Chapter 47

What was "that kind of thing"?

Fei Yuncheng usually didn’t intentionally communicate with his subordinates in Cantonese, so Lu Tingchao could hear every word clearly—yet he still didn’t understand. What exactly was "that kind of thing"?

But it was also the first time Lu Tingchao had ever heard Fei Yuncheng speak in such a tone.

"Mr. Lu… what are you doing here?"

An unnatural voice sounded from the direction of the staircase.

Lu Tingchao froze, only then realizing that the Filipina maid who had gone downstairs to fetch water for him had returned at some point.

The conversation in the study seemed to pause briefly.

Then, the door was opened from the inside.

Lu Tingchao saw A Zhi’s slightly furrowed brow.

A Zhi: "You…"

"Let him in."

Fei Yuncheng’s calm voice also came through.

The study door was then fully opened, allowing only a sliver of the corridor’s warm yellow light to spill inside—

Fei Yuncheng sat behind a desk by the floor-to-ceiling window, slightly raising his eyes to meet Lu Tingchao’s gaze.

The lighting in the study was dim and muted.

Perhaps because of this, Lu Tingchao felt that Fei Yuncheng’s gaze was equally shadowed.

A dark, intense aura seemed to outline every corner of the study in darkness.

In that moment,

Lu Tingchao suddenly thought that, in this old mansion, perhaps only this study—its furnishings and architecture—was truly in Fei Yuncheng’s preferred style.

"Come here, baby."

In the soft glow of the heavy floor lamp, Fei Yuncheng beckoned to Lu Tingchao.

From Lu Tingchao’s perspective, the heavy, antique wooden desk resembled a slice of forest log, paired with an exceptionally wide swivel chair.

The bookshelf behind the desk was not the simple, common rectangular shape but appeared hand-carved with rugged angles and textures, unruly yet restrained, yet subdued by rows of heavy antique books.

The floor was mahogany, covered with a thick soundproof carpet.

As Lu Tingchao walked step by step, he couldn’t hear his own footsteps.

He stopped in front of Fei Yuncheng, but in the last few steps, he stumbled for some reason and lurched forward.

Then, Fei Yuncheng reached out and caught him.

It was a practiced and natural motion.

Lu Tingchao’s tendency to play the blame game was ingrained since childhood, almost entirely defying all rational thought.

So, the moment he stumbled, his reflexes took over: "Why’s it so dark in here? So annoying… Fei Yuncheng, you didn’t go bankrupt, did you?!"

In the utterly silent room, Lu Tingchao seemed to hear A Zhi and the Filipina maid at the door gasp.

Fei Yuncheng chuckled softly: "No, baby."

Fei Yuncheng said: "How could I dare go bankrupt with such a high-maintenance Chao Chao to take care of?"

Fei Yuncheng led Lu Tingchao forward a few steps in the dim light, then pulled him into his arms and sat down.

Fei Yuncheng lifted a hand slightly: "A Zhi."

A Zhi nodded, walked over, and turned on all the lights in the room.

Bright light filled the study once more.

Lu Tingchao instinctively reached out to steady himself and sit upright, only to realize that Fei Yuncheng had sat him on his lap.

The spot where Lu Tingchao had just placed his hand happened to be on Fei Yuncheng’s thigh.

At that moment, his pale, slender fingers were still resting there.

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Ah...

Lu Tingchao stared blankly into Fei Yuncheng’s eyes, his fingers twitching slightly, brushing against firm muscle.

The atmosphere in the study remained utterly silent.

Yet Fei Yuncheng remained perfectly composed, his left arm lightly encircling Lu Tingchao’s waist, nearly encircling it completely.

His right hand still rested on the desk.

In the center of the desk lay what seemed to be a stack of printed and organized documents.

Noticing Lu Tingchao’s gaze,

Fei Yuncheng casually set down his pen and gently kissed Lu Tingchao on the cheek: "Feel good, baby?"

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Lu Tingchao withdrew his hand as if burned: "I didn’t mean to touch it!"

"Hm."

Fei Yuncheng didn’t seem to mind. He effortlessly lifted Lu Tingchao with one arm and drew him closer into his embrace. "Sit properly."

Lu Tingchao: "…"

He had been held like this many times before, and it usually led to more… um.

But Lu Tingchao wasn’t entirely sure… could a Daddy hold someone like this too?

