Luo Jingshu paused for a moment. He held Xiao Cheng’s hands to prevent him from tearing at his clothes.
The collar Luo Jingshu had just buttoned was pulled open again by Xiao Cheng. Under the amber glow of the car’s lights, the revealed patch of skin appeared even more delicate and enticing. Luo Jingshu swiftly tugged the fabric back into place, covering up the tempting sight.
“Brother Cheng, stop moving…”
His voice was hoarse, and he couldn’t help but swallow hard again.
Xiao Yu’s shout came through the phone: “Luo Jingshu!”
This brat! Nothing good ever comes from him!
Xiao Yu gripped the steering wheel tightly, stepped on the gas as the light turned green, and raced forward.
He knew Luo Jingshu wouldn’t be so bold as to try anything outrageous while on the phone with him. But still, the sounds on the other end didn’t sit right.
Luo Jingshu coughed lightly and said, “Uncle Xiao, you’ve misunderstood.”
Xiao Yu clenched his teeth, juggling the call and focusing on the road ahead.
“Are you at the hospital yet?”
“Not yet.” Luo Jingshu brushed Xiao Cheng’s slightly damp bangs aside, fully revealing his handsome and pale face.
“Let me speak to Cheng Cheng,” Xiao Yu demanded.
Unaware that Xiao Cheng had already lost consciousness, Xiao Yu grew increasingly anxious. Without hearing his son’s voice, he couldn’t feel at ease.
“Brother Cheng isn’t feeling well and has fallen asleep,” Luo Jingshu explained while observing Xiao Cheng’s complexion and carefully extending his hand.
His fingertips were cool, and as they touched Xiao Cheng’s burning skin, Xiao Cheng instinctively leaned into them, letting out soft, plaintive hums. His overheated cheek pressed firmly against Luo Jingshu’s hand, seeking relief from the searing heat enveloping his body.
Xiao Cheng was no longer aware of who was next to him, or even where he was. His body felt like it was boiling over, the heat surrounding him like a relentless steam, drenching him in sweat. Luo Jingshu’s cool touch brought a trace of solace, which Xiao Cheng clung to like a child with a beloved toy, unwilling to let go.
He wasn’t this gentle when awake. Luo Jingshu relaxed, letting Xiao Cheng nestle his flushed, soft face against his hand.
Under the warm light, Xiao Cheng’s skin seemed to glow with a golden hue, his features appearing even softer and more tranquil. The redness at the corners of his eyes added a subtle, almost provocative allure.
Luo Jingshu stared at his face intently, his dark eyes betraying the tenderness he couldn’t hide. The harshness that had been etched onto his features earlier faded, replaced by a faint smile.
Xiao Yu’s voice snapped him back to reality: “Call me when you get to the hospital.”
Before hanging up, Xiao Yu added a stern warning: “Behave yourself.”
Luo Jingshu’s lips curled slightly. “Don’t worry, Uncle Xiao.”
He wouldn’t do anything inappropriate.
But the warmth from Xiao Cheng’s cheek quickly heated up Luo Jingshu’s hand. Xiao Cheng, seemingly dissatisfied with the lack of coolness, pushed his hand away, the rejection blatantly clear.
Luo Jingshu’s uninjured hand remained steady, while the other, still scarred, bore fresh wounds from his earlier fight with Jiang Ying. The hand was marked with a long, partially healed scar, some scabs peeling to reveal tender pink flesh beneath.
Earlier, during his brawl with Jiang Ying, he had accidentally reopened the fragile wound, leaving traces of blood on the back of his hand.
Luo Jingshu gently patted Xiao Cheng’s face. “Brother Cheng, just hold on a bit longer. We’ll be at the hospital soon.”
Xiao Cheng couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. Overwhelmed with discomfort, his tightly shut eyes suddenly opened, glistening with unshed tears. His expression was dazed and unfocused.
Luo Jingshu leaned closer, his voice soft. “Brother Cheng?”
