BL Ch13
by soapaAfter the humiliating incident of having his underwear pulled down, Lou Baoguo was devastated. He locked himself in his room for a whole day and night before coming out, looking sickly and avoiding his new “big brother” Bai Zhao at all costs. Zhou Yi and Hong Bo tried to cheer him up a few times, but it was only when Yu Duqiu stepped in and threatened to dock his pay if he didn’t stop moping around that Lou Baoguo returned to his usual self. Despite his frustrations, he forced a smile each day, displaying a set of white teeth, acting energetic and lively.
“One should never be at odds with money, right, big brother?” Lou Baoguo said, standing face-to-face with Bai Zhao. Talking nonstop, Lou Baoguo seemed to think that the more he talked, the less awkward it would be. “I admit, you’re stronger than me. I spent years in the army, and no one has ever subdued me in a minute, even if I am ticklish. What’s your background? What school did you come from? Have you ever been in the military?”
Bai Zhao, drawing back a recurve bow, nocked an arrow with three fingers, and focused on the target 30 meters away, said, “Say another word, and I’ll shoot you in the head.”
Lou Baoguo fell silent, feeling disgruntled.
Even his tone is just like the young master’s.
After Children’s Day, all the amusement rides were taken down. The owner of this estate villa came up with a new idea: setting up archery targets on the lawn. Since guns weren’t allowed domestically and it was inconvenient to visit a shooting range, he decided the bodyguards should practice archery instead to maintain their self-defense skills.
Zhou Yi occasionally shot a few arrows after meals for exercise and invited the newcomers to try. He casually mentioned, “The young master also likes archery but rarely touches guns. He probably thinks drawing a bow looks cooler.”
The next day, after breakfast, Bai Zhao, having nothing to do, wandered over to the archery range.
Lou Baoguo wanted to give him some pointers to regain some seniority, but after talking to himself for half a day and glancing at the target, he was stunned to see that all of Bai Zhao’s arrows had hit the bullseye.
“Whoosh!” Another arrow flew through the air!
After six sets of arrows, Lou Baoguo was dumbfounded and humiliated again, staring in disbelief. “Damn… hitting the bullseye at 30 meters? Is this really your first time shooting?”
Bai Zhao removed his finger guard and tossed it into the gear box. “Doesn’t it just take hands?”
“………………”
At that moment, Zhou Yi approached the lawn, indifferent to Bai Zhao’s impressive performance. “The young master wants you to go to his dressing room.”
“Okay.” Bai Zhao put down the bow and left.
Lou Baoguo still couldn’t believe his eyes, staring at the target filled with arrows. His jaw dropped. “Old Zhou, this guy must be a natural. If he handles a gun, he might steal my ‘sharpshooter’ title!”
Zhou Yi chuckled. “What do you mean, ‘this guy’? He’s your big brother! Isn’t it expected for him to be better than you?”
Lou Baoguo’s already fragile self-esteem took another hit, and he angrily shook his fist. “You all are just bullying me!”
The estate villa was so large that the owner had to post a floor map at each stairway entrance to prevent guests from getting lost. However, private areas like the dressing room were not marked on the map, so Bai Zhao had to find it himself.
After wandering around the second floor, he finally found the dressing room, which was as large as a boutique clothing store. Inside, Yu Duqiu was sitting on a single sofa, sipping champagne.
“You’re here? Let me introduce you,” Yu Duqiu stood up. A middle-aged man with a measuring tape, smiling broadly, also stood up. “This is Chen Kuan, Uncle Chen. His suit-making skills are top-notch. He had a store in Mayfair, London, in his thirties.”
Chen Kuan modestly waved his hand. “Young master Yu flatters me. If it weren’t for your parents who loved my suits and promoted them, I wouldn’t have my current reputation.”
After greeting and introducing himself, Bai Zhao looked at Yu Duqiu in confusion. “Why do I need a suit? I noticed Zhou Yi and the others don’t wear them every day.”
Yu Duqiu’s eyes roamed over Bai Zhao’s muscular arms, revealing an ambiguous smile. “The way you dress distracts me.”
Bai Zhao glanced quickly at Chen Kuan. The professional tailor, accustomed to Yu Duqiu’s flirtatious nature, showed no reaction.
“It’s too hot. I don’t want to dress too warmly.”
“I’m not asking you to wear it every day. In a few days, there’s a meeting with the Du family, arranged by Feihua. That’s my fiancée’s family. Her brother will be there too. You’ll accompany me, so you need to dress formally.”
