In Love With An Idiot

Chapter 4

The two of them returned to the main house carrying three large fish. Jian Suiying proudly held up the bucket for his grandfather to see. Old Mr Jian laughed heartily.

 

“Xiuling, get those fish stewing. Fish cooks quickly, so let's eat that first.”

 

His grandfather's house was particularly old-fashioned. All the furniture was made from fine rosewood and looked as though it had been there for years. When they sat down to eat, a yellowing portrait of Chairman Mao hung directly opposite them, while rows of bean plants climbed their supports outside the window. The whole place gave the strange impression of having slipped out of its proper time.

 

Old Mr Jian brought out a huge glass jar from a cupboard. Inside it, a mass of bright red little berries floated in alcohol, looking rather beautiful.

 

He showed it to them proudly, as though presenting a treasure. “These are schisandra berries I grew myself. It's my first year growing them, and the harvest's not bad, is it? They're excellent for soaking in liquor. They calm your nerves. If you've trouble sleeping, there's nothing better.” He poured three small glasses. “Go on, have a taste.”

 

This time, Li Yu wasn't nearly as resistant to drinking as he had been when Jian Suiying offered him alcohol. He accepted the glass quite willingly, took a sip and frowned before smiling.

 

“It has a very distinctive flavour.”

 

The old man said warmly, “If you like it, I'll send you home with some.”

 

During dinner, the old man and Li Yu got on so well that Jian Suiying was practically forgotten. It wasn't until the meal was nearly over that his grandfather asked, “So what have you come to Qinhuangdao for this time?”

 

Jian Suiying smiled. “To see you, of course.”

 

“Hmph. As if I don't know you. You certainly didn't come all this way just to see me. Come on, what are you here for?”

 

“Nothing much. A project has run into a bit of trouble, so I'm trying to find someone who can help.”

 

“Oh? What sort of trouble?”

 

“Why do you want to know? I can sort it out myself.”

 

His grandfather's face turned stern. “Who cares whether you can sort it out? I want to know whether you've done anything wrong.”

 

Jian Suiying looked exasperated. “Grandad, I'm a legitimate businessman. What would I have done wrong? Hang on, are you even my real grandad?”

 

“You've been giving people headaches since you were little, you brat. Can't I ask a few questions?”

 

Jian Suiying had no choice but to explain the project, glossing over the less flattering details. Naturally, he didn't mention the money he'd slipped to other people.

 

Old Mr Jian nodded. “There's nothing wrong with using your connections to smooth things along, but don't interfere with the organisation's proper procedures. Don't think that just because of who I am, you're entitled to special treatment. You need to conduct your business and yourself honestly and diligently. Understood?”

 

“I know, I know.” He'd been hearing these lectures for over twenty years. As soon as his grandfather began, Jian Suiying knew exactly what was coming next.

 

The three of them carried on eating, drinking and chatting. The meal lasted almost three hours, and by the time they finished, it was completely dark.

 

Jian Suiying told Little Zhao, his driver, to find himself a hotel for the night. He and Li Yu intended to stay at his grandfather's place.

 

Old Mr Jian turned to the housekeeper. “Xiuling, get Suiying's room ready, and prepare a guest room for young Li as well.”

 

Jian Suiying immediately stopped him. “Don't bother. What a lot of trouble for one night! Just ask Aunt Zhang to get my room ready. The two of us can sleep in there.”

 

Li Yu blinked, but before he could say anything, the old man replied, “That'll do. You can both sleep in your room, then. Suiying, are you really not staying a few more days?”

 

“No. I've got to get back to Beijing tomorrow. There are things to do at the company. But I might be back in a few days. I'll come and see you again.” Jian Suiying gave Li Yu a pointed glance as he spoke, secretly delighted. They were going to share a bed tonight. What progress!

 

Li Yu glanced at him too. His gaze was deep, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

 

They chatted for a while longer before bedtime came round.

 

The old man kept regular hours. He washed up by half past nine at the latest and had to be in bed before ten. Once he returned to his own room, Jian Suiying took Li Yu to his.

 

His grandfather had built four single-storey houses behind the main building, one of which was set aside for the two brothers. But because the old man wasn't particularly fond of Suilin, he seldom came except during holidays or family festivals. In practice, the place was almost entirely Jian Suiying's. It was simply furnished, but spacious and comfortable. The only thing that annoyed Jian Suiying was his grandfather's absolute refusal to let them install air conditioning.

 

As soon as he entered, Jian Suiying drank some water and laughed. “A word of warning: there's no air conditioning here. If it gets hot, all we've got is a fan. Grandad's ahead of his time, you know. Environmentally friendly, low carbon, all that. He reckons natural air is healthiest. Anyway, we're only staying one night, so you'll have to put up with it.”

 

Li Yu gave a slight shrug. “It's all right. It isn't that hot.”

 

Jian Suiying switched on the electric fan. “Not that hot? This is the one thing that drives me mad every time I come here.” He pulled off his T-shirt in a single movement, revealing a firm, muscular torso without a trace of excess fat. Turning back to Li Yu, he smiled. “I'm going for a shower. No peeking, all right?”

 

Li Yu couldn't be bothered answering him. He sat down at the desk, opened his laptop and began reading the news.

 

Jian Suiying's little performance fell flat. Annoyed, he rummaged through the cupboards and drawers, looking for a pair of particularly sexy underpants. He searched for ages without finding anything satisfactory. After all, these were clothes he'd left here the previous year.

 

It couldn't be helped. Young Master Jian was so confident about his appearance that he thought failing to tempt someone with his own bare flesh would be a terrible waste of a fine physique.

 

He kept toiletries in the bathroom permanently, so there was almost nothing he needed to bring. Since this was their first night alone together in such close quarters, Jian Suiying thought it deserved some special attention. After showering, he shaved, applied a face mask, dried his hair and sprayed himself with a little perfume.

 

By then, however, Li Yu was already sprawled across the bed, fast asleep.

 

Jian Suiying was so furious he nearly spat blood. He went over and gave Li Yu a shove.

 

“Oi, Li Yu. Wake up.”

