Chapter 55

Chapter 55

The Qin family's old residence wasn't actually that old, but it covered a vast area.

In the capital, such a prime location was among the best.

The car stopped in front of the main gate, and Jiang Baichuan got out to speak respectfully with the guard at the booth.

While waiting for the gate to open, Jiang Nan subconsciously looked at the metal sign hanging at the entrance of the Qin residence.

His mood was terrible, or rather, it was beyond terrible—it was abysmal.

Last night, Ye Zhiqiu's success had made headlines even across the ocean, causing his heart to twist with jealousy, making him feel excruciating pain.

Especially after the grand show, when the photos taken by photographers were released, Ye Zhiqiu once again trended on social media in the early hours of the morning.

If the first time could be attributed to the show itself, the second time was entirely due to Ye Zhiqiu himself.

In those photos, the young man was surrounded by others, with a subtle smile playing around his eyes and brows.

Even so, this still sparked a frenzy among netizens, who called him "husband" and "wife," as if they wanted to elevate him to the heavens.

Jiang Nan scrolled through Weibo and forums all night, barely getting any sleep.

To make matters worse, someone in his friend circle posted a photo of Ye Zhiqiu, which infuriated him so much that he immediately blocked that person.

Jealousy, resentment, and hatred...

All these emotions swirled together until dawn, when he finally managed to close his eyes for a while.

In the morning, despite using concealer under his eyes, his fatigue was still evident.

The sunlight was bright, reflecting off the sign, and the three gilded characters caught Jiang Nan's eye: Aegean Sea.

In the past, whenever he saw this sign, he had only thought it clever how "Qin" and "Qin" (琴, meaning "music") sounded similar.

But now, after a moment of daze, he suddenly realized the origin of Qin Jianhe's nickname, "Qin Yu."

An island rising from the sea, an island born from love...

Though it seemed rather ironic now, discovering the secret behind Qin Jianhe's name still brightened Jiang Nan's listless eyes.

Finally, the gate opened, and Jiang Baichuan returned to the car. The vehicle slowly drove inside.

"I know you don't like the current Mrs. Qin," Jiang Baichuan reminded Jiang Nan again, "but no matter how you feel, you mustn't show it on your face, understand?"

Like father, like son; Wang Xin and his son Qin Weian always had shallow minds, so there was nothing to fear from them.

The main concern was still Qin Xusheng.

After all, Qin Xusheng was Qin Jianhe's father, and if he insisted, Qin Jianhe would have to give some face.

If that didn't work, he might consider seeking help from Nie Fengjun.

Thinking about this, Jiang Baichuan couldn't help but sigh.

The car finally stopped in the open space in front of the main house. Before getting out, Jiang Baichuan asked Jiang Nan one last time, "Are you hiding anything else from me?"

"No," Jiang Nan said.

Saying "no" was somewhat dismissive.

But there were things Jiang Nan himself couldn't figure out.

And if his father knew that the previous actions against VIA were just out of jealousy, he would probably be furious.

In fact, since learning the news, Jiang Nan had been suspecting that this matter might be related to Ye Zhiqiu.

On the surface, the reason for terminating cooperation between the Qin family's brand and the Jiang family was due to Jin Qi's betrayal of VIA.

But such matters can be blown up or down depending on the perspective.

That's why none of the Jiang family's partners had moved yet.

Now, with Qin Jianhe suddenly wanting to terminate this partnership, Jiang Nan couldn't help but suspect that he might be doing it for Ye Zhiqiu.

Yet, he dared not face this idea.

Therefore, even he was uncertain about it.

Since that was the case, there was no need to tell Jiang Baichuan.

"Good," Jiang Baichuan said, straightening his jacket and getting out of the car.

The driver had already retrieved the gifts from the trunk, and the three of them entered the main house of the Qin residence.

Qin Xusheng and Wang Xin were drinking tea in the living room downstairs. The morning sun was bright, and Qin Xusheng was basking in its warmth.

