Chapter 112: The Cannon Fodder in a Dogblood Novel (112)
“Since you’re awake, go wash up first,” Qin Yizhou’s voice carried a deliberate, barely perceptible softening. “There’s a new set of toiletries in the bathroom, the white set—you’ll see it when you go in. The bathrobe is also new…”
He paused, a flash of something strange crossing his eyes as his gaze swept briefly over the other man’s clothes. “The clothes you’re wearing also seem to need a change. I’ll find a set of mine for you. Can you make do with them after your shower?”
Qin Yizhou could have easily had someone deliver a set of clothes that fit Shen Tangqing, but he didn’t want to. The thought of his own clothes being worn by Shen Tangqing… just thinking about it made him feel a bit heated.
After the hangover, Shen Tangqing did indeed want to take a shower. He carefully placed Xiao Tang on the floor. When he straightened up, his voice still carried a bit of morning raspiness. “Thank you, Mr. Qin. Sorry for the trouble. I’ll buy you a new set later.”
Qin Yizhou lowered his eyes, his lashes hiding the heat within. “No need. I’m not short of clothes. As long as you don’t mind that they’ve been worn by me.”
“How could I mind? I’m the one troubling you…”
“Go brush your teeth first. I’ll go get the clothes.”
Qin Yizhou turned and walked toward the inner walk-in closet, his back maintaining its usual nobility. It wasn’t until his figure disappeared that Shen Tangqing realized with a start that this was Qin Yizhou’s bedroom.
So—had he slept in his bed last night? Had he kicked him out to the guest room?
This realization caused Shen Tangqing a moment of awkwardness. After freezing for a few seconds, he went into the bathroom.
New cups and toothbrushes were laid out on the marble countertop. Just as Qin Yizhou said, they were easy to spot. The cold touch of the ceramic helped clear Shen Tangqing’s still-foggy brain. The bathroom was spacious, and the air carried a faint, unfamiliar woody scent—the scent Qin Yizhou usually wore. This made him feel strangely uncomfortable, as if he had intruded into someone’s private domain.
When he finished washing up and came out wrapped in a bathrobe, Qin Yizhou was sitting on the sofa. Two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a sexy Adam’s apple and collarbone. His sleeves were loosely rolled up, and his diamond cufflinks shimmered. His long legs were crossed, and his left hand held an unlit cigarette…
Shen Tangqing froze for a moment. Then, he inwardly clicked his tongue. As expected of the Qin family’s Crown Prince—this appearance, this temperament… his handsomeness was way off the charts.
Hearing footsteps, Qin Yizhou looked up. His gaze lingered covertly on Shen Tangqing for a split second before he restrainedly withdrew it. He tossed the cigarette casually onto the table and stood up. His posture was elegant and noble. “All done?”
Shen Tangqing nodded.
Qin Yizhou stepped forward and handed the clothes on the bed to Shen Tangqing—a black shirt and a pair of suit trousers. Shen Tangqing had a very thin waist; Qin Yizhou had measured it with his eyes yesterday. His own pants would definitely be too big, but Qin Yizhou had thoughtfully prepared a belt for him.
“My clothes will be a bit big on you. Just make do for now. Change first, then we’ll go have breakfast.”
“Thank you, Mr. Qin,” Shen Tangqing said politely with a smile as he took the clothes.
“You’re welcome. I’ll wait for you in the hallway.”
“Oh, okay…”
After saying that, Qin Yizhou turned and left the room.
Qin Yizhou was nearly a head taller than Shen Tangqing. His shirt just happened to cover Shen Tangqing’s butt. As for the pants… after Shen Tangqing put them on, he rolled up the hems.
…
Leaving the room, he saw Qin Yizhou standing in the hallway.
His gaze fell on Shen Tangqing, and a flash of excitement crossed his eyes. The thought that his clothes were being worn by Shen Tangqing, absorbing his body heat and scent, caused a hidden thrill to rise in his heart—so much so that the hand hanging at his side couldn’t help but tremble slightly.
He swallowed sharply before speaking slowly, “The servants have prepared breakfast. Let’s go.”
Shen Tangqing followed Qin Yizhou to the dining room.
