Xia Liu Yi lunged forward and pinned him down. “Shut up! You’re not allowed to say ‘forget it’!”
He lowered his head, intending to seal He Chu San’s lips with his own. He Chu San bit him without mercy, yet even with a mouth full of blood, Xia Liu Yi refused to let go. The two of them tumbled onto the bed, grappling—half embrace, half struggle. Xia Liu Yi began tearing at He Chu San’s trousers—this crude and ignorant underworld brute still believed that the rift between their spirits could be mended through the union of their bodies. He Chu San was utterly disappointed! He drove a vicious punch into Xia Liu Yi’s lower abdomen!
He shoved Xia Liu Yi away, flipped off the bed, and strode straight out.
Enduring the pain, Xia Liu Yi chased after him, grabbing him at the bedroom door. With a forceful slam, he shut the door and pinned him against it.
“I can’t forget Azure Dragon! I will never forget Azure Dragon!” Xia Liu Yi roared, his eyes bloodshot. “He saved me, he raised me—I would die for him! If anyone killed him, I would avenge him! If your father were murdered, wouldn’t you do the same?! Am I wrong for this?!”
“You’re not wrong!” He Chu San shot back angrily. “The one who’s wrong is me! I shouldn’t have hoped you’d like me! I shouldn’t have gotten involved with you from the very start!”
“You’re the one who shouldn’t have gotten involved with me only to try and throw me away!” Xia Liu Yi bellowed.
His throat tightened. He clutched He Chu San tightly, summoning all his strength before he could speak again.
“Yes—for Azure Dragon, I could die. But because of you, I wanted to live! Back in Thailand, Xiao Ma died. Qin Hao and I were hunted; we fell off a mountain, injured and feverish. By day we hid in the forest, soaked in rivers; by night we slept in trees, in caves. We ate wild fruit, raw fish, insects—even rats… Every time I felt like I couldn’t go on, I thought of you. I have never been that afraid in my life! I was afraid of dying, afraid I’d never see you again. I even regretted ever meeting you—because without you, I wouldn’t know what happiness is, nor what fear is! You taught me that when I’m hungry, I should eat; when I’m tired, I should sleep; when I’m sick, I should rest. You set off fireworks with me, watched sunsets with me, cooked at home with me. You taught me what happiness is—I wanted you to be happy too. I never, not even a little, wanted to make you sad… I kept telling myself I had to hold on, that I had to come back alive to see you, that I had to remain in this world and stay by your side…”
A tear slid down his face.
“Only then did I understand—what I feel for Azure Dragon is gratitude, reverence. I regard him as family, as important as Xiao Man. I admit I once had impulses toward him, but that was only momentary—I never dared cross that line. I held myself back from sinking deeper. If I truly loved him without restraint, how could I have let him go, how could I have pushed him toward Xiao Man? But no matter what, I don’t want to give you up. I don’t want to hand you over to anyone!”
His eyes glistened as he looked at He Chu San, trembling as he pleaded, “A’San, I like you. I love you. I don’t love him—I only love you. Please don’t say we should separate. I can’t bear it. I’m begging you…”
Carefully, he tried to kiss He Chu San again. This time, He Chu San did not resist. Xia Liu Yi tasted the salt of tears at the corner of his lips—He Chu San was crying too.
He Chu San’s heart thundered like a war drum, his mind in chaos. He could not utter a single word; only tears streamed endlessly down his face. He did not even know whether it was Xia Liu Yi’s confession that broke him, or the long-suppressed pain buried deep within finally finding release.
He had never dared hope for the words “I love you, not him.” From the moment he met Xia Liu Yi, he had known of Xia Liu Yi’s feelings for Azure Dragon. Before realizing his own love, he had even felt moved by it—had pitied it. Though he told himself he would not concede, though he resolved to contend even with the dead, in truth he had bowed his head to Azure Dragon from the very beginning. As an outsider overstepping his place, he had carefully tended this relationship—like a virtuous consort in the inner palace, understanding and gracious, never daring to cross a single boundary, never even mentioning Azure Dragon’s name. He had always believed Xia Liu Yi’s feelings for him came from being moved by his persistence, from indulgence, from growing accustomed to his care. He had never even dared to hope for a single “I love you.” That was why, when Xia Liu Yi proposed to him, he had been struck dumb with shock.
