The Missing Piece: 貌合神离

Chapter 2

 

When Shen Mo got up and went to the mirror the next morning, he wasn’t surprised to find a wound at the corner of his mouth. Ji Mingxuan’s bite mark was clearly visible, impossible to hide.

 

If he went to the office with it, there would be gossip flying everywhere. But… that might’ve been exactly what Mr Ji wanted.

 

Shen Mo sighed, cleaned himself up, and went downstairs with the wound on his mouth.

 

Even from afar, he could hear Ji An’an’s laughter. The Ji siblings were chatting happily. As Shen Mo went over to greet them, Ji An’an looked at him. 

 

“Shen-ge...” She trailed off, unable to take her eyes off his lips.

 

“Wait. Shen-ge, what happened to your mouth?”

 

Shen Mo sat down and replied, “It’s nothing. I accidentally injured myself yesterday.”

 

“How could an injury look like that? It looks as if...”

 

“An’an,” Ji Mingxuan knocked on the table and said, “Finish your meal.”

 

Ji An’an looked at Ji Mingxuan first, then at Shen Mo. Suddenly, she came to an understanding, a look of realisation on her face. She laughed a little and said, “Well, well. I’ll finish my breakfast and leave you two alone.”

 

Ji Mingxuan ignored Shen Mo, and Shen Mo didn’t have much to say either. They both just enjoyed their food. It was Ji An’an who livened up the atmosphere at last, saying that she was going to attend a job interview today.

 

Ji Mingxuan suggested, “Why go out and find a job by yourself? Isn’t it better to come to my company and help me?”

 

“I’m not Shen-ge. I don’t want to see you every day. ”

 

As they were chatting, Ji An’an’s phone rang. She turned to the side and answered the phone. The tone with which she spoke sounded sweet: “Yeah, I had breakfast already. Yeah, I’m coming.”

 

Ji Mingxuan said, “Looks like the one you do want to see every day is here to pick you up.”

 

Ji An’an didn’t deny it. She only said, “Enjoy your breakfast,” and left in a hurry.

 

Shen Mo seemed to hear the car moving. He remembered how eager he had also been to meet Zhou Yang when they were dating. 

 

When his attention returned, he found Ji Mingxuan staring at him with a half-smile.

 

“Mr Ji...” Shen Mo felt a little guilty.

 

“Yes.” Ji Mingxuan grabbed Shen Mo’s chin and carefully looked at his face before asking, “Does the cut on your lip still hurt?”

 

Shen Mo immediately replied, “Not really.”

 

Ji Mingxuan then smiled, lowering his head to kiss Shen Mo on the lips. He licked the wound purposely. Feeling a prick of pain, Shen Mo complained, “Mr Ji...”

 

Ji Mingxuan didn’t let go of Shen Mo until he felt satisfied. Righteously, he said, “To sterilise it.”

 

Shen Mo was a little stunned. He could only say, “Thank you.”

 

With a smile as warm as the spring breeze, Ji Mingxuan stood up and said, “It’s time for work. I’ll drive you there.”

 

Shen Mo had been with Ji Mingxuan for three years, yet he still didn’t fully understand Ji Mingxuan’s temper. Ji Mingxuan could be laughing one second and heartless the next. In short, he was mysterious and temperamental. Obedience was the best response.

 

So Shen Mo took Ji Mingxuan’s car to the office. The wound on his mouth caught the attention of many, but his colleagues knew what not to say; at least they didn’t gossip in front of him.

 

A few days later, Shen Mo’s wound disappeared. Ji An’an got a new job as well. It was the weekend, and Ji Mingxuan was busy as usual. Ji An’an knocked on Shen Mo’s bedroom door and asked, “Shen-ge, are you free this afternoon?”

 

“Yes. What is it?”

 

“Zhou Yang’s birthday is coming up in a few days. I want to buy him a present. Can you come shopping with me?”

 

Shen Mo then remembered that Zhou Yang’s birthday was in the winter. He tried not to think of the memories. He had indeed forgotten many. He was still thinking about how to politely turn her down when Ji An’an continued her attempt to persuade him. 

 

“Every year I have trouble deciding on a present. You were classmates with Zhou Yang, so you should be able to give me some ideas.”

 

Shen Mo forced a smile. “I’m not too familiar with Zhou Yang.”

 

“It’s okay. You can carry my things for me.”

 

Shen Mo didn’t know how to reject other people. And with Ji An’an’s persistent nagging, he finally agreed to go out with her.

