Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Since the beginning of the year, Baiyou had been running around for auditions.

After finishing a minor guest role recently, he finally landed a decent production.

This morning, Baiyou finally received confirmation from the production team that he had secured his first supporting male lead role since his debut.

Baiyou's constitution was very special. Although he debuted at seventeen or eighteen with a face as beautiful as a celestial being, by the age of twenty-five, he hadn't even touched a third male lead role.

He wasn't doing as well as Ye Zhixia.

Moreover, it seemed like there might be some kind of energy clash. From childhood to adulthood, Ye Zhiqiu's friends never liked Ye Zhixia, and Ye Zhixia's friends often mocked Ye Zhiqiu.

Although they grew up in the same family, appearing harmonious on the surface, their circles were entirely different.

Thus, over the years, Baiyou had always been overshadowed by Ye Zhixia. Whenever they met on set, Ye Zhixia never missed an opportunity to mock him.

It once infuriated Jin Baobao so much that he wished he could fight Ye Zhixia right there.

So this time, getting a supporting male lead role was a big deal, and Jin Baobao was more excited than Baiyou himself.

When Ye Zhiqiu arrived, Jin Baobao was praising Baiyou to the skies.

But because Jin Baobao usually embellished even small extras roles, Li Shaojun, who had heard these stories for years, remained expressionless.

Tang Yue, however, listened with great interest.

Seeing a new listener enter, Jin Baobao's eyes immediately lit up.

"Xiao Qiu..." he began enthusiastically.

"And let me tell you," Jin Baobao asked dramatically, "do you know who the leading male actor is?"

At this point, he paused dramatically, his big eyes sparkling as he stared at everyone present.

Li Shaojun had just added two dishes Ye Zhiqiu loved and looked up amusedly, "Is it your Qingyan?"

"Exactly," Jin Baobao clapped his hands, "it's my Qingyan."

He clasped his hands to his face, "My Youyou's luck has finally turned; he's going to be famous."

Ye Zhiqiu laughed, remembering something.

A few days ago, Zhao Keqi suddenly told him that his father had recently invested in a new film and was in talks with Meng Qingyan.

At the time, Ye Zhiqiu was busy and only asked what type of film it was.

Zhao Keqi said it was a modern gay romance movie.

The reason he specifically called was that the original costume designer had fallen ill, but his father didn't approve of any other designers.

In the end, the production decided to find a younger designer to work alongside the existing one.

The main cast hadn't been finalized, and the shooting date wasn't certain. Ye Zhiqiu still had fashion shows...

So they agreed that after Fashion Week, Zhao Keqi would take him for an interview with the production team.

He wondered if this was the same production Zhao Keqi mentioned before.

"But even if Meng Dashao is the lead, it doesn't guarantee success for your Baiyou," Li Shaojun said. "Baiyou's luck is a bit mystical."

Hearing this, Jin Baobao immediately frowned.

"Can't you speak properly, kid?" he said angrily, then turned his head aside, "Pish posh, child's talk, the wind will blow it away. My Youyou will definitely become famous."

Seeing this, Ye Zhiqiu laughed.

"Getting a supporting male lead role already shows progress," he said. "Besides, Meng Qingyan is excellent at choosing scripts; almost every project he does becomes a hit. He also brings investment, and most of his projects involve Meng Jewelry and Q.L. investments. The production quality will definitely be top-notch."

"Hear that?" Jin Baobao raised his chin proudly, "Learn from my treasure."

Then he frowned slightly, "I just heard the costume designer is sick, and they're still looking for a new one. I wonder when filming will start."

"My Youyou is fine," he fretted, "but my Qingyan's schedule is tight."

He clasped his hands to his face, "Both are my darlings. Their collaboration is like my own child. Please don't let it be delayed."

"Pfft." Li Shaojun couldn't help laughing, nearly spitting out water.

"Don't worry, don't worry," he said, serving Jin Baobao food, "eat, brother."

Even Li Shaojun knew how to comfort people, but Tang Yue, who was usually good at it, remained silent, lost in thought.

After a while, he murmured, "Looking for a new costume designer?"

In a production, there's not just a costume designer but also assistants.

Deciding to pursue this direction, he paid extra attention to such news.

But he was still a student, without connections or background, so he couldn't even get an assistant position in regular productions.

Being an assistant may seem like a menial job, but it's often the stepping stone into the industry, a necessary path to higher positions.

