Category: Male Lead 2 and Male Lead 3 Happy Ending!

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Chapter 117 – Ahhhhhhhhhhhh [and More]

Clinical trials take a certain amount of time. Of course, Duan Shu Tong couldn’t just sit around waiting for the results. In his free time, he studied many books and papers related to medicine.

Seeing how hardworking Duan Shu Tong was, Han Ling felt that he couldn’t waste his time either, so he gathered many different documents and began to study.

In order to keep up with the boss, other researchers in the laboratory also began to study hard day and night.

The lab was filled with an atmosphere of active and positive learning.

After getting acquainted with Duan Shu Tong, the junior researchers didn’t fear him any more, and they would ask him questions if there were anything they didn’t understand. Each time, Duan Shu Tong would perfectly resolve their confusion over the topic.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

When the junior researchers thought of all the hate comments about Duan Shu Tong online, they would shout in their hearts: If you call this a bad student, then aren’t you the dregs at the bottom of the barrel?

The more time they spent with Duan Shu Tong, the more convinced they were of his genius.

They really wanted to see the shocked looks on these haters’ faces once the new drug was released!

At the end of December, Shan Quan County got colder and colder.

After Duan Shu Tong got off work, he wrapped himself up tightly in his down jacket and put on his gloves. When he got on his bike, he felt that he really should buy a scooter since his driver’s license was no longer suspended.

Cycling in the winter was really cold.

By the time he got home, he was shivering from head to toe and his fingers were completely frozen. He turned on the floor heater and took a hot bath to quickly warm up his body.

Feeling hungry, he was just about to make a casual dinner when the doorbell rang.

Who could it be at this hour?

Duan Shu Tong put down the dishes in his hands, opened the door, and used the lights under the eaves to see who the visitor was.

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

When he saw who the person was, a hot current seemed to roll over his heart and he was a little dazed.

Seeing that Duan Shu Tong wasn’t responding, the person outside in the courtyard rang the doorbell again. Their eyes glimmered with joy.

Duan Shu Tong came back to his senses. He forgot to change out of his slippers* and went directly to the courtyard door.

[*T/N: It is customary for Chinese people to wear slippers inside the house to keep the interior clean, and they would change into their outdoor shoes whenever they go outside.]

He opened the courtyard door and was about to pull Xi Duan into a hug when a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks. “Young Master Duan, long time no see.”

Two other people appeared from behind Xi Duan. It was Cen Ning and Liu Zhi Fei.

That was close. They almost got caught in the act.

Duan Shu Tong quickly got his emotions and expression in order and said with a smile, “Have you eaten yet?”

“No.” Xi Duan shook his head.

Duan Shu Tong turned his body sideways to allow them passage. “Cen-ge, Liu-ge, come in. Let’s eat together. I was about to cook.”

After entering the house, Duan Shu Tong went to the kitchen to prepare the ingredients.

Cen Ning hurriedly said, “Let us help. We’ll get it done faster with more hands.”

Liu Zhi Fei nodded in agreement.

Duan Shu Tong politely declined, “You’ve had a long journey from Yan City to here. You guys should rest a bit first.”

Xi Duan suddenly spoke up, “You guys rest. I will help Shu Tong.”

Since the boss has spoken, Cen Ning and Liu Zhi Fei could only comply. So the two men obediently sat on the living room sofa and silently watched their boss and Young Master Duan enter the kitchen together.

And they closed the kitchen door.

Cen Ning said, “…Let’s watch some TV.” Who knew when they would actually be able to eat?

Support the translator. Read this on: vmnovels.com

Liu Zhi Fei scratched his head, “Has President Xi ever cooked before?” Wouldn’t he just cause trouble for Young Master Duan in the kitchen?

In the kitchen, Xi Duan didn’t make trouble. He conscientiously washed the dishes and did whatever Duan Shu Tong asked him to do, and when he didn’t know how to do something he would humbly ask for advice.

“Why did you come here so suddenly?” Duan Shu Tong asked.

Xi Duan prudently washed the dished. Then he said in an earnest tone, “Tomorrow is New Year’s Day. We have the day off.”

“You normally don’t take the day off even when your employees are off.” Duan Shu Tong teased, “Tell me, what did you come here for?”

Sometimes it could be troubling when your lover was too smart.

“The Provincial Hospital needs to update a batch of medical equipment, and has the intention to cooperate with NT.” Xi Duan said. Then he showed the washed dishes to Duan Shu Tong and asked, “Is this okay?”

Duan Shu Tong nodded and asked with a teasing smile, “Then why didn’t President Jiang come?”

Xi Duan wiped the water from his hands and stood up straight. His tall figure made the originally spacious kitchen look cramped.

He took a step forward and pinned the young man between himself and the edge of the counter. With an implicit smile in his handsome eyes, he lowered his voice and said, “Because I want to come.”

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Let Me Shoulder this Blame!

Chapter 186
Chapter 185
Chapter 184
Chapter 183
Chapter 182
Chapter 181
Chapter 180
Chapter 179
Chapter 178

The Big Landlord

Chapter 161.2
Chapter 161.1
Chapter 160.3
Chapter 160.2
Chapter 160.1
Chapter 159.3
Chapter 159.2
Chapter 159.1
Chapter 158.3

Male Lead 2 and Male Lead 3 Happy Ending!

Chapter 127
Chapter 126
Chapter 125
Chapter 124
Chapter 123
Chapter 122
Chapter 121
Chapter 120
Chapter 119
Chapter 118

This Alpha’s Pheromones Are Exploding

Chapter 157
Chapter 156
Chapter 155
Chapter 154
Chapter 153
Chapter 152
Chapter 151
Chapter 150
Chapter 149

Didn’t Love You Enough

Chapter 130
Chapter 129
Chapter 128
Chapter 127
Chapter 126
Chapter 125
Chapter 124
Chapter 123

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Chapter 116 – Ahhhhhhhhhhhh [and More] (43.1)

Duan Shu Tong and Xi Duan did not have Christmas day off, and the two were working in different places. It was such a shame that they could not flirt and mess around like normal couples.

