BL Ch141

The moment Yu Duqiu stepped into the banquet hall, he was met with curious gazes from all directions.

His reputation had always been less than stellar, and this was his first public appearance since the “suspected fraud” incident. Whispers followed him:

“Why is he here? Is Chairman Luo acquainted with his family?”

“What a nuisance… Something’s bound to happen tonight…”

“Shh! Quiet, don’t let him hear…”

…

These gazes were filled with disdain, curiosity, mockery… If every emotion corresponded to a color, the scene would resemble an overturned paintbox, a chaotic mess of hues splashing towards him with a single purpose – to see him drenched in embarrassment, like a drowned stray dog, retreating in disgrace.

Yu Duqiu, unfazed, stood with his hands in his pockets, his light eyes lifting slightly to sweep across the crowd, one eyebrow arching.

The whispers died down momentarily.

Zhao Feihua, having arrived early, spotted his boss and hurried over. “Oh, you’re finally here!”

Yu Duqiu smiled faintly. “You came so early?”

“It’s all because of you.” Zhao Feihua had been incredibly busy these past few days. “Leaving the land purchase to me? That’s too much! Fortunately, I’m capable. I finally completed the paperwork this afternoon. Now, this place is yours.”

Yu Duqiu raised his voice slightly. “Which means, now I can have anyone I want removed?”

Silence fell upon the hall. A moment later, conversations erupted, laughter filling the room once more.

The paint splashed towards him miraculously reversed, splattering back onto those who had thrown it.

The guests who had been whispering and staring now averted their gazes, faces flushed with embarrassment, fearing they would be the ones asked to leave.

Young Master Yu never let those who crossed him off easy. His reputation held true.

“Why did you buy this place, though? Didn’t I get you an invitation?” Zhao Feihua voiced his long-held confusion.

Yu Duqiu scanned the room for Luo Mao, replying casually, “In case someone wanted to come but couldn’t… Didn’t expect him to be so clever, using someone else’s police ID. Seems I went to unnecessary lengths… Hm? Where’s Chairman Luo?”

He looked around. Luo Mao himself wasn’t present; only his children and grandson were receiving guests.

Zhao Feihua: “It’s still early. Maybe he’s strolling outside.”

Yu Duqiu tapped his earpiece. “Lao Zhou, Baoguo, go check the back of the villa.”

He had been to this villa once, a decade ago. Apart from some hazy memories from a drunken night, he remembered the details clearly – behind the 1200 square meter main building were a greenhouse, a barbecue area, a tennis court, and other recreational facilities.

Elder Luo was either resting in his suite or strolling in the back. He couldn’t access the suite yet, so he could only check the back first.

Zhou Yi was about to reply when a familiar voice came through the earpiece. “I asked around. He’s not in the back. He’s resting in his suite.”

Then came Yu Duqiu’s reprimand. “Who allowed you in? Stay outside.”

“…Okay.”

Their cold war hadn’t ended yet. Zhou Yi thought, after being kicked out for three days and still angry, it seemed Yu Duqiu was quite upset this time.

Zhou Yi covered the earpiece and whispered, “Abao, should we try to persuade the young master…”

“Hey! Comrade Xiao Lu! Long time no see!” Lou Baoguo hadn’t heard a word, rushing off excitedly. Romance trumped brotherhood.

Zhou Yi was left alone, bewildered, watching as Bai Zhao emerged from the banquet hall against the flow of guests, Yu Duqiu’s coat in his arms, shrugging helplessly at him.

Another carriage stopped at the red carpet. An older man and a younger woman stepped out. The woman, dressed in a dark blue qipao with silver embroidery, helped the man down. “Dad, be careful.”

Zhou Yi, glancing over, was startled. “Director Yu, why are you here?”

Looking closer, the man Yu Jiangyue was supporting was none other than the reclusive Academician Yu!

Yu Duqiu, having turned off his earpiece, hadn’t heard this. He dismissed Zhao Feihua, who had completed his task, and walked towards the Luo family members who were receiving guests.

Ji Lin, arriving just in time, grabbed his shoulder. “Yu, what are you planning now?”

Yu Duqiu turned around, surprised. “Captain Ji, why aren’t you helping Mu Hao? He’s still weak.”

“Brother Mu has someone to take care of him… I’m not needed.” Ji Lin’s voice lacked conviction.

Yu Duqiu had already spotted Mu Hao approaching from afar, heading straight towards them, his expression slightly anxious.

He clearly needed you.

Yu Duqiu, mischievous, draped an arm over Ji Lin’s shoulder. “I’m looking for Chairman Luo. He’s not here, so I’ll ask his family. Come with me?”

