Chapter 131: Reunion and Encounter

Chapter 131: Reunion and Encounter

With Zhou Qi's retort, everyone realized that Lu Yan was also present at the banquet today. It was rumored that his recent partnership with Pan Yuan in opening a bar had been quite successful, putting him in a much better situation than Lu Bing.

Seeing the fire turn towards him, Lu Yan simply picked up his wine glass and walked over. Unlike Lu Bing, who wore his hardships on his face, Lu Yan carried a pleasant smile. His once erratic demeanor had settled down recently, but his languid tone remained unchanged. "Isn't this Young Master Zhou? It's been half a year since we last met, hasn't it?"

Zhou Qi's gaze turned more disdainful. "Lu Yan, your brother came here to seek reconciliation with an old flame. What about you? Surely not for Duan Jiayang as well?"

Lu Yan denied it. "Of course not."

Zhou Qi felt his stubbornness and sneered repeatedly. "Then why are you here? Surely not just for the cake?"

Lu Yan matter-of-factly replied, "Of course, to see Young Master Zhou."

Zhou Qi was taken aback. "See me? Why would you want to see me?"

Lu Yan slowly sipped his wine, swirling the glass. "I came all the way to this banquet just to see Young Master Zhou. Didn't we meet last year at the bar? I fell in love with you at first sight, thinking of you day and night, unable to eat properly."

"Ho—"

This statement caused a stir. Zhou Qi was initially stunned, then panicked upon realizing the implications, angrily exclaiming, "Lu Yan, what nonsense are you spouting?!"

"I'm not spouting nonsense. How about it, Young Master Zhou, give me a chance?"

Lu Yan was shameless, saying whatever came to mind, yet his charming and sincere expression lent some credibility to his words. The looks from those around them became peculiar.

Zhou Qi subconsciously took a step back, stammering, "Wha...what chance?"

Lu Yan's smile deepened, his tone playful. "The chance to pursue you, Young Master Zhou. Don’t look down on my family’s current bankruptcy; I can handle both the public and private spheres. Being a son-in-law in your Zhou family wouldn’t be out of the question."

"You! You’re crazy!"

Zhou Qi was flustered by Lu Yan's unrelenting gaze, his face burning. He couldn’t even think of a retort and hastily turned away.

The soft fear the hard, the hard fear the brazen, and the brazen fear the shameless. That was how things worked.

After chasing Zhou Qi away, Lu Yan downed the liquid in his glass. Only then did he have time to check on Lu Bing, asking curiously, "Are you here to find Duan Jiayang?"

Though Lu Yan often wished them a locked fate, at this point, he thought Lu Bing would be better off resting at home. Duan Jiayang wasn’t as thick-skinned as him; he couldn’t bear being humiliated by Zhou Qi, and the ridicule awaiting him would only increase.

Lu Bing tugged at the corner of his mouth, a hint of mockery in his voice. "Why, is it only allowed for you to find him, not me?"

Lu Yan laughed, spreading his hands. "If you want to find him, go ahead. It has nothing to do with me."

After all, losing face was his own business.

After saying his piece, Lu Yan was about to return to Pan Yuan when someone suddenly called out to him from behind, "Lu Yan!"

Duan Jiayang hadn’t expected Lu Yan to show up at the banquet today. He had doubted his eyes at first. Walking quickly forward, his expression was uncertain. "How did you end up coming here?"

Upon seeing Duan Jiayang after so long, Lu Yan was struck by how much thinner he looked. The former Duan Jiayang, though detestable, had still carried a certain vigor. Now, he seemed unusually reserved, even adding a touch of world-weariness.

Lu Yan responded after a moment, "Nothing much. Pan Yuan and I came for a casual visit, to wish your father a happy birthday."

Though it was a blessing, his tone was dismissive, almost like an insult.

Duan Jiayang tugged at the corner of his mouth, his smile strained. "I thought..."

Lu Yan asked instinctively, "Thought what?"

Seeing Lu Yan’s unawareness, Duan Jiayang frowned slightly. "You really don’t know?"

Lu Yan noticed that the people around him lately enjoyed keeping secrets from him. "Know what?"

Duan Jiayang paused, unsure whether he should reveal the truth to Lu Yan. So much had happened in the Duan family recently, and none had been hit harder than Duan Jiayang. He never imagined that the poor student he once looked down upon would be brought into their home by his father, nor that the same person would take over his position in the company.

Duan Jiayang’s fall from grace had become the talk of the town. He assumed Lu Yan had heard about it, but it seemed he hadn’t.

