Secretly Loved the Boss for Three Years, Only to Fall for His Brother Instead

After three years of secretly loving Sheng Jun, his younger brother took a liking to me. So the rebellious young master dyed his hair black. Quit racing, stopped extreme sports. Just followed me around every day, sweetly calling me "sister." Everyone could see he liked me. Sheng Jun could too. So he gave me a card: "It's good that he's finally showing some initiative. Humor him." Instantly, I found it all meaningless. Later, Sheng Jun was drunk and whined to me about his stomachache. But heard the sticky sound of water. He demanded to know who I was with. My breathing unsteady, I laughed. "Comforting my brother."

Chapter 1

This was the third time Sheng Xuan had come to me with documents today. I lowered my gaze, trying to avoid his heated gaze. Professionally, I taught him bit by bit. When I finished explaining, a cup of perfectly temperatured brown sugar water was placed in my hands. Sheng Xuan smiled sweetly, his canine teeth looking a bit wild. "Sister, are you thirsty?" The teasing glances from our colleagues pinned us down. I felt my face heat up, touched by the gesture. I didn't know how he knew I was on my period. Smiling, I joked with him: "So attentive, did you understand everything I explained?" Sheng Xuan raised an eyebrow, confident and relaxed. Hand on the desk, he leaned forward, enclosing me in his arms. His chest lightly rested against the chair back, maintaining the perfect boundary. I didn't know what perfume he used, but it was like sunshine, warmly surrounding me. I was a bit distracted until he boastfully spoke: "All done, impressive, right?" Only then did I snap back to awareness. Pretending to be calm, I checked everything, and it was all correct. Sheng Xuan looked at me expectantly, waiting for praise. I somewhat evasively avoided his gaze and lamely said: "Learned very quickly." As Sheng Xuan left with a disappointed look in his eyes, Lily, who I was good friends with, couldn't help but come over: "Come on, Jiang Hao, can't you tell the guy likes you?" "If you ask me, you're successful in your career now, it's time to devote some energy to other areas." "I think Sheng Xuan is pretty good—a premium little wolf-dog, the type that's obedient off the bed but wild on it." "When I first met him, he had all his lip and eyebrow piercings, more earrings than I have moles on my face. For you, he's been a good boy for three whole months." Seeing I was distracted, she urged me, her tone serious: "Besides, I heard he keeps himself clean, he's the boss's younger brother, no pressure, and he gets millions every month just from trust funds. Plus, he's smart and romantic." She went on and on. I knew she meant well. But she didn't know I wasn't accepting Sheng Xuan not because he wasn't good enough, but because I had someone in my heart.

Chapter 2

After my usual coffee delivery to Sheng Jun, I was about to leave when he called me back. I quickly ran through everything in my mind. Double-checking several times that there was nothing requiring a one-on-one discussion, I dared to feel a bit hopeful. Not work-related, then what could it be? Sheng Jun looked up at me, "Did Sheng Xuan bother you again today?" So he wanted to ask about his brother. I suppressed my disappointment and dutifully reported: "No, he just asked me some questions." Unexpectedly, Sheng Jun scoffed: "Still asking endless questions after three months on the job—did he waste his Imperial College education?" Sheng Xuan wasn't that stupid, of course. On the contrary, he was very smart, sweet, and considerate. When he asked me questions, he always chose times when I wasn't feeling well. Answering simple questions wasn't considered slacking off, and it could rescue me from heavy workloads, letting me catch my breath. Not to mention his constant feeding, which had significantly improved my condition lately. But anyone could see he was pursuing me this way. My gaze flickered, not wanting to discuss this with Sheng Jun. Being liked by the brother of the man I secretly loved wasn't exactly something to be happy about. But Sheng Jun clearly didn't see it that way, his tone heavy: "He was born without emotional and pain perception, so he likes to seek thrills. Abroad, he loved extreme sports, racing, skydiving, ended up in intensive care several times. His parents and I, as his older brother, were all very worried about him."

