Sissy (Niang Niang Qiang) - Chap 53
Chapter 53
However, after he had blurted out his promise to Li Shuo, Li Chengxiu immediately regretted it.
He was really not ready to start a life together with another person. But he reminded himself that since he had already accepted Li Shuo, he should try having a good life with him.
He knew how painful it was to be let down. So he couldn’t let Li Shuo down no matter what.
On Saturday, Li Shuo came over to help him move.
Li Chengxiu was really exhausted from moving so many times in the past six months. When he moved to this place, he didn’t have a lot of luggage, and he hadn’t even unpacked many of the boxes yet. He seemed to have a hunch that he was not going to stay here for a long time.
At this age, he still had no house of his own, no place to go back to, and there was no one waiting for him to come home.
He could only keep changing from one place to another. This nomadic style of living had opened a big hole in his heart. Sadness, loss, and constant fear to lose everything again was present all the time.
When Li Chengxiu was sitting on the sofa with Teacup and waiting for Li Shuo. He looked around the empty room and couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.
The little Teacup followed him around to all these different places. He heard that it was bad for pets to constantly have to adapt to a new environment. Besides, Teacup was so small and much more fragile than ordinary dogs.
Sure enough, the puppy seemed to feel that something was up. It kept spinning on Li Chengxiu’s knees and couldn’t calm down. A small whimper came out of its throat.
Li Chengxiu gently touched its back, trying to soothe the pup. Softly he said, “I don’t want to move either. If I had my own home, I wouldn’t need to move…”
Teacup whimpered again and rubbed its head against Li Chengxiu’s palm.
Li Chengxiu held the dog up, touched its head with his lips and felt tears welling up in his eyes: “You’re really suffering together with me.”
This little thing was more expensive than his three-month salary. It was squeamish and fragile. When Li Chengxiu left Shao Qun, he hesitated taking the dog with him. He was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to afford to care for it properly and wouldn’t give it the best life possible. However, when he thought about how Shao Qun had irresponsibly brought it to the house and then proceeded to completely ignore it, he felt that the pup would be better off with anybody who wasn’t Shao Qun. Now, Li Chengxiu was glad that he took the dog away with him. Although he couldn’t provide the best quality things for Teacup, it was still very healthy. Moreover, it was his only companion when Li Chengxiu felt lonely and sad. Teacup was never going to betray him, and it relied on him wholeheartedly. Li Chengxiu wondered if raising a child gave one the same feeling.
Li Chengxiu’s hands trembled a little, and he quietly felt the little warmth under his palm.
When Li Shuo came over, he looked at the scattered boxes on the ground in surprise: “Chengxiu, is this all?”
Li Chengxiu nodded.
He has lived in this city for almost ten years, and he had only a few things that were worth keeping.
Li Shuo smiled and said, “Then it’s almost done. In fact, the only thing left is to move the two living creatures in this room.”
Li Chengxiu stood up and put Teacup in his jacket pocket: “Li-Dage, I will trouble you in the future.”
Li Shuo came over and touched his head: “I’m happy to be able to see you every day.”
Li Chengxiu smiled shyly.
The moving company that Li Shuo had hired was basically useless, since all Li Chengxiu’s things fit into the regular car.
In less than two hours, Li Chengxiu had moved to Li Shuo’s house together with his luggage.
He had been to Li Shuo’s house several times before, but when he entered it now, he witnessed an entirely different design.
Li Chengxiu was stunned.
Li Shuo’s previous home decorations were simple and modern. The most commonly used material was metal which was very compatible with Li Shuo’s personality.
But in just two days, basically everything that could be changed in this home had been changed.
The crystal ceiling lamps at the entrance have been replaced with warm sheepskin lamps, the curtains were now light yellow, and almost all the furniture here was now made of wood. The numerous big changes and also small details have completely transformed the house, and the warm tones have made it appear extra warm and elegant.
Li Shuo pulled him into the room and took out a big pink house-looking thing from under the sofa.
Li Chengxiu took a closer look and realized that it was a very cute dog kennel, and just like Li Shuo’s house, it was a duplex.
Li Shuo blinked his eyes and smiled: “If you have time, you can actually build an exact replica of my house to scale for the little Teacup.”
Li Chengxiu couldn’t help laughing. The warm emotions and gratitude in his heart could not be described in words. He just felt that meeting this person was probably the greatest luck in his life.
Li Shuo looked at his expression and was very happy. He walked over to hug him tenderly, and asked softly, “Do you like it?”
Li Chengxiu nodded.
“When I just moved in here, I visited the house during the renovations only three times in total, and I didn’t pay much attention to what was going on. But when I thought of you coming to live here, I felt that our first home shouldn’t be a cold model house mass-produced by a design company.”
Sweet warmth filled Li Chengxiu’s heart when he thought that while Li Shuo was so busy with work, he still managed to renovate the house in such a short period of time, just to welcome him. And he even took the little Teacup in consideration.
