In Love with an Idiot (你却爱着一个他)

Chapter 16

When Li Yu came out, Jian Suiying was sitting against the headboard reading something on his laptop.

Li Yu glanced at the thin quilt crumpled on the chair and raised his chin.

‘What happened?’

‘Oh, I accidentally spilt a glass of water. All the other quilts are too thick, so this is the only thin one left. We'll just have to make do and share.’ Jian Suiying patted the little blanket covering his stomach.

Li Yu judged its size and looked rather uncomfortable.

Jian Suiying shifted farther into the bed and beckoned him over.

‘Come and look at this news.’

Li Yu approached hesitantly.

Jian Suiying patted the mattress beside him, grinning wickedly.

‘Get on, then. Afraid I'll eat you?’

Li Yu was finding Jian Suiying's behaviour towards him increasingly strange, but he still couldn't quite accept that the man might be harbouring improper intentions towards him.

He sat beside him. Jian Suiying pointed to a news story about a developer who had won a contract to redevelop an old district in a certain city.

‘That bastard's going to make a fortune,’ he said enviously.

They'd both showered and were still wide awake, so Jian Suiying drew on his experience to explain the likely costs and profits of the development. Li Yu listened carefully, occasionally asking questions.

When he'd finished, Jian Suiying asked smugly, ‘You've been with me for over two weeks now, haven't you? Learnt quite a lot?’

Li Yu nodded. On that point, he had to admit Jian Suiying was impressive.

Although he could be outrageous and unreliable in many respects, he was genuinely a farsighted, decisive businessman who knew how to get results. His family's background had undoubtedly helped him achieve success at a young age, but his own abilities were admirable too.

Li Yu couldn't deny that there was plenty to learn from working beside him. It was just that…

Jian Suiying shut the laptop, put it on the bedside table and lay down comfortably.

‘Going to sleep?’

Li Yu nodded and reached for the light.

‘Hey, you're sleeping in my tracksuit? Won't you be hot?’

‘I'll be fine.’

‘Take it off. I guarantee you'll be too hot to sleep.’

Jian Suiying was wearing nothing but his underwear, with a single corner of the blanket across his stomach. He looked practically naked. Li Yu glanced at his bare chest and thighs, turned his face away and lay down.

‘No, I won't. Let's sleep.’

He'd barely closed his eyes when Jian Suiying leaned towards him and said gently, ‘Little Li, have some water before you go to sleep.’

Startled, Li Yu opened his eyes and found Jian Suiying's face inches away. He quickly accepted the glass and took a token sip.

Jian Suiying attentively pulled one corner of the blanket over his stomach.

‘No matter how hot it is, you should always cover your stomach, even if you leave everything else uncovered. Otherwise you'll get chilled.’

Li Yu awkwardly allowed him to tuck the little blanket over him. Jian Suiying's hand brushed his waist, seemingly by accident.

By the time he'd finished, Jian Suiying was even closer. Through his thin tracksuit trousers, Li Yu could feel the heat of the other man's thigh.

Neither spoke, but the room was so quiet that they could hear every breath the other took.

Jian Suiying felt hotter and hotter. His mind simply wouldn't settle. The beautiful young man he'd longed for day and night lay beside him, freshly washed and within reach. Any man who could remain calm now must have something wrong with him.

*Fuck. This is torture.* Young Master Jian nearly ground his teeth to pieces.

But what could he do? He couldn't just rape the other man; that wasn't what he wanted. Yet doing nothing felt unbearable. If anyone heard about it, they might think Young Master Jian had become impotent, and that would be a terrible misunderstanding.

While Jian Suiying's thoughts churned, Li Yu wasn't having a pleasant time either.

The atmosphere between them had grown stranger over the last couple of days. Jian Suiying was so attentive that Li Yu would have to be an idiot not to notice. The thought that Jian Suiying might be entertaining such desires towards him made his blood boil.

Lying still, he could hear Jian Suiying's breathing growing faster. God knew what was going through the man's head.

The more Li Yu thought about it, the more he felt as though he were lying on a bed of needles. He was hot, irritated and unable to stay still. Suddenly he sat up, intending to go outside for some air.

At that movement, something inside Jian Suiying seemed to snap. Without thinking, he sprang upright. He hadn't even decided what he meant to do. He simply didn't want Li Yu to leave.

His sudden movement startled Li Yu, who instinctively shoved him.

That only made things worse. Jian Suiying reacted like a startled animal, seizing his shoulders.

In the darkness, every sense apart from sight seemed heightened. Both men's nerves were stretched taut, and the slightest movement could set the other off.

Li Yu pushed harder to protect himself. Jian Suiying's spoiled young-master temper—*Who the hell dares defy me?*—made him tighten his grip and lunge forward.

That aggressive movement finally enraged Li Yu. Before Jian Suiying could land on him, Li Yu caught his arm, swung him sideways and kicked out. Young Master Jian described a clumsy arc through the air before tumbling straight off the bed.

Jian Suiying wasn't someone who surrendered easily either. In all the fights he'd had growing up, he either won or both sides came away injured; he had no concept of simply losing. So as he fell, he didn't release Li Yu's arm. Instead, he yanked it with a fierce tug, dragging Li Yu off the mattress with him.

Li Yu landed on top of him. Between the fall and the impact, Jian Suiying had the wind knocked out of him. He managed a pained ‘Fuck.’

Li Yu's eyes blazed. He gritted his teeth and tried to get up, but Jian Suiying's stubborn temper had taken over. He held on tightly. He'd always been like that: if someone made him unhappy, he wasn't going to let them be comfortable either.

As they struggled and twisted together, Jian Suiying's body began to react.

The instant Li Yu felt something hard pressing against his thigh, he went completely rigid.

Jian Suiying felt it too, and froze in place.

A sliver of moonlight through the window barely illuminated their eyes. One pair burned with fury; the other with desire. At last, both recovered a little of their reason.

Jian Suiying suddenly released him, and Li Yu sprang to his feet.

The room fell utterly silent.

By day they were a perfectly civil employer and employee. By night they'd fallen out of bed wrestling, and the employer had developed a raging erection. Anyone who'd never experienced such a situation could scarcely imagine the embarrassment.

Li Yu stood with his back to Jian Suiying, stiff as a statue. Several seconds passed before he spoke in an entirely flat voice.

‘You're gay.’

Jian Suiying swallowed and forced himself to stay calm.

‘I am.’

Li Yu slowly turned his face. In the darkness, all Jian Suiying could see were his eyes, so cold they made him shiver.

‘Do you have feelings for me…?’

Jian Suiying was fully awake now. He'd already embarrassed himself thoroughly, so he suddenly felt almost liberated. There was nothing left to hide.

‘Yes. I like you.’

Li Yu gritted his teeth.

‘I'm not gay.’

‘Nobody said you were. Can't I like you of my own accord? I've liked you since the first moment I saw you.’

Li Yu snatched his clothes from the chair and strode towards the door.

‘Li Yu!’ Jian Suiying jumped up from the floor and said with genuine sincerity, ‘You sleep here. I'll make do in Suilin's room tonight.’

Li Yu didn't break stride, as though he hadn't heard him.

Jian Suiying hurried after him. Li Yu spun around as though he'd been electrocuted, watching him warily.

‘What happened tonight was my fault,’ Jian Suiying said helplessly. ‘I acted impulsively. I'm sorry.’

Li Yu stared at him coldly.

‘I don't even know what came over me just now… We're both men, so try to understand, all right? I… well, I really do like you. Anyway, I was wrong. Don't go outside. The place is full of mosquitoes. Sleep here, and I'll go to another room.’

With that, he grabbed his own clothes, opened the door and left.

Li Yu watched him go, his gaze growing colder still.

Jian Suiying dressed and spent the night on Jian Suilin's dusty bed.

For a long time after lying down, he couldn't sleep. He kept replaying what had happened, and every time he thought it over, he regretted it more.

*I was too impulsive. Far too impulsive…*

He didn't even know what he'd been thinking. Li Yu had moved, and he'd suddenly panicked, jumping up because he didn't want him to leave. For all he knew, Li Yu had merely been getting up to take a piss. What had he been so nervous about?

