Chapter Thirty-Six
"Dongdong, what's going on between Hu Zi and Lu Nan?"
After Cheng Xiangdong returned from Haicheng, he first went to see his father. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cheng's father got straight to the point.
Cheng Xiangdong was taken aback, then smiled. "What do you think?"
“They really are…” Cheng’s father paused, squeezing out a sentence from his throat. “Homosexuality?”
Cheng Xiangdong shrugged. "Probably."
"This is outrageous!" Cheng's father stood up from his leather chair and paced back and forth in the office. "I knew why the kids were fighting, and sure enough, it's either about loyalty or feelings."
"Then what did you say?"
"I..." Cheng's father paced heavily on the carpet, his hands behind his back. "In short, this is just wrong."
"Dad, you've traveled all over the country for so many years, haven't you ever seen a homosexual?"
"I've met them, and I don't discriminate." He's open and accepting of business partners who are gay. Doing business is about integrity and efficiency, not the other person's sexual orientation. But his own children aren't business partners; they're his most precious family members!
"Then why can't you accept Hu Zi and Nan Nan's relationship?"
“They are the most precious children in the family…” Cheng’s father sighed. Everyone knew the two had a good relationship, but once that relationship changed, it was something no parent could accept. “Otherwise, how about sending Tiger abroad?”
"Dad, give them some time," Cheng Xiangdong advised.
"Why?" Cheng's father frowned. It was better to bring this up sooner rather than later.
"Lu Nan was just assaulted, and she needs Hu Zi's comfort most right now. You didn't tell Lu's parents, did you?"
Cheng's father shook his head. "Of course not, only the two of us know about this."
"That's good. Let's just let this matter rest and let them finish their university studies in peace."
"Finished college?" Cheng's father's eyes widened. "Then we'll be even more inseparable."
"Dad, what good would it do for everyone if they separated?"
"Well, at least he's a normal person in society."
Cheng Xiangdong chuckled. "What's wrong with them now?"
Cheng's father sighed. "They're all good kids, I know."
“It won’t be easy to separate them. Do you remember when Tiger demolished the house after graduating from junior high school?” Seeing that Cheng’s father seemed to remember, Cheng Xiangdong continued, “Just because Lu Nan didn’t go to the same high school as him, Tiger almost broke down. Can you imagine the consequences of forcibly separating them?”
Hearing his words, Cheng's father fell silent. His son had always been stubborn, but not disobedient; the only two times he had thrown tantrums and demolished the house were both because of Lu Nan. "But, they..."
Cheng Xiangdong smiled. "Whether you want everyone to live peacefully or let the two little ones turn the world upside down and cause chaos, it's up to you."
"But..." Cheng's father was still struggling.
“Dad,” Cheng Xiangdong reminded him, “Do you really think they can be separated?”
If things escalate to the point where both sets of parents succumb to their love for their sons, how can the damage be repaired? Instead of initially strongly opposing it, it might be better to observe and wait. "They're still young; maybe things will stay good, maybe they'll naturally separate without anyone's intervention... Let's give them some time."
Cheng's father remained silent for a long time by the glass window. His tall figure, once so spirited, now bore the worry and dejection of a father. Rather than being persuaded by Xiang Dong, it was more accurate to say that a long-held anxiety in his heart had been confirmed. The relationship between the two children had long aroused his suspicion, but out of love for his son, he had always adopted an attitude of indifference.
His initial reluctance had led to such severe consequences. He should have sent Xiang Bei abroad, keeping him and Lu Nan far apart; their youthful, hazy feelings would have faded with time. However, the tears on his son's face, the contorted expression of uncontrollable grief, shocked him. As a father, he couldn't bear to see his son so heartbroken.
"Let's leave it at that for now," Cheng's father sighed. Perhaps Xiang Dong was right; nothing can withstand the test of time. But his son's stubbornness... sigh!
Cheng Xiangdong walked behind his father and put his hand on his shoulder. "Dad, don't worry! The Cheng family still has me."
Cheng's father suddenly chuckled. "You brat! You think you're so capable?"
"Like father, like son!" He quickly flattered her.
"You can't let your mom know about this! Do you hear me?"
Cheng Xiangbei quickly saluted. "YES SIR!"
With careful treatment and dietary therapy, Lu Nan quickly became lively and energetic again.
"Tiger, tiger! Stinky tofu!" Early in the morning, the two walked hand in hand to school.
