Li Qingci had been feeling troubled lately. Xu Jinghan had been staying at his home for three months now, barely leaving except when Li Qingci dragged him out.
Logically, three months should have been enough time for Xu Jinghan to recover emotionally. So, Li Qingci began subtly hinting about finding a job. But whenever he brought it up, Xu Jinghan would look at him with anxiety, as if Li Qingci were a cruel owner abandoning a pet.
Though Xu Jinghan’s cooking was indeed delicious, mouthwatering even at first glance, just like the man himself…
Sometimes Li Qingci found it comforting. When he returned late from work, the usually empty apartment now had a hint of life. The once-dark rooms were lit with a warm glow.
Exhausted, he’d come home to a usually quiet space and hear someone happily say, “Welcome back. You must be tired.”
As if that person was always eagerly awaiting his return.
Li Qingci gradually realized something wasn’t quite right with himself.
It became apparent one night when he left his room and caught sight of Xu Jinghan, fresh from the shower. Li Qingci stared at Xu Jinghan’s bare upper body, hastily retreating to his room. That night, he had an erotic dream.
Seeing the apron strings tied around that waist reminded Li Qingci of their passionate encounter three months ago, of that warm touch…
When Xu Jinghan smiled at him, he recalled the light sheen of sweat on Xu Jinghan’s face, his passionate yet endearing expression…
Li Qingci knew he had feelings for Xu Jinghan, but felt their current relationship wasn’t suitable for romance. He hadn’t yet helped Xu Jinghan find his life’s purpose or set him on the right path. So, Li Qingci grew frustrated with Xu Jinghan’s repeated excuses.
Moreover, he wasn’t sure how Xu Jinghan viewed him. As a good person? A sucker? Or did Xu Jinghan like him too and, therefore, didn’t want to leave?
If he kept pushing Xu Jinghan to leave, would Xu Jinghan come to hate him?
Li Qingci was consumed by these thoughts, while Xu Jinghan was equally discontented.
For three months, Xu Jinghan had cooked for Li Qingci, cleaned the apartment, showered him with care, and even attempted to seduce him occasionally. Yet this righteous fool just wouldn’t take the hint!
Though Li Qingci would stare at him dazedly, his ears reddening at the slightest warm breath, too shy to meet his gaze directly, Xu Jinghan felt he must have a place in Li Qingci’s heart. Yet this upright fool ignored such a beauty right in front of him and kept trying to push him out!
They sat at the dinner table in rare silence, each eating quietly, until an unexpected visitor broke the atmosphere.
Li Qingci sat like an obedient child, hands on his knees, frozen as he listened to his older brother’s lecture, completely forgetting Xu Jinghan beside him.
Li Qingsong’s cold face and towering presence bore down on Li Qingci. “You little brat, I hear you’ve strayed from the right path and started keeping a sugar baby?”
Li Qingci lowered his head and mumbled, “Ge, I haven’t.”
“Speak up! Are you imitating a kitten? You’re neglecting your duties to play sugar daddy?”
Li Qingsong shifted his gaze to assess Xu Jinghan. “And who are you? Speak up. Are you the little plaything my brother’s keeping?”
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