“All departments should hurry up and come up with their proposals as soon as possible. This is the end of today’s meeting, let’s disperse.”

In the conference room, Qin Zhuopu announced that the meeting was adjourned and was the first to get up and walk out. As soon as he returned to his office to drink some water, Secretary Zhou knocked on the door and came in, saying aggrieved, “There’s Chen Shuibian’s family again! I just wondered why we were involved in what happened six months ago. It’s all because that son of his is greedy and wants to blackmail us. All the medical expenses that were compensated at the beginning were spent by his son, and now he has no money and wants to continue extorting. Does he think Guanhai Group is easy to bully? He thinks he can use the media and the internet to make a statement and then he can do whatever he wants. Nice try!”

Qin Zhuopu frowned when he heard this. Chen Shuibian was just an ordinary worker on the construction site of “Jinghe Bay”. He was about 50 years old. More than half a year ago, he accidentally fell from a height when he was drunk and his leg was pierced by a steel bar. There was no reason why the company should have been blamed. Even if the family wanted to make a fuss, there was still full video evidence of the scene, and the generous compensation for the medical expenses was already a kind gesture.

The same construction site workers, but people were so different from each other.

Lu Ying’s figure couldn’t help but appear in his mind, and Qin Zhuopu’s tense expression softened in an instant, and even a thoughtful smile was evoked.

“… Mr. Qin, what are your next plans?” Secretary Zhou looked at his boss blankly.

Qin Zhuopu flipped through his schedule, tapped on the desk and said, “Let’s go to Jinghe Bay this afternoon.”

Secretary Zhou almost spurted out a mouthful of tea, confused, “Why are you going to Jinghe Bay again? The weather is so hot, it’s unnecessary for you to go there every two or three days.” What other boss was so much in touch with common people?

“Of course it’s necessary.” Qin Zhuopu looked confident. He couldn’t wait for the afternoon to arrive. What excuse could he find to meet the young man today? An extra meal? Food delivery was definitely the way to go, the boy especially loved food. No, twenty was not a boy, it was an adult who could fall in love.

But Qin Zhuopu didn’t know what kind of person Lu Ying would like, or even whether he liked men or women.

Pondering, meditating… Qin Zhuopu’s own feelings startled him.

Were his feelings urgent to this extent?

Clearly…

The corners of Qin Zhuopu’s mouth could not help but curve in a bitter smile.

“Anyway, Mr. Qin, please take more people with you when you go out, it’s been a bit eventful  lately.” Secretary Zhou politely reminded. Mr. Qin worked very hard since he had taken over the company. But not everyone liked him; there were always some old guys who made trouble and sneaked around secretly. As the saying goes, birds die for food and people die for money. Anything could happen, so it was important to be on guard.

“Grandpa has sent me some good men, don’t worry.” Qin Zhuopu said indifferently.

The sun was blood-boiling in Guanlan City in the late afternoon, and the heat was fierce.

Getting out of the car, Qin Zhuopu subconsciously looked at the construction site. The loud noise echoed in his ears. The strange thing was that he didn’t feel it was noisy, but felt extremely relieved and relaxed. It was more comfortable than staying at the office.

Wonderful magic.

With a smile on his face, Qin Zhuopu walked towards the construction site. The four bodyguards followed him, forming a protective circle. At this time, no one could easily harm Qin Zhuopu.

Although he didn’t want to bring his bodyguards with him, he wouldn’t mess with his own safety.

“Oh, that Mr. Qin is here again, look if that’s him?” High up in the building, someone saw Qin Zhuopu from afar and immediately pointed.

Lu Ying, who was scraping the wall on the side, heard this and subconsciously poked his head out of the window and stretched his neck to see, “Where is he?”

“Haha, does Xiao Lu like Mr. Qin coming over so much? It’s true, Mr. Qin always sends us things every time he comes over, he’s a very sweet young boss. I heard that his father passed away two years ago and his grandfather is now recuperating. Mr. Qin is not yet 30 years old and he’s the boss, it’s not easy to think about. But there are always people who don’t like the idea of someone young taking on a big role. You all saw the news the other day, right? That old geezer Chen Shuibian is really a moron, still looking for trouble. It’s obvious that he didn’t follow the rules, he was drinking and working, who is to blame for his fall? It’s already decent enough to pay for his medical expenses.”

“Are you joking? Isn’t it easy for Mr. Qin? Think about how much money he has in his wallet and tell me he doesn’t have it easy. Naive!”