Chapter 3

Sheng Jun was a man of few words. But hearing him say so much today didn't make me happy. When I first became his secretary, many praised me for being clever—understanding without needing things spelled out. Now I wished I were more obtuse. Then my heart wouldn't have sunk to the bottom, almost uncontrollably wanting to cry. I could only leave gracelessly: "I'm sorry, I have urgent matters to attend to. You can find someone else to talk to." Wanting to flee dismally. But Sheng Jun's words pinned me to the spot: "I want you to do me a favor, as a friend, Jiang Hao." Not Secretary Jiang, but Jiang Hao. The Jiang Hao who accompanied him from campus to workplace. Like back then, when he entered the company under pressure. But people only called him Young Sheng, dismissively, looking down on him. They attributed all his success to Father Sheng's support, and that was when he called me: "Jiang Hao, they're all bullying me. Can you come keep me company?" But I'd rather he hadn't played this emotional card with me. He shouldn't have trampled on my love like this. Nor should he have so easily pushed me toward someone else. Perhaps completely disappointed, I could actually calm down. Calmly, like a truly submissive subordinate. "Mr. Sheng, please go on." Sheng Jun frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with this form of address. But quickly composed himself. After being in a high position for so many years, he was used to not letting personal emotions interfere with decisions. He handed me a card: "Sheng Xuan rarely shows such initiative. Jiang Hao, can you humor him? This is your compensation." He wanted to add: "You don't have to really accept his confession, just string him along..." "Fine." Before he could finish, I cut him off. I ignored the shock in Sheng Jun's eyes. As decisive as when I agreed to him back in school.

Chapter 4

I remained listless until the end of the workday. When Sheng Xuan blocked my way, I was even a bit annoyed. My tone wasn't good either: "Don't you have anything else to do?" Sheng Xuan was thick-skinned, not deterred at all: "I do, like right now I want to see the ocean. Are you coming?" Very baffling. My anger hit a soft spot. I was deflated, couldn't help but ask why. Sheng Xuan raised an eyebrow, retorting: "You won't tell me why you're in a bad mood, why should I tell you why I want to see the ocean?" I rolled my eyes. "Oh, then I have no reason to go with you either." Strangely, I could always be more relaxed and myself in front of Sheng Xuan. Maybe the power of not liking someone is just that strong. And it was the real me that Sheng Xuan fell for. A staredown. Sheng Xuan lost first, raising his hands in surrender: "Scared of you. Smile for me, and I'll tell you." Such doting eyes. Sheng Xuan was really good-looking, like the childhood-sweetheart type everyone fantasizes about—annoying yet charming. I felt my face heat up, deliberately giving a fake smile: "Are you telling me or not? If not, I'm leaving." As I spoke, I made to leave. Sure enough, after a couple of steps, my wrist was grabbed. Sheng Xuan's tone was matter-of-fact: "Does seeing the ocean need a reason? Just go when you want to."

Chapter 5

Sheng Xuan's jacket draped over my shoulders, a heating pad he'd somehow prepared stuck to my lower abdomen. Sheng Jun was a workaholic, and as his personal secretary, I accompanied him. Often the last to leave the company. Now my work task had become Sheng Xuan. Today was my first time leaving work so early, my first time chasing the sunset by car. The car stopped by the sea. I watched the open expanse, listened to the sound of waves, and suddenly my heart calmed down. I didn't even notice when Sheng Xuan approached and touched my face. Only when wet tears were gently wiped away did I realize I was crying. I waited for Sheng Xuan to continue asking like a curious baby. Feeling a bit reckless, I had the impulse to tell him everything. But unexpectedly, he produced a bottle of red wine and glasses from somewhere. He winked at me: "I asked the doctor, a little is good for qi and blood circulation." So cocky. I couldn't help but laugh. "You're the most thoughtful." We drank red wine, watched the last bit of sunlight sink into the sea, as if nothing in the world couldn't be solved. The sky will darken, and it will brighten again. I turned to look at Sheng Xuan. From the first time I saw him, I always thought his nose resembled Sheng Jun's, his thin lips as cold as Sheng Jun's. But now I discovered his eyes were bigger than Sheng Jun's. He had a very faint mole on his lip that disappeared when he smiled. A few light freckles, very cute. Completely different from Sheng Jun. I couldn't help but reach out and touch his ears, full of holes. Sheng Xuan was sensitive, his neck and face turning red. But he obediently lowered his head, making it easier for me to touch. Like a small animal with its weak spot exposed, obediently explaining: "Don't be scared, it doesn't hurt at all. The doctor said my constitution is good, getting so many at once didn't even cause inflammation." I said nothing, didn't respond. When he couldn't bear it, he nervously turned to look at me. Long eyelashes, like a fawn's eyes. Suddenly couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Sheng Xuan, try pursuing me."

