RBNR Ch41: Love at first sight

What the heck, who’s shy?

He just walked the runway in front of hundreds of people and countless cameras yesterday, and you think he’s shy?!

What the heck is Feng Chengyu talking about? Qin Bao almost wanted to tear off his mask.

Anyway, this mask was strange, making his skin feel hot and probably not made of quality material.

But since Feng Chengyu said that, everyone actually didn’t start a commotion to make him take off the mask too, so Qin Bao endured it. Whatever, it wasn’t worth exposing himself just for a moment of satisfaction. He would settle the score with Feng Chengyu later.

The game continued, and Feng Chengyu was eliminated when the castle owner figured out his identity, taking a certain long-legged bird with him to cool off.

They got two glasses of champagne from a waiter and found a small table by the window. From the stone windowsill of the castle, they could see the shimmering lake surface.

It was already dark, with stars filling the sky and cool breezes blowing in.

Feng Chengyu placed his mask on the table, gently holding the champagne flute, looking relaxed and comfortable.

“You said I only needed to accompany you to official receptions,” Qin Bao couldn’t help but say. “But for this kind of alumni gathering, I don’t think I need to be here.”

“Really?” Feng Chengyu said, “I remember the contract specified ‘family gatherings’ or ‘work occasions’, not just official receptions.”

With that reminder, Qin Bao immediately reacted, “But this isn’t a family gathering, nor a work occasion. I didn’t have to come.”

Feng Chengyu said, “You didn’t object.”

Qin Bao was at a loss for words: “………”

Damn, he got played.

He stood up abruptly to leave, but Feng Chengyu grabbed his arm, “Where are you going?”

Qin Bao said irritably, “Of course, back to the hotel. Why would I stay here otherwise?”

“To keep me company.”

Feng Chengyu’s gaze was deep, showing a hint of arrogance under the candlelight.

Qin Bao suddenly had a strange feeling. The mask Feng Chengyu had placed on the table was only the first layer. There was another layer that was invisible and intangible, only occasionally revealing part of his true self. But when Feng Chengyu was in front of him, this final layer seemed to be getting thinner and thinner.

The game was still going on, and the guests erupted in laughter and applause.

The Alpha seemed to be showing weakness but appeared strong: “I’ve come all the way here, with so many people around, give me some face.”

Qin Bao’s body stiffened for a moment, the red on his face spreading down to his neck.

He recalled what the castle owner had said earlier, something about Feng Chengyu wanting to go back to accompany his Omega and originally not planning to attend the alumni gathering.

So, Feng Chengyu wasn’t “just happening to be here for a reception.”

He had come to Grody specifically to find him.

“What the heck.”

Qin Bao bit his lip, uncertain.

However, he wasn’t unreasonable. Reluctantly, he sat back down, crossing his arms, “Who told you to come?”

Feng Chengyu said, “I wanted to come myself.”

Qin Bao: “……”

Do you even know what you’re saying?

“The contract states that we need to spend at least two days a week together,” Feng Chengyu said. “With such a busy schedule, we have to take the initiative to make up for it. This time it’s me, next time it’s your turn.”

So that’s how it is.

Qin Bao felt annoyed and muttered, “……hmph, depends on my mood.”

It’s basically impossible to expect him to come willingly.

Feng Chengyu was so proud, he didn’t seem like someone who would take the initiative again after being cold-shouldered.

But since Feng Chengyu made the first move, does it mean he actually wants to see him?

Feng Chengyu took a sip of wine, “Then I hope you’re in a good mood and keep the agreement every time.”

Qin Bao kept a straight face, turning to look at the lake: “……”

There wasn’t much to see there, but if he didn’t divert his attention, he feared he might die from heart palpitations.

The guessing game ended, and a small charity auction began.

The auction items were interesting: a 13-line love poem someone brazenly wrote to a professor, a bowl someone used to cook instant noodles for three years during their PhD, the first device model someone developed, a replica of the Klever Literature Award trophy… The auction proceeds were all for the displaced Feilu refugees due to the alliance’s extraction of rare earth elements.

