Chapter 8

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When Xi Shi was suddenly nudged by Jing Chen, the surge of desire within him subsided a little. Sigh, he was obviously a reserved and restrained person before, so why did he act like he was on some aphrodisiac whenever he met Jing Chen? When he was with Shao Xun, Shao Xun insisted on preserving his first love’s chastity and never mentioned anything about this kind of thing; he had never thought about booking a hotel room with him either.

He once chatted with a friend, and when the topic turned to this matter, the friend was shocked to hear that they had been together for almost a year without sleeping together, almost dropping his jaw, asking how he managed to hold back. Xi Shi was even more shocked — what was there to hold back for? Now he realized that when it comes to someone who truly suits your taste, you really can’t resist.

But then again, Jing Chen was his kept man, after all; the arrangement was originally for certain needs, and he had even paid extra this time. So why should he hold back?

“Brother, it’s only five o’clock. Isn’t it a bit early to go now?” Xi Shi asked.

“Let’s eat first; that should be about right,” Jing Chen replied calmly.

“I told you last time that my car has a spacious interior. Want to check it out yourself?” Xi Shi stretched out his hand and placed it on Jing Chen’s thigh, his index finger drawing circles with a suggestive tone.

Jing Chen, usually composed and steady, almost lost control and nearly drove the car onto the curb.

He considered himself relatively traditional and conservative, with mature and independent standards for choosing a partner, emotionally dignified and restrained, career-focused. He thought being kept by a younger man was his limit, but it turned out his boundaries could be broken repeatedly—even in a parking lot... such an undignified place.

The “inspection” lasted quite a while. Absence makes the heart grow fonder; dry wood catches fire. The air was thick with damp stickiness.

An hour later, Xi Shi’s legs were weak as he climbed down from the back seat. The Porsche Panamera’s space was indeed cramped; his waist felt like it was about to break.

Seeing Jing Chen dressed neatly and stepping out of the car looking relaxed, Xi Shi ground his teeth. How did Jing Chen’s stamina seem even stronger after a week apart?

“What’s wrong?” Jing Chen asked, noticing the resentful look in his eyes.

“Nothing, just looking at you now, one word comes to mind,” Xi Shi said.

Jing Chen tossed the trash he had just generated into a nearby bin and asked, “What word?”

“Dressed-up beast.”

Jing Chen was speechless.

After that ordeal, the university student’s energy, more abundant than a husky’s, was completely exhausted. Xi Shi had no desire left to look at Jing Chen lustfully—he practically slept all the way to their destination.

Outside the Tianhe Mansion, luxury cars were parked everywhere.

Since it was a concert, attendees included not only business elites but also big names from the entertainment industry—directors, producers, and celebrities.

Concert tickets were tiered. Xi Shi got the tickets through a contact just a few days ago, so the timing was tight, and to avoid trouble, he only managed to get ordinary tickets.

Therefore, despite their outstanding appearances, in this profit-driven arena of fame and fortune, they did not attract much attention.

Entering the grand lobby of Tianhe Mansion, a vast hall with a dazzling crystal chandelier hung from the dome ceiling.

In the middle of the hall was the stage for the symphony orchestra. With ordinary tickets, they could only watch the performance in the lobby or go to the second and third-floor reception and lounge areas for socializing and refreshments.

VIP ticket holders could watch the performance in private rooms on the third floor.

A few rare VIP guest tickets allowed one to enjoy the show from the rooftop VIP lounge, with a top-tier feast and treatment fit for royalty.

Xi Shi was so hungry his chest was pressing against his back. “Brother, let’s go to the second-floor restaurant to eat something first.”

They were not here to socialize, so they skipped the cocktail party area.

Moreover, the gossip about Xi Shi’s broken engagement was still fresh; showing up there would only make them a topic for others.

Jing Chen didn’t need to socialize either and said, “Let’s go.”

While waiting for the elevator, a young man surrounded by a group of people walked by. Wearing sunglasses, chin raised slightly, eyes straightforward, he was like a star orbited by admirers, clearly a person of high status—who exactly, nobody knew.

Just then, the elevator arrived. Xi Shi and Jing Chen were about to enter when the elevator attendant stopped them with a hand.

“Please wait, the third young master of the Huo family goes first.”

