Shen Duoyi’s efficiency was undeniable; within two days, he had already bought his grandfather a tricycle. At six in the morning, the two of them were up and ready. Grandpa Shen leaned on his cane by the door, grumbling, “Are you ready yet? We’re going for a morning walk, not sending a bride off to her wedding.”

Shen Duoyi emerged from the bedroom. “I just wanted to organize my notes from last night so I won’t be in a rush later.”

They stepped outside while it was still cool. The tricycle was parked in the garden downstairs, right next to Maomao’s grandpa's electric car. Unlocking it, Shen Duoyi pushed the tricycle out and said, “Grandpa, I’ve paid the extra fee to keep it here. It’ll be stored here from now on.”

Grandpa Shen happily placed his cane on the back of the tricycle, attempting to get on by himself. He didn’t want Shen Duoyi’s help; otherwise, he’d feel helpless when alone.

“The height is just right, and the seat’s comfortable,” Grandpa Shen said, gripping the handlebars tightly. “And it’s red—nice and cheerful.”

“Right?” Shen Duoyi smiled, pleased that his grandfather liked it. He walked alongside the tricycle, saying, “Grandpa, make sure you ride slowly and test the brakes.”

Grandpa Shen pedaled along the paths of the neighborhood, moving as slowly as a walker. When they reached the street, he called out, “Why are you running beside me? Hop on the back; I’ll give you a ride.”

Shen Duoyi shook his head firmly. “No way. You’re giving me a ride? I’ll just jog alongside.”

“You don’t trust me?” Grandpa Shen muttered. “When you were a kid, I gave you plenty of rides on my tricycle. In the rain, you’d stand in the back and hold an umbrella for me. While I can still pedal, let me take you for a ride. I’m already eighty—each day is precious.”

Shen Duoyi suddenly grabbed the handlebars, stopping the tricycle. The weather wasn’t hot yet, but a layer of sweat formed on his forehead.

Grandpa Shen wiped the sweat from his brow with a wrinkled hand. His voice softened, different from his earlier chatter. “What’s wrong? Don’t scare this old man with sudden outbursts.”

Shen Duoyi looked at his grandfather’s aging eyes and sagging eyelids. “Grandpa, I know you miss my parents. They have each other over there. But if I lose you, I’ll be all alone. Don’t say things like ‘each day is precious.’ You need to live to a hundred, even if you get tired of it.”

Grandpa Shen chuckled. “You sound like a kid throwing a tantrum. Eighty is a long life. Duoyi, when that day comes, you should smile. It’s part of life for every family. I’ll reunite with your parents and watch over you together. It’s something to be happy about.”

A bicycle bell rang, and a passerby on their way to buy groceries pedaled past. Shen Duoyi snapped out of it, lowering his head. “It’s your fault for bringing up such things. You always meddle. When that day comes, let me cry or laugh as I please.”

Grandpa Shen shook his head, exasperated, and rang the bell. “I’m trying to comfort you! Forget it. I’m off to the corner for breakfast.”

Grandfather and grandson, one pedaling a tricycle, the other jogging alongside, reached the breakfast stall and ordered two bowls of tofu pudding. Shen Duoyi checked the market data on his phone and excitedly tapped the rim of his bowl with his chopsticks.

“What is it now?” Grandpa Shen asked.

“Grandpa, my colleague and I invested in stocks,” Shen Duoyi explained, simplifying it for his grandfather. “I put in fifty thousand, and we’re already making a profit.”

Grandpa Shen frowned. “Is it reliable? You work so hard for your money. Don’t lose it. Even experts lose tens of thousands if they’re not careful.”

Shen Duoyi sighed. “It’s fine. My colleague is a professional, well-known in our industry.” He slurped half his tofu pudding and bit into a fried dough ring. “Besides, he invested more than me, so he’ll be even more careful.”

“Don’t rely on him too much,” Grandpa Shen advised. “Make sure to show your appreciation. Treat him to a meal.”