Only now did he begin to realize—was this quarrel truly Xia Liu Yi’s fault alone? Xia Liu Yi’s concealment and deception—were they only for Azure Dragon? Was it not also because he feared dragging him into danger, feared that he might be harmed? He had always placed himself so low in this relationship, had been so sensitive and hurt by Xia Liu Yi’s deception—was it truly because Xia Liu Yi did not trust him, or because he himself had never trusted Xia Liu Yi’s feelings?
“I’m sorry, Brother Liu Yi,” he finally choked out. “I’m sorry for hurting you. I don’t want to separate from you at all—what I said before was just in anger. I was being foolish.”
“I’m the one who should be sorry,” Xia Liu Yi said, pulling him into a tight embrace. “I’m the fool. Every moment these past days, I’ve been thinking of you. I should have come to you sooner. I should have told you all this earlier—I just couldn’t let go of my pride.”
He Chu San laughed through his tears. “Yeah, Big Boss—you’re just too concerned with saving face.”
But Xia Liu Yi could not laugh. He knew He Chu San was joking to ease the tension, yet that smile made his heart ache. Yes—so many of their past quarrels, wasn’t it always He Chu San who came back with a smile, pretending nothing had happened, to reconcile? Just because of his pride, had he forced He Chu San to yield every single time? What kind of bastard had he been?
“I’m sorry,” he said again and again, wiping away the tears on He Chu San’s face. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”
He Chu San silenced him with a kiss, gentle and cherishing.
They lingered in that kiss for a long while. When their lips finally parted, they saw each other’s swollen, reddened eyes and couldn’t help but laugh.
Suddenly, it was as if a current surged through He Chu San—only now did belated ecstasy crash over him. Brother Liu Yi had said he loved him, not Azure Dragon! He had even cried in fear of being broken up with! Good heavens—he felt like throwing open the window and shouting to the world! Then rushing downstairs to light firecrackers in celebration!
Overcome with excitement, he suddenly turned his head and sneezed loudly.
Xia Liu Yi touched his forehead, concern in his eyes. “You still have a fever. Go back to bed and rest.”
He Chu San rubbed his cheek against Xia Liu Yi’s palm, his voice nasal as he clung to him. “I’m hungry.”
Xia Liu Yi recalled the bowl of charred, inky porridge in the kitchen. “Ahem… should I order takeout?”
He Chu San laughed again. “At this hour? There’s no takeout. I remember there’s abalone-sauce noodles and wontons in the fridge. Cook me a bowl of wonton noodles—I’ll teach you.”
…
Xia Liu Yi bundled He Chu San up layer upon layer until he was snug and warm, then had him stand at the kitchen doorway directing him. Teacher He patiently instructed him—wash the pot, light the fire, boil the water, add the noodles; Student Xia focused with utmost concentration, more nervous than the first time he held a blade to kill.
Over ten minutes later, Xia Liu Yi actually set two large, steaming bowls of wonton noodles on the table. Even he found it unbelievable—he almost wanted to take a picture, frame it, and hang it in the living room!
“Hurry and eat before it gets cold,” He Chu San urged. “Try it—it’s really good.”
Xia Liu Yi cautiously took a bite, then stared in surprise—he had actually made a perfectly decent bowl of noodles!
A deep sense of fulfillment welled up in him. This felt far more rewarding than being a Dragon Head Boss! It even made him want to strive for greater achievements at once. “I’ll cook porridge for you tomorrow!”
“Hahaha, spare me. I’m afraid you’ll burn the kitchen down,” He Chu San said with a laugh. “From now on, you just wash the dishes properly. I’ll handle the cooking.”
Xia Liu Yi smiled as well, knowing what he meant—he intended to cook for him for a lifetime. He could no longer focus on eating. Taking advantage, he pulled the ring from his pocket again. “Then… will you take this back?”