Third young master of the Huo family? Damn, so this is a member of the richest Huo family! The third young master was likely the mysterious family head’s nephew. No wonder the entourage was so grand.

Xi Shi had never seen a living Huo family member before and couldn’t help but steal a few more glances.

The richest man, and here comes the third young master? No, it’s the money itself!

The third young master looked arrogant and overbearing. To avoid offending him, Xi Shi was about to pull Jing Chen aside, but Jing Chen nonchalantly asked, “Why should we let him go first?”

Coincidentally, just as Jing Chen spoke, the arrogantly striding third young master missed a step and nearly fell flat on his face.

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He pulled off his sunglasses in disbelief and looked at the two of them, about to say something, but saw Jing Chen lazily raise a hand to his mouth in a “hold it back” gesture, forcing the third young master to swallow his words.

Almost choked to death.

Xi Shi did not expect Jing Chen, usually mature and steady, to suddenly be so firm.

But since he wanted to back up his inexperienced and naive little lover who didn’t know how to avoid the powerful, Xi Shi also questioned the attendant, “Yes, we came first, why should we let him go first?”

The attendant nearly rolled his eyes, not caring about their identities but focused on who the other person was.

Before he could say anything, the noble third young master quickly approached, hastily saying, “No need to let you go first, no need.”

He had just been a proud peacock but now transformed into a tamed domestic chicken, smiling amiably, “You two came first, please, go ahead.”

Jing Chen was not polite at all, holding Xi Shi’s hand and stepping into the elevator.

The third young master’s expression turned incredulous when he saw their joined hands, even rubbing his eyes.

Actually, the elevator was spacious enough for the third young master and his entourage, but he didn’t dare step inside.

The elevator doors closed, and the entourage cautiously asked, “Third young master Huo, do you know those two just now?”

He immediately denied, “No, how could I know them?”

He dared not admit to knowing them!

Inside the elevator, Xi Shi smirked, “I suspect the third young master just now was taken by your good looks.”

“...???” Jing Chen was relieved he wasn’t walking at that moment, or he might have performed a similar fall.

He cleared his throat and asked, “Why do you say that?”

Xi Shi puffed up, “He was so proud just now, but when he saw your face, he immediately started acting humble and polite. He must be blinded by lust.”

Jing Chen chuckled silently.

“No worries, I’m loyal—I only need one employer.”

Xi Shi snorted, the corner of his mouth harder to suppress than an AK-47.

Hehe.

Hehehe.

After they finished eating, the performance was about to start, and guests were taking their seats one after another.

Their seats were near the front. As they found their spots, Jing Chen’s phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID and said, “You go ahead and sit. I’ll take this call.”

“Okay, go ahead,” Xi Shi replied.

Jing Chen stepped outside to answer the phone. Xi Shi sat down alone, and barely had his butt touched the seat when a middle-aged man sitting nearby, who had been eyeing him, tentatively spoke.

“Mr. Xi?”

Xi Shi turned his head. The man smiled upon seeing his face. “It really is you, Mr. Xi. A pleasure.”

“Who are you...?”

“I’m Yu Wanjia, head of Wanjia Entertainment. Here’s my business card.”

Yu Wanjia handed over his card with both hands. Xi Shi took it and immediately felt something off.

Looking closely, the card was pure gold, weighing nearly ten grams.

At the current gold market price, worth several thousand yuan.

Ridiculous.

No matter how rich someone is, they wouldn’t casually hand out pure gold business cards. Xi Shi toyed with the card, smirking, “So you’re President Yu.”

“Yes, yes, didn’t expect to run into you here. Why aren’t you sitting in the VIP section?”

“Because mine are ordinary tickets.”

“...” Yu Wanjia choked, then laughed, “Ordinary tickets are good, very approachable, haha. By the way, didn’t Young Master Shao come with you?”

Xi Shi raised an eyebrow. He’s just a college student—why would anyone flatter him like this? Oh, it was because of Shao Xun.

But this entertainment company boss hadn’t heard about Shao Xun breaking off the engagement. With such insight, maybe he should give up on the entertainment industry and work in a factory.

Before Xi Shi could respond, a woman sitting a few rows ahead burst out laughing.

She turned around, giggling, “This gentleman probably doesn’t know; last week Young Master Shao broke off the engagement.”

