Chapter 38

"..."
Young Master Shang? Who?
Inside the car—Yanxiao. Outside—Zhang. Both stunned by the sudden title.
"Professor—what Young Master Shang? Wrong person?"
Zhang stepped up—introduced. "This is Zhouye Investment's Little Chairman Bai—Bai Xu."
"Bai?"
Yan Chunhui heard the surname—faint uncertain confusion.
He studied Bai Xu's face again—tentative. "No—I remember. Young sir—that day at the mall jewelry store—you saved me, right?"
Bai Xu met the old man's joy—had to admit. "Professor—it was me. You're well now?"
Yan Chunhui grateful at once. "Much better—thank you that day!"
Zhang parsed the exchange—shock and delight. "Professor—Little Chairman Bai saved you that day?"
"Yes!"
Yan Chunhui didn't know where to start—eager invite. "Young sir—please come in?"
Zhang already liked Bai Xu—joined the invite. "Little Chairman Bai—free tonight? Stay for a simple meal?"
Yan Chunhui agreed. "Yes, yes—we made plenty!"
Hard to refuse.
Bai Xu wanted to deepen the Zhang tie—thought and agreed. "Then we impose—park nearby, be right in."
"Good."
One minute later.
Yanxiao parked beside the old villa, looked at Bai Xu. "Young Master Shang? Save a life, save a life—when did you take my surname?"
"..."
Deliberately weighted—tail of the words carried something unreadable.
Meant as a joke—from Yanxiao's mouth it shifted.
Bai Xu's ears burned. "Who's taking your name? Good deed, no credit~ Didn't expect the world this small."
Fate, apparently—he should claim the credit he earned.
Yanxiao laughed softly. "Mm. Got it."
"Luck you can't block~" Bai Xu unbuckled—more certain. "Juesheng deal is locked."
"Third Young Master—start thinking how you'll thank me when it closes."
Yanxiao said, "Anything Little Chairman Bai wants—I'll arrange."
Bai Xu smiled. "You coming in?"
Dinner meant showing his face.
Yanxiao had given up on the fragile cover—calm. "Mm. Down first, talk later."
Bai Xu didn't object. "Works."
Different people—different masks.
Zhang and Yan Chunhui at their age—unlikely to track Huaguo Shang family gossip. No running to First or Second House to tattle.
"Let's go—don't keep Chairman Zhang waiting."
"Okay."
...
Plain old villa—aroma everywhere.
Bai Xu retold the jewelry-store rescue—humble. "Professor—as long as you're fine. Small thing—not worth mentioning."
"How is that small? Without your quick response—this old life might've ended there."
Yan Chunhui grateful—emphasized. "That day happened too fast—I couldn't get contact info. After discharge I went back to that store."
Got the surname. Pulled surveillance.
"New City big and small—I didn't know where to find you to thank."
Glanced at his star pupil. "Truth is—I called Songyang tonight to have him reach media friends to find you."
Zhang chuckled. "Saved me the trouble now."
Reached for hot tea—about to thank Bai Xu and company.
Bai Xu stopped him—sharp. "Chairman Zhang—too kind."
Yanxiao followed. "Chairman Zhang—don't trouble yourself. I'll pour."
Yan Chunhui saw. "Young sir—you drink? Homemade osmanthus wine and bayberry wine—want to try?"
Bai Xu's eyes lit—before he could say yes—
Yanxiao poured hot tea in his cup—flat stop. "Professor Yan—our young sir had food allergies recently—still recovering. No alcohol."
"..."
Bai Xu stuck—look at Yanxiao: You're too strict.
Yanxiao read the silent complaint—thin lips. "For your good."
Yan Chunhui caught the vibe—heard his student chime in.
"Professor—wife messaged yesterday—I'm to watch you, no wine tonight." Zhang handed tea. "Tea is fine."
Yan Chunhui regretful. "Fine—tea instead of wine."
Guest table—Bai Xu shelved the pout, raised cup—clinked across.
Yan Chunhui sipped—curious. "Young sir—how did you and Songyang meet?"
Age gap big—friends seemed odd.
Bai Xu honest. "Professor—I'm trying to partner with Chairman Zhang on a project."
Zhang's impression improved—blunt now. "Little Chairman Bai—truth is I leaned toward Chu Group before. Today you saw—and guessed."
Chu Yuncheng's lion bite—not an ideal partner.
"I don't like circles on projects. You were straight—I'll be straight. If Zhouye Investment can raise the sum—and guarantee no capital break in three years."
"Chairman Zhang—I understand."
Bai Xu soft agreement—played the chip. "We can. Zhouye has the backing—but the real partner through me is Huaguo's Shang Group."
Zhang startled. "Shang Group?"
If true—capital wouldn't lose to Chu Group.
Bai Xu controlled the room—bottom line. "Truth—I'm here for Shang Third House expansion. Tonight we don't talk deals—dinner with the professor."
