Chapter 75: A Shock Without Delight

Chapter 75: A Shock Without Delight

After a brief silence in the restaurant, a buzz of discussion erupted:

"What's going on?"

"Who is this guy?"

"I have no idea!"

"It seems he's here for Meng Yue."

"But seeing how impolite he is to Meng Yue, could it be that he's really...?"

"No," Chu Cheng interrupted without hesitation, his brows furrowed as his gaze was fixed firmly on Ran Jing. He repeated, "He's not."

Although Chu Cheng wasn't yet clear about what had transpired between Ran Jing and Meng Yue, he was certain that Ran Jing and Meng Yue couldn't possibly have the relationship everyone was speculating.

At this moment, Ran Jing on stage seemed to notice Chu Cheng, glancing in his direction before quickly averting his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he raised the microphone again and continued, "Meng Yue, I know you're here. Come out right now. If you don't come out, I—"

Just then, an angry voice rang out, "Ran Jing, what do you think you're doing?!"

Ye Leyao followed the sound and realized that at some point, Meng Yue had emerged from the inner hall, leaning on his cane.

Upon closer inspection, Ye Leyao's eyes widened:

"Hold on, did Meng Yue change his clothes?!"

Qin Yao and Huo Yan immediately looked over.

Indeed, he had changed his clothes!

When they had first met, he was wearing a black suit, but in just a few short minutes, Meng Yue had switched to a white suit!

Huo Yan surveyed the restaurant's romantic decorations and then looked at Meng Yue's white suit, marveling inwardly:

It surprisingly matched the overall decor of the restaurant, but Chu Cheng hadn't even glanced at Meng Yue once.

After all, since Ran Jing's appearance, Chu Cheng's gaze hadn't left him!

This Meng Yue truly had no self-awareness.

Right then, Ye Leyao's slightly puzzled voice sounded again:

"So when Ran Jing rushed onto the stage, Meng Yue was changing clothes in the inner hall?"

Ye Leyao couldn't help laughing out loud:

"Hahahaha, I can't take it anymore. No wonder he didn't rush out right away. Turns out he was changing clothes."

"It makes sense. For today's confession, Meng Yue started preparing two days ago. He planned everything meticulously, calculating that he would enter the restaurant before Chu Cheng, timing the VCR playback, and of course, leaving enough time to change his clothes. But Meng Yue never anticipated that just as the VCR started playing and he went inside, Ran Jing would show up?"

"Look how flustered he is; he didn't even button his shirt properly before rushing out."

Prompted by Ye Leyao's reminder, Huo Dad and Huo Mom, who had just arrived, also looked over.

Sweeping their gaze over Meng Yue, the couple couldn't suppress their smiles.

Indeed, the buttons were mismatched!

How anxious must Meng Yue have been to misbutton his shirt?

But upon reflection, it wasn't entirely Meng Yue's fault for being anxious. After all, today he was prepared to confess his love to someone he had secretly admired for over a decade, only to have his confession interrupted. Who wouldn't be anxious in such a situation?

However, Huo Dad and Huo Mom genuinely felt that Ran Jing's interruption was well-timed.

After all, Chu Cheng had organized a birthday party and invited Meng Yue merely out of social courtesy, expecting him to attend as a guest.

Instead, Meng Yue not only stole the spotlight by booking the restaurant for Chu Cheng but also planned to confess his feelings in front of all of Chu Cheng's friends. Wasn't that putting Chu Cheng on the spot?

While Meng Yue's confession today was indeed meticulously planned, had he considered Chu Cheng's own thoughts and feelings?

One must remember that confessing in public is a form of moral coercion unless there's mutual affection!

Chu Cheng hadn't even recognized Meng Yue at first sight, let alone developed any feelings for him.

Meng Yue's actions today could be kindly described as self-indulgent or, less kindly, as sheer madness!

Perhaps Chu Cheng, being the birthday boy, didn't want to make a fuss with Meng Yue.

But now—

Huo Dad and Huo Mom couldn't resist looking at Chu Cheng.

Chu Cheng's eyes hadn't left Ran Jing!

At that moment, all eyes in the restaurant were on the two men on stage.

Fury etched across Meng Yue's face, he approached Ran Jing with his cane, lowering his voice to growl, "Didn't I tell you never to appear in front of me again?!"

Due to their close proximity, Ran Jing held the microphone to his chest, so despite Meng Yue's lowered voice, every word was transmitted clearly through the microphone to everyone's ears.

Ye Leyao burst into laughter.

"What's this? Whispering loudly?"

