Block Me All You Want… I Still Chose Tonight

When Ye Zhiqiu decided to confront Zhou Lang, he had already secured a backup plan.

In his past life, Qiyun had developed quite well, its standing in the fashion world even beginning to rival the Jiang family’s.

Jiang Nan was no longer the unattainable ideal in Qi Xin’s eyes; their interactions grew increasingly frequent.

If initially Jiang Nan had treated Qi Xin merely as a dog trailing behind him to stroke his own ego, later Qi Xin had officially become a legitimate standby in Jiang Nan’s life.

Consequently, after Jiang Nan’s reputation was destroyed over the Qin Jianhe drugging incident, and after the Jiang family fell completely under the Qin family’s relentless retaliation, Jiang Nan had turned to Qi Xin.

“I’m tired. I want to settle down.” Qi Xin’s words echoed again in his ears.

He wasn’t being treated like a person, but like an object, a plaything—discardable when no longer wanted.

Even the pain of having his heart ripped out didn’t seem to matter as much as that one word: “tired.”

Ye Zhiqiu flicked the ash from his cigarette, the corner of his mouth curving slightly.

Cold moonlight filtered through the window, laying a layer of silver frost at his feet.

The white paper before him was covered in scattered writing. After the words “Qiyun,” several arrows pointed to the names of factories.

These were all factories that had become Qiyun’s latest合作 partners after its rise in his past life. Several specialized in gambiered silk and were particularly professional.

Below Qiyun, Zhao Keqi’s name also appeared for the first time in Ye Zhiqiu’s strategic notes.

He had known that many of the people at the gym were wealthy or influential, but he hadn’t expected this particular coincidence: Zhao Keqi’s father was Zhao Yunzhuang, a well-known investor in the entertainment industry.

Zhao Yunzhuang specialized in investing in period dramas, which often featured exquisite costumes that frequently incorporated gambiered silk.

Ye Zhiqiu temporarily crossed out Qiyun and the factory names, leaving only Zhao Keqi’s.

Then he added the names of the three factories whose samples he had set aside today.

He still needed to visit those factories; otherwise, how would Zhou Lang make his move?

After finishing the day’s review, his cigarette had burned down. He stubbed it out in the ashtray, then placed it in a hidden spot under his desk.

Ye Hongxian was a heavy smoker, but he had never allowed Ye Zhiqiu or Ye Zhixia to touch cigarettes.

At this age in his past life, he’d smoked partly out of curiosity and partly out of rebellion. Because he smoked so rarely, he’d never become addicted.

The real addiction had come during those final dark and desperate years.

But now, at the same age, it seemed the addiction from his past life had followed him.

Not as intense, but occasionally that need would surface, making him restless and uneasy.

His fingertips tapped lightly on the cigarette pack, then he tucked it away in a hidden drawer.

He habitually opened his email and checked his phone.

The group chat had been lively. Li Shaojun and Jin Baobao wanted to arrange a celebration for him joining Q.L.

Even Tang Le had said he could come back to school early to join the celebration.

Ye Zhiqiu’s eyes held a smile as he scrolled up.

He truly appreciated the sentiment, but he was just too busy right now.

He did miss Jin Baobao and Li Shaojun, though.

After a moment’s thought, he typed.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Too busy right now, prepping for the fashion show. A bit tight on time. Let’s skip the celebration.]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Besides, isn’t Baobao’s birthday party coming up? We can celebrate then.]

[Li Shao: My Master Ye has really changed.]

[Prosperity: So busy!]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Everyone wants to be the best, right? For this show, I’ve got to be number one at Q.L.]

[Li Shao: Go for it, Master!]

[Prosperity: Go for it, my treasure!]

Ye Zhiqiu, smiling, suddenly remembered the beef clay pot place Qin Jianhe had taken him to on Valentine’s Day.

He kept typing.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: If you’re free tomorrow, we can have dinner near my office. There’s a place that does a great beef clay pot. I’ll take you.]

[Li Shao: Look at this! He just wants us to keep him company for dinner!]

[Prosperity: Is your schedule that tight? You’re not going to have us eat with you and then go back to work, are you? Why not just celebrate tomorrow?]

