Chapter 21 He Angxiao is Special, and Also the Strangest

Chapter 21: He Angxiao is special, but also the strangest

He Angxiao took Chi Luoxi to a nearby shopping mall.

It was not crowded here, the atmosphere was serene, and the air was filled with the cool, refined scent of perfume typical of luxury stores.

He Angxiao was determined to erase the unpleasant interlude from earlier that afternoon. Holding Chi Luoxi's hand, he swept through the mall, leading him into a store renowned for high-end watches.

The interior decoration was minimalist and futuristic, with dark gray metal and glass surfaces gleaming with a cold light. The sales assistant smiled as she approached, her eyes quickly scanning the expensive limited-edition watch on He Angxiao's wrist and their intertwined hands, her smile growing even more respectful and polished.

He Angxiao said, "Which one do you like? Pick for yourself."

Chi Luoxi had no concept of watches, much less movements or brand history.

He thought he'd just pick one at random, otherwise He Angxiao wouldn't let him off today. With that thought, his fingers unconsciously started to fidget with He Angxiao's palm.

He Angxiao: "...If you don't know, just close your eyes and point at one."

Chi Luoxi did as told. He closed his eyes, stretched out his hand, shook his fingertips a little, and pointed in some direction based on feeling.

His fingertip landed on a white gold watch in the display case. Its dial was a deep blue, like the midnight sea, set with tiny diamonds as hour markers that refracted bits of cold, glittering light under the lighting. The strap was dark blue crocodile leather, with a fine texture.

The sales assistant immediately understood. Wearing gloves, she carefully took out that watch, placed it on a black velvet tray, and pushed it in front of Chi Luoxi, introducing the series, craftsmanship, and unique features of the watch.

He Angxiao didn't even give Chi Luoxi a chance to speak. He didn't look at the price tag, just let his gaze rest on the watch for a moment, then turned to the assistant: "This one. Put it on him."

The assistant replied promptly, "Yes, sir."

Only then did He Angxiao look down at the still-dazed Chi Luoxi, brushed his lips against his, and then planted a kiss on his face.

"One hundred and fifty thousand. Exceeding the target."

Chi Luoxi was already numb.

The watch was quickly packaged. He Angxiao swiped his card and signed. The dark blue crocodile leather strap fastened around Chi Luoxi's pale wrist, a bit loose, adjusted to the tightest notch.

The cold, sturdy white gold case and the deep blue dial made his slender wrist look even more delicate, with faint blue veins visible under the skin, giving it a beauty that seemed meticulously adorned by expensive items.

The saleswoman nearby had sharp eyes and an even sweeter tongue.

Looking at the effect of the watch on Chi Luoxi, she praised, "This really suits you, sir. It's as if it was tailor-made for you. It makes your wrist look so fair and slender."

"Sir, you have a very distinguished aura, especially the lines of your collarbone and neck—they're absolutely beautiful. We just got a new batch of accessories. There's a choker, set with diamonds and featuring a genuine leather ribbon. The design is very unique—elegant yet with a bit of personality. I think it would go perfectly with your temperament. Would you like to try it on?"

He Angxiao wasn't particularly interested at first, but when he heard 'collarbone' and 'neck,' his gaze shifted.

He remembered certain moments—when Chi Luoxi was aroused or being teased too much, he would lift his neck, exposing that beautifully curved nape completely to him. The skin was delicate and indeed very attractive.

He Angxiao asked the assistant to bring it over for a look.

It was indeed a very unique design for a choker.

A black genuine leather ribbon of moderate width, soft in texture, with a row of fine diamonds set at the front, sparkling with a subtle yet dazzling light under the illumination. It wasn't too flashy, but it had a strong presence.

The assistant carefully helped Chi Luoxi put it on. The black leather ribbon hugged his slender neck, and it really suited him. It added a touch of dark sensuality to Chi Luoxi's clean, ethereal aura.

He Angxiao: "Pack it up."

Another bill was signed.

Chi Luoxi looked at the choker glittering on his neck under the light, then down at the heavy watch on his wrist. A strange thought suddenly popped into his head: He Angxiao seemed very keen on dressing him up all flashy.

Like a Christmas tree hung with expensive ornaments.

Though he didn't quite understand the joy behind this kind of dressing up, seeing that He Angxiao seemed in a slightly better mood, he didn't resist.

