A Genius Walks In… And the War Begins

“Hm? Teacher Meng.” Hearing Meng Da call his name, Ye Zhiqiu looked up with a smile.

“I’ll go get the cleaning supplies. You take another look at the equipment, the cabinets, shelves, see if anything needs adjusting. If you need anything, I’ll call some of the younger staff over to help—swap things out, clear things out.” Meng Da pointed to the row of cabinets against the wall that held fabric and tools. “It’s just that your timing, deciding to come here right during the holidays, meant this should have been sorted out earlier.”

Ye Zhiqiu turned off his phone and began seriously appraising the office before him.

Aside from a thin layer of dust, the office was actually quite tidy.

Moreover, most of the tools he needed for his daily work—including a sewing machine, storage shelves, a workbench, a computer, a fitting dummy, down to fabric scissors and measuring tapes—were mostly already there.

If there was anything missing, he might gradually put together a tool wall later.

But there was no rush.

Ye Zhiqiu stepped forward and brushed the light dust off the sewing machine.

The machine was still very new, barely used.

It was exactly the brand and model fashion designers preferred.

With over a hundred stitch patterns, it would be more than enough for him.

This office had clearly been used by someone before, but not for long.

“This is perfect.” Ye Zhiqiu turned around with a smile. “The previous designer took good care of it. The tools all look usable.”

“Ha… haha…” Meng Da chuckled sheepishly, then explained after a moment, “Actually, this office was used by President Qin before.”

“Oh?” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “President Qin didn’t study design, did he?”

“When he first took over Q.L., he specially brought in a teacher for a while.” Meng Da said. “Probably wanted to understand the industry more deeply.”

Hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu smiled again.

“This office is just downstairs from the executive office, convenient for going up and down. He didn’t use it much anyway, so he just made do.” Meng Da also smiled.

His phone buzzed insistently again, still Li Shaojun.

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t answer, instead turning to Meng Da.

“This place is pretty clean.” He smiled. “No need for major changes. I can handle the rest myself.”

“Okay, then.” Meng Da nodded. “If you need anything, let me know, or just get it from the supply room.”

Seeing that Ye Zhiqiu’s phone was still buzzing, he didn’t say more, just pointed downstairs. “The cafeteria is in the basement. I’ll take you there for lunch.”

“Okay. Thank you, Teacher Meng.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled as he watched him leave, then closed the door and answered the call just in time.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“What do you think?” Li Shaojun said. “Whose were those two samples?”

“Like I said before,” Ye Zhiqiu said, “I’ll tell you later.”

“It’s not yours and someone else’s, is it?” Li Shaojun’s voice rose. “Is Ye Hongxian not your biological father?”

He didn’t even call him Uncle Ye anymore.

Ye Zhiqiu laughed at that.

“Did your brain short-circuit, Li Shaojun?” he asked.

Well, Li Shaojun had actually guessed the direction of things, just the wrong subject.

It wasn’t about him, it was about Ye Zhixia.

“Oh.” Li Shaojun snapped back to reality. “I didn’t mean anything bad about Aunt Lan.”

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

Explaining was worse than not explaining.

“Don’t let your imagination run wild.” Ye Zhiqiu tidied his desk. “I’ll tell you when the time is right.”

He coaxed, “Be good.”

“Got it.” Li Shaojun had to accept, then complained, “You’ve been so mysterious lately.”

Ye Zhiqiu laughed and hung up.

* * * *

After saving and encrypting the appraisal report, he paused for a moment.

When he had first suspected Uncle Wang, he had already considered the different possibilities.

Now that it was confirmed, there was only one path forward.

He didn’t plan to expose Tao Ruoqing and Ye Zhixia just yet.

First, even if Qi Xin was trash, what Ye Zhixia and Gao Wenye had done to him in his past life was equally unforgivable.

Ye Zhixia hadn’t yet truly tasted betrayal from someone he cherished, someone he loved so passionately.

He hadn’t yet experienced the cruel torment of a rotten marriage.

He should have that chance, to savor it properly.

He couldn’t deny him that.

And Tao Ruoqing should taste what she had schemed for him, the script she had so carefully prepared…

If it ended up being used on her own son, how would that feel?

Besides, the partnership between Tao Ruoqing and Qi Xin needed to continue.

After all, over the years, using Ye Zheng’s position in the company, she had siphoned quite a bit from Yeding.

After she had coughed it all up, after she had nothing left, it wouldn’t be too late to move to the next step.

