Chapter 65
The moment those words landed, the restaurant fell silent.
Through the glass in front of him, Yu Chen stared hard at He Zhen’s eyes.
He saw it.
He Zhen was secretly smiling with bad intentions!
Holding back the heat on his face, Yu Chen picked up his bowl. “Forget it if you won’t say.”
“Even if the deal falls through, goodwill remains.” Crossing one leg over the other, He Zhen leisurely stared at Yu Chen’s reddened ears and could not resist reaching out to pinch one. “If you don’t want to kiss me, then I can kiss you instead.”
“You—” Yu Chen looked at him, embarrassed and annoyed. “He Zhen! You’ve changed! I officially suspect that you dated N different people while you were abroad!”
He Zhen let go of Yu Chen’s soft ear tip, but did not hurry to lower his hand. Instead, he held the back of Yu Chen’s neck and gently kneaded it. “Wouldn’t you know better than anyone whether I had someone or not? Saying that is a bit unfair to me.”
“I don’t know!” Yu Chen shot back stubbornly.
Just then, a WeChat message popped up.
[Song Wenjing: Yu Chen, are you really not going to think it over again? This opportunity is very hard to come by. I’d rather leave it to someone who’s genuinely interested in the project.]
Yu Chen did not avoid He Zhen and replied right in front of him: “Thank you for your kindness, but I’m a little busy this summer. If I joined, I’m afraid I’d hold up your progress.”
This time, Song Wenjing did not press any further.
“Why aren’t you participating?” He Zhen glanced at the screen. “Do you already have plans for the summer?”
“No plans.” Resting his chin on one hand, Yu Chen said with genuine regret, “I really do want to go, but that slot was arranged through my dad’s connections by Song Wenjing. You can’t accept a favor for free. I’d better refuse.”
He Zhen moved his bowl and chopsticks over and simply sat beside Yu Chen to eat.
“If he sincerely invited you, then just go. You can return the favor some other time.”
Yu Chen tilted his head. “Even if he’s pursuing me?”
He Zhen had been reaching for food, but his hand paused slowly in midair.
With one hand propping up his cheek, Yu Chen smiled teasingly. “He’s been pursuing me for a long time. He’s been confessing to me since the start of school.”
Holding his expression steady with effort, He Zhen said in a serious tone, “Then it’s still suitable to refuse.”
“You were encouraging me just now.” Yu Chen picked up his phone again. “If you ask me, maybe I should just agree.”
Suddenly—
He Zhen covered Yu Chen’s phone with his hand.
Trying not to laugh, Yu Chen put on an innocent look. “What?”
He Zhen said, “You’re not allowed to go.”
Yu Chen lifted the corner of his mouth. “What if I don’t accept him, but just keep a normal social distance?”
A crease formed between He Zhen’s brows. After setting down his chopsticks, he smoothly caught Yu Chen’s wrist and tugged him lightly toward himself.
Those gentle eyes abruptly sharpened and deepened, unconsciously giving Yu Chen a sense of pressure.
He Zhen’s grip was strong, holding Yu Chen in place so firmly that he could not move.
Seeing that he had truly made him angry, Yu Chen’s dark eyes shifted around, and he quickly backed down. “Alright, alright. I definitely won’t go. I was only teasing you.”
When He Zhen still refused to let go, Yu Chen deliberately called out, “Boss, it hurts.”
Only then did He Zhen loosen his hand slightly. “Give me the project book.”
Rubbing his wrist, Yu Chen muttered, “What do you want it for?”
He Zhen said, “If you’re interested in this area, I’ll help keep an eye out for opportunities. Do you want to participate in something like that over the summer?”
“Mm.” Holding his phone, Yu Chen leaned closer. “I like marine biology. I’ve got a lot of free time in the summer, so I want to participate in this kind of research. Of course, it doesn’t have to be marine-related. As long as I can get two months of practical experience, that’s fine.”
“I’ll help you look into it and let you know as soon as possible.”
“Sounds good.”
With that issue resolved perfectly, Yu Chen began telling He Zhen about the food festival. If he had the time, he was planning to buy some tools and go there in person to fry and sell starch sausages.
“I’ll have to make a sign too. Or come up with a name.”
Gnawing on a rib, Yu Chen asked, “Boss, what do you think my starch sausage stall should be called?”
He Zhen said, “Chubby Starch Sausage.”
“That’s way too tacky.” The name made Yu Chen laugh. “You’re supposed to be a young master who studied abroad, and your taste in names is this down-to-earth?”
He Zhen smiled. “Then you say one.”
Pressing his lips together, Yu Chen answered with a straight face, “Chencheng Starch Sausage.”
He Zhen’s cool gaze met Yu Chen’s.
The two of them could not hold it in and burst out laughing together.
