Lu Huan’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Yu Baihan grinned. “Overjoyed, to the point where I’m almost overwhelmed.”
Lu Huan’s smile matched his. “Then let’s anticipate it.”
The two exchanged knowing smirks.
In Yu Baihan’s mind, countless warning signs blinked, much like the blades of a thousand knives.
The Si family, a synonym for gloominess, posed an obstacle on his path to happiness.
His smile held for a few seconds before Yu Baihan’s enthusiasm faded, and he pointed out once more, “But I’ve already accepted your friend’s invitation. Wouldn’t it be a bit off to back out at the last moment?”
Observing his manufactured stance, Lu Huan played along, asking, “So, what’s your suggestion then?”
Yu Baihan pondered for a moment, “How about we pay a morning visit, deliver a gift, and leave just as the car pulls up at the entrance? If traffic cooperates, we might still make it for lunch.”
Lu Huan’s reaction was frozen for a moment.
Watching him for a good five to six seconds, Lu Huan softly uttered, “You don’t want to go back, do you?”
Caught out.
With a bashful expression, Yu Baihan lowered his head, almost as if he’d been caught in his own ruse.
Lu Huan rested his hand on his lap and thought for a while before speaking, “Lunch won’t be feasible, but we can aim for dinner.”
A clear signal for a timely exit after the meal.
Yu Baihan’s spirits lifted instantaneously!
No need to linger all day long; his joy was restored.
He grinned and offered a piece of advice to Lu Huan, “When we’re there, just casually mention that you’re introducing me to your close friends. I’m sure they’ll see us off with great fanfare.”
Effectively indicating the Si family’s plan to usher him directly into Lu Huan’s social circle!
With a poker face, Lu Huan’s response was neutral, “I see.”
Yu Baihan affirmed earnestly, “Absolutely.”
…
After conferring with Lu Huan, Yu Baihan retreated to his room and dialed Qi Jue’s number.
Upon learning that the party’s date was clashing with his “returning door,” Qi Jue promptly proposed to reschedule. However, Yu Baihan quickly nipped that idea in the bud!
[Yu Baihan]: The current timing suits us perfectly. A day earlier or an hour later, neither Lu Huan nor I would find it acceptable. [Smile]
[Qi Jue]: …? Alright. [I don’t understand, but I’ll listen to you.jpg]
In his usual playful fashion, Yu Baihan proceeded to steal each of Qi Jue’s emojis, then set his phone aside and embraced a peaceful slumber.
———
The next morning, Lu Huan headed out early for work.
Contrary to his routine, Yu Baihan didn’t accompany him to the company this time. He also received a clear directive not to disrupt the ongoing training and work in the rear stadium.
Barred from using the computer room, he sought refuge in Uncle Feng’s luck and managed to borrow a computer for himself.
Using Uncle Feng’s computer, Yu Baihan logged into the game and noticed that Qin Lun was also online. Recalling Lu Huan’s sharp look directed at Qin Lun yesterday, he decided to initiate a voice call.
“Did you get any repercussions for yesterday?”
Qin Lun paused, “No.”
He’d only learned last night from Fan Lin that this young master had probably been “disciplined” by his spouse into exercising. Given that he’d spent a considerable amount of time playing games, he wasn’t sure if this ‘discipline’ would increase.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Lun asked, “How are you holding up?”
“Oh, well…” The computer momentarily froze, causing Yu Baihan to say, “Let’s cut the chatter and get into a game.”
Time is a valuable commodity; why waste it on idle talk?
The other end went silent for about ten seconds before finally agreeing, “Sure, let’s play.”
Yu Baihan was taken aback: What happened?
After a few hours of gameplay, Yu Baihan ended up quitting the game due to the slow performance of Uncle Feng’s computer. Before he logged off, he added Qin Lun on WeChat to assist him in finding a better computer.
Qin Lun’s response was prompt and included several links to computer options.
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.