 

Ji An’an went directly to the department store. Shen Mo did her the favour of carrying the things she brought. For the first time, he realised how troublesome shopping with a woman could be. They spent hours in the men’s department. Shen Mo tried on so many clothes that even his hands grew sore. 

 

Later, Ji An’an found a pair of cufflinks, but she hesitated between two styles. Shen Mo suggested that she buy them both.

 

Ji An’an thought for a while and agreed, “Sounds great. We can give the other one to my brother.”

 

She was satisfied with the presents she had bought. Noticing that it was late already, she suggested having dinner at a restaurant nearby, “Brother recommended it to me. I heard the signature dishes there are quite good.”

 

Shen Mo was extremely tired. All he wanted was to sit down and rest for a bit, so he naturally accepted her suggestion.

 

The restaurant wasn’t far from here, so they went there on foot. But when they arrived, they were told that they had to make a reservation. Ji An’an could only bring up Ji Mingxuan’s name. 

 

Coincidentally, several new customers came in. Looking up, Shen Mo saw Ji Mingxuan. Ji An’an was very surprised. 

 

“Brother, you’re also having dinner here?”

 

Ji Mingxuan was also surprised for an instant. He asked, “Why are you here?”

 

Ji An’an grabbed Shen Mo’s arm. “You’re always so busy with work. I had to ask Shen-ge to come with me.” She added, “We didn’t make a reservation.”

 

Ji Mingxuan stroked her hair and smiled. 

 

“Don’t worry. I won’t let you leave hungry.”

 

Then he turned back and asked the person next to him, “You don’t mind eating together, do you?”

 

The man next to him was an attractive actor called Zhao Yi. He seemed quite popular these days, frequently appearing at various events. 

 

Having watched several of the TV shows he starred in, Shen Mo thought he looked even more charming in real life than he did on TV. Zhao Yi smiled with impeccable elegance. “Of course not.”

 

Ji Mingxuan had already made a reservation. The private room he’d booked was large enough for four people to sit inside.

 

After taking a seat, Zhao Yi looked at Ji An’an and Shen Mo. 

 

“Mr Ji, aren’t you going to introduce us to one another?”

 

Ji Mingxuan pointed at Ji An’an. “My sister.”

 

Yet he didn’t introduce Shen Mo.

 

“Oh, so it’s Miss Ji.” Zhao Yi still didn’t know who Shen Mo was, so he guessed, “Is this Miss Ji’s boyfriend?”

 

Ji An’an chuckled when she heard him.

 

“Wrong.” Ji Mingxuan turned to the menu and slowly answered, “This is the future, Mrs Ji.”

 

Zhao Yi’s smile froze on his face. Even Ji An’an almost choked on her tea. However, Zhao Yi had been in the entertainment industry for years. He got over it in no time. “Mr Ji, you have a great sense of humour.”

 

Ji Mingxuan didn’t deny it; instead, he tossed the menu on the table. “Order something.”

 

It was the first time that Ji An’an and Shen Mo had been to this restaurant. Zhao Yi ordered several dishes before asking about their preferences, “Their signature dish is a must-have... Miss Ji, how is your spice tolerance?”

 

He was smooth and agreeable. Shen Mo felt like he was quite far behind Zhao Yi in this regard. He chose to drink his tea at the side.

 

Ji Mingxuan’s joke had startled the others just now, but he was the calmest person among them. 

 

Three years ago, after Shen Mo had recovered and left the hospital, he once signed a contract with Ji Mingxuan. Everything was perfunctory, of course. Even the rings on their fingers were bought by Ji Mingxuan’s secretary on short notice.

 

At the time, Shen Mo was in a sort of trance. Everything seemed like a dream; nothing felt real to him. He even felt it was a good thing that Zhou Yang wasn’t a fickle playboy. Otherwise, just how many times would Ji Mingxuan have to marry, all for the sake of his sister?

 

This restaurant served the dishes quickly, and the food tasted delicious, especially the signature dish, the golden-roasted suckling pig. It looked scorched on the surface but was tender inside, crisp and far from greasy. Once Ji An’an had a taste, she couldn’t help but praise the dish. 

 

Upon hearing that Zhao Yi was an actor, she grew curious and couldn’t help asking him about the entertainment industry’s gossip. Zhao Yi was also talkative; even when it came to boring, trivial matters, he could describe them vividly and in exciting ways, making Ji An’an laugh.

