“Chapter 107 Updated”

"Chapter 107 Updated"

"While Xie Qingfeng was worrying about this, Jing Xi was confronting President Zhu."

"The initial agreement was for Jing Xi to come to City B to manage President Zhu's company for over half a month, until Zhu recovered. Then Jing Xi could return and spend quality time with his Grand Preceptor."

"Besides, he hadn't won over the Grand Preceptor yet. If some unexpected rival appeared during his absence, he’d have nowhere to cry."

"President Zhu hadn't expected Jing Xi's talent to be so exceptional. In just a few days managing the company, he not only ran things smoothly but even secured several partnerships that Zhu himself had failed to clinch."

"This is just over half a month. If Jing Xi were to manage for a year, wouldn’t the company skyrocket?"

"With such talent, he'd be crazy to let him go."

"Although Liang Chenglei had already told him before coming, hoping to keep Jing Xi in the company was futile, unless Mr. Xie also came along. Otherwise, there were only two words for it: No way."

"Yet, President Zhu smiled mysteriously, confident there would be no issue."

"To catch a snake, target its vital point. With a different approach, things could work out. After all, this was a win-win situation, and he couldn’t let down the person who saved his life."

"In the office, Jing Xi looked at President Zhu on the big screen: 'Are you insane?'"

"His staying until now was already a favor."

"To expect him to continue in this position was wishful thinking."

"President Zhu moved closer to the camera, flashing a big smile, trying to appease: 'That's why I’m discussing it with you, Mr. Jing.'"

"Jing Xi, without even lifting his eyelids: 'There’s nothing to discuss.'"

"The Grand Preceptor’s winter break was about to start, meaning more time together."

"How could he miss this chance?"

"Moreover, how could he pursue someone if they were in different cities?"

"President Zhu threw out his first bait: 'I wasn't clear. It’s not the main company in City B, but a branch in City C. Of course, the whole company would essentially belong to Mr. Jing, but our main company would have priority in partnership.'"

"Jing Xi: 'Are you out of your mind, or am I not thinking straight? Why wouldn’t I just start my own company?'"

"President Zhu: 'What if we handle all the company affairs, and the funding is provided by me?'"

"Jing Xi finally looked up, his gaze sharp. Either this guy was insane or had ulterior motives."

"President Zhu hurriedly explained: 'I value Mr. Jing’s capabilities and popularity.'"

"Alongside becoming the first partner, he had a premonition that Mr. Jing would definitely take his company to new heights."

"Still, Jing Xi found it troublesome. He wasn’t lacking in money; his sole purpose here was to be with his Grand Preceptor and to live a life by his side."

"Seeing his furrowed brows, President Zhu knew Jing Xi didn’t care about these things, and started the second round of temptation: 'I know Mr. Jing isn’t in need of money, but Mr. Xie is a person of great abilities, and will be a busy doctor in the future.'"

"Jing Xi wanted to say he could accompany him, but considering the rules he had come to understand, it seemed unlikely."

"President Zhu continued: 'Moreover, in the future, do you want others to say that Mr. Jing is living off someone else?'"

"Jing Xi was displeased."

"President Zhu: 'Of course, that’s just what outsiders might say. If Mr. Jing and Mr. Xie don’t mind, it's fine. But certainly, there will be those shortsighted people who might say Mr. Xie’s lover isn’t worthy of him, which isn’t ideal, right?'"

"Jing Xi pursed his lips, his expression darkening, but he obviously knew there was truth in President Zhu’s words. He didn’t care, but it becomes annoying when too many people talk."

"President Zhu: 'Starting a company in Mr. Xie’s name, earning an extra income, and Mr. Jing still being President Jing in public, who knows, maybe Mr. Xie might become the richest man in City C someday.'"

"Jing Xi tapped his fingers on his knee thoughtfully. Although the Grand Preceptor didn’t lack money, and neither did he, it wasn’t earned by him here, which didn’t showcase his capabilities."

"He thought about the love advice books, where the most important thing was to be successful in one's career."

"The word 'career' flashed in Jing Xi’s mind, and he found himself less resistant to the idea than before."

"Starting a company in City C, preferably near City C University, would be ideal – close enough and not hindering him from meeting the Grand Preceptor."

"Seeing an opening, President Zhu took a step back: 'Mr. Jing, please consider it. You can also discuss it with Mr. Xie later. Once Mr. Jing agrees, you won’t have to worry about anything else.'"

"Jing Xi stayed at Minghuan Entertainment for two more days. By Friday, President Zhu had almost fully recovered and didn’t bring up the branch office matter again during the handover."

"That night, Jing Xi flew back to City B."

"Having completed his last exam, Xie Qingfeng didn’t need to go to school from tomorrow onwards."

"He planned to rest for two days, relax a bit, and also visit his foster parents."

"Xie Qingfeng woke up at seven the next morning without setting an alarm, his biological clock naturally rousing him."

"After lifting the shielding, he got up to wash up."

"His hand on the bathroom doorknob paused as he, now more alert, heard faint sounds he hadn’t noticed upon waking."

"After listening carefully, Xie Qingfeng’s expression became subtly amused. At this hour, the only person who could be in his kitchen was that certain someone."

"First going to wash up and dry his face, Xie Qingfeng checked his phone and found no messages."

"Jing Xi had returned earlier than announced and hadn’t informed him. According to their original plan, he was supposed to come back this afternoon."

"Xie Qingfeng couldn’t quite explain why, but ever since the night Jing Xi got drunk and other things happened, he always remembered how Jing Xi looked that night, his face flushed, calling out to him."

"Xie Qingfeng took a deep breath and calmly opened the door."

"As expected, Jing Xi immediately peeked out from the kitchen: 'You’re awake? Quite early, just in time for breakfast.'"

