The clock on the wall read 10:47 AM when Guàn Jǐngchén returned from his short morning meeting. He found Lin Yuè exactly where he had left him — curled on the wide leather couch in the living room, wearing one of the CEO's oversized white shirts and a pair of soft gray sweatpants that hung low on his narrow hips. The sight made something warm and possessive bloom in Guàn Jǐngchén's chest.
"You look comfortable," the CEO said, voice low and affectionate as he crossed the room. He dropped his jacket over the back of a chair and immediately pulled Lin Yuè into his arms, kissing him deeply. Their tongues slid together slowly, hands roaming with familiar ease. Guàn Jǐngchén's palm slipped under the shirt to rest against the warm skin of Lin Yuè's lower back.
Lin Yuè melted into the kiss, arms wrapping around the taller man's neck. "I missed you," he whispered when they parted, cheeks flushed in that innocent way that always made Guàn Jǐngchén's control fray.
"I was only gone two hours." Guàn Jǐngchén nipped at his lower lip, then soothed it with his tongue. "But I missed you too. Every second."
They moved to the kitchen island for a late breakfast. Guàn Jǐngchén insisted on feeding Lin Yuè bites of fresh fruit and toast, his free hand resting possessively on the younger man's thigh. Between bites, he stole soft kisses, each one growing longer and deeper until Lin Yuè was breathless and shifting restlessly on the stool.
"Jǐngchén…" Lin Yuè murmured, voice shy but needy. "The scan… you said it was starting soon."
Guàn Jǐngchén's expression darkened for a fraction of a second before he masked it with a gentle smile. "It's just routine. I want everything clean before we make your move-in official. No ghosts, no loose ends." He leaned in and kissed Lin Yuè again, slower this time, tongue tracing the seam of his lips until they parted. "After this, I'm taking the rest of the day off. We'll go shopping, then come back here and celebrate properly."
The words sent a spike of anxiety through Lin Yuè, but he kept his face soft and trusting. "Okay. I trust you."
At exactly 11:00 AM, Guàn Jǐngchén's tablet chimed. The deep forensic scan had begun.
Guàn Jǐngchén carried Lin Yuè to the couch, settling the smaller man in his lap so they faced each other. "Let the system run in the background," he said, hands sliding under the oversized shirt to caress bare skin. "I'd rather focus on you."
Their kisses turned heated quickly. Guàn Jǐngchén unbuttoned the shirt with deliberate patience, exposing Lin Yuè's chest inch by inch. He leaned down and took one nipple into his mouth, sucking gently while his tongue circled the sensitive peak. Lin Yuè gasped, back arching, fingers threading into the CEO's dark hair.
"So sensitive," Guàn Jǐngchén murmured against his skin. "Every time I touch you here, you tremble." He switched to the other nipple, lavishing it with the same attention while one hand slipped lower, palming Lin Yuè through the sweatpants.
Lin Yuè rocked into the touch with a soft whimper. "Please… more."
Guàn Jǐngchén obliged. He pushed the sweatpants and underwear down Lin Yuè's thighs, freeing his hardening length. His large hand wrapped around it, stroking slowly from base to tip with just the right pressure. At the same time, his other hand teased between Lin Yuè's cheeks, one slick finger circling his entrance.
"You're still loose from last night," Guàn Jǐngchén observed, voice thick with desire. He pushed one finger inside, then two, scissoring gently. Lin Yuè moaned, hips twitching as the fingers brushed that sensitive spot inside him.
The scan progress bar on the nearby tablet climbed steadily — 23%… 37%… 51%.
Guàn Jǐngchén ignored it completely. He lifted Lin Yuè slightly, positioned himself, and sank inside in one smooth thrust. Both of them groaned at the tight, perfect fit. Guàn Jǐngchén set a deep, steady rhythm — hips rolling upward while his hands guided Lin Yuè's movements.
"Look at me," he commanded softly.
Lin Yuè obeyed, golden-brown eyes glassy with pleasure. Their gazes locked as the pace increased. Guàn Jǐngchén's hand stroked Lin Yuè in time with every thrust, thumb swiping over the sensitive head. The sounds of skin meeting skin, heavy breathing, and broken moans filled the room.
"You feel incredible," Guàn Jǐngchén growled, thrusting harder. "So tight… so perfect… made for me."
Lin Yuè cried out as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter. "Jǐngchén… I'm—"
"Come for me, baby."
Lin Yuè shattered with a sharp, breathless moan, spilling over Guàn Jǐngchén's hand and his own stomach. The CEO followed seconds later, burying himself deep with a low groan as he filled Lin Yuè once more.
They stayed connected for a long time afterward, foreheads pressed together, breathing ragged. Guàn Jǐngchén kissed him softly — eyelids, cheeks, swollen lips — murmuring praises between each one.
"I love you," he whispered. "More than I thought I could love anyone."
Lin Yuè's eyes stung with unshed tears. He clung tighter, whispering back, "I love you too."
The tablet chimed again.
Scan complete: 100%.
Guàn Jǐngchén reached over without pulling out, glancing at the results. His expression remained calm, but Lin Yuè felt the subtle tension in his shoulders.
"Clean," Guàn Jǐngchén announced, setting the tablet aside. "No anomalies. Everything checks out."
Relief flooded Lin Yuè so strongly that his body trembled. He hid his face in the CEO's neck, tears slipping silently down his cheeks.
Guàn Jǐngchén noticed immediately. He cupped Lin Yuè's face, thumbs wiping the tears away. "Why are you crying, baby?"
"Happy tears," Lin Yuè lied softly, voice thick. "I was scared something would go wrong… that you'd find a reason not to keep me."
Guàn Jǐngchén's eyes darkened with fierce protectiveness. He kissed Lin Yuè deeply, pouring every ounce of love and possession into it.
"Nothing will ever make me let you go," he vowed against his lips. "You're mine now. Forever."
Lin Yuè nodded, clinging to him as the weight of his deception settled heavier than ever.
The scan had passed.
He had bought more time.
But every kiss, every touch, every "I love you" made the eventual truth more devastating.
He had chosen to stay.
Now he could only pray that when the mask finally shattered, the man holding him so tenderly would still choose to love the ghost beneath it.
End of Chapter 25