Awkward Chapter 79

Shoutout to nyanmaru for the commission!

The next day, Chen Mo woke up quite early and, after freshening up, headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Ye Mu woke up later, feeling sore in his back and waist as he stood up, still tired from last night’s exertions.

“Aren’t you going to sleep a bit longer?” Chen Mo glanced at him, raising his eyebrow slightly.

Ye Mu rubbed his temples wearily and replied, “Aren’t you tired? You even have the energy to make breakfast.”

Chen Mo’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Maybe it’s because I’m young, so I don’t feel it. But you, on the other hand, look like you can’t handle it—are you going to end up with kidney problems?”

Ye Mu was filled with frustration and shot him a sharp look. “It’s because I believed your nonsense.”

Last night, this rascal kept saying it was the last time, but he couldn’t stop. The number of times was probably on par with that time at the hotel.

Chen Mo’s lips hinted at a trace of mischief. “I thought you were really enjoying yourself, so I didn’t stop.”

As he spoke, he licked his lips, recalling the moment when Ye Mu arched his neck and trembled as he reached his peak. The thought brought a hint of desire back to his eyes.

Ye Mu’s face flushed with embarrassment. Thinking about his indulgent behavior last night, he bit his lip. “It’s just because it’s been a while, don’t get any dirty thoughts.”

Chen Mo grinned slyly. “So you got all the benefits, and you can’t even compliment my skills in bed?”

Ye Mu was irritated, his eyes reddening slightly as he glared at him. “Stop flattering yourself.”

Chen Mo shot him a disdainful look. “You’re just being stubborn. Go back to sleep for a bit; I’ll call you when breakfast is ready.”

Ye Mu didn’t listen to him. “If you want to sleep, go ahead. I don’t want to be late for work.”

Chen Mo frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly. “Your body just recovered; don’t push yourself.”

But Ye Mu was firm. “I’ve been sick for half a month, and there’s a pile of work waiting. I want to deal with it as soon as possible.”

Chen Mo continued frying an egg with practiced ease. “I’ve already delegated most of the work that could be, so there’s not much left.”

Ye Mu ignored him, showing no emotion as he walked to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth.

The man in the mirror had a calm and ascetic appearance. His brown bangs fell over his forehead, making his face look pale and thin. Dark circles shadowed his eyes from lack of sleep, giving him a rather worn-out appearance.

Chen Mo walked over and leaned against the doorframe, watching him. “I already told you there’s no work, so why are you torturing yourself?”

Ye Mu’s face remained impassive. “Who are you trying to fool? What about the Song project? Such a big project, with all those land acquisition issues—are they all resolved?”

Chen Mo sighed slightly. “After you got beaten and hospitalized, Song’s company sued the locals for intentional assault. The villagers, afraid of getting into legal trouble, have all obediently signed the land sale agreements.”

Ye Mu’s expression softened a bit as he wiped his face with a wet towel. “That’s good. This way, the first contract phase should be completed before the new year.”

Chen Mo crossed his arms. “So stop worrying. Go back to bed and get some rest.”

Ye Mu picked up his toothbrush and started brushing his teeth, his words muffled. “Staying at home is boring. If I get sleepy at the office, I’ll just take a nap there. Don’t worry.”

Chen Mo couldn’t argue with him. “Fine, do as you like. Honestly, I don’t really want you to continue working on the Song project.”

Ye Mu lowered his eyes as he washed his hands, his expression serious. “Last time, I was careless. Unless it’s necessary, I’ll avoid meeting with him directly in the future.”

Chen Mo’s sharp profile turned slightly. “That’s for the best. I’m really worried you might cheat on me behind my back.”

Ye Mu, expressionless, threw the towel in his face.

Chen Mo, expecting it, caught the towel with ease. “You’re in quite a mood this morning.”

Ye Mu scowled and ignored him, walking to the wardrobe to change out of his pajamas into a clean white shirt. He then put on a sharp suit. “I should be saying that to you.”

Chen Mo walked over to help him tie his tie. “What do you mean?”

Ye Mu stared at him intently. “I looked into your record with your ID. The most frequent entries were hotel stays.”

Chen Mo didn’t shy away and admitted directly. “Most of them were out of spite. I was mocked so many times that I felt the need to prove myself.”

Ye Mu looked up, his brow furrowed slightly. “So you couldn’t perform with any of the women?”

Chen Mo didn’t want to lie to him, “I suppose so. There were a few times where it was barely okay, but it was never as good as being with you.”

Ye Mu fell silent. Hearing this left him feeling a bit uneasy, though he couldn’t quite figure out what was bothering him.

Chen Mo lowered his head, his eyes soft as he looked at him. “What are you thinking about?”

Ye Mu slightly lowered his eyelids, and casually said, “Nothing, just realized you’re not in a bad mood today.”

Chen Mo squinted at him, “After exhausting you so much last night, it wouldn’t feel right to still be angry.”

Ye Mu turned his gaze away, not looking at him, and said awkwardly, “Next time, take it easy. I’m getting older, can’t keep up with you.”

A faint smile tugged at Chen Mo’s thin lips, his eyes dark, “Sure, just don’t end up begging me then.”

Ye Mu shot him a glance before walking out, picking up a sandwich from the table to eat.

Chen Mo handed him a glass of warmed milk, “I added ham, fried egg, and tomato to the sandwich. Hope it’s to your taste.”

Ye Mu took it and sipped, “It’s okay.”

Chen Mo also picked up a piece and sat next to him, keeping him company.

In his memory, this was the first time they’d peacefully had breakfast together since moving in.

The morning sunlight filtered through the glass windows, warm and comforting as it hit them. Ye Mu relaxed, setting aside his worries for a moment, and enjoyed the simple pleasure.

