Chapter 74

Chapter 74

The rainbow neon lights flickered, reflecting in Ye Zhiqiu's eyes, making his half-smiling gaze shimmer with an eerie beauty and a sense of coldness.

Tang Yue was silent for a moment, not speaking.

For some inexplicable reason, he felt that Ye Zhiqiu seemed different from before.

But if he had to pinpoint exactly how, he couldn't quite put it into words.

Because, from a certain perspective, there wasn't a significant difference between the old Ye Zhiqiu and the current one—

the same arrogance, the same self-righteousness, and the same self-assuredness...

Without even mentioning today's reconciliation with Lin Xuehua, from start to finish, he never said he was willing.

But then again, Ye Zhiqiu...

How could he possibly care about others' feelings?

Even his kindness towards him was only because his circumstances were so dire that he had to pay extra attention to maintaining his dignity.

It was pity, sympathy, or perhaps keeping him close to highlight their own happiness as wealthy second-generation heirs...

Tang Yue remained expressionless on the surface, but couldn't help sneering inwardly.

He himself didn't know whether he was mocking Ye Zhiqiu's hypocrisy or himself.

Mocking himself for hating others' pity and sympathy yet constantly exploiting his weaknesses to gain sympathy and benefits.

This time, however, was the first time Ye Zhiqiu didn't give him a clear answer when faced with his weakness.

"Actually, it's nothing," Tang Yue swallowed back the words that had risen to his throat and changed his tone, "you know, my biggest concern is always my studies."

"Xiao Qiu," he said, "when you have time, could you help me organize my thoughts? I haven't been resting well lately, and I feel like I'm falling behind the professor's pace."

He smiled, looking at Ye Zhiqiu with a hint of humility.

Ye Zhiqiu usually couldn't resist such a look; no matter how difficult the request, he would grit his teeth and agree.

But this time, Ye Zhiqiu still looked at him with that same half-smile.

Only when Tang Yue felt a slight unease did he twirl the car keys around his finger.

"This kind of thing..." he said, smiling slightly, "when have I ever refused to help you?"

Indeed, he had overthought it, Tang Yue thought.

Relieved, he couldn't help pushing his luck further.

"The upcoming competition is crucial for me," he said, "Xiao Qiu, could you help me review and provide some ideas?"

He really wanted to outshine Lin Xuehua.

On his own, he had no confidence.

But if Ye Zhiqiu could guide him on the overall approach, it would be crucial both in outshining Lin Xuehua and achieving a good ranking.

With a good ranking, he might be able to apply for a design assistant position at Q.L.

Even if, as Yu Renzhi had said, Q.L didn't accept students, he only needed to wait another year until the end of his third year, when he could apply for an internship in his fourth year.

It seemed like a long time, but with hope, Tang Yue felt it wasn't so distant.

Moreover, once he entered Q.L, if he performed well, he could become a designer.

At that point, with a little help from Tao Ruoqing, Ye Zhixia, or Gao Wenye, his future wouldn't necessarily be worse than Ye Zhiqiu's.

In an instant, Tang Yue's heart, which had been dead, reignited.

He looked at Ye Zhiqiu with genuine anticipation, more sincere than ever before.

But Ye Zhiqiu merely smiled.

"Le Le," he said, "competitions are very personal and truly test your individual abilities. If you have academic difficulties, I'd definitely help without reservation, but regarding the competition entries..."

He paused, looking at Tang Yue: "I'm sorry."

This was almost the first time Ye Zhiqiu had directly refused Tang Yue.

Receiving two rejections in a row, Tang Yue became cautious.

He quickly realized that his behavior might have been too eager and opportunistic.

His image in front of Ye Zhiqiu was always one of non-competition and lack of desire.

That was why Ye Zhiqiu was so willing to protect him, cherish him, and shield him.

For Ye Zhiqiu, this image was Tang Yue's most useful tool.

But now, driven by intense desire, he couldn't help revealing his ambitions.

And wanting to gain an advantage through cheating was completely contrary to the image he had carefully cultivated.

Tang Yue lowered his eyes and immediately took the initiative to apologize.

