Gold-Devouring Bottom: A Guide to Pampering - Chapter 27.1

Shen Xinghuai’s excitement hadn’t faded yet. Still straddling the duvet, his eyes fixed on the bathroom door, he replied offhandedly, “Yeah, I’m happy.”

The moment the words left his mouth, he froze. Who asked me? That was the madman’s voice!

He went stiff, not daring to look back. He didn’t even want to know how the man had escaped; instead, he was mentally calculating how many steps it would take to spring from the bed and bolt out of the room. Would he make it?

Behind him, Ye Xiuchen’s chilling voice drifted closer. “Then why aren’t you laughing now?”

Shen Xinghuai remained motionless, counting down in his head. One, two, run!

The instant he lunged from the bed, his ankle was firmly snared. Ye Xiuchen effortlessly dragged the escapee back. “You still dare to run?”

Pinned back onto the mattress, Shen Xinghuai felt utter despair. Looking up at the man looming over him, he gave up the struggle. His voice was flat and defeated. “I’m not running anymore.” He couldn’t anyway.

Ye Xiuchen seemed satisfied with the answer. He grabbed the boy’s arms and settled him back onto the pillows. “Run again, and I’ll tie you to the bed for the rest of the night.”

Shen Xinghuai pulled a long face, letting the man arrange and straighten him like a doll. “I’ll cooperate. Just don’t tie me up.”

Ye Xiuchen narrowed his eyes, clearly not believing a word from this little liar. “Cooperate? Like moving a sofa to block the door? Or locking me in the bathroom again?”

“On the sofa? That works too. Dr. Lin did suggest we ‘communicate’ more.” Shen Xinghuai blinked, looking at him with wide, innocent eyes.

Ever since hearing Lin Xiao’s suggestion that day, Ye Xiuchen had become allergic to the word “communication.” Hearing Shen Xinghuai bring it up made his face darken instantly.

Shen Xinghuai knew that mentioning this would leave the man speechless. “Not satisfied with the sofa? Then how about the bathroom? Or maybe outside? In the car? I’m fine with anything.” He maintained an air of being extremely easy-going.

Under his “suggestions,” Ye Xiuchen’s expression grew grimmer by the second, clearly fuming but unable to find a retort.

Serves you right for being angry. Who told you to keep scaring people! A faint, barely perceptible smirk touched Shen Xinghuai’s brow. “Have you decided? Or should we just try them all?”

Ye Xiuchen’s breathing grew heavy. His ink-black eyes glared at the boy unblinkingly. The angrier he became, the more Shen Xinghuai enjoyed it, his eyes curving into crescents of mirth.

When the laughter became too blatant, Ye Xiuchen abruptly slapped the light switch, plunging the room into darkness—out of sight, out of mind.

Before Shen Xinghuai’s eyes could adjust, the bed dipped beside him. Suddenly, his waist was snared in a tight grip, and he was hauled into a firm embrace.

Shen Xinghuai: “!”

This time, the madman showed none of the cold resistance from that previous night. He buried his head in the crook of the boy’s neck, breathing in that faint, sweet, milky fruit scent that made him want to take a bite. “Shut up and sleep.”

He hadn’t had a full night’s rest in days.

Shen Xinghuai felt like Ye Xiuchen was using him as an oversized teddy bear. The grip was a bit too much. “Lighter, you’re squeezing me.”

Ye Xiuchen loosened his hold slightly but remained glued to him. Whenever he held Shen Xinghuai, he found it difficult to control his strength; no matter how close they were, it never felt like enough—he wanted to knead the boy into his very own body.

Ye Xiuchen couldn’t explain his reaction, so he tried to shift his focus. “You can’t escape.”

This was a good topic. The moment he remembered Shen Xinghuai’s own admission of wanting to leave, the soft, fuzzy warmth in his heart vanished instantly.

Ye Xiuchen’s heart may have hardened, but Shen Xinghuai was just depressed. “Yeah. One wrong move and the whole game is lost.”

Ye Xiuchen lifted his head from the boy’s neck and flipped him over to face him. “What did you say?”

“I’m tired. Let’s sleep.”

Ye Xiuchen studied him for a long moment before pulling him back into his arms. “If there is a next time, I really will lock you up.”

Shen Xinghuai: “…” All my hard work was for nothing. I’m clocking out for the day; I can’t be bothered with him.