Anyway, as long as He Angxiao was happy, that was fine.

After finishing the shopping spree, He Angxiao had Chi Luoxi take off the necklace to wear later at home. He checked the time and said to Chi Luoxi, "Tonight, I'll take you to meet a few friends. We'll have dinner together—crab."

Hearing this, Chi Luoxi nodded eagerly, looking forward to it.

He Angxiao said these were friends he'd known since childhood. One of them was absent, off chasing after his wife—pathetic.

On the way, He Angxiao warned Chi Luoxi: "When you see them, don't say anything unnecessary. If they ask you something, and you don't want to answer or don't know how to, just look at me, or stay silent. Got it?"

Chi Luoxi immediately nodded, his expression serious like an elementary school student: "I know, hubby."

Remembering He Angxiao's repeated stern warnings before, he added very self-consciously, "I won't talk about our relationship with them, don't worry."

Chi Luoxi looked obedient, as if to say, I'm a good kid, you don't need to remind me again.

He Angxiao had indeed warned Chi Luoxi not to mention their relationship to outsiders.

Back then, he was worried that Chi Luoxi might blurt something out recklessly—it was to protect his own reputation. But now, hearing it said so naturally from Chi Luoxi's mouth, it actually grated on his ears.

He was still annoyed thinking about what Han Wenbin had said to Chi Luoxi.

So He Angxiao started his persuasive lessons again, like a patient teacher instilling important life truths into a slow student.

"Chi Luoxi, do you know what kind of relationship in this world is the most unbreakable and the most trustworthy?"

Chi Luoxi answered uncertainly, "...Is it a relationship of interests?"

He Angxiao nodded with satisfaction, almost like a devil whispering in the ear of a disciple.

"That's right, a relationship of interests. So everything Han Wenbin told you in the car today—about equality, health, independence, sincerity—is complete nonsense."

"You know? In this world, there is no truly healthy, eternal relationship. Even if two people get married, tied together by law, they might end up being strangers in the same bed, eventually divorced and tearing each other apart over property. Romantic relationships are even worse—today you swear eternal vows, tomorrow you might break up over a small issue and never see each other again. All relationships—family, friendship, love—can eventually turn into a mess of screaming, accusing, resenting each other. Nothing is constant, and nothing guarantees eternity."

"But a relationship of interests is different." He Angxiao shifted his tone. "Only interests are real and tangible. They are the tie that firmly binds two people together. I give you money, material things, protection; you give me—"

He Angxiao's gaze lingered for a moment on Chi Luoxi's beautiful but bewildered face: "—you give me what I want. We each take what we need, with clear prices and clear terms. This kind of relationship is the most stable and long-lasting. There are no excessive, unrealistic expectations, so there won't be disappointment or resentment."

He Angxiao thought, that's why Chi Luoxi should, while he still has his interest and is treating him well, be smarter and milk this for all it's worth!

Squeeze out more money, buy more expensive things, max out the supplementary card He Angxiao gave him.

That way, even if one day He Angxiao changes, gets tired, annoyed, and loses interest in Chi Luoxi, at least Chi Luoxi would still have a pile of cash in his hands, real estate, luxury watches, and various items that hold or can be liquidated.

He would never again fall to the state he was in before—penniless, cheated, bullied, looked down upon.

Unfortunately, Chi Luoxi's brain just wouldn't catch on.

He spent his days addicted to phone games and TV cartoons, unable to pull himself away. In his free time, he read casual books, had no concept of luxury goods, and showed zero interest in making or grabbing money. He lacked even the basic work ethic or professionalism that a kept bird should have.

He Angxiao gave him a card—he didn't spend recklessly. He took him shopping—he hesitated and complained about the cost. He taught him to prioritize interests—he listened with a blank expression.

In the end, it was He Angxiao, the sugar daddy, who had to worry himself sick, racking his brains to find ways to spend money on him.

He Angxiao looked at Chi Luoxi’s eyes, which had become even more dazed and dizzy from listening to the long speech, and suddenly felt that his earlier dark murmurings might have been in vain again.

Chi Luoxi digested his words for a while: "...Honey, you seem very pessimistic."

Pessimistic? He Angxiao was taken aback by that comment.

He was just stating the facts; how did it become pessimistic in Chi Luoxi’s mouth?

Another waste of breath.

He Angxiao: "I wasn't... forget it."

