TL: Hua
Extra 2: Flechazo (2): Modern If Line [no book transmigration, no memory version]
Pei Xiting envisioned a model apartment, perhaps in a cool, black, white, and gray scheme. But upon arriving, he discovered the reality was a bit off.
Zong Suiyang rarely came back, and this time he wasn’t staying at the old Zong family residence but in a high-end apartment in Dongrong. The apartment was on the 19th floor. The overall color scheme was indeed black, white, and gray, but the glass vase in the entryway held purple water lilies. The new slippers Zong Suiyang took out for him from the shoe cabinet were purple with cat ears. A large tiger plush sat on the black leather sofa in the living room. There was a set of light green porcelain dishes and cutlery on the kitchen island. In front of the floor-to-ceiling windows stood a half-height white iron flower stand, with pots and hanging baskets in white, purple, and yellow, giving it a rather dreamy feel.
These different colors were inconsistent with the overall decor, seeming out of place, as if they had mistakenly wandered in.
Pei Xiting stood in the center of the living room. Faced with this situation, he had a bad feeling. He looked at Zong Suiyang and said, “Do you have a child?”
Especially the purple cat-ear slippers and the tiger plush. The slippers were his size, so a child definitely couldn’t wear them.
Pei Xiting’s brow twitched. “Did you live with someone here?”
Moreover, for a person like Zong Suiyang to allow someone to disrupt his structured world, that person must hold a significant place in his heart, not just a casual lover.
“No, I’m single,” Zong Suiyang clarified the misunderstanding, but he didn’t explain why there were things in his home that didn’t fit his self-image. He walked to the kitchen island, where the bottle of Chateau Mouton Rothschild he had told Old Wu to decant earlier was sitting.
Zong Suiyang looked at the decanter. “Not enough time. Go and freshen up first, and change into some pajamas.”
Pei Xiting followed Zong Suiyang to the guest room and was surprised to find that it wasn’t black, white, or gray, but a warm palette of beige and light orange. He became even more puzzled, but Zong Suiyang didn’t say much. He just showed him how to use the shower and then closed the door and left.
Zong Suiyang returned to the master bedroom. His phone screen lit up.
Old Wu: [Does he like the style of the guest room?]
The middle-aged man seemed to enjoy gossip. Zong Suiyang thought for a moment and replied: [It seems I’ve been counterproductive. He suspects I lived with someone.]
Old Wu consoled him: [He’s very smart. He’ll figure it out. By the way, the bedding is in the nightstand in the master bedroom.]
“…” Zong Suiyang was speechless.
He typed: [I just brought him back to where I live.]
Old Wu replied: [You actually brought him back to where you live.]
Indeed, their relationship had been made clear by Pei Xiting, and Zong Suiyang had not explicitly rejected him. In this situation, bringing Pei Xiting back for the night and not planning to send him back was already ambiguous enough, seemingly full of sexual innuendo.
Zong Suiyang decided not to respond to Old Wu. He placed his phone at the foot of the bed, took off his jacket, and hung it on the rack. As he walked toward the bathroom, he took off his shirt and belt.
The glass door closed gently, and hot water poured out. Steam gradually filled the bathroom.
Pei Xiting splashed some hot water on his face and stared at the stream of water. He suddenly had a thought: Could it have all been prepared for him?
The slippers were his size. Most of the flowers in front of the window had appeared in his WeChat Moments. He also had a set of those porcelain dishes and had taken a picture with one of the cups. And that glass vase looked similar to the one in the bar.
But wouldn’t it be too narcissistic to think this way?
But if that wasn’t the case, how else could he explain it? Assuming it was prepared for someone else, then Zong Suiyang shouldn’t have actively invited him to stay overnight, unless he saw him as a bootlicker who wouldn’t give up even with some wild thoughts, or maybe he just simply wanted to hook up?
That shouldn’t be it. Zong Suiyang didn’t seem like someone who was just h*rny. Such a shrewd character would definitely not offend his grandfather just because of a one-night stand.
