Chapter 91

Chapter 91

The alarm clock rang on time in the early morning.

Although it was silenced after just one ring, Ye Zhiqiu slowly opened his eyes.

The blackout curtains were drawn, making the room quite dim, but Qin Jianhe's eyes were particularly bright.

He was still in bed, but from his gaze, Ye Zhiqiu knew he had been awake for some time.

Seeing that Ye Zhiqiu was awake, the hand resting on his waist tightened slightly, and Qin Jianhe immediately leaned over him again.

Though still not fully awake, Ye Zhiqiu couldn't help but laugh.

"Knowing why Q.L rose so quickly," he teased, "with your energy, you can do a week’s worth of work in a day."

His voice, laced with laziness and hoarseness, made Ye Zhiqiu's ears turn slightly warm, reminding him of last night when this man had forced him to call him "Dad."

He pursed his lips, unable to resist cursing inwardly, feeling that last night had been too wild.

"Is this praise?" Qin Jianhe chuckled softly, lifting his hand to trace Ye Zhiqiu's faintly flushed eye corners gently and slowly with his fingertips.

His fingertips were warm, and the touch was as light as a feather or a cloud, causing a slight tickle yet also immense comfort.

Closing his eyes in this position to gather his thoughts, Ye Zhiqiu took a moment before opening them again.

"Getting up?" he asked.

"Mm." Qin Jianhe responded softly, but his body remained unmoving.

Finding it somewhat amusing, Ye Zhiqiu lifted his hand to cup Qin Jianhe's cheek.

"We still have work today," he said, recalling how Nie Fengjun called Qin Jianhe Qin Yu, thus teasing, "Little friend Qin Yu."

Almost instantly, Qin Jianhe's eyes darkened and became inscrutable.

Ye Zhiqiu pursed his lips, cautiously trying to pull his hand back, only to have it caught by Qin Jianhe's grip on his wrist.

His wrist was slender and pale, yet felt soft in Qin Jianhe's palm.

Involuntarily, Qin Jianhe tilted his head slightly, taking the tip of Ye Zhiqiu's middle finger, which had a small mole, into his mouth, applying a gentle pressure with his teeth.

It tickled a bit, and Ye Zhiqiu laughed.

"Why did you use the name Qin Yu?" he asked, curious, "Does it have any special meaning?"

"Mm." Qin Jianhe mumbled, his voice muffled by Ye Zhiqiu's finger.

After a moment, he held Ye Zhiqiu's hand in his own.

"When I was young, my mother and Qin Xusheng had a good relationship. So later, when they set up the old Qin family residence, they named it 'Aegean' when hanging the plaque outside."

"The homophone of ‘Qin’," Ye Zhiqiu prompted.

"Mm." Qin Jianhe confirmed softly.

An indescribable emotion slowly rose in Ye Zhiqiu's heart, and he fell silent.

"Aegean."

What a beautiful name?

Filled with love as deep as the sea.

If not for what happened later, the little island born from such profound love would surely be spiritually rich and vibrant.

Unfortunately, extreme happiness, once distorted, turns into extreme pain.

Moderation might be more enduring.

Recalling the netizens' revelations about Qin Jianhe's childhood, plus Nie Fengjun's gaze at him in the restaurant last night...

Ye Zhiqiu felt a subtle ache in his heart.

Though subtle and restrained, Nie Fengjun had indeed been secretly observing Qin Jianhe's reactions last night.

The more Qin Jianhe protected him, the more relieved her smile became, tinged with an indescribable mix of sorrow and relief.

From these two incidents, Ye Zhiqiu knew his original guess must be true.

In his previous life, up until the day he fell into the lake, Qin Jianhe had never been involved in any scandals or entered into a relationship.

This was likely due to the impact of his parents' emotional upheaval.

And this time, it was indeed a twist of fate.

So they both received a warmth they hadn't expected.

Ye Zhiqiu suddenly regretted asking about Qin Jianhe's nickname.

However, he didn't regret it for long.

Because Qin Jianhe's phone vibrated beside the bed.

"So early, who could it be?" Ye Zhiqiu checked the time; it was not even seven o'clock.

