Chapter 26

He agreedto eat out with Zhuo Xiang Ming on the final day of his mid-term exams, TongYan even specifically selected a recently popular restaurant.

But Tong Li Qin, who had been abroad for a while, returned and told ZhuoXiang Ming at noon that he would send a car to the school to pick up Tong Yan thatafternoon.

When he received Zhuo Xiang Ming’s text messages, Tong Yan finallyremembered. He’d been busy dating recently, it had already been many days sincehe last thought about his father and brother.

“Did my dad say I have to spend the night?”

Zhuo Xiang Ming replied: He didn’t say.

Thenhe sent another message: But he hasn’t seen you for so long, he should want youto stay overnight.

In fact, there was no need to say it, Zhuo Xiang Ming was already awarethat when Tong Li Qin returned, if nothing came up, Tong Yan would certainly haveto spend the weekend with him.

To be honest, he wasn’t exactly excited about it, but they were still TongYan’s family, there was nothing he could do. Plus, Tong Yan himself was likelyhomesick.

He always remembered Tong Yan’s first weekend away from home, lying on hisstomach in the freshly cleaned bedroom, silently shedding tears.

TongYan: Then we can’t go out tonight? I’m sorry [sobbing] [sobbing]

TongYan: What about our reservation?

ZhuoXiang Ming: It doesn’t matter, I’ll just cancel it. Remember to call me whenyou get home

Zhuo Xiang Ming: We’ll go next time, don’t cry

TongYan: ?

Zhuo Xiang Ming pointed out the crying emoji on the shared screen, TongYan: … Okay

Thedriver who was sent to pick up Tong Yan also felt that he hadn’t seen him for along time, greeting: “Little Master, you seem to have grown taller.”

“Really?!”Tong Yan liked to hear these words the most, “Is it very obvious?”

The driver said: “You really look tallerthan before.”

Elated,Tong Yan got into the car and sent a message to Zhuo Xiang Ming: Brother, I’m inthe car, the driver said I’ve gotten taller!

Zhuo Xiang Ming: In two weeks?

TongYan’s good mood was unaffected: That’s because you see me every day, so you didn’tnotice

Zhuo Xiang Ming: Makes sense. Put your phone away in the car.

–

Tong Li Qin and Tong Yang were both home, the father and sons ate aquiet dinner.

When not at home, Tong Yan didn’t feel that he was especially homesick,but after seeing them, he felt different.

After eating, Tong Li Qin brewed a cup of coffee and sat on the livingroom sofa with Tong Yan and Tong Yang.

“Are you used to living there yet?” He asked.

TongYan: “I’m used to it.”

“That thing …” Tong Li Qin paused, “The Zhuo family’soldest child handled it very well.”

TongYan knew that he was talking about those rumors and nodded.

“Is everything okay?”

“Ah?” Tong Yan said, “Oh, it’s okay, the doctor said thatmy pheromones were just slightly disordered, I got better that same night.”

TongLi Qin fell silent again.

He wanted to ask about it a bit more, but because the matter was alreadyold news, it was hard to bring it up now.

Heheard about it very soon after it happened, but when Lin Yue Hua contacted him,he knew that everything would be taken care of. Plus, he was extremely busy abroad,so he just let it go.

But until yesterday, Tong Li Qin hadn’t personally seen all the photostaken by the paparazzi–those released and unreleased.

WasTong Yan actually already so close to Zhuo Xiang Ming?

Besideshis reputation, Tong Li Qin didn’t know much about Zhuo Xiang Ming, so he couldn’tjudge his meaning behind that intimate hug. But he knew Tong Yan, Tong Yan wasn’ta people person at all, he took a while to warm up to others. Probably becausehe was always neglected by the adults in his life while growing up, he becamelike a little turtle, always carrying around a shell, retreating into it ifsomething was wrong. He could never easily perform the actions in the photos.

Combinedwith the complaint Tong Yang unintentionally let out when he got home—Tong Yanwas now more intimate with an outsider than his father. They hadn’t called orseen each other in two weeks, but every day on OUKM, he shared the dinner “brother”made.

