Fu Yanshi had always firmly believed that human connections relied on the word “fate.”
Those who could meet were destined to do so.
When fate ran deeper, it could give rise to other kinds of relationships.
Fu Yanshi was someone who strongly believed in love at first sight.
Recalling his first encounter with Shen Zhinan, Fu Yanshi found it quite miraculous.
Whether it was their first meeting at Mask or later at the noodle shop, he had found Shen Zhinan very pleasing to the eye.
Extremely pleasing, in fact.
To put it simply, Shen Zhinan had captured his heart at first sight.
Fu Yanshi wasn’t the type to take an interest in just anyone, which was why He Yanzhou had been so surprised by Fu Yanshi’s budding interest in Shen Zhinan back at the club.
Fu Yanshi felt that Shen Zhinan suited him quite well he was easy on the eyes, and the two of them were compatible in bed. He was satisfied and thought he could continue being with Shen Zhinan for a long time.
Who would have thought that Shen Zhinan would outright give him a “good guy” card?
Fu Yanshi had been the one to say that if either of them wanted to end the relationship, it would end. Since Shen Zhinan had brought it up, he couldn’t very well go back on his word.
Besides, Fu Yanshi shared a similar view with Shen Zhinan he also believed that they would inevitably part ways someday.
So, he hoped they could simply enjoy the present.
Being seven years older than Shen Zhinan, he instinctively wanted to take care of him a little more.
Thinking about it this way, since he had known all along that they would eventually separate, Fu Yanshi felt he shouldn’t have reacted so strongly. When something inevitable happens, the right way to handle it is to accept it gracefully.
And Fu Yanshi did handle it gracefully.
But he was still deeply annoyed.
The night Shen Zhinan gave him the “good guy” card, Fu Yanshi went drinking with He Yanzhou, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. Young Master He had broken up yet again.
Originally, Fu Yanshi had wanted to vent to He Yanzhou, but instead, he ended up listening to He Yanzhou lament about his breakup with his ex all night.
He Yanzhou drank while sobbing uncontrollably: “Old Fu! He wasn’t with me because I’m handsome, kind, sunny, cheerful, filial, and smart it was because of my money!”
“Who is this handsome, kind, sunny, cheerful, filial, and smart person you’re talking about? I don’t think I know him,” Fu Yanshi said, his face full of exasperation. “And how do you have the nerve to think a college student would be with you for anything other than your money? It’s not like you’re running a charity. You enjoyed his youthful body, so just give him the money he wants. It’s a fair exchange.”
Perhaps because Fu Yanshi’s words hit too close to home, He Yanzhou became even more distraught: “But he still cheated on me!”
Fu Yanshi:
He Yanzhou, filled with righteous indignation, continued: “Not only did he get together with some alpha in his forties who’s richer than me, but he also called me a stupid asshole behind my back! Is there no justice in this world?!”
Although Fu Yanshi had always thought He Yanzhou was a bit of an idiot, he still offered some comforting words out of humanitarian concern: “But then again, that omega really isn’t a good person. Don’t take it too hard he’s not worth it.”
He Yanzhou downed an entire glass of pineapple beer in one gulp, let out a drunken burp, and then asked groggily: “By the way, what was it you wanted to talk to me about today? Something bothering you?”
“My matters aren’t important anymore.” Fu Yanshi patted He Yanzhou’s shoulder. “After hearing your story, I actually feel much better.”
He Yanzhou continued wailing like a ghost: “Let me tell you heavens above how could he, when I’m so, wuwuwuwu…”
Fu Yanshi basically let He Yanzhou’s words go in one ear and out the other. He called Zhou Qi’an: “There’s a drunkard named He Yanzhou here, devastated by a breakup. See if your organization takes in idiots – you can have him.”
Zhou Qi’an responded succinctly: “Send me the address.”
Zhou Qi’an arrived remarkably fast. Fu Yanshi felt like he’d just hung up when Zhou Qi’an was already there.
Zhou Qi’an hoisted the completely drunk He Yanzhou over his shoulder and glanced at Fu Yanshi: “What about you?”
