Chapter 22

Chapter 22

The man's palm was warm and dry. When he slightly tightened his grip, it gave an indescribable sense of security.

It made Ye Zhiqiu involuntarily recall his childhood, those nights filled with insecurity when he would wrap himself completely in the blankets.

Though the confined space was dark, it was warm and comfortable. He often curled up into a tiny ball and fell into a deep sleep.

The hand that was being held gently shook. Ye Zhiqiu smiled and looked up.

"Alright," he said, "I won't hold back then."

The young man had an exquisite face, as if meticulously crafted by God, every feature perfectly proportioned, almost unreal.

Except for the small, pale crimson mole on his nose...

It seemed to be the only flaw on his face, but it added a touch of vitality, making him appear more vivid and alive.

When he tilted his head slightly like this, it even evoked an uncontrollable urge to lean down and kiss him.

Qin Jianhe's eyes darkened slightly, but the smile remained. After a moment of eye contact, he subtly shifted his gaze away.

Ye Zhiqiu also smiled and lowered his eyes, focusing the camera on their clasped hands and starting to snap photos.

After taking pictures from various angles, he boldly took the lead, hooking his fingers around Qin Jianhe's slender ones, clicking away.

He took as many photos as possible, unsure if there would be another chance.

If circumstances allowed, he would torment Qin Jianhe just as Jiang Nan had tormented him in his past life, every now and then.

An eye for an eye; Jiang Nan should experience the feeling of being tormented, sitting in a frying pan with no hope in sight.

One was playful, the other smiling, and throughout the entire process, Qin Jianhe watched Ye Zhiqiu's actions with a gentle smile, fully cooperating.

Almost dropping the jaws of Yu Renzhi and Wang Qitang.

Damn, even that arrogant guy has a day like this?

Indeed, love makes people lose their minds.

Only when Ye Zhiqiu was satisfied and reluctantly let go of Qin Jianhe's hand did Yu Renzhi finally burst out.

"Hey, you two, bullying us single dogs, aren't you?"

After shouting, he suddenly remembered something and turned to ask Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun, "Are you two single?"

"Single." They both nodded in unison, like puppets.

"Kids, truly adorable," Wang Qitang laughed, "being with you makes me feel young again."

"Don't mind him," Yu Renzhi said, "he loves acting old."

"By the way," he suddenly remembered something, "don't you have a friend named Tang Yue? Why isn't he here?"

"Mm," Ye Zhiqiu nodded with a smile, "why, do you know him?"

"Wasn't he at the racetrack last time?" Yu Renzhi asked.

At the mention of the racetrack, not only Qin Jianhe but even the usually composed Wang Qitang couldn't help but chuckle and glance at Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

He shouldn't have asked; it only gave Yu Renzhi another chance to bring up his embarrassing past.

Seeing the teenager instinctively purse his lips, Qin Jianhe's lips curved into a faint smile.

"So, a few days ago, he contacted me and asked me to inquire about a designer assistant position at Q.L, whether we could give him an interview opportunity," Yu Renzhi said. "If I hadn't seen you today, I might have forgotten."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu didn't say anything, only smiled slightly.

But Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun's expressions instantly became a bit subtle.

Noticing this, Yu Renzhi asked, "You didn't know about this?"

A moment of silence followed, the answer clear.

"Did he use Xiao Qiu's name to approach you?" Jin Baobao asked.

It was indeed the case, and Yu Renzhi didn't deny it.

Jin Baobao laughed coldly, his expression turning icy.

As friends, Jin Baobao always believed that mutual support was a given.

In times of need, he wouldn't hesitate to go all out.

However, such relationships needed to be based on mutual respect.

Tang Yue used Ye Zhiqiu's name to ask Yu Renzhi for a favor without even informing Ye Zhiqiu, which was already quite disrespectful.

Moreover, Tang Yue knew very well about Yu Renzhi and Qin Jianhe's relationship.

When he said he wanted an interview opportunity, such a minor position would surely get him a nod from Qin Jianhe if Yu Renzhi spoke up.