“But that thing about Chen Shuibian is really unethical…”

“I just want to see if Mr. Qin will give us extra food today? We can have beef for dinner and I can’t resist already.”

Lu Ying didn’t know anything about those things in the company and was listening to the conversation silently. Only when they mentioned extra food did he lick his lips. He looked at the distant big boss outside as he worked and couldn’t wait to get off work. He wanted to eat; he wanted to see Mr. Qin… to see what Mr. Qin delivered today.

I hope it’s delicious (*^▽^*).

Not much later the site closed for the shift. Construction at night would be complained about, so the workers could really rest after a day’s work, walking in the direction of the shed with smiling faces and easy steps.

Qin Zhuopu was already sitting in the shed and warmly entertained by the aunties who were cooking. However, the atmosphere was more than a little uncomfortable. It was really because the bodyguards around Mr. Qin looked too threatening.

“Everyone, hurry up and wash your hands and eat, Mr. Qin has brought us some more dishes. Mr. Qin is so kind…”

“Thank you, Mr. Qin!”

“Thank you…”

Everyone thanked him seriously, washed their hands and sat down to eat in the blink of an eye. Lu Ying wasn’t the first to grab food this time but fell to the last. When he walked past Qin Zhuopu with his head lowered, he blushed and whispered: “Thank you, thank you, Mr. Qin!” After saying this, as if with great effort, he walked a few steps forward, picked up the bowl and chopsticks and turned his back on Qin Zhuopu to eat and drink.

Qin Zhuopu lowered his head and smiled silently.

Even if that was it, he couldn’t complain. Just seeing Lu Ying, looking at Lu Ying would somehow make him feel better. From the bottom of his heart, he was relaxed and happy. If that wasn’t fondness, what else could it be?

But this was not something he would easily show to others.

After sitting for a while longer, Qin Zhuopu left.

From the beginning to the end, he didn’t speak to Lu Ying alone, as if he was really here to show compassion to the employees.

When he left, Lu Ying quietly breathed out. The big boss was sitting there, not eating or drinking, staying quietly, making him uncomfortable and confused. The more he ate, the more uncomfortable he became.

Lu Ying turned around and glanced at the distant, upright figure of the big boss. He could not help but secretly look forward to tomorrow. If only he came over again…

“What? Looking at your expression, do you want Mr. Qin to send delicious food every day?” Ji Xiaofeng noticed the face of his little buddy and couldn’t help laughing at him.

Lu Ying blushed: “Don’t you want to? Everyone likes delicious food.”

Ji Xiaofeng spread his hands mercilessly, “I don’t want to. It doesn’t matter to me, it’s just the same whether I eat it or not. If you really want to eat something, you can go out and buy it.”

“That, that’s not the same. This is from Mr. Qin himself… Buying it, ahem, buying it costs money.” Lu Ying nodded in a fervent manner.

Ji Xiaofeng glared at him, “Tell me what you want to eat, I promise to treat you, no need for you to pay back.”

“Well, it’s nice to have free food…”

“Haha, Xiao Lu is really dreaming.”

Everyone laughed, and Lu Ying lowered his head in embarrassment. His heart was a little lost. The idea was indeed unrealistic.

Fortunately, for three consecutive days after that, although Qin Zhuopu didn’t come, he sent people to distribute fruits and several carts of watermelons to the workers.

After another day, Lu Ying swallowed a mouthful of refreshingly sweet watermelon, washed his hands in satisfaction and followed Ji Xiaofeng out. He and Ji Xiaofeng planned to go out to the night market tonight to buy something and have a snack.

There was still a little bit of sun left in the sky and the evening breeze had picked up, much more comfortable than during the day.

Lu Ying was excited to go out, and the two of them soon arrived at the entrance of the construction site. A car stopped at this moment, the door opened, and Qin Zhuopu walked out of it. Both he and Lu Ying were taken aback when they met.

Ji Xiaofeng broke the silence and said politely, “Mr. Qin.”

“Hello, Mr. Qin!” Lu Ying greeted nervously.

Ji Xiaofeng gave a sidelong glance to his little buddy

Qin Zhuopu faintly raised the corner of his mouth, “Where are you planning to go?”

“Just a casual stroll to the night market nearby… President Qin is here to inspect work at this time? But everyone is already off work.” Ji Xiaofeng said with a frown.

Qin Zhuopu was a bit frustrated. He was late after a busy day but he just particularly wanted to come over for a look. After all, it had been a few days since he had been here, so it was okay to take a look.

