Yu Bai still carried Lu Huan’s trumpet with him. It wasn’t clear if Lu Huan was equally surprised, as he didn’t move from his perch on Yu Bai’s shoulders for a while. The two remained in a standoff until the system unexpectedly showered the scene with petals, jolting Qin Lun’s character back to reality.
Qin Lun initiated a private message.
[Qi Yin]: Young master, is this what you meant by “something”? ? ?
Yu Baihan, silent, gently placed the Lu Huan character on the ground. Lu Huan, seemingly reluctant, leaped away from him.
Amidst this awkward exchange, Qin Lun messaged again:
Did he say something to deceive you?
Yu Baihan’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, a mix of emotions swirling within him.
No, Lu Huan is, at most, just amusing himself.
He couldn’t tell Qin Lun, “This is your Mr. Lu, let’s not expose him.”
If Qin Lun’s associates found out that Mr. Lu had transformed into a little guy and was carried on his shoulders…
Lu Huan would likely dismiss all his confidantes on the spot and find a deserted island to spend the rest of his days.
Just as he pondered, Lu Huan sent him a message: What’s going on?
[Li Shizhen’s dog]: It’s nothing, just chatting.
After Yu Baihan returned to Lu Huan, he messaged Qin Lun: It’s not what you think; we are
He paused and typed: parent and child.
[Qi Yin]: It’s clearly a wolf in sheep’s clothing!
“……”
After Qin Lun sent this message, the scene froze; no characters moved. Before Yu Baihan could figure out how to divert Qin Lun’s attention, Qin Lun returned a few minutes later.
[Qi Yin]: Let’s drop it; it was an impulse thought.
[Qi Yin]: You… handle it yourself!
After Qin Lun’s words, his avatar quickly logged off.
Yu Baihan stared at the last two messages for a moment, then shifted his gaze to the obedient Lu Huan dumpling. After a while, he sighed softly: Why bother?
Must he use tattered clothes to shield himself from the bullets of fate?
Seeing Qin Lun banished offline, Yu Baihan hoisted the Lu Huan dumpling back onto his shoulders. Then, amidst the falling petals, he happily took a few screenshots with others.
Forty minutes later.
The two finally visited all the checkpoints.
As the dialogue box lit up, Lu Huan messaged: Why didn’t the intimacy increase?
Yu Baihan: This doesn’t increase intimacy.
Surprisingly, Commander Lu secretly cared about this~
Then he looked at the system reminder: [Li Shizhen’s skin] is giving you one “heart.” The intimacy instantly increased by 200.
Yu Baihan, “…!”
Lu Huan spent money again!
He teasingly reproached him, and after a while, he maliciously smiled and deliberately messaged someone:
If you give me this, my partner will be jealous.
Lu Huan seemed taken aback by the statement and replied after a delay of two or three minutes.
[Li Shizhen’s skin]: He probably won’t.
Yu Baihan rested his chin on his hand, tapping the table with his fingertips: Okay, if you say so, then no problem~
Remember what you said
As it was almost time to finish work, he bid farewell to Lu Huan’s character, exited the game, and went offline.
—
Since Qin Lun found himself in an unknown corner of the galaxy, he seldom ventured into the online realm. Meanwhile, Yu Baihan grew increasingly uninhibited while mingling with the Lu Huan group.
There were occasional encounters with Qin Lun.
Initially heartbroken, the other party eventually transitioned to silence, culminating in a resigned “ah,” as if deciphering the inevitable…
Yu Baihan, ever the master of nonchalance, declared: as long as Commander Lu is happy.
Furthermore, once Lu Huan regained his vitality, he resumed his fierce demeanor, as if determined to unleash all the suppressed undercurrents within him on Yu Baihan. During these moments, the emotions Lu Huan typically concealed became most vivid.
Yu Baihan, entirely smitten, reveled in the vibrant and fluttering atmosphere.
After two weeks of “Greetings, everyone, except for Qin Lun,” the first month of the new year drew to a close.
On a Saturday morning, Yu Baihan lounged lazily under the covers, gazing at his phone.
As usual, Lu Huan sat by the bed and playfully pinched his neck.
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.
“Pr la Jtlcfrf Rfk Tfjg?” Te Djltjc oilqqfv atgbeut atf mjifcvjg.
