FSGOR Ch4

In the dim light of the underground parking lot, Chu Xuyu’s expression—dazed from heated breathing—was hidden in the shadows.

His gaze roamed unrestrained along the boy’s outline. Though he was long past the age of youthful restlessness, it felt like a fire was spreading inside him, leaving his mouth dry and his heart parched.

It wasn’t until the phone vibrated in his palm that he was jolted back to reality from his dark and muddled thoughts. The boy had replied.

KIRA: It’s really me.

KIRA: I specifically took that photo this afternoon.

KIRA: You don’t believe me?

Chu Xuyu stared at the screen. He had recognized the photo from the boy’s Moments post—it was clearly taken with an old model phone, with a distinct lack of artificial sharpness, carrying a soft, authentic quality. Definitely not some random internet image meant to fool him.

Afternoon Tea: Send one showing your face.

KIRA: …

At that moment, Jiang Tian had a feeling—strangely enough—that the scumbag was satisfied with him. But the man didn’t seem to play by any conventional rules. Leaning against a graffiti wall framed by blooming crabapple blossoms, he paused in the evening breeze, then lowered his head to keep typing on his phone.

KIRA: I don’t usually post pictures showing my face online.

KIRA: If you’re that curious,

KIRA: We can meet in person. Then you’ll know what I look like.

Afternoon Tea: Fine.

KIRA: Then how about we pick a time?

Afternoon Tea: I’ll think about it for a few days.

Jiang Tian considered it. His sister should be back from her business trip in a few days—it’d be a good time to meet then. So he simply played along.

KIRA: Okay.

KIRA: I’ll be busy these days too.

Afternoon Tea: Busy with what?

KIRA: Playing soccer.

KIRA: And it’s a friend’s birthday.

KIRA: I’m planning to pick out some gifts.

He definitely couldn’t admit he was busy studying for mock exams. His current persona was that of a rich second-generation student at an international school—he had to appear wealthy and generous, to deepen the scumbag’s impression and, hopefully, make him fall completely.

KIRA: I’m really looking forward to meeting you.

KIRA: I’ll prepare a gift for you too.

Afternoon Tea: Is that so?

Afternoon Tea: What are you planning to give me?

KIRA: What do you like?

KIRA: Pick anything under six figures. My family’s strict, so I only get a few hundred thousand a month for allowance.

Afternoon Tea: …

Afternoon Tea: What should I call you?

KIRA: Are you going to change my contact name?

Afternoon Tea: Yeah.

KIRA: Let me think.

KIRA: You can save me as “Super Buff Guy.”

Still seated in the driver’s seat, Chu Xuyu’s eyelid twitched hard.

This little liar, posing at a barbecue stall like he’s all that—so flashy and full of tricks—but he really did have the kind of figure Chu Xuyu liked. A bit clumsy, a bit cute. Worth playing along for now.

Afternoon Tea: Short on cash?

Afternoon Tea: How much do you want?

He had a vague feeling the other party was trying to milk him for money. Why else would he cling so much and be so eager to meet?

KIRA: Huh?

KIRA: I do spend a lot, but the allowance from home is enough. I’m not trying to ask you for money.

Chu Xuyu let out a low chuckle. This little scammer knew what he was doing—casting a long line to reel in a big fish.

Afternoon Tea: Got it.

Afternoon Tea: I’ve got stuff to do.

KIRA: Still working overtime?

KIRA: Then go ahead, take care of your work.

Chu Xuyu turned off the screen and tossed the phone onto the center console with a dull thud. He stepped on the gas, ready to head home and pack for the airport.

Meanwhile, Jiang Tian also put his phone away. Lu Qiao came out holding two bags of milk tea and insisted on handing one to him. The two took a shortcut through the residential complex to head back.

The mock exams were just days away. Lu Qiao, a habitual crammer, tried to bribe his genius childhood friend with non-dairy creamer milk tea.

Jiang Tian, though cold and aloof on the outside, was actually very warm-hearted. Not only had he agreed to help predict test questions, but he also let Lu Qiao move into the cozy Xingfu Harbor neighborhood.

The two boys were both living with their sisters, though Jiang Jing’s schedule was more hectic—she had to leave for the international airport well before dawn for baggage and check-in.

Lu Qiao was still doing practice questions at midnight and insisted on playing two rounds of Teamfight Tactics as a reward. Jiang Tian happened to have free time, so he walked out to the balcony with his phone to call his sister, who was about to go abroad.

