Chapter 57

Chapter 57

The pot hadn't fully boiled yet, but the fresh and fragrant aroma was already rising with the steam, filling the not-so-large private room, making it particularly enticing.

This was the second floor of a wooden building that looked somewhat old but was exceptionally clean and tidy inside.

Sunlight fell on the solid wood window frames, creating a very quiet and warm atmosphere.

Ye Zhiqiu instinctively leaned into the light, turning his head to look at Qin Jianhe. "When are you going back?"

Qin Jianhe didn’t speak at first; instead, he leaned forward to remove the small dish with a bit of chili oil in front of him and replaced it with another one.

The sunlight fell on his hand holding the sauce dish and the exposed part of his forearm due to his rolled-up sleeve.

The slender and smooth muscle lines moved along with the light, looking particularly beautiful and sexy.

Instinctively, Ye Zhiqiu's eyelashes trembled slightly, like a fluffy little brush, tickling the heart.

Qin Jianhe’s eyes lowered slightly, his gaze somewhat obscure.

"The latest by the day after tomorrow, or possibly tomorrow," he said, his voice faint. "I have an important meeting to attend."

The pot finally began to boil, tiny bubbles rising from the bottom and bursting on the surface.

Qin Jianhe habitually picked up the serving chopsticks and put some mutton into Ye Zhiqiu’s bowl.

"The broth and sauces here are quite authentic," he said. "Uncle Fu introduced us to this place before."

"Uncle Fu?" Ye Zhiqiu asked.

"Mm," Qin Jianhe smiled faintly. "My mother's current boyfriend."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

Nie Fengjun’s popularity in the fashion world was something from many years ago.

Back then, whether it was her fashion talent or her courage to give up excellent conditions abroad for love, returning home to support Qin Xusheng from scratch, all were widely praised stories.

"Talent" and "Love" were the two most significant labels associated with Nie Fengjun at that time.

Ye Zhiqiu knew about these things because, after entering the Fashion Institute, he had admired many of Nie Fengjun's classic works in class.

At that time, teachers often used her works as examples of timeless excellence.

Nie Fengjun’s talent deeply impressed Ye Zhiqiu, so he had specifically researched her.

However, when he learned about her, she was no longer the beautiful designer she once was.

Unlike Qin Jianhe, she occasionally appeared, but mostly at various economic and business conferences.

By then, she had become the epitome of a strong woman.

In the past, Ye Zhiqiu never compared himself to Nie Fengjun.

To him, Nie Fengjun was a goddess-like figure, high above him.

But after being reborn, he couldn't help but feel that their experiences shared some similarities.

Although Nie Fengjun wasn't as tragic as he was, the betrayal she faced in her relationships was still severe.

For so many years, she hadn’t been linked to any romantic news.

Ye Zhiqiu thought perhaps she, like him, had given up on love, focusing solely on money and career, which allowed her to lead Ruiyi to its current lofty position.

It turned out that wasn’t the case.

He couldn’t help feeling a bit dazed.

Nie Fengjun still had the courage to start anew.

He admired Nie Fengjun’s courage and determination, but at the same time, he felt even more alone and desolate on his own path.

"A bit surprised?" Seeing him slightly stunned, Qin Jianhe smiled faintly.

The mutton that had just been cooked was now fully done, and Qin Jianhe scooped it up and placed it in Ye Zhiqiu’s plate.

"Not really," Ye Zhiqiu shook his head, quickly regaining his composure. "Teacher Nie is still young; pursuing her happiness is perfectly normal."

"Yes," Qin Jianhe looked at him. "My mother is fifty-three this year and still has the courage to pursue her happiness..."

He paused, then asked, "What about you, Teacher Ye?"

"Me?" Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu was momentarily taken aback, then laughed again.

From a young age, he had been deliberately guided by Tao Ruoqing.

Spoiled, willful, competitive, fickle, and unlearned...

One could say he was almost worthless.

And at the same time, due to a lack of security, he never liked those young men who chased after him.