"Big Brother," Jiang Baichuan quickened his pace upon seeing him.

"Old Jiang," Qin Xusheng put down his teacup and waved him over, "you're here."

"Tsk," Jiang Baichuan sighed, instructing the driver to set down the gifts, "I'm troubling you again."

"Uncle Qin, Aunt Wang," Jiang Nan followed his father, bowing his head to greet them.

Wang Xin smiled, "Sit down, why are you standing? Sit down."

Then she turned to Jiang Nan, "Qin Weian is also at home. Do you want to talk to him, Nan?"

"Didn't he go to work?" Jiang Nan asked.

Today seems to be a working day, and Jiang Nan's sluggish brain, dulled by lack of sleep, slowly turned.

"He's about to leave," Wang Xin said. "That kid was watching something last night and didn't sleep until late. That's why he overslept this morning."

It's almost ten o'clock, and he's still going to work soon.

He'll probably just make it in time for the work lunch, right?

Jiang Nan couldn't help but think sarcastically.

"Brother-in-law, he's not here to play today," Jiang Baichuan said upon hearing this.

Qin Weian, that wastrel, he didn't want Jiang Nan to interact with him too much.

"Tell your Uncle Qin and Aunt Wang what trouble you've caused," Jiang Baichuan's tone became stern.

Jiang Nan lowered his head and remained silent.

"It's just a kid; we can teach him gradually," Wang Xin said with a smile, patting the space next to her. "Come, Nan, come sit next to me."

Jiang Nan didn't want to sit with her, but he still moved over.

"Since you're too ashamed to say it yourself," Jiang Baichuan sighed, "I'll have to put on an old face and tell your Uncle Qin."

Jiang Baichuan recounted the incident with a sigh.

"The kid doesn't know any better; he made a mistake and apologized," Wang Xin laughed after listening. "Xiaoyu is being a bit too serious."

"Look how he's suffering," Wang Xin looked at Jiang Nan. "He probably didn't sleep all night, did he?"

"It's my fault," Jiang Baichuan hurriedly said. "It's all because I didn't educate this brat properly. If he could still eat and sleep well despite this, then he truly has no heart or conscience, and I'd have raised him for nothing."

Jiang Nan: ...

He felt resentful.

But thinking about the agreement they had made earlier and seeing his father humbling himself so much to beg for help due to his recklessness, he held back and didn't speak up.

"Brother, you see," Jiang Baichuan said, "can you please show some leniency?"

Qin Xusheng knew that in matters like this, he had long lost his say.

From the very beginning, Qin Jianhe had decided to take Q.L back.

Because Q.L contained his mother's life's work, he wouldn't allow it to fall into someone else's hands.

As for him, the father...

To Qin Jianhe, he might as well not exist.

But he couldn't say that.

In the past, he was high and mighty because Q.L was in his hands.

Now, people still came to him to beg and grovel because he was Qin Jianhe's father.

Therefore, even now, Qin Weian's "Manqing" still had access to many resources.

So, not only could he not say these things, but he also had to do his best to resolve the matter.

Otherwise, if news got out that he had lost control over Q.L, Qin Weian's future would not be as good as it is now.

However, Qin Xusheng had no assurance that he could convince Qin Jianhe.

That man was strong-willed and cold-hearted, and he never listened to anyone.

Thinking of him, Qin Xusheng felt a headache coming on.

After a moment of contemplation, he decided to first draw out the battle line and seek opportunities from Nie Fengjun.

"Old Jiang," Qin Xusheng coughed a few times. "It's not that I won't help you, but Xiaoyu has his reasons for doing this."

Jiang Nan: ...

Thinking that Qin Jianhe's "reasons" might involve Ye Zhiqiu, Jiang Nan subconsciously pursed his lips and clenched his fists.

"Yes, yes, yes." But Jiang Baichuan already agreed hastily.

