AMBTICBPIB Chapter 48

Watching the soundly sleeping Chu Yi, Shen Jin pondered over the events of the past two days. After much thought, he still couldn’t pinpoint what might have upset Chu Yi.

At school, Chu Yi had harmonious relationships with his teachers and classmates. At home, no one dared provoke him. As for the Chu Family, they lacked the courage to even show their faces before Chu Yi. So why was Chu Yi unhappy?

Aunt Wu had mentioned that Chu Yi seemed happy when he saw the flowers in the courtyard upon returning home.

The Chu Yi in his arms had already fallen asleep, his long, curled eyelashes fluttering slightly. He looked so small and vulnerable in Shen Jin’s embrace, stirring an overwhelming protective instinct within him. Shen Jin longed to hold him in the palm of his hand, shielding him from all harm.

*How can I make Chu Yi understand my feelings? I truly love him, want to be with him, and want to take care of him for the rest of my life.*

Shen Jin never imagined he would ever feel so anxious and insecure.

Even the slightest hint of resistance from Chu Yi left him utterly bewildered. What made it worse was that he didn’t even know the reason behind it.

The next day, when Shen Jin tried to ask Chu Yi about it again, Chu Yi had already returned to his usual cheerful self, showing no trace of the previous day’s gloominess or emotional slump.

Chu Yi woke up early and cheerfully greeted Shen Jin, “Good morning!”

Watching his lighthearted demeanor, Shen Jin couldn’t figure out what had happened overnight to make Chu Yi seem completely fine.

Chu Yi was still the same as before, but he had suddenly come to a realization on his own.

He remembered his original purpose for coming here. With this clarity, Chu Yi no longer felt so miserable. Shen Jin and Uncle Wen had been so kind to him; he should be content.

Although Chu Yi had returned to his usual self, Shen Jin couldn’t shake the feeling that the distance between them had suddenly widened again, as if they were back at square one.

Yet he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was wrong.

Even Uncle Wen noticed the subtle tension between Chu Yi and Shen Jin. He specifically asked Shen Jin if he had scolded Chu Yi again or made him angry.

However, Uncle Wen also found this unlikely. It had been a long time since he had seen Chu Yi cry.

As soon as the banquet ended, Shen Jin rushed home and immediately went to find Chu Yi. Chu Yi was wearing the headphones Shen Jin had given him, engrossed in a game.

Wearing the headphones, Chu Yi didn’t notice Shen Jin enter. Shen Jin sat quietly beside him, watching him play. Only after the game ended did Chu Yi finally notice Shen Jin, unsure how long he had been there. He could only conclude that the headphones were truly of exceptional quality.

He took off his headphones. “When did you get back?” He knew Shen Jin was attending an important banquet that evening and wouldn’t return until very late.

“Just now,” Shen Jin said, placing a small box in front of him. “I brought you something.”

An enticingly sweet aroma wafted from the box.

Chu Yi: “What is it?”

Shen Jin: “Open it and see.”

When Chu Yi opened the box, he gasped in surprise.

It was lotus pastry.

He looked at the pastry, then at Shen Jin, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Chu Yi’s surprise stemmed from a sudden craving he’d had while playing games earlier that evening. He’d briefly thought about wanting lotus pastry, but it was just a fleeting thought he hadn’t mentioned to anyone.

Yet here Shen Jin was, returning from the banquet with lotus pastry!

The pastry looked exquisite, its distinct layers and lifelike details making it seem more like a work of art. Just looking at it made Chu Yi feel happy, almost too reluctant to eat it.

Chu Yi blurted out, “Shen Jin, you’re amazing! How did you know I wanted lotus pastry?”

Shen Jin raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t. I just had a strong feeling I should buy it for you on my way back. Call it telepathy, perhaps?”

Chu Yi chuckled, his laughter as innocent and joyful as a child’s, delighted by the sight of something delicious.

Seeing him finally smile so genuinely, Shen Jin’s heart softened. Chu Yi was finally happy.

Chu Yi had been craving lotus pastries, and now that they were right in front of him, his desire intensified. He eagerly picked one up and took a bite. It was truly delicious, leaving a lingering fragrance in his mouth.

As he savored the pastry, Chu Yi mused to himself, “I’ve been so greedy lately, always wanting to eat.”

Shen Jin had bought three lotus pastries. When Chu Yi realized Shen Jin hadn’t eaten any, he offered, “You should try one too. They’re so good!”

Chu Yi expected Shen Jin to take a pastry from the box, but instead, Shen Jin suddenly leaned in, their foreheads touching.

Chu Yi froze, remembering the last time they’d been this close—just before Shen Jin had kissed him. He couldn’t help but feel nervous. Then, he saw Shen Jin lower his head and take a bite from the lotus pastry Chu Yi was holding.

The warmth of Shen Jin’s lips brushed against Chu Yi’s fingertips, sending a jolt like an electric current through him. With a gentle bite, Shen Jin took a bite from the pastry in Chu Yi’s hand. The neat, even bite mark now replaced Chu Yi’s own, leaving Shen Jin’s distinct imprint.

Shen Jin looked up. “It’s quite delicious.”

