Chapter 27

Chapter 27

They were standing a bit too close.

Ye Zhiqiu could smell the faint scent of perfume emanating from Qin Jianhe.

It was an extremely light woody base note, lingering and intermittent, providing warmth on this cold winter night.

Ye Zhiqiu took a step back, subconsciously raising his hand to touch his ear.

Under his jet-black hair, his small earlobe was smooth and delicate, with beautiful lines.

"Actually, I'm not angry," Ye Zhiqiu said, lowering his head to fasten his seatbelt. "Mr. Qin, you really don't need to placate me."

As he spoke, he suddenly smiled, turning his gaze sideways toward Qin Jianhe, his tone filled with teasing surprise. "I didn’t expect Mr. Qin to know how to comfort people?"

"Hmm." Qin Jianhe raised his hand, smoothing out a few strands of hair that had lifted at the back of Ye Zhiqiu's neck, gently pressing them down.

"But this is all I can do," he said. "For the rest, I'll have to rely on Teacher Ye."

Ye Zhiqiu chuckled softly.

That day, he had just been joking around.

Honestly, how could someone like Qin Jianhe ever have romantic troubles?

If he wanted, countless people would flock to him.

He only needed to lie back and relax.

This person was just being mischievous, playing with him.

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t point it out; instead, he unlocked his phone. "Alright, but it depends on your performance."

"What kind of performance would be considered satisfactory for Teacher Ye?" Qin Jianhe asked.

"At least don't deliberately provoke me like you did just now," Ye Zhiqiu said.

"Weren't you just saying you weren't angry?" Qin Jianhe laughed. "Should I try comforting you more?"

"No," Ye Zhiqiu laughed as he swiped through his phone. "But honestly, I’m not angry. After all, you didn’t say anything wrong. I am indeed unwelcome at home."

His tone was calm and indifferent, causing Qin Jianhe to glance at him.

Ye Zhiqiu started typing on his phone, his expression serene and detached.

"In that case, we're somewhat alike," Qin Jianhe said, starting the car.

"When my father hit me," Ye Zhiqiu turned off his phone and looked at Qin Jianhe, "I did think about your father in the hospital."

"However, you and I are still different," he continued. "At least you have your mother and grandfather; at least there are people who love you by your side."

Although their families aren’t harmonious, there is a fundamental difference between Qin Jianhe and him.

After his parents divorced, Qin Jianhe chose to live with his mother, so technically, he grew up in his grandfather’s house.

So even if the familial bond between him and Qin Xusheng is thin, and even if Qin Xusheng favors his younger son, or if his stepmother and half-brother see him as a thorn in their side...

It doesn’t affect the fact that his grandfather and mother love him.

At least, he can grow up under their normal upbringing.

Unlike him.

From infancy, when he was still a blank slate, Ye Hongxian handed him over to Tao Ruoqing.

Thus, his worldview, his thoughts, and the first seeds planted in his mind all came from Tao Ruoqing.

Every stroke on this blank canvas was drawn by Tao Ruoqing herself.

Tao Ruoqing selectively shielded certain information, leading him to walk down a path of no return since he first learned to walk.

He ran wildly down this path, while the person he trusted most always encouraged him gently, telling him it was right and urging him to run faster...

He never had a chance to break free from the deliberately set mental shackles that had been deeply ingrained since infancy.

Like a puppet, he followed others' commands, living a ridiculous and tragic life.

Ye Zhiqiu wasn’t stupid; in fact, he was smarter than most.

Yet, it still took him ten years of hardship in his previous life to finally achieve this rebirth.

Therefore, today, at this moment, he has the opportunity to sit in Qin Jianhe’s car and talk like this.

"What about you?" The car fell silent for a moment before Qin Jianhe asked, "Is there no one who loves you?"

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

"It’s okay," Qin Jianhe, being incredibly perceptive, spoke gently despite his calm tone. "Even if no one loves you now, someday, you will meet someone who loves you very much."

A faint woody fragrance floated in the air.

The base note of the perfume was light, non-aggressive, yet irresistibly comforting.

The air was quiet for a moment, with only the flickering streetlights and occasional navigation prompts breaking the silence.

"Have you met Teacher Zhang?" Ye Zhiqiu asked.

