Chapter 18
Lu Zhiyue opened the box and saw a delicate and beautiful men’s watch.
He had a collection of the same brand in the display case in his study and knew that this series was expensive. Clearly, Young Master Chi had gone all out.
Lu Zhiyue lightly curled his lips. “How did you know I like watches?”
Chi Suinian took out his phone, leaned back into the sofa, and frowned. “I told you I picked it up. Don’t you understand?”
The display case right across the study’s door was so large—anyone with eyes could see it.
“Oh,” Lu Zhiyue said. “Then I don’t want it.”
The small box was returned just as it was.
Chi Suinian’s eyelid twitched. “What did you say?”
“I said I don’t want it.” Lu Zhiyue lowered his gaze indifferently. “Lost items should be handed in. What if the owner is anxious right now?”
Oh, truly a model citizen of modern society.
He had rushed back from the suburbs, sprinted idiotically to the mall to buy a gift, only for it to be returned without even being touched.
How did Lu Zhiyue always manage to test his patience?
Chi Suinian couldn’t bear it anymore. He put down his phone, visibly annoyed. “Just wear it. Why so much nonsense?”
Lu Zhiyue: “I don’t dare take something of unknown origin.”
He paused before adding, “I’m afraid the police might arrest me.”
Police? Arrest? Nearly thirty and still playing the innocent act.
Chi Suinian ruffled his hair in frustration. “I bought it myself, okay? Lu Zhiyue, if you dare not take it, I’ll beat you to death!”
Lu Zhiyue raised an eyebrow leisurely. “You picked it out?”
“Who else?”
Hearing this, Lu Zhiyue smiled, opened the box, and put the watch on in front of Chi Suinian.
His wrists had smooth and elegant lines, and paired with the watch’s simple yet sophisticated design, it added a sense of maturity and distinction to his overall demeanor.
Lu Zhiyue said, “Thanks. You have good taste. I like it a lot.”
“…”
Chi Suinian suddenly regretted it.
He shouldn’t have bought such an expensive watch for Lu Zhiyue. This guy was only worthy of tying a piece of twine on his wrist.
“Are you free tomorrow?” Lu Zhiyue asked suddenly after putting on the watch.
Chi Suinian didn’t even think. “No.”
Lu Zhiyue wasn’t fazed by his rudeness and said softly, “I’m hosting a birthday party tomorrow night at the Jin Di Hotel. Will you come?”
The phone on the table buzzed softly. Chi Suinian glanced at it, then got up and went upstairs. “Not going.”
“That’s fine.” Lu Zhiyue nodded lightly, his tone calm. “If you’re too shy, it’s okay not to come. I’ll make excuses for you.”
“…”
Chi Suinian stopped halfway up the stairs and clenched his fist.
Half a minute later, he stomped down heavily and stopped in front of Lu Zhiyue.
“What time?” Chi Suinian said coldly. “I’ll bring you a coffin tomorrow.”
A subtle smile tugged at Lu Zhiyue’s lips.
“Seven in the evening. I’ll have Lin Qi pick you up.”
“No need.” Chi Suinian turned and walked off. “Wait for your coffin.”
Back in the master bedroom, Chi Suinian returned Qin Sui Tian’s call. “What’s up?”
He’d been too busy arguing with Lu Zhiyue earlier to answer.
“Are you free today?” Qin Sui Tian asked. “We might need you to come to the company.”
Chi Suinian rubbed his temples. “Is there a problem at the company again?”
Qin Sui Tian sighed helplessly. “Not with the company—this time, it’s someone.”
“Who?”
“Chi Mingyao,” Qin Sui Tian said. “He’s colluding with some minor shareholders to sell off the Tongcheng company. Together, their shares surpass 20%, and I can’t hold them off.”
“…”
Chi Suinian turned and walked downstairs. “Wait. I’m on my way.”
Downstairs, Lu Zhiyue was preparing to leave. When he saw Chi Suinian storming down with a grim expression, he asked, “What happened?”
None of your business.
