Huo Boyan’s expression cooled slightly as he nodded. “We talked. He’s going abroad for a few days.”
Zhu Ran was stunned. He hadn’t expected Huo Boyan to be so forceful. He asked, “Did Huo Junlin agree?”
“He suggested it himself,” Huo Boyan said. “After all the mess he’s caused, he has no face to stay.”
Huo Junlin suggested it himself? Zhu Ran felt like it was more like Huo Boyan pressuring him to leave. He instinctively thought this wasn’t right, but he wasn’t sure if he should get involved.
And the news said it was over a romantic dispute? Was it because of him that they were fighting? That left him with even less standing to mediate.
Huo Boyan cooked tonight. Normally, Zhu Ran would hype it up, but today he was distracted, aimlessly browsing news.
“Huo Zhilang couple’s car accident stirs new controversy: A leading automotive safety lab points out inconsistencies in the original brake system data from the inspection records, unable to rule out technical interference. This has sparked widespread public reaction, with legal associations calling for a review of the historical files.”
“Recently, multiple entities controlled by Huo Zhixiao are undergoing focused audits and compliance checks from environmental, tax, and other departments. Though routine, analysts note the breadth and depth will pressure short-term cash flow, with some project financing delayed.”
…
“Nothing worth watching,” Huo Boyan took the remote and changed channels, adding, “These are all hype. The info leaked is limited. If you want to know something, just ask me.”
Zhu Ran shook his head. “I’m just worried about you.”
Huo Boyan sighed and pulled Zhu Ran into his arms. “Sorry for making you worry with me. But it’ll be over soon.”
Zhu Ran hummed in response and mustered his spirits to finish dinner.
After eating, Huo Boyan went back to work. He always left the study door open, never hiding anything from Zhu Ran. He’d answer any questions.
Huo Boyan’s team was very professional. Listening to the expert lawyers, Zhu Ran’s worries eased somewhat. He brewed a pot of Pu’er tea for Huo Boyan and went to the bedroom to rest.
There was a message from Sister Zi Qing checking on him.
Zhu Ran, still out of it, asked Lin Ziqing what was up. She sent a short video: Huo Junlin and Huo Boyan arguing fiercely in a parking lot, nearly breaking ties.
Zhu Ran watched, his heart turning ice-cold.
Before he could think more, footsteps approached from behind. Zhu Ran startled, his heart nearly leaping out as he fumbled to close the video.
Luckily, Huo Boyan didn’t notice. Zhu Ran relaxed, then after a quiet moment, suddenly said, “Huo Boyan, I went to church to pray today.”
Huo Boyan was surprised. “What did you pray for?”
“For Mom’s health and for you to be safe and successful.” Zhu Ran paused, then continued, “I also hoped we’d both have our family’s love and support.”
Huo Boyan smiled. “Why bring this up suddenly?”
“Nothing much.” Zhu Ran reached out, hugging Huo Boyan’s waist with a clingy tone. “I just think Mom is great. Good thing you helped me keep her back then.”
Wang Ruyun had been hospitalized, and Zhu Ran cared for her for two days. With her attitude softening, it was normal for him to feel this way.
Huo Boyan didn’t overthink it. “It wasn’t me who kept her; she chose you herself. Moms always love their kids. You two just had some misunderstandings.”
Zhu Ran hummed and said no more. Huo Boyan ruffled his round head and took his pajamas to the bathroom.
Zhu Ran lay in bed, but his mind wandered.
Huo Boyan said his mom loved him, so she stayed. But their brotherly bond was even closer than his with Wang Ruyun. No matter what, it shouldn’t end like this.
A message came from Mom, saying she was better, politely thanking Zhu Ran for his care and telling him to rest well.
Looking at it, Zhu Ran’s nose tingled. His relationship with Wang Ruyun had been tense, nearly broken. But now he realized, even a little, he craved family affection. Huo Boyan’s parents were both gone; he’d grown up relying on Huo Junlin. That bond must weigh even heavier on him.
After replying to Mom, Zhu Ran steeled his resolve and messaged Huo Junlin.
[Zhu Ran]: I saw the parking lot video. Can we talk?
Since Huo Boyan had helped him keep his mom, he’d help Huo Boyan keep his brother.
Zhu Ran clutched his phone waiting for a reply. Huo Junlin hadn’t responded when footsteps came from behind again. Zhu Ran looked up to see Huo Boyan, freshly showered, standing there.
It was too late to lock the screen. Zhu Ran was mortified, head down, stammering, “Huo Boyan, I…”
Huo Boyan wasn’t angry. He looked away calmly. “I’ve handled it. You don’t need to worry about him.”
Zhu Ran said “oh,” unsure what to do next. Huo Boyan leaned down and captured his lips.
Huo Boyan had just showered, carrying the ocean-scented body wash Zhu Ran loved, slowly eroding his already weak resolve.
The phone buzzed nearby. Zhu Ran looked up to check the message, but before he could touch it, Huo Boyan grabbed his waist and pulled him back.
Huo Boyan’s movements were hasty yet precise, and their familiarity meant Zhu Ran felt almost no pain.
They knew each other’s bodies too well—what they liked, what they couldn’t resist. Huo Boyan wickedly targeted Zhu Ran’s most vulnerable spots, instantly stripping away all his thoughts.
The phone slipped from his hand. Zhu Ran gripped the bedsheets tightly, but soon even that strength faded.
He was swept away by surging waves, drowned… then lifted in the undertow, seized, shattered, with no attention left for anything but Huo Boyan.
