DBSNTM- Chapter 33

Zhan got up and looked at the lump on his forehead in the mirror. The ointment Yibo had applied on his forehead had worked. The swelling went down a lot. But it still looked somewhat scary.

When he went downstairs to the dining room, he found breakfast was already on the table.

Yibo and Yijun were at the table and waiting for him.

Yijun gallantly pulled open the chair beside him. “Good morning, Zhan.”

Just as Zhan was about to walk to Yijun’ side, he heard a soft noise coming from Yibo’s side.

Turning around, he found Yibo had also pulled open the chair for him.

His intention was obvious. He wanted Zhan to sit beside him.

Zhan’s lips twitched a little.

Why was Yibo so against to Yijun in the morning?

What was wrong with him?

Looking at Yijun’ smiling face and Yibo’s expressionless face, Zhan sat beside Yijun without hesitation.

As soon as Zhan sat down, he could clearly feel the tension at the table.

Zhan and Yijun looked at each other at the same time, and then they lowered their heads, having breakfast.

Yibo was so odd.

After breakfast, Yibo took the car and left. Zhan and Yijun were sent by another driver.

…….

Xiao Group.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Zhan got off the car and the driver drove away. He turned around and was about to walk into the building when he heard a strange woman’s voice behind him. “Mrs. Wang?”

Zhan turned his head and saw a woman in a sharp suit standing behind him.

“Hello, you are…?” Zhan wasn’t sure he knew this person.

“I’m Haoxuan’ agent, Suyue.” She looked serious. “Haoxuan wants to see you.”

“Haoxuan?”

Suyue nodded. “Yes. Follow me.”

Suyue took Zhan to a car.

……

When the car door opened, Zhan saw Haoxuan.

“I have something to ask you. It wouldn’t take long,” Haoxuan said with his usual gentle smile.

“Oh, please say.”

Many people knew Haoxuan, so Zhan couldn’t just talk to him outside the car. He got in.

Haoxuan asked him, “Is Zanilla your sister?”

“Yes.” Zhan was a little surprised. “Why do you ask?”

Haoxuan didn’t answer his question. Instead, he asked, “There is something wrong with your company, so you want me to endorse your products?”

Zhan frowned. “How do you know?”

He said gently, “Just tell me. Is that true?”

“Yes.” Zhan guessed Zanilla might have done something stupid, so Haoxuan knew about it.

Zhan pursed his lips and explained, “Someone just mentioned it. We haven’t decided yet. I know you won’t–.”

Haoxuan interrupted him, “If you want me to endorse your products, I can give it a try.”

“…”

Zhan was shocked.

What did Haoxuan mean?

What did he mean by If I wanted him to help?

Did he mean that if I asked him for help, he would be willing to offer his help?

Haoxuan say this because of my relationship with Yibo.

“You don’t have to do this. The Xiao Group just got a taste of their own medicine. Moreover, the endorsement wouldn’t be good for you as well.” Zhan was grateful for Haoxuan’ kindness.

Haoxuan suddenly smiled. He looked so warm and gentleman-like that people would lower their guard.

He gazed at Zhan. “It’s not because of Yibo. I’m here for you today. If you need me, I can help you. Fame isn’t that important to me.”

He smiled, and his gaze was very focused, as if he was looking at Zhan, or as if he was looking at someone else through him.

Zhan’s heart skipped a beat and he refused in a hurry, “I’m very grateful for your kindness, but I really don’t need it. I have to go to work now, or I’ll be late.”

Saying goodbye, he got off the car and dashed.

Haoxuan watched Zhan hurry away through the car window, with the smile in his eyes gradually fading.

He knew that Zhan and Yibo were having trouble recently because Yibo had lied to him.

…….

Zhan entered the company with some doubts in his heart.

Why would Haoxuan say such strange words to me?

The way he looked at me was like he was looking at another person through me.

Lost in thought, he did not notice Zanilla walking towards him.

It wasn’t until she spoke that Zhan noticed her. “Zhan, how did you do on the mission that Dad gave you?”

Zhan thought of what Haoxuan had said before, and a trace of inquiry flashed through his slightly narrowed eyes. “Not much. If you’re willing, you can ask Dad to leave this task to you.”