Feilu refugees…

Qin Bao somewhat understood why Feng Chengyu had changed his mind to attend this alumni gathering.

This alumni gathering wasn’t officially organized, clearly initiated by the castle owner. The attendees weren’t all familiar with Feng Chengyu, with the oldest being around fifty or sixty, and the youngest around Feng Chengyu’s age. Despite their age and industry differences, they shared the same aspirations, bringing them together.

Feng Chengyu and Qin Bao also participated.

They only bid on one item, offering a high price for a 3D-printed model of the alliance’s first mech made by an alumnus.

Then came the actual reception.

During which someone approached Feng Chengyu to chat.

Whenever the progress of the alliance council at the Feilu hearing was mentioned, Feng Chengyu would hold Qin Bao’s hand and politely say, “Sorry, I’m taking a rare break. This time, I’m on a date with my Omega, so no business talk.”

Upon hearing this, people would quickly apologize, switch to small talk, and avoid political topics.

The transparent mask was back on.

How cunning.

Qin Bao, as the mascot, thought so.

Feng Chengyu handled the reception with ease, and Qin Bao, following beside him, inevitably attracted curious glances.

But out of respect, no one truly tried to dig into Qin Bao’s identity.

The castle owner, busy with socializing, finally approached Feng Chengyu.

The castle owner, unmasked, turned out to be a young Beta with fair skin and blue eyes, straightforward and smiling, reminding Qin Bao of Feng Chu.

Feng Chengyu said to Qin Bao, “Let me introduce you, this is my senior Jacob. His family holds a title in Grody and he recently inherited the castle, very wealthy.”

Jacob complained, “Senior? Just a senior? Feng Chengyu, I was your close roommate for two years.”

“You spent most of your time chasing girls,” Feng Chengyu smiled. “So it was just a nominal two years, thank you.”

After that, Feng Chengyu introduced Qin Bao, “This is my Omega, as I just mentioned.”

No name, no details.

Basically no introduction.

“You’re deliberately embarrassing me, punishing me for not attending your wedding, aren’t you?” Jacob, very open, extended his hand to Qin Bao, “Hi, I was busy inheriting a huge fortune at the time, so I didn’t attend the wedding. Please forgive my money-loving nature.”

Qin Bao had no choice but to shake his hand, “……Hello.”

Jacob scrutinized Qin Bao, circling around him.

From a distance, he had only thought this Omega was tall and elegant, likely a black-haired beauty. Up close, he realized even more how outstanding the other was. Even with the mask still on, even standing next to Feng Chengyu, he easily attracted people’s attention.

Feng Chengyu intercepted him, “That’s enough.”

“Looking won’t hurt, and he hasn’t said anything, so don’t be so anxious.” Jacob was good at stirring things up, “Darling, do you want to know about Feng Chengyu’s love life during his student days?”

Qin Bao: “…Mm.”

If he said he didn’t want to, it would probably seem strange.

Moreover, this person likely knew more than Feng Chu, so he didn’t mind hearing some gossip.

Feng Chengyu remained silent, standing there leisurely, as if watching a good show.

Jacob spread his hands, announcing, “It was practically a blank slate!”

Qin Bao: “…”

“Oh my, besides his friend Shu Helan who often came to visit, he basically wasn’t close to anyone else. I almost thought the two of them were a couple, having a homosexual relationship.”

Jacob’s expression was exaggerated.

“Who knew that after a few silent years back in the country, he suddenly told me he was getting married. I was so surprised… May I have the honor of meeting you, sir?”

He extended his hand again in a gesture of invitation, truly unable to contain his curiosity.

If he weren’t busy socializing as the host, he probably would have rushed over to find them earlier.

Luckily, there were no other guests nearby.

Qin Bao saw that they were indeed good friends and, disliking pretenses, took the initiative to remove his mask, “My name is Qin Bao.”

Seeing Qin Bao’s face, Jacob’s blue eyes widened.

He looked at Qin Bao, then at Feng Chengyu, stammering, “He-he-he… How old is he?”

