TYAM Chapter 75

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Strictly speaking, both Jiang Wang and Ji Linqiu are highly career-driven individuals, but their approaches are entirely different.  

Once Ji Linqiu sets a goal, he locks himself in his office and doesn’t come out. He can work overnight on teaching plans without even noticing the time.  

Friends who know him well are aware that he already owns a house and a car, and they can’t help but feel puzzled.  

“Brother, you’re already so successful. Why are you working this hard? Taking a break now and then wouldn’t hurt!”  

Jiang Wang, on the other hand, appears to be laid-back. When he gets busy, he’s flying all over the country and hardly ever stays at the office.  

Sometimes he’s playing golf with someone, and other times he’s spending an entire day at a winery, looking completely unserious.  

But every single thing he does is laying groundwork and forging connections, as if he has a god’s-eye view of everything. He goes around smoothing out obstacles long before the headquarters even realizes they need certain resources or connections. By the time they do, everything is already in place, and the path ahead is unbelievably clear.  

One person manages internal affairs, ensuring the critical components are in place.  

The other focuses on external affairs, guiding the way and lighting the path forward.  

Their unspoken synergy is unparalleled, as if they’ve known each other for years.  

In a short amount of time, Buwang Education became so successful that enrollment shifted to a reservation-only system, leaving competing training institutions far behind. The company even attracted attention from numerous media outlets, including the city’s television station.  

The station sent reporters for a special interview, eager to uncover the brilliance behind this integrated company that simultaneously operates a bookstore, publishing house, and tutoring center.  

Jiang Wang, who had long stayed behind the scenes as the company’s boss, made a rare public appearance. He wore a tailored suit, exuding an air of sophistication. When he spoke about serious matters, his Northern-accented Mandarin was impeccable, almost like a certified standard. Then, with a sudden shift in tone, he seamlessly switched to fluent Yuhan dialect, instantly endearing himself to everyone.  

Versatile and charismatic, he naturally left a strong impression on the audience.  

The reporter was so thrilled with the interview that they specifically asked the photographer to capture Jiang Wang from multiple angles, determined to showcase his most dashing side.  

In addition, the company’s co-founder, Ji Linqiu, also made a brief appearance for the interview.  

“How should I put it,” Ji Linqiu said with a smile. “Our three-pronged approach allows us to serve students and parents on multiple levels. This is a privilege and honor for the entire Buwang Education team.”  

There was, however, one thing he didn’t say aloud.  

Because it sounded almost arrogant.  

Only someone like Jiang Wang would have the vision and audacity to invest across industries and bring the company to where it is today.  

Inimitable. Unique.  

As the company gained fame, invitations to industry exchange conferences flooded in. Some were from peers looking to exchange ideas and learn from each other, while others dangled awards and honors in hopes of securing franchise opportunities.  

Jiang Wang considered that Ji Linqiu was essentially the company’s public face. He asked Duan Zhao to hold down the fort at headquarters while the two of them attended a conference.  

The ICV National Forum brought together three generations of industry leaders—veterans, current experts, and rising stars. The conference was prestigious, and securing a spot was highly competitive.  

But now, Jiang Wang and Ji Linqiu weren’t just attendees – they were special guest speakers, each granted a 20-minute slot for their presentations.  

The reason they were chosen was critical:  

This time, the forum wasn’t just for training institutions. A large number of excellent teachers, both active and retired, were also invited to discuss and collaborate.  

It was like gathering both the miners and the raw gemstones in one place, leaving future developments up to individual skill.  

Jiang Wang excelled at business negotiations, while Ji Linqiu had an eye for talent. One would recruit, the other would seize opportunities. Their teamwork was flawless.  

Meanwhile, Duan Zhao was content to stay at the company headquarters, counting money in peace. He had just quit his stable government job this year to work full-time in the private sector. More money, fewer headaches, and no need to write reports every day.  