Therefore, many costume designers give this opportunity to their students or those with relevant connections to build their resumes.

But now, this group has Baiyou.

And he is also the second male lead.

As the second male lead of a group, generally, he still has some say.

Moreover, this group is very different from the ones Baiyou was in before.

In the past, Tang Yue didn't know Baiyou.

Later, after getting to know Ye Zhiqiu and Jin Baobao, he did learn about him, but over the past year, Baiyou had taken on minor roles in three films, two of which never made it to theaters.

Honestly, if it were another group like those, going there wouldn't really matter.

But this one is different.

This one has Meng Qingyan, the youngest double award-winning actor in history, currently one of the top box office draws among domestic film actors.

Based on his previous track record, this film will most likely be a hit too.

If he could leave his name in the credits of a blockbuster, his future path would undoubtedly be much smoother.

Even if things with Gao Wenye don't work out one day, he wouldn't have anything to fear anymore.

"How come?" Ye Zhiqiu suddenly looked at him with a smile, "Does Le Le want to become a stylist in the future?"

"Ah?" Tang Yue snapped back to reality.

Actually, saying he wanted to be a stylist wouldn't be a big deal, but perhaps due to guilt, he instinctively blurted out, "No."

As soon as he said it, he regretted it.

If he said no, then if there's a suitable opportunity in the future, it would be harder to ask Ye Zhiqiu for help.

After all, he is currently at Q.L, and most of Meng Qingyan's films are invested in by Q.L.

Although he is just a small designer, who knows what other opportunities might arise in the future?

Moreover, how would he approach Jin Baobao to ask for Baiyou later?

Tang Yue felt increasingly uncomfortable, almost wishing he could slap himself.

"Being a stylist is indeed quite tough," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, seemingly not noticing his frustration, "but it's also highly challenging. If I had the chance, I'd actually like to try it."

Tang Yue: "..."

"What stylist?" Li Shaojun said, "You look better than the actors; aren't you just going to steal their thunder?"

"I'm more suited for it," Tang Yue quickly seized the opportunity, "after hearing Xiao Qiu talk about it, being a stylist does sound interesting."

While talking, his phone suddenly rang.

Tang Yue glanced down and saw Tao Ruoqing's number.

He didn't answer it, directly pressing reject and then switching his phone to silent mode.

"Why didn't Le Le answer the call?" Jin Baobao, while eating, mumbled, "We're all friends here; no need to be so formal."

It wasn't the first time Tang Yue hadn't answered a call in front of them.

Jin Baobao, being kind-hearted, always assumed it was because of his poor family background, making him cautious around them.

How could he know that Tang Yue had something to hide?

"It's fine," Tang Yue smiled, "just a telemarketing call."

"By the way, Xiao Qiu," he changed the topic, "what kind of house are you looking for?"

"That's right," Li Shaojun added, "we outsiders shouldn't worry about insiders' affairs. Let's focus on our own business first."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu pondered for a moment.

Although Qin Jianhe said he didn't need to look anymore...

From a more rational perspective, he still resisted having too deep a connection with him.

Moreover, since he had already mentioned it in the group, suddenly stopping the search might raise others' curiosity and questions.

Especially Tang Yue.

"Don't tell me you haven't decided yet?" Jin Baobao also chimed in.

"A small two-bedroom apartment of sixty to seventy square meters should be enough," Ye Zhiqiu said, "preferably not too far from our company."

"Got it." Li Shaojun noted it down.

"A larger one-bedroom apartment with a spacious living room would also work," Ye Zhiqiu added.

If the living room is large enough, he could set up an office area there, eliminating the need for a two-bedroom apartment.

"Just clean and tidy," he added after thinking for a moment.

"Understood," Li Shaojun said, "focus on your work; we'll handle this small matter."

"I'm from out of town, but I can help run errands," Tang Yue offered, "if you need any assistance."

"You do your thing," Li Shaojun said, "without living with Autumn Master for ten or more years, we can't grasp his picky tastes."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

"You're causing indiscriminate damage today?" he laughed.

"Alright, I'll apologize to the brothers," Li Shaojun also laughed. "This meal is on me."

The group chatted and laughed through their meal. Since it was Friday and everyone had the next day off, after finishing their meal, Jin Baobao insisted they go out to play.

"You guys go ahead," Ye Zhiqiu said. "I still have to work overtime."

