Gu Tingshen’s voice was already deep, and perhaps out of consideration for the brothers being together, he deliberately lowered it even more.
However, since he was whispering to someone he liked, his tone couldn’t help but carry a hint of intimacy.
Under such circumstances, the content of his question, combined with the setting, took on a different flavor when transmitted through the receiver, as if he was coquettishly complaining to a lover, exuding a sense of grievance.
This sensation became even more pronounced due to its stark contrast with Gu Tingshen’s usual demeanor.
It seemed like he was purposefully appearing weak and pitiful before Jing Li, hinting that he had suffered a great injustice from Jing Yu.
Jing Yu’s anger, which had barely subsided, flared up instantly. With a grim face, he shouted into the phone, “Who the hell are you calling ‘baby’?”
The sudden and abrupt outburst caught Gu Tingshen off guard, causing him to pause mid-breath before hastily backtracking, “No, it’s ‘Ge’! Ge, I misspoke, misspoke. Don’t…”
“Who the hell is your ‘Ge’?” Jing Yu wasn’t buying it. “Did I agree to you casually building relationships with me? Aren’t you ashamed at your age?!”
“Have I calmed down yet?” Jing Yu’s anger grew with each word. “Do you have any idea if I’ve calmed down? It seems like you’re really asking for a beating!”
Gu Tingshen, who couldn’t seem to say anything right: “……”
Jing Li, with a wry and helpless expression: “……”
Even someone as composed and steady as Gu Tingshen was at a loss for words, choked up by the situation. The atmosphere turned awkward and silent for a moment.
Finally, Jing Li cleared his throat and addressed the person on the phone, “We’re going to the restaurant by your office building. Why don’t you join us?”
This helped alleviate Gu Tingshen’s embarrassment.
Gu Tingshen responded softly, without further comment, only mentioning that he would arrange for a table before hanging up.
Jing Li put away the phone and noticed his brother’s sour expression. Since he hadn’t objected to Gu Tingshen’s arrangement, he knew it was an implicit acceptance.
After all, he didn’t want his brother to be caught in the middle and suffer.
Jing Li felt a warmth in his heart and became even more reluctant to see his brother unhappy.
“Ge, I know you care about me the most,” he called out softly, his tone deliberately gentle, carrying more tenderness than usual. He tugged lightly at Jing Yu’s sleeve, his intention to placate couldn’t be clearer.
Jing Yu was helpless against his brother’s well-behaved manner, his heart melting into a sweet puddle.
He glanced at his brother, still feeling a bit disgruntled, but his expression relaxed somewhat.
Seeing this, Jing Li knew it meant his brother wouldn’t embarrass Gu Tingshen further, and his smile became even brighter, eliciting a slight upturning of Jing Yu’s lips as he ruffled his brother’s soft hair.
However, although he had appeased his brother, Jing Li was still worried that meeting face-to-face might stir up his brother’s displeasure again. So, when they arrived at the restaurant, he took the initiative to stand between the two, and during the meal, he sat close to his brother, treating Gu Tingshen with less enthusiasm.
Gu Tingshen stuck close to the brothers but sat down on the other side of Jing Li under his friend’s death glare.
Since they had called ahead, the dishes arrived swiftly once they were seated in the private room.
After knowing the brothers for so long, Gu Tingshen was well acquainted with their tastes and ordered all their favorites.
Jing Yu scanned the table, unable to find fault despite his resentment.
Considering the late hour and not wanting his brother to go hungry, Jing Yu relented and suggested they start eating.
Noticing the sweet and sour pork ribs, a signature dish, in the center of the table, Jing Yu picked up a piece to place in Jing Li’s bowl. “This place’s sweet and sour pork ribs are quite good. You should try…”
Before he could finish, someone had already placed a rib in Jing Li’s bowl. Looking up, he met Gu Tingshen’s gaze.
Gu Tingshen: “……”
Jing Li: “……”
Jing Yu pursed his lips, his expression darkening instantly.
How dare you be so attentive?! Flirting with my brother behind my back, competing with me even in serving dishes at a meal, how shameless can you be?!
“I also heard these sweet and sour pork ribs are a specialty here,” Gu Tingshen quickly responded, naturally placing a rib in Jing Yu’s bowl with a smile. “You two should try them. If you like them, we can come back next time.”
His survival instincts were unparalleled.
Catching on, Jing Li swiftly took the rib from his brother’s chopsticks with his own, smiling. “If even my brother thinks they’re delicious, I must try them.”
He immediately took a bite, chewed, and swallowed before praising, “No wonder my brother picked them. The taste is indeed excellent.”
“That’s right, your brother has always had a discerning palate,” Gu Tingshen agreed with a smile. “When we studied abroad, I could only eat authentic cuisine thanks to him.”