When Duan Shu Tong woke up early the next morning, he saw his phone lying on the pillow and remembered that he fell asleep while chatting with Xi Duan last night. He sent a text message to Xi Duan: I accidentally fell asleep last night. [embarrassed emoji]

Xi Duan also woke up early and immediately replied: Don’t wear yourself out. Rest more.

Duan Shu Tong: You too. [kiss emoji]

Although they couldn’t be together on Christmas day, New Year’s Day was but a few days away. New Year’s Day was a legal holiday so they would have some time off. He could go on a trip to Yan City.

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

With such expectations in mind, Duan Shu Tong went to work in high spirits, but before he could reach the laboratory, Zhai Jun intercepted him.

“Young Master Duan,” Zhai Jun said with a happy face, “It has been confirmed that the clinical trial for the new drug will take place in the provincial hospital, and it will start today. I also heard that the team of experts came from Yan City, and they’re like the big shots in their field, too.”

Duan Shu Tong asked curiously: “Do you know who it is?”

“Professor Wang Rong Qian. He’s a master in this field.” Since Zhai Jun came to find Duan Shu Tong, he must have already investigated everything clearly. “I hope this new drug can successfully pass the clinical trial.”

Duan Shu Tong raised his eyebrows slightly. He has read many of Professor Wang’s papers, and he was indeed a high-level expert. He didn’t expect that such a person would come here from Yan City to participate in the clinical trial.

“It will definitely pass.” Duan Shu Tong replied, and then he entered the laboratory.

He was very confident in this drug. After all, it has been verified countless times in his previous life.

In the laboratory, Han Ling had just changed into his lab coat. When he saw Duan Shu Tong enter, his originally lazy expression immediately became serious and solemn. “Boss, have you heard?”

“What?”

“About the group of experts for the clinical trial,” Han Ling approached, “This Professor Wang, I’ve had the honor of meeting him before.”

Duan Shu Tong arched a brow. So what?

“He is a friend of my former mentor,” Han Ling smiled, “How should I put it? He is a very serious person and he cannot tolerate any flaws in his profession. For him to take the initiative to participate in the trial at the provincial hospital, it can be seen that the big shots are paying a lot of attention to our new drug.”

Support the translator. Read this on: vmnovels.com

Duan Shu Tong was almost blinded by Han Ling’s smirk. “Did the results of our experiment not reassure you?”

“You don’t understand,” Han Ling shook his head. He looked like he wanted to say something but then hesitated. Then he forcefully shifted the topic onto Duan Shu Tong. “By the way, you look so happy these days, are you in a relationship?”

Duan Shu Tong didn’t utter a word.

Han Ling’s eyes were practically sparkling for gossip. “Is it the one from Hai City?”

Duan Shu Tong maintained his silence.

At this moment, silence trumped answering. By not refuting Han Ling, he was tacitly agreeing to his assumption. Han Ling laughed. He clapped and praised, “You progressed faster than I thought! Congratulations.”

Duan Shu Tong straightforwardly gave Han Ling a task, “If you are really idle and bored, why not think about how to perfectly kill cancer cells and save the world’s cancer patients from suffering.”

“Are you joking?” Han Ling’s eyes widened.

Duan Shu Tong turned his head and sneered, “I remember you asked me the same thing before.”

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Han Ling replied, “…I think this is the imagination of a genius, that’s right, you are a genius.” He shook his head while talking, “Then why were your grades so bad back then?”

“Can grades represent everything?” Duan Shu Tong countered.

Han Ling was taken aback. He touched his head. “Hmm, you’re right. So your next plan is to kill cancer cells?”

Duan Shu Tong teased Han Ling without any expression on his face, “Not me. You.”

“Stop joking around.” Han Ling smiled awkwardly but politely, “Do you think I can do it?”

Duan Shu Tong patted him on the shoulder, and said earnestly: “If you can’t do it now, then you can learn how to. Good luck.”

Han Ling: “…” He only wanted a little bit of gossip, just a little bit, ahhhh!

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Chapter 115 – Elder Brother… 

Wang Rong Qian carefully read every word of the article, and finally took a look at the author. The name was an unfamiliar one, and he had no impression of it at all.

His heart was fluctuating. He planned to call his teacher back right away, but before pressing the call button, he stopped. He read the article once more. After calming down a little he dialed his teacher’s number.

“Teacher, I’ve finished reading.”

“What do you think?”

Wang Rong Qian took a deep breath, “I don’t see any mistakes.”

The old man raised his voice, “I wasn’t asking you to look for that! After I read the article this morning, I specifically looked into it and found out that the medicine mentioned in the paper exists. Also, it’s about to enter the clinical trial stage. I’m too old, so it’s inconvenient for me to go. You are an expert in this field, do you want to go?”

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

The clinical trial stage did indeed need medical experts to be in charge. Within the Yan City First Hospital, Wang Rong Qian was a master in this area. If he wanted to go, he would absolutely be qualified to participate.

Wang Rong Qian was pleasantly surprised: “Really? Then I will definitely go! Where did you get the news from?”

“You don’t need to worry about that,” after a pause the old man said, “The medicine was developed by the Spring and Autumn Hall in Shan Quan County, Lin Nan Province. I reckon the clinical trial will be conducted by the Lin Nan Provincial Hospital. As for the details, you can figure that out for yourself.”

