Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Gu Yubai’s nature was sharp, decisive, and elusive—like a rose with thorns. Its petals were vibrant and fragrant, yet its stems were laden with barbs, leaving those who wished to pluck it utterly helpless.

Such a person would never be swayed by trivial favors or cheap sentiment.

For he was no stranger to love. Whether it was his adoptive father, Gu Mingliang, who shielded him from a car crash, or his somewhat eccentric, brother-obsessed Gu Yihong—both, without a doubt, loved Gu Yubai deeply.

Nor would he be caught off guard by insidious dangers. Gu Yubai was vigilant enough to withdraw at the first hint of trouble.

He had meticulously crafted a vacuum-sealed sanctuary around himself, a space occupied only by his adoptive father and younger brother, Gu Yihong. No one else was permitted entry.

If Yu Li wished to become the third special person in Gu Yubai’s life, there was but one path: to forcefully breach that vacuum and squeeze his way in through the cracks.

As for the senior classmate Gu Yihong had deliberately mentioned that morning, Yu Li didn’t consider some greenhorn kid a worthy rival.

Gu Yihong, however, was a different kind of trouble.

The brother-obsessed man, displeased with that senior, had now set his sights on Yu Li.

Recalling Gu Yihong’s smug, condescending expression that morning—as if bestowing a great favor—Yu Li felt a mix of anger and amusement.

What did he take Gu Yubai for? His personal puppet?

Yet, strangely enough, Yu Li wasn’t angry at all. If anything, he was almost grateful to Gu Yihong.

Had it not been for that morning’s unexpected revelation, Yu Li would never have realized the immense power of jealousy.

Had he continued his slow, self-deceiving self-restraint, Gu Yubai might truly have been snatched away!

With Gu Yubai arriving in half an hour, Yu Li pondered for a moment before calling Assistant Jin to arrange something.

Then, he headed to the lounge.

Before the mirror, he removed the slightly wrinkled white shirt he had worn all day. His fingers glided over a row of identical white shirts in the wardrobe before finally settling on a slim-fit black shirt that had somehow found its way among them.

In the mirror, Yu Li’s skin was as flawless as jade, his complexion radiant. His handsome features were undeniable, and even in a simple white shirt, his posture appeared tall and refined.

But the black shirt elevated his appeal further. His broad, well-defined back was revealed in full, and the stark contrast between his jade-like skin and the black fabric added an inexplicable, alluring sexiness.

As a businessman, Yu Li projected an image of reliability and dignity. Yet, at this moment, his already handsome face revealed a rare, sharp handsomeness.

From a drawer, he retrieved a watch, a costly gift from a business associate—a unique piece he had deemed too flashy and ostentatious, thus leaving it unworn.

Yet now, he found no fault with the extravagant timepiece. He adjusted its position several times in the mirror before finally fastening the cufflinks with satisfaction.

Even someone as exceptional as he couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anxiety when facing the one he desired. He was eager to preen like a peacock before Gu Yubai, hoping to ensnare him.

Considering his plan, Yu Li nodded to himself.

-----

Gu Yubai thought it was just a casual dinner with a friend.

He hadn’t even bothered to change—wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, black sneakers, and carrying a small bag containing a pack of tissues.

Upon arriving at Yu Corporation’s building, Gu Yubai parked in the company’s internal lot and called Yu Li directly.

He had intended to ask Yu Li to swipe his card for the elevator, but Yu Li insisted on coming down himself.

Gu Yubai waited patiently in the underground garage until the elevator doors opened, revealing a dazzlingly beautiful figure.

Gu Yubai: “???”

He gasped, his gaze flitting over Yu Li for only a second before instinctively looking away.

He was accustomed to Yu Li’s composed, ascetic elegance. Now, he realized Yu Li could also be this alluringly beautiful.

Dressed in the black shirt, Yu Li’s waist was slender, his legs long, and his posture impeccable.

The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a generous expanse of smooth, fair skin. He smiled beautifully, his eyes sparkling with joy and delight, making Gu Yubai momentarily unable to meet his handsome gaze.

