Chapter Twenty-Seven

At the end of the year, the company held its annual banquet. As the leading figure of the company, Yi Xiaoyu was naturally the center of attention at the tables, and with everything going smoothly at work lately, he found himself in high spirits, drinking a few extra glasses.

Leaving the hotel, Yi Yu stayed by his side, supporting him all the way.

Yi Xiaoyu, though a bit dizzy, still had a clear mind and was far from the point of being unable to walk. He tried several times to push Yi Yu away, but Yi Yu kept his arm tightly around his waist.

“You brat,” Yi Xiaoyu looked at his younger brother, who now stood as tall as himself, and frowned, “when did you grow up so much?”

Yi Yu grinned, “Bro, I’m stronger than you now, too.”

Yi Xiaoyu tapped Yi Yu’s head, his tone cool and sharp, “Business isn’t about muscles—it’s about brains...”

“Yes, yes, you’re right, Bro. Take it slow.” Yi Yu helped him to the car, then smiled at the person inside, “Wen Ming, my brother’s had too much to drink. Later, when we get home, help me get him upstairs, will you?”

The name Wen Ming sobered Yi Xiaoyu up considerably. He quickly raised his head to look at the driver’s seat, “Wen... Wen Ming? Why are you here? Where’s my driver?” He turned and glared at Yi Yu, “Did you make the driver leave?”

Yi Yu murmured, “Wen Ming said he’d pick you up, so I sent the driver back.”

“Don’t blame him,” Wen Ming stepped out of the car. “I called him myself. He told me your company was having an event here today. I happened to be meeting a client nearby, so I thought I’d drop by.” As he spoke, Wen Ming steadied Yi Xiaoyu, his voice gentle, “I knew you’d drink too much.”

“Wen Ming, I’ll leave my brother to you. I... I forgot my phone at the hotel, I’ll go back and get it.” With that, Yi Yu turned and ran into the hotel, and Yi Xiaoyu called after him, but he didn’t return.

“I’ll take you home, and give you something your partner ordered.”

“He ordered something from you?”

“Mm, let’s talk in the car.”

“...Go to the Grand Hotel.”

“You’re not going home? Still haven’t made up with that man?” Wen Ming smiled apologetically, “Sorry, I’m asking too much.”

Once in the car, Wen Ming told Yi Xiaoyu that not long ago, You Yige had ordered two men’s diamond rings from him.

Wen Ming handed a small box to Yi Xiaoyu, who opened it and found the rings inside strangely familiar.

“Did he specify the style?” Yi Xiaoyu asked.

“No, I designed them myself. Do you like them, Xiaoyu? Don’t they look familiar?”

Yi Xiaoyu said nothing, his exhausted body leaning back as he raised an arm to cover his eyes.

Back in college, Wen Ming had drawn countless ring sketches for Yi Xiaoyu to choose from, joking that they were designing for their future wedding. Out of dozens of designs, Yi Xiaoyu had selected one.

The rings in the box matched the design he had chosen all those years ago—exactly!

Back then, Wen Ming had told Yi Xiaoyu in earnest that one day, he would have him wear a ring designed by his own hand.

“Don’t you think it’s ironic?” Wen Ming gazed ahead, his smile tinged with bitterness. “You’re finally wearing a ring I designed, but it’s not for me.”

Yi Xiaoyu lowered his head again, staring at the rings in the box. Memories of their beautiful college days flickered through his mind, bringing a sudden ache to his chest.

Back then, he’d believed love was everything, that he could live and die for the one he loved, chase anything he desired without hesitation. Now, having become a shrewd businessman, chasing fame and fortune amidst money and work, that reckless passion for love seemed to have faded with time, leaving only the drive to earn, relentlessly earn.

There was no room left for thoughts of love.

Perhaps his heart had been wounded too deeply over the last two years, or maybe he’d grown accustomed to You Yige’s companionship. Yi Xiaoyu had no desire to change the state of his feelings; he only wanted to focus all his energy on work.

Maybe it was the drink, but emotion slowly began to erode reason. Looking at Wen Ming in the driver’s seat, Yi Xiaoyu felt he was seeing him as he was in college, wearing a school uniform, smile clean and gentle, his eyes always brimming with affection.

Yi Xiaoyu withdrew his gaze and rubbed his brow.

“Sorry, I was just reminiscing. Did I say something that made you sad?” Wen Ming asked softly.

Yi Xiaoyu turned to look out the window, “No, I’m just dizzy.”

When they reached the hotel entrance, Yi Xiaoyu ended up vomiting, and Wen Ming, who was supporting him, was covered in it.

Yi Xiaoyu was embarrassed; he knew Wen Ming had a slight obsession with cleanliness, and yet...

Wen Ming wasn’t angry, though, only smiled helplessly, “Looks like I’ll have to borrow your bathroom for a shower.”

Wen Ming told the attendant his clothing size, handed over some money, and asked them to buy him a new outfit from a nearby mall. The dirty clothes he simply stripped off and discarded.

Yi Xiaoyu, dizzy and tired, took a quick shower and collapsed onto the bed, falling asleep. Before closing his eyes, he reminded Wen Ming to lock the door when he left.

After showering, Wen Ming didn’t immediately change into the clothes brought from the mall. Instead, he remained in his bathrobe, sitting in the living room and waiting. Five minutes later, the doorbell rang again.

When the door opened, Wen Ming looked coldly at the man holding a bouquet, whose apologetic smile turned instantly to shock—You Yige. Unhurriedly, Wen Ming asked, “Who are you here to see?”

You Yige stared wide-eyed at Wen Ming in his bathrobe, his mind buzzing. He turned to check the room number, confirming it was indeed Xiaoyu’s room. In that instant, it felt as if his head might explode.