Chapter 49

Chapter 49 (Second Update)

Under the dim night light, the ceiling in Fu Yunzhe's view kept shaking.

And it was shaking faster and faster.

Boss Fu’s employees are becoming more and more disobedient; the little crane’s wings have hardened, acting recklessly and outrageously.

The mobile phone slips from Fu Yunzhe's hand, rolling from the side of the bed to the ground, producing a muffled sound.

Fu Yunzhe raises his hand to stroke Yu He's beautifully arched eyebrows, sighing, “You're always so lazy and listless all day, but now your eyes are shining bright like a hungry wolf, gleaming green.”

Yu He seems to know that he looks good; he lowers his head, allowing Fu Yunzhe a clearer view of his eyes and brows.

Fu Yunzhe pushes Yu He away, turns on the bedroom lights, and simultaneously sits up halfway, pulling at the ring. He then retrieves a champagne-colored square box from the bedside drawer.

He hands the gift to Yu He: "Xiao He, happy birthday."

Yu He takes it and opens it, only to find a plastic card inside the box, displaying four bold characters prominently.

Fengcheng University.

Yu He flips the card over in surprise, finding his passport-sized photo on the back, along with the words:

College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Tuina.

01720230116, Yu He.

A current student at Fengcheng University.

Campus.

All-in-one card.

Yu He was utterly astonished, "Did you really manage to get me into Fengcheng University?"

After investigating the matter of Yu He’s education, Fu Yunzheng had many questions and doubts in his heart: "Your college entrance exam score wasn’t bad, so why did you make such random choices for your university preferences?"

Yu He clutched the student card in his hand guiltily, "I didn't choose randomly."

Fu Yunzheng fell silent for a moment before asking, “Then why didn’t you apply to a first-tier university and instead chose a major in eSports in a second-tier batch?”

Upon learning that Yu He had chosen a major in eSports, his foster father was furious to the point of madness, and he immediately proceeded to process a leave of absence for Yu He, forcing him to retake the college entrance exam.

Yu He, clutching his sheets, made up an excuse, "I like playing games."

Fu Yunzheng’s indulgence towards Yu He seemed to be ingrained in his veins. Hearing this, he reached out to take Yu He’s student card, "So, are you planning to pursue eSports?"

Yu He dodged slightly, "Me, play eSports? I'm not even good enough to get into a sub-league's youth training class."

Fu Yunzheng didn’t quite understand what a youth training class meant, but that didn’t stop him from continuing the conversation with Yu He, “eSports and traditional Chinese medicine are completely unrelated. If you’re thinking of studying traditional Chinese medicine for my sake, there’s really no need. There are plenty of doctors out there. Choosing a major you have no interest in just for my sake is not a cost-effective choice.”

At this point, Yu He decided to tell the whole truth, "I made a mistake when filling out my university preferences; I chose them randomly. I was actually planning on retaking the college entrance exam, but my foster father tore up my admission notice, forcing me to retake the exam, and I just didn't want to repeat my senior year of high school."

Yu He would willingly do something if he decided on it himself, but if someone tried to force him, he would resist to the death!

Fu Yunzheng was dumbfounded. His previously serious expression loosened, and his eyes filled with amusement. He didn’t speak, just smiled and stared at Yu He, making Yu He feel embarrassed.

Fu Yunzheng said, “I originally thought you were an obedient crane, just one that couldn’t be petted against the grain. Now I see, there’s not a single feather on you that goes the right way; you’re completely covered in contrarian scales.”

Yu He would have done something, but the moment someone ordered him to do it, he would refuse, regardless of the consequences, just to be contrary.

Such a prickly little crane.

But how has he been so well-behaved by his side all this time? How could Fu Yunzheng not be fond of him?

Yu He’s face felt hot, "Why are you staring at me all the time?"

Fu Yunzheng continued to look at Yu He, his eyes warm and filled with laughter, “Because you’re beautiful.”

Clumsy yet charming.

It’s impossible to hide feelings for someone.

Fu Yunzheng didn’t want to hide it any longer and asked Yu He, “How could you possibly make a mistake with your college preferences? Don’t tell me you didn’t read the application instructions carefully.”

