Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After Zhuang Ji’s departure, the "Love Cabin" finally settled back into its usual harmony and tranquility.

There wasn’t much left to film. Lu Tingchao returned to the kitchen, quietly finishing the breakfast Fei Xiuqi had prepared for him. Then, idly toying with his fork, he watched Fei Xiuqi tidy the island and prep the lunch ingredients before asking, "What are we having for lunch?"

"I’ll make you Thai food."

Fei Xiuqi washed his hands, walked over, and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Lu Tingchao’s face. "I’ve always wanted to make it for you but never had the chance. Polina really loves my Thai dishes, so you might too."

Lu Tingchao’s greatest virtue was his complete lack of pickiness.

Resting his head in his hand, he paused for a moment before asking, "So what’s for dinner?"

Fei Xiuqi fell silent.

Fei Xiuqi sat down in the chair beside Lu Tingchao, taking his hand and holding it. "BB, you’re not paying attention."

Lu Tingchao turned to look at him.

Fei Xiuqi idly massaged Lu Tingchao’s fingertips, a gesture he seemed particularly fond of—one that carried a subtly possessive undertone.

He traced each of Lu Tingchao’s fingers down to the slender pads, asking softly, "Are you still thinking about Zhuang Ji?"

Lu Tingchao snapped back to attention and shook his head.

He wasn’t thinking about Zhuang Ji.

Lu Tingchao simply felt a profound sense of bewilderment.

It was the kind of confusion that arises when both ideals and illusions shatter simultaneously.

Lu Tingchao had always believed that even if he fell out of love with Zhuang Ji one day, Zhuang Ji would still remain the pristine white lotus in his heart, cherished like a treasure—elevated and placed on a pedestal.

But on this perfectly ordinary day, the moment he realized not only had he fallen out of love but also found Zhuang Ji irritating—

Lu Tingchao sighed, his head drooping again, like a defeated little bamboo rat.

How could this happen?

It wasn’t like him to fall in and out of love so fast, right? QAQ

Is Chao Chao really so terrible?

Lu Tingchao questioned everything—the heavens, the earth, himself, and even wondered if Fei Xiuqi had slipped him some strange drug.

He’d even lost his appetite.

He shot an annoyed glare at Fei Xiuqi, trying to pull his hand back, but Fei Xiuqi merely chuckled and asked softly, "Or did you suddenly realize how heartless you are, getting over Zhuang Ji so fast?"

Lu Tingchao: "...?"

Lu Tingchao vigorously wiped his hand on his pants. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"You understand, BB."

Fei Xiuqi took Lu Tingchao’s water glass, drank from the same spot, finishing half, and said leisurely, "You’re the least capable of hiding your emotions among all the adults I’ve met."

Fei Xiuqi: "Your likes, dislikes, irritations, even indifference—it’s all written in your eyes. Chao Chao, someone has spoiled you rotten."

Lu Tingchao: "...You’re the one who’s spoiled rotten. I don’t want to talk to you. Stay away from me."

Exposed, Lu Tingchao stood up, upset, and turned to go upstairs.

But the person behind him reached out, grabbed his wrist, and yanked him backward, straight into his arms.

Fei Xiuqi’s legs were stretched out casually on the chair. With that backward pull, Lu Tingchao ended up sitting on Fei Xiuqi’s lap, cradled securely in his arms.

Warm breath tickled his ear.

Fei Xiuqi kissed the top of Lu Tingchao’s head and whispered in his ear, like he was comforting a child, "You’re not thinking about Zhuang Ji. You’re thinking about another man. Who is it? Mo Lingnan... that former vice commissioner of police?"

The cameras lingered nearby, capturing everything.

Fei Xiuqi’s voice was hushed, like a whisper before sleep, making Lu Tingchao restless.

Yet, just as Fei Xiuqi had said, Lu Tingchao was sensitive, pampered, and his emotions were laid bare for all to see.

So now, the shock and embarrassment in his eyes were also fully captured by Fei Xiuqi.

He held Lu Tingchao’s hand and subtly raised his legs, lifting them bit by bit until the person in his arms had no support and could only rest his full weight on their touching legs.

Fei Xiuqi held Lu Tingchao like this, bouncing him lightly on his lap in an intimate and suggestive position, and asked, "What is Chao Chao thinking about Mo Lingnan? Did he hold you like this many times too, just like I am now?"

Lu Tingchao wasn’t thinking about that at all.

He also would never be as brazen as Fei Xiuqi.

With the cameras nearby, Lu Tingchao didn’t dare struggle too openly.

He wriggled a few times but was pulled back against Fei Xiuqi’s chest each time, feeling the other’s powerful heartbeat with every close contact.

Fei Xiuqi was also young.

Only two years older than Su Ningyu.

But their backgrounds were like night and day.

