Xia Wan’s eyes were fixed on the scar on Huo Yu’s chest, his initial excitement slowly waning as he examined it more closely.
The scar was positioned just to the left of Huo Yu’s chest, dangerously close to his heart. If this wasn’t a coincidence, it could have been fatal, potentially killing him instantly.
Even though Xia Wan didn’t know how Huo Yu got hurt or what happened before, he still felt scared just by seeing the fierce scar.
“Eldest Master,” he murmured softly without thinking, his eyes locked on Huo Yu’s chest without blinking.
“Have you seen enough?” Huo Yu seemed to chuckle, hastily putting on his shirt.
With beautiful fingers, he buttoned the shirt from top to bottom, making even such a mundane task look pleasing.
However…
Xia Wan pursed his lips and walked over to Huo Yu, extending his hand to grasp his wrist.
Xia Wan’s fingertips were slightly chilled, and the texture of his skin was smooth and tender. Yet, there was a surprising strength in his grip.
“Let me see,” he said, lifting his gaze to meet Huo Yu’s. His amber eyes appeared unusually intense, reflecting his serious emotions.
Though Huo Yu initially wanted to object but found himself unable to resist Xia Wan’s determined gaze. In the end, he simply tightened his lips in acquiescence.
“What do you want to see?” Huo Yu asked.
Xia Wan didn’t respond instead he unbutton the two buttons which Huo Yu had just buttoned.
He hesitated for a moment, his fingers hovering over the button before finally reaching out to touch the scar on Huo Yu’s chest.
The scar had a rough and tough texture, giving it a fierce appearance. However, beneath that, it felt unexpectedly pleasant—warm and solid. As Xia Wan’s hand pressed against it, he felt a subtle resilience that made his heart flutter with excitement.
This touch was brief, lasting perhaps only a second, yet it was filled with a world of different emotions.
“Is this something you should be touching?” Huo Yu looked down at him, his voice lower and filled with intensity.
Xia Wan carefully buttoned each button on Huo Yu’s shirt one by one. With every button, his knuckles brushed against the fabric, causing a faint sensation of tickling.
It wasn’t until the very last button was secured that Xia Wan spoke with a serious tone, “You had accidentally button the wrong spot earlier.”
“What?” Huo Yu was taken aback for a moment, and memories of the times he had adjusted Xia Wan’s buttons flashed through his mind.
Is this a tic for tac situation?
Huo Yu found the situation somewhat amusing and let a faint smile form on his lips. He replied with a hint of ambiguity, “I didn’t take advantage of you last time.”
“You make it sound like I took advantage of you,” Xia Wan responded as he stepped back, his eyes lifted to meet Huo Yu’s. “We’re both men, how could I take advantage of you?”
Xia Wan’s mood wasn’t particularly cheerful, and his eyes held a hint of redness. The scar wasn’t terrifying, but it still unnerved him. It wasn’t because it looked frightening, but rather because he suddenly realized that for Huo Yu, this world wasn’t fictional. But a real world, everything that happened to him was more real than ever.
The idea was strangely unsettling to him.
Huo Yu had initially wanted to tease Xia Wan a bit more, but when he saw the redness in his eyes, he fell silent. Xia Wan’s emotional response to the old scar struck him as oddly endearing.
Huo Yu’s heart skipped a beat, accompanied by an indescribable warmth. Even when he had faced near-death in that accident, no one had cared for him like this.
“Can’t men still get married?” Huo Yu couldn’t quite explain why, but he ended up scolding Xia Wan. “Men are capable of many things you might not imagine.”
Xia Wan couldn’t help but think, “Is there anything he can’t imagine?” His dorm mates, Su Tang, and Fu Ling, had endlessly discussed such matters in the dormitory. To avoid arousing suspicion, he’d done his online research about the postures, techniques, and sensations related to such matters. They had repeatedly marveled at Mr. Huo’s abilities and skills.
With this in mind, Xia Wan’s sadness evaporated almost instantly, replaced by a sense of amusement. He suppressed his laughter and teasingly poked Huo Yu’s chest with his finger, saying, “Eldest Master, you’re overthinking things.”
