Sponsored chapter (4/5)
After a brief pause, Lu Huan burst into laughter.
With his fingers dancing over the keyboard, he adjusted the name on the agreement, then turned his gaze toward Yu Baihan, as if seeking instructions, “And then?”
“First, move your important files out,” Yu Baihan suggested, holding up the USB flash drive, “I’m ready to hand in my assignment.”
“Sure thing.” Lu Huan efficiently began transferring files.
In no time, he pushed the freshly cleaned computer toward Yu Baihan, his demeanor generous, “Feel free to use it.”
Yu Baihan offered a polite smile in return, “Thank you, fellow classmate Lu.”
Another new moniker was added.
Lu Huan took the change in stride, grinning back at Yu Baihan, “You’re welcome.”
Concluding their friendly exchange, Yu Baihan collected the USB flash drive and glanced at the computer. He noticed the revised agreement positioned alongside the “Qiongshan” collaboration letter. It now explicitly stipulates that Si Wei will relinquish 1% of his shares to Lu Huan.
Laying the two documents side by side, there was no need for Si Yanting to look around.
“…” He was bemused.
Lu Huan, who was paying close attention to the computer, was indeed considerate. A trait he found quite endearing.
Very much to his liking.
As he connected the USB flash drive to the computer, Yu Baihan was about to withdraw when he belatedly asked Lu Huan, “Are you busy with work?”
Lu Huan inquired, “What’s the matter?”
Yu Baihan bashfully lowered his head, “This computer is temporarily unavailable.”
Otherwise, if Lu Huan happened to be using the computer when the USB drive was inserted, wouldn’t their secret be exposed?
Failures to complete assignments lead to arrests and brainwashing.
Lu Huan regarded him, a hint of relief in his expression, and said, “You’ve finally remembered that I still have work to do.”
“…” Yu Baihan chuckled sheepishly, “Then can you use mine?”
Lu Huan’s hand extended toward the tablet, paused for a moment, and then retracted. He nodded, “Sure, I’ll use it.”
—
Yu Baihan’s computer was positioned on the desk next to the bedroom’s balcony. The balcony curtains were drawn back, inviting warm golden sunlight to pour in, creating a radiant path across the table and onto the floor.
Following Yu Baihan into the bedroom, Lu Huan found the computer resting on the desk, its screen still active with an unfinished game.
Catching a glimpse of this, Yu Baihan advised, “You should exit the game.”
After that, he moved over to a nearby lazy sofa, dragging it to a suitable spot beside the bed.
Just as he was positioning the sofa, he noticed Lu Huan was manipulating the mouse and energetically participating in the game. Yu Baihan halted his actions and inquired patiently, “Classmate Lu, what are you up to?”
“Take a tour of our ‘Baihan Happy Planet’.”
“……”
Standing behind Lu Huan, Yu Baihan played the role of a supervisor, ensuring Lu Huan’s actions on his “happy planet” didn’t spiral out of control.
Within a couple of minutes, a message notification suddenly appeared in the game.
[Qi Yin]: Have you finished your assignment?
Lu Huan ceased his activity, and Yu Baihan observed for a moment. He was about to reach over and type a response when another hand beat him to it, landing on the keyboard.
[Li Shizhen’s dog]: Yes.
Yu Baihan:?
Lu Huan was actually assisting him in chatting with Qin Lun?
He scrutinized Lu Huan’s profile closely. The handsome features appeared at ease. Lu Huan spoke, his lips curving slightly, “Let’s keep it casual between us.”
Yu Baihan, “…”
Alright, point taken.
Meanwhile, the in-game chat continued—
[Qi Yin]: I happen to have some free time now. Last time, I mentioned taking you through a high-level dungeon. Are you available?
A high-level dungeon?
Yu Baihan’s heart skipped a beat!
He extended his hand, patting Lu Huan’s shoulder, and suggested, “Since you’re not in a rush for work, how about a game?”
Surprisingly, Lu Huan was quite agreeable, “Sure.”
About to take control of the computer, Yu Baihan noticed that Lu Huan had already accepted the game invitation sent by Qin Lun. Curious, he asked, “How do you operate?”
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.
“………”
Qjla, tf kjrc’a fcilralcu Oe Lejc ab qijs j ujwf.
Te Djltjc, wjlcajlclcu tlr mbwqbregf, mjpbifv, “Vabq wfrrlcu jgbecv; sbe vbc’a xcbk tbk ab qijs atlr.”
