In Love with an Idiot (你却爱着一个他)

Chapter 11

After resting at home for several days, Jian Suiying had quite a backlog of work at the company. He was busy for several days after returning, but even so, he hadn't forgotten about inviting Li Xuan to dinner.

Li Xuan really was a busy man. Jian Suiying tried arranging a meal with him two days in a row, but he wasn't free. Not wanting to look too eager, Jian Suiying stopped calling and decided to wait for another opportunity.

He had assumed he wouldn't manage to see Li Xuan before he left, so he was surprised when, several afternoons later, Li Yu rang him.

The moment he saw the caller's name, Jian Suiying's heart gave a couple of hard thumps. It was the first time Li Yu had ever called him.

"Hello? Li Yu?"

"Brother Jian."

"Oh? What's made you call your brother Jian?"

"I'm with my older brother. He's free tonight, so he wanted to ask whether you have time."

"Of course I do. Your brother's about to head back to Guangxi. Whatever else I've got going on, I'll put it aside to see him off."

"Where shall we meet tonight?" Li Yu asked.

"I'll text you the address. Seven o'clock?"

"All right. See you at seven."

Jian Suiying had only just got home. He had already ordered a takeaway, but hurriedly rang to cancel the delivery. Then he showered and changed his clothes. Worried about traffic, he set out fifty minutes early for a journey that normally took twenty.

As it turned out, Beijing's traffic was unusually cooperative that evening. He reached the restaurant in less than twenty minutes, went into the private room he'd booked and idly leafed through the menu.

At around twenty to seven, his phone rang. It was Li Xuan.

"Hello, Li Xuan."

"Suiying, where are you?"

"I've been here a while. Thought I'd get stuck in traffic, but there wasn't any."

"What? You're there already?"

"Don't rush. Take your time. It's not even seven yet. I'll order a few dishes while I wait."

"...Suiying, I'm really sorry. Something's come up at the last minute. I can't make it."

"What?"

Jian Suiying was immediately annoyed. He could understand why they hadn't managed to meet the first two times; Li Xuan genuinely had been busy. But they'd made definite plans this time, only for him to cancel at the last moment. Who wouldn't be irritated?

Besides, Jian Suiying had spent his whole life being flattered and fussed over. If it had been anyone other than Li Xuan, he'd certainly have shown his displeasure.

Li Xuan kept apologising. "Suiying, this really did come up out of nowhere, and I absolutely have to deal with it. I'm terribly sorry."

What else could Jian Suiying say?

"It's fine, it's fine. If it's important, you'd better get on with it. Don't let me hold you up."

"How about this? I'll come to your company tomorrow morning. You said you had something you wanted to discuss, didn't you? We can talk in your office."

That softened Jian Suiying's expression.

"That'll do. But I've already ordered a few dishes. You sound rushed, so I doubt you've had time to eat. If it's convenient, I could have some packed up and bring it over."

"No, no. I couldn't put you to all that trouble."

"It's no trouble. I can't eat all this on my own, and it'd only go to waste."

"I'll grab a bite in the car. Tell you what, I'll ask Li Yu to come and keep you company over dinner."

Jian Suiying's eyes lit up.

"Now that sounds good! Better than eating alone. Send him over."

Li Xuan might not be coming, but an unexpected chance to have dinner alone with Li Yu was even better. Delighted, Jian Suiying closed the menu and told the waiter, "Go ahead and prepare these dishes first."

There was still time, so he went back out to his car and spent ages fixing his hair in the mirror.

Li Yu arrived punctually.

From the private room on the second floor, Jian Suiying had been watching the street below. Just before seven, an Audi pulled up outside the restaurant. A moment later, Li Yu appeared in a loose grey T-shirt and pale jeans.

Compared with Jian Suiying's carefully chosen designer outfit, Li Yu was dressed as casually as someone popping downstairs for a barbecue. Yet even without making the slightest effort, his naturally handsome face and clothes-horse figure made Jian Suiying's heart itch with longing.

His eyes followed Li Yu almost the entire way into the restaurant.

Jian Suiying hurriedly ran his fingers through his hair, straightened his posture and pretended to look at his phone.

The waiter showed Li Yu in. Jian Suiying lifted his head with a smile.

"Little Li, there you are."

Li Yu nodded. "Brother Jian, my brother had something urgent to attend to. I'm here to apologise on his behalf."

"Oh, don't be so formal! Who doesn't have the occasional emergency? You think your brother Jian needs an apology over something like that? Come on, sit down. What would you like to drink?"

Li Yu tilted his head. "Brother Jian, isn't Suilin coming?"

Jian Suiying was slightly taken aback. Why on earth would Suilin be coming?

Something flickered in Li Yu's eyes. He sat down without another word.

"Nothing special. Tea will be fine."

"Not even a little wine?" Jian Suiying was so accustomed to entertaining business associates that a meal without alcohol always felt as though something was missing.

Li Yu shook his head firmly. "I don't drink."

Jian Suiying gave the waiter an awkward glance. "Bring out the cold dishes first, then."

The young waitress was about to pour Li Yu some tea, but Jian Suiying waved her away. Once she'd left, he poured it himself.

"Here. Wet your throat. It's pretty dry today."

"Brother Jian, I can do that myself," Li Yu replied politely.

Jian Suiying passed him the menu.

"I've ordered a few of their specialities, but I don't know whether they'll be to your taste. Have a look and choose something you like."

"There's no need. I'm not fussy, and we won't finish it if you order too much."

"Go on, have a look. It isn't that much. You could choose a dessert."

Li Yu gave a faint smile. "It's fine, Brother Jian. There are only two of us. We won't be able to eat much."

With that, his gaze began to wander again.

Jian Suiying noticed how distracted he seemed and frowned. Then he tapped the table with a finger.

"So, Li Yu, what have you been doing at home these past few days? Sleeping the whole time?"

Li Yu turned towards him and smiled. "Pretty much. I haven't been out much."

"Got any plans for the summer holidays? Thinking of going anywhere?"

"Speaking of that..." Li Yu finally turned fully towards him. "I heard from Suilin that he's going to do some work experience at your company?"

"That's right. My old man arranged it."

The subject still irritated Jian Suiying, though he did his best not to show it.

Resting his chin on his hand, Li Yu smiled faintly. "Brother Jian, could you take me on as well?"

Jian Suiying blinked.

"I'd like to come too. I know I don't have any experience and there's plenty I'll need to learn. I don't know how much trouble I'd cause you, either. But I learn quickly. I was hoping you'd give me a chance."

Delight surged through Jian Suiying. Having Li Yu come to his company was exactly what he wanted. Just think how many opportunities he'd have to spend time with him if he could make use of his position! He certainly wasn't foolish enough to miss that advantage.

But Young Master Jian was an old hand at business. He understood one simple truth: the fruit that's hardest to reach tastes the sweetest.

So he promptly raised the branch a little higher and put on a troubled expression.

"Li Yu, given my friendship with you and your brother, this wouldn't normally be a problem. If you wanted to come in as general manager, I'd let you! But you're only seventeen or eighteen. We're extremely busy, and I'm strict with my employees. Even people who've been in the industry for years sometimes find it too much. It's not that I doubt your abilities. I'm just worried you'll have a hard time."

Li Yu's smile deepened.

"Brother Jian, you run a big business. Hardly anyone in your generation can compare with you. I talked to my parents last night, and they think there's a lot I could learn working for you. I don't mind working hard. I'm only worried you might not think I'm good enough."

*I've thought you were good enough for ages,* Jian Suiying thought.

"How could I think that? Even Suilin says you're clever. Well, if you're that determined, how could I turn you down? All right. Brother Jian hasn't misjudged you. I'm sure you'll do even better than me one day."

Since meeting him, Li Yu had never spoken so much to Jian Suiying, let alone praised him so generously. Plenty of people were forever flattering Young Master Jian, but none of them could make him as happy with a couple of casual compliments as Li Yu could.

Li Yu promptly thanked him.

"Now listen, Little Li," Jian Suiying said. "You can come, and I'll teach you properly, but we've got to agree on something first. Once you're at my company, you're an employee like everyone else. You'll have to follow your superiors' instructions. No throwing a young master's tantrum, understand?"

Li Yu smiled. "I wouldn't dare."

Jian Suiying was beside himself with happiness. He suddenly remembered that he had a business trip coming up. He could take Li Yu along. What a perfect opportunity!

