For a moment, Jian Yang thought he was hallucinating.

Wha…? What?

His almond-shaped eyes widened in shock, his soul seemingly leaving his body, frozen in an expression of disbelief.

“Do you like it?” Guan Ciyan judged from Jian Yang’s reactions that he did.

However, when it came to Jian Yang, rational judgment wasn’t enough to keep his confidence intact. Even if there was only a one percent chance of rejection, he would still worry. Unless Jian Yang personally said he liked it, Guan Ciyan would remain anxious.

Jian Yang turned his head in a daze. The setting sun sank into the sea, its reflection filling his clear eyes like a mirror. The amber-gold hue of his pupils blended into deep sea blue, transitioning to the fiery orange of the sunset. Guan Ciyan found himself completely lost in those eyes.

He felt even less confident.

Even if Jian Yang didn’t own this island, he could still have this view.

Jian Yang deserved the most beautiful things in the world—things that belonged to no one, things beyond ownership.

“This island looks the most like the one in that fanfic you liked. You said you loved it,” Guan Ciyan explained, unsure of where to start.

Jian Yang slowly regained his senses. “So… this is for me?”

“Yes.” Guan Ciyan affirmed.

“The boat… the one we just came on?”

“To be precise, the entire fleet is yours. And the shipping and trade company that owns them—it’s yours too. This way, you can come to the island anytime you like. Do you like it?”

Jian Yang nodded.

Who wouldn’t? But—“Why are you giving me all this?”

This was an island, not clothes, not a couple of resources. It wasn’t a small amount, nor was it a mutually beneficial deal. Guan Ciyan was giving it to him outright. No profit-sharing, no strings attached.

“Don’t you like money?” Guan Ciyan finally felt secure and spoke with a touch of pride. “You can do whatever you want with this island. If you want to develop it into a resort, the fleet will serve you. If you prefer to keep it private, you can use it as your retreat. The shipping company’s revenue will be more than enough for anything you want to do. What do you think?”

Jian Yang said nothing, just stared at Guan Ciyan, tilting his head slightly, trying to read his expression.

Guan Ciyan pinched his cheek. “Too happy to speak?”

Jian Yang forced a smile. “You really do know I like money.”

His tone was wistful, making it unclear whether he was truly happy.

“Who was it that kept pestering me about a daily wage of 360 yuan when we first met?” Guan Ciyan chuckled. “Honestly, I was shocked back then. How could someone love money so much yet be so poor?”

“Yeah… loving it but never having it.” Jian Yang laughed along with him.

Guan Ciyan wrapped an arm around his shoulders, facing the sea. “Not anymore. Now, all of this belongs to you.”

Jian Yang didn’t reply, just gazed silently at the ocean.

Something felt off.

For someone as money-obsessed as Jian Yang, he should be jumping for joy, running laps around the island in excitement. Even when Guan Ciyan had given him just two office spaces to start his business, he had been giddy with happiness.

“The island isn’t fully developed yet. I originally planned to wait until everything was ready before giving it to you, but…” Guan Ciyan hesitated. For once, he felt his face heat up. He lowered his gaze to Jian Yang’s profile.

Jian Yang finally reacted, looking up at him and hooking his fingers around Guan Ciyan’s wrist. “What’s wrong? Afraid the person you like will misunderstand?”

They had been in this undefined relationship for a while now. What if Jian Buqing misunderstood? Chairman Guan could have flings, but he couldn’t have lovers. Paying for someone’s services proved there were no emotions involved. If Guan Ciyan had feelings, he should’ve gotten rid of Jian Yang with money long ago.

Jian Yang smiled, a hint of self-mockery in his eyes.

In Guan Ciyan’s mind, he was just someone who could be bought off with money. And honestly, that wasn’t wrong. He did love money. Guan Ciyan was simply giving him what he wanted.

It was a perfect transaction.

Fair compensation for the time he spent in Guan Ciyan’s bed.

Guan Ciyan had prepared a heartfelt confession, but Jian Yang’s casual mention of “the person you like” completely derailed it. The dimming light blurred their expressions. Looking at Jian Yang’s faint smile, Guan Ciyan thought—how adorable. So open, so composed.

He went along with it. “Yeah. If the person I like has been secretly in love with me for so long, and I take too long, what if he runs off with someone else?”

“He won’t.” Jian Yang answered on behalf of that person. “He only loves money. As long as you hold onto your wealth, he won’t run.”

Guan Ciyan laughed. He used to despise those who were ruled by greed. But Jian Yang was so honest about his love for money—it was almost charming.

With a sigh, he admitted, “Jian Yang, I really do… quite like you.”

Jian Yang chuckled softly, treating it as a casual remark.

“Quite like”—sure. If he didn’t like him at all, Guan Ciyan wouldn’t have chosen him as a bed partner. He had the same face as Jian Buqing, so of course Guan Ciyan would be drawn to him. He liked him enough to buy his company and gift him an island—enough to secure his companionship.

But it was just companionship.

“Sir, are you tired?” Jian Yang suddenly asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Let’s climb up and take a look. I’m really tired, so if I can make it up there, you have to promise me one more thing.” Jian Yang said with a bright smile.

“You can tell me now, and I’ll agree.”

“Come with me, then.” Jian Yang acted coyly—a habit he had developed from indulging in Guan Ciyan’s doting tolerance during this time.

“Alright… let’s go. But just so you know, it’s not finished yet. If you don’t like it, you can’t get mad.”

“Of course not.”

…

Jian Yang walked slowly, admiring the island that was supposedly his. If only it really belonged to him.

