The White Moonlight Clings to His Secret Identity - Chapter 5

Yun Xiaoyan looked up in surprise, only then realizing that while he was single-mindedly moving luggage and arguing with Yun Haojun, Ji Chenlin had already approached them.

The man’s aloof presence was incredibly intimidating. A mere glance at Yun Haojun was enough to turn the latter’s lips deathly pale and render him speechless, leaving him looking like a wilted eggplant, both shocked and terrified.

Yun Xiaoyan’s little brain whirred, and he cheerfully went to greet Ji Chenlin.

“I told you to wait in the car, so why did you come to help me?” Yun Xiaoyan asked with a theatrical pout, his voice soft and sweet. It didn’t sound whiny at all, but rather made one want to pinch his fair cheeks and tease him.

Ji Chenlin glanced at the boy’s bright eyes, which reflected only him, and his hands, which were red from lifting the suitcase. He frowned slightly but didn’t call out Yun Xiaoyan’s act.

He stepped forward, took the large suitcase from the boy’s hands, and effortlessly lifted it with one hand, placing it on the luggage cart.

While Ji Chenlin handled the luggage, Yun Xiaoyan stood aside, smugly pouting at Yun Haojun. He looked like a plush cat that had suddenly become noble and elegant, now that someone was backing him up.

This made Yun Haojun furious.

In his twisted worldview, Ji Chenlin was the absolute pinnacle of the pyramid, a man worthy of universal admiration. He could have shared in that status and power through marriage, but his parents’ firm opposition cost him the opportunity, and he couldn’t stomach it.

Ever since he learned of Yun Xiaoyan’s impending marriage to Ji Chenlin, he’d been clinging to his pride with “self-comfort.” He told himself that Yun Xiaoyan would surely be neglected, humiliated, and even abused, gaining nothing and becoming merely a pawn in a wealthy family’s alliance.

But now, seeing Ji Chenlin not only far more handsome than he’d imagined, but also personally helping Yun Xiaoyan move his junk, Yun Haojun felt a bitterness worse than a ton of lemons.

Yet there was no outlet for this bitterness. If he said anything wrong, Ji Chenlin could crush his family like an ant.

“Let’s go,” Ji Chenlin said after packing his bags, then pushed the cart toward the parking area.

To further infuriate Yun Haojun, Yun Xiaoyan threw caution to the wind and leaned in, wrapping his slender white hands around Ji Chenlin’s arm. They looked like a pair of inseparable lovers, their intimacy palpable.

Fortunately, he had done this before at the civil affairs bureau, so it wasn’t too difficult.

He shook Ji Chenlin’s arm, which was noticeably thicker than his own, and pushed his luck. “You’re so amazing, husband.”

The compliment was soft and sweet, like a kitten purring in a playful mood. The title “husband” came out slurred, almost a growl from the back of his throat.

Ji Chenlin said nothing. He simply strode toward the parking lot, his long legs covering the distance with ease.

As they walked, Yun Xiaoyan kept looking back at Yun Haojun, whose face was flushed crimson. He stuck out his tongue in a childish gesture.

Seeing Yun Xiaoyan’s triumphant display, Yun Haojun clenched his fists. A wave of frustration and jealousy washed over him, making his whole body tremble with rage. He wished he could drag this unfair world down with him into oblivion.

Yun Xiaoyan watched his impotent fury with satisfaction. His mood lifted considerably.

So Ji Chenlin had this ability to make people angry? Nice, nice.

The young man’s heart soared. He tugged the man’s arm and skipped forward, completely oblivious to something he’d forgotten.

At the entrance to the apartment building, Ji Chenlin suddenly spoke in a chilling voice, “Let go.”

Yun Xiaoyan snapped back to reality, realizing what he’d done—and hadn’t even explained it to Ji Chenlin! He’d just dragged the man by the arm all the way here!

The young man snatched his hand back as if burned.

The faint, unique scent of the boy that had been near his nose vanished abruptly. Ji Chenlin said, “He can’t see anymore.”

Yun Xiaoyan froze, then understood.

For a moment, he felt a strange sense of gratitude that Ji Chenlin knew he was being used as a pawn but still played along. The fear he felt toward Ji Chenlin even softened slightly.

But before he could thank him, Ji Chenlin coldly declared, “We’ll let these two times slide. From now on, no more physical contact like this between us.”

“And as for our relationship, you can fool others, but you know the truth in your heart.”

“Huh?” Yun Xiaoyan froze for a moment, then understood what the man meant.

Given his current dependent situation, even if he didn’t want to agree, he could only meekly murmur an “Oh.”

Ji Chenlin glanced at him and strode toward his car without a word, loading the luggage from the cart into the trunk one by one.

He paused slightly as he reached for the last suitcase.

“What’s in here?” the man asked casually, his voice flat.

