Deeply Affectionate Male Supporting Character Topped the Protagonist 73

Chapter 73: Burning Up

Min Zhi arrived late, his handsome face sullen on the cheerful Little New Year’s Eve.

He was in no mood to celebrate, not even the New Year. He was still angry at Xi Leng, and it hadn’t subsided after several days.

Upon arriving, he saw the messy table, Qiao Yusen sitting there alone, dejected and drowning his sorrows, a sight that felt strangely familiar, like looking in a mirror.

He became even angrier.

Ignoring those who came to greet and chat with him, he walked straight towards Qiao Yusen, his hands in his pockets, and asked condescendingly: “Why are you drinking alone?”

Qiao Yusen, his chin resting on his hand, ignored him.

Min Zhi thought for a moment, pressing his fingers against his temples before asking: “Did you pursue him?”

His headache wasn’t as bad this time, only a lingering irritation.

Qiao Yusen clearly paused, then looked up with his usual sly, fox-like smile, feigning nonchalance, “I don’t even like him, why would I pursue him?”

“Oh?” Min Zhi raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Then how do you know who I’m talking about?”

Qiao Yusen didn’t respond.

“Those before were just for fun, I’ve never seen you so invested in anyone.” Min Zhi sat down, casually pouring himself a drink, “Don’t tell me this is your first time liking someone, and you’re playing the ‘fear of intimacy’ game?”

Qiao Yusen, infected by his mood, also became irritated, “…I told you I don’t like him, it was just for fun.”

“Even if it was just for fun, you still have to pursue, right? What’s the point of drinking alone, hoping they’ll develop telepathy?” Min Zhi chuckled, “Heh, I didn’t know you were also avoidantly attached.”

In the past decade, Qiao Yusen never openly argued with this guy, only complaining in his mind, but he couldn’t help it now, snapping, “Fuck your avoidant attachment.”

“Do you even know what avoidant attachment is?” Min Zhi, talking at cross purposes, rambled on, “I specifically researched it, even asked a doctor. These kinds of people, they didn’t receive unconditional love from their parents as children, so they don’t believe anyone will love them as adults…”

“Cold, pessimistic, strong sense of boundaries, seemingly independent but actually incredibly insecure. When they finally meet someone they like, the more they like them, the more they avoid them, always saying things like ‘I’m not worthy, I hope you find happiness,’ infuriating.”

Qiao Yusen, listening, sensed something was wrong, frowning in confusion: “Who are you talking about?”

“I’m going to find Xi Leng.” Min Zhi abruptly stood up. “Where is he?”

Qiao Yusen naturally didn’t know; the only information he had was that Xi Leng and Luo Jiayan left together.

Min Zhi, already angry, was now on the verge of exploding upon hearing this, “Seriously? You didn’t even follow them? Did you drink so much your brain and legs stopped working?”

Qiao Yusen’s head was indeed throbbing from the alcohol, and unable to offer any useful suggestions, he sighed, “Let’s go take a look.”

This hotel was built on a mountainside, its layout complex, corridors winding, various terraces and gardens outside the banquet hall on the first floor, and a grand archway connected to an outdoor staircase leading down to the swimming pool and lawn.

After turning a few corners, they saw the archway Min Zhi had seen earlier, the stairs below dark.

Min Zhi glanced over casually, but Qiao Yusen stopped, staring intently.

Then, leaving Min Zhi behind, he walked towards the empty archway.

In front of the archway were the stairs going down. Only after getting closer and looking down could he see Luo Jiayan hiding in the dark corner of the stairwell, sobbing softly.

Hearing someone approach, he hurriedly wiped his face and looked up, staring blankly, “…Jackson?”

Qiao Yusen bent down, smiling gently, his voice soft as he asked: “What’s wrong, Xiao Jiayan?”

“Nothing.” Luo Jiayan’s voice was muffled, he didn’t want to talk about it.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to talk.” Qiao Yusen considerately squatted down beside him, handing him a clean tissue. “Here.”

Luo Jiayan sniffled, taking the tissue, “Thank you.”

Qiao Yusen stayed with him, silent, his thoughts racing.

He didn’t need to ask; he figured Luo Jiayan’s sadness was most likely related to Xi Leng.

And the stairs were low, his vision limited, he didn’t know if Min Zhi had left.

He was being made a fool of again.

He sighed softly, so softly that even Luo Jiayan beside him didn’t notice.

Luo Jiayan gradually calmed down.

“Why are you so good to me… Jackson?”

Qiao Yusen didn’t answer, only smiling.

However, the innocent little white rabbit in his eyes was now determined to get to the bottom of it, “Why are you so good to me?”

“Are you this upset because of relationship problems?” Qiao Yusen, avoiding the question, his smile playful, paused, not receiving an answer, then suggested, “I booked a room upstairs, do you want to go up and rest? Guaranteed to make you forget all your troubles.”

