Chapter 143: Come Move In With Me

"You’re becoming more and more demanding. I don’t know what you’re made of to still have so much energy." Zhou Huimin looked at Yan Xu, who still seemed full of vigor, her eyes filled with a touch of disbelief.

"You know exactly what I'm made of, don't you?" Yan Xu held Zhou Huimin’s body, watching her flushed face. She was completely exhausted, lying limp in the crook of his arm, breathing heavily. Her breasts rose and fell with each breath, and she lacked the strength even to wipe away the sweat and fluids on her skin.

"Actually, it's mostly because I missed you. I’ve been holding back for such a long time since we last met." Yan Xu reached out to pull the quilt over their naked bodies. It was November, and although there was heating in the room, it wasn't wise to remain exposed after such intense activity.

"I’ve had too much work lately. After finishing this film, I have a small tour for my fan club across Southeast Asia and two commercial endorsements. My schedule will be lighter after that, and I'll be able to spend every day with you." Zhou Huimin spoke with a tinge of apology for not being able to be by his side.

"Ting-ge is really something, arranging so much work for you. When I get back, I’m going to have a word with him and tell him to cut down your workload. We’re turning into the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl at this rate." Hearing how much work she still had, Yan Xu was speechless. He had essentially handed over the management of Dragon Records to Lawrence Cheng and his wife, rarely checking anything beyond the financial reports.

"It’s not much anymore. Ting-ge is just afraid of me getting tired, so he’s already turned down a lot of offers," Zhou Huimin said quickly, as if truly afraid that Yan Xu would go confront Lawrence Cheng.

In reality, her workload wasn't heavy at all. Given her current popularity and rising trajectory, if she were at any other company, her schedule would have been packed tight with countless events to maximize her influence. Her current company was simply cautious about her health, canceling whatever events they could. Compared to the constant performances and appearances of bands like Tai Chi or Beyond, she felt incredibly lucky; even Wang Jie, who was well-cared for by the company, attended more events than she did.

"Besides, if I don't work, how will I make money?" Zhou Huimin continued.

"You little money-grubber. If you don't work, can't I just support you?" Yan Xu said, embracing her.

"I don't want you to support me. I have hands and feet of my own. Besides, who are you to me? Why should I let you support me?" Her lazy voice was filled with coquettish charm.

"You know who I am to you. I’m your man, and it’s only natural for a man to support his woman." Yan Xu’s fingers brushed lightly over her breasts, teasing them gently.

"Big chauvinist." Zhou Huimin glared at him, a hint of sweetness flashing in her eyes. Her expression was overflowing with happiness, and she leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"Baby, why don't you move in with me?" Yan Xu proposed.

"I can't," she shook her head slightly. "My mother wouldn't agree. Even tonight, I lied and told her I had work and was staying with Sister Hong."

Although her mother was aware of their relationship and could see how far things had progressed, she was not particularly supportive of premarital cohabitation, especially since Zhou Huimin had just turned eighteen and was still a little girl in her eyes.

"Just don't tell her. I'll give you a key to the house, and you can come stay here every now and then. Just like tonight. I’m sure Sister Hong will help cover for you." Yan Xu thought for a moment. If she couldn't live here permanently, coming over occasionally would work. Her schedule was irregular, and working late was common; with Sister Hong helping, her mother wouldn't suspect a thing.

"Mmm!" Zhou Huimin nodded, blushing. She knew exactly what was on his mind.

"Why are you hard again?" Zhou Huimin shifted her body to hold him like a koala. As their bodies pressed together, she felt his hardness and her hand instinctively gripped him.

"I can't help it. Maybe it’s because I’ve been pent up too long. You’re satisfied, but I’m still a bit short," Yan Xu said with a helpless grin. Being a man with too much stamina wasn't always a good thing—at the very least, he couldn't always fully satisfy himself.

"You..." Zhou Huimin gave him a flirtatious look and tucked herself under the covers.

Soon, Yan Xu felt a warmth envelop him, a slick, rhythmic sensation spiraling around him. From beneath the covers came the faint, wet sounds of her movements.

"Oh!" Yan Xu let out a low, wolf-like growl.

