Xueye finished cleaning up their dishes. It was quick but the moment he stepped back out in the seating area he saw Yushi had laid down despite having said he would retire first. Xueye couldn't help but worry at how weary Yushi seemed to be. At the tail end of their idle conversation Yushi seemed a bit out of it which is why Xueye suggested they wrap up for the night.
"Shujing? You really should head to bed," Xueye reached down to gently wake him. As he did, Yushi grabbed his wrist and pulled Xueye down on top of him.
"What? Can't sleep?" Yushi's voice had a deep, gravelly rasp to it. A rich tone that sent shivers down Xueye's spine. The young man's mind blanked the moment Yushi's amber eyes opened and Xueye couldn't help but feel like he was about to be devoured. "You know, I can help you." Yushi buried his face in Xueye's neck, inhaling deeply. "You always smell so lovely. I just want a taste…"
Xueye felt a sharp sting on his neck and his eyes opened. He was staring at the ceiling of the guest room he was getting used to staying in. He quickly sat up and looked around to verify his surroundings. Sunlight was filtering in through the window. He noticed a note on his side table. He grabbed it rubbing his neck in a daze.
"A dream? It felt so real…" Xueye shook his head to snap out of it and actually read the note he was staring at for who knows how long.
I still have a bit of business to take care of. I know you do as well but if you don't mind please stop by again this evening. I want to send you off properly.
Shujing
Xueye couldn't help but smile. It was comforting that last night wouldn't be the last moment before they go back to their normal lives. Even just another evening together was such a delight to think about, Xueye was feeling giddy.
Xueye glanced outside and finally realized how much he had slept in. He really was too comfortable in that bed with how often he slept in while staying there. He quickly dressed and just plainly threw his hair up for the time being. He could fret over his appearance later. There was a lot of business to get through if he was going to get back at a decent time.
Xueye went straight for the Fox's Den. He wanted to bring Jinse with him to the office. Though he knew full well Jinse would be abrasive towards Lord Meigui, Xueye thought it would be much easier to get answers out of his father with the one they now owed present.
"There you are," Jinse was sitting at the bar, closest to the main entrance so he easily spotted Xueye the moment he stepped through the door. "Did you sleep in?"
"I didn't mean to, but yes," Xueye sighed as he closed the distance. "Were you waiting for me long?"
"I'm always waiting for when I next meet you," Jinse smirked as he slipped off the stool to stand next to him.
"Jinse!" Xueye chastised him for his teasing.
"I can't help it," Jinse chucked. "Still I hope you slept well. I'd much rather wait all day and you get the rest you need."
"Ah, well, I did try a new sleep remedy. I feel rested but the dream was rather vivid." Xueye's cheeks dusted with pink as he rested his hand on the side of his neck where he'd felt the bite.
Jinse's eyes had followed the movement of that hand and noticed peeking out from underneath his palm was a dark discoloration. He narrowed his eyes and reached out, gently nudging Xueye's hand out of the way. "What's this?"
"What?" Xueye felt at a loss for the gentle caress of Jinse's fingers against his neck.
Jinse's expression darkened upon seeing what was definitely a bruise. He's made enough of them on his lovers to know this was a bite mark. "Did he give this to you?"
"Wait, what is it?" Xueye was almost afraid to ask. Truly afraid that he knew what the answer would be. There was a sense of panic behind his eyes.
"Seems like you already know," Jinse's disappointed scowl was like a stab to Xueye's chest.
"No… Wasn't it just a dream?" Xueye covered his mouth.
"Just what was this remedy?" Jinse was starting to wonder if Xueye was drugged.
"Dream root," Xueye voiced with a faint tremble in his voice. "Both Shujing and I shared a pot of tea with it."
"You didn't go straight to sleep. You stayed up, right?" Jinse vaguely recalled the details of the effects the root had from some of the various books he's read over the years.
"We were talking for a bit and I cleaned up beforehand... Why?" Xueye was desperately hoping it was some strange side effect and the events really were a dream and not a memory.
"You only thought it was a dream." Jinse crossed his arms and looked away. "If you aren't laying down right away once you drink it, then anything that happens, should you stay up, only seems like one. Whatever occurred between you two definitely happened. Likely, he will only think it was a dream as well."
"I should have waited to use it…" Xueye groaned and buried his face in his hands. He was terrified that he didn't know what happened after the bite. His mind was running wild with the possibilities.
