Is This The Right Way To Repay A Favor? Chapter 19

Yu Ge

Jiang Zhou silently followed behind Shen Zhiyu, neither of them speaking a word.

Jiang Zhou actually wanted to talk.

For example, asking him if he wanted some hot water.

The penalty drink Shen Zhiyu had consumed had complex ingredients: soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, cola, orange juice…

Jiang Zhou was worried about his stomach.

But Shen Zhiyu’s pace left no room for interruption, making it impossible for him to find a gap to insert a word.

They walked like this, one after the other, for nearly ten minutes before arriving at Youran Residence.

Youran Residence was converted from the original chicken coop, so the overall structure was a single-story, antique-style wooden house, laid out like a modern three-bedroom, two-living-room suite.

Shen Zhiyu’s suitcase was left in the living room.

When Jiang Zhou arrived, Shen Zhiyu had just finished touring the entire house.

“There are three rooms here, but only the master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom.”

Jiang Zhou subconsciously said, “Teacher Shen, you should take the…”

“CEO Jiang!” Shen Zhiyu interrupted him. “You might want to be a good Samaritan, but I don’t want to owe you the favor.”

His words were sharp and unreserved.

Once the guests returned to their rooms, the director and producer went to the monitoring room, constantly watching CEO Jiang’s movements.

Hearing Shen Zhiyu’s words in the monitoring room now, they were on high alert, terrified that Jiang Zhou would lose his temper on the spot.

After all, there was a precedent for this.

Five years ago.

Languang Media signed Xie Qingqing, a child star, and invested in four or five top-tier resources to elevate her to the status of a Best Actress, making her a recognized star known for both popularity and acting skill.

Later, perhaps inflated by the praise from fans and industry staff, Xie Qingqing developed more and more eccentric habits and a growing temper.

Being late was common; verbally abusing and hitting staff was routine. Several times when she was exposed, the company’s PR team managed to spin it as her being “true to herself.”

Until that “true self” danced right in front of Jiang Zhou.

One day in August three years ago.

For some unknown reason, Jiang Zhou suddenly visited the set of a movie Languang Media had invested in.

It was a break time, and the set makeup artist was touching up Xie Qingqing’s makeup. Xie Qingqing was scrolling through her phone, watching videos and laughing heartily.

The makeup artist’s hand trembled, accidentally smudging the eyeliner below her eyelid.

Xie Qingqing instantly blew up, slapping the makeup artist.

Jiang Zhou happened to witness this scene. He stepped forward and asked what had happened.

After learning the cause of the incident, Jiang Zhou instructed Wei Yan to have the crew add an emotional compensation fee for the makeup artist.

Xie Qingqing, perhaps having lost her mind that day or truly being spoiled into arrogance, actually sneered at Jiang Zhou, “Only CEO Jiang is so good at being the nice guy.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhou flew into a rage, announcing on the spot the termination of her contract with Languang Media, and explicitly stating that all future film and television productions by Languang Media would never collaborate with her.

Xie Qingqing didn’t take it seriously at the time.

It took her a week to realize the gravity of the situation. She waited bitterly at the company for Jiang Zhou for a month but never saw him.

Since then, Xie Qingqing’s resources plummeted, all her endorsements were canceled, and she gradually faded into obscurity in the industry, eventually retiring.

With the previous example, the director was even prepared to send Shen Zhiyu home.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhou didn’t get angry. In fact, his expression seemed to carry a hint of deference. “Then, Teacher Shen, how do you think we should choose?”

Shen Zhiyu: “Rock-paper-scissors. One round decides the winner, and the winner gets the room.”

Jiang Zhou agreed. But inwardly, he was calculating how to subtly and naturally lose to him.

Before he could figure it out.

Shen Zhiyu spoke, “Rock-paper-scissors…”

One round.

Shen Zhiyu threw rock, Jiang Zhou threw paper.

Jiang Zhou won.

Shen Zhiyu picked up his suitcase and walked straight toward the room next to the master bedroom.

When he reached the doorway, Shen Zhiyu suddenly turned back to look at Jiang Zhou.

“CEO Jiang, I actually really dislike the title ‘Teacher Shen.’”

“I see you’re two years younger than me. Why don’t you call me Yu Ge, like Cai Zhiyang and the others?”

—

Yu Ge…

Jiang Zhou turned the name over a hundred times in his mind, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Some things, when viewed from afar, allow one to maintain the last shred of self-control. But once the line is crossed, it’s hard to turn back.

Amidst the countless “Yu Ge”s he was silently rehearsing, Jiang Zhou developed an inappropriate urge to get closer.

But he shouldn’t have it.

He wasn’t worthy.

Jiang Zhou found the briefcase Wei Yan had given him that afternoon and took out a platinum bracelet.

The cold touch gradually brought him back to his senses.

Jiang Zhou put the chain on his left hand and locked it. He also locked the fierce beast in his heart that was desperate to break free from its cage.

His room light was off, only the faint moonlight filtered in.

The moonlight accentuated the blue crescent-shaped gemstone at the center of the chain, making it look deeper and more captivating.

Shen Zhiyu was like this crescent gemstone, the bright moon in the sky, the center of attention, surrounded by stars.

And he was just an ordinary, common tea tree in a tea garden. To be bathed in the moonlight was already a blessing; how could he harbor any other desires?

Gradually, the transgressive thoughts ceased to grow, and the beast in the cage slowly quieted down.

—

There was no fixed schedule in Taoyuan; the guests arranged their time themselves.

Jiang Zhou woke up early the next morning.

His routine was very regular; no matter how late he suffered from insomnia the night before, he could wake up promptly at six o’clock the next day.

