The banquet was overly crowded, causing Qiao Si to be thoroughly impatient. It took him some time to locate Duan Heng, though he refrained immediately from approaching him. Duan Heng was not quite as he had imagined. 

It was not only him who noticed; others were aware as well. There was to women standing with their backs to him, their eyes also fixed on the same figure. Their hushed whispers were perfectly audible to his keen ears. 

“That’s Duan Heng.” 

“Is it really him? He looks to be in great shape. Why did the news portray him so poorly?” 

Duan Heng was dressed in a simple black suit and white shirt, adorned only with a pair of cufflinks. The luxury watches and jewelry Qiao Si had gifted him were nowhere to be seen. His hair was neatly trimmed, giving him a clean and fresh appearance. His smile was warm and radiant, exuding an air of confidence and success. Perhaps it was the impeccable tailoring of his suit, but he appeared even more poised and strikingly handsome than before. 

“The news’s just making things up. As you can see, he’s doing perfectly fine.” 

“But didn’t he lose a lot of money terminating his contract? Besides filming last year, he didn’t take on much work, and even his ad appearances were minimal.” 

“Don’t be ridiculous. What’s the point of taking on random gigs? He’s been investing with our Mr. Shi, and the returns are far better than being an entertainer. Those who are just a notch below him in fame took on a ton of hosting gigs and ads last year. It might look like they earned a lot, but their income didn’t even come close to a tenth of his.” 

“Seriously? That’s quite impressive…” 

“Of course, just look at who Mr. Shi is.” 

“He’s really lucky then, always having someone to guide him wherever he goes.” 

“It’s not luck,” the slightly older woman, who seemed be to Mr. Shi’s assistant, chuckled. “If you ask me, the two of them are already together.” 

“Really?!” 

The two women then discussed the prevalence of relationships between men in the industry compared to those between men and women, before returning to the topic of Duan Heng. “But honestly, the two of them do make a good match.” 

“Mr. Shi is charming, much better than those executives at his former film company.” 

“Of course, anyone would choose our Mr. Shi. Who could tolerate that perverted old man?” 

“True, he’s successful and handsome too…” 

“I know, right? So, it does make sense for Duan Heng to quit being an actor. What’s so great about being a celebrity anyway? You have to deal with a bunch of nonsense, and a single scandal could potentially ruin your entire career. Now, he doesn’t even need to care about what the news writes. There’s no need for him to rely on popularity anymore. If I were him, you couldn’t pay me to go back to being a celebrity—much more freedom.” 

After listening to the women’s idle gossip, Qiao Si’s mind became clearer. 

Shi Chen, the man currently engaged in a lively conversation with Duan Heng, was indeed quite exceptional by the standards of a financial elite. Tall, handsome, and charming, he possessed an allure that would appeal to most people’s aesthetics. 

Qiao Si had no idea when Duan Heng had crossed paths with this person. It seemed that Duan Heng’s ability to make connections was more impressive than he had imagined. 

Qiao Si observed them for a while before tucking his hands back into his sleeves. His constitution was sensitive to the cold, and it had been quite some time since he had stood still in one place like this. After a short while, he found himself feeling tired and a sense of boredom began to set in. It seemed about time to have someone prepare the car so he could rest for the night. 

Just as he was about to turn away, Duan Heng looked up and their gazes met. A hint of surprise flickered across Duan Heng’s face; after all, it was indeed rare for Qiao Si to appear at such an event. This unexpected encounter with a familiar soul felt almost serendipitous. 

Despite no longer working under Qiao Si, Duan Heng still maintained basic courtesy. Approaching with measured steps, he respectfully greeted him once again, “Fourth Master.” 

Qiao Si gave a nod, acknowledging the greeting. “Good.” 

“What brings Fourth Master here?” 

Qiao Si thought for a moment, realizing he was unable to recall the exact reason for attending. So, he simply replied, “Just felt like it.” 

The two locked eyes for a few seconds, with nothing more to say, yet neither moved away. Under Duan Heng’s gaze, Qiao Si found himself rooted to the spot, captivated by his unexpected beauty. 

Those eyes—so dark, so profound, so tender—where else could he ever find another pair like them? 

Why had he not held onto him back then? 