Zanilla didn’t lose her temper. Instead, she brushed her hair and said confidently, “I will. Don’t think that others can’t do what you can’t.”

“Ok, good luck then.” Zhan’s indifferent tone instantly angered Zanilla.

However, Zhan left before Zanilla could lose her temper.

…..

After Zanilla accepted the task of persuading Haoxuan to endorse the products of the Xiao Group, she rarely showed up in the company.

Zhan did not pay much attention to it.

Although he was still confused by Haoxuan’ words that day, he did not take them to heart.

Being self-aware, he did not think that Haoxuan would have any feelings for him during these brief contacts.

There were countless beautiful and distinguished stars in the entertainment industry who loved Haoxuan.

Zhan felt that compared to them, he was extremely ordinary.

……

Four days later, as soon as Zhan arrived at the company, he was called to the office by Jianmin.

Jianmin’s face lit up, “Zhan, come over. I have something to tell you.”

“Dad, what’s the matter?” Zhan could not guess what made Jianmin so happy.

“As for the endorsement of Haoxuan for our company’s products, your sister has already made it. Your sister has been exhausted recently, so I’ve decided to leave the follow-up matters to you.”

Jianmin couldn’t conceal his joy, “I can really count on you!”

Zhan frowned. He felt that this was impossible, “Did Haoxuan really agree to take the endorsement of our company’s products?”

“Yes, this is all thanks to your sister. You must discuss with Haoxuan properly.”

“I got it.” Zhan just nodded and didn’t say anything else.

…….

Back home, Zhan went straight to the study to look for Yibo.

He must know something about Haoxuan.

Yibo had just returned. When Zhan pushed the door open and entered, he just got off a phone call.

When he turned around and saw Zhan, he said, “You’re back.”

“I have something to ask you.” Zhan walked straight to him.

Hearing this, Yibo nodded slightly for Zhan to ask directly.

“Do you know that Haoxuan took the endorsement of the products of the Xiao Group?” Zhan asked bluntly.

Yibo was slightly shocked for a moment, but his expression was not surprised at all. “No, I don’t.”

“What’s going on? Why would Cheng let Haoxuan take the endorsement of the Xiao Group? If he did, it would have an impact on his acting career and his reputation!”

Zhan felt sorry for Haoxuan, so his tone became a little anxious.

Yibo fixed his gaze on Zhan for a few seconds, and then suddenly narrowed his eyes, “You must be his big fan, being so concerned about his affairs.

Zhan ignored his sour tone and said, “I am his fan, but he is also your cousin. Don’t you care about this?”

“As you’ve said, he is my brother. What can I do to him as the younger brother?” Yibo turned around and sat down at his desk, as if he would no longer pay attention to him.

Zhan felt that Yibo was really a strange person.

It seemed that Yibo and Haoxuan were quite close, but when Haoxuan encountered such a thing, he didn’t care about it.

Yibo treated me alternately cruelly and kindly.

Never mind. I didn’t want to guess Mr. Wang’s thoughts. Even if I wanted to, I could never guess right.

…….

Zhan was responsible for the follow-up work of Haoxuan’ endorsement. Jianmin gave him the privileg to follow up without having to work in the company before the matter was settled.

In the morning, as soon as Zhan arrived at the company, he got the information of Haoxuan’ agent and went out.

Zhan tried to dial Suyue number, and the phone was picked up after a few rings.

“Hello, I’m Haoxuan’ agent, Qi Suyue.”

Zhan said gently, “I’m Xiao Zhan.”

“Mr Xiao.” Suyue clearly still had an impression of him.

Zhan directly explained his purpose, “I heard that you have accepted the endorsement of the Xiao Group.”

“About this matter, you can talk to Haoxuan directly. I’m not at home now. I’ll send you his home address, and you can just go there.”

Then she just hung up the phone before Zhan could reply.

In less than a minute, she sent Haoxuan’s address, she also added Haoxuan’ phone number and told him to call Haoxuan when he arrived.

After all, ordinary people wouldn’t be able to enter such an exclusive neighborhood.

……..

Zhan took a taxi to Haoxuan’ community.

At the entrance of the community, he called Haoxuan.

Haoxuan answered the phone very quickly. He sounded like he had just finished exercising because he was panting, “Wait for five minutes.

