The Sweet Rival (Mango Shen and Nathaniel Ye)

Chapter 401

He tried to sleep but every time he closed his eyes, he could see Mango and it made him felt all hot and bothered.

He had been in abstinence for more than a month. It was no wonder that he felt anxious inside now that he had ended it.

Nathaniel got out of bed again and took a cold shower. The bed was such an eyesore and he just couldn't sleep in it.

It had never occurred to him until he returned home today that the bed looked obscenely huge without Mango in it. It was so big that he felt insecure.

"Damn, since when does a grown man like him need to feel secure?"

Nathaniel took one last look at the bed before putting on his pajamas and headed out to Zion's room.

Zion was still awake when the door opened and startled him. It left him speechless for a while as he watched Nathaniel walk in.

"Mr. Ye, what are you doing in my bedroom in the middle of the night?" "Move aside." Without further warning, Nathaniel gave Zion a kick.

The corner of Zion's mouth twitched slightly.

"Are you trying to steal my bed from me?"

"How can this be considered stealing when you belong to me, not to mention the bed? Now, move further aside."

As Nathaniel squeezed into the bed with Zion, his tall and strong physique made the bed seemed rather small.

For a moment, Zion felt quite helpless.

"Mr. Ye, I'm already past the age where I need my dad to accompany me to sleep. How about you go accompany Rita? Or Wisdom."

"Shut up and go to sleep. Either on the bed or the sofa, feel free to choose either one."

Nathaniel answered domineeringly.

Zion wondered why was he fated to have a father that's someone who couldn’ t be reasoned with.

With the sofa being the only other option, Zion thought better of it and remained in bed.

Zion laid awkwardly in Nathaniel's arms, unable to find a comfortable position.

With Zion wrapped in his arms, Nathaniel no longer felt cold and lonely. He even had a small sense of satisfaction. He felt especially comfortable embracing Zion's small, soft body that still smelled like a baby.

"Go to sleep."

With these words, Nathaniel sealed Zion’s fate for the night.

Zion could only sigh and closed his eyes.

Sleeping with his father was a whole new experience for Zion.

Though Zion had said that he was past the age where he needed his father to hold him to sleep, this was the first time it has ever happened.

Nathaniel's embrace was not soft like Mango' s, but was a manly hug that made one feel safe.

Zion soon fell asleep with a satisfied smile.

Upon hearing his son's steady breathing, Nathaniel opened his eyes.

Under the dim light, as he watched Zion sleeping soundly, his gaze softened and his facial expression followed suit.

This little brat might be naughty at times but he was still a child after all.

A wave of drowsiness swept over Nathaniel and he hugged Zion tighter as he fell into a deep slumber.

When Nathaniel woke up the next morning, he felt sore all over.

The bed might seem big for someone of Zion' s age but for someone with Nathaniel's physique, it was uncomfortable to sleep in.

He gently pulled his arm back from under Zion. Even though he was feeling sore all over, he kept his movements controlled in fear of waking Zion.

He tucked Zion in before leaving. As he exited the room, he came across Madam Ye and Nick who had just woken up too. They were surprised to see Nathaniel coming out of Zion's room.

"Did you sleep in Zion's room last night?"

Madam Ye asked in disbelief.

Zion had always been a very independent child, so it was unlikely that he would need his father's company at night. Rita, on the other hand, would have been a more likely scenario.

Without missing a beat, Nathaniel replied, "Oh, Zion asked me to accompany him last night because he was feeling a little scared."

"Huh?"

Both Madam Ye and Nick were stunned for a moment.

Was he really talking about Zion?

Without further explanation, Nathaniel made his way to the bathroom to wash up.

Madam Ye and Nick shared a look but didn't question further. After all, if father and son wanted some bonding time, they have no right to interfere.

After washing his face, Zion came out of his room.

"Grandma, please ask Mr. Ye to sleep in his own room. I am used to sleeping alone. It's really uncomfortable to have him squeezing into bed with me!"

Zion complained.

Once again, Madam Ye and Nick were stunned.

"Aren't you the one who asked your father to keep you company because you were feeling scared?"

Zion froze for a moment then huffed, "I wonder who's the one that's scared. Hmph!"

Then, he stormed angrily off to the bathroom.

Nathaniel, who was standing by the side, didn't seem to take notice of what was said. Instead, he turned to Nick and asked, "Is it true that the Song family is currently bidding against us for a project?"

"Ah, yes, what's wrong?"

Ever since the company has been handed over to Nick, Nathaniel had never asked about HY Group's affairs. So, Nick was a little taken aback to hear Nathaniel asking about the firm’ s affairs and couldn't help feeling as if he had done something wrong.

Nathaniel continued lightly, "Don't worry. I just want to inform you that from now on, we are going to interfere in all the Song family's businesses."

"Did Walter do something to offend you?"

Nick understood the meaning behind Nathaniel's words.

The Song family's matriarch did not care about business affairs and preferred to spend her time in the greenhouse.

