Chapter 38: Love Rival
“Of course it’s a guy. Why would I take a girl’s things?”
Zhou Yuejun questioned coldly, “…And you think you’re in the right?”
He was quite fierce, cold and heartless. “You aren’t allowed to keep it. Are you going to see him again tomorrow?”
“I’m off tomorrow. I’ll go with you to return it to him.”
“I’ll buy you a new thermos. This one has someone else’s unit logo on it; it’s hideous.”
Zhou Yuejun was disgusted to death. If he didn’t have to return it tomorrow, he would have thrown it away long ago.
Sending such a thing—wasn’t he just coveting Yu Deng?
Yu Deng didn’t have that many convoluted thoughts.
He looked at the thermos in Zhou Yuejun’s hand. it was gray stainless steel, and besides having no pattern, it was printed with the Jiangcheng University logo in red.
And it was quite large and a bit heavy.
It really wasn’t as nice as the ones in the shops.
Since Zhou Yuejun wanted to spend money on him, he was more than happy.
“Alright then. We’ll go buy one tomorrow.”
“Bring plenty of money. I want to buy body wash too.”
“The soap is slippery in my hand and always falls—I’ve already dropped several bars into the toilet. It’s so inconvenient.”
“I heard body wash is great and smells nice. I want to buy it.”
Zhou Yuejun didn’t hesitate. “Alright, we’ll buy it.”
How could he not let Yu Deng use fragrant body wash?
Moreover, Yu Deng was right. Once soap got bubbly, it really was slippery—it would be better to buy body wash.
Zhou Yuejun’s indulgence would only make Yu Deng even more insatiable.
“I want to buy face cream too. The sun has been so strong lately. My face is always red from the sun—it’s not even soft anymore.”
As if to prove his point, Yu Deng even pressed his face against Zhou Yuejun’s and rubbed it a bit.
“Look for yourself. Isn’t it rough and dry?”
Zhou Yuejun couldn’t actually feel it; he felt Yu Deng’s face was still as soft and tender as a peeled lychee.
Pressed together, it was warm and slightly numbing. The rich, sweet fragrance drifted directly into Zhou Yuejun’s lungs.
Before it even reached his heart, he was already on the verge of being bewitched.
His voice was hoarse and thick. “We’ll buy it all!”
Even though Zhou Yuejun wasn’t particularly wealthy, his “spendthrift” attitude satisfied Yu Deng, who pouted in approval.
He was simply the most dedicated and successful little villain.
[System 107: Host, you’re amazing…]
107 also unleashed a torrent of “rainbow farts,” praising Yu Deng until he almost wanted to wag his tail.
Even though he didn’t have a tail, he couldn’t suppress the urge to “wag,” so he gave his body a little twist.
Zhou Yuejun couldn’t stand Yu Deng acting so cheeky. He gave Yu Deng’s bottom two slaps—”pa pa”—and then took a large bite of Yu Deng’s cheek.
Qiao Fangyu brought a sandwich for Yu Deng this morning.
He had the auntie at home put a lot of beef in it, thinking Yu Deng would surely love it.
Because he wanted to see him soon, he didn’t even enter the library, waiting outside instead.
Even though Yu Deng hadn’t appeared yet, Qiao Fangyu couldn’t help but chuckle twice, then straightened his clothes, looking for all the world like he was in the throes of first love.
“Qiao Fangyu!”
Clear and sweet—Qiao Fangyu knew it was Yu Deng the moment he heard it.
He looked up, filled with agitation and longing, but when he saw Yu Deng’s wrist being held by a man, his expression collapsed.
Today, Yu Deng was wearing a collared short-sleeved shirt, and his lower half consisted of loose denim overalls that ended at his thighs.
The rest of his exposed legs were slender yet a bit fleshy, straight and beautiful, lacking any trace of muscle from training.
While beautiful and delicate, they always sparked a sense of eroticism in one’s heart—especially those two purple bruises, looking as though they had been pinched, making one’s imagination run wild.
