Both Yu Tan's gaze and his current appearance were completely unexpected to Hu Xiaoyu.
In Hu Xiaoyu's memories of foxes, Yu Tan had always been clean and composed. Whether in his previous life, where he was gentle and refined, or this life, where his temper was not the best, the one thing that never changed was that he always presented himself immaculately.
The Yu Tan in front of him now, however, looked like he had just swum through a muddy pit—filthy.
Hu Xiaoyu's mind was a mess, and he instinctively took a step back under Yu Tan's gaze.
Wait, no. Yu Tan couldn't see him right now.
It seemed like everyone had been looking for him all over the house. So how did he get out?
Shi Jingyang, who had been dozing on the sofa, suddenly jolted awake, staring at Yu Tan in a daze.
"Hey... why are you still standing by the window like a pillar?"
He had tried to persuade him multiple times, "Yu Ge, you should sit down and rest for a while. Or maybe take a shower. Xiaoyu might have gone to a friend's house. He'll be back when the sun rises. He's a grown man, he can't just disappear..."
The second half of his sentence was silenced by Yu Tan's cold, dark gaze.
Yu Tan remained expressionless, and if one had to analyze it, his eyes were filled with a bit of regret. "He doesn't have any friends."
The ones he should have had were all forcibly cut off by him.
Shi Jingyang, speechless, shifted and continued to doze.
He was there to help Yu Tan check the surveillance footage, but nothing was found.
Even so, Shi Jingyang wasn't particularly worried about Hu Xiaoyu's safety. After all, Hu Xiaoyu was the kind of person who could make their Yu Ge, the man who usually remained indifferent, lose his temper. And if anyone tried to hurt him, they would be in for a hard time.
Only Yu Tan... when he cared, he lost his composure completely. Seeing no sign of Hu Xiaoyu made him ignore everything else.
Hu Xiaoyu now realized that the whole house had been looking for him all night.
He hastily fled out of the window again, found a secluded corner outside the building to reveal himself, and then quickly made his way back upstairs.
The elevator arrived quickly at the twelfth floor, and when the doors opened with a "ding," Hu Xiaoyu felt a little nervous.
He knew everyone was waiting for him, so it was only natural.
Moreover, he had been thinking about how to repay his debt and couldn't help but feel uneasy about the situation. He was afraid of being expected to stay, of being cared for, something he didn't think he could repay properly.
The people in the studio were also alerted by the sound of the elevator.
Xin Shibai, standing closest to the elevator, saw Hu Xiaoyu stepping out and excitedly called, "Xiaoyu! Xiaoyu is back!"
He had been drowsy all night, and his mind was still foggy. Just a few steps in, he felt someone press on his shoulder to move him aside, followed by a gust of air with a slight dampness.
It was Yu Tan.
Hu Xiaoyu saw Yu Tan approach with an imposing air and instinctively took a step back, not saying anything.
He had no idea what to say, just staring at him with wide, alert fox eyes—distant, wary, and shocked, but never affectionate.
Yu Tan's quick steps came to a halt under that gaze.
It only lasted for a moment, but the pain in his chest made him choose to ignore the meaning behind the look, moving to grasp Hu Xiaoyu's shoulder to check if he was hurt.
Hu Xiaoyu half-blocked, half-evaded, not letting Yu Tan get too close.
He knew Yu Tan was rushing to find him, and though his tone was harsh, he had already been with other people like this... He just didn't want Yu Tan to touch him.
The two stood in a stalemate.
Yu Tan's expression was filled with concern, the coldness slowly melting as he gazed at the half-wet hair, a few strands hanging down his forehead, showing signs of wear.
He stared intently at the young man in front of him. "Where have you been?"
When he couldn't find Hu Xiaoyu, Yu Tan had truly become frantic. But now, seeing the young man neatly dressed and full of energy, especially with his quick, cold resistance, all the frustration from the night turned into anger.
If this had been before, when Yu Tan had this serious expression, Hu Xiaoyu would have already thrown his arms around his waist and kissed his chin. He was easy to coax.
But now, Hu Xiaoyu turned his head slightly, avoiding Yu Tan's heavy, almost tangible gaze.
Hadn't they already made it clear? Once he left, he wasn't allowed to return. The Yu family was no longer his home. He and Yu Tan had no more connection.
Hu Xiaoyu turned his face away, silent, and Yu Tan reached out, gripping his chin to force him to look at him.
He couldn't bear to see the young man not looking at him with all the warmth and affection that used to be there. His voice became short and harsh. "Speak!"
Hu Xiaoyu wasn't helpless, and since Yu Tan wasn't prepared, he easily broke free from his grip.
He felt frustrated, "This is my business, and I don't need you to interfere."
When Yu Tan wasn't angry, he could be intimidating, but now, his emotions were in turmoil, and no one dared provoke him.
The rest of the people in the living room stood still, too afraid to make a sound.
It was Shi Jingyang who couldn't stand it anymore and tried to mediate. He told Yu Tan that Hu Xiaoyu must have been exhausted from staying out all night. He then muttered to Hu Xiaoyu that Yu Tan had been frantic looking for him, even searching the underground garage of the building.
At this, Yu Tan was persuaded to go take a shower and change clothes.
Of course, he went to Hu Xiaoyu's room, and as if he were familiar with the place, he quickly found the towel and shower gel Hu Xiaoyu used.
Hu Xiaoyu didn't stop him from using his space.
Although demons were sensitive to their territory, they still understood.
Yu Tan had been so frantic looking for him, and Shi Jingyang and Xin Shibai were also there. Whether anyone used his bathroom, Hu Xiaoyu wouldn't stop them.
Of course, it was still a little uncomfortable, but a simple cleaning spell would fix that later.
Seeing Hu Xiaoyu not react when Yu Tan entered his room, Shi Jingyang felt like there was still hope for these two.
At a crucial moment, it all came down to the brothers, he thought smugly.
So, Shi Jingyang arranged for Chu Yin, Xin Shibai, and the others to go home and rest. He even asked Hu Xiaoyu for his opinion, suggesting that since it had rained so heavily last night, many streets might have flooded, and it might be better to give the studio the day off.
A day off sounded great. With just Hu Xiaoyu and Yu Tan in the entire studio, there was nothing they couldn't talk about, and nothing they couldn't do.
Maybe in a few days, he'd hear about Yu Tan and Hu Xiaoyu going on a private island vacation.
Hu Xiaoyu didn't realize Shi Jingyang was scheming, and after seriously considering the suggestion, he agreed to give the studio the day off.
It was simple. Xin Shibai sent a notice to the workgroup.
However, Hu Xiaoyu still felt a little guilty and secretly sent some spiritual energy to Shi Jingyang and the others.
The energy would not only help relieve their exhaustion from the night but also improve their physical health to some extent, as a thank you for worrying about him during the night.
After that, Hu Xiaoyu ordered takeout.
He still remembered Shi Jingyang mentioning the flooded streets, so he ordered from the 24-hour breakfast shop downstairs, getting porridge and small side dishes that Yu Tan liked.