After he finished the call with his teacher, Wang Rong Qian thought about the matter for a while. Then he immediately contacted his good friend who worked in the Lin Nan Provincial Hospital. After some inquiry, he leared that the news was true, so he thickened his skin and asked, “I also want to participate, I wonder if I can…”

“That’s great!” His good friend laughed and said, “If you can come then that would wonderful. I didn’t think that you would know about this.”

Wang Rong Qian was surprised, “You don’t know?”

“Know what?”

Wang Rong Qian told him about the new issue of the journal, and his friend quickly ended the call to go read it.

It’s not that he didn’t care, but there were a lot of new drugs produced every year. They have done various clinical trials many times, and it has become commonplace, so when this new drug came along, they didn’t attach much significance to it.

But it was worth paying more attention to this drug if it was able to get into the “Life” journal.

The shock that these masters of the field were going through did not affect Duan Shu Tong’s simple life. He still worked assiduously everyday, and when he returned home he would video chat with a certain someone.

The man’s face occupied the phone screen. He still looked extremely handsome, just like always.

Support the translator. Read this on: vmnovels.com

Duan Shu Tong was leaning back in bed after taking a shower. His face was still flushed from the hot shower, and his peach blossom eyes seemed to be filled with mist.

“Today’s Christmas Eve. Everyone is selling apples on the streets.” The young man rubbed his eyes and yawned.

“Christmas Eve?” Xi Duan looked a little confused. “People eat apples on Christmas Eve?”

“I don’t know either. I guess the homonym* is auspicious.” Duan Shu Tong smiled and slid down to lie flat on the bed. He raised one hand. “It’s just a way for the merchants to promote their products.”

[*T/N: In Chinese, Christmas Eve is 平安夜 (ping an ye) and apple is 苹果 (ping guo). The “ping” in both words have the same pronunciation but they’re written differently.]

Xi Duan’s gaze was gentle. “Go to sleep if you’re sleepy.”

Duan Shu Tong was indeed sleep, but he couldn’t bear to go to sleep. He wanted to talk to Xi Duan some more. Since the last time they met at the provincial capital, the two haven’t seen each other for many days.

Duan Shu Tong changed his position on the bed so that he was lying on his side. Half of his face was buried in the pillow. His wrist rested on one end of the pillow. His eyes were half-closed. It looked like he was going to fall asleep in the next second.

Xi Duan couldn’t help stretching out his hand to trace the contours of Duan Shu Tong’s face through the screen. He said, “You lost weight again?”

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

The last time they had met, Xi Duan found that the young man had lost some weight. All the experimenting for the new drug was probably too exhausting. And now, the young man seemed to be even thinner than the last time they had met.

Duan Shu Tong replied sleepily, “I didn’t. In fact, I got heavier. It’s probably a problem with the camera.”

Seeing that the young man looked like he really couldn’t stay awake any longer, Xi Duan said helplessly, “Go to bed. Good night.”

By that point, Duan Shu Tong was so sleepy that he couldn’t even open his eyes. “Xi-ge, good night.”

On the other side of the screen, the man’s heart jumped. His voice lost his usual calmness. “What did you call me?”

Duan Shu Tong subconsciously said, “Ge…”

Immediately afterwards, he fell into the land of slumber. He didn’t even turn off the video chat. The phone slipped from his hand and plopped onto the bed, leaving only a black screen.

Xi Duan looked at the black screen. There was a hidden fervor in his eyes. He covered his mouth and chuckled with joy.

[T/N: In Chinese, calling someone “older brother” 哥 (ge) or 哥哥 (gege) can have the connotation of boyfriend. And calling someone “younger sister” 妹妹 (meimei) can have the connotation of girlfriend.]

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Chapter 114 – Elder Brother… 

While Spring Flower No. 4 was on the market, Duan Shu Tong received an email from the editorial department of “Life.”

The other party was obviously very interested in his thesis and asked him many professional questions. After receiving satisfactory answers, he indicated that this paper would be published in the next issue.

This was with in Duan Shu Tong’s expectation. Now he was more concerned about the clinical trials of the new drug.

It has passed the CFDA review, and the next step is to wait for a professional testing institution to be in charge of clinical trials.

Time passed by in the blink of an eye. Soon it was December and Christmas was approaching. Merchants were using the festival as a marketing gimmick. The mall was overcrowded. When Duan Shu Tong went shopping in the supermarket, it was difficult for him to push a shopping cart around.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

When he finally made it to the checkout line, he passed by the retail shelf next to the cash register and his eyes fell on a box of “small umbrellas” by accident.

Just as he was hesitating, the person behind him asked if he was going or not. Duan Shu Tong subconsciously took a step forward. He accidentally bumped the box with his elbow and knocked it to the floor with a pah sound.

……

The surroundings were quiet, and it seemed that everyone’s eyes were on him. Duan Shu Tong’s face continued to heat up. He immediately bent down to pick up the box, put it back on the shelf, and lowered his head to take out the things he bought.

The cashier glanced at him and was stunned for a few seconds before recovering. What a handsome guy, but why was his face so red? However, he was still so good looking.

After checking out, Duan Shu Tong left the supermarket as if the devil was on his tail. The cold wind outside slapped him in the face and sobered him up.

It was just a box of small umbrellas. There was nothing to be ashamed of. The people probably weren’t even looking at him back there.

At that moment, the embarrassed Duan Shu Tong did not know that the paper he had published in a journal was causing heated discussions among many experts.

Wang Rong Qian, a nephrology specialist at the First People’s Hospital of Yan City, just got out of the operating room when a doctor from the same department came over with a journal, “Director Wang, this is the latest issue, and there is an article in it that you’ll probably be interested in.”

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Wang Rong Qian sat on a chair and took a look. At first he was attracted by the title and asked, “A new type of drug? It can restore kidney function?”

He shook his head, thinking that it was unlikely, but he continued to read patiently.

