Chapter 58

Huo Ze’s laughter was abrupt and loud, and almost instantly, everyone’s gaze gathered on him.

Ye Leyao, who had been holding back his laughter, turned around with a hint of alarm upon hearing Huo Ze laugh.

[Third Brother, what are you laughing at?]

[In this atmosphere, in this setting, is it really okay to just laugh out loud?!]

Not only Ye Leyao, but the entire Huo family also turned their attention to Huo Ze.

Being stared at by so many people at once, Huo Ze felt his scalp tingle.

Especially since he caught a glimpse of Chu Cheng looking over as well.

Huo Ze was utterly panicked.

In a split second, he suddenly reacted and handed his phone to Huo Yan beside him: “Second Brother, look, hahahahahaha, they’re having a celebration party, but they’re smearing cake on each other’s faces! It’s hilarious, hahahahaha—”

Huo Yan: “……”

Is something so ordinary and mundane really worth laughing at so loudly?

Huo Yan’s temple veins twitched, but now wasn’t the time to undermine Huo Ze, so he could only display his masterful acting skills: “Hahaha, it is pretty funny.”

Mama Huo also quickly spoke to smooth things over: “Let me see.”

Huo Ze hurriedly handed over his completely dark phone.

Mama Huo took the phone and chuckled softly: “Looks like everyone has been too tired lately; today’s a good opportunity to relax and have some fun.”

Huo Ze forced a laugh: “Isn’t it? They’ve been looking forward to tonight for a long time…”

Then, she spoke in a voice only their table could hear, gritting her teeth: “If you can’t hold back your laughter, then next time, don’t come along with us.”

The most important quality of a bystander is to suppress laughter!

How has Huo Ze still not mastered this?

Huo Yan murmured: “You should just go to your team’s celebration party.”

They almost got caught!

Papa Huo also gave him a reproachful look: “Good thing you reacted quickly this time!”

Otherwise—

It really would have been hard to explain!

There absolutely can’t be a next time.

Huo Ze: “…”

Huo Ze felt bitter inside; it was his first time being on-site as a bystander, so he had no experience!

Once he gets the hang of it, he’s sure he can hold back.

Mama Huo returned the phone to Huo Ze, her face clearly showing two words: Don’t believe.

The others didn’t believe it either, but now wasn’t the time to pursue it.

As long as they could move on from this incident!

Ye Leyao finally let out a sigh of relief.

[So it was a celebration party, huh? You scared me; I thought Third Brother knew about the entanglement between those three.]

Ye Leyao didn’t pay much attention, withdrawing his gaze to look at the three people in front of him.

Meng Yue’s attention was entirely focused on Chu Cheng. Even if there were people cheering for a fight nearby, he wouldn’t turn his head. Especially since, just a second ago, Chu Cheng had asked him who he was with a puzzled expression.

Though it was just a few words, they were 100% damaging to Meng Yue.

Meng Yue stood there in a daze, his face filled with disappointment and hurt, and his eyes were slightly red.

Ran Jing, like Meng Yue, had his attention on Chu Cheng.

Especially after hearing Chu Cheng’s “Who are you?” he even held his breath, pausing his hand that was wiping off wine stains. He didn’t know whether to toss the tissue or keep holding it, and he didn’t dare to glance at Meng Yue’s expression.

No one understood Meng Yue’s deep feelings for Chu Cheng better than Ran Jing, who had been by Meng Yue’s side for six months.

Ran Jing initially thought that Meng Yue and Chu Cheng had broken up reluctantly, which is why Meng Yue still pined for Chu Cheng.

But given the current situation, that clearly wasn’t the case!

Even if it were an amicable breakup, how could a couple not recognize each other afterward?

Unless Chu Cheng was the ultimate scumbag.

But before, Ran Jing had followed Chu Cheng’s overseas social media accounts to better learn and imitate his persona…@@novelbin@@

Chu Cheng didn’t seem like a scumbag.

Could it be—

A bold guess formed in Ran Jing’s mind, and his eyes widened in shock.

If Ye Leyao knew what Ran Jing was thinking, he would immediately confirm Ran Jing’s suspicion.

Yes, that’s right.

Just as Ran Jing guessed, Chu Cheng had never been with Meng Yue at all!

No one knew why Meng Yue had fallen so deeply for Chu Cheng.

At this point, Ye Leyao was also curious and couldn’t help but glance down and quickly browse his notes.

