Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Heart racing and breath short, Tang Yue felt his vision darken momentarily before three pairs of hands steadied him.

"Le Le, what's wrong?" Jin Baobao was scared but still tried to comfort him. "Don't worry; we'll take you to the hospital right away."

At the mention of the hospital, Tang Yue quickly waved his hand, eyes closed.

"No need," he said with difficulty. "I think it’s just from staying up too late doing homework recently. I’m a bit weak."

It wasn’t that he was deliberately covering for his roommates; he wasn’t that noble.

But if he spoke up, Ye Zhiqiu would definitely cause a scene in the dormitory.

His temper...

When he really gets going, few can hold him back.

Tang Yue closed his eyes, involuntarily recalling the first time he met Ye Zhiqiu.

It was during their freshman year, on the very first day.

One noon, after getting food at the cafeteria and turning around, he accidentally bumped into a group of boys who were fooling around behind him.

One of the boys, wearing an expensive sports outfit, instantly had it stained with grease.

The boy wouldn’t let it go, probably sensing Tang Yue’s modest background from his clothes, and said some very harsh words.

Coincidentally, Ye Zhiqiu was also at the cafeteria that day.

He was carrying a backpack and, for some reason, had a lot of cash on him. He immediately pulled out a wad and threw it at the boy who looked down on others.

That’s why Ye Zhiqiu later took special care of him.

Knowing about his poor family background and his resulting insecurity, Ye Zhiqiu brought him into his circle, always looking out for him subtly.

If Ye Zhiqiu found out now that his roommates had been pouring water on his bed every night, Tang Yue couldn’t imagine what he might do.

The incident back then was one thing; although Ye Zhiqiu became famous and Tang Yue came into everyone’s view, it was an accident. Even if it blew up, no one would blame him.

But things are different now. If this got out, it would only put him under more scrutiny.

Seeing that the matter was slowly fading, Tang Yue preferred to bear the silent loss rather than reveal the truth.

"Really nothing?" Ye Zhiqiu asked, leaning slightly forward.

"Really, nothing," Tang Yue replied immediately.

Seeing his insistence and his gradually improving complexion, the others exchanged glances and sat down again.

"Don’t eat these spicy foods." Ye Zhiqiu pressed the bell to summon a waiter and ordered a bowl of plain porridge for Tang Yue.

Tang Yue: "..."

Due to his financial situation, he usually ate simple meals in the restaurant.

With Ye Zhiqiu absent recently and no gatherings, this was finally a chance for a good meal. But with Ye Zhiqiu’s words, he was back to square one.

Still, he obediently put down his utensils and nodded. "Okay."

After the commotion, everyone’s mood had dampened, allowing them to focus on eating.

Li Shaojun was the first to finish eating, about to speak when Ye Zhiqiu’s phone rang.

"Speak of the devil," Ye Zhiqiu chuckled as he answered. "Zhao Keqi?"

Zhao Keqi said something, and Ye Zhiqiu smiled, nodding. "Alright."

A moment later, he added, "No need to pick me up; I know where the set is."

"..."

After hanging up, Li Shaojun was the first to ask, "Going for an audition?"

"Not exactly an audition," Ye Zhiqiu smiled slightly, holding his chopsticks. "More like discussing the terms for future cooperation."

The meaning was clear.

The production team had no doubts about Ye Zhiqiu’s professional skills; they just needed to finalize the details and terms of the agreement.

In other words, Ye Zhiqiu was effectively confirmed for the role.

The rain outside grew louder, splashing coldly against Tang Yue’s heart.

He had never felt so cold or so desolate inside.

Fortunately, the porridge arrived quickly, and Ye Zhiqiu smiled warmly, personally serving a bowl for him.

Good news brings joy; unlike Tang Yue’s gloomy face, Ye Zhiqiu’s smile was gentle, his eyes bright.

But Tang Yue could tell that he was deliberately suppressing his happiness.

Afraid of hurting him?

Tang Yue thought sarcastically.

