Chapter 26
Author: Mr. Big Horn
Sponsors and investors started reaching out, including wealthy individuals from Yan Zhen’s social circle.
This gave Su Jinxin a glimmer of hope for the future:
He might not have Shi Lei’s talent, but he was a hardworking and excellent student. His path might be longer and harder, but someday, he would reach the same heights. When that day came, he could confidently reintroduce himself to Yan Zhen and openly pursue him.
To achieve this, he needed to give it his all and not waste a single moment.
As for Yan Zhen, he wasn’t as “unwell” as Uncle Lin had suggested.
Although he was a bit off.
Unlike Su Jinxin, Yan Zhen didn’t have the luxury of taking a break to adjust his mindset. His company required daily attention. Even though the merger negotiations were completed, there were still many formalities to handle—the partner company had flown in from halfway across the country, led by his sister’s longtime friend, Ms. Lin, who was sharp and unyielding. Just hosting her was exhausting.
But being busy had its perks. It kept personal emotions at bay.
Otherwise, his mind would wander: seeing Su Jinxin’s favorite dishes at meals, spotting boys on the street who resembled Su Jinxin, dreaming of him night after night. A fifteen-minute nap could bring four or five different dream scenarios.
It was more exhausting than having Su Jinxin by his side.
With social engagements one after another, friends joked about his empty side. Some suggested he find a stand-in. Yan Zhen frowned and retorted, “Do I look like someone who uses counterfeits?”
Everything reminded him of Su Jinxin. But Su Jinxin was unique. No one else could compare.
It was hard, but he didn’t remain down for long.
Thanks to Shi Lei.
—On the first day apart, Yan Zhen went to Shi Lei’s exhibition. Restless, he just wanted to catch a glimpse of Su Jinxin. Instead, he found Su Jinxin’s sculptures removed.
Shi Lei, recognizing him, approached and said, “Sorry, those pieces are incomplete and not for sale.”
Yan Zhen remembered he had wanted to buy those sculptures, but he wasn’t there for them. He apologized for his previous rudeness and inquired about Su Jinxin, feigning nonchalance with a hint of childish defiance.
Shi Lei didn’t take the bait. “I don’t know.”
“Don’t know?”
“Of course not. Haven’t you seen his work? He’s an independent artist now. Why would he collaborate with me? How would I know his schedule?” Shi Lei replied, almost as if it was obvious.
Yan Zhen had to admire this straightforward artist’s logic.
Should he be happy or sad?
Su Jinxin hadn’t left him for Shi Lei. He had left simply because he didn’t want to be with him anymore.
…At least he didn’t have to worry about competition.
Yan Zhen spent an hour among Shi Lei’s peculiar artworks, clearing his mind and making a decision: the way he and Su Jinxin started wasn’t healthy. Maybe this break was for the best. Once the merger was finalized and things settled down, he would try to win Su Jinxin back.
He bought a subordinate’s used car worth tens of thousands.
He instructed the family tailor to make him a few outfits that looked like a student’s regular clothes.
Ms. Lin, the merger partner and his sister’s friend, privately asked if he was in love.
Yan Zhen thought for a moment and candidly replied, not yet.
It was the last day of the signing event. Standing before the cameras, they found the event overly formal and started chatting.
Ms. Lin asked if he needed outside help.
Yan Zhen shook his head. “I don’t want anyone else involved.”
Ms. Lin smiled. “You must treasure them a lot.”
For once, Yan Zhen felt a bit shy, smiled, and lowered his head. “Yes, I do.”
This was caught on camera by a financial news reporter and broadcasted that evening.
Su Jinxin, eating in the cafeteria, was blindsided by Yan Zhen’s smile on TV.
Before he could recover, he overheard the media students behind him gossiping: Yan Zhen, Lin Rujing, their backgrounds, wealth, talents, a perfect match… Each word was like a sharp blade.
Su Jinxin’s chopsticks fell to the floor with a clatter.
Yes.
He was still too naive.
Yan Zhen was so outstanding. Many people liked him. How could he possibly stand still, waiting just for Su Jinxin?
The pain came suddenly.
The reasons he had used to comfort and encourage himself crumbled like a sandcastle in a storm.
Despair washed over Su Jinxin.
He lost his appetite.
He stood up and walked out.
He couldn’t bear to see Yan Zhen smiling with someone else.
But he didn’t know where to go.
He wandered aimlessly.