Pei Xiting was wrestling with himself, his head aching. He simply rubbed his temples and put those thoughts aside for now. He opened the small cabinet on the wall, and a set of bathing products was revealed. They were the familiar pomegranate-colored bottles, the Black Plum and Sandalwood scent he always used.
The answer was finally confirmed. Pei Xiting looked at the red bottles, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
[I’ve carefully considered it and decided not to have the bodyguards come and get you. Mind your manners. (Praying hands)]
Pei Mingfu’s new message was replied to twenty minutes later. Pei Xiting, dressed in clean silk pajamas, typed as he walked out: [Thanks for the organization’s strong support. (Rose)]
A crisp sound came from ahead. Pei Xiting turned his screen off and stopped at the end of the hallway, leaning against the wall.
Zong Suiyang was pouring wine by the island counter. His black silk dressing gown reached his calves, fitting his body lightly. The belt was not too tight or too loose, and his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs were a treat for the eyes from every angle.
“Don’t just stand there watching from behind,” Zong Suiyang said.
Pei Xiting walked over, casually pulled out a chair, and sat down. His eyes met Zong Suiyang’s, who was looking at him from the side. Zong Suiyang pushed a wine glass toward him. The wine was a rich, beautiful cherry red, exuding a full aroma.
Pei Xiting picked up the glass, leaned forward slightly, and held it up to Zong Suiyang. Just as he was about to say “cheers,” Zong Suiyang misunderstood his intention and lowered his head, gently taking the rim of the glass with his lips. He looked up, and Pei Xiting, as if entranced, obediently raised his wrist higher.
The wine’s aroma emanated from his lips and teeth, its flavors blending precisely, with delicate and rounded notes of black plum and minerality. Zong Suiyang straightened up and said, “This Cabernet Sauvignon is of excellent quality.”
Pei Xiting “oh’ed” in a slightly strained voice. He then smoothly turned with his glass in hand and stepped onto the floor. “Can we use the TV?”
Zong Suiyang looked at the fleeing figure, a slight smile on his lips. He picked up his own glass and followed him. “Yes, what do you want to watch?”
“A movie?” Pei Xiting sat on the sofa, turning on the TV. “A new art-house film was just released overseas. I haven’t had a chance to see it yet.”
Zong Suiyang sat down next to him and said, “A new release? Can we watch it on TV?”
Oh, right. Pei Xiting’s fingers, holding the remote, curled slightly. It hasn’t been released in China yet. He must be an idiot.
“It’s alright,” Zong Suiyang said, tactfully changing the subject. “Old movies are good too.”
Pei Xiting opened the film library and searched for a while, finding that he had either seen everything or nothing was suitable for the moment. So he just randomly clicked on an unfamiliar cover and started it on the big screen.
“Did you buy that doll?” he asked, pointing to the tiger plush next to Zong Suiyang.
“No, it was custom-made.” Seeing Pei Xiting’s curiosity, Zong Suiyang took out his phone, found a video, and handed it to him.
Pei Xiting took the phone and played the video. It showed a small tiger lying on the grass, sunbathing. Judging by its size, it was still very young.
He said, “You have a pet?”
“Yeah, it’s called Little King. It is at my estate abroad.” Seeing Pei Xiting silently mouth “wow,” Zong Suiyang said, “It’ll be back in a day or two. You two can meet.”
“I’m looking forward to it. It looks so well-behaved.” Pei Xiting played the video again before returning the phone to Zong Suiyang. “Do I need to prepare a gift for it?”
“If it likes your scent, that’s the greatest gift. Otherwise, it’ll knock your things away,” Zong Suiyang said.
“That makes sense,” Pei Xiting said. “I hope it likes me. If not, it has no taste.”
Zong Suiyang was lost in a quiet laugh.
What’s so funny? Pei Xiting muttered in his mind, convinced there was nothing wrong with his statement. He leaned back against the couch, and slowly, his long legs curled up. It was as if this wasn’t his first time here; he was so naturally comfortable it felt like he was on his own turf.
