I Secretly Took His Hair for a DNA Test

“Would I dare say you’re not?” Ye Zhiqiu teased with a laugh. “After all, you’re about to become my big boss.”

He paused, then added sarcastically, “A big boss who definitely won’t go easy on me.”

“Quite the grudge.” Qin Jianhe chuckled, reaching out to press lightly on the woolen hat atop his head. “We’re here.”

“Northern cuisine?” Ye Zhiqiu looked up at the sign.

“Mm.” Qin Jianhe said. “Their signature beef hot pot is pretty good. Perfect for a winter night.”

The private room was on the third floor.

Once inside, Qin Jianhe asked a server for an empty bottle and placed it on the corner of the table, inserting the vibrant rose into it.

It was Valentine’s Day. A handsome man holding a rose—the server immediately caught on.

“We have free aromatherapy candles,” he offered with a smile. “Would you like a candlelit dinner?”

“No need. Regular is fine.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled, taking off his coat and sitting across from Qin Jianhe. “Have you been here often before?”

“Occasionally.” Qin Jianhe replied.

“Then you order.” Ye Zhiqiu said.

“Okay.” Qin Jianhe didn’t stand on ceremony, looking down at the menu. “You can add a couple more dishes later.”

The server had worked at this restaurant for many years, his ability to read people long since honed to perfection.

These two were clearly a perfect match. One of them was even holding a rose. Not to mention the smiles on their faces…

He couldn’t quite describe it, but one look told him those smiles came from deep within.

Quiet and warm, contrasting with the noisy world outside, as if they existed in their own undisturbed, peaceful bubble.

Even if it weren’t Valentine’s Day, he’d have bet they were a deeply devoted couple.

But with all this “you” and “sir” formal address…

He couldn’t help but doubt himself. Could he have misread them this time?

But the server was very tactful. His smile remained as attentive and natural as ever, his expression giving nothing away.

Seeing Qin Jianhe order, he stepped forward with a smile, bending slightly to ask Ye Zhiqiu, “What would you like to drink?”

Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t driven, so he was flexible. He looked at Qin Jianhe.

“Did President Qin bring a driver today?”

“Mm.” Qin Jianhe responded quietly, pushing the menu over. “Yes.”

“Open one of your best wines.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

From the moment he’d walked in, he’d decided this meal was on him.

He’d never liked owing people.

Because he owed this man a meal, during the time they hadn’t been in touch, he’d found himself thinking about it, unable to help it.

Now was the perfect chance to settle the debt and stop worrying.

“Red or white?” the server asked.

Ye Zhiqiu looked to Qin Jianhe for his preference. “Red?”

“Mm.” Qin Jianhe nodded.

“Our best is Screaming Eagle.” Given their attire, this price point was probably fine, but it was still a considerable sum. The server cautiously confirmed with Ye Zhiqiu. “It’s five figures.”

“Okay.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled and nodded. “No problem.”

He looked down at the menu.

Qin Jianhe had already ordered four dishes and a soup, all to his taste. Ye Zhiqiu didn’t add anything, handing the menu back to the server.

“What’s this?” Seeing the server leave, Qin Jianhe raised an eyebrow slightly. “You’re treating?”

“Yeah.” Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

“Didn’t we agree you’d take me to that Hunan place?” Qin Jianhe asked.

“You said last time that spicy Hunan food at night was too much.” Ye Zhiqiu replied. “And who knows when we’d have another chance to eat separately.”

Qin Jianhe didn’t speak, his eyes asking the question.

“After this, you’ll officially be my boss.” Ye Zhiqiu explained. “As a subordinate, inviting a supervisor to dinner alone might look inappropriate if someone saw.”

He’d long seen through the whole “reputation” thing. He knew solid benefits were far more important.

But if he could avoid it, there was no need to hand people ammunition.

In design, the bigger the company, the fiercer the competition.

Everyone wanted to stand out. Everyone had the capital to have a personality. Everyone wanted the company to give them the best resources.

From getting more designs accepted, securing more exhibition space for their work, competing for scarce fabrics and accessories from upstream suppliers, down to downstream exhibitions, shows, and sales channels…

Almost every step was an invisible war.

Smaller brands were actually easier in this regard.

Focused on expanding brand awareness and influence, people were more likely to unite and work together.

Ye Zhiqiu wasn’t afraid of competition.

But he didn’t want to start by giving people an excuse to target him before he’d even officially joined.

