Chapter 117 - First Love’s Attack
Translated by Eve
Edited by Kitty, Serefina
4. First Love’s Attack
Lin Ran stared into Xie He’s eyes and said, “I suspect that the traitor is Ye Jinzhou.”
Xie He’s expression changed slightly. He was silent for a few seconds before saying, “Why do you say that?”
Lin Ran had always been careful in his work. If he had already found proof, he would not use the word ‘suspect,’ let alone send Ye Jinzhou away. He would directly report and seize him.
Right now, his sending Ye Jinzhou away meant that he didn’t have proof. This was just a guess.
If anyone else made such a guess, Xie He would disdain it. But because it was Lin Ran who said it, he must have his reasons. Ye Jinzhou might be the spy? When Xie He thought this, suddenly, he felt his heart clench.
“I have investigated everyone else who has had possible contact with the film—everything they’ve done and everyone they’ve met with. But there are no abnormalities, no issues. My investigation has reached a deadlock.” Lin Ran pursed his lips, a cold glint flashing through his eyes. “Then, I remembered that there was still one more person that could have been in contact with the film, but whom I had overlooked. That was Ye Jinzhou. Ye Jinzhou… he has seen the film, right?”
Xie He didn’t deny it and nodded, “I took the film home and watched it with him.”
Lin Ran slowly said, “Then do you think that if it was him, he would have had an opportunity to do it?”
Xie He’s expression froze. Suddenly, he couldn’t make a sound.
If it was Ye Jinzhou… then of course it was possible he could have done it…. But… he trusted him so much that he didn’t suspect him at all.
Xie He looked at Lin Ran and said a moment later, “Since you’re suspicious of him, you must have already looked into him. What was the result?”
Lin Ran furrowed his brows and sighed, “Nothing. He’s extremely clean… so clean that it feels abnormal. Moreover, compared to the employees that have been around for so many years, he, who had appeared out of nowhere, is much more suspicious. This is the information. You can take a look.”
As he said this, he handed a packet of information to Xie He.
Xie He opened it up and carefully looked through it. Indeed, Ye Jinzhou was very clean. All his life, all of his family, there was not a single flaw. Moreover, there was nothing wrong with his track record….
A long time later, Xie He put the information down and said to Lin Ran, “This information is insufficient to prove anything. He’s my lover. Before any decisive proof appears, I will trust him.”
This was the first time Lin Ran had heard the word ‘lover’ from Xie He’s lips. His pupils constricted and his voice fell. “You trust him this much.”
Xie He smiled softly. “Yes. Unless he really disappointed me, I will always trust him. I will not accuse him on groundless suspicion.”
“But you can also maintain a bit of distance with him right now. Just in case.” Lin Ran was still unwilling to give up. He thought that Ye Jinzhou was the most suspicious.
Xie He’s smile faded a bit. “I’ll think about it.”
Just then, a knock came from outside. Ye Jinzhou’s deep voice carried over. “The material has been copied. May I come in?”
Xie He and Lin Ran exchanged glances. Xie He locked the information packet in his drawer and said in a clear voice, “Come in.”
Lin Ran stood up and said, “I have something to do. I’ll leave first.”
After saying this, he left, brushing past Ye Jinzhou.
Ye Jinzhou came in with the material and looked at Xie He, surprised. “Does Vice President Lin not want his materials?”
Xie He smiled and said, “Give it to me, ba.”
Ye Jinzhou shrugged and handed it over to Xie He, looking indifferent. He then considerately helped Xie He brew a cup of tea and walked over behind him, helping him massage his temples. His rough thumbs softly rubbed the temples in a circular motion…. He bent down and whispered into Xie He’s ear, “Does it feel a bit better?”
Xie He felt like there was an electric current diffusing through his forehead. He let go and relaxed.
But he recalled Lin Ran’s words just now and suddenly his heart felt stifled. Why did Lin Ran suspect Ye Jinzhou…?
Xie He suddenly grabbed Ye Jinzhou’s hand and pulled him until the other stood in front of him. He said, “I’m feeling much better, thank you.”
Ye Jinzhou gave him a meaningful gaze. “No need to thank me. I’m happy to do anything for you.”
Xie He looked at Ye Jinzhou’s face. This was the person he liked. He had never been willing to suspect him…. Xie He wrapped his arms around Ye Jinzhou’s neck and angled his head up to kiss the other. He let go after a long time. His rosy lips parted, and there was expectation and hope in his eyes, “I can trust you, right?”
