Chapter 19: It’s okay, I’m here.

Chapter 19: It's okay, I'm here.

Ye Tingtong found that finalizing a date wasn't necessarily a good thing.

In just two days, he kept thinking about what to wear on Saturday, whether to go directly to the school gate after the exam or go back to the dorm to drop off his bag first.

Would he have any unpleasant odor after the exam? Should he change into a new set of clothes before going out...

Until the day of the exam, he still hadn't made up his mind.

Yu Hui saw him absent-minded and muttering in front of the wardrobe, thinking Ye Tingtong was worried about the exam, so he comforted him, "This subject isn't that difficult. You've studied for so long, so you'll definitely be fine."

Ye Tingtong's biggest weakness was advanced mathematics.

Song Wu also thought there was no need to worry and even had the leisure to discuss what to eat, "That barbecue place last time was pretty good. Let's go for a meal after the exam?"

"You guys go ahead, I’ll pass."

After saying that, Ye Tingtong took out a light gray bear-themed hoodie from the wardrobe, layered it with a long white down jacket and casual pants, which kept him warm and looked stylish.

Yu Hui saw him comparing outfits in front of the mirror and teased, "Hey, Tong, got a date or something? Since when are you into fashion?"

When Ye Tingtong used to be with Shen Minghuai, he would wear coordinated outfits. Recently, Ye Tingtong's clothing style seemed to have changed a lot, not as refined as before, prioritizing comfort and a casual look.

Ye Tingtong listened to his roommate's teasing and explained, "Nah, it’s not a date."

But he couldn't find the right words to describe this meeting with Shen Jin, so he just kept quiet and pretended to study.

Song Wu guessed, "Are you going out to eat with Minghuai?"

The two of them had always been close, so during this relaxation time after the exam, he instinctively thought Ye Tingtong would be with Shen Minghuai.

Yu Hui remembered something, "Oh, by the way, Minghuai just texted me asking if you’re around. He’s coming over later because he has something important to ask you."

Ye Tingtong frowned. What more could he possibly have to say to Shen Minghuai?

After the annual meeting, Shen Minghuai had been laying low for a while, not showing up at school or the dorm. Occasionally, they would run into each other, but he would avoid him. Why the sudden need to talk now?

*

On the other side, at the Shen family villa.

Shen Minghuai was getting grilled by his mother, Yao Mingzhu.

"Why haven’t you been in contact with Xiao Ting lately?" Yao Mingzhu looked suspicious, "Did you guys get into a fight?"

At the annual meeting, the two of them stood together awkwardly, their eyes avoiding each other.

"Mom, why are you asking so much?" Shen Minghuai was a bit impatient, "We’re already engaged. Do I have to baby her all the time? If you want to treat her like a princess, that’s on you. I'm not interested."

Previously, Yao Mingzhu had forbidden him from contacting or helping Ye Tingtong, which forced Ye Tingtong to marry Shen Jin for protection.

He definitely resented Yao Mingzhu, but Shen Minghuai didn't dare to show it.

But Yao Mingzhu knew her son’s thoughts all too well. She snorted, "Are you blaming me now? If you were with Ye Tingtong, our family branch would be ruined."

She only had this one son, and she had spoiled him rotten. He was lazy and didn’t learn a thing. When she sent him to intern at the company, he would slack off after three days. It was so frustrating.

Luckily, they had hitched a ride with the Liang family.

Shen Minghuai was clearly unwilling, "Then why was Uncle able to marry Ye Tingtong without even consulting anyone? I can't even help him a little?"

If Yao Mingzhu had just given in, Ye Tingtong wouldn’t have ended up with Shen Jin.

“Shen Minghuai, are you really blinded by that temptress?” Yao Mingzhu was furious and kicked him. “That’s Shen Jin—even your grandmother doesn’t hesitate to stand up to him. What can’t he do? Are you seriously trying to measure up to him?”

