Chapter 18: When’s Next?

Chapter 18: When’s Next?

Returning to the residence at Taizi Bay, Ye Tingtong went to take a shower first.

He hadn’t been drinking, but many people had come up to talk to him, and quite a few of them smelled like alcohol, which had rubbed off on him, making it quite unpleasant.

After showering, he hastily dried his hair and went to cut the cake, cutting the largest strawberry in the center and moving it to the other half.

He grabbed half the cake and looked around, noticing the light was on in the study.

It was almost midnight, and Shen Jin was still working.

Ye Tingtong felt inspired too, thinking that after finishing the small cake, he would also tackle a page of advanced math problems!

He knocked on the study door, and Shen Jin quickly responded, "Come in."

Shen Jin was on the phone, so Ye Tingtong kept quiet, standing quietly beside him, intending to speak after the call was over.

Shen Jin frowned at the sight of Ye Tingtong’s wet hair still dripping, "Why didn’t you dry your hair properly?"

Ye Tingtong lightly dabbed the ends of his hair with a towel, "I’ll take care of it after the cake."

He then remembered something and lowered his voice, "Are you in the middle of something?"

Shen Jin said, "It’s Liu Hao."

Ye Tingtong relaxed and placed the small cake on his desk, "Want to split the cake with me? It’s too late, I can’t finish it all by myself, or I’ll be too stuffed to sleep."

Their conversation was clearly heard by Liu Hao, who casually thought that Shen Jin didn’t like sweets, only somewhat okay with chocolate, so Ye Tingtong had wasted his time coming over to share.

Even so, Liu Hao still hoped his boss would let him down gently.

But that was probably wishful thinking, as Shen Jin was never one to sugarcoat things.

Just as Liu Hao was spacing out, he heard Shen Jin say "Hmm."

Liu Hao: "Hmm?"

Because he was so surprised, he accidentally blurted out a "Hmm."

Shen Jin’s tone turned a bit icy, "What are you 'hmm'-ing about?"

Liu Hao was immediately frightened and apologized, "Boss, I’m sorry."

He swiftly changed the topic, "By the way, the Ye family just contacted me, wanting to meet with you and Ye Tingtong."

Today at the Shen Group’s annual meeting, the news of Shen Jin and Ye Tingtong’s marriage became the biggest highlight, and of course, the Ye family wanted to try to get on their good side.

After hanging up the phone, Shen Jin looked at the silent Ye Tingtong in front of him, "Did you hear that?"

Ye Tingtong kicked the tip of his foot, "Are you going?"

He didn’t know if the Ye family was useful to Shen Jin; Shen Jin was a businessman, interested in benefits.

Shen Jin took the towel from Ye Tingtong’s neck and wiped his wet hair for him, countering, "Do you want to go back?"

Because his mind was in turmoil, Ye Tingtong didn’t notice Shen Jin’s actions. He pressed his foot into the soft carpet on the floor and muttered, "Except for the New Year, I don’t have the right to return to the Ye family."

During all holidays, when his roommates happily went home, Ye Tingtong didn’t want to stay in the empty dormitory and had to go to a rented apartment near A University.

Shen Jin tossed the soaked towel aside, "If you don’t feel like going, then don’t."

Ye Tingtong looked up, making sure Shen Jin was serious before daring to voice his thoughts, "The Ye family is full of bad apples. They’re just looking to take advantage of you. Don’t let them walk all over you."

Shen Jin glanced at his slightly angry expression, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "I always come out on top in business."

Ye Tingtong thought about it and realized that Shen Jin was definitely smarter than him.

Once they were on the same page, Ye Tingtong was about to leave when his phone rang in his pocket.

It was an unsaved number.

But Ye Tingtong seemed to know who it was. After a moment, his finger hovered over the green answer button.

"Tingtong, it’s Grandpa."

"Come home tomorrow. I’ll be waiting for you."

*

The next day, Ye Tingtong watched Shen Jin loading gifts into the car and stepped in to help, "I’ll give you a hand."

Last night, Shen Jin didn’t mind his last-minute change of plans. Instead, he had Liu Hao prepare many expensive gifts, and they headed to the Ye family first thing in the morning.

On the way, Ye Tingtong explained, "I never expected Grandpa to call me."

Ye Chengliang was already very old and had long handed over the company to his eldest son, focusing on his own well-being and staying out of trouble.

This time, it was likely Ye Guodong who caused the fuss.

Ye Tingtong’s tone was cautious, "If it’s not about business, is it okay to bring you along like this?"

He and Shen Jin were only married by agreement. Shen Jin only needed to ensure his safety and didn’t have to go home with him.