"I know it's none of my business what goes on between you two but please tell me it wasn't an attack." Jinse knew from Shizhe that "Shujing" was having issues controlling his draconic side. While it didn't seem like skin broke he was worried most about the divine beast's instinct to devour the moon touched, even if the other option was a little heartbreaking.
"I don't think there was malice behind it…" Xueye voiced hesitantly. "But I assure you there isn't anything between us!" Xueye felt worried this would chase Jinse away if he thought otherwise.
"That doesn't exactly ease my mind," Jinse sighed in irritation, pinching his brow.
"Sorry… I'm just uncertain. I don't remember much." Xueye hoped he wasn't letting this go further awry. "I care about him as I do you. We're dear friends." Xueye wanted to reach out and touch Jinse but he was afraid Jinse would be upset seeing how tightly wound he was. "Please don't let things change between us."
"It won't. I just worry about you," Jinse sighed, trying to reign in the turmoil of emotions. Jinse knew he was letting his mind wander to the worst scenarios. If he was going to grant Shizhe's request he would have a chance to put that man in his place. That thought alone eased the last of the tension from his body and he flashed a sweet apologetic smile. "I shouldn't be jumping to conclusions. Like I said last night, I don't want anything to change between us either."
"Okay. Good…" Xueye sighed in relief. He would have to talk to Shujing when they met up again but it made him terribly nervous. He really wasn't ready for anything to change between him and Shujing either.
"As much as I hate to say this, let's go talk with your father. We need answers." Jinse was more than ready to take out his frustration on Lord Meigui. He'd been itching to do so ever since learning about Lord Meigui's involvement and his terrible business practice.
"I hope they didn't give you guys more trouble last night," Xueye lingered a little behind Jinse as they walked. He was adjusting his hair as they walked so only half of it was up and the rest he could drape over his shoulders to try and hide the mark on his neck so he wouldn't get any more unwanted questions. It was usually how he wore his hair though it was usually behind his shoulders.
"They came by rather later than we negotiated, apparently there was some sort of accident that kept them busy," Jinse smirked triumphantly. He was delighted to hear of Jianhong's misfortune. While he wasn't told specifics at the time, Hu Ning later confirmed through their information network that Jianhong died. "Worry not, it has been paid. He cannot bother you anymore."
"Sorry for the trouble," Xueye let out a breath of relief.
"You are always worth the trouble, dear," Jinse flashed a comforting smile at him and Xueye couldn't help but smile back upon hearing Jinse's usual term of endearment for him. "By the way, here is the final draft of the contract. If you think it's fine after we speak with him, we can try to get him to sign it." Jinse handed Xueye the contract and offered his arm to guide Xueye as he read.
Xueye quietly reviewed the details and seemed satisfied by the wording. He didn't think that there was too much that even his father would oppose, should his father even read the thing.
"It looks perfect," Xueye smiled up at him as he handed it back. "We'll get him to sign this. If not then it'll be a contract between you and I."
"Wonderful," Jinse nodded and smiled.
Arriving at the company Xueye stopped by the reception desk to speak with the woman there, "Miss Yun, is my father here?"
"Yes, Young Master. He's in his office." Miss Yun nodded curtly.
"Is anyone with him?" Xueye knew his father would be more intolerable if they interrupted a meeting.
"Not at the moment." Miss Yun shook her head.
"If anyone arrives to meet with him in the next couple of hours, reschedule them," Xueye wasn't about to let his father have an out for this conversation.
"Yes, sir," Miss Yun replied as Xueye and Jinse proceeded further in.
They went straight for Lord Meigui's office. Xueye didn't even bother to knock, just walking in as his father had always done to him. Xueye was furious and wasn't about to take any excuses from his father.
"We need to talk!" Xueye voiced sharply.
"What? About your excessive absence the past few days?" Lord Meigui narrowed his eyes on Jinse who closed the door to the office and locked it. "What is he doing here?" His voice was filled with more disdain than when he regarded Xueye.
"You don't get to talk like that to him!" Xueye snapped. Lord Meigui was about to snap back but Xueye held his hand up. "Don't! You want to know why I've been gone? I was attacked recently by people hired by Jianhong. Just yesterday I was forcefully taken from the Fox's Den by another group he sent after me. Do you know why?"
"Not like I was there, how should I know?" Lord Meigui denied it awfully calmly.
"You know," Jinse could see the faintest hint of recognition in the man's eyes.
"Just what is it you have to do with this manner?" Lord Meigui glowered at Jinse. "Just because it occurred at your establishment doesn't mean you have the right to be here."
