ATMAWTPM Chapter 2

Chapter 2: “Can I have a refill of milk?”…

The next morning, Ye Tingtong fled the villa as if escaping.

The old butler was kind enough to invite him for breakfast, but he was too embarrassed and made an excuse that he had class to run away.

Ye Tingtong did indeed have class, but he couldn’t make it at all, so he just skipped it.

As soon as he returned to his residence, he received a call from Yu Huanhuan.

Yu Huanhuan asked directly, “Did you sleep with Shen Minghuai last night?”

Ye Tingtong was drinking water and choked immediately upon hearing this, “Cough, cough…”

Last night, after deleting his post on WeChat Moments, he felt it was a pity, so he created a small group for Shen Jun alone, blocked him, and then reposted the post in a self-deceiving way.

Ye Tingtong caught his breath and put the cup on the table beside him, “Yesterday, Shen Minghuai went out to have fun, I didn’t have a car to go home, and his little uncle said I could stay in the guest room.”

Yu Huanhuan became even more nervous than before, “You—”

Ye Tingtong quickly interrupted, “His little uncle talked to me for a few words and left, and didn’t come back.”

The old butler probably noticed his discomfort in the morning and told him this on his own initiative.

Yu Huanhuan breathed a sigh of relief, “As long as you weren’t bullied.”

“What’s there to worry about?” Ye Tingtong lay on the bed, speaking softly, “I think Shen Jun is easy to talk to. Can I try to get on his good side and ask him to help me?”

The Ye family’s actions were like tying a time bomb to him, which could explode at any time, and he wasn’t sure about Shen Minghuai’s attitude either…

“Ye Tingtong, what on earth are you thinking?” Yu Huanhuan sounded as if his mind had broken down, “That’s Shen Jun, the CEO of Shen Corporation. Once, because a department head contradicted him, he got angry and fired the entire department, with all the employees replaced, not letting go of even the old employees who had been there for more than ten years. He’s known as a cold-blooded and ruthless executioner who only cares about profit. This has even been in the news.”

Ye Tingtong sat up straight on the bed with a whoosh, “That scary?”

“What did you think!” Yu Huanhuan rolled her eyes, “Don’t go crazy trying to get on his good side. You’re just a little ant, and he could crush you with a single finger.”

Ye Tingtong mumbled, “Okay, I got it.”

He just had a tiny thought about it.

“By the way, there’s progress on the Ye family matter you asked me to look into yesterday,” Yu Huanhuan’s voice turned serious, “It seems that the Ye family company has huge problems with its capital chain. Although it’s trying hard to maintain appearances, it will break out sooner or later.”

After she said that, the other end of the line suddenly went silent.

Yu Huanhuan paused and tried to make her tone lighter, “But I don’t think it has anything to do with you. Don’t they always dislike you for being an illegitimate child? When disaster strikes, everyone will fly away separately! If worse comes to worst, there’s still Shen Minghuai!”

As long as Shen Minghuai is willing to help, Ye Tingtong can definitely get out of it.

Ye Tingtong forced a smile, “Yeah.”

Hopefully.

*

After that gathering, Ye Tingtong placed all his hopes on Shen Minghuai and stuck to him more and more, and since they were in the same dorm and major, it was easy for him to succeed.

Shen Minghuai also sent him the latest game console as compensation for standing him up. Although Ye Tingtong wasn’t good at playing games, it didn’t stop him from showing it off on WeChat Moments.

A few days passed, and Ye Tingtong flipped through the posts he’d made on WeChat Moments, carefully counting the people who’d liked them, and Shen Jun wasn’t among them.

Sometimes, Ye Tingtong even wondered if the other party had already blocked and deleted him, but every time he sent a message, it went through.

This morning, after class ended, the four of them walked out of the dorm.

“Tongzai, let’s go, Minghuai is treating.”

This was the unique nickname his roommates had for Ye Tingtong. In the four-person dorm, Ye Tingtong was the youngest and looked the most well-behaved, so everyone came up with this [pet name].

They had walked a few steps when they realized that Ye Tingtong was still looking down at his phone, seemingly sending a message to someone.

Shen Minghuai was chatting with a female classmate when he noticed that someone was missing by his side and turned his head.

Ye Tingtong sensed everyone’s gaze, quickly finished editing the text and clicked send, “Coming!”

Before Shen Minghuai could see his screen, Ye Tingtong had already put his phone in his pocket and proactively greeted, “Minghuai, what are we eating today?”

They were in the same major and dorm. Shen Minghuai disliked the food at school and often took them out to eat at small private places.

