After the Straight Male Incubus Became a Heartthrob - Chapter 15

Gu Jiazhi finally endured until the end of class, only to watch Ye Lin head out to dinner with Liang Wenle. Left with no other choice, he had to find other friends to hang out with.

When his friend came to find him and saw Liang Wenle and Ye Lin leaning close together, he shook his head in disdain. “Wenle has really changed since he started dating. It is terrifying!”

Gu Jiazhi watched their retreating backs, and his appetite vanished instantly. His friend patted his shoulder and sighed. “Brother, promise me you will never become like that. Otherwise, I will look down on you. Who needs feelings? Pleasure is what matters most!”

Gu Jiazhi finally could not hold it in anymore. His face went cold. “I am not eating. Go by yourself.”

The friend was stunned. “What is wrong with you? Are you having a depressive episode?”

Gu Jiazhi barked at him to get lost and walked quickly toward the parking lot. He felt like he needed to go out and clear his head, or he was going to explode on the spot.

On the other side, Ye Lin had just successfully swindled five hundred thousand yuan out of Liang Wenle, and he was in a fantastic mood. Getting money from Liang Wenle only required a few sweet words, which was much easier than earning it through the Succubus System.

[System]: Host, please do not play favorites. After all, you have earned quite a lot through the Succubus System as well.

Hearing that familiar mechanical voice, Ye Lin thought back to his previous encounters with Gu Jiazhi. He could not help but send a message asking what they should have for dinner. After all, he spent his days coaxing Liang Wenle, but he still had to return to Gu Jiazhi’s place to rest at night.

Gu Jiazhi did not reply. It was as if he had vanished.

Sitting across from him, Liang Wenle finished his meal and laid down a requirement. “On the day of the banquet, your attire must be decent. You need to wear at least one piece of jewelry or a watch. Otherwise, it will look like I am dating a pauper. It would be deathly embarrassing.”

Hearing this, Ye Lin knew he could squeeze out more money. He immediately played the victim. “Wenle, but I do not have any decent clothes, let alone jewelry or a watch.”

Liang Wenle sighed helplessly. “Fine, I will buy them for you. Just remember to wear them and, for heaven’s sake, do not make a fool of yourself.”

Ye Lin nodded and happily accepted a designer suit and a pair of cufflinks worth six hundred thousand yuan.

When he returned to the apartment that night, the living room was empty. There was no familiar scent of home-cooked food. After searching the place and finding no sign of Gu Jiazhi, he called him. The call did not go through, but he received a text. Going on vacation to clear my head. I will be back in a few days.

How strange, Ye Lin thought. Gu Jiazhi had actually run off on a vacation. He did not think too much of it and went about his routine, eating, sleeping, and accompanying Liang Wenle to school the next day, collecting quite a few benefits along the way.

He had his eye on a motorcycle worth over three million yuan. After paying in full, he took it for a spin around the city, specifically heading to the overpasses to experience the thrill of speed. An expensive bike really was different; the gazes of passersby were focused on him, filled not with disdain, but envy.

Ye Lin relished the feeling. He even stopped near beautiful women, hoping they would take a second look at him. But the women only smiled; no one stepped forward to ask for his contact information.

What is going on? Is my masculine charm insufficient?

Upon returning home, Ye Lin specifically searched for guides on how to increase masculine charm. He discovered that money is the best beauty product for a man. As long as you spend enough, you become charming. He thought he just needed to earn more money.

After buying the motorcycle, his savings were back down to only two million yuan. He figured if he worked a bit harder to save for a house and eventually opened a few shops, he would be set for life.

Ye Lin made a simple plan for his future. Gu Jiazhi still had not returned, but Ye Lin did not reach out to him. After all, Gu Jiazhi was a grown man with money and time; it was normal for him to go out and play for a while.

In the blink of any eye, the day of the birthday banquet arrived. It was held at the villa of Liang Wenle’s cousin, a massive estate built halfway up a mountain. Guests were free to wander through the expansive gardens. Today, Ye Lin wore a white suit and a sapphire necklace that matched the one Liang Wenle was wearing. It was a deep, dark blue adorned with lettered accents.

The cousin’s name was Chen Linyu. She stood at the entrance greeting guests in a pale yellow off-the-shoulder gown. She was tall, strikingly beautiful, and had an infectious smile. Ye Lin instantly had a flashback to the swimsuit beauty from that other day. He loved this kind of sunny, confident woman and felt an urge to run over and help carry her train.

