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The private room at the upscale Yancheng hotel restaurant was hushed, lit by the soft glow of chandeliers that made every surface feel expensive and distant. Pei Su sat across from Secretary Miao—his indispensable right hand, a poised woman in her mid-forties with sharp eyes, neatly pinned hair, and an unflappable calm that had seen her through years of his moods and crises. They were reviewing quarterly projections: numbers ticking upward, a few cautious notes on market volatility, Miao's precise handwriting filling the margins of the report
Pei Su was only half-listening. His thoughts kept circling back to Luo Weizhao's earlier text: Working late with a contact. Don't wait up, brat. He had replied with a single cat emoji rolling its eyes—his version of “be safe”—and tried to focus
Then the sliding door to the adjacent private room opened just enough for laughter to escape.Pei Su's gaze lifted automatically.
Through the narrow gap he saw Luo Weizhao—broad shoulders relaxed in a casual button-down, handsome face split by a wide, unguarded grin. Across the table sat a young man, early twenties, slim and animated, leaning forward with both elbows planted, laughing so hard his shoulders shook. The young man reached out, swatting Luo Weizhao's forearm playfully before letting his hand linger there—fingers curling lightly, eyes bright with easy, affectionate familiarity.
Luo Weizhao didn't pull away. He laughed again, deep and warm, and ruffled the young man's hair like an indulgent older brother.Pei Su's chopsticks froze mid-air.
Secretary Miao noticed instantly. She followed his line of sight, then returned her attention to Pei Su. The air around their table cooled subtly; she recognized that particular stillness in his posture—the elegant mask still intact, but the temperature dropping.
Secretary Miao (quiet, measured): "Captain Luo appears to be having an enjoyable evening."
Pei Su set his chopsticks down with careful precision. His voice remained even, almost pleasant.
Pei Su: "He does."
Another wave of laughter rolled through the gap. The young man leaned closer, saying something that made Luo Weizhao throw his head back, one large hand pressing to his chest as if the joke had physically winded him.
Pei Su's fingers tightened around the stem of his water glass.
Pei Su (soft, eyes never leaving the doorway): "Miao. Find out who that is.
"Secretary Miao didn't question the request. She simply nodded once, pulled out her phone, and began working—discreet taps, a quick message to a hotel contact, cross-referencing with Luo Weizhao's known associates. Less than ninety seconds later she slid the device toward him.
Secretary Miao (low): "Luo Chenxi. Distant cousin on his mother's side. University student, studying abroad, home for the summer. This appears to be a personal catch-up after the family reunion last week. The young man initiated the meeting."
Pei Su glanced at the screen: a candid photo from social media—Luo Chenxi grinning beside Luo Weizhao at a barbecue, arms slung around each other.
Cousin.
Distant cousin.
Pei Su exhaled slowly—controlled, measured. The sharp knot in his chest eased, but did not vanish entirely. He had seen the easy touches, the lingering hand, the laughter that belonged to quieter nights at home.
Pei Su: "Excuse me for a moment.
"Secretary Miao inclined her head slightly.
Secretary Miao: "Of course, Mr. Fei. I'll keep the tea warm."
Pei Su walked the short corridor between rooms, coat draped over one arm, posture impeccable. He slid the adjacent door open without knocking—quiet, deliberate.
The laughter inside stopped abruptly.Luo Weizhao looked up first. Surprise flashed across his face, then melted into something warmer, brighter.
Luo Weizhao: "Pei Su?"
The young man—Luo Chenxi—blinked, then lit up like a child spotting a favorite uncle.
Luo Chenxi (half-standing, excited): "Ge! This is him? The boyfriend? Hi! I'm Chenxi—his cousin, mom's side, like third cousin twice removed or whatever. He won't shut up about you!"
Pei Su stepped fully inside, door gliding shut behind him. His gaze moved from the boy to Luo Weizhao and back—assessing, cool, but softening at the edges when it settled on the captain.
Pei Su (voice smooth, but laced with something sharper): "Shixiong. You didn't mention you had company.
"Luo Weizhao stood immediately, crossing the small space in two strides. He reached out, fingers brushing Pei Su's wrist—grounding, possessive.
Luo Weizhao (low, teasing): "Didn't know you'd crash the party, brat. Chenxi just got back yesterday. Wanted to brag about his new internship.
Luo Chenxi (beaming, oblivious): "Yeah! Captain Luo-ge is basically my hero. He said you're super smart and kind of terrifying in the best way. Want to join? We have extra dumplings!
"Pei Su regarded the boy—bright, harmless, clearly idolizing his older cousin. Then he looked back at Luo Weizhao, whose hand had slid to the small of Pei Su's back, thumb rubbing slow, reassuring circles.The last thread of tension unraveled.
Pei Su (small, genuine curve to his lips): "Another time, perhaps. Enjoy your dumplings.
"He allowed Luo Weizhao to walk him back into the hallway, hand lingering at his waist.Once the door closed, Luo Weizhao gently backed Pei Su against the wall—out of sight of both rooms.
Luo Weizhao (murmuring, amused): "Jealous, rich boy?
"Pei Su (tilting his head, glasses catching the light): "Observant, shixiong. He was very… clingy."
Luo Weizhao chuckled low, leaning in to press a slow kiss to Pei Su's forehead.
Luo Weizhao: "He's twenty-two and thinks I'm cool. You're the only one who gets to be clingy with me at night.
"Pei Su's fingers curled into the front of Luo Weizhao's shirt.
Pei Su (quiet, almost vulnerable): "Then come home soon, Weizhao-ge. The bed feels empty without you."
Pei Su (quiet, almost vulnerable): "Then come home soon, Weizhao-ge. The bed feels empty without you
."Luo Weizhao's expression softened completely. He kissed Pei Su properly—deep, steady, reassuring.
Luo Weizhao: "Two hours. I'll wrap this up. Wait for me at home, brat.
Pei Su nodded once, then straightened his coat—elegant composure sliding back into place.
Pei Su: "Don't keep me waiting too long.
He returned to his own room,
where Secretary Miao waited with a fresh pot of tea.
Secretary Miao: Shall I order dessert to go? Something sweet for when the captain returns?
Pei Su glanced toward the wall separating the rooms, a small, private smile touching his lips.
Pei Su: "Yes. "