Before Qiao Si could fully process his thoughts, the man accompanying Duan Heng approached with a somewhat playful demeanor and smiled, “Duan Heng, would you introduce us?” 

Duan Heng glanced at him before turning to Qiao Si, “This is Shi Chen.” 

The man extended his hand with a beaming smile, “Nice to meet you.” 

Qiao Si kept his hands tucked in his sleeves and merely nodded. 

“Introduce” was too generous a term; at best, this could be called a “presentation.” No matter how impressive Shi Chen was, to Qiao Si, he was just a junior. There was no need to grant any special courtesy for this unfamiliar youngster to extend his hand. 

The man’s hand hung in the air, waiting for a response that never came. Just as he was about to feel awkward, Duan Heng pulled him back slightly and whispered, “Fourth Master doesn’t shake hands.” 

Upon hearing this, the man quickly withdrew his hand, his expression shifting slightly. “Oh, oh my, this is Master Qiao Si? I’ve heard so much about you.” 

Qiao Si cared not for whatever supposed reputation preceded him; his expression remained chillingly indifferent as he acknowledged the man with nothing more than a dismissive nod of his head.  

He had always been unapologetically straightforward. Even if others labeled him as a depraved and lecherous executive who treated his artists as mere playthings, he felt no need for pretense or embarrassment. 

“You’ve known Duan Heng for quite awhile now, haven’t you?” 

Shi Chen’s tone was noticeably more cautious this time. “For over a year now.” 

“I see you two are getting along well.” 

“Yeah, we get along pretty well.” 

“How is he in this profession?” 

“Duan Heng’s quite talented… Sharp instincts, exceptional foresight.” 

With an approving nod, Qiao Si turned to the young man and remarked, “You have a promising future ahead of you.” 

Observing the two of them standing side by side, both with striking features and radiating an air of elegance, they indeed made a perfect pair. If he were to take them both, it would be quite a blessing, perhaps even more interesting. 

No sooner had the idea surfaced than it struck him as utterly meaningless. Such pursuits no longer served any allure for him. The playful love games now had grown stale, leaving behind nothing but emptiness. What he craved at that moment was something entirely different. 

Duan Heng responded with, “Thank you, Fourth Master.” 

Qiao Si replied with a nonchalant “Hmm,” glanced once more at the young man’s face before walking away. 

He concluded that Duan Heng was indeed doing quite well for himself now. 

Indeed, Duan Heng no longer needed him, which perhaps accounted for the resolute decisiveness of his choice back then. 

To force Duan Heng into a position where he had no choice but to come begging for his help was not beyond his abilities. However, the thought of having Duan Heng rely on him out of sheer necessity and obedience seemed utterly tiresome. 

There were already too many people who obeyed him out of fear or because they needed something from him. 

What he desired was something entirely different. 

A firm hand suddenly clapped down on his shoulder. “Qiao,” a voice called out. 

Qiao Si turned around to see an old friend, a rugged individual with whom he had once shared the blood-soaked struggles of their past. 

“What brings you here?” Qiao Si asked. 

His friend grinned broadly. “My little white bunny enjoys lively places and wanted to see some celebrities, so I brought him along.” 

His friend was considerably older than him and had led an even more debauched life. The years had worn down their old grievances, each one etched into the man’s face with the passage of time. 

Two decades ago, his friend’s features could have been considered handsome. However, now the hollows of his cheeks and the pronounced jut of his eyes and teeth gave his expression an unsettling, almost sordid quality. 

“The youngsters these days are really hard to please. One minute they’re fine, and the next, they throw a tantrum. Nothing makes them happy, not this, not that.” 

His friend clicked his tongue as if nursing a toothache. “When I try to get close, he complains of a headache, acting all delicate.” 

Qiao Si remarked, “With such a temper, it’s hard to keep them around. You might as well find someone else.” 

The man sighed, “What can I do? I like him. Anyway, all these kids need to be coaxed with gifts. It wouldn’t be any different with another one.” 

As he spoke, the coquettish-looking young man turned his head. His friend grinned and tried to make a cute expression popular among the young generations, pouting as he greeted him. However, the young man rolled his eyes in disdain and turned away again. 

“See? He’s upset again. So hard to please,” his friend sighed. 

Qiao Si frowned. “You spoil him too much.” 

