“It’s you who should regret this.” Gu Xingchuan growled, grabbing Shen Du’s hair. His cold fingers tapped lightly against Shen Du’s face as he hissed. “If you dare come here again, you’re as good as dead.”

Shen Du’s expression darkened as he glared defiantly, refusing to back down. Flailing his arms and legs, he fought back in an attempt to regain some dignity. After years of indulgence, he had never been humiliated like this.

Gu Xingchuan easily subdued him with a couple of moves, slamming Shen Du’s head against the wall with a resounding “bang.” His voice was cold and biting. “Tired of living?”

Song Yi, worried that Shen Du might actually get injured, hurriedly pried open Gu Xingchuan’s clenched fist. It took all his strength, but he managed to pull the two apart. “That’s enough. Let’s go home.”

Gu Xingchuan allowed Song Yi to lead him away, their hands clasped together. The warmth of Song Yi’s palm pressed against his own was like a tide extinguishing fire. The tension in his muscles gradually eased, and the fury that had nearly consumed him began to dissipate.

When they arrived at their long-vacant home, a faint musty smell greeted them as they opened the door. Song Yi immediately opened the windows to let in some fresh air, then fetched the family first-aid kit from the cabinet. He pulled out a bottle of purple antiseptic and a cotton swab, walking over to Gu Xingchuan. “Sit down. Let me see your hand.”

Gu Xingchuan extended his arm. His fingers were long and elegant, his hands undeniably attractive but the knuckles were scraped raw, revealing thin layers of tender pink skin beneath.

“This might sting a little. Bear with it,” Song Yi said gently as he dipped the cotton swab in antiseptic and carefully dabbed it on the wounds.

Leaning back on the sofa, Gu Xingchuan squinted at Song Yi’s focused expression. “If I hadn’t been there just now, would you have let him kiss you?” he asked, his tone laced with jealousy.

Song Yi glanced up at him briefly before returning to his task. While dabbing at the wounds, he replied matter-of-factly. “No. I would’ve kicked him as hard as I could.”

Gu Xingchuan’s expression softened, and he let out a light hum. As if staking his claim, he declared. “Only I can kiss you. Don’t forget that.”

Song Yi responded with a calm and drawn-out “Oh,” signaling he’d gotten the message. After a moment’s thought, he added softly. “You were a bit impulsive. Teaching him a lesson was enough; you didn’t need to go that far.”

Gu Xingchuan snorted dismissively, his tone laced with disdain. “This time, he got off easy. If there’s a next time, he won’t walk away with his life.”

Song Yi couldn’t help but marvel at Gu Xingchuan’s unrelenting boldness. Both Father Gu and Mother Gu seem like such decent people; where did he get this streak from? He sighed inwardly and advised. “You really shouldn’t act like this anymore. If something can be solved with words, don’t resort to fists.”

Without warning, Gu Xingchuan leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to Song Yi’s lips. Song Yi looked up, their eyes locking. Gu Xingchuan’s gaze was deep and luminous, unwavering as it bore into him. His long lashes, dusted with soft and feathery, gave him the appearance of a large, endearing canine.

Their warm breaths mingled, and the atmosphere turned undeniably intimate.

Song Yi’s heartbeat stuttered for a moment. He pressed his lips together and felt his fingers, still holding the cotton swab, tremble slightly. “Doesn’t hurt anymore?” he asked, trying to steady himself.

“It hurts a lot,” Gu Xingchuan murmured, his voice carrying the unmistakable hint of a lover’s pout.

Song Yi rolled his eyes. “Serves you right. If it didn’t hurt, you wouldn’t remember.” Despite his words, his hands moved more gently over Gu Xingchuan’s wounds.

In this moment, the two of them seemed no different from an ordinary couple. Setting aside the volatility of their relationship, Song Yi found himself beginning to enjoy the feeling of having someone to rely on.