Fearing he might disturb Shen Zhiyu’s rest, Jiang Zhou didn’t wash up immediately. Instead, he quietly opened his door, planning to go for a couple of laps outside.

But the moment he opened the door, the sight outside made him instantly hold his breath.

Only one wall lamp was on in the communal washing area, the light sparingly illuminating a small patch of space.

In the center of that halo, Shen Zhiyu stood with his back to him, washing his face at the sink.

He was only wearing a white T-shirt, the fabric slightly translucent. The outline of his broad shoulders and narrow waist was clearly defined by the dim wall light, his shoulder blades subtly flexing with the motion of washing his face.

The faucet was barely on, the thin stream silently rinsing the white porcelain basin.

Jiang Zhou froze in place, his fingers unconsciously resting on the cold doorknob.

Shen Zhiyu heard the sound but didn’t turn around immediately.

He turned off the faucet, slightly tilted his head, and his gaze accurately captured the rigid figure at the doorway through the mirror.

Time seemed to stretch out indefinitely.

Jiang Zhou’s heart hammered wildly in his chest, the drumming sound pounding against his eardrums.

Shen Zhiyu picked up a face towel, wiping his face as he turned around.

“Morning run?” Shen Zhiyu asked. His voice carried the unique raspiness of early morning.

“Mhm.” Jiang Zhou belatedly released the doorknob.

After drying his face, Shen Zhiyu raised his hand and casually smoothed back the few strands of hair that had fallen onto his forehead, revealing a clean, full forehead and beautifully shaped brow bones.

Jiang Zhou’s eyes unconsciously traced his movements, finally settling on his bright, striking eyes.

Jiang Zhou’s breathing completely stopped. He stood frozen, like a stone statue under a stasis spell.

“Together?” Shen Zhiyu walked out from the sink area.

A warm breath, mixed with a fresh mint scent, silently enveloped Jiang Zhou, carrying an undeniable presence.

Jiang Zhou opened his mouth, his throat seemingly choked by something, only managing short, fragmented syllables: “I… I…”

“?” Shen Zhiyu looked at him.

Under the dim yellow light of the wall lamp, his gaze appeared somewhat tender and affectionate.

Stared at like this, Jiang Zhou couldn’t utter a word of refusal.

“Okay, wait a moment, I’ll go back to my room to wash up.”

—

This was the second time Jiang Zhou had gone for a morning run with someone.

The first time was with Yuan Chong.

One day, Yuan Chong was hungover and came looking for him early in the morning, just as Jiang Zhou was heading out for his run. Yuan Chong insisted on joining him.

But Yuan Chong rarely exercised. Trying to keep up with Jiang Zhou’s pace, he was panting after only a few steps, looking utterly exhausted.

Jiang Zhou was genuinely afraid he might collapse, so he had to slow down and run with him.

Later, Yuan Chong became obsessed with fitness and wanted to invite Jiang Zhou to run together again.

Jiang Zhou, still wary, never agreed again.

Everyone has their own running rhythm. Running together requires one party to adapt to the other’s pace.

Jiang Zhou intentionally tried to adapt to Shen Zhiyu’s rhythm.

Shen Zhiyu noticed this but didn’t snap at him like he had last night.

The two of them wordlessly and tacitly finished two laps.

After the guests moved into Taoyuan, the Taoyuan Committee only provided basic oil and seasonings; all ingredients had to be sourced by the guests themselves.

In this regard, Youran Residence had a natural advantage.

The front yard of Youran Residence was a vegetable patch, planted with two rows of vegetables and several empty plots. The backyard was a chicken and duck coop, housing several chickens and ducks.

Jiang Zhou returned to his bedroom to wash up. When he came out, he heard the sound of water splashing in the communal bathroom, a sound that stirred the imagination.

Jiang Zhou decided to check the yard. He first went to the coop in the backyard and collected a few eggs, then went to the front yard and dug up a few potatoes.

When he returned, Shen Zhiyu had already emerged from the bathroom and was standing at the sink blow-drying his hair.

A strong blast of warm air surged from the sink area into the living room.

Jiang Zhou didn’t dare approach. He tightly closed the kitchen door and started preparing breakfast.

Jiang Zhou scrambled all six eggs he had collected and mashed the potatoes to make several potato pancakes.

After finishing breakfast, Jiang Zhou deliberately took a photo and posted it in the group chat the guests had created yesterday.

“I made breakfast. Anyone who wants some, please come to Youran Residence.”

Shen Zhiyu had just finished drying his hair when he heard the group chat notification.

He glanced at the message and scoffed.

In Taoyuan, aside from Youran Residence, the other houses were completely empty, lacking any ingredients.

The guests saw the breakfast photo Jiang Zhou posted and immediately showed up with enthusiasm.

Cai Zhiyang: “CEO Jiang, I declare you my biological father today!”

Yu Liang: “I’m grabbing my bowl and coming over…”

Jiang Zhou had just posted it casually, so he was surprised by their enthusiasm and even a little worried if the amount of breakfast would be enough for everyone.

Just as Jiang Zhou was considering whether to go pick more vegetables from the front yard, a fresh scent of citrus shower gel invaded the kitchen.

Shen Zhiyu had finished drying his hair.

He had changed clothes: black shirt and black pants, covered by a black trench coat with a strong design sense. His hair was casually slicked back with gel, with a few stray strands hanging over his forehead on both sides.

He wore an ear cuff on his left ear, a black pentagram with small diamonds dangling from a tassel. He looked fashionable yet relaxed.

“CEO Jiang is truly virtuous,” Shen Zhiyu complimented.

He walked over and proactively picked up the scrambled eggs and potato pancakes from the stove.

Jiang Zhou’s heart skipped a beat, and his ears felt slightly hot from Shen Zhiyu’s praise.