BL Ch52

July 27, the day of the jewelry exhibition.

In the afternoon, Chen Kuan was assigned the role of styling consultant, responsible for selecting outfits and accessories for Yu Duqiu and several accompanying attendees for the exhibition.

The wardrobe, as grand as a high-end boutique, displayed rows of wardrobes filled with custom-made clothing without any brand logos. An array of dazzling jewelry spun on automated racks for easy selection. If none appealed, a button press would reveal a new batch of sparkling treasures.

Yu Duqiu had already chosen his outfit—a sleek black silk shirt as the base layer, worn as usual in a casual manner, with his signature razor blade necklace gleaming coldly. Unusually, his pure white blazer was adorned with bright red poppy flowers blooming in a seductive pattern.

Today, he wore the nickname he usually forbade others from mentioning, leaving his motives a mystery.

Lou Baoguo, Zhou Yi, and Zhao Feihua knew where to draw the line. There were moments when jokes could be made without Yu Duqiu minding, but on matters of principle, they knew better than to pry. Chen Kuan, being well-versed in dealing with the wealthy, understood the importance of discretion and offered no remarks on Yu Duqiu’s outfit, focusing solely on dressing the others.

A harmonious atmosphere filled the room.

“Why are you wearing that?”

One person, however, just had to ask.

Lou Baoguo gave Zhou Yi a thumbs-up, whispering, “When it comes to fearlessness, no one beats my big brother.”

Sipping champagne, Yu Duqiu let out a questioning “Hm?” and looked down at his floral blazer. “Don’t you think it looks good?”

“It looks good,” replied Bai Zhao, as straightforward as a calf, unafraid. “But I want to know why.”

“Because poppies symbolize ‘separation and death,’ as my mother once said—one reason she disliked the nickname.” Yu Duqiu blinked. “But I think it’s fitting today. May this journey let the guilty taste the bitterness of separation and death, while comforting those who’ve endured it.”

As he tried on his suit, Zhao Feihua nodded approvingly. “Good symbolism, but aren’t you worried you’ll experience it yourself?”

Zhou Yi spat three times, “Don’t jinx it!”

Unfazed, Yu Duqiu continued flipping through the jewelry rack. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. “This choker’s nice. Bai Zhao, try it—the black and gold one.”

Bai Zhao went over and took it.

No one initially paid much attention, each busy picking out jewelry in line with the exhibition’s theme. But when Bai Zhao turned around wearing the choker, everyone was stunned.

Lou Baoguo blurted out, “This… this is terrifying.”

The choker Yu Duqiu chose had two layers—the bottom layer a thick gold chain, and the top a hard leather strip studded with sharp gold spikes, like the fangs of a wild beast, radiating a fearsome aura.

Bai Zhao’s suit, custom-made by Chen Kuan, contrasted with Yu Duqiu’s in reverse colors—white inside, black outside, with no patterns, simple and unadorned. Yet, with the choker on, his presence transformed entirely.

Yu Duqiu clapped in satisfaction. “Looks like a collar for a fierce black cat or a police dog. Haha… Sorry, no offense. You can take it off if you don’t like it.”

Bai Zhao checked himself in the mirror, unbuttoning two shirt buttons. “Not bad. It matches your necklace.”

Lou Baoguo muttered, “It really could serve as a weapon.”

Zhao Feihua expressed doubt, “But the theme today is jewelry. The invitation says all attendees must wear jewelry. Gold doesn’t count, right? Maybe switch to diamonds?”

Yu Duqiu shook his finger. “Diamonds are just carbon, hyped up by people over a hundred years ago. But gold, from prehistoric times until now, has always held immense value.”

“It’s born from the fusion and explosion of stars, travels across the universe over countless light-years, and by sheer chance lands on Earth for us to claim. Its brilliance is the lingering glow of starlight spanning eons.”

“That’s why gold holds universal value, doesn’t easily crash, serves as a hedge against inflation, and remains stable even in economic crises—no one can manipulate its price.”