These essays also had different levels. Wang Rong Qian had only read through a few lines before the author’s sophisticated writing captivated him. Even if this paper had no practical value, the author’s prowess could be seen just based on the author’s profound knowledge.

Just as he was about to continue reading, he suddenly received a phone call. Wang Rong Qian had no choice but to put down the journal and answer the call from his respected teacher first.

“Teacher, it’s so late. You’re not resting yet?”

On the other end of the phone, the old man’s huffy voice sounded, “Have you read the article in the new issue of “Life” yet? Hurry up if you haven’t read it!”

Wang Rong Qian replied, “…Teacher, are you referring to the article about restoring kidney function? I just started reading it.”

Then read it first and call me back after reading it.” The old man then hung up the phone.

His mentor specifically called him to recommend this article. This caused Wang Rong Qian to finally changed his attitude and read through the article seriously.

The more he read, the greater his shock became. He frowned, his eyes were bright, and he stood up abruptly while holding the journal, “How is that possible!”

After a while, he muttered to himself again: “But it seems to make sense.”

Seeing him like this, the on looking doctor couldn’t help but think of his own shock when he read the article before. He was worried that he was shortsighted, but now seeing the director’s appearance like this, he couldn’t help but feel a little comforted.

To be honest, after he read the paper, his whole body was full of excitement.

Seeing many patients suffering from pain, it would be great if there were such a drug that could save tens of thousands of patients with kidney disease.

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Chapter 113 – Elder Brother… (42.1)

[T/N: In Chinese, the title is simply one word “哥” which means “elder brother.” It can refer to a blood relative or any non-biological guy that is older than you. It can also have an implication of “boyfriend.”]

The Outstanding Entrepreneur Award Presentation in Lin Nan Province was originally just a trivial matter, and even if it were broadcasted on the provincial TV news, it wouldn’t stir up a splash.

Unexpectedly, not long after the news was broadcast, a short video began to go viral on the Internet.

The cause of the incident was Feng Ran.

As a senior fan of the Spring and Autumn Hall, Feng Ran paid close attention to any news of the Spring and Autumn Hall and Duan Shu Tong. In addition, her hometown happened to be in Lin Nan Province, and her parents paid attention to the news of Lin Nan Province every day. She had casually glanced over at the TV and saw Big Shot Duan in a crowd of middle-aged men.

Even her mother couldn’t help saying, “This young man is so handsome.”

He was already handsome enough, but standing among a group of middle-aged men, his beauty flourished even more.

The news media did not bother with things like filters or beauty shots. If Duan Shu Tong looked so good on regular TV news, then he must be very good-looking in person!

Feng Ran was moved. She felt that such handsomeness must be shared, so she clipped a short video of the news and posted it on Weibo.

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

On the contrary, the caption that she included sounded very proper: Congratulations to the Spring and Autumn Hall for winning the title of Excellent Enterprise in Lin Nan Province!

Her fans all knew that she was a fan of the Spring and Autumn Hall. They clicked into her Weibo with a smile, but came out shocked.

“Who is that handsome guy! O. M. G. He looks so good!”

“I thought I would see a bunch of middle-aged and elderly people when I clicked in, but the handsome guy shocked me so much that I got a nosebleed…”

“I think this media outlet has a preference for handsome guys. Although there are only two shots of him, he is in the center position both times!”

“Do you not recognize him? He is the developer of the Spring Flower series. He must be there to accept the award on behalf of the Spring and Autumn Hall.”

“Oh my god, I’m dead! The developer of Spring Flower is actually! So! Freaking! Good! Looking! I’m crying from happiness.”

“He is involved in research and development, so why is he participating in this kind of activity?”

“Because his surname is Duan. The Spring and Autumn Hall belongs to the Duan family.”

Feng Ran was truly a big name in the beauty blogging sphere. The traffic she brought could not be underestimated. In a short period of time, “Most Handsome Entrepreneur” topped the Weibo hot search list.

Duan Shu Tong didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when he heard the news. He received congratulations from friends all over WeChat.

Support the translator. Read this on: vmnovels.com

Ah, whatever. If they dealt with it calmly then the hot search would go down soon. However, things backfired. The official blogs of the Duan Group and the Xi Group unanimously liked and reposted Feng Ran’s Weibo post. Even the film emperor Lu Shi did the same.

The hot search ranking rose again.

Feng Ran clutched her chest. What kind of big shot did she become a fan of? What was a group pet*? This was it!

[*T/N: group pet – the term refers to a person that is liked by a group of people]

However, something didn’t seem right.

Before she could figure it out, a netizen was the first to point it out in a comment: “Why is the person in question not doing anything at all? There are only other big shots scattering flowers*.”

[*T/N: scattering flowers – imagine a scene where someone is throwing flower petals in the air to celebrate a joyous event]

Everyone was taken aback, and quickly rushed into the Spring and Autumn Hall’s official blog, but the official blog was quiet and non-responsive.

Netizens left messages one after another, with the sentiment amounting to: It was such a big deal, yet the Spring and Autumn Hall wasn’t doing anything about it?

Just when everyone was clamoring for some reaction, the Spring and Autumn Hall’s official blog finally posted on Weibo: Spring Flower No. 4 will be launched soon. Good news for people with hair loss. So stayed tuned.

Netizens: …

Was this honorable title not worth a comment?! And what did good news for people with hair loss mean? Was it a new product to save people from baldness? Can you please be clearer?!

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

In view of the good reputation of the Spring Flower series, netizens did not express doubts, but many netizens wailed in the comment area.

“Finally a product to save hair loss! I hope the Spring and Autumn Hall will not let me down this time!”

“Ahhhhhh, is there a pre-sale? I want to buy, buy, buy!”