Yu He hesitated, “I did read them. After filling out the first batch preferences, I clicked ‘save,’ and then... maybe... I didn’t hit ‘submit.’”

Fu Yunzheng: “......”

No matter how absurd or unlucky the situation is, as long as it happens to Yu He, it somehow makes perfect sense.

For anyone else, failing to submit their college preferences would be inconceivable, but for Yu He, it’s just par for the course.

“That explains why you skipped the first tier and went straight to the second.” Fu Yunzheng was somewhat exasperated, “And you’re planning to become a doctor with such a careless attitude.”

It was as if the sun had risen from the west; Yu He actually responded, “I will change in the future.”

Fu Yunzheng ruffled Yu He’s hair, “It’s fine. Your major offers small class teaching. Last year, they only admitted 15 students, and 6 of them transferred out. Traditional Chinese medicine is hard to master, and acupuncture and massage therapy require even more innate talent. If it weren't for the lack of successors, even if I donated two more labs, Professor Shen Han wouldn’t have written you a recommendation letter.”

Yu He was greatly surprised, “Shen Sanzhen wrote me a recommendation letter?”

Fu Yunzheng nodded, “Yes, you are now an external disciple of Shen Sanzhen. You don't need to envy Master Meng anymore.”

Yu He placed the student card on the bedside table, lay back down on the bed, and closed his eyes, “Tomorrow, when Yu Qingyan finds out I’ve also gotten into Fengda, his expression will definitely be priceless.”

Fu Yunzheng turned off the lights, “Go to sleep now. We have your birthday banquet to attend tomorrow. If you look tired, Wang Wuchuan will go back and accuse me of mistreating you again.”

Remembering the rumors Wang Wuchuan had spread, Yu He chuckled lightly, “He has such a vivid imagination.”

The next morning, preparations were in full swing within the mansion.

The guests invited to Yu He's birthday banquet were naturally his friends. From the Fu family’s side, only Fu Yao’s family was close to Yu He. They came to the Fu residence early to help out, since the women in charge of Fu Yunzheng’s mansion hadn’t managed such events for a long time. Many minor details still needed to be checked by Yao Yueyun.

The other members of the Fu family noticed that Fu Yao’s family was gaining Fu Yunzheng’s favor because of Yu He, but it was too late for them to follow suit.

Yu He didn’t have many friends to invite. The rich second-generation kids he used to hang out with stopped contacting him after he was kicked out of the Yu family. When Fu Yunzheng asked Yu He who he wanted to invite to the birthday banquet, his first thoughts were Fu Yao and Xiao Sean.

Yu He personally wrote the invitations for these two. He paused, pen in hand, for a long while before Fu Yunzheng reminded him, and then he remembered to invite his newly acknowledged elder brother, Chen Sijian.

Fu Yunzheng commented, "Chen Sijian, the CEO of Jingchuan, seems so eager to be your sworn brother, yet you forgot about him. If he finds out, he might just give you a good pounding.”

Yu He stubbornly retorted, “My big brother is incredibly busy; I just didn’t want to bother him.”

Fu Yunzheng flipped a page in his book, chuckling softly, "Heh."

After finishing Chen Sijian’s invitation, Yu He casually wrote one for Yu Qingyan as well.

The sixteenth day of the first lunar month also happened to be Yu Qingyan's birthday. Yu He figured that Yu Qingyan wouldn’t have time to attend.

“I’ll send an invitation to Yu Qingyan, so he can’t go around saying that I hold a grudge against him.” Yu He thought Yu Qingyan definitely wouldn’t come, and he proudly showed off to Fu Yunzheng: “Aren’t I generous?”

Fu Yunzheng responded with silence.

This silence was broken when Yu He received a reply from Yu Qingyan.

Upon learning that Yu Qingyan would indeed attend the banquet at Yun Su, the silence transformed into blatant mockery.

Yu He was utterly disconcerted, while Fu Yunzheng was doubled over with laughter.

