The dorm walls were lined with soundproofing foam, making the insulation pretty decent.
After tidying up the room, Shen Leyuan closed the door and finally had time for a proper chat with Director Hao.
【I’ll look into it,】 Director Hao said. 【The detention and transfer were kept away from outsiders—no way it was spotted by chance. Initial suspicion points to one of his old friends stirring trouble, but we don’t know which one yet.】
【He has a lot of friends. I used to think he was a decent guy too.】
One thing after another, the internal chatter was getting noisy, and Director Hao was inevitably dragged into it all. He was mentally and physically exhausted now.
But he didn’t mention any of that to Shen Leyuan.
The higher-ups hadn’t decided his fate yet, and besides, Director Hao saw Shen Leyuan as a friend. He wanted his buddy to enjoy a peaceful college life, undisturbed in that good mood of his.
【Little Deer? He’s been pretty stable. Once he realized you won’t be checking on him right now, he settled down a lot—eagerly counting the days till you come back. Yesterday, he even stared at the camera begging for an oven and ingredients, saying he wants to bake you some little cakes.】
After that, Director Hao asked if Shen Leyuan wanted to see the video.
Shen Leyuan knew he was a softie—watching would just make him sad—so he politely declined.
Amid the serious talk, a few messages from Huo Tingfeng popped up. Shen Leyuan ignored them until his chat with Director Hao wrapped up. Only then did he steel himself with a few deep breaths and tap them open.
Sure enough, more high-def close-ups, captioned with the man’s shy self-report.
【Condition improving—swelling down from yesterday, no third injury inflicted. Full recovery expected in about a week, but psychological issues need long-term attention.】
The last line was crystal clear: Keep this up long-term.
Shen Leyuan replied with the [Good boy, pat on the head.jpg] sticker.
At the hospital, Huo Tingfeng glanced at his phone. He wanted to snap a fresh pic but didn’t dare. He gnashed his teeth and glared at himself down there—such a pathetic thing.
It’s just a sticker, not a real pat. Why get so excited?
But he had been touched there before…
Huo Tingfeng recalled that mishap, his wheat-toned cheeks flushing like he’d been drinking. His breaths grew hot and heavy, brows knitting tight—not with desire for release, but for torment.
It all stemmed from his out-of-control lust. The embarrassment and regret bred a self-loathing he couldn’t suppress. Plus, every time he hurt himself, his beloved paid extra attention—the sweet moments lately were all tied to pain.
All those tangled reasons hooked him. Huo Tingfeng was addicted to that feeling.
He only craved release at his beloved’s hands.
If he could, he’d beg his heart’s desire to buy a cage and lock him in personally—handing over total control of his urges, no more accidents.
But Shen Leyuan wouldn’t allow it.
Overuse could cause local ischemia or necrosis—how could he?
Right now, Huo Tingfeng didn’t bring up the cage. Instead, he got all clingy, whining that he missed him, snapping pics of the flowers and fruit in his hospital room—gifts from his brothers during visits. Then, with fake innocence: 【Lin Yao’s are covered up—hope he’s not mad?】
Shen Leyuan: 【Should I ask him?】
Huo Tingfeng: ……
No need, he shot back instantly. Trivial stuff—I can ask him myself later. Just make sure to lock your door tonight.
Shen Leyuan smiled faintly: 【Got it. Rest up early.】
After soothing Huo Tingfeng, he opened his chat with Lin Yuan, hesitating over what to say.
It had been over half a month since that “exchange.”
Best not dwell on it—the more he did, the messier it felt, the more impulsive he’d seemed.
But no regrets.
He just wanted Mr. Lin healthy.
To stay healthy, those abstinence drugs couldn’t be overused—had to keep them in check.
Had Mr. Lin been good lately?
Shen Leyuan’s fingers hovered over his phone. Just as he wavered, a new message from Huo Tingfeng buzzed in—he knew what it was without looking.
Ignoring the clingy bastard, Shen Leyuan squeezed his eyes shut and hit send on the line he’d typed for Lin Yuan.
【Want to exchange again?】
He couldn’t just spoil the naughty troublemaker. That wouldn’t be fair.
Lin Yuan didn’t reply for a long while. Then: 【Sorry.】
Shen Leyuan: ???
He fired off a video call right away, brows furrowed in a fierce scowl. “You used the drugs again?”
Lin Yuan gazed at his lively features, falling silent.
Shen Leyuan urged him. “Even medicine has side effects—especially this stuff. Little Deer’s not around now, so no need to hold back so hard. A little release is good for you.”
Lin Yuan said, “It doesn’t hurt my lifespan.”
He already knew his life stretched on forever—he couldn’t die even if he wanted to.
How long can the man before me live?
He wearily closed his eyes for a moment, adding, “I’ve got it under control. Don’t worry.”
Shen Leyuan paused, then asked, “Does it affect your mood too?”
Lin Yuan: “Not much.”
Before, exhaustion came from watching Little Deer, reining in twisted desires. Now, it was from the beloved’s messy emotions—holding back from interfering.
The latter was harder, more draining.
Shen Leyuan had no clue about his inner turmoil. Anger and heartache surged—he abruptly hung up.
