Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Ye Zhiqiu meticulously organized his tangled emotions and thoughts as he wrote.

By the time everything became clear, it was already past two in the morning.

The freshly scribbled paper was torn to shreds as Ye Zhiqiu stood up and lit himself a cigarette.

At this hour...

Qi Xin must be passionately declaring his feelings to Jiang Nan, chatting fervently?

The sky outside the window was vast, with distant stars twinkling faintly through a thin veil of smoke. Ye Zhiqiu's eyes seemed even colder than the stars outside.

What once seemed so significant, a prison he thought he might never escape, now felt as if it were worlds away.

But those pains could no longer harm him.

Leaning against the window, Ye Zhiqiu looked down at the cigarette burning slowly, feeling both exhaustion and excitement silently coursing through his body.

After a moment of silence, he finally chose to open his laptop and clicked into his email.

His inbox was filled with invitations and offers from various brands that he had yet to address.

Ye Zhiqiu scrolled through them one by one until he reached the email from Q.L, where his movements paused.

Meanwhile, Qi Xin was carefully crafting his replies to Jiang Nan's messages.

When he received Jiang Nan's message, he was reviewing Ye Zhiqiu's information, his mood fluctuating between joy at being given a chance and humiliation at Ye Zhiqiu's casual indifference.

Simultaneously, he had some ideas for dates tailored to Ye Zhiqiu's preferences forming in his mind.

Unfortunately, those plans vanished the moment Jiang Nan's message arrived.

Qi Xin had liked Jiang Nan for many years.

From the first moment he saw the delicate young man on campus abroad at eighteen, he had been captivated.

Unfortunately, their backgrounds were vastly different, and Jiang Nan always treated him as just another ordinary schoolmate, so he never dared to confess his feelings.

This was why he was so eager to establish "Qi Yun."

Only by narrowing the gap between them could he dare to reach for that unattainable moonlight.

Over the years since graduation, they had maintained contact, but almost every time, it was Qi Xin who initiated the conversation.

Today was the first time Jiang Nan had messaged him first.

And not just one, but several messages.

How could he not be excited, not thrilled?

This intense joy instantly overshadowed the humiliation and frustration Ye Zhiqiu had inflicted on him at the club tonight.

However, when he eagerly opened the chat app and read Jiang Nan's message, he froze like a statue.

Jiang Nan had sent three photos, one of which showed him holding roses and earnestly confessing to Ye Zhiqiu.

"I was there too," Jiang Nan said.

Like a bucket of cold water dumped over his head, Qi Xin's hand holding the phone turned icy.

He never imagined such a coincidence—that the rare encounter with Jiang Nan would be under these circumstances.

With trembling fingers, Qi Xin typed out a message, deleting and rewriting it several times before sending one.

"Qi Xin: It's not what you think. Let's have dinner later, and I'll explain in person."

"Honey: If it's not what I think, then what is it?"

"Honey: Having someone you like is a good thing. Congratulations."

Qi Xin's affection for himself was something Jiang Nan had always known.

He enjoyed the feeling of being adored, so he always adopted a policy of neither rejecting nor initiating nor taking responsibility for such matters.

Still, seeing a dog that usually lay obediently at his feet suddenly fawning over someone else made him extremely uncomfortable.

Especially when that someone was Ye Zhiqiu.

Why should that Ye Zhiqiu be so fortunate?

Why should he become the center of attention?

Intense jealousy and resentment kept Jiang Nan restless even after returning from the club.

Until now, Qi Xin, who was still around Ye Zhiqiu, remained cautious and subservient, gradually easing Jiang Nan's foul mood and giving him a subtle sense of superiority.

This sense of superiority pleased him and made him more patient with Qi Xin for the first time.

"Qi Xin: I really don't like him."

Jiang Nan glanced at the message but did not reply.

Sure enough, Qi Xin couldn't help but send another message soon.

"Qi Xin: You know deep down that I only like you."

"Qi Xin: From the moment I saw you, I've never liked anyone else."

"Qi Xin: ..."

