BL Ch144

7:00 PM.

Almost all the guests had arrived at the banquet hall, and the staff outside the red carpet were preparing to leave.

Most of the guests’ entourage were chatting outside. The mid-October evening was already quite chilly, so the Luo family had thoughtfully provided a small lounge where they could enjoy some hot food and warmth.

Zhou Yi called out, “Abao, want to go inside and sit?”

Lou Baoguo turned around. “Ah, you go ahead. I’m not hungry. I’ll just wait for the young master here!” He turned back to chat with Lu Qing.

Zhou Yi shook his head, amused. “He clearly just wants to spend more time with her, using the young master as an excuse…”

Lu Qing, on the other hand, was feeling a bit hungry and enthusiastically responded to Zhou Yi’s suggestion. “I’ll go! Where is it? Lead the way.”

Hearing this, Lou Baoguo immediately clutched his stomach. “Oh, now that you mention it, I’m kind of hungry too. Let’s go together!”

“Great!” Before leaving, Lu Qing glanced at the banquet hall entrance, a hint of regret in her voice. “If I weren’t on duty, I’d love to wear a beautiful qipao and stroll around inside. After your young master’s case is completely closed, there might not be another opportunity like this…”

“Of course there will be!” Lou Baoguo blurted out, then faltered under Lu Qing’s puzzled gaze, stammering, “I mean… if you want to attend another banquet like this, you can… um, you can contact me, I’ll take you…”

Lu Qing was confused. “Why can you take me? Aren’t these events usually for family members or subordinates of the invited guests?”

Lou Baoguo scratched his head awkwardly, looking up at the sparsely starred night sky, mumbling incoherently.

Zhou Yi, unable to bear it any longer, interjected, “Miss Lu, just become his family member, then!”

“Hey!” Lou Baoguo yelled, his face red, waving his fists randomly. “Don’t talk nonsense! I just need to tell the young master; she doesn’t need to do anything! I-I suddenly have something to do! I’ll be right back!”

Lu Qing was taken aback, then startled by his sudden outburst. Watching Lou Baoguo rush away, she finally realized, “…Could he…?”

Zhou Yi shrugged. “Did you eat the lobster he brought back?”

“I did…”

“We barely escaped with our lives back then. The entire yacht sank.” Zhou Yi gestured. “We were on the life raft, passing by a fishing boat, and he still remembered to buy you a lobster. Why do you think he did that?”

Lu Qing stared blankly, a blush slowly creeping up her cheeks.

Zhou Yi left it at that. The rest was up to Lou Baoguo. If it didn’t work out, so be it. After all, not every effort in this world was rewarded–

Like the man standing at the banquet hall entrance, holding a coat, who had been waiting patiently for a long time, still yearning for the attention of the person he cared about.

“Xiao Bai, stop standing there like a fool,” Zhou Yi called out. “Come inside and have some hot tea. Look at what you’re wearing. Put on the young master’s coat; don’t catch a cold.”

Bai Zhao replied ungratefully, “This is nothing. Are you getting old? You’re still cold even with all those layers.”

Zhou Yi rolled up his sleeves, pretending to start a fight. “You brat, you dare joke with me now?”

Bai Zhao grinned. “Don’t be angry.”

Zhou Yi wasn’t angry. He was actually quite happy. Bai Zhao usually wore a poker face; it was rare for him to joke with them. It meant he was finally letting his guard down.

“Alright, Miss Lu and I will go grab some food. Come inside if you’re cold.”

“Yeah, I’m not stupid.”

“Brat…” Zhou Yi turned around, seeing Lu Qing still lost in thought, and couldn’t help but sigh. “You young people still have the chance to experience the ups and downs of love… cherish it!”

The crowd around the red carpet gradually dispersed. A few security guards sat down, chatting about recent news in Pingyi and gossiping about the guests, their laughter echoing occasionally.

“Who’s that tall guy standing at the entrance like a fool?” someone whispered.

“You don’t know? That’s our city’s richest man’s lover.”

“Richest man? The one who was involved in that fraud case?”

“Yeah, money talks. It hasn’t even been that long, and he’s already out and about.”

“Then why is his lover outside?”

“Duh, he’s a man. Can he just waltz in? Besides, if he goes inside, how can CEO Yu hook up with new lovers?”

“Haha, true…”

The gossip reached the man’s ears, but he remained standing there, expressionless and unmoving.

