Jian Suiying called the director in Beihai to inquire about the progress of that plot of land, but the other party was vague, claiming he hadn't followed up on the matter.
He wasn't about to give up so easily. At this point, he couldn't afford to worry about owing unnecessary favors.
Whether Li Yu and his team could continue injecting capital or recoup their investment on schedule now hung in the balance.
The ideal outcome Jian Suiying hoped for was seeing them face off in court. He would then take his seat in the gallery, thoroughly mocking these flustered fools.
These thoughts lifted Jian Suiying's spirits considerably.
This time, he truly tasted an unprecedented sense of defeat and humiliation. The betrayal by Jian Suilin and Li Yu—he couldn't tell which hurt him more.
hurt him more. All he knew was that unless he gave those two a thorough beating, his heart would never be free of this bitter hatred.
After resting at home for three days, the bruises and swelling on Jian Suiying's face had finally subsided considerably. He no longer looked like he'd been dealt a terrible blow.
It was all fucking Li Yu's fault.
Driving home, he soon realized he couldn't continue. He pulled over quickly, pulled the door open, and vomited all over the ground.
and vomited all over the floor.
Ever since his mother died, no one in this world had cared for him wholeheartedly anymore. This feeling of utter loneliness and helplessness
could only be eased by his own strength. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing—relying on himself was better than depending on anyone else
. So he regretted it a little—if only he had never met Li Yu.
He drew a deep breath. Beijing in autumn was bitterly cold at night.
Jian Suiying awoke uncomfortably under the sunlight. He struggled to open his eyes, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling
, unfamiliar curtains, and everything else in this unfamiliar room.
He closed his eyes, shaking his head uncomfortably, desperately trying to shake off the throbbing headache. Someone entered from the outer room and whispered, "You're awake?"
Jian Suiying opened his eyes to see a handsome young man standing in the doorway. He wore a beige thin sweater and coffee-striped
sleep pants. His slender collarbone was faintly visible at the collar, and his entire demeanor seemed gentle and harmless.
"Xiao Zhu?" Jian Suiying frowned at him. "You... what are you doing here?"
Xiao Zhu hurried to his side, handing him the water prepared on the bedside table. "Young Master Jian, have some water first.
"
Only then did Jian Suiying realize that the rough, dry voice from earlier had been his own.
He gulped down the entire glass in one breath, wiped his mouth, and looked at him questioningly.
Xiao Zhu smiled. "Yesterday you called Kevin, but his boyfriend was at his place, so he contacted me
and had me bring you here."
Jian Suiying recalled that he had indeed called Kevin, but he couldn't remember anything that happened after the call.
A shadow flickered in Xiao Zhu's eyes. "Yeah, it's been a long time." He unconsciously pulled the blanket up around Jian Suiying.
"Do you want to sleep some more? Or would you like to eat?"
Jian Suiying stared blankly at the ceiling, his mind seemingly detached from his body, offering no reply.
Xiao Zhu watched him intently for a moment before suddenly feeling his cheeks flush. He quickly stood up. "I'll go get you some food."
Xiao Zhu soon returned with a bowl of rice, two plates of dishes, and a bowl of soup, then urged him to eat. Jian Suiying sat up in bed and ate a little without much enthusiasm.
Xiao Zhu paused, then whispered: "It's the house Young Master Jian gave me."
Xiao Zhu smiled sheepishly. "Kevin thought I wasn't cut out for the business. He helped me land a teaching job at a beauty school. It's actually pretty good."
"Oh, a teacher. That's nice."
"Yeah, students are easier to deal with than customers. The school even promised to help me get Beijing residency after a few years. Kevin really looks out for me."
considerate."
, and this sort of thing was just how the circle operated. Naturally, Jian Suiying wouldn't mention any of this to Xiao Zhu.
Xiao Zhu's body trembled slightly, but he didn't pull away. His bright eyes stared back without blinking, filled with tension but no resistance.
In such a fitting moment, Jian Suiying felt he should do something, yet he couldn't be bothered to continue.
He slowly withdrew his hand. The moment it left Xiao Zhu’s face, Xiao Zhu sprang into action like a wound-up toy whose spring had just been released. He suddenly grabbed Jian Suiying’s hand.
Jian Suiying narrowed his eyes at him, seeing something familiar in Xiao Zhu's gaze.
Xiao Zhu's emotions flared for an instant before being swiftly suppressed. He let go of the hand, his expression darkening. "...Young Master Jian, are you still going to eat?"
Jian Suiying ruffled his limp hair and replied with a double entendre, "I appreciate the offer... I'll handle your household registration for you."
."
Xiao Zhu's eyes widened, then reddened slightly. Clutching the bedsheet tightly, he stammered: "I didn't mean it that way..."
me..."