Knew the occasion—didn't overstep. "Tomorrow my assistant comes with sincerity to Juesheng. That work?"
Not begging—betting both sides would deal.
Zhang's heart surged—still caught the offer. "Of course—tomorrow—we talk properly!"
Yan Chunhui didn't follow all of it—read good news on Zhang's face.
Elder raised cup. "Tea instead of wine—cheers?"
"Good."
Meal went smooth.
Zhang at the villa gate watched Bai Xu and Yanxiao drive off—days of funding pressure finally easing.
Yan Chunhui came out. "They're gone?"
Zhang turned. "Yeah, Professor."
Yan Chunhui judged. "I don't know your business—but Bai Xu seems decent. Reliable partner."
Zhang nodded. "Young—but steady mind. Enough nerve."
Yan Chunhui's eyes flickered. "Probably more than that."
Zhang didn't get it. "Professor?"
Yan Chunhui plain. "Surname Bai—how tied to Shang Group? That day after saving me he left that surname too."
Zhang hadn't thought—blank.
Yan Chunhui continued. "Bai Xu and the young man beside him—not ordinary. I'd guess—that one's the Shang."
"..."
"But if he won't say it—you pretend not to know."
Yan Chunhui's age—clear mirror. "Whoever signs—deal closes, that's what matters. Clear?"
Zhang belatedly saw the layer—bowed. "Professor sees through. Student learns."
...
The Juesheng partnership went smoother than Bai Xu imagined—
Zhang even offered better equity terms. Half a month later—public signing. Real win-win.
Zhang's boulder landed—paid out of pocket for a celebration—Juesheng, AW, Bai Xu's side only.
Mid-banquet—Chu Yate uninvited. "Little Chairman Bai—congrats."
Smile like he'd closed the deal himself.
Bai Xu clinked glasses—teased. "Chu Yate—you're Chu Group GM running to our camp—afraid word reaches certain ears?"
Yate knew the dig. "I'm here as your friend. Who cares what he thinks?"
Remembered Chu Yuncheng's face when cooperation landed—laughed free. "You didn't see—Chu Yuncheng hasn't looked that bad in ages."
Yuncheng thought nobody dared compete—Bai Xu snatched Juesheng clean.
Duck in hand—flown.
News reached old Chairman Chu Tian—face dark, scolded Yuncheng.
Bai Xu could picture it—smiled too.
Yate drank. "You and Chairman Shang—next moves? Other projects?"
"He's him. I'm me."
This time Yanxiao couldn't front—Bai Xu stood in.
Bai Xu never planned to merge their maps—swirled wine. "Good projects—Chu Yate, throw me a bone?"
Asset management ongoing—but limited funds.
Not hundred-million-dollar deals—even ten-million stretched. Bai Xu wasn't eating the elephant—
Capacity matched capital.
With his eye—short term he wouldn't starve.
Yate wanted this friend. "Sure—good projects I'll think of Little Chairman Bai."
Connections stacked—small favor easy.
Bai Xu smiled. "Thanks in advance."
Yate scanned the hall. "Chairman Shang—not here?"
Bai Xu low voice. "Crowd tonight—too many eyes. He can't show."
"Fair."
Yate nodded—remembered something fun. "So Little Chairman Bai can drink free tonight?"
Bai Xu looked. "What?"
Yate raised glass. "No spouse around—nobody to stop you. Don't have to behave."
"..."
Who behaved?
Yanxiao controlled him? Spouse?
Bai Xu tasted the words—mouth hard. "Who says he controls me? I drink when I want."
Glasses clinked.
...
Night deep.
Car stopped at the villa gate.
Bai Xu bolted out—didn't wait for Chen Yufei—excited steps sprinting home.
Door opened.
Yanxiao in the living room—looked over first. "Back?"
Bai Xu hit his figure—slowed. "Mm—this late, why aren't you asleep?"
Pajamas on—already washed.
Yanxiao heard the drag in his voice—stood, closed in. "You drank?"
"..."
Bai Xu watched him approach—banquet bravado gone—caught-kid guilt.
He steadied the floating alcohol. "Mm—Chairman Zhang introduced contacts. That scene—you can't avoid social drinking. I was restrained."
Cat-soft mutter observing Yanxiao. "I'm not drunk~"
Yanxiao laughed softly. "Mm. I know."
He'd seen Bai Xu truly drunk—far wilder than now.
Bai Xu exhaled. "You were waiting for me?"
Yanxiao didn't deny. "Didn't Little Chairman Bai say—thank me properly when it's done?"
"Right—I did."
Bai Xu's eyes wine-wet, bright. "So Third Young Master—how are you thanking me?"
Yanxiao walked toward the kitchen bar. "Know Little Chairman Bai loves wine—allergy recovery had you bottled up. Picked a decent white."
"Wine?"
Bai Xu followed—interest hooked.
"Guessed you'd be back soon—chilled ahead."
Yanxiao pulled an iced bottle. "Simple celebration when you returned—but you drank plenty tonight. Skip it?"
