Han Shao Zhou couldn’t resist Mo Ming’s advances, whether intentional or not. Like a restless kitten, Mo Ming always used the tip of his soft tail to tease him.
But Han Shao Zhou, being rather spineless, found himself quite susceptible to Mo Ming’s tricks.
Mo Ming was pinned against the door, his waist roughly held, and his lips kissed so hard by the man in front of him that they began to ache.
“Wait… wait a second.”
Finally managing to hold the head in front of him, Mo Ming panted, “Brother Shao, don’t you have any engagements tonight?”
Han Shao Zhou’s eyes could barely tear away from Mo Ming’s two shining, slightly reddened lips. “No, but I only have a couple of free days.”
“Then you haven’t had dinner yet, right?” Mo Ming said softly, “I’ll go make something in the kitchen.”
“No need, let’s go out.” Han Shao Zhou withdrew his hand from under Mo Ming’s shirt. “It’s rare for me to have time to spend with you.”
Mo Ming smiled and nodded, “Then, Brother Shao, wait for me. I’ll take a quick shower—I sweated today.”
“Go ahead, no rush.”
Mo Ming took some clothes and headed to the bathroom while Han Shao Zhou went to the dressing room to change into a dark casual outfit.
As he passed by the bedside, Han Shao Zhou suddenly noticed a small black-and-gold gift box on the nightstand—the gift he had given to Mo Ming that morning.
The box was perfectly intact, still unopened…
Does he… not like it?
Han Shao Zhou thought that after he left that morning, Mo Ming would eagerly open it.
He suddenly recalled how he used to occasionally bring little trinkets back for Mo Ming—pendants, rings, watches, bracelets, and so on. Although they were bought on a whim, none of them were cheap. However, Mo Ming never seemed to wear them in front of him.
Even though he looked quite happy when receiving the gifts.
Han Shao Zhou rarely pondered Mo Ming’s thoughts. Mo Ming was simple and obedient, his thoughts written all over his face, so there was no need to guess.
Thinking it over, it didn’t seem complicated. Mo Ming had been by his side for three years, and it was clear that he wasn’t after material things anymore.
Han Shao Zhou had figured that out long ago…
Actually, having a little lover who truly fell in love with him, despite being financially supported by him, wasn’t exactly a good thing. Any relationship based on money would get complicated once emotions got involved.
But over the past few years, he had unexpectedly enjoyed this kind of life, and for now, he had no intention of ending the relationship, so he didn’t mind.
Han Shao Zhou deftly opened the gift box and took out the multicolored coral bracelet inside.
The various precious beads strung together created a rich and harmonious color under the light, very exquisite.
When he bought it, he just thought it was pretty, and pretty things were a good match for Han Shao Zhou’s pretty little lover.
Mo Ming finished his shower and was blow-drying his hair when Han Shao Zhou walked in and put the coral bracelet on his slender wrist. The smooth and translucent sheen of the beads contrasted beautifully against Mo Ming’s fair skin, making his rounded wrist bone look especially sexy.
Mo Ming was still holding the hairdryer in one hand, his half-dried short hair messy, with a few strands covering his eyes, giving him a dazed look.
Han Shao Zhou couldn’t help but wrap his arms around Mo Ming’s waist again, lowering his head to bury his face in the warm nape of Mo Ming’s neck and taking in his scent.
“Smells good.” Han Shao Zhou nuzzled him hard, “Really good…”
Mo Ming felt ticklish and giggled, “We use the same body wash, Brother Shao. I smell the same as you.”
Han Shao Zhou felt a tingly satisfaction in his heart, “Of course you should smell like me. If you dare smell like someone else, do you think I’d still want you?”
Seeing that Han Shao Zhou was in a good mood, Mo Ming leaned into his arms.
“Brother Shao, my birthday is next Wednesday…” Mo Ming said softly, tilting his small face up, “Can you spend it with me?”
