Chapter 23 A-23

Chapter A-23

It had been a long time since Cheng Zhu last saw Jiang Tinghan, and today, he still found him utterly displeasing.

Don’t misunderstand—they hadn’t had any conflicts. It was purely that Cheng Zhu couldn’t stand that lifeless face.

In comparison, Yun Xiu, whose face was about the size of his palm, was much more likable. The silky feel under his fingertips made him want to touch it a few more times.

Yun Xiu was still a guy, and no weakling. It was just that Cheng Zhu was too strong. Once Cheng Zhu relaxed his grip a little, Yun Xiu was able to break free.

Furious, Yun Xiu’s jade-white face flushed red. “Are you out of your mind?!”

Little did he know that his face, flushed and glowing like a peach blossom, made people want to mess with him even more—to see if he could make even more beautiful expressions.

“Heh.” Cheng Zhu suppressed his wicked thoughts, pressed his tongue against the side of his face where he’d been slapped, and let out a low chuckle. “You’re the first one who dared to slap me. You've got nerve.”

The line sounded damn familiar, as if lifted straight from a domineering CEO’s script.

For a moment, Yun Xiu had no idea how to reply to such an embarrassing remark!

He should have realized long ago that in a world where things didn’t have to follow the plot step by step, the people in it were bound to be a little unhinged.

Jiang Tinghan roughly grasped what had happened from those few words.

If he had to guess, trouble was brewing. His expression was restrained, as if he had misunderstood the relationship between the two. Judging them by his own feelings, he assumed Cheng Zhu and Yun Xiu’s relationship was similar to his own with Yun Xiu.

Jiang Tinghan fell silent for a moment, then asked in a relatively calm tone, “Did you kiss him?”

Yun Xiu: “None of your damn business!”

Cheng Zhu: “So what if I did?”

Their almost simultaneous responses only deepened Jiang Tinghan’s misunderstanding.

Cheng Zhu grinned like a jerk. “Oh, top student, if you’re jealous, just say it outright. Sulking on the sly—Xiu Xiu wouldn’t get it! No wonder Xiu Xiu likes me. What can I say, I'm an open book!”

He might look rough, but he was more attentive to details than anyone. He could tell Yun Xiu was avoiding Jiang Tinghan. Otherwise, after being bullied, he wouldn’t have just stood there dumbly between them but would have sought help from the other.

Indeed, Yun Xiu’s lips twitched as if he wanted to explain, but his original plan was to draw a clear line with Jiang Tinghan. Explaining wouldn’t help move things forward.

He closed his mouth and looked away.

To Jiang Tinghan, Yun Xiu’s silence was a silent admission. His hands, hanging at his sides, clenched unconsciously.

Jiang Tinghan: “I want to talk to you alone.”

He wasn't as easily fooled as Cheng Zhu's childhood friend Yun Xiu would be—a fake move and a few ambiguous words wouldn’t convince him. He needed to hear it directly from Yun Xiu to believe it.

Or perhaps, deep down, he clung to a hidden hope that Yun Xiu still cared for him and wouldn’t be so cruel.

With only one step left in this long journey, Yun Xiu had no reason to refuse.

Cheng Zhu lit a cigarette, leaned against the wall, and blew out a cloud of smoke. Watching the two walk away together, he chuckled. “Fine. I'm the bigger man. I’ll wait here for Xiu Xiu to come back.”

Jiang Tinghan paused mid-step, then quickened his pace.

As the heir of Haoting Hotel, Jiang Tinghan had access to all the facilities in the hotel, including the lounge on another floor.

Yun Xiu felt that going so far for just a few words was making a big deal out of nothing, but not wanting to upset him, he didn’t say anything.

Until he saw the furnishings in the break room.

A bed, three leather sofas—this was no break room; it was clearly a hotel room!

Yun Xiu instinctively recoiled, not daring to enter.

Seeing this, Jiang Tinghan smiled with a self-mocking smile, "Back then, you weren’t afraid to share a bed with me, and now you don’t even dare to enter the room?"

Yun Xiu came to his senses, his face flushed with embarrassment, but he still shot back defiantly, "Who said I don’t dare? I’m just observing first!"

After Yun Xiu entered, Jiang Tinghan closed the door and locked it. The sharp click sounded like a gun being cocked.

Yun Xiu swallowed hard.

It suddenly occurred to him that he was naturally frail and wasn't as strong as other men. Even if Jiang Tinghan didn’t work out like Cheng Zhu did daily, his regular morning workouts were more than enough to restrain him.

Was it too late for regrets?

Clearly, yes. He could only trust his roommate to behave.