"Could you please break this sentence down?" Cheng Xiangbei sniffed, strongly protesting the unfair treatment of having his name equated with stinky tofu.
"Tiger!" He paused for three seconds. "Stinky tofu."
Cheng looked north towards the sky. "Calm down for a bit, they haven't even set up their stalls yet."
"I know, I just wanted to remind you. Five skewers!"
"Don't you mind getting food stuck in your teeth...?"
"No, no, Tiger is the best." He held his hand and swayed back and forth. Ever since the accident, Cheng Xiangbei had been clinging to him tightly, holding his hand even when going out, afraid of getting lost.
"It's good that you know I'm doing well. I'll have an egg pancake later."
"No!" Lu Nan patted her stomach. "I'm already very full."
"Then we'll eat it during the long break." Basically, we'll just stuff it with whatever good food we can find.
"Do you think you're feeding pigs?"
"If you feed him a little more, he'll be fine." Holding hands, they entered through the gate and ran into Li Weide, who was returning from buying breakfast.
"Good morning, Dezi!" Lu Nan said with a smile.
"Lu Nan is here?" Li Weide asked in surprise, "Is she feeling better?"
"Alright!" She spun around triumphantly, feeling so good about regaining her freedom!
"Stop, stop, behave yourself for a moment." Cheng Xiangbei quickly pulled him back. "There are still some bruises on your back."
"No, that's not true. I don't feel any pain when I turn over in bed anymore."
"Really?" Cheng Xiangbei asked suspiciously, "Then I'll check it tonight."
Upon hearing this, Li Weide chuckled mischievously: "Boss, is 'inspection' a noun or... a verb?"
"Huh?" Lu Nan was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant. "Dezi, you've become so depraved, your mind is full of lewd nonsense."
“I don’t think I said anything,” Li Weide said, shrugging.
Cheng Xiangbei slapped him. "Alright, let's go!"
"Hey, boss, you have no idea how lonely we guys were when you guys missed class!"
Cheng Xiangbei glanced at him sideways. "So, tell me, where's all that good stuff your rotten tongue's been rummaging through this time?"
"You understand me best, Boss!" Li Weide flattered obsequiously. "I heard the Crown Hotel is having a food festival..."
Sure enough, Cheng Xiangbei was speechless. Ever since his older brother took them to the hotel once, the group had fallen in love with the food there and spent the entire day eating there. They didn't miss a thing—breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and late-night snacks. They were even a little reluctant to leave, so Cheng Xiangdong, being a good guy, gave them two boxes of their signature cakes as a gift.
Han Minglang burst out laughing at their antics and even called to check on them. "Tiger, that's not right! Look how hungry your brother is. I'll send you a stack of vouchers another day!"
Cheng Xiangbei was furious. "Haven't you guys been fed enough? You don't even dare to say what you want to eat, you have to come and embarrass yourselves in front of your big brother." "Well... well, we didn't know you were rich, boss!" Li Weide said aggrievedly. "You pretended to be poor! You only take us to eat around the school, and you even split the bill per person."
Okay, okay, Cheng Xiangbei admitted his guilt and offered to take everyone to try all the good food in Haicheng. At first, the group was a little reserved, after all, their previous gluttony with Brother Cheng was somewhat intentional. But after a few meals, seeing that Cheng Xiangbei remained completely unfazed, they quietly relaxed.
Following the boss means getting to eat meat; how wonderful!
"Boss, Yu Mufeng has already gone abroad." At the dinner table, Luo Ming reported the latest news.
"So, only Chu Lian is left?" Liu Fei mumbled between chewing on a crab leg.
Cheng Xiangbei carefully lifted the lid of the soup bowl to examine Lu Nan's nourishing soup. "Girls are such a hassle..."
"Tiger, I want to eat stinky tofu," Lu Nan said, acting spoiled.
"Lu Nan! Have some standards, will you?" Li Weide yelled. "Do you even know how much this meal costs? And you're still thinking about those one-yuan skewers of stinky tofu!"
Lu Nan wrinkled her nose. "Does eating stinky tofu mean I have no standards? Expensive ingredients aren't necessarily the best!"
Liu Fei nodded in agreement. "I think the spicy hot pot near the school gate is delicious."
Li Weide snatched the hairy crab from his plate. "Okay, this crab is mine. I'll buy you some spicy hot pot when we get back."
"Give it back to me!" There was only crab roe left on the crab, and Liu Fei hurriedly snatched it back.
"Hey, didn't you say mala tang was delicious?"
