MTY chapter 37

Lin Yu: “I understand now.”

Lu Ziqing stared at the table, his eyelashes trembling slightly. “You… figured it out?”

Lin Yu: “After hearing what you said… it’s actually quite obvious. I just hadn’t noticed before.”

On the surface, Lu Ziqing and Liang Zhi appeared to be nothing more than ordinary colleagues.

But thinking back, every time Zhou Youyu bullied Liang Zhi, it was Lu Ziqing who stepped in to defend him.

Liang Zhi didn’t own a car, and on rainy days, it was Lu Ziqing who offered him a ride home.

On weekends, Lu Ziqing often experimented with new dishes at home, and more than once, Lin Yu had seen him pack braised beef into lunchboxes on Monday mornings, supposedly to share with colleagues.

Looking back now, the “sharing” was just an excuse. The real intention was to bring food specifically for Liang Zhi.

Lin Yu had read about similar heartwarming stories online—”To give you a gift, I gave everyone a gift.”

So, Lu Ziqing had been secretly in love with Liang Zhi for a long time.

Lin Yu sighed softly.

What a hopeless romantic.

He looked at Lu Ziqing. “Why haven’t you confessed?”

Lu Ziqing continued staring at the table. “You can probably guess why.”

Lin Yu nodded sympathetically.

Of course, he could guess.

For the child of a wealthy family, free love was already a challenge—let alone falling for another alpha, one with an ordinary background and an unremarkable appearance.

Lin Yu: “You’re afraid your parents won’t approve?”

“My parents?” Lu Ziqing was momentarily stunned, then immediately denied it. “No. What does my love life have to do with them? They can’t control me.”

Lin Yu was surprised. “So that’s not the reason?”

Lu Ziqing took a sip of water, his voice a little hoarse. “…I just think our relationship is special. I’m afraid that if I confess and he doesn’t feel the same way, things will get awkward between us.”

Lin Yu understood.

So, Lu Ziqing really was just harboring a one-sided crush. Liang Zhi had no feelings for him at all.

No wonder he didn’t dare to confess.

If he got rejected, they’d still have to work in the same office, seeing each other every day—how awkward would that be?

After speaking, Lu Ziqing fell silent, waiting quietly for Lin Yu’s “judgment.”

His words just now were essentially a direct confession.

Success or failure would be determined right here.

He waited for a long time but still didn’t get a response from Lin Yu.

The veins on his forehead twitched with unease.

Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly heard Lin Yu speak.

“Are you free next weekend?” Lin Yu’s eyes sparkled. “Let’s go see a movie together.”

…..

Saturday, 7 PM, outside Blue Sea Cinema.

Three people sat around a small round table at the entrance of the cinema, exchanging glances, each with a different expression.

Lu Ziqing looked grim.

Lin Yu, smiling warmly.

And Liang Zhi, sitting nervously, fidgeting in his seat.

Clenching his teeth slightly, Lu Ziqing asked Lin Yu, “What’s going on here?”

Lin Yu smiled. “I happened to have three movie tickets from the company, and Xiao Liang was free, so I invited him along too. Hope you don’t mind.”

Internally, he sighed at how hard his job was.

Not only did he have to manage work and lead his team, but now he also had to handle his employees’ love lives.

Truly, a great act of service.

He deserved to be nominated for ‘China’s Top 10 Most Noble Figures of the Year.’

The moment he realized Lu Ziqing’s crush was Liang Zhi, he decisively decided to help by bringing Liang Zhi along to watch a movie.

When it came to relationships, someone had to take the first step.

Lu Ziqing wasn’t daring enough, so he would do it for him.

To save Lu Ziqing from embarrassment, he hadn’t told him about inviting Liang Zhi.

To keep Liang Zhi from feeling awkward, he hadn’t mentioned Lu Ziqing’s feelings either—just told him that work had been tough lately and invited him to a movie to relax.

Lu Ziqing stared at Liang Zhi, his expression dark.

Liang Zhi swallowed nervously and whispered to Lin Yu, “Director Lin, maybe I should skip the movie. I can reimburse you for the ticket…”

Cold sweat was nearly dripping down his forehead.

On Friday night, he had been at home reading a professional book when he suddenly received a WeChat message from Director Lin, inviting him to a Saturday night movie, saying that work had been tough and he should come out to relax.

He was confused, not understanding why the boss would suddenly ask him out, so he called Mi Lan to see if she had heard anything.

Mi Lan was busy watching a drama and simply replied “No” before hanging up.

That was when Liang Zhi broke into a cold sweat.

There had been rumors at the company lately that Director Lin’s performance had been outstanding and he was likely to get a promotion soon.

Everyone knew that when top-level personnel changed, layoffs usually followed.

A colleague from HR had also hinted that a new hiring cycle was about to begin, and some underperforming employees might be let go.

