In Love With An Idiot

Chapter 8

Jian Suiying went home for dinner on Friday evening and ended up falling out with his father yet again.

 

That was why he never wanted to go back. Every time he did, he had to sit there watching the happy family of three, with their loving mother, dutiful son and perfect harmony. The sight alone was enough to make him lose his appetite. Yet his father insisted on dragging him home at least once a month. Jian Suiying reckoned it was probably because he was afraid of people gossiping that he neglected the son from his first marriage. Given the choice, Jian Suiying would have preferred to be neglected. It would have saved him a world of trouble.

 

Dinner itself had gone well enough. They had chatted about a lot of inconsequential things. Afterwards, however, his father called him into the study and started asking question after question about his recent investments.

 

The old man held a substantial stake in his company. If he wanted to know about anything happening there, large or small, there was very little Jian Suiying could keep from him.

 

His father thought he had diverted too much of the company's capital into other ventures. Property development and distressed debt were both investments with long wait times before any return, and there was a risk of cash flow disruption. Jian Suiying, on the other hand, believed he had everything under control. He had been in business for years; he was hardly stupid enough to make a mistake like that.

 

They disagreed, their voices rose, and before long they were shouting at each other. Naturally, the discussion ended badly.

 

Jian Suiying came downstairs seething. Not looking where he was going, he kicked a large porcelain vase at the foot of the stairs.

 

He remembered there had been no such thing there the last time he visited. Furious, he kicked it over. Fortunately, the thick carpet cushioned its fall, and the vase survived unharmed.

 

He looked around at everyone staring at him and snapped, “Who put this bloody thing here? Are you blind?”

 

The two servants exchanged glances, neither daring to answer.

 

Jian Suilin's and his mother's expressions changed at once.

 

One look told Jian Suiying that the vase was exactly the sort of thing Zhao Yan would choose. He sneered.

 

“Just because you live here, you think it's your house? You'd better remember whose name is on the deeds and whether any of it belongs to you. Stop putting rubbish in someone else's home. If I see anything like this again, I'll chuck it straight out.”

 

Without another glance at Zhao Yan or Jian Suilin, he strode out with his head held high.

 

Zhao Yan was trembling all over. Her face was frighteningly pale, her eyes filled with resentment and indignation. Jian Suilin put an arm around her shoulders and gently shook her. His gaze settled on the porcelain vase lying awkwardly on the floor, and his eyes darkened until they seemed bottomless.

 

On the drive back, Jian Suiying's speed was noticeably less steady than usual. Only after he had driven three or four kilometres did he begin to emerge from his foul mood. Realising that driving like this wasn't safe, he pulled over, lowered the window and smoked a cigarette.

 

Once he had stopped, he suddenly couldn't be bothered to move again. He took out his mobile, stared at the screen for ages, then sent Li Yu a text.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

A little while later, a reply came.

 

“On the internet.”

 

“Doing what on the internet?”

 

“Watching a film.”

 

Those few short, meaningless exchanges unexpectedly calmed Jian Suiying. He thought of Li Yu's jade-white face and the long, nimble fingers that had tied his tie. A little flame seemed to flicker in his chest, warming him pleasantly.

 

He forwarded Li Yu a link by email, then told him to have a look because it was funny.

 

The video had an exceptionally innocent-sounding title. But knowing the sort of person Jian Suiying was, Li Yu doubted it could be anything decent. He turned down the speakers before opening it.

 

Li Yu knew Jian Suiying was back to his usual foul-mouthed tricks.

 

Jian Suiying started his car again, ready to go home. He had barely driven any distance when Li Yu called. At first he didn't want to answer, but in the end he couldn't resist. After all, Li Yu so rarely called him of his own accord.

 

“Hello.” His tone was unfriendly.

 

“What was the point of sending me that?” Li Yu asked.

 

“Broadening your horizons.”

 

Li Yu snorted. “What have you been avoiding me for these past couple of days? Scared?”

 

“Fuck off,” Jian Suiying swore. “Me, scared of you? Li Er, aren't you afraid saying that will knock years off your life?”

 

Li Yu couldn't be bothered arguing. “I've got one of the documents you wanted me to obtain for the Qinhuangdao project. I'll fax it to you tomorrow.”

 

“I don't accept faxes. Bring it over yourself.”

 

“Since when have you not accepted faxes?”

 

“Since I decided just now.” As they talked, the corners of Jian Suiying's mouth unconsciously began to lift.

 

Li Yu sighed. “I've got classes tomorrow and training afterwards.”

 

“Don't you know how to skip a class?”

 

“Fine,” Li Yu said helplessly. “I'll come over around lunchtime.”

 

The next morning, instead of going straight to work, Jian Suiying drove to the hairdresser's for a trim.

