Chapter 40 [VIP]

A notification popped up, indicating a new message had arrived.

Chenmian grabbed her phone, her face stiffening as she read the contents. She instinctively looked at the person in front of her.

Lin Langli asked, "Shen Jinshan?"

Chenmian nodded, and the phone was snatched away the next second. The young man frowned as he scanned the messages, quickly deleted the number, and then added the new number to his blacklist.

After doing all this, the tense lines on Lin Langli's face relaxed slightly.

“Alright,” he said, deliberately softening his tone, and reached out to rub the soft, fluffy back of the sleeping boy’s head. “He’s always bothering you like this, it’s so annoying. You clearly don’t want to talk to him, so why are you pretending not to understand? How many times has he contacted you lately?”

Lin Langli narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharpening, and lowered his voice: "Did you meet with him behind my back?"

Chenmian shook her head. "No." Then she added, "I don't need your help."

Lin Langli scrutinized him for a few seconds, making sure there was nothing suspicious about his sleeping expression, before he finally relaxed a little. Suppressing his displeasure at having his favorite thing seen and coveted by others, he continued their previous conversation: "No one else will see, so why can't I apply it?"

Chenmian raised her foot to kick him, but the force was weak, more like a feeble protest: "What man would wear toenail polish? You pervert, don't try to apply those ideas to me!"

Lin Langli let out a soft, ambiguous hum from his nose, grabbed the boy's ankle as he kicked, and ground his fingertips into the protruding knuckles with a subtle yet irresistible teasing and control.

This contest ultimately ended in a slumbering defeat.

He was pressed down on the sofa, his feet resting on Lin Langli's palms. The young man first rubbed his fingertips together for a while, then couldn't help but lower his head to kiss and lick them, marveling, "Why is it that Mianmian, you look so good here too?" Finally, he began to slowly and methodically paint the boy's nails.

Finally, Chenmian stared at the ten bright red patches on his feet and couldn't help but make an excuse to go back to school.

Lin Langli, however, seemed oblivious to his hint and picked up his schoolbag to accompany him.

With the final two weeks approaching the end of the semester and classes already over, Chen Mian made an excuse to send Lin Langli to fetch his things.

Finally, I can have my own time alone. I sit on a bench by the river on campus, gazing absently at the still green river in winter.

The temperature in January was unbearable, so Chenmian buried half her face under a scarf and wore a knitted hat, making thorough preparations for going out.

Winter break was just around the corner. He didn't go back to the Shen family home with Lin Langli on New Year's Day, deliberately avoiding Shen Jinshan. It wasn't until Su Yueqiu called him later that he learned Shen Jinshan hadn't gone back that day either.

His mother complained that none of the four children in the family came home to keep them company. Chenmian coaxed his mother for a while, and under Shen Mianjun's questioning, he nervously assured her that his relationship with Lin Langli had improved recently—Lin Langli had "forgiven" him.

Shouldn't you forgive him? He's already sacrificed so much.

Wrapping her coat tighter, Chenmian couldn't help but review the events of the past few days.

Lin Langli was a complete control freak, relentlessly invading his life.

From what underwear and socks he wears every day, to who he texts with, even... thinking of the scene that morning when Lin Langli forced him to paint his toenails, the boy's sense of humiliation surged up again, and his eyes became slightly hot.

He's still a man, yet he's being controlled by another man like this. At home, he's constantly being hugged and kissed, and at night he can't shake off the other man's body heat. His previous social interactions with others have been ruthlessly cut off.

Lin Langli even brought up the incident where he was almost molested at the swimming pool, accusing him, "It's all because you're too pretty, too cute, and too flamboyant. If you didn't walk around like a socialite, would other people have any ideas about you?"

He huddled in the corner of the bed, tears welling in his eyes, and retorted, "And what about you? I hated you so much back then, and I resisted you. Why did you have those kinds of feelings for me?"

Lin Langli's expression instantly turned ugly.

After a long silence, he finally heard the man reply, "So this is even more your fault. You're always so cold to me, then warm to me again. One moment you're begging me to get along with you, and the next you're off to be with other men..."

He paused, then said in a serious yet enigmatic tone, "In short, now that you're with me, I won't let you have any contact with other men."

—Control freak.

