"Um, Brother Dong, maybe it's best if you do wait outside. It will only take a few moments. Please?"
At the moment Yao Ziyang ended his sentence, Dong Yingming let his guard down. His steely cold face softened as he gazed at his man sat obediently on top their bed. Though he was truly adamant at first to stay, Yao Ziyang's soft plea completely melted his heart.
"Alright."
Dong Yingming agreed readily. He placed a gentle kiss on top Yao Ziyang's head before heading towards the door. Zhang Wei was completely shocked! Dong Yingming, the man who ruled the Underground like a tyrant, yielded to a sick and weak beauty! This information is both useful and deadly…
Ah best forget it!
Zhang Wei couldn't help but comment once the door had closed.
"Humph! He won't listen to his elder but he listens to you. Seems he cares deeply for you."
"M-Mm! Yeah…"
Yao Ziyang stiffened, shifting uncomfortably on the bed. Only he knew the truth. Dong Yingming didn't actually care about him. The novel only stated Dong Yingming liked to use the original Yao Ziyang as a plaything and for comfort during his stay in prison.
It was only after finding out the original was a member of the Yao family that he begin to protect him. But even this was only done so he could get his revenge and have the original Yao Ziyang kill the male and female leads and take over the Yao Corporation. If the original Yao Ziyang took over with the help of Dong Yingming and owing him a favor, this would give him easier access to the Yao Corporation finances. Though it never got to that point in the novel, Original Yao Ziyang did promise unlimited funds to Dong Yingming, perhaps to fund his own comeback?
All this because Yao Zizhou's father, Yao Gui, bribed Dong Yingming's subordinates to frame him and sent him to prison…
Yao Ziyang's heart ached for the wronged Dong Yingming. He felt more pity for the man than hurt at being used as a tool mostly because it was the old Yao Ziyang being used. He was merely placed in an already shitty situation but he's determined to make the best out of it. He'd rather be helpful to Dong Yingming and try escaping from the original bad ending than sit around waiting for death. Plus he also did not like Yao Zizhou's father. Even when the original Yao Ziyang crossed the line and hurt the female lead and their child, Yao Gui stepped up and defended the scumbag!
If he could, he'll get Dong Yingming to take a different route in acting out his revenge that did not include himself taking over the Yao Corporation. There was no way he could do that anyway! Without the original Yao Ziyang's memories, how could he run a company? He barely managed to graduate high school…right? Or had he gone to college?
Huh…
'I don't remember…'
"Okay, now that that brute isn't here, let's get started. Please take off your shirt and I will begin with the message."
Jolting out of his thoughts, Yao Ziyang, almost in a daze, followed Zhang Wei's directions.
…
The message and acupuncture took some time but afterwards Yao Ziyang felt much more relaxed. He'd completely forgotten what he was stressing out about before. Zhang Wei wiped the sweat from his brow and he began to pack up his things, leaving a small satchel of herbs on the table beside the bed for his bath.
Just before leaving, he glanced back once more, his voice quieter this time.
"You're lucky. I've seen men die from less in here. He cherishes you."
The boy looked down at his hands. His teeth dug into the bottom of his lip, rubbing it until it was bright red. Though he gave a slight smile, his knitted brows gave away how uncomfortable he truly felt.
"I know."
"Don't waste this chance."
Dr. Zhang added, and then stepped out into the hallway—where, sure enough, Dong Yingming waited, arms folded, his gaze sweeping instantly past the doctor and locking onto Yao Ziyang like a magnet snapping into place.
Dr. Zhang offered only a curt nod.
"He's recovering well. But don't hover too hard, or he'll pretend to be fine just to get away from you."
Dong Yingming didn't answer. He was already moving back inside.
And Yao Ziyang, cheeks still a little pink, was already smiling.
Once Zhang Wei closed the door, Dong Yingming went straight to Yao Ziyang and lifted him from the bed. Seeing the night approaching and the young man was a bit damp from sweat, a nice hot bath before dinner sounded nice.
"I'll get the bath ready."
Zhang Wei's words echoed in his mind about needing rest as he started running the bath water, ensuring it was a comfortable warm temperature. Dong Yingming only helped Yao Ziyang to the tub this time, so as to not repeat what happened last time, and promptly left before clothes could come off.
Yao Ziyang watched Dong Yingming's figure leave and his previous excitement plummeted to disappointment. He wanted to go further this time. Dong Yingming has always been taking care of him since he first arrived. If he didn't return the favor soon, wouldn't he be losing the protection he'd just gain? The more he thought of Dong Yingming becoming bored and kicking him to the curb for another man, the more he felt both panic and anger. There was no way he'd let another man take his favorite character!
'Dong Yingming is mine! I'll be damned if I let some skank take him from me!'