Lou Baoguo was taken aback, well beyond his knowledge base. “Who knew this little gold had such a grand origin…”

Chen Kuan also admired him. “Young Master Yu is truly well-versed. I learned something new today. I can impress other clients with this.”

Yu Duqiu raised his slender champagne glass. “Overrated. Since Xiao Bai doesn’t mind, then we’ll go with this. Just be careful not to hurt yourself. And let Xiao Jiang bring in a flower from the garden later. Otherwise, your look’s a bit too fierce; we’re not there to cause trouble… at least not openly.”

Chen Kuan kindly reminded him, “Young Master Yu, your garden has only white flowers. In our culture… white flowers are usually for the deceased.”

Yu Duqiu looked confused. “Haven’t a few already died? Are you saying I should wear more?”

Zhao Feihua, embarrassed, covered his face. “Heaven truly is fair. They blessed him with encyclopedic knowledge but locked the door to common sense.”

Zhou Yi: “You better say less, or he might lock the door to your promotion.”

Chen Kuan finally explained the usage of white flowers, but the pragmatic Yu Duqiu wasn’t bothered. He still had flowers brought over. Soon, gardener Xiao Jiang arrived with a handful of fresh flowers for Bai Zhao to pick from, sweat beading on his brow even in the summer heat, yet neatly dressed in a long-sleeved shirt, sleeves rolled to his forearms.

Bai Zhao casually took a white hibiscus and pinned it into his buttonhole.

Hong Liangzhang also came in, noting everyone was ready. “Young Master, Captain Ji is here, waiting in the lounge downstairs.”

Yu Duqiu nodded. “Did he wear the suit we sent him?”

“He did; it fits perfectly.” Hong Liangzhang laughed. “I almost didn’t recognize him when he walked in, so handsome—clothes really make the man. Right, Xiao Jiang?”

Xiao Jiang nodded with dimples. “Yes, yes, Mr. Ji doesn’t look like a police officer anymore; he could be a model.”

“Really? With all this praise, I must see if he’s outshining me.” Yu Duqiu got up but was stopped by Chen Kuan. “Young Master Yu, you haven’t chosen any jewelry yet.”

Yu Duqiu waved his hand, showing the ruby ring he’d been wearing for days. “Already did.”

In the light, a flash of steel briefly caught Chen Kuan’s eye, though he couldn’t pinpoint it. He blinked, wanting a closer look, but Yu Duqiu had already withdrawn his hand and was heading downstairs with the others.

Ji Lin sat alone in the lounge, sipping tea and waiting. Looking up casually, he saw a row of black suits following a white-suited figure descending the red-carpeted spiral staircase.

…Was this a fashion show or an investigation?

Among the group, Yu Duqiu was dressed in the most flamboyant attire. Ji Lin, a practical man, couldn’t take it for a second. “You wouldn’t let me wear a floral shirt, yet you’re dressed like that. Don’t tell me it’s to blend in—you stand out with that white hair like a spotlight.”

Yu Duqiu smiled instead of getting angry. “Are you awkwardly complimenting how dazzling I am?”

“Thick-skinned and mad…” Ji Lin grumbled, fishing something from his inner pocket and handing it over. “Here, I got permission from Lao Peng to return this watch. You might need it today.”

A silver-gray watch with a sea-blue three-dial face lay quietly in his hand.

“The recordings have already been extracted, so it’s useless now. I don’t need this fancy thing sitting around; it’s better off with you.”

Yu Duqiu took it, examining it for a moment. “You don’t need it as a reminder anymore?”

“Remind me of what? I’ll sell it for money to treat your brain.” Ji Lin reached to snatch it back, only for his wrist to be caught in a vice-like grip.

Yu Duqiu tilted his head, noticing the plain gray watch on Ji Lin’s wrist. “New watch?”

Ji Lin tugged hard, yet couldn’t break free. With a final forceful pull, he freed his wrist and covered his watch with his sleeve, turning to leave. “None of your business; let’s go. Time waits for no one.”

Ignoring the chase, Yu Duqiu pondered Ji Lin’s possible corruption by rival forces and turned to ask the group, “Could he actually be bribed? Should we still bring him along?”