So weak, bullied miserably; he likely didn’t even have the strength to kick, only able to drift like duckweed in the wind.
Yu Deng wanted to run a few steps, but Zhou Yuejun caught him. “Don’t run. Running makes you sweat.”
Being restrained, the young man puffed out his cheeks in anger once more.
Even though there were no particularly intimate actions, there was an atmosphere between them…
An atmosphere of one acting up and the other indulging him.
At first glance, Qiao Fangyu sensed Zhou Yuejun’s lethality.
If Yu Deng was a little lily—beautiful, delicate, and pure—then Zhou Yuejun was a patch of thorns, covered in prickles.
His eye sockets were deep, and his dark, malevolent eyes were dim; the only trace of light within them was like a blade that wanted to see blood the moment it was unsheathed.
Or rather, the other party was a fierce tiger that wanted to tear him to pieces.
Qiao Fangyu was stunned for a moment. When he recovered, he saw Zhou Yuejun handing the thermos to him.
“Returning it to you.”
“The cup is too big. It’s heavy for him to carry and doesn’t look very nice. I’m going to buy him a new one in a bit.”
Actually, it wasn’t a strong attack, but with Zhou Yuejun’s gloomy and cold face, the hostility was simply too thick.
Qiao Fangyu was speechless.
He had originally wanted to buy a new one for Yu Deng, but he was afraid Yu Deng wouldn’t accept it, which was why he said it was a “spare” at home.
If he had known Yu Deng didn’t like this one, he would have taken Yu Deng to the shop to buy one.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t be in such an embarrassing position now; it was hard to present something that wasn’t being accepted.
Although Yu Deng wasn’t very well-versed in social graces, he had good intentions toward Qiao Fangyu, since Qiao Fangyu had treated him to so much food lately.
He looked up, revealing his handsome face from beneath the sun hat.
“Take it back. It’s too expensive. What if your family comes to ask me for it?”
Qiao Fangyu desperately wanted to deny it, but the words didn’t come out.
“This is the sandwich I brought for you. Have a taste.”
The food was wrapped in oil paper. Yu Deng was about to reach for it when the man beside him let out a suggestive cough.
As a warning.
Inexplicably, Yu Deng felt a tingle in his palm and sheepishly withdrew his hand.
Zhou Yuejun pulled Yu Deng close, speaking in a low but not-so-low voice, seemingly on purpose.
“Don’t eat things from others outside. If I find out again, I’ll slap your hand.”
Yu Deng pouted, grumbling about Zhou Yuejun’s “tyranny.”
Qiao Fangyu, as the “other,” acted as if he didn’t understand the words. “Are you going to the mall? I have things I need to buy too; let’s go together.”
The moment these shameless words were spoken, Qiao Fangyu felt a chilling sensation.
With a sidelong glance, he saw the man’s gaze was ominous, like a ghost—startling and terrifying.
Moreover, Zhou Yuejun was built so strongly; his arm muscles twitched as if he were about to swing and kill him.
Qiao Fangyu quickly turned his head back, ignoring Zhou Yuejun’s intimidation.
The three went to the mall. Zhou Yuejun bought many things for Yu Deng along the way—a thermos, body wash, face cream, and even a cotton pillow and blanket.
Almost at the same time Zhou Yuejun had the clerk wrap up the bedding, Yu Deng suddenly felt panicked and looked toward Zhou Yuejun.
The man was half-smiling, his narrow, sleepy eyes filled with mockery, seemingly reminding Yu Deng of the “mistakes” he had committed.
But what mistakes could Yu Deng have made, other than consuming too many bedsheets?
Ultimately, Yu Deng felt he had to blame Zhou Yuejun.
The weather was hot, so he naturally had to drink a lot of water. Sometimes at night, he even wanted to eat cold watermelon and grapes, so naturally…
It had to happen.
