translator: Oyen editor: Ciel
Probably because last night’s dream was too vivid, Chu Yan felt a strong sense of heartache when he woke up the next morning. Getting up, he awkwardly washed his face, before going to take a cold shower.
He had assumed that his evil thoughts towards Zhu Qingyue were only an impulse. As long as he stayed away from Qingyue, time would erase everything.
But clearly, he had been wrong.
In the past three years, not only had he not forgotten about Zhu Qingyue, but also thought about him all the time, and couldn’t sleep peacefully at night.
Those dreams kept tormenting him, his memories of the past constantly surfacing; the child who slept in his arms because he was afraid of the cold after they went to Hangzhou, little Qingyue who secretly burst into tears backstage, the rookie captain who stood in the limelight bravely despite the pressure, and the tender, jade-like teenager that Qingyue had grown into… all these images were too clear to be ignored.
It wasn’t a moment of impulse, but rather, a strong love for Zhu Qingyue that had been nurtured day by day—— he truly loved Zhu Qingyue. Although he never wanted to admit it, Zhu Qingyue had long since found a way into his heart and touched the softest string at the bottom, so that he could never forget it.
Closing his eyes, Chu Yan stood under the shower head. The cold water that poured down finally extinguished his strong physiological reaction in the morning.
Recalling those absurd scenes where he was kissing Zhu Qingyue in his dream, Chu Yan clenched his fist, slamming it into the bathroom wall. The sharp pain finally calmed him down. Turning off the shower, Chu Yan kept his face expressionless as he walked out in a bathrobe, dried his hair in front of a mirror, changed into a suit and tidied himself meticulously, before grabbing his car keys and heading out.
After driving to the Qingyang Electronic Technology Company headquarters, he parked his car in the underground garage, and took the elevator all the way to the office area on the 10th floor.
Many colleagues greeted him respectfully as he walked past. “Good morning, director Chu.”
Maintaining his cold expression, Chu Yan simply offered a nod.
Noticing his bad mood, the colleagues who passed by didn’t dare provoke him, cleverly making excuses to avoid him.
Chu Yan ignored all of this, heading straight for his office and taking a seat, before dialing a number and calling two people over. “The cooperation with Mojue has been finalised. I’ve already sent the information about Mojue’s members to the office. Xiao Lin, you will need to discuss with manager Meng of the marketing department about which players are more suitable for which endorsement and write a detailed supplementary agreement today. Xiao Zhang, contact the advertising companies you’ve worked with before, introduce the products to them, and ask them to come up with a set of advertising programs as soon as possible.”
“Understood, director Chu.” Both of them responded in unison.
Chu Yan waved his hand. “You may leave now.”
Both of them immediately withdrew from his office, thoughtfully shutting the door behind them.
Rubbing his temple, Chu Yan stood up and walked over to the french windows.
Looking at the bustling scene of high-rise buildings outside the window, an unspeakable sadness made itself known in his heart.
In fact, before the Pure Cleansing team was established, he was a student at the Department of Electronic Engineering in a famous university, and even won a prize in a domestic design competition with Zhu Ran. After retiring, he went back to school to successfully earn his degree in electronic engineering. With his qualifications, it was not difficult to find a better company, but he came to Qingyang Electronic Technology Company to work in the R&D department. One of the reasons was because this company belonged to the Zhu family. Zhu Ran could not gain a foothold in the company because he was young, so Chu Yan came to help his friend. On the other hand, Zhu Qingyue’s father left all his fortune to his only son after his death, which meant that Zhu Qingyue had become the second largest shareholder in the company since the age of 18.
By coming to this company, in addition to help his best friend, Zhu Ran, more importantly, he had been unable to let go of that little apprentice…
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. Chu Yan turned around and answered. “Come in.”
The person who just walked in was Zhu Ran, the best friend who grew up with Chu Yan, and the current CEO of the company.
When Zhu Ran took over as CEO, many people did not accept him because he was too young. After his arrival, Chu Yan made use of his unique skills to help him out. Several products that Chu Yan developed sold well and were often out of stock, causing the company’s market value to almost double. The both of them gained a firm foothold in the company together, and naturally, their relationship also became closer than when they were young.