Huo Yu glanced down at Xia Wan, his thin lips curving into a subtle line, but his ears inexplicably turned red.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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He paused for a moment before adding with a sly grin, “I’d do more than just touch him.”
As Xia Wan made this statement, he didn’t dare to look up and missed the simultaneous change in Huo Yu’s darkened expression and mood.
Huo Yu took a step back and asked, “Is there something you want from me?”
Xia Wan paused for a moment, trying to recollect why he had come to find Huo Yu.
“I wanted to ask,” he began, “did you buy the clothes in my bedroom?”
Huo Yu responded casually, “Yes.” He didn’t maintain eye contact with Xia Wan and instead tucked his changed clothes under his arm as he headed toward the bathroom. “There will be plenty of events to attend in the future, so I’ve prepared more for you.”
After finishing his sentence, Huo Yu clarified, “Aunt Qin helped tidy up your room in the past. I didn’t enter your bedroom without permission.”
“Oh,” Xia Wan responded softly, feeling like this wasn’t the main issue. “Then…how did you know my size?”
Huo Yu appeared to find this amusing. He turned around, offering Xia Wan a half-smile, and replied, “I’ve studied art like you. Don’t think that just because you only wear simple clothes now, I can’t deduce your muscle direction, size, and proportions. Unlike you…”
He paused for a moment and continued, “I don’t have to touch to know.”
Was Huo Yu questioning his professionalism?
Xia Wan couldn’t help but feel indignant, glaring at Huo Yu as he exclaimed, “I’d rather be a dog than do cheap things in the future!”
Huo Yu hesitated for a moment, realizing he might have pushed Xia Wan’s buttons a bit too far. He regretted it somewhat, but when he saw Xia Wan’s seemingly heartless and ignorant expression, he turned cold once more and headed into the bathroom without a word.
After a brief pause, Xia Wan turned around and returned to his bedroom. Upon seeing the wide collection of clothing and accessories in the open wardrobe, his anger dissipated once again. Feeling fatigued, he sank onto the sofa, massaging his temples while gazing at the wardrobe in the distance.
He considered Huo Yu’s earlier words but concluded that he shouldn’t take them too seriously. In fact if it was his former self he wouldn’t have cared much.
However, a part of him cared about it now.
The problem is, the eldest master is the one paying the money, so what qualifications does he have to take things seriously?
“No, Xia Wan,” he said to himself after some contemplation, pointing at his reflection in the full-length mirror. “Your professionalism is slipping.”
He stood up and approached the wardrobe, choosing his outfit for the day, determined to regain his professionalism.
He saw Huo Yu wearing gray shirt. Xia Wan also settled on a gray silk shirt, giving off a sleek and expensive vibe.
To match the other party attire, he also picked gray pants. He carefully slicked back his hair from the front of his forehead to the back, achieving a refined look.
The young man he saw in the mirror had rosy lips, white teeth, and lively eyes. Xia Wan examined himself for a moment and nodded in satisfaction.
Once ready, Xia Wan descended the stairs, finding Huo Yu already seated in the living room, engaged in a phone conversation and waiting for him.
However, as Xia Wan caught sight of him, his steps came to a halt.
Why had Huo Yu changed his outfit?
Now, he was no longer wearing the light gray shirt from before, but instead a navy blue one.
This choice highlighted his fair skin while projecting a cooler demeanor. Additionally, his hair was semi-dry, not wet, lending him a younger and more energetic appearance.
Xia Wan: ??!
Xia Wan wondered if Huo Yu had taken another shower because he had touched his clothes. Was it about cleanliness or some sort of protest against him?
He decided to put aside what Huo Yu had said in the car earlier. He covered his chest and repeated to himself, “Professional ethics, professional ethics, Amitabha, Amitabha…”
As Xia Wan descended the stairs slowly, Huo Yu happened to end his phone call. His eyes brightened when he saw Xia Wan, pausing briefly as he took in the gray silk shirt.
“Eldest Master,” Xia Wan playfully leaned closer and quipped, “I changed into this outfit to match you. Do you think I need another one?”
