Chapter 67 Man, You’ve Caught My Attention (Haha)

Chapter 67: Man, You've Caught My Attention (Haha)

For a long time, Qi Yanze had been fond of pretty, delicate boys with gentle personalities.

Since his elder brother was Qi Yanfeng, many entertainment companies sought connections with him through social gatherings, often arranging young celebrities who matched his tastes to accompany him.

Over time, he found these pretty boys too tacky and obsequious, gradually losing interest.

So when he saw Jiang Ruotang in the billiards hall, it felt like a refreshing sight—this guy was really easy on the eyes.

But... there was something familiar about him, though Qi Yanze couldn’t quite recall where he’d seen him before.

At that moment, Jiang Ruotang bent over the table with calm focus, his cue arm at just the right angle with the surface. With a smooth push, the white ball traced a beautiful arc, bypassing the obstacle ball and sinking the red ball cleanly into the pocket.

Then he smiled, throwing a glance at Lu Guifan before moving to the other side of the table. It was then that Qi Yanze noticed Jiang Ruotang was wearing what looked like high school school uniform pants. His proportions were excellent—long, straight legs—and when he exerted force for a shot, his back and waist tensed up, making for an especially appealing sight.

As Qi Yanze played, he felt an itch, urging him to strike up a conversation with Jiang Ruotang.

His friends all knew he was a sucker for good looks—even if it wasn’t about romance, he simply preferred befriending attractive people.

Born that way, really. A hopeless case of being looks-obsessed, hard to cure.

Qi Yanze’s childhood friend, Chen Dan, was well aware of this quirk. Following his gaze, Chen Dan spotted Jiang Ruotang and Lu Guifan.

Lu Guifan was handsome, but his cold, unapproachable vibe lacked the warmth Qi Yanze favored.

Huh, but the one next to him—bright-eyed and cheerful—was quite charming.

As a dutiful wingman, Chen Dan dutifully set down his cue and walked toward Jiang Ruotang, shooting Qi Yanze a meaningful look.

Jiang Ruotang lined up another curve shot. He found it much like riding a bike—once you got the hang of it, the more you played, the more fun it became.

Just as he turned with a smile to look to Lu Guifan, he heard someone clapping nearby.

"Hey, nice shot. But it’s just the two of you here—pretty lame, don't you think? Why not join us for a game?" Chen Dan tried his best to sound casual.

Jiang Ruotang only wanted to stay with Lu Guifan and was just about to say no when his gaze landed on Qi Yanze standing not far behind Chen Dan.

Wait, when did he show up?

Just my luck—running into him at this billiards hall ahead of their scheduled meeting.

If this Chen Dan was with Qi Yanze, and now they were inviting him over, did that mean they planned to jump him again?

Jiang Ruotang’s mind spun through possibilities, but he quickly dismissed the idea that Qi Yanze would resort to violence.

After all, if they came to blows again, it wouldn’t be something Qi Yanfeng could smooth over with just an apology.

Qi Yanze was pretending to polish his cue, but his attention was clearly fixed on them. His expression was calm, but his eyes gave him away—*Chen Dan, what’s taking so long? Can’t even invite two high schoolers for a game?*

Chen Dan kept pushing with some smooth talk. Lu Guifan followed Jiang Ruotang’s gaze and spotted Qi Yanze, his brow furrowing slightly.

Qi Yanze’s attire reeked of money, and his build suggested regular gym sessions—broad-shouldered, with sharp features. But his demeanor oozed entitlement, the type accustomed to being the center of attention.

With just a glance, Lu Guifan knew Qi Yanze’s interest wasn’t in billiards—it was in Jiang Ruotang.

A spike of irritation shot through Lu Guifan’s chest, the displeasure of someone eyeing what was his.

He moved to Jiang Ruotang’s side, lifting a hand toward his shoulder and ask if they should firmly refuse. But before he could, Jiang Ruotang stood on tiptoe, leaning close to whisper in his ear, "That’s the guy who set up the billiards hall meeting."

The warmth of Jiang Ruotang’s breath and his voice vibrating against Lu Guifan’s ear nearly sent a shiver through him, tilting his head instinctively closer.

Jiang Ruotang added, "But right now, he doesn’t seem to realize I’m the one he’s supposed to meet."

"Oh," Lu Guifan responded softly.

So the enemy was in plain sight, while they remained hidden.

"Also, last year, when I went to a film industry banquet with my dad, he punched me. Gave me a nosebleed. But weirdly… he doesn’t seem to remember?"

