Yu Sen had a rather long nap and wasn’t roused up by Si Xuanyang until nearly six o’clock.

Yes, he was ‘roused up.’

He really couldn’t understand why Si Xuanyang seemed so much more energetic than he was.

As he was woken up by someone nuzzling his neck, Yu Sen felt a wave of frustration and pushed the fluffy head away.

Si Xuanyang rubbed against the pillow beside him, sniffed lightly for a moment, and then spoke in a weirdly resentful tone, “Tsk, tsk, tsk… pushing me away right after, you really are a heartless man…”

Even though Yu Sen knew he was just acting, lying in the same bed made his cheeks flush. Remembering the wild indulgence from the afternoon, he awkwardly pulled the blanket tighter around himself and suddenly paused, “Did you… clean me up too?”

He recalled that after finishing, he was so overwhelmed by a wave of exhaustion that he didn’t want to move a finger. Even though his body felt sticky and uncomfortable, he quickly fell asleep without doing anything about it.

But now that he was awake, his entire body felt incredibly clean and dry, his pajamas were back on, and the bed was warm, filled with the fresh scent of body wash. The light filtering through the window had gradually turned into the golden glow of sunset, magnificent yet tranquil, as if time had stopped flowing.

He wished he could just stay in bed forever.

Yu Sen burrowed further into the blanket, leaving only his sleepy, misty eyes exposed, blinking alluringly at the person beside him who was falling deeper into temptation.

“Of course,” Si Xuanyang lay on his side, propping his head up with one hand, while the other reached over to Yu Sen’s face, playfully pinching it with a touch that was surprisingly gentle. “You were mumbling in your sleep, asking me to clean you.”

“Did… did I really?” Yu Sen laughed awkwardly, “Heh heh… I don’t really remember. Did you change the sheets and blankets too?”

“Yeah,” Si Xuanyang’s fingers slipped under the blanket and pressed against Yu Sen’s still slightly swollen lips, then leaned down to kiss him, “Your body was sticky, so you wouldn’t have slept well. You’re delicate, you need to be taken care of properly, with attention to detail.”

“Bullshit!”

Yu Sen was annoyed at being called delicate by someone younger, glaring at him fiercely. But from Si Xuanyang’s angle, Yu Sen’s eyes, still tinged with a hint of red from sleep, and his nose, resting against the blanket, appeared almost translucent, making his feigned ferocity seem more like an advanced form of seduction—both innocent and enticing.

At least, it made Si Xuanyang’s heart itch, wanting to crush him and swallow him whole.

But he couldn’t bear to do that.

“Glaring at me again? If you keep that up, I’ll make your little buddy down there stand up again.”

Si Xuanyang smirked darkly, his hand sliding under the blanket, easily lifting the hem of Yu Sen’s pajamas, his fingertips brushing lightly across his abdomen.

It felt like a tiny current of electricity passed through Yu Sen’s body, making his hair stand on end, and he nearly jumped out of bed.

He discreetly moved back a little, cautiously glaring at Si Xuanyang, then suddenly thought of something and quickly narrowed his eyes, not daring to open them too wide, glaring at him with gritted teeth, feeling utterly frustrated.

“How are you so full of energy? Aren’t you tired? This isn’t normal, the internet doesn’t say it’s like this…”

Si Xuanyang chuckled, “The internet? What sites are you visiting?”

Yu Sen stared at him without speaking.

Si Xuanyang laughed mysteriously and asked, “Have you ever read this phrase online?”

“What phrase?”

Leaning closer, Si Xuanyang pressed his lips to Yu Sen’s ear, the warmth scorching, his low voice tinged with a teasing smile that made half of Yu Sen’s body go numb:

—“There are only exhausted oxen, no ruined fields.”

It was like a thunderclap in his mind, exploding with a loud “boom.”

Yu Sen blushed, his heart skipping a beat.

He’d heard this saying before in his twenty-something years of life, but hearing it now, whispered teasingly by this younger guy after such a moment, with that teasing tone, really packed a punch.

“Why are you acting so old-fashioned?” Yu Sen knew after doing it that this kid was clearly a first-timer, “Cough… When did you read that phrase?”

“Just now, when you passed out from exhaustion.” Si Xuanyang replied earnestly.

“…Bullshit! I was just taking a nap! Don’t insult me! What do you mean ‘passed out from exhaustion’! Say that again!” Yu Sen reached out with both hands to choke him.

“Okay, okay… my bad, Ge! You were just sleeping, just sleeping…” Si Xuanyang laughed, sticking out his tongue.

It was indeed just sleep, but it was a deep sleep.

