LNTSWJLY Chapter 4

“Don’t cry.”

The slightly cool hand seemed to want to gently wipe away tears, but it stopped upon contact with the delicate and warm skin, realizing that there were no tears on the other’s face.

Yin Xu also froze, feigning to lower his brows and eyes. “Mr. Yu, I wasn’t crying.”

Yu Zhi casually withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened and said in a nonchalant tone, “I know.”

The room was very quiet, so quiet that it felt strange. The unfamiliar atmosphere permeated the air, penetrating through flesh and blood, straight into the heart.

“What do you want?”

Yu Zhi didn’t suddenly come up with this question.

This was his first encounter with this new world after transferring departments. Compared to the simple and easy education department where all he had to do was teach, this so-called salvation department, which aimed to change the destinies of its target individuals and provide them with happiness, left him somewhat perplexed.

Changing destinies was simple; he had already achieved that. With him backing him up, Yin Xu’s life could be safe and smooth sailing.

But what does it mean to give happiness?

What does he need to feel happy?

Yu Zhi didn’t know.

But he knew that Yin Xu must not be happy right now.

Yin Xu hadn’t transitioned from his previous state yet. He looked up at the man. “I… don’t want anything.”

He had already received his reward. The man didn’t owe him anything, not even if he wanted to sleep with him.

Yu Zhi felt somewhat troubled. Not wanting anything was even more troublesome.

“Then focus on your studies.”

With more reading, broader horizons, and a more open mind, perhaps what he wants will effortlessly reveal itself and become easily attainable.

Yin Xu felt like this man didn’t understand human language.

It’s said not to pretend to be righteous, not to be hypocritical.

He bit his lip, trying to suppress his wildly beating heart due to the excitement of emotions.

He’s afraid.

Afraid that the man will demand compensation.

Even more afraid that he won’t ask for anything in return.

Yu Zhi saw his fingers fidgeting incessantly, and there was anxiety in his eyes. How could he not know his inner turmoil?

But if he were to directly say that he doesn’t need him to do anything, doesn’t need him to give anything, and that he would help him achieve all his desires, it might only make him more uneasy.

“Yin Xu,” he suddenly spoke up, and looked at him, his eyes fixed directly on the young man.

The young man was startled by his sudden voice and looked at him.

He saw the man’s gaze steady and calm. “I do have expectations of you.”

The young man’s heart was stirred by these words, causing ripples in his mind. He prepared himself mentally to finally accept the request that was about to be settled.

“It’s just not the right time,” Yu Zhi said lightly. “When I want something, I’ll naturally ask for it from you.”

Yin Xu’s mind was unsettled, recalling the man’s words from last night, he felt that it was the truth.

But he had clearly said that tender meat tastes better, and when he grows up, it certainly won’t be as delicious as it is now.

Or is it… that this man’s taste is just so unique?

Does he have to wait for him to grow old before eating him to reduce the guilt?

Yin Xu had heard that some people don’t like to date virgins because it’s hard to break up with them, they don’t want to take responsibility, and they feel guilty. Could this man be like that too?

Yin Xu didn’t want to owe anyone, but now it seemed like he had no choice but to.

Yu Zhi didn’t know how many messy thoughts had crossed the seemingly innocent young man’s mind. He just wanted to temporarily appease him, so he wouldn’t overthink things or try to test him with various behaviors.

“Focus on your studies. Don’t worry about tuition or living expenses. I’ll support you financially while you’re in school.”

Yu Zhi had a premonition that he would likely have to stay in this world for many years, unable to simply teach and leave as he had done in the past.

But it didn’t matter much to him. He had experienced countless worlds, and time was something he had long grown accustomed to.

Before letting him leave, Yu Zhi took out a box of ointment from his bag. “If I see you limping again tomorrow, I’ll cancel your school registration.”

Yin Xu instinctively reached for his buttocks, then pretended not to care and took the ointment. “I understand, thank you, Mr. Yu.”

Yu Zhi felt that being called “Mr. Yu” wasn’t quite right, but he couldn’t think of a better title at the moment. Uncle? Godfather? Dad? They all sounded awkward.

Though he saw the boy as a son in his heart, he knew he wasn’t his real son, so he let him use whatever term he felt comfortable with.

Back in his room, Yin Xu applied the ointment to his buttocks. It was better than the one from last night; it had a cool sensation upon application.

When he went to bed, he didn’t lock the door.

He used to be too afraid to lock it, but now he couldn’t lock it even if he wanted to.

He was no longer a victim forced into submission; he was now someone who had received favors from others but hadn’t repaid them.

He had no reason to keep people outside the door.

The screen of his phone lit up, displaying a WeChat message.

【Scumbag: Didn’t expect my son to be quite capable. Xiao Xu, you’ve made it big, but don’t forget the father who made all this possible for you.】

Yin Xu’s face darkened, and he sneered before turning off the screen.

The next day, Yu Zhi took Yin Xu to the new school, which happened to be the same school as Xiao Pang, but one was in the high school section, and the other was in the elementary section.

The teacher in charge of enrollment procedures asked, “Mr. Yu, are you not considering arranging accommodation for the child? Senior year is very tough, and commuting every day will consume a lot of rest time.”