Fcvfafggfv, Oe Lejc qblcafv ab atf rmgffc jcv gfabgafv, “Qts cba pera afjmt wf? Helmxis rtbk wf, Hlc Oec’r nblmf lr mbwlcu atgbeut.”
Te Djltjc ofia ilxf tf kjr byrfgnlcu j qgfaas ulgioglfcv ktfc tf uijcmfv ja Oe Lejc ja atja wbwfca.
The voice application notifications continued to pop up on the screen.
Yu Baihan took a deep breath, realizing he had no choice but to quickly explain the game’s mechanics to Lu Huan. He also admonished, “Be quiet for a while, and don’t let Qin Lun realize you’re playing games here.”
He feared that Qin Lun might abruptly depart from his “happy planet.”
“Alright.” Lu Huan clicked on the voice application.
—
Ten minutes into the game.
Lu Huan gripped the mouse, his expression grave, “Where’s the highlight?” He placed skills randomly, prompting Qin Lun on the other end to jest, “Are you a mole sent by the dungeon boss?”
Yu Baihan concurred, saying, “Yes, our fight is a mess.”
Casting a sidelong glance at Yu Baihan, Lu Huan returned his attention to the screen. Qin Lun’s voice echoed from the game, “As long as you understand.”
Yu Baihan: Yes, yes, keep scolding him, it’s a good scolding!
As he listened to Lu Huan getting reprimanded, his phone vibrated suddenly on the table. Yu Baihan picked it up to check.
Caller ID: [Si Yanting]
“……”
Did they have such a rush to call? Were they afraid he’d grow spines or something?
Leaving the still-chastised Lu Huan behind, he got up and stepped out to answer the phone.
The door closed behind him, cutting off the sounds from within the room.
Once the call was connected, Si Yanting got straight to the point, his usually composed voice laced with impatience, “Is the USB flash drive connected to Lu Huan’s computer?”
Yu Baihan replied matter-of-factly, “Yes.”
What a redundant question. Otherwise, did he go to an internet café to plug it in?
There was a pause on the other end, and then Si Yanting suddenly inquired, “The third one mentioned you were present when he discussed the project with Lu Huan’s company last time. What was the outcome of their agreement?”
Yu Baihan answered truthfully, “The third brother secured a 25% share and relinquished 1% to Mr. Lu.”
A protracted silence ensued through the receiver, followed by a solemn, “Understood.”
The call ended.
Yu Baihan pocketed his phone, his expression candid, and thought to himself: He didn’t have to say anything.
Being honest was his inherent quality.
—
Returning to the bedroom, as Yu Baihan approached the computer, he noticed that the blood bar on the screen was nearly depleted.
His anxiety surged, and he urgently tapped Lu Huan’s arm, “Quick, move there! Do you know how to play?”
The voice from the other end, Qin Lun, inquired incredulously, “I can’t play?”
Yu Baihan hastened to moderate his tone, “I wasn’t referring to you.”
Qin Lun let out an untroubled chuckle.
After half an hour of play, the game finally came to an end. As Lu Huan withdrew his hand and massaged his knuckles, Qin Lun’s voice floated from the voice app, “Playing a game with you is raising my blood pressure. You’re too skilled.”
Yu Baihan observed Lu Huan’s expression of amusement.
Qin Lun added, “But compared to before, there’s a bit of progress.”
Yu Baihan’s mind was caught in confusion. What was he talking about?
After a brief silence, Lu Huan couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
His clear laughter reverberated through the voice chat, causing Qin Lun’s voice to abruptly halt! After about thirty seconds of silence, his profile picture on the screen turned gray once more.
The game interface was closed.
With his USB disk connected to the computer, Lu Huan clicked on the file and commented, “The experience wasn’t bad; it truly is a Happy Planet.”
Yu Baihan jestingly pointed out, “Your ‘Happy Planet’ is floating within others’ ‘Painful Universe’.”
Lu Huan’s lips curled into a contented smile, “It’s a mutual arrangement.”
—
In the present moment, Lu Huan delved into his work while Yu Baihan nestled onto the beanbag beside him.
The afternoon sun cast a pleasant glow, draping itself over the lazy sofa. Curled up into a cozy ball, Yu Baihan bathed in the sunlight, gradually succumbing to drowsiness.
After focusing on his documents for a while, Lu Huan eventually turned his head to find Yu Baihan peacefully asleep, his head tilted to the side. Yu Baihan’s attire consisted of summer-appropriate short-sleeved clothing, revealing his slender and graceful limbs.