Ji Lin, assuming he had finally decided to cooperate, felt obligated to fulfill his duty. “Alright, I’ll go with you. Should we call Bai Zhao? He’s all alone outside, like a guard dog. It’s quite pitiful.”

Yu Duqiu scoffed. “He’s an expert at playing the victim. Don’t mind him.”

They walked through the crowd. Most guests avoided them, but some approached to greet them. Yu Duqiu accepted their business cards, stuffing them all into Ji Lin’s pockets.

“…Hey, I’m not your trash can. Stop putting things in my pockets.”

“I don’t have pockets.” Yu Duqiu found a convenient excuse, but his next sentence revealed his true motive. “Who knows what their hands have touched. They feel dirty.”

Ji Lin, having experienced all sorts of environments during his career, never complained about getting his hands dirty when necessary. He had only one word for Yu Duqiu’s pampered attitude: “Spoiled!”

They continued walking, collecting more business cards. Upon receiving the tenth, Yu Duqiu stopped abruptly.

“What now?”

“This is strange…” Yu Duqiu murmured. “Am I this popular?”

Ji Lin rolled his eyes, thinking he was being narcissistic. “A few business cards and you think you’re popular?”

“No, my ‘fraud’ incident hasn’t completely blown over. Why are so many people approaching me?” Yu Duqiu stroked his chin, lowering his voice. “I think… they’re intentionally blocking my way.”

Now that he mentioned it, Ji Lin realized it too.

Something was off.

They both had long strides and should have reached the Luo family quickly. But somehow, people kept stopping them to offer business cards, slowing their progress.

As more guests arrived, the Luo family seemed ready to return to their rooms for a short break, about to turn and leave.

“No more business cards. We need to hurry.” Yu Duqiu made a swift decision. “The more they try to stop me, the more suspicious they are.”

He strode towards the Luo family, Ji Lin following closely.

Suddenly, a waiter carrying a tray of drinks appeared out of nowhere, rushing towards them with a look of panic, as if anticipating a collision.

Yu Duqiu scoffed, reacting with lightning speed. He grabbed the waiter’s waist, spun him around, and pushed him aside, smoothly picking up a glass of champagne from the tray. “Thanks. Get lost.”

Ji Lin was both amused and exasperated.

Yu Duqiu continued forward, his face grim. Those hiding in the shadows, planning to intercept him, faltered at his menacing aura, hesitating just long enough to see him reach his target.

Yu Duqiu had a photographic memory and recognized Luo Mao’s son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson from Zhao Feihua’s collected information.

The others were a generation older than him, so he chose to approach Luo Yuan, Luo Mao’s grandson, who was around his age. He would be easier to talk to, more naive, and might reveal some clues.

Luo Yuan, startled by the hand on his shoulder, turned around in surprise, confusion and annoyance in his eyes.

Who was so bold as to accost him so rudely at his family’s banquet?

Yu Duqiu knew his actions were a bit inappropriate, so the moment Luo Yuan turned, he instantly adjusted his expression, putting on his signature charming smile. “Hello, Mr. Luo…”

Luo Yuan’s initial reaction was as expected, staring at him, stunned. But the next second, the situation took an unexpected turn.

“Mr. Yu!” Luo Yuan’s eyes lit up, his face flushing with excitement, like a lover reunited after a long separation, both shy and joyful. “Long time no see! You still remember me!”

Now it was Yu Duqiu’s turn to be stunned, a strange feeling rising in his chest.

Was that sense of familiarity not an illusion? Had he really had something with Luo Yuan?

But why didn’t he remember anything…

“Excuse me.” He decided to ask directly. “Have we met…?”

“Duqiu.”

Yu Duqiu froze again.

He knew that voice all too well, but hadn’t heard it so close in a long time.

Ji Lin turned and recognized the tall Yu Jiangyue, then realized who the older man she was supporting was.

The current Yu Duqiu was “infamous and notorious,” his actions casting a shadow over his family’s name. Outsiders, mentioning the Yu family, often added a caveat: “They’re rich, alright, but that grandson of theirs…”

But rewind ten years, when Yu Duqiu had just come of age, before causing so much trouble and achieving so many miracles, his reputation was nowhere near as prominent as his grandfather’s, Yu Youhai.

Pei Xianyong had long been imprisoned, Du Yuanzhen had just passed away from illness, and the Pingyi City government was developing the Xinjin High-Tech Industrial Park, desperately needing talent in that field. The time, the place, and the people aligned, propelling the tech-focused Yu family into the spotlight. Yu Jiangyue managed investments, and her father, Yu Youhai, a bioengineering academician, served as an honorary consultant for several renowned companies.