Before long, most of the dishes had arrived. Jian Suiying was in such a good mood that, although Li Yu wouldn't drink, he ordered himself a bottle of beer to celebrate.

While they ate, he teased him casually.

"You and Little Lin are certainly inseparable, aren't you? Wherever one of you goes, the other has to come along."

Li Yu's chopsticks paused for a moment. Then he replied as though nothing had happened, "We've known each other for over ten years."

"When did you first meet?"

"When we were five or six, I think. At some gathering or other."

"It's easy to become friends when you're the same age. That's good. You two can look after each other in future."

At the time, Jian Suiying genuinely didn't think anything of it. When he'd been Li Yu's age, he'd had a crowd of friends himself and spent his days messing about with them.

As far as he was concerned, a young man who preferred spending time with friends who could help him in future, rather than chasing after girls, clearly had a brighter future ahead of him.

He went on to give Li Yu a general explanation of what his property investment company did, which projects were currently most important and what sort of work Li Yu could expect to do there. Li Yu listened carefully.

After dinner, Jian Suiying wanted to take him somewhere else.

"A mate of mine's just opened a bar, and I haven't been round to support him yet. Why don't I take you there tonight?"

Li Yu considered it and couldn't think of any particular reason to refuse.

Jian Suiying felt no guilt whatsoever about taking someone under eighteen into a place full of nightlife and temptation. Any man who wanted to make something of himself would have to learn to handle places like that sooner or later.

On the way, he called his friend to say he was bringing someone over. By the time they got out of the car, his friend was waiting at the entrance.

"Suiying, what the bloody hell have you been doing lately? Haven't seen you in days! I opened a new place and you didn't even come to support me!"

The man tossed his cigarette butt into a bin, grinned and gave Jian Suiying a friendly slap.

"I twisted my ankle a few days ago. Been stuck at home recovering. As soon as I was better, I came straight over, didn't I? Not bad, Little Tang. You've only been open a few days and the car park's practically full."

"Course it is. Great location."

As Little Tang led them inside, he cast Li Yu a rather suggestive glance. Li Yu met his eyes without expression.

Jian Suiying immediately realised what his friend was thinking. Worried that Li Yu might be offended, he hurried to introduce them.

"Here, meet the second young master of the Li family. This is Li Yu. Li Yu, this is Young Master Tang."

Little Tang looked startled. "Which Li family? Li Xuan's younger brother?"

"How many Li families do you think there are? Of course it's Li Xuan's brother."

Li Yu nodded and offered a cool, indifferent "Hello."

Little Tang was a smooth operator. Realising his mistake, he immediately stepped forward with a smile and shook Li Yu's hand.

"So you're Li Xuan's brother! I've never met you before. In my head, his little brother was still a child. Look how grown-up you are! Come on in. Nothing but distinguished guests tonight!"

The three of them entered the bar. Jian Suiying took one look around and let out an inward groan.

*Oh, bloody hell.*

*Why hadn't that little bastard Tang told him this was a gay bar?*

He turned to glare at Little Tang, who looked back in confusion.

Li Yu surveyed the room, where men were openly getting intimate with other men, and instantly understood what sort of place they'd entered.

Jian Suiying was mortified. He genuinely hadn't known; he certainly hadn't brought Li Yu here on purpose. Now he was terrified he'd given himself away before he'd even had the chance to make a move.

Li Yu looked at him with an appraising, questioning expression. Jian Suiying gave an awkward laugh.

"Er, I've never been here before. I really didn't know this was a..."

The music was deafening, and Little Tang hadn't heard their exchange. He tugged Jian Suiying's arm and shouted into his ear, "Come on! There are a few mates in the private room. Some you know. Fancy joining us?"

Jian Suiying prised his hand off and shouted back, "Why the fuck didn't you tell me it was a gay bar?"

Little Tang stared. "You didn't know? I thought you did."

"I wasn't here for the opening, was I? How the fuck was I supposed to know? Forget it. We're not going in."

Little Tang burst out laughing and slapped him on the back. "What's this, then? Since when did you turn into such a prude?"

Jian Suiying jabbed him in the waist and gestured towards Li Yu with his eyes. Realisation dawned on Little Tang at once.

Jian Suiying leaned close to Li Yu's ear.

"I really didn't know it was a gay bar. Bit of a shock, eh? We don't have to go in."

Li Yu frowned slightly, a half-smile on his face.

"What's so shocking about it? We're already here. Let's go in."

Jian Suiying stared at him in surprise.

He'd assumed a model young man like Li Yu, who neither smoked nor drank, wouldn't be able to accept a place like this. That was precisely why he'd been afraid of Li Yu finding out he was gay. He would have to know sooner or later, of course, but Jian Suiying had intended to build up their relationship first, slowly winning him over. Scaring him off now would ruin all the fun.

"You think this place looks interesting?" he asked cautiously.

Li Yu nodded. "A bit."

"All right, then. Let's go in."

Jian Suiying only wanted to be with Li Yu that night, so he didn't join the others in the private room. Instead, he asked Little Tang to find them a booth in a quiet corner.

When Li Yu wasn't looking, Little Tang kept raising his eyebrows suggestively.

"What are you thinking, you idiot?" Jian Suiying said with a laugh. "I just brought a friend out for the evening. Is it a crime for the lad to be good-looking?"

Little Tang leaned close. "You really don't fancy him that way?"

"No, I don't. Stop imagining things. Go and do whatever you've got to do. You don't need to look after us. We'll only stay a little while, and don't tell the others I'm here."

Little Tang obviously didn't believe a word of it. He left wearing a sly grin.

Li Yu settled into the corner of the sofa with a glass of soda water, his face passing in and out of shadow under the lights as he quietly watched the people at the surrounding tables.

Jian Suiying clinked his glass against Li Yu's and took the opportunity to sit right beside him.

The music was so loud that they had to lean close to hear each other. Their faces were near enough for each to feel the other's breath against his skin.

After a glass of alcohol, Jian Suiying felt a little bolder. Leaning towards Li Yu's ear, he asked, "What are you looking at? What's so interesting?"

Li Yu said nothing, merely smiling faintly and shaking his head.

"Little Li, whether you go into business or government work one day, you won't be able to avoid places like this. You're not that young any more. How about I bring you out more often?"

Li Yu looked at him, his expression unreadable.

"Brother Jian, do you often bring Suilin out with you too?"

"Him? Why would I bring him? Boring."

An almost imperceptible flash of mockery crossed Li Yu's eyes. He got up.

"I'm going to the toilet."

Jian Suiying had grown pleasantly tipsy. The moment Li Yu stood, he reached out and caught his hand.

Li Yu glanced at him in surprise.

That clear-headed, faintly cool look sobered Jian Suiying considerably. He looked down at his own hand, suddenly unsure whether to let go or keep holding on. In the end, he gave an embarrassed grin.

"Er, me too. Don't think I can quite get up."

Li Yu frowned slightly, took him by the arm and hauled him to his feet.

As Jian Suiying stood, he thought he heard Li Yu mutter, "That's all you can drink?"

Wondering if he'd misheard, he looked at him. Li Yu narrowed his eyes in return.

Young Master Jian could certainly hold more drink than that. He simply decided to take advantage.

"Yep, that's my limit. It's easy to get drunk drinking alone when you won't join me. Carry me to the toilet, will you?"

Li Yu gave a laugh of disbelief. "So now it's my fault? If you can't handle your drink, don't have so much."

"I can't handle my drink?" Jian Suiying scoffed. He patted Li Yu's cheek rather too familiarly. "I'll show you what a real heavyweight drinker looks like one day."

Li Yu turned his face slightly away, though Jian Suiying still managed to steal a touch. Rather than argue, he let go.

"If you can stand up, you can get there on your own."

With that, he turned and headed towards the toilets. Jian Suiying followed him.

When Jian Suiying emerged, he spotted Li Yu's back almost immediately.

*Don't tell me he's actually waiting for me?* he thought, delighted.

But he quickly realised something was wrong. Several men were blocking Li Yu's path.

One of them was a fat man in his thirties, holding a bottle of beer, his face flushed red with drink. He was expensively dressed and probably looked perfectly respectable in daylight. Right now, though, with that foolish grin directed at Li Yu, he was no better than a lecherous creep.

Jian Suiying knew exactly what was happening.