Lu Guifan went rigid. Someone had hit Jiang Ruotang?

Made him bleed?

Violence had never been Lu Guifan’s preferred solution, but hearing that Qi Yanze had hurt Jiang Ruotang inexplicably made his hands ball into fists.

However, since Jiang Ruotang now had to collaborate with Qi Yanze, punching it out wasn't an option. They’d have to find another way to resolve this.

"Want me to go with you?" Lu Guifan said quietly.

"Yeah. Let’s see what his game is." Jiang Ruotang wore a serious expression, like he was facing off in the ring.

Lu Guifan could only sigh to himself. Qi Yanze wasn’t scheming—he was just interested in Jiang Ruotang.

Of course, Lu Guifan wouldn’t say that aloud.

As the two followed Chen Dan over, Qi Yanze initially played it cool. But as Jiang Ruotang drew nearer, the act fell apart—his gaze locked onto him.

The overhead lights illuminated Jiang Ruotang’s bright eyes. Dressed in Beicheng Guangyao’s white shirt tucked into his uniform pants, he broke into a smile that suddenly reminded Qi Yanze of the fuzzy crush he’d once felt for a desk mate back in school.

Yet Jiang Ruotang’s first words threw Qi Yanze for a loop.

"Hey, Qi Yanze, did you call me over so you and your buddies could jump me again, or are we calling a truce and starting fresh as friends?"

Jiang Ruotang tilted his head, eyeing Qi Yanze.

That slightly bold, somewhat willful expression hit Qi Yanze like a bolt of recognition.

"You… you… you’re Jiang… Jiang…"

Damn it. Qi Yanze scrambled to remember but couldn’t recall Jiang Ruotang’s full name.

It had been a year ago. Back then, his impression of Jiang Ruotang was just a pipsqueak who acted entitled despite having no real clout. Who’d bother remembering the name of someone they looked down on?

An awkward silence fell.

Chen Dan leaned in and whispered, "You know him? Sounds like there’s history—and you don’t even remember his name? What happened?"

Qi Yanze’s neck flushed red. There was no way to explain this.

Back then, he’d been furious after being played by a minor celebrity. He’d run into Lin Lu, who seemed kind and gentle, with a soothing voice, and wanted to chat and befriend him—only for Jiang Ruotang to ruin it.

At the time, he’d found Jiang Ruotang insufferable, just like that deceitful celebrity. He’d only meant to grab him and argue, but due to the height difference on the stairs, his hand missed Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder and hit his nose instead.

Of course, given Qi Yanze’s personality, he’d never admit he hadn’t actually intended to punch Jiang Ruotang.

A punch was a punch. That night, Jiang Ruotang had seemed smug and nasty—utterly detestable.

But… was this really the same Jiang Ruotang?

Could it be that he was so blinded back then, thinking Lin Lu was pretty-boy cute, yet completely failed to realize Jiang Ruotang was the real deal?

Jiang Ruotang looked at Qi Yanze with an understanding expression. "So, I took that punch from you for nothing, and you don’t even remember my name?"

Qi Yanze instinctively defended himself, "I personally went to your house to apologize! What else do you want from me?"

Chen Dan was seeing this behavior from Qi Yanze for the first time and asked the person beside him, "Since when does our Young Master Qi apologize in person after hitting someone? Seems this Jiang guy has some background."

Qi Yanze immediately clarified, "He’s Director Jiang Huaiyuan’s son."

Meaning, he was telling Jiang Ruotang—though I don’t remember your name, I know your background.

And telling his friends—the Jiang family carries clout in the film industry, so stop teasing or making fun of Jiang Ruotang.

Sure enough, after this introduction, his friends, who had been exchanging knowing looks, all fell silent.

Chen Dan stepped in to mediate. "Since both the Jiang and Qi families move in the same circles, why not take today to call a truce? Come on, let’s play a game! Just saw Young Master Jiang practicing with this classmate for so long—perfect timing for a match with us!"

Jiang Ruotang smiled graciously. "Sure, but no need to call me 'Young Master Jiang.' Feels like something out of a cheesy CEO soap opera. I’m Jiang Ruotang—you can call me Xiao Jiang."

That "cheesy CEO soap opera" line hit Qi Yanze right in the ego, making him feel like a clueless idiot.

Chen Dan and the others broke into knowing grins.