"No—you're celebrating—I decide."
Bai Xu wouldn't miss it—checked phone. "Still early—shower first? Proper drink tonight."
Nothing urgent tomorrow—drunk at home fine.
Yanxiao caught the haze in his eyes. "Still want more?"
Bai Xu whined. "Want~"
Outside he'd kept boundaries—didn't drink his fill.
Should stop—but Yanxiao indulged.
"Shower first—ice needs a bit more. I'll come upstairs with everything shortly."
"Okay."
...
Quick shower—pajamas on—Yanxiao already in his room with decanted white wine.
Liquid hit glass—pleasant sound.
Bai Xu approached. "Where's it from?"
Yanxiao saw the excitement. "Miller Estate—good vintage. Try?"
Bai Xu took the glass—sat on bed edge—sniffed first.
Clean fruit aroma—refreshing.
Eyes bright. "Mm~"
Yanxiao raised his glass. "Thank you, Little Chairman Bai—big help this time."
"Don't mention—congrats Third Young Master too." Bai Xu clinked—small sip.
Sweet-tart burst—wild heat on the finish—dormant drunk stirred awake.
"Hm? Good."
Surprised—tilted the rest down.
Too fast—champagne liquor traced the corner of his mouth—down neck into pajamas.
"..."
Yanxiao's attention snagged—voice tight. "Bai Xu—slow down."
Bai Xu poured another—buzz thick. "Good wine—but drinking like this is boring. No mood."
Yanxiao followed. "What mood do you want?"
Impulse. "Shang Yanxiao—I don't want to stay in the room. I want out."
"Where?"
Bai Xu looked at Yanxiao's untouched glass—head hot. "The beach. Take me."
"Now?"
"Now."
Alcohol climbed—reason floated—impulse rammed. "You said thank me properly—I just..."
Before he finished—Yanxiao said yes. "Okay. I'll take you."
...
Car ran the coastline—fast drum beat on the speakers.
Bai Xu's heart matched rhythm and speed—window down—wind cooling the restlessness inside. "Shang Yanxiao—"
Drunk cheered—no rules.
"Yes—"
Soon Yanxiao turned right at a fork.
Quiet water appeared—speed dropped to nothing. "We're here."
Gentler sea breeze—salt air—palm fronds rustling.
Dark sea—scattered lonely lights to endless night. Look up—dense clear stars.
Bai Xu opened the door—ran.
"Bai Xu—you—" Yanxiao couldn't catch him—grabbed coat from back—"Slow."
Bai Xu spun with the bottle—slippers flew—soft sand—lost balance.
Yanxiao yanked him in—long coat wrapped around him.
Bai Xu felt cocooned—unhappy. "Don't need it. Hot."
Yanxiao coaxing. "Coast is cold—you'll get sick."
Bai Xu pouted. "Hmph."
Yanxiao heard the sulk—helpless laugh. "Hmph what? Maybe I shouldn't indulge midnight madness."
Eleven PM beach for celebration wine?
Old Yanxiao would've called it sick. Bai Xu asked—he still wanted to say yes.
Bai Xu let the scolding land—raised the bottle from home. "Scene's right now. Drink?"
Yanxiao countered. "If I drink too—how do we drive back?"
Bai Xu tried to solve. "Less? Sit in the car awhile before we go."
Yanxiao shook head. "You drink. I'll stay with you."
Someone in a home stays sober.
Bai Xu wasn't done—two more swigs.
Throat cold—shivered.
Yanxiao felt the shiver—took his wrist. "Come—sit in the car."
Bai Xu compliant now. "Mm."
Seats adjusted—gap filled with cushions. Sunroof open—stars flowing in a private sky camp.
Radio switched from drums to jazz—slow, tangled in the cabin.
Bai Xu leaned on the seat. "Shang Yanxiao?"
Yanxiao reclined too. "Mm?"
"..."
Brain stalling—Bai Xu just stared.
Eyebrows to nose to lips—drunk gaze painting him under the light—every line unfairly good.
Yanxiao seemed to notice—closed distance without showing it. "Finish the bottle? Bit left?"
Impact features enlarged again.
Bai Xu dry throat—Adam's apple—muffled. "Mm."
Yanxiao took the bottle first—patient at Bai Xu's lips. "Drink. I'll feed you."
"..."
Bottle tilted slow—no refusal—against his mouth.
Wine down fast—Bai Xu lost control—swallowed on instinct.
Yanxiao's eyes darkened—hand slipped.
Last drops down neck into pajamas—cold whimper—hand up to stop.
Yanxiao caught his wrist again—breath heavy. "Sorry—got your clothes dirty. I'll wipe."
Callused thumb on delicate wrist—hot as fire.
Body heat spiked—alcohol looking for exit. "Shang Yanxiao, I..."
"Hm?"
One syllable—answer or lure.
Something restless deep inside.
Bai Xu couldn't name it—wanted to grab anyway. "I want to kiss you. Can I?"