 

Li Yu opened his bleary eyes. “Mm?”

 

“How can you be asleep? You haven't had a shower yet.”

 

“…Not having one.” He rolled over without so much as a glance at the body Young Master Jian had worked so hard to prepare.

 

That made Jian Suiying even angrier. “How can you be so careless about personal hygiene? No, get up. Come on.”

 

To be honest, most men didn't particularly enjoy washing. On days when he wasn't going out, Jian Suiying himself could go several days without a shower or a shave. But tonight he'd cleaned himself up with such ceremony. His hopes were faint, yet he'd still been secretly looking forward to the possibility of something happening with Li Yu. And what did the boy do? Simply turn his head and fall asleep. It was the greatest possible insult to Jian Suiying, a direct affront to his personal charms. He refused to accept it.

 

Li Yu sighed impatiently, reluctantly pushed himself upright and headed towards the bathroom.

 

Once he was inside, Young Master Jian walked around the bed, picked up a glass of water from the desk and splashed it onto the duvet. He tossed the wet bedding onto a nearby chair, found a single-person duvet in the cupboard and spread that on the bed instead. A wicked smile appeared on his face.

 

When Li Yu came out, Jian Suiying was sitting against the headboard, looking at Li Yu's laptop. Li Yu glanced at the thin duvet lying in a heap on the chair and lifted his chin towards it.

 

“What happened?”

 

“Oh, I accidentally spilt a glass of water. All the other duvets are too thick. This is the only thin one left, so we'll just have to make do and share.” Jian Suiying patted the duvet draped over his stomach.

 

Li Yu judged its size with his eyes. His expression became slightly unnatural.

 

Jian Suiying moved farther across the bed and beckoned to him. “Come and look at this article.”

 

Li Yu walked over, seemingly a little hesitant.

 

Jian Suiying patted the mattress beside him, grinning wickedly. “Get in. What, afraid I'll eat you?”

 

Li Yu was finding Jian Suiying's attitude towards him increasingly strange, but he still couldn't bring himself to believe that Jian Suiying might have improper intentions towards him.

 

He sat down beside him, and Jian Suiying pointed to the article on the laptop. A developer had been awarded an old-town redevelopment project in a certain city. Jian Suiying spoke with envy.

 

“That lucky bastard's going to make a fortune.”

 

Both men were fairly wide awake after their showers. Drawing on his own experience, Jian Suiying analysed the project's likely costs and profits for Li Yu, who listened intently and asked questions from time to time. When he'd finished explaining, Jian Suiying asked smugly, “You've been following me around for more than a week now, haven't you? Learnt quite a lot?”

 

Li Yu nodded. On that point, he had to concede.

 

For all Jian Suiying's faults and irresponsible behaviour, he really was a businessman with foresight, sound judgement and the ability to make difficult decisions and get results. His achievements at such a young age were undoubtedly connected to his family background, but his own abilities were impressive too. Li Yu couldn't deny that there was a great deal to learn from working alongside him. Only…

 

Jian Suiying shut the laptop, put it on the bedside table and lay down comfortably.

 

“Going to sleep?”

 

Li Yu nodded and reached for the light switch.

 

“Oi, are you really going to sleep in my sportswear? Won't you be hot?”

 

“It's fine.”

 

“Take it off. I guarantee you'll be too hot to sleep otherwise.”

 

Jian Suiying was wearing nothing but his underpants, with only a corner of the duvet covering his stomach, so he looked almost naked. Li Yu looked at his bare chest and thighs, then turned his face away and lay down.

 

“I won't. Let's sleep.”

 

Li Yu had barely closed his eyes when Jian Suiying moved closer and said softly, “Little Li, have some water before you go to sleep.”

 

Startled, Li Yu opened his eyes to find Jian Suiying's face only inches away. He hurriedly took the glass and swallowed a token mouthful.

 

Jian Suiying then obligingly pulled a corner of the duvet over Li Yu's stomach. “Even in hot weather, you should keep your stomach covered. Otherwise, you might catch a chill.”

 

Li Yu awkwardly let Jian Suiying cover him with the small duvet.

 

Once he'd finished, Jian Suiying was even closer. Through the thin material of his tracksuit bottoms, Li Yu could feel the warmth of Jian Suiying's body.

 

Although neither spoke, the place was so quiet they could clearly hear each other's breathing. Jian Suiying felt hotter and hotter, unable to calm his racing thoughts.

 

Fuck. This was absolute torture. Young Master Jian was gritting his teeth so hard they nearly cracked.

 

And while Jian Suiying's thoughts were in turmoil, Li Yu wasn't doing much better. The atmosphere between them had been growing stranger over the past couple of days. Jian Suiying was being so attentive that Li Yu would have to be an idiot not to notice. The possibility that Jian Suiying harboured those sorts of feelings towards him filled him with anger.

 

They could hear the change in each other's breathing. The tense, volatile atmosphere seemed to set every nerve in their bodies on edge.

 

Li Yu increasingly felt as though he were lying on a bed of needles. Every part of him was uncomfortable. He was hot and irritable, and he simply couldn't lie there any longer. Abruptly, he sat up, intending to go outside for some air.

 

The instant Li Yu moved, something in Jian Suiying's mind seemed to snap like a string pulled too tight. Without thinking, he jumped up as well. He didn't even know what he intended to do. He just didn't want Li Yu to leave.

 

Li Yu was startled by the sudden movement and instinctively gave him a push.

 

That made everything worse. Jian Suiying reacted as though his hackles had risen and grabbed Li Yu's shoulders.

 

In the darkness, deprived of clear sight, their other senses were unusually sharp. Both men's nerves were stretched to breaking point. The slightest movement could set the other off.

 

Acting on his instinct to protect himself, Li Yu shoved Jian Suiying harder. But Jian Suiying's spoiled young-master temperament had kicked in: how dare anyone refuse to do as he wished? He gripped Li Yu's arm more tightly and threw himself towards him. That aggressive movement finally made Li Yu lose his temper. Before Jian Suiying could land on him, Li Yu seized his arm, swung him round with force and followed with a kick. Young Master Jian's body described an ungainly arc through the air before dropping straight off the bed.

