Chapter 25 Huo Yanchi, I Want a Taste of You

Chapter 25 Huo Yanchi, I Want a Taste of You

"Huo Yanchi."

Shen Junlan sat up awkwardly, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards Huo Yanchi. He fumbled in his pocket, wanting to search for something on his phone, but couldn't quite articulate what.

"Are you..." Shen Junlan's voice was barely a whisper, laced with hesitation and uncertainty, "unwell?"

Huo Yanchi: "..."

Huo Yanchi had been struggling for a while. He'd never experienced this before; usually composed and detached, no one had ever stirred such impulses in him.

Xiao Yezi was different, constantly teasing him. Huo Yanchi's much-vaunted self-control crumbled instantly in front of him. The frustrating part was that Xiao Yezi remained completely oblivious, leaving Huo Yanchi to suffer in silence, unable to voice his agony.

"Does it swell because you're uncomfortable? Do you need a doctor?"

Huo Yanchi let out an irritated "tsk," then sat up beside Xiao Yezi, rubbing his temples.

"Xiao Yezi, I'm going to take another shower."

The hoarse, deep voice only solidified Shen Junlan's suspicion: Huo Yanchi was sick but didn't want him to know.

"Huo Yanchi."

Shen Junlan reached out with his long arm, firmly grasping Huo Yanchi's wrist. His thumb stroked Huo Yanchi's palm, his almond-shaped eyes widening before he blurted out, surprisingly, "Can I do anything to help you?"

Huo Yanchi's breath hitched. He turned his head away, thinking that what he needed most was for Xiao Yezi to behave himself and, ideally, go to sleep right now.

"Xiao Yezi, you should rest."

Huo Yanchi cupped Xiao Yezi's face, gently kneading his cheeks. His fingers brushed over Xiao Yezi's pale lips, his eyes filled with heartache.

"Xiao Yezi, from now on, you must not use your spiritual power without my permission, and especially not on me recklessly. Look at your face in the mirror—there's no color left in your face at all. My heart is aching terribly right now."

Shen Junlan murmured an obedient "okay" on the surface, but as soon as Huo Yanchi turned away, he began planning how to convince Huo Yanchi next time to continue the treatment.

He lay on the bed, waiting and waiting, but there was no movement from Huo Yanchi in the bathroom.

Shen Junlan heard faint, barely audible gasps mixed with the sound of running water. Curious, he crept to the bathroom door, pressing his ear against the frosted glass.

Amid the rushing water, Shen Junlan heard his own name.

His hand unconsciously gripped the doorknob, hesitating for a few seconds before slowly releasing it.

Huo Yanchi's magnetic, sensual moans drilled relentlessly into Shen Junlan's ears. It was as if he had been under a spell, standing frozen at the door, unable to react.

After a long while, Shen Junlan pinched his own burning earlobe, still seemingly unable to understand why this was happening. His chest felt as if a kitten's claws had lightly scraped it—tingly and itchy.

*Click.*

Unable to avoid it, Shen Junlan turned in panic, only to slip and stumble into Huo Yanchi's arms.

Shen Junlan was enveloped by the heat radiating from Huo Yanchi's body. When Huo Yanchi looked at him, he instinctively closed his eyes, pursing his dry lips before whispering, "Huo Yanchi, you're squeezing me too tightly."

Huo Yanchi's rough palm rubbed against Xiao Yezi's smooth, jade-like lower back. Perhaps because he had hurriedly scooped him up, he had used a bit too much force.

"Sorry, Xiao Yezi. Why did you come to the bathroom door again?"

Huo Yanchi's jaw was tense, his neck flushed red all the way down. He couldn't guess when Xiao Yezi had appeared at the door or whether he had heard something he shouldn't have.

"You weren't coming out, so I got worried."

Shen Junlan held onto Huo Yanchi's fingers, peering curiously into the bathroom.

