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10. Chapter 10
Glancing at the trending topics, Yu Antong spotted that the eighth one was a video of his recent meeting with Yu Qingnian.
How did something like that trend?
Upon closer inspection, the video was taken by someone dining at the "Sunset Café". They had discreetly filmed him and sent it to a prominent influencer who often posted handsome men.
Handsome Men Appreciation Influencer: Fan submission! Encountered this handsome guy at a restaurant. Their conversation could rival dramatic TV series. Such a melodramatic rich family saga. [Video Link]
This post was shared by several other influencers interested in handsome men. Due to the dramatic family saga angle, it caught the attention of marketers and quickly gained traction.
"Such a handsome guy! Old man better pay up."
"Has anyone figured out which prominent family's feud this is?"
"Now even filming handsome guys requires a script? Haha, that's quite entertaining."
"I'm curious to see what happens next."
The video started with Yu Antong mentioning the inheritance but didn't specify the Yu or Xing families. So no one immediately identified them. However, many viewers were there just for the handsome guy and didn't dig deeper.
Such a post wouldn't normally make it to the top trending topics, but someone pointed out the restaurant in the video belonged to Sangyu, changing the comments' direction entirely.
"No offense, but anyone who dines at the mistress's place is trash."
"Seems like a blatant attempt at clout chasing. Anything for fame these days."
"A new way for the mistress to clear her name?"
"Talking about 60 million in inheritance, as if it's some drama show. Hilarious!"
"This is such an obvious promotional stunt. Can't believe some idiots think it's a candid video."
"This young man is quite the actor. If he debuts, I'd definitely watch his shows."
"There aren't many known affluent families in City A. The fact that no one has identified them yet probably means it's all fake."
"They're so good at chasing trends. Why don't they just go viral? I criticize everyone who eats at the mistress's place!"
Because of the connection to Sangyu, netizens took to their keyboards passionately, pushing Yu Antong to trend even higher.
After watching, Sun Ming remarked, "No wonder people were staring at you earlier. Probably because of this. Wait… Antong, your family is that rich?"
Zhao Peng looked doubtful, "You've kept this secret pretty well."
My roommate, who worked hard and lived frugally, is actually worth 60 million? Maybe even more?
Han Lele looked at the two shocked roommates, thinking they don't even know his partner is richer.
Yu Antong replied, "I'm genuinely broke. My uncle controls my finances, and I'm trying to get it back."
Both Zhao Peng and Sun Ming, college students who hadn’t seen the world, immediately imagined, from the video and Yu Antong's words, a poor lonely soul cruelly mistreated by a wicked uncle.
Zhao Peng, indignant, said, "No wonder they say rich families are treacherous. Your uncle is ruthless! And those people online judging you without knowing the whole story, so infuriating."
Sun Ming fired up his computer, ready to retaliate, "Watch me use my twenty years of singlehood typing speed to make these keyboard warriors regret ever being born!"
Han Lele nudged Yu Antong, "Don’t take it to heart. These are just mindless trolls. Want me to have someone suppress this issue? My family knows people in this field."
Yu Antong handed the phone back to Zhao Peng and told Han Lele, "No need to suppress it. Actually, help me stir it up more."
Han Lele, puzzled, asked, "Huh?"
After Yu Antong explained his reasoning, the other three in the dorm looked at him with newfound admiration.
Zhao Peng gave a thumbs up, "You wealthy people are truly terrifying."
Sun Ming paused from his rapid typing, "The rich have such deep schemes. Hahaha! I can't wait to see these keyboard warriors get proven wrong."
Han Lele patted Yu Antong on the back, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to handle it for you."
Seeing the bubbles at the bottom of the pot, Zhao Peng hurriedly said, "It's boiling! Quick, add the ingredients!"
The young and naive instantly shifted their attention from the fact that their roommate was actually wealthy, and joyfully began eating hot pot.
Halfway through the meal, Yu Antong brought up his idea of starting a restaurant.
Han Lele was the first to show support, "That's a great idea! With your culinary skills, it'd be a loss not to open a restaurant. I wholeheartedly support you!"
