OL CH30

Bai Su’s single call of “Dad” struck like a bolt of lightning, charring Chen Tian to a crisp inside and out.

The crux of the matter was that looking at the boy’s innocent expression and the touch of filial admiration in his eyes, this was clearly not some sort of bedroom roleplay.

Could this be the legendary “I want to be your husband, but you want to be my son”?

What kind of human tragedy was this!

Chen Tian’s face darkened. Considering his lover was still young and in all likelihood hadn’t opened his romantic mind yet, he could only take a deep breath, swallowing the grievance down into his stomach.

Forcing a stiff smile, he said to Bai Su, “There’s really no need to be that polite…”

A father-son dynamic, a relationship that could very well stand in the way of their romance in the future, was something Chen Tian flatly rejected.

Seeing the disappointed look on the boy’s face, resembling a puppy with drooping ears, Chen Tian’s heart ached terribly. Yet for the sake of his future blissful life, he could only scramble to justify himself.

“Bai Su, I want to mentor you so you can become my trusted confidant in the future. A father-son relationship wouldn’t be good for your growth. How about you call me Brother Qin from now on?”

“B-Brother?” Bai Su repeated in astonishment. Fiddling with his fingers, he glanced up at the tall man before him, seemingly troubled.

“I meant… Uncle. Just call me Uncle Qin.”

Defeated in the end by the boy’s subtly bewildered gaze, Chen Tian could only swallow his pride and settle on another form of address.

Internally, he grumbled that he wasn’t even thirty years old in this world, hardly that much older than Xiao Bai. It was only a difference of eleven or twelve years!

Yet hearing Chen Tian’s words, Bai Su perked up immediately, nodding firmly as he called out earnestly, “Alright, Uncle Qin!”

Hearing the kid switch to “Uncle” with such lightning speed, Chen Tian felt even more aggrieved…

Afterward, Chen Tian naturally asked about Bai Su’s life in the welfare home over the years. Over all those years, Bai Su had only ever experienced elder care from Director Mama. Facing Chen Tian’s attentive inquiries, he answered every single question with utmost seriousness, feeling an ever-deepening warmth in his chest.

Only later, when the secretary finished speaking with Director Wang and Chen Tian wanted to take Bai Su back directly, the boy showed a hint of hesitation.

Bai Su was certainly not going back on his word; being suddenly made to leave the welfare home and these companions, he was inevitably worried and reluctant.

Yet he knew in his heart that Uncle Qin taking an interest in him and offering to take him along was already tremendous fortune. How could he ungratefully demand anything more?

Director Mama felt greatly comforted upon learning that Mr. Qin was willing to take Bai Su and took a liking to the child.

Although it was explicitly stated that this was taking him under his wing to mentor rather than a legal adoption, through her conversation with the secretary, Director Wang had gained a profound understanding of Mr. Qin’s stature and character.

The most sensible child in the welfare home now had a wonderful place to go, with limitless prospects ahead; she couldn’t be happier.

Noticing Bai Su’s hesitation, Director Mama smiled and patted his shoulder, reassuring him: “Mr. Qin is a good man. Don’t worry about the welfare home. Just come back to visit often when you have free time. This will always be your home!”

The children who had been waiting for Bai Su in the room, upon hearing he was leaving with him, were sensible enough not to hold him back despite their reluctance to part. Although the welfare home had Director Mama and friends, what child didn’t yearn for a home of their own?

Those with the strongest reactions were naturally Su Zhaozhao, Heipi, and Xiao Lei, who always stuck together with Bai Su.

Her eyes rimmed with red, Su Zhaozhao was genuinely happy for Bai Su. Stepping forward, she forced a bright smile and said, “Brother Bai Su, I heard from Director Mama that your new home is wonderful. That’s so great! Someone as wonderful as Brother Bai Su deserves an amazing home!”

Heipi rubbed his stinging nose and gave Bai Su a hug: “Boss, don’t forget about us when you reach your new home. Come back to see us often!”

Xiao Lei even fished a small black plastic bag from his pocket, surreptitiously slipping it into Bai Su’s hands.

Opening it, Bai Su found an assortment of crumpled small bills totaling over a hundred yuan.