"I mean, when there are no hairy crabs to eat, spicy hot pot tastes good."
Li Weide rolled his eyes. "Sycophant."
"Alright, stop fooling around." Cheng Xiangbei handed the soup bowl to Lu Nan. "Nan Nan, drink it while it's hot."
Lu Nan pouted and reluctantly picked up the spoon. "Always drinking soup and broth."
Cheng Xiangbei patted his head reassuringly. "I've thought of a way to deal with Chu Lian. What do you think of it?"
"Boss, what do you say?" The group put down their chopsticks and asked attentively.
Cheng Xiangbei explained the plan in this way, and the group nodded repeatedly, occasionally offering their own opinions.
After finishing the meal, a revenge plan against Chu Lian was devised.
So, let's take action!
Since the kidnapping of Lu Nan came to light, Chu Lian's life has been filled with endless fear.
First, Meng Tianze berated her and threatened to sever all ties with her. Watching her cousin, who had raised her since childhood, leave so heartlessly, Chu Lian felt immense pain. But the deed was done, and apologies seemed utterly inadequate.
Moreover, what worried her most wasn't her cousin—family ties could be repaired—but whether Lu Nan, whom she had framed, would seek revenge. Long Jiu Mo had disappeared, and Yu Mu Feng had gone abroad; of the people involved in this incident, she was the only one still safe. However, seeing the plight of the other two only deepened her fear after the brief calm.
After the incident, she pretended to be calm and continued to attend classes, but with a guilty conscience, how could she possibly calm down? She tried to subtly inquire about Lu Nan's situation, but Li Weide and the others laughed and joked around the topic, making her even more anxious as she felt uncertain.
When Lu Nan and Cheng Xiangbei returned to school, she was like a frightened bird, waiting every day for that arrow to be shot, but she waited and waited without any news. Were they just going to let her go like that? Chu Lian was filled with anxiety, hoping that Cheng Xiangbei would let her go, but she also felt that she would not receive better treatment than Long Jiu Mo and Yu Mu Feng.
Days passed, and just when Chu Lian thought the matter was truly over, her worst fears came true: she discovered she was being followed. Day or night, on or off campus, someone seemed to be following her intentionally or unintentionally. She would suddenly stop and turn around, only to find nothing there.
Some followed her maliciously, slowly behind her. They got into cars when she got in, and walked when she walked. Some looked like students from the same school, while others looked like delinquents. Each time, the people following her were different, and they simply trailed her at a distance, causing her no harm.
But this constant stalking is also maddening. You don't know what the other person's purpose is, and you don't know how long you can endure this lack of privacy. She couldn't take it anymore and complained to her friends, but everyone thought she must be mistaken. They were clearly walking together, so why does everyone else think nothing's wrong, while only you, Chu Lian, think someone's following you? Could you be developing paranoia?
"No," Chu Lian said anxiously. She had once stopped in an alley and asked a follower, "What do you want? Who sent you? Is it Lu Nancheng heading north?"
But the other person only gave her a smirk. "Did you build this road? Why can't I walk on it?"
"Yes, you can walk, but why do you have to walk behind me?"
"That's my freedom." The other person leaned against the wall, blowing smoke rings. His bullying appearance terrified Chu Lian, who fled in panic.
Chu Lian's nerves tightened more and more, and the persistent anxiety kept her awake night after night. She wanted to know who her opponent was, but having done something wrong, she dared not and could not stand up and question them. Every classmate around her became a suspect. She probed and dodged, and the once aloof and beautiful beauty of the department transformed into a neurotic and paranoid woman.
The final straw broke the camel's back in the dead of night. That night, Chu Lian had to get up to take medication due to insomnia and a headache. On a whim, she turned on her computer. With no friends around, only the internet offered her some solace. By the glow of her laptop, she typed out all her resentment. Just as she felt she had vented her emotions, a line of blood-red text suddenly appeared on the screen: "Chu, how have you been?"
"Ah!!!" Chu Lian screamed in terror. "A ghost!!!!"
She pointed tremblingly at the blood-stained words, the vivid blood seeming to burn her eyes with a suffocating heat. It was terrifying, so terrifying! She curled herself into a ball, shivering. "Help! Help..."
The dormitory occupants were startled awake. When they turned on the lights, they saw Chu Lian huddled on her bed, trembling. They gathered around her bed and saw that her laptop was on, but it was blank except for some angry words displayed on it.
"Chu Lian? Chu Lian?" The dormitory head pulled her.
