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Early the next morning, Ye Tingtong left the villa in a hurry.
The old butler offered him breakfast, but he was too embarrassed and made an excuse about having a class.
Ye Tingtong did have a class, but he couldn't make it in time and simply skipped it.
As soon as he returned to his place, he received a call from Yu Huanhuan.
Yu Huanhuan asked directly, "Did you sleep with Shen Minghuai last night?"
Ye Tingtong was drinking water and choked upon hearing this, "Cough cough..."
Last night, after deleting his Moments, he felt it was a pity, so he created a separate group for Shen Jin, blocked him, and then reposted the Moments as if nothing had happened.
Ye Tingtong caught his breath and placed the cup on the table beside him, "Yesterday, Shen Minghuai went off to have fun somewhere, and I didn't have a ride home. His uncle offered me the guest room."
Yu Huanhuan grew more anxious, "You—"
Ye Tingtong quickly interrupted, "His uncle chatted with me for a bit and then left, and didn't come back."
The old butler, noticing his discomfort, told him this in the morning.
Yu Huanhuan sighed in relief, "As long as nothing happened to you."
"What's there to worry about?" Ye Tingtong lay on the bed, speaking lightly, "I think Shen Jin seems pretty easy to talk to. Can I try to build a relationship with him and ask for his help?"
The Ye family's actions were like strapping a ticking time bomb to him, ready to explode at any moment, and he couldn't gauge Shen Minghuai's attitude...
"Ye Tingtong, what are you even thinking?" Yu Huanhuan sounded as if he had lost his mind, "That's Shen Jin, the CEO of the Shen Group. Once, because a department head contradicted him, he angrily fired the entire department, not even sparing the long-time employees. He's known as a cold-blooded, profit-driven executioner, and this even made the news."
Ye Tingtong sat up abruptly in bed, "That scary?"
"What do you think!" Yu Huanhuan rolled her eyes, "Don't go crazy trying to get close to him. You're just a tiny ant; he could squash you with a finger."
Ye Tingtong mumbled in response, "I get it."
He had only entertained a slight thought.
"By the way, about the Ye family thing you asked me to check out, I've got some leads," Yu Huanhuan's voice turned serious, "It seems the Ye company's financial situation is in serious trouble. Even though they're trying to keep up appearances, it's bound to blow up eventually."
After she finished speaking, there was a sudden silence on the other end of the line.
Yu Huanhuan paused, trying to lighten her tone, "But I don't think it's your problem. Don't they always treat you like an outsider because you're an illegitimate child? When things go south, everyone's on their own! And if all else fails, there's always Shen Minghuai!"
As long as Shen Minghuai was willing to help, Ye Tingtong could definitely get out of it.
Ye Tingtong forced a smile and said, "Yeah."
Hopefully.
✿
After that gathering, Ye Tingtong put all his hopes on Shen Minghuai and stuck to him even more. They lived in the same dorm and had the same major, so it was easy to stay close.
Shen Minghuai even gave him the latest gaming console to make up for standing him up. Even though Ye Tingtong wasn't great at gaming, he still showed off on his Moments.
A few days later, Ye Tingtong scrolled through his past Moments, carefully counting the likes, and noticed that Shen Jin wasn't among them.
Sometimes Ye Tingtong wondered if Shen Jin had already blocked or deleted him, but every time he sent a message, it went through.
That morning, after classes ended, the four roommates walked out together.
"Tong, let's go, Minghuai is treating us."
This was the unique nickname his roommates had for Ye Tingtong. Among the four in the dorm, Ye Tingtong was the youngest and looked the most boyish, so they came up with this affectionate nickname.
After walking a few steps, they noticed Ye Tingtong was still looking at his phone, seemingly sending a message to someone.
Shen Minghuai, who had been chatting with a female classmate, turned around when he noticed someone was lagging behind.
Ye Tingtong, noticing everyone's gaze, quickly finished typing his message and hit send, "Coming!"
Before Shen Minghuai could see his screen, Ye Tingtong had already put his phone in his pocket and went up to him, "Minghuai, what's for lunch today?"
