CH 30

Qin Yishun got off work early, and it was only six o’clock when the two arrived at the restaurant’s parking lot.

Pei Yi looked at the cup of coffee that Qin Yishun had put into the vehicle’s small refrigerator, and looked at him in a daze.

Qin Yishun said, “Let’s eat first, Brother will drink it later.”

This cup of coffee was the first “gift” that Pei Yi had given him after many years. Qin Yishun regarded it as very important, and didn’t want to just treat it casually and drink it up.

Pei Yi nodded and let Qin Yishun make his own arrangements.

Seeing his obedient and well-behaved appearance, the always restrained Qin Yishun couldn’t help but reach out and rub Pei Yi’s head. The soft and delicate hair touched his palm, and the tickle brought by it softened the bottom of his heart.

Qin Yishun’s stern indifference, which he couldn’t lose in thousands of years, only vanished in front of his little brother. “Let’s get out of the car and eat.”

Because Pei Yi had come so suddenly, Qin Yishun was unprepared and could only temporarily book a high-scoring restaurant through his friends. The name was quite literary: “Desert Rose.”

Qin Yishun reported his relevant information, and after the manager confirmed it, he personally led the two of them to a private room upstairs.

“Mr. Qin, it is like this, because your reservation was last minute, we could only arrange the spare box at the end of the second floor for the time being, and the space will be slightly smaller.”

“I’ll arrange for the waiters to move your seats as soon as another guest box becomes available, is that all right?”

“It is.”

Qin Yishun was rightfully direct. He had heard that the food in this restaurant was good, so he wanted to bring Pei Yi to try something new.

As for the location, it was only the two of them. As long as the environment of the spare room wasn’t outrageous, then there was no problem.

The three of them took the elevator to the private box area on the second floor.

On both sides of the corridor was a “desert kiln” design, but the walls were covered with blooming roses of various colors, and the doors of the boxes were arranged in a staggered manner and named after the different names of various roses.

The overall atmosphere was the same as the name of the establishment, especially literary and artistic.

Pei Yi followed Qin Yishun, quietly observing the layout.

Suddenly, somebody stopped him from behind. “Little Mister Pei?”

This familiar voice reached his ears, and Pei Yi paused. He could only turn around—

Yan Cen, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, was standing at the corner. The light from behind was fragmented, casting a layer of gentle light and shadow across his profile and making his aura even more like untainted moonlight, especially outstanding.

There was a hint of surprise in the eyes hidden under gold-rimmed glasses, and Yan Cen walked steadily toward Pei Yi. “It’s really you, ah? Why is Little Mister Pei here tonight?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he met Qin Yishun, who had stopped as well.

The gazes of the two sides collided midair, seemingly calm but with completely different thoughts.

Yan Cen pushed his glasses up lightly and took the lead to break the deadlock. “Little Mister Pei wouldn’t have come to this restaurant alone. May I ask who you are?”

“Qin Yishun, Pei Y’s cousin.” Qin Yishun made the introduction cleanly, his eyes questioning him back.

“It’s the first time we’ve met. My name is Yan Cen. I’m Yueming’s good friend, and I met Little Mister Pei at a banquet before.” Yan Cen paused, and his eyes fell back on Pei Yi again. “By the way, Yueming shouldn’t know that Little Mister Pei is here, right?”

“……..”

Pei Yi dropped his eyes, feeling a bit guilty.

After he found Qin Yishun, in order to avoid making any mistakes, he only asked Uncle Kai to briefly explain the situation to the other party, and naturally didn’t know if the latter had conveyed it in his place.

Yan Cen had some understanding of Pei Yi’s situation. Seeing that he was silent, he could only look at Qin Yishun again. “Mr. Qin, is it just you two?”

Qin Yishun gave a slight nod.

Yan Cen took two steps forward and bypassed them, then simply pushed open the door of a box to the side. “It just so happens that Yueming is here tonight. How about we get together in the same box?”

When these words came out, Pei Yi’s heart skipped a beat.

In the exquisite private box, Bo Yueming and a bright and beautiful-looking woman with long hair were alerted by the sound outside at the same time.

“Yan Cen, didn’t you say you were going to make a call? Why did you hang around for so long?” The long-haired woman at the door got up and walked closer to investigate, and saw the people outside. “Who are these two?”

