Since endorsing Gourmet Boutique, Qi Feng truly attained the freedom to enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine. In addition to receiving lifetime complimentary dining cards to all Gourmet Boutique restaurants, he was also regularly sent classic hot pot seasoning packets, malatang, sour and spicy noodles, rice noodle packs, and various other convenient packaged foods from Meishan.
He had gone too far down the spicy food road of no return. Every day, he craved the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine, resulting in frequent sore throats and hoarseness.
Today, Fang Cheng arrived at Qi Feng’s home half an hour early and successfully caught him secretly cooking malatang. Fang Cheng immediately shielded the alluring sand pot, refusing to let Qi Feng eat it. “Look at you! Your throat just recovered, and you want to eat spicy food again? Don’t you remember how awful you felt at the event two days ago? You could barely talk.”
“That’s why I should eat it now while my throat is better,” Qi Feng frowned. “It’s already cooked. Give it to me.”
“No,” Fang Cheng insisted, but sensing Qi Feng’s cold gaze, he felt invisible pressure and stammered, “I, I need to ask Mr. Pei first. If he agrees, I’ll give it to you.”
As he spoke, he called Pei Yan on his phone.
Qi Feng: …
“Are you Pei Yan’s assistant or mine?”
Fang Cheng was so frustrated he nearly cried. “Mr. Pei said if your throat gets inflamed again, he’ll kill me. It’s not easy being stuck between you two!”
Qi Feng: ?
Pei Yan answered the call directly, “Did something happen to Xiao Feng?”
His voice was steady and authoritative, without anger. Hearing it made Fang Cheng’s hands shake.
Like a primary school student complaining to his teacher, he stammered, “Mr. Pei, Xiao Feng, h-he wants to eat malatang again.”
“Pass the phone to him.”
“…Yes.”
Fang Cheng carefully handed the phone to Qi Feng. “Xiao Feng, Mr. Pei wants you to take it.”
Qi Feng was truly speechless.
He just wanted a meal, yet he had to get two people’s permission. What a big deal over nothing!
He only held the phone to his ear without speaking.
The boy’s regular, calm breaths subtly exerted cold pressure on the man on the other end.
Pei Yan’s tone immediately softened as he gently coaxed, “Xiao Feng, wait until the weekend when I can go eat hot pot with you, okay? I’ll order your favorite shrimp wontons.”
Qi Feng coolly stated, “Today’s only Tuesday.”
Pei Yan: “Be patient. Once Wednesday passes, it’ll be the weekend right away. Besides, we agreed to only eat spicy food once a week. Didn’t you agree to that?”
Qi Feng: “You said it yourself. I didn’t agree.”
“Baby, be good.”
Pei Yan was extremely patient. “If you listen to me, tonight I’ll give you oral…”
“Shut up.”
Qi Feng was afraid others might hear such words, instinctively glancing at Fang Cheng. He softly said, “Pei Yan, watch what you say.”
Pei Yan: “Then do you agree? I’ll keep my word and tonight give you…”
“Stop talking!”
The boy’s ears gradually grew hot, his heartbeat quickening. “I already cooked it, it’d be wasteful to throw it away.”
Fang Cheng cut in, “Don’t worry, I can eat it. It won’t go to waste!”
Qi Feng sternly glared at him, and Fang Cheng shrank back fearfully.
Pei Yan continued persuading, “Xiao Feng, did you forget you’re attending my father’s birthday banquet next week?”
Qi Feng: “What does that have to do with me eating malatang?”
Pei Yan: “What if you eat too much spicy food and your throat gets inflamed again? My father said he wants you to help me host the banquet guests. You’ll have to greet many elders, too.”
This successfully shifted the boy’s thoughts from malatang. Qi Feng looked surprised. “He wants me to host guests? Isn’t that inappropriate? We haven’t…”
Pei Yan laughed. “Didn’t you take the initiative to publicly announce our relationship despite public pressure? Letting the guests see us together will be perfect.”
Qi Feng suddenly understood. Frowning, he asked, “This was your idea, wasn’t it? Don’t make trouble for Uncle Pei like this.”
“He agrees with me. He also wants everyone to know we’re together.”
Pei Yan seized the chance to persuade him, “So don’t eat anything spicy these next few days and rest your voice. After the banquet, I’ll take you to eat whatever you want once a week, okay?”
Qi Feng: …
Since Pei Yan brought up Uncle Pei, what could he say?
The boy eyed the mouthwatering aromas rising from the sand pot longingly. It contained all his favorite ingredients. He secretly swallowed and quietly muttered, “Can I at least have a couple bites?”