It was as if Yu Li was radiating seduction from head to toe.

And Gu Yubai wasn’t sure if Yu Li realized it, but that black shirt seemed a size too small! With just one glance, the image of Yu Li’s narrow, toned waist was seared into his mind.

At the same time, only one question burned in Gu Yubai’s thoughts:

Hadn’t Yu Li been working all day? Why didn’t he look tired? Had he not been at the office but at some succubus charm school instead?!

The ambiguous silence reminded Gu Yubai of the night he had first met Yu Li, when he had asked the other man to pick him up on the highway.

Even then, he had found this neighbor inexplicably captivating.

His deliberate avoidance was too obvious, too telling. Yu Li’s smile deepened slightly.

Realizing his reaction was amiss, Gu Yubai quickly turned back, feigning nonchalance as he looked up at Yu Li.

“Where are we eating?” he asked.

The question seemed significant, for Yu Li’s smile turned mysterious upon hearing it.

Instantly, Gu Yubai’s curiosity about the evening’s dinner spiked.

Yu Li deliberately let a hint of triumph show, clearly pleased with the evening’s arrangements. After Gu Yubai spoke, he naturally extended his hand.

Gu Yubai froze, a question mark hovering in his mind.

But the next second, Yu Li leaned in slightly, his movements utterly gentlemanly, his deep, beautiful eyes curving into crescents as he gazed at Gu Yubai with undisguised delight.

He waited patiently for Gu Yubai to place his hand in his.

The gesture was somewhat intimate, yet Yu Li seemed oblivious to its implications.

Gu Yubai was momentarily flustered—was he misinterpreting things, or did the other man truly mean something by it?

Yu Li quirked an eyebrow, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, as if questioning why Gu Yubai wasn’t cooperating.

Perhaps it was just a game.

After only a brief two-second hesitation, Gu Yubai lifted his hand—only for Yu Li to grasp it firmly.

Yu Li then led him directly toward the parking garage exit.

As they walked, he chatted idly with Gu Yubai, seemingly unconcerned by their clasped hands.

Gu Yubai’s steps faltered, creating a slight gap between them, bridged only by their linked arms.

The sensation was peculiar—they felt like a young couple deeply in love. Unconsciously, Gu Yubai’s gaze lingered on Yu Li’s broad shoulders and back, which looked exceptionally alluring in the black shirt.

It must be said, that black shirt truly suited Yu Li perfectly!

Gu Yubai’s gaze unconsciously lingered on Yu Li’s back. He felt like a pervert, his eyes filled with nothing but Yu Li’s attractive figure.

Chinese people tend to be reserved.

Gu Yubai was initially just looking at Yu Li’s back, but his mind involuntarily recalled their first meeting—when Yu Li had just stepped out of the shower, wrapped only in a towel, looking like a water lily emerging from the bath, yet comically flustered upon seeing him.

He couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

At that moment, the two of them happened to step onto the street. Yu Li very naturally released Gu Yubai’s hand and, hearing the laughter, turned back to give him a puzzled look.

Yu Li: "What are you laughing at?"

Gu Yubai didn’t want to admit outright that he was laughing at him, so he quickly shook his head. "Nothing, I wasn’t laughing."

Yu Li looked at Gu Yubai, his eyes thoughtful.

He insisted, "No, you were definitely laughing. And you were laughing at me."

Gu Yubai didn’t argue, only kept smirking at Yu Li.

Under such scrutiny, Yu Li—who had been so confident that his plan wouldn’t be exposed—began to second-guess himself. Did Gu Yubai actually know what he was up to?

Was he being that obvious?

Or was his plan really so clichéd and predictable that anyone could guess it?

Yu Li started to feel uneasy.

Yu Li started to break out in a sweat.

----

Gu Yubai watched in bewilderment as the usually composed Yu Li suddenly became agitated.

He began to wonder—had he said something offensive just now?

No, he hadn’t.

Fortunately, they soon arrived at their destination.

It was a very popular restaurant.

Located near the business district, the tables behind the floor-to-ceiling windows were filled with office workers from nearby, there to conduct business.

