The Domineering CEO's Vain Trophy Husband 22

Ming Yao could have held on to it, he thought.

It was just that the act of chasing would look somewhat pathetic. If Lin Zhi broke free from his grip, he had no excuse to hold him back.

Ming Yao stopped at the end of the hallway, looking out at the courtyard. Soon, a car drove away from there.

Last night's closeness seemed like a fleeting flower, disappearing with the rain.

Ming Yao still remembered how Lin Zhi had kissed him, remembered his softness and sweetness, his eyes bright and shimmering, beautiful enough to quicken the heart.

Last night they were so close, and today he had to keep an appointment with another man.

A massive sense of loss and jealousy nearly consumed him. Ming Yao gripped the armrest of his wheelchair tightly, the veins on the back of his hand bulging.

His paralyzed legs had never been more of an obstacle. He resented his own incompleteness even more than he had after the accident.

He had to stand up. When Lin Zhi wanted to leave again, he could imprison him in his arms, or at least be able to keep pace with Lin Zhi's footsteps, rather than being left behind in humiliation.

Ming Yao's gaze turned icy. He dialed a number.

"Dr. Li, it's me. Arrange a check-up for me as soon as possible, and prepare a rehabilitation plan."

The chances of his legs recovering were great, and Ming Yao knew this well.

The unceasing pain represented that his nerves still had sensation, that they could continue to be controlled. This was already better than many people's situations.

Ten years ago, when he was eighteen, he had attempted rehabilitation. How could he have resigned himself to a lifetime with a wheelchair? Because of the hurt from the people closest to him, he was unable to let go, and had declined recovery ever since.

But he couldn't continue this way anymore. Ming Yao felt a heavy sense of crisis.

Though Ji Shuangcheng wasn't as good-looking or as wealthy as him, he was a normal person with all four limbs intact. In comparison, who would choose someone disabled?

Everything was difficult for him. He couldn't even easily carry Lin Zhi to the bathroom to clean him up when he was sleeping from exhaustion.

Ming Yao was someone with strong goals and persistence. Once he decided what he wanted, he wouldn't give up easily.

Lin Zhi was his wife. He wouldn't hand him over to anyone.

Compared to those who coveted Lin Zhi, he had advantages.

Lin Zhi didn't know that Ming Yao had already begun rehabilitation out of frustration. After having his driver drop him off at a tea restaurant, he got out and ate something there.

With his hungry stomach satisfied, Lin Zhi felt somewhat better.

After eating his fill, Lin Zhi didn't contact Ji Shuangcheng. Instead, he found a nearby hotel and checked in, setting an alarm on his phone.

Ji Shuangcheng had indeed invited him to see a musical. The time was 8 PM, still several hours away.

Lin Zhi's body was exhausted. Even after sleeping for so long, he still felt sore and weak. He had practically forced himself to leave Ming Yao.

The stimulus needed to be given immediately. After the time limit passed, the effect would be greatly diminished.

If he didn't rest well, he probably wouldn't be able to watch the entire musical properly.

The mucous membrane, rubbed excessively, was somewhat swollen. Lin Zhi frowned slightly as he applied ointment with a cotton swab.

He was somewhat troubled because Ming Yao had exceeded his estimations, making him push a bit too hard.

However, the happiness exceeded his estimations as well. Lin Zhi tossed the cotton swab into the trash bin, a smile constantly playing at the corners of his mouth.

Lin Zhi set an alarm and closed his eyes to rest. This would help him relax and think more clearly.

If his calculations were correct, Ming Yao should now be making efforts to stand up.

If even after all he'd done, he couldn't inspire Ming Yao to fight, then it only meant his appeal wasn't strong enough, or that Ming Yao was simply a coward.

He hoped it wasn't the latter. Otherwise, he'd be disappointed, and his feelings toward Ming Yao might diminish considerably.

Of course, he wouldn't tell this to the system. After all, in System No. 01's eyes, he was a kind-hearted and lovely young man who should be enthusiastically devoted to his redemption target. How could he be impatient or disappointed?

