The Qinhuangdao project was wrapping up smoothly. The disciplinary commission official had called him back, easing his mind considerably.
With work worries eased, he began pondering his personal life again.
Li Yu had taken two days off, and Jian Suiying felt as though she were sulking at him—it was rather endearing.
felt exceptionally cheerful whenever he thought of him, sometimes even smiling to himself.
He wouldn't dare claim his feelings for Li Yu were profoundly sincere, but at least in his entire life, Li Yu was the one who captured his heart most deeply and occupied his thoughts most intensely.
After waiting a long time with no reply, Jian Suiying sent another message: "Come to work tomorrow. Little Lin is coming too."
This one also went unanswered, leaving Jian Suiying feeling disappointed. After hesitating for a while, she still didn't dare to call.
The next morning, as soon as Jian Suiying entered the company, the secretary told him that Jian Suilin had arrived.
He turned into the conference room and saw Jian Suilin and Li Yu sitting inside, chatting and laughing.
Jian Suiying tapped the glass in annoyance.
Both men in the reception room looked up simultaneously—one with delight in his eyes, the other with a stiff expression. Jian Suilin stood up. "Brother."
Jian Suiying pushed open the door and nodded at him. "Ah, you're here." "Yeah, I just arrived."
"Where've you been these past two weeks?"
"Just went to Hong Kong. Brother, Dad wants you to come home for dinner tonight. I brought you a gift."
Jian Suiying replied casually, "Tonight? Fine." Then he glanced at Li Yu and smiled, "You're up pretty early today."
."
Li Yu nodded solemnly. "Mr. Liang called me today. He asked if you're free these next couple of days. He wants you to experience the hot springs at his hotel-style apartment."
"Sure, I'll clear my schedule these next couple days and take you to relax."
Li Yu's eyes flickered, but he remained silent.
Jian Suilin pleaded earnestly, "Brother, what can I do?"
Jian Suilin agreed, "Alright."
"Alright, go ahead. Li Yu, you come in with me."
Jian Suilin and Li Yu exchanged a glance before preparing to split up.
The three had barely stepped outside when Xiao Liang, Jian Suiying's secretary, hurried over. "Ms. Jian, your cousin is here again."
Jian Suiying's face twisted instantly. "Again?" Xiao Liang sighed helplessly, "Again."
Jian Suilin also wore an awkward expression.
Jian Suiying pointed at his brother. "Don't go to him yet. Come into my office first. Xiao Liang, bring him to my office
—not a second to spare. Don't let him waste my company's time." "Yes, ma'am."
Jian Suiying led the two men back to her office.
Moments later, Xiao Liang ushered in a rather handsome but somewhat slacker-looking young man.
"Bro, long time no see! Hey, Little Lin's here too."
Jian Suilin nodded at the newcomer. "Brother Yu."
The newcomer was Bai Xinyu, the only son of Jian Suiying's aunt. How to describe this kid? In Jian Suiying's words,
a brainless fool.
and showed no remorse, constantly bragging about his grand ambitions. When he came to see Jian Suiying, it was rarely for anything good.
Sure enough, the moment he sat down, he leaned in with a mysterious look. "Bro, listen up. A friend just hooked me up with this killer deal—low cost, insane profits."
Jian Suiying scoffed coldly, "Oh? Something that good? Why doesn't he do it himself?" "He doesn't have the clout to pull it off."
"You do?"
"A million or so shouldn't be a problem... But my mom insisted I come talk to you first, just to make sure I don't get scammed."
"Your mom's wise." Jian Suiying glared at him. "Can't you just chill out? Go eat, drink, and play. I've told you countless times you're not cut out for business. Why won't you listen?"
Bai Xinyu hurriedly handed over the bag.
Jian Suiying pulled out a thick stack of papers, skimmed through them quickly, then slammed them down on the desk, pointing at him with a look of frustration.
Just seeing him gave him a headache. Compared to this brother, he felt that the clever and socially adept Jian Suilin was barely
slightly more tolerable.
