Chapter 102

Chapter 102

The air fell silent for a moment.

Perhaps due to his intense anticipation and nervousness, Qi Xin's heart began pounding fiercely.

His eyes remained fixed on Ye Zhiqiu, as if afraid to miss any expression on his face.

However, Ye Zhiqiu's face showed no particular expression.

He looked at Qi Xin with a half-smile, seemingly unsurprised by what he had said.

Only the gray tones in his light brown eyes were gradually intensifying.

"I..." Feeling uneasy under Ye Zhiqiu's gaze, Qi Xin spoke.

"Am I being too hasty?" he asked.

He was terrified of Ye Zhiqiu getting angry, even though he didn't know why he would be angry, and instinctively sought a way out for his previous words.

"What do you think?" Ye Zhiqiu asked, the corners of his lips curling slightly, a cool and mocking glint slowly appearing in his beautiful eyes.

People should never be compared.

Qi Xin's selfishness, foolishness, and self-righteousness only made him miss Qin Jianhe's tolerance, clarity, and genuine care and respect even more.

"What do I think?" Qi Xin repeated, sounding a bit slow.

Today's Ye Zhiqiu was different from usual.

Dressed formally, with his jet-black, smooth hair combed back, revealing his entire face.

This simple change in attire instantly transformed him from his usual casual demeanor to an elegant and refined appearance.

Whether it was the stark contrast in his aura or the sheer beauty of his face, Qi Xin's heart raced and tightened, feeling both moved and inexplicably tense.

His gaze remained locked on Ye Zhiqiu's face, unwilling to look away, before finally remembering what he wanted to say, "I just like you so much that I feel the sooner, the better."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu lowered his eyes, seemingly smiling lightly, but the mockery in his lips could not be hidden.

"Xiao Qiu," Qi Xin felt a sudden unease, "if I said something wrong, it's only because I like you so much. You can scold me; it's okay."

Everything I do is because I like you, or everything I do is for your good...

These were essentially the same, extremely standard PUA lines.

"Is that so?" Ye Zhiqiu looked at him with a half-smile, calling his name, "Qi Xin."

"I'm here," Qi Xin responded quickly.

"Have I ever told you that your liking is cheap?" Ye Zhiqiu asked, his tone ambiguous.

"I..." Qi Xin couldn't understand why Ye Zhiqiu would say such a thing, given how much he had invested in him.

He had given him his heart, and he couldn't fathom why his affection was considered cheap.

Or perhaps he had said something wrong again, provoking this temperamental person?

Thinking of the labels "arrogant" and "capricious" attached to Ye Zhiqiu, he suddenly found it not so strange for such words to come from him.

"I will prove it to you," Qi Xin vowed, "no one in this world loves you more than I do."

As if hearing a very funny joke, Ye Zhiqiu laughed.

"Forget it." He suddenly said.

This made Qi Xin panic, about to ask further when the phone rang.

Ye Zhiqiu glanced down, then turned towards the elevator.

Seeing this, Qi Xin hurriedly quickened his pace to catch up with him.

Initially, being able to meet Ye Zhiqiu after gaining Ye Hongxian's approval filled him with joy.

But now, observing Ye Zhiqiu's expression, Qi Xin's heart began to flutter with unease once more.

Just as the elevator arrived, they stepped in one after the other.

There were people inside, including Mrs. Zhou, who had been invited by Tao Ruoqing to attend the wedding.

Even though she had watched Ye Zhiqiu grow up, her eyes still lit up upon seeing him.

"Xiao Qiu," she smiled warmly, gently pulling Ye Zhiqiu's hand and subtly pushing Qi Xin aside, "we've missed you so much, dear."

Usually, these ladies preferred Ye Zhiqiu to call them Mrs. X.

But since Mrs. Zhou referred to herself as Auntie today, Ye Zhiqiu followed suit.

"Thank you, Auntie," he smiled, "is Uncle Zhou not here?"

"He has a meeting at the company today; otherwise, he would have come with me," Mrs. Zhou replied.

