The Little Succubus's Hypnosis Manual - Chapter 27.2

Chapter 27.2: Bathrobe – “He… why… why is he so seductive…” (Part 2)

 

“Come here.” Zhou Qiyue was clearly displeased that Xie Nanxing wouldn’t even look back at him. He threw the pillow that was separating them aside and extended his arm toward Xie Nanxing.

 

Xie Nanxing still didn’t dare to turn around. “Mmm—”

 

But he quickly felt the bed sink slightly beside him, and then a warm and firm body enveloped his.

 

Zhou Qiyue wrapped one arm around Xie Nanxing’s waist, while the other arm slid underneath his neck. With a gentle pull, Xie Nanxing was firmly pulled into his embrace.

 

The scent of sandalwood grew thicker, and Zhou Qiyue’s hot breath landed on Xie Nanxing’s hair and neck.

 

“Gege…” Xie Nanxing stiffly called out. Zhou Qiyue closed his eyes—he hadn’t slept next to Xie Nanxing in a long time. The scent of their shared body wash was more effective than melatonin.

 

Xie Nanxing moved in his arms, gripping the hand around his waist. Zhou Qiyue loosened his hold slightly, allowing Xie Nanxing to turn around and curl up against his chest.

 

Xie Nanxing seemed to really like sleeping in this position.

 

Zhou Qiyue gently patted his back. In the haze between wakefulness and sleep, Xie Nanxing heard him ask, “Have you ever thought about finding your parents?”

 

The last time at the police station, it had been confirmed that Xie Nanxing’s parents were still alive, but they had apparently lost contact.

 

The question completely drove away Xie Nanxing’s sleepiness. He wrapped his arms around Zhou Qiyue and buried his head even deeper into his chest.

 

“I’ve never seen them since I was born… I don’t want to find them.”

 

His memories of his parents were already hazy. As a child, he was often bullied for being the only one without parents. At first, he cried and begged to find them, but later… he just got used to it.

 

“Alright, alright. We won’t look for them,” Zhou Qiyue gently patted his back.

 

The topic reminded Xie Nanxing that he hadn’t seen Zhou Qiyue’s parents either. The only relative he had ever met was that one time at the mall, but their relationship didn’t seem too good.

 

“Then Gege’s… parents? Why are you alone too?” Xie Nanxing asked.

 

A sea of flames flashed through Zhou Qiyue’s mind. He saw fire devouring his mother while he was blocked outside the car, screaming helplessly.

 

Afterward, he was told he still had a father, who took him home.

 

But that father… wasn’t his alone.

 

Zhou Qiyue pulled himself out of the memory, gently stroking Xie Nanxing’s soft hair. “Because I was abandoned too.”

 

Xie Nanxing went silent. In the dark room, they held each other tightly.

 

“I’ll stay by Gege’s side forever!” Xie Nanxing promised.

 

Zhou Qiyue’s eyes dimmed slightly as he held the boy tighter, as if trying to merge him into his own flesh and bl00d. He gave a soft “Mm.”

 

Xie Nanxing suddenly remembered that during the day, Xia Wenyan kept persuading Zhou Qiyue to get a cat. Although he didn’t like the idea of a pet stealing his place, he wondered if maybe—if Zhou Qiyue had adopted a cat before he came—he wouldn’t have been so lonely.

 

In a husky voice, Xie Nanxing asked, “Gege likes cats… so why didn’t you get one?”

 

Zhou Qiyue paused, then avoided the question. “Because I already have you.”

 

“Mm… Gege has me now, so no one else,” Xie Nanxing mumbled.

 

Zhou Qiyue chuckled, “Alright.”

 

He buried all his turbulent emotions deep inside. Xie Nanxing should live a happy and carefree life, not be burdened with his family’s mess.

 

So, he didn’t tell Xie Nanxing.

 

The next morning, both of them woke up looking refreshed. Aunt Wu, smiling knowingly, prepared breakfast for them.

 

As soon as Zhou Qiyue left, she couldn’t help asking, “You and Mr. Zhou made up again? I saw the guest room all cleaned out.”

 

Xie Nanxing blushed and nodded. “Mm… Gege is so good to me.”

 

He recalled how Zhou Qiyue had pulled him into his arms last night, and his heart felt warm and sweet.

 

But Zhou Qiyue had specifically messaged him, reminding him to attend his online classes. So Xie Nanxing could only sigh and go to the study to continue.

 

Meanwhile, back at the company, Zhou Qiyue was greeted by a delivery from his assistant.

 

“Who’s it from?” Zhou Qiyue asked, puzzled. He didn’t remember ordering anything.

 

“It was dropped off at the front desk. It’s addressed to you. The sender is… Zhou Shengyan.”

 

“Him again?” Zhou Qiyue opened the package, wondering what his annoying half-brother was up to this time.

 

Inside was a small box—hopefully not another ring.