Now he'd ruined everything. The relationship he'd spent so long building was probably destroyed.

Would Li Yu resign the next morning? Perhaps he'd start avoiding Jian Suiying whenever they crossed paths. Then there'd be no chance to show him any affection at all.

Young Master Jian was sick with regret. They'd been able to laugh and talk together before; now Li Yu would probably glare at him every time they met.

On the other hand, he tried to console himself. Perhaps it was better to have everything out in the open. He had little patience, and hiding his feelings day after day was bound to drive him mad sooner or later. *I'll like whoever I bloody well want. What's he going to do about it?*

It was unusual enough for Young Master Jian to brood so earnestly over the beautiful Li Yu for several hours. Eventually, however, his carefree nature won out. He fell fast asleep and slept soundly without dreaming.

The next morning, the housekeeper came to wake him for breakfast. The first thing he asked was whether Li Yu was still there.

She told him Li Yu was in the main house chatting with Old Master Jian. Only then did he relax.

He got up, washed and headed over.

As expected, the old man and the young man were sitting in chairs talking, with steaming cups of tea on the coffee table.

Old Master Jian said in a booming voice, ‘It's past nine and you're only just getting up! If you hadn't been ill these last couple of days, I wouldn't have let you sleep so late.’

Jian Suiying sighed.

‘I've been exhausted. Can't I sleep in for one morning? You're acting as though you're drilling new recruits.’

His grandfather chuckled.

‘All right, all right. Go and have breakfast.’

Jian Suiying looked towards Li Yu. Li Yu glanced up at him, his expression so indifferent that it was as though nothing had happened the previous night.

Jian Suiying's heart thumped. He smiled and asked, ‘What are you two talking about?’

‘Tea,’ Li Yu answered.

Old Master Jian said approvingly, ‘Old Li's grandson really is something. He can hold a conversation about practically anything with someone my age, and he knows a great deal. Suiying, I reckon this boy will be even more successful than you.’

Desperate to win Li Yu over again, Jian Suiying immediately agreed.

‘Definitely. Little Li's clever. He picks up everything straight away and looks at problems thoroughly. He's got real talent.’

Li Yu didn't so much as raise an eyebrow. He simply lowered his head and sipped his tea.

Having been quietly rebuffed, Jian Suiying stopped talking and went to the dining room for breakfast.

As he ate, he kept sneaking glances at Li Yu, trying to work out how he'd persuade him to stay if he decided to turn against him.

Old Master Jian insisted on giving them lunch before reluctantly seeing them off. Before they left, he loaded more than half the vehicle with fresh vegetables and fruit, and told Jian Suiying to come more often and bring Li Yu with him.

Once Xiao Zhao collected them, Li Yu and Jian Suiying sat in different rows of the people carrier as before. Neither spoke on the way back.

As they neared the motorway exit, Jian Suiying asked Xiao Zhao to stop at a petrol station.

Li Yu got out to use the toilet. When he returned, Xiao Zhao had vanished and Jian Suiying was sitting in the driver's seat, smiling at him.

Li Yu frowned slightly. He'd only just settled into his seat and closed the door when Jian Suiying drove off.

‘What's going on?’

‘Oh, I told Xiao Zhao to get a taxi home.’

Li Yu's voice deepened.

‘What's that supposed to mean?’

‘I think we need to talk. It's awkward with someone else around.’ Young Master Jian spoke without a trace of embarrassment, even giving Li Yu a flirtatious look in the rear-view mirror.

Li Yu leaned back, folded his arms and stared unwaveringly into Jian Suiying's eyes through the mirror.

Jian Suiying cleared his throat.

‘First of all, Brother Jian still owes you an apology. I was impulsive yesterday. Just pretend I was drunk and out of my mind. Don't take it personally.’

Li Yu pressed his lips together without replying.

‘And… although I acted impulsively yesterday, everything I said was true. I really do like you. I know you're not gay, but who says two men have to be gay to be together? Isn't it enough that they're happy? Little Li, I know it's hard for you to accept right now, but I can promise you this: if you're with me, Jian Suiying, I'll treat you like royalty. I'll make you happier than you could be with any other man or woman. Don't reject me straight away. Give me a chance, all right?’

The corners of Li Yu's mouth twitched. He was so furious he barely knew what to say.

Jian Suiying was treating him much as the privileged young men of powerful families treated female celebrities they pursued. All that attentiveness carried an unmistakable air of *You should be grateful I've taken an interest in you, so don't you dare be unappreciative.*

What Jian Suiying did with other people was none of his business. But how dared he use that approach on him? Throughout his life, people had admired Li Yu with genuine respect. No one had ever tried to pursue him in a way that felt so offensive, degrading and repulsive.

Perhaps Jian Suiying was simply used to occupying a superior position. He was older, more experienced and more accomplished than Li Yu, and he even enjoyed the admiration of Jian Suilin—something Li Yu envied and resented. His advances felt humiliating. Li Yu clenched his fists.

‘Brother Jian,’ he said sarcastically, ‘if I'm going to call you my older brother, perhaps you should behave like one.’

Jian Suiying's expression changed. He could have accepted Li Yu telling him outright to fuck off. This roundabout insult was far more uncomfortable.

He rearranged his expression and reminded himself that Li Yu was young. Besides, he was the one chasing him. As the mature, magnanimous man here, he shouldn't argue with a child.

He gave an awkward laugh.

‘I know you can't accept it straight away, but I really do like you. I'm not going to give up easily.’

Li Yu was about to respond when Jian Suiying raised a hand to interrupt.

‘You're not planning to resign, are you?’

That caught Li Yu off guard. For a moment, he really did hesitate.

Jian Suiying deliberately goaded him.

‘If you want to quit, I won't stop you. I'll ring your brother and explain everything. I promise he won't criticise you. How about that?’

Li Yu's expression nearly twisted with anger.

When he'd told his family he wanted some work experience, his mother had initially objected. He'd insisted, even enlisting his brother's help to persuade her, all so he could spend the summer with Suilin.

If he packed up and went home after less than two weeks, his brother would certainly accuse him of being unable to endure hardship or inconvenience and having a bad temper. And Li Yu couldn't bear the thought that Suilin—or even Jian Suiying—might look down on him.

Jian Suiying was similarly stubborn: he'd rather suffer himself than allow others to laugh at him. From what he knew of Li Yu, who'd proudly promised he could persevere in any job, the young man would never resign halfway through, even if he had to put up with Jian Suiying's sexual harassment every day. The reason was simple: he couldn't stand the humiliation of quitting.

Jian Suiying kept provoking him.

‘Don't make things difficult for yourself. I'll come up with a good excuse for you. Your brother won't say anything, for my sake…’

Li Yu knew perfectly well that he was being baited, but couldn't do anything about it.

‘There's no need,’ he said stiffly. ‘I'm not resigning.’

Jian Suiying broke into a grin.

‘Well, don't say I forced you! Good lad, Little Li. I knew I hadn't misjudged you. Besides, being harassed by your boss is all part of working life. Think of it as valuable experience! Ha ha ha!’

Li Yu's face didn't move a muscle as he shot him a cold look. Jian Suiying's laughter gradually died, leaving a stiff smile on his face.

When they reached the city, Li Yu flatly refused to let Jian Suiying take him home. He insisted on getting a taxi.

Jian Suiying hurried out and began dividing the fruit and vegetables in the boot, wanting Li Yu to take some.

Li Yu refused. He didn't want to spend another second in Jian Suiying's company and simply wanted to leave.

But Jian Suiying pestered him and wouldn't let him go.

‘Little Li, take some. There's far too much for me to eat. Let your mum and dad try them. They're all fresh and pesticide-free—really healthy, really environmentally friendly.’

Helplessly, Li Yu accepted them. Only then did Jian Suiying happily see him into a taxi, even smiling as he closed the door for him.

The taxi had barely started moving when Jian Suiying suddenly rapped on the window. Startled, Li Yu turned instinctively.

Jian Suiying blew him a kiss, then looked at him with a roguish grin.

Li Yu's face changed colour with fury.

Chapter 17

Things with the Qinhuangdao project were progressing reasonably smoothly. The official from the disciplinary inspection commission had called him back, which put Jian Suiying at much greater ease.