“If it can save my hairline and thinning crown, I will buy it no matter how expensive it is!”

“Master Duan, please accept my worship!”

Riding on this wave of popularity, Spring Flower No. 4 launched and was immediately sold out thanks to the patronage of the many people who were prone to hair loss.

Fortunately, before that, Duan Shu Tong had asked the manufacturer to set aside some products for him; otherwise he would not be able to face his father’s disappointment.

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Chapter 112 – Jiujiujiujiujiujiu 

Duan Shu Tong tought that Xi Duan’s “I will come to you” just meant that he would come to Shan Quan County when he had time, so he didn’t think too much about it.

Early the next morning, he went directly to the provincial capital, wearing the suit that he got when he was in Hai City.

As a researcher, he really didn’t care about these aspects.

Shan Quan County was not far from the provincial capital. The event started at nine in the morning and ended at twelve o’ clock noon.

According to reports, this event might also be on the provincial news.

Duan Shu Tong didn’t take the report seriously when he heard it. He just wanted to go straight back to Shan Quan County with the trophy. But just after he left the venue he received a call from Xi Duan.

“Look to the right.”

Duan Shu Tong subconsciously turned his head.

Along the wide streets, sycamore trees were gradually losing their leaves, but they still stood tall and straight. A few scattered leaves decorated the branches, stubbornly clinging on despite the blowing cold wind. In the end, they were no match against the strength of nature. The leaves floated down along the wind currents and rested quietly on a man’s shoulders.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Dried yellow leaves decorated the man’s black coat, while the man stood beside the traffic-filled street with gentle eyes and a faint smile.

Duan Shu Tong’s mind was completely empty, and he just stared blankly at the man.

A gust of cold wind blew by and he shivered. The air conditioner* in the venue was too strong, while the outside was very cold, so he had not adjusted to the temperature change yet.

[*T/N: In some countries, the air conditioners can produce hot air or cold air depending on the season.]

Xi Duan frowned and walked over in a few strides. He led Duan Shu Tong along by the wrist, “Get in the car, there is heating in the car.”

Duan Shu Tong allowed himself to be pulled along. He obediently followed Xi Duan and got into the back seat of the car.

In the driver’s seat, Liu Zhi Fei greeted him warmly, and Duan Shu Tong responded with a smile.

Then he asked Xi Duan, “Why are you here?”

There were other people around, so it was not good to be too intimate. He really wanted to hold the young man’s hand, but he held back and said, “I’m passing by here on business, so I came to take a look. What do you want to eat for lunch?”

Duan Shu Tong didn’t expose him and said casually, “I’m fine with anything.”

Xi Duan had booked a private room ahead of time, and as soon as the two arrived at the restaurant, the waiter began to serve the dishes, which interrupted Duan Shu Tong’s original plan.

He wanted to be intimate with a certain someone, but unfortunately, Xi Duan seemed too calm and didn’t seem to have those intentions at all.

This was a misunderstanding.

Of course Xi Duan wanted to make out with him, but he was more worried that Duan Shu Tong would be hungry, so let him eat first before talking about other things.

After the waiter left, Duan Shu Tong took a look at Xi Duan, “You’re so busy with work and yet you still came here. Are you trying to work yourself to death?”

There was no one else in the private room. Xi Duan was finally able to hold Duan Shu Tong’s hand and press a kiss to it. His eyes were filled with grievance, “I’ve been having insomnia lately.”

Duan Shu Tong was stunned for a moment, “Have you used up the aromatherapy? Or is it not working?”

“No,” Xi Duan lowered his voice. It was deep and intoxicating. “I missed you.”

After he finished speaking, he let go of Duan Shu Tong’s hand and scooped a bowl of soup for him. “Warm your stomach [with some soup] first.”

Duan Shu Tong looked at the man’s reddened ears, and secretly smiled in his heart, feeling that the man beside him was really cool and cute.

Feeling happy yet shy, they ate lunch.

Xi Duan glanced at Duan Shu Tong from time to time and after a while said, “I’ll have someone make some clothes for you first.”

Duan Shu Tong deliberately teased him, “You think I look shabby?”

“No,” Xi Duan hurriedly explained, fearing that he would be unhappy, “I just can’t bear it, I…”

Duan Shu Tong approached him suddenly. His peach blossom eyes seemed to be sucking him in. He gave Xi Duan a meaningful look, “Are you afraid that I will be laughed at and look down upon?”

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

The young man was too close. Xi Duan couldn’t utter a word. He just felt like his whole mind was firmly locked by these eyes, and he couldn’t help sinking into those depths.

He didn’t know where the courage came from, but he suddenly grabbed the young man by his slender white wrist and planted a firm kiss on the corner of his lips. The kiss made a loud sound, stunning both of them.

It was so hot, almost too hot, as if the whole body was enveloped in flames.

Duan Shu Tong opened his mouth, but he couldn’t say anything. He even thought in his heart: Two chickens peck at each other back and forth. Eventually one will come out the victor.

And he had completely lost.

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Chapter 111 – Jiujiujiujiujiujiu

A few days later, Duan Shu Tong expressed his sincere gratitude when he learned that He Run and his team had developed a new anti-hair loss product and that they planned to name it Spring Flower No. 4.

Everything was going along as planned.

However, the launch for a new medicine was much more stringent than for skin care products. It must go through clinical trials, and the process of clinical trials must be reviewed and approved by the CFDA.

After the review and approval, it must go to an approved “Drug Clinical Trial Institution” directed by qualified medical experts that also had volunteers.

This series of procedures would take a lot of time. It was impossible to rush it even if you wanted to.

Duan Shu Tong entrusted these matters to the company to operate – after all, it was a pharmaceutical company, and the basic procedures were quite clear.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Zhai Jun didn’t know what the new drug developed by Duan Shu Tong was at first, but he thought it was about the same level as the special-effect scar-removing medicine, but when he got the experiment report, he suddenly felt a little dizzy and his sight turned blurry.