Shen Duoyi stared into his bowl. “Well… since we made money today, how about I treat him tonight?”

“Do it,” Grandpa Shen nodded. “But don’t say you’re treating him because you made money. That sounds tacky. Call it a celebration—it makes you sound closer.”

Shen Duoyi smiled. “Got it. Thanks for the advice. Oh, and I’ve hired a helper who starts tomorrow. She has cooking and nutrition certificates. You’ll be eating well.”

Grandpa Shen protested, “I don’t like strangers in the house!”

“She’ll only come to cook and clean,” Shen Duoyi reassured him. He sent Qi Shi’an a message about dinner and noticed Grandpa had finished eating. “Let’s go home. You can shower before I head to work.”

He arrived at Ming’an right on time. The day’s schedule was tight. After the department’s morning meeting, he headed to the training room. The room was filled with junior planners and a few staff from other departments.

The lights dimmed. Standing on the podium, Shen Duoyi held the remote. “Today, we’ll start by looking at a few ‘Black Swan’ events in the financial markets.”

At Zhesi Financial, Qi Shi’an received a message from Annie. Shen Duoyi’s training session had started.

He checked his watch and turned to Zhang Yiming. “Cover for me. I just remembered an important document I haven’t signed.”

Zhang Yiming almost choked on his coffee. “No wonder this tastes so bitter—you’re ditching me.”

Qi Shi’an handed him his own untouched coffee. “Here, take mine.”

“Fine, go already.” Zhang Yiming waved him off, grimacing at the bitterness of the replacement coffee.

The training room was quieter than a conference room. Unlike meetings, where chatter was common, training sessions only required the speaker’s voice, unless during Q&A.

Qi Shi’an quickened his pace, anticipation flickering in his eyes.

Shen Duoyi stood in front of the large screen, the projection light casting a glow over him. He clicked the remote, transitioning to another slide. “The recent trend for Beiguo Real Estate is interesting. Due to time constraints, we’ll end here. If you’re interested, keep an eye on it.”

As he finished speaking, he caught sight of a figure at the door. Outside the glass door, Qi Shi’an stood with his bag, clearly back from his exchange meeting, having skipped the 30th floor and come straight here.

The door opened, and Qi Shi’an gave him a nod before silently taking a seat in the back row. He didn’t glance once at the trainees, simply settling in and starting to take notes.

Shen Duoyi couldn’t help but remember their usual roles in meetings—Qi Shi’an speaking while he listened. Now the roles were reversed, and there was something undeniably satisfying about it.

Qi Shi’an earnestly took out a notebook and began jotting things down. The consulting department’s training covered not just technical issues but also client analysis, something he typically only heard about from Zhang Yiming.

Shen Duoyi’s confidence shone through. At first, Qi Shi’an kept up with the notes, but soon he found himself simply watching Shen Duoyi. No wonder he was the top consultant with the hottest products and the highest transaction volume. His explanations were clear, his pace perfect, and every point led seamlessly to multiple insights.

Qi Shi’an scanned the room, easily identifying who was engaged and who was falling behind.

“All right, we’ve covered a lot today. We have five minutes for Q&A,” Shen Duoyi checked his watch. “Feel free to ask any questions—even personal ones.”

A trainee asked, “Team Leader Shen, Ha Dian’s closing prices are always decent, but it lacks presence. What do you think?”

Shen Duoyi replied, “First, Ha Dian’s market cap is too small. It has no financial advantage and often spikes at closing with large orders. It’s like playing a game by itself—I’m happy for it, but I wouldn’t buy it.”

Another person asked, “Team Leader Shen, do you invest in any stocks? Have you tried futures?”

“I’ve bought a few stocks before, sold them after small gains,” Shen Duoyi answered casually, appearing open about his investments. “As for futures, I watch precious metals. I like having late-night snacks, but it’s unhealthy to sleep right after eating, so I check the night market instead.”

Qi Shi’an pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh. He considered asking a question himself, but Shen Duoyi ended the session before he could.

