Chapter 101

Chapter 101

May 21st finally arrived, the day of Ye Zhixia's wedding.

Waking up in the morning, Ye Zhiqiu, as usual, closed his eyes for a moment to rest before slowly opening them.

A small gap in the window allowed slightly damp morning air to lift a corner of the curtain.

Through that gap, the fresh post-rain air rushed in, making one feel particularly comfortable.

His phone vibrated on the pillow beside him. Ye Zhiqiu reached over and saw a message from Ye Zheng.

"Big Brother: Come to the hotel early today; you can help Mom and Dad greet the guests."

Ye Zhixia and Gao Wenye's wedding was set at the Shunxin InterContinental Hotel under the Yu family's business empire.

Although the Yu family's main business was in shipping, their catering and hotel sectors were also impressive.

Especially the InterContinental, which could be considered the best hotel in the capital, with its banquet halls always fully booked.

When they first set the wedding date, all the banquet halls at the InterContinental were already reserved.

It was Tao Ruoqing who managed to secure a banquet hall that the hotel had reserved for emergencies and not yet open to the public through her long-standing business relationships.

Naturally, it didn't come cheap.

Just as Ye Zhiqiu was about to reply, another message from Ye Zheng came in.

"Big Brother: Do you know where it is? Should Uncle Wang come pick you up?"

Today was Ye Zhixia's big day, and Uncle Wang would likely be more attentive than most. Ye Zhiqiu didn't want to cause any trouble.

Leaning against the headboard, he replied to the message.

"Yezhiqiu: No need, I know where it is."

"Ye Zheng: It's raining, the roads are slippery, drive safely."

Ye Zhiqiu didn't respond further.

He turned off his phone, went into the bathroom to wash up, and without changing out of his pajamas, opened the bedroom door and walked out.

Breakfast had just been prepared.

Qin Jianhe was rolling up his sleeves, washing the soy milk maker by the sink, his eyes lowered.

The soy milk contained peanuts and red dates, and a warm, sweet scent wafted over when one got close.

It was excellent for nourishing blood and qi.

Ye Zhiqiu silently approached from behind and wrapped his arms around Qin Jianhe's waist, pressing his soft cheek against his back.

A faint laugh carried over the sound of running water, resonating deep in his ears, causing an uncontrollable itch and warmth.

"Wakey, wakey," Qin Jianhe chuckled, adding, "We're having a big meal for lunch, so let's keep breakfast light."

"Mmm," Ye Zhiqiu responded, watching the water flow over Qin Jianhe's slender fingers.

"It's raining," Qin Jianhe said, "Should Uncle Li take you there?"

"I race cars for fun," Ye Zhiqiu scoffed, "What, don't you trust my skills?"

"Is that so?" Qin Jianhe asked with a smile.

Without moving his body, he flicked some water backward.

Cool droplets splashed onto Ye Zhiqiu's eyelids, and he laughed, burying his face deeper.

"I heard from Renzhi," Qin Jianhe amusedly put the soy milk maker back in place and wiped his hands with a paper towel, "that you came in last place in your last race."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

How could he forget that Yu Renzhi was present when he acted with Shan Yuan's friends?

Truly...

Good news doesn't leave the house, but bad news spreads far and wide.

"Next time, I'll show you a better run," he said, feeling oddly competitive in front of Qin Jianhe.

Wanting to be the best, wanting to do the best.

"No need," Qin Jianhe finished wiping his hands and turned around with a smile, pulling Ye Zhiqiu into his embrace.

He looked down at him, his dark eyes filled with laughter.

"Safety first," he said.

Ye Zhiqiu pursed his lips, his eyes full of amusement, but still stubbornly insisted, "I'm really good at driving."

"Mmm," Qin Jianhe agreed indulgently, "You're really good at 'driving'."

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

Why did he feel...

Ye Zhiqiu narrowed his eyes and couldn't help but laugh, pinching Qin Jianhe's lower back.

"Hey, it's early in the morning," he said.