“Young Master Duan, is this for real?”

Before Duan Shu Tong could speak, Han Ling could not help speaking up, “It’s true! We have conducted the experiment multiple times.”

Zhai Jun: “…” His old heart couldn’t take this kind of shock!

After getting over his surprise, Zhai Jun abruptly realized that if this drug was really effect then their Spring and Autumn Hall would definitely undergo a qualitative leap!

As if he suddenly got injected with chicken blood, Zhai Jun took the lead and had everyone in the company working extra hard.

[T/N: injected with chicken – a figure of speech in Chinese, meaning to be very excited or full of vigor]

After going through several months of high-intensity experiments, even Duan SHu Tong was showing a bit of fatigue. Upon returning home, he slept for more than ten hours. He only climbed out of bed when his stomach rumbled with hunger to make a hearty lunch.

After eating, Duan Shu Tong did not have much to do, so he swiped through his phone, thinking that tomorrow was the weekend, so why not ask Xi Duan if he was free.

Just as he was about to send over a WeChat message, Zhai Jun called him.

“Young Master Duan, good news. Our Spring and Autumn Hall won the title of Excellent Enterprise in Lin Nan Province. The province invited us to attend the award ceremony. Do you have time to go there tomorrow?” His tone was full of pride and joy.

Duan Shu Tong: “…” Was he going to be cock blocked again?

He had originally planned to go to Yan City to meet with Xi Duan, but now this happened. Although this was a good thing, it was not a surprise.

“You go.” Duan Shu Tong tried in vain to shirk the responsibility.

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Zhai Jun tried his best to persuade him for a while; the main point was that as the owner of the Spring and Autumn Hall, it would be Duan Shu Tong’s first time making an appearance in front of the public. Whether it was for the company or for him, it would only be an advantageous thing.

Duan Shu Tong knew that he was right, but he really wanted to see Xi Duan!

In the end, for the sake of the company he still agreed to go.

After hanging up the phone, he switched to the WeChat interface, thought about it, and decided to send a message to Xi Duan to express his thoughts.

Xi Duan, who was just about to go to a meeting, heard the special notification sound that he had specifically set for a certain someone, and immediately stopped in his tracks. Cen Ning, who was following behind him, almost didn’t stop in time.

In full view of everyone, Xi Duan turned on his phone.

Tong Tong: The experiment is over. I planned to visit you tomorrow, but I was told to go to the province to participate in an activity. I feel so aggrieved. [sad face emoji x3]

The sad face emoji struck Xi Duan in his weakness, and the corners of his lips could not help but curve up. His desire to comfort Duan Shu Tong as soon as possible overwhelmed the usual principle of adhering to the meeting time.

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

He just stood right there in the corridor and replied: [hug emoji x3] What event are you participating in?

Tong Tong: Awarding Ceremony for Outstanding Entrepreneurs in Nan Lin Province.

Xi Duan was sincerely happy for him, and replied: Congratulations. Don’t be sad, I will come to you.

Cen Ning finally couldn’t hold back and spoke up to remind him, “President Xi, it’s almost time [for the meeting].”

Xi Duan quickly replied: I have a meeting. Let’s talk tonight.

As they walked towards the meeting room, Xi Duan said to Cen Ning, “Look at my schedule and see if tomorrow can be freed up.”

He hadn’t left Shan Quan County for long, but he already could not wait to see Duan Shu Tong again.

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Chapter 110 – Jiujiujiujiujiujiu (41.1)

[T/N: The chapter title is 啾啾啾啾啾啾, which can be onomatopoeia for the wailing of a child. It can also mean chirp or kiss (in Taiwan). Alternatively, I think it is also slang for penis?]

Duan Shu Tong remembered what his father had told him. When he went to work the following day, he went directly to Zhai Jun.

Upon hearing his purpose, Zhai Jun looked at him in amazement and couldn’t help but say, “Young Master Duan, you are in charge of the Spring and Autumn Hall now. You can do whatever you want.”

Duan Shu Tong was taken aback. That’s right. When he went back to Yan City for the Mid-Autumn Festival, his father had already handed over the Spring and Autumn Hall to him in its entirety.

He smiled, “But I’m busy with research so I don’t know whether the company’s financial situation can afford the research and development of new products.”

Zhai Jun asked him, “What kind of product does Young Master Duan want to research and develop?”

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

“Anti-hair loss products,” Duan Shu Tong paused for a bit. He looked away from the top of Zhai Jun’s shiny head and coughed lightly, “But I’ve been busy with a new drug lately, so I want to hand over the research plan of the anti-hair loss products to Director He. Do you think that is okay?”

Zhai Jun touched the top of his head and laughed, “This is good news for baldies like us, of course it is okay!”

And just like that the matter was settled.

When He Run got Duan Shu Tong’s research report, his indifferent expression cracked, “Aren’t you busy with a new drug?”

When did he find the time to come up with this new product?

Duan Shu Tong was quite calm. “I had nothing to do before, so I did some research on my own.” He has written up experimental reports for the products that he wanted to make for his father, his mother, and even Duan Si Fu. Now was the perfect time to take out those reports.

He Run: “…” Even if he didn’t want to believe it, this was the reality.

“You want Lab No. 1 to develop this product?” Director He was in shock as he shook his head. “Since you’ve already developed a successful version, then we just have to follow the same process.”

Duan Shu Tong smiled and said, “That’s not what I meant. This experimental report is tailored for a specific individual. I need you to help me make a product that is suitable for the masses.”

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Everyone was different, so the product that he gave his father was naturally most suited for his personal usage. In order to make a product for the masses they still had to research and develop something that was appropriate for the common people’s constitution in order to avoid unnecessary harm.

