A pure-hearted boy’s fragile heart had just been shattered into pieces.
Chu Xingxiao could barely breathe. He stared helplessly as the two of them walked away, a storm of violent jealousy and anguish thrashing inside him, pushing him to rush over to Chi Zhan and kiss him senseless.
But… he couldn’t. Chi Zhan would hate him. He’d only end up pushing him further away.
After sitting outside Chi Zhan’s door for four whole hours, the blazing anger, sharp envy, and unspeakable heartache boiling within Chu Xingxiao finally began to cool. That painfully long stretch—like an eternity—was just enough time for him to compose himself.
Just like he’d always said—he had never once taken Qi Song seriously. As long as Chi Zhan liked him, everything else was irrelevant.
When it came to looks, personality, or ability—what did he lack compared to Qi Song?
“Do we still need to buy anything else? There might not be enough ingredients at home. I can help you prep too.”
Chu Xingxiao concealed the emotions in his eyes and replied lightly, “Already bought everything. Can gege help me tie my apron?”
Chi Zhan picked up the apron and stepped over to help him tie it. “Lower your head a bit,” he said.
But instead of obeying, Chu Xingxiao tilted his head and planted a kiss on Chi Zhan’s cheek. Then, as if nothing had happened, he asked casually, “Can gege help me slice some scallions?”
The kiss had been so natural, so smooth, that Chi Zhan only froze for a second—just long enough to miss the perfect moment to react. He could only turn away and go fetch the scallions.
“When are you planning to move back? Is your place still under renovation?”
“Almost done. The flooring got totally soaked… probably needs a few more days. Dabai can’t stay with me in a hotel.”
Chi Zhan couldn’t understand it—Chu Xingxiao had gone through all this trouble just to find an excuse to stay at his place? That seemed wildly inefficient.
But Chu Xingxiao said nothing more on the subject. He just chuckled.
“Dabai’s basically forgotten me at the pet store. He’s got his eye on a little toy poodle. I’m not even sure he’ll want to come back.”
With effortless multitasking, Chu Xingxiao chopped vegetables while chatting with Chi Zhan about Dabai. He was so startled when Chi Zhan actually scolded him.
“Don’t look at me—watch the knife! What if you cut your hand?”
“I won’t.” Chu Xingxiao gave a carefree shrug. “I could chop vegetables blindfolded. Want me to put on a little show for gege?”
“……”
One pot was boiling noodles, the other simmering soup. Chi Zhan didn’t even remember owning a clay pot this size. He was just about to ask when the doorbell rang.
Already here?
He quickly wiped his hands and went to answer it.
Standing at the door was someone completely unexpected.
“President Zhou?” Chi Zhan’s expression was pure shock. “Why are you… here?”
Zhou Yanxing was dressed in a long black coat over black slacks, tall and impeccably handsome—like he was headed to some upscale gala. His gaze swept over Chi Zhan as he uttered three words:
“On the way.”
“…?”
Though thoroughly confused, Chi Zhan still stepped aside politely. “Come in.”
Zhou Yanxing nodded and stepped inside. From the kitchen came the sizzle of stir-frying. His eyes narrowed slightly.
“You have company?”
For some reason, guilt crept up on Chi Zhan. He nodded.
“It’s Chu Xingxiao.”
“Oh?” Zhou Yanxing’s lips curled into a faint, ambiguous smile. “Your little boyfriend?”
The words sounded casual, but the undertone was unmistakably sharp.
Chi Zhan sighed helplessly.
“Didn’t you already figure out we’re not like that?”
Zhou Yanxing had long guessed there was nothing romantic between him and Chu Xingxiao, yet still insisted on teasing him like this. Whether it was mockery or something more complicated, it was far from innocent.
Especially since Seven was due to arrive soon—if he overheard something like that, there’d be no way to explain away the time he and Chu Xingxiao pretended to be a couple.
Zhou Yanxing’s unexpected visit threw Chi Zhan’s entire plan into chaos.
While Chi Zhan stood there with a metaphorical black cloud over his head, Zhou Yanxing made himself right at home. He casually shrugged off his coat, revealing a dark sweater underneath. The look softened his usual icy CEO aura, making him resemble the charming senior from his university days.
“Is that so?” Zhou Yanxing said coolly. “Then why’s he living here now? Nowhere else to go?”
“It’s just for today. He’s been staying in hotels.”
“You’re too soft, Secretary Chi. When it comes to strangers, don’t let them through the door so easily—or you’ll definitely regret it.”
“Gege?” Chu Xingxiao’s voice floated from the kitchen. He’d overheard their conversation—and the unfamiliar voice that wasn’t Qi Song’s set off alarm bells. He stepped out and, sure enough, found Zhou Yanxing standing in the living room.
Even if their previous misunderstanding had been cleared up, Chu Xingxiao had no reason to be polite. He looked at Chi Zhan and softened his voice deliberately.
“Why’s he here? Is he crashing lunch too?”
That one sentence made it clear who the host was.
Zhou Yanxing raised an eyebrow, completely unfazed by the jab.
Trying to play word games with him? How laughably naive.
When he’d first mastered that tactic, this little brat had probably still been playing in the sandbox.
Chi Zhan looked to Zhou Yanxing, hoping he’d just have a cup of tea and leave.
But he was bound for disappointment. Zhou Yanxing clearly had no intention of going anywhere. He ignored Chu Xingxiao’s remark altogether.
The heating was on high because Chi Zhan hated the cold. Zhou Yanxing casually rolled up his sleeves.
“Is that all right, Secretary Chi?”
Chi Zhan had no choice but to respond, “Just plain noodles, if President Zhou doesn’t mind…”
Thank goodness he’d bought extra noodles—three portions would be just enough.
Chu Xingxiao smiled gently.
“I’ll do whatever gege says.”
But the tone of his voice screamed, I’m about to poison your damn food.
The water had come to a boil. Chu Xingxiao turned back toward the kitchen. Chi Zhan made to follow and help, but Zhou Yanxing caught him by the wrist.
“Wait a moment.” Zhou Yanxing frowned slightly, his gaze dark and intense. One hand reached up to brush aside Chi Zhan’s robe collar and lightly grazed the side of his neck with his fingers. “What’s this redness?”
Chi Zhan’s heart skipped a violent beat.
It was the mark Chu Xingxiao had left last night when he bit him.