Someone with Li Yu's looks was top of the league in their circle. Never mind these leering idiots; even Jian Suiying, who'd slept with countless beautiful men, had practically drooled over him the first time they met.

From where he stood, Jian Suiying couldn't see Li Yu's expression, so he hurried towards them.

The fat man put a hand on Li Yu's shoulder and leaned in as though he wanted to say something. Li Yu immediately knocked the hand away.

The man glared and tried again, evidently unwilling to take the hint. This time, Li Yu brushed his hand aside before it even made contact.

Now furious, the man smashed his beer bottle on the floor and reached for Li Yu once more.

Jian Suiying charged forward with murder in his eyes. *That fat bastard dares touch my man? I'll bloody well teach him a lesson.*

Before he could reach them, Li Yu raised his hand and caught the man's wrist.

Jian Suiying froze. So did the man.

Then Li Yu gave a small twist, forcing the wrist sharply backwards. Jian Suiying was too far away to hear the man's cries, but one look at his face told him how much it hurt.

The man dropped to his knees, clutching at Li Yu's hand and screaming with his mouth wide open.

His friends immediately rushed forward to help him. Jian Suiying sprang out from behind Li Yu and sent a bespectacled man flying backwards with a kick.

The onlookers quickly cleared a circle around them, watching the commotion with great interest.

The disturbance drew the attention of security. Several tall, powerfully built Black security guards hurried over.

Li Yu released the man's wrist.

Jian Suiying caught his arm. "Little Li, are you all right?"

Li Yu gave him a cool glance. "I'm fine."

Little Tang arrived shortly afterwards and directed security to haul the fat man upright. He lit a cigarette, put it into Jian Suiying's hand and asked with a grin, "Suiying, what do you want done with them?"

Jian Suiying looked towards Li Yu.

"These blind fucking idiots. What do you think we should do with them?"

Li Yu took out his phone and checked the time.

"Brother Jian, it's nearly midnight. I'd like to go home."

After all that, Jian Suiying had lost any desire to continue the evening. He nodded at once.

"Of course. I'll take you home."

Turning to Little Tang, he added, "Just throw them out."

Little Tang waved a hand. "You heard Young Master Jian. Throw them out."

He accompanied the two of them to the car park, smiling apologetically at Li Yu.

"Young Master Li, sorry about what happened tonight."

Li Yu nodded slightly, giving him face. "It's all right. Sorry for causing trouble."

"I'll treat you and your brother to dinner another day."

Li Yu smiled but neither agreed nor refused.

Jian Suiying watched his expression carefully. As far as he was concerned, his first date with Li Yu had been a complete failure.

Chapter 12

After getting into the car, both men's heads were still ringing. Going from the deafening noise of the bar to almost complete silence took some getting used to. For the first few minutes of the drive back to Li Yu's home, neither spoke.

In the end, Jian Suiying couldn't bear it any longer.

‘Little Li.’

‘Mm.’ Li Yu had his face turned towards the window. From Jian Suiying's angle, he could see the pale skin of his neck, the perfect line of his jaw and the small section of prominent collarbone showing above his shirt.

After a couple more glances, Jian Suiying's mouth had gone dry. He swallowed.

‘Are you angry?’

‘Me?’ Li Yu gave a soft laugh. ‘No. Why would I be?’

‘If I hadn't brought you there today, you wouldn't have had to put up with that. That fat bastard got off lightly…’

‘It's nothing…’ Li Yu seemed to have something to say but hesitated. Eventually, he asked, ‘Why did that man approach me?’

Jian Suiying answered awkwardly, ‘That place is pretty expensive. They saw how young you were and thought you were…’

Li Yu turned towards him and fixed his eyes on his face.

‘Thought I was what?’

His gaze made Jian Suiying feel guilty. Naturally, he didn't dare say it outright, so he laughed instead.

‘It's mainly because you're so handsome. Even if you went to an ordinary bar, wouldn't girls come over and chat you up? It's just that this fellow had more nerve than sense. Don't take it to heart. Pretend a dog came over and sniffed you a couple of times.’

Li Yu's calm, fathomless gaze rested on him for two or three seconds before moving away.

‘Brother Jian, when is Suilin starting work?’

‘Probably in a week or two. My dad's letting him enjoy himself for a while first.’

‘I want to start earlier…’

The next morning, Li Yu came to the company with Li Xuan.

Li Xuan had even brought him some top-quality Lingyun Baihao tea, along with another round of apologies. That showed Jian Suiying plenty of respect, and he welcomed the two brothers into his office with a broad smile.

‘Suiying, I'm entrusting my little brother to you for the next two months. Don't stand on ceremony with me. Put him through his paces.’

‘Now that you've said that, I can relax. I'll make sure he gets plenty of experience.’

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Jian Suiying asked his secretary to show Li Yu around the company while he and Li Xuan discussed the land in detail.

He gave Li Xuan information about the project and talked up the feed product's environmental benefits, its use of waste materials and its promising prospects.

In the end, Li Xuan agreed to look for suitable land after he returned to Guangxi.

That assurance put Jian Suiying's mind somewhat at ease. At least there was hope.

They talked for over two hours. By the time they finished, it was nearly lunchtime, so Jian Suiying offered to treat him to a meal.

Li Xuan looked regretful.

‘I need to go home and pack now. I've got a flight to catch this afternoon.’

‘You still need to eat, even if you're catching a flight.’

‘My mum specifically told me I had to come home for lunch. I hardly ever get back, and she's cooking herself.’

‘Ah, if your mother's cooking, I can't possibly keep you here. Are you taking Li Yu with you?’

‘Yes. He can come back himself this afternoon.’

‘All right.’ Jian Suiying walked him to the door and joked, ‘Well, your brother's in my hands now. Don't feel sorry for him if I work him too hard.’

Li Xuan laughed heartily.

‘I'm leaving him entirely to you.’

Jian Suiying thought that if Li Xuan knew what he had in mind for his younger brother, he might well strangle him.

But to Jian Suiying, the harder a target was to reach, the more worthwhile the challenge—and the sweeter the eventual victory.

Li Yu reported back for work promptly after the lunch break.

Jian Suiying had already overheard several female employees discussing him. Fortunately, Li Yu was so young that, despite their excitement, the age difference seemed to have convinced them to settle for admiring the handsome newcomer and perhaps teasing him a little to brighten their working days.

Only a perverted gay man like Jian Suiying, who had always liked young, good-looking men, could think of Li Yu's age and feel not the slightest pressure—only excitement.

Li Yu was still dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans.

Jian Suiying wasn't particularly strict about his employees' clothes, but this was a large company in an upmarket office building. Turning up to work in jeans was hardly professional.

He'd noticed Li Yu's clothes that morning, but hadn't had time to mention them. Now, as Li Yu entered, he gave him a long, frowning look.

Li Yu followed his gaze down to his own clothes and spread his hands.

‘I haven't had time to buy anything suitable yet.’

Jian Suiying smiled and shook his head.

‘At least you're aware of it. Don't dress like this tomorrow.’

‘All right.’

Jian Suiying stood up and looked appreciatively at the beautiful young man he adored.

‘So what did you do this morning?’

‘Not much. Sister Liang showed me around the company and the canteen, and explained some of the basic rules.’

‘Mm. If there's anything you don't understand, ask Xiao Liang.’

Li Yu nodded.

‘President Jian… what would you like me to do?’

Jian Suiying grinned, showing his white teeth.

‘You've only just finished secondary school, and there's plenty you don't know. There are lots of things I wouldn't feel comfortable entrusting to you yet. So you can stay by my side and handle some of the smaller jobs. You'll learn quite a bit that way. How about being my assistant?’

Li Yu raised an eyebrow.

‘Then… what are you planning to have Suilin do?’

‘I'll arrange something for him later.’ Jian Suiying teased, ‘What, not happy? Who was it yesterday who promised to obey his superiors in everything?’

‘Of course I'm happy.’

Jian Suiying burst out laughing.

‘Good. You're a good lad, you really are. Most people your age would spend their holidays thinking about nothing but having fun. You've only rested a few days and you're already keen to work. Very promising.’

Li Yu showed little expression.

‘I'll do my best.’

Jian Suiying patted his shoulder.

‘Good. Come on, first I'll get you properly kitted out.’

Li Yu looked a little surprised.

‘You can't keep following me around dressed like that.’

