A Fatal Attraction from Lawyer A - Chapter 29

“Just two more bites.”

“I really can’t eat anymore.”

“Eat two more bites.”

By the bedside, Luo Panzhi held the remaining half bowl of porridge, his expression stern as he stared at Gu Yuxi. They were at a stalemate for a minute, all because he wanted the man to eat two more bites of food: “This is the porridge I specifically cooked for you.”

Saying that, he spooned a bite of porridge and brought it to Gu Yuxi’s lips, touching his mouth with the spoon, looking fierce, as if to say, eat it or I’ll force it down.

Gu Yuxi felt so full he was about to vomit. He tilted his head to avoid the spoon: “I’ve already had two large bowls. I truly can’t drink any more.”

“You can drink it!” Luo Panzhi glared fiercely at Gu Yuxi: “How are you going to recover if you don’t eat more nutritious food? Just two bites left, finish it. It’s not acceptable to not eat much after waking up. You haven’t eaten for two days, you must be hungry.”

Gu Yuxi: “…” There is a kind of hunger called my boss thinks I’m hungry: “I am genuinely full now. I’m going to throw up.”

Luo Panzhi looked at him suspiciously, slightly retracting the spoon: “Truly full? Not dizzy anymore?”

Gu Yuxi nodded: “Full, not dizzy.”

“Then these last two bites are a shame to waste.” Luo Panzhi looked down at the remaining porridge in the bowl, calculating something.

Gu Yuxi hadn’t expected Luo Panzhi to be so frugal, finding even two bites of porridge wasteful. Seeing that the man seemed to care, Gu Yuxi was about to concede and finish it, but then he saw Luo Panzhi drink the porridge himself.

“…”

“Then I’ll eat it for you.”

Gu Yuxi stared in astonishment at Luo Panzhi, his lips parted, unable to speak. This genuinely shocked him for a moment. He couldn’t help but smile slightly as he watched Luo Panzhi scrape the bowl clean with the spoon, looking like a greedy cat, eating obediently and thoroughly.

This guy did that on purpose, didn’t he?

Finally, Luo Panzhi even licked the spoon clean. He held up the bowl and spoon for Gu Yuxi to see: “Lawyer Gu, when you eat, you have to clean your plate like this, you know? But I’ll forgive you since you just woke up and have a poor appetite. I can help you finish what you can’t, but that won’t be possible in the future.”

Gu Yuxi found Luo Panzhi endearing and couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Luo Panzhi’s hand holding the bowl paused. His gaze fell upon the smile on Gu Yuxi’s face. It was as if ice and snow were melting into spring water; his eyebrows were softened by the tenderness of the smile. Although his face was still a bit pale, his features were still pleasant to the eye. His usual cool and indifferent demeanor was enough to make hearts flutter, let alone this rare smile.

He was completely unaware that he was staring at the man like a fond, obsessed person—after finishing the food in the bowl, he was now staring at the ‘delicacy’ right in front of him.

His Adam’s apple bobbed.

The smile was incredibly heart-stirring.

Gu Yuxi saw Luo Panzhi swallow and the smile on his lips deepened: “Young CEO Luo is truly frugal. You must be very good at managing a home.”

“Then do you want a man who manages a home well?” Luo Panzhi retracted his gaze, trying hard to suppress the surging, excited pace of his heartbeat. He stood up, placed the bowl on the side table, and then folded up the over-bed table: “If you want one, I’ll take care of your leftovers from now on.”

Gu Yuxi leaned against the headboard, watching Luo Panzhi neatly organize the finished tableware. There was no sign that this was a pampered young master. How did this person manage to look like a young master who never had to lift a finger, while actually being a meticulous, stay-at-home husband?

He was practically the quintessential example of someone who could excel both in the public eye and in the kitchen.

“It’s just a pity that you already have a ‘boyfriend.’ I feel sorry for you that you can’t have a man like me.” Luo Panzhi wiped the table with a wet wipe, looking at Gu Yuxi as he spoke, his face full of feigned regret. He shook his head: “Sigh, what a shame.”

Gu Yuxi: “…” The ‘boyfriend’ thing was truly something Luo Panzhi couldn’t let go of: “Actually, I—”

Just as he was about to explain, there was a knock on the ward door.

“Youpan, it’s Big Dad.”

