Chapter 5

Running away would mean no more embarrassment, no more getting caught in the complex web of social interactions that make him uncomfortable, no more panic, and no more mistakes. Fang Shimian placed the stack of red bills on the back seat, opened the car door, and got out. He paused, then quickly took off the clothes he was wearing and changed back into his own.

He closed the car door and looked for the exit sign of the parking lot. Occasionally, cars passed by him, making Fang Shimian’s heart race. But as he walked, not only did he fail to find the exit, he ended up on the slope leading to the second basement level.

Fang Shimian stopped, looking around in confusion. Could he find his way out? He walked to a pillar in the shadows, wiped away his tears, and blamed himself. He had agreed to come in the first place, and now he was running away after receiving kindness. There was no one as ungrateful as him in the world.

Suddenly, the area in front of him lit up. The bright car lights seemed to want to melt him. Fang Shimian took a step back, but the car stopped right in front of him. He vaguely saw someone getting out from the passenger seat.

He looked up and said softly, “Mr. Ke.”

Ming Ke nodded and smiled gently at Fang Shimian, “Mr. Fang, are you lost?”

A flood of thoughts rushed through Fang Shimian’s mind, and he finally said slowly, “It was stuffy in the car, so I came out for a walk.”

Ming Ke continued to smile, “Walking in the underground parking lot might not be very safe. Are you planning to go back now? The meeting has ended, and I’m sure Mr. Zhu won’t keep you waiting long.”

Hearing Zhu Ze’s name made Fang Shimian a bit flustered, so he nodded, “I know, I’ll go back now.”

“The parking lot is complicated. Let us give you a ride.” Ming Ke didn’t really give Fang Shimian a choice and directly opened the back seat door.

Fang Shimian started to understand. He remembered seeing Ming Ke with Zhu Ze in the surveillance room that day. Could Ming Ke be Zhu Ze’s subordinate? Did he come to catch him after seeing him run away?

The car was a bit high, and without thinking too much, Fang Shimian got in, only to find someone else inside.

The man had deep features, handsome looks, and an imposing presence that left no room for retreat. It was the absolute authority of someone in a high position.

Fang Shimian immediately recognized him as the Huo Zhongshan from last time. But last time, he had seen him from a distance and not very clearly. Now, up close, Fang Shimian’s first reaction was to get out and run.

This type of person was the last kind Fang Shimian wanted to provoke, and the one he feared the most deep down.

But the car had already started. Sensing Fang Shimian’s discomfort, the interior lights quietly dimmed. Huo Zhongshan leaned back in the shadows, resting his eyes. The faint scent of leather mixed with a subtle fragrance gradually calmed Fang Shimian’s anxious mood, unlike the panic he felt when he first got in.

In fact, Fang Shimian hadn’t run very far, less than a hundred meters. Even when he got out of the car, he couldn’t understand why he encountered Mr. Huo, or why he was so kind to bring him back.

Would it affect Zhu Ze? Fang Shimian felt like he was making mistakes again, feeling utterly foolish.

Fortunately, the driver hadn’t returned yet. Fang Shimian sat back in the car, changed his clothes again, and silently stared out the window, lost in thought.

After the big meeting, Zhu Ze held a smaller meeting to finalize work details. By the time it ended, it was already six in the evening, and the sky was gradually darkening.

The driver received the message and drove the car to the elevator exit to wait.

When Zhu Ze got in the car, he was momentarily stunned by Fang Shimian’s appearance. The designer had chosen a casual white suit for Fang Shimian, his hair was cut shorter, the edges around his temples were neatly trimmed, and the tips were styled a bit. He looked clean and beautiful, exuding an irresistible youthful energy.

Zhu Ze had always known Fang Shimian was good-looking, ever since they were kids. Back then, even when Fang Shimian wobbled unsteadily, many kids in the compound would compete to play with him.

Identity, appearance, personality—Fang Shimian had it all back then. Wherever he went, he was surrounded by kids, like a star in the sky that could never be caught, only admired for its brilliance.

Zhu Ze’s hand unconsciously touched Fang Shimian’s trembling eyes, murmuring, “Xiao Mian, you look beautiful today.”

Fang Shimian turned his head towards the window, his voice a bit stiff, “Zhu Ge, where are we going?”

The flickering lights outside added a few bright colors to the boy’s porcelain-white face, like a celestial child on an altar painted with earthly smoke and dust, vibrant and captivating.

Zhu Ze felt the warmth gradually dissipating from his fingertips and smiled slightly, “We’re going to a banquet. I’ll introduce you to some people; it will be good for you.” He paused, his tone gentle, “Xiao Mian, you should wear bright colors more often. They suit you.”

Fang Shimian didn’t respond.

In the surveillance room, he didn’t need to know anyone. He just needed to address the residents’ needs and ensure there were no fires in the community. His job was simple. He liked staying in the dim, poorly ventilated basement, not wanting to meet anyone, not wanting to bear anyone’s expectations, not wanting to be crushed by pressure again.

He didn’t want to, but he didn’t dare to voice his objections to Zhu Ze. If only Xu Long were here, he was tall and strong, wouldn’t force him to do things he didn’t like. They were both simple.

Fang Shimian handed the stack of red bills in his pocket to Zhu Ze, “Thank you, Zhu Ge, for taking me to the hospital last time.”

