36 Chapter 33

Everyone said the Bo Family had kept a model goldfinch—gentle and sensible, never scrambling for affection. Clearly, his devotion ran soul-deep.

Whenever Bo Chengyan headed out, Qi Jing would come dashing down the stairs from upstairs to remind him to bundle up and stay healthy.

Whenever Bo Chengyan went to a social engagement, Qi Jing would drop hints both subtle and overt: no outsiders allowed. He could only belong to him.

Whenever Bo Chengyan brought someone along, Qi Jing would cling tightly to his arm, his pale neck blooming with flushes of pink as he quietly staked his claim.

He loved Bo Chengyan down to his bones. Even Bo Chengyan believed it.

~~~

Until one day, as Bo Chengyan prepared to leave for the office and a servant handed him his cufflinks, the patter of hurried footsteps echoed down the stairs.

Qi Jing's voice came soft and coaxing, urging him to layer up against the chill.

—Don't go coughing tonight, boss. Don't drop dead so soon, aaaah! The plot hasn't even kicked in—what am I supposed to do if you log off early?

Bo Chengyan's hands stilled. He frowned at the young man beside him: pajamas rumpled, slippers scuffing the floor, hair a tousled mess, those strikingly clear, pale eyes fixed on him.

Had he misheard?

Bo Chengyan offhandedly mentioned the evening banquet, deliberately slowing as he adjusted his clothes. Qi Jing froze for a beat, then lunged forward to wrap his arms around Bo Chengyan's waist. In a low, dejected murmur, he said, "Mr. Bo, don't go falling for anyone else..."

—Job market's brutal these days, boss. Don't make me fight for a spot, okay? I'm counting on you for my tuition for the next few years, QAQ.

Bo Chengyan gripped Qi Jing's chin almost roughly, tilting his face up. The skin was fair and soft, pampered into perfect obedience under his care.

—So damn sleepy... Let me clock out after this and crash. Sleepy, sleepy, sleepy!

"What's wrong, Mr. Bo?" Qi Jing squeezed out a shimmer of tears.

"...Come out with me tonight, Little Jing."

~~~

At the banquet.

"You're pathetic. Everyone knows Bo Chengyan shows no mercy to the ones warming his bed. Who do you think you are?"

—I’m a cute little bird, hehe.

Bo Chengyan squeezed his eyes shut. The steps he'd taken toward them halted.

"You think you can stick with him long? No one Bo Chengyan discards comes out unscathed."

—I'll bounce after graduation. By the time the protagonist shows up, I'll be done with school—perfect!

Bo Chengyan's face darkened. The air around him chilled in an instant. He started striding their way.

He wanted to leave?

"His bedroom tricks are vicious. Bet you take the pain and still beg for more with a smile."

—Total BS. This novel's a mess. Bo Chengyan's gotta be lacking down there—years in, and I’ve never seen it even twitch...

Qi Jing had been gearing up to force out some tears for a heartfelt performance. But when he blinked, the man was nowhere in sight. He glanced around in confusion.

Then a hand seized his wrist from behind. He got yanked into a solid chest, enveloped by that familiar dark, intoxicating scent. "Little Jing."

Qi Jing went rigid. Before he could turn, fingers circled his neck with deceptive gentleness.

A callused thumb toyed with his soft Adam's apple, as if stroking a pet bird.

"Let's go home."