DLRAS Chapter 35

Chapter 35: What do you want?

The “mountain” available for climbing here was really just a small hill. Stone steps paved the paths up and down, and the clear signage made reaching the summit feel more like a casual stroll.

Because of the moss on the trail and the fact that Chen Wengang wasn’t wearing proper hiking shoes, his foot slipped. Li Hongqiong was quick to react and grabbed his arm to steady him.

“Thank you,” Chen Wengang said, slightly startled.

“Don’t mention it. I’m the one who dragged you out here.”

Halfway down the mountain was a small temple dedicated to Yue Lao, the Matchmaker God. On their way down, Li Hongqiong took Chen Wengang to take a look.

It was a tiny, palm-sized temple with a simple statue of Yue Lao, over which someone had draped a red cloth. There wasn’t even a caretaker around.

However, according to Li Hongqiong, the temple was quite effective. That was why it had been preserved even after the yacht club was built. To this day, some club members would come specifically to pray here.

The large tree in the courtyard was covered in red ribbons of varying shades, their different states of wear showing the passage of time. As the wind blew, they rustled, seeming to confirm her words.

Li Hongqiong looked out at the sea of red. “Do you want to pray?”

Chen Wengang smiled. “I don’t need to. What about you?”

“I don’t need to either,” Li Hongqiong said. “Tongzhou, on the other hand, already came up here yesterday. When he was born, his family donated a temple for him, which gave him some sort of complex. He’s believed in this stuff since he was little. He even prays to the God of Literature before every big exam.”

She gave a mischievous smile. “I’m just afraid that while Yue Lao can tie the red thread of marriage, he can’t cure genital warts. Do you know Qian Hao from the group we hung out with yesterday? The guy with the pompadour. I bumped into him bringing a pretty girl up here to pray to Yue Lao, even though he just got engaged to his fiancée two months ago. And then there’s Ji Rongcheng, the guy who practically drank half the champagne tower by himself. I saw him take a guy and a girl back to his room—surely they didn’t just go back to play poker, right? Praying for a marriage is easy, but praying for someone clean who can pass a medical exam… Do you think that’s asking too much of Yue Lao?”

Chen Wengang let out a chuckle. “What about Huo Niansheng?”

“He’s alright,” Li Hongqiong replied. “It’s just that he might not have the traditional mindset of starting a family.”

Chen Wengang didn’t press further, waiting for her to continue on her own.

Of course, even if she didn’t say it, he already knew a bit about the Huo family’s situation and Huo Niansheng’s background.

Li Hongqiong pondered for a moment. “It’s not really a secret anyway; everyone in Jin City knows. His father was a notorious playboy back in the day. He never married and changed girlfriends faster than he changed his underwear. So, Niansheng is an illegitimate child. When they first found out about him, Old Master Huo made the call to officially recognize him and bring him into the family. But then another son popped up, and they recognized him too…”

“And then?”

“And then they realized there was one after another—more and more of them kept appearing. Eventually, they just stopped recognizing them altogether. Funny, isn’t it? If you marry someone, you aren’t just marrying them; you’re marrying their entire family. So, regardless of what rumors say about the two of us, I would never bring that kind of trouble upon myself.”

Chen Wengang seemed to catch the underlying message in her words.

Li Hongqiong added pointedly, “In that regard, Qi Tongzhou is actually a good catch. His family is strict, and he’s devoted.”

Li Hongqiong didn’t intend to make a grand show of playing matchmaker; putting in a good word for her godbrother was just something she did in passing. But in her eyes—perhaps with a bit of bias toward her own people—if the young man in front of her was serious and grounded, Qi Tongzhou was undeniably the better choice. His parents would be understanding, relatives would give their blessings, and his family dynamics were simple and easy to navigate. That was the kind of person you could safely build a real relationship with.

Maintaining a sense of purity was rare. He didn’t deserve to step into a mud pit.

By the time Huo Niansheng returned alone from the sea, it was already noon, and the sun was beating down fiercely.

As soon as he walked into the lobby, he spotted Chen Wengang playing the piano in the distance.