"It's probably Wei Jie." Qin Jianhe finally rolled off him to check his phone.

Indeed, it was Wei Jie.

Wei Jie came to deliver breakfast.

Qin Jianhe had previously instructed him not to ring the doorbell in the morning, so he called instead.

The two of them got up together. Ye Zhiqiu went into the bathroom to wash up and change clothes. By the time he came out, breakfast was already laid out on the dining table.

"Go ahead and eat," Qin Jianhe said. "I'll go change my clothes."

Wei Jie brought milk buns and two bowls of rich fish soup that had been simmered until creamy white. When he placed them on the table, they were still steaming hot.

The morning sun had risen above the horizon, casting a golden beam of light through the small side window.

Ye Zhiqiu sat in the glow, eating his meal while checking his emails and messages.

There was nothing particularly important in the messages, so he mostly ignored them.

However, Tang Yue did tag him in the group chat.

"Le Le: Xiao Qiu, I have a question for you."

He then attached a partially completed sketch.

"Le Le: The cuffs look smooth in my drawing, but when I make them, they deform. I've looked for a long time but can't find the issue."

The message was sent at around two in the morning, clearly showing how hard Tang Yue had been working recently.

Although it was easy to spot the problem with the design, explaining it wasn't as simple. Ye Zhiqiu replied with a message.

"Yi Ye Zhiqiu: There's an issue with your drawing. I can help you sort it out after class this afternoon."

Then, he switched to his private email to check Zhang Mian's message.

Zhang Mian always handled matters meticulously, listing his thoughts step by step even for difficult issues.

Most of the time, Ye Zhiqiu just needed to choose the appropriate option, making the process quick.

Afterward, he switched to the company email.

Apart from emails from partners, other departments, and his team, there was also a thank-you email from Zhou Hao.

Previously, Ye Zhiqiu had submitted Zhou Hao's fabric factory information to the procurement department through Meng Da.

Given the scale of Zhou Hao's factory, it didn't meet Q.L's standards and requirements.

But Zhou Hao had imported new equipment with a friend, enabling him to produce high-end fabrics that were usually imported, and the samples provided were indistinguishable from imported ones.

With Meng Da's support, the procurement department eventually approved the factory's application.

From the text alone, Ye Zhiqiu could sense Zhou Hao's excitement and gratitude.

In just a few lines, "you're my benefactor" appeared three times, "let's have dinner" twice, and "thank you" several times.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled and glanced at the timestamp.

It was around eleven o'clock last night.

While unsure when the procurement department sent their notification email, Ye Zhiqiu could confirm that Zhou Hao saw it at that time.

Perhaps fearing it might disturb Ye Zhiqiu's rest, he held back his excitement and only sent the email.

Ye Zhiqiu replied with a smile.

"No need for dinner; just prioritize Q.L's orders in the future, and I'll be very grateful."

The bedroom door opened, and Qin Jianhe emerged, fully dressed.

In his formal attire, he looked even more slender and tall, exuding a cold and restrained charm.

He seemed almost unrecognizable compared to the sweaty, flushed appearance he had in bed at night.

"What are you looking at?" Noticing Ye Zhiqiu's gaze fixed on him, he chuckled.

His smile spread from his lips to his eyes, softening his cold demeanor.

"Did you drink the fish soup? Was it fresh?" he asked.

"Mm." It was delicious, Ye Zhiqiu nodded, scooping a tender piece of tofu from the soup. "How do you always know about these health-conscious places?"

Ye Zhiqiu enjoyed spicy food, so he used to frequent certain restaurants before.

After getting married, during the early busy period, he barely had time to eat, relying mostly on takeout boxes to fill his stomach.

Later, he either cooked at home or ordered takeout when Qi Xin wasn't around.

He hadn't tried many other dishes or restaurants.

"I often order for the elderly, so I gradually learned," Qin Jianhe smiled. "Some are what my grandfather likes, and sometimes when I don't have time to cook for him, I explore new restaurants. After seeing many, I get to know them."

"Oh~" Ye Zhiqiu murmured softly.

Such affection was something he had never experienced.

He felt that having family members who cared for you wholeheartedly must bring great happiness.