Marriage was clearly a very good thing. In the closed and simple world of the mountains where Chi Luoxi grew up, marriage was an extremely joyous and lively event.

Red paper would be pasted on doors and windows. The bride might not necessarily wear an expensive dress, but it was always brand-new and bright red, when the groom took her home.

Back when not many people from the mountains left to work in the cities, the whole village would come out to watch. Adults would gather together, saying auspicious words. The banquet could feature several tables, and although the dishes were simple, everyone ate with radiant faces.

Chi Luoxi remembered that when his grandfather was still alive, he had taken him to a wedding feast. Grandfather sat at the main table, being enthusiastically plied with drinks by the hosts, a smile on his face.

Chi Luoxi, on the other hand, gnawed on chicken legs with a group of half-grown children.

Later, slightly tipsy, Grandfather took his hand and slowly walked home. Silent woods flanked the path; only the moonlight and chirping insects accompanied them. Chi Luoxi was only ten then, and he said marriage was wonderful; he wanted to get married when he grew up too.

Grandfather said, "Little Radish, marriage means choosing someone you think is wonderful and that you really like, and then setting up a household together, taking care of each other, supporting each other, lively but simple, spending a lifetime together. It's pretty good."

Chi Luoxi was still young then and didn't have much concept of a lifetime. He just felt that being with someone he liked sounded nice, at least not always being just the two of them, his grandfather and him, so cold and quiet.

He thought that when he grew up, he too would have a lively wedding like the villagers.

If it weren't for the fact that later his grandfather passed away, making it impossible to stay in the mountains, he had no choice but to go down the mountain. Then by chance he ended up in Chunhui, and finally was brought back by He Angxiao. Chi Luoxi thought, he would probably have been like other peers in the mountains, at some appropriate time, introduced by someone or meeting a suitable girl on his own, then naturally get married, as his grandfather said—simply, supporting each other through life.

But he knew all the mountain people; he didn't like any of them.

He was known throughout the mountains for his good looks. When the school hadn't yet closed due to too few students, his deskmate Yonghong would always ask him enviously and in a gossipy tone, "Chi Luoxi, you're so handsome, don't you have a crush? That Xiaofang from the neighboring mountain, and Cuier from the east end of our village, they practically drool over you. They're always hanging around after class."

Back then, there were indeed girls from the neighboring mountain who, blushing shyly, would hesitantly invite him to gather pig grass in the back hills after school.

Chi Luoxi didn't have much concept of early love. At that time, he was busy struggling with math problems, and while writing solution steps, he asked Yonghong in confusion, "What does it feel like to be in love?"

Mountain people didn't take studying so seriously. Their life milestones came quickly.

Soon after Chi Luoxi started middle school, some classmates dropped out, following relatives or fellow villagers to work in cities. A year or two later, some of those classmates would directly return to the village with their new spouses.

The speed was so fast that Chi Luoxi couldn't quite keep up.

Yonghong said mysteriously, "Love? Isn't it just liking someone? When you see that person, your heart beats really fast, like there's a rabbit hopping in your chest. It's a completely different feeling!"

Chi Luoxi thought about how he felt when faced with those girls who invited him to gather pig grass, and shook his head, "No. After school, I had to go home and cook for my grandfather. I didn't have time to gather pig grass."

Then he met He Angxiao.

Chi Luoxi's former world was simple; Chunhui was weird and dazzling.

It was He Angxiao who pulled him out of that awful place.

He Angxiao was sometimes indeed fierce, with an unpredictable temper, many rules, harsh demands, often with a cold face, saying things that made Chi Luoxi feel confused and hurt.

But He Angxiao would also hold him tightly in his strong arms, his chin resting on the top of Chi Luoxi's head, as if he cherished him. He would stay in the hospital all night, and even when very tired and angry, he would still reach out to touch Chi Luoxi's forehead and ask if it still hurt.

At those times, Chi Luoxi's heart felt as if soaked in warm water—warm, swelling, giving rise to a feeling of helplessness and longing.

He thought he must have developed a crush.

But He Angxiao would never want to marry him; He Angxiao only wanted to give him money.

Also, He Angxiao probably just didn't want to marry him because He Angxiao had told him before that he would get married (to a woman).

Chi Luoxi knew that in some places, men and men couldn't get married, but in some faraway places, they could.

