In Love With An Idiot

Chapter 9

In the end, Jian Suiying didn't even manage to stay awake to welcome the New Year. He slept straight through until morning. When he woke up the next day, his head felt as though it was splitting open. It was like looking at everything through a transparent film. He could see perfectly clearly, yet the sensation was horribly uncomfortable.

 

He discovered that he was still in Jian Suilin's bed. Someone had undressed him, leaving him in nothing but his underpants. He stared at the ceiling for a long while, debating whether to get up or carry on sleeping.

 

Suddenly, he remembered something and scrambled around looking for his phone.

 

He had planned to call Li Yu at midnight to wish him a happy New Year. Counting down together would have been even better. It might have seemed bloody ridiculous, but wasn't that what being together was about? You couldn't let any opportunity for a bit of affection go to waste.

 

Instead, he had slept until now and missed everything. He hadn't even sent Li Yu a text. After searching for ages, he finally found his mobile in his trouser pocket. There were more than twenty missed calls and messages, but not one of the calls was from Li Yu. He looked through his messages and eventually found Li Yu's name.

 

When he opened it, he was immediately disappointed.

 

Li Yu had sent him a New Year's greeting that was obviously one of those ready-made messages forwarded from somewhere and sent to everyone at once.

 

That was all.

 

Jian Suiying knew it was pointless to get hung up on one text message, but he couldn't help feeling upset.

 

Surely Li Yu could have sent him something personal, even if it was only four words addressed to him by name: ‘Happy New Year.’ They were so intimate, yet all he got for the holiday was a mass text?

 

However he looked at it, Jian Suiying decided he wasn't being petty. Li Yu was the one who'd handled it badly.

 

Wearing nothing but his underpants, he flopped back onto the bed and called him.

 

“Hello, Jian-ge.”

 

“Hello, Li Lao'er.”

 

Jian Suiying generally only called him ‘Second Li’ when he was looking for trouble. As soon as Li Yu heard it, he knew something was wrong.

 

“What is it?”

 

“Don't you think there's something you ought to say to me today?”

 

“Huh? Oh. Happy New Year.”

 

Jian Suiying clicked his tongue. “Why didn't you ring me yesterday? Is that how little you care about me?”

 

Li Yu said helplessly, “I rang Suilin yesterday. He said you were drunk and already asleep, so I didn't call.”

 

That answer didn't comfort Jian Suiying in the slightest. If anything, it gave him something else to complain about.

 

“Hang on. Why were you ringing him instead of calling me first?”

 

Li Yu fell silent for a moment. “What's got into you this time? Are you still drunk?”

 

“I sobered up ages ago! It's New Year, and you think forwarding me some tacky bloody greeting is enough?”

 

Li Yu had run out of patience. “What else do you want me to do? I honestly don't understand what's upset you this time.”

 

His tone made Jian Suiying feel like a nagging wife making a fuss over nothing, which infuriated him even more. But if he kept talking, he would only sound more like one. He was caught between the miserable feeling of being melodramatic if he spoke and suffocated with frustration if he didn't. For ages, he couldn't get a word out. Finally, he simply hung up.

 

“Fuck's sake. How can someone be so bloody clueless…” Jian Suiying rolled over on the bed, growing angrier the more he thought about it.

 

Just then, Jian Suilin pushed the door open and walked in. The first thing he saw was his older brother sprawled across the bed in nothing but his snug-fitting briefs.

 

Jian Suiying looked up. “Where did you sleep last night?”

 

“In the guest room.”

 

“Oh. What time is it?”

 

“Half past nine.”

 

Jian Suiying yawned. “My head hurts a bit. Find me some medicine and something to eat. I'll come downstairs in a while.”

 

“All right. Get up and brush your teeth first, Ge. I've got everything ready for you. Your clothes are here. Come down when you're finished.”

 

Jian Suiying lay there for quite a while longer before lazily getting up, washing and going down for breakfast.

 

His father was reading the newspaper downstairs. When he saw him, he laughed.

 

“Suiying, how long has it been since you last had a drink? You were finished so quickly last night.”

 

“They all surrounded me and kept pouring drinks down my throat. Fuck, it was torture.” Jian Suiying rubbed his head.

 

Jian Dongyuan put down his newspaper and looked at his tall, broad-shouldered eldest son with satisfaction. “Get something to eat. You'll have plenty to do over the next few days.”

 

“Mm.”

 

“Which day shall we go and visit your grandfather?”

 

“The third day of the New Year.” Jian Suiying intended to spend the next two days visiting relatives on his mother's side, then go to his grandfather's on the third.