Ye Zhiqiu probably didn’t realize that the more he did this, the more painful it was for him.

The more uncomfortable he felt, the more he had to show his joy towards Ye Zhiqiu...

Could there be any torture worse than this in the world?

Tang Yue couldn't help but think.

Taking advantage of drinking the porridge, he lowered his eyes and slowly adjusted his emotions.

By the time he finished the bowl of porridge, the others across from him had also put down their utensils.

"Le Le, what kind of house did you look at?" Jin Baobao asked.

Tang Yue took out his phone and shared several houses he had found online with the group.

They were all in relatively remote areas.

Or closer, but requiring sharing with others.

Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun didn't know the truth behind the scenes, but Ye Zhiqiu could tell at a glance that Tao Ruoqing hadn't given him much budget.

He raised his eyes without showing any change: "Do you want to share a place?"

Tang Yue certainly didn't want to, and shook his head upon hearing this.

"Why don't we add a bit more money and rent a small apartment near the school," Ye Zhiqiu pondered for a moment, seeming to have Tang Yue's best interests at heart, "It would be more comfortable living alone, quieter too, and it wouldn't affect your occasional need to catch up on homework."

"How much more do you need?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled at him, "I can cover it for you."

Tang Yue was silent for a moment.

Although he had always resented Ye Zhiqiu's sympathetic care towards him,

seeing the budget limit Tao Ruoqing had set and the housing options within that limit, he couldn't help but think of Ye Zhiqiu.

Thinking of the house Ye Zhiqiu rented, thinking that Ye Zhiqiu might help him, making his life a little more comfortable.

This feeling was contradictory, as if it carried both hatred and shame, yet also a desire.

Tang Yue couldn't explain it, but he still acted on it.

Pretending to ask Ye Zhiqiu to help look at houses, but in reality, just craving Ye Zhiqiu's protection.

He expected Ye Zhiqiu to solve everything silently as before.

But this time, he unexpectedly asked in front of Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun without any reservations.

His fingers curled awkwardly at his side, and Tang Yue shook his head: "No need."

"We're all friends, no need to be so formal," Jin Baobao immediately said, "In a couple of years, you'll graduate and be able to work and earn money. Why not..."

He looked at Li Shaojun and Ye Zhiqiu, "Let Xiao Qiu help this year, and next year or the year after, Shaojun and I can help. These few years will pass quickly."

Seeing Tang Yue about to refuse, Jin Baobao smiled and said, "Don't refuse. In return, make a few outfits for me and Shaojun." He then looked at Ye Zhiqiu, "Xiao Qiu doesn't need to; he can make his own."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu laughed softly.

Though it was just an ordinary laugh, Tang Yue's cheeks flushed red.

He lowered his eyes, and his already clenched fists tightened even more.

"Thank you," he said.

This word of thanks felt particularly humiliating.

But at the same time, knowing he could finally live in a relatively ideal place, he couldn't help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

However, as he relaxed, his previously straight back involuntarily bent.

Ye Zhiqiu watched him indifferently, a fleeting smile passing through his beautiful eyes.

If it were before, if he had never experienced all that, he would have immediately confronted Tang Yue and resolved the issue in an extreme way.

But now, having experienced the hardships of his past life, he understood better than anyone.

Psychological trauma and torment were the most direct and cruel ways to destroy a person.

That was something Tang Yue, Tao Ruoqing, Qi Xin, and Jiang Nan taught him in his past life.

So now he could use it skillfully and effortlessly.

The rain grew louder, its sound increasing.

Ye Zhiqiu remembered Jin Baobao had a class later in the afternoon.

He lowered his eyes without showing any change and checked the time.

It was already two-thirty in the afternoon.

"Shall we leave?" he said, "Those who have classes should go, and those going home should head back."

"I'll take you," Li Shaojun knew he hadn't returned to the Ye family residence, so he naturally didn't have his car.

"I've called a cab," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, putting on his backpack and looking at the ride-hailing app, "It'll be here in five minutes."

He then instructed Li Shaojun, "You take Baobao and Le Le."