Lu Tingchao’s father had never held him. Only when he was older did he learn parents were supposed to hold their children.

The deeper he sat, the harder it was to stay balanced.

Lu Tingchao reached out to steady himself on Fei Yuncheng’s shoulder—like the muscles in his legs, Fei Yuncheng’s shoulders were just as firm.

The sitting position made Lu Tingchao feel a bit uncomfortable.

"...Old man."

Lu Tingchao muttered under his breath.

Fei Yuncheng didn't catch that: "Hmm?"

Lu Tingchao turned his head away, idly kicking his bare feet in Fei Yuncheng's arms: "I didn't say anything."

Fei Yuncheng glanced down along the loose pajamas of the person in his arms and noticed the pair of pale feet dangling. He told A Zhi, "Tell Kim to turn on the floor heat."

A Zhi hesitated: "But you said it makes it stuffy..."

Fei Yuncheng: "It's fine."

A Zhi nodded reluctantly and headed downstairs.

Fei Yuncheng then addressed the Filipino maid still standing at the door: "What did Chao Chao ask you to bring?"

The maid couldn't speak Mandarin but could mostly understand. She quickly replied, "Mr. Lu was thirsty and wants some water. I went to fetch it."

"Leave it here."

Fei Yuncheng gestured slightly toward the small table beside the desk. "Tell the kitchen to prepare some refreshments and bring them up now."

The maid immediately responded: "Yes, sir."

As she turned to leave, she passed by A Zhi, who was just coming back in.

A Zhi casually closed the door behind him. Seeing that Lu Tingchao was still there, he seemed unsure if he should speak, hesitating for a long while.

Fei Yuncheng, however, was quite nonchalant: "Go ahead."

Lu Tingchao thought the question was directed at him and quickly answered: "Why is Su Zhen considered a useful knife?"

A Zhi: "..."

A Zhi gave a helpless look, his eyes carrying a hint of some unreadable emotion: "Boss, maybe I should see Mr. Xiaolu home first..."

"It's fine."

Fei Yuncheng held Lu Tingchao's waist with his left hand while gently tucking the hair beside Lu Tingchao's ear behind it with his right. "Chao Chao asked, so answer him."

A Zhi fell silent for a moment, then said, "Sorry, Mr. Lu, I didn’t hear your question clearly?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao, with unusual persistence: "I asked about Su Zhen."

"Oh."

A Zhi thought for a moment. "It's just a figure of speech. He works efficiently and delivers results. Nothing more."

Lu Tingchao studied his face, pondered for a while, and asked again: "Then the... the... your boss, what did he mean by 'that kind of thing'?"

Lu Tingchao's expression turned serious: "Su Zhen’s older brother is Su Ningyu, right? He’s a person, not a thing."

A Zhi: "..."

Perhaps it was his imagination, but Lu Tingchao thought he saw a fleeting emotion cross A Zhi's face.

It was gone in an instant, too quick to grasp.

Lu Tingchao asked: "Why are you quiet?"

A Zhi: "..."

A Zhi glanced at Fei Yuncheng: "Boss, shall I be frank?"

Fei Yuncheng gave no response.

He quirked the corner of his mouth slightly and let out a soft sigh: "Chao Chao, Su Ningyu is an idiot."

Lu Tingchao froze.

It took Lu Tingchao several seconds to process that Fei Yuncheng had indeed just called Su Ningyu an idiot.

But Lu Tingchao had always believed Su Ningyu was incredibly smart.

Lu Tingchao immediately retorted: "That's not true."

Lu Tingchao: "You didn’t even get into the best university in Beicheng. You have no idea how hard it is to get into that school. You simply don’t understand how brilliant Su Ningyu is as a scholar."

Lu Tingchao: "Su Ningyu’s family was very poor. They couldn’t afford tutoring classes. He succeeded entirely on his own through hard work. You have no idea how smart he really is. Let me tell you..."

"Baby."

Fei Yuncheng placed a finger against Lu Tingchao’s lips. "This is reality."

Lu Tingchao went quiet.

Fei Yuncheng gestured for A Zhi to leave and close the door.

With a soft click of the door closing.

Fei Yuncheng’s voice was calm, resonating like the world’s most soothing cello: "Chao Chao, weren’t you very curious on the way back about why Su Ningyu killed himself?"

Lu Tingchao: "Why?"

