Chapter Thirty-Nine

Yi Yu woke up very late. As he stretched lazily and sat up in bed, he found that the man who had slept beside him the previous night was now sitting cross-legged at the edge of the bed like a statue, utterly motionless. His face was expressionless, and his gaze was as cold and indifferent as it had been when they first met.

Yi Yu scooted back, comfortably leaning against the headboard, and looked at the man with a sly grin. “Uncle, when did you wake up? Sitting here waiting for me to wake up—I'm really touched.”

“I’m used to getting up early,” You Hanzhe replied coolly. After a short pause, he added, “You didn’t tell me your price after we finished.”

“Oh.” Yi Yu feigned sudden understanding, then mischievously stretched his foot out from the covers and gave You Hanzhe’s waist a playful kick. “I thought it was because you were too sore and weak to walk, so you needed to sit here for a few hours to recover.”

“That’s also part of it.”

“…” Yi Yu’s lips twitched. “You really are…”

“This is a check for you.” You Hanzhe handed over a pre-written check. “You don’t need to entertain anyone else here from now on.”

Yi Yu frowned as he looked at the rather large amount on the check. “So you mean you want to keep me?”

“Yes,” You Hanzhe replied bluntly. “I’ll be staying in X City for a while, and during this time, I need a regular bed partner.”

Yi Yu licked his lips, giving him a look full of seductive intent. “Seems you were pretty satisfied with my performance last night.”

You Hanzhe didn’t answer directly. Instead, he asked Yi Yu for his contact information so he could reach him whenever needed.

Yi Yu fished a business card out of his wallet from the scattered pile of clothes and handed it over. But when he asked for You Hanzhe’s card in return, he was flatly refused without hesitation.

“You work at Huicheng Real Estate?” You Hanzhe looked down at the card in his hand and asked in a low voice. “Not a professional escort here?”

Yi Yu shrugged, making up a story with a casual air. “I’m stifled at work, can’t make much money, so I moonlight here. This pays fast—you get pleasure and cash at the same time. Especially when you run into a top-quality hunk like you, Uncle. I’d even pay to do it, heh heh… If you won’t give me your card, at least give me your name. Or am I supposed to call you ‘Uncle’ forever?”

“There’s no need for you to know,” You Hanzhe pocketed the card and stood up. “If I need you, I’ll call.”

Looking at the man’s expressionless face and lofty bearing, Yi Yu felt a twinge of annoyance.

Damn, he’d already had him, satisfied him, and he couldn’t even offer a smile?

Did he really think Young Master Yi was just a cheap plaything who could be dismissed with a few bills?

What a joke!

“Oh, by the way,” Yi Yu called out with a light laugh to the man’s receding back, “Uncle, make sure you work out more when you get home. Don’t let me wear you out again next time.”

You Hanzhe’s figure stiffened for a moment, but the next second he walked out with composure.

Yi Yu was in excellent spirits that day. He went out with a few close friends for a lavish meal, and that evening, he received the final document he needed in his inbox.

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Unknowingly, the New Year was approaching.

Yi Xiaoyu planned to spend New Year’s Eve with You Yige, then, a few days later, buy some gifts and go home for a visit.

Though he didn’t feel much affection for that home, after all, Yi Dongjun had raised him for more than ten years. That kind of debt could never be erased, no matter how much resentment he might hold.

Both his sons were away, leaving Yi Dongjun to manage the sizable family clothing company alone. Every time he went home, Yi Xiaoyu felt that his father was aging rapidly.

In the final days before the company break, Yi Xiaoyu called Yi Yu into his office and, without ceremony, told him he was being let go—there’d be no need for him to return after the holidays.

Yi Yu was caught off guard. “Bro, you can’t be serious. I’ve barely been here and you’re firing me already? Even if you don’t care about my pride, shouldn’t you at least think of Dad?”

“I’ve already called Dad,” Yi Xiaoyu replied coolly. “You’re just not cut out for this. To be honest, in all the time you’ve spent here, you haven’t produced even a tenth of what Joseph does.”

“Well, have you looked at the kind of assignments you give me every day? You set me up for this on purpose.”

Yi Xiaoyu showed no guilt whatsoever. “I don’t have time to argue with you. I’ll have Finance pay out your full two months’ salary. After the holiday, just stay home and help Dad with the clothing business.”

“Brother…” Yi Yu pressed both hands to the desk, looking pitiful. “Just give me one more chance.”

“I already have. You didn’t value it. Have your resignation letter ready by two this afternoon. If there’s nothing else, you can leave.”

With a loud thump, Yi Yu closed the tablet Yi Xiaoyu was using to check stocks, pressing his hands firmly on top of it as he leaned in, eyes staring straight into his brother’s face.

Yi Xiaoyu remained calm, meeting his brother’s frustrated gaze. He said quietly, “You’re still too young. High-risk industries aren’t for you. Dad’s company is stable and perfect for someone just out of school to gain experience. Don’t give me that indignant look. When you’ve made something of Dad’s company, I’ll acknowledge you.”

Yi Yu smiled faintly and murmured, “But what I want is your company, big brother.”

Yi Xiaoyu slowly removed his brother’s hands from the tablet, speaking unhurriedly. “Then keep dreaming.”

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After waiting so long, You Yige finally got the long holiday his beloved had promised him.

On the second day of the break, Yi Xiaoyu and You Yige went out for a major shopping spree, replacing all the old things at home.

That evening, using the ingredients they’d bought, they made hot pot together at home. While You Laoda patiently cooked meat for his husband, he also launched into an endless stream of New Year’s declarations of love. Their son Congge, watching his father’s grand performance, couldn’t help but howl along for effect. Meanwhile, Little Tangyuan, who had grown from the size of one fist to two, curled up quietly on top of Congge’s furry head, as if he’d claimed it as his own personal nest.

Snow fell heavily on New Year’s Eve. Some of You Laoda’s rowdy friends invited him out for an all-night poker game, but he refused without hesitation, insisting he had to spend the last night of the year with his beloved.

After dinner out, on the way home, You Laoda purposely drove the car into a deserted alley, switched off the headlights, and made wild love to his husband in the back seat.

The snow didn’t stop until midnight. That night, You Laoda cuddled up with Yi Xiaoyu on the living room sofa, watching movies. They cracked sunflower seeds, surrounded by piles of snacks, and occasionally picked up their phones to reply to New Year’s greetings.

Wen Ming called, and Yi Xiaoyu didn’t bother to avoid it, answering the phone while nestled in You Yige’s arms. You Laoda pressed his ear close, catching only the words “Happy New Year.”

After the call, You Laoda muttered sulkily, “How can it take so long to say ‘Happy New Year’?”

Yi Xiaoyu smacked the back of his head. “Who was it last night, eating hot pot and vowing never to be jealous again?”

You Laoda pinched Xiaoyu’s waist, then bit his ear with a wicked grin. “I’m jealous—comfort me, or else I’ll…” As he spoke, his hand slid into Yi Xiaoyu’s pajama pants.

Yi Xiaoyu couldn’t help but laugh, pinching his thigh and ruffling his hair. “All right, all right, don’t be mad.”

“You’re just asking for it…” With that, You Laoda yanked down his husband’s pants. “I won’t be polite then…”

(Yawn Brother: Weighed myself today, and I’ve actually gained over seven pounds staying home for the holidays… Seriously, I only eat lunch and dinner every day, ahhhh!!)