Fu Huixu and Ji Zhi were in the same year, though Fu Huixu was majoring in finance. Before even enrolling, Fu Huixu had trended on Weibo’s hot searches thanks to his striking looks and his status as A City’s top science scorer on the college entrance exams. Once school started, he became a fixture on the campus confession board, drawing admirers even from other universities. He was, without a doubt, the school’s undisputed heartthrob.
Though no one had dug into Fu Huixu’s family background, his clothing alone made it clear he came from money.
Just as renowned as Fu Huixu himself was his icy personality—distant and aloof with everyone, which sent countless would-be suitors away empty-handed.
Ji Zhi had thought of that too.
He and Fu Huixu were roommates, but they’d barely interacted, and Ji Zhi had never even caught sight of him in the dorm.
Still, Fu Huixu was so famous that even amid his nonstop streaming schedule, Ji Zhi had picked up odds and ends about him.
Beyond the endless campus buzz, Ji Zhi’s impressions of Fu Huixu came from distant glimpses at public school events or open lectures.
Fu Huixu’s features were exquisitely sharp, built on aggressively bold bone structure. His brow bone and nose bridge swept up in steep arcs, his jawline chiseled like the edge of an ice blade—smooth lines all, softened only by his detached aura that masked any hint of menace.
His eyes were pitch-black, his lashes casting deep shadows across his pale skin when they drooped. His thin lips stayed pressed in a straight line by habit, leaving that faint mole at the outer corner of his left eye as the sole spark of life on his face.
Even Ji Zhi, who considered himself a straight guy to his core, had to admit Fu Huixu’s looks were unforgettable. The man could debut as a celebrity tomorrow, which explained why his frosty demeanor was legendary yet still hadn’t dimmed his popularity.
Ji Zhi could sense that unapproachability too, and he’d been relieved Fu Huixu was never around the dorm.
Snapping back to the present, Ji Zhi saw that Chen Xingwen was already frowning in worry on his behalf. “If it were anyone else, it’d be easy—just send a gift to break the ice, or slip them some cash to hit up a net cafe and game during your streams. We could work something out.”
“But Fu Huixu doesn’t look like he needs the money, and who knows what he’d even like as a gift…”
Ji Zhi was starting to feel troubled himself.
Just as the two were deep in thought, puzzling over their options, a knock sounded at the door.
Ji Zhi froze for a moment.
Chen Xingwen was the only one who ever dropped by, and he was right there in the room.
It was the afternoon too—not anywhere near lights-out checks…
Even so, Ji Zhi stepped forward and opened the door.
A stranger stood outside, suitcase in hand. He was dressed in a sharp suit, in his thirties at least—not a student.
Before Ji Zhi could say a word, the man spoke up. “Hello. I’m here to set up Fu Huixu’s dorm room. The dorm manager’s already given permission.”
Hearing his roommate’s name, Ji Zhi quickly stepped aside.
The dorm building had tight security on visitors; if this guy was here, he’d been cleared.
Chen Xingwen heard the voices and came over to join Ji Zhi.
The man thanked them and stepped inside. He didn’t ask why the room already had two occupants—instead, he got straight to work tidying the empty bed.
Chen Xingwen watched with relief, glad he’d always cleaned up after himself. Nothing of his was left behind.
Ji Zhi was equally relieved that he’d already stashed his streaming gear under his own bed.
Remembering Chen Xingwen’s earlier words, an idea sparked in Ji Zhi’s mind.
If he could figure out what Fu Huixu liked, a well-chosen gift might smooth things over—maybe even convince the guy to clear out during streams.
With that in mind, Ji Zhi hurried over, eager to chat up the man and fish for details on Fu Huixu’s tastes.
The man was polite and friendly enough, but his lips were sealed tight. He gave away almost nothing about Fu Huixu.
He worked fast too. Before Ji Zhi could even offer to help, the bed was made, the suitcase left behind, and the man was gone—all in less than fifteen minutes.
The moment the door clicked shut, Chen Xingwen burst out, “Did you catch that? I thought he was Fu Huixu’s brother at first—how do they not look anything alike? Turns out he’s the butler…”
“Wait—he’s not even a student? Is this what it’s like in the world of the rich?!”
He’d overheard Ji Zhi’s questions, and the man hadn’t hidden his role.
Ji Zhi nodded. “Seems like it.”
The two exchanged a glance, both overcome by that familiar pang of resentment toward the wealthy.
Ji Zhi had made a decent chunk from streaming lately, but it was peanuts next to whatever Fu Huixu’s family had going on.
The feeling didn’t linger, though. A second later, reality hit Ji Zhi again: Fu Huixu was about to move in. Tension knotted in his gut.
“What do we do?” Ji Zhi said. “He’s coming…”
Chen Xingwen shook off his awe at the rich. Eyeing Ji Zhi’s worried face, he replied, “He only brought one suitcase—maybe he’s not planning to stick around long-term?”