Fei Yuncheng: "Because he was useless."

Fei Yuncheng kissed Lu Tingchao’s earlobe: "He came to Hong Kong with hope to see his brother, hoping to save enough money for surgery. But what good did it do? Chao Chao, the surgery you gave him was successful."

"But patients after such surgeries simply cannot continue to handle the requirements of their specialized work. To put it more simply,"

Fei Yuncheng said: "Baby, he can’t even enter the laboratory of his former professor’s research group anymore."

Lu Tingchao instinctively grabbed Fei Yuncheng’s sleeve: "But..."

"I called him an idiot—"

Fei Yuncheng took Lu Tingchao’s hand and slowly rubbed each finger, "—because he chose the wrong path from the very beginning in his field. Chao Chao, you worked hard to save him and spent a lot of money."

Fei Yuncheng: "It’s a pity he was just a worthless fool, like too many people in this world."

Lu Tingchao shook his head vigorously: "It’s not like you say..."

"It is exactly like this, baby."

Fei Yuncheng kissed the man in his arms. "This is our world. We sit here, and every step you've taken is paved by countless fools for you."

Fei Yuncheng: "They are people who can't see the direction, can’t see what lies ahead, blindly chasing after something, only to get further off track. And Chao Chao…"

Lu Tingchao snapped, "I'm not!"

Lu Tingchao rarely spoke in such a tone.

His voice was usually soft and gentle, carrying a kind of innocent lightness.

Not like now.

Lu Tingchao paused, stunned, for a moment, reached up to wipe his eyes, and only then realized that he had been crying, his face wet with tears.

The messy tears streamed down his reddened eyes as if they cost nothing. Lu Tingchao stared vacantly for a long moment before speaking again, "I…"

"Of course you're not, baby."

His gentle fingers, warm and comforting, carried the faint scent of men's cologne as a handkerchief gently blotted Lu Tingchao's beautiful, tear-streaked face.

Fei Yuncheng then leaned down slightly, kissing away the tears beaded on Lu Tingchao's eyelashes one by one. "Chao Chao, you are a gem adored by the stars, a treasure admired by everyone."

Fei Yuncheng's tone was tender: "A unique and priceless trophy."

Lu Tingchao didn't understand these words.

He was gasping for air, slumping weakly against Fei Yuncheng's chest as he gasped. He took a few sips of the warm water from the cup Fei Yuncheng handed to him, looking completely drained.

Fei Yuncheng reached out to wrap his jacket around Lu Tingchao, holding him patiently in his arms while murmuring soothing words. Then he picked Lu Tingchao up easily, as if lifting a child.

They arrived before the floor-to-ceiling window in the study.

In this city where every inch of land costs a fortune, this hillside villa constantly flaunted its owner's unmatched status.

Just like this window, from inside, the glittering nightscape of Hong Kong was fully visible—

In the distance, Victoria Harbour’s boat traffic glittered, colorful sails bobbed as they sounded their horns and set sail in the night wind.

This was a view bought with money.

Lu Tingchao, held in Fei Yuncheng's arms, gazed silently for a long time before suddenly asking, "Fei Yuncheng, if I didn’t live here with you, would I never get to see this view in my lifetime?"

"Hmm?"

Fei Yuncheng seemed not to have expected this question and took a rare moment to think. "No."

The evening breeze from the mountains swept through the half-open window, lifting the hair at Lu Tingchao's temples and brushing against Fei Yuncheng's cheek.

Fei Yuncheng gently twirled that strand of hair with his calloused fingers and chuckled softly. "Chao Chao is worth it."

Lu Tingchao's lips were pressed into a tight line, as if clenched between his teeth, until the inside of his lips began to carry a metallic tang of blood.

"Don't bite."

Fei Yuncheng frowned, slipping a finger between Lu Tingchao's clenched teeth. "Lu Tingchao, open your mouth."

Lu Tingchao resisted that finger for a long time—finally, his strength spent, he let his jaw go slack. Just as Fei Yuncheng's finger pressed inward, Lu Tingchao sank his teeth in hard.

It was the last bite Lu Tingchao could muster with his remaining strength.

Yet Fei Yuncheng only paused for a second, not making a sound, as if it were someone else who had been hurt.

The rich, metallic taste of blood slowly seeped into Lu Tingchao's tongue and mouth—he tasted Fei Yuncheng's blood.