Chapter 6

After impulsively saying those words, I regretted it a bit. I chastised myself in my heart—even getting over heartbreak shouldn't involve using Sheng Xuan. I could tell he really liked me. With this guilt, I didn't have the heart to refuse Sheng Xuan's request to come over for a meal. We went to the supermarket together to buy some meat and vegetables. I stood in the kitchen cooking noodles. Sheng Xuan couldn't help, so he squatted at the kitchen door with my golden retriever, whispering: "Mommy really knows how to cook? Wangwang, have you eaten it?" I rolled my eyes. "Stop barking like a dog, go play on the sofa." Sheng Xuan was scolded, sheepishly shrugged his nose, and obediently left. I found it amusing, completely relaxed. Unexpectedly, less than half a minute later, Sheng Xuan flashed back. This time he had a proper excuse, his tone proud: "Your phone is ringing." I was busy cooking noodles, gesturing for Sheng Xuan to answer and put it on speaker. Unexpectedly, it was Sheng Jun's call. His voice was tired: "Jiang Hao, the latest bidding proposal is with you, right? Could you bring it in for me?" He probably thought I was still at the company keeping him company like usual. My feelings were complicated, not knowing what to say for a moment. Instead, Sheng Xuan spoke unhappily: "Bro, asking someone to come back to the company to deliver files after work hours—what kind of rare blood-sucking capitalist are you?" Silence. After a while, Sheng Jun spoke, his voice very low: "You're at her place?"

Chapter 7

I took the phone, signaling Sheng Xuan to go get the noodles. Avoiding his question, I answered officially: "The proposal file is on my desktop. If you need it urgently, you can copy it yourself." On the other end of the phone, Sheng Jun's voice was dry: "It's so late, you're keeping him at your house. Do you know he likes you?" I was rarely distracted, watching Sheng Xuan silly enough to hold the bottom of the plate with his bare hands. Walking slowly, still in the mood to tease the dog. As if completely unafraid of the heat. My heart jumped, I put down my phone and took the plate from his hand. Looking at his palm, it was indeed red. I hurriedly pulled him to rinse it with water, having no attention to spare for what Sheng Jun was saying. Instead, Sheng Xuan spoke loudly, like an innocent fool: "Sister of course knows, she agreed to let me pursue her today!" The sound of water drowned out Sheng Jun's reply. I glared at Sheng Xuan, a bit annoyed: "Young master, can't even carry a plate, are you a child?" Sheng Xuan grunted twice, like a dog interacting with its owner. Even enjoying it, his tone nonchalant: "I just wanted to carry it steadily. Besides, it doesn't really hurt." My movements paused, remembering his lack of pain perception. Only now realizing how terrifying this condition was. Unable to perceive danger, naturally losing the ability to escape it. Finally getting hurt without even knowing it. Sheng Xuan saw my mood was off, changed his tone, and said cheekily: "Fine, actually it's not completely painless. I need sister to blow on it for it to get better."

Chapter 8

I didn't blow on it in the end. Sheng Xuan sat dejectedly on the floor, dog food I had prepared for Wangwang in his hands. His palm was licked over and over by the puppy's saliva. I sat on the sofa, meeting his resentful gaze. A bit amused, I gently kicked his side: "Still hurt?"

Sheng Xuan actually had some germophobia. His voice was muffled, unhappy: "It doesn't hurt anymore." Only then did I squat down, patting Wangwang's head with my hand: "Go eat, good doggy." Wangwang's tail wagged furiously as he went to find his real food bowl. I turned, looking at Sheng Xuan with slight surprise: "Not going to wash your hands?" His bright eyes held a hint of grievance. "Am I not obedient?" I thought about it. Hesitantly nodded. Sheng Xuan became even more aggrieved, questioning in a loud voice: "Then why didn't I get a reward!" I didn't catch on for a moment, looking at Wangwang, then at him. Found it a bit absurd: "You've taken a fancy to Wangwang's dog food?" Sheng Xuan gritted his teeth: "Who wants to eat his dog food? You haven't patted my head yet. Jiang Hao, you're playing favorites!" He pounced at me. I fell back onto the carpet in fright. Afraid that in his anger, he'd smear Wangwang's saliva all over my face. Sheng Xuan propped himself up on his elbows, proactively leaning down, pressing his head against my chin. Muffled command: "Pet me." I did as told and patted him once. His curly hair was soft, nice to touch. The tips of Sheng Xuan's ears turned red. But he stubbornly wouldn't raise his head, I couldn't see his expression, only heard him pushing his luck: "I played with Wangwang for a long time." Was this asking for a reward? Didn't understand. I used my usual mode of interacting with Wangwang—pet for reward. "My hands hurt from carrying the dishes, and you're still bullying me." This time I understood, he was being wronged. Pet once. Sheng Xuan got a taste of sweetness, even started demanding rewards in advance. "I'll take out the trash when I leave." "The kitchen trash and the bathroom trash too!" "By the way, I'll wash the dishes and mop the floor too." But this time he didn't get my response. He dissatisfiedly rubbed against my chin. And I, turned to look at Sheng Jun who had appeared at the doorway at some point.

