Li Hao's black mercedes glided to a halt before a colossal building. It was, without a doubt, one of Beijing's most opulent shopping malls.
Yu Han's eyes widened with shock seeing this huge building. He had never set foot in a place like this.
"Why did he bring me here?I don't even have the budget to buy a handkerchief here."
He instinctively rolled down the car window, seeking a breath of air that felt more familiar.
Li Hao unbuckled his seatbelt,"What's wrong, Yu Han? We're here."
Yu Han turned to face him, his gaze narrowed,"Are you sure we're at the right place?"
"Yeah, we are," Li Hao confirmed,he reached over to unbuckle Yu Han's seatbelt.
Still, Yu Han hesitated, his foot hovering just above the car floor.
With a graceful movement, Li Hao exited the vehicle and then, as if on cue, strode around to the passenger side, opening the door for Yu Han.
"Come out. Don't you want to shop?" he teased.
Seeing Li Hao,looming over him, Yu Han finally let out a resigned sigh and stepped out of the car.
He immediately grabbed Li Hao's hand, halting him mid-stride.
"I don't have much of a budget for this place, Li Hao. Why did you bring me here?"
Li Hao turned, his expression softening as he registered the earnest worry etched on Yu Han's face. He offered a broad, proud smile.
"Don't worry about your budget. I'll manage everything."
"Manage everything?" Yu Han's grip tightened. "I just wanted your company, not your money, Li Hao!" he retorted.
Li Hao gently placed a hand on Yu Han's shoulder,"Don't sulk. If you feel like I've crossed a line, you can treat me to dinner later, okay?"
As they stepped inside, an unexpected silence greeted them. The mall was undeniably grand, dripping with luxury, yet eerily empty.
Yu Han's eyes swept across the vast expanse, "Why is no one here? It's the weekend; it should be packed with people."
Li Hao shrugged,acting equally amused.
"How would I know? Maybe people are elsewhere. Or maybe it's good for us that it's not crowded, isn't it?"
This bastard grinned enigmatically as if he didn't booked the whole mall.
In a heartbeat, the tranquil silence shattered. A phalanx of mall staff, all dressed in immaculate uniforms, stood before Li Hao and Yu Han, their faces adorned with wide, welcoming smiles, and bowed in unison.
"Welcome, Mr. Li."
The mall manager, stepped forward and respectfully presented Li Hao with a magnificent bouquet of crimson roses.
"We are truly honored to have you here, Mr. Li. Thank you for choosing our establishment. We are at your service to provide the utmost in luxury and comfort."
Yu Han's jaw went slack, his eyes widening in utter bewilderment.
"What in the world is going on?We're just here to shop. What's with all this formality"
Li Hao accepted the bouquet,and handed it to Yu Han. "For you, Yu Han."
He then turned back to the manager, his voice firm but polite.
"There's no need for such elaborate ceremonies. Just show me your finest collection of men's clothing. For him," he added, gesturing towards Yu Han.
All eyes in the newly formed entourage turned to Yu Han. He felt a blush creep up his neck, and this young man had to smile awkwardly.
"Don't worry, Mr. Li," the manager assured him, "We will ensure Mr. Yu Han is impeccably attired," he gestured to his staff, who then gently guided a bewildered Yu Han towards the opulent changing rooms.
Li Hao settled onto a plush sofa holding a steaming cup of coffee.
Now, began the fashion show with modal Yu Han, he walked just for one and only, Li Hao . He emerged from the changing rooms clad in an exquisite silk shirt and matching trousers, looking, Yu Han had to admit, utterly stunning.
Li Hao's response was immediate. "Pack it." Yu Han tried on another ensemble, and again, Li Hao's verdict was the same: "Pack it."
This pattern repeated itself, an almost dizzying succession of outfits, until Yu Han had, by Li Hao's count, purchased over twenty sets of designer clothing.
By this point, Yu Han was thoroughly exhausted. The novelty had worn off, replaced by a weary resignation.
He strode back to Li Hao, who was still sipping his coffee, and plopped down beside him.
"If you just want to buy everything, then buy it!. Why the hell are you insisting I try them on one by one?"
Li Hao chuckled, his gaze lingering on Yu Han.
"You look good in everything you try, Yu Han. What else am I supposed to do?" He leaned closer, "Perhaps it's not about the clothes, Yu Han. Perhaps it's about you."