 

“All right. You make the arrangements. As for Suilin… do you think we should take him?”

 

Jian Suiying glanced at Jian Suilin. “Do you want to go?”

 

Their grandfather had never liked Jian Suilin and barely acknowledged him when they met. Jian Suiying was certain his younger brother wouldn't want to go.

 

But this time, Jian Suilin behaved quite differently from usual. He answered quickly, “Of course. I haven't seen Grandpa in ages.”

 

Jian Suiying raised his eyebrows. The brat was getting better and better at saying the right thing.

 

Jian Dongyuan nodded, looking rather pleased.

 

Something else occurred to Jian Suiying. “Dad, this year I'm planning to take Xiao Linzi to pay our New Year's respects to the Li family.”

 

“Oh, that's good. You two brothers get on very well with the two Li brothers now. You ought to visit and strengthen those ties.”

 

“Mm. Get in touch with Uncle Li for us, then I'll take Suilin over.”

 

“All right.”

 

Jian Suiying thought of Li Yu's perpetually cool, composed face. The boy really could make him love and hate him at the same time.

 

On the evening of the second day of the New Year, Jian Suiying took Xiao Linzi to the Li family home. Naturally, plenty of people came to visit the Lis at this time of year. When they arrived, another group of guests was still there. The older members of the family were occupied, but Jian Suiying didn't mind. His main reason for coming wasn't to exchange New Year's greetings. He had come for Li Yu.

 

Li Xuan took the Jian brothers to a reception room on the third floor, away from the guests downstairs. Jian Suiying immediately felt more at ease. Li Xuan had installed a magnificent huanghuali rosewood desk almost two metres long, with a traditional gongfu tea set arranged across it. It looked imposing.

 

Although Jian Suiying had no particular fondness for rosewood furniture, even he couldn't help admiring such an impressive piece. Privately, he thought Li Xuan was an odd combination. He looked young and handsome, but inside he seemed more like a man in his forties or fifties. His tastes and the way he conducted himself were those of someone much older, steady and mature.

 

Jian Suiying couldn't help glancing at Li Yu. Surely the boy wouldn't turn into someone just like his older brother in a few years? That would be unbearably dull.

 

The four of them sat around the table while Li Xuan prepared the tea with great ceremony.

 

Jian Suiying couldn't resist teasing him. “So this is what Director Li likes to do in his spare time. Very nice. Cultivating the mind and character, eh?”

 

Li Xuan smiled. “I hardly ever have time for it normally. I'm only free for these few days over New Year. I particularly enjoy collecting tea. Try this. Someone gave it to me recently. It's Junshan Silver Needle.”

 

Jian Suiying wasn't especially interested in hobbies that required careful study, and he knew little about tea. But when he took a sip, the fragrance was genuinely pleasant, lingering beautifully afterwards.

 

After chatting about a few unimportant things, he got down to business: the piece of land again. They talked for a while and quickly reached an agreement. For now, the person in charge of the project should prepare an attractive proposal. Li Xuan could then submit it directly and help move the matter forward. There was still a very good chance it would succeed.

 

At that moment, Li Yu spoke up. “After my brother goes back, I'll take charge of keeping everyone in contact about this.”

 

Jian Suiying glanced at him and couldn't resist giving him a kick beneath the table. Then he smiled as though nothing had happened.

 

“Sounds good. It'll be easier for you to stay in touch with your brother. Keep me informed of any progress with the project.”

 

Li Yu looked embarrassed. He gave Jian Suiying a long, meaningful glance and drew his legs back.

 

The corners of Jian Suiying's lips twitched. The more seriously Li Yu behaved, the more he wanted to tease him.

 

They were seated directly opposite one another.

 

Li Yu shot him a warning glance, turned slightly towards Jian Suilin and asked whether he had bought a recently released game.

 

Meanwhile, Jian Suiying pretended to appreciate the tea with Li Xuan while boldly stretching out his foot again.

 

Li Yu jolted, embarrassment flashing across his face.

 

Li Xuan glanced at him. “What's wrong? Can't you even sit properly in a chair that big?”

 

Li Yu turned his face away and sat up straight.

 

Jian Suiying chuckled under his breath and winked rapidly at Li Yu. Li Yu glared back.

 

Their eyes met for only an instant, but Jian Suilin caught it. His expression didn't change, though something flickered in his eyes. He lifted his tea to conceal it.

 

The atmosphere around the table grew rather peculiar. Only Li Xuan seemed completely unaware as he continued chatting with Jian Suiying.

 

Seeing how cautious Li Yu was, Jian Suiying lost interest in teasing him any further.