 

He had never gone in so early before, which meant the manager who usually did his hair wasn't there. He couldn't wait for him to arrive; for all he knew, Li Yu might already be at the office. He noticed a new boy working in the salon who was particularly pretty, so he called him over to cut his hair.

 

The boy was probably an apprentice. He had a lovely face but clumsy technique. Jian Suiying wasn't paying much attention to his haircut anyway. He kept looking the boy up and down in the mirror and couldn't resist chatting to him.

 

When the haircut was finished, Jian Suiying stared in disbelief. Who the fuck was that idiot in the mirror with the ridiculous hair?

 

Young Master Jian lost his temper on the spot and gave the boy a good telling-off. Everyone in the salon knew he wasn't someone they could afford to offend. A whole line of employees stood apologising to him, and the poor boy looked ready to cry.

 

At that moment, the manager arrived. One look at Jian Suiying's head and his face turned green. He coaxed Jian Suiying back into the chair and set about fixing it himself. But men's hair was only a few centimetres long to begin with, and there was very little to work with. Finally, Jian Suiying gritted his teeth.

 

“Just cut it short. Give me a crew cut.”

 

After considering it, the manager had to admit that was the only solution.

 

Jian Suiying watched his formerly stylish hair disappear, feeling furious and bitterly regretful. His expression could hardly have been uglier.

 

Luckily, he was naturally handsome. Even with a crew cut, he still looked striking.

 

The boy was still apologising with tears in his eyes when Jian Suiying stood to leave. Jian Suiying gave him another look, decided that face was rather appetising after all, and couldn't be bothered making any more of it.

 

As the manager, Vince, saw him to the door, Jian Suiying asked, “That boy's new, is he?”

 

Vince had known him for seven or eight years at least and was quite well known in Beijing's fashion circles. He had a wide social network and had introduced Jian Suiying to several of his lovers. One glance was enough for him to guess what Jian Suiying was thinking.

 

“He's new. Otherwise, even if you'd asked for him by name, we wouldn't have dared let him touch your hair. He's certainly good-looking, but I don't know much about him. Shall I make some enquiries for you, Young Master Jian?”

 

Jian Suiying nodded casually. “Yeah. If he's willing, he can stay with me for a couple of months.”

 

“No problem. I'll let you know. Take care, Young Master Jian.”

 

He had only wanted a trim and a change of style, ideally something that would make Li Yu stop in his tracks when he saw him. Instead, first thing in the morning, he had run into this bloody disaster and nearly ended up bald.

 

The slightly astonished looks his subordinates gave him when he arrived at the office only made him feel more like an utter idiot. He spent ages sulking alone in his office and decided to blame the whole miserable morning on Li Yu. When that brat arrived, he was going to give him a proper hard time. Otherwise, he couldn't bear the thought that he had done something so stupid because of him.

 

Li Yu didn't appear until it was almost lunchtime. He was wearing sports clothes. The moment he stepped into the office and saw Jian Suiying's hair, he burst out laughing.

 

Jian Suiying nearly overturned his desk in fury. “What's so funny? Not everyone can pull off a hairstyle like this, you know.”

 

Li Yu didn't dare tell him that he wasn't pulling it off particularly well either, so he struggled to suppress his smile.

 

That only made Jian Suiying angrier. He had been wondering how to pick a fight, and one glance at Li Yu's clothes gave him his opportunity. He pointed at him.

 

“How many times have I told you not to come into my company dressed like that? Are you trying to embarrass me?”

 

Li Yu tossed the documents onto the desk and looked down at his clothes. “I told you I've got training this afternoon. You insisted I come. I've got to leave straight away or I won't even have time to get back and change, so of course I'm wearing this.”

 

“You're only going to punch a sandbag. What's the big deal if you're a bit late?”

 

“My coach is strict. And it's not just about being late; it's about attitude.” Li Yu glanced at him. “You insisted I bring these here, so hurry up and read them. Tell me if you've got any comments. Then I need to go.”

 

Jian Suiying grew even more irritated. “Do I have to beg you to come to the office now? Look at that miserable face. Training matters, but work doesn't? How much do you even earn from a boxing match? You've got your priorities all wrong.”

 

Li Yu genuinely felt it was impossible to communicate with him. Jian Suiying was the sort of man who had to be handled exactly the way he wanted. It was perfectly normal for him to disagree with you, but if you dared disagree with him, you would get a tongue-lashing at best and a kicking at worst. Li Yu really wanted to know who had spoiled him into developing such a dreadful temper, and how on earth he had survived this long.

 

Seeing Li Yu remain silent, Jian Suiying was a little disappointed. He leaned back in his chair and began slowly leafing through the papers, spending ages on each A4 sheet.

 

At last Li Yu lost patience. “Could you hurry up?”

 

That was exactly the reaction Jian Suiying had been hoping for. When Li Yu ignored him, he had nothing to work with; as soon as the boy responded, he perked up.

