From that day on, Ouyang Jinghui felt a subtle shift in his life. Every time he woke up, there was a calm face beside him. The feeling was new and visually striking. Jiang Yi never snuggled into Ouyang’s chest or used his arm as a pillow, but he liked to sleep on his side, sometimes close enough for their bodies to touch in more suggestive ways. Sometimes, waking up in the morning, both men would feel a surge of desire.
Ouyang couldn’t handle Jiang Yi’s teasing. For someone who looked so aloof and composed, Jiang Yi was wild in bed—every time felt like it couldn’t get any better.
As they spent more time together, Jiang Yi gradually discovered Ouyang’s habits: he was a little grumpy in the morning, usually slept naked, liked lemon-scented aftershave, was particular about his underwear and shoes, cared about the two plants in the hallway, sometimes had a glass of red wine before bed, read finance magazines when he couldn’t sleep, went to the dry cleaner himself every other day, kept up with movies but wasn’t into romances, preferred to tidy up his own bedroom rather than rely on a maid, hated complicated furniture, acted quickly when he wanted something but always thought things through before speaking, cared about his reputation but was never overly anxious about it.
No matter how much he figured out, Jiang Yi never had any complaints about Ouyang’s habits. He was trying to get used to them, too.
Ouyang now almost always returned to Xiao Zhu Courtyard unless something urgent came up. Both were busy, so their only time together was after ten at night. They confided in each other, spoke more and more directly, even dropping the usual polite phrases.
Sometimes Ouyang hesitated, because he felt a stunning sense of understanding and connection with Jiang Yi—something he usually only faked in social situations. This mutual support felt precious. He worried he wouldn’t be able to go back to how things were before, or define what would happen if things continued.
Fang Yuming had been stuck in Malaysia for more than two weeks on a miserable business trip. The first thing he did when he got back to S City was call his friend to let him know he was safe. He never expected Jiang Yi to invite him out for a meal—Fang was both thrilled and nervous. Jiang Yi was always generous when paying the bill, but he never initiated invitations; it was a memorable breakthrough.
At a quiet Western restaurant in the south of the city, Jiang Yi ate elegantly, listening as Fang Yuming excitedly recounted his experiences in Malaysia, hoping for Jiang Yi’s advice. Today, though, Jiang Yi seemed different—more personable, even offering some suggestions. Fang felt both happy and puzzled: Was something up with Jiang Yi?
After Fang finished his updates, he finally asked, “So, is there something you wanted to talk to me about?”
Jiang Yi looked up at him with a calm gaze, making Fang even more nervous. He blurted out, “It’s not that there’s a problem with the hotel project, is there?!”
Jiang Yi laughed, looking at him with a kind of sympathetic amusement, as if Fang were a little slow. “Looks like as soon as you leave town, you stop caring about the family business.”
Fang blushed and tried to save face. “Shows I’m not relying on my parents—I’m a real go-getter.”
“That’s actually true.”
He couldn’t tell if Jiang Yi was complimenting or mocking him. Jiang Yi’s expression seemed genuine, but he never praised Fang, which only made him more curious. He stared at Jiang Yi’s handsome face, trying to spot a clue.
“What are you looking at?” Jiang Yi chuckled.
Fang Yuming actually knew him pretty well. Jiang Yi’s current mood was obviously good—he was unusually tolerant, very different from before, and he smiled more, even if it was faint. There was an extraordinary charm to it; even Fang found himself at a loss for words.
“Went to Malaysia and lost half my brain,” Fang joked, changing the subject. “How have you been? Is the Longtai partnership going well?”
“Yeah.” Jiang Yi didn’t elaborate.
“Your Hong Kong project should be finishing up soon, right? When are you going to check on it?”
“Next month, probably.” After saying this, Jiang Yi suddenly put down his utensils and looked at Fang with rare candor. “Yuming, if you fell in love with someone and they only gave you a limited time, should you keep falling deeper?”
