“Why are you with him?” Chen Jinxuan hissed as he grimaced at Qiyu.

“Jin-ge, it’s not what you think.” Qiyu raised his hands, trying to placate the irked Chen Jinxuan. He took a step closer, and Chen Jinxuan pointed a finger at him, warning him to maintain a distance.

Chen Ling sighed as she held Chen Jinxuan back by his arm. It was not the first time Chen Jinxuan caught her walking with an acquaintance of the opposite sex and got angry. She knew he was trying to protect her, but she found it overbearing sometimes. “Jin-ge! It’s not what you think.”

“I know I have done this multiple times to your other acquaintances, and you are not pleased about it. I am very sorry for the past few times, but for this man… I will never allow it.” 

“No, really! I was just passing by when we met! Look, I am still in my office attire. Jin-ge, please.” Qiyu explained, frowning with a hint of what seemed to be desperation in his eyes.

Although it was not the first time this happened, Chen Ling rarely saw Chen Jinxuan losing his self-control. She gave a few firm tugs at Chen Jinxuan’s arm, beckoning him to look at her.

When their eyes met, and worry showed up in Chen Ling’s eyes, Chen Jinxuan turned away immediately.

Chen Ling felt a squeeze in her heart upon Chen Jinxuan’s pale complexion. She knew by instinct that something must have happened to her brother, and he was turning away from her. Whenever this happened, Chen Ling would not get a word out of her brother’s mouth.

Her brother had been her salvation and solace whenever she needed, but she was never an option for his succour. For years, she had been angry at herself for being incompetent. While receiving all aid, she could not contribute any. It was not her fault, of course. However, she could not help but feel guilty. If she wasn’t kidnapped back then, Chen Jinxuan would not have been so protective over her, and he could have had less worry.

Regardless, she disagreed with how he was treating Qiyu, who had taken a beating on her behalf. She pulled Chen Jinxuan’s arm and said, “Jin-ge, you taught me to be grateful for every kindness people give. Qiyu took a hit and protected me, never mind you, I should be grateful and thank him. Am I wrong?”

Chen Jinxuan’s frown deepened as he glared at Chen Ling.

“It is as he said. We unintentionally met. We should at least treat him to a meal, considering it is almost dinner time.” Chen Ling softened her expression, swinging her brother’s arm pleadingly and in a spoiled manner. “Please?”

The frown on Chen Jinxuan’s face diminished gradually. His temper, washed away. He sighed as he raised his hand and patted Chen Ling’s head gently.

“Jin-ge, don’t be so cold. I really mean no harm. I remember I haven’t properly introduced myself.” Qiyu scratched the back of his head as he smiled awkwardly. He took a few steps closer and stretched a hand over.

“You don’t need to.” Chen Jinxuan regained his composure and spoke indifferently. “After a meal, you will be nobody.”

Qiyu’s smile froze, and his hand remained hanging in the air. He made an awkward chuckle and shook Chen Jinxuan’s hand. “My name is Han Qiyu. I used to manage an internet bar, but I am trying to establish it into an internet service company… It is still in the form of an internet bar though. The name is Baolei. As the name suggests, I hope it grows as big and as strong as a fortress.”

Chen Jinxuan made a quick scan on Han Qiyu again from top to bottom. He started to doubt if Han Qiyu was a son of a rich conglomerate. How much would an internet bar manager earn in a month? Would an internet bar manager require an office suit of such quality? What Han Qiyu wore was literally custom-made, and with the quality only the rich would not mind spending money on.

Han Qiyu mentioned that his older brother took a loan from the loan sharks and that was why he was hunted by crooks that day. Based on Han Qiyu’s appearance, he did not seem like someone who could not pay the bills… Why exactly was he involved with the local ruffians?

“Woah!” Chen Ling exclaimed, poking her head from behind Chen Jinxuan. “Really?!”

“Yes. We only have about six people, but it is a start.” Han Qiyu’s eyes gleamed when he saw interest in Chen Ling’s eyes. “Are you interested in it?”

“I do, but I don’t know a lot about it. Do you make a lot of money?” Chen Ling prodded.

“You might as well come and apply for your internship at Xiuyan if you are concerned about money.” Chen Jinxuan scoffed, and this earned him Chen Ling’s disapproval look. Chen Jinxuan sighed and decided that he should go with Chen Ling’s idea. “Let’s go find somewhere to sit and order something to eat.”

Chen Ling plunged forward, giving her brother a big bear hug. “Jin-ge, you’re the best!”

Chen Jinxuan returned with a few soft pats on her back.

“Jin-ge, Chen Ling, I know a very delicious steak restaurant near here. I visit once in a while with my older brother. I can guarantee the taste. Let me treat you two!” Han Qiyu grinned, showing his white teeth. He stretched out a hand and made a ‘over here, please’ gesture.

“I will go and tell my driver to go home first. Chen Ling, come with me.” Chen Jinxuan said as he took Chen Ling’s hand, pulling her along. Before they managed to take a step away, Han Qiyu darted and blocked their way.

“Hold it! Jin-ge, are you planning to leave me alone here?” Han Qiyu frowned, looking at Chen Jinxuan pitiably. “Jin-ge, please, I just want to be friends…”

Chen Jinxuan went speechless. He had no idea whether Han Qiyu could see through his intention or if he was purely making a blind guess. He found this particular handsome man even more interesting. Yet…

Curiosity kills the cat… Chen Jinxuan reminded himself and stopped himself before sinking deeper into questioning this younger man’s background.