Mo Ming rarely asked Han Shao Zhou for anything, but on his birthday each year, he always wanted Han Shao Zhou to be with him. However, he wouldn’t pester him about it—if Han Shao Zhou didn’t respond, Mo Ming wouldn’t ask again.
“We’ll see.” Han Shao Zhou pinched Mo Ming’s cheek, “If I’m not busy, I’ll be there.”
In the past two years, Han Shao Zhou had only spent one birthday with him, and that was because he happened to return from a business trip and stayed the night at Mo Ming’s place. Mo Ming had prepared a sumptuous dinner, and afterward, he had pestered Han Shao Zhou to watch fireworks together. That night coincided with Chuanghai’s annual fireworks festival, where the square by the river was lit up by dazzling fireworks at eight o’clock, seemingly bright enough to light up the entire hemisphere.
But he didn’t go at the time. His plane landed in Chuanghai in the evening, and he had to catch the earliest flight out the next morning. He didn’t have the energy to indulge in such superficial romantic rituals. After a full meal, he coaxed Mo Ming into bed and had a good time. Afterward, he had his assistant send a car over as a birthday gift.
However, now he was considering introducing Mo Ming to his friends officially. If he had the time next Wednesday, it might be a good opportunity.
After all, keeping things hidden was no longer practical—there was still a long way to go.
***
The nights after autumn began were especially cool.
On the way to the restaurant, the car stopped at a red light at an intersection, and Mo Ming’s gaze was drawn to a mall not far outside the car window.
On the mall’s outer wall, several workers were using high ladders to dismantle a giant poster of a celebrity, the same celebrity currently caught in a media storm: Sun Chao.
With a loud rustle, the massive poster fell to the ground, and two cleaners quickly stepped forward, crumpling it into a ball and tossing it directly into a small garbage truck.
As the green light turned on, Mo Ming withdrew his gaze, the soft light from outside reflecting on his lips…
***
The variety show recording was scheduled for early next month, and before that, Xi Nan wanted to arrange a few commercial activities for Mo Ming. As usual, Mo Ming didn’t give it much thought and declined.
Xi Nan was a very capable female manager at Xingci, known for her sharpness and efficiency, especially in promoting popular celebrities.
When Mo Ming first signed with Xingci, Xi Nan had high hopes for his career. The moment she saw his face, she had a whole marketing strategy planned out in her mind, but Mo Ming himself had no ambition. In the two years since signing with Xingci, he had only taken on two acting roles in a very laid-back manner.
Xi Nan couldn’t stand seeing potential top stars go to waste…
In the office.
Riding on the wave of popularity from his last show, several production teams had already extended olive branches to Mo Ming.
Xi Nan selected two scripts of relatively high quality for Mo Ming to choose from. Both were scheduled to start filming after the variety show recording, and she hoped that Mo Ming would use the upcoming free time to study the scripts, so he could join the crew immediately after the recording.
With her slender fingers elegantly supporting her chin, Xi Nan looked at the indifferent young actor in front of her and said earnestly, “Sun Chao got into trouble, so most of the residual heat from your last show will stay with you. This is a great opportunity to rise in popularity.”
“I’m sorry, Sister Nan,” Mo Ming replied gently, “but I don’t have any intention of acting anymore.”
Xi Nan’s expression turned incredulous. “You’re going to waste all the momentum you gained from your last show? Mo Ming, even if you came to the entertainment industry just to experience life, you should still have some ambition.”
“Sister Nan, maybe you didn’t quite understand what I meant,” Mo Ming smiled faintly, “You don’t need to get scripts for me anymore. After the variety show recording, I probably won’t stay in the entertainment industry…”
Xi Nan was stunned.
“Quit… quit the industry? But you just signed with Xingci a year ago.”
“I have other plans. I’ll discuss it with the company when the time comes. You don’t have to worry about my work anymore, Sister Nan.”
“…”
Xi Nan rubbed her temples, thinking that Mo Ming really must have come to the entertainment industry just to experience life.
“Mo Ming, to be honest, I initially planned to groom you into the next Wen Ci.” Xi Nan smiled, a bit helplessly as she leaned back in her office chair, “You know Wen Ci, right?”
