As soon as he came downstairs, he saw Duan Heng waiting. Once he got into the car, he was greeted with a kiss before he could even speak.

They had been together for some time now, yet the young man still held onto the passion of a fresh romance. After stealing a kiss, he laced their fingers together, his grip warm and firm.

“I wish all of your time was mine.”

Qiao Si glanced at him. “Wouldn’t that be too much?”

Duan Heng earnestly kissed his fingers, “It’s never enough.”

Lately, Duan Heng had been impossibly busy—managing business and filming projects, pushing himself to the limit with an almost inhuman endurance. Most of his time was spent on planes or rushing to catch one. In the past six months, they had inevitably become more separated.

But this was only temporary. Duan Heng was seizing his youth to carve out a future for himself, knowing that one day, he too would be able to enjoy the same leisurely life as Qiao Si.

That day was not too far off. Qiao Si had given him countless invaluable opportunities, and he had seized every one of them, learning and adapting along the way.

With Qiao Si support, anyone would have soared to success. But Duan Heng had more than just luck—he had the wit to make the most of it.

After getting out of the car, the two of them walked towards the house. Duan Heng no longer avoiding suspicion, firmly grasped Qiao Si’s hand and tucked it into his own pocket with a possessiveness that carried a hint of dominance.

The longer they were together, the more apparent the young man’s childlike possessive nature became. Every time he held Qiao Si in his arms, he would say, “Fourth Master is mine,” repeating it like a mantra until Qiao Si’s ears turned soft from hearing it.

Everyone else around Qiao Si had either feared him, hated him, or tried to curry favor with him, but no one had ever loved him like this.

The moment they stepped inside, Duan Heng wrapped him in a tight embrace, nuzzling against him for a while before saying, “You’re too thin, Fourth Master.”

“Am I?”

“You need to eat more.” Duan Heng pressed a kiss to his ear. “I just sent some fresh ingredients to the kitchen earlier. They should be ready by now.”

Dinner was indeed nourishing, filled with ingredients that Duan Heng had thoughtfully provided, each worth its weight in gold.

Perhaps a little too nourishing. By the time the night stretched deep, the two of them ended up having their intimate moments until late into the night. No matter how many times they tangled together, it never seemed to be enough. 

It was well past midnight when they finally stopped, and Qiao Si could barely straighten his back, lacking even the strength to roll off of Duan Heng.

He suspected that Duan Heng had done it on purpose. But with Duan Heng leaving for Paris to film the next day, it would be another half a month before they saw each other again. A night of indulgence before parting seemed justified enough.

When dawn arrived, Duan Heng kissed him once more, saying, “I will miss you, Fourth Master,” before leaving him behind in his dreams.

Qiao Si slept lazily until the sun was nearly setting. Whenever Duan Heng was around, he felt like an emperor neglecting court affairs for his favored consort. He grew idle, relaxed—soft in a way that was entirely unlike him.

A person’s mind can only hold so much. Now, with Duan Heng filling it, there was little room for anything else.

Even the most wise emperors had faltered in the face of beauty, and he was no exception. Fortunately, the affairs of the organization did not require his constant involvement; he just needed to stay aware of the happenings.

When someone was cherished, they began to re-evaluate themselves. For the second time in his life, Qiao Si started to pay attention to his appearance.

Duan Heng had said he was too thin, and standing before the mirror, Qiao Si had to admit it was true. Without clothes to conceal it, his frame looked almost sickly—ribs faintly visible beneath skin that was far too pale.

Of course, Duan Heng would never criticize his appearance, but Qiao Si wanted Duan Heng to find him pleasing.

After all, making love to an unattractive old pervert was hardly an enjoyable experience.

He cherished Duan Heng. Naturally, he wanted Duan Heng to feel happy when they were together.

Qiao Si hired a personal trainer and became more mindful of his health. With a foundation in martial arts and a once-handsome appearance, if he put in the effort, restoring his former charm was hardly a challenge.

However, due to delays in the shooting schedule, Duan Heng’s return was pushed back.

Hearing Duan Heng’s pitiful complaints over the phone softened Qiao Si’s heart.

He missed Duan Heng too. They were in the kind of relationship where separation felt unbearable, yet he had always been too accustomed to having others come to him, making the idea of personally visiting seem out of character.

The one time he had made an appearance on set, Duan Heng had been so overwhelmed with surprise that his excitement had lasted the entire night. Traveling such a long distance to visit was unlike Qiao Si’s style, and he disliked the fatigue of travel.