Shen Minghuai said, “Didn’t you say the private kitchen there tastes good? I’ve booked a table.”

Ye Tingtong looked pleasantly surprised, “Thank you, Gold Master!”

Shen Minghuai was very pleased with this and ruffled his hair, “You little foodie.”

At the restaurant, they also ran into two pretty girls waiting for a table. When Shen Minghuai found out they were from the same school, he very generously agreed to share the table with them.

While eating, Ye Tingtong observed the interaction between Shen Minghuai and the girls and quickly came to a conclusion.

The girl at the party was already a thing of the past; this was Shen Minghuai’s new target.

The other two roommates noticed that Ye Tingtong was distracted and gave him some food, and the dorm leader, Yu Hui, also whispered, “Okay, focus on your meal.”

Everyone knew that Ye Tingtong liked Shen Minghuai, but Shen Minghuai didn’t seem to have any intention of that, and instead was constantly flirting with girls. They were afraid Ye Tingtong would get hurt if he saw too much.

Ye Tingtong ate the food and whispered, “Thank you.”

The other two roommates were from ordinary families, and their personalities were honest and well-behaved. They didn’t like to participate in those parties, and at most would mooch a meal from Shen Minghuai. They had no idea about the hidden agendas and just thought Ye Tingtong simply fell in love with someone he shouldn’t.

Actually, Ye Tingtong didn’t care at all. Shen Minghuai’s promiscuity actually made him feel much more relaxed. Shen Minghuai never had a formal girlfriend, and they were all just for fun, which made Ye Tingtong feel no burden at all.

He didn’t flirt with people who had girlfriends; he wouldn’t be a third party.

At this moment, the last dessert was served, and Shen Minghuai stopped talking to the girls and placed the dessert in front of Ye Tingtong.

The dessert was an ice cream bread, with a different animal theme every time. When Ye Tingtong saw the design that had been brought up, his eyes lit up—

Today, it was a little yellow hamster.

Without being in a rush to eat, Ye Tingtong first took a photo, then scooped up a large spoonful of ice cream and bread and stuffed it in his mouth. While Shen Minghuai was chatting with the girls, he secretly took out his phone and sent the photo.

In a private room on the second floor, the phone in Shen Jun’s pocket vibrated.

The young woman in a dress opposite him cooperatively suggested to go to the restroom, giving Shen Jun space to deal with his private matters.

Unlocking his phone, it was a picture and message sent by Ye Tingtong.

[I’ve never seen such a cute hamster before. The food at this place is delicious. If you’re free, you can come try it. It’s near our school! My treat!]

From his tone, one could tell he was happy and content.

And the previous message was—

[Good morning, the weather is really good today~]

When Shen Jun received this message, he happened to be waiting for someone at the entrance of University A. When he saw the message, he rolled down the car window and looked out.

The sky was covered in dark clouds, with gusts of wind and high humidity. It looked like it was going to rain.

Thinking of this, Shen Jun turned his head and looked down from the window.

The person sending the message held his phone for a while. After not receiving a reply, he actually seemed relieved and began to enjoy the food with a relaxed expression.

Perhaps it really was delicious. Ye Tingtong’s eyes were curved, and because he had stuffed in too much at once, his cheeks were round and bulging.

Shen Jun thought, he really does look like a hamster.

The hamster hesitated for a few seconds, then handed the last remaining bit of dessert to Shen Minghuai beside him.

Shen Jun indifferently retracted his gaze. After the woman opposite him returned, he gentlemanly sent her back to school.

Before getting out of the car, Liang Yuting hesitated, but still spoke, “You’re wasting your time. When I get back, I’ll explain things clearly to my parents, and I promise not to cause you too much trouble.”

This blind date was initiated by the Liang family. The reason was that Liang Yuting’s mother had seen that her daughter was starting to have feelings, and after asking about it, her daughter said that the person’s surname was Shen. Hence, this blind date came about.

But Liang Yuting didn’t expect that the person who came would be Shen Jun.

Shen Jun’s expression didn’t change much.

As soon as they met, the shyness on the other’s face turned into disappointment, and he knew that the blind date Liang Yuting had been anticipating wasn’t him.

And while they were eating, Liang Yuting had been looking downstairs with anxiety…

After she left, Shen Jun sent a message to his father.

[The Liang family’s daughter is interested in Shen Minghuai.]

*

On the other side, Ye Tingtong didn’t receive a reply from Shen Jun until bedtime, and the anxiety in his heart completely disappeared.