Li Shuo was indeed a perfect person and a perfect lover. Li Shuo was flawless, and being with him made Li Chnegxiu feel happy and at ease.
Li Shuo continued into his ear: “Here’s what I’m thinking. If one day we get married, we’ll pick a house together and decorate it together. We’ll pour our heart and soul into every tile and every single little detail. We’ll work hard to make the house look exactly the way we like, so that it can be considered a proper home. What do you think?”
Li Chengxiu trembled: “Li-Dage…”
Li Shuo tenderly took Li Chengxiu’s ear into his mouth and gently licked it.
The sharp and refreshing smell of Li Shuo’s body filled Li Chengxiu’s nostrils, and he felt something in his heart slowly softening, as he gradually leaned on his broad, warm, and reassuring chest.
After spending the afternoon unpacking, Li Chengxiu had a good talk with Li Shuo about their future life.
The general idea was that Li Chengxiu couldn’t live in Li Shuo’s house for nothing, so he was going to take care of the household chores and living expenses.
Li Shuo thought that his current salary was enough to support two people, but he readily agreed.
He appreciated Li Chengxiu’s independence and self-respect, so he was willing to respect him and cooperate with him.
He even prepared a separate bedroom for Li Chengxiu, but when he showed it to him, he still said with a smile, “Would be better, if you didn’t need it.”
Li Chengxiu was a little embarrassed. He naturally understood what cohabitation meant. However, when the time came to face it, he was still scared.
In the evening, when Li Shuo came out of the shower, Li Chengxiu was still in the kitchen wrapping wontons for breakfast tomorrow.
Li Shuo leaned against the door frame to watch him for a while.
When Li Chengxiu heard his voice from behind, he turned around and smiled at Li Shuo.
Li Shuo was wearing dark red silk pajamas – the kind of close-fitting soft silk pajamas that outlined his tall and strong figure. He had also taken off his glasses a while ago, revealing a pair of deep and very attractive eyes. His hair was wet and still dripping, and some strands were stuck to his forehead. Without his usual meticulous perfect hairstyle Li Shuo suddenly looked much younger.
Li Shuo was originally a very handsome and extremely imposing man. When he was wearing a suit and his glasses, he had “elite” written on his forehead. But now, as he was wearing his home clothes, looking lazy and casual, there was a completely different atmosphere around him.
Li Chengxiu sighed to himself that Li Shuo was really a kind of person who was hard to take one’s eyes off.
Li Shuo looked at Li Chengxiu’s hands: “Wrapping wontons?”
“Yes, for breakfast.”
Li Shuo walked over, took a few glances and picked up a wonton skin: “I’ll try it.”
Li Chengxiu looked at him with a smile.
Li Shuo put some stuffing inside the skin and shaped the wonton wrapper into a dumpling.
Li Chengxiu laughed and said, “This is a dumpling!”
Wontons Dumplings
Li Shuo spread his hands helplessly, “I can only make dumplings. Can’t one eat them anyway?”
Li Chengxiu taught Li Shuo how to properly wrap wontons.
When Li Shuo had free time, he really enjoyed cooking as a hobby.
After the wrapping was done, Li Chengxiu put the wontons in the refrigerator, turned around and washed his hands.
It was a long day for Li Shuo. He had finally had a nice relaxing bath and was enjoying his evening. Looking at Li Chengxiu’s white neck, he felt that his throat was suddenly a little dry.
Li Chengxiu was washing his hands and didn’t realize that Li Shuo was right behind him. He turned around and bumped directly into his arms.
Li Shuo took this opportunity to wrap his arms around Li Chengxiu’s waist. He then lowered his head, gently touched the tip of his nose with his own and said with a chuckle, “Chengxiu, no one has prepared breakfast for me in many years.”
Li Chengxiu blushed: “I… I will eat too.”
Li Shuo grinned, pressed him against the marble cabinet and leaned over to kiss his lips.
The two of them have been very busy recently. They haven’t seen each other for many days and naturally haven’t acted intimate for a long time, so Li Chengxiu was still a bit unaccustomed to the displays of affection and just passively accepted the kiss.
Li Shuo was however acting differently than usual. Normally, he would just gently kiss him a couple of times, but now his kisses were much more intense. The depth of this passion scared Li Chengxiu.
Li Shuo’s skillful and passionate kiss made Li Chengxiu dizzy. By the time he came back to his senses, he felt Li Shuo’s hand reach into his clothes and gently stroke his back.
Li Chengxiu froze, not knowing how to react.
Li Shuo licked Li Chengxiu’s red lips, then kissed his chin and Adam’s apple. He then went all the way down and lightly bit his collarbone. His hands weren’t idle either, as they erotically stroked all over his body.
Li Shuo’s movements were gentle but passionate and could easily stimulate one’s lust. The process was very enjoyable, yet Li Chengxiu felt more and more uncomfortable.
Li Shuo picked him up and sat him down on the cabinet. He then stood between his legs, kissing his delicate skin and slowly undoing his buttons.