Yao Mingzhu’s face was grim. “Shen Jin chose Ye Tingtong to marry just to find a convenient pawn. If you get involved with someone like that, you might be so infatuated that you’d blow through your father’s and my wealth.”

The Ye family is a disaster waiting to happen, and anyone who jumps in is a fool. Yet, her son only has eyes for Ye Tingtong, always stirring up drama with her.

Shen Minghuai’s leg hurt from the kick, but he ignored the pain and pressed further, “Wait, what did you mean by Shen Jin using Ye Tingtong as a pawn?”

Yao Mingzhu was so angry her forehead twitched. “Shen Minghuai, you’re not usually this clueless. How can you not see the situation clearly?”

“Your grandmother has been sending people to Shen Jin’s side. Do you really think it’s to find him a caring companion?” Yao Mingzhu took a sip of tea to soothe her throat. “She’s trying to control whoever is closest to Shen Jin, whether for information or shares, she can get her hands on them.”

Shen Jin must be aware of this, so he quickly married someone he was familiar with to avoid constant coveting of that position.

Shen Minghuai’s expression shifted from shock to joy. “So, it’s not genuine?”

Seeing his expression, Yao Mingzhu’s eyebrow twitched. “Shen Minghuai, I’m warning you, don’t get any crazy ideas.”

Her foolish son couldn’t possibly be thinking of competing with Shen Jin for someone, especially a married person who’s essentially worthless.

Shen Minghuai quickly lowered his head to hide his expression. “What could I possibly be thinking? I just remembered I’ve got an exam tonight.”

After saying that, he hurriedly walked out. “Mom, I’m going back to school!”

On the way, he messaged Yu Hui and others to confirm that Ye Tingtong had been at school all along.

Shen Minghuai mentally berated himself for being so worked up that he missed such an obvious thing.

If Shen Jin truly cared for Ye Tingtong, why would Ye Tingtong still be living in the dorm and eating at the cafeteria?

If he were in Shen Jin’s position, he definitely wouldn’t let Ye Tingtong sleep on the narrow wooden bed in the dorm and would take him out to eat every day.

Moreover, during the days he was hanging around Ye Tingtong, Ye Tingtong was either studying or studying, rarely looking at his phone, let alone calling or messaging anyone.

Ye Tingtong and Shen Jin—he’d believe they were strangers.

The more he thought about it, the happier Shen Minghuai felt. He urged the driver, “Step on it, I’ve got something urgent.”

Ye Tingtong was having lunch with Yu Hui and others in the cafeteria. He had just sat down with his meal when someone slid into the seat next to him.

Shen Minghuai had a layer of sweat on his forehead, clearly having run over. He caught his breath. “Good thing I made it!”

Ye Tingtong looked at the cafeteria tray in Shen Minghuai’s hand, a question mark appearing over his head.

Since when did the young master get so into cafeteria food?

The cafeteria was a public place, so he had no reason to chase anyone away. He didn’t greet Shen Minghuai either, just focused on eating. But just as he took a bite, a fried chicken leg landed in his bowl.

Ye Tingtong turned his head to see Shen Minghuai’s bright smile. “I specially asked the server to add it—said it was the last one. Dig in!”

Even though he was a bit tempted, Ye Tingtong politely declined. “I can’t eat that much.”

After their last conversation, he and Shen Minghuai had almost fallen out. He didn’t know what had gotten into Shen Minghuai to come talk to him without any reservations, but he still felt awkward and uncomfortable.

Seeing his reluctance, Shen Minghuai wasn’t angry. Instead, he coaxed softly, “No appetite today? This chicken leg does look a bit greasy. I’ll order some milk tea—what would you like?”

Young Master Shen was somewhat of a celebrity at A University, rarely seen in the school cafeteria. Today, for some unknown reason, he was dressed flamboyantly, and with his handsome looks, he attracted a lot of attention as soon as he entered. He was all smiles with the guy next to him, even when rebuffed, he was gentle and coaxing, leaving people astonished.