 

But Jian Suiying wasn't someone to be trifled with. In all his life, when he'd fought, he'd either won, or both sides had come away injured. Losing wasn't a possibility he recognised. Even as he fell, he refused to let go of Li Yu's arm. Instead, he gave it a vicious tug, pulling Li Yu off the bed with him.

 

Li Yu landed on top of him. With the fall and then Li Yu's weight crashing down, Jian Suiying cried, “Fuck!” in pain.

 

Li Yu's eyes were blazing. Gritting his teeth, he tried to get up, but Jian Suiying's terrible temper was fully aroused now, and he clung on stubbornly. He'd been like that since childhood. If someone upset him, he'd make sure they didn't have an easy time either.

 

A thin shaft of moonlight through the window allowed them to make out the brightness of each other's eyes.

 

By now, both had regained a little composure.

 

Jian Suiying suddenly released his grip. Li Yu immediately sprang to his feet.

 

The room was deathly silent.

 

Only someone who'd experienced such a humiliating, awkward situation between a boss and an employee who had been perfectly polite to one another during the day could understand how dreadful it was.

 

Li Yu stood with his back to Jian Suiying, rigid as a statue. He didn't move for several long seconds.

 

Slowly, Li Yu turned his head. In the darkness, Jian Suiying could see only his eyes. They were so cold that he shivered.

 

He heard Li Yu ask, “Are you… interested in me?”

 

Jian Suiying was completely sober now. He'd already embarrassed himself as much as he possibly could, and that gave him an almost liberating feeling of having nothing left to lose. He admitted it openly.

 

“Yes.”

 

Li Yu gritted his teeth. “I'm not.”

 

“Nobody said you were.”

 

Li Yu snatched his clothes and trousers from the chair and strode towards the door.

 

“Li Yu!” Jian Suiying jumped up from the floor and said with unusual sincerity, “You stay and sleep here. I'll spend the night in Suilin's room.”

 

Li Yu didn't even slow down, as though he hadn't heard him. Jian Suiying hurried after him, and Li Yu immediately spun round as if he'd received an electric shock, watching him warily.

 

Jian Suiying said helplessly, “Your Brother Jian was impulsive tonight. I'm sorry.”

 

Li Yu looked at him coldly.

 

“I don't know what the hell got into me just now… We're both men. Try to understand, all right? I… well, anyway, what happened just now was my fault. Don't go outside. There are mosquitoes everywhere. You sleep here, and I'll go to another room.”

 

With that, he grabbed his clothes, opened the door and left.

 

Li Yu watched his retreating back, his gaze growing colder still.

 

Jian Suiying dressed and made do for the night on the dusty bed next door. When he first lay down, he couldn't sleep at all. He kept turning over everything that had happened, and the more he thought about it, the more he regretted his actions.

 

Too impulsive. Far too impulsive…

 

He didn't know what had possessed him. The moment Li Yu moved, he'd panicked and jumped up because he didn't want him to leave. For all he knew, the boy had merely been getting up for a piss. What had he been so nervous about? Now he'd ruined everything. The relationship he'd spent so long building was probably completely destroyed.

 

Would Li Yu resign tomorrow? Perhaps he'd avoid Jian Suiying whenever he saw him from now on, leaving him no opportunity to do anything nice for him. Young Master Jian was sick with regret. Until now, the two of them had been able to talk and laugh together. In future, Li Yu would probably greet him with nothing but hostility.

 

Then again, Young Master Jian comforted himself, perhaps it was better to have it out in the open. He wasn't a patient man. If he had to conceal his feelings day after day, sooner or later he'd make himself ill. He could fancy whoever the hell he wanted. What was anyone going to do about it?

 

For once, Jian Suiying spent several hours genuinely agonising over his feelings for the beautiful Li Yu. Eventually, though, his carefree nature won out. He fell asleep and slept soundly, without a single dream.

 

The next morning, when the housekeeper came to wake him for breakfast, the first thing he asked was whether Li Yu was still there. She told him Li Yu was chatting with Old Mr Jian in the main house. Only then did he relax.

 

He got up, washed and dressed, then went to the main house. Sure enough, the old man and the young man were sitting in chairs talking, with steaming cups of tea on the coffee table.

 

The old man's voice boomed. “Getting up after nine? If you hadn't been ill with a cold these last couple of days, I'd never have let you sleep this late.”

 

Jian Suiying said helplessly, “I've been exhausted lately. It's just one day of sleeping in. You still think you're training new recruits?”

 

The old man chuckled. “All right, all right. Go and have some breakfast.”

 

Jian Suiying glanced at Li Yu, who lifted his head and gave him an utterly indifferent look, as if nothing had happened the previous night. Jian Suiying's heart gave a couple of violent thumps. He smiled and asked, “What are you two talking about?”

 

Li Yu replied, “Tea.”

 

Old Mr Jian said approvingly, “That grandson of Old Li's is something else! He can talk to an old man like me about almost anything. He knows a great deal. Suiying, I reckon this lad will be more successful than you one day.”

 

Jian Suiying was already worrying about how to get back into Li Yu's good books, so he hastened to agree.

 

“Of course he will. Little Li's very clever. He picks things up straight away, and he looks at problems with real care and insight. He's got talent.”

 

Li Yu didn't so much as raise an eyebrow. He lowered his head and took a sip of tea.

 

Having met with that small rebuff, Jian Suiying stopped talking and went off to the dining room to have his breakfast. Even as he ate, he kept sneaking glances at Li Yu, wondering how he might persuade him to stay if the boy decided to break with him completely.

 

The old man kept them for lunch as well before reluctantly seeing them off. He loaded more than half the car with fresh vegetables and fruit, and reminded Jian Suiying to visit more often and bring Li Yu along.

 

After Little Zhao picked them up, Li Yu and Jian Suiying took seats in separate rows of the company vehicle, one in front of the other. Neither spoke during the journey.

 

They were almost off the motorway when Jian Suiying told Little Zhao to stop at a petrol station.

