Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Ye Zhiqiu had been getting injured frequently lately, which led to many concerned inquiries when he arrived at school in the morning.

Even his professor couldn’t resist making a joke about it.

"What’s going on, Ye Zhiqiu?" The old professor tapped his rolled-up paper on his palm. "Did you get in the way of someone's love life recently? They seem to be hitting you pretty hard, right in the face."

Before he could finish, the classroom erupted with laughter from his classmates.

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

Surprisingly, the professor’s guess was not far off.

"Really hit by Ye Zhixia?" Tang Yue asked quietly, "Isn't that a bit too much?"

"Sure, would you beat up your own brother over a man?" Ye Zhiqiu said with a bitter expression. "Ye Zhixia is not my real brother."

Tang Yue tilted his head and laughed at his childish remark.

"Shaojun and Baby are coming over for lunch," Tang Yue asked, "Should we eat first before heading to the company?"

"Mm." Ye Zhiqiu nodded. "I want to eat clay pot rice."

After finishing class, just as Ye Zhiqiu was about to pack his bag, Qi Xin’s message arrived on time.

"Xiao Qiu, I’m waiting for you at the school gate."

Ye Zhiqiu threw his book onto the table in frustration, causing a loud thud.

"What’s wrong?" Tang Yue jumped in surprise.

"Qi Xin is here again." Ye Zhiqiu pouted.

"Well…" Tang Yue hesitated. "I’ll go ahead to the clay pot restaurant to secure a spot and meet up with Baby. You guys can come later?"

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t say anything but nodded half-heartedly.

After Tang Yue left with his backpack, Ye Zhiqiu sat for a moment before slowly gathering his things and heading out.

The weather was nice, though chilly in the morning and evening, the noon sun felt warm and comfortable on his skin.

Ye Zhiqiu strolled leisurely to the school gate and saw Qi Xin standing outside, looking around anxiously.

Though his message seemed like nothing had happened before, Qi Xin was still somewhat apprehensive.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to call Ye Zhiqiu and instead chose to send a text.

After all, if Ye Zhiqiu rejected him over the phone, he would have no reason to wait here.

But with a text, even if Ye Zhiqiu didn’t reply, he could still wait at the gate, hoping for a chance.

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu, Qi Xin’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately moved forward, but stopped when he met Ye Zhiqiu’s gaze.

Ye Zhiqiu looked at him with disgust and impatience, causing Qi Xin’s mind to blank momentarily before he noticed the injury on Ye Zhiqiu’s face.

Without thinking, Qi Xin quickly approached.

Instinctively, he raised his hand to touch Ye Zhiqiu’s injured cheek, but Ye Zhiqiu coldly dodged away.

"How did you get hurt again?" Qi Xin asked, bending down. "Does it still hurt?"

"It’s none of your business." Ye Zhiqiu replied coldly.

"Xiao Qiu…" Qi Xin called him, his tone full of sorrow and helplessness.

He cautiously handed over the thermos container. "I’ve made diced pepper fish head several times, and finally got it close to the restaurant’s taste. Want to try it?"

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t take it. He turned silently and led Qi Xin back to the pavilion by the lake.

"Xiao Qiu." Qi Xin called him again, meekly.

Unbeknownst to himself, his sharp and sensitive self-esteem was being gradually worn down in front of Ye Zhiqiu.

"Don’t call me that." Ye Zhiqiu thrust his phone in front of him, his gaze high and confrontational. "Explain this."

Qi Xin: "…"

Qi Xin looked down at the screen.

It showed a hand holding a wine glass, and Qi Xin recognized it instantly.

Only after seeing Jiang Nan’s name and the post date did he realize what it was.

That was his hand, and Ye Zhiqiu was showing him a screenshot of Jiang Nan’s WeChat Moments.

Qi Xin: "…"

He checked Jiang Nan’s WeChat Moments almost every day.

For him, it had become a habit ingrained in his DNA, as natural as eating and drinking.