“Yes, I know.” Mo Ming nodded slightly.
“Has anyone ever told you that you bear some resemblance to Wen Ci?” Back when Wen Ci was at Xingci, he was one of Xi Nan’s artists, and she knew Wen Ci better than anyone. She had noticed the resemblance the moment she first laid eyes on Mo Ming.
Of course, Mo Ming was no match for Wen Ci. Wen Ci had reached the top thanks not only to Xi Nan’s marketing strategies but also to the backing of the Shengda Group’s chairman’s grandson, who was also Xingci’s largest shareholder at the time, Han Shao Zhou. The relentless bombardment of top-tier resources had pushed Wen Ci to unbelievable heights.
However, in Xi Nan’s eyes, Mo Ming, despite not having a powerful backer like Wen Ci, had a similar image and acting skills, and that resemblance was a perfect marketing gimmick.
Mo Ming smiled calmly, “I’m aware.”
Seeing Mo Ming’s lack of interest, Xi Nan lost the desire to continue the conversation and sighed, “Forget it.”
An artist without ambition was someone she couldn’t elevate.
***
After just two days of rest, the endless social engagements started rolling in again.
Han Shao Zhou was long accustomed to this lifestyle. He had his own ambitions and pride to pursue.
Now, nothing could captivate him except his career.
At a business cocktail party filled with elites, Han Shao Zhou’s arrival immediately drew attention.
Tall and imposing, with long legs and a custom-fitted suit that perfectly accentuated his figure, he exuded a composed and deep aura of an elite.
Han Shao Zhou rarely attended such parties. In his early years, he was too wild, unwilling to engage in small talk, and unwilling to put on the façade his grandfather demanded. The company was mostly represented by professional managers groomed by his grandfather, who were the focus of the elite’s attention, but none had the legitimate standing of Han Shao Zhou.
After a well-dressed couple warmly greeted Han Shao Zhou and walked away, Qin You approached with a teasing smile, “Looks like you’ll be quite busy from now on.”
Han Shao Zhou didn’t put on airs in front of his longtime friend and smiled back, “It’s also to give the old man a few more years of life.”
Qin You chuckled, “But no matter how busy you get, don’t forget your old friends.”
Han Shao Zhou wasn’t sure what Qin You meant and was about to ask when he saw Qin You looking ahead with a meaningful smile.
Following Qin You’s gaze, Han Shao Zhou frowned slightly.
When Wen Zhongchong and Shen Peiling approached with their glasses raised, they didn’t act as cautiously and reservedly as others did. They greeted Han Shao Zhou as if he were one of their own, casually calling him “Little Han,” without showing any unfamiliarity with Qin You.
They had been waiting for Han Shao Zhou to come over and greet them first. In the past, Han Shao Zhou had eagerly called them uncle and auntie, and in public, he was always the first to greet them and show them respect, so they had grown accustomed to holding a senior position in front of him.
But seeing others constantly approaching Han Shao Zhou for conversation, with the party already more than halfway over, they finally couldn’t keep up their pretense and wait any longer.
“It’s been a few years, Little Han, and you’ve really changed,” Shen Peiling said with a smile. “When we saw you come in earlier, your uncle and I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“You used to seem like a kid, but now you’re starting to have some of your grandfather’s aura,” Wen Zhongchong added, his face full of benevolent smiles. If his arm wasn’t linked with his wife’s and holding a drink, he would have wanted to pat Han Shao Zhou on the shoulder to show his appreciation.
Wen Zhongchong and Shen Peiling were once well-known artists, respected in their industry. Later, they ventured into business and, with the Han family’s support, made easy profits. Having tasted success, they gradually transitioned from high-minded artists to pure businessmen.
Han Shao Zhou raised his glass slightly and nodded with a smile, “Mr. Wen, Mrs. Shen.”
The smiles on Wen Zhongchong and Shen Peiling’s faces stiffened but quickly returned to normal as they asked Han Shao Zhou about his grandfather’s health.
