Bo Jin had been in Shuicheng for the past few days.
Shuicheng bordered Shencheng, and although the two cities were close—just under an hour by high-speed train—their development trajectories were vastly different.
In recent years, Shencheng’s economy had declined, leading many businesses to leave and resulting in a significant population loss.
Shuicheng, on the other hand, had seized a moment of reform, attracting numerous high-tech companies, and had since become a national technology hub. Any advanced technology company, even if not headquartered in Shuicheng, would at least set up a branch here.
Wen Yong’s team was also based here.
Initially, Bo Jin hadn’t wanted to come.
They had signed a contract earlier stating that unless there was an emergency, Wen Yong wouldn’t disturb Bo Jin’s daily life.
But lately, Wen Yong had broken that promise several times.
Out of their childhood connection, Bo Jin had let it slide, helping out when he could. However, Wen Yong had only pushed further, becoming more and more demanding each time.
This time was no exception; he’d been vague over the phone, making Bo Jin think it was something serious. And since he needed to make an appearance at the annual event anyway, he agreed to go.
But when he arrived, he found the project was going great, and all Wen Yong wanted was to accelerate the current research.
“In such a hurry?” Bo Jin lit a cigarette and said coolly, “Are you running out of money, Brother Yong?”
Although his words were blunt, Wen Yong wasn’t offended. Instead, he gave a tolerant smile, maintaining his “big brother” demeanor. “I know I’ve been asking a lot of you lately, but—”
He gave Bo Jin a lingering look, as if hesitant to continue.
Bo Jin raised his chin, signaling him to go on.
He was curious to hear what excuse Wen Yong would come up with.
“Shen Family recently made a major investment in facial recognition, so they must have achieved a significant technological breakthrough,” Wen Yong said. “It’s not that I’m afraid of falling behind, since we collaborate with many companies and can coast on past successes. But the Shen Family…”
He sneered. “Call me petty or grudge-bearing if you want, but I can’t let go of how they treated you back then. I just want to surpass them and show them—”
“Stop,” Bo Jin interrupted. “I don’t even remember those things.”
“Impossible,” Wen Yong retorted instinctively. “You have hyperthymesia, don’t you?”
Bo Jin’s expression turned icy.
“Sorry, that was out of line,” Wen Yong said, awkwardly falling silent.
Bo Jin held his cigarette with a faint smile.
“It’s fine; I do have hyperthymesia. I remember you with a runny nose, or getting punched black and blue by classmates for scheming behind their backs.”
Wen Yong’s face darkened instantly.
Having grown up in an orphanage, he was fiercely proud, remembering anyone who’d slighted him. And now, being confronted like this was infuriating.
“Angry?” Bo Jin said with a slight smile, as if he hadn’t noticed Wen Yong’s dark expression. “Come on, Brother Yong, it’s just a joke.”
Wen Yong held his composure, pretending not to notice Bo Jin’s intentional jab, and quickly adjusted his tone. “I know you too well.”
Something felt off.
Bo Jin narrowed his eyes.
The reason he’d made those remarks wasn’t just because of Wen Yong’s loose tongue; he also wanted to gauge Wen Yong’s attitude toward him.
In the past, he would have immediately reprimanded him.
But now, he brushed it off lightly.
Finding various reasons to draw Bo Jin back to the orphanage and repeatedly pressuring him to push forward with the project—what exactly was Wen Yong up to?
Just as this thought crossed his mind, Bo Jin heard Wen Yong say, “No matter what, I’ll need your help for a while longer. Luckily, it’s the holidays, so it shouldn’t disrupt your schedule too much.”
The conversation had circled back to this point.
Bo Jin thought for a moment.
“No way,” he said lazily, flicking his cigarette ash. “I’m finally getting a break… even a farm donkey wouldn’t be worked this hard.”
“Come on,” Wen Yong urged, trying once more, “just one last time, okay? If I had your skills, I wouldn’t trouble you.”
“I don’t have time.”
“Oh, please, Little Bo.” Wen Yong clearly didn’t believe him, half-smiling. “The holidays are long, and it’s not like you have homework.”
Having watched Bo Jin grow up, Wen Yong knew his habits all too well.
He would rarely pay attention in class, never do homework, yet always managed to score top marks.
This was precisely why Wen Yong harbored resentment toward Bo Jin.
Why should he achieve everything effortlessly, things that Wen Yong longed for, while remaining so nonchalant about it all?
Forcing down his churning emotions, Wen Yong pleaded once more, “Just do me this favor, won’t you? The company is partly yours, after all.”
It was true Bo Jin had a stake in it.
Bo Jin smirked, but that wasn’t his only skill; he had plenty of other projects in mind. Wen Yong, on the other hand, depended on this one to survive.
“Still no time,” Bo Jin said, extinguishing his cigarette and fiddling with his lighter. “I’m busy dating.”
“You’re dating?” Wen Yong was startled but didn’t quite believe him.
Hadn’t he seen how indifferent Bo Jin was toward girls.
The request for QR codes for payments has probably driven away quite a few people.
This kid was born with no sense for these things!
