He Was Mine Last Night… So Why Is He With Someone Else?

From the moment they met, Ye Zhiqiu had ignored Qi Xin’s request, sidestepping it entirely.

Not only that, he had further restricted where Qi Xin could go. First the company, now his home.

So when Ye Zhiqiu suddenly agreed, Qi Xin was stunned for a moment before it sank in.

Overjoyed, he looked up.

Ye Zhiqiu did like him.

He was temperamental, spoiled, and often lacking in consideration for others, but Qi Xin was certain his feelings were genuine.

Why else would he spend his rare days off working on designs for him? Why else would he agree to this request when he was busiest, unable to even rest on the weekend?

There was only one explanation.

He loved him. He wanted to help him gain Ye Hongxian’s approval. He wanted them to be accepted.

“Xiaoqiu…” Qi Xin was overwhelmed, his voice thick with emotion.

Ye Zhiqiu’s expression was still casual. He smiled ambiguously and nudged Qi Xin’s shoulder with his foot.

“Keep going. I didn’t say stop.”

Qi Xin’s heart raced.

Even if Ye Zhiqiu kicked him in the face right now, he would only find it endearing.

Gratitude surged within him, and with it, an overwhelming urge.

He wanted to kiss him. Anywhere. His foot, his hand, any part of him.

But he remembered the slap and the favor he’d just been granted. He forced the impulse down.

Under Ye Zhiqiu’s amused gaze, he lowered his head and continued massaging his calf.

If his earlier attentiveness had been tinged with calculation, it was now genuine.

Even if Ye Zhiqiu’s mockery still stung, he understood his true feelings.

Having just received such a gift, Qi Xin had no standing to complain.

But his youth showed. He had never known hardship.

Spoiled as a child, comfortable abroad, he had never been truly tested. His ambitions were unfulfilled, but he had no real pressure.

If anything, his drive came from his longing for Jiang Nan. He wanted to be worthy of him, to succeed in both love and business.

His current task was unrelated. Kneeling at Ye Zhiqiu’s feet, he tired quickly. His legs went numb, his arms ached.

Time dragged. Ye Zhiqiu seemed oblivious to his shifting posture, focused on his phone.

He looked beautiful like that, his brow slightly furrowed, his gaze intent.

Qi Xin stole glances as he massaged.

Ye Zhiqiu’s legs were thin but soft to the touch. His mind wandered.

He endured physical discomfort and emotional longing, hoping Ye Zhiqiu would notice his struggle. But Ye Zhiqiu’s attention never wavered.

Finally, Qi Xin collapsed backward, sitting on the floor.

Ye Zhiqiu looked up from his phone.

Seeing Qi Xin’s sweaty, disheveled state, he laughed, a touch of disdain in his voice.

“That’s it? Useless.”

Qi Xin’s pride stung.

Ye Zhiqiu had a way of lifting him up only to cut him down.

He suppressed his frustration and stood, his legs numb, his gait awkward. Ye Zhiqiu’s quiet laugh only added to his humiliation.

He was struggling to maintain his composure when Ye Zhiqiu spoke.

“You were saying someone wants to partner with you?”

“Mm.” Ye Zhiqiu didn’t look up. “Organizing some ideas.”

Qi Xin’s earlier irritation vanished, replaced by gratitude. He felt a pang of remorse for his earlier resentment.

“I need to get back to work.” Ye Zhiqiu set down his phone and reached for his coat.

“Of course.” Qi Xin agreed readily. “Whenever you have time.”

As they left, Ye Zhiqiu asked about the small brands.

“Small names. You probably haven’t heard of them.”

Ye Zhiqiu tilted his head, smiling. Qi Xin, unable to resist, detailed their recent sales and main clients.

Ye Zhiqiu listened, lost in thought.

“Do you know any of them?” Qi Xin asked.

“No.”

He didn’t. But a new idea formed.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled to himself.

Qi Xin noticed. “Qiyun is doing well, isn’t it? Your father might accept me at this rate.”

“It’s not bad. But that’s not what I was thinking about.” He paused. “Someone asked me to lunch earlier. I wasn’t going to go, but now I’ve changed my mind.”

Qi Xin’s steps faltered.

He couldn’t help but wonder who it was, what they were to Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zhiqiu noticed his hesitation.

Qi Xin tried to ask, but his voice faltered.

“Out with it.” Ye Zhiqiu’s patience vanished. His expression hardened. “If you can’t, then don’t.”

He walked away without looking back.

Qi Xin hurried after him.

“Xiaoqiu…”

“What?” Ye Zhiqiu stopped.

“Nothing.”

Ye Zhiqiu looked at him, a mix of amusement and contempt. “Qi Xin, can you do anything right?”

* * * *

Hong Kong was much warmer than Beijing. Qin Jianhe wore a light coat over his suit.

After an afternoon of meetings, he emerged to a city lit up against the darkening sky.

The wind was strong on the hotel’s skybridge, lifting his coat.

He paused, looking out at the boats dotting the harbor, their lights twinkling.

It would be nicer in the summer.

He thought of Ye Zhiqiu’s smiling eyes and, without thinking, began mentally listing nearby dessert shops.

“President Qin.” Zhou Tongxin caught up. “Do you have other plans tonight?”

“Personal.”

Meaning Zhou Tongxin was free to rest.

The meetings were intense, and Zhou Tongxin had been on edge. He relaxed slightly.

“The meetings continue tomorrow,” he reminded Qin Jianhe.

