Chapter 44 – Xing Baichuan 2.1

Yi Li was hospitalized, and Xu Zhao never showed up.

I’m not sure how they resolved their issues, nor do I intend to ask. Their problems are for them to settle. I have someone more important to focus on now.

It’s strange; after Jiangluo confessed his feelings to me, his fever and cold suddenly cleared up.

We had two kisses that didn’t really count as kisses, and I was prepared to fall sick alongside him, but he wouldn’t give me the chance.

I must be crazy, feeling regret over this missed opportunity.

Jiangluo doesn’t want me to tell Mother and Father about us so soon. I understand his concerns, and honestly, I share them too.

Our parents have always been open-minded, and they genuinely like Jiangluo. However, their affection stems from seeing him as a replacement for Bolin, much like how I initially felt.

Jiangluo holds a special place in our family. We started dating just half a year after Bolin passed away. Honestly, I’m not sure if Mother and Father can accept it.

So waiting might be for the best. After all, he’s already mine. There’s nothing left to worry about.

I suddenly remembered telling my employees not to engage in office romances when I set up the company here. At the time, I was joking. But looking back, I’m glad I wasn’t serious, or I’d be eating my words now.

To spend more meals with him, I’ve started having breakfast at the company. Every day, I leave early to pick up Jiangluo, then we buy breakfast together at KFC or McDonald’s downstairs.

Since I’m not eating breakfast at home anymore, Mother has complained multiple times.

Eventually, she couldn’t hold back her curiosity and asked, “Tell me honestly, are you dating someone?”

I was texting Jiangluo at the time, and her question caught me off guard. I hastily turned off my phone screen.

“It must be true!” Mother patted my leg. “Find some time to bring them over for us to meet. Does Jiangluo know?”

In my heart, I said, “The person is him. How could he not know?”

But I couldn’t reveal that to Mother just yet, so I nodded and said, “He knows.”

“Someone from your company?” Mother seemed excited again. “Well, you should keep a distance from Jiangluo then.”

“Why would I need to avoid him?”

Mother glared at me. “Our family owes him an apology.”

She didn’t explain what she meant by that and simply went into the room.

Later, I told Jiangluo about this conversation, and he was also puzzled.

“If you can’t figure it out, don’t think about it.” I glanced at the new breakfast menu at KFC. “Do you want some porridge?”

“Yeah, this one.” Jiangluo pointed at something before I grabbed his hand as he was pulling it back.

After buying breakfast, we held hands on the way to the company.

At this hour, no one else was around, giving us free rein to indulge ourselves.

In the elevator, I mischievously cornered him and turned to face him.

His face was flushed red, his eyes darting everywhere except at me.

“Lift your head,” I whispered to him.

Jiangluo still refused to look up at me.

As the elevator approached our floor, I lifted my hand and forced him to look up by gently holding his chin, then kissed him.

Since the day we officially became a couple, this was our third kiss.

I dared to test the limits of what Jiangluo could accept, so this kiss wasn’t just a brief touch like the previous ones.

I captured his lips, and when he let out a muffled sound of confusion, I lightly traced his upper lip with my tongue.

I heard the sound of the elevator arriving and released him.

To my surprise, Jiangluo didn’t show any sign of disgust. He just stood there, blushing and staring at me in shock.

His lips were wet and red, like a freshly washed cherry, tempting me to taste them again.

“Let’s go.” I wrapped my arm around him and led him out.

He covered his mouth with his hand, following me to the office while complaining, “There are cameras…”

I laughed and said, “You’re not blaming me for kissing you forcefully.”

He gave me a glance and ran into my office by himself.

Back at the company, I used to assign various tasks to Jiangluo to help him develop his skills. But now, I can’t bear to do that.

Since we’re together, he doesn’t need to develop any further skills. Not just now, but even many years from now, I’ll handle everything, allowing him to bask in my love.

As a result, since we started dating, I’ve become busier while he’s had less to do.

“Mr. Xing, you’re acting weird,” Jiangluo said unhappily, standing in front of me.

“What’s wrong?” I looked up from my computer screen, trying to restrain myself but ultimately failing. I beckoned him to come closer.

Instead, he took two steps back.

“What’s bothering you?” The sudden petulance from Jiangluo was rather adorable, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Why hasn’t there been any progress on the project you said you’d give me?”

I recalled that indeed, there was such a matter, but I had already given the project to someone else.