"Don't touch me!" Chu Lian cried hysterically.
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. Over the past month, Chu Lian's mental state had been deteriorating, and her paranoia had intensified. Everyone had advised her to go home and rest, but she said she couldn't find peace even at home.
Could it be that she has a mental problem? Several people fought off sleep and stayed by her bedside all night.
As soon as it was light, the dormitory head reported to the counselor. After discussion, Chu Lian's parents processed her medical leave, and from then on, the department's most beautiful girl disappeared from people's sight.
end
Two years later
"Tiger, wake up!"
"Huh?" Cheng Xiangbei opened his eyes and saw the room filled with sunlight. He uncomfortably shielded his eyes with his arm. "What time is it?"
"Hmm... six o'clock?" Lu Nan tilted her head.
"It's still early!" I pulled the covers over my head and went back to sleep.
"It's getting late!" Lu Nan simply leaned on him and swayed him left and right. "Have you forgotten what day it is today?"
"What day is it..." came the sleepy voice.
"Graduation ceremony! Today is the graduation ceremony!" He pulled back the covers and grabbed the tiger's ears.
"Okay..." Cheng Xiangbei opened his eyes sleepily. "It's really still early, I'll sleep a little longer."
"Tiger, tiger..." Rolling and rolling around, keeping Cheng Xiangbei awake. "Baby, why are you so excited so early in the morning?"
Lu Nan looked at him with a grin. "Because I've never attended a university graduation ceremony before, just thinking about wearing a graduation gown makes me feel so cool!"
Cheng Xiangbei leaned against the headboard and pulled him into her arms. "Just for this?" That's such a low level of ambition.
"Of course!" Lu Nan kissed his cheek and said happily.
Cheng Xiangbei's drowsiness gradually dissipated, and he became fully awake. A hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes as he cupped Lu Nan's face in his hands. "Nan Nan, since today is our graduation anniversary, then... let's do something meaningful to commemorate it?"
"Huh?" Lu Nan was completely bewitched by him and asked stupidly, "What are you doing?"
Cheng Xiangbei grinned wickedly and suddenly flipped Lu Nan onto the bed. "Let's make love!"
"Ah, tiger! No... um..." Lu Nan groaned, pushing away Cheng Xiangbei's invasion.
"Where is it not working?" Raising his lustful eyes, Cheng Xiangbei lewdly licked Lu Nan's nipple. "Here? Or here?"
"Ah...it itches..." Lu Nan arched her body uncomfortably, reaching out to hug Cheng Xiangbei's head. "Tiger..."
Every time he heard this call, Cheng Xiangbei's body would erupt with surging passion. Casting aside his gentle exterior, he would wildly and fiercely conquer Lu Nan's body, leaving no stone unturned. Lu Nan's desire was quickly aroused by him, and her slender legs were tightly wrapped around his waist.
"Mmm..." Their genitals rubbed together incessantly, Lu Nan's fingers leaving red marks on his back. "Tiger, I want..."
"What do you want? Hmm?" One hand caressed Lu Nan's lower body, while the other hand expanded her anus.
"I want you!" Lu Nan gasped as she bit his ear, protesting his seduction.
"What do you want from me?" He maliciously sucked on Lu Nan's earlobe, his tongue probing and teasing it. Lu Nan trembled with pleasure, his head thrown back as he groaned, waiting for his lover to bring him satisfaction. "You rascal..."
After being fully expanded, the back of the acupoint was ready. Cheng Xiangbei pressed his penis against the entrance of the acupoint, gently grinding and turning, but not going in.
"Tiger..." Lu Nan rubbed against his waist anxiously, trying to sit down on his own. But the malicious lover held his waist, and the two maintained an ambiguous distance, seemingly close yet distant. "Give it to me!" Lu Nan's eyes were moist, with a little urgency and a little resentment, which made Cheng Xiangbei kiss his lips fiercely.
"Mmm..." The intimate and passionate kiss reignited their passion. Lu Nan held Cheng Xiangbei tightly, their bodies pressed together. "Tiger, give it to me..."
Cheng Xiangbei, panting, slowly helped Lu Nan sit down, supporting her waist. "Baby, call me husband."
Lu Nan was a little embarrassed; he had initially resisted this title, but Cheng Xiangbei liked it. "Tiger..." he writhed, pleading.
Cheng Xiangbei kissed the corner of his mouth, paused his hand, and coaxed, "Baby, scream!"
