But he couldn’t just remain silent either. The moment he opened his mouth, the movement tugged at the wound on the corner of his lips. The injury, which had just stopped bleeding, started oozing again, a faint trace of blood seeping out.
Xiao Cheng inhaled sharply in pain, irritation bubbling up inside him, mixed with a sense of shame. He looked at Luo Jingshu with increasing annoyance, his gaze sharp and unforgiving.
Why is this guy so insufferable?
“Calling you a dog isn’t even an exaggeration. You really do bite people randomly.”
Last time, it was his neck. At least he could cover that up with his collar, but now, what was he supposed to do about his lips? He couldn’t exactly cover those up, could he?
“My bad,” Luo Jingshu apologized quickly.
He was always like this: apologizing without hesitation when he should, only to repeat the offense later.
Xiao Cheng had long since seen through his tricks. He reached out to push him away, muttering, “What am I supposed to say if someone asks about this later?”
Hearing this, Luo Jingshu couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile. Seeing Xiao Cheng’s irritable expression, he decided not to say anything to provoke him further.
But in his heart, he had already answered Xiao Cheng’s question.
With me around, what else would people think?
Did Xiao Cheng really expect others to believe that they were “just friends”?
Xiao Cheng brushed his fingertips over the corner of his lips, only to find a hint of red staining his fingers.
For some reason, his brain short-circuited at that moment, and he blurted out, “Do you know how many bowls of rice it’ll take to replenish this?”
Luo Jingshu was taken aback at first, but then he let out a low chuckle. Placing an arm around Xiao Cheng’s shoulders, he clasped the hand he had just warmed in his own. “I’ll make it up to you. I’ll cook something delicious for you. How about that?”
Suddenly, Xiao Cheng snapped back to reality, his wrist now red from Luo Jingshu’s persistent rubbing. In truth, Luo Jingshu hadn’t grabbed him all that hard earlier, and his wrist hadn’t been in any real pain. There was no need to rub it for so long.
It was just another excuse for Luo Jingshu to take advantage of him.
But Xiao Cheng didn’t have time to dwell on minor grievances right now. He was more annoyed at Luo Jingshu’s attitude.
“Who needs you to take care of them? And can you even cook?”
As soon as he said that, Xiao Cheng realized the ambiguity in his words. He quickly shoved Luo Jingshu’s hand away and let out a cold snort.
“You’re the one who needs me to take care of you. How do you even have the audacity to say stuff like that?”
Luo Jingshu was just a little stray he had taken in. Did this stray think it could turn the tables and become the master?
“Then let me be your loyal companion. I’ll entertain you and keep you company. Sound good?” Luo Jingshu reluctantly let go of his wrist. Though his words were playful, his gaze toward Xiao Cheng was full of satisfaction.
Finally, he had left his mark on Brother Cheng. Now, there was no need to explain—people would know Brother Cheng already had a boyfriend.
Luo Jingshu was still savoring the kiss from earlier. Xiao Cheng could’ve pushed him away, but in the end, he had given in. Not only that, but he’d even grabbed Luo Jingshu’s clothes.
Luo Jingshu replayed the scene in his head over and over, his chest feeling as if it were on fire, and his gaze toward Xiao Cheng grew even more fervent.
For Xiao Cheng, most of his irritation came from embarrassment. Though his lips stung, it wasn’t unbearable. He was just using it as an excuse to vent his frustrations on Luo Jingshu.
“Alright, we need to go.”
Xiao Cheng glanced at his watch, realizing they were already over ten minutes late for their appointment.
In total, they hadn’t even argued for that long. Most of the time had probably been spent…kissing.
‘Such a bastard!’ Xiao Cheng cursed inwardly.
Luo Jingshu acted as though he hadn’t eaten meat in eight lifetimes. He went straight for Xiao Cheng’s lips with such fervor that he’d bitten the skin, his sucking so forceful that Xiao Cheng wondered if he intended to chew off a piece of flesh.
Initially, Xiao Cheng had resisted. But Luo Jingshu quickly found his rhythm.
And as they say, men are often slaves to their desires. Xiao Cheng, caught in the moment, actually found the sensation oddly pleasurable. Eventually, he half-heartedly pushed back before giving in completely, letting Luo Jingshu kiss him thoroughly.
Even now, his lips felt hot, tingling as though they didn’t belong to him anymore.
Xiao Cheng blamed all of this on Luo Jingshu.
Though he scowled at him, he suddenly paused before walking off.