Fu Yanshi: “I’ll drink alone for a while longer.”
Zhou Qi’an didn’t say anything, just advised him not to drink too much before carrying He Yanzhou away.
Fu Yanshi sighed. Had he been kicked in the head by a donkey today to think of confiding in He Yanzhou?
“Cousin!?”
A voice sounded from the left – it was actually Gu Mingrui.
“Brother, why are you drinking alone here looking so depressed?” Gu Mingrui had been hanging out with friends and went to the restroom, never expecting to run into Fu Yanshi.
Seeing that Fu Yanshi seemed down, Gu Mingrui quickly sat beside him with concern.
“Brother, are you troubled by something? As your younger brother, I might not be good for much, but I can definitely listen to you vent.”
Fu Yanshi usually maintained his elder brother image well, not liking to show his vulnerable side in front of his younger cousins.
But today, perhaps because Shen Zhinan’s words were weighing on his heart, combined with the alcohol, Fu Yanshi remained silent for a moment before speaking.
“It seems,” Fu Yanshi took a sip of alcohol, “I’ve been friend-zoned.”
Gu Mingrui’s eyes widened in surprise: “Who has such poor judgment! How dare they friend-zone my brother!”
“Brother, don’t listen to that nonsense.” Gu Mingrui grew agitated. “You’re especially great – if I were an omega, I’d want to marry you myself!”
Fu Yanshi chuckled: “What nonsense are you spouting.”
“Really, brother, believe me. I’m very objective.” Gu Mingrui said. “It’s definitely not because you bought me the latest Transformers and electric car when I was little, attended parent-teacher meetings for me, always bailed me out from the police station, and gave me 100,000 in spending money a few days ago! Definitely not!”
Fu Yanshi:
That was indeed very objective.
Fu Yanshi sighed: “I haven’t treated him badly either. We didn’t argue or have any conflicts, yet he suddenly said he wants to separate.”
Gu Mingrui felt he’d caught the scent of gossip, his eyes sparkling: “This ‘he’ wouldn’t be referring to sister-in-law, would it! Brother, you’ve finally come to your senses!”
“We weren’t together. We were just.” Fu Yanshi recalled Shen Zhinan’s words, “companions.”
Gu Mingrui: “Huh? Companions? What kind of companions? Eating companions?”
Fu Yanshi: “sex companions.”
Gu Mingrui:
Gu Mingrui: ???
Gu Mingrui: “So you were fuck buddies!”
Fu Yanshi: “You could say that. He said he wants to remove the ‘fuck’ and just be friends with me.”
Gu Mingrui sighed, “Looking at it this way, it really does seem like a ‘nice guy’ rejection. When I was pursuing the campus belle at our school, she said, ‘Let’s just be friends,’ and then immediately started dating the campus heartthrob.”
Fu Yanshi thought of Shen Zhinan’s words and felt a pang of irritation. He downed a glass of wine and muttered, “That little ingrate.”
Gu Mingrui said, “Bro, what’s the big deal? Don’t give up an entire forest for one tree! With your qualities, what kind of person couldn’t you get? What type do you like? I can introduce you to someone!”
Fu Yanshi replied, “No need.”
Fu Yanshi had been living a life of abstinence for years. What happened with Shen Zhinan was an accident he wasn’t the type to casually get involved with just anyone. If he were truly willing to engage in such things, he would have been surrounded by people long ago.
Over the years, Fu Yanshi had thrown himself entirely into his career. Even now that his career was on track, he hadn’t developed even the slightest interest in anyone. The reason he was willing to have that brief encounter with Shen Zhinan was that Shen Zhinan unexpectedly caught his eye he just inexplicably found him appealing.
He couldn’t explain it. Why didn’t he feel this way about anyone else?
Damn.
A bizarre thought crossed Fu Yanshi’s mind.
Could it be that he had fallen in love at first sight with that omega!?
Half a month after that day, Fu Yanshi realized he was frequently dreaming of Shen Zhinan.