The young man sat on the black leather sofa. The dark color made his skin appear even more pale and glowing. Sometimes Jiang Tinghan wondered if it was this very complexion that had captivated him.

Pure and flawless, like some kind of saint.

As if all the filth in the world had nothing to do with him.

When Jiang Tinghan remained silent, Yun Xiu couldn't take the staring anymore and spoke up first, "What did you want to say?"

"I know you and Cheng Zhu aren't involved with each other."

Jiang Tinghan spoke slowly, "He was in another province for a competition and only returned yesterday. I was the one who signed off on his leave."

The implication was clear: using Cheng Zhu as an excuse wouldn’t work.

Yun Xiu snapped, "Then why did you even ask?"

So all that acting from Cheng Zhu just now made him look like a clown in Jiang Tinghan’s eyes.

Jiang Tinghan corrected him, "I never asked about your relationship. I only asked what you were doing. Cheng Zhu was the one rambling on his own."

Yun Xiu thought back and realized that was indeed the case.

Thinking carefully, they hadn’t seen each other for over a week. The person he had been intimate with just a week ago now felt like a stranger, an unbridgeable gap between them.

Jiang Tinghan lowered his gaze. "Do you still mean what you said at the hospital?"

Yun Xiu was momentarily stunned before recalling what he had declared. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "I do, but I’m married."

He thought he had made it clear enough that day.

He was a married man. Although he could guess his relationship with his husband wasn’t particularly close, Jiang Tinghan, with his particular nature, couldn’t possibly be indifferent to it.

Jiang Tinghan nodded and said in a calm tone that made Yun Xiu's blood run cold, "I know. You married your eldest brother, Yun He. On the day you registered your marriage, your second brother, Yun Qian, returned home. The Yun family didn’t hold a banquet or invite any relatives. The servants said they couldn't tell if you and Yun He were in love—you even slept in separate rooms. It’s clear the marriage was just a means for you to stay in the Yun family."

Hearing this, Yun Xiu widened his eyes slightly and said in disbelief, "You investigated me?"

"Not exactly."

Jiang Tinghan knelt beside Yun Xiu, his gloved hand gently resting on the back of Yun Xiu’s hand, his gaze focused and sincere.

"The Yun family hasn't concealed anything at all; anyone could find this information. Xiu Xiu, Yun He isn’t attentive to you, he doesn't love you. Divorce him and marry me instead. You can still remain part of the Yun family, and I can give you even more."

Jiang Tinghan had also gone through a period of inner conflict and self-disgust. As Yun Xiu said, he was married—even if there was no love, having a husband was an undeniable fact. Yet he refused to give up, believing that persistently chasing after someone he loved was nothing to be ashamed of.

If Yun Xiu were the original owner of this body, he would probably be tempted. After all, all the original owner wanted was to avoid returning to his biological parents' home—it wouldn't matter where he ended up.

However, Yun Xiu was not the original owner. He dodged the offer, saying, "I'll help you relieve your symptoms this time, but after this, don't come looking for me again."

Back in the smoking area, he had noticed something strange about Jiang Tinghan—the way he kept unintentionally touching his own body subconsciously, though Jiang Tinghan didn't seem aware of it.

Jiang Tinghan pretended not to hear the latter part of the sentence, delighted by Yun Xiu's soft heart. Even though he had been pushing aggressively, Yun Xiu hadn't gotten angry. At the same time, he knew he couldn't rush things—just like how he had managed to get close in Antong Village, it had taken a long time of slow and steady effort.

He smiled faintly, his voice gentle: "Then can Xiu Xiu help me take off my gloves?"

Only then did Yun Xiu notice he was wearing a pair of black gloves, likely custom-made after being diagnosed with skin hunger, to prevent contact with others in daily life.

Unlike Yun Xiu's fair, rosy skin, Jiang Tinghan had a pale, cool-toned complexion. The skin on his wrists and the back of his hands was thinner than on other parts, making the blue-purple veins easily visible.

Not only that, but the man's hands were well-defined with distinct knuckles—slender yet powerful, truly a treat for people who appreciate nice hands.

Yun Xiu looked at these hands, unable to tell who was taking advantage of whom.

Seeing Yun Xiu spacing out, Jiang Tinghan tentatively pinched his fingertips, his voice now slightly hoarse: "Shall I begin?"

Their fingertips touched and pressed together, fingers interlaced—intimate beyond words.

Cold, pale fingers rubbed and kneaded against fair skin, slowly turning a small patch pink before leisurely moving to another area.

Unconsciously, Yun Xiu found himself held in a half-embrace in Jiang Tinghan's arms, his nose filled with the faint scent of citrus.

