Chapter 47
The Asian Economic Forum is scheduled for January 3rd, held in another city. It takes about two hours by plane from Zhugang City to the destination.
Apart from Song Qiming and Shao Guangjie, who were invited as speakers, many senior executives from the company were also attending, filling up a large bus.
On the previous afternoon, everyone gathered at Yong Xing Tower and took the bus to the airport together.
Lin Yushu and Song Qiming did not drive their Civic and GTR, as they had bought a Swift electric car a few days ago. This way, they didn’t have to worry about traffic restrictions, and it was also more low-key compared to driving two performance cars.
“Did you not get enough rest last night?”
On the bus, Lin Yushu and Song Qiming consciously sat apart, but Shao Guangjie ended up sitting next to Lin Yushu.
“Mr. Shao,” Lin Yushu politely greeted him, but didn’t bother answering Shao Guangjie’s question.
However, brushing him off didn’t work, and Shao Guangjie asked again, “Did you relax too much during the holiday?”
The implicit meaning of “relax” was going overboard.
From that perspective, Lin Yushu did indeed relax a lot during the New Year’s holiday.
On New Year’s Eve, Song Qiming rented a yacht and took him to the sea to watch fireworks. The two of them spent two days and nights on the yacht, with most of the time engaged in amorous activities. This morning, when they got off the yacht, Lin Yushu could barely walk properly.
“I’m fine,” he pushed up the retro sunglasses that covered half of his face. “These past two days, I’ve been dealing with unfinished work from the previous year.”
In Lin Yushu’s wardrobe, there were no items associated with being “trendy.” If Shao Guangjie had paid attention to Song Qiming’s Instagram, he would have noticed that these were Song Qiming’s sunglasses.
“Oh, really?” Shao Guangjie turned his head slightly and glanced at Song Qiming, who was sitting in the back rows, clearly not fully believing Lin Yushu’s words.
Song Qiming wasn’t in any better condition than Lin Yushu, after all, he was the one doing most of the work.
He wore a baseball cap that also covered half of his face, so it was understandable that Shao Guangjie would have doubts about the two of them.
The bus slowly started and headed towards the airport.
Lin Yushu reclined his seat, intending to catch up on sleep, but at that moment, Shao Guangjie took out a tablet and handed it to him, saying, “Could you take a look at my speech draft? What do you think?”
A ten-minute speech draft would have at least two to three thousand words, and it would normally take five to six minutes to read it at a normal reading speed.
—Extremely precious five to six minutes for Lin Yushu.
He patiently took the tablet and started reading it attentively.
Shao Guangjie’s speech draft revolved around the impact of politics on the automotive industry, analyzing how the European Union was vigorously promoting clean energy, which was actually a form of economic sanctions against Germany, and so on.
These viewpoints were no longer fresh, and the speech could be considered conventional, without any noticeable flaws or standout elements.
“No issues,” Lin Yushu returned the tablet to Shao Guangjie. “You’ve analyzed it very well.”
“How does it compare to Song Qiming’s?” Shao Guangjie took the tablet back and asked.
So, that was the real purpose.
Lin Yushu calmly told a lie, “I haven’t seen Mr. Song’s speech draft.”
“Oh, I see.” Shao Guangjie nodded thoughtfully and handed the tablet to Lin Yushu, asking, “Do you think the analysis of the German economy here is accurate?”
In order to see where Shao Guangjie was pointing, Lin Yushu instinctively leaned towards him, and Shao Guangjie’s shoulder was already leaning towards Lin Yushu, so their heads were almost close together.
Suddenly, Lin Yushu’s phone vibrated.
He ignored it and looked at the tablet, saying, “Germany’s economy does rely heavily on the automotive industry.”
If Lin Yushu were to talk about the German economy, he could go on for two hours without pausing.
After all, his idol, who is now his lover, spends a lot of time in Germany, so it’s normal for him to pay attention to it.
However, it was only at this moment that he realized that Shao Guangjie’s negative analysis of the German economy in the speech draft was actually targeting Song Qiming.
How boring.
He moved away to the side and was about to take out his phone to check his messages when Shao Guangjie suddenly lowered his voice and asked, “Did you switch to the same perfume as Song Qiming?”
Lin Yushu didn’t have the habit of wearing perfume when going out. The faint scent of agarwood or musk on him was picked up from Song Qiming.
But this time, he didn’t want to make excuses anymore because Shao Guangjie’s occasional probing was starting to annoy him.
