Imprisoned Love

Behave yourself

Despite his own aversion to communal living, he resolutely signed up for the summer camp just to spend the holidays with Yale. These precious few weeks were among the only extended periods they could share each year. Living in separate cities, their opportunities to meet were severely limited, reliant solely on the occasional business dealings between their families. For Vaughn, these sporadic encounters were woefully insufficient.

In contrast, the carefree Yale thrived within a bustling social circle. Since high school, her boyfriends had changed as frequently as her wardrobe, each relationship marked by periodic breaks and replacements. Yet, Vaughn found solace in knowing that, despite the hand-holding, hugging, and cheek-kissing, Yale had never gone beyond these gestures with any of her former boyfriends.

Though Yale was easygoing, he valued spiritual connection far more than physical pleasure, adhering to a near-Platonic ideal. Even when his last boyfriend was doting and compliant, Yale would decisively reject any advances at critical moments. In the end, his ex, in utter frustration, married a woman without even bothering to officially break up with him. Yale, blissfully unaware, was abroad selecting shirts and cufflinks for his beloved when he received the news of their marriage.

It was clear that the ex's actions were a deliberate act of revenge. Wedding invitations were sent out en masse to Yale, Vaughn, and Ye Ran, ensuring everyone connected to him would hear the humiliating news.

Vaughn couldn't fathom why Yale clung to someone who had caused him so much pain, especially when he had the means to find a better partner. Within a month, Yale's actions grew increasingly erratic. He first stormed into his ex’s home, smashing all the furniture to pieces. Then, he went to the marriage registry and deliberately rammed his ex’s car, nearly causing an injury. The most shocking incident was his outrageous disruption at the wedding itself, creating a scandalous scene that left everyone stunned.

To Vaughn, these impulsive actions were nothing more than blatant signs of Yale's dissatisfaction. Yet, Yale had a ready-made justification for each one: "The furniture in that house was bought by me, the car was a gift from me. Why shouldn't I vent my anger on things I paid for?"

What Vaughn didn't realize was that Yale always cared too much about people who didn't deserve his attention. He was the one who truly understood and cherished Yale, yet he was always seen as just a brother. There was even a time during a drunken game of Truth or Dare, when, egged on by the others, Yale chose to drench himself in ice-cold water rather than kiss Vaughn for even a second. That night, Vaughn drowned his sorrows in a bottle of Blue Label, drinking until he ended up in the hospital with a bleeding stomach.

The next day, Yale jetted off on vacation with a new boyfriend, completely oblivious. It was Zane who stayed by Vaughn's bedside, sighing and feeding him congee, unable to bring himself to scold Vaughn into facing reality. After all, Zane understood all too well that loving someone who doesn't love you back is an obsession with no cure.

The next morning, as the sun slowly rose and the sky brightened, Vaughn carefully pushed open the door to Yale's room, taking great care not to make a sound and disturb the sleeper within. Yale lay there, clutching his pillow, his body curled up slightly, looking small and endearing. With delicate steps, Vaughn approached the bed and bent down, extending his long arms to gently pull the still-dreaming Yale into a tight embrace. He wished fervently that time could freeze in this moment, allowing him to quietly gaze at Yale until he naturally awoke.

But this impending separation unsettled him, shattering his usual composure and calm. His heart was filled with anxiety and unease, for he knew the Abyssus’s family might seize this opportunity to launch a full-scale revenge against the Luo family. Over the past few years, due to the meticulous management of the Abyssus’s family's eldest son, the Abyssus’s family's influence in Feng City had been significantly weakened, nearly to the point of eradication.

Without Vaughn's support and assistance, the Abyssus’s family might have been driven out of Feng City long ago. However, this latest blunder might be the perfect pretext for the Abyssus’s family to fully reveal their hand. If they decided to break the previous agreement and forcefully enter Yicheng, initiating a brutal competition with the Yale family, even if the Vaughn, Zane, and Yale families joined forces and fought to the bitter end, a favorable outcome was far from guaranteed. After all, the Abyssus’s family was a formidable force, determination and tactics fearsome. In this life-and-death struggle, who would emerge victorious remained uncertain.