Now, he already held the leverage. There was no need to worry.

But with things at this stage, staying at home held little strategic value.

Ye Zhiqiu began to consider finding a suitable opportunity to move out.

Acting wasn’t tiring—that mask had long since fused with his face.

But even if it wasn’t tiring, he still didn’t want to stay under the same roof as them.

Especially every time he called Tao Ruoqing “Mom,” or Ye Hongxian “Dad.”

* * * *

After roughly cleaning the office, Ye Zhiqiu reopened his phone and saw that Meng Da had added him to the design department’s work group chat.

[Old Meng: Welcome our new colleague @One Leaf Knows Autumn.]

[Old Meng: Welcome dinner tonight at the usual place. Everyone is welcome to come.]

A flood of welcomes followed, seemingly very harmonious.

Ye Zhiqiu scanned them and noticed that Zhou Lang’s name was absent.

But there was one message specifically tagging Zhou Lang.

[Lin She: First there was the competition runner-up. Now the champion has arrived. Feeling threatened, Teacher Zhou? @Teacher Zhou]

Like Ye Zhiqiu, Zhou Lang had won an award in the international fashion competition, but his was the second prize.

The award was prestigious, and Zhou Lang was undeniably talented, which made him extremely proud and arrogant.

During the years Qin Wei’an ran Q.L., Zhou Lang had even used his connection with Qin Wei’an to kick Meng Da out of his position as head of Q.L.’s design department.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last. When Qin Jianhe took over, Meng Da was reinstated.

That was why Zhou Lang was always so unwilling to accept Meng Da.

In terms of design talent, Meng Da was indeed no match for Zhou Lang. But in terms of vision and desire for talent, Zhou Lang was far inferior.

If Zhou Lang were in Meng Da’s position today, he would never have proactively reached out to Ye Zhiqiu.

He feared anyone stronger than himself.

He had carried the title of competition runner-up for years, hating it.

After being Q.L.’s chief designer for so many years, being number one for so long, his world could no longer accommodate any ranking other than first.

Now that someone was using Ye Zhiqiu as a weapon against him, even if Ye Zhiqiu wanted to avoid conflict, he had already made an enemy of Zhou Lang.

That was why, even with the tight schedule, he was determined to participate in this fashion week.

In top-tier companies like Q.L. or M.H., office politics were unavoidable.

Even if Ye Zhiqiu wanted no part, it was hard to stay completely untouched.

Better to let others use him as a target and profit from it, he decided to主动 strike.

Since he had to make enemies anyway, he might as well keep the benefits firmly in his own hands.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled, recalling some news about Zhou Lang from his past life.

In that life, he had never met Zhou Lang, so naturally he didn’t know him.

But being in the same industry, with Zhou Lang’s established reputation, he knew a little about him.

He had seen many of his works on the fashion week stage.

As for Qi Xin, he had admired Zhou Lang greatly.

After Qiyun developed, Qi Xin had tried to invite him, but Zhou Lang hadn’t given him the time of day.

Until many years later—Ye Zhiqiu couldn’t recall the exact timeline, perhaps seven or eight years on—Zhou Lang was involved in a major scandal.

In his past life, until the scandal broke, Zhou Lang was still Q.L.’s chief designer.

For so many years, no one had surpassed his talent or stolen his thunder.

Naturally, such a person didn’t lack followers.

After all, having the opportunity to learn from a good mentor could completely change one’s future.

Zhou Lang had many students and subordinates, and many projects and teams under his charge.

Later, it was these very students and subordinates who came forward jointly, accusing him not only of taking credit for their designs but also of harassing female students and assistants.

The scandal had caused a huge stir at the time, dominating headlines for a while, and Q.L. was caught in the storm.

Qi Xin had been grateful that Zhou Lang had never accepted his invitation.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled and typed a reply.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Thank you all. I’ll work hard. Looking forward to working together happily. Bowing.jpg]

After replying, he set his phone aside and turned on his computer.

The hard drive was wiped, but the necessary software was all there. Ye Zhiqiu transferred his work from his tablet and officially began his time at Q.L.

* * * *

At noon, Meng Da came to take him to lunch as promised.

In the elevator, Meng Da explained each floor’s department, responsibilities, and who to contact for what.

Ye Zhiqiu quietly absorbed the information.

Q.L.’s cafeteria was excellent, with a variety of balanced, nutritious dishes.

