PE Ch13: Blew Up

The only sound left in the room was the flipping of documents.

After a while, Huai Yu closed the documents and said, “Buy a new one and charge it to the company account.”

Jian Yan felt disappointed but forced a smile. “Okay, thank you, sir.”

He paused, then spoke again, “If you don’t have any other instructions, sir, I’ll take my leave…”

Huai Yu interrupted him, “Do you know who I was asking about earlier?”

“Was it… Mr. Pan Xiao?”

“It seems you know very well.” Huai Yu paused and asked, “Why did you answer?”

“I’m sorry, sir, I thought you were asking me.”

“Were you the top of your class? Is your IQ really that low?” Huai Yu’s tone was somewhat merciless.

Jian Yan was choked up.

In the end, he chose to confess, kneeling on the ground with a thud, “I’m sorry, sir, I deliberately answered for Mr. Pan Xiao. I thought you would mistake me for him. I just… just admire you, sir. I think every Beta who comes out of the military academy has the same feelings as I do.”

“You’re not too stupid,” Huai Yu coldly remarked.

Jian Yan was chosen because he was the top of his class. Not confessing at this moment would be tantamount to admitting he was an idiot, which would result in being sent back.

All the Betas who entered the military academy were under Mr. Huai’s patronage. The fate of those sent back by Mr. Huai was crystal clear.

“In my place, work and personal life are very separate. If you want to work under me, don’t expect more than your position allows. If you want to devote yourself, resign from Zhang Xing today.”

“Have you thought about your choice?” Huai Yu’s tone was cold and without a trace of gentleness.

Jian Yan said, “I choose work.”

“Work lasts longer. You’ve made the right choice. Go, and don’t do anything unnecessary.”

“…Yes.”

Jian Yan turned to go downstairs. Before leaving, he glanced at Huai Yu, who slowly got up, opened the curtains, and walked to the terrace.

From that angle, one could look down and see the person drinking tea in the backyard.

Jian Yan lowered his gaze, hiding his thoughts deeper.

When he returned to Pan Yinchuan’s side, Jian Yan showed no sign of anything unusual, smiling as he said, “The gentleman was asking just now, asking if Mr. Pan Xiao still hurts.”

In front of everyone, Pan Yinchuan awkwardly said, “…It’s fine.”

Assistant Zhang smiled, “Alright, I’ll go see the gentleman now.”

Assistant Zhang went upstairs, first flipping through the documents casually placed on the table, then walked to the terrace, standing a step behind Huai Yu, and lowered his voice, “Sir, Jian Yan didn’t touch the documents. He seems fine, given that he’s from the military academy and under your patronage.”

Huai Yu’s tone was indifferent, “Just a bit of an inappropriate delusion.”

“Huh?” Assistant Zhang was momentarily stunned, then realized, “Another one secretly in love with you? Or rather, openly in love.”

Huai Yu was indeed an outstanding Alpha, with countless admirers. Most of them used to be Omega secretly in love with him, and Alphas’ admiration could easily turn into affection.

Now everyone knew Mr. Huai liked Betas, so the Betas also started having thoughts?

But the problem was…

Assistant Zhang recalled the scene he had just witnessed, with Jian Yan holding Pan Yinchuan’s hand and rubbing it. What was that about?

Could he turn into another Xiu Lin?

“Keep an eye on him. If he makes any mistakes, send him away,” Huai Yu spoke again.

“Yes,” Assistant Zhang responded. He knew the gentleman highly valued competence, and those without it had to leave.

That day’s incident seemed to be just an episode, as Jian Yan didn’t try to ingratiate himself with Huai Yu again.

And Huai Yu returned to his normal work routine.

Pan Yinchuan’s behind got a brief respite.

Days passed unnoticed, and Jian Yan came to the villa to pack for Pan Yinchuan.

Pan Yinchuan, sitting by the bed, asked, “What’s this for?”

Jian Yan said, “The gentleman said he’s taking you on a vacation.”

Pan Yinchuan was puzzled. What? This kind of treatment? It wasn’t in the contract!

However, Pan Yinchuan indeed felt stifled in the villa.

Unable to contact the outside world and not allowed to leave without Mr. Huai’s permission… It was like being kept in captivity.