He regretted sending the invitation as soon as he did. He knew that the minimum spending at that restaurant was 3,000, which he couldn’t afford.

All his living expenses were managed by the Ye family. He only had a few sets of clothes, occasionally wearing the ones that Shen Minghuai gifted him. He was either chauffeured around or hitched a ride. If Shen Minghuai didn’t treat, he’d eat in the school cafeteria.

The only asset Ye Tingtong could control was the few hundred dollars in his school meal card.

After confirming again that Shen Jun hadn’t blocked him, Ye Tingtong boldly sent another message, a harassing message.

[Good night~~~]

Accompanied by a carefully searched meme of a hamster with its paws folded together.

Of course, there was still no response.

Ye Tingtong wasn’t discouraged at all. Being able to contact Shen Jun was an unexpected surprise. His primary task was still to build a good relationship with Shen Minghuai.

For the past week, everyone had seen Ye Tingtong following Shen Minghuai like a little tail, participating in every activity together, and his posts on WeChat Moments were also frequent, with every post filling up all nine squares.

Of course, Ye Tingtong also went to the bar tonight.

He usually didn’t attend these events because he had a very low tolerance for alcohol, collapsing after one glass, and he was too lazy to go out and embarrass himself, but lately, his sense of crisis was too strong, and this kind of event could also be used to make a post on WeChat Moments.

But today, Shen Minghuai was very unusual, focusing only on drinking, not even lifting an eyelid at the young ladies who came to chat him up.

His phone had also been ringing continuously, which Shen Minghuai kept hanging up with a frustrated expression.

Ye Tingtong blinked, feeling that he knew why. He poured wine into Shen Minghuai’s empty glass and whispered, “Is it the girl from the party last time?”

Shen Minghuai took a gulp of his wine, “It ended a week ago.”

Ye Tingtong thought so too. Shen Minghuai’s generosity was well-known, and there was no one he couldn’t handle.

That must mean something else wasn’t going well.

Ye Tingtong thought for a moment and offered a thoughtful suggestion, “There’s a pretty lady in the booth in front of us who keeps looking at you. I can go ask for her contact information.”

A week was a very long dry spell for Shen Minghuai. That girl’s appearance should be Shen Minghuai’s type.

Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Shen Minghuai’s expression turned ugly, “Do I have to go with them?”

He slammed the glass of wine that Ye Tingtong handed over, “Aren’t you annoying?”

The glass tilted, and most of the wine spilled on the table, while the rest splashed onto Ye Tingtong’s white sweater.

The dark liquid soaked into the sweater, looking very messy.

Both of them stopped their actions immediately. At this moment, Shen Minghuai’s phone rang, and he picked it up, his face dark, and walked out, “I said I’m not going, I’m not interested in her…”

Ye Tingtong was wiping himself with a tissue. He didn’t hear what Shen Minghuai’s phone call was about. After he left, Ye Tingtong wanted to go to the restroom, but someone held his shoulder and made him sit back down.

“Where are you going? The bottle landed in front of you. This round is a mandatory Truth or Dare, so don’t even think about running.”

Shen Minghuai wasn’t participating in the game today, so Ye Tingtong was also excluded, but now, he didn’t know why, he was suddenly pulled into the game.

They were probably trying to make things difficult for him by taking advantage of the slight conflict between them.

Ye Tingtong looked at the unfamiliar faces around him and refused, “I’m not playing.”

“Tsk, wasn’t it you who begged Shen-ge to come play?” The person spinning the bottle sneered, “If you can’t play, then get lost!”

Ye Tingtong was also provoked, “What’s the Dare?”

“Go to the booth in the upper right corner and ask them for a drink, easy, right?”

On his way, carrying his empty glass, Ye Tingtong realized the trickery involved.

That booth was very special. The customers were either very wealthy or powerful. Were they trying to make him humiliate himself?

And if he was not careful, he might drink some laced alcohol…

After all, who would refuse the snack that was offered?

Three steps away from that booth, the competitive spirit that Ye Tingtong had been stirred up by disappeared with a whoosh.

Should he go back? Or go to the restroom and fill the glass with water to pretend he had gotten a drink?

Just as Ye Tingtong was thinking of a solution, the person in the booth who had been facing away from him turned his head and spoke with interest, “Little friend, did you come to find us?”

That person had a pair of peach blossom eyes, and his tone was charming but not offensive.

Ye Tingtong blinked and stepped forward, “Brother, can I have a glass of wine?”

Yu Mo looked at the empty glass he was holding and raised an eyebrow, “I can’t decide that. I’m not the one paying the bill today.”

