Bai Rui’s gaze darkened. He could feel his possessiveness toward Xiao Zhan growing stronger by the day—and the same was true for Xiao Zhan.

Bai Rui never cared about who took the lead when they were intimate. To him, as long as they were in sync with each other, such details didn’t matter. He also enjoyed the way Xiao Zhan spoiled and indulged him.

However, he needed Xiao Zhan to understand that he was also a man, someone capable of standing on his own, an equal who could look him in the eye.

After spending so much time together, he was sure Xiao Zhan already recognized his capabilities. That so-called “protection” was unnecessary. They were meant to share both honor and hardship, without distinctions between them.

Lao Hei nodded and disappeared into the black mist, though his sharp gaze flickered within the fog.

Meanwhile, Bai Rui buried himself in Xiao Zhan’s scent and slept soundly. But in the next room, Xiao Zhan wasn’t having such a peaceful night.

Although Bai Rui often returned to the Feng family and didn’t always stay with him, now that their feelings were finally mutual, Xiao Zhan found it unbearable to be separated—even with his lover just in the next room.

Having Bai Rui so close yet still spending the night alone left Xiao Zhan feeling restless.

Unable to suppress his longing, he paced to Bai Rui’s door. The person inside seemed to be asleep. After hesitating for a moment, he gently turned the doorknob.

Walking quietly to the bedside, Xiao Zhan’s pupils shrank.

The young man looked incredibly well-behaved in his sleep, completely different from his usual boldness during the day. But what really caught his attention was the sleepwear Bai Rui was wearing.

It was his shirt.

A wave of warmth melted his heart instantly.

Xiao Zhan had long noticed that his lover was fond of his personal belongings. Bai Rui often clung to him, discreetly taking in his scent.

But in truth, Xiao Zhan wanted to tell him—it was Bai Rui’s scent that was even more intoxicating.

Loving this man felt like being poisoned.

For twenty years, they had met occasionally, but it wasn’t until he stormed into the Feng family’s house, chasing after the youth who was avoiding him, that everything changed.

Xiao Zhan felt like he could no longer remember what Feng Ruiran used to be like in the past. All he could see now was the person in front of him.

The young man before him was like a glowing beacon, completely capturing all of his attention.

Xiao Zhan couldn’t deny it—nothing in this world mattered more than this person. Even if it cost him his own life, he would willingly give everything away with just a single word from Bai Rui.

“Xiao Ran…”

He murmured softly, pressing a gentle kiss on Bai Rui’s lips. His nose traced along his lover’s features, their faces brushing together in a way that sent tremors of happiness straight to his heart.

After a long moment, he reluctantly pulled back—only to meet a pair of bright, fully awake eyes.

“Xiao Ran!”

Caught in the act, Xiao Zhan felt a rare moment of guilt. But before he could react, Bai Rui grabbed his collar and flipped him over, pinning him to the bed.

“Sneaking into my bed in the middle of the night, huh?”

His voice carried a lazy drawl, laced with teasing affection.

Xiao Zhan swallowed involuntarily.

“Xiao Ran, I was wrong!”

“Oh? And where exactly did you go wrong?”

Bai Rui ran his fingers through Xiao Zhan’s hair, marveling at how even his hair was as stubborn as he was—each strand standing upright, pricking at his fingers.

Xiao Zhan’s gaze traced Bai Rui’s delicate features, his hand gently cupping the back of Bai Rui’s head as their foreheads touched. He murmured softly,

“I’m sorry. I should have been more honest, my love.”

A satisfied smile curved Bai Rui’s lips. He knew it—his lover always understood him.

Relaxing completely, Bai Rui pressed his entire weight onto Xiao Zhan, grabbing his large hand and guiding it down from his neck, trailing lower. The sound of Xiao Zhan’s breathing grew heavier. Bai Rui playfully bit down on his Adam’s apple, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

“Well then, shall we discuss the rewards for your good attitude in admitting your mistakes?”

Lao Hei silently retreated deep into the sea of consciousness, knowing full well that these two were about to spend yet another shameless night together.

By the time Bai Rui woke up the next day, it was already past noon.

Still unwilling to open his eyes, he lazily burrowed into the soft sheets. Ever since meeting Xiao Zhan, he felt like he had grown more indulgent—but he thoroughly enjoyed this relaxed way of life.

Just then, the door was pushed open gently, and the rich, comforting aroma of freshly cooked rice spread through the room.

Turning over, Bai Rui stretched lazily as he met Xiao Zhan’s gaze. The blanket slipped down to his waist, revealing his bare upper body, covered in scattered marks. A dark glint flashed through Xiao Zhan’s eyes.

Those marks were all left by him last night. Thinking about the passion and unrestrained responses of the night before, Xiao Zhan felt his throat tighten. Bai Rui’s fiery enthusiasm and undisguised reactions had nearly melted his heart, making it impossible to resist sinking deeper into indulgence.

Placing the bowl of porridge on the bedside table, Xiao Zhan wrapped an arm around Bai Rui’s waist, helping him sit up. His fingers lingered on the smooth skin, tracing over the faint tremors of the body beneath his touch.

Seeing Bai Rui’s subtle shiver, Xiao Zhan couldn’t hold back and captured his lips in a deep kiss. Bai Rui accepted it openly, even feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Truthfully, he wanted more, but his waist was still aching. He had always thought his physical endurance was decent—after all, he exercised regularly, and faint traces of abs had even begun to show. But compared to Xiao Zhan, who had grown up under the rigorous training of the Ye family, his stamina was simply no match.

