Chen Xiao stood outside Lu Sheng's apartment with a coffee in hand, shifting nervously on his feet. He had barely slept last night. The deal echoed in his mind like a curse and a blessing both:
> "You want forgiveness? Fine. But for one month, be my sugar daddy. Do as I say. Pay what I ask. No complaints."
And now here he was—playing a role he never imagined, for a person he once broke.
He knocked.
The door opened.
Lu Sheng stood there, arms crossed, dressed in a black oversized hoodie and ripped jeans, his hair slightly tousled and eyes cool.
"You're late," Lu Sheng said flatly.
"I brought coffee," Chen offered weakly, holding it out like peace.
Lu Sheng took it, sipped once, and shrugged. "Not bad. Come in."
---
Testing Boundaries
The apartment was clean, minimalist, with soft music playing in the background. Lu Sheng walked over to the couch and flopped down.
"So, sugar daddy…" Lu Sheng looked up at him with a small smirk. "Let's begin."
Chen sat across from him, unsure.
"Today's simple," Lu Sheng said. "We're going shopping."
Chen blinked. "Shopping?"
Lu Sheng nodded. "Clothes. Accessories. I want new shoes. And you're paying."
He stood, grabbed his phone, and tossed a black mask to Chen. "Oh—and wear this. People might talk. After all, you're mine for a month."
Chen put the mask on silently, his heartbeat a little too loud.
---
The Mall Trip
Hours passed with Lu Sheng picking out items without hesitation—sometimes pausing just to see if Chen would flinch at the prices. He didn't.
They walked through the luxury section, Lu Sheng choosing clothes that fit perfectly—stylish, but not loud. Chen carried the bags, never complaining, just watching him.
"You don't have to buy everything," Lu Sheng finally said, half teasing, half testing.
"I said I'd do it. I meant it."
Lu Sheng glanced at him sideways, but said nothing.
---
Nightfall
By evening, they returned, arms full of bags. Chen helped place them down and rubbed his neck.
"Thanks for… today," Lu Sheng said unexpectedly. "But don't think I've forgiven you fully."
"I know," Chen replied softly. "But I'll keep trying. Every day."
Lu Sheng stared at him for a second longer than needed. "Good."
But once inside his room, Lu Sheng leaned against the door, heart tight.
> "Don't fall for him again," he whispered to himself.
"This is just a deal."
But his reflection in the mirror didn't believe it.