Yu Lili said, “Mr. Yin, I spoke with Mr. Fan. I know you’re very tired and still asleep. The company affairs have already been taken care of by President Ling, so you can rest well.”
Shuai Chang replied, “Okay, I will arrive at the office on time this afternoon.”
After hanging up with Yu Lili, Shuai Chang redialed Yin Jue.
After two rings, the call was answered, and Yin Jue’s lazy voice came through, “It’s not easy to talk business with President Yin, is it?”
Shuai Chang replied, “Isn’t it good that I rushed to call you back right after waking up? Do you have time for lunch today? How about Qi Rui Yuan?”
Yin Jue’s voice revealed surprise, “Oh! President Yin is treating! That’s rare. Even if I don’t have time, I’ll make some time for it.”
“Great, I’ll be waiting at Qi Rui Yuan,” Shuai Chang said.
“Got it. You’re just teasing me; after all, you’re the big boss,” Yin Jue laughed, his mirth reaching Shuai Chang’s ears through the phone.
Yin Jue was merely the head of a small economic firm, so he shouldn’t have mattered much to Shuai Chang. However, Yin Jue was backed by an international movie queen and a well-known director, and despite sharing the same surname Yin with Yin Haidong, their family backgrounds were worlds apart.
Though Moon Jue Entertainment’s business capabilities weren’t exceptional, Yin Jue had access to top-notch resources thanks to his parents’ reputation.
Shuai Chang changed his clothes and went downstairs, but he couldn’t find Fan Luo Jia. On the living room table were some soup dumplings and millet porridge. Shuai Chang picked one up and tasted it; it was already cold but still acceptable.
He quickly filled his stomach with dumplings and porridge.
He wondered where Fan Luo Jia was now. Thinking about how he was supposed to study the script in the morning, he turned and headed for the study to look for him.
The study had a large floor-to-ceiling window providing great lighting, and the books inside were fine works collected by Yin Haidong since childhood, covering astronomy, geography, biology, and various top-notch professional books.
Shuai Chang gently pushed the door open, and saw Fan Luo Jia, who was sitting with his back to him, focused on reading. The oversized white t-shirt looked baggy on his thin frame. In the sunlight, his ears were almost translucent, and you could see the delicate blue veins.
Suddenly, Fan Luo Jia’s frail shoulders trembled violently. Shuai Chang rushed over, grasped his shoulders, and asked, “Luo Jia, what’s wrong?”
His eyes reflected the panic as they met Fan Luo Jia’s tear-filled, dark mercury-like eyes.
Fan Luo Jia’s hands were tightly clenched, his fingertips turning pale from lack of blood, and his lips quivered, void of color.
Seeing this version of Fan Luo Jia startled Shuai Chang.
He let go of his hands, his heart pounding rapidly, almost jumping out of his throat. “Luo Jia!”
Fan Luo Jia stood up and walked to the window, his back straightening. “You should leave,” he said in a desolate tone, gripping Shuai Chang’s heart tightly.
“Leave this place, live incognito, and don’t let me… see you again.” A deep, hidden pain lurked in Fan Luo Jia’s words, causing Shuai Chang to feel the same pain and hurt he was experiencing.
“Luo Jia…” Shuai Chang whispered his name, fearing to disturb him.
Fan Luo Jia tensed his arms and forcefully swung them back as if he weren’t wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt but a wide-sleeved robe?
Shuai Chang glanced at the script on the desk, realizing something. He picked it up and looked over it; the lines were intact.
“…” It seemed he had overthought things.
Shuai Chang quietly backed out, politely stood outside the door, and knocked. Soon after, Fan Luo Jia’s voice came from within, “Please come in.”
Shuai Chang pushed the door open upon receiving permission.
He observed Fan Luo Jia’s expression; aside from his slightly red eyes, he looked normal.
“Did I disturb you?” Shuai Chang carefully asked.
“It’s okay. Has Haidong Brother eaten yet? I didn’t wake you up this morning because you were sleeping so soundly. I was shocked when Sister Lili called me. I was worried it might delay the company’s affairs.”
Shuai Chang interrupted him, “Company matters can’t be delayed. I have so many employees; if I’m not here, the company can’t operate. Then why would I hire them?”
Fan Luo Jia looked at him, and hearing this made a hint of self-blame disappear from his eyes.
Shuai Chang asked, “Where did you buy the soup dumplings? They taste great.”
Fan Luo Jia smiled proudly, “Haidong Brother, do you think I bought them? I actually made them myself.”
Shuai Chang replied, “They taste better than what you get outside. Luo Jia, you truly are a treasure. Good thing I made a reservation ahead of time, or who knows who else would have gotten them.”
Fan Luo Jia said, “Haidong Brother, if you keep praising me like this, I might just fly up into the sky.”
Seeing that Fan Luo Jia hadn’t brought up the earlier matter at all, Shuai Chang understood this was because he was immersed in the role, so he didn’t bring it up either.
“The soup dumplings have gone cold. Haidong Brother, do you want anything for lunch? I can make you something, and it’s just the right time to go grocery shopping.”
“I have business to discuss this afternoon, so I won’t be eating at home. Make something good for yourself, okay?” Shuai Chang saw Fan Luo Jia looking somewhat downcast and quickly rubbed his head to comfort him.
Fan Luo Jia nodded, his expression still not carefree.
*****
Qi Rui Yuan was romantic with its rockeries and flowing water, retaining its elegance.
Shuai Chang was guided through a floral curtain by a traditional-clad waiter and arrived at a small bamboo studio.
As the waiter lifted the curtain, Shuai Chang stepped inside, the light dimming and the aroma of tea filling the air.
Yin Jue was kneeling in front of the mat, dressed in a scholar’s robe, skillfully handling the tea set.
The scene was truly elegant. Shuai Chang walked over and sat cross-legged, his white jade-like fingers holding a purple clay tea cup in front of him.
Yin Jue raised his sleeve slightly and tilted his chin, exuding a refined scholar’s air. “Give it a try. My family’s elder loves tea, and I’ve been influenced by him since childhood, so I’ve picked up a thing or two.”
Shuai Chang felt his teeth ache hearing him speak in such a pretentious manner. Yin Jue was just a person who loved to show off; he always had theatricality.
Acting? Who can’t do that?
Shuai Chang pretended to pick up the tea cup, cupping it near his nose to inhale, “The fragrance is irresistible. What good tea!”
Then he lifted his head and took a gentle sip. As the tea flowed over his tongue, he put down the cup and clapped his hands in praise, “It’s rich and smooth. This tea deserves to be the star of the show!”
His exaggerated performance left Yin Jue stunned. When Yin Jue came back to his senses, he burst into laughter, “Good one, Yin Haidong.”
Author’s Note:
Shuai Chang:……
Ling Tuan: Handsome, handsome! xxx likes you too!
Shuai Chang:……
Ling Tuan: Handsome, handsome! All men like you!
Shuai Chang: I don’t like men, thank you. ←_←