Chapter 65: Hello, Classmate!

Time ticked away, second by second.

When Lu Zhengfei woke up, he found the space beside him empty. Rubbing his disheveled hair, he climbed out of bed, casually threw on a coat, and stepped out onto the balcony.

Sure enough, Chen Qianqing was there, smoking a cigarette. He wasn’t wearing a coat, just a white pajama set. His exposed wrists appeared thin, and faint blue veins were visible beneath his pale skin.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Chen Qianqing turned his head to glance at Lu Zhengfei before shifting his gaze away.

Lu Zhengfei walked over, stood next to Chen Qianqing, and pulled a cigarette out of his own coat pocket. He lit it and began smoking.

Chen Qianqing had been back here for a week now. During this week, he had been exceedingly calm, showing no signs of discomfort whatsoever. Even when Lu Zhengfei suggested they sleep together, Chen Qianqing only mildly protested before conceding.

Lu Zhengfei considered this Chen Qianqing’s form of passive resistance, but he didn’t mind if it continued. Time changes everything. Even a stone can eventually be warmed.

The two finished their cigarettes in silence. Lu Zhengfei told Chen Qianqing to eat breakfast properly, then prepared to leave. He was incredibly busy, and although he made time to accompany Chen Qianqing every day, he really didn’t have much downtime.

After tossing his cigarette butt into the trash, Chen Qianqing, with his back to the departing Lu Zhengfei, said, “I want to go out for a bit today.”

Lu Zhengfei paused mid-step. “Sure.”

Chen Qianqing added, “Give me my phone.”

Lu Zhengfei nodded again. “Where do you want to go? I’ll have someone take you.”

It was less of an offer to escort and more of a way to monitor him. Chen Qianqing knew he didn’t have the power to refuse.

Once Lu Zhengfei left, Chen Qianqing finished freshening up, ate breakfast, and then got into the car Lu Zhengfei had arranged for him. He made a phone call to Wang Wulin.

When Wang Wulin picked up, he said, “Qianqing?”

Chen Qianqing replied, “Are you free? Let’s grab some tea.”

After agreeing, the two set a time and place.

They chose a teahouse Chen Qianqing frequented. He knew Lu Zhengfei would undoubtedly have someone follow him, but since he had no intention of escaping, he calmly accepted the arrangement.

The morning winter sunlight was especially comforting as it warmed his body. Chen Qianqing lowered the car window and basked in the sun.

The driver played a soothing piece of music, which made Chen Qianqing feel drowsy. He nearly fell asleep before reaching his destination.

Once he stepped out of the car, there were still over ten minutes left before his meeting with Wang Wulin. Chen Qianqing entered the teahouse and found a sunny spot to sit.

When Wang Wulin entered the teahouse, he immediately spotted Chen Qianqing.

Some people are naturally attention-grabbing, even if they’re seated in a corner or only visible in profile. The sunlight highlighted Chen Qianqing’s fair skin, making it resemble a fine piece of jade. His slightly long hair rested neatly on his shoulders. As he picked up a teacup and took a gentle sip, he exuded an elegance that made him seem like a prince from a fairy tale.

For a moment, Wang Wulin was stunned, but he quickly regained his composure. He was aware of the situation between Chen Qianqing and Lu Zhengfei. Yet, Chen Qianqing’s demeanor didn’t resemble someone in need of help. If Wang Wulin hadn’t known the backstory, he might have thought Chen Qianqing was just on vacation in D City.

Wang Wulin walked toward Chen Qianqing.

Chen Qianqing looked up and saw him sitting across from him. Handing over the menu, he asked, “What would you like to drink?”

As he flipped through the menu, Wang Wulin asked, “How long has it been since you were last here?” He knew Chen Qianqing had attended school in the area.

“Four years, I think,” Chen Qianqing replied.

Wang Wulin glanced at the two people sitting not far from Chen Qianqing and subtly gestured toward him with his eyes.

Chen Qianqing nodded, signaling that he was aware of the people behind him.

Wang Wulin observed Chen Qianqing’s expression and felt that he didn’t seem to be pretending to be strong. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Are you free lately?”

Chen Qianqing replied, “It’s okay.” He knew what Wang Wulin was trying to ask.

Wang Wulin put down the menu, ordered something casually, and then said, “If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know.”

Chen Qianqing smiled but didn’t respond. Wang Wulin could indeed help him, but the price of that help would be becoming an enemy of Lu Zhengfei. Wang Wulin was a normal person, but without Chen Qianqing, Lu Zhengfei was a madman.

A madman could do anything.

The two of them talked about some trivial matters, and before long, it was noon. Wang Wulin suggested they have lunch together, but Chen Qianqing declined. He stood up and extended his hand to Wang Wulin, saying, “It was nice to meet you.”

Wang Wulin looked at Chen Qianqing deeply before shaking his hand.

Chen Qianqing smiled casually, “Let’s talk next time if we get the chance,” and with that, he turned and left.

Wang Wulin sat there, watching Chen Qianqing and his followers leave the teahouse. After they exited, he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.

After reading its contents, Wang Wulin’s expression changed drastically. He stuffed the paper back into his pocket and stood up to leave.

After finishing everything, Chen Qianqing sat in the car, preparing to return, when he received a call from Lu Zhengfei.