 

“This thing you've written is as clear as mud. I'd like to hurry up, but I have to understand it first, don't I?”

 

Li Yu clicked his tongue. “Then take your time. We can discuss it over the phone later. I really have to go.”

 

“You stay right there. You leave when I tell you to leave. Haven't you got any manners?”

 

Li Yu finally understood that Jian Suiying was deliberately making trouble for him. He couldn't even work out what he had done to offend the man this time.

 

At last, Jian Suiying finished turning the few thin pages and slapped them onto the desk.

 

“Do it again.”

 

Li Yu had seen that coming. He raised his eyebrows, picked up the documents and prepared to leave.

 

Jian Suiying stood as well. “Oi. Did I say you could go?”

 

Li Yu paused, then abruptly turned back. Before Jian Suiying could recover from his surprise, Li Yu came around the desk.

 

Jian Suiying's breathing was unsteady as he looked at him in disbelief.

 

Li Yu smiled. “You made me come all this way because you wanted this, didn't you?”

 

Jian Suiying fixed him with his glass-bright eyes and smiled too. “You've finally caught on.”

 

Just as the tension between them was mounting, someone knocked at the door.

 

“Who is it?” Jian Suiying barked.

 

Secretary Liang's voice came from outside. “Mr Jian, your cousin's here again.”

 

At the mention of his cousin, Jian Suiying's excitement vanished. He reluctantly let go of Li Yu.

 

“Go on. Sit over there.”

 

A moment later, Secretary Liang opened the door.

 

Jian Suilin entered first. Behind him trailed a miserable-looking young man with a bruised, battered face: Jian Suiying's useless cousin, Bai Xinyu. Jian Suiying felt a surge of satisfaction. Whoever had beaten the lad had done something he had wanted to do for ages. If he found out who it was, he'd give them a fat red envelope.

 

Bai Xinyu came in looking utterly wretched and timidly called, “Ge.”

 

Jian Suiying gave him a look of bitter disappointment. “Whenever you come looking for me, it's almost never good news. Well? Spit it out.”

 

Bai Xinyu hesitated and glanced at Li Yu.

 

Jian Suiying looked at Li Yu too. He decided to spare his cousin, who was already in his twenties, a little dignity.

 

“You can head back now,” he told Li Yu.

 

Li Yu rose and exchanged a look with Jian Suilin, who nodded to him.

 

Only after Li Yu had gone did Bai Xinyu stammer out his story. As he spoke, he kept watching Jian Suiying's face, ready to make a run for it if his cousin suddenly leapt up.

 

The more Jian Suiying heard, the darker his expression became. He was so furious that his fists clenched until his knuckles cracked.

 

It turned out the idiot had lost more than three million yuan betting on football. His father, Jian Suiying's uncle by marriage, had beaten him soundly and declared that this time he could fend for himself. Jian Suiying's aunt was soft-hearted, but her husband was still furious and wouldn't listen to her. She had no choice but to send Bai Xinyu to beg her nephew for help.

 

His aunt and uncle had worried themselves sick over that son.

 

No wonder Jian Suiying thought so little of him. He couldn't earn a penny himself and only knew how to spend money. His aunt had a weak heart; even if the boy didn't worry her to death, he'd make her ill.

 

Jian Suiying slammed his palm onto the desk. “If even your own father won't help you, why the fuck have you come to me? You've brought this on yourself!”

 

Bai Xinyu looked ready to burst into tears. “Ge, please help me. I swear this is the last time. I'll never do it again. Could you talk to my dad? Or perhaps lend me a little money first…”

 

“Bullshit! The day an idiot like you genuinely changes his ways, the sun will rise in the west. You…” Jian Suiying was shaking with anger, almost too furious to get the words out.

 

Of all his mother's siblings, she had been closest to this aunt. After his mother's death, his aunt had looked after him a great deal. To Jian Suiying, she was almost a second mother. She was such a gentle, kind and educated woman. The stupidest thing she had ever done was spoil her only son until he became completely useless.

 

Bai Xinyu sniffled, his eyes reddening. “Ge, please save me. If you don't help, those people will beat me to death. I really won't dare do it again.”

 

“Save you? You'd be better off dead right now! Auntie and Uncle work themselves to the bone for their money, and you just piss it away!”

 

Bai Xinyu began sobbing. “Ge, please help me. I want to earn money properly too.”

 

Jian Suiying was so angry that he couldn't even be bothered hitting him. When they were children, he had often helped his aunt and uncle discipline Bai Xinyu. The boy had been so thoroughly spoiled that he wasn't afraid of his own parents. The only person he feared was Jian Suiying, who might give him a beating at any moment.

 

Consequently, now that Bai Xinyu was grown up and his parents couldn't manage him, they still had to turn to Jian Suiying.

 

Looking at his hopeless cousin gave Jian Suiying a headache. He suspected the reason he had eventually become a little kinder to Jian Suilin was that Bai Xinyu made such a useful comparison. Beside him, Xiao Linzi didn't seem quite so hateful.

