Return®

Qin Chaochen tiptoed back home, surprised to find a light still on in the living room. He paused for a moment, then quickly walked over and saw a familiar figure on the sofa.

“Since you’re back, go to bed early,” Fu Quezhi said with a smile.

Before Qin Chaochen knew it, Fu Quezhi had pulled him into the master bedroom. By the time he came to his senses, he was already in pajamas, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Wait a minute? This isn’t right.

“Should I go back?” Qin Chaochen whispered.

“We’re just sleeping, nothing else,” Fu Quezhi said, pulling Qin Chaochen closer, covering only his stomach with a thin blanket.

Hesitant, Qin Chaochen lay down as well. After Fu Quezhi turned off the light, he turned his head and said, “You smell like alcohol.”

“I didn’t drink,” Qin Chaochen replied, his eyes sparkling in the moonlight, his tone a bit anxious.

“I know,” came the rustling sound beside him as Fu Quezhi reached out and touched Qin Chaochen’s abs under his shirt.

Qin Chaochen dared not move, his whole body heating up. He thought Fu Quezhi would stop once he had enough.

By midnight, Fu Quezhi had turned away to sleep, taking most of the thin blanket with him.

Now their positions on the bed were like ←→, with Qin Chaochen leaning on the edge, leaving a large empty space in the middle. If they got used to it, they could face each other →← or lie side by side →→.

Qin Chaochen covered his face, feeling his breath quicken.

He felt that he really couldn’t refuse Fu Quezhi.

A few days later, Fu Quezhi’s new technology was released, and Fu Zhao’s company did a lot of promotional work. Fu Quezhi also symbolically found a few reliable marketing companies.

“Boss, Fu’s company has already released it,” Huang Feng said fiercely, sitting in the boardroom.

Having worked with Fu Quezhi since college, Huang Feng knew that Fu’s company was originally set up by Fu Quezhi, but Fu Zhao forcibly took it over, claiming it was created using Fu Family resources.

Afterward, Fu Quezhi founded Xingye Company to compete with Fu’s company.

Huang Feng was disdainful of the praise Fu Zhao received in the industry.

Fu Quezhi was a genius who completed his university credits in one year and graduated early.

Many people from their alma mater also joined Fu Quezhi’s company.

“Their sales are skyrocketing,” the person recording data said seriously, sliding on a tablet behind Fu Quezhi.

“Five minutes until the release.”

Fu Quezhi looked at the data on the screen, his eyes downcast, showing no emotion on his face.

“Fu’s 3D is indeed the strongest in the industry, so fun, it can even cover this villa.”

“Of course, Fu’s recruits are all top graduates, backed by the Fu Group, with deep pockets.”

“But the price is set very high, I’ll be eating dirt for three months, hahaha.”

“Xingye Company also released new 3D technology, wow, what I saw in the restaurant was Xingye’s technology!”

“Hurry to Xingye Company to buy! Pre-sale of 1 million devices, if you’re late, there won’t be any left! The price is one-third of Fu’s, very affordable, and you can take it out of the house anytime, without relying on large equipment!”

People hesitated, “Is it really that good?!”

“And it has both charging and solar functions, if you don’t go, I will, one-third the price, no loss!”

“I’m going! I’m going! Anyway, I have money, I’ll buy both Fu’s and Xingye’s!”

“If it’s really that good, then let’s check it out.”

Inside Xingye Company

“Sales are slowly rising, but still a distance from Fu’s,” the person in charge said, “Luckily, we gave some of the technology for free to high-end restaurants, and now they’ve become Xingye’s clients.”

“Recently, the renovation of Tonghua Community is also closely linked with Xingye’s technology, which has helped a lot.”

A hint of a smile flashed in Fu Quezhi’s eyes.

“The film city needs some special effects and scene restoration, and they’ve bought quite a bit. But in terms of ordinary people, the share is still small.”