Chapter 9

This was only the second time Sheng Jun had come to my house since I bought it. The only pair of men's slippers prepared for guests was being worn by Sheng Xuan. I had no intention of letting him in either. I patted Sheng Xuan: "Stop fooling around. Your brother is here to pick you up." Face to face, the two brothers weren't close at all. Sheng Xuan reluctantly stood beside Sheng Jun. "Bro, don't you have any sense of boundaries? Making house calls after work, trying to scare someone?" Sheng Jun didn't look at him, bending down to pet Wangwang. "Wangwang, do you still remember me?" The golden retriever persistently rubbed against Sheng Xuan. Sheng Jun's hand missed, he looked at me somewhat bewilderedly. Seemingly not understanding why, when I first brought Wangwang home with him, it had affectionately licked his hand, but now it was different? But my attention wasn't on him at all. I threw the oversized coat I had bought earlier to Sheng Xuan. Instructed him: "Wash your jacket before returning it. Wear this for now. You can at least feel cold, can't you, young master?" Sheng Xuan obediently put on the clothes. The clothes were still a bit small on him. He wore them roughly, not even turning the collar properly. I couldn't stand it, stood on tiptoe to help straighten it. Sheng Xuan was especially docile, lowering his head and bending down. I casually ruffled his hair too: "Good boy." Turned to meet Sheng Jun's pale face. He called my name in a confused tone: "Jiang Hao..." Hesitating, waiting for others to guess. Unfortunately, I had no patience for guessing now. Forced a fake smile, my tone perfunctory: "Sorry, Mr. Sheng, did you just say something?" Sheng Jun's face turned even paler.

Chapter 10

In the car, Sheng Xuan took off his jacket and sniffed it fiercely. His cheeks were a bit red, like a puppy that liked its owner's scent. Sheng Jun watched, feeling only disgust, said coldly: "What? Addicted to playing dog?" Sheng Xuan was still smiling, looking good-tempered. "Ah, bro, are you bitter because you wanted to be a dog but couldn't, so you're taking it out on me? At worst, I'll find you an owner. In your circles, there must be someone blind who likes your type of boring, pretentious old man, right?" "Sheng Xuan! Do you think if she knew your true self, she would still treat you like she does now? An emotionally numb monster pretending to be good?" The smile completely disappeared from Sheng Xuan's face. His expression was blank, gloomy and sharp. "What? You used me to make her confess her feelings, but she didn't want you and chose to humor me instead, and you're triggered?" Sheng Jun's hands went around his neck, squeezing hard. "Shut up! If you hadn't tricked me, how could I have..." Sheng Xuan felt no pain, nor had any sense of crisis. "Did I force you? I just traded a port project with you, and now that the project is secured, it becomes me tricking you?" Making sure the marks on his neck wouldn't fade tomorrow either. Sheng Xuan then punched him in the abdomen. Looking down at his pained, miserable state. "When it comes down to it, you're just too arrogant. Always being the one chosen made you forget to cherish. You received too much love, so you forgot how precious love is." "You're spoiled, Sheng Jun. So even though you knew it would hurt her, you were still willing to bet with me, because you're greedy, wanting to have both. But I'm different—I only want sister."

Chapter 11

I didn't see Sheng Xuan at the company the next day. I was a bit worried, went to the break room to call him. It took him a long time to answer. Sheng Xuan's voice was hoarse, like he was whining: "Sister." I knew something was wrong as soon as I heard it. Furrowing my brow: "Did you wear your jacket properly yesterday?" Sheng Xuan hemmed and hawed. Until I intensified my tone: "Tell the truth." Only then did he speak honestly: "I wore it, but I had a conflict with my brother on the way, the place was a bit remote, I waited a long time for a car..." After speaking, he started coughing violently. I asked again: "Did you take your medicine?" Silence again on his end. I said irritably: "Wait there, young master." Back in the office, I saw flowers on my desk. Lily's smile was teasing: "No wonder you rejected the little wolf-dog, turns out your heart was already taken~ Our big boss, he is worthy of our great beauty Jiang." I was annoyed. I didn't know what Sheng Jun meant by this. When I had a crush on him before, I never told anyone. Because I valued this job, valued my future. But now, he was making it public knowledge. Those who didn't know the truth even gossiped behind my back that I was pretending to be pure. I gave the flowers to Lily: "Help me throw them away, and I'll bring you your favorite dessert later. Also, let them know I have a boyfriend, and it's not him." Lily's face was full of excitement at getting the big scoop: "Mission accomplished, sir." I breathed a sigh of relief. Grabbed my keys and headed downstairs. Thinking about it now, I should thank Sheng Jun for his instructions to take care of Sheng Xuan—I didn't even need to ask for leave.