He leaned against the man awkwardly at first, but eventually, exhaustion won. He drifted off to sleep right there in Ye Xiuchen’s arms.

When he woke the next morning, Ye Xiuchen was already dressed, standing by the window looking out. The sunlight silhouetted his tall, lean frame, highlighting his incredible waist-to-hip ratio and long, straight legs.

Shen Xinghuai opened his eyes lazily, watching him for a while before getting out of bed to stand behind him.

From this height, the garden was clearly visible. The two elders were already playing chess in the pavilion. The person serving tea, however, wasn’t Xiao Zheng, but the father-and-son duo of Ye Ding and Ye Xiujun. They hadn’t been here yesterday; they must have rushed over first thing this morning.

Shen Xinghuai gave a long stretch and glanced at the time. “What are they doing here?”

Ye Xiuchen let out a disdainful scoff. “They know I’m here. They can’t sit still in their chairs at home anymore.”

Recently, Ye Xiuchen had been working like a man possessed, and his sudden diligence had the duo downstairs on high alert.

The Lincheng Summit was held once every five years, a grand event of immense significance—which was why Old Master Tian had traveled all the way from abroad. At the summit, the way guests attended varied; most entered with invitations, but the heads of Lincheng’s prominent clans were invited as special guests to help shape the commercial direction of the city for the next five years.

Though Old Master Ye was still the head of the family, his advanced age and his lack of involvement in company affairs over the past year made it clear to everyone that his retirement was imminent. In a business empire like the Ye

Group, any change in leadership affected the entire region. The selection of a new head wouldn’t happen overnight; instead, hints would be dropped early to allow other families to prepare.

Since this was the selection of a clan head, the “hint” couldn’t come through back-channel gossip. It required a grand stage, and this summit was the perfect opportunity. Whoever sat beside Old Master Ye in the special guest section would be the one unofficially designated as the next head of the Ye family.

Shen Xinghuai realized, “They think you want to attend the summit with Grandfather?”

“Mm.” The moment his gaze landed on Ye Ding and Ye Xiujun, Ye Xiuchen transformed from a cold madman into a bloodthirsty wolf. Every ounce of his focus betrayed a manic desire to tear them to shreds.

Shen Xinghuai watched his profile quietly. “So, are you going to fight for that chance?” In the original plot, the summit happened shortly after Old Master Ye passed away. Ye Xiuchen hadn’t attended; instead, he had sent the duo downstairs directly to the ICU, and no one from the Ye family had gone.

“Yes.” The madman sounded serious.

Shen Xinghuai was surprised. “You want to be the big boss of the Ye family?” The madman actually has career ambitions?

Ye Xiuchen withdrew his gaze from the window and looked at the boy. “I have a goal to complete.” The seven hundred billion one.

Shen Xinghuai had long since forgotten about the seven hundred billion. He stared at the man in disbelief. A goal? Does being a madman have KPIs now?

Seeing his serious expression, Shen Xinghuai assumed the takeover started today. “Are you making your move now?” As in, killing them?

“Yes. Let’s go down.” Ye Xiuchen’s strides were long and fast.

Shen Xinghuai jogged to catch up. “Wait for me! I’m coming too!” I want to see the show!

They soon reached the pavilion. Upon seeing them, the fawning smiles on the Ye father and son’s faces vanished instantly, replaced by guarded glares directed at Ye Xiuchen. Ye Xiuchen met them with a freezing gaze; Shen Xinghuai could almost hear the sparks of hostility crackling in the air.

Old Master Ye was used to this, but with guests present, he couldn’t let them make a scene and disrespect Old Master Tian. He scanned the group with a clear look of warning. Once he was sure they had received the message, he turned back to his old friend. “Maoyun, I’m a bit tired. Let’s walk around.”

Maoyun was Old Master Tian’s name. Understanding his friend’s intent, he set his chess piece down. “Sure. I heard you’ve collected some new jade pieces. Show them to me.”

Old Master Ye beckoned Ye Xiuchen. “Xiuchen, come push my chair.”

Ye Ding protested, “Father, let Xiujun accompany you.”

The Old Master glanced at him flatly. “No need. It’s getting late; aren’t you two going to the office?”

