Chapter 57
The secretary was momentarily stunned by Lin Song’an’s angry questioning, as the tense atmosphere only grew.
On the other end, she stammered, “Mr. Lin, the person in the room is, is Tan—”
“What business could you have on a bed?” Lin Song’an interrupted, still fuming. “Have you lost your mind?”
“No, I mean—”
“Stop wasting time. Get over here immediately to change my room. You have all my documents.”
Finally, she managed to squeeze in, “It’s Tan Ning!”
The air became still again.
The flush of embarrassment on Tan Ning’s ears and cheeks faded, instead spreading through his entire body, transforming from nervous excitement to full-on shame. He quietly buttoned up the shirt he’d left unbuttoned and slipped on his pants from the end of the bed without a word.
His feelings were a confusing mix.
So confusing he didn’t know whether to feel angry or laugh.
A minute later, he looked up to find Lin Song’an tentatively peeking through the door.
Embarrassment was written all over Lin Song’an’s face, and he barely dared to step into the room, standing in the doorway hesitantly.
“Ning Ning…”
Tan Ning ignored him.
“Little cat…”
Tan Ning rolled his eyes and started to leave, but Lin Song’an quickly wrapped his arms around his waist, pulled him back to the edge of the bed, and knelt in front of him, pressing his forehead to Tan Ning’s legs in what could only be described as sincere repentance. “I’m sorry, Ning Ning, I’m really sorry.”
“What am I, exactly?”
Lin Song’an froze, then quickly grinned, “You’re my treasure.”
Tan Ning huffed.
It was only then that Lin Song’an noticed Tan Ning was wearing his shirt—a detail he had missed. This instantly reminded him of their first time together when Tan Ning had also worn one of his shirts, waiting for him in a room.
So…this was his birthday gift?
Oh no.
Oh no, oh no.
Growing nervous, Lin Song’an raised his head, and Tan Ning gave him a cool look. “Lin Song’an, is there something wrong with your eyesight?”
Yeah, something’s wrong, all right, Lin Song’an thought, mentally kicking himself. How could I have missed this huge surprise?!
“How was I supposed to know you were here?” Lin Song’an explained, holding onto Tan Ning’s waist. “The moment I got to the door, I noticed a pair of long legs out of the corner of my eye. My instincts screamed, and I bolted.”
“Fast reaction,” Tan Ning said dryly. “Seems like it’s not the first time?”
“Ever since taking over my dad’s work, this kind of thing does pop up,” Lin Song’an held up a hand as if swearing an oath, “but I stay loyal to my little cat.”
A faint smile played on Tan Ning’s lips.
Standing there in Lin Song’an’s shirt and jeans, backlit by the open balcony, he looked like an alluring, half-complete sketch. His hair was loosely gathered, with a few strands framing his face, giving him an unintentional charm that immediately drew Lin Song’an in.
He hadn’t done anything, but Tan Ning still captivated him effortlessly.
“Take off your pants?” Lin Song’an asked, placing his hands on Tan Ning’s waistband.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because you embarrassed me in front of your secretary.”
“She won’t tell anyone.”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re not getting your gift.”
Hope glimmered in Lin Song’an’s eyes as he cautiously asked, “Is it just this gift, or is it all gifts from now on?”
Tan Ning adjusted the cuffs of his shirt with an aloof expression. “Depends on your behavior.”
Crushed, Lin Song’an laid his head dejectedly on Tan Ning’s lap, and Tan Ning ruffled his hair as if petting a stuffed animal.
Soon, Lin Song’an’s hands grew restless, first stroking Tan Ning’s waist and then slipping under his pants. Before Tan Ning realized what was happening, he found himself on the bed, pants quickly pulled down, his bare legs kicking futilely in the air.
Holding Tan Ning’s slim ankle, Lin Song’an playfully pinned his legs.
Smirking, Lin Song’an leaned in and asked, “Ning Ning, do you know the situation you’re in?”
Tan Ning struggled, only managing to unbutton a single button at his collar, revealing pale skin almost as white as the shirt itself.
Lying on his back, hair spread across the pillow, Tan Ning looked up at Lin Song’an, who answered his own question: “You’re a lamb in a tiger’s den.”
Tan Ning stayed still, waiting for Lin Song’an to approach.
After a long day of meetings, Lin Song’an was tired, yet he found peace nestled close to Tan Ning, simply resting his head against his neck, breathing in his familiar scent.
He let go of all the tension, his head resting on Tan Ning’s shoulder, as Tan Ning massaged his temples gently, understanding just how much he carried.
“Thank you, Ning Ning,” Lin Song’an whispered.
Tan Ning rarely showed vulnerability or softness, only expressing tender feelings in specific moments. Usually calm, even cold, Tan Ning had a grounding effect on Lin Song’an that melted his stress away.
Tan Ning was truly his anchor.
“Lin Song’an, when’s your next rut period?”
Lin Song’an hesitated, hiding his face in Tan Ning’s neck. “Not sure…maybe the 20th.”
“Why so late?” Tan Ning was surprised; his susceptibility had usually come between the start and middle of the month.
“The head of the research institute said the new medication might delay it this month.”
“Really?” Tan Ning’s expression was a mix of concern and hope. “I wonder if the medication will work.”
Lin Song’an’s expression shifted briefly. “It should.”
Tan Ning smiled. “I hope so.”
Wrapping his arms around Lin Song’an’s shoulders, he whispered, “Happy birthday in advance, Lin Song’an.”
“Thank you, Ning Ning,” Lin Song’an murmured, giving Tan Ning a light nibble on his neck. “I’m sampling my cake.”
Tan Ning twitched with a ticklish laugh.
They stayed playful for a while before Lin Song’an returned to work, and Tan Ning wandered the streets alone, heading back the next day.