Looking at him, blushing and flustered, trying to suppress his laughter with wide eyes, Qin Jianhe couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Every time Ye Zhiqiu's eyes widened, he would subconsciously think of an annoyed cat.

Unable to resist, Qin Jianhe raised his hand and gently cupped Ye Zhiqiu's soft cheeks.

"Come on, let's eat first."

After the heavy rain last night, fine drizzle still lingered outside, light and thin like a mist floating in the wind.

The two didn't eat in the dining room but placed their breakfast on a small table on the balcony, enjoying their meal while watching the lush green plants outside, made even more vibrant by the rain.

The phone rang amidst the relaxed atmosphere; it was Qi Xin.

Ye Zhiqiu's brow furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly, before slowly reaching out to answer the call.

"Xiao Qiu," Qi Xin's voice was filled with excitement, "have you gone to the hotel yet?"

"No," said Ye Zhiqiu.

"What color clothes are you wearing?" Qi Xin asked, "Can we both wear black suits?"

"It's Ye Zhixia and Gao Wenye's wedding, not ours," Ye Zhiqiu's cold tone carried a hint of impatience and annoyance, "why do we have to wear the same thing?"

"Well... this is because Uncle Ye just started to change his opinion about me, I'm excited," Qi Xin replied.

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu let out a soft scoff and fell silent for a moment.

Perhaps due to his heightened concern, Qi Xin had become increasingly sensitive regarding Ye Zhiqiu.

"If you're unhappy," he said cautiously, "then I'll wear a different color."

"Mm," Ye Zhiqiu said, then hung up the call.

Placing the phone back on the corner of the table, Ye Zhiqiu looked up at Qin Jianhe.

In the past, when talking to Qi Xin in front of Qin Jianhe, he could say anything without a care. But now, somehow, he had begun to feel a bit uneasy.

By the time Ye Zhiqiu finished his call, Qin Jianhe had already finished his breakfast. He wiped his lips with a napkin and, raising his eyes, met Ye Zhiqiu's gaze.

Those incredibly beautiful eyes were quietly and restrainedly probing him, looking at him very seriously.

His heart softened, and Qin Jianhe smiled silently.

Then he leaned over and gently ruffled Ye Zhiqiu's hair.

"Let's eat," he said softly, "it's going to get cold."

Just this gesture made Ye Zhiqiu's heart inexplicably relax.

"Mm," he responded, his eyes slowly curving into a smile.

"Can you help me pick my outfit later?" he asked.

"Sure," Qin Jianhe smiled.

The breeze blew in, lifting the white curtains behind them.

The fresh scent of grass and trees in the post-rain air captivated Ye Zhiqiu.

It reminded him of Qin Jianhe's natural scent when he didn't use perfume. Being enveloped in this aroma brought comfort and peace.

After finishing their meal, Qin Jianhe cleaned up the dishes and went into the kitchen, while Ye Zhiqiu went to the bedroom to change.

Tucking the white shirt into his waist, Ye Zhiqiu put on his suit in front of the mirror.

The suit had simple lines, short and fitted, immediately showcasing the excellent figure in the mirror.

Slim waist, long legs, every movement graceful and composed, exuding a low-key confidence and casualness, yet with a youthful brightness that was particularly radiant.

Ye Zhiqiu lowered his eyes, selecting cufflinks and a brooch from the organized drawers in the closet.

Just as he held them in his hand, the bedroom door opened, and Qin Jianhe walked in.

"I'll do it," he said with a smile, taking the accessories from his hands and carefully fastening them one by one.

Both the brooch and cufflinks were pearl series, their luster soft and smooth, adding warmth to his overall appearance, making him seem less distant.

"Do you want to wear a tie?" Ye Zhiqiu tilted his head with a smile, seeming a bit unsure.

"So the great designer Ye Zhiqiu has moments of uncertainty in aesthetics?" Qin Jianhe teased, smiling.

"Who made you the boss of the great designer Ye Zhiqiu?" Ye Zhiqiu countered with a smile.

"Do you listen to everything your boss says?" Qin Jianhe asked, lowering his head to touch foreheads with him, "Hmm? Ye Zhiqiu?"

