Chapter 32

Chapter 32

"Can I dare say no?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled and teased, "After all, you'll soon be my big boss."

He paused, his tone sarcastic, "And a boss who will never go easy on me."

"Still holding a grudge, huh?" Qin Jianhe chuckled, pressing down on the wool cap atop Ye Zhiqiu's head, saying, "We're here."

"A Northern cuisine restaurant?" Ye Zhiqiu looked up at the sign.

"Yes," Qin Jianhe said, "their signature beef stew is quite good, perfect for a winter night."

The private room was on the third floor. After entering, Qin Jianhe asked the waiter for an empty bottle and placed the vibrant rose inside it.

It being Valentine's Day, and with a handsome man holding a rose, the waiter immediately approached tactfully.

"The restaurant offers free scented candles," he said with a smile, "would you like a candlelit dinner?"

"No need, just regular service," Ye Zhiqiu smiled as he took off his coat and sat across from Qin Jianhe, asking, "Do you come here often?"

"Occasionally," Qin Jianhe replied.

"In that case, you choose the dishes," Ye Zhiqiu said.

"Alright," Qin Jianhe didn't refuse, looking down at the menu, "you can add two more later."

The waiter had worked in this restaurant for many years, and his ability to read people was well-honed.

Clearly, these two were a perfect match; one of them held a rose, and both wore genuine smiles...

Though the waiter couldn't describe it, he could tell their smiles came from deep within.

Quiet and warm, they seemed to exist in a peaceful world untouched by the surrounding noise.

Even if it wasn't Valentine's Day, he would have guessed they were a deeply affectionate couple.

But the formal "you"...

made him wonder if he might be mistaken.

Yet, the waiter remained tactful, maintaining a natural and courteous smile without revealing any doubts.

Seeing Qin Jianhe order, he approached with a smile, slightly bending over to ask Ye Zhiqiu, "Would you like something to drink?"

Ye Zhiqiu hadn't driven, so he was relaxed. Hearing this, he looked at Qin Jianhe, "Did Mr. Qin bring a driver today?"

"Yes," Qin Jianhe responded softly, pushing the menu over, "I did."

"Open your best bottle of wine," Ye Zhiqiu smiled warmly.

From the moment they entered, he had decided to treat this meal.

Growing up, he never liked owing others.

Because of owing this person a meal, during the period when they barely communicated, he found himself unable to control his thoughts about it.

Now, he could settle this debt and avoid future distress.

"Do you prefer red or white?" the waiter asked.

Ye Zhiqiu looked at Qin Jianhe, seeking his opinion, "Red?"

"Yes," Qin Jianhe nodded.

"Our best is Screaming Eagle," observing their attire, the waiter thought this price range should be acceptable, but still cautiously confirmed with Ye Zhiqiu, "it costs five digits."

"Yes," Ye Zhiqiu nodded with a smile, "that's fine."

He then looked down at the menu.

Qin Jianhe had already ordered four dishes and a soup, all to his taste, so Ye Zhiqiu didn't add anything and returned the menu to the waiter.

"What's up?" Seeing the waiter leave, Qin Jianhe raised an eyebrow, "Are you treating us?"

"Yes," Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

"Weren't we supposed to have Hunan cuisine?" Qin Jianhe asked.

"You mentioned last time that Hunan cuisine is too spicy for dinner, right?" Ye Zhiqiu explained, "Besides, who knows when we'll get another chance to dine alone together."

Qin Jianhe remained silent, looking at him questioningly.

"Afterward, you'll officially be my superior," Ye Zhiqiu explained, "as a subordinate, it wouldn't be appropriate to treat my boss alone, especially if others see it."

Although reputation meant little to him, and he knew tangible benefits mattered more,

there was no need to give others a reason to talk unnecessarily.

In the design industry, competition is fiercer in larger companies.

Everyone wants to stand out, everyone has capital and personality, and everyone wants the company's best resources.

Every step, from securing scarce materials to showcasing designs at exhibitions and securing sales channels, is an invisible battle.

Conversely, smaller brands fare better in this aspect.

Because everyone was focused on expanding the brand's reputation and influence, they were more likely to unite and work together.

Ye Zhiqiu didn't want to be accused of bribing his superior in the future.

If he could win openly and honestly, there was no need to tarnish his own reputation and drag Qin Jianhe into it.