It would be stupid.

He could win fair and square. Why hand others a weapon to use against him, and drag Qin Jianhe into it too?

“Hey, Ye Zhiqiu.” Qin Jianhe seemed to read his thoughts. He laughed, his voice low. “Are you thinking about how to avoid eating with me from now on?”

Ye Zhiqiu pressed his lips together, suppressing the smile at the corners of his mouth. But the laughter in his eyes was undeniable.

“Fine,” Qin Jianhe raised an eyebrow threateningly. “You’ve already offended your new boss.”

* * * *

As they joked, the server pushed in a cart.

The steaming dishes arrived, instantly livening up the private room.

The red wine was decanted, vibrant in color, rich in aroma.

Qin Jianhe quietly poured it into glasses, pushing the first one toward Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zhiqiu had just taken a bite of beef brisket—melt-in-your-mouth, fragrant and soft.

“Delicious.” He smiled, picked up his glass, and took a sip.

“The way you drink, it’s like a child sneaking a taste of adult liquor.” Qin Jianhe chuckled, pouring his own glass. “How’s your tolerance?”

“Not bad.” Ye Zhiqiu said.

He added, “I did sneak a drink of my dad’s liquor when I was little. Just a small glass, but I got drunk. Later, my dad beat me within an inch of my life.”

“Does your dad hit you often?” Qin Jianhe asked.

“Not really.” Ye Zhiqiu thought for a moment. “Mainly, he’s rarely home. Hard to hit me when he’s not around.”

Qin Jianhe didn’t reply, but his eyes showed he understood.

* * * *

His phone vibrated on the table.

Ye Zhiqiu set down his glass. “Teacher Meng.”

“Mm.” Qin Jianhe nodded, watching Ye Zhiqiu answer.

“Teacher Meng.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

“How did it go, Xiao Ye?” Meng Da had been anxious about tonight’s interview. “I’ve wanted to call for a while, but I was afraid you weren’t done talking.”

“It’s settled.” Ye Zhiqiu said. “Don’t worry.”

“That’s great!” Meng Da’s excitement was palpable even through the phone. “I was worried you’d be intimidated by President Qin’s cold face.”

“Not at all.” Ye Zhiqiu glanced at Qin Jianhe with a smile. “President Qin is very kind.”

“Xiao Ye.” Meng Da couldn’t help but sigh. “You’re such a kind, good kid.”

He’d wanted to stay in Qin Jianhe’s office, worried about tonight’s interview. But one look from Qin Jianhe had sent him retreating.

This kid actually said Qin Jianhe was kind.

“A good kid.” Meng Da repeated.

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

He lowered his eyes slightly, hiding the amusement in them.

“I’ll have HR draft a contract and send it over.” Meng Da said happily.

“No need for that trouble.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “Signing after I start is the same.”

“Okay then.” The matter he’d been half worrying about for half a year was finally settled. Meng Da responded happily.

“What did he say about me this time?” Qin Jianhe asked.

“That you strive for excellence in your work.” Ye Zhiqiu lied with a straight face. “That you’re a good boss.”

Qin Jianhe snorted.

Yeah, right.

* * * *

While Ye Zhiqiu was on the phone, Qin Jianhe’s phone hadn’t been idle either.

Messages flooded the group chat. Yu Renzhi was rallying everyone to get together for the New Year.

[Meng Qingyan: Free any day recently. Anytime works.]

[Yu Renzhi: @Wang Qitang, @Qin Jianhe. What about you two? I’ve been screaming myself hoarse in this group. Can you at least react?]

[Meng Qingyan: It’s Valentine’s Day today. Did you forget not everyone’s a singleton like you?]

[Yu Renzhi: … I’m so used to being single, I completely forgot it was Valentine’s Day. No wonder some of the young people at the company were smiling like it was spring. Who are they showing off for?]

[Wang Qitang: You’re the crazy one. Not having a partner isn’t their fault.]

[Yu Renzhi: I know, you have a partner. An arranged marriage between wealthy families.]

[Meng Qingyan: Using that to sting people on Valentine’s Day is a bit much.]

[Wang Qitang: It’s okay. Out of all of us, only Xiaoyu and Yanyan don’t have to go the arranged marriage route. I’ll return the favor to you someday.]

[Yu Renzhi: …]

[Wang Qitang: I’m going to visit Aunt Nie tomorrow. Got some business to ask her advice. Anyone else who wants to come can join. We can go out for a drink afterward. @Qin Jianhe, want to come with us tomorrow?]