When he looked at Zhan, the smile on his face deepened.

He waved to Zhan, “Zhan, come with me.”

After saying that, he seemed to realize that it might be improper, so he asked him apologetically, “Since you call me Haoxuan in keeping with Yibo, can I call you Zhan?”

Zhan choked on his words and nodded awkwardly, “OK”

Haoxuan took Zhan to his house.

“It’s a bit messy. The cleaner has something to do this week, so she didn’t come over. I’m too busy to clean up.” Haoxuan explained as they walked inside.

Actually, the room was neat and tidy, in which the things were just placed in a disorderly manner.

Zhan smiled and didn’t say anything.

Haoxuan took him to the sofa. Then, he poured him a glass of water. “I was abroad for a period of time, and there’s nothing at home except for water. Help yourself.”

“It’s okay. Thank you.”

Zhan took a sip of water, explaining why he was here today. “Did you agree to endorse the products of the Xiao Group?”

“Yes, I did. But the contract hasn’t been signed yet.” Haoxuan sat down opposite Zhan and smiled gently, “Did the Xiao Group send you over to discuss about the contract with me?”

“Yes.” Zhan laughed and put down the cup in his hand, “Are you sure you want to endorse for the Xiao Group?”

“I’m not sure, and that’s why they sent you to talk to me.” Haoxuan’ casual manner was somewhat similar to Yibo’s.

Zhan was struck dumb for a moment. How could cousins look so alike?

“However, you don’t seem to agree with me taking their endorsement.” Haoxuan’ smiling eyes were filled with wisdom.

“That’s not true. Although I’m a Xiao, I have to admit that if you take the endorsement of the Xiao Group, it will have a bad impact on your acting career.”

Haoxuan leaned back gently and narrowed his eyes, actually a bit like Yibo.

However, his tone was not as gloomy as Yibo’s. He was still very gentle, “Are you so honest with everyone?”

Zhan somehow didn’t know what to say.

Suddenly, Haoxuan suppressed the smile on his face and said with a serious expression, “Don’t be too kind, or you will be bullied by Yibo.”

Zhan felt that Haoxuan had said too much today.

“Little Yijun is also quite afraid of him. Does he like to bully people?” Zhan was really curious.

Haoxuan paused and said, “No, at least until he was eleven years old, he was a very obedient child.”

It wasn’t until Zhan left that he remembered that the purpose of him visit to Haoxuan today was to talk about endorsements. However, they chewed the fat and forgot about the endorsements.

Zhan did not show his resignation.

He always felt that the matter of Haoxuan accepting the endorsement of the Xiao Group was not that simple.

Just play it by ear.

---

In the afternoon, Zhan did not return to the company. He called to ask Ziyi out for coffee.

Zhan told Ziyi about Haoxuan accepting the Xiao Group’s endorsement.

Ziyi’s first reaction was skeptical, “How is that possible? Are you kidding me?”

“I went to Haoxuan’ today. He didn’t deny it.” Zhan added another piece of sugar to the coffee in front of him and paused for a moment before saying, “But the contract hasn’t been signed yet.”

Ziyi was reading Weibo. Suddenly, a trending post caught her attention.

As she watched, she read it out,
“An unscrupulous enterprise was so depraved to threaten a top movie star to endorse its products.”

He reached for Ziyi’s phone and said, “Show me.”

The more Zhan looked at it, the deeper his brows furrowed. Then, he read the comments.

“Do you still remember the highly controversial incident about the factory of the Xiao Group a while ago? I suspect that this post refers to the Xiao Group.”

There were countless comments below.

“But, who is that movie star threatened?”

“Since that company was able to suppress the news online in such a short period of time, it means that it has a very powerful backer. If so, they would definitely find the movie star who has the most fans and the most influence to endorse their product! Tell me now, this movie star is…”

“Haoxuan!”

“Agree.”

“It must be Haoxuan!”

Most comments followed the hot comment and were cursing the Xiao Group.

Zhan returned the phone to Ziyi, took out his phone and opened Weibo. He went straight to the Xiao Group’s official account to read the comments.

When he clicked in, he saw that the Xiao Group’s official account posted a minute ago.
“Looking forward to the cooperation with Mr. Wan Haoxuan.”

