EM 48. Subtle

Spring Festival was approaching, and even the military base had begun to feel a touch more festive. It had been over half a year since Team 2 began their training, so this time their break was longer. Song Feng told them to gather in Beijing before returning to base after the New Year. He planned to take them out for a proper good time, then head back together. They laughed and agreed, setting a date to meet after the holidays.

Xiao Mingxuan had too much on his plate and would be leaving later, likely not until New Year’s Eve. Coincidentally, some personnel from the main military district had urgent business in Beijing that day, so he arranged to catch a ride on their helicopter. Song Feng had initially wanted to borrow an off-road vehicle from headquarters and speed his way home, but they told him since he also lived in Beijing, he should just return with Xiao Mingxuan. While he was at it, he could stay and lend a hand. Left with no choice, he had to settle for staying behind.

Xiao Mingxuan frowned slightly. It was not that he was unhappy Song Feng would be joining him, just that it struck him as odd. On the way from the base to Beijing, they would pass by the homes of two team members. Based on headquarters’ usual habits, they should have asked Song Feng to drop them off en route. But they did not. This made him suspect headquarters deliberately wanted to keep Song Feng back. He could not help but think of the phone call he had overheard. Who exactly were they trying to keep in the dark? Did it have something to do with Song Feng? And if so, who was the person currently being rescued?

Maybe it was because headquarters had acted so strangely last time Song Feng went out, and the impression it left on him was too strong. He could not stop overthinking. But no matter how much he speculated, it was no use. Headquarters remained utterly calm and composed, showing not the slightest sign of anything amiss. He knew it was pointless to ask. That person would only toss back the same two words, as always: “Nothing’s wrong.”

He glanced at Song Feng. This guy seemed used to being squeezed dry. He showed not even a flicker of discontent, obediently holed up in the dorm like he was cultivating mushrooms. He held a classic novel in both hands, read two pages, then lost interest and tossed it aside. He picked up another world-renowned title, but the result was the same.

Xiao Mingxuan advised, “Stop struggling.”

Song Feng let out a grunt and stubbornly stayed buried under a pile of books. In the end, he picked up a melodramatic pulp novel and started reading it with relish. That was when he reached the conclusion that he was never meant to be a cultured or refined person. He was destined to be a vulgar commoner.

Xiao Mingxuan moved some of his work into the dorm. When he got tired, he would walk over, wrap his arms around Song Feng from behind, and indulge in a bit of affection. The fifth floor was all theirs. The two of them huddled close in the frigid winter, living a warm little world of their own.

New Year’s Eve came quickly. When they arrived at the military district, it was just after nightfall. Song Feng requested an off-road vehicle and happily drove home. The city lights shimmered, and festive cheer was everywhere.

General Xiao had not left yet, so Xiao Mingxuan stayed to go home with him. Sitting on the office sofa, he asked, “Dad, has anything happened recently with the Song family?”

“No. Why?”

“Just curious,” Xiao Mingxuan replied, though he was surprised. Had he really overthought things? Or was headquarters hiding something else entirely?

General Xiao glanced at his son, who had grown noticeably steadier and more composed. He recalled what he had just seen from upstairs, the way the two of them interacted, and asked casually, “You and the second son of the Song family seem close. You specifically asked for him when you put together Team 2, didn’t you?”

Xiao Mingxuan froze for a moment, a faint heaviness settling in his chest. His father had never interfered with his friendships, so the fact that he was bringing this up now meant he had noticed something. He did not feel nervous. His relationship with Song Feng was something he had thought through carefully. He had never intended for it to remain a secret affair, so it was something that would have to be dealt with eventually. He gave an honest answer.

“Very close.”

“How close, exactly?”

Xiao Mingxuan calmly asked, “Dad, do you really have to bring this up on New Year’s Eve?”

General Xiao was silent for a moment, then stood up. “Let’s go home.”

Song Feng happily went home and had a reunion dinner with his family. Afterwards, they gathered around to watch the Spring Festival Gala, spending a warm and wonderful New Year’s Eve together.

On the morning of the first day of the new year, Xiao Mingxuan showed up for New Year greetings as usual. This year, he arrived particularly early. After exchanging a few pleasantries downstairs with Commander Song and Song Feng’s parents, he made up a random excuse to head upstairs and look for Song Feng. That man was sprawled out on the bed facing the door, looking half-dead. When he saw Xiao Mingxuan enter, he turned his head and glanced at him. “Huh?”

Xingan was lying beside him. Seeing the unfamiliar man, he tilted his head in the exact same way. “Woof?”

Xiao Mingxuan paused slightly. The expressions of both dog and human were eerily similar, even the innocent look in their eyes matched perfectly. He looked at the plump gray-and-white husky, slowly approached, and patted his head as he stared up at him in confusion.

“So this is Xingan? You really do live up to the name.”

