Chapter 01
*
There have only ever been two people that Lin Hao has been truly scared of in his life.
One is his dad. The other is Shen Yu.
His dad’s fighting skills are off the charts, so being scared of him is only natural.
As for Shen Yu, Lin Hao bullied him for over a decade. By all logic, Shen Yu should be the last person Lin Hao would ever be afraid of. But on the night of their high school graduation, Lin Hao got so drunk he mistook Shen Yu for a woman, tried to have his way with him, and ended up getting his own butt handed to him—literally. It’s a memory he’d rather never revisit!
Ever since that night, Lin Hao has been dodging Shen Yu like the plague. He even went to college overseas, making sure that wherever Shen Yu was, he was not.
He managed to avoid him for a solid four years, until he came back home—only to have his dad drop a bombshell on him: “I’ve talked to your Uncle Shen. Next week, you’re starting an internship at Shen Corporation. You’ll be learning directly from Shen Yu. Make sure you pay attention!”
Lin Hao was dumbfounded.
Learn from Shen Yu? Learn what, exactly? How to get his butt kicked?
No way! Lin Hao had his pride!
He protested with all his might, refusing to go to Shen Corporation.
His dad took off his slipper, ready to smack him, so Lin Hao scrambled to his mom for help.
His mom just patted his head kindly and said, “Go on, honey. This time, listen to your father.”
With even his own mom not backing him up, Lin Hao felt like a 22-year-old oversized puppy, full of grievance.
His dad then ordered, “Get ready. Tonight, you’re coming with me to a banquet.”
Lin Hao didn’t want to go, but one glare from his dad had him muttering, “Fine, fine, I’ll go, okay?”
So Lin Hao, looking all proper and respectable, followed his dad to the event. The moment he stepped into the hall, he spotted someone even more proper and respectable—Shen Yu.
He was baffled.
Back in kindergarten, Shen Yu was more delicate than any little girl. In elementary school, he was sweeter than any little girl. In middle school, he was prettier than any little girl... So how did he end up growing into a six-foot-three “refined scoundrel” now?
All because he popped his cherry after high school graduation?
Thinking about it made Lin Hao’s stomach (not his butt, really) hurt.
And then, seeing the gorgeous woman next to Shen Yu—his stomach really started to ache!
Fair skin, red lips, wavy hair, tiny waist, long legs...
Every feature made Lin Hao’s heart tremble.
Why?!
Why does Shen Yu get to have such a bombshell by his side, while Lin Hao is left with psychological trauma and can’t even stand up straight?
He couldn’t dwell on it, or he’d lose his mind!
His dad noticed. “What’s wrong with you?”
Lin Hao muttered, “I’m going to the restroom.”
He didn’t want to watch the lovebirds, so he made a quick escape.
Instead of the restroom, he headed to the balcony and lit a cigarette.
A man’s got to have something, and if it’s not a woman, at least he’s got his smokes. Lin Hao’s side profile was the picture of melancholy.
He looked so handsomely sad that he attracted a beauty.
The woman winked at him.
Lin Hao, though a little rusty, still had a wandering eye. He flashed her a grin.
She sashayed over, drink in hand, and Lin Hao’s wounded heart felt instantly soothed.
Her legs were long, straight, and pale—Lin Hao’s hands itched just looking at them.
The mood was heating up, the two getting closer and closer, when Lin Hao suddenly glanced up and saw a man standing against the light.
Tailored suit, long legs, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a wine glass. Under the crystal chandelier, his features were sharp and cold, as if he were the winter sea—handsome, but stormy.
It was Shen Yu!
Never one to lose face, Lin Hao called out, “President Shen, long time no see.” He even flashed his signature mischievous grin, showing off his dimples.
Shen Yu didn’t smile, his words as cold and distant as ever: “Long time no see.”
The beauty, hearing “President Shen,” immediately turned around, her heart fluttering.
Lin Hao, annoyed, started shooing her away: “Let’s add each other on WeChat and chat later, okay?”
The beauty, weighing her options, decided the cute guy was the better bet and quickly scanned his QR code.
They chatted and laughed, while Shen Yu’s eyes grew colder and colder.
Lin Hao felt pretty smug: Jealous, are you? Envious? See, I’ve still got it!
But when the beauty left and it was just him and Shen Yu, Lin Hao wasn’t so cocky anymore.
Because Shen Yu immediately asked, “You’re coming to Shen Corporation?”
Lin Hao was about to say “Like hell I am,” when Shen Yu added, “Don’t come.”