During that period, the Yu family’s prestige was unparalleled.

Yu Youhai had since retreated from public life, rarely making appearances. The younger generation hardly knew him. Ji Lin had only glimpsed his photo while investigating Yu Duqiu’s background.

The old man before him resembled the photo, with white hair and a face etched with wrinkles, yet he didn’t appear weathered. His straight back and height, unusual for his age, gave him an aura of vitality.

“Grandpa, why are you here?”

Ji Lin wondered if he was hallucinating. Did he actually see a trace of childlike innocence on the face of the cunning Yu Duqiu?

“To see you, of course. Not happy?” Yu Youhai smiled kindly.

Yu Duqiu, like a child reunited with family after a long absence, his face lit up with joy, though he feigned displeasure. “You’re only thinking of seeing me now? I’ve been back for half a year.”

“I know you’ve been busy. I waited until you were free.”

A flimsy and unconvincing excuse. Anyone else trying to fob off Young Master Yu like that would be thrown to the dogs.

But this was his grandfather, who had raised him. Yu Duqiu instantly transformed into the most magnanimous person in the world, taking Yu Youhai’s arm and smiling. “Alright, whatever you say. Are you here specifically to see me today? I would have stayed home if I’d known, saved you the trip. Mom, when did you get back? Why didn’t you tell me Grandpa was coming?”

Yu Youhai and his daughter exchanged a look, sticking to their agreed-upon story. “We wanted to surprise you.”

It was indeed a great surprise for Yu Duqiu, completely forgetting about Luo Yuan and the purpose of his visit.

But Ji Lin hadn’t forgotten.

Although he didn’t know why Yu Duqiu was looking for the Luo family, it was always best to secure the person first.

Luo Yuan, seeing Yu Duqiu engrossed in conversation with his family, waited dejectedly, hoping to be noticed again.

Instead of Yu Duqiu, he was approached by another stranger. “Hello, Mr. Luo.”

Luo Yuan looked at the man, assessing him, then said apologetically, “Sorry, I think you might have the wrong person.”

Ji Lin: “?”

But the next second, Luo Yuan’s eyes lit up. At the same time, a low, slightly breathless voice reached Ji Lin’s ears. “Xiao Ji.”

Ji Lin froze, quickly covering his warming ears, taking two steps back and stammering, “B-Brother Mu, good evening!”

Mu Hao walked slowly. The banquet hall was crowded, and he nearly stumbled several times, taking quite a while to reach them. This was his most strenuous activity since his treatment, and his still-recovering body wasn’t fully cooperative, making him appear unsteady.

Ji Lin instinctively stepped forward, offering his shoulder for support, helping Mu Hao regain his balance.

Mu Hao’s slightly rapid breaths brushed against his reddened ear. “Thank you… Sorry.”

Ji Lin’s face flushed, unable to look at him. He mumbled quickly, “It’s nothing.”

“Why did you run when you saw me earlier?” Mu Hao asked again.

This question Ji Lin couldn’t answer.

He didn’t want to lie to Mu Hao, but not lying would create bigger problems.

“Excuse me, are you…?” Luo Yuan’s sudden question saved him.

Ji Lin seized the opportunity to return to the previous topic, pulling out his police ID and introducing himself formally. “I’m Officer Ji from the Xinjin Branch. This is my colleague, Officer Mu. We have some questions for you, Mr… Luo?”

Luo Yuan stared at Mu Hao’s face, thinking he must be incredibly lucky to encounter two such attractive men in one night.

Yu Duqiu was charming but too difficult to handle. No one could outsmart him. But this man before him seemed like a simple, straightforward guy, perhaps easier to pursue.

“Officer Mu, welcome, welcome!” Luo Yuan stepped forward, taking Mu Hao’s hand. “What brings the two officers here tonight? Our family are all law-abiding citizens. We never do anything wrong.”

Mu Hao looked at Luo Yuan, then at the downcast Ji Lin, and chose to address the matter at hand first. “Mr. Luo, I have some matters to discuss with Chairman Luo. Would you mind assisting us?”

“Of course, my grandfather is upstairs. I’ll take you to him.”

“Thank you. Xiao Ji, you don’t have to support me anymore. I’ll find you later.”

“Ah… okay.” Ji Lin relaxed his stiff shoulder and stepped back.

Luo Yuan, using the handshake to his advantage, took Mu Hao’s arm solicitously. “Officer Mu, here, let me help you.”

“Thank you.”

Ji Lin stood there, watching them leave, the laughter of the guests ringing in his ears. He suddenly felt lost, unsure of what to do.

It seemed no one needed him for anything.