Xie Xun, CEO of Ruitan Medical Group, was highly respected in the medical field, renowned for his charitable work, and also held a solid position in the business world. He had even made the list of the top 50 business elites under 40 worldwide.
Xie Xun’s birthday banquet was held at the largest hotel in Yunzhou, with the entire top floor reserved by the group.
Xia Zhile followed behind the department chief and took his seat. The venue was packed with VIPs—there were senior professors he’d only met briefly before, and experts he had only seen in videos and documents.
Being in the same room with such accomplished veterans stirred Xia Zhile’s emotions, and much of the anger and resentment he had built up over recent days began to fade.
He held his champagne glass and toasted each person one by one. From a distance, he heard a commotion—it was Xie Xun’s two children arriving.
Xie’s daughter was also a doctor, working in the pediatrics department at Ruitan Hospital. On the other hand, Xie’s son, who had always been fascinated by medicine, studied finance and mainly handled business affairs.
Now with a daughter carrying on the family tradition of healing and a son growing the group stronger, Xie Xun was truly a formidable patriarch—envied by many.
Before Xia Zhile realized it, several colleagues from his department had already jumped ahead, crowding around Doctor Xie and Mr. Xie, trying to curry favor.
Not wanting to be left behind, Xia Zhile squeezed through with his champagne, flashing a gentlemanly smile as he complimented Doctor Xie’s elegance and praised Mr. Xie’s distinguished demeanor.
Doctor Xie barely reacted, offering a polite smile that was almost nonexistent. After Xia Zhile moved on, Mr. Xie asked her, “Why the long face? Weren’t you just praising him? What happened? Did he offend you?”
Doctor Xie said, “I used to think he was a breath of fresh air, but now it turns out he’s learned to suck up too. I’m so disappointed.”
Mr. Xie replied, “Can’t blame him. Climbing the ladder, after all.”
Doctor Xie suddenly smiled. “You’d better watch out. Xia Zhile is gay, and you’re quite the charming gentleman—you never know…”
A disdainful glint flashed in Mr. Xie’s eyes. “Spare me. Even if I occasionally fool around with handsome guys, I’m no old, washed-up uncle like him. I only like tender young boys.”
“What a bad taste,” Doctor Xie stuck out her tongue. “Don’t say that in front of Dad—he’d smash your head for being a troublemaker.”
Mr. Xie’s expression instantly changed. “What did you call me?”
“Second brother.”
Mr. Xie snapped, “I’m your only brother. What second brother? Where’s the eldest?!”
“Don’t say that in front of Mom, or she’ll break your legs and scold you for betrayal.”
“But he’s still Dad’s son, and he’s helped me before…”
Just then, Xie Xun and several leading experts in their fields arrived. Everyone rushed forward to greet them. Xia Zhile pushed to the outer edge, but with his lower seniority and less experience, the aura he once took pride in was nothing compared to these titans. He couldn’t break into the conversation and was left anxiously lingering on the outskirts.
To everyone’s surprise, Xie Xun’s gaze cut through the crowd and unexpectedly landed on Xia Zhile—and held there.
“Hey, isn’t that Xia from Cardiac Surgery?”
As if personally summoned by the emperor himself, Xia Zhile was over the moon with excitement. He hurried over eagerly, answering with an enthusiastic “Yes, that’s me!” and promptly launched into the flattering praises he’d memorized beforehand.
Everyone loves hearing compliments, and Xie Xun was no exception—he laughed heartily, patted Xia Zhile on the shoulder, and said, “You’ve got a bright future ahead of you. Your medical skills are excellent, and your character is just as valuable.” Then, lowering his voice, he added, “Later, I’ll introduce you to a few of my old friends.”
Xia Zhile was overwhelmed and stunned, his whole body tingling with joy.
Just imagine the kind of heavy-hitters Xie Xun’s friends were!
Xia Zhile became so excited he stumbled over his words. This was his lucky break. All the recent misfortunes and setbacks in life and work suddenly seemed worth it—they were just stepping stones that made today’s luck and happiness shine even brighter!
Grinning ear to ear, his heart pounding and hands trembling, he downed a glass of champagne in celebration.
Suddenly, he spotted someone.
His smile instantly vanished, and his good mood turned sour.
Gu Fei?!
Why was he here? Was this place even fitting for him?
Tsk tsk tsk—look at what he was wearing!
His fleece pullover cost no more than three hundred yuan, his casual pants under two hundred, and the shoes were obviously cheap—probably from some street vendor’s clearance sale: two pairs for a hundred yuan.
