No One Else Will Do But You - Chapter 72

During the winter break, the airport was exceptionally crowded as scores of international students returned to China for the holidays.

“Jiang Mu, is Shu Luo’s flight delayed? Wasn’t it supposed to be here at nine?” Beside him, Zhang Feiyang shivered uncontrollably. It was freezing; he hadn’t dressed nearly warmly enough for the day.

Jiang Mu wore a thick, wool overcoat in a steady dark navy blue that accentuated his prominent, sharp presence. Zhang Feiyang only felt colder standing next to him—over the last two years, Jiang Mu’s “icy aura” had only grown more sophisticated.

Suddenly, a stir erupted in the crowd. A tall, slender figure appeared, drawing gasps of admiration for the sharp facial contours visible even beneath his sunglasses.

“Hello, my friends.”

Jiang Mu’s eyes darkened as he saw the familiar figure appear before him. Clad in a striking red varsity jacket, jeans, and white sneakers, Shu Luo looked exceptionally tall and handsome. Beneath his light-gold hair, his refined features seemed to have grown even more exquisite over the past two years.

Zhang Feiyang’s eyes lit up. He stepped forward and gave him a boisterous hug. “Look at you! Going abroad really did wonders. You’re almost as tall as I am now—handsome as a model.”

“Alright, that’s enough,” Shu Luo laughed, patting him on the back. “Don’t think I don’t know why you’re showering me with praise; I bought everything on your list.”

His eyes, however, were already drifting toward the man standing behind Zhang Feiyang. Finally, he was seeing the man he had thought of every day and night.

Releasing Zhang Feiyang, he walked up to Jiang Mu. Without a word, Jiang Mu grabbed his wrist and pulled him into a fierce embrace. The strength of the grip was so intense it felt as though Jiang Mu wanted to meld Shu Luo into his own body.

“Brother, long time no see.”

“Long time no see.”

These two simple greetings carried a heavy, romantic weight that hung in the air between them.

Zhang Feiyang broke the moment, rubbing the goosebumps on his arms. “That’s enough, you two! This is a public place.”

Shu Luo looked up at him. “What? Jealous?”

Wow, Zhang Feiyang thought, he’s certainly come back with more confidence! Shu Luo handed the gifts to Zhang Feiyang, who hurried off to deliver them to his “little ancestor,” Zhong Qing. Left alone, Shu Luo and Jiang Mu shared a silent, knowing smile.

The moment the apartment door opened, Jiang Mu pressed Shu Luo against the wall and kissed him deeply, as if pouring all his bottled-up longing into the act. Surrounded by Jiang Mu’s powerful masculine scent, Shu Luo felt a rush of heat and intoxication. The chill of the flight vanished instantly.

Naturally, one kiss led to another until they ended up in bed. Shu Luo had never seen such a burning intensity in Jiang Mu’s eyes—it felt as though he were piercing through to his very soul. As they rested their foreheads together, listening to each other’s labored breathing, the world felt perfect.

Having exercised regularly for two years, Shu Luo’s stamina had improved significantly. Though the act was no longer as exhausting, he still felt the lingering ache of their passion.

Looking at the pale, toned body before him—full of lean muscle and graceful lines—Jiang Mu felt his love for the boy deepen into a frenzy.

“You’ve grown taller.”

Hearing the low voice, Shu Luo turned his head and met his eyes with a grin. “Yeah. Am I handsome?”

Jiang Mu pulled him back into his arms. “My Luo Luo is, naturally, the best.”

Hearing such unreserved praise, Shu Luo’s face filled with joy. Since they had spent hours together and it was now past 2:00 PM, Jiang Mu insisted he sleep for a while before they went to his parents’ house for dinner. Between the jet lag and the physical exertion, Shu Luo fell asleep almost instantly.

Jiang Mu tenderly cleaned him with a warm towel and applied some ointment before lying down to join him. The warmth of the person beside him was something he had deeply craved.

He’s back. It’s good.

Shu Luo didn’t crawl out of bed until his stomach began to growl. By the time he opened his eyes, the sky was dark.

“Awake?” A low chuckle came from the doorway.

Shu Luo looked at Jiang Mu with bleary eyes. “What time is it?”