When facing a target requiring redemption, of course one should respond with love. But Lin Zhi felt that love alone wasn't enough. The prerequisite was being seen; only then did love have value.

This utilitarian way of thinking made even Lin Zhi laugh at himself. Yet he was genuinely concerned for Ming Yao's wellbeing and had no intention of hurting him. After all, in some sense, he actually quite liked Ming Yao.

The cool sensation of the ointment brought relief to the sensitive area. Lin Zhi couldn't help but shift his posture and continued to review yesterday's events.

Ming Yao was someone who wouldn't show weakness to others. Even last night, he had endured with broken pride. Beneath his rage and coldness, only hints of softness emerged.

Somewhat cute and pitiful, allowing for deeper capture.

System No. 01 asked carefully: [Host, what's your plan next? What can I do to help you?]

System No. 01 wasn't afraid. He just sensed that the host was very tired and worried his voice might disturb him.

Lin Zhi: [We just need to wait.]

System No. 01: [Wait for what?]

Lin Zhi: [Wait for Ming Yao to chase after me.]

Lin Zhi was drifting between sleep and wakefulness, his voice very soft.

A healthy relationship required investment and interaction from both parties.

Lin Zhi had invested considerable thought in getting close to Ming Yao, crossing the line Ming Yao had drawn to separate himself from the outside world and entering his domain. Now came the part where Ming Yao needed to take a step in his direction.

If it were only passive one-sided effort, that kind of emotion easily became taken-for-granted extraction. Compared to intense emotion, gentle love that works silently was easily overlooked. Not everyone in this world possessed the sensitive perception to clearly feel who was giving for them.

Weaving a web was a technical skill. Weave too tightly and it becomes rigid with no elasticity, unable to lure prey to approach willingly. Weave too loosely and it becomes scattered, allowing an easy escape, requiring much more time.

The highest art of chess wasn't predicting where the opponent would place their pieces, but rather guiding them to place it there, while the opponent believed it was their own brilliant move.

He had already done too much in the early stages. Now he only needed to wait for Ming Yao to chase him and respond accordingly to Ming Yao's actions.

System No. 01 acknowledged twice more, then didn't disturb Lin Zhi further, watching him relax into sleep.

Forty minutes before the musical began, the alarm woke Lin Zhi.

He pressed his temples and went to the bathroom to wash his face.

The slight redness and swelling around his eyes from last night had disappeared. With the medication applied, the physical discomfort had greatly reduced.

Lin Zhi lifted his shirt hem and looked at the finger marks on the side of his waist with some helplessness.

Ming Yao's stamina was far stronger than he had imagined. Though Ming Yao was also an adult male, his weight seemed insignificant to him. Ming Yao could even easily pick him up and change their positions.

Lin Zhi's eyelashes trembled slightly, his eyes gleaming and dimming.

He rubbed his waist and called Ji Shuangcheng.

They had agreed to meet at the theater entrance. When Lin Zhi arrived, Ji Shuangcheng handed him a cup of hot cocoa.

"It rained heavily yesterday, and the temperature is still low today. Be sure to keep warm."

Ji Shuangcheng wore a caramel-colored windbreaker, his mixed-race features sharp and sculpted, speaking in a gentle tone.

Lin Zhi thanked him and they walked inside together.

The tickets were booked by Ji Shuangcheng, seats in the third row.

As Lin Zhi took his seat, he made eye contact with the person in front and exchanged pleasantries.

Indeed, it was a coincidence. The person sitting in front was Guan Yi. This was actually their first time meeting somewhere unrelated to pets.

Guan Yi's eyes brightened as he greeted Lin Zhi.

Guan Yi said with a smile: "I didn't know you were interested in these as well. I should have invited you to come together before. I hope there's an opportunity next time."

The other party was very enthusiastic, and Lin Zhi responded politely.

Before the performance started, Guan Yi asked about Nuonuo's recent situation.

