Chapter 53

Chapter 53

The system reported in real time: "Face-slapping progress: 0.01%!"

The system was excited: "Starting the face-slapping already? You're on fire, Host!"

But Ye Weian realized that words couldn't truly wound Sheng Teng, which was why the progress was only 0.01%.

Previously, when Yan Qing was provoked by him, the task progress had shot up to 99%.

Sheng Teng stared at Ye Weian for a long moment, then said coldly, "CEO Ye, I'm afraid you've misunderstood. Today, Professor Qi was the one who invited me to eat."

Ye Weian glanced over at Professor Qi.

Professor Qi: "Ah, yes. Sheng Teng helped me out last week, and since we ran into each other today, I treated him to a meal."

Sheng Teng's eyes were icy: "Did you hear that, CEO Ye?"

Ye Weian met his gaze calmly: "You know exactly why you're approaching Professor Qi. I don’t want to argue with you."

"I just want to make it clear: Yan Qing was the one who made the first mistake. If you keep making errors for his sake, Bai Yuan and Chi Li are examples of what'll happen to you."

Sheng Teng’s expression turned grim.

Ye Weian ignored him and turned to Professor Qi: "I won’t keep you from eating, then."

Professor Qi quickly nodded: "Is A Chen coming? I’ll drop by later to see you both after I finish eating."

Ye Weian gave a hum of acknowledgment and turned to head toward the reserved private dining room.

He didn’t see the terrifying look in Sheng Teng’s eyes as he watched him leave—slimy and cold like a venomous snake.

Ye Weian entered the private dining room, ordered some dishes first, and waited for Zhou Huaichen to arrive.

Zhou Huaichen had just called him and said he’d be there within twenty minutes.

The system chatted with him: "Could we have misunderstood Sheng Teng?"

If Professor Qi was the one who invited Sheng Teng to eat, then it couldn’t be that Sheng Teng was deliberately trying to get close to Professor Qi.

Ye Weian scoffed: "No way! He’s probably had his eye on Professor Qi for a while. He offered help a couple days ago, and today Professor Qi invited him. It’s all part of his plan to get close—one thing led to another."

The system didn’t understand these complex social maneuvers, but it trusted its host’s judgment: "Then we should remind Professor Qi to be careful."

Ye Weian: "He already shot me a look to signal he’s fine. Clearly, he’s already wary of Sheng Teng."

The system: "...Are all tycoons as smart and subtle as you?"

Ye Weian was amused.

But thinking about Sheng Teng’s ruthless methods, he absentmindedly rubbed his teacup and grew uneasy once more.

Soon, Zhou Huaichen arrived.

Zhou Huaichen hung his long coat on the rack, walked to his side, and asked softly: "What’s wrong?"

Although Ye Weian’s face was as expressionless as usual, Zhou Huaichen could already discern his mood from subtle changes in his expression and eyes.

Ye Weian briefly explained his concerns.

Zhou Huaichen held his hand and said gently: "The Sheng family started out in chemical materials. Some of their projects are state-supported, so their background is indeed complicated."

"But things work both ways. If Sheng Teng does something irreversible for personal reasons, the higher-ups will be even less likely to let it slide."

Ye Weian nodded: "I just feel his methods are underhanded and hard to guard against."

Even Bai Yuan could stage a car accident to hit Lin Chang, and Chi Li could frame him at the cost of two lives. Sheng Teng was more terrifying than both of them. He was afraid that people around him might get hurt.

The system sighed in his head: "Host, now that you mention it, Yan Qing’s suitors really aren’t normal."

Probably because this is a world of fictional characters. In the original author’s writing, the moral compass wasn't exactly straight, so it kind of makes sense that these characters would act crazy after gaining consciousness.

Zhou Huaichen leaned over and kissed his lips: "No need to worry."

Ye Weian, tempted by his beauty and the scent of grapes on him, swallowed and said: "Let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s eat first."

—"Chow time!"

—"A Chen is here, why should I care about Sheng Teng?"

—"A grape-scented beauty is the perfect side dish!"

Zhou Huaichen chuckled softly: "Okay."

The two ate contentedly together. Zhou Huaichen, as usual, peeled shrimp for Ye Weian and served him dishes.

Ye Weian ate happily, quickly forgetting all about Sheng Teng and Yan Qing.

After the meal, Professor Qi knocked and entered.

Ye Weian was leaning on the sofa, getting his stomach comfortably rubbed by Zhou Huaichen. Seeing Professor Qi, he asked: "Has Sheng Teng left?"

Professor Qi nodded, glanced at Zhou Huaichen’s hand on Ye Weian’s stomach, and smiled: "I told him I was coming to see you, and he left."

His childhood friend was really smitten—willingly rubbing CEO Ye’s stomach. If word got out, how many people would be stunned?

Ye Weian said "oh."