Yet, he had never seen the post on Ye Zhiqiu’s phone screen.

There was only one explanation: either Jiang Nan had specifically blocked him, or Jiang Nan had set it to "Visible Only to Ye Zhiqiu."

A sudden feeling of betrayal washed over Qi Xin, leaving him stunned.

He was shocked that Jiang Nan, who existed in his heart like a clear breeze, would do such a thing. And the suddenness of it left him momentarily unable to explain it to Ye Zhiqiu.

Qi Xin silently unscrewed the thermos and began to lay out the dishes one by one.

Chopped pepper fish head, spicy chicken, shrimp and tofu, green pepper shredded pork...

"Let's eat first," he heard himself say. "I'll explain everything slowly."

In the next moment, there was a loud clatter as the bowl of chili oil-soaked fish head was swept to the ground by Ye Zhiqiu.

The red oil splattered everywhere, a shocking sight.

The sudden commotion drew the attention of many students from a distance, who looked over curiously, making Qi Xin feel humiliated as if he were being publicly shamed.

"What?" Ye Zhiqiu seemed oblivious to his embarrassment, speaking sarcastically. "What else is there to explain? That night, you weren't like this in front of me. Don't tell me that you didn't even know each other the day before and suddenly everything was understood without words the next day."

The scars on the young man's face were intricate under the sunlight, and when he turned cold, an additional air of hostility emerged.

"We did indeed have dinner together," Qi Xin said with difficulty, gathering his thoughts. "You got angry the night before, I felt hurt and didn't know how to comfort you. It happened that a fellow schoolmate invited me, so I went."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "I didn't expect Jiang Nan to post such a thing on social media."

"You two were already on the same page," Ye Zhiqiu remained unmoved. "So what? You haven't reached the level of telepathy yet?"

"Xiao Qiu..." Qi Xin wished he could swear to the heavens. "I really didn't know about this. I don't even know when he took that photo."

Ye Zhiqiu lowered his eyes and said nothing.

A breeze blew past, rustling the dried lotus leaves, and Qi Xin felt a chill.

"Go," suddenly, Ye Zhiqiu sighed deeply. "Get a tool from the guard's office and clean this up."

"But you..." Qi Xin dared not leave, fearing that once he did, he might never see Ye Zhiqiu again.

At that moment, he began to blame Jiang Nan more than ever.

"Don't worry, I won't go anywhere. I just need some time alone to think," Ye Zhiqiu said, looking down at his feet.

Qi Xin hesitated for a moment before rushing towards the gate with urgency.

Qi Xin returned quickly, holding a broom and mop in one hand and a bucket in the other, looking harried and disheveled.

But seeing Ye Zhiqiu still waiting there, a smile crept back onto his face.

Ye Zhiqiu hadn't left; Ye Zhiqiu was still waiting for him.

Qi Xin bent down to clean the ground thoroughly before standing up straight again.

"The food has gotten cold," he said. "Shall we go out for a bite?"

"No need," Ye Zhiqiu raised his eyes.

The coldness on his face had faded, leaving only a hint of fatigue and resignation.

"I'm a bit tired, Qi Xin," Ye Zhiqiu suddenly said. "Maybe we should call it quits."

Qi Xin stood frozen for a while before slowly approaching.

He methodically cleaned up the now-cold food, his eyes devoid of any light.

Ye Zhiqiu straightened up and reached for his backpack.

Just as he touched the strap, his wrist was suddenly gripped.

"I disagree," Qi Xin lifted his eyes sharply.

"This isn't something one person can decide," Ye Zhiqiu's tone was calm. "Qi Xin, please respect me."

"If there's anything wrong with me, I can change. If you don't like Jiang Nan, I won't contact him anymore," Qi Xin said with difficulty. "But you can't just walk away like this. It's unfair to me."

"Is this fair to me?" Ye Zhiqiu countered. "It was you who gave Jiang Nan the chance to humiliate me. One day you didn't know each other, and the next day everything was understood without words. What exactly was understood without words? Was it to slap me in the face?"