Lin Song’an, determined to expand his family’s business, often traveled to meet partners, so busy he barely had time to dote on Tan Ning. Tan Ning himself tried to cut back on his dependency, knowing they’d soon be in a long-distance relationship while he studied abroad. Lin Song’an may have said he would miss him, but Tan Ning was secretly more afraid.
Before Lin Song’an, he could stay in his own world, barely speaking to anyone for days, but after they started dating, he found himself regressing, becoming more like a child. He counted the days until Lin Song’an’s next rut period, worried it might hit while Lin Song’an was away on business.
But this month, Lin Song’an’s rut didn’t come as expected. One day, Lin Song’an came home looking pale, wordlessly hugging Tan Ning at the door.
“My rut period started,” he muttered.
Tan Ning immediately offered his arms in comfort.
“But the meds helped,” Lin Song’an added, resting his head on Tan Ning’s shoulder. “I just have a headache—hold me.”
Through the suppressant, Tan Ning felt the swollen gland on the back of Lin Song’an’s neck. It was clear his susceptibility was present, but the response was far milder than before.
“Is the medication really this effective?”
Lin Song’an nodded, pausing before saying, “It seems so. I’ll never hurt you again.”
Tan Ning thought, Hurting me is fine. I’m just afraid you’ll hurt yourself, you idiot.
The rut issue that had plagued them for so long now seemed solved, almost effortlessly.
*
Before he left, Lin Song’an accompanied Tan Ning to Xuan City to formally meet his family.
Tan Ning had already informed his mother, Yue Ying, and his grandfather that he had a boyfriend. While Yue Ying had initially asked about Lin Song’an’s family background, she hadn’t pressed when Tan Ning dodged the question, merely saying, “As long as he’s there for you.”
Lin Song’an brought many gifts to meet Tan Ning’s grandfather, who had prepared a big meal and made the house spotless. He even made sure to buy three plates of Xuan City’s signature pickled dishes.
Returning, Tan Ning noticed the rows of health supplements on his bedroom wall were gone.
The house felt new, with his grandfather in an apron, smiling as he waited for Lin Song’an.
It was a level of attention Tan Ning hadn’t expected.
Seeing Lin Song’an’s presence, Tan Ning’s grandfather sensed he was from a distinguished background. At dinner, Tan Ning worried his grandfather might ask too much about Lin Song’an’s family, but his grandfather only asked about his plans abroad. Lin Song’an assured him, “I’ve already arranged housing close to his school, and I’ll be visiting him regularly. Don’t worry.”
“Good, good.”
After dinner, Tan Ning, worried about mosquitoes, ran out to buy mosquito coils for Lin Song’an.
In his absence, his grandfather sat in the courtyard with Lin Song’an, watching Tan Ning’s retreating figure.
“When he told me about you, I was playing cards, and one of the others exclaimed, ‘He’s the chairman of Tianhe Group!’ I thought it had to be someone with the same name, but after a quick online search, it was confirmed.”
Lin Song’an smiled politely.
“You’re impressive. So young, yet running a large business—it must be tough.”
“It’s all right.”
“Xiao Ning wasn’t always so withdrawn,” his grandfather said, “but after everything with his parents, he changed. His mother left him here and disappeared. I didn’t know how to raise a child—spent years at sea myself and came back only to find his grandmother had passed away. I had no idea what to do.”
Lin Song’an listened quietly.
“He basically raised himself.”
Smiling warmly, his grandfather continued, “You’re talented, from a big family. I don’t have ambitions beyond a comfortable life, so don’t worry—we won’t embarrass you by clinging to your family for status.”
“Please, don’t say that, Grandfather.”
Raising his hand, Tan Ning’s grandfather said firmly, “What I mean is, the gap between you two is enormous—so big I worry for him. But if you chose him, don’t ever judge him for his background.”
“I would never,” Lin Song’an replied sincerely.
“Good, good.” His grandfather nodded, satisfied.
“Back in high school, while others played, he studied. He even tutored to save up for college. When I found out, I told him, ‘There’s no need to worry about money. I’d sell this house to send you to college if I had to.’”
Laughing heartily, he added, “I didn’t go to college myself, but I knew it was important.”
The sound of Tan Ning’s footsteps approached, returning in a sky-blue T-shirt and white shorts, his hair tied back and bouncing slightly as he ran.
Holding both mosquito coils and ice cream, he called out, “Want some? It’s vanilla.”
Lin Song’an grinned, taking the ice cream.
He’d never seen this kind before, with two sticks joined in the middle. He and Tan Ning each took half, sitting together on small stools.
The courtyard was sparse, with just two foam boxes of peppers in the corner.
Tan Ning, worried about the heat, grabbed a fan and waved it for Lin Song’an, but Lin Song’an quickly took over, fanning Tan Ning instead.
Watching them, Tan Ning’s grandfather smiled, heading inside with his old cell phone. “I’m off to play cards with the neighbors.”
Once he left, Lin Song’an tilted his head, smiling at Tan Ning, who felt a little shy under his gaze.
“What?” Tan Ning murmured.
“You’re adorable.”
Adorable, and so resilient, growing up alone, working hard, and walking that lonely path, only to end up here, with me.
A tabby cat wandered into the courtyard, unfazed by their presence as it made its way to the pepper plants. Ignoring them, it nibbled on the leaves and pawed at the foam box to sharpen its claws.
Lin Song’an made a playful noise, and the cat, curious, approached him.
“Aren’t you a friendly one,” he murmured, scratching its head and chin. The cat’s eyes narrowed in contentment, its tail forming a question mark before curling around Lin Song’an’s wrist.
“It’s so clingy,” Lin Song’an said, amused.
Tan Ning, sensing a hidden meaning, rested his chin on his hand and gave a little huff.
