Fei and Tao

I am going to make a case for Fei acting as Tao's guardian/ parent figure (much like any child raised by Aki and Asami would be their son or daughter and not their unpaid servant). In Fei's case, I think it is more of an uncle relationship because Fei considers his adoptive dad his real dad, and it was revealed in the novella that Tao is Fei's "brother" Yan's son (and Fei has always known this). Fei keeps Tao close ostensively to serve Fei, but there is more to it than that. Fei could hardly declare Tao is his nephew without putting Tao in danger (because Yan has enemies and some may see Yan's son as a potential future threat to the leadership of the Baishe). Besides, it kind of seems as if Fei was raised to serve Yan, and Fei still loved his adoptive father. A dysfunctional family that heads a criminal organization may have special issues, but it is still family.

Fei treats Tao like a nephew or a son, even if Fei never uses such dangerous words. Fei always speaks kindly to Tao and tries to make Tao happy. Look at the Christmas card Fei sends. This is not the card of a master to a slave. It is the warm tone of an adult to a cherished child--and Fei hid gifts for Tao. Fei lets Tao sleep in his bed when Tao has nightmares. Fei trusts Tao alone with the key to Fei's deposit box. Some may see a servant--I see an unnamed heir being able to witness the inner workings of the Baishe and be close to Fei without anyone raising an eyebrow.

It is true that Fei had a dream about sex with a grown Tao, and that Tao seems to have a crush on Fei. This doesn't negate a family relationship. In yaoi, anything is possible. Remember that Yan also had a thing for Fei despite the fact that they were raised as brothers. Incest (or psychological incest) pairings are common in yaoi. But even when Fei had the dream, Fei was not lecherously encouraging Tao in the dream. Additionally, after Fei woke, Fei was relieved that Tao was still little. AY will do whatever she wants, but right now, I still think it reads like Fei thinks of Tao as his nephew (whom he is raising).