PAID

For the rest of the car ride, Huo Yan didn’t say much, and Feng Rui, noticing his lack of interest in further conversation, simply occupied himself with his phone, chatting away with someone else.

When the car finally arrived at the restaurant, Feng Rui put away his phone and said, “Huo Yan-ge, my brother said he’s already here.”

Huo Yan nodded, brushing off the earlier, painful conversation without another word.

Upon entering the private room, Huo Yan was greeted by the sight of his old friend, Feng Sheng, who he hadn’t seen in years.

Though they hadn’t met in a long time, Feng Sheng looked more mature. But since they had stayed in touch all these years, there was no sense of awkwardness between them.

However, Huo Yan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off—Feng Sheng’s gaze seemed to carry a hint of resentment that Huo Yan couldn’t quite decipher.

Taking advantage of Feng Rui’s trip to the bathroom, Huo Yan decided to ask, “Did I do something to upset you?”

Feng Sheng forced a smile, his expression strained, “Of course not. You’re imagining things, Huo Er-gongzi.”

Huo Yan understood immediately—Feng Sheng was definitely holding a grudge.

Though he wasn’t sure why, it didn’t matter. If Feng Sheng no longer wanted to maintain their friendship, Huo Yan wasn’t going to force it.

Friendship, like love, couldn’t be forced.

Having made up his mind, Huo Yan stopped worrying about it altogether.

Feng Sheng’s family had returned to Jin City and partnered with several major enterprises, so they decided to throw a banquet to celebrate. Naturally, the Huo family was invited.

Knowing that Huo Yan had a good relationship with Feng Sheng, Huo Yan’s mother called him the day before to ask if he was planning to attend.

Without hesitation, Huo Yan declined.

Surprised, his mother asked him why.

Not one to hide things, Huo Yan briefly explained the awkward meeting he’d had with Feng Sheng.

Hearing this, his mother didn’t press the issue further.

Unexpectedly, on the day of the banquet, Feng Sheng called Huo Yan himself.

Seeing the caller ID, Huo Yan hesitated for a moment before answering.

As soon as he picked up, he heard Feng Sheng’s slightly agitated voice, “Seriously, Huo Yan, you’re not even going to attend our family’s banquet?”

Huo Yan’s brows furrowed deeply. Feng Sheng’s passive-aggressive tone irked him, so he coldly replied, “Why should I attend when your invitation lacks sincerity?”

With that, he hung up and promptly blocked Feng Sheng’s number.

Finally, peace and quiet.

Huo Yan picked up the script in front of him, but before he could even read two lines, another call came through—this time from an unfamiliar number.

Sighing, Huo Yan answered.@@novelbin@@

It was Feng Rui’s voice on the other end, “Huo Yan-ge, it’s me, Feng Rui.”

Unlike his brother, Feng Rui wasn’t to blame for the situation, so Huo Yan remained calm and asked, “What’s up?”

Feng Rui seemed relieved that Huo Yan wasn’t angry and laughed softly, “I just saw Uncle Huo and Aunt Lin at the banquet, even Jing-ge is here. Why didn’t you come, Huo Yan-ge?”

Ah, so it was the same question.

Huo Yan replied, “I rarely attend these kinds of events, and I had something else to take care of today.”

Feng Rui sounded a bit disappointed. “I see... Well, I won’t bother you then.”

After the call ended, Huo Yan decided to save Feng Rui’s number, then put his phone on silent and finally settled down to read his script.

---

The Feng family’s banquet passed, and soon after, it was the Lunar New Year.

That year, Qin Hongxi came to the Huo family’s New Year celebration, and Huo Jing brought along Feng Jialan. Huo Ze, however, had flown overseas with Ning Xu.

As they sat down to enjoy their New Year’s Eve dinner, conversation eventually shifted toward Huo Yan.

Qin Hongxi asked with a chuckle, “Is Second Brother still single this year?”

The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!