The text on the screen was clear and urgent. Jiang Nan looked down, and a hint of a smug smile finally appeared on his cold face.

"Honey: We're better off as good friends."

Qi Xin replied swiftly.

"I know that I'm not worthy to say I like you yet. Please wait for me. One day, I can occupy the most important place in your heart."

Jiang Nan chuckled.

Occupy the most important place in his heart?

With him?

He couldn't even compare to one of Qin Jianhe's toes. What did he have?

He turned off the screen and stopped replying.

Just like painting, conversation also needed space for silence.

Appropriate silences could spark endless imagination and hope.

But he wouldn't be responsible for that hope.

After all, he hadn't said anything explicitly provocative.

Feeling somewhat better, Jiang Nan turned off the light and was about to lie down when his phone suddenly rang.

Perhaps seeing that he hadn't replied for a long time, Qi Xin had sent a voice call invitation.

Jiang Nan pondered for a moment before answering.

After the call came more messages, pouring in like snowflakes.

"Because his eyes resemble yours."

"You know I only love you."

"Give me some time, please wait for me."

"..."

Jiang Nan didn't reply again.

He turned off his phone and looked out the window. Through the slightly parted curtains, thin morning light was seeping in.

And his confidence, which had been dampened last night, was now flourishing once more.

.

By the time the sky began to lighten with dawn, Ye Zhiqiu had handled most of his emails.

Only two remained unanswered, pinned at the top of his inbox.

Due to his studies and the many things that needed to be done domestically, Ye Zhiqiu hadn't considered any invitations from foreign brands.

So, this part was the easiest to handle—a single rejection email would suffice.

The challenge lay in the two emails pinned at the top.

One was from Q.L, and the other from VIA.

From an ordinary perspective, there was no need to think twice; after all, Q.L was a giant in the fashion industry, while VIA was rapidly declining.

Anyone who wasn't foolish would know how to choose.

But in the morning light, Ye Zhiqiu held the mouse and pondered for a long time.

Firstly, although Tao Ruoqing would cooperate with Ye Hongxian to host a celebration banquet for him, she certainly wouldn't support him entering a platform as high as Q.L.

It seemed he could make a free choice now, but if he really made a decision, who knew what would happen next.

Secondly, he was still a newcomer. Even though he had emerged through fierce competition in international contests, he still had no advantage in negotiating terms with a top brand like Q.L.

But times had changed, and he needed to take control of more of the initiative.

In this situation, the way of cooperation and the terms with Q.L were particularly crucial for him.

His slender fingers tapped lightly on the table as Ye Zhiqiu's gaze finally settled on the bold black letters spelling "VIA."

VIA, a domestic up-and-coming streetwear brand, had quickly risen in the lower-end market in recent years with its daring and innovative designs.

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last.

Due to poor internal management and unfair profit distribution, its influence and reputation had gradually declined in recent years.

Everyone knew that VIA was a dying brand.

Such niche brands were numerous in China every year.

They bloomed like summer flowers, vibrant yet fleeting, fading away silently.

But Ye Zhiqiu had to take the gamble.

Not only that, to gain more leverage in future dealings with Q.L and to render Tao Ruoqing's resistance ineffective, he had to win.

Having made up his mind, Ye Zhiqiu focused on replying.

First to VIA, then to Q.L.

He then shut down his computer, flipped the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, and finally lay back in bed under the faint morning light, sinking into a peaceful sleep.

When he woke up again, the sky outside was still half-lit, half-dark. Ye Zhiqiu took a moment to realize where he was.

He turned on his phone and found that he had slept for a full twelve hours; it was already evening.

Messages and missed calls flooded in, but Ye Zhiqiu set them aside for now, only pulling up Lan Hua's number.

After so many years, calling his uncle still filled him with regret. He took a deep breath, waiting for the call to connect.

Throughout his life, Ye Zhiqiu had rarely initiated calls to Lan Hua, yet almost every time, Lan Hua answered quickly.

This time was no exception.

"Uncle," Ye Zhiqiu spoke before Lan Hua could, his voice slightly hoarse from just waking up and emotional turmoil.