Chapter 12

I didn't expect that opening the door, Sheng Xuan would give me a surprise. A towel loosely wrapped around his waist. A room temperature that was frighteningly low. He looked listless, his lips even pale from fever. Seeking comfort pitifully: "Sister, I'm so hot." I suddenly felt grateful I had come, otherwise Sheng Xuan might have ended up in the hospital for days from this fever. I turned up the room temperature, wrapped Sheng Xuan in a blanket like a dumpling, only then did I relax. Sheng Xuan had a fever patch on his forehead, stiffly holding a thermometer under his tongue. Looking at me, he pouted: "Hot, uncomfortable, I want to take a shower." The vein on my forehead throbbed. Looked at the 39.5 degrees on the thermometer. Even suspected he had brought this on himself. Because he couldn't feel pain, only heat and weakness, the shower just made it worse. Not to mention the air conditioning being on so low. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got, I roughly rubbed his curly hair: "You're so good at taking care of others, how did you get yourself in such a mess?" He absolutely refused to go to the hospital. After much coaxing, I finally got Sheng Xuan to take his medicine. He sat obediently on the sofa far from me. I found it amusing, wanted to pinch his face. Was stopped, Sheng Xuan's voice muffled: "My immune system is weak during this time, you might get infected." Even feeling wronged now. I considered for a moment: "Oh, do you have heating pads at home? I think my stomach hurts a bit." Lying to him—I only hurt the first two days, and this was the third. But Sheng Xuan believed it, he shot up. "It's in the car, I'll go get it for you." "It's okay, I see you have some here." Sheng Xuan hadn't reacted yet. Until I approached him step by step, pressing his burning head against my lower abdomen through the blanket. His whole body stiffened. My fingertips pressed against his temples, gently rubbing. "Close your eyes, you'll feel better after a nap. Be good."

Chapter 13

I didn't know what switch I had flipped in Sheng Xuan that day. Now when he asked for rewards, he didn't like having his head petted anymore. Instead, he knelt on the ground, just resting his forehead on my lower abdomen. Lily listened, her laughter a bit terrifying. "Hehehe, she's both mother and wife." I subconsciously wanted to declare that Sheng Xuan and I weren't at that stage yet. But remembered using him as a shield before, and shut my mouth resentfully. Because of this, I still owed Sheng Xuan a wish. These days, he had gotten used to coming over to my place for the kitchen. Why not for meals? Because he did the cooking. Near the end of work, Sheng Xuan sent two messages again: [Sister, shall we have sweet and sour ribs, shrimp with vermicelli, and some green veggies today?] [Good little puppy wagging its tail.jpg] All my favorites, but I could only refuse with tears: [Classmates gathering for dinner today, don't wait for me.] Before I could send anything else, Sheng Jun was already at my desk. His gaze held some hope. "Jiang Hao, I'll drive, shall we go together?" My gaze cooled down. "No need, people might get the wrong idea." As we were about to pass each other, he grabbed my wrist. "Must you be so cruel to me?" This time it was my turn to be confused, even suspecting there was something wrong with his mind. We had never even started. I had just retreated to the position of secretary—where was the cruelty? But thinking of the high salary he paid and that card with the pleasing amount that could more than cover my emotional damages, I endured it. A professional smile on my face, looking at him: "Mr. Sheng, we're just in a superior-subordinate relationship. I don't understand what you mean." But in my heart, I was considering whether to change jobs.

Chapter 14

Traffic was heavy. Sheng Jun and I arrived late. Only two adjacent seats were left. It was just a meal, I wasn't being difficult, so I sat down. But I didn't know what Sheng Jun was thinking, his eyes lit up. I ignored him, just inwardly criticizing that these dishes weren't as delicious as Sheng Xuan's cooking. Worthy of a returnee, really had skills. When everyone arrived, they started making small talk. Only then did I learn that the academic committee member and the sports committee member from our class were together. Getting engaged next month. After blessing them, everyone's eyes turned to me and Sheng Jun. "Haven't asked you two yet? Don't tell me you secretly got married?" "Back in university, I could tell something was up between you two. Jiang Hao was never that concerned with others, even bringing water during basketball games. Now you're at the same company, close to the water source first—I don't believe nothing's going on." Sheng Jun's face turned red. "I'm still pursuing..." Before he could finish, I interrupted him: "Just a superior-subordinate relationship, stop teasing. My boyfriend is younger, he's the jealous type." The air instantly fell silent. It was my roommates who spoke first: "Well done, dating a younger man. Got a photo? Let me see which handsome brother has charmed our great beauty Jiang." "I always thought you should date a younger man. Your personality is reserved, you keep things to yourself, you need a straightforward little wolf-dog to stir things up for you." "Yeah, you don't know, how many underclassmen asked me for your contact info back then. If you'd been interested, you could have dated seven or eight by now."

