Chapter 58: Contact Information

Chapter 58: Contact Information

Hotze's sudden, boisterous laughter drew everyone's attention to him in an instant.

Ye Leyao, who had been trying to stifle her laughter, turned with a slight look of alarm at the sound of Hotze's laughter.

"Third Brother, what are you laughing about?"

"In this atmosphere and setting, can you just laugh like that?!"

Not only Ye Leyao, but the entire Hotze family also turned their gazes toward Hotze.

Being stared at by so many people simultaneously made Hotze feel his scalp tingle.

Especially when he caught Chu Cheng glancing over here from the corner of his eye.

Hotze was panicking inside.

In a split second, he suddenly realized something and quickly handed his phone to the nearby Hotze Yan. "Second Brother, look hahahaha... They're having a victory party, but they actually smeared cake on their faces! I'm dying of laughter hahahaha..."

Hotze Yan: "..."

Is such a common and ordinary thing worth laughing so loudly about?

Hotze Yan's veins pulsed in his forehead, but now wasn't the time to embarrass Hotze, so he put on his best acting skills: "Haha, it is indeed quite funny."

Mother Hotze also came to the rescue in time: "Let me see."

Hotze hurriedly passed the pitch-black phone over.

Mother Hotze took the phone and smiled gently. "It seems everyone has been too tired lately. This is indeed a good opportunity for them to have some fun and relax."

Hotze laughed dryly. "That's right, they've been looking forward to tonight for a long time..."

Then he heard Mother Hotze say through gritted teeth in a voice audible only at their table, "If you can't hold back your laughter, there's no need for you to come with us next time."

The most important quality for a spectator is to hold back laughter!

How could Hotze not have mastered this yet?

Hotze Yan said quietly, "You should have gone to your team's victory party."

He almost blew his cover!

Father Hotze also looked at him with a reproachful gaze. "Good thing you reacted quickly this time!"

Otherwise—

There would have been no easy explanation!

This absolutely couldn't happen again.

Hotze: "..."

Hotze felt bitter inside. It wasn't his first time being a spectator at the scene without much experience, was it?

Once he gained more experience, he was sure he could hold back his laughter.

Mother Hotze returned the phone to Hotze, her face clearly conveying two words: disbelieving.

The others didn't believe it either, but now wasn't the time to pursue the matter.

As long as they could move past this incident!

Ye Leyao let out a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

"So it was a victory party. You gave me a scare. I thought Third Brother knew about the entanglement between those three."

Ye Leyao didn't pay much attention and turned her gaze back to the three people in front of her.

Meng Yue's attention had been entirely on Chu Cheng, and even if there were people fighting beside him, he wouldn't turn his head. Especially since, just a second ago, Chu Cheng had asked him who he was with a puzzled expression.

Don't underestimate the power of those four short words; they dealt a hundred percent damage to Meng Yue.

At this moment, Meng Yue stood there in a daze, his face filled with disappointment and hurt, his eyes even reddening slightly.

Ran Jing was the same as Meng Yue; his attention was also on Chu Cheng.

Especially after hearing Chu Cheng's "May I ask who you are," he held his breath, his hand paused while wiping away the wine stain. He didn't know whether to throw the tissue or put it down, and he didn't dare turn his head to look at Meng Yue's expression.

No one understood the depth of Meng Yue's feelings for Chu Cheng better than Ran Jing, who had been by Meng Yue's side for half a year.

Previously, Ran Jing thought that Meng Yue and Chu Cheng had no choice but to break up, which was why Meng Yue couldn't forget Chu Cheng.

But the situation now clearly wasn't like that!

Even if a couple broke up peacefully, they wouldn't be unable to recognize each other afterward, right?

Unless Chu Cheng was an unparalleled scumbag.

But to better imitate and learn from Chu Cheng's persona, Ran Jing had specifically followed Chu Cheng's overseas social media accounts...

Chu Cheng didn't seem like a scumbag.

Could it be—

A bold guess arose in Ran Jing's mind, widening his eyes in shock.

If Ye Leyao knew what Ran Jing was thinking right now, she would immediately confirm Ran Jing's guess.

Yes, that's right.

Just as Ran Jing had speculated, Chu Cheng had never been with Meng Yue at all!

It was unknown why Meng Yue harbored such deep feelings for Chu Cheng.

Ye Leyao, curious at this point, couldn't resist lowering his head to quickly browse through his notes on his phone.

Then Ye Leyao nearly burst out laughing—

"Unrequited love?!"