“It’s fine. I know he despises me. I overheard him on the phone with his friend, calling me an old man with too many concerns.” 

His friend let out a hollow laugh, a hint of self-destructive grimness on his face. “So what? He still has to obediently lie in bed for me to enjoy.” 

“…” 

” That’s the nature of this arrangement. I seek pleasure; he seeks money. There’s no need to think about anything else.” 

Qiao Si chose not to argue; he understood the reasoning all too well. He and his friend were alike in this regard. They were both seen by others as wealthy patrons and lecherous old men. 

However, the one he currently favored was far more promising and substantial than his friend’s. This thought brought a measure of satisfaction to him. 

Just as Qiao Si reached the door, he suddenly heard someone call out from behind, “Fourth Master!” 

He turned around to see Duan Heng pushing his way through the crowd. By the time he reached Qiao Si, there was a sheen of sweat on his forehead. 

Qiao Si looked at him. “Is there something you need?” 

The young man panted for a moment before speaking. “I forgot to mention earlier. Shi Chen wanted to ask for your business card.” 

Qiao Si responded with an “Oh,” and after a moment of thought, reached into his chest pocket and fumbled around. 

Duan Heng took the card with a polite thanks, and perhaps out of courtesy, he added, “Allow me to escort you.” 

As he escorted Qiao Si out of the main door, they were both stunned by the sight that greeted them. A dense crowd had inexplicably gathered at the entrance, their quiet presence hinting at an underlying ambush. 

The moment Duan Heng stepped out, the scene erupted into chaos, akin to an oil pot boiling over. Reporters clamored to raise their voices, turning the cacophony into sheer torment for Qiao Si’s sensitive ears, leaving him with nothing but a persistent buzzing sound. 

“Duan Heng! Duan Heng! Could you say a few words?” 

“We’ve heard rumors that someone has been sponsoring you all this time. Is that true?” 

“How do you plan to explain those photos?” 

Qiao Si’s ears were filled with a constant buzzing, rendering him oblivious to whatever Duan Heng was saying.  

Standing beside Duan Heng, he had no time to react before several camera flashes lit up in front of him. The blinding light made him squint and raise a hand to shield his eyes. A surge of irritation rose as he wondered why his bodyguards had not yet intervened. 

Little did he know that the wall formed by the reporters and fans was so dense that even his battle-hardened bodyguards were struggling to break through. 

In the chaos, some of the flashes almost went off right in front of Qiao Si’s face. Just as he was about to lose his temper, someone shouted, “That’s him!” 

“That’s the person in the photos!” 

“Is this the person who has been sponsoring you?” 

The scene erupted into uproar, and it was only then that Qiao Si realized they were referring to him. None of them seemed to know who he was, yet they now swarmed around him, snapping photos with fervor and shoving microphones towards his mouth. In the jostling crowd, the microphones even prodded his chin and cheeks. 

Never in his life had Qiao Si been so blatantly disrespected. His escalating rage turned his face into a livid shade, but the people before him, undeterred by their ignorance, made no effort to step back. Meanwhile, his bodyguards were still struggling to push through the crowd. 

The idea that Qiao Si could be trapped by a mass of ordinary people, unable to move freely, was inconceivable. 

In the midst of the chaos that even he struggled to endure, a pair of arms reached out to firmly embrace and shield him while pushing through the crowd. A voice responded to the uproar, “So sorry, no comment. Please make way.” 

Beyond the media, most of the crowd consisted of Duan Heng’s fans—teenagers easily swept up by emotion. That protective gesture from Duan Heng seemed to send the wrong message, and the already frenzied crowd of young generations immediately lost control. 

Qiao Si’s eardrums throbbed under the deafening noise. Before him stretched a sea of faces, flushed and seething with fervor. He could feel an undercurrent of hostility rippling through the air, the fans’ wild energy leaving him shaken and disoriented. 

Fortunately, the bodyguards finally arrived to assist, and the event security moved in to restore order, forcing a path through the agitated crowd. Qiao Si exhaled a small sigh of relief, attempting to steady himself as he moved forward amidst the intense hatred and disdain. 

However, before he could take more than a few steps, something hurtled out from the crowd. He couldn’t make out what it was before a sharp, heavy pain struck his forehead, plunging his vision into momentary darkness. 

