From the gym to the bedroom and then the bathroom, Yu Antong went from feeling refreshed to utterly exhausted, finally resting comfortably on the bed. He felt as if he'd experienced a small death.

That man's stamina is incredibly impressive.

With a mischievous thought, Yu Antong feebly attempted to kick the man beside him, but his effort was more like a feeble scratch.

Immediately, Xing Lixuan extended his long legs, firmly pinning down Yu Antong's delicate ones, rendering him motionless.

It was then Yu Antong remembered the pressing matter at hand. "Husband, I need to borrow some money."

He wished to start a business but lacked the initial funds. Though Yu Qingnian owed him 60 million plus properties, the chances of recovering that money remained uncertain, especially considering the Yu family's ability to produce such liquid assets on short notice.

Even if they could manage, the timing of the transaction was another concern.

For now, his best option was to seek assistance from his wealthy spouse.

Xing Lixuan grabbed the wallet from the nightstand and selected a card from within. "There's five million in this, should suffice for your spending."

Yu Antong stated, "I don't want your money. I wish to borrow eighty million from you. In three months... no, in half a year, I'll repay you in full with interest."

Just purchasing the restaurant and factory would cost seventy-six million. Additional investments would undoubtedly be necessary. Yu Antong, being a first-time businessman, wasn't sure when he'd break even. Initially thinking of repaying in three months, he felt that was too short and extended it to half a year.

Xing Lixuan turned his head to look at him, "Did you fall into high-interest debt?"

"Nonsense!" Yu Antong tried to kick him but found his leg firmly pinned down. "I'm starting a business."

"Starting what? It'll bankrupt you," scoffed Xing Lixuan. "Just be the obedient daughter-in-law of the Xing family for half a year. Don't embarrass the family outside. Once we divorce, I'll give you the eighty million."

Yu Antong's temper flared. "Xing Lixuan, do you see me as some pet bird you keep? Dream on!"

Furious, Yu Antong forcefully pushed Xing Lixuan away, and taking advantage of a momentary lapse in Xing's guard, he kicked out.

Caught off guard, Xing Lixuan was knocked off the bed. His anger erupted, "Yu Antong! What do you think you're doing?"

"Why is me starting a business considered reckless? Look down on me all you want, Xing Lixuan. Lend me that eighty million and see what happens in half a year," declared Yu Antong. "I'll give you an IOU and repay every cent."

Sitting down while Xing Lixuan stood, Yu Antong felt diminished, having to look up to argue, which felt quite undermining.

"So being tall makes you superior?"

Yu Antong got up, feeling that looking down on Xing Lixuan might give him an edge.

However, in his rage, he neglected his physical state. Upon standing, his legs wobbled, and he almost face-planted.

Xing Lixuan's reflexes kicked in, and with a swift step forward, he caught Yu Antong in time.

Arguing while undressed? Xing Lixuan's temple throbbed with irritation as he pushed Yu Antong onto the bed.

As Yu Antong struggled, Xing Lixuan sternly commanded, "Sit still, stop this nonsense, and let's talk properly."

Yu Antong shrank back.

Damn! This man can be really intimidating when serious.

Yu Antong lamented, "It's my fault for not speaking properly. You clearly don't respect me."

Xing Lixuan replied, "It's not about respect. What do you, an undergraduate, know about starting a business? Can you endure the hardships?"

Yu Antong retorted with a hint of mischief, "Is this your way of showing concern?"

Not wanting to entertain Yu Antong's antics anymore, Xing Lixuan nodded, "Yes. Behave, continue your studies, and come to me if you need money."

Men's promises are unreliable. They'd still divorce in half a year. Better to rely on oneself.

Cursing inwardly, Yu Antong turned, embracing Xing Lixuan, and cooed, "Husband, just let me try. I won't be content otherwise."

Xing Lixuan pulled him close, turned off the light, and remarked, "Enough of this late-night drama. Close your eyes and sleep."

"Don't play me for a fool," said Yu Antong as he pecked Xing Lixuan's face. "Please, darling, lend it to me~"

Xing Lixuan placed a hand over his mouth, "I won't lend it to you. If you truly wish to start a business, find a solution on your own. If you can't solve this small issue, how can you ever hope to succeed?"

Yu Antong wiggled free and said with feigned fierceness, "If you don't lend it to me, I'll divorce you right now and claim half your assets!"

Xing Lixuan responded calmly, "We have a prenuptial agreement. If we divorce now, you won't get a single penny."

"Devious! Fine, don't lend it."

Yu Antong hadn't truly expected Xing Lixuan to lend him the money. After all, 80 million wasn't a trivial amount. Even if Xing Lixuan was wealthy, he didn't just come upon that wealth easily.

What irked him was Xing Lixuan's dismissive attitude. He hadn't even asked what business Yu Antong wanted to pursue or if there was a reasonable plan in place. Instead, he outright dismissed him.

"Despicable man, stay away from me!"

The more Yu Antong thought about it, the angrier he became. He turned over in bed, leaving his back towards Xing Lixuan. He took up most of the space, shoving Xing Lixuan to the edge of the bed.

Xing Lixuan sighed. He decided to make arrangements to set up a guest bedroom and buy a new bed.

Over the weekend, Yu Antong met with a lawyer to discuss reclaiming his inheritance.

After hearing the details, the lawyer accessed records of all parties involved.