Regardless of their status, he always refused to show them any kindness...

If it weren't for Qi Xin having Tao Ruoqing behind him, who understood him, he might never have met someone he truly cared about in his previous life.

To outsiders, he, Ye Zhiqiu, relied on his looks to act recklessly, never putting any man in his eyes.

So naturally, he still does now.

Since his rebirth, he had deliberately merged with his past self before he had met Qi Xin.

Now, this mask was likely welded onto his face forever.

Ye Zhiqiu didn't believe that Qin Jianhe could discern anything from him.

"Isn't my happiness right here in this dish?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled at Qin Jianhe, the beautiful eyes, filled with mockery, barely concealing it through the rising steam of the hot pot.

"Happiness is something you never need to pursue," Ye Zhiqiu said with a half-smile. "It's never in anyone else's hands; it's always in mine."

Qin Jianhe quietly looked at him, not speaking for a moment.

In a certain sense, what Ye Zhiqiu said wasn't wrong.

For many years, he had held similar thoughts himself.

But precisely because of this, he reaffirmed that Ye Zhiqiu must have suffered severe psychological trauma in the past.

People like this usually had one very obvious trait: they didn't believe in anything from the outside world.

This was the most direct manifestation of a lack of security.

Qin Jianhe had experienced it himself.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ye Zhiqiu picked up a steaming slice of mutton, blew on it, and asked with amusement. "Are you so infatuated with me?"

Perhaps due to eating too much Western food over the past few days, even though it was a clear broth, the thin slice of mutton still amazed him upon tasting it.

"Delicious." He said, also scooping some into Qin Jianhe's plate across from him. "Give and take, Mr. Qin."

The second manifestation of a lack of security: unwillingness to be indebted.

Qin Jianhe made this judgment.

In his youth, he had gone through a long period of dark times.

At six or seven, despite his fear, he had to prepare himself for the possibility of losing his mother at any moment.

Even after all these years, occasionally in dreams, he would return to those turbulent times when there was no tomorrow or future in sight.

Even so, now he was willing to break through the hard shell that had confined him for nineteen years and try with him.

But Ye Zhiqiu couldn't do it.

Qin Jianhe couldn't imagine what Ye Zhiqiu had experienced.

It must have been an excruciatingly painful thing.

Painful to the point where there wasn't even a spark left in his heart.

His heart felt as if it were being squeezed tightly, causing a sharp pain to surge through him.

Qin Jianhe remained composed on the surface, but amidst that intense pain, a faint sense of relief unconsciously arose within him.

He was relieved that he hadn't sent that message of "Let's give it a try."

If he had sent it that day, Ye Zhiqiu would have definitely turned away coldly.

Forget about eating hot pot together now; whether Ye Zhiqiu would still work at Q.L would be uncertain.

From the beginning, Ye Zhiqiu had never hidden his imperfect side from him.

His grudge against Jiang Nan, his wavering and deliberate disguise toward Qi Xin, his stubbornness and sharpness toward everyone...

Qin Jianhe understood that Ye Zhiqiu had never thought about being with him.

Or perhaps, he had never thought about being with anyone.

Not because he didn't want to or didn't care...

But because he was afraid.

"Thank you." Qin Jianhe's voice was slightly deep as he lowered his eyes to eat.

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu glanced at him with a smile, then put white radish and beef balls into the pot carefully.

"This broth will make the radish taste good." He was cautious not to let the steam burn his hand.

"I'll do it." Qin Jianhe leaned forward slightly, taking over Ye Zhiqiu's task.

"Has your uncle recommended any other reliable restaurants?" Ye Zhiqiu asked, a thin layer of sweat forming on his forehead from eating quickly, glistening under the sunlight.

"Yes," Qin Jianhe replied. "I'll take you there later."

"Aren't you leaving soon?" Ye Zhiqiu said. "You can write them down for me instead. I can take Wang Ru and others there."

"Sure," Qin Jianhe said. "Uncle Fu knows many local Chinese restaurants."

