Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Back in the car, just after fastening his seatbelt, Qin Jianhe's message came through.

"QIN: If one doesn't work, I'll prepare two next time."

Ye Zhiqiu pursed his lips.

The lighting in the underground garage was dim and yellow, but under that light, the glow in his eyes seemed particularly brilliant.

A flurry of playful remarks accompanied by cheerful emotions rose in his heart, and Ye Zhiqiu raised his hand to type.

But after typing a few words, he paused again, pursing his lips.

After pondering for a moment, Ye Zhiqiu withdrew from the joke and started typing on the screen again.

"ZHIQIU: I have to help a classmate watch their house tonight, then I'll go straight back to my own place."

"QIN: Alright, be careful, and come home early."

"QIN: Remember to send a message when you get home tonight."

"ZHIQIU: Okay."

With a few messages back and forth, nearly five minutes had passed. Ye Zhiqiu put down his phone and started the car.

When he arrived at the classroom, there were only two minutes left before the class officially began. Even the old professor's figure could be seen at the corner of the stairs.

Since the Spring Festival, Ye Zhiqiu hadn't returned to class, and with his recent notable achievements at the fashion week, his appearance immediately caused a stir in the classroom.

Smiling in response to his classmates' enthusiastic greetings, Ye Zhiqiu scanned the room.

He noticed that Tang Yue, who usually sat in the front row, had chosen the last row this time.

And around him, a large area was empty; no one wanted to sit with him.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled indifferently and walked over, taking a seat beside Tang Yue.

Instantly, everyone's gaze followed, each filled with various unspoken meanings, piercing Tang Yue like needles, leaving him almost nowhere to hide.

Instinctively, Tang Yue lowered his head even further.

He knew deep down that he couldn't really blame Ye Zhiqiu for this.

But at this moment, he could only direct all his resentment towards Ye Zhiqiu.

If he hadn't come, everyone might have forgotten about him, and this matter would have slowly faded away.

But now, he had come, and not only did he come, but he also drew all the attention to himself.

"Le Le." The sound of a chair being dragged echoed as Ye Zhiqiu spoke with a smile, sounding innocent and carefree, "Why did you move to the back? It made me look for you everywhere."

Tang Yue closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and seemed too exhausted to speak.

Fortunately, he didn't need to say anything because the old professor had already entered the classroom.

"The atmosphere is very lively today," the old professor said with a smile, "Is there something new... Oh... Ye Zhiqiu has returned."

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu, the old professor's expression became even more gentle and affectionate, barely able to hide his admiration and joy.

"A couple of days ago, we used your exhibit as an example during class. Since you're here today, why don't you share your creative process with us?"

The old professor said with a smile.

Everyone looked over at once.

This time, all the admiring and respectful gazes were directed at Ye Zhiqiu.

Even though they were sitting closely together, those people managed to focus their attention solely on Ye Zhiqiu without giving Tang Yue a single glance.

Especially the old professor's appreciative smile...

This stark contrast intensified Tang Yue's feeling of being forgotten, ignored, compared, and overshadowed.

To avoid the lunch rush, he had gone to the cafeteria late.

By the time he got there, the popular dishes were gone, and the remaining food was already cold.

Having eaten a makeshift meal, his stomach felt extremely uncomfortable.

Now, overwhelmed by a sense of gloom and despair, he felt the urge to vomit.

"Ugh..." Tang Yue covered his mouth and bent over.

The classroom fell silent for a moment, and Tang Yue once again became the center of attention.

However, the numerous gazes that turned towards him were filled with disgust and mockery.

"What's wrong with that student?" the old professor noticed and quickly approached, "Should we take him to the infirmary?"

"Professor, he seems sick," Ye Zhiqiu's voice came from beside him, "Can we talk about the project another time? Let me take him to the infirmary first."

"Sure, sure." The old professor agreed.

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu bent down and supported Tang Yue's arm, "Le Le, let's go. I'll take you to the infirmary."