Because of the rainy weather and Nuonuo being very obedient, he didn't need to conduct training work daily, so he hadn't visited Lin Zhi's place for several days.

Lin Zhi chatted with him for a few moments. The musical was about to begin, so Guan Yi didn't continue their conversation.

When he turned back around, Guan Yi's gaze drifted across the strange man beside Lin Zhi. After nodding in greeting, he perked up his ears subtly.

He listened to their conversation—polite but lacking intimacy. Clearly, just friends. This made Guan Yi secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

Guan Yi had developed feelings for Lin Zhi since their first meeting.

Lin Zhi had been standing quietly under the glass cabinet, bending slightly to look at the pets inside. Sunlight illuminated his face, giving Guan Yi, a sudden pang in his chest.

It wasn't just because of his appearance. Guan Yi felt Lin Zhi possessed an indescribable sexiness emanating from within, not the vulgar kind born of desire. It was a feeling sculpted by experience. Even in their daily interactions, Lin Zhi seemed to hide this feeling, but Guan Yi was certain it wasn't his imagination.

It was just that Lin Zhi seemed quite busy with work. He couldn't find much time to spend with him. When training Nuonuo, he mostly saw the maid. He could only occasionally message Lin Zhi through the app, and each time he had to rack his brain for an excuse, worried about being too abrupt.

If Lin Zhi already had a boyfriend, then he probably had no chance.

He was somewhat regretful about buying front-row tickets. If they were in the row behind Lin Zhi's, he could openly watch him.

The musical performance lasted two and a half hours. When it ended, the wind outside was quite strong.

The wind pressed Lin Zhi's clothes against his body, outlining his slender frame.

"It might rain soon. Do you need me to drive you home?" Ji Shuangcheng took off his windbreaker, wanting to drape it over Lin Zhi's shoulders.

Lin Zhi held the hem of his jacket and shook his head, indicating he didn't need it.

Ji Shuangcheng didn't feel awkward and put it back on himself.

"No need. I'll just have my driver come pick me up."

Lin Zhi declined politely. If Ji Shuangcheng drove him home, he might discover that he lived with Ming Yao. He didn't want to invite complications.

"Then why don't I drive you home? It's on my way anyway."

Guan Yi suddenly spoke up, winking friendly at Ji Shuangcheng in front of him.

'On my way' was quite clever. Ji Shuangcheng suppressed his surprise. This person actually knew where Lin Zhi lived.

"No need. I've already texted my driver. If you two have other plans, just go ahead."

Lin Zhi waved his phone, indicating he had already made arrangements.

Ji Shuangcheng nodded, but the direction he left wasn't toward the parking lot but toward a nearby café.

Guan Yi approached and asked: "Do you like cats?"

Lin Zhi smiled softly: "I do."

"Then are you free on the 27th? That afternoon I'm having a cat-themed gathering with friends. Everyone brings their cats to play together. All the cats coming are show-quality in temperament and looks, very friendly. If you're interested, you could join."

Guan Yi truly loved small animals. When he spoke of them, there was special tenderness on his face.

"I'd need to check my schedule that day. If I have time, I'd be happy to attend."

Guan Yi was satisfied with this answer and nodded.

Ji Shuangcheng walked out of the café next door and handed Lin Zhi a hot coffee.

"Hazelnut flavor. You're not allergic, are you?"

"Thank you."

Lin Zhi nodded and accepted it. On a cold day, holding something warm in his hands provided additional comfort.

Ji Shuangcheng was quite considerate, even buying a cup for Guan Yi.

Guan Yi accepted it somewhat awkwardly, thanking Ji Shuangcheng but feeling a sense of being completely outmatched.

Ji Shuangcheng subtly noticed Guan Yi's slight change in mood and smiled warmly.

Lin Zhi didn't notice their interaction because Ji Shuangcheng was discussing with him the art exhibition Hu Tong was planning to hold soon.

Guan Yi felt unable to join their conversation, so he naturally stepped back a few paces, holding his coffee in one hand and his phone in the other, pretending to be busy, feeling somewhat defeated.

