"Li Hao," Wang Lai said, dragging him into a quiet corner of the hotel and pinning him against the wall.
"What's happening?" Li Hao asked, sliding down ducking under his arm to escape.
"Let's—let's use our words," Li Hao said quickly, adjusting his collar. "And when did I tell you my name?" He blinked, confused, and Wang Lai's smirk deepened.
"You shouldn't have left like that that day," Wang Lai said, stepping closer. "Or ignored me every time you finally came to the orphanage." His hand tightened on Li Hao's shoulder.
"People are watching," li hao said shifting closer to wang Lai as he whispered which only made wang lai excited.
"Besides I don't know what you're talking about," Li Hao stammered, trying to wriggle free.
"Do you want me to jog your memory?" Wang Lai murmured. His eyes darkened.
"Do you want to see if rise again," wang lai said licking his lips as he and li hao looked down at his crotch the same time and looked back at each other again.
Li Hao froze, his face red and his heart pounding as the air thickened between them.
Then, suddenly, he placed his hands on Wang Lai's chest with both hands pushing him. "No—no, stop!"
Wang Lai only smiled. "Darling, don't be in such a rush to touch me."
Li Hao's hand jerked back as if burned. "No," he said, shaking his head rapidly.
Wang Lai's smirk widened as he grabbed Li Hao by the waist and pulled him closer until there was no space left between them. Their breaths mingled, the tension sharp, suffocating.
"Li Hao," he whispered slowly as if burning, "as you can tell, I… am—"
"Uncle! Uncle!"
The small voices of children cut sharply through the moment.
Wang Lai immediately released him and crouched down to hug the twins who had appeared at his feet. "Lang Yue, Lang Xue," he greeted, his voice suddenly warm.
"Is mummy here already?" he asked, rubbing their heads.
"Yes, and she's looking for you! The event's about to start!" Lang Yue said excitedly.
"Let's go," Wang Lai said, taking their hands.
"Uncle Li!" the twins cried and ran toward Li Hao on sighting him, hugging his legs tightly.
"Lang Yue, Lang Xue," Li Hao said softly, bending down to rub their heads.
"You don't come to the orphanage anymore. We missed you," Lang Xue pouted.
Li Hao's face softened. He knelt to their level and held their hands. "I'm sorry. Forgive this uncle?" he said with an exaggerated pout before tickling them both. Their laughter rang through the air, light and genuine.
"Am I forgiven," he said as he tickled harder.
"Yes! Yes!" they squealed, wriggling away as Wang Lai watched them quietly, a faint smile flickering over his face.
"Children," wang lai called, his tone calm but commanding. They stopped immediately, even Li Hao froze.
"Hold hands," he said, and the twins obeyed.
"Let's go," he continued, turning away with them. Then he glanced back at Li Hao. "You too."
Before Li Hao could protest, Wang Lai took his hand again, firm and unyielding, and led him toward the hall.
---
"Ladies and gentlemen," the host announced, clinking a glass for attention. "The long-awaited ceremony is finally here — the installation of the new CEO and his assistant of Chen Fashion. Guests from far and wide have gathered to witness this moment."
The crowd applauded as everyone began finding their seats.
"Everyone has a designated spot," Li Hao murmured, noticing the arrangement. "I should just stay at the back—" he started, trying to pull his hand away.
But Wang Lai's grip only gripped his hand again, tighter this time. "Go meet mummy," he said softly to the twins, leaning down to them.
Then he turned back to Li Hao. "I didn't stutter," he said, his voice low. "Let's go."
He guided Li Hao to a table and made him sit beside him.
A server approached hesitantly. "Sir, this seat is reserved for—"
"Should I stand up then?" Wang Lai asked coolly, tilting his head with a faint smile.
The server paled. "I'm sorry, sir," she said quickly, retreating.
Wang Lai looked back at Li Hao and raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile curving his lips.
Li Hao only turned his gaze away.