 

The Jian brothers stayed for two hours before deciding it was time to leave.

 

Li Xuan intended to see them out, but just as they reached the entrance, his mobile rang.

 

Jian Suiying told him to take the call and not bother seeing them off.

 

Li Xuan gave him an apologetic look and moved aside to answer.

 

Li Yu walked them to their car. At the driver's door, Jian Suiying opened it and told Jian Suilin, “Get in.”

 

Jian Suilin paused in surprise, glanced at him and climbed into the driver's seat.

 

“Wait here for a bit.” Jian Suiying slammed the door, then took Li Yu by the hand and tried to lead him off to one side.

 

Li Yu jerked his hand away as though he'd received an electric shock.

 

Jian Suiying looked at him in astonishment.

 

Li Yu's expression stiffened. He glanced sideways at the car and asked in a low voice, “What are you doing?”

 

Jian Suiying felt thoroughly hurt. “Can't I talk to you for a minute?”

 

Li Yu pressed his lips together. The refusal in his eyes was unmistakable.

 

Jian Suilin was sitting right there in the car. He could see every movement they made and hear what they said. He was already suspicious of Li Yu's relationship with Jian Suiying. If Li Yu really followed him off somewhere now, he didn't know how he could face Jian Suilin's questions the next time they met.

 

Li Yu exhaled and deliberately made his manner rather cool. “Whatever it is, let's talk about it later.”

 

Jian Suiying knew he was trying to avoid arousing suspicion, but it still upset him. They hadn't seen each other for days; Li Yu hadn't even given him a proper New Year's greeting; and now that they were face to face, he was acting as though even looking at him was a nuisance. Sometimes Jian Suiying felt that he liked Li Yu, but Li Yu didn't like him back. It was an awfully one-sided feeling.

 

He still had enough self-awareness not to make a fool of himself by asking Li Yu how he felt about him.

 

At least, that was what he'd always believed before.

 

Jian Suiying studied him for several seconds, taking in his distant, apprehensive expression. Finally, he gave in. Swallowing his disappointment, he said irritably, “Fine, then. We'll talk later.”

 

He walked past Li Yu and got into the passenger seat. Without looking at him again, he stared ahead and said quietly to Xiao Linzi, “Let's go home.”

 

Jian Suilin glanced in the rear-view mirror at the tall, handsome young man standing behind them. His gaze was as cold as frost.

 

In a bad mood, Jian Suiying showered early and sprawled on his bed, intending to sleep. He soon drifted off, only to be awakened an unknown time later by his ringing phone.

 

Still half asleep, he answered. “Hello?”

 

“Were you sleeping?” Li Yu's voice came from the other end.

 

Jian Suiying immediately woke up a little more. Li Yu calling him of his own accord was enough to lift his spirits.

 

“Yeah. Just went to sleep.”

 

“It's not even midnight. You never go to bed this early.”

 

“I've got to go to my grandfather's first thing tomorrow.”

 

“Oh.”

 

“What's up?”

 

“I was going to ask if you wanted to go out tomorrow.”

 

Jian Suiying's mood reversed completely. He chuckled. “Why? Missed me?”

 

Li Yu didn't laugh. If anything, his voice sounded a little cold. “If you're busy tomorrow, forget it. We can wait until you're back.”

 

“Hey…” Jian Suiying desperately wanted to see him tomorrow, but the trip to pay his grandfather a New Year's visit was already arranged and couldn't be postponed. “How about meeting now?”

 

“Now? At this hour?”

 

“Didn't you just say it's not even midnight? Let's meet at my place.”

 

Li Yu was silent for a moment. “All right. But it'll have to be a little later. I need to wait until everyone at home is asleep.”

 

“Fine.”

 

After hanging up, Jian Suiying sprang straight out of bed. He had stayed at his father's house that evening, and now he wished he could fly back to his own flat.

 

That little Li Yu was a bloody enchantress, he thought.

 

Jian Suiying couldn't help grinning at how hopeless he'd become. But he accepted it. The evidence was right in front of him, and he didn't see any point in fooling himself. He simply couldn't resist Li Yu. Then again, Li Yu really was attractive and had that kind of charm. There was no shame in being brought to his knees by beauty.

 

They had plenty of time ahead of them. He remained confident in himself.

 

Young Master Jian pulled on his clothes, spent ages making himself presentable, then went out looking and smelling wonderful.

 

There were very few cars on the roads over New Year, so Jian Suiying reached his own place in less than half an hour. He waited another half-hour or so before he heard a key turning in the lock. Li Yu had been coming over at least once a week for the past six months, so Jian Suiying had simply given him a key.