Nevertheless, the thought of the young man’s expression when he saw him was enough to make Qiao Si board the plane.

When Qiao Si arrived at the hotel, it was already late at night in the local time. Not wanting to disturb Duan Heng, he booked a room for himself and went straight upstairs.

He had kept a low profile for this trip. Since he was here for a private rendezvous, he had not even brought his bodyguards along.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the airport, he realized he was being followed.

Caught off guard for a moment, even as experienced as he was, he struggled to shake off his pursuers despite trying to delay them by staying in crowded places. If it had not been for the timely appearance of a police car that allowed his taxi to unwittingly follow the same route, thwarting the attackers’ chance to strike. 

If that car had not been there, it was possible that he would have been taken out by a random shot in a foreign land. His death would have passed unnoticed, and his identity as a nameless tourist would have offered no protection.

Qiao Si took a moment to rest, poured himself a liquor and slowly sipped it before making a call to ensure his safety for the rest of the trip. Once he was certain everything was in place, he calmly made his way downstairs to the room where he would meet someone. 

He gently knocked on a particular door.

It took a moment before anyone responded. Upon seeing him, the person’s initial surprise was quickly replaced by a hint of panic. But before Qiao Si could process it, the young man had already embraced him.

“Fourth Master!”

Then came the deep and passionate kisses. Once Duan Heng finally let him sit on the bed, still holding him, Qiao Si looked into the young man’s eyes. “Were you expecting me to come?”

“No…” Denying outright. But under Qiao Si’s steady gaze, the young man grew bashful and was avoiding eye contact. “But I secretly hoped that maybe you would come to see me…”

Telling him the hotel and room number was already an obvious sign of his hope. Qiao Si ran his hand gently through the young man’s hair.

He had no intention of telling Duan Heng about the attempted assassination.

“Are you tired from the journey? Do you want to sleep for a while? The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow, so we won’t be able to shoot the scenes we need. That means I have the day off,” Duan Heng said.

Qiao Si replied, “It’s fine, I slept on the plane.”

Duan Heng tightly clasped his fingers to his own, holding him close as if afraid he might disappear. He stared at Qiao Si for a long moment with his gleaming dark eyes, before suddenly saying, “Fourth Master, you seem different.”

“What’s different?”

“It feels like… hmm…” The young man struggled to put it into words. Instead, he eagerly kissed him again, choosing to express himself through action.

The kiss soon spiraled out of control. It took all of Duan Heng’s willpower to pull away, his lips slightly red as he bit down lightly, trying to restrain himself. “Are you tired, Fourth Master?”

“Not really.”

The words had barely left his lips before he was pinned onto the bed. The young man’s enthusiasm was almost overwhelming. Qiao Si reached up and patted the back of his head. “Let me take a shower first.”

There was plenty of time, and he had no intention of rushing things in a state of travel-weariness. No matter how heated things got, it was never enough to make him act without restraint.

Qiao Si went into the bathroom. Duan Heng had always been particular about cleanliness—even while staying alone in a hotel, he kept the toilet and sink in order. However, Qiao Si noticed a small and inconspicuous trace of fallen ash.

Duan Heng was never a smoker.

The scent in the air was faint, but with Qiao Si’s keen sense of smell, he recognized it as a type of cigarette he had once been all too familiar with.

When Qiao Si stepped out from the bathroom, Duan Heng was already waiting on the bed, smiling at him. That smile reached his eyes, lighting them up with warmth on each step Qiao Si took.

Qiao Si extended his hand, and the young man immediately took it, lowering his head to press a kiss against the back of it before pulling him onto the bed.

Qiao Si felt the strength of the young man’s embrace, the kisses trailing over his lips and chest, the soft strands of hair brushing against his skin, leaving behind a heat that spread through him.

He had no intention of questioning Duan Heng. Some answers could never be found through simple questions and answers.

For now, he chose to focus on the present, indulging in the moment without a trace of unease. If nothing else, he would take what was his while it lasted.

Duan Heng’s physical strength was remarkable, showing no signs of fatigue or perfunctory gestures. He was filled with the passion of a reunion after a brief separation, and throughout the night, they changed positions and passionately made love. By the time it was over, Qiao Si had been utterly exhausted, he was left soft and pliant inside and out.