Fang was stunned, then sighed. “I never thought the first serious question you’d ever ask me would be about this
“Aren’t you always calling yourself a love expert?”
“You’re the real love guru. All your lovers are outstanding—I’ve seen them myself.” Suddenly something occurred to him, and he stared at Jiang Yi with wide eyes. “Is it a married woman this time?”
Jiang Yi shook his head, looking a bit helpless.
“Then… is it a man?” he asked, almost cautiously.
“Yeah.”
Fang Yuming had known about Jiang Yi’s bisexuality since their university days, when a blond, handsome guy had been chasing after Jiang Yi, opening Fang’s eyes to Jiang Yi’s far-reaching charm. He hadn’t been too surprised—even back then, he felt that nothing that happened to Jiang Yi could really be called a surprise.
Jiang Yi had always avoided talking about his private life, and always appeared in public with female companions. Over time, Fang Yuming had let those memories fade. But now, Jiang Yi was suddenly opening up to him, being honest—he must be truly in love, at his wit’s end, and that’s why he’d come to Fang, his trusted advisor, for help.
For a moment, Fang didn’t know how to ask, “So, he…”
“Maybe he’s just confused, influenced by me, and his admiration has grown into something more. He doesn’t really like men, so I don’t think there’s a future for us,” Jiang Yi explained first.
“The outlook isn’t good, Jiang Yi. You should get out while you can.” Fang Yuming dropped his usual flippant tone and decided to be honest.
“I know.” Jiang Yi looked down at his fingertips, a little embarrassed. “Actually, this is the first time I’ve ever felt this way about someone. Turns out ‘love’ really does exist.”
Seeing Jiang Yi like this, Fang Yuming suddenly felt a pang of sadness. The man he’d always thought of as free as the wind was now troubled by love. He couldn’t help but joke, “The other person must have three heads and six arms.”
Jiang Yi gave a bitter smile, hiding his usual confidence, and didn’t deny it.
“So who’s the lucky one who tamed the wild horse?”
“I’m not telling you.”
Fang Yuming already had a feeling. “Is he in the same industry?” Seeing Jiang Yi’s tacit confirmation, Fang grew more worried. “You know that’s a huge taboo. It could cause problems.”
“I know. That’s why I won’t let myself go any further.” Jiang Yi sighed. “Yuming, thanks for your advice. I know what I need to do.”
“Don’t force yourself too much, Jiang Yi. Some things are beyond your control. No matter how good you are at handling everything else, feelings are a different story.”
“Today I found out you’re actually pretty eloquent.”
“I wouldn’t dare show off in front of you. I should be thanking you for trusting me.”
“You’re my only friend in the country.”
“Come on! Don’t get so sentimental, will you? You know I’m emotionally fragile.” Fang Yuming clutched his chest in mock distress, thinking he’d probably be losing sleep over his friend tonight.
Having said it out loud, Jiang Yi felt much better. He couldn’t carry this secret alone the whole way. He was human—he could hurt, too. Even if his feelings didn’t show on his face, it didn’t mean he didn’t have weaknesses.
As soon as he stepped into Xiao Zhu Courtyard, he set all his worries aside for the moment. With Ouyang, Jiang Yi never mentioned anyone else, and when he got a call from Liang Menghai, he was calm and collected, showing no sign of inner turmoil. Someone who seemed like he could disappear at any moment, yet was always there when you turned around—this made Ouyang gradually develop a sense of unease, afraid he’d started to enjoy having Jiang Yi in his life without realizing it.
Last night, they danced together in the attic again. After the salon at Mrs. Lian’s, Jiang Yi’s dancing had been a surprising success—everyone at Ivan Studio was amazed and kept asking which strict teacher had taught him. Jiang Yi just smiled and said nothing, leaving everyone even more curious.
What Ouyang liked most about Jiang Yi was that he always knew how to behave in every situation, never letting their special relationship affect his professionalism. At engineering meetings, Jiang Yi was always sharp, efficient, and composed, and Ouyang couldn’t help but relax, not even sure how they’d gotten to this point.