"Hey, Ye Zhiqiu." Qin Jianhe saw through his thoughts at once and asked with a slight chuckle, his voice deepening, "Is this the only place to eat in all of Beijing?"

Ye Zhiqiu slightly pursed his lips, suppressing a smile, but his eyes still curved involuntarily.

"Fine," Qin Jianhe raised an eyebrow threateningly, "you've already offended your superior now."

As they laughed and joked, a waiter pushed in a cart with their meal.

The moment the steaming dishes hit the table, the private room came alive with activity.

Red wine poured into the decanter, its color vibrant and aroma rich.

Qin Jianhe lowered his eyes as he poured the wine into glasses, pushing one towards Ye Zhiqiu first.

Ye Zhiqiu had just taken a bite of the beef brisket, which melted in his mouth, both fragrant and tender.

"Delicious." He smiled, bending his eyes as he lifted the wine glass for a sip.

"You drink like a child sneaking a taste of adult wine," Qin Jianhe chuckled, pouring his own glass, "how's your alcohol tolerance?"

"It's okay," Ye Zhiqiu said.

He added, "I did sneak some of my dad's wine when I was a kid, but after half a glass, I got drunk and got beaten half to death by him."

"Did your father often beat you?" Qin Jianhe asked.

"Not really," Ye Zhiqiu thought for a moment, "mostly because he wasn't home much, so even if he wanted to, he couldn't."

Qin Jianhe remained silent, understanding clear in his eyes.

Ye Zhiqiu's phone vibrated on the table, and he put down his glass: "Professor Meng."

"Mm," Qin Jianhe nodded, watching Ye Zhiqiu answer the call.

"Professor Meng," Ye Zhiqiu greeted with a smile.

"How did it go, Xiao Ye?" Meng Da had been worried about tonight's interview, "I've been wanting to call, but I was afraid you hadn't finished talking yet."

"It's settled," Ye Zhiqiu said, adding, "don't worry."

"That's great news," Meng Da's excitement was evident even over the phone, "I was worried that our Mr. Qin's cold demeanor would scare you off."

"No," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, glancing at Qin Jianhe, "Mr. Qin is quite nice."

"Xiao Ye," Meng Da sighed, "you're truly a kind-hearted boy."

Worried about the interview, Meng Da had intended to stay in Qin Jianhe's office, but Qin Jianhe's glance had scared him away.

This kid actually said Qin Jianhe was nice.

"A good boy," Meng Da repeated.

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

He lowered his eyes, hiding his smile.

"I'll have HR draft the contract and send it over to you," Meng Da said happily.

"No need for that trouble," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, "we can sign it after I start."

"Alright then," Meng Da agreed cheerfully, relieved that a long-held concern was finally resolved.

"What did he say about me?" Qin Jianhe asked.

"He said you're meticulous in your work," Ye Zhiqiu fibbed, "and that you're a good leader."

Hearing this, Qin Jianhe snorted.

Who would believe that?

While Ye Zhiqiu was on the phone, Qin Jianhe's phone was also buzzing with messages.

Yu Renzhi was calling for a get-together during the New Year.

"Meng Qingyan: I'm free any day this week, anytime."

"Yu Renzhi: @Wang Qitang, @Qin Jianhe, how about you two? I've been shouting in the group chat, can you give me a response?"

"Meng Qingyan: Today is Valentine's Day, do you think everyone else is as single as you?"

"Yu Renzhi: ... I guess being single for too long makes you forget it's Valentine's Day. No wonder some young people at the company were grinning like it was springtime; they must be showing off to someone."

"Wang Qitang: Don't be ridiculous, not having a partner isn't anyone else's fault."

"Yu Renzhi: Yeah, yeah, you have a partner, an arranged marriage."

"Meng Qingyan: Bringing up arranged marriages on Valentine's Day is a bit harsh."

"Wang Qitang: It's fine, only Xiao Yu and Yan Yan don't have to worry about arranged marriages. I'll return the favor later."

"Yu Renzhi: ..."

"Wang Qitang: I'm visiting Aunt Nie tomorrow and need to discuss some business with her. If anyone wants to join, we can go together and grab a drink afterward. @Qin Jianhe, are you coming with us tomorrow?"