Even though the whole world knew Fu Yunzheng as a calm and stern man, rarely showing emotions, he couldn’t be blamed for this. Anyone would find it hard not to laugh upon witnessing Yu He’s bizarre act of shooting himself in the foot.

Annoyed, Yu He grabbed Fu Yunzheng’s shoulder, shaking it back and forth, “Stop laughing! What should I do now? I really don’t want to act in front of Yu Qingyan on my birthday.”

Fu Yunzheng, barely containing his laughter, teased him, “You’re the clever one; I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”

Yu He: “......”

This old fox! Full of mischief and only looking to make fun of him.

Yu He angrily threatened, “If you laugh again, I’ll run away from home!”

Fu Yunzheng sat up straight, his expression serious as he suppressed his laughter, “Alright, alright, I’ll stop laughing. But you can’t run away from home; this family wouldn’t function without you.”

Yu He looked up in surprise, a tuft of hair sticking up in confusion as he sought an explanation from Fu Yunzheng’s eyes.

Fu Yunzheng earnestly explained, “Without you, this household would lack its fool.”

Yu He: “......”

In any case, on the day of the birthday banquet, Yu Qingyan indeed showed up.

As Yu He and his companion stepped into the villa side by side, Sean and Lanzhi were dancing energetically.

Their dance moves were provocative, showcasing the distinctive style of Jinse Tai, effectively lifting the atmosphere of the venue.

Fu Yao and Chen Sijian were engaged in a conversation with wine glasses in hand, their eyes darting everywhere - from the sky to the ground to their glasses - everywhere but the passionate dancers on the stage.

Wang Wuchuan, along with a few others from Jinse Tai who came with him, was cheering and throwing confetti, significantly contributing to the lively atmosphere.

Yu Qingyan paused for a moment and turned his head to quietly ask Yu He, “These are the friends you’ve made at Jinse Tai?”

Yu He responded, “Your boyfriend watches much racier stuff in private. I’m surprised you have time to come to Yun Su for my birthday; you’re quite free.”

Yu Qingyan crossed the living room and sat down at the bar in the dining area, casting his eyes downward as he carefully chose his words, “Dad’s condition has worsened again, and with the Lunar New Year, relatives near and far all have their own agendas. The Yu family is in complete disarray right now.”

Yu Qingyan wanted to say more, but when he saw Fu Yao and Chen Sijian approaching the dining area, he decided not to elaborate.

Yu He, supporting himself on his arm, sipped on his iced cola and took the opportunity to introduce everyone to each other, highlighting the introduction of Yu Qingyan to Fu Yao, “This little cousin of mine is Yu Qingyan, the true young master of the Yu family.”

Both Fu Yao and Yu Qingyan were at a loss for words.

Chen Sijian, who was eager to drink with Yu He, had long lost interest in watching the boys dance in the living room.

After chatting with Chen Sijian for a while, Yu He suggested that if he found it boring, he could go and chat with Fu Yunzheng.

Chen Sijian declined, saying chatting with Fu Yunzheng would be even less interesting than watching the male dancers.

Yu He: “???”

Soon after, Sean and Lanzhi rushed over from the living room, each draping an arm around Yu He.

One asked, “Where’s the cat you’re raising?”

The other suggested, “Come on, let’s go see the cat.”

Dazed, Yu He was whisked away to the cat room by the pair.

Once inside, Lanzhi closed the door and asked Yu He, “Who was that cool guy you were talking to just now?”

Yu He, still a bit perplexed, responded, “...Chen Sijian?”

Lán Qí asked again, "Is he married? Does he have a partner?"

Yú Hè was on alert, "What are you up to?"

Lán Qí's face was filled with the aura of spring as she winked at Yú Hè.

Yú Hè was utterly shocked, "What are you thinking?!"

With a giggle, Lán Qí picked up the little cat that kept rubbing against her leg, buried her face in its fur, and took a deep sniff, saying, "But he’s so innocent. When I danced with him, resting my arm on his shoulder... his face turned all red.”

Xiāo Ēn was sitting on the ground, allowing a few kittens to climb all over him, with a calico cat on top of his head, he commented judiciously: “He really is very innocent.”

Yú Hè: "What kind of dance were you doing?"

