Chapter 4: I.2 The Modern World

Witnessing this scene, Chu Yan even felt a hint of gratitude for the day’s exhaustion and busyness. Had it not been for the overwhelming workload and the toll it took on his energy, he might have truly lost his composure.

After much effort, Chu Yan finally managed to tidy up the two of them and let out a sigh of relief. After settling them into the guest room bed and tucking them in, he crawled into his own bed and fell into a deep sleep the moment he closed his eyes.

Thus, Chu Yan remained unaware that the “drunken and disoriented” man he had placed in the guest room opened his eyes the moment the door closed. His gaze was sharp and clear, betraying no trace of intoxication. He rolled over, burying himself in the soft bedding, pulling up the collar of his pajamas and pressing his face into it like a pervert, inhaling the scent of the fabric.

Truth be told, Chu Yan hadn’t worn these pajamas many times, so even if there was any lingering scent, it was likely just the smell of laundry detergent and sunshine. Yet the man seemed utterly enthralled, unable to get enough.

The man’s name was Xu Yi’an—a privileged second-generation official and heir to a wealthy family who had just returned from military service. That night, his friends had thrown him a small welcome party at a bar. Xu Yi’an had no interest in politics and planned to start an internship at his father’s company soon, preparing to take over the business in the future.

As for his politically inclined mother… well, she already had his elder brother to groom and discipline.

The group had been having a great time, even planning to head to karaoke for a second round late into the night. But Xu Yi’an never imagined he’d one day do something like this. Before tonight, if anyone had told him he’d pretend to be drunk just to cling to a man, happily let himself be taken home, and then engage in such… humiliating behavior, he would’ve given them a beating to ensure they never dared joke like that again.

Yet reality proved to Xu Yi’an that love at first sight—something he had never believed in—had indeed struck him.

After sitting on the bed and pondering life for a while, Xu Yi’an decisively concluded—why overthink it? If he liked someone, he might as well go after them!

With that resolution, he promptly lay down and fell asleep. After all, a good night’s rest would ensure he was in top form to pursue the object of his affection!

Meanwhile, in a luxurious suite of a high-end hotel elsewhere in the city, a stunning woman with fair skin and delicate features stared at the obese, balding, and grotesque middle-aged man before her, her urge to vomit rising uncontrollably. But she knew that if she actually threw up, her career would be utterly ruined.

To climb higher, to reach greater heights—what wouldn’t she do? What wouldn’t she sacrifice? In this world, everything was an illusion except status and money.

Thinking of the immense benefits she’d reap once she pleased this repulsive man, she steeled herself, forcing a dazzling, coquettish smile as she swayed over to him—shorter than her—and let his greasy hands roam freely over her delicate skin.

In a shabby rented apartment elsewhere, a plain but increasingly pleasant-looking man checked the time and sighed at the cold, untouched meal on the table. After a moment, he let out a bitter laugh. “Haven’t I always known it would come to this?”

He unlocked his phone, staring at the wallpaper—a young couple, dressed simply but radiating happiness, vowing to share life’s hardships and build a future together. But now, he had long sensed their relationship was nearing its end.

And so, clutching a small framed photo of that same image, he sat on the couch all night, waiting for the door to open—waiting for the moment their love would die.

The next morning, Chu Yan turned off his alarm and winced as he rubbed his aching stomach. His chronic gastritis was truly unbearable. Glancing at the time, he realized it was still early, but with work piling up, breakfast would have to be skipped again.

Shaking his head, he accepted this as routine. After freshening up, he stepped out of his room—only to find breakfast already prepared on the dining table, waiting for him.

Seeing the unfamiliar man sitting there, sipping porridge and eating steamed buns, Chu Yan froze before remembering—this was the drunkard he’d brought home last night.

Sunlight streamed through the window, warming the room. A hot meal on the table, someone waiting for him—this scene imprinted itself on Chu Yan’s heart, making it race uncontrollably.

Unconsciously, he found himself staring at Xu Yi’an, momentarily dazed. Xu Yi’an, pleased with this reaction, smirked inwardly. His charm was as potent as ever. His confidence in winning Chu Yan over grew.

Yet, observing Chu Yan’s refined features paired with his outdated attire, Xu Yi’an frowned internally. How could someone so beautiful dress so poorly? It was a waste.

As a seasoned socialite, Xu Yi’an had impeccable taste. Seeing such squandered potential, he began plotting how to dress up his beloved to turn heads.

Were it not for his self-control, he might’ve lost his composure right then. But until he secured Chu Yan, maintaining a flawless image was crucial.

Outwardly, Xu Yi’an remained composed, offering an apologetic yet grateful smile. “I’m really sorry about last night. Reuniting with old friends after so long, I got carried away and drank too much. I must’ve caused you trouble.”

Not only was he handsome, but his voice was mesmerizing too! Chu Yan thought, then immediately coughed in embarrassment, his ears turning red. Xu Yi’an’s throat tightened—he wanted nothing more than to nibble on those adorable ears.

Despite his inner perversion, Xu Yi’an exuded boyish sincerity, making Chu Yan’s heart flutter.

Chu Yan steadied himself, maintaining his aloof demeanor. “It’s fine. You were well-behaved when drunk.”

Chu Yan internally panicked: *Was I too cold? Don’t scare him away!*

“Really? That’s a relief!” Xu Yi’an feigned gratitude while thinking, *Of course I was—I wasn’t even drunk.*

Noticing Chu Yan’s fidgeting hands contrasting with his calm expression, Xu Yi’an’s heart raced.

With youthful enthusiasm, Xu Yi’an pulled Chu Yan to the table. “I woke up early and made breakfast. Try it—hope you like it!”

Chu Yan hesitated. “You… cooked this?”

“Yep!” Years in the military had honed Xu Yi’an’s skills. While no chef, his home-style cooking was decent—enough to feed his beloved. Noticing how thin Chu Yan was last night, he resolved to fatten him up.

Nervous for the first time, Xu Yi’an urged, “Try it. I think it’s alright, but I hope it suits your taste.”

Chu Yan ate eagerly, his stomach pain vanishing. The warmth spread from his belly to his heart. “It’s delicious. You didn’t have to wake up early after drinking.”

Oddly, despite being strangers, Chu Yan inexplicably trusted Xu Yi’an—as if certain the man would never harm him.

His ears reddened again.

Xu Yi’an beamed. “No big deal—I’m used to early mornings! By the way, I’m Xu Yi’an. Xu as in ‘many,’ Yi as in ‘easy,’ An as in ‘safe.’ And you?”

“…Chu Yan. Chu as in ‘poetry,’ Yan as in ‘words.’”

“Chu Yan—what a lovely name! Let me tell you…”

Before he knew it, Chu Yan had divulged far too much under Xu Yi’an’s coaxing. Only work obligations spared him further interrogation.