After packing two lunches from the cafeteria, Yu Baihan made his way back to the dormitory, sensing Yang Ziye beside him casting several glances his way, as if pondering something.
Turning to him, Yu Baihan inquired, “What’s on your mind?”
Yang Ziye touched his nose and averted his gaze, “It’s nothing, really.”
Upon returning to the dormitory, Xu Fan and Jin Ming were already back.
Setting the packed meals on the table, Yu Baihan distributed them among everyone.
Expressions of gratitude were exchanged, and they shared the anti-heat medicine they had brought back, urging everyone to take some.
“Sure thing.”
After consuming the medicine, Yu Baihan settled onto his bed.
He hadn’t checked his phone since leaving the cafeteria, so he glanced at it now, discovering a message from Lu Huan sent ten minutes earlier, almost coinciding with his departure from the cafeteria.
[Fish]: Did you have lunch with your roommates?
Crossing his legs on the bed, Yu Baihan replied with a lowered head.
[Yu Er]: Yes. [What’s up?]
[Fish]: Oh, you seem to get along well with your roommates?
[Yu Er]: Very well, don’t worry~
“……”
After sending the message, there was a brief silence.
Just as Yu Baihan was about to set his phone aside for a break, Lu Huan’s response came in.
[Fish]: You didn’t introduce your roommates to me this time.
Yu Baihan chuckled, teasing him intentionally.
[Yu Er]: If you had come on the day of the report, you would’ve seen them directly, wouldn’t you?
Concerned about Lu Huan’s potential sensitivity, he added:
[Yu Er]: No need to beat a dead horse.
[Fish]: ……
As he sent the message, the lights in the dormitory were switched off.
With a “squeak,” the curtains were drawn shut, and Yang Ziye called out to Yu Baihan, “Baihan, lunch break is almost over. We have training in the afternoon, so get some rest.”
“Sure thing.” Yu Baihan acknowledged and slipped under the covers.
Before putting away his phone, another message appeared in the chat box.
[Fish]: Is military training ending tomorrow?
[Yu Er]: Congratulations! [Celebratory confetti]
[Fish]: Understood, have a good afternoon.
True to his meticulous nature, Lu Huan was about to retire for a nap.
Impressed, Yu Baihan sighed and powered down his phone, nestling into the quilt. His gaze drifted to the ceiling, brimming with anticipation:
Would Lu Huan take him out for seafood hotpot tomorrow?
Or perhaps, something else~
Oh, the bashfulness of it all.
·
The following day marked the conclusion of the military training.
Although termed the “last day,” it amounted to only a half-day session.
The morning featured a collective military parade. Amidst the noonday sun’s relentless heat, the resolute chants, mingled with perspiration, brought the week-long military training to a triumphant close.
With military training over, Yu Baihan took a refreshing shower at noon, changing back into a T-shirt and shorts, feeling invigorated.
As he towelled his hair, he was in the midst of texting Lu Huan about the training’s conclusion when Xu Fan exclaimed, “Baihan, don’t you even tan a bit?”
Looking up, Yu Baihan observed Xu Fan proudly displaying his multi-layered complexion.
“……”
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.
Vegqglrlcuis, fnfc atf mbcabeg bo atf yeaabc yfmjwf nlrlyif.
Ktf batfg bmmeqjcar bo atf vbgwlabgs aegcfv atflg jaafcalbc ab Te Djltjc eqbc tfjglcu atf gfwjgx.
Ktf agjcrlalbc ogbw atf wlilajgs agjlclcu eclobgw ab gfueijg mibatlcu boofgfv j mifjgfg nlreji mbcagjra. Te Djltjc’r rxlc jqqfjgr raglxlcuis qjif, vfnblv bo jcs agjmf bo rec fzqbregf.
“I didn’t see you applying sunscreen,” remarked one of his roommates.
“Perhaps it’s due to my natural complexion,” Yu Baihan replied after drying his hair, discarding the towel and hanging it on the nearby hook.
As he turned around, his slender neck emerged from the wide neckline, with traces of water trickling down along his damp black hair.
Jin Ming’s voice chimed in, “Wow, you’re really fair.”
Yu Baihan glanced shyly, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
His inner qualities were far more significant.
The others exchanged puzzled glances.
Yang Ziye diverted the conversation, clearing his throat, “Anyway, I’m free this afternoon. Shall we go play a game?”
Observing Yu Baihan, Jin Ming sighed, “Yang Ziye, with your looks, you’d surely be a hit with the girls on the court.”
“I doubt it,” Yang Ziye said, glancing at Yu Baihan.
Yu Baihan met his gaze quizzically.
Seeing his reaction, Yang Ziye amended, “Well, maybe not.”