Grandfather also said to find someone you like to be with, and he didn't specify that it had to be a woman. The first person Chi Luoxi liked after coming down the mountain was He Angxiao.

He Angxiao was special, and also the most perplexing.

He Angxiao hated and resisted words like love and eternity.

When they watched TV, Chi Luoxi would quietly say how nice it was when characters got married or see a commercial about eternal love, and He Angxiao would always sneer.

Chi Luoxi couldn't describe that feeling; it felt like He Angxiao reacted like a traumatized animal.

Even if the wound had scabbed over or was even invisible, the moment he smelled that scent or heard that sound, he would immediately bristle, bare his fangs, and enter a highly vigilant, aggressive state.

A bit like when Chi Luoxi was little and followed his grandfather into the mountains, seeing an animal caught in a trap, its leg bleeding, already dying with little strength left, but when his grandfather approached to help, those animals would still use their last strength to issue threatening growls and struggle to bite.

His deskmate Yonghong also said, "Early love usually doesn't last. Mostly scumbags, playing with feelings."

Chi Luoxi searched online for what a scumbag meant.

Although He Angxiao wasn't sweet-talking and wasn't good at coaxing, he met the criterion of being good-looking, and not just ordinarily good-looking.

Rich, handsome, with a unique aura, and a pair of peach-blossom eyes that always seemed affectionate when looking at others—he matched the scumbag template perfectly.

Moreover, He Angxiao's attitude towards feelings was so negative and guarded, just like online said, because he had been deeply hurt by someone before and had psychological trauma.

When Chi Luoxi read that, he felt a bit angry and awkward.

He Angxiao noticed Chi Luoxi's strange look at him.

"Chi Luoxi." He Angxiao called him by his full name, "Don't presume to judge me, and don't silently curse me in your heart. Hear me?"

"...Fine."

They soon arrived at the place—a standalone villa hidden among green trees, with a quiet environment and excellent privacy.

This was clearly a venue for private gatherings. Not many people came; including He Angxiao and Chi Luoxi, there were only six in total. They were all long-time friends of He Angxiao's: one named Qiu Ziming, and another named Meng Xuan.

Qiu Ziming and He Angxiao were childhood friends, from similar family backgrounds, also a restless sort. He brought a companion, a very young-looking boy with delicate features, named Bu Jiaxu. Their relationship was clearly not long-lasting, just a temporary friend.

Meng Xuan, on the other hand, was relatively steady, bringing his girlfriend of almost a year, Bei Hong.

The gathering was at Qiu Ziming's villa.

Qiu Ziming smiled, saying that this season the female crabs were the fattest, so he had specially air-freighted a batch of top-quality hairy crabs to treat everyone to something fresh and have a small get-together.

Before the meal, they introduced themselves, and Qiu Ziming led them to the recreation room.

Bu Jiaxu was a young man who was very observant and keen on fashion. He immediately spotted the new watch on Chi Luoxi's wrist, his eyes lighting up. He leaned in, his tone full of envy and admiration: "Wow, is this the latest L-family autumn/winter limited edition? I saw it in a magazine last week. It's really beautiful. The dial color is so perfect, it makes your wrist look so white."

Chi Luoxi felt a bit embarrassed by his praise, lowered his head to look at the watch on his wrist, then raised his head to look at He Angxiao.

He Angxiao was talking quietly with Qiu Ziming, not looking their way. Chi Luoxi could only nod awkwardly at Bu Jiaxu, while trying hard to recall what the brand was called.

It started with an L—he could never remember those tongue-twisting French names.

Bei Hong, the only woman at the table, was outgoing. She had heard from her boyfriend Meng Xuan that someone new had suddenly appeared by He Angxiao’s side, but He Angxiao was tight-lipped as ever, not revealing a single word.

That only piqued Bei Hong’s curiosity further.

He Angxiao had been single for a while. People in their circle had tried to make a move, but he’d always been cold and aloof, almost inhumanly self-disciplined. So when a stunningly handsome guy suddenly showed up by his side, how could anyone not be curious?

Taking advantage of the moment He Angxiao was pulled away by Qiu Ziming to pick out wine at the liquor cabinet, she sidled up to Chi Luoxi with a friendly, gossipy smile. “You’re Xiao Chi, right? I’m Bei Hong. How did you and Mr. He meet?”

Chi Luoxi: “…………”

“How long have you two been together? Mr. He seems so cold—how does he treat you? Is he easy to get along with?”