Duan Jiayang said, "Didn’t you hear that my father brought a bastard son into the house?"

Lu Yan felt an ominous premonition upon hearing this, but his expression didn’t change. "Yes, I heard."

Duan Jiayang’s expression was mocking as he dropped a bombshell. "Do you know that the bastard son is Tang Rufeng?"

Lu Yan was speechless.

Goodness, he really didn’t know.

Seeing Lu Yan’s surprise, Duan Jiayang felt a strange sense of satisfaction. "Lu Yan, what’s the use of being good to that poor student? He didn’t tell you when he ran away from home, nor when he rose to fame. Is such a person, who loves wealth and hates poverty, worth your affection?"

Lu Yan suddenly lifted his eyes at these words, sensing a flaw in Duan Jiayang’s argument. "How do you know he ran away from home?"

Only Pan Yuan knew about Tang Rufeng’s departure. He was always tight-lipped, never revealing anything. How did Duan Jiayang find out?

Duan Jiayang’s eyes flickered, momentarily at a loss for words. "I’ve been keeping an eye on you, so I asked around."

Outside, the drizzle continued, reminiscent of that night. Lu Yan unexpectedly recalled a question Tang Rufeng had once asked him:

"Lu Yan, do I look a lot like your fiancé?"

Did he?

Lu Yan had always found this question odd because he never saw any resemblance between the two. Tang Rufeng might not have even seen Duan Jiayang before. As he recalled the overlooked clues, he began to form an answer.

Lu Yan’s smile remained unchanged, but his gaze turned cold. "Did you say something to Tang Rufeng?"

Duan Jiayang’s hand tightened unconsciously at his side as he calmly countered, "What could I have said to him? If he truly loved you, nothing I said would make a difference. If he didn’t love you, he would leave regardless of what I said."

Lu Yan suddenly laughed, knowing full well that Duan Jiayang had meddled in the past. "I heard you’ve been removed from your position by the board?"

Duan Jiayang's expression imperceptibly stiffened as he uttered a simple, "Mm."

Lu Yan nodded, his words carrying an ambiguous meaning, "It's quite good."

It was all retribution.

After saying his piece, Lu Yan had no intention of lingering and immediately sought out Pan Yuan, leaving Duan Jiayang standing there with a sour look on his face. Unbeknownst to him, the scene that had just unfolded between them had been entirely captured by a figure on the second floor.

"Jiayang!"

Lu Bing had waited until Lu Yan left before daring to approach Duan Jiayang. His eyes were slightly red-rimmed, filled with guilt, self-reproach, but mostly a sense of grievance. After all, he had lain in the hospital for so long without a single visit from Duan Jiayang.

Seeing Lu Bing's pale complexion, Duan Jiayang furrowed his brows, "How did you come here?"

The same question he had asked Lu Yan earlier echoed in his mind, identical in wording yet brimming with contrasting emotions.

Lu Bing could not miss the impatience in his tone. Holding back his sobs, he asked, "Jiayang, even after all this time, you still refuse to forgive me?"

Duan Jiayang's gaze was icy cold, "I have forgiven you, so don't seek me out again, understand?"

The once cherished and untainted moonlight, stripped of its halo and filters, now revealed itself as pockmarked as the lunar surface, making it unbearable for him to even spare a glance.

But Lu Bing was undeterred, clutching onto his hand almost pleadingly, "Jiayang, my family has gone bankrupt now. My father can't even bother with me. You're the only one who cares about me. Can't we reconcile? Lu Yan doesn't truly care for you; his heart belongs only to that poor student..."

Before he could finish, Duan Jiayang suddenly cast him a dark look, "Lu Bing, if you want to retain any dignity, leave on your own. Don't force me to embarrass you in public!"

Lu Bing's fingers tightened, unsure whether he felt more anger or resentment, "Duan Jiayang, do you like Lu Yan that much, to the point where you'd shamelessly chase after him?!"

"You!"

Duan Jiayang was infuriated at these words, preparing to wrench his hand away from Lu Bing's grasp. Just then, a commotion arose in the crowd, followed by a series of startled exclamations:

"Oh, Chairman Duan is coming down."

Today's banquet revolved around Duan Jianfeng. Leaning on a cane, he descended from the second floor. Despite his graying temples and limping gait, everyone still smiled and congratulated him on his robust health. However, the most captivating presence was the young man by his side.

