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Sometimes those who are overly enthusiastic have ulterior motives. Xie Rong knew his position in the eyes of those people and had no interest in forming deep connections with them. They could be drinking buddies, nothing more.

“I heard you went abroad with your fiancée. So, how many kids do you have now?” People like them often had more than one lover. So when Xie Rong heard that Feng Min had gone abroad with a fiancée instead of his male lover, he wasn’t surprised. In fact, he thought it was normal.

After all, no matter how perfect a lover might be, after a while, people get tired.

“None,” Feng Min replied, expression unchanged.

Xie Rong wasn’t sure whether Feng Min meant he hadn’t married his fiancée or that they hadn’t had children. Glancing at Feng Min’s left hand, he noticed there was no sign of a wedding ring.

“You’re still single?” Xie Rong blurted out.

“I came back alone this time,” Feng Min admitted. The Feng and Xie families had always been close, with business ties connecting them. That was one of the reasons Feng Min had agreed to come when Xie Rong called. The other reason was even more important: Feng Min was afraid of the unbearable loneliness that would consume him if he stayed home alone.

Loneliness was like countless insects gnawing at his heart, especially after seeing Chi Yan again. The beast in Feng Min’s heart had awoken. Its sharp fangs and claws tore at the iron bars, roaring to break free. But Feng Min couldn’t allow that to happen.

“Still single? Look around. If anyone catches your eye, let me know, and you can take them with you,” Xie Rong said, waving his hand like a pimp. The atmosphere in the room changed, with most of the people now sitting up straight, eager to impress. Being noticed by Feng Min could be a stepping stone to greater heights.

But Feng Min declined with a simple “No, thanks. I’m not interested right now.”

Hearing this, some of the people who had been waiting to be chosen felt disappointed, even though they had just been treated like objects.

As Feng Min and Xie Rong continued talking, Yu Xiaoqi, who had been quiet, stood up. “I’m going to the bathroom,” he said, quickly walking out of the room and down the hallway to a window at the end. He dialed a number.

It took seven or eight rings before the call connected.

“Chi Yan, I need your help!” Yu Xiaoqi cried dramatically into the phone.

Chi Yan, lounging at home with his feet on the coffee table, was reading A Brief History of Time. Hearing the urgency in Yu Xiaoqi’s voice, Chi Yan lowered his book, concerned. “What’s going on?”

“There’s a guy here who’s absolutely gorgeous, but he’s so cold! He won’t even look at me, and I’ve been giving him my best flirty glances!” Yu Xiaoqi complained.

Chi Yan couldn’t help but laugh. He had thought something serious had happened, but it was just Yu Xiaoqi fretting over a man.

“He didn’t fall for your charm? I bet he’s either blind or has some serious issues. You should move on,” Chi Yan advised.

“I will, but I just can’t stand how arrogant he is. Chi Yan, come help me out! If he doesn’t even look at you, then I’ll believe he’s truly blind. But if he does, you can turn him down and let him experience rejection!” Yu Xiaoqi said, full of indignation.

Chi Yan sighed. “How old are you again?”

“23!” Yu Xiaoqi answered. His baby-faced looks made him appear much younger, even passable as a high schooler.

“23, huh? You act more like you’re three,” Chi Yan teased.

“Yeah, I’m three! So, help out your preschool buddy?” Yu Xiaoqi shamelessly played along.

“It’s late, and I don’t feel like going out,” Chi Yan said, not eager to leave the comfort of his home.

“Please, Chi Yan! I’ll cover your taxi fare both ways and even pay for your meals for a week!” Yu Xiaoqi begged, sounding pitiful.

Chi Yan had a soft spot for flattery. “Two weeks of meals,” he bargained.

“Deal! I’ll send you the address. You better show up, or I’ll hang myself at your door tomorrow morning,” Yu Xiaoqi joked, half-serious.

“Fine, I’ll come. Let me get changed,” Chi Yan said, closing his book and getting up to head to his bedroom.

Yu Xiaoqi cheered up immediately and started advising Chi Yan on what to wear, suggesting something stylish to charm everyone. Chi Yan cut him off with a quick, “I’m hanging up now,” not interested in more chatter.

Helping a friend out wasn’t a big deal for Chi Yan, especially since it didn’t require much effort on his part. Besides, with ride-hailing apps, it wasn’t hard to find a driver quickly.

Chi Yan didn’t dress particularly fancy, opting for simple, comfortable clothes. He didn’t believe in the idea that “clothes make the man.”

After changing, he hailed a car and headed to meet Yu Xiaoqi.

When he arrived at the hotel, he called Yu Xiaoqi, letting him know he had arrived.

“Come up to the third floor. I’ll come out to meet you,” Yu Xiaoqi replied.