Tang Yue wanted to say it wasn't necessary, but as soon as he opened his mouth, the nausea surged up again.

Without saying a word, he allowed Ye Zhiqiu to support him out of the classroom under the varied gazes of the others.

Walking out of the classroom, fresh air filled his nostrils. After leaning against the wall and taking several deep breaths, Tang Yue finally felt a bit more comfortable.

He didn't want to go to the infirmary, but he also didn't want to return to the classroom.

"How are you feeling?" Seeing him lean against the wall without moving, Ye Zhiqiu asked with concern, "Are you feeling better now?"

"It's okay," Tang Yue had to say, "Maybe it's because the air in the classroom isn't well-ventilated, so I felt a bit uncomfortable."

Meeting Ye Zhiqiu's concerned gaze, he added, "I'm really sorry. You finally managed to come to class, and then this happened."

"What does it matter?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled, "Work is the best teacher. I have so many talented colleagues around me; I learn much more from them than I would at school."

Another jab.

Tang Yue lowered his eyes, not speaking for a moment.

"Let's go," Ye Zhiqiu supported him again, "It's better to see a doctor for peace of mind."

Not wanting to return to the classroom, Tang Yue allowed Ye Zhiqiu to help him to the school infirmary.

After the consultation, the school doctor diagnosed that he had caught a chill from eating something cold, and there was nothing serious. He was given some medicine.

By the time they finished, there wasn't much time left in the class, so they didn't return to the classroom.

"I was planning to take you out for dinner tonight..." Tang Yue said apologetically, "But now it seems I can't eat anything."

"You should still eat some plain porridge," Ye Zhiqiu said with concern, "If your stomach isn't good, leaving it empty will make things worse."

"Besides," he continued, "if you're going to give Lin Xuehua a gift as an apology, it wouldn't be right to just hand it over without any context. I know a decent porridge shop. Why don't we invite Lin Xuehua for dinner tonight, and then give him the gift afterward? I'm sure he won't hold it against you anymore."

Ye Zhiqiu patted Tang Yue's shoulder affectionately, "After all, it wasn't intentional, right?"

Tang Yue: "..."

He nodded.

He nodded to agree with Ye Zhiqiu's last point, not because he actually wanted to see Lin Xuehua.

For Tang Yue, what remained in his heart regarding Lin Xuehua was nothing but resentment.

Even though he had apologized and explained that it wasn't intentional, he couldn't understand why Lin Xuehua insisted on pushing him to the brink.

Dining with Lin Xuehua would only make him lose his appetite even more.

"But we still need to sign the rental contract tonight," Tang Yue said, "I'm worried we might run out of time."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu checked his watch.

"It's not until eight o'clock," he said, "Don't worry, we'll go early, not drink, and just chat briefly. It'll be quick."

He added, "You still have several years of school ahead of you. This issue needs to be resolved for your own sake."

With no other choice, Tang Yue nodded again.

Ye Zhiqiu then contacted Lin Xuehua and booked a restaurant, setting up a meeting at the school gate at four-thirty.

After closing the chat window with Lin Xuehua, Ye Zhiqiu opened the photo album and looked at the name of the shop written on the takeaway packaging that Qin Jianhe had ordered for him yesterday.

The place Qin Jianhe went to might not be the best, but it wouldn't be bad either.

He then reserved a private room at the restaurant.

At four-thirty, Lin Xuehua arrived at the school gate on time.

If Tang Yue had looked particularly haggard recently, Lin Xuehua wasn't faring much better.

Although his ideas were clear, completing his graduation project was no small feat, and he was still under immense pressure, often staying up late.

Both of them looked worse for wear, standing on either side of Ye Zhiqiu, making him stand out like a flower.

His appearance was particularly vibrant.

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here," Lin Xuehua said, not looking at Tang Yue, addressing only Ye Zhiqiu, "Everyone knows I'm living the 'time is money' script."

Hearing this, Tang Yue's already pale face turned even paler.

Lin Xuehua's words were true, but they were also a public humiliation of Tang Yue.