"Xiaoyu is a very independent and strong-willed child," Qin Xusheng said. "If he hadn't announced it to his subordinates, it would be fine, but since he did, immediately contradicting him might backfire and provoke his rebellious nature."

"Yes, Brother, you're right." Whatever Qin Xusheng said, Jiang Baichuan agreed without hesitation.

"Here's what we can do," Qin Xusheng said. "For the next half year and the following year, you'll need to figure out your own solutions. After all, there are only two major exhibition seasons each year. Then, I'll talk to him about continuing our cooperation."

With those words from Qin Xusheng, Jiang Baichuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Even if other clients were affected during this period, as long as they could resume cooperation with the Qin family later, the initiative would eventually return to them.

Jiang Baichuan could afford to wait.

"Thank you, Brother." Jiang Baichuan thanked him repeatedly. "Over the years, we've really troubled you too much."

"Don't mention it," Qin Xusheng said kindly. "We grew up together, and it hasn't been easy for any of us."

After saying this, he covered his mouth and coughed a few times.

Given Qin Xusheng's poor health, Jiang Baichuan didn't want to disturb him further.

Just as he was about to get up and say goodbye, there came a clattering sound from the stairs.

Qin Weian came down while looking at his phone.

"What are you looking at?" Wang Xin couldn't help but remind him, "Walking like that, be careful not to trip."

"I'm watching Q.L's fashion show, that Ye Zhiqiu..." Qin Weian said, lifting his eyes and noticing the guests for the first time.

"Hey, Brother Nan." Qin Weian grinned mischievously, "I heard my brother isn't working with you guys anymore. How about switching to me?"

Jiang Nan: "..."

Disgusting.

However, Qin Weian mentioning Ye Zhiqiu did remind him.

At this time, Q.L's second show should also be starting soon.

Ye Zhiqiu must be in the spotlight again, right?

Jiang Nan thought numbly, hating his powerlessness to change the situation.

In the past, no matter where he went, he was always the one shining brightly.

But now, some Ye Zhiqiu had suddenly appeared, snatching all his limelight.

It seemed like everyone in the world was paying attention to him; even Qin Weian's first words downstairs were about him...

Jiang Nan felt both sour and bitter, unable to speak for a moment.

"Saw your Uncle Jiang and didn't greet him." Qin Xusheng coughed a few times and said coldly to Qin Weian.

He usually indulged Qin Weian, but this time it was just because hearing Ye Zhiqiu's name upset him.

Last time in the hospital, Qin Jianhe brought Ye Zhiqiu along, almost making him furious enough to pass out.

But even so, he hadn't told anyone about it.

This life, there was no hope for Qin Weian.

He could only rely on Qin Jianhe to marry and have children, continuing the family lineage and business.

So, he never mentioned anything about Qin Jianhe and Ye Zhiqiu.

"Uncle Jiang." Qin Weian complied immediately, calling out to Jiang Baichuan upon Qin Xusheng's reminder.

"Little An." Jiang Baichuan smiled kindly, "How have you been lately?"

"Pretty good." Qin Weian said casually, then looked at Wang Xin, "Mom, this Ye Zhiqiu is really impressive. I want to poach him for Manqing."

Hearing this, Jiang Baichuan wanted to laugh but said nothing.

He got up with Jiang Nan and bid farewell to Qin Xusheng.

Qin Xusheng was a bit tired and simply waved them off.

As soon as they got into the car, Jiang Baichuan rubbed his temples.

One and a half years...

There would definitely be an impact, but fortunately, it shouldn't be too unbearable.

Seeing Jiang Nan unlock his phone and stare at the screen as soon as they got in the car, Jiang Baichuan sighed again.

It was noon in China, ten o'clock at night locally, and Q.L's second show was about to begin.

Ye Zhiqiu checked his wristwatch; there were still twenty minutes left.

"Xiao Ye," Meng Da called out from a distance, walking over cheerfully, "After this show, a few media outlets want to interview you. Do you have time?"