After the death of his wife, he loved this little omega son dearly, butthey lacked communication. Even now, Tong Li Qin rarely communicated with TongYan, forget about asking him to reveal the secrets in his heart.

The other man was mature, steady and handsome, definitely an excellentalpha. Tong Yan was also so young, it wasn’t surprising that he became interested.Tong Li Qin was mainly worried about Zhuo Xiang Ming’s mindset.

If it worked out, it wouldn’t be too much to say that Tong Yan was ablank piece of paper, while the other man had already been immersed in thebusiness world for many years. Tong Yan’s vulnerability was simply visible tothe naked eye.

If it didn’t work out — if it didn’t work out, then it would be TongYan’s first heartbreak. The family only had two burly, clueless men. Tong Yang hadalways been rough with his younger brother, but if Tong Li Qin brought it up…… he estimated that Tong Yan would feel very embarrassed. So, there was noone who could bring up the topic, Tong Li Qin felt a headache.

“Is Zhuo Xiang Ming treating you well? “

TongYan nodded: “He’s very good to me, and he takes care of me.”

Hewas good to him till bedtime, and when he woke up the next day. Before he closedhis eyes and after he opened his eyes, all he saw was Zhuo Xian Ming. Tong Yan supplementedthese sentences in his heart, his face reddening a little.

Heturned off the AI x human melodramatic love and ethical war drama Tong Yang waswatching, switching to the unfinished horror movie from last week.

InTong Li Qin’s eyes, his appearance resembled someone who was already deeply inlove. Tong Li Qin probed: “Starting next month, Dad won’t be as busyanymore. Why not move back in?”

“Eh….”Tong Yan abruptly turned around, “What?”

Tong Li Qin: “The paparazzi should no longer follow you guys around,and our business partnership is also on the right track. If you keep livingover there, you might eventually trouble him, so why not just move back home.”

TongYan stared blankly.

He came here with every intention to stay one night and leave tomorrow,but only now did he fully realize, besides Zhuo Jia Shuo, no one else knew abouthis new relationship with Zhuo Xiang Ming.

TongYan didn’t think that their relationship was unspeakable, but he alwaysremembered Zhuo Xiang Ming’s “celibacy”, so he didn’t want to prematurelyput a chain on Zhuo Xiang Ming.

TongYan knew, dating wasn’t a contract, but it was a fact that he was much youngerthan Zhuo Xiang Ming. If Zhuo Xiang Ming ever concluded that he didn’t like himthat way, the two would unavoidably separate, and he wouldn’t be able to coverup his sadness, then, in Tong Li Qin and Tong Yang’s view, Zhuo Xiang Ming woulddefinitely become the one who “pumped and dumped” him.

He didn’t want to add unnecessary inconvenience to Zhuo Xiang Ming.

“No need.” Tong Yan said, “I … the semester is almostover, and now that I’m finally getting used to where I am, it’ll be verytroublesome to move again. So, I’m good, for now.”

Tong Li Qin said in his heart, sure enough, Tong Yan was determined. Hisheart was filled with complex feelings, but he didn’t reveal much, only saying:“That’s true. Then, be on your best behavior, don’t cause trouble for him.”

TongYan said in a low voice: “I won’t cause trouble.”

Crisisaverted, Tong Yan secretly let out a sigh of relief, turning back to watch the horrormovie.

Tong Yang popped up from behind the sofa to scare him three times, each time claiming it would be the last. Eventually, Tong Yan’s patience evaporated, and he chased Tong Yang around the living room. Tong Li Qin stepped in to end the fight, and they ate a midnight snack. It was already after 11, it was time to sleep.

Theafternoon went by very quickly, but Tong Yan felt different lying on his bed.

Learningthat he would be going home today, Tong Yan wasn’t very reluctant at first. Hemissed Tong Li Qin and Tong Yang. Also, although Tong Yan didn’t want to admit it,his relationship with Zhuo Xiang Ming was changing too quickly, he actuallyfelt a little uncomfortable with it.

He really wasn’t comfortable with it.

Prior to last Saturday, he was still repeatedly telling himself thatZhuo Xiang Ming was an elder brother, he could never feel that way about him. Butsuddenly, his secret desire came true, and the two became lovers.