Zong Suiyang found it very amusing.
“Why do you keep looking at me?” Pei Xiting tilted his head back, a light blush on his face. “Aren’t we watching the movie?”
Zong Suiyang had never said he wanted to watch a movie. He should have been in his study working, but it seemed he couldn’t leave Pei Xiting alone.
“Oh,” Pei Xiting realized. “Do you need to work? It’s fine; you don’t have to keep me company.”
With that considerate tone, Zong Suiyang replied, “Then I’ll go to my study?”
He sounded like he was asking for permission, but the look in his eyes wasn’t so innocent. Pei Xiting looked into his eyes and sensed a hint of seduction and provocation in his tone.
“I think you should stay and entertain your guest,” Pei Xiting changed his mind.
Zong Suiyang didn’t say anything. He took the empty glass from Pei Xiting, poured more wine, and said, “Enjoy.”
Pei Xiting smiled, then tilted his head to look at the screen. He saw the male lead and female lead kissing. Hmm, that doesn’t look like the female lead. Who is that? Whatever, the plot isn’t important.
Pei Xiting and Pei Mingfu didn’t feel embarrassed watching kissing or intimate scenes together. But at this moment, he experienced what it was like to “encounter an intimate scene while with a senior.” A senior.
Pei Xiting glanced at Zong Suiyang’s chiseled profile. This man was five years older than him, but sometimes his presence felt like it belonged to another generation. Perhaps it was his background and profession; Zong Suiyang’s words always carried an air of authority, a command, but it wasn’t too obvious with Pei Xiting, as if it had been intentionally softened.
“Are you thinking about some global issue?” Zong Suiyang suddenly looked over at him.
Pei Xiting took a sip of wine, blinked, and said, “You.”
Zong Suiyang said, “Perhaps you can just ask directly.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Pei Xiting scrunched his nose. “It might be a bit offensive.”
“It’s fine,” Zong Suiyang said. “If you offend me, I’ll kick you out.”
What a cold man. Pei Xiting held the wine glass in one hand and propped himself up on the sofa with the other. He leaned in close to Zong Suiyang, stared into his eyes for a moment, and said, “Do you have any niche fetishes?”
“I don’t think so,” Zong Suiyang replied.
Pei Xiting narrowed his eyes. “‘You don’t think so’?”
“I haven’t practiced them, so I can’t be sure of the conclusion,” Zong Suiyang said honestly.
Haven’t practiced them? Pei Xiting said, “Are you a virgin?”
At his tone, Zong Suiyang narrowed his eyes slightly. “Doesn’t it seem like it?”
“You can’t really tell that, can you? It’s not like the number of uses is marked on your face.” Pei Xiting scratched his head. Being a 25-year-old single guy was normal, but among the debauched young masters in his social circle, it was a rarity.
Although Pei Xiting had no “first-time complex,” he still saw this as a pleasant surprise. His happiness showed on his face, as if the meat of a duck, Zong Suiyang, had been served right up to his mouth, ready to be bitten into.
Zong Suiyang made a sound of disapproval upon seeing this. He stood up from the sofa and took a couple of steps when his belt suddenly tightened. He turned to the side. Pei Xiting had hooked the end of his belt.
“What are you doing?” the man asked from above.
Pei Xiting looked up at him. “Where are you going?”
Zong Suiyang took two steps closer, his tall figure leaning down slightly, like a silent threat. Pei Xiting’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He heard him say, “Do I need to report to you?”
Pei Xiting was a little scared, but he didn’t know how to spell “retreat.” He said, “You brought me back here on your own, so you have to treat me well.”
When the relationship between two people veered toward intimacy, anything was easy to misinterpret. Zong Suiyang mulled over the word “treat,” saying, “Didn’t you eat enough for dinner?”
“I’m completely stuffed,” Pei Xiting said honestly.
But he was looking at Zong Suiyang’s lips. “But I can still have some dessert for a late-night snack.”