He thought Xiao Cheng had regained consciousness.
Instead, Xiao Cheng turned his head toward him blankly, seemingly drawn by his voice. His eyes were unfocused, and a teardrop rolled from the corner of his eye, trailing down his cheek.
Luo Jingshu wiped the tear away with his thumb, his finger damp but unconcerned. He murmured gently, “It’ll be okay soon.”
Xiao Cheng stared at him vacantly for a moment before his body went limp, leaning into Luo Jingshu.
Startled, Luo Jingshu caught him, supporting his weight. Xiao Cheng’s head lolled onto Luo Jingshu’s shoulder, and his warm breaths caressed the curve of Luo’s neck as he murmured, “Hot…”
Luo Jingshu shut his eyes briefly, his forehead warming with sweat. “I’ll crack a window open.”
He hadn’t opened the window earlier, worried that the sudden cold air might worsen Xiao Cheng’s condition, as his fever was induced by something he had eaten.
But seeing Xiao Cheng in such discomfort, Luo Jingshu finally rolled down his window slightly, allowing a cool breeze to flow inside.
The fresh air eased Xiao Cheng’s restlessness. He no longer struggled with his clothes, though he didn’t lift his head either, keeping it nestled on Luo Jingshu’s shoulder.
Luo Jingshu made no move to push him away.
Since their breakup, this was the closest he had been to Xiao Cheng.
Luo Jingshu was fully aware that this was just an unconscious behavior from Xiao Cheng. Chances were, when Xiao Cheng regained consciousness, he might feel disgusted by this moment of closeness. Even so, Luo Jingshu didn’t want to end this brief, heartwarming moment.
He hoped they could reach the hospital soon, yet another voice in his heart asked: Can this road be a little longer?
His fists clenched tightly, his leg muscles tensing, and his whole body stiffened as he sat, afraid that the slightest movement might wake Xiao Cheng.
After leaning on Luo Jingshu’s shoulder, Xiao Cheng seemed to sleep more soundly. Unconsciously, he rested his forehead against Luo Jingshu’s neck, his cheeks flushed red.
When they reached the hospital entrance, Luo Jingshu got out of the car first. He then walked around to the other side, unbuckled Xiao Cheng’s seatbelt, and gently patted his cheek. “Brother Cheng?”
Xiao Cheng furrowed his brows, his eyelids twitching as if trying to open his eyes but failing repeatedly.
A nearby driver offered, “Should I help you carry him inside?”
Luo Jingshu bent down and replied, “No need.”
Without further hesitation, he hooked an arm under Xiao Cheng’s knees and lifted him up in one fluid motion.
His grip was steady; even while carrying a man over a hundred pounds, Luo Jingshu walked quickly and securely without the slightest tremor in his arms.
Startled by being lifted, Xiao Cheng instinctively clung closer to Luo Jingshu, his fingers clutching his shirt tightly, their tips tinged red.
“Nian…”
His voice was faint, and Luo Jingshu couldn’t catch it at first. As he strode forward, he asked, “Brother Cheng, what did you say?”
Xiao Cheng shook his head slightly, and this time, his voice was a bit louder—enough for Luo Jingshu to hear.
“Nian Nian.”
Luo Jingshu’s steps didn’t falter, but his arms tightened their hold on Xiao Cheng, cradling him closer. His voice turned hoarse. “Yes, it’s me.”
What followed was a series of medical examinations. Luo Jingshu stayed by Xiao Cheng’s side, calming him when needed. The driver ran errands per the doctor’s instructions, fetching medication and handling payments.
Only after Xiao Cheng was hooked up to an IV drip did Luo Jingshu finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Kneeling on one knee, he helped Xiao Cheng remove his shoes. The driver hurried over. “Mr. Luo, let me do it.”
“No need.” Luo Jingshu didn’t even look up. “You can leave now.”
