The warmth they shared felt like an accidental encounter, fleeting and electric.
Yu Baihan’s heart raced, and he stole a quick glance at Lu Huan, who wore glasses that hid his eyes. Though Lu Huan’s gaze remained lowered, there was a subtle hint of redness at the base of his ears, a silent testimony to their electrifying proximity. The heated breath brushed against his earlobes, an unspoken promise of something more.
A nervous gulp resonated in Yu Baihan’s throat.
With a flushed face, he gently gripped Lu Huan’s wrist and whispered, “Lu Huan, we can’t… not here, it’s a public place.”
After a brief silence, Lu Huan’s voice quivered slightly, “What are you thinking?”
He withdrew his hand.
Torn between yielding and resisting, Yu Baihan traced a few fingers along Lu Huan’s wrist, then, bashfully, he nestled into Lu Huan’s embrace, mumbling, “It’s just that this isn’t appropriate.”
Lu Huan glanced at him, a mix of emotions in his eyes. He shifted his wrist to dislodge Yu Baihan’s lingering fingers, then gently held the restless man close. “Our Baihan doesn’t seem to have any ‘inappropriate’ intentions,” he stated.
Yu Baihan, ensnared once again, could only roll his eyes in playful accusation. “You started it.”
Lu Huan pursed his lips, releasing Yu Baihan’s hand and taking a step back. “It wasn’t deliberate,” he admitted.
Yu Baihan caught on. “You’re just too weak, aren’t you?”
“……”
There was a moment of tranquility in the dressing room.
Lu Huan averted his gaze and elegantly adjusted his attire.
The attires of the couple now adorned their figures gracefully.
Yu Baihan glanced at the mirror—true to form, Xiao Lu appeared splendid in any outfit.
Undoubtedly, the same could be said of him. cluck cluck…
He extended his arm and drew Lu Huan closer, “Let us capture this moment in a photograph.”
Lu Huan noticed that he had already retrieved his phone, “What do you intend to photograph?”
“Naturally, to immortalize these beautiful moments.” Yu Baihan enveloped Lu Huan’s hand around his waist, maintaining the embrace from behind that he found so endearing.
Upon completing the gesture, he snapped a picture in the mirror.
In the camera, the mobile phone obscured the upper portion of his face, revealing only his lips gently curved and his petite, pointed canine teeth. Lu Huan refrained from gazing at the mirror or the camera, as if engrossed in the screen of his mobile phone, head slightly bowed.
Yu Baihan saved the photograph with profound contentment, planning to post it on Moments later.
“Let’s just buy this set, don’t change it out. Go out later and ask the clerk to cut a hang tag.”
Lu Huan picked up their old clothes, “Okay.”
…
Upon exiting the dressing room, Yu Baihan requested the clerk’s assistance in removing the hang tags from their clothing.
As they approached the front desk for payment, Lu Huan extended his hand to present his card, only to have it gently restrained.
Yu Baihan cast a reproachful glance at him, admonishing, “Xiao Lu, your sensibility seems to have waned.”
In a grandiose fashion, he triumphantly displayed the QR code on his mobile phone, declaring, “Allow Boss Baihan to take care of it.”
“……”
The clerk smiled and humbly scanned the QR code.
Lu Huan remarked, “We shouldn’t squander the boss’s money, should we? It would be wise to save it for a lifelong package for the two of us.”
Yu Baihan questioned, “Do we truly still require such an item?”
Lu Huan chuckled, “Indeed, it is no longer necessary.”
—
Upon leaving the store, Lu Huan carefully stowed away their newly exchanged garments in the car.
Yu Baihan glanced at the time and remarked, “It is time to indulge in a meal.”
The restaurant he sought was nestled in an alley behind the studio—a quaint revolving hot pot establishment. It had garnered nothing but praise from authentic online reviews, piquing his curiosity.
“It is said to be an absolute must-try, a dining destination of remarkable caliber.”
Yu Baihan perused the comments displayed on his phone screen, exclaiming, “Ah, here it is! The description aligns perfectly.”
Lu Huan glanced at him, questioning, “Truly identical?”
Yu Baihan found himself momentarily speechless, before finally asserting, “Let us go and see for ourselves.”
The storefront resided in the heart of the alley, featuring a modest entrance on the ground floor.
As the duo stepped inside, they were greeted by a waiter stationed in the petite foyer. A staircase leading to the second floor loomed behind the waiter, concealed by a curtain.