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu look curiously, he slightly raised the corner of his lips. "I'll give them all to you."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu's eyes curved into a smile.

"Actually, it's not necessary," he said. "A few would be enough. We're going to London in a few days."

Pausing, he continued,

"Is your uncle familiar with London? If he knows any good restaurants there, could you recommend them to me as well?"

Qin Jianhe chuckled softly and shook his head slightly. "He hasn't been to London."

Ye Zhiqiu was a bit surprised.

"His visit to New York isn't for leisure," Qin Jianhe explained, "his ex-wife and daughter live here."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

It seemed rather complicated.

He didn't continue asking, fearing he might accidentally touch on a sensitive topic.

As if understanding his thoughts, Qin Jianhe smiled slightly.

"Uncle Fu's ex-wife is surnamed Wang," he said, "she's a very nice person. Aunt Wang is a renowned thoracic surgeon internationally. They separated because one lived in the country and the other abroad, leading to a gradual estrangement over time."

He paused before continuing, "When my grandfather was ill, Aunt Wang specially returned to perform the surgery. She and my mother are now good friends; you don't need to worry about it."

"Oh." Ye Zhiqiu blinked slowly and nodded gently after a moment.

The phone rang on the table.

Seeing Qi Xin's name, Ye Zhiqiu instinctively calculated the time difference back home.

It was already one o'clock in the morning, and Qi Xin calling at this hour must mean something important.

While eating, Ye Zhiqiu answered the call nonchalantly and put it on speaker.

"Xiao Qiu," Qi Xin's voice came through, immediately sounding humble.

"What's wrong?" Although Ye Zhiqiu's intention was to make Qi Xin feel miserable, hearing such a spineless tone still filled him with disgust and impatience, which naturally seeped into his voice.

In front of him, Ye Zhiqiu made no effort to soften his demeanor, Qin Jianhe noted once again.

"Your show today is still a few hours away, right?" Qi Xin asked from the other end.

As usual, regardless of what he wanted, he would first express concern for Ye Zhiqiu.

"Yes," Ye Zhiqiu replied, blowing on the seaweed he had just picked up, his tone carrying his usual commanding air, "stop beating around the bush, get to the point."

"Are you eating?" Qi Xin couldn't help but ask, probably hearing the sounds from Ye Zhiqiu's side, "what are you having? Should I make you a spicy fish head when I return?"

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

His lips pursed, and he fell silent for a moment.

Qi Xin waited for a while, finally realizing that these words were also considered "irrelevant."

He paused, then got straight to the point.

"The main show is the day after tomorrow," he said, pausing briefly.

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu's chewing paused as well.

Even though Qi Xin hadn't finished speaking, Ye Zhiqiu already guessed the rest.

Ye Zhiqiu laughed, his beautiful eyes filled with cold mockery and disdain.

"And then?" he asked.

"It's like this," Qi Xin spoke hesitantly, but after a brief pause, he continued, "each exhibit needs a designer listed. Considering you're working at Q.L, your name appearing elsewhere might not be convenient. What do you think..."

"What do I think?" Ye Zhiqiu asked, slowly biting into a beef ball.

"Do you think... could we use my name instead?" Qi Xin finally said.

Before he could finish, Qin Jianhe's expression turned cold.

A cold and sharp aura suddenly emanated from him.

Silence filled the air as Ye Zhiqiu slowly finished the beef ball.

Just as expected.

In his previous life, Qi Xin only made such a request after Ye Zhiqiu had truly fallen for him.

Back then, they were already married, inseparable, and Ye Zhiqiu never guarded his drafts.

So under Qi Xin's intentional avoidance, there were no traces left.

But things were different now; all drafts were sent via email to Qi Xin's account.

Ye Zhiqiu found it amusing, wondering whether Qi Xin had become stupid, was too eager to win, or believed that Ye Zhiqiu was deeply in love and willing to sacrifice for love?

Most likely, Ye Zhiqiu thought, Qi Xin believed that his contract with Q.L was his weakness.

A smile crept onto his lips, and after a moment, Ye Zhiqiu slowly said, "Sure."