Jian Suiying snapped, "You actually dared to take on this project? Can't you see it's clearly trying to rip you off?" Bai Xinyu widened his innocent eyes, "I really didn't notice..."
Jian Suiying held a stack of documents aloft. "Xiao Linzi." Jian Suilin immediately stepped forward to take them.
Jian Suilin handed half the documents to Li Yu. The two bent over, poring over the papers. Jian Suying tapped the table impatiently, glaring at Bai Xinyu.
Young Master Bai watched them longingly.
After a while, Li Yu looked up, holding a page of documents to show Jian Suiying. "Ms. Jian, is this the high-voltage line?"
Jian Suiying nodded approvingly. "Yes."
"No structures can be built under high-voltage lines. This land is unusable for construction."
Jian Suiying snapped at Bai Xinyu, "Did you hear that? You couldn't even spot such an obvious high-voltage line? Didn't you even go to the site?"
Young Master Bai whispered, "I haven't had time yet." "But you had time to pay!"
"No, I haven't paid yet. Isn't that why I came to discuss it with you..."
At that moment, Jian Suilin also looked up. "Brother, the property rights for this land aren't clear either."
Bai Xinyu hung his head, unable to meet his gaze. After a long pause, he managed, "Then we can't do it..." "We can."
Bai Xinyu immediately adopted a mournful expression. "Brother, don't be like this."
Bai Xinyu grumbled, "Bro, are they up to it?"
Jian Suilin immediately declared, "I'm in."
L i Yu hesitated briefly, glancing hurriedly at Jian Suilin before saying, "I can do it too."
"Hmm. Xinyu, you're flush with cash, right? You fund this project, they provide the labor. You take six percent of the profits, they each get two percent."
Bai Xinyu sounded reluctant: "But if it fails, won't I lose out?"
Jian Suiying nodded with satisfaction. "Li Yu, draft the contract. The one you wrote last time won't do. Go consult Sister Liang
. Bring me both the revised and original versions." "Got it."
"Xiao Linzi, you'll accompany Brother Yu to inspect the site. Conduct a thorough assessment and submit a report upon your return." "Yes, Brother."
"Still calling me 'brother'? Do you think you're still at home?" "Ah, Mr. Jian."
"Alright, go ahead."
As the three stood to leave, Jian Suiying suddenly called out: "Li Yu."
Li Yu turned his head.
"Have lunch with me."
Only then did Li Yu realize they'd be dining alone. With no other choice, he followed Jian Suiying inside.
Suiying chose a particularly secluded corner to sit. The midday crowd was sparse, with only a few scattered groups here and there. Their spot was practically hidden from view.
But once the food arrived, business talk became inappropriate. Jian Suiying instantly reverted to his usual self, busily serving Li Yu more food
and pouring him drinks.
Li Yu was much calmer than the day he'd learned of Jian Suiying's feelings for him. The obvious disgust and impatience had faded from his face, replaced by a lukewarm, polite engagement.
After they finished eating, Jian Suiying pulled a small black velvet box from his pants pocket, slid it toward Li Yu, and smiled
. "Li Yu, I saw this while shopping the other day and thought it would suit you perfectly."
Li Yu glanced at him. "Brother Jian, cut the act. You know I wouldn't accept it."
Jian Suiying wasn't discouraged in the least. "It's nothing expensive, just a little token of my feelings. You work pretty hard, don't you? Won't you open it and take a look?"
Seeing Li Yu show no intention of moving, Jian Suiying opened the box himself. Inside was a platinum tie clip, set with fairly understated diamond chips.
Li Yu closed his eyes briefly, seemingly suppressing his anger. His voice was deep and measured: "Brother Jian, is using your tactics for winning over women
on me. Is that really appropriate?"
Jian Suiying felt deeply wronged. "How is this about pleasing women? Besides my mother, I've never
I'm just naturally gay."
Li Yu never imagined anyone could sound so proud about it.
Jian Suiying wore a melancholy expression. "I knew you'd refuse, but I won't give up so easily." The entire meal left Li Yu thoroughly uncomfortable.