Chapter 49: A Date

Chapter 49: A Date

Interesting.

Yu Zechuan suddenly sensed that the relationship between Jiang Boyun and Lu Yan was not as straightforward as it seemed. He detected a hint of desire and longing in the former's eyes, while the latter's gaze always held a faint, enigmatic smile.

With a flick of his finger, Yu Zechuan tapped the ashes from his cigarette, the crisp menthol scent invigorating his senses and calming the turmoil within him. He lowered his expressionless gaze, blending into the shadows, intent on listening to their conversation.

He hoped they wouldn't say anything that would upset him,

especially Lu Yan.

After all, it was rare for Yu Zechuan to find someone so compatible with him. He didn't wish to deal with Lu Yan using the same tactics he might use against Jiang Boyun.

Downstairs, the two continued their chat. Whatever Jiang Boyun tried to inquire about, Lu Yan simply shook his head, clueless. "After you both went to the restroom that day, I followed later and didn't notice anything unusual with President Yu. Is something the matter, President Jiang?"

Jiang Boyun frowned. He valued his pride and would never admit that Yu Zechuan had been ignoring him lately. Instead, he vaguely replied, "Nothing much. I just noticed that President Yu hasn't been coming to work recently, and I was worried if something unpleasant happened during that dinner."

Lu Yan smiled. "I see. Perhaps President Yu is just swamped with work, which is why he hasn't been in the office."

Recalling the insecurity of his position, Jiang Boyun felt inexplicably restless. "You don't understand. He's always unpredictable in his moods. Nobody knows when they might upset him."

Lu Yan thought that Yu Zechuan was indeed moody, but there was always a reason behind his anger or happiness. Others could comment on it, but not Jiang Boyun. His voice was calm as he replied, "That's because someone else provoked him. If no one does, everything would be fine."

Jiang Boyun's panic stemmed from his guilty conscience. If he hadn't said those words in the corridor, he wouldn't be desperately seeking solutions like this now.

Upon hearing Lu Yan's seemingly biased remarks, Yu Zechuan paused in his smoking, almost burning his fingertips with the ember.

Surprised, Jiang Boyun looked up at Lu Yan, sensing an unusual coldness in his tone that didn't align with his usual demeanor. "What do you mean?"

Lu Yan flashed a harmless smile and said leisurely, "General Manager Jiang, what I mean is, President Yu might have encountered some other displeasing matters outside. There's no need to worry too much; I heard from Sister Cathy that he came to work today."

Jiang Boyun was taken aback. "President Yu is here for work?"

Lu Yan: "Perhaps. I'm not quite sure myself."

Jiang Boyun's information network had started to falter, indicating Yu Zechuan's vigilance against him and that he was gradually being ostracized within the company. But this was just the beginning; there was more hardship to come.

Lu Yan finally smiled. "President Jiang, if you have no further business, I'll take my leave now."

Jiang Boyun nodded uneasily, "Go back first."

Due to the delay, Lu Yan reached downstairs close to six o'clock. The sky was gradually darkening, tinged with a pinkish purple from the setting sun. The lush trees along the roadside exuded an indescribable romance and vitality.

A black car silently pulled up at the company's entrance. Its polished body reflected the tree shadows, hinting at its discreet yet expensive nature. The window rolled down, revealing Yu Zechuan's cool expression. He glanced at Lu Yan standing on the steps below, "Get in."

Lu Yan hadn't expected Yu Zechuan to be so brazen, considering the busy surroundings where colleagues could easily spot them. He leaned slightly towards the window, his voice lowered, like the deep tones of a cello, "President Yu, aren't you afraid that others might gossip if they see you picking me up directly?"

Yu Zechuan scoffed, "Are you scared?"

In his life, he had never known what it meant to hold back. His likes and dislikes were always bold and straightforward, burning like a fierce flame.

Lu Yan also chuckled, "Not at all."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Yu Zechuan's eyes, "Then get in."

The conversation he overheard at the stairway earlier had lifted Yu Zechuan's mood. After all, he had misjudged Jiang Boyun. If he misjudged Lu Yan as well, he would genuinely doubt his own judgment.

