Chapter 3: Went Home with Him

The next morning, as he opened his eyes, Qiao Xingzhou felt as if everything went dark before him.

—Is there anything more embarrassing than getting drunk and acting like a fool in front of someone you’ve just met and have a good impression of?

—That would be getting drunk, acting like a fool in front of someone you’ve just met and have a good impression of, and then waking up to remember everything.

Those embarrassing memories replayed over and over in his mind, each scene vividly clear.

He took advantage of being drunk—what did he do?

He drank too much, made a fuss about not wanting to go home… then threw up all over Li Zhiyi… and almost won a Nobel Prize in Mathematics by proving that two plus two equals four.

This was just too humiliating!

“Eh, wait a minute.” After finally managing to move his hands away from his face, Qiao Xingzhou noticed something wasn’t right. “This place… doesn’t seem like my home?”

He got out of bed, opened the door, and took a few steps outside, only to hear the sound of another door opening nearby.

“Good morning, Young Master Qiao.”

Qiao Xingzhou blinked, struggling to process. “Morning, Brother… How did I… end up at your place?”

Li Zhiyi, who had a germaphobic habit of showering twice a day, was now standing in the doorway wearing a bathrobe, drying his hair as he watched Qiao Xingzhou. “Yesterday, you insisted on not going home and insisted on following me, so I had no choice but to bring you back here.”

“Ah, I see.” Qiao Xingzhou realized the situation was even worse. “I’m so sorry, Brother. I really didn’t mean it. I didn’t know I’d act like that when I drank, or that those were alcoholic drinks.”

“It’s fine. Just be more careful when you’re out alone next time.”

“I usually… don’t interact much with people,” Qiao Xingzhou admitted, a bit embarrassed. “Yesterday, I was so focused on watching you that I didn’t pay attention to what I was drinking, so…”

Still a well-protected young master, Li Zhiyi thought to himself with a tolerant smile.

“Alright, I understand.” Li Zhiyi maintained his composure and even greeted him calmly. “The kitchen is available 24/7. Just let the chef know if you want anything, and head home after breakfast.”

Qiao Xingzhou felt even guiltier. Li Zhiyi really was a truly well-mannered person.

“Brother, I’m sorry about last night. Let me buy you a new shirt,” Qiao Xingzhou quickly offered, awkwardly trying to make amends. “I’ll get three… no, ten! A hundred shirts!”

“No need.” Right now, Li Zhiyi had only one approach toward Qiao Xingzhou: keeping a respectful distance.

But Qiao Xingzhou continued to plead, “Please, Brother, just let me buy it. Otherwise, I’ll feel really guilty.”

“I said, there’s no need.” Li Zhiyi declined his offer firmly, yet gently.

“Alright then, Brother. But if there’s anything you need me to do, please let me know. I’ll make it up to you however I can. I genuinely want to get to know you and be friends with you. I just got back to the country, and I don’t know many people. You’ve been really kind to me, but instead, I ended up causing you trouble…”

The more he spoke, the more upset he became, but Li Zhiyi could hear the sincerity in his tone.

Seeing Qiao Xingzhou explain so awkwardly yet earnestly, Li Zhiyi couldn’t help but soften.

“Alright,” he said quietly. “I didn’t mind what happened yesterday. You… don’t have to worry. I’ll join you downstairs for breakfast.”

—

And so, Li Zhiyi accompanied Qiao Xingzhou downstairs for breakfast.

“What would you like to eat?” Li Zhiyi asked, glancing down at Qiao Xingzhou beside him.

For a moment, Qiao Xingzhou looked a bit lost. “I… don’t know. Normally, everything is just arranged for me at home.”

“Then just have the same as me,” Li Zhiyi suggested, thinking for a moment. Worried that Qiao Xingzhou might still feel uncertain next time, he added, “If you ever don’t know what to order again, you can just look at what others are having and say, ‘I’ll have the same.'”

Qiao Xingzhou smiled. “Alright, got it, Brother. I’ll remember that.”

At this moment, Li Zhiyi had no idea just how thoroughly Qiao Xingzhou would take his advice to heart.

Soon, two identical breakfasts were served.

Li Zhiyi pushed a plate in front of Qiao Xingzhou, encouraging him. “These are the things I usually like. Give it a try and see what you think of the taste. I’m allergic to chili peppers and not a fan of heavy seasonings, so the food here tends to be on the mild side. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Mhm! It tastes great, I really like it.” Qiao Xingzhou’s eyes lit up with a hint of excitement. “As expected, following Brother’s choice can’t go wrong.”

“Eat slowly, no rush.” Li Zhiyi looked down at him with a gentle gaze. “If you like this dish, I’ll have the kitchen write down the recipe for you. You can take it home and have your chef make it.”

“Great!” Qiao Xingzhou’s face lit up even more. “This way, I can have the same dishes as you every day.”

“Is having the same dishes as me really that exciting?” Even Li Zhiyi couldn’t help but wonder if his personal charm might be a bit overwhelming. “Silly kid, no matter how good it is, you can’t eat the same thing every day. I don’t eat this every day either.”

“Of course it makes me happy,” Qiao Xingzhou replied, now with a new question. “So, what else do you eat, Brother?”

Meeting Qiao Xingzhou’s expectant gaze, Li Zhiyi found himself launching into yet another round of explanations.