He Chu San’s expression stiffened. He stared silently at the ring. Xia Liu Yi looked at him anxiously, waiting for his answer.
Suddenly, He Chu San stood up and turned, walking back toward the bedroom.
Xia Liu Yi felt both lost and anxious. Clutching the ring tightly, he hurried after him. Yet He Chu San merely rummaged through drawers and cabinets until he found two red cords. Turning back, he asked, “Where’s the jade Buddha I gave you?”
Xia Liu Yi quickly retrieved the jade Buddha from the bedside drawer. He Chu San threaded the jade Buddha and the ring onto separate red cords, then placed the jade Buddha around Xia Liu Yi’s neck.
“Didn’t expect this one to last the longest,” He Chu San said, gently stroking the jade pendant. “Don’t lose it again.”
“Alright,” Xia Liu Yi replied solemnly.
“Put mine on for me too.” He Chu San gestured at the ring.
Xia Liu Yi hung the ring, now strung on the red cord, around his neck as well. As he leaned in to tie the cord, He Chu San suddenly caught his chin, forcing him to lift his head, their eyes meeting at close range.
“You really only love me?”
In Xia Liu Yi’s pupils, his reflection was crystal clear. “Yes.”
“No matter what happens, you’ll stay with me?”
“Yes.”
He Chu San smiled and leaned in to kiss him.
“Me too.”
…
The two lingered in each other’s arms for a while longer, clinging affectionately, before walking back to the living room hand in hand like children to finish their noodles. After only a few bites, Xia Liu Yi suddenly thought of something terrifying.
“Th-then… what about your father?”
He Chu San’s chopsticks trembled. The two stared at each other, each seeing the same guilty unease reflected in the other’s eyes.
“Ahem… let’s put that aside for now? Let him cool off on his own first?” He Chu San suggested.
“Y-yeah… let’s put it aside,” Xia Liu Yi agreed.
On the matter of “Father,” the two reached an astonishingly swift consensus. Like ostriches burying their heads in the sand, they both lowered their heads into their bowls and slurped their noodles with forced focus.
After the meal, Xia Liu Yi diligently washed the dishes and tidied the kitchen, then hurried off to freshen up. He Chu San had already finished washing and was waiting on the bed. When Xia Liu Yi strode in, he saw him dressed in matching bear-print pajamas, wrapped in the blanket and leaning against the headboard, cheeks slightly flushed as he smiled at him—eyes brimming with warmth, his soft fringe still faintly damp.
That clean, youthful, handsome look struck straight into the heart of the great boss Xia like a volley of lover’s arrows.
He Chu San lifted the blanket and patted the bed invitingly. Xia Liu Yi’s heart pounded as he leapt onto the bed, pulling him into his arms as they lay down together, planting several firm kisses on his slightly fever-warm cheeks.
Xia Liu Yi’s face flushed red. Pressing his forehead against He Chu San’s, he murmured, “Tonight… do you want…” He trailed off, unable to continue.
“Hm? Want what?” He Chu San teased, feigning ignorance.
Xia Liu Yi bit his lips in mock frustration, then shamelessly said, “Do you want to… do me?”
He Chu San chuckled softly, kissing him several times in return. “I have the will but not the strength—but helping you ease things a little is still possible…”
As he spoke, his warm hand slid down along Xia Liu Yi’s smooth back, disappearing between his hips. Both of them heard the faint, slick sound as his fingers moved. Xia Liu Yi let out a soft, unbearable moan, clutching him tightly and burying his face into the crook of his shoulder.
…
The night deepened.
After days of anxious turmoil, Xia Liu Yi finally found both physical and emotional release. Resting his head on He Chu San’s arm, he fell into a deep sleep. He Chu San, having lain around all day, felt no drowsiness at all. Turning his head, he gazed at Xia Liu Yi’s face in the moonlight, gently stroking his hair and lightly kneading his soft earlobe.
Xia Liu Yi showed no sign of waking. His sharp features had softened, his expression peaceful and content.