Because of this, Zhu Ran didn’t put on any airs in front of his best friend, choosing to smile at Chu Yan. “I heard you were back, so I came to visit. Going to Beijing again, did the project with Peerless Jianghu go well this time?”
“Things are going smoothly,” Chu Yan replied. “The technical difficulties have been successfully overcome. After the officials approve, the products will be launched next month.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“What about the endorsement,” Zhu Ran continued to ask. “Still using the local Dragon Song club?”
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Zhu Ran was lost for a few moments, before realising that he was talking about Zhu Qingyue, and smiled. “Qingyue mentioned it to be. Originally, I wanted him to help the company after his retirement, but Qingyue said that he didn’t know anything about electronic products, and that he wouldn’t be able to help much. Besides, he wanted to keep playing, so I let him go. In any case, he has grown up, and I don’t want to interfere too much.”
“You don’t want to interfere too much?” Chu Yan paused. “Will you not interfere if he falls in love?”
“Fall in love? Our family’s Qingyue is shy, and should not have had a girlfriend?” Thinking for a moment, Zhu Ran changed his answer. “However, he is already so big, it’s normal if he wants to fall in love. As long as Qingyue likes his girlfriend, I won’t object.”
“What if it’s a boyfriend?”
“…Ah?”
“What would you do if Qingyue was abducted by a man?” Chu Yan joked.
“Impossible.” Zhu Ran frowned. “Qingyue’s sexual orientation is normal. How can he be with a man? A-Yan, it’s better for you not to joke about something like this.
Chu Yan lowered his gaze. “I know, I’m sorry.”
Standing up, Zhu Ran patted his shoulder. “You’re also not young anymore, don’t busy yourself with your work all day. What kind of girl do you like? How about I introduce someone to you?”
Chu Yan smiled. “There’s no need.”
After sending Zhu Ran off, Chu Yan also felt ridiculous—— Liking his good brother’s nephew, how could such a dog blood drama happen to him? Chu Yan was a man who had never experienced any hardship since childhood, but he ended up stumbling on his little apprentice and couldn’t get up for three years. Saying it aloud really made it sound like a joke.
……
In the afternoon, Xiao Lin knocked on the door and delivered a supplementary agreement to Chu Yan, which was drawn up after she discussed it with the marketing manager. It clearly stated that Qin Mo and Xiao Han would endorse the main product of the VR glasses, while the pair of sisters, Liu Xiang and Liu Hong, would endorse the brand-new projection equipment. Zhu Qingyue would be responsible for the LCD lightscreen panel, and the remaining four newcomers would take over the keyboard and mouse advertisements, which would be in print.
This time, the mechanical keyboard and mouse were not the main products, so it didn’t matter if they allowed the newcomers to show their faces. However, all the other items needed to be endorsed by famous players, so the marketing department’s choice was quite reasonable.
Chu Yan had no objections, and approved the proposal. “Let’s do it this way then, thanks for your hard work.”
He faxed the contract to Dragon Song club for Qin Mo and Xiao Han to take a look. Qin Mo also felt that there were no problems with the contract, and the cooperation was settled.
The advertising company quickly made several good plans, and the two sides happily agreed on the shooting time.
……
Three days later, Mojue’s team members arrived at the Qingyang Electronic Technology Company headquarters by car. Meng Ke, the marketing manager, went to greet them personally, before bringing everyone to the studio. Both the photographers and the advertising company’s planners explained the itenary and matters of consideration, before sending the Mojue team to change into the prepared outfits.
Since today was the printed advertisement shoot, they only needed to pose for a bit. However, the team members were still worried. After all, they weren’t professional models. During the shoot, their expressions and actions were a little too stiff. Fortunately, the photographers were very good at easing the atmosphere, and the members completed their photoshoots smoothly. Han and Mo were up first, then the sisters pair of Liu Xiang and Liu Hong. The four newcomers went up as a single group, leaving Zhu Qingyue as the last person.