Li Chengxiu’s breathing became rapid and heavy, as if he was barely enduring something. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore and pushed Li Shuo away.
Li Shuo was stunned and blankly looked at Li Chengxiu.
Nobody would be too happy to have cold water thrown on them right in the middle of a hot passionate moment. Li Shuo frowned slightly and touched Li Chengxiu’s pale face: “Chengxiu, what is it with you?”
In his opinion, wasn’t this par for the course for two cohabitating adult men with an average age of over 30?
Li Chengxiu’s face was sad and full of guilt: “Sor…Sorry.”
Li Shuo calmed down and gave the situation a little thought. Finally, he found a reasonable explanation for Li Chengxiu’s behavior. Softly he asked, “Chengxiu, are you still afraid of this…?”
Li Shuo was referring to the fact that Li Chengxiu had experienced an extremely humiliating act of sexual violence.
Li Chengxiu’s body was trembling.
Li Shuo sighed. All the unhappiness in his heart was now replaced by compassion. He gently kissed Li Chengxiu on the cheek: “Chengxiu, I’m not Shao Qun. If you’re not ready, I won’t force you… Do you feel a bit better now?”
Li Chengxiu lowered his head, biting his lips so hard that it drew blood.
Li Shuo stroked his lip line with his thumb, freeing Li Chengxiu’s lips from under his teeth.
He then took Li Chengxiu into his arms and gently stroked his back: “It’s okay. You’re by my side now. You can clearly see that it’s me – Li Shuo, nobody else. You are safe.”
Li Chengxiu let out an almost inaudible “um”, put his forehead against Li Shuo’s chest and closed his eyes.
He couldn’t let go, and he couldn’t forget. When he and Li Shuo were close, he couldn’t control the images of Shao Qun appearing in his mind.
Shao Qun’s amorous look, impatient and passionate kisses, husky voice, perspiring chest. But all these memories that made him blush were finally crushed mercilessly by the night that broke his heart and caused him so much pain and repeated humiliation.
Li Chengxiu felt as if a huge stone was pressing against his chest. Not only did it make him breathless, but it also frightened him so much that he wanted to cry.
Why couldn’t he make himself forget? Why couldn’t he even control his thoughts?
Shao Qun was sitting on a white hospital bed, staring out the window in a daze.
In fact, there was nothing to see outside, just traffic jams that basically turned the bridge into a parking lot during peak times.
There was a familiar knock on the door, and Shao Qun knew who it was as soon as he heard the sound.
Sure enough, after knocking a few times and getting no response, the person from the outside still came in, as if used to this situation,”Mr. Shao.”
Shao Qun turned around to look at assistant Zhou: “What?”
“Mr. Shao, you’ve been in the hospital for several days. Why are you still not discharged?”
Shao Qun replied indifferently, “I’m too lazy to move.”
Assistant Zhou was helpless: “Mr. Shao, the company has dozens of mouths to feed. You have to go back and take care of it at some point.”
“Isn’t my eldest sister there? Why are you still worried about not being able to eat?”
“She’s too busy. She is constantly torn between Beijing and Shenzhen now, and she can’t take care of everything at the same time! And there are many things that still need to be dealt with!”
Shao Qun didn’t seem to be listening at all. Instead he asked, “Anything to report about that thing that I asked you to do?”
Assistant Zhou sighed: “It’s going very well. As long as Li Shuo goes abroad at the right time, we can accuse him of fleeing the country, and then things will go more smoothly on our end. There’s something I need you to confirm, though.”
Only at that moment did Shao Qun regain some energy and finally lifted his head: “What is it?”
Assistant Zhou handed him the file in his hand and said, “This is what I found out when I investigated Li Shuo’s background. Li Shuo’s father has been the CFO of an energy company in the United States for more than ten years, and he has a personal relationship with the company’s controlling shareholder. They are so close, in fact, that even after his retirement the shareholder hired him back as his family’s financial advisor. The name of the shareholder is…”
Shao Qun had already turned to the relevant page, and, as soon as he saw the name on it, he slowly lowered his eyes.
This confirmed to assistant Zhou that his guess was indeed correct. His eyes gleamed, and he continued: “His father’s health is not doing great lately, and he is planning to resign. His client would want to find someone he can trust to replace him, right? Wouldn’t it be reasonable for his son to look into the opportunity?”
Shao Qun gradually revealed a sinister smile: “Not only do I want to make him unable to return to this country ever again but I also want Li Chengxiu to give up on him completely.”
Assistant Zhou took out a dry-cleaned suit from the cabinet and handed it to Shao Qun: “Mr. Shao, this should give you some motivation to work. Your car is waiting outside.”
Shao Qun quickly rolled out of bed and put on his neat suit, getting rid of his disheveled and gloomy appearance. Looking entirely refreshed, he said to the assistant as he was walking out: “Find that Jinxin kid for me! If you can’t get through to him, then contact my aunt.”
