Chi Zhan decided to stay neutral… Better not provoke Zhou Yanxing—he didn’t want to end up in the news tomorrow.
“What are you two whispering about?” Zhou Yanxing placed his tiles down with a half-smile. “Why don’t you let me in on it?”
The look in Zhou Yanxing’s eyes was sharp as a dagger—dangerously piercing.
Chu Xingxiao had been ready to throw a barb his way, but with Chi Zhan present, he bit back ninety percent of it. His face was blank as he said flatly, “Just lovers sharing a secret. You want to hear too, President Zhou? Are you some kind of pervert?”
Before Zhou Yanxing could respond, Jiang Yi gasped from the side.
“Wait—what did you say? You and Chi-ge are together?!”
Jiang Yi had never taken Chu Xingxiao seriously. Sure, he was one of the romance targets too, but Jiang Yi had no interest in someone younger than him. Gentle, mature Chi-ge was far more his type.
He’d been aiming all his hostility at Zhou Yanxing—never did he imagine Chi Zhan had already started dating someone behind his back.
Jiang Yi stared at Chi Zhan, hoping for a denial, some kind of explanation that it was all a joke. But Chi Zhan paused for a moment, then confirmed.
“Yes.”
Jiang Yi’s teenage heart shattered with a silent crack.
Chi Zhan, meanwhile, was feeling rather helpless.
With Zhou Yanxing right there, he couldn’t speak the truth. He tried to convey a silent message to Jiang Yi with a look—”I had no choice”—but Jiang Yi completely missed it, spiraling instead into a pit of self-pity.
Chu Xingxiao edged closer and sat beside Chi Zhan. It was surprisingly comfortable leaning against him, and before long, Chi Zhan unconsciously shifted his weight toward him. Chu Xingxiao offered him some food with a sweet, affectionate look.
It didn’t feel like an act.
Jiang Yi’s expression was visibly breaking apart, but he stubbornly refused to leave, insisting on staying for another round of cards.
Hmph! Even Zhou Yanxing isn’t giving up—why should I?!
Round after round of cards passed, and drowsiness swept over Chi Zhan like a tide. His hand slipped, cards scattering to the floor. At some point, he dozed off completely.
When he opened his eyes, it was already the next day. Chi Zhan rubbed his eyes and sat up, glancing around.
…Why was he in bed?
Maybe Chu Xingxiao had carried him up here?
The sheets were a little messy, and there was a clear impression where someone else had slept. The bedding was still warm.
“…?”
He was thoroughly baffled. What the hell happened?
The bedroom door was closed. He was still wearing the bathrobe from last night, but the room was heated comfortably—no chill at all. He didn’t even remember falling asleep. As he opened the door, he heard the sound of running water from the bathroom.
Moments later, Zhou Yanxing emerged.
Unlike yesterday, he wore nothing but a towel slung low around his waist. His upper body was bare, firm chest and sculpted abs clearly defined in the pale winter sunlight. He exuded raw masculine energy.
Chi Zhan froze. Being greeted by such a provocative sight first thing in the morning left him a bit dazed. Only when Zhou Yanxing met his gaze did Chi Zhan snap out of it. His eyes darted away as if scalded, and he coughed lightly.
“President Zhou.”
Zhou Yanxing gave a calm “Mm,” his expression completely unbothered.
“Sleep okay?”
Chi Zhan nodded.
“Pretty well, but…”
What on earth happened last night? Did we… sleep together?
He had zero memory of it.
His only takeaway was that this hotel’s bed was seriously comfortable—he felt completely refreshed and ache-free.
Zhou Yanxing looked up, gave him a once-over, then walked over to the coffee machine and said casually, “You’re a restless sleeper. Wouldn’t let go of the pillow no matter what.”
Chi Zhan froze.
He’s saying I… cuddle things in my sleep? No way.
Zhou Yanxing didn’t elaborate—he just dropped that suggestive line and began fiddling with the coffee machine. President Zhou was famously picky—he never touched instant coffee and had exacting standards. Chi Zhan had never seen him make coffee before, so he watched curiously.
To his surprise, Zhou Yanxing moved with practiced ease.
Seeing that he wasn’t being called on, Chi Zhan went to wash up.
The bathroom was filled not with steam, but with a lingering chill. It wasn’t the aftermath of a hot shower. Chi Zhan blinked in surprise.
Did Zhou Yanxing take a cold shower first thing in the morning?
That was… a very special kind of hobby. He could probably qualify for competitive winter swimming.
Since he’d already soaked in the hot springs the night before, Chi Zhan just gave himself a quick wash. When he came out, a hotel attendant had wheeled in a breakfast cart piled high with food.
“Take whatever you want. Once you’re done, they’ll deliver the rest to the next room.”
The top tier of the cart held mains; the middle, soups and desserts. There was everything from Chinese fare to Western brunch—clear broth noodles, plain noodles, wontons, rice balls, steamed rolls, beef pies, creamy sandwiches, molten eggs, avocado toast…
Chi Zhan only picked up a sandwich. Zhou Yanxing added a plate of fruit salad in front of him, then pushed over a steaming cup of coffee.
“You’re eating too little.”
Zhou Yanxing was never pleased with his portions.
Chi Zhan held the coffee somewhat warily, half-afraid President Zhou had done something sinister to it. He took a slow, cautious sip—then his eyes widened in disbelief.
It was actually… delicious.
Rich and aromatic, with just the right balance of bitterness and sweetness—exactly how Chi Zhan liked it.
“What’s with that face? Is it so shocking that I can make coffee?”
“N-no.”
Zhou Yanxing gave him a suspicious look.
“Okay, maybe a little.” Chi Zhan took another sip. “It’s better than mine.”
Zhou Yanxing let out a soft hmph.
“Back when I was studying abroad, no one brewed coffee for me. If I didn’t figure it out myself, I’d have starved.”
Chi Zhan blinked.
“Seriously?”
He had always assumed Zhou Yanxing lived like the golden boy in some drama.
“When I decided not to inherit the family business and left for overseas, my family froze all my cards. Where was I supposed to get money for a housekeeper?” Zhou Yanxing speared a slice of boiled egg and murmured, “Had to go to class and take jobs just to cover rent and tuition.”
He looked up, half-smirking.
“Do I really seem like one of those spoiled young masters who doesn’t know a thing about real life?”