Qin Zhuopu shook his head, “No, I’m passing by to take a look. You guys go shopping.”

He politely stepped aside and watched as Lu Ying walked past with Ji Xiaofeng. It was tempting to stop them, but he couldn’t find a suitable reason. Even if he had a reason, what purpose would it have? Although the other man was twenty years old, he looked like a simple boy who didn’t know anything about the world. This kind of boy usually should walk with a young girl on the promenade, or ride a bicycle in the streets and alleys of the city, innocent and romantic, youthful and reckless…

Soon, Lu Ying and his friend had already gone far away.

Qin Zhuopu stood still and stared at Lu Ying’s back in a daze. Suddenly, he saw Lu Ying, who had fallen behind, turn his head and glance at him. With just one glance, Qin Zhuopu’s heart beat fast. An inexplicable sense of tension suddenly rose, and the next moment, he saw Lu Ying’s eyes stare angrily. Then, like a vigorous fierce cheetah Lu Ying lunged at him.

In an instant, he was knocked away violently. There was a loud ‘boom’ in his ears, mixed with a few screams of horror.

“Are you okay?” Lu Ying panted, his face full of unconcealed concern as he stared at Boss Qin, who he had yanked out of the way just in time.

Qin Zhuopu froze for half a second, standing still. Then his heart returned to its original position, “I’m fine, thanks.”

After speaking, he swept his gaze towards the culprit van behind him, his eyes cold. The bodyguards, who had escaped the catastrophe but were not strong enough to protect the boss, had surrounded the van, one rudely opening the door and yanking the driver out.

A few old workers who heard the commotion came out in righteous indignation, looking incredulously at the man who had almost killed Mr. Qin, “Chen Shoucai! I didn’t expect you to be so vicious, how dare you hit Mr. Qin with your car? Have you gone mad? Your father has such a greedy scum for a son, his life is over now! You’ll be going to jail!”

“He’s Chen Shuibian’s son?”

Lu Ying was furious when he heard these words, went over and kicked Chen Shoucai: “What a bastard! It’s not enough to harm your own father, you want to get Mr. Qin killed. You are terrible! People like you should go to jail and never be released. If I hadn’t suddenly noticed something was wrong, you would have killed Mr. Qin! How could you try to run him over! He is such a good man!”

It was the first time everyone saw an angry Lu Ying, and they found it unbelievable when they saw him kick Chen Shoucai, who was rolling around in pain and wailing. Ji Xiaofeng stepped forward and pulled Lu Ying away, “Why are you so excited, it’s not like he hit you.” His tone was light, and Lu Ying choked for a moment, his heart very unhappy, but he didn’t know what to say.

Just now he turned around for a moment and saw the van rushing towards Mr. Qin, and for the first time in his life he experienced the discomfort of his heart almost stopping!

Without any thought at all, he rushed to the man and yanked him away a second before the van hit him.

Fortunately, Mr. Qin was unharmed.

The incident was so serious that the police soon came to deal with it. Qin Zhuopu didn’t say anything and left with the police. He, the victim, was uncharacteristically calm compared to the angry Lu Ying.

Only Qin Zhuopu himself knew that the decision he made at the moment would affect the lives of two people.

Another week passed and Mr. Qin didn’t show up again. Lu Ying, who still ate and drank enough every day, would occasionally get distracted and absent-minded. But seeing the news and hearing everyone talk, he knew that the evil deeds of Chen Shuibian’s family were finally made known to the world and Guanhai Group completely cleared its name.

When he saw Qin Zhuopu again, it was still on the construction site. Lu Ying loaded a cart of bricks, looked up and saw Qin Zhuopu walking towards him step by step. His clean black leather shoes were covered with dust, but he didn’t care. His deep, gentle eyes smiled at Lu Ying slightly, like the brightest stars in the night sky.

“Lu Ying. Thank you for saving me that day.”

Lu Ying held his breath, feeling hungry and panicked, “It’s nothing, you’re welcome.”

Qin Zhuopu spoke again, his eyes full of sincerity: “I want to invite you to dinner, is it possible?”

Is it possible… of course it was.

Lu Ying subconsciously nodded.

“Thank you.”

Qin Zhuopu’s uneasy heart completely calmed down, “Come with me.”

“Where to?”

“If you’re willing, I’d like to take my time and treat you to a meal all over the city.”

Of course I’m willing!

How in the world could such a beautiful thing happen? What a generous man!