Then, Ye Leyao almost burst out laughing—

[Unrequited love?!]

[No way, Meng Yue, you’ve even kept a stand-in, and now you’re telling me it’s pure love?]

Ye Leyao found it unbelievable.

Qin Yao also found it unbelievable.

It couldn’t be just a simple, unrequited love; there must be other reasons.

Ye Leyao also felt there were other reasons, but he couldn’t remember them right away. He wanted to check his notes but didn’t want to do it in front of so many people.

So he had to temporarily suppress his curiosity and look up at Chu Cheng.

The calmest person in the room was also Chu Cheng.

After hearing Huo Ze’s exaggerated laughter, he not only glanced back at Huo Ze, but his gaze also swept over the others in turn. Then, with genuine surprise, he waved at Huo Jing: “Brother Jing! You’re here too!”

Huo Jing could only act as if he had just noticed Chu Cheng, saying with surprise, “What a coincidence, Chu Cheng, when did you come back to the country?”

Huo Yan whispered his complaint: “Bro, your laugh is a bit too fake.”

Ye Leyao, on the other hand, reached out and pinched his thigh hard:

[Oh my god, so Chu Cheng can recognize my big brother at a glance, but he can’t even recognize Meng Yue, huh?!]

Ye Leyao almost burst into laughter. After trying hard to hold it back, he turned to appreciate Meng Yue’s expression.

Sure enough, Meng Yue’s face had turned completely dark.

He stared blankly at Chu Cheng, his body even swaying a bit, clearly shaken by Chu Cheng’s greeting.

Ran Jing, standing beside him, was startled since the man in front of him was still his boss, and he couldn’t pretend not to see it anymore. He quickly stood up to support Meng Yue and asked in a low voice, “Are you okay?”

Because of Meng Yue’s mobility issues, Ran Jing occasionally acted as a human crutch.

There was no choice; after all, this job paid very well, and it was something he was expected to do.

Since he was used to it, Ran Jing didn’t think anything was wrong with his position holding Meng Yue.

But Meng Yue, suddenly reacting strongly, directly shook off Ran Jing’s hand and shouted sharply, “Don’t touch me!”

Ran Jing quickly raised his hands and stepped back.

Then he gritted his teeth inwardly; oh no, he forgot the old flame was still here!

Is he going to get his pay docked again?

Ran Jing was really nervous.

Although Chu Cheng was greeting Huo Jing, his peripheral vision had been paying attention to this side.

Seeing Meng Yue directly brush off Ran Jing, he frowned slightly, quickly turned around, gently patted Ran Jing on the shoulder, and asked softly, “Are you okay?”

Silence.

Utter silence.

Ye Leyao was about to burst into laughter.

[The same words spoken by different people, yet the concern isn’t for the same person!]

[Hahahahahahahaha, I can’t take it anymore!]

[In Chu Cheng’s eyes, there is simply no such person as Meng Yue! None at all!]

[His attention is entirely on Ran Jing, hahahaha, help—I’m struggling so hard not to laugh, can someone please save me?!]

Not only was Ye Leyao struggling not to laugh, but the entire Huo family beside him also found it difficult.

Before coming to the bar today, knowing some of the backstory, they had guessed how things might unfold.

But they never expected that the white moonlight Meng Yue had been longing for all these years wouldn’t recognize him and would even ask who he was.

Chu Cheng had recognized Huo Jing!

Meng Yue, what’s going on with you?

So, was it really a chaotic, unrequited love?

But it also clearly showed that Chu Cheng genuinely had no place for Meng Yue in his heart.

What could they say?

Should they feel sorry for Meng Yue or just tell Batman that the Joker has been found?

Of course, feeling sorry wasn’t an option.

Even if your unrequited love is tough, Meng Yue, you can’t keep a stand-in!

If you really liked him, you could have just gone to confess to Chu Cheng.

Chu Cheng just went abroad, not to outer space. It’s not like you couldn’t find him, right?

Did you really need to go through all the trouble of keeping a stand-in?

Even though Ran Jing only treated being a stand-in as a job.

Then again, should they also thank Meng Yue for giving Ran Jing a job opportunity?

It’s best not to overthink it.

The more they thought about it, the more the Huo family couldn’t hold back.

Huo Ze even took out his phone and started spamming the family group chat with “hahahaha” laughing emojis.

