Chapter 29 The End of the First World

Chapter 29: End of the First World

It was still the same pair of eyes—those ambitious eyes that would soften with a smile when they met his—yet in the crowded elevator, Jiang Mo felt a sudden chill. Even the finger entwined with his seemed to have lost its warmth, as if touched by something cold-blooded.

Jiang Mo didn’t want to think this way, didn’t want to doubt Chen Zui.

But he wasn’t blind, deaf, or foolish…

In the quiet elevator, no one knew the secret hidden beneath. Two seemingly unrelated people were intimately hooking fingers, yet their hearts felt miles apart.

The elevator door opened. Several employees nodded to Chen Zui before departing.

As the crowd thinned, Chen Zui released his finger.

Another floor, and Jiang Mo’s stop arrived. His steps were hurried as he exited, but he paused and looked back into the elevator. The remaining passengers looked puzzled.

Chen Zui’s gaze held a question.

The elevator doors closed, leaving the question unanswered.

As soon as Chen Zui settled into his office, he received a message from Jiang Mo: "Chen Zui, are you sick?"

Chen Zui tossed his phone onto the desk, having no intention of replying. He was Chen Zui, after all—a busy man. Moreover, this probe was far from subtle. If he truly were the villain, he would instantly realize that he had aroused suspicion.

Oh, but he was the villain.

Jiang Mo was distracted all morning, repeatedly glancing at his unresponsive phone.

No reply.

Perhaps Chen Zui was simply busy.

When lunchtime arrived, Jiang Mo gathered his belongings, preparing to eat at the newly opened noodle shop downstairs—they were offering a 50% discount.

Just then, his phone vibrated, making his heart leap. He quickly stopped and pulled out his phone.

Chen Zui: "Come to my floor."

He stared at the message. Though he didn’t understand why Chen Zui wanted him to come, since Chen Zui had summoned him, he would go.

In the elevator, Jiang Mo’s heart raced at the thought of soon seeing Chen Zui. If Chen Zui really was the pervert… The pervert had done many terrible things to him, but Chen Zui had been kind, offering help and even liking him…

His heart was torn.

With the elevator’s arrival chime, Jiang Mo sighed and stepped out resignedly. He had never been to this floor before. Glancing around, he saw no one. Noticing the executive office with its motorized blinds drawn, he worked up his nerve and walked over.

"Knock, knock—"

Chen Zui put down his phone. "Come in."

The door pushed open cautiously. Jiang Mo, with his work ID badge, appeared at the doorway. His eyes immediately fell on Chen Zui, who was still wearing a mask. Closing the door, he stopped two steps away from the desk, lowered his head, and said, "Chen Zui, you called for me."

Chen Zui’s eyes drifted to the work ID swaying on the man’s chest.

Office play could be interesting.

"Come here."

Chen Zui stood and walked toward the sofa. Jiang Mo followed quietly, silent and almost invisible, though his eyes tried to steal a glimpse of what lay beneath Chen Zui’s mask from behind.

Chen Zui said, "Let’s eat first."

On the coffee table was packed takeout. Jiang Mo grew unsure again. If Chen Zui really were the pervert, he should be trying to hide and avoid contact. Yet here he was, asking to eat together? Wouldn’t that mean revealing his face?

Chen Zui acting so openly made Jiang Mo feel that he had misunderstood him.

Jiang Mo sat down nervously, disgusted by his own doubts. He felt unworthy of Chen Zui’s kindness, not even worthy to eat Chen Zui’s food. He respectfully opened the takeout containers and waited for Chen Zui to eat first. After wrongly suspecting Chen Zui, he only deserved leftovers!

Chen Zui slung an arm over the back of the sofa, crossing one long leg over the other casually. "I’ve already eaten. You go ahead."

Jiang Mo, who had just begun to think he’d misunderstood, grew doubtful again. Why call him over to eat but not eat together? Perhaps it really was because he couldn’t let Jiang Mo see his mouth?

Jiang Mo felt he was going mad.

Chen Zui asked, "What’s wrong? Don’t like it?"

Jiang Mo shook his head and started eating listlessly, though he had no appetite. One of his few virtues was never wasting food, so he finished everything.

The meal was silent, without a single word exchanged.

Jiang Mo drank some water. As he wiped his mouth, he felt dizzy. Before he could utter a "Thank you, Chen Zui," he leaned back on the sofa and lost consciousness.