Ktf cfmx-qlcmtlcu wbalbc kjr tjiafv. Oe Lejc gfrqbcvfv, “Tfr.”
Te Djltjc aegcfv tlr tfjv, tlr fsfr rqjgxilcu, jcv jrxfv, “Gb sbe kjca ab yes rbwf Rfk Tfjg’r ubbvr? Ofa’r ub abufatfg.”
Cr tf aegcfv, j mbiifmalbc bo vffq jcv ojlca gfv wjgxr jvbgcfv tlr ojlg cfmx—jwylueber, qgbnbmjalnf, jcv j abemt qblucjca.
Lu Huan took a deep breath, lightly running his fingertips over the side of Yu Baihan’s neck. “I’ll have someone buy what I need.”
Yu Baihan shook his head disapprovingly. “That’s not the New Year’s shopping spirit, Xiao Lu; it’s superficial.”
Lu Huan glanced at him, breaking into a laugh. “Oh, Teacher Baihan, duly noted. So, when is our esteemed teacher Baihan planning to go?”
“When are you available?”
“I’m free; can you get up?”
Yu Baihan narrowed his eyes: Xiao Lu, what’s the implication here? Are you asserting your dominance, or suggesting that Teacher Baihan is not up to par?
He hesitated, then replied, “Tomorrow.”
Lu Huan pinched the back of his stubborn neck. “Alright, then.”
…
The following day, Lu Huan chauffeured them to the city center.
Yu Baihan noticed that when they traveled together, Lu Huan usually took the wheel himself and didn’t call Fan Lin.
Seated in the passenger seat, Yu Baihan clapped his hands and complimented, “Boss Lu is so considerate to his subordinates.”
Lu Huan gripped the steering wheel, his profile reflecting the cityscape outside the window. “Am I considerate of my subordinates?”
Yu Bai stared at his expression, tilted his head on the seat, and inquired, “Oh, what’s that?”
Lu Huan pursed his thin lips, his ears turning red, but remained silent.
Yu Baihan teased, “Do you want to do something naughty to Baihan, but it’s inconvenient with others around~”
Lu Huan tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “I’m driving; don’t cause trouble.”
“Okay~” Yu Bai playfully closed his mouth. It was a mere casual remark and the reaction was quite significant.
Commander Lu, you’re quite restless.
They reached the business district.
After parking the car, Lu Huan and Yu Baihan stepped out.
Standing on the street, it was the coldest time of the year, with the year-end atmosphere prevailing. Despite the seemingly desolate street, a constant flow of pedestrians infused warmth into the surroundings.
Various shopping malls surrounded the commercial street.
Yu Baihan, wrapped in a scarf, looked around and pointed, “I’ve been to that mall before. Hua Wu invited me there to showcase burgers and happy water.”
Lu Huan followed his gaze and nodded, “I know.”
Yu Baihan turned his head, puzzled, “Huh?”
Lu Huan gazed at him deeply.
How could he not know? He kept a bunch of bills for him and didn’t even add his WeChat…
Yu Baihan approached, “Your expression seems a little resentful?” Playfully.
Lu Huan turned his face forward and said softly, “People are coming and going; you must be imagining things.”
Yu Baihan: …Really?
Originally planning to revisit the old place, Lu Huan seemingly glanced at the shopping mall and decided to go to another one. He led Yu Baihan to the mall at the center of the commercial street.
As Yu Baihan was about to follow Lu Huan inside, an alarm sounded in his heart—wait! He grabbed Lu Huan, recognizing the place with his excellent memory.
“Isn’t this the Si family’s shopping mall? During Chinese New Year, it’s not a good idea to go there.”
Bad luck, out of tradition!
Lu Huan looked at him quietly for a couple of seconds and then calmly stated, “It belongs to our family now.”
“……”？？？
Yu Baihan stared at Lu Huan eagerly: Was it really purchased by Lu Huan?
His eyes sparked with excitement.
Damn it… Lu Huan was seriously pulling off this act!
He immediately pulled Lu Huan along with great enthusiasm. “Let’s go, explore your expanded territory.”
Lu Huan seemed to be in a good mood. “Yes.”
—
The entire shopping mall sparkled with lights and decorative banners. Festive red replaced the usual hanging decorations in the atrium, creating an atmosphere brimming with the anticipation of the upcoming festival.