Because of the previous incident, the Xiao Group’s account had been cursed countless times by netizens, so the comments were turned off.

Two minutes after this post was out, the number of reposts exceeded one hundred and was still going straight up.

The people who reposted were mostly cursing the Xiao Group.

“Would our movie star take on the endorsement of such a trash company? What a joke.”

“Last time, Haoxuan even refused the endorsement of a large international brand XX. Why would he choose such a rotten company? Do you really think we don’t know what you did to Haoxuan?”

“Just close down already!”

Ziyi also leaned over and saw the Weibo posted by the Xiao Group.

She asked Zhan, “Do you believe in such a coincidence?”

“I don’t.” Zhan shook his head solemnly.

Haoxuan said that he would take the endorsement of the Xiao Group, which might have been a trap from the beginning.

Now I understood what was going on.

This was an attempt to use the celebrity effect to push the Xiao Group to the edge of the abyss.

Yibo’s goal was to push the Xiao Group to the edge of the abyss until Dad could not hold on and let Grandfather return home..

It had been eleven years: Grandfather went abroad in a hurry to live out his life in retirement.

In the past eleven years, Grandfather had hardly been back to the country.

Even if the family wanted to reunite, Dad would bring the family abroad to visit his father. However, I had never been taken abroad by him.

This matter with Haoxuan might be related to Yibo.

After all, it was impossible for Yuehua to let Haoxuan accept the endorsement of the Xiao Group, and Cheng had a good relationship with Yibo.

But if it was really related to Yibo, then why would he force Grandfather to return home?

“If Zanilla and Yibo’s engagement was related to the kidnapping case at that time, then could it be assumed that Yibo always wanted to force my grandfather to return home because my grandfather was also related to the kidnapping case back then?” Zhan looked up at Ziyi suddenly.

Ziyi shook her head, “But if your grandfather was involved in the kidnapping of Yibo’s mother at that time, why would the Wangs let him go abroad for retirement and let the two families marry?”

Zhan thought that Ziyi’s words made sense.

All the things that the Wangs did seemed like they were playing up to the Xiaos.

An idea flashed into Zhan’s mind. He frowned and said, “My grandfather is in good health. There is no need for him to go abroad for retirement more than ten years ago. There must be some reason that forced him to go abroad. And Zanilla and Yibo’s engagement was strange. Putting these two things together…”

After a pause, Zhan continued, “I don’t believe in such a coincidence. I think that my grandfather must have found out the secret of the Wangs, so they agreed on the marriage. However, the Wangs were cautious and asked my grandfather to go abroad without coming back.”

After he finished speaking, he saw Ziyi looking at him with a dumbfounded expression.

Zhan also felt that his imagination was too great: “Do you think I guessed wrong?”

Ziyi shook her head, “No, I think what you said makes sense. Besides, my father knew something about that case back then. Your grandfather did have something to do with that case, but it didn’t affect the case at all.”

……..

At night.

As Zhan turned on the tap, he read the online discussion about Haoxuan being threatened on Weibo.

“Zhan!”

Yijun’ voice came from outside.

His voice came near, “Zhan, are you cooking?”

Zhan put down his phone and looked outside the kitchen, seeing Yijun running this way.

As soon as Yijun ran in, he reached for the lid of the pot and said, “What are you cooking? It smells good!”

“Braised pork.” Zhan patted his hand lightly and said, “Not yet. Wait outside.”

“Alright.” Yijun drew back his hand with a smile and ran out in a flash.

During dinner, Yibo did not come back.

Zhan looked at Yibo’s usual seat, slightly lost in thought.

Yijun stuffed a piece of roasted pork into his mouth and ate with his mouth full of oil. He vaguely said, “If you miss my cousin, call him.”

“I’m not missing him.” Zhan picked up another piece of meat for him and said, “Just eat.”

“OK” Yijun obviously did not believe Zhan words.

After the meal, Yibo still hadn’t returned.

Zhan went back to his room. After he took a bath, he sat on the bed and looked at the empty room, always feeling that something was wrong.

Was it because Yibo wasn’t here?

Suddenly, his phone vibrated.

Zhan took it over and saw that it was actually Yibo.

After hesitating for three seconds, he picked it up.