"Hahahaha—"

A flash of irritation swiftly crossed Meng Yue's face.

Turning to Ran Jing, his anger at Meng Yue's words had him laughing derisively: "President Meng, aside from our contract having already ended, meaning I no longer have to follow your every whim, let me ask you this—aren't you aware of why I'm here today? Didn't you force my hand, President Meng?"

Upon hearing this, not only did Meng Yue's face darken, but Chu Cheng's expression also turned grim.

The crowd was taken aback.

"A contract?"

"What contract?"

Some people's imaginations ran wild:

"A love contract?"

"An arranged marriage agreement?"

"No way! I haven't heard any news about Meng Yue getting married!"

"That's right, and wasn't Meng Yue trying to... with Chu Cheng today..."

"Ran Jing," Meng Yue glared intensely at the young man in front of him, suppressing the anger on his face, "what exactly are you trying to say?"

"If you have any grievances with me, we can discuss them later," Meng Yue said in a deep voice, "but definitely not now."

Meng Yue had planned this confession for a long time, and he didn't want any unexpected incidents.

With that, Meng Yue turned directly to the security guards who had arrived and said, "Take him away!"

Ye Leyao panicked immediately, but before he could speak, Chu Cheng raised his voice: "I dare anyone to try!"

Unbeknownst to when it happened, Chu Cheng had already stepped onto the stage. He walked straight up to the two of them, gently pulling Ran Jing behind him, and looked coldly at Meng Yue: "President Meng, what do you intend to do to my invited guest?"

As his words echoed, Meng Yue froze in place.

Ye Leyao, however, was thrilled.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I must say, Chu Cheng's entrance is kinda cool!"

Qin Yao almost instantly turned to look at Ye Leyao.

Unfortunately, Ye Leyao's eyes were fixed on the three people on stage, completely oblivious to Qin Yao's gaze.

Qin Yao couldn't help but sigh softly in his heart, preparing to refocus on the stage, when he suddenly noticed that Huo Yan was also looking at Ye Leyao.

Before Qin Yao could look over, Huo Yan had already averted his gaze.

Qin Yao thought of something, and his brows furrowed slightly.

On the stage.

At this moment, Ran Jing was somewhat at a loss; he truly hadn't anticipated that Chu Cheng would take the stage at this juncture, placing himself in front to shield Ran Jing.

Although Ran Jing's previous remark wasn't explicit, he knew that Chu Cheng had undoubtedly deduced the nature of his relationship with Meng Yue.

To convincingly portray someone, one must first thoroughly understand them.

Though not close to Chu Cheng and having little interaction with him, Ran Jing indeed knew Chu Cheng better than anyone else present.

It was precisely because of this understanding that Ran Jing was stunned by Chu Cheng's initiative to stand up for him.

Gazing at the towering figure before him, Ran Jing's emotions were profoundly complex.

Turning his gaze to Meng Yue, Ran Jing observed genuine panic etched on his face.

Meng Yue never imagined that Chu Cheng would step forward to defend Ran Jing at this moment, even referring to him as a friend.

When did Chu Cheng and Ran Jing become so close?

Didn't Ran Jing promise to never reappear?

Why was he here today?

Ye Leyao savored Meng Yue's expression, her lips curling upward:

"Hmm, it's clear that President Meng is a bit flustered."

Meng Yue, agitated yet compelled, addressed Chu Cheng: "Chu Cheng, I... I'm sorry... I didn't know you also invited him."

Chu Cheng's expression remained indifferent, offering no response.

Meng Yue continued: "Also, I prepared a surprise for you, but I didn't expect Ran Jing to interrupt, which is why I was so angry just now, wanting to have him..."

"The surprise you prepared for me," Chu Cheng finally spoke, his eyes cold as they met Meng Yue's, "felt more like a shock than a surprise."

As his words hung in the air, Meng Yue's complexion rapidly turned ashen.

Ye Leyao's lips curved into a smile:

"A surprise, by definition, should be something the other party anticipates. Clearly, Chu Cheng doesn't anticipate your confession at all. Have you even realized this, President Meng who owes salaries!"

Upon hearing Ye Leyao's comment, Qin Yao's lips also curved slightly.

The crowd below began to grasp the situation.

"So Chu Cheng doesn't like Meng Yue?"

"Darn, what was I doing then? I was pushing Chu Cheng forward..."

"Don't mention it, I'm already regretting my actions earlier."

Everyone was Chu Cheng's friend and classmate. Initially, they thought that Chu Cheng had been secretly dating Meng Yue behind their backs, which was why Meng Yue had prepared such a surprise for Chu Cheng's birthday. But now, seeing Chu Cheng's attitude towards Meng Yue, something clearly wasn't right!

They couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.

If only they hadn't blindly cheered on earlier.

After briefly reflecting on their behavior, they couldn't resist asking:

"So what's really going on here?"

"I don't know..."

"The one thing we can be sure of is that Chu Cheng definitely doesn't like Meng Yue."

This didn't need to be said; everyone had eyes, and it was plain as day.

If Chu Cheng liked Meng Yue, he wouldn't have shielded Ran Jing behind him, nor would he have used the word "frightening."

Didn't they see how pale Meng Yue had turned?

Meng Yue stood there in disbelief, his grip on his cane tightening unconsciously, his gaze fixed on Chu Cheng. But after a long moment, he saw nothing on Chu Cheng's face except coldness.

It was then that Meng Yue realized clearly that Chu Cheng wasn't joking.

He genuinely didn't like the surprise Meng Yue had prepared for him.

Meng Yue was greatly shaken, and subconsciously began to speak: "But... but I didn't even finish playing the video. You didn't see the end, you didn't see the gift I prepared for you. I..."

"I don't need to see the end," Chu Cheng interrupted Meng Yue directly, his tone somewhat displeased. "I know what you're trying to do. You want to confess your feelings to me, right?"

Meng Yue's eyes immediately lit up.

Chu Cheng knew his intentions. Did that mean he also felt...

Meng Yue's voice trembled with emotion: "Yes, Chu Cheng, I..."

"Mr. Meng, did you forget something?"

Suddenly, Ran Jing's voice came from behind Chu Cheng.

Chu Cheng looked at Ran Jing in surprise.

Ran Jing had now stepped out from behind Chu Cheng.

Seeing Ran Jing again, Meng Yue suddenly snapped back to reality.

Right, Ran Jing was still here.

He wouldn't let this go until his matter was resolved.

Meng Yue furrowed his brow and stared coldly at Ran Jing. It was at this moment that he suddenly realized why Ran Jing had come today.

Meng Yue said, "You came to find me today just to ask for money, didn't you? Go downstairs, I'll contact my assistant to transfer the money to you."

Ran Jing's anger flared at these words: "What do you mean by 'just to ask for money'? It makes me sound like some unreasonable person who's trying to extort you. Mr. Meng, please understand that you were the one who owed me wages first. I tried to contact you repeatedly, and when I couldn't reach you or your personal assistant, I came here to find you personally!"

"If you hadn't owed me wages, would I be causing a scene here?" Ran Jing grew angrier the more he thought about it. "How could you have the nerve to confess to Chu Cheng when you haven't even settled your wages?"

These words shocked not only everyone present, but even Chu Cheng was somewhat surprised.

Earlier, Ran Jing had mentioned a "contract," implying that he and Meng Yue had a contractual relationship. And yet, despite this, Meng Yue hadn't paid him?

The people below the stage looked at Meng Yue with condemning eyes.

It was one thing to play games, but to emulate scum and freeload without paying?

When Meng Yue turned around, he met Chu Cheng's slightly shocked gaze. His heart sank, and he instinctively denied it: "I don't owe you any wages. Are you mistaken?"

Ran Jing found it unbelievable: "Not mistaken? Mr. Meng, are you trying to pretend to be stupid?"

Ye Leyao, watching this, understood:

"Meng Yue won't admit it."

"If he admits it now, isn't he directly admitting that Ran Jing was his kept substitute, right in front of Chu Cheng?"

Sure enough, after a brief panic, Meng Yue quickly regained his composure. He calmly looked at Ran Jing and said in a steady voice: "I don't understand what you're talking about. If I really owed you wages, you should have contacted the finance department of my company, not me."

Ran Jing was truly infuriated by Meng Yue's attitude.

In the past, Ran Jing definitely wouldn't have dared to speak to Meng Yue in such a tone, but times had changed. He was no longer Meng Yue's kept substitute.

So Ran Jing sneered directly: "Mr. Meng, do you really want me to lay everything out in the open?"

Meng Yue's expression changed slightly. After a brief two seconds of thought, he glanced at Chu Cheng.

Chu Cheng averted his gaze.

Meng Yue looked hurt and hurriedly explained: "Chu Cheng, don't listen to his nonsense. There's really nothing between us. It's him, it's Ran Jing who..."

Ye Leyao couldn't bear to listen anymore.

"At this point, does Meng Yue still think he can pin this on Ran Jing and feign innocence?"