Chen Zui watched the unconscious Jiang Mo, removed his mask to reveal his bruised lips, lit a cigarette, and smoked quietly.

Time ticked by.

Chen Zui sat composedly. Twenty minutes later, Jiang Mo suddenly jerked awake. The moment he opened his eyes, he instinctively shrank in on himself. Just then, he heard the words—

"Don’t be afraid."

"I’ve always been watching you."

Jiang Mo turned his head sharply, his neck emitting a faint creak. He saw Chen Zui, mask back on, staring at him with those piercing eyes—eyes that seemed to see through his bones, flesh, and fear-ridden soul.

Jiang Mo suddenly stood up, chest heaving. "You… you…"

Chen Zui’s gaze lifted, feigning confusion. "What about me? What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"

He spread his arms. "A hug will help."

Jiang Mo’s mind was reeling; cold sweat was already beading on his forehead. He looked pitiful. For the first time, he refused Chen Zui. "I… I need to get back to work."

He nodded and fled, almost tripping over his own feet in his rush.

Only Chen Zui remained in the office.

Ao Tian: "Aren’t you afraid you’re pushing it too far?"

Chen Zui: "Don’t worry. Even if it’s just for your points, I’ll definitely complete the mission successfully."

Ao Tian: "You’re the best. I crown you the world’s greatest host."

Chen Zui: "Thanks."

He curled his lips into a smile. At this point, how much longer would the little pervert take to face reality?

In the elevator, Jiang Mo’s mind echoed with the words: "I’ve always been watching you."

It was like a curse. Was everything he’d discovered just coincidence? But he couldn’t make himself believe it.

He couldn't wrap his head around it either—if Chen Zui was truly the creep, what was the purpose behind everything he did?

The elevator doors opened and closed, but the figure inside didn't react.

It wasn’t until someone came in and spoke to Jiang Mo that he stumbled out of the elevator, spaced out. After taking a few steps, he paused. Perhaps he should stop what he was doing now. As long as he pretended not to have noticed anything, things could go back to normal.

The man even began to deceive himself, willing to act as if he knew nothing, just to keep everything unchanged.

Chen Zui stood before the floor-to-ceiling window on the 73rd floor, overlooking the city.

"It’s almost over."

"Once you’re done with him, we’ll enter a new world."

"Will you feel reluctant?"

"Emotions aren’t the most important thing in my life."

—

Jiang Mo had just arrived home when Chen Zui showed up right on his heels. The moment Jiang Mo saw him, he felt completely drained. His mind was almost shutting down, and his heart felt as if it were being squeezed so tightly he could hardly breathe. He really needed a moment alone to catch his breath.

But Chen Zui didn’t give him the chance.

Still wearing a mask, Chen Zui hugged Jiang Mo. "It’s been days since we last saw each other. Did you miss me?"

Jiang Mo put on a pained smile. He really had missed him—so much that he’d been thinking about it almost 24/7 without reaching any conclusion. He managed a quiet "Mm-hmm," feeling the warmth and security of Chen Zui’s embrace. Even though he suspected the other might be a creep, his heart still raced because of that hug.

It was a feeling only Chen Zui could give him.

Chen Zui’s finger pointed to his head. "Did you miss me here?"

His slender finger moved downward, landing on Jiang Mo’s pounding heart. "Or here?"

Then it moved lower, to Xiao Jiang. "Here?"

Chen Zui chuckled, shifting his hand slightly backward, his eyes igniting with a seductive spark. "Or maybe here?"

Jiang Mo was completely overwhelmed. The gloomy puppy blushed crimson.

It was a look Chen Zui loved to admire.

"I’ll go take a shower first." Chen Zui took out his phone and placed it on the coffee table before heading to the bedroom to get fresh clothes and then into the bathroom. It wasn’t until the sound of running water echoed that Jiang Mo snapped back to reality.

He had originally planned to start cooking, but after taking a step toward the kitchen, he paused, his eyes widening in shock as he stared at Chen Zui’s phone on the coffee table.

Right!

The phone!

The chance to get to the truth was suddenly laid out before him. All he had to do was make a call to find out the truth. Jiang Mo shot a nervous glance toward the bathroom.

No, he didn’t need to know.

But if Chen Zui wasn’t the creep, wouldn’t he be doing him an injustice by not getting to the bottom of it?

