The golden sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, enveloping most of the office. The only sound in the peaceful space was the ticking of the clock.

Yun Pei remained motionless, leaning against the man’s shoulder. He could still feel the sensation lingering on his eyelashes, but his mind was blank.

A teardrop had landed on his lips. Qin Mingyuan gently pressed his lips together, tasting the salty bitterness, and suddenly became more aware of his surroundings.

He couldn’t quite describe what he felt at that moment, but this action didn’t surprise him. It felt so natural, as if this was how it was always meant to be.

As the weight on his shoulder disappeared, Yun Pei lifted his head to look at him. His lashes were damp with tears, and the corners of his eyes were red. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came out.

Qin Mingyuan met his gaze and followed his movements, his eyes falling on Yun Pei’s lips. The color was pale with a soft pink hue, looking very delicate.

Yun Pei assumed their earlier touch had been accidental. Asking about it now would likely make things awkward for both of them. He sniffled, raising his hand to rub his tear-streaked eyes.

Before his fingers could reach the corners of his eyes, they were gently held by someone. Yun Pei froze for a moment and looked up again at the man, finding that Qin Mingyuan was watching him intently. In those dark eyes, Yun Pei saw his own reflection, growing larger in his vision.

His eyes began to heat up, and he was left stunned. The soft sensation this time was unmistakably pressed against his eyelids. No matter how much he tried to convince himself it was unintentional, he couldn’t.

Qin Mingyuan kissed away the moisture from his eyes, then leaned back. The young man stared blankly at him, still not fully processing what had just happened, looking dazed like a startled rabbit.

Qin Mingyuan gently rubbed Yun Pei’s hand and pulled it toward his chest, slowly leaning in again, giving Yun Pei plenty of time to push him away.

Yun Pei watched as Qin Mingyuan moved closer, guessing what he intended to do. His heartbeat quickened, but instead of feeling repelled, a subtle sense of anticipation rose within him.

As their breaths began to intertwine, Yun Pei slowly closed his eyes.

Qin Mingyuan paused for a moment, amusement flashing in his eyes. Then, without hesitation, he lowered his head and kissed him.

Their soft, warm lips touched, and both of them trembled slightly, as if their very souls were brushing against each other.

Qin Mingyuan gently parted Yun Pei’s lips, holding him close. His lowered gaze focused on Yun Pei’s trembling eyelashes, knowing they were both equally nervous. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he deepened the kiss.

The hand that had rested on Yun Pei’s shoulder moved upward, caressing the back of his neck. His thumb brushed against Yun Pei’s earlobe, which felt hot. Qin Mingyuan knew without looking that it must be thoroughly red by now.

“Mm…”

Yun Pei let out a soft, involuntary sound as his mouth was occupied. His hand, held by Qin Mingyuan, reflexively tightened, clutching his shirt.

Qin Mingyuan was further stirred by Yun Pei’s soft moan. He pressed harder on Yun Pei’s nape, tilting his head to deepen the kiss even more passionately.

The wheelchair’s armrest between them began to feel like an obstruction. Qin Mingyuan, as if soothing Yun Pei, gently ruffled the hair at the back of his head, released his hand, and then wrapped his arm around Yun Pei’s waist, effortlessly lifting him onto his lap.

The wheelchair slid back a little due to the sudden movement. Startled by this unexpected action, Yun Pei instinctively wrapped his arms around Qin Mingyuan’s neck to steady himself, bringing them even closer.

A low chuckle rumbled from Qin Mingyuan’s chest, making Yun Pei’s face heat up in embarrassment. He didn’t dare open his eyes. Instead, he lightly formed his hand into a fist and gave Qin Mingyuan’s shoulder a soft, half-hearted punch.

The weak impact did nothing to deter Qin Mingyuan. He tightened his hold on Yun Pei’s waist, pulling him firmly into his embrace.

The quiet atmosphere in the office gradually became more heated. The sunlight cast their intertwined shadows onto the ground, so perfectly in sync that it seemed they were meant to be like this all along.