The waiter, armed with a tablet, inquired, “What type of hot pot would you both prefer?”
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.
Ktfs tjnfc’a fnfc rja vbkc sfa, rb qbrlalnf?
Ktfs tjv cba fnfc ajxfc atflg rfjar, yea Te Djltjc fzqgfrrfv tlr fcaterljrw, rjslcu, “Gb sbe tjqqfc ab boofg jc fluta-qgbcufv qba? Ktja lr qgfmlrfis ktja kf vfrlgf.”
Ktf cbalbc rbecvfv lcmgfvlyis vlralcmalnf ab Oe Lejc, mjerlcu tlw ab oeggbk tlr ygbk klat j tlca bo rxfqalmlrw.
The waiter swiftly took their order and parted the curtain, stating, “The pot’s base is prepared. You may head upstairs and take your seats.”
Yu Baihan guided Lu Huan up the stairs, continuing their conversation as they ascended. “I wonder if there are partitioned seating arrangements. Would you prefer to sit by the window or…”
As they reached the second floor, a breathtaking scene unfolded before them.
Abruptly, Yu Baihan’s voice trailed off and he was momentarily taken aback. His body trembled ever so slightly as he beheld the sight of numerous tables teeming with customers, gliding past his gaze like a swift current within the vast expanse of the restaurant.
Beneath them, a conveyor belt wound its way around the dining tables, curving and twisting.
The dining table remains stationary, firmly anchored to the ground. The waiter diligently serves the dishes, while the patrons deftly time their movements to swiftly retrieve the delicacies and place them into the pot.
The entire scene buzzes with liveliness and activity.
“………”
Yu Baihan was left speechless and overwhelmed!
So, the customers themselves operate this petite rotating hot pot!?
As Yu Baihan stood there in a daze, Lu Huan by his side also fell into silence.
Both of them stood motionless on the staircase, when a waiter promptly approached them, saying, “Feel free to choose your seats.” He smiled warmly and said, “Regardless of where you sit, the experience remains the same~”
“……”
Indeed, doesn’t it?
Upon settling into his seat, Yu Baihan came to the realization that it was not just themselves who were in motion, but also the Eight-Piece Pot adorning their table.
The pot’s base, divided into eight equal sections, spun like a fervent wheel.
Yu Baihan experienced a slight dizziness, prompting him to remark, “No wonder it aligns with the descriptions.”
Truly, it was a diminutive revolving hot pot.
As the conveyor belt below made a turn, Lu Huan, positioned at a 90-degree angle like a showpiece, wore a smile on the corner of his lips, suggesting, “Should it not be called the ‘Small Touring Hot Pot’?”
Yu Baihan interjected, correcting him, “It is touring both you and me.”
Placing a hand over his heart, he reached out and retrieved a plate of succulent beef from the adjacent side, urging, “Let us hasten the feast, lest we remain seated for another rotation.”
“……”
The base of the eight-piece pot gracefully rotates at a steady pace upon the table.
Each compartment is initially petite, and its speed is far from sluggish. Just as Yu Baihan was about to retrieve a meatball from the tomato pot, the pot turned towards Lu Huan.
Engulfed in a dizzying fishing endeavor.
Yu Baihan finally set down his chopsticks, fixing Lu Huan with a suggestive gaze. “Xiao Lu.”
Boss Bai Han felt a nauseating sensation building within him.
Why is your vision so lacking?
With a half-smile, Lu Huan stared back at him, deftly spearing the balls and extending his long arms to deposit them into the bowl.
Satisfied, Yu Baihan cradled the bowl and delicately consumed the balls in small bites, causing his lips to blush with a vibrant red. He slightly parted his lips, releasing a wisp of steam, and remarked, “Our dear Lu’s technique truly excels.”
Lu Huan paused mid-meal, raising his chopsticks to eye level.
Yu Baihan continued to exhale, “Your spearfishing technique is unparalleled, isn’t it…hehehehe!”
“……”
A few meatballs and shrimp dumplings rolled into his bowl again, and Lu Huan piled him a full bowl, “Eat more.”
And talk less.
Yu Baihan happily accepted the feeding, “You’re sensible now.”
—
After enjoying a hot pot meal, it starts spinning and twirling once more.
Once Yu Baihan had finished his meal and settled the bill, a wave of dizziness washed over him, but he still felt compelled to open the app and leave a review. He retched slightly as he typed away.
