With the extra box of contraceptives in hand, Shen Duoyi hovered near the door while Qi Shi’an checked out. He was determined to ignore Qi Shi’an for the rest of the day; otherwise, Qi Shi’an would surely take advantage and never stop teasing.

Qi Shi’an finished paying and sauntered over with the bag, grinning smugly. He even held the door open, saying, “After you, please.”

Shen Duoyi stepped outside without pausing, walking straight ahead. Qi Shi’an followed leisurely behind, speaking in the tone of a radio announcer: “Where should we keep the jam? At home or the office? I don’t usually have breakfast at home. And the record—listening at the office when I’m tired sounds good. But this box of ultra-thin, light blue—”

Shen Duoyi couldn’t take it anymore and turned back to interrupt, “Do you remember why one of the guests in The White Horse Inn Murder Case was killed?”

Qi Shi’an played along. “Why?”

“Because they talked too much.” Shen Duoyi stormed back, roughly tying a knot in the shopping bag Qi Shi’an held. “Don’t say another word until we get back to the villa, or I’ll teach you a lesson.”

Qi Shi’an pretended to be terrified, pressing his lips together and flashing an “OK” sign. They walked back together, and Qi Shi’an enjoyed seeing Shen Duoyi flustered and exasperated for the first time.

As they turned into the woods, the peaceful atmosphere helped Shen Duoyi calm down. He glanced at Qi Shi’an and said nonchalantly, “I got a little worked up earlier. I was just bluffing. I never actually scold anyone, so don’t worry.”

Qi Shi’an nodded. If he hadn’t been holding back a laugh, he would have burst out laughing. Was Shen Duoyi afraid this small outburst would create a rift between them? Seeing no one around, Qi Shi’an took his hand.

Shen Duoyi immediately looked up. “You can talk now.”

“What should I say?” Qi Shi’an looked at the damp leaves around them. “Duoyi, the air is fresh, the scenery is beautiful, the jam smells sweet, and we’re good together, too. So, you don’t need to worry so much about my feelings. I’d rather you feel free to be your true self around me.”

Shen Duoyi paused. “Wouldn’t that be annoying?”

Qi Shi’an looked at him seriously. “No. If I acted like that, would you be annoyed?”

Shen Duoyi thought for a moment. “I probably would.”

Qi Shi’an nearly choked, then noticed the sly smile on Shen Duoyi’s face and realized he’d been teased. He sighed, half helpless, half amused. “If it’s you, I’d never be annoyed. Just seeing your face makes me forget everything. I’m hopeless.”

They spent the rest of the walk exchanging compliments and returned to the villa.

After tidying up, they drove back to the city. The two-day weekend ended in satisfying fulfillment.

Work was endless. New tasks replaced old ones, but whenever Shen Duoyi was busy, he’d think back to the camping trip—escaping files, bosses, and clients to enjoy sandwich cookies in a tent. It was bliss.

After work, he went straight home. The heat sapped any desire for activity, and leaving his grandfather alone too often didn’t sit well with him.

But Shen’s grandfather didn’t mind. After dinner, he lounged on the sofa, eating grapes. “I thought this new company was good. You actually went out with colleagues for a weekend. But now, you’re back to being a homebody.”

Shen Duoyi waved his popsicle. “What? You even know what ‘homebody’ means?”

“I heard it from Maomao's grandpa. He’s just like you were, knows everything.” Shen’s grandfather spat out a grape seed. “While you were gone, I went to the plaza with Maomao’s grandpa. He bought an electric car. We filled it up nicely. My dear grandson, I want one too.”

Shen Duoyi didn’t hesitate. “Maomao’s grandpa just retired and is in better shape than me. Forget it. I’d worry too much.”

“I don’t want a car. I want a tricycle. Walking is hard. I can ride it around the neighborhood, no further.”

“A tricycle, huh?” Shen Duoyi hesitated. He remembered winter and summer school commutes when his grandfather’s tricycle was a comforting sight—cold winters with hot roasted sweet potatoes and hot summers with chilled mung bean soup.

He nodded. “Alright, you can have one. But we have to agree on this: no going too far.”

His grandfather agreed happily. He rarely went out unless a neighbor offered a ride. A tricycle would be perfect.

“By the way, how are you feeling? We changed your medication, and I haven’t checked yet.” Shen Duoyi took out the blood pressure monitor. “We haven’t measured tonight.”

The reading was normal, and his grandfather reported no discomfort. Shen Duoyi had researched that foot swelling might be caused by dampness in the body, so he’d downloaded new recipes to help with it.

He remembered the ginseng root. “Grandpa, I’ll make you ginseng soup tomorrow.”

His grandfather said, “That’s good ginseng. Remember to thank the colleague who gave it to you.”

“I will,” Shen Duoyi promised. “I’ll ask him how to prepare it, too.”

Fate or intuition, Qi Shi’an was at home drinking ginseng soup. Auntie Li had delivered it, jotting down the recipe under his insistence.

“Your mom wants you home for dinner tomorrow. There are guests.”