Since basketball was mentioned and they had the opportunity, the dormitory mates quickly agreed to head to the gym for a game.
As they departed, Lu Huan’s message arrived.
[Fish]: Are you in the dormitory now?
[Yu Er]: My roommate and I are heading to the gym to play.
[Fish]: Oh.
Leading the way, Xu Fan called out, “Let’s go, Baihan!”
Yu Baihan pocketed his phone and followed suit, “Let’s do it.”
…
The gymnasium at University C was conveniently close to their dormitory.
The spacious court was surrounded by spectator stands. A few other boys were already on the court, eager to engage in a friendly match.
Yu Baihan warmed up on the sidelines.
Yang Ziye checked in, “Ready?”
Yu Baihan nodded, “Somewhat.”
“Scoring goals?” Yang Ziye teased.
Yu Baihan chuckled shyly, “More like dribbling and taking shots.”
Yang Ziye laughed, “You’re still joking, then there’s no worries.”
After the warm-up, the friendly matches commenced.
Despite varying skill levels, the atmosphere was relaxed. Although basketball wasn’t Yu Baihan’s forte, he displayed intense focus whenever he engaged in an activity.
As the game progressed, attention remained fixed on the court, with no heed paid to external distractions.
Midway through the match, amidst the sounds of the game, Yu Baihan faintly discerned commotion from the sidelines. Initially attributing it to a stellar performance on the court, he focused on the game.
With the match nearing its end, excitement peaked among the players. Yu Baihan moved to intercept a pass but collided with another player, causing a momentary stumble.
Yang Ziye reached out to assist, “Watch out!”
Simultaneously, the referee’s whistle blew, signaling the end of the game.
Yu Baihan regained his footing, Yang Ziye’s hand still lingering behind his back. Turning his head to express gratitude, his gaze abruptly halted on a figure standing by the sidelines—
Across the court, on the auditorium side, stood a tall, familiar silhouette.
Lu Huan, dressed in a shirt and trousers, hands casually tucked in his pockets, stood upright, gazing directly at Yu Baihan with an intense expression.
Their eyes met across the distance.
Yu Baihan’s heart skipped a beat, momentarily stunned.
The surrounding scenery seemed to blur momentarily, with only Lu Huan’s figure remaining sharply in focus.
It wasn’t until Xu Fan’s inquisitive voice broke the moment, “Hey, isn’t that a handsome guy over there? Is he a senior? He doesn’t seem…”
Others on the court turned their attention towards Lu Huan.
Yu Baihan snapped back to reality, his heart pounding. Ignoring the others, he turned and dashed towards Lu Huan, calling out, “Lu Huan!”
His voice reverberated through the empty court.
He flung himself into Lu Huan’s embrace, wrapping his arms around his waist—
The familiar hold enveloped him securely.
Lu Huan’s gaze softened as he returned the embrace, his warm palm inadvertently covering the spot where Yu Baihan had just been bumped.
A slight movement of his Adam’s apple was visible.
With a radiant smile, Yu Baihan looked up at him, “What brings you here?”
“It’s only three o’clock, aren’t you supposed to be off work?” he exclaimed with delight.
Lu Huan replied casually, “Took the day off.”
“…” Yu Baihan couldn’t help but admire, “You’re quite daring.”
Despite the attention from both the court and the surrounding students in the auditorium, Yu Baihan reluctantly extricated himself from the embrace and stepped back a bit.
“Why didn’t you let me know when you arrived?” he inquired.
Lu Huan withdrew his hand and shrugged, “Just admiring your dedication.”
“Oh,” Yu Baihan chuckled.
As they conversed, Xu Fan’s voice interrupted from behind, “Baihan, is that you?”
Turning around, Yu Baihan saw his roommates approaching. “Yes,” he replied.
The two groups converged.
Lu Huan’s gaze fell on Yang Ziye, his expression turning chilly, as if sparks were flying, revealing a palpable sense of dominance.
Like a fierce guardian marking his territory.
Yang Ziye was momentarily taken aback, a subtle flicker of realization crossing his mind, his eyes darkening.
This brief exchange went unnoticed by others.
Drawing from past experiences, Xu Fan glanced at Lu Huan and speculated, “So, is this your brother as well?”
Lu Huan’s gaze dropped suddenly. “…”
Yu Baihan corrected him, “No, this time they’re family friends.”
Xu Fan and the others looked slightly surprised. “Oh… from a formerly wealthy family.”
As Yu Baihan finished speaking, Lu Huan raised the back of his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead. The heat from the game instantly tinted his cheeks, and Yu Baihan’s fair complexion flushed red.
It was akin to newlyweds after a long separation.