Ye Tingtong suddenly remembered that during his grandfather’s 70th birthday, he had wanted to invite Shen Minghuai to attend. They got along well back then, but Shen Minghuai had refused without hesitation.

He said it wasn’t the right thing to do.

Shen Minghuai was careful about anyone linking them formally, even though they could’ve just been friends backing each other up.

After the birthday banquet ended, Ye Guodong had chewed him out, calling him useless.

Ye Tingtong was worried that Shen Jin might have similar concerns, like not wanting to create too intimate an appearance with him, to avoid getting tangled up with the Ye family, those bloodsuckers...

"If an elder asks, it’s no big deal to go once," Shen Jin said calmly, "Are you tight with your grandpa?"

Ye Tingtong’s grandfather, Ye Chengliang, had been a significant figure in his youth, starting from nothing and building up a fortune, which had kept the Ye family from completely falling apart.

From Ye Tingtong’s tone, he seemed to really look up to his grandpa.

But if Ye Tingtong had Ye Chengliang’s favor, he wouldn’t have been used as a pawn and put through so much.

"I’ve only met Grandpa a few times," Ye Tingtong smiled, "But he was the one who recognized me and brought me back to the Ye family."

After his mother died, with the little money he had left, he found the Ye family and stood at the gate, yelling out who he was, but no one paid him any attention. His scumbag father didn’t care if he was his biological son or not.

Ye Tingtong remembered it was bitterly cold that day, the snowflakes growing heavier, seeping into his collar. He thought he’d freeze to death right there at the Ye family’s gate until a black car drove out from inside, the window rolling down to reveal a stern face.

The man looked at Ye Tingtong and had the security guard bring him in.

This kindness, Ye Tingtong had always kept in his heart, even though during every New Year, his seat was the farthest from Ye Chengliang, he was still content.

Seeing his grandfather was the highlight of his return to the Ye family.

Ye Tingtong started talking eagerly, "Grandpa is different from Ye Guodong; he’s genuinely kind-hearted. During the New Year, he gives red envelopes to all the younger generation, including me."

Once, he asked an older cousin and found out that Ye Chengliang gave everyone the same amount in their red envelopes. That was the only time Ye Tingtong felt a sense of belonging to the Ye family.

The car slowly pulled into the Ye family estate, and Ye Tingtong grew a little nervous, "This is the first time Grandpa has specifically asked to see me..."

Before, he could never get near Ye Chengliang, and he guessed that his grandfather didn’t even remember his face.

The attendant at the door helped them park the car, and Ye Tingtong couldn’t help glancing at him a few times.

Shen Jin asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

Ye Tingtong shook his head.

He was just puzzled as to why it wasn’t Driver Li parking the car. Ye Guodong was surely at home, meaning Driver Li was on standby. Ye Guodong wouldn’t be generous enough to hire someone else for this job.

He pushed aside his doubts and led Shen Jin into the main hall.

Ye Tingtong had assumed all the Ye family members would be there, but as he walked through the corridor, he found only Ye Chengliang and Ye Guodong.

Ye Chengliang eyed the gifts the butler was carrying in, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes softening, and he smiled warmly, "Why bring so many things when coming home? You’re being overly formal."

Shen Jin replied politely, "It's only proper."

The two began chatting, and Ye Tingtong, unable to join in, stood beside Shen Jin, lost in thought.

Compared to last year, the living room was filled with new decorations. Though he didn’t know much about them, he could tell the porcelain and paintings were of great value, not at all like a family in financial trouble, forced to sell their children to stay afloat.

As Ye Tingtong was idly looking around, he suddenly met Ye Guodong’s fierce gaze.

Ye Guodong was fuming with anger. If it weren’t for the occasion, he would’ve grabbed the little brat and beaten him. He had spent a fortune setting up a trap but failed to catch him and even offended someone like Shen Jin.

Shen Jin seemed polite and respectful, treating Ye Chengliang with the attitude of a junior, but since entering, he hadn’t given his father-in-law a single glance, completely ignoring him.

Yet, Ye Guodong couldn’t lose his temper and had to bite his tongue.

Seeing Ye Guodong staring at him fiercely, Ye Tingtong hid behind Shen Jin, fearfully covering his face.

He was deeply afraid of Ye Guodong. Every time they met, Ye Guodong never treated him well, always hitting or scolding him. Even over the phone, he was domineering, as if any slight dissatisfaction would make Ye Guodong rush to his school to teach him a lesson.

Especially that time when Shen Minghuai refused to attend his grandfather’s birthday banquet, Ye Guodong had dragged him into a dark room and only let him out just before the banquet.

Ye Guodong’s expression just now was clearly furious, and Ye Tingtong was afraid he might hit him regardless of the occasion.