Lu Yan opened the passenger door and climbed in, then fastened his seatbelt properly. Recalling something, he turned his head to look at Yu Zechuan with a charming smile, sweet enough to give someone cavities, "President Yu, how about I take my driving test in two days?"

Yu Zechuan started the car and casually asked, "Why?"

Lu Yan replied, "So I can drive for you next time we go out."

Upon hearing this, Yu Zechuan paused in his actions. He hadn't expected this to be the reason. He quickly regained his composure and said, "Up to you. When you pass your exam, I'll take you to buy a car. You can choose the model yourself."

He couldn't help but frown, probably thinking he was too easily swayed. He hadn't been so generous with Jiang Boyun when they first met.

Lu Yan seemed like a male enchantress. Sensing that Yu Zechuan was overthinking, he smiled playfully and leaned slightly closer, saying, "President Yu, it's not necessary. I can earn money to buy my own car."

Yu Zechuan immediately forgot his previous dilemma and frowned. "How much can you earn? Just accept it if I give it to you."

Lu Yan acknowledged with an "Oh," then said, "President Yu."

Impatiently, Yu Zechuan asked, "What?"

Lu Yan responded, "You're so kind~"

"Screech—"

Yu Zechuan instinctively hit the brakes, his entire body lurching forward due to inertia. If not for the empty road around them, they might have ended up in a rear-end collision. He glared abruptly at Lu Yan, only to see him sitting nonchalantly in his seat as if he hadn't just spoken those words.

Yu Zechuan felt a lump in his throat, an uncomfortable sensation that neither rose nor fell.

Yet, the culprit had the audacity to ask, "President Yu, why aren't you driving anymore?"

With a stiff expression, Yu Zechuan replied, "Nothing."

He restarted the car, but the turmoil from his momentary loss of composure lingered in his heart.

Perhaps because no one had ever spoken to him like this before.

Yu Zechuan didn't choose a bustling restaurant for their meal; instead, it was a serene and secluded small courtyard, with a style reminiscent of Suzhou gardens. Rumor had it that the owner was already wealthy and didn't much care about profit and loss. He ran the place solely out of personal pleasure, and securing a reservation here required booking a month in advance.

Yu Zechuan was clearly a regular customer. Upon seeing him, the attendant at the entrance promptly approached, "Mr. Yu, your private room is ready. Please follow me."

The courtyard featured a small bridge over a flowing stream, rocky ponds, and the private room was situated on the second floor, right by the railing. A glance downward offered a panoramic view of the entire scene.

It was Lu Yan's first time in such an establishment. Sipping his tea, steam rising and fragrance wafting, he remarked, "President Yu, the scenery here is truly beautiful."

Yu Zechuan's legs crossed casually, his posture relaxed. "A friend owns it. If you like it, I'll bring you here again next time."

Yu Zechuan enjoyed this place for its tranquility. Whenever he was in the private room, he felt exceptionally at ease, but he had only ever come here with his grandfather. Jiang Boyun had never been granted access, making Lu Yan an exception.

Reflecting on it, the treatment Lu Yan received seemed rather special.

Leaning his head on one hand, Yu Zechuan lifted his gaze lazily towards Lu Yan. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, stirring up those peculiar thoughts. He wanted to let the other man know, yet not at the same time. After all, he wasn't someone who enjoyed explaining himself.

Opposite him, Lu Yan sat with his eyes shimmering under the light. His smile, though rare, had a disarming effect. "President Yu, you're really good to me."

He acknowledged Yu Zechuan's kindness.

Yu Zechuan found it slightly amusing. "Is this what you call being good to you?"

Compared to Jiang Boyun's insatiable desires, Lu Yan seemed far too easily content.

Lu Yan nodded earnestly. "Of course, I've never been to a place like this before."

Silent for a moment, Yu Zechuan thought that perhaps Lu Yan, like Jiang Boyun, also came from humble beginnings. It was understandable for him to be thrilled about his first visit. Not wanting to burden the man, he grabbed the menu and handed it to Lu Yan. "It's just a place to eat, but with a nice view. Take a look at the menu and order whatever you want."

Lu Yan took it without hesitation. The menu's pictures were exquisite and prices were unlisted, leaving him unsure if the owner was intentionally being mysterious. He selected a few dishes according to Yu Zechuan's taste.

