Chapter 25
Translator: Aafkee
Proofreader: Superclubs2
[SMEXY TIME]
After the round, Lu Chuiqing is so exhausted that his limbs are limp, any slight movement makes his body feel sore. Even in a daze, Lu Chuiqing knows he will feel sore down there the next day, but he is too drained to spare another thought. He cleans up his lower body, which is in a complete mess, haphazardly before becoming completely knocked out the moment his head touches the pillow.
The air conditioner is set at a perfect temperature, the pillow and blankets wrap around him gently. His body, which was loved dearly, needs rest desperately. When Lu Chuiqing wakes up again, the sky outside is already bright.
Lu Chuiqing buries himself in the blanket as he squints his eyes blankly, like a little kitten greedy for more sleep, unwilling to move an inch. For a moment, he does not remember that he is in a hotel. Muddle-headed, his only thought on how he has not had such a good night’s sleep for a long time now, his body lazy and limp.
The curtains in the room are opened slightly, the non-glaring light from the outside leaking into the room. Lu Chuiqing rubs his eyes, reaching out for his phone on the bedside table. He lifts his eyelids and glances down at the time.
Seeing the numbers “8:40” on the screen, Lu Chuiqing is stunned for two long seconds. He sits up in an instant, his face filled with alarm. It is already 8:40?! Why didn’t his alarm ring?! He’s definitely going to be late for work!
Just as Lu Chuiqing is about to leave the bed, his eyes finally fall on the date shown on his phone’s screen. The word “Sunday” makes him relax gradually. He lets out a long breath before lying back in bed.
Almost forgot that there is no work today…
The person on the bed mumbles to himself before the room falls into silence for two seconds. All of a sudden, Lu Chuiqing lifts his blanket. With his fluffy and messy bed hair, Lu Chuiqing, his face completely red, stares at the man sitting at the desk and opens his mouth hesitantly, “CEO Xiao…”
Xiao Zhan has already changed into a casual shirt, his hand supporting his head as he watches Lu Chuiqing’s every movement since he has woken up, a hint of smile filling his face.
Lu Chuiqing rubs his slightly throbbing forehead. If not for his soreness and his naked and numb body under the blanket to remind him of what happened last night, it would be too difficult for him to process the fact that the man sitting right in front of him has already become his boyfriend.
Xiao Zhan stands up from the chair and picks up the brown paper bag from the desk before walking towards the bed and passing it to Lu Chuiqing. The latter accepts the bag blankly, opens the bag only to see a new, stand-alone package of a pair of new underwear.
Lu Chuiqing’s face flushes red in an instant. Coming to the hotel with Xiao Zhan is not something he planned so it is expected that he did not prepare any extra clothes to change into. He can still wear his top and trousers for another day or two, but there is no way he can wear his underwear another time. If not for Xiao Zhan’s consideration, he probably has to go commando.
Lu Chuiqing touches his nose, “...Thank you.”
Lu Chuiqing tears off the packaging, takes out the new underwear and lifts his head to look at Xiao Zhan. He is still feeling embarrassed so he looks down again as he puts on his underwear. Trying to alleviate the awkwardness, he says, “CEO Xiao… no, uhh… I mean, good morning.”
“Morning.” Seeing Lu Chuiqing trying so hard to change his way of addressing him, Xiao Zhan smiles unhurriedly, “Sleep a little longer if you’re tired.”
Lu Chuiqing nods and lies back down, wrapping himself with the blanket. Instead of closing his eyes to rest, he sneakily creaks his eyes open to observe Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan is currently staring at his laptop screen on the desk, his long and lean fingers tapping on the keys occasionally.
There is always a distinct charm surrounding Xiao Zhan no matter what he does.
Lu Chuiqing admires Xiao Zhan’s wisdom, farsightedness and calm, he also loves the sense of safety and security Xiao Zhan brings, a temperament that is esteemed and worthy of admiration. Lu Chuiqing has finally put down his previous relationship completely, and he has finally decided to take his first step towards a new relationship, grabbing the hand Xiao Zhan has extended towards him tightly.
He is willing to give each other a chance, willing to believe that Xiao Zhan will be the one to fill up the blank in his ideal future that has been left empty for a long time.
Lu Chuiqing’s mind wanders while his eyes remain on Xiao Zhan. His mind is already a thousand miles away, sometimes finding it hard to believe and feeling no sense of reality, sometimes thinking whether or not he should tell his parents about his new relationship…
“What’s wrong?”
Xiao Zhan’s voice takes Lu Chuiqing by surprise. He gathers his thoughts as his eyes meet with Xiao Zhan. He quickly turns his body away and covers himself with the blanket, his heart beating wildly, “Nothing.”