"Xie Qingfeng, after the two had breakfast, asked, 'Why did you come back early?'"

"Jing Xi glanced at him resentfully: 'I missed you.' Ever since realizing the Grand Preceptor had feelings for him, Jing Xi had grown much bolder and more straightforward in his words."

"Xie Qingfeng choked, opened his mouth to say something, but ended up turning his neck red, restraining himself: 'Don’t talk nonsense.'"

"Jing Xi, seeing the opportunity, backed off, content that his feelings were expressed: 'Alright, I’ll listen to Qingfeng.'"

"Xie Qingfeng: '...Well, I knew you’d take advantage of the situation.'"

"Jing Xi began clearing the table, glancing at Xie Qingfeng who was also holding dishes and utensils: 'I arrived at midnight, didn’t want to disturb you.'"

"Xie Qingfeng hummed in acknowledgment, staying silent."

"Jing Xi’s voice dropped: 'Did I come back at a bad time?'"

"Xie Qingfeng paused in his actions: 'What are you thinking? When did I ever say that?'"

"Jing Xi’s eyelids drooped, looking pitiful and dejected: 'I was supposed to arrive this afternoon, but you were planning to leave in the morning, weren’t you?' As he said this, he looked up, his eyes accusing, as if standing before him was a heartbreaker."

"Xie Qingfeng rubbed his forehead: 'When did I say I was leaving?'"

"Jing Xi pointed towards the corner near the entrance: 'There’s a big suitcase there.'"

"Xie Qingfeng’s eyelid twitched: 'So you only saw the suitcase and missed all the gift boxes beside it?'"

"Jing Xi looked at him, sighing."

"Xie Qingfeng: 'What now?'"

"Jing Xi: 'See, you’re already starting to find me annoying.'"

"Xie Qingfeng: 'Have you been watching those idol dramas again?' It’s just like those melodramatic romance plots. Are you casting yourself as the unreasonable one? Very likely."

"Jing Xi, feeling guilty, touched his nose: 'How could I? I’ve been swamped. So, where did you plan to go?'"

"Xie Qingfeng was exasperated but couldn’t help falling for this tactic: 'These are gifts for my foster parents and some clothes.' Due to the bulkiness of the winter clothes like thick down jackets and sweaters, he had unpacked them and put them in a suitcase to make transportation easier."

"Jing Xi: 'So, were you planning to go in the morning or afternoon?'"

"Xie Qingfeng fell silent. Could he admit he indeed planned to go in the morning? Meeting Jing Xi’s intent gaze, he instinctively said: 'In the afternoon.'"

"Jing Xi, satisfied: 'You mean wait for me to return and then go together? Ever since our last visit, I haven’t seen your foster parents. They must be missing me too.'"

"Xie Qingfeng: '...I never realized how thick-skinned the little emperor could be.'"

"But some things needed to be said: 'With all the recent media coverage, my foster parents probably already know about your identity.'"

"They hadn’t recognized him before due to his hiatus, but the recent news had likely clued them in."

"Jing Xi: 'Don’t worry, I won’t cause any trouble for your foster parents.' Disguising himself, he had become quite adept at it recently."

"In the end, Xie Qingfeng took Jing Xi along. It was just for a meal, and they would return in the evening."

"However, as he turned to pack, he missed the upward curl of Jing Xi’s lips."

"Today being Saturday, Xie Qingfeng’s foster parents were busy at their snack shop from early morning."

"Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi first went to the snack shop. He didn’t let Jing Xi get out of the car, going in alone to greet his foster parents."

"He wanted to settle Jing Xi in comfortably before returning to help at the shop."

Jing Xi wanted to help, but Xie Qingfeng shot him a look: “Are you sure you won’t be causing more trouble if you come over?”

Jing Xi looked aggrieved: "I..."

Xie Qingfeng interrupted: "Don't talk about wearing masks and hats, the store is small and close, you’ll definitely be recognized."

By now it was nearly noon, busy for a while, they could rest and temporarily close the shop in the afternoon.

Jing Xi thought about it and realized that if people found out, their snack shop might never have peaceful days again.

Jing Xi had no choice but to give up the idea of helping, sighing dejectedly: "Then I'll wait at home for you guys."

Xie Qingfeng, seeing his listless appearance, couldn’t help but say: "We’ll be busy and might not have time to eat at noon. How about I take you to buy some groceries later, and you can cook for us at home?"

Jing Xi’s eyes lit up instantly: So, does this count as making an impression in front of his future in-laws?

Then he must make this meal count.

Xie Qingfeng was startled by his enthusiastic response: You like cooking this much?

After Xie Qingfeng informed his foster parents, Jing Xi didn’t let Xie Qingfeng accompany him and took the keys to go to the market alone. They could eat when they finished and closed the shop.

Xie Qingfeng thought about it and, since Jing Xi usually did the grocery shopping, let him go.

He had just seen that the snack shop was indeed very busy, so he hurried to help.

Xie Qingfeng, wearing a mask, helped serve dishes, collect money, and keep accounts until almost 2 PM when they finally saw off the last group of customers.

The foster parents were also tired but busy and happy.

The busier it was, the better the business, and they were even happier today with Xiao Feng’s return.

The foster father had regained his health recently and looked energetic: “Xiao Feng, you’ve worked hard. Wait until we get home to taste my cooking.” It was rare for Xiao Feng to come back and help so much, but they had been too busy to stop him.

Xie Qingfeng helped them close the door, shaking his head: "I just asked my friend to buy groceries and he should have already prepared the meal by now." He paused, then added, "His cooking is quite delicious."

The foster parents then remembered mentioning it earlier: "How could we let a guest do the cooking?"