‘I was going to buy some clothes after work today.’

‘Come on. I'm free at the moment, anyway. There's no point leaving until after work; something we can sort out now. Dressing appropriately is part of your job.’

Li Yu was still hesitant. Jian Suiying seized the chance to put an arm around his shoulders and smile.

‘Do I have to issue you a formal invitation?’

With no other choice, Li Yu followed him out.

Young Master Jian was a flashy dresser who loved looking good and had complete confidence in himself. He regularly consulted professionals about his wardrobe and never short-changed himself when it came to appearance. Naturally, he wasn't about to short-change his beloved young beauty either.

On the drive, he rang a stylist and told him to meet them at the shopping centre. Afterwards, while waiting at a red light, he secretly sent the man another message, warning him not to mistake Li Yu for his young lover.

Young Master Jian was convinced that no one could resist his charms, and that even Li Yu, who was currently so cool towards him, would one day submit beneath him.

For the time being, however, Li Yu was still a well-connected young master of Beijing's elite. If someone assumed he was a boy Jian Suiying had brought along for pleasure simply because he was young and pretty, he'd probably turn the table over. Jian Suiying had sensed how unhappy Li Yu was with Little Tang's suggestive looks the night before. He couldn't let that happen again.

The stylist had helped Young Master Jian shop several times before and knew the place well. He guided them expertly from one shop to the next.

Jian Suiying had been busy at work and, before that, laid up with his injured ankle, so he hadn't gone shopping in ages. He treated the trip as a chance to relax and browsed the clothes at his leisure.

Li Yu, by contrast, looked thoroughly uninterested. He cooperated at first, but after two hours his impatience was impossible to hide.

By then, all three were carrying quite a few bags.

Jian Suiying hadn't bought much for himself. Every time he spotted something, though, he thought it would suit Li Yu.

Of course, someone with a handsome face and a good figure looked attractive in almost anything, so Jian Suiying kept holding clothes against him whenever he found something decent.

The stylist was unmistakably gay. His eyes practically lit up at the sight of a handsome man. Shopping, admiring a beautiful face and earning money at the same time was heaven as far as he was concerned. He didn't feel tired in the slightest, and helping Jian Suiying choose clothes for Li Yu only made him happier.

Li Yu's face had turned thunderous, but Jian Suiying and the stylist were still happily debating their choices.

At last, the pair were satisfied, and Li Yu's afternoon of torment came to an end.

With a boot full of shopping, Jian Suiying cheerfully took Li Yu out for dinner.

Li Yu was dressed in a beautifully tailored little suit, the fine fabric and precise cut making his magnificent figure look even more enticing. Seated barely twenty centimetres away from him in the car, Jian Suiying truly understood what it meant to have his thoughts run wild.

No matter how he looked at Li Yu, he only liked him more. There were plenty of attractive men in the world, but none who combined Li Yu's face, physique, bearing, family background and intelligence. Any ambitious person would want to claim such a prize, if only for the satisfaction of possessing something so exceptional.

Jian Suiying was happily lost in his fantasies when Li Yu suddenly asked, ‘How much did you spend today?’

‘Huh?’

‘On my things.’

‘Ah… I'm not really sure.’

‘I'll ask Sister Liang to check the accounts tomorrow. I'll transfer the money to you as soon as possible.’

Jian Suiying spoke as though indulging a child.

‘Why be so formal with me? Just accept them.’

Li Yu turned his face towards him. His expression was chilly, and he stared straight at Jian Suiying before slowly asking, ‘Why should you pay for the things I buy?’

That stopped Jian Suiying in his tracks.

His head cleared instantly. He suddenly realised that he and Li Yu barely knew each other, yet he'd just spent hundreds of thousands of yuan on him in one go. What on earth was that supposed to mean? Looked at closely, it was far too suggestive.

He glanced quickly at Li Yu, and sure enough, the young man's expression was wrong.

Jian Suiying hurried to make his voice sound casual.

‘Well, you can't say I'm a stingy boss. I just wanted to reward you in advance. You'll be running all over the place with me and working terribly hard. You'll understand soon enough.’

Li Yu's tone softened slightly.

‘Thank you, President Jian, but you really shouldn't have to pay for my clothes. I appreciate your kindness.’

The two formal uses of ‘you’ in his Chinese speech made Jian Suiying's heart tremble.

*No, don't do that.* He'd only just managed to get Li Yu smiling at him and calling him ‘Brother Jian’ so warmly whenever they met. How had half a day been enough to turn him back into ‘President Jian’ and such distant politeness?

After spending more time with Li Yu, Jian Suiying was beginning to get a sense of his character.

He could tell that Li Yu was proud to the bone and naturally cool. He wasn't easy to get along with—or, at least, he wasn't someone whose affection could be won quickly.

You could treat someone like that well for ages without ever becoming important to them. But offend them just once, and they might remember it forever.

Thinking it over, Jian Suiying reckoned this had something to do with Li Yu's upbringing.

Li Yu's grandfather had lived through tremendous upheaval. Unlike Jian Suiying's grandfather, who had fought his way through bullets and blades, the old man had been dragged into several political struggles. At the worst of it, he had been paraded through the streets and publicly denounced day after day, suffering every humiliation.

Someone who had experienced such highs and lows was bound to be extremely cautious. In fact, Li Yu's grandfather wasn't merely distant from Jian Suiying's grandfather: after everything he'd endured, even once he'd been rehabilitated, he'd been unwilling to grow too close to any political faction, preferring to protect himself.

Only in the past few years, with the changing political climate and the younger generations of the Li family doing well, had their network of connections been rebuilt.

A child raised in such a family would naturally find it difficult to get close to people and would remember especially clearly anyone who threatened his interests.

The more Jian Suiying analysed it, the more convincing the explanation seemed—and the more afraid he became of offending Li Yu.

He immediately tried to set things right, offering a series of harmless explanations to show that he hadn't meant to give Li Yu everything for free. It had simply been more convenient to put the purchases on his own card for the time being.

It wasn't until they reached the restaurant that Li Yu's expression improved.

Over dinner, Jian Suiying became even more attentive, serving him food and pouring his tea. After several rounds of this, Li Yu began to feel uncomfortable. Jian Suiying was older than him and now his superior as well; being waited on so insistently felt awkward.

‘President Jian, I can do it myself.’

‘Hey, what did you call me? What did we just agree? Once you're off work, you have to call me Brother Jian. No slacking.’

‘…Brother Jian, I can manage. I can reach it.’

Seeing that Li Yu really wasn't angry any more, Jian Suiying finally relaxed.

‘All right. I just wanted to tell you that this cold chrysanthemum-leaf salad is delicious. I don't usually like sweet things, but this sauce is both sweet and spicy. I've no idea how they make it. It's just really good.’

‘All right. I'll help myself.’

Jian Suiying smiled as he watched Li Yu bring food to his mouth. The Sichuan dishes had turned his lips bright red from the spice, making his skin look even paler and softer. Jian Suiying couldn't seem to look at him enough.

How could something he hadn't yet managed to possess be so wonderfully tempting?

Chapter 13

Sure enough, within a couple of days Li Yu transferred the money to Jian Suiying, as though leaving it in his own account would burn a hole through it.

Here was Jian Suiying, going out of his way to please someone, only to find that the other person didn't appreciate it. He couldn't help feeling a little defeated.

He soon had no time to think about Li Yu, however. A project had suddenly run into trouble, and he was at his wits' end.

He was sitting with his eyes shut, trying to think of a solution, when his phone rang. Seeing the call came from his family home, he answered. Jian Suilin's voice came down the line.

The brat had grown clever. Whenever he wanted to speak to his brother, he now rang from the house phone. If he called from his mobile, Jian Suiying would reject the call seven or eight times out of ten, and whether he answered afterwards depended entirely on his mood.

It wasn't that Jian Suiying enjoyed behaving so childishly. He simply couldn't work out when his younger brother had changed from avoiding him every day to finding new excuses to cling to him. It seemed to have started gradually around the time Suilin entered secondary school. For a while he'd driven Jian Suiying absolutely mad.

There was no practical way to stop him calling from the family phone, though.

‘Brother, it's me.’

‘Mm. Speak.’ Jian Suiying had only just finished losing his temper, and his tone was dreadful.

‘Li Yu's gone to work at your company too?’

‘Yes.’

‘He's already started?’

‘Yes.’

