TuxedoTranslations

Chapter 57

The two of them showered together for the first time since they got together.

It was also a moment Wen Chenxi had been looking forward to for a long time.

Logically, finally achieving something you’ve anticipated should make one happy.

But Zhuang Yanyu noticed that Wen Chenxi looked preoccupied, so what was supposed to be a shared shower ended up just being them helping each other wash their backs.

How did Zhuang Yanyu notice Wen Chenxi was troubled?

Because while helping him wash, Wen Chenxi’s touch gradually grew lighter and lighter.

When Zhuang Yanyu turned to look back, he caught Wen Chenxi lost in thought.

His gaze seemed to rest on Zhuang Yanyu’s back, but it was clear his mind was elsewhere.

Normally, Wen Chenxi loved to kiss and nibble his back, making him squirm…

Even when Zhuang Yanyu changed clothes in front of him, Wen Chenxi would sneak a kiss.

Now, with Zhuang Yanyu bare-chested, Wen Chenxi barely reacted, not even looking… which showed just how heavy whatever was on his mind really was.

In the past, Zhuang Yanyu would have asked a few questions, wanting to help—whether as a good brother or boyfriend.

But this time, he said nothing. He just shrugged and prompted: “Ah Xi, done?”

His voice brought Wen Chenxi back to reality. Noticing the water had gotten a bit cold, Wen Chenxi quickly turned on the hot water again, murmuring: “Sorry, Yuyu, I was lost in thought.”

Zhuang Yanyu: “Mm.”

He didn’t press further.

Wen Chenxi rinsed off the shower gel from Zhuang Yanyu’s body, lingering on his fair skin, still concerned: “Cold?”

Zhuang Yanyu: “Not cold.”

Even so, Wen Chenxi let the hot water run a bit longer before wrapping him in a towel.

Post-shower, Yuyu was even more like a slippery, fragrant fish.

Especially after the hot shower, his skin had a faint rosy glow, like a deliciously cooked fish.

Holding the person he loved in his arms, Wen Chenxi’s Adam’s apple bobbed—his excitement obvious.

But he quickly remembered something, his expression turning slightly serious.

Zhuang Yanyu, wrapped in a towel, didn’t move because he noticed Wen Chenxi’s gaze.

Seemingly understanding his thoughts, Zhuang Yanyu stood still, watching him.

“Ah Xi, aren’t you going to kiss me?” he asked, confused.

Since they got together, every time he came out of the shower, Wen Chenxi would hold him and kiss him for a long, long time.

It was as if even the briefest absence required confirming the other’s existence through a real kiss, feeling each other’s breath.

Even when parting, there was a lingering, almost inseparable feeling, like lotus roots cut but still faintly attached, needing to be rejoined.

But now, wrapped in a towel and about to leave, Wen Chenxi still seemed intent on staying under the shower a bit longer.

So Zhuang Yanyu expected a kiss as soon as he stepped out.

But it didn’t come. He simply stared at him, puzzled.

It was just… strange.

Wen Chenxi suddenly realized that he seemed to have neglected his lover.

Zhuang Yanyu had always been like this—if he wanted something, he would go after it directly.

And if what he wanted was something that belonged to Wen Chenxi, he would say it outright.

Just like now. He wanted a kiss, and he asked for it plainly, without the slightest hint of subtlety.

But as a qualified boyfriend, Wen Chenxi shouldn’t have to wait for his partner to ask for even something as simple as a kiss to express love.

That made Wen Chenxi feel he had fallen short.

Several kisses landed on Zhuang Yanyu’s eyes, then on his lips. Wen Chenxi’s voice carried a trace of apology.
“I’m sorry. I was just… thinking about something just now.”

His slightly cool lips finally settled on the other’s soft ones, pressing down again and again in tender affection, as if making up for his earlier neglect.

Zhuang Yanyu didn’t let him kiss for too long. It was just a “habit” he had developed.

Now that it was done, he gently pushed Wen Chenxi.
“Your body’s getting cold. Go rinse off again.”

Reluctantly, Wen Chenxi placed one last kiss on his forehead. “Okay. I’ll be quick.”

After Zhuang Yanyu left the bathroom and the door closed, the sound of running water resumed.

Wen Chenxi didn’t make him wait long. Once the hot water warmed him up again, he quickly dried off, put on a bathrobe, and came out.

Zhuang Yanyu had just finished blow-drying his hair. It wasn’t long, and it was soft, so it dried quickly.

