Chapter 27 Couldn’t Hide It

Chapter 27: The Secret Is Out

Regarding the sale of Grandma Lin’s chili sauce recipe, the other party presented two options: a straightforward buyout contract, or a profit-sharing model, where Grandma Lin would receive a percentage of the annual sales revenue.

Gu Shiying had researched the company's products and felt that the profit-sharing model could also be beneficial, offering significant support for Guo Guo's future. However, since Guo Guo wouldn't be involved in the company's operations, there were concerns about potential financial manipulation and the risk of not receiving long-term profits. Grandma Lin, not well-versed in such matters, asked Gu Shiying for advice.

Both options had their pros and cons.

Gu Shiying couldn't make the decision for Grandma Lin, but he could consult Guan Yu, who was studying law and could help review the contract. After all, Guan Yu was a top student, and it would be a waste not to utilize such a connection.

Guan Yu, with his solid understanding of the subject, reviewed the contract and concluded that it was fair, protecting both parties' basic interests. Overall, it was advantageous for Grandma Lin.

Gu Shiying also showed the contract to Fu Huan, who gave it a quick look and said it seemed fine.

On Wednesday afternoon, Gu Shiying left class a bit early and met Assistant Hu at the school gate. He had also invited Guan Yu to help oversee the process on-site. Originally, he had wanted Fu Huan to join, but Fu Huan had an elective class in the evening and couldn't come along.

"Hello, are you Gu Shiying?"

"Yes, Assistant Hu, hello."

Assistant Hu represented his company, so it was appropriate for Gu Shiying to address him as "Assistant Hu." Assistant Hu wore a professional smile, and as a sophomore who hadn't yet started working, Gu Shiying initially found him quite approachable.

Assistant Hu didn't engage in the overly formal handshake etiquette typical of adults with Gu Shiying and Guan Yu, so Gu Shiying didn't get a chance to hear what he was thinking. However, this also indicated that Assistant Hu was principled, logical, and knew his boundaries—likely adept at adjusting his demeanor depending on the situation, a skill honed through habit.

The two got into Assistant Hu's car and headed to Grandma Lin's house.

It had been a few days since Gu Shiying last saw Guo Guo, so he brought a puzzle for him. Guo Guo was delighted and immediately sat on the floor to start piecing it together.

Grandma Lin, being experienced, had invited someone from the community to serve as a witness.

Unfamiliar with the company, she ultimately opted for the buyout option. Her plan was clear: she intended to set aside the money for Guo Guo's future use.

A community staff member was present and recorded a video as evidence.

Everything went smoothly.

Before Gu Shiying and Guan Yu left, Grandma Lin gave them both red envelopes.

Grandma Lin: "You and Fu Huan have really worked hard these past few days."

Gu Shiying: "No problem, it was nothing. We'll head back now, Grandma."

Grandma Lin then pulled Gu Shiying aside: "This red envelope is for Fu Huan. Please pass it along to him."

Gu Shiying had no reason to refuse: "Sure."

Assistant Hu had already learned from his boss about Gu Shiying's relationship with his younger brother, so he patiently waited to drive them back to school.

Gu Shiying's impression of the young Assistant Hu shifted—he wasn't just someone who said what people wanted to hear but genuinely seemed like a good person.

"I'll drop you off here."

Hu Yiyan also admired Gu Shiying and Guan Yu—one kind-hearted and using his expertise to help others, the other displaying a professional attitude, showing early signs of becoming a great lawyer.

He proactively offered a handshake to the two young men: "You'll be third-year students next year, right? If there's an opportunity, consider interning at our company."

Guan Yu shook his hand first: "We'll definitely consider it."

Hu Yiyan then reached out to Gu Shiying, who reciprocated the handshake. Gu Shiying expected to hear thoughts about weekend overtime but was surprised to hear something else instead.

"Finally completed Manager Fu's task without letting his brother's classmate find out that Manager Fu purchased the recipe through his brother."

Gu Shiying: "..."

Manager Fu?