“Brother Bai, this is what Heipi, Zhaozhao, and I saved up. Take it for emergencies. Don’t look down on it being so little!”

Heipi blushed slightly. Xiao Lei was the sharpest among them, so over seventy yuan of this change was saved by Xiao Lei, thirty was from Zhaozhao, and only a dozen or so came from him.

In truth, Bai Su was the most hardworking. Before people started causing trouble, he had saved some money from collecting recyclables. But after things went south, he constantly spent it buying food for them, so he probably had nothing left.

Clearly, neither Xiao Lei nor Zhaozhao minded that Heipi contributed less; it was the thought that counted.

Looking at this thick wad of small bills, modest though the sum was, Bai Su knew how terribly difficult it had been for them to save this up.

His eyes grew slightly moist, yet he did not turn down their kindness. He accepted the money, accepting their heartfelt goodwill.

Though he had lost his parents long ago, here he had nonetheless reaped family and warmth.

While Bai Su said his goodbyes to his friends, Chen Tian stood quietly nearby without interrupting. Even if seeing Bai Su receive friendly hugs stirred a touch of jealousy in his chest, he held back.

Hmph! What does a child’s hug count for? Xiao Bai will be entirely mine in the future. I can hold him every single day, however I want!

Casting a casual glance over the children, Chen Tian showed greater leniency toward anyone who treated Bai Su well.

He knew these children were quite good at heart. The female lead, Su Zhaozhao, was lovely as well; during the “car accident” earlier, he had noticed her defending Bai Su.

Su Zhaozhao wasn’t actually that young, fast approaching her fifteenth birthday. But having suffered hardship and chronic malnutrition in her earlier years, she looked only eleven or twelve. Despite her pretty features, she was just a frail, petite little girl, which was why Bai Su and Heipi took such good care of her.

Now with the Qin Corporation’s sponsorship, as long as these children worked hard, they would all lead good lives ahead.

And so, after reluctant farewells, Bai Su followed Chen Tian back to the Qin household.

Having settled many affairs, it was already very late when they returned.

Chen Tian personally escorted Bai Su to his future bedroom. It was a room he had instructed Butler Qin to prepare well in advance, right next door to his own, all so his partner could stay in comfort once abducted home.

Naturally, what Chen Tian desired most was having Bai Su stay in his own room. Yet with his lover still so young, he could only suppress the cravings in his heart. After all, he had never possessed an ounce of resistance against his partner!

“Xiao Bai, you will stay here from now on. The room has only been simply tidied up for now. I thought once you arrived, you could decorate it according to whatever you like. Whatever you want it to look like, just let Uncle Qin know, and he can arrange it.”

Hearing this, Bai Su stared blankly at the spacious, bright room. The decor was simple and elegant, centered around a soft, comfortable large bed. A massive floor-to-ceiling window sat to the right of the bed, offering an unobstructed view of the moon and stars outside.

He had never seen such a fine room, let alone lived in one.

Seeing Bai Su zoning out by the doorway, Chen Tian casually placed an arm around his shoulder and guided him inside. Opening the wardrobe nearby, a collection of clothes was already arranged within, every piece tailored precisely to Bai Su’s size.

Pulling a set of pajamas from the folded loungewear below, Chen Tian placed them in his hands and smiled warmly. “Change into pajamas first, it’ll be more comfortable. There isn’t much in the closet yet; tomorrow we’ll get more styles you like. My room is right next door. If you need anything, feel free to come find me directly.”

Bai Su looked down in a daze at the pajamas in his hands, their soft texture causing his mind to sway. Remembering the clothes in the closet and the furnishings of the room, everything seemed prepared well in advance.

“Uncle Qin, this room, and these clothes…”

Bai Su couldn’t help asking. He was far from narcissistic enough to assume all this was tailored specifically for him, even though the clothes clearly matched his frame.

“What is it?” Seeing the boy staring at him, Chen Tian dipped his head and leaned in closer.

Facing the warmth in the man’s eyes, Bai Su was momentarily at a loss for words.

He wanted to ask if Uncle Qin had long planned to take a youth under his wing. If it hadn’t been him, would it have been someone else?