The melody was Schubert’s The Trout. Zheng Baoqiu, Qi Tongzhou, and Li Hongqiong were all standing nearby, and even Yu Shanding had joined the crowd to watch the fun.

Despite only knowing each other for a day, the group seemed to be getting along swimmingly.

Chen Wengang’s piano skills weren’t at a professional concert level, but they were certainly better than his humble claim of “I only know a little.”

He had the advantage of striking good looks and an elegant aura, looking picture-perfect sitting on the piano bench. The grand piano sat beneath floor-to-ceiling windows, and the sunlight bathed both him and the instrument in a brilliant glow, sparkling with the radiant colors of a diamond. His long fingers danced across the black and white keys, creating a scene full of vibrant spirituality and rhythm. Sitting there alone, he looked like a living classical sonnet.

Huo Niansheng stood at a distance, watching quietly for a while, strangely reluctant to break the picturesque scene.

That was until Zheng Baoqiu waved at him. “Cousin! Why are you just standing there?”

The piano playing stopped. Chen Wengang turned his head slightly to look at him.

Huo Niansheng didn’t look at Chen Wengang, but smiled at Zheng Baoqiu. “I didn’t want to interrupt you guys.”

“You’re not interrupting,” Li Hongqiong said. “They’re about to have a sailing race. Come watch with us.”

Zheng Baoqiu walked right up and reached for his wallet. “Tongzhou is competing! Come on, we’re placing bets. Show some real financial support.”

Qi Tongzhou’s gaze immediately turned hostile, but caught in the middle, he couldn’t say much and just discreetly glared at Huo Niansheng.

The rules of the race were simple: a few young sailing enthusiasts having a friendly competition out on the water. The betting was just for fun and good luck.

Qi Tongzhou was actually highly skilled and had participated in quite a few official regattas. Had his family not felt that professional athletic training was too grueling, he might have pursued it as a career. Naturally, Chen Wengang and the others, including Yu Shanding, all bet on their own guy.

Huo Niansheng, however, decided to be the outlier. “If everyone bets on the winner, where’s the profit? I might as well bet on someone else and let you guys win my money.”

Zheng Baoqiu scolded him playfully, “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you showing off your wealth, or just being a traitor?”

Huo Niansheng gave a teasing look. “Can’t I bleed a little cash? But placing too much money would turn this into actual gambling. I know Tongzhou is definitely going to win, so how about this: I’ll add another wager. If I lose, I owe each of you one request.”

“What if you win? Do we owe you a request?”

“No need. I’m unilaterally raising the stakes.”

Li Hongqiong got excited. “Ignore him, let him lose!”

Across the bustling crowd, Huo Niansheng’s smiling gaze finally landed on Chen Wengang.

But Chen Wengang had already looked away, staring out the window at the distant horizon where the sea met the sky.

Huo Niansheng casually walked over to the organizer and, with a carefree attitude, pointed randomly, placing his bet with his eyes practically closed.

Half an hour later, the sailing race began.

They were racing single-handed Laser sailboats. Qi Tongzhou rode the wind, putting all his energy into showing off. His turning and control techniques were superb as he pushed through the course, even risking a collision at the final turn to fight for the lead.

Zheng Baoqiu cheered for him enthusiastically, shouting until her voice was nearly hoarse.

Yu Shanding had even managed to find a red megaphone from somewhere and blew a loud honk with it.

The outcome was decided quickly, and as expected, Qi Tongzhou took first place triumphantly.

When he returned, Chen Wengang and Li Hongqiong both smiled and congratulated him.

The young champion flushed with excitement, acting as if winning today was more glorious than any championship he had ever taken before.

His god-sister, Li Hongqiong, gave a simple “Good job,” before turning to Huo Niansheng with a triumphant look. “Ready to pay up?”

“Of course, a bet is a bet,” Huo Niansheng applauded. “What do you want?”

“Forget it, I can’t think of anything difficult enough to ask of you right now,” Li Hongqiong said after a moment of thought. “I’ll save it for later.”

Zheng Baoqiu eagerly raised her hand. “I know, I know! Take off your clothes and go on stage to do a pole dance!”