Lán Qí extended her right hand, gently placing it on Yú Hè's shoulder, then slowly started to sway her hips. With her other hand, she put her index finger to her lips, blinked, and blew a kiss.

Yú Hè: "......"

No wonder Chén Sī Jiàn said he had encountered a male enchantress.

Lán Qí: “I haven’t even hugged him yet.”

Lán Qí truly treated Yú Hè as if he was nothing, without any guard, she lifted her arm to circle Yú Hè’s waist.

Yú Hè was quick to react, he stepped back half a step, and fended off Lán Qí’s hand in advance, “Alright, alright, your skills are quite impressive, you even scared my big brother into hiding in the dining room with his glass of wine.”

Lán Qí grabbed Yú Hè’s shoulder in one swift motion: "Yú Hè, Young Master Yú, Brother Hè, you have to help me with this."

Caught off guard, Yú Hè froze completely, not even knowing where to put his hands.

Even though Yú Hè was gay, whether he was arm in arm with Chén Sī Jiàn, Fù Yáo, or tussling with Yú Qīng Yàn, he never felt awkward or that there was anything to avoid.

But there was an indescribable gentleness about Lán Qí that made Yú Hè subconsciously feel that he needed to keep a distance from her.

Even though Yú Hè also used the term "fox" to describe Fù Yún Zhèng, it was clear that Fù Yún Zhèng and Lán Qí were not the same type of fox.

Fù Yún Zhèng is like the cunning fox from fairy tales.

Lán Qí is like Sū Dá Jī from Investiture of the Gods.

It’s a bit scary.

With his back completely against the door, Yú Hè felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He became increasingly certain that he wasn't attracted to just anyone; he felt safe when he was in Fù Yún Zhèng’s arms, but being held by Lán Qí... it felt as if he were a Tang monk trapped in the Spider Demon's lair, or prey entwined by a beautiful snake.

There wasn’t a single romantic thought in his mind, just pure fear.

Yú Hè could only seek help from offstage: “Xiāo Ēn.”

Xiāo Ēn stood up with the cat, pulling Lán Qí away: “Don’t get all huggy and cuddly with Yú Hè; he’s got a sugar daddy.”

Once Lán Qí had left Yú Hè’s side, his breathing became smoother. He picked up a cat to calm himself and took the opportunity to correct Xiāo Ēn: “He’s my boyfriend.”

The three of them sat on the cushions, discussing for a while whether Lán Qí and Chén Sī Jiàn had any chance of getting together. Lán Qí was completely lost, Yú Hè remained neutral without speaking, and the only sober Xiāo Ēn concluded the topic with ‘I can’t handle two love-struck fools’, putting an end to the conversation.

Yú Hè felt as if he had taken an arrow to the knee for some reason.

Lán Qí, hugging her knees, used her finger to tease the kitten. The little cat tried its best to wrap its front paws around Lán Qí's index finger and stuff it into its mouth to gnaw.

As if remembering something, Lán Qí turned her head to Yú Hè and asked, “Aren’t you on Mung Bean live stream?”

Yú Hè didn’t deny it: “Yeah, what about it?”

Lán Qí glanced at Xiāo Ēn.

Xiāo Ēn explained: “Someone came to Jinse Tower asking about you, knowing that you had worked as a waiter at Jinse Tower for three days before being taken away. From what that person said, it seemed like they came to dig up dirt on you because your live stream became popular.”

Lán Qí sighed with emotion, full of feelings: “No matter what industry, as soon as there is a bit of success, it will attract unfair competition, which is really annoying. Instead of improving their own abilities, they engage in these dirty tricks. Do they think they can rise to the top by pulling you down?”

Lán Qí had excellent skills, and was once the top earner on the 16th floor of Jinse Tower, but she fell from grace due to a scheme that offended a high-roller client, resulting in a year where no one dared to pick her. To make a living, Lán Qí had to leave the 16th floor and work as a waiter in the bar below.

But blessings can come from misfortune. While Lán Qí was struggling, the person who schemed against her was thriving, replacing Lán Qí as the top earner. That person was picked up by a client, and later returned, beaten black and blue.