There was a pause at the other end.

‘Brother, could I start tomorrow as well—’

‘No.’ Jian Suiying cut him off. ‘It's aggravating enough having to take you on at all. Do what Dad said and spend another two weeks enjoying yourself. Give me two weeks of peace while you're at it.’

‘Brother, I won't cause you any trouble.’

‘No,’ he repeated impatiently.

Jian Suilin's voice grew agitated.

‘Li Yu's only just finished secondary school too. Whatever he can do, I can do. Brother, please let me—’

Jian Suiying hung up.

Whenever he ended a call like that, it meant there was nothing left to discuss. If Jian Suilin insisted on pestering him, he'd be asking for trouble.

Sure enough, the phone didn't ring again. Jian Suiying was already in a foul mood. If his younger brother dared call back, he'd simply be begging for a thrashing.

The previous year, Jian Suiying had bought a plot of land in Qinhuangdao, intending to develop a holiday hotel. He'd spent considerable time getting the development application through, hoping to secure the largest possible area for land use.

The money had been paid, and the process was almost complete when one of the officials involved got into trouble and was arrested. Jian Suiying wasn't particularly worried about being implicated. For one thing, he would never leave evidence that could be used against him. For another, even if someone traced the hundreds of thousands of yuan back to him, it was small change compared with the official's other offences. There were plenty of people who would be caught before him.

The real problem was that every document the man handled now had to be reviewed again. The delay was driving Jian Suiying insane. Funding, construction workers, plans—everything was already in place. The only thing left was the permit before work could begin. Now this had happened at the worst possible moment, wasting both money and time.

He'd thrown a tremendous tantrum in the office that day. The whole company was shrouded in gloom, and apart from Li Yu, hardly anyone dared speak to him.

For the last two days he'd been constantly on the phone, calling in favours in the hope that the disciplinary inspection authorities would loosen their grip and stop holding up his project. But according to rumours, the official's case involved someone powerful. Nobody was prepared to promise Jian Suiying a solution any time soon.

With no other option, he rang his father to discuss it. After thinking for a long time, his father suggested he go to his grandfather.

Since retiring, his grandfather had lived in Qinhuangdao, raising chickens, growing vegetables and enjoying a peaceful life away from worldly troubles. Jian Suiying hadn't wanted to disturb him. For one thing, asking the old man to use his reputation and contacts might not work—his grandfather was stubborn and might refuse outright. For another, even if he agreed, Jian Suiying would be subjected to a long lecture afterwards. The thought alone frightened him.

After weighing his options, he decided to go to Qinhuangdao first and try to arrange a meal with the person responsible at the disciplinary inspection commission. If nothing was settled by the end of the month, he'd have no choice but to beg his grandfather for help.

Decision made, he called a friend and asked him to arrange a meeting.

Just before noon, his friend finally rang back with good news: the man had agreed to dinner that evening.

Seeing an opening at last, Jian Suiying perked up and immediately called Li Yu.

‘Li Yu, get the car ready. We're going to Qinhuangdao now.’

He hadn't slept properly for two days because of the project. Sitting in the rear row of the people carrier, he reclined his seat and dozed for a while. The air conditioning must have been too strong, because he woke up shivering after only a short nap and spent the rest of the journey sneezing.

Li Yu frowned at him.

‘Have you caught a cold?’

‘Fuck, I've been chilled… And I have to eat with someone tonight. Who wants to sit next to a walking biological weapon? Fucking hell, Xiao Zhao! Why have you got the air conditioning turned up so high? Haven't you heard of cutting carbon emissions?’

With one thing after another going wrong, Jian Suiying grew angrier the more he thought about it, and took it out on the driver.

The poor young man didn't dare say a word. At last he understood why the company's two older drivers had both refused this trip and insisted he take it instead.

Li Yu handed Jian Suiying a roll of tissues and opened both side windows.

‘Stop at the next petrol station and buy some medicine. It should get you through the evening.’

Jian Suiying blew his nose and mumbled, ‘It's fine. I'll sleep it off. Have you got that man's information? Let me see.’

Li Yu passed him the laptop resting on his knees. Jian Suiying studied the details of the man they were meeting that night through reddened eyes.

Once you knew where someone came from and where they'd worked, you could usually trace a connection somewhere in the dense web of relationships. As soon as you found that connection, half the problem was solved.

A lot of people failed to get things done not because they lacked money, but because they didn't know whom to give it to.

Li Yu looked at Jian Suiying's exhausted face and felt faintly surprised.

Since meeting him, he'd thought of Jian Suiying as a rather careless, unruly young master who acted as though he owned the world. This was the first time he'd seen him so absorbed in his work that he barely reacted to anything else. It was quite a novelty.

After reading the information, Jian Suiying muttered a quiet ‘Fuck.’

‘What's wrong?’ Li Yu asked.

Jian Suiying's heart quivered.

‘He's from Yunnan. I'll be lucky if they don't drink me to death tonight…’

He'd once developed a project in Yunnan. All the assessments and approvals had been completed and construction was about to begin, yet he'd changed his mind and sold it on. A major reason had been the terrifying amount the people there could drink. He'd been convinced that if he stayed any longer, he'd be physically ruined before his time. He was genuinely frightened of drinking with them.

Li Yu teased him.

‘I thought you liked drinking.’

‘Drinking's supposed to make an occasion more enjoyable. A few glasses make food and conversation more pleasant, but drinking too much is pure torture.’

Jian Suiying slumped wearily against the seat, shut his eyes and asked, ‘Have you booked a hotel? I doubt we'll get back tonight.’

He expected to end the evening dead drunk.

‘I can book one now,’ Li Yu replied.

‘Forget it. Don't book anything yet. Once we know where we're eating, we can find somewhere nearby.’

‘All right.’

Jian Suiying gave a crooked little smile.

‘Little Li, tonight, whether you can drink or not, you'll have to help take some of the pressure off me. I need to keep my head clear. If I can't sort this out, I'm going to lose a bloody fortune.’

Li Yu said nothing, merely letting out a quiet sigh.

‘It's part of your job, you know. Did you think making money was easy?’

Li Yu shook his head.

‘No, it isn't.’

‘Good, then you understand. When you start doing business yourself, don't imagine everyone will defer to you just because your father's powerful. They'll see you're young and act nice to your face, but behind your back they won't take you seriously at all. They'll fob you off whenever you try to get things done… You'll find out for yourself one day…’

Perhaps all the sneezing had left him light-headed, because Jian Suiying began giving Li Yu a rambling lesson. What he spoke about, though, came from his own experience of starting a business in his early twenties. Back then, he'd thought his family background was extraordinary, that everyone would show him respect and that making a fortune would be easy.

Instead, he'd stumbled through one setback after another, suffered plenty of losses and endured more than his share of hardship. Everything he'd achieved now had been built through his own sweat and hard work.

At first Li Yu listened distractedly. Gradually, however, he turned towards the rear seat, watching Jian Suiying speak slowly with his eyes closed. His gaze became steadily more attentive.

Chapter 14

Six people attended the dinner in all, most of them there to back Jian Suiying up and put in a good word for him. He forced himself to stay alert and spoke at length with the man in charge of the case. Before they were halfway through the meal, the two were already calling each other brothers and drinking spirits as though they were water.

Even so, Jian Suiying wasn't reassured. Anyone could make pleasant promises over dinner; making sure they followed through was another matter entirely.

After the meal, he just about managed to see his guests off. Then he couldn't hold out any longer. Clutching the table for support, he began to vomit, frightening the waiting staff.

Li Yu looked at his bloodless face and sweat-soaked hair. Despite the smell turning his stomach, he wrinkled his nose and helped him up.

Jian Suiying's vision swam and his legs felt like jelly. A cold combined with that much alcohol had left him feeling indescribably wretched. He wished he could pass out on the spot.

Unfortunately, his constitution was too strong even to grant him that simple wish.

Li Yu pulled a napkin over and wiped his mouth roughly. Then he asked a waiter to book two rooms at the hotel and half-dragged, half-carried Jian Suiying upstairs.

He sent the driver to sleep in the other room, intending to sort out Jian Suiying before worrying about himself.

Jian Suiying collapsed on the bed and didn't move, apart from groaning miserably.

Li Yu pulled off his tie, changed into more comfortable slippers and sighed. He hauled Jian Suiying off the bed and into the bathroom, poured him a glass of water and told him to rinse his mouth.

