ALCSRB Chapter 79

While Jiang Mingyi was still feeling smug about his brilliance, he failed to notice the man across from him already sulking with jealousy.

It wasn’t until the steak set was served that he realized Shen Xingyan was quietly staring at him without saying a word.

“What are you doing? Hurry up and eat.” He gave a casual nudge, picked up his utensils, and began enjoying the meal. “The steak’s seared crispy on the outside and tender inside—tastes pretty special.”

As he spoke, he forked a small cube of steak and offered it to Shen Xingyan. “Try it.”

He smiled brightly as the beef lightly touched Shen Xingyan’s lips. “I’m feeding you by hand. You’re not allowed to be picky.”

The wave of jealousy swelling in Shen Xingyan’s chest was temporarily subdued by that one piece of steak. Just as he opened his mouth, Jiang Mingyi swiftly stuffed it in.

Satisfied that he was chewing, Jiang Mingyi retracted his hand and continued eating. “The waiter recommended a bunch of dishes just now. We should definitely come back and try the others.”

Shen Xingyan swallowed and finally responded with a low, “Alright.”

On the ride back, Jiang Mingyi was humming happily. Though the lyrics were unintelligible, the cheerful tune made Shen Xingyan glance at him more than once.

Finally, at a red light, Shen Xingyan suddenly reached over and pinched his smiling cheeks.

“You’re this happy… Is it because you get to eat with Pei Mingyue?”

His words were laced with obvious displeasure, but Jiang Mingyi didn’t catch it. Instead, he blinked in confusion. “What does this have to do with him?”

Facing Shen Xingyan’s increasingly baffled expression, he added, “You haven’t even asked him for me yet. What would I be happy about now?”

This also served as a reminder to him—once they got home, he had to keep an eye on Shen Xingyan and make sure he arranged that meeting.

Or maybe just schedule it for tomorrow and get it over with quickly.

Just as he was thinking that, Shen Xingyan’s tone softened a little. “Then what are you so happy about?”

“Huh? I just had a delicious dinner with you—doesn’t that make me happy enough?”

Jiang Mingyi’s blunt words made Shen Xingyan suddenly feel like maybe he was being a bit petty.

At that moment, a car honked behind them, urging them forward. Shen Xingyan quickly started the car and drove on.

Jiang Mingyi turned his head and looked at him with a curious expression. His lips were barely curved at first, but the longer he stared, the more obvious the smile became.

Shen Xingyan kept his eyes on the road. “What are you looking at?”

“Nothing, I just thought I caught a whiff of something sour.” Jiang Mingyi grinned cheekily and looked away, but the bright smile in his eyes was impossible to miss.

Shen Xingyan glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Through the window reflection, he could see the smile he was trying to hide curling at the corners of his mouth. In the end, he didn’t argue back.

They drove all the way home. Shen Jili had a business dinner tonight and hadn’t returned yet.

Su Wanxin was sitting on the couch, focused on watching TV. When she heard them come in, she looked over and said, “You’re back.”

Jiang Mingyi plopped down beside her and instinctively reached for the fruit on the coffee table. As he ate, he said, “Ge took me to eat Western food. The steak set at that restaurant was really good. Mom, next time let’s go together.”

“Sure,” Su Wanxin replied. “It’s been a while since the whole family went out together. How about tomorrow?”

Jiang Mingyi frowned a little—he had plans to meet Pei Mingyue tomorrow.

He put on a troubled look and said to her, “But I just had it today. If we go again tomorrow, I’ll be sick of it.”

Su Wanxin thought for a moment. “That’s true. Let’s go next weekend instead. I’ll tell your dad to clear his schedule in advance. He’s always off at some business dinner, we barely even see him at meals.”

“Mom, next time you can go with Dad to those dinners. You can supervise him so he doesn’t drink too much and get tangled up with some shady people.” Jiang Mingyi said it with all seriousness. “Men at Dad’s age are very popular with a certain crowd, you know.”

“Our Xiao Yi is so thoughtful, always thinking of his mom,” Su Wanxin said, then glanced sideways at her older son sitting quietly. “Unlike your brother—he doesn’t even help keep your dad in check. These business dinners are more suitable for younger people anyway.”

“That’s not good either,” Jiang Mingyi blurted out.

Su Wanxin looked at him, puzzled. “Why not? Your brother has just taken over the company—this is the perfect time to network.”

In the eyes of those old business geezers, his brother was probably like a hot commodity. If he went out socializing, he’d be swarmed by a bunch of fathers trying to throw their kids at him.

Then wouldn’t that mean he’d suddenly have a lot more rivals out of nowhere?

Shen Xingyan leaned back on the couch, watching him with an amused look, clearly waiting to see how he’d wriggle out of this one.

Jiang Mingyi sneakily pouted in his direction, then turned back to Su Wanxin and said, “Mom, think about it—my brother just took over the company. If he starts attending all these dinners, people might think Dad’s not capable anymore and has to rely on his son.”

“What would that say about our Shen Group? Won’t people think our company is unstable and that my brother’s being pushed to prove himself?”

Jiang Mingyi was losing confidence the more he spoke—what nonsense was he even spewing? Especially with the way Shen Xingyan was looking at him, it made him feel like he was making a fool of himself.

But Su Wanxin mulled it over and said, “Xiao Yi has a point. Since your dad’s still able, he should keep working harder. Otherwise, he’ll keep thinking about retiring early.”

Jiang Mingyi subtly scooted a bit away from her. He really thought—wow, she’s easy to convince. Even such a lame excuse made sense to her.

He let out a subtle sigh of relief.

At that moment, Shen Xingyan stood up. “I’m going upstairs to take a shower.”