"Old..." Lu Nan pressed her chest against his, unable to contain herself. "Tiger husband..."
With a tender kiss on his forehead, Cheng Xiangbei finally released his grip, and the lovers achieved their perfect union. "Ah...ah..." The tight passage was penetrated by a thick, hard, and hot object, and Lu Nan groaned as he swayed to his lover's rhythm.
"Baby, do you love me?"
"Mmm...mmm..." Lu Nan gripped his shoulders tightly, her consciousness blurring with the approaching climax. "I love tigers the most..."
"Tiger... loves Nan Nan the most too!"
After the passion subsided, Lu Nan grabbed Cheng Xiangbei and gave him a good beating.
"Beast! He really is a beast!" Lu Nan clutched his buttocks and limped along the way to school.
Cheng Xiangbei followed carefully, a satisfied smile on his face. Look at his baby, so radiant and healthy!
"What are you laughing at?" Feeling a burning gaze on her butt, Lu Nan knew what that pig was thinking without even turning around.
"Hehe." Cheng Xiangbei chuckled sheepishly. "Nannan, how about I take you there on my bicycle?"
"No thanks!" Lu Nan shook her head. "It's the last day, I need to enjoy it properly."
"Nannan, you'll still be living here!" Cheng Xiangbei reminded her, as his wife had already been accepted into a graduate program.
"The feeling is different too, you know?"
"I understand, I understand." Anyway, just bow your head first.
What usually takes ten minutes took them almost half an hour. Seeing how hard Lu Nan was working, Cheng Xiangbei even considered carrying him. But while he wasn't worried about the impact, Lu Nan wouldn't have it! "You can graduate and get out of here, but I'm stuck here for two more years!"
The two of them dawdled as they walked to the school gate, where Li Weide was already jumping around excitedly.
"Hey you two! Graduation ceremony is about to start, hurry up!" He grabbed Lu Nan and tried to run away. But Lu Nan had been rolling around in bed all morning and her legs were still weak. When he pulled her like that, she almost fell to the ground.
"What are you doing?!" Cheng Xiangbei quickly hugged Lu Nan and glared at Li Weide.
Li Weide glanced at Lu Nan, then at Cheng Xiangbei. Damn, they really did look like they'd just had a fling! "Hehe, didn't notice, didn't notice!"
Cheng Xiangbei took Lu Nan's hand and they walked slowly.
Li Weide caught up, winking suggestively. "Boss, how many rounds did you go at it last night?"
Lu Nan blushed, and Cheng Xiangbei looked up at the sky. Sigh, it's best not to show off something like this.
After listening to the lengthy speeches from various people in the auditorium, the students rushed out with high spirits.
"Tiger! Do I look good in this?" Wearing a graduation gown in the sweltering heat was pure torture, but Lu Nan still smiled broadly. Cheng Xiangbei straightened his collar and adjusted his cap, giving him a thumbs-up. "So handsome!"
"Quick, where's the camera?" Lu Nan asked, lifting his robe and feeling around.
"Here I am!" Luo Ming ran over, camera in hand. "Hey everyone! Cheese, cheese!"
Familiar classmates began to gather here, and Cheng Xiangbei was the most popular, with people constantly asking him for photos.
"Lu Nan, aren't you jealous?" Li Weide seized the opportunity to fan the flames. "Look at those girls, they're practically clinging to the boss!"
Lu Nan watched with a smile, showing no displeasure whatsoever. "What's the big deal? It's not like touching it will cost you anything."
"Huh? When did you become so generous?" Li Weide asked curiously. Usually, these two were inseparable, and the boss would feel jealous if Lu Nan even glanced at someone else.
"I've always been very generous!" There's no way to stop it; even if you chase a tiger away with a stick, it won't budge.
As they were talking, a girl took the opportunity to give Cheng Xiangbei flowers. In front of everyone, Cheng Xiangbei didn't know whether to accept them or refuse them. While everyone was teasing him, Cheng Xiangbei awkwardly glanced at Lu Nan.
Lu Nan raised an eyebrow, pulled Li Weide's head over, and kissed him hard on the cheek.
"Huh? Huh?! What just happened?!" Li Weide was still in shock when Cheng Xiangbei roared and pounced on Li Weide, slicing through the crowd! "Li Weide! I'm going to kill you!!!"
"Huh?" Li Weide touched his face a beat late, then screamed and ran away. This was too much! He would be beaten to death by the boss's iron fist!
"Help!!!"
(End of article)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
