Imprisoned Love

Yale sat at the dining table, slamming a platter of lobster and another of abalone onto the faces of the newlyweds who had approached to toast, causing an uproar in the vicinity. Immediately, he was escorted out of the wedding venue by security. Throughout the ordeal, he remained silent, offering no resistance, as if the protagonist of an absurd play, sober amidst an excessive fervor. Eventually, amidst the bride's uncontrollable rage, the farce came to a close in the banquet hall. Please don't misunderstand; the groom at the wedding did not mistreat Yale, and the bride wasn't his emotional third party. It's because he walked into the wrong banquet hall. "Yale, I'm begging you, please don't make me go to the police station to bail you out again. How many times this month already?" "Zane gave me the wrong banquet hall number," Yale said with a drooping head, pitifully. "It's all because I kept my head down, brewing emotions, until I lifted the platter and realized I'd hit the wrong person." Alright, alright. I'm tired of hearing your explanations," Vaughn, as Yale's longtime good friend, impatiently quipped, "If there's a next time, you better undergo a serious transformation in there, especially your brain, strive for a brand-new overhaul." "You're scolding me now. Hmph, don't worry, there won't be a next time. I'm heading back to the Leonard tomorrow, and none of you can persuade me. I've made up my mind," Yale said, pulling open the silver-gray car door and plopping into the passenger seat. “good riddance!" The voice from the backseat startled Yale, making him jump. "Damn it, Zane, are you crazy? You scared the hell out of me!" It was Zane, sitting in the backseat, combing his hair with a small mirror. He kicked the front seat. "If you don't leave, you're a wimp." "You're the wimp! You're the one who gave me the wrong banquet hall number!" Yale turned around and pointed at Zane, cursing vehemently. However, being naturally playful, his curses sounded more like playful banter, designed to provoke and tease. “You know, I called you ten times and sent you at least twenty WeChat messages, but you didn't bother to check," Zane said with a face full of grievances. "They only swapped banquet halls this afternoon. Can you blame me?" "Alright, stop arguing, young master. Your flight tickets are all booked, so don't make it difficult for us," Vaughn, the youngest but most mature among them, said. Whenever Yale or Zane got into trouble, it was always him who had to clean up the mess. Did my grandfather threaten you guys again?" Yale asked, incredulous. "No, no, Old Master Luo is very kind to both of us. See this car? He gave it to Vaughn as a special gift," Zane said, giving the leather seat a firm pat, looking as if he was deliberately trying to provoke Yale. Damn it! You two sold out a friend for glory!" Yale exclaimed, reaching for the door handle, ready to get out of the car and away from these two infuriating traitors. But before he could open the door, Vaughn's hand clasped tightly over his, and Vaughn's body pressed close against Yale's chest. His thin lips brushed against Yale's flushed cheek, his warm breath sending shivers up Yale's spine, causing him to squirm backward. "Don't get so close, it tickles," Yale muttered. Vaughn paid no heed, instead pinning Yale's other hand above his head. His deep eyes locked onto Yale's, which were now blinking rapidly. "Behave. Do you know whose wedding you're disrupting this time?" Whose? I’m not afraid,” Yale retorted stubbornly. “At worst, I’ll apologize to them myself.” “If they were willing to accept your apology, would you still be locked up?” Vaughn looked at Yale’s innocent, defiant face, feeling a pang of frustration. “You slapped the faces of your grandfather’s arch-enemy, Abyssus’s third son and his wife.” “Does that mean I have to go back to Leonard?” Yale’s eyes, misty like a fawn’s, gazed deeply at Vaughn. His voice softened instantly, melting like spring water. “Is there any other way?” “I haven’t thought of anything yet. Be good and go for now. Once things settle down, you can come back,” Yale's said, releasing Yale, who had gone limp in the seat. As he let go, he gently smoothed Yale’s disheveled hair. “If you want to blame someone, curse that damned ex-boyfriend of yours. Why did he have to get married today?” Zane's remark cut in sharply, just in