Chapter 4

The memory abruptly stopped…

If Shen Yan’s words didn’t mean he wanted him, then did that mean he just wanted him as a casual fling?

“I think… maybe we can discuss this again… try a different approach?” Xu Zhou tried to negotiate.

Shen Yan didn’t look interested in “discussing” anything—changing positions was about the only thing he seemed open to.

Seeing his resolute, no-negotiation expression, Xu Zhou’s own expression faltered slightly; the corners of his lips twitched.

“As the CEO of Ling Qi Group, a leading figure in the business world and a model of success, a simple wave from you could send a line of men and women from here all the way to the restaurant. You don’t need to waste your time on me, right?”

Shen Yan was silent for a few seconds, then met Xu Zhou’s gaze and spoke seriously: “It’s not a waste of time, because I only like you.”

?!

Xu Zhou was shocked by these words. His face quickly registered disbelief and astonishment. His mind went blank. His lips parted, and after a long pause, he finally said, “Are… you joking with me?”

Shen Yan’s gaze deepened, as if carefully studying his reaction. Seeing no sign of disgust or rejection, he continued slowly, word by word: “I’ve had a crush on you…”

??!!!

Xu Zhou’s eyes widened, his body frozen as if bound by invisible ropes, utterly unable to move. His eyes were filled with disbelief.

A crush on him???

Thinking back to how he had treated Shen Yan in the past—while not cruel, it had been teasing enough—if someone could fall for him despite that, he might as well write his name backward.

Xu Zhou swallowed hard. Could this be some kind of revenge?

Now, Shen Yan could toy with him even more easily than crushing an ant.

After several seconds of psychological preparation, under Shen Yan’s expectant gaze, Xu Zhou forced himself to stand calmly.

“President Shen, don’t joke with me. I have to get up early for a meeting at the company tomorrow. I’ll leave first.”

Without looking back, he began moving toward the door.

Shen Yan watched his retreating figure, his eyes betraying undeniable disappointment and frustration.

So… this was a failed confession?

Surely the timing was just off. He could try again tomorrow.

If tomorrow didn’t work, then the day after.

Thinking this, he strode over to the person opening the door, grabbed his wrist, his lips moving as if to say something, but then changing his words in response to Xu Zhou’s stiff expression.

“…I’ll see you off.”

“No need…”

“It’s no trouble.”

In the car, Xu Zhou stared out the window, lost in thought.

Just as he was about to do something to ease the awkwardness, the phone rang.

Seeing the caller, Xu Zhou didn’t hesitate and hung up.

Shen Yan glanced at him, “Why didn’t you answer?”

“If I don’t want to, I won’t.” Xu Zhou’s expression was cold as he muted his phone.

So Shen Yan had answered his call simply because he wanted to.

“Mm.” Shen Yan’s voice carried a trace of pleasure.

Xu Zhou glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. This guy is really baffling.

…

Back home, Xu Zhou shrugged off his coat and collapsed onto the sofa. He remembered the phone call he had just hung up, and checked the missed calls screen. He was about to exit when, a second later, the phone rang again.

Xu Zhou let out a small laugh and answered. He was curious to see why this family, so indifferent all these years, was calling now.

“Hello, Xiao Zhou?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Xu Zhou’s face was cold. “What?”

“Dad just wants to check if you’ve been doing okay all these years…”

Xu Zhou scoffed and sat up. “None of your damn business.”

There was a pause on the other end, as if the words had choked him. After a few seconds, the voice continued.

“Your brother said he saw you today outside Yuemàn Restaurant, getting out of a luxury car worth hundreds of millions…”

Before Xu Wensong could finish, Xu Zhou hung up.

Frustrated, Xu Wensong slammed the phone onto the sofa. “That damn brat…”