Being in a relationship with Gu Xingchuan was entirely different from any of Song Yi’s previous experiences. In the past, he had always been the proactive one, the protector, the person his partners—typically Omegas and Betas—relied on.

But with Gu Xingchuan, that dynamic shifted. Gu Xingchuan wasn’t like his exes; he didn’t need Song Yi’s constant care or doting. He was fully capable of taking care of himself and, in fact, looked after Song Yi just as attentively.

This newfound sense of ease unsettled Song Yi. He recognized the potential danger in feeling too comfortable, yet he couldn’t deny how much he enjoyed it. For now, he wasn’t ready to snap out of it.

The next day, Song Yi received a call from Cheng Song. Xingyu Entertainment’s semi-annual summary meeting was being held at an upscale hotel downtown. Song Yi hadn’t seen his old colleagues in a while and found himself missing them, so he readily agreed.

In the kitchen, Gu Xingchuan was busy cooking, the sounds of sizzling and clattering filling the air. Hearing the phone conversation, he leaned halfway out of the sliding door, curiosity written on his face. “Who’s calling?”

Song Yi, deep in thought about what formal outfit to wear, replied honestly. “Cheng Song. Xingyu’s semi-annual meeting is at the XX Hotel this afternoon.”

Gu Xingchuan frowned at the name. “Didn’t you terminate your contract with Xingyu?”

“It’s signed, but the term isn’t up yet.” Song Yi explained as he walked into the bedroom. He opened the wardrobe and tapped his chin, carefully selecting an outfit.

Gu Xingchuan dried his hands and followed him in. “Take me with you.”

Song Yi pulled out a dark navy suit with a subtle plaid pattern, perfect for formal occasions. As he began changing, he patiently responded. “I’m going to a company event, not meeting Cheng Song one-on-one. It’ll be crowded, so there’s no need for you to tag along.”

Gu Xingchuan’s gaze swept over Song Yi’s waistline and hips. The tailored suit accentuated his lean waist and long legs, making him look particularly alluring. Dissatisfied, Gu Xingchuan raised his chin and grumbled. “Why are you dressing so provocatively just to attend a company event?”

Song Yi adjusted his hair, spraying some styling product to keep it in place. He glanced in the mirror, feeling much more polished. “Are you out of your mind? This is just standard formal wear. If I showed up in flip-flops and shorts, they wouldn’t even let me into the hotel.”

Recently, Song Yi had put on a little weight around his midsection, but it wasn’t noticeable under the jacket. However, his pants seemed a bit short, revealing a sliver of pale, slender ankle. The delicate bone structure added a touch of stylishness to his look.

Gu Xingchuan’s eyes lingered on Song Yi’s exposed ankles, and his unease deepened. “No way. I’m going with you.”

Song Yi felt baffled. He took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. “First, the event will be packed with people. Even if Cheng Song is interested in me, nothing’s going to happen. Second, Cheng Song is my friend. He’s an upright person, refined and courteous. Stop making baseless assumptions about his character.”

Gu Xingchuan’s sharp ears caught the key phrase. “Even if?”

He paused, staring at Song Yi with a haughty expression before letting out a disdainful snort. “So, I was right. Cheng Song is interested in you.”

Song Yi shot him a look, knowing there was no reasoning with him. Resigned, he buttoned up his shirt and said. “Do whatever you want. But if you’re coming, don’t stick too close to me. The event will be crowded, and people talk.”

Gu Xingchuan narrowed his eyes into slits, utterly unconcerned about how the Xingyu employees might gossip. If worst came to worst, he’d just make their relationship public. It wasn’t like he relied on fan support to make a living. Whether people listened to his music or not didn’t matter—he wasn’t strapped for cash.

However, going public would impact Song Yi’s career. The disparity in their fame was too great. No matter what role Song Yi played in the future, people’s first impression would always be “Gu Xingchuan’s boyfriend.” His acting skills, no matter how exceptional, would be overshadowed by this unshakable label, one that would follow him for the rest of his career.

