Jiang Shen hadn’t been alone for long before a few acquaintances called him over. The long table was surrounded by people, and those unfamiliar with him immediately became quiet and reserved. The acquaintances were used to this. It wasn’t for any other reason than Jiang Shen being too good-looking. People always approach beautiful things with caution, and Jiang Shen himself had a bit of a mysterious aura.
Three years ago, when he returned to the Jiang family, it caused quite a stir in the city. Everyone thought that growing up in a remote place, even if he was once a golden egg, he would now be too mundane and boring to look at. Unexpectedly, the best genes of the Jiang family were all in him. Jiang Shen graduated from a top university in Lin Du, was recognized by his family in his senior year, and a year later took over related company projects with such ease that it left onlookers dumbfounded.
At this moment, Jiang Shen was leaning against the sofa, nodding lightly to whatever others were saying to him, occasionally responding with a few words, until a sudden voice broke the air—
“Isn’t Yu Bai coming today?”
The air froze for a moment. The acquaintance sitting next to Jiang Shen, named Zhou Chang, wanted to stuff something into the mouth of the person across from him. They really knew how to bring up the wrong topic. He cautiously glanced at Jiang Shen’s expression. Unexpectedly, it was very calm. Had he healed from the emotional wound?
However, the truth was that it had nothing to do with “emotion.” Two years ago, the Jiang family and the Yu family sat at the same table because of a chain resort project. As the person entrusted with important responsibilities by the family, Jiang Shen naturally had to interact with Yu Bai. After three months of contact, Yu Bai seemed very satisfied and began to pursue Jiang Shen openly. With people around them spreading rumors, somehow it turned into them being together.
But Jiang Shen only nodded half a year later. In total, he and Yu Bai were together for just about a year. That year, it was more like a business partnership than a romantic relationship. Jiang Shen knew Yu Bai’s intentions weren’t pure, and coincidentally, neither were his. They watched three movies together, had a few candlelight dinners, and Yu Bai, who cared about appearances, created the image of a perfect boyfriend. But, believe it or not, Jiang Shen and he never even held hands. It was just too awkward.
Logically, Yu Bai had a good family background and a handsome appearance, and Jiang Shen was quite interested in men. But when they were alone, it was just uncomfortable. Yu Bai always had a gentle, cool, and meticulous demeanor, but with Jiang Shen, nothing he did met the mark, and some things even hit Jiang Shen’s sore spots.
Perhaps because the resort project was fully completed, a month ago, Yu Bai finally couldn’t take it anymore and broke up with Jiang Shen. They could have parted on good terms, but Yu Bai chose to break up on Jiang Shen’s birthday, which was a real slap in the face for Jiang Shen.
Jiang Shen was speechless. To be fair, after spending a year with Yu Bai, even if they weren’t lovers, they were at least friends. If something came up, Jiang Shen would help with all his might. Why did Yu Bai have to be so competitive and make things awkward? It even made Jiang Shen habitually reflect for a few days, wondering if he had done something wrong. Then he realized it was Yu Bai who was being unreasonable.
But breaking up was breaking up, and it was a relief. At least he wouldn’t feel like he was on pins and needles every time he received a call or message from Yu Bai, wondering how to interact the next time they met. To put it bluntly, they really weren’t suitable for each other.
Noticing some people subtly observing him, Jiang Shen said calmly, “Cong Gaoxuan is my friend, I wouldn’t invite him.” On Jiang Shen’s birthday, Cong Gaoxuan almost got into a fight with Yu Bai, so why invite him?
The person who mentioned Yu Bai didn’t know what they were thinking. Seeing Jiang Shen’s indifferent reaction, they felt awkward and found an excuse to leave. “That person is brainless, don’t mind them,” Zhou Chang clinked glasses with Jiang Shen. “Let’s sing later, Jiang Shao, join us?”
“You guys have fun,” Jiang Shen replied. Just as he finished speaking, he saw Zhao Louyue sitting on the sofa across the dance floor. Their eyes met, unavoidable. Jiang Shen didn’t hold back the mockery on his face. Zhao Louyue wasn’t as polite as before either. His expression was minimal, and his eyes appeared even deeper under the lights. He sat down with a grand gesture, staring at Jiang Shen until the music started, and someone moved in between, breaking their line of sight.
Cong Gaoxuan was quite polite to Zhao Louyue. Firstly, because of business cooperation, and secondly, because he quite liked the guy. After entertaining a circle like a peacock, he plopped down next to Zhao Louyue. “Yue Ge, still mad?” Cong Gaoxuan asked with a smile.
Zhao Louyue twirled his glass. “What am I mad about?” Seeing him like this, Cong Gaoxuan had a hunch. To be honest, he didn’t want Jiang Shen and Zhao Louyue to become enemies. Although Zhao didn’t have much background, as his father said, he was as cunning as a beehive. In high school, he sold a self-made software for nearly a million. Initially, he struggled because of some obstacles, but his counterattacks were several times more ruthless. The Jiang family had been relying on Jiang Shen for the past two years, which was exhausting. It was better to reconcile than to offend.
Cong Gaoxuan thought about calling Jiang Shen over later. “Mr. Zhao, have a drink,” someone invited. Zhao Louyue replied, “No, thanks.” “Hey, Gaoxuan, did Jiang Shen and Yu Bai really break up?” someone asked. Cong Gaoxuan felt a bit impatient but also noticed Zhao Louyue’s subtle reaction. Although the movement was slight, the atmosphere instantly became tense.
“Yeah, they broke up. What’s it to you?” Cong Gaoxuan replied. Zhao Louyue interjected, “Pour me a drink.” Zhao Xiangting, sitting nearby, was curious. “Bro, I thought you weren’t drinking?” Zhao Louyue said, “You better say less now. I’ll settle your account when we get back.” Zhao Xiangting immediately put on a bitter face.
The person who asked the question sensed Cong Gaoxuan’s unfriendly tone and lowered their voice, trying to be ingratiating. “Just asking, wanted to give it a try.” Cong Gaoxuan was momentarily stunned, then realized and said incredulously, “Try what? Try if my brother would like you?” After saying that, Cong Gaoxuan almost laughed. “Not to judge by appearances, but you should give up. Jiang Shen won’t accept you in the love arena, but he can definitely crush you in the business field. What kind of fate is so tough?”
Everyone couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re too discouraging…” The guy covered his face, but he knew it was impossible. Jiang Shen seemed to have risen from the mud but was more like the moon in the sky than anyone else.
Cong Gaoxuan noticed Zhao Louyue’s dazed expression and couldn’t help but nudge him with his shoulder. “What are you thinking?” Zhao Louyue replied calmly, “I remembered my fate is tough enough.” Cong Gaoxuan was puzzled. “Really,” Zhao Louyue said, looking at him. “After my father passed away, an old Taoist met me on the way down the mountain and said my fate was very tough.”
Cong Gaoxuan felt a bit numb in his mouth. He had drunk too much, and his brain was struggling to keep up. After Zhao Xiangting confirmed, “That did happen,” Cong Gaoxuan felt relieved. Maybe it was just a flight of fancy. “Gaoxuan,” Jiang Shen called from not far away. Cong Gaoxuan immediately stood up. “You’re here? Have a seat.” “I saw you weren’t moving, so I came to check,” Jiang Shen said as Cong Gaoxuan led him to sit on his left. Meanwhile, Zhao Louyue was on Cong Gaoxuan’s right.