Chapter 3: The Returned White Moonlight (3)

Chapter 3: The Returned White Moonlight (Part Three)

Yun Jinqiu stirred in Shang Wenyi’s arms, waking up in a daze. He wasn’t surprised to see Shang Wenyi, but a troubled frown creased his brow.

"Why are you here? Quick, take me back. I need a shower. I feel so sticky, it’s awful."

"Alright, we’ll head back right away." Shang Wenyi half-supported, half-embraced Yun Jinqiu, and the two left the bar without a backward glance.

Tang Fei stood at the bar entrance, gazing at his empty palm, his eyes narrowing dangerously. Then, with a calm demeanor, he slipped his hands into his pockets.

Shang Wenyi settled Yun Jinqiu into the passenger seat. Yun Jinqiu shifted, found a comfortable position, closed his eyes, and was instantly asleep.

Shang Wenyi leaned over to fasten Yun Jinqiu’s seatbelt. His gaze inadvertently drifted to Yun Jinqiu’s slightly open collar, where a slender, pale neck led to subtly protruding collarbones. A deep red mark, faintly visible, rose and fell with each breath against the elegant bone. Shang Wenyi’s breath hitched, his eyes fixed on the mark. Holding his breath, he reached out and tugged at Yun Jinqiu’s collar. His warm breath fanned against the side of Yun Jinqiu’s neck.

Yun Jinqiu frowned, raised his arm, and reflexively slapped at the source of the heat.

Shang Wenyi gripped Yun Jinqiu’s wrist, hunching over, and stared intently at Yun Jinqiu’s collarbone, like a furious black panther.

Yun Jinqiu struggled slightly, opening his eyes drowsily, and was startled to see Shang Wenyi.

"What’s wrong?" he asked, his eyes hazy.

Shang Wenyi took a deep breath, his calloused fingers gently pressing against the mark on Yun Jinqiu’s collarbone. His voice was low as he asked, "What is this?"

"What?" Yun Jinqiu tried to look down, but unable to see his own collarbone, he asked, baffled, "What are you talking about?"

Shang Wenyi roughly pried a mirror from the car window and held it up to Yun Jinqiu’s neck.

Yun Jinqiu glanced down, a flicker of surprise in his heart, though he didn't dwell on it. "You mean this? Maybe a bug bit me."

"A bug bite?" Shang Wenyi’s voice rose sharply. "You think this is a bug bite?!"

"Otherwise?" Yun Jinqiu replied impatiently. "It could also be from getting hit by a bottle."

"That's a ridiculous excuse—do you really think I’d believe it?" Shang Wenyi’s emotions flared as if Yun Jinqiu were his cheating spouse.

"Then what else could it be?" Yun Jinqiu tilted his head, studying him leisurely. "What do you think it is?"

"..." Shang Wenyi choked on his words and fell silent. Two minutes later, he punched the steering wheel and stomped on the gas, speeding away from the bar.

After this little episode, Yun Jinqiu was wide awake. He leaned against the car window, thoughtfully watching the scenery whizzing past.

Honestly, he had no idea where the mark on his collarbone came from. He’d been drunk last night, crashed on the sofa, and remembered nothing after that. But whatever it was, it couldn’t be a hickey. After all, everyone at the bar last night was a close friend, intimately familiar with each other—nobody would pull such a stupid, self-defeating prank. Yun Jinqiu preferred to believe he must've bumped into something.

Shang Wenyi was in a foul mood, making the half-hour trip in just ten minutes.

Yun Jinqiu frowned and couldn’t help but remind him, "Can you slow down? Driving with such wild moods makes me never want to ride with you again."

Shang Wenyi gritted his teeth and bit out a few words: "I understand."

Yun Jinqiu nodded and was about to get out when Shang Wenyi suddenly spoke.

"You’re the Yun family’s only heir. You need to think carefully before doing anything. If what happened last night had been caught by reporters, it would’ve splashed across headlines again. Be mindful of your reputation; don't be so reckless."

Shang Wenyi tried to use these words to explain his earlier agitated reaction.

Yun Jinqiu raised an eyebrow. "Alright, thanks for the heads-up."

"By the way," Yun Jinqiu suddenly remembered, "where’s my driver?"

"I told him to go home when I came to pick you up."

"...Fine." Yun Jinqiu turned and got out of the car. He was in a hurry to bathe.

Shang Wenyi sat in the car, collecting himself. After a while, he made a phone call. He wanted to investigate exactly who had been at Yun Jinqiu’s gathering last night. Though he already had someone in mind he suspected.

After returning home, Yun Jinqiu soaked in the tub for half an hour before getting out. After his bath, he lay on the bed scrolling through his phone until he dozed off again. This nap lasted from daytime straight into the evening. By the time he woke up, he was starving.

Yun Jinqiu, holding his growling stomach, went downstairs to find food, and was surprised to see Shang Wenyi was there too. Yun’s parents warmly invited Shang Wenyi to join them for dinner. Yun Jinqiu walked into the dining room and sat down.

Shang Wenyi pulled a chair and sat beside him, saying softly, "I went upstairs to look for you earlier, but you were asleep, so I didn’t disturb you."

Yun Jinqiu: "Oh." He was too hungry to care.