Gu Xingchuan didn’t like the current situation. Song Yi was a highly skilled actor, well-regarded by top directors in the industry, and had a bright future ahead of him. But keeping their relationship private made Gu Xingchuan feel uneasy, as if Song Yi was ashamed of him. The secrecy gnawed at him, leaving a bitter taste.

The hotel’s conference hall was extravagantly decorated. Fresh flowers and lush greenery were artfully arranged, music and laughter filled the air, and the sweet aroma of mini cakes wafted through the room. Last year’s raffle prize had been a trip abroad, but this year it was a luxury sports car—an obvious sign of Xingyu Entertainment’s newfound wealth after Gu Shaoyuan’s investment.

When Song Yi arrived, one of the company’s senior executives was delivering an impassioned speech on stage. He greeted a few familiar colleagues, grabbed a glass of lemon water, and settled into a chair on the terrace, watching the proceedings from afar.

On stage, Cheng Song presented Xingyu’s future plans, methodically breaking down the industry’s advantages and challenges. He addressed the impact of recent tax policy reforms that had led to the closure of many small studios. The entire industry was struggling, and actors at every level were feeling the pinch. Cheng Song emphasized the importance of surviving this “winter period.”

After finishing his speech, Cheng Song stepped down from the stage and headed straight for Song Yi, greeting him with a friendly hug.

Patting Song Yi lightly on the shoulder, Cheng Song glanced at the glass of lemon water on the table. “Given up drinking lately?”

Song Yi chuckled awkwardly, pulling Cheng Song down to sit beside him. “Drinking’s bad for your health. You should quit too.”

“I’d love to, but some people won’t let me.” Cheng Song gestured subtly toward the senior executives’ section with a nod.

Song Yi gave him a sympathetic look. The two old friends, having not seen each other in ages, chatted about their recent lives. Song Yi shared some exciting stories from his recent trip to Los Angeles.

“Shame I’ve been so busy with work lately,” Cheng Song said with a sigh. “Otherwise, we could’ve gone together.”

Cheng Song sighed regretfully, then smiled. “Did you travel alone?”

Song Yi maintained his composure. “I went with a friend.”

“A boyfriend?” Cheng Song asked, his tone laced with playful curiosity.

Song Yi’s heart skipped a beat, but he neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he responded with a subtle smile, meeting Cheng Song’s gaze.

Realizing he might have crossed a line, Cheng Song took a sip of champagne to mask his discomfort and smoothly changed the topic. “Let’s play tennis together sometime soon.”

“Sure,” Song Yi agreed readily.

The two of them continued chatting, their conversation covering everything from casual topics to industry gossip. Putting aside Cheng Song’s subtle probing, Song Yi genuinely enjoyed his company. Their personalities were similar—both knew when to stop pushing and how to keep things light. They could discuss anything: stocks, insider stories, or personal anecdotes.

Song Yi had once seriously considered the possibility of giving Cheng Song a chance if Gu Xingchuan hadn’t been in the picture.

But that was a moot point now. His current life was comfortable and fulfilling, and he had no intention of stirring up unnecessary drama.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the entrance of the conference hall. Voices rose in excitement, creating a ripple of noise. Song Yi didn’t need to turn around to know who had arrived. There was only one person capable of commanding that much attention—Gu Xingchuan.

Cheng Song turned his head to glance at the commotion, then looked back at Song Yi with an amused expression. “Your outfits look like couple’s attire.”

Song Yi froze for a moment. Gu Xingchuan was also wearing a navy-blue suit with subtle plaid patterns, paired with a white shirt and a gold lapel pin. The difference was in the cut—Song Yi’s suit was a short, tailored style, exuding elegance and professionalism, while Gu Xingchuan’s long suit accentuated his tall frame and commanding presence, making him look sharp and intimidating.

As soon as Gu Xingchuan entered, he was immediately surrounded by Xingyu’s senior executives. Standing amidst the crowd, he was impossible to miss, towering over everyone like a crane among chickens.