Besides, it’s not like he was doing it on purpose.
Every time, he told Zhou Yuejun, but Zhou Yuejun was always wicked and wouldn’t let him go.
At the thought of the man’s villainous and perverted behavior, Yu Deng turned his face away. “Hmph.”
Arrogant.
Zhou Yuejun was bad, and he was about the same, so spending money recklessly wasn’t that bad.
“Dengdeng, do you like this one?”
Qiao Fangyu was holding a pair of black sunglasses.
“These won’t sting your eyes when you wear them. Try them on.”
After speaking, he moved to hang the sunglasses on Yu Deng’s face.
Zhou Yuejun was paying for Yu Deng’s bag and, for a moment, failed to notice, allowing the covetous person to approach Yu Deng.
His teeth were about to be crushed.
The sunglasses were put on Yu Deng’s face, but they weren’t very suitable because Yu Deng had a cute and soft face, while the black sunglasses were dark and covered nearly half of his small face.
“Wow! I can really see things so clearly!”
Yu Deng fiddled with the new toy for a bit, then looked toward his “gold master.”
His eyes were wide, naturally carrying a hint of pity.
He hadn’t even opened his mouth, yet he was already saying the words “Buy it for me.” It was a bit like begging, but also like acting spoiled.
Zhou Yuejun couldn’t refuse. “Buy it.”
Even though he was a man of few words, he wasn’t stingy.
Zhou Yuejun even found a reasonable excuse for himself in his heart.
If Yu Deng couldn’t open his eyes while crossing the road and didn’t notice danger, what would he do?
With these “black glasses” or whatever they were, he would surely be able to see.
Zhou Yuejun knew Qiao Fangyu was doing it on purpose, constantly bringing things in front of Yu Deng to spark his interest.
Even though Qiao Fangyu said he would buy them for Yu Deng—desperately wanting to show off his wealth like a peacock—how could Zhou Yuejun allow it?
So Zhou Yuejun paid for everything.
Even the KFC they ate at the end was paid for by Zhou Yuejun.
Yu Deng was taking a nap in the library. Because he had bought a new blanket today, he didn’t need Qiao Fangyu’s cushion.
And because Zhou Yuejun was guarding him strictly, any time Qiao Fangyu wanted to talk to Yu Deng, he would draw a warning from Zhou Yuejun.
“Don’t disturb his reading. Don’t you know how to read yourself?”
His manner was simply too rough and wild, as if if Qiao Fangyu said one more word, Zhou Yuejun really would hit him.
Qiao Fangyu naturally looked down on Zhou Yuejun and wanted to provoke him, but he wouldn’t go looking for a beating.
So throughout the day, he didn’t get to speak much with Yu Deng.
He was furious.
Who did that Zhou Yuejun think he was?
Just a distant relative of Yu Deng’s—he couldn’t give Yu Deng an opulent life at all. What was wrong with him giving Yu Deng a few things?
Zhou Yuejun had borrowed a motorcycle this time, which still couldn’t block the sun.
Yu Deng sat behind him. Because of inertia, their bodies were always pressed together; their clothes were nearly soaked before they even reached home.
However, because he had bought new clothes and eaten KFC today, and Zhou Yuejun had spent so much money on him, Yu Deng was in a great mood.
He whipped Zhou Yuejun forward. “We have to buy a small car in the future so we won’t get sunburnt.”
After parking the bike, Zhou Yuejun didn’t let Yu Deng get off first. “Mhm, we’ll buy one.”
He got off first, then caught Yu Deng by the armpits and lifted him down.
Small, and light.
He unbuckled the helmet on Yu Deng’s head.
Because Yu Deng’s head was small, Zhou Yuejun had borrowed this helmet from a girl; it even had pink butterfly doodles on it.
On his head, it really was cute, making one want to treasure him.
“Alright, head inside first. I’ll be back after I return the bike.”
When Zhou Yuejun returned to the room, Yu Deng was trying on the new clothes from today.