[Lele: I can’t make it tomorrow. Crying face.jpg]

[Prosperity: That’s okay. You can treat Xiaoqiu to a meal at the school cafeteria when you’re back.]

Jin Baobao was thoughtful. Knowing Tang Le’s financial situation, he specially suggested an affordable option, and Tang Le seemed to appreciate it.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: So, are you coming or not?]

[…]

[Prosperity: I’m in! But if that beef clay pot isn’t good, I’m blaming you.]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Fine, fine. I’m going to shower and get some rest. Have to visit factories tomorrow.]

[Prosperity: Work is so tough, Xiaoqiu!]

[Li Shao: Go on.]

Then a message from Tang Le popped up, but Ye Zhiqiu didn’t read it.

He put his phone down and went to shower.

* * * *

The next morning, as soon as he entered his office, Meng Da arrived with four young people—two men and two women.

“I’ve picked your assistants.” Meng Da smiled. “What do you think?”

“Teacher.” They greeted Ye Zhiqiu in unison.

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

He felt he’d be hard-pressed to find fault.

If he were older, it might be different, but he wouldn’t be twenty for another month, and these people all looked older than him. The title “Teacher” felt a bit heavy.

“Maybe just call me Xiao Ye?” he said with a smile.

They all looked at Meng Da, then back at Ye Zhiqiu.

“Teacher Xiao Ye,” they said in unison.

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

“Alright.” Ye Zhiqiu laughed.

“I won’t introduce them one by one.” Meng Da said. “Let them introduce themselves.”

“I’ll go first.” A round-faced girl stepped forward. “Hello, Teacher Xiao Ye. My name is Zhang Lan. I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and have been at Q.L. for a year, working in quality control. I know fabrics fairly well.”

After Zhang Lan, the other three introduced themselves in turn. Their previous roles were all different, their areas of expertise equally varied. Meng Da had clearly put thought into it.

“Thank you, Teacher Meng,” Ye Zhiqiu said.

“How’s it going?” Meng Da looked at the pile of gambiered silk samples on the desk. “Find anything suitable?”

“A few.” Ye Zhiqiu replied. “I was planning to start visiting factories today.”

“You don’t have to go yourself.” Meng Da said. “Just send Zhang Lan.”

Zhang Lan had mentioned her year in quality control, and her familiarity with fabrics.

“I’d like to see for myself the first few days,” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “I need to get a sense of the合作 partners.”

“Alright.” Meng Da gave in, then pulled Ye Zhiqiu aside. “How come Zhou Lang’s asking about the factories you’re using? Did you offend him?”

“Not really,” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “We just ran into each other at the coffee shop downstairs after work yesterday. Exchanged a few jokes.”

Meng Da understood immediately.

“Come to me if anything comes up.” He said. “I’ll make sure your pieces get into this year’s international show.”

“Mm.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled and nodded. “I’m counting on it.”

* * * *

With limited work for them at the moment, after a brief meeting, Ye Zhiqiu sent the three other assistants back to their own offices.

He drove Zhang Lan to the factory.

“I’ll take you today,” Ye Zhiqiu told Zhang Lan. “You can start visiting on your own later.”

“Teacher Xiao Ye,” Zhang Lan said, “I’ve actually visited most of these factories over the past year. I know the contacts pretty well.”

“Mm.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “So, do you know what each factory specializes in, and what they don’t do well?”

Zhang Lan hesitated.

Her previous role in quality control had been task-oriented. She focused on checking orders against deliveries. If the goods were fine, the job was done.

Ye Zhiqiu’s first question caught her off guard. It was only then that she realized she was no longer in quality control.

“Do you want to become a designer?” Ye Zhiqiu smiled knowingly.

“Yes.” Zhang Lan blushed a little. “Teacher Xiao Ye.”

“A good designer needs to understand not just the market and customer needs, but also the upstream suppliers. Which factory does what well, which has the most authentic colors, which offers the best value. Every detail matters.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “Only then can you give clients the best experience and create the most value for the company.”

“Teacher Xiao Ye,” Zhang Lan looked at him with something like admiration, “I heard you haven’t even graduated yet. How do you know so much?”

“Learn from the veterans, and pay attention. You’ll pick it up.” Ye Zhiqiu said.

“Mm.” Zhang Lan nodded. “I’ll learn as much as I can from the seniors.”