Tang Yue really had a good plan—benefits for him, debt for Ye Zhiqiu.

Jin Baobao felt it was unfair to Ye Zhiqiu.

But Ye Zhiqiu seemed unfazed. He smiled at Qin Jianhe and asked, "Is it okay?"

"You're the future boss lady," Qin Jianhe said nonchalantly, tossing the question back, "you decide."

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

Is this guy really getting addicted to acting?

But he’s not losing out either.

Even if it gets out, others would only envy Ye Zhiqiu for sleeping with Qin Jianhe.

If Tao Ruoqing finds out, her eyes will surely bleed with hatred.

"Then let's forget it," Ye Zhiqiu said with a faint and clear smile, "I've seen Q.L's previous job postings. The requirements for experience and time are quite stringent. If Le Le goes, there might not be many benefits, but it will definitely affect his studies, making it counterproductive."

Tang Yue is trying to have a backup plan.

Seizing every opportunity, he wants to get a layer of gold plating at Q.L first.

After all, it's Q.L. Even if it's just a junior designer assistant, once he comes out, with his professional background, he'll be in high demand in the market.

Ye Zhiqiu won't give him that chance.

"Please," Ye Zhiqiu looked at Yu Renzhi, "pass the message along."

"Just say it's the HR department's decision." Qin Jianhe spoke calmly, lifting his gaze.

"Got it, understood." Yu Renzhi looked at the two sitting together like a beautiful oil painting, blinking his eyes.

Noticing his movement, Qin Jianhe lifted his gaze indifferently, "Let's eat."

With Jin Baobao and Yu Renzhi around, the meal was very enjoyable.

After the meal ended, Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun exchanged a glance and tactfully stood up, "Xiao Qiu, you and Mr. Qin take your time. We'll leave first."

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

The younger ones were already being considerate, so the older ones couldn't lag behind.

Hearing this, Wang Qitang and Yu Renzhi also stood up together, "Spring nights are short; don't waste them. We'll leave too."

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

Once everyone left, Ye Zhiqiu also stood up.

"Mr. Qin," he became polite and distant again, smiling slightly as he took a half-step back, "everyone's gone, no need to act anymore, right?"

Qin Jianhe slowly took his coat and draped it over his arm, looking down at him, "I'll drive you home."

"You're so busy…"

"Let's go." Qin Jianhe said.

Ye Zhiqiu didn't insist further.

Someone like Qin Jianhe always has absolute control over their environment and relationships. In some matters, refusal is simply not an option.

Walking side by side, Ye Zhiqiu put on his down jacket and knitted hat, wrapping the scarf around his neck tightly.

His mouth and nose were loosely covered by the scarf, making his eyes appear even more expressive, like autumn water.

Noticing Qin Jianhe's gaze, those eyes curved slightly.

"Is your car parked at the gym?" Ye Zhiqiu asked.

"Q.L." Qin Jianhe answered succinctly.

Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

They didn't speak further. At the traffic light, when a food delivery scooter sped past the sidewalk, Qin Jianhe instinctively placed a protective hand in front of Ye Zhiqiu.

Perhaps this was just a natural reaction based on Qin Jianhe's upbringing, or perhaps it was just habit, but Ye Zhiqiu couldn't help but pause slightly.

Such a protective gesture might not be unfamiliar to most people.

But for Ye Zhiqiu, it was the first time in his life.

The green light came on, and Qin Jianhe started walking. Realizing Ye Zhiqiu hadn't followed, he stopped and turned around.

"Oh." Ye Zhiqiu blinked, coming back to reality.

"I'm coming." He said, jogging a few steps to catch up.

For some reason, a hint of a smile appeared in Qin Jianhe's eyes.

"I wasn't rushing you." He said.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled slightly without saying anything.

But for some reason, the tension and awkwardness that had been present since seeing Qin Jianhe at the restaurant suddenly relaxed.

He looked up at the opposite side.

The Q.L building was tall, with scattered lights despite it being the weekend.

In contrast, the gym was brightly lit at the moment.