“Looks quite pitiful. That’s what happens when you’re the mistress of a rich man. Not even a proper title, sigh…”

“It’s normal. Can’t expect him to marry the guy, right?”

“Creak–”

The doors of the banquet hall suddenly opened, silencing the chatter.

The man who emerged had sleek silver hair and a nonchalant expression. He said concisely, “Follow me. I need you.”

Bai Zhao, startled, quickly caught up, unfolding the coat in his hands and draping it over Yu Duqiu. “Why did you come out?”

Yu Duqiu, enveloped in the warmth of the coat, replied curtly, “Just follow me. Don’t ask so many questions.”

They left the curious gazes behind and walked towards the greenhouse behind the villa, guided by the streetlights.

Pushing open the glass door and lifting the curtain that trapped the warm air inside, they entered a surprisingly warm garden, a world apart from the chilly night outside. Their suits suddenly felt too heavy.

Yu Duqiu removed his coat and overcoat, placing them on a bench before sitting down.

Lush plants concealed them, the night sky above the glass dome silently watching over this secluded corner.

Bai Zhao remained standing, staring at his face, then noticing something amiss. “Why are your eyes red–”

“I met Luo Yuan,” Yu Duqiu interrupted, watching the man’s expression change slightly. “He told me something.”

Bai Zhao’s fists clenched by his sides. He asked tentatively, “What?”

Yu Duqiu looked up coldly. “About your lies.”

“What lies did I tell?”

“Still playing dumb? At the farewell party, you were actually following Pei Ming’s orders to harm me, weren’t you? You weren’t smitten at all; you were just too cowardly to go through with it, right?” Yu Duqiu scoffed. “And you spent the next nine years surveilling me, waiting for an opportunity to strike? Do you truly love me, or did you simply choose the most advantageous side in this power struggle?”

“…What are you talking about?” Bai Zhao’s expression was one of utter bewilderment, as if he had heard something incomprehensible. It wasn’t just disbelief, but complete confusion. “You still… suspect me after all this time?”

“How else do you explain it? Luo Yuan proved to me that I kissed him that day. I always felt something was off about your story. Turns out you inserted yourself, fabricated a memory… Ugh! What are you doing?”

Bai Zhao grabbed his wrist, tightening his grip with every word. “How did he prove it to you? Did he kiss you again? Did he mention anyone else?”

“No… Let go!” Yu Duqiu wrenched his hand free, standing up angrily and rubbing his reddened wrist. “Are you crazy? Shouldn’t you be the one explaining? If even the beginning of your story is fake, how can I trust anything else you said?”

Bai Zhao’s mouth opened and closed, as if struggling to speak, but no words came out, only rapid breaths.

“Just admit it,” Yu Duqiu concluded. “I’m not even in your heart. There’s only you.”

Bai Zhao stood frozen for a few seconds, then, as expected, he reacted –

He lunged forward, grabbing Yu Duqiu by the collar, his knuckles white, and slammed him against a thick tree trunk.

Yu Duqiu groaned, the impact shaking the tree slightly, sending leaves fluttering down like a light rain.

Bai Zhao’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion. “How can you say I don’t have you in my heart…? How many times do I have to prove it?”

Every word seemed to be torn from his lungs, a near-wail, grating on the listener’s nerves. “Why do I always have to prove it? Why can’t you remember? It was you–”

It was you who forgot me.

The words almost escaped his lips, but he swallowed them back, his red eyes fixed on the indifferent face before him.

He took a few deep breaths, regaining control as he had countless times before.

No one knew Yu Duqiu’s mental state back then better than him. Forgetting him wasn’t intentional; he couldn’t lose his temper.

He could only choose to forgive and wait, or create another opportunity, to prove his unwavering devotion.

“Fine… I lied to you.” He released his grip, his gaze unfocused, no longer wanting to defend himself. “So what? Are you going to punish me again? Kick me out for a few more days? I understand.”

He turned to leave this absurd argument, but his coat was suddenly tugged.

“Do you have any backbone?” He turned around and saw Yu Duqiu glaring at him, his breathing rapid. “Just a few light insults and you’re giving up?”

Bai Zhao was taken aback. “…What?”

“Do you even know how to argue? Insult me more, say something harsher.” Yu Duqiu grabbed his hand. “Slap me a few times, or punch me. Aren’t you good at fighting? Do I need to teach you?”

Bai Zhao pulled his hand away just in time, missing his face. But Yu Duqiu’s expression shifted between red and white, as if he had been slapped hard, the conflicting emotions of frustration and heartache battling within him, making him almost breathless.