With a shy smile, Zhu Qingyue walked under the spotlights. “Um, what should I do?”
The photographer’s eyes lit up upon seeing that all of Mojue’s team members had such high face values. Just now, the attractiveness of the Twin Stars was comparable to those of actual idols. Unexpectedly, the temperament of this player was also very unique.
“Hold the LCD lightscreen panel in your hand and take a few shots first.” The girl next to him who was in charge of the advertisement planning suggested.
Nodding, Zhu Qingyue took the prop from the staff. “This isn’t connected to a power supply, can it be switched on?”
The beautiful woman laughed. “It will be handled later.”
Zhu Qingyue’s face turned red. Without saying anything else, he took the tablet and focused on the shooting.
Walking into the studio, Chu Yan saw this scene—— a young man wearing light gray trousers and cream-coloured, low collar cashmere sweater, sitting there with a lightscreen panel in his hands. Zhu Qingyue was smiling at the camera, his face lit with a soft halo, like a prince out of a comic.
Chu Yan involuntarily stopped where he stood, gaze fixed unwaveringly on Zhu Qingyue.
While praising Zhu Qing’s beauty, the photographer pressed the shutter and prompted him to change his actions. Zhu Qingyue also acted in accordance with the photographer’s request.
The planning girl next to him was satisfied. “It’s almost enough for one person shooting. Let A-Ning go over and cooperate with him, and then shoot a pair shot.”
A curly-haired beauty with a hot figure and a tight miniskirt stepped forward gracefully. She was a model invited by the company to cooperate with the production of printed advertisements. The planning sister felt that Zhu Qingyue’s photos were a bit monotonous, so she took the initiative and wanted him to take photos with the model.
Zhu Qingyue knew that this was just an advertisement, and there was nothing to reject. However, this model sister was a bit bold, coming over and putting her hand on his shoulder, almost as if they were an intimate couple. Zhu Qingyue had never been in such close contact with a girl, to the point where he could smell her perfume. Zhu Qingyue looked a little lost, his cheeks automatically flushing red.
“Hey, don’t be shy!” The planning girl commented. “Move closer, treat her as your girlfriend for the time being, put your arms around her waist and behave naturally!”
The model smiled, and whispered in his ear, “This is just an advertisement, handsome. I won’t eat you, so why are you hiding?”
Zhu Qingyue felt even more embarrassed, and his shaking hands almost threw away the lightscreen panel.
He was shy and had never been in love. It was really difficult for him to act as a couple…
Qin Mo was about to talk to the planning girl when a low voice sounded behind him. “Do you have to shoot such a senseless scene? They are esports players, not entertainment stars.”
The voice was calm, seemingly without any fluctuations, but the girl in charge of the planning somehow heard a hint of anger.
Feeling a chill go down her spine, the planning girl turned back awkwardly. “Director- director Chu.”
Why did this great god suddenly appear on the site?
Chu Yan stepped forward, his expression incomparably cold. “Are you misunderstanding the nature of esports? We sell high-tech products, not chocolate and milk tea. We don’t need couples showing love to drive our sales!”
His voice was deliberately low, and coupled with a strange roughness. Clearly, Chu Yan’s expression was not happy.
“I’m- I’m sorry.” The girl immediately apologized. “We’ll change the plan right away!”
Next to her, Meng Ke, manager of the marketing department, also walked forward. “Director Chu, we only took photos for printed advertisements today. We have taken enough photos, so we should be able to pick out some that can be used. Several plans have been provided for video advertising. After all, this series of products are the company’s main products. Since you know more about esports than I do, would you like to check it yourself?”
Chu Yan nodded. “Alright, you can show me the plan.”
Both of them went to the side, opening the laptop to discuss the plan, while Zhu Qingyue stood under the light, blushing. Fortunately, after Chu Yan came out to the rescue, he no longer had to work with the model to take couple photos. Zhu Qingyue ran to the dressing room to change his clothes back, and planned to return to the base with the team members who had already changed their clothes.