"Work overtime again?" Hearing this, Jin Baobao's eyes widened in indignation. "Is your boss too heartless? Are they just using you nonstop?"

At that moment, he remembered that the boss of Q.L was Qin Jianhe.

Recalling how Qin Jianhe held Ye Zhiqiu's hand in the Western restaurant, he felt his words might be quite ambiguous.

"Hehe..." Jin Baobao laughed awkwardly.

Ye Zhiqiu could see what he was thinking. He pursed his lips and couldn't help but laugh.

Indeed, his baby had guessed right.

"How about playing games?" Li Shaojun suggested. "Without Brother Qiu, nothing else would be as fun."

"Sure." Jin Baobao immediately raised his hand. "Didn't you just buy a new gaming console? Let's go to your place."

"I won't join you," Tang Yue smiled, thinking about the call from Tao Ruoqing. "I'm not good at games, and I have a lot of homework for the weekend. I'll head back to school."

"Let's go together," Li Shaojun said, calling a driver. "I'll drop you off at your school gate."

They all went down the elevator together, and Li Shaojun reminded Ye Zhiqiu, "Don't forget you drank earlier. If you need to drive tonight, remember to call a driver."

"Got it," Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "I'll be working through the night, so I won't go out. Don't worry."

When the elevator reached the first floor, Ye Zhiqiu stepped out first, while the other three continued down to the underground parking lot.

Ye Zhiqiu waved goodbye to them, watching the elevator doors close before turning around.

However, instead of leaving, he turned and got into another elevator heading to the third floor of the mall.

Last time, he was in a rush and didn't have time to prepare anything. This time, he wanted to buy some essentials for Qin Jianhe's house.

The elevator dinged as it arrived on the third floor, and the doors opened.

Ye Zhiqiu squeezed through the crowd and was about to walk forward when someone called out, "Sis... Xiao Ye?"

He paused and looked over, recognizing Zhou Hao.

"Big Brother Zhou," Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "What brings you here?"

Zhou Hao was Qi Xin's friend and owned a medium-sized fabric factory.

In his previous life, during Qi Xin's early entrepreneurial days, Zhou Hao provided him with significant support, showing great loyalty.

He was entirely different from Qi Xin's other friend, Wang Qun.

Wang Qun was Qi Xin and Jiang Nan's schoolmate. In his previous life, even after he and Qi Xin were married, Wang Qun openly supported Jiang Nan.

He tried to create opportunities for them, belittling Ye Zhiqiu...

It wasn't until later that Ye Zhiqiu realized that Wang Qun had secretly been in love with him.

That was the first time Ye Zhiqiu understood that some people's affection could be so malicious.

But Zhou Hao was different; he always treated Ye Zhiqiu with respect.

He even got into a fight with Qi Xin over his excessive behavior, defending Ye Zhiqiu.

He repeatedly urged Qi Xin to mend his ways, cherish the person in front of him, and live a better life...

Unfortunately, he didn't know about Qi Xin's collusion with Tao Ruoqing.

Naturally, he didn't realize that no matter how much effort Ye Zhiqiu put in, it meant nothing to Qi Xin.

But Ye Zhiqiu appreciated Zhou Hao's kindness.

He was the only one who treated Ye Zhiqiu normally in the small, dark space of his previous life.

That was enough.

"There are a few small brands nearby," Zhou Hao smiled, leading Ye Zhiqiu to a quiet corner of the mall. "I came to visit them today. Just finished lunch with a client and was heading back."

"Have you eaten?" he asked Ye Zhiqiu. "If not, let me treat you."

"I've eaten," Ye Zhiqiu smiled at him.

"I heard you started working at Q.L?" Zhou Hao asked.

"Yes," Ye Zhiqiu nodded. "It happened recently."

"Amazing," Zhou Hao marveled. "No wonder Qi Xin speaks so highly of you whenever he mentions you."

Ye Zhiqiu didn't want Qi Xin to keep in touch with Zhou Hao and Wang Qun, but he knew Qi Xin might reduce contact but wouldn't completely cut ties.

After all, Wang Qun was one thing.

But Zhou Hao's fabric supply terms, ranging from one to five months, significantly alleviated Qi Xin's financial pressure during his startup phase.

Qi Xin couldn't afford to lose such a friend.

Hearing Zhou Hao mention Qi Xin, Ye Zhiqiu pursed his lips and lowered his eyes, smiling slightly. "Is that so?"