He intended to stay and accompany Xiao Cheng, so there was no need for the driver to remain.
After dismissing the driver, Luo Jingshu focused solely on his task, gently holding Xiao Cheng’s ankle as he removed his leather shoes.
Observing this scene, the driver realized that the young man in the hospital bed must be very important to his boss. It was clear that Luo Jingshu wouldn’t entrust this responsibility to anyone else.
Carefully tucking Xiao Cheng in, Luo Jingshu noticed him kicking the blanket with slight impatience.
At that moment, Xiao Cheng resembled a child throwing a tantrum, and Luo Jingshu couldn’t help but find this side of him adorable. Rubbing Xiao Cheng’s cheek, he coaxed gently, “Brother Cheng, don’t fuss.”
Afraid that Xiao Cheng’s movements might disturb the IV line, Luo Jingshu remained vigilant. Only when he finally sat down did he recall that he had forgotten to call Xiao Yu back.
It wasn’t just anyone—Xiao Yu was Xiao Cheng’s father, and Luo Jingshu couldn’t afford to neglect him. As he was about to make the call, his phone rang, displaying Xiao Yu’s name.
Xiao Yu’s voice boomed over the line the moment he answered, uncharacteristically loud for a man usually composed and steady. “Where are you?!”
Luo Jingshu reported the room number and added, “The IV has been started. Don’t worry, Uncle Xiao.”
Not long after hanging up, hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Xiao Yu appeared at the door.
His eyes immediately locked on Luo Jingshu, seated by the hospital bed. He paused briefly before rushing inside.
“How’s Cheng Cheng?”
“The doctor said he’s stable for now. Let him finish the IV, and we’ll observe.” Luo Jingshu looked up, his upward-tilting eyes exuding a faint chill. “Uncle Xiao, let’s talk outside so Brother Cheng can rest properly.”
Xiao Yu nodded, already thinking the same.
The two stepped out into the hallway, lowering their voices.
“What happened?” Xiao Yu asked, his tone tense.
Earlier, things had been chaotic. Bai Yiheng hadn’t explained much beyond saying that something had happened to Xiao Cheng. Xiao Yu had rushed to contact Luo Jingshu and then hurried to the hospital, still clueless about the specifics.
Leaning against the doorframe, Luo Jingshu’s face darkened as he recounted the events.
As the story unfolded, Xiao Yu’s expression grew increasingly grim. Both men barely restrained their anger.
Finally, Xiao Yu said coldly, “Cheng Cheng is my son. I won’t let anyone bully him.”
Those who had drugged Xiao Cheng and Jiang Ying wouldn’t escape Xiao Yu’s wrath.
Luo Jingshu didn’t respond, instead glancing at the bed where Xiao Cheng lay. The corner of his tight lips curved into a faint, icy smile.
“Jiang Ying won’t be seeing you anytime soon,” Luo Jingshu said, rolling up his sleeves to reveal a slender yet strong wrist.
Xiao Yu let out a cold chuckle. “Does he think this is over?”
Expressionless, Luo Jingshu replied, “What I meant is, he’s disfigured. He won’t show his face.”
It was clear who was responsible.
Hearing this, some of the fire in Xiao Yu’s chest subsided. Still, he couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you afraid of him retaliating after you beat him?”
Xiao Yu wasn’t too concerned—Jiang Ying wouldn’t be able to touch the Xiao family anytime soon. But didn’t Luo Jingshu fear retaliation from Jiang Ying?
Hearing this, Luo Jingshu finally shifted his gaze from Xiao Cheng and looked at Xiao Yu. “It depends on whether he’s capable of it.”
Xiao Yu was momentarily stunned. Then, as if understanding something, his eyes widened. “Are you really going to go that far?”
The last time he met with Luo Jingshu, Xiao Yu had been skeptical about what Luo Jingshu had told him.
Luo Jingshu had warned him that the government would soon implement a new policy, which would render two of the Xiao family’s most important projects obsolete. The consequences would be dire if they didn’t pull out in time.