“Six o’clock. It’s almost time to go back. Are you tired?” Jiang Mu walked to the bed and gently helped him pull on a sweater.

Shu Luo simply leaned against him, enjoying the pampered treatment. Seeing his contented look, Jiang Mu pinched his nose with pure doting affection.

“I’m tired because you were too ‘vigorous,’ Brother. Honestly, were you just saving it all up for me?”

Jiang Mu was very pleased with that assessment. He leaned down for a quick kiss. “Should we continue tonight, then?”

“No way!” Shu Luo waved his hands in frantic refusal.

Jiang Mu merely smiled and finished helping him dress.

The atmosphere at the Shu residence was boisterous. Shu Luo’s mother stared at her eldest son, her eyes sparkling.

“Oh, my big baby! How did you get even more handsome and tall? Going abroad really changed you!” She hugged him tightly, looking him over with pride.

Meanwhile, Shu Luo’s father was staring fixedly at Jiang Mu, trying (and failing) to be subtle about his scrutiny. Jiang Qin and her husband, Carlos, watched the scene and shared a secret laugh.

“Brother, look at me! I grew taller too!” Little Shu Yin tugged at Shu Luo’s clothes.

Shu Luo measured the boy against his waist. “Not bad, kid. You’ve grown a lot.”

“Brother has become a tall, rich, handsome guy too!”

“Now, that’s what I like to hear,” Shu Luo laughed.

The family cook had prepared a feast. “Sir, Madam, dinner is served.”

Shu Luo’s mother immediately ushered everyone to the table. “I went and bought these groceries myself today. These are all your favorites, Luo Luo. Eat more! You’ve been away for so long; I missed you to death.”

“Auntie, you’re still as beautiful as ever,” Shu Luo teased, making everyone laugh.

During dinner, the conversation was lively. Jiang Qin smiled at Shu Luo. “Your tongue has certainly gotten sweeter. You’re much better at talking than Ah Mu.”

Shu Luo grinned. “Of course. I had plenty of beautiful girls chasing me at school…”

He suddenly felt the temperature drop beside him. A chill ran down his neck. He glanced at Jiang Mu—oops, I overdid it.

“Luo Luo, if you met any pretty foreign girls, you can bring them back to visit. Dad will buy the plane tickets,” Mr. Shu said, directing the comment pointedly at Jiang Mu.

Jiang Mu remained composed. He had grown used to this; having a thick skin was essential. Under the table, Shu Luo squeezed Jiang Mu’s hand. He looked at his father and joked, “If I get a foreign girlfriend, I’d have to settle down there permanently.”

His mother immediately protested. “No! You have to come back! Once you finish your studies, come home. I know plenty of lovely girls I can introduce you to. Don’t listen to your father.”

“Brother doesn’t need to worry,” little Shu Yin added while munching on a chicken leg. “My kindergarten teacher likes you a lot!”

Thwarted, Mr. Shu took his frustration out on little Shu Yin. “Just eat your chicken leg. When adults are talking, children should just listen. Ask permission before speaking!”

“Report! I need the bathroom! Brother, I…”

Shu Yin stopped mid-sentence. He looked at the chicken leg in his bowl and went quiet, his excitement fading.

“What’s wrong, Yin Yin? Weren’t you calling for me? Come on, I’ll take you.” Shu Luo stood up to take the boy’s hand.

Shu Yin pouted. “Last time, Brother fell because I was too heavy. I’m scared to ask you to take me now… but I’m very slim now.”

Shu Luo froze, then laughed as the realization hit him. “Brother has muscles now! Come on, I can practically make you fly.”

He didn’t want the child to dwell on sad memories. He hadn’t realized that the kidnapping incident from two years ago had left such a mark on the boy. Fortunately, his mother had made up a joke at the time to make sense of the situation for Shu Yin.

Shu Luo’s physical injuries from back then hadn’t been life-threatening, but they weren’t minor either. If treatment hadn’t been delayed, he might not suffer from the occasional headaches he had now.

The mood at the table shifted slightly as the unspoken memory of the trauma dampened the joy. No one liked to bring up that painful time. Looking at the healthy, vibrant Shu Luo now, they were simply relieved he was strong enough to have moved past the shadow of that event.