"Get in the car, Senior," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, opening the door and letting Lin Xuehua into the front passenger seat, "This is just to apologize on Le Le's behalf. We'll keep it brief."

With Lin Xuehua in the front, Tang Yue had to sit in the back.

Listening to the two in front chatting, he felt completely excluded, as if he didn't exist.

"Senior, please bear with it. It was indeed Le Le's fault, but it wasn't intentional," Ye Zhiqiu's voice came through, sounding distant to Tang Yue, "Look, he has been feeling guilty and anxious day and night, barely sleeping."

His words only made Lin Xuehua snort coldly.

That snort stirred both anger and guilt within Tang Yue.

"Le Le," Ye Zhiqiu called out to him, "Say something."

"Sorry, Senior," Tang Yue said numbly.

Fortunately, although Lin Xuehua didn't forgive him outright, he didn't say anything harsh either.

The restaurant was close to Q.L.

Since there was no traffic in the afternoon, they arrived before five o'clock.

Entering the private room, Ye Zhiqiu immediately ordered a bowl of plain rice porridge for Tang Yue and then ordered a few small dishes with Lin Xuehua.

By the end of the meal, Lin Xuehua's expression had improved somewhat.

"Alright," he said, "for Ye's sake, let's forget about this matter."

Ye Zhiqiu again...

It seemed as if all the world's spotlight and luck were concentrated on him, as if everyone had to indulge and yield to him, all because of his presence...

And he, merely a clown lurking in the shadow cast by that enormous halo.

He couldn't do without Ye Zhiqiu's help; Ye Zhiqiu was far wealthier than he was, paying rent, giving gifts, treating to meals...

The more Ye Zhiqiu did this, the more disgusted and uncomfortable he felt.

Like a spring, stretched to its limits by two opposing forces, ultimately left only with distortion and collapse.

Completely drained.

Tang Yue sipped the plain rice porridge Ye Zhiqiu had specially ordered for him, feeling jealous and twisted as he listened to Lin Xuehua and Ye Zhiqiu chatting amiably.

As they talked, Lin Xuehua suddenly mentioned the fashion design competition two months away.

Though not as significant as the one where Ye Zhiqiu won the championship, it still held considerable influence within the industry.

"I plan to participate," Lin Xuehua said finally. "I'm graduating soon, and my future job might not be as suitable as yours. But having an award would certainly help."

"Of course," Ye Zhiqiu said, counting off the brand invitations he received after winning. "If I were just an ordinary student, how could high-end brands like M.H, Q.L, and CA possibly notice me and send me invitations?"

He smiled at Tang Yue, "Le Le, are you going to participate this time?"

In his previous life, Tang Yue had participated in this competition.

Although he didn't win an award, he achieved a decent ranking.

However, back then, many things hadn't happened, and Tang Yue hadn't changed his career plans so early.

Ye Zhiqiu wasn't sure if his actions since his rebirth would affect Tang Yue's choices.

But in his plan, Tang Yue must participate in this competition.

Because this competition would officially become Tang Yue's guillotine.

This was the fate he had chosen for Tang Yue.

Hearing this, Tang Yue lifted his head slowly.

After a series of recent setbacks, he had no intention of participating.

He hated Ye Zhiqiu, but Ye Zhiqiu's existence also made him realize his own mediocrity.

So, he always sought shortcuts.

Whether it was clear-headed or opportunistic, Tang Yue wanted to achieve success instantly.

Not toiling for years only to remain obscure and struggle day and night for survival like his parents.

Such a life seemed endless, and he had had enough of it.

Moreover, his recent poor state of mind made even completing basic assignments difficult, making participation a mere formality.

Tang Yue had given up.

But now, with Lin Xuehua's participation and Ye Zhiqiu's enticing words, he felt a bit tempted.

Having another option prepared wouldn't hurt.

Besides, he truly hated Lin Xuehua.

Now that Lin Xuehua was participating, it actually sparked his determination.

If he couldn't retaliate quickly in other areas, he could do so through achievements.