“Mr. Shao.” He furrowed his eyebrows slightly. “What do you really want to say?”
There were other senior executives sitting in front and back rows, and while they might not eavesdrop on their conversation, this was not a good place to talk.
“It’s nothing.” Shao Guangjie withdrew his inquisitive expression. “We’ll talk about it over there.”
Lin Yushu finally had a chance to look at his phone, and he received a WeChat message from Song Qiming.
【Song Qiming: DISTANCE!!!】
Getting too close to Shao Guangjie just now, even made the German guy switch to English.
A faint smile appeared on Lin Yushu’s lips as he replied to Song Qiming’s message.
【Lin Yushu: It seems like Shao Guangjie has noticed that something is off with us.】
Two new messages quickly popped up in the chat box.
【Song Qiming: It’s okay.】
【Song Qiming: We’re about to start a war anyway.】
The board of directors meeting needs to be notified ten days in advance, and now Shao Hexu and Shao Hedong have informed all the directors and are about to hold a meeting to discuss whether to cooperate with Nan Jie Group.
But Song Qiming’s plan to dismiss Shao Guangjie has not been brought up yet.
However, it will happen in a few days.
In a few days, both sides will officially go to war, and regardless of the outcome, it will involve Lin Yushu.
His phone vibrated again.
【Song Qiming: Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.】
In fact, Lin Yushu wasn’t afraid. First, he has been promoted to CEO of the family office, resolving a long-standing issue. Second, the family business is thriving, and he has a good retreat plan.
Compared to a few months ago, Lin Yushu’s identity and value are different, and he also has a boyfriend, so his mindset is naturally different.
【Lin Yushu: No need.】
【Lin Yushu: Focus on your own matters.】
【Song Qiming: Mwah!】
【Song Qiming: Love you, baby.】
The German guy is starting to spout cheesy love words again. It’s unbearable.
Lin Yushu put away his phone and started to catch up on sleep, luckily Shao Guangjie didn’t bother him anymore.
When the Yong Xing executives arrived at the designated hotel, it was already evening, just in time for dinner.
Shao Hexu and Shao Hedong’s secretaries went to the front desk to collect the room cards and distribute them to everyone, and it was only at this moment that Lin Yushu realized that he was sharing a room with Shao Guangjie.
“Shall we go?” Shao Guangjie walked up to Lin Yushu and took the initiative, “Let me help you with your luggage.”
“No need.” Lin Yushu held onto his own suitcase, maintaining a polite surface, “Thank you, Mr. Shao.”
When they were on the bus earlier, Lin Yushu found it strange that Shao Guangjie said, “We’ll talk about it over there.”
It turns out he had already made arrangements to create a private space for himself and Lin Yushu.
Among the people attending the economic forum, there were other colleagues from the family office, so Lin Yushu never expected to be assigned to the same room as Shao Guangjie.
Song Qiming, who clearly didn’t expect Shao Guangjie to pull this move, had a terrifyingly dark expression under his baseball cap.
【Song Qiming: I’ll stay alone.】
【Song Qiming: Let’s switch rooms.】
The two of them stood in opposite positions in the elevator, and Lin Yushu replied to Song Qiming’s message with a blank expression.
[Lin Yushu: It’s fine.]
[Lin Yushu: I can handle it.]
If they were to change rooms, it would confirm Shao Guangjie’s suspicions. At this sensitive time, Lin Yushu didn’t want to create unnecessary trouble.
[Song Qiming: Woof woof.jpg]
[Song Qiming: Wowo is getting restless.jpg]
Lin Yushu put away his phone and glanced at Song Qiming. Although he seemed to be going crazy on WeChat, he maintained a composed demeanor.
After settling his luggage in the room, Lin Yushu didn’t want to spend much time with Shao Guangjie. He greeted him briefly and planned to go downstairs for dinner.
He thought it was the peak dining hour and assumed Shao Guangjie wouldn’t want to go down at this time. However, Shao Guangjie seemed to believe that people sharing a room should dine together.
“The buffet at this hotel is excellent,” Shao Guangjie said, holding a plate as he sat across from Lin Yushu. “Have you stayed at this hotel before?”
“Yes,” Lin Yushu replied, eating the salad on his plate. “I stayed here on a business trip before.”
“When was that?” Shao Guangjie casually asked.
“Two years ago,” Lin Yushu answered absentmindedly, chatting with Shao Guangjie. However, not long after, a familiar figure sat down next to him.
“Little cousin,” Shao Guangjie raised an eyebrow, looking slightly displeased.