 

Ji Mingxuan could only ask her during a break in their conversation, “An’an, how did shopping go today?”

 

Ji An’an said, “Thanks to Shen-ge’s help, I’ve already bought Zhou Yang a present.”

 

Ji Mingxuan glanced at Shen Mo and said, “I see. A present for Zhou Yang.”

 

Ji An’an immediately took out the pair of cufflinks she bought. “And here’s one for you.”

 

She added, “Shen-ge picked it.”

 

Shen Mo wanted to explain, but Ji Mingxuan had already unwrapped the cufflinks in silence and put them on at once.

 

Zhao Yi gave his praise, “Mr Shen has good taste.”

 

Ji Mingxuan smiled. “Not bad.”

 

This meal was quite enjoyable. Sometime during their dinner, Ji An’an went to the toilets while Ji Mingxuan went out to answer a call. Only Shen Mo and Zhao Yi were left in the room.

 

Zhao Yi asked, “Was the food today not to your taste? You didn’t eat much, Mr Shen.”

 

“Not at all. I don’t eat a lot.”

 

Zhao Yi looked at Shen Mo’s left hand and said, “It looks like the one on Mr Ji’s finger.”

 

Not knowing whether he should deny it or not, Shen Mo just nodded vaguely. The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat suffocating. Zhao Yi poured some water into his own cup before suddenly asking, “Do you live in Jinxiu Villa, Mr Shen?”

 

Jinxiu Villa was located at a prime location in H City. The houses there were shockingly expensive. Shen Mo didn’t have much in savings, so of course he couldn’t afford to live there. Furthermore, he had been living in Ji Mingxuan’s house for three years. 

 

There was nothing to hide, so Shen Mo answered honestly, “No.”

 

Zhao Yi smiled immediately. He was born with good looks, and with a smile like this, he looked even more charming. The whole room seemed to light up.

 

Shen Mo was curious. “Why do you ask, Mr Zhao?”

 

“It’s nothing.” Zhao Yi blinked once. “I mistook you for someone else.”

 

Zhao Yi stopped and didn’t continue the subject. It took a while for Shen Mo to realise that Ji Mingxuan also had a house in Jinxiu Villa and that the person living there must be Zhao Yi’s true love rival. As for Shen Mo, after seeing him, Zhao Yi probably thought that he wasn’t even qualified to be his rival.

 

The room temperature was on the high side. It felt a little stuffy to Shen Mo. Soon, Ji An’an came back from the toilets, and Ji Mingxuan also finished his call. Paying the bill, he said, “It’s late. Let’s go home.”

 

The car park was rather far from here. It was cold and windy at night. As Shen Mo stood by the road, waiting for the driver to come, the wind reddened his ears. Ji Mingxuan happened to be standing right next to him. Naturally, he took one of Shen Mo’s hands and put it into his coat pocket, along with his own. Shen Mo felt a little uncomfortable. 

 

“Mr Ji. ”

 

Ji Mingxuan replied as if nothing had happened, “Yes? ”

 

“... Nothing.”

 

Shen Mo glanced at Zhao Yi, who was standing at a distance from them. He wondered what Ji Mingxuan was thinking about. Was he too bored and wanted to watch his lovers fight with each other? 

 

Shen Mo approximated his own abilities. He knew he had terrible skills in bed, but he thought he might still win in a fight.

 

Pondering which fist he should throw at Zhao Yi first if they started fighting, he felt Ji Mingxuan squeeze his hand. 

 

Ji Mingxuan asked him, “When is Zhou Yang’s birthday?”

 

Shen Mo’s heart thumped. He replied almost reflexively, “I don’t remember.”

 

Ji Mingxuan nodded and asked, “When is yours?”

 

Of course, Shen Mo knew this one. But after he replied, he didn’t expect Ji Mingxuan to ask him again, “What about mine?”

 

Shen Mo was speechless. He could never have imagined that Ji Mingxuan would quiz him like this. Mr Ji could say his birthday without hesitation, but he didn’t have a good memory.

 

The night was blurry. Ji Mingxuan turned to look at him. The most beautiful evening of this city was reflected in his black eyes.

Shen Mo’s hands were almost sweating.

 

Ji Mingxuan suddenly smiled and let go of his hand. “I knew you wouldn’t remember it.”

 

The driver had already driven the car over. Ji Mingxuan opened the door for Ji An’an and said, “Take care on the road.”