“This outfit looks great,” Huo Yu replied, “No need to change.”
He reached out and gently patted the top of Xia Wan’s head, adding, “Your hairstyle is beautiful too.”
Xia Wan couldn’t help but think, Talk about double standards. Huo Yu wanted to touch him but didn’t want him to touch him (Huo Yu).
Xia Wan couldn’t help but worry about the future. When people saw them together, it might lead to complications. No holding hands, no kisses…
When he thought of this, he felt a little shocked and glanced at Huo Yu secretly.
“What’s on your mind?” Huo Yu asked, puzzled but then laughing. “You look so well-dressed; others might think you’re a young master from someone’s family.”
“I apologize,” Xia Wan said, “I’m not deserving.”
Even as Huo Yu got into the car, Xia Wan remained somewhat gloomy. He found it amusing how he had cooperated so earnestly and nervously with Huo Yu, especially considering Huo Yu’s casual and natural hairstyle. But more than that, he was genuinely perplexed by how his emotions seemed to be increasingly influenced by Huo Yu.
Is it because Huo Yu is too kind to him?
As he contemplated this, Xia Wan realized it wasn’t because Huo Yu was overly nice to him.
Xia Wan cupped his cheeks, deep in thought.
Suddenly, Huo Yu held out a piece of something and offered it to Xia Wan. “Want some?”
Xia Wan glanced at it, seeing that it was a beautifully packaged piece of chocolate. He hesitated, wondering if accepting it would make him appear easy to please person.
“This is a gift from someone, and they have a very limited yearly production,” Huo Yu said, “If you don’t eat it, it will go to waste.”
“Will eat it,” Xia Wan decided without further hesitation. He reached out, unwrapped the chocolate, and took a bite.
The silky texture and rich sweetness of the chocolate instantly filled his mouth, momentarily engulfing him in delight. Xia Wan couldn’t help but close his eyes slightly, feeling much better.
Huo Yu had indeed been very kind to him, causing Xia Wan to reevaluate his feelings. He reminded himself multiple times in his heart: professional ethics, professional ethics…
After enjoying the chocolate, the car arrived at their destination—a highly exclusive, upscale restaurant owned by the Shen family. This restaurant was renowned but extremely exclusive, with strict criteria for admitting guests. Non-members were not allowed, and becoming a member required a certain level of status and wealth.
“Can I go in?” Xia Wan unconsciously rubbed his fingertips and looked at Huo Yu. “I don’t have membership.”
“I’m your VIP,” Huo Yu replied without looking up. He unbuckled his seatbelt, exited the car, circled around to Xia Wan, opened the car door, and extended his hand. His hand was remarkably elegant, resembling a piece of white jade in the early evening light, and what stood out most was the wedding ring.
Xia Wan was momentarily stunned but then retrieved a wet towel. Under Huo Yu’s watchful gaze, he carefully wiped his hand before daring to put it on.
As Xia Wan wiped his hand, Huo Yu glanced down at the slightly trembling eyelashes and pursed his lips, his eyes darkening slightly.
Maybe the chocolate hadn’t worked, and Xia Wan was still upset? But it was reasonable for him to be angry, Huo Yu thought. After all, Xia Wan had cooperated with him to change into matching clothes, only for him to change into another outfit.
Huo Yu pursed his lips. At that moment, he had no choice but to take a cold shower to cool off because of Xia Wan. Who told Xia Wan to touch him?
However, Xia Wan seemed completely oblivious to this things. He was like a piece of wood and doesn’t understand anything.
After Xia Wan’s hands were wiped with wet wipes, it felt cool and comfortable in his palms.
Huo Yu unconsciously tightened his grip slightly. He helped him get out of the car, and the two of them walked side by side towards the restaurant.
The waiter stationed at the entrance saw them and respectfully greeted, “Mr. Huo.” He then escorted them into the lobby and guided them to an exclusive passenger elevator.
The elevator ascended to the sixth floor, and Huo Yu deftly swiped his card. When the elevator doors opened, they found themselves in a private dining room.