To the outside world, Duan Jiayang was the legitimate heir, while the illegitimate son, brought home from some unknown place, was unlikely to ascend to the prestigious position. Yet, today's sight proved unexpectedly different.

Duan Jiayang could be described as a fine specimen, but his overbearing and rash demeanor resembled a scorching flame, capable of harming both others and himself.

The man beside Chairman Duan bore a resemblance to Duan Jiayang, sharing about thirty percent of his features, but their dispositions were worlds apart. He exuded the calm and composed aura of someone accustomed to power. The dazzling crystal chandelier above highlighted his aloofness and pride, making him seem destined for heights, while even the seasoned businessman Duan Jianfeng appeared aged and hunched in comparison.

Amazement flickered across the guests' eyes, and upon regaining their composure, they approached to offer their congratulations. In their hearts, they pondered that the future inheritor of the Duan family might not be as certain as previously thought.

Amidst the bustling crowd below, Tang Rufeng's gaze instantly found Lu Yan, who stood at a distance. He vaguely recalled how Lu Yan used to frequent lively bars, yet preferred to linger alone in the corners upon arrival, his peculiar and inscrutable personality never failing to intrigue.

Hindered by Duan Jianfeng's presence nearby, Tang Rufeng couldn't approach. He lacked even the courage to meet Lu Yan's eyes, instead raising his glass emotionlessly amidst the chorus of congratulations and praises, draining it almost mechanically.

As the liquor coursed down his throat, a peculiar thought emerged within Tang Rufeng—

Was he now unrecognizable?

Just as Lu Yan had predicted, Tang Rufeng had reached a lofty position. He could don expensive tailor-made suits, travel to various occasions in luxury cars, and wake up every day in his spacious downtown apartment, indulging in a life of opulence and revelry, where everything was within easy reach.

Yet, he had also lost something along the way...

Others would only address him as Duan Rufeng, the character 'Tang' seemingly buried alongside his mother's passing, only occasionally mentioned by old acquaintances.

Separated by mere steps, yet seemingly divided by an insurmountable chasm, Tang Rufeng could only watch from afar as the man with whom he shared countless entanglements stood downstairs, engaged in conversation with Duan Jiayang.

The alcohol stirred within him, fueling resentment and decay.

Unaware of how long he had stood beside Duan Jianfeng, the latter finally patted his shoulder, "You usually dislike socializing. This is a good opportunity to make new friends. Don't just stand next to me, go join them."

At these words, Tang Rufeng finally moved, lowering his gaze and speaking softly, "Thank you, Father."

He could now calmly refer to his enemy as his father, a faint smile even gracing his lips. To outsiders, it seemed a picture of filial piety, but Duan Jiayang, observing this, felt a chill run down his spine, finding it unsettling.

Lu Yan had remained at a distance, silently observing. It wasn't until Tang Rufeng was free that he finally set down his glass and made his way to the lawn outside. To the right of the artificial fountain lay a dimly lit flower bed. Although sheltered by a pavilion, the rain deterred any guests from venturing there.

He knew Tang Rufeng would follow, and indeed, the other man did.

Leaning against the wall, the sound of the drizzling rain couldn't mask the dull thud of approaching leather shoes. As the silhouette appeared beside him, Lu Yan didn't even glance over, instead, he swiftly pulled the person towards him and forcefully pressed them against the wall.

No superfluous words were exchanged, nor were they needed. They kissed each other with a ferocity that left no room for anything but primal desire.

Tang Rufeng resented Lu Yan's concealment, while Lu Yan harbored anger towards Tang Rufeng's abrupt departure. At this moment, the one whose hatred ran deeper would emerge victorious.

Lu Yan pinned Tang Rufeng against the wall, dispensing with any foreplay. In the darkness, he roughly tore off their clothes, fiercely biting down on Tang Rufeng's earlobe. His voice was hoarse and low, tinged with palpable fury, "Tell me, why did you suddenly leave without a word?!"

This was a rare occurrence. One must understand that Lu Yan, a seemingly heartless individual, spent 99% of his time smiling, only allowing anger to surface 1% of the time—a rarity indeed.

Tang Rufeng winced in pain but remained silent, instead tightening his grip around Lu Yan's neck. He laughed breathlessly, tears welling in the corners of his eyes, as if jesting, "Lu Yan... you... do you want to sleep with me?"

Their bodies fit together perfectly, having given each other their firsts, memories that would forever remain etched in their minds.