He Chu San pressed a light kiss to his forehead and sighed softly. “Fool.”
Don’t be foolish again. The things you want to do—I’ll accomplish them for you, in my own way.
…
Monday morning arrived bright and clear. Deputy Hall Master Cui enjoyed a hearty and delicious breakfast at home before arriving fashionably late at the main office. Along the way, she noticed an atmosphere of harmony—everyone wore cheerful smiles. A room opposite the CEO’s office had been cleared out; the manager who had previously worked there was now outside organizing his belongings.
Curious, Cui Dong Dong wandered over and peeked inside—only to see Consultant He seated neatly at the desk, smiling warmly as he greeted her, “Good morning, Sister Dong Dong.”
Cui Dong Dong was stunned. “Sammy boy? You’re working here?”
“Three days a week, providing comprehensive services to the company.” Though He Chu San had only just recovered from illness and looked slightly pale, his expression was radiant.
Cui Dong Dong opened her mouth, choked for a moment, then said, “Ahem… carry on, don’t let me disturb you,” before turning and heading straight for the CEO’s office.
Closing the door behind her, she strode quickly to Xia Liu Yi’s desk and whispered, “Boss, have you lost your mind?”
Xia Liu Yi was humming as he wiped a group photograph on his desk with a tissue. He looked up, puzzled. “What’s wrong with me?”
“You let Sammy boy set up shop here?!”
Xia Liu Yi lowered his head again, breathing onto the glass before polishing it with a cheerful grin. “He’s a consultant, after all. If he’s handling company affairs, where else should he work? Don’t worry—I’ve made everything clear. The things he shouldn’t know, he won’t know.”
“That kid’s ability to win people over is like a swarm of locusts sweeping through—look how happy everyone outside is today,” Cui Dong Dong said. “Can you guarantee no one’s feeding him information behind your back?”
“Relax!” Xia Liu Yi flicked her forehead lightly, still in high spirits. “There’s not much left to hide anyway. Golden Maitreya is dead. The ‘business’ he minded most—we’ve already washed our hands of it. The rest are gradually being adjusted. What’s there to be afraid of?”
Cui Dong Dong lowered her voice. “What about the matter of the Old Shopkeeper?”
Xia Liu Yi paused. “Aside from you and me, no one knows about that. You’re not going to tell him, are you?”
After thinking it over, Cui Dong Dong relaxed, though she still pulled out her phone to check it. “Just worried he planted a bug.”
“Shut up,” Xia Liu Yi laughed, flicking her forehead again. “Trying to sow discord.”
Cui Dong Dong shivered exaggeratedly. “Boss! How much of his love potion have you drunk?! Completely bewitched by lust!”
Then, as if realizing something, she circled behind the desk and perched on the armrest of his chair, slinging an arm around his shoulders with a grin. “So? Made up over the weekend? What did he use to coax you?”
“I was the one who coaxed him!”
Cui Dong Dong burst out laughing. “Stop joking! If you knew how to coax someone, pigs would climb trees! Hahaha—” She took an elbow to the ribs and stifled her laughter. “You really coaxed him? Tsk tsk, Sammy boy really knows how to manage a husband. If he’d been born two hundred years earlier, he’d be imperial consort material!”
Xia Liu Yi raised a hand as if to hit her again. She sprang away, laughing. “Seriously though, what did you use? Diamond ring? Luxury watch? Sports car…”
“No, no, let me guess properly,” she muttered to herself. “That brat earns more than you—he wouldn’t care about those. I bet you two went at it from dusk till dawn, right?! What problem can’t be solved with one night of ‘pa’?! Hahaha!”
“‘Pa’ your head—he’s been sick these past few days!”
“Then what did you do?”
Xia Liu Yi’s handsome face flushed red, even more bashful than if they had spent the whole night together. Like a lovestruck youth, he said sweetly, “We just lay in bed together, held each other, talked… I kept him company while he slept, and I cooked noodles for him.”