With work becoming less stressful, he turned his attention to his personal affairs again.

Li Yu had taken two days off. Jian Suiying felt almost as though the boy was sulking with him, which he found terribly adorable. These days, merely thinking about Li Yu put him in such a good mood that he sometimes caught himself smiling.

He couldn't claim his feelings were profound or especially sincere, but of everyone he'd ever met, Li Yu was certainly the person who had occupied his thoughts the most.

The desire to conquer played a large part in a man's love, and the harder something was to attain, the more precious it seemed. Every time Jian Suiying thought of Li Yu, he felt an overwhelming urge to roll up his sleeves and win him over.

He'd grown accustomed to having Li Yu following him around every day. After only a day or two without seeing him, he genuinely missed him.

He fiddled with his phone before finally sending a text.

*Little Li, what are you up to?*

After waiting ages without a reply, he sent another.

*Come back to work tomorrow. Little Lin's starting too.*

This message vanished into the void as well. Disappointed, Jian Suiying hesitated for a long time but still didn't dare ring him.

The next morning, as soon as Jian Suiying arrived at the company, his secretary told him Jian Suilin was there.

He went to the reception room and found Jian Suilin and Li Yu sitting together, laughing and chatting.

The sight of the two beautiful young men smiling at each other was a pleasure to behold. Jian Suiying couldn't help feeling jealous. Li Yu had never once been willing to give him such a warm, open smile.

Feeling annoyed, Jian Suiying knocked on the glass.

Both men looked up. One brightened with delight; the other's expression stiffened.

Jian Suilin stood.

‘Brother.’

Jian Suiying pushed the door open and nodded at him.

‘Mm. You're here, then.’

‘Yes, I just arrived.’

‘Where have you been enjoying yourself these last two weeks?’

‘Just Hong Kong. Brother, Dad wants you home for dinner tonight. I brought you a present.’

‘Tonight? All right, then,’ Jian Suiying answered distractedly. He glanced at Li Yu and smiled. ‘You're here early today.’

Li Yu nodded and spoke seriously.

‘President Liang called me today. He wanted to know if you had time in the next couple of days to try the hot spring at his serviced apartments.’

‘Sure. I'll find some time in the next couple of days and take you there to relax.’

Li Yu's eyes flickered, but he said nothing.

Jian Suilin asked eagerly, ‘Brother, what can I do?’

‘You?’ Jian Suiying looked at him sidelong. ‘Why don't you join Old Liu and his team handling distressed assets? I've just bought an asset package from XX Bank. There's plenty of potential in it. Report to Old Liu.’

‘All right,’ Jian Suilin agreed.

‘Off you go, then. Li Yu, come into my office.’

Jian Suilin and Li Yu exchanged a glance and prepared to go their separate ways.

The three had barely stepped into the corridor when Jian Suiying's secretary, Xiao Liang, hurried towards them.

‘President Jian, your cousin's here again.’

Jian Suiying's face twisted.

‘Again?’

Xiao Liang looked helpless.

‘Again.’

Jian Suilin looked awkward too.

Jian Suiying pointed at his brother.

‘Don't go anywhere yet. Come into my office with me. Xiao Liang, bring him straight in. Don't delay even a second and don't let him go around talking rubbish to my staff.’

‘Yes.’

Jian Suiying took the other two back to his office.

A little later, Xiao Liang showed in a handsome but rather careless-looking young man.

‘Brother! Long time no see. Oh, Little Lin's here too!’

Jian Suilin nodded.

‘Brother Yu.’

The newcomer was Bai Xinyu, the only son of Jian Suiying's eldest maternal aunt. How to describe him? In Jian Suiying's words, the boy was a complete idiot.

He was a spoilt rich kid who was useless at everything except eating and enjoying himself. He was forever looking for business opportunities, getting cheated out of money and then, instead of learning from his mistakes, dreaming of his next grand enterprise.

Whenever he came to see Jian Suiying, it rarely meant anything good.

Sure enough, the moment he sat down, he leaned forward mysteriously.

‘Brother, a friend introduced me to an amazing project recently. Very low costs, enormous profits.’

Jian Suiying sneered.

‘Oh? If it's so good, why doesn't he do it himself?’

‘Because he doesn't have the resources to pull it off.’

‘And you do?’

‘A million or so isn't a problem… But my mum insisted I come and discuss it with you first, in case I get swindled.’

‘Your mother is very wise.’ Jian Suiying glared at him. ‘Can you give it a rest for once? Eat, drink and enjoy your life. How many times have I told you that you're not cut out for business? Why won't you listen?’

Bai Xinyu looked deeply aggrieved.

‘Brother, stop saying that. Even if I had potential, you'd make me lose confidence. I'm twenty-three now. I don't want to sit around doing nothing forever. I want to achieve something my parents can be proud of.’

Jian Suiying sighed.

‘Are those project documents in that bag? Let me see.’

Bai Xinyu hurriedly passed it over.

Jian Suiying pulled out a fairly thick stack of papers and flipped through them. Then he slapped them onto the desk and pointed at his cousin in exasperation.

‘You little… What fucking business? Go home and suck on your mother's tit!’

Bai Xinyu was nearly in tears.

‘Brother, at least give me some advice! Stop just swearing at me!’

Jian Suiying was at his wits' end with this cousin. He was as stupid as a pig and ridiculously trusting. Anyone could tell him a few stories and he'd believe every word. He was thick-skinned, too. Jian Suiying had berated him in front of strangers several times, only for the brat to forget it almost immediately and come pestering him for another business introduction.

Just looking at him gave Jian Suiying a headache. Compared with this cousin, even the clever, socially adept Jian Suilin seemed almost likeable.

‘You'd actually consider a project like this? Can't you see they're obviously trying to cheat you?’

Bai Xinyu widened his innocent eyes.

‘I really couldn't tell…’

Jian Suiying held up the papers.

‘Little Lin.’

Jian Suilin immediately came over and took them.

‘You and Li Yu have a look. Li Yu, you've learnt quite a bit lately. Little Lin, I've also spent a fortune on your education. If the two of you can spot what's wrong, I'll give you an independent project to run. You keep the profits, and I'll cover any losses.’

Jian Suilin handed half the documents to Li Yu, and they both lowered their heads to study them.

Jian Suiying tapped the desk while glaring at Bai Xinyu. The young master of the Bai family looked anxiously from one to the other.

After a while, Li Yu raised a sheet and pointed to something on it.

‘President Jian, is that a high-voltage power line?’

Jian Suiying nodded approvingly.

‘It is.’

‘You can't build underneath a high-voltage line. If we bought this land, we couldn't start construction.’

Jian Suiying turned on Bai Xinyu.

‘Hear that? Couldn't you even spot an obvious power line? Haven't you been to look at the land?’

‘Not yet,’ Bai Xinyu murmured.

‘But you were ready to pay for it!’

‘No, I haven't paid! Isn't that why I came to discuss it with you?’

Jian Suilin looked up as well.

‘Brother, the ownership of this land isn't clear either.’

Jian Suiying nodded with satisfaction.

‘Exactly. Xinyu, you brainless idiot! Do you have any idea how much trouble it is to divert a high-voltage line? And the ownership isn't properly established. Who knows what disputes could crop up later? All you saw was the low price. Did you ever stop to ask why it was so cheap?’

Bai Xinyu ducked his head, hardly daring to look at him. Eventually, he muttered, ‘So the project can't go ahead…’

‘It can.’

He looked up hopefully.

‘It can, Brother? This land could be worth a fortune once it's sorted. Look at the location—’

‘I can make it work. You can't.’

Bai Xinyu's face fell again.

‘Brother, don't be like that.’

‘You're right about one thing: the land could be valuable once it's properly developed. Li Yu, Little Lin, remember what I promised. Here's your chance to get some experience. You two can help him handle this plot.’

Bai Xinyu muttered, ‘Brother, can those two really manage it?’

Jian Suiying glared at him.

‘They'll manage better than you.’ He continued, ‘This project will take at least a year, maybe eighteen months. Think carefully. If you accept it, you can't back out halfway.’

‘I can do it,’ Jian Suilin said at once.

Li Yu hesitated and glanced quickly at Suilin.

