Part 2
“Yes, hello Bai He. Welcome to our home.” Nan Yu kept hold of Bai He’s arm and looked at the two men standing behind them, introducing them one by one. “This is Qin Yao’s Big Dad, you’ve met. And this is Qin Yao’s grandfather.”
“Hello, Uncle Qin. Grandp…” Bai He stopped, looking at Qin Sui’s face in surprise.
At the same time, Old Mr. Qin got a clear look at Bai He and was just as surprised.
“I know this kid!” The old man’s face lit up. He came closer to get a better look at Bai He, beaming. “You’re that young man who’s brilliant at chess!”
Bai He, recovering from his own surprise, nodded politely. “Hello, Grandpa Qin.”
“Good, good!” Qin Sui was overjoyed, but then he suddenly paused. “I remember you’re a beta?”
“Bai He differentiated late. He’s not a beta.” Qin Yao finally squeezed his way in. He shoved the wine and tea brick at Qin Wei and Qin Sui, took the flowers from Bai He’s arms and gave them to Nan Yu, and then wrapped his own arm possessively around Bai He. “Alright, alright, let’s go inside. We agreed not to pry. Parents, don’t get too excited. This is my boyfriend.”
Bai He was being held tightly. He pushed Qin Yao’s arm off. “Brother Nan, the flowers are a meeting gift for you. I didn’t know what you like, but I thought the blue and purple tones would suit you.”
Bai He spoke with great sincerity, looking directly into Nan Yu’s eyes, slowly reciting the words he had rehearsed in his mind.
“CEO Qin…” Bai He paused again, correcting himself. “Uncle Qin, I bought this red wine for you. I don’t have much experience picking out wine, but it’s just a small token.”
Next, he faced the beaming Old Mr. Qin. Bai He had only just said “Grandpa Qin,” when the old man started waving his hands. “Alright, alright! We’re happy with whatever you buy. We’re just so happy you came! We love the gifts. You put a lot of thought into this, young man!”
Qin Wei and Nan Yu both chimed in their agreement. Qin Yao put his arm back around Bai He’s shoulder. “See? I was right, wasn’t I? You should trust me, Little Bai He.”
Bai He blinked, looking at Qin Yao. The family members had already gone inside, leaving them at the back. It was quiet. Bai He actively leaned against Qin Yao.
Qin Yao froze. “What’s wrong?”
Bai He shook his head, then looked up at Qin Yao’s side profile. “I’m actually very nervous.”
Qin Yao studied Bai He’s eyes, then suddenly buried his head and pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose, resting his forehead against Bai He’s. “I’m here.”
“Mm.” Bai He pinched Qin Yao’s sleeve. Feeling a little embarrassed to be doing this out here, he only leaned on him for a moment before pushing him away again.
“Little Bai He, how many times have you pushed me away today?” Qin Yao complained pitifully, resting his chin on Bai He’s shoulder and refusing to let him go. Bai He was helpless.
Just then, Nan Yu’s smiling voice drifted over from the distance.
“What are you two whispering about? Hurry up and come eat.”
“Coming!” Qin Yao called back. He stood up straight, then instinctively took Bai He’s hand. “Let’s go.”
Dinner was a table full of home-style dishes. It wasn’t a grand banquet, but no detail was spared. The food looked simple, but it was more than plentiful.
At the table, they only chatted about casual, everyday things. There were no probing questions. Nan Yu asked about Bai He’s studies and life, Grandpa Qin was happy to talk about chess, and Qin Wei, as usual, didn’t say much, just chimed in occasionally.
The meal did a lot to calm Bai He’s nerves. After dinner, the cooking ayi had already gone home, so Qin Yao automatically headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Bai He was about to help but was gently pulled away by Nan Yu.
Before he was led away, Bai He heard Qin Yao say to him, “Don’t worry, I’ll come find you later.”
Bai He wasn’t worried; he was just nervous. But he could already guess what was coming next.
Nan Yu led Bai He to the second-floor balcony garden, where Qin Wei and Qin Diandian were also waiting.
The balcony was semi-enclosed, transformed into a small indoor garden filled with many well-cared-for potted plants. In the center, a large rug held a sofa and a rocking chair. Nan Yu guided Bai He to sit on the sofa.
“Here, drink some hot milk.”
Nan Yu handed the warm milk to Bai He, his smile fading slightly. “You should know what we’re about to say.”
Bai He held the warm cup, his movement pausing for a second.
“Sorry, Bai He. About that incident with Qin Yao, we didn’t tell you the truth. That was our mistake.” Nan Yu gave a bitter smile. “I reminded Qin Yao at the time. I thought it was his own matter to resolve, but I realized later I was wrong. I should have explained it to you clearly back then.”
“Qin Yao’s personality has never been indecisive. The way he kept dragging this out without explaining… I found it strange, too.” Nan Yu sighed, then gave a small laugh. “I’m not making excuses for him, and you have every right not to forgive him. But I think he really, really likes you. He’s just too slow on the uptake.”