His conflicted expression gradually turned resolute. He had to know the answer. With trembling hands, he took out his own phone, first silencing Chen Zui’s phone, then steeling himself and making the call.

In less than three seconds, Chen Zui’s phone lit up. The screen displayed the caller ID: Jiang Mo.

Those two words nearly hit Jiang Mo like a ton of bricks. He stumbled and sank to the floor, biting his lip hard to keep from making a sound.

The truth he least wanted to believe was now right in front of him.

Scenes with the creep and scenes with Chen Zui alternated in his mind: the bastard who toyed with him on the subway, the Chen Zui who lent him clothes; the bastard who grabbed him in the bar, the Chen Zui who held an umbrella for a kitten; the bastard who bullied him in the dark alley, the Chen Zui who came to check on him in the middle of the night…

The bastard who bullied him under the stairs, the Chen Zui who said he liked him.

Jiang Mo felt as if he might be losing his mind. Perhaps the creep didn’t exist in this world, or perhaps the current Chen Zui was nothing more than a figment of his imagination.

But on the other hand, if Chen Zui was the creep, it was better than having it be someone else…

Chen Zui took a long shower. By the time he came out, Jiang Mo seemed to be already asleep, lying with his back to the door, pressed tightly against the wall.

Is this how you choose to face it?

He lay down behind Jiang Mo, clearly feeling the other’s body stiffen. The act of pretending to sleep wasn't fooling anyone. As if unaware, he hugged Jiang Mo just like he always did.

In the darkness, Jiang Mo opened his eyes. He was craving this embrace.

—

Chen Zui didn’t give Jiang Mo any time to adapt or catch his breath.

Jiang Mo was pulling overtime—a task assigned just before leaving work. He’d been busy until 10 p.m., and he had the whole floor to himself. But he still had a bit more to do.

Mainly, he wasn’t in the right state of mind, frequently spacing out. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been working so late.

As he typed on his keyboard, the lights in front of him suddenly went out. He looked up. The lights ahead went dark one by one, like in a horror movie, skipping only the one above his head. The lights behind him also went out like dominoes.

Panic set in.

Jiang Mo was only startled for the first two seconds before he realized what was happening. Now that he knew the truth, his feelings were incredibly complicated.

With such a theatrical entrance, it must be the creep showing up.

The man under the only source of light remained seated, not moving. He looked around but seemed uncertain of the direction.

Soon, however, he heard footsteps slowly approaching from behind. Each step seemed to match the rhythm of his heartbeat. Even though he knew what was coming, he couldn’t help but feel nervous.

If the other was going to do those things to him again, should he accept it or not?

But this was Chen Zui…

Chen Zui had every right to do those kinds of things to him.

A hand reached from behind and pressed down on his desk. The cut on that hand hadn’t fully healed yet.

Jiang Mo remained motionless, his breath catching in his throat. He didn’t know what kind of scene Chen Zui was about to act out with him. The thought made Chen Zui seem almost adorable—pulling double duty. He had always thought Chen Zui was so serious.

Chen Zui’s posture was as if he were hugging him from behind. A finger pressed against his neck, sending a tingling sensation that made the surrounding muscles tense up.

The finger traced down his neck, following his spine, each vertebra individually.

"Why are you so obedient today?"

Jiang Mo shivered uncontrollably, unable to say a word. Being in his usual workplace made him extra nervous, as though coworkers were still at their desks, watching them.

"Aren't you going to turn around and look at me?" The deliberately lowered voice, more breath than sound, carried an extra layer of lingering intimacy.

Jiang Mo's breath stopped. He felt like a stiff, rigid plant coiled by a snake, unable to move, unable to resist, whether harmed or treated kindly entirely dependent on the other's mood.

Knowing it was President Chen, he couldn't muster any desire to resist or feel disgust.

"If you just turn around now, you'll see me." A finger pressed down with just the right pressure on his tailbone.

The opportunity was right before him.

But Jiang Mo didn't dare turn around, nor was he entirely sure if President Chen truly wanted him to. His mind wasn't quick-witted; what if President Chen wasn't ready to reveal himself yet?

He couldn't ruin President Chen's plans.

His hands, resting on his legs, clenched tightly—a level of obedience he'd never shown towards the "big pervert." The blue lanyard of his company ID badge hung around his neck, dangling on his chest, a reminder that they were still at the office.