Bai Zhao’s eyes darkened. “I’m not interested in your family matters. I won’t participate in activities unrelated to the case.”
“You don’t have a choice. Don’t be so stubborn.” Yu Duqiu poked his chest. “Make some room here. Don’t just think about revenge. Life’s exhausting enough; add something else.”
“Like what? You?”
“You’re learning to answer your own questions. Progress.”
“You already have a fiancée. I don’t want to be the third wheel.”
Yu Duqiu smiled, leaning in close, his cool lips brushing against Bai Zhao’s warm earlobe as he whispered, “Sweetheart, don’t flatter yourself. At best, you’re just a passing fancy. You don’t even qualify as the third wheel.”
Bai Zhao remained silent for a moment, then let out a cold snort in response.
Unfazed, Yu Duqiu stepped back. “Uncle Chen, please take care of him.”
Having been left waiting by the two younger men, Chen Kuan quickly got to work, measuring Bai Zhao’s waist and leg length. As he measured, he asked about preferences:
“Do you prefer a loose fit or a more tailored fit?”
“Whatever.”
“I brought a fabric catalog. You can browse it later and pick one. I recommend pure worsted wool; it’s the same material Mr. Yu wears.”
“No need to choose, anything will do.”
“Would you like a vent in the back? It helps prevent creasing when you sit.”
“Anything.”
“Which side do you usually place it on, left or right?”
“Anythi… What do you mean?” Bai Zhao finally asked a question.
Chen Kuan, who was measuring his thigh, looked up with a smile. “No offense, but we usually design the side where our clients prefer to be slightly larger for comfort.”
Bai Zhao understood and fell silent. Under Yu Duqiu’s amused gaze, he slowly uttered, “…Left side.”
“What a coincidence, I also prefer the left side.” As expected, Yu Duqiu took the chance to tease, “Once you get used to Mr. Chen’s trousers, other pants feel tight.”
The implication was obvious.
“Hmm,” Bai Zhao rarely responded to his banter, “That’s why I don’t like wearing trousers.”
Chen Kuan either didn’t catch their subtle contest or chose to ignore it, chuckling heartily. “Once you try mine, you’ll change your mind. Now, may I ask, what size? You can describe or let me measure directly if you don’t mind.”
Bai Zhao didn’t mind. “Measure it. I can’t think of a comparison.”
“Alright, pardon me.” Chen Kuan quickly measured from top to bottom, impressed. “Remarkable.”
Yu Duqiu’s expression shifted from amusement to interest as he moved closer, only to be intercepted by Bai Zhao. “Mr. Yu, what are you doing?”
Yu Duqiu casually withdrew his hand. “Just curious.”
Chen Kuan finished taking measurements and confirmed the details with Bai Zhao, opting for pure worsted wool, a single back vent, and concealed pockets. He promised to expedite the order, ready within three days.
“Normally, it requires two fittings for perfection, but since you’re in a rush, this will have to do for now. Any alterations can be made later.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chen,” Yu Duqiu said politely. “Bai Zhao, I have some matters to discuss with Mr. Chen. You may leave.”
Bai Zhao left without a word, closing the door behind him.
Five minutes later, Chen Kuan descended the stairs, carrying his case. At the staircase, he encountered Bai Zhao, who seemed to be waiting for him.
“Mr. Chen, I need a favor.”
Chen Kuan smiled. “If you’re curious about what Mr. Yu discussed with me, I’m afraid I can’t disclose that.”
Bai Zhao shook his head. “I can guess what he asked. I need you to add a boutonniere loop and a fastening tab to my suit.”
Chen Kuan readily agreed. “No problem at all. But why not mention it in the dressing room?”
“I don’t want him to know. Please keep it confidential.” Bai Zhao bowed slightly and walked away.
Three days later, the custom suit arrived at Mansion No. 1. Chen Kuan, now back in England to manage his store, sent his apprentice, Fang Xiaomo, a fresh-faced young man, to deliver it. Bai Zhao took the suit bag to the changing room. Upon his return, he found Yu Duqiu casually chatting with Fang Xiaomo, arm draped over his shoulder.
“Just two months on the job? No wonder I haven’t seen you before. It’s quite a trip here, isn’t it? Why not stay over tonight…”
“Mr. Yu.”
Yu Duqiu turned, eyes lighting up at the sight of the well-fitted and handsome Bai Zhao. He walked over, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
“How is it?”
