RBNR Ch42: Don’t meddle in adult matters

The reception was winding down around eleven, with guests gradually leaving, hugging and saying goodbye by the fountain.

Jacob invited Feng Chengyu and Qin Bao to stay at the castle, but Feng Chengyu politely declined, “Thank you for your kind offer, but we prefer to spend time alone.”

“Alright, alright, I know you two are newlyweds, inseparable.” Jacob hugged Feng Chengyu, “Congratulations on finding a life partner, and happy newlyweds.”

Feng Chengyu said, “Thank you.”

Jacob shook hands with Qin Bao again, “Xiao Bao… can I call you that?”

Since all of Feng Chengyu’s friends called him that, Qin Bao was too lazy to correct it, “Mm.”

“Hope you both get a chance to visit again. Next time, I’ll show you the house where Feng Chengyu and I used to live.” Jacob seized the opportunity to flaunt his wealth, winking, “I already bought it.”

In the car back to the hotel, there was only the driver; Lin Zi was nowhere to be seen.

Feng Chengyu said Lin Zi had other work to attend to. That’s how it is for working people—when the boss works, they work; when the boss rests, they still work. It’s the time for young people to strive, and sometimes Lin Zi, as a secretary, seemed even more ambitious than Feng Chengyu.

“Are you sure you’re not exploiting him?” Qin Bao had already removed his mask, his face slightly tipsy from the drink, “Even asking him to go home and get clothes…”

To get clothes meant entering their walk-in closet.

Although everything had been tidied up, it still felt weird.

Feng Chengyu said, “I asked him for help. Our work time and personal time often blend together, and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between business and personal matters. I pay him two salaries.”

To be fair, Feng Chengyu handled this well. He was always so considerate, just like how he started sending tea leaves and collectibles to his grandfather and grandfather-in-law before the wedding, and how he never missed a holiday greeting for the elders. He never overlooked a single detail.

Lin Zi once told Qin Bao that Feng Chengyu was a very fair boss.

Qin Bao leaned back in his seat, internally criticizing Feng Chengyu’s ability to handle everything perfectly, something only “adults” could do.

He might never learn to do that.

Feng Chengyu asked, “Have you thought about finding an assistant?”

Actually, this time, when he came to Grody to help Baofenni, An Qingyan had asked him the same question. Previously, everything for Qin Bao was managed by Brother Lu. Although they worked well together, during Qin Bao’s busiest period, even he seemed a bit overwhelmed. When they were planning to renew the contract with SISI, they considered finding an assistant for Qin Bao, but after the subsequent events, everything was put on hold.

“Haven’t thought about it yet,” Qin Bao replied. “I’m not used to having strangers suddenly join my life.”

Knowing he was always independent, Feng Chengyu didn’t interfere in his affairs.

On the contrary, Qin Bao suddenly said to him, “Feng Chengyu, what do you think about me operating under my own name from now on?”

In this foreign night, having just finished an unexpectedly intense job, Qin Bao suddenly had the desire to talk.

Perhaps it was because he no longer had anyone to confide in, or perhaps it was because Feng Chengyu gave off a reliable vibe, but he couldn’t help but share the thoughts he had kept inside.

Feng Chengyu seemed surprised that Qin Bao was willing to talk about his personal affairs, especially with the sudden change in topic, “Hm?”

Qin Bao turned to look out the window, expressionless, “I was just asking casually. If you don’t want to talk, never mind.”

“How could I not?” Feng Chengyu’s tone remained gentle, “Which companies are you currently in contact with?”

Qin Bao hesitated, seeing that he genuinely didn’t mind helping him think it over, he moved his lips and named a few, “DZ, Yuejia, Fufang Agency.”

After a pause, he added, “And SISI.”

The night Qin Bao landed in Grody and hit the trending topics, SISI finally called.

The old company lived up to its reputation, immediately sending the shrewd Leo. After interacting with him for a few years, Qin Bao knew how meticulous Leo was. As someone who understood Qin Bao’s background, Leo had remained inactive even after seeing Qin Bao in contact with producer Lu Jie. The old man’s control over the Qin family was like a ticking time bomb; he didn’t want to risk hiring someone at a high price only to have them suddenly quit. So he waited until Qin Bao actually appeared at the show to call about renewing the contract.