"Emm..." Ye Zhiqiu fell silent for a moment, feeling like he had dug himself into another hole.

"Then tonight's position will be decided by the boss," Qin Jianhe's voice deepened, carrying a hint of seduction.

"Then why don't you push me down right now and wrinkle my suit, so I won't have to attend Ye Zhixia's wedding," Ye Zhiqiu lifted his eyes, half-smiling.

The hand on his waist tightened suddenly, and Ye Zhiqiu saw Qin Jianhe's sexy Adam's apple move up and down.

He pursed his lips and couldn't help but laugh.

"As you wish, boss," he said, tilting his head and pressing his soft, moist lips against Qin Jianhe's Adam's apple, causing it to move again.

"But now," he smiled, "I’m about to leave."

Qin Jianhe eventually tied a tie around Ye Zhiqiu’s neck, adding a touch of formality and elegance.

Then, the two of them took the elevator down to the underground garage.

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu about to open the car door, Qin Jianhe pulled him back and pushed him toward a nearby pillar.

It was rush hour, and the sounds of others retrieving their cars echoed through the garage, but Qin Jianhe didn’t care at all.

He pressed Ye Zhiqiu against the pillar and leaned down to kiss him.

He had already wanted to kiss him at home, but he feared that if he did, he might lose control and mess up both Ye Zhiqiu and his suit.

Even worse...

Even worse, the wild desire in his heart made him want to tie him up with the tie.

Suppressing the burning desire within, he barely managed to hold back until now.

The more he suppressed, the fiercer the rebound, making this kiss particularly intense and fierce.

Ye Zhiqiu was kissed breathless.

His thick eyelashes were drenched with tears from the physiological response, and even the obvious sounds in the garage seemed distant. Only then did Qin Jianhe pull back slightly.

Immediately after, he pressed his lips against Ye Zhiqiu’s sensitive earlobe.

"Ye Zhiqiu," he said, "you have no idea how perfect you are."

*

At the same time, Qi Xin was speeding through the rain on his way to the hotel.

Recently, he had encountered some trouble in his business.

Spring collections were long gone, and summer collections had been released several times.

Initially, everything went smoothly, and his collaboration with Man Qing indeed brought him many conveniences.

He thought it would continue like this, but unfortunately, a rather tricky issue arose recently.

A while ago, Ye Zhiqiu gave him a new design draft.

As soon as the draft was released, almost all his clients placed orders, and the quantity was substantial.

Man Qing also promoted it under the joint name, receiving numerous orders.

This was a design for a long summer dress, elegant and beautiful, requiring high-quality fabric to express its drape and texture.

However, Zhou Hao’s production capacity was limited.

Moreover, now that he had connected with Q.L through Ye Zhiqiu, his factory was already booked months ahead with Q.L’s orders, leaving no room for additional orders.

Of course, Qi Xin had considered other factories.

But they also had fixed partners, and handling such a large volume might not be feasible immediately.

And since the collaboration had just begun, he wasn’t willing to take risks with such an important project.

After weighing the pros and cons, he decided to produce it at Man Qing’s factory.

He thought he could just wait for the money to come in.

But after the goods were shipped, he received collective complaints and requests for returns from his clients.

Whether due to Qin Weian or a mistake by Man Qing’s procurement and quality inspection department, all the goods used inferior fabric, failing to achieve the effect of the design.

When shipping, most of the payment had already been made, and Tao Ruoqing had recently invested a significant amount, which Qi Xin combined to pay Man Qing in advance.

Once the money was paid, the initiative was handed over, leaving Qi Xin in a very passive position.

Handling the returns cost him a huge sum of money.

Moreover, those who hadn’t paid the final installment demanded refunds based on the mismatched goods.

The quantity of these goods was enormous, and Qi Xin had no idea how to handle it.

Even if someone were willing to take it, the price would likely be rock-bottom.

Furthermore, transportation, storage, and labor costs were already significant expenses.

The problem was that these clients were hard-won, and he couldn’t risk ruining Qi Yun’s reputation for one deal.