He added, "Thank you for thinking of me."

On the other end, Qi Xin was overjoyed, repeatedly expressing his gratitude.

"Xiao Qiu," he said, "you must be quite tired lately, right?"

Having recently attended several rehearsals with Jiang Nan, he felt it wasn't easy. Imagining an international show, it must be even harder.

"Where are you tired?" Qi Xin asked solicitously, "I'll give you a massage when I return."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

Instinctively, he glanced at Qin Jianhe.

Qin Jianhe was also looking at him, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Ye Zhiqiu: "…"

No, Ye Zhiqiu was stunned for a moment before suddenly realizing,

He was an open and honest sea; why should he feel guilty?

"Cough," Ye Zhiqiu cleared his throat lightly. "If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now."

"Sure, sure, go ahead," Qi Xin said, unable to resist expressing his feelings. "Xiao Qiu, I miss you so much."

Damn! Ye Zhiqiu cursed inwardly, hanging up the call with a blank expression on his face.

Qi Xin had to cut off his sentence halfway.

However, Ye Zhiqiu's unpredictable temperament was something Qi Xin had long gotten used to, so he didn't find it strange.

Moreover, today was filled with good news, and Qi Xin's attention quickly shifted elsewhere.

After confirming that Ye Zhiqiu would continue to support Qi Xin, Tao Ruoqing finally delivered the two million he needed today.

It wasn't just about making money from money; most importantly, she saw Ye Zhiqiu's fascination and attraction towards Qi Xin.

With years of hard work reaching the final stage, she naturally didn't want to waste this opportunity.

So even though it was already midnight, Qi Xin still had no intention of sleeping.

He had just returned from the backstage of the show venue, and now that he had the money in hand, he couldn't wait to place the orders for the materials needed.

After working on the computer for a while, Qi Xin did one last check and then sent the order via email to Zhou Hao.

Late at night, Zhou Hao was also awake.

That day, after encountering Ye Zhiqiu near Q.L mall and inadvertently learning that his trusted friend looked down on him, Zhou Hao felt a chill in his heart.

Upon returning, he calculated the amount of outstanding payments owed by Qi Xin to his company.

The amount was shocking, even to him.

If he could recover those funds and take out a loan, he could even purchase new equipment.

Isn't it better to use money wisely? Zhou Hao thought. Why bother to curry favor with someone who doesn't appreciate it?

Thus, he proposed shortening the payment terms to Qi Xin.

Now, he was working overnight to prepare the necessary documents for the loan.

Upon receiving Qi Xin's order, he first opened it to take a look.

This batch of orders was indeed substantial, and Qi Xin mentioned in the email that he would send the advance payment tomorrow.

In the past, Zhou Hao would have been delighted.

But now, he found Qi Xin to be quite insincere.

Isn't he rich?

That day, he was still trying to extend the payment terms.

Really...

Zhou Hao closed the email speechlessly, planning to deal with it tomorrow.

*

Zhou Hui was performing well, and with Qin Jianhe present, the show went smoothly that day.

Qin Jianhe didn't enter the backstage; he sat in the audience throughout.

Although he rarely appeared in public, many people in the industry recognized him, causing a stir as soon as he arrived.

Photographers, upon learning his identity, gathered before the show began, turning their cameras towards him.

Before the show ended, news of Qin Jianhe personally attending the exhibition in New York had spread widely.

His high-resolution photos were all over the internet.

Netizens' power was immense, pushing "Qin Jianhe" to the top trending topics and even digging up old gossip about the Qin family.

"Holy crap, seeing only a side profile was stunning enough; this frontal shot is like a nuclear bomb."

"This aura instantly overshadows the supermodels on the runway."

"In the past, watching CEO dramas always felt lacking; now I know why. Young actors can't capture the cold and noble demeanor of a real wealthy CEO. Damn, CEO novels can finally have a face."

"Such a handsome face hidden away is such a waste. Welcome Mr. Qin and your friend Meng Qingyan to debut together."