He continued, lifting the pink and white suitcase with one hand. The muscles in his arm, visible through his sleeve, bulged, radiating an intense sexual tension and primal energy, a clear sign of the suitcase’s weight.

Yun Xiaoyan looked at the pink and white suitcase and suddenly felt tongue-tied.

That suitcase was packed full of canned strawberry milk sent by friends abroad, his favorite drink, which he had to have every morning. He had to bring it.

And that suitcase must have weighed at least thirty to forty kilograms.

“Just some food,” Yun Xiaoyan mumbled, blushing. “I can share some with you later.”

Fortunately, Ji Chenlin didn’t press further. He pushed the cart to the door and said, “Get in.”

Ji Chenlin lived in a villa complex in the city center, in the same district as Yun Xiaoyan’s university, but it was quite a distance from here.

The man wore a Bluetooth headset, and during the drive, he frequently received calls from work. When discussing business, his voice became as cold and ruthless as a three-foot-long frost-covered blade, leaving no room for argument and sending shivers down one’s spine.

Compared to that, his tone with the young man was relatively gentle and normal.

While wondering how terrifying it would be to serve as this man’s subordinate, Yun Xiaoyan idly opened his WeChat.

His ex-boyfriend hadn’t sent him any more messages, likely having given up completely. The most recent messages were from An Xiujie—

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: How’s it going, how’s it going? Is President Ji a big one? Is he good at it? Are you enjoying yourself?

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: Ugh, no updates in so long. Our delicate little Yan-baby hasn’t passed out from exhaustion, has he? [Peeking]

Yun Xiaoyan suddenly felt a wave of shame, as if he’d been caught in the act in broad daylight. With his ears burning, he typed:

Cloud: I just went to get the marriage certificate! And I’m still a virgin!!!

The other person, probably bored, replied instantly:

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: Omg! Xiaoyan, you’re the first of us to get married! Lemme see the certificate?

Yun Xiaoyan patted the pocket of his white down jacket, pulling out the marriage certificate still warm from his body. He snapped a photo of the inner page and sent it to An Xiujie, then carefully tucked it back away.

I might need it again if we get divorced. Gotta keep it safe.

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: ??

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: ?????

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: What the hell, you’re still gonna divorce someone this handsome?! Your ears are bright red from embarrassment! Damn you, Yun Xiaoyan! You dare to mess with me?! Making me lose sleep and lose my mind over this divorce?!

Yun Xiaoyan stared blankly at the messages, then hesitantly clicked on the photo he’d sent.

In the ID photo, the man’s single-lidded eyes were half-lidded with a languid, almost disdainful look. His nose was high and sharp, his thin lips pressed together. The lines of his face were as sharp and fluid as if sculpted by the world’s finest artist, radiating an almost blinding handsomeness.

His ears had indeed flushed a noticeable red, but that was mainly due to the photo mishap.

Cloud: I was just hot.

Cloud: Besides, if I wanted to divorce him, it wouldn’t be because he’s ugly. I just don’t want to be a gilded cage canary for some rich family.

After texting these messages, Yun Xiaoyan guiltily glanced at the man driving beside him, who was focused on the road.

The man’s profile was sharp and handsome, his lips flattened into an impatient line. His well-defined hands rested casually on the dark steering wheel as he effortlessly sped down the road, exuding a relaxed yet powerful aura.

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: I see, that makes sense! The rules of wealthy families are so rigid. Once you marry into one, no matter how talented, learned, or freedom-loving you are, you’ll end up as a househusband! I heard there’s been a breakthrough in artificial sperm and child-rearing technology recently. Who knows, you might even end up having a whole brood of his children!

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: Oh right, have you found out why Ji Chenlin actually wanted to marry you?

Yun Xiaoyan averted his gaze, recalling how his relatives went silent as if struck by fear whenever Ji Chenlin’s name came up. He couldn’t shake the feeling that their hasty marriage wasn’t due to family pressure, but that there was something else going on.

Cloud: Not yet…

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: Then hurry up and find out! We need to figure out the best way to annoy him. Keep pushing him further down that road, and I’ll dig up more information for you. Brothers united, divorce achieved!

Cloud: Are you sure this is a good idea?

General Manager An of AAA Building Materials Wholesale: Just think back. Every time you get close to him, doesn’t he look like he just ate a pile of shit? That’s your answer.

“We’re here.”

Yun Xiaoyan wanted to ask a few more questions, but Ji Chenlin had already parked the SUV in the backyard.

He quickly put his phone away. Once Ji Chenlin unlocked the car, Yun Xiaoyan steadied himself on the door handle and carefully hopped down from the high passenger seat.

Ji Chenlin waved to the security guards at the gate, who immediately approached and respectfully unloaded Yun Xiaoyan’s luggage one by one.

Standing at the gate, Yun Xiaoyan gazed up at Ji Chenlin’s villa.