That night, Yu Chen did not leave. Just like the night before, he slept in He Zhen’s bedroom.
He Zhen still had some work to handle, so after washing the dishes, he stayed by Yu Chen’s side, reading through documents under a single night lamp while coaxing Yu Chen to sleep.
At first, Yu Chen slept uneasily, looking over toward the right again and again. Only after seeing He Zhen leaning by the bed did he close his eyes in peace.
In the end, he directly took He Zhen’s left hand and pulled it under his own blanket, tucking it beneath his head like a pillow before finally falling fully asleep.
In the middle of work, He Zhen slowly lifted his gaze to Yu Chen’s sleeping face. Then he looked at the clock on the wall and only then realized that it was already one in the morning.
At that moment, he felt as though the whole world had turned gentle.
He set the documents down and quietly leaned closer to Yu Chen.
Yu Chen was sleeping soundly, and beneath each slow breath, his full lips brushed against He Zhen’s wrist from time to time, soft to the touch.
He Zhen’s gaze turned tender and dropped to the oversized sleepwear on Yu Chen’s body.
He leaned closer again and caught the scent of himself on Yu Chen.
The feeling was strangely magical, as though some switch had been turned on, stirring a fierce possessiveness deep inside him.
Lowering his lips, he lightly breathed in the scent from Yu Chen’s hair. Taking advantage of the moment Yu Chen turned over, he drew him into his chest.
Ever since seeing each other again, the two of them had not yet had the chance to truly hold each other properly.
He Zhen closed his eyes, his fingertips lightly hooking around Yu Chen’s slender wrist.
It had only been a few years, yet his Fat Baby had suddenly grown so thin. In his arms, he seemed so small, almost fragile.
He thought again of Yu Chen’s worries tonight.
What stood between them was not only Grandpa’s opposition, but also Li Huan.
Judging by what he knew of Li Huan, Li Huan might not necessarily agree to let the two of them be together.
But if he wanted Li Huan to truly feel safe handing Yu Chen over to him, then he first had to get past Grandpa’s obstacle.
Otherwise, with only words and no proof, how could he convince Li Huan that he could protect Yu Chen?
He Zhen gently rubbed his chin against Yu Chen’s hair and wrapped the quilt around him tightly.
The documents fell onto the tatami.
That night, He Zhen did not go over there at all. He held Yu Chen and slept with him the entire night.
Like this, Yu Chen stayed at He Zhen’s place for several days in a row. Yu Chen had hardly brought any clothes, and he used He Zhen’s daily necessities directly too.
Seeing that Yu Chen had not come home for so long for the first time ever, Li Huan began to feel a little uneasy. Once he learned Yu Chen was simply spending time with He Zhen, he only reminded him not to disturb He Zhen’s work too much before hanging up.
In the blink of an eye, the weekend arrived.
It was the day the He family officially held a family banquet for He Zhen.
That morning, nearly all the He family relatives came to visit, including several of Old Master He’s closest friends of many decades.
Yu Chen recognized most of those faces, and even saw He Congxing. He Congxing had not changed much. He was still pale and pretty, spoke in a soft voice, and was still very timid.
As the manager of the banquet arrangements, Li Huan was naturally the busiest of all.
Yu Chen felt bad for his dad, so he simply stayed by his side and helped out.
“Brother Yu Chen.” The moment He Congxing saw him, he ran over smiling. “Long time no see. I heard you got into Fudan.”
“That’s right.” Yu Chen curved his lips. “You’re in your final year of high school too now, right? The college entrance exam is only a few days away.”
“Yeah. I finally got a rare chance to come out and breathe.” Just like when he was little, He Congxing still had all kinds of snacks stuffed in his pockets. He handed some to Yu Chen. “Both you and Brother Zhen are good at studying. I want to follow your example.”
Yu Chen eagerly tore open the snack packaging. “Then later go soak up some of He Zhen’s academic god luck and get yourself some good fortune.”
He Congxing narrowed his eyes with a smile. “Sounds good.”
Just as the two of them were chatting happily, they suddenly heard several gossipy relatives talking in the hallway.
“I heard Old Master He and He Nan, as well as He Ling, haven’t seen each other in a very long time.”
“Who knows what the old master is thinking? He actually recognized someone else’s child as his grandson, yet ignores his own biological grandsons.”
“My younger sister works in the He family legal team. She secretly told me Old Master He’s will has already been drawn up. As for He Feng’s shares, he didn’t leave a single bit for his other two sons.”
“No way, right? They’re still his biological sons, after all.”
“Then give them something else besides group shares! But even a fool knows the group shares are the most valuable.”
“With He Feng’s current market value, He Zhen really struck gold. In the future, the He family will probably be all up to him.”