Chi Luoxi was dumbfounded by the questions and looked toward He Angxiao for help.

Although He Angxiao was at the liquor cabinet, he had clearly been keeping part of his attention on this side.

Seeing Chi Luoxi besieged by Bei Hong, looking helpless and about to disappear on the spot, he put down the wine bottle, said something to Qiu Ziming, and walked straight over.

He rescued him from Bei Hong’s prying eyes. “He’s not much of a talker. Don’t give him a hard time.”

“Come on, I’ll teach you how to play pool.”

With that, without waiting for anyone else’s reaction, he half-embraced, half-guided Chi Luoxi toward the game room on the other side of the villa.

The game room was spacious. One wall was a huge projection screen, and on the other side stood a snooker table, its dark green felt gleaming with a fine luster under the lights.

He Angxiao took a cue from the rack on the wall, chalked it, and handed it to Chi Luoxi.

“Try it.”

Chi Luoxi took the heavy cue, looking a bit lost. He had only seen people play pool on TV and had never touched one himself. “Honey, I don’t know how.”

“I’ll teach you.”

He Angxiao walked up behind him, pressing close. He reached out, holding Chi Luoxi’s hand on the cue from behind, while his other hand steadied his waist, adjusting his posture.

“Lower your waist, relax your shoulders, don’t keep your wrist too stiff. Keep your eyes on the ball you’re aiming at, don’t look around.” His voice sounded right by Chi Luoxi’s ear.

Chi Luoxi let himself be adjusted, his body gradually relaxing.

“That’s it. Push gently, don’t use brute force,” He Angxiao instructed.

Chi Luoxi followed He Angxiao’s words, using his wrist to push the cue forward. But he underestimated his own strength. With a dull thud, the cue ball shot off like a cannonball, missing the target ball entirely, bouncing off the table and flying in a parabolic arc far away.

Chi Luoxi stayed in his stance, turned his head, and looked at He Angxiao. “…Honey, I’m so clumsy. I knocked the ball off the table.”

He Angxiao looked at him—that mix of shyness and cuteness, as if he wished he could find a crack in the floor to crawl into. Of course, He Angxiao knew Chi Luoxi was strong; he knew from personal experience in certain… moments. “It’s okay. Everyone does that the first time. Get back into position, I’ll teach you again.”

Chi Luoxi obediently bent over again. He Angxiao guided him hand by hand.

That day, Chi Luoxi was wearing a pair of relatively slim black trousers. When he leaned over the pool table, the curve of his legs from thigh to calf to ankle was outlined, slim and straight.

And the killer was that as he arched his waist, his perky bottom was wrapped in the taut fabric, forming a full and rounded curve. Against the dark material, the shape was impossible to look away from.

His waistband slipped down a little from the movement, revealing a small patch of fair, delicate skin on his lower back, which under the dim light of the game room was dizzying.

He Angxiao had originally straightened up to check if Chi Luoxi’s form was correct, but when he saw this, his gaze seemed to stick—from that narrow lower back, lingering over the tempting curve, and then further down…

Chi Luoxi stayed bent over, waiting, but He Angxiao didn’t give the next instruction. He was a little confused and cautiously turned his head to see what He Angxiao was doing.

As soon as he turned, he met He Angxiao’s eyes, which were staring deeply at him. Those dark eyes were now like two deep whirlpools, churning with a look Chi Luoxi knew all too well.

That look was hot, and very aggressive.

Chi Luoxi knew that look too well.

Usually, when He Angxiao showed that expression, it meant he was in the mood.

Chi Luoxi stood up, rose on his tiptoes, lifted his face, and quickly pecked He Angxiao on the lips. “Honey, can we talk about this when we get back?”

He Angxiao’s eyes instantly grew even darker and deeper. One hand grabbed Chi Luoxi’s waist, the other cupped the back of his head, and he kissed him back passionately.

Unlike Chi Luoxi’s brief touch, He Angxiao went deep, dominating and taking control.

Chi Luoxi went weak, his body involuntarily leaning back, his spine pressing against the cold edge of the pool table. He Angxiao used the momentum to lift him slightly with his arm, making Chi Luoxi half-sit on the dark green felt of the table.

The tabletop was icy, but He Angxiao’s body was burning hot.