“Why did you stop, Brother Cheng?” Luo Jingshu, following close behind, almost bumped into his shoulder when Xiao Cheng halted so abruptly.
“Check for me.” Xiao Cheng turned to face him, his expression uneasy as he fussed with his hair. “Do I look okay?”
Luo Jingshu took a serious look, his gaze so meticulous it felt as if he were seeing Xiao Cheng for the first time. The scrutiny made Xiao Cheng’s ears flush red.
“Well? Do I look fine or not?”
Luo Jingshu wouldn’t be teasing him again, would he?
It was just a simple request to check if anything looked out of place. Did it really require this level of intensity?
“Brother Cheng is as handsome as ever. Perfect,” Luo Jingshu replied, reaching out to adjust Xiao Cheng’s collar. “You’re good to go.”
Xiao Cheng swatted his hand away. “Speak with your mouth, not your hands.”
It wasn’t like he couldn’t adjust it himself.
The motion was instinctive, his brain barely registering the act before his hand had already swung out.
This time, without realizing it, his hand landed right on Luo Jingshu’s injured hand. Luo Jingshu’s fingers trembled slightly, but he didn’t say anything.
Instead, it was Xiao Cheng who noticed and glanced down. “Did I hit your injured hand just now?”
Luo Jingshu gave him a smile. “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”
If he used this opportunity to demand compensation, Xiao Cheng would definitely scold him for being shameless. But instead, Luo Jingshu acted as if it was no big deal, which left Xiao Cheng feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
Although he’d already “compensated” Luo Jingshu earlier, that was just their personal banter. Xiao Cheng was still worried he might have really hurt Luo Jingshu’s hand.
“Maybe I should take you to the hospital,” Xiao Cheng suggested.
Luo Jingshu draped an arm around his shoulder, gently steering him forward. “What about the class reunion? Not going anymore?”
Xiao Cheng had already promised to attend, and it wouldn’t be right to back out at the last minute.
He followed Luo Jingshu for a few steps, glancing at the arm resting on his shoulder. In the end, he didn’t say anything or try to shake it off.
Luo Jingshu noticed all of this, tightened his arm slightly, and half-hugged Xiao Cheng. “If you’re really worried, we can go to the hospital after the reunion, okay?”
Xiao Cheng pressed his lips together. “Who said I was worried? It’s not even my hand.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, his expression became awkward.
He didn’t mean to be so awkward, but Luo Jingshu always teased him with such remarks. Xiao Cheng often found himself speaking before thinking, his words coming faster than his brain.
Sometimes he missed his old self—cautious with every word, even though it was exhausting and somewhat humbling. At least he wouldn’t feel like he was constantly teetering on the brink of social embarrassment.
He couldn’t control himself now, often regretting his words right after they came out. His attitude didn’t feel straightforward enough, more like he was throwing a tantrum like a schoolgirl.
“Fine, I guess it’s just me overthinking,” Luo Jingshu said with a light pat on Xiao Cheng’s shoulder. His arm slid down to rest naturally at Xiao Cheng’s chest.
Xiao Cheng was about ready to lose it. How had he never realized Luo Jingshu had such thick skin?
The two walked side by side until they arrived back at the same door as before.
The previously shut door was now slightly ajar, with lively voices spilling out from within.
Xiao Cheng figured knocking would go unnoticed, so he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was decently sized, with eight standard round tables, all filled with people.
As Xiao Cheng entered, the nearest tables turned their attention toward him. He tensed up slightly but managed a smile. “Long time no see.”
It seemed his old popularity hadn’t faded. As soon as he spoke, laughter erupted.
“Xiao Cheng, you finally made it.”
“Late to the party, huh? Gotta punish yourself with three drinks.”
With everyone chiming in, Xiao Cheng agreed good-naturedly.
The girls drank less, but a few of the guys pulled out bottles of baijiu[mfn]Baijiu (白酒), literally “white liquor,” is a traditional Chinese distilled alcoholic beverage made from grains such as sorghum, wheat, barley, or rice. With an alcohol content ranging from 35% to 60% ABV, it is known for its bold and complex flavors, which vary by aroma type: Strong Aroma (浓香型, e.g., Luzhou Laojiao), Light Aroma (清香型, e.g., Fenjiu), Sauce Aroma (酱香型, e.g., Moutai), and Rice Aroma (米香型). Baijiu is produced using fermentation starters (qu, 麹) and often fermented in clay pits, contributing to its distinctive taste. Deeply embedded in Chinese culture, it plays a significant role in ceremonies and gatherings, symbolizing friendship and respect. Prestigious brands include Moutai and Wuliangye.[/mfn]. Xiao Cheng immediately shook his head.