Back when Kuang Ye helped connect Ji Linqiu’s father with a hospital, no one would’ve guessed how things would turn out. Ji Linqiu and Duan Zhao were both supposed to spend years teaching middle school in Yuhan. But Jiang Wang’s leadership made them abandon ship, leaving their former principal slapping his thighs in regret.  

“Not getting Ji Linqiu into the school was bad enough. How did you run off too?!”  

Duan Zhao wasn’t dissatisfied with his teacher’s salary; he just hated that it came with low pay and no freedom.  

The day after he quit, he went straight to a barbershop and had his hair styled into a messy perm. 

Jiang Wang approved. “Nice. From now on, you’ll handle all the delinquent student cases. You’ll be the Bully King of Xipo Street.”  

Ji Linqiu was a little moved by what he saw. 

He recalled a time when they were wandering down a pedestrian street, and Jiang Wang had casually placed a clip-on earring on him.  

Maybe it was time to get one for real.  

---

Before leaving, there were still some things to sort out at the school. What seemed difficult initially turned out to be surprisingly easy to execute.  

—To give their competitors a fighting chance, Buwang Education launched its premium-tier classes early.  

The courses included competitive programming training, independent admissions prep, and group discussion techniques. These high-barrier, high-return offerings were aimed at top-tier high school students looking for advanced options.  

If students mastered these courses, they could aim for guaranteed university spots. Even if they didn’t, the skills would still benefit future job applications or civil service exams. It was not a loss at all. 

When the pricing for the elite small classes was finalized, it was shockingly expensive, and some people worried about market reception.  

But as soon as a small batch of reserved slots was released, parents flocked to sign up. The spots were snapped up instantly, without even a single public advertisement.  

Later on, the elite, gold-medal classes became nothing more than an empty banner. Whoever inquired about them was told they were fully booked, with a polite suggestion to try again next term.  

—The sign existed solely to annoy their competitors.  

“Oh, you’re trying to compete?”  

“Well, we’re making more money than you, and we’re way more popular~” 

Dongri Education even sent spies to investigate the new classes. A few unfamiliar faces disguised themselves as parents, but the receptionist spotted them at first glance.  

Of course, the receptionist pretended to focus on her phone, indifferent and unbothered.  

With branch schools already under construction in Lushan and Yilong districts, why should they be afraid of these small fry?  

The spies studied the new schedule and packages, shocked internally.  

So expensive! Do they think every family is running a printing press for cash?!

“Excuse me, miss,” one of the spies asked hesitantly. “Is this course still open for enrollment? When does it start?”  

The receptionist scrolled on her phone for half a minute before lazily lifting her head, a faint smirk on her lips.  

“Sorry, all these classes are fully booked.”  

The spy’s face turned green.  

Fully booked.

Say that again?!  

They’ve just been released, and they’re already full?! And they’re charging that much?!  

“But… some of these classes aren’t even related to college entrance exams. Are they really that popular?”  

The receptionist smiled sweetly. “Sir, is the strap on your badge sticking out of your pocket?”  

The spy immediately reached for his pocket, thinking his work ID had been spotted, and fled in panic.  

Laughter echoed behind him.  

---

Jiang Wang, always cautious about teacher shortages, had preemptively hired outside experts to provide special training. However, Ji Linqiu turned out to be a true jack-of-all-trades. In just two weeks, he wrote an entire internal training manual, so comprehensive and profound it left everyone speechless.  

The experts spent a month perfecting the system for selecting and training teachers for the elite classes. Before leaving, one of them couldn’t resist asking Jiang Wang:  

“Your company’s Teacher Ji… judging by his accent, is he from Beijing? He wouldn’t happen to be from Renmin University’s affiliated high school, would he? He’s incredibly skilled!”  

Jiang Wang lowered his voice and said, “He used to teach elementary school English in a small, remote city.”  

The expert looked at him in awe. “You, sir, are the true talent scout!”  

The ICV Forum wasn’t just about presentations and networking. There was even a red-carpet segment before the event.  

