Chapter 100

Chapter 100

The car arrived in an instant, and Qin Jianhe stepped forward, placing his hand on the roof and bending down slightly.

The door opened, and Ye Zhiqiu bent to get out of the car.

From this angle, he fell perfectly into Qin Jianhe's embrace.

Under the moonlight, two figures, one tall and one shorter, stood close by the car.

Seeing Qin Jianhe lower his head, Uncle Li instinctively looked away.

Initially, Uncle Li had been with Nie Yunsong.

Later, when Nie Yunsong fell seriously ill, Nie Fengjun was devastated by marital issues, and some restless individuals within Ruiyi began to form factions, vying for power.

Both personally and professionally, the Nie family faced immense challenges, and only two of Nie Yunsong's four assistants remained.

One was Uncle Li, and the other was Jiang Xian, who now worked with Nie Fengjun.

However, Uncle Li was Nie Yunsong's personal assistant, while Jiang Xian was a crucial support in Nie Yunsong's professional life.

Under such pressure, Nie Fengjun gradually overcame her emotional struggles.

She formally entered Ruiyi to reorganize and reform it with vigor.

It was during this time that she was betrayed by her driver due to conflicts of interest, narrowly escaping death.

Everyone knew the importance and uniqueness of the driver's position.

But from that day on, Nie Yunsong and Nie Fengjun truly understood just how critical it was.

Since then, Uncle Li was assigned by Nie Yunsong to be Nie Fengjun's driver, transitioning from a personal assistant.

After Qin Jianhe took over Q.L, Nie Fengjun reassigned him to work closely with Qin Jianhe.

This demonstrated the trust and importance placed on him by three generations of the family.

For Qin Jianhe, Uncle Li could be said to have watched him grow up.

From infancy to age seven, although they met often, the occasions were limited.

But after Nie Fengjun divorced and returned home with her son, scarred and hurt, Uncle Li watched him grow day by day.

From a child who needed frequent therapy, he grew into a slender and tall young man, yet extremely cold and aloof.

And now, Qin Jianhe had become a handsome young man capable of seamlessly taking over and expanding his mother's legacy.

During those years, especially between ages seven and eighteen, his coldness was like frost or a sharp sword, making people hesitant to approach him.

Even as an elder, Uncle Li hardly initiated conversations with him.

Only recently did he start to show a bit of warmth.

But seeing him so relaxed and gentle today was a first for Uncle Li.

To be precise, it wasn't entirely the first time.

On previous occasions, he had deliberately left early or averted his gaze.

But this time, before he could look away, he saw them kissing.

The pale moonlight enveloped them, outlining their intimate embrace.

Even Qin Jianhe's sharp jawline seemed to be bathed in a silver glow, appearing exceptionally gentle.

Ye Zhiqiu, squeezed between Qin Jianhe and the car, tilted his head slightly upward, grabbing the hem of Qin Jianhe's shirt and instinctively lifting his foot.

The scene was so beautiful that even Uncle Li, who had seen it all, felt a warmth in his heart.

This is how the young master should be, he thought.

Though no one had ever mentioned it, not even Qin Jianhe himself, the Nie family tacitly believed that he might never have a romantic life.

This made Nie Fengjun feel deeply guilty.

As for Qin Xusheng, he seemed oblivious, constantly trying to arrange suitable matches for Qin Jianhe, pushing for external alliances.

Nie Fengjun alone could secure the top position with Ruiyi, and Qin Jianhe would inevitably control both Q.L and Ruiyi, leading enterprises. How could Qin Xusheng think this way?

Was he happier if his son suffered?

Uncle Li pondered for a moment, feeling even warmer inside.

After a while, he couldn't help but sigh softly.

Now, President Nie and Old President Nie can finally rest easy.

Hearing the sound of the car door closing, Uncle Li paused before looking up, noticing that the two had already gotten into Ye Zhiqiu's car.

The car backed up a few meters, turned around, and drove off without looking back.

Sigh...

Uncle Li sighed again, this time with a hint of amusement.

Clearly they had a good car but chose not to take it, instead squeezing into Ye Zhiqiu's outdated and old vehicle.

...

A sliver of light flashed through the car window as wind blew in, lifting Ye Zhiqiu's slightly long black hair, revealing his smooth forehead and delicate eyebrows.

His eyes were warm and bright, carrying a faint smile.

"Were you that happy to see me just now?" Qin Jianhe's voice suddenly came low and deep through the wind.

Indeed, he was quite happy, even eagerly anticipating it.

Although nominally, the Ye family was his home.

But stepping out from that place filled with scheming and manipulation, he felt that the person waiting for him at the end of the small road was truly home.

No need to pretend, no need to suppress himself, and no need to deliberately cater to anyone for the sake of love and warmth.

In the past, he was oblivious and accustomed to such a life, but now that he saw everything clearly, looking back, Ye Zhiqiu only felt suffocated.

