Caught in the Act

When Su Ran opened his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar room bathed in orange light, clearly indicating that the sun was setting. His head still felt heavy as he sat up and rubbed his temples, then he suddenly remembered the scene of having lunch with Zhou Ji’an in the pavilion. Had he really gotten drunk…?

It was embarrassing, and he regretted it, fearing the inevitable confrontation with Zhou Yuanzhe after being away for so long.

Just then, the door opened, and Zhou Ji’an entered. Seeing Su Ran awake, he smiled, “Awake?”

Feeling awkward, Su Ran quickly got out of bed, “Sorry I got drunk. I need to hurry back and inform Yuanzhe.”

Zhou Ji’an replied leisurely, “No rush. I already sent someone to inform your Third Young Master when I brought you here. I told him you were helping me with the flower beds and that you’d stay for dinner.”

Relieved and grateful, Su Ran realized Zhou Ji’an must have known about his troubles with Zhou Yuanzhe, which was no secret in the house. He had thoughtfully covered for him, ensuring he wouldn’t get scolded upon his return.

“Thank you,” Su Ran whispered his thanks.

At that moment, a maid came in with a bowl of soup. Zhou Ji’an took it and approached Su Ran, saying gently, “Drink this, it’ll make you feel better.”

Su Ran obediently nodded and looked up at Zhou Ji’an, sensing his inscrutable depth, then smiled and sipped the chicken soup.

Suddenly, Zhou Ji’an asked, “Does Zhou Yuanzhe treat you poorly?”

Startled, Su Ran hadn’t cooled the soup in his spoon and burned his tongue.

Zhou Ji’an frowned and gently pinched Su Ran’s cheeks, “Let me see.”

Su Ran’s eyes watered from the burn as he stuck out his tongue. Zhou Ji’an bent down to inspect the red tip and called for a maid to bring some ice.

Putting aside the soup, Zhou Ji’an suggested, “Let it cool a bit before you drink it.”

The maid quickly brought the ice, and Zhou Ji’an, holding a piece, softly instructed, “Open your mouth.”

Obediently, Su Ran opened his lips, and Zhou Ji’an placed the ice in his mouth. It was a bit large, making it difficult for Su Ran to manage, causing water to dribble down his chin.

Zhou Ji’an’s gaze darkened as Su Ran struggled with the ice, which slowly melted. Retrieving a handkerchief from his pocket, he dabbed away the water from Su Ran’s mouth, then casually pocketed the handkerchief.

Once the ice had melted enough for Su Ran to speak without hindrance, Zhou Ji’an asked, “Feeling better?”

Su Ran nodded repeatedly, smiling at him. He found Zhou Ji’an patient and brotherly, despite his intimidating presence.

Zhou Ji’an’s face also brightened with a faint smile, and he raised his hand as if to touch Su Ran but instead smoothed his hair gently, their closeness filling the air with Zhou Ji’an’s fresh scent.

Thankfully, Zhou Yuanzhe didn’t scold Su Ran upon his return; instead, he just lay in bed, turning away, finding peace in not seeing him.

The next morning, while watering the flowers, Zhou Zekun arrived with Zhao Jinshun, who carried several bags. Su Ran quickly approached, glancing at Zhao Jinshun as he pulled out various Western gadgets from the bags.

Zhou Zekun explained, “A new foreign goods store opened on Nanping Road. I thought these items were quite unique, so I brought some for you.”

As Zhou Zekun became a frequent visitor, his relationship with Zhou Yuanzhe had warmed. He sat down, and a maid came to refill his teacup. Today was the first time he had brought Zhao Jinshun along.

Su Ran sat down next to them, casting glances at Zhao Jinshun.

Zhou Yuanzhe, observing the items, showed a flicker of disdain but accepted them with a pleased expression. “The tea you brought last time was excellent. I’ve been enjoying it these past days,” he said, understanding Zhou Zekun’s intent to foster ties, possibly to secure a share of the Zhou inheritance later.

“That’s great to hear. I’ll have my friend bring more next time he visits,” Zhou Zekun replied, noticing Su Ran’s attention was mostly on the person behind him.

The two chatted, with Su Ran joining in occasionally until Zhou Zekun stood up, saying, “I’m off to the market to buy some things. Yuanzhe, need anything?”

