The next morning, Jiang Yuan was jolted awake by a persistent, soul-crushing doorbell. He had always been prone to morning grumpiness, and combined with the excessive drinking from the night before, his expression was dark enough to suggest he might commit murder.
"Morning." Xie Chengnan had a coat draped over his arm. Acting as if he didn't notice Jiang Yuan’s fury, he shook the takeout bag in his hand. "I brought breakfast."
The bag bore the logo of Fuman Tower, a venerable establishment. Jiang Yuan had loved their pan-fried buns and wontons since he was a child. Unfortunately, they had a limited daily supply and required getting up early to wait in line for ages. The young master could never wake up in time and was too lazy to wait, so he hadn't eaten them in a long while.
For the sake of the food, Jiang Yuan stepped aside to let Xie Chengnan in. Only then did he notice a small van parked at his door, the words "Intercity Moving Company" spray-painted on its side.
"..." Jiang Yuan looked at Xie Chengnan blankly. "Yours?"
Xie Chengnan gave a light chuckle. "I just returned to the country and plan to settle down. I have a bit of luggage."
He had decided to stay long-term before even flying back, so he had packed up a bunch of his frequently used belongings and shipped them to Shen Qinian. He had expected it would take some time to find a place to settle, but by a stroke of luck, the issue had been resolved the very day he arrived.
Consequently, early this morning, Shen Qinian had efficiently booked a moving company, cleared it with the neighborhood security, and sent everything straight to Jiang Yuan’s doorstep.
Jiang Yuan felt like he had been walked into a trap. He had originally thought that living together just meant an extra person in the house and another pair of chopsticks at the table. He hadn't expected this guy to move in with the air of a rightful master taking over the house. Once this truckload of stuff was settled in, how would he look like a "kept man" who could be dismissed at any time?
While he was still dazed at the door, Xie Chengnan had already taken charge, setting out the breakfast in the dining room and calling him over to eat.
Jiang Yuan turned back to see the man arranging the bowls and chopsticks. He had shed his meticulous suit jacket; the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, and his sleeves were neatly rolled up to his elbows, revealing lean, powerful forearms. He looked as relaxed as if he were in his own home.
The young master rolled his eyes and was about to kick him out when he saw Xie Chengnan pick up a pair of chopsticks and meticulously remove every single bit of chopped green onion from one of the soup bowls. The words Jiang Yuan was about to say got stuck in his throat. The last person who had picked out the onions for him... was no longer around.
Jiang Yuan silently moved away from the door. Box after box of luggage began to be moved into the living room. He sat at the table, quietly drinking his soup and eating wontons. Recalling Xie Chengnan’s claim that he was a regular guest at his house before going abroad, Jiang Yuan had assumed the man was familiar with Jiang Kunbo. Now, it seemed he was quite familiar with Jiang Yuan himself.
Curious, he cleared his throat and asked, "How did you know I don't eat green onions?"
Xie Chengnan chuckled softly. "I don't just know you don't eat onions; I know exactly how many moles you have on your body."
Jiang Yuan scoffed. "You think I’d believe that?" If they were that close, how could he have no memory of the man?
Xie Chengnan placed a pan-fried bun in his bowl and said, "You have one on your left buttock. It’s rose-colored." His tone was as casual as if he were commenting on the weather.
Jiang Yuan choked violently on a mouthful of soup, coughing fit to burst. He had no idea when he had been seen naked by a stranger. When he looked at Xie Chengnan again, his gaze was murderous.
Xie Chengnan helped pat his back to soothe his breathing, amused. "What are you thinking? You were only five years old when I went abroad."
Even at five, it wasn't as if just anyone could see the Jiang family's young master's backside. Jiang Yuan finally realized that Xie Chengnan’s "regular guest" status wasn't just a casual acquaintance; they must have been very close.
As they ate breakfast, Xie Chengnan recounted stories from their childhood in detail. Jiang Yuan remembered none of it; it felt like listening to a story about someone else. His expression remained calm, largely unmoved.
However, the look in Xie Chengnan’s eyes when he mentioned Jiang Yuan’s mother was so tender and nostalgic that Jiang Yuan decided to forgive the man’s over-familiarity. After all, there weren't many people left in this world who remembered her as he did.
After the meal, Xie Chengnan began to unpack the mountain of boxes. Jiang Yuan grabbed a can of cola and sat cross-legged on the sofa, curious about what "extraordinary" things this guy had bothered to ship from across the ocean.
When the first box was opened, Jiang Yuan was stunned. Xie Chengnan peeled back layers of protective wrapping to reveal a waist-high... robot?
Jiang Yuan’s first thought was: *Does this guy collect models?*
To his surprise, Xie Chengnan patted the robot’s head. "Hi, Jason."
A display screen on the robot’s head lit up, showing a smiling face with curved eyes.
【Hi, Nan.】
Xie Chengnan pointed at Jiang Yuan. "Meet your little master."
Jason turned his head to look at Jiang Yuan.
【Facial recognition complete. Iris recognition complete.】
Xie Chengnan said, "A-Yuan, say hello to Jason."
Jiang Yuan stammered, "Hi... Jason."
【Voice recognition complete.】
【Hi, A-Yuan. It is a pleasure to meet you.】
Jiang Yuan was still in shock.