Yan Cen smiled and notified his friend with impaired vision, “Yueming, I happened to meet Pei Yi and his cousin, who also came to this restaurant for dinner.”

A trace of surprise flashed across Bo Yueming’s face, and he got up to approach with his weak eyesight and sense of direction. “Pei Yi?”

“…….”

God!

The world was a little too small!

How could they meet by chance while having a meal!

Pei Yi, who was called out, shrank his neck unnoticeably and said nothing.

Qin Yishun obviously had not expected this situation. He turned slightly to block his little brother. “Second Young Master Bo, shouldn’t you have known about Xiao Yi coming to see me?”

After all, with Pei Yi’s ability alone, he definitely couldn’t run out to find him independently, so he could only rely on the Bo family’s driver to pick him up.

When Bo Yueming heard that sentence, there was a trace of something subtle in his eyes.

Yes?

Shouldn’t he have known?

Qin Yishun didn’t know what Bo Yueming was thinking, and his gaze remained on the faces of Yan Cen and the long-haired woman for a moment. “It seems that Second Young Master Bo, Mr. Yan, and this lady have something important to discuss? Xiao Yi and I won’t bother you.”

“It isn’t a bother.”

Bo Yueming intercepted in time and didn’t forget to introduce, “Song Ci is our business partner, and she is also responsible for dealing with Sun Yelong’s affairs. Tonight, I’m specially hosting a dinner to thank her for what happened before.”

“Other than that, there are no other matters.”

There was a bit of weight to the last half of the sentence, which seemed to deliberately emphasize the explanation.

When Pei Yi heard this fairly familiar name, he remembered something from the original text.

Song Ci’s appearance in the book was very minor, but the few descriptions were brilliant. She was an absolutely independent career-oriented strong woman, and was currently the chief operating officer of G.M.

Song Ci’s parents were both doing business in Germany, and the family had some connections.

Not long ago, Yan Cen got in touch with her when she was still abroad. After finding the right contacts and probing them again and again, Sun Yelong’s “criminal evidence” was in hand.

Yan Cen pushed up his glasses, hiding a smile without saying anything.

Song Ci slightly restrained the curve of her lips and silently watched Pei Yi behind Qin Yishun—

She knew a little about Bo Yueming’s “forced” marriage, and at first she felt angry and helpless for her friend. 

But Pei Yi’s face in front of her was cute and fair, his actions and words were nothing out of the ordinary, and he was nothing at all like the fools and lunatics she had seen before.

Song Si revealed a smile again, and helped to certify, “Yes, I just returned to China today, and in addition to Bo Yueming’s thanks, this dinner can be regarded as the two of them welcoming me back. If you two don’t mind, let’s sit together?”

Qin Yishun calmly refused. “No.”

After finally getting the opportunity to have dinner with his little brother, he was unwilling to send Pei Yi to Bo Yueming.

Bo Yueming seemed to have expected Bo Yueming’s refusal, so he suddenly said, “Pei Yi, what time did you go out today? Who sent you out?”

“……..”

The thing that should not be said was said! He was done for.

Pei Yi, who had snuck out of the house, did not dare to answer. He feared that if Bo Yueming asked any further questions, even Qin Yishun would become suspicious.

Thus, he quickly walked to Bo Yueming’s side, grabbed his wrist, and shook it, playing the fool to change the topic, “Eat tasty things. Er-ge, I’m hungry.”

His voice was soft, and the last three words were a little coquettish.

Bo Yueming set aside his questions and took the initiative to hold his wrist. “Mr. Qin, since Pei Yi wants to stay here, what about you?”

Qin Yishun gave another cold internal scoff.

He didn’t know why, but he felt that Bo Yueming’s question stunk like he was showing off! He actually abducted his little brother with just a few words!

Qin Yishun maintained his expression. “Then let’s eat together.”

Unsurprised by his answer, Bo Yueming lightly tapped Pei Yi’s wrist with his fingertips, gesturing, “Come, sit with me.”

In the room was a square dining table surrounded by four sofas, so that apart from Pei Yi and Bo Yueming, the other three people could each occupy a spacious seat.

But unexpectedly—

Qin Yishun approached directly and then took up a generous space to the left on Pei Yi’s seat. “Second Young Master Bo, I’ll squeeze in here. I’m afraid it will be inconvenient for Pei Yi to eat alone, he needs to be taken care of.”