 

“Brother, aren’t you coming home with us?”

 

“I’ll give Zhao Yi a lift.”

 

After Shen Mo got into the car, Ji Mingxuan slammed the door shut and gestured to the driver. The car gradually started moving forward. Shen Mo sat in the back seat, watching Ji Mingxuan’s reflection grow smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror.

 

On their way home, he immediately began to ask Ji An’an indirectly about Ji Mingxuan’s birthday.

 

Ji An’an said, “Brother’s birthday is easy to remember. It’s on the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar. What’s the matter? Shen-ge, are you already thinking about presents?”

 

Shen Mo smiled. He thought that Ji Mingxuan had everything he had and everything he didn’t have. What could he possibly give Ji Mingxuan?

 

Mulling over the question, he fell asleep that night. But even by the second evening, Ji Mingxuan still hadn’t come home. What surprised Shen Mo was Zhao Yi hitting the headlines; a reporter hid in the building where Zhao Yi lived and took a blurry photo.

 

The title was quite eye-catching, but no actual evidence was reported. It only caused a battle between his fans and his antis.

 

Ji An’an looked carefully at the photo before letting out a sigh of relief. “It’s not Brother.”

 

The photo captured only two people from behind at night, with little light; it was impossible to tell whether one of them was Ji Mingxuan. Ji An’an still comforted Shen Mo, though, “Brother must be busy at work. He’s obviously just friends with Zhao Yi.”

 

Shen Mo kept a smile on his face and said, “Of course.”

 

He was so tired of acting. It’d been like this since his childhood. He worked much harder than others, yet he never got first place. Whether in academics, art, or love, even now that he was Ji Mingxuan’s lover, he was still no match for someone else.

 

Although Shen Mo was discouraged, he didn’t give up on himself. He wasn’t as talented as Zhao Yi, so he had to work twice as hard. He sacrificed sleep for downloading gay porn, saving them to a new folder named “Study Materials,” and jotting down notes while watching them.

 

As he was paying attention, his phone suddenly rang. Shen Mo picked it up only to hear a familiar voice. “Shen Mo, it’s me.”

 

Shen Mo, of course, recognised Zhou Yang’s voice. Scrambling to close the video, he held the phone for a moment before asking, “How did you get my phone number?”

 

“An’an told me.”

 

“Oh...” Shen Mo nearly forgot that Ji An’an knew both of them. “Why are you calling me so late?”

 

Zhou Yang hesitated for a while and said, “I heard some rumours... about Ji Mingxuan...”

 

“Is it about Mingxuan and Zhao Yi? I’ve also heard about them. It was just a misunderstanding, though.”

 

“I might know a little more than you do.”

 

“Congratulations. You can sell it to the newspaper.”

 

Zhou Yang kept quiet for a while before saying, “Shen Mo, can we meet?”

 

“I told you I won’t meet you alone.”

 

“If you were happy with Ji Mingxuan, I wouldn’t bother you. But you aren’t. I heard from An’an that you chose to be with him because you wanted to repay him.”

 

Shen Mo was starting to regret telling Ji An’an so much. However, he was an experienced actor, replying without hesitation, “Mingxuan did save me one time. That was how we met. And after that... of course we started dating because we fell in love. Or else, how could two people who don’t feel anything toward each other live together for three years?”

 

Toward the end, Shen Mo almost believed what he was saying. But Zhou Yang insisted, “I want to meet you.”

 

“Would anything change even if we met?”

 

“I...” Zhou Yang’s voice came through the phone, so deep that it sounded somewhat muffled. “I can take you away.”

 

Shen Mo suddenly gripped his phone.

 

Three years ago, he longed to hear those words every day. If only Zhou Yang had been able to say them out loud, Shen Mo would have stayed with him wherever he went, even until the end of the world.

 

Yet, it never happened. Things had changed. Zhou Yang had too many responsibilities and worries. So did he.

 

“You’re the only son of the Zhou family. Your parents won’t let you.”

 

“It doesn’t matter even if they don’t. I didn’t join my father’s company. I want to start my own business.”

 

“What about Miss Ji?”

 

“An’an... I’ll talk to her.”

 

Shen Mo stayed silent.

 

“Xiao-Mo,” Zhou Yang called him the way he had used to, “do you still remember where we had our first date? It was Tianhe Park. We were still in high school back then. We were so silly and went to see plum blossoms in the snow, but we ended up missing our stop on the bus….”