Lin Yushu turned to the person beside him, Song Qiming, and greeted him with some distance. “Mr. Song.”
“Mm,” Song Qiming completely ignored Shao Guangjie, placing a spare rib from his plate into Lin Yushu’s. “Don’t just eat vegetables, have some meat.”
Lin Yushu: “…”
What kind of scene is this?
“Huh,” Shao Guangjie slowly put down his cutlery, looking at Song Qiming. “Are you already so close to our Xiao Lin here?”
“Just average,” Song Qiming replied expressionlessly while cutting the steak on his plate. “Just a little closer than you are.”
Lin Yushu realized that Song Qiming was deliberately provoking Shao Guangjie.
Since they would have a falling out in a few days anyway, what was the point of this?
“Xiao Lin has been working by my side for five or six years,” Shao Guangjie retorted without showing any weakness. “How long have you known him? A few months?”
“He has been working by your side for five or six years,” Song Qiming repeated Shao Guangjie’s words in a flat tone. “Don’t you know he races cars?”
Many people in the company knew about Lin Yushu’s interest in racing. However, it was just a hobby, like another colleague’s love for photography or fishing. It was a normal interest that most people wouldn’t pay much attention to.
Shao Guangjie knew about Lin Yushu’s racing hobby, but now that Song Qiming mentioned it, he seemed to realize that Lin Yushu shared a common interest with him.
Song Qiming clearly won this round.
“What’s the matter?” Shao Guangjie looked at Lin Yushu and smiled. “Do you still hang out privately?”
Lin Yushu sighed, feeling a headache coming on, and said, “No, we’re just chatting casually.”
Lin Yushu didn’t like direct confrontation, especially when it was unnecessary. Now that Shao Guangjie was already suspecting them, although he couldn’t provide any evidence, it was unnecessary for him to keep provoking them.
“I’m done eating,” Lin Yushu took a tissue and wiped his mouth. “You two, enjoy your meal.”
He stood up, intending to leave, but at that moment, Shao Guangjie suddenly called him.
“You go take a shower first,” Shao Guangjie said, “I’ll go up later.”
When he said this, Shao Guangjie’s tone was so natural, as if he wanted Lin Yushu to finish showering and wait for him.
Veins started popping on Song Qiming’s forehead, but Lin Yushu couldn’t say anything. He simply allowed Shao Guangjie to gain a small victory.
Back in the room, Lin Yushu decided to take a shower first.
He wasn’t obeying Shao Guangjie’s words but wanted to finish washing up quickly to avoid interacting with him too much.
After a quick rinse, he changed into his pajamas and was about to come out of the bathroom when Shao Guangjie returned to the room.
He was only wearing long pants, without a shirt, and steam was still rising from his well-defined abs.
Lin Yushu frowned imperceptibly and focused on the computer screen.
“Do you want to drink?” Shao Guangjie asked. “I’ll order a bottle of whiskey.”
“No thanks,” Lin Yushu replied, looking at Shao Guangjie. “Don’t you have a speech tomorrow?”
“I’ve already memorized the script,” Shao Guangjie picked up the in-room phone and ordered a bottle of whiskey. Then he said to Lin Yushu, “The New Year holiday isn’t over yet. Don’t stress yourself too much.”
“Having so much work piled up isn’t good.”
“What kind of work is it? Let me take a look.”
After saying that, Shao Guangjie directly sat on Lin Yushu’s bed. Lin Yushu instantly tensed up and leaned away, creating distance between them.
Perhaps sensing Lin Yushu’s guard, Shao Guangjie smiled and said in a soft voice, “Don’t worry, I won’t eat you.”
At this point, Lin Yushu had truly reached his limit.
He had repeatedly tried to save face for Shao Guangjie, not wanting to make things too ugly, but Shao Guangjie kept pushing his boundaries.
They say there is a limit to patience, and there is no need to endure further. Lin Yushu closed his laptop, set it aside, and frowned at Shao Guangjie, saying, “Shao Guangjie, what exactly do you mean?”
“No rush,” Shao Guangjie stepped back. “We can talk slowly when the whiskey arrives.”
It seemed that the evening was not going to be easy to pass.
After a while, a waiter arrived with a trolley carrying a bottle of whiskey.
The two sat at the small table. Shao Guangjie had at least put on a shirt, making Lin Yushu feel slightly less uncomfortable.
Shao Guangjie poured a glass of whiskey and pushed it towards Lin Yushu, asking, “What kind of alcohol do you usually drink at home?”