The implication was that he looked upon Bo Yueming with disdain for not being able to help him.

Bo Yueming didn’t refuse due to the other party’s status as an older brother. “Mr. Qin, feel free. There’s no need to squeeze.”

The formerly spacious sofa was filled by three people. Pei Yi, who was caught in the middle, looked left and then right. With an extremely guilty conscience, he became more honest and well-behaved, not daring to move.

Yan Cen took an electronic menu from the manager and handed it to Qin Yishun. “Mr. Qin, we ordered before. Can you see if anything needs to be added?”

Qin Yishun was straightforward, and added after a quick glance, “I’ll take a seafood platter, and add an extra serving of shrimp. Pei Yi likes it.”

The manager had a good eye.

He knew that the guests in this box were not common people, and noticed Pei Yi’s special behavior. “Then, would you like something to drink? We have orange, mango, and other freshly squeezed juices, and Mr. Yan just ordered a bottle of champagne.”

Upon hearing that there was alcohol, a glint of anticipation shone in the depths of Pei Yi’s eyes, and then was extinguished from the left and right.

Qin Yishun said, “Water is fine.”

Bo Yueming immediately replied, “Freshly squeezed orange juice, Pei Yi is allergic to mangoes.”

“…….”

Angry.

But he couldn’t speak.

Pei Yi, who was deprived of champagne once more, dared not speak out, and let the ones on the left and right decide for him.

The dishes were promptly served.

Qin Yishun himself was in no hurry to eat, and while wearing gloves, he peeled the fresh shrimp and crabs on the platter and put them into his little brother’s bowl one by one. “Xiao Yi, eat more.”

Pei Yi really liked to eat seafood, and it was a rare time when he didn’t have to peel it himself. He looked at the bowl that was filled with seafood in a short while, and the depression from not being able to drink disappeared.

“En!”

It was a simple one-word answer, with joy in the rising tone.

There was a hint of a smile in Qin Yishun’s voice as he continued to communicate with him patiently. “Eat quickly, I’ll peel as much as you want.”

Seeing the bowl full of crab and shrimp meat, Pei Yi thought that he shouldn’t be so heartless, so he picked up a peeled piece of shrimp and brought it to Qin Yishun’s mouth.

“Ah—”

“For me?”

Qin Yishun could hardly restrain his smile, completely forgetting that this shrimp was peeled by himself.

Recalling this, Pei Yi was obviously embarrassed, so he just picked up a few more shrimp and put them back into the other party’s bowl. He didn’t speak, but his clear meaning was—

Brother, you eat too.

Qin Yishun glanced at the “neglected” Bo Yueming on the right, and suddenly had a bit more of an urge to show off. “En, our family’s good Xiao Yi still knows how to treat his brother.”

Bo Yueming listened to the simple brotherly interaction, and the line of his jaw seemed to tense.

Having worked with him for many years, Yan Cen noticed this and met the eyes of Song Ci, who raised her glass knowingly. “Yueming, let’s have a drink together?”

“No, I need to drink less for the sake of my eyes.”

Bo Yueming came up with a suitable reason, then fumbled blankly to pick up the cup on the table. “I’ll drink juice like Pei Yi.”

As he spoke, he took two sips.

“……..”

Pei Yi watched helplessly as Bo Yueming picked up his cup, and even stopped eating the shrimp in his hand. “Huh?”

Bo Yueming asked, “What’s the matter?”

Pei Yi hesitated for a second. “Wrong. It’s mine.”

“Hm? I took your cup?” Bo Yueming asked back, only there was no obvious surprise on his face. “Then you drink my cup.”

Pei Yi hadn’t drank from this cup yet, so he nodded. “D-doesn’t matter.”

A gleam of light flashed in the depths of Bo Yueming’s eyes, and he suddenly mentioned, “You don’t seem to care about this sort of thing. You used the same spoon to feed me pudding last time.”

“…….”

Fed pudding with the same spoon?

How was that different from an indirect kiss?

The strength of Qin Yishun’s grip increased, instantly crushing a shrimp’s head.

On the sidelines, Yan Cen silently watched the confrontation and took a sip of champagne, his guess further confirmed. His friend had actually fallen in love with Pei Yi?

Where was the eating in this situation before him, ah, it was obviously a silent exchange between brother-in-law and brother-in-law!