When the church bells rang again, they had arrived at the entrance.

Inside, construction materials were scattered around, and parts of the outer wall paint were still wet. Jian Yang let out an “Ah,” and sighed, “It really doesn’t look as nice up close.”

“I told you, we should’ve waited a bit longer.”

“Some things just shouldn’t be examined too closely. It has nothing to do with time.” Jian Yang murmured.

“It’ll be done in a few days.” Guan Ciyan pulled Jian Yang close, turning him to face him. “Now, what was it that you wanted me to promise?”

Jian Yang’s long eyelashes trembled slightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, but the dim light concealed them. All Guan Ciyan could see was the faint upward curve of his lips, the slight movement of his lips as he spoke.

“Sir, take it back. The fleet, the island—I don’t want them.”

Guan Ciyan’s expression changed instantly, his gaze darkening. He instinctively leaned in closer, trying to get a clearer look at Jian Yang’s face. But tonight, there were no stars, no moon—the sky pressed down like an enormous curtain, and the salty sea breeze carried away half of his voice.

“Why? You don’t like it?”

Jian Yang spoke slowly and clearly, “I just… don’t want it. Sir, you’ve already given me more than enough. You admire me, don’t you?”

“Of course.” Guan Ciyan’s voice was urgent, as if trying to explain, but he had no idea what had gone wrong.

“Then take it back. Everything you’ve given me before had its own reason, and I accepted them. Yes, I love money, but I don’t want your admiration and care to be something that can be bought. I want things between us to be clean, even if one day we separate—”

“I’m sorry.” Guan Ciyan suddenly interrupted him. “I didn’t think it through.”

“It’s fine. Who apologizes for giving money?” Jian Yang let out a dry laugh. “Now, at least I understand your sincerity.”

“As long as you understand.”

A tear slipped down Jian Yang’s cheek, but he quickly wiped it away, pretending to rub his eyes.

How foolish.

He should have just refused outright. Instead, he dragged it out, coming all the way to the church just to say this much.

All because he was hoping—just maybe—Guan Ciyan would deny it.

Even if Guan Ciyan just said one thing, just one sentence to prove that their relationship wasn’t completely transactional…

It wasn’t like he was asking for marriage.

Jian Yang sniffled.

Guan Ciyan only held him close and whispered by his ear, “I’m sorry. Don’t be sad.”

That only made Jian Yang feel worse.

Damn it, Guan Ciyan. Even when rejecting him, even when reducing their relationship to a transaction, why did he have to be so gentle?

It would’ve been better if he had just scolded him all along. If he had, Jian Yang wouldn’t have misinterpreted anything. He wouldn’t have even considered the possibility that there was something real between them.

“I didn’t realize… this was how you felt.” Guan Ciyan sounded regretful.

He had always admired Jian Yang’s pure and untainted nature, but he hadn’t expected him to be just as uncompromising when it came to emotions.

And he definitely hadn’t expected that Jian Yang liked him this much—enough to give up money, just to keep things clean between them.

Apart from a few lights near the port, the island was pitch dark. The temperature dropped as the sea breeze carried away their warmth. Jian Yang wrapped his arms around Guan Ciyan’s waist, rubbing his face lightly against his chest before looking up.

“Sir, it’s cold.”

“Alright.”

The boat ride back would take too long, so Guan Ciyan called for a seaplane.

This was supposed to be his last gift to Jian Yang.

As the plane took off, Jian Yang stared through the window at the turbulent sea below—deep, unfathomable.

The ocean that had been so breathtaking in the afternoon was terrifying now. Legends about the deep sea surfaced in his mind.

The myths weren’t real, but the reality of the ocean’s trenches, reefs, and underwater cliffs was undeniable.

Back in the city, they drove straight to the villa. Uncle Zhang was still awake, waiting for them. Jian Yang handed him a gift before heading upstairs to his room.

The room was spotless, just as he had left it.

It felt like only yesterday that he had first gained the right to stay here, filled with both anxiety and gratitude.

Back then, he had worried about how long he’d be allowed to stay. If he had to leave, where would he even go?

Now, things were different. Jiang Ke had already found an apartment for him.

“Good job! Mission accomplished!” Jian Yang cheered himself on in the mirror.

Everything was improving.

Except, there was an emptiness in his heart.

If someone had told him when he first moved in that he would grow attached to Guan Ciyan, he wouldn’t have believed it.

Because it would’ve been impossible.

But… oh well. It was what it was.

Jian Yang sank into the bathtub for a long, relaxing soak, then finally logged into a game he hadn’t touched in ages.

He had saved up tons of gacha pulls.

But he hesitated, afraid to tap the button.

The last time he went against the storyline and tried to run, his luck had been absolute garbage. He had to rely on Guan Ciyan to pull for him.

Ding—

Six-star—

“Holy shit!!!” Jian Yang bolted upright in bed.

This… this… this!!!

Jian Yang thought about it—according to the storyline, once Guan Ciyan fell for Jian Buqing, he would be completely useless. He would only show up once or twice to be humiliated and tormented, serving as a contrast to Jian Buqing, just to give the readers some satisfaction.

Did this mean that, if the story followed its course, he could finally exit? That even if he left Guan Ciyan now, the plot wouldn’t forcibly drag him back into his orbit?

Jian Yang pressed his phone against his chest and silently prayed for a moment.

Then, he did a ten-pull in his game.

One six-star, two five-stars, the rest were three-stars.

A perfectly normal gacha result.

He was free!

The plot could no longer control him!!!

Jian Yang didn’t waste another second—he was out of here!