Yu Sen usually didn’t sleep well, always a light sleeper, but this time he didn’t react to any slight disturbances, so Si Xuanyang didn’t tell him that when he carried him to the bath, he had the servants change the sheets and blankets and, out of concern, called a doctor to check on him. The doctor confirmed that he was only exhausted and sleeping deeply, which put Si Xuanyang at ease.

However, the doctor’s lingering gaze on both of them was rather odd and complex, especially the glance filled with pity and affection when he noticed the marks on Yu Sen’s neck, which left Si Xuanyang feeling rather weary.

“Stop moving around, or you’ll get dizzy,” Si Xuanyang grabbed Yu Sen’s wrist and bit down on the tender flesh that was pale enough to reveal the blue-purple veins underneath. Ignoring his shiver, he held on tightly, “It’s time to eat. The doctor said you should eat small meals more frequently, but you didn’t eat anything this afternoon. Your body won’t hold up.”

“I did eat something!” Yu Sen, unwilling to admit defeat, shot a challenging look at Si Xuanyang.

“You slept like a log, didn’t even wake up, so what did you eat? I was right here next to you, I would know.”

Yu Sen hummed twice, suddenly lifted his head, and wrapped his arms around Si Xuanyang’s neck, laughing mischievously.

“I’m going to eat you up!”

“Ha!” Si Xuanyang chuckled, holding his waist and dragging him out of the bed, “That won’t do. At most, I’m your spiritual nourishment, but I can’t actually fill you up.”

“Oh, you’re just as shameless as I am! Spiritual nourishment, really? Have you no shame?”

“Nope!”

Si Xuanyang laughed, his eyes squinting and mouth wide with a grin. He was in an exceptionally good mood after everything that had happened, wrapping Yu Sen tightly in a wool blanket and carrying him horizontally.

The wool blanket was soft and snug, keeping every bit of wind out. Yu Sen’s cheek was pressed against Si Xuanyang’s neck, the warmth spreading from his face to his heart, making him feel cozy and comfortable. He just wanted to stay in his arms forever without moving.

“Aren’t you tired at all?” Feeling a bit embarrassed, Yu Sen rubbed his face against him since he couldn’t free his arms from the blanket. “Maybe you should put me down. I’ve got plenty of energy to walk this short distance, and the doctor did say I should exercise more.”

“The doctor said to exercise when you’re well-nourished and physically fit,” Si Xuanyang replied, carrying him out of the room without breaking a sweat, “Besides, you’ll have plenty of time to exercise later…”

“With me,” he added bluntly after a brief pause, making sure Yu Sen understood, “in bed.”

“…You’ve changed, you rogue!”

Yu Sen mumbled as he snuggled in his arms. It wasn’t until they reached downstairs that he saw Si Nan, who had an exasperated expression after being showered with their affection. “You’re still here?” Yu Sen asked in surprise.

Si Nan was furious: “Where am I supposed to go? You tell me, where can I go? This is my home too! Can you two stop forgetting about your brother and best friend just because you’re in love? Was I this much of a friend-neglecter when I was in love? Heartless jerks, leaving me alone all afternoon…”

Luo Yu had been staying at the Si family’s mansion for a while, dealing with school and family matters. After spending some time there at noon, he went home for a bit, leaving Si Nan behind.

Si Nan had planned to discuss with them how to handle their parents, but as soon as they started talking, they locked themselves in the room.

He waited patiently without knocking, even worrying a bit when Si Xuanyang brought the doctor into the room, fearing something was wrong with Yu Sen’s health. But when they finally came out, he realized his concern was completely unnecessary.

They left him miserable while they happily rolled around in bed!

And they even had the doctor come over!

How intense could they get during the day?

Was it really necessary?

“Calm down, calm down,” Yu Sen laughed, seeing Si Nan so angry, “Don’t let our happiness come at your expense.”

“…Today is the day we end our friendship…”

Si Xuanyang placed Yu Sen on the sofa, where he relaxed comfortably, waiting for dinner and slowly putting on a thick, plush pajama jacket.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Si Xuanyang watched as Yu Sen fastened the last button, then turned to see Aunt Zhang heading to open the door. “Who’s here? Yun Ting?” he asked.

Aunt Zhang glanced at the surveillance video, pressed the button to unlock the door, and replied, “It’s not Miss Yun. It’s Mr. and Mrs. Si’s car.”

Si Nan jumped up in alarm: “…Danger!!!”

Yu Sen raised an eyebrow in surprise: Here so soon? Did they come to catch Si Nan? Those two are really something… So idle and gossipy!