TongYan was certain that he really liked Zhuo Xiang Ming, he also liked all theirinteractions… but still, everything happened too quickly.

Being able to return home and spend some time apart made him feel a bitmore relaxed. Sitting in the car that afternoon, he felt a little guilty.

But a teenager’s mind was unpredictable, the speed at which his feelingschanged even surprised himself –now, he was lying in bed, tossing and turning, unableto stop thinking about Zhuo Xiang Ming.

Theycouldn’t chat on the drive home, couldn’t eat dinner together, couldn’t studyand work in the same room … There was also no good night kiss.

In the afternoon, why did he think it was a good idea to take some timeapart? Was his brain rotting?

TongYan rolled in one direction, annoyed with himself, then stopped cautiously, stillthree bodies widths away from the edge of the bed. The cell phone that wasresting on his pillow rang, it was Zhuo Xiang Ming.

After the call was connected, Zhuo Xiang Ming immediately sensed TongYan’s gloominess.

“Are you sleeping?” He asked.

TongYan: “I haven’t fallen asleep yet, just lying down.”

Zhuo Xiang Ming: “It’s late, don’t stay up all night just because it’sthe weekend.”

“You called just to remind me to sleep early?” Tong Yan said. Hefell silent for a moment, then said, “You didn’t even say you missed me.”

Zhuo Xiang Ming: “I also wanted to ask if you ate all right, if youhad any homework this weekend, what time you’d come back … and to say I missedyou.”

Thelast few words were said in a very deep, magnetic voice, wrapped in electric current.Tong Yan felt the hand holding his cell phone go numb, his heart poundingpainfully.

“I didn’t hear it clearly.”

Zhuo Xiang Ming: “Shameless.”

TongYan: “You’re the one who mumbled it.”

Zhuo Xiang Ming asked: “Then why don’t you say it?”

TongYan: “Because I…..”

Zhuo Xiang Ming’s voice lowered again: “Hmm?”

TongYan went limp, his face buried in the pillow, calling out stickily: “Zhuo XiangMing.”

“Cheeky.”Zhao Xiang Ming chuckled, “Go to sleep.”

TongYan complained at him: “You always want to hang up!”

Surprisingly,Zhuo Xiang Ming said: “Who’s the one who was in a hurry to return home thisafternoon, and didn’t keep his promise to call? After letting me worry tillnow, you still have the cheek to accuse me?”

He’d noticed it … Tong Yan thought again, how could Zhuo Xiang Mingnot notice it? He’d always been very sharp, seeing through him like an x-ray.

But even though he saw through his temporary escape, he wasn’t angry. Didhe know how much he liked him? That’s great. Tong Yan’s heart melted, becauseof the trust and acceptance that had gradually built up between him and Zhuo XiangMing, he knew that he was understood, and as a result, he felt secure.

Finally, after chatting for a long time, Tong Yan fell asleep holdinghis cell phone. Zhuo Xiang Ming listened to his soft breathing before hangingup.

The next day, Zhuo Xiang Ming had an urgent morning meeting. He called TongYan after 8 o’clock. Tong Yan said that he was organizing the garage with TongYang, he even opened a video call to show him the overalls he was wearing.

Wearing a cowboy hat on his head, a white shirt, overalls, and even a pair of boots, standing with his hands on his hips, he looked authentic. Zhuo Xiang Ming couldn’t help but laugh: “Great.”

Buthalfway through his meeting, during a short break, someone from the secretaryunit came to say that a Mr. Tong was here.

Zhuo Xiang Ming was expecting Tong Li Qin or Tong Yang, but when he steppedinto the office, Tong Yan rushed over to hug him.

He didn’t seem to respond for a while, his expression remainedunchanged, merely asking: “How are you here?”

TongYan hugged his neck, observing his expression: “Tong Yang escaped halfway.I was bored, so I wanted to come see you. Are you busy?”

“Oh.” Zhuo Xiang Ming didn’t smile. Tong Yan couldn’t seewhether he was happy or unhappy, and slowly began to feel nervous, regretting comingover suddenly.

