Chapter 2: Dinner

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Junyue. Lu Tingshen opened the car door and stepped out, handing the car keys to the valet who went to park the vehicle.

Ji Jinbai and Lu Mian followed the man inside, where a waiter led them to a private room.

Lu Tingshen walked ahead, his hair neatly combed back. Standing at 193 cm, he appeared tall and upright, his black suit fitting snugly. It accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his steps steady, exuding the commanding presence of someone long entrenched in the business world.

Upon entering the room, the man casually removed his suit jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. He loosened his tie with a graceful, powerful hand, the contrast between his skin and the black fabric creating an inexplicable allure.

Ji Jinbai glanced at him a few times before instinctively lowering his head. His hands rested on his lap, fingers lightly fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. His gaze was distant, lost in thought.

Ji Jinbai and Lu Mian sat together, while Lu Tingshen took a seat across from them. He swiped through the menu on a tablet, ordering a few of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Noticing the two youngsters across from him, he added a few desserts that younger people typically enjoyed.

Lu Mian, looking at the stern-faced man opposite him, clenched his fists and timidly asked, “Second Uncle, why did you decide to take me out for dinner today? Is there something you need from me?”

Lu Tingshen was usually swamped with work, often pulling overtime and practically living at the company. He rarely paid attention to Lu Mian, so this sudden gesture of taking him out for dinner surely had ulterior motives.

Lu Tingshen’s cold gaze fixed on him. “Your parents went on a trip and won’t be back for several months. They asked me to keep an eye on you. I happened to have some free time today, so here I am, ‘taking care’ of you. What, are you not happy about it?”

The man’s brow furrowed slightly, his eyes sharp as arrows, his tone serious and slightly threatening. If it weren’t for his elder brother and sister-in-law specifically coming to remind him, he wouldn’t have bothered looking after this kid.

Lu Mian trembled at his words. “N-no, I’m not unhappy, I…” He wanted to explain, but just then, the waiter came in to serve the dishes. He quickly shut his mouth, not wanting anyone to see him in such a state—it was too embarrassing.

Ji Jinbai observed the dynamic between the two and couldn’t blame Lu Mian for being intimidated. When Lu Tingshen looked at someone with that expressionless face, it was indeed quite intimidating. In front of the man, Lu Mian was completely subdued, a far cry from his usual fiery self. Thinking of this, Ji Jinbai’s lips curved into a faint smile.

Lu Tingshen caught a glimpse of the quiet young man across from him, his lips slightly upturned as if he had seen something amusing. But when he looked again, the faint smile was gone, as if it had been just his imagination. He calmly averted his gaze.

Once the dishes were served, Lu Tingshen picked up a bowl of matcha mochi ice cream from the table and handed it to Ji Jinbai. “This is the restaurant’s signature dessert. It’s said to be delicious. I think you’ll like it, Xiao Ji.”

Lu Tingshen smiled at Ji Jinbai, his usual sharp demeanor softening, making him appear like a gentle elder.

Ji Jinbai, who had been focused on eating, was suddenly presented with a bowl of dessert by a long, powerful hand. He looked up, slightly dazed and unsure, meeting Lu Tingshen’s gaze. After a moment of hesitation, he accepted the dessert.

He scooped a spoonful and brought it to his mouth. The moment the flavor hit his taste buds, Ji Jinbai’s eyes lit up.

It was really delicious! Sweet and sticky, Ji Jinbai couldn’t resist taking a few more bites, his eyes narrowing in satisfaction, like a contented little cat.

He completely forgot there was someone sitting across from him. Lu Tingshen watched his satisfied expression, finding him somewhat adorably naive.

For the first time, Lu Tingshen enjoyed the pleasure of feeding someone, covering his smile with his hand.

It took Ji Jinbai a while to realize something. He slowly put down his spoon, looked up at Lu Tingshen with slightly flushed cheeks, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“It’s delicious, thank you, Mr. Lu,” he said, suppressing his inner awkwardness, his left hand clutching the corner of his clothes.

Lu Tingshen sipped his tea, looking at the slightly embarrassed young man, and smiled softly.

“If it’s good, eat more. I’ll pack another portion for you later, Little Ji.”

Listening to their conversation, Lu Mian thought his Second Uncle was being so biased. His tone was so gentle, as if he didn’t even notice a living person like him sitting there.