Inside, a tall man was seated, and he looked up upon hearing them. It was Huo Yu’s uncle, Yan Rui.
“Xiao Yu,” Yan Rui greeted with a smile, though his brow still bore distinct lines. He then shifted his gaze to Xia Wan. “You must be Xia Wan.”
“Uncle,” Xia Wan responded with a friendly smile.
While addressing him as “uncle” sounded pleasant, Xia Wan couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward inside because Yan Rui looked remarkably young. At just 35 years old, he appeared much younger than his actual age. He looked more like a big brother than an uncle.
Xia Wan had seen Yan Rui’s photos online before and understood why Huo Peixue and Yan Wei’s businesses had been completely taken over by Huo Peixue. When the accident occurred, Yan Rui was only thirteen or fourteen years old. Regardless of how capable a middle school student might be, managing his sister and brother-in-law’s business remotely seemed like an impossible task.
“Uncle,” Huo Yu walked over holding Xia Wan’s hand and took a seat across from Yan Rui.
Yan Rui’s gaze briefly fell on their clasped hands, a hint of surprise flitting across his face. According to what Huo Yu had previously told him, his partnership with Xia Wan was merely a business arrangement necessitated by circumstances. However, the current situation appeared quite different.
He observed the two with a knowing smile on his lips.
It wasn’t until Xia Wan placed his hand on the table, revealing the ring, that Yan Rui’s expression turned serious.
The meal arrived promptly. Xia Wan refrained from drinking, so he sat beside Huo Yu and savored the exquisite food. The restaurant’s cuisine surpassed anything he had ever tasted, boasting not only delightful flavors but also artful presentation. He relished every bite.
To maintain appearances, Xia Wan deliberately ate slowly.
Meanwhile, Huo Yu and Yan Rui engaged in personal conversation rather than discussing work matters. Yan Rui occasionally shared anecdotes from Huo Yu’s childhood. He mentioned that during Huo Yu’s summer vacations, he would come over to help his sister take care.
“Was he mischievous back then?” Xia Wan asked with a playful smile.
“Xiao Yu was very well-behaved as a child,” Yan Rui replied with a smile. “He was rather squeamish during those times.”
“Oh~” Xia Wan drawled, elongating his voice as he gave Huo Yu a teasing smile. However, his happiness was short-lived because in the next moment, a crab claw pricked his fingertip, drawing blood.
Bright red droplets emerged from his pink fingertip, and Xia Wan let out a soft hiss.
“What happened?” Huo Yu’s expression shifted, and he immediately pressed the call button. Then, he carefully cradled Xia Wan’s hand in his palm, using a tissue to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. “Does it hurt a lot?”
“It doesn’t hurt much,” Xia Wan shook his head, managing to smile once more. “I was just wondering if the squeamish master would feel pain.”
Across from them, Yan Rui smiled as well and unconsciously reached for the gift in his pocket. The present had been prepared in advance by his wife—a pair of cuffs symbolizing growing old together.
He had initially thought this meeting would be vain, but now it seemed he was mistaken.
The author has something to say:
Why does Xiao Huo take a cold shower?
YES XIA WAN, REEVALUATE THOSE FEELINGS!!!! Professionalism, ethics, yeah right! You’re already married, there’s nothing wrong if you fall in love!
Do you have to change the outfit if you take a shower? It was clean originally, and it’s not like you wore it for more than a minute…
Did Huo Yu like sweat all over or what…
Nah, it was because of different reason. Let us just say he got bit excited. 🙃🙃
…did he wear those designer trousers that you aren’t supposed to put underwear on with to avoid distorting the lines?
Think so 😂
HY, stop behave like a fool and be true with your feelings! Show them to bubu! (>o<)/
Thank You for the new chapter (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡
Thank you for your translation ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
To cool down his hot blooded ummm heat !
LMAOOOO not the cold shower 😭😭😭🙏 im sorry for xia wan he keeps thinking that huo yu is disgusted with him or smth 😭 gosh resolve this huo yu im counting on you…
Taking a shower coz it’s getting hot in here 😂