They were in the same major and dorm, and Shen Minghuai often took them out for meals because he disliked the school's food.
Shen Minghuai said, "Didn't you say that private kitchen had great food? I've reserved a spot."
Ye Tingtong lit up with excitement, "Thanks, boss man!"
Shen Minghuai was quite fond of this, messing up his hair, "You foodie."
At the restaurant, they ran into two pretty girls waiting for seats. Learning they were from the same school, Shen Minghuai generously agreed to share a table.
Ye Tingtong observed Shen Minghuai's interaction with the girls while eating, quickly figuring out.
The girl from the party was old news; this was Shen Minghuai's new target.
The other two roommates noticed Ye Tingtong's distraction and put some food on his plate, with the dorm leader Yu Hui whispering, "Come on, focus on your food."
Everyone knew Ye Tingtong liked Shen Minghuai, but Shen Minghuai seemed completely oblivious, flirting with everyone. They worried Ye Tingtong would get hurt from watching too much.
Ye Tingtong ate the food and softly said thanks.
The other two roommates were from modest backgrounds, were down-to-earth and didn't care for those parties. At most, they would tag along with Shen Minghuai for a meal, clueless about the nuances, thinking Ye Tingtong just had a crush on someone who wasn't interested.
Actually, Ye Tingtong didn't care much. Shen Minghuai's playboy tendencies actually made things easier for him. Shen Minghuai never had a serious girlfriend; it was all just fun, which left Ye Tingtong feeling unburdened.
He didn't flirt with those who had girlfriends; he wasn't a third party.
Just then, the last dessert arrived. Shen Minghuai stopped chatting with the girls and placed the dessert in front of Ye Tingtong.
The dessert was ice cream bread, each time with a different animal theme. Ye Tingtong's eyes lit up at the sight of today's creation—
It was a yellow hamster.
Not rushing to eat, Ye Tingtong first took a photo, then scooped a big spoonful of ice cream and bread into his mouth. While Shen Minghuai chatted with the girls, he secretly took out his phone and sent the photo.
Upstairs in the private room, Shen Jin's phone vibrated in his pocket.
The young woman in a dress across from him tactfully excused herself to the restroom, giving Shen Jin space to handle his private matters.
Unlocking his phone, it was the picture and message from Ye Tingtong.
"This is the first time I've seen such a cute hamster. The food at this place is great. If you have time, you should come try it. It's near our school! My treat!"
The message radiated his joy and satisfaction.
And the previous message was—
"Good morning, the weather seems nice today~"
When Shen Jin received this message, he was waiting for someone at the entrance of University A. Upon seeing the message, he rolled down the car window and glanced outside.
The sky was heavy with clouds, a chilly breeze in the air, and the humidity hinted at rain.
With that thought, Shen Jin tilted his head to look down through the window.
The sender waited with the phone in hand for a while, and after not receiving a reply, they relaxed and began to enjoy the food leisurely.
The food must have been a treat, with Ye Tingtong's eyes crinkling into a smile, and his cheeks bulged from stuffing his mouth.
Shen Jin thought, indeed like a hamster.
Like a hamster, he hesitated before handing the last bite to Shen Minghuai beside him.
Shen Jin looked away calmly, waited for the girl opposite to return, and then politely saw her back to school.
Before getting out of the car, Liang Yuting hesitated for a moment but still spoke up, "I've taken up your time. When I go back, I will explain it clearly to my parents to ensure I don't cause you too much trouble."
The Liang family had arranged this blind date, as Liang Yuting's mother noticed her daughter's budding feelings and asked about it. Her daughter mentioned a Mr. Shen, leading to this blind date.
But Liang Yuting was surprised to see Shen Jin instead.
Shen Jin's expression remained stoic.
As soon as they met, her initial shyness turned to disappointment, and he knew that the person Liang Yuting was expecting for the blind date was not him.
Throughout the meal, Liang Yuting kept glancing downstairs nervously...
Once she was gone, Shen Jin texted his father.
"The Liang family's daughter is smitten with Shen Minghuai."
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On the other side, Ye Tingtong went to bed without a reply from Shen Jin, and his anxiety finally eased.