"I was wrong, Xiao Qiu, I promise," Qi Xin held onto Ye Zhiqiu's sleeve tightly. "I will never contact him again."

"Fine." Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu slowly turned around.

This time, he wasn't confrontational, only quietly looking at Qi Xin.

The sunlight illuminated his clear eyes, beautiful enough to make one's heart ache.

"Then call Jiang Nan right now," he said calmly. "Tell him exactly what you just told me."

Qi Xin: "..."

Growing up, Qi Xin had never felt so conflicted.

And since meeting Ye Zhiqiu, such dilemmas seemed to occur frequently.

He looked into Ye Zhiqiu's eyes.

And at that moment, Ye Zhiqiu was looking back at him with a faint trace of mockery in his eyes.

It seemed he had already anticipated that Qi Xin would not make that call.

Countless pros and cons collided in Qi Xin's mind.

But he knew that Jiang Nan was much easier to appease than Ye Zhiqiu.

"Fine." After a long pause, he finally spoke, pulling out his phone. "I'll call."

"Put it on speaker," Ye Zhiqiu commanded.

Qi Xin's hand holding the phone was shaking slightly. He took a deep breath and dialed the number, lowering his head.

Jiang Nan answered quickly, but his voice sounded heavy and lacked energy: "Qi Xin?"

"It's me," Qi Xin said, unable to resist looking up at Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zhiqiu still had that expression on his face, quietly watching him under the sunlight.

Raven hair and snow-white skin, an appearance that should be harmless, yet it had driven him into a corner.

"What is it?" Jiang Nan asked. "Is that bitch Ye Zhiqiu giving you a hard time again?"

"Bitch?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled, forming those words with his lips.

Qi Xin's face suddenly turned beet red.

Ye Zhiqiu wasn't worried about Jiang Nan revealing his relationship with Qin Jianhe to Qi Xin.

After all, he wished for everyone to remain unaware of his connection with Qin Jianhe, while he probably also hoped to see Qi Xin and himself together.

The people around Qin Jianhe would create opportunities even if there weren't any; now, with Qi Xin as a lever, there was no reason not to use it.

"Sorry, please show some respect," Qi Xin said.

He broke out in a cold sweat from Jiang Nan's use of the word "bitch."

Jiang Nan spoke so casually, as if they always referred to Ye Zhiqiu that way in private.

But he was innocent; when they met before, Jiang Nan had never spoken ill of Ye Zhiqiu like this.

"Are you sick or something?" Jiang Nan, filled with hatred for Ye Zhiqiu, felt even more enraged seeing Qi Xin taking Ye Zhiqiu's side, "After what he did to you, you're still defending him?"

As he spoke, he paused suddenly, "You're not with him right now, are you?"

Damn!

Jiang Nan sat up straight on the sofa.

The devastating blow from last night kept him awake all night, but now he suddenly felt energized.

That bitch Ye Zhiqiu was actually playing both sides.

It seemed fate itself was helping him.

"Did he forgive you?" he asked.

"This has nothing to do with you," Qi Xin said quickly. "Jiang Nan, let's not contact each other anymore."

Afraid Jiang Nan might say something else to provoke Ye Zhiqiu, he hung up the call immediately, not giving Jiang Nan a chance to speak.

Jiang Nan: "..."

He held the phone, stunned for a moment, finally realizing what Qi Xin had said.

As the young master of the Jiang family, he was always the center of attention wherever he went, pampered since childhood.

How dare Qi Xin speak to him like this, all because of that bitch Ye Zhiqiu...

A low-born, uncultured bastard with nothing but a pretty face.

What did Qin Jianhe see in him?

And this misguided Qi Xin...

Jiang Nan's chest heaved violently. He gritted his teeth and viciously threw the phone away.

The plan he had intended to delay could no longer wait.

He dialed an internal line using the landline.

"Send out the message. All the items from yesterday's event should be discounted or given as gifts to loyal customers."

"Director," the assistant was confused, "weren't we going to implement this plan later?"