This kind of happiness was far removed from him, almost irrelevant, and he didn't want to dwell on it or say much more.

"My grandfather is a good person," Qin Jianhe said with a gentle smile, slowly continuing, "later..."

When he mentioned yesterday that having a mother was nice, Qin Jianhe said his mother was good and hinted that Ye Zhiqiu could call her "mother," it had a slight joking tone.

Then, his tone was particularly serious.

"Turn around," he said, "I want to take you to meet my grandfather."

*

After having lunch at the company, Ye Zhiqiu worked in his office for a while before driving to the school.

He had been arriving just on time recently, and today was no exception.

However, upon entering the classroom and looking around, he did not see Tang Yue.

Ye Zhiqiu took a seat at the back and pulled out his class materials from his backpack, placing them on the desk.

He then unlocked his phone screen.

Sure enough, there was a message from Tang Yue, sent ten minutes ago.

"Le Le: Sorry Xiao Qiu, I have something urgent and need to take a leave. I'll ask you about it later."

Without a doubt, Tang Yue had always been very serious about his studies and rarely took any leave unless necessary.

If this were the previous life at this point, Ye Zhiqiu would have worried and asked about his whereabouts.

And if his own plans hadn't progressed to this stage yet, he might have guessed who he went to see, what he did, and what new ideas he might have come up with...

But today, Ye Zhiqiu said nothing.

He lowered his eyes, calmly replied with a "Okay," and silenced his phone, turning his focus to the class.

He had taken all these courses in his previous life.

However, after going through a long creative phase, listening to the professors' perspectives and concepts now still gave him new insights.

Therefore, if he could make it, he would still come.

Even when some content was no longer necessary for him to listen to, he could use the opportunity to hide in the back and read books on leather craftsmanship.

While Ye Zhiqiu was in class, Tang Yue was in a taxi heading to the Ye family's residence.

When he received Ye Zhixia's call, he was already at the school gate.

Originally, he intended to go after class.

Moreover, the question he wanted to ask Ye Zhiqiu today directly related to his exhibit.

For Tang Yue, nothing was more important than this matter.

However, Ye Zhixia seemed to have had some drinks; his tone was both anxious and impatient. Not wanting to offend him, Tang Yue had to take a leave and head to the Ye residence.

Tao Ruoqing was also at home today, accompanying several ladies over tea.

Beside the tea table, there were a few limited-edition bags made of rare leather.

With the astonishing returns from her investment with Qi Xin, Tao Ruoqing had been living quite happily recently.

She immediately bought several bags that others in the ladies' circle owned but she had been hesitant to buy.

Some she obtained through connections, and others she purchased at a premium from second-hand luxury stores.

Even when drinking tea and playing cards with the ladies, she appeared more lively and generous.

Still, she didn't waste too much money.

Qi Xin had been very motivated lately, opening shelves in the mall and collaborating with Man Qing on several new products.

Some were designed by Ye Zhiqiu, and others were works by other designers at Man Qing.

Due to limited production capacity, a significant portion of the work was outsourced to Man Qing, where they procured fabrics and placed orders with cooperating manufacturers.

The scale and quantity were substantial.

With Qi Xin working so hard, Tao Ruoqing naturally did not slack off.

After all, with such high returns, almost guaranteed profits, who wouldn't be tempted?

So, after investing all her money, Tao Ruoqing even considered taking out a loan to increase her share of the investment and gain more profit.

Today, she invited the ladies over, hoping to secure more loans through their connections.

Seeing Tang Yue appear unexpectedly, she was somewhat surprised.

"I'm here to see Ye Zhixia," Tang Yue explained with a smile.

With the ladies present, Tao Ruoqing couldn't say much and simply directed him.

"He's in his bedroom," she said, maintaining her usual gentleness.

Tang Yue politely thanked her and headed upstairs.

"Isn't that Xiao Qiu's friend?" Mrs. Zhou observed keenly, smiling.

"This child," Tao Ruoqing sipped her tea and smiled warmly, "wants to enter the entertainment industry as a stylist. He's trying to get close to our Xia Xia now."

Hearing this, the ladies smiled subtly without further comment.

No matter how long the stairs were, they eventually reached the top.