Zhu Ze glanced at it, then looked at the brightly lit banquet venue outside the window, his smile not reaching his eyes, “Do you have to be so distant with your brother?”

“It’s only two thousand, probably not enough, right? I don’t know, Zhu Ge, let me owe you less, or I really won’t feel at ease.” Fang Shimian spoke earnestly, his eyes sincere, not pretending.

Zhu Ze looked at Fang Shimian, seemingly trying to find some clue on his face. As the car moved into the shadows, darkness hid his expression.

After a long time, the car stopped.

Fang Shimian’s hand holding the money was enveloped in a cool, soft touch, and a gentle voice echoed in the enclosed space, “Alright, brother will accept it.”

But before Fang Shimian could breathe a sigh of relief, Zhu Ze’s hand returned to caress his cheek, “Don’t be uneasy, and don’t guard against your brother. No matter what, I won’t harm you.”

“I know… I know.” As Fang Shimian lowered his head, a certain pathological obsession flickered in Zhu Ze’s eyes, quickly suppressed, transforming into the tolerant and gentle demeanor of an elder brother.

This banquet was to celebrate the first birthday of the eldest daughter of Shen Jiang, the young master of the Shen family, from the Haishi Maoshu Group.

Although Maoshu Group wasn’t as large as Hengshi, it was still one of the leading enterprises in Haishi. Now, with Shen Jiang’s good relationship with Huo Zhongshan, they had connected with Hengshi, making significant strides in the new energy sector.

On the surface, this banquet was a first birthday celebration, but in reality, it was a signal of a power transition within Maoshu Group. Most of the prominent figures in Haishi would attend to offer their congratulations.

Zhu Ze held a significant position in Hengshi and often represented Huo Zhongshan. His presence attracted a lot of attention. It was customary for him not to bring a female companion, but this time he brought a brother no one had heard of. However, seeing Zhu Ze’s calm and composed demeanor, people just exchanged smiles and didn’t pay much attention.

Such banquets never lacked handsome men and beautiful women. Even without looking at the beauties specially invited by the hosts, the young masters and ladies chatting and laughing were quite attractive. But at such events, looks were merely an accessory to status and wealth.

After entering, Fang Shimian quietly followed behind Zhu Ze, listening to people flatter and fawn over him, and hearing Zhu Ze’s insincere responses.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Fang Shimian felt like an outsider, unable to say pretty words or handle others’ enthusiasm, just a blockhead who could only smile foolishly, not smart, unable to learn.

He found it boring, feeling that the brother who once comforted him when he cried had long been consumed by the wine and smiles, and his little secret fantasies were once again shattered.

“Mr. Zhu, this brother of yours seems unfamiliar.”

Fang Shimian looked up to see a tall, handsome man standing in front of him, with a familiar hint in his eyes.

Seeing him approach, Zhu Ze’s previously relaxed demeanor turned a bit distant and guarded. He took a sip of his drink before smiling, “Third Young Master hasn’t seen him before. We lost contact unexpectedly, and I just found this child.”

“Oh?” Huo Jun raised an eyebrow, smiling ambiguously, his gaze lingering on Fang Shimian, “Should I say Mr. Zhu is charming, or Mr. Zhu is charming?”

In basic social etiquette, no one would say such rude things at a banquet.

But Huo Jun didn’t need to care about these things. Not to mention his other background, just being Huo Zhongshan’s cousin was enough for him not to worry about others’ opinions in social settings.

Social banquets were a stage for fame and fortune for others, but for Huo Jun, it was just a playground for entertainment.

Zhu Ze had anticipated Huo Jun’s appearance. He turned to Fang Shimian, “Xiao Mian, go sit over there for a while, don’t wander off. Brother will come to accompany you later.”

He didn’t avoid Huo Jun when he said this, and Huo Jun’s eyes showed a hint of amusement, “Mr. Zhu is quite protective of this brother, can’t even take a second look. Never seen you like this with He Yao?”

Fang Shimian had wanted to leave for a while, and upon hearing this, he almost immediately backed away, blending into the crowd in the blink of an eye.

The banquet venue was large, and Fang Shimian found a less crowded corner to sit, looking around to ensure no one was paying attention to him, then went to get some desserts and drinks.

After a while, Fang Shimian heard some commotion from the other side. His heart tightened, thinking something had happened with Zhu Ze, but when he stood up, he only saw Huo Zhongshan surrounded by people in the distance, like stars around the moon. No one dared to get too close, yet no one wanted to be too far.

People around Fang Shimian were also talking.

“Mr. Huo actually came. I thought with Third Young Master here, Mr. Huo wouldn’t show up.”

“I thought so too. It’s rare to see both Huo family members at the same event.”

As they spoke, they moved forward, leaving Fang Shimian’s area even less crowded.

Fang Shimian wasn’t interested in these matters, only finding the exquisite little cakes delicious and the sparkling water refreshing. He was really hungry after a long day and didn’t care about anything else, eating quite a bit in one go.

But considering Zhu Ze’s reputation, Fang Shimian chose times when there were fewer people to get things, like a little hamster secretly hoarding food.

Thinking he was unnoticed, he was completely unaware that the two Huo family young masters were already seated in a high place, invited to the VIP seats by the hosts, leisurely watching his every move.