Their apartment wasn’t far from the company, so it took them just over half an hour to drive there.

Liu Yi happened to be parking her car as well. Seeing them arrive together, she was a bit surprised. A look of scrutiny and deep thought crossed her eyes, though she didn’t voice it. “Good morning, President Chen.”

Chen Mo noticed her and gave a slight nod, his tone businesslike, “Morning, Sister Liu. Come to my office at nine; I have something to discuss with you.”

Liu Yi sensed something was up but didn’t ask. She respectfully acknowledged and walked ahead.

Ye Mu watched her walk away, then turned to Chen Mo with a hint of surprise in his eyes, “You’re planning to start deploying now?”

Chen Mo stood tall as they entered the elevator, his tone cold, “Strike first to gain the upper hand. I need to lay out everything before the situation explodes.”

Ye Mu lowered his long eyelashes, casting a shadow over his pale face. He didn’t say anything and followed him in.

Chen Mo looked down at him, his side profile sharp and serious, “Don’t pull that face. Things aren’t as bad as you think.”

Ye Mu took a deep breath, red veins visible in his eyes, “I hope so.” He hoped that person wouldn’t bite too hard, leaving no room for escape.

The building wasn’t tall, and the elevator soon opened to their floor. He slowly followed Chen Mo into the office.

They hadn’t been seated long when Liu Yi knocked and entered.

“President,” she greeted respectfully.

Chen Mo gave a calm “Hmm” in response, lifting his eyes to look at her. Without beating around the bush, he directly cut to the chase, “Sister Liu, by the day after tomorrow at the latest, I need you to arrange a press conference for me.”

Liu Yi looked at him, a complex emotion in her eyes, “What’s the specific topic?”

Chen Mo folded his hands, his side profile stern, “Nothing major, I just want to give a detailed explanation regarding my personal relationship.”

Normally, this kind of thing should be kept confidential for now, but Liu Yi had been with him for many years and could be considered a trusted confidante. He didn’t think she would betray him.

Liu Yi pondered for a moment before speaking, “President Chen, it would be best if you told me a bit more. If the topic is too controversial, I can run it through internal channels first to manage the public response.”

Chen Mo looked at her, his narrow eyes sharp, his voice low, “I won’t hide it from you. I want to come out with Ye Mu.”

Liu Yi pressed her lips together, her gaze lingering briefly on Ye Mu. Her expression showed that she wasn’t surprised, as if she had known for a while, “Have you thought it through?”

Chen Mo gazed at her, his expression solemn, “The decision is made. You’re more familiar with the media than I am, so if you could give me an analysis, that would be ideal.”

Liu Yi lowered her eyes slightly, thinking for a moment, “If you look closely at the public opinion trends over the past two years, people are no longer as opposed to same-sex relationships or marriage as they used to be. Announcing it now could actually bring in attention and raise your profile, which would be beneficial to the company’s stock price and reputation.”

“But, you must be aware that President Yan of Lotto held a high-profile same-sex wedding last year. Given your blood relation to him, if nosy people dig this up, it could bring a wave of ridicule towards the Yan family, accusing the prestigious family of being a clan of homosexuals. Besides becoming the talk of the town, you might also face your father’s wrath.”

Chen Mo clenched his fist against his chin, his sharp nose adding to his fierce appearance, “You’re right. Go on.”

“But you wouldn’t do this without reason. Making this decision must be a last resort, but it also cleverly shifts the attention towards the Yan family, minimizing the damage to yourself. As long as the public opinion is managed well, there shouldn’t be too many problems.”

Chen Mo nodded silently, his eyes deep like the ocean, his voice heavy, “That’s roughly what I thought. It’s settled then. I’ll leave the rest to you, Sister Liu.”

Liu Yi agreed without hesitation, “Of course. I’ll start the arrangements now, President Chen.”

Chen Mo’s face remained emotionless as he acknowledged.

Liu Yi didn’t linger, leaving the office immediately, her efficient and decisive manner resembling that of a strong businesswoman.

Ye Mu turned to Chen Mo, his lips moving slightly, “I hope everything goes smoothly.”

At first, he thought this was a reckless and hasty approach, but now he realized there was a strategy behind it. If things unfolded as Liu Yi said, it could indeed be a victory.

Chen Mo suddenly pulled him over to sit on his lap, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he spoke, “It will. Stop overthinking.”

Ye Mu lowered his head slightly, the tension in his lips finally easing a bit, “Maybe I should blame myself for always doubting you because you’re younger.”

Chen Mo smirked, rubbing his hand over Ye Mu’s soft butt through his clothes, “So, how do you plan to make it up to me?”

Ye Mu narrowed his eyes, grabbing Chen Mo’s chiseled jaw and planting a kiss on his pale skin.

Chen Mo leaned down, playfully nibbling on his ear, “Is that all?”

Ye Mu quickly put on a deadpan expression, unable to resist chiding, “Don’t push your luck.”

Chen Mo ran his hand over his smooth, taut skin, his tone full of menace, “Can’t help it. When I’m with you, I lose control.”

Ye Mu’s eyelids drooped slightly, his black and white eyes tinged with emotion as he tentatively licked the stubble that had started to form.

Chen Mo’s thin lips curled up as he traced Ye Mu’s features with his eyes, then leaned in, kissing him deeply, invading his warm mouth.

Ye Mu’s eyes glistened, and he closed them, trembling as he responded, feeling a weight lift off his chest, leaving him completely at ease.

After leaving the office, Liu Yi went to her desk to handle business.

She sat straight-backed, her short hair neatly styled, and her tailored business suit accentuated her professional demeanor. From behind, she looked like she was working diligently.

But no one knew that she lowered her eyes, secretly using her notebook as a cover to discreetly send a text message out of sight.

The recipient was: Yan Chen.