Zhou Yuanzhe waved him off, “No need to bother for me.”

Hearing this, Su Ran couldn’t sit still and stood up, “Can I come along?”

Zhou Zekun smiled, “Of course.”

However, Zhou Yuanzhe’s permission was necessary. Su Ran turned to him, noticing his expression had darkened. Maybe due to Zhou Zekun’s presence, he didn’t react but coldly permitted, “Go ahead.”

Relieved, Su Ran barely hid his delight and was about to follow Zhou Zekun when Zhou Yuanzhe grabbed his wrist, pulling him close and hissing, “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to, wanting to be with your little lover. If you dare do anything improper, be careful, I might kill him.”

Su Ran shivered, his face draining of color. Zhou Yuanzhe, seeing his reaction, smirked and released his wrist, “Go on.”

Su Ran caught up with Zhou Zekun and Zhao Jinshun, his face now devoid of joy, replaced with an awkward tension.

Zhou Zekun glanced at him, “What did Zhou Yuanzhe say to you? You look upset.”

Su Ran glanced at him and whispered, “Nothing much…”

Zhou Zekun clicked his tongue, “Seems being the Third Young Master’s wife isn’t easy.”

Su Ran glared at him, feeling Zhou Zekun was making light of his troubles. Zhou Zekun grinned and slapped his mouth, “Alright, I’ll stop.”

Ignoring him, Su Ran slowed his pace to walk beside Zhao Jinshun, “How have you been adjusting to life in the Zhou residence?”

Zhao Jinshun, demure, replied, “Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Su, I’ve adapted well.”

Hearing him address him formally, Su Ran’s eyes reddened. He bit his lip, silent until they reached the bustling streets, his mood lifting slightly.

“Is it easier here than at the Su residence?” Su Ran asked. Back at the Su residence, guards like Zhao had to work hard as the family’s fortunes waned.

Before Zhao could respond, Zhou Zekun interjected sarcastically, “Why does Mrs. Su care so much about my attendant? You don’t even ask how I’m doing.”

Startled, Su Ran retorted, “How are you doing then? Are you adjusting well?”

Zhou Zekun’s smile grew, “Very well, indeed.”

“I see you’re living comfortably, being a young master,” Su Ran muttered sourly.

Zhou Zekun laughed heartily, draping an arm around Su Ran’s shoulders, “Want to live comfortably too, Mrs. Su?”

Su Ran looked at him, unfazed by the close contact, perhaps attributing it to Zhou Zekun’s roguish charm, “Of course, but how?”

“Simple,” Zhou Zekun said, “stop being Mrs. Su.”

Hearing this, Su Ran sighed and glared at him, “Easier said than done. If I’m not Mrs. Su, I can’t return to the Su family. What would I do, starve on the streets?”

Their outing was brief as Zhou Zekun soon led Su Ran into a restaurant for lunch. The waiter recognized Zhou Zekun and ushered them to a private room upstairs.

Once settled, Su Ran didn’t hold back, ordering his favorite dishes he couldn’t normally enjoy. After ordering, Zhou Zekun excused himself to “use the restroom.”

When Zhou Zekun was out, Su Ran turned to Zhao Jinshun, venting his frustrations, “Why don’t you come to see me? And still calling me Mrs. Su, you really know how to annoy someone!”

Zhao Jinshun’s expression softened, “I can’t just come to see you. If we were found out, it would be terrible.”

Finally alone, Su Ran got up and hugged Zhao, looking up at him, “We have so little time alone, talk nicely to me.”

Zhao was alarmed, his eyes darting towards the door, “Let go, if Zhou Zekun sees us, it’ll be bad.”

Su Ran tightened his embrace, “You’re such a coward. He’ll be gone for a while; let me hold you for a bit.” Smiling, he added, “You came to the Zhou residence because of me, right?”

Zhao looked at Su Ran, knowing it wasn’t true—it was Zhou Zekun’s coercion that brought him here, and Zhou seeing them together could mean his end.

As he tried to peel Su Ran off, he inadvertently looked up and saw Zhou Zekun leaning against the doorway, blurting out, “Young Master Zhou!”

Su Ran turned, startled, and quickly let go of Zhao, stepping back.

Zhou Zekun watched them intently, remarking, “Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would never have imagined Mrs. Su and my attendant in such an embrace.”