Chapter 32: The Kiss

Just as Jiang Shunnian stepped in earlier, Fu Yanli was utterly captivated. The young man, dressed in a smoky pink gauze gown with his hair pinned in an elegant updo, looked ethereal and dreamlike. Fu Yanli couldn’t hold back his surging emotions at all—he stared unabashedly.

That gaze burned into Jiang Shunnian, making him instinctively step back, wanting to pull Nono in front to shield himself.

But before he could move, Fu Yanli grabbed his arm.

The man’s palm was scorching hot, the heat quickly seeping through the thin gauze into his skin.

Then, Fu Yanli turned to Nono. “Nono, close your eyes first. Big Dad wants to whisper something to Daddy.”

With those words, the air in the entire lounge turned ambiguous and charged.

Jiang Shunnian’s face flushed like the early morning sky gradually filling with rosy clouds, the color even spreading down his neck. He gaped, stammering in protest. “Nono, don’t—don’t listen to your daddy. Are you hungry? I’ll take you out to eat.”

He didn’t even want to imagine what might happen if Nono closed his eyes.

Fu Yanli’s gaze was too aggressive—Jiang Shunnian’s breathing quickened.

The two men gave completely opposing instructions, leaving Nono bewildered for a moment, unsure whose to follow.

His eyes were pure and innocent. Seeing Daddy and Papa so close, with the atmosphere feeling a bit off—like Daddy was bullying Papa, but not quite.

The knowledgeable Nono pondered for a bit before searching his mental database and arriving at the precise answer. “Papa, are you going to kiss Daddy?”

In all the videos and materials he’s seen, parents make kids close their eyes when they kiss.

If not, Nono would protect Papa without hesitation.

Jiang Shunnian again: “…”

He never imagined he could be dragged back from the dead like this by Nono.

How was he supposed to answer?

Jiang Shunnian couldn’t face Nono anymore. He shrank instinctively into Fu Yanli’s arms, his exposed ears and neck flushed a seductive crimson, like the finest red jade.

And yet Fu Yanli poured fuel on the fire, murmuring lowly, “Shunnian, Nono’s asking you. Are you willing?”

Humiliated and annoyed, Jiang Shunnian opened his mouth and bit Fu Yanli’s neck. Caught off guard, Fu Yanli tensed, his eyes darkening further.

The reason Jiang Shunnian couldn’t answer was simple: he seemed willing…

It was only now he realized he was just as vulgar as any man, mesmerized by Fu Yanli’s allure.

Fu Yanli’s gaze was too scorching, too sensual—like a leopard on the hunt. That ultimate danger made him tremble all over, extinguishing any thought of resistance. He even began recalling that chaotic night four years ago, how Fu Yanli’s lips had kissed every inch of his body.

Jiang Shunnian hated his inability to lie, while Fu Yanli absolutely loved his reactions.

Nono gave them a look that said, What am I gonna do with you adults? He darted behind the sofa, covered his ears, and didn’t forget to add, “Papa, call me when you’re done.”

As the sunset shifted to deep orange with the sinking sun, the room’s light grew hazy, the earlier atmosphere reconverging.

“Nono’s here—it wouldn’t be good,” Jiang Shunnian muttered at the last second, starting to back out.

Fu Yanli chuckled lowly. “Nono will see it plenty more in the future.”

“How about we skip it and do it tonight instead…” Jiang Shunnian suggested a compromise.

Just as he tried to flee, a strong arm locked around his waist. Fu Yanli’s palm pressed against his back, holding him firmly in control.

“Sorry, I can’t wait.” Fu Yanli’s voice grew even huskier and more enticing.

Too embarrassed to speak, Jiang Shunnian averted his eyes, not daring to look at anything—especially with Nono still in the room. In the end, he simply closed his eyes. But the darkness only fueled his imagination.

When his lips were finally claimed, Jiang Shunnian trembled all over. That sensation of being invaded and devoured surged from his tailbone, spreading through his entire body.

He tried to pull away on instinct, but the man held him ruthlessly—no chance of escape.

His mind went blank. His only thought: I can’t make a sound. Can’t let Nono hear.

Fu Yanli mused: He still needs more practice.

As strength returned to his limbs, Jiang Shunnian straightened up and shoved Fu Yanli away, smoothing his disheveled skirt.

He called out, “Baby, come on out.”

Nono, who’d used the time to memorize an ancient poem, poked his head out from behind the sofa like a little mole rat. “Papa!”

Jiang Shunnian scooped up his all-too-understanding son and shoved him into Fu Yanli’s arms. “You take Nono downstairs first. I’ll be right there.”

Fu Yanli went along with it. “Alright, what do you want to eat? I’ll book the restaurant.”

“Ask Nono.” Jiang Shunnian fled the scene.

Zhao Yuanzhou and Li Hehe vaguely knew about Jiang Shunnian and Fu Yanli’s relationship. Seeing him return, they didn’t pry, just informing him the director had announced wrap-up—he could remove his makeup and leave.

Makeup had taken over two hours; removal took a full twenty minutes. Once changed into his own clothes, Jiang Shunnian finally felt relaxed.

He said to his agent and assistant, “Brother Zhao, Hehe—my family’s here to pick me up. Are you staying the night or booking flights back to S City?”

The contract had been sent to the company for legal review. Once approved, he could sign.