“I guess I avoided a disaster by losing money,” Lán Qí kissed the kitten, “In the end, he was the one who got calculated into the scheme. With so many overt and covert attacks, how could one possibly guard against a thief every day? Yú Hè, you don’t have to be afraid. Those who stir up trouble behind your back only dare to do so in the dark, out of sight.”

Yú Hè was unconcerned: “What’s so scandalous about being kept by Fù Yún Zhèng? I'm afraid people won’t know.”

Xiāo Ēn and Lán Qí exchanged glances.

Lán Qí commented: “He’s even more infatuated than I am.”

Xiāo Ēn had a splitting headache, not knowing what grounds the second-to-last had to mock the last place. He pinched the bridge of his nose: “You two are as bad as each other.”

Filled with curiosity, Yu He turned to Lan Qi and asked, “Has Sean never been in a relationship?”

Lan Qi burst into laughter, looking up to the sky, “Hahaha, of course not! He's still a virgin, can you believe that?”

Yu He was utterly astonished. He turned to look at Sean, only to find him covering his mouth, coughing lightly, with a slight redness in his ears.

Yu He: "......"

So, is he really learning theories from a pure theoretical master?

Lan Qi tilted his head, admiring Yu He’s perfect profile, and couldn’t help but press a hand against Yu He's jawbone, “Has your face really never been worked on?”

Yu He’s skin was very white, and a touch from Lan Qi left a red mark. Yu He swapped places with Sean, “Stop being so touchy.”

Lan Qi snorted, “Afraid your husband will see, huh? Oh right, where’s Mr. Fu?”

Mentioning Fu Yunzhen brought a spark of energy to Yu He. He responded, “He’s in the study. Do you want to meet him?”

Lan Qi felt a bit intimidated.

Fu Yunzhen’s reputation was well-known. It was rumored that he was capricious and had a very deep mind. Although he wouldn’t waste his scheming on someone like Lan Qi, Lan Qi still didn’t want to deal with a tycoon of this caliber.

He was simply too high to reach.

Someone like Chen Sijian, however, Lan Qi was quite willing to put in effort for.

“Forget it,” Lan Qi shook his head, “I wouldn’t even know what to say, and Mr. Fu probably doesn’t have anything to talk to me about. It’d just be awkward.”

Yu He chuckled, “How could that be? Mr. Fu is very easy to talk to, and he’s got a good temper.”

Fu Yunzhen has a good temper?

Lan Qi and Sean exchanged glances, both reading a great deal of disbelief in each other’s eyes.

Sean originally thought that it was already quite an exception for Fu Yunzhen to invite them to his main residence as guests, which also proved that Yu He was highly valued. He definitely did not expect that after leaving the cat room with Yu He, they would find Fu Yunzhen in the living room, chatting with Chen Sijian.

Lan Qi was a major flirt. The moment he saw Fu Yunzhen, his eyes lit up, completely forgetting about Chen Sijian, whom he had just taken a liking to. He completely forgot about his previous firm statement, “I wouldn’t even know what to say, it'd just be awkward.”

Now, Lan Qi’s mind was brimming with a hundred topics to discuss, enough to cover everything from poetry to life philosophy!

Grasping Yu He’s wrist, Lan Qi whispered, “Yu He, you didn't tell me before that Mr. Fu is so handsome. Would you mind having one more younger brother?”

Yu He’s eyes widened, “I am not willing!”

Lan Qi’s gaze shifted back and forth between Yu He and Fu Yunzhen. Fu Yunzhen was tall and handsome, exuding an air of nobility, while Yu He was extraordinarily handsome, clear and pure like jade.

Lan Qi’s face suddenly flushed red, seemingly struck by a thought.

He swallowed, his delicate Adam's apple bobbing, and boldly spoke out, “We could be together, all three of us..."

Sean quickly covered Lan Qi’s mouth, dropping a line, “He's had too much to drink.”

And then, Sean dragged Lan Qi away.

Yu He: “......”

Fu Yunzhen exchanged a few words with Chen Sijian before wheeling himself towards Yu He.