Chapter 122
He had always maintained a cold demeanor from his childhood — unchanging expressions and a heart as firm as a rock. Anger, sadness, despair, hope — these emotions were rarely felt by Pei Jingyun.
However, at this very moment, he experienced them all.
Pei Jingyun was furious that Mu Cai dared to treat him this way. He was undeniably the pearl of Old Master Pei's palm - outstanding in every aspect and a favored child from heaven. Old Master Pei had managed the Pei Corporation for many years, despising his unaccomplished eldest son, letting his second son enter politics, and only after he grew up, he personally handed over his lifelong efforts to him.
He was known for his cool temperament and strong methods, serving a lesson to those who attempted to take advantage of his youth. Thus, no one ever dared to target Pei Jingyun, let alone audaciously use him as a substitute for others!
Only Mu Cai! It would only be Mu Cai!
As luck would have it, Pei Jingyun couldn't bring himself to take action against him. Even his anger was tinged with sorrow, and beneath the weight of despair in his heart, there was still a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps he was mistaken? Maybe he was overthinking it? Maybe Cai Cai was just concerned about his busy schedule and physical fatigue, thus gently stroking his head, thinking he would appreciate the act?
Once such a thought emerged, it spread quickly like a flood, temporarily subduing the turbulent feelings of anger, sorrow, and even despair, rapidly occupying Pei Jingyun's heart. He clung to it like a life-saving straw, and even if a vague voice at the bottom of his heart told him he was deceiving himself, Pei Jingyun couldn't help but defend his beloved.
Cai Cai is so good, kind, and upright, how could he possibly treat him as a substitute? If he can't trust himself, he should at least trust Cai Cai!
With such thoughts passing through Pei Jingyun's heart, it barely calmed his tumultuous feelings. He hugged Mu Cai's thin waist and buried his face in the other's belly, as if he was trying to avoid something.
Mu Cai didn't know what Pei Jingyun was thinking and assumed that his usually mature and stable lover was now being affectionate with him. Seeing the valued rare side of his partner, he softly stroked his head, as skillfully as petting a black dog, and chuckled, "Alright, stop rubbing. Are you tired from work? If you're tired, get some rest sooner. After all, I've never seen you take a break."
Pei Jingyun's face was buried in the warm and soft belly of Mu Cai, listening to his gentle comforting words, while his head was being petted comfortably. His resentment completely vanished. He kissed Mu Cai's belly through his clothes and responded in a muffled voice, "Alright, let's rest early."
After speaking, Pei Jingyun lifted his head, looking at Mu Cai who was looking down at him, he suggested, "Shall we sleep together tonight?"
Cai Cai had been deceived by his pretentious indifference, truly believing that he has no feelings for him, so he surely can't continue to be reserved. However, he cannot be too overt either, or Cai Cai might think he's too eager.
So, Pei Jingyun added with a pretense of calmness, "Everyone is tired today, let's get a good rest."
Before Mu Cai knew about his feelings, he would never presume too much. Now, after their feelings are shared, he started noticing things he didn't before.
For example, although Pei Jingyun was looking up, his eyes were lowered. This is how his lover normally behaves when shy.
Mu Cai kindly didn't expose him and naturally replied with a smile, "Alright, where shall we sleep? Your room or mine?"
Hearing Mu Cai taking the initiative, Pei Jingyun was extremely excited. He immediately whispered, "Let's go to your room."
He had long coveted Mu Cai's room. Cai Cai has lived there for almost a year, and the room must be filled with his faint milk scent. The thought of being surrounded by Cai Cai's scent uplifts Pei Jingyun.
However, he kept a calm front, only his speech was slightly faster than usual, revealing his eagerness, "Let's go."
With that said, Pei Jingyun stood up and held Mu Cai at his waist. He is tall and muscular, with just a flex of his arm, the muscles are prominently visible. Mu Cai, on the other hand, is slim, held in his embrace, he seemed completely enclosed.
Despite the somewhat awkward position, they left the study, walked up the stairs, stumbling a bit along the way. Neither of them suggested changing stances, instead, they continued to stick together with perfect chemistry.
After entering Mu Cai's room, Pei Jingyun called the butler to bring him a set of fresh clothes, while Mu Cai headed to the bathroom.
Mu Cai's room was exactly as Pei Jingyun had imagined, filled with a mild scent of milk. After receiving the fresh clothes from the butler, he listened to the soft flow of water from the bathroom, his hands braced on the neatly made bed. He leaned over and took a whiff of the sheets.
The milky scent here was stronger than that in the air of the room, very close to the scent he could smell when holding Mu Cai.
Pei Jingyun instantly felt surrounded by Mu Cai's scent, as if he could never get enough. He indulged in this scent until Mu Cai came out. He then composed himself, collected his clothes, and headed towards the bathroom, not letting Mu Cai see any hints of his infatuation.
That night, the two lay on the bed together watching television.
The moment Pei Jingyun laid down and spread his arms, Mu Cai moved closer.
The young man, with delicate and fair complexion, took off his bunny slippers and climbed onto the bed, his light movements resembling a cat. Pei Jingyun was half-lying on the bed, watching Mu Cai's every move. Each time he noted Mu Cai's voluntary move to his arms, his heart would start pounding.
Like a drum.
A slightly cool and soft body nestled into his embrace, a fluffy head rested between his neck and shoulder, a slender fragile neck crossed his arm, the whole person snuggled into his arm. Mu Cai also extended a delicate hand to his chest, and stretched a long leg onto Pei Jingyun's.
All these actions were so familiar, even before Pei Jingyun could react, Mu Cai had wound around him like a koala, as if he had done this many times before.
That familiarity, the various complex feelings that once swept over him, surged again in Pei Jingyun's heart.