Jiang Wang had already dressed sharply and swung by Ji Linqiu’s room to check if he was ready.  

Ji Linqiu had casually spritzed his hair, looking refreshed and vibrant.  

Jiang Wang circled him, then hooked his finger under the other man’s geometric-patterned tie, tugging lightly.  

“I don’t like geometric patterns. Let’s change to polka dots.”  

Ji Linqiu gave him a pointed look but obediently went to fetch a dark gray polka-dot tie from a nearby box.  

Before he could put it on, his wrist was gently held back. Jiang Wang reached for a silver-green polka-dot tie instead.  

“Wear the color I like,” Jiang Wang said with a roguish grin. “Otherwise, I won’t let you leave the room.”  

Ji Linqiu took the silver-green tie, his fingers pressing lightly on the fabric.  

He wasn’t particularly attached to his attire, but somehow, Jiang Wang’s actions felt like he was taming him.  

When this thought crossed his mind, it didn’t feel out of place—only delightful.  

Ji Linqiu had a strong insight. He once felt that there was a wild horse living in his heart, with the flowing clouds and wild grass as reins, so unrestrained that it galloped in the wind.

When Jiang Wang tightened the reins of the wild horse, he felt pleasure instead.

Jiang Wang, still with a smile, tied a Windsor knot himself. His fingers pinched the knot and tightened it snugly against Ji Linqiu’s throat.  

Ji Linqiu let him handle him without resistance, his inky black eyes following every movement, missing nothing.  

---

The five-star hotel was nestled in a lush forest on the outskirts of the city. Its European-style architecture carried hints of Baroque opulence, with a resplendent interior that was both luxurious and grand.  

They waited in the middle of the queue. When the guide signaled, they stepped forward into the camera’s view, heading toward the red carpet as dazzling flashes lit up in rapid succession. The clamor and brightness were overwhelming.  

The two young men, spirited and full of confidence, walked side by side. Amidst a crowd of middle-aged attendees, they stood out as both strikingly young and extraordinarily distinguished.  

By the time they reached the end of the carpet, Ji Linqiu finally felt hot, so hot that he wanted to unbutton a couple of buttons to cool down.  

He wasn’t sure if it was because the air conditioning in the corridor was too strong or because the tie—handpicked by his lover and tied personally—felt like a public display of affection.  

It was too blatant.  

The following events were formal and predictable.

Signing the honor wall, exchanging polite greetings with businesspeople, settling into seats amid cheerful music, listening to speeches, and waiting to go on stage.  

Ji Linqiu felt his throat burning.  

The tie was a bit too tight, making his breathing shallow. Yet, standing beside Jiang Wang, who looked uncharacteristically refined and elegant, he couldn’t bring himself to loosen it.  

Then came the awards segment.  

The host on stage slowly and methodically announced each name. Occasionally stumbling over rare characters or homophones, they wasted several seconds each time.  

Ji Linqiu was growing impatient. His usually clear mind felt as though it were drifting in an ebbing and flowing tide, subdued by the knot at his throat.  

“Linqiu, stand up,” Jiang Wang said with a faint smile. “It’s time to accept your award.”  

Ji Linqiu snapped out of it, clearing his throat lightly as he followed Jiang Wang to the stage.  

The organizers, beaming with excitement, handed over a trophy and certificate while singing praises for this pair of rising stars in the education and publishing industries. They rattled off more than a dozen compliments.  

“Let’s give them a warm round of applause!”  

The scorching spotlight shone directly on them.  

Ji Linqiu still felt breathless, yet he didn’t loosen the knot.  

He accepted the trophy, smiling politely at the audience, then glanced lightly at Jiang Wang.  

The tie around his neck, illuminated by the spotlight, glimmered faintly.  

Silver-green. Polka-dotted. Everything Jiang Wang liked.  

‘I am his,’ Ji Linqiu suddenly thought.  

‘I already completely belong to him.’