Xiao Yu doubted him because he hadn’t heard the slightest rumor. How could Luo Jingshu know this?
Before he could voice his doubts, Luo Jingshu added that, in two months, the government would launch another currently overlooked project. That project, however, would ultimately bring immense profits to whoever secured the bid.
Luo Jingshu urged him to abandon the two major projects the Xiao family was currently focused on.
At the time, Xiao Yu objected, “Do you know how much effort the company has poured into these two projects?”
Abandoning them for an uncertain reason would mean throwing away everyone’s hard work.
Luo Jingshu responded, “At the core, it’s that you don’t trust me.”
He then shared some confidential information, and Xiao Yu finally realized that it was Luo Jingshu who had caused the earlier upheaval in S City’s business sector.
Xiao Yu couldn’t help but ask, “You used to collaborate with Jiang Ying. Why are you now turning against him?”
Luo Jingshu had merely chuckled coldly. “It wasn’t collaboration—just mutual exploitation.”
Jiang Ying had never treated him as a true partner, always guarding against him. Naturally, Luo Jingshu hadn’t disclosed everything to Jiang Ying, either.
Back when they worked together to bring down the Luo family, Luo Jingshu had already planted people around Jiang Ying without his knowledge.
Compared to Jiang Ying, Luo Jingshu had the upper hand because he had already defeated him in his past life. Over those years, he had uncovered many secrets about the Jiang Corporation.
Some of these secrets had been buried in the sands of time, likely forgotten even by Jiang Ying himself. But if exposed, they could bring the Jiang Corporation crashing down like a building with its central pillar removed.
Luo Jingshu had waited patiently, biding his time for the perfect opportunity.
Jiang Ying, however, had foolishly walked straight into his trap.
Looking at the coldly calculating youth before him, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine.
Luo Jingshu was highly intelligent, but what made him truly dangerous was his audacity.
This was a man who knew too much and, when driven, would act with reckless abandon.
Xiao Yu pressed his lips together and asked, “What’s going on between you and Cheng Cheng?”
Lowering his gaze, Luo Jingshu’s previously cold expression softened into one of innocence.
“Uncle Xiao, it’s my fault. I let Brother Cheng down.”
Xiao Yu snorted. “Last time we met, you hid this from me.”
Xiao Cheng had kept it from him, too.
He wasn’t an unreasonable parent—dating was fine. What was there to hide?
While grumbling internally, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but worry. “Do you still like Cheng Cheng?”
Although he didn’t know Luo Jingshu deeply, Xiao Yu had sensed his obsessive and persistent nature.
A person like Luo Jingshu might act impulsively if Cheng Cheng refused to reconcile with him.
Perceiving Xiao Yu’s subtle hostility, Luo Jingshu’s expression became even more innocent. “Uncle Xiao, I like Brother Cheng. But I made him angry, and he doesn’t want to forgive me.”
Straightening his back, Xiao Yu’s face turned serious. “Relationships depend on mutual feelings. If Cheng Cheng doesn’t want to forgive you, you absolutely must not hurt him.”
“Of course not.” Luo Jingshu’s expression softened, a trace of tenderness in his eyes. “I would never hurt him again.”
“For your sake, I hope that’s true.”
After finishing his warning, Xiao Yu turned back toward the hospital room, with Luo Jingshu following behind.
Before he could sit by the bed again, another figure appeared at the door. Luo Jingshu glanced up, and his expression instantly grew colder.
It was Bai Yiheng.
The usually mild-mannered man wore an uncharacteristically stern expression, his breath uneven, evidence that he had hurried to get there.
“Brother Xiao,” Bai Yiheng called out, his gaze quickly shifting to Xiao Cheng, lying on the bed. After confirming that no marks were visible on the exposed areas of Xiao Cheng’s skin, he finally let out a breath of relief.