Apart from the two instances when they were drunk, Lu Yan had always been gentle in bed, never as rough as he was tonight. Without waiting for Lu Yan's response, Tang Rufeng gently bit into his Adam's apple, his eyelashes fluttering as hot tears trickled down, his voice strained, "I've missed you too..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yan paused, the cool sensation on his collarbone momentarily calming him. In the darkness, he slowly lowered his head, attempting to discern Tang Rufeng's expression, but only vague outlines greeted his eyes. Reaching out, he touched the icy tears on the other's face.

In that instant, Lu Yan felt as if something had pierced his heart, triggering a wave of intense, undeniable pain. He whispered, "Can't I miss you too?"

His pursuit of Tang Rufeng wasn't solely for carnal desires.

There were countless impoverished students in the world, but not all could capture his heart. Like stray cats and dogs on the streets, only this one had been taken under his wing.

"..."

Tang Rufeng closed his eyes silently, his lower lip bleeding from the bite. He dared not speak, for his throat was sore and constricted, making even breathing difficult. Amidst his daze, he heard Lu Yan whisper in his ear, "Why did you leave?"

In contrast to his earlier anger, his tone was unusually gentle, as if he treated Tang Rufeng like something fragile.

Tang Rufeng paused, and in a hoarse voice, barely audible over the wind, he said, "I wanted the life of a rich man, so I reclaimed my heritage."

He couldn't recount every hardship he endured during that time, for even the memories were a torment. During his time with the Duan family, Tang Rufeng kept hypnotizing himself this way.

Lu Yan caressed Tang Rufeng's icy face. The life of luxury had indeed made him look less emaciated than before, but Lu Yan felt that life with the Duans must have been particularly hard on Tang Rufeng. "Why didn't you tell me when your mother passed away?"

Lu Yan had thought countless times that if he had been more attentive back then, could he have noticed something amiss with Tang Rufeng? But it was that momentary oversight that led to the current situation.

Tang Rufeng, however, laughed softly and said in a matter-of-fact tone, "Yeah, she passed away."

He added, "It's better this way; no more suffering."

The world is a place of sin, and leaving it early isn't necessarily bad; it's only the living who suffer.

To this day, Tang Rufeng wasn't sure whether Lu Yan truly liked him or merely pitied him. Duan Jiayang's words from back then were like thorns deeply embedded in his heart, festering and rotting over time, becoming an unmentionable presence.

Even Tang Rufeng himself wouldn't dare to bring it up or touch upon it.

Lu Yan kissed away the tear stains at the corner of Tang Rufeng's eyes, feeling that the person before him was too foolish. He tightly embraced the other's waist, unable to control the frown on his face. His deep voice disappeared into their entwined lips: "Tang Rufeng, if you hadn't left back then, we might already be married now."

This was Lu Yan's sincere sentiment. Perhaps at first, he approached Tang Rufeng out of sympathy, but at some point, the other's figure quietly took root in his heart, repeatedly appearing during their separation, serving as a constant reminder.

"Boom—!"

A muffled thunder suddenly echoed across the sky, mirroring the sudden tightening of Tang Rufeng's fingers. He gripped Lu Yan's shoulders tightly, his eyes reddening in an instant. In that moment, an indescribable pain swept through him, each detail filled with regret.

Unfortunately, neither of them had given the other enough confidence back then.

But Tang Rufeng felt it wasn't too late. For the same thing, he could now hold on tighter than before. Yet, he refused to admit defeat, saying in a husky voice, "I don't want to be kept by you for the rest of my life."

Amidst the stormy winds and rustling grass,

Lu Yan, mindful of the time, could only rush through their encounter. He held onto the unsteady Tang Rufeng, helping him straighten his clothes, and half-jokingly said, "Unfortunately, the Lu family is bankrupt now. I can't re-capture you to 'keep' you, or else you wouldn't have been able to run away."

If only he had some power, how could he have let Tang Rufeng disappear for so long?

Breathing unevenly, Tang Rufeng leaned against Lu Yan's shoulder, the redness around his eyes not yet faded. Upon hearing Lu Yan's words, his eyelashes fluttered slightly, his gaze somewhat obscure in the darkness. Finally, he hooked his finger around Lu Yan's belt buckle, slowly tightening it:

"How about I keep you, then?"

His voice was hoarse, carrying an unbridled possessiveness.

Tang Rufeng suddenly found that he liked the word "keep" very much. It implied unconditional possession and enjoyment, unconditional dependence and entanglement. It was slightly vulgar compared to "love," and more restrictive than "freedom," but it suited someone like him, born in the mire.