Chapter 32: Chi Xingcun Didn’t Show Up at the Birthday Banquet

Chapter 32: Chi Xingcun Didn't Show, the Birthday Bash

"So, are you two close?" If they were, watching Xie Yean end up like this would be heartbreaking, wouldn't it?

Besides, Chi Xingcun was so innocent—completely different from Xie Yean. How could they even hang out together?

"It's alright," he said flatly.

After class, Chi Xingcun walked toward the school gate with the group.

Both dorms already knew about Chi Xingcun and Fu Chenzhan. Some people were just surprised, while others felt awkward—gay, he's gay, how disgusting. Could they still hang out with him? Would he fall for them?

Chen Yudong was both surprised and awkward, so he hadn't texted Chi Xingcun for a while. But when he saw him show up today, he instinctively called out to him, not wanting to leave him hanging.

They'd agreed to be friends, so if nobody talked to him, how awkward would that be?

Qin Liyi's Porsche pulled up to the school gate right on time. He got out, greeted everyone, and led Chi Xingcun to the passenger seat.

"Anyone know how to drive?"

Another car followed behind—it was driverless.

"I'll do it." Xiao Wang raised his hand.

Qin Liyi tossed him the keys.

Seven people filled the two cars exactly.

The two convertibles drove toward the private room their classmate had booked.

The birthday boy was Xu Chenhua. His family was loaded—otherwise, he wouldn't have booked a private room for so many classmates to eat and sing karaoke.

In the car, Chen Yudong and another classmate sat behind Chi Xingcun, hyped but a little nervous.

Damn, this car is insane.

Qin Liyi drove with one hand, glancing at them in the rearview mirror. "You can borrow my car next time we hang out."

The two couldn't help but shout, "No way, for real? Bro, you're the man!"

Qin Liyi smirked, looking casual. "You two are so tight with the Young Master, so borrowing my car is a no-brainer."

"Young Master?"

The two widened their eyes. Chi Xingcun's face inexplicably heated up—even though Qin Liyi had always called him that.

The two in the back knew better than to ask about his identity. Even if they asked, it wouldn't change anything, so they smartly said, "Don't worry. If we borrow your ride and you're not there, we'll definitely look after the Young Master."

Not around? Qin Liyi didn't like hearing that, but it was true—there would be times he wasn't there.

He couldn't exactly become some body part of the Young Master and be with him 24/7.

Chi Xingcun turned around and said, "You don't have to do all that. He's just messing around."

The two replied, "That's what bros do—we've got each other's backs."

"..."

......

As the Fu family's only heir, Fu Chenzhan's annual birthday bash was basically a networking event.

Some came to climb the social ladder, some to talk business, and some to network.

Most importantly, it was about paving the way for Fu Chenzhan's future.

Fu Chenzhan handled it all with ease, effortlessly chatting with the older crowd about social graces and business.

But at certain moments, he'd suddenly space out.

He instinctively glanced up at the second floor of the villa.

In the past, at some point, that delicate, gorgeous young master would wake up in his room, hurry to freshen up, run downstairs to find him, jump on his back, and hug him tight.

"Fu Chenzhan, I overslept again. Why didn't you wake me?"

"Fu Chenzhan, Fu Chenzhan."

That soft little mouth would call his name nonstop.

Then the young master would peek out from behind him, charmingly greeting everyone around—grandpa, grandma, uncle, aunt, uncle's wife, aunt's husband, brother, sister.

He'd turned the whole rich circle into his extended family.

At tense business meetings, his arrival would turn a few intimidating chairmen into soft marshmallows, their stern faces cracking into smiles like kindergarten teachers.

Chi Xingcun was never shy around strangers either. Even on a first meeting, he'd smile at them like a blooming flower.

Fresh out of bed, Chi Xingcun would stay by his side or flit around the room like a social butterfly, trying to get along with everyone.

"I'm your wife, so I've gotta help your career too."

"Fu Chenzhan, did I do good? They say a proper rich wife should act like me."

Chi Xingcun did it perfectly, but Fu Chenzhan hated it.

At some point, he'd grab Chi Xingcun's hand tight, pulling him close, not letting this little busy bee keep buzzing around.

But Chi Xingcun also had people he couldn't stand—the young masters and ladies whose eyes lingered on him.

At those times, Chi Xingcun would put on a rare fierce face, guarding him possessively like a treasure.

What Chi Xingcun didn't know was that those people might not have been after him—but after the one in his arms.

Jealous that he had such a gorgeous and capable fiancée.

The number of people after Chi Xingcun was way, way more than he could ever imagine.

But now, no one came out of his room on the second floor, no one hugged him and acted clingy.

No matter how many times he looked up, nobody came out.

"Did Young Master Chi not show up today?" A lot of people asked.

They had no idea Chi Xingcun wanted to call off the engagement.

It wasn't his call—it was Chi Xingcun's.

He hadn't brought it up with his parents.

"He's been busy studying for exams lately." Fu Chenzhan spoke like a husband bringing up his wife to outsiders. Everyone knew they were a couple, and he still firmly held onto the role of husband.

......

After the meal, a group of people headed to the KTV.

Chi Xingcun sat in the corner of the sofa by the wall. As soon as the music started in the booth, his phone kept buzzing with calls.

It was Uncle Fu and Aunt Qin, Fu Chenzhan's parents, as well as the young men and women from their social circle—his former companions.

They were probably wondering why he hadn't shown up yet.

He had never missed Fu Chenzhan's birthday banquet before; this time, he really was running late.

But in the end, Chi Xingcun never showed up.

Chi Xingcun played a dice game with his classmates, where the loser had to drink. Qin Liyi didn't want him to play, but Chi Xingcun insisted.

He took a sip every time he lost, and in the end, Chi Xingcun drank two full glasses.

This was the first time he had drunk in this life.

After two glasses, Qin Liyi made him stop drinking and playing.

Qin Liyi could tell he wasn't playing for fun; he just wanted to drink. Because whenever Qin Liyi tried to drink in his place, Chi Xingcun wouldn't let him.

Qin Liyi's heart twisted, knowing Chi Xingcun must be feeling awful to want to drink.

He pulled Chi Xingcun over to the other side of the sofa and tilted his chin up with his fingers. His pale cheeks were already flushed, and his doe eyes were glistening, with an allure that was inexplicably... captivating.

Qin Liyi swallowed instinctively, his throat suddenly dry.

He poured a glass of water and held it to Chi Xingcun's lips.

"Drink some water."

His magnetic voice was a little hoarse, coaxing as he spoke.

Chi Xingcun drank, but some still trickled down his chin, wetting his Adam's apple and the white collar of his shirt.

Qin Liyi's broad hand instinctively went to wipe it away, brushing against the collarbone hidden beneath Chi Xingcun's clothes.

So thin.

His hand somehow ended up on Chi Xingcun's waist, and with a gentle squeeze, he pulled him into his arms.