 

The heating had already made the flat comfortably warm. Li Yu came in wearing a thick black down jacket, bringing the winter chill with him. The raised collar covered his pale neck. The tip of his nose was red from the cold, making his taut, fair skin look particularly luminous.

 

Jian Suiying approached him, frowned and touched his bright-red ear. It was icy.

 

“Didn't you drive? How did you get so cold?”

 

Li Yu unzipped his jacket but didn't take it off. “I came in a taxi. Opening the garage would have made too much noise. I was afraid of waking everyone at home.”

 

Jian Suiying rubbed his ear between his fingers. “You could have called me. I'd have picked you up.”

 

“No need…” Li Yu slowly removed Jian Suiying's hand. His dark eyes fixed on him. “I need to talk to you about something. Then I have to leave.”

 

Jian Suiying immediately felt a terrible premonition. He lowered his hand and looked at Li Yu. “Go on.”

 

Li Yu took a breath. “You know our relationship can't be made public. I thought you were old enough not to do such childish things. But what was all that about today? My brother was there, and so was Suilin. Neither of them is stupid. Weren't you afraid they'd notice something?”

 

Jian Suiying snorted. “Fuck, I thought it was something serious. They haven't got X-ray vision. How could they see through the table to what we were doing? I was having a little fun with you, that's all. Are you really that easily frightened?”

 

Li Yu didn't smile. Instead, his expression grew even more serious. He said stiffly, “It only takes one mistake. Can't you stop doing such pointless things?”

 

Jian Suiying was starting to get angry too. “I've already done it. What do you expect me to do now? It's New Year, and you've come all this way just to give me a hard time over something so bloody trivial?”

 

“I don't think it's trivial,” Li Yu said coldly. He still felt uncomfortable whenever he remembered Jian Suilin's suspicious look.

 

Jian Suiying was so annoyed he wanted to slap him. “Why are you so bloody fussy? Are you an old woman?”

 

Li Yu glared at him, yanked up his jacket zip and turned to leave.

 

Jian Suiying grabbed his clothes. “Get back here!”

 

Li Yu knocked his arm away.

 

Jian Suiying caught hold of him again and said with biting sarcasm, “What the fuck do you want? Am I supposed to get down on my knees and apologise?”

 

Li Yu looked at him coldly. “Did you spare a thought for me? You might not care about your reputation, but I care about mine.”

 

That made Jian Suiying explode. He grabbed Li Yu by the collar and slammed him against the door.

 

“Who the fuck are you calling shameless? Say that again!”

 

Li Yu met his furious gaze. “Let go.”

 

Jian Suiying leaned closer and narrowed his eyes. “Li Lao'er, I can't even see what the big deal is. Why the fuck have you come here to whinge at me? You think I don't know where to draw the line? I was only joking with you. Look at the state you're in. Is this really necessary?”

 

Li Yu's eyes blazed with anger. “I've got nothing to say to you. Let go.”

 

Looking into Li Yu's eyes, Jian Suiying realised the boy was genuinely furious. It had been a long time since he'd seen him like this. They bickered regularly, but Li Yu was usually the more reasonable one and rarely argued back. Jian Suiying would eventually get bored, and the disagreement would pass. This time was different. It felt as though Li Yu had deliberately come looking for a fight, and he was truly upset.

 

For once, Jian Suiying stopped to examine his own behaviour.

 

He still thought Li Yu was making far too much fuss and wasn't being particularly manly about it, but he had to admit that Li Yu's concerns weren't unreasonable. He was still young, and his father and elder brother's authority carried a lot of weight with him. He hadn't weathered many of life's storms yet, so it was understandable that he would panic at a time like this.

 

Thinking about it that way, Jian Suiying began to feel sorry for him. He must have frightened the poor kid badly with what he'd done that afternoon. Jian Suiying adjusted his attitude. Li Yu was usually the first to give way when they quarrelled. Today, it was his turn to show some adult maturity and make an allowance for Li Yu.

 

Even though he didn't believe he'd done anything wrong.

 

Jian Suiying sighed and loosened his grip. In a gentler voice, he said, “Come on, Xiao Lizi. Let's not fight. It's New Year. Can't we just get along?”

 

Surprise flashed in Li Yu's eyes.

 

Jian Suiying backing down first was like the sun rising in the west. For a moment, Li Yu was genuinely stunned.

 

He had prepared what he intended to say before coming here, but now the words stuck in his throat.

 

Jian Suiying kissed him lightly. “All right, all right. Let's put it behind us. I won't do that again, okay? Look how worked up you've got. Come on, take your coat off. Aren't you hot?”