If he got lucky and outperformed Lin Xuehua in the competition, it would be a blow to him.

"Yes," he nodded. "Actually, I've already been preparing for this competition recently."

When Lin Xuehua said he would let go of past grievances, he really meant it.

Hearing this, he told Ye Zhiqiu, "Xiao Qiu, please share your previous competition experience with us."

"Of course," Ye Zhiqiu said. "I may not have much experience elsewhere, but I do have some competition experience."

Perhaps because Lin Xuehua genuinely let go of past grievances, Ye Zhiqiu's smile became much lighter and happier.

After finishing their meal, it was nearly seven o'clock, and the lights outside were just turning on. The group walked out together.

Just as they reached the stairs, they encountered a group coming up.

Seeing the person leading them, Ye Zhiqiu instinctively paused.

That person was texting while walking, and a moment later, Ye Zhiqiu felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Then, the person looked up, pausing slightly.

But soon, a faint smile appeared in his eyes, and he stepped forward to stand before Ye Zhiqiu.

"Teacher Xiao Ye," he said, lowering his eyes to look at him, "what a coincidence."

"Mr. Qin," Ye Zhiqiu raised his eyes, his attitude respectful, "are you here for dinner as well?"

"Mm." Qin Jianhe responded softly, "I'm out for a meal with a few uncles and elders."

Behind Qin Jianhe were several middle-aged men, one or two of whom Ye Zhiqiu recognized as high-level executives and board members of the company.

He politely bid farewell to Qin Jianhe: "We've already finished eating and are about to head back. Please enjoy your meal, Mr. Qin."

"Mm." Qin Jianhe looked at him, his hand instinctively lifting before dropping back down, "Teacher Xiao Ye, go home and rest early too."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Qin," he said, stepping aside to let Qin Jianhe's group pass.

This was the first time Tang Yue and Lin Xuehua had seen Qin Jianhe in person, and they were both momentarily stunned.

In the eyes of fashion designers, Qin Jianhe's status far exceeded that of the celebrities and young idols in the entertainment industry.

Seeing him in person, they felt a mix of excitement.

Especially Tang Yue, whose gaze clung tightly to Qin Jianhe's back as he headed upstairs, oblivious to Ye Zhiqiu leading them downstairs.

Qin Jianhe was incredibly handsome, tall and dignified, with deep, dark phoenix-like eyes. When he smiled slightly, it seemed as if he could captivate anyone's soul.

Although Tang Yue had seen photos of Qin Jianhe taken by the media in Paris, seeing him face-to-face revealed that he was even more attractive than those pictures that made netizens howl with admiration.

He stood there, a strange warmth rising within him.

If initially, his desire to participate in this fashion competition was just to outshine Lin Xuehua,

then now, he had an additional goal.

Even with Ye Zhiqiu present and possibly holding a higher position in the company, he still wanted to enter Q.L.

Just getting in would be enough.

"Le Le?" Ye Zhiqiu turned around at the stairwell corner, noticing that Tang Yue hadn't followed them. He leaned against the railing and looked back.

His eyes seemed to smile, "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing," Tang Yue hurriedly descended the stairs, making them creak loudly.

Ye Zhiqiu remained where he was, his eyes smiling warmly.

He was naturally very handsome, and when he smiled, he became even more beautiful.

But at that moment, Tang Yue only felt a slight chill.

"Let's go," after a while, Ye Zhiqiu finally said, "we might hit traffic, do you still want to rent your place?"

Hearing this, Tang Yue snapped out of his reverie, and the stars in his eyes dimmed.

As they left, Ye Zhiqiu drove, with Lin Xuehua sitting in the front passenger seat.

This time, Tang Yue didn't get upset at being left out; instead, he listened intently to their conversation.

"Mr. Qin is really handsome," Lin Xuehua sighed, unable to resist veering off topic.

"Back when you were abroad, you didn't see the domestic public opinion, did you?" Lin Xuehua asked.

"What public opinion?" Ye Zhiqiu asked.