"If you must know, I bought out the debt you owe to him," Jinse smirked upon seeing Lord Meigui's eyes widen.
"You're lying!" Lord Meigui accused.
"Here's your proof," Jinse dangled the invoice out for him to see but refused to let him take it, pulling it back the moment he tried to reach for it. "Now I'm curious why you would pay so much and not have a written contract. Care to enlighten us?"
"What's it matter? As long as you get your money it shouldn't matter." Lord Meigui crossed his arms. "It was just how Jianhong did business before all this contract nonsense."
"It matters if you put the company up as collateral. What did you dare to try and ruin my family's company over?" Xueye yelled.
"It's my company," Lord Meigui said harshly.
"Only by name, not by blood. It's not your birthright." Xueye looked down at his father coldly.
"I've put every effort into making this company work, even as your useless mother was dying, I was the one that did the work she couldn't!" Lord Meigui stood out of his chair as he raised his voice.
"How dare you talk about her like that!" Xueye hissed, he had every desire to leap over the desk and beat his father for slandering his mother. Jinse placed a hand on Xueye's shoulder to try and reign the young man in, seeing that he was so close to snapping.
"Hanleng, I don't think you understand the position you are in now," Jinse stated calmly. There was an almost sinister chill to his voice. "I guarantee you if I brought this matter to the upper court, there's no doubt in my mind that even Lord Wen would consider this amount more than what the company is even worth at this moment. So unless you cooperate, and sign this contract I won't hesitate to take this company out from under you." Jinse slapped the contract on the table, such smug satisfaction overtaking him upon seeing Lord Meigui's realization that he'd been backed into a corner. "And while you're at it, You are going to tell me the reasoning behind this loan so I know where my money went."
"This company was doing quite poorly as my wife's illness worsened." Lord Meigui voiced coldly. "In order to properly revive it I took out a loan to purchase an excess of goods to trade."
"Is that all?" Jinse narrowed his eyes. He didn't believe such vague words, there was always something more with this man. Considering the timing and Jinse's suspicions about Lady Meigui's death, he had an idea on what it could be but needed proof before throwing around accusations. "What was purchased that required so much?"
"It was years ago now. How am I supposed to remember? We deal with so many goods, you can't possibly expect me to remember each thing that has passed through our warehouses." Lord Meigui waved it off. Jinse was very suspicious now.
"Very well, I'll be going through your records then," Jinse crossed his arms. He knew how to hide suspicious financial transactions in the books more than anyone. He would find out even if he had to use this arrangement to his advantage. "Now, sign the damn contract."
"You can't just do that," Lord Meigui raised his voice.
"Then I will be auditing things around then," Xueye crossed his arms. "Sign it. Or would you rather us head to the palace now?"
"Fine!" Lord Meigui grumbled in defeat, pulling out his seal and stamping the contract with it.
"Not even going to read it? No wonder you've put us in such a debt," Xueye clicked his tongue. "I'll be sure to read all the new contracts coming in since you don't seem to care about the terms."
"You pertinent little harlot!" Lord Meigui voiced harshly.
"Watch your words!" Jinse voiced in a deathly quiet hiss.
"You think I don't know about you two?" Lord Meigui scoffed. "How you parade around, clinging to each other. Is that how you convinced that traitorous information broker too? Shameful! Now you two are trying to undermine me?" Lord Meigui pointed at Jinse, "You are trying to worm your way into this company just like-!"
"Like you did?!" Xueye snapped. He was used to his father slandering him, normally he'd just take it when his father got this irate, but turning it on those he cared about broke him. "Even if he did, it'd be in better hands than yours!"
"So you are-" Lord Meigui was interrupted again.
"Even if we were," Jinse stepped between Xueye and Lord Meigui. "I at least know how to put my personal life aside to conduct business properly without being swayed by emotion and petty vendettas." Jinse slammed his fist on the desk between them, a crack appearing in its surface. "Apologize to him!"
"Jinse!" Xueye placed a hand on his arm and shook his head. "Don't bother." Xueye knew even if Jinse could force the words from the man, they would be hollow and meaningless. "We got what we came for, let's go."
Xueye didn't leave room for argument, turning to leave right away. Jinse and Lord Meigui glared viciously at each other a moment longer. The moment Jinse stepped out he slammed the door behind him with a resounding crack he was sure damaged the door.
