ACMS 18

Chapter 18 – Unless… he couldn’t get it up?

Although he was shocked by Shen Hechuan’s response, Qiao Le knew it wasn’t appropriate to press the issue of what exactly “next time” or “be careful” meant in a public place.

He tried to brainwash himself into thinking Shen Hechuan had only said it casually. He hadn’t specifically said the “next time” would be with him, right? What if he meant someone else?

So Qiao Le pretended not to have heard clearly and asked a question that had been on his mind: “By the way, you said you were going to get a checkup yesterday. Did you go?”

Shen Hechuan handed him the sheet he had set aside. “Don’t worry. I’m in perfect health.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Qiao Le took the medical report. “I just thought it’s safer this way.”

Shen Hechuan understood and agreed with his approach. “It’s the right thing to do.”

He had gone to the hospital that morning and had them rush the report, so he could give it to Qiao Le during their lunch meeting. That way, Qiao Le would know he was in excellent health and would feel more at ease discussing the commission.

Qiao Le first saw the name on the cover—Yunjing Municipal Huashi Private Hospital. He knew of it. It was the most renowned private hospital in Yunjing, with top expertise in cardiovascular treatment, oncology, and maternal care.

The report was very detailed. Qiao Le immediately focused on the key items concerning infectious diseases. After confirming there were no issues, he finally relaxed and casually glanced at the height, weight, and body measurements.

Height: 1.89 meters. Nine centimeters taller than himself.

Qiao Le glanced sideways at Shen Hechuan—no wonder he had such a great build and impressive abs. He must work out in secret.

Shen Hechuan noticed his gaze. “What’s wrong? Is something off?”

“No.” Qiao Le closed the report and handed it back. “Everything’s fine. Super healthy.”

Shen Hechuan took the report. “It’s almost noon. Let’s grab a meal together.”

The coffee was gone, and so was the dessert. It was just about twelve—perfect timing for lunch. This was also why he had scheduled the meeting at eleven. He wanted to ask Qiao Le about his food preferences to better prepare for dinner that evening.

But Qiao Le politely declined. “No, I’ve got another gig coming up.”

Another gig?

Shen Hechuan frowned slightly. “Didn’t you say you weren’t feeling well today and were on leave?”

“I picked up the job this morning,” Qiao Le explained. “Feeding a client’s cats while she’s out on a sudden business trip.”

Qiao Le loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Unfortunately, he wasn’t in a position to have pets right now, but he often received commissions to feed cats or walk dogs. It let him cuddle animals, have fun, and make money—perfect combo.

“How much do you get for something like that?” Shen Hechuan asked.

“One hundred and twenty.” Qiao Le replied.

Normally, home visits didn’t pay this much, but the distance was farther, and the number of cats was higher. He also needed to do some light cleaning.

To Shen Hechuan, 120 yuan was practically pocket change.

“Lunch won’t take long,” he said. “Or I can take you to the cat client’s place first?”

Qiao Le looked hesitant. “But after feeding the cats, I’ve got another job.”

“…How many jobs do you have? What’s this one?”

Qiao Le answered honestly. “A real estate company is opening a new building—they need background extras.”

Shen Hechuan: “…”

Seeing his unreadable expression, Qiao Le quickly added, “Just these two today, I swear. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely make it to dinner tonight.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Shen Hechuan looked like he wanted to say more. When he saw Qiao Le’s puzzled expression, he finally sighed. “Aren’t you tired?”

Tired?

Qiao Le shook his head. “It’s not bad.”

He wasn’t lying. Feeding cats and being a background extra was much easier than delivering food. Besides, the sales center had air conditioning.

Clearly, he’d already made up his mind. Shen Hechuan had no choice but to change the subject. “Is there anything you don’t eat? Do you prefer Western or Chinese food?”

“No preferences—I eat everything. But if it’s dinner, I’d go with Chinese.”

“Can you eat spicy food?” Shen Hechuan asked. “Any favorite cuisines?”

“Yeah, I like Cantonese and Hunan food.” Then he added, “Will it be too much trouble? Really, I’m not picky at all.”

Most days, when work was busy, he was lucky to get a bowl of noodles or a rice bowl—there was no room for being selective.

“Not at all,” said Shen Hechuan. “When you’re done this afternoon, tell me and I’ll come pick you up.”

“I can go by mys—”

“I’ll come get you,” Shen Hechuan interrupted gently but firmly. “Now that we’ve signed the contract, you’re technically my boyfriend. It’s only proper I drop you off at work.”

“No need,” Qiao Le waved it off. “The place is tiny—your car won’t fit.”

But Shen Hechuan’s reasoning made sense. The commission was official now. Him picking Qiao Le up later would also make the dinner with his family more believable.