It was also tangy, coppery-sweet, and faintly bitter.

Lu Tingchao's courage was like a short-lived burst. He instinctively released his bite and turned to explain to Fei Yuncheng, "I didn't—"

But Fei Yuncheng pressed that blood-stained finger against Lu Tingchao's soft, fair, beautiful cheek.

In an instant.

Crimson blood stamped his cheek like a seal.

Fei Yuncheng even seemed satisfied, his throat moved slightly as he whispered, "It's okay, Chao Chao."

In the reflection of the floor-to-ceiling window, Lu Tingchao saw himself and Fei Yuncheng—not clearly enough, too faint to show the mark on his cheek.

In Lu Tingchao's uncertain gaze.

Fei Yuncheng leaned down and kissed the top of Lu Tingchao's head. "Whatever you want to do, it's okay."

Lu Tingchao stiffened, like a wind-up doll freezing mid-motion—

He finally saw the full reflection of himself and Fei Yuncheng in the window.

Fei Yuncheng's build was different from Zhuang Ji and Mo Lingnan. His physique wasn't gym-built; his muscles were tighter and more substantial, giving off an especially overwhelming presence in the mirror's reflection.

And at this moment.

The way Fei Yuncheng held him—Zhuang Ji had held him like this countless times before.

A cold dread crept up from Lu Tingchao's feet, seeping into every pore of his skin, then penetrating his bones like an invading serpent, so cold he nearly shivered.

That deep, internal chill saturated Lu Tingchao's very marrow, making his mind razor-sharp in that moment.

Lu Tingchao heard himself say softly, "They are not fools."

Fei Yuncheng's thoughts seemed elsewhere. "What?"

Lu Tingchao said, "Su Ningyu is not a fool, and the people you mentioned are not fools either."

Lu Tingchao: "They all... lived their lives with determination."

Fei Yuncheng didn’t respond directly, gently rubbing Lu Tingchao's earlobe. "That’s my good boy, Chao Chao."

Lu Tingchao closed his eyes. "I am the real fool."

Fei Yuncheng paused slightly.

"I'm the one who truly is good for nothing, the one who always depends on others, always leeching off others for life…"

Lu Tingchao's eyes, red from crying, were wide open. Those extraordinarily bright eyes, once repeatedly captured by countless media, almost took up half of his small face, breathtakingly vivid.

Large teardrops rolled silently from the corners of his eyes, tracing the lines of his delicate cheeks downward.

Lu Tingchao's voice was raw from crying: "I…"

"This is the enduring theory of value, Chao Chao."

Fei Yuncheng, however, didn’t pick up on Lu Tingchao’s tension—or perhaps he did but simply did not care.

He took Lu Tingchao’s hand himself, lacing their fingers together.

Fei Yuncheng said, "I am willing to pay that much for you. Every place you are in has value that’s deserved."

Fei Yuncheng: "Don’t be upset, okay?"

Lu Tingchao looked down at their clasped hands and, after a long moment, gave a slight shake of his head: "This... isn't right."

But Fei Yuncheng insisted, "This is right."

Fei Yuncheng finally kissed Lu Tingchao on the lips: "Chao Chao, this is what I’m offering."

Lu Tingchao finally turned back, bewildered.

Behind him, the splendid lights of Hong Kong reflected in his glistening, luminous eyes, yet none outshone him.

So Fei Yuncheng kissed him again: "Chao Chao, you're worth this price."

Lu Tingchao curled his fingers inward, digging into his flesh, bringing wave after wave of stinging pain.

Because Su Ningyu wasn’t even on Fei Yuncheng’s radar, he was given the value of "that kind of thing."

Because Su Zhen was a capable underling that A Zhi brought in, he was given the value of "a blade."

Because the countless people in Hong Kong could never even catch a glimpse of Fei Yuncheng's life, they were all given the value of "fools" by Fei Yuncheng.

And because Lu Tingchao was a stranger in a strange city, in the end—

Fei Yuncheng gave him the price of "worth it."

In the still, mesmerizing night of Hong Kong,

Lu Tingchao, cradled in Fei Yuncheng’s arms, suddenly remembered the journey he’d been on.

Lu Tingchao suddenly wondered—did he have a price in his grandfather's eyes?

Zhuang Ji had raised him for so long; would Zhuang Ji put a price on him?

Lu Tingchao felt a deep chill.

