The public statement sent shockwaves through the industry.
By evening, every major business news outlet was running the headline: **"Jǐngchéng Tech CEO Defies Board, Refuses to Distance from Controversial Partner."**
Guàn Jǐngchén turned off all notifications on his phone and pulled Lin Yuè closer on the couch. The younger man was curled against his chest, wearing nothing but one of his silk shirts, legs draped over the CEO's lap.
"They're calling for your removal," Lin Yuè whispered, voice heavy with guilt. "Because of me."
Guàn Jǐngchén's hand stroked slowly down his back, slipping under the shirt to rest on bare skin. "Let them call. I've survived worse."
He tilted Lin Yuè's chin up and kissed him — slow at first, then deepening with quiet hunger. Lin Yuè melted into it, arms wrapping around his neck as the kiss turned heated. Guàn Jǐngchén's hands roamed under the silk, gripping Lin Yuè's hips and pulling him fully onto his lap.
"I don't regret it," Guàn Jǐngchén murmured against his lips. "Not for a second."
He lifted Lin Yuè effortlessly and carried him to the bedroom, laying him down on the sheets with surprising gentleness. But the hunger in his eyes was unmistakable.
He undressed Lin Yuè slowly, kissing every inch of skin he revealed — collarbones, chest, the sensitive spot just below his navel. When he reached Lin Yuè's cock, he took him into his mouth with deliberate care, tongue swirling while slick fingers pushed inside, stretching him open.
Lin Yuè moaned softly, fingers threading into dark hair. "Jǐngchén…"
Guàn Jǐngchén worked him thoroughly, adding a third finger and curling them against that sensitive spot until Lin Yuè was trembling and begging. Only then did he pull off, slick himself, and push inside with one smooth, deep thrust.
Their eyes locked as he began to move — slow, deep rolls of his hips that dragged against every sensitive nerve. Guàn Jǐngchén's hand wrapped around Lin Yuè, stroking him in perfect time.
"I chose you," he whispered, thrusting deeper. "Over the company. Over my reputation. Over everything."
Lin Yuè's breath hitched, tears slipping down his temples as pleasure and overwhelming emotion crashed over him. "I don't deserve you."
"You do," Guàn Jǐngchén growled, pace increasing. "You're mine. And I protect what's mine."
They came together — Lin Yuè with a soft, broken cry, Guàn Jǐngchén with a low groan as he filled him. They stayed connected for a long time afterward, foreheads pressed together.
The next morning, the board's response came fast.
An official statement was released: **"Due to CEO Guàn Jǐngchén's refusal to address serious security concerns, the board has called for an emergency vote of no confidence in 24 hours."**
Guàn Jǐngchén read it once, then tossed his phone aside.
He found Lin Yuè in the kitchen, quietly making breakfast. He came up behind him, wrapping strong arms around his waist and pressing a kiss to the side of his neck.
"They're voting tomorrow," he said quietly.
Lin Yuè froze, then leaned back into the embrace. "What will you do?"
Guàn Jǐngchén turned him around and kissed him deeply, hands sliding under the shirt to grip bare skin.
"I'll fight," he said against his lips. "But even if I lose the company… I won't lose you."
They made love again right there against the kitchen counter — slow and emotional, eyes locked, bodies moving together with quiet desperation. Guàn Jǐngchén thrust deep inside him, whispering "I love you" with every roll of his hips. Lin Yuè clung to him, tears falling as pleasure and guilt mixed together.
Afterward, Guàn Jǐngchén held him close on the couch, Lin Yuè curled in his lap.
"Whatever happens tomorrow," Guàn Jǐngchén said, stroking his hair, "you're still mine. Board or no board. Company or no company."
Lin Yuè pressed a soft kiss to his collarbone. "I'm yours. Always."
The clock was ticking.
One day until the vote.
One day until everything they had built — both the company and their fragile relationship — faced its greatest test.
But in that moment, wrapped in each other's arms, they chose to hold on.
No matter the cost.
End of Chapter 65