 

Li Yu got out to use the toilet. When he returned, Little Zhao had disappeared. Jian Suiying was sitting in the driver's seat, smiling at him.

 

Li Yu frowned slightly. He'd barely settled into his seat and shut the door when Jian Suiying drove off.

 

“What's going on?” Li Yu asked.

 

“Oh, I told Little Zhao to get a taxi home.”

 

Li Yu's voice deepened. “What's that supposed to mean?”

 

“I think you and I ought to have a chat. It's awkward with someone else here.” Young Master Jian spoke without the slightest embarrassment. He even shot Li Yu a flirtatious glance through the rear-view mirror.

 

Li Yu leant back, folded his arms across his chest and stared straight back into Jian Suiying's eyes in the mirror.

 

Jian Suiying cleared his throat. “Well, first of all, your Brother Jian still owes you an apology. What happened yesterday was impulsive of me. Just pretend I was drunk and acting like a lunatic. Don't take it to heart.”

 

Li Yu pressed his lips together and said nothing.

 

“Secondly, even if I acted impulsively yesterday, what I said was true. Little Li, I know this is hard for you to accept. Don't reject me straight away. How about giving me a chance?”

 

The corners of Li Yu's mouth twitched. He was so furious he didn't know what to say.

 

Perhaps because Jian Suiying was so accustomed to occupying a superior position, he failed to understand. In age, experience and personal ability, he had the advantage over Li Yu. He even enjoyed the admiration of Jian Suilin, whom Li Yu both admired and envied so deeply. So Jian Suiying's advances made Li Yu feel intensely humiliated.

 

Li Yu clenched his fists without showing it and said sarcastically, “Brother Jian, if I'm going to call you Brother, perhaps you ought to behave like one.”

 

Jian Suiying's expression shifted slightly. If Li Yu had simply told him to fuck off, he might have taken it more easily. This roundabout insult made him uncomfortable all over. He rearranged his face and reminded himself that Li Yu was young, and that he was the one doing the pursuing. He was a magnanimous adult. He wouldn't stoop to arguing with a youngster.

 

He gave a strained smile. “I know you can't accept it straight away, but I won't give up that easily.”

 

Li Yu was about to speak when Jian Suiying raised a hand to stop him and asked, “You're not planning to resign, are you?”

 

The question took Li Yu by surprise. For a moment, he genuinely hesitated.

 

Jian Suiying deliberately provoked him. “If you want to resign, I won't stop you. I'll ring your brother and explain everything. I promise he won't criticise you. How does that sound?”

 

Li Yu's expression twisted. When he'd told his family that he wanted to gain some experience by working, his mother hadn't agreed at first. He'd insisted on going and even asked his older brother to help persuade her. His whole reason had been to spend the entire summer holiday with Suilin. If he packed up and went home after less than two weeks, his brother would certainly lecture him about being unable to endure hardship or accept a little difficulty, and about having a terrible temper and too many faults. Beyond the anger of being put in such a position, he was afraid that Suilin—even Jian Suiying—would look down on him.

 

Jian Suiying himself had the stubborn temperament of a mule. He'd rather suffer than allow anyone to laugh at him. From what he knew of Li Yu, the boy had solemnly declared he'd persevere no matter what work he was given. Even if he had to endure sexual harassment from Jian Suiying every day, he would never resign halfway through. For one simple reason: he couldn't bear the humiliation.

 

Jian Suiying carried on needling him. “Don't feel awkward about it. I'll think of a better excuse for you. Your brother won't say anything out of respect for me…”

 

Li Yu knew perfectly well that Jian Suiying was deliberately trying to provoke him, but he had no way around it.

 

“There's no need,” he replied stiffly. “I have no intention of resigning.”

 

Jian Suiying broke into a broad grin. “Well, don't say I forced you. Good lad, Little Li. I knew I wasn't wrong about you. Actually, you know, harassment from your boss is part of working life too. Think of it as another chance to gain experience! Ha ha ha!”

 

Li Yu's expression didn't shift in the slightest. He gave Jian Suiying a cold look, and Jian Suiying's laughter died away as his forced smile slowly faded.

 

When they reached the city, Li Yu absolutely refused to let Jian Suiying take him home, insisting on getting a taxi himself. Jian Suiying hurried out of the car and began dividing the vegetables and fruit in the boot, intending to give some to Li Yu.

 

Li Yu refused. He didn't want to spend another second with Jian Suiying and only wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

 

But Jian Suiying pestered him and wouldn't let him go. “Little Li, take some. There's far too much for me to eat. Bring it home for your mum and dad to try. It's all fresh, with no pesticides. Really healthy and environmentally friendly.”

 

Li Yu had no choice but to accept. Only then did Jian Suiying, thoroughly satisfied, see him into the taxi. He even smiled and shut the door for him. Just as the taxi began to pull away, Jian Suiying suddenly rapped on the window. Li Yu jumped and instinctively turned his head. Jian Suiying blew him a kiss, then stood grinning at him like a rogue.

 

Li Yu was so angry his face turned green.

 

The problem with the Qinhuangdao project was resolved relatively smoothly, and Jian Suiying could finally relax a little. Once the pressure at work eased, his thoughts returned to his personal affairs.

 

Li Yu had taken two days off. To Jian Suiying, it felt as though the boy were sulking with him, which he found rather adorable. These days, just thinking about Li Yu put him in an exceptionally good mood. Sometimes he'd find himself smiling for no reason.

 

He couldn't claim that his feelings for Li Yu were particularly deep or sincere, but at the very least, no one in his entire life had ever occupied so much of his attention or stayed on his mind quite so persistently.

 

For a while now, Li Yu had been constantly coming and going around him. Going a day or two without seeing him really did leave Jian Suiying missing him. He fiddled with his phone and finally couldn't resist sending a text.

 

‘Little Li, what are you up to?’

 

He waited ages without a reply, then sent another.

 

‘Come back to work tomorrow. Little Lin's starting too.’

 

That message also vanished into silence. Jian Suiying was rather disappointed. He hesitated for a long time but still didn't dare ring him.