Jiang Jing’s voice came through the receiver: “Just passed security. Check-in’s done.”

Background noise from the airport—PA announcements and distant chatter—made Jiang Tian’s side of the call feel especially quiet.

The cool night breeze brushed by as the siblings chatted casually.

Suddenly, Jiang Tian asked, “Jie.”

“Are you feeling any better now?”

Jiang Jing replied lightly, “Don’t worry, that little mess won’t affect your big sis’s work.”

She paused, then added, “Besides, the moment I see my boss’s handsome face, who’s got time to think about some scumbag’s crap?”

“That’s good,” Jiang Tian said.

Here is the full English translation of the new passage:

He had heard his sister mention that “god-like boss” more than once—young and capable, extraordinarily handsome, an heir to a top-tier wealthy family, ambitious in expanding his own business empire.

Not only was his sister’s salary triple the industry standard, but her boss’s character was also impeccable.

Jiang Tian remembered her saying that a certain company executive had once drunkenly harassed her, and was fired without warning the next day—swift and decisive.

Unfortunately, earlier this year, Jiang Jing had discovered some minor health issues. Though not serious, combined with the scumbag’s proposal and her own plan to start a business, she had originally intended to resign by the end of the month.

Jiang Tian: “Sis.”

Jiang Jing: “Hmm?”

Jiang Tian: “Are you still planning to quit?”

“……”

Wearing her high heels, Jiang Jing picked up her coffee order and walked a few steps away to wait. “Yeah, I already told my boss.”

“Good.”

Jiang Tian breathed a sigh of relief. He was indeed worried about her health. “Take some time off and get better. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Jiang Jing smiled, eyes crinkling slightly: “My little brother is the most thoughtful—obedient, top of his class, and always secretly transferring his scholarship money into my account no matter how many times I tell him not to.”

Jiang Tian looked out at the flickering streetlights in the distance, a bit embarrassed. He said in a low voice, “I’m not good at picking gifts. I was afraid you wouldn’t like it.”

“How could I not like it?”

Jiang Jing’s tone was gentle. Seeing her coffee number called, she walked over to pick it up while staying on the phone. “I’ll be back from the U.S. next week. Is there anything you want me to bring?”

Jiang Tian rarely asked for gifts. Instead, another thought came to mind: “Jie, you know how rich kids give gifts—what do they usually send?”

Jiang Jing nearly dropped her coffee. “…Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

After a pause, Jiang Tian revealed Lu Qiao’s strategy for “fishing” and his fake identity plan to deal with the scumbag. Jiang Jing almost choked laughing. “Xiao Lu really is just like his sister—hilarious.”

She composed herself. “Just play around with the scumbag for now. When I’m back, I’ve got plenty of ways to deal with him.”

Jiang Tian nodded. “Okay.”

“Take care and have a safe trip.”

“Got it,” Jiang Jing said before hanging up. “Eat on time. I’ll message you when I land.”

She walked into the VIP lounge with her coffee and immediately spotted Chu Xuyu sitting casually in a corner. Instantly alert, she gave the young, handsome CEO a professional smile.

Chu Xuyu noticed her too. His smile was faint, accompanied by a slight nod.

His black hair was slicked back neatly with gel, revealing a clean forehead. His eyes were sharp, exuding a commanding presence.

The young president dressed casually—jeans and a gray cashmere sweater over an unbuttoned white shirt. His wide shoulders were structured just right by the fit, radiating gentlemanly elegance.

He had long, slender fingers with distinct knuckles, and was leisurely rolling up his sleeves. The Patek Philippe on his wrist gave off a cool glint. For someone of his wealth, the watch was modestly understated.

As soon as Jiang Jing sat down, that smooth, wine-like voice rang out: “Judy, got a new phone?”

She paused, then smiled at the handsome boss. “Yes, Mr. Chu—you even noticed that?”

Chu Xuyu leaned back casually in his chair, not mentioning that the new gear was actually part of a gift pack ordered by his secretary. “I remembered you hadn’t used it long.”

Jiang Jing never expected a resignation would earn her a farewell gift from her boss. Still lost in her emotional slump, she couldn’t help replying, “I didn’t mean to replace it… I accidentally lost it.”