The bathroom's exhaust fan was on. Shen Junlan only caught a faint scent of mint, but there was another unidentifiable smell in the air. After just a glance, Shen Junlan averted his eyes.

"Huo Yanchi, I think I heard you calling my name."

"Oh, really? Xiao Yezi, you must have misheard."

Huo Yanchi pretended to be calm, but as he dragged Xiao Yezi away from the scene, his movements were awkward and uncoordinated. His half-lowered eyes hid an unspeakable turmoil.

His Xiao Yezi was as pure as snow, yet he was the one who had developed impure intentions.

Huo Yanchi fantasized about plucking the moon from the sky and keeping it as his own personal moon.

If Xiao Yezi found out about these things, what would he think? From his perspective, they were just familiar strangers. The only thing Huo Yanchi had going for him was his status as the one who had raised him for eight years, but that was hardly something to boast about.

A vague fear began to spread. Huo Yanchi's steps slowed even further as he stared at the small bed by the balcony. Perhaps he shouldn't have let Xiao Yezi sleep with him from the beginning.

"Huo Yanchi, you're unhappy."

"No, I'm quite happy." Huo Yanchi's eyes fixed on empty space, his pupils unfocused, responding mechanically to Xiao Yezi's question.

"No, you are unhappy. Is it because... I eavesdropped on you showering? I'm sorry, Huo Yanchi. I didn't know it wasn't allowed. I was just worried..."

"Xiao Yezi." Huo Yanchi cut off the self-reproaching Xiao Yezi. He sighed, his thumb gently rubbing Xiao Yezi's reddened eye corner.

"Why are you about to cry golden tears again, Xiao Yezi? It's my fault. I called your name while showering because I was thinking of you."

Huo Yanchi's last four words were spoken very, very softly—so soft that even though Shen Junlan had pricked up his ears, the words still landed indistinctly.

Shen Junlan seemed to understand but not quite, simply responding with a heavy "mm." "Huo Yanchi, I also like calling your name."

Guilt nearly swallowed Huo Yanchi whole. Waves of emotion surged, crashing over him and pressing him down into the turbulent depths. He could only keep sinking, struggling, until finally, he lowered his raised arms.

Xiao Yezi understood nothing. Huo Yanchi could not, and should not, drag him forcefully into this whirlpool.

"It's very late, Xiao Yezi. Let's rest."

Shen Junlan voluntarily lay down on Huo Yanchi's side, then rolled over, burying himself entirely in Huo Yanchi's embrace.

Huo Yanchi's raised arm remained suspended for a long time. Xiao Yezi hadn't left him many places to put his hand—one was his slender waist, the other his partially exposed shoulder.

"I feel dizzy, but it's not hunger, just dizziness. Huo Yanchi, hold me tighter."

Clearly, Xiao Yezi hadn't given him a second option. He could only slowly put his arms around Xiao Yezi, gently patting his back to soothe him.

"From now on, you mustn't do those foolish things anymore. The good and the bad are all in the past. Xiao Yezi, no matter what happens, you should always put yourself first."

Shen Junlan murmured a perfunctory "mm," but in his heart, he had already prioritized them: Huo Yanchi was first, he was second. If Huo Yanchi wasn't happy, he couldn't be happy either.

"Huo Yanchi, you'd better dream about me tonight. You have to think of me even in your dreams."

After a long pause, Huo Yanchi responded with a quiet "mm," silently tightening his arm around Xiao Yezi's waist.

He had stepped into an abyss with no turning back.

The moon hung high on the treetops, and Huo Yanchi suddenly woke up. Xiao Yezi was still in his arms; he hadn't left.

Perhaps stimulated by Xiao Yezi, he really dreamed of him—dreamed that Xiao Yezi left with someone else, ignoring him no matter how he called out.

In the dream, Xiao Yezi had left him.

[President Huo: Dr. Zhou, what should I do if a person’s possessiveness becomes uncontrollable?]

[Dr. Zhou: Then let it be.]

Let it be.