Like a coquettish child.
“Okay.”
Pei Yan’s indulgent heart overflowed, and he couldn’t help but agree, then immediately regained his senses, “Only two bites, got it?”
—
Qi Feng was usually very confident in his words and actions, especially on stage or facing the public. He knew exactly how to compose himself to steady the entire venue.
Yet he felt nervous because of Pei Junhai’s birthday banquet.
He prepared many outfits and hung each one out to ask Pei Yan, “Which formal attire do you think is suitable for the birthday banquet?”
“Baby, you look good in anything.”
Seeing the boy wearing only thin undergarments, his slender, smooth arms and legs fully exposed before him, Pei Yan swallowed hard as his gaze intensified, unable to resist caressing the boy’s taut, slender waist.
“Be serious.”
Qi Feng swatted his hands away. “We’ll be welcoming many elders, so I have to dress appropriately.”
Pei Yan reluctantly withdrew his hands. “Then wear a suit. This white one looks good – clean and pure, it makes you look very refined.”
Qi Feng deliberated, “White gets dirty easily. With so many people at the banquet, any spilled food or drink would be visible.”
“The grey plaid suit also looks nice.”
“That’s a casual suit, not formal enough.”
“Then match me and wear a dark suit with a white shirt. We’ll look like a couple.”
“…A couple?”
Qi Feng shook his head. “Too flashy. Better to dress low-key and conservative in front of elders.”
“Baby, you look good in anything, really.”
“I said it needs to be dignified, not casual like you!”
Pei Yan: …
After going in circles, they were back where they started.
Helpless, Pei Yan could only use his father’s preferences to persuade him. “For a birthday banquet, more relaxed is better. My dad likes lively cheerfulness anyway. The casual suit is formal without being too stiff.”
Qi Feng hesitated, “You don’t think it’s too informal?”
Pei Yan: “How old are you? A recent college graduate in a suit that’s too formal would seem rigid. The plaid casual suit is most suitable.”
Qi Feng was half convinced, “Really?”
Pei Yan nodded, “Really!”
“Okay then, help me see how it looks when I try it on.”
Qi Feng picked up the shirt and suit to put on. The fine quality pure hand-tailored outfit could only bring out its beauty on the perfectly fitted wearer, especially a slender yet strong boy.
The shirt’s fitted waist highlighted the boy’s straight posture and slender legs. Raising his arms caused the hem to lift, revealing a glimpse of his pert tight bottom.
“How is it? Good?”
The boy fastened the last button and looked at the man beside him eagerly with bright eyes, completely oblivious to how dashing and charming he looked.
Pei Yan’s breathing grew short. He immediately embraced the boy, his hand wandering down his back. “Very good looking.”
The three words came out amid his slightly labored breaths, hoarse and low, hinting at desire.
Qi Feng: …
“Put it away!”
Pei Yan strongly gripped him. “Xiao Feng, I can’t control it. The banquet is this afternoon, we still have time now…”
Qi Feng firmly pinched his solid back. “Don’t fool around, it’s not the time.”
“Xiao Feng…”
The man’s voice was strained with agonized pleasure. “Take pity on me for two hours. I promise we’ll finish.”
…Two hours.
Qi Feng was usually able to keep calm. He refused, “No, wait until after the banquet, then, then we’ll talk.”
Pei Yan: “You can’t go back on your word. I’ll wait for you until the banquet ends.”
“Fine.”
Qi Feng felt some pain being poked. His face was flushed as he said, “You, put it away.”
—
The grand Pei family villa was located in the center of City A. From the tall grey walls to the architectural style evoking weight and gravitas, everything exuded Pei Yan’s prestige and status.
In the estate, the manicured gardens and lush soft lawns created a birthday banquet atmosphere.
It was time for the guests to arrive. Pei Yan and Qi Feng stood at the entrance to welcome them. Many people were shocked to see Qi Feng beside Pei Yan when they got out of their cars.
Rumors of Pei Yan and Qi Feng’s affair had trended on entertainment news a few times, so their relationship was common knowledge in their social circle.
But everyone assumed it was just casual fun between impulsive youngsters. They didn’t expect Qi Feng to actually attend Pei Junhai’s birthday banquet as the host’s partner, even welcoming guests at the Pei family’s front door! Could it be that Pei Junhai approved of his son dating a male celebrity?
Regardless, the guests now looked at Qi Feng with additional respect.
Seeing him in person was even more elegant and handsome than on screen. Though only in his early twenties, every word and move contained an indescribable noble air.