Zong Suiyang didn’t say a word or move, as if in a silent agreement. Pei Xiting, emboldened, looked up and met Zong Suiyang’s eyes as he slowly leaned in.
He used his eyes as a weapon—on one hand, defensively, he constantly watched Zong Suiyang’s gaze to figure out what he was thinking; on the other hand, he was on the attack. He must have known how beautiful his eyes were. Just releasing a hint of drunken ambiguity was enough to achieve his goal of temptation.
The scent of red wine wafted around his nose and lips, trembling slightly with Pei Xiting’s unsteady breathing. Those eyes, like a still autumn lake, were also trembling. The little liar was clearly inexperienced. Zong Suiyang remained composed, neither refusing nor cooperating, like a cold and impartial invigilator, grading Pei Xiting’s immature seduction.
Pei Xiting felt a little annoyed. He suddenly craned his neck forward but lost his balance and fell to the side because his knees weren’t stable. His lips brushed against Zong Suiyang’s, a fleeting touch, as quick as a butterfly landing on a flower petal and then flying away in an instant.
At the same time, Zong Suiyang reached out and caught Pei Xiting, stopping him from falling onto the coffee table.
The man’s arm was long and strong. Pei Xiting, however, grabbed it, used the leverage to pull Zong Suiyang down, and looked up, making a “pop” sound as he kissed his lips.
But the next second, Pei Xiting’s head spun as the man lifted him up. Zong Suiyang took large strides into the guest room and tossed him onto the bed.
“Slap.”
A slap landed on his butt, as if punishing him for his audacity to pluck the sweet fruit. Pei Xiting groaned. He lifted his legs to kick. Zong Suiyang caught his ankle, pulled him down to the end of the bed, and flipped him over like a piece of meat. He then raised his hand and brought down another slap.
“Mm,” Pei Xiting’s voice, mixed with shame and lust, was already a bit tearful. “Zong Suiyang, you bastard!”
“If you can’t focus on the movie, then you should get some rest,” Zong Suiyang said. He rubbed Pei Xiting’s ankle with his thumb, and the ankle in his hand trembled. He followed the line of the long legs up—the tight stomach, the heaving chest, the stretched neck, the biting lips—all expressing the young man’s sensitivity and impulse.
Zong Suiyang sighed for no clear reason and gently released his ankle. The moment Pei Xiting glared at him, he leaned over him, supporting himself on the bed, and gently touched his forehead with his own.
Pei Xiting was stunned, his entire body stiff.
Zong Suiyang’s gaze was deep, seemingly with a hint of a smile, and the rest was an emotion Pei Xiting couldn’t understand. He looked at Pei Xiting for a few seconds, then lifted his head and kissed him on the forehead. “Good night. Sweet dreams.”
It was like a fiery petal had landed on his forehead, weightless but with a burning fragrance. Pei Xiting lay half-stunned on the bed, watching the man leave the guest room and gently close the door.
After an unknown amount of time, he reached up and touched his forehead, then suddenly threw off the covers and buried himself underneath them.
Zong Suiyang returned to his master bedroom with his phone and found a private message.
Old Wu: [Did it work?]
Zong Suiyang replied: [No.]
Old Wu: [Why not?]
The image of Pei Xiting’s focused and infatuated eyes appeared in Zong Suiyang’s mind. He replied: [I felt a little reluctant.]
Such a passionate and open little bird should be given some room to hesitate or even turn back.
He was a few years older than Pei Xiting and should be more rational.
Old Wu: [I looked into it. Chen Wu does like him and he hasn’t given up yet.]
Zong Suiyang replied calmly: [Would a 99-point student be wary of a 0-point student?]
Old Wu was curious: [Where did you lose that one point?]
Zong Suiyang said: [I just exposed a little of my quirk, and he cussed at me.]
Old Wu: [? (Praying hands)]
The lessons from books truly required practice to fully understand. This “tossing and turning” felt different than he expected.