Xingye’s 3D technology is priced for the people, hoping that more ordinary folks will buy it. Fu’s has a good reputation, considered stable in the industry, backed by a big company, providing a sense of security.

“He Ze, are you ready?!” Qin Chaochen punched He Ze.

“Little ancestor, I’ve exhausted all my connections,” He Ze glanced at Qin Chaochen smugly, “Done.”

“But Fu Quezhi’s technology won’t flop, right? Otherwise, I’m screwing people over,” He Ze felt a bit uneasy.

“Don’t worry, Fu Quezhi has loved these things since he was a kid, he’ll be responsible for his products,” Qin Chaochen glared at He Ze.

“Alright, I believe you,” He Ze fiddled with his phone for a while, “Let’s wait and see the results.”

Inside Xingye Company

“Sales are still slowly rising, but still not as good as… hmm?” The person in charge suddenly paused, finger on the tablet.

The board members watched as the person’s expression changed from shock to joy, unable to contain their curiosity.

What could make the person in charge so excited? Fu Quezhi’s gaze also fell on him.

“Sales are skyrocketing, surpassing Fu’s company. If this trend continues, in an hour, our sales will exceed Fu’s,” the person in charge almost danced with the tablet.

“We really are the best!”

“We must hold steady, hold steady,” an older veteran muttered, his body trembling with excitement.

Could he witness a miracle? A small company challenging a giant like Fu’s, becoming a dragon slayer.

The people at Xingye Company quietly waited for this hour, holding their breath, waiting for either victory or defeat.

In the boardroom, there wasn’t a sound. If a needle dropped, you could hear it. The higher-ups were like this, and the lower ones even more so. In the rest of Xingye Company, everyone moved quickly, maximizing the warehouse and distribution efforts for this crucial release.

…

“What’s going on? How did Xingye suddenly catch up?!” Fu Zhao was furious, the veins on his forehead throbbing as he watched the sales figures close in on Xingye’s, his pupils dilating, his mind in chaos.

“I checked, today’s Xingye’s promotion…” the tech staff stammered, “was especially fierce.”

On short video platforms, the top live-streamers promoted Xingye Company.

Several trending topics appeared.

Famous high-end restaurants even promoted Xingye for free.

And the esports community, while gaming, also did a wave of promotion.

The youngest film queen in the film industry was live-streaming, still immersed in Xingye’s 3D technology.

In City A, several young masters with huge fan bases in public places also reposted Xingye’s official blog.

Though they were considered playboys, they still had many fans.

And several heirs, who weren’t playboys, also reposted Xingye’s official blog. Among them were Qin Yuanshen, Wang Yan, He Ze, and Yu Cheng.

Qin Yuanshen V: Cheers for him.

Wang Yan V: Supporting my sister-in-law.

He Ze V: Fu Quezhi is always number one.

Yu Cheng V: Just a light repost.

“Qin Chaochen, what did you post on my Weibo?” He Ze complained, “It makes it seem like I really admire Fu Quezhi, it’s so cringy.”

“And Wang Yan calling him sister-in-law, hahaha, Big Brother Qin is going to be mad.” He Ze gloated.

“Your Fu Quezhi is sure to win.”

“Of course he’ll win,” Qin Chaochen always thought so, looking justified.

He Ze: “…”

“Damn, your Fu Quezhi is amazing, the national security bureau entered Xingye’s live stream!!”

“Holy crap! Even major hospitals’ accounts went in!!!”

“The national sports department!”

“The national military medical department!”

He Ze wiped his face, “What did Fu Quezhi create?”

Still live streaming at Xingye were internal staff, initially following international conventions to showcase new products, but suddenly, with a swoosh, a bunch of people with national accounts entered, startling them. But as professionals, they stayed calm.

Until a string of national accounts entered the live stream.

“…Our Xingye Company’s, technology…” The staff’s face stiffened, showing a rigid business smile, unable to hold it together.

[Hahaha, I’m dying of laughter, what did they do to that handsome guy.]

