BL Ch54

The sudden, passionate embrace caught Yu Duqiu off guard for a moment. The first thought that flashed through his mind was that the person behind him would definitely throw a tantrum. For the sake of family peace, he politely returned the hug, then placed his hands on the man’s waist, gently pushing him away. He smiled and asked, “When did you come back? You didn’t even tell me.”

The man grumbled, “It sounds like you keep in touch with me all the time.”

It had been a long time since Yu Duqiu had heard such a spoiled tone, and his voice softened in response, “Didn’t we talk a few days ago?”

“You dare to say that? You only contact me when you want to order paintings or need something. Too many new loves, can’t remember the old one?” The man’s gaze shifted to the bodyguard who had been quietly watching them, and with a smile, he continued, “The quality of your new one is high, so young. Surely he’s better than me, an old man who’s losing his charm.”

“Haha, wasn’t it you who couldn’t handle me back then? I’ve never complained about your age, don’t blame me for that.” Yu Duqiu wrapped his arm around the man and turned around. “Let me introduce you. This is my new bodyguard, Bai Zhao. He’s not my new lover. I’m still single. Bai Zhao, this is my art consultant—”

“Mr. Lu.” Bai Zhao extended his hand and gave a slight bow. “I’ve heard much about you.”

Yu Duqiu’s smile froze on his face, and his gaze quickly turned cold.

Lu Jinyu was a bit surprised. “Duqiu mentioned me? I didn’t expect him to really think about me. I thought he was just saying that. This guy talks sweetly but rarely speaks the truth.”

Bai Zhao smiled coldly, “You were his first, and also the one he dated the longest, for 136 days. Of course, he remembers.”

“He still remembers those little details?” Lu Jinyu, though surprised, was somewhat touched. He said with some guilt, “Duqiu, you’ve really been thinking about me all this time? Did I hurt you when I left?”

“…Yeah, a little.” Yu Duqiu’s sharp gaze kept cutting through the man’s face, while Bai Zhao seemed oblivious, maintaining his usual calm and cool demeanor, staring back at him.

There was no hint of remorse or an apology.

Once was not enough to step on his bottom line; now there was a second time. Did this man really think that his status and favoritism would give him immunity?

Yu Duqiu sneered inwardly, tightening his embrace around Lu Jinyu, his lips brushing against his ear as he whispered affectionately, “I’ve finished looking through the exhibition hall. I don’t have anything else to do this afternoon. Jinyu, do you have time before the banquet? Let’s catch up.”

Lu Jinyu seemed to be tickled by the warm breath near his ear. He lowered his head, his demeanor obedient and bashful, the mature aura mixing with a hint of shyness, making him even more captivating. “Sure… Where shall we catch up?”

“You tell me.”

Lu Jinyu thought for a moment, then softly made an invitation, “I happen to be staying at this hotel… Duqiu, would you like to come to my room?”

“Sure.” Yu Duqiu agreed without hesitation, tightening his arm around Lu Jinyu and pulling him closer. “I really need your comfort, really. You don’t know what kind of bland days I’ve had for the past half-year…”

Just as he took a step, his suit suddenly tightened.

Yu Duqiu turned his head, his eyes scanning up and down, then locked onto the man holding onto the back of his jacket. His voice was cold as he asked, “Is there something else?”

“Ji Lin may come to report to you soon.” Bai Zhao’s gaze was sincere, and he spoke seriously, “You should stay.”

Yu Duqiu raised an eyebrow. “Stay here so you can keep monitoring me? Do you really think I’ve forgiven you?”

“You forgot me first, young master.” Bai Zhao tightened his fist, the suit in his hand wrinkling. “How else could I see you again?”

“Stop pretending to be pitiful.” Yu Duqiu sneered. “Can’t you just look at me openly? Can’t you come to me and explain yourself, make me remember you? What exactly are your intentions? Only you know.”

“I have no ulterior motive. I’m just here to protect you, like I said.”

“I need you to protect me? If it weren’t for the recent shortage of staff, do you think I would let you get close to me?”

Lu Jinyu looked surprised, his gaze moving back and forth between the two.

In his impression, he had never heard Yu Duqiu speak such harsh and sharp words. Even when he was angry, he always smiled, charming and poised. Sometimes, the angrier he got, the more crazily he smiled, leaving people chilled and unsure.

But right now, the Yu Duqiu with furrowed brows and pursed lips looked as angry as any ordinary person, unmistakably obvious, without any concealment.

It was as if he had forgotten to wear his usual mask, or perhaps, unconsciously taken it off in front of this person.

This was the most real Yu Duqiu, the truest emotion he had shown.

Lu Jinyu was quietly stunned, unsure whether seeing this unknown side of his boss was a good or bad thing. He wisely chose to remain silent and watch the situation unfold.