Previously, she had always asked Tao Ruoqing to invite Ye Zhiqiu back to inquire about Qin Jianhe's situation, but Tao Ruoqing never managed to do so.

Now, having caught Ye Zhiqiu here, Mrs. Zhou had many questions to ask.

However, considering Qi Xin's presence, she held back, planning to ask Ye Zhiqiu in detail during the banquet later.

The elevator dinged and stopped on the fifteenth floor, and they all stepped out together.

Qi Xin walked behind, feeling even more lost and disoriented.

From the underground second floor to the fifteenth floor, the elevator made several stops along the way, with people getting on and off, making the journey quite lengthy.

During this time, Ye Zhiqiu only focused on talking to Mrs. Zhou, not even glancing at him once.

Compared to the current situation, Qi Xin even began to miss the times when Ye Zhiqiu would scold or hit him.

At least then, he had some emotional feedback from him.

But now...

Qi Xin started to regret provoking Ye Zhiqiu.

He reflected on his actions while following into the bustling banquet hall.

Although Ye Zhixia had previously said she didn't want a grand wedding, in reality, a medium-sized banquet hall was filled with round tables, and there were plenty of guests.

Tao Ruoqing had already tried to minimize the guest list as much as possible.

However, she couldn't avoid inviting several ladies she regularly had tea with.

Especially Mrs. Zhou, who had recently helped her secure a substantial loan.

Since Mrs. Zhou was invited, it was inevitable to also invite Mrs. Zhang, Mrs. Wu, and Mrs. Li.

In addition, there were Ye Hongxian's drinking buddies and business partners, Ye Zheng's social circle, Ye Zhixia's friends and classmates, and Ye Zhiqiu's connections with Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun's families...

Strictly speaking, Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun could not be considered true connections of Ye Zhiqiu.

Back when Lan Yue was still around, the Jin and Li couples were close friends with Lan Yue and Ye Hongxian.

But after Lan Yue's passing, their relationship gradually faded.

It was later that the children reconnected.

Of course, Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun had always been close to Ye Zhiqiu and never got along with Ye Zhixia, influenced by their parents.

By wedding standards, their side wasn't too crowded.

But Gao Wenye, having been in the industry for years, had many partners, investors, and company artists to invite.

Many guests had already filled half the large banquet hall when they entered.

Despite someone directing seating, Ye Zheng stood in the foyer greeting arriving guests.

Seeing Ye Zhiqiu, his smooth movements and expressions subtly paused for a moment.

"Brother," Ye Zhiqiu smiled as if nothing had happened.

Noticing this, Qi Xin quickly greeted him, "Mr. Ye."

Ye Zheng nodded politely and then turned his gaze to Mrs. Zhou.

"Mrs. Zhou," he smiled and nodded, adding, "Mrs. Zhang just arrived; I'll take you to her table."

Since he was leading someone else, Ye Zhiqiu took over his position as host.

Qi Xin also stopped, hoping to catch another chance to talk to Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zheng subtly looked back.

"Come, Mr. Qi," he smiled, "I'll take you to your seat and introduce you to your tablemates."

Ye Zheng always handled things discreetly and meticulously.

However, once he became suspicious, his unease was easily noticeable.

Ye Zhiqiu subtly shifted his gaze, looking through the carved screen into the hall.

Two photographers were taking photos, flashes occasionally lighting up like lightning in the night.

Ye Zheng led Mrs. Zhou around and seated her at Mrs. Zhang's table.

Then, he courteously guided Qi Xin to his seat.

Ye Hongxian was also present, greeting his business partners and newly arrived guests.

Even though he was not entirely satisfied with Gao Wenye, he still wore a smile, appearing jovial.

As guests continued to arrive, Ye Zhiqiu greeted them with a smile and directed the waiters to show them to their seats based on the invitations.

Checking his watch, it was already eleven o'clock, with only half an hour until the wedding ceremony began.

Tao Ruoqing had mentioned earlier that due to their work schedules, they had no special honeymoon plans, only taking three days to fly abroad for relaxation.