“That project requires travel, so I assigned it to Xiao Zhao,” I observed his expression, understanding why he was upset.

“But you promised it to me,” Jiangluo frowned, his neck stiff as he spoke with an air of authority.

I stood up and walked over to him, checking outside quickly to ensure no one was passing by, then pulled him into my arms.

“It’s work hours…” He struggled a bit but stopped moving.

I chuckled, patted his back, and released him. “I didn’t want you to have to travel.”

He puffed out his cheeks, likely realizing my intentions.

“How about… you give me local projects from now on?” He rubbed his nose. “I’ve been quite idle recently.”

“Okay.” Before I could grab him for another embrace, he darted away like a rabbit.

I thought that after work, I could finally enjoy some quality time with Jiangluo, but instead, he wanted to visit Yi Li in the hospital.

With no choice, I accompanied him.

Upon seeing us, Yi Li immediately complained about how annoying An Sinen was. His behavior reminded me of something familiar.

Before we got together, he used to complain to others about how much he disliked me.

When I shared this thought with Jiangluo, he shook his head vigorously. “That’s impossible. They’ve only known each other for a short time.”

“But loving someone isn’t determined by how long you’ve known them, right?” I drove the car, not playing music today, leaving only our voices echoing inside.

Jiangluo fell silent for a moment, then softly chuckled. “You’re right. We’ve only known each other for a little over half a year.”

Sometimes, I feel conflicted. Both Jiangluo and I have avoided discussing his past with Bolin. Even after we became a couple, “Xing Bolin” disappeared from our world.

We’re both avoiding talking about him, as if two betrayers dare not mention the name of the deity.

We’re guilty, that’s the truth.

We’re in love, that’s also the truth.

Perhaps when Jiangluo and I can stand in front of Bolin’s grave without any qualms, our hearts will truly be at peace, and we’ll be able to hold hands and return home together.

That night, I dropped him off at home without kissing him again, afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself.

In this regard, I have to thank Yi Li. At least Jiangluo isn’t averse to kissing anymore.

On my way home, Mother called again, asking nothing else but whether I had finished work and when I’d be home.

“I’m on my way now,” I checked the time—it was already past ten o’clock.

I’ve been coming home late every day recently, spending most of my time at the hospital. The alone time with Jiangluo has been scarce, never enough.

If it weren’t for my reservations, I really wanted to stay over at his place.

“Has Jiangluo gone home?” she asked.

“Uh…” I hesitated. “He should have returned.”

“I haven’t seen that child recently. I thought if you hadn’t finished work yet, you could come back together later. Your father and I miss him.”

Mother has been mentioning Jiangluo frequently lately, but she’s too shy to call him herself.

“Tomorrow,” I said. “I’m almost home. Let’s talk about it when I get back.”

I really want Jiangluo to come home with me. That’s where he belongs.

When I arrived home, Mother repeated the same thing, incessantly talking about Jiangluo. Unable to handle it, I called Jiangluo in front of her, arranging for us to return together after work tomorrow.

“Happy now?” I couldn’t deal with her antics. After hanging up, I stretched and prepared to take a shower.

“Go to bed early,” Mother smiled as she hurried back to her bedroom with Father.

Inevitably, my mind drifted to lustful thoughts while showering.

In the past, I felt ashamed. Now, I’ve almost given up on resisting these urges.

Standing under the showerhead, hot water cascading down from the top.

I gripped my erect desire, stroking it back and forth.

My mind was filled with images of Jiangluo—his blushing face, his smiling gaze, those moist lips—all enough to drive me wild.

I nearly slipped and fell.

I caught my breath, hurriedly finished my shower, and put on my pajamas.

As soon as I got into bed, I removed my sleep pants and underwear and tossed them aside, continuing what I had left unfinished earlier.

Right now, I’m filled with joy, knowing that I can fantasize about Jiangluo legitimately.

He’s my boyfriend, and I’m the only person he’s ever kissed.

I believe that someday, I can hold him and sleep in this bed together.

I’m a common man, and I admit it.

I won’t pretend that I can bear to abstain from having sex with Jiangluo.

I love him, and I want to possess him.

Since he can’t do it now, I’ll wait. Yi Li said that the only cure for Jiangluo is to fall in love with someone.

As I reached climax, I hugged the blanket beside me, imagining it was Jiangluo and kissed it.

We’ve all found love. Soon, Jiangluo will be able to escape his past.