What’s the definition of reverse psychology? Beg me to go, I won’t. Tell me not to go, and I’ll show up just to spite you!
Lin Hao raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”
Shen Yu stared at him for a long moment before saying, “I don’t want to see you.”
He doesn’t want to see him? He actually said he didn’t want to see him!
Sure, the one who makes the first move is supposed to be the shameless one, but Lin Hao was the one who got his butt kicked, okay?
If Shen Yu was so bothered, why did he drag things out in the car, then continue in the hotel?
That night left Lin Hao with a psychological scar! He’d never cried that hard, not even after eighteen years of getting smacked by his dad!
And now Shen Yu is still mad? Still doesn’t want to see him?
Lin Hao exploded: “Shen Corporation isn’t even yours yet! Who are you to tell me what to do?”
Shen Yu’s eyes turned icy. “Lin Hao, that’s enough.”
Lin Hao was furious: “You get lost! I’ll go wherever I want!”
With that, Lin Hao tried to storm off, but Shen Yu blocked his path, pinning him against the balcony railing.
He glared at him, eyes blazing. “Why did you come back?”
Who would’ve thought—the guy he bullied all his life had grown half a head taller than him!
Lin Hao felt a little intimidated, but he kept up the bravado: “None of your business!”
Shen Yu reached out—his long fingers were surprisingly strong—and gripped Lin Hao’s shoulder, warning, “Stay away from me.”
Lin Hao had been fighting people since he was a kid; he could lose a fight, but never his dignity. He shoved Shen Yu away and snapped, “Who the hell wants to get close to you!”
He said that, but three days later, Lin Hao’s flashy custom sports car was parked right outside Shen Corporation.
Lin Hao strutted in with sunglasses, looking like a superstar.
Word spread fast—everyone at Shen Corporation knew the Lin family’s young master had arrived, and people peeked from behind corners to get a look.
Lin Hao kept his chin up, ignoring everyone, and didn’t even take off his sunglasses when he entered the office building.
The receptionist, Xiao Zhang, knew better than to mess with him, so she just quietly explained his tasks and left him alone.
Lin Hao coolly replied, “Mm.”
Once Xiao Zhang was gone, Lin Hao finally took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of spectacular black eyes—panda eyes!
So much for saving face. His dad had socked him right in the eye—how humiliating!
It’s just an internship at Shen Corporation, right? No need for violence, Dad!
Lin Hao felt wronged, but there was no one to complain to. Just thinking about Shen Yu’s sour face made his stomach hurt again.
He’d skipped dinner the night before in a fit of anger, and left early this morning without breakfast. Now it was almost 10:30—no wonder his stomach was killing him.
All Shen Yu’s fault! That heartless jerk!
Lin Hao was clutching his stomach and whining to himself when the door suddenly opened.
He hurriedly put on his sunglasses, and looked up—only to see the heartless jerk himself.
Lin Hao puffed up his chest, determined not to show weakness: “Stay away from me. Shen Corporation isn’t so small that I have to see you every time I turn a corner!”
Shen Yu, expressionless, walked over and said in a low voice, “Take off your sunglasses.”
Lin Hao got nervous. “Mind your own business... Hey—Shen Yu!”
Before he could finish, Shen Yu, with his long arms, deftly snatched the sunglasses off his face.
The bruises around his eyes stood out starkly against his pale skin. Shen Yu stared at him for a long moment.
Lin Hao, embarrassed and angry, snapped, “What are you looking at? Want a fight?”
Shen Yu said, “Shut up.” Then he turned and walked out.
He left... just like that, and even took Lin Hao’s sunglasses with him!
Lin Hao was fuming. He stood up abruptly, but the sudden movement made his stomach cramp, and he yelped in pain.
Shen Yu, who was about to leave, stopped in his tracks. He turned and saw Lin Hao doubled over.
“You skipped breakfast again?” Shen Yu strode over.
Lin Hao couldn’t stand up straight, slumped over the desk. He didn’t want to be like this, but he just couldn’t take it anymore.
To his surprise, Shen Yu scooped him up in his arms.
Lin Hao was so startled, he forgot about his stomachache: “What... what are you doing?”
Shen Yu carried him into the break room.
Lin Hao, now a little scared, stammered, “Don’t take advantage of me while I’m weak...” Who would’ve thought the scrawny kid from before would grow up into this “bear” of a man!
Shen Yu shot him a look, then, without a word, started unbuttoning Lin Hao’s jacket.