Huo Yanchi felt as if a veil covered his eyes. Lost in a fog, he couldn’t see where the winding path led. He had always been restrained and patient, but now someone told him to follow his desires, which left Huo Yanchi bewildered.

[President Huo: What if I hurt him?]

[Dr. Zhou: Would you?]

Huo Yanchi answered without hesitation: he wouldn’t. He would rather hurt himself than harm Xiao Yezi.

[Dr. Zhou: President Huo, you are not a fish; how can you know the fish’s joy? You can’t think from another person’s perspective. How do you know he’s unwilling?]

[Dr. Zhou: May I ask, President Huo, do you have someone you like?]

No further messages came from Huo Yanchi. Dr. Zhou had recently heard rumors that Huo Yanchi was in a relationship.

It seemed the rumors were not entirely unfounded.

***

Huo Yanchi’s phone rang for a second before he swiftly silenced it.

Xiao Yezi was sleeping soundly, nestled against his neck. Huo Yanchi held his phone with one hand and replied to Zhao Qi, who had called.

[President Huo: Speak.]

[Zhao Qi: President Huo, you’re supposed to attend Old Lin’s birthday celebration this afternoon. I prepared the gift according to last year’s specifications. Is that acceptable?]

Old Lin was Lin Hang’s grandfather. Because of Huo Yanchi’s close relationship with Lin Hang, Old Lin treated him like a grandson and had provided significant support when he started his business, making him a close elder.

[President Huo: Old Lin likes landscape paintings. I bought a new piece by a master painter. Bring it from the storage room when you come to pick me up.]

[Zhao Qi: Understood, President Huo. I assume you won’t be coming in this morning?]

[President Huo: Correct.]

Shen Junlan didn’t stir until late morning, yawning and turning over. He squinted, searching for Huo Yanchi, who stood by a flowerpot, bending over as if watering it with nutrient solution.

“Master.”

“Xiao Yezi, you’re awake.”

Huo Yanchi pulled a bag of fertilizer biscuits from the flower fertilizer box and handed it to Xiao Yezi. He wiped the leaves clean without turning around. “Have a snack first. Later, we’ll see what else you’d like to eat.”

Xiao Yezi nibbled on the biscuit, slinking bonelessly to the foot of the bed and tugging at Huo Yanchi’s clothes to wheedle.

“Huo Yanchi, I want to eat you.”

Shen Junlan’s nostrils were filled with Huo Yanchi’s scent, making him drool with desire. After just one night, Huo Yanchi smelled so intoxicating it was driving him mad.

“Xiao Yezi, don’t talk nonsense. Here, choose from these.”

Even if tons of fertilizer were piled in front of Shen Junlan, he would still steadfastly choose Huo Yanchi.

He stood barefoot on the floor, eyes full of longing.

Oh, a longing for food.

“Master, you smell so good, especially here.”

Shen Junlan’s finger paused on Huo Yanchi’s lips as he swallowed lightly, looking utterly ravenous.

“Xiao Yezi, you can’t bite here. Try biting this instead.”

Huo Yanchi unbuttoned his shirt collar, indicating for Xiao Yezi to bite his neck.

Despite his craving, Shen Junlan hesitated for a few seconds before standing on tiptoe to gently kiss Huo Yanchi’s Adam’s apple.

It was a fleeting kiss, light as a feather, yet it left a deep imprint on Huo Yanchi’s heart.

“Master, biting you would hurt. I won’t bite.”

Huo Yanchi had prepared a whole speech to educate Xiao Yezi, but it vanished the moment their eyes met.

His Xiao Yezi didn’t understand human society or what a kiss meant. He simply followed his instincts—unwilling to bite, so he gently touched instead.

But this felt… even more intimate.

Huo Yanchi’s mind was filled with Dr. Zhou’s advice to “let it be.” As the master, he shouldn’t lead Xiao Yezi down a path of no return.

“Xiao Yezi, you can’t do this casually with others.”