 

In fact, Li Yu had already started sweating. Half-reluctantly, he let Jian Suiying pull off his jacket and toss it aside. But doubts still lingered, and he regarded Jian Suiying searchingly.

 

Jian Suiying smiled. “What? Do you really think I'm that unreasonable?”

 

Li Yu replied gloomily, “When have you ever been reasonable?”

 

Jian Suiying pinched his cheek. “That's what happens when I like you this much. There's nothing I can do about you.”

 

An indescribable feeling rose inside Li Yu. He looked at Jian Suiying, then turned his eyes away.

 

Jian Suiying was still standing in front of him, blocking his way. He smiled.

 

“Have you missed me these past few days?”

 

Li Yu looked at him without answering.

 

“I was only teasing you today because I missed you.”

 

Li Yu put his coat on. “Order yourself something to eat when it gets light. I need to get back.”

 

Jian Suiying lit a cigarette. Even his hands were trembling. “Is making me one meal really too much trouble for you?”

 

Li Yu stopped what he was doing. Then he took his coat off again and went into the kitchen without saying a word. A little while later, he brought a bowl of noodles into the bedroom and set it on the bedside table.

 

“I'm leaving.”

 

Jian Suiying stared at the bowl of noodles. The steam rising from it stung his eyes. He swung his arm violently and knocked the entire bowl onto Li Yu.

 

Li Yu froze for an instant, then grabbed Jian Suiying by the collar and raised a fist to hit him. But when he met Jian Suiying's eyes, he found himself unable to bring the blow down.

 

In a low voice, Jian Suiying said, “Li Yu, you're a fucking bastard.”

 

Li Yu slowly released his collar. At last, he said what he'd wanted to say all evening.

 

“Let's end this here.”

 

Jian Suilin's cold, suspicious gaze that afternoon had jolted him awake.

 

Everything Jian Suiying had done had made him realise that sooner or later, someone would discover their secret.

 

With their relationship growing closer and closer, that day was bound to come. The mere thought left him anxious and helpless.

 

He had no idea how he would deal with it if it really happened.

 

The past six months had passed with astonishing speed. He needed to put an end to things before they got completely out of hand.

 

Today, when he had suddenly seen the situation clearly and felt the pressure of it, he had finally been able to make a firm decision. Today was the right day.

 

Jian Suiying's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at Li Yu through clenched teeth.

 

Usually, however fierce and aggressive he was, however unwilling to let an argument go, he could always find something to say. But now the pain was so intense that he was speechless.

 

Deep down, he had known Li Yu would eventually want to cut ties with him. He simply hadn't expected that day to arrive so soon. He'd hoped they might have a little more time together.

 

He couldn't accept it.

 

For the first time in more than twenty years of life, he had cared so deeply about someone. He had worked so hard to please another person, to accommodate him. Every concession had been made in the hope of drawing Li Yu closer, and closer still.

 

And what had he got in return? One careless sentence: ‘Let's end this here.’

 

If he could turn back time, would he still let himself become so humiliated and wretched?

 

How fucking embarrassing, Jian Suiying.

 

This was completely at odds with every principle he'd lived by. He couldn't accept it. How could he possibly accept it?

 

But his mind was in complete chaos. He didn't know what to say or do. From the moment Li Yu uttered those words, he'd lost his bearings. All he could do now was stare at him, fiercely and unblinkingly.

 

Li Yu couldn't bear to meet his eyes. That gaze made his heart shudder. As though oblivious to the noodle soup dripping down his clothes, he snatched up his coat and fled.

 

Jian Suiying remained motionless for a long time. Then he violently swept every ornament and object from the bedside table onto the floor.

 

The next morning, Jian Suiying overslept and was woken by a call from his father. Jian Dongyuan scolded him and demanded to know where he'd gone. Jian Suiying couldn't be bothered answering. He hung up, threw on his clothes and drove back to the family home as fast as he could.

 

His father and Suilin were already dressed and waiting in the sitting room. Jian Suiying hadn't brought anything with him. The three of them, together with the driver, set off immediately.

 

Jian Dongyuan sat in the front passenger seat, chatting with the driver. Jian Suiying and Jian Suilin sat in the back. With his arms crossed, Jian Suiying leaned against the seat and closed his eyes. He had barely spoken since arriving home.

 

Jian Suilin looked at him uncertainly several times before quietly asking, “Ge, where did you go last night?”

 

Jian Suiying gave him a curt reply. “Mind your own business.”

 

Jian Suilin could tell his brother was in a very bad mood. Most of the time, when Jian Suiying was unhappy, he took it out on whatever people or objects happened to be near him. He might as well have had ‘I'm in a foul mood’ written across his forehead. It was unusually rare for him to sit there upset without saying a word.