Fortunately, he finally took action, reaching out to hold Tong Yan’s back.He lowered his head, watching Tong Yan closely, saying, “The meeting should bestarting back up soon.”

Tong Yan really didn’t know, hearing this, hestuttered: “Oh … I thought it was almost over, then, you should…”

Zhuo Xiang Ming raised his free hand to Tong Yan’s face, his thumb slowlystroking Tong Yan’s cheek, his eyes dark. Tong Yan subconsciously shut up, theatmosphere immediately changing.

Zhuo Xiang Ming turned around, guiding Tong Yan along, and pressed TongYan’s back against the office door.

“Missed me?”

TongYan murmured softly, his breathing a little chaotic. The hand stroking his facefluttered to the corner of his lips, and Zhuo Xiang Ming said again, “Youwere in a hurry to go home yesterday.”

His voice was very deep, and Tong Yan’s heartbeat sped up again. TongYan even felt that the thumping sound would cover up Zhuo Xiang Ming’scomplaining yet teasing words.

“I wasn’t …” Tong Yan subconsciously defended himself.

“You weren’t?” Zhuo Xiang Ming’seyes deepened, as if he’d finally caught Tong Yan red-handed, and could starthis punishment, enunciating each word, “Little liar.”

Atouch of slightly dry lips, quickly departing, Tong Yan’s heart instantly soared,but before it could land, Zhuo Xiang Ming kissed him again.

This time, it was a hard kiss, and it wasn’t brief. Zhuo Xiang Ming pressedTong Yan, as if he couldn’t get enough. There was almost no transition fromgentle to rough. The doorknob poked painfully into Tong Yan’s back, but hecouldn’t even find a chance to ask for mercy—in fact, he could only breathe andwhimper through his nose. At some unknown point, Zhuo Xiang Ming had grabbedhis waist, teeth, lips and tongue collided, clumsily yet sweetly, and Tong Yan soonlost the rhythm of breathing.

Until the secretary knocked on the door: “Mr. Zhuo, are you inthere?”

The voice seemed to come from directly behind Tong Yan, he was so startledthat he tensed, accidentally biting Zhuo Xiang Ming’s lips.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Zhuo Xiang Ming pulled the frightened boyinto his arms, completely ignoring his own wounded lips. Still reluctant tolose their intimacy, he kept their lips close as he talked, “It’s okay, don’tbe scared.”

“Um …” Tong Yan’s waist was hugged tightly, but his legswere soft. He couldn’t stand Zhuo Xiang Ming’s deep, husky voice, and reachedout to push his shoulders, whispering, “Someone called you … you, themeeting …”

“I’m sorry.” As if he didn’t hear him, Zhuo XiangMing peppered Tong Yan’s lips with light kisses a few more times before frowning,“I didn’t control myself, I hurt you.”

He was telling the truth. Originally, he just wanted a brief kiss, butno one warned him that Tong Yan’s lips would unexpectedly be so soft and sweet,a light peck wasn’t enough.

TongYan glared at him: “You were too rough, I wanted to ask you to slow down,but I couldn’t speak.”

He didn’t know that currently, his eyes were filled with mist, and hislips were very red and a little swollen. At first glance, he looked like he’dbeen bullied. He’s blaming look was even more stimulating, and the alpha thathad just tasted sweetness absolutely couldn’t let go.

The secretary waited a long time for a response, then knocked the dooragain: “Mr. Zhuo?”

“Go.” Tong Yan just wanted to be separate from Zhuo Xiang Mingfor the moment, and struggled to get out of his grasp. Zhuo Xiang Ming wasn’tas dazed as before, and let him break free.

Then, without giving Zhuo Xiang Ming a chance to stop him, he opened theoffice door, still wearing that ravaged face, he thought that he was very calmlydriving Zhuo Xiang Ming out: “Get out of here.”

Secretary: …

Thesecretary turned and walked away; their steps weak. Imagining a drama about a younginnocent O acting like a rogue, knowing that they had just disturbed theirboss’s private matters, and the outcome wouldn’t be good.

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T/N:

Oh my!