"Of course." Zhou Hao laughed. "Meeting you is that kid's good fortune."

Ye Zhiqiu had recently been looking at the online store Qi Xin used. The few clothing designs he had created were selling very well.

Most likely, the fabrics used also came from Zhou Hao's factory.

"Your Q.L..."

The factories Q.L cooperated with were all major domestic and international manufacturers. Zhou Hao had never dared to dream of connecting with Q.L before.

But now that Ye Zhiqiu had joined Q.L, he couldn't help but speak up.

However, halfway through his sentence, he paused.

Suddenly remembering the time before the New Year when he invited Qi Xin and Ye Zhiqiu to gather, and Qi Xin refused, saying Ye Zhiqiu was a bit tired and didn't want to meet up that day.

"What's wrong?" Seeing him stop, Ye Zhiqiu looked up with a smile.

"Nothing." Zhou Hao shook his head with a smile, but seeing how friendly and close Ye Zhiqiu was to him, he couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"It's been a while since we last gathered. How about we meet up when you're free?" He said with a smile. "After all, in a sense, we're in the same industry. Our small factory would love to hear news from your big company."

"Yes," Ye Zhiqiu tilted his head, smiling innocently. "The last time we met was probably before the New Year."

Zhou Hao was slightly taken aback, not expecting Ye Zhiqiu to bring it up himself.

They had thought Ye Zhiqiu didn't want to meet because he looked down on them.

But if that were true, he wouldn't be acting this way now.

"Qi Xin said you had something going on that day," Zhou Hao said. "So everyone thought about meeting after the New Year, but then everyone got busy again, and it didn't happen."

"Qi Xin said I had something and couldn't meet?" Ye Zhiqiu widened his eyes in confusion. "It was clearly him..."

He stopped mid-sentence, pursing his lips slightly and frowning.

But without a doubt, Zhou Hao could tell from his expression that the one who didn't want to meet with old friends that day was not Ye Zhiqiu, but Qi Xin.

Whether Qi Xin didn't want to meet or wanted more alone time with Ye Zhiqiu...

Friends should be honest with each other. Pushing the blame onto Ye Zhiqiu was too unscrupulous.

Or perhaps Qi Xin felt that having friends like them would lower his status?

Zhou Hao's slightly warm heart suddenly felt cold and heavy.

But he didn't say anything, still smiling. "It's no big deal; we can meet another time."

"Sure, Brother Zhou," Ye Zhiqiu nodded. "You should go back. I need to buy some things at the mall and then go back to work overtime."

"Is the workload at Q.L. that heavy?" Zhou Hao instinctively checked his watch. "It's already this late."

Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "We have an exhibition abroad on Monday, so these two days are busier than usual."

"Oh, Xiao Ye," Zhou Hao was a bit surprised.

At Ye Zhiqiu's age, he had only been studying fashion for a little over a year.

Winning a major award and joining Q.L had already amazed him.

He hadn't expected that among the talented people at Q.L, Ye Zhiqiu would still manage to secure a spot at the fashion week.

"Go ahead and get to work," he said. "If I had known you had work, I shouldn't have kept you talking for so long."

"No," Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "When I come back, I'll treat Brother Zhou to dinner."

The more he talked with Ye Zhiqiu, the more Zhou Hao liked him.

The young man was talented and naturally pure, with no airs whatsoever.

It was his supposed good friend whose thoughts about him were unclear.

The elevator door opened, and they parted ways. Watching Zhou Hao enter the elevator, Ye Zhiqiu turned around.

His smile faded, and his eyes turned cold and gray.

Having selected what he needed, Ye Zhiqiu went to the counter to pay.

Lubricant, condoms, sex toys...

He calmly packed everything into his backpack and left with the bag.

Descending to the first floor, he coincidentally found his ride-hailing car arriving. Ye Zhiqiu checked his watch; it was already past ten o'clock.

Qin Jianhe hadn't rushed him.

At the same time, Tang Yue had just arrived at the school gate.

It was cold at night, and there were few people walking around the campus.

He didn't head straight to his dormitory but walked towards the lake instead.

As he walked, he dialed Tao Ruoqing's number.

"Mrs. Ye," he apologized first. "I was having dinner with Xiao Qiu and couldn't answer your call."

"No problem." Tao Ruoqing said, then asked, "He's moving out, you know that, right?"