 

As Jian Suilin saw it, his brother was either letting his anger build or coming up with some devious scheme to deal with whoever or whatever had upset him. Either way, provoking him now would be a terrible idea. Jian Suilin turned away and lowered his head to play with his phone.

 

As it happened, Xiao Linzi knew his brother's temperament very well. Jian Suiying really was thinking of ways to deal with Li Yu.

 

He still hadn't recovered from what had happened in the early hours of the morning.

 

Jian Suiying truly couldn't accept it.

 

He had always known Li Yu would be a particularly tough nut to crack, but he hadn't imagined it would be this difficult.

 

He thought of Li Yu's distant expression the previous night, as cool as ever, as though the entire six months they'd spent together meant absolutely fuck all.

 

He'd never imagined that he, Jian Suiying, would one day end up in such a pitiful situation: ‘I like you, but you don't like me.’

 

But he wasn't the sort of person who merely wallowed in self-pity. He didn't believe in that idiotic, self-sacrificing nonsense about being happy as long as the other person was happy. Anyone who dared make him miserable would pay for it twice over, even if it was someone he liked.

 

If Li Yu thought Jian Suiying would simply tuck his tail between his legs and slink out of his life, he was gravely mistaken. Jian Suiying was full of bitterness and resentment, ready to show Li Yu exactly what he was capable of. If Li Yu dared treat him like this, he'd better prepare to be thoroughly unlucky.

 

Since Li Yu could turn his back on him so heartlessly, there was no reason for Jian Suiying to treat him politely.

 

The resentment in his chest felt ready to burst out of him. If Li Yu had been standing in front of him just then, he would have liked nothing better than to shove the boy under a car wheel and run over him several times, just to vent his hatred.

 

Ever since Jian Suiying's mother died and his father brought Zhao Yan into the family, his grandfather had refused to allow Jian Dongyuan into his home or speak to him. Only because Jian Suiying had spent the last few years acting as a go-between had the old man reluctantly started allowing his son through the door again. Even now, he never looked pleased to see him and barely answered when spoken to. His attitude couldn't have been clearer: visit if you like, stay away if you prefer, and I'll simply pretend I don't have a son.

 

Jian Suilin might be his grandson, but he was Zhao Yan's child. The old man would symbolically give him a red envelope at New Year, yet treated him with even less familiarity than the children of his nieces. In his eyes, that grandson barely existed.

 

If Jian Suiying visited alone, his grandfather would certainly be waiting at the door. Today, he definitely wouldn't come out to greet them.

 

A housekeeper led the three of them inside. The old man was reading the newspaper on the sofa. He looked up as they entered, his face expressionless.

 

Jian Dongyuan told Suilin to put down the gifts they'd brought and said respectfully, “Happy New Year, Dad.”

 

Jian Suilin hurried to add, “Happy New Year, Grandpa.”

 

The old man looked at Jian Dongyuan without expression, then at Jian Suilin. He gave a brief “Mm” before standing and walking over to Jian Suiying. Suddenly, he reached out and felt his trousers.

 

“What's wrong with you? How many times have I told you not to wear just one layer of trousers in the middle of winter? It was bad enough when you were little, but you're nearly thirty now! Do you still want to be able to walk when you're old?”

 

Jian Suiying smiled. “These trousers are quite thick.”

 

In truth, it wasn't that he had refused to wear thermals. He had simply forgotten them in his rush out of the flat. He'd spent the whole journey in a car, so he hadn't felt particularly cold.

 

“Go into the back room and put on some thermal trousers. You're a grown man. Do people still have to tell you how to dress?”

 

“In a bit, in a bit. It's so warm in here you could get away with a T-shirt.” As he spoke, Jian Suiying took off his coat. Then he said to Jian Dongyuan, “Dad, sit down.”

 

Looking rather awkward, Jian Dongyuan finally sat with Jian Suilin.

 

Apart from the three generations of Jians, only the old man's housekeeper and driver were there. Grandpa Jian concentrated on talking to Jian Suiying, leaving Jian Dongyuan to make small talk with the housekeeper and driver to avoid embarrassment.

 

The atmosphere was still rather strange, but most of them were used to it by now.

 

When it was time to eat, the housekeeper got up to prepare lunch. Jian Suilin stood too.

 

“Auntie, let me help you.”

 

The housekeeper beamed. “No need, no need. Sit down, young master.”

 

“Let me help. Preparing food for so many people is tiring. Besides, it's New Year and I haven't got anything else to do.”