“Hello?”

However, it was not Yibo on the phone. “Zhan, it’s Cheng. Something happened to Yibo. Come to the Golden Cauldron now. I’ve already asked Bowen to pick you up.”

Cheng sounded more than anxious, which unsettled Zhan.

Zhan remembered the gunshot wound on Yibo’s body last time.

He quickly ran downstairs after getting changed in panic.

Bowen had already arrived.

Seeing Zhan come down in panic, he blinked, “Mrs. Wang, I’m here to pick you up to the Golden Cauldron Club.”

Bowen drove very fast and soon they arrived at the Golden Cauldron Club.

Not until Zhan got off the car did he ask him, “What happened to Yibo?”

“Mrs. Wang, you’ll know when you go take a look.” Bowen looked down respectfully.

Zhan became suspicious. Bowen didn’t seem to be nervous at all.

---

Golden Cauldron Club
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

When Cheng saw Zhan, he walked straight up and said, “Zhan, you’re here.”

“Where’s Yibo?” Zhan asked him.

Cheng coughed softly, “I’ll take you to find him.”

When the two of them entered the elevator, Cheng explained to him, “There was an accident with Yibo. He isn’t intimate with anyone else. Other than you, I don’t know who else can help.”

It sounded like I was intimate with Yibo.

At the door, Cheng opened the door and said, “Yibo is inside. You can go in.”

The room was pitch-black without any light on.

Zhan felt strange, “What happened to Yibo?”

Cheng sighed, “You’ll know when you go in and take a look.”

Zhan looked at Cheng for a few seconds before walking in.

As soon as he entered, the door was shut with a BANG.

---

Zhan reached out and pressed the switch of the light. He glanced at the door and called Yibo’s name as he continued to walk inside.

“Yibo?”

He called several times without getting a reply.

Yibo lived in a suite. He was not seen in the hall, so Zhan walked towards the bedroom.

Zhan turned on the light of the bedroom and didn’t find Yibo in the bedroom either. Just as he was about to leave, he heard the sound of water in the bathroom.

He walked to the bathroom door and knocked,

“Yibo? Are you in there?”

There was no light on in the bathroom, and Zhan did not hear any response from anyone inside, so he could not be sure if there was anyone inside.

Just as he was about to turn around and leave, a depressed and gloomy voice came from the bathroom, “Get out!”

It was Yibo’s voice!

His voice didn’t sound right.

“Yibo, what’s wrong?” Zhan knocked on the door and said, “I’m Zhan.”

The next moment, the bathroom door was suddenly opened.

Yibo appeared with his pale face. He was drenched in water, wrapped in a bath towel.

Zhan stood a step away from him and felt the chill emanating from Yibo.

Zhan reached out to touch his arm and found that it was freezing!

Yibo quickly knocked Zhan hand off and said, “Who told you to come? Go back!”

Yibo’s expression was as gloomy as his tone. His gaze at Zhan was as cold as ice with the rare irritation, as if he couldn’t wait for Zhan to hurry away.

“Do you think I want to find you?” Zhan smiled, not willing to be outdone.

Almost immediately, Yibo tried to chase him away, “Then why aren’t you leaving?”

Zhan pursed his lips and did not say anything else. He turned around and left.

Cheng said Yibo was treating me specially, that was bullshit.

Yibo was a moody devil. I would never know when I had offended him again.

Zhan walked to the door and turned the handle, only to find that the door did not move at all.

He tried a few more times, but the door was still motionless.

Someone locked the door outside!

Other than his pale face, Yibo didn’t seem to be in trouble at all, and he even wanted to chase me away.

Then why did Cheng lock me up with Yibo?

No matter how unreliable Cheng was, he was as cowardly as me in front of Yibo.

Zhan turned around to look for Yibo and saw him sitting by the bed with a gloomy expression. His pale face had actually begun to turn ruddy.

“Why are you back?”

Yibo’s voice was cold and impatient.

However, when he looked at Zhan, his eyes were the opposite of his icy tone.

It was struggle, suppression, and sexual desire inside.

Zhan couldn’t help but take a step back. He clenched his hands tightly and said with uncertainty, “Are… are you drugged?”

“This is the last chance. Leave immediately.”

