Qie Xieling slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurred and his head pounding with pain. The sterile smell of the hospital filled his nostrils, and the soft beeping of the machines echoed in his ears. He tried to move, but his body ached, reminding him of the brutal encounter with President Yin and his henchmen.

Confusion washed over him as he looked around, his surroundings unfamiliar. It took a moment for his memory to catch up, and as the events of the kidnapping flooded back, his heart raced with a mix of fear and anger. This world nearly made him lose his life.

Lying back down on the hospital bed, he massaged his temple, trying to ease the throbbing pain. As his gaze wandered, he noticed a remote control on the bedside table. Curiosity piqued, he reached for it and turned on the TV mounted on the wall.

The screen flickered to life, displaying a news broadcast. The headlines that greeted him were shocking, far beyond anything he had expected. President Yin had been arrested for a myriad of crimes, including the most heinous of them all: murder.

His eyes widened, disbelief washing over him. The man who had once stood tall and powerful, exuding a sinister aura, now appeared frail and feeble. The contrast between President Yin’s current state and their fierce battle in the forest was stark, leaving him dumbfounded.

But the surprises didn’t end there. The news anchor continued, reporting that Lee Ya, the notorious leader of the East Triads, had also been captured. The once untouchable crime lord had finally met her downfall. Unlike President Yin, Lee Ya still looked as beautiful as ever her steps graceful like she was walking on a fashion runway.

Even Bager was implicated in the unfolding scandal but he was still a fugitive. With all these people finally locked up, he could now relax. Gripping the remote tightly, Qie Xieling changed the channel to something else and started looking for his cell phone.

While frantically searching for it, the door swung open and his entire crew stepped in with Bo Ailun holding a big bouquet of flowers.

"He is finally awake!" yelled Bo Ailun while rushing over to Qie Xieling’s side seeming very ecstatic.

Qie Xieling lay there his body weary from the ordeal he had just experienced but he was still actively participating in the conversation with his crew members.

The room was filled with joyful chatter, their excitement palpable as they recounted the thrilling details of President Yin’s capture. They sat everywhere, occupying every available chair and even some spots on the floor, their voices merging into a harmonious symphony of camaraderie.

As the crew members eagerly shared their plans for the upcoming island resort getaway he had planned for them, Qie Xieling couldn’t help but smile. It was their reward, a celebration for his triumph in the race. Qie Xieling had promised them this well-deserved vacation if they won and they seemed so excited about it.

Bo Ailun was lying beside Qie Xeiling in bed while feeding him an assortment of fresh fruits as if he were an emperor being spoiled with the finest delicacies. "I haven’t figured out who will be my plus one. There are just too many ladies sliding in my DMs," said Bo Ailun bragging about his recent popularity online.

The others laughed amusedly but Qie Xieling said, "Whoever you pick should get a stamp of approval from your dad. I your father will have to vet them."

Bo Ailun laughed out loud while shoving a grape in his mouth. "No thanks. I am good."

Just as the atmosphere reached its peak, the door swung open, and Luo Muchen stepped inside. His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the crowded room, his expression a mix of confusion.

When he heard Qie Xieling had woken up he didn’t think all these people would beat him getting here. The sudden intrusion had caught him off guard.

His gaze fixed on Bo Ailun, who was still sleeping beside his boyfriend, and a pang of jealousy shot through him. Though he knew nothing was happening between them but seeing someone else attending to his lover’s needs stirred up a wave of possessiveness within him.

Qie Xieling who wasn’t aware of Luo Muchen’s emotions, beckoned him over with a gentle smile. He gently pushed Bo Ailun off the bed, creating an empty space beside him. "Move, your daddy needs somewhere to sleep."

Bo Ailun, "..."

"You are so heartless," said Bo Ailun skulkingly.

Luo Muchen cautiously approached the bed, his gaze locked onto Qie Xieling’s. He settled down beside his lover, his eyes never leaving Qie Xieling’s face. "Won’t I hurt you if I sleep next to you?" he asked seemingly very concerned. He didn’t want to hurt him.

"No, it’s fine," he said while pulling Luo Muchen closer. Luo Muchen caressed Qie Xieling’s cheek and in that moment, the noise in the room faded into the background, and all that mattered was the connection between the two of them.

Qie Xieling reached out and tenderly brushed Luo Muchen’s cheek as well and Luo Muchen couldn’t help but lean down like he was about to kiss him.

"Okay, time to go. Does anyone want lunch? Hotpot anyone?" suggested Bo Ailun and the others being so great at social cues followed behind while acquiescing. When the door was shut Luo Muchen couldn’t help but whisper, "How are you feeling?" his voice low and seductive, filled the room. His words carried a mixture of concern and longing.

With his eyes half-closed, Qie Xieling met Luo Muchen’s intense gaze, his heart fluttering at the sight of his beloved.

A soft smile tugged at his lips as he confessed, "My body is healing, but my heart... it aches for you," his voice barely above a whisper.

Luo Muchen’s hand gently caressed Qie Xieling’s shoulder, his touch both tender and possessive. He leaned in, his lips brushing against Qie Xieling’s cheek, leaving a trail of warmth and affection. "I missed you too," he murmured, his words laced with a longing that mirrored Qie Xieling’s.

His fingers intertwined with Qie Xieling’s as their lips lingered millimetres apart.