The “show” was cut short. As Ye Xiuchen prepared to leave, Shen Xinghuai tried to follow, but Ye Xiujun blocked his path. “Brother, I’ve been looking at pianos lately. You’re the expert; I was hoping for your advice.”

Shen Xinghuai didn’t even hesitate to refuse, but Old Master Ye suddenly spoke up: “Xinghuai, why don’t you help Xiujun pick one out?”

Shen Xinghuai: “???”

Ye Xiuchen also stopped, looking at his grandfather in surprise. But the Old Master only urged him to leave. “Xiuchen, let’s go.”

After pushing his grandfather a short distance, Ye Xiuchen couldn’t help himself. “Grandfather, why did you leave him with them?”

Old Master Ye smiled but said nothing. It was Old Master Tian who spoke up. “Your grandfather’s favoritism is showing. He sent that boy to clear the path for you.” He patted Ye Xiuchen’s arm. “Don’t worry. This is your grandfather’s house; the boy won’t be harmed.”

Left behind, Shen Xinghuai and the Ye duo stood in an awkward stalemate. Ye Xiujun spoke first. “Brother, do you know what happened?”

Know what? Shen Xinghuai shook his head honestly. “No.”

“This morning, your father went to court to file for bankruptcy.” Although Shen Xinghuai had previously claimed he wanted the Shen family destroyed, Xiujun assumed it was just a tactic to get attention. He didn’t believe Shen Xinghuai would remain indifferent if the family truly went under—especially knowing it was Ye Xiuchen’s doing.

Shen Xinghuai was genuinely surprised. Since when was Shen Hong so good at taking advice? “For real?”

The Ye father and son exchanged a look. Xiujun’s eyes were full of faux-pity. “Brother, although your parents were forced to leave Lincheng, don’t worry—you aren’t alone. From now on, I am your elder brother. We are family.”

Shen Xinghuai’s eyes widened with joy. Which nameless hero did this for me? Who solved my biggest headache? “Who did it?”

Ye Ding let out a pained sigh, sounding deeply regretful. “Sigh, it’s all my fault. I didn’t raise Xiuchen well, allowing him to do such a thing.”

Shen Xinghuai stared at him. You ‘raised’ him? Bullsht.* “Ye Xiuchen did it?”

The duo nodded. “He is cold-blooded and heartless. He has failed you.”

Shen Xinghuai looked in the direction Ye Xiuchen had gone. The madman is actually a keeper! He’s so thoughtful! After refusing Shen Hong and Bai Xiang’an yesterday, he had been worried they would cause trouble behind his back. In a single night, the problem had been perfectly resolved.

Beside him, the Ye duo saw Shen Xinghuai’s deep, silent gaze and assumed he was too grief-stricken to speak. Xiujun stepped closer. “Brother, if you’re sad, you can lean on my shoulder and cry for a while.”

Shen Xinghuai glanced at his shoulder and took a step back. “It’s fine. I can hold it in.” Hold in the urge to laugh out loud in front of you two.

Ye Ding spoke with a paternal tone. “Xinghuai, from the moment I saw you, I felt a special connection. You and Xiujun got along so well last time, too. We both like you very much.”

These two were masters of manipulation, never speaking directly—classic practitioners of PUA (Pick-Up Artist) tactics.

Shen Xinghuai stood by the pavilion, looking down to hide the expression in his eyes. Ye Ding watched him for a moment and continued his “infiltration.” “Since you’ve suffered such a great injustice, you deserve compensation. Whatever you want to do, Xiujun and I will help you. we won’t side with Xiuchen!”

Xiujun echoed, “Yes, Brother. Whatever you want to do, we’re behind you. If you want to give Xiuchen a little lesson, we can help with that, too.”

They were putting on a passionate performance, but Shen Xinghuai wasn’t even listening. He was debating whether to have lunch at the manor or head back to Yujun Garden. He really wanted to head back; he remembered Uncle Ming had bought some top-tier fish glue recently, and he was craving the soup the night chef made. But the manor was a bit far; he’d miss lunch entirely by the time he got back.

Shen Xinghuai let out a soft sigh. There was such a thing as being too frugal. Some necessities were simply worth buying. I need to buy a helicopter. Traveling is too much of a hassle.

Seeing his brow furrow deeper, the duo thought they were getting through to him. “Xinghuai, what are you thinking? Tell us, we’ll help.”