 

The following morning, as soon as Jian Suiying arrived at the office, his secretary told him Jian Suilin had come in. He turned towards the reception room and found Jian Suilin and Li Yu sitting together, chatting and laughing.

 

Two handsome young men sitting side by side and smiling at one another made a delightful picture. Jian Suiying couldn't help feeling jealous. Li Yu had never bestowed such a warm, carefree smile on him. A little irritated, he rapped on the glass.

 

Both men looked up at the same time. One brightened with delight; the other's expression stiffened.

 

Jian Suilin stood. “Brother.”

 

Jian Suiying pushed open the door and nodded at him. “Mm. You're here, then.”

 

“I just arrived.”

 

“Where did you go over these last two weeks?”

 

“Only to Hong Kong. Brother, Dad says you're to come home for dinner tonight. I brought you a present.”

 

Jian Suiying replied distractedly, “Tonight? All right, then.” He glanced at Li Yu and smiled. “You're here early today.”

 

Li Yu nodded and spoke with perfect seriousness. “President Liang rang me today. He wanted to ask whether you've got any free time over the next couple of days. He'd like you to try the hot springs at his condo hotel.”

 

“Sure. I'll find some time in the next couple of days and take you along to relax.”

 

Something flickered across Li Yu's face, but he didn't answer.

 

Jian Suilin asked eagerly, “Brother, what can I do?”

 

“You?” Jian Suiying gave him a sideways glance. “Why don't you go with Old Liu's team and work on distressed assets? I've just bought an asset package from XX Bank, and there's plenty of potential in it. Go and report to Old Liu.”

 

Jian Suilin agreed. “All right.”

 

“Off you go, then. Li Yu, come into my office.”

 

The three were about to leave when Jian Suiying's secretary, Little Liang, hurried over.

 

“President Jian, your cousin's here again.”

 

Jian Suiying's face contorted. “Again?”

 

Little Liang gave a helpless look. “Again.”

 

Jian Suilin looked awkward too.

 

Jian Suiying pointed at his younger brother. “Don't go anywhere yet. Come into my office with me. Little Liang, bring him straight in. Don't waste a second. And don't let him go spouting nonsense to my employees.”

 

“Yes, President Jian.”

 

Jian Suiying took the two younger men back to his office.

 

Soon afterwards, Little Liang brought in a handsome young man with a somewhat careless, carefree air.

 

“Brother! Long time no see. Oh, Little Lin's here too!”

 

Jian Suilin nodded at him. “Brother Yu.”

 

The newcomer was Bai Xinyu, the only son of Jian Suiying's eldest maternal aunt. How could one describe him? In Jian Suiying's words, he was an idiot. Bai Xinyu was a spoiled rich boy who was useless at practically everything except eating and enjoying himself. He spent his days hunting for business opportunities and had been cheated out of quite a lot of money more than once, yet never learnt his lesson. He still strutted about declaring that he was going to build some great enterprise.

 

Generally speaking, whenever he came looking for Jian Suiying, it meant trouble.

 

Sure enough, the moment he sat down, he leant towards Jian Suiying with an air of great secrecy.

 

“Brother, listen. A friend introduced me to a brilliant project recently. Hardly any investment needed, but the profits are enormous.”

 

Jian Suiying gave a cold laugh. “Oh? If it's that good, why doesn't he do it himself?”

 

“He doesn't have the resources to secure it.”

 

“And you do?”

 

“A little over a million yuan shouldn't be a problem… But Mum insisted I come and discuss it with you first, in case I get cheated.”

 

“Your mother's a very wise woman.” Jian Suiying glared at him. “Can you give it a rest for one bloody day? Go and eat, drink and enjoy yourself. How many times have I told you that you're not cut out for business? Don't you understand plain language?”

 

Bai Xinyu looked terribly aggrieved. “Brother, stop saying that about me. I might have potential, but you keep talking me down until I've lost all my confidence. I'm twenty-three now. I don't want to sit around doing nothing all day. I want to achieve something my parents can be proud of.”

 

Jian Suiying sighed. “Is that bag full of documents? Let me see.”

 

Bai Xinyu hastily handed him the bag.

 

Jian Suiying took out a thick stack of papers, flicked through them quickly, then slapped them down on his desk. He pointed at Bai Xinyu in exasperation.

 

“You little fool! Business, my arse! Go home and suck on your mother's tit!”

 

Bai Xinyu looked ready to cry. “Brother, at least give me some advice. You don't have to keep swearing at me.”

 

Jian Suiying was at his wits' end with this cousin. He was as thick as a pig and hopelessly gullible. Anyone could persuade him of anything with a few smooth words. Worse still, his skin was astonishingly thick. Jian Suiying had told him off in front of strangers several times, but Bai Xinyu would forget it almost immediately and come clinging to him again, asking him to introduce him to some new business opportunity.

 

Just the sight of him gave Jian Suiying a headache. Compared with a brother like this, even the clever, capable Jian Suilin seemed, reluctantly, a little more lovable.

 

Jian Suiying barked, “You actually thought this project was worth doing? Can't you see they're obviously trying to cheat you?”

 

Bai Xinyu widened his innocent eyes. “I really couldn't tell…”

 

Jian Suiying held the pile of documents up. “Little Lin.”

 

Jian Suilin immediately came over and took them.

 

“You and Li Yu have a look. Li Yu, you've learnt quite a bit lately. And Little Lin, I've spent plenty of money on your education too. If the two of you can spot the problems, I'll give you a project of your own to handle. If it makes money, you keep the profit. If it loses money, I'll cover the loss.”

 

Jian Suilin handed half the documents to Li Yu, and the two lowered their heads to study them.

 

Jian Suiying drummed his fingers on the desk while glaring at Bai Xinyu.

 

Young Master Bai watched them hopefully.

 

After a while, Li Yu looked up and indicated a page in the documents.

 

“President Jian, is that a high-voltage power line?”

 

Jian Suiying nodded approvingly. “Yes.”

 

“You can't put buildings under a high-voltage line. If we acquire this land, we won't be able to start construction.”

 

Jian Suiying turned to Bai Xinyu. “Hear that? You didn't even notice an obvious bloody high-voltage line? Have you actually been out to see the land?”