[Why did it alert the nation, such a spectacular scene, screenshot and take a picture!]

[If I’m not mistaken, 3D technology can be used in medical and defense sectors, and train soldiers with 3D technology. I played Xingye’s 3D tech, it’s really immersive, and it has a pain sensation, okay? Five percent of pain.]

[The person above is right, it’s similar to 3D tech in online game novels, and did you see the map guide? It’s by the one who drew the most complete map, Xingye Company collected a lot of map data, way better than cheap special effects!]

[Please, can the staff ask your company head to talk to the national security bureau.]

“No, no problem.” The staff, seeing the national names, shakily made a call, transferring it to Fu Quezhi.

The phone vibrated, Fu Quezhi answered, his deep voice coming from the live stream.

“President, the national security bureau and the national sports department want to discuss a partnership with us.”

Fu Quezhi’s eyes widened, even someone like him couldn’t suppress his excitement, he took a deep breath, “Xingye Company will cooperate well.”

After hanging up, the board members stared at Fu Quezhi, who calmly said, “The national security bureau and sports department want to partner with us.”

A boom.

The board members couldn’t contain their excitement, they started talking all at once, and Fu Quezhi didn’t stop them.

These days, their nerves were too tense, now they could relax a bit, and even he couldn’t calm his excitement.

“Sales have surpassed Fu’s!!!” The person in charge shouted, looking at the tablet data.

Now with the national backing, Fu’s victory still excited them, after all, they took the lead!

Xingye Company was the best today, and would continue to be the best 3D tech company.

Joining the company with Fu Quezhi, they only released a few products, focusing all their energy on this new 3D tech, advancing with patience, the whole company working together, they finally succeeded!

Even the board members who were against Fu Quezhi before, after being driven out by the Fu Family, were determined to surpass them.

Perhaps in a way, Fu Zhao taking Fu Quezhi’s company helped him.

…

“You’ve disappointed me too much, don’t even think about asking the Fu Family for funds again!” Fu Changtian said angrily, “Spend more time getting close to Fu Quezhi, you’re really something!”

“Not even half as good as Fu Quezhi, whether in marriage or business! Fu Quezhi is now on the national list, you can’t use old methods against him, go apologize to Fu Quezhi, ease his relationship with our Fu Family.”

“Visit the Xiao Family when you have time.”

“Beep beep beep…”

Fu Zhao clenched his phone, slumped in his chair, feeling powerless, the sudden change surrounding him.

He was clearly in the lead at first, how did it suddenly get surpassed?!

Fu Zhao covered his face, in disbelief. His phone was now flooded with Xingye Company’s promotions and success.

“President, a few years ago, the fact that you took Fu’s Company, which was actually Xingye’s predecessor, has been exposed,” the assistant said nervously.

“I know, you can go,” Fu Zhao was surrounded by a low-pressure atmosphere.

The assistant didn’t dare stay, quickly leaving the office, no one dared to provoke Fu Zhao, the company’s atmosphere was extremely tense.

Fu Quezhi was truly the biggest obstacle in Fu Zhao’s life.

Fu Zhao looked at a name on his phone, his eyes suddenly brightened.

After being rejected by Qin Chaochen last night, he agreed to Gu Yunzhou’s pursuit, planning to meet parents soon and settle things.

The longer he stayed with the Fu Family, the more he realized Fu Changtian wasn’t a father, but someone who saw his sons as pawns. To secure his position, he needed a strong marriage.

In the end, Gu Yunzhou was reliable.

Fu Zhao smiled, answering Gu Yunzhou’s call.

“Fu Zhao, don’t be upset about today, you’ll have more chances in the future,” Gu Yunzhou comforted softly.

“Thank you, Yunzhou,” Fu Zhao replied gently.

“You mentioned dating me, I told my parents, you know our Gu Family’s status.”

Hearing this, Fu Zhao had a bad feeling, but he patiently listened, as Gu Yunzhou was his only hope.