***

When Yan Xu regained consciousness, sunlight was already streaming onto the bed.

The beauty in his arms had long since departed. Only traces of dried fluids remained on the sheets, and crumpled tissues were scattered haphazardly on the floor. A faint, lingering scent of their intimacy filled the air.

Yan Xu got up, opened the window to let in fresh air, and tossed the tissues into the trash. He stripped the messy sheets and threw them into the washing machine to soak. Even though a housekeeper came by daily to clean, he preferred to tidy things up himself—it gave him peace of mind to keep his secrets hidden.

After cleaning up, he lifted the lid of the pot on the table, revealing a fresh meal of small side dishes and rice porridge, still steaming slightly.

He devoured the food, replenishing the energy he’d spent the previous night. A sense of happiness washed over him; he was so lucky to have such a gentle woman who could handle both the social scene and the domestic life. It was enough to make anyone envious.

He organized some company matters and called Pan Jiade to see if he could use his connections at TVB to borrow Tony Leung. Of course, Yan Xu didn't hold much hope. With the aging of Sir Run Run Shaw, internal power struggles at TVB were intensifying. On one side were the veterans like Wang Tianlin and Xiao Sheng, and on the other were figures like Mona Fong. Even though Leung was starring in the anniversary drama produced by Wang, in such a critical time, they couldn't afford a single mistake.

At noon, Yan Xu had arranged to meet with "Chicken Feather" for lunch. In less than two months, Chicken Feather hadn't just managed his territory with great success; his reputation in the underworld was growing. Having taken over a portion of Bai Zhan's wealth, he was now financially powerful. He was generous with his subordinates, leading to a constant increase in his gang's size and a higher ranking within the organization.

They met at a bar in his territory. Because it was broad daylight, the bar was open but empty. Chairs were still stacked on tables, and staff were cleaning up.

The bar wasn't owned by the company; Chicken Feather just provided "security" there. Places like this were hubs for all sorts of people, and disputes or fights could break out at any moment. Chicken Feather and his men were there to suppress any trouble so it wouldn't affect business, and in return, they received a share of the profits.

"Brother Xu!"
"Brother Xu!"

Seeing Yan Xu arrive, the few young gangsters at the door, clearly hungover and just waking up, hurriedly greeted him. The bars usually stayed open until dawn, which meant their internal clocks were reversed—energetic at night and sleepy during the day. Despite it being nearly noon, they were still yawning uncontrollably.

Although Yan Xu had left the gang, his ties remained, especially his close relationship with Chicken Feather. Naturally, none of his subordinates dared to be disrespectful.

"Drinking in the middle of the morning? You'll ruin your health sooner or later." Yan Xu walked inside, finding Chicken Feather drinking alone at the bar.

"I'm used to it. If I don't have a drink in the morning, I feel terrible. It's more effective than breakfast." Chicken Feather saw him, pulled out another glass, added some ice, and poured Yan Xu a tequila.

"Good thing I already had breakfast." Yan Xu took the glass and took a sip; even with the ice, the alcohol was potent.

"Big Director, aren't you busy with your new film? How do you have time to come see me?" Chicken Feather looked at him. They hadn't seen each other for a while, both busy with their own affairs, so he was quite surprised by the call.

"I'm here because I have good news for you." Yan Xu looked at him, reached into his pocket, and placed a check on the table.

"Seven point eight million!" Chicken Feather glanced at the figures, looking at Yan Xu in shock. "Where is all this money coming from? What’s this for?"

Even though Chicken Feather was now a boss overseeing several streets with nearly a hundred subordinates and had a few million from the Bai Zhan deal, the massive number on the check still made his heart race.

"I'm here to bring you your share," Yan Xu said with a slight smile, pushing the check toward him. Under Chicken Feather’s bewildered gaze, he explained:

"Remember the contract we signed when we transferred Bai Zhan? The rights to the three films I directed belong to me. Except for the distribution rights for 'Mansion No. 1' which went to Bai Zhan, the local and overseas cinema revenue belongs to both of us. You’ve already taken your twenty percent share from the Hong Kong box office. The Southeast Asian release is still ongoing, so that part will take time. This money comes from the film festival in Spain I attended a while back; this is exactly your half."