 

Of course Shen Mo remembered. He remembered how happy he had been, babbling the whole way. It was unbelievable that Zhou Yang, whom he’d had a crush on for so long, also liked him back.

 

And now Zhou Yang was speaking right by his ears, “Xiao-Mo, I’ll wait for you at the same place tomorrow. And let’s... start over again. ”

 

Shen Mo suddenly regained his composure. 

 

“I have work tomorrow.”

 

He hung up as soon as he finished. Later, his phone rang again. Seeing Zhou Yang’s name on the screen, Shen Mo only turned off his phone and went to sleep.

 

That night, Ji Mingxuan still didn’t come back. Shen Mo asked for leave and didn’t go to work the next day. He didn’t go to meet Zhou Yang either. He stayed at home and did some cleaning. 

 

The housekeeper came here once a week, so Shen Mo didn’t usually have to do housework. He only did it when he was in a bad mood. It was easy to forget one’s worries while focused on something else.

 

The weather was getting colder, and the sky looked dark, as if it was going to snow. Shen Mo looked at his phone, which he’d turned off, and continued wiping the windows in each room. 

 

He remembered the weather on the day he’d had his first date with Zhou Yang. It was almost the same as today. He stood in the cold wind, waiting for Zhou Yang. It was so cold that he had to stomp his feet, but he still felt sweet inside. But the past only remained in the past. 

 

There were many people out there who could mend a broken relationship. But he and Zhou Yang weren’t among those people.

 

The day seemed extremely long. The sky finally darkened, and as Shen Mo was wiping a dirty spot on the ground, the doorbell rang. He tossed the rag aside and hurried to open the door. To his surprise, he saw Ji Mingxuan standing outside.

 

“Mr Ji? Don’t you have the key?”

 

Ji Mingxuan didn’t say anything. Propping one hand against the door, he looked at Shen Mo with narrowed eyes. As Shen Mo took a step forward, a pungent smell of alcohol came to his nose.

 

“Mr Ji, did you drink today?”

 

Ji Mingxuan replied, “A little.”

 

Ji Mingxuan had a high tolerance for alcohol. Sometimes, when he went out for business socials, he’d still be in high spirits after his clients had passed out drunk at the table—he could even continue working on documents when he got home. 

 

Shen Mo had been living with him for three years and hadn’t seen him drunk, so he didn’t mind him much and went back to wiping the floor. Unexpectedly, after Ji Mingxuan entered the living room, he slowly slid down the wall and eventually sat on the ground.

 

Surprised, Shen Mo hurried over to help him up. Only then did he notice that one of Ji Mingxuan’s gloves was missing. Even Ji Mingxuan’s left foot was drenched, possibly after having stepped into a puddle. He’d known Ji Mingxuan for so long, yet he had never seen Ji Mingxuan in such a terrible state.

 

Shen Mo helped him to the sofa and asked, “Mr Ji, are you drunk?”

 

Ji Mingxuan tilted his head and kept staring at Shen Mo, as if trying to recognise his face. Shen Mo realised that he was really quite drunk.

 

“I’ll get you a cup of water with honey.”

 

Drunk Ji Mingxuan had a better temper than usual. He just sat quietly on the sofa, throwing no tantrums. Later, when Shen Mo came back with the honey water, he took a sip from the cup in Shen Mo’s hand. He then touched Shen Mo’s face, asking in a low voice, “... Shen Mo, is that you?”

 

He was too drunk even to recognise the face of his lover. Shen Mo was speechless, but he still answered patiently, “Mr Ji, it’s me.”

 

Ji Mingxuan asked again, “Why are you here?”

 

The question made Shen Mo feel somewhat awkward. “Mr Ji, did you forget? I’ve always lived here.”

 

Ji Mingxuan replied, “Right.” For some reason, he suddenly began to laugh. He had a handsome face in the first place, and his eyes looked even more alluring when he smiled. He said gently, “ Shen Mo, come closer. ”

 

Shen Mo had never seen such a gentle Ji Mingxuan before. He couldn’t help but lean forward.

 

Ji Mingxuan gave him another smile. As Shen Mo let his guard down, Ji Mingxuan suddenly grabbed his arms and pulled hard. Shen Mo slammed into Ji Mingxuan. He couldn’t see the expression on Ji Mingxuan’s face, but he felt Ji Mingxuan’s warm breath beside his ear. In a low and hoarse voice, the man spoke word by word, “I caught you.”

