Chapter 35: Doing Something Naughty

Chapter 35: Doing Something Naughty

The soft, sweet voice came through the receiver, freezing Jiang Yancheng in place for a full ten seconds.

He swallowed hard, forcing down the sudden heat that flared up inside him.

His Mianmian was so obedient—every time, it made people want to mess with him.

"Are you done now?" Shen Mian's voice came through again, snapping him out of his daze.

"Mm." Jiang Yancheng answered softly, "I miss you too, babe~"

"..."

He kept teasing Shen Mian with a few more dirty lines until his face was bright red and he was stammering incoherently, and only then did he hang up, satisfied.

*

Two days later, the weather was finally clear—a rare treat. Jiang Yancheng drove back to the old family estate.

The courtyard plants had been soaked by days of heavy rain; the grass looked even greener from the moisture, though many of the flowers had wilted.

When Jiang Yancheng walked in, the old man was lying on a rocking chair, eyes closed, resting. Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes and looked over.

"You're here?" Jiang Songming sat up and waved him over.

Jiang Yancheng spoke up: "It's been cold lately, Grandpa. Why didn't you use a blanket when you were sleeping?"

"I wasn't asleep, just resting my eyes." The old man waved a hand dismissively, then a sly smile crept onto his face. "I heard you brought a young man to the Lin family's banquet a few days ago?"

Jiang Yancheng was a bit surprised at how well-informed he was, but he nodded openly: "Yeah."

The old man beamed at him, shrewd eyes full of warm curiosity: "Whose kid is he? Do I know him?"

"You don't." Just mentioning Shen Mian brightened Jiang Yancheng's mood. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he said quietly, "He's a really well-behaved, good-looking guy—smart, hardworking, and gentle and shy by nature."

"If I get the chance, I'll bring him to meet you, Grandpa."

Hearing that, Jiang Songming nodded eagerly: "Great!"

"I know your standards—ordinary people don't catch your eye. If you think that highly of someone, they must be something special."

Then, as if remembering something, he sighed: "Looks like your dad was worrying for nothing."

Jiang Yancheng frowned, confused, and looked at the old man: "Did my dad say something to you?"

"He's been calling me for days. He said you wouldn't listen to him, so he asked me to talk some sense into you—to get you to break things off with that guy ASAP and consider marrying into one of the other big families."

"Ha! So even he knows you won't listen!"

"When you were a kid and needed guidance, he didn't bother with you—didn't do his job as a father at all. Now that you're grown and don't need anyone managing your life, he jumps in to control your marriage. What kind of logic is that?"

The old man snorted: "He even said he can't accept a male son-in-law. He's so much younger than me, yet his thinking is more old-fashioned than this old man's!"

Hearing this, Jiang Yancheng knew Grandpa had already accepted Shen Mian. A warmth spread through his chest, and the frown on his brow relaxed a little: "Grandpa, don't worry. I'll find the right time to talk to him. I'll handle my own stuff."

Old Master Jiang, seeing how determined he looked, knew he was serious about this. Curiosity got the better of him: "So who exactly is this young man? I know a lot of the younger generation—maybe I know him?"

Jiang Yancheng smiled and shook his head: "Probably not. He's still in college!"

Still a student—so he must be a few years younger than Jiang Yancheng... Though a bit surprised, Jiang Songming didn't press further. He just smiled and asked: "Do you have a photo of him? Let Grandpa see—I'm dying of curiosity."

Jiang Yancheng couldn't refuse, so he took out his phone, scrolled to a photo, and handed it over.

The photo happened to be from the dinner party a few days ago. Standing in front of a mirror, the young man wore a well-fitted white tuxedo, posture straight and features delicate. A faint blush colored his fair cheeks, and his look at the camera was innocent and soft—just as Jiang Yancheng had said, he looked especially well-behaved.

Old Master Jiang put on his reading glasses, leaned in, and studied the photo for a long while. The longer he looked, the more pleased he was. He nodded repeatedly: "Mm, really good! This kid looks very obedient and sensible. So good-looking, but no trace of arrogance—good temperament too. He suits you well."

He smiled and handed the phone back to Jiang Yancheng, speaking sincerely: "I'm really happy you've found someone you care about. Whether it's a man or a woman, what matters is that you like them. As for your dad—ignore him. Give it time, and he'll have no choice but to accept it."

