Wang Ziqin shivered.
Huh? Qiao Hailou just said it out loud? So directly?!
He looked at Qiao Hailou, who returned his gaze without the slightest flicker of avoidance—sharp, piercing, as if to say, “So what now that you know?”
Wang Ziqin had originally assumed that Qiao Hailou getting involved with a boy young enough to be his nephew was socially improper, and that Qiao Hailou would feel ashamed.
Now he realized how foolish he had been. He wasn’t naive about middle-aged men keeping young female students as mistresses; did those men feel guilty? No. A man who could build a business that big had a thicker skin than anyone else, and whether he had a conscience was another question entirely.
Qiao Hailou stared at him, watching his confidence waver. Wang Ziqin had no cards left to play against him.
Qiao Hailou continued, “Shen Yuan told me you found out, and you asked him if I forced him. I won’t beat around the bush—no, I didn’t force him. I like him.”
Wang Ziqin puffed up, trying to hold his ground. “You’re so much older than him—you could be his father! And aren’t you friends with Shen Yuan’s stepfather? I remember it was his stepfather who used connections to get him into your company, and your friend asked you to take care of his son. But you… you took care of his son to the point of—”
At that moment, Wang Ziqin felt too embarrassed to continue. Though he had once lived a rather chaotic personal life and wasn’t prudish, saying this about Shen Yuan felt unbearable: “—to the bed. I even used to call you ‘Uncle Qiao.’ Uncle Qiao, don’t you feel utterly shameless doing this?”
Qiao Hailou leaned back in his chair, unashamed, calm and methodical. “Yes, I’m much older than Shen Yuan, but does the law say that because of our age difference, I can’t be with him? I knew him before his father introduced us. I have no family, no romantic entanglements, and after meeting him, I didn’t get involved with anyone else. So what’s wrong with being together? I’m his boyfriend. What’s wrong with me holding him?”
After all, he considered himself Shen Yuan’s boyfriend—whether Shen Yuan acknowledged it was Shen Yuan’s business.
Wang Ziqin was dumbfounded. He didn’t know how to refute that; Qiao Hailou’s words seemed perfectly reasonable. For a fleeting moment, he even thought that Qiao Hailou seemed more proper than many uncles he knew—at least he didn’t parade marital infidelity in public.
Shaking off the absurd thought, Wang Ziqin forced himself back to reality. “But are you serious about Shen Yuan? You’re so much older, never married… don’t make things up! You almost dragged me into trouble! Uncle Qiao, I’ve heard about your past. You’re not exactly faithful; you’ve played around your whole life. Aren’t you just toying with him? If you don’t plan to take responsibility, then don’t be with him.”
Qiao Hailou looked at Wang Ziqin with a mixture of admiration and mockery. “I never expected the young master who changes girlfriends faster than clothes to say something so righteous. Truly, absence makes the heart grow wiser.”
Wang Ziqin’s face flushed immediately from embarrassment.
Qiao Hailou asked, “Wang Ziqin, in what capacity are you telling me not to hurt Shen Yuan? Why do you even care?”
After a long moment of blushing, Wang Ziqin said, “I… I’ve known Shen Yuan for five years, as a friend?”
Qiao Hailou snorted. “Ha, a friend. Ah Ben has complained about you to me many times. Would a real friend call him over to scold him? Make him kneel? Use cruel, disgusting words to tease him at every opportunity? And you still think you’re his friend?”
Wang Ziqin nearly broke down. Every word hit a sore spot, highlighting all his flaws. He had treated Shen Yuan badly—what right did he have to call himself a friend? What right to criticize Qiao Hailou? His character was far inferior. Qiao Hailou even knew Shen Yuan’s nickname; their closeness was likely nothing like what Wang Ziqin had imagined. Most likely—
Shen Yuan wasn’t forced. He liked Qiao Hailou.
Closing his eyes, Wang Ziqin remembered Shen Yuan’s cold, indifferent expression the last time they met, and a pang of regret welled in his chest, tears threatening to spill.
He bowed his head, whispering, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry.”
He didn’t know if he was speaking to Qiao Hailou or Shen Yuan.
Ashamed, he said, “I can’t continue working at your company like this… I should resign.”
Qiao Hailou didn’t stop him. “Finish this week first. I’ll pay you daily; you’ve done well this past month, and you’ll get a week’s bonus.”
Wang Ziqin thanked him politely. “Thank you, Uncle Qiao. I won’t bother you anymore… I’ll go back to my post.”
As he reached the door, Qiao Hailou called out, “Wang Ziqin, you’ve already hurt him deeply. Don’t do more. Honestly, I shouldn’t even have to remind you—you’re not the same as before.”
Wang Ziqin paused, whispered, “I understand. I won’t.”
He opened the door and left Qiao Hailou’s office.
Standing with his back to the door, he paused a few seconds, took a deep breath, finally calming the turmoil in his chest.
He thought to himself, This time when I go home, Dad will probably let me in.
Hearing that Qiao Hailou had called Wang Ziqin in for a talk, Shen Yuan finally felt at ease. He trusted Qiao Hailou’s handling—ninety-nine percent sure nothing would go wrong. They had turned Wang Ziqin around without him realizing it.
Wang Ziqin didn’t come looking for him again. It seemed he had resigned.
Shen Yuan looked down on him a little—was this really a reformed character? Only one month in, and he ran off. Old habits die hard, indeed.