“I can’t start off by getting drunk right away.”
His tolerance wasn’t bad, but a few shots of baijiu would definitely leave him lightheaded. Xiao Cheng quickly asked for beer instead.
A group of young people, still in their twenties, had clearly picked up some adult social habits after college. Xiao Cheng initially had a few drinks just to be polite, but soon more and more people started toasting him.
Luo Jingshu reached over, taking Xiao Cheng’s glass. “Brother Cheng’s tolerance isn’t great. How about I drink on his behalf?”
From the moment Luo Jingshu entered with Xiao Cheng, many eyes had been drawn to him.
It wasn’t surprising—he was, after all, the acknowledged “face value king” of this story. Just standing there with his tall, striking figure and quiet demeanor was enough to attract a lot of attention.
But Luo Jingshu had been trailing behind Xiao Cheng, his gaze fixed entirely on him. Those hoping for an opening found none.
Now, hearing him speak, someone asked curiously, “Xiao Cheng, is he your younger brother?”
Xiao Cheng paused, about to nod in agreement, when Luo Jingshu interjected with a straight face, “Not a blood brother.”
“I’m Brother Cheng’s licking dog.”
The room fell silent for a moment before erupting in laughter. They’d never met someone so shamelessly proud of being a “licking dog.”
Xiao Cheng felt utterly embarrassed. He’d rather Luo Jingshu just outright claim to be his boyfriend.
A “licking dog”? He’d never seen a licking dog as audacious as Luo Jingshu, who dared to glare at him or even bite him.
His lips still hurt from the earlier kiss. He licked his lips, which felt numb and swollen.
Noticing the motion, Luo Jingshu grabbed Xiao Cheng’s arm.
Xiao Cheng glanced back at him. “What now?” he asked softly.
Luo Jingshu smiled at him, an enigmatic expression on his face. It wasn’t cold, yet somehow it gave Xiao Cheng a sense of danger.
What exactly is Luo Jingshu trying to express?
Not far away, someone called out to Xiao Cheng, “Brother Cheng, come sit over here!”
Xiao Cheng didn’t have time to think further. He quickly pulled Luo Jingshu along and walked over. He recognized the person who called him; according to his research, they had a fairly good relationship in high school.
“Chen Li.”
Chen Li was the boy who had just waved to Xiao Cheng. He had a face that exuded a sense of justice, with thick eyebrows and big eyes. His smile was warm and genuine.
“Brother Cheng, why are you late?”
Xiao Cheng pulled Luo Jingshu to sit next to Chen Li and explained calmly, “The traffic was a bit heavy.”
Chen Li chuckled, “You even brought your boyfriend along.”
He hadn’t overheard Luo Jingshu’s earlier “licking dog” comment due to the distance.
“How do you know he’s my boyfriend?”
Xiao Cheng avoided looking at Luo Jingshu but subtly flicked away the hand Luo Jingshu had reached over under the table. This guy had no boundaries, starting to fidget the moment he sat down.
“Does it even need saying?”
Although Chen Li was a guy, his intuition was sharper than most girls’.
The strange atmosphere between Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu was obvious to anyone who had been in a relationship. There was no way they weren’t involved.
“Did he bite the wound on your lip?”
He was the first person all day to ask about Xiao Cheng’s injury.
Xiao Cheng’s expression stiffened slightly at the question. He resisted the urge to lick his lips and forced a smile at Chen Li.
“I bit it myself while eating.”
“Yeah, right.” Chen Li laughed, punching Xiao Cheng lightly on the shoulder. He figured the two were probably still in the “flirting but not official” phase. Xiao Cheng wasn’t the type to keep a boyfriend a secret otherwise.
If he wasn’t admitting it, it likely meant their relationship hadn’t been formally established yet.
Luo Jingshu, unfamiliar with the group at the table, quietly sat beside Xiao Cheng and helped him with food.
After joking with Xiao Cheng for a while, Chen Li added, “You’re the second guy to bring a boyfriend today.”
Xiao Cheng wasn’t particularly interested in that, but since Chen Li brought it up, he followed the conversation. “Who was the first?”
“Luo Bin,” Chen Li stretched his neck to glance toward the door. “He was sitting here earlier. Before you came, he left with his boyfriend.”
Xiao Cheng didn’t have much impression of Luo Bin, though he vaguely remembered Luo Bin’s passive-aggressive comments in the group chat.