‘I can too.’

‘Good. Xinyu, you've got plenty of money, haven't you? You'll provide the funding and they'll provide the work. You'll get sixty per cent of the profits, and they'll each get twenty.’

Bai Xinyu was reluctant.

‘What if it fails? Won't I lose out?’

‘With me helping them, what are you afraid of? I'm eighty per cent confident about this. If you don't want to do it, forget it.’

Bai Xinyu looked at his shrewd, capable cousin and gritted his teeth.

‘Brother, I trust you.’

Jian Suiying nodded, satisfied.

‘Li Yu, draft a contract. The last one you wrote wasn't good enough, so ask Sister Liang for guidance. Bring me both versions once you've revised it.’

‘All right.’

‘Little Lin, go with Brother Yu to inspect the land. Look at it properly, then write me a report.’

‘Yes, Brother.’

‘Still calling me Brother? Do you think we're at home?’

‘Ah… President Jian.’

‘Off you go.’

All three stood to leave, but Jian Suiying suddenly called out.

‘Li Yu.’

Li Yu turned.

‘You're having lunch with me.’

Li Yu assumed someone had invited Jian Suiying to a business lunch. Instead, Jian Suiying didn't even summon a driver and told Li Yu to drive. After more than half an hour of alternately crawling and moving through traffic, they reached a vegetarian restaurant.

Jian Suiying smiled.

‘The food here is the real thing. I went to Nanshan Temple in Hainan one year ago, and the vegetarian restaurant there was fantastic. When I came back to Beijing, I searched everywhere, and this is the only place that compares. I've noticed you don't eat much meat. I've wanted to bring you here for ages.’

Only then did Li Yu realise it was just the two of them eating together.

With little choice, he followed Jian Suiying inside.

Jian Suiying picked a particularly secluded corner. There weren't many customers at lunchtime, and hardly anyone could see where they were sitting.

As soon as they sat down, Li Yu began discussing business, asking about the project he and Jian Suilin would now be responsible for.

Whenever work came up, Jian Suiying seemed to transform. He became several times more serious, with none of his usual swagger.

Once the dishes arrived, though, it was no longer suitable to talk business. He immediately returned to his usual self, eagerly serving Li Yu food and pouring him drinks.

Li Yu was much calmer than on the day he'd discovered Jian Suiying's feelings. His face no longer showed obvious disgust or impatience. He simply dealt with him coolly and politely.

When they'd finished eating, Jian Suiying took a little black velvet box from his trouser pocket and slid it towards Li Yu, smiling tenderly.

‘Li Yu, I saw this while shopping the other day. I thought it would really suit you.’

Li Yu glanced at him.

‘Brother Jian, stop doing this. Do you really think I'll accept it?’

Jian Suiying wasn't discouraged.

‘It's nothing expensive, just a little gesture. You've been working hard too, haven't you? Won't you even open it?’

Seeing Li Yu had no intention of touching it, Jian Suiying opened the box himself. Inside was a platinum tie clip set with small, understated diamonds.

Li Yu shut his eyes briefly, apparently suppressing his anger, then spoke in a low voice.

‘Brother Jian, do you really think it's appropriate to use the same tricks you'd use to please a woman on me?’

Jian Suiying looked genuinely wronged.

‘How's that a trick for pleasing women? Apart from my mother, I've never tried to please a woman in my life. I was born gay.’

Li Yu hadn't imagined anyone could say that with such pride.

Taking him off guard, Jian Suiying gently caught his hand.

‘I just want to give a present to someone I like.’

Li Yu pulled his hand away without a trace of hesitation.

‘Stop wasting your time on me. I will never be with you.’

Jian Suiying adopted a melancholy expression.

‘I know you'll refuse me, but I won't give up so easily.’

The meal left Li Yu thoroughly uncomfortable.

In truth, Jian Suiying was fine in most respects. If he hadn't entertained these feelings towards him, the two could have got along very well.

But Jian Suiying now made him feel both angry and embarrassed. Li Yu had liked Jian Suilin for ten years. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that one day the older brother of the person he loved would pursue him.

Chapter 18

In the end, Young Master Jian's present went undelivered. Disappointed, he threw it into the car.

That afternoon Jian Suilin returned with photographs and information about the plot of land. He gave Jian Suiying a brief description and analysis of what he'd seen.

After listening, Jian Suiying warned him, ‘Keep a close eye on your cousin Yu this time. If anything happens, tell me straight away. My aunt and uncle don't have an easy time earning their money. Don't let that idiot squander it all. You know how thick he can be. If anything goes wrong with this project, I'll come looking for you first.’

Jian Suilin nodded. ‘I'll keep an eye on him.’

‘Good. Get back to work.’

Jian Suilin stood. ‘Brother, let's go home together tonight.’

‘Hm? Why?’

‘Aren't we having dinner at home?’

‘Oh, right… Drive yourself back. I've still got something to do, but I'll be there before dinner starts.’

Jian Suilin looked disappointed. ‘Oh.’

He was turning to leave when Jian Suiying called him back.

‘Little Lin.’

‘When do your exam results come out?’

‘The day after tomorrow.’

Jian Suiying tapped his long fingers lightly on the desk.

‘You're driving Dad's car at the moment?’

‘Mm.’

‘I promised you a car before. Pick one out for yourself.’

‘Brother, there are already so many cars at home. You don't have to buy another one especially for me.’

Jian Suiying smiled. ‘Oh, how considerate. But a grown man needs his own car. It means something different. Pick one, but nothing too flashy. You're still a student, and the Jian family isn't the sort to show off like the vulgar newly rich. We can't afford that embarrassment. Understand?’

‘I understand. Thank you, Brother.’

‘Have you thought about how you're going to celebrate when your results come out?’

Jian Suilin smiled. ‘Brother, what if I haven't done well? What's there to celebrate then?’

Jian Suiying rolled his eyes. ‘Why not assume you've done well? Haven't you got any confidence in yourself?’

Jian Suilin gave an embarrassed smile.

‘If Li Yu and I both get good results, we're planning a party together… Just classmates and friends. Will you come, Brother?’

‘Of course. Why wouldn't I?’ As long as he could make time, Jian Suiying had no intention of passing up another chance to see Li Yu outside work.

On the day the results were released, an unexpected dinner engagement kept Jian Suiying from going home.

He soon received a call from the family. Jian Suilin announced excitedly, ‘Brother, I got the results I wanted.’

Jian Suiying wasn't particularly surprised. Little Lin had always been an excellent student. Still, he was pleased. If Suilin attended X University, his path into government service would be much smoother, which would benefit the whole family.

As soon as he hung up, he called Li Yu.

The phone rang twice before Li Yu answered in a calm voice. ‘Brother Jian.’

‘Little Li! Well? Have you checked your results?’

‘Mm, I have.’

Hearing how flat his voice sounded, Jian Suiying's heart sank. Had he done badly? Before he could ask, Li Yu told him his score.

Jian Suiying immediately brightened.

‘Bloody hell, Li Yu! You did brilliantly!’

Li Yu gave a quiet laugh. ‘It's more or less what I estimated.’

‘Congratulations! Has Little Lin called you? You've both done really well.’

‘We've been talking online the whole time. I know his results.’

Jian Suiying was even happier than he'd been at hearing his brother's news.

‘Well, now you've really got something to celebrate. Leave it to Brother Jian. I'll book a whole venue for you, and you can invite as many people as you like. Enjoy yourselves however you want.’

‘There's no need. Suilin and I have already booked somewhere.’

‘Oh.’ Jian Suiying was disappointed but refused to give up. ‘At least let me contribute something. Even if it weren't for you, Suilin is my brother. Tell you what, I'll supply the drinks. How's that?’

Li Yu frowned automatically.

‘I don't think my classmates drink.’

‘Oh, come on. You think every student is like you? It's settled. I'd be embarrassed to turn up empty-handed.’

Li Yu hadn't even realised Jian Suiying intended to attend. He fell silent at the other end.

Taking the silence as agreement, Jian Suiying began plotting how to get Li Yu pleasantly tipsy on the night.

When the day arrived, Jian Suiying let Li Yu and Jian Suilin leave work early so they could go home, change, eat and prepare.

