The moment the words “mad dog” were uttered, a stunned silence fell over the room.

Xu Xiliu expected Qin Li to explode—to charge over and give those young socialites a lesson in humility, maybe even with a touch of bloodshed. With Qin Li’s famously short temper, his penchant for revenge, and his underlying instability, any response seemed possible. But to his surprise, Qin Li didn’t flinch. Instead, he simply stared at Xu Xiliu for a long moment before reclining back into the sofa, his eyes fluttering shut once again.

Completely uninterested.

Xu Xiliu was bewildered.

Not angry?

Then what was that murderous look earlier for?

He glanced back at the group of oblivious young men, still chatting away with no idea of the storm they had just stirred. When he turned back to Qin Li—whose striking features were even more pronounced in repose—his confusion only deepened.

He’s really not reacting.

They just called him a mad dog. This is completely at odds with his usual vengeful nature.

...Have I misjudged the male lead?

As the young men were scolded by their elders and began casting nervous glances their way, Xu Xiliu couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you angry, Mr. Qin?”

“About what?” Qin Li’s eyes flickered open, his gaze dark and piercing.

“About being insulted.” For a moment, Xu Xiliu wondered if the man had completely detached from reality again, numb to everything around him.

Qin Li’s lips curled into a chilling smile. “Even a mad dog can drag them into hell overnight.”

“Otherwise, their parents wouldn’t be so desperate to shut them up.” His glance flicked dismissively toward the group before he lost interest entirely.

Qin Li couldn’t muster any enthusiasm for the situation.

Seeing Xu Xiliu’s curiosity, he sighed, reluctantly elaborating. “Most of those families rely on the Qin conglomerate. They wouldn’t dare truly provoke its heir—not openly, at least.”

His voice dripped with scorn. “Now that the power has shifted to my uncle, they’ve switched allegiances. Like owner, like dogs—bark without bite.”

He saw through them perfectly.

His appearance at the gala would inevitably reach his uncle’s ears through these very people. Since he had already resolved to confront Qin Zhangyuan, the louder the rumors, the better.

Everything at this event had unfolded exactly as he had predicted, which only bored him further.

Compared to these soon-to-be-destroyed fools, he found watching when his suspiciously perfect doctor would slip up far more interesting.

His gaze turned back to Xu Xiliu, scrutinizing him.

Xu Xiliu listened to this half-revelation about the Qin family with polite detachment. Dramatic. Very dramatic. His limited knowledge of the novel hadn’t covered these details, so he absorbed them as background information—irrelevant to a mere plot device like himself.

He nodded amiably, moving on without probing further.

Meanwhile, Qin Li, who had expected questions, grew inexplicably irritated at the lack of engagement.

Xu Xiliu’s attention had already shifted. His eyes lit up as he noticed something across the room.

“Mr. Qin, is the food here... available for consumption?”

Qin Li, thinking Xu Xiliu was finally getting back on track to gather information, straightened slightly, preparing to offer another tidbit.

Instead—this?

He stared at the lavish dessert spread, then at his doctor’s poorly concealed delight, and scowled.

What’s so appealing about this sugary garbage?

Doesn’t the villa feed you?

“Help yourself,” he said coldly.

With permission granted, Xu Xiliu immediately headed over.

Might as well sample high-society desserts while I’m here.

Xu Xiliu had a sweet tooth.

At first, he had turned to sugar to boost his dopamine during stressful shifts. Over time, a genuine fondness developed. Back in his original world, he’d never passed a new patisserie without stopping in.

So, discovering an entire buffet of exquisite desserts? Pure bliss.

Each confection was a miniature work of art. He piled a plate high before returning to savor them, blissfully tuning out the world.

The first bite confirmed their excellence—sweet, but not cloying. A rare praise for any dessert.

He ate with single-minded focus, his peach-blossom eyes crinkling in happiness.

Beside him, Qin Li eyed the overloaded plate with distaste, then shut his eyes again.

The reprieve didn’t last long.

“President Qin! Long time no see! How’s your health these days?”

The voice, dripping with obsequiousness, belonged to a stranger—nervous but determined to network.

Qin Li cracked an eye open. Ah, a minor player from past events.

Too lazy to engage, he responded with a few deliberate coughs.

“Manageable.”