When they finally stopped, both of them were breathless, the afterglow of their lovemaking warmed them. Duan Heng was still positioned between his legs, clinging to his damp skin as if afraid he might disappear. “How long can you stay this time, Fourth Master?”

“It depends on my schedule.”

Duan Heng nuzzled against his ear. “Stay a few more days.”

Qiao Si ran his fingers through the young man’s hair. His chest was firm and warm, his arms steady and strong, the perfect place to rest after a long and weary day.

“Sure!”

The young man happily sealed his lips with a kiss.

Qiao Si savored the sweet kiss. Having reached his later years, he was already tired and needed Duan Heng. Only with Duan Heng close beside him, holding him tight, could he find restful sleep.

He stayed in Paris until the final scene was wrapped, personally accompanying Duan Heng through the last shot before returning home. The extravagant gifts he left behind, piled into several large suitcases, were hardly worth mentioning. His affection for Duan Heng had reached the level of a decadent ruler blinded by affection.

Qiao Si understood that even if Duan Heng had engaged in clandestine activities with others for personal gain, it was still forgivable. After all, Duan Heng was young, impulsive at times, easily swayed by the illusion of shortcuts.

Fortunately, Qiao Si had plenty of what Duan Heng wanted and could provide it.

As long as he could keep him well-fed, his pet would not be easily lured away by another’s hand..

Due to Qiao Si’s increasing generosity, Duan Heng became extremely popular and influential. But what Qiao Si appreciated most was that success had not made him lose himself.

He remained polite, respectful to his seniors, and tolerant of his juniors. No matter where he went, he left behind a good reputation.

Only someone like that could truly achieve greatness.

A few months later, Duan Heng’s new film was finally released.

Qiao Si had never paid much attention to his works before. But things were different now. He had also heard that Duan Heng had contributed to the screenplay this time, which made him feel that he ought to take notice.

If he could say a few words about Duan Heng’s film, it would undoubtedly make him happier.

Qiao Si chose a good day to go to the cinema and booked the entire place for himself. Duan Heng had mentioned that the film might not perform well at the box office, so this was Qiao Si’s way of supporting the ticket sales.

In the vast screening cinema, he was the only one there. Making the young man on the screen belonged to him alone.

Qiao Si sat comfortably in a specially prepared seat and watched the film with full attention.

The version he was watching had been edited—certain scenes were cut for being too explicit—yet it did not come across as vulgar. The more explicit elements had been handled with artistry, turning what could have been vulgar into something poignant. The details were moving, the actors performed exceptionally, the direction was skillful, and the cinematography and sound design were impeccable. 

Everything about it was remarkable.

After watching for a while, Qiao Si realized it was a story about a gigolo and a high-class courtesan, both trying to escape their wealthy benefactors in pursuit of a life together.

Duan Heng’s portrayal of the gigolo was astonishingly convincing. The nuanced performances of ingratiation, forced smiles, and even moments of degradation were deeply touching.

When the gigolo left the rich woman’s house in the middle of the night, carrying his packed belongings and heading towards his happy future, it was a moment that would typically prompt applause from the enthusiastic audience.

Seeing the joy on his face, Qiao Si found himself smiling. A slight twitch ran across his face, unconsciously touching his cheek as if he had been slapped.

The final scene of the movie was beautiful and poignant, showing the gigolo holding the photograph of the deceased prostitute as he left for a distant land, leaving the audience, or rather Qiao Si, with only his back.

He sacrificed his dignity and endured everything for her. It was a love so humble that it sank into the dirt, yet it still had the strength to bloom.

It was really heart touching. 

Qiao Si leaned back and watched until the credits finished rolling. Only then did he rise, smooth out his clothes and slowly step out of the empty theater.

The solitary film had left him feeling somewhat drained. He had originally planned for some entertainment afterward, but now he had no interest. Instead, he instructed the driver to take him straight home.

As he walked through the courtyard, the automatic sprinklers suddenly switched on with a soft whoosh, startling him slightly. Lifting his gaze, he noticed an unexpected visitor.

Duan Heng and Qiao Che were standing at the doorway, seemingly caught in conversation. It was unclear if they were just about to enter or had just stepped out. Duan Heng had his back partially turned, making it difficult to see his expression, while Qiao Che was dressed casually in a suit and shirt with his hands in his pockets. He exuded an air of ease—handsome beyond words.

As Qiao Si approached, Duan Heng noticed him and turned, his face showing a hint of unease. He quickly greeted, “Fourth Master.”