“And we have a responsibility in this matter, too. We’re very sorry.”
Bai He looked down at the milk in his hands. The pure white liquid sat still in his palms, without a single ripple.
“When I first learned the truth, I was, in fact, very hurt.”
Bai He said softly. Nearby, Qin Diandian clutched her doll, staying silent. Qin Wei also looked up. “You don’t have to forgive him.”
“Uncle Qin, if Brother Nan made a mistake, would you not forgive him?” Bai He asked.
His question stumped both Nan Yu and Qin Wei.
“I am angry. I’m still not completely over it.” Bai He smiled faintly. “He lied to me. I don’t care if he’s indecisive or just slow because he likes me. I only know that he lied to me during that time, leaving me completely exposed in front of him.”
“The fact that we can be together now isn’t because I’ve completely forgiven him.” Bai He said calmly, “If I didn’t like him, why would I bother myself by facing a liar?”
Bai He liked Qin Yao. His soft heart was built on that foundation. But his reason was always there, warning him. Forgiveness wasn’t total. He wanted Qin Yao to dote on him, to love him, and to only have eyes for him.
Qin Yao was his cat. Since he was his cat before, he had to be his cat in the future. He was Qin Yao’s master.
“Thank you for telling me all this.” Bai He’s words brought them back. “I’m very happy.”
Nan Yu’s gaze softened. “I’m really starting to feel like that kid Qin Yao got a huge bargain. You should make him suffer a bit.”
Bai He smiled but didn’t reply. Qin Wei spoke. “If Qin Yao dares to treat you badly, you tell us.”
“Qin Yao is a bad guy! He can’t be bad to Brother Bai He!” Qin Diandian finally spoke up, running over to take Bai He’s pinky finger and looking up at him. “Brother Bai He, on the bus that day, I knew it was my brother. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. My brother is really bad. You can hit him, you can scold him, but please don’t… don’t hit him so hard he dies. My brother is… actually… okay…”
“So is he good or bad, little girl?” Qin Yao’s voice appeared right on cue. He strode over and sat down on Bai He’s other side, his arm wrapping naturally around Bai He’s waist.
“Finished chatting? If you are, I’m taking Bai He home.”
Bai He looked at Qin Yao’s face, allowing the hand on his waist. Just then, Old Mr. Qin returned from his walk.
“What? You’re leaving already?” The old man was surprised. “I was hoping to play a round of chess with Little Bai.”
“Let CEO Qin play with you.” Qin Yao held Bai He. “We have to go.”
As they saw them out of the villa, Nan Yu looked at Qin Yao. “Qin Yao, you have to treat Little Bai He well.”
“I know.”
Qin Yao replied, then repeated, “I know better than anyone.”
The two walked to the garage, a silent understanding passing between them. Neither said a word, and the only sound was the clear jingle of the bell on the red roses.
Arriving at the parking space, Qin Yao, still holding Bai He’s hand, pulled open the passenger door. He turned to look at Bai He, trying to read something from his calm face.
They looked at each other for a long time. Qin Yao’s lips pressed down, his canine teeth biting into his lower lip. He slammed the car door shut and pulled Bai He to the back seat.
The SUV’s back seat was spacious. The door closed, sealing them off from the outside world. The garage remained quiet. Even the slight, rhythmic rocking of the car was barely noticeable in the dim light.
Qin Yao lay back on the seat, his body angled forward, his shirt slightly open. His left hand rested on the seat, his right supporting Bai He, who was now sitting on top of him.
The car’s heater was on. Bai He’s suit jacket had been pushed down to his shoulders. He buried his head, his fingers trembling slightly, not from weakness, but with serious, stubborn intent as he performed something like a ritual.
Finally, he tied the bell around Qin Yao’s neck.
It wasn’t too tight, or too loose. It rested just above his Adam’s apple. The position was perfect.
Bai He lowered his eyes, his fingers lightly hooking the bell’s string. His fingertips trailed down, touching the single rose that lay on Qin Yao’s chest.
“What’s wrong?” Qin Yao looked into Bai He’s eyes. “Did you feel wronged just now?”
Bai He looked up, his fingers pressing into Qin Yao’s abdomen, applying a bit of force. The spot he was sitting on slowly shifted back, causing Qin Yao’s entire body to tense. The bell on his neck jingled sharply.
“Your family wouldn’t wrong me,” Bai He said softly. “They said if you bully me, I can tell on you.”
“Then will you tell on me?” Qin Yao’s lips curled into a smile.
“You are not allowed to bully me.” Bai He’s fingertips wandered, landing on the bell. He tapped it lightly, and it jingled again.
“Qin Yao, you are my cat. I am your master. You are not allowed to bully me.”
“…” Qin Yao’s throat moved, his breath coming out heavy and thick. “Okay, master.”
As he spoke, his powerful waist gave a sharp thrust upwards, making the car rock again. Qin Yao’s voice was hoarse. “Little master, not right now. We don’t… have the right supplies.”
“Let’s go home.”
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