Dressed like that and still daring to show up?
Well, it’s not impossible, but at a place like this, it just showed how clueless he was—bringing shame on himself.
Saying he had no self-awareness yesterday was spot on. Fine, maybe he was a nobody before, but now that he had Lin Hening, shouldn’t he have bought at least a decent suit for Lin Hening’s sake? Even if it meant going broke?
Parading around here looking like a migrant worker—wasn’t he just embarrassing Lin Hening?
So where did Gu Fei get the confidence last night to talk back to him so brazenly?
So ordinary, yet so confident.
Xia Zhile sneered coldly, ordered a glass of champagne from a waiter dressed in tails, then strode over boldly.
“Gu Fei!”
Gu Fei heard the voice and turned around.
“What are you doing here?” Xia Zhile asked, then answered his own question, “Oh right, you run a small restaurant, and you’re a chef. Could it be you were hired to cook here? But chefs in five-star hotels are all top-class, with first-level national professional qualifications—do you qualify?”
Xia Zhile looked him up and down, then back up again, his gaze blatantly scrutinizing. Sure enough, he spotted a white apron in Gu Fei’s hand.
Feigning sudden realization, Xia Zhile slapped his forehead. “Got it—you’re here as a waiter. Working as a waiter to sneak a peek and learn on the job, saving on tuition. Smart move.”
“Xia Zhile,” Xie Xun called from a distance.
Xia Zhile snapped to attention, heart racing. Here it comes—he was about to leverage Xie Xun to network with the heavyweights in the field!
“Hey? Oh!” Xie Xun spotted the man standing next to Xia Zhile. Instead of waving, he waved energetically and laughed as he made his way through the crowd, crossing the entire hall, even jogging a few steps in excitement.
“Xiao Fei, you really came?” Xie Xun was overjoyed. “Why didn’t you tell your old man you were coming?”
Gu Fei casually placed the apron on the table. “I went to the kitchen to prepare a birthday gift for you.”
Xie Xun’s eyes lit up. “Really? What is it?”
Gu Fei said, “After the cake cutting, the waiters will bring it out.”
Xie Xun nodded eagerly, “Great, great.”
Xia Zhile: “???”
Xia Zhile: “……”
“Director,” Xia Zhile’s voice was pale and dry, “you all are…”
Xie Xun snapped back to reality just as his old friends arrived, all curious about the young man.
With a proud smile, Xie Xun patted Gu Fei solidly on the back and said, “Let me introduce you all—this is my eldest son, Gu Fei, born to me and my ex-wife.”
Xia Zhile’s mind went blank, struck like a thunderbolt.
Everyone else was dumbfounded too. Xie Xun chuckled and explained, “My son was kidnapped when he was little. Thankfully, a kind foster mother raised him. Nearly thirty years have passed, and we only reunited last summer. You wouldn’t believe it, but my son cooks better than some national celebrity chefs.”
Xia Zhile’s ears were ringing.
One old friend said, “Is that so, Old Xie? I wonder if we’ll get lucky enough to taste his cooking today.”
Xie Xun replied, “That depends on how much Gu Fei makes. If it’s just for me, then sorry everyone, I’m keeping it all to myself.”
“Time’s about right—the cake’s here.”
“Let’s go, let’s go, time to cut the cake.”
Everyone cheerfully headed toward the far end, Gu Fei’s hand firmly held by Xie Xun, surrounded by the crowd in the center.
Xia Zhile stood frozen in place, stiff as a board, as if everyone—including Xie Xun—had completely forgotten about him, the promising young talent.
The long-lost eldest son, the son of the director of Ruitan Hospital, the one with rightful shares to the Ruitan Group… a wealthy heir.
No way. Absolutely no way!
Xia Zhile’s face went deathly pale. The champagne glass in his hand slipped and shattered on the floor.
This is absolutely, absolutely impossible!!!
Gu Fei’s birthday gift to Xie Xun was simple and unassuming—a bowl of longevity noodles.
But when it was served, it caught everyone’s attention.
Often, the most expensive gifts aren’t the best. Especially for birthdays, what matters is the thought behind the gift. The simplest, most humble things can be the most touching.
Xie Xun, who was used to the best of everything, held that bowl of noodles made by his son’s own hands and was moved to tears.
He glanced back at Gu Fei and remembered when he was born—a hefty eight pounds, a big chubby baby with a loud cry. The nurses said he was strong and sure to grow up lucky and privileged.