He lifted a hand and pushed lightly against Fei Yuncheng’s chest: "Fei Yuncheng."

Lu Tingchao looked up with eyes rimmed red and asked tentatively, "Do you really only want to be my Daddy?"

The night had deepened.

The boats coming and going in Victoria Harbour hadn’t slowed in the slightest, yet the waves beat at night, and the lights seemed to dance with the swells, creating a rhythmic pulse.

It was the most vibrant sight, and also the most romantic view.

Fei Yuncheng lowered his head, squinting slightly.

After a long moment, he softly asked, "What do you think, Chao Chao?"

Lu Tingchao didn't guess.

He lowered his head and thought for a while, then slowly said, "Daddies aren’t supposed to kiss."

Fei Yuncheng: "Hmm."

Lu Tingchao asked again, "Is this how a Daddy holds someone?"

Fei Yuncheng: "Hmm."

Lu Tingchao went quiet.

Fei Yuncheng looked down at him.

The distance was far enough that the sound of harbor horns couldn't be heard here.

But for some reason, Lu Tingchao felt as if he were standing on the mudflats before the harbor, damp harbor winds sweeping over him, humid air closing in around him, as if the next moment would drag him under into the lightless deep.

Fei Yuncheng suddenly said, "Look at me."

Lu Tingchao instinctively raised his head, and the next moment, he had to face the man frequently featured in Hong Kong and mainland finance magazines—

Just as often reported in Hong Kong media, Fei Yuncheng was indeed handsome.

Time had only bestowed upon him a more steady and restrained aura. Although the lines of his features were no longer as bold as those in his twenties or thirties, they were deep and dignified, highly appealing to women of all ages.

Young girls loved his good looks and refined elegance.

Urban professionals loved his wealth and cultured demeanor.

Older women loved his dependable, gentlemanly quality.

And at this moment.

The gentlemanly exterior seemed to be stripped away layer by layer under the cover of night.

Their interlaced fingers were suddenly pressed against the glass of the floor-to-ceiling window.

Fei Yuncheng easily grasped Lu Tingchao's wrists and pinned them above his head against the glass, then gently lifted the slender, delicate jaw of the boy encircled in his arms with his other hand.

Then he lowered his head and crushed their lips together.

It was a real, lingering kiss—the kind lovers share.

Lu Tingchao's face was still wet with salty tears, which were slowly wiped away by the man he called Daddy as the night deepened, until his curled fingers feebly pushed against Fei Yuncheng's shoulders: "No more... mmph..."

Only then did Fei Yuncheng finally release him.

The man's solid, powerful arms embraced him fully from behind. Fei Yuncheng freed one hand to slowly and gently trace the defined line of Lu Tingchao’s spine.

Then.

Fei Yuncheng brushed aside the hair near Lu Tingchao's ear: "Does Chao Chao understand now?"

Lu Tingchao lowered his eyes and leaned against Fei Yuncheng's chest, neither speaking nor responding.

Fei Yuncheng didn't seem to be in a hurry either, simply holding Lu Tingchao and whispering soothing words one after another: "Did it feel good?"

Fei Yuncheng: "Did Chao Chao like it?"

Lu Tingchao shook his head.

Fei Yuncheng then brought Lu Tingchao's fingertips to his lips and kissed them: "It's alright, Chao Chao will come to like it in the future."

Lu Tingchao paid no attention to Fei Yuncheng.

Crushing fatigue left Lu Tingchao too exhausted to look at the distant Victoria Harbour or the city's nightscape. He drew back his gaze wearily—

This old-fashioned villa had five floors in total: three above ground and two below ground.

Fei Yuncheng’s study was situated at the corner of the second floor.

If one ignored the distant scenery and only looked out the window, the view was of the small garden with its bluestone path—the necessary path into and out of the villa’s courtyard.

Every servant in this villa seemed remarkably diligent to Lu Tingchao, which was why they kept this small garden pristine and beautiful.

It was the peak of spring, and the garden was bursting with flowers, illuminated by the flickering evening lights, creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Lu Tingchao no longer had the strength to escape from Fei Yuncheng’s embrace—

Or, to put it another way, it was only now that he began to feel afraid, after the fact.

Lu Tingchao was starting to fear Fei Yuncheng.

He was afraid of every word Fei Yuncheng spoke, every glance he gave, every order he issued to his subordinates, and the implications behind those orders.