Yun Xiu felt as if every second dragged on forever.

Suddenly, the hand moved from his arm to his waist. He couldn't hold back a soft whimper, and what little rationality he had left made him protest: "Not there!"

Jiang Tinghan's hand stopped just at his waist. He sighed regretfully, his hot breath spraying against Yun Xiu's long, snow-white neck, making Yun Xiu instinctively arch his back to distance himself.

The next second, he was pressed close again with a gentle yet firm force.

"Sweetheart, you're reacting."

The reply came in an embarrassed, annoyed voice: "Mind your own business! I don't need you to worry about it!"

Time passed minute by minute.

Jiang Tinghan gently helped the young man out of his arms, wiping away the tears at the corners of his eyes. Amused, he said, "Why are you so quick to cry? I hardly did anything."

Yun Xiu also felt he was being weak. He tried to put on a tough expression, but the lingering blush made him look adorably defiant.

Still, he managed to act the part—like a heartless scumbag after the fact, he stood up and straightened his clothes, saying coldly: "You should find a proper, long-term partner. Don't come to me; we have no future."

Jiang Tinghan's eyes darkened, though a faint smile still hung on his face. "Thanks for your help tonight, Xiu Xiu. Shall I take you home?"

If anyone had looked closely, they would have noticed his smile was somewhat stiff.

"No need," Yun Xiu shook his head.

The restlessness in his body had faded, leaving only a faint, lingering flush at the corners of his eyes and brows that wouldn't disappear anytime soon. His tone was very polite: "I've already arranged with the family driver; he'll pick me up at nine."

The wall clock showed it was already 8:40—about time to head downstairs.

Jiang Tinghan changed his approach: "I'll walk you down."

Yun Xiu was exhausted, feeling listless and too tired to argue, so he went along with it.

When they reached the hotel entrance, Jiang Tinghan gently tugged at his sleeve.

Just as Yun Xiu was wondering why, the scent of citrus filled his nostrils again, and a warm, comfortable feeling spread through his body, so he didn't resist.

The embrace lasted only about ten seconds before Jiang Tinghan let go.

Breaking from his usual aloofness, he smoothed the wrinkles on Yun Xiu's collar and said gently: "It's up to you whether you return to the dorm or not. Do what feels right for you. You can come find me anytime—I’ve never disapproved of you."

Yun Xiu gave a noncommittal "Mm."

Unable to discern his true thoughts, Jiang Tinghan felt a bit disappointed. He nudged him to look to the right, indicating the car had arrived, and said with a smile: "Goodbye, Xiu Xiu."

Yun Xiu maintained a cool, expressionless facade and nodded. "Goodbye."

He turned away coolly, coolly spotted the person standing by his family car, and then his composure completely shattered.

Damn!

Ten minutes ago, Uncle Lin had replied, "I'll be right there." Who could explain why it was Yun He who showed up?

More importantly, had Yun He seen Jiang Tinghan hugging him??

Yun Xiu's mind was racing as if ten thousand alpacas were stampeding through it, filled with "SOS" and contingency plans for being found out. He had no choice but to steel himself and walk over.

With not much confidence, he called out: "Big Brother."

Yun He didn't say anything, just motioned for him to get in the car. Then his eyes shifted slightly to the boy standing motionless at the hotel entrance.

The boy smiled politely, but his eyes were full of provocation.

Yun He paused for a moment, then got into the car as well.

As the car pulled away from Haoting Hotel, just as Yun Xiu's anxious heart was about to settle slightly, Yun He spoke up: "Are you dating a classmate?"

At these words, before Yun Xiu could even think of how to respond, Uncle Lin jumped in shock and slammed on the brakes!

The car left two dark tire marks on the street. Fortunately, it was well past rush hour, and there were few vehicles around—otherwise, Uncle Lin's driving career might have ended in disgrace.

Uncle Lin quickly apologized: "Sorry, I got too excited! I'll focus on driving from now on!"

Yun He waved it off and raised the partition between the front and back seats to prevent Uncle Lin from getting excited again.

Yun Xiu wasn't sure how much Yun He had seen or how much he should say. He decided to downplay it—no need to confess without being pressed.

After a moment's thought, he said innocently: "No, why would you think that, Big Brother? The one I've always liked is you!"

Faced with such a direct confession, especially from his brother of twenty years, even Yun He felt slightly awkward and averted his gaze uncomfortably.

"I'm not doubting you, but the path you choose is your own—you have to take responsibility for your future. Since you decided to marry me, at least avoid fooling around outside. I don’t want any romantic entanglements showing up at our doorstep; it wouldn’t be good for the Yun family's reputation."

