Sitting on the edge of the bed, Jiang Yi quietly and subtly studied Ouyang, remembering the tremor he’d felt the first time he’d seen that body. He tensed again. He’d always thought he only felt sexual urges when privately meeting European male models, and that he could avoid such thoughts entirely in China. But clever Jiang Yi had miscalculated—the “biggest surprise” of his Asian trip was this extremely seasoned business partner.
That gaze, free of affectation but full of hidden power, had struck him the first time it landed on him. Jiang Yi knew he’d been hit. Excited desire surged through him like a fireball, stirring the primal force deep within. In the past, he would have seized the initiative in the most direct way, but now, he couldn’t take that dangerous step.
Ouyang’s fondness for him was just basic respect for a worthy opponent. Jiang Yi wasn’t narcissistic enough to believe Ouyang felt the same sensory attraction, nor was he the type to test others. So there would always be an insurmountable gap between them. Their social images were so perfect, almost unbreakable. Any stirrings should be nipped in the bud.
Though reluctant to give up entirely, this retreat was Jiang Yi’s limit. Indulgence would do neither of them any good. In the end, restraint was best. Ouyang really wasn’t right for him. If he made a mistake, the result would be the opposite of what he wanted—a risk he couldn’t afford.
This time, it was Ouyang who looked away from the screen and turned to Jiang Yi. “Is there something on my face?”
They’d both asked that question, in different situations but similar circumstances. Did it mean they were always subconsciously noticing each other? Was it observation, appreciation, or caution? It was impossible to say. When alone with this man, Jiang Yi easily lost control of his emotions, mixed with a touch of uncertainty—something that had never happened before.
Jiang Yi made an excuse: “I was just thinking if I’d have time to revise the report due on Monday while on the plane tomorrow.”
“Are you blaming me for not giving you enough time?” Ouyang looked at Jiang Yi’s handsome profile and found it pleasing.
“In the modern world, only the client’s time is precious. The operator has no right to slack off or complain.”
“If you need a few more days to review…”
Jiang Yi cut him off. “No need. It’ll be done on time.”
“You’re not just strict with yourself—you’re unusually strict.”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people think I’m too neurotic.”
Ouyang laughed silently, exuding a unique maturity. “So, what do you think of me?”
Jiang Yi was slightly surprised. “You think I’d tell the truth?”
“At least half the truth.” He spread his hands, looking innocent.
“Smart, handsome, wealthy, and unbeatable in business.”
“Tsk tsk, I could float away on that. If anyone else said it, I wouldn’t believe them.” Ouyang was delighted, then leaned in mysteriously. “But luckily, you only told half the story.”
“Thanks for not making it hard on me. I’ll tell you the other half when I get the chance.”
“It’s probably better not to provoke me.” He knew his limits. “Jiang Yi, actually, you’re tougher than me.”
“Oh?” Jiang Yi kept his feet on the ground. He didn’t think such flattery would work.
“In this world, not many people can rise from nothing. You’re one of them. If I hadn’t had my family business to rely on, it would’ve taken me much longer to get where you are.”
“Thank you. That’s touching.” Jiang Yi added a “moved” glance.
Inwardly, Jiang Yi thought Ouyang was a bit self-deprecating. He never cared what others thought of him—those who loved him weren’t objective, those who hated him weren’t worth listening to. He preferred to ignore outside voices and stand alone, admiring himself in a corner of the world. But today, Ouyang told him someone admired him. That was valuable information, something he could draw on for years.
“I don’t often encourage people, and no one needs my encouragement.”
“True.” Jiang Yi stood up and pulled back the covers. “Sorry, I’m going to sleep first.” The suite had TVs in more than just the bedroom, but Ouyang had chosen the one in here.
“Well, I’m the one intruding.” Ouyang’s casual attitude showed no hint of guilt. “If they give up on the late-night room service, I’ll be happy to move back.”
Jiang Yi shook his head. “Better forget about that idea.”
Just then, the room phone rang. “Sir, do you have any special requests?”
They exchanged a look, both unfazed. Business was everywhere, even in five-star hotels. Men out on their own were lawless. This time, it was Jiang Yi’s turn to answer: “I’ll have to ask my boyfriend, but I don’t think he’ll need anything.”
The other end seemed shocked and hung up immediately. Ouyang laughed beside him.
“You really know how to handle things.”
“You flatter me.” Jiang Yi lay down without another word. Even now, his heart was still racing. In his twenty-seven years, he’d never once used the word “boyfriend,” even as a joke. But this time, he wanted to give a hint. As it turned out, when it came to affairs between men, Ouyang was a complete amateur. This was probably the most failed advance of Jiang Yi’s life.
When his breathing calmed and his desire cooled, he focused on the shortcomings in the proposal until he fell asleep. Whether he’d exposed his feelings, whether the man beside him was watching his reactions, whether he was used to sharing a room with a friend and rival—their balance was almost broken.
He didn’t know how much time had passed when he felt a weight on his right arm and slowly opened his eyes. The room was quiet, with only a bedside lamp on. Ouyang was right—he was easily awakened. Any little movement could affect his sleep, let alone having someone else in the bed.
The wide white sheet was partly claimed by the other man. Ouyang Jinghui, who had just lain down, felt a gentle, hazy gaze sweep over him. He turned his head and sighed helplessly. “Every time you’re woken up, you’re never in a bad mood.”
Jiang Yi looked at him in silence, suddenly feeling weak and annoyed. Ouyang’s inadvertent openness made him uneasy. The fact was, he desired Ouyang, whether he wanted to admit it or not.