Even the elite financiers and dignified socialites felt somewhat overshadowed standing before him.
After all, Qi Feng was also a celebrity. A few young ladies from prestigious families politely asked for his autograph after seeing him in person, even asking if they could take a photo together.
Qi Feng calmly yet warmly smiled, “Sure.”
The girls were delighted and gathered around Qi Feng to take a group photo.
Seeing this, Pei Yan randomly grabbed Qi Feng’s hand and firmly stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, increasing the distance between Qi Feng and the other girls. In a deep voice, he said, “Let’s take one together.”
The girls were still quite intimidated by Pei Yan’s aloofness and restrained themselves, keeping their distance from Qi Feng for the photos.
Another car drove up. Seeing who got out, the girls’ expressions suddenly turned odd. “Oh, Li Man is here too.”
After hastily finishing the photos, they made excuses to go inside the Pei residence.
Qi Feng was very confused by their reaction and curiously looked over. A girl emerged from the expensive car. She had long hair past her shoulders, a tall stature, and wore a red cheongsam, looking bright and beautiful.
Escorted by a man who seemed to be her bodyguard, the girl walked up to them, gave Qi Feng and Pei Yan a refined smile and greeting, then went inside.
Qi Feng was impressed. “Who is Miss Li Man?”
Pei Yan tilted his head away, curtly answering, “Never seen her before, don’t know her.”
Qi Feng: …
Fine, their social circle was huge, and Pei Yan couldn’t be expected to remember everyone.
In the banquet hall, Pei Junhai chatted about current events with peers while the young people gathered around the seats in the garden pavilion and laughed happily. The hired orchestra elegantly performed on the sunny lawn. The birthday banquet atmosphere became lively and cheerful.
After receiving all the guests, Pei Yan and Qi Feng busily served the guests at each table the exquisite dishes prepared by the top chef team.
At some tables, the guests gossiped:
“That’s Qi Feng, right? I didn’t expect that Chairman Pei actually agreed to his son dating a male celebrity.”
“Last year, there were rumors of an engagement between the Pei and Li families’ eldest children; guess that’s off now.”
“I saw the Li family’s eldest daughter also came today, acting like nothing happened. She probably doesn’t care about the Peis anymore.”
“I noticed a man always standing beside Miss Li. Is he her bodyguard? Why does he follow her everywhere?”
“Who knows?”
…
It was time for toasting.
Pei Yan, Qi Feng, and Pei Wenwen accompanied Pei Junhai as honored guests came up one by one to toast and give birthday wishes.
A seemingly amiable middle-aged man walked over with a beaming smile. “Brother Pei, your son Pei Yan is so capable to be leading the Donghai Group at such a young age. It’s really impressive. Wenwen has also grown into a young lady and is so beautiful. And this one…”
He looked at Qi Feng, smile unchanged, “To have a big celebrity personally attend your birthday banquet really adds luster. I’m envious indeed.”
Pei Junhai laughed heartily, full of courtesy. “No, no, your Li family’s eldest daughter, Manman, is the impressive one.”
As he spoke, he suddenly noticed the girl in the red cheongsam behind Old Li and exclaimed in surprise, “Oh my, Manman came too!”
Li Man had an elegant, refreshing smile. “Uncle Pei, pleased to meet you. Happy birthday.”
“Ah, thank you, Manman.”
Pei Junhai was visibly uncomfortable now. He softly coughed and said, “Regarding that previous matter, I didn’t consider carefully enough or ask about the children’s thoughts. Brother Li, if you took offense over that incident, I will make amends here and now. Down these three drinks. Pei Yan, pour the wine.”
Without hesitation, Pei Yan completely filled three large glasses of baijiu for Pei Junhai. “Dad, go ahead.”
Qi Feng: …
He had never seen someone so shameless!
“No, no, that won’t do.”
Old Li quickly stopped Pei Junhai from drinking, saying, “It’s all in the past, in the past. Besides, Manman already had a boyfriend back then.”
Pei Junhai: “Huh?”
“Uncle Pei, it’s a past matter. Why bring it up again?”
Li Man raised her hand to hold the man who seemed to be her bodyguard. “Actually, we were already dating back then. I just didn’t dare tell my dad, so I kept it from him.”
“It was also because of that incident that I finally had the courage to confess everything to my dad. Fortunately, we’re getting married now.”
Li Man’s boyfriend stepped up. The handsome, sturdy man politely greeted Pei Junhai.
Pei Junhai: …
“Oh, congratulations, congratulations to you!”
“Look at me making a big deal over nothing.”