Since then, Qin Zhuopu had been true to his word, inviting Lu Ying out to dinner every two or three days, each time to a different place. Sometimes it was a luxurious high-end hotel restaurant, sometimes it was a private restaurant in a remote alley. No matter where they went to eat, Qin Zhuopu never let Lu Ying down.

Every time he ate, his bright smile to Lu Ying was more pleasant than any delicious food.

From strangers to acquaintances, from unfamiliar to familiar, there is nothing that can’t be solved by a meal. If one meal doesn’t work, then have two.

Qin Zhuopu never concealed his fondness for the young man again, doing his best and treating him warmly. And in private, he carefully thought about how to confess his feelings.

In the blink of an eye, it was Christmas.

As usual, he asked Lu Ying out to dinner at a couples’ restaurant with a great atmosphere.

The waiter was playing soft romantic music and the dessert in his mouth could melt hearts. Lu Ying’s face had been hot since he came in, and every time he looked around the room, his head drooped lower. Just now, inadvertently, he had seen something unbelievable!

“Lu Ying, is the dessert good?” Qin Zhuopu asked with a smile, his eyes full of doting tenderness.

Lu Ying nodded, “Very delicious, you are so kind! After I left the mountain, you are the best and nicest person I have ever met…”

“Because I treat you to good food?” Qin Zhuopu asked, wanting to laugh and feeling helpless.

“En.” Lu Ying nodded and shook his head, “It’s not just that. I don’t know how to say it, but I can feel it anyway, you’re really nice.”

Qin Zhuopu smiled wryly; was this a nice guy card?

“Thank you for complimenting me for being a good person.”

Lu Ying suddenly spoke, “That… I want to ask you something.”

“What is it? Just ask.” Qin Zhuopu was curious.

Lu Ying quietly gestured with his eyes to a table not far away, “Look over there… at the two men, I just saw them kissing. This, this…”

Qin Zhuopu’s heart sank. He was worried about the success of his plans for tonight but he still answered frankly: “They are a gay couple, which is normal. Since ancient times there have been women who loved women and men who loved men.”

“Ah! Oh oh oh!” Lu Ying was astonished: “So this is… is okay?”

Qin Zhuopu smiled bitterly, “Do you find it repulsive?”

Lu Ying grunted a little, suddenly covered his face and said nothing.

“What, scared?” Qin Zhuopu couldn’t help but reach out to stroke his hair while his heart felt cold.

Lu Ying looked up, took a deep breath and looked at Qin Zhuopu with his face red, “I, I…”

“What’s wrong with you?” Qin Zhuopu was a little worried.

Lu Ying shivered and said, “I, I actually want… to kiss you.”

“!!!” Qin Zhuopu was struck by lightning.

“What?”

Was it an auditory hallucination?

Lu Ying blushed blood-red and stammered, “Your mouth… looks delicious.” He must have been charmed by a fox spirit to say such words and give birth to such a thought. Before, he thought it was an illusion and he was thinking too much. But today, seeing two men making out with each other, his chaotic mind suddenly had a revelation.

He, in particular, wanted to taste Qin Zhuopu’s mouth. That mouth was ever so gentle, talking to him softly, spellbinding and very comforting. If you didn’t see or hear it for a day, that day would be tasteless.

Lu Ying had never been like that before he met Qin Zhuopu. He had watched many TV series and he knew that it was strange.

Today, he finally understood.

Actually that was…

“I like you.”

A kiss, a gentle kiss, a passionate kiss. Their lips met and Lu Ying was kissed to the point of breathlessness, but he couldn’t let go. Finally he was ‘eating’ the ‘treat’ he had dreamed of. As his intuition had predicted, it was sweeter than dessert, more beautiful than gourmet food.

Qin Zhuopu wrapped his arms around the lover of his dreams and was overflowing with love. He loved the young man’s smiling face, his lovely mouth, his sultry eyebrows. He loved his shyness, his kindness, his bravery and even more his frankness.

The closer he got, the more uncontrollably and deeply in love he was.

“Thank you for liking me.”

Qin Zhuopu lightly kissed Lu Ying’s forehead.

Once again, his gentle voice quietly lingered in Lu Ying’s ears. “Lu Ying, I’ve always liked you.”

From the very first encounter.

***

Mini-theatre:

Lu Ying: Pig trotters are delicious!

Mr. Qin: If it’s delicious, eat more.

Lu Ying: The chicken feet are delicious!

Mr. Qin: Eat as much as you like.

Lu Ying: You are also delicious (*^▽^*)

Mr. Qin: I’m already lying flat ^_^

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