Steadying himself, he turned his attention to Luo Jingshu, who stood nearby. With a slight nod, he greeted him politely, “Hello.”
Luo Jingshu’s eyes lingered on Bai Yiheng’s strikingly handsome face for a few seconds. Though Luo Jingshu appeared much younger and more inexperienced by comparison, his unwavering gaze met Bai Yiheng without yielding an inch.
Within just a few moments of locking eyes, Bai Yiheng realized this young man was no ordinary character.
“How’s Xiao Cheng?” Bai Yiheng withdrew his gaze and asked.
Luo Jingshu remained silent, leaving Xiao Yu to explain, “We need to wait until the IV drip is finished to assess his condition.”
Earlier, Luo Jingshu had only shared the details he knew. The specific events that unfolded during the banquet were something only Bai Yiheng could fully explain.
Once everyone was seated, Xiao Yu asked, “Yiheng, do you know who drugged Cheng Cheng?”
Bai Yiheng nodded, a look of guilt crossing his face. “I’m sorry, Brother Xiao. It’s my fault for not taking better care of Xiao Cheng.”
He explained the situation. Shortly after Xiao Cheng was taken away by Jiang Ying, Bai Yiheng realized something was wrong. Initially, he thought the person who drugged Xiao Cheng had taken him. That person admitted to drugging Xiao Cheng but denied taking him.
It was only after Bai Yiheng had the host of the banquet check the surveillance footage that he finally pieced things together. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived, Xiao Cheng had already been taken away by Luo Jingshu.
“Fortunately, Xiao Cheng is okay,” Bai Yiheng said, massaging his temples. “It was my oversight.”
He had known that person might have ill intentions, yet he hadn’t kept Xiao Cheng by his side or paid closer attention to his condition.
Xiao Yu sighed. “This isn’t your fault.”
No one had expected that person to be bold enough to target Xiao Cheng right under Bai Yiheng’s nose.
Luo Jingshu remained silent, his gaze fixed solely on Xiao Cheng. He gently brushed aside the hair on Xiao Cheng’s forehead, touched his cheek, and only relaxed after confirming his temperature had gone down. His fingers lightly traced the corner of Xiao Cheng’s lips.
This motion was caught by Bai Yiheng, who sat across from him. His hand, resting on his leg, tensed for a moment.
Luo Jingshu then placed his hand over Xiao Cheng’s, which was cold from the IV drip, and clasped it gently in his palm.
The room fell into silence. Xiao Yu lowered his head and focused on his phone, likely texting someone. Moments later, he stood and answered a call.
“Wife…”
It was Xiao Cheng’s mother on the line.
Seeing that two others were present in the room, Xiao Yu felt assured as he stepped out to take the call, closing the door behind him.
When Xiao Yu’s voice grew fainter, Luo Jingshu finally raised his eyes and locked them with Bai Yiheng.
It was hard to describe the look in his eyes.
From Luo Jingshu’s gaze, Bai Yiheng saw a clear threat and warning.
The overhead light cast shadows over Luo Jingshu’s eyes, obscured by his hair and lashes. Hidden in the darkness, his eyes lost their glimmer, leaving an eerie and bone-chilling sensation.
Bai Yiheng instinctively straightened his back, startled by the intimidation he felt from someone so much younger.
Luo Jingshu continued holding Xiao Cheng’s hand, like a predator guarding its prey, refusing to let any rival approach.
Bai Yiheng loosened his tie, refusing to back down. “Are you Xiao Cheng’s ex-boyfriend?”
For some reason, his emphasis on ‘ex’ seemed deliberate.
Luo Jingshu’s lips curved faintly, though his expression remained cold. His fingers tightened slightly on Xiao Cheng’s. “I’m also his only boyfriend.”
Bai Yiheng now fully understood. This young man was guarding against him, treating him as a rival.
He found himself surprised. After all, this was their first meeting. Bai Yiheng himself wasn’t even clear about his feelings for Xiao Cheng, yet Luo Jingshu had already decided to reject him.