He had a bit of a “show-off” stink about him.
Every time Zhou Yuejun took Yu Deng out, he would buy him new clothes, wanting to dress him up in bright, fresh colors.
As for himself, his clothes were faded and old, with only two simple styles.
Tossing the keys aside, Zhou Yuejun turned the fan toward the coffee table.
He lowered his voice and beckoned to Yu Deng. “Baby, come here.”
In the heat of passion, Zhou Yuejun would call him “Baby,” “Wife,” or “Hubby.”
So this form of address didn’t seem like much to Yu Deng at first.
He trotted over and stood before the seated Zhou Yuejun, who had his legs spread.
“What is it?”
Soft, and beautiful. His jewel-like eyes were brilliant, making it impossible for anyone to be fierce with him.
Zhou Yuejun’s leg muscles were also developed and fierce. After not working for a few days, he had gone back for a few more; he was nearly a “black skin” now.
Zhou Yuejun took Yu Deng’s hand. It was small, softer than tender tofu; it would leave a mark with even a light squeeze.
He looked up, his eyes filled with emotion. “Are you happy today?”
Yu Deng’s arrogant chin kept nodding, his eyes curving. “Happy! We have to go to the mall again next time you’re off.”
He was as innocent as a child; it really was like raising a kid.
Zhou Yuejun smiled in agreement. “Dengdeng, stop associating with that Qiao Fangyu from now on.”
The sudden change in topic didn’t make Yu Deng angry at first, only suspicious.
“Why? He’s good to me—he treats me to food and gives me gifts.”
Qiao Fangyu had been bringing him delicious food every day. One is soft-hearted after receiving favors; Yu Deng didn’t think Qiao Fangyu was bad.
Zhou Yuejun spoke with stern severity. “That’s exactly why you can’t be close to him.”
“Unearned favors always hide ill intentions; he’s not a good person.”
Yu Deng pouted, his heart feeling heavy. He wore his unhappiness on his face.
That was because he was amazing! After he tricked Qiao Fangyu, Qiao Fangyu would just spend money on him.
“I won’t!”
He still remembered the mission for later.
The plot couldn’t deviate too much, so he definitely couldn’t break off contact with Qiao Fangyu.
In an instant, Zhou Yuejun’s face darkened, his cold and gloomy expression already stained with suppression.
Zhou Yuejun’s expression was solemn and cold. He didn’t feel guilty about lying; on the contrary, he spoke with earnest concern.
“He just wants to get you used to him. Once you fall into his trap, he’ll calculate against you and throw you into a place like a dance hall.”
“Dengdeng, don’t trust him. Some people have very wicked hearts—their ways of enticing you are endless.”
“You’re too innocent; you’ll be tricked.”
“I’ll buy you whatever you want, okay?”
After speaking, he moved to comfort him, taking Yu Deng’s hand to lead him to sit beside him.
Yu Deng pouted, giving his hand a small flick to pull away, stomping his feet with a bit of stubbornness.
“At most… I won’t eat his food anymore.”
Zhou Yuejun didn’t want to fight with Yu Deng and ruin their relationship, allowing an outsider to step in.
Besides, Yu Deng had already taken a step back.
“Alright. Then you have to remember: you aren’t allowed to take his things.”
On one hand, Zhou Yuejun despised Qiao Fangyu for using money to trick Yu Deng; on the other hand, he looked down on his own poverty.
He had to let Yu Deng live a good life as soon as possible!
But Yu Deng really was very disobedient.
At five in the afternoon, thick clouds gathered, turning the sky pitch black. The mugginess made it difficult to breathe.
Yu Deng was about to catch the bus, but the moment he stepped out of the library, the wind and rain turned into a torrential downpour, with flashes of lightning and rolls of thunder.
Zhou Yuejun saw the rain coming and got off work early. He borrowed a car from Xie Meng, preparing to pick up Yu Deng from the library.
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