“So now you’re not calling me a glutton?” Jing Yu shot him a sarcastic glance, clearly unimpressed by the flattery.
“That was just youthful recklessness talking,” Gu Tingshen hurriedly replied. “But not anymore, I…”
“Indeed, no more reckless talk. You’ve gone straight to bold actions!”
Gu Tingshen: “……”
Sensing the situation was worsening, Gu Tingshen scratched his nose and promptly kept quiet.
“Enough chatter, let’s eat!” Jing Li pretended to glare at Gu Tingshen, timely interrupting their argument. He then placed a serving in his brother’s bowl, his tone softening. “Ge, you should eat too. You must be starving after all this time. I’m so worried!”
Hearing his brother’s slightly coquettish tone, Jing Yu was quite pleased and said nothing more. He smiled and nodded before bowing his head to eat.
The dining table finally returned to a temporary peace.
After that little episode, Jing Li kept a close eye on his brother, frequently placing food in his bowl and encouraging him to eat more, barely paying attention to Gu Tingshen.
Instead, Gu Tingshen proactively tended to the brothers.
This contrast made Jing Yu significantly more at ease, as he found the dog fawning over his “sweet cabbage” more tolerable.
The meal passed rather peacefully, and it was time to discuss business.
Originally, Jing Li had planned to study the script at home that afternoon, but given the situation, he decided to join them at Gu’s company since he could read it anywhere and help ease the atmosphere.
So when they arrived at Gu Tingshen’s company, while Gu Tingshen and Jing Yu discussed their cooperation, Jing Li sat to the side reading his script.
Fortunately, the two remained professional, and the afternoon proceeded harmoniously.
This rare peace lasted until work ended, but another disagreement arose as they were about to leave.
Since Gu and Jing’s companies were collaborating extensively, their discussion carried on until evening.
The sky had darkened outside, lights illuminating the surroundings. It was time to leave the office and eat dinner.
Ordinarily, the three would have dined together without issue.
However, after discovering Gu Tingshen’s relationship with his brother, Jing Yu was reluctant.
Additionally, with Jing Li returning to the film set early the next morning, Jing Yu had planned to finish work and have a homemade meal with his brother that evening to spend time together.
Now faced with Gu Tingshen, he refused to let the wolf who had stolen his brother into his home.
Without hesitation, Jing Yu stood up and naturally turned to Jing Li. “Let’s go. I had the chef prepare your favorite soup this morning. It should be ready when we get home.”
Jing Li glanced at his cold brother, then at Gu Tingshen, who was biting his lip and looking at them expectantly. He scratched his nose, about to suggest inviting Gu Tingshen along.
Before he could speak, sensing his intention, Jing Yu cut him off.
“I’m free tonight, so it’s a good opportunity for us brothers to have a chat.”
Jing Yu emphasized “brothers,” his implication crystal clear. As if that wasn’t enough, he deliberately glanced at Gu Tingshen.
Jing Li: “……”
Jing Li cleared his throat, noticing the secretaries discreetly looking their way. Not wanting to embarrass Gu Tingshen further, he couldn’t bring himself to extend the invitation.
Satisfied, Jing Yu stepped forward and draped an arm around his brother to leave.
Now anxious, Gu hurried to catch up, putting on a smile. “Perfect, it’s been so long since I’ve tasted your family chef’s cooking. I might as well join you for dinner tonight.”
“If you want to eat, I’ll have someone make it at your place,” Jing Yu shot him a sidelong glance.
“No need for such trouble, I’ll just stop by and have a few bites.” Gu Tingshen smiled, playfully bumping him. “Didn’t you say you liked that bottle of red wine I got? We can try it out together tonight.”
Before Jing Yu could respond, he called out to Secretary Qin behind them, “Qin Hao, have someone send that bottle of wine I’ve been saving to the Jing family villa later.”
Hearing Qin Hao’s acknowledgment, Jing Yu spared him some face and didn’t protest further.
Jing Li, watching the exchange between the two, couldn’t help but curve his lips into a smile.
The trio made their way to the basement parking lot, where Jing Yu promptly ushered Gu Tingshen into the passenger seat while he and Jing Li took the back.
Gu Tingshen had no objections, feeling fortunate enough to be allowed into the Jing residence for dinner.
They drove home in silence. Before entering, the aroma of dishes wafted out.
The butler, hearing their arrival, came out with a smile, “Young Masters, Mr. Gu, the food will be ready shortly, no more than ten minutes.”
Glancing at Gu Tingshen, he informed Jing Yu, “Earlier, Mr. Gu’s secretary delivered a bottle of red wine, saying Mr. Gu requested it be brought over, so I’ve chilled it as well.”
Your staff sure works fast.
Jing Yu shot Gu a glance but said nothing, simply acknowledging the butler before heading inside.