The waiter stood by, jotting down the dish names and any dietary restrictions, smiling as he asked, "You've ordered your usual, sir. Any special notes?"

Coincidentally or not, Lu Yan's choices overlapped significantly with Yu Zechuan's typical preferences, causing Yu Zechuan to give him a quizzical glance. "Nothing special, just go ahead and prepare them."

The waiter replied, "Certainly, sir."

After the waiter left, Yu Zechuan nonchalantly inquired, "Have you been here before?"

Lu Yan, who had been admiring the view, turned his head. "No, this is my first time."

Yu Zechuan raised an eyebrow. "Then how do your ordering habits match mine?"

Lu Yan knew Yu Zechuan would ask this, but he had been careless just now, instinctively choosing dishes based on Yu Zechuan's preferences. It was just a coincidence that they aligned perfectly. "Is that so?"

He pretended to be surprised. "Perhaps our tastes in food are similar. I saw those dishes were signature specials, so I decided to order them."

This explanation was plausible enough, as who would believe in such implausible concepts as past lives. Satisfied, Yu Zechuan didn't press further.

To some extent, quality had its price. As the dishes were served, the freshness and aroma of the ingredients could be detected without even lifting the lids. The waiter specially presented a bottle of pomegranate wine. "Mr. Yu, this is our restaurant's new fruit wine that was launched last month. The boss has specifically instructed to reserve a bottle for regular customers."

Yu Zechuan rarely drank, and initially intended to decline. But noticing Lu Yan's lingering gaze on the bottle, he changed his mind. "Let's give it a try then."

The waiter filled two small cups for them. The blush-pink wine swirled in the translucent frosted glasses, resembling a piece of art.

Lu Yan took a sip. "This has quite an alcohol content."

His clear voice acquired a hint of huskiness from the drink, exuding a seductive charm.

Yu Zechuan sipped nonchalantly, finding the alcohol level normal. He raised an eyebrow slightly. "You've never had alcohol before?"

Anyone who had tasted alcohol would not describe it as having a high alcohol content.

Although Lu Yan mentioned the high alcohol content, his face remained unperturbed, and his eyes were still lucid. His slender fingers held the frosted glass, swirling it around playfully. "Not exactly, I've had it once before."

Yu Zechuan thought to himself that it still meant he hadn't really had it before. "When did you have it?"

While we were... you know, in bed together.

Lu Yan spoke with ambiguity, "It's been too long, but the impression is still vivid."

It was indeed a distant memory from his past life.

Yu Zechuan refilled Lu Yan's glass, raising an eyebrow slightly, "Drink it all; this time, your impression will be even deeper."

He was domineering like that, determined to overwrite every trace of the past in the other person's memory, leaving only himself behind.

Lu Yan smiled warmly, "Sure, I'll drink it."

Jiang Boyun was also submissive before Yu Zechuan, doing whatever he was asked, just like Lu Yan. However, they were different in their motives; perhaps Jiang sought fame and fortune, while Lu was after something unrelated to those pursuits, making his affection appear more sincere.

Before they knew it, the entire bottle of wine was empty.

Taking a break, Lu Yan went to the restroom. Upon returning, he walked calmly and showed no sign of intoxication, which momentarily made the somewhat dazed Yu Zechuan suspect that Lu Yan had somehow managed to drink without absorbing any alcohol.

Closing his eyes, Yu Zechuan pinched his nose bridge, "I've asked the driver to wait downstairs. He'll take you home later."

Lu Yan didn't refuse, as there were no buses running at this hour, "Alright, let's head down first."

After his words, he leaned down to help Yu Zechuan up from the chair. His arms were firm and steady, and the thin fabric of his clothes couldn't conceal the burning heat of his body. Yu Zechuan caught the fresh scent on Lu Yan's body, causing his ears to inexplicably flush hot. His heart was in turmoil, and he stumbled while walking, but was promptly steadied by the other: "Be careful!"

As they drew closer, Yu Zechuan realized that Lu Yan seemed to have well-defined abs.

"..."

It seemed that he, as a 0, had no defense against this kind of 1 like Lu Yan.