He thought through gritted teeth in his sleep.

But then he fell into an even more pathetic state of mind. Lin Langli’s daily declarations of love and meticulous care for him were like a frog being slowly boiled in water, causing him to develop a shameful dependence.

If someone, after seeing through his true nature and witnessing all his ugliness and wickedness, still shows him almost obsessive sincerity, even the most hard-hearted person will soften a little at some point, and may even develop a morbid sense of pride.

What's more, the two of them had been in close physical contact for so long, their lips and teeth had been rubbing together for so long.

Often, with just a glance, Shenmian could feel the aggressiveness under Lin Langli's burning gaze. Even if he tried to pretend to ignore that gaze, his body's familiar reaction would still make his heart flutter.

As she slept, she wrapped her scarf tighter around herself, feeling another indescribable chill creep up from the soles of her feet.

Will he fall into the sweet trap that Lin Langli, so high and mighty, has prepared for him?

I hope that I don't fall into a deep sleep.

"Sleep?" Just then, a soft call came from behind, hesitant in tone, but the voice was exceptionally moving.

Chenmian felt the sound was familiar and turned around to look.

The newcomer had a handsome and gentle face, and his eyes fell softly on him.

"It really is you, Sleep."

A face that seemed familiar. Chenmian squinted twice before pulling the answer from her memory.

“It’s you, Zong…” A surge of surprise welled up in Shen Mian’s heart, but she got stuck on the name. It wasn’t until the person opposite her smiled and prompted her that she suddenly realized, “Zong Bingwen, umm, I remember you.”

It was very cold today, but Zong Bingwen was only wearing a gray-black overcoat with a black undershirt underneath. It was an outfit that could easily look dull, but he made it look handsome and dashing thanks to his naturally good physique, and it even looked a bit casual.

The man approached with a smile: "Chenmian, why are you here all alone?" He also sat down next to the boy very naturally, about an arm's length away.

The distance was actually quite close, but surprisingly, he didn't feel his space being invaded. He could also smell the man's gentle fragrance, a scent of vanilla and musk, warm and reassuring.

Chen Mian's expression softened, and she tilted her head to chat casually with Zong Bingwen.

They talked about how Chenmian finally got down the mountain that day. Chenmian glanced at the other person who was uncomfortable in the story of carrying him down the mountain and said lightly that he should thank him, but unfortunately he didn't meet him the next day.

Chenmian said, "You dirtied the handkerchief you gave me. I should buy you a new one. Shall we go buy one together now?"

Zong Bingwen smiled and shook his head, glancing at his watch: "No need, Chenmian. Have your companions arrived yet? I should be visiting your home for the New Year. Would you like to prepare a gift that you like for me?"

After uttering the last word, Lin Langli's voice, tinged with displeasure, rang out at the opportune moment: "Slumber."

Hearing his name called by that voice, Chenmian subconsciously frowned, but did not turn around to look.

Lin Langli had already walked to the boy's side. The young man's hand was rubbing Shen Mian's shoulder with a possessive touch, and his gaze extended to the other person beside the boy, sweeping over him coldly.

"Who are you?"

Zong Bingwen did not answer, but calmly stood up and said goodbye to Chenmian: "I hope you will be happier when I see you next time. I'm leaving now, Chenmian."

After saying that, he winked at Chenmian twice, his expression almost sly.

Chenmian nodded with a "hmm" and watched his tall figure walk away with some regret, completely unaware that Lin Langli beside her was already exuding a terrifying aura.

“Slumber,” Lin Langli lowered his eyes, looking down at him, taking in the boy’s long, dark eyelashes and water-red lips. “Who is he?”

The young man's voice was slightly cold, and even though it wasn't very obvious, his calm tone was enough to make Shenmian's heart skip a beat.

Shenmian's heart skipped a beat. She didn't really want to explain, knowing that once she opened her mouth, Lin Langli would definitely keep asking questions.

The force applied to the shoulder was a bit too strong.

Chenmian reluctantly began, "That was the day you forced me to stay on the mountain all night, during which time I met a kind person who gave me water."

This answer clearly failed to satisfy Lin Langli. Recalling the man's outstanding appearance and demeanor, as well as the meaningful smile he gave Shen Mian before leaving, the young man's anger flared. His tone became sharp and sarcastic as he questioned, "Shen Mian, you're a grown man, don't you know not to accept things from strangers outside?"

