The next day at school, Shen Yuan was quite the center of attention.
News of a rich kid publicly pursuing him had spread across the entire campus overnight. Curious onlookers even gathered in groups, making Shen Yuan scowl from morning till night—no longer able to keep up his usual “good boy” facade.
He felt his temper growing shorter and his patience thinner, less willing to pretend.
For a while, Shen Yuan, from the Jewelry Design Department, became the hottest topic among K University students. Part of it was being pursued by a wealthy classmate; another part was that the original post online about it had been rapidly deleted, and any repost vanished as well. No online discussion was possible, yet in reality, people still whispered and speculated—Shen Yuan must be from a seriously well-off background to command such control over the internet. His usual appearance suggested only a comfortable, middle-class upbringing—but that made sense: he was being pursued by a rich kid, after all.
For several days, Shen Yuan endured the whirlwind of gossip. His counselor even asked if he wanted to take a few days off, but he refused, showing up to every class, unyielding. After a few days, Wang Ziqin stopped showing up, and the rumors naturally died down.
Then, Shen Yuan received a call from his uncle: the young Miss Qiao’s birthday was coming up, and he and Li Lin were invited.
Of course, Shen Yuan remembered the little girl he met at Qiao Jun’s engagement party—the youngest daughter of Qiao Hailou’s late second brother. Months had passed, and though Qiao Hailou had promised rewards for their help, nothing had come of it. Shen Yuan had simply helped a lost little girl; reporting her home properly had made a good impression on her grandfather.
Li Lin couldn’t attend the birthday due to classes, so Shen Yuan went alone. Luckily, he had Qiao Jun for company; otherwise, attending alone would have been awkward.
Qiao Jun met him at the door, guiding him in: “There won’t be any other guests—just our family. My little cousin hasn’t gone to kindergarten yet, barely has friends. It’s good you’re here to fill in.”
Shen Yuan asked, “Isn’t your little cousin four already? She could be in preschool.”
Qiao Jun explained, “She tried preschool but cried every day for a week. My grandfather felt sorry and brought her home. Now she has private tutors at home—she listens if she wants, plays if she doesn’t. She’s timid, even quieter than a mouse, barely speaks.”
Shen Yuan recalled how, last time, she had called “Dad” and “Grandpa” clearly and loudly. He noted that her upbringing was clearly indulgent, unlike his own strict childhood.
Upon entering the living room, Shen Yuan saw Qiao An’an. She wore a pale pink dress with a big bow at the back, looking like a little princess. Tiny arms and legs made him worry she was eating enough. She was sitting on the carpet, carefully combing the hair of her dolls.
Qiao Jun said, “An’an, look, who’s here?”
An’an looked up, eyes wide with joy, holding her doll as she ran toward Shen Yuan with little “pat-pat” steps.
Grandpa Qiao, seated on the sofa, guided her gently: “An’an, remember manners—how do you greet?”
An’an responded in a sweet, soft voice: “Hello, big brother…”
Shen Yuan patted her head: “Hello, An’an.”
Her wide, sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks reminded him of Qiao Hailou as a child. She handed him her doll, and Shen Yuan realized it was for him to braid its hair. He patiently played along as dusk fell and it was time for cake.
An’an insisted Shen Yuan sit near her grandfather and even on her lap. Shen Yuan felt awkward, glancing at Qiao Jun, who simply shrugged helplessly.
Grandpa Qiao gestured: “Just sit there. Hold her steady, don’t let her fall.”
Qiao Jun’s father joked: “Even at a young age, An’an loves beauty—she insists on a handsome guy holding her.”
Flustered, Shen Yuan’s face turned red. They lit candles, sang, made wishes, blew out the candles, and shared cake. Though few were present, each cared deeply for An’an. She smiled sweetly and offered Shen Yuan bits of fruit from her cake.
After tasting a piece, Shen Yuan felt nauseated at the strong fishy taste and rich cake. He’d had poor appetite recently, avoiding greasy foods. Politely, he excused himself: “Grandpa Qiao, I feel a bit unwell. I’d like to go to the bathroom.”
Grandpa Qiao, noticing his pale face, took An’an aside and said, “Go ahead.” Shen Yuan splashed cold water on his face; after that, he avoided any more meat.
As they left, Grandpa Qiao and An’an accompanied him to the door, leaving Shen Yuan feeling unexpectedly honored. Just as he reached the gate, Grandpa Qiao hesitated: “I need to ask you something…”
Shen Yuan asked, “What is it?”
Grandpa Qiao awkwardly said, “You… you and Qiao Hailou, right? I suspected it last time at the hospital.”
Shen Yuan froze, blushing. How could he answer? The relationship with Qiao Hailou was still complicated, not officially over, yet not cleanly separate either.
Grandpa Qiao mumbled: “I knew it… you have no taste. Looking at a good young man, yet you go for that one. That person is irresponsible—you better watch out.”
Shen Yuan felt a twinge of indignation—he knew Qiao Hailou had flaws, but hearing it from someone else felt off.
Grandpa Qiao continued, “Do you know why he ran away from home? He told me he liked men, I refused at first, he dropped out and eloped. Within months, it ended.”
Shen Yuan froze completely. Did Qiao Hailou deceive him? Who was the person he supposedly eloped with? He swore to confront him before ever considering reconciling.
Meanwhile, Qiao Hailou had just finished dealing with Wang Ziqin.
The incident with Wang Ziqin being openly gay embarrassed both Shen Yuan and Wang Su, Wang Ziqin’s father. Wang Su, who had tolerated his son’s previous flirtations, couldn’t accept that his son now liked a man, fearing it embarrassed the Wang family. He had scolded Wang Ziqin severely.
Wang Ziqin argued, claiming he had reformed, only liking one person now. Wang Su realized his mistake—he had encouraged Wang Ziqin’s pursuit, unaware it was a man.
Moreover, Wang Ziqin had been rejected. Wang Su remarked, “Even if he’s good, he doesn’t like you. Chasing him is foolish. If I were Shen Yuan, I wouldn’t even look at you.”
Wang Ziqin, embarrassed, tried to justify himself: “He’s older and accomplished, by the time I’m in my thirties, I’ll be as capable.”
Wang Su sneered: “Try it. Qiao Hailou already ran his own company at your age. You? Still preoccupied with feelings. All your schooling was paid by me; now I give you another chance. Try or not?”
Wang Ziqin clenched his fists, eyes blazing.
Qiao Hailou drove home alone that day. Midway, his left eyelid started twitching—was it good or bad luck? He couldn’t tell.
Approaching home, he saw a car parked outside—Shen Yuan’s.
Joy surged—had Shen Yuan been moved by his sincerity and returned?
As Shen Yuan waited in the car for him to arrive, Qiao Hailou returned home. Shen Yuan, seizing the moment, stepped out angrily: “You lied to me again!”
Qiao Hailou froze, unsure which lie Shen Yuan meant.