled.

Turning his head, he realized his own phone had run out of battery and shut down.