At 4:08 AM, Pei Xiting opened his eyes, put down his phone, and finally fell asleep.
It was the weekend. Zong Suiyang got up at 7 a.m. and worked out for an hour. After showering and getting ready, it was exactly 8:30. He walked to the guest room door, but there was no sound inside, so he sent a message to Pei Xiting: [Are you awake?]
Ten minutes later: [(Sleepy)]
Pei Xiting was rolling around in bed, wrapped in a blanket, not wanting to get up, even though he felt he should maintain good habits in front of the person he had a crush on.
His phone vibrated. He groggily picked it up, squinted at the screen, and realized Zong Suiyang had sent a voice message:
“Sleep in or breakfast?”
Ten seconds later, Pei Xiting tapped on the voice message again, held the phone to his ear, and listened a second time.
“…”
[The other person is typing]
In the living room, Zong Suiyang watched the text and raised an eyebrow.
About ten minutes later, Pei Xiting finally replied with a “long essay”: [Breakfast.]
Zong Suiyang shook his head, stood up, took down an apron, and tied it on.
Pei Xiting’s social media had some breakfast photos. Growing up with Pei Mingfu, his meal habits were very similar to his grandfather’s. Breakfast was usually porridge, soy milk, and various kinds of pastries, with bread and milk on occasion.
Zong Suiyang methodically chopped and washed the ingredients. He took out the new soy-milk-colored mini pot that had been delivered yesterday, first cooked oatmeal for two, and boiled eggs in a smaller pot next to it.
“Are you cooking?”
Soon after, Pei Xiting came out after taking a shower, still in his pajamas, his hair tied up in a messy little bun on top of his head. Zong Suiyang looked back at him, meeting his shocked gaze. “Is it strange?”
“I thought you were someone who wouldn’t even touch kitchen tools,” Pei Xiting said. He walked over to Zong Suiyang and looked at the dumplings just placed in the pan. “What’s the filling?”
“Chives,” Zong Suiyang said, brushing on a layer of oil. “The steamed buns are crab roe from Guoyuan Hotel.”
“I can tell,” Pei Xiting said, opening the lid of the mini pot to prevent it from boiling over, then turning down the heat. “I’m a regular there. The food is great.”
He put the lid back on, leaned against the island counter, and gestured toward Zong Suiyang’s lower back with his hand. Zong Suiyang looked over, and Pei Xiting just smiled. “Would you be interested in being my model?”
“What kind?” Zong Suiyang asked.
Pei Xiting said, “A nude model.”
Zong Suiyang thought about it seriously for nearly ten seconds. “I don’t have much time during the day, but I can at night.”
“Model work only takes two or three hours.” Pei Xiting said considerately, “Will it affect your work the next day?”
Zong Suiyang gave Pei Xiting a look. “Doesn’t painting for two or three hours affect your classes and internship the next day?”
Pei Xiting smiled slightly. “I’m willing to have the sweet part first and the bitter part later.”
“Maybe the beginning won’t be sweet,” Zong Suiyang said.
Pei Xiting looked surprised. “Are you that unconfident in your skills?”
“Because I haven’t tried it,” Zong Suiyang let go of the pan handle and walked over to Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting leaned back. Zong Suiyang reached past his waist, picked up a small knife, and lightly tapped Pei Xiting’s side. “Do you want strawberries or oranges?”
“Strawberry.” Pei Xiting watched Zong Suiyang open the fridge and, with a sharp eye, noticed a row of milk tea drinks inside. He raised an eyebrow. “It’s alright. You have great natural qualities.”
Zong Suiyang turned sideways with a small basket of strawberries, his eyes a little fierce.
Pei Xiting couldn’t hold back a laugh and quickly raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, I won’t say any more.”
He stopped teasing the man who was cooking, walked around the island, sat down on the chair opposite, and poured himself a small half glass of water to drink.
Pei Mingfu’s new message appeared on his phone: [Did it work?]
Pei Xiting replied: [No.]
Two minutes later, Pei Mingfu replied: [Reason?]