time. Both Vaughn and Yale turned and glared at him, making him quickly lower his head and continue fussing with his sparse yellow hair. When Yale returned to the hotel and Vaughn drove off, only Vaughn stayed behind to help pack his things. “You don’t have to do it yourself. Aunt Li will help me pack in the morning,” Yale said. Every time he left home, Old Master Luo would send Aunt Li to look after him. Everyone in the house knew that while even the bodyguards couldn’t control the young master, he always listened to Aunt Li. Ever since his parents had died in a plane crash, Aunt Li had taken care of Yale. After all, Old Master Luo had to single-handedly manage the entire Abyssus family business and had little time to take care of his grandson. It’s alright, go wash up," Vaughn said, expertly folding Yale’s white shirts and placing them neatly into the suitcase. Ever since they were kids, it had always been Vaughn who packed for Yale before every summer camp. Zane had often been jealous, accusing Vaughn of blatant favoritism. Through the semi-transparent glass of the bathroom, Yale’s seductive silhouette moved occasionally, humming the tune of "SUPER LADY" in a way that seemed to beckon Vaughn. The melody was almost hypnotic, pulling him toward the bathroom. But he resisted the temptation, opting instead to sit on the sofa and rest his eyes. Thirty minutes later, Yale emerged in pink pajamas adorned with little pigs. His rosy cheeks were sprinkled with droplets from his damp hair, making him look as enticing as a ripe peach. "Your turn to wash," he said, drying his hair as he walked to the vanity. "You didn’t pack my skincare products, did you?" "No," Vaughn replied, captivated by Yale’s cuteness. Without lingering, he dashed into the bathroom, mumbling his response before shutting the door behind him. In the steamy bathroom, water droplets traced their way down his solid shoulders, glistening on his muscular frame. Under the light, his skin looked even more taut and refined, honed by time and experience, exuding a sense of maturity and steadiness. His hair was wet, plastered to his forehead, adding an extra touch of rakish charm. His eyes, partially obscured by the steam, were deep and captivating, as if they held endless secrets. The bathroom was filled with the fresh scent of body wash, mingling with the lingering natural fragrance of Yale, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. Every movement he made was so effortless and fluid, like he was performing a vigorous symphony. In that moment, his mind was flooded with images of the enchanting Yale, a boy full of life and vitality. He forgot to turn the water to cold, and under the dizzying heat of the shower, he released the desires he had suppressed all day. Why did you take so long in the shower?" Yale, shaking his hair like a wet puppy, quickly crawled onto the bed, dove under the covers, and peeked out with only a round, fuzzy head, yawning repeatedly. "I'm going to sleep now, I'm just too tired!" "Alright, get some rest then. I'll be responsible for waking you up tomorrow morning," Vaughn replied softly before quietly turning off the lights in the room. He rose from his seat with measured steps and made his way to the adjacent room. As soon as he stepped inside,Vaughn reached into his pocket and skillfully dialed a specific number on his phone. The voice on the other end of the phone came through promptly. Despite sounding somewhat aged, it was filled with firmness and strength. "Tomorrow, you must be extra careful. I'm very worried. The Li family may soon find out about Xiaobao's whereabouts. They're not easy opponents to deal with..." “Don't worry, I've already spread false information. Even if they're skilled, it'll take them a few days to unravel it," Vaughn said, gazing at the brightly lit scenery outside the window. He asked calmly, "Sir, about the matter you promised me six months ago, I trust you'll keep your word." Don't worry, when the time comes, I won't interfere anymore. But you also have to promise me that you won't touch him during this half year." "It's a deal." Since the first visit to the Luo family with his father eighteen years ago, when he laid eyes on the little boy crouched in the garden, completely absorbed in counting ants - Yale- his heart had been fully devoted to him, without the slightest deviation or betrayal ever since.