Looking at his face, Bai Zhao gradually understood. “Do you know… Mm.”

His words were cut off as Yu Duqiu suddenly lunged forward, kissing him.

“…It’s all my fault.” Yu Duqiu wrapped his arms around his neck, biting his lip hard before gently nuzzling it, then sniffing, his eyes red. “Forgive me… please? I’ll give you anything.”

Bai Zhao’s pupils constricted, momentarily stunned by this dramatic shift.

Yu Duqiu didn’t press for an answer, patiently stroking his short hair, gently pecking his lips, occasionally glancing up to gauge his reaction.

–That cautious, almost fawning look, like his prized white horse, only displaying such vulnerability to its master.

Bai Zhao had completely forgotten his anger. His heart pounded, his chest heaving with emotion.

His hand instinctively reached for Yu Duqiu’s waist… when voices came from the garden entrance.

Other guests had come to explore.

His hand clenched into a fist, then relaxed, patting Yu Duqiu’s back instead. “Having you is enough… you don’t need to give me anything else. Don’t scare me like that again.”

“I wasn’t scaring you, I was trying to provoke you.” Yu Duqiu’s hand rested on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. “Otherwise, you’d never scold me, and I feel… it’s unfair. You came looking for me so desperately, and I…”

Bai Zhao covered his mouth. “Alright, don’t mention it anymore. I’ve… almost forgotten. Don’t bring it up again.”

Yu Duqiu met his eyes, but Bai Zhao quickly looked away.

Bai Zhao wasn’t talkative, almost taciturn, so his language was also concise. He rarely repeated himself.

But he had just said “don’t bring it up again” twice.

This was a sign of his unease.

“Okay… I won’t mention it again.”

The voices drew closer; they would be seen soon. Yu Duqiu picked up his coat and draped it over Bai Zhao, then kissed his cheek. “Meet me in the banquet hall in half an hour.”

“But I don’t have an invitation.”

“I’ve bought this place.” Yu Duqiu fastened the last button on his coat. “What does the host need an invitation for?”

The birthday banquet began promptly at 7:30 PM.

Chairman Luo came downstairs and gave a short speech, thanking all the guests for attending his birthday celebration. Amidst the lively atmosphere, he raised his glass towards a certain direction.

Ji Lin, his face flushed from the alcohol, but still relatively sober, saw Yu Duqiu’s grandfather and mother also raise their glasses, clinking them with Luo Mao from a distance.

They seemed quite familiar… Ji Lin made a mental note of this, thinking he would report it to Yu Duqiu and Mu Hao later.

Speaking of which, Yu was taking too long. How much time had passed? What was he doing…

Just as he was complaining, the person he was waiting for appeared.

Yu Duqiu had been somewhere, his hair slightly damp and even more lustrous, his cheeks flushed, as if he had just taken a sauna.

Ji Lin hiccuped and glared at him. “Weren’t you going to find Brother Mu? Where is he?”

“He’s calling Team Feng to confirm something.” Yu Duqiu beckoned to the bartender. “The strongest one you have, please.”

Ji Lin raised an eyebrow. “You’re done with your business already? Why are you drinking hard liquor? I’m not responsible for taking a drunkard home.”

Yu Duqiu pointed at the ceiling. “There are guest rooms upstairs. And you don’t have to be responsible. Someone will take me.”

That was true. Yu Duqiu had plenty of subordinates to take care of him.

The bartender quickly mixed a strong drink and placed it before him. “Made with 95-proof Kinmen Kaoliang liquor. Please enjoy.”

The smell alone almost made Ji Lin drunk. He pinched his nose. “Won’t this stuff burn your throat?”

Yu Duqiu didn’t reply, raising the glass as if to drink, but then abruptly poured half of it into Ji Lin’s empty glass.

Ji Lin was dumbfounded. “What are you doing? I’m not drinking that!”

“Do me a favor.” Yu Duqiu suddenly slumped onto the bar, resting his head on his arm and closing his eyes.

…What was he playing at?

Ji Lin, baffled, pushed him. “Hey! Don’t play dead. What are you doing?”

But no matter how hard he pushed, Yu Duqiu remained glued to the bar, mumbling incoherently, acting completely drunk.

But he hadn’t even touched the alcohol!

Ji Lin, giving up on this unreasonable person, was about to go find Mu Hao himself when he saw someone push through the crowd, heading straight towards them, his coat billowing behind him.