Pei Xiting glanced at the man’s back. [He’s a bit reserved.]
Pei Mingfu approved: [That’s a good quality. (Thumbs up)]
Pei Xiting laughed. [Is he playing hard to get?]
Pei Mingfu seemed to disagree: [That would be unnecessary.]
Pei Xiting thought about that for a moment and decided his grandfather was hinting that he was being too direct and active, and Zong Suiyang could charm him without playing any games. He didn’t care. He was convinced that Zong Suiyang must have touched himself last night after returning to his room while thinking of him.
“Wash your hands,” Zong Suiyang said.
Pei Xiting put away his dirty thoughts and went to wash up. When Zong Suiyang had finished setting out breakfast and was standing there untying his apron, Pei Xiting immediately seized the opportunity and reached out. His fingertips intentionally brushed against Zong Suiyang’s palm. When Zong Suiyang turned to look, Pei Xiting showed no guilt. He said openly, “Let me help you take it off.”
Taking off an apron sounded like taking off pants. The little liar wasn’t stopping, even in the morning. Zong Suiyang lowered his eyelids and released the apron string.
Pei Xiting helped Zong Suiyang take off the apron. He was well-behaved throughout the process and didn’t take the opportunity to touch him anywhere. He hung the apron on a nearby hook and sat down to eat.
Zong Suiyang peeled an egg and handed it to Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting was a little surprised, said thank you, and took it. “Do you have any plans today?”
“I have a dinner party this evening,” Zong Suiyang said.
Pei Xiting took a bite of the egg white. “After the dinner, would you like me to come pick you up?”
The people at Zong Suiyang’s dinner parties were basically seniors or peers from the same circles. If they saw Pei Xiting come to pick up Zong Suiyang—a person he wasn’t related to and previously had little connection with—they would definitely get suspicious.
Whether it was an open pursuit or a secret relationship, the speed of gossip was fast.
Zong Suiyang met Pei Xiting’s gaze for a few seconds and then said, as if it were normal, “If you’re not worried about running into your father.”
“I’m not afraid of him,” Pei Xiting said rebelliously. “I even smashed his car in front of him once.”
Zong Suiyang raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite something.”
Pei Xiting’s eyelashes fluttered. “It was because he tore up one of my paintings.”
Whether he was clarifying that he wasn’t a rebellious kid for no reason or complaining about the injustice he had suffered, Zong Suiyang absorbed it all. He pushed the crab roe buns toward Pei Xiting. “I’ll drink a few extra glasses for you tonight.”
“Don’t,” Pei Xiting said with a cold face. “That’s all in the past.”
How could a workaholic like Zong Suiyang have such a strong stomach? Pei Xiting didn’t want to make him suffer along with him.
“It’s fine. There’s a saying, ‘You can’t achieve victory without shedding some blood,'” Zong Suiyang said. “He’ll give me some face.”
Pei Yuedong hadn’t inherited his father’s full power; there was a huge gap. Zong Suiyang respected Pei Mingfu, but that didn’t mean he would put Pei Yuedong on a pedestal. On the contrary, Zong Suiyang was a sharp and dangerous young man. In the competitive world of fame and fortune, where the strong prey on the weak, he was a rising star to be feared.
Pei Xiting showed a slight smile. “Okay.”
He lowered his head and broke open a crab roe bun. It tasted sweet—*Hmm, it must have gone bad.*
After they finished eating, Zong Suiyang washed the dishes while Pei Xiting wiped the counter. They worked together to quickly clean up the kitchen.
Pei Xiting’s phone on the counter vibrated. He turned and picked it up. It was a message from Pei Mingfu—a screenshot of flight information.
Pei Xiting replied with “Got it,” then looked up at Zong Suiyang. “My grandfather is back. He’ll be at the airport at 12:30. Can I borrow a car?”
“I’ll take you,” Zong Suiyang said.
Pei Xiting didn’t refuse. He turned and took a few steps, then suddenly remembered something. “Clothes.”
