Chapter 26: I’m Just Playing Around With Him

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Jiang Fengmian stared at the door that had just closed behind Shi Qiu. In that moment, he realized this wasn’t Shi Qiu’s room.

“Shi Qiu?” Jiang Fengmian’s brows furrowed instinctively. “Whose room is this?”

His gut told him it was Zhong Xiyuan’s, but Jiang Fengmian didn’t say it out loud just yet.

Shi Qiu pulled out his key card and opened the door to his own room, speaking softly. “Ge, can we talk inside? It’s too cold out here.”

Jiang Fengmian’s furrowed brow relaxed slightly. He didn’t say anything and followed Shi Qiu into the room.

Once inside, Jiang Fengmian scanned the space. Seeing nothing out of place, he sat down in a chair and said, “Now tell me. Whose room were you just coming out of?”

Shi Qiu lowered his head and picked at his fingers, not answering.

Jiang Fengmian took a breath, trying to keep his tone calm. “It was Zhong Xiyuan, wasn’t it?”

Shi Qiu looked up cautiously, watching Jiang Fengmian’s expression. He didn’t speak, but his silence was already an admission.

Jiang Fengmian felt a heaviness settle in his chest. He beckoned with his hand. “Come here. Don’t stand so far away.”

Shi Qiu slowly walked over. Jiang Fengmian gestured for him to sit down and asked gently, “Tell me the truth. Did Zhong Xiyuan do something to you?”

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t be angry with you. Just don’t lie to me.” Jiang Fengmian coaxed. “Tell me, did Zhong Xiyuan hurt you in any way?”

Shi Qiu’s fingers curled slightly. He whispered, “No…”

Jiang Fengmian could smell unfamiliar body wash on him. In that context, Shi Qiu’s “no” felt weak and unconvincing. Seeing him shrink away like a turtle, Jiang Fengmian’s tone grew firmer.

“Shi Qiu, talk to me properly. Don’t stay silent like this. Otherwise, I’ll go confront Zhong Xiyuan myself.”

“No…” Shi Qiu quickly grabbed his wrist. “Gege…”

He hadn’t said anything yet, but his eyes were already red, filled with tears. He looked pitiful beyond words.

Anyone who didn’t know better might think Jiang Fengmian had scolded him harshly, when in fact he hadn’t even raised his voice.

“Don’t cry.” Jiang Fengmian’s heart ached seeing him like this, but he couldn’t let the matter slide. If Zhong Xiyuan had tricked or coerced his little gege, he would make sure Zhong paid the price.

“Please don’t cry. Just tell me what happened.” Jiang Fengmian cupped Shi Qiu’s face, gently forcing him to meet his eyes. “Did Zhong Xiyuan threaten you?”

Shi Qiu realized his fake tears weren’t working. He knew there was no escaping this conversation tonight. He mumbled softly, “No.”

Jiang Fengmian’s brows furrowed again. “No? Then why were you coming out of his room? Don’t lie to me.”

Shi Qiu’s lips moved slightly. In the end, he didn’t make up a story. If this wasn’t resolved today, Jiang Fengmian would keep guarding against Zhong Xiyuan. But Shi Qiu couldn’t cut Zhong off completely.

“We…” Shi Qiu spoke slowly, hesitating. “We’re just… playing around.”

Just playing around.

Jiang Fengmian’s mind went blank. He never imagined he’d hear those words from his own gege.

Was this still his sweet, innocent Shi Qiu?

His thoughts raced for a few seconds before he looked at Shi Qiu seriously. “Do you understand what you’re saying?”

He didn’t object to Shi Qiu being young and playful, but he was afraid Shi Qiu was being reckless or manipulated.

“I understand,” Shi Qiu whispered.

Jiang Fengmian frowned again. “Are you really doing this willingly?”

“Yes… I’m willing,” Shi Qiu said, head lowered, voice even softer.

Jiang Fengmian was silent for a few seconds. Then he suddenly reached out and pulled Shi Qiu into a hug.

“Alright. I believe you,” Jiang Fengmian said sincerely. “But if Zhong Xiyuan ever makes you unhappy, promise me you’ll tell ge right away.”

Shi Qiu thought, if he truly loved Jiang Fengmian to the point of obsession, this hug alone would have made him dizzy.

“Okay,” he whispered.

Jiang Fengmian let go and patted his head. “Then get some rest. I’ll head out.”

“Ge, take care.” Shi Qiu watched him leave, then collapsed onto the bed with a sigh.

Back in his own room, Jiang Fengmian pulled out his phone, opened his contacts, and called someone he hadn’t spoken to in a long time.

“Hello, Chengyan ge.”

“Fengmian?”

“Sorry to bother you so late, Chengyan ge. But I have a favor to ask.” Jiang Fengmian looked out at the hotel’s night view and spoke quietly.

“Go ahead,” Chengyan replied calmly.

“Can you help me look into Zhong Xiyuan’s private life? I want to know if he’s clean, especially his relationship history. He’s the youngest son of Director Zhong.” Jiang Fengmian lowered his gaze to the city lights. Even if it was just a casual fling, his gege’s fling had to be clean.

Chengyan jotted it down on a notepad and asked, “Why the sudden interest?”

“He… with my gege…” Jiang Fengmian hesitated, then said it. “Shi Qiu is young and inexperienced. I’m afraid Zhong Xiyuan is manipulating him.”

Chengyan’s pen froze. He paused for a moment before speaking slowly.

“You’re saying… Zhong Xiyuan and Shi Qiu…?”

The winter night wind was biting cold. Chengyan’s voice, falling into the darkness, carried a chill and a quiet sense of danger. 

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Translator note: 📌

📍Note: I’m pretty free lately, so I will be posting 3  to 4 chapters a day. Enjoy 🤭

📍Note: i got a new job so i will be busy. I wont be able to update everyday like before. 🥲 but, i will make sure to post 2 or 3 chapters every two days 🤗

Thank you for reading 💖 see you again in the next chapter, my lovely cherries 😘