Looking at it, Qin Yishun was rather partial to protecting Pei Yi, his little brother. It would definitely not be easy for Bo Yueming to gain the approval of his “brother-in-law” in the future.

. . . . . .

This improvised dinner came to an end before nine o’clock. Yan Cen and Song Ci had both drunk liquor, so they called for drivers to go back.

At the side entrance of the restaurant.

Qin Yishun looked at Pei Yi in front of him, and before he could speak, he heard Bo Yueming see the guests off first. “Mr. Qin, please go back. Pei Yi can just leave with me.”

Qin Yishun didn’t give in. “Young Master Bo is being courteous. Rest assured, I will send him back myself.”

“Brother.”

Pei Yi looked at Qin Yishun and said simply and clearly, “Bye-bye~”

“…….”

Qin Yishun was stunned for a moment, and felt a little depressed. “Xiao Yi, why don’t you want Brother to take you home?”

Pei Yi sucked the last mouthful of double layer milk custard brought out from the table into his stomach, then looked contently at Qin Yishun and advised, “Too far, going to bed late isn’t good.”

The Bo family manor was a bit far from here, and even father from where Qin Yishun lived. If the other party insisted on sending him back, it would take nearly two hours at least.

Anyway, he and Bo Yueming were going to the same place, so why should Qin Yishun have to go back and forth?

After spending this period of time together, Bo Yueming already understood Pei Yi’s way of thinking. “Mr. Qin, Pei Yi feels that the journey back and forth is too long and would waste time and energy, and that going home too late will affect your rest.”

He paused for a moment, and said as if to assuage him, “Pei Yi is thinking of you.”

Qin Yishun naturally understood this point. When he heard this sentence, his severe expression smoothed out a little. “Of course I know Xiao Yi is thinking of me.”

Pei Yi had already felt the full force of Qin Yishun’s “brother complex,” and said with a smile, “Bye-bye~”

Qin Yishun was infected by his little brother’s smile. Despite how serious his face was, he couldn’t hold back anymore and gave a faint smile, rubbing Pei Yi’s head. “Okay, I’ll listen to Xiao Yi.”

After speaking, he looked at Bo Yueming again. “Second Young Master Bo, I will trouble you.”

Bo Yueming gave a faint nod. “It’s no trouble.”

Qin Yishun didn’t procrastinate any longer. He turned around and walked toward the parking lot.

It wasn’t until he sat back in the vehicle that he remembered the undrunk coffee in the refrigerator, and quickly took it out with the dome light on.

Qin Yishun, who never liked to drink coffee, raised the cup and took a sip. The bitter liquid instantly filled his mouth, making him frown uncontrollably.

This coffee was worse than traditional Chinese medicine! The mouth was bitter, but the heart was sweet!

When the coffee was held in his big hand, it looked like just a small cup. Qin Yishun inexplicably thought of Pei Yi’s small figure, and suddenly felt that the cup in his hand looked a little cute.

En, his little brother gave it to him, and he really liked it the more he looked at it.

This cup of coffee must be commemorated!

The cup sleeve was soaked with water. Qin Yishun took a paper towel and wiped the outer wall of the cup until it shone, then picked up the phone—

Using his amateur camera technique, he took several pictures in a row and then selected the most satisfactory one.

He clicked on his circle of friends, where he had never posted any updates, then uploaded the photo and typed while smiling:

“Coffee from my little brother. Good night.”

—Whoosh!

Not long after it was sent out to his circle of friends, he received likes and replies from former comrades-in-arms, friends, and company subordinates, and the first comment was extremely mocking—

“Captain Qin, is the sun rising in the west today? Drinking coffee late at night? You call that a good night?”

Qin Yishun replied solemnly: En, I’m saying goodnight to my brother.

After replying, he forcefully “liked” and continued to drink the coffee.

. . . . . .

Forty minutes later, the car parked in the villa’s garage.

Driver Lao Fu turned around and reminded, “Mr. Bo, Little Sir, we’re home.”

Bo Yueming opened his eyes and ordered, “Understood. Lao Fu, you get out of the car first, and tell Uncle Kai that he doesn’t need to come down and wait. Pei Yi and I will come up later.”

Pei Yi was taken aback, and paused halfway through taking off his seatbelt.

For some reason, he suddenly senses the oppression of a coming storm.

Driver Lao Fu glanced at Pei Yi, but still obeyed his boss’s orders and got out of the car, leaving without looking back.