He ordered several kinds of alcohol to be delivered and had Xiao Liang prepare dozens of PSPs as gifts for the boys' classmates and friends. Even if he weren't trying to please Li Yu, he had to make sure the second young master of the Jian family looked generous and respectable.

As for Jian Suiying, he went home, showered, applied a face mask and made himself thoroughly presentable before setting off at his leisure for the party.

Little Lin had booked a function room at a five-star hotel and invited practically everyone from their class. Jian Suiying looked over the decorations. They were reasonably impressive, and he felt a little more satisfied.

Nearly everyone there was young, and the atmosphere was lively. His arrival set off a chorus of squeals. He'd heard from Little Lin that several of his classmates, both male and female, admired him. Jian Suiying himself found it rather baffling.

Jian Suilin hurried over, his cheeks flushed and his face radiant.

‘Brother, you're here!’

Jian Suiying scanned the groups of guests.

‘Where's Li Yu?’

‘Over there.’

Following his brother's finger, Jian Suiying spotted Li Yu on a sofa talking to some classmates. The young man then burst into laughter. It had been a long time since Jian Suiying had seen him in casual clothes, and his handsome, youthful appearance was painfully appealing.

A group of boys came over, joking and making a fuss. Among them were a few who'd played basketball with him before.

‘Big Brother, is your foot better?’

‘Ha ha, it healed ages ago.’

‘Let's play again sometime. You were pretty good, just don't wear those leather shoes next time!’

They all laughed. In a good mood, Jian Suiying agreed.

‘No problem. I'll come properly dressed next time.’

As he spoke, he edged towards Li Yu.

Seeing him, Li Yu stood.

‘Brother Jian.’

‘Ah, Little Li. Sit down, everyone. Sit.’

Several of them settled around the sofas. A male classmate asked, ‘Big Brother, is Li Yu doing an internship at your company?’

‘Yes. He's doing well.’

The boy teased, ‘Don't overwork our handsome Li Yu, Big Brother, or our school beauty will be heartbroken.’ He gave a suggestive glance towards the girl sitting beside Li Yu.

She glared at him with mock annoyance.

‘Who'd be heartbroken? Stop talking nonsense!’ Then she cast Li Yu an exceedingly shy look.

Only then did Jian Suiying notice the girl beside Li Yu. She was fair-skinned and delicate, certainly quite pretty. Surely Li Yu didn't actually like this scrawny, barely developed type?

He stared at her in annoyance, assessing her. The moment her eyes met his, she blushed scarlet and quickly looked away.

Jian Suiying deliberately teased her.

‘Beautiful girl, Li Yu's job isn't easy. He's up early and home late, running all over the place with me. When we're busy, there isn't even time for lunch. Aren't you worried about him?’

The girl turned crimson and shook her head repeatedly.

‘No, it's nothing to do with me. I don't…’ Her voice faded away, and the boys around her chuckled.

‘But if a man wants a career and a position in society, he has to work hard. Do you think good food and nice clothes fall from the sky? You're a pretty girl; you can just marry someone rich. A man can't make a living that way, can he?’

The girl no longer dared look at his face. Her heart was practically hammering out of her throat. With his strikingly masculine features, impeccable figure, and an air of mature confidence tinged with roguishness, Jian Suiying could captivate women of almost any age. A lovestruck teenage girl stood little chance against him.

Li Yu disliked watching Jian Suiying bully the girl and tried to change the subject.

That only convinced Jian Suiying that he was protecting her. His jealousy intensified. Instead of letting her be, he continued chatting her up.

‘Beautiful, have you got a boyfriend? I don't think Li Yu suits you. He's boring—barely says a few words all day. What do you think of my little brother?’

The students around them erupted. Young people loved a bit of excitement, and several guests came over to join in the teasing. The poor girl was so embarrassed she was nearly in tears.

Jian Suiying's nasty streak came out in full. He had absolutely no intention of sparing her and was determined to pair her off with Little Lin.

*What a joke. Li Yu is the one I've set my sights on. Who dares compete with me? Never mind competing—they shouldn't even think about him!*

Little Lin, meanwhile, was chatting at the other end of the room, entirely unaware that his older brother was effectively trying to sell him off in advance.

Li Yu was furious. One look at Jian Suiying's narrowed eyes and scheming expression told him what was going through his mind. Embarrassing his classmate was bad enough; now he was trying to match Suilin with that girl. Plenty of boys liked her, and who knew whether Suilin might take an interest too? How could Li Yu allow that?

Afraid Jian Suiying would cause even more trouble if he stayed, he found an excuse to drag him away.

Jian Suiying was seething too, convinced those two were involved with each other.

*Fuck! Why doesn't anyone do something about this wicked epidemic of teenage romance?*

Li Yu pulled him onto a balcony and demanded quietly, ‘What exactly are you trying to do?’

Jian Suiying shook off his hand and scowled.

‘What have I done? I'm finding my brother a future wife. What's wrong? Can't bear the thought?’

Li Yu had cared for Jian Suilin for years. Of course he couldn't bear it. He retorted angrily, ‘Will you stop making trouble? You've embarrassed my classmate. She's young and shy. Aren't you ashamed of bullying a girl so much younger than you? Besides… besides, Suilin doesn't like her.’

Jian Suiying was almost choking on jealousy.

‘Well, well, Li Yu. Playing the hero and rescuing the beauty, are we? So you like skinny little girls with hardly any flesh on their bones? Look at her. Has she got any experience? Li Yu, listen to your brother. Whatever kind of relationship a man has, if you aren't compatible in bed, none of the rest matters. If you are compatible, it doesn't matter whether you're with a man or a woman. You might think you like women. You might even think sex with women feels good. But if you dared try it with me, I guarantee you'd never want a woman again.’

To Jian Suiying, a seasoned gay man of twenty-seven years, there was no such thing as a truly straight man. Once a man discovered enough physical pleasure, he believed, all principles and boundaries would fall away.

He was supremely confident in his experience and skills. In fact, he was beginning to think he'd chosen the wrong approach from the start. He ought to have poured half a jin of spirits into Li Yu and then had his way with him. Once he'd given Li Yu a taste of how good it could be, the boy would surely keep coming back for more. Staying straight would be impossible.

Jian Suiying's crude declaration made Li Yu turn bright red.

The man always managed to catch people off guard. Li Yu didn't know whether to call it extraordinary courage or extraordinary shamelessness. He anxiously checked the door and windows. Finding them firmly closed, so no one was likely to have seen or heard them, he relaxed a little.

His upbringing and his respect for Jian Suiying's position kept him from swearing at him.

‘Brother Jian, whether I like women or not, you and I will never be together. Act normally, and I'll still call you Brother. If you carry on like this, I'll—’

Before he could finish, Jian Suiying lunged at him. Catching him off guard, he shoved him against the wall by the chest, pressed his body against his and suddenly covered Li Yu's mouth with his own.

Li Yu was still young and had never imagined being forcibly kissed by a man. Blood rushed to his head, and he froze in shock.

By the time he recovered, Jian Suiying had looped an arm around his neck and kissed his lips thoroughly, using his tongue to trace along his teeth.

Jian Suiying hooked their tongues together in a blatantly sensual kiss. The soft, slick sensation sent a shudder through Li Yu. Only then did he understand what a kiss could feel like. The tentative experiences he'd had with girls had amounted to little more than pressing lips together.

The next instant his mind cleared. His eyes flew wide, and he bit down hard on Jian Suiying's tongue.

Jian Suiying recoiled in pain. Before he could recover, a tremendous shove struck his chest and knocked the breath from him.

He staggered backwards several steps and fell to the floor.

Li Yu advanced furiously, seized his collar and raised his fist.

Jian Suiying licked the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked at him provocatively.

Li Yu's fist remained suspended in the air. He hesitated.

He was a trained athlete, and his strength could be dangerous when he was angry. If he struck Jian Suiying properly, the man might not be able to show his face for two weeks. How would he explain that to all the guests inside? How would he explain it to Suilin? He had to consider those consequences.

As Li Yu hesitated, Jian Suiying actually smiled and said recklessly, ‘Little Li, your lips are really soft. What do you think? I'm a pretty good kisser, aren't I?’