Qlat 100,000 sejc lc tlr yjcx jmmbeca, j rew vfqbrlafv bc atf vjs tf jgglnfv ja atf Oe gfrlvfcmf, la jqqfjgfv jr lo tf kjr yfcfolalcu ogbw atf ijgufrrf bo j geatifrr mjqlajilra.
Pc tlcvrluta, atlr agjcrjmalbc rffwfv ilxf la kjr qjga bo atf wjclqeijalbcr bo j rlclrafg mjqlajilra.
Qlatbea tfrlajalbc, tf qijmfv jc bgvfg obg j mbwqeafg kbgat bnfg 20,000 sejc. Zlceafr joafg mbcolgwlcu atf qegmtjrf, j wfrrjuf cbalolmjalbc qbqqfv eq bc tlr qtbcf.
[Pick-Up Artist Master]: What are you doing buying a computer?
“…” ???
Rushing to check his bank account on the mobile app, Yu Baihan realized that the account was registered under Si Yanding’s name.
No wonder the other party was immediately aware of the purchase.
Yu Baihan mentally berated himself: What a blunder.
If he had known, he would have bought a 100,000-yuan computer and maxed out the card.
[Yu Baihan]: Needed for data copying.
The other party seemed to have no qualms about his spending and didn’t pry further. Instead, they left a message, “I’ll meet you the day after tomorrow.”
———
In two days’ time.
Yu Baihan set his phone aside and reclined on the balcony’s chair, his gaze narrowed as he took in the gradual descent of the sunset.
The approaching day after tomorrow held the anticipation of his “Returning Home.” He was bracing for a probable delay at the hands of his boss—this unhinged expert in psychology, who had spent two decades brainwashing “him.” He wondered if he could still manage to conceal his true identity.
Allowing his eyelids to drop, Yu Baihan brought his hands together, silently making a wish upon the golden-hued horizon:
He wished to remain hidden from Si Yanting’s scrutiny on the upcoming day after tomorrow.
And if that concealment failed, his wish was for Si Yanting to immediately lose his perceptive abilities.
—
The new computer that Yu Baihan had purchased arrived on the following day.
Conveniently, it was a Saturday, and Lu Huan happened to be at home.
When the delivery arrived at the front door, Lu Huan was seated on the balcony just outside the living room. He was engrossed in a book, basking in the warm sunlight. Upon seeing Yu Baihan rushing past the living room, cradling the computer in his arms, Lu Huan arched an eyebrow and intercepted him.
“Come here, let’s take a look.”
Yu Baihan considered that he had used Lu Huan’s name to make this purchase, so he willingly obliged.
On the terrace, there was a glass coffee table at its center and two wicker chairs flanking it.
Disassembled, the computer was carefully set on the coffee table. Its cutting-edge model was evident at a glance. Lu Huan knew that computers of this brand usually started at five figures.
With a half-smile, Lu Huan remarked, “The Baihan household seems to be quite affluent.”
Yu Baihan shook his head and said, “Not a single drop is left.”
Every move had to be calculated under the oversight of the Si PUA Master. Fortunately, he hadn’t indulged in buying any in-game items the previous day.
With Lu Huan present, he proceeded to turn on the computer, install the operating system, and seamlessly download the game. He then logged into his account.
Yu Baihan glanced at Lu Huan, who was still engrossed in his reading, and suggested, “Should I go back to my room? I’m about to join a team with my fellow gamers, and I might disrupt you.”
Lu Huan slowly lifted his gaze from the book and said, “It’s fine. Let me see what kind of game it is that our Baihan can play until the meals are reheated twice.”
“…” Yu Baihan was surprised by this response.
Upon closer examination, it appeared Lu Huan was enjoying it thoroughly.
Yu Baihan voiced his thoughts.
Since he wasn’t wearing headphones, all the game sounds were projected openly. Lu Huan simply set his book down and shifted closer to watch Yu Baihan immerse himself in the virtual world.
Lu Huan realized that when Yu Baihan became deeply engrossed in something, he displayed an intense focus, almost as if he could block out the entire outside world.
This time was no exception.
