Jian Huai’s face froze for a moment, his gaze fixed on the tall man dressed in a butler outfit.
“Lu Xi, who is this-”
“Master, is this your guest?” Dahl smiled warmly.
The two spoke in unison.
Lu Xi: …Damn, I was a second too slow.
Jian Huai’s expression shifted dramatically. He looked at Lu Xi, then at the man in the butler uniform. His usually gentle and refined features now carried a tangled, unreadable look that encompassed too much at once. Lu Xi felt so awkward his toes could dig out a villa in place. Bracing himself, he forcedly calmed and said, “Come in first, I’ll properly introduce you.”
“Okay.” Jian Huai didn’t know what kind of mood he was in as he brushed past the butler-outfitted man. The other was slightly taller than him and lowered his head with a sincere smile, but in Jian Huai’s eyes, it was nothing short of a declaration of war.
How could this be?
Lu Xi is single. Where did this man come from?
And dressed like this?
Could it be that Lu Xi likes this type?
A whirlwind of thoughts circled Jian Huai’s mind. Finally, he thought: if Lu Xi really likes this kind of thing… then maybe… maybe he could try too. A butler outfit –
His brain turned into a mess, mentally picturing himself in that uniform. Nope. He couldn’t get past it.
Jian Huai knew this guy in the butler outfit wasn’t the same person as the man with the watch five years ago.
He thought that after five years, he would have the advantage, securing a place by Lu Xi’s side first. But he never expected such a person to suddenly appear. After they all sat down on the couch, the butler guy flashed another “scheming” smile and asked, “Guest, would you like something to drink?”
Jian Huai didn’t want to drink anything. His mind was a tangled mess, and his usual composure had completely deserted him.
The other side is simply too powerful.
Lu Xi saw that Lao Jian was still spacing out and glanced at Dahl with a complicated expression. Whatever he will say now probably wouldn’t get through to him, so he said solemnly, “Let’s eat first.”
Truthfully, Lu Xi hadn’t figured out how to explain the situation either. He could only stall for time.
Ahhhhhhh.
“Understood, Mast-”
Lu Xi glared at Dahl.
Dahl gave a goofy but “clever” smile and corrected himself, “Understood, sir.”
Jian Huai watched their silent exchange, feeling as though his heart were being sliced apart. His mouth tasted bitter, and he had no appetite left. He sat at the dining table in a daze. Doubao and Dougao, however, were warm and enthusiastic toward the man in butler outfit, and it seemed that they had known each other for a long time.
Even the two children was won over by the butler guy. Jian Huai’s heart sank.
That scheming man in the butler outfit then said with concern, “Guest, you don’t look well. Drink more hot water.”
Hot water? Jian Huai didn’t want any damn hot water.
“Thank you.” But he maintained his politeness on the surface. He took a sip out of politeness, burning his tongue a bit which at least cleared his mind. He looked at Lu Xi sitting across the table. Everything was probably in his own head. Maybe it hadn’t reached this point yet.
Jian Huai stared at Lu Xi, desperately wanting to ask who this man in butler outfit was.
Lu Xi understood the look in Lao Jian’s eyes. Sigh, being a succubus is so hard.
“Dahl, stop fussing. Sit down and eat.” As soon as Lu Xi saw Dahl open his mouth, he knew what he was going to say and quickly said, “If you don’t sit down and eat with us, I’ll be angry.”
“Understood, sir. You’re so kind to Dahl.” Dahl showed a grateful and honest smile.
Lu Xi: …AHHHHH this just makes it look even more like that kind of master-servant situation!
He didn’t even dare look at Lao Jian.
But this hurdle had to be overcome. Xiao Lu was very uncomfortable, but he remained calm on the surface and said, “Lao Jian, his name is Dahl, and he was sent by my eldest brother to take care of me. Dahl, this is my friend in China, Jian Huai.”
Jian Huai gave Dahl a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
Dahl was simple and honest, but he has an innate ability to sense others’ kindness and evil feelings toward him. People like his master and the master’s elder brother treated him well even if they sometimes scolded him or found him annoying, he never felt any real malice or dislike from them.