Feng Chengyu said, “Fufang Agency is good. They are the most authoritative and international modeling agency. Joining them would offer you better development.”

Qin Bao was curious, “How do you know?”

He didn’t believe a member of the Alliance would need to understand the structure of the fashion world.

Feng Chengyu didn’t answer, just smiled faintly and asked, “Why not consider them?”

Qin Bao wasn’t dumb and could vaguely guess why Feng Chengyu knew these things.

He felt a swelling in his heart, his eyes shifting, and he casually said, “It’s not that I haven’t considered it; I’m still comparing.”

“And what about SISI?”

Feng Chengyu asked again.

Qin Bao said, “…I don’t know.”

If Leo had called a few days earlier, Qin Bao would have immediately agreed because the old company made him feel safe. But that night, he hesitated.

The car fell silent, and Feng Chengyu didn’t press further, giving Qin Bao time to organize his thoughts.

Qin Bao didn’t know if all political figures were good at listening and then finding weaknesses. Mr. Qin was that kind of politician. But Feng Chengyu didn’t give him the feeling that he was probing for weaknesses; he was just listening.

“I don’t want to hand over the decision-making power to others anymore.”

Qin Bao finally said, concisely, without any sentimental analysis or explanation.

“I want to try to control my own life.”

He was tired of being controlled in his work, tired of an invisible hand pressing down on him. Even though his current life was still forced and chosen out of necessity, Qin Bao wanted to find a way to break through, to develop more facets. Only by standing tall and becoming strong enough could he find space to breathe freely.

There was no need to spell it out clearly, and he didn’t want to share too much with Feng Chengyu.

Since he had already made his choice, Qin Bao knew the only thing he could do now was make the most of these five years.

After listening, Feng Chengyu actually said to him, “I think you can.”

Qin Bao didn’t quite understand his specific meaning, “What?”

Feng Chengyu said, “Operating under your own name, without signing with any agency or management company, I think you can do it.”

“Really.” Qin Bao was a bit dissatisfied, “Are you just placating me? I’m not An Qingyan; without his experience, it’s not that easy to successfully operate independently. I’m asking for your help in considering this, not for you to placate me.”

Feng Chengyu smiled, “I’m not placating you, nor am I just humoring you. You’re indeed not An Qingyan, but you’re Qin Bao. Since you could reach your current position on your own, I believe you can go higher and further by yourself.”

Qin Bao was slightly stunned, then his face gradually heated up, “…You really know how to flatter. It’s a pity you’re not doing it part-time in a praise group.”

Feng Chengyu: “Am I not telling the truth?”

Qin Bao still had some confidence in himself. He straightened up and said proudly, “Of course it’s the truth.”

Feng Chengyu’s dark eyes looked at him with a hint of a smile, as if watching a child.

“What are you looking at?” Qin Bao reached for the mask beside him and put it on, “I’m sleepy, wake me up when we get there.”

This mask was really poor quality; it started to heat up even before he put it on his face.

He hadn’t slept much the night before, so Qin Bao closed his eyes and actually fell asleep on the way back. He was woken up by Feng Chengyu when they arrived at the hotel.

Back in the room, Qin Bao found out that Feng Chengyu had booked another room and wouldn’t be staying in his room that night.

When he wanted to sleep with him, he wouldn’t leave; when he didn’t want to sleep with him, he booked another room?

Qin Bao thought.

Anyway, he didn’t care. Sleeping alone was more comfortable.

“Leave if you want to tomorrow. Don’t wake me up in the morning, I have things to do.”

Qin Bao said, taking off his coat with his back to the door.

He had an appointment with Mu Xian for measurements and had rescheduled his flight to the afternoon. He didn’t know when Feng Chengyu planned to leave, and it wasn’t his concern.

He only heard Feng Chengyu reply, “Okay.”

Then, Qin Bao was hugged from behind.

“Get some good rest.” Feng Chengyu leaned against his neck, kissed his face, and gently clasped the back of his neck with his hand, ambiguously massaging his neck and jaw, “My flight is at six in the morning.”

Qin Bao involuntarily swallowed once. The Alpha’s pheromones enveloped him, making his body feel hot, and the overbitten back of his neck hurt a little.

He suddenly understood why they were sleeping separately.

…Feng Chengyu still had some conscience.