In the end, when he walked out of the dressing room, Chu Yan was leaning against the window while smoking. The man seemed very upset, frowning as he fiddled with the cigarette. The outline of the man’s handsome face became a little blurred in the smoke. Stunned, Zhu Qingyue stepped forward. “Master, don’t smoke so much, it’s not good for your health.” Zhu Qingyue said softly.
Spitting out a smoke ring, Chu Yan extinguished the cigarette butt easily, turning to stare at Zhu Qingyue. “You aren’t even my wife, why care about me so much?”
“…” Zhu Qingyue frowned. He was also unhappy with his kindness being treated as ill intentions. “Alright, I won’t care about you. Go smoke as many cigarettes as you like.” He took a few steps forward, before turning back to add another line. “Master, thank you for training me in the past few years. I have always been grateful… But since you hate me so much as an apprentice, then… Let’s have nothing to do with each other.”
Since childhood, Zhu Qingyue had a gentle temperament and rarely lost his temper, but Chu Yan has repeatedly stepped on his kindness. He had his own pride, and didn’t want to continue pestering his master shamelessly. Thinking of this, Zhu Qingyue clenched his fists tightly and lowered his head. “I’ll go, and I won’t bother you again in the future.”
Looking at the thin figure turning away, Chu Yan could feel his heart slowly dying, but he was very glad—— glad that he had successfully forced himself to hold back, and refrained from rushing over to hug him.
His vision blurred, before darkening completely.
A loud ‘bang’ came from behind. Startled, Zhu Qingyue turned around, only to see that Chu Yan had fainted, falling to the ground.
Zhu Qingyue: “…”
No way! I didn’t faint despite you angering me, so why are you the one fainting?
Taking a quick step forward, Zhu Qingyue gently touched his forehead, only to find that the man’s temperature was terribly hot!
“Master? Master, how are you? Can you hear me?” Zhu Qingyue gently shook him, yet Chu Yan did not respond. Unable to carry the man, Zhu Qingyue called Zhu Ran in a panic. “Hello, uncle, are you in the company? I’m on the third floor, dressing room side… I’m fine, don’t worry, I’m really fine… it’s Chu Yan, he passed out…”
Zhu Ran hurried over as quickly as he could. Seeing the passed out Chu Yan, Zhu Ran reached out and probed his forehead, before swearing. “F*ck, I knew it, this guy has been distracted for several days. How can he not even know that he is sick? Dumb*ss!”
Zhu Qingyue looked embarrassed. “Uncle, do you want to take him to the hospital?”
Thinking for a moment, Zhu Ran replied. “He’s usually in good health. It’s just a fever, so he should have no problem. First, send him back to take some medicine; if things get worse, then send him to the hospital.” He picked up Chu Yan, saying as he walked. “Qingyue, what are you doing this afternoon? I have a very important meeting later, can you look after him first?”
Zhu Qingyue hesitated for only a moment. “Okay.”
Although he was angry at Chu Yan just now, and even said “I won’t bother you again in the future”, Zhu Qingyue still couldn’t bear to leave him.
Zhu Qingyue sent a text message to Qin Mo asking for leave this afternoon, before shoving his phone back into his pocket, quickly sending Chu Yan home with his uncle.
……
Chu Yan didn’t live far away, and the drive was only ten minutes long. While Zhu Ran carried him to the door, Zhu Qingyue was in charge of searching for the keys to open the door.
The apartment was small and simply decorated. Zhu Ran had obviously been here before; he carried Chu Yan to the bedroom, taking off his shoes and placing him on the bed, before feeding him the antipyretic medicine that they had just bought outside the community. He then checked Chu Yan’s heart rate and pulse.
Zhu Qingyue blinked. His uncle seemed familiar with a doctor’s practices. “Uncle, did you study medicine?”
Looking at his watch, Zhu Ran realised that it was already 12:30pm. “Qingyue, I have to go,” he hurriedly instructed. “My meeting is at 2:00pm, I’m going to be late. Take care of your master first, check his temperature with the thermometer. If the situation changes for the worse, send him to the hospital opposite the community.”
Zhu Qingyue nodded. “En, you can go to work first, uncle.”