Ye Tingtong had already noticed many people looking their way and frowned, "Can you not talk like that?"

The syrupy tone gave him goosebumps.

Shen Minghuai's smile froze for a moment. After all, he was accustomed to being the center of attention, and it was rare for someone to repeatedly reject him like this.

Seeing the atmosphere tense, Yu Hui spoke up, "Hey, if you guys aren't going to eat that chicken leg, can I have it? I'm drooling here, and you're still dilly-dallying!"

Without hesitation, he took the chicken leg from Ye Tingtong's bowl.

Song Wu playfully tried to grab it, "Dorm leader, don't be greedy, share some with me!"

The atmosphere returned to normal, and Shen Minghuai didn't say anything strange anymore. He ended up ordering milk tea for everyone after the meal. The other two got the house special, while Ye Tingtong got his favorite strawberry milk jelly.

Ye Tingtong felt even more unsettled, but Yu Hui and the others didn't notice anything wrong and even handed Ye Tingtong's milk tea to him.

Their reasoning was straightforward: Ye Tingtong was the youngest, had a soft personality, and being a bit pampered was normal. Plus, Ye Tingtong was indeed closer to Shen Minghuai, so they were just happy to have milk tea.

Noticing Ye Tingtong's hesitation to drink the milk tea, Shen Minghuai took the initiative to insert the straw and hand it to him, "It's hot; you can use it to warm your hands."

Ye Tingtong held the milk tea in his hand but still couldn't bring himself to drink it.

After all, ordering milk tea had always been his responsibility. He knew Shen Minghuai's preferences, the types of milk tea he liked at each shop, the level of sweetness, and the toppings. He even had to memorize the preferences of every one of Shen Minghuai's flings.

Once, Shen Minghuai changed partners too frequently, and Ye Tingtong accidentally mixed up the preferences. The girl threw a fit, and Shen Minghuai blamed him, not taking him along for a whole month.

Even though it wasn't long ago, Ye Tingtong felt it was distant and unfamiliar when he reflected on it.

Probably because he no longer had to endure those things again.

In the end, the milk tea was left untouched in the corner of Ye Tingtong's dorm desk.

As the exam time drew near, the four dormmates packed up and headed to the exam hall. Shen Minghuai quickly walked up to Ye Tingtong, "How about we have dinner together tonight? I know you haven't wanted to venture too far from campus recently, so let's go to that tea restaurant we went to last time. You really liked their dessert, right? I've already reserved a spot."

He then called out to Yu Hui and the others, "Let's all go together."

Expecting Yu Hui to back him up, Yu Hui awkwardly scratched his nose, "Tong has plans tonight. I tried to invite him earlier, but he declined."

Song Wu, not thinking much of it, casually said, "I thought Tong was going with you. Turns out he's not?"

This was a harsh blow. Shen Minghuai's smile froze at the corner of his mouth, "Who are you meeting? Why don't we all go together? My treat."

Even though he had a vague suspicion, he still didn't want to believe it and thought it was impossible.

Ye Tingtong didn't hesitate to refuse, "No need."

He wouldn't let Shen Minghuai interfere.

Shen Minghuai, unwilling to give up, joked, "Who are you meeting? It's so secretive that even if I treat, I can't join?"

They had already reached the exam hall. Ye Tingtong located his seat, sat down, and waited for the exam to begin. Shen Minghuai lingered by his side, unwilling to leave. Ye Tingtong, annoyed, said bluntly, "I'm meeting your uncle. Do you think he needs you to treat?"

His tone was soft but firm, causing Shen Minghuai's expression to instantly darken. He couldn't utter a word for a long time.

His status paled in comparison to Shen Jin's.