Yu Duqiu nodded, noting the boutonniere loop on the left lapel with a smile. “Mr. Chen is quite romantic, adding a boutonniere loop. If you give flowers to someone and they place one here, it symbolizes a lifelong commitment. Do you have anyone to give flowers to?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
Yu Duqiu’s smile turned mischievous, his voice lowering to a murmur, “You look stunning in this… but I’d love to help you take it off.”
Bai Zhao replied quietly, “Don’t you have a new target?”
“That’s just a snack. You’re the main course; nothing else can satisfy me.” Yu Duqiu winked slyly.
Unfazed, Bai Zhao brushed past him. “Then go hungry.”
Yu Duqiu, puzzled, called after him, “Why are you always hot and cold?”
Bai Zhao’s retreating figure gave no answer.
Fang Xiaomo, though young, wasn’t entirely naive. Persuaded by Yu Duqiu’s sweet words and considering his own meager trainee salary, he agreed to stay at the luxurious villa.
Meanwhile, Yu Duqiu, along with several bodyguards, got into a car.
Zhao Feihua rolled his eyes. “He’s only nineteen, you’re really going through with this?”
Yu Duqiu shrugged with a smile. “Busy for the past six months, it’s been a while. He’s decent enough for a snack. It’s consensual; nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Why are you so busy? You haven’t even started the project we discussed and spend all day at home.”
“Under house arrest, what can I do? Besides, if I have to do everything myself, then those million-dollar managers are useless. I only need to do the most important tasks.”
“For example?”
“For example, I recently secured some investment. Someone is willing to invest ten billion in my Themis project, so I don’t need to seek other venture capital companies anymore.”
Zhao Feihua’s eyes widened suddenly, and his glasses almost slid down his nose into his open mouth. “What the heck, really? Why didn’t you say earlier? I just treated a partner from Sequoia Capital to dinner yesterday. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have wasted the money—five thousand for one meal!”
“I’ll reimburse you.”
“Who is so generous, throwing out ten billion just like that?” Zhao Feihua was extremely curious.
“An independent investor named Wu, who has an old friendship with my mother.”
“So it’s because of your mother. No wonder,” Zhao Feihua sighed. “I really feel sorry for Mr. Wu. Ten billion down the drain just like that.”
Yu Duqiu raised his hand and knocked on his head. “Have a little confidence in me. This project is like Schrödinger’s cat—you won’t know the outcome until you open the box.”
“I’d rather call it Pandora’s box,” Zhao Feihua said. “The tragedy from twenty years ago already told us what happens when you open the box. I heard that the female scientist involved was Cen Wan, your grandfather’s student and your mother’s best friend. No wonder your whole family is against you pursuing this project…”
“I’m different,” Yu Duqiu lazily sank into the leather armchair.
“You’re a genius, I know, but…”
“No, ‘genius’ and ‘prodigy’ are just media exaggerations. I’m just a slightly smarter businessman,” Yu Duqiu said humbly, which Zhao Feihua found unusual. But then he continued, “And being a genius is boring. You have to live up to your admirers’ expectations, always be exceptionally smart, or they’ll think you’ve fallen from grace, and look down on you, even trample on you.”
“I don’t want to be a genius in the eyes of the world. I’d rather be an unrestrained maverick, whether people worship or loathe me. I’ll always live as I please, acting on my own will.”
“So, I’m not afraid of enemies lurking in the shadows, they should be afraid of me. Not because justice will triumph over evil, but because in terms of arrogance, wealth, and means, no one in this city can surpass me. When I appear, justice and evil alike will bow before me.” Yu Duqiu tapped the armrest. “Got it, chatterbox?”
Even Zhao Feihua, known for his eloquence, was momentarily stunned by these audacious words, forgetting to retort. Zhou Yi, already used to such remarks, kept an eye on his phone, reporting in real-time. “Young master, Baoguo and Xiaobai have already arrived at the stables.”
Yu Duqiu responded with a “Hmm,” and asked, “Has Du Shuyan arrived?”
“Yes, Miss Du has also arrived, but… there was a bit of an incident.”
“What happened?”
Zhou Yi hesitated for a few seconds, reluctant to speak, as if in a dilemma.
Yu Duqiu laughed, “Don’t tell me someone got killed again.”
“It’s not that serious,” Zhou Yi replied. “But it seems Xiaobai upset Miss Du, and she slapped him. Then Xiaobai got upset too, and now no one knows where he ran off to.”
Author’s Note:
Sending a suit = sending a wife. Remember this tip, it will be on the test later!