"...Would someone really chase me into the mountains to kidnap me and abduct me?" Chenmian couldn't help but get angry and asked back.

Lin Langli chuckled and said in an extremely dismissive tone, "Who knows? A young boy like you," he paused for a moment, his gaze almost tangible as he slowly swept over Chenmian's entire body, "it's not impossible that you were kidnapped by bad guys and locked up at home, where they would fuck you and ejaculate into you every day. It's a good thing you're a man and can't have children, otherwise you would have given birth to a whole litter of little brats for them."

He laughed again, staring at Chenmian's face, which had turned deathly pale, and maliciously added, "But if you're capable of having children, you should have given birth to them for me first. What I've given you is enough for you to get pregnant with several babies."

Chenmian trembled with anger, her eyes reddening like pink pearls, and tears quickly welled up inside.

Lin Langli, that bastard! How dare he say such filthy and vulgar things to him in broad daylight! As if he were nothing more than a plaything for someone to vent their lust.

Is this what Lin Langli meant by "love"? What kind of love is this in the world?!

He was so angry he couldn't utter a rebuttal. He glared at Lin Langli, then abruptly stood up and strode away without looking back. His pace quickened until he was almost jogging, leaving Lin Langli behind.

Lin Langli called his full name from behind, his voice cold and deep. Chenmian covered his ears and ran even faster.

But where could he run off to? Shen Ci had another competition recently and hadn't seen him for a long time. With no other reliable people around, Shen Mian spent the afternoon feeling wronged in the coffee shop, and finally had no choice but to return to his own house.

He felt just like the pitiful wife in those horror stories, who was tightly controlled by her husband and had nowhere to escape.

Even with a heart full of anger and grievances, one still has to return to the side of the abuser.

With tears in her eyes, Chenmian opened the door.

As expected, Lin Langli was waiting for him in the living room. He exuded a deep and menacing aura, as if a storm was brewing.

However, when Chenmian tried to bypass him and go straight back to his room, Lin Langli's expression changed instantly. He followed him, gently hugged him from behind, and spoke with unprecedented sincerity and humility.

"Mianmian, I was wrong this afternoon." His lips brushed against Shen Mian's ear, his voice low and gentle. "I shouldn't have said those things to you. I was just... so afraid that someone else would take you away from me. So I was so jealous that I went crazy and said things without thinking. It's all my fault." He even grabbed Shen Mian's hand and slapped himself across the face, the force unrestrained, making a crisp sound. "You can hit me, but please don't ignore me, okay?"

Feeling the warm embrace behind her and hearing the almost humble plea in her ear, Chenmian's heart softened for a moment, both shamefully and deeply.

"You're never allowed to say that to me again." His voice choked with emotion, but he ultimately gave in. "You know, I've only ever been with you."

That night, after Lin Langli climbed into his bed, he didn't stop there as usual, but instead gave him a good hard time.

When he went in, Chenmian was still dazed. He kicked and punched Lin Langli desperately, sobbing and cursing him for raping him. But the other man did not stop. Instead, he enthusiastically agreed in his ear: "That's right, a little bastard like you should be raped."

Chenmian was repeatedly torn apart by overwhelming pleasure and extreme humiliation, crying so hard he could barely breathe. He thought Lin Langli had gone mad. After it was over, when Lin Langli carried him to take a shower and clean him up, Chenmian was limp and incoherently repeated words like "I want to break up" and "I'll never be with you again."

This prompted Lin Langli to stare at him coldly for a long while before asking, "Break up? And then what? Go find that guy surnamed Zong from today? Or go back to your good brother Shen Jinshan?"

Finally, Chenmian couldn't bear it any longer. He was completely overwhelmed by those words, gripped by fear and an unfathomable despair. He shook his head in despair, tears streaming down his face, and incoherently said that he regretted it.

"Regret?" Chen Mian didn't see the chilling expression on Lin Langli's face as he repeated those words, nor the barely contained murderous aura emanating from him. "You've already ruined me, and you still want to run away?"

A note from the author:

Lin is quite perceptive, haha.

He immediately discovered his love rival.