“Yang Yang! You have to help me this time!” Si Nan hurriedly said, his voice trembling with fear. “I can’t take their nagging anymore; it’s driving me crazy! They’ve always been lenient with you, so say a few more words and send them away… Plus, Yu Ge is here too! Get them out of here; they don’t know about you and Yu Ge yet!”

Just as he finished speaking, a voice came from the door: “What don’t we know about?”

Hearing the voice, Si Nan instantly wilted like a plant hit by frost.

Yu Sen turned his head and looked over, surprised.

From Si Nan’s descriptions, he had expected Mrs. Si to be a sharp, commanding woman with a fierce appearance—a strong-willed matron.

But in person, she looked… endearingly sweet.

Although she was certainly older, at first glance, she appeared to be around thirty. Some might even believe she was in her late twenties.

Good skincare played a part, but more importantly, her overall demeanor and vitality didn’t resemble a ‘rich lady’ at all. Instead, she exuded a friendly and charming youthful energy.

Yu Sen suddenly didn’t know how to interact with her.

While he was momentarily stunned, Shu Yuqing had already walked over to a single-seater sofa, giving her eldest son a disapproving look. “What’s the point of running away? Besides your brother’s place, can you think of anywhere else to hide? I catch you every time without any effort.”

Si Nan pulled a face, remaining silent. Si Xuanyang greeted her, “Mom, did you come alone? Where’s Dad?”

“He went back to Europe to finalize a project. He wouldn’t have rushed over if it weren’t for your brother.”

Shu Yuqing waved her hand and peeked into the kitchen. “I haven’t eaten yet, and I’m starving. Have you guys started dinner? Aunt Zhang! Aunt Zhang, is dinner ready? Add a sea cucumber rice for me and make some steamed egg with caviar!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

She’s staying for dinner? Si Nan’s face turned pale, and he huddled next to Yu Sen, muttering, “I don’t know if my dad’s really working on a project. Both my parents suspect that Luo Yu and I adopted a child abroad, and now I’m constantly worried that he’s gone to investigate.”

“Did you adopt one?” Yu Sen asked softly.

“Of course not! How long have I known Luo Yu!” Si Nan was almost heartbroken by the doubts from his best friend.

“Chattering away, what’s going on?”

Shu Yuqing’s eyes, which had a hint of sharpness, landed on Yu Sen. From his obviously homewear attire, her gaze slowly moved up to a suspected hickey on his neck, then to the almost zero-distance contact between his and Si Nan’s arms. With Luo Yu nowhere in sight, her innate ability for deduction immediately went into overdrive, and her eyes suddenly became horrified.

“You, you, you… who are you?”

In the few seconds of silence, Shu Yuqing could even hear her heart beating loudly.

Si Nan quickly interjected, “He’s my—”

“He’s yours!!!?? You bastard! Scumbag! How can you be two-timing like this! Where’s Luo Yu!?”

Shu Yuqing instantly lost her temper, her eyes widening in disbelief like two shiny black grapes, looking somewhat cute. This made Yu Sen laugh inappropriately, and his laughter sounded somewhat eerie in this situation, making Shu Yuqing shiver twice.

“No, no, no… Can you let me explain before you shout! He’s my best friend!” Si Nan said helplessly. “As for Luo Yu, he has a bunch of things to deal with at home and school, he can’t be here all the time.”

“Ah… oh, oh…”

Shu Yuqing let out a sigh of relief but still kept her wary gaze on Yu Sen, watching his soft pajamas, the reddish mark on his neck, the alluring blush at the corners of his eyes, and his lips that seemed bitten and swollen…

The more she stared, the more uneasy she felt.

No matter how it looked, it didn’t seem like a proper good friend.

But since Si Nan said so, she felt embarrassed to directly voice her doubts, her gaze hopping back and forth between the two, focusing on their interactions while neglecting her own younger son.

At this moment, she didn’t connect Si Xuanyang with Yu Sen at all.

Yu Sen didn’t shy away, meeting Shu Yuqing’s gaze, snuggling comfortably on the sofa, smiling sweetly, and said, “Hello, Auntie.”

“…Hello.” Shu Yuqing’s expression was stiff.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward.

Si Xuanyang was unaffected, glanced at his watch, furrowed his brows, and looked at the nearby nutritionist, who nodded at him. Si Xuanyang then said in a low voice, “Yu Sen’s meal is ready, so let’s eat first. Mom, yours will take a little longer.”

Shu Yuqing was shocked: “Why? Can’t we wait until mine is ready and eat together?”

“He has a bad stomach and low blood sugar. If we wait, it might cause problems.”

Shu Yuqing was stunned, looking around and only then realizing that there were other people in the house.