"Haha, heard from insiders that Q.L was almost ruined by the second-generation heir, forcing Old Qin to bring Qin Jianhe back. Now, comparing Qin Weian to Qin Jianhe, he can't even compare to one of his toes. What basis does this father have for being so partial? Is he blind?"

"He couldn't help but be partial. When President Nie divorced, he was severely depressed. In that situation, Old Qin had to fight for custody, fearing his ex-wife might jump with their son. However, in court, Qin Jianhe chose to stay with his mother, and they've been estranged ever since."

"Damn, any gossip?"

"Can't reveal too much, but I know Qin Jianhe saw a psychologist later. Reporters surrounded him, which is why many in the circle say he avoids the public due to the trauma from that time."

"Nonsense, if reporters surrounded him, there should be records and photos. I just searched, and there's nothing online."

"You underestimate the PR capabilities of true wealthy families. I remember this incident; Qin Jianhe was indeed surrounded by reporters from over ten media outlets fighting for headlines. But soon, all related news was removed. President Nie intervened immediately, deleting all online pictures and news. However, the little boy in the photo was so cute that I saved one. Picture.jpg."

In the photo, it was young Qin Jianhe.

It seemed he was about eight or nine years old.

Despite his young age, his pitch-black eyes were already deep and dark.

Facing the group of reporters surrounding him, his eyes were cold, and his face showed no emotion.

Although he was still very young, he already had a hint of what he would become.

He was exceptionally beautiful and sharp-featured, though his facial features were not yet as defined as they are now.

"Holy shit, at such a young age, he's already a god-level beauty."

"These reporters have no humanity, flashing cameras in front of such a young child. Don't their consciences hurt?"

"I instantly became Mr. Qin's mom fan."

"Damn, how could a father abandon such an adorable child for some cheap thrill? The child is already affected psychologically; how can he still get aroused out there? It's utterly disgusting, no different from an animal."

"So, men who cheat should be castrated directly. Not only do they harm their wives but also innocent little children."

"..."

Backstage at the show, Wei Tingjin had already finished displaying two outfits, leaving only Zhou Hui waiting to close the show.

After several days, she was already handling the familiar routine with ease.

With even Zhou Hui fully integrated, Ye Zhiqiu felt genuinely relaxed.

Since the finale would take a while, he lowered his head and tapped on his phone screen.

Initially, he wanted to check the group chat, but upon opening it, he saw Qin Jianhe's name in the Weibo notifications.

Pausing for a moment, Ye Zhiqiu still reached up to click on it.

Various comments and information flooded his screen, and the more Ye Zhiqiu read, the tighter his brows furrowed.

The current Qin Jianhe was incredibly strong, and Ye Zhiqiu was certain that he wouldn't be affected by these things anymore.

However, having old wounds ripped open so brutally would make anyone uncomfortable.

After a brief moment of silence, Ye Zhiqiu stood up and walked around the edge of the backstage, hiding behind a pillar at the intersection to sneak a look outside.

The audience area was dimly lit, making it impossible for him to see Qin Jianhe's expression clearly.

But sitting there, he exuded an elegant and dignified presence, naturally commanding a powerful aura, showing no signs of having seen the content.

"Gao Yang," Ye Zhiqiu returned. "Call back to the company, either the CEO's secretary's office or the PR department, and ask if they've noticed the trending topic about Mr. Qin online."

"What trending topic?" Gao Yang was momentarily stunned but immediately pulled out his phone and dialed.

After transferring the call to the CEO's secretary's office, Gao Yang spoke in low tones for a moment before hanging up.

"It's being handled," Gao Yang said. "It should be taken down soon."

Then, realizing he didn't know the content, he quickly tapped into it.

Ye Zhiqiu sat back down without showing any reaction, watching as Gao Yang's mouth gradually formed an O shape.

Time flew by, and when Zhou Hui went on stage, Ye Zhiqiu once again checked Weibo.

In the trending list, the entry related to Qin Jianhe had disappeared.