“Jin-ge, I don’t want anything. Leave me some dignity and let me treat you two to a meal, alright?” Han Qiyu straightened his back and smiled politely, throwing a glance at Chen Ling.

Chen Jinxuan stared at him for a brief moment soundlessly and thought he must get rid of all contact with his man after the meal. He sighed as he took out his phone and dialled his driver. The call only lasted a few seconds and the three of them strolled to the steak restaurant.

After taking their seats, Chen Ling cut to the chase, “So, how much do you earn a month?”

Chen Jinxuan coughed lightly as he nudged Chen Ling’s arm under the table. He picked up his cup of chrysanthemum tea and sipped it.

Although unwilling, Han Qiyu still answered. “Less than ten thousand?”

Chen Ling frowned as she looked at Han Qiyu with disbelief. “I actually earn more than you by selling my brother’s photos.”

Chen Jinxuan cleared his throat as he continued sipping his tea. He pinched Chen Ling’s hand under the table, warning her not to spout nonsense.

This time, it was Han Qiyu who looked at them in disbelief. “You… You sell his photos?"

"He has a cool bike, and he dresses like a local street racer during off-work. I earn five thousand for one photo. I sell up to ten photos.” Chen Ling smiled proudly as she leaned her head on Chen Jinxuan’s shoulder.

At this moment, their orders were delivered by the waitress. From here on, they focused on their food. Half-way done, Chen Ling took a look at her phone and noticed that it was near her curfew. It would have taken less than ten minutes if Chen Jinxuan drove her to her dormitory with a bike, but even Chen Jinxuan had to order a cab tonight. Since it was off-office hour, the street was filled with vehicles of all sizes passing by. The traffic was imaginably frightening. If the siblings left, it would be rude to Han Qiyu who would pay for the food later. 

But only one of them had to stay…

“Jin-ge, Qiyu-ge, I have to go now. My curfew is 7:30 PM and it is already 6:50 PM. I can still rush to my dorm somehow.” Chen Ling gathered her belongings and tilted her head towards Han Qiyu as she looked at Chen Jinxuan, beckoning him to stay.

“Chen Ling!” Chen Jinxuan wanted to protest and used this opportunity to leave. He did not care whether it would offend Han Qiyu, they were nobody anyway.

As if she had guessed what her brother wanted to say, Chen Ling quickly added, “Jin-ge, you don’t bring your bike today, so you don’t have to send me off. I’ll catch the bus.”

Chen Jinxuan was about to argue when his phone rang. For a moment, the three became speechless. Chen Jinxuan reached for his phone and hesitated. Chen Ling leaned over and saw that it was a call from Fang Yaowei.

Chen Ling rolled her eyes. “It’s that people-pleaser, Fang Yaowei, again.”

Han Qiyu observed Chen Ling’s expression and then turned to observe Chen Jinxuan’s expression. He caught the key word immediately and figured out that it must have been a call from a suitor. Was Chen Jinxuan into men? Then, did Chen Ling know that his brother was into men?

Chen Jinxuan picked up the phone call.

“Xuan-ge, I went to the supermarket and bought a lot of ingredients. What do you want for dinner?” Fang Yaowei’s voice was soft and gentle, bringing the impression as if he was smiling at the other side.

“You finished your work earlier today? It is still 6:55 PM and the traffic is usually horrible.” Chen Jinxuan shifted his gaze to his half-eaten steak. For some reason, his tongue turned bitter and fatigue started to consume him. He just wanted to go home and sleep. Perhaps, he should just stay at his own condominium tonight…

“Yeah, I did.” Fang Yaowei answered earnestly.

“Who did you go to the supermarket with?”

“Hm? Oh, right. Xuan-ge, you know who I met in the supermarket? It’s the college friend who went to work in Africa that I told you about before! What a coincidence! We only talked for a while because he had to go.” Fang Yaowei chuckled as he went on. “So, what’s for dinner?”

Chen Ling knew something was wrong when a tad hint of bitterness surfaced on Chen Jinxuan’s expression. Without batting an eyelash, she snatched his phone and snarled, “Fang Yaowei, are you going to take away his time with me too? He will not go back with you tonight. I will take him home.”

As if they had a tacit agreement, Han Qiyu took the phone from Chen Ling and added. “Hello, sir. If you only cause trouble to your lover, perhaps, you should wonder if you have been doing your part right. Otherwise, he will be snatched away by someone else.”

He ended the call. A few seconds after, Fang Yaowei called again and this time, Han Qiyu turned the phone off. “Jin-ge, you deserve a rest. You look pale.”

“You—”

“Good, confiscate his phone for me. I will contact you later. I’ll be off!” Chen Ling pointed her thumb at Han Qiyu before she took off and left her brother in the hands of their newly acquainted friend. “See you when I see you, Jin-ge!” 

“Chen Ling!”

Chen Jinxuan felt his head throb in pain. Not only must he deal with Han Qiyu for the rest of his meal, but he must also make an explanation to Fang Yaowei later at night. An enormous urge to take a week's leave overseas emerged from the deepest part of his heart, but it was impossible with two great projects in progress.

“Jin-ge, is everything alright? In any case, you do not look alright.” Han Qiyu probed. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Chen Jinxuan. “Is he not treating you well?”