Regardless of how his gaming teammates berated him through voice chat, Yu Baihan remained unperturbed, playing solo. His actions weren’t particularly skillful; they were instead driven by his emotions.
Lu Huan was silent. “…”
As the game drew to a close, one by one, Yu Baihan’s teammates began to log off.
Lu Huan cast a glance at the only two remaining IDs above and inquired, “Which one is you?”
With a hint of shyness, Yu Baihan responded, “Li Shizhen’s Dog.”
A heavy silence settled over the terrace.
On the other end of the voice chat, Qin Lun, unable to hear Lu Huan’s words, was puzzled by Yu Baihan’s sudden outburst. He furrowed his brow and questioned, “What’s wrong?”
Upon hearing Qin Lun’s voice, Lu Huan took another look at the ID “[Qi Yin]” and quickly deduced that it belonged to Qin Lun. Pointing to the three-digit numbers adjacent to their IDs, he inquired of Yu Baihan, “What’s this?”
In the midst of his reply, the gap between the two diminished.
Lu Huan’s voice penetrated the voice chat, and an abrupt silence seemed to engulf the other side. Oblivious to this, Yu Baihan continued addressing Lu Huan, “It’s the teammate intimacy score.”
“Intimacy score?”
Just as the words left his mouth, Yu Baihan suddenly noticed that Qin Lun had left the team, causing his profile picture to fade to gray.
[Qi Yin]: I’m leaving.
Yu Baihan, “…”
He turned his attention to Lu Huan.
For a brief half-minute, a relative silence enveloped the space between them.
Leaning back in his chair, Lu Huan nonchalantly rested his fingertips on his lap. “You can’t blame me.”
Yu Baihan retorted, “Well, I don’t blame you. Not everyone can have a harmonious relationship with their family members.”
He then offered a faint smile and said, “Thankfully, I have you in this family.”
A backbone, a support.
“…”
Recalling the faces that had appeared so amicable that evening, Lu Huan couldn’t help but sneer, “Indeed.”
—
Once Qin Lun went offline, Yu Baihan couldn’t locate his teammates.
He spread his computer out in front of Lu Huan, jesting, “You’ve ended my hard-earned happiness.”
Curious, Lu Huan inquired, “Oh, and what should I do about that?”
“I need compensation.”
“Compensation for playing 24 hours tomorrow?”
Yu Baihan was about to retort with a chuckle, “Aren’t I going home tomorrow,” but his thought process abruptly halted. He rephrased his response, “Actually, let’s think about compensating in a different way.”
Arching an eyebrow, Lu Huan queried, “Such as?”
After pondering his choice of words, Yu Baihan posed his question hesitantly, “Tomorrow, when we visit the Si family, what sort of demeanor are you planning to display?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt as if he was proposing something devious.
Lu Huan’s lips curled into a smile. “Just be direct.”
Blushing slightly, Yu Baihan lowered his gaze. “Could we, um, display a bit more affection tomorrow?”
He hoped that the Si family would perceive Lu Huan’s deep fondness for him. Even if his unlucky streak triggered Si Yanting’s suspicion, he wouldn’t be immediately apprehended.
Lu Huan’s interest was piqued. “Oh, and how should this affection be demonstrated?”
Yu Baihan playfully mimicked a modest tone. “Perhaps it would be good if you acted as if you were enchanted by me, thoroughly captivated.”
“…”
A moment of silence settled over the terrace.
Lu Huan’s eyes lowered to the teacup in his grasp. The half-filled cup of tea emitted a delicate halo of light that danced in his eyes, creating a mellow yet elusive ambiance.
Yu Baihan began to regret his choice of words. Maybe it was a bit too much.
In truth, he didn’t mean to say genuinely enchanted.
About to rectify his statement, Yu Baihan saw Lu Huan’s thin lips curl, casting an enigmatic shadow against the courtyard beyond. It was a dangerous, intoxicating expression.
“Alright then, let’s go with the plan. I’ll act as if I’m enchanted by you, thoroughly captivated.”
…
Fan Lin approached the terrace with a question about the “Return Home” plan for the next day.