Eyes downcast, Lu Tingchao shifted slightly in Fei Yuncheng’s arms in the smallest, most inconspicuous way, facing the garden.

And Fei Yuncheng, as always, humored him in these small matters.

The man’s powerful arms wrapped around Lu Tingchao’s waist, while his other hand still held Lu Tingchao’s hand against the glass window from behind.

Fei Yuncheng nuzzled his head on Lu Tingchao’s left shoulder: “Chao Chao, who do you like more, me or Zhuang Ji?”

Lu Tingchao pressed his lips together and did not answer.

Fei Yuncheng: “What about Mo Lingnan?”

Lu Tingchao: “…”

Fei Yuncheng laughed lowly: “But, baby, Mo Lingnan probably wouldn’t let you enjoy the night view you love here. And as for Zhuang Ji, it seems he was picked up by the police this afternoon…”

Lu Tingchao asked: “Daddy, are you insecure?”

Fei Yuncheng hesitated briefly: “What?”

The warm breath against Lu Tingchao’s ear made his legs tremble.

But Lu Tingchao whispered: “You keep asking about Mo Lingnan, then Zhuang Ji—are you very insecure?”

Fei Yuncheng: “…”

Time seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Fei Yuncheng gave a soft laugh.

Then, he kissed the corner of Lu Tingchao’s mouth: “Chao Chao, you’ve become a little naughty.”

“I’ve always been naughty.”

Lu Tingchao turned his head to avoid Fei Yuncheng’s kiss and answered seriously and honestly, “Then besides Zhuang Ji and Mo Lingnan, I also have rumors about your son, Fei Xiuqi.”

Lu Tingchao asked in a quiet, delicate tone: “Are you going to ask me about your son’s affairs too?”

A long silence followed.

Lu Tingchao didn’t hear Fei Yuncheng’s response, only seeing the dim, shimmering lights in the garden below the floor-to-ceiling window.

After a long while.

Fei Yuncheng: “Well…”

The older man’s voice seemed to carry a hint of laughter, or perhaps a kind of extremely despicable meanness.

He gently breathed softly against Lu Tingchao’s soft, sensitive earlobe.

Then he said softly: “No need for my son, Chao Chao.”

Lu Tingchao didn’t understand.

Fei Yuncheng took Lu Tingchao’s already reddened earlobe between his lips, teasing and toying with it for a moment before saying slowly and gently: “Because he’s standing behind the lights in the garden, watching us, baby.”

…

Lu Tingchao went rigid immediately.

Before he could even react, he turned his head and gasped: “What?!”

Fei Yuncheng continued to hold Lu Tingchao as if comforting a child.

With one arm around Lu Tingchao, he used his other hand to swing the half-open floor-to-ceiling window wide open.

Then Fei Yuncheng spoke out into the garden: “A Qi, turn on the light. You’ve scared Chao Chao.”

Lu Tingchao stiffened completely, rooted to the spot like a piece of weather-beaten wood, staring blankly through the window at the scene below.

And just beside the small garden within sight of this floor-to-ceiling window.

A moment later.

The shadow of one of the garden lights moved a few inches to the right.

Then, a slender figure suddenly appeared at the end of the bluestone path.

Lu Tingchao opened his mouth but couldn’t utter a word.

His face showed a paleness that was almost palpable, yet the soft light in the study smoothed it over, painting a veneer of calm over his features.

Fei Yuncheng held Lu Tingchao’s hand, tender and attentive as if they were a perfectly matched couple: “You’re still new here, so you wouldn’t know. That light in the garden—when A Qi was a child, he would sneak out to play and, afraid of coming back late and getting caught by me, asked the best lighting craftsman in Hong Kong to install this switch.”

Lu Tingchao looked down at his hand held by Fei Yuncheng and realized it was trembling almost imperceptibly.

“It’s a very clever trick.”

Fei Yuncheng explained patiently while gently stroking Lu Tingchao’s fingertips, “Just turn the mechanism near the entrance of the bluestone path, and the light’s position will automatically avoid where he’s standing.”

Fei Yuncheng seemed to recall something amusing: “Back then, A Qi would use this trick whenever he skipped homework to go play soccer. I never thought it would still work after all these years.”

It was indeed… very effective.

The moonlight was clear and bright.

At this moment.

Lu Tingchao, pale-faced, met Fei Xiuqi's gaze bleakly downstairs.