Though he had already agreed in his heart, Ye Zhiqiu refused to admit it verbally.

"Was I?" he asked, his hands steady on the steering wheel.

"Weren't you?" Qin Jianhe countered.

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu silent, Qin Jianhe moved closer.

The lingering scent of woody perfume drifted over, filling Ye Zhiqiu's nostrils, causing the smile in his eyes to deepen involuntarily.

"Weren't you?" Qin Jianhe asked again, calling his name, "Hmm? Ye Zhiqiu?"

"I'm driving," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, then changed the subject, "What time is your online meeting tonight? You won't be late, will you?"

"Ten-thirty." Qin Jianhe glanced at his wristwatch.

Though he wouldn't be late, time wasn't particularly ample, so Ye Zhiqiu drove directly back to Qin Jianhe's neighborhood.

They went upstairs, and Qin Jianhe changed clothes before heading straight to the study upstairs. Ye Zhiqiu heated two cups of milk downstairs and carried them up, one in each hand.

When he pushed open the study door, Qin Jianhe was leaning back in his chair, quietly listening to the regional manager report work.

Ye Zhiqiu didn't make a sound, tiptoeing over and placing the milk on the corner of the laptop where the camera couldn't capture it.

Just as he was about to pull his hand away, Qin Jianhe suddenly leaned forward slightly, reaching out to grasp his wrist.

Ye Zhiqiu was startled and tried to pull his hand back, but Qin Jianhe seemed to be teasing him, loosening his grip slightly before tightening it again.

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

Could this guy be retaliating for his evasive answer in the car?

However, that's too childish, isn't it?

Ye Zhiqiu found it amusing and silently mouthed a curse, "Damn."

Qin Jianhe's thin lips pressed together, but inexplicably, the smile in his eyes grew deeper.

Perhaps because such an expression was rare, the smooth flow of the presentation during the meeting suddenly stuttered and stopped.

Only then did Qin Jianhe release his wrist and said in French to continue.

The voice in the meeting resumed, and Qin Jianhe lowered his head to look at the printed reports, his expression refocusing.

Ye Zhiqiu then stepped back.

He took a pen and two blank sheets of paper, then retreated to sit down on the sofa by the window.

Today, he originally planned to read the script.

But after returning from the Ye family, he felt that reviewing the day's events was more important than reading the script.

Qin Jianhe's voice drifted over faintly, and though Ye Zhiqiu didn't understand French, he found it soothing and reassuring.

This voice didn't disturb him; instead, it made him feel calm and grounded.

Ye Zhiqiu lowered his gaze and began writing on the white A4 paper.

Though there were more pressing matters to sort out, he first wrote down "Tang Yue" on the paper.

Yesterday, Tang Yue was still desperate, but now, just a day later, he could return to school without caring about others' strange looks.

Without much thought, Ye Zhiqiu knew it must have something to do with Tao Ruoqing, her son, or Gao Wenye.

After a moment of contemplation, he added Tao Ruoqing, Ye Zhixia, and Gao Wenye's names after "Tang Yue."

In the previous life, Tao Ruoqing indeed arranged Tang Yue's dream job as a stylist through the already successful Gao Wenye and Ye Zhixia in the entertainment industry.

But fundamentally, it was because Tang Yue played a substantial role.

With his help, Ye Zhiqiu fell into their trap and was ultimately destroyed step by step.

This allowed Tao Ruoqing to smoothly obtain Ye Ding and fulfill her wish to pass it to Ye Zhixia.

At that time, they were each getting what they needed.

Moreover, in the previous life, Gao Wenye focused all his energy on developing his career.

Thus, Xinye quickly gained prominence in the industry, and Gao Wenye's status steadily rose.

Plus, after a minor setback, his relationship with Ye Zhixia has been quite harmonious.

Whether in terms of ability or emotion, it was natural and effortless for Gao Wenye to arrange for Tang Yue to enter the entertainment industry.

But now things are different.

Ye Zhiqiu and Tang Yue have completely fallen out, and Tang Yue is no longer of any use to Tao Ruoqing.

Moreover, given Gao Wenye's current indulgence in wine and women, as well as his terrible relationship with Ye Zhixia, whether he can or even wants to help Tao Ruoqing again has become uncertain.

So, what makes Tao Ruoqing still willing to support and help him?

To the point that Tang Yue can be certain that he will still have a future.

That’s why he would return to campus without hesitation, ignoring others' strange looks?

Ye Zhiqiu pursed his lips. After a moment, he began writing on the paper again.

At first, he was hesitant, but soon his movements became resolute.

The word "threat" appeared at the corner of the blank page.

This makes sense.

Someone like Tang Yue, who harbors malice, wouldn’t leave himself without leverage, would he?