[Yu Renzhi: This is his first Valentine’s Day after falling in love. He’s probably warming someone’s bed right now.]

[Meng Qingyan: Isn’t that a bit early?]

[Yu Renzhi: It’s Valentine’s Day. Even spending all 24 hours on bedroom activities is understandable.]

Just as Qin Jianhe opened the app, this message smacked him in the face.

He replied expressionlessly.

[Qin Jianhe: Eating out.]

[Yu Renzhi: Send a photo with your sister-in-law to prove it. Are you really “out” or “in”?]

[Meng Qingyan: Pfft…]

[Wang Qitang: …]

A moment later, a new notification appeared in the group.

[Group member “Yu Renzhi” has been removed from the group chat by admin “Qin Jianhe”.]

[Meng Qingyan: Hahahaha…]

[Wang Qitang: Serves him right.]

[Qin Jianhe: Tomorrow works. I’ll go to my mom’s after work.]

…

“Work stuff?” Seeing him looking down at his phone, Ye Zhiqiu asked.

“No.” Qin Jianhe turned off the screen and continued eating.

* * * *

Unsure of Ye Zhiqiu’s tolerance, Qin Jianhe had them take the wine away after only a third of the bottle was gone.

So they both carried only a faint trace of its fragrance.

When they finished dinner and stepped outside, fine snowflakes were drifting down.

Not heavy, just adding to the romantic atmosphere for the couples on the street.

No one used umbrellas, but people walked closer together.

“I’ll take you.” Qin Jianhe said, calling his driver.

“Thanks.” Ye Zhiqiu looked up with a smile.

The light from the hotel eaves fell on his face.

Once again, Qin Jianhe saw the tiny red mole on the tip of his nose. A faint crimson, drawing the gaze, the attention, and something more.

For Qin Jianhe, that feeling was very unfamiliar.

He slowly lowered his eyes, but then saw Ye Zhiqiu’s outstretched hand.

It was just as fair, only the palm a soft pink. On the side of his ring finger was a tiny crimson mole, just like the one on his nose.

He was catching the fine snowflakes.

Soon, the snowflakes mixed with larger flakes, scattering down with the wind.

Normally, this weather would be annoying. But on Valentine’s Day, it was different.

Such delicate snow only enhanced the romantic atmosphere. No one on the street used umbrellas, but people stood closer together.

Whether it was the atmosphere outside, or Yu Renzhi’s crude jokes, or just those two tiny red moles…

Despite the freezing temperature, Qin Jianhe felt a strange warmth rising within him.

He looked down even further, at the rose in his hand.

* * * *

The driver arrived. The car slowly pulled up to the restaurant entrance.

“Let’s go.” Qin Jianhe said.

Snow had gathered on the steps, looking slippery under the lights.

He took Ye Zhiqiu’s wrist and walked beside him, guiding him to the car.

“Get in,” he said.

“Okay.” Ye Zhiqiu responded obediently, brushing the snow from his shoulders before bending to get in.

* * * *

On the way back, the car was exceptionally quiet.

Only the spicy, fragrant scent of the rose floated faintly in the air.

Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun were complaining of boredom in the group chat. Ye Zhiqiu took the opportunity to tell them he’d decided to go to Q.L.

The group chat immediately lit up with small fireworks.

[Prosperity: Congrats, my treasure! You’re going to make waves in the fashion world, command the winds and clouds, and become a legend.]

[Li Shao: Congrats, Master Ye. Finally getting closer to quality stocks and farther away from trash ones.]

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

What was all this?

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Thanks, everyone. Folding fists.jpg]

[Prosperity: If I can’t find a good job in my major later, I’ll come work for you.]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Deal. Give me some time to build up, and supporting you guys won’t be a problem.]

[Li Shao: Great. Then I don’t have to take over the family business.]

As the three chatted animatedly, Tang Le’s message arrived belatedly.

He had gone back to his hometown for the New Year and only saw the group messages after dinner.

Though he’d expected it, his feelings were still mixed.

Sometimes he wondered if it would have been better if he’d never met Ye Zhiqiu, or never become friends with him.

Seeing someone far away succeed might only inspire envy. But seeing someone close succeed only made him twist with jealousy.

And in the future, in the fashion world, he’d probably always be in Ye Zhiqiu’s shadow.

That’s why he was considering switching tracks, becoming a stylist in entertainment.

