I Didn’t Expose You… I Just Let It Happen

Back in his office, Ye Zhiqiu gathered his things to head to the bar.

As he reached the lobby, he ran into Lin Qunsheng coming in from outside.

“Oh, Teacher Xiao Ye,” Lin Qunsheng greeted him with a oily smile. “Leaving already?”

“Mm.” Ye Zhiqiu nodded politely. “Working late, Teacher Lin?”

“Wouldn’t you know it?” Lin Qunsheng’s smile was meaningful. “None of us are as popular as Teacher Xiao Ye.”

He emphasized the word “popular,” craning his neck to look outside as he spoke. “Who’s picking you up today? Someone new?”

From his very first day, Ye Zhiqiu knew Lin Qunsheng was a troublemaker.

Though Zhou Lang had seized on the rumors about his messy personal life to make an issue of it, among those spreading gossip for their own amusement, no one was more malicious or active than Lin Qunsheng.

People like him, unable to shine themselves, sought out any opportunity to undermine others’ morale, hoping to score some benefit.

Too bad Ye Zhiqiu was unaffected by such things.

He came to work to deliver professional results, not to trade on his personal life or reputation.

If they wanted to gossip, let them. He couldn’t care less. He didn’t have the time for such internal squabbling.

He’d ignored him for days, which probably made Lin Qunsheng think he was an easy target. Now he was getting bolder, provoking him openly.

The receptionist on duty was openly eavesdropping on the gossip. Ye Zhiqiu laughed.

He looked Lin Qunsheng up and down, carefully and deliberately.

Then he smiled. “I can see why Teacher Lin isn’t popular.”

Lin Qunsheng was speechless.

It was just a polite remark, meant to mock his personal life. How did Ye Zhiqiu manage to turn it around like that?

The kid had no shame.

But he couldn’t argue. The words were his own.

“It’s okay, though,” Ye Zhiqiu continued, as if unaware of his reaction. “The design department’s popularity index was never about guys like you, Teacher Lin.”

The receptionist couldn’t hold back a snort of laughter, quickly covering her mouth and pretending to tidy her desk.

“Enough flattery.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “Can I go now, Teacher Lin? It’s cold out, I shouldn’t keep people waiting.”

Lin Qunsheng was speechless.

Who was this kid? He went after everyone.

Lin Qunsheng had been wary after Ye Zhiqiu subtly called him out at the welcome dinner. But watching him over the past days, he saw that despite the rumors flying around, Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t reacted at all.

Most importantly, Ye Zhiqiu’s car was old and beat-up, suggesting his family wasn’t well-off.

Young, no connections, easily intimidated. Lin Qunsheng felt emboldened.

“Xiao Ye,” he said, maintaining his composure, “a young man with such a temper is bound to get into trouble. Teacher Zhou already has his eye on you. You’d do well to be a bit more flexible. In time, you’ll see who controls the narrative in the design department.”

Ye Zhiqiu laughed.

The narrative? Or just unfounded rumors and gossip?

“Thanks for the advice, Teacher Lin.” This time, Ye Zhiqiu genuinely smiled. “But being young means having backbone. Not like you, all talk and no action.”

He patted Lin Qunsheng on the shoulder, the same way Lin Qunsheng had patted him, then turned and walked out.

Lin Qunsheng stood there.

What the hell did that brat mean? Was he making a s*x joke? Calling him impotent?

He saw the receptionist cover her mouth again and exploded. His male pride couldn’t take it.

He stormed toward the entrance, arriving just in time to see Ye Zhiqiu’s “old beater” pull out of the company drive and merge into traffic.

* * * *

His phone rang on the dashboard. Ye Zhiqiu put it on speaker.

“Teacher Xiao Ye,” said Wang Ru, his assistant for external relations, “Teacher Meng confirmed today that the model Wei Tingjin can come for the fitting the day after tomorrow.”

“Good,” Ye Zhiqiu said.

“But,” Wang Ru hesitated, “all the other teachers are using top domestic and international models. This Wei Tingjin…”

She laughed. “I’ve never heard of him.”

“That’s fine,” Ye Zhiqiu said. “Models aren’t celebrities. They don’t need to be famous.”