"Which media outlets?" Ye Zhiqiu asked.

The timing was fine, but if they were just sensationalist tabloids, he didn't think it was worth wasting his time.

After all, by the time the show ended and everything was tidied up, it would be close to eleven.

"V.F and NY TIME are among them," Meng Da understood his concerns and smiled, "They are professional fashion magazines. I've already turned down those smaller tabloids for you."

V.F is globally distributed, covering fashion, art, clothing, makeup, and more, with comprehensive content.

NY TIME, on the other hand, excels in fashion and art photography and interviews.

Both have their strengths, but they are highly targeted, professional, and influential, standing out in the fashion media industry.

Those usually invited are mostly well-known figures from various circles around the world.

For a newcomer like Ye Zhiqiu, there haven't been many in decades.

Now that both magazines had sent invitations, it showed that Ye Zhiqiu's performance this time truly impressed everyone.

"Just as I said, my eye for talent..." Meng Da said proudly.

"Thank you, Teacher Meng." Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu smiled, "Can I give each of them ten minutes?"

In his previous life, he hadn't participated in international exhibitions.

Since many designs were credited to Qi Xin, the limelight was on him, so Ye Zhiqiu hadn't given any interviews.

However, he wasn't a celebrity actor; people just wanted to exchange views on fashion and design inspiration. Ten minutes, Ye Zhiqiu thought, would be enough.

"It'll take at least fifteen minutes to half an hour." Upon hearing this, Meng Da laughed. "Others would be more than willing to cooperate without any limits when they hear it's these two magazines interviewing them. What's your problem?"

He really doesn't act his age; there's not a hint of impatience.

"Then let's make it fifteen minutes," Ye Zhiqiu smiled in response.

"Alright, fifteen minutes then," Meng Da said.

As soon as Meng Da left, Gao Yang, whose eyes were wide as saucers, couldn't help but exclaim, "It's V.F and NY TIME, Teacher Xiao Ye! How can you be so calm?"

"It's just an interview," Ye Zhiqiu looked at him, his tone calm.

Gao Yang: "..."

"But even Teacher Zhou..." Gao Yang was about to say that even when Zhou Lang was at the peak of his career, he could only occasionally receive an invitation from one of these two magazines, but Ye Zhiqiu had both at once, which was truly impressive.

But halfway through his sentence, he stopped abruptly.

Because Zhou Lang was looking over here.

Gao Yang suddenly realized that something as big as interviews with V.F and NY TIME, Zhou Lang couldn't possibly not know about it.

He probably hates Teacher Xiao Ye right now.

Even though he knew that Zhou Lang couldn't hear him from where he was, for some reason, he still felt hesitant to speak further.

Afraid of bringing trouble to Ye Zhiqiu.

"Don't worry," Ye Zhiqiu knew what he was worried about and smiled. "The accessories have been changed today, go check them again to make sure there are no mistakes."

"Okay," Gao Yang said, immediately heading over to Wei Tingjin.

Yesterday was a successful start, and today should have been the easiest day.

Wei Tingjin's stage presence was seasoned, and Zhou Hui's confidence had been established; she had a new understanding of herself.

Moreover, the attention from mainstream magazines and the buzz on domestic social media were all coming his way...

Everything was going well, but for some reason, Ye Zhiqiu felt a bit uneasy.

Perhaps it was because he had received too much, he thought.

Or maybe it was because they had switched venues today.

Yesterday's show was at Lincoln Center, and today it was scheduled at the Museum of Human History.

The venue was still large, and through the wooden partitions, the audience could be seen taking their seats.

Behind the stage, there was a long corridor leading to the refreshment area.

Wang Ru entered, holding a cup of hot water for Ye Zhiqiu.

"Teacher Xiao Ye," she looked a bit worried, "Are you tired?"

"No," Ye Zhiqiu placed the cup on the workbench in front of him and rubbed his cheeks. "Where's Zhou Hui?"