Yet, he didn’t dare offend Qin Weian either.

Not only this design, but several other designs from Man Qing’s designers were also being produced there, and he had already paid the deposits, which were not insignificant.

With neither the money nor the goods in his hands, Qi Xin had no choice but to be patient.

Now, he dared not offend either side, feeling squeezed between a rock and a hard place.

So far, apart from his father, Qi Xin hadn’t told anyone about this.

Especially Tao Ruoqing.

If Tao Ruoqing found out that all the money was lost and turned against him, his relationship with Ye Zhiqiu might change drastically.

He now absolutely needed Ye Zhiqiu and was eager to solidify their relationship as soon as possible.

If possible, he hoped to get married and register their marriage as quickly as Ye Zhixia and Gao Wenye did.

After that, he could gradually resolve the other issues.

Most importantly, due to this mistake, Qin Weian gave him an invitation to the government-hosted Mid-Year Business Exchange Conference.

This business exchange conference is held annually, inviting mostly well-known domestic entrepreneurs.

Moreover, Nie Fengjun has been invited to attend for several consecutive years, and it's said that this year is no exception.

With Nie Fengjun's influence, this invitation is priceless.

Qi Xin was fixated on the idea that if he could make it to the June business exchange conference, he might have the chance to turn things around by networking, securing funds, clients, or partners at the event.

Then, he could quietly resolve the risks without anyone knowing.

However, while his business endeavors were faltering, his love life presented a new opportunity.

Upon learning from Tao Ruoqing that Ye Hongxian had finally allowed him to attend Ye Zhixia's wedding, Qi Xin was so excited he felt like jumping for joy.

He knew this was a signal.

A signal that his relationship with Ye Zhiqiu would no longer face opposition.

As long as Ye Zhiqiu was by his side, with his talent and support, Qi Xin was not afraid of failing.

Moreover, although he had never said it, he had already made up his mind.

After marrying Ye Zhiqiu, he would no longer follow Tao Ruoqing's plan to continue the PUA tactics.

Now, he genuinely liked Ye Zhiqiu and wanted to treat him well, cherish him, and walk together with him.

Even if Ye Zhiqiu were as spoiled and willful as Tao Ruoqing described, he could still embrace him wholeheartedly.

Thinking of Ye Zhiqiu, his heart warmed slightly.

The phone rang in the car, and Qi Xin glanced at the caller ID.

Seeing Jiang Nan's name, he subconsciously frowned.

Jiang Nan had recently caused a minor car accident due to drunk driving.

It was minor because no passersby were injured, and although he himself was hurt, there was no significant damage to vital organs.

But it was also serious because his car was almost totaled, and...

And because Jiang Nan was disfigured.

During his hospital stay, as a friend and under pressure from Qi Ruichang, Qi Xin visited Jiang Nan twice.

The second visit was yesterday, the day Jiang Nan was discharged.

His stitches had been removed, revealing a gruesome scar running from his hairline down to his eyelid, cutting his eyebrow right in half.

His once handsome face now seemed grotesque.

Unable to accept his disfigurement, Jiang Nan went berserk, smashing the hospital room, and it took several people to restrain him.

After they finally calmed him down, Qi Xin learned from Jiang Nan's silently weeping mother that his injuries had been severe.

Shards of glass had embedded into his forehead, piercing through to the bone. If it had gone any deeper, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Jiang Nan's father looked as if he had aged several years overnight. Exhausted, he was contacting the best plastic surgeons in the country, hoping to restore Jiang Nan's former appearance.

Qi Xin didn't really want to answer the call.

Thinking of the scar on Jiang Nan's forehead, he felt disgust and revulsion.

But considering how pitiful Jiang Nan was and how unstable his emotions were, after a moment of hesitation, he answered out of sympathy.

Connecting the call via the car's Bluetooth, Jiang Nan's voice immediately filled the cabin.

"Qi Xin," his voice was hoarse, "can you come out for a drink?"

"The doctor said yesterday that you can't drink now," Qi Xin replied.