She was used to living in the Si family mansion and didn’t immediately notice anything unusual with so many people around. But thinking about it carefully, this was where Si Xuanyang and Si Nan usually lived. They both didn’t like having too many people around, even Aunt Zhang, who worked here, only cleaned and cooked before leaving every day.

Why were there so many people now?

Si Nan saw her expression and decided to let her gradually understand the situation, tugging at her sleeve: “Mom, Yu Ge is here recuperating. He had some health issues and got injured. These nutritionists and caregivers were all hired by Yang Yang.”

“Oh…” Shu Yuqing’s expression was still puzzled. She felt something was off and turned to look at Yu Sen, almost fainting when she saw the next scene.

— Her usually irritable and handsome younger son was gently carrying the strange person on the sofa!!!

In a princess carry!

Si Xuanyang was originally looking down at the floor, but he didn’t see Yu Sen’s slippers, suddenly remembering that he had carried him downstairs, so naturally, he forgot about the slippers.

It was absolutely impossible for Yu Sen to walk barefoot on the ground. Si Xuanyang naturally bent down to lift him up, habitually cradling him as if he were a plush toy from his childhood, not wanting to let go.

As he carried him, he thought that after doing this so many times, it felt smoother each time, and his body seemed to have muscle memory, holding him perfectly in his arms, like he didn’t want to let go.

“What are you doing—!!!” Shu Yuqing felt like her forty-some years of life had just received the biggest shock.

Si Nan also gasped, not expecting these two to be so oblivious, giving his mother such a big shock.

Just a few steps away, couldn’t Yu Ge walk on his own!?

What, are you a mermaid? Is walking on the ground like walking on a knife edge!?

Compared to the two who were not calm at all, the pair at the center of the storm remained calm.

Si Xuanyang looked down and pointed at the empty carpet: “Look, no slippers.”

Shu Yuqing: “…”

Si Nan: “…”

What does that mean? The carpet is so thick! What difference does it make whether you wear slippers or not?

Yu Sen blinked his watery eyes, his face a bit pale under the light, his jet-black eyelashes trembling slightly, contrasting sharply like a clean and pure ink painting that could be torn apart with a single rip.

He leaned against Si Xuanyang’s shoulder, slowly explaining: “I was tired in the room this afternoon and had no strength to walk…”

Shu Yuqing: “!!!”

Don’t say it!!! It’s too vivid!!!

Si Nan swallowed, his face complicated, thinking about how the doctor had been in the bedroom earlier that afternoon, realizing that Yu Sen was indeed exhausted. However, saying it so directly…

“There’s a bit of an acting element involved,” Si Xuanyang whispered into Yu Sen’s ear.

Yu Sen glanced at him sideways, said nothing, and rested his face gently on Si Xuanyang’s neck, his eyes slightly drooping, looking listless.

Like a lotus flower.

Although it was indeed an intentional act, he actually did get quite tired as he went on. Plus, he hadn’t eaten anything all afternoon, and his chapped lips were turning pale. If he weren’t being carried right now, he wouldn’t dare to guarantee that he wouldn’t faint from just a few steps.

The weight in his arms had become much softer, and it was clear that Si Xuanyang had noticed something was off. Not daring to argue further with Shu Yuqing, he quickly said, “I’ll take him to eat first,” and directly carried him out of the living room.

This left Shu Yuqing with a stunned expression, and once she came to her senses, she grabbed Si Nan and wouldn’t let him leave, glaring and demanding, “What’s going on here!? Explain it to me clearly! What’s their relationship? Don’t tell me they’re just ordinary friends; I’m not blind!”

“……”

Si Nan let out a sorrowful sigh, feeling that his future was looking bleak.

---

On the other side, Yu Sen was eating slowly while keeping an eye on Si Nan and Shu Yuqing. After all, Shu Yuqing was Si Xuanyang’s mother. Although he had planned to meet the parents eventually, this situation was sudden, and he didn’t want to upset her.

Despite his calm appearance, he was seriously considering being with Si Xuanyang and didn’t want Si Xuanyang to be caught between him and his parents.

He sighed, feeling increasingly anxious, and nearly turned his noodles into a mess with his chopsticks.

When he looked over again, Si Xuanyang could no longer stand it and forcefully turned his head back.

“Focus on eating. Being distracted will affect your digestion. Do you want me to feed you? That would probably be even more upsetting for my mom, though it might be good to get it over with in one go so I don’t have to explain everything to her.”

Yu Sen pouted, clicked his tongue, and asked, “What if your mom writes me a two-billion-dollar check to break up with you? What then?”

This is the kind of melodramatic idea influenced by soap operas…

Si Xuanyang laughed and put some vegetables on his chopsticks, saying slowly, “If she offers that, then I’ll just work harder to win you back!”