Although Han Shao Zhou responded patiently, he maintained a polite distance in his conversation with Wen Zhongchong and Shen Peiling, treating them no differently from anyone else, which made the couple’s attempts to get closer seem increasingly awkward.
In the past, Wen Zhongchong and Shen Peiling had looked down on Han Shao Zhou, considering him uncultured and lacking the refined taste and talent of the elite. They found him reeking of money, an odor that clashed with their noble status as revered artists. Even though the Han family was a prestigious household, they never considered lowering their standards to embrace Han Shao Zhou when they didn’t lack money or fame, treating him with superficial smiles while remaining indifferent.
Of course, this was before they lost Han Shao Zhou’s support… Life has a way of teaching lessons, and after becoming true businessmen, they realized how valuable a connection with the Han family was—just a small association could ensure smooth sailing in the business world.
“Next month, we’ll be moving back to Chuanghai, so we’ll be able to see each other more often,” Wen Zhongchong said with a smile. “Wen Ci told me the other day that he can’t wait to see his old friends again.”
Shen Peiling also smiled and said, “Yes, and by the way, Little Han, it’s been a while since you and Wen Ci last met, hasn’t it?”
Han Shao Zhou forced a smile, his eyes devoid of any emotion. “Yes, it’s been a while.”
Noticing that Han Shao Zhou wasn’t inclined to ask further, Shen Peiling added, “Wen Ci has been busy with his divorce from Gao Chen lately, and he’s not in the best mood. Otherwise, he would have come to tonight’s party as well. It’s a pity—you could have met earlier.”
Hearing the word “divorce,” Han Shao Zhou’s expression froze for a moment.
Shen Peiling caught the subtle change in his eyes and smiled, “But it’s no big deal. We’ll be back next month, so you can catch up then.”
Han Shao Zhou seemed lost in thought, a bit absent-minded. After a brief exchange, Shen Peiling and Wen Zhongchong gracefully took their leave.
“Wen Ci and Gao Chen are actually getting a divorce…” Qin You remarked, surprised. “Unbelievable. I heard from Zhao Cheng that their relationship was solid.”
“Shen Peiling said it herself, so it’s probably true.”
After responding, Han Shao Zhou placed his glass on a passing waiter’s tray and walked toward the exit with a heavy expression.
“Where are you going?” Qin You asked.
“To make a call.”
As Han Shao Zhou walked out of the ballroom and down the corridor, Shen Peiling lightly nudged her husband with her elbow.
“See? I told you he’s still the same,” Shen Peiling chuckled, “He’s all flustered as soon as he hears our Wen Ci is getting a divorce.”
Han Shao Zhou reached the end of the deserted corridor and stood by the floor-to-ceiling window. He called his grandfather.
When he heard Shen Peiling mention Wen Ci’s divorce, the first thought that popped into his head was that his grandfather might have done something underhanded to force the Wen couple into divorce…
“You promised me you’d bring me a granddaughter-in-law within a year, so why would I do something so underhanded?” came his grandfather’s stern voice over the phone.
Han Shao Zhou sighed in relief…
As long as the old man knew it would be disgraceful.
“Any thoughts?” Qin You asked with a smile when Han Shao Zhou returned to the ballroom. “The way Mrs. Shen mentioned Wen Ci’s divorce didn’t seem accidental.”
“I don’t know,” Han Shao Zhou replied, “and I’m too lazy to think about it.”
He had long grown accustomed to letting things take their course when it came to matters of the heart. Deliberate consideration would only irritate him.
Han Shao Zhou stayed in K City for two more days, returning to Chuanghai on the evening of the third day.
The apartment was cold and empty—Mo Ming hadn’t come back yet.
Han Shao Zhou was a little annoyed. He was still used to opening the door and seeing Mo Ming’s gentle and obedient face, followed by him tiptoeing to hug his neck and give him a kiss.
Han Shao Zhou took out his phone to call Mo Ming, thinking he should also contact the company to stop scheduling evening work for Mo Ming in the future.