After the wedding, they would leave directly from the hotel and board their flight at three in the afternoon.

While receiving guests, Ye Zhiqiu silently counted the time in his mind.

About ten minutes later, Ye Zheng returned, holding a bottle of yogurt, "Tired?"

"I'm fine," Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

"Go rest for a bit," Ye Zheng said, "I can handle things here."

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

Just as he was about to enter, a burst of cheerful laughter came from outside the door—Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun had arrived.

He held back, smiling and standing in place, waiting for the two to come in before moving together with them.

Seeing him finally enter, Qi Xin hurriedly got up, wanting to come over to his side.

But several ladies were quicker, waving at Ye Zhiqiu to come over.

"Xiao Qiu, we didn't get a chance to ask you earlier," Mrs. Zhou said, holding her teacup with a kind smile, "Is it true that the eldest son of the Qin family is managing your company?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu knew what they wanted to know.

He smiled and nodded, his bright eyes looking particularly innocent, "Yes, it's him."

"How close are you with him?" Mrs. Zhang asked, "Do you know what he likes? Where does he often go for entertainment?"

At this, Mrs. Wu laughed first, "You're too eager, like a hungry wolf. Don't scare Xiao Qiu."

"Xiao Qiu, don't mind them," Mrs. Wu said directly, "They all have their eyes on the eldest son of the Qin family. I'm different; I'm focused on you. The people I know are much better than the one your stepmother introduced to you..."

As she spoke, she subtly glanced towards Qi Xin, "Much better than the one your stepmother introduced to you."

Back then, Ye Zhiqiu was just Tao Ruoqing's stepson, neglected by both parents and raised to be overly spoiled.

Though some felt a twinge of sympathy, it was, after all, someone else's family matter, and a few words in private were enough.

No one was willing to bother with the marriage prospects of such an uncertain child.

But now, through his talent and hard work, he had entered Q.L. at a young age.

Not only did he establish himself in the fashion industry, but he also gained the favor of Zhao Yunzhuang, ensuring a bright future ahead.

Especially his appearance...

Tsk tsk, who could see him and not say he looked good?

Mrs. Wu had already warned Ye Zhiqiu once about Qi Xin, and now she wanted to introduce him to her friend's child.

The family background was excellent, well-educated, and already a chief surgeon at a top hospital at a young age. The more Mrs. Wu looked at him, the more she thought he was a perfect match for Ye Zhiqiu.

That was far better than whoever Tao Ruoqing had introduced with ulterior motives.

"You can step aside for now; when do you need to play matchmaker?" Mrs. Li interrupted with a smile, "Honestly, how could the eldest son of the Qin family look at us small families? But with such a good resource and such a handsome child, without any scandals, it would be a shame not to try. We're so close to Xiao Qiu, why not give it a shot?"

"Xiao Qiu, come, tell us," Mrs. Zhou said.

Surrounded by these wealthy ladies, Ye Zhiqiu felt a bit helpless and amused.

"Ladies, you flatter me too much," he humbly said, "Mr. Qin is our company's big boss, and there are several layers between us. I hardly ever get to see him."

Seeing the disappointment on their faces, Ye Zhiqiu added more fuel to the fire.

"But," he lowered his voice, speaking mysteriously, "I did overhear some gossip in the company elevator."

"What?" Mrs. Li immediately asked.

"Tell us, tell us," Mrs. Zhang leaned closer, clutching her tissue.

"If you give us useful information, we'll buy you a nice car," Mrs. Zhou said.

Ye Zhiqiu: "..."

He pursed his lips, staying firm.

"Actually," he said, "I heard that Mr. Qin is a confirmed bachelor."

The ladies paused for a moment, their faces darkening.

"That makes sense," Mrs. Li said, "Considering what happened with his parents back then."

"Poor child," Mrs. Zhang dabbed at her eyes with her tissue.

"So, that Qin Xusheng getting sick now, serves him right," Mrs. Zhou spat.

"..."

Seeing the ladies shift the topic, Ye Zhiqiu quickly returned to his seat.