But this friend of his master’s was different. Though he smiled, Dahl could tell he didn’t like him.
So Dahl ignored the guest and sat down to peel shrimp for his master.
At first Lu Xi was going to refuse, but ahh, so delicious. That shrimp was amazing.
“Lao Jian, you have to try this. Dahl’s shrimp is so good.”
Seeing Jian Huai frozen, he picked up a piece and placed it on his plate. Honestly, Lu Xi had never expected Dahl to have such skills. He’d have to give him a raise. The butler didn’t seem as infuriating anymore. “Stop fussing over me. You should eat too,” Then, to reinforce it, he added, “That’s an order.”
“Yes, sir.” Dahl held his bowl with gratitude. Master is so good to me! I’ll warm his bed and be the best succubus servant ever!
Lu Xi has no idea what Dahl was thinking. Otherwise, he probably wouldn’t be able to eat another bite.
Doubao and Dougao ate happily. When they lived with their uncle back in the UK, their uncle’s pretty friend also took care of him just like this, so they were used to it. Their uncle said this was just polite behavior between good friends. Only the best friends take care of each other like this.
So Uncle Dahl must be Daddy’s best friend too.
Uncle also said that when they grow up, if they wanted, he could arrange such best friend for them too. But Daddy refused, saying they should find their best friends on their own.
Dougao thought that made sense.
Doubao, being lazy, wanted uncle to find one for him. But Daddy has the final say, so he’ll listen to Daddy.
Jian Huai originally wanted to ask Lu Xi about the fight that afternoon, but seeing him unharmed, he let it go. Besides, all his attention was on Dahl. “Does Dahl live here too?”
“Yes, he’s staying with us for now,” Lu Xi replied.
Anyway, there are many rooms, and Dahl is skilled at everything, able to carry heavy loads, fight, and cook.
Definitely giving him a raise.
Jian Huai felt a growing sense of urgency. Before, he assumed Lu Xi was raising two children alone and didn’t want to talk about their mother. Combined with the fact that Lu Xi had broken up with the watch guy four years ago and left, it seemed like he was emotionally hurt. Jian Huai thought there was no need to rush. He could take it slow, be Lu Xi’s friend first, and accompany him as he healed.
But now, there was this Dahl by his side!
Jian Huai’s upbringing prevented him from saying anything outright rude about Dahl, but looking at his outfit, the way he talked, and all his antics, he really wanted to call Dahl a sly fox.
Then he caught himself, realizing how petty and jealous he sounded, like some dramatic girl. He could only maintain his usual gentle demeanor on the surface.
But in his heart, he thought, is there any vacancy in Lu Xi’s building? He should move in as soon as possible. And it would be best to work with Lu Xi and try to make the best use of time.
“Your performance in the first episode was great. Director Yuan kept praising you, saying you have a natural talent.” Jian Huai knew that Lu Xi liked Director Yuan’s movies very much, so he used this opportunity to find a topic.
He wanted them to work together.
“The show’s director also wants to sign you again. The first episode generated a lot of buzz.”
Lu Xi knew, “Director Wang called several times this afternoon. You know some of my past… scandals. Director Wang is quite sensitive to rumors. But forget it. I don’t want to participate.”
He spoke vaguely, not wanting to bring up his past with Xie Zhuhan, especially not with Doubao and Dougao at the table.
Jian Huai already saw the online reactions on his way over and everything was in Lu Xi’s favor. He was worried that Rhettsey might cause trouble for Lu Xi, so he rushed over in a panic. But after learning Rhettsey’s true identity, he felt a pang of inadequacy.
No matter how hard he tried, if he went up against Rhettsey’s family, he wouldn’t be able to protect Lu Xi at all.
He was still too weak.
After dinner, Jian Huai had to return to S City for a show recording. He has a brand event the next day. Lu Xi walked him out. Maybe it was just his imagination, but Lao Jian seemed a little down.
“If work is stressing you out, take a break. You’re already an award-winning actor. You’re amazing,” Lu Xi said.