Li Shaojun didn't insist.

A few of them packed up their things and stepped outside. The thin mist of rain hit their faces, feeling particularly cold.

"Let's hurry," Ye Zhiqiu said, checking the time again. "My car will be here soon."

"You go wait inside." Jin Baobao pushed him back slightly, then quickly followed Tang Yue and Li Shaojun, jogging to get into the car.

Once their car disappeared into the fog with splashing water, Ye Zhiqiu's car finally arrived.

He didn't take out an umbrella but instead briefly held his backpack over his head as he bent down to get into the car.

"This rain..." The driver couldn't help but comment as Ye Zhiqiu got in.

Just as he was about to say more, Ye Zhiqiu's phone suddenly rang.

The driver stopped talking, and they briefly confirmed the address.

The car started, its headlights piercing through the rain, heading towards the Ye family home.

Ye Zhiqiu then took his phone out of his coat pocket and looked at the screen.

It was Qi Xin.

He didn't answer, just stared at the screen, letting the ringing continue until it automatically disconnected.

Moments later, the phone rang again.

This time, Ye Zhiqiu didn't keep Qi Xin waiting; he answered.

"Hello." With the sound of rain outside, Ye Zhiqiu's voice sounded particularly cold.

"Xiao Qiu." Qi Xin really was sick; his voice was hoarse, and he spoke weakly. "I'm sick."

"Mm-hmm." Ye Zhiqiu responded indifferently. "Your father called me earlier."

"My father?" Qi Xin was taken aback, seemingly unaware. "What... what did he say?"

"He said you were sick and asked me to take care of you." Ye Zhiqiu said with a hint of mockery. "How is this, Qi Xin? I've done quite a bit for you already. Last time we went to the fashion show at the stadium, those outfits were pretty popular. Surely your family can afford a caretaker by now?"

"No, no." Qi Xin realized Ye Zhiqiu was angry and silently blamed Qi Ruichang.

Qi Ruichang had the same thought.

Ye Zhiqiu was willing to do so much for Qi Yun, which meant he must really like him.

However, while Ye Zhiqiu liked Qi Yun, he also put on quite a show.

During the New Year, Qi Ruichang and his son wanted to meet him, but he didn't even show his face.

Qi Ruichang was quite upset about it for a while.

Perhaps wanting to assert some authority over Ye Zhiqiu, Qi Ruichang used Qi Xin's illness as an opportunity to try and control him.

But Ye Zhiqiu would never buy into that.

He was a force to be reckoned with.

After Qi Xin fainted at the factory yesterday, he was immediately sent to the hospital.

Due to lack of rest and a fever reaching nearly forty degrees, he had been in a deep sleep since last night.

He had no idea about Qi Ruichang calling Ye Zhiqiu.

Initially, he wanted to play the sympathy card, but hearing this, he dared not say another word.

"What does he want?" Ye Zhiqiu scoffed. "Originally, my father and brother didn't like your family, and I thought they were biased. Now it seems I was naive."

Hearing Qi Xin coughing anxiously on the other end, Ye Zhiqiu didn't let up.

"Is it standard practice in your family to change one's surname to 'Qi' upon marriage, quit work, stay home, take care of the elderly, and clean up after them?" He spoke slowly, each word as sharp and cold as a needle. "We haven't even confirmed our relationship, and you're already eager for me to take care of you. Ridiculous!"

"My father didn't mean it like that; he's just old-fashioned." Qi Xin instinctively defended Qi Ruichang.

"Old-fashioned?" Ye Zhiqiu laughed. "Is being old-fashioned about exploiting others for personal gain? Don't think I don't know what old-fashioned means; I have a dictionary at home."

His sharp tongue left Qi Xin speechless and unable to placate him.

He had desperately missed Ye Zhiqiu and wanted to use his illness to coax him into meeting. Now, that plan was ruined.

Qi Xin felt extremely frustrated.

"I'll talk to my father," Qi Xin conceded. "I'll make sure he doesn't interfere anymore."