 

Thinking of Xiao Linzi, he asked, “Why did you come with him?”

 

Jian Suilin replied, “I ran into him at the company.”

 

Jian Suiying looked at Bai Xinyu. “Xiao Linzi, you go out too.”

 

Bai Xinyu lifted his head in alarm and looked at Jian Suilin. He was afraid that the moment Xiao Linzi left, Jian Suiying would beat him.

 

Naturally, Jian Suilin wasn't about to offend his older brother for Bai Xinyu's sake. He left at once, giving Bai Xinyu's shoulder a pat on the way out.

 

Jian Suiying stood and approached him, step by step.

 

Bai Xinyu sprang off the sofa in fright.

 

In one swift movement, Jian Suiying lunged forward, seized his cousin by the collar and pinned him against the wall. His stern gaze cut into Bai Xinyu like a knife.

 

“Ge! Ge!” Bai Xinyu begged in terror.

 

Jian Suiying gripped his chin. “Listen carefully, Bai Xinyu. You ought to thank heaven you were born into a decent family. If it weren't for Auntie, I wouldn't lift a finger for you. I don't care whether you genuinely mean it or you're just telling me what I want to hear: this is the last time you're allowed to pull this sort of shit. If it happens again, I'll leave you to your fate. Even if someone flays you alive, I won't interfere. Do you understand?”

 

Bai Xinyu trembled like a sieve and stared at him through tear-filled eyes.

 

Jian Suiying released him. “Now get out.”

 

“Ge, what are you going to…”

 

“I'll speak to your father.”

 

“But I don't think Dad has any money…”

 

Jian Suiying shot him a fierce glare. “Whose fault is it that your dad has no money? You expect me to pay out of my own pocket for you?”

 

Bai Xinyu immediately fell silent.

 

“Get out.”

 

He didn't dare stay another second and hurried away.

 

Jian Suiying was so furious that he paced the office several times before his breathing finally settled.

 

If he hadn't helped his aunt and uncle invest in businesses over the past few years, their money would never have been enough to keep up with that spendthrift.

 

On both his father's and his mother's sides of the family, he was the oldest and most successful of his generation. Whenever the elders were raising younger family members, they inevitably held him up as an example. And whenever something went wrong, they inevitably turned to him for help.

 

By nature he had very little patience and couldn't be bothered worrying about other people's lives. But he had been raised from childhood to become the future head of the family. Although he was rebellious in many of his actions and ideas, he possessed an unexpectedly strong sense of family pride and responsibility, including the duty to continue the family line.

 

That was why, however much he despised Bai Xinyu, he would never truly abandon him. And however much he hated Zhao Yan, he would still make sure Jian Suilin was properly trained. To him, blood ties mattered. Behind closed doors, he could scold or beat his own family as much as he liked, but he would never let outsiders bully them.

 

Eventually, Jian Suiying sat on the sofa, smoking and staring into space. He even forgot to eat lunch.

 

As Bai Xinyu trudged out of the company looking as though he had lost both his parents, someone called to him from behind.

 

He turned and saw Jian Suilin.

 

Jian Suilin came over with a gentle smile. “Brother Yu, are you all right?”

 

Bai Xinyu nodded and sighed. He felt rather embarrassed and didn't want to say much.

 

Jian Suilin put a hand on his shoulder. “You must be hungry, Brother Yu. Come on. Let me treat you to lunch, and we can have a proper chat.”

 

Bai Xinyu looked at him blankly. Full of confusion, he let Jian Suilin half-guide, half-push him away.

 

By the time Jian Suiying got home after his exhausting day, it was past eight in the evening.

 

When he had visited his aunt and uncle that afternoon, he had been struck by how much older they looked, even though it had only been two months since he'd last seen them. The sight had left him feeling thoroughly miserable.

 

God knew where Bai Xinyu had gone to fool about. Even at that hour, he hadn't come home for dinner, so Jian Suiying had ended up eating with his aunt and uncle instead. Thinking about his useless cousin, he bitterly reflected that if Bai Xinyu weren't family, he'd be the first to beat him senseless.

 

He collapsed sideways onto the sofa to rest, and before long his thoughts drifted back to Li Yu. He took out his mobile and called him. It rang for ages before Li Yu answered, breathless.

 

“What are you doing?” Jian Suiying asked. “Still training?”

 

“Mm. Haven't finished yet.” Li Yu panted. “What's up?”

 

“Where are you?”

 

“Why? Thinking of coming over?”

 

“Thought I'd come and watch the fun. I've never seen anyone boxing in person.”

 

“We'll probably have finished by the time you get here.”

 

“Just tell me where you are. I'm on my way.”

 

Li Yu gave him an address. Jian Suiying immediately perked up, grabbed his coat and headed out. The thought of seeing Li Yu again made him feel energised.