Chen Linyu wore only simple pearl jewelry, yet she remained stunning. Her voice was gentle and patient; anyone who heard her would like her.

Ye Lin extended his hand and smiled. “Cousin, I am Ye Lin.”

Seeing Liang Wenle frown beside him, Chen Linyu did not reach out to shake his hand. She simply smiled and replied, “Hello.”

Liang Wenle pressed down firmly on Ye Lin’s shoulder. “Hey, Cousin. This boyfriend of mine is a bit of a ditz, is he not?”

Chen Linyu laughed helplessly. “That is called being honest and simple. It is quite cute.”

Ye Lin nodded in agreement. “I also think I am exceptionally honest. I am a good person.”

Liang Wenle looked like he wanted to throttle him. He dragged Ye Lin away without lingering further. Ye Lin kept looking back at Chen Linyu, praising her from the bottom of his heart. “Your cousin is so beautiful. She is like a princess, no, like a queen.”

Liang Wenle gritted his teeth. “Stop looking. She cannot like you; she is already engaged to the Lu family. Stay away from her so the Lu family does not get the wrong idea. I will not save you.”

Ye Lin sighed and turned back dejectedly, following him into the reception hall. Inside, everyone was dressed in their finest, gathered around a castle-like cake, whispering and holding wine and desserts. As soon as Liang Wenle entered, all eyes turned toward him, and people flocked over to greet him. Ye Lin marveled at how high Liang Wenle’s status was; he was the center of attention at every gathering.

Ye Lin did not know these people. He only recognized Shen Shao, who was standing by the window. Shen Shao was alone as usual, silently sipping his wine and looking outside, lost in thought.

Ye Lin tugged at Liang Wenle’s sleeve and whispered, “Wenle, Shen Shao is over there. Do you want to go talk to him?”

Liang Wenle finally noticed Shen Shao, who was once again distanced from the crowd. In the past, he always thought Shen Shao’s isolation was unique, like a mountain lake, clear as a mirror, reflecting only the blue sky. But now, he did not feel that way anymore.

Ye Lin continued to nudge him. “Well? Are you going or not?”

Liang Wenle retracted his gaze and pinched Ye Lin’s hand hard. “Stop talking. Now is not a good time. If I just rush up to him, will I not look like a total simp?”

Ye Lin muttered under his breath, “But you have been pining for him this whole time. Simping a little is expected.”

Liang Wenle was so angry he poked Ye Lin’s forehead. “What did you say?”

Ye Lin raised his hands to cover his head, pleading piteously. “Wenle, I was wrong! I will not say it, I will not say it!”

Liang Wenle rolled his eyes and reminded him of the schedule, forbidding him from making any mistakes. First, express birthday wishes to the guest of honor, Chen Linyu. Second, politely greet Chen Linyu’s parents. Third, stay close to Liang Wenle. Do not disappear midway, and absolutely do not act like an unsophisticated tourist, staring around with curious eyes.

In the eyes of onlookers, the two were deeply in love, even flirting in public. Chen Linyu eventually could not watch any longer. She walked over to Liang Wenle and said, “Wenle, you know my parents are quite conservative. When they arrive later, could you and your boyfriend tone it down a bit?”

Liang Wenle was puzzled. “What is wrong? Are we not being normal?”

Chen Linyu was exasperated. Her gaze fell on their entwined hands and Ye Lin, who was leaning against Liang Wenle’s shoulder. Ye Lin caught on instantly, let go immediately, and laughed sheepishly. “Sorry, Cousin! I will tone it down, do not worry.”

Seeing Ye Lin constantly flattering Chen Linyu, and remembering his bad habits, Liang Wenle warned him sternly. “Keep your mouth shut later. Do not look at anyone but me. Do not embarrass me.”

Ye Lin nodded and mimed zipping his lips. To Chen Linyu, it looked like her cousin had found someone he truly loved and was being extremely possessive. She covered her mouth and laughed.

Once the banquet started, Ye Lin followed Liang Wenle closely, not saying a word, content to be a wooden man. When people tried to talk to him, he did not respond, strictly following his boss’s orders.

