Xu Xiliu’s legs had gone numb after crouching for too long. When he tried to stand up, he lost his balance and instinctively grabbed the man’s trousers for support. It wasn’t until he realized his mistake that he discovered just how foolish his actions had been.

Though the suit pants were sturdy, reinforced with a leather belt, they certainly weren’t designed to bear half his body weight. The thought of them tearing—especially now—was horrifying.

If that happened, the consequences would be far worse than a stain on the thigh. If the pants split, the proud, domineering man standing before him would have to make a rather undignified exit, quite literally exposed.

Xu Xiliu carefully checked the leather belt fastened around the man’s lean waist. Finding it secure, he let out a small sigh of relief—only to have his face suddenly grabbed, and his gaze forcefully lifted. His body stood upright, and he locked eyes with Qin Li, who was glaring at him with a thunderous expression. Xu Xiliu blinked innocently behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

What’s the big deal?

I was only saving your expensive suit... and your modesty.

Qin Li watched, increasingly incredulous, as his personal doctor not only adjusted his trousers but also proceeded to check his waistband. The light touches ignited a strange sensation—one that tingled up his spine and knotted uncomfortably in his chest, while another, bolder sensation, descended to... other parts of his body.

His expression darkened even further.

"The pants are fine. The belt is secure. Is that all, Dr. Xu?" he growled through gritted teeth, finally releasing Xu Xiliu’s face.

Xu Xiliu blinked a few times, then gently removed the man’s hand from his face, clearing his throat as he instantly resumed his usual calm demeanor. His eyes, framed by the gold glasses, softened with a smile.

"Of course."

"Just... taking precautions."

Qin Li narrowed his obsidian eyes, coldly snorted, and turned sharply, striding out of the restroom.

As they exited, the crowd seemed to collectively divert their gazes—though not before noticing the unmistakable red fingerprints now adorning Xu Xiliu’s pale cheeks. A quiet murmur swept through the crowd.

Oh my, those marks!

They say President Qin has a volatile temper, but manhandling his companion like this...

Poor thing—imagine what must have happened behind closed doors...

Xu Xiliu, completely oblivious to the speculation, rubbed his warm face. "Mr. Qin, do I look flushed? My face feels unusually hot."

An allergic reaction, perhaps?

Qin Li turned to look at him—his eyes froze. There, stark against Xu Xiliu’s fair skin, were two clear, red finger-shaped marks.

Did I...?

Impossible—I barely touched him!

Is his skin made of tissue paper?

"Must be the humidity," Qin Li muttered, looking away.

Xu Xiliu furrowed his brow but didn’t press the issue further.

Their departure from the gala was as smooth as their arrival. With no paparazzi in sight, Xu Xiliu finally felt a sense of relief during the ride back.

As the luxury sedan neared downtown, he requested to be dropped off. "There’s no need to trouble yourself further—my apartment is just around the corner."

Qin Li nodded curtly in response.

Recalling the stain on his suit, Xu Xiliu added, "I’ll take your trousers to the dry cleaner and have them returned to you—on me, of course."

The glare Qin Li shot him could have frozen lava. Before Xu Xiliu could react, the car came to a screeching halt, and he was unceremoniously deposited on the sidewalk, watching the taillights vanish into the night.

Well then.

Money saved.

It was evening, but the dessert buffet had left him craving something spicy. After picking up ingredients for hotpot at a nearby supermarket, Xu Xiliu was intercepted by an overly enthusiastic promoter.

"Handsome! Free gifts for joining our dog lovers’ community!"

Normally, he would decline, but the promise of free tissues was too tempting to resist.

Minutes later, armed with toilet paper and an orange dog frisbee he had no intention of using, Xu Xiliu made his way home.

That night, curiosity led him to check out the new chat group he’d joined. It was a veritable who's who of canine aristocracy:

[Undefeated Corgi Emperor NiuNiu]
[Purebred German Shepherd Elite Warrior Mumu]
[Golden Retriever Caesar the Great]

Not one to be outdone, Xu Xiliu—encouraged by his collection of husky-themed alarm clocks—renamed himself:

[My surname’s Ha! Hahahahahaha!]

The group fell silent before erupting in a flurry of awed emojis.

Leaning back, Xu Xiliu allowed himself a satisfied smile.

No dog yet, but already a champion.