Though Ouyang was good at putting on a show, he was also tactful. Sensing Jiang Yi wasn’t used to sharing a bed, he realized he’d been a bit rash. “I think I’d better go back…”
Before he could finish, his lips were sealed by a scorching kiss. Ouyang jumped in shock. He’d never experienced such a sudden, overwhelming impact. Even the battle-hardened Ouyang Jinghui was stunned. The agile tongue tasted fresh and sweet, gentle yet forceful, sweeping through his mouth with expert skill. If it hadn’t been Jiang Yi, Ouyang was sure he could have resisted. Being so boldly claimed and teased by him was a shock.
But Jiang Yi was also trembling. What did he have to lose? He wanted to know Ouyang’s reaction, wanted to ask him in return: What kind of person am I?
Now he wanted Ouyang to know who he was and for whom he was willing to let go. There was no alcohol, no muddled logic—just instinctive pursuit. Ouyang tried to push him away twice, but failed. The kiss ended.
No harsh words—that was a courtesy. But his shock was impossible to hide. “Jiang Yi, you…”
That handsome face burned with passion, eyebrows furrowed in extreme restraint and resolve. Of course, it wasn’t unheard of for a man to lose control under the influence of his body. But it had never been Jiang Yi who acted first. Who was he breaking his rules for tonight?
The room was dimly lit. Last time, Ouyang had looked down at him. Now their positions were reversed. The scene, the mood, the background music—all stripped away. Everything was transparent and bare. In the half-shadow of the room, they could still see each other’s expressions, but the mood was already urgent. Jiang Yi averted his gaze first, took a deep breath, and made a decision.
Then, Ouyang Jinghui watched in amazement as this man, always so perfectly composed and dignified, boldly stripped off his robe, pushed aside the sheet, and knelt before him, moving closer to him. Ouyang’s heart suddenly stirred, his hand reaching out, wanting something he couldn’t name.
Ouyang’s hand moved to his waist, his back, his arm, fingertips lingering gently between his neck, shoulder, and earlobe. He touched Jiang Yi as if he were a fragile work of art, unsure how to judge his authenticity. In truth, Ouyang Jinghui didn’t know how to proceed, or if he should. But his resistance had vanished. The Jiang Yi he saw tonight, never seen before, was too shocking. How could such a handsome, powerful man have so many sides? Even including seducing him into bed.
But suddenly Ouyang froze, his body stiffening. Almost at the same moment, the passion stopped abruptly. Jiang Yi paused and looked up at Ouyang in alarm. Realizing he’d made a huge mistake, he felt a deep regret. The heat dissipated instantly, and Ouyang’s expression turned icy, his eyes gradually revealing confusion and regret, as if he couldn’t believe how things had gotten so complicated.
Jiang Yi now only hoped it wasn’t too late to salvage the situation. He’d always believed that those who couldn’t control their desires weren’t truly rational, but today, he’d proven it with himself. He’d made a huge blunder, not only shocking Ouyang Jinghui but possibly offending him gravely. How could he have any right to make a move on him? If Ouyang truly got angry, how could he face himself? His thoughts were in chaos, with no time to recover his original intentions. The balance between them had been overturned by that night’s passionate prelude.
Ouyang’s reaction surprised Jiang Yi. He neither lost his temper nor stormed out. Instead, he took a deep breath, turned away, pulled the sheet over himself, and lay with his back to Jiang Yi, closing his eyes and making no further moves.
This, too, was a negative reaction—and a rather severe one. To Jiang Yi, Ouyang’s actions didn’t matter anymore. He’d already lost the initiative and messed everything up. All he could hope for now was that it wouldn’t affect their working relationship. That was all he had left.
Indeed, some people were off-limits, no matter how much you desired them. Jiang Yi told himself that if you lose, you have to admit defeat. He wasn’t the kind of person to push his luck.
But Jiang Yi wasn’t a saint either. That night, listening to Ouyang’s breathing, he not only failed to sleep but found his mind clearer and sharper than ever, occasionally pierced by sharp stings of regret. He thought about reaching for the sleeping pills in his bag, but feared waking Ouyang and making things worse. So he lay still in the darkness.
At six in the morning, Jiang Yi had already been sitting on the living room sofa for a full hour, his mind empty. He concluded that the best solution was to give up. It was a bad misunderstanding and couldn’t be allowed to get worse. He didn’t really know Ouyang’s true self, but he was confident that Ouyang wouldn’t let the night’s incident affect their work. After seeing Ouyang’s moment of abandon, Jiang Yi knew he wasn’t a stickler for rules—he liked a bit of excitement now and then. Jiang Yi had just been the spark. Now that the fire was out, everything would return to normal. They had to put on their public faces again, showing the world how wise they were.
In reality, the invisible mask wasn’t optional. The worst thing about men was how easily they could treat sex as entertainment. Even someone as noble as Ouyang couldn’t resist the extra thrill a rival offered. It had been an enlightening adventure. From Ouyang’s reactions, Jiang Yi could clearly see that he’d never had a homosexual experience. After the initial shock, he’d let down his guard and shown curiosity, but when Jiang Yi crossed the line, Ouyang’s male instincts kicked in, leading to an awkward end.
Jiang Yi used all his willpower to suppress the flood of anxiety. In recent years, he’d maintained a carefree, detached image, even among his lovers, but now that image was shaken. He’d broken his own rules, causing his principles to crumble and his confidence to waver.
Chapter 06
*
⬇️ Download as PDF
🎵 Play Audio