The others looked at each other, unsure how to respond, and finally turned to Bai Zhao, the most outspoken of the group, for help. True to expectations, Bai Zhao stepped forward and asked, “Can you stop immediately suspecting others whenever you see something unusual?”

Yu Duqiu, still caught in his skeptical mindset, asked in confusion, “Don’t you think it’s strange? He’s always so frugal. Why would he buy such an expensive watch?”

Bai Zhao sighed, looking as though he thought Yu Duqiu was hopeless. “I’m getting in the car,” he said.

Now the pressure was on the remaining people.

Zhao Feihua adjusted his glasses, straightened his posture, and bravely took on the next round of lecturing: “Director Yu, you’ve truly been single up until now by pure skill alone.” Then he also headed for the door.

Next up, Lou Baoguo scratched his head and stammered, “Um… Young Master, I think even I understand this. If you think it over, you’ll definitely get it too!”

Lastly, Zhou Yi spoke earnestly, “Young Master, people can’t rely only on rationality. If you try analyzing this from a more emotional angle, you’ll probably understand soon enough.”

The group exited, leaving only Yu Duqiu and Chen Kuan staring at each other. Chen Kuan quickly distanced himself, saying, “Director Yu, I don’t know anything. I don’t even know who that person just now was.”

Yu Duqiu, bewildered by the unexpected lecturing, furrowed his brows, trying to figure out where he’d gone wrong.

It wasn’t until he got in the car and they were halfway up the mountain that a sudden thought hit him. “That watch Ji Lin was wearing… could it be the birthday gift he bought for Mu Hao last year?”

The three others in the car breathed a collective sigh of relief, wearing expressions that seemed to say, “You finally figured it out.”

In the front seat, Zhao Feihua, working on his laptop for some paid overtime, managed to gossip at the same time: “What’s he trying to say by wearing that watch? Does he want Mu Hao’s spirit to guide him from the beyond? That’s actually kind of romantic.”

Relieved that he’d finally understood, Yu Duqiu leaned back and sighed, “Whatever the meaning, let’s not expose him. For him to bring this out might have taken a lot of courage.”

The Marriott Hotel, located in the city center, emphasized privacy and elegance amidst the bustle, unlike the grandiosity of the Grand Hyatt. Vehicles had to go through security checks before entering.

With Zhou Yi’s invitation card, their car passed without inspection. Lou Baoguo scoffed, “This security check is just for show. It’s useless. The security at our Number One Mansion is way better. Not even a stray dog could get in.”

“It’s better if it’s just for show. If they were strict, they’d confiscate both your necklaces,” Zhao Feihua said, turning back. “I just saw a few venture capital bigwigs in my social circle inside. I’ll try to secure some more investments for you all later, so remember to send me a bonus.”

But Yu Duqiu replied, “No need. The funds Mr. Wu provided are sufficient for now. Pei Ming wants to join the next round of financing, so we may need to leave room for him. Let’s hold off for now.”

Zhao Feihua was surprised. “Turning down funding? Even if Pei Ming joins, we could still bring in more investors. More support, less risk.”

Holding his temple, Yu Duqiu explained, “I don’t like dealing with those venture capital firms. They’re like seagulls on the beach, greedily eyeing the baby turtles, always looking to claim the juiciest one. How many founders have ended up being kicked out by capital in the end? I’m actually reducing risk.”

That made sense, so Zhao Feihua accepted it. “Fine… by the way, will that generous Mr. Wu Hu be attending tonight?”

“He’s vacationing abroad. He probably won’t be back for two months. I’ll introduce you when he returns.”

“Fine, but make sure I get a chance to properly thank him. Without him, your Themis project wouldn’t be where it is now.”

“Yes, yes.” After saying this, Yu Duqiu noticed someone’s thoughtful gaze on him, so he turned and gave a sly wink and a silent “shh” with a finger to his lips.

Bai Zhao was startled but then gradually looked enlightened and nodded at him in understanding.

Yu Duqiu covered Bai Zhao’s hand and discreetly wrote one word on it: “Good.”