Seeing Wen Chenxi come out, he held up the hairdryer. “Want me to help you?”

Wen Chenxi walked over. “I can do it myself.”

“Oh.” Zhuang Yanyu didn’t argue and handed him the dryer. “Then I’ll go prepare.”

Wen Chenxi had been about to ask what he meant by “prepare,” but then he saw Zhuang Yanyu open the bedside drawer and take out items one by one.

Wen Chenxi: “…”

He had bought those things himself. To avoid hurting Zhuang Yanyu, both the lubricant and the condoms were the best quality.

Thinking that those very items were about to be used on himself, Wen Chenxi quietly lowered the setting on the hairdryer, inexplicably hoping time would slow down.

But no matter how low the wind was set, hair would eventually dry.

And tonight, Zhuang Yanyu was even more patient than before. He carefully read the instructions over and over, reviewed the “theoretical knowledge” once more after finishing, and then waited for Wen Chenxi to finish drying his hair.

Taking a deep breath, Wen Chenxi put away the dryer and walked to the bedside.

Seeing him look as if he were marching bravely to his execution, Zhuang Yanyu pressed his lips together and comforted him softly.
“A’Xi, don’t worry. I’ve studied for so long—I already know what to do.”

After all, several times before, A’Xi had guided him step by step.

With Zhuang Yanyu looking so confident, what could Wen Chenxi possibly say?

He suddenly scooped him up, pinned him beneath himself as if in punishment, and kissed him fiercely.

In Zhuang Yanyu’s memory, Wen Chenxi’s kisses had always been gentle.

No matter how forceful or fierce he was in other moments, whenever he kissed him, he always left enough room for him to breathe.

But not now.

For the first time, Zhuang Yanyu felt like the person before him was a massive, ferocious beast.

Like the beasts he had encountered in his previous life while guiding hosts—ones that would swallow him whole, skin and bones together.

Zhuang Yanyu was starting to run out of breath.

How could he know that Wen Chenxi was carrying a “resolve to face certain death”?

Just thinking about how he would soon be “the one receiving for love,” Wen Chenxi wanted to kiss him a while longer.

At the very least, he had to get his share of kisses back first.

After a long time—

Wen Chenxi finally, reluctantly, released the thoroughly “marked” Zhuang Yanyu and lay back on the bed.

“Yuyu, your turn.”

Now that the moment had truly come, he actually felt more at ease.

Zhuang Yanyu looked a bit pitiful—his cheeks flushed red, his whole body tinged pink against pale skin, his hair messy like a little bird’s nest.

He panted for quite a while before looking at Wen Chenxi.
“Is it my turn?”

Wen Chenxi looked at him. “Mm.”

“Oh.”

Zhuang Yanyu picked up the items from the bedside and placed them in front of Wen Chenxi.

He glanced at him first. The earlier troubled expression from the bathroom was gone; instead, Wen Chenxi was looking at him with gentle encouragement.

“Are you nervous?” Zhuang Yanyu asked.

“I’d be lying if I said no,” Wen Chenxi admitted. “So I hope Yuyu can be gentle later.”

Zhuang Yanyu pressed his lips together, dimples appearing as he smiled.

He began opening the package.

His movements were slow. It was just a small wrapper, but in Wen Chenxi’s eyes, everything seemed to move at one-tenth speed—each tiny motion striking straight into his chest.

He had finally adjusted his mindset, but Zhuang Yanyu’s slow movements felt like the playback of a life flashing before death, making his heart burn with renewed tension.

Wen Chenxi suspected he was doing it on purpose. The moment he admitted he was nervous, Yanyu started trying to get the upper hand.

Wen Chenxi let out a breath and said helplessly, “Yuyu, if we don’t start soon, my body’s going to get cold. Let’s hurry up, hm?”

Zhuang Yanyu’s tightly pressed lips trembled, his shoulders shaking more and more.

Finally, he couldn’t hold it in—

“Pfft.”

A laugh burst out.

Wen Chenxi: “?”

Zhuang Yanyu tossed aside the condom in his hand, flopped face-down onto the pillow, his whole body trembling as he let out a series of giggles.

Wen Chenxi pulled him back up and turned him over, only to see tears almost forming from laughter. Even as he was flipped over, Zhuang Yanyu still remembered to cover his face.

“Hehe…”

Wen Chenxi picked up the condom and looked at it. Good grief—this was clearly his size, not Zhuang Yanyu’s.

Annoyed, Wen Chenxi reached over and tickled his side. “Yuyu, are you teasing me?”