He was a bit behind schedule this time, unable to go through the company’s usual process.

The two models, one male, one female, had been assigned by the company at his request.

Wei Tingjin and Zhou Hui were virtually unknown now. But in a few years, their expressive abilities would make them international stars.

“Oh.” Wang Ru said quietly. “Zhou Hui is also confirmed. She can come anytime, once you finish the final piece.”

She sounded a bit awkward. “Anytime” meant Zhou Hui had no other work, even at the height of fashion week.

Frankly, she thought Ye Zhiqiu’s choices were questionable.

Ye Zhiqiu seemed unconcerned.

“Good,” he said simply, and hung up.

* * * *

Around the same time, Qin Jianhe returned to his office.

Zhou Tongxin had been waiting. He’d organized the accumulated work from Qin Jianhe’s trip into categories on the massive ebony desk.

The piles were daunting.

Zhou Tongxin knew Qin Jianhe had a grueling schedule. He hadn’t expected him to come straight to the office.

Fortunately, his habits were solid; the documents were prepared.

“President Qin,” Zhou Tongxin said as Qin Jianhe entered.

“Mm.” Qin Jianhe set his phone aside and sat.

Zhou Tongxin knew the signs: a long night ahead.

“Here are this month’s reports from each brand, the monthly financials, tomorrow’s meeting agenda, the guest list for the day after…”

But Qin Jianhe seemed distracted.

“Where’s the material I asked for?” he asked, looking up.

“Oh, right.” Zhou Tongxin pulled a small file from the bottom of a stack. “I had someone look into it. Near that bar, only these two had any connection to you or Teacher Xiao Ye.”

Qin Jianhe had given him an IP address. Zhou Tongxin had traced it to a basement bar.

The file also contained surveillance photos. Most were blurry, but some clearly showed Jiang Nan and Qi Xin.

Qin Jianhe’s expression didn’t change, but his jaw tightened.

Zhou Tongxin watched his boss’s reaction.

There had been talk downstairs about Teacher Xiao Ye’s personal life; naturally, the secretary’s office had heard it too. But the company didn’t interfere in employees’ private lives unless it involved illegal activity.

It seemed unlikely the boss was concerned about Teacher Xiao Ye’s welfare. He was usually indifferent to such matters. And from his initial treatment of Teacher Xiao Ye, he didn’t seem to think highly of him.

Zhou Tongxin wasn’t sure why Qin Jianhe had asked him to look into this.

But he wouldn’t ask.

“We looked into these two separately.” Zhou Tongxin chose his words carefully. “Qi Xin is also in fashion. His family has a small processing factory, too small to matter. He and Teacher Xiao Ye see each other frequently. We can’t confirm if they’re in a relationship.”

He paused. Seeing no reaction, he continued. “Interestingly, Qi Xin and the young Jiang were classmates abroad, though Qi Xin studied fashion design while Jiang Nan studied leather art. Past records suggest Qi Xin had feelings for Jiang Nan. But lately, he’s been spending more time with Teacher Xiao Ye.”

He consulted his tablet. “In the past week, he’s met Jiang Nan twice and Teacher Xiao Ye four times. Also, Jiang Nan did hire a private investigator, but they pulled out the day before you asked me to look into this.”

“Anything else?” Qin Jianhe put the photos back, his voice cool.

“One more thing.” Zhou Tongxin knew Ye Zhiqiu’s contract terms; this wasn’t a major issue, but it was worth mentioning. “Qi Xin registered a brand called ‘Qiyun.’ Teacher Xiao Ye seems to have provided some designs.”

He opened his tablet again. “Qiyun is working with an online retailer. These pieces are in pre-order and selling very well.”

Qin Jianhe took the tablet and scrolled through the page.

A few designs stood out from the other merchandise.

The retailer was clearly promoting them; their sales figures far exceeded anything else in the shop.

“That’s the main thing,” Zhou Tongxin said.

“I see.” Qin Jianhe’s voice was even, his lips pressed together.

His emotions were usually well-concealed, but after working with him for years, Zhou Tongxin could tell his mood wasn’t good.

“The materials for tomorrow’s meeting…” He trailed off, sensing this wasn’t the best time.