The steady lifting of Fei Xiuqi’s strong legs made Lu Tingchao feel as if he were riding a horse. He instinctively gripped Fei Xiuqi’s hands before finally turning his head and whispering, "...How do you know about Mo Lingnan?"

"Because we’re rivals in love, BB."

Fei Xiuqi found Lu Tingchao utterly adorable and couldn’t resist kissing him when he turned around. "Have you ever competed with a rival in love before, Chao Chao?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Chao Chao shook his head.

Fei Xiuqi held Lu Tingchao’s hand and rested his chin on his shoulder. "Competition between rivals in love is no different from the bloody, life-and-death struggles of beasts during mating season."

Fei Xiuqi bounced Lu Tingchao gently again and chuckled softly. "Especially when the prize is such an adorable BB."

Lu Tingchao swayed from the motion and pouted. "I don’t like you."

Fei Xiuqi kissed Lu Tingchao’s neck. "But I like you, BB."

Fei Xiuqi hugged Lu Tingchao tightly. "You’re the biggest prize of my return to the mainland. I want to take you back to Hong Kong with me and be together forever."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao was speechless. He braced himself against Fei Xiuqi's arm, trying to stand up from his embrace, but failed. He then twisted his body, attempting to reason with him: "I just want to earn some money!"

Lu Tingchao tried to push Fei Xiuqi's hand away: "I'm already with someone!"

Fei Xiuqi finally let go.

He allowed Lu Tingchao to stand up from his embrace, then took a step back. His bright eyes lifted, and he began to explain eagerly—whether to Lu Tingchao or to himself, it wasn't clear.

Fei Xiuqi was a full half-head taller than Lu Tingchao.

As he slightly lowered his head, he could see every emotion in Lu Tingchao's eyes and that adorably scrunched-up face.

Fei Xiuqi raised an eyebrow: "Alright, BB, since you're unwilling. I can't force you. Consider this our last date—you’re only here to make money."

Fei Xiuqi pointed outside the window: "The director just said the indoor shots are mostly done. Do you want to ride a jet ski? I’ll take you for a ride."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

The hottest part of the day had passed.

By the end of the show, the remaining couples had already started their respective dates.

The "Love Villa" was not far from the beach. With the window open, the distant roar of jet ski engines and the guests’ carefree shouts could be heard.

Lu Tingchao didn’t want to go out under the sun.

But the show wasn’t over yet, and sitting here… Lu Tingchao was more afraid that Fei Xiuqi might say something else that revealed his private thoughts.

After some hesitation, Lu Tingchao finally stood up: "I’ll ride by myself."

"Baby, this is a dating show," Fei Xiuqi followed after him, "not an individual competition."

Lu Tingchao turned his head: "Then you ride another one, and we can ride together."

Fei Xiuqi: "..."

The waves on this stretch of sea were generally calm, making it perfect for various water activities.

The jet ski instructor was on the beach. After learning that Lu Tingchao had nearly a decade of motorcycle riding experience, he quickly showed him a few jet ski techniques, explained the relevant controls, and let Lu Tingchao choose his favorite color.

Lu Tingchao liked red.

A bold, unrestrained red, like a red rose—exactly the same color as his previous motorcycle.

Soon.

A sharp, cutting sound erupted across the water—

Lu Tingchao pushed the jet ski’s throttle to the maximum, leaning back with perfect posture, streaking across the calm sea like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon.

Countless splashes flew around him, like musical notes dancing.

His figure surged forward, slender and graceful, appearing from a distance like some ethereal, almost magical sight.

Amidst the churning azure waves,

Through the perilous, undulating swells,

That figure charged forward fearlessly, exuding a captivating, lethal danger—dazzling and brilliant.

The jet ski instructor on the shore pulled out a cigarette. On closer inspection, it was an imported brand, with tobacco costing over ten thousand, hardly the kind an ordinary instructor could afford.

He then took out a discontinued-edition lighter, lit the cigarette, and offered one to Fei Xiuqi: "So this is the person you specially asked me to come see?"

"He doesn't like the smell of smoke."

Fei Xiuqi gazed into the distance at Lu Tingchao and smiled. "Gorgeous, isn’t he?"

"Beautiful."

The instructor took a drag of his cigarette, following Fei Xiuqi's gaze. "Looks like he’s glowing."

The instructor remarked, "So this is the one you’d be the other man to steal?"

Fei Xiuqi shot him a glance: "None of that 'other man' talk. I just wanted you to see him. Keep your distance from him—I’m taking him back to Hong Kong."

The instructor: "...He’s married, right? Will he really go with you?"

"Of course he will."

Fei Xiuqi took off his shirt, strode across the beach, and selected a jet ski.

His riding posture was even more polished and natural than Lu Tingchao's. With a swift, powerful swing of his long legs, he mounted the vehicle. "What I want is mine."