Ye Zhiqiu didn't speak, but a faint laugh came through, its meaning unclear.

Qi Xin closed his eyes, and almost instantly, he saw Ye Zhiqiu's cold and arrogant expression, his lips curled in derision.

Such an expression was impolite, but on Ye Zhiqiu, it became strangely alluring.

Ye Zhiqiu was already incredibly beautiful, and when he acted arrogantly, he resembled a thorny yet gorgeous rose.

Even if it meant tearing his hands, Qi Xin still wanted to pluck him into his own hands.

"Xiao Qiu." Qi Xin coughed again, struggling to call out Ye Zhiqiu's name.

There was a moment of silence, and it seemed Ye Zhiqiu softened slightly, clearing his throat softly.

"Just focus on getting better," he said. "I did want to see you, but since your father insists, I won't go."

Qi Xin: "..."

"Let's meet when you're feeling better," Ye Zhiqiu said, hanging up the phone coldly.

Qi Xin held the phone, stunned for a while, his emotions swirling.

It wasn't until Qi Ruichang returned with hot water that he snapped back to reality.

"Dad," Qi Xin asked, coughing, "did you call Xiao Qiu?"

Ye Zhiqiu was unhappy, and Qi Ruichang was unhappy too. Hearing this, his face darkened.

"What?" he asked, "did he complain to you?"

If Qi Xin weren't sick, Qi Ruichang thought, it would be Ye Zhiqiu complaining?

Being so impolite to elders, if anyone should complain, it should be him.

"No," Qi Xin finally managed to stop coughing, tears in his eyes, "I called him."

Qi Ruichang poured a glass of water to cool down and sat next to him.

"I always knew Tao Ruoqing raised her stepson improperly," he said, "but this is too much."

With a dry, itchy throat, Qi Xin couldn't speak for a moment.

Seeing this, Qi Ruichang assumed Qi Xin agreed with him.

"Someone like him can't compare to Jiang Nan," Qi Ruichang said, "sweet-talking and polite. In the future, once Qi Yun grows strong enough, we'll make him go as far away as possible."

Seeing Qi Xin about to cough again, he patted his back.

"Anyway, with no love from his father or mother, and with Tao Ruoqing around, the Ye family's assets won't end up in his hands," Qi Ruichang wanted to pour all his thoughts into Qi Xin's head, "good designers can be found over time, but in the long run, the Jiang family will be more beneficial to our family's development."

Qi Xin leaned over the bed and coughed for a while. When he finally stopped, he yelled at Qi Ruichang, "Enough."

Qi Ruichang was taken aback.

In all his years, Qi Xin had never defied him, let alone yell at him like this.

"Are you really serious about him?" Qi Ruichang's face darkened.

Qi Xin didn't say anything, his brows furrowed tightly, his heart a tangled mess.

In fact, the answer in his heart was clear.

From gradually disliking Tao Ruoqing, to gradually becoming more tolerant of Ye Zhiqiu, to gradually ignoring Jiang Nan, perhaps he had truly developed genuine feelings for Ye Zhiqiu.

Though he couldn't clearly articulate what he liked about Ye Zhiqiu.

Perhaps it was because he looked so good, and every time he smiled, Qi Xin would unconsciously drown in his warm hazel eyes.

Or perhaps it was his unpredictable temper, which always made him feel stimulated, his calm heart rippling whenever Ye Zhiqiu was around.

...

Seeing him silent, Qi Ruichang grew even more anxious.

"On this matter, you can't be foolish," he said, "forget that Ye Zhiqiu has been spoiled rotten; just think of Tao Ruoqing. If she finds out you have genuine feelings for him, do you think she'll let you two stay together after everything settles down? Just one word from her, and Ye Zhiqiu won't let you off."

With each word, Qi Xin's face turned paler.

Initially, he did approach Ye Zhiqiu with ulterior motives.

Tao Ruoqing had repeatedly emphasized not to develop genuine feelings.

If she found out about his true intentions, once the Ye family's assets were settled, she could expose his true face to Ye Zhiqiu...