When Gu Yubai entered, he simply thought it was an ordinary yet stylish upscale restaurant. Its lively and bustling atmosphere seemed perfect for a casual meal between friends.

But Yu Li clearly had no intention of lingering in the main dining area. He headed straight for the second floor, and led by a waiter, the two of them ventured deeper into increasingly secluded areas. Gu Yubai felt as if they had left the restaurant’s premises altogether. After several turns on the second floor, they ended up in a serenely beautiful Chinese-style garden.

The garden was empty, with a small stream winding quietly around rock formations. A pebbled path was flanked by flowers in full bloom—orange, indigo, crimson, and bright purple—tiny blossoms of varying colors lining the path, yet decorating the entire space with cheerful vibrancy.

At the end of the path was a round stone table, already set with several dishes. Not far away, a Western chef in a tall hat stood waiting quietly.

After glancing around, Gu Yubai’s expression gradually turned serious.

Weren’t they just having a simple meal? Why had Yu Li arranged everything so formally?

Especially that gently flowing stream around the rock formation—it felt oddly familiar to Gu Yubai.

The unique aroma of barbecue meat suddenly brought Gu Yubai’s memory back to two months prior, and he immediately realized.

Wasn’t this a scaled-down replica of that night when they had barbecue on the outdoor riverside platform?!

Only, back then it had been nighttime, whereas now it was daytime. The location was different too, but it was clear Yu Li had put a lot of thought into this.

The same delicious barbecue, the same tranquil ambiance, the same people.

What was Yu Li up to?!

Why was he suddenly going to such lengths? Did he need a favor from him?

If he wasn’t saying it outright, was he afraid Gu Yubai would refuse?

Just how important was this matter, to make the always-composed CEO Yu so troubled?

Gu Yubai’s eyes widened, and his heart grew restless, a tingling sensation spreading through him.

He spent the entire meal feeling uneasy, especially after noticing that Yu Li had even sent the waitstaff away and was being unusually attentive, piling food onto Gu Yubai’s plate with great care.

Whenever their eyes met, Yu Li would give him a subtle smile—one that carried a hint of flattery, and within that flattery, a touch of sweetness.

Gu Yubai clammed up completely.

Gu Yubai hesitated, biting his tongue.

Yu Li quickly noticed the hint of concern between Gu Yubai’s brows and realized the issue. He hurriedly adjusted his expression.

Gu Yubai let out a small sigh of relief—finally, he could enjoy his delicious dinner in peace.

As soon as dinner ended, before Yu Li could speak, Gu Yubai turned to him with a dead serious look.

He said, "Brother Yu, if there’s something you need, just say it. If I can help, I won’t refuse."

Yu Li lowered his eyes, a moment of hesitation and struggle crossing his face before he finally sighed.

"I’ve realized I’ve fallen for someone. Yubai, do you think they’d accept my pursuit?"

Yu Li didn’t spell it out, but Gu Yubai’s brain short-circuited.

His face filled with shock, he looked up abruptly, his eyes wide with astonishment.

The corners of Yu Li’s lips curled slightly—he knew Gu Yubai had understood what he meant.

Gu Yubai was still processing Yu Li’s words, staring blankly, unsure how to react.

The next second, Yu Li took Gu Yubai’s hand, his deep, beautiful dark eyes seemingly overflowing with boundless affection and tenderness.

He asked again.

"Yubai, what do you think of me? Am I suited to grow old with you?"

At this, Gu Yubai’s CPU truly fried.

He just stared blankly at Yu Li, his mind a void—as if he had thought of countless things, yet nothing at all.

By the time he finally found his voice, two whole hours had passed.

Throughout it all, Yu Li simply watched him with a gentle smile, not saying a word, his expression so tender it bordered on saintly, his infinite patience tinged with what felt like a quiet lament.

He, too, was nervous.

Gu Yubai cleared his throat, his mind a tangled mess, instinctively looking away to avoid Yu Li’s gaze.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice barely a whisper.

"I... I’ve never really considered relationships before. Maybe... let me think about it for a few days?"