“Mn.”

Being a man of few words, Qiao Che remained silent for a few seconds, forcing Duan Heng to step in and explain, “Qiao Che came to ask about business matters, but since you weren’t here, I made the call on my own…”

Qiao Si had little interest in the matter and simply waved a hand. “You guys continue.”

He returned to his room, where Qiao Bo lit a cigarette and brewed some tea for him. After a while, Duan Heng came upstairs, having presumably seen Qiao Che off.

Qiao Si showed no intention of engaging. Duan Heng stood for a moment before smiling and saying, “I thought you’d be free today, so I finished my work early and came back. But when I arrived, it was Qiao Che who was here.”

Qiao Si did not respond immediately. He took a sip of tea, letting the warmth settle.

Duan Heng then asked, “Where have you been, Fourth Master?”

Setting down his cup, Qiao Si replied, “I went to watch your film.”

Duan Heng’s eyes widened in surprise. Qiao Si thought even Duan Heng never expected that he would personally go to see his film and show such support.

More than a year had passed since he last visited the set to see him. In that time, Duan Heng had released two films amid his demanding schedule. Life had been so hectic and full that subtle changes slipped by unnoticed.

After the initial surprise, Duan Heng quickly gathered his thoughts and explained, “Fourth Master, I took this role because it’s likely to win awards. There’s no other meaning. Please don’t misunderstand…”

Qiao Si looked up at him, “Misunderstand what?”

Duan Heng’s face turned pale, unable to respond immediately.

Qiao Si slowly asked again, “What do you think I might misunderstand?”

In the end, Duan Heng had no answer.

Qiao Si knew the young man was afraid—afraid of offending him, afraid of making him unhappy, afraid of provoking his anger.

The worry and unease on his face were entirely genuine. Even a slight change in Qiao Si’s expression could affect the young man’s heart. If he said anything more, Duan Heng might not be able to sleep tonight.

Of course, Qiao Si’s favor was of great importance to him; just like a wealthy woman’s purse.

“I’m tired. You may leave now.”

His tone was lofty and detached, and Duan Heng obeyed with the utmost deference, retreating without protest.

Qiao Si took another sip of tea.

He knew there was no reason for unease. After all, he was Qiao Si of S City, with everything remained firmly within his grasp.

Yet, it felt as though nothing was in his control.

Qiao Si ignored Duan Heng for a few days. But it was only for a few days.

Once his mood settled, he called Duan Heng back into his room one afternoon while soaking in a medicinal bath.

He decided to enjoy life one day at a time without making things difficult for himself.

Qiao Si could not sleep without Duan Heng by his side. Just like a person accustomed to drugs, quitting would be too painful.

But no matter what Duan Heng truly thought, it hardly mattered. In front of Qiao Si, the young man was nothing more than something harmless; something warm, something his own.

Qiao Si watched in rapt attention as the tall and handsome young man unbuttoned his collar at the poolside. One by one, the layers of clothing slipped away, revealing toned lines beneath. Every movement was both effortless and deliberate, a mesmerizing display of grace and control.

Simply watching, Qiao Si felt a familiar arousal stir within him, an unspoken promise of pleasure to come.

The young man stepped into the pool, the rippling surface parting around him as he approached. The air was thick with steam, softening the sharp edges of the world beyond the water’s embrace.

Qiao Si was already flushed with anticipation, his lips were swollen and warm in the humid air. As the young man leaned down, his lips found Qiao Si’s in a kiss that was both a promise and a demand.

His touch was a whirlwind, a caress that ignited a storm of desire within Qiao Si. His body arched involuntarily with a gasp, offering itself to the young man with desperate need. The young man seized the opportunity and plunged into him, a fiery brand in the cool water.

Duan Heng had exceeded all expectations. His punishment for Qiao Si’s recent coldness was a storm of passion, a relentless assault that surpassed even Qiao Si’s wildest desires. 

Cornered by the pool, Qiao Si gasped for air as his body was rocked by forceful thrusts, lost in a dizzying whirl of sensation.

Qiao Si considered himself no stranger to pleasure, yet Duan Heng’s touch was unlike anything he had ever known. The young man had an uncanny ability to push him to the edge, drawing primal moans from him and leaving him trembling uncontrollably beneath him.

His body convulsed with an intensity that left him breathless.

