WSIDIILMBOCIR Chapter 15
by VolareLi Chongge is an enlightened businessman, one who allows others to play harmless little games under his nose.
More profit potential attracts more astute partners.
But this is conditional: these little games must be innocuous and not harm Kewei’s interests.
Du Mingzhen’s bringing a design company today isn’t to provoke Qin Yuanging or fight to the death, but to test Li Chongge.
Qin Yuanging’s sudden return to the country to take over Huichuang, and his interest in the resort project, caught him off guard.
In terms of strength, Huichuang is superior to the Lantuthat he brought.
In terms of friendship, he wasn’t even qualified to compare with Qin Yuanging.
So today, he just wanted to see Li Chongge’s attitude.
Everyone understands the principle of seeking shelter under a big tree.
But not just anyone can lean on the big tree that is Kewei.
Predictably, Li Chongge is most likely on Qin Yuanging’s side.
With no chance of winning, Du Mingzhen wouldn’t waste his energy on a futile struggle.
Money can be earned slowly, but offending the God of Wealth would truly leave Mingfan in a bad place.
Seeing that the two were still whispering, Du Mingzhen tactfully led his people onward, not interrupting them.
After their brief conversation, Qin Yuanging summed it up.
“I think Du Mingzhen is gloomy and sinister. I don’t like him much.”
Qin Yuanging is very good at expressing his likes and dislikes frankly, something Li Chongge appreciates and finds gratifying.
Li Chongge considerately agreed, “Yes, I don’t like him either.”
Qin Yuanging is six centimeters shorter than Li Chongge, a height difference that isn’t too significant. However, Qin Yuanging has lost a lot of weight, making his already less-than-robust physique even narrower. Compared to Li Chongge’s broad shoulders and narrow waist, he appears somewhat thin.
Li Chongge became less focused, his gaze sweeping from Qin Yuanging’s pointed chin to his noticeably protruding collarbone, his brow furrowing.
“How long will it take to recover?”
Qin Yuanging was baffled, leaning closer.
“Recover what?”
Li Chongge mirrored his action, also leaning forward. The distance between them became very close, close enough to feel each other’s breath on their faces, close enough to make Qin Yuanging’s heart flutter.
“Your weight.”
Qin Yuanging’s heart skipped a beat, his chest feeling numb. He feigned composure and stepped back.
“Isn’t being slimmer better looking? Jiang Muyuan said I’m even more handsome after losing weight!”
Startled, Qin Yuanging chose to spout nonsense. Jiang Muyuan had never said such a thing; her aesthetic is very straightforward, preferring strong men. Qin Yuanging, to her, is a little too slender.
Li Chongge paused, his expression somewhat gloomy.
“Health is more important.”
The two returned to standing side-by-side as before, gradually blending back into the crowd.
Seeing that the two had finally stopped whispering, Du Mingzhen took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Qin Yuanging. “It’s been a while, President Qin. Would you honor me with your presence for a meal later? Consider it catching up.”
Du Mingzhen, long immersed in wine, women, and money, still exudes a sense of frivolity and sleaziness, even in a suit and tie.
“Thank you for the kind invitation, President Du, but unfortunately, I already have an appointment for lunch. Maybe next time.”
Qin Yuanging refused very decisively.
“Then how about tonight? Does President Qin also have plans for tonight?”
“I’m going to his house for dinner tonight.”
Li Chongge looked at the relentless Du Mingzhen and spoke calmly.
Knowing that Li Chongge was helping him out, Qin Yuanging quickly smiled politely and said, “We made plans beforehand. My mom even said she’s personally making soup for us tonight. I’m really sorry, President Du.”
“Not at all. I’ve long known that President Qin and Li Chongge have been friends for over a decade. There were some rumors before, but it seems some people just can’t stand to see you two getting along and deliberately spread those words.”
Qin Yuanging laughed it off, chatting briefly with Du Mingzhen.
Li Chongge always does things decisively and efficiently, not engaging in useless social interactions. He was ready to leave in just an hour, about the time Qin Yuanging had predicted.
As for whether Du Mingzhen would return, Li Chongge didn’t care. Whether he wanted to continue staying there to “pontificate” was something Li Chongge didn’t even bother asking about.
Since Li Chongge was leaving, Qin Yuanging had no reason to stay either.
“It’s about time. I’ll drive you.”
Qin Yuanging twirled the car keys in his hand, reminding Li Chongge, “I drove myself. If I take your car, what will happen to mine?”
Li Chongge didn’t insist, only saying, “Then go back earlier. I’ll probably be at your house around six this afternoon.”
Qin Yuanging’s keys flew out of his hand and onto the ground. Secretary Liu kindly picked them up for him.
“Are you really coming to my house?”
Until that very second, Qin Yuanging had only thought that Li Chongge was using that as a way to deal with Du Mingzhen. He never imagined that he was serious.
“On the way back last night, I picked out a gift for your mother. I can deliver it today. What’s wrong? Do you think it’s inappropriate? Didn’t you just say that she was going to make soup for me?”
Qin Yuanging hesitated only for a moment before Li Chongge gently chided him, “So it was a lie. Qin Yuanging, you’ve honed your lying skills to perfection these past two years abroad.”
“No… I… then I’ll call my parents in advance, ask my mom to prepare more dishes, and tell my dad to come home earlier.”
Qin Yuanging was somewhat surprised, and also somewhat nervous.
He’d been to Li Chongge’s place many times, and Li Chongge would occasionally visit his, but they had almost never been to each other’s homes.
The difference between a residence and a home is that the former is just a place to eat, drink, and sleep; the latter has family, growing memories, and traces of life.
Li Chongge used to often drive him home, but never lingered, remaining unmoved even after Qin Yuanging repeatedly invited him, let alone wanting to stay for dinner.
Li Chongge would sit in his favorite corner of the sofa, chatting with Qin Haoting, drink Yu Keci’s carefully stewed but terrible soup with him, and even visit his room…
“Okay, let’s go. Be careful when driving. I had someone fill in some of the road earlier. It shouldn’t get stuck anymore.”
Qin Yuanging was pulled back from his thoughts by Li Chongge’s voice. He quickly gripped his car keys and got into the car.
The first thing Qin Yuanging did after getting into the car was hurriedly make two phone calls. One was to Yu Keci, asking her to prepare braised pork ribs, which Li Chongge loves to eat, and to immediately have the nanny clean his room again.
The other was to Qin Haoting, who was in a meeting, repeatedly urging him to get off work a little earlier to avoid traffic on the way home, which would delay things.
After Qin Yuanging finished the call, he gripped the steering wheel somewhat dazedly, not understanding where this feeling of nervousness and anticipation was coming from.
He clearly wanted to keep a moderate distance from Li Chongge, but he could never manage to do it.
He thought that being fickle must be a common ailment of every secret lover.