Zhu Ran rushed away in a hurry, and the room suddenly quietened down.
Placing the thermometer under Chu Yan’s armpit, Zhu Qingyue ran to the bathroom to pick up a basin of cold water. Rinsing the towel, he placed it on Chu Yan’s forehead.
After finishing all this, Zhu Qingyue sat down beside the bed and looked around. The room was extremely simple, with no wallpaper on the walls, and only a bed, wardrobe and two bedside cabinets. The curtains were gray, causing the room to feel a little cold. Zhu Qingyue’s gaze suddenly stopped—— he had accidentally found a photo frame on the bedside table by the window. To his surprise, it was… his photo?
Walking over, Zhu Qingyue picked up the frame. It was a photo taken a few years ago, at the club’s entrance.
The teenager in the photo had just reached the age of 18, still a little young compared to him now, but no longer as naive as when he was a child. The teenager was smiling shyly at the camera. At that time, he was already the captain of the Pure Cleansing team. Chu Yan threw him a grand birthday celebration, and took a picture of him by the club’s entrance as a souvenir.
The picture taken on his eighteenth birthday… Why did his master place it on the bedside table?
Me going aw…so the uncle is one of the obstacles….
And also, so you’ve been to his room and didn’t saw the picture? /cough Tho I’m a liiiitle mad how he refers to ZQY as normal to implied he’s straight hmph!!😤
Chu Yan’s body was more honest lol It was saying to ZQY “Don’t go” lmao It hurts tho how his heart was dying aw ; ;
/Chu Yan trying to get rid of his love /Also Chu Yan: /put the pic of his love in frame beside his bed
And now ZQY found out XD
Thank you for the chapter!🥰🥰
Indeed, the uncle will be the obstacle 👀
Chu Yan, who want and not want to give up.. saying he didn’t care about ZQY in his mouth, but his body says otherwise~
You’re welcome!! 💕
Ohh will he find out Chu Yan’s interest for him haha
Thanks!
He will lmao, and it will be hilarious 😏
You’re welcome! 😘
Oh hohohooh 😏
The author is really moving this story line along quickly, I like it 💕
Thanks for the chapter!!!
Placing a bet on him waking up in a daze to Qingyue sleeping in the bed with him, thinks it’s a dream and kisses him…
Ohhhh that would be wonderful
You will like it, this will be fast 😏
Hmm, your guess almost 80% right 👀
Chu yan… if you’re going to go so far to make him hate you so he’ll leave you alone… you might as well just tell him the reason and get it over with because clearly the distancing thing isn’t working.
Actually, i think he was afraid that ZQY will disgusted with him. He want to avoid him all his life. Unexpectedly, they meet again 🙈
:O because you finally came of age? Because he loves you and you’re beautiful? Because this maybe is the final photo he had of you alone?
Oh, I’m so excited about this CP! Chu Yan, you dummy! Did you stress yourself into a fever?
Thank you for the chapter!
lol, that’s right! He stress himself into a fever 🤣
Maybe it’s Qingyue most beautiful photo in Chu Yan’s mind 😌
because he misses you and can’t tell you. also i bet qin mo was expecting something like this to occur after their photoshoot, and was like “it’ll help your playing in the long term, so sure”
this is unrelated but my cat died and i hope there are many cat gods around to take care of her until she moves on to her next life! :’)
Qin Mo hopes that Qingyue will overcome the knot with his master..
So sad😭 I also hope she will be cared by cat gods until her next life..
yeah, by tying the knot! (get married;)
i’m actually devastated about this but i know my cat wouldn’t want me to hurt myself out of misery.
get married 😍😍
That’s right, your cat wouldn’t if you hurt yourself, he would wish for you to be happy, cheer up !🤗
Sigh. I understand Chu Yan’s dilemma but Its sad to see them hurting each other.
Thanks for the chapter
I also felt sad for both of them 😭
You’re welcome!!
He will find out the truth…so exciting haha
～ \ （≧ ▽ ≦ ） / ～
I really hope this heart knot will be resolved soon, and not like by the end of the whole book. I might just pass away otherwise 💀