Chapter 43

After Song Qiming left, Lin Yushu’s office returned to its usual state, with the door open and the blinds pulled up.

Zhan Ting approached the door with a thermos cup in her hand, leaning against the door frame and teasingly said, “It seems like Mr. Song has been coming to see our CEO Lin quite often recently.”

In fact, Song Qiming had only been to Lin Yushu’s office twice, but they often “bumped into” each other in the cafeteria or pantry, which may have given their colleagues the wrong impression.

But Lin Yushu and Song Qiming should be careful.

“Not really,” he replied, “Mr. Song rarely comes to see me.”

“I think Mr. Song definitely wants to win over our CEO Lin,” another colleague raised his head from behind the screen and joined the conversation. “Now that CEO Lin has officially been promoted to CEO of the company, handling the affairs of the Shao family, which Shao family member wouldn’t want to win him over?”

“No wonder Mr. Song is so attentive,” another colleague joined in the chat, “he’s not afraid of being watched by Mr. Shao.”

One of the pastimes in the office was gossiping about the bosses. Before Lin Yushu could find a legitimate reason for Song Qiming’s appearances, these colleagues had already “guessed” his motives – to win over Lin Yushu.

“Can Mr. Shao not be wary of him?” Zhan Ting took over the conversation as the gossip leader. “I bet it won’t be long before it becomes a battle between Mr. Shao and Mr. Song, the Chairman vs. the Vice Chairman.”

“The Vice Chairman probably doesn’t stand a chance,” another colleague chimed in. “The dynamics between Mr. Shao and Mr. Song are hard to say, but the investment market has been more favorable towards Mr. Song recently.”

“CEO Lin,” a colleague called out to Lin Yushu, who was pretending not to exist, “who do you think has the upper hand, Mr. Shao or Mr. Song?”

Of course, it’s Song Qiming, Lin Yushu thought.

But he said, “Mr. Song doesn’t have those intentions. Stop making baseless speculations.”

“I don’t think so,” Zhan Ting said, “Mr. Song looks very capable. Would he willingly stay under Mr. Shao’s command? Even if he really doesn’t have those intentions, Mr. Shao will definitely see him as a threat.”

“By the way, I saw an article on an investment public account comparing the fighting power of the two bosses, and Mr. Song won hands down.”

“I saw it too. Mr. Song is a hexagon, while Mr. Shao is a triangle. It’s hilarious.”

“You may find it funny, but Mr. Shao might be infuriated. That article has been deleted, probably at Mr. Shao’s behest.”

“What’s the use of deleting it? Everyone has already seen it.”

“…”

Listening to the colleagues’ chatter, Lin Yushu suddenly realized something.

No wonder Shao Guangjie had been so concerned about him and Song Qiming recently, and had been particularly attentive to him. He must have sensed the threat from Song Qiming.

If that’s the case, a few simple hints from him might not be enough to discourage Shao Guangjie…

The dinner party was arranged at a Southeast Asian restaurant that evening.

Upon hearing that it was about discussing cooperation, Du Yufei invited the Minister of Strategic Investment from his department, while Lin Yushu invited the Deputy General Manager of Yong Xing Real Estate.

It was supposed to be an ordinary dinner to enhance cooperation, but unlike Du Yufei’s confident talk, Lin Yushu expressed concerns about the collaboration in almost every sentence.

“The formal documents for the scenic area planning haven’t been issued yet, right?” Deputy General Manager Zhang, who came with Lin Yushu, said. “The policies these days are really uncertain. We will have a new mayor next year, and they might not continue with the planning for that area.”

There are many cases where the previous mayor created grand plans for the sake of achievements, but the new mayor was unwilling to inherit those plans.

Deputy General Manager Zhang was from Shao He’s side, and Lin Yushu brought him along precisely to make him speak more, hoping to make Du Yufei reconsider and delay this project.

“You can rest assured about that. At the latest, the official documents will be released after the new year,” the investment minister from the other side said.

