When they left the TCM clinic, Song Que bought the prescribed medicine and some herbal tea. Qin Wangye helped him carry the bags. He did not say anything, but the look he gave the health tea was filled with disdain.
Song Que insisted on treating Qin Wangye to a meal. Qin Wangye was in a good mood and replied, “Sure, then I will have to trouble you, President Song.”
They went to a restaurant that Song Que used to frequent. It was Qin Wangye’s first time there. The location was a bit secluded, but the home-cooked dishes were quite good.
“Does it still hurt?” Qin Wangye asked.
Song Que instinctively wanted to say it did not, but then he remembered Qin Wangye’s earlier comment about not wanting to be kept in the dark. He answered truthfully, “It is alright. Walking is already much more comfortable.”
Qin Wangye felt that all the effort he had put in was well worth it.
Halfway through the meal, Qin Wangye’s phone was bombarded by Shao Fuguang, the buzzing sound persistent. Song Que noticed and asked, “Is something urgent?”
“No, Shao Fuguang is just talkative as usual.”
Shao Fuguang was representing his family in business negotiations today. The person on the other side was young and difficult, causing Shao Fuguang to lose some face. Feeling frustrated, he wanted to call his brothers for a drink.
[Come over, my treat.]
Qin Wangye typed with one hand: [Eating. Do not need your treat. I will come find you later.]
Shao Fuguang: [Tell me! Did you find another dog!]
Qin Wangye: [Watch your language. If Song Que sees it and decides to deal with you, I will not stop him.]
Shao Fuguang: ???
[What are you eating with Song Que?]
[Guess.]
No matter what Shao Fuguang said next, Qin Wangye ignored him.
When they finished eating and came out, the driver was putting a bag into the trunk. Seeing Qin Wangye, he smiled and said, “President Qin, I have bought it.”
“Thank you for your hard work.” Qin Wangye looked at Song Que. “Some sour and sweet candied fruits. Old Xue said the Chinese medicine is quite bitter, so you will have to bear with it.”
“Brother Ye.”
“Hmm?”
Song Que opened his mouth, wanting to ask why he was being so thoughtful toward him. However, meeting Qin Wangye’s dark, deep eyes, he pulled back his thoughts. It was too soon for that. They had merely gone to the doctor together; to put himself in a special position just because of that would be damaging to their friendship, not to mention that Qin Wangye had always been a loyal and righteous man.
“Thank you,” Song Que said softly.
Qin Wangye sighed inwardly and patted Song Que’s shoulder. “No need for formalities.”
After sending Song Que home, Qin Wangye set off to find Shao Fuguang. At that moment, Shao Fuguang was pacing around Gu Yushuo. “You must be lying. You did not follow them when they drove off from the construction site?”
Gu Yushuo resisted the urge to slap Shao Fuguang. “Do you expect me to lie under the car to follow them? Wangye’s expression was so grim; do you think I was going to go out of my way to invite trouble?”
Shao Fuguang believed he saw through everything and stroked his chin in analysis. “Listening to you say that, Song Que must have offended Brother Ye quite badly!”
Gu Yushuo thought to himself that Shao Fuguang should be the one to go test the waters since he, Gu Yushuo, was not sure.
Ten minutes later, Qin Wangye pushed open the door. Gu Yushuo looked behind him. “Song Que did not come?”
“I did not bring him,” Qin Wangye said. Shao Fuguang’s social circles were a chaotic mix of people. What if he was not watching closely and Song Que got pressured into drinking? Old Xue had said he had to be completely alcohol free for three days after acupuncture. Bringing him along for a casual hangout would have been fine otherwise, but this setting was different.
Shao Fuguang gestured for the waiter to pour drinks and leaned in toward Qin Wangye. “Song Que is pretty impressive, managing to get you that angry.”
Qin Wangye stared at him without speaking.