“…”
Cui Dong Dong stared at him, speechless for a long moment. “Ahem, Boss—if the Golden Awards had a ‘Most Innocent Male Lead’ category every year, you’d win it for twenty-eight consecutive years.”
Xia Liu Yi hurled a tissue box at her. “Scram!”
Cui Dong Dong laughed as she left, but he called her back at the door. “Where are you going? Come back—we’re having a meeting.”
…
Boss Xia and Deputy Hall Master Cui convened a regular meeting with the sub-leaders. The restaurants under Qin Hao’s management had been thriving recently and received high praise. Meanwhile, Hornet, who oversaw several nightclubs and dance halls, looked utterly miserable.
Hornet complained, “Boss, other venues are selling ‘snacks,’ but we’ve stopped completely—and we don’t allow outsiders to sell either. Who’s going to come just to smoke water pipes? And those inspectors heard our girls only accompany guests now, no ‘extra services’—they’ve been cursing us nonstop! Even regular customers are leaving, saying we’re putting on airs and refusing business! If this keeps up, everyone’s going to turn against us!”
“Stop whining,” Xia Liu Yi said. “What’s that tiger skin you’re wearing for? You’ve got no leverage on you—who dares turn against you? Those inspectors have either been reassigned to the countryside or are under investigation by the ICAC, barely scraping by. You think they can ride roughshod over you? What about that roller rink that opened before the New Year? How’s business?”
Hornet grumbled, “That one’s doing alright.”
“If it’s alright, then go talk with Consultant He—do some market research, find locations, open a few chain stores.”
Hornet groaned. “Don’t even mention it, Boss! Consultant He insisted all my managers undergo months of ‘training’ before taking their posts—sending them to learn computers, English, finance, marketing! And after that, there’s still exams! Fail, and they have to keep studying! What kind of triad member goes to school?! If we knew how to study, why would we be in this line of work?! I’ve been in this life since my teens—first time I’ve heard running a business needs all this nonsense! Waste of money, waste of time—I’m short on manpower now!”
“The fact you’re short on manpower proves your managers are unqualified!” Xia Liu Yi snapped. “So what if you’ve been in this since your teens? How long has Consultant He been in this line? How much does he make compared to you?! He’s teaching you how to make money and you’re still complaining?!”
Hornet was thoroughly cowed, muttering, “But we don’t have enough people right now…”
“Then borrow some! Qin Hao, got anyone?”
“I have a new recruit,” Qin Hao said. “He passed Consultant He’s assessment, but lacks experience.”
“Send him to Hornet first. Let Hornet train him personally. Black Chicken, what about you?”
Black Chicken, who handled loans and collections, snapped out of his thoughts. “Me? Boss, I’ve got plenty of spare hands. Consultant He said two of our finance companies need restructuring—we’ve suspended operations and are reapplying for licenses. So income hasn’t improved yet.”
“Take it slow,” Xia Liu Yi reassured. “If you need funds, talk to Consultant He.”
“Don’t worry, Boss—Consultant He has been allocating funds every month to pay the brothers during the shutdown.”
After going through the rest of the sub-leaders, Xia Liu Yi finally dismissed the meeting. Glancing at the time, he said to Cui Dong Dong, “Got plans? If not, come have lunch with me and A’San?”
“Nope, I’ve got soup stewing at home—I’m heading back,” Cui Dong Dong said sweetly. “Or you two can come over. I’ll have Xiao Luo add a couple of dishes. The weather’s nice today—if you’re free this afternoon, we can go out to sea, do some fishing, soak up the sun?”
“Sounds good.”
Xia Liu Yi called in his secretary to clear his afternoon schedule. Hearing Cui Dong Dong calling Xiao Luo to add dishes, he raised his voice, “Tell her to keep the flavors light—A’San’s just recovered.”
“Heard that?” Cui Dong Dong said into the phone. “Boss says his precious sweetheart isn’t well—make the food lighter.”
Dodging another flying tissue box, she skipped out and headed straight to the office across the hall.
“Consultant He! Come on, come on! Let’s go to big sister’s place for lunch!”
Futile Devices Scans 
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