Chapter 3: Xi Xingling
He hadn’t come to the company to “happen” to run into Xi Xingling. Han Yubai had majored in finance at university, and as Wang Yun said, he knew nothing about design.
Li Dong, meanwhile, had majored in Chinese literature and knew nothing about finance either.
If he had to follow someone to learn the ropes, he would rather follow Wang Yun than Han Tianlin.
Second, if he shadowed Han Tianlin, wouldn’t that just hand Xi Xingling more chances to bump into Han Tianlin?
Now that he was tangled up in this plot, the last thing Li Dong wanted to see was Xi Xingling continuing to degrade himself. Yes, he and Han Tianlin ended with a HE, but the road there was downright inhumane.
As a normal person, who could accept a relationship that morally bankrupt?
When Xi Xingling noticed Li Dong had stopped trying to shoo him away, he glued himself to Li Dong’s side, face full of eagerness and a timid wish to get close. “Second Young Master, does my face look a lot better?” He had iced it half the night, slapped on masks, even rolled an egg over it. In the morning the mirror showed the swelling had gone down a lot.
“Not bad.” Li Dong gave him a perfunctory glance and saw nothing but springy collagen. He had to admit the idiot male lead had great skin, fair and smooth, fine features, a mouth slick at talking and, well, slick at working too. It was his views on love that were warped, the doormat routine that was unbearable. Li Dong couldn’t help asking, “If anyone slapped you, would you accept it?”
Xi Xingling looked startled. “Of course not. But if the one who hit me is Young Master, I am willing.” He leaned in as if afraid Li Dong would be angry. “But if Second Young Master wants to slap me, that’s okay too.”
“Tsk, I can’t even be bothered.” What a masochist.
“Mm. Second Young Master has a good temper,” Xi Xingling said earnestly, then inched closer until he was practically pressed against Li Dong. That alone made him content.
Being with Second Young Master eased the constant torture. He did not have to pine day and night. That lightness felt wonderful.
Li Dong tried a few times to shake him off and failed, so he rolled his eyes and accepted the sticky side-by-side walk. “Don’t you like my brother? What are you doing trying to seduce me?” Was he not afraid Han Tianlin would find him dirty?
“It is Young Master’s order. He told me to serve Second Young Master well.” For Xi Xingling, Han Tianlin’s word was holy writ. He would crawl on his knees to carry it out.
“Right…” Li Dong would rather stare at a fly on the window than at the clinging male lead.
He let Xi Xingling tag along for half an hour, then ordered him back to work.
At 11:30, Li Dong sat in Wang Yun’s office to wait for her lunch break.
“I need to discuss something with Designer Zhang. Sit a bit, read something, or have a drink,” Wang Yun said, beckoning to the secretary. “Lila, a cup of tea.”
“Don’t mind me. I’m fine,” Li Dong crossed his legs and picked up a jewelry magazine, absorbed at once.
These were priceless pieces. In his old life Li Dong could only see them in magazines.
As for now, it felt like he could have as many as he wanted.
To be honest, none of it felt real. He had no desire to deck himself in gold either.
“Come in,” Wang Yun called, looking up.
Designer Zhang walked in with Xi Xingling. She was the head of this series, and Xi Xingling was her assistant.
While the supervisor gave Wang Yun a report, Xi Xingling stood obediently behind her. Unless called on, he was not supposed to speak.
“Xingling, have you settled in?” Wang Yun rarely chatted with employees. Her schedule was too tight.
But she had a very good impression of this young man and remembered him clearly.
The young man who was asked kept flicking glances at the man on the sofa with the magazine. Even his lazy posture reminded him of the man he loved. Same vibe, same pull.
“Xingling?” Designer Zhang prompted under her breath.
“Hm?” Xi Xingling snapped back, cheeks going awkwardly pink. He ducked his head and admitted, “I’m sorry, General Manager, I drifted for a second.” His honesty made Wang Yun indulgent. At least he was straightforward. “I’ve been here a bit over two months. I feel very inspired to design. The environment puts me in a great state.”
“Good. Keep it up,” Wang Yun said, then glanced toward Li Dong. As expected, her son’s presence drew eyes. She smiled. “Already more than two months. Time flies. Starting next month, you’ll be a full designer. We’ll raise your salary to twenty thousand a month. Are you satisfied?”
Xi Xingling nodded quickly. “Thank you, General Manager. I’m very satisfied.” He bowed with genuine gratitude. With twenty thousand, he could rent closer to the city center.