"Mr. Qin," Ye Zhiqiu thought for a moment and couldn't resist asking, "are you familiar with the coaches in the mixed martial arts area?"

"What?" Qin Jianhe asked, "do you want to practice fighting?"

"Um." Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

Hearing this, Qin Jianhe gave him an inscrutable look.

"Oh," Ye Zhiqiu suddenly realized something and laughed. "Don't misunderstand, my being here has nothing to do with you. The manager of this shop is Jin Baobao's older brother, the environment is nice, and we can get a good discount."

He paused to explain, "Meeting you today was purely coincidental."

"I didn't mean that," the two got into the car, and Qin Jianhe placed his hand on the steering wheel. "I meant that you have no fighting foundation at all."

Ye Zhiqiu nodded; it was true.

"You should focus on the basics now. Once you have a solid foundation, then consider which instructor would be best for you." Qin Jianhe started the car. "Your address?"

Ye Zhiqiu gave him the address.

"However, if you can stick with it," Qin Jianhe continued, "Coach Zhou Hong is a good choice. Although she's a woman, her techniques are considered the best in the gym, comprehensive and practical."

"Thank you." Ye Zhiqiu nodded and made a mental note.

The car fell silent again. Ye Zhiqiu opened the chat app and pulled Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun back into the group.

"Autumn Leaf: Remember to keep today's events confidential."

"Lucky Treasure: Why? If it were me, I'd want everyone to know, to blind them with envy."

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

After some thought, he slowly typed on the screen.

"Autumn Leaf: Qin Jianhe and I just met, and there's mutual interest. Our relationship isn't stable yet. Making it public could cause unnecessary trouble."

"Lucky Treasure: I understand. There's a saying, 'possession of a treasure invites envy.' Holding onto someone as powerful as Mr. Qin indeed makes you a target."

"Autumn Leaf: ...Although not quite, the idea is similar."

"Lucky Treasure: Okay, Shaojun is driving right now. I'll tell him later, don't worry."

Ye Zhiqiu smiled and tapped into the photo album, carefully looking through the pictures taken tonight.

Every picture was beautiful, and every pose was intimate.

Involuntarily, Ye Zhiqiu looked up again, his gaze falling on Qin Jianhe's hands on the steering wheel.

Those hands were very fair, giving off a metallic coldness against the black steering wheel, similar to wearing gold-rimmed glasses. As the outside light changed, the silver ring on his pinky occasionally reflected a cold glint.

It was very similar to the impression Qin Jianhe gave.

Just casually resting on the steering wheel, they were enough to attract attention.

Perhaps because he had taken too many photos of those hands tonight, Ye Zhiqiu's grip on his phone tightened unconsciously.

Instinctively, he wanted to open the camera and snap away.

He resisted the urge, lowered his head, and selected a photo of their hands clasped together.

In the photo, the silver ring on Qin Jianhe's pinky stood out prominently.

Ye Zhiqiu silently uploaded it to his social media, captioning it: "Never let go of my hand."

Then he chose to make it visible only to Jiang Nan and clicked send.

How would Jiang Nan feel about receiving two such lethal weapons within a day?

Would he hate him now?

But this was his usual tactic. He probably wouldn't understand how painful it was until it happened to him.

Ye Zhiqiu's lips curled slightly, revealing a barely perceptible coldness.

His phone vibrated in his palm, and Ye Zhiqiu came back to reality, lowering his eyes. Seeing the caller ID, his eyes lit up.

This was the call he had been waiting for.

"Mr. Qin," Ye Zhiqiu said with a smile, looking at Qin Jianhe. "I'm going to answer it."

"Answer it," Qin Jianhe said calmly.

"Hello, senior, what did Professor Zhang Wenyuan say?" Ye Zhiqiu asked eagerly as soon as he answered the call.

Zhang Wenyuan was a renowned professor in leather art design, currently working at the Fine Arts College. His former students, who were his last apprentices, now had significant influence in the fashion industry.

Ye Zhiqiu had managed to contact this senior after some effort.

The senior was currently working abroad, and one of his colleagues was one of Professor Zhang Wenyuan's last apprentices.