“Is this enough?” Jian Yan turned to ask, “See if there’s anything missing?”

Pan Yinchuan was easygoing about these things, glanced over, and nodded, “It’s enough, thank you.”

Jian Yan closed the suitcase and zipped it up but didn’t get up immediately.

He turned around in that position, pressed Pan Yinchuan’s instep, and asked, “Why aren’t you wearing socks?”

Pan Yinchuan quickly retracted his foot, “The weather’s been good lately, and it feels more comfortable on the carpet.”

Jian Yan always liked… well, touching him.

Describing it that way felt strange.

Because most of the time, Jian Yan was actually caring for him. For example, if he had any new marks on his body, Jian Yan was more concerned than he was, and would enthusiastically help him apply medicine.

Pan Yinchuan couldn’t help but suspect… did Jian Yan like him?

But that shouldn’t be the case.

Jian Yan was smart; he wouldn’t make such a mistake. He had even subtly asked Jian Yan if he had a girlfriend, to which Jian Yan replied that he was too busy with work and it wasn’t the right time.

What did that mean? It meant Jian Yan was straight!

Except for always “touching” him, Jian Yan was a very nice person. He was more willing to lower himself than Assistant Zhang, willing to do anything trivial for Pan Yinchuan.

This made Pan Yinchuan swallow all his doubts.

“Better put them on, we’re leaving soon.” Jian Yan’s voice sounded again.

Pan Yinchuan looked down to see Jian Yan kneeling in front of him, helping him put on socks.

Pan Yinchuan immediately said, “I’ll do it myself.”

Jian Yan still used the same excuse, “I’m a living assistant, it’s my job. Mr. Pan Xiao, you can’t let me lose my job.”

Pan Yinchuan had to stop, wondering if he was just not used to being pampered, feeling Jian Yan’s behavior was odd because he had never been served like this before.

In just a moment, Jian Yan grabbed his ankle.

One hand was putting on socks, while the other was rubbing his ankle.

Pan Yinchuan: …

No, this was really strange.

At that moment, footsteps approached.

Huai Yu walked into the room and asked, “Ready?”

Just as Pan Yinchuan’s socks were on, Jian Yan stood up immediately, bowed, and respectfully said, “Mr. Huai.”

Pan Yinchuan quickly asked, “Where are we going?”

“The Central City.”

Pan Yinchuan’s eyes widened slightly.

What was the Central City?

About a hundred years ago, national organizations were abolished, and high-ranking officials from various countries gathered in one place to establish the Central City, which governed global affairs.

The most special thing was that only those with a Central City resident card were allowed to enter.

Someone like Pan Yinchuan, given his background, wouldn’t have a chance to enter the Central City even in the next life.

But now, it was an unusual situation.

Huai Yu was taking him there.

“Can you really go on vacation in Central City?” Pan Yinchuan asked, puzzled.

Huai Yu nodded and added, “Don’t you want to thank Yan Xue in person?”

Oh right, Major Yan Xue had quelled the chaos near Jiuhe City. He should thank him. Moreover, he had borrowed Yan Xue’s name while in prison.

Pan Yinchuan’s face instantly lit up with excitement. “Can I see Major Yan in Central City?”

Huai Yu glanced at him. “You really like Yan Xue?”

“Most people would like him,” Pan Yinchuan began but quickly corrected himself, “No, it’s not like; it’s admiration. Major Yan is young, skilled, and has a good personality…”

As Pan Yinchuan spoke, he realized it still didn’t sound right, so he simply shut his mouth.

Huai Yu didn’t say anything further and had the bodyguards take the luggage as they all headed to the airport.

This time, they flew on a private jet along Huai Yu’s personal route straight to Central City.

On the way, Pan Yinchuan finally remembered to ask, “Has Xiu Liang been caught?” Otherwise, they wouldn’t be traveling.

Huai Yu sipped his tea and said, “Yes, he’s been dealt with.”

Pan Yinchuan felt relieved. Otherwise, he would have worried about Xiu Liang holding a grudge against him.

Leaning back in his seat, Pan Yinchuan soon fell asleep.

Jian Yan immediately got up to cover him with a blanket.

Huai Yu turned to look, seeing Jian Yan’s back.

Out of sight, Jian Yan lightly touched Pan Yinchuan’s neck and chin.