 

As if the hunter finally caught the prey he’d long since been waiting for. Shen Mo felt a pulse in his heart. The whole world spun the next second. Ji Mingxuan turned him over and pinned him down on the sofa.

 

“Mr Ji?”

 

Ji Mingxuan bit him on the nape of his neck and panted. “Don’t move.”

 

Shen Mo was afraid. He struggled to free himself from Ji Mingxuan’s hold, but Ji Mingxuan easily pulled him back; even his arms and legs were firmly pinned. 

 

Unzipping Shen Mo’s trousers, Ji Mingxuan pressed his erection against Shen Mo’s cleft, in a position reminiscent of bestial copulation. But Shen Mo was too nervous. Ji Mingxuan tried several times and yet still couldn’t enter. He had to slow down. 

 

Reaching for the cup of honey water on the table, he poured some in his hands as lubricant. The lukewarm water moistened Shen Mo’s body. Ji Mingxuan’s hand came to the front and gently stroked Shen Mo’s sensitive spot.

 

A primal lust rose from the depths of Shen Mo’s body. He swayed his hips impatiently, letting out low whimpers. Ji Mingxuan turned Shen Mo’s head around and kissed him.

 

He licked Shen Mo’s teeth, bringing indescribable pleasure to Shen Mo. He then nipped Shen Mo’s lip, coaxing, “Shen Mo.”

 

“Mnn... Mr Ji...”

 

“Open your legs wider.”

 

Shen Mo’s body felt too limp. He couldn’t exert any strength. So Ji Mingxuan tightened his grip, taking the source of all of Shen Mo’s pleasure into his grip.

 

“Ah...” Shen Mo let out a cry. Bouts of numbness crawled up his spine, yet he couldn’t feel relieved no matter what. He could only listen to Ji Mingxuan and try his best to spread his legs wider.

 

“Good boy.”

 

As a reward, Ji Mingxuan planted a kiss on Shen Mo’s eyelid before he plunged straight in, burying his entire length in Shen Mo’s fair body. He had conquered his prey completely.

 

“Ah...”

 

Shen Mo was in such pain that he let out a low cry. He trembled unconsciously, as though he was about to be tamed.

 

When he thought of this, Ji Mingxuan grew even bigger inside of Shen Mo. He took off Shen Mo’s clothes, thrusting into the tender entrance again and again as he kissed Shen Mo’s smooth, bare back.

 

When Ji Mingxuan reached a certain spot, Shen Mo couldn’t help but arch his back and cry, “Mr Ji, don’t...”

 

Ignoring him, Ji Mingxuan seized his waist with both hands and kept on teasing the same spot. Shen Mo still felt the pain, but amid the pain also came an indescribable pleasure. Not long before, viscous fluid squirted from Shen Mo’s tip.

 

After driving into Shen Mo’s body a few more times, Ji Mingxuan thrust forward hard and came as well.

 

When they finished, Shen Mo was about to get up and go to the bathroom when Ji Mingxuan pulled him back. They lay on the sofa together.

 

Shen Mo looked at the clock and said, “Mr Ji, Miss Ji will be coming back soon.”

 

“It’s okay.” Ji Mingxuan kissed him on the skin behind his ear. “An’an won’t be coming back tonight.”

 

Wrapping one arm around Shen Mo’s waist, Ji Mingxuan stroked down the curve of Shen Mo’s back until he reached the opening that he had just pummeled. He tentatively put in one finger.

 

Shen Mo trembled slightly, crying in a low voice, “Mr Ji.”

 

It sounded as if he was begging. But Ji Mingxuan swiftly added in another finger, coaxing, “I was too impatient. Let me see if you got hurt.”

 

Shen Mo’s entrance looked somewhat swollen, but luckily it wasn’t bleeding. It was filled with Ji Mingxuan’s come, squelching as the two fingers stirred.

 

The noise sounded extremely erotic in the empty living room. Ji Mingxuan parted the hole slightly and bit Shen Mo’s ear. “Seems like you didn’t get hurt. It’s all soft and wet here now…”

 

Shen Mo felt his body burn. With just a slight movement, the white fluid trickled down his thighs. Ji Mingxuan took some of it and smeared it on Shen Mo’s chest.

 

Shen Mo hadn’t recovered from his climax yet; his body was at the peak of sensitivity. The touch turned him on again, and he flinched. Recoiling, he couldn’t help but utter, “Mr Ji, I can’t anymore…”

 

“Yes, you can,” Ji Mingxuan replied as he rubbed and pinched Shen Mo’s nipples.