Without speaking or turning, Jiang Mo was effortlessly pulled up and pressed down onto his desk. His head tilted sideways against the surface, forcing him to bend over and arch his back.

The ID badge no longer rested against his chest, now hanging loosely.

Jiang Mo opened his mouth, unsure how to address him.

In the end, he omitted the form of address entirely: "This is the company..."

His tone lacked conviction.

"Exactly because it's the company. I want you to think of me every day when you sit here working."

Along with these words, Jiang Mo felt the other begin to undo his pants...

Panicked, he raised a hand to grab the other's wrist, stopping the motion.

"Don't..."

The other didn't force it, only asking: "Why haven't you looked at me all day? I've been watching you the whole time."

Jiang Mo heard a hint of grievance in those words, and it made his heart ache. Things had already come this far; he figured President Chen must have his reasons for acting this way. Or maybe President Chen just enjoyed playing games—after all, he himself had followed Chen Xiu. What right did he have to criticize President Chen?

Besides, why didn't President Chen follow anyone else?

He only follows me.

He only watches me.

Jiang Mo's heart felt as if it had been struck, breaking through the clouds to see the moon. All his confusion vanished.

Jiang Mo: "Then I'll turn around now."

Chen Zui narrowed his eyes. He knew clearly that Jiang Mo was now aware of the truth.

What choice would he make?

He released Jiang Mo, a silent signal of permission.

Jiang Mo lifted his head and straightened up, no longer hesitant or uncertain. When he turned, he saw the masked "big pervert" standing tall and straight in the darkness just outside the circle of light.

In that moment, Jiang Mo suddenly wondered: What if he, like me, is afraid his true face won’t be accepted? That’s why he has to hide, to follow, to be a peeper.

He reached out and took Chen Zui's hand.

Chen Zui showed no reaction, only watching Jiang Mo through the mask.

The next second, Jiang Mo gave a gentle tug, pulling him into the light.

Jiang Mo unveiled the mystery. Without hesitation, he removed Chen Zui's mask, mustering the courage to look directly into those eyes that had captivated him from the very first meeting.

He said: "President Chen, you have to keep watching me."

Chen Zui's lips curved into a smile. He gave Jiang Mo's answer a perfect score.

—

—

The private rest area inside the president's office

Chen Zui looked at the man who kept his head turned away, his lean physique flushed a faint pink from shyness.

He chuckled softly, tilting the man's chin to turn his head back: "Didn't you ask me to keep watching you? If you don't look at me, how will you know if I'm watching you or not?"

Jiang Mo's vision was blurry and unreal, though his eyesight was perfectly fine. It was just too shameful to face President Chen in such a state, with nowhere to hide.

Chen Zui was indeed watching him closely, just as he’d wished.

—

—

Chen Zui had once admired the scenery here in a video, even pulling Jiang Mo to watch it together. Now he could appreciate the real thing, and the reality was even more beautiful than the video.

He reached out and touched it. Like a mimosa, its reaction was utterly adorable.

Jiang Mo gazed thoughtfully at Chen Zui. As a subordinate, he ought to serve President Chen to the best of his ability, so he made an even greater effort to display the view for him.

Chen Zui gave Jiang Mo a satisfied glance, which to Jiang Mo was worth more than any praise.

Chen Zui truly loved the scenery before him. Beautiful sights always stirred a desire to explore, and in practice, that exploration was left to his exploring hands.

He was generous with his praise: "Very beautiful."

Jiang Mo shyly lowered his gaze, though the corners of his mouth lifted uncontrollably.

President Chen had praised him. It made someone usually low-energy become much more motivated.

He wanted to do better, to earn more praise.

"If President Chen can't see clearly enough, I can still..."

His voice suddenly cut off.

Because President Chen was truly being relentless.

—

—

Chen Zui liked that little red mole, so he kissed it.

Jiang Mo's mind had completely stopped working, but he still kept trying. His shoulders and back, held aloft for too long, were struggling to support him. He deeply regretted not working out more often.

Chen Zui didn't look up until after a long while, nearly kissing that tiny mole until it almost bled.

"Jiang Mo."

"President Chen, I'm here."

Chen Zui looked at his flushed face: "Call me by my name."

Jiang Mo froze for a moment. Calling President Chen by his name? Wasn't that too rude?

Chen Zui kissed him: "Call me by my name."