Bai Rui gazed at Xiao Zhan’s well-built physique, wrapped snugly in a dress shirt. He couldn’t help but recall the solid muscles and well-defined eight-pack beneath that fabric, licking his lips in quiet admiration.

With a sigh in his heart, he lamented—no matter how delicious a meal was, eating too much at once was a mistake. His body simply couldn’t handle it.

Xiao Zhan caught the regretful glint in Bai Rui’s eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle. He was well aware of how attractive he was to his lover. Last night, he had indeed been relentless. As a considerate husband, he had to let his beloved rest properly. Of course, sneaking in a few kisses and affectionate touches was another matter entirely.

Scooping up a spoonful of porridge, he gently fed Bai Rui, who, with a satisfied hum, closed his eyes and accepted the gesture without hesitation.

“Has the Ye family been urging you to return?” Bai Rui asked casually, not even opening his eyes.

Xiao Zhan nodded. “The Ye family’s direct bloodline has dwindled. Right now, I’m the only true heir left. The old master values lineage and has been trying to get me to return and take over the family business for the past five years. Honestly, I’ve already gained control over most of the Ye family’s affairs. I just felt indebted to the Xiao family and wanted to properly settle things before turning my focus to Ye’s affairs.”

He paused for a moment before continuing, “But now…”

As Xiao Zhan spoke, his fingertip gently traced Bai Rui’s lips, his touch slow and deliberate.

“Right now, the most important thing is being with my baby.”

Holding Bai Rui’s hand tightly, he gazed at him with deep affection.

“Xiao Ran, I know how capable you are. In the future, both the Xiao family and the Feng family will be yours. But what I want to say is—if you wish, the Ye family can be yours too.”

“If you give everything to me, what about you?”

Bai Rui’s eyes fluttered open just a little, still misty from sleep. Perhaps it was the morning light, but they seemed even softer than usual. Xiao Zhan placed a reverent kiss on Bai Rui’s eyelid.

“As long as I have you, that’s enough.”

I don’t need anything else. I only need you…

Bai Rui was completely caught off guard by the man’s sincere and unwavering love. A rare blush dusted his cheeks.

What was he supposed to do when his lover was being so seriously seductive?

So charming. So irresistible.

He was on the verge of losing control.

Help. Urgent. Online and waiting…

Bai Rui ultimately restrained himself and didn’t pounce on Xiao Zhan.

Inside his mental space, Lao Hei reported the latest surveillance findings. Bai Rui’s eyes flickered as he took in the news—Feng Yan was preparing ruthless methods to deal with the old generation of the Feng family.

So, this Feng Yan wasn’t just selfish and cold-blooded—he was truly ruthless, even willing to kill off all those old geezers just to secure his own power.

It was a risky move, but given how desperate he was, Bai Rui wasn’t surprised. A cornered dog would always leap over the wall. If Feng Yan wanted to dig his own grave, Bai Rui had no issue giving him a little push.

Noticing Bai Rui’s distraction, Xiao Zhan gently squeezed his palm, his deep voice tinged with concern.

“What are you thinking about?”

Bai Rui shook his head.

“Nothing. Just thinking about how happy I am to be with you.”

Xiao Zhan seemed quite satisfied with this answer. A warm smile curved his lips as he gazed at Bai Rui.

“The day after tomorrow, come with me to a banquet.”

Bai Rui thought for a moment and quickly recalled that the banquet in two days was a grand gathering of the top aristocratic families and elites of Z Country. Xiao Zhan’s status was undoubtedly among the highest, but Bai Rui clearly remembered—this banquet required attendees to bring a partner.

Bai Rui looked at Xiao Zhan with a meaningful gaze.

Xiao Zhan cleared his throat, trying to appear composed, but his reddened ears betrayed his emotions. Still, he held Bai Rui’s gaze firmly, as if determined to take him along no matter what.

Bai Rui found it amusing. He reached out and gently tugged at Xiao Zhan’s tense face. He had to admit—his lover’s possessiveness and little schemes were quite endearing.

Since it wasn’t any trouble, he agreed without hesitation. As expected, Xiao Zhan’s face immediately brightened with joy.

Two days passed quickly. After finishing up work at the company, Xiao Zhan hurried home to pick up Bai Rui. But when he saw Bai Rui descending the stairs, he suddenly forgot how to breathe.

The young man was dressed in the black suit that Xiao Zhan had specially prepared for him. The slim-cut design perfectly outlined his elegant waist, while the tailored trousers accentuated his firm, well-proportioned legs and toned hips. Dark floral patterns embroidered onto the fabric added a touch of refined sophistication.

Xiao Zhan’s eyes flickered with infatuation.

Bai Rui adjusted his tie slightly before flashing a bright, sunny smile at Xiao Zhan. His gaze swept over Xiao Zhan from head to toe, making the latter feel inexplicably nervous.

Like a soldier awaiting inspection, Xiao Zhan instinctively straightened his posture and puffed out his chest.

Bai Rui noticed that Xiao Zhan’s outfit was almost identical to his own—except for a slightly looser fit and the difference in size, they were practically the same style.

What a secretly possessive man!

Bai Rui didn’t expose him, but the amusement in his eyes was unmistakable. Without hesitation, he walked over, took Xiao Zhan’s hand, and they left together.

Upon arriving at the banquet, the moment they stepped through the doors, they instantly became the center of attention. One was bright and charismatic, exuding youthful charm; the other was cold and imposing, carrying an air of untouchable strength.

They were two entirely different types of people, yet standing together, they formed a strikingly perfect contrast—so harmonious that it was almost mesmerizing.