Lu Chuiqing tosses and turns on the bed, unable to fall asleep when he suddenly remembers that he has to take leave for tomorrow because of his heat so he decides to leave the bed and send a message to Manager Qian. Probably because of their intense night activities last night, Lu Chuiqing starts to feel hungry.
Lu Chuiqing was about to call out CEO Xiao before he forces himself to stop and calls Xiao Zhan’s name, clearly awkward. He asks, “Have you eaten breakfast? I’m a bit hungry…”
“I’ll ask them to send the food here.” Xiao Zhan picks up the hotel restaurant’s menu from the table and browses through the simple introductions of the dishes, “What do you want to eat?”
“I’m good with anything.” Lu Chuiqing pauses and suddenly recalls that it is Sunday today. He does not need to work, but as a boss, especially since he does not seem to be earning a wage, Xiao Zhan should be pretty busy with work. He is worried that having Xiao Zhan accompanying him at the hotel would become a nuisance to his work, “Don’t you… need to go to the office today?”
“There’s nothing going on at the office.” Xiao Zhan replies, “I’ll keep you company.”
Lu Chuiqing replies with a soft “oh”, his heart filled with warmth.
Both of them are no longer youngsters who have yet to experience love and relationship, they can both balance work and relationship. There is no point for them to act all dramatic and delay their urgent work to keep each other company just to show how much they love each other. Since Xiao Zhan, the boss himself, said that there is nothing urgent, then it must be true.
After finishing up their breakfast, Lu Chuiqing unlocks his phone to check the morning stock market out of habit. Coincidentally, he sees the candlestick charts on Xiao Zhan’s laptop monitor, reminding him of Bo Da Materials’ incident with their short-term bonds. He can not help but ask, “About Bo Da Materials’ short-term bonds I mentioned previously… You didn’t buy any, did you?”
Xiao Zhan glances at him, “I didn’t.”
Lu Chuiqing lets out a sigh of relief, his expression captured by Xiao Zhan’s eyes. The latter leans back into his sofa chair, crossing his leg as he asks, full of interest, “Why, you’re very sure that they would break their contract?”
Upon hearing that, Lu Chuiqing’s eyes immediately look away. He rubs his neck as he says hesitantly, “It’s not that I’m very sure about it… it’s just that I’ve heard someone else talking about it.”
“Was it that experienced senior of yours again?” Xiao Zhan said unhurriedly, “Regarding that company’s financial problems, whether it is cash problems or debt problems, whether or not those problems will lead to them breaking their contract this time, all of these require evidence.”
Lu Chuiqing knows that talking to Xiao Zhan about this is no different from exposing himself in front of an expert, but he also can not explain why he knows about the company’s violation of contract this round. He can’t possibly tell Xiao Zhan that he has seen it in his dream, can he?
“Uh…” Lu Chuiqing wants to try anyway. Although Xiao Zhan has no reason to believe him without any evidence, it is indeed a perfect opportunity to earn a large sum of money. It would truly be a pity if he does not seize this chance, “Actually, my senior also said that Bo Da Materials’ stock prices should be peaking soon and that there will most likely be a sharp drop in prices afterwards… It is definitely an opportunity for short selling. My senior is pretty amazing when it comes to all these. Since he is so sure of this, he should have some sort of evidence… Why don’t you trust him just this once?”
After saying all that, even Lu Chuiqing himself thinks that he sounded really dumb. He glances at Xiao Zhan anxiously, worried that his image as a steadfast and intelligent person in Xiao Zhan’s mind is probably going to be completely destroyed.
Xiao Zhan lifts his head and looks at him, his deep-set of eyes locks onto Lu Chuiqing, accurately reading the hint of restlessness and worry in his eyes.
Xiao Zhan is indeed not that interested in such information. Although it is possible for a lucky jackpot, pursuing something with such high risk is something only a person lacking in experience would do. For someone who has settled in and experienced this circle, stability comes before everything else.
“Xiao-Qing*,” Xiao Zhan lifts his brow slightly, “Are you asking me to short sell it?”
(T/N*: Little Qing, Lu Chuiqing’s nickname.)
The intimate nickname that came out of nowhere stuns Lu Chuiqing for a split second, causing him to forget the excuse he has already found for himself as his cheeks flush red.
No one has called Lu Chuiqing that in this life. His acquaintances or colleagues of similar status have always addressed him by his full name, his seniors or superiors who are close to him would call him “Xiao-Lu”, his close friends and family would call him “Chuiqing”. Xiao Zhan’s nickname for him is definitely his first time.
Although they have already confirmed their relationship, Lu Chuiqing subconsciously thinks that it is more normal for Xiao Zhan to address him as “Xiao-Lu”.
Xiao Zhan, “Not used to me calling you that?”
“... Just a little.”
“You’ll get used to it after hearing it a few more times.”