 

It was past nine when Jian Suiying reached the training gym. As expected, almost everyone had already left. Only Li Yu remained, talking to another man.

 

Neither of them noticed him at first. Jian Suiying stood in the doorway, his gaze roaming over Li Yu's sweat-drenched body. Li Yu wore a charcoal-grey vest and dark navy shorts. Several damp strands of hair clung to his face, his boxing gloves lay discarded at his feet, and he was flexing his fingers as he spoke.

 

His clothes were completely soaked through. His build wasn't as bulky as Jian Suiying had once imagined a boxer's would be. Because he was tall and slender, the muscles over his entire body were beautifully proportioned. His chest was firm without being exaggerated, his waist tapered just right, and his strong, long legs were impossibly straight and attractive. Whether dressed, undressed or wearing practically anything, he looked as sharp as a model.

 

Jian Suiying had been standing there for a good half-minute when a cleaner noticed him.

 

“Can I help you?”

 

“Oh, I'm waiting for someone.”

 

They hadn't spoken loudly, but the training hall was so spacious and quiet that their voices carried straight to Li Yu. He turned and saw Jian Suiying leaning against the doorframe, hands in his pockets, regarding him with a faint, teasing smile.

 

Li Yu nodded to him, then turned back to the other man.

 

The man glanced at Jian Suiying as well. “Friend of yours?”

 

“Mm.”

 

“All right, then. We'll leave it there. It's getting late.”

 

Jian Suiying came over, exchanged a nod with the man by way of greeting and watched him leave.

 

“Who was that?” he asked.

 

“My coach.”

 

“He's that young?”

 

“In his thirties, I think…” Li Yu wiped his face with a towel and looked at Jian Suiying. “I told you we'd be finished by the time you arrived. If I hadn't been waiting for you, my coach wouldn't have kept me back for an extra lecture.”

 

The corners of Jian Suiying's mouth curled. He narrowed his eyes slightly and studied Li Yu's face. When their gazes met, an intimate, heated atmosphere seemed to rise between them.

 

Jian Suiying had never felt anything quite like it. Merely making eye contact with someone was enough to speed up his heartbeat, dry his mouth and set all the blood in his body racing.

 

The cleaner called from the doorway, “If you're the last to leave, remember to lock up!”

 

Li Yu kept his eyes on Jian Suiying. “All right.”

 

The gym fell so silent that even a pin dropping would have been audible.

 

Jian Suiying reached out and playfully hooked a finger beneath the strap of Li Yu's vest. “Go and have a shower. You're covered in smelly sweat.”

 

It sounded exactly like the intimate complaint of a lover. Li Yu's heart gave a little jolt, and his hand unconsciously tightened around the towel.

 

He found it difficult to meet Jian Suiying's especially seductive gaze.

 

He nodded slightly and turned towards the changing room.

 

Jian Suiying followed him.

 

Li Yu took hold of the door handle, then stopped.

 

Jian Suiying tilted his head, waiting for him to open it.

 

Li Yu slowly turned the handle. Then he spun round, seized Jian Suiying's arm and hauled him inside.

 

Jian Suiying would have been quite happy to shower with him. He only wished Li Yu might at least let him take his clothes off first. He'd bought the outfit the previous day and had barely worn it; it wasn't supposed to be washed in water.

 

Li Yu clearly wasn't concerned with details like that. He dragged him straight into the shower cubicle and turned on the water with a rush.

 

…

 

Li Yu saw Jian Suiying into his car first, then said, “You go ahead.”

 

Jian Suiying looked thoroughly relaxed. He still had an arm draped around Li Yu's neck. “Get in.”

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“My place. You've got tomorrow off. Stay with me for a couple of days.” It was an order, not a suggestion. “Get in.”

 

Li Yu lowered his head and thought for a moment, then went round to the passenger side and climbed in.

 

Jian Suiying drove him back to his home.

 

It wasn't Li Yu's first visit, but this time he felt very differently about being there.

 

The moment they came inside, Jian Suiying collapsed onto the sofa and pointed towards the kitchen. “I think there's some food in the fridge. Make us something. I'm starving.”

 

Li Yu looked at Jian Suiying, who lay on the sofa as limp as a noodle, and couldn't help smiling.

 

He quickly cooked some noodles and brought them out, calling Jian Suiying to eat. After getting no response twice, he came closer and realised the man had fallen asleep.

 

He set the food on the coffee table and gave Jian Suiying's backside a pat. “Wake up. Weren't you the one who wanted food?”

 

Jian Suiying opened his eyes lazily. “Can't. Too sleepy…”

 

Li Yu pulled his upper body upright and sat beside him. “Come on. Eat.”

 

Jian Suiying wound his arms around Li Yu's neck, nipped his chin and asked hoarsely, “Will you feed me?”

