As soon as those words were spoken, the specially trained tough guys didn’t laugh, but Yu Huaiyuan was caught off guard.

He jumped up from his chair and quickly walked over to Yu Li, pointing at the row of men and urgently saying, “What male models! These are the personal bodyguards I carefully selected for you!”

“Look at their physique, those muscles, that righteous aura! How do they look like male models?”

Yu Li: “…”

How do they not look like male models…

Cen Rujun looked at her flustered eldest son, holding back a laugh, and whispered to Yu Xiangguo, “When Huaiyuan showed them to us earlier, I also thought they were male models.”

Yu Xiangguo was equally shocked as Yu Huaiyuan, “What are you and Xiao Li thinking, how do they look like male models?”

These big muscles, black suits, black sunglasses, they scream bodyguard, not nightclub male models!

Cen Rujun rolled her eyes at him disdainfully, “Country bumpkin.”

“Alright, if my brother says they’re bodyguards, then they’re bodyguards.” Yu Li didn’t argue, obediently following Yu Huaiyuan’s words, “So are all of these my bodyguards?”

Yu Huaiyuan nodded, his tone matter-of-fact, “If you want, they can all be your bodyguards, but if you only want to pick a few, that’s fine too.”

Yu Li understood Yu Huaiyuan’s meaning. Now that he was an adult, and the school was far from the old residence, he would likely spend most of his time living in the villa Yu Xiangguo gave him. The family was worried about him, so picking a team of bodyguards to follow him was quite normal.

However, looking at the team of bodyguards, there seemed to be about twenty of them. Yu Li’s gaze drifted among them, “I’ll just pick one, having all of them is too much…”

Twenty or so tough guys, not too many, not too few, but picking just one wasn’t a decision that could be made quickly.

The men Yu Huaiyuan brought were naturally skilled, and Yu Li didn’t need to worry about whether they could protect him.

Since the bodyguards’ skills were already vetted by Yu Huaiyuan, Yu Li decided to focus on their looks.

After all, a bodyguard who would be with him for a long time should be pleasing to the eye.

Even though this wasn’t a male model selection, the atmosphere was already there, so he might as well choose as if they were male models.

Yu Li thought that with his picky nature, choosing a bodyguard would take a long time, but when his scrutinizing gaze landed on the second-to-last man in the lineup, his eyes lit up.

The average height of these tough guys seemed to be over 1.85 meters, but this man was even taller, with legs wrapped in suit pants that seemed impossibly long. Tall and upright, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, he exuded a rebellious wildness.

Most importantly…

Yu Li stared at the man’s straight posture.

Most importantly, this man not only stood out in height but also had chest muscles that were the envy of all. The two curved muscles stretched the suit shirt to its limits, and even with the buttons done up to the top, they couldn’t contain the chest muscles’ vigorous energy. If the shirt were any smaller, the buttons might pop off.

So—big—

Looks like it would feel good to touch.

Who would’ve thought there’d be such a top-tier body in this batch of bodyguards? No idea where his brother found him.

But since such a top-tier choice was standing right in front of him, how could he not choose?

Yu Li sighed softly in his heart, dimmed the light in his eyes, and pointed with a reserved hand, “I want him.”

Yu Huaiyuan looked in the direction Yu Li pointed and couldn’t help but admire his brother’s eye for quality, picking the one with the best overall qualities.

He waved the man over, “Lu Qing, come here.”

The man had long legs and reached Yu Li in just a few steps. He wore sunglasses, so Yu Li couldn’t see his eyes, but as the distance closed, his attention shifted from the chest muscles to the lower half of the man’s face.

Yu Li raised an eyebrow, thinking that he had been too focused on the chest muscles earlier and only now noticed that the man’s face wasn’t bad either.

With sharp features, handsome with a hint of wildness, compared to Yu Li’s pale skin that avoided the sun, the man’s exposed skin was a healthy wheat color.

The man pressed his lips together, his thin lips forming a line, looking a bit fierce. The muscles hidden under his black clothes seemed capable of punching a bull to death.

Whether it was the face or the body that first caught Yu Li’s attention, both were top-notch.

This large lounge was turned into a runway by his presence.

Yu Li was satisfied, his pretty eyes curving slightly.

He had joked about choosing a male model, but who knew he’d actually pick one.

Yu Huaiyuan didn’t notice his brother’s change in expression, just put an arm around Yu Li’s shoulder and said to Lu Qing, “This is my brother, Yu Li, and your future charge.”

Lu Qing nodded with the professionalism of a bodyguard, indicating he understood, then extended his hand to Yu Li, a slight smile on his lips, “Yu… Little Young Master, I’m Lu Qing, twenty-five years old. I’ll be responsible for your daily life and personal safety from now on.”