A thought raced through Han Lele's mind: they'd be graduating in six months, and Yu Antong's generosity could only benefit them for half a year. But if he opened a restaurant, that would be a different story.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 365 days a year – he could eat there whenever he wanted!
Han Lele smiled thinking about it, "Lately, I've grown so accustomed to your cooking. I only look forward to your lunch. If you open a restaurant, that would be amazing! I promise to gift you a huge bouquet to celebrate."
Zhao Peng and Sun Ming also raised their hands in agreement.
Yu Antong laughed, "Look at how excited you all are! It's just an idea for now. Whether it'll happen, I'm not sure. Let's wait until I get my money back from my uncle first."
Hearing this, Han Lele became even more determined to help him reclaim his money.
Starting a business in a city like A with its skyrocketing real estate prices seemed out of reach for ordinary kids like Zhao Peng and Sun Ming from smaller towns. But that didn't stop their imagination and excitement.
As the spicy hot pot made Zhao Peng breathe heavily, he said, "You don't need to sell anything else. Just sell this hot pot base. I've even thought of a brand name for you: Lao Gan Ma."
Sun Ming added, "It would be great if it became a nationwide chain. Then I can have it even when I go back to my hometown after graduation!"
"Come on!" Han Lele lifted a can of beer, and they all gathered in a circle, making a toast.
aiyueshuxiang.com (This seems to be a domain name, so it remains as is.)
"Cheers to Antong becoming a billionaire soon, with stores all over the country!"
"Hahaha, cheers!"
Those casual remarks made by the youngsters were taken lightly at the moment.
The CEO's office at Xing Corporation.
Xing Lixuan, while eating the lunch ordered by his assistant, found it tasteless.
His phone rang, and Xing Lixuan quickly reached for the phone that he always kept on his desk to glance at occasionally.
Upon seeing the caller ID, Xing Lixuan's movements noticeably slowed, "Hello, what made you think of calling me today?"
"Tsk, can't I call you for no reason now? Aren't we brothers?" On the other end of the line, Qi Jingyao lounged back with one leg crossed over the other, glancing at today's trending topic on his computer while talking.
Ding! Ding! Two notifications signaled the incoming messages from Qi Jingyao to Xing Lixuan.
Qi Jingyao said, "Look at this, isn't this your recent marriage partner?"
Qi Jingyao and Xing Lixuan have been friends for many years. While Qi often appeared laid-back and nonchalant, he had significant influence and tact, otherwise, he wouldn't have become close friends with Xing Lixuan.
Qi Jingyao's family owned an entertainment company. When he saw the trending topic about Yu Antong today, he felt the face looked familiar.
Upon closer inspection, he realized it was the very person his friend was recently compelled to marry, prompting him to immediately contact Xing Lixuan.
Qi Jingyao inquired, "Done looking? What do you think? Want me to help suppress this for you?"
The flood of online ridicule and mockery made Xing Lixuan's brows knit together, "Clear all of this for me, thanks."
Xing Lixuan wondered if Yu Antong had seen all this.
Even though that guy always acted thick-skinned in front of him, he was, after all, a young college student in his twenties. Surely, he couldn't withstand such extensive cyberbullying.
"Why the formality?" Qi Jingyao chuckled, "But, your wife seems quite spirited and not to be trifled with."
In the video, the good-looking young man's eloquent words quickly turned the old man from the Yu family pale.
Speaking of this, Xing Lixuan couldn't help but say, "He's more than just spirited."
Since their argument, every time Yu Antong saw him, he seemed annoyed. Having offended the chef, Xing Lixuan had to endure days of unsatisfactory meals.
It was bearable not having tasted Yu Antong's dishes, but after sampling those exquisite delicacies, everything else tasted bland.
Qi Jingyao teasingly referred to Yu Antong as the "wife," knowing full well that his friend never wanted to get married.
Surprisingly, Xing Lixuan didn't object. Sensing something, Qi Jingyao promptly prodded, "Spill, what's going on?"