It was also very quiet, hardly anyone spoke, giving it a very professional air.

Meng Da ordered a few small dishes, while Ye Zhiqiu chose a steaming clay pot.

The beef meatballs in the pot were especially satisfying, chewy and springy.

Halfway through his meal, Ye Zhiqiu looked around.

“Does President Qin eat here too?” he asked.

“Occasionally…” Meng Da had only gotten three words out when he stopped, looking at the entrance.

Following his gaze, Ye Zhiqiu saw Qin Jianhe.

The man was in a suit, followed by a few other senior executives, also formally dressed. He was listening to something as they walked.

A short woman was speaking to him. Qin Jianhe leaned slightly toward her.

His posture was somehow reassuring.

Even though he still looked cold, his innate courtesy revealed itself effortlessly.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled and unconsciously reached out to hold his clay pot.

“Oh, Xiao Ye!” Meng Da was startled. “What are you thinking? That’s a clay pot. It’s hot. You could burn yourself.”

Ye Zhiqiu paused, quickly pulling his hands back, a little scared himself.

He didn’t know what had come over him, holding it like a cup.

He must have been distracted.

Fortunately, he had already eaten most of it, and the pot was only slightly warm. It didn’t burn.

“Let me see.” Meng Da reached for his hands. “Your hands can’t get hurt.”

“What’s wrong?” A low, pleasant male voice came from above.

Ye Zhiqiu stiffened slightly and looked up.

Qin Jianhe had somehow arrived at their table and was looking down at him.

He suddenly realized Meng Da was still holding his hands.

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

He quietly withdrew his hands.

“President Qin.” Meng Da explained. “Xiao Ye just got a burn. I was checking if it was serious.”

“It’s really nothing.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled sheepishly. “The clay pot wasn’t hot anymore.”

“You touched a clay pot with your bare hands?” Qin Jianhe looked at him with an ambiguous expression, his tone somehow disapproving.

Whether he had seen it or guessed, he hit the nail on the head.

Ye Zhiqiu: “Ha… haha…”

The boss already didn’t seem to like the kid much. It would be bad if he thought he was careless in work too.

Meng Da snapped out of it, quickly trying to salvage Ye Zhiqiu’s image.

“Xiao Ye is a bit casual in daily life.” He smiled. “But he’s very meticulous in his work.”

“Really, boss.” Meng Da emphasized.

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

It was probably best if he didn’t explain at all.

“Boss,” Ye Zhiqiu was new, but not an ordinary new hire. He was a rising star in fashion, with dazzling talent and achievements. Meng Da wanted to get him special consideration. “The design department is having a welcome dinner for Xiao Ye tonight at the bar across the street. Would you be able to come by for a drink?”

“We’ll see.” Qin Jianhe’s voice was as even as ever. “It depends on the timing.”

“Alright, alright.” Meng Da said quickly.

Seeing the executives who had come in with the boss already seated in a corner of the cafeteria, he sat back down, not wanting to disturb him further.

But Qin Jianhe didn’t leave.

He stood there for another moment.

“Be more careful next time.” His voice was light, unreadable. “Don’t get hurt.”

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t have a chance to respond before Meng Da spoke for him.

“Xiao Ye has learned his lesson. Thank you for your concern, boss.”

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

“Mm.” After a moment, Qin Jianhe responded lightly.

The shadow that had blocked the light fell away again. Qin Jianhe had moved on.

* * * *

The bar was packed that night, almost riotous.

Colored lights flashed relentlessly, dazzling the eyes. The figures on the dance floor were dizzying.

Ye Zhiqiu swayed to the beat for a moment, remembering how much he used to enjoy clubbing at this age in his past life.

He smiled and found a passing server, asked for Q.L.’s private room, and headed in that direction.

After navigating the short corridor and fielding countless come-ons, he finally pushed open the door to the private room.

Inside, everyone was having a good time. Some were drinking, some singing, some making bets.

“The boss asked the higher-ups today. Let’s see if he shows,” a young woman said with a laugh. “I remember the only time the boss came was when Teacher Zhou was welcomed.”

“That was ages ago, when Old Qin was still in charge. Things have changed since then.” A neatly dressed man said.

“Our boss won’t come.” A man in his thirties laughed. “Our boss probably doesn’t even know what ‘human feeling’ means. No matter what competition Xiao Ye won, that’s in the past, isn’t it? Isn’t having Old Meng here enough?”