Without looking at him, Chi Suinian left the house.
Far Mountain Lake’s neighborhood was quite a distance from the city center. Since driving wasn’t an option, Chi Suinian could only hail a ride via an app.
But for some reason, he’d been standing outside for several minutes, and not a single driver had accepted his request.
The small animated figure on the screen stood there waiting, looking particularly foolish.
The sound of an engine came from behind as the villa gates remained open.
Chi Suinian glared at his phone and canceled the request. What a lousy app. He couldn’t get a single ride.
A black car pulled up in front of him, and the rear window rolled down. “Where to? I’ll take you.”
Before Chi Suinian could refuse, Lu Zhiyue raised his phone. “It’s about to rain. You won’t find a ride here easily.”
The residents of the villa area were all wealthy, with garages full of cars gathering dust. Taxi drivers rarely came this way.
“…”
Realizing this, Chi Suinian hesitated for a moment before silently getting into the car.
Lu Zhiyue moved his files and laptop to the other side and asked, “Where are you headed?”
“Chihao.”
Lu Zhiyue raised an eyebrow. “Is there another issue with Chihao?”
Chi Suinian wanted to say, “None of your business,” but thought better of it since he was in the man’s car. Beggars can’t be choosers, so he stayed quiet.
The driver, Lin Qi, tactfully dropped Chi Suinian off first. The car ride was silent, with both bosses in the backseat as quiet as chickens.
Well, to be precise, it was a one-sided silence from Chi Suinian.
Lu Zhiyue tried to strike up a conversation two or three times but received no response.
When the car finally pulled up in front of Chihao’s building, Chi Suinian was about to get out when Lu Zhiyue grabbed his wrist. “What time will you be done? I’ll come to pick you up tonight.”
Chi Suinian turned back with a dark expression, meeting Lu Zhiyue’s intense gaze.
Frankly, Chi Suinian was a little confused. He wanted to ask, “Are you a masochist or just born annoying? Why do you love clinging to me and getting scolded?” But he felt saying this would be unnecessarily dramatic and meddlesome.
Forget it. This guy just loved being a nuisance. What could he do about it?
With his brows furrowed—a sure sign of impending anger for those who knew him—anyone else would have fled the scene by now.
But Lu Zhiyue was clearly fearless. “You can’t drive, and getting home will be inconvenient.”
Then he heard Chi Suinian click his tongue in irritation and reply, “Am I missing a hand or a leg? Can’t drive? Can’t hail a cab?”
“…”
“…Fine.” Lu Zhiyue lowered his gaze, looking like an abandoned wife. “Come home early tonight.”
Chi Suinian: “…”
Lin Qi: “???”
In the company, Qin Sui Tian had been waiting for a while. As soon as Chi Suinian arrived at the front desk, he rushed downstairs to greet him.
Chi Suinian got straight to the point. “What’s going on?”
Qin Sui Tian led him to the top-floor office and quickly explained along the way. “Tongcheng has been performing poorly recently. It hasn’t reached the point of insolvency, but it’s barely producing anything. Chi Mingyao has had his eye on it for a while.”
He paused before continuing, “You should prepare yourself. Tongcheng may not survive.”
The office had a full set of documents prepared—thorough and detailed enough for even someone like Chi Suinian, who wasn’t well-versed in business operations, to understand at a glance.
Tongcheng’s equipment was outdated, its productivity was insufficient, and its products were subpar. In a market dominated by high-tech manufacturers, the fact that it had survived until now was a miracle.
But even miracles couldn’t withstand market forces.
Chi Suinian understood this but couldn’t bring himself to let go of Tongcheng so easily. This was the first company his grandfather had built from scratch, a symbol of his legacy. He didn’t want to see it decline.
Saving it was simple.
All it needed was capital investment to purchase advanced equipment, and the company could be revived.
But that one solution was also a dead end.
The company had no money.
So that one path forward was effectively blocked.