Shen Jin felt the weight on his clothes and turned to block the person behind him, his eyes slightly cold, "Old Mr. Ye, this is your youngest son, right? Early in the morning, he’s so full of anger. It seems we came at a bad time."

Ye Chengliang scolded Ye Guodong, "If you have nothing to do, go water the flowers in the garden. Don’t stand here being an eyesore."

Ye Guodong wanted to retort but stopped when he saw his father’s cold, stern gaze. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and leave the living room in disgrace.

After he left, Shen Jin looked down and saw Ye Tingtong pretending to smooth out the wrinkled corner of his clothes. After letting go, he stood back up as if nothing had happened, as if the person who had just cowered wasn’t him.

Though Ye Chengliang was old, his eyesight was still sharp. He saw the interaction between the two and spoke even more gently, "Xiao Tong, your final exams are coming up, right? Are you busy lately? Remember to eat well; you’re too thin."

Ye Tingtong didn’t expect the topic to suddenly shift to him and immediately replied, "I’m not busy, don’t worry."

They chatted a bit more about everyday matters, and then Ye Chengliang had the butler take them around to prepare for the meal later.

After leaving the living room, Ye Tingtong finally felt his nerves calm down.

Ye Chengliang didn't mention anything about business at all, perhaps he really just wanted to see Shen Jin.

They walked around the garden, but Ye Tingtong didn't see the expected scene of Ye Guodong watering the flowers. He also couldn't appreciate the expensive plants. After just a few steps, he started yawning.

The butler, quick to notice, suggested, "Shall I take you to rest? The young master's room is all cleaned up."

Ye Tingtong thought the term "young master" was pretty new to him. In the past, the butler would ignore him, but now he spoke to him respectfully, as if worried he might make a fuss.

The butler led the way, and Ye Tingtong followed, suddenly realizing something wasn't right—this wasn't the way to his room...

Just as he was about to speak, the butler had already opened the door in front of him, "Let me know if you need anything."

The bedroom was spacious and bright, with sunlight streaming through the windows, making the blankets feel warm.

Ye Tingtong looked around the unfamiliar bedroom.

The bedsheets and pillowcases were brand new, tags still on. On the nightstand was his high school graduation photo, though it was blurry and a bit distorted, like it was taken from somewhere. He opened the wardrobe and found a few old short-sleeved jackets inside.

They’d moved the few things from his guest room here.

Shen Jin caught his expression, "This isn't your room."

It was a matter-of-fact statement.

Ye Tingtong nodded, "My room’s at the end of the third floor, just a small window, facing the shade, no sunlight."

In fact, he hadn't stayed in that room many times. In the Ye household, the place he’d stayed the longest was the small, dark basement room.

The little warmth he’d felt from chatting with Ye Chengliang quickly faded because of this fake room. Ye Tingtong watched the dust floating in the sunlight and stayed quiet.

Shen Jin saw his low spirits, "Not up for staying for dinner?"

Ye Tingtong widened his eyes, about to speak, but Shen Jin interrupted, "I want the honest truth."

He hesitated, then nodded.

Even with his grandpa there, he couldn’t feel any goodwill towards the Ye family. The longer he stayed, the more he felt suffocated and oppressed.

But last night, it was he who said he wouldn't go to the Ye household, and it was he who changed his mind to come. Now, just after arriving, he wanted to leave, making him seem pretty fickle.

He shouldn’t be wasting Shen Jin’s time like this.

But Shen Jin’s commanding tone gave him no chance to lie.

Ye Tingtong stood there, feeling a bit lost. He had a bad habit—when he wanted to escape, he liked to lower his head. His bangs were a bit long, and when he lowered his head, his eyebrows and eyes were hidden, leaving only his upturned nose and pointed chin visible.

"If you don’t want to, we’ll leave." Shen Jin reached out and ruffled Ye Tingtong's fluffy hair, "There's nothing to be troubled about."

Feeling the pressure on his head, Ye Tingtong couldn't bring himself to refuse any further.

Shen Jin kept his word. After a brief word with the butler, he took Ye Tingtong and left the Ye household.

When they got into the car, Ye Tingtong still found it hard to believe. He had never left the Ye household so easily before.

Shen Jin had no intention of giving Ye Tingtong a chance to change his mind. He started the car and sped away. Through the rearview mirror, Ye Tingtong saw Ye Guodong rushing out from the entrance, only to be met with a mouthful of exhaust fumes.

Ye Guodong’s comical expression made Ye Tingtong burst out laughing.

"Feeling better?" Shen Jin glanced at him. "Are you hungry? Do you like Thai food?"