Qi Shi’an sipped the soup. “Who?”

“Mr. You and Miss You. They’re back from abroad and want to visit the elders.” Auntie Li finished writing and capped her pen. “Adjust the seasoning to taste. What would you like tomorrow?”

“Make something sweet. There might be a child.”

The next day, Qi Shi’an finally found a reason to call Shen Duoyi to the 30th floor. Annie had noticed lately that the boss didn’t send files to Team Leader Shen anymore. He’d call him up personally for even the smallest task.

After greeting Annie, Shen Duoyi headed into the office. He knocked, entered, and saw Qi Shi’an buried in infographics on his desk.

“Mr. Qi, you wanted to see me?” He sat down, waiting for instructions.

Qi Shi’an maintained a professional demeanor, his expression serious as he looked up and said formally, “There are two things. First, take a look at the recent R1403 night trading data.”

Shen Duoyi took the documents, carefully flipping through each page. After finishing, he looked up and said, “The current trend seems healthy, though not outstanding. If nothing unexpected happens, the market will end smoothly. But if something unexpected happens, are we looking at gold or a landmine?”

Qi Shi’an finally looked up. “It was supposed to end smoothly this morning, but now it seems like gold.”

Without waiting for Shen Duoyi to ask why, he confessed, “Because I bought in. I invested 150,000 yuan. I’m treating it as a way to make back what a small retail investor lost before. Whatever profit there is will be for him.”

Shen Duoyi blinked, reflexively glancing back at the charts, as if his 150,000 yuan were stuck to them. After a moment, he exhaled and looked at Qi Shi’an.

He shook his head. “I was joking before. I don’t need your money. I’m not poor.”

This statement, which might have seemed weak ten years ago, was undeniable now. The once-impoverished Shen Duoyi, now earning a million a year, had no reason to accept it.

Qi Shi’an seemed prepared for this. “I was kidding. I invested 100,000. You can add 50,000, and we’ll jointly own this account. How about that?”

“That works.” Shen Duoyi’s mood lifted. “When do we split the profits?”

Qi Shi’an chuckled. “Already thinking about profits? I planned to use the earnings as a ‘household development fund.’”

They hadn’t even visited each other’s homes yet, and now there was talk of a household fund. Shen Duoyi grinned, his mind calculating quickly. “Household fund, huh? But you invested twice as much as me. Does that mean you get to make all the decisions?”

“Exactly. I call the shots.” Qi Shi’an’s expression was smug, his pride overflowing. Shen Duoyi put the charts down and remembered something. “Wasn’t there a second thing? What is it?”

Qi Shi’an pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it over. “The recipe for ginseng soup from Auntie Li. It’s pretty good.”

Shen Duoyi glanced over it, mentally noting the ingredients to buy after work. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work.”

As he headed for the door, he paused and asked, “Are you monitoring the night market tonight?”

Qi Shi’an teased, “You’re already making me work overtime to earn money?”

“No, don’t accuse me unfairly.” Shen Duoyi smiled. “I was thinking of bringing you soup tonight. If you’re at the office, I’ll come here. If you’re at home, I’ll come to your door.”

Qi Shi’an’s gaze softened. “I’ll be home. Call me when you arrive, and I’ll come down to meet you.”

The thought of the evening made him forget his family dinner plans. Family gatherings were time-consuming, and if he drank, he’d be expected to stay the night. But now his mind raced ahead to the ginseng soup Shen Duoyi promised to bring.

Before the workday ended, Annie walked in with a cake. “Mr. Qi, your cake delivery is here. It needs to go in the fridge soon.”

“Got it. I’m leaving soon.” Qi Shi’an packed up his desk, saved his unfinished data, and headed out with the cake, determined to beat rush hour traffic to the retirement compound.

It was a swift and decisive mission.

Tonight, they were eating at his parents’ building. Not long after Qi Shi’an arrived, You Zhe and You Si showed up. As always, when guests visited, Huo Xin dressed elegantly and poised, but her bold, straightforward nature quickly reemerged.

“Uncle, Auntie, these are gifts I got for you on my trip. I hope you like them,” You Si said, joining Huo Xin and Qi Jingtang in the living room to unwrap the presents. Meanwhile, You Zhe and Qi Shi’an were in the dining room, toasting each other with tea.

They chatted about foreign exchange trends in their respective companies and the outlook for precious metals.

When dinner was served, they brought out the cake to celebrate Qi Shi’an’s younger brother being accepted into drama school. Conversation flowed endlessly, and Qi Jingtang smiled even when he wasn’t speaking. You Si whispered, “I brought a gift to Auntie Yinhong the other day. We exchanged twenty sentences, and I spoke eighteen of them.”

Qi Shi’an replied, “That’s pretty good. I only manage fifteen.”

Huo Xin, not paying attention to them, urged You Zhe, “You’re thirty-five now, right? Your mom said she’s given up on your love life. That won’t do! If she’s given up, I won’t.”

Qi Shi’an shot You Zhe a sympathetic glance, then checked the time.