Jian Suiying shook his head without speaking.

‘Brother Jian, rinse your mouth. Hurry up.’

‘Let me… sleep for a bit…’ Jian Suiying rasped.

Growing impatient, Li Yu pressed the rim of the glass to his lips and made him drink.

Jian Suiying choked and coughed, tiny beads of sweat breaking out at his temples.

Once he'd rinsed his mouth, Li Yu supported him back to the bed and painstakingly stripped off the clothes that had been splattered with vomit.

Li Yu had also drunk on Jian Suiying's behalf several times that evening, not to mention endured the long drive. He was exhausted himself and genuinely didn't want to look after him.

After all, there was something immensely satisfying about seeing this man make a fool of himself.

Unfortunately, Li Yu hadn't forgotten that he was now Jian Suiying's assistant. Leaving his boss in this state would be hard to justify the following morning.

At least, unlike last time, Jian Suiying had no strength to molest him, so removing his jacket and trousers was easy enough.

Once he'd finished, though, Li Yu couldn't help looking at him. Young Master Jian was sweating profusely from discomfort, dampening even his cotton underwear. In the hotel's dim yellow light, the prominent bulge beneath his briefs rose like a little hill. Combined with his weak, half-conscious appearance, the sight was altogether too… too blatantly sensual.

Li Yu's entire body went rigid, as though he'd suddenly gone on the defensive.

He didn't consider himself gay. It was simply that the person he happened to like was male. He found it difficult enough to accept that seeing another man's unguarded, half-naked body could make him blush—let alone when that man was Jian Suiying.

His expression stiffened. He yanked the quilt over Jian Suiying and turned to leave.

‘Li Yu…’ Jian Suiying murmured hazily.

Li Yu looked back. Jian Suiying had his head tilted towards him, his eyes narrowed to slits.

‘Water. Go and get me some water…’

After hesitating, Li Yu fetched a bottle of mineral water from the fridge. He helped Jian Suiying sit up and held the bottle to his lips.

‘Here. Drink.’

Jian Suiying gulped down a couple of mouthfuls, pushed the bottle away and ordered, ‘Go and buy me some hangover medicine.’

Young Master Jian was so accustomed to ordering people around that he only made an effort to restrain himself with Li Yu when sober. Now he didn't care at all.

Who wanted to go out buying medicine in the middle of the night? Li Yu was inclined to dump him back on the bed and leave it at that. In his present condition, Jian Suiying probably wouldn't remember anything the next morning.

He pushed him away and prepared to leave.

At that moment, however, Jian Suiying tipped sideways, his head falling limply into Li Yu's lap, right between his legs.

Li Yu jumped.

He was only eighteen, after all, and having someone suddenly touch such a sensitive part of his body was bound to make him nervous.

His lean thighs tightened beneath his suit trousers. Jian Suiying seemed to feel something firm, let out an uncomfortable murmur and even nuzzled closer.

Li Yu sprang to his feet and hurried out of the room.

The moment the door slammed shut, Jian Suiying opened his eyes slightly and smiled in triumph.

What a pity his limbs really were useless. Otherwise, his drunken lechery might have been much more successful. That was the regretful thought with which he finally sank into deep sleep.

He slept for a full fourteen hours, oblivious to the world. When Young Master Jian finally woke, his head still felt heavy and his legs unsteady, but he was much better than the day before.

He quickly showered, cleaned himself thoroughly, took some cold medicine and called Li Yu.

‘Hello, Little Li. Where are you?’

‘In my room.’

‘I've had enough sleep. Come over.’

There was a knock not long afterwards. Young Master Jian hadn't expected him so quickly. He hastily pulled off his dressing gown and flung it into the bathroom, then put on a pair of the hotel's almost transparent disposable paper briefs.

On his way to the door, he stopped to admire himself in the hallway mirror a few times. Once he was satisfied that he looked suitably provocative and sexy, he opened it.

Li Yu stood outside with a blank expression. Beside him was Xiao Zhao, his driver, wearing his usual rather foolish look.

When Jian Suiying remembered what he was wearing, even his thick skin couldn't prevent a flush of embarrassment. He snapped irritably, ‘I told you to come. Why did you bring Xiao Zhao?’

‘I thought if you were awake, we'd be heading back.’

‘Who said we were going back? Xiao Zhao, go and wait in your room.’

The young driver had been staring enviously at his boss's eight-pack and long legs. But the moment he heard that tone, he realised something was wrong and scurried off.

Jian Suiying turned to Li Yu.

‘Come in. I've got a few things to tell you.’

Li Yu followed him inside.

Young Master Jian leaned against the headboard with his long legs crossed. He lit a cigarette before speaking unhurriedly.

‘You were talking about going home? Look at me. Can I still wear those clothes? Do you expect me to drive back naked?’

Li Yu thought that even if he did drive back naked, he probably wouldn't blush.

‘Shall I go and buy you some clothes?’

‘Mm. Get me an outfit. My head still hurts and my throat's sore, so see what medicine you can get me as well… Do you know my measurements?’

By the last question, Jian Suiying seemed to realise how suggestive it sounded. He smiled wickedly and watched Li Yu with amusement.

Li Yu had already seen through him. Unless Jian Suiying was ill or having an especially rotten day, he simply couldn't get through twenty-four hours without showing off a few times. If you responded by looking embarrassed, he only became more insufferable and never tired of it.

So Li Yu gave a faint smile, glanced casually at his crotch and replied, ‘I can make an estimate.’

That fleeting, untroubled glance looked impossibly alluring to Jian Suiying. He stared for a couple of seconds before coming to his senses.

Disappointed that his teasing hadn't worked, he said curtly, ‘Well, hurry up, then. Oh, and have the hotel send me some breakfast.’

Ever since Li Yu became his assistant, Jian Suiying had taken to making him do even the simplest tasks that he could easily manage himself. He found enormous pleasure in every little thing Li Yu did for him.

By the time Jian Suiying finished breakfast, Li Yu had returned with clothes and medicine.

The clothes fitted surprisingly well. Jian Suiying took his medicine and led Li Yu downstairs.

Once they were in the car, Xiao Zhao asked, ‘President Jian, where to?’

Li Yu looked at him too.

Jian Suiying gave an address, then smiled at Li Yu.

‘We're going to see my grandfather.’

On the way, Jian Suiying bought a mountain of health supplements and then headed in grand style to his grandfather's place.

These days, the old man led a leisurely, carefree life. Years earlier, Jian Suiying's father had acquired more than 20 mu of land in Qinhuangdao, and his grandfather used the land to grow crops and keep animals.

Every time Jian Suiying saw the property, it pained him. It was close to a retreat used by senior national leaders and not particularly far from the city centre. Land prices in Qinhuangdao had soared in recent years; holding such a large plot in that location was a goldmine. Yet they were using it to raise chickens and grow vegetables. What a waste!

Xiao Zhao waited in the car while Jian Suiying and Li Yu got out with their gifts.

The old man's hair was half grey, but he was still full of energy. He stood at the entrance with a pipe between his lips and smiled the moment he saw them.

‘Grandpa!’ Jian Suiying called happily.

‘You little brat! Finally found time to come and see me, have you?’ Old Master Jian gave him a hearty slap on the back.

Jian Suiying hissed in pain.

‘Grandpa, with a slap like that, I guarantee you'll live to a hundred and twenty.’

His grandfather laughed and scolded him.

‘What would I want to live that long for? I'd only be wasting the country's grain. Come on in. Oh, who's this young fellow?’

‘Grandpa, this is the grandson of Old Li.’

‘What? Old Li's grandson? He's grown this big?’

‘He certainly has.’

‘Well, well.’ Old Master Jian looked Li Yu up and down. ‘I saw you when you were little. You won't remember, of course. What's your name again, lad?’

Li Yu nodded respectfully.

‘I'm Li Yu.’

‘That's right, that's the name! Your grandfather always did like showing off his literary knowledge. He gave you a girl's name, and when we laughed at him, he could still argue his case from beginning to end! Ha ha ha!’

Li Yu laughed along with him.

‘Come on, let's go inside.’

As they walked, Jian Suiying said, ‘Grandpa, I came in a hurry, so I just bought you a few things locally.’

Old Master Jian glanced at the cordyceps, sea cucumbers, bird's nests, and other supplements, looking thoroughly disdainful.