 

Young Master Bai murmured, “Haven't had time yet.”

 

“But you had time to pay for it, didn't you?”

 

“I—I haven't paid anything! That's why I came to discuss it with you…”

 

At that point, Jian Suilin looked up too. “Brother, the ownership of this land isn't clear either.”

 

Jian Suiying nodded with satisfaction. “Exactly. Bai Xinyu, you brainless idiot! Do you know how much work it takes to reroute high-voltage lines? And the ownership's not even clear. Who knows what disputes might crop up later? All you saw was that the price was low. Why didn't you think about why it was so cheap?”

 

Bai Xinyu drew in his neck, too frightened to look at him. After a long silence, he managed to squeeze out, “So… we can't do it after all?”

 

“It can be done.”

 

Bai Xinyu looked up in delight. “Brother, it can? If this land's developed properly, it'll be worth a fortune. Look at the location!”

 

Jian Suiying snapped, “I can do it. You can't.”

 

Bai Xinyu immediately wilted. “Brother, don't be like that.”

 

“You're right about one thing. If it's handled properly, the land will be valuable. All right, here's what we'll do. Li Yu, Little Lin, I said I'd give you a chance to gain experience. You two are going to help him with this piece of land.”

 

Bai Xinyu muttered, “Brother, are those two really up to it?”

 

Jian Suiying glared at him. “More than you are.” Then he continued, “This project won't be finished in less than a year, perhaps a year and a half. Think carefully, you two. If you take it on, you can't quit halfway through.”

 

Jian Suilin immediately said, “I can do it.”

 

Li Yu hesitated briefly and cast a quick glance at Jian Suilin before replying, “I can too.”

 

Jian Suiying was secretly delighted. At least until the project was finished, Li Yu wouldn't be able to cut ties with him.

 

“Bai Xinyu, aren't you the one with all the money? You'll put up the funds, and they'll do the work. You'll take sixty per cent of the profit, and they'll get twenty per cent each.”

 

Bai Xinyu was somewhat reluctant. “But what if it doesn't work out? Won't I lose my money?”

 

“What are you afraid of when I'm helping them? I'm eighty per cent confident about this project. If you don't want to do it, forget it.”

 

Bai Xinyu looked at his shrewd, capable cousin and gritted his teeth. “Brother, I trust you.”

 

Jian Suiying nodded with satisfaction. “Li Yu, draw up a contract. The last one you wrote wasn't good enough. Ask Sister Liang for advice, revise it and bring it to me.”

 

“All right.”

 

“Little Lin, go and inspect the land with Brother Yu. Have a proper look round, then come back and write a report.”

 

“Yes, Brother.”

 

“Still calling me Brother? What do you think this is, home?”

 

“Ah. Yes, President Jian.”

 

“All right. Off you go.”

 

All three rose to leave, but Jian Suiying suddenly called, “Li Yu.”

 

Li Yu turned round.

 

“You're having lunch with me.”

 

Li Yu assumed someone had invited Jian Suiying out for a business lunch. Instead, Jian Suiying didn't even call for a driver. He had Li Yu drive, and after more than half an hour they arrived at a vegetarian restaurant.

 

Jian Suiying smiled. “This place serves really authentic vegetarian food. One year I visited Nanshan Temple in Sanya, and the vegetarian restaurant there was incredible. When I got back to Beijing, I searched everywhere. This is the only place I've found that compares. I've noticed you don't eat much meat, and I've been meaning to bring you here for ages.”

 

Only then did Li Yu realise it was just the two of them having lunch. With no real choice, he followed Jian Suiying inside.

 

Jian Suiying chose a particularly secluded corner. There weren't many people eating at lunchtime, only a few scattered groups. Hardly anyone could see where the two of them sat.

 

As soon as Li Yu sat down, he began talking about work, asking about the project he and Jian Suilin had been put in charge of that morning. When Jian Suiying discussed business, he seemed to become a different person, instantly several times more serious and professional.

 

But once the food arrived, it was no longer the time to talk shop. Jian Suiying immediately reverted to his usual self, enthusiastically serving Li Yu food and pouring his drinks.

 

Li Yu was much calmer about it than he'd been when he first realised Jian Suiying was interested in him. He no longer showed obvious disgust or impatience, merely dealing with Jian Suiying in a cool, noncommittal manner.

 

After they'd finished eating, Jian Suiying took a small black velvet box from his trouser pocket and pushed it across the table. He smiled with great tenderness.

 

“Li Yu, I saw this when I was shopping the other day and thought it would really suit you.”

 

Li Yu looked at him. “Brother Jian, don't start with this. Do you really think I'd accept it?”

 

Jian Suiying wasn't discouraged in the slightest. “It's nothing particularly expensive. Just a little token. You've been working hard, haven't you? Aren't you even going to open it?”

 

When Li Yu showed no sign of moving, Jian Suiying opened the box himself. Inside was a platinum tie clip set with small, fairly discreet diamonds.

 

Li Yu closed his eyes briefly, as though trying to contain his anger, and said in a low voice, “Brother Jian, do you really think it's appropriate to use the same tricks you'd use to win over a woman on me?”

 

Jian Suiying looked genuinely wronged. “How is this a trick to win over women? Apart from my mother, I've never gone out of my way to please a woman in my life.”

 

Li Yu could scarcely believe anyone could say that as though it were something to be proud of.

 

Taking advantage of his distraction, Jian Suiying gently caught his hand. “I just wanted to give you a present. That's all.”

 

Li Yu pulled his hand away without the slightest consideration for his feelings and said coldly, “Stop wasting your time on me. I'll never accept you.”

 

Jian Suiying adopted a melancholy expression. “I knew you'd refuse. But I won't give up so easily.”

 

The meal left Li Yu feeling thoroughly uncomfortable.

 

In truth, Jian Suiying was perfectly good company in most respects. If he didn't harbour these sorts of intentions towards Li Yu, the two of them could have got along very well. Instead, he made Li Yu both angry and embarrassed. Li Yu had liked Jian Suilin for so many years. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that one day the older brother of the person he loved would begin pursuing him.