Yun Xiu replied with a noncommittal "uh-huh," not particularly concerned with these lofty principles.

Don't think for a second he doesn't know—marriage isn't just his task, it's also Yun He's task.

Both are well aware this marriage lacks emotional foundation, but that doesn't mean being tied to one tree after marriage. His goal is to make Yun He dislike him, not fall in love with him. Playing it cool now is only to create a stark contrast later, to better boost the dislike meter.

The reason he rejected Jiang Tinghan was out of fear that the other's OCD might flare up and ruin his plans prematurely.

A hot guy is nice and all, but the mission comes first.

To put it bluntly, he can date a college guy, but not one with OCD—he's afraid he could get locked in a dark room someday with no way out.

But then again, Yun He probably didn't see much. Otherwise, given his personality, he likely wouldn't tolerate even a whiff of cheating.

Even the possibility.

Yun Xiu began scouting candidates to betray Yun He later, cheerfully unwrapping an ice pop.

While others bite and suck on ice pops, he can't bite ice due to sensitive teeth, so he waits eagerly for the surface to melt before licking it.

His usually pale pink, rose-petal-like lips are now turned rosy red from the cold, perhaps from sucking too hard or from the ice, slightly swollen as if thoroughly kissed by some unknown guy somewhere.

Noticing his gaze had drifted to an inappropriate place, Yun He's Adam's apple moved slightly as he restrained himself and looked away.

Suddenly, his eyes fixed.

The car wasn't lit, relying on streetlights outside. As the car moved, shadows shifted repeatedly from back to front, a bit dizzying.

Yun He isn't nearsighted and could clearly see the small, sudden, light red mark on the boy's fair neck even without glasses.

In his memory, the challenging gaze of the unfamiliar guy who met his eyes seemed to shift into a look declaring ownership, sparking irritation in him as if his territory had been violated.

So rude.

The young man is so naive, he wouldn't even talk back if scolded—it must be that guy who's corrupting his brother.

Yun He's fingers rubbed against his thigh, felt like wiping away the mark, but he knew it wasn't realistic.

He stared for a while but didn't move.

...

Yun Xiu noticed that Yun He was keeping an even closer eye on him now.

Personally driving him to and from school, questioning him thoroughly whenever he went out to play, even demanding photos during class as proof to confirm he was actually in lesson.

Sitting in the classroom, Yun Xiu's mind wandered during the teacher's lecture.

Is this love, or familial care?

Actually, figuring out whether Yun He has impure feelings for him is quite simple—just dangle the right bait and see if he takes it.

Without wasting time, he decided to test it out that very night.

That evening, after finishing work and coming out of the shower, Yun He heard knocking at his door.

Only he and Yun Xiu were home, so it was obvious who it was.

"Come in, it's unlocked."

Yun Xiu opened the door to find his big brother sitting on the small sofa in his bedroom, drying his hair, and immediately volunteered, "Big brother, let me help you dry it!"

Yun He was about to refuse but then recalled his brother had seemed distant lately, so he nodded in agreement.

It was Yun He's first time having someone else dry his hair, and Yun Xiu's first time helping someone dry theirs—both were newcomers to this.

Yun He's hair isn't long, just a bit longer than a buzz cut. Without any styling, it highlighted the sharpness and handsomeness of his features, proving the saying, "To see if a man is handsome, just give him a buzz cut."

Drying hair isn't hard; within five minutes, it was done.

Yun Xiu leaned close to Yun He's ear, and asked, "Brother, I learned some massage techniques online. Want me to give you a massage?"

Yun He didn't agree right away, teasing, "So well-behaved today—did you cause trouble, or are you angling for more allowance?"

Yun Xiu glared, upset that this was how he was seen, and grumbled, "Can't it just be a burst of showing some brotherly love?"

Yun He said tactfully, "...Brotherly love? That doesn't sound right."

Mainly, he was afraid his brother might press the wrong acupoint and cause him to drop dead on the spot.

Yun Xiu said without batting an eye, "It's perfectly fitting—after all, an elder brother is like a father."

This massage was happening!

They stared each other down, wide-eyed.

In the end, Yun He gave in.

At Yun Xiu's direction, he removed his shirt and lay face down on the bed, so he didn't see his "innocent and naive" brother scanning his shoulders, back, waist, and hips with a blatantly appreciative gaze, like a little perv.

What an incredible face!

What an incredible body!

If Cheng Zhu, with his developed biceps and glutes, embodies primal beauty—able to play a caveman in a grass skirt without any issue—then Yun He is a blend of the primal and the civilized, two unrelated traits perfectly merged in him.

"Not starting yet?"