Shen Xinghuai looked up at the expectant pair, his tone very serious. “I want to buy a helicopter.”

The father and son looked at each other, asking in unison: “What do you want a helicopter for?”

“To fly.”

“Hiss!” Ye Ding drew in a sharp breath, and Ye Xiujun’s expression turned solemn and meaningful.

The father and son contemplated in silence for a moment. Heaven knows what dark conclusions they reached, but they nodded in unison: “We’ll buy it!”

Shen Xinghuai scratched his temple. “Mm. When I have time, I’ll go pick one out.”

“Pick it today!” Ye Ding was more anxious than he was. “Once you’ve chosen, I’ll foot the bill!”

Shen Xinghuai remembered Ye Xiuchen’s warning about not spending other people’s money. “I have the funds. How about you help me with something else instead?” The yard at Yujun Garden didn’t have a suitable spot for a helipad, and building one was a hassle he didn’t want to deal with himself.

The Ye duo nodded eagerly. “Anything. Just say the word.”

“I’m buying the property next to Yujun Graden. I want you two to help me level it and build a helipad there.”

The Ye father and son nodded again. “Done!” As long as they could take down Ye Xiuchen, they’d build him an international airport, let alone a helipad. “We’ll personally supervise the construction!”

Shen Xinghuai was satisfied with their efficiency. “Then, my thanks to you both.”

The duo was now in high spirits. “Don’t mention it. To a happy collaboration!”

Watching Shen Xinghuai’s retreating figure, Ye Ding let out a long, slow exhale. “He is even more ruthless than I imagined.”

Ye Xiujun agreed, feeling a chill. “Indeed. And clever, too—a method we never considered. A helicopter crash? Certain death. And investigating the cause for evidence would be incredibly difficult.”

Ye Ding looked up at the sky; the sun was exceptionally bright today. “Let’s go.”

“To the office?”

Ye Ding glared at his short-sighted son. “What office? We’re contacting the engineering teams and prepping materials. This is our top priority now!” Every day sooner it was built was a day sooner they could eliminate the thorn in their side, Ye Xiuchen. Nothing else mattered.

Shen Xinghuai hadn’t walked far from the pavilion when he saw Ye Xiuchen waiting for him.

Thinking about how the man had just solved his “Shen family headache,” Shen Xinghuai felt a surge of joy, turning back into a happy little seedling. “Waiting for me?”

“Mm.” Ye Xiuchen lowered his gaze slightly, his eyes darkening. “You looked quite happy chatting with them just now.”

Shen Xinghuai looked up. “Of course not.”

“What did they say to you?” Ye Xiuchen didn’t actually need to ask; the yard was blanketed in surveillance. But he wanted to hear it from Shen Xinghuai’s own lips.

Shen Xinghuai took his arm as they walked. “They told me you forced the Shen family into bankruptcy and chased them out of Lincheng.”

Ye Xiuchen’s stride faltered. He had intended to tell Shen Xinghuai this himself. Now that those two had gotten to him first, the story had surely been twisted. “And? What do you have to say to me?”

What he wanted to say was: Beautifully done!

However, remembering how Ye Xiuchen had questioned his identity a few days ago, Shen Xinghuai knew that being too blunt would trigger the man’s paranoia. He opted for a more tactful approach. “I’m sure you had your reasons. I trust you.”

Shen Xinghuai’s eyes were dangerously deceptive—bright, clear, and innocent. When he looked up at Ye Xiuchen with that wide-eyed gaze, he looked so pure it made one’s heart ache.

At this moment, Ye Xiuchen believed him. Even if Shen Xinghuai pointed at a pile of dog stool and called it candy, Ye Xiuchen wouldn’t doubt him for a second; if the boy coaxed him enough, he might even be tempted to try a piece.

Ye Xiuchen just stared at him in silence. When his deep, brooding eyes focused intently, they subconsciously softened into something tender and lingering. This side of him was rare, and it made Shen Xinghuai feel a bit bashful. “Don’t look at me like that. It makes me impulsive.”

Ye Xiuchen didn’t realize how his gaze had changed. “Impulsive how?”

Shen Xinghuai choked on his words. Total mood killer. “Never mind, the feeling’s gone. Anyway, did you speak to Grandfather?” About becoming the head of the family.

“Mm,” Ye Xiuchen replied calmly.