Is that why this room and everything in it existed? And located right beside Uncle Qin’s master bedroom, it was clearly meant for someone he intended to groom closely.

At the thought that, had they not crossed paths, another boy would have stood by Uncle Qin’s side, receiving this very care and attention, an indescribable sour bitterness welled up in Bai Su’s chest.

Yet so what? Uncle Qin had met him! The one he chose was him!

Having sorted through this, Bai Su relaxed. He hurriedly shook his head with a smile. “It’s nothing. Thank you, Uncle Qin!”

Unaware of his little partner’s delicate inner thoughts, Chen Tian fondly ruffled the boy’s hair, seeing how well-behaved he was. Seeing that the hour was late, he turned and stepped out, personally returning with a warm glass of milk.

Opening the door, he caught sight of Bai Su clad in puppy-patterned pajamas, freshly washed and mid-yawn.

The youth’s hair was still slightly damp at the ends. His skin was clear and fair; when he yawned, a glimpse of his pink tongue and two adorable canine teeth peeked through. His slightly messy, curly hair combined with that innocent expression made him look overwhelmingly docile.

What kind of peerless puppy is this!

Stealing a few hurried glances at Bai Su, Chen Tian moved several times faster than before. He set down the milk, told him to rest early, and beat a hasty retreat under Bai Su’s slightly bewildered gaze.

The moment he shut the door, Chen Tian clutched his chest and leaned against the panel.

Replaying his little partner’s image in his mind, he felt he was going mad. His Xiao Bai was simply too cute; he wanted to kiss him senseless!

Once again hopelessly entranced by his lover’s charms, Chen Tian drifted back to his own bedroom in a daze. His dreams were filled with sweet days of cuddling his beloved, overflowing with bliss and all manner of unspeakable scenes.

The next morning, Chen Tian opened his door sporting two dark circles under his eyes, only to see Bai Su standing outside in fresh clothes.

The boy wore a white knit sweater and beige casual trousers, looking clean and crisp. The moment he saw him, a wide smile bloomed across his face.

“Uncle Qin, breakfast is ready.”

The tips of the youth’s ears were tinged with pink. One look told Chen Tian that the boy had waited specifically to wake him, sending his mood soaring instantly. Nodding, he headed downstairs with Bai Su to dine.

Over breakfast, noticing the dark circles under Chen Tian’s eyes, Bai Su asked with concern, “Uncle Qin, did you stay up late working?”

Hearing this, Chen Tian recalled last night’s dreams. Looking at the culprit before him, his lips twitched, but he could only nod.

Knowing he couldn’t help much right now, Bai Su nonetheless said earnestly, “You must take care of your health!”

Simple as the concern was, watching his thoughtful, sweet partner and sipping the fruit juice Xiao Bai personally poured, Chen Tian was thoroughly satisfied.

Magnanimously, he reasoned to himself: Forget it, I’ll endure for another couple of years. At least I dreamed about Xiao Bai all grown up last night, and kissing him in the dream was quite satisfying!

Just as the two were dining in harmony, footsteps approached from the foyer.

Returning early from a school trip, Qin Fei walked inside clad in sportswear. Spotting Chen Tian’s silhouette from near the dining area, he rushed over in high spirits.

Calling out as he ran: “Uncle, why aren’t you at the office today? Awesome, let’s have breakfast together!”

“Who are you?”

Qin Fei looked in astonishment at the boy sitting at the dining table eating with Chen Tian. At the same time, Bai Su calmly looked up at him.

Both took each other in, yet Bai Su was far from as calm inside as he appeared on the surface.

Another boy. A boy who appeared around the same age as him. Why did he call him Uncle too, and with such casual intimacy? Who was he?

Could it be that Uncle Qin groomed many children like him? Was he not the only one?

This boy had arrived before him, so was he closer to Uncle Qin than he was?

Did Uncle Qin like this boy better than him?

Bai Su deliberately lowered his head, refusing to look at Qin Fei’s face, experiencing a fierce resistance toward a stranger for the first time in his life.

A faint rim of crimson surfaced in his eyes, a twisted pang aching in his chest. At this moment, Bai Su had not yet realized that this emotion was called jealousy.