“It’s unavoidable. You’ve sold off almost all your assets. If you want to raise money quickly, you’ll have to borrow,” Qin Sui Tian sighed. Then he added, “How much more can you borrow from Lu Zhiyue?”
Instead of answering, Chi Suinian asked, “How much does Tongcheng need?”
After a moment of silence, Qin Sui Tian said, “Even with a conservative estimate…at least two hundred million.”
Chi Suinian: “…”
Great. Even selling his car wouldn’t cover the gap.
“Why don’t you…” Qin Sui Tian hesitated before suggesting, “Try asking Lu Zhiyue? He seems pretty loaded.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Because the price is too high.
That bastard Lu insisted I kiss him.
Of course, he couldn’t say that, or he’d lose every shred of dignity.
“I said no. That’s final,” Chi Suinian said through gritted teeth. “Why do you need a reason for everything?”
But Qin Sui Tian refused to give up. “You have to give me a reason. Did you two fight?”
“No.” Chi Suinian irritably tossed the documents aside.
They hadn’t fought, but they had nearly come to blows.
Still clueless, Qin Suitian persisted. “Lu Zhiyue is generous to you. Last time, he lent you double the amount you asked for. He won’t hesitate to help again.”
“Which eye of yours saw him being generous?” You don’t know the kind of trouble he causes behind the scenes!
Just thinking about how Lu Zhiyue smugly said, “Kiss me,” made Chi Suinian’s face turn green with anger.
Bastard.
“Both. I saw it with both eyes,” Qin Sui Tian replied innocently.
Chi Suinian: “…”
“I’m not trying to make things difficult for you, but if you want to save Tongcheng, this is the only way,” Qin Sui Tian said, frowning. “You’re a grown man. Borrowing money isn’t a big deal. It’s not like you haven’t done it before. Besides, it’s your husband. There’s nothing embarrassing about it.”
Chi Suinian: “…”
Thanks for your advice. I’m this close to dying of rage.
As much as he didn’t want to admit it, borrowing money from Lu Zhiyue seemed to be his only option.
Reluctantly, after Qin Sui Tian’s persistent coaxing, the idea of borrowing money didn’t feel as repulsive as it initially had.
Borrowing money—what’s the big deal? It’s not like I haven’t done it before.
“Just hit back if you’re humiliated again. It’s not a big deal.”
With this thought in mind, Chi Suinian was about to ask Qin Sui Tian to prepare the contract when a ringtone interrupted him.
Instinctively, he took out his phone.
“Sorry, I need to take this call,” Qin Sui Tian said, his tone tinged with seriousness.
Thinking it was work-related, Chi Suinian nodded lightly.
“Hello—” Qin Sui Tian answered the call and stood up.
“…Qin Sui Tian, damn you! You’re such a jerk! You bastard! If you show up in front of me again, I’ll beat you to death!”
In the quiet office, a clear, crisp teenage voice shouted angrily through the phone’s receiver, echoing throughout the space.
Qin Sui Tian froze: “…”
Chi Suinian side-eyed him: “?”
After the boy shouted, he immediately hung up the call, as swift as the wind.
Qin Sui Tian’s expression stiffened for a moment before he quickly composed himself. He wiped his face and returned to his usual calm, elite demeanor. “So, Mr. Chi, have you made your decision?”
Chi Suinian raised an eyebrow, his gaze now filled with interest. “Someone’s out for revenge against you?”
Qin Sui Tian was taken aback. “No. Just a minor issue—I can handle it.”
Chi Suinian wasn’t the type to meddle, so he simply nodded. “Prepare the contract.”
Originally, Chi Suinian had planned to discuss borrowing money with Lu Zhiyue at home. It would be best to resolve this matter privately rather than embarrassing himself in public.
But when he got home, he learned that Lu Zhiyue was out setting up a venue and likely wouldn’t be back that night.
That left Chi Suinian waiting until the next afternoon.
Tang Jin, upon hearing that Chi Suinian was attending the banquet, went out of his way to pick him up.
Having had a bad night’s sleep, Chi Suinian had spent the entire time dreaming of Lu Zhiyue’s incessant “kiss me once,” which was more horrifying than any ghost story.