After Yu Duqiu had finished his reprimand, his mind caught up with his words. Listening to himself, he realized it was a bit undignified, but it was too late to take it back.

After being scolded, Bai Zhao remained silent for a moment, then slowly applied more pressure, pulling at his suit, his hand firmly clutching a poppy flower print in his palm. His voice was slightly hoarse, “Some people only need a plane ticket to see you, but for me, I have to risk my life to see you. Is my longing less important?”

The long standoff attracted curious glances from others. Yu Duqiu loosened his shirt collar but still felt the air was stifling.

What “less important”? This guy clearly wanted to be above him.

Controlling his whereabouts, monitoring his life, as if seeing him as a pet bird.

Only those who control everything are the safest and most reliable.

Even though Yu Duqiu was very aware of his own feelings, even though he had always followed his whims, when it came to this matter, he would never back down.

“I never said you were less important, but your way of doing things makes me uncomfortable, and your intentions are dubious. Maybe deep down you’re a twisted, perverted voyeur,” Yu Duqiu said coldly.

Bai Zhao looked at him, his gaze calm, “Do you want to cut open my heart and see? Go ahead, try your new ring.”

Yu Duqiu was certain this was said with seriousness, the same look in Bai Zhao’s eyes as when Charlotte had pressed a gun to his chest that night.

“I don’t want to stain my new ring. Let’s go, Jinyu.”

“How can I keep you?” Bai Zhao asked one last question. “I’m out of options, young master.”

“That’s something you need to figure out, don’t ask me. You care about me, not the other way around.” Yu Duqiu pulled his suit free, noticing the wrinkles on it. He frowned. “You… forget it, it’s not like it won’t be wrinkled anyway.”

Lu Jinyu seemed to still have something to say, but Yu Duqiu didn’t give him the chance. He firmly pulled him into the elevator heading to the guest rooms without looking back.

Ji Lin had finished reporting the latest clue, and when he returned, he found no one in front of the display case. After a quick glance around, he spotted the trio whispering in a corner.

He leaned in, “What are you doing here? Eating sunflower seeds?”

Zhao Feihua was startled, almost jumping up. “Captain Ji! How come you walk without a sound? You scared me to death.”

“You were so into your conversation, it’s your fault,” Ji Lin said, speechless. “Where are your young master and his little bodyguard?”

Lou Baoguo put his arm around Ji Lin’s shoulder and pulled him into their secretive discussion area, whispering, “You just missed a dramatic scene! Young master’s first love came to reconcile with him. My big brother lost in the competition for his favor and got abandoned. We don’t know where he ran off to. Do you think he might do something drastic?”

“Don’t ask me, ask someone else,” Ji Lin replied, uninterested in the gossip, focusing on finding Yu Duqiu and telling him about the findings from Xu Sheng’s investigation. “Where did that person with the last name Yu and his little lover go? I need to find him.”

Zhao Feihua sighed. “If you find them now, it’s either raiding a brothel or joining the two.”

Ji Lin paused, then became furious. “What the hell, with everything going on, and he still has time for sex?!”

The surrounding guests overheard the last two words and shot them strange looks.

“…” Ji Lin lowered his head in embarrassment, muttering, “I knew he was the least reliable! How long does he need to get things done? Can he come back in half an hour?”

Lou Baoguo looked astonished. “Half an hour? You underestimate him. A former lover once described him like this: ‘After being with Young Master Yu, you’ll know that the perpetual motion machine is not a myth.’”

“…………”

On the third floor’s guest room corridor.

Lu Jinyu opened the door, but the first thing he did upon entering was pour water to make tea.

Yu Duqiu took off his suit jacket and casually hung it in the closet by the door. He walked over to him, pressing down on the teapot. “No need to bother, I don’t want any.”

Lu Jinyu still poured a cup of tea, holding it in his hands as he turned to face him, pressing it toward his face. The hot water still retained heat even through the thick porcelain cup. Yu Duqiu was scalded, stepping back involuntarily, asking, “Why are you trying to burn me?”

“You’re angry,” Lu Jinyu blew gently on the steam, curious. “That little bodyguard actually managed to provoke you in just a few words. Impressive, what’s his story?”

“Just a voyeur,” Yu Duqiu rubbed his forehead helplessly, getting straight to the point. “He crossed the line. You know I value my privacy. It’s surprising I didn’t chase him away, and yet he dares to bring it up in front of me. Does he think he’s someone special to me?”

It was the first time Lu Jinyu had heard of such a bizarre way of chasing someone. After processing it for a moment, he said, “That’s crazy. When you were in the States, security even carried guns. If he got caught, he might’ve lost his life.”

Yu Duqiu, hands in pockets, leaned against the wall. “That’s why I said he’s hard to deal with. Being with him, my nerves are constantly on edge. If I slack off, he’ll find a chance. If he hadn’t stopped me, I might not have come with you. But because he did, I had no choice but to leave. I can’t let him think he can control me.”