Liang Zhi always considered himself a diligent worker, but he was too honest—never buttered up his bosses or gave gifts during the holidays.

If there really was a round of layoffs, he wasn’t entirely safe.

He and Director Lin weren’t particularly close, so if he was being suddenly invited to a movie…

Liang Zhi thought about calling Lu Ziqing to ask for advice.

He entered the number but hesitated, then sighed and put down his phone.

Even though they worked in the same office, Lu Ziqing’s situation was different.

With his wealthy background, he was clearly just here for the experience. Layoffs wouldn’t affect him at all.

Asking him wouldn’t make a difference.

So, with a full day and night of anxiety, Liang Zhi finally arrived at Blue Sea Cinema.

And to his shock—Lu Ziqing was there too.

Lu Ziqing’s expression looked awful.

Maybe he also guessed that I’m about to be fired? Liang Zhi thought nervously.

His urge to escape grew stronger.

Lin Yu patted his shoulder. “Why are you so nervous? It’s just a movie.”

Lu Ziqing stared at Lin Yu’s hand on Liang Zhi’s shoulder. “…I thought you only invited me.”

Lin Yu grinned. “Going out is more fun with more people.”

More people, more fun.

Liang Zhi shivered again.

Was that a hint? Like, “There are too many people in the company”?

The time for ticket validation arrived.

With different thoughts in mind, the three of them walked into the theater.

Lin Yu had booked seats 6, 7, and 8 in row seven.

But there was a problem when they sat down.

Lin Yu took seat 6 and planned for Lu Ziqing to take 7, with Liang Zhi in 8. That way, they could interact more, and if Lu Ziqing was unsure how to act, Lin Yu could give him some subtle hints.

But Liang Zhi went straight to row 4 instead.

He forced a smile and said, “Looks like we have the whole theater to ourselves. My eyesight isn’t great, so I’ll sit closer for a better view.”

In reality, he just wanted to avoid sitting next to his boss, so he fled to the front.

Lin Yu frowned slightly.

This wouldn’t do.

They were too far apart—how could they develop any feelings this way?

So, he gave Lu Ziqing a look. “Liang Zhi sitting alone in the front seems lonely.”

Lu Ziqing narrowed his eyes. “What, you want to go sit with him?”

Lin Yu sighed.

These kids—so shy when they had a crush.

Well, looks like he had to step in again.

Lin Yu stood up and actually sat down next to Liang Zhi.

He looked at Liang Zhi and smiled. “You’re right—the view is pretty good from here.”

Liang Zhi’s face was pale, utterly hopeless.

The next second, Lu Ziqing also stood up and walked over.

He glanced at Lin Yu and Liang Zhi’s slightly touching shoulders and said, “Liang Zhi, move one seat to the right. My back feels a little sore—I want to sit in the middle massage chair.”

Liang Zhi was more than happy to put some distance between himself and Lin Yu, so he immediately lifted himself off the seat and shifted over.

Seeing the two finally seated, Lin Yu was satisfied.

Perfect.

Everything was going smoothly.

Just as Liang Zhi had suspected, they had the whole theater to themselves.

When Lin Yu bought the tickets, he had deliberately chosen a romantic movie. But since it had already been in theaters for weeks and was about to be taken down, hardly anyone was watching it.

Lin Yu thought that was ideal—no distractions, making it easier for Lu Ziqing and Liang Zhi to connect.

The movie opened with a car accident—the male lead was sent flying eight meters by a speeding truck, while the female lead clung to him, sobbing hysterically.

Lin Yu took a quick glance and determined it was one of those modern tearjerker romances.

He wasn’t particularly interested in the movie itself. His attention was entirely on his two subordinates.

Ten minutes in, and Lu Ziqing still hadn’t made a move.

Lin Yu quietly handed him the popcorn bucket and whispered, “Here, give this to Liang Zhi.”

Lu Ziqing gave him a sidelong glance. “He already has fries.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Lin Yu was getting anxious for him. How could this kid be so clueless? “Just give it to him.”

Irritated, Lu Ziqing took the bucket and shoved it into Liang Zhi’s arms.

Now Liang Zhi sat there, holding two giant snack buckets, utterly bewildered.

…

The scene Lin Yu had envisioned—where the two of them would share snacks sweetly—never happened.

Lu Ziqing sat there with his arms crossed, watching the movie with a cold expression.

Liang Zhi, meanwhile, buried his head and ate furiously.

Lin Yu thought for a moment and whispered to Lu Ziqing again, “Ask Liang Zhi if he’s cold.”

Lu Ziqing was wearing a jacket.

The weather that day wasn’t particularly hot or cold—either way was fine—but Lin Yu figured that offering a jacket would help warm up their relationship.

Lu Ziqing muttered through clenched teeth, “Why do you care so much about him?”

