Shen Yuan felt utterly embarrassed and helpless. This was it—what now? What could he do?
He had no choice but to act like he didn’t know him.
His heart pounded so fast he felt like it might stop.
Surely this old lecher wouldn’t be stupid enough to recognize him on the spot, right?
Shen Yuan watched Qiao Hailou carefully, heart in his throat, growing more confused by the moment.
Qiao Hailou didn’t seem to recognize him at all—no change in expression, acting as if it were their first meeting. “Hello,” he said politely.
There was a faint smile at the corner of Qiao’s lips, warm and gentle, like a true elder meeting a younger family member for the first time. His gaze was completely straightforward, honest.
Straightforward enough to make Shen Yuan hesitate—could it be that the old lecher hadn’t recognized him?
Maybe… it was possible?
At their previous encounters, he hadn’t been wearing glasses and had been completely uninhibited, dressed differently than today.
So… hopefully he hadn’t been recognized…
Shen Yuan’s mind raced. If he hadn’t been recognized, should he still go through with tonight’s meeting? When they had set it up, he hadn’t known who the man was, but now that he knew Qiao Hailou was a friend of his stepfather, he technically had to call him “Uncle Qiao.” Would it be inappropriate to still go?
He understood the logic… but thinking about the man’s skills made him restless and reluctant to give up.
If Qiao Hailou had recognized him, he probably wouldn’t even come to meet tonight. A man with any sense of decency wouldn’t sleep with a friend’s son, right?
Shen Yuan’s thoughts spun out of control, and he barely listened to Li Chen introducing him.
Li Chen spoke with paternal pride. “…He’s now a junior in college, studying jewelry design like his mother, who had considerable talent and won many awards. His studies have been excellent—he’s my pride—but still needs polishing. Since I heard you were back, and your professional focus matches, I thought maybe he could intern at your company for a year or so, just to gain experience.”
Qiao Hailou didn’t refuse and agreed instantly, exaggerating: “Of course! I could use the help—should be me thanking you, Li.”
It was just playful talk. Li Chen knew Qiao would never actually lack staff, and even if he did, a rookie like Shen Yuan wouldn’t make much difference. Still, the deal was done.
Li Chen: “Thanks. You’re as straightforward and generous as ever.”
Qiao: “No need. What kind of relationship are we?”
Li Chen exhaled, relieved. He had forgotten Shen Yuan’s birthday and felt guilty. Securing this opportunity for Shen Yuan would make up for it and pave the way for his stepson’s future career. Shen Yuan had never disappointed him.
At this moment, Shen Yuan, the focus of conversation, should have politely thanked Qiao Hailou. Li Chen waited a beat, expecting Shen Yuan to smile and step forward—but he didn’t.
Li Chen turned and saw Shen Yuan trailing behind, hesitant. This confused him. His stepson was usually mature and perceptive, skilled at reading others, not shy or awkward. Why was he acting like this today, as if hiding from someone?
Li Chen walked over, whispering urgently: “Hurry, thank Uncle Qiao.”
Shen Yuan felt awkward. He had wanted to intern, but now it felt embarrassing. He forced himself out: “Th-thank you, Uncle Qiao.”
Qiao squinted and smiled. “No need. In terms of seniority, you’re like my nephew. It’s only natural for an uncle to look after a nephew.”
Shen Yuan froze, unable to tell if Qiao Hailou recognized him. “Uh… thank you,” he stammered.
Qiao: “Come, let’s continue playing.”
Li Chen frowned at Shen Yuan. Seeing the disappointment in his uncle’s eyes, Shen Yuan forced himself to keep up.
Not skilled in sports, he hadn’t planned to participate.
Qiao asked, casually or perhaps deliberately: “Shen Yuan, right? You play golf?”
Shen Yuan quickly shook his head. “No, not at all.”
Thinking he could bow out, Qiao replied: “Perfect. I’ll teach you.”
“…”, Shen Yuan hesitated, embarrassed. “I’ve tried a couple times before… really badly. I might ruin your fun.”
Qiao laughed warmly. “No matter, I don’t mind. I’ll teach you.”
Li Chen gave him a gentle nudge from behind. “Don’t worry. Uncle Qiao won’t make fun of you. Just play around, it’s not a competition. He’s very kind.”
With that encouragement, Shen Yuan braced himself.
Qiao stood behind him, correcting his grip, his chest nearly touching Shen Yuan’s back. His arms encircled him, as if holding him from behind.
His warm breath brushed Shen Yuan’s neck and ears—a sensitive spot—making him very uneasy.
Qiao whispered: “Yes, hold the club like this. Swing, put force into your wrists, and twist your body.”
Clumsily, Shen Yuan swung twice and missed. Frustrated, he muttered: “I… really can’t do this.”
Qiao half-hugged him from behind, guiding his hands: “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you.”
Shen Yuan’s ears burned so red he felt like they might bleed. Dizzy from the close contact and warm breath, he finally hit the ball—it flew.
All afternoon, his heart fluttered. Sometimes he thought Qiao Hailou recognized him; his behavior seemed a bit too casual for a nephew. Sometimes he thought maybe Qiao didn’t recognize him at all and it was just his guilty conscience. His usual composure was gone.
Recognized? Not recognized?
Perhaps not—maybe his eyesight was bad?
The afternoon passed.
Li Chen said, “I’ll treat you to dinner today.”
Qiao agreed, smiling: “Looks like I’ll enjoy a good meal.”
Shen Yuan groaned internally. More obligations with these uncles… who knew how late the dinner would last? Li Chen had booked a top restaurant, usually needing days in advance. As a valued guest, he paid extra to secure a table.
At the table, Qiao Hailou took the initiative to chat with Shen Yuan. “I heard you have quite a talent for jewelry design, and you’ve even won awards. What awards have you won?”
Shen Yuan, feeling a bit embarrassed, replied, “Not that great… the best I’ve gotten is a first prize in a provincial-level design competition.”
Qiao Hailou said, “Send me pictures of your designs when you get home. Someone will get in touch with you.”
Shen Yuan nodded: “Okay.”
Qiao suddenly remembered something and asked, “In December, there’s the Tiangong Award competition here in the country. Are you participating? You should give it a try.”
Shen Yuan answered, “I’ve drawn a draft, planning to enter.”
They started talking about industry matters, and surprisingly, they clicked. Shen Yuan gradually felt less nervous. He had assumed Qiao Hailou was just a lecherous, shameless man, but now he realized that beneath this slick, flirty exterior, the older man actually had real skill—he wasn’t just a wine-soaked, loudmouth know-it-all.
By the time the meal was nearly finished, Shen Yuan excused himself, citing a trip to the restroom, while the adults continued their business conversation.
Having had a few drinks, he felt slightly tipsy and bloated. Looking outside, it was already dark, and he had no clear idea of what to do tonight. His mind was completely in chaos.
He still hadn’t figured out whether Qiao Hailou had recognized him—hopefully he hadn’t.
While washing his hands at the sink, Shen Yuan thought to himself that maybe he shouldn’t go tonight at all. Whether or not Qiao had recognized him, it was safer not to.
Just then, he heard footsteps. Looking in the mirror, he saw Qiao Hailou walking in.
Shen Yuan, nervous and guilty, stammered, “Uncle Qiao…”
As he tried to turn away, Qiao Hailou stepped behind him, placing his hands on either side of the sink, effectively trapping Shen Yuan. He stared at the stiff, tense boy in the mirror, smiled slightly, and whispered directly into his ear:
“Pretending you don’t recognize me? Little one… if you sleep with me, you know I’ll hold you accountable.”