Laughter rippled through the group. The man continued, “Look, Zhou Lang isn’t here either. Acting like he’s the second-in-command in the design department. Putting on airs.”

Ye Zhiqiu had seen photos of these people on the intranet today and vaguely recognized some.

The one speaking was Lin Qunsheng, the one who had stirred things up in the group chat.

“I think the boss might come,” another person said. “He is the champion. He has real talent.”

“Want to bet?” Lin Qunsheng laughed. “What does being champion matter? Isn’t he still knocking on Q.L.’s door? You young people all have cubicles in the main office. How many of you have your own private office at this age? That’s already plenty generous.”

He smiled, then continued, “Besides, the boss made his point pretty clear today. Old Meng gave him a big office, but he got moved to a small one. Isn’t that message obvious?”

“Forget it, then.” The person who had thought Qin Jianhe might come said. “I won’t bet.”

Lin Qunsheng looked smugly at him.

Then he looked up and saw Ye Zhiqiu.

The young man had dark, ink-black hair and smiling, spring-like eyes. He had just taken off his jacket, and the cream-colored cashmere sweater he wore made him look even fairer, softer.

He seemed easy to handle.

“Xiao Ye is here.” Meng Da also saw him and stood up, clapping.

The room quieted momentarily, all eyes on Ye Zhiqiu.

“Let’s welcome our new colleague, Ye Zhiqiu!” Meng Da’s voice was warm.

Applause erupted.

“I saw your competition entries. They were amazing.” A young female designer’s eyes sparkled.

“Of course.” Meng Da said, unable to hide his pride. “I had my eye on Xiao Ye for a long time before he agreed to join us. It wasn’t easy.”

Lin Qunsheng rolled his eyes.

“Thank you all.” Ye Zhiqiu stepped forward with a smile. Someone handed him a glass. He raised it. “I’m young, I might be a bit careless sometimes. I hope you’ll bear with me.”

“Ye Zhiqiu,” a young male designer called his name. “Is that humblebrag?”

“Maybe a little.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

Being so young, having won the championship and securing a private office at Q.L., it was understandable people were jealous.

If they knew the terms of his contract, they’d probably be even more envious.

But his frank admission lightened the mood, and the room burst into laughter.

The young designer who had asked about humblebragging stepped forward and put an arm around Ye Zhiqiu’s shoulders, grinning. “Nice, buddy. I like you.”

“Wu Qiong,” someone joked, “don’t say things like that.”

The laughter grew louder.

More people began to gather around Ye Zhiqiu, especially the younger ones. The distance quickly disappeared.

“Thank you all. I’ll rely on your guidance.” Ye Zhiqiu raised his glass again and downed it.

“Xiao Ye, want to sing?”
“Xiao Ye, are you seeing anyone?”
“Xiao Ye, everyone has to have a drink tonight. You’re not leaving until you do!”
“…”

The room was lively, and Ye Zhiqiu was quickly several drinks in.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he didn’t have time to check it.

“Slow down, guys.” After another drink, Ye Zhiqiu laughed and begged for mercy.

“Sooner or later, you have to drink anyway.” Lin Qunsheng approached with a smile. “Here, Xiao Ye, let me toast you. Wishing you a bright future and that you claim the top spot on our floor.”

The door opened again. Ye Zhiqiu looked over and saw Zhou Lang, his expression cold.

“Oh, Teacher Zhou is here.” Lin Qunsheng was happy to stir the pot. “Let me hold off on my toast. The champion and the runner-up should toast each other.”

The room fell silent. Meng Da threw an empty can at Lin Qunsheng, who dodged with a laugh, clearing the space in front of Ye Zhiqiu.

“Hello, Zhou Lang.” Zhou Lang approached.

“Hello, Ye Zhiqiu.” Ye Zhiqiu extended his hand with a smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“You’re the more famous one.” Zhou Lang’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “The champion, after all.”

“Ha…” Ye Zhiqiu laughed. “I used the champion title as a foot in the door at Q.L., and to get a private office. It’s all used up now.”

He glanced at Lin Qunsheng, still smiling. “From now on, I start from zero.”

Lin Qunsheng’s expression faltered.

Maybe not as easy to handle as he thought.

“No need to hold off.” Ye Zhiqiu was still smiling. “How about we all toast together?”

“Come on, let’s all toast. We’re colleagues now.” Meng Da quickly stepped in.

The room became lively again.

* * * *

That night, Ye Zhiqiu drank a lot.

Just as his head began to feel light, the door opened again.