 

Jian Suiying glanced at them. “It's fine. Let him give you a hand.”

 

In truth, Jian Suilin had always been an extremely likeable child. He was clever, sweet-tongued, considerate and good-looking. Jian Suiying could tell that the older members of the family were rather fond of him. They just didn't dare show it when Jian Suiying was present. If his mother had been anyone other than Zhao Yan, even some other unknown woman, he would have been thoroughly spoiled in the Jian family.

 

The housekeeper wasn't a member of the family and didn't have the same reservations. She happily took Jian Suilin with her.

 

Jian Dongyuan was chatting about cars with the driver at the other end of the sofa. Meanwhile, Grandpa Jian drank tea and talked to Jian Suiying about his company.

 

Jian Suiying told him about all the projects he'd been working on lately.

 

Although his grandfather was retired and hadn't received much formal education when he was young, he was an exceptionally shrewd man with a quick mind. Jian Suiying's business had grown rapidly over the past few years, and the old man had given him plenty of sound advice along the way.

 

As they talked, his grandfather eventually brought up Li Yu.

 

“Hey, how's the Li family's second grandson getting on? Is he still working at your company?”

 

Hearing the name made Jian Suiying feel horribly constipated, full of frustration and humiliation. He gave a gloomy “Mm.”

 

“How's he been lately? Working well, is he? He's a good lad.”

 

Jian Suiying answered distractedly, “Oh, he's all right.”

 

The old man looked at him. “Is there something you're not telling me?”

 

“Huh?” Jian Suiying replied vaguely. “Oh, nothing. It's just that he…”

 

“He what?”

 

Jian Suiying thought with bitter amusement that if he told his grandfather the truth, the old man would probably cough up blood. He forced a smile.

 

“He's had a bit of an injury.”

 

“What kind of injury? Is it serious?”

 

“Well, you could say it's pretty serious.”

 

His grandfather looked puzzled. “What exactly happened?”

 

Jian Suiying leaned close and whispered, “That lad's, you know… I don't think it works very well.”

 

The old man's eyes suddenly sparkled. He lowered his voice too.

 

“What? Really? How do you know?”

 

“Isn't he my assistant? He respects me a lot, so he likes to come to me for advice about all sorts of things.”

 

“Good heavens. He's so young! What a waste of such a handsome young man.” Although the old man sounded regretful, his eyes gleamed with the excitement of gossip.

 

Jian Suiying had only invented the story on the spur of the moment to make himself feel better. But then another thought struck him: let someone try introducing Li Yu to a prospective partner after this.

 

He put on an equally regretful expression. “Exactly. He's only about twenty this year. What's he going to do, having a problem like that so young?”

 

His grandfather sighed repeatedly. “Poor lad. Did you ask what caused it? Is there any treatment?”

 

“I don't know. He's too embarrassed to talk about it.”

 

“Mm, I expect he's ashamed to mention it. Tell you what. Before you leave, I'll give you some medicinal herbs. Take them back for him. If he brews them in water and drinks them like tea regularly, it'll help with that sort of problem.”

 

“No problem. I'll definitely give them to him when I get back.” Jian Suiying felt not a shred of guilt about spreading a malicious rumour behind someone's back. If anything, his own invention was making him want to laugh. Unfortunately, now wasn't the time.

 

The following morning, Jian Suiying drove out alone to inspect his hotel project.

 

The workers had all gone home for the New Year, leaving only a few guards. He drove around the construction site, parked his car, then walked inside. Looking at the building rising steadily from the ground, he felt an enormous sense of achievement.

 

He suddenly wanted to ring Li Yu and tell him the hotel's concrete structure had been poured, to share the happiness of seeing the project progress smoothly after all the difficulties they had overcome. But the moment he picked up his phone, he remembered that Li Yu had just broken up with him.

 

Standing in the empty, untidy construction site, utterly devoid of people, Jian Suiying felt an unpleasant emptiness inside.

 

He remembered his last visit. Back then, the place had still been wasteland, with weeds growing higher than his knees. He'd brought Li Yu along and explained his plans for the project. They had barely known each other then, just an employer and employee who weren't especially close. Li Yu had still spoken to him with careful politeness. Who could have imagined that in only a few months, they would go from strangers to familiarity, and then from familiarity to absolutely nothing?

 

Jian Suiying sighed, gave a self-mocking smile and lit a cigarette. He wandered about for a while, then drove away once he'd finished smoking.

 

The three of them spent a night in Qinhuangdao and returned to Beijing after lunch the following day.

 

Jian Suiying didn't like staying at his father's place, so he went back to his own flat.