When Duan Heng finally withdrew, Qiao Si was left breathless and flushed, his chest and lips marked with the imprint of their passion. The heat of the water and the intensity of their lovemaking had left him weak, his trembling legs completely dependent on the young man’s support

The ripples on the water mirrored the tremors still coursing through his body. Held in the young man’s embrace, Qiao Si gazed at his face, fully mesmerized by his strong brow, his aquiline nose, and his eyes that filled with desire.

Overwhelmed by a surge of tenderness, he offered no resistance as the young man penetrated him once more.

The two of them lost themselves in another moment of intimacy. The young man’s energy and desire surpassed Qiao Si’s own, the intensity and rhythm leaving him struggling to keep pace. By the time the young man finally reached his climax, Qiao Si’s body felt spent, his senses were dulled, and his legs fell limp.

The experience was truly unforgettable. After a brief rest, Qiao Si felt much better. He pushed gently against the young man still lying atop him, signaling that it was enough. “Alright, you can go now.”

Duan Heng was taken aback as he looked at him.

Qiao Si said again, “Leave. I want to rest.”

Duan Heng hesitated, but seeing that Qiao Si had already closed his eyes, he chose not to disturb him. He quietly gathered his clothes and left the water, slipping out unnoticed.

Qiao Si felt weary, yet deeply satisfied.

Duan Heng was a master manipulator, a man of exceptional intelligence and cunning. While his disobedience might seem impulsive, it was always calculated, a carefully orchestrated act. He knew when to indulge Qiao Si’s playful moods, knowing precisely when to push his boundaries, when to indulge in his “misbehavior,” and when to retreat before crossing a line.

If one were to say it, Duan Heng truly had a way of winning his favor, from his mind to his body.

Breaking free from someone was like breaking a drug addiction—it was a slow, delicate process that required patience.

When he was barely able to see Duan Heng, there were moments when he felt a deep sense of discomfort. Desperate thoughts of reconciliation and submission plagued him, much like the cravings he once felt during withdrawal.

Though if the physical discomfort was unbearable, he would still summon Duan Heng to indulge himself.

After all, there was no cause for concern. In comparison to drugs, Duan Heng posed a lesser threat. He was not yet capable of causing him any irreversible harm.

Qiao Si quickly found a way to ease his cravings. Among the handsome young men offered to him, he discovered one who resembled Duan Heng to some extent.

That child, however, was still young and inexperienced. His expressions and demeanor were far inferior to Duan Heng’s, and he lacked the intelligence and maturity that Duan Heng possessed. Yet, his eyes and smile bore a striking resemblance to him.

Soon, Qiao Si sent him a sports car. The young boy, who was still fresh off his driver’s license, had never encountered such lavish generosity. Receiving such a grand gift, he naturally performed with a calculated grace in bed, his climax carefully calculated to meet Qiao Si’s expectations.

After their time together, the boy obediently rested in Qiao Si’s embrace, as Qiao Si gently stroked his head. “Do you like me?”

“Yes.”

Qiao Si gazed into his eyes and asked, “Oh? What do you like about me?”

The young boy thought for a moment, then sweetly replied, “Everything.”

Qiao Si smiled and gave his head a light pat. Even the response was strikingly similar to Duan Heng’s—it seemed they both had their own set patterns.

Questions like “Do you like me?” were just casual words for him. They were just a playful form of teasing, never a real inquiry. 

He knew very well that as long as he continued to hold power and wealth, no matter how old or unattractive he became in the next thirty or forty years, he would never be lacking for affection.

The next morning, Qiao Si took the young boy downstairs for breakfast. The boy somehow became even more eager to please him after seemingly emboldened by the events of the previous night. He nuzzled Qiao Si’s chest and even lifted the spoon to Qiao Si’s lips to feed him porridge.

The affection was a bit too cheesy to him, but looking at that face, Qiao Si unexpectedly enjoyed the attention.

As they were being affectionate, the dining door suddenly opened, and someone walked in, greeting him with a “Fourth Master.”

It was Duan Heng, who had worked through the night. Qiao Si gestured for him to come over. “Have some porridge before you sleep, so your stomach doesn’t feel off when you wake up.”

Duan Heng approached and sat at the table. He showed signs of fatigue from the sleepless night, but his gaze was fixed on the young boy hanging around Qiao Si’s arm. “Who’s this?”

“Oh,” Qiao Si placed down his chopsticks, “This is Xiao Jian, and this is Duan Heng, the one you like so much.”