Li Yu was so angry that he drove his knee viciously into Jian Suiying's stomach.

Clutching his abdomen, Jian Suiying coughed for a long time before he could catch his breath.

Li Yu straightened his clothes and returned to the main room without lingering another second.

Jian Suiying wiped the blood from his lips and gave a triumphant smile.

Chapter 19

Once again, Jian Suiying left the party early. After everything that had happened, there was little point in staying.

Remembering the look Li Yu had given him before he left, he regretted acting so impulsively. But he quickly reminded himself that a man had to stand by his actions. What was done was done; there was no point regretting it. Besides, he'd got his kiss and hadn't come away empty-handed.

Young Master Jian, that old rogue, savoured the memory of Li Yu's soft, delicate lips. They were so different from his cold manner that the contrast only fascinated him more.

Though that last blow had bloody well hurt. Jian Suiying rubbed his stomach, still shaken. Given the angle, Li Yu hadn't even used his full strength. If he had, could the blow have caused internal bleeding?

Clearly, the idea of pushing Li Yu down and having him submit half-heartedly wasn't very realistic. The practical difficulties were considerable, and the boy's fighting ability exceeded his expectations. He'd have to change his strategy, or he might die before the campaign had even begun.

Young Master Jian sighed. His stomach hurt, and his whole body seemed full of pent-up fire: jealousy, anger, frustration and, most directly, desire.

His guiding principle in life had always been *I do what makes me happy.* He disliked beating about the bush or hiding whom he liked and disliked. To him, a male wanting to mate with someone he fancied was the most natural thing in the world. He hadn't actually raped Li Yu, so why did the boy keep glaring at him? Was it really that serious?

More than anything, he couldn't understand what Li Yu found so unattractive about him.

That thought depressed him. He'd been vain and arrogant all his life, never doubting his own charm. Whether dealing with men or women, when had Young Master Jian ever been rejected like this? He felt terribly hard done by.

While stopped at a red light, he scowled and searched his contacts for one of his more appealing recent lovers.

The call was answered almost immediately by an ingratiating voice.

Jian Suiying said curtly, ‘Go to XX Hotel and wait for me.’

Although he looked like a complete scoundrel, Jian Suiying wasn't normally obsessed with sex. It was natural for men to be lustful, but anyone who thought about nothing else all day was either a lecher or a useless fool. His impatience with Li Yu was embarrassing even to him. Perhaps it had simply been too long since he'd last had sex and he'd grown desperate. That must have been why he'd forced a kiss earlier. In truth, he'd imagined his first kiss with Li Yu as both romantic and passionate.

So Young Master Jian spent much of the night having vigorous sex with his pretty young lover. By the time he'd exhausted himself, the boy's throat was hoarse from crying out, and the fire inside Jian Suiying had finally burnt itself out.

Afterwards, he sent the boy away. He never slept beside his casual lovers; he simply didn't feel at ease doing so.

He got up and showered. When he checked the time, it was already past three. Between the alcohol and the physical exertion, he was exhausted. He was about to call housekeeping to have the sheets changed so he could collapse into bed when his mobile suddenly rang.

To his surprise, the caller was Jian Suilin.

How did that boy dare ring him at this hour? Was he asking for a scolding?

Unless something serious had happened.

He answered quickly.

‘Hello?’

But it was Li Yu's voice on the other end. Jian Suiying had never heard him sound so obviously slurred as he tried desperately to stay composed. He knew at once that Li Yu had been drinking heavily.

His heart began to race.

‘Little Li? What's happened?’

‘…Suilin's drunk.’

‘And you? Are you drunk too?’

‘No… But… I can't drive. It's too… too late. I want to take him home, but… I don't know… how to get there…’

Li Yu's thoughts were no longer keeping up with him. Jian Suiying knew this state of drunkenness only too well. Li Yu probably had little idea what he was saying or doing; calling him must have been a decision made with the last remnants of his reason.

All the frustration that had tormented Jian Suiying for half the evening vanished. He was so happy he nearly laughed. Even if Li Yu had called only because he didn't want his parents to worry—or had dialled without thinking—it was enough to warm his heart.

Being the person Li Yu remembered when he needed help had to mean something. And being able to solve a problem for someone he liked, however small, gave Jian Suiying a feeling of satisfaction and encouragement.

He reassured Li Yu while frantically pulling on his clothes with one hand.

‘Don't worry. I'm not far from you right now. Stay where you are. Don't move. I'm coming to get you.’

Li Yu slowly murmured, ‘Oh.’

Jian Suiying hung up, got dressed with extraordinary speed, rushed out of the hotel and sped towards the party.

Fortunately, there was little traffic at three in the morning, and the roads were clear. He even ran two red lights.

It wasn't especially urgent, really, but he felt an overwhelming impulse to reach Li Yu as quickly as possible. This was the first time Li Yu had needed him.

When he arrived, he hurried back to the function room. Several young students were lying about in drunken heaps, apparently too far gone to leave, with a few staff members keeping an eye on them.

Young people really knew how to go wild once they were free of their exams.

He spotted Li Yu immediately. The boy was slumped on a sofa with Jian Suilin almost in his arms. His eyes were closed, long eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath them. His cheeks were flushed, his breathing even, and he slept with an innocent, peaceful expression that made him look particularly young and adorable.

Jian Suilin was sprawled awkwardly across most of his lap, frowning every so often, evidently uncomfortable.

Jian Suiying almost laughed.

He went over and pulled his younger brother upright.

‘Little Lin, wake up.’

It took Jian Suilin a long time to open his bleary eyes. He glanced at his brother, closed them again and let his full weight hang from Jian Suiying's arm.

Drunk people were heavy. Jian Suiying immediately felt the strain and nudged Li Yu with his foot.

‘Li Yu, wake up.’

Perhaps Li Yu wasn't quite so drunk. He managed to open his eyes and said weakly, ‘You're here.’

‘How did you two get this drunk? You're usually so precious about what goes into that little mouth of yours. You barely touch alcohol. What's got into you today?’

Jian Suiying hurriedly asked a strong young waiter to take Jian Suilin's weight.

Once the waiter had carried him away, Jian Suiying helped Li Yu to his feet.

Li Yu could barely walk straight now. His nerves were no longer sensitive enough to object when Jian Suiying slipped an arm around his waist. He simply muttered, ‘Take Suilin home.’

‘Now that I'm here, do you think I'm going to leave him in the street? Worry about yourself.’

*In this state, you could lose your virginity and not know it,* Jian Suiying thought wickedly.

Apparently reassured, Li Yu lowered his head and let Jian Suiying help him into the car.

Jian Suiying couldn't possibly take his younger brother home like this. If their father saw him, there'd be a lecture. Little Lin getting scolded would be one thing, but as the older brother Jian Suiying would be held even more responsible. He wasn't stupid enough to invite that.

Besides, he didn't want to bring two drunks back to his own place and have it smelling of alcohol all day. Instead, he drove them to the hotel he'd just left.

He called ahead to ask the staff to clean his room and change the bedding, and booked another room as well.

With the security staff's help, he deposited Jian Suilin in one room and took Li Yu into his own.

When the door closed, Jian Suiying felt like a big bad wolf staring at a helpless rabbit on a plate. The sensation of having someone at his mercy was deliciously tempting.

He sat on the edge of the bed and watched Li Yu.

If Li Yu could have seen the look in his eyes just then, it might have frightened him sober regardless of how much he'd drunk.

Yet after watching and thinking for a long time, Jian Suiying suddenly found himself unsure what to do.

He'd never pretended to be a particularly upright man. Both his family background and his experiences had left him less sensitive to questions of morality and shame than most people. Put plainly, he was shameless and bold, and very few people could control him.

But he wasn't completely wicked either. As much as he wanted to have sex with Li Yu, taking advantage of someone who was unconscious was beneath even him.

Besides, imagining Li Yu's temper the next morning, he might be in for a fight to the death.

Jian Suiying sighed and stroked Li Yu's face, tracing his handsome eyebrows, straight nose, and soft lips before lingering on the smooth skin of his cheeks.

The longer he touched him, the more a spark of desire threatened to become a blaze. Frightened of where that might lead, he quickly withdrew his hand. If he carried on, he'd be undoing Li Yu's trousers next.