Not only would Ye Zhiqiu not let him off, but given his temperament, he might even kill him.

He feared Ye Zhiqiu discovering his despicable side.

And regretted being so hasty, taking a path with no turning back.

Seeing his worsening expression, Qi Ruichang sighed and gently patted his shoulder.

"Xiao Xin," he said earnestly, "you two are destined to have no future. You're a sensible child, pull yourself together, take what you need from him, and look ahead. The future is long; don't focus only on the present."

*

The car moved slowly, from heavy rain pounding the roof to the rain eventually tapering into a gentle drizzle. Finally, it stopped at the Ye family's gate.

Ye Zhiqiu thanked the driver, paid, and got out of the car.

He still didn't open the umbrella, instead holding his backpack over his head and rushing inside.

The sky was very dark, the fine rain tapping softly on the greenery, making it seem like night had already fallen.

Ye Zhiqiu looked up at the sky again, realizing there would likely be more rain later.

The living room was brightly lit. Ye Hongxian and Ye Zheng's cars were not home, and in the driveway, besides the two cars he and Uncle Wang usually drove, there was a white BMW parked.

Ye Zhiqiu hadn't seen it before.

But he didn't think much of it and went straight through the corridor, pushing open the closed door.

Hearing the noise, those in the living room turned their heads to look.

Ye Zhiqiu paused slightly, meeting Gao Wenye's eyes.

In the living room, Tao Ruoqing was brewing tea, while Gao Wenye and Ye Zhixia sat opposite each other on the sofa, their hands clasped.

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu, Gao Wenye was slightly taken aback and instinctively wanted to let go of Ye Zhixia's hand.

But Ye Zhixia did not let him have his way.

Instead, he held his hand even tighter.

Ye Zhiqiu looked at them and naturally smiled slightly.

On such a rainy day, and today, Gao Wenye's entertainment company had just made an official announcement. Now, he was rushing over to the Ye family without delay.

It was unclear whether Tao Ruoqing had already convinced Ye Hongxian or if Gao Wenye and Ye Zhixia's feelings had deepened to the point where they couldn't bear to be apart for a single day.

Regardless of which, it was something he was happy to see.

"Oh, Xiao Qiu is back." After a brief moment of awkward silence, Tao Ruoqing got up, "Why didn't you tell us? I could have asked Uncle Wang to pick you up."

"Taking a taxi is also very convenient," Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

His clothes were wet from the rain, his hair and eyelashes damp, contrasting with his snow-white skin, making him look as beautiful and clean as a lotus flower emerging from water, almost too beautiful to look directly at.

Gao Wenye looked at him, unable to help but be momentarily stunned.

Just when his heart had calmed down, it became empty again.

But Ye Zhiqiu did not look at him again. He smiled at Tao Ruoqing and said, "I'll go upstairs to change my clothes first."

"Okay," Tao Ruoqing said, "Come down later. Xia Xia's partner is here, so you young people can chat."

Chat about what?

He could clearly see what Tao Ruoqing was planning.

On the way back, he deliberately checked the official announcement from Gao Wenye's company and the new talents they had signed.

One of them, in his previous life, had been placed in Qi Xin's bed by Gao Wenye and stayed with him for quite some time afterward.

Ye Zhiqiu remembered that once, when Qi Xin came home to fetch something, he brought this person along. It happened to coincide with Ye Zhiqiu returning from buying groceries, and they ran into each other.

That kid was quite arrogant toward him.

And it was this newcomer who, this time, was also introduced by Gao Wenye to audition for a role in the "Building No. 8" production team.

Although it was only a minor role appearing once or twice, the publicity was blown out of proportion.

The hype suggested that he had taken on a major production right after entering the industry.

Gao Wenye had set up his own company, New Ye Entertainment.

Plus, the new talents seemed to be favored by renowned directors...

With the promotion of a public relations company, the buzz Gao Wenye created online was considerable.