The surroundings fell into an uneasy silence, the violent attack prompting a momentary pause of collective hesitation. 

Qiao Si lifted his gaze, first noticing the shattered bottle on the ground, then slowly scanning the crowd from left to right, as if searching for the person who had thrown it. 

Blood trickled down from his forehead, blurring his vision and casting an ominous shadow over his face. His expression was dark and menacing. For a moment, no one dared to make a sound. 

The fervor that had gripped them moments ago began to wane. Gradually, they became aware of the eerie presence this man exuded. Whether guilty or not, many in the crowd instinctively took a step back. 

“Fourth Master? Fourth Master?” A handkerchief was pressed firmly against his forehead, and an arm wrapped tightly around him. “Are you alright?” 

Then Qiao Si heard the voice cursing, “What the fuck is wrong with you guys?! It’s none of your business! You motherfuckers…” 

As Qiao Si regained his composure, he pushed the young man’s hand away and removed the handkerchief. “Enough,” he said, his tone deep and commanding. 

The bodyguards were visibly flustered, hurriedly assisted Qiao Si into the car, treating him with delicate care under the scrutiny of countless eyes. 

Duan Heng stood outside with a flushed face, his chest rising and falling with unspent emotion. He called out toward the car, “Fourth Master.” 

Qiao Si cast a brief glance at him before raising the car window. 

From that point on, he could only see Duan Heng’s mouth moving but could no longer hear his voice. 

Upon returning to his residence, the doctor, who had been notified, was already waiting. Though the injury was not severe, it was Qiao Si’s delicate skin that made the wound appear worse than it truly was. Once treated, it proved to be nothing serious. 

With his wound bandaged, Qiao Si leaned back on the soft couch. His face dark and brooding, maintaining an unbroken silence. 

Qiao Bo entered with a freshly brewed medicinal broth and attended to him. As Qiao Si drank, Qiao Bo cautiously asked, “Fourth Master, about what happened tonight, do you wish to…” 

Qiao Si finished the broth slowly and rinsed his mouth. Taking the handkerchief, he wiped himself clean without lifting his gaze. Only then did he speak, “If you can’t even handle something like this, what’s the point of me keeping you around?” 

Qiao Bo quickly acknowledged and left the room. 

Qiao Si reclined into the pile of luxurious furs, frowning as he closed his eyes. Being an injured man now, he needed to focus on his recovery and had no intention of troubling himself with trivial matters. 

After a while, Qiao Bo returned. 

“Fourth Master, the people waiting outside…” 

“I’m not seeing anyone today.” 

“I already told them that, but they refused to leave. They insist on seeing you…” 

Qiao Si was somewhat annoyed and almost too weary to respond. He replied languidly, “Tell them not to test my patience.” 

Those people outside in uneasy apprehension were the owners and associates of several newspapers and magazines. Those without the capability should not provoke those in power. When things escalate and they come seeking forgiveness, how could he possibly let them off easily? 

Ignoring the fates of these irrelevant people, Qiao Si retreated to bed for a nap. However, he was woken in the middle of the night by the throbbing pain in his forehead, which left him irritable.  

The restless thoughts kept him awake deep into the night, making sleep impossible to find. Finally, he summoned Qiao Bo. “Are they gone?” 

Qiao Bo responded, “Duan Heng is still here.” 

The young man certainly had patience. Though Duan Heng no longer needed to rely on him for a living and had no reason to serve him with the same anxious care as before. Yet, when trouble happened, Duan Heng still knew to come and apologize promptly. 

“Tell him to go back. This matter doesn’t concern him. He won’t be held accountable.” 

Duan Heng had likely waited the entire night just to hear those words. 

Qiao Bo went to convey the message and returned shortly after. “Fourth Master, he wants to see you, to check on your injury.” 

Qiao Si let out a faint chuckle at the remark, finding it somewhat amusing and worthy of admiration. Despite no longer being under his command, Duan Heng still remembered that Qiao Si was not to be offended, consistently acting with thoroughness and caution. A capable individual, indeed. 

Qiao Si felt there was no need for a meeting, as there would be nothing to discuss. Such encounters, driven by interests, were not genuine visits but mere formalities. 