Lin Hao’s mind was racing: Oh no, oh no, here comes another butt-kicking!
One is his dad. The other is Shen Yu.
His dad’s fighting skills are off the charts, so being scared of him is only natural.
As for Shen Yu, Lin Hao bullied him for over a decade. By all logic, Shen Yu should be the last person Lin Hao would ever be afraid of. But on the night of their high school graduation, Lin Hao got so drunk he mistook Shen Yu for a woman, tried to have his way with him, and ended up getting his own butt handed to him—literally. It’s a memory he’d rather never revisit!
Ever since that night, Lin Hao has been dodging Shen Yu like the plague. He even went to college overseas, making sure that wherever Shen Yu was, he was not.
He managed to avoid him for a solid four years, until he came back home—only to have his dad drop a bombshell on him: “I’ve talked to your Uncle Shen. Next week, you’re starting an internship at Shen Corporation. You’ll be learning directly from Shen Yu. Make sure you pay attention!”
Lin Hao was dumbfounded.
Learn from Shen Yu? Learn what, exactly? How to get his butt kicked?
No way! Lin Hao had his pride!
He protested with all his might, refusing to go to Shen Corporation.
His dad took off his slipper, ready to smack him, so Lin Hao scrambled to his mom for help.
His mom just patted his head kindly and said, “Go on, honey. This time, listen to your father.”
With even his own mom not backing him up, Lin Hao felt like a 22-year-old oversized puppy, full of grievance.
His dad then ordered, “Get ready. Tonight, you’re coming with me to a banquet.”
Lin Hao didn’t want to go, but one glare from his dad had him muttering, “Fine, fine, I’ll go, okay?”
So Lin Hao, looking all proper and respectable, followed his dad to the event. The moment he stepped into the hall, he spotted someone even more proper and respectable—Shen Yu.
He was baffled.
Back in kindergarten, Shen Yu was more delicate than any little girl. In elementary school, he was sweeter than any little girl. In middle school, he was prettier than any little girl... So how did he end up growing into a six-foot-three “refined scoundrel” now?
All because he popped his cherry after high school graduation?
Thinking about it made Lin Hao’s stomach (not his butt, really) hurt.
And then, seeing the gorgeous woman next to Shen Yu—his stomach really started to ache!
Fair skin, red lips, wavy hair, tiny waist, long legs...
Every feature made Lin Hao’s heart tremble.
Why?!
Why does Shen Yu get to have such a bombshell by his side, while Lin Hao is left with psychological trauma and can’t even stand up straight?
He couldn’t dwell on it, or he’d lose his mind!
His dad noticed. “What’s wrong with you?”
Lin Hao muttered, “I’m going to the restroom.”
He didn’t want to watch the lovebirds, so he made a quick escape.
Instead of the restroom, he headed to the balcony and lit a cigarette.
A man’s got to have something, and if it’s not a woman, at least he’s got his smokes. Lin Hao’s side profile was the picture of melancholy.
He looked so handsomely sad that he attracted a beauty.
The woman winked at him.
Lin Hao, though a little rusty, still had a wandering eye. He flashed her a grin.
She sashayed over, drink in hand, and Lin Hao’s wounded heart felt instantly soothed.
Her legs were long, straight, and pale—Lin Hao’s hands itched just looking at them.
The mood was heating up, the two getting closer and closer, when Lin Hao suddenly glanced up and saw a man standing against the light.
Tailored suit, long legs, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a wine glass. Under the crystal chandelier, his features were sharp and cold, as if he were the winter sea—handsome, but stormy.
It was Shen Yu!
Never one to lose face, Lin Hao called out, “President Shen, long time no see.” He even flashed his signature mischievous grin, showing off his dimples.
Shen Yu didn’t smile, his words as cold and distant as ever: “Long time no see.”
The beauty, hearing “President Shen,” immediately turned around, her heart fluttering.
Lin Hao, annoyed, started shooing her away: “Let’s add each other on WeChat and chat later, okay?”
The beauty, weighing her options, decided the cute guy was the better bet and quickly scanned his QR code.
They chatted and laughed, while Shen Yu’s eyes grew colder and colder.
Lin Hao felt pretty smug: Jealous, are you? Envious? See, I’ve still got it!
But when the beauty left and it was just him and Shen Yu, Lin Hao wasn’t so cocky anymore.
Because Shen Yu immediately asked, “You’re coming to Shen Corporation?”
Lin Hao was about to say “Like hell I am,” when Shen Yu added, “Don’t come.”