Thanks to those nightmares, by the time he got in the car, he looked as if a storm cloud hovered over him. His bloodshot eyes and expressionless face made him more frightening than any ghost.
Tang Jin’s hands trembled as he gripped the steering wheel. “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been losing your temper a lot lately. Who pissed you off? Just tell me—I’ll break every bone in their body!”
“Lu Zhiyue,” Chi Suinian said lazily, leaning his head against his hand. “Go ahead, but leave me a couple of bones.”
Although it was clearly a joke, Tang Jin couldn’t help but ask, “What do you need his bones for?”
“Crush them and make tea.”
“…”
Tang Jin’s face froze. “Don’t joke like that. Seriously.”
“You started the joke,” Chi Suinian said coolly.
“…”
Tang Jin coughed awkwardly, quickly changing the subject. “By the way, it’s Lu Zhiyue’s birthday today. What did you get him? I’m clueless about what he likes—do you know?”
“A coffin.”
“…”
Tang Jin shut his mouth.
He was sure now—this ancestor of his was a live firecracker, ready to blow up anyone who crossed his path.
He decided to drop his usual chatty nature and drove in silence.
Lu Zhiyue’s birthday party was a grand affair. Nearly all the big names in Jin City were present, creating a scene as bustling as a celebrity press conference.
Lin Qi had been instructed to wait for Chi Suinian at the entrance.
It wasn’t exactly a desirable task, and Lin Qi felt a bit uneasy.
Everyone around Lu Zhiyue knew that Chi Suinian had a temper as unpredictable as the weather. If he got into a spat with Lu Zhiyue himself, it was bad enough—but for regular staff like Lin Qi, it was downright terrifying.
Sigh.
Just as Lin Qi was lost in thought, a flashy red sports car pulled up at the hotel entrance. The valet opened the door, and a tall, handsome young man stepped out of the passenger seat.
Lin Qi’s expression tightened as he hurried to greet him. “Mr. Chi, Mr. Lu instructed me to wait for you. Please follow me.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll go in myself,” Chi Suinian replied.
Lin Qi froze for a moment.
Seeing the man still standing there, Chi Suinian raised an eyebrow in confusion. “I’m here with a friend. You don’t need to guide me. Take a break.”
Lin Qi finally snapped out of it and nodded hurriedly. “Ah—yes, of course. Thank you, Mr. Chi.”
Chi Suinian knew exactly what was going on.
Lu Zhiyue had likely sent someone to guide him to his social circle, intending to put on a show of being a loving couple in front of everyone.
Normally, he’d just roll his eyes and go along with it.
But after a night of nightmares, Chi Suinian wasn’t in the mood to see Lu Zhiyue’s face.
He was worried he might end up punching him.
“Lu Heng’s over there—it’s lively. Let’s head over,” Tang Jin suggested, glancing at the open lounge area.
Chi Suinian didn’t object.
Lu Heng was a carefree guy who could make friends anywhere. At that moment, he was laughing and drinking with a group of second-generation rich kids, making the place quite lively.
As soon as Lu Heng spotted Chi Suinian, he called out, “Suinian, just in time! Tell everyone—didn’t you outdrink Cheng Song last time?”
Chi Suinian tossed his phone onto the table and sank into a single-seater sofa.
Leaning back lazily, he said, “What’s the point of talking about this?”
What was he—a peacock showing off his feathers?
“Everyone’s curious! Confirm it for us—did you or didn’t you outdrink Cheng Song?” Lu Heng pressed.
A circle of eager eyes turned to Chi Suinian, more enthusiastic than zoo-goers spotting a panda.
Chi Suinian clicked his tongue. These people had way too much time on their hands.
“…Mr. Lu.”
In the crowd, a young man suddenly stood up, his gaze fixed behind Chi Suinian.
“Don’t stand on ceremony. Please, have a seat.”