“I know. You’re not others—you’re Huo Yanchi.”

Huo Yanchi fell silent. He had no words to persuade Xiao Yezi but felt a secret joy, his lips curling into a faint smile as he casually buttoned his shirt.

“Xiao Yezi, I have to attend an elder’s birthday celebration this afternoon. Would you like to come?”

“He’s a very kind old man who helped me a lot. Logically, I should have gone this morning.”

Shen Junlan automatically filled in the rest: because he had overslept, he had delayed Huo Yanchi.

“If I go, will I cause trouble for you? I don’t know the rules. I might embarrass you.”

Xiao Que said that human society values interpersonal relationships most. Interactions between people are often tangled with interests, with little genuine feeling. When you encounter genuine connections, you must nurture them carefully.

For Huo Yanchi, this was likely an important occasion. Representing Huo Yanchi, Shen Junlan couldn’t afford to lose face.

“My Xiao Yezi is so outstanding you couldn't possibly embarrass anyone. Go ahead and pick what you’d like to wear. Xiao Yezi, I’m sorry to ask, but please don’t wear Crocs for now. How about these shoes? I bought them in your size.”

“Okay, Huo Yanchi, you pick my outfit. You have good taste.”

Huo Yanchi hummed in agreement, secretly coordinating their outfits to resemble couple wear.

The Lin family was one of the top wealthy families in the capital. The guests at Old Lin’s birthday celebration were a mixed crowd, and there might be some tactless people who would bully Xiao Yezi. Since he was bringing Xiao Yezi along, it would already draw attention. Couple wear would be safer.

“Xiao Yezi, stick close to me when we’re there. The Lin estate is quite large. Don’t get lost.”

“Okay.”

***

At three in the afternoon, Huo Yanchi’s car pulled up punctually at the entrance of the Lin family villa.

The banquet hall was bustling with people, and Huo Yanchi's arrival was nothing out of the ordinary. Everyone knew he had a special relationship with the Lin family—he wasn't there to curry favor, so the lesser guests saw no need to try and get familiar with him.

"Hey, hey, hey."

"Oi, can't you talk without hitting me?"

"No, I mean, hey."

The repeated exclamations drew more and more attention. This year, Huo Yanchi hadn't come alone; he'd brought a man who looked drop-dead gorgeous.

He appeared quite young, holding hands with Huo Yanchi, their fingers interlaced. They stood side by side, forming a striking sight.

Huo Yanchi held Xiao Yezi's hand and walked naturally through the crowd, ignoring the curious glances.

Old Lin remained upstairs on the third floor, so Huo Yanchi led Xiao Yezi directly up.

"Sir, Mr. Huo is here."

"Yanchi's here? Let him in quickly."

Old Lin had just turned eighty but remained energetic and spry.

As he looked up, his eyes met Shen Junlan's flawless face. Shen Junlan smiled shyly, his eyes curving slightly, and nodded at him.

"Grandpa Lin, may your fortune be as vast as the East Sea and your longevity rival the Southern Mountains. I heard you admire Master Guo's paintings, so last month I contacted him to create a piece specifically for you. I hope you like it."

"Wow!"

Old Lin's attention was completely captured by the painting. Master Guo's works had become exceedingly rare in recent years, many of them not for sale, and the artist himself couldn't care less about money. For Huo Yanchi to commission a piece specifically, he must have gone to great lengths.

"I love it, I truly do. Yanchi, you've gone to such trouble."

"Yanchi, aren't you going to introduce him? Even keeping me out of the loop?"

Old Lin teased, patting Huo Yanchi's shoulder. Unlike his grandson, who fell for every pretty face, Huo Yanchi had never been known to show interest in anyone all these years. Seeing him like this was a rarity.

"This is Shen Junlan."

"Hello, Grandpa Lin." Shen Junlan adhered to the principle of speaking less to avoid mistakes, keeping quiet when he could.

"Does the Shen family in the southern city have someone this young? Junlan, how old are you?"

