The Price of Beauty and an Unexpected Encounter

Si Xi wasn’t merely trying to avoid Shao Xun and Wang Yang; he truly had pressing matters to attend to.

He had a close high school friend, Xie He, who had also gained admission to Yan University. Xie He, having chosen Computer Science, was recruited by a senior into their self-established studio during his freshman year, owing to his exceptional academic performance.

With mini-program games surging in popularity over recent years, the seniors embraced the trend, intending to develop one themselves.

Xie He was initially roped into the project as a developer, practically serving as a workhorse. However, after the game’s launch, it failed to generate significant profit. Consequently, the seniors graduated and, one by one, accepted lucrative offers from major corporations, gradually departing the studio. This left the primary developer intending to sell the game at a steep discount.

The game represented a considerable investment of Xie He’s effort and passion, and he firmly believed it held immense potential for revitalization; to sell it off so hastily would be an absolute travesty.

Yet, hailing from a humble background, he couldn’t even scrounge up the funds for a mere fraction of the asking price.

Thus, he approached Si Xi, who, as a scion of wealth, seemed like the perfect partner, inquiring if he would be interested in jointly acquiring the project.

At that time, Si Xi possessed some disposable income and harbored entrepreneurial aspirations. After meticulously listening to Xie He’s insightful analysis, he made the decisive choice to take over the venture.

Over the course of nearly a year, the game gradually underwent a dramatic resurgence, meticulously revitalized by the extensive overhaul spearheaded by the team he had assembled.

For the sake of this game, Si Xi had, at one point, been forced to tighten his belt considerably, funneling a substantial amount of his own money into the project, and even resorting to borrowing funds from his cousin.

Nevertheless, once the game began to turn a profit, the returns proved remarkably substantial.

One should never underestimate the allure of WeChat mini-program games; when high-spending players become engrossed, they readily pour tens, even hundreds of thousands, into them.

Currently, Si Xi has nearly recovered all his initial losses, and with the game’s promising developmental trajectory, he stands a genuine chance of achieving financial independence through it.

The studio has since expanded, now occupying half a floor of an office building conveniently located adjacent to Yan University, making it a mere five-minute walk for Si Xi.

“What did you call me here for?”

Si Xi strode into Xie He’s office, settling nonchalantly into the office chair across from him before posing the question.

Xie He adjusted his thick glasses.

“We’ve encountered a technically intractable problem in developing the app.”

While their current offering was a mini-program game, the burgeoning player base led many veteran users to request a dedicated app version. Despite the convenience of mini-programs, they were often plagued by issues such as frequent crashes, disconnections, and lag, rendering a standalone application a far superior experience.

These players, voicing such demands, represented a highly engaged and loyal segment of their user base. Recognizing that dual-platform availability was a crucial strategy for retaining veteran players, they immediately plunged into app development without delay, as soon as the reset version of the game was successfully launched.

Knowing that this endeavor directly impacted the potential for greater future earnings, Si Xi’s demeanor instantly shifted to one of grave seriousness.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Xie He replied.

“Through an introduction from a senior, I learned of a genius who could solve this problem, but he disdains our small workshop and refuses to come.”

Xie He lifted the water glass from his desk, taking a deliberate sip before continuing.

“However, I’ve gathered that he’s quite fond of an orchestra named Gaoshan Qushui. That particular ensemble is scheduled to perform a concert in two days, but due to his specific circumstances, he’s unable to procure tickets, so…”

He then turned his gaze to Si Xi.

“I need two tickets, seated together. Can you find a way to get them?”

Si Xi, too, was familiar with the Gaoshan Qushui orchestra, recognizing it as one of the nation’s most renowned symphony ensembles.

Retrieving his phone, he quickly searched for the upcoming concert scheduled for two days hence. This particular performance, slated to take place at Tianhe Mansion, a notoriously opulent establishment, was unmistakably an exclusive affair, accessible only to individuals of significant power or wealth. Those lacking substantial connections would find it impossible to procure an invitation.

After a quick glance at the organizer’s name, Si Xi nodded confidently.

“No problem at all. I’ll arrange for them to be delivered to your office tomorrow morning.”

A broad smile spread across Xie He’s face, and he gave Si Xi an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

“I knew you could pull it off.”

Si Xi replied.

“While I can’t assist with technical challenges, handling such a minor request is perfectly fine. If there’s anything else you require of me, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“There is indeed something else…”

Xie He suddenly grew rather sheepish, clearing his throat delicately before he spoke.

“Aren’t you getting married soon? I’ve prepared a gift for you; it’s this.”