Luo Panzhi heard his Big Dad, Luo Qingye’s, voice coming from outside the door. He abruptly stood up, quickly smoothed down his clothes, and then looked at Gu Yuxi, asking nervously: “Are my clothes neat?”

Gu Yuxi was confused by Luo Panzhi’s panic: “Why are you so nervous? Isn’t that CEO Luo?”

The implication was: Why are you so nervous about your own father?

Luo Panzhi looked hesitant to explain, but there was no time now: “I’ll tell you later.”

He then walked to the door and opened it.

The door opened to reveal a tall, handsome Alpha in a casual suit standing outside. Although he was in his early forties, time seemed to have left no deep marks on his face; instead, he had become more composed and reserved with age.

Standing in front of Luo Panzhi, his stern demeanor subtly overwhelmed Luo Panzhi’s aura.

The person who arrived was Luo Qingye, the second-generation CEO of the Galaxy Group, the Alpha husband of the first-generation CEO Chu Yiqiao, and Luo Panzhi’s father, affectionately called “Big Dad.”

Luo Panzhi’s fear and awe of his Big Dad were practically ingrained in his bones because his Big Dad’s education for him had been particularly strict since childhood, completely different from how he treated his elder brother, Chu Guozhi.

His brother could whine; he could not.

His brother could cling to their father (Chu Yiqiao); he could not.

His brother could cry; he could not.

But he desperately wanted to.

Perhaps this yearning for the rebellion he had dreamt of but never dared to act upon was why he was so nervous. He knew why his Big Dad was here—he must disagree with him and Gu Yuxi being together.

But he thought that perhaps this rebellion needed to be enacted here today. For his wife, face was nothing.

He was all in.

“Big Dad,” Luo Panzhi greeted him.

“Hmm.” Luo Qingye responded solemnly. He quickly scanned his son, whom he hadn’t seen for six months. He reached out and gripped Luo Panzhi’s shoulder, squeezing slightly, and then frowned: “How long has it been since you boxed? Your muscles are slack.”

Luo Panzhi widened his eyes at his Big Dad, his eyes practically screaming, How dare you say this in front of the person I like? Don’t I have any self-respect? But facing Luo Qingye’s gaze, he didn’t dare to refute.

“… Busy,” Luo Panzhi admitted. He really hadn’t boxed in a long time.

“Busy?” Luo Qingye pushed his shoulder away, walked into the ward, and looked at Gu Yuxi on the hospital bed, his expression slightly less serious: “Busy falling in love?”

Gu Yuxi immediately sat up upon seeing Luo Qingye, his face showing respect: “Professor Luo.”

“Are you dating Luo Panzhi?” Luo Qingye sat on the nearby sofa, crossing his legs, getting straight to the point.

Gu Yuxi was stunned and looked at Luo Panzhi in confusion.

Luo Panzhi felt somewhat guilty and didn’t dare to look at Gu Yuxi. He had indeed unilaterally declared war on his fathers, proudly asserting that he liked an Alpha and so what. He had said it brazenly, but Gu Yuxi, as one of the parties involved, was unaware.

After all, he still didn’t know Gu Yuxi’s true feelings for him; he just used the ‘boyfriend’ excuse to shut him down, making him feel like an unofficial third party seducing someone immorally.

The thought of this made him feel a little down.

Because he didn’t know what Gu Yuxi was afraid of. Why, when he felt the man liked him, was he unwilling to take that step? The word ‘boyfriend’ stood between them like the magpie bridge between the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

But at least the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl were a couple.

He and Gu Yuxi were still just superior and subordinate.

Luo Qingye looked at his son, noticing the sadness on Luo Panzhi’s face. This was different from what his partner, Chu Yiqiao, had told him—that his son was adamant about being with Gu Yuxi. But as soon as he arrived and asked, the truth was revealed.

So, it’s unrequited love?

He didn’t want to expose Luo Panzhi’s fragile heart; if he did, his son might run to his father to complain. He abandoned the plan to lecture the two about the dangers of two Alphas being together and turned to look at Gu Yuxi on the hospital bed.

“Yuxi, I apologize for you being unexpectedly injured and dragged into this incident. I apologize on behalf of Luo Panzhi.”

Luo Panzhi stood nearby, his face expressionless. It was impossible not to feel hurt by those words. He pursed his lips, his jawline tight, and an aura of dejection from being criticized permeated his surroundings.