Yu Shanding let out a weird cackle, but quickly suppressed it after getting a glance from Boss Huo. “I don’t have a request either.”

“No, wait, I want to change mine.” Zheng Baoqiu rolled her eyes thoughtfully. “Cousin, I like that pigeon-blood ruby necklace…”

“Tell Amanda how to buy it later,” Huo Niansheng didn’t even ask the price, looking every bit the prodigal son.

Chen Wengang sat curled up in the corner of the sofa, resting his chin on his hand as he watched their banter, completely devoid of desires or demands.

A moment later, the cushion next to him dipped. Huo Niansheng actively moved to sit beside him, not forgetting him. “What about you, Wengang?”

Chen Wengang’s eyes finally drifted to his face, as if thinking it over. “I’m thinking…”

After a long pause, he just smiled. “I’ll pass too.”

Huo Niansheng raised an eyebrow, extending a long leg so the tip of his shoe bumped against Chen Wengang’s ankle. “You were obviously thinking about it. Why not say it?”

Zheng Baoqiu encouraged him, “Yeah, ask for something big! Everyone is letting him off the hook. Doesn’t anyone have a difficult request?”

Chen Wengang gripped the armrest of the sofa and slowly stood up, looking down at Huo Niansheng from a commanding height.

His attitude was indeed one of making things difficult. He sighed softly. “I want you to never go out to sea again.”

The surrounding area instantly fell silent.

People had gathered to watch the race, and besides their group, there were quite a few others in this corner.

Was this a provocation?

Provoking Huo Niansheng?

Even Zheng Baoqiu looked at Chen Wengang in shock, unable to figure out what he was plotting.

Only Chen Wengang seemed entirely unaware that he was making an unreasonable demand. His tone was so gentle that one couldn’t detect even a hint of sarcasm.

But of course, he knew it was an impossible request. Or perhaps he could set a time limit—not going out to sea for ten years would do, too.

Huo Niansheng stared up at him with the sharp gaze of a hunting falcon, scanning and dissecting every inch of him.

Feeling as if he were being seen right through, Chen Wengang stepped back and turned to leave, but Huo Niansheng’s hand suddenly grabbed him.

“I haven’t even given my answer yet. Why are you running?” Huo Niansheng actually looked remarkably unfazed. “Fine, I just won’t go out to sea anymore.”

The surrounding crowd couldn’t help but look at Chen Wengang like he was some sort of anomaly, their curiosity piqued as they wondered who this sacred figure was.

Chen Wengang looked down at him, lips pursed. As gentle as he was, he showed no intention of loosening his stance or giving Huo Niansheng an easy way out.

One standing, one sitting. Huo Niansheng looked up and asked him, “What’s your English name?”

“Alex.”

“Boss Yu, do me a favor later and have my boat repainted,” Huo Niansheng instructed Yu Shanding. “Spray a new name on it: the Alex.” He then flashed Chen Wengang a sharp, predatory smile. “Since I won’t have the chance to go out to sea anymore, it’d be a waste to leave it sitting around. I might as well give it to you.”

Qi Tongzhou was left utterly dumbfounded, but he wasn’t the only one who lost his composure.

The evidence was the collective sound of people inhaling sharply behind him, along with a few ambiguous sighs.

This fresh piece of gossip immediately radiated outward through the social grapevine.

In terms of pure monetary value, a small yacht only cost about two to three million, which wasn’t as extravagant as the seven million Huo Niansheng had thrown down at the auction last time.

But barely anyone knew who he had given that “love watch” to afterward, whereas everyone present here had just witnessed his beloved boat change ownership in the span of a few words—with Huo Niansheng even casually adding that he would continue to cover the docking and maintenance fees.

Aware of the overwhelming number of eyes on them, Chen Wengang quickly pulled his hand back. “I’m going back to my room first.”

Zheng Baoqiu was about to chase after him to demand an explanation when she heard her cousin call her name. “Baoqiu.”

She turned around. Huo Niansheng, with his hands in his pockets, pointed toward the counter. “You don’t want your winning chips?”