"Yu Renzhi: This is his first Valentine's Day since falling in love. He might be getting cozy right now."

"Meng Qingyan: Isn't that a bit early?"

"Yu Renzhi: It’s Valentine's Day. Spending twenty-four hours in bed isn’t that hard to understand."

"..."

The moment Qin Jianhe opened the message, it came straight at him.

He replied without any expression on his face.

"Qin Jianhe: Eating out."

[Yu Renzhi: Send a photo with your sister-in-law to prove you’re really out and not "in."]

"Meng Qingyan: Hah...!"

"Wang Qitang: ..."

A moment later, a new notification popped up in the group chat.

[Group member "Yu Renzhi" has been removed from the group by administrator "Qin Jianhe."]

"Meng Qingyan: Hahaha...!"

"Wang Qitang: Serves him right."

"Qin Jianhe: Tomorrow is fine. I’ll go to my mother’s place after work."

"..."

"Is there official business?" Seeing him operating his phone, Ye Zhiqiu asked.

"No." Qin Jianhe turned off the screen and continued eating.

Considering Ye Zhiqiu’s questionable alcohol tolerance, Qin Jianhe only poured a third of the bottle before having it taken away.

As a result, both of them only had a slight hint of wine on them.

When they stepped out after dinner, tiny snowflakes were drifting down, adding a touch of romance and charm for couples walking hand in hand.

"I'll take you home," Qin Jianhe said, calling his driver.

"Thank you," Ye Zhiqiu said with a smile, lifting his eyes.

The light under the hotel canopy illuminated his face, and once again, Qin Jianhe noticed the tiny red mole on the tip of his nose, a faint crimson that drew his gaze, his attention, and his desire.

For Qin Jianhe, this feeling was quite unfamiliar.

He slowly lowered his eyelids, only to see Ye Zhiqiu’s extended hand.

That hand was equally pale, but the palm was pinkish, and on the side of his ring finger, there was a small, faint crimson mole just like the one on his nose.

He was catching the tiny snowflakes.

In no time, small snowflakes began to mix with the snow particles, swirling down with the wind.

Ordinarily, such weather would be annoying, but on Valentine's Day, it was different.

These tiny snowflakes only added to the romantic atmosphere. No one on the street held umbrellas, but people stood closer together.

Whether it was due to the outside atmosphere, Yu Renzhi’s casual innuendos, or simply because of those two tiny red moles...

Despite the extremely low outdoor temperature, Qin Jianhe felt a strange heat rising within him.

His eyes lowered further, landing on the rose in his palm.

The driver arrived, and the car slowly pulled up to the entrance.

"Let's go," Qin Jianhe said.

The steps were covered in snow, looking slippery under the lights. He held Ye Zhiqiu’s wrist, walking alongside him, leading him to the car.

"Get in," he said.

"Okay." Ye Zhiqiu obediently responded, brushing the snowflakes off his shoulder before bending down to get into the car.

On the way back, the car became unusually quiet, with only the faint scent of the rose lingering in the air.

Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun were complaining about boredom in the group chat, so Ye Zhiqiu took the opportunity to tell them about his confirmed move to Q.L.

Instantly, the group chat lit up with celebratory fireworks.

"Caicaijinbao: Congratulations, my treasure! You will surely make waves in the fashion world and become a master."

"Li Shao: Congratulations, Master Qiu. Now you can get closer to blue-chip stocks and farther from penny stocks."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

What was this even about?

"Yizhiqiu: Thank you everyone, bowing.jpg"

"Caicaijinbao: If my major doesn’t lead to a job, I’ll come work for you."

"Yizhiqiu: Sure, give me some time to build up, and supporting you won’t be a problem."

"Li Shao: That’s great; I don’t have to take over the family business then."

As they were chatting enthusiastically, Tang Yue's message arrived late.

He had returned to his hometown for the New Year and only saw the group message after dinner.

Although he was mentally prepared, his heart still felt a mix of emotions.

Sometimes he thought that if he hadn't met Ye Zhiqiu or become friends with him, things might have been better.

When someone distant becomes a god, one might only feel envy, but when someone close does, it can only breed jealousy and resentment.

Moreover, in the future fashion industry, he would likely always be overshadowed by Ye Zhiqiu's brilliance.

That's why he was considering switching tracks and entering the entertainment industry as a stylist.