Filming started in half a month, but he’d need to join three days early for script reading. He’d already gotten the script—this time would be perfect for memorizing lines and getting into character.

Zhao Yuanzhou replied, “Hehe and I will head back to S City first. Oh, right—lots of ad and script offers lately, including some specifying Nono. Even big first-tier brands. I compiled them and sent to your email. Check out what interests you.”

Nono’s national popularity was sky-high now. Thanks to him, Jiang Shunnian had gained millions of fans, matching mid-tier C-listers. Especially after the livestream—Nono’s performance was god-tier. Netizens flooded Jiang Shunnian’s comments begging for the kid; scrolling them always cracked him up with their wild memes.

“I’ll discuss with Nono.” Though saying that, Jiang Shunnian figured the kid probably wasn’t interested.

After bidding Zhao Yuanzhou and Li Hehe goodbye, Jiang Shunnian took the elevator to the underground garage. Spotting a sleek black car, Nono waved from the window. “Papa, here!”

Jiang Shunnian slid into the back seat; Nono was already buckled into his child seat.

Fu Yanli started the car toward dinner. Jiang Shunnian, busy all afternoon, was starving.

In the car, he asked Nono if he’d like to shoot ads. Nono thought it over. “I can do one with Papa. No others.”

Lately, he was into finance, learning from Fu Yanli alongside his other studies. The three-year-old was as packed as Fu Yanli.

But Nono wanted more memories with Papa, so one ad together worked.

The Baby Travel Plan had ads too—simple voiceovers, done in a snap.

After all, we’ve kissed.

Jiang Shunnian caught on, shooting him a glare but staying stubborn. “We’re just co-parenting strangers raising Nono.”

Fu Yanli arched a brow lightly. “Fine, we’ll discuss in detail tonight.”

Jiang Shunnian deflated instantly. “Then what do I call you? Mr. Fu?”

“Call my name.”

Jiang Shunnian mouthed “Yanli” silently—it felt too intimate to say aloud.

But Fu Yanli didn’t push. “I’m free Monday. We’ll visit schools—Eton College first?”

Jiang Shunnian, after reviewing tons of info, leaned that way too.

Full education from kindergarten to high school.

Rich study trips, summer/winter camps, clubs like chess, music, equestrian.

Top grades got recommendation letters to elite unis.

Gaokao? No problem.

Tuition was no issue now; he wanted the best for Nono.

As they chatted, dishes arrived. Lifting the lids unleashed a rich aroma, hooking Jiang Shunnian’s appetite.

The fresh, sweet seafood was pure bliss. He ate contentedly.

Gym extra tomorrow, whatever.

Bring it up at script reading.

Dinner done, Jiang Shunnian’s belly was nicely rounded. He patted it and had a whim, inviting Nono. “Nono, feel—last time it was this big was when you were five months along.”

His soft shirt perfectly outlined the curve.

Nono touched it, eyes wide with wonder. “Papa, was I good in your belly?”

“Very good. You were quiet usually, but you’d respond when I talked to you.” Jiang Shunnian smiled tenderly.

Fu Yanli’s gaze lingered on Jiang Shunnian’s belly. The young man’s expression was soft, bathed in warm light—sacred and beautiful.

He regretted his past failures again. How could he have missed Jiang Shunnian’s pregnancy?

Irreplaceable time lost. He wouldn’t make Jiang Shunnian endure it again.

Catching Fu Yanli’s look, Jiang Shunnian read his mind and invited, “Yanli, you touch too? Pretend you were part of it.”

Fu Yanli’s eyes stunned; he fell for Jiang Shunnian all over again.

When he placed his hand on Jiang Shunnian’s belly, Fu Yanli was almost trembling. Though it was just the result of a full meal, to him, it felt like caressing Nono back when he was still a tiny fetus.

From a small embryonic bud, slowly growing into the beautiful, adorable, intelligent, and exceptional child he was today—his future stretched out bright and boundless. He would shine like a star, becoming an outstanding leader.

In that moment, Fu Yanli fully empathized with Jiang Shunnian. He understood why Jiang Shunnian hated Qin Huan to the bone, wishing he could be utterly eliminated.

Because this was the flesh and blood he had carried for ten months—how could he tolerate others harming him so casually?

Fu Yanli couldn’t help pulling both father and son into his arms. Words could no longer express his emotions.

Jiang Shunnian said softly, “It’ll be okay. Everything will be okay.”

By the time they flew back to S City, it was already nearing dawn, and the temperature had dropped. Fortunately, Fu Yanli had spare clothes in the car. Nono, wrapped in Fu Yanli’s coat, slept soundly in Jiang Shunnian’s arms. When they got home, Jiang Shunnian was just about to say goodbye to Fu Yanli, but Fu Yanli had already naturally stepped inside.

Jiang Shunnian thought, the afterglow from our kiss today is still lingering. I can’t handle any more stimulation right now—it’s not suitable to share a bed with Fu Yanli.

Jiang Shunnian: “…” Damn it, my heart’s moved again. A Fu Yanli-brand heater really is incredibly useful.

But facts proved that a man’s words weren’t to be trusted. After pulling Jiang Shunnian into his arms, Fu Yanli immediately broke his promise. He pinned the man beneath him and lowered his head for a kiss.