Chu Yi’s ears flushed crimson again, his fingers curling slightly. A hint of annoyance flickered through him. *Shen Jin is such a tease, deliberately trying to fluster me.*

Seeing Chu Yi’s crimson ears and flustered expression, Shen Jin’s mood brightened considerably. What he feared most was Chu Yi’s indifference, the way he had been the past few days—acting as if nothing mattered. That was what truly unnerved him.

“I’m free tomorrow,” Shen Jin said. “Want to go to the club?”

Chu Yi nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes!” He genuinely loved racing.

Still dressed in his banquet attire, Shen Jin reminded Chu Yi as he headed back to his room to change, “Don’t stay up too late. Come back to bed early.”

After Shen Jin left, Chu Yi pursed his lips. It wasn’t actually that cold anymore; even without the heating, he wouldn’t feel cold.

But he had always been too embarrassed to tell Shen Jin he wanted to sleep in his own room. Now, however, he knew he shouldn’t sleep in Shen Jin’s room anymore. Chu Yi resolved to start sleeping in his own room from that day forward.

Despite Shen Jin’s reminder to rest early, Chu Yi lost track of time while playing games.

The designated time had passed, but Chu Yi hadn’t returned. Shen Jin went to find him.

“Chu Yi, it’s time to go back to sleep,” Shen Jin said softly, but his teammates overheard and teased him.

“Ooh, your boyfriend’s calling you to bed.”

“Your boyfriend’s voice is pretty nice too.”

Chu Yi ignored his teammates, immediately muting his microphone. He took off his headset and whispered to Shen Jin, “Can I finish this match?”

That look, that tone—no one could refuse him, least of all Shen Jin.

While Chu Yi played, Shen Jin sat beside him, watching.

Chu Yi, wearing his headset and focused on the screen, didn’t look at Shen Jin, but his face slowly began to flush. A burning gaze lingered on his cheek, too gentle and focused. Chu Yi pursed his lips, feeling a sudden thirst.

He finally managed to finish the game with difficulty.

Shutting down his computer, Chu Yi was about to tell Shen Jin he wouldn’t go to his room anymore when Shen Jin took his hand. “Let’s go back to sleep.”

Chu Yi stared at their joined hands. Shen Jin’s hand was so warm. He didn’t say anything, silently letting himself be led away.

*I’ll tell him when the weather gets a little warmer,* he thought.

Chu Yi was having a blast at the club. This time, he could drive and race as he pleased, staying on the track as long as he wanted.

A professional coach stood by Chu Yi’s side, while Shen Jin and Gu Jin watched from the stands.

Due to the previous accident, Gu Jin hadn’t invited anyone else today, leaving only the two of them in the stands.

Though seated in the stands, Shen Jin’s gaze remained fixed on Chu Yi on the track.

“You look like you’re carrying a heavy burden,” Gu Jin remarked.

Shen Jin glanced at him. Gu Jin guessed, “It wouldn’t happen to be about your Chu Yi, would it?”

Shen Jin’s silence confirmed his suspicion.

Gu Jin knew that his friend, despite now being the head of the Shen Family and undefeated in the business world, was still a complete novice when it came to matters of the heart.

“Is it really about Chu Yi?” Gu Jin asked. “What’s going on between you two? You can tell me. I might even have some advice. I’ve been in plenty of relationships—I probably know more about this stuff than you do.”

It wasn’t clear which words had finally gotten through to Shen Jin, but he mumbled, “I don’t think he likes me.”

Hearing this, Gu Jin realized it was the first time he’d ever seen Shen Jin so insecure.

“Have you confessed to Chu Yi?” Gu Jin asked.

Shen Jin paused, then nodded. “Yeah.”

Gu Jin’s eyes lit up with gossip. “And then? What was Chu Yi’s reaction? Did he just say he didn’t like you?”

Shen Jin watched the cars drifting on the racetrack. “He didn’t say anything.” After confessing, Shen Jin had kissed Chu Yi, who hadn’t resisted.

Gu Jin considered the way Chu Yi always looked at Shen Jin, and how he’d defended him at the banquet. All signs pointed to one thing: Chu Yi definitely liked Shen Jin.

“How did you confess?” Gu Jin asked, genuinely curious.

“I just told him,” Shen Jin replied. “I said I liked him.”

“And then?”

“And then what?”

Gu Jin wanted to bury his face in his hands. “Shen Jin, Shen Jin, do you even realize that your ‘I like you’ sounds exactly the same to Chu Yi as Uncle Wen’s affection?”

Gu Jin said, “Do you believe me? If I told Chu Yi right now that I liked him, he wouldn’t react at all. Do you know why?”

His words struck Shen Jin like a bolt of lightning.

Shen Jin said sternly, “Don’t you dare tell him you like him later.”

“I was just making a point,” Gu Jin replied. “Of course, you need to tell him you like him with special sincerity—a kind of liking that’s different from Uncle Wen’s.”

Seeing Shen Jin’s thoughtful expression, Gu Jin sighed silently.

*This is exactly why it’s good to have more relationship experience,* he thought. *Otherwise, someone like Shen Jin would end up taking so many unnecessary detours.*

When Chu Yi stepped out of the car, his face was slightly flushed with sweat. Shen Jin took a tissue and gently wiped his forehead, then twisted open a bottle of mineral water and handed it to him.

Chu Yi silently watched Shen Jin, thinking, *If things could stay like this, it would be nice too.*

Standing nearby, Gu Jin observed the two of them. He was absolutely certain that Chu Yi liked Shen Jin.