The two returned to Xueye's office. Xueye placed both hands on his desk to stabilize himself. He was trembling as the mixture of anger, sorrow, maybe even a little relief coursed through him that the matter was dealt with for now. He just felt so overwhelmed. He was about to sink to the floor until a pair of arms wrapped around him, supporting and comforting. The gentle gesture really just broke the last of that flood of emotions Xueye was holding back. Tears started trailing down his cheeks.
"Go on, let it out," Jinse voiced softly. He hated to see Xueye cry but he knew the young man was keeping too much bottled up amidst the chaos.
Xueye sobbed, burying his face in his hands and letting his body go slack, trusting Jinse to not let him fall. Jinse held him tightly and whispered soft reassurances to Xueye. Jinse eventually pulled Xueye along with him to sit in the chair on the other side of the desk and pulled the young man into his lap.
"Don't let his foul words get to you, okay?" Jinse said as Xueye's sobs subsided and his breathing evened out.
"I couldn't care less what he says about me," Xueye's voice was quiet and hoarse. His expression was distant as he just rested his head on Jinse's shoulder. "Implying that you are anything like he is. I can't stand that."
"If I ever did snatch this company from under him, it would be yours that very day. You know that right?" Jinse gave him a gentle squeeze.
"I had my suspicions," Xueye let out a small sigh of relief. "Even if you didn't, I feel like it would thrive under your control. Maybe better than ever."
"I know very little about trade," Jinse couldn't help but laugh a little at the idea. "Besides, this company is your birthright, I'd never take that from you."
"Even if I wanted you to?" Xueye asked quietly.
"Xueye?" Jinse was growing concerned. Were they trying to fight for something that Xueye didn't even want? He seemed fine with the idea when Xinhua had brought it up to them both years ago. Xueye never did seem to express his own desires, very rarely back then. In addition to being in the wake of Lady Meigui's death, Xueye was barely responsive at the time. Jinse felt foolish for not considering that perhaps Xueye just took over because he wanted Xinhua to do what she wanted instead. "Do you want to be in charge of this company?"
"I don't know. I never really knew." Xueye was never truly certain about what he wanted to do with his life. He always felt adrift, especially once he was shipped off to Vual. He went with the flow. Even the slightest suggestion he'd pursue it just a little. During his time at the company, however, he knew one thing for certain. "I just know that he can't keep it. I refuse to let him."
"Did you ever tell Xinhua this?" Jinse asked. "About not being sure that you want to be here, that is."
"No, she's pursuing her own life. If I did, she'd be right back here in an instant." Xueye sighed. "She'd dealt with him much longer. She deserves the life she wants."
"So do you," Jinse guided Xueye to actually look up at him. "If you don't want to be here, we'll find someone who does. Even if we just keep an eye on them from afar."
"But I don't know what I want." The hopeful light in Xueye's eyes dimmed a little.
"I'm sure the freedom to figure that out will certainly help." Jinse smiled reassuringly. "How about I shadow you a little more, hmm? Learn how you want this place to be run. When this company is no longer in his hands, I'll be able to help you find someone who keeps this place going as you want it to."
"Like how you have Hu Ning run everything for you?" Xueye couldn't help but smile a little at how enthusiastic Jinse seemed about helping him. It also wasn't lost on him how similar it was to the arrangement they had left under negotiated.
"Exactly so," Jinse nodded. "It can still be your family's but nothing says any of you have to run the place directly."
"Mn, I guess you're right," Xueye sighed softly. "I guess I just got a little too used to doing things myself around here."
"Well now you have me as your assistant," Jinse lightly teased.
"Don't make too much more work for Hu Ning, okay?" Xueye pouted up at him. "Just when you have the time to spare and you aren't going to overwork yourself."
"You won't need to worry about that," Jinse beamed. He was delighted to have an excuse to spend more time with Xueye.
"Heavens, I'm tired…" Xueye sighed, feeling exhaustion from his emotional outburst catching up to him again. "How am I supposed to get work done like this?"
"Rest, silly," Jinse urged. "You've been through a lot recently. Only your father would be one to blame you for not taking time to recover."
"That's the problem," Xueye huffed.
"Fuck him!" Jinse spat. "I'm taking you home." Jinse shifted as though he were about to pick Xueye up.
"What? No!" Xueye forced Jinse to stay put, placing both hands on his shoulders. "The more time away the more of a chance he has to settle things that won't be in the company's best interests."
"Fine," Jinse sighed. "Let me help at least?"
"That would be nice," Xueye smiled sweetly.