“Hahahaha! A’Xi, that tickles!” Zhuang Yanyu squirmed away, afraid of being tickled, his laughter shifting from soft giggles to full-blown laughter.

Wen Chenxi had never seen him laugh like this before.

It was also the first time he had ever heard Zhuang Yanyu laugh so freely and happily.

Infected by his laughter, Wen Chenxi kept tickling him.

Zhuang Yanyu laughed until he was out of breath, finally going limp across Wen Chenxi’s lap. “A’Xi, A’Xi…”

At last Wen Chenxi let him off, pinching his nose and pretending to be fierce. “Were you teasing me or not?”

Zhuang Yanyu’s stomach hurt from laughing. His brows curved, eyes bright with tears and shimmering moisture. “I wasn’t teasing.”

Wen Chenxi narrowed his eyes. “Oh really? Didn’t you say it was your turn tonight?”

He held up the item. “This is my size.”

Still catching his breath, Zhuang Yanyu blinked a few times before saying, “I looked it up.”

“Looked up what?”

Zhuang Yanyu said seriously, “Some people are born to be a 1.”

Wen Chenxi froze for a moment.

Zhuang Yanyu reached out and touched his chin. “A’Xi is.”

Wen Chenxi’s chest swelled, and he pulled him closer. “But didn’t Xiaoyu want to try?”

Why had he been willing to let Zhuang Yanyu “try”?

Wasn’t it because he remembered that Yanyu used to be straight?

Maybe he wasn’t truly happy always being the one underneath.

So if he wanted to try, Wen Chenxi convinced himself to let him.

Yuyu, a straight man, was already willing to be with you—what’s wrong with letting him try once?

Compared to losing him, nothing else mattered that much.

Zhuang Yanyu buried his head in Wen Chenxi’s chest. His voice came out muffled. “I don’t really care much about that.”

Wen Chenxi squeezed the back of his neck. “Then why did you ‘scare’ me like that tonight?”

At that, Zhuang Yanyu almost started laughing again. “Because A’Xi looked like he was marching bravely toward death. It was interesting.”

Wen Chenxi couldn’t help but laugh too.

“I did want to try at first, but…” Zhuang Yanyu lifted his head and met his eyes, speaking softly. “When I saw that A’Xi didn’t refuse me, I…”

He thought about the unfamiliar feeling. It was the first time he had ever felt it. It should be called—

“Reluctance?”

Yes. Reluctance.

The thought that Wen Chenxi was naturally the one on top, yet was willing to compromise to fulfill his wish—

It made him reluctant.

The feeling came too quickly, filling his chest all at once.

It made him realize what “reluctance” felt like. And at the same time, he felt happy—a satisfied kind of happiness.

Everyone thought he was straight. In truth, he didn’t even know whether he was straight or not.

After all, in his previous life, he hadn’t even been human.

But he liked his good brother. He liked A’Xi.

Since A’Xi was naturally that way, and he himself didn’t particularly care about positions, he didn’t want to make A’Xi feel troubled.

“Yuyu. Yuyu.”

Wen Chenxi held him tightly, calling his name again and again in a low voice.

He didn’t even know what he was feeling right now.

Honestly, he had never had much confidence in himself, because the old Zhuang Yanyu had truly been very straight.

And back then, Zhuang Yanyu’s wish had simply been to become his good brother.

Even after Zhuang Yanyu agreed to be with him, Wen Chenxi could clearly feel that the “good brother mode” held more weight in his heart than the “boyfriend mode.”

In other words, Zhuang Yanyu valued their brotherhood more than romantic love.

Even if Wen Chenxi tried to comfort himself—Yuyu already agreed to be with you, he belongs to you entirely, does it really matter which “mode” weighs more? Both are you.

No matter how he reassured himself, he still worried.

He worried that one day, the person Zhuang Yanyu truly liked would appear.

But tonight, all of Wen Chenxi’s unease completely vanished.

For the first time, he felt with perfect clarity that Zhuang Yanyu cared about him just as deeply.

He felt utterly satisfied, wishing he could place the whole world in front of him and give him everything beautiful.

“I love you.”

“I know.”

Zhuang Yanyu rubbed against him, feeling a little sleepy. He simply closed his eyes in the man’s embrace.

But when a man’s heart is satisfied, he often wants to push his luck.

Not only did he want emotional satisfaction—he wanted physical satisfaction too.

Leaning close to his ear, Wen Chenxi whispered, “There’s another way for Yuyu to be on top. Want to try?”