Even Ran Jing hadn't expected Meng Yue to push all the blame onto him, and he was so angry that he laughed.

That night when Ran Jing saw Chu Cheng at the bar, he knew his job was probably over. With Ye Leyao's reminder, Ran Jing moved out of the villa Meng Yue had provided for him that very night.

But there was no way he could move all his belongings in one night, so he returned to the villa the next day. This time, however, he didn't even make it through the door before he was stopped.

The guard informed him that all of Ran Jing's things had been cleared out and instructed him not to return to the villa again.

Ran Jing felt a surge of anger, but considering that what remained in the villa wasn't valuable or particularly important, he decided to let it go.

However, Ran Jing couldn't just leave without clarity, so before departing, he made a call to Meng Yue.

Meng Yue answered.

Over the phone, Meng Yue formally notified Ran Jing that he was fired and requested that Ran Jing refrain from contacting him in the future. He also expressed his hope that Ran Jing would no longer appear before him.

Naturally, Ran Jing agreed, but he also proposed that Meng Yue should settle his due wages after his departure.

Meng Yue readily agreed over the phone, yet since that day until now, Ran Jing hadn't received a single cent, nor could he reach Meng Yue.

Ran Jing understood that the reason Meng Yue delayed this payment was due to his lingering anger over Chu Cheng not recognizing him first on that fateful evening, instead directing his attention repeatedly towards Ran Jing.

Meng Yue sought to teach Ran Jing a lesson through this method.

Yet, because of this lesson from Meng Yue, Ran Jing nearly lost his mother forever.

If it weren't for the fortunate encounter with Chu Cheng, who helped cover the surgery costs—

"Fine," Ran Jing clenched his jaw, looking at Meng Yue as he suddenly smiled. "Alright, I'll make everything clear in front of Chu Cheng then."

Meng Yue's expression abruptly changed. "Ran Jing, you dare—"

"What do I have to fear?" Ran Jing smiled. "President Meng, you should know that I've never been a good person. I've always been someone willing to do anything for money."

Ran Jing was well aware that without Meng Yue, he wouldn't have found such an easy job to pay for his mother's medical expenses and settle all his family's debts.

He did indeed owe Meng Yue gratitude for providing him with such a substantial sum.

However, what Ran Jing didn't want to see was someone as good as Chu Cheng being deceived by both himself and Meng Yue.

Ran Jing was a bad person, and neither was Meng Yue any better.

Thus, Ran Jing hoped that someone like Chu Cheng could see them for who they truly were. He didn't want to deceive Chu Cheng anymore and certainly didn't wish for Meng Yue to have another chance to get close to him.

With that said, Ran Jing turned directly towards Chu Cheng.

Chu Cheng looked at Ran Jing in shock. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Ran Jing whisper something audible only to the two of them: "I'm sorry."

Chu Cheng was taken aback.

The stage lights were bright, and Ran Jing stared straight into Chu Cheng's eyes. "You must have noticed, right? I look somewhat like you."

As the words hung in the air, the entire venue fell silent.

Then, a commotion broke out:

"What?"

"You're right, they do look alike!"

"The eyes, yes, that's why I felt this young man seemed familiar..."

Upon hearing Ran Jing's statement, Meng Yue's eyes widened in fury. "Ran Jing! Don't say another word!"

But Ran Jing paid no heed to these protests, speaking rapidly to finish his explanation. "As I mentioned earlier, Meng Yue and I, President Meng, indeed have a contractual relationship. But rest assured, our contract isn't illegal. It's a labor agreement where my job is to act as your double in front of President Meng."

"If that's confusing, let me put it simply: I am your substitute. Chu Cheng—"

Ye Leyao suddenly shouted, "Ran Jing! Dodge—"

In a split second, Chu Cheng reached out to shield Ran Jing, quickly moving aside. As they dodged, a black cane swiftly struck the ground with a loud thud.

"Ahh, scared me to death. Thank goodness Ran Jing is alright!"

Ye Leyao sighed in relief, then glared at Meng Yue, her brows furrowed:

"Sure enough, those who keep doubles are all a bit psychologically twisted!"

Meng Yue's eyes were bloodshot, his gaze fixed on Ran Jing with intense fury. "Ran Jing! Shut up!!!"

Chu Cheng stared at the cane on the ground in shock, then snapped back to reality, yelling, "Meng Yue! Have you lost your mind?!"

At this moment, several of Chu Cheng's friends rushed onto the stage.

"Chu Cheng, are you alright?"

Meng Yue shuddered at the sound, as if only then realizing what he had done. He looked at Chu Cheng with a bewildered expression. "I... Chu Cheng, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, I just..."