“I know. What time is my flight back tomorrow?”

“Ten-thirty at night. You’ll arrive around two in the morning.”

“Book a hotel near the airport. I’ll stay there.”

Qin Jianhe rarely did that. He preferred to go home. Zhou Tongxin was surprised but quickly confirmed the arrangements.

In the elevator, Zhou Tongxin relayed the details. Qin Jianhe nodded.

At the suite, Zhou Tongxin organized the documents on the study desk and waited in the living room.

The bedroom door was closed. It was nearly eight.

Qin Jianhe hadn’t joined the others for dinner. Zhou Tongxin wondered who he was meeting.

The bedroom door opened. Qin Jianhe had changed into casual clothes, looking younger and more relaxed.

Not the attire for a formal meeting.

Zhou Tongxin straightened.

“Nothing else,” Qin Jianhe said. “Enjoy your evening. Be safe.”

“Yes, sir.”

Qin Jianhe looked at him, then smiled faintly, thinking of Ye Zhiqiu. The only one who dared to be so casual with him.

Zhou Tongxin was unnerved. Had he done something wrong?

He remained cautious until Qin Jianhe left, the elevator doors closing behind him.

* * * *

Qin Jianhe returned to the hotel not long after. Zhou Tongxin, having just eaten and had a drink at the bar, saw his car pull back in.

He laughed at himself. Q.L.’s famously ascetic leader wasn’t going to have a personal life.

But the next day, photos of Qin Jianhe with actress Zhang Qunqun appeared online.

They were at a restaurant in the hotel where the meetings were held. Qin Jianhe, usually so private, was photographed clearly.

“You wanted to see me about this?” Zhang Qunqun smiled.

“I think you’re the best fit.”

“You want me to be the ambassador for one of your designers?” She was incredulous.

“Would Liu Bailing overshadow me?” she asked. “Your main ambassador is Liu Bailing. I’d be her backup?”

Q.L.’s global ambassadors were usually supermodels. This year’s domestic ambassadors were actor Meng Qingyan and award-winning actress Liu Bailing.

Zhang Qunqun, a child star, had won every major domestic award and was now focused on international projects. She was in Hong Kong to discuss a film.

“This series isn’t through Liu Bailing,” Qin Jianhe said. “She’s not the right fit.”

Zhang Qunqun leaned back. “Which designer?”

Qin Jianhe looked at her. “Ye Zhiqiu.”

He had noticed Ye Zhiqiu’s talent early on. He had a particular gift for women’s wear. His designs were full of emotion and personality.

Perhaps it came from losing his mother. He put his longing into his work.

Liu Bailing was good, but she was more refined, lacking the youthful energy Zhang Qunqun had. She would make Ye Zhiqiu’s work shine.

“I don’t know names,” Zhang Qunqun said. “Show me a photo.”

Qin Jianhe hesitated. He only had one photo of Ye Zhiqiu, taken while he was sleeping. He couldn’t show that.

He sent Ye Zhiqiu a message.

[Qin Jianhe: Can you send me a photo?]

Ye Zhiqiu replied quickly.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Missing me already?]

He smiled despite himself.

Zhang Qunqun watched. “Forget it. I’ll do it for your love life.”

He ignored her and typed.

[Qin Jianhe: Yes. I miss you.]

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Want a nude tonight?]

His lashes fluttered. Zhang Qunqun noticed.

“What did he say? Something suggestive?”

“You don’t like working lunches.” He stood. “We’re done. You can go.”

“Really?” She laughed. “I’ve never seen you like this.”

“You’ll be compensated. My assistant will handle it.”

She stood, smoothing her dress. “I still want to see the photo. I’m curious.”

“If you leave now,” Qin Jianhe said, “I’ll consider investing in your film.”

She grabbed her bag and walked quickly to the door.

“You mean it?”

“Yes.”

When she was gone, he replied.

[Qin Jianhe: Don’t send that.]

Ye Zhiqiu was in his car, laughing.

He was so innocent. Interesting.

Why hadn’t he met him before?

He replied.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Fine. I’ll show you in person when I come over.]

A news alert popped up: “Romance Rumors: Movie Queen and Business Tycoon Spotted Together.”

Ye Zhiqiu opened it. Zhang Qunqun in red, Qin Jianhe in a suit. They made a stunning pair.

He paused, then smiled.

Nothing surprising. Qin Jianhe’s position came with many considerations.

A new message.

[QIN: Okay.]

He didn’t reply. He didn’t know that Qin Jianhe had written more, then deleted it.

Qin Jianhe waited for a reply that didn’t come.

When he was about to leave, Zhang Qunqun called.

“We’ve been photographed.”

Zhou Tongxin called too.

Qin Jianhe checked the news. Their names were trending.

The article was vague, but suggestive.

Comments were enthusiastic.

[Of course Qunqun would end up with someone like him.]

[That’s President Qin? He’s handsome.]

[True love. He’s never been photographed before.]

[This is what a real relationship looks like.]

Qin Jianhe opened his chat with Ye Zhiqiu. His last message was “Okay.”

No reply.

Usually, he wouldn’t think much of it. Ye Zhiqiu was busy, or just didn’t want to answer.

But now…

He typed.

[Qin Jianhe: Zhang Qunqun is a primary school classmate.]

He paused, then added.

[Qin Jianhe: I asked to meet her about work. Don’t overthink it.]

He deleted “don’t overthink it.”

He had no right to say that.

The message remained.

[Qin Jianhe: I asked to meet her about work.]