In the dream, Shen Zhinan shyly handed Fu Yanshi a pink envelope with a heart drawn on it. Fu Yanshi had received many such pink envelopes during his school days they were all love letters from admirers.
Fu Yanshi opened it and saw three large words written inside. Then, Shen Zhinan, blushing, said, “This is a ‘nice guy’ card I made especially for you. Please accept it.”
Fu Yanshi jolted awake.
This dream was even more unsettling than a nightmare.
Half a month had passed, and the heavy feeling in his heart hadn’t dissipated. Fu Yanshi felt it was seriously affecting his work efficiency.
So when He Yanzhou invited him to attend the anniversary celebration of the gaming company he co-founded, Fu Yanshi agreed.
Events like these were usually lively just showing up to show support without the formalities of the business world. Fu Yanshi thought he should relax a bit.
But then, at the entrance of the hotel hosting the anniversary celebration, he spotted a rabbit.
The rabbit looked familiar.
It had appeared in his dream just last night.
Sensing Fu Yanshi’s intense gaze, Shen Zhinan quickly lowered his head, hoping the other hadn’t recognized him.
Fu Yanshi said in surprise, “You”
“Old Fu!”
Fu Yanshi had barely started speaking when He Yanzhou interrupted him.
He Yanzhou, having heard that Fu Yanshi had arrived, came out personally to greet him. “Good brother, thanks for showing up! Come on in!” He then slung an arm around Fu Yanshi’s shoulders and led him away.
Shen Zhinan stood frozen at the entrance.
Thump-thump.
Even after half a month, his heart still raced wildly at the sight of Fu Yanshi.
The banquet hall was crowded. Shen Zhinan carried a tray, serving the guests coming and going. Many guests, drawn by his good looks, preferred to have him attend to them.
Shen Zhinan tried his best to keep his expression neutral. It was work hours he was being paid, so he had to focus on his job.
“Little rabbit!” Another call came. Shen Zhinan turned toward the voice and locked eyes with Fu Yanshi.
Shen Zhinan’s heart skipped a beat.
The one who called him was the person sitting next to Fu Yanshi the very one who had just referred to Fu Yanshi as “Old Fu” He Yanzhou.
“Sir, how may I assist you?” Shen Zhinan steeled himself and walked over to He Yanzhou, forcing a standard smile.
“Little bunny, you’re just too adorable!” He Yanzhou had dyed his hair back to black from that flashy pink. Though his hair was no longer loud, he still carried that same flamboyant demeanor.
“Could you feed me a glass of juice?” Whenever He Yanzhou encountered a pretty little Omega, he couldn’t help the restless stirring in his heart. He felt as though spring had arrived for him once again.
As soon as he said this, the entire table burst into laughter. Someone couldn’t resist teasing, “Only Boss He knows how to have fun!”
“Old He, wipe your mouth quick looks like you’re drooling already!”
“Boss He really is quite the romantic, isn’t he?”
…
He Yanzhou said, “It won’t be for free. How about ten thousand per glass?”
Whenever He Yanzhou took an interest in someone, he never started off too aggressively. Even when teasing, he never did so without offering something in return.
Later, He Yanzhou would reach out. If Shen Zhinan truly refused, He Yanzhou wouldn’t force him.
Though He Yanzhou was a bit of a flirt, every one of his relationships began with mutual consent he disliked using force.
The gazes of everyone at the table turned to Shen Zhinan, including Fu Yanshi’s.
Shen Zhinan wanted that ten thousand. If Fu Yanshi weren’t there, he would have fed He Yanzhou that drink without a second thought.
It was just feeding a drink, after all.
But Fu Yanshi was there, separated from him by just one person, and he was watching him.
Shen Zhinan felt as if he had been frozen in place.
Unable to speak, unable to move.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Shen Zhinan had been silent for too long, and He Yanzhou couldn’t help but speak up. “If you really don’t want to, then…”
Before he could finish saying “forget it,” a sudden crack sounded from beside him. He Yanzhou turned to look:
“Holy shit! Old Fu, how did you manage to shatter the glass?”