Qin Bao, realizing belatedly that getting married at eighteen was uncommon everywhere, quickly put his mask back on.

“Twenty-five,” he said displeased.

Feng Chengyu didn’t answer, but his eyes were smiling.

Jacob was suspicious, “Really?”

Qin Bao wore a sour expression, but Jacob couldn’t see it, and he continued to ask, “Then, how did you two meet?”

It wasn’t possible to reveal they were childhood betrothed, and since Feng Chengyu still didn’t answer, Qin Bao deliberately lied, “A one-night stand.”

Jacob actually believed it, shocked, “A-a one-night stand?!”

This time, Qin Bao folded his arms and didn’t reply.

Feng Chengyu finally spoke, “Alright, he’s joking with you. We…” He glanced at Qin Bao before continuing, “met once at the entrance of a rugby stadium.”

Qin Bao’s heart moved slightly.

Rugby game, was Feng Chengyu talking about that time?

Feng Chengyu said, “I went to watch my cousin’s rugby game that day and happened to meet Xiao Bao at the entrance. He suddenly had low blood sugar and couldn’t stand up, so I helped him to the side to rest.”

Memories from a few years ago suddenly flooded back.

Qin Bao remembered that hot afternoon, the taste of the toffee he had been given.

Jacob asked, “And then you fell in love at first sight?”

“Well, sort of.” Feng Chengyu suddenly said, “But actually, I saw him even earlier.”

Jacob: “When?”

Qin Bao’s eyelashes trembled, and he looked at Feng Chengyu, who was calm and spoke as if it were true.

Expecting Feng Chengyu to mention their meeting at his grandfather’s birthday banquet, Qin Bao prepared for Jacob to exclaim about their destined fate, but Feng Chengyu didn’t say that.

Feng Chengyu said, “In the underground garage at my parents’ house.”

He looked over and made eye contact with Qin Bao.

“You were in a hurry that day, carrying a large backpack, with blue-gray hair and golden glitter left over from a show. You hurriedly rode off on Shan Yiming’s motorcycle.”

Jacob: “Motorcycle?” He excitedly asked Qin Bao, “You ride motorcycles too?”

“…Yeah.”

Qin Bao answered vaguely.

When did Feng Chengyu see him? Was it on the day of his grandfather’s birthday? How come he didn’t know?

But if it was made up, how did Feng Chengyu know he rode off on Shan Yiming’s bike?

So… it was true?

Jacob teased Feng Chengyu, saying, “I knew you were secretly wild,” but Qin Bao’s heart was in turmoil.

After Jacob was called away by other guests, leaving just the two of them again, Qin Bao asked Feng Chengyu, “Did you really see me that day?”

Feng Chengyu responded with a “Hmm” and assured Qin Bao, “Jacob won’t talk recklessly, don’t worry.”

Feng Chengyu was referring to Qin Bao’s identity.

Qin Bao nodded.

For some reason, the incident with Shu Helan delivering the helmet a few days ago suddenly made sense.

Shu Helan had said Feng Chengyu bought the helmet overnight, worried that he would go out racing, losing sleep over it. Although it was exaggerated, it made sense now.

Because Feng Chengyu knew he had a history of unlicensed driving.

People do grow up. Qin Bao had long since corrected his ways and wouldn’t do rebellious things anymore.

Did Feng Chengyu still see him as a kid?

He was displeased.

That feather in his heart tickled again.

“Can we keep saying that?” Feng Chengyu asked.

“Huh?” Qin Bao snapped out of it, “What?”

Feng Chengyu said, “That we met outside the rugby stadium. There might be other friends who will ask.”

“Sure.”

Qin Bao was still thinking about the latter part, the part where Jacob said “then you fell in love at first sight,” and he kind of wished it was true.

Hating himself for being such a romantic, he quickly pulled his wandering thoughts back, “Whatever you want, I don’t care. You can say whatever you want.”

“But I can’t say you’re twenty-five.”

Feng Chengyu was smiling again.

“They have eyes.”

______

Author’s note:

Xiao Bao: Dig them out.