"When you have time, be sure to bring this kid over. Grandpa wants to meet him in person."

Jiang Yancheng smiled and nodded: "Alright."

"By the way, has the company been busy lately? Yesterday I heard from your assistant that you've been running around a lot these days, and you even went on a business trip last week?" Old Master Jiang asked.

"Yeah, it's been a lot." Jiang Yancheng nodded slightly. "A few projects all piled up at once, so I can't get away."

"I'll probably have to go out again this week." Jiang Yancheng counted the days—and wouldn't you know it, it landed on Saturday again.

Another rare weekend, and he still couldn't spend it with Shen Mian.

"Don't push yourself too hard. You're young—don't run yourself ragged." The old man gave him a few words of advice. Turning his head, he saw Jiang Yancheng staring out the window, lost in thought.

He chuckled and teased: "What's wrong? Thinking about your little friend?"

Jiang Yancheng didn't deny it, admitting openly: "Yeah."

"I might have to go on another business trip this weekend. I haven't told him yet."

The old man smiled: "Perfect then. Send your little friend over here—he can keep this old man company and play some chess."

Jiang Yancheng shook his head: "That won't work. He's a bit socially anxious; he'd feel awkward here by himself."

He said it softly, a tenderness he hadn't even noticed himself spreading in his eyes.

He really hoped this busy stretch would end soon so he could spend a full weekend with Shen Mian.

Jiang Yancheng told Shen Mian about the weekend business trip on the phone.

"I need to go in this Saturday to catch up on the project. Stay at school and be good this week—I'll come find you when I'm done."

Shen Mian held the phone and replied obediently: "Okay."

Even though he said okay, he couldn't help pursing his lips, his voice dropping to a near whisper, with a hint of barely noticeable grievance: "Why do you always have to go on business trips..."

He'd just wrapped up last week, and now he had to go again. It had been so long, and they'd barely seen each other.

At this rate... when would he ever finish paying off his debt? Shen Mian thought miserably.

Jiang Yancheng heard the quiet complaint on the other end, raised an eyebrow, and his deep voice carried a light, amused laugh: "What's this? Not happy you won't see your husband this week?"

That word "husband" was said softly, but it hit Shen Mian's calm heart like a little bomb, sending ripples through it. His cheeks burned, and he quickly stammered in protest: "...No, I'm not!"

He was just worried about not being able to pay off his debt—he definitely wasn't thinking about... wanting to see Jiang Yancheng.

Before Jiang Yancheng could say anything else, Shen Mian hurriedly hung up, not giving him another chance to tease him.

In the CEO's office at Jiangyuan Group, Jiang Yancheng looked at the hung-up call and a helpless smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

He didn't want to be this busy either, but these projects were too important—he had to handle them personally. Lately, he'd been working overtime at the office almost every day, with hardly any time to rest.

From the brief conversation with Shen Mian, he could sense Shen Mian's reluctance to part with him. His boyfriend was becoming more and more dependent on him—that was a good sign.

Jiang Yancheng quirked his lips in a faint smile, his fingertips tapping lightly on the desk as his expression gradually softened.

Once he got through this busy stretch, he would definitely take a few days off to focus entirely on Shen Mian and strengthen their bond.

Before he knew it, Saturday arrived.

Since he didn't have to go to Jiang Yancheng's place or the cake shop, Shen Mian slept in for a rare change.

He wasn't usually one to sleep late, but it seemed like every time he stayed over at Jiang Yancheng's place, he'd oversleep... though he was also the reason he overslept.

Jiang Mingye and the others had gotten up bright and early today. Shen Mian had heard them last night talking about going to the neighboring city this weekend for a concert—apparently some huge celebrity was performing. Jiang Mingye had managed to score floor tickets and invited Chen Tao and Sun Yang along. The three of them had headed out early this morning.

That left Shen Mian alone in the dorm, which was much quieter than usual. He liked this kind of quiet—he could lounge around in his pajamas and do whatever he wanted, feeling completely at ease.

The dorm building was also quieter than usual for a Saturday. Most students had gone out or headed to the library, and those who stayed behind were mostly catching up on sleep. When Shen Mian's phone rang with Jiang Yancheng's call, he still hadn't gotten out of bed.

