Chapter 95

Chapter 95

"What are you doing?" Ye Zhiqiu smiled and retreated, hiding in a secluded corner behind a pillar.

"Afraid someone might see us?" he asked with a smile.

The alcohol had tinted the corners of his eyes a faint pink, and under the light, Ye Zhiqiu's gaze was as soft and affectionate as spring water.

"Then why are you teasing me?" Qin Jianhe asked, tightening his arm around Ye Zhiqiu's waist slightly.

His lips were gently bitten, and Ye Zhiqiu heard Qin Jianhe's voice.

"I'm not afraid," he said.

Though his voice was low, it was firm.

Ye Zhiqiu pursed his lips, but his bright eyes still shimmered with a smile.

"Let's go home." Meeting his smiling eyes, the corners of Qin Jianhe's mouth slowly lifted, "I asked Aunt Fang to prepare some sobering soup for after work."

He lowered his gaze to straighten Ye Zhiqiu's rumpled shirt collar, took his hand, and led him down the steps, opening the car door.

As they both got into the car and closed the doors, Uncle Li suddenly turned around from the driver's seat.

"That car behind us, I suspect it has been following us," he said with a serious expression, "At first, I thought it was just coincidence, but just now when we stopped, it stopped immediately too. Could it be..."

Uncle Li voiced his suspicion, "That young master from the Jiang family?"

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu and Qin Jianhe turned to look back.

Indeed, there was a car parked behind them, a silver Porsche, which stood out even in the night.

However, they couldn't see who was inside or what was happening due to the privacy glass.

Nevertheless, Ye Zhiqiu and Qin Jianhe recognized Jiang Nan's car simultaneously.

Qin Jianhe had just seen Jiang Nan get out of this car in the Budu underground parking lot, while Ye Zhiqiu recognized it from his past memories.

Even though Jiang Nan often changed cars, this silver Porsche was very familiar to Ye Zhiqiu.

Back then, he was helping Qi Xin build his business.

After being kicked out by the Ye family and investing all their money into the business, they were quite strapped for cash.

One day, Jiang Nan invited them to dinner and arrived in this car.

Qi Xin was envious when he saw it, so for a long time afterward, he set getting this car as a small goal.

Later, when Qi Yun started to develop a bit, even though they were still not well-off, Qi Xin gritted his teeth and bought a high-end version of the same color.

Now, Ye Zhiqiu wasn't sure if Qi Xin truly liked the car or if he just wanted to have the same model as Jiang Nan.

Probably the latter was more likely.

In the dim light of the car, a cold smile flickered in Ye Zhiqiu's eyes.

In fact, he hadn't sent any photos of Qin Jianhe to Jiang Nan for a long time.

Even though taking photos of Qin Jianhe had become much easier now, he seemed to have forgotten about Jiang Nan.

Apart from studying leather design diligently, he had put aside everything else for a long time.

But he didn't expect that before he could do anything, Jiang Nan would come looking for him.

Given Jiang Nan's obsession with Qin Jianhe, Ye Zhiqiu knew without asking what had just happened.

"Let's go," he said with a smile, looking up at Qin Jianhe.

Although Qin Jianhe's face was extremely cold, he didn't say anything more, only responding softly, "Mm."

Ye Zhiqiu smiled and reached out to hold his hand.

Up front, Uncle Li remained silent and started the car.

This time, however, he did not take the usual route.

The car turned into a small road, passed through it, and entered the central business district, where traffic was usually congested and police presence was high.

In the rearview mirror, Jiang Nan's car followed closely behind.

With the roads now clear, Uncle Li stepped on the gas and drove fast.

Sure enough, Jiang Nan's car also sped up.

However, perhaps because he was driving too fast, before reaching the police checkpoint, Jiang Nan's car suddenly veered and crashed into the central barrier.

Driving at such speed, the crash instantly created a gap in the barrier.

The car spun for a while before finally stopping.

Fortunately, there were fewer cars on the road, and the surrounding vehicles managed to swerve away just in time, narrowly avoiding a disaster.

Someone called the police, and the officers on duty at the checkpoint quickly rushed over upon hearing the commotion.