Yu Han glared at him,"Are you looking for a punch in front of everyone?" he growled, reaching for a nearby glass of juice and taking a large, deliberate sip, his gaze fixed on Li Hao.
"I don't want to shop anymore,"he set the glass down with a soft thud."I'm hungry."
Li Hao's expression softened, and he reached out to stroke Yu Han's head,"Okay, okay. As you say."
Li Hao had intended to whisk Yu Han away to a five-star hotel for a lavish meal.
However, Yu Han, with his characteristic stubbornness, insisted on going to his favorite spot – a humble noodle shop he frequented. Li Hao, now accustomed to Yu Han's preferences, obliged.
They arrived at the noodle shop, and Li Hao, ever aware of his public profile, hid himself with the help of dark sunglasses and a mask.
Yet, even with these precautions, his imposing physique and undeniable aura drew curious glances from the few patrons present.
"You're really handsome, like an actor," Yu Han commented,something burning inside him.
Li Hao burst into laughter. He leaned in, his lips brushing Yu Han's ear.
"Maybe they're just attracted to you, just like I am."
Yu Han rolled his eyes,"Cut the crap, Li Hao."
Their playful bickering was interrupted by a familiar voice that sliced through the ambient noise.
"If I'm not mistaken… you… you are Mr. Li?"
Both Li Hao and Yu Han turned, their heads swiveling towards the sound.
Standing a few feet away was Hua Yong, a look of surprised recognition on his face.
Li Hao's eyebrows rose slightly as he recognized Hua Yong. He pushed his sunglasses up his nose. "Hua Yong?"
Hua Yong's lips curved upwards into a wide, genuine smile. "I knew it was you from the moment I saw you. I tried to be discreet, but…"
"What are you doing here, Hua Yong?" Li Hao asked, as he extended a hand and clapped Hua Yong on the shoulder.
Yu Han remained silent, a strange, burning sensation igniting within him as he watched Li Hao's casual camaraderie with Hua Yong.
"Ah… I'm just here for the noodles," Hua Yong explained, his gaze flicking towards the restaurant entrance.
"Their noodles are truly exceptional. People usually queue for hours just to taste them." He paused, his brow furrowing in genuine confusion. "But today… why is there no queue? Every time I come here, I have to wait ages."
It's obvious that there was no queue at all only because of Li Hao, who had already booked the restaurant only for his love, Yu Han. He paid them the huge amount in advance.
The realization dawned on Yu Han,
"First the mall, and now this restaurant… behind all of this… is… is it Li Hao?"
He glanced at Li Hao, who was still engaged in conversation with Hua Yong.
Abruptly, Li Hao's hand shot out, his fingers closing around Yu Han's wrist.
He drew Yu Han closer, his gaze sweeping from Yu Han's uncertain face to Hua Yong's.
"Yu Han, meet him. This is Hua Yong. He's helping us with the case." He then turned to Hua Yong. "Hua Yong, this is Yu Han."
Yu Han forced a smile, extending his hand towards Hua Yong for a handshake.
"Ah, so you're Yu Han," Hua Yong said, "Mr. Li's boyfriend."
Yu Han's gaze snapped to Li Hao, a silent question burning in his eyes.
"When did this bastard decide to broadcast our relationship to others?"
Li Hao coughed nervously, acutely aware of Yu Han's piercing "death stare."
"What is he thinking now?" Li Hao's mind raced.
Yu Han turned back to Hua Yong, his smile still in place, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Thank you for helping Li Hao. You must be a genius for him to have chosen you," he said with politeness.
He then gestured towards the restaurant. "Why don't you join us? We were just about to eat noodles."
Actually his main motive was probing the closeness between Hua Yong and Li Hao.
"Let's see how close you are the Li Hao."
Hua Yong hesitated, his gaze flickering between Yu Han and Li Hao.
"Uhh… it looks like you guys are on a date. I wouldn't want to crash it. I think I should probably go now."
"Ah, no, don't worry! Just come with us," Yu Han insisted, his grip tightening on Hua Yong's wrist.
He deliberately turned to Li Hao, his smile strained, his teeth gritted. "Is it okay if Hua Yong also eats with us, huh, Li Hao?"
Li Hao let out a nervous chuckle. "If it's okay with you, then I don't mind either."
"See? Li Hao agreed. Come with us," Yu Han said.
Li Hao sighed,"Ughh...I just wanted to eat with you, why did you invite him."