"But I..." Jiang Nan's voice choked with emotion, "without drinking, I really don't know how to cope."

Qi Xin fell silent for a moment.

"With today's advanced medical technology," he tried to reassure him, somewhat insincerely, "this mark of yours isn't a big deal."

The navigation system beeped as they approached a turn.

"Are you outside?" Jiang Nan asked.

Perhaps Qi Xin's words had helped calm him down; his voice sounded a bit steadier.

"I'm going to a wedding," Qi Xin said.

"Ye Zhixia and Gao Wenye's?" Jiang Nan asked.

He paid particular attention to Ye Zhiqiu and naturally noticed information about those close to him.

Qi Xin cleared his throat and confirmed, "Yes."

"Didn't you say before that Ye Zhiqiu's family didn't accept you?" Jiang Nan asked, seeming particularly concerned about this matter. "Why did they invite you to Ye Zhixia's wedding?"

Talking about this lifted Qi Xin's spirits a bit.

"Now his family has accepted me," he said, his tone tinged with an uncontrollable joy.

There was a moment of silence on Jiang Nan's end before he asked doubtfully, "Really?"

Qi Xin always felt that Jiang Nan seemed particularly interested in the progress of his relationship with Ye Zhiqiu.

Although he had noticed it before, he thought he might be overthinking it.

But this time, from Jiang Nan's hesitant and tense voice, he finally confirmed it.

"Do you seem very concerned about my love life?" he asked.

After asking, he felt a bit regretful.

What if Jiang Nan suddenly confessed his feelings for him? How would he respond?

Fortunately, Jiang Nan did not say anything like that.

"No," he seemed to laugh, but because his voice was hoarse, the laugh sounded uncomfortable.

"I'm just a little curious," Jiang Nan said.

Of course, Jiang Nan was concerned.

But he couldn't tell Qi Xin.

Because the Ye family's acceptance of Qi Xin gave him a glimmer of hope again.

If Ye Zhiqiu and Qi Xin weren't still entangled, why would the Ye family suddenly accept Qi Xin?

Moreover, from another perspective, Ye Zhiqiu only told his family about him and Qi Xin, without mentioning Qin Jianhe.

Otherwise, with Qin Jianhe as a precedent, how could the Ye family possibly accept Qi Xin?

One was heaven, one was earth, right?

Perhaps, Jiang Nan suddenly had a thrilling idea.

Perhaps, Qin Jianhe hadn't thought about marrying Ye Zhiqiu either?

Maybe they were just playing around?

Otherwise, he really couldn't understand why Ye Zhiqiu hadn't introduced Qin Jianhe to his family.

His palm holding the phone was drenched in sweat, and Jiang Nan's gloomy mood suddenly brightened.

Damn it, Qi Xin, he thought viciously, keep it up, keep it up.

And Ye Zhiqiu, if you're blind, stay blind, and quickly achieve happiness with Qi Xin.

Then, he could really go back to Qin Jianhe.

Qi Xin's voice came through the phone again.

"We're almost there," he said. "I'll hang up; we can talk later."

"Okay," Jiang Nan replied, his voice seemingly lighter.

The hotel was ahead, and in the misty rain, Qi Xin saw Ye Zhiqiu's car from a distance.

He stepped on the gas and followed it into the underground garage.

Even the underground garage of the InterContinental was clean and bright, and considerately reserved parking spots for today's guests.

Following the signs, Ye Zhiqiu quickly parked the car.

Just as he opened the door, he heard Qi Xin's voice.

"Xiao Qiu," he called out, his voice full of joy.

The car door slammed shut, and he practically jogged to Ye Zhiqiu's side.

Ye Zhiqiu tilted his head slightly, and under the lights, he looked over with a half-smile.

The yellowish light in the garage made Ye Zhiqiu's fair skin appear warm and inviting.

Looking at him, Qi Xin found him so beautiful that he dared not look directly, yet his heart felt warm.

"Xiao Qiu," he said, "after the wedding, I'll go talk to Uncle Ye. Let's get married early too, like Ye Zhixia and Gao Wenye?"