Chapter 30

Wen Chaosheng immediately shifted his gaze over. Within three seconds, the curiosity in his eyes gave way to surprise.

He had assumed the “gift” that Xi Zhui had placed in the foam box would be either some perishable food requiring temperature control or fragile ornaments that needed protection from bumps.

But to his astonishment, the box contained a small transparent ecological tank. At that moment, a palm-sized turtle sat inside it, looking somewhat dazed and dopey.

Startled perhaps by the sudden jostling, it promptly withdrew its little head into its shell.

“…”

Xi Zhui tilted his head, watching Wen Chaosheng’s reaction.

The other man stared in bewilderment, clearly not expecting such an unusual present.

Several seconds passed before the stunned Wen Chaosheng snapped out of it. “Where’d you get this turtle from?”

“This morning, I visited my grandfather’s old friend on his behalf. The old gentleman lives in a villa in the eastern suburbs of Haishi City. Nearby, there’s a semi-artificial fishing pond.”

“I heard it was meant to be part of a resort development, but the builders ran out of money midway and vanished. Over time, it turned into an abandoned pond that still draws the occasional angler.”

Xi Zhui lifted the Little Turtle from the transparent tank and explained its backstory in detail.

“This one was pulled straight from the pond and kept in the old man’s pool for a couple of days. I found it amusing, so I cheekily asked to take it.”

Worried it might not handle the heat, Xi Zhui had packed it with ice bags and the foam box for insulation.

With that, he dangled the little creature—still tucked into its shell—right in front of Wen Chaosheng. “See? Doesn’t it remind you of yourself? Always holing up when things get tough.”

Wen Chaosheng caught the blatant tease in Xi Zhui’s eyes and huffed. “I already told you, I’m not a turtle.”

“Right, I’m talking about it.”

Xi Zhui chuckled to himself but didn’t press the gift on him. “I figured it’d keep you company. If you don’t want it, then…”

He didn’t even finish saying “never mind” before Wen Chaosheng reached out with both hands and took the Little Turtle. “I didn’t say no.”

It was almost as if like attracted like.

The turtle tentatively poked its head out, neck retracted, its gaze locking perfectly with Wen Chaosheng’s.

“…”

Hm?

This little guy was pretty adorable.

Wen Chaosheng’s lips curved up involuntarily. He gently stroked its shell with his fingertip.

Xi Zhui watched the big one and the small one lock eyes, a smile tugging at his own mouth. “Let’s get in the car first? It’s scorching out here.”

“Sure.”

The two climbed into the car and shut the door.

Afraid the Little Turtle might feel uneasy, Wen Chaosheng moved the transparent tank from the back seat onto his lap, settled it back inside, and resumed watching its every twitch and turn, head bowed.

Xi Zhui didn’t start the engine right away. His eyes lingered on Wen Chaosheng’s profile. “Feeling a little happier now?”

Wen Chaosheng froze for a second and looked up. “I-I wasn’t unhappy earlier. Really.”

Xi Zhui wasn’t buying the brush-off.

He leaned over, drew the seatbelt across Wen Chaosheng, and fastened it with care. Rather than pulling back at once, he simply gazed at the man before him.

“Hm?”

Just one soft syllable, free of pressure but laced with patient expectation.

“…”

Wen Chaosheng met Xi Zhui’s eyes, so close now, and realized he wouldn’t drop it without answers. After wrestling with it for ages, he mumbled without much conviction.

“Xi Zhui, is Jin Zhao really that handsome?”

The question came out of nowhere, but Xi Zhui grasped the subtext instantly. The faint worry in his eyes dissolved, morphing bit by bit into a delicate delight.

By the end, he could barely contain the grin spreading across his face.

“So it’s not unhappiness. You’re just jealous.”

“…”

Wen Chaosheng spotted the glint of mockery in Xi Zhui’s eyes and scrambled to clarify. “I didn’t mean anything by it—just asking offhand. Jin Zhao really… he really is good-looking.”

Wen Chaosheng was just a year older than Jian Jinzhao, and the two had hit it off on set. It wasn’t jealousy; deep down, he was convinced that with Jian Jinzhao’s looks, talent, and drive to improve, he’d make an outstanding actor someday.

Rather than agreeing, Xi Zhui turned the tables. “When has our Director Wen ever picked a bad lead?”

Wen Chaosheng grumbled a beat late. “Are you complimenting me or yourself?”

Xi Zhui let out a soft, laughing sigh and skipped any more talk. He curled his hand around the back of Wen Chaosheng’s neck and leaned in for a kiss.