However, feeling bored in the depths of the night, he lay there for a while before saying, “Let him in.” 

The young man’s appearance surprised him. Perhaps staying up until the middle of the night had taken its toll, leaving him with a slightly worn-out look and weary eyes. 

As Duan Heng approached the bed, he bent slightly at the waist and called, “Fourth Master.” 

Qiao Si was wrapped in silk blankets and wearing a fur-lined coat for warmth. He sat half-reclined on the bed, making a rare effort to accommodate his visitor. 

“How’s your injury, Fourth Master?” 

Qiao Si replied with a simple hum, adding, “It’s nothing.” 

Though he had long enjoyed a life of luxury and high status, such that no one had dared cause him pain for quite some time, a person like Qiao Si could endure any level of suffering. An injury like this was hardly worth mentioning, at least from a physical perspective. 

The young man looked at his overly meticulous bandaged head. His voice hoarse as he said, “It’s my fault. My news caused trouble for you.” 

Qiao Si felt a bit indolent, leaned back and replied, “This has nothing to do with you. You won’t be held responsible, so don’t worry.” 

Duan Heng remained silent for a moment kneeling beside his bed. Meeting Qiao Si’s gaze at eye level, he studied him intently. The young man had faint dark circles under his eyes, and the corners of his eyes were slightly red. “Fourth Master, you know that isn’t what I’m worried about.” 

“Don’t kneel. Stand up,” Qiao Si said wearily. “Times have changed. You’re no longer working under me, so there’s no need to do this.” 

The young man lowered his head slightly. “Fourth Master, even if I’m not working for you, my loyalty remains unchanged.” 

“That’s unnecessary. I know you’ve grown and your ambitions have expanded,” Qiao Si paused for a moment before continuing, “you’ve followed me for many years. It’s been too long. Staying here would only stifle you.” 

The young man quickly interjected, “Fourth Master…” 

“You’ve achieved success now, with connections to Shi Chen and a promising future. Naturally, there’s no need to serve me anymore. Following him is better than staying with me. It’s only natural to aim higher.” 

Duan Heng continued kneeling but lifted his head. After a moment, he asked, “Fourth Master, are you hesitating to let me go?” 

Qiao Si’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing in displeasure. “Get out,” he commanded, then closed his eyes. 

Several seconds passed before he heard the sound of the door closing. Feeling somewhat weary and dispirited, he eventually opened his eyes, only to be taken aback. 

“You…” 

Qiao Si’s lips were suddenly seized, or rather, forcefully bitten. 

The unexpected assault left Qiao Si entirely unprepared. Before he could withdraw his hands from the blanket, the young man, seemingly unable to control himself, pressed him down onto the bed in the heat of the kiss. 

Qiao Si thought to himself that this child had become increasingly audacious, no longer seeking his permission before acting. Yet, as he was pressed into the blanket, kissed so intensely that it left him breathless. 

The searing heat and force of those lips stirred something within him. Against all reason, a wave of dizzying intoxication swept over him, rendering his bones weak and his resolve fleeting. For a moment, he had no desire to push him away. 

Qiao Si wore nothing beneath his silk pajamas, allowing the young man’s hand to slip in effortlessly. His hand stroked as it pulled his trousers down to his knees, exposing his lower body. 

This was going too far. 

Anger flared within Qiao Si as he freed his hand from the blanket and delivered a slap to the man’s face. 

Perhaps due to his own weakened state, the slap landed without force—neither painful nor harsh—bearing more resemblance to an act of teasing than a reprimand. 

After receiving the light slap, Duan Heng pursed his lips and looked at Qiao Si with moist eyes. He caught Qiao Si’s hand and guided it downward, pressing it against his thigh. 

Feeling the young man’s arousal, Qiao Si’s spine tingled. Before he could say anything, Duan Heng reclaimed his lips in a slightly rough kiss. His hand slipped beneath the silk pajamas to explore further. 

As Duan Heng’s fingers brushed against his sensitive nipples, Qiao Si shuddered, unable to suppress his breathless gasps. It had been so long since he had felt such intimate attention, and the pleasure made him almost reluctant to resist. 

Duan Heng kissed him forcefully for a while. By the time their lips parted, both were left breathless, their disheveled clothes barely hanging together. 