"Isn't she getting her makeup done?" Wang Ru smiled. "You say you're not tired, but you didn't even notice Zhou Hui getting her makeup done."

She pulled out a chair. "Everything that needed to be done is almost finished. I've checked the accessories, clothes, shoes, and bags. You should sit down and rest for a bit. Later, I'll help Zhou Hui change, and you can do the final check, okay?"

"Sure," Ye Zhiqiu smiled and sat down, unlocking his phone.

The group chat had exploded with messages, all filled with praise from Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun, one after another, occasionally interspersed with a message from Tang Yue.

"Li Shao: My Lord Autumn, how can you be so amazing? Everyone around me is asking about you, wanting to introduce you to high society matches."

"Cai Cai Jinbao: Oh my god, I was so excited last night I couldn't sleep. It's even more thrilling than being on the trending list myself."

"Li Shao: As expected of my Lord Autumn. When my lord makes a move, the world knows what fashion is."

"Cai Cai Jinbao: You're already a top influencer now, did you know? My Youyou said your popularity is almost ten times greater than his."

"Le Le: Xiao Qiu is really amazing."

"..."

Ye Zhiqiu chuckled for a moment.

Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun were always like this, always praising him.

Right now, he particularly enjoyed reading Tang Yue's messages.

What kind of mood must Tang Yue be in when sending such content?

Clearly envious and jealous, wishing to crush him into the dirt, yet having to watch him steadily rise higher and higher, and even having to praise him.

His heart must be bleeding, right?

Ye Zhiqiu lowered his eyes, unable to suppress a smile.

In his previous life, watching those who he considered closest friends slowly destroy him, the feeling must have been similar to this.

Thinking about it, Ye Zhiqiu felt a cruel sense of pleasure rising within him.

"Look at how smug he is," Zhou Lang had been watching Ye Zhiqiu, and seeing him laugh so freely, his heart felt suffocated.

He turned to the male designer from yesterday: "Zhao Zhi, don't forget."

Zhao Zhi nodded, saying nothing.

Ye Zhiqiu slowly scrolled through the chat history, reading for quite a while.

Finally, that inexplicable unease gradually dissipated.

The music from the front desk started playing, and the host's voice faintly carried over. Ye Zhiqiu exited the group chat window.

As he was about to log out of the chat software, his fingers paused once more.

Instinctively, he scrolled down the contact list.

Since no messages had been exchanged all day, Qin Jianhe's avatar had been pushed down the list. Ye Zhiqiu swiped a couple of times before finding him again.

He tapped in and saw Qin Jianhe's last message in the chat.

"QIN: I'll take this as an invitation."

Ye Zhiqiu smiled again, but this time, his smile was much gentler than before.

The grand show officially began, and Ye Zhiqiu lifted his gaze, his heart settling down once more.

"Teacher Xiao Ye." Wang Ru led Zhou Hui out. "Please check if there's anything else that needs adjustment."

Yesterday, their team's dresser only worked once before being taken by Meng Da's team.

So today, Ye Zhiqiu didn't even ask for a dresser, leaving them for teams that needed them more.

"Mm." Ye Zhiqiu carefully examined Zhou Hui and only adjusted her necklace slightly, ensuring the ruby pendant was fully exposed.

"It looks good," he said, then suddenly realized something. "Why are you changing so early today?"

"Mm." Wang Ru replied, "Getting it done early means one less worry."

She knew what Ye Zhiqiu was thinking and smiled. "Don't worry, I've been with Zhou Hui the whole time."

Everything went smoothly yesterday, and since the change was already done, Ye Zhiqiu nodded with a smile, his gaze subconsciously sweeping over his backpack.

Living in constant fear wasn't a solution. If it couldn't be avoided, it might as well happen sooner.

Unless Zhou Lang wanted to quit, such incidents would likely only occur once or twice, never a third time.

"There's no need to be so nervous." He smiled at Wang Ru. "You've been busy too; go sit down and rest for a bit."