…
After breakfast, Shen Tangqing couldn’t very well take his leave immediately. When the servants brought tea and snacks, Shen Tangqing spoke with a smile, “Mr. Qin, am I bothering your work?”
Qin Yizhou’s expression was calm. “I’m not busy.” He had told his assistant to postpone all work today.
“Oh,” Shen Tangqing said. “When does Mr. Qin have time? I’ll treat you to a meal.”
A dark glint appeared in Qin Yizhou’s eyes. After a few seconds, he spoke leisurely, “As long as you’re the one asking, I have time whenever.”
The smile on Shen Tangqing’s lips froze for a moment. Why did that sound a bit strange? And wasn’t that sentence a bit too ambiguous, buddy?
He looked up at Qin Yizhou. Coincidentally, Qin Yizhou’s gaze also fell on him. Their eyes met unexpectedly. Shen Tangqing shivered and quickly looked away.
An unpleasant feeling rose in his heart. However, he comforted himself inwardly: Qin Yizhou was Xiao Yu’s main love interest; there was no way he could be interested in him. It must be a mistake. Right, definitely a mistake. He was overthinking it… With that thought, Shen Tangqing’s racing heart calmed down a bit.
“Why aren’t you speaking?” Qin Yizhou asked suddenly.
Shen Tangqing: “…”
“Uh… then I’ll treat you to a meal in a couple of days.” After saying that, Shen Tangqing gave a dry laugh. “Um, Mr. Qin, it’s getting late. I won’t disturb you further…”
“Shen Tangqing, wait for me for a few minutes…” After saying that, Qin Yizhou stood up from the sofa and walked toward the garden.
Shen Tangqing was completely bewildered. Sitting on the sofa, he had an ominous premonition for some reason.
Qin Yizhou returned quickly, holding a bouquet of roses. Each flower looked as if it had been meticulously selected. They were beautiful, but the wrapping wasn’t very pretty.
Shen Tangqing’s pupils shrank. His mind was filled with: Don’t come over!
But unfortunately, Qin Yizhou walked straight toward him with the bouquet. “Did I startle you?”
Shen Tangqing: “…” You know it, and you’re still asking?
He forced a polite yet awkward smile. “Mr. Qin, what is this…?”
Qin Yizhou handed the flowers to Shen Tangqing. “For you.” A smile touched his lips. “I wrapped these myself this morning. I’ve always felt that a relationship should start with a bouquet of confession flowers.”
After saying that, he looked at Shen Tangqing with burning eyes. “Shen Tangqing, I like you. I hope you can give me a chance to be by your side.”
Sometimes Shen Tangqing really wanted to just close his eyes and let his life end. Was he some kind of gay-attracting magnet? Why were they all confessing to him?
“Mr. Qin, I don’t like men.”
He didn’t take the flowers. Qin Yizhou was a bit disappointed. He placed the flowers on the table in front of Shen Tangqing before walking back to the sofa and sitting down. He looked at Shen Tangqing, his voice gaining a bit more patience.
“Shen Tangqing, I can actually understand your thoughts.” He tapped his finger lightly on his knee. “In our conventional thinking, men should like women, marry, and have children to carry on the family line… But you’ve never tried being with a man; how do you know you don’t like them?”
“Just like me—before meeting you, I always thought I liked women. But after meeting you, I realized that liking someone has nothing to do with sexual orientation.”
“I know confessing to you so suddenly means you’re not mentally prepared. I can give you time to consider it properly…”
Qin Yizhou spoke at length, calm and persuasive. “And… I can protect you.”
He didn’t mention the Li family; he knew that wasn’t a good memory for Shen Tangqing. Thus, he could only vaguely promise that he could protect him. After the final sentence, Qin Yizhou’s gaze remained fixed on Shen Tangqing, waiting for his response.
[Translator’s Note: Qin Yizhou is so smooth! He’s using the “I’ve never liked a man before you” line. And poor “Xiao Tang” the cat is forgotten for a moment. “Carrying on the family line” (传宗接代) is a very traditional Chinese concept that Qin is explicitly challenging here. Our straight man is in trouble!]
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