From beneath his desk, he pulled out a cardboard box, which, upon inspection, was filled to the brim with an assortment of plush toys.

Si Xi recognized them instantly; these were no mere ordinary plush toys, but rather the distinctive ‘demon pets’ from their very own WeChat mini-game.

With a mixture of surprise and delight, Si Xi picked up one of the nine-tailed fox plush toys.

“These are so accurately recreated, exactly like in the game.”

Xie He visibly relaxed, exhaling a sigh of relief.

“I’m relieved you don’t despise them. This gift is rather modest, and I would have felt too embarrassed to present it on your wedding day, so I decided to give it to you in advance. I wish you a joyous new marriage.”

“Not at all!”

Si Xi hoisted the box into his arms.

“However, I haven’t had the chance to inform you yet that my wedding has been called off. So, while your blessings aren’t necessary, I’ll certainly keep the gift.”

With that declaration, Si Xi, fearing Xie He might reconsider, promptly bolted with the box clutched tightly in his arms.

“What in the world are you rambling about? Clarify yourself, hey!”

Xie He gave chase for a few hurried steps, but upon exiting the office, he became self-conscious, fearing his employees would witness his undignified behavior. He could only watch helplessly as Si Xi made his escape.

Si Xi sprinted back to his office, which was almost entirely a decorative space, before finally setting the box down.

In truth, even if he hadn’t made a dash for it, Xie He would have still insisted on giving him the plush toys.

However, Xie He’s humble background often made him feel self-conscious, particularly when interacting with a wealthy young master like Si Xi. He had likely felt that presenting such a modest gift on the actual wedding day would be embarrassing. By Si Xi’s “openly seizing” the gift, it paradoxically conveyed a profound appreciation for it.

Naturally, he genuinely adored these plush toys.

After meticulously examining each plush toy, Si Xi finally recalled the pressing matter at hand. He retrieved his phone and began searching for connections to procure the concert tickets.

This task proved to be no challenge for him; he swiftly established contact with the event organizers, though he ultimately requested a total of four tickets.

As soon as the tickets were delivered, Si Xi forwarded two to Xie He before opening Jing Chen’s chat window.

[You Not Going to Heaven: Bro, are you free this Friday evening?]

Jing Chen’s reply came swiftly.

[Jing Chen: What’s up?]

Si Xi then sent him the concert tickets.

[You Not Going to Heaven: [Image]]

[You Not Going to Heaven: Date? (Wink)]

Jing Chen, presumably disinclined to type, sent him a voice message instead.

Jing Chen.

“You like classical music too?”

As the man’s deep, resonant voice emanated from the earpiece, Si Xi instinctively rubbed his tingling ears, his heart fluttering with unconcealed desire.

[You Not Going to Heaven: Mainly, I want to go on a date with you in a suit.]

Given the current warm weather, wearing a suit outdoors would appear rather peculiar.

However, for a high-end, sophisticated concert like this, many attendees would undoubtedly don formal wear, ensuring Jing Chen would blend in seamlessly.

[Jing Chen: …]

This particular message rendered him utterly speechless.

The affection displayed by others towards him was almost invariably motivated by a desire for his power or his influence.

This young one, however, genuinely coveted his aesthetic appeal.

Jing Chen paused for a moment in thought, then pressed the voice recording button and uttered a single sentence.

Noticing another incoming voice message, Si Xi immediately tapped to open it. From the earpiece emerged the man’s voice, clear and detached, as if untainted by the slightest speck of dust.

“Yes, but there will be an additional charge.”

[Si Xi: …]

‘Seriously, how could such a refined voice articulate words so utterly reeking of mercenary intent?’

Given their existing arrangement as a sugar daddy and sugar baby, it seemed entirely reasonable for Jing Chen to extend his hand for payment.

Without hesitation, Si Xi promptly transferred a ten-thousand-yuan appearance fee to Jing Chen, thereby securing his right to this particular date.

****

On Friday evening, as Jing Chen arrived to pick him up, Si Xi, having accurately estimated his arrival time, made his way towards the north gate of the university.

Nearing the entrance, Si Xi overheard several girls excitedly discussing.

“Wow, it’s really a Pagani Utopia! I heard there are only two in our entire city; what an eye-opener!”

“Cool car, handsome guy! Ahhh, a rich, handsome male lead from a novel has stepped right into reality!”

“Who is he waiting for? His girlfriend?”

“Or maybe a boyfriend, who knows? But either way, it’s not going to be us, hehe.”

Si Xi paid them no mind. As he reached the school gate, just as he was about to pull out his phone to ask if Jing Chen had arrived, he heard someone call his name.