"Yes, I saw him more often when I was younger," Qin Jianhe replied. "After starting work, both of us got busy, so we see each other less. But my mother still meets up with him once a year."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu's eyes involuntarily brightened.

He sincerely exclaimed, "I truly envy you."

"What do you envy me for?" Qin Jianhe asked.

"To witness the friendship of two fashion titans," Ye Zhiqiu said. "And one of them is your mother."

At this point, he seemed to suddenly remember something and smiled slightly.

"Do you know?" he said, unusually talkative tonight, "My mother studied fashion too back then. When I was just born, the baby clothes and bibs I wore were all made by her."

"Is that why you chose this field?" Qin Jianhe asked subtly.

Ye Zhiqiu shook his head and did not continue on this topic.

"Sometimes I can't help but think," Ye Zhiqiu still smiled, "If my mother hadn't gotten married right after graduation and instead entered her favorite industry to shine, would she have had the chance to become as well-known a designer as President Nie?"

To live without having to look at anyone else's face, with her own independent world and confidence...

Would everything have been different?

He would have had his mother's guidance and companionship, living an ordinary life.

But it would have been very happy.

"It would," Qin Jianhe said, "But your talent is so outstanding, I believe her regret must have been long fulfilled."

Ye Zhiqiu didn't say anything more and turned his head to look outside.

The lights along the way flickered on and off, casting shadows on his injured cheek, like a careless stroke of a painter's brush leaving behind a chaotic and obscure sketch.

His lips curved slightly, but a faint hint of moisture could be seen in the shadowed corners of his eyes.

Qin Jianhe's words, whether for him or for Lan Hua...

Were probably the most comforting they had heard in years.

Ye Zhiqiu never blamed himself much for Lan Yue's death.

Because he knew deep down that at that time, he was just an infant, unable to do or influence anything.

But that didn't stop him from occasionally wondering, if...

If he had never been born, would Lan Yue have had a completely different life and outcome?

That was a hypothetical regret, impossible to make up for since it never truly existed.

But at this moment, he suddenly felt that it no longer mattered.

Perhaps, as Qin Jianhe said, Lan Yue never felt any regret; the regret was always his own.

The car continued on its journey until it arrived at a new residential area near the art school, stopping in front of the middle high-rise building.

"We're here," Qin Jianhe said, unbuckling his seatbelt.

He got out to retrieve the gifts for Zhang Wenyuan and his wife from the trunk, while Ye Zhiqiu quickly tidied himself up and picked up the gift box beside his feet before getting out.

"Don't be nervous," Qin Jianhe glanced at Ye Zhiqiu as they entered the elevator, "Professor Zhang and his wife are very easygoing."

"Okay," Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

The art school wasn't far from the Fashion Institute, and this residential area was situated between the two schools.

"Is this neighborhood newly built?" Ye Zhiqiu thought for a moment, "I think I saw it once when passing by with Shaojun."

"Yes," Qin Jianhe nodded, "Professor Zhang and his wife gave their old house to their daughter and bought a small apartment here for retirement."

Ye Zhiqiu nodded without saying anything.

The elevator stopped on the seventh floor, and Qin Jianhe led the way to Room 701, pressing the doorbell.

The door opened quickly, revealing Zhang Wenyuan himself.

"Xiao Yu is here," he smiled.

Though already in his sixties, Zhang Wenyuan still stood tall and straight, like a slender bamboo shoot.

"Your Aunt Wen has been mentioning you several times. If you hadn't come, she would have forced me to call and urge you."

Hearing this, Qin Jianhe smiled faintly and looked at Ye Zhiqiu.

"Uncle Zhang," he pulled Ye Zhiqiu closer, "This is Xiao Ye, Ye Zhiqiu, whom my mother mentioned before."

"Come in, come in," Zhang Wenyuan had a scholarly demeanor, similar to Lan Hua. Seeing him, Ye Zhiqiu's slight nervousness immediately dissipated.

"Hello, Professor Zhang," he smiled, his eyes crinkling.

"Old Zhang, is Xiao Yu here?" A gentle female voice came from inside the room.

"Aunt Wen, it's me," Qin Jianhe held Ye Zhiqiu's wrist and led him into the house with Zhang Wenyuan.

"Sit down, sit down," Wen Yuan first greeted Qin Jianhe, then smiled at Ye Zhiqiu, "How did the child hurt his face? Did you apply medicine?"