Gu Yuxi’s peripheral vision landed on Luo Panzhi. Seeing the man looked unhappy, and hearing that CEO Luo was indirectly criticizing Luo Panzhi, Gu Yuxi instinctively defended him: “You don’t need to apologize. An accident is an accident; it’s unpredictable.”

“I was also surprised that this incident involved so many people, including the person who bullied you back then. So, if you don’t want to take this case, it’s alright. Just tell me, and you can return to our side.”

Luo Panzhi looked at his father in disbelief: “Dad!” He subconsciously looked at Gu Yuxi, thin sweat collecting in his palms.

“I must take this lawsuit.”

Luo Panzhi was stunned.

“I’m fighting this not only for the Galaxy Group but also for myself,” Gu Yuxi said, word by word, his tone filled with undeniable certainty. His clear eyes deeply reflected Luo Panzhi’s nervous and anxious expression:

“Back then, I had no power. The person who bullied me ‘died and that was that,’ and the matter was dropped. But now I have the ability. I can work for the Galaxy Group, which was a benefactor to me, and I can seek justice for myself. I will definitely win this lawsuit.”

“Because I have my backing.”

The clear, yet somewhat weak, voice resonated strongly in the ward, deeply striking Luo Panzhi’s heart.

Luo Panzhi was momentarily stunned. He met Gu Yuxi’s gaze. The contained smile and certainty in those light amber eyes instantly dispersed all the anxiety and fear that had been lodged in his throat.

He had been afraid that Gu Yuxi wouldn’t want to take the case, afraid that Gu Yuxi would be taken away, afraid that Gu Yuxi would leave him, yet Gu Yuxi said:

—Because I have my backing.

This was what Luo Panzhi had said to Gu Yuxi before:

—What are you afraid of? I am your backing.

The nervousness on Luo Panzhi’s face gradually vanished, replaced by the joy of being protected by Gu Yuxi in front of his Big Dad. Delight surfaced in his eyes, and he lowered his gaze somewhat shyly: “Big Dad, I will protect Lawyer Gu. You can rest assured.”

He then raised an eyebrow at Gu Yuxi.

Gu Yuxi took in all of Luo Panzhi’s expressions, the corner of his lips slightly indented.

Luo Qingye: “…” Are these two really not dating?

He and his partner, Chu Yiqiao, weren’t this mushy back then.

After learning of Gu Yuxi’s decision, Luo Qingye did not interfere. He had come this time precisely to ask for Gu Yuxi’s opinion. If Gu Yuxi wanted to stay, he had no objections, as this was Gu Yuxi’s own choice.

He merely had to fulfill the instructions his partner had given him.

And the essential education about the dangers of two Alphas being in love had been strangled in the cradle before he could utter it. He didn’t feel the need to say it now. After all, the children’s father (Chu Yiqiao) had already said what needed to be said. This was the children’s choice; no matter how difficult or painful, they chose it themselves.

“Yuxi, I heard from Doctor Su that your sex-inducer neutralization is starting to fail, is that right? If so, you need to pay attention. If your pheromone concentration rises, remember to find Luo Panzhi.” Luo Qingye stood up. He walked to Luo Panzhi’s side and patted his son’s arm again: “Yuxi has a unique constitution. Both the pseudo-heat and the rut can exhaust your strength, let alone the possibility of both occurring together. You are so weak, remember to exercise more.”

Luo Panzhi: “?!” He’s weak? Where is he weak?

“Your father and I will be here temporarily to handle this matter. If you need any help, just say so. Don’t try to handle everything by yourself.” Luo Qingye looked at Gu Yuxi one last time before leaving: “You, too. Don’t try to be a hero. With the Galaxy Group behind you, you don’t need to worry about anything. We have already instructed the police. Wait until you are feeling better before giving your statement. Rest well.”

With that, he left the ward.

Luo Panzhi poked his head out the door, watched his Big Dad’s retreating figure, and as soon as he saw him walk far away, he immediately locked the ward door. Then, he turned around and walked quickly back to the bedside, looking aggressive.

Gu Yuxi: “?”

“Do you need to use the restroom?” Luo Panzhi stood by the bed, looking down at Gu Yuxi.

Gu Yuxi shook his head.

“You must be in a hurry. I’ll carry you.” Luo Panzhi made a gesture as if to lift Gu Yuxi in his arms.