Five minutes before the exam started, the invigilator came in and saw Shen Minghuai standing dumbfounded in the middle of the classroom. After checking his student ID and seat, the teacher said sternly, "Student, please return to your seat. Don't disrupt the exam order."

No matter how angry Shen Minghuai was, he couldn't argue with the teacher in front of everyone. He could only return to his seat with a grim expression.

When the exam started, Ye Tingtong felt quite uneasy, as if there was always a pair of eyes staring at him from behind.

Has Shen Minghuai lost his mind? He never caused a scene when Shen Minghuai got engaged to Liang Yuting, so why does Shen Minghuai keep trying to stir up trouble after he married Shen Jin?

Ye Tingtong started wondering if he had done something to upset Shen Minghuai, and if Shen Minghuai held a grudge, not wanting him to have peace.

However, he couldn't figure it out, and as he got immersed in the questions, he stopped paying attention to the person behind him.

As the exam was about to end, Ye Tingtong looked at his fully answered paper with great satisfaction.

But once he stepped out of the exam mindset, he felt the gaze from behind again.

Is Shen Minghuai ever going to stop?

He discreetly shielded his paper, and in those few minutes, Ye Tingtong felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. As soon as the bell rang, he quickly got up, handed in his paper, and rushed out the door, hastily bundling his pens together.

Shen Minghuai seemed a bit unhinged; it was better to avoid him.

To avoid him, Ye Tingtong took a longer route, planning to use the stairs near the small gate behind the comprehensive building.

While hurrying, he took out his phone to contact Shen Jin to confirm the meeting spot, only to find that Shen Jin had sent him a message five minutes ago.

"Shen Jin: Let me know when you're done with the exam."

"Ye Tingtong: I'm done! I'm heading to the school gate now and will be there within ten minutes."

Shen Jin's message lifted his spirits a bit.

He hadn't contacted Shen Jin before the exam, partly because he was afraid of being annoying with too much chatter, and partly because he was worried Shen Jin might be too busy and forget their arrangement.

He couldn't expect Shen Jin to be as excited about this meeting as he was. Maybe that day, Shen Jin had taken pity on him and decided to take him out for another meal, like feeding a stray animal.

Fortunately, Shen Jin remembered and even came early! Ye Tingtong felt lighter on his feet.

When he got to the stairwell, his phone buzzed in his pocket, probably a reply from Shen Jin. Just as he was about to check it, Shen Minghuai's furious voice suddenly came from behind, "Ye Tingtong, why are you running!"

Shen Minghuai had been stuck in the exam hall for hours, unable to answer the questions and ignored by Ye Tingtong, his anger building up.

Familiar with Shen Minghuai's temper, Ye Tingtong knew it wasn't the time to argue. He was just about to bolt down the stairs when Shen Minghuai grabbed his arm.

Shen Minghuai yanked him closer and snapped, "Are you that eager to see him?"

"What's so special about him? You've only known him for a few days, and you're already attached?"

His words were dripping with disdain. Ye Tingtong tried to wrench his arm free from Shen Minghuai's grasp, "I don't know what's wrong with you. Now that I'm married to Shen Jin and you're with Liang Yuting, we should just mind our own business. If you don't want to be friends, then back off."

He figured that as long as he didn't hang around Shen Minghuai, they wouldn't cross paths. Shen Jin didn't need him tagging along to fancy events; he just needed to focus on his studies at school.

And since Shen Minghuai hardly ever came to school, they should rarely see each other.

But somehow, Shen Minghuai kept popping up, impossible to avoid.

He clenched his teeth, his voice thick with anger, "When I was hanging onto you before, why didn't you complain? Was I only supposed to orbit around you, like your so-called friends said, being your little sidekick?"

"Shen Minghuai, are you out of your mind?"

Ye Tingtong rarely got angry, but when he did, he didn't hold back, his words hitting Shen Minghuai like a storm.

"That's not what I meant..." Shen Minghuai realized he had spoken wrongly and quickly tried to make amends, "I just don't want you to get so close to my uncle."