Zhuang Yanyu lazily lifted his eyelids. “Hm?”

And then he regretted it.

He should have just gone to sleep.

Because someone really did seem possessed by a ferocious beast—he used up everything in the drawer, and the next day Zhuang Yanyu couldn’t even get out of bed.

Perhaps because he had realized that Zhuang Yanyu cared about him more than he’d imagined, Wen Chenxi wished he could carry his little fish surnamed Zhuang with him twenty-four hours a day.

But the thing he had worried about before still happened.

After this incident, the newly replaced system of Weilan Technology became widely known in the industry.

Naturally, many people began asking about the system—and about Zhuang Yanyu.

Wen Chenxi ignored them all.

Only when it came time to install this system firewall at Ji Zhiyuan’s company did Wen Chenxi let Zhuang Yanyu handle it.

As for anyone else who came asking to buy it, Wen Chenxi refused them all.

A week passed like this, and then he received an unexpected call.

“Boss, it’s me.”

Hearing the voice, Wen Chenxi sighed slightly to himself. So they had found him after all.

On the other end of the line was KKK—the one who had already been handed over to the authorities.

KKK sounded helpless. “Sorry, boss. I didn’t really have a choice. I’ve been scolded several times these past few days and had to write a bunch of self-criticisms.”

Wen Chenxi replied flatly, “And whose fault is that?”

KKK chuckled. “My hands were itching to test your new system. It was just a technical spar, no intrusion. We didn’t do anything illegal.”

Wen Chenxi’s tone remained cool. “So?”

KKK became serious. “To be honest, our chief wants to recruit that little cutie. You know how our country values talent.”

Wen Chenxi said, “I respect his wishes. If he wants to go, I won’t stop him.”

KKK hurriedly added, “Of course we respect his decision too. Don’t worry—we’ll talk to him first. We won’t force him.”

“Mm.”

After hanging up, Wen Chenxi looked at his phone and couldn’t help but smile. He sent Zhuang Yanyu a message.

【Wen Chenxi: How is my boyfriend so amazing?】

【Zhuang Yanyu: ?】

【Wen Chenxi: The higher-ups are trying to steal Yuyu from me.】

Zhuang Yanyu was still wondering what “higher-ups” meant when his phone rang.

The caller introduced himself and said they would soon arrive at Weilan Technology, hoping to meet him in person.

Since they were coming directly to Weilan Technology, they had likely already spoken to Wen Chenxi.

Connecting that with what A’Xi had just said, Zhuang Yanyu agreed to meet them.

Wen Chenxi indeed knew—he had even set the meeting location himself.

Originally, they had wanted to talk at a café outside the company. After all, coming to someone’s company to poach an employee and discussing it on-site felt inappropriate.

But Wen Chenxi insisted on clearing out a conference room for them, saying it would be safer than meeting outside.

After thinking it over, the visitors agreed. Zhuang Yanyu wasn’t like 3K—many tech experts preferred to stay anonymous and use code names.

He, on the other hand, operated openly. Wen Chenxi’s caution was clearly for his safety.

Once he knew Zhuang Yanyu had gone to the conference room, Wen Chenxi found it hard to sit still.

Assistant Lin came in to deliver some documents and noticed that five minutes ago, when he’d entered, his boss had been holding the same file.

Five minutes had passed, and not a single page had been turned, not a single signature added.

Lin Lin set down the folder. “President Wen, if you’re worried, should I go downstairs and eavesdrop for you?”

Wen Chenxi shot him a look. “What’s there to eavesdrop on? Have some corporate dignity. Are we the kind of company that does that?”

Lin Lin gave an awkward smile. “Just a suggestion.”

“Stop coming up with lousy ideas.”

“Understood.”

Three minutes later—

Wen Chenxi and Lin Lin were standing outside the conference room door.

“…”

Lin Lin had to remind him, “The conference room is soundproof.”

This was the room where senior management held meetings. Of course it was soundproof.

All strategic projects and development decisions were made in that room. If it weren’t soundproof and someone overheard, what would be the point?

Wen Chenxi remained calm and said lightly, “I know. It’s almost the end of the workday. I’m here to pick up Xiaoyu.”

Lin Lin didn’t expose him and instead asked, “President Wen, are you worried Mr. Zhuang might change jobs?”

It would be a lie to say he wasn’t.

But what he felt more strongly was something complicated.

He had to admit that if Zhuang Yanyu joined the higher authorities, his personal safety and benefits would receive the greatest protection.