What’s the definition of reverse psychology? Beg me to go, I won’t. Tell me not to go, and I’ll show up just to spite you!
Lin Hao raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”
Shen Yu stared at him for a long moment before saying, “I don’t want to see you.”
He doesn’t want to see him? He actually said he didn’t want to see him!
Sure, the one who makes the first move is supposed to be the shameless one, but Lin Hao was the one who got his butt kicked, okay?
If Shen Yu was so bothered, why did he drag things out in the car, then continue in the hotel?
That night left Lin Hao with a psychological scar! He’d never cried that hard, not even after eighteen years of getting smacked by his dad!
And now Shen Yu is still mad? Still doesn’t want to see him?
Lin Hao exploded: “Shen Corporation isn’t even yours yet! Who are you to tell me what to do?”
Shen Yu’s eyes turned icy. “Lin Hao, that’s enough.”
Lin Hao was furious: “You get lost! I’ll go wherever I want!”
With that, Lin Hao tried to storm off, but Shen Yu blocked his path, pinning him against the balcony railing.
He glared at him, eyes blazing. “Why did you come back?”
Who would’ve thought—the guy he bullied all his life had grown half a head taller than him!
Lin Hao felt a little intimidated, but he kept up the bravado: “None of your business!”
Shen Yu reached out—his long fingers were surprisingly strong—and gripped Lin Hao’s shoulder, warning, “Stay away from me.”
Lin Hao had been fighting people since he was a kid; he could lose a fight, but never his dignity. He shoved Shen Yu away and snapped, “Who the hell wants to get close to you!”
He said that, but three days later, Lin Hao’s flashy custom sports car was parked right outside Shen Corporation.
Lin Hao strutted in with sunglasses, looking like a superstar.
Word spread fast—everyone at Shen Corporation knew the Lin family’s young master had arrived, and people peeked from behind corners to get a look.
Lin Hao kept his chin up, ignoring everyone, and didn’t even take off his sunglasses when he entered the office building.
The receptionist, Xiao Zhang, knew better than to mess with him, so she just quietly explained his tasks and left him alone.
Lin Hao coolly replied, “Mm.”
Once Xiao Zhang was gone, Lin Hao finally took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of spectacular black eyes—panda eyes!
So much for saving face. His dad had socked him right in the eye—how humiliating!
It’s just an internship at Shen Corporation, right? No need for violence, Dad!
Lin Hao felt wronged, but there was no one to complain to. Just thinking about Shen Yu’s sour face made his stomach hurt again.
He’d skipped dinner the night before in a fit of anger, and left early this morning without breakfast. Now it was almost 10:30—no wonder his stomach was killing him.
All Shen Yu’s fault! That heartless jerk!
Lin Hao was clutching his stomach and whining to himself when the door suddenly opened.
He hurriedly put on his sunglasses, and looked up—only to see the heartless jerk himself.
Lin Hao puffed up his chest, determined not to show weakness: “Stay away from me. Shen Corporation isn’t so small that I have to see you every time I turn a corner!”
Shen Yu, expressionless, walked over and said in a low voice, “Take off your sunglasses.”
Lin Hao got nervous. “Mind your own business... Hey—Shen Yu!”
Before he could finish, Shen Yu, with his long arms, deftly snatched the sunglasses off his face.
The bruises around his eyes stood out starkly against his pale skin. Shen Yu stared at him for a long moment.
Lin Hao, embarrassed and angry, snapped, “What are you looking at? Want a fight?”
Shen Yu said, “Shut up.” Then he turned and walked out.
He left... just like that, and even took Lin Hao’s sunglasses with him!
Lin Hao was fuming. He stood up abruptly, but the sudden movement made his stomach cramp, and he yelped in pain.
Shen Yu, who was about to leave, stopped in his tracks. He turned and saw Lin Hao doubled over.
“You skipped breakfast again?” Shen Yu strode over.
Lin Hao couldn’t stand up straight, slumped over the desk. He didn’t want to be like this, but he just couldn’t take it anymore.
To his surprise, Shen Yu scooped him up in his arms.
Lin Hao was so startled, he forgot about his stomachache: “What... what are you doing?”
Shen Yu carried him into the break room.
Lin Hao, now a little scared, stammered, “Don’t take advantage of me while I’m weak...” Who would’ve thought the scrawny kid from before would grow up into this “bear” of a man!
Shen Yu shot him a look, then, without a word, started unbuttoning Lin Hao’s jacket.
Lin Hao’s mind was racing: Oh no, oh no, here comes another butt-kicking!