Hello, can you still see me?

Lu Tingshen leaned forward slightly and stood up. “I’m going to the restroom,” he said, then walked out with his long legs.

The door closed gently. Seeing that he had left, Lu Mian immediately put down his chopsticks and turned to look at Ji Jinbai.

Feeling the intense gaze beside him, Ji Jinbai looked up and saw the teasing in Lu Mian’s eyes.

Leaning closer, Lu Mian said, “If it’s good, eat more. I’ll pack another portion for you later, Little Ji. Eww~ so gentle…”

Lu Mian pinched his throat, imitating Lu Tingshen’s words earlier, while giving Ji Jinbai a suggestive look.

Ji Jinbai, who was eating, almost spat out his food in an ungraceful manner. Seriously, who taught him to speak in such a sickly sweet tone?

“Ahem, stop talking nonsense, you’re overacting,” Ji Jinbai glanced at him, really afraid he might say something shocking next.

Lu Mian moved even closer to Ji Jinbai. “Xiao Bai, don’t you really like this type? That shouldn’t be the case.

I’m not exaggerating, my Second Uncle is practically a top-tier catch, a daddy-type top in the gay community, absolutely perfect.”

Seeing that Ji Jinbai remained unmoved, Lu Mian continued.

“That shouldn’t be the case. Are you disgusted by his age? Well, he is a bit old, he’s already 36 this year. If he doesn’t find someone soon, he’ll be in his forties in a few years. That’s kinda sad, huh?”

“But!” Lu Mian raised his voice, and Ji Jinbai finally looked up at him, as if saying, please continue.

Lu Mian’s gaze became even more intense.

“Xiao Bai, think about it, older men know how to cherish people. Everyone in our family is very loyal. One of the family rules set by my grandfather is that no one is allowed to fool around outside, or their legs will be broken.

My Second Uncle has been keeping himself pure all these years. A powerful and influential big shot and a cold, elegant beauty, hehehe~”

Lu Mian had accidentally discovered that Lu Tingshen actually didn’t like women.

Ji Jinbai looked at the increasingly excited person beside him, feeling a bit helpless.

But he had to admit, he was somewhat attracted to that man, the only one he had ever felt anything for.

Well, actually, it wasn’t just a little.

Ji Jinbai thought to himself, to put it nicely, it was love at first sight. To put it bluntly, he was just attracted to the man’s face and craved his body.

Thinking of something, Ji Jinbai’s face grew warm. “I’m going to the restroom,” he said, then got up and left.

Ji Jinbai didn’t go to the restroom. He just wanted to get some fresh air, walking aimlessly along the corridor.

Turning a corner, he saw a familiar figure not far ahead, leaning on the railing and gazing out the window.

With a stern expression, he spoke displeasedly into the phone.

“What’s going on? The project proposal hasn’t been completed after so many days. Are you waiting for me to do it for you? I want to see the complete plan by 8 PM tomorrow!”

Lu Tingshen hung up the phone, turned around with a frown, and upon seeing Ji Jinbai in front of him, his expression relaxed considerably.

The cold, displeased aura around him dissipated significantly as he walked over.

“Little Ji, why did you come out?” Lu Tingshen asked.

The man in front of him was too tall. Although Ji Jinbai was 180 cm, he still had to tilt his head slightly to speak to him.

“It’s a bit stuffy inside. I came out for some fresh air.”

The young man’s cool and innocent fox-like eyes looked at him, the faint red tear mole under his left eye adding a hint of allure to his otherwise aloof demeanor.

Lu Tingshen felt a stir in his heart. Over the years, he had seen many beautiful people, but the one before him was the most stunning, surpassing all others, male or female.

Lu Tingshen couldn’t help but gaze at him a little longer, as if unintentionally, with a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Jinbai, may I call you that?” Lu Tingshen asked with a slight upward curve of his lips.

“Of course, you can call me whatever you like.”

From “Little Ji” to just his name, this indicated that their relationship had grown a bit closer. Ji Jinbai was pleased with this development and had no reason to object.

Ji Jinbai inadvertently glanced into Lu Tingshen’s eyes, finding no coldness there, but rather a subtle softness.

He quickly averted his gaze, a faint blush spreading across his cool, composed face.

Lu Tingshen looked at him, thinking to himself how easily he blushed.