Glancing over at him, Lu Huan inquired, “Are you composing a negative review?”
Yu Baihan shook his head weakly and replied, “No, it’s a positive one.”
Lu Huan raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, asking, “Baihan, since when did we become people who repay kindness with kindness?”
Yu Baihan gave a faint, ironic smile and said, “Hehehe…”
As the two of them exited the restaurant and descended the stairs, Lu Huan sneaked a look at his phone—
[han: Excellent experience, highly recommended! You must come and try it out. Bring your friends, relatives, and family for the best experience.]
Lu Huan was left speechless.
Yu Baihan continued to type, suppressing his discomfort, and in the blink of an eye, he had crafted a glowing, lengthy review. Finally, he understood where all those flawless online reviews came from.
They all stemmed from a devious mind!
In that instant, he had just emerged from the narrow alley, rejoining the bustling main street.
Yu Baihan tapped the “Post” button and closed the app.
Beside him, Lu Huan’s voice chimed in, “Weren’t you saying you wanted to visit that observation deck tonight? Do you still feel like going?”
Yu Baihan turned to him and replied, “I’m actually leaning towards lying down now. How about you?”
Lu Huan’s complexion also appeared a bit pale as he said, “I’m fine.”
Beneath the radiant streetlights, the two exchanged glances for a moment.
Yu Baihan stowed his phone and suggested, “In that case, let’s head back. Are you still in a condition to drive?”
Lu Huan moved his lips as if about to say something, but then he looked at Yu Baihan and decided, “Let’s call for a substitute driver.”
Yu Baihan nodded in approval, thinking, “That’s the right choice.”
Finally, Xiao Lu had learned to set aside his stubbornness and prioritize safety.
…
The valet driver arrived promptly, and it seemed that Lu Huan’s car was quite valuable, as the substitute driver appeared somewhat nervous. Lu Huan reclined in the back seat and advised, “Drive slowly; you don’t need to worry about damage as long as you keep it safe.”
The replacement driver’s tense expression relaxed slightly, and he replied, “Sure, I’ll be careful.”
The private car smoothly glided onto the street, with Yu Baihan seated next to Lu Huan. Yu Baihan remarked, “I thought you might ask Fan Lin to come pick us up.”
Lu Huan explained, “It’s quite a distance, and it would take him a while to get here.”
Yu Baihan expressed regret, “I had mentioned treating him to a small rotating hot pot if he came.”
“…”
The moment the word “rotating” left Yu Baihan’s lips, the dizziness he had been suppressing surged back. He lowered the window next to him, and Lu Huan’s throat subtly constricted. Lu Huan said, “Let’s avoid mentioning those words for now.”
Yu Baihan reached out and gripped Lu Huan’s arm, saying, “You’re right, don’t bring it up. Let me lean on you.”
With those words, he tilted his head and rested it on Lu Huan’s shoulder.
Lu Huan’s arm seemed to tighten slightly. Yu Baihan shifted uncomfortably and then lightly massaged Lu Huan’s tense muscles, saying, “Your arm is too stiff; it’s hurting me.”
“……”
Lu Huan gently clasped Yu Baihan’s hand and closed his eyes, advising, “Stay still if you’re feeling dizzy.”
“Okay,” Yu Baihan obediently rested against his pillow.
In the dimly lit compartment, similar couples were seated nearby. Yu Baihan absentmindedly played with Lu Huan’s belt for a moment before suddenly realizing that he hadn’t updated his Moments.
He retrieved his phone—
[Yu Er]: Jenga. [accompanied by a picture]
“Feeling better now?” Lu Huan’s voice drifted down from above.
“I almost forgot to post; I won’t be able to sleep without updating my social circle,” Yu Baihan explained, turning on his phone’s screen for Lu Huan to see.
It had been a couple of days since the intense showdown between the Lu and Si families, and neither Qi Jue nor He Yue had dared to inquire about Yu Baihan’s relationship with Lu Huan.
As soon as Yu Baihan’s post appeared on his friends’ feeds, likes and comments started pouring in.
[Wen Lou]: It can’t be… not a couple, right?
Yu Baihan and Lu Huan exchanged glances simultaneously.
[Qi Jue]: Love conquers all!
[He Yue]: Sweet! Wishing you endless love!