He stared quietly at the screen for a while before slowly lifting his gaze, secretly feeling relieved.

The news of Qin Jianhe's arrival in New York not only caused a collective frenzy among domestic netizens but also quickly reached some local partners.

After the show ended, Ye Zhiqiu received a message from him.

"QIN: I have a social engagement tonight, will be back late."

At that time, Ye Zhiqiu was at the order placement event, listening to various proposals from clients and buyers.

These consultations had mostly appeared in previous sessions, and the colleagues responsible for the event had a good grasp of them, making the process go smoothly.

With Zhou Lang also present, Ye Zhiqiu did not stay long.

After having a casual dinner outside, he returned to the hotel.

After finishing his work-related emails and messages, Ye Zhiqiu took a shower.

Upon coming out of the bathroom, he unlocked his phone and entered the four-person chat group.

Li Shaojun and Jin Baobao had been busy these past few days, running around to look at houses for him.

Several of the properties were quite nice, and Li Shaojun had compiled them and sent them over for him to see.

While drying his hair, Ye Zhiqiu opened the detailed information on a few houses.

Some had links on real estate websites, while others featured photos Li Shaojun had personally taken inside the rental units.

Ye Zhiqiu slowly looked through them.

As time passed, one particularly luxurious and conveniently located property caught his eye.

By luxurious, it wasn't opulent in decor.

On the contrary, the interior was very minimalist, but the materials used for the renovation and the soft furnishings were of high quality, evident to Ye Zhiqiu at first glance.

"One Leaf Knows Autumn: Have you visited this one in person?"

"Li Shao: I've seen it, and I was about to tell you. The landlord is currently abroad and has entrusted everything to the real estate agent. The landlord wants to find someone reliable to look after the place, and the rent isn't high. What do you think? If it's suitable, I can secure it for you."

"Yizhiqiu: Which floor?"

"Li Shao: Top floor. It's clean and bright inside, and the furniture is well-chosen. I fell in love with it at first sight."

"Yizhiqiu: If the price is reasonable, go ahead and secure it for me. If it's too low, add a bit more; we shouldn’t take advantage of anyone."

"Li Shao: Okk, I'll handle it right away."

Ye Zhiqiu checked the time.

"Yizhiqiu: No rush, take care of yourself before you do it."

After sending the message, he put down his phone, opened his computer, and started drawing. But after a few strokes, he unconsciously stopped.

He picked up his phone again, unlocked it, and opened Weibo. Ye Zhiqiu suddenly felt like searching for "Qin Jianhe" once more.

He had already typed in the character "Qin," but then he smiled and put the phone back down.

Sitting in front of the computer, he worked until ten o'clock at night when the door finally knocked.

Ye Zhiqiu got up and opened the door. Before he could say anything, Qin Jianhe stepped forward and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Come in, my brother." Ye Zhiqiu was startled and hurriedly dragged him into the room and closed the door.

As soon as the door closed, he was kissed by Qin Jianhe against it.

Qin Jianhe had a faint scent of alcohol, but he wasn't drunk. His lips were soft and burning hot against Ye Zhiqiu's.

The kiss was deep, filled with intense emotion.

Ye Zhiqiu couldn't help but think of the trending topic from earlier that day.

How could Qin Jianhe not know about it?

There were so many cameras filming him.

Even if he hadn't seen the peak discussions online, with his intelligence and insight, he must have guessed most of it.

Ye Zhiqiu felt a pang of tenderness and instinctively closed his eyes, tiptoeing to meet him.

The kisses gradually became gentler, filled only with intimacy.

Finally, Qin Jianhe rested his forehead against Ye Zhiqiu's, looking at him intently.

"So all it takes is calling you 'brother'?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Isn't that what brothers do?" Ye Zhiqiu chuckled, being particularly accommodating today.

"Do you like it?" he asked, "If you do, you can call me anytime."

"Alright, Ye Zhiqiu." Qin Jianhe held his hand, lowering his head to give him a light peck on the corner of his mouth, "Come, let's do this."