Yu Baihan selected some auspicious red envelopes and floral lanterns and purchased dried fruits. Carrying the lanterns in a paper bag, he began brainstorming, “We’ll hang these in the courtyard when the time comes. Any ideas for atmospheric decorations?”
Lu Huan took a glance and said, “I think that’s everything.”
After a moment of contemplation, Yu Baihan dug into his memory. “Is the inflatable dancer with winter costume still in the warehouse?”
Lu Huan remained silent for a beat. “That’s for New Year’s Eve.”
“The ones that have already been opened can be used to ward off evil spirits.”
“On our faces?”
“…” Yu Bai paused, “Never mind then.”
The two of them strolled around for a while, and Yu Baihan wanted to go to the restroom.
He took the small bag of blessings he was carrying and gave it to Lu Huan to carry, “Or should I call Fan Lin and the others, just the two of us, we can’t even go to the restroom together when we’re carrying things.”
As the words fell, the people passing by gave sideways glances.
Lu Huan pulled Yu Baihan’s scarf up with one hand, kindly blocking the person’s face for him, gently urging, “It’s not necessary. You go quickly.”
Yu Baihan blushed, “Oh, okay.”
He headed toward the restroom, leaving Lu Huan waiting outside with their belongings.
…
Upon emerging from the bathroom, Yu Baihan spotted Lu Huan standing not far away.
Lu Huan stood at the center of the mall, holding a shopping bag in one hand and the other in his pocket. He stood tall and straight, exuding a cold and handsome aura. His dignified and outstanding temperament made him quite conspicuous.
There appeared to be a group of people standing in front of him.
Yu Baihan tilted his head to get a better look and called out, “Lu Huan?”
Hearing his voice, Lu Huan turned, revealing the people in front of him. It was then that Yu Baihan recognized He Yue, accompanied by her friend.
He Yue waved, “Baihan!”
Yu Baihan greeted her, “You’re also at the shopping mall.”
“Yes, just hanging out with my little sisters.”
Yu Baihan followed her gaze to the friends beside her. He noticed a girl looking at Lu Huan with a mixture of shyness and longing on her face.
Yu Baihan raised an eyebrow, wondering if Senior Lu was unintentionally exuding his irresistible charm again.
Before he could process it, his scarf was suddenly pulled. Turning his head, he saw Lu Huan raising the scarf for him with lowered eyes.
The silver wedding ring on Lu Huan’s raised hand caught Yu Baihan’s attention.
The scarf concealed a hickey on the side of his neck as it was lifted.
The girl’s expression shifted instantly from shyness and longing to one of “excuse me.”
Yu Baihan: …
In a low voice, Lu Huan asked him, “Are you still interested in shopping, or do you want to grab something to eat?”
Yu Baihan replied, “Anything is fine.”
Lu Huan took his hand, turned to He Yue and the others, and said, “We’ll head out.”
He Yue was still flushed with excitement from the passing sight of the wedding ring and hickey. She nodded repeatedly, “Sure! Goodbye~”
Yu Baihan also raised his hand, wedding ring visible, and waved, “Goodbye.”
After saying goodbye to He Yue and the others, they walked a bit further.
It was then that Yu Baihan leaned over to Lu Huan and asked, “Was that intentional?”
Without looking at him, Lu Huan, with a calm and handsome expression, responded, “What?”
“And the secret ring is revealed.” Yu Baihan tiptoed, resting his chin on Lu Huan’s shoulder and blowing out some steam, “Senior, you’re so mischievous.”
Fingers squeezed tightly.
Finally, Lu Huan turned to him, blushing fiercely. “Don’t you like it?”
Yu Baihan pulled back, raised their intertwined hands, and playfully smacked the back of Lu Huan’s hand a few times. “I really like it.” >3
The back of Lu Huan’s knuckles turned a shade of red.
Yu Bai secretly observed and thought:
Senior Lu is indeed becoming more and more sensitive.
—
After their New Year shopping, the two returned home.
Yu Baihan hung up couplets and lanterns. A pair adorned the entrance of the main house, while another pair graced the exterior behind the venue.
Red lanterns adorned the trees in the courtyard, casting a warm and festive glow when lit at night.