Why was he so skilled?!
Despite it being their first time laying on the same bed, Mu Cai could find the position that suited him best so quickly and accurately. How many times had he practiced this with another man before?!
And how similar was that man to him, even in terms of height, body shape, shoulder width, and arm length?!
Pei Jingyun could only taste bitterness in his mouth.
Yet, Mu Cai looked so content nestled in his embrace. The hand he placed on his chest lightly gripped Pei Jingyun's sleepwear, his fair foot with a beautifully arched instep rested on his leg. Looking docile, Mu Cai stared at him with wide open eyes, resembling a clingy kitten.
For the first time in his life, Pei Jingyun realized that pain and pleasure could coexist.
However, Mu Cai seemed oblivious that the person next to him had conjured up a soap opera drama in his own mind. He was more concerned with pulling up the quilt. The room was warm enough, his fair fingers holding the thin duvet, pulling it up until it reached their chests and only then stopping. Then, contentedly, he leaned against the person next to him to watch TV.
Mu Cai randomly chose a channel. His intention was not to watch TV, but to enjoy the rare cozy atmosphere at this moment. As such, as Mu Cai watched, his body relaxed, his head tilted slightly, and he fell asleep on Pei Jingyun's chest.
The TV in the room continued to play a boring drama, the person leaning on him crinkling his body slightly, like a tiny frost-frightened kitten. From Pei Jingyun's viewpoint, he could see the other person's long eyelashes and the press of fair cheek against the skin.
Watching for a while, with dark eyes echoing various emotions, he eventually sighed. Pei Jingyun gently lifted Mu Cai's face, leaning in for a harsh kiss, but in the end, his lips merely brushed against the other's forehead like a dragonfly skimming water, "Goodnight, little rascal."
After the kiss, he shrank back, squirming back under the quilt, holding the soft body clinging to him, and closed his eyes to sleep.
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After expressing his feelings, Pei Jingyun's life became busier.
The Queen International Violin Competition, from the first round to the finals, is held in Orly, lasting over a month. Afterward, there would be a concert specifically for the top ten winners. He and Mu Cai would set off for Orly at the beginning of May and are likely to return at the end of June.
During these two months, Pei Jingyun spent most of his time remotely managing the company, and the competition time does not overlap with regular overtime hours. This meant that most of the company's schedule for May and June had to be completed in advance. Only some non-urgent meetings and projects would be pushed back, and naturally, Pei Jingyun became busier than usual.
Mu Cai was very understanding of his partner's hard work. He never complained about his lover's late return or busy schedule, knowing clearly that Pei Jingyun was preparing for their vacation. Every night he would wait for his partner to come home, he did not disturb him arbitrarily during the day. Instead, he spent his time practicing the violin in his room or watering plants and walking the dog in the courtyard.
The butler greatly appreciated Mu Cai's consideration, believing that their cold-hearted CEO was incredibly lucky to have found such an exceptional partner, beautiful, talented and gentle.
With these thoughts in mind, every report he made to Pei Jingyun was full of praises for Mu Cai. Stating how well Mr. Mu had spent his day with Sirius, the dog, without complaining that the CEO was not home to dine with him. Saying that Mr. Mu had watered the flowers today, he even mentioned that Mu Cai enjoys vibrant flowers.
Sitting in his office, buried in heaps of paperwork, Pei Jingyun looked at the messages sent by the butler, feeling both pleased and irritated.
Why wouldn't he complain about his absence at meal times? Does he not care about him?! He never told Mu Cai that he enjoyed seeing vibrant flowers, how would he know?!
Did he observe him because he cared or was it a trait of a past lover?!
The poker-faced Pei Jingyun felt conflicted for a long time, eventually focusing on the picture sent by the butler.
In the photo, the brilliant sunlight filled the courtyard, the young man bathed in golden light, his brows curved, with a smile on his lips, full of joy reflected on his fair face. His body slightly bent as if looking down, his long lashes lowered, his slender arms stretched out as though expecting something, his expression and actions a mixture of surprise and delight.
And in front of him was a German Shepherd, gleaming with a healthy shine, bounding towards him.
Jealousy.
Unbearable jealousy.
With an expressionless face, Pei Jingyun glared at the dog.
It was audacious to try and monopolize Mu Cai when he was not around.
Pei Jingyun thought of this, touched the cheek of Mu Cai's image on the screen, and without hesitation, lowered his head to give a kiss.
The assistant who had just entered the office was startled, altering her voice, "Mr. Pei… Mr. Pei?"
Pei Jingyun lifted his head leisurely, casting a indifferent glance at her, "What's the matter?"
His facial expression and demeanor remained unchanged, as if he was not the one who had just kissed the phone screen.
The working assistant nervously finished her report and walked out in a stupor.
As soon as she entered her own office, a group of colleagues immediately gathered around her, "So, how was it?"
The sudden relocation of company affairs by the CEO resulted in all employees having to work overtime day and night for a recent period of time. Fortunately, the attractive remuneration package from Pei's Group quieted potential complaints. However, these assistants had, through the CEO's frequent late coming and early leaving behavior and the clearing of May and June's schedules, speculated about the boss's love life.
These sisters had hoped that she could give them some inside information, yet she came back seemingly dazed.
Upon hearing their questions, the assistant said absentmindedly, "The CEO might be under a curse."
The smelly scent of romance filled entire spring.
"Oh, this rotten company is going to end eventually!"
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Note: The author included a cute, unrelated short story featuring Pei Jingyun and Mu Cai in the author's note section. It's not part of this arc or the official extras, so it won't affect your reading of this novel. If you'd like to read it, here's part 2 on my Ko-Fi page. It's accessible to everyone who makes (or has previously made) a donation. Thanks!
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