Song Feng’s romantic escapades back in the day were well-known in certain circles. Equally famous was this dog named Xingan. No one knew exactly how Song Feng had trained him, only that the dog was practically supernatural.

When he heard his name, Xingan happily wagged his tail. “Woof!”

Xiao Mingxuan sat down at the edge of the bed. “What happened? Did Song Zhe bully you again?”

Song Feng mumbled from where he lay. “Mm…”

Xingan also lowered his head. “Whine…”

Xiao Mingxuan fell silent, chose to ignore the dog entirely, and reached out to stroke Song Feng’s head. After two pats, Xingan scooted over and nudged in for one as well. He gave him a look of exasperation and reluctantly gave him a pat too.

Looking back at Song Feng, he said, “The medical documents you got last time weren’t complete, and they’ve been pushing for updates. I thought maybe you could ask your brother, but clearly that didn’t work. He didn’t cooperate?”

“Don’t even bring it up. I didn’t even get the chance to ask before he took off. I’ll try again when he gets back.” Song Feng let out a deep sigh. After chatting a bit longer, he glanced at the time and sat up. “I should head out and make the rounds. There’s a dinner in the circle tonight. You coming?”

“Yeah. They called me too. If you’re going, I’ll go.”

“Then let’s go.” Song Feng opened the door and stepped outside. Xingan trotted alongside to see him off. Just then, a young lady from another family was sitting in the living room. She was very beautiful. As soon as she saw Xingan, she crouched down and gave him a few affectionate pats. Xingan wagged his tail, jumped up, and gave her chest a few enthusiastic rubs, then turned around cheerfully and went back to escorting his owner.

In a low voice, Song Feng asked, “Got some bounce? Soft?”

Xingan: “Woof!”

Song Feng beamed. “Yeah? Sounds promising.”

Xingan: “Woof!”

Xiao Mingxuan: “…”

At eight o’clock that evening, Song Feng and Xiao Mingxuan arrived at the restaurant together. The guests inside immediately stood up to greet them. After exchanging a few pleasantries with polite smiles, the two found seats. The venue was built along the water. A stone arch bridge spanned the lake, and the distant lights reflected off the surface, casting a peaceful glow.

As always, the dinner was the usual affair. The host had already arranged everything for the next steps. By ten, Song Feng and Xiao Mingxuan were chatting in a private room at the club. They had politely declined the company of any beauties. Everyone simply assumed they had serious matters to discuss and tactfully stayed away, though privately, they all understood what was really going on. From the looks of it, the Song and Xiao families were clearly growing close. It was time to raise their weight in future dealings.

Inside the room, the lighting was red and dim, alcohol flowing, noise surging. Song Feng squinted his alluring eyes, lit a cigarette, and exhaled slowly. In the past, if he saw a beauty he liked, he would pull her right into his arms, flirt for a bit, and bring her straight to a hotel. He never bothered to hide it, nor did he feel the need to. But this time, the man beside him was Xiao Mingxuan. No matter how casual he normally was, he knew this wasn’t something that could be revealed just yet.

He looked around at the familiar faces and familiar setting, then turned to glance at the man beside him. A strange feeling slowly stirred in his chest. Somehow, keeping it a secret, something only the two of them knew, felt even more thrilling. Maybe it was because he had never been in this kind of situation before. The less he was allowed to speak of it, the more satisfying it became. Wei Xiaoyan had once told him he would eventually have to find someone to spend his life with. So far, getting along with this man had been easy, and honestly, it was not bad at all.

Xiao Mingxuan looked over. “What are you thinking about?”

With a lazy grin, Song Feng leaned closer. “Young Master Xiao, shall we go?”

Xiao Mingxuan glanced at the time. “You want to head back already?”

“Not go back. I mean us.” Song Feng paused briefly, then added with amusement, “Shall we?”

Xiao Mingxuan finally understood what he meant. Song Feng was trying to take him to a hotel. It was rare for him to take the initiative, which only made it more satisfying. Xiao Mingxuan stood up with a smile and said, “Let’s go.”

As soon as the two of them got up, the others followed suit. After exchanging a few words, everyone laughed and saw them off. Song Feng grinned as they stepped outside. “Where to? I’ve got a place nearby. Had it cleaned yesterday, just in case you went into heat unexpectedly. Didn’t think it’d come in handy so soon.”

Xiao Mingxuan raised an eyebrow knowingly. “Let me guess. One of your former hookup pads?”

Song Feng looked unfazed. “The sheets and everything are new. You coming or not?”

“I’m coming.” Xiao Mingxuan nodded, making a mental note to replace that apartment after tonight. He wanted a place only the two of them had stayed in.

They quickly arrived at a high-rise apartment. The unit was duplex-style, with the living room and kitchen downstairs, and the study and bedroom upstairs. Xiao Mingxuan glanced around. There was even a minibar set into the window area of the living room. This man really did know how to live well.