Although everyone was holding back their laughter, it wasn’t entirely forbidden to laugh a little since Chu Cheng’s attention wasn’t on them at the moment.

But Huo Jing couldn’t; he had to restrain his smile tightly.

Chu Cheng had just greeted him, so out of courtesy, he had to go over and say hello in return.

After taking several deep breaths, Huo Jing picked up his wine glass and walked toward the other side.

Chu Cheng acted very gentlemanly; after making sure Ran Jing wouldn’t fall, he withdrew his hand, furrowed his brows, and looked at Meng Yue with a hint of displeasure: “I’m sorry, sir, but I really don’t remember who you are. If you’re angry, direct it at me, not at innocent people.”

If the atmosphere had been quiet before, now the atmosphere at this booth was utterly dead.

Meng Yue looked at Chu Cheng in disbelief.

He couldn’t believe that Chu Cheng would forget him and even speak harshly to him for Ran Jing, someone he had only met once.

From meeting until now, Chu Cheng had only said two sentences to Meng Yue.

But these two sentences, both of them, were like sharp knives, stabbing straight into Meng Yue’s chest.

Meng Yue’s eyes reddened, and he stood there in silence.

Chu Cheng furrowed his brows in puzzlement but didn’t think much of it.

It was at this moment that Huo Jing walked over with a wine glass in hand.

Ye Leyao saw Huo Jing and wanted to cover his face.

[No, big brother, we can’t just join every commotion, can we? Why are you going over there now?!]

Huo Jing: “……”

If he didn’t go over, it would seem even more out of place, okay!

Qin Yao, seeing Huo Jing approaching, also sighed in relief.

Great, it seemed like he wouldn’t have to step in to lighten the mood.

Seeing Huo Jing approach, Chu Cheng retracted his gaze from Meng Yue, raised his glass, and clinked it with Huo Jing’s, smiling as he said, “I remember Brother Jing doesn’t usually like coming to bars.”

Huo Jing smiled, “I’m here with my parents today.”

Chu Cheng had noticed the rest of the Huo family earlier but hadn’t greeted them yet.

He smiled and said, “Perfect, I’ll go say hello!”

So, the two of them, holding their glasses, went over to the next table.

As soon as they left, Ye Leyao’s table fell into complete silence.

Ye Leyao continued to watch Meng Yue’s expression.

Meng Yue was truly hurt at this point. He stared blankly as Chu Cheng walked over to the next table, happily chatting and clinking glasses with everyone.

The flame of jealousy almost consumed him entirely, and the most heartbreaking part was that Chu Cheng had just asked him who he was…

Chu Cheng didn’t remember him.

This fact made Meng Yue extremely uncomfortable, eroding all his rationality.

He had loved Chu Cheng for so many years, quietly waiting in the country for his return.

And this is what he got in return, just a “Who are you?”

Meng Yue slumped back into his seat, his face openly displaying his disappointment.

Ye Leyao thought:

[It’s over; it seems like he’s genuinely heartbroken.]

Qin Yao glanced at Meng Yue, hesitating about whether to comfort him.

At that moment, Ran Jing spoke softly, “Maybe it’s because you’ve changed so much in recent years, Mr. Meng… Perhaps if you remind him a bit, Mr. Chu might remember.”

This was a heartfelt comment from Ran Jing.

After all, he had been on Meng Yue’s payroll for more than half a year, and now that Meng Yue needed comfort, how could he not step up?!

After all—

Ran Jing genuinely felt that his job was nearing its end.

Meng Yue would likely pay him off and let him go when they got back tonight.

So, Ran Jing decided to build some goodwill while he still had the chance; who knows, Meng Yue might even be generous enough to give him a bonus!

Qin Yao, not entirely sure what Ran Jing was thinking, went along with his words and offered a bit of an explanation, “Chu Cheng’s been abroad for too long; it’s normal not to remember old classmates.”

Ye Leyao looked at Qin Yao, then at Ran Jing.

[You two are really bad at comforting people!]

[Sure, it’s true that after high school, you might forget some classmates, but to have no impression at all? Unless—]

Ye Leyao shook his head, sighing inwardly.

[Unless this person really meant nothing at all!]

Qin Yao looked at Ye Leyao with a touch of helplessness before quickly averting his gaze.

Of course, he knew this truth.

But looking at Meng Yue’s devastated appearance, he couldn’t bring himself to stab him with the harsh reality.