Old Li: “The children’s matters, we elders should interfere less in the future. As long as they are happy, that’s good!”
Qi Feng was totally confused by their act.
After the Li family left, he quietly asked, “Pei Yan, what’s going on?”
Hearing this, the blunt Pei Wenwen said, “Didn’t my brother tell you? That girl earlier was the one my dad wanted to arrange to marry my brother. Hehehe… But my brother firmly refused, and they almost severed ties because of it. Turns out the girl already had a boyfriend and didn’t care about my brother at all.”
Pei Junhai cursed her, “If you can’t speak properly, then don’t speak! Go stand aside.”
Pei Wenwen: …
Pei Yan also scolded her: “Kids shouldn’t interrupt adults!”
Pei Wenwen: …
“I’m just telling the truth. Why are you two yelling at me!”
Qi Feng: …
So, Pei Yan and Li Man had that kind of history. No wonder everyone was acting strange.
Pei Junhai was too embarrassed to face Qi Feng. He clicked his tongue and explained, “That rascal was always rebellious back then. I thought if he settled down early, I wouldn’t have to worry anymore. So… Now that you’re here, I’m much more at ease. Manage him from now on, if he disobeys then punch him hard!”
Qi Feng: “Don’t worry, Uncle Pei, I will take good care of Pei Yan.”
Pei Junhai uncertainly asked, “You’re really willing to have him?”
“I…”
Qi Feng was tongue-tied. How could he possibly say ‘I’m willing’ at a time like this?
Pei Yan came to their rescue: “Dad, why are you asking so many questions?”
Pei Junhai waved his hand, “Fine, I get it. You two are tired from entertaining all night, go have fun.”
Pei Yan quickly brought Qi Feng somewhere secluded. The desperate man swore, “Xiao Feng, I’ve never seen her before, I don’t know her at all. Don’t overthink it, don’t be angry!”
Qi Feng calmly asked, “You really never saw her before?”
“Really, really n…actually saw her once before. I’ve never even spoken to her, it was all my dad’s meddling.”
Qi Feng couldn’t help laughing.
Pei Yan: “You’re not mad, right?”
“Why would I be mad?”
Qi Feng: “Seeing Miss Li’s boyfriend, I feel like your hair looks green.”
Pei Yan: …
“As long as you’re not angry, say whatever you want. But Xiao Feng, you can’t cheat on me. If you dare…”
Qi Feng: “If I dare, what will you do?”
“I’ll kill him!”
Just hearing those words made the violence in Pei Yan’s eyes burst out.
Not towards Qi Feng, but towards anyone who tried to steal Qi Feng from him.
Qi Feng tilted his head, his bright eyes reflecting the man’s appearance.
Pei Yan instinctively squeezed the boy’s fingertips, his voice dropping lower, “If you stop loving me, I will die too. Qi Feng, I will do everything I can to treat you well, so you will keep loving me.”
Qi Feng held his hand in response.
In the banquet hall, Pei Junhai stood on stage, microphone in hand, thanking all the guests who came to celebrate his birthday.
He said, “I, Pei Junhai, am fortunate to have all of you as friends. Even more fortunate that at 50, I’ve gained another child – he’s called Qi Feng. I hope you elders will also support him in the future…”
Qi Feng looked at him in shock. Pei Junhai warmly smiled at him from the stage. He finally understood why Uncle Pei had asked him that question earlier. It was to get final confirmation in case Qi Feng was unwilling.
All the birthday guests looked at Qi Feng in surprise, speculative gazes falling on the handsome boy as they tried to discern the meaning of Pei Junhai’s ‘child.’
Under everyone’s eyes, Pei Yan suddenly knelt before the boy. His tall straight back bent for the boy as he reverently kissed the back of his hand. Looking up, voice low and earnest, “Xiao Feng, will you marry me?”
It was a proposal.
Uncle Pei and Pei Yan had intentionally arranged it at the crowded birthday banquet, so everyone could witness Pei Yan pursuing him and Uncle Pei verbally acknowledging him.
It was Uncle Pei and Pei Yan’s way of protecting him.
“Okay…”
When Qi Feng uttered this word, he choked up, eyes moist, vision blurring. He could barely make out Pei Yan’s expectant gaze, only aware of the deafening cheers.
He just remembered Pei Yan’s sturdy embrace when picking him up and the steady chest that gave him a sense of security and reliance.
After lifetimes of setbacks, he finally had a home.
That’s the end of it. Thank you for supporting Qi Feng and Pei Yan until the end. See you in my next projects.
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