Once they eventually parted ways, he planned to compensate Mo Ming with plenty of resources so as not to hinder his rise in the entertainment industry.
“Where are you?” Han Shao Zhou asked as soon as the call connected. “Haven’t you gotten off work yet?”
There was a noisy background on the other end, and Mo Ming’s voice was as gentle as ever. “Brother Shao, I’m having dinner with some friends.”
Han Shao Zhou, displeased, said, “I haven’t eaten yet… Never mind. Where are you?”
Mo Ming mentioned the name of a hotpot restaurant, just about to ask if Han Shao Zhou was coming over, when the call abruptly ended.
“What’s wrong, Mo Ming? Is your friend coming over?”
Mo Ming put down his phone, and the person sitting across from him, Qi Yue, asked curiously.
“Not sure. He probably… won’t come,” Mo Ming frowned. His relationship with Han Shao Zhou had always been kept under wraps, and the last time he ran into one of Han Shao Zhou’s friends at a nightclub, it was purely by chance.
In the three years they had been together, neither of them had actively involved themselves in the other’s social circles.
“If he does come, we’ll just ask the waiter for an extra set of utensils.”
Xia Xiaotang, sitting beside Qi Yue, smiled. She was Qi Yue’s girlfriend, with a cute baby face, and an actress in the same drama troupe as Qi Yue.
“Is he a friend from the industry?” Qi Yue asked.
“No, he’s… in business,” Mo Ming smiled faintly, “We met by chance, not very close.”
In less than half an hour, Han Shao Zhou arrived at the hotpot restaurant where Mo Ming was.
The restaurant was decorated like a small, vintage inn, with a row of hotpot tables by the window, separated by carved red wooden screens. Mo Ming, seeking privacy, had chosen the most secluded table in the corner with his friends.
Han Shao Zhou found it quickly, knowing that Mo Ming would choose a hidden spot for a low-profile meal.
When Han Shao Zhou appeared, Mo Ming was stunned for quite a while.
He didn’t expect this man would actually show up…
Mo Ming slowly stood up from his seat, “Brother Shao, you’re here… Let me introduce you. These are my friends, Qi Yue and Xia Xiaotang.”
Qi Yue and Xia Xiaotang stood up. Knowing that the man in front of them was Mo Ming’s friend, they didn’t act too formally and greeted Han Shao Zhou with a smile.
“Qi Yue, Xiaotang, this is Brother Shao,” Mo Ming said.
Han Shao Zhou: “…”
That introduction was a bit too simple.
Not thinking too much about it, Han Shao Zhou casually greeted Qi Yue and Xia Xiaotang before feeling his hunger intensify with the tantalizing aroma of the hotpot. Just as he was about to sit next to Mo Ming, Mo Ming gently tugged on his arm and pulled him aside.
“Brother Shao, let’s eat somewhere else later,” Mo Ming said softly. “Could you wait outside for a moment? I’ll say goodbye to my friends and come find you.”
“No need, I really want to eat hotpot.”
“But that pot is what my friends and I have been eating.”
“Then we’ll get a new broth. If they’re full, they can leave, and we’ll continue.”
As soon as Han Shao Zhou finished speaking, he moved to sit down, but Mo Ming held his arm again.
Qi Yue and Xia Xiaotang exchanged puzzled glances from across the table, while Mo Ming gently tugged Han Shao Zhou’s arm and pulled him further away to a more secluded spot.
“I haven’t seen these friends in a long time… and they don’t know about my relationship with you, Brother Shao,” Mo Ming explained, looking at Han Shao Zhou. “So… could we keep it discreet?”
Han Shao Zhou froze, staring at Mo Ming’s earnest and sincere eyes, his mouth twitching, “So you don’t want them to know about us?”
Mo Ming nodded lightly.
Han Shao Zhou nearly laughed out of frustration, “I don’t mind, so what are you worried about? How about I just tell them I’m your boyfriend? Would that be enough to save face?”