It seemed like a long separation, whether as a rumored couple or just ordinary friends.

And it also seemed like an extremely awkward encounter.

Lu Tingchao couldn't bring himself to recall what Fei Xiuqi might have seen from downstairs just moments ago. Almost the instant their eyes met, he wanted to leave immediately, but he was afraid.

Lu Tingchao was growing more and more afraid of Fei Yuncheng.

It really was just as Fei Xiuqi had once told him—he and Nurse Polina's father were the most famous figures in all of Hong Kong, the most shrewd businessmen, and top-tier elites no one dared to provoke.

The person standing at the end of the garden's stone path seemed just as young as when the two had first met, with even his style of dress hadn't changed much.

Except that the shirt he used to leave unbuttoned at the bottom was now fastened two buttons higher, and the once-empty inside now had a plain white tank top underneath.

When Fei Xiuqi looked up at Lu Tingchao—

Lu Tingchao also noticed the suitcase beside him, covered in shipping labels and customs clearance tags.

It was the sign of a long journey.

It seemed like an overly quiet meeting.

Time passed.

Just as it dawned on Lu Tingchao that he should be the one to say hello, Fei Xiuqi was the first to look away.

Lu Tingchao: "..."

No... greeting?

Lu Tingchao watched as Fei Xiuqi picked up the suitcase at his feet, never looking up again, and walked straight into the villa.

Lu Tingchao opened his mouth: "Fei..."

He didn't continue.

Fei Yuncheng pulled Lu Tingchao back into his arms, meticulously adjusting every piece of his clothing: "A Qi's timing is perfect. Are you tired? Let's go downstairs and have him greet you."

Lu Tingchao stared blankly at Fei Yuncheng.

There was a time, when he was largely unknown, when production teams begged him to go greet Fei Xiuqi.

And now.

It was like the tables had turned, and it was Fei Xiuqi's father casually deciding—to have Fei Xiuqi come greet him.

Lu Tingchao realized he didn't feel very happy about it.

Fei Yuncheng, probably noticing Lu Tingchao's silence: "Tired?"

Lu Tingchao nodded: "Mhm."

Lu Tingchao subtly reached out and gently pushed Fei Yuncheng's hand from his waist, whispering: "Daddy, I want to go to sleep. I'm really tired."

"Alright."

Fei Yuncheng gave Lu Tingchao a goodnight kiss. "I still have some paperwork to handle, probably quite late. Tomorrow morning, I'll drop off Dou Dou at kindergarten. You sleep in, okay?"

Lu Tingchao nodded obediently.

Fei Yuncheng thought for a moment: "After dropping off Dou Dou, I have a meeting. Once it's over, I'll be back just in time to have lunch with you. What would you like to eat, baby?"

"I want Northern cuisine..."

Lu Tingchao blurted out, then paused himself, shaking his head, "Never mind, the local flavors are good too."

Fei Yuncheng smiled, kissing Lu Tingchao again: "Northern cuisine is no problem. We have a dedicated team of chefs for mainland dishes at home. Tomorrow, I'll have Kim come ask you for the menu. Just tell him whatever you'd like."

Lu Tingchao looked at Fei Yuncheng for a moment, then hummed in agreement.

Fei Yuncheng: "Wait for me to come back tomorrow."

Lu Tingchao, barefoot on the carpet, stood at the study door: "Got it."

The floor heating had already warmed up.

Fei Yuncheng followed Lu Tingchao all the way to the corridor by the door, then reached out to touch Lu Tingchao's ring finger: "There's a ring missing here. One of these days, I'll have the jeweler come get your size."

Lu Tingchao's fingers stiffened slightly, but he still nodded: "Okay."

Fei Yuncheng's voice was gentle: "Chao Chao, you'll be with me forever, right?"

Lu Tingchao blinked: "Daddy, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

*

Until he fell asleep, Lu Tingchao thought tonight would surely be his sleepless night.

He lay in bed, tossing and turning while scrolling through his phone.

One moment, he saw updates on Zhuang Ji's situation from this afternoon—the Beijing legal team had arrived and was fully in place, promising fans that Zhuang Ji was completely innocent, though specific details couldn't be disclosed.

The next moment, he saw that Mo Lingnan's jewelry brand seemed to be thriving recently, winning several international awards—and the most recently awarded global design prize was for a pair of crystal ankle cuffs.