Seeing the chaos behind them, Qin Jianhe frowned slightly.

"Go check the situation," he said to Uncle Li, his voice slightly deep.

The car pulled over to the side, and Uncle Li quickly got out and ran over.

A short while later, he returned.

"The front of the car is completely dented, but fortunately, it seems the person isn't seriously hurt. The cut on his forehead looks deep, though. An ambulance has been called, and the traffic police are already there," he said.

"Let's go." Qin Jianhe didn't say anything more, only silently tightened his grip on Ye Zhiqiu's hand.

Ye Zhiqiu glanced back at the chaotic scene behind them, then silently squeezed Qin Jianhe's hand in return.

Qin Jianhe had always been very principled.

If Jiang Nan crossed his boundaries, he would take action himself to teach him a lesson.

For example, last time, he terminated the cooperation between Qin Corporation's brands and the Jiang family.

Or like in the previous life, after the drugging incident, he forced the Jiang family into a corner with swift and decisive actions.

But if Jiang Nan was just chasing after him and got into an accident...

While he might not feel sympathy, he certainly wouldn't feel comfortable either.

"What happened to him?" After a moment of silence in the car, Ye Zhiqiu looked up at Uncle Li.

"He was driving under the influence," Uncle Li said.

Uncle Li actually felt somewhat guilty.

He had interacted with Jiang Nan before and smelled a strong scent of alcohol on him.

Drunk driving endangers both the driver and others. He just wanted to lead him to a spot where traffic police could catch him and give him a lesson.

He never expected that after following him for so long without any issues, something would happen in the final stretch.

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu nodded, understanding fully.

He knew Jiang Nan quite well.

Leaving aside other things, his obsession with Qin Jianhe had reached a level of fanaticism.

It was almost pathological.

Otherwise, in the previous life, he wouldn't have drugged Qin Jianhe at the party.

Even if Qin Jianhe and Uncle Li hadn't noticed his drunk driving earlier, even if they had tried to stop him, he wouldn't have listened.

In fact, discovering that such behavior could attract Qin Jianhe's attention might have led him to act even more recklessly.

"It's not your fault," Ye Zhiqiu said, ostensibly comforting Uncle Li, but his grip on Qin Jianhe's hand tightened subtly, "He himself broke the rules and acted irresponsibly towards himself and others."

"Just what he deserves," he added, sounding somewhat cold.

In the rearview mirror, Uncle Li looked up, slightly surprised by Ye Zhiqiu's coldness but also grateful.

The sound of the ambulance finally reached them from afar, bringing him some relief.

In the back seat, Qin Jianhe's grip on Ye Zhiqiu's hand tightened even more.

*

The domestic fashion circle is small; everyone knows each other.

Especially over the years, the Jiang family had maintained cooperative relationships with many brands under Qin Corporation.

Thus, their connections ran deep.

So, when Ye Zhiqiu arrived at the company the next morning, he heard people talking about Jiang Nan's injury.

They said the wound on his forehead was extremely deep, likely disfiguring him.

Regardless of how one felt about Jiang Nan, Ye Zhiqiu couldn't bring himself to feel any sympathy.

He simply let it pass.

However, besides work, he focused on another matter.

The new issue of Fashion China was released today, featuring his design prominently.

As a rising star in the fashion world, Ye Zhiqiu first appeared in the public eye as the champion of an international fashion competition, then saved VIA from decline, and dazzled at the fashion week, attracting the attention of many industry leaders.

Then, he broke into the film industry, joining the cast of Building No. 8...

Each step he took was impressive.

For most people, any one of these achievements would be enough for success.

Thus, when Fashion China announced Ye Zhiqiu as the interviewee for this issue, many eagerly awaited its release.

The magazine sold out immediately upon hitting the shelves.

Soon, readers who followed both Fashion China and the fashion competition noticed something amiss.

Initially, on both the official forums of Fashion China and the fashion competition website, people were unsure.

Only a few confidently pointed out the issue, while most cautiously raised questions.

But soon, these doubts were confirmed through discussions, igniting online debate.

"Holy crap, is this real? What a big scoop! Who copied whom here?"

"I don't believe anyone would think Ye Zhiqiu needs to copy now, given his current status. I don't buy it."