Zhou Huaichen didn’t stop what he was doing, just glanced at Professor Qi and lifted his chin toward the opposite sofa.

Professor Qi walked over and sat down across from them, explaining: "It was raining a couple days ago. I parked at another teaching building and didn’t have an umbrella. He happened to run into me and lent me his."

He paused, then suddenly scoffed, "He sure knows how to scheme."

From his tone, it was clear he also knew Sheng Teng was deliberately cozying up to him.

The system couldn’t help but applaud Ye Weian: "Host, you’re amazing! Sheng Teng really was deliberately approaching Professor Qi. I didn’t see it at all—you’re brilliant!"

Ye Weian: "..."

The system was getting better at laying it on thick with the praise. Who knew where it learned that from.

Professor Qi picked up a pistachio from the coffee table, shelled it, tossed it into his mouth, and said leisurely: "Just now, he told me he wants to do business with me."

"He’s planning to enter the semiconductor industry. The Qi family is a leader in this field. He intends to invest ¥500 million to build a factory. The Qis only need to provide personnel and technology for sweat equity."

He slowly chewed the pistachio, then continued: "He gets 40%, we get 60%."

Ye Weian said in surprise: "He gets 40%, you get 60%?"

"Hmm." Qi Zhangsong smirked. "That's quite an attractive proposition, isn't it?"

"His reasoning is that he's only recently taken control of the Sheng family and needs to show some results to the shareholders and the Sheng family members."

Ye Weian also curled his lips and said coldly, "He's really willing to spare no expense."

Since Qi Zhangsong entered the room, Zhou Huaichen had been focused on rubbing Ye Weian's stomach without saying a word. Only then did he speak calmly, asking Qi Zhangsong, "Did you agree?"

Qi Zhangsong shrugged. "Of course. When opportunity comes knocking, why would I refuse?"

If he could take the opportunity to take over the Sheng family, even better.

Ye Weian glanced at him. "Earlier, you gave me the eye to not worry—was it because you already guessed Sheng Teng wanted to make a business proposal to you?"

Qi Zhangsong smiled. "Last night, A Chen reminded me to be cautious of Sheng Teng, so I figured he was deliberately trying to get close to me the day before. Today, I asked him out to a meal, and he jumped at the invitation—clearly, he had an agenda."

Ye Weian gave him a thumbs-up. "Nice proactive strategy."

Since they knew Sheng Teng had ill intentions, it was best to take the initiative.

Ye Weian quite admired his approach.

Zhou Huaichen, however, frowned and cautioned Qi Zhangsong, "Be careful."

Although they were all wary of Sheng Teng, Sheng Teng was known for using shady methods—truly as hard to guard against as Ye Weian had said.

Zhou Huaichen didn't oppose Qi Zhangsong engaging with Sheng Teng, but he had to remind him to bring more bodyguards with him recently.

As the three of them were talking, someone knocked at the door again.

Qi Zhangsong stood up. "That'll be my cousin."

He went to open the door.

Ye Weian was puzzled as to why Qi Zhangsong had invited his cousin over. Only when the door opened did he realize Qi Zhangsong's cousin was actually the owner of the restaurant.

It all clicked into place.

No wonder Zhou Huaichen and the others usually meet here, and no wonder Zhou Huaichen had said the owner was his friend.

Last time, Ding Yiming's wife had probably arranged to meet Chi Li here at Zhou Huaichen's suggestion, and this time, Qi Zhangsong had also invited Sheng Teng here.

This restaurant must be a very safe place.

Qi Zhangsong introduced Ye Weian and his cousin to each other, and they exchanged greetings.

The cousin also greeted Zhou Huaichen and said in a low voice, "Sheng Teng stayed in the parking lot for five minutes, on the phone the entire time, then drove off."

He was there to report Sheng Teng's movements.

Qi Zhangsong pondered, "Too bad we couldn't hear his call."

But wiretapping is illegal—as long as Sheng Teng hadn't made a move against them, they couldn't resort to such methods first.

The system excitedly shouted in Ye Weian's mind, "I know! I've been watching Sheng Teng—ask me!"

The system declared: I'm not human, I don't break the law!

Besides, with current technology, its traces couldn't be detected anyway.

Before Ye Weian could ask, it blurted out a report: "Sheng Teng just called his female cousin and asked her to 'coincidentally' run into Qi Zhangsong."

Ye Weian: "?"

A honey trap?

System: "I've seen photos of Sheng Teng's female cousin—she's a stunning beauty!"

Ye Weian: "..."

He didn't quite trust a system's sense of aesthetics.

But when the system brought up the female cousin's publicly posted photos on Weibo for him to see, he realized the system's aesthetic judgment wasn't actually off.

This matter still needed to be brought to Qi Zhangsong's attention.

Of course, he couldn't expose the system, so he only dropped a subtle hint, "I heard Sheng Teng's female cousin is very beautiful. Be careful he doesn't use a honey trap on you."