Upon hearing his reply, He Run said straightforwardly, “Okay, I’ll give it to you when it’s done.”

Duan Shu Tong’s experimental report was written very carefully. After He Run read through it thoroughly, he made changes on the original base, which not only retained most of the effects, but also avoided some damage to people with special physiques.

During this time, Duan Shu Tong’s new drug development has also reached the final stage.

Han Ling looked at the results of the experiment with surprise and excitement. He felt like all the hard work he had put into this for the past few months was well worth it! If it weren’t for the two young researchers present, he would have picked up Duan Shu Tong in a hug and spun around in circles!

The laboratory was filled with excitement. The two young researchers involved in the experiment were brimming with fire in their hearts.

“Director Duan, did we really succeed?”

“Director Duan, do you want to conduct another experiment?”

“Director Duan, can this be published in Science or Nature?”

Such pioneering work, they really couldn’t wait to tell the world immediately!

Moreover, they had participated in such pioneering work. Just this experience alone has brought them to the pinnacle of their lives.

Affected by the others’ jubilance, Duan Shu Tong could not help laughing out loud. “All right, when I get back home tonight, I’ll go and write that article for publication.”

He has written lots of papers like this, so this sort of thing was routine for him.

At one o’clock in the morning, he saved the manuscript. After giving it some thought, he sent it to the journal “Science” for review.

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Reviews composed of two parts: preliminary review and special review. The preliminary review editor only checked for the paper format and other issues, and if it met the standards, then the paper would be forwarded to the professionals for review.

Of course, the formatting of Duan Shu Tong’s paper was fine, but he was just some nobody now. The editors for this kind of international journal probably wouldn’t even bother to read his paper, let alone publish it to the journal.

Sure enough, the paper was rejected.

Duan Shu Tong was not discouraged. He sent the paper to the mailbox of the editor for the domestic authoritative medical journal “Life,” and went to work peacefully as usual.

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Chapter 109 – Miss You, Thinking of You 

Silence settled inside the car for a while. The two men continued to hold on tightly to each other’s hands.

“How is your research and development going?” Xi Duan broke the silence.

Upon touching this topic, Duan Shu Tong’s spirit lifted. “Almost done. It should be successful in a few days.”

Seeing Duan Shu Tong’s eyes full of joy, Xi Duan was also happy for him, but his heart ached for how hard the young man had to work. “When you’re done, take some time off for a break.”

Duan Shu Tong smiled and nodded. “Let’s head back. I want to eat hot pot.”

Back at the residence, Cen Ning and Liu Zhi Fei had already prepared the ingredients, and they greet Xi Duan and Duan Shu Tong with a smile when the two men walked in through the entrance.

“Young Master Duan, long time no see.” Cen Ning set the table. “It’s cold in the winter, so eat some hot pot to keep you warm.”

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

The heat was turned on inside the house. Xi Duan helped Duan Shu Tong hang up his coat and then asked gently, “What flavor of sauce do you like?”

Duan Shu Tong did not hold back, “I like it slightly spicy.” Except for a bit of hot sauce, he was not used to any other flavors.

Xi Duan naturally hummed in agreement and went to prepare the spicy sauce. Cen Ning secretly elbowed Liu Zhi Fei and gave the other man a meaningful look. He really wanted to share this gossip. But Liu Zhi Fei just looked at Cen Ning suspiciously, completely missing the point.

Cen Ning: “…” Oh, forget it. He’ll just have to keep this gossip to himself.

The hot pot used a light, clear soup as base. A few ingredients such as red dates and wolfberry floated in the soup, creating a refreshing taste. After boiling the food in the soup, they dipped the food in sauces and ate it. It was very delicious.

Cen Ning and Liu Zhi Fei ate heartily, while Duan Shu Tong and Xi Duan were more reserved, eating carefully and slowly.

This was most likely due to the shyness between new couples. After all, they weren’t considered an “old couple” yet.

After eating hot pot, the entire body felt warm.

Duan Shu Tong helped clean up. Then he put on his coat and said goodbye to Cen Ning and Liu Zhi Fei.

Standing beside him, Xi Duan said in a low voice, “I’ll see you off.”

After the two left, Liu Zhi Fei finally sighed, “President Xi and Young Master Duan have such a good relationship. He’s seeing him off even though it’s just a short distance away.”

Cen Ning: “…Haha.”

The cool night wind buffeted against their faces. Duan Shu Tong wrapped his scarf tighter around himself and lowered his head to stare at his feet.

Seeing their shadows together on the ground made him happy.

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But when he thought about how Xi Duan would have to return to Yan City in a few days and that there would be fewer chances to meet up, he felt a sour feeling in his heart.

It was also his own fault. He’s been so busy with research and development that he had no time to date Xi Duan.

“When my new drug is developed, I will go to Yan City to find you.”

Xi Duan smiled and pulled him into his arms. His voice floated in the young man’s ears, “No, I’ll come to you.”

Xi Duan’s scent tickled his nose. Duan Shu Tong stretched out his arms to return the hug. He raised his head and said seriously, “After the new drug comes out, clinical trials have to be carried out. So I will have time, but you are so busy.”

Xi Duan hugged him tightly, and said in a very soft voice, “I know, but spending time with you is not a waste of time, I want to come to you.”

He didn’t want Duan Shu Tong to have to run back and forth.

Duan Shu Tong was moved by his thoughtfulness. He was about to continue being lovey-dovey with Xi Duan when his cell phone rang and broke the atmosphere between them. It was his father. He couldn’t ignore it.

“Shu Tong, Dad wants to ask you something.”

“En, what is it?”