Perhaps it was because he hadn’t spoken in a while, but the man’s voice was slightly hoarse, making Yu Li’s ears itch inexplicably.

He resisted the urge to rub his ears, softly responding, “Then just follow me down later.”

Lu Qing immediately agreed, standing like a shadow behind Yu Li, closing the distance between them.

The banquet was about to start, and the Yu family members left the lounge one after another, while the unselected bodyguards dispersed to various corners of Red Maple Garden.

As Yu Li walked ahead, he couldn’t shake the feeling that a gaze was fixed on him.

It felt tangible.

But behind him was only Lu Qing.

Was it an illusion?

Yu Li stopped, turning to look at the man following him.

Lu Qing was tall, blocking most of the light from the corridor behind.

Because he was so tall, Yu Li had to look up to see him.

Seeing Yu Li stop and look at him, Lu Qing also stopped, asking, “Little Young Master?”

Yu Li stared at the lower half of his face for a moment, then suddenly reached up and took off the sunglasses covering Lu Qing’s eyes.

Seemingly startled by the sudden action, the man’s long eyes widened slightly, the dark pupils carrying a hint of question, vastly different from the intense gaze that had made Yu Li feel prickly.

Finding no evidence to support his suspicion, Yu Li pursed his lips, casually handing the sunglasses back to Lu Qing, offering a reason for his action, “Your face is quite handsome, no need to cover it with sunglasses.”

Lu Qing held the sunglasses in his hand, nodding seriously under Yu Li’s gaze.

However, after Yu Li turned away, the corners of his lips, which had just heard the compliment, couldn’t help but curl up slightly.

…

…

After going downstairs, Yu Li’s first reaction was to look for Pei Yu in the large banquet hall. Standing on the platform at the corner of the stairs, he had a good view and soon spotted Pei Yu near the rest area.

But Pei Yu wasn’t alone.

“The banquet is about to start, why isn’t Xiao Li here yet? Didn’t you say he’d come to find you soon? Are you lying to me to stall because Xiao Li doesn’t want to see me?”

In front of Pei Yu, a man with a somewhat handsome face was impatiently firing off questions.

Pei Yu suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, “Xu Baicheng, why would I lie to you for no reason? Believe it or not, if you don’t, just leave. You’re the one following me around, and it’s annoying.”

Xu Baicheng’s face darkened at his blunt words, “Pei Yu, who gave you the right to talk to me like that? Do you want me to tell your second brother…”

His threat was cut off by a familiar voice from behind.

“Xiao Yu, the banquet is about to start, let’s go.”

“Xiao Li!” The fierce expression was instantly replaced by surprise, and Xu Baicheng turned around, his gaze landing on Yu Li’s fair and beautiful face, a hint of amazement in his eyes, his tone softening by several degrees, “Xiao Li, you’re here. I was just asking Pei Yu about you.”

His change of face was so quick that Yu Li didn’t bother to expose him, responding with a perfunctory “Mm.”

Xu Baicheng beamed, “Baicheng-ge brought you a gift, happy eighteenth birthday, may you have peace and health.”

As he spoke, he reached for Yu Li’s hand, but before Yu Li could dodge, a large hand suddenly appeared, intercepting the gift from Xu Baicheng.

Xu Baicheng’s first reaction was to resist, trying to take the gift back.

However, his strength was no match for Lu Qing’s muscles, and not only did he fail to retrieve the gift, but he also stumbled, nearly losing his balance.

In front of Yu Li, Xu Baicheng suppressed his anger, looking up at the unfamiliar face of the person who took the gift, his tone heavier, “What are you doing?”

Lu Qing held the gift, standing beside Yu Li, and upon hearing the question, he lowered his gaze to look at Xu Baicheng.

His slightly cool gaze swept over Xu Baicheng’s hand, which had been reaching for Yu Li, and Lu Qing spoke slowly, “Helping the Little Young Master with his gift.”

Xu Baicheng snorted, raising his hand towards Lu Qing, “This is my coming-of-age gift for Xiao Li, it’s valuable, I should hand it to him personally.”

Lu Qing said nothing, nor did he return the gift. Yu Li glanced at the man standing like a mountain beside him, tacitly approving of Lu Qing’s actions, “Let him hold it, he’ll keep it safe.”

Xu Baicheng always maintained a gentlemanly demeanor in front of Yu Li, and despite his reluctance, he didn’t voice any objections, though his gaze towards Lu Qing wasn’t friendly.

He had never seen this person around Yu Li before, and it seemed like he had just appeared today.

Judging by his attire, he was likely a bodyguard, and today being Yu Li’s birthday, it was probably someone Yu Huaiyuan had arranged for him.

Just a bodyguard.