 

“Mnn...”

 

Shen Mo let out a groan. He was already at his limit, yet his nipples still grew hard. Ji Mingxuan had aroused him again.

 

After a few moments, Ji Mingxuan was erect once more. He bent one of Shen Mo’s legs and entered Shen Mo’s body sideways. With the lubrication from before, the entry was smoother than usual. And Ji Mingxuan wasn’t as impatient as before, either. 

 

Holding Shen Mo in his arms, he slowly thrust into Shen Mo, at times stroking Shen Mo’s erection with both hands.

 

“Ahh… Mr Ji...”

 

It was another kind of torture. With stimulation from both sides, Shen Mo soon climaxed again.

 

Yet, Ji Mingxuan was still far from being satisfied. After this, he changed positions a few more times. It wasn’t until Shen Mo was about to lose his voice that Ji Mingxuan finally came inside his body.

 

They slept on the sofa that night. Before dawn, Ji Mingxuan picked him up and brought him to the shower, fucking him there one last time. Shen Mo’s body was sore all over. He had to hang onto Ji Mingxuan’s shoulders with both hands; he almost couldn’t even put his legs together.

 

The following day, when they woke up, the sky outside the window was surprisingly bright. Shen Mo opened his eyes. He felt a vague pain, as if his bones had been scattered and then pieced back together. 

 

Ji Mingxuan was still asleep, one hand resting on Shen Mo’s waist. The curtains in the bedroom hadn’t been closed. Shen Mo sat up and looked out of the window, only to see a vast expanse of white. So it had snowed last night.

 

The floor was a mess. Not knowing when Ji An’an would be back, Shen Mo hurried to pick up the clothes strewn across the floor when he heard Ji Mingxuan say from beside him, “Sleep a little longer.”

 

Shen Mo turned around and saw the sunlight on Ji Mingxuan’s face. “You’re awake, Mr Ji?”

 

Ji Mingxuan answered with his eyes half-closed, “Mhn.”

 

“Mr Ji, you were drunk yesterday.”

 

Ji Mingxuan said nothing. Instead, he drew Shen Mo back into his arms. Shen Mo knew that some people would forget what happened while they were drunk after they sobered up. He wasn’t sure if Ji Mingxuan was the same, but it was already getting late.

 

“Mr Ji, I’m going to be late for work.”

 

Ji Mingxuan replied in a lazy tone, “Then take another day off.”

 

Shen Mo was surprised and asked, “How do you know I took a day off yesterday, Mr Ji?”

 

Ji Mingxuan opened his eyes and glanced at him. “Don’t you remember whose company you’re working for?”

 

Of course, Shen Mo knew that the company he worked for belonged to the Ji family. But did they report to the CEO when a mere employee took a day off?

 

Ji Mingxuan reached out. “Give me your phone. I’ll help you ask for leave.”

 

Shen Mo’s phone was on the tea table in the living room. Immediately, he went to get it and handed it to Ji Mingxuan. Ji Mingxuan looked at his phone. “It’s powered off.”

 

Only then did Shen Mo notice that he had forgotten to turn on his phone all day yesterday. He couldn’t say it was because of Zhou Yang, so he could only say, “Maybe I’m too busy these days.”

 

Ji Mingxuan didn’t ask anything. He turned on the phone. The moment the phone was turned on, a series of text notifications sounded. Ji Mingxuan smiled, glancing at him, 

 

“Someone sent you a lot of messages.”

 

Shen Mo knew who had sent them, but he still replied, “It must be spam.”

 

“Do you want to take a look?”

 

Shen Mo felt his heart speed up. He heard himself saying, “... Just delete them all.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Ji Mingxuan smiled meaningfully. 

 

“Don’t regret this in the future.”

 

“I won’t,” Shen Mo said.

 

Thus, Ji Mingxuan deleted the text messages right in front of him. Shen Mo sat quietly next to Ji Mingxuan. He felt as if he saw many memories pass by. Maybe what he actually missed was not Zhou Yang, but rather the carefree days of his youth.

 

But it had been three years already. Anyone should be moving forward by now.

 

Ji Mingxuan called Shen Mo’s supervisor to ask for leave before calling his own assistant, saying that he wouldn’t be going to the company this morning. Then he tossed the phone aside, giving Shen Mo a wave. “Let’s sleep a little longer.”