The European-style mansion exuded a heavy air of Old Money, elegant without being ostentatious. Even in Shanghai, where land was worth its weight in gold, its sprawling grounds spoke volumes about the Ji Family’s immense wealth.

“Should I… should I go pay my respects to your parents first?” Yun Xiaoyan asked nervously, wringing his sweaty hands. He wasn’t sure if Ji Chenlin’s parents would like him.

“Let’s eat first. They don’t live here.”

“So I should go after I’m done?” Yun Xiaoyan looked up at him.

“No need,” the man replied, his tone cold and abrupt. He turned and walked toward the door, clearly wanting to end the conversation.

Yun Xiaoyan hurried after him, remembering the information An Xiujie had initially shared. He cautiously asked, “Are you in a bad mood?”

Ever since Ji Chenlin had helped him make Yun Haojun so angry, Yun Xiaoyan had grown bolder around the man.

The young man’s beautiful eyes looked at him with genuine concern, a touch of childish innocence in his gaze.

Ji Chenlin pressed his thin lips together and nodded toward the living room. “Eat.”

Yun Xiaoyan’s attention was quickly diverted.

When he saw the table laden with exquisite dishes in the living room, his eyes lit up, and his stomach rumbled.

After receiving Ji Chenlin’s permission, he eagerly sat down at the table. Once the man was seated, he immediately picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of the spiciest-looking dish, Kung Pao chicken.

As the chili exploded on his taste buds, Yun Xiaoyan’s eyes curved in satisfaction. Chewing, he asked, “Why did you marry me?”

Ji Chenlin frowned, surprised by the sudden burst of questions.

After a three-second pause, Ji Chenlin set down his chopsticks. His sharp gaze locked onto the boy’s innocent, clear eyes, and he said coldly, “During our blind date, you said you only cared about money and wouldn’t interfere with my life. All I need is a puppet wife.”

He’d said it as harshly as he could, hoping Yun Xiaoyan would take the hint and keep his distance from then on.

But the boy remained oblivious to his deeper meaning.

Yun Xiaoyan bit down on his chopsticks, lost in thought. First, I’m going to yell at that stupid strategist in my head, he thought. It’s all his fault I’m being forced into this shotgun marriage with his terrible lines. Then he started planning how to get a divorce later. If Ji Chenlin’s right, then pestering him and trying to win him over is the way to go…

He didn’t even notice the man’s icy stare, nor did he wonder why Ji Chenlin had agreed to the blind date in the first place.

Ji Chenlin glanced at him.

The boy, still chewing on a chopstick coated in spicy chicken, remained silent. His pale eyes were filled with confusion and helplessness, and the tuft of hair sticking up on his head wobbled slightly, making him look rather pathetic. Ji Chenlin figured his words had completely broken the boy’s heart.

Seeing this, Ji Chenlin softened his tone slightly. “Do you only like that one dish?”

“Hmm?” Yun Xiaoyan snapped out of his daze at the sound of Ji Chenlin’s voice. Without hesitation, he extended a slender, pale finger and pointed to each of the fiery red dishes on the table. “These, these, and these,” he declared, “I like them all.”

Ji Chenlin had only intended to say something to distract the boy, never expecting him to actually answer.

Just as he was about to say, “If you like them, eat more,” Yun Xiaoyan parted his pale pink lips and made a soft “ah” sound, as if inviting Ji Chenlin to feed him, his voice completely devoid of any hint of heartbreak.

Ji Chenlin: “……”

He tightened his grip on his chopsticks and subtly signaled to the butler beside him. The butler immediately stepped forward and arranged the dishes Yun Xiaoyan had pointed out one by one in front of the boy.

Yun Xiaoyan closed his mouth and glanced at Ji Chenlin’s darkening expression, mentally congratulating himself on his successful “act.”

Once the butler finished, the table was divided into two distinct halves, as clear as day:

The dishes near Yun Xiaoyan were all fiery, heavy-flavored, and dripping with chili oil, while the side closer to Ji Chenlin was filled with vibrant, glowing green vegetables.

Seeing this stark contrast, Yun Xiaoyan couldn’t help but chuckle.

It perfectly matched his current mood—a fiery desire to green the man.

Ji Chenlin, however, couldn’t laugh. He even stopped eating.

Looking at the dishes on Yun Xiaoyan’s side, his mind drifted back to someone who used to shout online every day, “I can’t live without spice!”

The boy’s pale skin looked stunning next to the crimson dishes. Even a small bite would make his cheeks flush pink, and after a few more, the pink would deepen to a rosy hue, even tinting his nose. It was utterly adorable.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Xiaoyan, happily devouring his favorite spicy dishes, casually asked the man who seemed to have hit the pause button on his meal.

Seeing the faint traces of chili oil on the boy’s lips, Ji Chenlin narrowed his eyes dangerously. He pulled out a napkin and handed it to him, his voice cold. “I just remembered an old acquaintance.”

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