Lu Tingchao, sleepy, he widened his eyes and clicked into the news.

The name of this crystal ankle chain was actually "Deception."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Such a bizarre name.

And yet, Mo Lingnan Jewelry staff explained in an interview that both the piece and its name were personally created by their company's boss. However, due to other obligations, the boss couldn't attend the interview but entrusted them to explain the meaning behind the work.

The inspiration for this ankle chain came from their boss's understanding of love.

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Mo Lingnan doesn't know a thing about love.

Lu Tingchao turned over in bed and came across another piece of news about Zhuang Ji, stating that the legal team had now collected all the evidence and was filing the most severe lawsuit against the opposing party's rumors and defamation. They also announced they would sue all parties who took the opportunity to smear Zhuang Ji, demanding full public apologies.

Zhuang Ji doesn't need proof.

Lu Tingchao turned over again in bed, scrolling a bit longer.

Suddenly, as if he'd remembered something, Lu Tingchao paused for a few seconds, then leaned closer to his phone and carefully typed in Su Ningyu's name.

There were only a few sketchy and sparse records.

Two of them came from the official sources of a professional competition Su Ningyu participated in, while the others were from Su Ningyu's school.

No one else in this world knew that Su Ningyu was gone.

No noise, no farewells, no commotion.

Lu Tingchao deleted his search history, tossed his phone aside, and sprawled on the bed in a starfish position—he began to recall many past memories, flooding his mind like a rushing stream.

The night dragged on endlessly.

Lu Tingchao had a chaotic jumble of dreams, so much so that when he woke up the next day, it took him a long time to confirm that it was indeed morning.

Lu Tingchao lay curled in his blankets in a daze, reminiscing.

In his dreams from the night before, there was Zhuang Ji from his youth, Mo Lingnan's stern face, and Su Ningyu's farewell.

What an irritating dream.

Such an annoying life.

In despair, Lu Tingchao threw off the blanket, went through the motions of washing up, and pulled open the bedroom door with panda-dark circles under his eyes.

The villa's master was absent, and the servants spoke in hushed tones, making the atmosphere seem particularly quiet.

Lu Tingchao clattered downstairs, walked barefoot into the dining room, and saw breakfast already spread out on the table—

Directly across the table.

Fei Xiuqi was sitting there.

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao's movement to slide into the chair paused slightly. He stood before the European-style dining table, silently staring at the breakfast in front of him, frozen in indecision about sitting.

And... he had no desire to acknowledge Fei Xiuqi either.

Lu Tingchao always felt awkward.

He didn’t move, and Fei Xiuqi didn’t pressure him.

It wasn’t until Lu Tingchao gritted his teeth, snatched up two plates at random from the breakfast spread, and was about to retreat and make his escape—

That Fei Xiuqi stopped him.

"Won’t you sit down? Chao Chao."

Lu Tingchao stiffened.

He instinctively looked at Fei Xiuqi, their eyes meeting.

Today, Fei Xiuqi was dressed very casually, wearing a leisure cardigan in shades of gray, which inexplicably made him seem more mature than his early-twenties age.

Lu Tingchao was still processing this.

Fei Xiuqi continued, "It’s better to sit down and have breakfast. It’s quite a feast today, and it should suit your taste."

*Lu Tingchao thought. So, after all this time apart, Fei Xiuqi's Mandarin had improved so much.*

The next second, Lu Tingchao slammed down the plates.

The fine white-glazed plates landed on the solid wood table with a solid thunk.

Lu Tingchao seemed to summon every ounce of courage, his voice tinged with hope and trepidation: "Fei Xiuqi, can... can you get me out of here, away from Hong Kong?"

His words tumbled out in a rush, and he quickly added, "I... I have money! Just take me away, that’s all!"

Without thinking, Lu Tingchao stepped closer, moving nearer to Fei Xiuqi: "Okay? Is it okay?"

Silence.

Fei Xiuqi slowly set down his coffee.

The coffee seemed to have been poured not long ago, still steaming with white vapor.

Fei Xiuqi looked at Lu Tingchao, neither accepting nor dismissing.

After what felt like an eternity.

Fei Xiuqi gave a faint smile. "Take you away... Leave Hong Kong."

Fei Xiuqi said, "Am I to understand this as... asking me to elope with you, right from under Devin’s nose? stepmom."