The brief brush of lips acted like a potent balm, melting away Wen Chaosheng’s tension in an instant.

Xi Zhui murmured, “Jian Jinzhao’s your pick for lead. Chatting with him was polite, and offering him a ride back to the hotel? That was for your sake.”

“Someone else—his future partner—can admire his looks down the line. Not my business.”

Xi Zhui’s thumb grazed the mole at the nape of Wen Chaosheng’s neck, a gesture both reassuring and intimate. “Brother, I only like you.”

“…”

Wen Chaosheng blinked slowly, his heart swelling with bliss. “Oh.”

He knew his petty sourness was absurd and sheepishly pivoted. “Did you name this Little Turtle yet?”

Xi Zhui recognized the awkward shift but went with it. “Yeah.”

Wen Chaosheng perked up. “What’d you call it?”

Xi Zhui turned over the engine and tossed out an impromptu name. “Last name Wen. Kuai Kuai. Here’s hoping it won’t dawdle.”

“…”

Wen Chaosheng suspected some shade but lacked proof.

The little turtle in the tank poked its head out once more, wobbling in the cutest way. He mulled it over for two seconds and accepted.

“Fine.”

Wen Chaosheng stretched out a finger to caress the cool shell. “Hi, Wen Kuai Kuai. I’m Wen Chaosheng. You’re gonna live with me from now on, and I’ll take good care of you. Promise.”

Xi Zhui caught the endearing self-introduction and laughed fondly. “Brother, punch in the hotel nav for me. Let’s roll.”

“Got it.”

…

That night.

Fresh from the shower, Xi Zhui emerged from the bathroom to find Wen Chaosheng still parked by the tank, eagerly scrolling through info on his phone.

He looked up at the sound. “I just chatted with an exotic pet shop online. They say Kuai Kuai’s a Brazilian Turtle. Shell pattern suggests it’s under a year old.”

Xi Zhui drew near and settled beside him.

Having adjusted to its new digs, Kuai Kuai proved bolder than most hatchlings. It strained to clamber out of the glass tank, but its tiny feet slipped, sending it tumbling with a splashy flop.

Wen Chaosheng flipped it upright and scolded solemnly, “No mischief.”

Xi Zhui chuckled, unclear who the target was. “Dumb Turtle.”

He saw Wen Chaosheng’s attention drift back to his phone. “Up to what? Work?”

“Nah, ordering turtle chow for Kuai Kuai. And the basics for care.”

Raising a baby turtle hadn’t been on his agenda, but as a gift from Xi Zhui, he’d see Kuai Kuai thrive no matter what.

Xi Zhui checked the hour and intervened softly. “Getting late. You hit the shower first. I’ll handle the shopping.”

Wen Chaosheng figured Xi Zhui must be beat from the drive. “Okay. I’m off to wash up.”

Xi Zhui hummed agreement. “Go on.”

…

The water cut off, and moments later, Wen Chaosheng stepped out in his pajamas.

Xi Zhui had shifted from the sofa to the bed’s edge. “All ordered. Hotel address, your name and number.”

Wen Chaosheng approached but held off climbing in. “Cool.”

Xi Zhui prompted, “Anything else?”

“Nope.”

Wen Chaosheng shook his head and fished a fresh jar of body lotion from the bedside drawer. “Just this, and I’m good.”

His skincare was basic; lotion doubled for face and body.

Xi Zhui’s gaze sparked with intrigue as he scooted closer. “Want help?”

“…”

Wen Chaosheng barely registered before Xi Zhui snatched the jar. The cap popped open, unleashing a lush coconut-milk aroma.

Xi Zhui scooped some onto his finger, languidly deliberate. “Where to?”

Wen Chaosheng faltered, a flush of shyness creeping in. “Face’ll do. I got it.”

“Stay put.”

Xi Zhui cupped his jaw lightly and daubed the lotion across his face, artist-like.

It tickled, and Wen Chaosheng squirmed. “Xi Zhui, quit fooling around.”

“Hm? Who’s fooling?”

“Brother, aren’t I doing a proper job?” Xi Zhui’s thumb meandered over his skin, slipping in praise. “How’s your skin this perfect? Hold still.”

“…”

Wen Chaosheng’s cheeks burned, but he obeyed without a twitch.

The lotion-slick palm drifted lower.

Xi Zhui’s grip on Wen Chaosheng’s neck was firm yet teasing. “What about here? A little?”

Wen Chaosheng’s breath stuttered. His reflexive no morphed into a flustered yes. “Y-Yeah.”

“Good boy.”