It was unclear how much time had passed, but by the time Qin Mingyuan let go, Yun Pei was left panting lightly, his breath shaky. Qin Mingyuan gently pressed his hand to Yun Pei’s back, helping him catch his breath.

Yun Pei’s lips, now reddened from the prolonged kiss, matched the light flush on his cheeks, making him appear much healthier.

Qin Mingyuan raised his hand, brushing his fingers against Yun Pei’s lips. They were warm and soft, bearing the traces of his affection. His heart warmed as he bent down to give Yun Pei another light kiss.

Yun Pei, his breath now steady, looked a little dazed. He was still trying to process everything that had happened, the sadness and anger he had felt earlier now completely dispelled.

He had kissed Qin Mingyuan.

He didn’t dislike it, didn’t feel repulsed. In fact, what rose in his heart was a near-excited sense of joy.

He already knew what this meant. He had realized it long ago—back at the celebration party, when he had been upset that others were trying to flirt with Qin Mingyuan. He should have known back then.

So what’s strange about this? There was nothing strange at all. Qin Mingyuan was so outstanding, and he treated Yun Pei with such care. It was only natural for him to fall for him.

The only thing Yun Pei couldn’t believe was that Qin Mingyuan felt the same way about him.

“What are you thinking about?” Qin Mingyuan’s voice interrupted his thoughts as he brushed his knuckles against Yun Pei’s cheek.

Yun Pei lifted his head, looking at that familiar, sharp face that now seemed softer. The warmth in Qin Mingyuan’s gaze felt even stronger than the sunlight.

Why do you like me?

Yun Pei didn’t say this out loud. Instead, he straightened up and glanced at Qin Mingyuan’s shirt, which he had both cried on and wrinkled. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he reached out to smooth it down.

Qin Mingyuan glanced down at him, then took hold of Yun Pei’s busy hand, pulling it to his lips and kissing his fingertips. He looked up and teased, “Mimosa is closing its leaves again.”

“What?” Yun Pei, distracted by the warmth on his fingertips, didn’t catch what Qin Mingyuan had said. He tried to pull his hand back but was held tighter. Realizing he was still sitting on Qin Mingyuan’s lap, his heart raced, and he instinctively tried to get up.

“Don’t move,” Qin Mingyuan wrapped his arm around Yun Pei’s waist, holding him in place. Without much strength in his legs, Yun Pei was easily restrained. Qin Mingyuan’s fingers pressed gently against Yun Pei’s waist. “Stay still for now.”

The last time Yun Pei had sat on someone’s lap, he had been a toddler. Now, as an adult, sitting like this felt incredibly shameful.

Even though Qin Mingyuan had told him not to move, Yun Pei still shifted uncomfortably, but his waist was immediately held down again. He opened his mouth to speak but suddenly froze.

Suppressing his own growing desire, Qin Mingyuan leaned closer to Yun Pei’s ear and murmured in a low voice, “I already told you not to move.”

Yun Pei went completely still. His gaze wandered around the room for a while before he eventually gave up and rested his head back on Qin Mingyuan’s shoulder, quietly letting himself be held.

Qin Mingyuan leaned back against the sofa, one hand lightly patting Yun Pei’s back, while the other played with Yun Pei’s fingers.

Gradually getting used to the close contact, Yun Pei relaxed, leaning into Qin Mingyuan’s embrace, half-closing his eyes as he was enveloped by the warmth and scent of the man holding him.

Qin Mingyuan bent down, his lips brushing against Yun Pei’s hair. Judging that Yun Pei had calmed down considerably, he finally spoke, “You came to see me today because you want my help investigating what happened back then?”

Yun Pei opened his eyes, his gaze settling on a patch of golden light. “Mm, it’s been so long. With my abilities, it’s hard to find any leads.”

Originally, he hadn’t wanted to trouble Qin Mingyuan, but the truth was, the only person he could call a friend was Qin Mingyuan. And with the massive Qin Corporation behind him, finding the truth would surely be easier for him.