Not long after, Lin Zhi's car arrived.

Lin Zhi said goodbye to Ji Shuangcheng: "See you next time."

"Mr. Lin, then we'll see each other tomorrow? There shouldn't be rain tomorrow," Guan Yi said, referring to Nuonuo's matter. Lin Zhi nodded.

The car picking him up was parked at the roadside. Lin Zhi descended the steps and opened the car door, his movements pausing slightly.

Ming Yao was sitting inside, a tablet in his hands.

"Mr. Ming, how did you come?"

"I went out for a bit and happened to pass by, so I came to pick you up. Let's go."

Ming Yao's expression was calm, his gaze passing through the one-way glass toward the two men standing on the steps looking this way.

So it wasn't a solo appointment with Ji Shuangcheng to see the musical. That was good.

As the car door closed, night fell quickly.

Ji Shuangcheng and Guan Yi both noticed Lin Zhi's pause after opening the door, seemingly talking to someone.

Ji Shuangcheng was somewhat confused: "Is there someone else in the car?"

Come to think of it, he knew nothing about Lin Zhi's family situation. Hu Tong didn't know either—Lin Zhi hadn't mentioned it.

Guan Yi, knowing that Lin Zhi was staying with a friend, naturally answered: "Probably a friend."

Ji Shuangcheng and Guan Yi exchanged looks, neither having much to say to each other, so they decided to part ways.

Ji Shuangcheng was thinking about what to share with Lin Zhi next time. Guan Yi was thinking about tomorrow's meeting with Lin Zhi. Perhaps because of their preoccupation, Lin Zhi in the car sneezed.

"Caught a cold? Have some ginger soup when we get back."

Ming Yao naturally offered care, taking hold of Lin Zhi's hand.

Lin Zhi's hand wasn't actually cold since he had been holding hot coffee just now, but Ming Yao held on anyway.

Lin Zhi looked somewhat surprised, glancing at Ming Yao's hand without pulling away, leaning back against the seat and responding languidly.

They both tacitly didn't mention the afternoon. Ming Yao's expression was composed, and Lin Zhi matched his indifference.

The driver up front had gone deaf the moment Ming Yao mentioned the pickup was on his way, but hearing his boss's caring words still made his scalp tingle. After all, he knew how cold the boss had been to his wife before.

Men truly are fickle creatures.

Lin Zhi, through the car's rear-view mirror, saw the driver's face muscles contorting from suppressed laughter and couldn't help but smile.

Ming Yao was truly interesting. When he put on airs, he really meant it. When he was clear about something, he was genuinely clear.

He knew what he wanted, so he would act without hesitation. However, due to years of habitual demeanor, he found it difficult to show a smiling face. Therefore, when he spoke caring words, his expression remained as calm as if discussing the day's stock market trends.

Only from the tightness of Ming Yao's grip on his hand could Lin Zhi glimpse a hint of the emotion beneath.

Lin Zhi didn't find this disconnect awkward. Rather, he found it amusing.

After all, when he had gasped yesterday, asking Ming Yao to slow down, Ming Yao had said 'sorry' in an almost indifferent tone, forcing him deeper.

In that moment of blank mind, he had witnessed Ming Yao's gaze, intense to the point of fervor.

Ming Yao heard Lin Zhi's laughter and raised an eyebrow in silent question.

Lin Zhi leaned closer to Ming Yao. Ming Yao tilted his head slightly to match his movement.

A warm breath reached his ear, and Lin Zhi's melodious voice came with a complaint.

"Today Mr. Ji thought I had twisted my waist and wanted to recommend a Chinese medicine doctor."

"Mr. Ming, I still have bruises on my waist."

After Lin Zhi finished, he pulled back. His expression was so troubled that no one would guess he had just said something so seductive.

This was more than hot and cold—it was brazenly toying with Ming Yao's emotions.

Had Ming Yao been in his previous state of clarity and rationality, he would have discovered just how dreadful his wife beside him was. But he had already been blinded by the layer of innocence covering his awfulness.