"No way, Meng Yue, you even had a substitute, and now you're telling me it's pure love?"

Ye Leyao found it unbelievable.

Qin Yao felt the same way.

It couldn't be just unrequited love; there must be other reasons.

Ye Leyao also felt there were other reasons, but he couldn't think of them for the moment. He wanted to look through his notes but didn't want to do so in front of everyone.

So he could only temporarily suppress his curiosity and look up at Chu Cheng.

The calmest person in the room was Chu Cheng.

After hearing Huo Ze's somewhat exaggerated laughter, he not only turned to look at Huo Ze but also swept his gaze over the others before surprisingly waving at Huo Jing: "Brother Jing! You're here too!"

Huo Jing could only pretend to have just recognized Chu Cheng and said in surprise, "What a coincidence, Chu Cheng, when did you return to the country?"

Huo Yan whispered, criticizing: "Brother, your laugh is a bit too fake."

Ye Leyao reached out and pinched his own thigh hard:

"Help, so Chu Cheng can recognize my big brother at a glance, but he didn't recognize Meng Yue!"

Ye Leyao was about to laugh himself silly. After struggling to hold back his laughter, he observed Meng Yue's expression.

Sure enough, Meng Yue's face had completely darkened.

He stared blankly at Chu Cheng, his body even swaying slightly, heavily affected by Chu Cheng's greeting.

Ran Jing, beside him, was startled. After all, the man in front of him was his boss, and he couldn't pretend not to see this. He quickly got up to support Meng Yue and asked in a low voice, "Are you okay?"

Because of Meng Yue's mobility issues, Ran Jing occasionally served as a human crutch.

There was no way around it; after all, his job was very well-paid, and these were things he should do.

Because he was used to it, Ran Jing didn't feel anything was wrong with supporting Meng Yue at this moment.

But Meng Yue suddenly reacted strongly, directly reaching out to shake off Ran Jing's hand and saying sternly, "Don't touch me!"

Ran Jing quickly raised his hands and took a large step back.

Then he clenched his teeth secretly. Damn, he forgot the first love was still here!

Wouldn't his salary be docked again?

Ran Jing was very nervous.

And although Chu Cheng was greeting Huo Jing, his peripheral vision was always paying attention to this side.

Seeing Meng Yue directly push Ran Jing away, his eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he quickly turned around, gently supporting Ran Jing's shoulder, and asked softly, "Are you okay?"

Silence.

Dead silence.

Ye Leyao was about to laugh himself crazy.

"The same words, spoken from different people's mouths, and they're not even concerned about the same person!"

"Hahahaha I can't take it anymore!"

"In Chu Cheng's eyes, there's simply no person named Meng Yue! None!"

"All his attention is on Ran Jing! Hahahaha, save me—I'm having a hard time holding back my laughter. Is there anyone who can help me?!"

It wasn't just Ye Leyao who was having a hard time holding back his laughter.

The entire Huo family, beside him, was also suffering.

Before coming to the bar today, because they already knew some of the backstory, they had speculated on how things would develop today.

But what they never expected was that Meng Yue, who had been pining for so many years, would not only not be recognized by his first love but would also be directly asked who he was.

Chu Cheng had even recognized Huo Jing!

What's going on with you, Meng Yue?

So was it really a chaotic and secret love affair?

However, it was evident that Chu Cheng truly had no place in his heart for Meng Yue.

What could they say?

Should they sympathize with Meng Yue or directly tell Batman that the Joker had been found?

Of course, sympathy was out of the question.

Even if you, Meng Yue, are suffering in your secret love, you can't raise a body double!

If you really like him, Meng Yue, you could have directly confessed to Chu Cheng.

Chu Cheng just went abroad; he didn't go to outer space. How could you not find him?

Do you need to go through all this trouble to raise a body double?

Although Ran Jing only treats being a body double as a job.

But then again, should we thank you, Meng Yue, for giving Ran Jing an employment opportunity?

It's too much to think about.

The more the Huo family thought about it, the less they could hold back.

Huo Ze even took out his phone and started spamming the family group with "hahaha" laughing emojis.

Everyone was trying to suppress their laughter, but it wasn't wrong to allow themselves a slight smile, considering Chu Cheng's attention was temporarily elsewhere.

But Huo Jing couldn't do that; he had to tightly suppress the smile on his face.

Chu Cheng had just greeted him, so out of courtesy, he had to return the greeting.

Taking several deep breaths, Huo Jing picked up his wine glass and walked over.

