Wang Ziqin felt like his brain was about to explode.
There was just too much information to process.
Shen Yuan and Qiao Hailou hugging—there was no way that was a normal relationship, right? They were dating? Hold on—before that, Shen Yuan was actually gay?! He’d known Shen Yuan for over five years and never once noticed anything off about his orientation! Sure, Shen Yuan had never had a girlfriend, but he still joined them when they talked about pretty girls. Didn’t he even brag once about “doing it” with a woman for the first time? There was absolutely no sign he was into men!!
Wang Ziqin felt his entire worldview collapsing. He couldn’t rebuild it at all. His mind went blank, and all that kept floating around was: How is that possible?
And—and even if Shen Yuan really was gay… he was involved with Qiao Hailou?! Qiao Hailou had business dealings with his dad—he’d even called the man “Uncle Qiao” before. Wasn’t that a whole generation above them? If he remembered correctly, Qiao Hailou was pushing forty, about the same age as Shen Yuan’s stepfather. How could Shen Yuan…?!
For a split second, Wang’s mind flashed through a parade of gold-diggers clinging to rich older men and women. But no matter how he tried, he just couldn’t imagine Shen Yuan being like that… Sure, sometimes he thought Shen Yuan was a bit calculating, but even so, Shen Yuan wouldn’t go that far. That wasn’t who he was.
So did Shen Yuan actually like older men? Or did Qiao Hailou trick him? Was Qiao Hailou harassing him?
For some reason, the image of the person he’d glimpsed from behind at the bar the other night resurfaced. He couldn’t shake the feeling that… he’d missed something important.
Wang Ziqin was so stunned he looked dazed, and only after forcing himself back behind the counter did he manage to pull himself together enough to work. He’d barely calmed down when a familiar voice called:
“Wang Ziqin.”
He turned toward the sound and saw Shen Yuan. His whole body went rigid on instinct—he couldn’t even look him in the eye.
Shen Yuan had been crying earlier. After washing his face and resting for a while, he looked normal again unless one inspected him closely.
Qiao Hailou had coaxed him, saying, “Want to go check in on Wang Ziqin? I heard he’s really getting the hang of being a sales clerk. Let’s go take a look and have a little fun, yeah?”
Shen Yuan felt kind of wicked. He really did keep deriving joy from Wang Ziqin’s misery. He and Qiao Hailou had messed with Wang Ziqin several times, yet Wang Ziqin was still grateful to him.
“I’ll go look by myself,” Shen Yuan said, embarrassed.
“If you go alone, he might not bow,” Qiao Hailou said. “If I go, he definitely will. Then you standing beside me—doesn’t that mean he’s bowing to you?”
Shen Yuan couldn’t help laughing. The old rascal really had a way with jokes.
And… imagining it did feel pretty good. So what if he borrowed Qiao Hailou’s authority for a moment?
Wang Ziqin instinctively turned his head away—only to see all the other clerks around him bowing respectfully. “Good evening, President Qiao.”
He immediately snapped his head back and finally saw Qiao Hailou standing next to Shen Yuan. Even though he felt uncomfortable, he hurried to bow too since everyone else had.
He couldn’t stop himself from sneaking glances at them, though. Now, they looked completely normal—no hint of anything going on. Just a big boss and his subordinate. If he hadn’t personally seen them hugging, he would never have believed it.
What could he even say? He wasn’t sure how to describe his feelings. He thought he was supposed to be disgusted by gays, but he wasn’t—he didn’t hate Shen Yuan. He only felt… weirdly wronged? Like—why had Shen Yuan pushed him away and even hit him all those times he teased him? If he liked men, it’s not like it was impossible…
Qiao Hailou didn’t linger. He pretended to be inspecting the counters and walked off. Wang Ziqin finally breathed out in relief. But when he glanced at Qiao Hailou’s retreating back, a strange wave of jealousy crept into his chest.
Awkwardly, he asked, “Why are you here?”
Shen Yuan said, “I had something to do here, so I came by to see you. How’s the new job? Getting used to it?”
Wang Ziqin hesitated, embarrassed but unable to resist showing off. “Pretty good… I’ve been here not even a week, and my sales are already third in the district.”
Honestly, he had no shame. After he spread the word that he was working as a sales clerk selling jewelry, a bunch of old enemies he’d offended came by to laugh at him. But he was smarter now—just a little provocation and they took the bait, opening their wallets and boosting his numbers. Who was the real idiot now?
He didn’t spend a dime and even earned commission. Life was great.
Shen Yuan was stunned. “That impressive?”
Who knew Wang Ziqin was actually good at sales?
Wang Ziqin forced a scowl, feeling uncomfortable yet inexplicably wanting to impress Shen. He stammered, “Th-that’s because… I’m not really trying. If I actually put effort in, I can definitely do things well.”
Shen Yuan almost choked. He’d been giving a casual compliment—why was Wang Ziqin taking it so seriously? Was this guy stupid? Now Shen Yuan just felt annoyed.