With the right promotion and a bit of publicity tactics, that world was much easier than fashion, and the money came faster.

He stared at the letters Q.L on his screen for a long time before adjusting his mindset and typing four words.

[Lele: Congrats, Xiaoqiu.]

Ye Zhiqiu smiled slightly and set off a couple of small celebration fireworks in the group. They exploded on the screen, especially festive.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Thanks, Lele. You work hard too.]

He didn’t expect Tang Le to reply to that, but his phone vibrated again.

Ye Zhiqiu looked down and saw a text from an unfamiliar number.

[Xiaoqiu, can we meet? Gao Wenye.]

Since blocking Gao Wenye, he’d gone to their school twice, fully disguised.

Each time, Ye Zhiqiu had avoided meeting him, using the excuse that he didn’t want to be involved with anyone his younger brother liked.

This time…

Ye Zhiqiu’s gaze stilled as he fell into thought.

“What are you thinking about?” Noticing his unusual silence, Qin Jianhe glanced over.

“Someone wants to meet me. I’m not sure if I should.” After a moment’s silence, Ye Zhiqiu spoke.

“If you’re not sure, then you don’t want to.” Qin Jianhe’s voice was calm. “Why force yourself?”

Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

It wasn’t convenient to explain to Qin Jianhe, so he just nodded.

“You’re right.”

* * * *

The car had already reached the vicinity of the Ye residence, turning onto the small road leading to the compound.

In the distance, Ye Zhiqiu spotted the car Uncle Wang had taken to the film set.

He remembered then that Tao Ruoqing had mentioned the crew was officially on holiday today.

Ye Zhixia must be back.

He didn’t need to think hard to know that on a day like this, Ye Zhixia hadn’t been able to stay on set and spend Valentine’s Day with Gao Wenye. It was very likely Tao Ruoqing had personally gone to pick him up this afternoon.

Ye Zhiqiu looked down again at Gao Wenye’s message and decided to leave it for now.

* * * *

The car stopped at the entrance to the Ye compound as usual.

Qin Jianhe and Ye Zhiqiu got out together. Then Qin Jianhe retrieved an umbrella from the trunk and handed it to him.

“Goodbye, President Qin.” Ye Zhiqiu took a few steps backward, waving. He couldn’t help but laugh. “Next time we meet, you’ll be my boss.”

“Mm.” Qin Jianhe nodded calmly, watching him enter the compound before getting back in the car.

Ye Zhiqiu walked a few steps, about to turn the corner, when he couldn’t resist looking back.

He just caught the flash of the black car’s taillights as it disappeared into the night.

He paused for a moment, then continued walking unhurriedly along the wet ground.

* * * *

Before he even reached the door, noise from the courtyard spilled out.

Ye Zhixia was indeed back.

Tao Ruoqing hadn’t even had time to take off her bag yet. She was holding an umbrella, watching Uncle Wang and Aunt Zhao help Ye Zhixia carry things inside.

Her expression was cold. Ye Zhixia’s didn’t look too good either.

Ye Zhiqiu pushed open the gate and walked in. Up close, Ye Zhixia looked even more worn down than when he’d left.

Clearly, his romantic journey had been quite bumpy.

“How did the interview go?” Seeing him enter, Tao Ruoqing’s face naturally lit up with a smile.

“Not bad.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “Pretty smooth.”

As they spoke, Ye Hongxian came downstairs.

He hadn’t heard about Ye Zhiqiu’s job change yet. Hearing this, he looked over.

“What, you switched companies?” His brow furrowed in displeasure. “You’ve only been working for such a short time. So impatient…”

“Mm.” Ye Zhiqiu cut him off. “I’m going to Q.L.”

“What?” Ye Hongxian froze, taking a moment to process. “Where did you say?”

“Q.L.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “The luxury brand under the Qin Group.”

“Really?” Ye Hongxian’s eyes lit up. He strode over to Ye Zhiqiu. “I heard the eldest son of the Qin family is there, right?”

Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

“You’ve met him?” Ye Hongxian asked.

“How could I?” Ye Zhiqiu laughed. “The eldest Qin son not only runs the entire Qin Group, his mother has been the national richest person multiple times. You think he’s that easy to meet?”

“You’ll have the chance once you’re there.” Ye Hongxian rarely showed concern for Ye Zhiqiu. “If you can connect with the eldest Qin son, not just you, but our whole family can rise with you.”