‘Take that stuff back. I don't want any of it. I'm telling you, the more of those things you eat, the faster you'll die. If you want a long life, do what I do: eat vegetables you've grown yourself, free from pollution and pesticides.’

Jian Suiying gave an awkward smile.

‘Yes, yes, you're right about everything. But I came all this way, so you have to accept something. Give it to the people who work here if you don't want it yourself.’

A middle-aged man and woman approached, calling, ‘The young master is here!’ as they took the gifts from their hands.

Four people lived on the property to help care for the old man, with extra workers hired during planting and harvest when things got particularly busy. He was hardly lonely.

Just walking from the gate to the house took two or three minutes.

Li Yu looked at the stretches of cultivated land with obvious curiosity.

Jian Suiying smiled and pointed things out along the way.

‘That's a plum tree. It's the wrong season now, but in another month the fruit will be lovely. And those pumpkins are excellent. They don't grow very big, but they're really sweet.’

Old Master Jian chuckled.

‘We're going to slaughter a chicken and stew it today. There's still plenty of time before dinner. I'll go and pick some good vegetables. Why don't you two catch a couple of fish in the lake behind the house?’

Jian Suiying brightened immediately.

‘Sounds good! Is the boat ready?’

‘I knew you were coming, so of course it is. Old Yang's waiting round the back. I'll give you two hours. If the fish you bring back don't weigh at least four jin, the two of you can wash the dishes tonight.’

Jian Suiying laughed.

‘Grandpa, you're underestimating me. Just you wait.’

He took the snacks and drinks the housekeeper had prepared, then happily led Li Yu towards the lake.

Whenever he visited his grandfather, he always went fishing from the boat. The scenery was beautiful, the air fresh, and hardly anyone was about. He loved taking food and drink out to the middle of the lake, stopping the boat and spending a lazy afternoon fishing, reading a novel and thinking about absolutely nothing.

Now he'd have the beautiful Li Yu to look at as well. The very thought made Young Master Jian happy.

As they approached the shore, they saw that a white motorboat had indeed been moored at the little wooden jetty. Old Yang stood beside it.

The green landscape and glittering lake made Li Yu feel instantly more relaxed. He took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling wonderfully refreshed.

Jian Suiying called out from a distance.

‘Uncle Yang!’

‘Young Master, you're here. I've got the boat ready, and all the fishing tackle's aboard.’

‘Thanks, Uncle Yang.’

Jian Suiying and Li Yu climbed aboard. Familiar with the boat, Jian Suiying started the engine and steered towards the middle of the lake.

Chapter 15

‘Little Li, do you know how to fish?’ Jian Suiying asked casually as he baited his hook.

‘Not much experience, but I’m not bad at it.’

Jian Suiying handed him the baited rod. ‘Come on, sit next to me.’

Once they were seated, Jian Suiying offered him a can of beer. ‘Here, have one. It’s chilled.’

Li Yu frowned at him. ‘You felt awful yesterday after drinking too much, and you still want to drink?’

‘I drink this stuff like a soft drink.’

Li Yu shook his head, accepted the can and set it aside.

Jian Suiying got his own rod ready, took a satisfying gulp of cold beer and let out a contented sigh.

‘The weather’s lovely. When I was little, I used to spend some time here during the winter and summer holidays. My favourite thing was coming here to fish.’

He leaned back in his chair, narrowing his eyes as he admired the scenery.

Sunlight shimmered across the lake. A gentle breeze rippled the water, scattering golden glints across its surface, while the grass and wildflowers swayed in the wind. The peaceful scene gradually settled Li Yu’s mind. Without realising it, he closed his eyes and leaned back to rest.

He had no idea how long he had been sitting there. Just as he was beginning to doze, he heard Jian Suiying shout, ‘Hey! You’ve got a bite!’

Something suddenly collided with him, nearly knocking him off his chair. Li Yu instinctively steadied himself and opened his eyes in surprise. Jian Suiying was already at his side, excitedly reeling in the line while scolding him.

‘Fallen asleep, have you? Couldn’t you keep an eye on it? Bloody hell, it’s pulling so hard! Don’t let the line go slack!’

Li Yu helped him reel it in.

A fat grass carp, more than a foot long, came thrashing out of the water. Jian Suiying laughed heartily. ‘That’s a decent size! Enough to have with rice.’

Li Yu laughed too, making a rare joke. ‘That means we won’t have to wash the dishes, right?’

‘This probably doesn’t even weigh four pounds. No, we’ll need another two.’ Jian Suiying reached for the slippery fish as he spoke.

It was large and lively, writhing so violently that he couldn’t hold on to it. The fish slipped through his fingers with a splash. Before he could catch it, it flopped against Li Yu’s shirt and trousers, then slid all the way down to his feet.

Li Yu had no time to dodge. Water splashed all over his clothes, and he looked down at himself helplessly.

Jian Suiying burst out laughing. ‘I’ve got some sportswear in the cabin. Want to change?’

The wet clothes felt uncomfortable against Li Yu’s skin. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. ‘I’ll change. Where is it?’

‘I’ll find it for you.’

Jian Suiying went into the cabin, found the clothes and brought them out. Just as Li Yu reached to take them, he exclaimed, ‘Hang on!’ and pulled them back.

Li Yu’s hand stopped in mid-air. He looked at him questioningly.

Jian Suiying grinned mischievously. ‘Little Li, can you swim?’

Li Yu took a step back. ‘Brother Jian…’

‘It’s so hot. Fancy a swim?’

‘No, thanks.’ Li Yu watched him warily. Jian Suiying was far too unpredictable; he wouldn’t put it past him to pounce and push him into the water.

Jian Suiying looked disappointed. ‘You’re eighteen or nineteen. Can’t you be a bit more lively? Or is it that suit? I remember you seemed quite cheerful when we first met.’

Li Yu felt a little embarrassed and didn’t know what to say.

Jian Suiying finally handed over the clothes. ‘Go on, get changed.’

Li Yu went into the cabin and began taking off his clothes.

Jian Suiying leaned against the doorway and watched with obvious enjoyment.

Li Yu glanced at him awkwardly, then looked again, and again, but Young Master Jian showed no sign of turning away. Li Yu felt too embarrassed to ask him to stop, fearing it would only make him look overly sensitive.

Young Master Jian was behaving like a lecher again. Not content with staring, he began commenting as well.

‘Tsk, tsk, Little Li, you’ve got a great physique. How did you get into such good shape?’

‘I exercise,’ Li Yu replied stiffly.

‘I’ve only seen you play basketball and football. You were so busy at school, you couldn’t have had time to play very often. Did a little exercise every day really get you into this sort of shape? Or do you go to the gym?’

His gaze travelled freely over Li Yu’s body. He looked as though he desperately wanted to touch those firm muscles.

Li Yu grew increasingly uncomfortable under his stare. He couldn’t help remembering the rumours he had recently heard about the eldest young master of the Jian family being gay.

The thought made him feel both offended and embarrassed. He looked coldly at Jian Suiying. ‘I’m a nationally certified second-class athlete.’

‘Oh?’ Jian Suiying raised an eyebrow. ‘What sport?’

He knew that plenty of young people pursued a sport seriously enough to earn a ranking or award, sometimes even gaining extra points for their university entrance examinations. He was curious to know what Li Yu trained in.

While speaking, he stepped into the cabin and reached towards him rather suggestively. ‘Here, let me straighten your collar.’

Li Yu gave him a brilliant smile, showing his white teeth. ‘Boxing.’

Jian Suiying shuddered. He made a couple of perfunctory adjustments to Li Yu’s collar before withdrawing his hand, giving a dry laugh.

‘Not bad… I had no idea.’ He touched his nose. ‘I used to practise taekwondo myself.’

Li Yu tugged the hem of his shirt into place and straightened his collar in the mirror. ‘Shall we get back to fishing?’

Jian Suiying looked away regretfully. He was about to say something when his phone rang.

It was his grandfather.

‘Hello?’

‘Suiying, how’s it going? Are you getting ready to wash the dishes?’

‘No chance! Just wait until I get back.’

‘Hurry up. The chicken’s already stewing.’

‘All right. I’ll be back soon.’

When the call ended, Li Yu returned to his chair and gazed attentively at the lake.

Jian Suiying sat beside him, fondly smoothing down the hair that had been ruffled when he changed. In a low voice, he said, ‘You know, you look much more cheerful in sportswear.’

