In the end, Qian Chuan didn’t manage to come up with anything enlightening; instead, he just kept gossiping about the mysterious man’s identity.
Qiao Nan found him annoying and, after only a short while, returned to Binjiang Villa.
He hid away in his room playing games all day and didn’t tell Pei Xu where he was.
But by seven in the evening, Pei Xu had also returned to Binjiang Villa.
The man stood outside the door, knocking gently, his voice warm and magnetic, “Nannan?”
Qiao Nan’s mind was still a bit of a mess; he hadn’t completely decided whether to accept him or not.
But when he heard that voice, he just couldn’t bring himself to refuse so firmly.
He hesitated for a moment, then put down his phone and went to open the door.
He only pulled the door open a crack, peeking out with a hint of caution, “What do you want?”
“Uncle Wang said you haven’t had dinner yet.”
Pei Xu made no move to enter.
“Not feeling hungry? Want to eat something? I’ll make it for you.”
Only then did Qiao Nan remember that when he was gaming, Uncle Wang had come to call him for dinner.
He’d casually refused at the time, but now that it was mentioned, he did feel a little hungry.
He glanced at Pei Xu.
The man had just gotten off work, still dressed in his suit.
Since the weather had turned cold, he wore a crisp wool coat over it—a deep gray, mid-length, checkered coat that made his tall, long-legged figure stand out.
Paired with those gold-rimmed glasses, he exuded the gentle, restrained air of an old-school gentleman—a look that was gentle and noble, quite the opposite of how he was in bed.
Unhappy, Qiao Nan pouted and, with a little vengeful intent, deliberately named a few complicated dishes.
Pei Xu agreed good-naturedly to everything.
Seeing Qiao Nan barefoot on the carpet, he reminded him, “It’s cold, don’t walk around barefoot. And don’t play games for too long—remember to rest your eyes.”
“Got it.”
Qiao Nan avoided his gaze and mumbled quietly.
Pei Xu went downstairs to prepare dinner.
There weren’t many people at home, and to keep the ingredients fresh, someone went out to buy them every morning.
At this hour, there wasn’t much left in the fridge, so Pei Xu drove out to the supermarket to shop.
When he returned and started cooking, Qiao Nan snuck downstairs.
It was early winter and the floor heating was already on.
Pei Xu wore only a white shirt, an apron tied at his waist, as he stood in the kitchen slicing vegetables.
Those long fingers, usually holding a fountain pen, now gripped a kitchen knife, filleting an entire fish into thin slices with smooth, practiced motions—a mesmerizing sight.
Qiao Nan lay on the dining table, chin resting on his arms, watching intently.
Those hands were defined and strong, the muscles of his forearms solid—hands that could easily pin him down…
Qiao Nan’s mind began to wander, his face flushing red.
He snapped himself out of it, only to find Pei Xu glancing at him with a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Qiao Nan’s face grew even hotter, and he complained to cover it up, “So slow, I’m hungry!”
Pei Xu beckoned him over, “Come here.”
Qiao Nan hesitated, but walked closer.
Pei Xu washed his hands, rummaged through the shopping bag, and found a piece of chocolate.
He unwrapped it and held it to Qiao Nan’s lips, “Have some chocolate to tide you over.”
Qiao Nan hesitated, then bent down to take the chocolate with his mouth.
But Pei Xu didn’t let go; instead, his fingers slipped in, stroking the inside of Qiao Nan’s mouth with a teasing touch.
The chocolate melted quickly.
When Pei Xu withdrew his fingers, they were coated in melted chocolate and a trace of moisture.
He lowered his head and licked his fingertip, lips curling as he looked at Qiao Nan, “A little sweet.”
Qiao Nan’s cheeks burned bright red; he glared, unable to say a word.
Pei Xu, as if nothing was out of the ordinary, wiped his hands clean, bent down and kissed Qiao Nan’s lips, coaxing softly, “Be good, just wait a little longer. Dinner will be ready soon.”
Qiao Nan was left blushing and breathless by the casual kiss, and finally stumbled back to his seat in a daze.
After dinner, Qiao Nan played with Qiao Xuxu in the yard to help digest, then went upstairs.
Pei Xu went up with him.
Qiao Nan’s new room was near the stairs, while Pei Xu’s was further inside.
As Qiao Nan opened his door, Pei Xu, who should have kept walking, instead turned and followed him in.
Qiao Nan was a step slow in reacting; before he could close the door, Pei Xu slipped in, pressing Qiao Nan against the door, “Nannan, when are you moving back in?”
“I just want to live alone.”
Qiao Nan pushed against his chest, trying hard to put some distance between them.
“But living apart is so inconvenient.”
Taking advantage of his height, Pei Xu leaned down, his shadow enveloping Qiao Nan, his tone low and teasing, “What if Nannan needs something in the middle of the night? If I come over and Uncle Wang or Aunt Chen sees, won’t they think we’re… having an affair?”
That deep, magnetic voice, laced with heat, slipped right into Qiao Nan’s ears.
Every suggestive word set his fragile, sensitive nerves alight.
He knew Pei Xu was just teasing, but Qiao Nan couldn’t help imagining the scene, his face flushing hot.
His skin was so pale it turned red easily; just a little teasing would make his neck and collarbone flush pink, making him look incredibly alluring.
Pei Xu loved him like this, like a delicate flower waiting to be picked.