As they talked, they arrived at the factory. The contact, who had been waiting, came to greet them.

As an official designer from Q.L., Ye Zhiqiu received much better treatment than when he’d represented VIA.

The factory cooperated with all his requests.

He pulled out his notebook and got to work.

From warehouse to workshop, he left no area unchecked. He constantly made notes and sketches, occasionally stopping to ask about production processes.

When he came across unusual fabrics, he took photos for reference.

Zhang Lan followed, observing and mentally noting the key points Ye Zhiqiu focused on.

They visited two factories that day, and Ye Zhiqiu collected many samples to take back.

“Got it?” Ye Zhiqiu asked Zhang Lan on the way back.

Zhang Lan nodded. “Yes, Teacher Xiao Ye.”

She recounted the process and precautions, and Ye Zhiqiu added a few points.

“Starting tomorrow, visit all of Q.L.’s合作 factories. After the show, we’ll build our own supplier database. That way, whatever we need, we can find the right partner.” He said. “It’s a bit more work upfront, but it’ll save a lot of time later.”

“Understood, Teacher Xiao Ye.” Zhang Lan said, full of confidence.

* * * *

Time flew by in a blur of activity.

It took Ye Zhiqiu nearly a week to prepare the first two exhibition pieces.

By then, Zhao Keqi had also delivered the gambiered silk.

Meanwhile, as Zhang Lan visited more factories, more of them received warning emails from Zhou Lang.

When the power struggle within Q.L. spilled over, the suppliers suffered. News of it quickly reached Meng Da.

At the design department’s morning meeting, Meng Da addressed the issue openly.

A conflict between the department’s two top designers wasn’t unusual. It was just that Ye Zhiqiu was now involved.

The meeting room was silent. Many sneaked glances at Ye Zhiqiu.

Curious, sympathetic, gloating—all kinds of looks.

Ye Zhiqiu just sat there, smiling, as if it had nothing to do with him.

“Zhou Lang,” Meng Da said, “you need to apologize to these factories. And give Xiao Ye a reasonable explanation.”

“What do I need to explain to him?” Zhou Lang said slowly. “He needs gambiered silk, and so do I. Whoever gets it gets it. What’s the problem?”

“Let’s see if you need it, or if you’re just trying to stop him from getting it.” Meng Da projected an email with the recipient and address blocked onto the screen.

Ye Zhiqiu looked up and read the last lines aloud.

“If you persist, Teacher Zhou will end all business cooperation with your factory.” His voice was quiet, but everyone heard it clearly.

“I have many such emails.” Meng Da said. “You’ve made it very convenient for yourselves. Just change the address and leave the rest the same.”

Zhou Lang looked away, unconcerned.

“Let me reiterate,” Meng Da said. “We are the client, but the factories and suppliers we work with were carefully selected over the years by everyone here and our predecessors. They are the most suitable partners for Q.L.”

He paused, looking around. “They are not just vendors. They are our partners.”

“If we alienate them, we could face problems sourcing the high-quality materials we need in large volumes. So I want everyone to think carefully about what happened today. And I want the person involved,”

he looked at Zhou Lang, “Teacher Zhou, to sincerely apologize to our合作 partners. Otherwise, I’ll bring this to President Qin.”

“I’ve made countless contributions to this company. What has he done?” Zhou Lang’s expression finally changed. “Meng Da, you’re using this to settle personal scores. It’s pathetic.”

“I didn’t get this position for my looks. I’ve always been fair.” Meng Da looked at Zhou Lang. “You say I’m settling scores. Have I ever damaged your interests or taken your resources?”

Zhou Lang snorted. “You removed my pieces and put his in. You’re telling me that’s not personal?”

“Xiao Ye’s pieces were selected because of their quality. You can appeal if you want. Even if you go to President Qin, that’s what I’ll say.” Meng Da’s tone was even. “But you, a senior, using unfair tactics against a junior? Is that any better?”

“Fine.” Zhou Lang lifted his chin. “I’ll appeal. President Qin should be back from his trip today.”

“Xiao Ye.” He looked at Ye Zhiqiu. “You’re confident, right?”

“Mm.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled back. “Very confident.”

His slightly elevated tone sounded to Zhou Lang like a challenge.