She didn’t dare admit she’d smashed it during a drunken episode. Her smile was forced, but not so much that it gave her away.

“Is that so.”

Chu Xuyu squinted slightly, remembering he’d added his secretary on his private account. But he said no more.

Boarding was brief, but the flight long. After settling into first class, Chu Xuyu took a sip of red wine, planning to nap, but couldn’t fall asleep.

The plane had Wi-Fi. He unlocked his phone, expression unreadable as his gaze landed on the screen.

Afternoon Tea: Asleep?

Afternoon Tea: Why didn’t you message me?

There was no reply. Frowning, Chu Xuyu, not the type to reach out first, retracted both messages and switched to airplane mode, trying to force himself to sleep.

***

The next morning.

Sunlight spilled into the bedroom. The alarm went off on time. Jiang Tian shouted to wake Lu Qiao in the guest room, turned off the alarm, and noticed that the scumbag had messaged him a few hours ago—but had deleted two messages.

His heart skipped a beat.

Throwing on his slippers, he quickly walked to the guest room and shook the bedhead-mussed Lu Qiao awake, thrusting the phone in front of him. “What do you think he deleted?”

“…Ugh.”

Lu Qiao wiped the drool from his chin and, still half-asleep, muttered like a strategist, “Bad news.”

Jiang Tian: “?”

Lu Qiao: “Definitely something like, he got all lonely in the middle of the night and wanted to ask you to hook up. You didn’t reply, so he freaked out and deleted it.”

Jiang Tian: “He’s that cautious?”

Lu Qiao: “Of course!”

He ranted, “Heaven has eyes—he tried to cover his tracks this time, but next time, we’ll catch him in time to screenshot!”

Jiang Tian: “…”

It was Wednesday. School had morning self-study. After a quick wash and change into uniforms, the two boys left the house.

They ate breakfast at a food stall near the school—fresh soy milk and soup dumplings. Jiang Tian, tall even by southern standards, was still growing, so he grabbed two extra tea eggs.

He had a big appetite but was easy to feed. Ever since Jiang Jing started earning money, she’d been generous with her little brother, buying him sporty brands like Adidas and Nike. Though not expensive, he made them look absurdly good.

Take his ordinary black backpack—ever since he started wearing it, it became a hit with younger students. Even Lu Qiao joked he was an influencer.

That day.

After morning study, Jiang Tian spotted a familiar, still slightly disheveled Lu Qiao waving at him from the hallway. He walked over and heard something outrageous.

“Bro, guess what crazy thing I found out?”

“Almost every underclassman who bought the same backpack as you is gay. Are they all secretly crushing on you?!”

Lu Qiao was so loud that the whole honors class turned to look. Jiang Tian winced and covered his forehead. “Keep it down.”

“…Sorry.”

Hands pressed together in apology, Lu Qiao, always full of gossip, leaned closer. “By the way, did the scumbag message you?”

Jiang Tian shook his head. “Probably at work.”

“Right,” Lu Qiao whispered, “Our homeroom teacher’s out at a meeting. First few classes are all self-study. If anything happens, text me.”

“Okay.”

Realizing he slipped up, Jiang Tian quickly corrected himself. “Don’t play on your phone—review properly.”

Lu Qiao: “Got it, got it.”

“I’m heading back to class.”

“If not now, then we’ll talk at lunch!”

Jiang Tian nodded. As he watched Lu Qiao bound down the stairs like a monkey, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

He paused, went back to his seat, and checked the message.

Afternoon Tea: Super Buff Guy.

Afternoon Tea: Are you in class?

“…………”

Being called “Super Buff Guy”—a nickname he’d told the other to use—was deeply embarrassing, but it was too late to regret it. Jiang Tian could only brace himself and reply.

KIRA: Yeah.

KIRA: I’m at school.

KIRA: What did you message me last night?

KIRA: I didn’t see. You deleted it.

Afternoon Tea: Nothing important.

KIRA: Alright.

Jiang Tian paused, then thought—was Lu Qiao right?

Given his web romance experience, maybe he wasn’t wrong. The scumbag had become much more proactive since receiving that photo. Since things were finally heating up, Jiang Tian figured he should strike while the iron was hot.

KIRA: You were trying to invite me to a hotel, weren’t you?

KIRA: If it’s too late at night, I might already be asleep.

KIRA: Next time, ask me earlier.

KIRA: I’ll show up.