Zheng Baoqiu stepped closer and whispered, “I have no idea what you two are doing! Are you guys just having a spiteful argument?”

Huo Niansheng smiled and countered, “Who gives away cars and boats when they’re arguing out of spite?”

Zheng Baoqiu was left speechless. Over in the distance, Chen Wengang had already stepped into the glass sightseeing elevator.

The buttons for the fifth and seventh floors were right next to each other.

Yesterday, Huo Niansheng had slipped a room key under his change of clothes.

His finger hovered between the two buttons. After a slight pause, he pressed the latter.

Qi Tongzhou sat blankly in a plastic chair. Li Hongqiong walked over and ruffled his wet hair. “Kid, aren’t you going to go wash up? You’re going to have salt drying on you soon.”

Qi Tongzhou finally snapped out of his daze. “Oh… right.”

As he stood up, his knee slammed into the coffee table, and he nearly tumbled into a potted pothos. Li Hongqiong couldn’t bear to watch as he disappeared around the corner.

It wasn’t until he turned on the shower and let the warm water hit his head that Qi Tongzhou’s mind suddenly cleared up.

Why was he putting himself down? It wasn’t like he didn’t have his own advantages. Throwing money around was the most superficial tactic of all!

What was there to be proud of in acting like a rich, second-generation brat with money to burn?

However, Zheng Yucheng’s trash talk lingered like a ghost in his mind, springing back to life. Qi Tongzhou wasn’t afraid of his previous rival, but he instinctively felt wary of the man in front of him. Ever since last night, he had faintly sensed it—Chen Wengang was the boat adrift at sea.

And he was just a boy running along the shore. No matter how desperately he lunged forward, he could never manage to grab the mooring line.

Huo Niansheng wandered off for another hour or so before finally returning to his room.

The moment he pushed the door open, he sensed the subtle presence of an intruder.

Chen Wengang was still lingering in his room, sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, head bowed as he read a book. Hearing the noise, he looked up at Huo Niansheng. Huo Niansheng walked straight over to the mini-fridge, poured himself a glass of alcohol, and retrieved some ice cubes from the bottom drawer before asking, “What are you reading?”

“Selected Poems of Tagore. It’s the same one from last time. I didn’t expect you to have it here.”

“Oh, I almost forgot about that,” Huo Niansheng recalled. “It’s just for show. I haven’t actually read it.”

Chen Wengang placed the book face-down on the sofa and walked over, sidling up next to him just like the previous night, trying to take a sip of his drink.

It was as if nothing had happened downstairs.

Huo Niansheng, however, pressed a finger against his forehead to stop him. “Abstaining from smoking and drinking is a good habit. Don’t break all your rules the moment you get near me.”

Chen Wengang caught his finger, shifted his hand, and interlocked their fingers together.

Huo Niansheng’s palm was warm and dry. Chen Wengang kissed the back of his hand. “Are you mad at me?”

Huo Niansheng brushed the stray hairs at the nape of his neck. “About which part? If you mean the bet, I’ve made much more ridiculous wagers with people before.”

Chen Wengang offered a smile. “I was purposely trying to make things difficult for you. Just pretend I never said anything.”

He leaned in, seeking a kiss, but was unexpectedly rejected once again.

Huo Niansheng pressed a finger against his lips. “I won’t back out of a bet. But this isn’t how you should act if you’re looking for intimacy.”

Chen Wengang froze. The look on his face made Huo Niansheng’s heart soften, and he called out his name helplessly. “Wengang.”

Sighing, Huo Niansheng felt as though he had exhausted a lifetime’s worth of conscience on this one person.

He decided to explain it one last time. “If you really want to be with me, it should at least be something consensual. But whenever I touch you, all your subtle body language shows avoidance, fear, and rejection. I don’t know what the deal is with this illness of yours, and I don’t know who you’re truly thinking about in your heart. I’ll admit, in a casual fling, none of that matters, and I could just ignore it. But that’s not what you’re looking for.”

Huo Niansheng looked at him and asked, “What is it you really want?”

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