“Then wouldn’t it be more appropriate to discuss cooperation after the documents are released?” Deputy General Manager Zhang said. “After all, once the documents are out, the value of that piece of land will change, and then we can make a more accurate judgment.”

“Mr. Zhang, the way you put it,” the investment minister responded in a tone that shouldn’t have any reservations, “are you afraid that our Nan Jie Group will take advantage of your company?”

The two of them exchanged remarks back and forth, but Deputy General Manager Zhang couldn’t gain the upper hand.

However, at this moment, Du Yufei seemed to sense that something was off and asked Lin Yushu, “What’s wrong, junior? Do you have any doubts about the cooperation?”

“No, no,” Lin Yushu quickly denied, as he represented Shao Hedong’s side and couldn’t afford to waver in his position. “I was just thinking that many things are still uncertain, and it seems difficult to estimate future profits.”

“It’s not that difficult,” Du Yufei said. “Nan Jie Group has had many successful experiences, such as the × Park in Singapore. You know when we were studying, it was just beginning construction and faced many difficulties. But within two or three years, × Park was already profitable and has now become a popular tourist destination in Singapore.”

…When we were studying.

Lin Yushu certainly remembered. At that time, Nan Jie Group successfully secured the project for × Park and became the center of attention.

Meanwhile, Lin Yushu’s family company was undergoing the transformation from batteries to electric cars, a true small workshop. It’s no wonder it didn’t catch Du Yufei’s attention.

Perhaps at that time, it was Du Yufei who was more aloof. He even brought up the word “class” when rejecting Lin Yushu’s confession.

But at his age, in his early twenties, it was normal to be arrogant. Lin Yushu, who was approaching thirty, couldn’t be bothered to dwell on the past.

“But Zhugang City can’t be compared to Singapore,” he calmly said. “Let me give you an example: the F1 Shanghai circuit is built in the outskirts, and the city hardly feels the atmosphere of the race. Singapore, on the other hand, has a street circuit and holds the race every year, which has a strong stimulating effect on local consumption. You can’t compare an outskirts location with Singapore.”

“Yes, what you said also makes sense,” Du Yufei nodded and pondered for a moment before saying, “It seems that we haven’t shown enough sincerity. I think we need to communicate more after this. After all, this is a win-win project, and I believe you will make the right choice.”

Seeing Du Yufei’s attitude, it was almost impossible to make him abandon the cooperation idea.

Lin Yushu glanced at Deputy General Manager Zhang by his side and saw that he no longer voiced any opinions. It seemed that he had given up on advocating for Shao Hexu.

After the dinner was over, Lin Yushu called for a designated driver to take him back to his residential area.

When he opened his own door, he saw Song Qiming coming out of his study, holding a glass of water. He looked surprised and said, “Didn’t you call me after dinner?”

Lin Yushu did consider asking Song Qiming to pick him up, but he dismissed the idea, thinking about the gossip among his colleagues. With so many eyes watching Song Qiming in the company, it was better to keep a low profile.

“Do you already treat this place as your own home?” Lin Yushu asked.

He changed into slippers and walked straight to the bedroom’s walk-in closet. Song Qiming leisurely followed behind him and said, “Your things are all here, so it’s convenient for me to work.”

Lin Yushu didn’t deny it. His home was cold and business-like, a whole working atmosphere, while Song Qiming’s home was often in a mess due to Wowo’s activities, but it had more life.

In the walk-in closet, Lin Yushu took out his casual clothes and turned to look at Song Qiming leaning against the door. He frowned and said, “I need to change clothes.”

“You can change,” Song Qiming lifted his water glass and took a sip. “I’ve kissed every part of your body, haven’t I?”

Annoyed, Lin Yushu grabbed a piece of clothing from the dirty laundry basket and threw it at Song Qiming’s face with a “smack.” “Get out!”

After enduring the pain in his muscles, Lin Yushu finally changed into his casual clothes and collapsed on the sofa in the living room. He turned on the TV and said to Song Qiming in the kitchen, “Nan Jie Group won’t give up the cooperation.”