Lin Yu: “Look at his T-shirt. It’s so thin, practically paper.”

Lu Ziqing: “Not my problem.”

Lin Yu was so frustrated he wanted to strangle someone.

No matter how much effort he put into playing matchmaker, it wouldn’t work if the person involved was completely clueless.

What was going on?

Lu Ziqing didn’t seem like an idiot.

After some reflection, Lin Yu wondered if maybe his presence was making Lu Ziqing uncomfortable.

That was possible.

Some people just couldn’t express affection when there was someone they knew around.

Lin Yu made a quick decision. “I’m going to the restroom. You two keep watching.”

…

Lin Yu stood at the restroom sink, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone.

The movie still had over an hour left, so to give them space, he planned to stay outside for a while.

As he scrolled, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching.

He figured it was just another customer coming in.

But when he looked up—Lu Ziqing had walked in.

His face was even darker than when they first entered the theater, looking downright stormy.

Lin Yu: “Why are you out here?”

Lu Ziqing stared at him directly. “What are you trying to do?”

Lin Yu: “?”

Lu Ziqing: “The movie, the popcorn, the jacket… You think I wouldn’t notice?”

Lin Yu: “??”

Lu Ziqing: “Or did you do it on purpose—so I’d see?”

Lin Yu: “???”

Now Lin Yu was actually getting angry.

The whole evening, Lu Ziqing had not only failed to pick up on cues but had also been sabotaging things, saying cryptic nonsense, and now was throwing him attitude.

Sure, he had agreed to help, but that didn’t mean he had to put up with this bad temper.

Closing his eyes briefly to control his irritation, Lin Yu said, “Enough already.”

“I invited Liang Zhi out for you. I kept finding conversation topics and setting up chances for you two to be alone—this is how you repay me?”

“I don’t expect you to thank me. I chose to help you on my own. But can you at least be reasonable? I’m helping you, not because I owe you anything.”

“You… You should think about that.”

Even though he was genuinely angry, Lin Yu kept his composure out of courtesy.

Lu Ziqing listened to him, his gloomy expression shifting into something more uncertain, as if he was deep in thought. Then, his face turned strangely unreadable.

Muttering under his breath, Lu Ziqing said, “…So that’s what this was about.”

Lin Yu didn’t catch that. “What?”

Lu Ziqing was staring at him with an odd expression, as if he wanted to say something but was holding back.

“…Nothing,” Lu Ziqing turned away. “Let’s go back.”

“Wait,” Lin Yu realized he might’ve spoken too harshly just now. Softening his tone, he said, “Don’t take it the wrong way. I just get frustrated seeing you so clueless.”

Lu Ziqing: “…Mm.”

Lin Yu sighed, speaking earnestly, “In life, finding someone you like isn’t easy. Don’t let shyness make you miss your chance. Sometimes, once you miss it, it’s gone.”

Lu Ziqing: “Oh.”

Lin Yu thought for a moment and offered another idea. “Alright, here’s what you do—when you go back, find a moment during the movie and try holding Liang Zhi’s hand. See if he pulls away.”

“Body language doesn’t lie. If he doesn’t resist, then there’s a good chance it’ll work out.”

Honestly, Lin Yu had just looked this up before coming. He had watched relationship advice videos and even read books on interpersonal attraction, hoping to help however he could.

Lu Ziqing’s shoulder twitched violently.

After a brief silence, he said, “Got it.”

The two returned to their seats.

Liang Zhi, possibly in a carb-induced daze from eating too much, leaned back in his chair, his eyes half-open, looking drowsy.

The movie was reaching its climax—the male and female leads were exchanging rings in a hot air balloon above a field of blooming flowers.

“A perfect opportunity,” Lin Yu whispered. “Quick, hold his hand.”

The next second, he suddenly felt his own right hand being gently held.

A hand much larger than his—broad, warm.

“You grabbed the wrong one!” Lin Yu nearly fainted in exasperation. Helplessly, he said, “Your right side, the right side!”

The very next second, Lu Ziqing’s other arm reached over and grabbed his left hand too.

He curled Lin Yu’s fingers inward, wrapping them securely in his palm.

Lin Yu: “…”

At that moment, he really wanted to suggest that President Lu take his son to the hospital for an IQ test.

Just as he was about to lose his temper, a sudden realization struck him, and he froze.

In the pitch-black theater, the silver screen displayed a breathtaking sea of gesang flowers.

The male lead gazed deeply at the female lead and said, “If meeting you was a mistake, then let’s start our love from eternity.”

Lu Ziqing’s gaze shifted from the screen to the completely frozen Lin Yu.

He stared at him, unblinking, and softly repeated, “…Then let’s start our love from eternity.”

 

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Author’s Note

Not easy at all. ( )

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