Sensing Lu Huan’s gaze, Yu Baihan’s fluttering eyelashes trembled, and he opened his eyes.
Under the slanted sunlight, the two exchanged gazes, studying each other from head to toe.
Several moments later, Yu Baihan shook off his drowsiness and spoke with an air of helplessness, “Keep working, don’t sneak peeks while I’m napping.”
Lu Huan’s thoughts were disrupted, and he raised a hand to massage his forehead.
“You’re quite the patient.” Yu Baihan got up from the beanbag sofa and stretched out a hand from behind to lend assistance, but Lu Huan intercepted his attempt. Instead, he hooked his arms over Lu Huan’s shoulders, gaining a view of the computer screen.
On the screen was an itinerary from Yao Xingran.
Yu Baihan leaned in for a closer look, “You’re going on a trip the day after tomorrow?”
With his chest resting against the back of Lu Huan’s head, he released the grip of his hands that had reached around, allowing Lu Huan to move slightly away.
“It’s not a trip; it’s a banquet.”
“At the beach?” Yu Baihan examined the schedule, a sense of eagerness in his eyes. “Could I come along?”
Lu Huan shut off the itinerary. “Are you plotting something?”
Before Yu Baihan could respond, Lu Huan issued a warm caution, “But your dear third brother will be there as well. Are you sure?”
Will Shan San’er be there?
Yu Baihan promptly turned around to begin packing his belongings.
He had to go; he absolutely had to go.
He wanted to savor the fruits of his labor firsthand!
—
A financial magnate from H City attended the banquet.
While Lu Huan might be considered an up-and-coming figure in City C, it’s important to note that City C serves as the economic hub for the entire southwestern region. Especially in the southern part of the city, where prosperity and affluence are at their peak, Lu Huan’s standing within the financial realm carries significant weight.
Upon their arrival at the airport, someone was already there to receive Yu Baihan and Lu Huan. They swiftly exited through the VIP channel, then took a dedicated vehicle, reaching their hotel within a mere 20 minutes.
The hotel was positioned along the coastline, granting an unobstructed view of the sea.
The rooms on the far left even boasted balcony pools, seeming to merge with the shoreline as the backdrop.
Yu Baihan playfully tapped Lu Huan’s shoulder, directing his attention to the balcony.
Glancing in that direction, Lu Huan’s thoughts instantly turned to the waterbed that had experienced a catastrophic collapse. He whispered warily, “Don’t make trouble.”
Yu Baihan nodded, his expression serious. “Don’t worry, I won’t cause any disturbances outside.”
Given Qi Jue’s familial connection, he could afford to be a bit relaxed.
The attendant guiding them almost tripped on the stairs, a hint of embarrassment showing on his face. The term “balcony” truly held its literal meaning here, which proved somewhat inconvenient.
Lu Huan’s room occupied the far left corner of the top floor.
A presidential suite complete with a balcony and a swimming pool.
Once the attendant had shown them in, he took his leave. Yu Baihan pushed open the door and entered the room, setting aside their luggage before strolling over to survey the balcony.
At the doorway of the balcony, a sunken ladder provided access to the pool. Adjacent to the pool were auxiliary tables and chairs.
While Yu Baihan stood gazing out from the balcony, Lu Huan’s voice drifted from behind. “If you fall in, I won’t come to your rescue.”
The water’s ripples gently danced in Yu Baihan’s gaze. He turned to find Lu Huan occupied with packing. After a brief silence, he quipped, “The water here is only 1.5 meters deep.”
He was not up for any masochistic pranks.
Lu Huan’s brow furrowed. Taking a few steps, he locked the balcony doors, then approached Yu Baihan. “The more you talk, the more it seems like a flag.”
—
The reception was scheduled to commence at 6 p.m.
In their room, Yu Baihan opted for a light-colored suit. His naturally fair complexion and pale lips lent him an air of cold and delicate beauty.
Lu Huan, dressed in a charcoal gray suit, stood by, observing him.
Simply observing, Yu Baihan adjusted his sleeves and turned around, offering a smile. “Lu Huan.”
In that fleeting moment, the frigidity and vulnerability dissolved, leaving only Yu Baihan’s distinctive radiance and vivacity.
Lu Huan’s lashes lowered. “What is it?”
With a bashful gesture, Yu Baihan extended his hand. “My shirt got caught in the sleeve, could you help me untangle it?”
“………”
—
The banquet was designed in a semi-open style by the beach.