The car door slammed, making Pei Yi’s heart jump.

“……”

Pei Yi looked at Bo Yueming, who was slowly turning toward him, and planned to strike first, “Er-ge, I’m sleepy.”

“Sleepy?”

Bo Yueming located Pei Yi’s figure with the help of the dim dome light. “I’ll ask you two questions, and I’ll let you go to sleep after asking them.”

Pei Yi was struck silent, and accepted his fate.

Contriving this and that, he was able to coax Qin Yishun, who was a brother-protecting madman, but he still couldn’t escape the keen mind of the “villain” Bo Yueming.

Who would have thought there would be such a coincidence? They met at every meal.

Pei Yi cursed his luck and lowered his head, quietly awaiting Bo Yueming’s response, and hummed in affirmation.

Hearing his reluctant tone, Bo Yueming suppressed his helplessness and inwardly set up his questions. “You ran out secretly today. It wasn’t your elder brother who picked you up, isn’t that right?”

“……”

Pei Yi silently admitted it.

Bo Yueming asked again, “Where did you get the money?”

Pei Yi shook his head and said nothing.

He had some spare change on WeChat, so he secretly applied for a bank card when he went out today for convenience.

Bo Yueming allowed the silence to spread, and the suspicion in his heart was gradually confirmed—

Pei Yi was not a “fool.” He at least had the ability to go out and find someone independently.

Or he had just pretended from the beginning. That was why when dealing with Bo Guancheng, Bo Wang, and others, he always used the most “foolish” and blunt remarks to stab them.

As for why he was pretending to be a fool? Bo Yueming had no way of knowing for now.

However, Pei Yi had never done anything to hurt the Bo family since entering the Bo residence, and even gave him timely comfort when his heart’s defenses were weak.

Bo Yueming carefully distinguished his drooping little head, and suddenly didn’t want to poke at Pei Yi like this.

His eyesight was gradually recovering.

Since Pei Yi loved to play and act for a “certain purpose,” Bo Yueming wanted to act with him. He would see what this little cat wanted to do in the end.

“……..”

Pei Yi, who thought he had done something wrong, felt his heart beating like a drum.

He did not fear the heavens or the earth, but he was afraid of the unspeaking villain.

Glancing covertly at Bo Yueming, he gave an uncertain hum, “Er-ge?”

“In the future, don’t run around without telling me. Whether you want to find Mr. Qin or your mother and sister, you must tell me. I will have driver Lao Fu take you there with bodyguards.”

No matter whether Pei Yi was intentionally pretending or not, no matter if he had the ability to protect himself, Bo Yueming didn’t want him to be in danger, and he didn’t want to have a repeat of what happened at the celebration banquet.

Not only did Bo Yueming not blame him, but he even explained himself patiently and considerately.

Pei Yi tried hard to distinguish Bo Yueming’s tone, and after confirming that the other party didn’t notice his loopholes or investigate deeply, the big rock on his heart was dropped again.

To be honest, it was very comfortable to stay with the Bo family. He was just on the right track to make money now, and he couldn’t leave yet.

At this thought, Pei Yi nodded honestly. “En.”

When Bo Yueming heard his honest and well-behaved voice, he said with deep implications, “If I find you sneaking away again, you will be punished.”

“…….”

It went in Pei Yi’s right ear and out his left. He was not afraid of Bo Yueming’s “warning” at all, and was even thinking up countermeasures.

Anyway, Bo Yueming hadn’t reached his time of recovery yet. If he could run the first time, he could run the second time. It was just that he couldn’t take risks like today before the necessary time.

The light of the headlights was extremely dim, and Bo Yueming only felt that his vision was going dark and then bright again.

Suddenly, the area he was concentrating on became clear, and Bo Yueming captured a face that couldn’t be fairer, far more cute and good-looking than he had imagined.

At this moment, Pei Yi had his head lowered and was secretly playing with the seatbelt with his fingertips.

“……”

When they met for the first time, it turned out that the kitten looked like this.

Bo Yueming was stunned for a few seconds. The corners of his mouth rose. “Pei Yi, did you hear that?”

As soon as he spoke, the person in front of him yawned a bit and nodded like a chicken pecking rice, saying perfunctorily, “En, en, en!”

*

T/N: Ah, Qin Yishun is my ideal man. Strong, capable, and kind.