“I don’t know the eldest Qin son,” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “But I do know the grandson of their housekeeper.”

Ye Zhixia let out a snort and turned to look.

“Dad, you really think just anyone can connect with the eldest Qin son just by getting into Q.L.?” he said caustically. “Him? With his attitude? Do you think people are blind?”

Before Ye Zhiqiu could speak, Ye Hongxian called his name in displeasure.

“Ye Zhixia!”

Ye Zhixia pouted and said nothing more.

“I’m going in.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled, closed his umbrella, and stepped inside.

Watching his slender, upright back, Ye Zhixia pressed his lips together unwillingly.

He had accidentally overheard two of Gao Wenye’s assistants chatting the other day and learned that Gao Wenye had gone to the Fashion Institute.

He didn’t believe it had nothing to do with Ye Zhiqiu.

No wonder Gao Wenye hadn’t been as warm and proactive toward him lately.

Instead, he had been distant, leaving him unable to advance or retreat.

Retreat? Ye Zhixia thought. Absolutely impossible.

He had liked Gao Wenye first. No one else could think of taking what was his, stealing him away.

Ye Zhiqiu could deny it all he wanted, pretend to be a pure white lotus. But sooner or later, he’d drag out that hidden fox tail.

* * * *

Ye Zhiqiu went inside and happened to meet Uncle Wang on the stairs, coming down after taking something up to Ye Zhixia’s room.

“Uncle Wang.” He stopped with a smile. “We’re almost ready for the New Year. Tomorrow, I’ll have a few drinks with you. The day after is New Year’s Eve, and I’ll need you to cover the night shift.”

“Of course, of course.” Uncle Wang smiled. “No need to be so polite, young master.”

“How could I not?” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “You’ve worked hard all year. What kind of liquor do you like, Uncle Wang? I’ll get it.”

Uncle Wang’s job was driving. He couldn’t touch alcohol during working hours.

Usually, no one mentioned it. But now, with the New Year approaching, Ye Zhiqiu’s mention inevitably stirred his craving.

“Any white liquor is fine.” Uncle Wang smiled. “Can’t drink too much anyway.”

Ye Zhiqiu smiled and nodded. “Okay, you’ve got it.”

“I’ll get back to work, young master.” Uncle Wang said.

Ye Zhiqiu stepped aside, smiling, and let Uncle Wang go downstairs.

* * * *

It was the twenty-ninth day of the lunar month, Q.L.’s last working day before the Spring Festival.

As soon as work ended, Qin Jianhe drove to his mother’s place halfway up the mountain.

When he arrived, the huge courtyard was already lined with luxury cars. Wang Qitang, Yu Renzhi, and Meng Qingyan had all arrived long before.

The villa hadn’t been this lively in a long time. As soon as he got out of the car, Qin Jianhe could smell the aroma of food.

“Yu Ge’s back.” Meng Qingyan was the first to greet him, accompanied by a petite girl.

Fu Yuan. The daughter of his mother’s current boyfriend, Fu Mingjin, from his previous marriage.

Fu Yuan lived abroad with her mother, currently working on her doctorate. She had deliberately come back to visit her father for the New Year.

Seeing Qin Jianhe get out of the car, Fu Yuan immediately came over.

“Brother.”

“Welcome back.” Qin Jianhe nodded calmly. “How’s Aunt Wang?”

“My mom’s fine. Thanks, brother.” Fu Yuan smiled. “Aunt Nie was just talking about you. Said you’re a workaholic—it’s almost the New Year, your friends are all here waiting, and you still had the nerve to be this late.”

Hearing this, Qin Jianhe smiled faintly. “This is when she’s not being a workaholic.”

* * * *

The three of them went inside.

Nie Fengjun was sitting in the living room with Wang Qitang, discussing business. Yu Renzhi had even actually sat down and listened.

“Aunt Nie,” Wang Qitang said. “You have a lot of experience and a sharp eye. In your opinion, is this Yunkai company reliable?”

“I’ve heard people mention this company recently. I hear they’re very impressive. Came out of nowhere and immediately crushed a few small membrane manufacturers.” Nie Fengjun held her water cup, thinking. “The materials you’ve shown me—though the specific methods of operation aren’t clear—aren’t impossible. In fact, some in the industry have already been considering this new research direction.”

“You think it’s feasible?” Wang Qitang asked.

Nie Fengjun smiled but didn’t answer immediately.