He was the one who asked Xiao Cheng to bring his partner last night…
And now he brought his boyfriend too…
A thought flashed through Xiao Cheng’s mind, but it slipped away before he could grasp it fully.
“I was just going to tell you—” Chen Li started, only to pause mid-sentence, suddenly excited as he slapped Xiao Cheng’s shoulder.
“Luo Bin’s back!”
Instinctively, Xiao Cheng turned to look toward the door, and Luo Jingshu followed his gaze.
At the same time, the unfinished words from Chen Li reached their ears: “Luo Bin said his boyfriend knows you and is an old acquaintance of your boyfriend.”
Which was why, from the moment Luo Jingshu entered, Chen Li had been certain he was Xiao Cheng’s boyfriend.
Because long before Xiao Cheng arrived, Chen Li already knew he had a boyfriend.
When Xiao Cheng saw the face of the person accompanying Luo Bin, surprise flickered across his expression.
Of course, it was an old acquaintance.
The person walking beside Luo Bin turned out to be Luo Yuan.
The last time Xiao Cheng saw Luo Yuan was just a few months ago, but it somehow felt like years had passed.
He distinctly remembered that the last time they met, although Luo Yuan had been thin, he hadn’t seemed as frail as he did now.
The Luo Yuan approaching them had a pale complexion. His delicate face carried an unhidden exhaustion, and his body was so thin it seemed a gust of wind could knock him over. Even through his thick winter coat, the slimness of his legs was noticeable.
He must have been having a really tough time these past few months.
Xiao Cheng glanced thoughtfully at Luo Jingshu and noticed the deep frown on his face, as if he hadn’t expected to encounter Luo Yuan in such a setting.
Upon spotting Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu, Luo Yuan flinched, his body giving a small, noticeable tremor.
He instinctively hid behind Luo Bin, peeking out cautiously to look at them.
The others at the table couldn’t help but exchange puzzled glances, their eyes darting between the individuals, trying to piece together the dynamics.
“Xiao Cheng, you actually showed up.”
Luo Bin stood protectively in front of Luo Yuan, looking down at Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu with eyes full of resentment and displeasure.
Before Xiao Cheng could say anything, Chen Li frowned and said, “What do you mean by that? Isn’t it perfectly normal for Brother Cheng to come?”
Luo Bin let out a cold laugh, his hostility toward Xiao Cheng particularly apparent. “Three years as classmates, and I never imagined you were this kind of person.”
The people nearby, who had been laughing and chatting, were taken aback by his words. One by one, they stopped smiling and turned their curious gazes toward them.
Only the classmates farther away, unaware of what was happening, continued talking and laughing, maintaining a lively atmosphere.
Xiao Cheng calmly put down his chopsticks and said, “And what kind of person do you think I am?”
In Xiao Cheng’s view, the hostility from Luo Bin felt entirely unwarranted. Even in the data he had gathered, he couldn’t pinpoint a single instance where he might have offended this person.
Perhaps Luo Yuan had said something to him.
Frowning, Xiao Cheng’s gaze lingered on Luo Yuan for a moment. The moment Luo Yuan felt his eyes on him, he immediately shrank back, hiding behind Luo Bin.
“You even had the heart to hurt a helpless boy, Xiao Cheng. What did Yuan Yuan ever do to offend you?”
So it was about Luo Yuan.
Xiao Cheng’s suspicions were confirmed, though he felt this accusation was the height of injustice. If Luo Bin wanted to stand up for Luo Yuan, his complaints should be directed at Luo Jingshu, not him.
After all, he hadn’t done anything to Luo Yuan. Everything involving the Luo family had been entirely Luo Jingshu’s doing.
With that thought, Xiao Cheng couldn’t help but nudge Luo Jingshu’s leg under the table, signaling for him to handle the situation.
From the moment Luo Jingshu had laid eyes on Luo Yuan, his expression had turned icily indifferent. After receiving Xiao Cheng’s cue, he finally spoke:
“I gave you one last chance.”
“Are you sure you want to waste it?”
Everyone present was baffled by these words. Even Xiao Cheng had no idea what he was referring to. Only Luo Yuan, clenching his teeth, showed a hint of venom in his expression.
Was that really called giving him a chance?
Luo Yuan never imagined that the Luo Jingshu he once trampled beneath his feet would one day destroy the entire Luo family.
Even the once cunning and ruthless Mother Luo was powerless against him.
After the Luo family went bankrupt, Luo Yuan was thrown out of their villa and left with no choice but to follow Mother Luo.