Before coming, Yun Pei had even prepared himself mentally. As long as he could uncover the truth about what happened back then and make those responsible pay for their crimes, he was willing to give up everything.

Sitting up, Yun Pei met Qin Mingyuan’s eyes. “I don’t have much of value. Aside from those paintings, all I have are the gallery and studio my mom left behind. I’m willing to—”

Qin Mingyuan pressed a finger to Yun Pei’s lips, stopping him from saying more. He gently rubbed Yun Pei’s soft lips and said, “The things your mother left you should be treasured.”

Holding Yun Pei’s hand, Qin Mingyuan continued, “I know you value them, but compared to the truth about your mother’s death, those things mean nothing.”

“But aside from these, I have nothing else.”

“Who says you have nothing?” Qin Mingyuan cupped Yun Pei’s chin, tilting his head up. “You can still paint. How about this: in exchange for me helping you investigate, you can paint for me for the rest of your life. I might even be getting a bargain.”

Yun Pei was startled for a moment, then smiled. “So you want me to sell myself? That’s quite the deal.”

“At most, you’d only be selling your art,” Qin Mingyuan pulled him closer and kissed him on the lips. He continued with a straight face, “Selling yourself would involve more than just painting.”

Yun Pei’s face flushed. Seeing the usually serious President Qin cracking jokes, he raised his hand to cover Qin Mingyuan’s eyes, muttering softly, “Shameless…”

Qin Mingyuan took Yun Pei’s hand from his face and placed it on his chest. “What I meant was, I’d also have you do chores. How is that shameless?”

Feeling the firm muscles beneath the thin fabric of Qin Mingyuan’s shirt, Yun Pei awkwardly wiggled his fingers. He found himself speechless, unsure how to respond.

With a soft laugh, Qin Mingyuan pulled him back into his arms, stroking his hair. “Yun Pei, you don’t have to give me anything.”

Leaning against Qin Mingyuan, surrounded by his warmth and scent, Yun Pei slowly closed his eyes. No, he was willing to give himself to him, whether it was for his art or for himself.

Qin Mingyuan gently stroked Yun Pei’s back, sensing that his breathing was becoming more even. He looked down and saw that Yun Pei had closed his eyes, seemingly asleep. “Yun Pei?”

There was no response, just the soft, steady breath against his neck. Qin Mingyuan’s movements softened as he kissed Yun Pei’s forehead.

Once Yun Pei was fully asleep, Qin Mingyuan carefully lifted him, carrying him into the private resting room. He gently laid him down on the bed, removed his shoes and jacket, and pulled the blanket over him.

Sitting by the bedside for a moment, Qin Mingyuan brushed his fingers against Yun Pei’s warm cheek, leaned down, and kissed his forehead once more. “Sleep well, and forget about the unhappy things when you wake up.”

Before leaving, he pulled the blackout curtains, dimming the room. Then, he quietly closed the door behind him.

Returning to his office chair, he called his assistant in.

Zhou Yang cautiously pushed open the office door. Seeing only the boss in the room and glancing at the closed door of the resting room, he didn’t dare ask any questions. He approached the desk and bowed slightly. “President Qin, you called for me?”

Leaning back in his chair, Qin Mingyuan rested his chin on his hand and looked at Zhou Yang. “Keep an eye on Huo Lijuan for the time being.”

“Madam Yun?” Zhou Yang was momentarily surprised, instinctively glancing toward the resting room. He figured it might have something to do with the Young Master Yun, but he didn’t mention it. “Just follow her?”

“For now, yes,” Qin Mingyuan tapped the desk with his fingers. “Find out what she’s been doing recently and who she’s been meeting. I’ll give further instructions once we have more information.”

Zhou Yang nodded, understanding, and then quietly left the office.

Qin Mingyuan glanced at the resting room door once more, then turned to look out the sunny floor-to-ceiling windows, squinting slightly. He would never let Yun Pei face the same fate as in the novel.