[Qiao Yun]: Oh, so handsome! 😂
Wen Lou’s sluggish brain finally snapped into action! He swiftly deleted his comment.
[Wen Lou]: [This comment has been deleted]
[Wen Lou]: Let me be the firecracker to add some excitement to your relationship! 🧨🎆
Yu Baihan, “…”
Lu Huan chuckled and reclined in his chair.
Yu Baihan turned his head and observed, finding that Lu Huan’s handsome profile appeared as composed as ever, without any discernible emotions.
Recalling the times when hardware wholesalers had figuratively danced on Lu Huan’s head in the past, Yu Baihan couldn’t help but feel that Lu Huan was remarkably tolerant when it came to his friends.
Curious, Yu Baihan asked, “How did you and Qi Jue become friends?”
“Our personalities just clicked. We’re both pretty straightforward.”
Yu Baihan pondered this, and a different image emerged in his mind, far removed from any associations with spinning or blooming in water.
Choosing not to delve further, he changed the subject, saying, “Come to think of it, I haven’t met any of your other friends yet.”
“I don’t have any other friends,” Lu Huan responded casually. “I used to have some, but they’re not around anymore.”
In this world, there are many who are willing to share in prosperity but not endure adversity.
The only ones who remained were those who hadn’t betrayed or abandoned him during his low points.
As their private car passed beneath a viaduct, a large shadow enveloped them, casting the interior into darkness. Yu Baihan turned to glance at Lu Huan, sensing a hint of melancholy in the air.
Perhaps having few friends made him feel uncomfortable.
Yu Baihan nuzzled his head against Lu Huan’s shoulder and comforted, “It’s alright; sometimes, people just don’t click. Bai Han will help you find new friends.”
Silence hung in the car for a moment.
The private car emerged from under the viaduct, and the overhead light returned.
Lu Huan lifted his resting head and replied, “Then I’ll rely on Baihan to find me new friends.”
After a brief pause, he added with a hint of humor, “But don’t choose inhuman ones, and please, no senior citizens.”
Yu Baihan chuckled, “Alright, you certainly have some specific requirements.”
“……”
He arrived home at nine o’clock.
Yu Baihan grabbed his clothes and headed for a bath, finding the bathtub already filled with water. He undressed, placing the matching outfit he had worn earlier in the laundry basket, and then turned to face the mirror.
His reflection stared back at him.
Suddenly, the memory of the locker room scene from earlier in the day flashed through his mind.
Yu Baihan’s cheeks warmed slightly, and he reached up to touch his ears, wondering, Was it accidental…?
—
The following day, Lu Huan headed to the company, likely to attend to some unresolved matters. Yu Baihan had initially contemplated sneaking into the company to find him, but his plan was thwarted the moment he approached the entrance by two vigilant bodyguards.
The two guards appeared somewhat flustered as they addressed him, “Young master, you can’t leave at the moment.”
Yu Baihan, not one to miss an opportunity for a quip, asked, “Am I grounded?”
He awaited a reaction, hoping for some encouragement.
However, the two brothers on the opposite side immediately grew tense, responding with a mixture of pity and relief, “No, no…”
“It’s impossible; it definitely doesn’t mean that!”
“…”
Yet their expressions seemed to give away a different story.
Yu Baihan gave the brothers a knowing glance, sighed with the melancholy realization that he had no allies in this situation, and turned to head back inside. He then sent a message to Lu Huan.
[Yu Er]: Why am I suddenly holed up in the golden palace?
Lu Huan, likely preoccupied, replied with just three brief words.
[Fish]: Si Tan intervened.
Huh? What happened to that crazy bunch?
Yu Baihan switched to his old account, intending to check if any mischief was afoot, when a new message popped up on WeChat.
The message had been sent the previous night, accompanied by a photo.
In the photo, he and Lu Huan were standing in the alley, both wearing matching outfits. Yu Baihan was smiling warmly at Lu Huan, radiating a lively and joyful demeanor.
[Si Tan]: [Image]
[Si Tan]: Xiao Han, shall we meet?
Uh oh.. Time for Yu Baihan and Si family showdown..? ><
Nope not meeting any psycho. The date was so sweet ahahahahahah for the good review to make people suffer with you !
Thanks for the chapter~! 💜
Who was Si Tan again?
Si Baihan’s Second Sister
Oh no! Hope there’s no more Si family drama 🙄
Thanks for the chapter 💞