Without waiting for Jiang Mingyi, he headed straight for the stairs.

Jiang Mingyi hesitated for a second before standing up as well. “Mom, I’m going to shower too. I smell like steak.”

Before Su Wanxin could respond, he quickly followed after him.

The two of them went up to the second floor one after the other. Suddenly, Shen Xingyan pinned him against the wall, leaned down, and kissed him. “What nonsense were you spouting earlier?”

Jiang Mingyi pressed his lips together and stiffened his neck. “What, are you questioning Mom now?”

“You little brat.” Shen Xingyan gave his nose a light bite. “Go take a shower first. I’ll come find you in a bit.”

Shen Xingyan released him and turned to walk toward his own room. Jiang Mingyi stared at his tall, elegant back and muttered, “Oh.”

Half an hour later, after finishing his shower, Jiang Mingyi had just dried his hair when someone pushed open the door.

Shen Xingyan walked in, but stopped in his tracks the moment he saw what Jiang Mingyi was wearing.

The boy’s frame was clearly on the thinner side. The loose shirt hung down past his butt, revealing a pair of long, pale legs. His bare feet were on the floor, and perhaps from nerves, his delicate toes curled slightly.

Hearing the sound, Jiang Mingyi turned around with a slightly shy smile on his face.

Shen Xingyan’s gaze instantly landed on his chest. The shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a slender collarbone and one smooth, milky shoulder.

“Why are you dressed like that?” Shen Xingyan stepped closer and only then realized—it was his shirt.

A soft flush had crept over Jiang Mingyi’s fair skin, making his features appear even more delicate and dazzling.

Shen Xingyan’s hand moved instinctively to stroke his cheek, his voice low and husky, “It’s still early, and you’re already trying to seduce me?”

“I’m not,” Jiang Mingyi murmured, eyes downcast, long lashes trembling slightly. “I accidentally got my pajamas wet, so I just grabbed something to wear.”

“And you just happened to grab my shirt.”

Jiang Mingyi heard him chuckle softly and mumbled, “Well, who told you to leave your clothes in my closet?”

“They’re for me to wear.”

“If they’re in my closet, that makes them mine,” Jiang Mingyi huffed with a couple of defiant grumbles.

Shen Xingyan followed up on his words: “Then if I stay in your room, I’m yours now.”

Jiang Mingyi: “…”

He cleared his throat with a reserved cough. “You’ve always been mine.”

“Then I’m very honored.”

Shen Xingyan suddenly pulled him into his arms, one hand resting on his lower back. Just an inch lower and it would touch that soft, springy butt.

The heat of his palm made Jiang Mingyi freeze for a second—his breath even stalled.

“Don’t hold me so tight. I just showered, still feeling a bit warm.”
His flushed face clearly spelled: Get away from me.

Shen Xingyan chuckled, “Weren’t you all flirty and teasing back at the office? Why’re you all shy now that we’re home?”

“It’s not being shy. I have something serious to talk to you about.”
Jiang Mingyi had no choice but to push him away a little himself.

“This isn’t serious enough for you?”

Meeting Shen Xingyan’s slightly upturned eyes, Jiang Mingyi paused for a beat. “Put away that garbage in your head. The serious thing I’m talking about is asking you to arrange a meeting with Pei Mingyue.”

Shen Xingyan’s hand was still on his slender waist, fingers rubbing through the thin shirt. But the moment he heard that, he immediately pinched Jiang Mingyi’s waist.

“Babe, don’t you think it’s a total buzzkill to bring up another man right now?”

“Forget about mood and buzz or whatever. Set up the meeting for me first, then we’ll talk.”
No matter how much Shen Xingyan tried to hint at other things, Jiang Mingyi was determined to get this done first.

Unable to change his mind, Shen Xingyan gave in, letting go and picking up his phone. “I can’t guarantee he’ll agree.”

Jiang Mingyi stared at him intently, eyes blazing. “If he doesn’t, you’re sleeping alone tonight.”

Well well, he’s learned how to threaten him now.

Shen Xingyan sighed inwardly and resigned himself to make the call.

Jiang Mingyi originally wanted him to put it on speaker, but after thinking it over, gave up.

Pei Mingyue had just gotten home when he received the call. “What is it?”

Glancing at the teen watching his phone closely, Shen Xingyan said casually, “Nothing big. Just thought we could have lunch tomorrow.”

“Having lunch with me for no reason?” Pei Mingyue frowned. “I’m hanging up.”

Shen Xingyan wasn’t surprised by his reaction but still stopped him, “It’s not totally without reason. There’s just a little something I want to talk to you about.”

Pei Mingyue paused. “Just say it over the phone.”

“If you don’t change that cold attitude, I’m seriously worried you’ll end up old and alone,” Shen Xingyan couldn’t help but tease.

“Not your concern.”

Who said I was worried about you?
He was worried about his own kid.

Jiang Mingyi, starting to lose patience, mouthed silently at him: Can you do this or not?

Of course, he could.

Shen Xingyan went straight to it: “Anyway, lunch tomorrow. Let’s meet at XX Western Restaurant.”

He didn’t give Pei Mingyue a chance to refuse and hung up right after.

Then he raised his brows proudly at Jiang Mingyi. “Done.”

“Then I’ll let you have half the bed tonight,” Jiang Mingyi said cheerfully as he flopped onto the bed, curling his finger at the man standing not far away.

Shen Xingyan felt he’d truly fallen from grace—having to rely on another man just to get into his boyfriend’s bed.

He let out a small hum, then pressed his smug little lover beneath him.
“I’ve spoiled you too much. You actually had the nerve to question whether I could do it or not.”