 

Nothing was better than sleeping at home on such a snowy day. Now that Mr Ji had said this, Shen Mo was given the rare chance of being a bit lazy. He lay back down on the sofa.

 

The heating in the living room was set at a pleasant temperature. Ji Mingxuan hugged Shen Mo’s waist, resting his chin on Shen Mo’s shoulder, and soon fell asleep. Shen Mo should have many things on his mind right now, but for some reason, he also fell asleep quickly.

 

It was almost noon when Shen Mo woke up again. He got up to clean up the living room. When he finished putting on his clothes and looked back, he found Ji Mingxuan still asleep.

 

“MrJi, it’s time for lunch.”

 

“Mr Ji?”

 

Shen Mo called Ji Mingxuan a few times, but he got no response. He reached out and gently nudged Ji Mingxuan, only to find his wrist alarmingly hot.

 

Surprised, Shen Mo immediately felt Ji Mingxuan’s forehead. As he expected, it was burning as well. He knew now that Ji Mingxuan was sick. Of course, it wasn’t suitable for a patient to sleep on the sofa. It took some time for Shen Mo to get Ji Mingxuan into the bedroom. Only half awake, Ji Mingxuan managed to get into bed before falling asleep once more.

 

Thinking that Ji Mingxuan might be hungry soon, Shen Mo went to the kitchen and made some congee. He brought it to the bedroom, woke Ji Mingxuan up, and told him to have some. Ji Mingxuan didn’t look well. He still ate the congee, though.

 

Shen Mo quietly observed Ji Mingxuan’s expression. “Mr Ji, I think you’re sick.”

 

Ji Mingxuan gave an indifferent reply, “I’m just a little tired.”

 

“You have a fever,” Shen Mo said. “Should we go to the hospital?”

 

Ji Mingxuan frowned the moment he heard the word “hospital,” refusing without thinking, “No.”

 

“Should I get the doctor, then?”

 

“It’s just a fever. Don’t bother.”

 

“But...”

 

“Don’t be so loud.” Ji Mingxuan lay back on the bed and even pulled the blanket over his face. “I’ll be fine after I sleep for a bit.”

 

Shen Mo didn’t know how to respond. He didn’t expect that a man like Mr Ji would refuse to see a doctor after getting sick. Shen Mo remembered the sex they’d had last night and felt a little guilty, wondering if Ji Mingxuan was sick because it had been too much. He rummaged around and found some medicine to feed Ji Mingxuan. 

 

Afterwards, he stayed beside the bed to take care of him. Because of the high fever, Ji Mingxuan didn’t sleep too well. Amid his sleep, he suddenly called, “Shen Mo.”

 

At once, Shen Mo grabbed his hand. “Mr Ji, I’m here.”

 

Ji Mingxuan didn’t say anything else. His knitted brows relaxed a little, but his palms were still hot. Just as Shen Mo was about to let go, Ji Mingxuan caught his hand. Shen Mo struggled a little, to no avail. He could only let Ji Mingxuan keep holding on.

 

Time flew by.

 

It wasn’t until the sunset was flooding through the window that he noticed he had been sitting there all afternoon. Ji Mingxuan’s fever was relatively stable, but the medicine at home had run out. Shen Mo changed his clothes so that he could buy some more before the sky darkened. 

 

The snow on the roads had mostly melted, but walking was still inconvenient. Fortunately, Ji Mingxuan’s driver hadn’t got off work yet, so Shen Mo went by car.

 

On their way there, the driver, Lao-Zhang, mentioned Ji Mingxuan getting drunk: “Mr Ji met up with someone the night before. He was in a bad mood all day yesterday. Later, he even got so drunk that he couldn’t walk properly.”

 

“Mr Ji’s shoes were wet. Did he fall?”

 

Lao-Zhang would never dare say anything bad about Ji Mingxuan. He laughed instead. 

 

“Mr Ji was going to Jinxiu Villa, but it snowed so badly last night, and he was so drunk. I was afraid an accident might happen on our way there, so I drove him home instead. Was Mr Ji angry?”

 

Hearing him mention Jinxiu Villa, Shen Mo was momentarily surprised. Lao-Zhang asked again, “Mr Shen, did Mr Ji get angry?”

 

“No,” Shen Mo replied, “he didn’t.”

 

He remembered that last night, it had taken Ji Mingxuan quite a while to recognise his face.

 

Unconsciously, he turned the silver ring on his left ring finger. No wonder, he thought.