Uncle Feng stood on the terrace, gazing toward the courtyard and quietly sighing, “It’s been over 20 years; this is the first time Old Feng has seen the Lu family mansion…”
Yu Baihan gently interjected, “Uncle Feng, what novel have you been reading lately?”
The Lu family mansion had been renovated for at most five years.
Uncle Feng fell silent and lowered his head in embarrassment. “The Marriage Partner of the President Who Dressed as a Shameful Bird of Prey.”
Yu Baihan raised an eyebrow. Somehow, it seemed to click.
Seated on the sofa, Lu Huan glanced at the two and then called out to Yu Baihan, “It’s cold outside. Don’t just put on your pajamas and poke around.”
“Oh,” Yu Baihan replied, retreating.
…
The new year was just around the corner, with only two or three days remaining.
As the year-end approached, Qin Lun, who had been in exile, finally returned to the Lu residence from the branch office.
At the time of Qin Lun’s return, Yu Baihan happened to be in the bedroom. From the bedroom’s window sill, he had a clear view of the Lu residence gate and a portion of the downstairs terrace.
On the terrace, Lu Huan was seated.
Upon a quick glance, Yu Baihan noticed that Qin Lun stood outside the terrace with Fan Lin beside him, presumably bringing Qin Lun to report to Lu Huan.
It had been a while since he last saw his estranged brother.
After a brief contemplation, Yu Baihan descended the stairs.
He reached the living room, pushed open the balcony door, and poked his head out. Qin Lun, facing him, met his gaze. The opponent’s eyes displayed an initial shock, transforming into a complex expression…
Shifting his gaze to Lu Huan, Yu Baihan noticed a tinge of jealousy on his features.
Enhanced by the red lanterns in the courtyard, the scene was charged with a bustling atmosphere.
Lu Huan furrowed his brows. “What kind of look are you giving?”
Qin Lun hastily lowered his eyes. “No, sir.”
Yu Baihan: …
The interstellar residence permit is ready, Qin Lun.
He stepped outside and disrupted the awkward atmosphere with a cheerful announcement, “I’m back.”
Qin Lun looked up at him again.
After a surge of emotions in his eyes for a few seconds, he cast a determined and reassuring look at Yu Baihan. “Don’t rush in. Don’t worry; I won’t spill the beans.”
Yu Baihan, “…”
No, it’s not what you think it is.
Possibly observing Qin Lun’s eyes darting back and forth under Lu Huan’s scrutiny, Lu Huan finally stood up with a frown. “Qin Lun.”
A faint sense of pressure enveloped the scene.
Qin Lun tensed. “Sir.”
Lu Huan stared at him silently for a few seconds, perhaps in the spirit of the Chinese New Year, he spoke without further inquiry, “Go back.”
“…Yes.” Qin Lun.
Fan Lin beside him breathed a sigh of relief and led Qin Lun away.
The two turned their backs and departed.
Lu Huan noticed that Yu Baihan had emerged again, this time only in his pajamas. He pinched the back of his neck, seemingly with a headache, and prepared to carry him back inside.
On the side of Yu Baihan’s neck, the bite marks from Lu Huan earlier in the morning were still visible. As Lu Huan’s rough fingertips pressed on the tender area, he winced in pain. “Hiss, it hurts…”
In the next second, Lu Huan eased up.
Gently placing his fingertips on the bruised mark on the side of Yu Baihan’s neck, he was about to inspect it when a deep breath interrupted him. “Sir.”
Yu Baihan and Lu Huan turned their heads simultaneously.
Qin Lun stood a few steps away, displaying courage and determination on his resolute face, as if he had made up his mind. “In this world, only sincerity can be exchanged for sincerity.”
“……”
Yu Baihan’s mouth slightly opened:!
After Qin Lun finished speaking, he turned around and walked away with determination.
The sturdy figure disappeared around the corner in the blink of an eye.
A cold winter wind swept across the serene terrace.
After a while, Lu Huan furrowed his brow and said casually, “Is he protesting because I sent him away?”
Fan Lin snapped out of her shock. “…Maybe?”
Lu Huan turned to Yu Baihan, who was standing nearby, lowered his eyes, and asked, “What do you think?”
Yu Baihan’s slightly open mouth slowly closed.
He nodded solemnly, “Maybe.”
Thank you for this chapter!! Good luck on your exams!
Qin lun, a good guy with misplaced good intentions lmaooo