Jing Li also looked at Gu Tingshen, meeting his gaze and unable to suppress a smile. But mindful of his brother’s mood, they remained silent and followed.
Although displeased that Gu Tingshen had secretly pursued his brother, Jing Yu didn’t make it difficult during the meal. However, he would occasionally comment or imply that Gu Tingshen should behave, warning that if he treated Jing Li poorly or toyed with his feelings, he would be the first to make him pay.
Gu Tingshen, ever amiable, agreed to everything and assured that he would never do anything to upset Jing Li or make him unhappy, almost as if he was ready to swear an oath of his sincerity.
Perhaps due to his unhesitating attitude, Jing Yu’s stance softened, and they could converse somewhat calmly after dinner.
This atmosphere continued until Gu Tingshen proposed to leave. Jing Li remembered the seashells he hadn’t given away yet and stood up to see him off.
Surprisingly, Jing Yu didn’t object this time, merely glancing away as if he didn’t notice.
Jing Li smiled and accompanied Gu Tingshen to the entrance.
Tomorrow they would part ways again, and they hadn’t had much time to be alone today. The stolen kiss they managed to steal away was abruptly interrupted by Jing Yu’s sudden appearance, turning the sweetness into a shock.
Now facing each other at the Jing residence entrance, their eyes held reluctance, amusement, and resignation – a complex mix of emotions.
“I’m returning to the film set tomorrow,” Jing Li looked up at the man before him, still uneasy. “You two won’t secretly fight while I’m gone, will you?”
Recalling Gu Tingshen’s disheveled appearance in the underground parking, he worriedly asked, “Did my brother hit you earlier? Were you hurt badly? Let me see.”
“I’m fine.” Gu Tingshen stopped Jing Li’s reaching hand, taking it into his own instead. “For Xiao Jing’s sake, your brother wouldn’t really hurt me.”
Jing Li pursed his lips, looking somewhat guilty.
Gu Tingshen couldn’t bear to see Jing Li like this, and quickly closed the distance, embracing him as he gently coaxed, “Come on, you’re leaving tomorrow. Can’t you give me a little something sweet? Hmm?”
Trailing off with that questioning tone, Gu Tingshen dipped his head to kiss Jing Li’s forehead. Finding it not enough, he went to kiss him again, but Jing Li suddenly tilted his head up and rose on his tiptoes to capture Gu Tingshen’s lips directly.
Spurred by Jing Li’s boldness, Gu’s gaze darkened as their initial light kiss deepened. One hand gripped the back of Jing Li’s head as he returned the passionate kiss.
Both were deeply in love and with the impending separation, their longing and reluctance intensified, making the kiss last an exceptionally long time.
Only when they were both breathless with arousal did they finally part with restraint.
“I really want to take you home and hide you away,” Gu Tingshen murmured huskily, holding him tightly as he nuzzled his forehead.
“Why not just tuck me into your pocket? That way, I can still get some fresh air with you,” Jing Li replied with a soft laugh, then remembered something, “I almost forgot again.”
He stepped back slightly and retrieved the box with the seashell from his pocket, offering it. “The heart-shaped seashell you’ve been longing for.”
“What I’ve been longing for is the person giving the seashell,” Gu Tingshen corrected with a raised eyebrow, taking the box and opening it to reveal the seashell.
Illuminated by the streetlight, the shell’s colors appeared even more vibrant and dazzling. But what truly captivated Gu Tingshen were the two glimmering engraved letters at the base.
He couldn’t help but gently trace them with his finger, an uncontainable smile on his lips.
Seeing his expression, Jing Li knew he genuinely loved it. Recalling the shell-covered bed he had seen on the island, he felt this man seemed to have a special fondness for such things.
Amused by the thought, Jing Li’s smile grew wider.
Lost in the moment, he heard Gu Tingshen suddenly ask, “Xiao Jing, do you believe in past and future lives?”
Jing Li paused, instinctively looking up at him.
It wasn’t the first time Gu Tingshen had asked this, but this time Jing Li sensed a different depth in his eyes.
Feeling as if Gu Tingshen’s question had an underlying meaning, Jing Li was about to ask when the ringing of his phone interrupted them.
It was his phone.
Jing Li paused, having to set the thought aside for now. He checked the caller ID – it was Wu Xiaojun.
Without much thought, Jing Li answered the call with a greeting.
Then he heard Wu Xiaojun’s cheerful voice, “Jing-laoshi, what time is your flight tomorrow? Shall I pick you up at the airport?”
Jing Li was taken aback.
Although he was acquainted with Wu Xiaojun, their relationship wasn’t close enough for airport pickups, so the offer came as a surprise.
Jing Li hesitated, about to respond, when he suddenly felt the arms around him tighten forcefully. Looking up, he met Gu Tingshen’s abruptly darkened expression.
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