"I applied ice and red flower oil yesterday," Ye Zhiqiu replied obediently.

Wen Yuan went inside and soon returned with a first-aid kit.

"Yesterday is yesterday, but today you need to apply it again," she said gently, "Otherwise, how will it heal? Such a handsome child, it would be a pity if there's a scar on his face."

"Let me do it, Auntie." Qin Jianhe got up and took the medicine box.

"Auntie will be done with two more dishes. You and Old Zhang can chat first." Wen Yuan headed to the kitchen but not without reminding, "Xiao Yu, be gentle when you apply the ointment so he doesn’t feel pain."

"Okay." Qin Jianhe responded.

"Apply the ointment first," Zhang Wenyuan added, "I’ll go to the study and fetch some introductory books."

With the couple leaving, the living room was left with only Qin Jianhe and Ye Zhiqiu.

Qin Jianhe opened the medicine box and took out a small medicine container, unscrewing it.

"Mr. Qin," Ye Zhiqiu whispered softly, his eyes bright, "Do you think Teacher Zhang is satisfied with me? When he said he would fetch introductory books, could it be that he wants to give them to me?"

"Haven’t even spoken a few words yet. Is he satisfied with the injury on your face?" Qin Jianhe didn’t even look up as he took a cotton swab and dipped it into the ointment.

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

"Do you talk like this?" Ye Zhiqiu protested.

"It’s also possible that he feels bad about rejecting you outright," Qin Jianhe added, "so he’s just finding some old books to give as a gesture."

He didn’t let Ye Zhiqiu speak further, then lifted his hand to pinch his chin, lowering his gaze to carefully apply the ointment to his face.

Qin Jianhe had long eyelashes, dark and thick, which, when lowered, concealed the emotions in his eyes, leaving only a straight line at the corners of his lips.

Unable to speak, Ye Zhiqiu angrily pushed him on the chest.

In the next moment, the tightly pressed corner of Qin Jianhe’s mouth subtly lifted.

"Done." Qin Jianhe finished applying the ointment, recapped the ointment, and put it back in the medicine box before looking up and asking, "Does it hurt?"

Ye Zhiqiu shook his head.

Qin Jianhe’s technique was very gentle, like a feather brushing over, indeed causing no pain.

The study door opened again, and Zhang Wenyuan came out carrying several books.

He handed the books to Ye Zhiqiu: "Read these books first. If you’re still interested after finishing them, we can discuss further."

Ye Zhiqiu nodded and held the books close to examine them.

One book was titled *Basics of Handmade Leather Art*, another *Basics of Handmade Leather Carving*, and there was also *Complete Book of Leather Art Techniques* and an entire set of *Leather Craft*.

Among them, Ye Zhiqiu had already read *Basics of Handmade Leather Art* and *Complete Book of Leather Art Techniques*, but he didn’t mention it, only smilingly putting all the books into his backpack.

"Thank you, Teacher." He smiled obediently.

"I know your performance in your major courses is excellent," Zhang Wenyuan said, "but why do you suddenly want to learn leather art?"

"Because I like it," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, his expression serious, "Teacher Zhang, my interest and love for design aren’t limited to clothing. Learning leather art isn’t a whim."

"I’m serious," he said.

"Qin Yu," Zhang Wenyuan laughed, "the kid you brought along has quite a big mouth."

"He’s not boasting," Qin Jianhe’s eyes held a faint smile, "he genuinely has the ability."

"Uncle Zhang," meeting Zhang Wenyuan’s slightly puzzled gaze, Qin Jianhe chuckled, "his proficiency in fashion might not be far off from my mother’s."

"Oh?" Zhang Wenyuan’s expression turned serious.

Not only him, but even Ye Zhiqiu was extremely surprised.

This was the first time Qin Jianhe had evaluated his professional skills, and he hadn’t expected it to be so high.

He turned his head to look at the person beside him, meeting Qin Jianhe’s smiling eyes.

His dark, imposing eyes were now filled with a determined gentleness.

In that instant, Ye Zhiqiu was certain that he meant every word, truly believing it.

Everyone likes being affirmed and appreciated, and Ye Zhiqiu was no exception. His heart relaxed, feeling inexplicably lighter.

"Your mother also evaluates him this way?" Zhang Wenyuan asked.