With some hype and basic skills in promotion, that circle is much easier than the fashion world, and the money comes faster.

He lowered his eyes and stared at the screen where the letters Q.L appeared for a long time before adjusting his mindset and typing four words on the screen.

"Le Le: Congratulations, Xiao Qiu."

Ye Zhiqiu smiled and released a few celebratory fireworks in the group chat. The fireworks exploded on the screen, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"Yi Ye Zhiqiu: Thanks, Le Le. You should work hard too."

He didn't expect Tang Yue to reply to this, but unexpectedly, his phone vibrated again.

Ye Zhiqiu glanced down and saw a text message from an unknown number.

"Xiao Qiu, can we meet? Gao Wenye."

Since he had blocked Gao Wenye, he had gone fully disguised to their school twice.

Each time, Ye Zhiqiu avoided meeting him, citing not wanting to get involved with someone his brother liked.

This time...

Ye Zhiqiu slightly narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Noticing the unusual silence, Qin Jianhe turned to look at him.

"There's someone who wants to meet me, and I'm unsure whether I should," Ye Zhiqiu said after a moment.

"If you're unsure, then you don't want to," Qin Jianhe said calmly. "Why force yourself?"

Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

It wasn't convenient to explain to Qin Jianhe, so he nodded. "You're right."

The car had already reached near the Ye family residence and turned onto the small road leading to the neighborhood. From a distance, Ye Zhiqiu saw Uncle Wang's car parked outside the filming crew's location.

He remembered that Tao Ruoqing had mentioned that the crew was officially taking a break today.

It must be Ye Zhixia returning.

Without a doubt, Ye Zhixia couldn't stay with Gao Wenye for Valentine's Day, and it was likely that Tao Ruoqing personally went to pick her up from the set in the afternoon.

Ye Zhiqiu looked down at the message from Gao Wenye again and decided to put it aside for now.

The car stopped at the entrance of the Ye family's neighborhood, and Qin Jianhe and Ye Zhiqiu got out together. Then, he retrieved an umbrella from the trunk and handed it to him.

"Mr. Qin, goodbye." Ye Zhiqiu took a few steps back, waved, and couldn't help but smile. "Next time we meet, you'll be my boss."

"Hmm." Qin Jianhe nodded without showing any emotion, watching him enter the neighborhood before getting back into the car.

Ye Zhiqiu walked a few steps and couldn't resist looking back.

Just as he did, he saw the taillights of the black car flash and disappear into the night.

He paused for a moment, then continued walking slowly on the wet ground.

Before reaching the door, he could hear the commotion from the yard.

Ye Zhixia had indeed returned.

At that moment, Tao Ruoqing hadn't even taken off her bag and was holding an umbrella while watching Uncle Wang and Aunt Zhao help Ye Zhixia carry things into the room.

Her face was cold, and Ye Zhixia's expression wasn't much better either.

Ye Zhiqiu pushed the door open and, upon closer inspection, noticed that Ye Zhixia looked more haggard than when she left.

It was clear that her love life had been quite tumultuous.

"How was the interview?" Tao Ruoqing asked, smiling naturally as he entered.

"It went well," Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "Everything went smoothly."

While they were talking, Ye Hongxian also came downstairs.

He was unaware of Ye Zhiqiu's job change and looked over at him upon hearing the conversation.

"Why, did you switch companies?" he asked, frowning slightly. "How long have you been working there? Already jumping ship, how restless..."

"Yes," Ye Zhiqiu interrupted him. "I joined Q.L."

"What?" Ye Hongxian was stunned and took a moment to react. "Where did you say you went?"

"Q.L," Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "The high-end brand under the Qin Group."

"Really?" Ye Hongxian's eyes lit up, and he quickly approached Ye Zhiqiu. "I heard that the eldest son of the Qin family works there, right?"

Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

"Did you see him?" Ye Hongxian asked.

"How could I see him?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "Young Master Qin not only controls the entire Qin Corporation, but his mother has also been the richest person in the country multiple times. Do you think it's that easy to meet him?"

"If you go, there's a chance." Ye Hongxian showed rare concern for Ye Zhiqiu. "If you can connect with Young Master Qin, forget about just you; even our family could rise to new heights."

"I don't know Young Master Qin, but I do know the grandson of their butler," Ye Zhiqiu said with a smile.