“Just wait,” Zhou Lang said.

“That’s enough, Teacher Zhou,” Meng Da frowned. “Your image as a senior is in tatters.”

Before Zhou Lang could respond, Meng Da gathered his papers.

“That’s it for today.” He looked at Zhou Lang. “I’ll give you two days to apologize to the factories. If you haven’t by then, I’ll take it to President Qin.”

“Dismissed,” he said.

Zhou Lang’s face was ashen. “Fine. I’ll go to the secretary’s office right now. President Qin can deal with it as soon as he’s back.”

Ye Zhiqiu gathered his things, smiled slightly, and followed the others out.

Meng Da was waiting for him at the door. He said a few quiet words of reassurance, and they went their separate ways.

* * * *

“Teacher Xiao Ye,” his assistant Gao Yang greeted him as he entered the office. “The assistant group chat is all over this. Because of what happened, Old Meng is coming down on Teacher Zhou?”

The more factories Zhang Lan visited, the more Zhou Lang’s targeting of Ye Zhiqiu became an open secret.

It started within their small group, then spread throughout the design department.

Lately, apart from Wu Qiong, people had been keeping their distance, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.

The atmosphere within their group wasn’t easy, either.

Zhou Lang might escalate his tactics, and even if Ye Zhiqiu was talented, he couldn’t work without materials. If he couldn’t get fabric, how could he complete his exhibition pieces?

They’d subtly suggested he apologize to Zhou Lang; his career was more important.

Zhou Lang was influential. He’d been at Q.L. for years, his network deep.

He’d gone after others before and always succeeded.

But Ye Zhiqiu wasn’t the type to back down.

Still, he’d managed to get the fabric he needed through his own connections. They’d hoped it was over. Then this happened at the meeting.

Gao Yang was worried.

“Mm.” Ye Zhiqiu set down his notebook and looked at Gao Yang’s recent sewing work.

“You’re improving,” he said with a smile.

“Teacher Xiao Ye…” Gao Yang’s voice trailed off, his face full of unspoken concern.

“Hm?” Ye Zhiqiu looked up.

“I’m still worried.” Gao Yang lowered his voice. “What if Teacher Zhou keeps going after us?”

It was probably what all the assistants were thinking.

They were there to learn, to one day become independent designers.

No one wanted to offend a major figure, especially one who could impact their future.

“Do you trust me?” Ye Zhiqiu smiled, then picked up his phone to check the date.

Gao Yang did trust him.

Though he’d only been with Ye Zhiqiu for a week, anyone who knew fashion could see his talent.

And he was generous with his knowledge.

Gao Yang had struggled with draping before. It was only because Ye Zhiqiu had recommended books and taught him personally that he was making progress.

He felt he was finally getting the hang of it.

If only Ye Zhiqiu would give in a little to Zhou Lang.

“Of course I trust you,” Gao Yang said.

But Ye Zhiqiu didn’t respond. He was staring at his phone, his attention elsewhere.

“Teacher Xiao Ye?” Gao Yang prompted.

“Hold on,” Ye Zhiqiu said. “I need to reply to something.”

His phone had been on silent during the meeting. He’d just noticed missed calls and texts from Gao Wenye.

[The movie wraps today. You promised me a meeting. Gao Wenye.]
[Is today possible? Gao Wenye.]
[…]

Maybe worried Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t saved his number, Gao Wenye added his name to each message.

Ye Zhiqiu checked Weibo and saw that the movie had indeed wrapped.

Instead of replying to Gao Wenye, he made another call.

“Tonight work?” he asked.

“Sure. Whenever you say.” The voice on the other end was cloyingly sweet. “The same place you mentioned?”

“Yes,” Ye Zhiqiu said. “I don’t need to send you photos, do I?”

“He’s a movie king,” the voice laughed. “I know who he is.”

“I’ll book the room and let you know later. Don’t forget to cover my expenses.” They laughed. “Thanks for setting this up.”

“You might not enjoy it,” Ye Zhiqiu said coolly. “Just give me what I need.”

“Alright, alright. So touchy.” The other hung up.

Ye Zhiqiu then replied to Gao Wenye.

[8 PM tonight.]

He unblocked Gao Wenye on the chat app and sent the bar’s location.