"Sorry, Xiao Qiu," he smiled apologetically, "I might have been a bit too hasty."

"It's okay," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, showing his usual tolerance.

As he spoke, he lifted his wrist to check the time.

"Let me drive you back to school," he smiled. "I still have some work to do when I get home."

Tang Yue nodded, and the two of them got into the car one after another.

This time, he finally reclaimed the passenger seat in Ye Zhiqiu's car.

The neighborhood where Tang Yue rented an apartment was right behind the school, and it only took about ten minutes on foot. Driving made it even quicker.

Soon, the car stopped at the school gate.

Before getting out, Tang Yue hesitated for a moment, gripping the door handle, then finally spoke again.

"Xiao Qiu," he said, "if it's convenient, can I come to your company during your lunch break to ask some academic questions?"

That was clearly not his real intention.

Ye Zhiqiu chuckled softly.

Despite his best efforts to suppress it, Tang Yue's desire was still evident to Ye Zhiqiu.

Ironically, in his previous life, he hadn't noticed any of this at all.

In his previous life, he had completely given up the opportunity to develop in a big company for Qi Xin and Qi Yun.

Even if he had come to Q.L as he did now, hearing such words from Tang Yue, he would have thought him diligent and eager to learn, willing to share everything with him.

"Our company has strict rules and generally doesn't allow strangers inside," Ye Zhiqiu said with a subtle smile. "Besides, during breaks, my assistants often bring me issues to address. How about..."

He smiled at Tang Yue. "You send me an email instead."

Hearing this, Tang Yue could only nod and hop out of the car.

Watching him walk through the school gates, the last trace of a smile faded from Ye Zhiqiu's face.

Instinctively, he reached into his pocket and held the peach-flavored lollipop in his hand.

He felt like having one.

But just as he was about to unwrap it, he paused.

There was only one, and he wasn't quite ready to part with it yet.

A supermarket was nearby. Ye Zhiqiu thought for a moment, put the lollipop back in his pocket, turned the car around, and headed for the supermarket.

Inside the supermarket, he went straight to the snack section.

Various types of jelly, candies, cookies, nuts...

The colorful packaging shimmered under the bright lights, catching the eye.

Ye Zhiqiu focused on looking for the same type of candy he had in his pocket.

Suddenly, a little girl's voice came from beside him: "Daddy, Daddy, I want that."

The child's voice was soft and warm, and Ye Zhiqiu couldn't help but look over, meeting Zhao Zhi's gaze who was holding the child.

Though it was unexpected, Ye Zhiqiu greeted him politely.

"Professor Zhao," he smiled.

Zhao Zhi's partner was also there, putting jellies into an eco-friendly bag. Hearing this, she looked up.

"Your friend?" she smiled gently at Zhao Zhi, taking the child into her arms. "I'll take the child to the playground; remember to join us later."

"Sure," Zhao Zhi said.

Smiling, Ye Zhiqiu watched the mother and child disappear down the aisle before turning back to Zhao Zhi. "Can we chat for a bit?"

Zhao Zhi nodded without refusing.

Not only did he not refuse, but he showed no sign of guilt.

They stood near a less crowded shelf, and Zhao Zhi stopped and turned around.

"I heard Professor Zhao joined Obei," Ye Zhiqiu smiled. "This move is worth it."

Ye Zhiqiu learned about Zhao Zhi joining Obei from Zhang Lan after returning to the company.

The circle was so small that almost nothing remained secret. As soon as Zhao Zhi moved, many people within Q.L already knew.

As a mid-range brand, Obei couldn't compare to Q.L in terms of reputation or influence.

However, Zhao Zhi's new position as the fashion director at Obei changed things.

After all, with his abilities, he hadn't risen much under Zhou Lang in ten years, and likely wouldn't have any opportunities in the future.

But at Obei, as the director, he had a chance to elevate both his career and reputation in the industry.

"Let's just say luck hasn't been too bad," Zhao Zhi humbly replied.

"Is it luck, or did Professor Zhou leave you an exit strategy?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled, speaking slowly. "Or perhaps, it's more appropriate to call it a condition?"