He instantly regretted hitting send on that invitation. After all, the minimum spend at that restaurant was three thousand yuan, and he couldn't afford it.
The Ye family managed all his living expenses, with just a few outfits, sometimes wearing hand-me-downs from Shen Minghuai, getting around by chauffeur or hitching rides, and dining at the cafeteria unless Shen Minghuai picked up the tab.
Ye Tingtong's only disposable income was the few hundred yuan on his school meal card.
After double-checking that Shen Jin hadn't blocked him, Ye Tingtong boldly sent another message.
"Good night~~~"
Attached was a carefully searched hamster holding its paws emoji.
Of course, there was still no response.
Ye Tingtong was not discouraged at all. Being able to contact Shen Jin was an unexpected joy, and his primary task was still to build a good relationship with Shen Minghuai.
In the past week, everyone could see Ye Tingtong following Shen Minghuai like a little tail, participating in every activity together, and posting frequently on social media, always with a full nine-square grid.
Tonight's bar gathering, Ye Tingtong of course followed along.
He originally didn't participate in such gatherings because he had a low alcohol tolerance, getting drunk after one cup, and didn't want to embarrass himself. But recently, the sense of crisis was too strong, and such gatherings could also contribute to his social media presence.
However, today Shen Minghuai was very unusual, only drinking in silence, not even lifting his eyelids to the girls who came to flirt with him.
His phone kept ringing, and Shen Minghuai looked visibly annoyed as he declined each call.
Ye Tingtong blinked, sensing why. He topped off the wine in Shen Minghuai's empty glass and whispered, "Is it the girl from the last gathering?"
Shen Minghuai took a gulp of wine, "We broke up a week ago."
Ye Tingtong thought so too. Shen Minghuai was known for his generosity, and there was no one he couldn't handle well.
So it must be something else on his mind.
Ye Tingtong thought for a moment and thoughtfully suggested, "There's an attractive girl in the front booth who's been looking at you. I can go get her number for you."
A week was a long time without a date for Shen Minghuai, and the girl's looks seemed like his type.
But to his surprise, Shen Minghuai's face darkened, "Do I have to be with them?"
He sharply pushed away the glass Ye Tingtong handed him, "Can't you stop being annoying?"
The glass tilted, spilling most of the wine on the table, the rest splashing onto Ye Tingtong's white sweater.
The dark liquid soaked into the sweater, leaving it looking a mess.
Both of them paused. Just then, Shen Minghuai's phone rang. He picked it up with a scowl and walked outside, "I already said I'm not going, I'm not interested in her..."
Ye Tingtong was busy cleaning his sweater with a tissue and missed Shen Minghuai's phone call. After Shen Minghuai left, he thought about going to the restroom but was pushed back into his seat by someone.
"Where are you going? The bottle pointed to you. This round is a mandatory dare, no escaping."
Since Shen Minghuai wasn't playing the game today, Ye Tingtong had been excluded too. Now, suddenly, he was dragged into it.
Perhaps they saw the minor argument between the two and decided to take advantage of it.
Ye Tingtong looked at the unfamiliar faces around him and refused, "I'm not playing."
"Tch, weren't you the one begging Shen to join the game?" the person spinning the bottle sneered, "If you can't take it, leave!"
Ye Tingtong was provoked, "What's the dare?"
"Go to the booth in the top right corner and ask them for a drink. Simple, right?"
As Ye Tingtong walked over with his empty glass, he realized the trick.
That booth was special, filled with wealthy and influential guests. Were they trying to set him up for humiliation?
If he wasn't careful, he might end up drinking something spiked...
After all, who would refuse a treat that comes to them?
Three steps away from the booth, Ye Tingtong's competitive spirit faded.
Maybe he should just go back? Or go to the restroom and fill his glass with water to pretend he got a drink?
Just as Ye Tingtong was pondering his options, the person in the booth who had been facing away turned around and spoke with interest, "Kid, are you here for us?"
The man had peach blossom eyes, his tone flirtatious but not offensive.
Ye Tingtong blinked and stepped forward, "Bro, can I get a drink?"