Such a blatant suggestion, even the oblivious Luo Jiayan understood, looking at the man in front of him in disbelief, still holding onto a sliver of hope as he asked, “…What do you mean? Do you like me?”

Qiao Yusen paused, then smiled again, answering with another question: “Will you go?”

“So you’re asking for… a hookup?” Luo Jiayan frowned, he knew very well how good Qiao Yusen had been to him, yet he was making such a frivolous offer?

Saying he liked him would have been more believable.

At that moment, Luo Jiayan felt like he had broken free from some invisible shackle, his previously undefined feelings becoming clear.

He slowly stood up, looking down at the man who always hid his true emotions behind his glasses.

“Qiao Yusen.”

“Are you planning to wait until you’re tired of playing, bored, and then tell me that you also liked me before?”

Qiao Yusen’s smile finally faltered.

Luo Jiayan’s beautiful eyes were red.

“Why couldn’t you tell me sooner? Watching me make a fool of myself, was it that fun!?” He choked back a sob, crying, “…What did I do wrong?”

Qiao Yusen looked away, thinking of Min Zhi not far away, sighing before asking: “What did Xi Leng say to you?”

This question immediately gave the distraught Luo Jiayan an outlet for his pent-up emotions.

He sobbed, pouring out his pain, “He said he liked me before…”

As expected, Qiao Yusen thought.

Min Zhi, however, was stunned. He hadn’t expected Xi Leng to actually tell Luo Jiayan, but Luo Jiayan’s current state…

“But then he said it wasn’t really liking, he only realized it now, because…”

He listened patiently for a long time, still not knowing where Xi Leng went.

Preoccupied with Xi Leng, Min Zhi was about to go find him himself.

Luo Jiayan’s choked sobs came from behind him, “He said he experienced the feeling of love, he has someone he truly likes, but it’s not me.”

He looked at Qiao Yusen, thinking of the countless paintings in Xi Leng’s room, asking uncertainly, “Is it… Min-shen?”

Min Zhi, having overheard everything, his anger suddenly dissipating, didn’t linger and hurriedly went to find the doorman on the first floor.

Although everyone coming and going from the hotel today were celebrities and influential figures, in his eyes, Xi Leng was special, unique, unforgettable.

If Xi Leng had left, the doorman would definitely remember.

Both doormen gave him a negative answer. They hadn’t seen Xi Leng leave, only remembering him arriving before six o’clock.

Okay, case closed.

But Xi Leng wasn’t at the banquet hall for the New Year’s Eve Gala, Min Zhi wandered around the hotel lobby, until a receptionist came over, recognizing him at a glance, and asking if he was here for the Austin Art Gala.

It was Little New Year’s Eve today, and this luxurious hotel was hosting two events, the guest lists overlapping, Min Zhi had received invitations for both.

He initially had no interest in either, especially the one upstairs, a purely boring social gathering for the wealthy and influential, with no singing or dancing performances.

Reminded by the receptionist, he suddenly remembered, if Xi Leng hadn’t left, could he have gone upstairs?

He had truly changed, surprisingly choosing socializing over him.

He had to go upstairs even if he was angry, he came here for Xi Leng, and he wouldn’t leave without seeing him.

Just as Xi Leng was preparing to leave the hotel, he ran into Sheng Jiao, the director of “Unlimited Escape Room,” who not only worked with him on the variety show, but also introduced him to the art museum, and Sheng Jiao invited him to the art gala hosted by the auction house upstairs.

Many prominent figures from the art world were present, executives from auction houses, renowned curators, and artists… connections that Xi Leng, who once only dreamed of being an artist, could never have imagined.

He wasn’t good at socializing, but thankfully, Sheng Jiao was there to introduce him, exchanging a few words, and contact information.

Sheng Jiao went to greet some acquaintances. Xi Leng, going off on his own, went to get some refreshments.

A small cake, smooth and creamy, just the right sweetness, a taste of luxury.

But it still wasn’t as good as the ones Min Zhi often bought.

He turned around after finishing the cake and met the sharp gaze of a man with upturned eyes, his fierce aura undiminished even in a suit.

It was Jiang Songnan.

Jiang Songnan would drug the protagonist shou in three years, driven by a mixture of love and hate, perhaps also containing a hint of revenge against his cousin, Min Zhi. In his opinion, Min Zhi had taken too much that rightfully belonged to him.

Xi Leng had been trying to avoid him. He figured Jiang Songnan’s current hostility towards him was probably because of Min Zhi, he was close to Min Zhi, and Min Zhi’s popularity had skyrocketed thanks to his fan service and their CP, it would be strange if Jiang Songnan wasn’t angry.

And another familiar face approached, fawning over Jiang Songnan, it was Han You, whom he had met at Luo Jiayan’s party, the one who called him a “simp.”