Young Master Jian was thoroughly frustrated.

He'd had sex twice already, and his physical urges were exhausted. Frankly, another round might have been beyond him. But even if his body wasn't desperate, the longing in his heart was astonishing.

He wanted to make Li Yu his own, to have Li Yu accept him sincerely and belong to him. Every time he looked at the young man, that longing grew until it felt enormous and uncontrollable, almost beyond belief.

Now he was beginning to wonder whether he simply wanted to conquer Li Yu or had actually started to fall for him.

Jian Suiying took off his alcohol-scented clothes and went into the bathroom for another shower, hoping to cool both body and mind.

That had to be a personal record. He couldn't remember ever showering twice in one day.

He took his time, even wetting his hair. When he emerged, Li Yu was still asleep on his back, breathing softly and evenly, with one leg almost hanging off the bed.

Jian Suiying removed his shoes and hesitated over his clothes.

*They don't look dirty. I could leave them on… But sleeping in clothes is uncomfortable. Better take them off.*

While one part of his mind invented excuses for undressing Li Yu, another kept coming up with reasons not to.

In the end, he couldn't resist. Even if he did nothing else, he could enjoy the sight and feel of Li Yu's body. Better still, the next morning he'd be able to create the impression that something intimate had happened and blame the whole thing on Li Yu's drunkenness while remaining entirely innocent himself.

With that thought, Jian Suiying began taking off Li Yu's clothes.

He wasn't an expert at undressing people, but he had plenty of experience removing young men's trousers.

He painstakingly pulled off Li Yu's shirt. Li Yu murmured and tried to roll over, only to roll back again.

Jian Suiying froze in alarm. When he saw that Li Yu had fallen asleep once more, he tossed the shirt aside and reached for his waistband.

He'd just opened Li Yu's zip and was beginning to pull down his trousers with the excitement of someone unearthing buried treasure when a cold voice suddenly sounded above him.

‘What are you doing?’

At that instant, Jian Suiying discovered exactly how a thief felt when caught red-handed. His heart lurched; all the blood seemed to drain to his feet, and he nearly jumped off the bed and fled. Somehow, he restrained himself.

Looking up, he saw Li Yu watching him through narrowed, bloodshot eyes. His gaze was hazy with alcohol and his voice still weak, but Jian Suiying noticed that his fist was beginning to clench.

‘I… I'm taking off your clothes. You won't be comfortable sleeping in them… Why have you woken up?’

‘…Get off.’ Li Yu was exhausted, his thoughts sluggish and his body too weak to spring up and hit him. He could only warn in a low voice, ‘Get off me.’

Jian Suiying shifted as if to move away, but stopped and looked down at him instead.

Li Yu closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to become more alert. When he opened them again, his gaze was icy.

‘I'm saying it one more time. Get off.’

He didn't believe Jian Suiying would really dare do anything too extreme unless he had a death wish. But even in his muddled state, he knew what the man wanted. Drunk and weak, Li Yu was at a disadvantage. He could only hope to keep Jian Suiying under control until he was sober enough to settle the score tomorrow.

Jian Suiying planted his hands on either side of Li Yu's head and looked down with a crooked grin.

‘Little Li, do you know you're much more adorable when you're all soft and helpless like this? If only you were always like this.’

Li Yu watched him coldly and tried to close his fist. It felt strange. His hand seemed to obey him, yet it barely felt like part of his body. Every movement made him dizzy, and his head throbbed.

Jian Suiying lowered himself onto his elbows, bringing his face so close to Li Yu's that he seemed to be breathing in his scent.

Li Yu couldn't even tell whether Jian Suiying had kissed him. If he had, it was an almost imperceptibly gentle touch.

Li Yu swung his fist at Jian Suiying's back, but Jian Suiying easily caught his wrist and pressed it to the bed.

‘Come on, Little Li. You can barely stand, let alone hit anyone. Don't be nervous. I only want to kiss you… If only you could always be like this…’

With that, Jian Suiying gently kissed Li Yu on the lips.

Li Yu felt his lips being nibbled and pulled, then a slick tongue slipped into his mouth and moved insistently against his own. He couldn't escape it, and their tongues became entangled, saliva dampening both their mouths.

It was a deeply sensual yet surprisingly gentle kiss. Perhaps Li Yu was simply too weak, but he no longer had even the strength to bite. He could only endure the prolonged kiss.

‘Li Yu…’ Jian Suiying whispered hoarsely.

He settled his hips against Li Yu and began rubbing against him slowly and skilfully.

When he'd finished kissing his lips, Jian Suiying moved down to his chest, leaving a trail of kisses and his tongue's touches across the firm skin.

Li Yu was breathing heavily. ‘Jian Suiying, have you got a death wish?’

Young Master Jian looked up and grinned.

‘To die beneath a peony flower would still be a romantic death… But no, I haven't got a death wish. What do you think I'm going to do? Rape you? I don't have the nerve. Relax.’

‘Then what do you call what you're doing now?’

Jian Suiying brushed his lips against Li Yu's navel and chuckled softly.

‘I just want a taste of you.’

He continued downwards, saw the shape beneath Li Yu's white underwear and leaned closer with a wicked smile.

Li Yu shuddered, his eyes widening in shock.

Through the fabric, Jian Suiying's warm tongue moved repeatedly over him. A damp patch soon appeared on the white cotton, and Li Yu's body began to tremble as he became involuntarily aroused.

Jian Suiying laughed under his breath.

‘Looking lively, Little Li. Tell Brother Jian the truth—have you ever used it?’

Humiliated and angry, Li Yu became considerably more alert.

‘Have you no shame?’ he snapped.

Jian Suiying snorted.

‘Then stop responding to my shamelessness.’

Li Yu struggled to sit up, but Jian Suiying pushed him back down with little effort.

Jian Suiying narrowed his eyes and licked his lips provocatively. Li Yu's head flooded with blood as he watched the other man bend over him again, pull aside the last barrier of cloth with his teeth, and take him into his mouth.

A short, low moan tore from Li Yu's throat.

For a young virgin with little experience, having his penis in another man's mouth was a tremendous shock. For a moment, his vision went white, and everything around him seemed unreal.

Young Master Jian had never performed oral sex on anyone before. Yet with Li Yu, he felt no disgust at all. He wanted to take the opportunity and give Li Yu an experience he'd never forget.

He moved instinctively, taking him into his mouth and withdrawing again, sometimes touching and stroking his testicles with his fingers.

Li Yu was so overwhelmed he couldn't speak. His hand found Jian Suiying's hair and his fingers sank into the dark strands, gripping them in a wordless response.

Any man receiving such pleasure would find it hard to want it to stop halfway through.

Inexperienced Li Yu couldn't endure the stimulation for long. Soon he climaxed unexpectedly into Jian Suiying's mouth.

Jian Suiying hurriedly pulled away and spat it out.

Li Yu's face was scarlet, and he stared at him in confusion.

Jian Suiying wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and gave a wicked laugh.

‘Little Li, that wasn't much of a performance. Finished already? You haven't got some kind of problem, have you?’

Any man whose sexual ability was mocked would want to fight back, and Li Yu was no exception. He finally sat upright and glared so fiercely that he looked ready to attack at any moment.

But Jian Suiying's next words immediately robbed him of half his anger.

‘What? You've enjoyed yourself, and now you're going to pretend it never happened?’

Li Yu looked down at himself. His trousers were still off, his naked body exposed, and his recently softened erection hung between his legs. The miserable sight made him burn with shame.

He dragged the quilt over his lower body. Never in his life had he felt so humiliated.

He had actually ejaculated into the mouth of the man he'd most wanted to crush beneath his feet. What the fuck was wrong with this world?

Chapter 20

Jian Suiying knew when to stop. He'd taken enough liberties, and had no wish to prolong the encounter.

For one thing, staying any longer might be dangerous. For another, dawn was approaching, and if Jian Suilin woke up, he'd have trouble explaining himself.

So the shameless rogue abandoned Li Yu, who was left humiliated, furious and shaken by the sexual harassment he'd endured. Feeling thoroughly satisfied and refreshed, Jian Suiying made his escape.