Amidst their unsteady breathing, their gazes locked. Driven by an unseen force, Duan Heng pressed another kiss on his lips, then another. The kisses were heavy but deliberately shallow, a tease that repeated until their tongues finally met. His hands soon found their way to the unbutton of Qiao Si’s shirt. 

Qiao Si became lost in the waves of pleasure. He felt utterly drained, as if spellbound. Even keeping his eyes open became a struggle. As he felt Duan Heng spread his legs and his chest being kneaded with sensual intent. Knowing Duan Heng was determined to proceed, he snapped his eyes open, glaring at the younger man. His voice low and threatening as he groaned, “How dare you?” 

That glare seemed to ignite something primal in Duan Heng. A predatory glint entered his gaze as his eyes darkened.  

He dared. 

With a swift and almost brutal movement, he bent Qiao Si’s legs. Then slowly bringing his face close to the most sensitive region and fiercely devoured it. 

A groan escaped Qiao Si’s lips, a mixture of protest and pleasure. But Duan Heng’s skilled ministrations silenced him. A shiver of long-dormant pleasure surged through him, and he gasped, instinctively wrapping his legs around the young man’s back. 

The sensation was intoxicating, a dizzying rush that stole his breath and left him craving—not just the loss of control but Duan Heng himself and all he embodied. 

Duan Heng guided Qiao Si to climax before unceremoniously pressing him beneath him. Qiao Si was still reeling from the release, breathless and disoriented, when the younger man’s hard chest pressed down on him with forceful intensity. 

Trapped between the bed and the younger man’s body, Qiao Si felt imprisoned. Once the hard sensation against him came, he knew that there was no turning back. 

Qiao Si knew what Duan Heng was capable of, the pleasure he was about to inflict. He yearned for it, yet a part of him resisted. Feeling Duan Heng growing impatient, he growled, “Who gave you permission to be so insolent?” 

His protest died in his throat as Duan Heng’s lips devoured his neck, leaving him breathless and wanting more. With practiced ease, Duan Heng held his ankles and pressed them against the wet strands he was forced to leave open. Then, with a slow and inexorable push, he entered Qiao Si. 

Qiao Si trembled and moaned. Before he could say anything, the young man lost his restraint and began to move within him with a forceful and punishing rhythm. 

Qiao Si trembled with each intense motion, his voice strained as he whispered, “How… dare you…” 

The intensity of their connection reached a point where words seemed meaningless. No matter what he tried to say, Duan Heng will never stop. His body a whirlwind of passion that left Qiao Si gasping for breath, eliciting a series of desperate moans. 

Qiao Si was overwhelmed by the relentless pace, his body consumed by a powerful rush of sensations. Each movement pushed him further, and the intensity of it all left him breathless, almost as if he were losing himself in the moment. His limbs ached, his whole being responding to the forceful rhythm, unable to escape the overwhelming sensations. 

Despite feeling offended, Qiao Si could not ignore the intensity of the younger man’s touches, which stirred a burning desire within him. His body was reacting against his will, becoming both aching and restless. 

Though part of him resented the young man’s boldness, the overwhelming sensations left him helpless. He was caught between conflicting emotions and desires, unable to resist. 

After several intense thrust, Duan Heng flipped him over and entered him again from behind. He held him firmly, his hand splaying Qiao Si’s legs open with practiced ease before plunging deep. Qiao Si elicited a series of shuddering moans as a result, his body trembling and utterly at his mercy. 

Qiao Si’s involuntary responses only served to further encourage Duan Heng. Every inch of Qiao Si’s body was explored, pushing him closer to the edge of ecstasy. At this point, Qiao Si was entirely captive to Duan Heng’s skillful touch—completely helpless. 

The next morning came with a throbbing headache. The wound from the previous night had reopened, a trickle of blood staining the sheets. His lower body throbbed in protest, a lingering reminder of Duan Heng’s relentless passion. 

His entire body felt uncomfortable, but perhaps it was the effect of their brief separation, for the night had been more intoxicating than any before. 

Duan Heng was still asleep. His long eyelashes casting a shadow over his face, giving him an innocent appearance that belied the wild audacity he had shown the previous night. 

Qiao Si gazed at the young man nestled against his chest, his mind drifting to the thought of why he had ever considered letting him go.