"Just do it," Jiang Nan said impatiently.

"Yes, Director." The assistant had no choice but to comply. "But what about the orders placed yesterday and today..."

"Have the marketing department come up with a solution. Finalize it by this afternoon and execute it latest by tomorrow."

This plan would not only cast doubt on VIA's full-priced products from last night's live stream but also make VIA a laughingstock by associating its new spring/summer collection with Jin Qi's freebies.

With a little push in public opinion, VIA would have no chance of recovery.

Most people, or those unfamiliar with VIA, would follow the trend and believe that VIA's carefully designed products were no better than Jin Qi's freebies.

Worthless.

VIA was destined to fall, and Sun Wei really had no need to struggle.

If she wanted to blame anyone, she should blame Ye Zhiqiu.

Who told her company's designer to offend him?

Once they started blaming each other, everyone in the industry would know that VIA's downfall was accelerated by Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zhiqiu's dream of shining in the fashion world was just a fantasy!

And by the lakeside of the campus, Qi Xin's hand, which was holding his phone, finally fell limp.

"I told you," he said, "Xiao Qiu, you should be able to see my determination now, right?"

The phone had vibrated several times in his pocket, but Ye Zhiqiu had no intention of arguing with Qi Xin about Jiang Nan's words anymore.

"Fine," he said, "I'll trust you one more time, but..."

He paused for a moment, "I'm really tired today. You go back first and bring the diced chili fish head over tomorrow."

Hearing this, Qi Xin's eyes brightened involuntarily.

"Okay," he said, "I'll go to the market early tomorrow morning to buy the freshest fish head."

Ye Zhiqiu nodded. Seeing that Qi Xin still hadn't moved, he impatiently raised his chin, "Go on, what are you waiting for?"

Qi Xin then reluctantly left, looking back several times as he carried the thermal container and the broom and mop away.

Once out of the school gate, he quickly got into his car and dialed Jiang Nan's number.

But this time, Jiang Nan did not answer.

Qi Xin became agitated again. After hesitating for a moment, he drove towards Jiang Nan's leather goods company.

As soon as Qi Xin left, Ye Zhiqiu took out his phone.

Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun had already been frantically messaging in the group chat, and there were also several missed calls from them.

However, among the missed calls, there was one from an unknown number.

Ye Zhiqiu called it back first.

The call connected, and the man's voice on the other end was slightly amused, "Junior Brother?"

"Hello, Senior Luo," Ye Zhiqiu said, "Sorry, I just saw your call."

"No problem," Luo Wangzhou laughed, "I called during lunch break anyway. It's normal that you didn't pick up."

He got straight to the point, "The two design drafts you asked the teacher to pass along—we're indeed very interested. But if we're going to collaborate, we'll have more requirements. Let's meet somewhere these next few days to discuss in detail."

"No problem, Senior," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, "Do you have a rough outline? I can give Sister Sun a heads-up so she can prepare in advance."

They exchanged a few more words before Ye Zhiqiu hung up.

At the clay pot restaurant, Li Shaojun, Jin Baobao, and Tang Yue had already started eating.

Li Shaojun had ordered Ye Zhiqiu's favorite beef clay pot with extra chewy beef balls, which had cooled down just enough to eat.

Knowing Qi Xin might come, he had also prepared a portion for him, just in case.

Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun had originally come to check on Ye Zhiqiu's injury.

But after learning that Qi Xin had visited, neither of them asked about the wound on his face.

They looked at him, making faces and trying to say something without actually saying it.

"Huh..." Ye Zhiqiu chuckled, "Haha..."

"What's wrong?" Tang Yue, confused, looked from one to the other.

"Nothing," both of them said in unison, remembering Ye Zhiqiu's request to keep things confidential.

Today, Tang Yue did not mention contacting Yu Renzhi either.

However, Ye Zhiqiu had already decided to refuse.

Although disappointing, Tang Yue hadn't done anything morally reprehensible...

Despite their initial displeasure, Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun didn't say anything further.