Though no longer deathly pale, his complexion still lacked healthy vigor. Combined with his usual gloom, it was easy to mistake him for ill—especially when his fake coughing flushed his cheeks unnaturally.

The middle-aged man chuckled awkwardly, though his eyes gleamed with calculation.

Xu Xiliu, alerted by the noise, belatedly remembered his role. Setting his plate aside, he hurried over.

“Mr. Qin, where are you unwell?” he asked, assessing him carefully.

Medication compliance had stabilized Qin Li’s moods recently. A sudden episode seemed unlikely. His gastric issues should’ve improved with regular meals too. A headache, perhaps?

Thinking aloud, he patted Qin Li’s back before impulsively pressing a palm to his forehead.

Normal temperature.

Then what—?

Qin Li’s gaze shifted to Xu Xiliu’s face, finding it far more agreeable than the sycophant’s.

The interloper now felt distinctly out of place.

“And you are...?” he ventured, eyeing their proximity.

A lover? Even if the madness is real, he’s certainly enjoying himself.

Xu Xiliu smoothly introduced himself. “His private physician. Mr. Qin’s health necessitates my accompaniment.”

That should suffice—it’s what he told the press earlier.

The man’s eyebrows shot up.

Needs a doctor on standby? How feeble.

The rumors must be true.

“I see. Well, I won’t disturb you further. Do take care, President Qin.” He quickly scurried off, undoubtedly to spread the “news.”

Qin Li watched him go, satisfied.

Perfect.

By tomorrow, his uncle would hear all about his “failing health” and “desperate power grab.”

His smirk faded when he realized Xu Xiliu’s hands were still lingering over him.

“Stop groping me.”

Xu Xiliu froze. “You were the one coughing?”

“Can’t I cough without being ill?”

Xu Xiliu was aghast at the audacity.

All that guilt for nothing!

He yanked his hand back, smoothing his rumpled clothes. Behind his glasses, his gaze turned frosty. “Then please refrain from unnecessary coughing, Mr. Qin. It’s misleading.”

Qin Li snorted.

With the crisis averted, Xu Xiliu returned to his desserts—far more reliable than any man.

He took a decisive bite of lemon tart.

Their isolated corner kept most guests away, allowing them peace. Qin Li feigned lethargy while scanning the room, waiting for his doctor to reveal hidden connections.

Instead, Xu Xiliu remained glued to his seat, radiating joy with every sugary bite.

That usually composed smile became genuine—his eyes sparkling at each new flavor. Qin Li counted at least five moments of unguarded delight.

Eating. Always eating.

Am I invisible?

His jaw tightened before he abruptly spoke. “Shouldn’t doctors care for their patients?”

Xu Xiliu turned slowly, every fiber of his being screaming are you serious right now?

For once, he genuinely considered cracking open the male lead’s skull to study its contents.

Absolute nonsense.

His grip on the dessert plate tightened dangerously.

Qin Li, unfazed, continued mildly, “Is it good?”

Xu Xiliu’s lips pressed into a line. His naturally upturned corners still gave the illusion of a smile as he followed Qin Li’s gaze to his... plate?

Is he jealous I didn’t share?

Petty bastard.

“Very. Would you like to try?” He forced the words out.

Qin Li eyed the berry shortcake, dripping with cream. “Disgustingly sweet.”

Then stop staring at it!

Too irritated to argue, Xu Xiliu shoveled a massive spoonful and shoved it toward Qin Li’s mouth.

“Taste it yourself.”

After a tense standoff, Qin Li reluctantly opened his mouth.

Xu Xiliu nearly jammed the spoon down his throat.

The plate would’ve been more satisfying—but the cake doesn’t deserve that abuse.

Qin Li choked briefly, his usual gloom disrupted by sheer surprise. He chewed slowly, glaring.

“Well?” Xu Xiliu smiled icily.

“Overly sweet.” Qin Li swallowed with visible effort. “How

can you enjoy this?”

Philistine.

Xu Xiliu’s expression turned serene as he turned back to his dessert.

Mid-bite, he froze.

Wait—

I just fed him with my used spoon.

He peeked at Qin Li, relieved to see no reaction, then discreetly discarded the contaminated utensil.

A fresh spoon in hand, he happily resumed his feast.