That was Nie Fengjun.

The one who built Q.L through her own talent and hard work.

"Yes," Qin Jianhe nodded, "my mother has seen his work."

Hearing this, Zhang Wenyuan pondered for a moment.

"Teacher Zhang, I know you’re worried that I won’t be able to balance my studies," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, saying something shocking, "but actually, I’ve already completed all my college courses through self-study."

"You’re...?"

"I’m a sophomore," Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

Zhang Wenyuan nodded, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

Fashion design courses emphasize practical skills, making them much more complex than those of most other majors.

If a sophomore has already completed all their coursework through self-study...

Then, this child’s self-discipline and strictness with himself are truly remarkable.

"Uncle Zhang," Qin Jianhe pressed on, "please take him in. If it doesn’t work out, you can always kick him out."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu kicked him a few times under the table.

Qin Jianhe remained expressionless, but one of his hands stealthily reached down and gripped his still restless calf.

That hand was very strong, and Ye Zhiqiu immediately couldn't move.

"Looks like you really need some training." Sensing his struggle, Qin Jianhe chuckled softly and whispered close to him.

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

"Even your mother gave such a high evaluation," Zhang Wenyuan, completely unaware of their small actions, pondered for a moment and said with a smile, "If I don't accept it, it would be my loss."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu straightened his posture, his eyes widening in tension as he stared at him without blinking.

That sincerity and enthusiasm were impossible to fake.

"How about this, Xiao Ye," Zhang Wenyuan said, "before the Spring Festival, thoroughly understand the books I gave you today. If you have any questions, come ask me—online or offline, provided you can understand them."

"Okay." Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

"After the Spring Festival, I'll set up a course schedule for you. We'll aim for two classes a week if possible. What do you think?"

"Mm." Suppressing the joy surging in his heart, Ye Zhiqiu obediently nodded, "I'll follow whatever the teacher says."

"Come on," Wen Yuan came out of the kitchen with a bowl of soup, "the serious talk is over; let's eat first."

She specifically looked at Ye Zhiqiu, "This is Xiao Ye's first visit, so don't be shy."

"Thank you, Auntie," Ye Zhiqiu sweetly said.

As soon as he finished speaking, Qin Jianhe kicked him under the table.

"Still calling her Auntie?" he said.

"Teacher's wife," Ye Zhiqiu quickly corrected himself, "thank you, Teacher's wife."

Their back-and-forth amused Zhang Wenyuan and his wife.

"You wouldn't know," Wen Yuan smiled at Ye Zhiqiu, "Xiaoyu has always been cold, this is the first time I've seen him act so childishly."

"Auntie," Qin Jianhe stood up to interrupt her, "let me help you with the bowls."

During the meal, Ye Zhiqiu's phone kept vibrating in his pocket.

But it wasn't until after they finished eating and he and Qin Jianhe left that he unlocked his phone.

The screen was filled with countless messages and missed calls.

From Sun Wei, Luo Wangzhou, other colleagues, Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun, even Qi Xin...

Even without checking the details, Ye Zhiqiu knew that Jin Qi must have already launched an action against VIA.

Sure enough, when he checked Weibo, Jin Qi had bought several trending topics.

"VIA Decline" "Jin Qi Gift Event" "Jin Qi Sold Out"...

Netizens' discussions were also very lively.

The event featuring VIA's new product and Jin Qi's gift giveaway quickly escalated and spread widely.

Some particularly harsh netizens mocked VIA mercilessly.

Ye Zhiqiu hadn't even read a few comments when the phone rang again.

It was Luo Wangzhou.

"Senior Brother," he got into the car, answering the call while fastening his seatbelt, "I just saw the trending topics and Jin Qi's official announcement."

"How could this happen?" Luo Wangzhou asked, his tone slightly displeased but not intense, "Did you foresee this happening, which is why you asked the teacher to contact me?"

"No," Ye Zhiqiu said calmly, "if I knew it was a pitfall, why would I jump in?"

Ye Zhiqiu made a valid point, and Luo Wangzhou fell silent for a moment.

"Right now, my boss's stance is that cooperation is fine, but the terms should lean more in our favor." He sounded a bit frustrated, "Can you convince Sun Wei?"