So Qiao Le said, “The real estate gig should end around 4:30. I’ll send you the address.”

Shen Hechuan nodded. “Alright.”

“I’m heading out, then.” Qiao Le gestured at his phone, signaling he was on the clock.

“Be safe.”

“Okay~”

After Qiao Le left, Shen Hechuan messaged Judy: Cancel the lunch at Shiweiting.

Then he called Wu Huilan, told her Qiao Le’s food preferences, and reminded her not to make dinner too formal so Qiao Le wouldn’t feel pressured.

Wu Huilan assured him, “Relax. Your mom’s been through this—I won’t screw it up. Just get him here on time.”

“Got it.”

—

Meanwhile, after feeding the cats, Qiao Le messaged Fang Jiaxu to ask if he could pick up Qiao Man that evening.

Fang Jiaxu called him directly: “Where are you working now? Didn’t I give you paid leave today? Were you some kind of ox or horse in your past life?”

“Going to earn big money.”

Qiao Le told him about the commission from Shen Hechuan. The moment Fang Jiaxu heard the figure—100,000 yuan—he flipped out. “Is one day enough? If not, I’ll give you another day off. Squeeze him dry!”

Qiao Le burst out laughing. Balancing on one foot beside his little scooter, he held the phone and said, “It’s probably just a dinner. Nothing that good ever lasts.”

“True enough,” Fang Jiaxu replied. “Only someone who drives a Maybach would casually pay 100,000 for one meal.”

A Maybach?

Qiao Le tried to recall—was Shen Hechuan’s car a Maybach?

He’d ridden in it once after leaving the hotel that night, but he had been so out of it that he hadn’t paid attention.

Then he remembered the black car parked outside the Cuiran Building earlier.

“Hey, by the way,” Fang Jiaxu rambled on, “You sure he’s not into you? Maybe you should consider taking this further. I mean, you two already slept together.”

He said it like he was discussing lunch. Qiao Le was speechless. “Can you stop reminding me? It’s embarrassing.”

“Embarrassing? Why? Unless… he couldn’t get it up? No way, right?! He looks like someone who could! Plus your voice was hoarse!”

He couldn’t get it up?

Of course not!

Even though he hadn’t been totally lucid that night, Qiao Le still remembered being flipped every which way the whole time. But in broad daylight, out on the street, talking about that felt shameful.

“Seemed fine. I was drunk, I don’t remember.” Qiao Le brushed it off. “We’ll talk later. I’m busy. Don’t forget to pick up Xiao Man.”

“Don’t worry—I got it covered.”

After hanging up, Qiao Le hopped back on his electric scooter and zipped off to his next gig.

The real estate job wrapped up earlier than expected—done by four. So he swung by home to freshen up, not wanting to make a bad first impression with Shen Hechuan’s family.

When Shen Hechuan arrived, he put on a fresh pair of shoes before heading out.

A family like Shen Hechuan’s probably had very particular parents. He definitely couldn’t risk dirtying their floors like last time.

The roads in the old district were narrow, with cars parked on both sides and quite a few street vendors as well—there was no way for Shen Hechuan’s car to get through.

He waited by the roadside for Qiao Le. When he heard footsteps, he looked up and saw Qiao Le hurrying over.

Qiao Le stopped in front of him. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

As soon as he got close, Shen Hechuan caught a faint scent of oranges. His gaze drifted to Qiao Le’s slightly damp hair—he could tell he’d just washed his hair and showered.

Compared to the dress shirt and slacks he wore in the morning, Qiao Le in a T-shirt and jeans looked even younger.

“I just got here too,” Shen Hechuan said, opening the passenger door. “Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

Once they were in the car, Qiao Le noticed the direction they were heading. “Aren’t we going to Linjiang complex?”

“Linjiang complex is where I live,” Shen Hechuan explained. “My parents and grandfather live at Pengshan No.1 Residence.”

Pengshan No.1 Residence—nestled in the hills and overlooking water—was a well-known luxury villa district in Yunjing, so exclusive it wasn’t even available to buy anymore, no matter how much money you had.

Qiao Le hadn’t expected that tonight’s dinner would be at such a place.

As the car entered Pengshan Avenue, Qiao Le noticed that starting from the first security checkpoint, a red carpet had been laid out along the road—quite eye-catching.

He was just wondering if someone was getting married when Shen Hechuan said, “We’re here.”

The car pulled into the estate of a certain villa, and before Qiao Le could say anything, colorful confetti suddenly burst on both sides. In the distance, several large red lanterns hung high, giving the whole place a festive air.

Qiao Le: “…”

Oh. So it is my wedding.