“And I bet he won’t spend much time in the dorm anyway. Why not just stream when he’s out…”
Ji Zhi sighed to himself. He’d had the same thought.
They’d brainstormed plenty of ideas, but for now, there was nothing to do but wait and see how things played out once Fu Huixu arrived.
As evening approached, the two debated dinner options.
It was sweltering out, and the cafeteria was a trek from the dorm. Neither felt like walking, so they ordered takeout and ate in.
While digging into his food, Ji Zhi switched over to his streaming WeChat account. He debated telling his guild he might need to pause streams soon—but per the contract, that would just extend it by months.
As he wrestled with the decision, a message popped up from “Top Fan No.1″—his note for user ID 356789123, to tell him apart from his other Top Fans across platforms.
【Top Fan No.1: Sorry Baby, I was at home earlier and couldn’t keep an eye on my phone, so I dipped out of the stream. Just got a chance now that I’m on my way to school.】
【Top Fan No.1: What are you up to?】
Ji Zhi typed back lightning-fast: 【Ah, got it. No worries at all—don’t rush. Get some proper rest first.】
【Nah, I just finished packing up my streaming gear.】
Top Fan No.1 wasn’t much of a chatterbox in the live chat, but privately he was all sticky sweetness. Ji Zhi knew the guy was male and still called him “Baby.”
A girl saying it would’ve thrilled him, but knowing they were both guys? It had felt downright weird at first.
He’d even told the guy once that he was straight, but it hadn’t changed a thing. With gifts rolling in like they did, though, Ji Zhi had quickly talked himself into it.
The dude was basically bankrolling his life—what was a little “Baby” between benefactor and beneficiary? Paternal affection, or whatever.
Once he’d gotten used to it, though, Ji Zhi realized “Baby” was downright tame compared to the guy’s actual behavior.
【Top Fan No.1: You rest up too, Baby. Up for a voice call?】
Ji Zhi shot back an “OK” and pulled out his earbuds like second nature.
The guild’s streamer handbook preached voice and video chats as prime ways to keep the big spenders hooked, so early on Ji Zhi had followed it to the letter—chatting up donors left and right until it was routine.
Chen Xingwen spotted the earbuds and got the hint. He grabbed his takeout box and retreated to the side.
The call connected, and Top Fan No.1’s voice purred through: “Baby…”
His voice was gorgeous, even filtered through the net—smooth and tender. That “Baby” landed like a lover’s whisper right in Ji Zhi’s ear.
Ji Zhi had never seen what Top Fan No.1 looked like, but the guy was loaded with a killer voice, yet claimed no dating history—that Ji Zhi was his first pursuit. Had to be that his real-life looks were holding him back, bad enough that even money couldn’t fix it.
Mulling it over, Ji Zhi murmured a soft response.
Right then, Chen Xingwen let out a small cough.
Ji Zhi’s heart skipped. He glanced up, meeting Chen Xingwen’s apologetic eyes.
Chen Xingwen pointed at his takeout box—clearly, a spicy pepper had caught in his throat.
The noise wasn’t loud, but Ji Zhi had no clue if it carried over the call. If it had, that could spell trouble.
He got his answer quick.
Top Fan No.1’s tone turned razor-sharp, laced with chill. “Baby, what’s that other noise on your end?”
“Are you with someone?”
He’d heard it.
Ji Zhi’s mind raced, but his voice stayed soft and soothing. “No, I told you—I live alone.”
“These walls are thin. Must be the neighbors.”
Chen Xingwen picked up the cue, rustling around to fake sounds from next door.
The frost in Top Fan No.1’s voice thawed. “Ah, got it.”
Relief washed over Ji Zhi. He’d dodged it.
He knew all too well how possessive the guy was. Finding out Ji Zhi was eating with another dude? Instant jealousy.
Top Fan No.1 went on. “I’ve spotted a few gorgeous collars lately…”
No sooner had he spoken than photos hit Ji Zhi’s WeChat.
【Top Fan No.1: [Image][Image][Image]】
Ji Zhi stared. “…”
Here it came. Of course.
Beyond the “Baby” thing, the guy loved picking out bizarre gifts for him—custom collars, bracelets, keychain pendants with locks that only Top Fan No.1 had the key for. Ji Zhi could only question it silently.
Everyone’s kinks were their own, sure—but bro, yours are next-level weird.
Of course, he kept that to himself.
These collars were no different: jewels of every color glittering with dizzying opulence, price tags in the six figures that left Ji Zhi quietly stunned.
Ji Zhi sidestepped without picking one.
For the sake of safety, Ji Zhi didn’t dare accept any gifts. Even when the other party had wanted to send him some before, he had always found excuses to refuse.
Top Fan No.1: “Since Baby can’t choose, let’s just buy them all.”
Ji Zhi: !!!
That wasn’t what he meant at all!
Ji Zhi was just about to stop him when he heard the other party continue. “When can we meet?”