["I don't believe it either. Leaving aside everything else, Ye Zhiqiu's 'Sole Love' is far superior to Tang Yue's 'Cloud.' The design of 'Cloud' is immature and, while there are a few good points, it's not particularly outstanding overall. Ye Zhiqiu's piece, with its flowing clouds, evening breeze, and dazzling aurora, is far more richly detailed and visually stunning. If anything, someone might have tried to imitate and failed."]

"But don't forget, Tang Yue submitted his design on the 5.5th, while Ye Zhiqiu gave his interview on the 10th. There's a five-day gap between them. For someone skilled, five days is more than enough to flesh out a good idea or framework."

"Are you also admitting that Ye Zhiqiu is a top designer? With his talent and skill, why would he need to plagiarize others? Besides, submitting a draft earlier doesn't necessarily mean finishing it earlier, right?"

"Do you not understand? Let me enlighten you as an insider. It's common for established designers to copy from their students or assistants. Don't tell me you think this industry is pure and flawless?"

"Breaking news: According to reliable sources, Tang Yue and Ye Zhiqiu are not only classmates but also very close friends."

"Damn, things are getting interesting."

"I'm waiting to see the outcome. Will it be greed or a fall from grace?"

"..."

At the same time, Tang Yue, who had been closely following the competition updates, also saw the news.

The internet was flooded with Ye Zhiqiu's design draft published by Fashion China.

With just one glance, Tang Yue felt a chill run through his body, his heart pounding wildly, unable to regain his composure for a long time.

Fear, dread, disbelief...

All these emotions surged over him, making his heart ache.

To be honest, he did use many of Ye Zhiqiu's usual fashion elements in his draft.

Even the lines at the cuffs and shoulders were strikingly similar to Ye Zhiqiu's sketches.

But elements are just elements, scattered pieces.

Tang Yue had carefully calculated everything, ensuring it wouldn't constitute plagiarism.

Moreover, he believed Ye Zhiqiu would consider their friendship.

Even if he noticed something, he would likely keep it quiet.

Over the past two years, Ye Zhiqiu had helped him countless times, and he wouldn't be so petty about such an important matter.

In the early days, he had some anxiety, but since the competition organizers had released the entries several days ago without any word from Ye Zhiqiu, Tang Yue had finally relaxed.

However, just as he let his guard down, the situation took a sudden turn.

Initially, Tang Yue thought the controversy was due to those "elements," until he saw Ye Zhiqiu's design published in Fashion China.

How could there be such a similar design?

Yet, it wasn't exactly the same.

Because Ye Zhiqiu's draft was far more complete and polished.

Elegant, grand, and splendid...

Compared to his own draft, it was like comparing a lady to a maid.

Despite the stark difference, those in the know could instantly recognize the same framework in both designs.

Now, Tang Yue no longer cared about how his draft was being mocked.

He feared his future might come to an abrupt end.

After all, he had sacrificed so much...

Thinking of Tao Ruoqing's manipulation, Ye Zhixia's slap, and the ostracism he faced after Lin Xuehua's thesis incident...

No, it couldn't be!

Those sacrifices shouldn't have been in vain, nor should he bear the consequences alone.

He had struggled for so long; he couldn't afford to fail now.

The fear of the future was suffocating him, and he didn't realize he was trembling all over.

His mind was a jumbled mess, unable to comprehend how this could happen.

He had completed his design entirely at home, never revealing anything to anyone, nor inviting anyone over.

How could this be possible...

Tang Yue took a deep breath, his vision blurred, and with trembling hands, he reached for his phone.

But the phone seemed to weigh a ton, and he could barely hold it.

Finally, he managed to find Ye Zhiqiu's number and dialed it frantically.

The ringtone echoed, but no one answered.

The once cheerful tune now sounded like a funeral dirge in the silent room, filling him with despair.

After what seemed like an eternity, the call was finally answered.

Tang Yue's voice trembled as he said, "Hello."

But before he could say more, the call was abruptly hung up.

The heavy phone slipped from his hand, hitting the floor with a loud thud.

Tang Yue stood there, utterly despondent, as if the entire world had suddenly gone dark.