Meanwhile, the Huo family was chatting with Chu Cheng, using his presence as an excuse to finally let their smiles show.

Sigh.

It’s not like they wanted to laugh!

Chu Cheng had come over to greet them; they couldn’t just keep a straight face, could they?

Meng Yue’s reaction had been hilarious.

They had thought that Chu Cheng not recognizing him was the most shocking thing, but then Chu Cheng’s coldness towards Meng Yue for Ran Jing took it to another level!

Could this scenario play out again? They’d love to see more!

Chu Cheng was having a great conversation with the Huo family, while Meng Yue remained utterly downcast.

He kept glancing over at Chu Cheng, but each look felt like rubbing salt into his wounds.

Huo Jing wasn’t even in the same year as Chu Cheng in school!

Yet Chu Cheng not only remembered Huo Jing but also recalled every other member of the Huo family.

He even remembered Ye Leyao, who was just the Huo family’s adopted son!

How could Meng Yue accept this calmly?

Mama Huo pointed towards Ye Leyao.

Chu Cheng then waved at Ye Leyao.

Their conversation was loud enough that Ye Leyao knew Chu Cheng was looking at him, so he politely waved back.

Ever observant, Ye Leyao noticed that, after greeting him, Chu Cheng’s gaze didn’t immediately move away.

Instead, his eyes subtly shifted to Ran Jing sitting beside him.

But Ran Jing was entirely focused on Meng Yue and didn’t notice Chu Cheng’s gaze at all.

The hint of disappointment in Chu Cheng’s eyes flickered briefly.

He had no idea this small detail was clearly seen by Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao found it increasingly hard to keep a straight face.

Fortunately, the atmosphere had lightened, and he no longer had to suppress his laughter as much, his lips curving uncontrollably.

[I can see it now; Chu Cheng genuinely likes Ran Jing. Since the beginning, his eyes have constantly strayed towards Ran Jing.]

[If Meng Yue were to realize this…]

As Ye Leyao turned his gaze, he glanced at Meng Yue.

One look, and Ye Leyao’s eyes widened instantly.

[He found out!]

Qin Yao and the Huo family were equally startled.

Had Meng Yue discovered it so quickly?

Chu Cheng was still standing in front of the Huo family, so they suppressed their curiosity and refrained from looking over.

Qin Yao, on the other hand, had no such reservations. The moment Ye Leyao’s words dropped, he looked straight at Meng Yue across from him.

If Meng Yue’s face was clouded before, it was now a full-blown storm.

Ran Jing was utterly confused.

What was going on?

Everything was fine just a second ago; why the sudden change?

Having been by Meng Yue’s side for six months, Ran Jing truly found his boss’s mood swings hard to handle.

But what else could he do?

Ran Jing put on a light smile and asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

Meng Yue said in a deep voice, “Get the driver to take you home!”

Ye Leyao’s eyes widened.

[Is he actually kicking him out?]

[Tsk tsk, Meng Yue, look at your temper!]

Ran Jing didn’t say much more.

He couldn’t wait to leave; as soon as he heard this, he stood up, waved at Ye Leyao, and quickly walked out of the bar.

Ye Leyao wanted to chase after him, but Qin Yao grabbed his wrist.

Qin Yao said softly, “The Meng family’s driver is outside.”

He meant to tell Ye Leyao not to worry.

Ye Leyao knew there was nothing to worry about.

[I just think Ran Jing left a bit too quickly!]

[He didn’t even give Chu Cheng a chance to look at him one last time!]

Ye Leyao sighed inwardly.

Qin Yao found it amusing but didn’t say anything.

The Huo family at the other table overheard Ye Leyao’s words and felt a bit disappointed.

No way, was tonight’s drama ending already?!

That was such a letdown!

Just then, Ye Leyao’s voice suddenly rang out:

[Wow, Mr. Qin’s hand is so warm; it feels really nice.]

Huo Yan’s jaw tightened instinctively, almost unable to resist turning his head.

Mama Huo choked on her drink.

Ye Leyao, could you not switch topics so quickly?!

And why are you holding Qin Yao’s hand again?!

Qin Yao was stunned, too.

He had just grabbed Ye Leyao’s wrist on instinct…

Hearing Ye Leyao’s comment, he felt his palm heat up and quickly let go as if he’d been scalded.