Fifteen minutes later, Pei Xiting, wearing a button-up shirt and a leather jacket from Zong Suiyang’s closet and a pair of stonewashed jeans he had cut himself, followed Zong Suiyang into the elevator.
He felt a little awkward.
Zong Suiyang seemed to sense it. He turned his head to look at him, his gaze moving from his chest to his waist. “Are they too big?”
That’s right, the underwear is Zong Suiyang’s too. Wearing them felt like a challenge but also a temptation. Pei Xiting was both annoyed and pleased, his emotions in turmoil. He said coolly, “You’re taller and bigger than me. It would be scary if your clothes were a smaller size.”
Zong Suiyang didn’t comment. He lowered his head and replied to Old Wu.
Old Wu: [If you’re going out today, do you need me to bring him a set of clean clothes?]
Zong Suiyang replied: [No need. He looks good in my clothes too.]
Old Wu: [(Salute) (Thumbs up)]
Pei Mingfu always traveled in a Bentley, so Zong Suiyang didn’t have to think about which car to use for the pickup—he just had to cater to his preferences. He walked to the driver’s side and said to the feigning-reserved Pei Xiting, “Get in the passenger seat.”
“Oh.” Pei Xiting opened the car door and got in neatly.
Since it was the weekend, the road was inevitably congested. After they got off the main bridge, Pei Xiting checked the time, sent his location to Pei Mingfu, and said: [Might have to wait a little.]
Pei Mingfu replied 8 minutes later: [I’ll wait for you here. (Address)]
Pei Xiting told Zong Suiyang, “Just go to the north end of Minghua Street.”
Zong Suiyang “Mhm’d” and said, “Do you want to eat out for lunch?”
“Yeah,” Pei Xiting said. “What do you want to eat? It’s my treat.”
“We’ll listen to the old gentleman,” Zong Suiyang said. “It’s my treat.”
Pei Xiting agreed, asked Pei Mingfu for his opinion, and called the front desk at Qingfu. After booking a table, he explained to Zong Suiyang, “It’s a private kitchen we used to go to often. The food is good. The old man loves their ‘Three-Style Duck’.”
Zong Suiyang said, “The crispy bone fish is pretty good.”
“You’ve been there?” Pei Xiting smiled. “That’s even better then. I don’t need to recommend dishes to you.”
“It’s alright. I’ll eat whatever you two order,” Zong Suiyang said. “I’m not very picky.”
Pei Xiting said sensitively, “Are you hinting at me?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Zong Suiyang said with a proper attitude. He added, “Being picky isn’t a flaw.”
“That’s very true,” Pei Xiting said. “It has to appeal to me to go into my mouth and stomach. That’s me being responsible for myself.”
“That makes perfect sense,” Zong Suiyang said.
Pei Xiting watched Zong Suiyang closely. “You’re not just trying to butter me up, are you? Do you really agree with me?”
“I really agree with you,” Zong Suiyang said. “Do I look like I’m just trying to butter you up?”
He didn’t. Pei Xiting was satisfied and said, “Okay.”
Zong Suiyang couldn’t help but smile, finding Pei Xiting very cute. All the talk of being rebellious, disobedient, and unfilial was just Pei Yuedong’s prejudices.
The car turned at an intersection and drove for a hundred meters before Pei Xiting craned his neck and said, “I see him.”
Zong Suiyang saw him too and pulled the car to a stop in front of Pei Mingfu. Pei Xiting was the first to get out. “Where’s Uncle Li?”
“Since you were coming to pick me up, I told him to go home,” Pei Mingfu said, smiling as he looked at the young man walking toward them. “Suiyang, it’s been a long time.”
“Grandpa Pei,” Zong Suiyang said, shaking hands with Pei Mingfu warmly. “It’s good to see you again.”
The two men began to exchange pleasantries. Pei Mingfu noticed that Zong Suiyang’s attitude toward him was softer than before, putting himself in a junior position. Zong Suiyang also clearly felt that Pei Mingfu was observing him with a blatant, scrutinizing look.