Yu Mo glanced at the empty glass in his hand and raised an eyebrow, "I can't decide that. I'm not the one paying tonight."
He gestured toward the person seated at the far end of the booth, "Ask him."
When Ye Tingtong realized who it was, his eyes widened in shock, "Shen Jin?!"
Shen Jin, likely fresh off official business, wore a sleek black suit with his legs casually crossed. His imposing stature made the spacious booth feel oddly cramped.
Ye Tingtong instantly regretted calling out and quickly clamped his mouth shut.
It was mostly because Shen Jin's WeChat nickname was so unremarkable. Ye Tingtong had tapped that avatar countless times a day and silently repeated the name so often that it now rolled off his tongue effortlessly.
Yu Mo ribbed, "Shen Jin, the kid's calling you! Aren't you gonna answer?"
Shen Jin ignored him.
Ye Tingtong glanced at Shen Jin's expression and noticed he wasn't angry, just slightly exasperated. He guessed the two must be close.
Recalling Yu Mo's words, Ye Tingtong took a tentative step toward Shen Jin, "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell your name."
After apologizing, he remembered his mission and handed the empty glass to Shen Jin, "Excuse me, could I get a drink?"
Yu Mo scrutinized his face, "Are you even old enough, kid?"
Ye Tingtong looked too young, with a baby face. In a school uniform, no one would question if he was still in high school.
"I'm nineteen," Ye Tingtong replied earnestly, "I'm legal, but I'm not great with alcohol. Just a little would be enough."
Yu Mo, taken aback by his earnest reply, rubbed his nose, feeling a bit guilty for teasing him. He nudged Shen Jin, signaling him to decide.
Ye Tingtong glanced up, only to lock eyes with Shen Jin.
One standing, one seated—the height difference allowed Ye Tingtong to see Shen Jin more clearly.
Shen Jin's sharp features and deep-set eyes exuded a commanding presence, but the dim lighting seemed to soften his intensity, so Ye Tingtong didn't feel too intimidated.
After listening, Shen Jin signaled a waiter over.
Ye Tingtong's anxiety eased, assuming Shen Jin was about to open a fresh bottle.
Given Shen Jin's status, he'd surely scoff at something as low as drugging.
But it wouldn't be something super strong, right?
The bottles on the table weren't exactly light on alcohol.
But when he saw what the waiter poured, Ye Tingtong froze.
His stiff fingers brushed the cup's edge, feeling its warmth—
It was a cup of hot milk.
The warm, soothing scent wafted up, starkly out of place in the bar's intense, smoky atmosphere.
"Shen Jin, what's with the milk?" Yu Mo scoffed, "Never mind, he's the same age as Shen Minghuai—you really are a generation older."
This got Ye Tingtong's gears turning.
He downed the milk, glanced at Shen Jin, and tried to connect, "Thanks, Uncle?"
At that, Yu Mo burst into laughter beside him, "Hahaha..."
Ye Tingtong didn't know what the man was laughing at, only to see Shen Jin, who was originally holding a wine glass and had brought it to his lips, never actually took a sip.
He vaguely felt that he had said something wrong, stood there awkwardly, his ears burning red.
Yu Huanhuan was right—he really was clueless.
Ye Tingtong's skin was very fair, and his flushed ears were very noticeable.
Yu Mo was laughing so hard that Shen Jin warned, "Enough already."
Yu Mo immediately buried his face in the sofa, though his laughter was muffled, his shoulders were still shaking with amusement.
The booth fell quiet, Ye Tingtong awkwardly holding an empty glass, unsure whether to leave or stay.
Fortunately, Shen Jin took the initiative to speak, "What's up?"
Ye Tingtong's eyes involuntarily darted at the large bottle of milk on the table, his face showing hesitation, and he nervously pinched the corner of his clothes.
His small actions were too obvious. Yu Mo wiped away the tears from laughing, leaned back on the sofa, with a look of understanding, "Want to stay and have a few drinks with us?"
Smooth move.
Shen Jin also glanced at him.
Even though he felt he shouldn't, Ye Tingtong still couldn't resist the temptation, handing the wine glass to Shen Jin, tentatively asking, "Um, can I get more milk?"
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