Chu Cheng's actions were very gentlemanly; after ensuring Ran Jing wouldn't fall, he withdrew his hand, then frowned and looked at Meng Yue somewhat displeasedly. "I'm sorry, sir, but I don't quite remember who you are. But if you have any anger, you can direct it at me; don't take it out on an innocent person."

If the atmosphere was silent before, it was now dead silent in this booth.

Meng Yue looked at Chu Cheng in disbelief.

He couldn't believe that Chu Cheng would forget him and even speak coldly to him for the sake of Ran Jing, whom he had only met once.

In the few short minutes since they met, Chu Cheng had only said two sentences to Meng Yue.

But those two sentences, each one, were sharp knives that pierced straight into Meng Yue's chest.

Meng Yue's eyes were red, and he stood there without speaking for a long time.

Chu Cheng furrowed his brow in puzzlement, but he didn't dwell on it.

Just then, Huo Jing approached with his wine glass.

Ye Leyao saw Huo Jing and wanted to cover her face.

"Dude, we can't get involved in every commotion, right? What are you doing coming over here at a time like this!"

Huo Jing: "…"

If he didn't come over, it would seem particularly abnormal!

Seeing Huo Jing approach, Qin Yao also slightly relaxed.

Great, it seems I won't have to mediate the atmosphere.

Seeing Huo Jing come over, Chu Cheng also retracted his gaze from Meng Yue, picked up his wine glass again, clinked glasses with Huo Jing, and said with a smile, "I remember Brother Jing usually doesn't like coming to bars much."

Huo Jing smiled. "I'm here with my parents today."

Chu Cheng had seen the other members of the Huo family earlier, but he hadn't gone over to greet them yet.

He said with a smile, "Perfect, I'll go say hello!"

So the two of them went to the next table with their wine glasses.

As soon as they left, Ye Leyao's booth fell completely silent.

Ye Leyao was still observing Meng Yue's expression.

Meng Yue was truly hurt at this point. He blankly watched as Chu Cheng walked to the next table, smiling and chatting as he clinked glasses with everyone.

The flame of jealousy almost consumed him entirely, but what hurt most was that Chu Cheng had actually asked who he was...

Chu Cheng didn't remember him.

This fact made Meng Yue extremely upset, to the point where it devoured all his rationality.

He had liked Chu Cheng for so many years, quietly waiting for Chu Cheng to return while staying in the country.

And the result was just a "Who are you?"

Meng Yue slumped back into his seat, his disappointment unhidden on his face.

Ye Leyao:

"Oh no, looks like he's really heartbroken."

Qin Yao looked up, hesitating whether he should offer some comfort.

Just then, Ran Jing spoke softly, "It might be that Mr. Meng has changed a lot in recent years... If you give him a gentle reminder later, perhaps Mr. Chu will remember."

This was Ran Jing's sincere opinion.

After all, he had been paid by Meng Yue for over half a year. Now that Meng Yue needed comfort, how could he not step forward?!

After all—

Ran Jing genuinely felt that his job was nearing its end.

Estimating that Meng Yue would likely hand him the money and send him on his way tonight.

So Ran Jing decided to take advantage while Meng Yue hadn't completely dismissed him yet, aiming to boost his likability.

After all, Meng Yue was quite generous; perhaps he could even secure an additional bonus!

Qin Yao, unaware of Ran Jing's thoughts, continued along with what Ran Jing had said, taking the opportunity to explain for his cousin: "Chu Cheng has been abroad for too long; it's normal for him not to remember old classmates."

Ye Leyao glanced at Qin Yao, then looked over at Ran Jing.

"Your skills at comforting people are seriously lacking, aren't they!"

"It's true that after high school graduation, one might forget some high school classmates, but it's impossible to have no memory at all! Unless—"

Ye Leyao shook her head, sighing inwardly.

"Unless this person truly doesn't matter at all!"

Qin Yao's expression held a hint of helplessness as he glanced at Ye Leyao, quickly withdrawing his gaze.

How could he not know this truth?

But seeing Meng Yue's dispirited appearance now, how could he possibly add more pain by revealing the truth?

As for the Huo family,

They were engaging in pleasantries with Chu Cheng while using his name as an excuse to let their smiles widen.

Ah.

It wasn't that they wanted to laugh!

Since Chu Cheng had taken the initiative to greet them, they couldn't very well keep a stern face, could they?

Meng Yue's reaction earlier was truly hilarious.

They thought Chu Cheng not remembering him was the most explosive thing, but they never expected that Chu Cheng would also turn cold toward Meng Yue because of Ran Jing!