Xi Zhui approved.

As his touch glided smooth and slow, the pulse beneath thrummed harder, breaths turning feverish without a word.

Wen Chaosheng buckled under the charged silence, edging back on instinct. “Th-that’s enough. Early night?”

Xi Zhui nixed the retreat, cinching him close by the waist. “Skipping the body?”

Wen Chaosheng’s fingers twisted in Xi Zhui’s shirt, lashes fluttering. “No need.”

But the protest fell flat.

Xi Zhui claimed his mouth, the kiss tender yet insistent. “Brother, this is what you asked for.”

“I…”

“Plenty of time. I’ll take it slow.”

The heady scent saturated the room, weaving through the darkness unchecked.

…

…

Mindful of Wen Chaosheng’s grueling daily workload, Xi Zhui showed restraint in such matters.

They took care of each other, drawing the line before the end.

Xi Zhui stayed in Heng City to accompany Wen Chaosheng for nearly a week. Only when the training session he’d scheduled with his company was about to begin did he have no choice but to head back to the Imperial Capital for the sake of his career.

Dawn had just broken, and the alarm had barely started ringing when Xi Zhui jolted awake. He swiftly silenced it, his eyes still heavy with sleep.

“…”

Instinctively, Xi Zhui pulled the fragrant, soundly sleeping Wen Chaosheng closer into his arms. He buried his face in the crook of the other’s neck and planted kiss after tender kiss there without thinking.

Wen Chaosheng, still lost in dreams, felt a strange tingling at the side of his neck. He let out an involuntary hum. “Itchy.”

Xi Zhui was reluctant to disturb him any further, and besides, he didn’t have time to laze in bed.

He needed to rush to the nearby airport first, then catch a flight back to the Imperial Capital—

The acting training program arranged by the company was at the Imperial Capital Film Academy. According to the notice from the artist development department, he also had to report to Quansheng Entertainment’s headquarters early and get his official newcomer photos taken.

Xi Zhui slipped quietly out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. When he emerged, Wen Chaosheng was still curled up motionless under the covers, his sleeping posture as adorable as ever.

Xi Zhui hesitated for two or three seconds before leaning in close. “Chaosheng? Brother?”

“Mm?”

Wen Chaosheng mumbled in a drowsy response.

Xi Zhui pinched his ear gently and murmured his goodbye. “I have to go.”

“…”

Hearing this in his half-awake haze, Wen Chaosheng’s eyes flew open. He even bolted upright from under the covers. “Ah!”

The sudden movement made his heart race wildly, triggering a wave of dizziness that nearly sent him tumbling back down.

Xi Zhui frowned and steadied him. “What’s the rush?”

Wen Chaosheng drew in a sharp breath, his senses slowly sharpening. “Are you leaving already? Didn’t you set an alarm? How come I didn’t hear it?”

Xi Zhui explained, “I turned it off. I wanted you to sleep in a bit longer.”

The film Flower Moon was nearing the end of principal photography, but Wen Chaosheng’s workload hadn’t lightened at all. He’d finally gotten a half-day off that morning before resuming work in the afternoon, so Xi Zhui selfishly hoped he’d catch more rest.

Gazing at the neatly dressed Xi Zhui before him, a pang of reluctance welled up in Wen Chaosheng’s heart. “Let me walk you downstairs.”

“No need.” Xi Zhui didn’t want him running up and down. He ruffled his lover’s soft curls. “Get back in bed and sleep some more.”

Wen Chaosheng licked his dry lips. “…I’m not sleepy anymore.”

Xi Zhui chuckled. “Then laze around a little longer. I’ll message you on WeChat once I’m at the airport.”

“Okay.”

Wen Chaosheng agreed, his eyes gleaming with a hint of moisture.

The investors behind Flower Moon were based in Haishi City, and so was the post-production team. In other words, from wrap-up through editing and all the way to release, Wen Chaosheng would likely be stuck there working nonstop.

“I’ll fly out to Haishi City to see you when I have time off. You can come find me in the Imperial Capital whenever you’re free, too.”

Sensing the reluctance his lover was trying to hide, Xi Zhui leaned in to touch their foreheads together. “Don’t be sad. Our future together is only just beginning.”

Wen Chaosheng’s racing heart gradually settled. “Okay.”

His gaze dropped to Xi Zhui’s hand resting on the edge of the bed. Mustering his courage, he reached out to clasp it, their fingers briefly intertwining. “I… I’ll miss you.”

Xi Zhui smiled, accepting his lover’s rare initiative, and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Brother, I’ll miss you too.”