The colleague had also been following the fashion design competition this year and was enthusiastic about Ye Zhiqiu wanting to become his master's student.

Taking advantage of the weekend, the colleague contacted his teacher.

"Unfortunately, Professor Zhang is getting old and lacks energy, so he's not considering taking on new students anymore," the senior said regretfully on the other end. "However, the professor did review your work and believes you already shine in the fashion world and don't need to start anew."

Ye Zhiqiu did not entirely agree with this viewpoint.

The essence of design lies in innovation, and formal training is the foundation of innovation.

Once proficient, whether it's leather or clothing, one can find common ground.

"After all, Xiao Qiu," the senior continued, "one's energy is limited."

"Yeah, I understand." Ye Zhiqiu's tone betrayed his disappointment, but he still managed a smile. "Thank you for your concern, Senior. I'll treat you to dinner when I get back."

After hanging up the phone, Ye Zhiqiu was lost in thought.

He went through the list of professors proficient in leather art once again, excluding Professor Zhang Wenyuan.

Most of them were still too far away.

Even if they were willing to accept him, it would likely be through online learning.

While it was a viable option, it wasn't as effective as face-to-face instruction.

"What did you want with Professor Zhang Wenyuan?" Suddenly, a deep voice echoed in the car.

Ye Zhiqiu, lost in thought, was momentarily stunned before coming back to reality.

"Are you thinking of transferring to leather design?" Qin Jianhe asked.

"Not exactly," Ye Zhiqiu said. "I want to do both."

Qin Jianhe glanced at him.

Ye Zhiqiu expected him to say the same thing others had—that one's energy is limited. Some of his classmates struggled even with their primary courses.

But Qin Jianhe didn't say that.

"My mother knows Professor Zhang quite well," he said. "I can ask her to help."

"Really?" Ye Zhiqiu was overjoyed.

Only then did he remember that when Nie Fengjun worked as a chief designer for a high-end fashion brand abroad, she had collaborated with Professor Zhang Wenyuan for a while.

Later, Nie Fengjun met and fell in love with Qin Xusheng, helping him develop his business after returning to China. A few years later, Zhang Wenyuan resigned from his job and joined the art academy.

They were indeed old acquaintances.

"However," Qin Jianhe chuckled lightly, "I can only introduce you to him. Whether it works out depends on you."

"I understand," Ye Zhiqiu straightened his posture, his eyes shining like stars. "I'm very grateful for your help."

When the car arrived outside Ye's residential area, Ye Zhiqiu didn't let Qin Jianhe drive him in.

He jumped out of the car, suddenly realizing he hadn't exchanged contact information with Qin Jianhe yet.

"Mr. Qin," he leaned into the car, his beautiful eyes curving pleasantly. "Could we exchange contact details?"

It was already dark outside, and although there were streetlights nearby, where they parked was dim.

Half of Ye Zhiqiu's body was hidden in the darkness, making his face appear smaller and his eyes brighter.

Unlike their initial polite and distant meeting at the restaurant, now he seemed eager.

Qin Jianhe looked at him for a moment, then softly acknowledged.

There were business cards in the glove compartment, but he didn't offer one to Ye Zhiqiu.

Instead, he held out his hand: "Give me your phone."

"Okay." Ye Zhiqiu handed over his phone.

The phone, warmed by the boy's body heat, was slightly warm.

Qin Jianhe lowered his gaze and entered his phone number into Ye Zhiqiu's device.

Soon, the phone rang in the car. Qin Jianhe hung up and returned the phone.

"The number is the same for my WeChat," he said, starting the car. "We'll stay in touch."

"Alright." Ye Zhiqiu waved cheerfully.

Stay in touch.

Ye Zhiqiu thought this meant contacting him later about Professor Zhang Wenyuan.

But the next morning, when Aunt Zhao knocked on his door and told him a car was waiting to take him to visit someone, Ye Zhiqiu was stunned.

No way.

Did Qin Jianhe really mean it when he said he'd take him to visit his father, or was it just a spur-of-the-moment remark?

And wasn't yesterday's incident already over?