A bit later, he messaged casually: 【Did you hear my chat with Huo Tingfeng? Thoughts?】
Lin Yuan: 【Which part?】
【The part where you like Huo Tingfeng, or arranging to check his private photos, or telling him you’re a 0?】
Damn, I whispered that in Huo Tingfeng’s ear and he still heard? And why does it sound like grilling a cheating lover?
Shen Leyuan felt utterly unqualified for this fish-raising gig—every chat felt like sneaking around.
Flushing guiltily, he replied: 【The last one.】
Lin Yuan typed leisurely: 【What makes us human is making and using tools.】
Shen Leyuan: ……
Unreal. Dead set on treating that bit of flesh like decor?
A wicked impulse surged. He force-fed the deal that night, sending a video with: 【Pay me back one when the drug wears off.】
Lin Yuan didn’t respond.
Shen Leyuan had no face to keep messaging. He burrowed under the covers to steady his breathing, then got up for a shower. Opening the door, he noticed Lin Yao’s room next door still had the light on—dead silent, like he’d already dozed off.
Why leave the door open?
He knocked lightly twice. “Asleep?”
Quiet enough to hear if awake, soft enough not to jolt from dreams.
Lin Yao let out a flustered yelp—sounded a bit fake. Then something thudded to the floor. Shen Leyuan’s heart clenched; he shoved the door open without thinking. “What are you—”
The rest stuck in his throat.
Lin Yao was nearly naked, save for thin black straps clinging to his body. They accentuated his pecs’ gorgeous heft. Down below, the fabric barely covered anything—the bulge was obvious.
His build differed from Huo Tingfeng’s—sleek and perfectly proportioned. Paired with his panicked expression, it showed a greenness Shen Leyuan hadn’t seen: like an unripe fruit on the branch, blushing with scent but still crisp, tart, full of room to grow.
As if forgetting his covers nearby, Lin Yao crossed an arm over his chest, hand cupping below, ears red as he stammered—wanting to hide but showing off: “Why are you here?”
Shen Leyuan’s brows furrowed, eyeing the computer behind him.
“You… jerking off?”
“No no,” Lin Yao’s face exploded red, eyes darting. “My crush turned me down, so I figured I’d tempt him…”
Shen Leyuan’s brows knit tighter. “With this?”
Lin Yao pointed at the shattered mask on the floor, voice tiny. “I was wearing a mask—no face shown.”
Shen Leyuan: ……
Kids these days play like that?
He thought of what he’d sent Lin Yuan and Huo Tingfeng—no room to lecture. He waved weakly. “Whatever. I don’t get you young folks. Just… be careful.”
He turned to leave, unable to look more.
Lin Yao called after him. “Teacher, could you help with something?”
Shen Leyuan didn’t turn. “Tell me what kind of help first.”
Lin Yao: “My selfies suck. Full-length mirror’s days away—can you snap a few for me?”
Shen Leyuan felt conflicted. “You thought this through?”
Lin Yao: “Yeah!”
Shen Leyuan: “What if he shares them?”
“He won’t,” Lin Yao shrugged. “And my body’s killer—even online, they’d call me a bodhisattva. Why fear eyes on it?”
Fair point—plenty of such pics and vids online.
Shen Leyuan was convinced.
Crucially, helping meant knowing exactly what Lin Yao sent. Letting the kid solo? …He worried this dummy might record audio during hookups!
Minutes later, Lin Yao straddled the chair boldly like a warlord, turning the lingerie into “master” vibes.
Next, lounging on the bed—one leg bent, one straight, leaning against the wall casually.
Then he grabbed cat, dog, bunny ears—trying each, making teacher reshoot every pose. “See which looks best, pick a few to send.”
Shen Leyuan felt deep criminal vibes.
After, still uneasy, he hesitated. “You haven’t known him long, right? Maybe get to know him more before sending. This might be… forward.”
Lin Yao grinned sheepishly. “I’ll listen to teacher.”
Shen Leyuan shoved the hot potato photos over, deleted the rest.
He bolted—forgot to shut the door.
Lin Yao closed it, flipping through the shots, brows slightly furrowed.
First off, extra dog-ear ones.
Second, teacher didn’t seem shy snapping…
Not shy, not dodging—means he sees me as a kid. Gotta show him I’m a man now.
Such thoughts, but in his dream, he whined childlike for milk from mom.
In the chaotic dream, he burrowed desperately into teacher’s body while nestling in his arms, red-eyed and aggrieved. “Didn’t you say you’d love me like your own? You treat Little Deer better—this isn’t fair!”
Teacher panted, holding him. “I like good boys, A-Yao.”
“You’re not as good as him.”
“Teacher’s dying and you don’t care…”
The young man jolted awake.
Dazed like hysterical, unsure if past or present life, who he was—only that he’d bullied teacher, hiding it.
Was it ’cause I’m not good that mom abandoned me?
Choking sobs, instinct drew him. Like a weary bird to nest, he plunged into the familiar chest, tears gushing, body trembling.
“Mommy… Mommy… Teacher…”
Lights blazed on. Shen Leyuan flicked them, panicking at Lin Yao’s flood of tears nearly drowning him—plus a mysterious slap mark on his face.
“What happened?” Worry and heartache twisted him.
Lin Yao, sobbing, took his hand to his cheek. “I’m not good…”
He said, “Punish me, okay?”
After you left, I’ve been so bad.
But Mommy, even rotten as I am, why don’t you come back and rein me in?