Bai Zhao stopped in front of the seemingly drunk Yu Duqiu, glanced at the half-full glass of liquor, and raised an eyebrow. “Half an hour and you’re already like this?”

Ji Lin wanted to say how would I know, this is the first time I’ve seen someone pass out without drinking. But then Yu Duqiu, facing the bar, winked at him.

“…” Ji Lin instantly knew he was up to something.

From his experience over the past few months, it was best to stay out of their love-hate drama.

“Anyway, just take him away.” Ji Lin brushed him off vaguely. “I don’t want him throwing up here.”

Bai Zhao didn’t ask further, putting Yu Duqiu’s arm over his shoulder and supporting his waist, steadying him.

Yu Duqiu continued mumbling, his flushed face nestled against Bai Zhao’s shoulder, his body swaying unsteadily. He leaned against Bai Zhao’s chest, taking the opportunity to cop a feel while shooting a smug look at Ji Lin: Learn from me.

The perpetually single officer was utterly amazed.

Bai Zhao, unsuspecting, wasn’t surprised by Yu Duqiu’s antics. He held him tighter to prevent him from falling. “I’ll take him upstairs to rest. If anyone asks, just say he’s not feeling well.”

“Fine.” Ji Lin waved them off, urging the openly affectionate couple to leave.

Their intertwined figures quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Ji Lin didn’t care where they went; they were both perfectly sober. The only thing that could intoxicate them was each other.

With his drinking buddy gone, Ji Lin sat alone at the bar, staring at his phone screen as it lit up and dimmed, unable to bring himself to contact the top name in his contacts.

Yu Duqiu had said Mu Hao was calling Team Feng.

But he was right here, within reach. Why didn’t Mu Hao discuss it with him first?

And this operation too, Mu Hao had chosen to go with Yu Duqiu instead of asking for his help…

After so many years, so many things, he couldn’t even secure the position of a “reliable good brother.”

How pathetic.

Frustrated, Ji Lin picked up his glass and took a large gulp. A burning sensation instantly filled his mouth. He remembered what Yu Duqiu had done and quickly spat it out, but some of the 95-proof alcohol had already gone down his throat, his face flushing from his neck to the top of his head.

“Sir… are you alright?” the bartender asked worriedly.

“Cough! Cough! W-Water…” Ji Lin clutched his burning throat, cursing Yu Duqiu internally.

He knew nothing good ever came from associating with that guy!

The bartender handed him a glass of mineral water. Ji Lin gulped down two glasses before feeling slightly better. He leaned against the bar, his head still spinning, his vision blurry.

Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure approach.

“Xiao Ji,” the person called.

He blinked, focusing on the person’s face. Then, on a whim, he mimicked Yu Duqiu, slumping dramatically onto the bar.

However, his imitation was clumsy. His head hit the wooden bar, and he hissed in pain.

Mu Hao, having witnessed the entire scene, said disapprovingly, “What are you doing? Getting drunk on duty? What a mess.”

Ji Lin’s nose tingled. He sat up slowly, head down. “Sorry, Brother Mu. It won’t happen again.”

Mu Hao sighed, seemingly displeased, and turned to leave. “Come outside with me. I need to ask you something.”

Ji Lin never disobeyed him, following him obediently onto the terrace outside the banquet hall.

The glass door closed, shutting out the noise inside. They were alone. The night wind rustled through the plants, leaves occasionally drifting between them.

Ji Lin wasn’t wearing much, and the cool breeze sobered him up considerably. He asked hesitantly, “Brother Mu, what is it?”

Despite being reprimanded, he was actually a little happy. Mu Hao had finally sought him out; it must be about the case.

He braced himself, waiting.

But Mu Hao seemed unsure of how to begin, hesitation flickering in his eyes, an expression Ji Lin had never seen before.

Ji Lin’s heart tightened. “What’s wrong? Did you find something? Is there a problem with Luo Mao?”

“No.” Mu Hao quickly denied it, glancing at him, then removing his suit jacket. “I’ve… seen some surveillance footage these past few days.”

Ji Lin: “?”

The warm jacket, still carrying his body heat, landed on Ji Lin’s shoulders, enveloping him completely.

Ji Lin stared at the jacket’s owner, dumbfounded.

Mu Hao pursed his lips, as if struggling to speak, but finally met his confused gaze, his own expression uncertain. “Xiao Ji, do… do you like me?”