Not far behind Xi Shi, the third young master Huo, sneaking in and overhearing, clutched his chest.

Just broken off an engagement... that’s quite a bombshell.

Yu Wanjia looked shocked, “Is that true?”

“Of course it’s true. Otherwise, do you think the fiancée of Young Master Shao would stoop to sitting with us ordinary ticket holders?”

Since deciding to end the engagement with Shao Xun, Xi Shi had prepared himself to be the subject of gossip and ridicule.

Being laughed at was nothing; it wasn’t like it was the end of the world, especially since he had already taken ten million!

So he wasn’t embarrassed and even retorted, “That’s not true. When I was still Young Master Shao’s fiancé, I also sat in ordinary seats.”

At this, the third young master Huo couldn’t help but chuckle.

Xi Shi thought, why does everyone laugh with a “pfft” sound? Are they all popping balloons?

Yu Wanjia, however, was not amused. Xi Shi’s words were a direct admission that the engagement had ended.

Thinking back to his earlier fawning, his expression darkened.

“Mr. Xi,” Yu Wanjia said bluntly, “I accidentally gave you the wrong card earlier. This is my real business card. Please return the golden one.”

He handed over a paper card.

Xi Shi didn’t take the paper card but returned the gold one to him, saying with a “thoughtful” smile, “Make sure you look carefully next time, President Yu.”

Yu Wanjia’s face worsened.

He took back the gold card, disdainfully wiped it twice on his sleeve, and snorted, “What bad luck.”

Xi Shi was speechless.

At that moment, Jing Chen returned from his call and saw Xi Shi’s angry look.

“What happened?” he asked.

Xi Shi didn’t want to bring negative energy and took a deep breath to calm down, then smiled, “Nothing, brother.”

Jing Chen squinted his eyes and glanced at the third young master Huo, who was trying hard to pretend he didn’t exist.

Two minutes later, Jing Chen’s phone vibrated. A contact saved as “Huo Siyuan” sent a message. Jing Chen quickly skimmed it and said nothing.

But five minutes later, just before the performance started, a big boss entered Tianhe Mansion.

Known as Master Ye Si, everyone recognized him. Ignoring the flattery from the crowd, he scanned the room and then strode purposefully in a direction.

Xi Shi was trying to figure out how to lift the armrest between him and Jing Chen to get closer.

However, the switch was probably corroded from age. When he applied some force, “snap”—the switch broke off.

“...” Xi Shi was dumbfounded.

“Mr. Xi.”

He looked up at the voice, feeling guilty holding the broken switch.

He only broke a switch; surely the big boss behind Tianhe wouldn’t demand compensation personally.

Xi Shi chuckled nervously, “Uh, it wasn’t intentional. I’ll pay for it.”

“No need, no need,” Master Ye Si smiled even more brightly. “I wasn’t prepared for your arrival, so I had a VIP seat ready for you on the top floor. I came to invite you.”

“...” Xi Shi was speechless.

“I’ve already broken off my engagement with the Shao family. No need to be so polite.”

Master Ye Si’s smile didn’t change. “I’m here specifically to invite you. It has nothing to do with the Shao family. You yourself are from a wealthy family; no need to rely on others’ favor.”

“.........”

Such niche speech; Xi Shi didn’t understand a word.

Not knowing what he was up to, Xi Shi declined, “No thanks, this place is fine.”

Master Ye Si didn’t insist and said warmly, “If you need anything, just ask the staff here to find me. I’ll be here all night.”

“Okay.”

Master Ye Si turned and left. The surrounding people’s gazes toward Xi Shi changed.

Especially Yu Wanjia, who almost beat his chest in regret.

Master Ye Si was a significant figure. Even the head of the Shao family might not be treated so humbly in his presence.

It was unimaginable what kind of backing Xi Shi had gained after being broken off.

Xi Shi was even more puzzled, looking at the silent Jing Chen.

This guy was truly composed, never changing expression.

Or maybe he didn’t know Master Ye Si, so he didn’t understand what had just happened.

“Brother.”

“Hm?” Jing Chen turned his head, “What is it?”

“I have a bold idea.”

“What idea?”

“I suspect I’m the illegitimate son of the richest man who got lost outside. Otherwise, where would this kind of face come from?”

Jing Chen: “…………”

Nice suspicion. Next time, don’t suspect it anymore.