But fate was cruel. Before he could even remember, he was kidnapped. After all that suffering, how could he be lucky?
His foster mother was kind but timid, easily taken advantage of. His foster father was an old scoundrel. This little lord, who should have lived in comfort and luxury, instead lived a life on the run from debt collectors with his foster mother, unable even to afford school, let alone continue it. He had to drop out and work just to cover the basics of food and clothing.
The more Xie Xun thought about it, the more he felt heartbroken. That pity softened his formal distance from this “stranger son,” and without thinking, he pulled Gu Fei into a hug.
“Thank you. I really like this gift.”
By the time Gu Fei got home, it was almost midnight. His phone buzzed—it was a WeChat message from Lin Hening: [Is it over yet?]
Gu Fei started a video call. “Still up this late?”
Lin Hening rubbed her slightly red eyes. “I was watching a drama and just finished the finale. Then something suddenly occurred to me.”
“What?”
Lin Hening was lying on the couch, hugging a Pikachu stuffed toy she won from a raffle. “Though I only met your real dad once, it’s professional instinct—I remember faces.”
“I thought he looked familiar before, but after watching that medical drama just now, it all clicked.”
Gu Fei laughed at her buildup and gave the answer straight out: “My dad is Xie Xun, director of Ruitan Hospital.”
Lin Hening, though prepared, was still a little—no, a lot—shaken.
He sat up straight and crossed his legs. “Gu Fei, this is the real world, right?”
Lin Hening felt a bit dazed, with an eerie “Truman Show” vibe: “A small-town, down-to-earth restaurant owner turns out to be a wealthy scion? This plot is way too surreal.”
Gu Fei chuckled, “Inspired by real life.”
Lin Hening had nothing to say.
Gu Fei said seriously, “The Xie family isn’t exactly high society. They’re way below your family.”
Lin Hening grew respectful: “Your ancestors were all doctors, going all the way back to the Ming dynasty. Your dad was once interviewed on TV; they said the Xie family’s ancestor worked in the Imperial Medical Office, diagnosing emperors and caring for concubines during pregnancy.”
Gu Fei smiled and said, “Too bad, the whole family handles scalpels, but I’m the one with the kitchen knife.”
Lin Hening laughed, “That’s exactly why I like you having the kitchen knife.”
He’s not sick every day, but he definitely eats every day!
The next day was a weekend, but Lin Hening still woke up on time.
He had started a morning running routine.
It was because Gu Fei was silently pushing Lin Hening every second. With Gu Fei as the big catfish, Lin Hening felt like a small sardine who just couldn’t accept being outdone.
Although morning runs alone probably wouldn’t build much muscle, at least they’d boost stamina, activate lung function, and make him feel less like a weakling.
Halfway through his run, Lin Hening got a call from Gu Fei’s food delivery: “Hening, your takeout will arrive in ten minutes.”
Lin Hening stifled a laugh: “Hurry up, I’m starving.”
Just as he was about to continue his run, he spotted someone.
Damn it, the pesky ex again.
Lin Hening’s cheerful, energetic face immediately vanished, replaced by a frosty, cold expression.
This blatant shift in attitude made Xia Zhile’s eyes sting. “Lin Hening.”
Lin Hening kept a steady pace, running right past Xia Zhile.
Xia Zhile hurriedly jogged to keep up. “Hening, I was wrong. It was me, I couldn’t resist temptation and did something I shouldn’t have. Will you forgive me? I swear, this was the last time. From now on, I’ll do whatever you say, never betray you, love you forever!”
Lin Hening laughed out loud. “You said the same thing before you got involved with An Nian. Not once, but all the time, every few days.”
Xia Zhile’s face flushed red, shamefully hanging his head. “Hening, it’s all my fault.”
“Yeah, no kidding. If not you, then who?”
“Yeah, go ahead and scold me. If it won’t ease your anger, hit me hard.”
Lin Hening sped up a few steps. “I’m a public official; I can’t just hit people. Even if I did, it wouldn’t be because I hate or blame you. It’s because you’ve lost your mind and keep bothering me every day, got it?”
Xia Zhile chased after him with all his might, but he was so out of shape that within a few steps, he was already gasping for air. “Hening… Hening, what will it take for you to forgive me?”
Lin Hening stopped and looked at the breathless Xia Zhile.
It wasn’t just his imagination—Xia Zhile had clearly changed in just two days. He looked like he’d aged ten years, completely worn out.
For someone who always cared about his image, he hadn’t even shaved properly; his chin was covered in stubble. His hair was a mess, sticking up all over the place. Dark circles hung under his eyes, which were bloodshot and tired.