He pointed to the person in the deepest part of the booth, “You should ask him.”

When Ye Tingtong saw who it was, he widened his eyes in shock, “Shen Jun?!”

Perhaps because he had just finished work, Shen Jun was wearing a dark suit, his legs casually crossed. His excellent body proportions made the spacious booth seem a bit cramped.

Ye Tingtong regretted it as soon as he shouted, and immediately closed his mouth tightly.

It was because Shen Jun’s WeChat name was too simple. Ye Tingtong had clicked on that profile picture more than a dozen times every day, and had also silently recited the name countless times, which led to him saying it now so naturally.

Yu Mo joked, “Shen Jun, this little friend is calling you! Why aren’t you responding?”

Shen Jun ignored him.

Ye Tingtong glanced at Shen Jun’s face and realized that the other person wasn’t angry, just a little speechless. He guessed that the relationship between these two should be very good.

Remembering what Yu Mo said, Ye Tingtong moved a step closer to Shen Jun, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to shout your name so loudly.”

After he said that, he remembered his mission and handed the empty glass to Shen Jun, “Excuse me, can I have a glass of wine?”

Yu Mo carefully looked at his face, “Are you of age, little friend?”

Ye Tingtong looked too young and had a baby face. If he wore a school uniform, no one would doubt he was a high school student.

“I’m nineteen,” Ye Tingtong said obediently, “I’m of age, but my alcohol tolerance is bad, so just give me a little bit.”

Yu Mo, hearing how serious he was, touched his nose and felt that his teasing behavior was quite inhumane. He had no choice but to poke Shen Jun with his elbow, signaling him to make a decision.

Ye Tingtong quietly raised his eyes and unexpectedly met Shen Jun’s gaze.

One was standing and the other was sitting, and because of the height difference, Ye Tingtong could see the other person more clearly.

Shen Jun’s features were sharp and defined, and his pupils were very dark. With just one glance, one could feel the imposing aura contained within him. But maybe it was the dim lighting that softened Shen Jun’s edge, Ye Tingtong wasn’t too afraid.

After Shen Jun heard what he said, he waved for a waiter.

Ye Tingtong’s heart relaxed. It seemed that the other party was preparing to open a new bottle of wine.

That was right. With Shen Jun’s status, he definitely wouldn’t stoop to using underhanded means like drugging someone.

However, it wouldn’t be something very strong, would it?

The opened bottles on the table were already quite strong.

But when he saw clearly what the waiter was pouring for him, Ye Tingtong froze in place.

His stiff fingers touched the side of the glass, and he could even feel the warmth inside—

It was hot milk.

The rich and soothing aroma entered his nose, completely out of place with the lively and spicy atmosphere of the bar.

“Shen Jun, what are you doing playing elder, giving people milk to drink?” Yu Mo clicked his tongue, “Forget it, he’s the same age as Shen Minghuai. You’re really a whole generation older than him.”

These words made Ye Tingtong’s mind start working.

He quickly finished the milk and looked at Shen Jun, trying to get closer, “Thank you, little uncle?”

As soon as he said that, Yu Mo burst out laughing beside him, “Hahahaha…”

Ye Tingtong didn’t know what this person was laughing at. He only saw that Shen Jun, who had been holding his wine glass, had already brought it to his lips, but that sip of wine was forced to stop.

He vaguely felt that he had said something wrong and stood there awkwardly, the tips of his ears burning up.

Yu Huanhuan was right. He was really stupid.

Ye Tingtong’s skin was very fair, and his burning red ears were very obvious.

Yu Mo was laughing too unrestrainedly, and Shen Jun warned, “Know when to stop.”

Yu Mo immediately buried his face in the sofa, and although he was muffling his laughter, his shoulders were still shaking.

The booth quieted down, and Ye Tingtong held his empty cup awkwardly, not knowing whether to leave or stay.

Fortunately, Shen Jun took the initiative to speak, “Is there something else?”

Ye Tingtong subconsciously glanced at the big bottle of milk on the table, looking hesitant, and even nervously pinched the hem of his clothes.

His small actions were too obvious. Yu Mo wiped the tears from his laughter and leaned on the back of the sofa, looking very knowing, “You want to stay and have a few drinks with us?”

He knew how to seize the opportunity.

Shen Jun also looked at him.

Even though he thought he shouldn’t, Ye Tingtong still couldn’t resist the temptation. He handed the glass towards Shen Jun and tentatively asked, “Um, can I have a refill of milk?”