 

Li Yu laughed. “Sit up properly first.”

 

Jian Suiying actually sat up, but when Li Yu was about to feed him, he couldn't stand the embarrassment himself. He promptly returned to normal, picked up the bowl and started eating.

 

He hadn't eaten lunch or dinner. Within a few mouthfuls, he had demolished everything.

 

“You know, Xiao Lizi, you're not bad at cooking. Had practice?”

 

“I rented a place on my own when I was in secondary school.”

 

Jian Suiying put down his bowl and pinched Li Yu's cheek.

 

Li Yu gave a derisive little laugh, ignored him and carried on eating.

 

Li Yu also cleared up afterwards. Jian Suiying was curled up on the sofa with his laptop, chuckling at something on the screen. When Li Yu finished tidying and came over to look, he discovered Jian Suiying was browsing an online forum.

 

“What are you looking at?”

 

“Some posts. They're pretty funny…” Jian Suiying glanced at Li Yu and suddenly gave him a wicked grin. “Fancy watching some videos? I've got quite a collection.”

 

Li Yu pressed his lips together in a smile. “You wish.”

 

Jian Suiying wasn't particularly pleased with that answer.

 

He felt utterly put out, tossed the laptop aside and decided to go to his bedroom to sleep.

 

After he lay down, Li Yu followed him in, slipped straight beneath the duvet and wrapped his arms around him from behind. He rubbed his chin against Jian Suiying's neck without saying anything, just nuzzling him over and over. Eventually, Jian Suiying started laughing. Li Yu's puppy-like way of coaxing him wasn't particularly sophisticated, but it made sweetness spread right through his heart.

 

Jian Suiying turned to face him. The longer he gazed at Li Yu's beautiful face, the more he adored it, until he felt he could swallow the boy whole.

 

By the time he woke up on Monday morning and had to go to work, Jian Suiying felt as though he had been dreaming. It was the sort of dream that made him blush merely to think about, yet one he could savour endlessly.

 

A cold front swept in, and Beijing's temperature dropped sharply. It never really warmed up again after that; winter had officially arrived. But while the weather grew colder, the relationship between Jian Suiying and Li Yu gradually grew warmer.

 

The novelty still hadn't worn off, so they made sure to see each other once or twice a week at the very least. Sometimes they spent an entire weekend together, unable to leave each other's side.

 

Jian Suiying also introduced Li Yu to quite a few people in his circle.

 

Gradually, several of Jian Suiying's close friends picked up on the intimacy between them. But all sorts of strange things happened in their social circle. If even Jian Suiying was going out of his way to conceal something, it meant he didn't want anyone to know. Anyone with the slightest sense, unless they were determined to offend him, would keep their mouth shut instead of gossiping. Li Yu was relieved by that.

 

Of course, the differences in their personalities hadn't gone anywhere, and they still quarrelled every few days. Only after spending so much time with Jian Suiying could Li Yu truly appreciate how difficult the man was to please. Fortunately, although Li Yu was young, he had a steady temperament and knew how to make allowances for other people. Jian Suiying was incapable of that. Whenever something didn't go his way, he had to pick a fight with Li Yu.

 

If you overlooked his dreadful temper, however, Jian Suiying was actually a decent person, and he treated Li Yu extraordinarily well. Little presents every few days were a given. More than once, he had bought late-night food at one or two in the morning and delivered it to Li Yu's university. Sometimes he would go to watch Li Yu train after work and sit there for three or four hours, waiting until they could go out to eat together. He even brought him fresh, dry clothes. When Jian Suiying wanted to treat someone well, he did it properly. He could be thoughtful, gentle, romantic and effortlessly charming.

 

But when he set out to make someone angry, he could drive them to distraction without the slightest remorse. There was nothing too nasty for him to say. Once, because Li Yu had spent ten minutes talking to a female classmate, Jian Suiying had actually soaked his mobile in 84 disinfectant, without feeling the least bit guilty. His many contradictory qualities sometimes left Li Yu unsure whether to laugh or cry.

 

And so they carried on, stumbling through their ups and downs. In the blink of an eye, almost half a year had passed.

 

Chinese New Year was only a few days away, and the company was unimaginably busy. Jian Suiying planned to launch sales of a newly developed residential complex during the holiday period, and everyone in the company was making extensive preparations.

 

Li Yu and Jian Suilin were both on their university holidays and had come to help at the company. Yet Jian Suiying was so busy that, even though he saw Li Yu every day, he didn't have a moment to spare for so much as a flirtatious glance.

 

When he had first developed this property, he had encountered a few obstacles and needed several people's help to get around them. With the launch approaching, he had set aside four flats to give to those people. He put Jian Suilin in charge of arranging the gifts and then promptly forgot about the matter. He never imagined those four flats would eventually cause trouble.