As time passed, Liang Wenle had quite a bit to drink and followed his circle of friends into a card room to play. Ye Lin followed him in. These rich heirs played for high stakes, usually starting at a million, sometimes even reaching ten million.

Ye Lin did not have that kind of money, so he just sat and watched. He noticed Shen Shao was sitting opposite them, just watching silently without playing. Shen Shao wore no jewelry or luxury watches; he just sat there, looking like an orchid among weeds. His temperament stood out remarkably.

Someone finished shuffling and nudged Shen Shao. “Shen Shao, play a few rounds. You are already here.”

Several others joined in. “Exactly! Everyone is playing; do not be the odd one out.”

Shen Shao, pressured by the crowd, had no choice but to sit at the table. Ye Lin caught the cue and immediately leaned against Liang Wenle, acting spoiled. “Wenle, play a round with him. I want to win some money.”

The people around them sensed the tension and started cheering. Liang Wenle was quite drunk and his head was spinning. He rubbed his temples and replied without looking up. “Play yourself. If you win, it is yours. If you lose, it is on me.”

Starting at a million? How generous!

Ye Lin did not care about playing matchmaker anymore. He immediately sat opposite Shen Shao and picked up the cards. They played the simplest game, drawing three cards to compare values.

Ye Lin drew the Ace of Hearts. He used the card to tap the back of Shen Shao’s hand, trying to be reasonable. “Shen Shao, you are already so rich. Let me win a little.”

The Ace of Hearts was a special card, and the gentle tap on the back of the hand felt like a soft touch to the heart. The light flowed over Ye Lin’s jade-like face; every curve of his eyes and the slight lift of his lips was intoxicating. The atmosphere turned ambiguous, and the onlookers waited expectantly for Shen Shao’s reaction.

Shen Shao simply flipped his card as usual and said coldly, “No.”

In the next moment, Ye Lin lost two million. He gritted his teeth and drew again, but he kept losing. Lady Luck favored Shen Shao, causing Ye Lin to lose six rounds in a row.

Liang Wenle had fallen asleep. Someone nearby could not watch any longer and spoke up. “Alright, that is enough. You have already made Wenle lose ten million. If your skills are this bad, do not play.”

Ye Lin slammed the cards on the table in a rage, glaring at Shen Shao and accusing him loudly. “You stingy miser! You are so rich; would it kill you to let me win a few million!”

Most of the people in the room were stunned into laughter by this remark. They could not understand why Liang Wenle was dating such an unreasonable idiot. But this idiot looked small; when he was angry, his cheeks were flushed and his breathing was uneven, like a poisonous pufferfish puffing up. The angrier he got, the more interesting he became.

Shen Shao was also amused by this foolish display. The corners of his mouth curled slightly. “If you cannot afford to lose, do not play.”

Ye Lin wanted to slap him then and there, but he suddenly heard the system’s prompt.

[System]: Warning, Host. Hunger value has reached 85. Please replenish energy as soon as possible.

Ye Lin realized that Gu Jiazhi had not been home for a few days, so he had not replenished. He had to find Gu Jiazhi right now! Ye Lin was terrified of turning into a Succubus in front of everyone, so he rushed out.

He wanted to find a secluded spot to call Gu Jiazhi, but then he saw a figure in a black suit at the end of the hallway. It was Gu Jiazhi turning into the restroom. He ran over immediately.

[System]: Hunger value has reached 90. Host, hurry!

The moment Ye Lin caught up to Gu Jiazhi, before a word could be said, he pinned the man and kissed him. The other person’s eyes widened. Instead of cooperating and opening his mouth, he shoved Ye Lin away forcefully and wiped his lips.

Ye Lin stumbled several steps before stopping. He grabbed the man’s hand and snapped, “What are you pretending for? Hurry up and kiss me, and then let us go home and do it!”

Gu Jiazhi’s expression was one of pure horror, as if his entire worldview had been shattered and was being painfully rebuilt. He emphasized with heavy stress. “You have a boyfriend.”

Ye Lin thought Gu Jiazhi was just trying to be discreet at the birthday party. He took the initiative to wrap his arms around the man’s neck and stood on his tiptoes to seek a kiss. “Open your mouth! No one is here anyway; Liang Wenle will never know.”

Suddenly, Shen Shao’s voice rang out from the doorway. “Oh? And who did you say would not know you were having an affair with Gu Zhe?”