Jian Huai lowered his gaze and thought, Not enough. It’s still not enough.
“Mm, thanks. Take care of yourself. I’ll head out now.”
“Okay, be safe on the road.” Lu Xi knew his driver was waiting.
Back inside, the dining table was spotless. Dahl cleaned everything.
The house has a dishwasher, so Dahl just had to load it and set the program.
He was currently helping the two young masters with their bath, filling the tub with bubbles and their favorite toys.
Lu Xi: …
In less than a day, he had been completely swayed. Dahl is kind of awesome.
He moved straight to the bedtime story routine, coaxing the twins to sleep. After kissing them goodnight, he stretched and headed to his own room. He turned the light on and saw a lump under the covers.
Dahl’s chestnut curls peeked out, his big blue eyes staring at him pleadingly.
“Master.”
Lu Xi: !!!!!
“Wh-what are you doing?!”
Dahl replied with honest conviction, “I’m warming your bed, master.”
AHHHHHHH– Lu Xi grabbed his own hair, pressing himself against the wall by the door. “D-Dahl, I don’t need my bed warmed. Can’t we keep things simple? If you want to stay here, you can’t act like a succubus serv-”
“Ah? Master doesn’t want me anymore? Is there anything that Dahl did wrong? Master, I’ll work hard to be a good succubus servant!” Dahl’s blue eyes welled up with tears, fat droplets rolling down his cheeks.
Lu Xi: …Which of us is actually forcing the other here?
Time for a different approach.
Lu Xi knew Dahl was stubborn and single-minded. His desire to be a succubus servant was more about fulfilling his parents’ legacy than anything else.
“To be a succubus servant, you have to obey me. That means getting off the bed, going back to your own room, and sleep. No more bed-warming.”
Dahl didn’t wipe his tears, letting them plop down pitifully. “Master, you won’t send me away?”
“Not if you listen.”
Dahl immediately stopped crying, and flipped the covers back to reveal his completely naked body.
Eight-pack abs, golden skin gleaming, a V-line, a narrow waist, and a very impressive package nestled in the thatch below.
Lu Xi: …
Where am I supposed to look?!
“Get out now.”
Dahl was not embarrassed to be naked. He has such a healthy and beautiful body, and was born to serve his master. To be the best succubus, he studied the manuals his parents brought back from the succubus realm and held himself to the highest standards.
He is 23cm[mfn]*ehem*9inches*ehem*[/mfn] long, could go seven rounds a night, and last over an hour.
He met the highest standards of a succubus servant.
Even Lord Cecil said he was strong though still a tiny bit inferior to Cecil himself.
But he was still young. He could still grow. Dahl was very confident in himself.
“Master, if you ever need me, I’m always ready to serve.” Dahl bent at the waist, mimicking Lord Cecil’s respectful posture.
Whenever Lord Cecil did this, his master always allowed him to stay.
Dahl gazed at his master hopefully, praying he’d be permitted to warm the bed.
“Okay, okay! I get it! Just go to sleep, Dahl. Put on some pajamas so you don’t catch a cold.” Lu Xi said quickly.
Bro, what are you even thinking?!
We can only ever have a pure master-servant relationship!
Xiao Lu thought of what he said, and suddenly ……
In less than a day, he’d already been dragged into a pit by Dahl.
There is no master-servant relationship!!!
We’re bros. Friends. Whatever. Just not master and servant.
—
The author has something to say: I originally wanted to write a serious, inspirational story about returning with a secret baby; full of hard work, passion, face-slapping revenge, and crematorium[mfn]火葬场 huǒzàng chǎng – refers to a trope where a character who previously wronged the protagonist desperately tries to make amends (metaphorically “burning in regret”)[/mfn] angst. But now it’s just devolved into crack. 【I’m dead.
–
Dahl is a simple, honest, loyal dog and very well-endowed.
The film emperor appears gentle and refined on the surface, but in reality, he’s starting to embrace the silly, absurd mindset too. 【So sad, just heartbreaking, wuwuwu
As for the gong… don’t even get me started.
–
When fish cry, the water knows. When I cry, who knows?!!!!