It would be much easier to see Second Young Master.
“Work hard with Teacher Zhang. When this series is done, more chances will come.” Wang Yun encouraged him, then checked the time. “All right, it’s about lunchtime. Everyone, go ahead.”
Designer Zhang stood and took her leave tactfully.
Xi Xingling was not qualified to sit, so he remained standing. After bowing to Wang Yun, his eyes slid toward Li Dong again, and his steps toward the door were unusually slow.
He wished so badly Li Dong would lift his gaze from the magazine and look his way.
But Li Dong never did.
It wasn’t that Li Dong had not noticed him. He chose not to look. With Wang Yun present, he did not want the silly, self-effacing newbie to expose himself by fawning.
Losing his job would be minor. Worst would be Wang Yun blacklisting him.
“Yubai, come, let’s have lunch.” Wang Yun picked up her coat and bag, handed the bag to her son as she put the coat on.
Catching that little moment made Xi Xingling stand rooted in envy.
He wanted to eat with Second Young Master too. He wanted to chat and laugh with that kind of closeness. He wanted it so much.
He watched Wang Yun and Li Dong leave arm in arm, heart boiling and tumbling, only to end up sighing and secretly grieving.
“Xingling, why are you standing in the middle of the way?” A hand patted his shoulder. It was Xia Bailun, a colleague who had joined almost the same time as him. “Want to grab lunch together?”
Because they had entered together, they were on good terms, so Xi Xingling did not refuse. “Let’s go.” Actually, aside from being rather humble in front of the Han brothers, Xi Xingling was quite normal in other respects.
At least with colleagues and friends he came off as capable and worth knowing.
“You just went in with Teacher Zhang to see the GM. How was it?” Xia Bailun prodded as they walked, hoping to dig up something useful.
“Pretty good overall.” In truth, he barely remembered the specifics. He had been busy stealing glances at a man. What stuck was that Wang Yun had approved his full-time status and a raise, which was good news. He shared, “Bailun, the GM approved my conversion next month.”
“That’s great.” Xia Bailun pressed on, “What about the salary?”
“That’s not really something I should say.” The company had a policy against discussing pay. As a newbie, Xi Xingling felt he should follow the rules.
“Not even a ballpark?” Xia Bailun said, disappointed. “We’re in the same company. Come on.” He knew the rule, but he still felt Xi Xingling was being stingy.
“About fifteen to eighteen thousand,” Xi Xingling said at last, giving a conservative range.
From Xia Bailun’s point of view, the top end probably wasn’t the real figure. People, all the more when young, had vanity.
“I see. That range is fine. Probably not even half of what the seniors get…” They had all fought hard to get into Han for its benefits. Low pay at the start was normal.
Once you worked on a few series with the seniors and built seniority, the money would come.
“Yeah.” Xi Xingling drifted into the downstairs cafeteria and found it packed. “Seriously. This is the best place nearby, and there’s never a table.”
As he spoke, he spotted Wang Yun and Li Dong.
“Tell me about it. Even people from the next tower come over. Annoying.” Xia Bailun lined up at the counter and saw Xi Xingling standing there blankly. Figuring he was scouting for seats, he said, “Go grab us a table. I’ll get the food.”
Just then, a table near Wang Yun opened up. Xi Xingling hurried over to claim it.
“Excuse m—” Someone turning with a tray bumped into him.
Li Dong had been chatting with Wang Yun when a figure pitched toward him. He reacted fast and caught him.
The instant he had the man in his arms, he knew it was the same exasperating male lead. What on earth was he doing?
“How can you be so careless?” Li Dong’s voice came from above. The panic still hadn’t drained from Xi Xingling, but the moment he heard the voice, he felt safe. His heart stopped fluttering wildly and switched to that deer-in-the-headlights thudding instead.
“Thank you…” With so many people around, he scrambled out of Li Dong’s arms and apologized to Wang Yun as well. “I’m sorry, General Manager, for disturbing your meal.”
“It’s fine. You didn’t fall.” Wang Yun still had a good impression of him. He had a pleasing face and real talent. “Why the rush?”
One look and he saw the table he wanted had already been taken. His expression turned boyishly crestfallen. “General Manager, it is hard to get a table here.”
“I see.” Wang Yun nodded. True enough. When she and her son came, tables were rarely free. “Sit with us then.” There happened to be two open seats, and no one else dared to ask.