"What? You're at my school?" Shen Mian's mind had been foggy from just waking up, but Jiang Yancheng's sudden call jolted him fully awake.

"Yeah." Jiang Yancheng lowered his voice. "Open the door, classmate Lin. I'm at your dorm entrance."

As if to prove he wasn't lying, the very next second, there really was a knock at Shen Mian's dorm door.

!!!!!

Shen Mian was so startled he almost tumbled off the top bunk.

He quickly threw on his clothes, smoothed down his messy hair, and then climbed down from the bunk.

Jiang Yancheng didn't have to wait long outside. After some rustling inside, light footsteps pattered over. Then the lock clicked, the door cracked open, and a mop of fluffy hair poked out.

Jiang Yancheng tilted his head, grinning at the sleepy-eyed guy in front of him. Shen Mian clearly looked like he'd just woken up—eyes half-lidded, cheeks flushed pink. His pajama collar hung loose, revealing a stretch of fair neck, with a glimpse of collarbones peeking out from under the collar.

When Shen Mian saw Jiang Yancheng, those hazy eyes suddenly lit up, then he glanced around nervously, relaxing only when he saw no one was around.

"Why did you... show up out of nowhere without telling me..." Before he could finish, Jiang Yancheng pulled him into an embrace, the familiar heat of his body making him shiver.

"It's drafty out here. Let's go inside~" Jiang Yancheng murmured close to his ear.

Shen Mian was half-shoved, half-escorted into the room, the dorm door slamming shut behind them as Jiang Yancheng reached over and flipped the lock.

It was much warmer inside than outside, but still not as warm as Jiang Yancheng's arms. Shen Mian looked up at him, his breath hitching slightly.

Jiang Yancheng held Shen Mian with one arm, staring at him with a burning gaze.

"Didn't you say... you had a business trip today and would come see me after?" Shen Mian pressed his fingers to Jiang Yancheng's chest and asked quietly.

Jiang Yancheng looked down at him, his gaze drifting from those bright eyes to those slightly pursed lips. He couldn't help reaching out, his thumb grazing over those rosy lips.

"Didn't baby say he couldn't stand to be apart from me? So I came."

Shen Mian's face burned at being seen through. He turned away awkwardly, but Jiang Yancheng caught his chin and turned him back.

"What are you hiding for? Don't you want to see your husband?"

Shen Mian's ears turned bright red. He whispered, "No."

"Then if you miss me, why won't you even look at me?" Jiang Yancheng pretended to sulk, his voice dropping low.

Shen Mian fell for it and looked up, only to meet the man's amused, half-smiling gaze.

...Jiang Yancheng was just as sly as ever!

Before he could get upset, a low male voice sounded by his ear: "Your roommates are out, aren't they?"

Shen Mian nodded and gave a very soft "mm."

"Perfect. The concert runs until ten tonight—they won't be back today." Jiang Yancheng leaned in close to his ear, his hot breath brushing against Shen Mian's earlobe, sending a tantalizing shiver through him.

Shen Mian froze for a moment, then it clicked: "How... do you know they went to a concert? Did you..."

"Baby's so smart! Figured it out that fast~" Jiang Yancheng cupped his face and planted a kiss on it, his eyes blazing with heat. "Then guess what I want to do next, baby?"

"..." Shen Mian didn't want to guess.

Their breaths intertwined in the air. Jiang Yancheng watched his ears grow redder and redder, the dark tide in his eyes surging stronger.

He tightened his arm around Shen Mian's waist, pulling him fully into his chest, making it look like Shen Mian was throwing himself into the embrace.

"Did baby guess?" Jiang Yancheng pinched his cheek and asked softly.

Shen Mian pressed his lips together and shook his head. "I don't know."

He could feel the changes in the man before him, especially the hands at his waist—their scorching heat seemed to seep right through the cotton pajamas.

What Jiang Yancheng planned to do next... was so hard to guess!

"Baby~" Jiang Yancheng called softly. "I'm feeling like doing something bad right now~"

He leaned in, his voice husky: "Something very, very bad."

Shen Mian's cheeks flushed red. Before he could fully process it, Jiang Yancheng had already wrapped an arm around him and pushed him into the bathroom.

……