 

In the end, Young Master Jian failed to give away his present. Disappointed, he tossed it into the car.

 

Jian Suilin returned that afternoon with photographs and documents relating to the plot of land. He gave Jian Suiying a brief description and analysis of what he'd found.

 

After listening, Jian Suiying gave him a general approach for tackling the project, then warned him, “Keep a close eye on Brother Yu this time. If anything happens, tell me straight away. My aunt and her family don't earn their money easily. Don't let him squander the lot. You know he's a bit of an idiot. If anything goes wrong with this project, you're the first person I'll come looking for.”

 

Jian Suilin nodded. “I'll keep an eye on him.”

 

“Mm. Get back to work, then.”

 

Jian Suilin stood. “Brother, let's go home together tonight.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Aren't we having dinner at home tonight?”

 

“Oh. Drive yourself back. I've still got a few things to do. I'll be home before dinner starts.”

 

Jian Suilin looked disappointed. “Oh.”

 

He turned to leave, but as he reached the door, Jian Suiying called him back.

 

“Little Lin.”

 

“When do your results come out?”

 

“The day after tomorrow.”

 

Jian Suiying tapped his long fingers lightly on the desk. “You're driving Dad's car at the moment, aren't you?”

 

“Mm.”

 

“I promised you a car last time. Have a look and choose one for yourself.”

 

“Brother, there are so many cars in the family already. You don't need to buy me another.”

 

Jian Suiying smiled. “A grown man ought to have his own car. It means something different. Besides, mine are too flashy for you. Choose something yourself, but nothing too ostentatious. You're still a student, after all. The Jian family isn't the sort to show off its money like some nouveau riche fools. We can't afford that sort of embarrassment. Understand?”

 

“I understand. Thank you, Brother.”

 

“Have you decided how you're going to celebrate when the results come out?”

 

Jian Suilin smiled. “Brother, what if I haven't done well? There'd be nothing to celebrate.”

 

Jian Suiying rolled his eyes. “Why don't you assume you've done well? Have you no confidence in yourself at all?”

 

Jian Suilin said, “If Li Yu and I both get good results, we're planning to throw a party together. We'd only invite classmates and friends. Would you come, Brother?”

 

“Of course I'll come. Why wouldn't I?” As long as he could make the time, Jian Suiying wasn't about to miss an opportunity to be with Li Yu outside work.

 

Jian Suilin's expression brightened with delight.

 

On the day the results were released, Jian Suiying had an unexpected dinner engagement and didn't go home. But he received a call from the family almost immediately. Jian Suilin told him excitedly, “Brother, I got the results I was hoping for.”

 

Jian Suiying wasn't surprised. Little Lin had always done well at school, so good results were only to be expected. He was pleased all the same. If Suilin got into X University, it would make a future political career much smoother for him, which would be good for the whole family.

 

As soon as he hung up, Jian Suiying hurried to ring Li Yu. The phone rang twice before Li Yu answered in his usual calm voice.

 

“Brother Jian.”

 

“Little Li, how did it go? Have you checked your results?”

 

“Mm. I have.”

 

Hearing how flat his voice was, Jian Suiying felt his heart sink. Had the boy not done well? Before he could ask, Li Yu told him his marks.

 

Jian Suiying immediately brightened. “Fuck me, Li Yu! You've done brilliantly!”

 

Li Yu was in a good mood too and gave a quiet laugh. “About what I expected.”

 

“Congratulations! Has Little Lin called you? You've both done really well.”

 

“We've been talking online the whole time. I know his results.”

 

Jian Suiying was even happier than he'd been on hearing Jian Suilin's news. “Well, now you've got a proper reason to celebrate. Leave it to your Brother Jian. I'll hire a whole place out for you. Invite as many people as you like and have as much fun as you want.”

 

Li Yu said, “There's no need. Suilin and I have already booked somewhere.”

 

Jian Suiying wouldn't give up. “You've got to let me contribute something. Even if I weren't doing it for you, Suilin's still my brother. How about this? I'll supply the drinks. What do you say?”

 

Li Yu frowned instinctively. “I don't think my classmates drink alcohol.”

 

“Oh, come on. Students these days aren't all like you. It's settled. I'd be embarrassed to turn up empty-handed otherwise.”

 

Li Yu hadn't even known Jian Suiying was coming to the party. The announcement caught him off guard, and he fell silent. Jian Suiying took that for agreement and began plotting how he might get Li Yu pleasantly drunk on the day.

 

When the day arrived, Jian Suiying let Li Yu and Jian Suilin leave work early so they could go home, change clothes, have something to eat and get ready.

 

He ordered several kinds of alcohol to be delivered to the venue. He also had Little Liang prepare several dozen PSPs to give to their classmates and friends. Even if he weren't trying to please Li Yu, he still had to make sure the Jian family's second young master looked suitably generous.

 

He went home himself, took a shower, applied a face mask and groomed himself until he was thoroughly satisfied. Only then did he make his leisurely way to the venue the two boys had booked.

 

Little Lin had reserved a banquet hall in a five-star hotel and invited practically everyone in their class. Jian Suiying looked over the decorations. They weren't bad, and the event was reasonably impressive. He was somewhat satisfied.

 

Almost everyone there was young, and the atmosphere was lively. As soon as Jian Suiying walked through the door, a chorus of shrieks erupted. Little Lin had mentioned something about it before: quite a few of his classmates, both boys and girls, apparently admired Jian Suiying. Even he couldn't quite understand why.

 

Jian Suilin came over to greet him at once, his cheeks pink and his face radiant with happiness.

 

“Brother, you're here!”

 

Jian Suiying searched the room with his eyes. “Where's Li Yu?”

 

“Over there.”

 

Jian Suiying followed his pointing finger. Li Yu was sitting on a sofa, talking to some classmates. Then he broke into laughter. Jian Suiying hadn't seen him in casual clothes for quite a while. He looked so youthful and handsome that he was almost unbearably attractive.

 

A group of boys gathered round Jian Suiying, laughing and calling out. One had played basketball with him last time.