“Thank you, General Manager.” Joy lit Xi Xingling’s face. He snuck a bright glance at Li Dong.
Sadly, Li Dong still ignored him.
“Xingling!” Xia Bailun arrived with two lunches. “Ah, General Manager. Fancy running into you.” He shot frantic looks at Xi Xingling. What is this situation?
“The GM said we can sit here,” Xi Xingling said, and quickly chose the seat next to Li Dong.
“That’s great. Thank you, General Manager.” Xia Bailun sat by Wang Yun and smiled at Li Dong across the corner. “And thank you, Second Young Master.” It was his first time seeing Han’s second young master in person. The rumor mill had been churning all morning.
It was all vague, though. Nothing concrete. Only that he was impressive.
Naturally. The ones who really knew Han Yubai were not in this circle.
“You’re welcome,” Li Dong said. For him, everyone in the book had the same status: not worth much attention.
In his mind, anyone outside a handful of key figures close to Han Yubai were scenery and props.
You could hardly blame him. This world was an author’s fantasy. It had no logic and no real meaning. For all he knew, it could vanish at any time.
And when the book vanished, the people in it would vanish too, because they were fictional.
“General Manager, I’m Xia Bailun. I joined with Xingling. Do you remember me?” He vaguely recalled that Wang Yun liked Xingling, since she had interviewed him personally.
He himself barely registered in her eyes and had had few chances to shine.
Now that he finally got to eat with her, he was determined to show what he had.
“A bit,” Wang Yun said politely, holding back with a reserved smile.
Under the table, Xi Xingling tapped his colleague’s shoe. Enough. The GM clearly wanted some mother-son time. Why were they chirping away here?
Xia Bailun shot him a glare. He understood, but he was unwilling. Why did the other guy get a smooth conversion and a raise while he was overlooked, without a mentor who cared?
“I’m done. Enjoy,” Li Dong said. During their silent face-off, he had already finished his lunch. He took a sip of water…
On reflex, Xi Xingling pulled out a pack of wet tissues, ripped it open, and held one out to Li Dong.
Not only Li Dong, even Wang Yun blinked in surprise. But she found it amusing rather than off-putting.
“Thanks,” Li Dong said, and wiped his mouth and fingers.
“…Unbelievable,” Xia Bailun secretly dissed Xi Xingling for being such a bootlicker while simultaneously regretting that he had been beaten to the opportunity.
Wang Yun soon finished as well. She smiled. “You two take your time. Yubai and I will head out.”
This time, Xia Bailun leaped up. “Goodbye, General Manager. Goodbye, Second Young Master.”
Sitting beside Li Dong, Xi Xingling stood too. He looked like he wanted to speak, eyes on Li Dong’s profile, but Li Dong never once looked back. He was ice cold.
“Second Young Master is really aloof,” someone sighed, forgetting to eat and only watching the mother and son leave.
“He isn’t like that,” Xi Xingling said, thinking of last night. He was actually easy to get along with.
“How would you know?” Xia Bailun rolled his eyes. “Stop dreaming. He and we are not from the same world. Didn’t you see how he couldn’t be bothered? He probably didn’t even get a clear look at your face.”
Xi Xingling rolled his eyes inwardly. He did not dare speak on anything else, but he was sure Second Young Master remembered his face.
From what Young Master had said, he looked very much like the one in Second Young Master’s heart. Han Tianlin had rescued him at the start because of that face too…
“Do you think he has a girlfriend? Who is that lucky, becoming Han’s young madam in the future?” Xia Bailun’s gossip itch flared.
“How would I know?” Xi Xingling thought to himself, I don’t know about a girlfriend, but I do know the person on his mind is a man.
Maybe men with someone in their hearts were gentler.
He wilted at the thought and wished Han Tianlin could be half as gentle as Second Young Master. At least stop slapping him for nothing. It really hurt.
But because he loved Han Tianlin, he could only smile and offer up his cheek.
“All right, eat. We don’t get the world of the rich. Working hard is what counts,” Xia Bailun mumbled around his food. He planned to find his supervisor this afternoon to feel out the situation and remind them about making him permanent.
“…,” Xi Xingling ate absentmindedly. Sitting here felt like torture.
Finally he finished and returned to his desk, where he quietly texted Li Dong.
Second Young Master, are you free now? Could you reply to me please [pitiful emoji] - Idiot Male Lead
Li Dong saw the sender and chuckled.
The note was something he had typed on a whim, and he had no intention of changing it.