Weird. How did he end up like this?
Even during the hardest, most miserable times before, he’d still managed to keep up appearances. He’d never “let himself go” like this.
Lin Hening let out a soft sigh and said, “If this is about easing your conscience and getting a good night’s sleep, then fine—I’ll say it officially: I forgive you. But if you’re hoping we’ll get back together—Xia Zhile, you’ve known me for a long time. Do you really think I’m the kind of person who takes back what I’ve already let go?”
Xia Zhile opened his mouth, “Hening, I—”
Lin Hening cut him off coldly. “You know how I am. I have zero tolerance for emotional betrayal. Once a relationship is tainted, no matter how much you apologize or try to fix it—I’m done.”
Xia Zhile trembled all over, frozen in place.
“No… No way…” His lips turned pale as he grabbed Lin Hening’s arm like it was the only life-saving driftwood in a storm. “I love you. I only love you. Please… just one more chance, I’m begging you—please—”
Suddenly, his collar tightened, and in the blink of an eye, both feet were off the ground. The next second, he was tossed like a rag doll.
Xia Zhile stumbled and fell hard on his butt, wincing in pain. When he looked up, he was both shocked and furious.
Gu Fei was tall to begin with, and Xia Zhile was now sitting on the ground, looking up at him—it made him feel like an insignificant bug, while Gu Fei loomed like a mountain.
In that instant, humiliation and helplessness surged through Xia Zhile, burning away his reason. “Gu Fei!!”
“Listen up,” Gu Fei said, looking down at him, voice calm but commanding. “Lin Hening’s boyfriend—now and from here on out—is me. Only me. You? You’re just part of his past. And the past doesn’t exist anymore. Got it?”
His voice was low, but carried a bone-chilling authority. His deep black eyes gleamed sharply, and there was something cold and dangerous in them that made people instinctively recoil.
Xia Zhile gritted his teeth and forced himself off the ground, standing on tiptoe to try and seem taller. His face was twisted with anger. “Young master of Ruitan, huh? Think you’re so great? Why don’t you go ahead and fire me, abuse your power for personal revenge!”
Gu Fei didn’t say a word. He just stared at him.
Xia Zhile’s chest heaved violently—he was like a fragile rabbit trying to stand up to a wild wolf. And eventually, he backed down.
Gu Fei finally looked away, and when his eyes fell on Lin Hening, all the cold sharpness melted away, replaced by warmth—and just a touch of endearing goofiness. “Your takeout’s getting cold.”
Lin Hening smiled and linked arms with him. “Let’s go home.”
Gu Fei had brought fried soup dumplings for breakfast. Lin Hening ate until he was stuffed and then leaned back on the couch, asking Gu Fei if he had plans for the evening.
Gu Fei said, “I’m free every day. What’s up?”
“I was thinking about hitting Meizu with Jian Xiaoxi and the gang. You wanna come?”
A sparkle lit up Lin Hening’s eyes.
Gu Fei instantly understood and blushed, nodding, “Sure. What should I wear?”
Lin Hening laughed, “Whatever you want!”
With a body like that, even if he wrapped himself in a bedsheet, he could still pull off runway model vibes.
That night, Lin Hening arrived at the bar right on time.
As usual, Jian Xiaoxi was the first to show up and ambushed him in the crowd, hugging him from behind.
Lin Hening elbowed him off. “Let go, knock it off.”
Jian Xiaoxi looked puzzled. “What’s up with you?”
Lin Hening cleared his throat and said with mock solemnity, “I have a boyfriend now. Keep your hands to yourself.”
Jian Xiaoxi froze. “Huh?”
Lin Hening calmly adjusted his collar.
Seeing that Lin Hening wasn’t joking—and knowing him well enough to know he’d never joke about something as serious as a relationship—Jian Xiaoxi was dumbfounded.
“No way, Hening. It’s only been a few days and you already found someone new behind my back? Who is it? What’s his name? How old is he? Where’s he from? What does he do for a living? How many people in his family? Do his parents get pensions? Does he own a car? A house? How much savings does he have?! And what about Gu Fei, huh?!”
Jian Xiaoxi clutched Lin Hening’s shoulders and shook him violently, like a dramatic parent scolding a runaway child.
Just then, someone called out from a distance, “Hening.”
Jian Xiaoxi turned to look—and speak of the devil, Gu Fei was walking toward them from the bar, holding a colorful cocktail and a small plate of snacks. He handed it all to Lin Hening and said gently,
“Eat something before you start drinking again. I don’t want your stomach acting up like last time.”