Shen Junlan: "Thir—"

"He's 23, a bit younger than me. He's not from the southern Shen family, just a regular family." Huo Yanchi said protectively.

Old Lin's expression shifted slightly. A five-year age gap was nothing, but coming from a regular family, could he be after Huo Yanchi's money? After all, who wouldn't want to know a talented and influential young man like Huo Yanchi?

Huo Yanchi didn't catch the change in Old Lin's gaze. He was lost in his thoughts: if Xiao Yezi's age started with a three, was it 3,000 or 300? Either way, it certainly couldn't be thirty-something.

He glanced at the top of Xiao Yezi's head and suddenly felt that pushing thirty made him feel ancient. Xiao Yezi had lived too long, and he wondered how much longer he could accompany him.

"Grandpa Lin, I don’t see Lin Hang around."

"Oh, him? Who knows where he's run off to now? He was just in my room earlier. He didn’t contact you today? That punk, always busy with who knows what."

Feeling a squeeze in his palm, Huo Yanchi looked down and met Xiao Yezi's gentle gaze. Xiao Yezi was worried he might be upset hearing this.

"Yanchi, I’d like to speak with you alone. How about having the house manager show Junlan around the garden?"

Xiao Yezi looked up at Huo Yanchi, who nodded to indicate it was fine.

"Xiao Yezi, stay in the garden and don’t wander off. I'll come find you soon."

"Okay, I have my phone." He could contact Huo Yanchi anytime.

Seeing how clingy they were being, Old Lin changed what he'd planned to say.

"Yanchi, how long have you been with Junlan? What does he do for work?"

"Grandpa Lin, he’s a good person and wouldn't deceive me. Thank you for always having my back, but Shen Junlan is different from others. He’s not the kind of person you might assume."

Seeing how earnest Huo Yanchi was, Old Lin suddenly didn't know what to say.

It was rare for Yanchi to meet someone he liked. As an outsider, questioning the other’s intentions felt inappropriate.

"Yanchi, as long as you understand what I mean. I’ve watched you grow up and couldn't bear to see you deceived, so I always urge caution. But upon reflection, affairs of the heart can't be simplified into a few words. What matters most is that you’re happy."

"Thank you, Grandpa Lin."

***

From the garden, the third-floor window was visible. Shen Junlan shaded his eyes against the harsh sun and searched for a while, but there was no sign of Huo Yanchi by the window. He must still be busy.

"Mr. Shen, you and Mr. Huo are really tight. He’ll only be talking with our master for a short while; there’s no need to worry."

"I’m not worried."

It’s just that he missed Huo Yanchi.

But Shen Junlan didn’t say this out loud. They had only been apart for over ten minutes; saying he missed Huo Yanchi might get him teased.

"Uncle Butler, please go handle your business. I’ll wait here for Huo Yanchi."

The butler glanced at his phone several times—he had urgent business to attend to. He was surprised at how perceptive Shen Junlan was, noticing his preoccupation from just a few subtle gestures.

"Very well, Mr. Shen. You may wait in the gazebo."

Shen Junlan wandered aimlessly through the garden, his ears filled with the chatter of birds and plants.

Amidst these sounds, he noticed the voice of a Clivia. Following the sound, he found it in an exquisite pot at the center of the garden, the plant moaning in pain.

The Clivia was in full bloom, but its leaves were sickly yellow-green, lacking vitality.

"Are you unwell?"

Shen Junlan gently touched the Clivia's leaves. Perhaps because they were of the same species, he felt a natural connection to it.

"My roots are almost completely rotten. There are insects constantly gnawing at me, and the pain is unbearable. I should be at my peak during bloom season, but I have no energy left."

"They’ve brought in several experts, all saying I lack nutrients and need more sun and water. But I dislike harsh sunlight and too much water."

Shen Junlan studied the leaves—they were severely gnawed, completely dull.

"Hey."