What is it? - Second Young Master
Are you still at the company? Can I see you [cute emoji] - Idiot Male Lead
See me for what? - Second Young Master
I miss you…- Idiot Male Lead
Do you miss me, or do you miss my d*ck? - Second Young Master
Both [shy emoji] - Idiot Male Lead
Li Dong knew the man was using him as comfort. In body and mind he was still a groveling dog under Han Tianlin’s feet. Even so, Li Dong kept half-heartedly replying.
Why do you like my brother? - Second Young Master
Is it okay to talk about this? Then I’ll say it. Because Young Master is handsome and manly. I liked him the moment I saw him. I imagine him pushing me down every day, but he doesn’t like men. I even thought about gender reassignment surgery for him, but I heard fake breasts feel bad and I was afraid he would dislike me. And even if I transitioned, I still couldn’t have his child. I really regret being born male. If I were a woman, I’d already be one of his harem. - Idiot Male Lead
The wall of text made Li Dong skim and look away before it gave him a hemorrhage.
Since you like him, how can you stand him having so many lovers? - Second Young Master
Second Young Master, a man as excellent as him can’t possibly have only one lover. Besides, I have no right to ask how many he has. I’m lucky he even wants me [sob] - Idiot Male Lead
Right. If he could stomach much heavier things, what was a mere harem.
Don’t you think loving someone this humbly is degrading? - Second Young Master
If he wants me low, I’ll be low. But don’t misunderstand, not everyone can order me around. Right now I only listen to Young Master and Second Young Master. I’ll do anything you tell me to do. - Idiot Male Lead
In text, he was even more unrestrained. He would say anything.
Anything? Then send a nude. - Second Young Master
There was definitely some spite in that one.
Okay. I’ll go to the restroom and take it for you. - Idiot Male Lead
…Damn.
About ten minutes later, Li Dong received a twenty-second spicy video and several close-ups. The video even had his face, with a smile and a sweet, “Second Young Master, are you satisfied?”
“…,” Pretty face. Slender, fine-boned body. Pale skin. Everything neat and groomed. Wait, what were those two quick flashes of silver on his chest?
What’s on your chest? - Second Young Master
Nipple rings. They have Young Master’s name on them. - Idiot Male Lead
Honest to a fault. He hid nothing about his frenzy for Han Tianlin and even wanted to confess it, as if that made it easier to bear.
Take them off. I don’t like them. - Second Young Master
Okay. I’ll take them off now. - Idiot Male Lead
He actually obeyed. After removing them, he sent a follow-up shot.
Aren’t you afraid I’ll post your video online? - Second Young Master
Please don’t, Second Young Master. I still need my face. If you really have to, I can’t stop you. Could you at least blur my face? - Idiot Male Lead
I’m teasing you. I won’t post it. - Second Young Master
That’s great. Do you want to see anything else? I’m still in the restroom. If not, I’ll head back. - Idiot Male Lead
Tsk. Put your clothes on. It’s chilly today. - Second Young Master
It was autumn after all. Li Dong had not expected him to go that far and stay naked this long.
Thank you for caring, Second Young Master. Kiss kiss [kiss] - Idiot Male Lead
So shameless. Li Dong was too annoyed to reply and put his phone away. The idiot male lead could sit in the little black box for now.
Second Young Master, can I come see you tonight? I really want to see you. - Idiot Male Lead
I bought a set of lingerie. I can wear it for you tonight, okay? - Idiot Male Lead
Li Dong had a thousand snarky replies but firmly sent none.
After three unanswered texts, Xi Xingling stopped pestering him. He wanted to cling, but he didn’t want Li Dong to get sick of him.
So Li Dong had a quiet afternoon. Only an afternoon.
At five-thirty, Xi Xingling got off work.
This time he didn’t text. He called.
“Second Young Master.” His voice bubbled with joy. “I’m off…”
“So?” Li Dong said lazily. He was lying at home watching a nature program, too comfortable to move.
“Can we meet tonight? Pick a place and I’ll come to you,” Xi Xingling suggested carefully.
“What for?” Li Dong asked, even though he knew.
“Don’t you want me?” Xi Xingling’s tone was earnest. “Please give me a chance. I will try my best. I promise I will satisfy you.”
Truth be told, Li Dong did not want him.
Not because Xi Xingling wasn’t attractive, but because Li Dong didn’t want merchandise that Han Tianlin could reclaim at any moment.
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