He pressed between Chi Luoxi’s legs, one hand still gripping his waist, the other stroking his cheek, which was slightly flushed from arousal, his thumb rubbing over Chi Luoxi’s lips.

Chi Luoxi let it happen, his arms instinctively wrapping around He Angxiao’s neck.

Their breaths mingled, the temperature rose, and they almost forgot where they were or what time it was.

Just then—

“Ahem!”

A loud, deliberate cough rang out.

He Angxiao paused.

Chi Luoxi was so startled he trembled all over, frantically burying his face in He Angxiao’s chest.

Qiu Ziming stood at the door, covering his eyes with one hand—but his fingers were spread wide apart, in an exaggerated tone. “Aiyo! I just came to say the crabs are steamed and ready to eat. Are you two gonna keep practicing your skills, or shall we move to the dining room to grab a bite first, and then… hmm…”

He Angxiao’s face darkened in displeasure. He turned and looked at Qiu Ziming without expression, his voice a little hoarse. “…Got it. We’ll be there in a minute.”

Qiu Ziming grinned widely, gave an OK sign, turned, and slipped away, even having the courtesy to pull the door shut behind him.

Once the door was closed, only the two of them remained in the game room.

Chi Luoxi kept his face buried in He Angxiao’s chest, not moving, wishing he could disappear on the spot.

He Angxiao looked down at his red ears. “Okay, they’re gone. Lift your head.”

Chi Luoxi: “…I’m never going to be able to face anyone again.”

He Angxiao almost laughed at him but held it back. “What’s there to be embarrassed about? Do you think they’re saints? Let’s cuddle a bit, then go eat.”

Even so, when they walked into the dining room one after the other, the atmosphere was still a bit awkward.

Chi Luoxi didn’t dare look up at anyone the whole time, just stared at his own plate.

Only He Angxiao, completely shameless, had already returned to his calm, composed demeanor, as if the person who had just pinned his boyfriend on the pool table and kissed him breathless wasn’t him at all.

He even calmly picked up a crab, skillfully cracked it open, and placed it on the plate in front of Chi Luoxi.

Chi Luoxi secretly glanced at the others.

Beihong was smiling, asking Meng Xuan to crack one open for her, and Pu Jiaxu was whispering to Qiu Ziming.

It seemed no one was particularly focused on them anymore.

Only then did the bashfulness in his heart begin to fade. He picked up his chopsticks and ate slowly, savoring the rich, delicious crab roe and the sweet crab meat, mingled with the slight tang of ginger and vinegar—it was so good.

Still, since they were at someone else's home, Chi Luoxi held back a bit on eating.

After the meal, the staff cleared the table and brought out some light tea and fruit in the courtyard.

Qiu Ziming's family had a gentle, adorable Akita dog named Afu, who was friendly and not afraid of strangers.

The moment Chi Luoxi saw the dog, his eyes lit up.

He had loved small animals since he was a child. Back in the mountains, he often played with pheasants and hares. He crouched down, reached out, and stroked Afu's big, fluffy head. Afu immediately came over enthusiastically, rubbing its wet nose against his palm and wagging its tail like a propeller.

Beihong also liked dogs, and she came over to join in playing with the dog.

The two of them crouched by the lawn in the garden, playing with the dog.

He Angxiao, Qiu Ziming, and Meng Xuan sat on rattan lounge chairs not far away, sipping tea, watching Chi Luoxi, who was having a blast with the dog.

Qiu Ziming sipped his tea and broke the silence first, his tone teasing and slightly indignant: "I gotta tell you, Boss He, Mr. He, your secrecy game is on point, huh? We've been brothers since we were in diapers, and we can't even ask? Suddenly, out of nowhere, you show up with this heavenly-looking partner by your side, and we can't even ask? You're acting like a secret agent on a mission—seriously?"

He Angxiao held his teacup, his gaze fixed on the distant profile of Chi Luoxi, who was laughing so hard his eyes crinkled, and his tone was flat: "What's to ask about? You ask and ask, and it's all the same thing anyway. What if we break up someday?"

"What the hell!" Meng Xuan couldn't help but curse, setting down his teacup and looking at He Angxiao with a "what's wrong with you?" expression. "He Angxiao, do you have a problem? You're dating, and you're already thinking about breaking up? By that logic, no one in the world should date or get married, because everything might end in a breakup or divorce. Might as well let humanity go extinct. What kind of terminal pessimism is that?"

