“Forget it. No more appointments. Hanging up.”
Qiao Hailou was stunned.
Having navigated the business world for years, he was well-versed in negotiation tactics—he couldn’t possibly let a green kid ride roughshod over him, giving orders. After speaking, he had been waiting for Shen Yuan’s next move.
But unexpectedly, Shen Yuan didn’t respond at all—he just hung up.
Qiao Hailou stared at his phone, frowning, still trying to process it.
What gave this kid the nerve to hang up on him? A young guy like this—living under a stepfather, working at his company because of family connections—and yet he dared to show attitude? Unbelievable!
He figured Shen Yuan must be bluffing. Trying to play him? Too early for that, he thought. He was sure it wouldn’t be long before Shen Yuan came crawling to apologize.
Meanwhile, Shen Yuan took a taxi back to school, first stopping at his rented apartment to change. He carefully checked his neck—sure enough, the old lecher had left a mark again. He dug out a zip-up sports jacket from the closet to cover it up.
Hours after the phone call, just thinking of Qiao Hailou still made Shen Yuan fume. What a devious, untrustworthy old man! No wonder he had disliked him at first sight—always calling him “little thing” and acting all high and mighty, treating him like a playful kitten or puppy. Did age really make someone so impressive?
If their introduction had been through Shen Yuan’s stepfather under normal circumstances, he might have been a respectful junior. But they had slept together before even knowing each other. The first time they met, Shen Yuan hadn’t pretended to be a goody-two-shoes, and even after learning he had to call him “Uncle Qiao,” he still refused to act obediently.
That old lecher didn’t deserve respect.
Shen Yuan continued his dealings with Qiao Hailou only because he didn’t have to pretend in front of him—he could be himself. Changing that would make it meaningless.
He had thought of the job Qiao Hailou had helped him get through his uncle, but he refused to bow to him. It wasn’t like he couldn’t find a job on his own. Working there would be like entering a den of wolves—he’d have to endure Qiao Hailou’s temper. No big deal! If he didn’t go, he didn’t go.
Thus—their physical arrangement was agreed upon for just one night, and then it effectively fell apart. Shen Yuan didn’t care.
Back at school, he was busy with classes and activities, barely thinking about it.
A junior in the student council had been sneaking glances at him. After a while, Shen Yuan asked, “Is there something wrong with my face?”
Blushing, the girl shook her head repeatedly: “No, no. But you seem… different today.”
“Different how?”
“You look better… more radiant. Did something good happen to you? You always seemed so serious and rigid, but today… lively? I guess that’s it.”
Nonsense! Shen Yuan immediately thought of Qiao Hailou—not something good, just that shameless old lecher.
“I didn’t,” he said.
The girl brightened: “See! I can tell you’re a little angry. Before, I couldn’t tell if you were happy or upset, but now I can.”
What was that about? Had he been wearing a mask all this time?
That afternoon, Shen Yuan coincidentally ran into Qiao Jun, the student council president.
He noticed a resemblance between Qiao Jun and his uncle, though only slightly. No wonder he hadn’t recognized Qiao Hailou last week in the parking lot. Maybe Qiao Hailou had actually been looking for Qiao Jun then.
Qiao Jun had no idea Shen Yuan had a thing going on with his uncle. He was just happy to see Shen Yuan and asked about school and work matters.
“I never told you, but I actually have a younger uncle who does jewelry business,” Qiao Jun said. “He’s great. I can introduce you.”
Not another mention of Qiao Hailou… Shen Yuan sneered internally. That old lecher—always showing up.
Still, with Qiao Jun there, Shen Yuan figured he could learn more about him. He forced a grateful tone: “Thank you, senior, you’re so kind.”
Qiao Jun eagerly continued: “My uncle’s always cared about my work, too. He knows Qiao Hailou, and yesterday he even introduced him to me.”
Shen Yuan gritted his teeth and forced a polite smile: “Uncle Qiao is really kind… very approachable, no airs at all…”
Qiao Jun agreed enthusiastically: “Exactly! My uncle’s so interesting. Never acts like an elder, totally modern and stylish, really young at heart. I loved hanging out with him as a kid.”
Shen Yuan asked, curious: “But President, why have I never heard of him before?”
“He’s always traveling,” Qiao Jun said. “Just recently back.”
Qiao Jun’s admiration was obvious: “My uncle’s amazing! He built his career all on his own, without relying on family. That’s a real man.”
Then Qiao Jun sighed, thinking of his own life: “I’m different. I have to inherit the family business. My parents even chose my fiancée. I’m not as capable as my uncle.”
Shen Yuan half-believed him, thinking Qiao Jun must see his uncle through rose-colored glasses. As for him… he thought Qiao Hailou was just a shameless old playboy.
Out of curiosity, he asked: “Yesterday I didn’t see a ring on him. Is he unmarried, or divorced?”
Qiao Jun didn’t hesitate: “Never married. He’s a lifelong bachelor, and he’s had some friction with my grandparents over it. He’s a staunch individualist, says he won’t ever marry.”
Shen Yuan murmured: “I see… Uncle Qiao is really carefree.”
He scoffed inwardly—figures, a classic old playboy. Break it off, no big deal.
Qiao Jun, full of admiration, continued raving about his uncle.
Then Shen Yuan’s phone rang.
He checked the caller ID and raised an eyebrow.
Caller: “Old Lecher”
He couldn’t suppress a small smile. Not answering immediately, he told Qiao Jun: “I’ll take this call.”
Qiao Jun, surprised by Shen Yuan’s expression, said: “Ah… okay.”
Watching Shen Yuan leave, Qiao Jun noted how lively he looked—usually so composed. Did he secretly have a romance?
Shen Yuan strolled to the roadside outside the teaching building and leisurely answered: “Hello? What’s up?”
He heard Qiao Hailou pretending to sound official: “Don’t get any ideas. I have business to discuss with you…”