Lu Chuiqing tries restraining himself for a while before admitting defeat. He coughs and mumbles, “Suit yourself… Where were we again? Oh… about short selling.”
Xiao Zhan nods, indicating for him to continue.
Lu Chuiqing probes, “How about… treating it like a lottery? If you do get it in the end, you can treat it as extra pocket money, even if you don’t get it, you won’t lose out much.”
Xiao Zhan, “So, you’re suggesting that I do it as a private investment, and not as a company?”
Lu Chuiqing quickly nods his head, his eyes sparkling.
Xiao Zhan remains silent for a moment before saying, “Bo Da’s boss’s son is my acquaintance.”
Lu Chuiqing is shocked at once. He can not help but think about how closely knitted the network is in this circle. He also understands that since there are social relationships involved, it would make it difficult for Xiao Zhan if he goes overboard.
Just as Lu Chuiqing is about to ask again, he hears Xiao Zhan say, “Regarding the short selling, I’ll consider it again.”
Lu Chuiqing is surprised, “Isn’t there a friend you know? Is it okay?”
“I didn’t say he’s a friend.”
Judging from Xiao Zhan’s answer, he does not seem to be on good terms with that company’s Young Master. Lu Chuiqing opens his mouth but is unsure whether it is appropriate for him to ask certain questions. Instead, he takes out his phone and has a quick search on Bo Da Joint-stock Limited Company.
Bo Da Materials’ shareholder and owner are also the Chairman of the Board called Xia Yuanbo. He has a son and a daughter, his younger son, Xia Hao, is also a shareholder of the company of about five per cent. He is also the General Manager of the company.
Since Xiao Zhan said that he would consider it, it probably means that whatever excuse he gave was not complete nonsense. Lu Chuiqing says, “Xiao Zhan, if you’re really going to do it, it would be best to do it before the end of November.”
Xiao Zhan taps lightly on the armrest, “Why?”
Lu Chuiqing, “... My senior said that the stock prices are most likely peaking then.”
Xiao Zhan remains silent for a short moment before patting the spot on the sofa next to him, indicating for Lu Chuiqing to sit here. Lu Chuiqing shifts over slowly. He did not wear his collar, the scent of his pheromone is still surrounding him due to his heat.
Xiao Zhan embraces Lu Chuiqing from the back, sniffing lightly at the sweet scent surrounding him. Lu Chuiqing flushes. His body is extremely sensitive as he is still going through his heat, he can not help but flinch, grabbing Xiao Zhan’s arms, which are wrapped around his waist, nervously.
Xiao Zhan hugs him as he says lightly beside his ear, “Sure, whatever you say.”
Lu Chuiqing lifts his head, astonishment filling his face while Xiao Zhan lowers his head to kiss him, causing his body to become feverish. After the kiss, Lu Chuiqing’s face is clearly flushed red, yet, he tries his hardest to endure it as he turns around to gaze at Xiao Zhan and asks, “Do you originally already have such intentions?”
Xiao Zhan, “Let’s not talk about that now.”
Not long later, Lu Chuiqing does not have the mood nor the energy to talk about that either.
When the aroma from their pheromones has finally died down slightly temporarily, Xiao Zhan kisses Lu Chuiqing’s sweat forehead, his palm sliding down from the nape of Lu Chuiqing’s neck all the way down along his spine, as if comforting him. Xiao Zhan then stands up, picks up the clothes left on the sofa and walks into the bathroom to take a shower.
Lu Chuiqing flips over and tangles himself in the blanket, it feels especially good to wrap the cool and chilly blanket around his feverish body. After taking a breather, Lu Chuiqing can hear the sound of water coming from the bathroom as he sniffs at the blanket which is still covered in the scent of Xiao Zhan’s pheromone. He rubs his ear tips, which are already warm and flushed.
Xiao Zhan has something to settle in his company on Monday, so he left very early. Lu Chuiqing continues to sleep alone in the hotel. Not long after he awakes, Xiao Zhan gives him a call asking him to come out to have lunch together.
Although the symptoms of his heat have died down a little on the second day, Lu Chuiqing is still in his heat. He is still worried that there may be unforeseeable circumstances so the two end up having a simple meal at the hotel restaurant.
Xiao-Luo happens to be staying with his family these couple of days and will only return in a few more days. Although Lu Chuiqing is not rushing to go back, his heat is basically over when tonight comes so it does not make sense for him to continue his stay in the hotel. It is too troublesome to have Xiao Zhan going back and forth between his office and hotel.
During dinner, Lu Chuiqing says to Xiao Zhan, “Xiao Zhan, I should go home tonight.”
Xiao Zhan lifts his eyes to look at him, “Do you have something to do at home?”