If Qi Jingyao got wind of anything, everyone in their circle would know within three days. Aware of his nature, Xing Lixuan simply replied, "It's nothing."
"Boring," Qi Jingyao commented, "Anyway, I have a bar opening soon. Come hang out."
"We'll see." Xing Lixuan dumped the unappetizing meal from his table into the trash and after hesitating, asked, "What gift would make you happy?"
"You're giving me a gift?!" Qi Jingyao exclaimed in mock surprise, "Since when did you become so thoughtful?"
He uncrossed his legs, stood up and paced a couple of steps, "I almost forgot my birthday's coming up next month. You being so sudden with this courtesy feels unusual. Gifts are trivial; anything will do. Just hanging out with the guys means more than anything."
Remembering the upcoming birthday due to Qi Jingyao's comment, Xing Lixuan felt slightly guilty and paused for a moment before replying, "Understood."
After hanging up, Qi Jingyao immediately sent a message in a chat group with his close friends.
Qi Jingyao: I'm going all out for my birthday this year!
Bao Ji: What's gotten into you?
Wei Zhejun: Celebrating your 80th birthday?
Qi Jingyao: Xing Lixuan just asked me what gift I'd like. Look at him, then look at the two of you. We're all brothers, but look at the disparity! Reflect on yourselves.
Bao Ji: How many drinks in, and you're already talking nonsense?
Wei Zhejun: How about we pitch in and get you a plate of peanuts?
Xing Lixuan: ...
In the evening, when Yu Antong was preparing for a bath and reached for his pajamas in the closet, he was surprised to find the spacious wardrobe, which previously only housed a few of his outfits, now packed full of clothes in various styles and colors.
He examined them, and the sizes clearly weren’t for Xing Lixuan. Trying one against himself, it seemed to fit just right.
A thought struck Yu Antong, and he smirked. This sly man, if he wanted to make amends, he should've just said so. No need for such subtlety.
Grinning, Yu Antong took several pieces and headed to the gym to playfully confront Xing Lixuan, "Whose clothes are these? They've filled up my entire wardrobe!"
Without breaking his jogging rhythm, Xing Lixuan glanced at him, "Bought them for you."
Standing next to the treadmill, Yu Antong stopped the machine, arrogantly stating, "Apologize to me, and I'll forgive you."
Despite sharing the same bed these past days, they hadn't been intimate due to a spat. Yu Antong, not wanting to be the first to cave, took this gesture as Xing Lixuan extending an olive branch.
Xing Lixuan stepped off the treadmill, eyeing Yu Antong's coquettish demeanor. Strategically conceding for peace's sake, he admitted, "I'm sorry, I was wrong."
"That's more like it," Yu Antong happily jumped into Xing Lixuan's arms, playfully whining, "You stinky man, you said no more giving me the cold shoulder. Do it again, and we're through!"
The real victim of the cold treatment, CEO Xing: "..."
After days without Yu Antong's playful banter and suddenly hearing him sweetly call him "husband", Xing Lixuan felt a shiver down his spine, finding it unfamiliar again.
He conceded! Why is this grown man acting so spoiled and dramatic?
Having missed days of intimacy with Xing Lixuan, Yu Antong wrapped his arms around his neck and cooed, "Hubby, pamper me a bit."
Xing Lixuan, with a stern face, responded, "How should I?"
Yu Antong recalled the plots from those fluffy romance novels he once read.
Oh boy, even thinking about it made him blush.
With his captivating, sultry eyes, he met Xing Lixuan's gaze, then quickly looked away.
Fighting a deep sense of embarrassment, he whispered, "Can you call me 'baby'?"
The request made Xing Lixuan's skin crawl. Such a term of endearment was not something he would ever utter.
After a moment of silence, Xing Lixuan carried the mischievous Yu Antong to the bedroom, ensuring he was thoroughly "pampered" to his heart's content.
Sometimes, actions speak louder than words.
Later, Xing Lixuan mentioned the online incident, "You needn't worry about it; I've had the news taken down."
Almost asleep, Yu Antong suddenly sat up, "Xing Lixuan, do you have a grudge against me?"
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