Yu Zhi was about to address this matter, “No accommodation, and I’d like to request that Yin Xu not attend morning and evening self-study sessions.”

Yin Xu glanced at him, his expression complex.

The teacher frowned in disagreement, but Yu Zhi explained, “I’ve arranged for him to have a private tutor. You can rest assured that his studies won’t be affected even if he stays home.”

One-on-one tutoring is naturally better than group tutoring, and since there are conditions for it, the teacher couldn’t object.

“Alright then, the teacher hopes that Yin Xu will study diligently at home as well and strive to give himself a satisfactory answer sheet next year.” The teacher reluctantly agreed, “And don’t disappoint your father for everything he’s done for you.”

With this remark, the room fell silent.

The teacher felt something was off and looked up at Yu Zhi, “Mr. Yu, what’s wrong? Is there something amiss?”

Yu Zhi calmly stood up, “Nothing, thank you, Teacher, for your help and encouragement.”

Yin Xu clenched the straps of his new backpack, gritting his teeth inwardly, pretending not to notice the hint of amusement at the corner of the man’s lips.

“Thank you, Teacher!” he said, then turned to Yu Zhi, flashing a sweet smile. “And thank you, Dad.”

Yu Zhi: “…”

Shaking his head with an amused smile, he realized he wasn’t the one at a disadvantage here.

After arranging things for school, Yu Zhi went to the company. The Yu Group was thriving at the moment, and there wasn’t much for him to intervene in at a high level, just some details and adjustments needed around the edges.

He cut down on some lengthy and cumbersome projects, and streamlined departmental structures, making Yu Group’s ship sail more lightly.

Busy all day, he was reminded by his assistant in the evening, “Sir, you scheduled to be home by half-past seven; it’s time to leave.”

Only then did Yu Zhi remember someone was waiting for him at home.

Upon returning, he indeed found Yin Xu already at home.

“Mr. Yu, you’re back.”

Seeing him return, Yin Xu quickly got up to serve him tea and water.

There was no longer the previous rejection and disgust, but rather a hint of respect.

Yu Zhi spoke up to stop him, “You don’t have to do this.”

Yin Xu paused for a moment at his words but continued, “Before you asked for my reward, Mr. Yu, I didn’t know what else I could do for you.”

Yu Zhi understood suddenly, realizing the boy’s character: he didn’t like owing others, and he was stubborn.

After dinner, Yin Xu didn’t return to his room. Instead, he went against his usual behavior and followed behind Yu Zhi, his eyes carrying a suggestive tone.

Thinking Yin Xu was testing him again, Yu Zhi asked, “What do you want now?”

Yin Xu replied, “Sir, haven’t you forgotten?”

“What?” Yu Zhi inquired.

Yin Xu said, “About the private tutor.”

Looking at him, Yin Xu gathered his courage and asked, “You mentioned hiring a private tutor for me, but since you came back, I haven’t seen anyone come to the house.”

Yu Zhi suddenly realized, “I haven’t forgotten.”

Yin Xu prompted, “So…”

Yu Zhi casually remarked, “I’m here.”

Yin Xu responded with hesitation, “…”

Seeing his disbelief, Yu Zhi didn’t explain further. Instead, he instructed, “Go to the study and wait for me.”

With that, he turned and headed back to the bedroom.

Yin Xu regretted not stopping Yu Zhi from canceling his self-study sessions. Was it too late to go back and attend now?

After showering and dressing in loose pajamas, Yu Zhi returned to the study without any hesitation, naturally picking up Yin Xu’s textbooks and starting the lesson.

Yin Xu’s gaze inadvertently fell on Yu Zhi’s chest, still glistening with water droplets for a few seconds before quickly averting his eyes and focusing on the lesson. Surprisingly, he couldn’t tell that the man in front of him was nearing forty.

Unexpectedly, whether it was lecturing or explaining problems, Yu Zhi effortlessly delivered, without any obscurity. In some instances, he even quoted classical texts, surpassing the school teachers.

After all, education was Yu Zhi’s original profession. Regardless of the subject matter, the mode of teaching was similar, making it natural and effortless for him.

From disbelief to admiration, Yu Zhi noticed Yin Xu’s changing expression. Indeed, subtle influence was the best method. Continuing like this, the boy would eventually believe that Yu Zhi had no ulterior motives toward him.

Yu Zhi spoke until his throat felt dry, then rose to fetch water from the kitchen.

As he left, the phone lying casually on the table began to ring.

Initially, Yin Xu didn’t want to bother, but with a casual glance, he noticed the contact name: Jiao Jiao.

His heart skipped a beat, his mind struggling to catch up, yet his hand instinctively reached out.

He intended to hang up, but in his panic, he inadvertently answered the call.

“Hey~ Big Brother Yu…”

The sugary voice emanated from the phone, and Yin Xu felt as though he’d been struck by a heavy blow. In that moment, it seemed like he had thought of many things, yet also nothing at all.

Only one thought was crystal clear.

Perhaps, that man truly didn’t want to sleep with him.

His grip on the textbook tightened…

……………………………………………..

Author’s Note: 

Yin Xu: He doesn’t want to sleep with me.

Not long after…

Yin Xu: How could he not want to sleep with me?

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