"Oh," Tang Yue smiled and handed utensils to Ye Zhiqiu as usual, "So, didn't Qi Xin come?"

"He went back first," Ye Zhiqiu said, feeling Jin Baobao kicking him under the table three times.

Reluctantly, he sent a message in their small group chat.

"Yizhiqiu: With my stunning good looks, isn't it reasonable for me to take my time choosing a lifelong partner?"

They replied quickly.

"Zhaocaijinbao: Sure, but don't forget Tang Yue knows Yu Renzhi. If he slips up and Yu Renzhi finds out you're still involved with Qi Xin, he'll definitely tell Mr. Qin. Don't sink your own ship."

"Lishaoshao: Sure, but comparing Qi Xin and Qin Jianhe is a bit ridiculous, isn't it?"

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

Ye Zhiqiu put his phone away without replying.

The two had classes in the afternoon, so they headed back to school after finishing their meal.

Ye Zhiqiu, on the other hand, drove to VIA.

The four parted ways at the clay pot restaurant, and once the crowd dispersed, only Tang Yue remained standing there.

But he didn't return to school. Instead, he hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address of the hotel where he had met Ye Zhixia yesterday.

Yesterday, Yu Renzhi had already called him back.

With Yu Renzhi's status, he was confident he could secure the position.

But surprisingly, Q.L still gave a refusal.

Confused, Tang Yue had no choice but to accept the result.

There was nothing he could do; the disparity in power was too great, not something he could change by struggling a little.

Throughout his life, he had grown accustomed to this feeling.

But fortune did not forsake him, and now he had another path through Gao Wenye.

From Ye Zhiqiu, he learned that Ye Zhixia had been at home these past few days, so he decided to try his luck at the hotel.

No matter how busy Gao Wenye was, he would eventually return to rest.

Meanwhile, Meng Da entered Qin Jianhe's office with a tablet in hand.

"Mr. Qin, did you see VIA’s new product launch last night?"

Qin Jianhe had seen it but remained silent, only raising an eyebrow.

"Xiao Ye is truly remarkable," Meng Da said excitedly, handing the tablet to Qin Jianhe. "Look at these new products that have sold like crazy. They are not only beautiful and artistic but would also stand out on the runway."

Qin Jianhe remained silent, looking down at the screen for a moment.

Meng Da had meticulously compiled all of Ye Zhiqiu's works, including designs, styles, materials, elements, prices, and sales figures, making everything clear at a glance.

Qin Jianhe scrolled down and then looked up. "But he has already signed with VIA."

"Aren't I here to discuss it with you?" Meng Da replied. "When his contract with VIA expires at the end of the year, whatever conditions he proposes, I hope you can agree. Such talent is rare; the last person I saw like this was President Nie."

The "President Nie" he referred to was Nie Fengjun, Qin Jianhe's mother.

Qin Jianhe remained silent, but images of that person's joyful voice when they learned about meeting Zhang Wenyuan flashed through his mind.

For his career, he might have more idealistic plans, and Meng Da's enthusiasm might ultimately be misplaced.

Thinking of misplaced enthusiasm, he recalled asking Tao Ruoqing about "the butler's grandson" and Qi Xin in the car yesterday.

"We'll talk about it later," he said coolly, returning the tablet to Meng Da. "But his designs are indeed exquisite, elegant, and innovative. He uses various elements effortlessly, often creating masterpieces..."

He paused. "The Design Department should hold a meeting to analyze his design process and learn from it."

*

All afternoon, Ye Zhiqiu was swamped with work.

Fortunately, Sun Wei was almost willing to accept any conditions for the collaboration with Meilan.

Meilan was a well-established domestic fashion brand. Although its positioning was not as high as Q.L, its style and quality were top-notch, and its influence was significant.

Ye Zhiqiu's senior, Luo Wangzhou, was currently Meilan's design director.

His position was far more prestigious than Jiang Nan's.

Similarly, the brands under Jiang's family were no match for Meilan in the fashion industry.