Shang Wenyi could tell what Yun Jinqiu wanted. He cut the steak in front of him into small pieces and pushed it toward Yun Jinqiu, then served him a bowl of soup.

"Drink some soup first to warm your stomach."

Yun Jinqiu: "..." Why was this guy more at home in his house than he was? But since someone had cut his steak for him, he might as well eat.

Yun Jinqiu drank a small bowl of soup and dug in.

Yun Jinqiu’s mother, seeing how well Shang Wenyi took care of others, said with a smile, "Whoever marries Wenyi in the future will be lucky. Such a sweet, caring guy is hard to find, you know~"

Shang Wenyi’s gaze flickered at her words, and he grew tense.

Yun Jinqiu busily chewing his steak and couldn’t help but laugh at this. The lucky one would, of course, be the protagonist bottom, though he hadn’t appeared yet. But Yun Jinqiu didn’t think it was luck—in the story, the protagonist bottom suffered greatly to be with Shang Wenyi, including but not limited to being kicked out of his home, cutting ties with his parents, losing his job, and so on. He just managed to endure it all in the end.

Shang Wenyi glanced down at Yun Jinqiu. "What are you laughing at?"

"Huh?" Yun Jinqiu swallowed his food. "My mom was praising you. I’m happy for you."

"Oh." Shang Wenyi’s lips curved slightly at this.

"So, you agree with what Mrs. Yun said?"

"Me?" Yun Jinqiu thought for a moment. "I agree... about eighty percent."

"Why eighty percent?" Shang Wenyi asked, puzzled.

"Dunno, I just said it." Why the third degree? Yun Jinqiu finished his steak and set his sights on the lobster on the table.

"Xiao Qiu, have you told Wenyi about that matter?"

"What? What matter?" Yun Jinqiu was confused.

"You’re going abroad to study soon."

Yun Jinqiu finally remembered. "Oh, that. I haven’t had a chance to tell him yet."

Mrs. Yun shot him a reproachful look. "You two are so close. You should’ve told him right away."

"Going abroad? What going abroad?" Shang Wenyi asked, bewildered.

"Xiao Qiu is going to report for duty at the New York branch due to company arrangements, and will complete his studies there," Mrs. Yun explained.

Shang Wenyi’s expression changed upon hearing this. His lips moved wordlessly, and he remained silent for a long moment.

"Why... so suddenly?"

"It’s not really sudden. His father and I discussed it and made the decision a while ago. We’ve been planning this for some time." Mrs. Yun didn’t notice Shang Wenyi’s unease, assuming he was just reluctant to part with Xiao Qiu. After all, they had grown up together, and it was only natural for him to feel this way.

Shang Wenyi was at a loss for words, feeling more confused and helpless than ever before.

Going abroad wasn’t a big deal in itself. The problem was that Yun Jinqiu seemed to want to settle down overseas.

In the past, Shang Wenyi would have followed Yun Jinqiu without hesitation. But now, with the Shang family business at a critical juncture, he couldn’t leave. The Shang family was far more complicated than the Yun family. Shang Wenyi’s father was a successful businessman but not a good husband or father. He had several mistresses and illegitimate children...

Shang Wenyi felt deeply conflicted, but on second thought, perhaps the situation wasn’t as bad as he thought. Yun Jinqiu was only going abroad to study, not disappearing entirely. He could always go find him overseas once he'd handled things with the Shang family. With this thought, Shang Wenyi’s mind settled somewhat.

However, leaving Yun Jinqiu alone abroad might lead to complications. Yun Jinqiu was outgoing and careless, often making unsuitable friends. Moreover, the culture overseas was more open...

Shang Wenyi’s anxiety returned.

After Yun Jinqiu had eaten his fill, his stomach finally felt comfortable. He took a sip of tea and shot a sidelong glance at Shang Wenyi, noticing his thoughtful frown. He poked Shang Wenyi’s arm.

"What’s on your mind?"

Shang Wenyi jumped, forced a smile, and looked at Yun Jinqiu with mixed emotions.

Yun Jinqiu, oblivious, wore a teasing expression that seemed thoughtless to Shang Wenyi. Suddenly, Shang Wenyi felt a surge of resentment. He quickly closed his eyes, looked away, took a deep breath, and said calmly,

"Nothing."

Yun Jinqiu raised an eyebrow. "If something's bothering you, don't keep it in. Now that you know I’m going abroad, don’t you have anything to say?"

Shang Wenyi pressed his lips together and quietly clenched his fists. "What do you want?"

"How about a trip to the snow mountain hot springs? You treat, and invite all our good friends. It’s perfect for escaping the summer heat."

Shang Wenyi nodded. "Okay. My treat."

Yun Jinqiu smiled. "Reliable."

Shang Wenyi: "..." He sighed deeply.

After finishing his meal, Yun Jinqiu felt sleepy again. He'd done nothing but eat and sleep all day, yet he never gained an ounce.

Before leaving, Shang Wenyi went upstairs to see him. Finding him sound asleep, he carefully sat by the bed and gently touched Yun Jinqiu’s cheek with his fingers.

"What should I do with you?" he whispered.

How can I make you see me? What should I really do...

Author's note: