Chapter 26

He wasn't exactly in the mood to flirt at this stage. He felt that things between him and Yan Bozong had just started heading in the right direction—especially after Yan Bozong had even taken him to see a doctor.

People were unpredictable. The closer they got, the harder it became to keep up appearances.

Yan Songwei's buddy brought over his Doberman, which was in heat—restless and overly excited, bouncing around non-stop. The moment it was put inside the enclosure, the male dogs locked onto it.

What an unreserved little thing, Qi Liangqin thought.

The breeding process was both fascinating and deeply awkward, but clearly, he was the only one feeling that way. The group of straight men around him didn't bat an eye, as if this were nothing out of the ordinary.

Now and then, someone cracked a dirty joke, drawing bursts of laughter.

Maybe it was just him—feeling guilty, hence the embarrassment.

He inched closer to Yan Bozong, until they were almost touching. Laughing along with the others, he subtly brushed his pinky against Yan Bozong's hand, which was resting on the railing, stroking it lightly.

Yan Bozong immediately turned to glance at him but said nothing. Instead, he withdrew his hand and slipped it into his pocket.

Qi Liangqin turned to look at Yan Bozong, only to find that Yan Bozong was already looking at him.

His gaze was guilty, slightly evasive, while Yan Bozong's eyes held suspicion—along with a clear warning and displeasure.

It was as if Yan Bozong was saying: "What, just because I was a little nicer to you, you think you can push your luck now?"

The group watched the dogs in the enclosure for a while before losing interest and heading off to drink. As Yan Songwei's partner, Qi Liangqin naturally had to accompany them, playing the role of a considerate and dutiful spouse—busy preparing food and drinks. Once everyone was full and satisfied, he finally had a moment to himself and decided to take a walk around the ranch.

Horse ranches were typically built in the suburbs, with careful consideration given to the surrounding geography and transportation access. This one was located at the foot of a mountain, near a small town called Tonghua. With lush green hills and clear waters, it was undeniably a picturesque place.

The Yan family's ranch was still under construction. He had just overheard during dinner that they weren't building it solely for their own horseback riding; their plan was to develop a comprehensive facility integrating tourism, sightseeing, sports, leisure, entertainment, photography, events, and team-building activities.

The weather was beautiful today. Early summer had arrived, and after just a short walk under the sun, Qi Liangqin was already sweating. He was sensitive to the sun—his skin flushed easily—so he turned back. As he approached the house, he spotted the Yan brothers smoking by a window.

Just then, he heard Yan Bozong ask, "How are things between you and Xiao Qi?"

Qi Liangqin froze mid-step. Eavesdropping was shameful, but he couldn't resist listening in.

"Why do you ask, big brother?"

"I've noticed you don't go home often, and Xiao Qi seems a little... different. Did something happen between you two?"

"No, we're fine! We just try to avoid being too affectionate in front of you all. Otherwise, Mom would start scolding us for being shameless again."

"You... You used to love fooling around, but that was before. Now you're married. It doesn't matter if your spouse is a man or a woman—you still have to spend time with them. Don't assume that just because he's a man, he has a tougher heart and won't feel lonely. You should keep him company more."

Someone as oblivious as Yan Songwei probably didn't pick up on the deeper meaning in Yan Bozong's words.

But someone as guilty as Qi Liangqin?

His face instantly turned red.

Yan Bozong was subtly telling Yan Songwei that he couldn't bear loneliness.

Of course. In the eyes of a righteous man like Yan Bozong, he was nothing more than a restless, wandering red apricot branch—eager to climb over the wall.

Yan Songwei had clearly taken his brother's words to heart. That afternoon, he stuck by Qi Liangqin's side the entire time, snapping countless photos with him and posting them to his Moments.

Then, he turned to Qi Liangqin and said, "You can't just let me post everything—you should post some too."

Not being in the habit of sharing on social media, Qi Liangqin was forced to upload a few pictures. Yan Songwei scrolled through his phone, frowned, and said, "Something's off."

Qi Liangqin looked up at him. "What's off?"

"It's not intimate enough," Yan Songwei replied. Then, without warning, he threw an arm around Qi Liangqin's shoulders, pulling him into his embrace. Raising his phone with his free hand, he said, "Smile."

From a distance, Qi Liangqin saw Yan Bozong looking their way. For some reason, an odd sense of discomfort settled in his chest. But he knew he couldn't pull away, so he forced a smile.

Yan Songwei pressed his nose against his cheek and mimicked a kissing gesture. Click.

The photo was taken.

The angle was perfect. The sunlight streamed in from behind them, outlining them with a golden glow. Their smiles were radiant—Yan Songwei's sharp, handsome profile was on full display, while Qi Liangqin faced the camera, his grin so bright that his eyes crinkled.

The photo made Qi Liangqin's heart skip a beat.

Not because of the intimacy or harmony between him and Yan Songwei—but because of the illusion it created.

An illusion of a loving, devoted couple.

Even though he knew it wasn't real, he still felt inexplicably moved. A thought crossed his mind: Someday, I want to find someone I can share this kind of love with. If even a facade feels this sweet, how wonderful must the real thing be?

Yan Songwei posted the photo to his Moments, and Qi Liangqin shared it to his own.

Not even a few minutes later, as they rode the sightseeing cart back to the ranch, his phone chimed.

He glanced at the screen.

It was a notification.

Yan Bozong had left a single like on his post.

Qi Liangqin lifted his gaze and looked toward the front row.

There, sitting at the very front of the cart, Yan Bozong was staring down at his phone.

He could more or less guess why Yan Bozong had left that reaction on his post.

The corners of his lips tugged into a faint, bitter smile.

The warm breeze brushed against his cheeks as he gazed out at the ranch. Horses galloped freely across the field—some snow-white, some jet-black, some a deep chestnut.

Some things were written in the book. Some things were written in fate.

But he couldn't stray from the path.

Like a moth to a flame.

The group decided to have a horse race.

Qi Liangqin didn't know how to ride, so Yan Songwei had him stay on the sidelines. Handing him a pair of binoculars, he said, "They'll be too far for you to see clearly soon. Here, use this to watch your husband win."

Qi Liangqin took the binoculars and sat back in the cart as the others went off to change. Before long, they all emerged—each of them tall and long-legged, dressed in sleek riding attire.

Horseback riding was a risky sport. Helmets, riding boots, and protective vests were the most essential safety gear. On a proper riding course, helmets and vests were non-negotiable.

And unless someone was too short or too bulky, riding attire always made them look sharp and spirited.

But Qi Liangqin's eyes were drawn to Yan Bozong alone.

That restrained, ascetic air of his—it suited the gentlemanly elegance of equestrian wear far too well.

His back was straight, his legs were long, and his entire presence exuded a noble grace and authority.

Looking at him, Qi Liangqin finally understood why equestrian sports were considered the pastime of aristocrats.

Yan Bozong looked impossibly handsome in those riding boots, his long arms tucking his helmet under his arm as he strode forward, occasionally murmuring a few words to the person beside him.

So handsome it made Qi Liangqin want to stomp his feet.

Devastatingly handsome.

Unreasonably handsome.

His heart cracked open with a soundless click.

His pulse pounded in his ears.

His feet started trembling uncontrollably.

The binoculars that Yan Songwei had given him?

He used them solely to watch Yan Bozong.

Through the lenses, he zoomed in—so close that he could see every detail.

Sometimes, it was the brilliance in Yan Bozong's eyes.

Sometimes, it was the way his lips pressed together in a firm line—or curved ever so slightly into a smile.

Sometimes, it was a single bead of sweat rolling down his jaw.

Sometimes, it was his hand, tightening around the reins.

Or the way his thighs tensed, pressing into the stirrups with controlled strength.

On horseback, Yan Bozong was utterly effortless.

His powerful figure moved with a grace that was both elegant and untamed.

Galloping across the field, he looked like a hero riding straight into Qi Liangqin's life.

Love—when does it arrive?

Who can say?

Maybe it's at first sight.

Maybe it's something that grows over time.

Why does love happen?

Who can say?

Maybe it's desire.

Maybe it's something deeper.

Perhaps, in the beginning, it was only lust.

But from now on—

It was finally love.