Assistant Zhang, sitting in another direction, turned his head just in time to see it all.

Assistant Zhang: “…”

To say he felt struck by lightning would not be an exaggeration.

“Jian Yan,” Assistant Zhang called him over.

Jian Yan walked over immediately. “Brother Zhang, what’s up?”

Assistant Zhang’s face turned cold and grim.

He was starting to doubt the world.

Since Huai Yu mentioned it last time, Assistant Zhang had gone back to reinvestigate Jian Yan’s performance in school.

This person was indeed a fervent admirer of Mr. Huai.

He revered all of Mr. Huai’s policies and projects.

Although Mr. Huai doesn’t like you, you shouldn’t be messing with little Pan!

The flight took a total of four and a half hours.

Pan Yinchuan woke up to the sound of the flight attendant’s announcement that the plane was about to land. He glanced around, seeing Assistant Zhang typing away on his laptop, Jian Yan reading something, and Mr. Huai looking through a document. Only he had slept soundly.

The plane landed directly in Central City, and as they disembarked, they could see quite a few people waiting below to welcome them.

The leader of the group walked up briskly, wanting to give Huai Yu a hug but restraining himself due to Huai Yu’s aversion to it.

“We’ve been waiting for you for a long time. It’s not easy to meet you,” the man said happily.

Pan Yinchuan’s heart raced as he caught a glimpse of the man.

This person often appeared on television!

He was the Chief Coordinator of Central City! Extremely powerful!

“The driver and bodyguard will take you to the residence first. Mr. Huai has a dinner to attend,” Assistant Zhang told Pan Yinchuan.

Pan Yinchuan nodded, restraining his excitement, and obediently followed Jian Yan to another car.

This car’s windows were noticeably thicker and had privacy film.

As soon as he sat down, Jian Yan handed him a bottle of water.

He looked down and noticed, “What happened to your hand?”

Jian Yan’s entire right hand was covered in blood.

Jian Yan quickly gave an apologetic smile, “I accidentally ripped off a few fingernails. I wanted to hand you the water with my left hand but forgot.”

Ripped off fingernails? How could that happen?

Pan Yinchuan’s head throbbed at the thought.

“Is there a first aid kit?” Pan Yinchuan asked the driver.

A bodyguard immediately handed one over.

“Can you handle it yourself? Or, uh, should I help you?” Pan Yinchuan thought about how Jian Yan often helped him apply medicine, even if it was a bit strange.

“Thank you,” Jian Yan didn’t refuse.

Pan Yinchuan had an idea.

He wanted Jian Yan to understand that excessive enthusiasm could make people uncomfortable.

So, imitating Jian Yan, he grabbed the man’s wrist.

Uh, how did he usually touch?

Pan Yinchuan couldn’t quite replicate it and gave up.

He took a cotton ball soaked in iodine and repeatedly wiped Jian Yan’s fingertip where a nail was missing.

The pain was intense.

Jian Yan couldn’t help but shiver.

For a moment, he suspected Pan Yinchuan was doing it on purpose, but when he glanced at Pan Yinchuan’s face, it looked clear and calm.

Finally, Pan Yinchuan noticed his shivering.

“Does it hurt?”

“Well… it’s bearable,” Jian Yan said, already sweating profusely, unconvincingly.

Pan Yinchuan awkwardly retracted his hand. “Then… how do you relieve the pain?”

He leaned in closer. “Shall I blow on it?”

The warm breath brushed over Jian Yan’s fingertip, making his expression strange for a moment and his shivering more pronounced.

Pan Yinchuan: “…”

Forget it, he gave up.

“Should we take you to a hospital? Where’s the nearest hospital in Central City?” Pan Yinchuan directed the last part to the driver.

Jian Yan closed his eyes briefly. “No need. Mr. Huai instructed us to take you to the residence first. His orders can’t be changed.”

“Alright,” Pan Yinchuan thought Jian Yan’s job was indeed tough.

Huai Yu had a residence in Central City.

But calling it a residence didn’t do it justice; it was more like a castle in the forest.

The car wound its way up to the castle.

The staff inside had been waiting to welcome them. They seemed to know who Pan Yinchuan was, so they weren’t surprised and led him upstairs directly.

“This is your room here.”