Collaborating with Meilan was a dream come true, even during VIA’s prime.

The two brands were worlds apart in terms of positioning, reputation, and scale.

Knowing that Meilan valued Ye Zhiqiu's designs, Sun Wei was immensely grateful.

"Sun Sister, don't thank me yet," Ye Zhiqiu said, rubbing his temples. "You must have noticed that Jiang Nan has always been hostile towards me."

"Is it related to Mr. Qi?" Sun Wei asked.

Ye Zhiqiu neither confirmed nor denied it, just smiled. "Sort of, because of a man."

He said "because of a man" with a hint of disdain.

"So, from the beginning when Jin Qi approached VIA for collaboration, I was cautious. But this was an opportunity for VIA, and I couldn't let my suspicions prevent you from taking it," Ye Zhiqiu continued. "That's why I asked my teacher to contact my senior. Fortunately, he was helpful, leading to this collaboration."

They both understood.

Once VIA partnered with Meilan, Jiang Nan's attempts to sabotage would be meaningless.

Still, Sun Wei was immensely grateful.

In the past, due to her lack of management skills, she lost many talented designers. Now, she cherished talent more than ever.

"Xiao Ye," Sun Wei said, somewhat moved. "How can someone your age be so thorough?"

"Isn't it because I'm cautious?" Ye Zhiqiu laughed. "I've always been grateful to VIA for the opportunity they gave me. I wouldn't want my personal issues to affect the company."

"Don't make it sound like you chose VIA because no one else wanted you," Sun Wei chuckled. "I know many companies, both domestic and international, wanted you, and most of them were better than VIA."

"But," Sun Wei smiled again. "I also know VIA can't keep you forever. No matter where you go in the future, I believe your name will become renowned."

Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

Even he hadn't thought about such possibilities, and he wasn't sure.

In his previous life, he never got the chance to showcase all his talents before it ended abruptly.

"Thank you," he said after a long silence.

The phone rang, and Ye Zhiqiu checked the time, realizing it was long past working hours.

It was Qin Jianhe coming to pick him up.

As Ye Zhiqiu descended the stairs and reached Qin Jianhe's car, he remembered something and removed the clip from his hair, bending over to fix it using the rearview mirror.

His hair had grown a bit long, and when he bowed his head, it tended to obscure his eyes. He casually borrowed a clip from a colleague and pinned it on top of his hair, completely forgetting about it by the time he came down.

"You really don't have any reservations in front of me," Qin Jianhe remarked indifferently as Ye Zhiqiu fixed his hair and got into the car.

One hand loosely resting on the steering wheel, his gaze swept over Ye Zhiqiu's injured cheek.

Perhaps because he was going to meet his teacher, the young man dressed rather neatly.

A casual suit made him look even younger.

But dressing neatly didn't help; at this age, a face with such injuries always made people think of the word "rebellious."

"I don't have any reservations in front of anyone," Ye Zhiqiu said, "except for Teacher Zhang Wenyuan."

"Tsk." Qin Jianhe leaned slightly forward, lifting his hand to pinch Ye Zhiqiu's chin, turning his injured cheek toward himself.

"Who did this to you?" he asked, his brow slightly furrowed.

"First my brother, then my father," Ye Zhiqiu's lips, like petals, moved slightly, his speech muffled by the grip on his chin.

"You're that unpopular at home?" Qin Jianhe looked down at him, his gaze unconsciously moving to the small mole on his nose and then to his cherry-red lips.

"Why did they hit you?" he asked.

At these words, Ye Zhiqiu slapped away the hand pinching his chin, visibly puffing out his cheeks.

Then he raised his hand to cover his injured cheek, speaking in a muffled voice, "Because I'm not popular, didn't you just say so?"

Qin Jianhe looked down at him, a faint and light smile slowly appearing in his eyes.

"Don't be angry," he said, his voice slightly deep.

Using that voice that made Ye Zhiqiu's ears tingle, he called him, "Teacher Ye."