"Our team is nothing compared to Teacher Meng Da's team," Wang Ru whispered in response. "Look how busy they are."

Meng Da's team was indeed the busiest.

Meng Da valued talent and encouraged designers on his team to submit entries for the fashion week selection whenever possible.

Thus, their team had the most exhibits.

In contrast, Zhou Lang's team had the most people, but all the attention and glory centered around Zhou Lang alone.

"Still not enough?" Ye Zhiqiu chuckled. "For the September Spring-Summer Fashion Week, we'll prepare more outfits."

As they spoke, Wei Tingjin finished his first round. Seeing this, Ye Zhiqiu and Wang Ru hurried to help him change.

Before they could finish changing the second outfit, a sudden cry came from Zhou Hui's direction.

A designer named Zhao Zhi from Zhou Lang's team entered from the back aisle and accidentally bumped into Zhou Hui.

The fiery red Xiangyun silk dress was drenched in hot coffee, clinging to Zhou Hui's body.

Zhou Hui panicked, feeling a burning pain on her thigh but dared not cry out. She tugged at her dress, fighting back tears.

"Teacher Xiao Ye." She was both scared and anxious. "The dress is ruined."

If an exhibit was damaged, the consequences could be serious. If someone pursued it, her budding career would be destroyed.

Even if no one pursued it, she would still feel guilty.

Because this was Ye Zhiqiu's first show.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Zhao Zhi hastily reached out to wipe the coffee stain on Zhou Hui's thigh, but Ye Zhiqiu kicked him away with a cold face.

"Go get a doctor." Ye Zhiqiu instructed the stunned Wang Ru.

Wang Ru responded and rushed out.

Gao Yang was also extremely worried but managed to stay calm, quickly straightening Wei Tingjin's clothes.

Wei Tingjin glanced at Zhou Hui, then turned and walked back into the spotlight without pausing.

"How are you?" Ye Zhiqiu asked Zhou Hui, frowning. "Are you hurt?"

The coffee was hot, but the cup wasn't large, and the weather was cold. Thanks to the long corridor behind, the temperature had dropped by the time it was spilled.

When it first hit her skin, it burned intensely, but now it had cooled down, leaving only a chill.

Zhou Hui shook her head.

"What's wrong with your people?" Ye Zhiqiu didn't look at Zhao Zhi but turned to Zhou Lang instead.

"Didn't Zhao Zhi apologize?" Zhou Lang said. "Besides, it was an accident, and your kick wasn't light either, Teacher Xiao Ye."

"Wasn't he asking for it?" Ye Zhiqiu's face remained cold. Touching a girl like that, he felt the kick was too light.

Zhao Zhi had thought through many scenarios for this incident.

But what he hadn't anticipated was that the coffee would spill onto Zhou Hui's thigh.

He instinctively acted as he had thought before, but now he realized it was inappropriate.

Therefore, after receiving a kick, although he glared at Ye Zhiqiu angrily, he did not make a sound.

"Models, only in our major brand do we bother to separate the changing rooms with screens. Xiao Ye, you probably haven't seen that elsewhere," Zhou Lang's tone carried an undeniable hint of disdain. "Oh, this is Xiao Ye's first show; I forgot. Elsewhere..."

He chuckled. "It's common for male and female models to change together."

"That's for professionalism," Ye Zhiqiu sneered. "Mr. Zhou, can't you tell the difference between professional and lewd?"

"Ye Zhiqiu," Zhou Lang's face turned cold. "You should know your place."

The doctors from the venue had already rushed over. Worried about Zhou Hui's injury, Ye Zhiqiu didn't feel like arguing with Zhou Lang anymore.

"I won't argue with you about this," Ye Zhiqiu said. "I will report this through proper channels back to the company and demand a reasonable explanation."

"Go ahead, report it," Zhou Lang said, looking at Zhao Zhi. "Be a man, don't be afraid when faced with issues."