Encouraged by his gaze, Jiang Mo gathered his courage and whispered: "Chen Zui."

His heart was trembling.

"I'm here."

Chen Zui leaned in again and kissed Jiang Mo, his kiss incredibly gentle and lingering.

Jiang Mo loved kissing President Chen. Every time they kissed, he felt happy, and at this moment, more than just his heart felt full.

He stole a glance at Chen Zui.

Just one look made his heart race—the man's expression was extremely sexy.

——

"Jiang Mo."

"Hmm?"

Chen Zui smiled at Jiang Mo: "Don't be so eager you bite down and won't let go. If you keep this up, I can't feed you."

Jiang Mo: ⊙▽⊙!

Jiang Mo stammered: "I'm sorry, I, I..."

Chen Zui felt the bite tighten even more. He drew a sharp breath, said nothing, and kissed Jiang Mo again while toying with that small red mole.

Once Chen Zui could move freely, things began to get out of control.

He wasn't much of a talker. He simply observed Jiang Mo's reactions and quickly learned what Jiang Mo liked.

As a professional mercenary, he was good at offense.

Jiang Mo was completely outmatched. His gaze fell on the window, and upon seeing their reflection, he immediately closed his eyes, feeling like his whole body was burning up.

Chen Zui smiled to himself.

Adorable.

Chen Zui's fitness level was already maxed out, and he had gotten even stronger and faster from Ao Tian. It was useful in fights, and it was useful now too.

At this moment, he began to understand why so many in the mercenary group chased this kind of pleasure—it was truly impossible to resist.

He had once said Jiang Mo had natural talent for this, and now it seemed his instincts were right.

Chen Zui's eyes were filled with an unfamiliar ambition, fixed on the prey he'd already caught.

Jiang Mo's face was completely free of shadows, instead covered in a fine layer of sweat. Dark strands of hair stuck to his temples, and his usually fair skin was flushed.

Very beautiful.

So beautiful, like a large cake that made Chen Zui want to devour him whole.

Oh.

He was already eating.

The man had boundless energy and techniques. After all, though he had never eaten pork, he had seen plenty of pigs run. Now, he was using all of it on Jiang Mo.

Jiang Mo didn't want to ruin Chen Zui's mood. Though it was a little much, he always tried his hardest to satisfy President Chen: "President Chen, is this okay? I can go even higher."

//

Chen Zui cursed under his breath.

He got even rougher.

Jiang Mo didn't know what he had done wrong, but he couldn't think straight.

Every time he looked over, he met Chen Zui's gaze. He really was watching him the whole time, making Jiang Mo feel as if his heart had fallen into a vat of honey.

He no longer wanted to pull away. Though embarrassed, he tried his best to hold onto Chen Zui, stealing glances at his expression. He noticed what made President Chen's expression the most pleased.

Chen Zui raised an eyebrow.

He noticed Jiang Mo was secretly trying hard to please him. He looked over, then back, and saw a hint of "I'm trying my best" on the man's handsome, shy face.

He kissed him: "So good."

Jiang Mo, under this praise, ended up making a mess of both of them.

Later, when Chen Zui gave everything to him, he felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

Could he allow himself to think that President Chen belonged to him?

The little pervert looked utterly satisfied.

"President Chen..."

"Are you looking at me?"

Jiang Mo's eyes were open, but he couldn't see clearly. He grabbed onto Chen Zui, feeling anxious.

Chen Zui: "Don't worry, I'm always looking at you."

——

Chen Zui didn't fall asleep until almost dawn. When he woke up, he instinctively reached out to the side—empty.

He opened his eyes. Jiang Mo was no longer in the lounge, only a note was left: "Sorry, President Chen. My clothes were dirty, so I borrowed a set of yours. I'll wash them and return them. There's breakfast on the coffee table outside. You worked hard last night."

Chen Zui: ...

The last sentence felt awkward to read.

He found Jiang Mo at his workstation, typing away at the computer, fully immersed in his work with positive effort.

He suddenly felt a twinge of regret—last night, he should have worn him out so bad he couldn’t get up today.

But seeing how Jiang Mo was perched on just the edge of his seat, he abandoned that thought.

He walked over. The employees all appeared to be working diligently, but in reality, their eyes were practically popping out of their sockets, dying to know why the big boss himself had shown up.

"Jiang Mo."

"Mr. Chen?"

"Let's go on a date."