“Si Xi.”

Upon hearing that voice, Si Xi’s body instantly stiffened. He turned his head and, predictably, saw Shao Xun’s irritating face.

Shao Xun stood beside a dazzling royal blue sports car, which was none other than the Pagani Utopia the girls had just been gushing about.

It was then that Si Xi recalled Shao Xun mentioning he had ordered a very flashy, limited-edition sports car to serve as their wedding car; this must have been the one.

Its presence here now clearly indicated he was picking up Wang Yang.

A car like this was bound to turn heads and cause a stir wherever it went. By next week, everyone at Yan University would likely know that Wang Yang had a partner who drove a Pagani Utopia.

Shao Xun’s identity as the second young master of Shao Yu Group would undoubtedly be uncovered, and countless people would surely envy and fawn over Wang Yang.

Those two were truly making a spectacle of themselves.

However, their engagement was off. Whether Shao Xun picked up Wang Yang in a luxury car or even a spaceship was no longer any concern of his.

Si Xi gave him a cool nod.

Shao Xun, however, began to walk toward him.

Si Xi’s striking good looks were renowned throughout Yan University. Seeing Shao Xun approach him, the onlookers wore expressions of knowing certainty.

‘Of course, a great beauty should be paired with a rich man.’

Si Xi’s face darkened, and he was about to turn away when he heard Shao Xun speak again.

“Just one sentence, and then I’ll leave.”

Si Xi’s face remained expressionless.

“Spit it out.”

Shao Xun choked for a moment before lowering his voice.

“There are still some of your things in the wedding apartment. Remember to go pick them up.”

“No need. They’re yours.”

Having said this, Si Xi spotted his ‘forgiveness green’ car appearing in his line of sight, and the icy expression on his face instantly softened. He dashed towards it without a backward glance.

Shao Xun also recognized the car as Si Xi’s from its license plate, wondering if Si Xi had used the ten million he’d given him to hire a driver.

But as the car drew closer, he peered through the windshield and caught a glimpse of the man driving, his expression freezing.

The driver possessed a striking appearance, dressed in a suit, looking mature, handsome, and distinguished.

Having been with Si Xi for a year, Shao Xun was well aware of his preferences.

This man perfectly matched Si Xi’s aesthetic.

What was going on?

Who was this man, and why was he driving Si Xi’s car?!

Shao Xun wanted a clearer look, but after Si Xi got in, the car began to turn around, obscuring the man’s face.

“Brother Shao, what’s wrong? Did you see someone?”

Wang Yang’s gentle voice suddenly reached his ears. Shao Xun snapped out of his reverie, realizing his fists were tightly clenched.

“No one. Let’s go.” Shao Xun suddenly felt a sense of dullness and pulled open the car door to get in.

Wang Yang had actually exited right after Si Xi and had seen everything. She bit her lip.

‘What exactly does Shao Xun mean? Haven’t their engagement been called off?’

The brief interlude had no adverse effect on Si Xi; in fact, seeing Jing Chen further elevated his mood.

With the start of the new semester, he had been swamped with tasks and hadn’t seen Jing Chen for several days. Now, seeing him felt like reuniting with a long-lost lover, and his heart pounded uncontrollably.

Today, Jing Chen was wearing the suit Si Xi had helped him purchase at the mall. The last time Jing Chen had worn it, they had gone straight to a hotel, and Si Xi remembered the jacket getting quite wrinkled from his eager grasp.

Surprisingly, when Jing Chen wore it today, the suit was impeccably pressed and crisp, without a single crease. It had likely been sent to the dry cleaner for cleaning and pressing.

‘Excellent, how thoughtful and meticulous.’

Jing Chen’s posture was ramrod straight, his well-proportioned physique and fluid lines on full display, making Si Xi yearn to peel back each layer and explore the enticing interior.

Si Xi felt a pang of regret for having invited the man to some bothersome symphony concert. ‘Why not just invite him to a hotel? Wouldn’t rolling around in bed be much more satisfying?’

His gaze was so intense and direct that Jing Chen found it impossible to ignore.

Seizing the momentary pause while waiting at a red light, Jing Chen extended a hand and gently covered Si Xi’s beautiful eyes.

The man’s palm was warm, its heat making Si Xi’s heart beat even faster. He was somewhat curious about what Jing Chen intended by covering his eyes.

Just as he was brimming with anticipation, he heard Jing Chen say.

“Keep staring, and it’ll cost extra.”

[Si Xi: …]

‘Seriously, is it appropriate for such an ethereal-looking handsome man to reek so heavily of money?’