He didn't bother going to work after returning home. Instead, he collapsed onto his bed, intending to sleep first and consider his next move when he woke.

He'd been the same since childhood. Before doing something wrong, he might have reservations, but once he'd caused trouble, his attitude became *In for a penny, in for a pound.* His father would scold or hit him regardless, so why not relax and carry on eating and drinking as usual?

Young Master Jian had been swaggering through life with that unruffled, reckless attitude since he was little, relying on one particularly outrageous principle: *They can't kill me anyway.*

He slept until well past two in the afternoon. When he switched his phone back on, missed-call notifications and messages came flooding in, mostly from Little Lin and Xiao Liang.

He returned Xiao Liang's call first. She updated him on work matters and several appointments, then asked when he'd be coming into the office.

After hanging up, he thought for a moment and called Little Lin, mainly because he wanted to find out about Li Yu.

Little Lin sounded rather lifeless, plainly suffering from a hangover.

‘Brother, you've finally answered your phone.’

‘What's wrong?’

‘Well… Li Yu said you took us to the hotel last night. I'm sorry, Brother. We caused you trouble.’

Jian Suiying had no intention of being gracious.

‘Good that you realise it. If you can't hold your drink, don't bloody drink. Know your limits.’

Jian Suilin protested miserably, ‘They kept forcing drinks on us…’

‘Then you need to improve your tolerance. The men of the Jian family aren't cowards at the drinking table. I used to drink on Dad's behalf, and one day you'll have to drink on mine.’

Jian Suilin laughed softly, his voice gentle.

‘Don't worry, Brother. I'll drink however much you need me to.’

Jian Suiying snorted. ‘You little brat. You know exactly what to say. Anyway, where are you? Still at the hotel?’

‘Mm. I can't get up. My head hurts.’

‘Then… what about Li Yu?’

‘In the room next door… Hm? Someone's knocking. It might be him.’

Jian Suiying heard rustling and the sound of someone getting out of bed. Suddenly he grew nervous, his heartbeat quickening.

Soon he heard Li Yu's voice, tired but full of concern.

‘Suilin, are you feeling any better?’

‘My head hurts. I don't even want to get up. What about you? Are you better?’

Jian Suiying heard the door close. Li Yu said, ‘I'm all right. I asked the front desk to buy some medicine. I've brought you some. Have you eaten? Eat something first, then take it.’

‘I've no appetite… You kept drinking for me yesterday. You must feel worse than I do. Have you taken any medicine?’

Listening to the two of them talk with such easy concern for each other made Jian Suiying feel dreadful. He even grew jealous of Jian Suilin.

Li Yu seemed gentle with everyone except him. He rarely smiled at Jian Suiying, and by now he probably hated him.

Admittedly, that was entirely his own doing. But if Li Yu hadn't been so difficult to win over, he wouldn't have wanted things to become so awkward. He'd have liked them to get along romantically and affectionately. When he truly set his mind to pleasing someone, Jian Suiying knew how to make them happy. What a shame Li Yu didn't want any of it.

Then he heard Li Yu ask, ‘Hm? Are you on the phone?’

‘Ah,’ Jian Suilin answered. ‘It's my brother…’ He lifted the phone. ‘Brother, it's Li Yu. He woke up before me.’

Jian Suiying didn't know whether he was being oversensitive, but he heard a heavy thud, as though Li Yu had thrown something hard onto a table.

His heart sank. He mumbled a couple of acknowledgements.

‘You two make your own arrangements, then. I'm hanging up.’

He ended the call hurriedly.

Imagining Li Yu's disgust at the mere mention of his name, the normally carefree Young Master Jian suddenly felt an ache in his chest.

He spent the rest of that day at home. The next morning, his body clock woke him promptly at seven. After getting ready, he drove to work.

Even with his thick skin, as he reached the company, he felt a little apprehensive at the thought of facing Li Yu.

He rubbed his nose and forced himself inside.

Upstairs, outside his office, he saw Li Yu speaking with Secretary Liang, his back towards him. Today Li Yu wore a grey-green shirt and black suit trousers. The perfectly fitted clothes emphasised his broad shoulders, narrow waist and long legs. He bent slightly to accommodate Liang's height, looking gentle and gentlemanly. The mere sight of his back was enough to send Jian Suiying's heart racing.

Jian Suiying deliberately cleared his throat.

They both turned.

Li Yu's gaze was deep and icy. Jian Suiying looked into his eyes and saw nothing but unfathomable coldness. A chill crept into his heart.

Secretary Liang looked relieved.

‘President Jian, you're finally here. Have a look at this—we've been waiting for your decision…’

Jian Suiying accepted the file, gave Li Yu a hurried glance and went into his office first.

Li Yu followed.

Leaning against his large desk with his arms crossed, Jian Suiying tried to look relaxed.

‘Have you read this report? Give me a quick summary. Oh, and the contract last time was good. You revised it three times, didn't you? Learnt plenty from that?’

Li Yu tilted his head slightly and looked at him coldly.

Jian Suiying felt increasingly uneasy.

‘Well… let's discuss work during office hours. Anything else can wait until after work. How does that sound?’

Li Yu's expression changed. Suddenly he lunged forward. Jian Suiying's eyes widened as he was shoved backwards, landing half across the desk with enough force to make his shoulder blades ache.

Li Yu pressed his elbow hard above Jian Suiying's collarbone, putting considerable pressure on his throat. Jian Suiying's face reddened and breathing became difficult. Li Yu's expression was fierce and pitiless. His face was so close that Jian Suiying could feel his breath against his skin.

Speaking quietly but with extraordinary coldness, Li Yu said, ‘Jian, for Suilin's sake, this is the last time I'll show you any respect. If you dare provoke me again, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your life.’

Jian Suiying's breathing caught. An unfamiliar ache constricted his chest, and in an instant anger surged through him.

No one in his life had dared speak to him like that. Everywhere he went, people respectfully called him Young Master Jian. Who the hell did Li Yu think he was? Just an inexperienced brat with no position or status of his own. Rejecting him again and again was bad enough, but now he dared threaten him?

Jian Suiying's eyes blazed. He drove his knee sharply into Li Yu's thigh. As Li Yu let out a wince, Jian Suiying shoved him away.

Furious, he swept everything off the desk and pointed at Li Yu's face.

‘You've got some fucking nerve! Say that again, I dare you! Who the hell do you think you are? I fancied you—that was giving you face! And didn't you enjoy yourself the night before last? Now you've had your pleasure, you're acting like a victim? You want every bloody advantage for yourself? Fuck me, how dare you speak to me like that!’

Li Yu looked ready to devour him. Those words finally made him lose his temper altogether. Any pretence of civility between them was gone.

‘Fuck you! I can't stand shameless bastards like you throwing yourselves at me. Who do you think you are? If you weren't Jian Suilin's brother, I'd beat you every single time I saw you.’

Jian Suiying's face turned scarlet with rage, and he lunged at him.

Li Yu dodged, seized his shoulder in a grip like iron pincers and drove a heavy punch into his stomach. Jian Suiying nearly vomited and doubled over, unable to recover for some time.

Grabbing his hair, Li Yu glared down at him.

‘What other disgusting things are you planning to do to me? Tell me. I'd like to see how many lives you've got to spare.’

Jian Suiying felt as though he were meeting Li Yu for the first time.

He'd always known him as steady, reserved and polite. Sometimes he'd even thought Li Yu a little shy. How badly must that kind of person be offended before showing such a frightening side?

What Jian Suiying couldn't bloody understand was that he'd been the one to give Li Yu oral sex and pleasure, yet Li Yu was acting as though he'd been raped. Fuck!

He glared back and rammed his head hard into Li Yu's chest. When Li Yu staggered, Jian Suiying delivered an elbow strike to his stomach, paying him back for the blow he'd received.

Li Yu stumbled several steps before regaining his balance.

They composed themselves briefly, then charged at each other again and began wrestling and punching.

For all their fury, the fight was rather absurd. They were both trying not to make any noise and carefully avoiding each other's faces.

Ventilating their rage was one thing, but neither had entirely lost his reason. If anyone outside noticed the signs of a fight, they would face problems far worse than a few bruises.