 

He opened it. Inside was a gemstone, looking eerily similar to the one Xie Nanxing had once given him.

 

As he picked it up, the gem shattered like candy, scattering pieces on the table, his pants, and the floor.

 

Zhou Qiyue stared at the fragments speechlessly. Zhou Shengyan clearly had too much free time.

 

“From now on, reject anything from Zhou Shengyan,” he told his assistant.

 

“Understood.”

 

“And get someone to clean this up.” Zhou Qiyue went to change clothes.

 

When he returned, he saw several messages on his phone—not from Zhou Shengyan, but from the psychiatrist from yesterday.

 

Psychologist: Mr. Zhou, in Xie’s case, I recommend you start some socialization training. Otherwise, he might develop an aversion to communication or even fear going out alone.

 

Zhou Qiyue’s eyes lingered on the last part—“fear going out.” Even though he often took Xie Nanxing out on weekends and Xie always seemed excited, he’d never once asked to go out on his own.

 

He opened the live home camera feed. Xie Nanxing was on the balcony, watching his online class, half-asleep in the warm sun.

 

Like a lazy kitten.

 

Zhou Qiyue streamed the footage to his computer and called him.

 

The ringtone blared in the quiet room like thunder. Xie Nanxing jumped, sliding off the cushion before answering.

 

Zhou Qiyue chuckled at the sight. “I told you to attend online class, not nap in ‘Zhou Gong’s’ class.”

 

“Who’s Zhou Gong?” Xie Nanxing scratched his head. He was a succubus; he didn’t get the reference.

 

“…Never mind.” Zhou Qiyue smiled wider. “Why nap on the balcony? Sleeping on the couch is better for your back.”

 

Xie Nanxing rubbed his lower back. It still felt fine.

 

“Didn’t get it… I’m sleepy.”

 

He yawned. But then he realized—how did Zhou Qiyue know he was napping?

 

The camera!

 

He ran to it and waved. The little red light blinked.

 

“Gege, look at me!”

 

On the monitor, Xie Nanxing was holding his phone and waving at the camera like he had no idea he was being watched.

 

All he knew was that Zhou Qiyue could see him.

 

Zhou Qiyue’s Adam’s apple bobbed. So even if he installed cameras all over the house, Xie Nanxing wouldn’t mind.

 

Just then, his call was interrupted by another one—Zhou Shengyan.

 

Zhou Qiyue almost hung up, but remembering that ridiculous delivery, he decided to answer.

 

Zhou Shengyan was in his office, watching a security feed from a basement garage. If Zhou Qiyue had been there, he’d recognize it instantly.

 

“My dear little brother, did you receive my package?”

 

“…This isn’t a garbage collection center,” Zhou Qiyue replied flatly.

 

Zhou Shengyan snorted. Soon, Zhou Qiyue would learn the truth about the little monster living in his house.

 

Then he’d be begging him for help.

 

“I’m just trying to warn you—he’s dangerous. You’d better stay away before you get hurt.”

 

Zhou Qiyue didn’t take in a word. He didn’t know why Zhou Shengyan was so determined to drive a wedge between them, but even if Xie Nanxing did have ulterior motives, he’d still give him everything.

 

He just hoped Xie Nanxing would keep his promise and stay by his side forever.

 

“You’re just jealous that someone’s with me, unlike you. Hypocrites always end up alone.”

 

Zhou Qiyue rarely stooped to verbal sparring, but Zhou Shengyan had crossed the line one too many times.

 

“Hmph! A dog biting Lü Dongbin—can’t recognize a good person,” Zhou Shengyan sneered.

 

“And you’re the weasel wishing a chicken Happy New Year,” Zhou Qiyue retorted.

 

Furious, Zhou Shengyan called the people staking out Zhou Qiyue’s house.

 

“I told you to watch him for half a month, and you still haven’t caught him once!”

 

“Sir, he never goes out. And when he does, it’s always with your brother. We can’t just kidnap him!”

 

“Useless! All of you!”

 

Just then, his assistant walked in and handed him a phone. “Sir, we found the number.”

 

Zhou Shengyan took it and coldly dialed.

 

“Hello, you’re the one my brother picked up, right?” he sneered before Xie Nanxing could even respond.

 

“You think Zhou Qiyue can support you forever? You have no money, no education. He’s in the early stages of his career—he needs someone who can elevate him, not drag him down. So if you truly care about him, stay away.”

 

Xie Nanxing had heard this kind of talk before. The voice was familiar. It didn’t take long for him to figure out—it was Zhou Qiyue’s brother.

 

Suddenly, all those melodramatic dramas he’d watched with Aunt Wu kicked in. “Are you… going to give me millions to leave Gege?”

 

Zhou Shengyan was stunned. Their little succubus didn’t even understand what money was before—and now he wanted millions?

 

“I’ll give you five million. Just leave him.”

 

“Wow… but Gege must be worth more than five million, right?”