Qin Jianhe loosened his tie. “Tomorrow morning.”

He went to his private suite to change.

Zhou Tongxin slipped out.

* * * *

Changed, Qin Jianhe drove himself home.

He’d moved out after Nie Fengjun and Fu Mingjin got together. His apartment was a single-unit flat near the office.

It was as clean and tidy as always, but cold and empty.

The only sign it wasn’t a hotel suite was the long-dead rose in a vase on the coffee table.

Looking at it, he thought of the mole on Ye Zhiqiu’s nose.

A small flaw that made him so vivid.

And it reminded him that this was his home.

He took the rose from the vase.

The stem had rotted. The dried bud drooped, about to fall.

But it still held a faint fragrance.

He set it carefully on the corner of the table.

* * * *

Traffic was bad. Ye Zhiqiu was over ten minutes late.

Gao Wenye had already called twice.

Spotting the bar’s sign, Ye Zhiqiu parked and followed the exposed stairwell down.

Shan Yuan had recommended this place. It was private, and the owner, a former racing fan, was cooperative.

The server silently led him to a booth hidden behind large plants.

Gao Wenye was waiting in full disguise: hat, sunglasses, mask.

He stood when he saw Ye Zhiqiu, then sat back down when he noticed the server.

“Sorry. Traffic,” Ye Zhiqiu said, then to the server, “Your best wine. We won’t need anything else.”

The server left. Soon, wine and snacks arrived.

“I’ll open it,” Ye Zhiqiu said, finding Gao Wenye’s getup amusing. He sent the server away and opened the wine himself.

Gao Wenye had removed his disguise.

Ye Zhiqiu’s smile was ambiguous. “Dating you must be exhausting.”

He poured wine, pushing a glass to Gao Wenye.

The deep red wine in hand, Gao Wenye swirled it habitually.

“It wouldn’t be,” he said.

Ye Zhiqiu poured his own glass, silent.

“We could go abroad on breaks,” Gao Wenye said. “Outside the country, our private lives wouldn’t be affected.”

Ye Zhiqiu looked at the glass in his hand.

“I wasn’t just talking about you being an actor,” he said. “I can see you’re used to being taken care of.”

He thought of Qin Jianhe.

Every time they’d eaten together, Qin Jianhe had cleaned and handed him utensils. If wine was involved, he’d never had to touch the bottle.

It was night and day. How could someone like this accept being waited on so easily?

What did Ye Zhixia see in him?

Gao Wenye quickly set down his glass.

“Sorry,” he said, moving the bottle to his side. “Let me.”

Ye Zhiqiu smiled, leaned back, and took a sip.

Gao Wenye stared at him.

“Is the wine no good?” Ye Zhiqiu asked.

“It’s fine.” Gao Wenye said.

The young man in casual clothes was even more striking.

Different from the deliberate beauty Gao Wenye was used to.

Ye Zhiqiu’s appeal was natural. You could almost smell its freshness.

He downed his wine in one go.

“Xiaoqiu,” Gao Wenye finally got to the point. “I really, truly like you.”

“I can see that.” Ye Zhiqiu’s smile was faint.

“I understand your concerns,” Gao Wenye continued. “I’ll protect you. No one will hurt you again.”

“How will you protect me?” Ye Zhiqiu asked, refilling Gao Wenye’s glass.

“I know they’ve mistreated you. If they attack you again,” Gao Wenye said, “I’ll stand in front of you.”

Ye Zhiqiu seemed lost in thought.

“Xiaoqiu?”

“Mm.” He snapped back. “So, you’ll quit acting?”

“I’ll still act,” Gao Wenye said. “But you could quit. I’d take you with me.”

He paused, as if offering a great sacrifice. “I’d make sure you weren’t treated badly on set. I’d even make our marriage public.”

“That would make me your accessory,” Ye Zhiqiu said.

“Don’t say that,” Gao Wenye said. “If we love each other, we sacrifice for one another.”

His sacrifice was to take him away from his career, drag him along, and use their marriage to whitewash his background.

His intentions were obvious.

“So, what do you think, Xiaoqiu?” Gao Wenye pressed.