“That’s it for today. If you have more questions, email me, and I’ll reply.”

Qi Shi’an coughed, drawing everyone’s attention. “Team Leader Shen is very busy. Don’t overburden him with emails.”

The session concluded, and the trainees gradually filed out. Shen Duoyi powered off the computer and organized his materials. When the room was empty, he looked up at Qi Shi’an still seated in the last row.

Closing the folder, Shen Duoyi smiled. “Mr. Qi, do you need anything?”

Qi Shi’an leaned back. “I haven’t asked my question yet.”

“Go ahead. I’ll answer anything.”

Qi Shi’an pretended to be serious. “Team Leader Shen, what do you want for dinner? I’ll book a place.”

Shen Duoyi thought for a moment. “I want that crispy roll we had last time.”

Spring had brought them to the Summer restaurant, and now in summer, they returned. The seasonal menu changed, but the signature crispy roll remained.

Since it was a celebration, skipping drinks seemed inappropriate. Qi Shi’an headed to the wine section and stopped in the champagne aisle. Shen Duoyi, having ordered the food, found him there, looking enthusiastic.

“You’re this happy just to break even?” Qi Shi’an teased.

“Yeah, happiness is that simple.” Shen Duoyi examined a champagne bottle. “Champagne is sweet. But do you like it?”

Qi Shi’an wrapped an arm around his back. “It’s fine. I tend to like things associated with you.”

They settled on a bottle of champagne and a bottle of white wine, both pale in color. Sitting in their previous spot, they exchanged a glance and laughed.

“Last time, I had to block the elevator door to invite you. Now it’s a proper date,” Qi Shi’an said.

Shen Duoyi nodded. “Last time, you barely ate. Now we’re together—enjoy it!”

They clinked glasses. The champagne bubbles fizzed gently, and after a sip, they refilled. Qi Shi’an opened the white wine. “Remember at Team Leader Qi’s wedding? I took you home, and you said this wine was sour, that wine was spicy, but champagne was the best.”

Shen Duoyi extended his glass. “Did you laugh at me? I didn’t hear.”

Qi Shi’an poured wine into the glass. He remembered Shen Duoyi mumbling that if they married, only champagne would do. After pouring his own glass, he said, “Try this.”

Shen Duoyi took a sip, eyes brightening. “It’s sweet!”

“Yeah, it’s a dessert wine.” Qi Shi’an handed him a crispy roll. “This restaurant’s wine selection is great. You can even store your own bottles here.”

“If only buffets allowed takeout.” Shen Duoyi nibbled on the roll. “Their meat is so tender. My grandpa could eat this.”

“What does Grandpa like?”

“He loves sweets. He used to sneak honey pastries, but they’re banned now for health reasons.” Shen Duoyi recalled the morning’s tricycle ride. “Since his medicine tastes bitter, I buy soft, mildly sweet date cakes for him.”

They chatted and ate, time slipping by. Qi Shi’an’s phone lit up with a message. “It’s from a contact at the Securities Commission. I’ll take this.”

He spoke quietly in a corner, then approached the restaurant manager, discussing the menu. By the time he returned, Shen Duoyi had finished a bowl of noodles and looked full.

“What took so long? Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just talked to the manager.” Qi Shi’an drained his water. “I ordered beef, lemon chicken, and special fish for Grandpa. Asked them to make it tender. For dessert, a few low-sugar options without cream.”

Shen Duoyi held his cup, surprised. “Didn’t they say no custom orders?”

“I asked nicely.” Qi Shi’an’s tone was casual, as if he hadn’t begged at all. Shen Duoyi smiled wryly.

“If you had a tail, it’d be wagging non-stop. How did you ‘ask nicely’?”

Qi Shi’an grinned. “I told them I wanted to bring food for my partner’s grandfather. If he liked it, maybe the three of us would visit together. Slim chance, but I’ll try.”

Shen Duoyi looked down, speechless. Qi Shi’an nudged his leg under the table. “My tail doesn’t wag—it just shakes when I see you.”