Ye Jinzhou’s eyes were fixed on Xie He. “Yes.”
Since Lin Ran had sent him away, he had already guessed what Lin Ran had to say to Xie He. Lin Ran was definitely suspicious of him. However, he would not be able to find a thing.
Ye Jinzhou caressed Xie He’s face, his warm breath tickling the other’s ear. He laughed quietly, “Why are you so depressed all of a sudden?”
Xie He’s ears turned slightly red, and he turned his head to the side. “I’m not.”
“I know why…” On Ye Jinzhou’s face was a smile that wasn’t really a smile…. He then pressed his upper body down, voice husky, “It must be that I haven’t been satisfying you recently….”
Xie He glared at him. This kind of position in the chair made him feel rather embarrassed. He reached out to push Ye Jinzhou away, “Don’t mess around….”
After saying this, his lips were blocked by a scorching kiss.
Slowly&#k2026; the hands that were refusing the other became more and more powerless.
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Xie He craned his neck up, head resting against the back of the chair. His tie had already been loosened, and there was a faint flush to his fair skin. His soft black hair fell onto his forehead, and his eyes were half open. His eyelashes quivered and his eyes gleamed.
His arms wrapped around Ye Jinzhou’s neck without any strength in them. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. A helpless, hoarse voice came out from between his lips, “Enough, ah….”
Ye Jinzhou sucked on his earlobe and he laughed, “You can’t do it anymore?”
Xie He looked up and glared at him in displeasure.
He had originally thought that Ye Jinzhou would continue playing with him like he had in the past. But who would have expected that he would suddenly hug him tightly, as if he wanted to press him into himself. Both hands used a lot of force. “I’m sorry. Actually, the one who’s been depressed is me. I’m afraid of losing you… only like this can I confirm that I still have you. I haven’t touched you in quite a few days already….”
While saying this, his tone made him sound rather wronged.
Xie He thought about how he had indeed been neglecting Ye Jinzhou because of work these last few days. He felt guilty and could no longer blame the other for not considering time and place. He said, “What are you thinking? How could I not want you?”
Ye Jinzhou gazed into his eyes, expression downspirited. “I’m worried that you’ll doubt me. After all, there’s been no clues after so much time and I had come in so late. I’ve been by your side for such a short period of time. Are you going to suspect me? Are you going to think that I’m useless, that I can’t help you?”
Xie He recalled the way Ye Jinzhou had been at his side over the last few days, quietly taking care of him. The other had never shown any emotions. It turns out that he had only been suppressing them. It was he who hadn’t been thinking about how his lover was feeling…. He didn’t want his lover to feel inferior in their relationship. Xie He seriously said, “I’ve never doubted you.”
“The most basic thing in a relationship is trust. I trust you.” There was a faint smile in Xie He’s eyes. “Did you think that I’m the type to become suspicious for no reason or take my anger out on my lover because I’m in a bad mood? So long as you didn’t do it, there’s no need to worry. I hope that you can trust me the way that I trust you.”
Ye Jinzhou’s lips parted, and a complex emotion floated in his eyes.
Xie He reached out and pressed his index finger to the other’s lips. He smiled. “So… if you say such things again, I’ll get angry.”
Ye Jinzhou looked into Xie He’s eyes and saw the gentle and tender emotions within them as well as the beautiful, determined inner character the other possessed. For the first time, he couldn’t say any fake, perfunctory words. So, he only shook his head slowly….
If one day you found out that I’m not worth your unconditional trust, you would definitely feel despair and sadness, ba?
Actually, that’s what I want to see. I want to see your despair, pain, anger, and powerlessness….
But why do I suddenly feel gloomy, ne?
【Ding, the target Ye Jinzhou’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 35.】
……………………………………
After another ten plus days, with everyone’s concentrated efforts, the waves caused by the film’s leak finally settled down. All the major sites and platforms had already deleted the video, and the movie’s new release date was arranged. Xie He had paid no small price to ensure that the film would be able to be shown at the major movie theater chains. As for the water army that had been hired to defame the movie online, the PR department did their best to hire their own to combat it. It ended up hyping the movie up.
Although they would inevitably sustain losses, if the movie was able to be screened successfully, they could still get some of it returned. Right now, they had to see if people would buy tickets.