“Didn’t you visit them in person?”

“I did. But it’s precisely because of the visit that I have concerns,” Wang Qitang said. “First, their current factory is rented, which means they don’t have fixed assets of their own. Second, their current person in charge isn’t the real owner of the factory.”

“Oh?” Nie Fengjun tilted her head.

“The real boss behind the scenes seems very mysterious. No one knows their true identity yet.” Wang Qitang shrugged. “Plus the factory issue, I suspect they might be trying to pull off a ‘white-glove’ scheme.”

“There’s nothing wrong with pulling off a white-glove deal,” Nie Fengjun said. “As long as they truly have the technology, or can guarantee the feasibility of the proposed direction. Consider it them investing their technology. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“So,” Wang Qitang asked again, “you think it’s feasible?”

Nie Fengjun nodded.

“In business, you have to take risks others won’t if you want returns others envy,” Nie Fengjun said. “Besides, don’t you and your father also want to shift from single internal combustion engines to new energy?”

“New energy vehicles don’t need internal combustion engines. Their market share will only grow, naturally squeezing New Power’s development.” Nie Fengjun’s analysis was clear and logical, quickly sorting through Wang Qitang’s dilemma. “Actually, New Power’s current development is also quite good. And Ruiyi has no immediate plans to completely abandon traditional cars. The demand for internal combustion engines is still stable. But if you can run on dual tracks, wouldn’t that be even better?”

“I understand, Aunt Nie.” Wang Qitang stood up and went to the side to draft an email to Yunkai.

Nie Fengjun also stood up and waved to Qin Jianhe, who had just entered.

“Xiaoyu.” She smiled, her voice gentle. “Who was that boy who gave you flowers yesterday? He’s very good-looking.”

“What?” Yu Renzhi shot up. “Are you out of your mind? You didn’t give flowers, money, jewelry—you let Xiao Mei… Xiao Ye give them to you?”

Qin Jianhe ignored him, only saying to Nie Fengjun, “I’ll tell you later.”

He asked, “Where’s Uncle Fu?”

“In the kitchen, busy.” Nie Fengjun smiled. “It’s been a long time since it was this lively here. You boys eat before going out to play.”

“Okay,” Qin Jianhe replied.

“You’ve worked hard all day. Go change into something comfortable.” Seeing that Qin Jianhe—except for loosening his tie slightly—was still in formal wear ready for a meeting, Nie Fengjun laughed. “It’s almost the New Year. Relax a bit.”

Qin Jianhe nodded and went upstairs without a word.

* * * *

The cactus he had raised as a teenager was still there, now rounded into a full pot, sitting on the windowsill of the second-floor sitting room.

Qin Jianhe changed into casual clothes, then filled a watering bottle, bent down, and watered the cactus.

“Xiaoyu.” Nie Fengjun had come up at some point. She asked again, “That boy from yesterday…”

“A new colleague,” Qin Jianhe said.

“I’ve never seen you be that close with anyone before.” Nie Fengjun smiled. “Not even Qitang or the others have you ever been that patient with them.”

Qin Jianhe’s watering movement paused. Then he set the bottle on the windowsill.

“I’m not sure.” It took him a moment to speak, his voice very deep. “I’m not sure what ‘liking someone’ feels like. And I’m not sure if what I feel for him is simply desire.”

“What about others?” Nie Fengjun asked with a smile. “Do you have similar desires for them?”

After a moment’s silence, Qin Jianhe shook his head slightly.

“No.”

* * * *

Ye Zhiqiu had bought two bottles of good liquor.

Ignoring Ye Zhixia’s contemptuous and disgusted looks, he went to the back building to have a few drinks with Uncle Wang.

Such good liquor—one bottle cost several months of his salary. And since he usually couldn’t touch alcohol because of driving, once he started, Uncle Wang unconsciously drank too much.

Uncle Wang was very guarded. Ye Zhiqiu had never found a good opportunity.

He handled his liquor well too. Even drunk, he didn’t talk nonsense.

So Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t asked anything.

They drank cup for cup until Uncle Wang was thoroughly drunk and fell asleep at the table.

“Uncle Wang.” Ye Zhiqiu helped him to bed and considerately covered him with a blanket.

Uncle Wang was deeply drunk and slept soundly, with no reaction at all.

Ye Zhiqiu slowly straightened up beside the bed.

He looked down at the few hairs with follicles intact in the sealed bag in his hand, and his eyes slowly darkened.