“Exactly. So why not hurry and curry favor with him? When He Zhen rises higher later, he might pull us along too.”
Yu Chen lightly pressed himself against the tiled wall and gave He Congxing an awkward smile.
He Congxing patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t listen to their nonsense. They’re just jealous Grandpa likes you.”
“Thanks.” Yu Chen tugged him along. “The banquet’s about to start. Let’s go eat.”
He Congxing said, “Come on.”
Before leaving, Yu Chen deliberately listened a little longer.
Those relatives seemed to be talking about He Zhen’s father.
It sounded like He Jingyue had returned to the country.
At noon, the family banquet officially began.
Before the meal started, Old Master He specifically instructed Li Huan to take a seat together with the relatives. Although Li Huan refused in every possible way, he still could not win against Old Master He.
Yu Chen, meanwhile, was brought by Old Master He to the main table, where he sat beside He Zhen.
He Zhen quietly asked, “Where did you go just now? I looked everywhere and couldn’t find you.”
Yu Chen smiled brightly. “I was helping my dad.”
A faint smile crossed He Zhen’s lips, and beneath the table, he quietly took Yu Chen’s hand.
Yu Chen’s pupils tightened, and his heart began thumping fast.
“Today’s family banquet is mainly to welcome Xiao Zhen home,” Old Master He said, looking in very good condition. Although his speaking voice was no longer as forceful as before, his breathing was steady and his complexion was fairly rosy.
“Xiao Zhen graduated from MIT a week ago and obtained a dual degree…”
Watching the proud look on Old Master He’s face, Yu Chen curved his lips and teased He Zhen, “Look at Grandpa. Doesn’t he look like one of those old men whose grandson scored a hundred points, so he goes around bragging to every relative during the New Year?”
He Zhen only smiled and said nothing.
“I’ve been carrying this group on my shoulders for so long now, and I’m truly tired. Ever since the group went public twenty years ago and foreign investors entered one after another, it has had to face challenge after challenge. Today, at last, I can hand that heavy burden to Xiao Zhen and let him continue guarding He Feng in my place.”
“At present, the share transfer to Xiao Zhen has already been completed. The portion originally meant for the in-law family was also given to Xiao Zhen in the end. Right now, our Xiao Zhen holds twenty-five percent of the shares, second only to me.”
“And once I retire completely in the future, all those shares will belong to him too.”
Before He Zhen came back, Old Master He had officially made a new will.
All his life, family affection had run thin for him. The son he had loved most had abandoned him. His other two sons were ruthless and utterly devoid of familial feeling. Other than his attachment to He Zhen, the only other person he still cherished was the daughter he had doted on since childhood.
After leaving the greater part of his estate to his daughter and grandson, he divided the rest as well, just enough to keep those two heartless sons from ending up out on the street.
At the very end, he had also left a portion for Yu Chen.
Over these past two and a half years, Yu Chen had accompanied him on walks and chats nearly every single day, and whenever he had time, he gave him massages too. The child was clever and well-behaved, and Old Master He truly liked him. If Yu Chen had been a girl, he would definitely have arranged a childhood engagement between him and He Zhen.
“Dad, on such a happy day, don’t say things like that.”
He Jinglin lifted her wineglass, her heart aching.
If she had never worked at He Feng, she never would have known how much her father had poured into this group. When he made his will, he had asked for her opinion. She had not chosen company shares, but instead took all the restaurant-related business. It would not be easy for He Zhen to shoulder the company alone, so as his aunt, this was her way of helping a little too.
“Fine, we won’t talk about it.” Old Master He laughed readily, and his gaze fell on Yu Chen’s face. “This child, Chencheng, is also my grandson. You people have no idea—if Chencheng hadn’t stayed by my side these past few years while Xiao Zhen was away, how lonely I would have been.”
Yu Chen’s brows bent with a smile. “You treated me so well ever since I was little. It’s only right that I keep you company.”
“Good child.” After taking a sip of tea, Old Master He turned to the relatives and started asking around. “If any of you know a good girl, keep an eye out for Chencheng. This child deserves someone responsible and clever, someone worthy of entrusting a lifetime to.”
He Zhen poured Old Master He another cup of water. “Grandpa, Chencheng is still young.”
Old Master He chuckled. “Then you’re not young anymore. When are you going to find someone and bring them home for me to see?”
The moment this topic came up, every relative’s interest was piqued.
Although they were all He family relatives, there were also many other connected branches through marriage and kinship. If one of the children from their side could really marry He Zhen, then the rest of their lives of wealth and comfort would be secured.
One aunt from the real estate side said, “Our Xiao Zhen really needs to choose his partner carefully. In the future, the stronger the alliance, the more brilliantly the group will flourish.”