When the meeting ended and everyone left, Ouyang deliberately slowed his steps, waiting for Jiang Yi to catch up.
“Do you have work tonight?”
Ouyang had never chatted with Jiang Yi about personal matters in the office before, so Jiang Yi was a bit surprised. “Why? Is there something you need?”
“I booked a table at Silver Essence Restaurant. Is eight o’clock okay?”
“Sure.” Although he didn’t know why Ouyang suddenly wanted to have dinner out, Jiang Yi still felt a quiet sense of satisfaction. He’d never realized he could be so easily satisfied.
Silver Essence Restaurant was well-known in S City, and it was always possible to run into acquaintances there. But Ouyang didn’t care about appearances—he booked a table for two and ordered chilled champagne while waiting for Jiang Yi.
Jiang Yi was delayed twenty minutes by a client, but Ouyang didn’t mind, greeting him with a relaxed, cheerful expression.
“You’re acting a little strange today,” Jiang Yi couldn’t help but point out.
“Am I?” Ouyang smiled, unconcerned. “I just wanted to have dinner with you for once. Almost all our dinners are for work.”
“Is that a complaint?”
“I won’t deny it.” Ouyang waved his sleeve lightly. “I just wanted to celebrate.”
“Celebrate that we’ve gone eighteen days without a fight?”
“Not just that.”
Jiang Yi’s gaze suddenly grew intense. “Celebrate our rushed encounter, celebrate that you accepted me—no matter how long it lasts, I’ve already had you.”
Ouyang gently avoided Jiang Yi’s gaze. “Today’s my birthday.”
Jiang Yi looked surprised. “I thought it was next month?”
“That’s my public birthday. According to the lunar calendar, it’s today—the ninth. I only spend it with special people.”
“Who was it in previous years?” Jiang Yi didn’t have any illusions.
“No one. I keep this day for myself.”
Jiang Yi didn’t want to overestimate his importance. “I’m not trying to take over or change your life. I just want to indulge myself a little. After all, you’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to pursue.”
“Do you want to know everything about me?”
“No, not now. A month isn’t enough to exchange everything.” Jiang Yi smiled mysteriously. “I prepared a birthday present.”
“Where? Did you see the future?”
“Come with me.” With that, he pulled out his chair and headed for the hallway.
Ouyang Jinghui didn’t hesitate and followed. In a quiet corner, Jiang Yi suddenly grabbed Ouyang’s left hand, quickened his pace, and pulled him behind a white marble column on the terrace, blocking them from view. He pressed Ouyang against the cold stone, but his lips and tongue were hot, gentle yet firm, slow but full of strength. He sealed Ouyang’s slightly parted lips with his own, answering all his questions with the most direct, sensory impact—an experience that belonged only to the two of them, needing no further explanation.
“This is my gift. Do you like it?” Jiang Yi stared intently at Ouyang, lips meeting again. As their breathing grew ragged, Jiang Yi’s tongue swept over every sensitive spot, stirring up a familiar heat that drowned out all thought, pulling them both deep beneath the surface…
The clatter of a tray interrupted their embrace—a waiter, collecting glasses on the terrace, was startled by the sight of the two men, nearly dropping his tray. He’d never seen two tall men kiss so passionately and completely lose themselves. When the two turned to look at him, he couldn’t believe it.
S-sorry…” the waiter stammered, backing away.
The two men regained their composure in seconds, exchanged a glance, and calmly walked past the waiter, their expressions just as open as before. Even those around them could feel the powerful energy they gave off.
The staff at Yin Su Restaurant were highly professional and never gossiped about guests, so Jiang Yi and Ouyang enjoyed their meal as usual, unbothered by what had happened. Ouyang felt that Jiang Yi always managed to surprise him, sometimes making him feel like a different person.
That night, Jiang Yi drove them around the city. Neither liked bars, so they visited an aquarium instead. They arrived with only ten minutes until closing, but still bought tickets to see the sharks, laughing as they left when the guard called out to them.
Chapter 12
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