"In that case, A Ze, why don’t you play a round with our new friend Xiao Jiang?" Chen Dan gave Qi Yanze’s shoulder a pat. "Be smart about this—show off your skills but also go easy on him. Friendship first, winning second. Got it?"

Qi Yanze never went easy on anyone in pool—if he was going to win, he’d win decisively. But looking at Jiang Ruotang across the table, who was seriously warming up his wrists, eyes bright with focus...

Fine. If he wanted to leave a good impression... he could take the L.

Even so, Qi Yanze came out swinging, pulling off all sorts of tricks—massé shots, bank shots, English—leaving Jiang Ruotang impressed.

He had to admit, compared to his elder brother, Qi Yanze might be lacking, but when it came to pool, he was absolutely cream of the crop among amateurs.

With half the balls already pocketed, Jiang Ruotang suspected Qi Yanze was going for a runout—leaving him no chance to practice.

Seeing Jiang Ruotang’s disappointed expression, Chen Dan immediately cleared his throat pointedly.

Qi Yanze shot him an annoyed glance but quickly caught the hint: Don’t show off too much!

Despite the remaining balls being in perfect positions, Qi Yanze "messed up," deliberately leaving the cue ball in an easy spot for Jiang Ruotang.

Not just Chen Dan, but even the other onlookers were stunned.

This was an obvious setup.

Qi Yanze even feigned frustration, turning to Jiang Ruotang. "That was a genuine mistake. Your turn, Xiao Jiang."

Jiang Ruotang didn’t refuse, grinning as he said, "Thanks, Brother Qi, for giving me all that breathing room!"

Qi Yanze scratched his nose. Though his handicap had been exposed, he felt inexplicably happy.

Jiang Ruotang picked up his cue, eager to play, but still glanced back at Lu Guifan. "Master, any advice for your student?"

Lu Guifan replied, "Pool isn’t just about technique—reading the whole table matters too. Don’t focus too much on winning or losing. Just have fun."

"Right."

Following Lu Guifan’s advice, Jiang Ruotang started paying attention to the cue ball’s position, putting all the techniques Lu Guifan had just taught him to work.

Lu Guifan watched Jiang Ruotang, who was fully focused, and couldn't help but find his little disciple utterly adorable.

When he looked up again, he noticed Qi Yanze also openly admiring Jiang Ruotang from waist to legs multiple times. Lu Guifan's brow arched slightly.

Eventually, Jiang Ruotang failed to hit the ball but still left it in a tough spot.

It was Qi Yanze's turn now. He frowned, eyeing the table for almost a full minute before taking his shot. Though the cue ball made contact with the target, it still didn’t sink into the pocket.

A wave of disappointed groans rose around them—everyone had expected Qi Yanze to finish the game smoothly.

When it was Jiang Ruotang's turn again, his confident look dropped as he realized all the remaining balls were in awkward positions. At best, he’d manage one shot before yielding, possibly even setting Qi Yanze up to wrap things up.

Billiards strategy was as tricky as chess.

Not just Jiang Ruotang, but everyone else on the scene jumped in with advice. Chen Dan gestured helplessly before nudging Qi Yanze with his elbow.

"If you’ve got any angles in mind, share them with Xiao Jiang—score some points with him."

Qi Yanze wanted to, but after circling the table, he still came up empty.

Jiang Ruotang pondered for a long time before his eyes lit up. He leaned in to whisper his idea into Lu Guifan’s ear.

Lu Guifan looked at Jiang Ruotang’s hopeful expression and gave his head a fond pat. "Good thought, but a little too optimistic."

Hearing this, Qi Yanze stepped closer. "What’s the idea? How do you plan to play it?"

Lu Guifan met his gaze and replied calmly, "Brother Qi, please bear with us. Ruotang is here to practice today. Though his skills aren’t refined, he does have some clever ideas. If you don’t mind, I’ll take his shot for him."

"Oh?" Qi Yanze’s interest was instantly piqued. He gave Lu Guifan a light jab to the chest in challenge. "Sure! If you can sink it in one shot, I’ll eat my words."

"No need to bow out, Brother Qi. Just promise to do us a favor."

As soon as Jiang Ruotang heard Lu Guifan say this, he knew the other was setting the stage for the upcoming business negotiation. Someone like Qi Yanze, once making a promise in front of so many people, wouldn’t back out or make things difficult for Jiang Ruotang.

Hearing that they wanted his help, Qi Yanze got cocky, tilting his chin up. "No problem, as long as I can pull it off."