“I love my work,” Ye Zhiqiu said calmly. “If you truly love me, quit acting. I make enough to support you.”

Gao Wenye was stunned. He hadn’t considered that.

He was a movie king. Quit acting? Ridiculous.

But he didn’t dare refuse.

“Then,” Ye Zhiqiu continued, as if oblivious, “I’d cut ties with my family. We could go abroad, anywhere, and live freely.”

He paused. “What do you think?”

Gao Wenye was speechless.

Ye Zhiqiu’s smile faded.

“Only you can ask me to sacrifice my career? When it’s your turn, you can’t do it?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Gao Wenye scrambled. “There must be a better solution.”

“Like what?” Ye Zhiqiu tilted his head, his eyes faintly mocking.

Gao Wenye had assumed Ye Zhiqiu would be thrilled to be taken anywhere, to have their relationship made public. He hadn’t considered any other option.

The wine didn’t help.

“Xiaoqiu…” He sounded almost pleading.

Ye Zhiqiu looked at him, a bitter smile.

“You’re right. I do like you. You’re the first man I’ve felt that way about.” He paused. “It’s just fate.”

“Xiaoqiu.” Gao Wenye’s heart raced.

“Before I came,” Ye Zhiqiu laughed bitterly, “I thought I’d try.”

He murmured, his eyes reddening. “I didn’t want to regret not trying.”

“Xiaoqiu…” Gao Wenye’s heart ached.

“But now,” Ye Zhiqiu forced a smile, “I’ve tried. I have to accept reality. We both know I can’t escape my family. Better to end it now.”

“What do you mean?” Gao Wenye felt uneasy.

“Gao Wenye.” Ye Zhiqiu paused. “I don’t care about the family business. Even if I did, it wouldn’t be mine. You saw how they treat me.”

Gao Wenye blinked, confused.

If Ye Zheng wasn’t Ye Hongxian’s son, and Ye Zhiqiu couldn’t inherit, then Ye Zhixia would get it all.

He wanted the business. He wanted Ye Zhiqiu.

“If I cooperate now, I’ll get my share. If I rebel, I’ll get nothing.” Ye Zhiqiu paused. “I’m not that brave.”

Gao Wenye drank, his eyes burning.

The unattainable was always the most desirable.

Ye Zhiqiu delivered the final blow. “If you care about me, don’t contact me again.”

He put on his coat, cap, and backpack, and left without looking back.

Gao Wenye couldn’t move.

He drank, faster. He’d never felt such pain, such regret.

Ye Zhiqiu walked through the bar, past the dance floor, past a tall, handsome young man, and out the door.

The young man went into the secluded booth.

Outside, Ye Zhiqiu left his car, took a taxi to a hotel, and waited in his room.

* * * *

At 10:30, Ye Zhixia, just back from set, got an anonymous text. The hotel, the room number, and a photo.

Gao Wenye, naked, holding a pale young man.

Ye Zhixia saw red.

The wrap party was in two days. Gao Wenye had said he had urgent business tonight.

So this was it.

He drove straight to the hotel.

At 11:00, Ye Zhiqiu heard the commotion next door. Shouting, crying, fighting.

He smiled coldly. He’d been naive.

Gao Wenye claimed nothing happened with Ye Zhixia. Then why was Ye Zhixia here?

He was rotten to the core. And Ye Zhiqiu had believed him.

An hour later, Li Ling messaged him, starting with a scratched-up face.

Li Ling was a host at a high-end club, the first one Gao Wenye and Ye Zhixia had sent to Qi Xin’s bed.

He’d been a good choice.

Now, it saved Ye Zhiqiu the trouble of finding someone. He just copied the plan.

It cost, though.

[Soft Little O: Damn! Your brother is crazy. My face is ruined!]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Where are you?]

[Soft Little O: You were right. The staff couldn’t get in. Your brother threw me out.]

[Soft Little O: Not even fun. A few minutes. And now my face. I need more money.]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: I’ll cover medical costs.]

[Soft Little O: More money! This is a big sacrifice.]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: You did your job.]

[Soft Little O: What would you know? You’re probably still a virgin?]

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t answer.

He listened. Voices next door, indistinct.

He knew the seeds of a miserable future were now planted.