Chapter 15

The topic shifted, we chatted animatedly, completely leaving Sheng Jun behind. When moving locations, everyone had more or less been drinking. I didn't plan to follow them, sent Sheng Xuan a location. He replied instantly with a [Puppy standing at attention saluting: Received] sticker. It was a bit cold at night, I tightened my coat. I don't know where Sheng Jun got the hot water from. He didn't leave either. I looked up and thanked him, didn't refuse. "You're waiting for him." Sheng Jun's tone was certain. Not hearing my response, he became anxious: "You never liked me that much, Jiang Hao." I didn't know where this emotion was coming from. But I had indeed wanted to talk to him about this. "What kind of liking counts? Abandoning dignity and future prospects? I can't do that." Sheng Jun's voice was hoarse: "But you never told me you liked me." I laughed coldly: "Why must it be me who says it? It's just that you weren't sure if we had mutual feelings, so where could I have been sure from?" "Outside of campus, you're my superior, I'm your secretary. In terms of status, you have a natural advantage. And as a subordinate, what would confessing to you bring? I'd have to risk my future." "Sheng Jun, what gives you the right to forbid me from being afraid? What gives you the right to ask me to take risks for you?" "Sheng Jun, don't be so childish. Separate personal emotions from work, isn't that what you've always done?"

Chapter 16

When Sheng Xuan came to pick me up, the hot water had already cooled. I threw the cup away. As soon as I got in the car, a heating pad was stuffed into my hands. I watched Sheng Xuan's profile as he drove. Kept staring until his face was completely red. Deflatedly parked the car by the roadside. He used his palm to cover my eyes, buried his forehead in the crook of my neck, his tone frustrated: "Don't look at me like that." I wickedly curled my lips: "What? Will it distract you?" "No, it will make me... want to kiss you, press you against the car and kiss you, cover up the scent of other people on you." It was my turn to blush. Even after all this time, I still couldn't handle Sheng Xuan's directness. Could only mutter: "You're like a puppy, clingy and love to act cute." Unexpectedly, Sheng Xuan's focus went astray: "What kind of dog? Your favorite golden retriever?" "You're really..." My heart softened, my body also warmed by his nuzzling. I was also led to be childish by him. Like when I usually petted Wangwang, I petted his head, then his ears, back, cheeks, and finally his chin. Looking at him: "Good doggy." Redness spread across Sheng Xuan's cheeks at an astonishing speed. Even the corners of his eyes were red. He shyly took my hand and guided it under his sweatshirt: "Belly, you haven't petted my belly yet, sister." I was a bit helpless, did as told and rubbed it a couple of times, nice texture. Only then did I realize Sheng Xuan was a bit too excited. He buried his head back in my chest again. Clearly bigger than me, but like a large dog with no self-awareness, desperately trying to squeeze into my embrace. "Love it so much, love you so much, sister."

Chapter 17

I don't know how it evolved to this. Originally, we were cuddling on the sofa, watching Sheng Xuan's old videos. All of extreme sports. The most dangerous one, his car was nearly halfway off a cliff, teetering. I watched him ski and break his collarbone, bright red blood staining the white snow. But he felt no pain at all, walking onto the stretcher himself. I couldn't watch anymore, buried my face in his chest. Sheng Xuan held me, comforting: "I'm still alive. Aren't I right here in front of you?" "Does it hurt?" I asked him. Sheng Xuan raised an eyebrow, pulled his collar down. Revealing the scar on his collarbone. "It's long healed. You can bite it if you want." I glared at him, and as if possessed, I leaned down and kissed it. Very lightly. Just as I was about to get up, Sheng Xuan pressed my back. His breathing was a bit rapid, playing pitiful: "It still hurts a bit, sister, comfort me some more." These days we had been interacting almost like a couple. But at most it was head pats, resting on my lower abdomen. Sheng Xuan lacked pain perception, but in this area he was surprisingly sensitive. Just like that, he was easily aroused several times. Let alone a kiss. But occasionally giving rewards wasn't out of the question. I licked my lips, asked with ambiguous meaning: "Is Wangwang asleep?" Sheng Xuan's breathing became much heavier, showing me with actions. Lips were fiercely ground against, I couldn't help but open my mouth a bit, and unexpectedly took in an astonishing heat. Lacking oxygen, I felt dizzy. "Why are you... hot everywhere." Sheng Xuan was anxious, yet afraid of hurting me. Teasing my emotions, making me relax. Late at night, Sheng Xuan showed me with actions that he was completely recovered.