Tao Ruoqing, who has been a hawk her whole life, must feel something when she is now pecked by the hawk. What could that feeling be?

Ye Zhiqiu lowered his eyes, a subtle smile appearing, finding the situation increasingly intriguing.

He held the pen in contemplation for a moment, then wrote "Ye Zheng" on the other side of the paper.

To be honest, over the years, Ye Zhiqiu's memories of Ye Zheng were vague.

Not because his memory was poor, but because Ye Zheng's performance in the Ye family was too mediocre and too conventional.

Unlike Ye Hongxian, Tao Ruoqing, or Ye Zhixia, each of whom had distinct characteristics.

Although Ye Hongxian trusted him deeply and treated him like a son, Ye Zheng seemed to never reveal his true self.

His face always wore a mask of "just right."

Perhaps because he knew Ye Hongxian wasn't his biological father when he entered the Ye family and thus was cautious.

Or perhaps because he knew about his mother's vicious plans and thus kept a low profile.

Ye Zhiqiu recalled the past, and in his memory, there was only the shadow of him going to and from school and work.

Even when the family gathered, he listened more than he spoke.

As a "brother," he was competent, showing little difference between him and Ye Zhixia.

If they needed pocket money, he would give it to them...

But that was about it.

Ye Zhiqiu frowned slightly, piecing together fragmented memories.

In the previous life, Ye Zheng treated him well on the surface.

But not as well as now.

After he and Qi Xin confirmed their relationship and were kicked out by Ye Hongxian, he didn’t remember Ye Zheng visiting him.

When he was in dire straits, he only saw the Ye family prospering, but none of the family members, including Ye Zheng, offered any help.

But this time, whether he went abroad on business, moved, or faced plagiarism scandals, Ye Zheng seemed particularly concerned about him.

Even yesterday, he came near the company to invite him for a meal.

When he decided to move, Ye Zheng suggested he stay, which he initially thought was Tao Ruoqing's idea, but now it seems not...

Yes, Tao Ruoqing.

What happened that made Tao Ruoqing unable to maintain her facade yesterday, even resorting to violence against Ye Zheng?

Thinking of the finger marks on Ye Zheng's face, Ye Zhiqiu paused.

Despite the marks, he still came out to see him off.

His frown deepened, and a wild conjecture sprang into his mind.

Yet, when he considered this conjecture, everything suddenly made sense.

He pursed his lips, his grip on the pen tightening, a complex mix of disbelief crossing his features.

However, this time he did not write anything more, but after a brief silence, put down the pen and tore the A4 paper into pieces as usual.

The sound of tearing paper echoed in the room, somewhat jarring. Ye Zhiqiu snapped back to reality, realizing he was not at home but in Qin Jianhe's study.

The online meeting was nearing its end, and Qin Jianhe was making the final summary. Hearing the noise, he continued speaking but glanced over.

Ye Zhiqiu “...”

Ye Zhiqiu lightened his movements.

After the meeting ended, Qin Jianhe stood up, approached Ye Zhiqiu, and gently bent down, running his hand through his hair.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

The moment he looked up, the shock on Ye Zhiqiu's face had not yet faded; he saw it all.

But Ye Zhiqiu said nothing. He shook his head and, still in his seated position, reached out to wrap his arm around Qin Jianhe's waist.

He buried his face in Qin Jianhe's body, his voice muffled. "Thinking about Ye Zhixia's wedding."

"Hmm?" Qin Jianhe responded softly, then after a moment, suddenly asked, "That day, do you need me to go with you?"

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

This was almost the first time Qin Jianhe had directly addressed their relationship.

However, Ye Zhiqiu did not feel repulsed.

If it were before, he might have brushed it off with some casual joke.

But now, he hoped every answer he gave Qin Jianhe would be solid and responsible...

Yet there were some things he had not truly let go of, nor fully figured out,

so for a moment, he could not say anything.

Warm palms rubbed his scalp gently, long fingers threading through his dark, soft hair, as Qin Jianhe massaged his roots without pressing further.

His silence was deafening, even though he did not speak, the answer was already clear.

Ye Zhiqiu felt a slight ache, burying his face in Qin Jianhe's body, feeling the warmth of the faint, woody scent with each breath.

"Tired?" Qin Jianhe asked, his voice unchanged, still deep and gentle.

"Mm." Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

"Shall we go downstairs to rest?" Qin Jianhe said, holding his hand in his palm.

Ye Zhiqiu finally lifted his face from him and looked up at Qin Jianhe.

Under the warm light, Qin Jianhe lowered his eyes to look at him, the lines of his phoenix-like eyes beautifully drawn, the corners slightly uplifted, making them appear incredibly deep and inscrutable.

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu rise, he turned around and bent slightly. "Hop on."

"Hmm?" Ye Zhiqiu was puzzled, slightly stunned.

"Aren't you tired?" Qin Jianhe said, "I'll carry you."