Of course, this was all just speculation. But based on Chi Zhan’s razor-sharp instincts, President Zhou was very likely on the verge of snapping.
Chi Zhan carefully weighed his words.
“It has nothing to do with Seven. I only just found out they were cousins myself. Even if he’s my friend, it doesn’t affect the company’s interests.”
Zhou Yanxing said coldly, “You think that’s what I care about?”
Chi Zhan, naturally, knew what Zhou Yanxing really wanted to ask—but he played dumb anyway.
“Then what else could it be?”
Zhou Yanxing had never liked Seven, and even Chi Zhan couldn’t understand why.
Yet Zhou Yanxing had never once explained his reasons outright, and this time was no different. Chi Zhan could only assume the two were fated to clash from birth.
“You’re still planning to shelter that brat,” Zhou Yanxing’s eyes darkened dangerously. His gaze fell on the patch of skin hidden beneath Chi Zhan’s collar. Clearly, the previous incident hadn’t been forgotten—only suppressed for the moment. “Still planning to pretend to be his boyfriend in front of me? I’ve told you—it’s pointless.”
Zhou Yanxing took a step forward.
Chi Zhan instinctively stepped back, his lower back bumping against the desk behind him—nowhere left to retreat.
“Even if you have—”
“What are you two doing?”
Cen Chi emerged from the bathroom, cutting through the heavy tension between them. He glanced around the room, then smiled faintly.
“What is this, a tango? Never thought you were into this sort of thing.”
“……”
He shot Cen Chi a sharp look.
Cen Chi was wearing a jade pendant too.
Zhou Yanxing had assumed Chi Zhan had only given gifts to him and that so-called “boyfriend.” But now it turned out there was a third—enough to send his blood pressure spiking. He was on the verge of laughing from sheer frustration.
He’d finally received a gift, and he wasn’t even the only one.
“Mind your own damn business,” Zhou Yanxing snapped. “You’re so nosy—why don’t you go run for neighborhood committee director?”
Zhou Yanxing and Cen Chi looked like they were about to start another round. But it wasn’t the obvious kind of shouting match—it was sharp-edged and underhanded, each line laced with barbs. The way they went back and forth, it felt like an academic debate turned duel.
Chi Zhan wanted to smooth things over but couldn’t find a single opening.
In the end, all he could do was put on a kettle and brew some tea to soothe their throats.
At that moment—on the rooftop terrace.
“And how did I take care of him?” Chu Xingxiao’s lips curled faintly. “Naturally, with everything I had. Gege really likes me.”
But the bravado in Chu Xingxiao’s tone rang hollow beneath the surface.
Ever since he found out Chi Zhan was Qi Song’s boyfriend, an unsettling unease had been gnawing at him.
Qi Song and Chi Zhan had clearly known each other far longer than he had. Qi Song had never been the type to give gifts, much less return them out of politeness. Back in high school, Qi Song had been several grades above him, and during every holiday or event, he’d attract confessions and presents from countless admirers.
Qi Song had never accepted a single one.
Some had even predicted that he might never fall in love at all—he simply lacked the emotional wiring. Even if he did end up with someone, he’d be utterly incapable of romance.
While everyone else was chasing fleeting flings, Qi Song had always stood alone—like the coldest snow atop a mountain peak. You could admire it from afar, but if you tried to hold it in your hands, the chill would pierce you to the bone.
“Is that so?” Qi Song said coolly. “And what exactly gave you that idea?”
Chu Xingxiao met his gaze with a smirk.
“We shared a bed last night. Isn’t that proof enough?”
To his surprise, Qi Song actually let out a laugh.
“He only sees you as a little brother. You think I haven’t figured that out after all these years?”
Chu Xingxiao’s face stiffened, and he quickly snapped back, “So what? Right now, he likes me.”
He paused—then dropped a bombshell.
“And we’ve already kissed. Have you?”
Qi Song’s expression shifted immediately.
That hit harder than any jab. The impact was instant.
Get angry. Break up with him. Come on.
Chu Xingxiao thought to himself. If Qi Song was the kind of guy to date, he had to be a total germaphobe. A kiss? Even holding hands was probably pushing it. Though, honestly, he was just trying to comfort himself.
Because when he saw Qi Song holding Chi Zhan’s hand outside the arena—there wasn’t a trace of reluctance on his face.
Chu Xingxiao had never been in a relationship before. He thought it was a waste of time. Flirting, sweet talk, the whole dance—it all felt pointless. Why not attend a few more concerts or travel for inspiration instead? Life was easier alone.
But now, he’d completely changed.
If there was even the slightest chance to kiss Chi Zhan, he’d walk through fire to seize it.
And who wouldn’t?
“Chu Xingxiao, do you even hear yourself?”
Qi Song’s voice had never been so cold. He was always distant, always reserved—but now, the air itself seemed to freeze around him. His tone dropped fifty degrees, and just hearing it sent a chill down one’s spine.
But Chu Xingxiao wasn’t someone who backed down from fear.
Just like Qi Song had said—he’d been a little tyrant since childhood, fearless and rebellious. The only times he’d ever behaved were in front of Chi Zhan.
“Of course I do. And not only that—he’s the one who hugged me first. Can you say the same?” Chu Xingxiao said. “We’re together. If you don’t believe me, ask Zhou Yanxing yourself. Didn’t gege admit our relationship to him, personally? You don’t trust me? Fine. But you don’t trust Zhou Yanxing either? There’s no such thing as ‘first come, first served’ in love,” Chu Xingxiao continued. “And I knew him before you ever asked for my help. I have a clear conscience. If you’re uncomfortable, you can back out,” he said firmly. “But I’m not giving up.”
Qi Song’s expression, however, slowly began to calm.
He didn’t take the bait.
…Why?
The unease in Chu Xingxiao’s heart only grew. He opened his mouth to escalate further—but Qi Song cut him off.
“That’s enough. Before this conversation, Chi Zhan told me something. Do you know what it was?”