Song Qiming didn’t immediately respond. He opened the refrigerator and asked, “What do you want to drink?”

“Tea,” Lin Yushu lazily replied.

Southeast Asian cuisine is mainly sour and spicy, and right now, he just wanted something light to dilute the taste in his mouth.

Song Qiming grabbed a can of beer for himself and then went to the water dispenser to make a cup of hot tea for Lin Yushu. He sat cross-legged on the sofa.

“What did you talk about with him?” he opened the canned beer and asked.

“I brought Zhang, the deputy general manager of Yong Xing Real Estate. He did most of the talking.”

In fact, Lin Yushu played a trick. He and Du Yufei were going to discuss the land matters, so it was natural to bring someone from Yong Xing Real Estate.

Without him specifically instructing, Deputy General Manager Zhang would definitely speak up for Shao Hexu, saving him a lot of trouble and not needing him to “take the lead.”

As for Deputy General Manager Zhang, he was already on Shao Hexu’s side, so he wasn’t afraid of offending Shao Hedong. He could say whatever he wanted directly, which was more effective than Lin Yushu’s tactful probing.

Song Qiming immediately saw through Lin Yushu’s intentions, raised his eyebrows slightly, and was slightly surprised. “So you used someone else as a pawn?”

“He definitely wants to communicate directly with the other party too,” Lin Yushu said. “Mutual benefit.”

Song Qiming smiled, and Lin Yushu glanced at him. “What’s with that expression?”

“Nothing,” Song Qiming restrained his smile and took a sip of beer. “I was just thinking that I was right. You’re truly a fox.”

…What fox? Lin Yushu didn’t dare to compare himself to Song Qiming when it came to scheming.

He glanced at the beer in Song Qiming’s hand and said, “I want tea.”

The teacup was placed on the coffee table, but Lin Yushu had exerted himself all day and didn’t want to move.

Song Qiming leaned forward, took the teacup, and handed it to Lin Yushu, saying, “So your senior colleague’s attitude is very firm.”

“Yes, there’s no hope in approaching him.”

In short, there were only two words for building the racetrack: no hope.

Lin Yushu took a sip of hot tea and looked at Song Qiming, asking, “Have you figured out a solution?”

“Not yet,” Song Qiming said. “The press conference is this weekend, and after I’m done with it, I’ll talk to Shao Hexu.”

The press conference was Song Qiming’s debut, and it would directly determine the market’s response to S-power. It was currently the top priority.

Lin Yushu also knew that compared to the press conference, the land matters could only be temporarily set aside.

“By the way,” he put down the teacup and said, “don’t come to my office anymore.”

“Hmm?” Song Qiming tilted his head in confusion. “Why?”

“You’re a walking topic generator, you know?” Lin Yushu said. “People in the company are comparing you to Shao Guangjie, and I bet Shao Guangjie himself is also thinking about it.”

“What’s wrong?” Song Qiming asked, perplexed.

“You’re just provoking Shao Guangjie, making him always attentive to me,” Lin Yushu replied.

“What?” Song Qiming furrowed his brows.

“He wanted to give me a promotion gift today,” Lin Yushu lifted his tea cup again and took a sip, nonchalantly. “I declined.”

“What did he want to give you?” Song Qiming’s frown deepened.

“It’s nothing,” Lin Yushu said. “Just a watch.”

Lin Yushu admitted that he was playing tricks again.

After all, Song Qiming didn’t give him a promotion gift. Considering the gift he gave himself, Song Qiming owed him two gifts by now.

Men really couldn’t handle being provoked. As soon as Lin Yushu’s words fell, Song Qiming put down his beer and stood up. “Just wait.”

In a short while, Song Qiming returned to Lin Yushu’s house with a black wallet in his hand.

He threw the wallet into Lin Yushu’s lap and casually said, “Take it. It’s your promotion gift.”

Lin Yushu picked up the wallet and looked at it, feeling somewhat puzzled.

When it came to gifts, he didn’t care about their value, but this wallet looked like it had been used before. Could it be that Song Qiming was giving him second-hand items again?