With a sneer, Ye Zhixia turned to look at him.

"Dad, do you really think anyone who enters Q.L can connect with Young Master Qin?" he said sarcastically. "Him? With his behavior, do you think people are blind?"

In the past, Ye Zhixia at least pretended to be friendly with him on the surface, but after the incident with Gao Wenye, she couldn't even pretend anymore.

Ye Zhiqiu looked at her with a smile.

Ye Zhixia's outfit today was clearly carefully prepared.

Unfortunately, she didn't end up spending the holiday with her beloved.

The more excited and hopeful she had been while preparing, the more disappointed and frustrated she must feel now.

"Ye Zhixia." Before Ye Zhiqiu could speak, Ye Hongxian called out her name unhappily.

Ye Zhixia pouted but didn't say anything else.

"I'll go inside first." Ye Zhiqiu smiled, put away his umbrella, and stepped into the house.

Looking at his slim and upright back, Ye Zhixia pursed her lips in dissatisfaction.

She had overheard some of Gao Wenye's assistants chatting secretly one day and learned that Gao Wenye had visited the Fashion Institute.

She didn't believe it had nothing to do with Ye Zhiqiu.

No wonder Gao Wenye hadn't been as gentle and proactive with her lately.

Instead, he had been distant, making her unsure whether to advance or retreat.

Retreat? Ye Zhixia thought, that was impossible.

She was the one who fell for Gao Wenye first, and no one else was going to steal him from her.

Ye Zhiqiu could deny it and pretend to be an innocent flower, but she would eventually expose his hidden fox tail.

As Ye Zhiqiu entered the house, he met Uncle Wang coming down the stairs after delivering something to Ye Zhixia's room.

"Uncle Wang," he smiled and stopped. "Everything for the New Year is almost ready. Tomorrow, I'll join you for a few drinks. The day after is New Year's Eve, so we'll need your help staying up late."

"Of course, of course," Uncle Wang smiled. "Young Master, you don't have to be so polite."

"That won't do. You've worked hard all year," Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "What kind of wine does Uncle Wang like? I'll prepare it."

Uncle Wang's job was a driver, so he couldn't drink alcohol throughout the year.

Usually, no one mentioned it, but now that Ye Zhiqiu brought it up during the New Year, his craving for alcohol inevitably resurfaced.

"Just some white wine will do," Uncle Wang smiled. "I won't drink too much."

Ye Zhiqiu nodded with a smile. "Alright, I'll get it ready."

"I'll go back to work, Young Master," Uncle Wang said.

Ye Zhiqiu moved aside and smiled as Uncle Wang went downstairs.

*

On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, the last working day before the Spring Festival at Q.L, Qin Jianhe drove to his mother's residence in the hills after work.

When he arrived, the large courtyard was already filled with luxury cars. Wang Qitang, Yu Renzhi, and Meng Qingyan had already arrived.

The villa in the hills hadn't been this lively in a long time. As soon as he got out of the car, Qin Jianhe smelled the aroma of food.

"Brother Yu is back," Meng Qingyan greeted him first, accompanied by a petite girl.

It was Fu Yuan.

She was the daughter of his mother's current boyfriend, Fu Mingjin, from his previous marriage.

Fu Yuan lived abroad with her mother and was currently pursuing her Ph.D. She had come back specifically for the New Year to visit her father.

Seeing Qin Jianhe get out of the car, Fu Yuan immediately approached him. "Brother."

"Back," Qin Jianhe nodded slightly. "How is Aunt Wang?"

"My mom is doing well, thank you, Brother," Fu Yuan smiled. "Aunt Nie was just talking about you, saying you're a workaholic. Your friends have been waiting for you, and you still came so late."

Hearing this, Qin Jianhe smiled slightly. "That's when she's not being a workaholic herself."

The three of them walked in and saw Nie Fengjun sitting in the living room discussing business with Wang Qitang.

Surprisingly, Yu Renzhi was also sitting there listening attentively.

"Aunt Nie," Wang Qitang said, "you have a lot of experience and a keen eye. What do you think of Yun Kai?"

"I've heard about this company recently. They're said to be very powerful and immediately crushed several small factories specializing in membranes," Nie Fengjun said thoughtfully, holding her water cup. "Although the materials you showed me aren't clear about the specific operations, it's not impossible. In fact, some people in the industry are already considering this new research direction."