Yu Chen’s grip on his chopsticks tightened, and his heart suddenly sank.
“If you ask me, he should marry into one of the great families in the north. My sister-in-law’s family business is very famous in Beijing. Their child is twenty this year. Should I play matchmaker and make an introduction?”
“Matters of marriage alliance need to be approached carefully. Old Master He, leave this matter to me. I’ll definitely find Xiao Zhen a good match.”
All around his ears came the clamorous discussion of everyone talking over each other.
Without exception, being properly matched in family background was treated as the basic condition.
Yu Chen lowered his head timidly, silently bearing the tension and pressure inside.
His whole body was taut, and he could clearly feel the sharp panic hidden deep in his chest.
“Thank you for everyone’s kindness.” A cool, mellow voice suddenly cut through the discussion. “But Grandpa and I don’t share the same view as the rest of you.”
Old Master He’s attention was drawn by He Zhen’s words, and his brows furrowed slightly.
Under the table, He Zhen quietly clasped Yu Chen’s hand and said seriously, “We have always believed that if a group is to keep developing and growing stronger, it cannot rely on outside forces alone. The reason Grandpa was able to lead He Feng onto the international stage was not because of a marriage alliance, but because of real ability.”
Old Master He approved of those words and silently nodded.
“The foundation Grandpa laid is already something extremely precious. Don’t you all think so? Or do you mean to say that our group is already in decline and needs outside force just to prop itself up?” He Zhen’s cold gaze slowly swept across the room, and the relatives who had just been talking most enthusiastically all fell silent at once, afraid Old Master He might turn hostile.
“Under Grandpa’s influence, I know that after taking over the group, what I need to do is continue digging deeper into its value and potential, open up new international horizons, and constantly strengthen the group’s own internal drive. Not sit around thinking about marriage alliances and how to gain short-term advantages.”
Old Master He smiled approvingly. “Ambitious.”
“So I appreciate everyone’s good intentions. But from now on, please don’t bring this up in front of me again.” He Zhen looked at them slowly. It sounded like gratitude, but it was also a warning.
Then, finally, He Zhen’s gaze settled on Old Master He’s face, carrying both resolve and sincerity. “And Grandpa and I have always believed that my future partner doesn’t need a distinguished family background, but they must have the right values and outlook on life. They must be someone who can advance and retreat with me together. If, when facing difficulty, they run off first, then what use is it if they look brilliant and dazzling on the surface? No matter how powerful their family is, they still won’t value the feelings between us.”
That last sentence struck straight into Old Master He’s heart. It also deeply shook those relatives at the table, each of them harboring their own selfish motives.
Old Master He suddenly thought again of his youngest son.
After steadying himself, he nodded at He Zhen. “Yes. And they must be responsible, someone who can stand firmly by your side no matter what happens.”
He Zhen’s expression grew thoughtful and intent. “Grandpa, thank you for supporting my view of love.”
Old Master He smiled in surprise. “Why are you being so polite with me?”
A slight curve touched He Zhen’s lips as he placed a rib into Yu Chen’s bowl, silently telling him not to worry.
Yu Chen hid his smile and took a big bite of the rib.
If he had not seen it with his own eyes, he never would have imagined the situation could turn out this way.
At that moment, the unease pressing on his heart finally vanished by more than half.
He secretly glanced at He Zhen, full of admiration.
These two years abroad had truly changed He Zhen a great deal. His every word and action now carried strategy.
Did MIT really teach things like that?
Unable to resist, Yu Chen quietly started chatting with He Zhen on WeChat.
[Yu Chen: Boss! You’re the boss I admire most in the world! From this moment on, I’m your loyal fan forever.]
[He Zhen: Hmm?]
[Yu Chen: You really know how to talk! As expected of MIT!]
[He Zhen: I rehearsed it for a long time in advance.]
The instant he saw that line, Yu Chen’s heart clenched hard.
So he had already been studying how to handle this for a long time.
A brief look of dazed emotion passed through him as he set down his phone.
Beside him, He Zhen had been observing every little reaction on Yu Chen’s face and sent him another message.
[He Zhen: Touched?]
Yu Chen lowered his head, hiding the sourness in his heart. “Mm. A little.”
[He Zhen: Then call me husband in advance and let me hear it.]
Yu Chen’s breathing trembled lightly, and his cheeks abruptly turned red.
He turned his head and looked at He Zhen, who was speaking with the relatives at ease as though nothing had happened, and his ears instantly started burning.
How had He Zhen become this shameless?
Before Yu Chen even had time to reply, another message came from He Zhen.
[He Zhen: If you’re embarrassed right now, tonight works too.]
Yu Chen’s face turned red again, helplessly.
He suddenly had the strangest feeling—as if they were having an affair in secret.