That was really insincere.

“I already have a wallet,” Lin Yushu furrowed his brows and put the wallet aside. “It’s not about the wallet.”

“I’m not giving you a wallet,” Song Qiming sat down next to Lin Yushu and handed the wallet back to him. “The gift is inside.”

Inside?

Lin Yushu’s heart skipped a beat, and he opened the wallet to take a look. Inside, there were several bank cards, and even Song Qiming’s ID card.

So the promotion gift…

Was bank cards?!

“The passwords are the last six digits of my ID card,” Song Qiming said. “Is this promotion gift good enough?”

“No, you…” Lin Yushu widened his eyes in shock. “Why did you give me bank cards?”

“Isn’t it what I should do?” Song Qiming asked in return.

Lin Yushu was well aware of the hierarchy of bank cards, and these cards were all private bank cards with at least five million yuan in deposits.

“So,” as Lin Yushu calmed down, he said, “your way of pursuing me is by throwing money at me?”

He couldn’t deny that Song Qiming hit right at the mark of his preferences.

“Is it not acceptable?” Song Qiming said. “I thought you would like it.”

Indeed, Lin Yushu liked it, but he suddenly felt something was off. He furrowed his brows and asked, “So, you thought of this move only when I mentioned Shao Guangjie?”

“No,” Song Qiming scratched his cheek with his index finger, a hint of embarrassment flashed in his eyes. “I was actually planning to confess to you formally after the press conference. After all, you’ve been promoted, and I have to strive to match up with you.”

“Match up with me?” Lin Yushu understood the logic behind Song Qiming’s words, and he was slightly taken aback. “How could you think you’re not a match for me?”

Song Qiming said, “You’ve achieved your current position without relying on your family. I don’t want you to think that I’m less capable than you.”

Lin Yushu had never thought that in Song Qiming’s eyes, he was the more outstanding one.

But thinking about it, wasn’t it the same for him when it came to Song Qiming?

He had always considered Song Qiming as an unattainable existence. He never expected that one day Song Qiming would notice him and even fall for him.

If he rewound time to the moment when Lin Yushu started following Song Qiming on Instagram, he wouldn’t have dared to imagine it.

No, let’s go back to the night they met in Singapore. He never thought that he would be able to touch that rather nice chest continuously…

It felt even more fantastic than driving an SP-01.

For Lin Yushu, it was truly a dream come true.

“Song Qiming,” Lin Yushu smiled lightly and looked at the person beside him. “I’ll accept the wallet, and you won’t get it back.”

Despite having confiscated so much of his property, Song Qiming’s mouth still curved into a smile. He took away the tea cup, pressed Lin Yushu against the armrest of the sofa, and kissed him. “Sure, baby.”

The condom that was delivered by the property manager just yesterday was already used up tonight.

He couldn’t continue like this in the future, Lin Yushu thought.

Being squeezed dry every day, sooner or later, his colleagues would notice his excessive indulgence.

On the other hand, Song Qiming seemed completely refreshed. After taking a shower with Lin Yushu, he showed no signs of exhaustion. Now he was lying on the bed, playing with his phone.

Lin Yushu was lying on Song Qiming’s chest and glanced at Song Qiming’s phone screen. It was the WeChat interface.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Changing the nickname,” Song Qiming said as he embraced Lin Yushu’s waist with one hand and typed with the other, proficiently, without seeming like he grew up abroad.

“Whose nickname?” Lin Yushu took another glance and noticed his own profile picture on the screen.

“Yours,” Song Qiming pressed the confirmation key, and above the chat window appeared the new nickname he had set for Lin Yushu.

It wasn’t “baby” or any other affectionate term; it was three words: ‘Wo de ma’ (My mother).

Lin Yushu: “…”

The warm atmosphere was instantly shattered. Lin Yushu closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suppressed the veins throbbing on his forehead. “You need to improve your Chinese.”

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1 Response

  1. Moon says:

    SQ: My baby is a fox
    LY: my baby is a bad wolf

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