Chapter 52 Part 3

Zhu Ran stayed wary of Huo Junlin while worrying about Huo Boyan’s condition, leaving no room for other thoughts.

They rode in silence until the elevator reached the top floor. They stepped out.

Zhu Ran knew the code but didn’t dare use it now. Luckily, Huo Junlin did too. He punched it in quickly, entered the living room without inviting Zhu Ran, and headed straight for the study.

Unsure if Huo Boyan was home, Zhu Ran hesitated, then left his suitcase at the door and said in a formal tone, “I’ll leave the suitcase here for Mr. Huo to unpack, then pick it up later…”

“Where are you going?” A tall figure emerged from the study. Huo Boyan wore a coat draped over his shoulders, his gaze calm yet sharp. “Sit down.”

For some reason, Zhu Ran obeyed, walking to the sofa and sitting obediently.

Huo Junlin had been tense since arriving. Seeing the bandage on Huo Boyan’s wrist made his eyes redden. “Bro, was it Huo Zhixiao?!”

Huo Boyan glanced at him. “Come in to talk.”

Huo Junlin charged in like a bull. Zhu Ran could hear his roars even through the door.

Zhu Ran grew restless, belatedly regretting his impulsiveness. Why copy others with a surprise visit? Now he was the one stuck in awkwardness.

He couldn’t very well stay in front of Huo Junlin, but leaving together would be mortifying.

Realizing the dilemma, Zhu Ran grabbed his suitcase to head downstairs. Just as he reached the entryway, Huo Boyan’s voice came from the study door. “Zhu Ran, you’re leaving?”

The calm words made Zhu Ran jolt, freezing in place.

Huo Junlin followed him out. Whatever they had discussed, he no longer seemed like a raging bull—much calmer now.

Huo Junlin reached the door, then suddenly remembered something and turned to Zhu Ran. “You’re not leaving?”

Zhu Ran hesitated on whether to leave with him when Huo Boyan’s steady voice cut in. “Weren’t you delivering artwork? I haven’t seen it yet.”

Zhu Ran’s nape tightened; he realized Huo Boyan was angry.

But why on earth was he mad?

Huo Junlin sensed something off too but couldn’t pinpoint it. He glanced puzzledly at Zhu Ran, then at Huo Boyan nearby, and suddenly noticed how familiar Zhu Ran’s backpack looked!

“Huo Junlin, aren’t you leaving?” Huo Boyan interrupted his train of thought.

Huo Junlin wanted to ask more, but he was used to obeying his big brother. By the time he snapped out of it, he was already at the door.

“…”

In the living room, Huo Boyan cornered Zhu Ran at the entryway and said once more, “What exactly did you bring me?”

He had his arm in a sling, but he still exuded an air of authority, and the injury even added a touch of ruthless menace that made him look more like a true boss.

Zhu Ran glanced at Huo Boyan’s expression again and realized he was genuinely angry.

But he didn’t think he had done anything wrong!

Huo Boyan was a patient right now, though, and Zhu Ran, ever magnanimous, didn’t want to stoop to bickering with an injured man. He said placatingly, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to drop by without warning. Don’t be mad.”

Huo Boyan lifted his eyelids. “You think I’m mad?”

Zhu Ran froze. “You’re not?”

“No, I just…” Huo Boyan trailed off suddenly.

Because he had indeed realized he was angry a moment ago—and he still wasn’t over it. Zhu Ran refused to acknowledge their relationship and had brushed off Huo Junlin with such a lame excuse.

Oblivious, Zhu Ran figured his apology had been sincere enough to put the matter behind them. He leaned in closer to inspect Huo Boyan’s arm, asking pitifully, “Does your hand still hurt? I was so worried about you.”

Huo Boyan felt a breath catch in his chest, unable to vent it or swallow it down. In the end, he had no choice but to pin Zhu Ran against the wall with one hand and deliver a sharp smack to his backside.

Zhu Ran: ?

Before Zhu Ran could even react, Huo Boyan pressed the advantage. “Weren’t you delivering some artwork? Where is it?”

Zhu Ran: “…”

Can’t we just drop this?

“Nothing?” Huo Boyan grabbed his tie and bound Zhu Ran’s hands together. “Then I guess I’ll have to reluctantly unwrap you as the gift.”

Zhu Ran: ???

“Hey, Huo Boyan, what’s gotten into you?” Zhu Ran had no patience for his antics and turned to leave. “I’m not saying I won’t get it for you, but you only have one hand right now. Why push for something so tricky?”

“One hand is plenty.” Huo Boyan’s tone was calm as he gripped Zhu Ran’s bound hands and raised them above his head.

Zhu Ran: “…”

“Cut it out,” Zhu Ran said. He still hadn’t grasped the gravity of the situation and assumed Huo Boyan was just messing around. “Your brother might not have left yet. What if he overhears?”

Huo Boyan lowered his gaze, his voice indifferent. “What, do you care?”

The question was utterly baffling. Huo Junlin had chased him back then, and he hadn’t cared one bit. Now that he was with Huo Boyan, why on earth would he?

Zhu Ran shook his head. “Care about what? I just think it’s awkward. Let go fir—mmph…”

Huo Boyan silenced him by leaning down and biting his lip. “Then enjoy it properly.”