Pan Yinchuan nodded numbly, thinking the bedroom was larger than his entire home.

The servants quickly retreated to prepare dinner, while Jian Yan walked inside. “I’ll run you a hot bath to relax.”

Pan Yinchuan’s head ached. “Wait, shouldn’t you treat your hand first?”

Seeing all the blood made his teeth hurt.

Jian Yan stopped in his tracks. “Can I hold you?”

Pan Yinchuan: “…Huh?”

Pan Yinchuan couldn’t hold back anymore. “Assistant Jian, are you… straight?”

Jian Yan: “No.” He gave a self-deprecating smile, “I admire Mr. Huai.”

Pan Yinchuan breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s great!”

He was terrified that Jian Yan might like him.

Jian Yan: “…”

Pan Yinchuan opened his arms confidently. “Come on, hug me.” He paused and then asked, “But why do you want to hug me? Betas don’t have pheromones and can’t soothe like Alphas can with Omegas.”

Jian Yan’s lips moved with difficulty, “You have Mr. Huai’s scent on you.”

Pan Yinchuan responded incredulously, “Do I have Mr. Huai’s scent?”

Jian Yan: “…Yes.”

Pan Yinchuan tilted his head at him. “Then why don’t you just go to Mr. Huai?”

Xiu Lin was different; he was an Alpha, and Mr. Huai just happened to hate being touched by Alphas.

But Jian Yan was a Beta.

Jian Yan’s mouth twitched slightly, not expecting the conversation to turn so absurd.

He looked at Pan Yinchuan’s utterly calm and relaxed expression, as if he truly didn’t take his admiration for Mr. Huai seriously.

“Mr. Huai told me that work and personal life should be separate. If I want to be Mr. Huai’s lover, I have to give up my current job.”

“You chose the job?” Pan Yinchuan interjected again.

Jian Yan: “…”

He felt that if he gave Pan Yinchuan a plate of sunflower seeds now, he would start eating them right away.

“You made the right choice, don’t feel bad.” Pan Yinchuan even comforted him.

Jian Yan lowered his head with a bitter smile. “Yes, I made the right choice. I can’t afford to lose this job.”

Pan Yinchuan thought this would make communication easier and immediately said, “Then don’t touch me anymore.” It made his skin crawl.

Jian Yan masked the coldness in his eyes. “Are you going to tell Mr. Huai?”

Pan Yinchuan: “It’s not about complaining, it’s just that the last person who touched me already blew up.”

Jian Yan: “…………”

Pan Yinchuan: “Really.”

Xiu Liang might still be at the bottom of a lake.

“I’m going to take a bath. You take your time with the medicine.” Pan Yinchuan stood up and walked to the bathroom.

Jian Yan stood still for a while, then silently followed.

Pan Yinchuan had no defenses.

He didn’t even lock the door.

Jian Yan gently pressed the handle, and the door, treated to be exceptionally quiet, opened slightly.

He watched as Pan Yinchuan swiftly undressed, revealing the marks on his body, then turned on the shower. The rising steam soon blurred his figure.

Is this what Mr. Huai likes?

Jian Yan’s jealousy turned tangible, then slowly changed.

He exhaled a low breath and retreated to his previous position.

Before long, the servants brought in dinner. Jian Yan took it and reverted to his gentle and capable demeanor.

“I’ll serve it; Mr. Pan only adapts to me,” Jian Yan said with a smile.

The servants nodded, placed the food, and then pushed the cart out.

As the door closed, Jian Yan looked down at his hand.

He had squeezed it too hard earlier, and it started bleeding again.

The nails were pulled out by Assistant Zhang.

“You were chosen from many people, be smart and don’t do anything to trouble me.” Assistant Zhang had frowned and muttered, “Is little Pan some kind of human lure?”

Jian Yan couldn’t help but clench his fingers again.

The pain in his fingers caused waves of dizziness in his head.

But that extreme pain was also addictive.

He couldn’t resist extending his hand, and a drop of blood fell into the food with a “plop.”

With a “click,” Pan Yinchuan came out wrapped in a bathrobe.

Jian Yan stiffened, curling his hand, but his chest became noisy, filled with a strange excitement.

_______________

Author’s Note:

A self-disciplined benefactor and his flirtatious straight lover【Not really】