 

“…A hundred million. That’s the most. He’s not worth more.”

 

“But…” Xie Nanxing bit his finger. Zhou Shengyan could already guess what was coming and hurriedly cut him off.

 

“Enough. If you can’t stay by his side forever, don’t give him hope.” He hung up.

 

He really must be going mad. He could’ve ignored Zhou Qiyue entirely, but guilt made him pay attention.

 

He hadn’t realized his brother was watching the whole exchange through the live feed—and that Xie Nanxing called to snitch right after.

 

“Does your brother… not like me?” Xie Nanxing asked.

 

“Hmm?” Zhou Qiyue feigned ignorance, even though he’d seen and heard everything.

 

“He offered me… a hundred million to leave you,” Xie Nanxing held up his fingers dramatically. Though he probably had no idea how much that was.

 

Zhou Qiyue chuckled indulgently. “Did you say yes?”

 

“Of course not! Gege is… priceless.”

 

“Mhm,” Zhou Qiyue laughed softly. “So are you.”

 

Blushing, Xie Nanxing covered his face.

 

Zhou Qiyue didn’t press for more. After a short chat, he tried to call Zhou Shengyan to warn him not to interfere again—but found he had been blocked.

 

He hadn’t even blocked Zhou Shengyan himself.

 

Zhou Qiyue grabbed the landline and whispered instructions to his assistant—to have some people tail Zhou Shengyan.

 

If they could find the person Zhou Shengyan was hiding, he’d make sure Zhou Shengyan couldn’t touch Xie Nanxing again.

 

And that person’s existence might cause real trouble—for both Zhou Shengyan and their old man.

 

He fiddled with the ring Zhou Shengyan had sent him but found that he couldn’t take it off. It was like it had fused to his finger.

 

He shut the surveillance feed and got back to work.

 

At home, however, Xie Nanxing curled up on the couch hugging a pillow, silently emo.

 

No matter if it was the person he saw at Zhou Qiyue’s company or Zhou Qiyue’s brother, they all seemed to think he was holding Zhou Qiyue back.

 

Even Xia Wenyan had looked shocked when he learned Xie Nanxing wasn’t going to school.

 

Aunt Wu noticed his low mood and gently asked him what was wrong.

 

Besides Zhou Qiyue, she was Xie Nanxing’s favorite human. She was kind and patient like a mother, teaching him daily life skills and baking.

 

He told her about his worries. “I don’t want to… go to school. But I want to earn a lot, a lot of money… I want to support Gege.”

 

Aunt Wu stroked his hair. “You’re wonderful, Xingxing. You keep the house tidy, and your cooking is great. If you want to earn money, let’s ask Mr. Zhou when he comes back.”

 

She then added, “When I was out shopping, I saw a few bakeries hiring. With your skills, you could start as a pastry chef.”

 

“Thank you, Aunt Wu!” Xie Nanxing hugged her tightly.

 

That evening, the three of them sat on the sofa together. Xie Nanxing spoke first: “Gege, I want to… go earn money. I want to support you!”

 

Aunt Wu added, “I think Xingxing would make a great pastry chef. It’s not healthy for him to stay cooped up at home all the time.”

 

Zhou Qiyue recalled what the psychiatrist had said. He really couldn’t keep Xie Nanxing locked away forever.

 

“Do you like the cat café from yesterday? That’s my store. You could work there.”

 

Xie Nanxing shook his head. “I want… to rely on myself.”

 

He didn’t want to be a burden.

 

Aunt Wu chimed in, “There are plenty of cake shops hiring. I’ll keep an eye out.”

 

“Alright,” Zhou Qiyue said seriously. “But if Xie Nanxing goes out, you must go with him. And call me if anything happens.”

 

He would’ve preferred to help look himself, but Xie Nanxing clearly wanted to do it alone.

 

Zhou Qiyue sighed. For the first time, he wondered what he was working so hard to earn money for.

 

A few days later, Aunt Wu found a job opening at a dessert chain. Zhou Qiyue even skipped half a day of work to take Xie Nanxing to the interview.

 

Xie Nanxing wore a proper outfit for the first time—a fitted white shirt and slacks that emphasized his slender waist and long legs.

 

Zhou Qiyue was more nervous than when he’d pitched his project to big companies back in college.

 

He walked Xie Nanxing to the door, only saying: “Do your best in the interview.”

 

There were many things he wanted to say, but he didn’t want to make him anxious.

 

He returned to the car and tried to work, but the words on his laptop made no sense. All he could think about was Xie Nanxing’s interview.

 

Xie Nanxing gathered his courage to talk to the staff. When nervous, he stuttered worse and forgot words he’d memorized repeatedly.

 

Luckily, he was applying for a pastry role, not a customer-facing one.

 

He followed the manager’s instructions to make several desserts. The manager and employees tasted them and exchanged thoughts.

 

Finally, the manager extended a hand. “Welcome to the team. You can start officially tomorrow.”