“About the hair care product that you gave me last time, was it produced by the Spring and Autumn Hall? Several of your uncles have asked me about it. This product is very effective. Why is it not on the market?”

Duan Shu Tong replied, “Dad, that product was specially tailored for you.”

Duan Sheng Ye asked, “…Oh, then can you tailor more? Their hair loss is worse than mine, so they are in a hurry. But if you don’t have time, then forget it.”

Of course, Duan Shu Tong would not refuse his old man’s request. Since those unknown uncles want it, he could submit the project to the company.

Perhaps, anti-hair loss products would also be well received by the public.

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

After hanging up the phone, Duan Shu Tong and Xi Duan looked at each other and smiled. Although the original atmosphere was no longer there, the current tenderness between them was still heart-warming.

Xi Duan actually joked, “It looks like pretty soon your company will release a batch of anti-hair loss products. Everyone should like it very much.”

Duan Shu Tong teased, “The Xi family has such good benefits. I’m tempted to transfer over.”

“No need to think about it. You’re already a member of the Xi family.”

Duan Shu Tong: “…”

That sounded right too.

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Chapter 108 – Miss You, Thinking of You 

But Duan Shu Tong has some unusual idea that just so happened to perfectly circumvent those obstacles.

“How did you come up with these things?” Han Ling had no idea how many times he’s asked this question.

The more time he spent with Duan Shu Tong, the more he felt like the feeling of “shock” was getting weaker and weaker in him.

…Because he has been shocked way too many times already.

Duan Shu Tong smiled and said, “I probably came up with it in a dream.” In fact, there were many conjectures in the real world that were quite close to the real answer, but there was no way to prove them through experimentation.

Duan Shu Tong stood on the shoulders of his predecessors. He was using the experiences from his previous life and copying over his knowledge from that life into this one. Duan Shu Tong believed that even without him, the people in this world would eventually overcome these obstacles in the near future.

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With NT’s equipment, Duan Shu Tong was like a tiger that has grown wings*. In addition, he had Han Ling, who could just barely but was still capable of keeping up with his train of thought. After the holiday ended, the assistants could also come back and help with some simple auxiliary work. So the pressure on Duan Shu Tong wasn’t that great.

[*T/N: even more powerful]

But in the eyes of others, he has been continuously busy for nearly two months. He even missed the waves that Spring Flower No. 2 caused once again.

The source of the matter came form Lu Shi.

The actor who was rumored to be disfigured participated in the recording of a popular large-scale reality show. He was a temporary guest for one episode.

Through the camera lens, Film Emperor Lu’s face did not seem unnatural. He might not look as beautiful as he did in the past, but he still looked noble and handsome compared to most people.

Long-time fans held their hearts and screamed. It was like a ray of light had suddenly broke through the dark dawn and allowed them to see hope once again.

New fans, who were attracted by Lu Shi’s good looks and personal charm, learned about Lu Shi’s past, and all of them felt very distressed for him. They praised him for being an inspiration.

Lu Shi, who returned to the entertainment circle, re-entered the public’s notice again because of a reality show.

In an era where influencers was king, Spring Flower No. 2 automatically became a hit with the public.

Netizens exclaimed one after another, what kind of magic power did the Spring and Autumn Hall have?

The top actress Lin Man Man endorsed Spring Flower No. 1 with all her heart, and the returning Film Emperor Lu strongly promoted Spring Flower No. 2. These two waves of popularity have created much momentum for the Spring and Autumn Hall!

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

The Spring and Autumn Hall has truly became popular. Even the couple’s eye cream, Spring Flower No. 3, was sold out.

What would happen if the company made money?

Zhai Jun never thought that one day he would be troubled by this kind of thing. It was both depressing and happy.

Manager Zhai, who has entered the second spring of his career, made up his mind to expand! The Spring and Autumn Hall was hiring!

Zhai Jun still remembered Cuckoo’s mocking words from not long ago. He was determined to one up them.

With manpower and a higher-level laboratory, He Run, the director of the R&D Department, was full of energy. His ten-year silence was not a waste of time. He has many, many ideas that urgently need to be realized.

The winter in Shan Quan County was a bit cold and humid.

Duan Shu Tong wore a long coat and scarf. He was just about to go to the bicycle shed when he received a WeChat message from Xi Duan.

Since the development of the new drug, he has been constantly moving between the laboratory and home. He had no extra leisure time. In addition, Xi Duan’s work in Shan Quan County was at a critical place. The two are too busy to meet each other. They could only video chat each other for a few minutes at night before going to bed.

They really missed each other a lot.

Duan Shu Tong put his phone back into his pocket. With a smile on his face, he left the bicycle shed and walked directly to the door. There he saw a black car parked by the side of the road and walked over with a smile.

He opened the door and got into the passenger seat.

“Why are you free today?” Duan Shu Tong asked the man in the driver’s seat.

Xi Duan very naturally took Duan Shu Tong’s hand in his and covered it up to warm it up. He said, “I missed you.”

Duan Shu Tong chuckled. After two months it seemed like Xi Duan’s sweet talking abilities have improved.

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

Xi Duan grabbed the young man’s other hand and covered it. “Cen Ning and the others are making hot pot. Let’s eat together later?”

“I think there’s something else you want to tell me, right?” Duan Shu Tong said with a smile.

Xi Duan’s expression was one of reluctance, “I had planned to stay here for the first half of the year, but now that the project is over ahead of schedule, I might have to go back to Yan City.”

They came to Shan Quan County in June, and it was now the beginning of December. It has been almost half a year indeed.

The Xi family had such a big business in Yan City, it was impossible not to go back there.

Duan Shu Tong has been busy with experiments all this time that he nearly forgot about it. Duan Shu Tong was quiet for a time and then he asked, “When are you leaving?”

Xi Duan pursed his lips slightly, “In just a few days.”

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