On the same boat

Syaoran was slightly surprised at Churong's eagerness. He didn't seem guarded at all and had readily jumped to match him with his client, despite not being one of the candidates. "Aren't you afraid I'll mess things up?"

Churong looked up from his deep thoughts and met Syaoran's mysterious black eyes. He couldn't blame the other man for thinking this way. He had acted as if his client wasn't at all important, even though Tian was regarded as one of his top VIPs. But who was he to reject the request of a top-quality seme who wanted him to help win his client's heart? It would be a sin!

Besides, his confidence was grounded in the fact that he had never failed to find the perfect match for his clients. There was also Uncle Liang, who had offered his help if needed, although Churong hoped he would never have to rely on such a prominent person.

Churong smiled lightly. "That's not a problem. But there's a catch." Syaoran's eyelashes fluttered slightly.

"While my matched pair is under my care, they are both required to obey one rule of mine." Xue Chu and Syaoran perked up, their interest piqued. "You'll have to obey my demands."

For a brief moment, Churong's smile took on a mischievous edge. His mind was already racing with plans to get his new pair thoroughly smitten with each other. But first, he would have to tell the couple about this condition. There was over a ninety percent chance they would be happy with this development, so he wasn't worried about his decision being rejected.

Now, then. What should I have them do first? Getting to know each other is a must. Who knows why Syaoran took a liking to Tian? They probably know each other. But I'll leave that answer to Tian. First and foremost, I'll book them a private room at Thousand Lotus Loft for a meet-up.

Then, when the time comes I'll have them hold hands, hug each other in public—definitely so I can spy—and let them decide on the first kiss.

Churong had long dived deep into his fantasies.

Meanwhile, across the orchestra, where Churong and his group were chatting harmoniously, Chen Yi stood near a large marble pillar, his untouched wine in hand.

He kept his eyes locked on Churong, observing every expression: happiness, disappointment, playfulness, and even the mischievous glint in his eyes. Everything about him was lovely. How he longed to snuggle with him in bed right at that moment. Too bad the party was only halfway done.

"Chen Yi, was it?"

His beautiful scenery was shattered as a handsome man in his forties blocked his view. It was Uncle Liang.

Chen Yi was about to furrow his brows in annoyance when his eyes landed on the underworld's emperor. His stance unconsciously straightened, and his bearing became more humble. This wasn't because he feared the man's title, but because he knew the relationship this man had with the Cao family.

He nodded politely. "Good evening, Uncle Liang." He let his mind wander for a moment, thinking about when he might have to start calling him father-in-law.

After all, it was no secret in the upper echelons that the emperor was courting the top designer, Cao Jing-An—Auntie Cao. Unfortunately, Churong was the only one still in the dark about it.

Liang was still in the process of winning her heart while currying favor with her two children. Churong's sister had already been won over, but Churong was a bit more difficult. Liang had to enlist—ahem, get his son's help just to have a chance to speak with Churong.

This was how his second son's matchmaking effort had come to be. Churong had naively believed that Liang was worried he would die before seeing his son walk down the aisle. Chen Yi helplessly mourned the other's naivety, which only deepened his sense of duty.

Liang raised his glass in a toast, which Chen Yi returned. They drank together as a sign of mutual respect and as fellow comrades on the same boat. They both gazed at the source of their thoughts in perfect synchronization and sighed.

A silence stretched between them before Liang spoke. "Jing-An has high expectations of you."

Chen Yi understood perfectly. There was a heavy boulder of pressure on his shoulders, one he would likely carry for the rest of his life. Yet strangely, he found satisfaction in it. Who would have thought that taking care of someone he loved could bring such pure happiness?

"Don't worry Uncle Liang, I'll be killing myself before I could hurt him."

It was a crazy vow.

And one that was witnessed by none other than the emperor of the underworld himself. But his lips had spoken the words before he could even think about them. And there were no regrets. He simply thought that it was perfect.

It came right from his heart.

If Churong wasn't his destiny, then why had he been the only person to move his heart? From Cao Chang to Ling Xie, and even when disguised as Churong, Chen Yi could tell he fell deeper each time.

Liang nodded in approval and took another glass of wine from a passing waiter, gulping it down in one go. Chen Yi followed suit, engraving this vow into his heart.

When his gaze returned to Churong after his drink, his eyes flared with fury.

There, across the room, was a man with stylish, messy red hair and a maroon suit—the aura of a young master who appeared to be in his early twenties. He was conversing with a gentle smile plastered on his face in front of a pale-faced Churong, seemingly oblivious to the fact that his presence was unwanted, while secretly observing the timid-looking girl.

Yes, timid. He thought Churong was simply nervous because she was shy.

Chen Yi's grip tightened, causing his wine glass to crack, which caught Liang's attention. He turned to see why his future son-in-law was suddenly seething with fury, and that one look caused the glass in Liang's hand to shatter into pieces.

HAO MING!!!