Ye Tingtong coughed, suppressing the obvious curve at the corner of his mouth. "I'm not picky."

The soothing music in the car lifted Ye Tingtong's spirits. Shen Jin, looking at the red light ahead, suddenly asked a question: "The Ye family is now essentially a shell of its former self. If they asked for my help, would you want me to help them?"

He thought Ye Tingtong would consider for a while, but the other shook his head directly.

"No," Ye Tingtong answered without hesitation. "None of this generation of the Ye family is capable. You can save them once, but not for a lifetime. Why throw money into a black hole?"

Ye Tingtong's thoughts were clear and simple. "I’m grateful to my grandfather for saving me, but he’s already retired from the scene. Even if the Ye family collapses, the money he has is enough for him to live well in retirement."

The Ye family’s bankruptcy was well-deserved. These people have enjoyed prosperity for most of their lives. Without money, they’d probably struggle to get by and end up being mocked in their downfall.

But this is not something he should consider. He won’t help them, but he won’t kick them while they’re down either, as long as these people stay away from his life.

Shen Jin was actually a bit surprised. The fact that Ye Tingtong could remember others’ kindness for a lifetime showed he was a very soft-hearted person. He didn’t expect him to be so indifferent to family ties, letting the Ye family decline and even cutting off their lifeline to him entirely.

Seeing Shen Jin silent, Ye Tingtong thought he was still hesitating and muttered, "You said you don’t lose money..."

Shen Jin, hearing his worried tone, couldn't help but smile. "Yes, definitely not on them."

After the meal, Ye Tingtong looked relaxed and satisfied.

The curry rice was incredibly aromatic. If his stomach hadn’t been so full, he would’ve eaten every last bit.

He assumed Shen Jin would take him back to Prince Bay, but when he saw the familiar arch of A University, his face fell instantly.

Seeing his disappointed face, Shen Jin wondered if he’d made the wrong call.

After last night’s annual meeting, Ye Tingtong dozed off in the car, mumbling something. He listened and realized it was a calculus formula. Back home, Ye Tingtong also mentioned how pressed for time he was and that he needed to study.

So he sent him back.

Shen Jin paused. "Prince Bay isn’t far. We can turn around."

"It's okay, I'd better go back to school," Ye Tingtong slowly unbuckled his seatbelt. "I’ve got an exam the day after tomorrow, and there’s a lot I still don’t understand. I can't keep playing."

Being with Shen Jin made him feel so safe that he didn’t want to leave this indulgent life, wishing he could stay with him forever.

But after this separation, Shen Jin likely wouldn’t need him for a while. The next time they meet might be the New Year, right?

Ye Tingtong really didn’t want to seem so upset. Being too clingy would definitely irritate Shen Jin, given his personality.

He pushed aside his reluctance, quickly opened the car door, got out, and waved. "Then I'll go back to school? Drive safely!"

But even after he said goodbye, Shen Jin hadn’t rolled up the window, and the car was still off.

Ye Tingtong blinked in confusion.

Did he want him to go first?

Shen Jin looked at the person outside the window trying to put on a smile, his gaze deepening.

Just now, Ye Tingtong had addressed him formally again.

"There's a seafood restaurant across from that Thai place. I'll take you there next time."

After the meal, Ye Tingtong wasn’t in this state, walking lightly. When going to the underground parking lot, his shoulder bumped into him several times, but he was calm and composed, obviously not feeling that this closeness was anything wrong.

It was a stark contrast to the awkward, forced smile he had now.

Shen Jin remembered Ye Tingtong looking back three times as they passed the seafood restaurant.

Sure enough, Ye Tingtong's eyes lit up, but then, as if remembering something, he cautiously asked, "So, when’s next time?"

Shen Jin was momentarily caught off guard.

In business, "next time" was a phrase he heard constantly, whether as a polite gesture or a brush-off.

Used to the vague tones of others, it felt oddly refreshing to be seriously asked when "next time" would be.

Ye Tingtong was eagerly anticipating their next meeting.

Shen Jin's heart beat slowly but distinctly.

When Shen Jin stayed silent, Ye Tingtong thought he’d overstepped, his face flushing. Just as Ye Tingtong was about to apologize, Shen Jin suddenly said, "Send me your class schedule and exam dates."

As Shen Jin looked at the screenshot, Ye Tingtong suddenly realized—was he picking a date for their meetup?

Right then, Ye Tingtong’s mind was racing to figure out a plan—

He could meet Shen Jin after the exam on Saturday, but it was in the evening, ending past seven when it was already dark...

If he said Saturday, would it come off as too eager?

As Ye Tingtong blushed and mustered his courage, Shen Jin said, "Saturday evening, I’ll pick you up at school."