Xie Chengnan gave a command: "Jason, familiarize yourself with the new home." He then turned to Jiang Yuan. "Are there any rooms Jason shouldn't enter?"
"No..." Jiang Yuan watched with wide eyes as Jason wandered through the rooms before lifting its short legs to climb to the second floor.
It was rare for Xie Chengnan to see such an expression on the boy. For a moment, the amazed teenager on the sofa overlapped with the "glutinous rice ball" in his memory—the well-behaved, beautiful child.
Xie Chengnan felt that *this* Jiang Yuan was the nineteen-year-old he had imagined. He wasn't indifferent or world-weary; he was vivid and bright, much like the late autumn sunlight currently flooding the living room.
Jason finished his patrol and wobbled back downstairs. Jiang Yuan watched with bated breath, his face full of animation, terrified the robot would tumble down and shatter into a pile of scrap metal.
【Dear Nan, there are three bedrooms and one study upstairs, but only one bed. Based on the household population, you likely need to purchase a bed first.】
Only then did Jiang Yuan remember that his two guest rooms were completely empty.
Xie Chengnan continued unpacking while giving orders. "Search for the nearest furniture mall and order a bed for me."
【Searching for common brands: De Rucci, Simmons. No updated inventory images found. No online ordering channel available. I suggest you go out and select one in person.】
Jiang Yuan had recovered from his initial shock. He asked with great interest, "Xie Chengnan, where did you buy this robot? I want to get one to play with."
Xie Chengnan smiled. "It’s not for sale. I made it."
Jiang Yuan looked up at him. "You made it?!"
"Mhm." Xie Chengnan pulled out a stack of original English books. "Can I use the study?"
Jiang Yuan’s face went blank as he processed this information. "Sure..."
Xie Chengnan handed the books to Jason. "Put these on the bookshelf."
Jason’s arms transformed to take the books, and he marched back upstairs on his short legs.
Jiang Yuan looked at Xie Chengnan, speechless. "What did you do before you were... unemployed?"
"Robotics R&D," Xie Chengnan replied.
His tone was casual and natural, as if it were an industry where one could be easily fired.
Jiang Yuan suddenly felt that the 100,000 RMB monthly salary he offered was truly just pocket change to this man—enough to pay for his presence, but certainly not enough to "play" with him.
The "sugar daddy" felt a bit inadequate. He stood up and said, "Let's go. Big brother will buy you a bed."
Xie Chengnan looked up at him. "I am ten years older than you."
Jiang Yuan was displeased. "So what if you're ten years older? Do you actually expect me to call you 'Ge'?"
Xie Chengnan let out a short, low laugh. Jiang Yuan rubbed his ear, thinking that the man’s deep voice was practically cheating.
"You're the boss; you call the shots." Xie Chengnan dusted off his hands and straightened his shirt. He called out toward the stairs, "Jason, we're going to buy a bed. Organize the luggage while we're gone."
【Understood, Nan. Have a pleasant shopping trip.】
Jason’s voice drifted down from upstairs. Jiang Yuan felt today’s experience was quite unique, like being in a sci-fi movie. He grabbed his keys and headed out, feeling a bit dazed.
Once in the car, he realized he had no idea where the furniture mall was. Just as he was about to look it up, he saw Xie Chengnan connect his phone to the car’s Bluetooth.
"What's the password?" Xie Chengnan asked.
"Four zeros," Jiang Yuan replied.
The system indicated a successful connection. Xie Chengnan spoke to the display screen, "Jason, navigate to the nearest furniture mall."
Jason’s voice came through the speakers.
【Optimal route planned. I have detected an autonomous driving system in this vehicle. Would you like me to take over, Nan?】
Xie Chengnan glanced at Jiang Yuan. "Do you want to drive, or should Jason?"
Jiang Yuan said excitedly, "Let Jason do it. I want to see."
【Vehicle control assumed. Dear A-Yuan, please fasten your seatbelt. We are about to depart.】
Jiang Yuan took his hands off the steering wheel, holding his breath. He watched as Jason expertly maneuvered the SUV out of the neighborhood and merged into Nancheng’s congested traffic, completely unfazed by the cars cutting in around them.
Jiang Yuan turned to Xie Chengnan with burning curiosity in his eyes.
Xie Chengnan smiled. "If you like it, I can install a Jason program on your phone later."
"What else can he do?" Jiang Yuan asked.
"It’s hard to explain everything at once," Xie Chengnan said. "You can explore and find out for yourself."
Like a child with a new toy, Jiang Yuan’s spirits were high. He spent the entire drive in awkward but enthusiastic conversation with Jason. When they arrived, he still looked like he hadn't had enough.
Xie Chengnan took out a pair of wireless earbuds and tucked one into Jiang Yuan’s ear. "Wear this," he said helplessly. "You can keep chatting on the way."
---
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
福满楼 | Fuman Tower | A famous traditional restaurant (Fumanlou).
生煎 | Pan-fried buns | Shengjian mantou, a type of small, pan-fried baozi.
云吞 | Wontons | A type of Chinese dumpling.
东宫 | East Palace | Historically the residence of the Crown Prince; used metaphorically here to imply a permanent/official status in the home.
阿沅 | A-Yuan | An affectionate diminutive for Jiang Yuan.
哥 (Ge) | Ge / Big Brother | A term of respect or affection for an older male.
南城 | Nancheng | South City; likely the setting of the story.