“Wine,” Lin Yushu picked up the glass, took a sip, and placed it back on the table.
“You should have said so earlier,” Shao Guangjie poured himself another glass. “I would have ordered wine.”
Lin Yushu didn’t respond and turned his head to look at the night view outside the window. The moon hadn’t risen high yet, indicating that tonight was going to be long.
But Lin Yushu wasn’t impatient. Since Shao Guangjie wanted to circle around him, he would accompany him.
“Do you usually go to the racetrack?” Shao Guangjie suddenly asked.
Lin Yushu withdrew his gaze and said calmly, “Not often.”
“Then you should go,” Shao Guangjie raised his glass and took a sip, then asked, “So you also go to the racetrack where Song Qiming was involved in the scandal?”
Song Qiming appeared on the scene faster than Lin Yushu had imagined.
“I do go,” he replied.
“Is that so?” Shao Guangjie swirled his glass. “So you and Song Qiming aren’t just casual acquaintances.”
“Shao Guangjie,” Lin Yushu exhaled deeply, patiently saying, “If you want to know the nature of my relationship with Song Qiming, you can just ask.”
“Oh?” Shao Guangjie raised an eyebrow. “Then go ahead, tell me.”
“We don’t have any relationship,” Lin Yushu said calmly. “I’ve noticed that you seem to enjoy comparing yourself to Song Qiming. My advice to you is that it’s unnecessary.”
Shao Guangjie took another sip of his drink and looked at Lin Yushu, saying, “I believe you.”
It was a lie, and Lin Yushu took a sip of his own drink.
“How about we have a frank conversation tonight?” Shao Guangjie suggested.
“Frank conversation?” Lin Yushu held the glass to his neck, quietly raising his guard.
“I’ve always been curious,” Shao Guangjie asked leisurely, “do you like men or not?”
Almost instinctively, Lin Yushu averted his gaze for a moment, and that moment exposed his vulnerability.
“It seems like I guessed right,” Shao Guangjie smiled mischievously. “You hide it well.”
Lin Yushu frowned in frustration. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Shao Guangjie replied with a question, “What type of men do you like?”
“It’s none of your business.” After years of working, this was the first time Lin Yushu spoke to Shao Guangjie with such a tone.
“Don’t be angry,” Shao Guangjie said, seemingly unconcerned. “Let’s just chat casually.”
Lin Yushu no longer wanted to continue the conversation.
He began to think about how to clarify things with Shao Guangjie in one go. But just then, his phone vibrated. It was a call from Song Qiming.
He covered the caller ID, threw out a “I’ll take a call,” and went out to the balcony, pressing the answer button.
“Are you going out for supper?” came Song Qiming’s voice from the other end of the line. “I don’t want you to stay with him.”
The tense nerves that had lasted for so long suddenly relaxed. Lin Yushu parted his lips, about to reply, but then Song Qiming continued, “You can tell him it’s a work call and that you have work to handle. Just come out.”
He even came up with an excuse for him.
If Lin Yushu had directly said he was going out for supper, Shao Guangjie would definitely follow.
“Do I have to reply now?” Lin Yushu adopted a professional tone, and made up a story to go along, “I’m on a business trip right now, and it might take some time to find the information.”
“Or you can simply tell him that you’re going out for supper with your husband.”
“Okay, then…” Lin Yushu hadn’t finished speaking when someone from behind embraced him tightly.
Realizing it was Shao Guangjie, he turned his head in shock, only to see a mischievous smile on Shao Guangjie’s face, as if he truly believed Lin Yushu was making a work call, and he was confident that Lin Yushu wouldn’t say anything inappropriate during a work call.
“Continue,” Shao Guangjie mouthed to Lin Yushu.
Lin Yushu immediately felt a surge of anger rise within him. Despite being trembling with rage, he tried to maintain his composure and said, “Shao Guangjie, let go of me.”
Shao Guangjie raised an eyebrow in surprise and glanced at the phone that Lin Yushu had put down. He asked in a low voice, “Did you hang up?”
“So you knew I was on a call?” Lin Yushu temporarily ended the call, impolitely pushing Shao Guangjie away. “What do you mean? Sexual harassment, is it?”
“Huh, sexual harassment?” Shao Guangjie wore an amused expression. “We’re both men, why be so uptight?”
Lin Yushu felt like cursing, but just then, there was a violent knocking at the door accompanied by Song Qiming’s angry roar, “Open the door!”