Xie He was extremely busy every day. After another few days, he received some news. The traitor had been found!
Actually, it wasn’t that they were found, per se. Rather, one of the veteran employees of the IT department had not shown up to work and didn’t answer their calls. That employee’s coworkers were worried so they started looking for him but ended up finding out that this employee had already slunk off. Furthermore, they found a copy of the film in his house.
There was no need for doubt. That employee had been the one to leak the film. He had been worried of being exposed, so he had run away.
When Xie He found out, he breathed a sigh of relief. The huge stone in his chest finally lifted. He didn’t have to worry every day anymore. The spy had finally emerged on their own. Moreover, this person wasn’t Ye Jinzhou.
Lin Ran was really surprised. No matter what, knowing who the person is was a good thing. He was afraid that there was someone hiding in the dark.
The matter had finally been settled. Xie He’s mood settled a bit. He had been managing the company for many years and seen many ups and downs. In the end, he had gotten through it all.
He believed that disaster could once again be diverted this time.
There were still a few days before the movie was to be released. Xie He decided to loosen up.
He and Ye Jinzhou returned home. After dinner, the two of them rolled into bed passionately. After doing it, they nestled together underneath the blankets. Xie He looked at Ye Jinzhou’s handsome face and suddenly smiled. “I think that it must really be fate to have met you and fallen in love with you.”
Ye Jinzhou smiled and asked, “Why do you say that?”
“When my dad was alive, he had a really good relationship with an uncle. That uncle would always bring his son over to play. His son’s name was also Ye Jinzhou, and he was younger than me by a few years. He always called me ‘gege’. He was a really cute child…” Xie He’s eyes softened, as if recalling some beautiful memories. He chuckled, “Only, it’s already been more than twenty years since I last saw him. I heard he left the country. I wonder how he is now.”
Ye Jinzhou’s arm around Xie He tightened. His voice was low, “Why did he leave the country?”
Xie He shook his head and smiled. “I heard that he had a relative outside the country that was preparing to expand abroad…. Speaking of which, I was young then too. In the beginning, I was unwilling to watch him leave. Every day I would make a fuss and ask my father about him to the point that he would get annoyed with me. Later on, he stopped paying attention to me.”
Grief and indignation welled up in Ye Jinzhou’s chest. It was about to explode… expand abroad? Hehe, this kind of lie was exactly the type of thing Bai Rongkai would say. He had killed his father and forced his mother to leave her home against her will. He then played this down and said such a lie….
You don’t know anything. Nothing at all!
Xie He could feel Ye Jinzhou’s hand exert force on his waist. He furrowed his brows in pain. He asked, “What’s wrong?”
Ye Jinzhou came back to himself and slowly released his grip. He looked at the man in his arms and the worry in the other’s eyes…. Slowly, he flashed a bland smile, “Nothing. I was just rather surprised. It seems that we really are fated.”
Xie He curved his eyes into a smile. “Yes, ah… when I first laid eyes on you, I felt close to you.”
Ye Jinzhou also smiled. He then asked in a careless tone, “Since you were so reluctant to see him leave, did you not think of searching for news of him?”
Xie He shook his head. “In one’s life, we will meet many people and have to part with many people. That happened so long ago. Perhaps he’s doing really well right now…. There’s no reason for me to go disturb him. Let nature take its course, ba. If I could meet him again, I would be really happy. If I can’t, that’s also fine.”
Ye Jinzhou chuckled quietly, “You’re right.”
“Sleep, ba.” Ye Jinzhou kissed Xie He’s forehead.
So you still remember me. You’ve thought of me… you don’t know this, but I’ve also remembered you all this time.
【Ding, the target Ye Jinzhou’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 40.】
But it’s really unfortunate that my memories… are not beautiful, like yours.
It’s likely because you have beautiful, regretful memories in your heart that you are able to let go so easily…. If you were like me and had gotten a taste of the fickleness of human nature, you probably wouldn’t be able to say such indifferent words so easily.
Because hate is carved deep into our bones and heart, those who have been hurt find it difficult to forget.
I will make sure that you will never forget me. That’s only fair. Don’t you think?
………………………………
Just as Xie He thought that he could be at ease, less than three days before the movie was set to be released, a huge scandal suddenly exploded in the entertainment industry!