Xi Leng silently looked away, put down his plate, and prepared to leave.

However, Han You suddenly rushed over, blocking his way.

Holding a glass of champagne, a fake smile on his face, Han You said loudly, “Drink this, let bygones be bygones, and from now on, you’re my brother.”

Han You’s reputation among the wealthy and influential wasn’t very good, but he was given some face in public.

Han You deliberately made a scene, his voice loud enough for everyone around them to hear.

This was his intention, using the gazes of these people and their impression of Xi Leng, the rising artist, forcing him to drink this glass of “reconciliation” wine.

Unfortunately, Xi Leng wasn’t a “face-saving” person.

However, not far behind Han You, Jiang Songnan’s gaze seemed to be fixed on him…

Xi Leng composed himself, looking at the glass of champagne as Han You pushed it closer, “If you don’t drink this, then you don’t consider me a brother.”

The more hesitant Xi Leng appeared, the more smug and confident Han You became.

But Xi Leng’s silence wasn’t because he was conflicted about drinking, he would be doing well if he didn’t splash the wine in Han You’s face. He was pondering the now out-of-control plot of the novel.

Could there be… something in this drink?

Just then,

Min Zhi arrived, perfectly timed.

Min Zhi’s arrival was always dramatic. Xi Leng, hearing the commotion, looked towards the entrance and saw a man whose aura was even fiercer than Jiang Songnan’s.

He was wearing a suit, which Xi Leng was seeing on him for the first time, the cut sharp and fitting, his broad shoulders and long legs making him look incredibly stylish.

Xi Leng quickly looked away, but Min Zhi, his gaze fixed, walked straight towards him.

Just as Jiang Songnan had arranged for paparazzi to follow Min Zhi and expose his scandals, there were naturally also Min Zhi’s people around Jiang Songnan, one of his most trusted subordinates.

A few days ago, Jiang Songnan obtained some… drugs from his subordinate. Min Zhi had been keeping an eye on him, but he hadn’t expected Jiang Songnan to be so brazen, seemingly intending to use it on Xi Leng.

He had already said he was going to marry Xi Leng, regardless of their current argument or cold war, this bastard Jiang Songnan was clearly asking for trouble.

He strode over to Xi Leng, snatched the champagne glass, and downed it in one gulp without hesitation.

Xi Leng froze for a moment, his mouth opening slightly.

But Min Zhi, without a word, turned and walked towards Jiang Songnan.

A look of surprise flashed across Jiang Songnan’s face, and Min Zhi’s following words confirmed his bad premonition,

“It’s best not to trust your subordinates too much, Jiang Songnan.”

Jiang Songnan’s heart sank, did Min Zhi know about him drugging the champagne?

As expected, Min Zhi looked at him coldly and added, “Go back and prepare yourself, figure out how to beg for my forgiveness.”

Jiang Songnan’s face darkened considerably, but he still stubbornly refused to back down: “Then why did you drink it? You have time to threaten me, why not worry about yourself?”

Min Zhi said coldly: “This is my stuff, don’t you think I know what it is?”

He was putting on a brave face, but Jiang Songnan saw his neck rapidly reddening and couldn’t help but sneer: “We’ll see about that later.”

From their brief exchange, Xi Leng had already confirmed his suspicions.

Seeing Min Zhi stride towards the restroom, he hurriedly followed.

Min Zhi was bent over the sink, repeatedly splashing cold water on his flushed face.

It was a bit like their first meeting in the airport restroom, only their positions and postures reversed.

Xi Leng watched for a while, then couldn’t help but approach him, asking softly, “Are you alright?”

Min Zhi, however, his tone indifferent, took a step back and replied, “Don’t come any closer.”

Xi Leng frowned.

The flush on Min Zhi’s damp cheeks was unnatural, even a sudden fever wouldn’t appear this quickly. Although this kind of thing shouldn’t happen to a protagonist, he couldn’t help but wonder… was he drugged?

His brows furrowed as he asked, “Was there something wrong with that champagne?”

“Only realizing now that there was something wrong with it?” Min Zhi looked up, water droplets rolling down his face, evaporating quickly due to his high body temperature, his breathing rapid, “If it wasn’t me, were you really planning to drink it?”

There were many prominent figures from the art world present, it would be difficult to refuse that glass of champagne, Han You had also put on a show of reconciliation, refusing the toast would not only offend him, it would make him seem petty.

The art world and the entertainment industry were similar, talent could be lacking, but reputation couldn’t, he hadn’t yet reached the level where he could act as recklessly as Min Zhi.

“I wouldn’t have drunk it,” Xi Leng didn’t hesitate, “I probably would have splashed it on his face.”

“Oh, you’re quite vengeful.” Min Zhi’s heart raced along with his rising body temperature, his chest heaving noticeably with his casual smile, and he paused before continuing, “And yet you always make me angry.”