Despite the public setting, their affection was evident.
But neither of them seemed to mind. Lu Huan wiped his sweat naturally, even tilting his face up for better access.
Afterward, Lu Huan withdrew his hand and regarded Yu Baihan, lips slightly pursed. “Are you still playing?” he inquired.
Yu Baihan chuckled, “Are you sure you know what you’re asking?”
Given that Senior Lu had come to find him, could it be they were here specifically to cheer him on in the game?
After bidding farewell to his transfixed roommates, Yu Baihan turned to follow Lu Huan.
As they walked, Lu Huan draped his arm around Yu Baihan’s shoulders, guiding him towards the exit.
Yu Baihan leaned into the embrace, his heart racing.
What’s going on? Little Deer Lu was unusually energetic today.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Xu Fan and the others noticed the prominent silver-white wedding ring on Lu Huan’s finger. They exchanged glances, momentarily taken aback.
“Could he be Baihan’s brother?” Xu Fan speculated.
Jin Ming nodded, “Seems like it. He’s still wearing a wedding ring, so he’s married.”
Yang Ziye fidgeted, humming nervously.
Xu Fan sighed, “Baihan’s elder brother seems impressive. Despite the bankruptcy, he’s still so confident.”
The group fell silent, pondering the dynamics of the situation.
—
Exiting the gym, Lu Huan’s hand remained on Yu Baihan’s shoulder.
Their intimate posture immediately drew attention from onlookers, but they paid no heed to the sidelong glances.
Taking a deep breath, Yu Baihan cast off the weight of the past week, feeling revitalized. He excitedly pulled Lu Huan along, chatting incessantly as they walked.
Lu Huan listened with lowered eyes, offering occasional responses.
Though his palm radiated heat, his lips remained tightly sealed.
Together, they left the school premises.
Lu Huan’s car awaited outside the gate, empty save for him. Clearly, he had skipped work alone.
Yu Baihan settled into the passenger seat.
The door closed with a solid thud.
Buckling his seatbelt, brimming with energy, Yu Baihan exclaimed, “Where to next? Seafood feast or feast on Baihan first?”
Silence filled the enclosed space for a few moments.
Yu Baihan turned to glance:?
In the driver’s seat, Lu Huan’s profile appeared even cooler and more handsome up close, his lowered lashes suggesting deep contemplation.
Sensing his gaze, Lu Huan turned to meet his eyes.
Warmth emanated from those dark orbs, their depths profound.
Yu Baihan felt a flush of heat surge through him, halting his motion of fastening the seatbelt.
Suddenly, Lu Huan leaned in.
With one hand on Yu Baihan’s side, he reached across to fasten the seatbelt. Even after securing it, he lingered, his gaze fixed on Yu Baihan from close quarters.
Pressed against the car seat, Yu Baihan felt ensnared by Lu Huan’s presence.
His lashes fluttered, lips pursed, “What’s wrong?”
In broad daylight, are you igniting a spark here?
This isn’t appropriate…
At least drive to a secluded spot first~
As his thoughts raced, Lu Huan’s voice dropped, “Is it really just family?”
Yu Baihan snapped back to reality, meeting Lu Huan’s intense gaze.
He paused, realization dawning:
Senior Lu had been subtly probing!
Really now… When he’d visited Lu Huan’s company, hadn’t Lu Huan told the security they were family?
Yu Baihan couldn’t help but chuckle, “Aren’t you part of the family?”
A teasing pinch to his cheek followed.
Lu Huan blushed, shooting him a fierce glare, “A member of Baihan’s tens of thousands of families?”
Their roles seemed to have reversed from that time.
Yu Baihan grinned, tugging at Lu Huan’s shirt playfully, “So what’s the issue then?”
Lu Huan locked eyes with him, his handsome face flushing.
Yu Baihan tilted his head, drawing close to Lu Huan’s arm, “Come on, do you really want to hear what I have to say?”
In the close quarters, their breaths mingled.
For a moment, Lu Huan lowered his head and nibbled on Yu Baihan’s earlobe as if compelled—
Yu Baihan trembled, gripping Lu Huan’s arm tightly.
Lu Huan held his waist, teasingly worrying the delicate flesh of his earlobe between his teeth. Heat and embarrassment mingled, enveloping Yu Baihan, consumed by an overwhelming possessive desire. Despite the embarrassment, he surrendered to the heat, “Aren’t I, our Baihan’s ‘Lao Gong‘?”
Thank you for the translation 😍 😍
💐💖💐💖
Thanks for the chapters
…not properly introducing his husband, or at all mentioning that he’s happily married so no one starts having unrealistic ideas, seems a little inappropriate, i feel.