Zhao Zhi remained silent and returned to his seat.

After examining Zhou Hui, the doctor confirmed that while her skin was red from the burn, she was not injured.

"Thank you," Ye Zhiqiu said, reaching for his backpack.

In front of everyone, he unzipped it and pulled out a brand new exhibit. Then, he swiftly ironed the garment, smoothing it out in just a few moments.

Zhao Zhi: "..."

Zhou Lang: "..."

Meng Da, who was anxious: "..."

"Watch closely," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, spreading out the fluffy red chiffon in his hand like a sunset blooming in his palm. "Since you're so good at playing dirty, come on. I have plenty of backups."

He tilted his head and handed the dress to Wang Ru. "Help Zhou Hui put this on."

Zhou Lang gritted his teeth, subconsciously exchanging a glance with Zhao Zhi.

Their plan had failed, and no one knew how Ye Zhiqiu managed to prepare a backup so quickly.

Moreover, Ye Zhiqiu was different from others.

Others might still care about their reputation and would hide their intentions.

But Ye Zhiqiu openly accused him in front of everyone—staff, models, colleagues, and the entire team brought by the show director.

This made Zhou Lang genuinely hesitant to make any further moves.

Otherwise, once the models and staff dispersed, his misdeeds would spread throughout the fashion industry.

Zhou Lang gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Zhao Zhi also grew grim, worried that such an incident might nullify Zhou Lang's previous promises to him.

On the other hand, Zhou Hui became even more determined to perform well in the show because of this incident.

The show was even more spectacular than the one yesterday. After participating in the closing ceremony with the other models, Ye Zhiqiu returned backstage to pack up his things.

He let Gao Yang and Wang Ru leave first, heading to the interview room for media interviews.

It took longer than he expected. When he came out of the interview room, Ye Zhiqiu felt a bit tired. He lowered his eyes and pulled out his phone from his coat pocket.

The screen was filled with numerous messages and missed calls.

Messages of congratulations, inquiries, and partnership proposals were all there.

Ye Zhiqiu glanced down and saw Qin Jianhe's name near the top.

He opened their chat window and indeed found a new message.

"QIN: Didn't you say you wanted a prize yesterday? There's a café behind the hotel where I left a gift for you. Remember to pick it up."

The message was sent an hour ago. Ye Zhiqiu pursed his lips and unconsciously quickened his pace.

He hailed a taxi on the roadside and checked the time again.

It was nearly midnight. He wondered if the café would still be open.

Anxious, the half-hour car ride seemed endless to Ye Zhiqiu.

Finally, the car stopped, and Ye Zhiqiu jumped out immediately.

The café's lights were still on, but a "Closed" sign hung on the door.

Ye Zhiqiu hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door.

The glass door opened easily, and Ye Zhiqiu cautiously peeked inside.

Just as he was about to ask the staff about his gift, he saw a relaxed and elegant figure.

The person wore a light-colored hoodie and blue jeans, and on their feet were those limited-edition sneakers.

In the quiet, they smiled and looked up at him.

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

A cold wind blew from behind, but warmth enveloped him in front. For a moment, Ye Zhiqiu almost thought he was dreaming.

"Qin..." he called out, stuck in the doorway, watching Qin Jianhe walk towards him.

"Didn't you want a handsome naked man?" Qin Jianhe smiled and reached out to pull him in, giving him a light kiss on the lips, "No one is more suitable than me."

Ye Zhiqiu: "…" Instinctively, he glanced at the shopkeeper who was smiling at them.

"He doesn't understand Chinese," Qin Jianhe chuckled, lowering his head to kiss him again, "Come on, a French passionate kiss."

"This fucking is the..."

This fucking is America, Ye Zhiqiu thought.

But in the end, he said nothing.

In the closed coffee shop late at night, he was held in Qin Jianhe's arms and kissed deeply.

After a moment, Ye Zhiqiu gave up his resistance.

Who cares about America or France, he thought.