As soon as he sat down, the lights dimmed, leaving only the stage brightly lit. The emcee stepped forward with the microphone, introducing today's newlyweds.

A slight commotion arose at the entrance, and Gao Wenye had already entered following the emcee's rhythm.

Dressed in a white suit with a rose boutonnière, under the bright spotlight, he looked festive and energetic.

However, Ye Zhiqiu could easily see the signs of excessive indulgence beneath his heavy makeup, almost identical to Qi Xin in his past life.

If he removed the makeup, the sagging skin and dark circles under his eyes would be glaringly obvious.

One corner of Ye Zhiqiu's mouth curled up in extreme disdain.

Perhaps coincidentally, Gao Wenye suddenly looked over at him while greeting others.

Their gazes met briefly, and Gao Wenye paused, then slowly lowered his head.

In the hazy light, Ye Zhiqiu was so beautiful that everyone behind him seemed to fade into the background, especially with the hint of disdain in his eyes...

It was as if he was silently mocking Gao Wenye for choosing Ye Zhixia out of self-interest.

Almost instantly, it pierced through his heart.

Gao Wenye regretted it, deeply regretting his momentary madness, choosing Ye Zhixia for the sake of the Ye family's assets.

If only he had firmly chosen Ye Zhiqiu back then, would everything have been different?

The thought of "if" being nothing but an unrealistic fantasy made Gao Wenye's heart ache uncontrollably.

He slightly bowed his head, taking a while to compose himself and adjust his expression to normal.

But he dared not look at Ye Zhiqiu again.

Afraid that one more glance would make him lose control completely.

On stage, the emcee was introducing Gao Wenye's groomsmen, all prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

Everyone's attention was drawn to them, and no one noticed the silent exchange between the two.

However, even after the introductions, there was no mention of Gao Wenye's parents.

Just like in his previous life, fearing ridicule about his background, he did not invite his parents to the wedding.

Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun had just returned from greeting some elders at the adjacent table and took their seats beside Ye Zhiqiu.

"That ungrateful wolf," Jin Baobao exclaimed, "he didn't even invite his own parents to the wedding?"

Ye Zhiqiu remained silent, giving a faint smile before checking the time again.

There were still five minutes until eleven-thirty.

At this moment, Gao Wenye stood on stage with a smile, the experienced emcee asking some provocative questions, successfully heating up the atmosphere, and then began recounting the details of Gao Wenye and Ye Zhixia's love story.

The wedding march played, and with the music, a large screen behind them showed frame by frame of their sweet moments.

At the entrance, Ye Hongxian was leading Ye Zhixia toward the stage.

Only now did Ye Zhiqiu notice Cui Xuan among the groomsmen.

The cameras clicked away, capturing all the warm and sweet moments.

Gao Wenye's assistant carefully selected beautiful photos to post on Weibo for promotion.

To reassure the fans of various couples, one of the photos included Cui Xuan, Ye Zhixia, and Gao Wenye together.

Ye Zhixia had always been ambitious, but Ye Zhiqiu never imagined he would go to such lengths.

To prove his relationship with Gao Wenye and dispel the rumors about Gao Wenye and Cui Xuan, he actually invited Cui Xuan to be a groomsman.

How utterly revolting.

And Cui Xuan played along perfectly.

With a full smile, he kept a distance from Gao Wenye but was extremely close to Ye Zhixia.

The wedding almost turned into a whitewashing event.

On stage, Ye Hongxian held Ye Zhixia's hand, handing him over to Gao Wenye.

Tao Ruoqing stood aside, wiping her tears with downcast eyes.

The smiles of the newlyweds and the tears of a loving mother pushed the wedding atmosphere to its peak, evoking empathy from many.

Even though most people present had seen the scandal involving Gao Wenye and Cui Xuan, the atmosphere quickly swayed them to support the couple.

They concluded that it was merely a fabrication by paparazzi seeking traffic.

Many guests who came expecting a spectacle began to feel genuine blessings in their hearts.