The scandal involved the famous Film Emperor Fang Cheng. He had always had a good public image, and despite there being scandals every day in the entertainment industry, he had never been involved. He was a Film Emperor who was filial, devoted to his family, and was a good husband and father. Suddenly, it was exposed that he had cheated on his wife! He was keeping a female university student as his lover and was a perpetrator of domestic abuse! He was sexist in private and had insulting opinions on women. All sorts of vile deeds pushed him to the heart of the storm!
Waves of curses directed towards him appeared on the internet. The headlines were all about him.
When Xie He heard this, he nearly smashed his desk. Fang Cheng was the protagonist of this film! At the time, they had made careful considerations when choosing roles before choosing this veteran actor who had both capability and a good reputation. Who would have expected that he was actually such a person? He had hidden things so deeply. Moreover, he just so happened to be exposed now?! Many people had already expressed that they would be boycotting this film!
The huge production Fang Cheng was starring in was once again pushed out. There were also people online deliberately swaying the public opinion, saying that they could not go support this movie starring this human trash at the theater. They should just watch it illegally.
Even if Xie He hired more people and increased the water army, he could not change the public opinion.
Like this, the film was released. There was no time to advertise the movie because the release date had been bumped up and promotions were rushed. Furthermore, it had suffered the piracy attack and the matter with Fang Cheng. The box office sales were completely beneath their anticipated numbers.
A week later, another executive meeting took place. Everyone looked at the newest numbers, and all of their expressions were ugly.
The outcome was obvious. This investment was a complete failure. According to the current situation, it was impossible to make a return. The question now was how big their losses were.
Another week passed. A representative of the bank came over to urge repayment.
Because Rongzhi Media had always been doing well, the bank had magnanimously lent a really big sum. But who would have expected that the losses of this film would inflict such a heavy blow on Rongzhi Media? The bank had always been the type to loan when one doesn’t need it but ask for it back when one does They were worried that it would be even more difficult to get their money back as time went on, so they came over.
Xie He had asked the bank to give them an extension with much difficulty. Because of all sorts of things, he was super busy and under great pressure.
At this time, Xie He received Lu Jianing’s phone call.
Xie He’s voice was rather tired. He said blandly, “President Lu, what can I help you with?”
Lu Jianing paused. “Why are you calling me President Lu? What formalities do we need between us?”
Xie He pinched the cell phone in his hands with strength. That’s right. Their relationship… was not one that needed such formalities. However, there were some things that, once put down, were really put down. If there was no hope, then there was no need to remain hopelessly muddled. Otherwise, it would only add to your worries.
Xie He’s voice became even colder. He asked again, “What can I help you with?”
Lu Jianing sighed. “Let’s have dinner together.”
Xie He said, “I have no time.”
Lu Jianing said, “President Bai, we’ll be talking business. I heard that your company has encountered a bit of an issue and that you’ve been running around looking for someone to cooperate with. It couldn’t be that you have to maintain a distance with my company because you’re my ex-boyfriend? Is this what a competent businessman should do? Or is it that you haven’t been able to get over me so you’re not willing to see me?”
Xie He was silent for a long time. When Lu Jianing adopted such an attitude, how could he say that he didn’t dare meet him?
“Fine. Where tonight?” Xie He said.
“I’ll come get you at five.” After saying this, Lu Jianing hung up.
Xie He looked at his phone that had been disconnected for a while. He called Ye Jinzhou over and said, “I won’t be going home for dinner tonight. You go back first, ba.”
Ye Jinzhou had just been next door and had faintly made out what Xie He had been talking about. He had investigated Xie He before and knew that he had a first love and boyfriend who he had dated for eight years. Just now, it was likely that Lu Jianing. Ye Jinzhou felt disdain inwardly but didn’t reveal any of it on his face. He only looked at Xie He gently. “OK. Don’t drink too much and come back soon.”
Xie He smiled. “Mn.”
……………………………………
Xie He let Ye Jinzhou leave first. He beamed while sitting in his office, waiting for Lu Jianing.
【444：Host dada, you seem to be in a very good mood, oh~.】
【Xie He：It really does make me happy that experience points are sending themselves to my door.】
【444：O(∩_∩)O~】
【Xie He：Moreover, it’s time to give ZhouZhou a sense of danger. 🙂 】
【444：……】
Lu Jianing punctually arrived at Xie He’s company at five o’clock. He gave Xie He a call and then waited downstairs.