He Angxiao curled his lip: "I'm all for it. Some people have kids but don't raise them well, or just don't raise them at all. It'd be better if they didn't. I think people like that should just have their reproductive ability taken away, so they don't mess up the next generation."

His words cut sharp and cold.

Qiu Ziming and Meng Xuan exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes.

They knew about the mess in He Angxiao's family and the deep emotional scars his awful parents had left on him.

But they never expected that, years later, He Angxiao's views on this matter would still be so extreme and negative.

Just a while ago, He Angxiao had specifically texted them to act normal and not scare Chi Luoxi.

They thought maybe He Angxiao had changed because he met the right person.

He Angxiao didn't look at them anymore; his gaze returned to the carefree figure in the garden.

He watched Chi Luoxi hugging Afu, laughing innocently, as if all the worries in the world had nothing to do with him.

Suddenly, he thought: if someday he and Chi Luoxi really did break up, He Angxiao didn't want anyone to know that such a person had ever occupied a part of his life.

He didn't want to hear anyone express regret.

After watching a while, he suddenly said: "Hey, how do you get someone to be more materialistic?"

"Huh?" Qiu Ziming was stunned. "Materialistic? Isn't that kind of a natural talent? Do you need to cultivate it later?"

Pu Jiaxu said, "There are things like online classes for gold diggers—training camps that teach you how to identify rich people, how to attract them, and how to get them to spend money on you."

He Angxiao didn't say anything, deep in thought.

A few days later, Chi Luoxi was at home playing games on his tablet when He Angxiao suddenly walked out of the study, came up to him, and said in a tone that sounded like an announcement rather than a discussion: "I signed you up for a class. Starting tomorrow, you'll go twice a week. The address and time have been sent to your phone."

Chi Luoxi looked up blankly: "...Class? What class? Honey, do I need to prepare?"

Could He Angxiao have signed him up for some study class? Chi Luoxi felt a little nervous but also a faint sense of anticipation.

He Angxiao didn't explain much, just said, "You'll know when you get there. It'll be good for you."

The next day, Chi Luoxi followed the address and found the training center located in an office building in the city center. He even bought a new notebook, new pens, and a new backpack.

The front of the place was elegantly decorated, and the name sounded very upscale: Elite Socializing and Personal Charm Enhancement Center.

The receptionist had a sweet smile. After confirming his information, she gave him a course brochure and led him into a small classroom.

A few people were already sitting in the classroom—men and women, all young, dressed fashionably and exquisitely, but with a sharpness in their eyes.

On the podium, a female lecturer in a neat pencil skirt and blazer with perfect makeup was presenting something on a slideshow.

Chi Luoxi found a seat in the back and opened the course brochure. After just a few pages, he was stunned.

The brochure covered topics like: Etiquette and Eloquence for High-End Social Occasions, Luxury Brand Recognition and Appreciation, How to Shape an Unforgettable Personal Image, Emotional Value Provision and negotiation games in Intimate Relationships, Target Group Psychological Analysis and Attraction Construction…

Under each chapter heading were more specific subtitles, such as: Common Personality Types of the Wealthy and Response Strategies, The art and limits of gift-giving, How to Guide the Other Party to Invest Consistently in You, Maximizing Benefits After a Breakup…

Chi Luoxi looked at the female lecturer on stage, who was enthusiastically citing success stories of how certain students had leveled up and achieved their ideal lives through the course.

So, it turned out that He Angxiao had signed him up for a gold digger training camp for wannabe gold diggers.

Chi Luoxi: "...??"

Chi Luoxi accepted and began taking notes.

Well, even if he didn't understand it, might as well study it all.

Author's note: Little Luobei naturally loves He. If he didn't, he'd be like Wang Ye. Love is like instinct to him. What Little Luobei is slow about is his sense of right and wrong. He used to live in a very small circle, and in the mountains, he lived a simple life—up at dawn, in at dusk. He was truly naive.

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He thought good people were good and bad people were bad. But after meeting He, he slowly began to understand that feeling of someone being both kind and cruel to him. So President He's journey is one of getting his face slapped over and over.

President He is avoidant attachment with possessive traits—pessimistic yet sinking deeper.

Little Luobei: What can I say? Time to study, I guess.

The reason our Little Luobei isn't good at studying is because he's the classic type with all gear and no brains, haha.

Done early today. Woo!