Could there be more of such plot twists?

They really did enjoy watching!

While Chu Cheng was happily chatting with the Huo family, Meng Yue remained dispirited here.

He would occasionally turn his head to glance at Chu Cheng, but such behavior was akin to pouring salt on his wound.

Huo Jing wasn't even in the same graduating class as Chu Cheng!

Yet not only did Chu Cheng remember Huo Jing, he even remembered the other members of the Huo family.

He even asked about Ye Leyao, who was merely a foster son of the Huo family, and he remembered so clearly!

How could Meng Yue accept this calmly?

Mother Huo pointed in Ye Leyao's direction.

Chu Cheng waved at Ye Leyao from where he was.

The conversation around them wasn't quiet, and Ye Leyao knew Chu Cheng was looking at him, so she politely waved back in greeting.

The observant Ye Leyao also noticed that after Chu Cheng greeted her, he didn't immediately withdraw his gaze.

Instead, his line of sight shifted, landing directly on Ran Jing beside her.

But Ran Jing's attention was entirely on Meng Yue, completely oblivious to Chu Cheng's gaze.

A fleeting look of disappointment flashed across Chu Cheng's eyes.

He had no idea that Ye Leyao had clearly taken in this scene.

Ye Leyao was genuinely finding it hard to hold back.

Fortunately, the atmosphere had already eased, so she didn't have to suppress her laughter like before, and her lips began to curl upward uncontrollably.

"I can see it now; Chu Cheng really likes Ran Jing. Ever since just now, his gaze has been intentionally or unintentionally falling on Ran Jing."

"If Meng Yue discovers this…"

As Ye Leyao spoke, her gaze shifted, looking at Meng Yue.

At this glance, Ye Leyao instantly widened her eyes.

"He discovered it!"

Qin Yao and the Huo family simultaneously felt a jolt of surprise in their hearts.

Had Meng Yue found out so quickly?

Chu Cheng was still standing in front of the Huo family, so for the time being, they could only suppress their curiosity and didn't look over there.

Qin Yao didn't have this concern. The moment Ye Leyao finished speaking, he lifted his head to look at Meng Yue on the opposite side.

If Meng Yue's face had been merely clouded with gloom just now, it was now filled with a raging storm.

Ran Jing was utterly confused.

What was going on?

Wasn't everything fine just a second ago? Why did his mood suddenly change again?

Ran Jing had been by Meng Yue's side for half a year and truly felt that this boss of his had an unpredictable temper, making him difficult to please.

But what could he do about it!

Ran Jing put on a faint smile again, asking softly, "What's the matter?"

Meng Yue said in a deep voice, "Have the driver take you back!"

Ye Leyao's eyes suddenly widened.

"Is this a direct dismissal?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, Meng Yue, look at your narrow-mindedness!"

But Ran Jing didn't say much.

He couldn't wait to leave, so upon hearing these words, he immediately stood up, waved at Ye Leyao, and quickly walked out of the bar.

Ye Leyao wanted to chase after him, but her wrist was caught by Qin Yao.

Qin Yao whispered, "The Meng family's driver is outside."

Meaning for Ye Leyao not to worry.

Of course, Ye Leyao knew there was no need to worry.

"It just feels like Ran Jing left a bit too quickly!"

"He didn't even let Chu Cheng take another look at him!"

Ye Leyao sighed inwardly.

Qin Yao found it amusing but didn't say anything.

The Huo family at the other table also heard Ye Leyao's words, and their faces instantly showed some regret.

It can't be true, did tonight's drama end so quickly?!

That's far too disappointing!

Just then, they suddenly heard Ye Leyao's voice:

"Ah, President Qin's hand is so warm, it feels quite nice."

Huo Yan subconsciously clenched his jaw, barely resisting the urge to turn around.

Mrs. Huo choked on her wine.

Ye Leyao, this child, could she not change the subject so abruptly!

And why are you holding hands with Qin Yao again!

Qin Yao was also taken aback.

He had subconsciously gripped Ye Leyao's wrist...

Upon hearing Ye Leyao's words, he felt his palm heating up, and he released his grip as if it had been scalded.

Ye Leyao looked down at her hand, her eyes filled with confusion.

"Hmm? Shouldn't you have continued and held my hand like last time? Why did you let go?"

Qin Yao: "..."

Huo Yan covered his face with his hand.

Huo Ze was speechless, yet curious at the same time. What last time? When did they hold hands before?