Tao Ruoqing knew that Gao Wenye had designs on him, yet she still asked him to come down, simply to make Gao Wenye face everyone and recognize his position and stance.

Additionally, after watching the interview with Zhao Yunzhuang and Zhao Keqi today, she wanted him to speak well of the newcomer in front of the Zhao father and son, helping him secure a spot in the production smoothly.

In that case, New Ye Entertainment would truly have a successful start.

However, Ye Zhiqiu thought, lowering his eyes with a hint of grayness...

Since this person could get into Qi Xin's bed, there shouldn't be any problem getting into Gao Wenye's bed either, right?

It seemed he really needed to "help" them properly.

At the same time, Qin Jianhe finally finished his work.

Moving his gaze away from the computer screen, he slightly turned his head to look outside.

Raindrops splattered against the window, creating a mottled pattern. It was only a little past four, yet the sky outside was darkened by heavy clouds.

Maintaining his outward gaze for a while, Qin Jianhe then lowered his eyes and picked up his phone from the corner of the desk.

There were many notification messages on the screen, mostly from group chats.

Qin Jianhe didn't look at them; he subconsciously opened the chat app and searched for the familiar avatar in the list.

Ye Zhiqiu's avatar had been pushed far down, and when Qin Jianhe clicked on it, he saw no new messages.

He raised his hand, seemingly wanting to type something, but ultimately did nothing and closed the chat.

After the Zhao father and son returned in the afternoon, the content of their interview involving Ye Zhiqiu led to a lively round of teasing in their small group chat, lasting for quite some time.

Qin Jianhe was busy at the time and didn't have a chance to read it carefully, intending to do so when he had a moment.

But now, he suddenly lost interest.

After a brief moment of silence, he remembered something and lowered his eyes to switch to another account in the backend of WeChat.

As soon as he switched, a new friend request popped up on the screen.

"Hello, I am your tenant, Ye Zhiqiu."

A simple message, but Qin Jianhe looked at it for a while.

A smile gradually appeared in his eyes, and he seriously accepted the request.

There were only three avatars in the contact list: one was the property manager, another was Li Shaojun, and the last was Ye Zhiqiu.

Without hesitation, Qin Jianhe deleted the other two, leaving only Ye Zhiqiu.

He then put down his phone and dialed the intercom to have Wei Jie come in.

Recently, Wei Jie had once again become the envy of everyone in the secretary’s office.

Because Qin Jianhe had hardly called for him anymore.

This time, as he came in, he still looked half-asleep, clearly not fully awake yet.

"Mr. Qin," Wei Jie said.

"The previous house, everything has been settled." Despite Wei Jie's lack of proper demeanor, Qin Jianhe seemed not to mind much.

Instead, there was a faint smile in his eyes.

"Yes," Wei Jie recalled slowly, then said, "However, the other house is still vacant."

Qin Jianhe had asked him to buy two houses, each with a completely different style.

But Teacher Xiao Ye’s friend decided on the first house after just one look, leaving the second one empty.

"Mm." Hearing this, Qin Jianhe fell into slight contemplation.

Neither of the houses was large, both around ninety square meters.

Keeping them had no real significance, and renting them out would barely cover any costs.

"Put them up for sale," Qin Jianhe said.

"But..." But they had only been purchased less than a month ago.

He wanted to say this but thought better of it and swallowed his words.

Now fully awake, he quickly became more efficient.

"Alright," Wei Jie said, "I’ll list it after work."

"There’s no rush," Qin Jianhe said, glancing at the continuous rain outside. "Wait for better weather."

Wei Jie acknowledged.

Seeing that Qin Jianhe seemed to have nothing else to instruct, he turned to leave.

Just as he reached for the doorknob, Qin Jianhe called out to him again.

"Mr. Qin?" Wei Jie immediately turned back.

But Qin Jianhe remained silent.

He stayed quiet for a while, as if deep in thought.

Finally, just when Wei Jie thought his superior might have forgotten about him entirely, he looked over again.

"Secretary’s office," Qin Jianhe asked, "have there been any new snacks recently?"