The Gu Estate wasn't just a house; it was a castle.
Iron gates, stone lions, and a garden large enough to get lost in. It was designed to intimidate.
As the car stopped, Gu Chen turned to Lin Yu. "Ready?"
Lin Yu adjusted his expression. The sharp, intelligent look vanished instantly. In its place was a clingy, wide-eyed, innocent look.
"Ready, Hubby," Lin Yu said in a voice so sugary it could cause diabetes.
Gu Chen twitched. "Don't call me that when we are alone."
"Practice makes perfect," Lin Yu winked, then grabbed Gu Chen's arm like a koala holding a tree.
They walked in.
In the massive dining hall, an old man sat at the head of a long mahogany table. He had white hair, a stern face, and held a dragon-headed cane. This was Elder Gu, the patriarch who had controlled the business world for forty years.
"You're late," Elder Gu boomed, not even looking up.
"Traffic," Gu Chen replied briefly, pulling out a chair.
Lin Yu didn't sit in the guest seat. Instead, he squeezed his chair right next to Gu Chen's, so close their shoulders were touching.
Elder Gu finally looked up. His sharp eyes scanned Lin Yu from head to toe—the dyed hair, the trendy clothes, the shameless clinging.
"Who is this?" Elder Gu frowned. "I told you to bring a partner, not a pet."
"Grandpa!" Lin Yu gasped, covering his mouth in mock horror. He turned to bury his face in Gu Chen's shoulder. "Hubby, he's so mean! I'm scared!"
The servants in the room froze. No one had ever dared to speak like that in the Gu house.
Gu Chen stiffened. He felt the warm breath of Lin Yu against his neck. He fought the urge to push him away and patted Lin Yu's back stiffly.
"He is my husband," Gu Chen said to the old man. "Lin Yu. We got the certificate today."
Clang.
Elder Gu dropped his spoon. "Husband? You married a man? And... an actor?"
"Yes," Lin Yu answered for him. He sat up straight, beaming with a smile that looked entirely brainless. "Gu Chen loves me very much! He even bought me a company today just to make me happy. Right, Hubby?"
Gu Chen looked at the sparkling eyes of the little fox beside him. "Yes. He likes to play."
Elder Gu's face turned purple. "Buying a company for a plaything? Absurd! Unfilial! Our family needs a virtuous partner who can help the business, not a... a parasite!"
"But Grandpa," Lin Yu blinked innocently. "I am very useful. I know how to spend money. If I don't spend Gu Chen's money, who will? He makes so much, it would be a waste."
Elder Gu looked like he was about to have a heart attack.
Dinner was served. It was a silent, tense affair—until Lin Yu started his performance again.
A plate of spicy crayfish was placed on the table.
Lin Yu looked at the crayfish, then pouted. He nudged Gu Chen under the table.
"Hubby," Lin Yu whined softly. "I want to eat crayfish. But I don't want to dirty my hands. My manicure is new."
The butler almost dropped the wine bottle. Asking the Tyrant of the Capital to peel crayfish? Is this boy looking for death?
Gu Chen looked at Lin Yu. He saw the mischievous challenge in Lin Yu's eyes. 'You wanted me to be annoying,' the eyes said. 'Here you go.'
Gu Chen let out a cold laugh. He reached out, put on the plastic gloves, and picked up a crayfish.
Crack. Peel.
He placed the peeled meat into Lin Yu's bowl.
"Eat," Gu Chen said, his voice low. "Don't choke."
Elder Gu slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! Gu Chen, have you lost your mind? Serving him like a servant?"
"He is my spouse," Gu Chen wiped his hands calmly. "Grandfather, you said you wanted me to settle down. I have settled down. If you don't like him, we can leave."
"You..." Elder Gu pointed his trembling finger at Lin Yu. "You are nothing but a gold digger! You are with him for his money!"
The room fell silent. This was the ultimate insult.
Lin Yu slowly put down his chopsticks. The silly smile vanished for a second, replaced by a strange calmness.
"Grandpa," Lin Yu said. "You are wrong."
"I am not just with him for the money," Lin Yu leaned forward, his voice serious. "I am with him because he is the only one in this city powerful enough to protect me. And in return, I am the only one brave enough to stand by his side without fearing him."
He smiled again, returning to the 'spoiled' persona. "Plus, he is very handsome. Have you seen his abs? Worth every penny."
Gu Chen choked on his water.
Elder Gu stared at them, speechless. He looked at his cold, unapproachable grandson, and then at this shameless, lively creature next to him.
"Get out," Elder Gu waved his hand tiredly, rubbing his temples. "My blood pressure is rising. Get out of my sight."
"Okay! Bye Grandpa! Take your medicine!" Lin Yu chirped happily.
He grabbed Gu Chen's hand and practically dragged the man out of the dining hall.
As soon as they stepped out of the mansion and the heavy doors closed behind them, Lin Yu dropped the act instantly. He let go of Gu Chen's arm and sighed, rubbing his face.
"My face muscles hurt from smiling," Lin Yu complained. "Did I do well, Boss?"
Gu Chen looked at him. The moonlight hit Lin Yu's profile, making him look softer than before.
"You are..." Gu Chen struggled to find the right word. "A disaster."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"But," Gu Chen walked towards the car, hiding the slight curve of his lips. "The crayfish peeling... that will cost you extra."
Lin Yu laughed and followed him.
The night was still young. And now, they were going home. To their home.