And Ye Leyao, after reading all those novels, did you learn nothing?

Can you just casually hold hands with anyone?!

Huo Ze gritted his teeth, barely managing to control his expression.

Fortunately, Chu Cheng was still chatting with Huo Jing and hadn't noticed the changes in everyone else's expressions.

But when he suddenly turned around and didn't see Ran Jing anymore, Chu Cheng was momentarily stunned.

Ye Leyao was constantly observing Chu Cheng's movements and, seeing this, directly curved the corners of her mouth.

"Great, seems like he's noticed that Ran Jing isn't here. Indeed, the first love is unforgettable! He cares too much about Ran Jing!"

The Huo family could also clearly sense that Chu Cheng's enthusiasm wasn't as high as before.

So they didn't continue dragging Chu Cheng into conversation, allowing him to go and spend time with other friends.

Chu Cheng nodded and walked over to Qin Yao's table.

His gaze fell on Qin Yao, and he was about to directly ask about Ran Jing, but unexpectedly, Meng Yue suddenly spoke up, "Chu Cheng, do you remember the cripple from our high school class?"

Chu Cheng was taken aback, turning to look at Meng Yue.

Meng Yue's jaw tightened, looking slightly nervous at Chu Cheng.

With such a clear reminder, if Chu Cheng still had no recollection of him...

Meng Yue felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

Just then, Chu Cheng suddenly said, "Oh, I remember now. You're the one who always liked sitting in the back row of our class, Meng—"

Meng Yue's eyes visibly brightened as he looked at Chu Cheng with pleasant surprise, both nervous and excited: "Y-You... You remembered?"

Chu Cheng: "...Meng... What was it again?"

Ye Leyao:

"Hahahahaha—"

"Remembered, but not quite all of it hahahaha."

But Meng Yue was already greatly relieved that Chu Cheng could remember his surname, which was good enough.

Smiling, Meng Yue spoke up: "Meng Yue."

Chu Cheng had an epiphany: "Meng Yue! So that's how it is, we're actually old classmates..."

He suddenly felt a bit awkward and quickly apologized: "Sorry, I didn't recognize you right away. It's been so many years since we last saw each other, you've changed a lot!"

Ye Leyao turned her head, covering her mouth with her hand.

"I can't laugh, I absolutely mustn't burst out laughing."

Meng Yue was now completely at ease, extending his hand to Chu Cheng: "Welcome back home."

Chu Cheng shook hands with him generously, then sat down opposite Ye Leyao, seemingly asking casually: "By the way, can I sit here? That guy just now..."

Meng Yue's expression immediately tensed, fearing that Chu Cheng might misunderstand, he hurriedly explained: "I... I don't have anything with him, he, he's just my younger brother."

In a panic, this was the only excuse Meng Yue could think of.

Little did he know that Ye Leyao was laughing so hard inside she was almost crying.

"What if there's a possibility that Chu Cheng was waiting for you to say that?"

Sure enough, in the next second.

Chu Cheng relaxed with a smile: "Good, I just happen to need your help with something."

Meng Yue looked at Chu Cheng in disbelief, his cheeks even turning slightly red.

Having just found out who he was, Chu Cheng wanted his help.

It seemed that he still held some weight in Chu Cheng's heart!

Otherwise, why wouldn't he ask Qin Yao for help?

After all, Qin Yao was not only Chu Cheng's cousin but also sitting right across from Chu Cheng! Yet, Chu Cheng specifically asked him...

Meng Yue was incredibly excited inside, but on the surface, he remained calm. After taking a slight deep breath, he looked up at Chu Cheng with a smile: "Yes, what is it? As long as it's something you need, I'll definitely help you."

This was said with utmost seriousness.

It sounded like a solemn promise.

Ye Leyao held back her laughter a little, looking up at the two of them at this moment.

Chu Cheng didn't expect Meng Yue to agree so readily, the smile on his face grew deeper: "Thank you, Meng Yue."

And Meng Yue was blushing from Chu Cheng's thanks, somewhat embarrassedly averting his gaze: "N-No... No need... I'm very willing to help you."

Chu Cheng smiled warmly: "That's great, so would it be convenient for you to send me the contact information of that boy from earlier?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Ye Leyao directly covered her face, laughing so hard she was almost in tears, her shoulders shaking slightly:

"Hahahahaha—"

"Never would you have thought, Meng Yue, the first thing the white moonlight asks you for help with: getting the substitute's contact information hahahaha—"

"Help, help, I'm really going to die from laughing!"