Jian Da’s gift remained unsent, discarded in disappointment inside the car.
That afternoon, Jian Suilin returned with photos and documents about the plot of land. He briefly described and analyzed the situation with Jian Suiying.
Jian Suiying listened attentively before instructing him:
Jian Suilin nodded. "I'll keep an eye on him." "Alright, get back to work."
Jian Suilin stood up. "Bro, let's leave together tonight." "Huh? Why?"
"Aren't we supposed to go home for dinner tonight?"
"Oh, right... You drive back on your own. I've got something to take care of. I'll be back before dinner."
Jian Suilin looked a bit disappointed. "Oh."
As Jian Suilin turned to leave, just reaching the doorway, Jian Suying called out to him.
"Xiao Lin."
"When will your exam results be released?" "The day after tomorrow."
Jian Suiying's slender fingers tapped lightly on the table. "Are you driving Dad's car now?" "Yeah."
"I promised you last time I'd get you a car. Go pick one out yourself." "Bro, we have so many cars at home. No need to buy me one specially."
"Got it, thanks, bro."
"Your exam results come out the day after tomorrow. Any plans for celebrating?"
Jian Suilin chuckled. "Bro, what if I don't do well? What's there to celebrate then?"
Jian Suiying shot him a look. "Why not focus on doing well first? Don't you have any confidence in yourself?"
Jian Suilin gave an awkward smile. "If both me and Li Yu do well, we were planning to throw a party...
all our classmates and friends. Would you come, bro?"
"Of course I'll come." As long as he could make time, he wouldn't miss any chance to spend time with Li Yu outside of work hours.
to spend time with Li Yu outside of work.
On the day the results came out, Jian Suiying had a last-minute dinner engagement and didn't go home.
After hanging up, he immediately dialed Li Yu's number.
After two rings, Li Yu answered, her voice calm. "Brother Jian." "Little Li, how's it going? Checked the results?"
"Yeah, I did."
Hearing that flat tone, Jian Suiying's heart sank. Had he done poorly? Before he could ask, Li Yu had already announced his score.
Jian Suiying instantly perked up. "Damn, Li Yu, you nailed it!" Li Yu chuckled softly. "Pretty much what I estimated."
"Congratulations! Did Xiao Li call you? You both did great." "We've been in touch online. I already knew his scores."
Jian Suiying felt even happier than if he'd heard Jian Suilin had aced his exam. "Alright, now you have a reason to celebrate. Leave this to
Leave it to your brother Jian. I'll reserve the entire venue for you. Invite as many people as you want. Have fun however you like."
Li Yu said: "No need. Sui Lin and I already booked a place."
Jian Suiying let out a slightly disappointed "Oh," but persisted, "No matter what, you have to let me show my appreciation.
if not for you, then for Sui Lin—he's my brother. How about this: I'll handle the drinks. What do you say?"
Li Yu instinctively frowned. "My classmates don't drink alcohol."
"Forget it. You think every student is like you these days? It's settled then. Otherwise, I'd feel awkward showing up empty-handed."
Li Yu, unaware that Jian Suiying would also be present, was momentarily speechless. Jian Suiying took his silence as tacit approval and began scheming about how to get Li Yu drunk that night.
On the day itself, Jian Suiying had Li Yu and Jian Suilin leave work early, telling them to go home, change clothes, grab a bite, and get ready
prepare.
He himself went home, took a shower, applied a facial mask, and groomed himself until he was thoroughly satisfied before strolling leisurely to
the venue where the two were hosting their gathering.
Xiao Liangzi had reserved a banquet hall at a five-star hotel and invited nearly everyone from their class. Jian Suiying surveyed the
the arrangements and found the scene somewhat impressive, which satisfied him a little.
As soon as he entered, Jian Suilin came to greet him, her cheeks rosy and her face radiant. "Brother, you're here!" Jian Suying scanned the crowd, "Where's Li Yu?"
"Over there."
"Haha, it healed ages ago."
"Let's play again sometime. You're pretty good—just don't wear those dress shoes next time."
Everyone laughed together, and Jian Suiying felt quite cheerful. "No problem. Next time I'll definitely come properly equipped." As he spoke, Jian Suiying moved toward Li Yu.
Li Yu stood up when he saw him. "Brother Jian." "Hey, Little Li, sit down. Everyone, take a seat."
The group gathered around the sofa. A male classmate asked: "Bro, is Li Yu interning at your company?"
."
"Yep, he's doing great."
The male student teased: "Bro, don't overwork our handsome Li Yu, or our campus beauty might get worried."
and gave a suggestive glance at the girl sitting next to Li Yu.
The girl shot him a playful glare. "Who's heartbroken? What nonsense are you talking about?" Then she cast an infinitely coy glance at Li Yu.
Only then did Jian Suiying notice the little girl beside Li Yu. She was fair-skinned and delicate, quite pretty indeed. But surely Li Yu couldn't genuinely fancy someone so underdeveloped?
He stared at the girl with a sour look, his gaze scrutinizing. The moment the girl met Jian Suiying's eyes, her face flushed red, and she quickly turned away.
flushed instantly and quickly looked away.
The girl's face turned crimson, shaking her head repeatedly, "No, it's not about me, I didn't..." Her voice grew
faded into a whisper. The men around them chuckled softly.
"But if a man wants a career and status, he can't avoid hardship and toil. Do you think fine food and clothes just fall from the sky?
fall from the sky? You're so beautiful, you could just marry any rich guy. Can men really make a living off looks?
, don't you agree?"
Li Yu couldn't stand watching Jian Suiying bully the young girl like this, so he changed the subject.
Jian Suiying's nasty streak was on full display now. He showed no intention of letting her off the hook, clearly trying to set her up with Xiao Linzi.
just to make things awkward.
Are you kidding me? Li Yu is the one I've set my sights on. Who dares to compete with me? Don't even think about it!
Little Linzi was chatting with someone on the other side of the hall, completely unaware that his big brother was already setting him up
as a match.
Damn it, why doesn't anyone crack down on this damn early romance phenomenon!
Li Yu dragged him out to the balcony and hissed under his breath: "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Jian Suiying shook off his arm, his face twisted in anger. "What did I do? I'm just finding a wife for my little brother. What's the big deal? You don't want to let go?"
To Jian Suiying, a seasoned gay man who'd been in the closet for twenty-seven years, straight men simply didn't exist. Once a man found pleasure in that way, he'd abandon every principle and boundary.
and found them securely shut. Satisfied that no one could see them or overhear their conversation, he relaxed slightly.
Li Yu was still young then, never having imagined he'd be kissed by a man against his will. His brain instantly flooded with blood, leaving him frozen in place.
.
By the time he regained his senses, Jian Suiying had already wrapped her arms around his neck, tasting every inch of his lips and gently tracing his teeth with her tongue.
His mind snapped back into clarity in the next second. His eyes widened, and he bit down hard on that tongue.
Jian Suiying recoiled in pain. Then, completely unprepared, a tremendous force slammed into his chest, knocking the wind out of him.
Li Yu's fist froze mid-air, hesitating whether to strike.
Li Yu was so furious he drove his knee hard into his stomach.
Jian Suiying clutched her stomach and coughed violently, unable to catch her breath for a long while. Li Yu straightened her clothes and hurried back to the main hall without a moment's delay.
Jian Suiying wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, revealing a smug smile.