“Remember our agreement. See you at home.” Feng Chengyu said, “Goodnight, Xiao Bao.”

Hearing the door close, Qin Bao walked a few steps forward and threw himself heavily onto the bed, the restlessness slowly subsiding after two minutes.

If you like keeping promises so much, then come.

He was so young; did he really need to be afraid of being seduced by this old man? Two days a week wasn’t something he couldn’t handle.

Also, this was something Feng Chengyu insisted on. If Feng Chengyu dared to break the promise someday… at worst, they’d all go down together.

*

The next day, Qin Bao woke up to find that Feng Chengyu had already left Grody.

Qin Bao went to Mu Xian’s store for measurements, took some time to buy some souvenirs for Ms. Rong and the others. After landing, his phone was filled with many messages, not only from his drinking buddies but also from An Qingyan and even Jin Si.

An Qingyan: [Bao, should I say… are you tired of living?]

Attached was a news article with the headline: [Qin Bao Secretly Meets Male Model After Baofenni Show, Spends Two Nights in Grody]

Qin Bao clicked on it: “…”

What kind of world is this? Even models have paparazzi following them now.

The person in the photo was indeed him, and the location was the hotel in Grody. The photos were taken through a window, both nights. Maybe the distance was too far, so the photos weren’t very clear.

In the first photo, he was wearing a shirt that barely covered his thighs, holding an unlit cigarette, creating an evocative scene.

In the second photo, the curtains were drawn, and a faint figure could be seen moving behind them, presumably Feng Chengyu.

That was it.

Qin Bao could only be thankful the paparazzi’s camera wasn’t pointed at the small balcony; otherwise, the scene would have been much more explosive.

Then, on the second night, the photo showed Qin Bao getting out of the car first, followed by Feng Chengyu. The picture was very clear, but due to the angle, only his profile and Feng Chengyu’s back were visible.

Qin Bao broke out in a cold sweat, relieved that Lin Zi wasn’t there. Otherwise, with Feng Chengyu’s recognizable back and Lin Zi, they would have been identified instantly.

Then it would have been quite a show.

He replied to An Qingyan: [What male model? It’s Feng Chengyu.]

An Qingyan: […]

An Qingyan might have been too speechless, taking a while before replying again: [Seriously, are you two glued together? You arrive in Grody, and he follows right after. Are you conjoined twins?! [Jealous]]

Qin Bao: [(Smile) He came for a school reunion.]

Just as a side trip.

An Qingyan was annoyed: [Judging by the body, I really thought it was some male model. I filtered through all possible candidates and missed the most likely correct answer!]

Qin Bao was concerned about another message he sent: [Wait, what do you mean by saying I’m tired of living?]

An Qingyan: [Isn’t it obvious? It’s Feng Chengyu! An S-Class Alpha! With all these factors piled up, if you really get caught cheating, the consequences are predictable even with your toes. Don’t believe me? Try it.]

Qin Bao: [Would I be afraid of him?]

An Qingyan: [I’m ready to collect your body anytime.]

They chatted for a while, and An Qingyan reminded Qin Bao that if they didn’t want their relationship to go public yet, they needed to be more careful about privacy. He just made a comeback, and the attention was high. Paparazzi would do anything for a scoop, not caring whether he was a model or a celebrity.

After thinking for a moment, Qin Bao logged into his long-unused Flow account. Then, taking this opportunity, he also changed his Flow name, removing the “SISI Qin Bao” prefix he had used for five years.

Qin BaoV: No secret meeting with a male model. I will operate as an individual from now on. Thank you for your attention.

His post immediately exploded in the comments.

[Baobao, you’re finally back!]

[BB, do you know? You were absolutely stunning on the runway! Absolutely stunning!]

[I watched it over and over, dreaming of you shining in my dreams at night, sobbing]

[Please, stop being a college student. You’re more suited to be a model.]

[Operating independently is great! Damn SISI! Goodbye! My baobao is free!]

Reading through, someone finally noticed the other person in the photos.

[Not a male model, then who is it? Could it be a boyfriend? Tell us quickly!]

Seeing this, Qin Bao moved his fingers and replied: [No.]

That fan asked again: [If not a boyfriend, then who? Bao, you’re only eighteen. What are you doing?【Crying】]

Qin Bao responded again, as usual.

[Adult matters, you don’t need to worry about them.]