"The netizens dug up some things from Mr. Qin's childhood," Lin Xuehua couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental, "who would have thought that child would grow up to be so outstanding today?"

Ye Zhiqiu didn't say anything, focusing on the road ahead.

He hadn't dared to delve deeply into Qin Jianhe's past.

Firstly, Qin Jianhe was now incredibly powerful, with a stable mental core that allowed him to overlook 99.9% of people globally.

For someone like him, it was unnecessary to worry about someone so much higher up.

Secondly, he had his own set of troubles and lacked the energy to think about others. Moreover, he might be even worse off than Qin Jianhe.

Lastly, he didn't want to think about it because it wasn't pleasant.

After a while, he smiled, his fingers tightening unconsciously on the steering wheel: "Who in this world has it easy?"

Hearing this, Tang Yue, who had been listening quietly, disagreed.

Ignoring any lingering resentment towards Lin Xuehua, he leaned forward and laughed.

"You, Xiao Qiu," he said, "you've probably never had any troubles growing up. You're still in school, yet your career is already soaring. I can't imagine what difficulties you could possibly have."

Such words from Tang Yue made Ye Zhiqiu feel sick.

Clearly, Tang Yue knew exactly what kind of environment he was in.

Even Tang Yue himself held a knife, ready to strike at any moment.

Now, he was telling him that he had it easy.

"Whether it's easy or not isn't determined by these things," Lin Xuehua interjected, interrupting Tang Yue.

The car stopped at the school gate. As Lin Xuehua got out, Ye Zhiqiu retrieved a box of tools from the trunk and handed it to him.

"A small token of apology," he smiled, adding, "thank you."

Lin Xuehua didn’t say anything, but her eyes still involuntarily brightened when she saw the box.

He didn’t hesitate to accept the box from Ye Zhiqiu, lifting it into his hands.

The time was almost right, so Ye Zhiqiu got in the car and drove Tang Yue to the neighborhood he had chosen.

The house wasn’t bad; although small, it was clean and tidy, with all the necessary furniture and appliances.

It was on the third floor of an old residential building, which was considered the best level.

Tang Yue signed the contract, and Ye Zhiqiu paid the rent and deposit for him. The two walked out together.

"When are you moving?" Ye Zhiqiu asked.

"Tomorrow," Tang Yue said. "But I don’t have much stuff, so there’s no need for anyone to come help."

"Hmm." Ye Zhiqiu nodded. "I’m busy at the company these two days, so I really can’t come to help you."

They walked out one after the other. Hearing this, Tang Yue smiled. "When have I ever been polite with you?"

The old neighborhood had good landscaping, and the moonlight filtered through the branches, casting a soft glow on the ground.

Although the temperature wasn’t high, there were already chirping insects.

The walk was quiet, neither of them speaking.

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t want to talk, while Tang Yue seemed preoccupied.

Not until they reached the entrance of the neighborhood did the bustling lights and sounds of cars outside break the silence, causing Tang Yue to stop.

"Xiao Qiu," he asked, "if I needed your help with something important in the future, would you help me?"

In the past, whenever he asked, Ye Zhiqiu would promise.

And once he promised, he would always deliver.

But this time, Ye Zhiqiu hesitated.

His hand was in his coat pocket, where he kept a card, a candy, and a phone.

The phone contained a message he had secretly read, from Qin Jianhe.

He asked if he had eaten and what he had eaten...

At this moment, everything within reach was related to Qin Jianhe.

Even though he didn’t know what Tang Yue’s request would be.

Even though he knew that Tang Yue was about to be completely destroyed.

Even though he understood that just going through the motions wouldn’t matter...

For some reason, at this moment, Ye Zhiqiu didn’t want to use Qin Jianhe as a bet or joke.

Whether Tang Yue wanted him to help him enter Q.L or introduce him to Qin Jianhe.

He didn’t want to do either.

"Le Le," he looked up, his eyes still smiling, but with a hint of subtle distance, "it depends on what you need help with before I can answer you."