Nathaniel replied with a sneer, "Offend? I will let this boy know what an offense is."

The expression on Nathaniel's face sent a shiver down Nick's spine.

"I have no problem interfering with the Song family's businesses, but if it tied up our funds ..."

"You can make use of the funds from my venture capital company."

"Alright!"

With these words, Nick needed no further explanations.

Yet, he couldn't help asking, "Is Walter really hiding my sister-in-law?"

"Get lost!"

The thought of this made Nathaniel mad with jealousy.

Throughout the night, there wasn't even one call or text from that cold- hearted woman. She just couldn't care less.

Nick saw Nathaniel scowling and continued to tease him further, "One should not provoke a man with an unfulfilled desire. Look at you now. Where is that dashing gentleman you were before?"

Nathaniel glared at him and replied, "I have an unfulfilled desire? You' re the one who has been fooling around for the past few years! You better not catch anything out there or you' II be in deep sh*t."

With that, Nathaniel walked away angrily, leaving Nick at a loss for words.

What did he mean by 'catch anything'?

What did he do?!

It's best not to cross paths with a man without his woman, for he would be extremely temperamental.

Nathaniel left the house with a heavy heart just as Thomas showed up in the driveway.

"Mr. Ye, are we still going to the casino today?"

"Of course! Why not?"

Thomas felt a little snubbed by Nathaniel’s fury and silently regretted his earlier question.

The two drove to Walter's Ruby Taco Casino.

Walter was still in bed when he heard someone say that Nathaniel had arrived. He looked at the time and frowned. It was 7:30 in the morning!

At 7:30 a.m.?!

Which casino opens at 7:30 a.m.?

Walter had been up all night dealing with guests at his casino and had just fallen asleep when Nathaniel showed up. He was so furious that he would love nothing more than to kick Nathaniel out.

"Tell him that we are not open yet and to come back later at 10 a.m."

Before Walter could finish, Nathaniel had pushed the door open and walked in.

"Hey Mr. Song, are you still in bed? Did you try to recuperate from your losses last night by seeking a woman's companionship? Is that why you couldn't get up this morning?"

Walter almost jumped out of bed upon hearing Nathaniel's sarcastic remarks.

"I’m Walter Song. Do you think 20 million dollars is going to burn a hole in my pocket? You are underestimating me way too much."

"Oh, pardon my presumptions. I have brought 30 million with me today. Mr. Song, would you do the honors and deal a couple of rounds for me?"

Nathaniel smiled devilishly at Walter.

He was definitely doing this on purpose.

Walter glowered in anger.

"Mr. Ye, it's only 7:30 in the morning. Casinos open for business at 10a.m. Don't you think you are a little too early?"

"I can't help it. I'm too excited at the thought of winning your money, that I can't sleep. Out of the many casinos in Ocean City, only yours gives me winnings. I have to take advantage of my lucky streak while it lasts. What’s the matter? Mr. Song can't afford further losses?"

"Bullsh*t!"

Walter was grumpy due to the lack of sleep.

He figured that Nathaniel was provoking him on purpose. If he didn't acquiesce, Nathaniel would think of something else to get on his nerves.

He finally resigned himself to get out of bed and asked fiercely, "Which game table are you interested in? I'll get someone to deal for you."

"Come on, Mr. Song! None of your staff is qualified to deal for me."

Nathaniel was being really demanding.

Walter wanted to throw Nathaniel out but kept his frustration in check.

Somehow it had never occurred to him previously that Nathaniel could be such a rascal.

Under duress to play, Walter kept yawning throughout the game and lost a hefty sum after a few rounds.

Nathaniel grinned and said, "Mr. Song, looks like you’re in a losing streak."

"It has only been just a few rounds and you're calling that a streak? You don't know what's coming to you."

Walter replied in anger and got up to wash his face again. When he got back to the table, he began to play in earnest.

When Mango heard that Nathaniel had arrived early in the morning, she had thought that he would approach her immediately. She certainly didn't expect him to be gambling with Walter. Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

"Are you sure? You’re certain he is gambling

with Mr. Song?"

"Yes, Master Song was bulldozed into playing and he's still half asleep."

The waiter's words left Mango speechless.

Nathaniel was making a point to oppose Walter openly.

What on earth did he want?

Mango was about to go out when the waiter stopped her.

"Miss Shen, you had better not go out now. It may be early in the morning, but we can't be certain that no one would see you."

Mango felt that the waiter made a good point. So, she returned to her room and called Nathaniel.

Nathaniel was deeply engrossed in the game when he heard the phone ring. When he saw Mango's number on the caller ID, he picked up the phone and smirked.

Finally, she called him.

That was a shame.

Because he no longer wanted to answer.

Nathaniel deliberately hung up the phone. Then, he turned to smile mischievously at Walter, "Mr. Song, are you feeling unwell lately? Why do you look exhausted merely from playing poker? Or perhaps you're in need of some supplements to improve your libido?"