Yibo did not answer Zhan question, nor did he deny it, which meant that Zhan had guessed right.

Zhan’s mind was in a mess. He shouldn’t have believed Cheng’s nonsense.

Unreliable people always did ridiculous things!

Zhan said without any expression, “The door is locked.”

Yibo also seemed to be surprised for a moment. He took out his phone and called Cheng, but how could Cheng answer his phone after doing such a thing?

So the call did not get through and a mechanical notification sounded, “Sorry, the phone you dialed has been turned off.”

Yibo threw his phone out, in a fit of anger.

Zhan reached out for his phone, only to find that his pocket was empty. He probably left his phone at home.

“I… I’ll go outside.

Only he and me shared a room, not to mention Yibo being drugged.

After Zhan finished speaking, he quickly sneaked out.

Zhan sat on the sofa, suffering by every second.

There was no sound coming from the bedroom. Out of curiosity, he nimbly pushed open the door and entered.

Then, he heard the sound of water in the bathroom.

Did Yibo go to take another cold shower? Actually, he could find anyone to relieve it. But he didn’t.

Previously, he looked at me as if he wanted to devour me alive, but he had no intention of doing anything to me. He would rather take a cold shower than touch me.

A smart person like Yibo must have seen through my unwillingness, so he didn’t force me.

Zhan suddenly remembered what he had read in the book: Sometimes I thought that love was just a small favor.

Yibo had lied to me, and he was also scheming, gloomy and powerful, with a strong desire to control me.

However, these could not erase his kindness to me.

People are always easily moved.

I was no exception.

Zhan raised his hand and hesitated for half a minute. Then, he built up the courage to open the bathroom door and entered.

There was no light on in the bathroom, but he could see Yibo with the light of the bedroom.

Yibo stood with his back to Zhan under the shower, motionless, his body seemingly stiff.

After a while, his hoarse voice sounded, “Zhan, what are you doing?”

“What do you think I’m doing as your wife walking in at this moment?”

Zhan slowly walked towards him. His soft voice sounded in the dim bathroom, tempting and attractive.

Zhan walked behind Yibo, and the water from the shower poured onto his body, causing Zhan to shiver.

Yibo seemed to regain his senses as he turned off the shower, pulled the bathrobe over his body, and pulled Zhan out.

Zhan’s heart beat like thunder as he followed him out.

However… Yibo just pushed him out of the bedroom.

Zhan looked at him in astonishment. He could not believe that Yibo could remain indifferent like this.

Did he want to…?

Zhan pursed his lips and hugged Yibo from behind, “Yibo, are you really going to chase me away?”

Zhan felt Yibo tremble slightly and then tense up. Being close to him, Zhan felt that Yibo body immediately reacted.

Yibo still didn’t say anything, but he didn’t push Zhan away.

Zhan was at a loss. He gritted his teeth and kissed him on the neck gently. “Don’t you want me even if I offered?”

After he finished kissing, he was about to leave, but Yibo suddenly hugged Zhan waist.

Read More

***

In the bathroom.

Zhan was weak and allowed Yibo to help him to bathe. Amidst the steam, Zhan could only squint at him.

One more time?

Men couldn’t be trusted, especially the beast like Yibo whose thoughts were as deep as the ocean.

Seeing the beast who claimed to bathe him start to fondle him again, Zhan patted Yibo hand away and said, “Go out and I’ll wash myself.”

“Are you sure?” Yibo looked up at him with a faint smile in his ink-like eyes, showing his joy. The gloomy aura on him had faded a lot, and he seemed to be bright and blissful.

Was good look everything?

Zhan looked away and said, “I’m sure.”

Hearing this Yibo smiled and said, “Then I’m going out.”

Zhan said angrily, “Get lost!”

Yibo stood up and let go of Zhan.

Before he got out, Zhan lost the support and slipped into the water in the bathtub.

Yibo immediately pulled him out.

When they finally finished bathing and returned to bed, Zhan was already sleep.

Yibo looked at Zhan face with full of love then he lightly kissed in Zhan’s forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and lastly lips gently and whispered.”Love you”

Then Yibo smiled and wrapped his arms around Zhan’s waist pulling him in his arm and letting him rest his head and arm on his chest, before he fell asleep.

---