The roar of an engine sliced through the sea.

The spray shot out, extinguishing the cigarette at the instructor’s lips.

The instructor could only flick the cigarette away and offer a precise assessment: "...Lunatic."

*

The ocean wind felt free.

The water splashing on his face felt free.

Holding the steering wheel in his own hands felt free.

Just like the unrestrained freedom of his boyhood.

If it weren’t for the boundary of the jet ski area not far ahead, Lu Tingchao would’ve gone even faster, faster still, to let the wind blow more fiercely, until it lifted him right off the seat.

But everything has an end.

Lu Tingchao had no choice but to turn around. Just as he prepared to head back, another jet ski, black and gunned at full throttle, caught up beside him.

The wake splashed over Lu Tingchao’s head and face.

A clear, resonant, and pleasing male voice rang in Lu Tingchao’s ears: "BB, you’re too slow!"

Lu Tingchao turned and caught sight of Fei Xiuqi riding right behind him.

Shirtless, his defined muscles were drenched by the seawater, water droplets continuously rolling down the contours of his abs, projecting a fierce, vibrant energy.

It was only then that Lu Tingchao noticed a black tattoo on Fei Xiuqi’s left waist—intricately detailed, though he couldn’t make out what it was.

Fei Xiuqi’s personal watercraft came to a stop beside Lu Tingchao.

He snapped, a bit provocatively, “No way, Chao Chao, is this the speed you used to ride your motorcycle? Even the slackers back in Hong Kong are faster than you.”

Lu Tingchao: “!!!”

No one had ever dared to question the young Lu Tingchao.

Lu Tingchao just glanced sideways at Fei Xiuqi, raising his sharp jawline high, like a preening white swan about to take flight.

With a roar, the personal watercraft he was riding shot across the waves in an instant.

“Then let’s race—!”

Lu Tingchao’s voice, soft but cocky, carried over the sound of the splashing waves.

Fei Xiuqi smirked, leaning low as he chased after him: “No problem, BB.”

*

Personal watercraft riding is a beach recreational activity.

But at the same time, it is also a professional competitive sport.

Coincidentally, Fei Xiuqi was once a standout competitor in this very sport.

He was undeniably from the top tier of society, with a passion for horse racing, bungee jumping, and every extreme sport.

So he closed the gap from behind, chasing Lu Tingchao down.

Riding side by side.

Fei Xiuqi even found the time to let out a long whistle: “BB, you’re going to lose.”

How could Lu Tingchao possibly admit defeat? He cranked the throttle to the max, surging forward—

But Fei Xiuqi tweaked the handlebars, his personal watercraft immediately cut right. Then, engine roaring, as Lu Tingchao’s deep red personal watercraft raced ahead—

Lightly.

Maliciously.

He clipped the rear hull of Lu Tingchao’s personal watercraft.

Recreational personal watercraft are not nearly as tough or stable as those used in professional competitions.

Especially at full speed.

In an instant, Lu Tingchao’s personal watercraft lost control, carving a wild arc across the water, careening wildly out of control and hurtling in another direction.

Lu Tingchao barely had time to process—all he felt was everything whirling around him—

He realized too late that this was the start of a crash.

What was happening?

Was he going to die?

Then, an arm hooked his waist.

With tremendous force, like grabbing a stray cat, it pulled Lu Tingchao from the speeding, out-of-control personal watercraft and yanked him hard against its owner’s chest.

A moment later.

The red personal watercraft slammed into the water, tumbling end over end several times before coming to rest at a jagged angle on the water’s surface.

Before Lu Tingchao could gasp.

The person behind him lifted his chin and crushed their mouths together.

“Mmph—”

The salt sting of seawater.

The bite of absinthe in the other’s cologne.

And his own heart, hammering against his ribs after narrowly escaping death.

Lu Tingchao shoved hard, and it took him a second before he finally shoved the person away: “You—”

“That get your blood pumping?”

Fei Xiuqi’s voice was bright as the spray.

Lu Tingchao went still.

The two of them sat together on Fei Xiuqi’s black personal watercraft.

Fei Xiuqi ignored the seawater soaking his own face and body, instead reaching out to wipe the water from Lu Tingchao’s face.

He booped Lu Tingchao’s nose: “BB, quite a rush, huh?”

Lu Tingchao: “…”

Lu Tingchao bit his lip.

But Fei Xiuqi already knew the answer.

He tucked Lu Tingchao against him, as if cradling a toddler.

Coaching him gently.

Fei Xiuqi said, “You’re not upset because of Zhuang Ji, Chao Chao. You’re just afraid that one day, Mo Lingnan will also bore you. He’s so dull—he’ll try your patience even faster than Zhuang Ji did.”

Lu Tingchao turned his face away without a word.