 

As the end of the year drew closer, Jian Suiying only grew busier. Besides the company's business, the season of exchanging favours and gifts in professional and social circles had begun in earnest. His phone seemed to ring every few minutes.

 

When he saw Jian Suilin's name on the screen, he didn't even feel like answering. It wasn't until Jian Suilin sent him a text saying ‘Urgent’ that he took the call.

 

His younger brother sounded very unlike himself, rather timid as he said, “Ge, I've run into a bit of a problem…”

 

Jian Suiying answered wearily, “What sort of problem? You're a grown man. Don't get all worked up every time something happens.”

 

“You know those flats you asked me to give to those people? Brother Yu found out about them.”

 

“Who? Bai Xinyu? How the hell did he find out?”

 

“Because of that piece of land, I've been seeing him quite a lot recently. He invited me to lunch today. While I was in the toilet, he went through the document folder I'd left on the table… I didn't know he'd look through my things without permission. When I came back, he asked whether the property documents were for flats we intended to give away.”

 

“Fuck. And you told him?”

 

“No, I didn't tell him, but somehow he…”

 

Jian Suiying snorted. “That idiot's useless at everything else, but he's got a nose for this sort of thing. And you! How could you leave documents like that lying around? If you can't even handle something this simple, what bloody use are you?”

 

“I'm sorry, Ge.”

 

Jian Suiying sighed. “The more people know, the greater the risk, especially with a brainless fool like Bai Xinyu. Did you at least tell him not to spread it around?”

 

“Yes. I told him not to tell anyone. I thought he was family, so surely he wouldn't go gossiping about it. But…”

 

“But what?”

 

“He wants to take over the job himself.”

 

Jian Suiying frowned. “What do you mean?”

 

“Brother Yu said he wants to use the opportunity to make connections with them.”

 

“Fuck. That brat has actually worked out how to offer favours at someone else's expense. That's a major breakthrough for his intelligence. He can't make a living outside the family, so he spends all his time scheming against his relatives.”

 

Jian Suilin asked cautiously, “Ge, what do you think we should do?”

 

“Obviously we can't let him handle it. He'd find a way to make a mess of even the simplest job.”

 

“Then…”

 

“This is a problem you created, so you deal with it. Whatever happens, he doesn't get involved, and you make sure he doesn't go running his mouth outside the family. Something this trivial wouldn't bring our family down, but it pays to be cautious. If something goes wrong with a job you're handling, you're responsible for it. Understood?”

 

“Understood.”

 

“I'm busy and haven't got time to settle accounts with you now. Look after important documents properly from now on. If anything like this happens again, don't bother coming to my company and getting in my way.”

 

“Ge, I'm sorry…”

 

Before Jian Suilin could finish, Jian Suiying hung up.

 

Just thinking about the mountain of work and the endless social obligations gave him a headache. He didn't dwell much on the business with Bai Xinyu. He knew his cousin fairly well. The lad might be idle, greedy and lazy, but he was also rather timid and not particularly malicious. Jian Suiying reckoned that if he found time to call and tell him to keep his mouth shut, everything would be fine.

 

To his surprise, his aunt called two days later. The moment he saw her name on the screen, he could guess what she wanted. Sure enough, she gently pleaded with him to let Bai Xinyu handle the matter of the flats together with Xiao Linzi, so he would have a chance to make the acquaintance of Director Fan.

 

When his aunt called to ask him personally, Jian Suiying simply couldn't refuse. He thought it over and decided that all they had to do was transfer ownership of the flats into the names of those people's relatives. It wasn't especially complicated, so surely there wouldn't be any serious problems. He rang Xiao Linzi and instructed him to supervise the entire process carefully, then left them to it.

 

Not long afterwards, the company closed for the New Year holiday. After working so hard for so long, Jian Suiying could finally catch his breath and enjoy a little rest.

 

One day, Li Yu was curled up on Jian Suiying's sofa reading a book while Jian Suiying lay with his head in Li Yu's lap, playing on his PSP. They chatted idly about company matters, and Jian Suiying mentioned the four flats, complaining a little about Bai Xinyu.

 

Li Yu's hand paused briefly on his book. His expression remained unchanged as he said, “That cousin of yours is a real liability. Even with Suilin keeping an eye on things, I think it's a big risk.”

 

“Oh? Why do you think that?”

 

“Suilin still has to call him an older brother, doesn't he? Even if Bai Xinyu does something wrong or oversteps his boundaries, can Suilin tell him off directly? Of course he can't. I think Suilin is careful enough to handle this well, but now you've brought Bai Xinyu into it, you'll have to take responsibility yourself if anything goes wrong. Don't blame Suilin.”

 

Jian Suiying put down his PSP and rolled his eyes at him. “Fuck, you're making it sound terrifying. They're only transferring property deeds. What could possibly go wrong? Get all the paperwork together, hand it over at the counter, and that's that. Bai Xinyu just wants a chance to suck up to a few people. Besides, do you think he'll prepare all those complicated documents himself? Xiao Linzi will still be doing most of the work.”