"Mm." Tang Yue responded.

"As soon as he leaves, I'll be in a very difficult position," Tao Ruoqing said. "He has always been kind to you, sympathizes with you, and cares for you. Ask him if you can share an apartment with him; I’ll cover the rent for you."

"Otherwise," Tao Ruoqing continued, "if he becomes a kite cut loose, it will be hard to control him."

Tang Yue: "..."

Just now, he hadn’t even mentioned it, but now suddenly suggesting cohabitation would need a reasonable explanation or it wouldn’t make sense.

After a moment of silence, he said, "I'll think of something."

"This is very important for us," Tao Ruoqing said. "Otherwise, we won't be able to clearly understand what he thinks or does, and we won’t be able to guide him 'correctly' anymore."

"Alright, I understand." Tang Yue hung up the call, his brows tightly furrowed.

*

The car continued on its way, and the porridge shop from that day was already in sight.

Ye Zhiqiu took out his phone and called Qin Jianhe.

"We're almost there," he said.

"I'll come pick you up," Qin Jianhe replied.

"Okay." Ye Zhiqiu agreed.

No more than two or three minutes after hanging up, the car arrived at the destination. Ye Zhiqiu bowed his head to pay the driver.

When he looked up again, he saw a tall figure bending slightly by the car window.

It was Qin Jianhe.

To get to the entrance from Qin Jianhe’s place would take more than just a couple of minutes—going downstairs and out to the gate was impossible in such a short time.

So his presence now could only mean one thing.

He had been waiting outside for him.

Ye Zhiqiu got out of the car and instinctively reached out to hold Qin Jianhe’s hand.

Sure enough, his usually warm hand was slightly cold.

Up close, he could smell the faint scent of tobacco mixed with the woody undertones of perfume, creating a unique warmth in the cold wind.

"How long have you been waiting outside?" he asked.

"Not long," Qin Jianhe said, returning the grip on his hand. "Come over during the day sometime to register your information, and then you can come and go freely."

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t say anything, letting himself be led into the residential area by the hand.

They walked hand in hand under the stars, both silent for a while.

Until they reached the building where Qin Jianhe lived, a low laugh came from above.

"I was studying," he said, "and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I came down to wait for you and cool off in the cold wind."

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t quite understand.

If studying was too much, shouldn’t he just rest? Why blow in the cold wind?

But he deliberately twisted the words: "Did you come down to wait for me and cool off in the cold wind, or did you come down to cool off in the cold wind and wait for me as an aside?"

As soon as he said this, he realized how absurd it sounded.

On such a cold day, who would come out to blow in the cold wind?

He pursed his lips and glanced sideways at Qin Jianhe, unable to hold back a smile.

Qin Jianhe was also looking at him, seemingly knowing what he was thinking, and the smile in his eyes deepened.

They entered the elevator and went upstairs. Qin Jianhe pushed open the door.

The room was brightly lit. Ye Zhiqiu was about to reach for the things he bought from the mall.

But unexpectedly, his gaze met the large blank wall opposite the sofa, where a projected image was displayed...

Clearly, before he arrived, Qin Jianhe had been watching a movie.

So that was what he meant by "studying."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

Ye Zhiqiu: "Indeed, you were blowing in the cold wind to pick me up, right?"

Qin Jianhe held his hand and pulled him onto the sofa, embracing him.

"I wanted you to feel comfortable," he said.

Instinctively, Ye Zhiqiu blinked.

Although Qin Jianhe indeed lacked technique...

There was no denying that his physical strength and firmness made up for it, making him irresistible.

Technique was just icing on the cake.

He had indeed enjoyed it.

Even all the suppressed emotions in his heart seemed to be washed away by the rain, and with a night of frenzy, they could all be temporarily dissipated.

He is not feeling unwell.

But he did not speak, only rolling his eyes.

"Qin Jianhe," he said, "you must have seen these before, haven't you?"

Qin Jianhe was silent for a good while, and only after a moment did he respond in a deep voice.

"Hmm," he said, "not interested."

Ye Zhiqiu: “……”

Unable to contain himself any longer, Ye Zhiqiu burst into wild laughter.

In the very next moment, he was embraced by Qin Jianhe.

"Just observing won't do the trick," his voice was slightly deep, tickling Ye Zhiqiu's ear with a certain matter-of-factness, "Come on, let's get practical."