“Not really…” Lu Chuiqing scratches his head, “It looks pretty inconvenient for you to travel to your office from here. I have work tomorrow anyway, so it makes sense for me to go back. I don’t have to trouble you to come back here.”
Xiao Zhan, “All the things you need for work are in the hotel, right? I’ll send you to the crossing at New Bridge Road.”
The crossing at New Bridge Road is right next to the financial entrepreneur district, Zhong Ming Funding is located right on that road, seven to eight minutes away from the crossing. Lu Chuiqing understands immediately when he hears that Xiao Zhan wants to send him to the crossing.
Value Scan and Zhong Ming Funding are actually on the same road, Xiao Zhan can even send him directly to the office building’s entrance. However, given that Xiao Zhan has been to Zhong Ming Funding so many times, there must be many people in the company who would recognise his car. There will definitely be gossip if Lu Chuiqing is to come out of Xiao Zhan’s car so blatantly.
That is the reason why Xiao Zhan only offered to send him to the crossing. There are a lot of cars at the crossing, making it hard for others to notice. With just a single sentence, Xiao Zhan has already dispelled Lu Chuiqing’s unspoken apprehensions.
Lu Chuiqing looks at Xiao Zhan and nods, he feels his heart fills with warmth but at the same time, fills with guilt.
Of course he doesn’t want to worry about this and that, who wouldn’t want to be all lovey-dovey with their lover without a single worry in the world? But he is still only a small character in the workplace, he has no choice but to be mindful of others’ moods and thoughts of him. Even if he has no intention of showing off Xiao Zhan as his lover, it will not stop others from thinking as such.
He is, after all, an omega. There are even prior examples, so it is not surprising for most people to believe that he has used his second gender as a tool for him to climb higher in the status ladder.
If that happens, all the hard work, no matter how outstanding, will forever be connected to that.
However, he did not discuss such things with Xiao Zhan before.
“Xiao-Qing,” Xiao Zhan asks suddenly, “Do you want to move in and live together with me?”
Shocked, Lu Chuiqing whips his head around, a surprised “ah” leaving his mouth uncontrollably. His previous marriage was not that smooth, Lu Chuiqing thinks that one of the main reasons for his failed marriage was due to how fast his relationship with Chen Yuan had progressed, not taking enough time to explore and get to know each other better before finally deciding whether or not they were truly suited for each other.
Therefore, Lu Chuiqing feels a sense of worry and reluctance towards progressing too quickly. It is not because he does not want to live with Xiao Zhan. Rather, he really wants to develop and maintain their relationship properly. Regardless of marriage or moving in together, all of those involve both their lives, unlike a simple date. It is something that should be decided upon after spending more time together and proper consideration.
Besides, what if Xiao Zhan accidentally finds out more of his shortcomings after they move in together…? Although couples should show tolerance and forgive each other’s shortcomings, Lu Chuiqing does not want to bare himself out completely in front of Xiao Zhan so soon.
Lu Chuiqing hesitates and answers, “Let’s not rush it, I have already paid my rent for this quarter. Besides, my housemate is still a university student. It would be difficult for him to look for a suitable housemate straight away so I’m pretty worried…”
Halfway through his sentence, Lu Chuiqing becomes worried that Xiao Zhan may misunderstand so he quickly explains, “Xiao Zhan, it really isn’t because of me not wanting to live together with you, I merely think that we can take it slow in this regard… Or, I can occasionally stay over at yours during the weekends or holidays?”
Lu Chuiqing ponders for a second before he continues, “My housemate will be graduating next year in June, he is most likely going to work straight after so he may not continue to stay there. Shall we… wait till then before we move in together?”
After Lu Chuiqing’s long explanation, Xiao Zhan finally eases his worries by agreeing with a nod.
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Translator's note:
ANOTHER long chapter. Wanted to get this out on time because the [SMEXY TIME] is interrupted lol. Update for this series will be irregular until at least mid-November.
As usual, the link to the full version of the chapter will be released on my Discord server. You can access the full smexy chapters on my Discord server after you have confirmed that you are of age. I do not want to be held responsible for distributing inappropriate content to minors, so it is what it is. Please read the rules on the server to gain access, confirm that you are not underage by giving yourself the correct NSFW role to access the NSFW chapters. If you have any problem gaining access, please DM me on Discord and I'll try my best to help. [Smexy time] does not affect the story progression so feel free to skip it if you want.
1. Join Discord server here.Instructions:
2. Read the #rules. Make sure you understand the rules before reacting to the bot and give yourself access to the rest of the server. (You should be given the role "Kinda sleep deprived")
3. Go to #general-roles and confirm that you are of age by reacting to the bot accordingly. (You should be given the role "Oldies")
4. Go to #nsfw-chapters for the link and password for the full NSFW chapters.5. ENJOY.
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