Xu Baicheng thought.

He might look strong, but he’s just a hired hand, nothing to worry about.

With that thought, he smiled at Yu Li, speaking softly, “Xiao Li, the banquet is about to start, shall I accompany you to Uncle and Aunt?”

“Xiao Yu can accompany me.” Yu Li didn’t want to deal with him, exchanged a glance with Pei Yu, and turned to leave.

Xu Baicheng wanted to follow, but Lu Qing once again raised his muscular arm, blocking his path.

Xu Baicheng was halted by the strong arm, suppressing his anger, “What do you want?”

Lu Qing’s handsome face remained expressionless, but his long eyes held a hint of subtle malice, making one’s heart inexplicably uneasy.

He spoke coolly, “The Little Young Master only wants the Pei family young master to accompany him. If you keep following, I’ll throw you out.”

With that, he withdrew his arm and strode after Yu Li.

Xu Baicheng stood there, his chest heaving with anger. He wanted to continue following, but remembering the man’s nonchalant demeanor, he didn’t dare.

After all, the man seemed like he would follow through, and if he were thrown out in front of so many people, he’d be a laughingstock among Jiang Cheng’s playboys for years.

Glaring at Lu Qing’s departing broad back, Xu Baicheng couldn’t help but spit, “Bad luck, I don’t know where Yu Huaiyuan found this lousy bodyguard!”

Walking alongside Yu Li, Pei Yu noticed Xu Baicheng hadn’t followed and couldn’t help but glance back at the person who had blocked Xu Baicheng twice in just a few minutes. Curious, he leaned close to Yu Li’s ear, whispering, “Who is this? Looks like a male model. You’re just eighteen, don’t go wild.”

The mention of “male model” made Yu Li recall Lu Qing’s impressive chest muscles, ignoring Pei Yu’s teasing tone, he replied, “He does look like a male model, but he’s actually a personal bodyguard my brother found.”

“Are bodyguards this handsome now?” Pei Yu was momentarily surprised, then couldn’t help but praise, “But your brother has good taste, didn’t find a coward. I saw Xu Baicheng’s face turn green with anger.”

Xu Baicheng was the only son of the Xu family. Though the Xu family wasn’t as powerful as the Yu family, they had a long-standing friendship due to the older generation.

Yu Li and Xu Baicheng could barely be considered childhood friends.

Xu Baicheng was three years older, and when they were younger, their relationship was fine. But as Yu Li grew up and became more aware, he noticed Xu Baicheng’s impure intentions.

Perhaps because they had known each other since childhood, Xu Baicheng had no sense of boundaries with Yu Li, often attempting physical contact that made Yu Li uncomfortable.

Out of consideration for their families’ relationship, Yu Li held back his temper and didn’t confront him. Later, whenever he saw Xu Baicheng, he’d find an excuse to leave after a few words, minimizing contact.

Xu Baicheng was persistent, and when Yu Li avoided him, he’d find various opportunities to approach Yu Li. Tonight, being subdued by Lu Qing twice, he likely yielded to the power of the bodyguard’s muscles.

In the face of absolute strength, reasoning was futile. Lu Qing knew a bit of martial arts, and Xu Baicheng, not being foolish, wouldn’t confront Lu Qing head-on.

As they walked and chatted, they soon reached their destination.

For Yu Li’s coming-of-age celebration, a grand stage was set up in the banquet hall. Yu Xiangguo, fond of his youngest son, was sure to give a rousing speech.

Yu Li didn’t want to speak in front of so many people, so he only needed to go on stage as a mascot, receive praise, and go through the motions.

Upon reaching the center of the banquet hall, most guests had already arrived. Pei Yu didn’t go to his family but chose to stand on the outskirts, ready to leave as soon as the banquet ended.

Yu Li was about to go on stage when he remembered the two keys in his suit pocket, creating a noticeable bulge in the fabric.

After a moment’s thought, he tilted his chin, signaling Lu Qing to extend his hand.

The man was obedient, extending his hand as instructed. Yu Li took out the keys and placed them in the broad palm.

“Hold these for me, I’ll come find you after I get off the stage.”

With those words, the keys fell into the palm.

The action of placing the keys also caused their hands to inevitably touch.

Though the contact was brief, the brush of the white, tender fingertips against the rough, calloused palm sent a wave of tingling electricity through both.

Lu Qing’s abdominal muscles tightened suddenly, his fingers closing around the keys, pressing them into his palm with a dull pain.

Yet the man seemed unfazed, his large hand enclosing the keys, forming a fist.

Before Yu Li left, he glanced back at Lu Qing, as if sensing something.

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but for a moment, it seemed like the man had tensed up.

The chest muscles seemed firmer than before.

What had gotten him so worked up?