He'd been admiring for too long, so Yun He turned to see what was up.

Yun Xiu snapped back to attention and hurriedly said, "Starting, starting!"

First, applying the oil evenly. He took out the massage oil he'd bought earlier, poured a few drops on Yun He's back, and spread it evenly with his hands, soothing the back.

The moment the oil came out, the scent of jasmine quickly filled the entire room. Yun Xiu took a breath, feeling slightly guilty.

But then he thought—he wasn't one to reveal his intentions right away, from never fighting unprepared battles. He’d said massage, so after class, he specifically went to a massage shop to learn techniques.

He was doing this for him, after all—what did it matter if the oil was strong-smelling!

Hearing that Yun Xiu was massaging his office-worker brother, the master, thanks to generous payment, specially taught him a set of techniques to relax shoulders and backs.

Thumbs pressing the trapezius and scapulae, moving down along the shoulders, using knuckles to push outward along the bladder meridian... After huffing and puffing for ten minutes, seeing Yun He seemed completely relaxed, his itching curiosity could no longer be suppressed.

The massage techniques gradually turned more inappropriate, touching here, pinching there, moving from shoulders to waist.

Whether due to genes or later workout routine, Yun He not only has an eight-pack but also excellent shoulder-to-waist ratio, truly a wasp waist and ape back.

Yun Xiu was incredibly jealous.

Too bad the shark lines are in front, otherwise he'd definitely run his hands over them.

As for Yun He's reaction—

Yun Xiu thought without conscience that his elder brother was way past the age where a simple touch would get him hard. If he reacted, it would just mean he had some interest in him; if not, it meant he either couldn’t get aroused or simply wasn’t interested.

The former would save him a lot of trouble, while the latter would require him to change his approach.

It never crossed Yun Xiu’s mind that he might be in over his head.

So, when his wrist was seized by a burning hot hand, he asked in confusion, "Big Brother, your hand is so hot—do you have a fever?"

Hearing the word "Big Brother," Yun He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. His voice was hoarse as he said, "No, you need to leave now."

Yun Xiu said seriously, "Big Brother, don’t hide your sickness for fear of treatment. You’re a grown man—taking medicine or getting a shot is nothing to be ashamed of!"

As he spoke, he tried to help him up.

Yun He’s eyelids twitched, and he quickly grabbed Yun Xiu’s hand to stop him, equally serious. "I’m not sick, really."

Yun Xiu looked skeptical yet concerned, his expression deeply worried. "But your hand is so hot—I feel like it's hot enough to fry an egg."

Deadlocked, Yun He had no choice but to sit up to prove he wasn’t seriously ill.

Seizing the opportunity, Yun Xiu quickly glanced downward but didn’t see the reaction he was looking for, feeling somewhat disappointed.

So his brother was actually impotent.

His disappointment was too obvious; it was as if he had signs pasted on his eyes—on the left, "Big Brother," and on the right, "Impotent." That little expression made Yun He laugh in spite of himself.

A man can’t be called impotent—even blood brothers might compare sizes, let alone brothers not related by blood.

Suddenly, Yun Xiu found himself sitting on the man’s firm, warm thigh. Thanks to the straddling position, he could clearly feel the other’s impressive size and strength.

Yun Xiu’s face flushed bright red, and he stammered, "B-Big Brother!"

"What are you calling me for?" Yun He lifted his eyelids, unmoved. "I told you, you chose this road, now you have to walk it."

Yun Xiu: "..."

This asshole, pretending to be proper.

If he had the guts, he should move the hard-on under me!

Fortunately, Yun He had no intention of taking things further. He held Yun Xiu like a child, resting his chin on Yun Xiu’s shoulder, his gaze dark and deep as he stared at the fair, tender neck—as if contemplating where to bite, or perhaps thinking nothing at all, just waiting for his physical reaction to subside naturally.

He intended to let Yun Xiu off, but Yun Xiu had no intention of letting him go.

Just as Yun He was about to enter post-nut clarity, Yun Xiu took advantage of his momentary distraction, rubbed cheeks with him, then leaned back with a bright, sly smile. "So it turns out just holding me can make Big Brother better without medicine. Can you hold me more often in the future?"

The window in the room was open, and the evening breeze blew in during their conversation, bringing a touch of coolness to the sultry, pulsating midsummer night. Everything and everyone was absurdly still.

Yun He looked at the youth’s fine, handsome features and found himself almost unable to recall what Yun Xiu used to look like. Swallowing his refusal, he hesitated and said a single word: "Okay."

He told himself that Yun Xiu was his brother, and it was fine to indulge some of his not-too-outrageous requests.

It definitely wasn’t for any other reason.