He lowered his head and kissed him.
Qiao Nan curled his toes in embarrassment, but couldn’t help responding, arms climbing up Pei Xu’s shoulders, trying to keep up with his pace.
A low laugh rumbled in Pei Xu’s chest.
He gripped Qiao Nan’s waist and lifted him up.
Qiao Nan’s back pressed against the door, his toes suddenly off the ground, clinging to Pei Xu even tighter, letting out a nervous whimper.
Pei Xu gently squeezed the back of his neck, his voice hoarse, “Nannan, hold on to me.”
In the end, Qiao Nan still didn’t agree to move back, but Pei Xu would slip into his room from time to time.
And Qiao Nan’s attitude was tacit approval.
Pei Xu worked late much less now.
When he got off early, he would cook for Qiao Nan himself, or take Qiao Xuxu out for walks.
But more often, he would trap Qiao Nan in some quiet corner and kiss him without restraint.
Qiao Nan felt embarrassed by it, but couldn’t resist the double pull of physical and emotional desire.
He no longer rejected Pei Xu’s closeness.
Sometimes, caught up in passion, he’d even become especially proactive—while Pei Xu, like a seasoned hunter, waited patiently for every change in him.
***
Time flashed by, and it was already mid-December.
That day, Qiao Nan didn’t let Pei Xu pick him up after school, using homework as an excuse to stay in the studio.
Pei Xu’s birthday was coming up.
What should he give as a present?
In previous years, he would just ask directly, but things were different now.
If he asked, Pei Xu would probably make some embarrassing request.
Qiao Nan stared at the blank canvas for a long time, and finally decided to paint a portrait for Pei Xu.
He’d drawn all sorts of people before, but never a true portrait of Pei Xu.
Not as a brother, but as a lover.
Pei Xu’s image floated into his mind, making Qiao Nan blush as he mixed his paints and began sketching…
***
Pei Xu’s birthday was December 24th—Christmas Eve.
Qiao Nan secretly brought the painting home to Binjiang Villa early, planning to surprise Pei Xu when he got home from work.
But before Pei Xu returned, Qiao Nan got a call from him.
Pei Xu sounded a bit helpless on the phone, “Cheng Yu and the others organized a gathering. Some company executives and close business partners will be there. It’s not a formal banquet, just a small get-together at Springtime. Want to come?”
Qiao Nan was a little annoyed his plan was disrupted, but since it was Pei Xu’s birthday, he didn’t act up.
After thinking about it, he figured celebrating anywhere was the same—he could just give the gift later.
“I’ll come, but you have to wait until we’re home to see your present.”
The person on the other end chuckled, “Alright, I’ll have Zhao Bo pick you up.”
When Qiao Nan arrived, Springtime was already lively.
Most of the faces were unfamiliar—probably Pei Xu’s business partners.
The rest he recognized as Pei Xu’s classmates and some of the senior staff from Xu Nan.
After greeting the people he knew, he made his way to Pei Xu.
Pei Xu was sitting on the sofa with a wine glass, surrounded by Cheng Yu and a few men and women Qiao Nan didn’t recognize.
When Qiao Nan approached, they clinked glasses with Pei Xu, then drifted off to the dance floor.
The music was so loud that Qiao Nan had to lean in and shout, “Why’d you pick this place?”
Pei Xu looked helpless, “Cheng Yu arranged it. He said a proper birthday banquet would be too boring.”
Qiao Nan thought about his own birthday parties and had to admit they were pretty boring.
After chatting for a bit, he went to the bar and ordered a Flaming Tequila.
When he returned, more people had gathered around Pei Xu.
As he approached with his drink, he heard a magnetic, gentle voice say, “So it’s President Pei. We’ve met at a bar before—do you remember?”
Qiao Nan followed the voice and saw a stunningly handsome young man in a wine-red silk shirt, the hem tucked into tight jeans that accentuated his slim waist and long legs—radiant and eye-catching.
The young man extended his hand to Pei Xu with perfect manners, his sleeve rolled up just enough to reveal a pale, elegant wrist and a bold, colorful butterfly tattoo on the inside.
“Let’s get to know each other again. My name is Bai Rao.”
Pei Xu’s memory was always sharp.
He recalled quickly and shook hands politely, a little surprised, “You’re the Bai family’s second young master?”
Bai Rao raised an eyebrow and smiled, sitting down beside him.
“President Pei seems surprised? Actually, I’m surprised too. Who would’ve thought we’d be so fated to meet…”
He sipped his wine elegantly, his gaze lingering on Pei Xu with a hint of flirtation.
“Looks like I still have a chance to make up for some regrets.”
The others immediately exchanged knowing looks, eyes darting between the two.
The Bai family’s second young master was as famous for his romantic exploits as he was for his abilities.
He was originally an illegitimate son, not acknowledged by the Bai family.
But with his good looks and clever means, he’d forced his way into the circle—and even snatched some power from the Bai family’s eldest son.
Now, though the Bai family hadn’t officially recognized him, he was already in the main company.
He was at Pei Xu’s birthday party today because Bai Corp was about to co-develop a new project with Xu Nan, and Bai Rao was the project lead.
Faced with his blatant flirting, Pei Xu just smiled and said nothing.
But Qiao Nan suddenly felt a strange, hard-to-describe irritation.
He deliberately spoke up, “Brother, who’s this?”