“Are they from your school?” Wen Yong, still thinking this was just an excuse, probed further, “Then next time, introduce me.”
“No need,” Bo Jin replied, hands in his pockets as he casually walked toward the event hall. “It’s not good for a brother-in-law to get too close to his sister-in-law; people might get the wrong idea.”
Wen Yong: “…”
Wen Yong choked on his own words, almost losing it.
What kind of nonsense was this?!
And that “brother-in-law and sister-in-law” comment—where on earth did this guy pick up such old-fashioned thinking?
Wen Yong clenched his teeth, but he still needed Bo Jin’s help, though he was almost there—
Wen Yong quickened his pace, catching up. “Can’t you just spare a bit of time? With your skills, it’ll be quick.”
Bo Jin turned around and stared at him, unblinking.
Bo Jin was tall and had a strong presence; his intense gaze was oppressive. Wen Yong, startled, asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Bo Jin blinked. “Nothing.”
“So then…?”
Bo Jin nodded, “Fine, I’ll go back and check.”
Wen Yong was thrilled, clapping Bo Jin on the shoulder. “Thanks, Little Bo; I knew I could count on you.”
Maybe, but that wasn’t a guarantee.
Bo Jin raised an eyebrow. He only said he’d “check,” not that he’d necessarily finish.
Nodding to the reception hostess, Bo Jin stepped into the event hall.
As for whatever Wen Yong was planning… well, he’d let him stew. If he got desperate enough, he’d eventually reveal his true motives.
The company’s staff had done an excellent job decorating the venue, making it both beautiful and high-tech. As the two walked through, countless people stopped to greet them. Wen Yong basked in it, but Bo Jin was already feeling restless.
When Wen Yong casually hinted that he should say a few words on stage, Bo Jin declined outright, appearing only briefly before planning his exit.
Wen Yong, relieved that Bo Jin wouldn’t steal the spotlight, arranged for a driver to take him home.
Bo Jin looked at him with a faint, amused expression. “Aren’t you going to ask why I’m leaving so early?”
Wen Yong: “???”
Wen Yong, baffled, climbed aboard Bo Jin’s line of thought, albeit hesitantly. “…So, why are you leaving so early?”
Bo Jin illuminated his phone screen, displaying a message with a sigh. “My partner is really clingy. They miss me terribly if we don’t see each other for a day, and it’s been days… Just now, they asked me when I’m coming home. Look at all these messages. I can’t even count them.”
Wen Yong: “???”
Bo Jin kept going, “Of course, you wouldn’t understand since you’re single… Which driver is taking me? Is he any good? Does he drive fast? Every second counts.”
Wen Yong: “…”
Get lost already!
Though he’d managed to annoy Wen Yong right before leaving, Bo Jin’s mood remained heavy on the way home.
After all, Wen Yong was someone who’d grown up with him, closer than family in some ways. Even if he didn’t know Wen Yong’s true intentions, it was clear they’d never go back to the way they were as kids.
Loosening his tie, Bo Jin gave a self-mocking smile; tonight was New Year’s Eve, after all.
And Wen Yong had chosen the perfect day.
Sending the driver off, Bo Jin made his way, one step at a time, through the neighborhood, feeling gloomy.
Until he saw Xie Ruan standing there with a lunchbox—
“It’s still warm; perfect timing to eat.” Perhaps feeling the holiday cheer, Xie Ruan seemed more animated than usual, eagerly taking Bo Jin’s hand to feel the warmth of the box. “Right?”
Bo Jin didn’t say a word, just looked at him with those deep, dark eyes.
“Hey, what’s with this outfit…” Feeling the stiff fabric under his fingertips, Xie Ruan realized the difference tonight, exclaiming, “You’re wearing a suit!”
And Bo Jin looked really handsome in a suit. With his height, fit physique, and muscular build, he carried it off easily. Just standing there, he looked like a male model.
Bo Jin replied with a quiet “Mm,” his gaze still fixed on Xie Ruan.
“Looking sharp, God Bo,” Xie Ruan teased, “Really got that successful businessman vibe going.”
He gave Bo Jin a once-over and laughed, “But your tie—what happened there? It’s crooked.”
Under the streetlight, Xie Ruan’s eyes sparkled, his warm, bright smile instantly dispelling the darkness in Bo Jin’s heart.
Bo Jin laughed along with him.
He took Xie Ruan’s hand, pressing it to his chest, his voice husky, “Then fix it for me.”
“Kidding,” Xie Ruan pulled his hand back, “I don’t know how to tie a tie; I never need to.”
Bo Jin leaned down, getting close. “Really?”
He had a faint scent of tobacco, not too strong, just a hint. It was alluring as it enveloped Xie Ruan.
Xie Ruan’s cheeks flushed. “Why would I lie?”
Bo Jin studied him for a moment and then suddenly smiled.
“I’ll teach you,” he said.
He then met Xie Ruan’s gaze, slowly untied his tie, and before Xie Ruan could react, placed it over his eyes. Grabbing the knot tied at the back of his head, Bo Jin pulled him in for a deep kiss.
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