Hearing this, Zhao Zhi's eyelid twitched involuntarily.

"Did I guess right?" Ye Zhiqiu asked with a smile.

If professional skills were not considered, Ye Zhiqiu was just a kid in Zhao Zhi's eyes.

To be honest, he never imagined his eyes could be so sharp.

"Sorry, that was indeed an accident," Zhao Zhi said. "Even if you spin it any way you want, it's still just speculation."

Without evidence, it remains speculation.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have resigned voluntarily instead of being directly fired and disgraced in the industry.

Even bumping into Zhou Hui was something he had rehearsed in his mind for a long time, ensuring there were no flaws.

Even with surveillance, there's no direct proof that he did it intentionally that day.

"If I tell you I have evidence?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled and tilted his head.

Zhao Zhi frowned at him, then laughed after a moment. "For something I didn't do, what evidence could you possibly have?"

He no longer intended to engage in further conversation with Ye Zhiqiu.

Even coming here earlier was merely to prevent Ye Zhiqiu from causing a scene in front of his family, damaging his image in the eyes of his wife and daughter.

"I came here today mainly to draw a formal line under the past," Zhao Zhi still denied it but spoke sincerely. "The incident happened suddenly, and I never got a chance to apologize properly. Today, I'm here to make up for that apology."

His voice paused slightly, and Zhao Zhi earnestly said to Ye Zhiqiu, "I'm sorry."

Wanting to completely sever ties with the past, live cleanly, maintain his image in front of his wife and daughter, and rise to the top...

Zhao Zhi truly wants it all.

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu's lips curled into a cold smile.

Seeing him about to leave, Ye Zhiqiu called out again, "Zhao Zhi."

This time, he called his name rather than using the term "teacher."

"Do you know about Zhou Lang sexually harassing female employees and appropriating the design drafts of other team members?" Ye Zhiqiu asked.

Hearing this, Zhao Zhi stiffened, his face turning grim.

"Where did you hear these things?" he asked.

Although Zhou Lang's team had a suffocating atmosphere, its tight-knit nature ensured secrecy due to his influence in the industry.

That's why, in the previous life, Zhou Lang's scandal only came to light much later.

Ye Zhiqiu indeed had no sources for this information.

He made this statement based on the shocking scandal that emerged in the fashion industry in his previous life.

A dog can't change its nature, and neither can a person.

Being that bad doesn't happen overnight; there should have been signs early on.

Though he currently had no evidence.

But it was enough to intimidate Zhao Zhi.

After all, if Ye Zhiqiu knew about such confidential matters, anyone would assume someone within Zhou Lang's team had turned against him and might be planning further actions.

Then, the malicious destruction of Ye Zhiqiu's exhibit at Zhou Lang's behest could no longer be hidden.

Perhaps, they had even recorded evidence.

Who was that person? And what evidence did they have?

Zhao Zhi quickly ran through the possibilities in his mind.

Recalling how certain Ye Zhiqiu sounded about having evidence, Zhao Zhi slowly turned around, his gaze fierce.

But Ye Zhiqiu only smiled back at him.

He raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression unchanged.

If Zhao Zhi hadn't found a job or was biding his time, Ye Zhiqiu might not have acted so soon.

But he had joined a new company with great prospects...

Zhao Zhi was already in his thirties.

This might be his last chance or the highest position he could reach in his life...

Joining Obei, moving from being subservient to Zhou Lang to now holding a high position, anyone would be filled with ambition.

Having finally escaped the shadow of others, everyone would want to show their true potential.

If Ye Zhiqiu released the evidence now...

Forget about showing potential; his entire life would be ruined.

Not a single shred would remain.

No one would take that risk.

Regardless of how strong the alliance between Zhao Zhi and Zhou Lang was, it was based on mutual interests.

If it threatened their personal interests, it would be a different matter.

Watching Zhao Zhi's face turn pale, Ye Zhiqiu smiled slightly.

In any bet, if one wants to win, one must bet on human nature.

And now, he knew that he had likely won this bet.

"Can you tell me now?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled, reverting to his previous form of address, "Teacher Zhao?"