“We don’t need a male spouse, I still need heirs, so we can be brothers, a private couple. Rest assured, I’ll give you what you deserve, but getting my parents’ approval or marriage is impossible,” Gu Yunzhou tried his best.

He couldn’t go against his parents and be kicked out of the Gu Family.

The Qin Family already had one fool, Qin Chaochen, they couldn’t have another incident.

“…You mean to be your secret lover?” Fu Zhao’s tone remained gentle, his fingers digging into his palm.

“…It’s not a secret lover, just that I’ll marry a noble lady, one inside, one outside, my heart will always belong to you,” Gu Yunzhou said helplessly.

In the original story, the two protagonists had a deep relationship, and after Gu Yunzhou’s attempt to have it both ways, Fu Zhao firmly rejected him. Gu Yunzhou later comforted Fu Zhao, and with new technology, Fu Zhao gained a foothold in the business world, leading Gu Yunzhou to decide to marry Fu Zhao.

“…I disagree,” Fu Zhao said, having seen Qin Chaochen and Fu Quezhi, his view of love had elevated.

“Then we have to say goodbye, you know many want to be with me, though it’s a pity, we’ll part ways,” Gu Yunzhou was decisive, liking Fu Zhao, but compared to the Gu Family’s heir position, it was insignificant.

He was bisexual, and after marriage, finding a lover was easy.

At worst, find a substitute.

“…Wait,” Fu Zhao gritted his teeth.

*

Qin Chaochen knew today was a big win for Fu Quezhi. He carried a cup of water, drinking as he walked, He Ze having met a friend, leaving Qin Chaochen alone.

Red light stop, green light go.

Green light.

Qin Chaochen crossed the zebra crossing, a motorcycle suddenly sped through a gap.

Crashing into Qin Chaochen.

A flash of white light.

Everything around Qin Chaochen slowed, images flashed through his mind, like a slideshow, from blurry to clear.

“Call an ambulance!”

“Call an ambulance!”

Qin Chaochen blinked, blood from his forehead dripping onto his eyelashes, and he fainted.

*

Promotion, wealth, death of a husband?

When Fu Quezhi received He Ze’s call, he panicked.

“It’s just that Chaochen got hit again, but…” He Ze’s tone was still light.

But Fu Quezhi’s heart was already in chaos, he didn’t hear the rest, immediately having the driver take him to the hospital.

Fu Quezhi hung up on He Ze, arriving at the hospital, running to the third floor, following He Ze’s room number.

He pushed through the hospital crowd, sunlight shining on the polished white floor, highlighting Fu Quezhi’s handsome features.

“Mr. Qin, how are you feeling?” the nurse asked.

“My head still feels a bit dizzy,” Qin Chaochen replied with a smile.

“Has Mr. Qin’s family arrived?” the nurse asked seriously.

“…He should be here soon,” Qin Chaochen said softly.

Fu Quezhi, catching his breath, reached the door, hearing Qin Chaochen’s conversation with the nurse, his heart skipped several beats.

Qin Chaochen, with a bandage on his head, his handsome face pale, smiled at Fu Quezhi, “He’s here.”

From Qin Chaochen’s smile and demeanor, Fu Quezhi sensed something unusual, stepping closer, feeling a hint of disbelief.

Qin Chaochen extended his arms, smiling like before, softly saying, “Zhizhi, I’m back.”

Fu Quezhi’s scalp tingled, his blood seemed to boil, he eagerly embraced Qin Chaochen.

The summer cicadas still chirped, and holding Qin Chaochen, Fu Quezhi felt like he was back in that summer of senior year, cicadas singing, trees lush, a bright summer day.

That was the first time his heart fluttered.

And the last time.

Since then, he dared not face Guanyin.

All his hardships, unwillingness, and roars seemed to find peace.

Qin Chaochen, holding Fu Quezhi, felt a twinge in his ribs.

He said, “If I had another chance, I’d still fall in love with you.”

“Fu Quezhi, I love you. From beginning to end.”