 

He had only just arrived when his phone rang. Vince's name appeared on the screen.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hello, Young Master Jian! Happy New Year!”

 

“Oh. Happy New Year.”

 

“How come you didn't come in for a haircut before the holiday?”

 

“I couldn't find the time. It's always busiest just before New Year.”

 

“Of course, of course. You're a man with big business to take care of.”

 

“Mm. When are you reopening? I'll come by when I've got time.” Jian Suiying touched his fringe. It seemed to have grown a little long.

 

“The sixth day of the New Year. You're welcome any time.”

 

“All right.”

 

“Oh, Young Master Jian, I've got some good news for you.”

 

“Good news? What is it?”

 

“Do you remember Xiao Zhu?”

 

“Xiao Zhu? Who's that?”

 

“Oh, you've got such an important life that you forget people! About six months ago, you came in for a haircut when I wasn't there, and you picked someone at random…”

 

“Oh, oh, I remember. What about him? Didn't he say he wasn't interested?”

 

Jian Suiying vaguely recalled a very pretty boy he had wanted to keep as a lover. But when Vince asked him, the boy wasn't willing. At the time, Jian Suiying had been deeply involved with Li Yu, so he hadn't cared much and had promptly forgotten all about it. He couldn't even remember what the boy looked like now.

 

“Oh, he wasn't interested then, all right. I told him he didn't know what was good for him, but he just… Well, anyway, he's short of money now, and he's remembered you. I gave him a proper scolding yesterday, but afterwards I thought I'd better ask what you thought.”

 

“Oh.” Jian Suiying poured himself a glass of red wine, sprawled on the sofa and switched on the television. He watched some people dancing extravagantly on the screen and asked without much interest, “What's he need money for?”

 

“He's too embarrassed to say, but his family isn't very well off. Who knows what's happened?”

 

“Fine. Same price as before. Tell him to… come over today.”

 

“Today? Young Master Jian, he hasn't got much experience. Shall I teach him a few things first?”

 

“Forget it. Everyone you teach ends up smelling like a randy fox. I fancy a change. Send him straight over. I'm on holiday anyway. Anything he doesn't know, I can teach him myself.”

 

Vince giggled. “All right, all right. Er, Young Master Jian…” He sounded hesitant.

 

“What is it?”

 

“He's a good kid. Pretty innocent, and he doesn't have any experience. Since it's New Year, if he doesn't do things well, please be patient with him. Don't make things difficult for him.”

 

“Blimey, you're getting more and more like a fussing mother.”

 

“Heh-heh. Well, he did come from my salon.”

 

“Don't worry. I don't enjoy tormenting people. Just send him over.”

 

“Of course, no problem. I'll bring him over right now.”

 

After hanging up, Jian Suiying took a sip of wine, then several more. He decided that one way or another, he was going to enjoy himself and relax today.

 

He drove to one of the hotels he owned near the Fourth Ring Road. After waiting another half-hour or so, he received a call from the manager to say his guest had arrived.

 

A little later, there was a knock at the door. When he opened it, Vince was standing there with a broad smile, wearing a flamboyant fitted coat with a fur collar. Beside him stood a boy with his head bowed so low that Jian Suiying could see only the crown of his hair.

 

Jian Suiying nodded to Vince. “All right. You can go now.”

 

The boy flinched and glanced at Vince.

 

Jian Suiying didn't need to look at him to know he must be terribly nervous.

 

Vince patted the boy on the back, gave Jian Suiying a pleading look and left.

 

The boy lifted his head, revealing a clean, beautiful face.

 

Jian Suiying beckoned to him. “Come in.”

 

Xiao Zhu pressed his lips together, stepped through the doorway and gently closed the door behind him.

 

Jian Suiying sat on the sofa and regarded him with a faint, knowing smile.

 

Xiao Zhu came closer and said softly, “Happy New Year, Young Master Jian.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Then the boy simply stood there, gazing at him blankly.

 

Jian Suiying crooked a finger. “Come here.”

 

Xiao Zhu walked around the coffee table and stopped beside him.

 

Jian Suiying narrowed his eyes and considered something for a long time. Finally, he made a phone call.

 

“Hello, Young Master Jian.”

 

“Hey, how are things?”

 

“Same as always. It's been ages since you came to see me.”

 

“I've been busy lately.”

 

“Ha-ha, I know you're busy. So, what can I do for you today?”

 

“Well, it's like this. That medicine of yours… can you get me some?”

 

“Of course. If Young Master Jian asks, how could I refuse? I'll have someone deliver it to you today.”

 

“All right. I'll send you the address.”