Pei Xiting felt his pants were a bit loose. He tugged at them and urged, “You two, please get in the car and chat.”
Zong Suiyang gestured with his hand and opened the back car door, inviting Pei Mingfu to sit. Of course, Pei Xiting was going to sit with his grandfather. Before he got in the car, he leaned over to Zong Suiyang. “Why didn’t you open my car door earlier?”
Pei Mingfu leisurely closed his eyes, not rushing or interrupting the two young men as they flirted in public.
With the car door between them, Zong Suiyang leaned in slightly and brushed a stray strand of hair from Pei Xiting’s face. “Respect for the elderly and care for the young—which category do you fall into?”
Pei Xiting didn’t answer. “It depends on whether you’re willing to.”
“I’ll pay attention from now on,” Zong Suiyang replied.
Pei Xiting smiled. “It’s fine normally. I’ll just use it to pick a fight with you when I want to.” With that, he turned and slipped into the car.
The corners of Zong Suiyang’s mouth curved upward as he closed the door.
Pei Xiting’s eyes followed Zong Suiyang’s movements until he was seated. Then he looked back and said, “Did you have fun with the Xu family couple?”
“It was alright,” Pei Mingfu said. “When I left today, they were still talking to me about a marriage proposal with our family.”
Discussing with Pei Mingfu meant they were aiming for Pei Xiting. Zong Suiyang gripped the steering wheel, his eyes on the road.
“Xu Le?” Pei Xiting looked at Zong Suiyang in the front. “No way. We have no chemistry.”
“I know, so I refused on your behalf,” Pei Mingfu said with a smile. “You’re all grown up. I need to start dealing with your marriage prospects.”
“No need to worry, just refuse anyone who asks,” Pei Xiting said.
Pei Mingfu replied that he would do whatever his grandson said.
An hour later, they arrived at a private dining room. Pei Mingfu and Zong Suiyang were discussing serious matters, but Pei Xiting wasn’t interested. He quickly “swish swish’ed” through the menu, ordered, and then sat next to Pei Mingfu, playing on his phone.
Little Feng from next door: [Come this afternoon. (Address)]
Pei Xiting replied that he was busy. He looked up at Zong Suiyang across the table. The man was in the middle of a conversation with his grandfather, handling it with ease. From both his grandfather’s perspective and his own, there was no reason not to like him.
“Xiting is a great kid.” Zong Suiyang suddenly looked at Pei Xiting and said softly.
Pei Xiting was completely taken aback, not knowing how the conversation had turned to him.
“He has no bad qualities,” Pei Mingfu said. “If I had to say anything bad about him, it’s that he’s too fearless at times, which is both endearing and worrying.”
Pei Mingfu’s words had a double meaning. Zong Suiyang looked at him and said, “A pure and passionate rose won’t end up in barren land.”
Pei Mingfu’s gaze was deep. “You don’t seem like the type to cherish flowers.”
“If I love something, I’ll naturally cherish it,” Zong Suiyang said, neither arrogant nor submissive.
Pei Mingfu’s tone was gentle, but his words were sharp. “And if you don’t love it, you’ll toss it aside like old shoes?”
“You should have 100% confidence in the rose you’ve carefully cultivated,” Zong Suiyang said. “It’s radiant enough to protect itself. A rose that grew up in love—wouldn’t it know how to distinguish love?”
Pei Xiting grew up in Pei Mingfu’s love. It was a very difficult and challenging task for him to not feel the gap between the two kinds of love.
Pei Mingfu smiled. “I do believe that. Xiting can’t stand being wronged and doesn’t know how to be patient. He’s covered in thorns.”
“Those are things that shouldn’t have to concern him,” Zong Suiyang said, refilling Pei Mingfu’s tea. He gestured to the cup. “Grandpa Pei, please.”
Pei Mingfu picked up the teacup, smelled it, and smiled. “Then I will take my time and savor this cup of tea.”
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