Lu Guifan took the cue, and everyone’s eyes turned to him.

Calmly, Lu Guifan walked to the pool table, slowly circling it, occasionally measuring the angles between the balls with his cue.

Chen Dan and his buddies started whispering to each other.

"What’s he doing? Surveying a construction site?"

"If there really was an angle, someone like A Ze wouldn’t be able to keep it to himself—he’d definitely show off!"

"This four-eyes looks like a student. Could he really be better than A Ze?"

At that moment, Lu Guifan bent down and set up his shot.

Jiang Ruotang’s heart jumped to his throat. The previously chattering onlookers fell silent in unison. The pool table was now surrounded by other spectators, including those college students.

The white ball was nearly touching the pink ball, pressed against the long rail, while a blue ball sat near the central axis—not the target but an obstacle. The real target, a red ball, was on the opposite short cushion, shielded by four or five other balls as if protected.

Qi Yanze watched Lu Guifan, part of him thought the man was bluffing, while another part figured that even if Lu Guifan had a solution, pulling it off would require such precision that the slightest error would ruin it, making success unlikely.

Then, Lu Guifan struck. The cue moved too fast—the sharp crack of the cue hitting the white ball made everyone tense up.

The white ball narrowly grazed the obstructing blue ball, hit the short cushion, nearly sinking into the pocket but rebounding instead. It struck the long cushion, then rebounded again, nearly traveling diagonally to hit the opposite long cushion before bouncing once more—a miracle unfolded. The white ball curved around the obstacles, striking the red ball, which rolled as everyone watched before dropping into the pocket.

"Oh—" Jiang Ruotang grinned, happily raising both hands.

Qi Yanze was also stunned—he hadn't expected such a way to make that shot.

The onlookers started clapping.

"That's insane!"

"How much thought must have gone into finding such a path?"

"The key is controlling the force—too weak, and it wouldn’t hit the red ball; too strong, and the white ball would follow the red into the pocket."

Chen Dan was the first to snap out of it, leaning in to whisper to Qi Yanze, "This guy’s skill is probably above yours. Even if you refuse to admit it, there’s nothing you can do."

Qi Yanze understood too. If Lu Guifan had relied on tricks or flukes, he might still have a chance to compete.

But Lu Guifan's move was undeniably a display of extraordinary skill.

So, under everyone’s watchful eyes, Lu Guifan sank the remaining balls.

With all eyes on him, Qi Yanze had to honor his promise—otherwise, he’d become a laughingstock in this crowd.

He tilted his head up and declared, "Alright, what do you need me to do?"

Lu Guifan calmly set down his cue, gently guiding Jiang Ruotang forward with a hand on his shoulder. "This favor is for Ruotang. When the time is right, he'll fill you in."

Qi Yanze’s eyes lit up—it was for Jiang Ruotang?

He was happy—no, thrilled—to help. He would've helped without Lu Guifan’s miraculous shot as leverage.

Hearing this, Chen Dan quickly chimed in, "Then what are we waiting for? A Ze, add Xiao Jiang as a friend. Once you’re friends, no more squabbling over trivial matters. Xiao Jiang’s younger than you—as the older brother, you should have his back."

Jiang Ruotang genuinely thought Chen Dan’s insight and eloquence were too good for Qi Yanze—he should be out wheeling and dealing with Mr. Zheng, where he’d truly shine.

Qi Yanze immediately pulled out his phone and added Jiang Ruotang as a friend.

Then, he turned to Lu Guifan, tilting his head up. "Let’s be friends too. We can play pool sometime."

Secretly, Qi Yanze was thinking that if his group ever struggled in a match, they could call Lu Guifan to save their skins.

Jiang Ruotang quickly cut in, "My disciple and I are both high school seniors. We have classes and evening study sessions every day—"

Before he could finish, Lu Guifan took out his phone and added Qi Yanze as a friend, calmly saying, "Meeting up might be tough—the school keeps us on a tight leash. But we can still swap pointers on solving shots."

Qi Yanze felt much better hearing that.

Jiang Ruotang gaped at Lu Guifan in shock.

Wasn’t this guy normally such a stickler for rules? If something was off-limits, like skipping class to play pool, he’d never budge.

But today, Lu Guifan knew how to let people save face.

After adding each other, Lu Guifan said to Qi Yanze, "We have class tomorrow and need to leave by 6:30. Ruotang’s driver is waiting downstairs, so we’ll head out now."