Lin Hening picked a strawberry tart from the assorted platter. The buttery aroma and flaky crust were irresistible—it crumbled all over him with each bite.
Gu Fei chuckled helplessly. “You’re getting it all over your face.”
He reached out to brush the crumbs from the corner of Lin Hening’s mouth—then popped them into his own mouth.
Lin Hening leaned closer. “Did I miss a spot?”
“Nope, all gone.”
“This tart’s really good. Try it,” Lin Hening said, gesturing with his eyes toward the plate.
But instead of grabbing one, Gu Fei lifted Lin Hening’s wrist and took a bite directly from the tart that already had a bite out of it.
He frowned. “The egg custard’s not rich enough. I’ll experiment a bit—bake a better one for you in a couple of days.”
Jian Xiaoxi: …
Jian Xiaoxi: ?!?!?
After being totally ignored, watching helplessly, and basically turning into a human third wheel, Officer Jian finally caught on—even a blind, deaf fool would’ve figured it out by now.
“How long have you two been a thing?!” Jian Xiaoxi was torn between shock and joy, ping-ponging emotionally before ultimately landing on full-blown excitement.
Then, miraculously, the legendary drinker Jian Xiaoxi got drunk—absolutely plastered—and started babbling to Gu Fei with wildly disconnected thoughts.
It was getting late. Lin Hening pulled out his phone to call a cab, but it was taking forever to get a driver.
Drunk people are deadweight. Thankfully, Gu Fei was around and could hold up a full-grown man like Jian Xiaoxi with one hand—for two hours straight, if needed.
After being blasted by cold air, Jian Xiaoxi sobered up a bit and looked at Gu Fei with surprising clarity.
“Gu Fei, since you’re with Hening now, that makes us family.”
He added, slurring, “Just so we’re clear—don’t you dare hurt Hening. If you do anything to betray him, I swear I’ll—”
His drunken warning was cut off by a huge hiccup.
Gu Fei patted his back to help him breathe.
After a moment, Jian Xiaoxi continued, “I’m rooting for you. Don’t let me down. And definitely don’t find out what I’m like when I go full hater—it’s not pretty.”
Gu Fei: “…”
Once a cab finally arrived, Lin Hening came back and helped Gu Fei get the drunken officer packed in and sent home. Then the two of them flagged another cab and headed off together.
Lin Hening’s alcohol buzz hit him a little slower, but the swaying cab ride made his head spin. Meanwhile, Gu Fei—who had also drunk quite a bit—looked perfectly sober.
When they reached Lin Hening’s apartment complex, Hening felt dizzy and weak, so he threw his arms open toward Gu Fei and whined,
“Can’t walk anymore.”
Without a word, Gu Fei scooped him up with ease.
It was like picking up an apple—so effortless the cab driver nearly dropped his jaw.
From the complex gate to Lin Hening’s apartment unit was a decent walk, but Gu Fei didn’t break stride, carrying him steadily. Even as they waited for the elevator, he never set Lin Hening down—and Hening had no intention of getting down either.
At the front door, Lin Hening decided to keep up the act, lazily clinging to Gu Fei like a sloth just to see how he’d manage to open the door one-handed.
He had underestimated Gu Fei—again.
Supporting Hening’s full weight with his left arm, Gu Fei calmly used his right hand to punch in the door code, unlock the door, and push it open.
Glancing down at Hening and seeing no sign he wanted to be put down, Gu Fei kept holding him as they crossed the living room, climbed the stairs, walked into the bedroom, and finally set him gently on the bed.
From the front gate to his king-size bed—his feet never once touched the ground.
Lin Hening was floored. He took the opportunity to shamelessly grope Gu Fei’s abs, feeling more convinced than ever that he’d struck gold.
“Is your stomach hurting? Want me to heat up some milk?” Gu Fei asked. “Or do you want to take a shower first?”
Suddenly, Lin Hening wrapped his arms tightly around Gu Fei’s neck, dragging him back down just as he tried to straighten up.
They hadn’t turned on the bedroom lights, but the moonlight was bright tonight.
That silvery glow bathed Lin Hening’s flushed, slightly tipsy face, making it impossible to look away.
“I’m not in pain,” Lin Hening whispered, “Just… feeling a little empty.”
Gu Fei wasn’t drunk—but right now, he felt drunk.
Lin Hening said he felt empty.
Gu Fei, on the other hand, felt like he was about to burst—especially in a certain area.
