Chapter 16: Don’t Forget You’re Taken

Three hours later, Ji Jinbai woke up leisurely.

He stretched lazily and contentedly, then walked to the window and pulled open the curtains. The sunlight outside was bright and somewhat dazzling.

After glancing around the room, he didn’t see Lu Tingshen anywhere.

He turned and opened the door to leave, searching for a while before noticing a door left slightly ajar.

He approached and gently pushed it open, peeking his head inside.

What greeted him was a large bookshelf, neatly filled with books. It seemed to be a study.

Ji Jinbai slowly walked in and saw the man sitting at the desk, focused on his computer as he worked.

He noticed that Lu Tingshen was actually wearing a pair of silver-framed glasses, which softened his sharp and deep features, making him appear more refined and gentle.

At this moment, he didn’t look like a businessman but more like an elegant and scholarly university professor.

Seeing Ji Jinbai enter, Lu Tingshen saved his file, closed the laptop, and waved at him.

“Hmm, what brings you here?”

Ji Jinbai walked over with a smile, sat on his lap, and wrapped his arms around his neck.

“Is your work done?”

Lu Tingshen wrapped an arm around his waist and replied, “Just a little left to finish.”

Ji Jinbai reached out and tapped his glasses, asking curiously, “I’ve never seen you wear glasses before. Are you nearsighted?”

“A little, but the prescription isn’t strong. I usually don’t wear them, only when I’m looking at computer files.”

“What, do they not look good?”

Lu Tingshen pinched his cheek affectionately, finding it soft and tender, making him reluctant to let go.

“They look good. Do you have no awareness of how handsome your face is?”

Ji Jinbai clung to him, looking up at him with adoration.

The high bridge of his nose was adorned with glasses, his long eyes deep and dark. His face alone could outshine all the young idols in the entertainment industry.

Such a handsome man was his now.

Lu Tingshen chuckled as he watched Ji Jinbai staring at him motionlessly. He pinched his waist lightly to remind him, “Bao Bei (Baby/Darling), tone it down a little. Your gaze is too intense, like you’re about to strip me bare.”

Ji Jinbai glared at him, then reached up to touch his face, muttering softly, “It’s not like I haven’t seen it before.”

His voice was too quiet, and Lu Tingshen didn’t catch it. He looked at him in confusion. “Hmm?”

“Nothing, I just said my boyfriend is too handsome.”

Ji Jinbai wrapped his arms around his neck, pulling him down to plant a kiss on his lips, then nuzzled his face against his with a smile.

Lu Tingshen laughed, indulging his playful antics.

“Alright, let’s go back to the room so I can apply the ointment,” the man said, gently patting him.

“No, I’ll do it myself.”

This was too embarrassing. He didn’t want Lu Tingshen to help him.

Ji Jinbai buried his face in Lu Tingshen’s neck, his eyes closed in shyness.

Seeing him so shy he seemed about to burrow into a hole, Lu Tingshen stroked his back.

“Hehe…”

“We’ve already done everything, and yet the little one is still shy.”

“It’s different,” Ji Jinbai said weakly.

“How is it different? You can’t see it, so let me help you.”

Realizing he couldn’t win the argument, Ji Jinbai resigned himself to his fate. After all, they’d already done everything, but the thought still made him feel a bit ashamed.

Back in the room, Lu Tingshen took out a tube of ointment.

Soon, Lu Tingshen finished applying it for him. He went into the bathroom to wash his hands and came out to see Ji Jinbai’s entire face flushed red.

Lu Tingshen thought his little boyfriend was too easily embarrassed.

Seeing the man come out, Ji Jinbai sat up with a red face and finally remembered to bring up something important.

“Oh, by the way, I need to go back to school tonight.”

“So soon? Can’t you leave tomorrow morning?”

Lu Tingshen sat on the bed, and Ji Jinbai lay down on his lap, pulling his hand over to play with his long, strong fingers while talking to him.

“I wish I could leave tomorrow morning, but I still have homework to finish, and it’s due tomorrow afternoon.”

Ji Jinbai was also reluctant to part with Lu Tingshen, instinctively relying on him, but this homework was too important to skip.

Lu Tingshen, feeling displeased, held him tightly and suddenly leaned down to kiss him, only letting go after teasing him enough.

Sensing that Lu Tingshen might be upset, Ji Jinbai turned around and hugged his waist.

“If I have time, I’ll come to see you, okay?”

Lu Tingshen stroked his neck and spoke in a deep voice, negotiating with him.

“How about you move in with me? We can spend more time together, and it’s close to your school—just a ten-minute drive. I’ll pick you up when I’m free, and if I’m busy, the driver can get you.”

“If you have classes in the afternoon, you can stay in the dorm at noon and come back in the evening. How about that?”

Ji Jinbai felt it was too fast. Who moves in together right after confirming a relationship?

“This is way too soon.”

Seeing his hesitation, Lu Tingshen made a precise move.

“If you move in with me, I’ll cook delicious meals for you every day. How about that?”

The offer was tempting. Thinking of the man’s cooking skills, Ji Jinbai pondered for a moment and finally nodded. He made a request.

“If I move in, I’ll need a studio. I usually paint.”

Lu Tingshen smiled at him with a doting look.

“Sure, that’s not a problem. The empty room on the first floor has good lighting—it’s perfect for a studio. I’ll have it set up tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll pick you up from school tomorrow afternoon. Just bring the important things; I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Okay…”

…

Lu Tingshen drove him to the school gate. Ji Jinbai unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to look at Lu Tingshen. “I’ll head back to school now.”

Just as he opened the car door to get out, his waist was pulled back forcefully, and he was seated back in the car.

He turned to look at the man in surprise. “What’s wrong?”

Lu Tingshen’s eyes held an unreadable emotion, his gaze deep and intense as he looked at the person before him. He lifted Ji Jinbai’s chin, his voice low and filled with possessiveness.

“Stay away from those people. Always remember you have a boyfriend, got it?”

Ji Jinbai found his declaration of ownership somewhat endearing.

He took the hand that was holding his chin, his eyes curving into a smile.

“Got it. You’re quite fierce.”

Lu Tingshen’s eyes darkened as he pulled him closer.

“Mmm~”

Ji Jinbai couldn’t handle it and pushed against him, but the man didn’t budge.

Five minutes later, Lu Tingshen reluctantly let him go.

Ji Jinbai looked at him with moist eyes, his lips slightly swollen—it was obvious what had happened.

“Lu Tingshen!” Ji Jinbai called his name angrily. How was he supposed to face people like this?

Lu Tingshen raised an eyebrow, amused by his flustered expression.

Seeing him still smiling, Ji Jinbai felt both shy and annoyed. He lunged forward, grabbing Lu Tingshen’s collar.

He planted a firm kiss on his neck, leaving a clear hickey before letting go.

He glared at him fiercely. “Now everyone will know you’re taken. Don’t go flirting around.”

Lu Tingshen’s skin tingled from the kiss, and upon hearing those words, he chuckled, “Who have I offended now?”

“Just make sure you watch yourself!”

Lu Tingshen looked at him with adoration and helplessly replied, “Alright, alright~”

“Hmph~”

Ji Jinbai let out a huff, then opened the car door and got out.

Lu Tingshen watched his retreating figure, thinking to himself that he had indeed brought back a little ancestor. He let out a soft, resigned laugh, his eyes filled with tenderness.