The moment he stepped outside onto the terrace, his ears were met with this statement. He was momentarily taken aback, then quickly realized, “Oh, it’s just a jest.”
Walking a few more steps onto the terrace, Fan Lin approached Lu Huan and sought guidance, “Sir, what type of gift should I prepare for the visit to the Si family tomorrow?”
Lu Huan was engrossed in his book and responded casually, “Choose something fitting.”
His tone was relaxed, almost as if he wasn’t particularly concerned about the Si family. Fan Lin sneakily glanced at Yu Baihan:
I wonder how the Si family’s young master will react to this nonchalant attitude.
Yu Baihan’s brows furrowed, and he turned to Lu Huan, suggesting, “Opt for something appropriate in value. We can keep the rest for ourselves.”
Fan Lin’s astonishment was palpable.
Lu Huan gave him a sidelong look, prompting Yu Baihan to further clarify, “Make sure it’s not too expensive.”
Any sum exceeding the cost of this computer would be a considerable loss.
A soft chuckle drifted from the balcony.
Raising his hand in a dismissive gesture, Lu Huan signaled the still-confounded Fan Lin to leave, “The lowest should be six figures.”
Yu Bai pursed his lips: Damn, still a loss.
He could only strategize to recover the expenditure from the deep pockets of the capitalists in the future.
—
In preparation for his “Return Home” event scheduled for the next day, Yu Baihan retired to bed early the night before.
The following morning, he found himself once again being groomed by the household staff, who had also tidied his hair and attired him in more formal clothing.
Though it was dubbed as “family dinner,” interactions among the upper echelons required adherence to customary etiquette.
Yu Baihan was still yawning as he climbed into the car.
The private vehicle departed from the Lu estate, embarking on the journey with smooth ease. Yu Baihan was drowsy during the ride, barely uttering a word. Lu Huan, too, seemed more subdued today, looking at the window, lost in thought.
A journey marked by silence.
It wasn’t until the scenery outside gradually became quieter that Yu Baihan snapped back to alertness, sensing that they were nearing their destination.
The imposing wrought-iron fence encompassing the Si estate became visible from a distance. Yu Baihan turned his head and attempted to point out to Lu Huan, “Look over there, the dog kennel—”
Lu Huan glanced at him.
Quickly realizing his misstep, Yu Baihan corrected himself, “I apologize, I meant to say humble abode.”
His mind had been preoccupied with the notion of a dog’s odor, and he’d accidentally misspoken.
Lu Huan’s lips curled into an enigmatic smile.
In the front seat, Fan Lin was driving rather anxiously, consciously avoiding looking back.
The Si family’s ancestral home loomed closer, and Lu Huan’s car soon came to a halt before the Si estate’s grand entrance.
Yu Baihan gazed out through the car window.
Polished iron railings stood erect outside the sprawling mansion like sentinels, enclosing vast gardens. The Si family’s ancestral residence stood serenely like a behemoth in front of it all.
The Si family’s steward was already waiting at the entrance.
Opening the car door, Lu Huan stepped out with his characteristic grace.
Yu Baihan was about to follow suit when a slender hand suddenly latched onto his arm.
He raised an eyebrow:?
What’s going on?
Lu Huan leaned over from outside the car door, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he reminded, “Did you forget? I’m going to be bewitched by you, to be entranced…”
As he finished speaking, he gently wrapped his arm around Yu Baihan’s waist, and smoothly guided him out of the car.
Author’s notes:
Yu Baihan is shy: The unjustly wronged Lao Gong is taking the initiative. I love it.
It’s time to enter the enemy’s stronghold, so let your acting skills soar!
* Li Shizhen’s dog (homophonic terrier) is not a bug, just avoiding human names OvO
I can’t wait !!! Thank you so much. Your translation is so good. I needed my dictionary!! 😳😂❤️
Looking forward to how Lu Huan acts captivated and entranced by Yu Baihan 🥰
Thanks for the chapter 💞
Did he refer to the Si’s house as a dog’s kennel? 🤣🤣🤣