But the once-high-and-mighty socialite had now become a shrew, endlessly cursing at home. Luo Yuan found her increasingly unbearable.
That woman seemed to have gone mad, venting all her anger on him.
Luo Yuan wanted to escape from Mother Luo, but his household registration was still tied to hers. As her legal son, running away wasn’t an option.
He was sick of this life.
By chance, he met Luo Bin and discovered that he was one of Xiao Cheng’s high school classmates. A bold plan began to form in Luo Yuan’s mind.
He was going to ruin Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu.
Why should he suffer while those two lived happily and freely?
Why should Luo Jingshu get everything?
After getting close to Luo Bin, Luo Yuan began complaining daily, painting a picture of himself as Xiao Cheng’s original boyfriend. He claimed Xiao Cheng had used him, conspiring with Luo Jingshu to steal the wealth that was rightfully his.
Luo Bin believed him entirely and agreed to confront Xiao Cheng on his behalf.
If not for Luo Bin’s intervention, Luo Yuan would never have been able to see Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu again.
He hated Luo Jingshu for stealing everything from him, and he hated Xiao Cheng for choosing the ruthless Luo Jingshu over him, refusing to help him at all.
Setting aside their blood ties, Luo Yuan and Mother Luo were truly alike—selfish and egocentric, expecting everyone to revolve around them.
Luo Yuan’s hatred for Xiao Cheng and Luo Jingshu consumed him, yet there was nothing he could do to harm them. All he could do was curse them in secret while searching for opportunities to strike.
Finally, one such chance appeared. Before coming here, he had Luo Bin contact someone else to secretly record everything that was happening.
He planned to edit and release these videos online, framing Xiao Cheng as a villain.
Most people are naturally sympathetic to the weak. Even without knowing the full story, they would instinctively side with the more vulnerable party.
Luo Yuan had it all planned out: first, he would record videos of Xiao Cheng “bullying” him. Then, he would release both real and fabricated information, including footage of his frail and pitiful appearance.
People would naturally side with him. Xiao Cheng, with his privileged background as a wealthy heir, would be accused of abusing his power to oppress a vulnerable boy.
Then, he would expose Luo Jingshu’s alleged role as a “mistress.” The public outrage would crash down like stones upon the pair, destroying them.
Even if it didn’t cause lasting harm, their reputations would be ruined. Luo Yuan wanted them to be the targets of online harassment, unable to show their faces in public.
Just imagining the fate awaiting the two made Luo Yuan smile.
Xiao Cheng still felt baffled. He could sense Luo Yuan’s malice, yet he couldn’t understand why it was directed at him.
After Luo Jingshu’s earlier statement, Luo Yuan remained silent. It was Luo Bin who took over, sneering, “And who do you think you are?”
He lifted his chin, looking at Luo Jingshu with disdain.
“I was talking to Xiao Cheng. Why are you butting in?”
“You just love sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong, don’t you? No wonder you’re nothing but a mistress.”
The word ‘mistress’ immediately caught everyone’s attention. Curious expressions spread as they waited for the drama to unfold.
Xiao Cheng knew this wasn’t the right time or place, but he couldn’t help finding the situation amusing.
The thought of Luo Jingshu, usually so composed, being openly called a mistress was unexpectedly funny.
At least, it was to him.
Luo Jingshu’s expression darkened immediately. He abruptly stood up, startling Luo Bin into taking a step back.
Seeing this, Luo Jingshu’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “With guts like that, you dare to spread rumors?”
His frustration with Luo Bin’s earlier words fueled him, and he lashed out with a steady stream of sharp, cutting remarks:
“Did your brain get soaked in water, or do you just think exclusively with your lower half?”
“With what little muscle you have, how did you even come up with this nonsense? Taking a clueless idiot like him for a treasure?”
“Does he tell you he’s Ultraman, saving the world? And do you cheer him on, saying, ‘Great job fighting monsters’?”
His words weren’t crude, but each one was sharper than the last. His rapid-fire insults left Luo Bin at a loss for how to respond. All he could do was glare at Luo Jingshu, his face turning an unhealthy shade of red.
Finally, Luo Jingshu stopped, choosing not to continue berating them. Instead, he added coldly, “Stop slandering me. Attack anything else about me if you must.”
“Open your eyes wide and take a good look.”
He grabbed Xiao Cheng’s hand and intertwined their fingers, holding them up for all to see.
“Brother Cheng’s first love, white moonlight, red rose, and scarlet cinnabar mole—they’re all me!”
“I’m his one and only boyfriend. The only one!”
“He’s only ever dated me!”