Then he stood, held up the red gambiered silk, and reached out to Gao Yang.

“Scissors.”

Gao Yang: “…”

But they weren’t done talking.

He looked at Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zhiqiu’s expression was serious, focused. He was clearly done with their conversation.

He was about to start on his final exhibition piece.

Gao Yang’s anxiety faded, replaced by excitement.

* * * *

Just after seven, Ye Zhiqiu looked up from his worktable.

His eyes were tired and dry from working all day. He stood, took out a cigarette, and stepped into the stairwell.

As soon as he entered, he caught the faint scent of tobacco. It was Qin Jianhe’s brand. There was also a trace of mint.

Ye Zhiqiu: “…”

Apart from that one time, he hadn’t run into Qin Jianhe in the stairwell again. Lately, he’d been on a business trip.

He paused. Zhou Lang had mentioned at the meeting that Qin Jianhe was returning today.

Back today and already at the office? He really was dedicated.

He stepped up a few stairs.

Qin Jianhe was at his usual spot by the window, no cigarette in hand, looking like he was waiting for someone.

“President Qin?” Ye Zhiqiu stopped. “Were you…”

“Waiting for you,” Qin Jianhe said, his elegant voice echoing slightly in the stairwell.

Ye Zhiqiu’s fingers tightened on his unlit cigarette.

“I might not have come,” he said.

“Mm,” Qin Jianhe responded quietly. Then, after a moment, “Do you have all the fabric you need? Can I help?”

“Did Teacher Meng say something?” Ye Zhiqiu asked, then smiled. “Don’t worry, I have backups. More than one.”

The tall figure above seemed to relax, leaning slightly against the windowsill.

“Good,” he said.

“A lot of factories got emails from Teacher Zhou,” Ye Zhiqiu said.

“Someone will deal with it,” Qin Jianhe said. “Don’t worry.”

He hadn’t been worried. He smiled. “Okay.”

“Your pieces were selected for the show with my approval,” Qin Jianhe said. “Whatever anyone says, ignore it.”

Ye Zhiqiu nodded. “Did he appeal?”

“Mm,” Qin Jianhe said simply. “It won’t change anything.”

Zhou Lang must have appealed right after the meeting.

But Qin Jianhe had just returned from a trip. He must have a lot to do. How did he already know about this?

He looked down and realized he hadn’t lit his cigarette. He put it between his lips and lit it.

“Am I making trouble for you?” he asked. “I just don’t like backing down.”

“It’s no trouble.” Qin Jianhe’s laugh was soft. “You did well.”

“But,” he added, “I just got back. I have a lot of work. Since this isn’t affecting you, I’ll wait a bit to deal with it.”

“It’s fine,” Ye Zhiqiu said quickly. “It really hasn’t affected me at all.”

He’d been too busy to notice anything else.

“Mm.” A faint smile appeared in Qin Jianhe’s eyes.

Moonlight streamed through the window, falling on his forearm, where his sleeves were rolled up.

The muscles were firm, the lines smooth and long.

Qin Jianhe really had a great physique, Ye Zhiqiu thought.

It’s too bad he’s my boss.

Life is long. Even without romance, there could be pleasure.

Why did he have to be Qin Jianhe?

He checked the time. He’d brought his phone.

“Plans tonight?” Qin Jianhe asked.

“Yeah.” Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

His cigarette was almost done. He stubbed it out in the trash.

“You just wanted to tell me this?”

“Mm.”

Even if Qin Jianhe hadn’t said anything, he wouldn’t have been anxious.

But in matters of design, he had absolute confidence in himself. And he trusted Qin Jianhe’s judgment. Otherwise, Q.L. wouldn’t be what it was today.

But hearing Qin Jianhe say it made him feel especially warm.

“Thank you.” He started to leave, then turned back.

“President Qin.” The young man’s beautiful eyes curved, filled with moonlight. “Thank you. I’ll give it my all to repay your faith in me.”

It was only half true.

He was genuinely grateful and wanted to contribute to Qin Jianhe’s success.

But Zhou Lang had significant influence at Q.L. He needed Qin Jianhe on his side.

He didn’t expect that later, Qin Jianhe would bring this up again and again.

Because at that moment, the man simply looked down at him quietly from above and said one word.

“Good.”