Upon learning that the adorable person he had fallen in love with at first sight was single just like him, Pei Zhaohe felt overjoyed, as it meant he could pursue them without any reservations.
Although many people called Pei Zhaohe arrogant and conceited, he knew himself well. If the adorable one had already been in a relationship, he would have been heartbroken, but he would never stoop to being a homewrecker.
If the adorable one’s partner treated them poorly or was simply not a good match, Pei Zhaohe wouldn’t hesitate to help them see the truth and whisk them away into his own embrace. But if the adorable one and their partner shared a deep, genuine bond, Pei Zhaohe wouldn’t do anything to cause them sadness or distress.
Fortunately, the adorable one was single, just like him, so there were no obstacles to pursuing them. What wonderful news!
When Pei Zhaohe learned that the adorable one had been abandoned by their parents and was in poor health, he felt both heartache and pride.
His heart ached for the one who should have been cherished and pampered but had never experienced parental love or care. Yet he was proud that his beloved, despite being an orphan with no support, had grown into such an outstanding and remarkable person.
Unfamiliar yet complex emotions filled Pei Zhaohe’s heart, but they didn’t unsettle him. Instead, it felt natural, as if this was how things were meant to be. Perhaps this was their destined fate.
The two chatted happily, exchanging words back and forth, when suddenly, Yi Lingfan’s phone rang.
Interrupted mid-conversation, Yi Lingfan gave Pei Zhaohe an apologetic smile. Seeing that Pei Zhaohe wasn’t upset, he picked up the call. Before Yi Lingfan could even speak, a familiar, boisterous voice burst through the line.
“Little Yi! I heard you were in a car accident! Are you okay? The professor, your seniors, and juniors are all worried sick about you!”
Hearing the voice of his usually carefree and loudmouthed senior—who, despite being a researcher, lacked any semblance of calm—Yi Lingfan’s cool eyes softened with amusement. “Senior Ding, don’t worry. I just need some rest, and I’ll be fine.”
The thought of what this kind and caring senior had suffered at the hands of the ruthless Su Baiye in his past life made Yi Lingfan’s chest burn with fury. But he suppressed his anger.
He was no longer the fragile, helpless person who knew nothing beyond the lab. After countless cycles, his mind was now filled with vast knowledge and resources—the most valuable assets of all.
Moreover, he now had someone to cherish. His lover had already sacrificed himself once to save him, enduring unimaginable pain. Yi Lingfan couldn’t be selfish and disregard his lover’s feelings just because of his love for him.
If only one person gave in a relationship, how long could their love last? Yi Lingfan loved his partner just as deeply, and he wanted to nurture their bond, ensuring it never faded.
Though Yi Lingfan’s emotional turmoil lasted only a moment, Pei Zhaohe sensed something was off. Despite his slight irritation at the man on the phone being so close to Yi Lingfan, he didn’t let jealousy cloud his judgment. Instead, he gave Yi Lingfan a questioning look: *Are you okay?*
As longtime partners, Yi Lingfan immediately understood. Touched by Pei Zhaohe’s concern, he shook his head and smiled reassuringly: *Don’t worry, I’m fine~*
Oblivious to the silent exchange between his sweet junior and some “wild man,” Ding Xi—the perpetually single senior—continued bombarding Yi Lingfan with worried questions.
Though Yi Lingfan was reserved and quiet, his sharp intellect, fairness, and integrity had earned him respect in the research institute. He never schemed, took credit for others’ work, or acted hypocritically, making him well-liked despite his aloof demeanor.
His cold exterior might have been a hindrance elsewhere, but in the research world, his brilliance spoke for itself.
When news spread of Yi Lingfan’s accident, many researchers panicked, fearing the worst. Thankfully, their supervisor soon confirmed Yi Lingfan was safe, putting everyone at ease.
As a close friend, Ding Xi squeezed in time to call, needing to hear Yi Lingfan’s voice to fully relax. Though chatty, he knew better than to pester a recovering patient and ended the call after expressing his well-wishes.
Once Yi Lingfan hung up, Pei Zhaohe couldn’t hide a hint of jealousy. “You and your senior seem really close,” he remarked casually. “Will you be returning to the lab soon?”
Yi Lingfan, knowing Pei Zhaohe too well, saw right through his feigned indifference. Not wanting him to stew in jealousy, he explained, “Everyone in the lab knows I’m an orphan. Since I’ve always been frail, they’ve always looked out for me.”
“As for work… I’ll go back eventually. But the team leader gave me time off to recover first.”
Blushing slightly, Yi Lingfan added, “He said health comes first—without it, research suffers. So I’m barred from the lab until I’m fully healed.”
Pei Zhaohe’s gaze softened. “That’s reasonable. Since I’m free these days, I’ll make sure you rest properly.”
“Brother Pei!” Yi Lingfan’s face turned redder. “You don’t have to put work aside for me. I—I can take care of myself…”
Pei Zhaohe raised a brow. “Really? Because I’m not convinced.”
Seeing Yi Lingfan fluster, Pei Zhaohe quickly soothed him. “I do trust you, little one. I’m just worried. Besides, I’ve just wrapped up a project—this *is* my vacation time. I was actually on my way to relax when I met you.”
He patted Yi Lingfan’s back, sneaking in some affectionate contact. “So don’t think you’re ‘wasting my time,’ okay?”
Assured Pei Zhaohe wasn’t lying, Yi Lingfan relaxed, and the two resumed their easy conversation.
Over the next few days, Pei Zhaohe kept Yi Lingfan company in the hospital, chatting about everything under the sun, bringing books to stave off boredom, and spoiling him with treats. By the end of it, Yi Lingfan was certain he’d gained weight.
Pei Zhaohe, however, was delighted. Yi Lingfan had always been too thin—a result of growing up in an orphanage with poor nutrition. Now, with a bit more weight, he looked healthier. His tall frame carried it well, and he was far from unattractive.
Secretly, Pei Zhaohe wouldn’t have minded if Yi Lingfan gained even more. After all, while Yi Lingfan was many people’s crush now, if he gained weight, he’d be Pei Zhaohe’s alone. The thought made his heart itch.
But he also couldn’t bear the idea of Yi Lingfan being mocked by jealous onlookers. *What a dilemma,* Pei Zhaohe mused as he happily fed Yi Lingfan another snack.
With Yi Lingfan recovering well and needing a change of scenery, Pei Zhaohe decided to take him to a banquet he’d been invited to. He wanted to introduce Yi Lingfan to the world—to declare that Yi Lingfan was his, and he was Yi Lingfan’s. The mere thought filled him with delight.
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