For Zhuang Yanyu, it would be a good thing.

And it wouldn’t affect their relationship.

But once Zhuang Yanyu left, they would have fewer chances to see each other.

Logically, as a qualified boyfriend, he absolutely shouldn’t hinder his partner’s career development.

Emotionally, he couldn’t bear it.

Just then, the conference room door opened.

Three well-dressed men in suits walked out first. Seeing Wen Chenxi, they paused briefly before smiling in greeting. “President Wen.”

Wen Chenxi nodded, his gaze shifting past them.

Zhuang Yanyu followed behind the three. When he saw them stop, he walked around them and came straight to Wen Chenxi.

Wen Chenxi smiled at him, his eyes softening. “Finished talking?”

“Mm. Finished.”

“Then let’s go. It’s time to get off work.”

“Okay.”

Only then did Wen Chenxi turn back to the three men. “We’ll be leaving first.”

After exchanging goodbyes, Wen Chenxi led Zhuang Yanyu away.

The entire way, Wen Chenxi tightly held Zhuang Yanyu’s hand—fingers interlocked—and never let go.

Employees who happened to pass by nearly had their eyes pop out, screaming internally: Oh my god, oh my god—holding hands! Fingers interlocked!

Could this be President Wen’s partner?!

Wen Chenxi didn’t care what anyone thought. He openly held Zhuang Yanyu’s hand and took the elevator downstairs.

In the past, he had kept a low profile, not wanting too many people to know about Zhuang Yanyu and cause him trouble.

But his boyfriend was simply too impressive. Now the whole company knew his name—and plenty of people were trying to cozy up to him.

There was really no need to keep their relationship hidden anymore.

Rather than letting people think that although Zhuang Yanyu had skills, he had no backing behind him, it was better to make their relationship public.

That way, anyone who wanted to poach him or cozy up to him would have to weigh things carefully first—get past Wen Chenxi before even thinking about it.

By the time they reached the underground parking lot and got into the car, Zhuang Yanyu’s phone had already chimed dozens of times.

There was no need to check to know that the company group chats had probably exploded by now.

Zhuang Yanyu didn’t look at his phone. He could feel that Wen Chenxi was gripping his hand tightly.

Seemingly understanding the man’s mood, Zhuang Yanyu said, “A’Xi, do you want to ask whether I agreed to them?”

Wen Chenxi tugged at his tie and let out a breath, giving a quiet “Mm.”

“I didn’t agree.”

Hearing that, Wen Chenxi felt relieved—but he still wanted to remind him, “Actually, Yuyu, working for the country would be better for you. You’re very talented. You shouldn’t be limited to…”

Zhuang Yanyu curved his brows with a smile and pulled out a contract. “I knew you’d say that, so I signed this.”

He knew A’Xi had always cared a lot about his career.

It wasn’t easy for him to say outright that he was basically retired and just living a leisurely life—why would he want to go?

But his boyfriend worried too much about his development, always afraid of holding him back. Zhuang Yanyu found that rather helpless.

So, to ease A’Xi’s concerns, he signed another contract.

Wen Chenxi took it and glanced through it. “This is… like a temporary consultant contract?”

“More or less,” Zhuang Yanyu said. “I told them that if they need me, I’ll go. And if it’s information engineering work that doesn’t require special equipment or environmental constraints, I can handle it online.”

Of course, he didn’t yet know that later on, this contract would be almost the same as handing himself over to the country…

In a top-level unit, how could there not be equipment restrictions? He just didn’t understand that yet.

Wen Chenxi looked at the contract for a long while before putting it down and staring at him steadily. “Xiaoyu, such a good opportunity—are you really sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

Zhuang Yanyu shook his head. “I told them…”

He paused, then smiled with pressed lips. “I said I couldn’t bear to leave my boyfriend.”

He had learned many emotions from Wen Chenxi.

He had also learned feelings he had never experienced before.

Perhaps in the future, he would learn even more.

And this time, what he learned was “reluctance.”

Wen Chenxi looked at him in a daze.

Zhuang Yanyu added, “Good brother mode can go offline for now.”

From now on, there would only be boyfriend mode.

---

Author’s Note:

PS—

President Wen: Good brother mode is finally offline!

Yuyu: Mm. Because I’ve come to believe that there’s no such thing as pure friendship between good brothers.

Still in “good brother” mode, Li Xi and Ji Zhiyuan exchanged looks.

Li Xi: ?? (Uh… what?)

Ji Zhiyuan: ??? (Don’t scare me!)

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