Shao Fuguang continued, “Do not worry, Brother Ye. Your enemies are my enemies. Even though I admire Song Que, I value my brothers more. From now on, wherever he is, I will make sure he has a hard time!”
The last sentence sounded imposing, but Gu Yushuo thought to himself that Shao Fuguang’s level was no match for Song Que.
“You want to make things difficult for Song Que?” Qin Wangye spoke slowly.
Shao Fuguang nodded vigorously.
Qin Wangye replied, “Then I will make things difficult for you.”
Shao Fuguang: “???”
Gu Yushuo took a sip of tea, confirmed the situation, and hid a smile while looking at the bewildered Shao Fuguang. This was exactly what brothers were for at critical moments.
Qin Wangye looked toward the back, noticing a quiet booth with the curtains drawn, suitable for private talk. He stood up. “Follow me.”
After walking two steps, he looked back at Gu Yushuo. “You too.”
Gu Yushuo laughed. Shao Fuguang walked behind him, whispering his complaints: “Why do I feel like you have tricked me again?”
Gu Yushuo: “You will understand in a moment.”
With just the three of them and no one else allowed in, Qin Wangye swirled his glass, looking thoughtful. After considering it, he decided that being direct was best.
Shao Fuguang grumbled, “Why are you being so hesitant?”
Qin Wangye replied, “I remember that since you became an adult, I have not laid a hand on you. Are your hands itching for a beating?”
After another silence, Qin Wangye said calmly, “I like Song Que.”
“Song Que is truly something else.”
Even though he had suspected as much, Gu Yushuo’s eyelids twitched violently. Shao Fuguang opened his mouth wide, his jaw almost hitting the table.
“So, you cannot make things difficult for Song Que,” Qin Wangye continued. “When I am not around, if you see anyone else bothering him, help him out.”
“Though, anyone you could help him with, he could likely handle on his own,” Qin Wangye said, glancing at Shao Fuguang.
Shao Fuguang was incredibly sensitive. “Are you looking down on me?”
“Forget it, that is not the point,” Shao Fuguang said, his expression conflicted and grim. “You have only been back in the country for a few days! You already like Song Que? Have you two even gotten to know each other?”
Shao Fuguang genuinely felt that the idea of Qin Wangye liking someone was surreal. Since childhood, Qin Wangye had been surrounded by admirers; both men and women of their generation had written him love letters. Qin Wangye had remained completely indifferent, spending his days studying or exercising. He looked sunny and passionate, but in reality, he was completely detached from worldly desires.
“I do not need to know him much,” Qin Wangye said offhandedly. “It was love at first sight.”
Shao Fuguang found that somewhat understandable, as Song Que was indeed very good looking.
“But are you the type to care only about looks?”
Qin Wangye nodded seriously. “I am.”
Shao Fuguang: “That is unexpected.”
Gu Yushuo: “That is very surprising.”
“Do your parents know?”
“We are not even at the first stage yet; what is there to tell them?” Qin Wangye leaned back, revealing a touch of melancholy. “I have not even told Song Que yet. I feel like he is overly cautious toward me. Like you said, it has only been a few days. Do not feelings need time to grow?”
Gu Yushuo could not listen anymore. “Are you not the most skilled at taking what you want by force?”
His response was a cold glare from Qin Wangye.
Shao Fuguang finally understood. Damn, he is serious. Brother Ye was truly worthy of the respect and fear he commanded in their circles. When he liked something or wanted something, he would usually get it as fast as possible within legal means. Now, facing Song Que, he had opted for a slow and steady approach.
“Remember this,” Qin Wangye gave a stern warning to Shao Fuguang. “Do not say anything to him. If you scare him off, I will not let you off the hook!”
Shao Fuguang thought to himself: Song Que is a predator himself, do you think he would be scared off?
Qin Wangye said, “I want us to reach a mutual confession.”
When he looked up, his two brothers were covering their faces. Clearly, they could no longer bear to watch or listen.