“There’s a girl from the compound who’d be a good match. Shi’an knows her; they grew up together. I was going to set her up with Shi’an, but he said he already likes someone.”

“You already like someone?!”

Huo Xin’s words detonated the conversation. Everyone turned to Qi Shi’an in unison.

You Si leaned in eagerly, faster than Huo Xuechuan, who sliced the cake unevenly in surprise. You Zhe looked stunned, and even Qi Jingtang’s eyes were filled with curiosity.

Qi Shi’an cleared his throat and said calmly, “I’ll formally introduce them to the family later. Not now.”

He glanced at the time again. “For my lifelong happiness, I need to leave now.”

The whole table gaped. They all knew Qi Shi’an was measured and deliberate. If he admitted something like this, it was almost certain.

As his car drove away, the empty seat left everyone in stunned silence.

After a while, Huo Xuechuan muttered, “I’m going to have a sister-in-law…”

Qi Shi’an drove with the windows down, letting the night air rush in. He hadn’t expected tonight’s revelation, nor how good it would feel to admit it, however subtly.

Shen Duoyi had long expressed concerns about keeping their relationship secret, especially from his grandfather. Qi Shi’an was determined to bridge that gap. Not just “wanted to”—he needed to. He wanted his family to know about Shen Duoyi and for Shen Duoyi to feel the warmth of a family’s love.

He patted the steering wheel, thinking it was time to make plans and minimize any potential conflict.

Arriving at Yamenting Apartments, he parked and walked to the entrance, standing under a street tree, watching the passing cars.

Shen Duoyi left home after dinner, still in his loungewear. As he rounded the corner, he saw Qi Shi’an waiting under the streetlight. He slowed down, parked, and rolled down the window, handing over the thermos.

His movements were smoother and quicker than a professional delivery driver.

“Did you wait long?”

“No, just a few minutes.” Qi Shi’an took the thermos. “Park the car and come up for a bit.”

Shen Duoyi refused. “I told Grandpa I’d be back in forty minutes. Twenty minutes each way. I’ll just give you the soup and go.”

Qi Shi’an leaned down, resting his weight on the car window. “Come on, how does it make sense to show up at your boyfriend’s door and not go up?”

If he went upstairs, who knew how long he’d stay? Whether they chatted or got intimate, it would inevitably wear down his self-control. He’d also have to explain to his grandfather which coworker was keeping him so long. Shen Duoyi knew that one more look at Qi Shi’an would have him pulling out the key and getting out of the car. So, he focused his eyes on the windshield, avoiding Qi Shi’an's gaze.

With forced determination, he said, “Stop trying to seduce me. Go home and drink the soup while it’s hot.”

Qi Shi’an laughed. “I’m seducing you? Fine. Do you believe I’ll take my clothes off right now?”

Shen Duoyi’s hand shot up to grab Qi Shi’an’s tie, pulling him closer. In an instant, he surrendered the upper hand. Shen Duoyi stared into his eyes. “You can streak all you want, but you’ll need to have something written on you.”

Qi Shi’an’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “What do I need to write?”

Just a moment ago, Shen Duoyi was full of bravado, but now his eyes lowered, embarrassed, though a hint of a smile betrayed his amusement. He looked up again and replied, “Write ‘Property of Shen Duoyi.’ So everyone knows you’re spoken for.”

Qi Shi’an’s breath caught. He reached into the car, cupped the back of Shen Duoyi’s head, and pulled him in. Under the glow of the streetlamp, one leaned into the window, the other sat sideways in the car. The lingering goodnight kiss left them both light-headed, as though the breeze itself were intoxicating.

In the end, Shen Duoyi still left. Infuriating.

The engine roared to life, and the black Volkswagen turned around, disappearing down the street. Qi Shi’an watched the faint trail of exhaust vanish at the intersection before turning towards the apartment entrance.

Back home, he finally had something other than plain water for dinner. He ladled a bowl of ginseng soup and sat at the round table, sipping it as he looked at the hydrangea plant.

The hot ginseng broth flowed slowly into his stomach. The mushrooms were soft and easy to chew and swallow. After finishing, he washed the bowl, added a few drops of vitamin solution to the plant, and headed to shower.

Freshly showered, wearing only a towel, he opened the wardrobe and searched for clothes. In the corner, he noticed the small bag from the general store in Green Mountain. He remembered the painstakingly chosen condoms.

He loosened the knot Shen Duoyi had tied, took out the square box, and walked to the bed. He opened it and tipped it upside down. Only two condoms fell out.

“Such a big box for just two?” Qi Shi’an muttered.

Peering closer, he noticed another small box inside. He opened it, reached in, and pulled out its contents.

It was a pair of black lace underwear, the fabric minimal and delicate.

Qi Shi’an, usually disciplined, felt his breath hitch. Unbidden, a flood of fantasies blazed through his mind, igniting a fire that could burn down the whole house.

Meanwhile, as Shen Duoyi drove, a sudden chill ran down his back, yet his cheeks inexplicably flushed with heat.