 

Li Yu turned a page without lifting his gaze from the printed words. “I also think it probably won't go wrong. You mentioned it, though, so I thought I'd give you my opinion.”

 

Jian Suiying tossed aside the PSP and reached back to put his arms around Li Yu's waist. “What have you been reading so intently all this time? We're finally on holiday. Can't you give your eyes a rest?”

 

Without looking at him, Li Yu replied casually, “And playing games rests your eyes, does it?”

 

Jian Suiying pretended not to hear. He reached up, pushed Li Yu's book out of the way and grinned.

 

“Look at me instead. Give your eyes a rest.”

 

Li Yu finally lowered his head and glanced at him.

 

Li Yu's older brother returned for the New Year as well. Jian Suiying had dinner with him twice. The second time, he also invited the head of the animal-feed company. Using what Xiao Linzi had reported about the plot of land earlier, he had a proper discussion with Li Xuan about how to proceed, intending to keep the arrangement moving.

 

If it worked out, they could acquire more than two hundred mu of land without spending a penny. Jian Suiying felt everything was going smoothly. He wouldn't have to put up any money, he'd be doing a friend a favour, and he'd get a piece of land for free into the bargain.

 

On New Year's Eve, Jian Suiying and Li Yu naturally went back to their respective family homes. Surrounded by a roomful of relatives, Jian Suiying talked until his face felt stiff and drank until he was tipsy. He found the whole thing terribly dull.

 

By now, Jian Suiying was one of the main pillars of the Jian family. Elders and younger relatives alike inevitably wanted to raise a glass with him. However well he could hold his drink, he couldn't withstand one round after another. Eventually he couldn't drink any more, and his calves were trembling when he walked.

 

Jian Suilin had already drunk several glasses on his behalf and was feeling rather unwell himself. Seeing how dazed his brother looked, he leaned close and asked quietly, “Ge, have you had enough? Shall I help you inside?”

 

Jian Suiying hiccupped and hooked an arm around his neck. “In… inside…”

 

Jian Suilin helped him to his feet and explained to the others around the table, “My brother's really had too much to drink. I'll take him inside for a rest.”

 

One of Jian Suiying's older cousins from his father's generation called after them, “Come back out after a little sleep! It's only just past ten!”

 

Jian Suiying waved a hand and staggered away with Xiao Linzi supporting him.

 

Xiao Linzi led him into his own bedroom and lowered him onto the bed.

 

Jian Suiying wasn't so drunk that he couldn't think. “Isn't this your room?”

 

“I was afraid you'd make a mess of your own bed and have nowhere comfortable to sleep tonight.” Jian Suilin pulled out a few tissues and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

 

Jian Suiying closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. Even his chest felt uncomfortable. He knew he'd genuinely drunk too much.

 

In a hazy voice, he said, “That red envelope I gave you tonight… Don't squander it. Find yourself something worthwhile to do. You're not a child any more. You need to start thinking about your future.”

 

“Don't worry, Ge.”

 

“How are things going with those flats?”

 

“Everyone's off for the New Year. We can finish it afterwards. It's not very complicated.”

 

“And that… what's his name… Bai Xinyu. Has he been causing trouble?”

 

“No. He's actually been very enthusiastic.”

 

“Mm. Keep an eye on him… Tell me straight away if anything happens.”

 

“All right.”

 

“You can go out now. I'm going to sleep for a bit.”

 

“I'll stay with you for a while. I don't feel like going back out to drink either.”

 

Jian Suiying didn't try to send him away again. He relaxed his limbs, lay back on the bed and closed his eyes. After an unknown length of time, his breathing became steady. He appeared to have fallen asleep.

 

Jian Suilin got up and went into the bathroom to wash his face and drink some water. Feeling a little more clear-headed, he returned to the bedside and looked at Jian Suiying. He touched his brother's hair. It was slightly damp; he had even worked up a sweat from drinking.

 

It had been a long time since he'd seen his brother sleeping in front of him with his guard so completely down.

 

He called softly, “Ge.”

 

No response.

 

“Ge, are you asleep?”

 

Still no response.

 

Jian Suilin grew bolder.

 

Suddenly, Jian Suiying muttered something in his sleep.

 

Jian Suilin almost stopped breathing. He didn't dare make a sound. In his nervousness, he caught what Jian Suiying was saying.

 

Two syllables. A person's name.

 

Li Yu.

 

The instant he recognised it, Jian Suilin felt his head grow hot and his vision blur. A rush of anger and jealousy flooded his entire body.

 

Half his body was trembling.

 

Li Yu.

 

He was calling Li Yu.

 

Jian Suilin sprang to his feet. He stared at Jian Suiying, fast asleep on his bed, and clenched his fists tightly.