Qin Jianhe’s tall figure appeared in the doorway, blocking the light from the hall behind him.

The room fell quiet again.

Curious, envious, and incredulous glances were cast at Ye Zhiqiu.

Only Zhou Lang’s expression turned particularly sour.

Before, he had been the only one to receive such an honor.

Now, he was no longer unique.

“Boss, you came!” Meng Da happily went to greet him. Zhou Lang also stepped forward, standing beside Meng Da.

“Mm.” Qin Jianhe nodded slightly. “To welcome our new colleague. I came for a drink.”

Someone immediately poured a glass. People moved to make room for him.

“No need.” Qin Jianhe’s voice was even. “I still have work to do.”

Meaning he would have one drink and leave.

As they spoke, Ye Zhiqiu looked down and refilled his glass.

“Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule, boss. It’s an honor.” He raised his glass with a smile.

“I’ll finish mine. You have work tomorrow. Don’t drink too much.” Qin Jianhe raised his glass, lightly touched it to Ye Zhiqiu’s, and downed it in one go.

Ye Zhiqiu raised his own glass. After he took a sip, Qin Jianhe chuckled, his voice low. “That’s enough.”

Ye Zhiqiu set his glass down.

Meng Da’s head spun.

The boss finished his drink, and this kid was slacking off.

Kids these days, they still need to learn.

This welcome dinner was different from usual.

Ye Zhiqiu’s star was too bright. People had different motives. Meng Da worried he would be too hungover to get out of bed tomorrow if he drank more.

With the boss there, Meng Da seized the moment. “Everyone’s been socializing over the holidays. This is our first day back. For your health, let’s call it a night.”

With the boss present, no one dared argue. They all found their jackets and phones, preparing to leave.

“I’ll get back to it.” Qin Jianhe said to Meng Da.

After the New Year, work had piled up. He really had been busy; he still had to go back to the office.

Ye Zhiqiu found his phone and saw the missed calls and messages.

Most were from Qi Xin.

[Qi Xin: I’ll pick you up?]
[Qi Xin: Xiaoqiu?]
[Qi Xin: Are you home? I waited at your gate and didn’t see you.]
[Qi Xin: …]

Ye Zhiqiu replied.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: The company had a welcome dinner for me. It just ended.]

Qi Xin answered immediately.

[Qi Xin: Have you been drinking? I’ll pick you up.]

Ye Zhiqiu considered. He’d have to wait for a designated driver anyway. If Qi Xin wanted to come, so be it.

He turned and followed the crowd outside. After exchanging a few words at the bar entrance, they dispersed.

Walking down the street in front of the bar, he saw Q.L.’s building ahead. He looked up and saw lights on the top floor.

He paused in the cold wind, then headed toward Q.L.

* * * *

When he reached the design department floor, he saw others had come back to work.

Q.L. was indeed busy.

He thought about Q.L.’s policy of not hiring students still in school.

Working here would definitely affect one’s studies.

In his office, he sat quietly for a while.

It was so quiet, he was so focused, that the warmth of the alcohol on his cheeks became much more vivid.

Ye Zhiqiu suddenly wanted a cigarette.

He rummaged through his bag and found a pack and a lighter.

Then he stood up and walked out, into the stairwell.

Leaning against the wall, just as he lit the cigarette, he had a thought.

He had an office to himself. Why did he have to come out here?

But it didn’t matter, he thought. It would keep the smell off the materials he’d be working with.

The cigarette tip glowed. He watched the gray smoke, lost in thought.

He didn’t know how long passed. He heard a sound, steady footsteps coming down the stairs.

He paused and looked up.

But the person didn’t come all the way down. He stopped at the landing.

He heard a familiar click.

His alcohol-slow mind took a moment to recognize the sound of a lighter.

He smiled.

So Qin Jianhe had found him a lucky spot. Everyone smoked here.

Curious, he climbed a few steps.

A motion-sensor light came on, and he saw the tall figure.

Qin Jianhe leaned against the window on the landing, looking down, quietly smoking.

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

Qin Jianhe: “…”

The stairwell was awkwardly silent for a few seconds.

Then, a faint smile slowly rose in Qin Jianhe’s dark eyes.

“Still taking pictures?” His voice was low. “Wasn’t it for ten years?”

Ye Zhiqiu’s mind was hazy. It took him a moment to realize he was asking if he still wanted to photograph him.

He hadn’t taken his picture in a long time.