On the phone, Lu Zhengfei asked, “Where are you?”

Chen Qianqing said he had just finished drinking tea and was about to head home for lunch.

When Lu Zhengfei heard that Chen Qianqing was going home for lunch, his mood seemed to lighten. He said, “Don’t go home. Tell the driver to bring you to Lan Zhou.”

Chen Qianqing responded with a simple “Mm,” and hung up the phone.

Chen Qianqing entered the private room at Lan Zhou and saw Lu Zhengfei dining with several familiar people. When they saw Chen Qianqing walk in, they all greeted him with ambiguous smiles.

Chen Qianqing pretended not to notice and walked straight to an empty seat next to Lu Zhengfei.

Lu Zhengfei addressed the group, “Let me introduce you all. This is my partner, Chen Qianqing.” This time, he didn’t use the word “lover” to introduce him.

Chen Qianqing calmly said, “Hello.” As he entered, he scanned the room and realized he knew almost everyone. It seemed that, in terms of social circles, the butterfly effect had little impact.

To his surprise, Sun Boqi, who had almost had his legs broken in a rumor years ago, was there. What shocked him even more was that, all these years later, Sun Boqi’s companion was still Tan Yuqiao.

But the biggest difference was that Tan Yuqiao, who had once been a pretty boy years ago, was now standing at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. When he saw Chen Qianqing, a brief flash of surprise crossed his eyes, though he quickly concealed it.

Sun Boqi joked, “Lu Ge, you’re really devoted.”

Everyone in their circle had heard about Lu Zhengfei’s situation. At first, they treated it as a joke, but since Lu Zhengfei’s parents had passed away and he took control of the Lu family, no one could afford to treat him as a joke anymore.

Chen Qianqing found it a bit strange that Lu Zhengfei had invited him to dinner, but Lu Zhengfei’s next words cleared up his confusion. He said, “Qianqing, what a coincidence, I just ran into your old dormmate.”

Chen Qianqing froze for a moment before hearing a voice call out, “Qianqing, long time no see.”

Chen Qianqing turned to look in the direction of the voice and was surprised to see a familiar face—it was none other than the flamboyant, perfume-wearing guy from his dorm, Gao Ziyu. However, the name the public now knew him by was Ma Qiu.

Ma Qiu’s hair was short, and although his way of holding the chopsticks still had a certain feminine air, he could at least pass as a man now.

Chen Qianqing looked at Ma Qiu and said, “Long time no see.”

Ma Qiu said, “I haven’t seen you much since graduation. I didn’t expect to run into you today, and even meet Lu Ge…” His words suggested that he and Chen Qianqing were quite familiar with each other, and the man sitting next to him affectionately reached out to pat Ma Qiu’s head.

Chen Qianqing pretended not to notice. He didn’t have any strong feelings about Ma Qiu—he didn’t mind as long as Ma Qiu didn’t provoke him, and he was indifferent to such small gestures.

Lu Zhengfei wasn’t foolish either. He could see the coldness in Chen Qianqing’s expression, and after looking at the smiling Ma Qiu, something dark seemed to be brewing in his eyes.

Fortunately, Chen Qianqing diffused the awkwardness in time by saying, “I want some congee.”

Lu Zhengfei ordered a bowl of congee for Chen Qianqing and then asked if there was anything else he’d like to eat.

Chen Qianqing shook his head, signaling that he didn’t want anything else.

Ma Qiu watched the interaction between Lu Zhengfei and Chen Qianqing, squinting slightly as though deep in thought. After a moment, he spoke, “Qianqing, what have you been up to lately? We couldn’t get in touch with you for last month’s class reunion. Zhu Mao really tried hard to reach you.”

A class reunion? Even if Chen Qianqing hadn’t been avoiding it, he likely wouldn’t have attended. However, upon hearing Zhu Mao’s name, Chen Qianqing’s expression softened slightly, and he replied, “I had something to deal with.”

Ma Qiu smiled, “You definitely have to come next time. I think a lot of people in our class miss you.”

Chen Qianqing’s face, which was already devoid of any smile, grew even colder. Just then, his congee arrived, and he immediately picked up his spoon and started eating, not responding to Ma Qiu’s comment.

Chen Qianqing’s demeanor naturally caused some discomfort, especially to certain people who had just been charmed. In their eyes, what was there to be proud of about Chen Qianqing? Wasn’t it just a business of the flesh? Why act like a prostitute and still try to keep up appearances?

Although Ma Qiu was still smiling, the smile in his eyes had faded considerably. He picked up his chopsticks and continued eating, clearly not intending to continue pretending to be close with Chen Qianqing.

In fact, Ma Qiu had only been with this wealthy man for two or three months. When he found out that Chen Qianqing was actually Lu Zhengfei’s lover, he was quite surprised. After all, in his eyes, it was hard to believe that someone as outstanding as Chen Qianqing would end up down this path.

But after meeting Chen Qianqing, Ma Qiu felt a sense of imbalance. He didn’t understand why Chen Qianqing still maintained such a cold demeanor in front of so many people. Did Lu Zhengfei really like this kind of person?

Ma Qiu’s eyes flickered, and suddenly, a bad idea formed in his mind.