The sudden voice startled Shen Junlan, making him jump to his feet. He clutched his chest and stepped back warily, staring at the figure that had appeared out of nowhere.

"This is the Lin family’s prized plant. You can’t just touch it casually."

Shen Junlan nodded and looked away. He had never seen anyone wear a shirt unbuttoned all the way down to his navel before. The man leaned lazily against a stone pillar and gave him a whistle.

This kind of person comes off as a creep, not a decent one.

Lin Hang's eyes kept lighting up—the little beauty before him was a hundred times more attractive than any artists he had signed. He wondered whose young master this was.

"By the way, which family are you from? I haven't seen you before."

Which family? Was he asking who I belonged to?

"Huo Yanchi's family."

"What did you say?"

Lin Hang stuck a finger in his ear, suspecting he had misheard.

Huo Yanchi—which Huo Yanchi? Was there a second Huo Yanchi in the capital?

"Are you kept by Huo Yanchi?"

Shen Junlan thought for a moment—kept meant being cuddled and taken care of, right? That sounded like him, so he gave a silent nod.

Damn, it really was true.

What a predator! This person looked young and utterly naive—how could Huo Yanchi actually make a move on someone like that?

Huo Yanchi wasn't treating him like a good brother anymore—he didn't even mention keeping such a pretty boy.

Tsk, playing innocent. Lin Hang had offered to introduce him to people so many times, and each time Huo Yanchi refused, saying he wasn't interested. Turns out he just had high standards.

"Are you in the industry or a student? How come I've never heard of you? Normally, if someone is good-looking and even slightly famous, I'd know."

"How long have you two been together? How did you get together?"

Shen Junlan couldn't answer, so he just clammed up.

Huo Yanchi, hurrying over, only saw Lin Hang chatting with Xiao Yezi, with a weird look on his face.

"Xiao Yezi."

Hearing Huo Yanchi's voice, Shen Junlan ran over faster than a rabbit. He grabbed Huo Yanchi's shoulder, linked their fingers, and stage-whispered—though Lin Hang nearby could hear every word.

"He's so weird. He asked if you kept me, and I said yes—you hold me and stick close, so that's us."

"Huo Yanchi, did I say anything wrong?"

Huo Yanchi's face turned stormy—it was "kept" in the sense of financial support, not what Xiao Yezi understood.

"No, Xiao Yezi, this is Lin Hang. I’ve mentioned him to you."

Shen Junlan's eyes widened—so this was Lin Hang. Had he said something wrong? He steeled himself and greeted him, deciding to speak even less.

"Lin Hang, this is Shen Junlan."

"Huo Yanchi, you're something else. When did you start keeping him?"

"It's not what you think." Huo Yanchi could tell what Lin Hang was thinking just by the shift in his eyes—the label of hypocrite was probably about to be slapped on him.

"Oh, what does he do? Is he interested in entering the entertainment industry? I happen to have a script for a lead role—you can help give advice."

"No need. He has other work."

Xiao Yezi's current job is to accompany him—as a personal Xiao Yezi.

Lin Hang's gaze fell on their joined hands. It seemed like Huo Yanchi was in charge, but in reality, he was completely wrapped around Shen Junlan's finger.

To put it bluntly, Huo Yanchi was like a big wolf on a leash—the talking version.

Ah, so even his good brother was acting out a master-pet trope—except the good brother was the dog, totally whipped and with a possessive look in his eyes that could devour the other.

"Brother—"

Shen Junlan's grip stiffened. He followed Huo Yanchi's gaze.

Under the garden corridor stood a slender man with distinct knuckles, holding a sun umbrella. He waved at Huo Yanchi, a look of pleasant surprise on his face.

Even though he had never met this person before, Shen Junlan guessed his identity immediately. His lips moved slightly as he muttered to himself.

Huo Yaoyang—the first-rate actor Huo Yaoyang.

Shen Junlan inched half a pace forward, putting himself between Huo Yanchi and the other, and met his gaze with cold eyes.