Chapter 18

Worthy of being a younger man. Once he had a taste of meat, he couldn't go back to being vegetarian. Clearly before, head pats were enough to satisfy him. Now when he spoke of rewards, it had changed its meaning. He even started pushing his luck. When Sheng Jun called me, I had just died a little death. Sheng Xuan was helping me bathe. I was exhausted, he had me raise my hand and I did, raise my leg and I did. But it excited this pervert, he got excited again. When I saw it, my sleepiness vanished. Angry, I splashed water at him. "What golden retriever, you're clearly a teddy bear that attained enlightenment!" Sheng Xuan knew he was in the wrong, stiflingly dried me off and changed me into soft pajamas. Just when I thought he had developed a conscience. He suddenly knelt by the bed. A tie was strategically tied around his neck. Placed in my hand. "Master punish the puppy." After so many days of sharing a bed, I mostly understood what he wanted to play. I used some force with my foot, Sheng Xuan instantly groaned. His back arched, yet he was held by the tie, forcing his head up. His eyes were red. Baring his neck for slaughter, a look of voluntary sacrifice, seductive in its temptation. If I didn't know he felt no pain, only pleasure, I would have been deceived by his restrained appearance. But I still couldn't resist, leaning down to kiss him. Sheng Jun's call came at this moment. I suddenly had a wicked thought, looked at Sheng Xuan, and made a quiet gesture. Then answered the call. Sheng Jun's side was very noisy, as if he was drinking. His voice was sticky: "Jiang Hao, can you come get me, my stomach hurts so much, Jiang Hao." By the end, he was just repeatedly chanting my name. On speakerphone, I didn't speak, just sent the address he sent to his driver. Just about to hang up, but felt Sheng Xuan's hand being restless. No wonder he only brought me a nightgown earlier—this was his plan. I couldn't help but let out a muffled sound. Sheng Jun heard it too, his pitiful voice suddenly rose: "What are you doing? Who are you with!" I had no mind for him, fiercely grinding against Sheng Xuan twice, leaving a sentence: "Comforting my brother." Then hung up the phone, focusing on teaching the disobedient puppy a lesson. I said I would play with him—who allowed him to play with me?

Chapter 19

I didn't expect to so abruptly take Sheng Xuan to meet my parents. Just finished walking the dog with Sheng Xuan, opened the door, and a table full of dishes. My mom and Sheng Jun, talking and laughing. After Sheng Jun's uninvited visit last time, I had changed the password. The fact that he could come in now was clearly permitted by my mom. I sighed. I hadn't told her about my falling out with Sheng Jun, she probably thought our relationship was still like in university. Sheng Jun looked much haggard. Heard he drank until he had gastric bleeding and was hospitalized. Seeing me, his eyes lit up for a moment. Then fell on my and Sheng Xuan's tightly clasped hands, explained dejectedly: "I came to see you, didn't expect Auntie to be home, it wasn't intentional." I didn't know what he was feeling wronged about. Made me want to roll my eyes. But I didn't say anything in front of my mom, leading Sheng Xuan to introduce him: "Mom, this is my boyfriend, Sheng Xuan." Sheng Xuan nervously bowed ninety degrees: "Auntie, hello, Auntie." But my mom ignored him, pinching my face: "You've lost weight." Nonsense, Lily had just recently said I looked happier and a bit rounder. Saying this could only mean one thing—she wasn't very satisfied with Sheng Xuan. Sheng Xuan looked like he was facing a great enemy, his face even paling a bit. I felt a bit heartbroken, squeezed his hand, telling him not to be so nervous. But as soon as we sat down, my mom gave him a second hard time.

Chapter 20

Arranging for me and Sheng Jun to sit together, making Sheng Xuan sit opposite. I endured it, ultimately saying nothing. Interfering now would only make my mom look down on Sheng Xuan more. I was used to having a bowl of soup before meals. But today, I looked at the soup's surface with its lethal dose of green onions. Started to suspect my mom had another daughter out there, that she had forgotten I didn't like to eat green onions. Sheng Xuan first ladled a bowl of soup. Hesitantly looked at my mom. Then as if facing death, began picking out the green onions from the soup bit by bit. Being picky in front of elders was definitely a minus. Sure enough, Sheng Jun put on his big brother act: "Sheng Xuan, so old and still picky? No manners at all." Then placed a bowl of soup in front of me, his voice low: "Warm your stomach first." At this moment, Sheng Xuan had also finished picking. Looked at the bowl, his tone surprised: "Bro, don't you know sister doesn't eat green onions?" His expression was innocent, but I clearly saw the schadenfreude in his eyes. Not to mention, my mom put a piece of ribs in his bowl: "Xiao Xuan, what does your family do?" A clear signal of acceptance. Sheng Xuan's spine instantly straightened. Wishing he could explain eight generations of his ancestors clearly. I slowly sipped my soup, only then realizing the purpose of this soup. Sheng Xuan had, passed my mother's test.