“Have we met before?”
Bai Yiheng scrutinized Luo Jingshu’s striking and delicate face, certain he’d remember someone like him.
“No.” Luo Jingshu, even across two lifetimes, had only encountered Bai Yiheng a handful of times.
Bai Yiheng chuckled. “You seem quite dissatisfied with me.”
Luo Jingshu leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed. Despite facing a man a decade older than himself, he exuded a composed coldness, showing no hint of fear.
“Mr. Bai,” Luo Jingshu said icily. “Since you’ve promised Uncle Xiao to take good care of Brother Cheng, I hope you’ll take it seriously.”
Bai Yiheng froze. He had expected Luo Jingshu to tell him to stay away from Xiao Cheng. Instead, Luo Jingshu seemed to ask him to care for Xiao Cheng more.
“You want me to treat him even better?” Bai Yiheng paused, then added, “Is that right?”
Luo Jingshu, who had been so guarded just moments ago, was now suggesting he care for Xiao Cheng more closely. The stark contrast in attitude piqued Bai Yiheng’s curiosity.
Lowering his gaze to Xiao Cheng’s closed eyes, Luo Jingshu replied hoarsely, “Just don’t let Brother Cheng get hurt again.”
Right now, Xiao Cheng was too resistant to him. Luo Jingshu couldn’t even approach him while he was awake, making his actions limited and careful.
Like today—if Xiao Cheng hadn’t called him, Luo Jingshu might not have known what had happened.
He feared that something similar would happen again one day, and he wouldn’t be there in time to protect Xiao Cheng.
Bai Yiheng understood. Luo Jingshu was asking him to safeguard Xiao Cheng, but only in terms of safety. In matters of love, Luo Jingshu wouldn’t give an inch.
Was he being treated as a tool?
Looking at Xiao Cheng, a wave of guilt surged in Bai Yiheng’s heart.
“I’ll protect him,” he promised.
Luo Jingshu’s lips twitched slightly. “That’s what you should’ve done in the first place.”
He looked back at Bai Yiheng and added coldly, “Don’t make a move on him.”
It was the same thing he’d told Xie Zhao before.
A bitter taste rose in Luo Jingshu’s mouth. He’d been foolish to let go of someone as good as Brother Cheng.
Too many people were eyeing Brother Cheng. Luo Jingshu should’ve cherished his treasure, but he’d stupidly handed it over to the wolves instead.
Now, not only did he have to act meek and beg for forgiveness, but he also had to fend off every scheming rival.
Bai Yiheng exhaled quietly, meeting Luo Jingshu’s gaze. “You’re being a bit rude, don’t you think?”
“And what if I am?”
Luo Jingshu saw no need to be polite with a rival. Besides, Bai Yiheng’s oversight had allowed Xiao Cheng to get hurt. It was already generous of Luo Jingshu not to lash out at him.
He wasn’t a saint, and for him, Xiao Cheng’s well-being overruled all notions of right and wrong.
Courtesy?
That was meaningless.
“He’s mine,” Luo Jingshu declared as his fingertips caressed Xiao Cheng’s cheek. His actions brimmed with possessiveness, like a wolf baring its fangs to warn off other predators.
Bai Yiheng chuckled, though his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re so certain he’ll get back together with you?”
While Bai Yiheng didn’t know the specifics of their breakup, Xiao Cheng’s complete lack of mention of Luo Jingshu and his composed demeanor suggested the fault likely lay with Luo Jingshu.
“That’s none of your business,” Luo Jingshu replied, stroking Xiao Cheng’s face and wiping away a bead of sweat from his forehead.
“Not necessarily,” Bai Yiheng countered.
Now intrigued by Luo Jingshu’s challenge, Bai Yiheng felt his casual interest in Xiao Cheng grow into something more significant.
He wouldn’t mind competing with Luo Jingshu after all.