Qi Zhangsong: "?"

His cousin also looked confused.

Zhou Huaichen, however, understood that Ye Weian wouldn't say something without reason and said seriously, "Be extra cautious these next few days."

Qi Zhangsong thought the honey trap idea sounded unlikely, but since both Zhou Huaichen and Ye Weian were so serious, he threw up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll listen to you."

They chatted a bit longer before Qi Zhangsong's cousin went to see to other customers, and Ye Weian and the other two prepared to head home.

As they stepped out of the restaurant, a cold wind blew, with a biting cold.

Qi Zhangsong tightened his scarf and said, "Winter begins tomorrow. I heard the first snow will fall next Saturday."

The first snow?

It dawned on Ye Weian that he and Zhou Huaichen had met in autumn, and now, entering winter, it had only been two or three months.

It really hadn't been that long, so it was okay to take their time.

No wonder A Chen thought they were moving too quickly.

Qi Zhangsong looked at Zhou Huaichen and Ye Weian and said, "Let's go to the hot springs on Saturday. Soaking in hot springs on a snowy day is the best."

Zhou Huaichen looked at Ye Weian.

Ye Weian's eyes sparkled. "Great idea!"

Zhou Huaichen then nodded to Qi Zhangsong. "You make the arrangements."

Qi Zhangsong: "No problem. I'll notify Lu Cong and the rest."

Lu Cong's family had a hot spring hotel in the suburbs. In previous winters, the childhood friends would always plan a hot springs outing—this time, Ye Weian would be joining.

The thought of soaking in the hot springs with Zhou Huaichen in the snow made Ye Weian excited.

—"Hot springs, getting naked."

—"Pounce on Zhou Zhou!"

Although he felt they could take it slow with Zhou Huaichen, if he had the chance to make a move on him, he certainly wouldn't mind.

Zhou Huaichen: "..."

He couldn't help smiling.

So, the reason this guy's eyes were glowing wasn't because of the snow or the hot springs—it was to... pounce on him.

He gave Ye Weian a meaningful look and curled the corners of his lips.

It seemed some matters needed to be put on the agenda.

Qi Zhangsong happened to be free today, so he followed the two of them to the Zhou residence.

Ye Weian didn’t consider him a third wheel anyway; with Uncle Wang and the servants around, he and Zhou Huaichen couldn’t have any alone time regardless.

As soon as they got home, the husky Ye Yi came dashing toward Ye Weian.

Ye Weian: "!"

He quickly dodged aside.

A sixty-pound pup—better not risk it!

Uncle Wang followed over, chuckling. "Ye Yi was so scared by Wednesday that he’s been running around everywhere."

It seemed the son still hadn’t developed a good relationship with the daughter.

Ye Weian grabbed hold of Ye Yi and patted his head. "Coward."

Even though he was so much bigger than the cat, he was still so afraid of her—Ye Yi was definitely a timid dog.

It had been a while since Qi Zhangsong last visited the Zhou residence. Seeing the panting husky, followed by a golden retriever lazily wagging its tail, he stared at Zhou Huaichen in surprise. "You have dogs now?"

The three of them walked toward the living room together.

Ye Weian led the husky to the sofa, lifted its paw, and touched it to Wednesday’s little paw. "Come on, shake hands with your sister."

Wednesday raised her paw and smacked the husky on the head.

The husky wanted to bolt again.

Ye Weian: "..."

Will this ever work out?

Qi Zhangsong: "..."

He stared at the two cats lounging lazily on the sofa, then turned to glare at Zhou Huaichen, even more astonished. "You have cats too?!"

Zhou Huaichen watched as Ye Weian crouched by the sofa, reasoning with his daughter and telling her not to bully her brother. His gaze was so tender it could melt. "Mm."

Qi Zhangsong: "..."

The daughter gave Ye Weian some face—and smacked the husky again.

Ye Weian: "..."

This time, the husky ignored his authority and dashed behind Uncle Wang to hide, panting heavily.

Ye Weian: "..."

Forget it, they’ll work on sibling bonding another time.

He stood up and introduced the son and daughter to Qi Zhangsong.

When Qi Zhangsong heard the names Ye Yi, Ye Er, Wednesday, and Thursday, it took him a long moment before he slowly uttered four words: "Naming genius."

Ye Weian: "..."

Just then, the system thought these four names were great: "I want to be called Weekend!"

Ye Weian: "..."

Qi Zhangsong looked at Zhou Huaichen, then at Ye Weian, and sighed. "You already have a son and a daughter—it’d be hard not to get married at this point."

Ye Weian and Zhou Huaichen exchanged a glance.

Ye Weian: "Mm."

—"Of course we have to get married."

—"How else are we going to get in bed?"

Zhou Huaichen: "..."

Author’s note: Here you go, my dears~

Thank you all so much for your support. I’ll keep working hard!