He looked down, his expression sincere and full of affection, "I know your marriage isn’t real, and I get why you’re upset I wasn’t there when you needed me, but I had my reasons."

"Won’t you give me a shot?"

Ye Tingtong widened his eyes, "Do you even realize what you’re saying, Shen Minghuai!"

He’s Shen Jin’s legal partner, which makes him Shen Minghuai’s elder. What is this engaged guy even talking about!

"I know!" Shen Minghuai's eyes were red, filled with unwillingness and bitterness, yet he was resolute, "I won’t actually marry Liang Yuting, and Shen Jin doesn’t have to have you. I can find someone better for him, even give up something to get you back."

Ye Tingtong was stunned and panicked by his words.

He stumbled back, his lips turning pale, but Shen Minghuai persisted.

"I’ll work hard, even intern at the company. My parents only have me as their son, and my grandma said if I prove myself, she’ll give me her shares." Shen Minghuai stepped forward, "Tong, just give me a chance—I’m not worse than Shen Jin."

Ye Tingtong couldn’t take it, clapping his hands over his ears, "Shut up!"

Shen Minghuai tried to grab him, but Ye Tingtong turned and ran, forgetting there was a staircase behind him. He missed a step and tumbled down.

Ye Tingtong rolled down the stairs, dazed and disoriented.

His ankle throbbed with pain, leaving him unable to sit up.

Shen Minghuai panicked and rushed down the stairs, "Tong, are you okay? I’ll call 120!"

"No need." Ye Tingtong's lips were bitten into a row of teeth marks from the pain, his face covered in cold sweat, "It’s just a twisted ankle."

Wearing thick winter clothes, he had protected his head in time, only his ankle hurt.

"But it could still be a fracture!" Shen Minghuai wanted to carry him, "Let me take you to the nearest clinic first."

But the young master wasn’t used to taking care of others, and when he tried to help him up, he used too much force. Ye Tingtong’s foot hit the wall, making him wince.

"Get away." Ye Tingtong pushed Shen Minghuai away forcefully and sat back on the ground, "I’ll call Yu Hui and the guys."

They were all in this building for exams, just different rooms, so they shouldn’t have gone far.

Just as Ye Tingtong grabbed his phone, it rang. Seeing the caller ID, he answered with an apology, "I’m sorry, something came up, I can’t make dinner."

Shen Jin paused: "What happened?"

While Ye Tingtong was frantic, Shen Jin’s voice was calm and steady, his deep voice clearly reaching his ear.

The cold ground and throbbing ankle made him miserable. Ye Tingtong suddenly felt aggrieved, he sniffled, "I twisted my ankle on the stairs, sorry."

Shen Jin listened to his continuous apologies, his gaze slightly darkening: "Don’t apologize for that."

Looking at the bustling teaching building in front of him, he asked, "Where are you now? I’m at the main entrance of the comprehensive building."

Ye Tingtong was stunned, the comprehensive building was where he took the exam, "I’m at the side entrance."

In less than two minutes, Ye Tingtong saw a familiar figure appear at the entrance.

Shen Jin wasn’t wearing a suit today, a simple black coat made him look tall and straight, his face cold and stern. As he approached, he brought with him a cold gust of wind.

Shen Minghuai didn’t expect him to come so quickly, he braced himself and stood in front of Ye Tingtong, "Uncle, I’ll take responsibility for this, you don’t need to—"

"I’m not interested in your nonsense." Shen Jin interrupted him, a flash of ferocity in his eyes, "Get out of the way."

His voice was icy and left no room for argument.

Shen Minghuai's hand at his side clenched and then relaxed, ultimately he didn’t block him again.

Shen Jin stepped past him, and when he saw the pale, pitiful figure on the ground, his imposing aura faded like a receding tide. He bent down, carefully picking Ye Tingtong up,

"It’s okay, I’m here."