Yao Ziyang noticed, in his rush to leave, Dong Yingming forgot to leave him pajamas and he quickly came up with a new seduction plan. But first things first, he had to get clean. He made sure every inch of his body was washed spotlessly. Placing the herbs he got from Dr. Zhang in the steaming water, the sweet aroma wafted out, wrapping around Yao Ziyang gently.
Taking his time to make sure every inch of him was clean and loose, Yao Ziyang takes a moment to simply relax in the hot water. The atmosphere created an almost spa like space and Yao Ziyang couldn't help dozing off for a little while. Finally, he shook himself awake and got out of the tub. It was time he began his plan!
Steam still clung to the air, curling in soft wisps along the tiled walls of the small private washroom. The large tub sat behind Yao Ziyang like a memory—water still sloshing gently from where he'd risen moments before. His skin was flushed warm from the bath, dewy under the light, and his damp hair clung in soft waves to his forehead and neck.
Grabbing the white bathrobe, he wrapped it around his frame. It was plush and slightly oversized, cinched loosely at the waist. A triangle of pale chest peeked through where the robe gapped at his collarbone, and the curve of a bare thigh showed when he shifted his weight to one side. Drops of water clung to his legs, sliding slowly down until they disappeared beneath the hem of the robe.
He glanced at the door and called softly.
"Brother Dong? Can you bring me my clothes?"
His voice echoed slightly in the steam-filled air, sweet but tinged with playfulness. He stood near the mirror, dabbing at the moisture on his neck with a towel, not rushing, letting the silence stretch.
A moment later, the door creaked open. Dong Yingming stepped in, tall and composed, holding a neatly folded set of clothes in his hands. He stopped just inside the threshold, and for a second, he didn't move.
Yao Ziyang turned toward him fully, not shy but not brazen—meeting the man's eyes with a calm, knowing look. The light from the overhead bulb cast a soft glow on his cheekbones, making the damp sheen on his skin glisten like porcelain kissed by rain.
Dong Yingming's gaze dipped—just for a breath. To the bare leg showing beneath the robe. To the curve of collarbone. Then back to his eyes.
"You didn't say you'd be… like this."
He muttered, clearing his throat as he stepped closer.
"You forgot my clothes and I did just take a bath."
Yao Ziyang replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Though he accused Dong Yingming, it was said in such a playful manner that he did not take it to heart.
Dong Yingming handed him the clothes, but Yao Ziyang didn't take them right away. Their hands brushed, heat blooming between them, and for a long second they just stood there—steam swirling around them like smoke, silence drawn tight with tension.
"Something wrong?"
Yao Ziyang asked softly, his voice quieter now, more genuine. His feigning innocence act could win him 'Actor of the Year' awards multiple times over.
Dong Yingming shook his head, but his jaw clenched.
"You look…"
Yao Ziyang tilted his head slightly, his tone teasing but sincere.
"Clean?"
Dong Yingming exhaled a low chuckle, shaking his head.
"Dangerous."
That made Yao Ziyang laugh—a soft, melodic sound that seemed to lighten the air between them. He finally took the clothes from Dong Yingming's hands, fingers grazing his again.
"Care to help me?"
He asked gently, turning back toward the mirror with a flick of the robe's hem.
Dong Yingming lingered a second longer before stepping back into the hallway. The door clicked softly behind him—but the moment didn't leave with him. It lingered, warm and electric, like the scent of skin and steam and the memory of almost.
Hearing the door close, Yao Ziyang wasn't discouraged. He knew it would take more to make Dong Yingming lose control again like before. His guard is up too much, tch, tch! But this was a great start! Now on to phase 2!
Once he got out and dressed in the new pj's Dong Yingming gave him— a long sleeve dark green shirt with matching green plaid pants— he stepped out. His medium length hair was still dripping wet as he made his way towards the couch.
Plopping down, he sat close to Dong Yingming, who chose to distract himself by watching some cheesy reality show. When he saw Yao Ziyang's wet hair, he got up and went to get a towel. Before Yao Ziyang could put the moves on him, Dong Yingming had already left and came back with not only a soft white towel but also dinner.
A bitter pill followed by more delectable porridge along with golden milk was on the menu for Yao Ziyang. Dong Yingming enjoyed handmade pasta and bison meatballs with marinara sauce made from freshly picked tomatoes and herbs. His side dish was garlic bread fresh from a brick oven and garnishes with home grown garlic and fresh from the pasture butter.
In Yao Ziyang's eyes however, this merely looked like spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread anyone can make. To him, his food was on another level compared to Dong Yingming's! How he wished he could cook a decent meal for his mans!
After dinner was done and cleared, the two men got ready for bed. Dong Yingming tucking Yao Ziyang in then settling himself right beside the latter. Once the lights were off, Dong Yingming felt content for the first time in years, he began to drift off to sleep.
Yao Ziyang waited until he was sure Dong Yingming was completely unguarded before striking!