"Do you think it's feasible?" Wang Qitang asked.

Nie Fengjun smiled but didn't answer immediately.

"Didn't you conduct a field inspection already?"

"Yes, but precisely because I did the field inspection, I have particular doubts," Wang Qitang said. "Firstly, their current factory is rented, which means they don't own any fixed assets. Secondly, their current manager isn't the true owner of the factory."

"Oh?" Nie Fengjun tilted her head slightly.

"Their mysterious boss seems very secretive; no one knows his real identity," Wang Qitang shrugged. "Considering the factory issue, I suspect they might be trying to get something for nothing."

"Getting something for nothing isn't necessarily bad," Nie Fengjun said. "As long as they have genuine technology or can ensure the feasibility of their proposals, it's fair to consider it as a technical investment."

"So," Wang Qitang asked again, "do you think it's feasible?"

Nie Fengjun nodded.

"In business, you have to take risks that others won't dare to take to have a chance at enviable returns," Nie Fengjun said. "Besides, weren't you and your father planning to shift from traditional engines to new energy?"

"New energy vehicles don't need engines, and their market share will inevitably increase, squeezing out the development of new power," Nie Fengjun analyzed logically, quickly clarifying Wang Qitang's dilemma. "Actually, New Power is doing well now, and Ruiyi hasn't completely abandoned traditional cars in the short term. The demand for engines remains stable, but wouldn't it be better to pursue both tracks simultaneously?"

"I understand, Aunt Nie." Wang Qitang got up and went to edit an email to Yun Kai.

Nie Fengjun also stood up and waved at Qin Jianhe, who had just entered.

"Xiao Yu." She smiled gently. "Who was the boy who sent you flowers yesterday? He was quite handsome."

"What?" Yu Renzhi jumped up. "Are you crazy? You actually didn't send him flowers, money, or jewelry, and instead let Xiao Mei... Xiao Ye send them to you?"

Qin Jianhe ignored him and said to Nie Fengjun, "I'll tell you later."

Then he asked, "Where's Uncle Fu?"

"He's busy in the kitchen," Nie Fengjun smiled. "It's been a while since my place has been this lively. Have dinner before you go out."

"Okay," Qin Jianhe agreed.

"After a day of work, go change into something more comfortable," Nie Fengjun said, noticing that Qin Jianhe's suit was still perfectly presentable except for a slightly loosened tie. "It's the New Year, relax a bit."

Qin Jianhe nodded and silently went upstairs.

The cactus he had raised when he was young was still there, filling a pot on the windowsill of the second-floor living room.

Qin Jianhe changed into casual clothes and then took a water bottle to water the cactus.

"Xiao Yu." Nie Fengjun came upstairs and asked again, "About that boy yesterday..."

"It's a new colleague," Qin Jianhe said.

"I've never seen you so close with anyone before," Nie Fengjun smiled. "Even with Qitang and the others, you've never been as patient as you were with that boy yesterday."

Qin Jianhe paused in watering the cactus and then put the water bottle on the windowsill.

"I'm not sure," he finally said, his voice deep. "I'm not sure what liking someone feels like, and I'm not sure if what I feel for him is just desire."

"How about with others?" Nie Fengjun asked with a smile. "Do you feel the same way towards them?"

After a moment of silence, Qin Jianhe shook his head slightly. "No."

*

Ye Zhiqiu brought two bottles of fine wine and, ignoring Ye Zhixia's disdainful looks, joined Uncle Wang for a few drinks in the back house.

Such good wine cost several months' worth of Uncle Wang's salary, and since he usually refrained from drinking due to driving, he ended up drinking too much.

Uncle Wang was very cautious, and Ye Zhiqiu couldn't find a suitable opportunity to ask questions.

He had excellent self-control and didn't talk nonsense even when drunk.

So Ye Zhiqiu didn't ask anything.

They drank cup after cup until Uncle Wang passed out on the table, thoroughly drunk.

"Uncle Wang," Ye Zhiqiu bent down to help him to bed and carefully tucked him in.

Uncle Wang was deeply asleep, showing no reaction throughout.

Ye Zhiqiu slowly straightened up, looking down at the sealed bag in his hand containing a few strands of hair with follicles, his eyes darkening slightly.