Qi Yanze felt a twinge of disappointment—they’d just become friends, and now they had to part?

Chen Dan, always the smooth talker, patted Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder. "Ah, senior year—we get it. It’s already 11:40. If you don’t get home soon, your parents will blow up your phone with calls. Xiao Jiang, if you ever need help from your Qi-ge, don’t hesitate—just ask."

Jiang Ruotang nodded. "Of course."

"Alright, we’ll keep playing. A Ze, walk Xiao Jiang and his disciple out."

"Oh, right." Qi Yanze snapped out of it.

He not only escorted Jiang Ruotang and Lu Guifan to the elevator but all the way to Xiao Gao’s car.

As the car pulled away, Jiang Ruotang waved at Qi Yanze, who eagerly waved back.

Once the car was out of sight, Jiang Ruotang turned around, resting his chin in hand, a look of deep thought on his face.

"What’s on your mind?" Lu Guifan asked.

"I was just thinking… Qi Yanze actually added you as a friend?" Jiang Ruotang frowned.

"Wasn’t it because you introduced me as your disciple?"

"No, no… Qi Yanze’s grown up spoiled. In his mind, he’s the best at pool—yet you showed him up…"

Jiang Ruotang suddenly recalled Jian Sha’s idol drama clichés and blurted out, "Man, you’ve got my attention!"

Lu Guifan gave him a puzzled look. "What attention?"

Jiang Ruotang grabbed Lu Guifan’s shoulders, looking genuinely remorseful. "I’m sorry! It’s my fault! I shouldn’t have let you meet Qi Yanze!"

"Huh? Why?"

"You’re so good-looking, with a slender waist and long legs, and you play pool this well… He added you because he’s into you!"

Xiao Gao, the driver, nearly swerved wildly at that.

Lu Guifan closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

Jiang Ruotang was still rambling on. "Someone as beautiful and brilliant as you—he’s probably never met anyone like you before. That’s why he was on his best behavior today! Being around you rubbed off on him!"

Lu Guifan couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed Jiang Ruotang’s head and tucked it against his chest. "You’re always around me—why haven’t you gotten any smarter?"

"I have! I came in 250th in the monthly exam!"

Not wanting Jiang Ruotang to get played in future interactions with Qi Yanze, Lu Guifan finally shared his observation.

"He’s interested in you."

Jiang Ruotang froze for two seconds before breaking into laughter—this was the most absurd joke he’d heard since his rebirth.

"No way… haha, no way… He likes sweet, fragile types—the kind that make you want to protect them."

"People’s tastes change. Maybe he used to like wallflowers, but today, he prefers sunflowers."

Jiang Ruotang still found it ridiculous. "Disciple, I know you think highly of me. After all, you taught me—you have to stand by your student. But Qi Yanze… Do you know what kind of idols accompany him when film companies invite him to dinner?"

He pulled out his phone and showed Lu Guifan photos of a few male idol group members—one or two already breakout stars under Hongtian Borui.

Lu Guifan only gave it a cursory look before remarking, "You’re still better."

Jiang Ruotang patted Lu Guifan’s shoulder, nearly quoting the saying "love blinds," but caught himself and switched to, "To my master, even a dead tree flowers!"

Meanwhile, Qi Yanze couldn’t concentrate on pool since Jiang Ruotang left. He kept glancing at his phone, wondering if Jiang Ruotang would text him once he got home.

But he waited and waited, until one o'clock, yet Jiang Ruotang's account hadn't moved at all.

"A-Ze, what are you thinking about? Why aren't you coming over?" Chen Dan asked.

Qi Yanze muttered to himself, "How could he change so much in just a year?"

"Huh? Who changed a lot?" Chen Dan lowered his gaze and noticed Qi Yanze's phone screen still lingered on Jiang Ruotang's profile. He was laughing inside. "C'mon, Young Master Qi, he added you as a friend, not to date you. It’s one a.m.—any normal high schooler would be home and asleep by now."

"Oh. Yeah." Qi Yanze felt a pang of loss.

Chen Dan added, "Didn’t Xiao Jiang say he needed your help with something? That means he’ll definitely contact you again. Come on, let’s go play."

Of course, Chen Dan left out the second half of his thoughts—because if Xiao Jiang liked guys, it was pretty obvious he preferred that "Shifu" of his.

Still, he was more than happy to watch Qi Yanze dive into a crush and face instant heartbreak.