“No need,” Mo Ming held onto Han Shao Zhou. “Just say we’re friends.”
“…”
Han Shao Zhou couldn’t tell if he was mistaken, but it felt like Mo Ming was… ashamed of him?
This guy liked him so much, shouldn’t he be eager for everyone to know about their relationship?
Han Shao Zhou stared at Mo Ming for a long time. Mo Ming was still the same, lips pressed together, as if afraid Han Shao Zhou would get angry. His eyebrows were lowered, his eyes full of innocence, as if he were the one being wronged.
“Brother Shao…” Sensing that Han Shao Zhou’s mood was off, Mo Ming gently tugged on his sleeve. “I’m really sorry, Brother Shao. I just didn’t want to cause you any trouble, so…”
“Go back and eat with your friends.” Han Shao Zhou brushed Mo Ming’s hand away. “I’m not interested in meeting them.”
With that, Han Shao Zhou turned and left.
His appetite was gone, and he drove straight home, his chest filled with a jumble of emotions that left him feeling stifled.
Reflecting on how Mo Ming had deliberately pulled him aside to avoid his friends, Han Shao Zhou suddenly felt insulted. All he wanted was to have a meal with the guy—he didn’t care about his friends at all.
After a shower, he climbed into bed, keeping an eye on his phone, waiting for Mo Ming to return.
He almost texted him to hurry up, but he resisted the urge.
He couldn’t lose face over a little lover.
He didn’t know how long had passed, but Mo Ming still hadn’t returned. Han Shao Zhou felt even more uneasy. When he left the hotpot restaurant, his face had clearly written “I’m very angry” in big letters. If the guy had any sense, he should have come back immediately.
It was almost ten o’clock when he heard the door open and close outside the bedroom.
Han Shao Zhou put down his phone and adjusted the blanket.
Mo Ming quietly opened the bedroom door and glanced at the bed, where Han Shao Zhou seemed to be asleep. Cautiously, he called out, “Brother Shao.”
Han Shao Zhou kept his eyes closed, ignoring him.
Mo Ming took a shower, put on a thin ice-silk pajama set, and slipped into bed, directly snuggling into Han Shao Zhou’s arms.
“Brother Shao…” Like a kitten, Mo Ming wrapped his arms around Han Shao Zhou’s waist and whispered, “Are you mad?”
Han Shao Zhou didn’t respond, but being cuddled so affectionately by Mo Ming made most of his nameless anger dissipate.
Mo Ming rubbed his lips against Han Shao Zhou’s Adam’s apple and whispered, “Brother Shao, I’m really sorry. I truly am…”
Only then did Han Shao Zhou slowly open his eyes, and the head in his arms lifted, looking at him pitifully.
“Where were you wrong?” Han Shao Zhou asked, resisting the urge to grab that slender waist, maintaining a stern expression.
“Everywhere…” Mo Ming bit his lip. “How about you punish me, Brother Shao?”
“…”
The moment Mo Ming started drawing circles on Han Shao Zhou’s abdomen with his fingers, Han Shao Zhou flipped over and pressed him down.
The remaining bit of frustration was immediately vented through action.
Han Shao Zhou held Mo Ming down, his actions rough. No matter how much Mo Ming cried, he didn’t care, determined to teach him a lesson.
Tears streamed down Mo Ming’s face as he was nearly worn out by Han Shao Zhou’s relentless attention, yet he still tried to kiss him.
It was past three in the morning when Han Shao Zhou carried Mo Ming out of the bathroom.
Mo Ming was utterly exhausted, yet instinctively burrowed into Han Shao Zhou’s arms. Han Shao Zhou held the back of Mo Ming’s head, kissing him passionately, making the dazed Mo Ming let out a soft whimper as he turned over.
Han Shao Zhou couldn’t help but laugh and finally decided to let it go, intending to set an alarm on his phone before sleeping. But when he picked up his phone, he found a message from Zhao Cheng sent three hours ago.
[Zhao Cheng]: Old Han, Wen Ci asked me for your personal number. I gave it to him.
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