Shen Duoyi refilled his glass. “I’ll try hard with you.”

They finished most of the wine, food turning into snacks. Qi Shi’an let Shen Duoyi drink, knowing his happiness fueled each sip.

When they left, Shen Duoyi was thoroughly drunk, leaning on Qi Shi’an. He babbled nonsense while Qi Shi’an held him and the takeout.

In the car, Qi Shi’an asked softly, “Want to come home with me?”

Shen Duoyi’s eyes were unfocused. After a moment, he shook his head. “No, Grandpa nags.”

Qi Shi’an chuckled, squeezing his waist. “If I were your grandpa, I’d nag too. Who let you get this drunk?”

Shen Duoyi giggled. “You’re ridiculous.” He leaned in, whispering, “My sides are sensitive. When you pinch me, I…”

“What?”

“Want to hit you.” He grinned.

The taxi stopped at Wenhu Apartments. Qi Shi’an carried him up. The lights were on, but Grandpa was already asleep.

He placed the meal box on the coffee table and carried Shen Duoyi into the bedroom on his back. The bedroom was neither big nor small, decorated beautifully. His book, the Local Chronicles Collection, was on the bedside table, along with several stacks of documents.

"Here already?" Shen Duoyi opened his eyes, slipped off Qi Shi'an’s back, and wobbled unsteadily before flopping onto the bed. Qi Shi'an went to the bathroom, wrung out a wet towel, and sat by the bed. “At least wipe yourself down before you sleep.”

Shen Duoyi squinted at him. “How did you take care of me that year when you brought me home?”

Qi Shi'an leaned down, his handsome face capturing all of Shen Duoyi's attention, then reached out and unbuttoned his pants. With a small “zip” sound, Shen Duoyi felt his waist loosen as his pants slid off.

He placed his hands on his stomach and said, “This is my house, you’ve got some nerve.”

“What about it? Is it illegal to take off my partner's pants?” Qi Shi'an noted the blush on Shen Duoyi's cheeks, knowing he was only putting on a brave front.

He reached out and turned off the bedside lamp. The room suddenly went dark.

The curtains were open, and the moonlight generously allowed them to see each other's expressions. Shen Duoyi’s bare legs kicked slightly. With his mind soaked in alcohol, he felt as if he were lying on cotton.

He murmured, “Mr. Qi, I want to call your name.”

Qi Shi'an leaned down, his forehead against Shen Duoyi’s. “Do it. You should have done it long ago.”

Shen Duoyi lifted his hand and wrapped it around him. “Qi Shi'an.”

“Qi Shi'an, hug me.”

Qi Shi'an lowered his head and captured those thin lips in a kiss. One arm slid beneath Shen Duoyi's neck, gently lifting his upper body off the bed. His other hand slipped under the hem of Shen Duoyi's shirt, caressing his side.

The cool, smooth skin gradually heated under his touch. Hearing the tremble in Shen Duoyi's voice, Qi Shi'an let his hand drift downward. Shen Duoyi tensed and curled his legs, only to feel his knees pressed down.

That hand kneaded his knee before slowly gliding up, grasping a handful of thigh. Qi Shi'an brushed against Shen Duoyi’s lips and murmured, “Why are you clamping down on my hand so tightly?”

Shen Duoyi whimpered in response, the softness between his legs already surrendering to the inevitable. Unable to relax, the teasing squeezes left him defenseless. His anxious gasps and breaths were swallowed by the kiss. He clutched Qi Shi'an’s collar, trembling slightly, and in his fluster, bit Qi Shi'an’s tongue.

Qi Shi'an said, “I shouldn’t have hesitated. I should’ve taken you home right away.”

Shen Duoyi tugged on his tie. “I brought you home. Same thing.”

Just then, a voice came from outside the door. It was Grandpa Shen: “Duoyi, who are you talking to?”

Author's Note: “Grandpa, I was just doing some beatboxing before bed!”