Tang Yue stopped in front of Ye Zhixia's door, took a deep breath, and knocked.

"Come in," came Ye Zhixia's voice from inside.

Tang Yue pushed the door open and, as soon as he entered, nearly got overwhelmed by the smell of alcohol.

The windows in the room were closed, and even the curtains were drawn. The warm yellow light shone on Ye Zhixia's face, making his complexion sallow and unappealing.

Tang Yue shifted his gaze without showing any emotion. "Did you call me here for something?"

Ye Zhixia raised his hand to rub his face, then pointed to the seat opposite him, gesturing for Tang Yue to sit down.

Tang Yue complied and sat down.

Ye Zhixia looked at him but didn't speak immediately, instead organizing his thoughts amidst the chaos in his mind.

He had called Tang Yue over today entirely because Gao Wenye had visited Li Ling's set at Building No. 8 again these past few days.

Perhaps due to the persistent pain in his heart, Ye Zhixia was now feeling somewhat numb.

Knowing that Gao Wenye had gone to the set, for some reason, he didn't think of Li Ling but rather of Ye Zhiqiu.

"How has Ye Zhiqiu been lately?" he asked, pausing before adding, "I mean, how is his relationship with Qi Xin?"

Ye Zhixia knew all too well what kind of person Qi Xin was.

He couldn't quite pinpoint his current state of mind.

Perhaps it was just that, since he wasn't doing well himself, he wanted to see Ye Zhiqiu also suffering, to gain some peculiar psychological comfort.

"Xiao Qiu's situation," Tang Yue said, "I have already reported to Mrs. Ye."

"It's me asking you now," Ye Zhixia said, his tone suddenly becoming irritable, "What, everyone thinks they can show off their power in front of me? Do you think you're qualified?"

Tang Yue: "..."

Tang Yue was genuinely annoyed with Ye Zhixia, but upon hearing this, he composed himself.

However, he misunderstood Ye Zhixia's intention.

Thinking that he was worried about Ye Zhiqiu having contact with Gao Wenye again, he said, "As you know, after Xiao Qiu moved out, I can no longer be by his side all the time. Whether he has met Mr. Gao or not, I really don't know."

At these words, Ye Zhixia's expression suddenly became somewhat peculiar.

Tang Yue couldn't quite describe the look, and didn't even have time to analyze it properly.

Because Ye Zhixia quickly stood up.

With a sharp "slap," Tang Yue's face was struck hard.

He turned his head, feeling both pain and numbness on his cheek, burning hot.

"I'm asking you about his relationship with Qi Xin, and you're just spouting nonsense," Ye Zhixia cursed. "Don't think that because my mother gives you a bit of face, you can get away with anything. Look in the mirror and see what a sorry sight you are."

"A thing even dogs won't bother with." Ye Zhixia's tone was full of contempt.

Tang Yue had been looked down upon far too many times, and he thought he had developed a tolerance for it.

But for some reason, the phrase "even dogs won't bother" still infuriated him.

He turned his head, covering his injured cheek, and stared at Ye Zhixia without saying a word.

"What?" Ye Zhixia had been living worse than a dog lately, and her frequent lapses on set had already earned her some criticism from the crew.

If not for the numerous scenes already filmed, the director would have wanted to replace her.

Her career was going downhill, and her personal life was even more of a mess. She had a belly full of resentment that needed an outlet.

Tang Yue running into her now was bound to be unlucky for him.

"Not convinced?" Ye Zhixia raised her hand again, this time with malice.

"Ye Zhixia." Tang Yue did not dodge; instead, he lifted his face.

Even a rabbit bites when cornered. Since Ye Zhixia wouldn't listen to reason, he had no choice but to speak harshly.

"Do you really think that after all this time interacting with Mrs. Ye, I don't have any evidence?" Tang Yue stood up. "You can continue hitting me, but since the ladies downstairs are all here, why don't I go down and hand over everything I have, and let them judge?"

The hand raised in mid-air paused, and Ye Zhixia's drunken mind slowly cleared.

"You're threatening me?" Ye Zhixia's face changed abruptly, her eyes fierce.

But the hand raised in mid-air ultimately didn't dare to come down again.