"That depends on how much it leans," Ye Zhiqiu said nonchalantly, "VIA has indeed been on a downward trend, so this collaboration is crucial for the entire team. I believe Meilan understands this too. As long as the terms are reasonable, I believe VIA can accept them. But if your terms push VIA into a dead end, then I'll withdraw my design drafts."

"It's not that bad," Luo Wangzhou said, "but VIA might end up working for nothing. Meilan wants ninety percent of the profits."

From sixty to ninety...

Ye Zhiqiu laughed softly.

He and Sun Wei had anticipated this outcome.

And this was already their bottom line.

Meilan had hit the mark precisely.

However, Sun Wei had agreed to this.

After all, the clothes could still be sold after the event, and new products could continue to be released. Ye Zhiqiu still had dozens of designs that hadn't been prototyped yet—all potential assets for a comeback.

What VIA needed was the public support from Meilan.

"Alright," he said after a moment.

Luo Wangzhou breathed a sigh of relief, "Tell me, how did this mess happen? Jin Qi is so unscrupulous."

"Um," Ye Zhiqiu said with a smile, "remember to avoid them when looking for future partners, Senior Brother."

"Junior Brother, don’t blame Senior Brother for this," Luo Wangzhou sighed in the end. "I was also helpless."

"I understand," Ye Zhiqiu said. "I’ll treat you to dinner later."

After hanging up, Ye Zhiqiu was about to call Sun Wei.

But Qin Jianhe interrupted him.

"Should I take you home or to the company?" he asked.

Ye Zhiqiu pondered slightly and then made his choice: "Home."

"You must have deceived them, right?" Qin Jianhe said.

"Huh?" Ye Zhiqiu was momentarily confused, not understanding what he meant.

"Jin Qi’s current actions, you actually knew all along," Qin Jianhe said. "Bringing Meilan in was a two-for-one deal; it can both hold VIA back and strike Jin Qi."

"Why?" he asked.

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

Ye Zhiqiu fell silent for a moment. "I have my reasons."

Qin Jianhe laughed softly.

"I don’t see any benefit for you from this," he said. "If it were for VIA, the simplest choice would have been not to cooperate with Jin Qi from the start."

"Not cooperating with Jin Qi means no live stream yesterday," Ye Zhiqiu said calmly. "Meilan might not have agreed to cooperate with VIA."

"So you’re saying your designs aren’t even as good as a live stream?" Qin Jianhe asked.

Ye Zhiqiu lowered his eyes, remaining silent for a moment.

"Ye Zhiqiu," Qin Jianhe’s voice turned cold again. "You shouldn’t look down on yourself like this, nor should you put yourself in such a dangerous situation, making a joke of your career."

"What kind of dangerous situation?" Ye Zhiqiu raised an eyebrow, meeting Qin Jianhe’s gaze coolly.

"Not everyone is smart enough to choose the completely correct path," Qin Jianhe looked at him, his eyes deep. "If Meilan abandons cooperation with VIA due to the negative impact caused by Jin Qi’s misconduct, your reputation in the fashion circle will be heavily disputed, and those who care about you will feel sad for you."

"For example," Ye Zhiqiu laughed softly. "Who cares about me?"

Apart from Jin Baobao, Li Shaojun, and Uncle, no one truly cared about him.

And those few people didn’t understand these things in the fashion circle; they would be appeased with a few words.

As for others, he didn’t care at all.

"For example, Meng Da," Qin Jianhe’s voice softened slightly. "Yesterday during the live stream, he carefully summarized all your designs. After finishing his work in the morning, he didn’t even have lunch but hurried to show them to me."

"So, if my reputation becomes disputed because of this," Ye Zhiqiu curled his lips coldly. "Q.L., Teacher Meng, would naturally abandon me, wouldn’t they?"

The air instantly fell silent.

Every step had been calculated countless times, and there would be no mistakes.

Yet even so, Ye Zhiqiu’s heart gradually grew cold.

"Forget it." Ye Zhiqiu said.

This matter had nothing to do with Qin Jianhe, and he, in fact, didn’t care about Qin Jianhe’s opinion.

He pushed the door to get out but was held by the wrist by Qin Jianhe.

"No," although he had never formally extended an invitation to Ye Zhiqiu, Qin Jianhe spoke firmly.

"Meng Da, Q.L., and I," Qin Jianhe looked at him solemnly. "We won’t abandon you."