Manager Fu's brother?

Fu Huan?

Gu Shiying was taken aback. He wanted to ask more, but this was Hu Yiyan's inner thought at that moment, suggesting that some things were meant to be kept secret.

So, the conclusion was that Fu Huan was Manager Fu's younger brother?

The sale of the recipe was actually set up by Fu Huan?

What did his family do? They must be quite influential.

Why didn't Fu Huan tell him directly? Was he trying to be a good Samaritan without seeking recognition? In this day and age, were there still people who acted without seeking fame or profit? What was his motive?

For a moment, Gu Shiying felt a mix of emotions. The motive was him.

How could Fu Huan be like this, going all out unexpectedly?

By the time they returned to school from Grandma Lin's house, it was already past 9 p.m. Hu Yiyan didn't know them well enough to eat together, so Gu Shiying and Guan Yu still hadn't eaten.

Guan Yu: "I'm starving. Should we grab something at the cafeteria?"

Gu Shiying: "Let's go."

He was past the point of hunger but still needed to eat.

Just as they were about to head to the second cafeteria, Yang Shuhang sent a WeChat video call asking if they wanted to go out for a meal. He and Fu Huan both felt like having a late-night snack.

Gu Shiying thought to himself, Assistant Hu's inner thoughts were indeed correct. The moment Hu left, Fu Huan knew they were back, confirming that he was indeed Manager Fu's younger brother.

The four roommates from Room 504 gathered at the east gate.

Today, Yang Shuhang was sporting a stylish look, with his hair dyed in vibrant colors.

He tossed a few strands of hair falling over his forehead: "So, what do you think of my new look?"

Gu Shiying reached out and touched his colorful hair: "It's very unique, and surprisingly soft. It looks good. I kind of want to dye my hair too."

Guan Yu: "You're practically competing with the rainbow."

Yang Shuhang: "Go for it!"

Fu Huan: "Gu Shiying, this style wouldn't look good on you."

Gu Shiying: "Why not?"

Fu Huan looked at him seriously and touched his soft hair: "It doesn't suit you. Your hair is too soft. Yang Shuhang is different—he's an art student."

Still annoyed Fu Huan hid the truth, Gu Shiying pushed his hand away: "What does soft hair have to do with being an art student?"

Lately, Fu Huan had been becoming more forward, often touching him casually, always as if by accident.

It would be fine if it were just between friends, but with Fu Huan, it felt different!

Fu Huan: "It just doesn't feel right, no reason."

Yang Shuhang said with a chuckle, "Ying Er, just listen to Brother Huan's advice. He has great taste."

Gu Shiying: "..."

Whatever, let's drop it.

They headed to East Gate for barbecue, the same place they went to last time.

The streets were bustling with people before 10 p.m. The four of them walked two by two, with Yang Shuhang and Guan Yu in front, and Gu Shiying and Fu Huan behind.

Gu Shiying took out the red envelope Grandma Lin had given him from his backpack and handed it to Fu Huan: "This is from Grandma Lin. She said she’s very grateful for your help."

Fu Huan accepted it readily and stuffed it into his pants pocket: "Mhm."

On their way to the barbecue stall, they also came across the reopened fried rice stall. The owner and his wife were very grateful for Gu Shiying and Fu Huan’s help last time and insisted on giving them a freshly cooked portion of fried rice and several cups of chilled mung bean soup.

The owner's wife pushed the items into Gu Shiying’s arms: "Young man, thank you for your help last time. We don’t have much to offer in return, but next time you come to eat here, it’s on the house!"

Gu Shiying quickly shook his head, even getting a bit flustered: "No need, no need. We didn’t really do much."

The owner's wife insisted: "You have to take it, you have to!"

Unable to turn her down, Gu Shiying accepted. It was just some food, after all. The aroma of the fried rice made his empty stomach growl, and his mouth began to water.

He was hungry.

Fu Huan, seeing he had his hands full, took a few cups of mung bean soup from him and handed them to Yang Shuhang and Guan Yu, who were walking ahead.