Didn't they get along fine afterward?

Ye Zhiqiu quickly got ready and rushed downstairs.

Outside the gate, a low-key black business car waited. As soon as Ye Zhiqiu appeared, the driver opened the rear door for him.

Qin Jianhe sat inside, looking down at his tablet, not even lifting his eyes: "Still not up at this hour?"

"What's it to you?" Ye Zhiqiu muttered quietly, not getting in. "You're not actually taking me to visit someone, right?"

"Yes." Qin Jianhe finally turned to look at him. "Didn't we agree on it yesterday?"

Ye Zhiqiu: "Haha... Haha..."

Who agreed to anything?

"No," Ye Zhiqiu reasoned. "You said yesterday that your dad is concerned about passing on the family line, right?"

"Hmm," Qin Jianhe responded indifferently.

"I'm not going," Ye Zhiqiu clung to the car door. "Besides, do you think I can help you pass on the family line?"

Qin Jianhe wasn't angry; instead, a faint smile appeared in his deep-set phoenix eyes.

"Professor Zhang," he said calmly, enunciating each word.

Damn, so he was waiting for him here.

He had even thought Qin Jianhe was being kind and good-hearted yesterday.

Ye Zhiqiu lifted his leg and got into the car.

"Fine, fine, I'll go," he sat down beside Qin Jianhe with a forced smile. "Aren't you just trying to get me to share the brunt of your father's unspoken anger?"

"It's meeting the family," Qin Jianhe said, unperturbed.

He really believed him, yeah right.

Watching Qin Jianhe's elegant posture as he crossed his legs, Ye Zhiqiu fell silent for a moment before pulling out his phone and snapping several photos.

"Actually, I find it a bit strange," Qin Jianhe didn't seem upset. He glanced at the document on the screen and asked casually, "Why do you take secret photos of me?"

"I'm taking them openly," Ye Zhiqiu put his phone away.

Qin Jianhe finally looked up: "I meant before, the screenshot Ren Zhi sent me, the one about the waist."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

"After adding you on WeChat yesterday, I didn't see this post in your moments," Qin Jianhe added.

Did he actually go through his moments?

Ye Zhiqiu was a bit shocked.

Well, he had already lost all his dignity; entering Qin Xusheng's ward would probably be even worse.

Ye Zhiqiu unlocked his phone, opened his moments, and handed it to Qin Jianhe.

"Never let go of my hand," Qin Jianhe read softly, seemingly amused, his lips curving slightly upward.

"I only showed it to Jiang Nan," Ye Zhiqiu said. "Because he likes you, and it would make him suffer and feel jealous."

Qin Jianhe remained silent, looking at him indifferently.

"Because he did it to me first," Ye Zhiqiu said, tilting his head slightly, the small pale red mole on his nose re-entering Qin Jianhe's view.

"If he did it to you first, then he deserves it," Qin Jianhe returned the phone, his tone calm.

Ye Zhiqiu was taken aback.

Qin Jianhe didn't call him malicious; instead, Qin Jianhe said Jiang Nan deserved it...

Though his tone was cold, Qin Jianhe always seemed to say things differently from others.

Something inside Ye Zhiqiu felt like it had been struck hard, tingling slightly.

"So," he probed Qin Jianhe's limits, "after today, can we put this behind us? Can you stop being angry?"

It had to be said, Qin Jianhe was quite skilled at tormenting people.

There were already many photos on his phone, and Ye Zhiqiu desperately needed to move on.

"It's not anger, it's concern," Qin Jianhe said. "But you can take photos openly as long as you don't violate my privacy."

His gaze returned to the screen of his tablet, not believing anyone could stay engrossed in such a trivial game for long. "Take photos until you no longer want to."

In his past life, how long Jiang Nan's behavior lasted, Ye Zhiqiu couldn't remember clearly.

But it must have been shortly after he and Qi Xin got together.

Ye Zhiqiu counted on his fingers, determined to make up for the scolding he would receive from Qin Xusheng later.

"Ten years," he looked at Qin Jianhe. "I want to take photos for ten years."