This wasn't a complaint but a whisper drawing him deeper into the abyss, lingering in his softness and decay, punishing his false affection.

Ming Yao gave the impression of being oppressed, yet sometimes his actions contradicted that nature. Lin Zhi had miscalculated once more.

The car's partition screen was raised, sectioning off the space.

Large hands pressed against Lin Zhi's lower back, seemingly compensating for his actions.

Ming Yao saw the marks against his pale skin, looking somewhat startling, yet subtly awakening the darker parts of his heart.

Ming Yao's palms were burning hot, the heat transferring, staining Lin Zhi's spine with warmth.

Lin Zhi's response wasn't feigned. Ming Yao's plan to rehabilitate was indeed good news for him.

Ming Yao's expression softened slightly when he sensed Lin Zhi's genuine joy. He opened his mouth to ask: "What kind of wedding rings do you like?"

The elevator had already arrived on the fourth floor, and the doors opened.

When Lin Zhi snapped back to his senses, they had returned to the residence. Stunned by Ming Yao's question, he finally responded: "Why are you asking that?"

"Grandfather mentioned that he hasn't seen us wearing wedding rings. It's my oversight—I hadn't prepared initially. I had a designer create several styles. You can take a look and see if there's one you like."

Ming Yao had actually found more than one designer—probably around a dozen top designers domestically and internationally. Some had sent him new creations or treasured past works for selection, while others were still designing.

Ming Yao's excuse was clever. Lin Zhi had used Old Master Ming as an excuse to get close to him; now he was using the same excuse to achieve his own ends.

Ming Yao even added a special note: "They're all from very renowned designers. Their works are all treasures."

According to his wife’s vain nature, expensive was certainly good, and he was sure he wouldn't refuse.

The young man indeed said as expected: "Then send me those design sketches. I want to choose carefully."

"No need to rush. Two months from now, a blue diamond will be auctioned in Geneva. You can take your time selecting."

As they spoke, the elevator doors had closed, and it ascended to the fifth floor.

Lin Zhi murmured somewhat distractedly: "I remember the blue diamond that sold recently was around 380 million?"

"Yes, but the one in Geneva might not be as large and won't reach that price. However, it should be sufficient for a pair of rings."

Ming Yao's wealth was sufficient for him to purchase such things without blinking. Previously, he had rejected Lin Zhi's request for more money, not because he was stingy, but because he believed Lin Zhi hadn't possessed that value at the time.

The fifth floor arrived. Lin Zhi exited the elevator with Ming Yao.

However, he didn't enter the room. Instead, at the door, he wrapped his arms around Ming Yao's neck and kissed his cheek.

"Sleep well. I won't stay with you. I'm afraid I'd be overcome with joy and do something improper. Too bad it's already too swollen to touch."

"Good night, husband."

Lin Zhi smiled as he quietly bid Ming Yao farewell, his beautiful face flushed with excitement.

His vanity was an act, but his excitement wasn't entirely false. He was indeed in a good mood.

The feeling of effort being rewarded satisfied him. Lin Zhi liked being valued, and having a person he cared about pay such an expensive price to please him—even if it might be just a pittance—truly delighted him.

In some ways, he was also quite vain.

Whether born that way or through habit, Lin Zhi had grown accustomed to being needed. Since he had carried almost extreme expectations, his threshold for being needed had risen. Ordinary need couldn't satisfy his psychological requirements.

Yet he wasn't the type to give selflessly. As a shrewd, self-interested businessman, he always needed to determine a likely return before taking action.

Moreover, there were few people in this world he'd willingly give to first. After his death, even family ties faded, making such people even rarer.

This contradictory, almost warped psychology, Lin Zhi himself hadn't recognized.

He only felt happy now, and even when addressing Ming Yao, there was some genuine sincerity.

However, this time Lin Zhi couldn't leave smoothly.

Before his hand left Ming Yao's neck, Ming Yao's two hands gripped his thighs, pulling him to straddle his lap.