The takeout box emitted a tempting fragrance. The owner had packed it full, with golden rice nearly spilling out.

Gu Shiying: "The fried rice smells amazing. Getting to eat Boss Zhang’s fried rice without having to wait in line is pretty awesome."

Fu Huan: "You traded your safety for this."

Gu Shiying said pointedly: "If you don’t bring this up, we can still be roommates."

Fu Huan shot him a look and said nothing, clearly unhappy with the idea of just being roommates.

Gu Shiying pretended not to notice. The sharper his words, the more Fu Huan kept his distance.

When they arrived at the barbecue shop, the other three were ordering. Gu Shiying asked the owner for chopsticks and shared the fried rice with everyone.

He had no intention of keeping it all to himself—everyone gets a share.

Just as they finished eating, Yang Shuhang and Guan Yu had already moved on to discussing the matter at Grandma Lin’s house.

Yang Shuhang, the "moneybags," chimed in: "Ying Er, why didn’t you tell us about such a big matter? I have money—I could’ve pitched in."

Gu Shiying advised Yang Shuhang: "Even if you have money, you can’t just give it to anyone. Besides, Grandma Lin wouldn’t take it just like that."

Guan Yu helped Yang Shuhang get his utensils ready: "Yeah, don’t casually let others know you have money. You should've learned your lesson—where’s the wisdom you were supposed to gain?"

Yang Shuhang scratched his head awkwardly: "I won’t do it again."

In Gu Shiying’s eyes, Yang Shuhang was a child sheltered by his family, not very street-smart. It was no wonder he remained so trusting even after being scammed.

Gu Shiying had a brainstorm: "How about letting Second Brother keep an eye on you to prevent you from spending recklessly?"

Guan Yu, also known as Guan Yu, Guan Second Brother.

Guan Yu, who had suddenly acquired a nickname: "...Sure, I can do that."

Yang Shuhang: "But I don’t spend money recklessly."

The other three all fell silent.

Guan Yu explained: "Whenever you feel like spending money on someone who's basically a stranger, come to me. I’ll help you decide whether it’s appropriate."

Yang Shuhang grinned and threw an arm around Guan Yu’s neck: "Second Brother, look out for me from now on."

Guan Yu: "I’m not really fond of that title."

Yang Shuhang: "Well, by age, you’re the second oldest in our dorm. I’m the oldest—I was born in February. Ying Er is the youngest."

Gu Shiying hadn’t paid attention to this before: "I’m actually the youngest?"

Guan Yu: "I was born in April."

Fu Huan: "I’m July."

Gu Shiying: "I’m a December baby. Wait, Yang Shuhang, you’re actually the oldest?"

Yang Shuhang made a grab for him playfully: "What? Little brother, call me 'big brother'!"

"No way." Gu Shiying blocked him, trying to keep him from pouncing, but he underestimated how hard Yang Shuhang was leaning and lost his balance. As he was about to brace himself with a hand on the ground, Fu Huan, sitting beside him, caught him by the shoulder and waist, preventing him from falling flat on his back.

Fu Huan glanced at Yang Shuhang: "Sit properly."

Along with Fu Huan’s deep voice came a thought that traveled from Gu Shiying’s waist straight to his brain:

"His neck is so pale—it must be so kissable. I want to kiss it, I want to kiss it, I want to kiss it."

Yang Shuhang chuckled and sat back properly, leaving Gu Shiying alone to feel the warmth radiating through Fu Huan’s clothes. Having lost his balance, Gu Shiying braced his hand on Fu Huan’s thigh to steady himself and sit upright again.

Glaring angrily at Fu Huan’s white sneakers, Gu Shiying stomped on one, leaving a dirty mark on the pristine surface.

If you mention kissing again, I’ll sew your mouth shut!

Fu Huan: "..."

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Author’s Note: Fu Huan: [Shattered] Bro, fire Assistant Hu!

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Next chapter will resume updates at 12 p.m.