Not only inside the venue, but even the netizens watching online started to ship them hard.

The marketing account that exposed the scandal about Gao Wenye and Cui Xuan was besieged by netizens, filled with impolite comments.

Everything went smoothly, making the wedding seem incredibly worthwhile.

Gao Wenye's assistant stood below the stage, genuinely smiling.

Considering the couple's afternoon schedule, there weren't many people offering toasts.

Even those who did were mostly intercepted by the groomsmen.

When the banquet ended, Gao Wenye and Ye Zhixia were still sober.

Seeing that most guests had left, they prepared to depart for the airport.

Before leaving, Gao Wenye looked back into the venue.

He saw Qi Xin bending down, whispering something into Ye Zhiqiu's ear.

Disappointment and melancholy immediately clouded his face, and he wearily lowered his eyes.

Slowly turning around, he had to reach out and hold Ye Zhixia's hand under everyone's gaze.

As the newlyweds left, most of the guests, except those still reminiscing, began packing up to leave.

Qi Xin had just gone to greet Ye Hongxian.

Unlike his usual cold demeanor, although Ye Hongxian was still indifferent towards him, he was at least a bit more courteous.

Qi Xin couldn't be happier.

"Xiao Qiu," he switched to Ye Zhiqiu's side, "it's still early. Want to go downstairs for a drink?"

Although they had met, there hadn’t been much opportunity to talk.

So even with Ye Zhiqiu right in front of him, Qi Xin still missed him terribly.

Plus, he was still thinking about Ye Zhiqiu’s previous words.

Or perhaps he was still worried that Ye Zhiqiu was angry with him.

So he was eager to show a better side to Ye Zhiqiu.

Hearing this, Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun silently exchanged a glance.

Neither liked Qi Xin, but since Ye Zhiqiu liked him, neither of them said anything to embarrass him.

Fortunately, Ye Zhiqiu glanced at his wristwatch and directly refused Qi Xin.

"I have some things to do this afternoon," he smiled, "how about the weekend? I want to try Jiangxi cuisine. They say it’s even more flavorful than Sichuan or Hunan dishes. I’d like to give it a taste."

Qi Xin: "..."

"Okay." Qi Xin could only say, "I’ll come pick you up then."

"I'll send you the address," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, "we can meet at the restaurant."

As he spoke, he looked at Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun, "I need to go back. Shall we go together?"

"Sure." Li Shaojun said, getting up along with Jin Baobao.

"Then I..." Qi Xin also stood up, wanting to leave together, but Tao Ruoqing called out to him, "Xiao Qi, come here. I have a friend in the fashion industry I want to introduce you to."

Qi Xin paused for a moment, then had to walk over.

"Do you have class today?" Ye Zhiqiu, while packing up, asked Jin Baobao, "Did you take a day off?"

"I just wanted to see what was going on," Jin Baobao pouted.

Ye Zhiqiu chuckled, about to speak, when he saw Ye Zheng walking over.

Ye Zheng was also dressed formally, looking neat and tidy. He resembled Tao Ruoqing, with a steady and handsome appearance.

Unobtrusively, Ye Zhiqiu shifted his gaze to Tao Ruoqing.

Sure enough, Tao Ruoqing stood there, her eyes wary and gloomy, as if nervous and filled with fear.

Just as expected.

Ye Zhiqiu thought, indeed, it was as he had deduced.

He slowly lowered his eyelashes, his expression unchanged.

"Ye Zheng." Tao Ruoqing's voice sounded again, deliberately relaxed yet still tense, like a string about to snap, slightly sharp, "come over here too."

*

The car moved forward, reaching Q.L just past three o'clock.

Ye Zhiqiu didn't get out immediately but unlocked his phone instead.

Then, he opened the messaging app and found Li Ling, typing a message in the chat box.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: It's time. Release all the information you have.]

He wanted Gao Wenye and Ye Zhixia to be unable to contact the outside world or implement any emergency public relations strategies...

To have no place to hide.

This was the best wedding gift he could give them.