Li Yu shifted his head slightly away and gave him an indifferent sidelong glance.

Jian Suiying’s heart began to pound so fiercely that it felt ready to leap out of his chest.

It was such a quiet, beautiful moment. There was nobody else around, and the suggestive atmosphere between them seemed to be growing stronger. It felt like the perfect opportunity for something to happen.

But Jian Suiying was wary of Li Yu. He was the young master of the Li family, not some harmless little rabbit Jian Suiying could tease whenever he pleased. That was why he had restrained himself until now, without even properly holding the young man’s hand.

Ordinarily, if someone had caught his eye for more than a month, he would already have slept with them. This time, however, he had to approach slowly, test the waters carefully and proceed step by step, afraid that if he pushed too hard, Li Yu would run away.

Still, he couldn’t go on hesitating forever, or he would never get what he wanted.

Young Master Jian was troubled. He couldn’t exactly throw himself at Li Yu here and now.

He had never been particularly patient when pursuing someone. Usually, he relied on money, but Li Yu clearly couldn’t be won over that way. Spending every day with such a beauty while barely being able to touch him left Jian Suiying restless and frustrated. His longing made him feel both helpless and impatient.

He needed an opportunity. He simply didn’t know what form it would take, or when it would arrive.

They eventually returned to the main house carrying three large fish. Jian Suiying proudly showed the bucket to his grandfather.

Old Master Jian laughed. ‘Xiuling, get the fish stewing. They won’t take long to cook. Let’s eat first.’

The old man’s home was particularly rustic. Its furniture was made of fine, rather old-fashioned mahogany. From the dining table, one could look up and see a yellowing portrait of Chairman Mao on the wall; through the window were rows of bean plants. It was enough to make a person feel as though they had stepped back in time.

Grandpa Jian took a huge glass jar from a cupboard. Inside, little bright-red berries were steeping in wine, making quite a pretty sight.

He displayed it proudly, as though showing off a treasure. ‘These are schisandra berries I grew myself. It’s my first year growing them, and the harvest was pretty good, wasn’t it? They make excellent wine. They’re calming, especially for people who have trouble sleeping.’

He poured three small cups. ‘Come on, have a taste.’

This time, Li Yu was nowhere near as reluctant as he had been when Jian Suiying offered him alcohol. He accepted the cup readily, took a sip and frowned slightly before smiling.

‘That’s a very distinctive taste.’

Grandpa Jian said enthusiastically, ‘If you like it, I’ll give you some to take home.’

Throughout the meal, Grandpa Jian and Li Yu chatted easily, practically ignoring Jian Suiying. They were almost finished when the old man finally turned to his grandson.

‘What brought you to Qinhuangdao this time?’

Jian Suiying smiled. ‘To see you, of course.’

‘Hmph! I know you too well. You certainly didn’t come all this way just to see me. Come on, what are you really here for?’

‘Nothing much. A project has run into some trouble, so I came to see if I could find someone to help.’

‘Oh? What happened?’

‘Why do you ask? I can handle it myself.’

The old man’s face grew stern. ‘Whether you can handle it isn’t the point. I want to know whether you’ve done anything you shouldn’t have.’

Jian Suiying looked thoroughly exasperated. ‘Grandpa, I’m a legitimate businessman. What could I possibly have done wrong? Hang on, aren’t you supposed to be my own grandfather?’

‘You’ve been a worry ever since you were little. Am I not even allowed to ask?’

Jian Suiying had no choice but to explain the project in a roundabout way, naturally leaving out the money he had paid to the other party.

Grandpa Jian nodded. ‘There’s nothing wrong with using your connections to smooth things over, but you mustn’t interfere with the organisation’s proper procedures. Don’t think you deserve special privileges because of who I am. You need to be honest and practical in your work and in the way you conduct yourself. Understood?’

‘I know, I know.’ He had been hearing these lectures for more than twenty years. The old man only needed to say the first few words for him to know what was coming next.

The three of them ate, drank and talked for nearly three hours. By the time they finished, it was completely dark.

Jian Suiying told the driver, Xiao Zhao, to find a hotel for the night. He and Li Yu would stay at his grandfather’s house.

Grandpa Jian said to the housekeeper, ‘Xiuling, tidy up Suiying’s room and prepare a guest room for Little Li as well.’

Jian Suiying immediately interrupted. ‘No need. It’s too much trouble when we’re only staying one night. Don’t put Aunt Zhang to all that work. Just tidy my room and we can share.’

Li Yu blinked. Before he could speak, Grandpa Jian agreed. ‘That’s fine. You can both sleep in your room. Suiying, are you sure you won’t stay a few more days?’

‘No, I have to get back to Beijing tomorrow. There’s work to do at the company. But I can come back and see you in a few days.’

As he spoke, Jian Suiying deliberately glanced at Li Yu, barely containing his delight.

They would be sharing a bed tonight. What a huge step forward!

Li Yu glanced at him too, his expression unreadable.

They chatted for a little longer before it was time for bed.

Grandpa Jian kept a strict routine. Every night he washed up by half past nine and was in bed before ten. Once the old man had retired to his room, Jian Suiying led Li Yu to the building where the old man stayed.

The old man had built four additional single-storey rooms behind the main house, one of which was intended for the two brothers. However, since the old man didn’t particularly like Sui Lin, Sui Lin rarely came except during holidays. In practice, the room belonged almost entirely to Jian Suiying.

It was simply furnished, but spacious and comfortable. The only thing Jian Suiying couldn’t stand was his grandfather’s absolute refusal to install air conditioning.

The moment he entered, Jian Suiying took a drink of water and laughed. ‘I’d better warn you: there’s no air conditioning. If it gets hot, we’ll have to make do with a fan. Grandpa’s ahead of his time, apparently. He wants to be environmentally friendly and keep emissions down. Says fresh air is the healthiest. Anyway, we’re only here for one night, so you’ll have to put up with it.’

Li Yu gave a small shrug. ‘It’s fine. It’s not that hot.’

Jian Suiying switched on the fan. ‘Not hot? This is the thing that bothers me most whenever I come here.’

He pulled off his T-shirt, exposing his lean, muscular upper body, then turned and grinned at Li Yu. ‘I’m going for a shower. No peeking!’

Li Yu ignored him. He sat at the table, opened his laptop and began reading the news.

Feeling rather put out, Jian Suiying rummaged through his drawers for a suitably sexy pair of pants. He searched for ages without finding anything satisfactory. After all, everything here was left over from the previous year. Eventually, he unearthed a pair of black, extremely stretchy, low-rise briefs. He tried them on and decided they would do before heading for the shower.

He couldn’t help himself. Jian Suiying had an extremely high opinion of his own appearance. He thought it would be a terrible waste not to use such a valuable asset to seduce someone.

He always kept toiletries in this bathroom, so everything he needed was there. This would be the first night the two of them spent alone in the same room, so close to one another. In his view, the occasion deserved serious preparation.

After showering, he shaved, applied a face mask, dried his hair and sprayed on cologne. Then he emerged confidently in his carefully chosen underwear.

But Li Yu was already fast asleep on the bed.

Jian Suiying was so furious he almost spat blood. He marched over and gave him a shove.

‘Hey! Li Yu, wake up!’

Li Yu opened his sleepy eyes. ‘Hmm?’

‘Why are you asleep? You haven’t showered yet.’

‘…I’m not having one.’ He rolled over without so much as glancing at Jian Suiying’s painstakingly prepared body.

Young Master Jian was livid. ‘How can you be so careless about your personal hygiene? Absolutely not. Get up, right now!’

In truth, plenty of men weren’t especially keen on showering, and Young Master Jian himself could go days without washing or shaving if he had nowhere to be. But tonight he had made such a solemn effort to clean himself up. Though his hopes were slim, some part of him had secretly wished Li Yu might respond to his efforts.

Instead, Li Yu had simply lain down and gone to sleep. It felt like the greatest possible insult to Jian Suiying’s charms, and he absolutely refused to accept it.

Li Yu sighed impatiently, forced himself to sit up and made his way to the bathroom.

As soon as he disappeared inside, Young Master Jian paced around the bed. Then he took some water from the table and splashed it over the quilt. He threw the damp quilt onto a nearby chair, found a much smaller one in the wardrobe and spread it over the bed instead.

A mischievous grin spread across his face.