The young man immediately smiled and moved closer, sweetly saying, “You’ve got to give me an autograph, Brother Duan! You’ve been my idol for a very long time now!”

Duan Heng was clearly not impressed. Instead, he asked Qiao Si, “Did he stay over last night?”

“Mn.”

“Fourth Master.”

Qiao Si waved his hand dismissively. “Let’s eat first, we’ll talk later.”

This time, Duan Heng knew when to push. With a hint of insistence, he asked again, “Fourth Master, you promised me before. Have you forgotten already?”

Qiao Si was not interested in getting into a serious argument. He simply replied, “That was a long time ago.”

“A long time ago?”

“Times change. No need to dwell on old things.”

The young man looked at him silently for a moment, then forced a smile, “Fourth Master, what have I done this time to displease you?”

Qiao Si was displeased with his repeated defiance. Such behavior in front of others made it hard for him to maintain his dignity. After sensing the tension, Duan Heng fell silent and his eyes remained fixed on him. The shadows of his sleepless nights were clearly visible. He pushed his chair back, stood up, and left the hall without touching his meal.

Qiao Si wondered where he was going in a huff, he could only sighed inwardly. Despite Duan Heng embarrassing him, Qiao Si still could not bring himself to see him upset. He knew that sooner or later, he would have to go to him and comfort him properly.

Although Qiao Si had always favored beautiful young men, he never once considered the age difference with Duan Heng as an issue. Even if Duan Heng became less handsome and lost his fine physique in the future, Qiao Si intended to continue cherishing him.

His affection for Duan Heng had never wavered, but he knew he could no longer place his entire heart on him—it was simply too much.

Of course, Qiao Si did not rush to console Duan Heng right away. He had learned to restrain himself, if only a little, to avoid showing too much concern.

After the meal, he specifically took Xiao Jian to test-drive a car. Then, he brought him to high-end boutiques, buying an assortment of expensive gifts that had the boy clinging to him in delight.

They ended the day with a lavish dinner at an upscale restaurant. By the time they returned to Xiao Jian’s apartment, the boy was practically glowing with happiness. Qiao Si indulged in his affection for a while before finally returning home, lazily stretching as he stepped into the house.

As soon as he entered the living room, Qiao Si sensed something was different. Without thinking, he asked Qiao Bo, “Where’s Duan Heng?”

“Master Duan moved out…”

“What happened?”

“He moved this afternoon. We wanted to inform you, but you were busy, and the message couldn’t get through…”

Qiao Si took a closer look and indeed noticed that the place felt much emptier. As he slowly walked towards his room, he could sense that many items were missing.

Duan Heng’s departure had left behind a startling emptiness. Qiao Si had never realized just how much space he had occupied until now.

He sat alone in his room for a while before calling for Qiao Bo. “Go fetch my Blood Jade Suanni and send it to Duan Heng.”

Duan Heng had taken a liking to it the first time he saw it. Because it was valuable and spiritually significant, Qiao Si rarely gave such things away. But now, with Duan Heng throwing a tantrum, he had no choice but to use it to coax him back.

However, this time, Duan Heng remained unmoved.

Every gift Qiao Si sent to appease him was returned untouched. Sweet words no longer held any sway, and Duan Heng refused to even answer his calls, making it clear he was set on a long-term cold war.

Qiao Si was genuinely surprised. No one had ever dared to throw a tantrum like this with him.

Duan Heng had never been as petty as those youngsters. He had always taken the slightest excuse to back down, making him the most tactful, the least troublesome, and the one who had given Qiao Si the least worry and the most pride.

Judging by the current situation, it seemed that Duan Heng would not let this go until Qiao Si personally came to make amends. Such a demanding attitude was indeed unusual.

For Qiao Si to lower himself—that was impossible. Yet, he was not particularly annoyed by Duan Heng’s stubbornness either.

He had cherished Duan Heng too much to truly lose his temper. Even as Duan Heng grew less obedient, Qiao Si had unprecedented tenderness and patience, soothing him as one would a sulking cat.

However, he had to restrain this excessive tenderness.

Duan Heng had already learned to test the boundaries of his favor. If he continued to grasp Qiao Si’s soft spots, things would eventually spiral out of control in the future.

For someone as ruthless as Qiao Si, exposing his vulnerabilities was too dangerous.

In this world, some people have to pretend to love, while others have to pretend not to love. Everyone had their own burdens to bear.