Although they both lived in the same city, the times they coincidentally bumped into each other could be counted on one hand. Two people, who had once been so close that nothing could come between them, had become nodding acquaintances. They were like familiar strangers….
The fate that brought people together was both deep and superficial.
Turns out, if you don’t want to, it could be very difficult to encounter someone despite living under the same sky.
Lu Jianing waited a while before seeing Xie He come out of the company doors. The man was tall and dressed in an appropriate, low-key suit. His gaze was gentle, and his features were elegant. That face looked more mature but hadn’t actually changed much. He was still not one to be rushed or too slow. When people were with him, they couldn’t help but feel peaceful and happy.
Lu Jianing’s heart started beating hard and quickly.
He slowly clenched his hand. He couldn’t help but realize that he had never gotten over this person. He had always thought of him, thought about getting him back. Only with this person, was where his heart belonged amongst the endless sea of people.
This time, he would not hesitate or waver again. He would not be so childish… he would not lose his love again.
【Ding, Lu Jianing’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 90.】
Xie He saw Lu Jianing. This was a very steady and mature man.
Lu Jianing smiled and said, “You’ve come.”
Xie He nodded and didn’t speak.
Lu Jianing also didn’t say much. He pulled the car door open for Xie He and drove them to a restaurant near a university. It was not particularly high class, but its interior was refined.
Xie He looked at this restaurant. Although it had been renovated, it still looked like it did in his memories. It felt like he had gone back to the past. When they were off from school, they used to always come and eat here….
At this moment, how could he not realize what Lu Jianing was thinking. No wonder he wasn’t willing to say the name of the restaurant and came to get him. He had been afraid Xie He would refuse.
“President Lu, what is the meaning of this?” Xie He looked him in the eye and said insipidly.
“President Bai, we’re just here to eat, that’s all. What meaning could it have?” Lu Jianing smiled. He stared back into Xie He’s eyes and slowly said, “Or do you think that there’s a special meaning to this place? Is that why you’re asking this?”
Xie He’s expression froze. He looked down to hide the complicated expression in his eyes. He picked up his coffee and took a sip, “No. Why did President Lu come seek me today?”
Lu Jianing said, “It’s nothing much. I just thought about how Bank President Song and I have a bit of a friendship. I heard that he’s been angry about Rongzhi Media’s loan lately. I could go talk to him for you and vouch for you. I could get you more time.”
Xie He’s expression finally changed. Lu Jianing played it down a lot. However, by doing this, Lu Jianing was actually taking a really big risk. The loan Xie He had taken out was no small amount. Right now, while he was all alone and everyone was throwing stones, even Xie He didn’t know if Rongzhi Media could make it through this. But Lu Jianing… was willing to lend him a helping hand at this time, to help him deal with it.
No businessman would do such a stupid thing.
Xie He’s eyes were fixed on him. He stressed, “Lu Jianing, things ended between you and me a long time ago.”
Lu Jianing’s expression didn’t change. His lips curled up, smile in his eyes. “Not calling me President Lu anymore?”
Xie He was a bit angry, chest heaving. He shot him a glance. His beautiful eyes and eyebrows looked rather charming. He said, “Do you think I’m an idiot? Do you think that these actions would be something a competent businessman would do?”
“Xiao Mu,” Lu Jianing suddenly called his name. His expression was earnest and his tone was loving, “After ending, we can start anew. Would you give me one more chance?”
Ye Jinzhou had secretly followed after them from behind. He looked at Lu Jianing and Xie He insipidly. Suddenly, a cold smile appeared on his lips. He pushed the car door open and walked out.
The author has something to say:
I heard you darlings say that this is a scum gong and ask that President He properly teaches him how to be a person. This author feels relieved. I heard you guys say that the gong in the last two arcs weren’t scum. So I couldn’t help but fall into deep thought. For a while, I wondered if I had ended up at a fake JJWXC…was this still the same JJWXC full of sweetness and spoiling, that had especially high expectations for gongs? Right now, I’m relieved. Thank you everyone. (Beat up)
Eve: Every chapter before the gong abuse is literally killing me. MC’s character deserves none of this wuwuwuwu.
sere: im dead the previous two weren’t scummy enough so the author overcompensated i need that wechat facepalm + crying sticker