"Enough!" Chu Cheng said coldly. "Isn't today's farce enough? You've already ruined my birthday party. Are you satisfied now?"

Meng Yue's pupils constricted. "Chu Cheng, it's not like that..." He shook his head muttering, "No, I just wanted to surprise you. I..."

"Indeed, the surprises you've given me today have been more than enough." Chu Cheng released Ran Jing, meeting Meng Yue's gaze with each deliberate word. "Not only did you keep a 'me' by your side, but you also withheld other people's money, and finally, you ruined my birthday party. Are you satisfied now?"

With every sentence Chu Cheng uttered, Meng Yue's complexion darkened further.

Meng Yue stood rooted to the spot, shaking his head helplessly. "It's not like that, Chu Cheng... I did keep a double, but I don't like him. I like you, I've always liked you, which is why..."

"What have you been doing if you like me?" Chu Cheng asked coldly.

Meng Yue was momentarily stunned.

Ye Leyao couldn't hold back any longer. "Chu Cheng just went abroad; he didn't move out of the galaxy. If you like someone, you should pursue them, not keep a double and pretend to be deeply affectionate. Do you realize your actions hurt two people?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd couldn't help but chime in. "If you've always liked Chu Cheng, why didn't you tell Chu Cheng?" "If you really liked him, how could you have room for anyone else in your eyes?" "And keeping a body double, that's truly disgusting." Each word was like a sharp knife piercing Meng Yue's heart. He shook his head in disbelief: "No, Chu Cheng... I really like you, it's just that I missed you so much, that's why..." "Meng Yue," Chu Cheng's voice was soft, "this is where it ends. I don't like you, and we should try not to see each other again in the future." Meng Yue stumbled forward two steps in despair: "Chu Cheng—" Chu Cheng's friend quickly stopped him: "Don't come any closer!" "He doesn't like you, he rejected you, and you still want to cling on?" "President Meng, you're also the head of the Meng Corporation, you wouldn't want to make a big scene out of this, would you?" Chu Cheng asked coldly. With these threatening words, Meng Yue's body stiffened once more. Chu Cheng turned around, no longer looking at Meng Yue, and instead looked down at Ran Jing, who was still in a daze: "Shall we go?" Ran Jing looked up in surprise: "I..." Chu Cheng smiled at him: "Although my mind is still a bit jumbled, my birthday isn't over yet." Ran Jing's eyes reddened, and he said, lowering his head: "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..." "No, thank you," said Chu Cheng, "without you, today would have been even more awkward. It's also one less trouble now." Chu Cheng led the way off the stage. Seeing this, Ran Jing followed. As they left, everyone else naturally dispersed. But being young, they couldn't help but whisper complaints as they walked away. "Never seen such an idiot." "Chu Cheng was really unlucky to meet him." "Who's to say otherwise?" The restaurant emptied quickly, and after enjoying Meng Yue's expression, Ye Leyao was about to leave when a boy suddenly blocked his path. Ye Leyao looked at him in confusion. He was certain he had never met this boy before. The boy was dressed casually, with long hair tied back in a small bun, and looked adorable. Standing in front of Ye Leyao, he began to frantically gesture. Ye Leyao was even more puzzled. "Is this sign language?" "I can't understand it." Qin Yao heard the sound and turned around. The boy, upon raising his head and noticing Qin Yao behind Ye Leyao, became even more anxious, gesturing faster. Ye Leyao was genuinely confused: "What do you want to say? Do you have a phone? Why don't you type it out for me?" After saying this, Ye Leyao handed over his own phone. The boy stared at Ye Leyao for a second before realizing something, then he shook his head at Ye Leyao and ran towards a nearby waiter. At this moment, Huo Yan had already reached Qin Yao's side, frowning slightly as he watched Ye Leyao from a distance: "Who's that boy?" Qin Yao shook his head: "I don't know." As they spoke, the boy ran back to Ye Leyao, thrusting a piece of paper into his hand before running out of the restaurant. Ye Leyao followed his gaze and saw the boy run to a stranger, who ruffled his hair and held his hand as they left. Only then did Huo Yan call out loudly: "Ye Leyao, let's go! Was that boy just now your fan?" Ye Leyao shook his head, opening the note in his hand. On it was a short line of text— "U, have you found a way to save **?" Ye Leyao was thoroughly perplexed. "What's 'U'?" "And these two characters in the middle, why can't I read them clearly?" "He wouldn't be like my third brother, a middle school delinquent, would he?"