Chapter 21

When the door was closed, Sheng Xuan buried himself in my chest and cried. I rubbed his ears. Remembering what my mom had whispered to me just now: "Xiao Hao, Xiao Xuan is quite well-behaved, but... with so many holes in his face, was he mixed up with bad crowds before?" Case solved, no wonder she wasn't fond of Sheng Xuan at first. I repeatedly assured her that Sheng Xuan had definitely never been mixed up in anything, only then did she feel relieved. But, I was also curious about something... I held Sheng Xuan's face, carefully examining his lips. His lip ring wasn't worn, after several months, only a small hole remained. Couldn't help but ask: "Does water leak out when you drink?" Sheng Xuan's expression was blank. "Want to try?" With a bizarre sense of inquiry, we kissed. Slowly, the kiss changed. Seeing Sheng Xuan wanted to continue, I regained my senses, took a breath, and stopped him: "My mom is still here, go handle it yourself." Sheng Xuan buried his head in my chest to calm down before getting up. I thought he was going to handle it himself, just breathed a sigh of relief. Then saw him start to take off his clothes. "Not for real, sister, just got mom's approval, I feel so insecure." I raised an eyebrow: "So?" Sheng Xuan played his trump card, his fawn-like eyes blinking innocently: "You still owe me a wish." ... The next morning, the first thing I did was kick Sheng Xuan out of bed.

Epilogue

1

My name is Sheng Xuan, I've been a monster since birth. I wouldn't cry when I was born, the nurse beat my butt until it swelled, and I felt nothing. Later I was diagnosed with pain insensitivity. As a child, I often got injured, and my parents protected me like a glass doll. I think they probably loved me then. Until they discovered I never smiled at them, nor was willing to call them dad and mom, everything changed. I was diagnosed again with emotional insensitivity. From then on, I had a new name: monster. No peers were willing to play with me, my parents also saw me as a stain, ignoring and neglecting me. When I was ten, I was kidnapped. When I returned home covered in blood, they were celebrating Sheng Jun's birthday. No one noticed I was gone. I didn't feel sad, just hungry. I helped myself to a piece of cake. But my mom screamed and fainted, and from then on, there was fear in their eyes when they looked at me. They poured all their energy into Sheng Jun, raised me to adulthood, then eagerly exiled me abroad. There I completely unleashed my nature. I fell in love with extreme sports, only the feeling of life and death on the line made me feel alive. I never thought of returning home. Abroad, I had money, friends, and a career. But perhaps extreme sports had made me weary. I thought, changing environments, going back to scare that loving family might be interesting. And then I found a surprise.

2

The first time I saw Jiang Hao wasn't actually at the company. It was when she had just finished working overtime, her eyes red from sleepiness. Only after a few polite words. My brother took it seriously and drove off himself. Only then did she slowly squat down by the railing. Seemed like a stomachache. Looked very fragile. But even with her face pale, she could still calmly take medicine from her bag and hold it under her tongue—very cool. For the first time, I clearly felt my own heartbeat. As if possessed, I meddlesomely handed over a bottle of water. The smile on my face would probably disgust even me if I saw it in the mirror. "Sister, are you okay?" She was very vigilant, didn't take the water. Shook her head, and drove off. But I went crazy, her red-rimmed eyes filled my mind late at night, excited beyond belief. There were few things in this world that could stir my emotions, so I especially cherished each one. The next day, I took a project and traded with Sheng Jun, entered the company, became Jiang Hao's little assistant.

3

At first, I was actually just playing around. Thought I liked her fragile appearance, wanted to watch a good show. Unexpectedly, it was me who fell in. I was incredibly happy just being praised by her once. Being touched once was better than skydiving. Seeing her eat what I gave me was very satisfying. Seeing her uncomfortable made my heart ache. Hopeless beyond measure. I was used to living as I pleased, rarely wanting things. During that time, I wanted her gaze to only fall on me. So once again I took a project to Sheng Jun. The benefits of the port need no mention, as for whether this project would explode later, there was no need for him to know. Sure enough, Sheng Jun only hesitated a moment before agreeing to say those words. He had received too much love, too unscrupulous. But I could see that sister's feelings for him were already like a candle about to go out, unable to withstand the next splash of cold water. I just didn't expect that she would cry. Crying silently in the sea breeze. I was usually good at sweet-talking to make her happy, but at that moment I was at a loss. It was as if that lost sense of pain had returned to my body. Made me find some meaning in life. So I was born to make Jiang Hao happy. She will never know. At that time, if not for her words, I might have chosen to let go.

4

Much later, a friend I used to mountain race with called to invite me out. I was in gentle bliss. Leaning down to kiss sister's hair. "Can't, afraid of death." Hung up the phone, squeezed myself into her arms. She didn't even open her eyes, familiarly rubbing my hair. I comfortably narrowed my eyes. I had already found my soul's destination, the most peaceful harbor, never wanting to leave. So I would live on well. Guarding Jiang Hao, living on well.