Cheng Song folded his arms and studied Song Yi’s expression.

Song Yi coughed lightly and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to act indifferent. “What a coincidence, we’re wearing matching outfits.”

Cheng Song chuckled and lowered his gaze. “He was glaring at me just now. Quite fierce.”

Song Yi responded with a polite smile, thinking to himself: A glare is nothing. You’ve never seen him when he’s truly angry.

As the son of Xingyu’s chairman—and with the chairman absent—Gu Xingchuan was naturally the focal point of this year’s event. Cheng Song, leading a small group holding champagne and wine glasses, approached him to make a toast.

“I don’t drink,” Gu Xingchuan said, leaning back lazily in his chair. He cast a sidelong glance at Cheng Song, making no effort to stand up.

Cheng Song, holding his glass mid-air, didn’t let the awkwardness show. He smiled slightly and said. “Young Master Gu, your presence at the annual meeting is already an honor. Knowing your limits, I wouldn’t ask you to drink. This toast is my respect for you—you don’t have to take a sip.”

Cheng Song’s words were polite on the surface, but laced with hidden barbs. Gu Xingchuan’s expression darkened visibly.

Holding his wine glass, Cheng Song tipped his head back and drained it in one gulp, then smiled as he displayed the empty glass. Without hesitation, he poured himself another and drank again. “That’s three toasts to you.”

Turning to the group of stunned executives behind him, he added with a smile. “Since Young Master Gu can’t drink, I’ll drink in his place tonight. No need to force him.”

Though it seemed like he was helping Gu Xingchuan, his words were loaded with condescension, implying that Gu Xingchuan wasn’t capable of handling himself.

Gu Xingchuan’s hands itched to grab Cheng Song by the collar and give him a good punch. His brow furrowed in irritation. “I don’t need your help!”

Cheng Song laughed heartily. “Good, good. It’s rare for Young Master Gu to show such generosity. Let’s drink to our hearts’ content tonight.” With that, he gave the executives behind him a meaningful glance.

Gu Xingchuan had a decent alcohol tolerance, but even he couldn’t withstand the barrage of drinks coming at him. The crowd pressed on with a mix of red wine and white liquor, a combination even the gods would find hard to endure.

After several rounds, Gu Xingchuan’s previously clear and fair face was flushed. His breathing was uneven, and his eyes were hazy with intoxication. Yet Cheng Song wasn’t done. He continued dragging people over to toast Gu Xingchuan, clearly intent on getting him thoroughly drunk.

Song Yi couldn’t bear to watch any longer. His boyfriend might be headstrong, but he wasn’t going to let him be bullied like this. Walking over to the table, Song Yi pushed his way through the crowd. “Young Master Gu can’t drink any more. I remember you came alone today, didn’t you?”

Gu Xingchuan set down his glass and looked up at Song Yi, his gaze slightly dazed. “Mm, then you can drive me home.”

The people around couldn’t quite figure out the relationship between the two. Dressed in matching outfits and seemingly close, it left everyone unsure and silent for a moment.

Cheng Song glanced between them, his expression darkening briefly before he let out a bitter laugh.

The two left the banquet hall together and stepped into the elevator. The strong scent of alcohol on Gu Xingchuan hit Song Yi, making him both annoyed and amused. “Are you stupid? It’s obvious he was trying to provoke you, and you fell for it like a fish biting a bare hook.”

Gu Xingchuan leaned one elbow casually on Song Yi’s shoulder and let out a disdainful chuckle. “I can’t stand the way he acts. I won’t let him look down on me.”

“And what if he does? It’s not like you’ll lose a piece of yourself.”

Gu Xingchuan was quiet for a few seconds before replying. “He likes you. I can’t afford to show weakness in front of him.”

Song Yi froze for a moment, then couldn’t help but reach out and touch Gu Xingchuan’s flushed face. He chuckled softly. “You’re such an idiot.”

=^_^=