Song Feng led him upstairs. The moment they stepped into the bedroom, he was suddenly grabbed from behind. Xiao Mingxuan spun him around and slammed him hard against the door, pressing in with a forceful kiss.

Their breaths grew heavier. Xiao Mingxuan kissed his way down, lips dragging slowly along the curve of his neck.

Song Feng gasped, tilting his head slightly. From that angle, he could see the side of the man’s face. He narrowed his eyes and murmured teasingly into his ear, “Young Master Xiao, have you ever… used your mouth to serve someone?”

Xiao Mingxuan froze for a second, then picked him up and tossed him onto the bed. One by one, he unbuttoned his shirt, then unbuckled his belt with a smile. “No. But I wouldn’t mind serving you.”

He lowered his head and kissed along Song Feng’s chest, then moved downward, leaving a trail of beautiful marks. Song Feng gave a soft, shuddering gasp. A moment later, he felt something hot and wet wrap around his cock. He moaned in pleasure, his hands instinctively clutching Xiao Mingxuan’s hair and pushed deeper

Xiao Mingxuan really had never done this before, but he had been on the receiving end enough times to know exactly what worked. His tongue moved slowly, licking and teasing wherever he could reach.

Electric jolts surged upward through Song Feng in waves. The sensation of Xiao Mingxuan taking him in deep sent shocks through him, each pass dragging a sharper wave of pleasure. Song Feng’s breathing grew heavier, his voice breaking apart until he was nearly swallowed by the rush.

Xiao Mingxuan wiped the corner of his mouth with his thumb and gave a dangerous smile. “Had your fun? Now it’s my turn.”

The New Year had passed, but the festive atmosphere lingered. Song Feng spent his days leisurely. During this time, Shao Xiujie called him once. The gist was the same, telling him not to play around too much and to stay safe. Song Feng answered obediently while secretly wondering when that man had gotten so naggy. He laughed and said, “I know. How are those two friends of mine? Not bad, right?”

There was a brief pause on the other end before Shao Xiujie calmly replied, “They were good. I sent them home for the holiday.”

Song Feng gave a quiet sound of acknowledgment, chatted for a bit longer, then hung up. He checked the time, grabbed the gifts he had prepared, and headed out.

Xiao Mingxuan had originally planned to visit him today, but when he called, he found out Song Feng had already gone out. After getting a rough address, he drove over. Just as he was about to enter the upscale apartment complex, he caught sight of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye and froze.

He stepped forward. “Xiaoyan?”

Wei Xiaoyan was carrying a gift box and standing in front of a fruit stall picking out fruit. Startled by the voice, he nearly jumped. “Boss? What are you doing here?”

“I should be asking you that.” Xiao Mingxuan gave him a puzzled look. “It’s not time yet, is it? Why are you in Beijing this early?”

Wei Xiaoyan didn’t answer. He looked around and asked, “Is my boss here too?”

Xiao Mingxuan narrowed his eyes slightly. When Wei Xiaoyan asked that question, there was a flicker of guardedness in his gaze, as if he wanted to avoid running into Song Feng. Xiao Mingxuan nodded. “He’s here. Why?”

Wei Xiaoyan gave a bitter smile. “Looks like I came for nothing.”

Xiao Mingxuan picked up on it instantly. “Did something happen?” He paused, then tested the waters. “Did someone end up in the hospital?”

Wei Xiaoyan’s expression shifted. It was subtle, but he hadn’t trained to Zheng Qiyong’s level yet, so it was still noticeable. Xiao Mingxuan had finally found an opening. He pulled him aside to a quiet spot and briefly explained the phone call he had overheard from headquarters. Then he asked, “What exactly is going on? Who needs to be rescued?”

Wei Xiaoyan was silent for a moment. “Since you’re involved with my boss, I might as well tell you. You can help keep an eye on him too. Try to stop him from going insane and doing something reckless.” He sighed. “You know there are two others in the company who were trained directly by him, same as me, right?”

Xiao Mingxuan raised his brows. “They’re the ones who got hurt?”

Wei Xiaoyan nodded, his expression grim. “They were ambushed. They’re still in critical condition. The Minister was worried something might happen to me too, so after I got home, he gave me a call.”

Xiao Mingxuan’s heart dropped. He heard Wei Xiaoyan go on, “People in our line of work know from the day we start that danger is part of it. If they’d been injured during a mission, the boss might feel upset, but he could still accept it. But this time is different. Those two were targeted because of him. There’s an organization out there searching for him globally. The Ministry has sent out everyone they can to eliminate them before they reach him. Right now, Beijing is crawling with Ministry personnel. But the one thing we can’t do is let him find out.”

Xiao Mingxuan frowned. “Why not?”

“Because the grudge runs too deep,” Wei Xiaoyan said. “If he finds out those people are still alive, he’ll lose it all over again. And that’s the last thing any of us want.”