Lu Jinyu sighed lightly. “Duqiu, let me be blunt, don’t you often spy on people with surveillance? When I joined the company, we had already been together for months, but you didn’t trust me and did a thirty-page background check on me. Your controlling nature actually scared me away.”

Yu Duqiu shrugged without remorse. “You’re implying I have double standards? Or saying I deserve it?”

Lu Jinyu set the teacup down, stepped forward, and hugged him, smiling as he kissed his chin. “What I’m saying is, while his methods may be poor and unacceptable for ordinary people, for you, maybe it’s the kind of obsessive, feverish love that’s required to touch your heart. Do you dare say you’ve never been moved for a second?”

“I don’t believe in his so-called love at first sight,” Yu Duqiu pushed away from his embrace and walked towards the bedroom, speaking as if to no one in particular. “Just because I gave him some timely warmth and comfort, he’s obsessed to such a pathological degree? It doesn’t make sense, and it’s not enough to convince me to stop doubting him.”

Lu Jinyu followed him into the room, leaning against the bedroom doorframe, asking leisurely, “Who’s asking you to believe in love at first sight? I asked if you’ve been moved, why are you avoiding the question?”

Yu Duqiu rested his hand on his chin, lightly tapping his cheek, his long eyelashes lowered as he gazed at the carpet. After a long pause, he didn’t answer.

Lu Jinyu, having known him for a long time, understood that Yu Duqiu wasn’t as deep as he appeared now. Back then, Yu Duqiu was just a college student with a sharp mind but lacking the control he had now. His actions and words still gave away his emotions.

What Lu Jinyu knew best was that the more Yu Duqiu didn’t care about something or someone, the more he would casually toss the word “like” around.

But once something truly entered his heart, he would say very little.

The reason was simple: he didn’t want, or perhaps didn’t dare, to reveal his true feelings.

Lu Jinyu had worked with many wealthy clients, having seen many similar situations where a single furrowed brow could cost someone their job. But someone like Yu Duqiu, who was so cautious, was rare.

After several seconds, Yu Duqiu still didn’t answer, but the answer was already clear. Lu Jinyu smiled and said, “You know the answer in your heart. Why did you act so fierce with him earlier? Be careful, you might have scared him off for real.”

Yu Duqiu snorted indifferently. “That just proves his love isn’t worth much. I only believe in undying love, even if the one who causes his death is me.”

Lu Jinyu walked to the side of the bed, stood in front of him, and asked, “Hasn’t he already declared his love with death?”

Yu Duqiu shook his head. “He’s just young and impulsive. If what he said is all true, then he was only after me for my looks. Such feelings can be intense, but they have a weak foundation and won’t withstand the test of time. He’s just obsessed with my appearance. What happens when I grow old? Will he still be this infatuated with me? The answer is obvious.”

Lu Jinyu was speechless. “So when he tells the truth, it’s not right, and when he lies, it’s also wrong. What do you want from him? And why are you thinking so far ahead? You’re already considering what will happen when you’re old… When I asked you to think about the future, you told me to ‘enjoy life while we can.’”

Yu Duqiu’s gaze flickered, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t want to enjoy life with me?”

Lu Jinyu leaned down and gently caressed his cheek. “Of course, I want to, who doesn’t crave your beauty… I’m not a good person, though. Since you two are arguing, I’ll take advantage of the situation. Want to kiss me?”

“You know I don’t like it.”

“Still so cold.” Lu Jinyu took off his suit jacket, tossing it aside, and continued undoing his shirt buttons. “You, you appear carefree and flirtatious, but you’re harder to please than anyone. When it comes to bed, you act like you’re guarding yourself, needing to be in control, and no one can make you lose your mind. I often suspect you might be cold in bed, mentally speaking.”

The shirt dropped lightly to the floor, crumpled. Yu Duqiu felt something warm and soft drape over his legs, and light kisses began to fall on his neck.

“But physically, you’re already irresistible, so no one minds… including me. If your need for control weren’t so strong, I’d gladly spend my life with you.”

Their skin touched, the familiar and ordinary sensation of heat radiating from the body in his arms.

Yu Duqiu looked past the bare shoulder of the person in his arms, his gaze landing on his raised palm.

Not hot enough.

He’d touched hotter.

[No matter how long the night lasts, the sun will always rise again. It will bloom again. It’s a natural law that can’t be changed.]

There seemed to be a flicker of fire in his eyes, urging him to increase his heartbeat, and as their hands gradually warmed in a subtle friction, the temperature rose, even breaking out into a thin sheen of sweat.

[Simply put… you can’t shake me off.]

The fire wasn’t his; it was about to burn himself. Now… it was his turn to control this increasingly intense, almost burning desire.