With Wang Ziqin out of the picture, Shen Yuan spent the next few days freely meeting Qiao Hailou while his younger brother was away.
The first time Qiao Hailou noticed Shen Yuan wearing a key around his neck, he laughed so hard he almost bent over. “Are you a latchkey kid? Wearing the key around your neck?”
Blushing, Shen Yuan said, “I want it on me but I’m afraid of losing it. Why are you laughing? Stop laughing… You’re laughing! You jerk!”
Qiao Hailou teased him, “By the way, he asked me who I am to you. I told Wang Ziqin I’m your boyfriend, which drove him off. When he asks again, even if you don’t acknowledge me, at least pretend in front of him. Don’t slip up.”
“Okay, I got it,” Shen Yuan agreed, puzzled. “How does he still have the face to question you? I already told him off harshly last time.”
Qiao Hailou asked, “You scolded him?”
Shen Yuan nodded. “Mm. You don’t know—he used to hate gay people. In high school, there was a gay classmate. When he found out, he bullied him. Anyone who asked, he’d say gay people are disgusting and deserve it. I thought he was disgusting too. Once, I couldn’t take it and hit him—he was bored and asked me to… I just couldn’t bear it.”
Qiao Hailou was surprised, slightly pale. “Was that the first time he said that?”
Shen Yuan shook his head. “No. Let’s not talk about it. I was in a good mood, don’t bring up disgusting people.”
Qiao Hailou’s eyes darkened for a moment, as if recalling something, then he smiled again. “Okay, let’s drop it. I’ll wait for you at the Qiao residence tomorrow. Don’t act all cute when you see me, or I won’t be able to resist.”
“You’re the one being cute! Stop secretly teasing me,” Shen Yuan retorted.
“Hahaha.”
So cute, getting more playful by the day—easy bait.
Qiao Jun’s engagement banquet was scheduled for a Saturday when most guests were free.
Shen Yuan had the morning off, showered, dressed, and first visited the Li family before heading to the event in the afternoon.
Li Lin, seeing Shen Yuan’s car arrive, ran downstairs and threw his arms around him at the door. “Brother!”
Shen Yuan was taken aback. “So enthusiastic?”
Li Lin clung to him. “I haven’t seen you in so long! I missed you!”
Shen Yuan laughed. “It’s only been three days, not long at all.”
Li Lin had packed his brother’s suitcase and schoolbag, dragging them along. “After dinner today, I won’t go back. I’ll just stay at your place.”
Though Shen Yuan liked his younger brother, he wanted privacy and didn’t want him staying for a month. Hesitant, he joked, “Aren’t your homework assignments done? Why come to my place? If you really want to come, finish all your exercises and I’ll allow it.”
All subjects’ exercises completed—that was a harsh condition. Which kid liked doing homework? Especially one like his brother, addicted to games. Shen Yuan was confident this would deter him.
Li Lin bit his lip. “Okay.”
Shen Yuan: “….”
At that moment, Li Chen approached, having overheard their conversation, and lightly tapped Li Lin’s head. “Where are you going? Your brother is already tired from work. If he has to take care of you too, you’ll exhaust him. No, put the suitcase back.”
Li Lin protested. “I haven’t! I’m good. I cook for him every day. I’m not causing trouble.”
Li Chen said, “Exactly that kind of thinking is trouble. Your brother is patient, so he doesn’t say anything, but his house isn’t that big. Having you stay here isn’t a big deal physically, but really—don’t bother him.”
Shen Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. Li Lin noticed.
He felt a little hurt, realizing his brother didn’t want him around. If he continued to cling, Shen Yuan might think he was annoying.
Li Chen had no choice but to reluctantly step back. “Fine.”
They left around three in the afternoon.
On the way, they picked up Lin Zhihui. By the time they arrived at the Qiao residence, the sun hadn’t set.
Qiao Jun’s engagement banquet was held at his own villa, designed by a famous wedding planner, luxurious and gorgeous.
The bride and groom stood under a massive floral arch, a perfect match of elegance.
Shen Yuan smiled. “Chairman Qiao looks particularly handsome today. I can’t imagine how dashing you’ll be as a groom.”
Qiao Jun teased, “Flattery. You’ll sit with classmates or with your dad—either works.”
Shen Yuan: “Ha.”
Guests had started arriving, mingling in small groups. Many second-generation wealthy youth Shen Yuan knew were there. Unlike a puppy, he didn’t cling to his uncle but mingled comfortably.
Initially, his younger brother followed like a shadow, but soon disappeared.
Shen Yuan held a glass of wine, chatting while scanning for Qiao Hailou.
As soon as Qiao Hailou appeared, Shen Yuan spotted him, unable to hide his excitement, eyes lighting up subconsciously.
Qiao Hailou arrived, approached by a few people, and sensed a burning gaze. He smiled back at Shen Yuan.
Caught off guard, Shen Yuan blushed and looked away, pretending not to know him.
Li Lin, initially following, felt awkward and out of place, forcing himself to stick around. Their father eventually pulled him back, telling him not to bother his brother.
Li Lin observed from a distance, noticing Shen Yuan’s eyes brighten as if seeing something he liked, then quickly hiding his joy.
Li Lin frowned, looking toward the direction Shen Yuan had been gazing—but saw only a few uncles and aunts talking.
Hmm… the man in the middle looked pretty handsome.