 

“Big Brother, your ankle's better now?”

 

“Ha ha! Better ages ago.”

 

“Let's play together again sometime. You're pretty good, but don't wear those leather shoes next time.”

 

Everyone laughed. Jian Suiying was in a good mood too. “No problem. I'll come properly equipped next time.”

 

As he spoke, he gradually made his way towards Li Yu.

 

Li Yu stood when he saw him. “Brother Jian.”

 

“Hey, Little Li. Sit, sit. Everybody sit down.”

 

Several of them settled around the sofa. One of the boys asked, “Big Brother, isn't Li Yu doing an internship at your company?”

 

“That's right. He's doing well.”

 

The boy teased, “Big Brother, make sure you don't work handsome Li too hard, or our school beauty will be heartbroken.” He cast a suggestive glance at the young girl sitting beside Li Yu.

 

The girl glared at him in mock anger. “Who's going to be heartbroken? Don't talk rubbish.” Then she looked at Li Yu with unmistakable shyness.

 

Only then did Jian Suiying notice the girl beside him. She had fair skin and delicate features and was certainly pretty, but surely Li Yu couldn't really be interested in someone who was still so undeveloped? Irritated, he studied her with an assessing gaze. The moment her eyes met his, she blushed bright red and quickly looked away.

 

Jian Suiying deliberately teased her. “Pretty girl, Li Yu's work isn't easy. He's up early and home late, running around with me all day. Sometimes we're so busy we don't even have time for lunch. Don't you feel sorry for him?”

 

The girl flushed so deeply her face seemed about to drip blood. She shook her head repeatedly.

 

“No, it has nothing to do with me. I didn't…” Her voice grew quieter and quieter, while the boys around her chuckled.

 

“But if a man wants status in life, he can't avoid hardship. Do you think nice food and clothes just drop out of the sky? You're pretty, so you can simply find yourself a rich husband. Can a man make a living that way? What do you think?”

 

The girl didn't even dare look Jian Suiying in the face. Her heart was thumping so hard it felt as though it might burst from her throat. With his strikingly masculine looks, flawless figure and mature yet slightly roguish manner, Jian Suiying had a charm that could captivate women of almost any age. A teenage girl experiencing her first crush was no match for him.

 

Li Yu didn't like seeing Jian Suiying pick on a young girl this way, so he changed the subject. But that only made Jian Suiying think he was protecting her, and his jealousy grew stronger. Instead of leaving her alone, he persisted.

 

“Pretty girl, do you have a boyfriend? I don't think Li Yu would suit you. He's boring, you know. Barely says a few words all day. What do you think of my younger brother?”

 

The boys and girls around them erupted. Young people loved any excuse for a commotion, and everyone joined in the teasing. The girl was thin-skinned and became so embarrassed she was almost in tears.

 

Jian Suiying's nasty streak was on full display now. He had no intention of letting her off and wanted to pair her up with Little Lin.

 

What a joke. Li Yu was the one he'd set his sights on. Who dared compete with him? Forget competing; nobody else was even allowed to fancy him!

 

Little Lin, meanwhile, was chatting with people on the other side of the hall, completely unaware that his older brother was already trying to arrange a future wife for him.

 

Li Yu was furious. The moment he saw Jian Suiying narrowing his eyes with that malicious expression, he knew exactly what he was thinking. Embarrassing his classmate was bad enough; now he was trying to pair Suilin with her too. There were plenty of boys who liked that girl. What if Suilin actually developed feelings for her?

 

Li Yu had no idea what else Jian Suiying might say if he stayed there, so he made an excuse and dragged him away.

 

Jian Suiying was seething too. There was definitely something going on between Li Yu and that girl!

 

Li Yu pulled him out onto a balcony and demanded in a low voice, “What exactly are you trying to do?”

 

Jian Suiying shook off his arm and snorted. “What have I done? I'm finding a future wife for my little brother. What, you can't bear the thought?”

 

Li Yu had cared for Jian Suilin for so many years. Of course he couldn't bear it. He replied angrily, “Stop messing about, will you? You've embarrassed my classmate terribly. She's a shy girl, and you're picking on someone so much younger than you. Aren't you ashamed of yourself? Besides… besides, Suilin doesn't like her.”

 

Jian Suiying was practically choking on jealousy. “Well, look at you, Li Yu. Playing the hero and rescuing the beauty! So that's your type? Those skinny little girls with hardly any flesh on them? Look at her. Does she have any experience?”

 

His upbringing, together with his awareness of Jian Suiying's position, kept Li Yu from answering with outright abuse.

 

“Brother Jian, whether or not I like women, you and I will never happen. Act normally, and I'll still call you Brother. But if you carry on like this, I'll…”

 

Before Li Yu could finish, Jian Suiying lunged forwards. Catching him completely off guard, he shoved him back against the wall by his chest, pressed himself against him and abruptly covered his mouth with his own.

 

Li Yu was still young and had never imagined that one day someone would force a kiss on him. Blood rushed to his head, and he stood frozen in shock.

 

A second later, his mind cleared, and his eyes widened.

 

Then, without warning, a tremendous force struck Jian Suiying in the chest, knocking the breath from his lungs. He stumbled backwards uncontrollably, taking several steps before falling to the ground.

 

Li Yu advanced on him with a furious expression, grabbed his collar and raised a fist.

 

Jian Suiying licked the blood from the corner of his mouth and stared up at him defiantly.

 

Li Yu's fist froze in mid-air. He hesitated. He was a trained athlete, and when he was angry, he couldn't always control his strength. If he actually hit Jian Suiying, the man wouldn't be able to show his face in public for half a month. How would he explain that to the room full of people inside? How would he explain it to Suilin? He had to consider all those things.

 

While he hesitated, Jian Suiying actually smiled.

 

Furious, Li Yu drove his knee hard into Jian Suiying's stomach.

 

Jian Suiying doubled over, clutching his stomach and coughing. It took him a long time to catch his breath.

 

Li Yu straightened his clothes and returned to the hall without staying a moment longer.

 

Jian Suiying wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and gave a smug smile.