"Why did you call today?" Lan Hua asked.

Perhaps sensing the unusual tone in his voice, Lan Hua’s response was not as disappointed or angry as Ye Zhiqiu had imagined; instead, it was quite gentle.

"Uncle," Ye Zhiqiu called again, fighting back the lump in his throat, "let's meet up these next few days."

"..."

The call was short, lasting only two minutes.

After hanging up, Ye Zhiqiu got up, washed up, changed his clothes, and went downstairs.

The dining room was already set for dinner, and everyone except Ye Hongxian was present.

Ye Zheng was on the phone, while Ye Zhixia was playing games, resting her head on Tao Ruoqing's lap. Tao Ruoqing smiled at her, gently running her hand through her hair.

"My young master, you finally came down," Aunt Zhao said upon seeing Ye Zhiqiu. "Madam was just saying that if you didn't come down soon, she'd have the eldest son come up to drag you down."

"I saved your lunch," Tao Ruoqing also smiled at him. "Come, why did you sleep so long today?"

"He's always like this," Ye Zhixia wrinkled her nose. "Does whatever he wants."

Her words sounded more teasing than malicious.

If not for the painful experiences he had endured, Ye Zhiqiu might have forever believed that their brotherly bond was exceptionally close, the epitome of fraternal affection.

Unfortunately, those deep scars were etched into his soul, ready to flare up at any moment, causing suffocating pain.

And he knew all too well what role his "brothers" played in those events.

Ye Zhiqiu remained silent and sat down beside Ye Zheng as usual.

"Big Brother," when Ye Zheng hung up, Ye Zhiqiu leaned over slightly. "I want to buy a racing car recently. Can you help out?"

The teenager had just showered, and his hair still had a hint of moisture.

As he drew closer, a faint scent of sweet peach wafted over, mingling with the fresh aroma typical of someone his age, making it particularly pleasant.

Ye Zheng put down his phone and looked at Ye Zhiqiu.

The teenager's light brown eyes were clear and bright, focused on him with a hint of playful pleading.

While Ye Zhiqiu respected and loved Ye Zheng, due to the age gap and Ye Zheng's constant presence by Ye Hongxian's side, his respect often outweighed his affection, making their relationship less intimate compared to his interactions with Ye Zhixia.

Sometimes, he even felt a bit wary of Ye Zheng.

This kind of expression from Ye Zhiqiu was something Ye Zheng hadn't seen in a very long time.

To be precise, it was the first time since Ye Zhiqiu turned sixteen.

"What car are you buying now?" Before Ye Zheng could speak, Tao Ruoqing asked. "Your father is already upset about the drinks at the club yesterday. If not for today's matters, you would have been in trouble."

"Mom~" Ye Zhiqiu pouted. "You weren't like this before."

In his late teens, Ye Zhiqiu had been obsessed with racing cars.

Back then, he was reckless and bold, driving around fearlessly despite being underage, all thanks to Tao Ruoqing's protection.

But after witnessing a major accident, he gradually calmed down.

Now, bringing up old memories surprised even Tao Ruoqing.

There was a brief silence at the table, but Ye Zhiqiu knew that Tao Ruoqing and Ye Zheng would agree to his request.

Racing was a high-risk sport, and Tao Ruoqing secretly wished he would disappear from their lives. An accident would indeed save her some trouble.

"How much do you need?" Tao Ruoqing asked.

"Eight hundred," Ye Zhiqiu replied, genuinely hungry and halfway through his bowl of rice. He lifted his face from the bowl, eyes curved in a smile.

"No way," Tao Ruoqing immediately refused. "Don't you know our financial situation?"

Over the years, the new energy industry had grown rapidly, but the Ye family, lacking core technology, remained on the periphery, producing components and doing contract work, reaping little benefit.

They appeared prosperous on the surface, but in the eyes of true tycoons, they were insignificant.

Despite his past extravagance, Ye Zhiqiu, being young, had never spent excessively. Even the car he used before was a second-hand one that Tao Ruoqing had bought cheaply, repainted, and given to him to keep him occupied.