Lu Yan supported Yu Zechuan all the way down the stairs. Normally, Yu Zechuan disliked being too close to strangers, but the hand on his waist wasn't unpleasant. He shifted his gaze awkwardly, not daring to look at Lu Yan at all, his ears turning red to the point of almost bleeding.

Damn it, Yu Zechuan felt as if he were either bewitched by desire or possessed by a ghost.

This state persisted until he descended the stairs to settle the bill.

"Mr. Yu, your friend has already taken care of the payment."

Upon hearing the server's words, Yu Zechuan paused in the act of opening his wallet and instinctively looked at Lu Yan. "When did you pay?"

Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly recalled that Lu Yan had taken a restroom break earlier. His expression turned subtly intricate.

Lu Yan chuckled. "I was afraid that settling the bill later would waste time."

The meal had been quite expensive, but Lu Yan didn't mind at all. After dying several times, he had come to terms with the fact that money was worthless; it could always be earned back.

Yu Zechuan had no choice but to put away his wallet. With the waiter watching, he wouldn't have dared to protest. It wasn't until they left the courtyard and got into the car that he frowned and said, "You don't need to do that next time. I never let others pay when I go out to eat."

Lu Yan was just an intern who had recently been promoted to a full-time position. While his company offered decent compensation, it certainly couldn't afford such extravagance.

Acknowledging Yu Zechuan's concern, Lu Yan replied in the dim light of the car, his smile particularly radiant. "Today was our first meal together, something worth commemorating. That's why I insisted on paying."

He didn't have any ulterior motives. This attitude left Yu Zechuan momentarily taken aback. "You..."

He opened his mouth, wanting to say that Lu Yan hadn't gained anything by following him, but had actually spent quite a bit. What exactly was his motivation?

But considering the driver's presence, he held back from asking the question.

The late-night roads were unusually deserted. The driver smoothly parked the car outside Lu Yan's shared apartment building in less than half an hour. For the first time, Yu Zechuan felt that time had flown by quickly.

Lowering the car window, Yu Zechuan surveyed the surroundings and found them rather modest. He began to consider whether he should find a better place for Lu Yan to live.

"Mr. Yu, I'll head home then."

Lu Yan, unaware of Yu Zechuan's thoughts, bid farewell and was about to get out of the car to return home when he noticed Yu Zechuan following suit.

Yu Zechuan closed the car door with a soft click, leaning against it as he slanted his body. His posture accentuated the length of his legs. The chilly breeze lifted the corners of his suit jacket, evoking an image of a butterfly that shouldn't exist in winter - elegant and aloof, unlike the broken wings of his past life.

Confused, Lu Yan asked, "What's going on?"

Looking at Lu Yan, Yu Zechuan remained silent for a moment before pulling out his phone from his pocket and passing it over. The lit-up screen displayed a WeChat QR code, clearly prepared beforehand. He pressed his lips together, feeling a bit awkward as he said, "Let's add each other as friends."

It was always others who sought to add Yu Zechuan, never the other way around. Despite Lu Yan's apparent understanding, he seemed oblivious to this particular matter. After waiting all the way, Yu Zechuan couldn't help but feel a little frustrated.

Lu Yan, realizing his oversight, remembered that he had forgotten to add Yu Zechuan as a friend. He took out his phone, scanned the code, and immediately set the contact to the top with a note: "Added."

Yu Zechuan's keen eyes caught the tiny heart and sun that Lu Yan used as a label, along with its top priority status. His heartbeat skipped a beat. "You..."

Damn, Yu Zechuan had never been in a relationship, let alone encountered such a skilled flirt among men.

"Why didn't you label me with my name?"

Lu Yan shot him a playful glance. "No need to sign your name, I know it's you."

Yu Zechuan's breath hitched. "..."

He was really about to die.

Most of the alcohol had already worn off, but those few casual words from Lu Yan stirred up his intoxication once more. Yu Zechuan secretly frowned and was just about to turn around and get in the car when a soft call came from behind him, "President Yu?"

Instinctively, Yu Zechuan turned back, a fleeting confusion in his slender eyes that didn't match his usual demeanor. "What?"

In the next second, his lips were unexpectedly met with a gentle and lingering kiss. Yu Zechuan's pupils dilated in shock, his mind going blank.

Lu Yan... How dare he?!?!