A crimson velvet carpet extended from the venue to the shoreline, and decorative lights adorned the meandering coastline. The sea breeze brushed over the elongated tables, as guests mingled and conversed.
Yu Baihan accompanied Lu Huan to the gathering, his mind racing. “Won’t we end up eating sea sand if we drink outside with the wind blowing?”
A slight flutter in Lu Huan’s heart. “No one would open their mouths that wide.”
Yu Baihan’s gaze lowered, and a smile tugged at his lips. “Of course.”
As they entered the reception area, numerous individuals greeted Lu Huan.
Lu Huan stood there, graciously absorbing the attention from all directions, his demeanor composed and serene.
The crystal lights above cast shimmering reflections, but they didn’t quite reach his dark eyes.
Beside Lu Huan, Yu Baihan navigated through the probing gazes of various attendees. Occasionally, he nodded and returned awkward smiles—appearing genuine and at ease, free from any pretense.
Amid this simulated social interaction, a stir arose at the entrance of the venue.
Yu Baihan turned his head, spotting Si Wei entering through the doors.
Si Wei sported a colorful shirt beneath his suit, with his collar open, exuding a slightly impetuous air. He paid little heed to those who greeted him on his way, instead heading straight to the rear to greet the event’s host before settling into a corner sofa with a glass of wine.
Glass after glass, the wine spilled.
Si Wei was feeling incredibly agitated.
Since the day before yesterday, someone had been covertly sabotaging his efforts. Several projects he had been working on had collapsed, pushing the company’s liquidity into dire straits.
The whole affair wasn’t just a simple provocation; it felt more like a veiled threat.
The only question was, who was the devious mastermind behind it all?
Lost in thought, his gaze skimmed the venue, passing through the intertwining figures, finally landing on Lu Huan and Yu Baihan not too far away.
After a moment’s contemplation, Si Wei set his glass down, rose from his seat, and made his way over.
—
With the numerous greetings Lu Huan received, the crowd began to thin out gradually.
Turning his head, Yu Baihan was on the verge of telling Lu Huan that he was hungry when Si Wei approached.
“Boss Lu, Xiaohan.”
“Third young master,” Lu Huan responded with a light nod.
Si Wei’s eyes flickered between their expressions, as if unintentionally probing. “Mr. Lu, isn’t he busy these days? How come you have the time to attend such a social gathering?”
Lu Huan draped an arm around Yu Baihan’s waist, his tone softening. “Baihan wanted to come and take a look, so I’m accompanying him.”
Yu Baihan blinked, caught off guard by the sudden affection.
He lowered his gaze, pretending to be shy, playing along with Lu Huan’s words.
Si Wei’s attempts to extract information came up empty, so he offered a casual greeting and moved on to test the next person he suspected.
Watching Si Wei’s retreating figure, Yu Baihan sighed inwardly:
It’s often those closest to you who end up hurting you the most.
No longer bothered by Si Wei, he turned his attention back to enjoying the offerings at the event.
Twenty minutes later.
Having made his rounds, Yu Baihan held a glass of wine in his hand. The champagne’s clear, yellow hue casts an ethereal glow within the glass.
Lu Huan’s gaze settled on him. “Are you here for the food?”
“Could it be otherwise?” Yu Baihan was about to retort, when a sudden sound of shattering glass reverberated nearby, followed by a resounding crash!
The surrounding attendees emitted hushed exclamations.
On the polished floor, a wine glass lay shattered, its fragments scattered about. Si Wei clutched his phone in his hand, his face contorted in an expression of anger and frustration. His voice conveyed a mixture of incredulity and irritation. “Who are you talking about… Why is he acting so recklessly!”
He abruptly ended the call and marched away, his footsteps heavy with agitation.
The onlookers exchanged puzzled glances, a temporary hush falling over the area before whispers of speculation gradually arose.
Lu Huan retracted his gaze from the departing Si Wei and cast a sidelong smile at Yu Baihan. “Do you have anything else to add?”
Yu Baihan lifted his eyes, meeting the meaningful gaze. Taking a sip from his glass, he offered a bashful smile in return.
“Brother always manages to be impatient. It makes Mr. Lu laugh.”
Author’s Note:
Yu Baihan: Unaffected and untainted, completely free from contamination.
Lu Huan: Cool and composed, yet endearing.
P.S. Brother Yu tends to be modest; here, Baihan deduces it to Third Brother.
I wonder what exactly is happening
Thank you so much
They make a great power couple – the Si family watch out! 😎💪
Thanks for the chapter 💞