"Sigh, Yale, why can't you just be a little more well-behaved?"

His fingers gently stroked the strands of hair that had been tousled by the pillow, as if he were caressing a precious treasure, his eyes full of reluctance and worry. When he lowered his head and his lips brushed Yale's forehead, the latter's eyes fluttered open, drowsy and innocent like a fawn just waking up. "Why are you breathing so hard?" Yale asked, puzzled, then lifted a hand to press against Vaughn's forehead. "Hmm? Not feverish."

"You really are thoughtful," Vaughn said, holding Yale's hand, suppressing the burning impulse within him, and sighed deeply. "Get up and freshen up. We need to leave for the airport in twenty minutes."

Vaughn's private jet, immense and silent, waited on the tarmac on the east side of the international airport. Passing through the FBO building, there were staff members ready to escort them aboard. However, this time, Vaughn could not accompany him; there were too many unresolved issues that needed his attention.

Remember, listen to Auntie Li during the journey. Someone will meet you at your destination," Vaughn said, spreading his arms, his tone light and inviting. "Come here, let your big brother hug you one more time. My dear little Yale."

“Ew, isn't that a bit cheesy?" Yale retorted with a hint of disdain. He glanced around and noticed the numerous eyes on them, feeling a touch of shyness. Then, looking deeply into Vaughn's eyes, he whispered, "Remember, come to see me soon." With that, Yale turned decisively, his back to Vaughn, and boarded the plane without hesitation.

The flight attendants, witnessing the scene, exchanged glances, silently marveling at the exchange. Even they could see Vaughn's deep attachment, so why did Yale always seem so determined to overlook it?

As the plane ascended and disappeared into the clouds, Vaughn's gentle expression hardened into one of icy resolve. He spun around and issued a sharp command to his secretary, "Detain the car that's been tailing me at the gate immediately." His eyes, now steely and determined, conveyed a clear message: he would not tolerate anyone threatening his beloved Yale.

Leonard, a city where spring seemed eternal, boasted scenery so enchanting that every corner appeared to be meticulously painted by angels, a kaleidoscope of colors that captivated the eye. In the early days, Yale's grandfather and his close comrade, Abyssus’s grandfather, had faced innumerable trials and life-threatening challenges together to establish the Y Shipping Company.

Yet, fate always had a flair for drama. Unexpectedly, Yale's father developed a secret affection for Abyssus’s wife, a May-December romance that detonated like a bombshell in Leonard , causing widespread scandal. When Abyssus’s grandfather uncovered the truth, his fury knew no bounds. He began a relentless car chase, pursuing Yale's father. As they sped down the highway, a tanker truck suddenly careened into their path, resulting in a catastrophic collision. The ensuing inferno claimed the lives of Yale’s parents.

After the tragedy, a disheartened Abyssus’s grandfather left Leonard , seeking to build new ventures in the distant Feng City. Meanwhile, Abyssus’s grandfather , once a stalwart figure, spent his remaining years consumed by remorse. The shame of his son's actions weighed heavily upon him, and the loss of both his dear friend and daughter-in-law plunged him into profound sorrow.

This time, the trouble Yale stirred up in Feng City wouldn't simply blow over with a mere apology and compensation, as it might in an ordinary household. No, this was a generational feud, and the Lis had been waiting for any excuse to strike back at the Luos. Now, the opportunity had presented itself, awaiting only action.

Young Master, over here!" After a grueling six-hour flight, the plane finally touched down at Leonard 's airport. Waiting to receive him was Yale grandfather's chief secretary, impeccably dressed in a sleek black suit, his posture erect and his features strikingly handsome. Behind him trailed two towering bodyguards clad in black suits and sunglasses, resembling guardian deities as they flanked the secretary. The spectacle drew curious glances from onlookers, leaving Yale feeling acutely self-conscious. Hastily, he retrieved a pair of sunglasses from his bag, hoping to avoid any unnecessary trouble or confrontation.