Fei Xiuqi didn’t call him out on it, just took Lu Tingchao’s hand: “He comes from that world—he has rules he won’t break. BB, one day he won’t be able to satisfy you anymore.”

Fei Xiuqi reached out and touched Lu Tingchao’s chest: “Can you feel it? Chao Chao, this is a selfish, fragile heart, one that’s always screaming for excitement and boundless love… a heart that’s both cold and wicked.”

Lu Tingchao lifted his eyes coldly to look at Fei Xiuqi.

The usual innocence and simplicity in his gaze were gone, replaced by something like a frozen spring—clear yet deeply still.

Lu Tingchao said, “I don’t have that. You’re insane.”

“OK, I’m insane.”

Fei Xiuqi laughed indulgently, reaching out to ruffle Lu Tingchao’s hair. “Then, my good little Chao Chao, did you tell dear husband Mo Lingnan about coming to film the show?”

Lu Tingchao: “…”

Fei Xiuqi: "Is it that you don't dare, or you don't want to?"

"I don't want to talk to you."

Lu Tingchao struggled free from Fei Xiuqi's arm. "The show is over, I'm going home."

They were very, very close to the beach now, in an area cordoned off by jet skis.

Lu Tingchao turned and leaped, swimming toward the shore with the incoming waves.

Fei Xiuqi suddenly said, "You don't want to, BB."

Lu Tingchao ignored him.

"You still think it won’t last with Mo Lingnan, don’t you? You don’t even have confidence yourself, Chao Chao."

Fei Xiuqi turned his jet ski toward the shore and caught up with Lu Tingchao in just a few seconds.

Fei Xiuqi said, "BB, give up on Mo Lingnan. We’re meant to be."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

The last wave pushed in.

Lu Tingchao reached the shore and gave Fei Xiuqi a defiant look: "Pfft! As if!"

Fei Xiuqi found Lu Tingchao adorable.

His lips curling, he smiled: "Then want to make a bet, Chao Chao? Let’s bet whether Mo Lingnan will be angry when he hears you came to record a reality dating show with me?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao stopped walking. He turned his head and said firmly, "If I explain, he’ll believe me."

"Baby, you just don’t understand men."

Fei Xiuqi closed the distance from behind, stepping close to Lu Tingchao. "Bet or not?"

Lu Tingchao: "...Bet what?"

"Something big, something you'd enjoy."

Fei Xiuqi said, "If Mo Lingnan says nothing, then I’ll disappear from your life from now on."

Lu Tingchao looked up at him: "And then?"

Fei Xiuqi: "If Mo Lingnan disappoints you, Chao Chao, return to Hong Kong with me, okay?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

"No bet."

Lu Tingchao turned back and took two more steps forward: "Mo Lingnan won’t disappoint me, Fei Xiuqi. You’re really annoying. Bye-bye."

"Then I bet he definitely won’t believe you, BB. That’s men's worst nature."

Fei Xiuqi stopped walking. "Chao Chao, I’ll wait for you at the hotel. Goodbye."

Lu Tingchao walked away without looking back.

That slender frame left a trail of footprints on the beach, gradually disappearing from sight.

Fei Xiuqi then slowly followed, step by step, along the path Lu Tingchao had taken on the sand.

His phone vibrated.

Fei Xiuqi stopped and answered the call.

On the other end was a pure mainland accent—it was the Fei family’s mainland operations team: "Young Master, the materials are all ready. Should we release them now?"

Fei Xiuqi hummed in agreement: "Make sure it's untraceable."

"Understood."

The other side was eager. "Zhuang Ji and Jiang Rong have monopolized the top trending spot for this CP for too long. It’s time for a change. And with what happened this afternoon, the Jiang family is probably about to face upheaval. Not sure who made such an aggressive play."

Fei Xiuqi hadn’t caught up on this yet: "What’s the situation?"

"Young Master, since you were recording the show, you might not know. Right before the market closed this afternoon, someone dumped massive volumes of Jiang family stocks. It happened so fast—the Jiang family had no time to counter before the market closed."

The person on the phone seemed to flip through some papers, the sound of rustling coming through before they continued, "According to the data freshly reported by our finance team, the stocks sold off represent approximately 56% of the Jiang family’s total assets."

Fei Xiuqi: "That much?"

"Absolutely, who would argue? It’s basically a fatal blow to the Jiang family. Such a ruthless move, brutally efficient."

The person said, "Young Master, should we here in the mainland acquire some Jiang assets?"

Fei Xiuqi thought for a moment: "No. If the other party could suddenly dump such a large amount, they must have a next move planned. Let’s hold our position."

"Got it."

The other side paused. "Oh, by the way, Young Master, we just got word from the main estate in Hong Kong. The patriarch has had rooms prepared for you and Lu Tingchao, ready for your return anytime."