Following a moment of contemplation, he stated, "By our country's laws, an adult under guardianship can legally reclaim their inheritance. But given your current circumstances and the influential position of the Yu family, they might use illegal means to prevent you from accessing your inheritance."

The lawyer's words resonated with Yu Antong. Indeed, the world is not always just.

Probing further, the lawyer said, "I noticed you recently got married. Your husband's family holds significant influence in City A. With their support, this process might be much smoother..."

Yu Antong interrupted, "Regardless, please start the necessary preparations."

He had just had a fight with Xing Lixuan and didn't want to turn around and ask him for help.

That would be too humiliating.

The lawyer nodded, "I'll do my best."

After class, Yu Antong was hurriedly pulled out of the classroom by his three roommates.

Zhao Peng exclaimed, "Hurry up! I can't wait any longer."

Han Lele remarked, "I missed you so much last night that I couldn't sleep."

Sun Ming eagerly said, "Let's head back to the dorm. I've been craving..."

Yu Antong interjected, "It's only been a weekend. Is this really necessary?"

The trio, resembling famished wolves, circled Yu Antong, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

As other students around them left class, they overheard the conversation and noticed the playful tugs and pulls, casting curious glances in their direction.

Wow! Straight guys sure know how to have fun.

A few from the neighboring dorm sneered sarcastically, "Look at what our school's skewed gender ratio has done to these kids. It's terrifying."

Realizing their earlier actions and words could be misconstrued, the group became self-conscious.

Zhao Peng quickly let go of Yu Antong's left arm, declaring, "What twisted thoughts these people have! I'm a genuine straight guy!"

Sun Ming took a step back, maintaining a 'normal' distance between male classmates, "I have nothing to do with you guys."

Han Lele, seizing the opportunity, wrapped his arm around Yu Antong, "In times of crisis, you see one's true colors, darling. See? I'm the only one who truly loves you. So, no hot pot for these two later."

Ever since Yu Antong showed off his culinary skills using Sun Ming's pot, the food lovers in their dorm held him in high esteem.

Han Lele had long forgotten his dad's warning about getting too close to Yu Antong. "After not seeing you for two days, my meals tasted bland. Look, I think I've lost weight."

Yu Antong pinched his cherubic face, "Can't really tell."

If any other guy was this close, calling him "darling", Yu Antong would have pushed him away. But Han Lele, with his childlike face and shorter stature, never evoked any romantic feelings in Yu.

Bai Meng book

Plus, Yu Antong felt confident in his gaydar and perceived Han Lele as a fellow 'zero'. Thus, he was comfortable with Han Lele's closeness, treating him like a sister.

Sun Ming protested, "You're using my pot and excluding me? If anyone should be left out, it's Zhao Peng."

On hearing this, Zhao Peng countered, "Be fair! The hot pot ingredients were smuggled past the dorm supervisor by me."

Last Friday, Yu Antong mentioned he'd prepare the hot pot base over the weekend. All weekend, the three of them had been eagerly anticipating this meal.

Zhao Peng, having a free morning, purchased vegetables, tripe, meatballs, and such. After the third class, they could head straight to the dorm to start cooking.

As they walked, Yu Antong appreciated the college experience, cherishing the moments with friends who banter and play. Unlike before, frequent hospital visits hindered his education. He was home-schooled whenever he felt the urge to learn.

Having these genuine peers around felt wonderful.

Suddenly, Han Lele remarked, "I feel like someone's watching me."

Assuming it was due to their earlier antics, Sun Ming replied, "We're quite far now. Who'd still be watching?"

Zhao Peng looked around and indeed noticed they were being watched, "No, I think they're looking at Yu Antong."

Given that it was lunchtime, many students were around, with quite a few sneaking glances at Yu Antong.

Sun Ming commented, "It's probably because of Yu Antong and Han Lele's closeness earlier. It looked pretty gay."

Reaching the dormitory, the group shifted their focus to the eagerly awaited hot pot base brought by Yu Antong.

After a quick check, Zhao Peng reported, "The dorm supervisor went to meet the supervisor from block C for lunch. We're clear!"

Han Lele returned from the balcony, "Report! All doors and windows are sealed. We're good to go!"

Yu Antong pulled out the hot pot base he brought, commanding, "Action!"

Sun Ming quickly unlocked the wardrobe and set up his small electric pot, plugging it in.

Yu Antong's prepared hot pot base was stored in a small lunch box. As soon as the lid was opened, the spicy and aromatic scent of beef tallow broth spread rapidly throughout the dorm room.

Once the base was poured into the electric pot and heated, its aroma intensified due to the accelerated molecular movement, making everyone's mouths water uncontrollably.

Swallowing his saliva, Han Lele eagerly asked, "Why isn’t the water boiling yet? What's with your slow pot, Sun Ming?"

Sun Ming, also salivating, replied, "At least it works. If it had a higher wattage, the dorm supervisor would confiscate it."

Looking at the underwhelming pot, Sun Peng felt impatient and decided to sit down and check his phone.

He opened Weibo, refreshed the trending topics, and scrolled down. Suddenly, after seeing one particular trending topic, he paused, then called out to his roommates, "You guys need to see this!"

The rest, fully focused on the hot pot, asked, "What's up?"

Sun Peng showed them his phone, "Antong, isn’t this you?"

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