Xi Leng was speechless, the useless “I’m sorry” reaching his lips before being swallowed back.

In the end, he only asked: “Min Zhi, are you alright?”

“Not at all.” Min Zhi didn’t hide it, saying irritably.

He loosened his tie and unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt, but the heat still persisted.

His exposed collarbones were flushed, his whole body as if burning.

Min Zhi washed his face and loosened his collar again, but the heat remained, his breathing constricted, looking at the calm and composed Xi Leng standing there, he felt even more irritated.

At least Xi Leng didn’t just leave him.

Otherwise, he might truly lose control, grabbing Xi Leng by the collar, pinning him against the wall, dragging him into an empty stall, locking the door, and devouring him.

“Aren’t you usually quite clever, thinking you understand everything? I’ve made it so clear, why don’t you still understand? Or rather, pretending not to understand, playing dumb, acting all rational and knowing, like you understand me so well…”

Xi Leng remained silent as Min Zhi stepped closer, his gaze fixed on Xi Leng’s evasive eyes.

Their noses almost touching, Min Zhi tilted his head slightly, his lips brushing against Xi Leng’s soft, cool, mint-scented lips.

But it was a drop in the ocean, a few insignificant drops of rain on a raging fire, instantly turning into white smoke.

He cupped Xi Leng’s face, his fingers rubbing his ear, then moving into his hair. The kiss deepened, his movements becoming rough, his fingers tangling in Xi Leng’s soft, curly hair, possessive and unrestrained.

He suddenly realized that he had pulled Xi Leng into a stall.

The small, enclosed space blocked the noise and light outside, their heavy breaths echoing and amplifying. Their eyes locked, their chests pressed together, their hearts pounding, they kissed again.

The hem of Min Zhi’s suit jacket lifted with their movements, and even through his pants, Xi Leng could feel his arousal.

He kept rubbing against Xi Leng’s leg, brazen and shameless, regardless of the situation.

Driven by guilt or perhaps a desire to make amends, Xi Leng said, “You shouldn’t have drunk that for me… Let me… help you.”

Min Zhi stopped, his face flushed, his dark eyes, however, clear and calm, like a frozen lake in the dead of night.

The intensity of his gaze sent a chill down Xi Leng’s spine, extinguishing the spark of desire that had just been ignited, like a weak flame in the cold wind.

Min Zhi stared at him for a few seconds, then his gaze lowered, seemingly interested in the turtleneck sweater he was wearing, the zipper, a gentle tug on the metal pull, revealing his vulnerable throat, the scar.

But Min Zhi only touched the silver zipper, the cold metal seemingly calming him down.

He then withdrew his hand, straightened his suit jacket, concealing his growing arousal, and bypassing Xi Leng, opened the door, and left.

Xi Leng stood there, stunned.

He emerged from the stall and looked around.

A wall of mirrors, only reflecting his own lonely figure, the silence deafening, Min Zhi’s footsteps long gone.

Min Zhi took the empty fire escape downstairs, messaged Zhu Minglang, then sat in his car in the parking garage.

His body hot and restless, he sank into the seat, closing the window, finally breathing a sigh of relief, taking off his crumpled suit jacket and covering his lap with it.

Zhu Minglang looked back worriedly: “Boss… are you alright? Really don’t need to go to the hospital?”

“You want me to go to the hospital like this?” Even a short sentence drained his energy. His chest heaved a few times, taking in a deep breath, before continuing, “Go home, I can handle it.”

Zhu Minglang could only agree.

As a veteran of the entertainment industry, his life, thanks to Min Zhi, besides the occasional scolding, could be described as a dream. He had only heard about the dark side of the entertainment industry, never witnessed it firsthand.

So his knowledge about those drugs… was limited to hearsay and fictional stories.

Seeing that Min Zhi was still rational, his worries eased. Anyway, no outsiders could enter Cloudtop One, there was no need to worry about his boss being… taken advantage of. And men could… take care of themselves, right?

Min Zhi was half-asleep during the journey, his eyes closed, his brows furrowed, suppressing his restlessness.

“We’re here, Boss.” Zhu Minglang parked the car and came to open the door, but he didn’t dare to touch him.

Min Zhi’s legs felt weak, he had to support himself against the door frame to get out.

“If Xi Leng asks, remember to tell him,” Min Zhi’s face was covered in sweat, his breathing ragged, “…that I went home.”

After sending Zhu Minglang away, he took the elevator upstairs alone.

His neighbor’s door was quietly closed, and he glanced at it.

In the empty corridor, his own heavy, rapid breathing was clearly audible.

He opened his own door and carefully closed it behind him.

Currently, only he and Xi Leng knew the password to this door.

This time, it was Master Angler Min going fishing.