He didn’t want to keep talking.
The floor supervisor spotted them and began heading their way, so Wang Ziqin immediately straightened up and stopped chatting. He whispered, “I’m still on the clock. I can’t talk. After I get off, I’ll tell you.”
Shen Yuan said bluntly, “Don’t bother. I’m leaving. And I’m not free after you get off.”
Wang: “…”
Shen Yuan got into Qiao Hailou’s car, and they drove back to the office building.
Qiao Hailou asked, “Feel better?”
Shen Yuan thought about it. “Mm… not as much as I expected. When he first suffered, it was satisfying. But now… he’s not as bad as he used to be. I don’t think there’s any point in holding onto revenge. If I keep acting like this, I’ll turn into the old him. And I don’t want to be that kind of person.”
Qiao Hailou made a soft sound, ruffled his hair, and said, “Of course my silly kid is a good kid.”
Shen Yuan froze for a second, embarrassed. “What are you doing? And why are you calling me ‘Silly’?”
“Isn’t that your nickname?” Qiao Hailou said. “Am I not allowed to use it?”
“Only my family calls me that. And don’t you usually call me ‘little thing’? Even though it’s gross.”
Qiao Hailou said mockingly, “Ohhh… so only your uncle gets to call you that? His special privilege? I can’t use it? Silly, silly, Silly.”
Shen’s face turned bright red. “You’re a grown man—aren’t you embarrassed being this childish?”
Qiao Hailou started laughing at his own antics. “Why did they call you that anyway? Your uncle thought of it?”
“Of course not.” Shen Yuan rolled his eyes. “My mom gave me that nickname. I… I was pretty slow when I was little. So they called me ‘Silly.’”
“You? Slow?” Qiao Hailou looked genuinely surprised. “I checked your school records—you were top student every year in elementary school. That’s slow?”
Shen Yuan muttered, “That was later… Why are you asking so much? Interrogating me? I’m done talking.”
He didn’t want to tell Qiao Hailou more.
Qiao Hailou already had leverage over him—he wasn’t going to hand him another weakness.
That night.
Qiao Hailou sent photos of Wang Ziqin working to his father, Wang Sui—some from his previous office job, some from his current sales job. In every shot, he looked sharp and energetic—nothing like his old wasted, delinquent self.
Wang Sui was deeply grateful. “Good thing I listened to you. In just a short time, it’s like he’s been reborn…”
Qiao Hailou said, “Your son just lacked motivation. You spoiled him—he got everything too easily, so why work hard? He might even complain to you later—just ignore it. I didn’t tell anyone to go easy on him. In fact, I told them to push him more. He’s worthy of being your son—quick-witted, learns fast, adapts well. Even the supervisors who were helping me train him told me he’s great material. Not lying.”
What parent doesn’t love hearing their kid praised? Wang Sui was delighted but pretended to be humble. “He’s always been smart, just unfocused… You’ve really helped us…”
Qiao Hailou continued, “With your skills, you could definitely straighten him out. You’re just too close to it to see clearly. Too soft because you love him. When he realizes how much you cared, he’ll be moved.”
Wang Sui sighed. “I hope so… If he can grow up, that’s enough. Sorry to trouble you.”
“No trouble,” Qiao Hailou said lightly. “Just a small favor. If it weren’t for your help, I wouldn’t have closed that deal in the East District so easily.”
Because of delays earlier that day, Shen Yuan stayed late to finish his backlog of work.
Before he knew it, it was almost nine.
The half cup of coffee on his desk had long gone cold.
Shen Yuan pressed the acupoint between his eyes, trying to clear his head, and texted Qiao Hailou: [My brother won’t be home these next few days.]
Before Qiao Hailou replied, his phone lit up with a call. One glance at the name made him frown: Wang Ziqin.
After a moment, he picked up. “Hello?”
Wang Ziqin asked cautiously, “Shen… Shen Yuan, are you home right now? I just got off work. I got an advance on half a month’s pay—I can pay you back. And I want to buy you supper… I have something to ask you…”
Shen Yuan answered impatiently, “It’s late. I want to go home and rest. Forget it—I’m not rushing you for the money. Whatever you want to ask, ask me tomorrow during the day. Goodbye.”
After hanging up, he checked his messages. Qiao Hailou had already replied:
[Your Uncle Qiao is off to bathe and get ready for your visit.]
Shen Yuan snorted with laughter.
Qiao Hailou sent him an address. Shen Yuan drove over.
With his little brother gone these few days, he had to make the most of this window to enjoy all the not-safe-for-kids things he couldn’t do normally. Might as well sneak in as many nights as possible before Lin came back—he couldn’t be acting reckless then.
11:30 p.m.
Wang Ziqin stood outside Shen Yuan’s apartment door. He knocked for a long time—nothing. He checked the parking spot downstairs—no sign of Shen’s car.
Shen Yuan wasn’t home. And he had no idea whether Shen Yuan would come back tonight.
Either way, he wasn’t getting any sleep.