Ye Leyao looked down at his hand, puzzled.

[Huh? Shouldn’t he keep holding on like last time? Why did he let go?]

Qin Yao: “…”

Huo Yan covered his face with his hand.

Huo Ze was speechless but also curious—what last time? When did they hold hands before?

And Ye Leyao, didn’t all those novels you read teach you anything?

Are hands something you can just grab freely?!

Huo Ze gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his composure.

Thankfully, Chu Cheng was still chatting with Huo Jing and didn’t notice the change in everyone’s expressions.

However, when he turned around and saw that Ran Jing was no longer there, Chu Cheng froze for a moment.

Ye Leyao, who was always keeping an eye on Chu Cheng, smiled as soon as he noticed.

[Great, he’s realized Ran Jing isn’t here. As expected, he’s so concerned about him—love at first sight!]

The Huo family could also sense the sudden dip in Chu Cheng’s mood.

So, they stopped engaging him in conversation, giving him a chance to mingle with his other friends.

Chu Cheng nodded and walked toward Qin Yao’s table.

His gaze landed on Qin Yao; he was about to inquire about Ran Jing when Meng Yue suddenly spoke up: “Chu Cheng, do you remember that cripple from our high school class?”

Chu Cheng paused, turning to look at Meng Yue.

Meng Yue’s jaw tightened as he nervously stared at Chu Cheng.

He had hinted this much; if Chu Cheng still didn’t remember him…

Meng Yue could almost taste the bitterness in his mouth.

Then, Chu Cheng suddenly said, “Oh, I remember now—you’re that Meng who always liked sitting in the back row of our class—”

Meng Yue’s eyes lit up, staring at Chu Cheng with a mix of excitement and nerves: “You… you remember?”

Chu Cheng continued, “… Meng… Meng what, again?”

Ye Leyao:

[Hahaha—]

[He remembers, but not completely, haha.]

But Meng Yue was already quite pleased; it was good enough that Chu Cheng remembered his surname.

Meng Yue smiled and said, “Meng Yue.”

Chu Cheng nodded in realization: “Meng Yue! Right, we were old classmates…”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, he quickly apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t recognize you right away. It’s been so many years, and you’ve changed a lot!”

Ye Leyao turned his head, covering his mouth.

[Don’t laugh, I absolutely cannot laugh out loud.]

Meng Yue finally relaxed and extended his hand to Chu Cheng: “Welcome back.”

Chu Cheng shook his hand amicably and then casually sat down across from Ye Leyao, asking, almost offhandedly, “By the way, can I sit here? That guy who was here earlier…”

Meng Yue’s expression immediately tensed up; afraid of being misunderstood, he hastily explained, “I… I have nothing to do with him. He… he’s just my brother.”

In his panic, Meng Yue could only think of this excuse.

Little did he know, Ye Leyao was laughing inside.

[Could it be possible that Chu Cheng was just waiting for you to say that?]

Sure enough, the next second—

Chu Cheng relaxed and smiled, “Good, that’s great. Actually, I wanted to ask you for a favor.”

Meng Yue stared at Chu Cheng in disbelief, his cheeks slightly flushed.

Chu Cheng had just remembered who he was, and now he was asking for help.

This must mean he held some weight in Chu Cheng’s heart!

Otherwise, why wouldn’t he ask Qin Yao?

Qin Yao was not only Chu Cheng’s cousin but was sitting right across from him! Yet Chu Cheng had asked him instead…

Meng Yue was thrilled, though he kept his expression calm. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at Chu Cheng with a smile: “Sure, whatever you need, I’ll help you.”

He spoke with utmost sincerity.

It sounded almost like a promise.

Ye Leyao held back a laugh and glanced at the two.

Chu Cheng hadn’t expected Meng Yue to agree so readily, and his smile widened: “Thank you, Meng Yue.”

Meng Yue was blushing from Chu Cheng’s gratitude and bashfully averted his gaze: “No… no need… I’m happy to help you.”

Chu Cheng grinned, “That’s good. So, could you send me the contact details of that guy from earlier?”

As soon as the words were out, Ye Leyao immediately covered his face, laughing almost uncontrollably, his shoulders trembling:

[Hahahahaha—]

[Didn’t see that coming, did you, Meng Yue? The first thing your white moonlight asks for: the substitute’s contact details, hahahaha—]

[Help, I’m going to die laughing!]