Eight million—forget about Tao Ruoqing disagreeing; even if Ye Hongxian knew, he would break his legs.

Ye Zhiqiu was very clear about this in his heart.

But, to get pearls, mentioning diamonds first would make it easier.

"How much then?" Ye Zhiqiu asked, looking at Tao Ruoqing with his beautiful, innocent eyes.

"Two million," Ye Zheng pondered for a moment. "You're grown up now; you should start understanding things and be more sensible with money."

"Two million might as well be nothing," Ye Zhiqiu said unhappily, his face falling. "Do you know what kind of cars others drive, Brother? If I drive a two-million car, wouldn't it embarrass our Ye family?"

As if the Ye family had any face to begin with? Ye Zheng sighed inwardly.

"Fifty more, take it or leave it," Ye Zheng said.

"Fine, fine, fine," Ye Zhiqiu said reluctantly, holding his bowl.

Two point five million it is, then.

Better than nothing.

And it was somewhat in line with his expectations.

"Two point five million," Ye Zhixia said. "Brother and Mom never gave me that much money. Why are you unhappy?"

Ye Zhiqiu ignored her and turned to shake Ye Zheng's wrist.

"Thanks, Brother," he acted cute. "You're the best to me."

Ye Zheng didn't look at him, but his hand paused while eating. Then he pulled his wrist free and gently scolded, "Eat properly."

Ye Zhiqiu chuckled and leaned back in his chair, sitting without proper posture.

"I heard someone sent you flowers again yesterday?" Ye Zhixia asked.

She was in a good mood lately, about to join a new project and work with her idol.

"Mm~" Ye Zhiqiu glanced at her, responding casually.

"What about this one?" Ye Zhixia asked. "Do you like him?"

"Not bad," Ye Zhiqiu's lips curved slightly. "About the same as your idol."

Both scum.

"Tsk..." Ye Zhixia, unaware of Ye Zhiqiu's true thoughts, curled her lip in disdain.

Ye Zhiqiu indifferently smiled, his gaze sweeping over Tao Ruoqing, who was subtly paying attention to their conversation.

Among the three brothers of the Ye family, Ye Zhiqiu was the most outstanding in looks, far surpassing Ye Zhixia, who was entering the entertainment industry.

This made Tao Ruoqing particularly wary.

Her child should naturally aim high when finding a partner.

But Ye Zhiqiu's brilliance was too dazzling. Even if high-status families didn't mind his background, as long as he was around, who would notice Ye Zhixia?

Thus, Tao Ruoqing had to work hard within her social circle.

In that circle, there were no secrets.

By pretending to be indulgent and saying a few ambiguous words, she could spread rumors about Ye Zhiqiu being spoiled and selfish, making high-status families avoid him, preventing him from becoming an obstacle in Ye Zhixia's marriage prospects.

Unfortunately, despite all her efforts, the results were contrary to her wishes.

Before Ye Zhixia could connect with a real wealthy family, she fell in love during this collaboration and ended up with the humble award-winning actor Gao Wenye.

Whether to please Tao Ruoqing or because they shared a common enemy with Ye Zhixia,

In the previous life, Gao Wenye used his connections to introduce many young men to Qi Xin.

Especially after he and Ye Zhixia established their entertainment company, such behavior became more frequent.

How malicious they must have been.

Not content with watching him fall into a pit, they even tried to drive him to mental collapse.

Ye Zhiqiu never realized before that his existence could make some people so restless.

"Do you like him, then?" Ye Zhixia asked again.

"Why?" Ye Zhiqiu looked at her with a half-smile. "So interested? Want me to give him to you?"

"I'm more interested in your two point five million," Ye Zhixia pouted.

Ye Zhiqiu used to be a playboy but never thought about inheriting the family business.

Growing up, his environment ensured he wasn't someone who could endure hardship.

Compared to inheriting the family business, he preferred a carefree life.

But now, things were different.

Since they were so afraid and wary, he would make them even more afraid and wary.

"That won't do," he said with a meaningful smile. "Men can be given away, but not money."