“Wait, I’m really not in a hurry.” Gu Yuxi quickly pressed down on Luo Panzhi’s hand.

Luo Panzhi paid no attention to that. He slipped his hands under Gu Yuxi’s knees and lifted him horizontally.

Gu Yuxi reflexively wrapped his arms around Luo Panzhi’s neck.

However, the distance from the bed to the restroom was only about twenty steps. Gu Yuxi noticed the veins bulging in Luo Panzhi’s neck, and the way he was trying to suppress the strain, pretending, “I’m fine, I’m very strong.” He recalled what CEO Luo had said earlier. Did that hurt the young CEO’s pride?

Finally, Luo Panzhi quickly set Gu Yuxi down on the sink counter, putting him down with a bit of force. He braced his arms on either side of Gu Yuxi’s legs, his arms still tense, the muscle lines faintly visible. He was breathing deeply, his expression extremely serious.

“Young CEO Luo, putting me down that hard hurts,” Gu Yuxi said, feeling the sting in his backside the moment he was lowered. He looked helplessly at Luo Panzhi.

Luo Panzhi frowned at Gu Yuxi’s words, his expression slightly wronged: “I didn’t mean to.”

Gu Yuxi was amused by his tone: “So, why did you carry me here when I didn’t need to go to the bathroom?”

“I can carry you. I am not weak.” Luo Panzhi stared at him, slightly tightening the arms braced on either side of Gu Yuxi. The sculpted muscles under his shirt outlined a hormonal tension: “What my Big Dad said is wrong.”

Gu Yuxi met Luo Panzhi’s gaze. The eyes, with their drooping brows, revealed defiance and grievance, like a large puppy that had lost a fight outside and was now seeking comfort and affection. This instantly struck his sweet spot.

“Mhm, that’s wrong.” His hand itched. He gently rubbed Luo Panzhi’s head, coaxing him with a smile: “I’m an Alpha. You can carry me, so you’re not weak.”

After all, he was an adult Alpha and worked out regularly, so he wasn’t light.

Luo Panzhi remembered that carrying Gu Yuxi was indeed a struggle just now, including the time Gu Yuxi fainted at the Group. He almost dropped him that time too. The more he thought about it, the more he felt he shouldn’t have been lazy and skipped his boxing practice.

If Gu Yuxi’s rut and pseudo-heat truly came at the same time, and he couldn’t keep up and got exhausted first, he would be completely humiliated.

“I need to use the time while you’re recovering to work out and gain muscle,” Luo Panzhi said, comfortable with Gu Yuxi rubbing his head. He leaned in closer, his hands subconsciously cradling Gu Yuxi’s lower back to prevent him from hitting the wall behind: “Just in case.”

“Don’t worry,” Gu Yuxi said, leaning forward slightly.

As soon as Gu Yuxi finished speaking, his slender legs wrapped around Luo Panzhi’s waist. The arms braced at Gu Yuxi’s sides suddenly tightened. Luo Panzhi stared at Gu Yuxi, gazing into the seemingly affectionate smile in the man’s eyes.

“When we’re tired, we can rest together. Once we’re rested, we can continue,” Gu Yuxi said, his nose brushing against Luo Panzhi’s nose with a faint, gentle rub. He chuckled softly: “It will be alright.”

The gentle, slightly husky voice, laced with seduction, echoed in his ear.

That nose rub nearly paralyzed the young CEO Luo.

Luo Panzhi no longer cared about whether he was weak or not. Mesmerized by Gu Yuxi, he nodded in agreement: “Yes, when we’re tired, we rest together, and once we’re rested, we continue. Same thing.”

“I’m tired now,” Gu Yuxi said, wrapping both hands around Luo Panzhi’s neck and resting his head on his shoulder, whispering: “I’m sleepy.”

After all, he had only been awake for a short time and couldn’t exert himself for too long.

Luo Panzhi supported Gu Yuxi’s hips with his arms, lifting him so they were face-to-face. In that moment of being needed, he felt that Gu Yuxi was surprisingly light to hold: “I’ll carry you back to bed.”

“But now I actually need to use the restroom,” Gu Yuxi said, turning his head: “Can you carry me?”

Luo Panzhi thought: Gu Yuxi is being affectionate with me. Forget carrying him to the restroom; he’d be overjoyed if Gu Yuxi asked him to squat next to him and watch.

“Okay, I’ll carry you.”