That infuriating voice came from behind Chi Suinian, followed by a faint chuckle. “The wine tonight is excellent. Please, enjoy yourselves.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lu.”
“Well then, I’ll leave you all to it—I need to borrow Chi Suinian for a moment.”
Someone in the crowd laughed. “We’ve all heard about how loving Mr. Lu and Mr. Chi are. Seeing it firsthand today, you two really are the perfect couple!”
Tang Jin’s heart sank as he turned to look at Chi Suinian.
Sure enough, the man’s face was pitch black.
Chi Suinian: “…”
Loving, my foot.
This kid had to be blind.
“Indeed,” Lu Zhiyue nodded, playing along. “He’s wonderful. I like him very much.”
“…”
Chi Suinian paused mid-movement.
The crowd began teasing: “Mr. Lu, tell us—what do you like about Chi Suinian?”
It was a lighthearted question, meant more as a joke. No one expected Lu Zhiyue to actually answer in such a public setting.
“I like…” Lu Zhiyue uncharacteristically hesitated.
The crowd perked up, ears twitching in curiosity.
Chi Suinian narrowed his eyes, his fists clenching slightly. If Lu Zhiyue dared to spout nonsense about “love,” “beauty,” or “soulmates,” he’d make sure the man spent his birthday with a black eye.
“I like the watch he gave me,” Lu Zhiyue said, raising his wrist to reveal the metallic piece under his sleeve. “He picked it himself. It’s expensive and very elegant.”
“…”
Lu Heng and Tang Jin exchanged strange looks.
The next second, Lu Zhiyue was unceremoniously dragged away. Chi Suinian grabbed his tie and hauled him into a lounge.
The onlookers were left gaping.
······
Inside the lounge.
Chi Suinian slammed the door shut, grabbed Lu Zhiyue by the collar, and pressed him against the wall. His glare was sharp. “If you can’t keep your mouth shut, don’t speak at all. Say one more word of nonsense, and I’ll tear your mouth off!”
Lu Zhiyue lowered his gaze to the face so close to his and asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
Chi Suinian sneered. “What do you think?”
Lu Zhiyue thought for a moment and replied, “I think I didn’t.”
“…”
It was impossible to communicate with him.
Chi Suinian let go, ready to throw a punch, but remembered the document in his pocket and held back.
Lu Zhiyue seemed to have anticipated this, smirking smugly.
Smirking, my ass.
With a cold expression, Chi Suinian pulled out the neatly folded contract from his pocket and spread it out in front of Lu Zhiyue. “I need a loan.”
Lu Zhiyue raised an eyebrow in surprise, almost mistaking it for a debt collection.
Glancing at the contract, he looked up at Chi Suinian, his gaze dropping to the other man’s chest.
Chi Suinian’s eyebrow twitched, sensing something bad was about to happen.
Lu Zhiyue: “How did you manage to carry this contract?”
“…” Could your focus get any weirder?
“None of your business.”
Lu Zhiyue chuckled meaningfully.
Laugh all you want. Let’s see how long you last.
Chi Suinian’s patience finally ran out. He folded up the contract, his face dark. “Forget the loan. I’m going to kill you today.”
“Wait,” Lu Zhiyue said, his voice tinged with laughter. “How much do you need?”
Chi Suinian paused. “Two hundred million.”
“Okay.”
Chi Suinian exhaled in relief.
“But you have to kiss me.”
“…”
This guy just wouldn’t quit.
Chi Suinian raised his eyes, his gaze deadly. “Fine. I’ll ‘kiss’ you to death today—”
Before he could finish, the door behind him opened, causing him to stumble forward.
Caught off guard, he toppled toward Lu Zhiyue.
His lips met Lu Zhiyue’s.
The touch was soft and warm.
“…”
“…”
“Suinian, don’t be impulsive. There are so many guests outside—getting hurt wouldn’t be good…” Tang Jin trailed off as he stepped into the lounge and froze at the sight. “Uh…”
“I-I’ll just leave now—I didn’t see anything. Please continue—sorry, my bad—bye!”
“…”
