Chapter 30 Part 2

He hadn’t realized his suspicions had hurt Zhu Ran this much. Huo Boyan felt heartbroken and guilty, thinking he was a real jerk.

He stroked Zhu Ran’s hair and apologized sincerely. “I’m sorry. I won’t doubt you anymore.”

Zhu Ran’s damp eyes fixed on him, then he suddenly grabbed his wrist and bit down.

Zhu Ran bit hard, leaving a clear tooth mark on Huo Boyan’s hand. But he didn’t get angry or pull away. Instead, he stroked Zhu Ran’s hair with his other hand, even more patiently. “It was my fault. Don’t be mad at me, okay?”

The touch and voice felt too real—Zhu Ran almost believed it was.

But he knew it couldn’t be.

Huo Boyan was so proud, aloof, and suspicious. He wouldn’t chase after him to comfort him.

Besides, he’d returned to his room alone—Huo Boyan couldn’t even get in.

Right—he must be dreaming.

Because he hadn’t calmed down before sleep, he dreamed of Huo Boyan after dozing off.

Just a dream, so no need to pretend to be sensible or indifferent. He could voice his true feelings.

Overwhelmed by grievance, Zhu Ran bit down viciously and scolded fiercely. “Huo Boyan, you bastard! Treating me like a corporate spy! If you’d just think straight, why would someone as excellent as me do anything bad? Why bother committing crimes to be a spy?”

“I’m sorry, I was wrong,” a voice very much like Huo Boyan’s said. “Baby, don’t be mad, okay?”

Zhu Ran froze, realizing it really was a dream. Otherwise, how could Huo Boyan be this nice—even calling him “baby.”

This made Zhu Ran even more aggrieved.

Back when he’d been spooked by the horse, Huo Boyan had stayed up all night coaxing him. But now, his sadness was a million times worse, yet Huo Boyan said nothing. He could only imagine one in his dream to comfort himself.

What hurt more was that Huo Boyan’s past kindness and tolerance were all fake—just to fool this “corporate spy.”

This man had no real heart.

“Liar! Big liar!! I hate you, Huo Boyan!!” Zhu Ran sniffled and pounded at him. “I hate you the most…”

“Okay, okay, my fault,” the man caught his flailing arms in a hug and soothed softly. “Don’t be mad, okay? Crying too long will make you feel bad tomorrow.”

“How could I not be mad?” Zhu Ran widened his eyes and hammered harder. “You bastard Huo Boyan, treating me like a spy while dating me and kissing me! Addicted to acting? If you’re so into it, go star in a cop thriller!”

Huo Boyan sighed. He’d faced countless thorny issues over the years, but none had left him this helpless.

Zhu Ran had always seemed calm and detached around him. Though he knew it might hurt, he’d never imagined Zhu Ran was this sensitive and fragile inside.

He regretted suspecting such a Zhu Ran—there couldn’t possibly be a spy like him.

So handsome it was a waste to use as a honey trap, and talented to boot. Forget lacking evidence—even as Zhu Ran said, he could succeed at anything. Why risk being a corporate spy? Plus, his pride was sky-high; he even repaid gifts and never took advantage.

This time, Huo Boyan was indeed in the wrong. Since the earlier apology hadn’t gotten through, he pulled Zhu Ran into his arms and soothed him gently.

Zhu Ran struggled fiercely at first. “No, let go! Huo Boyan, release me!”

He started off cursing viciously while hitting, but whether it was Huo Boyan’s broad embrace giving security or his patient soothing proving he wouldn’t be abandoned…

At some tipping point, Zhu Ran finally clutched Huo Boyan’s collar and burst into tears.

Not performative crying—Zhu Ran sobbed messily, like a bullied kid without parents to stand up for him. He buried his face in Huo Boyan’s chest, trembling all over, utterly heartbroken.

Huo Boyan held him tight, stroking his quivering back over and over, wiping the tears from his eyes.

Once Zhu Ran cried himself out and quieted, he seemed asleep yet not fully unconscious—half-dreaming, half-awake as he nestled against Huo Boyan. His cheek pressed to the man’s chest, letting out occasional sniffles, completely defenseless.

Huo Boyan brushed the stray hair from his forehead, and Zhu Ran nuzzled his fingers affectionately, burying his face into his palm.

Huo Boyan was a resolute goal-oriented man, believing himself clear-headed and ruthless, never indulging personal desires or emotions. That’s how he’d been all those years.

But at this moment, with Zhu Ran leaning on him without reservation, a mix of heartache and happiness welled up. He even wished this could last forever.

Huo Boyan carefully held Zhu Ran’s body. Perhaps from crying so hard, it burned shockingly hot and unconsciously rubbed against him.

Huo Boyan stayed calm at first, until Zhu Ran’s movements grew bolder—even brushing his—

Huo Boyan sucked in a breath and pinned the restless limbs. His voice came out low and husky. “Zhu Ran, calm down.”

“But I’m so hot…” The young man in his arms lifted his head, lips flushed red, eyes watery. Huo Boyan wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but Zhu Ran seemed utterly enticing now.

Huo Boyan took a deep breath, forcing calm, and touched his forehead. “Are you feverish? I’ll call a doctor…”

His fingertip met a warm, wet sensation, and Huo Boyan fell silent—

Zhu Ran was biting his finger.

The young man tilted his head, licking his fingertip, eyes glistening, tongue tip pink, his beautiful face flushed with unnatural desire.

“Huo Boyan, help me…” Zhu Ran pulled his wrist toward his body.

But the other man gripped his jaw instead, eyes darkening sharply. “Zhu Ran, did you take drugs?”