Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Yu Li was no ghost.

Aside from Old Master Su, Yu Li hadn't proactively contacted anyone else from the Su family since returning to China.

A hint of gloom shadowed Gu Yubai’s brow.

He remained silent after getting into the car. Yu Li glanced at him several times before finally making a U-turn at an intersection, heading in a completely different direction from home.

Gu Yubai lounged casually, his expression serene.

“Not going home?”

Yu Li nodded slightly. “Not for now. I need to make a quick stop at the company for a document. How about we grab dinner out while we’re at it?”

Gu Yubai’s eyes widened abruptly. He turned to see the smile on Yu Li’s face before slowly straightening up, a sense of relief washing over him, his mood noticeably lighter.

Gu Yubai knew Yu Li was saying this deliberately.

He was worried about him.

A touch of embarrassment crossed Gu Yubai’s features. He cleared his throat, sitting upright, before asking,

“So, what are we eating? It’s almost ten—most restaurants will be closing soon, right?”

Yu Li smiled faintly. “That’s why I’m not taking you to a fancy place. Last time, you treated me to hotpot. Tonight, I’ll treat you to barbecue by the river.”

Riverside. Barbecue.

Gu Yubai pushed thoughts of the Su family from his mind, suddenly feeling a flicker of anticipation.

Yu Li was still dressed in the black suit he had worn to the banquet—understated, simple, without any flashy accessories. He looked as if he had come straight from the office to the event, unpretentious and ordinary.

Recalling the invitation Yu Corporation had received, Gu Yubai asked curiously,

“What gift did your company send the Su family? I didn’t see you mingling with them.”

Yu Li chuckled softly. “Of course you didn’t—because I wasn’t the official representative tonight. I came quietly, to help you and your brother scope out the scene.”

He playfully winked at Gu Yubai before returning to his usual mature and gentle demeanor.

“As for the gift, I didn’t handle it, but Assistant Jin mentioned it was a vase worth several hundred thousand—nothing too extravagant. If you like it, I could get you one too.”

Gu Yubai quickly shook his head. “No need.”

“Giving the Su family gifts is just commercial courtesy. What would giving me something be considered? I’m not one to take advantage.”

Yu Li nodded. “I know. But if it’s for you, it’s just being neighborly. You let me stay and bought me dinner—it’s only fair I return the kindness.”

Gu Yubai laughed.

Hearing about treating him to dinner again, Gu Yubai suddenly remembered that during last night’s hotpot, Yu Li had ended up paying the bill.

He felt a pang of embarrassment.

“Let me pay you back for last night’s hotpot first. Then it’ll really count as me treating you.”

He immediately sent the money to Yu Li, who accepted it without hesitation, then smiled at him.

“You overpaid. But tonight’s definitely my treat—consider the extra as payment for the ride.”

Gu Yubai had assumed Yu Li’s excuse about stopping by the company was just that—an excuse. But to his surprise, Yu Li really did make a quick stop.

He went upstairs, picked up some paperwork, and returned swiftly before driving them straight to the spot by the river he had mentioned.

-------

Parking near the riverbank, Yu Li waved Gu Yubai over after they got out, leading him through two streets before arriving at a narrow alley.

The alley was dimly lit, with only two lanterns glowing at the entrance of a courtyard house at the end.

Yu Li took a few steps into the darkness before suddenly backtracking. Under Gu Yubai’s gaze, he seemed to think better of it before reaching out to grasp Gu Yubai’s wrist.

“Let me guide you. Wouldn’t want you tripping halfway.”

Gu Yubai glanced at his held wrist and chuckled.

“I’m not a toddler. I won’t just fall over while walking.”

“You never know.”

Yu Li’s tone was cryptic.

When they reached the darkest stretch of the path, Gu Yubai finally understood what Yu Li meant.

Right in the middle of the walkway stood a small, square concrete planter—completely unlit. Anyone unfamiliar with the place would likely trip over it in the dark.

Even with Yu Li guiding him past it, Gu Yubai couldn’t help but jump at the unexpected obstacle.

“This… If you hadn’t brought me here, I’d never have come at night.”

Yu Li let out a low chuckle.

He said, “Then remember where this little garden is—next time, you can find your way. But there’s a reason I brought you here tonight.”

Gu Yubai looked at him curiously.

“Is the barbecue here especially good?”

Yu Li shook his head. “You’ll see when we get there.”

They passed through the darkness and arrived at the courtyard house with its red lanterns. Yu Li knocked, and the gate swung open immediately.

A middle-aged man in a white chef’s uniform greeted them with a smile, showing them in.

His eyes lingered curiously on Gu Yubai beside Yu Li, flickering briefly at their still-joined hands before offering his hand to Gu Yubai.

“Hello, I’m the owner and chef here. Your dinner is already served—please, have a seat.”

Gu Yubai nodded politely, lifting their still-joined hands in a casual gesture.

“Hello, I’m Mr. Gu.”

“Pleasure, Mr. Gu. Mr. Yu is familiar with this place—let him show you the way.”

The owner turned and left. Gu Yubai turned to Yu Li.

“You just returned to the country. Why does the owner treat you like a regular?”

Yu Li led him forward: "I used to return home for travel every year during my school days and stayed at his place. I came back once last year too."

"This place specializes in home-style cooking and usually only serves guests with prior reservations. If I hadn’t called ahead, we wouldn’t have been able to dine here tonight. Luckily, Old Wang did me a favor."

Gu Yubai nodded, taking in the sights of the private courtyard restaurant.

Just as Yu Li had said, if he hadn’t made a reservation in advance, the place would've probably been closed by now.

The courtyard was quite charming, with lotus pots and greenery everywhere. To the right stood a rugged rockery wrapped in string lights, beneath which was a small recirculating pool filled with goldfish of various colors and long, flowing tails.

The goldfish paid no mind to the darkness, swimming freely in the water.

Gu Yubai couldn’t resist running his fingers into the water, a grin spreading unbidden across his face.

Yu Li, who was walking ahead of him up the outdoor stairs, turned to look at him. He gazed at him quietly for a good while, unaware that he too was wearing a joyful smile.

By the time Gu Yubai caught up, Yu Li was still smiling as he spoke to him.

"After dinner, I’ll take you to the night market across the river."

"But by the time we finish dinner, won’t it be late at night? Don’t they need to close up? Will he just wait for us to leave?"

Gu Yubai tugged at Yu Li, who reached out and pulled him up the last step of the outdoor stairs. In an instant, a cool river breeze hit Gu Yubai’s unprepared face.

At that moment, the refreshing breeze cleared his head, sweeping away the fatigue accumulated throughout the day.

Standing on the simple, clean private rooftop by the river, Gu Yubai finally understood why Yu Li had led him through back alleys to this private restaurant.

The reason was none other than this breezy platform overlooking the river.

The distance between the river and Gu Yubai’s feet was merely a boat and a private riverside staircase away.

Gu Yubai’s eyes lit up at the sight of the twinkling string lights on the platform.

Yu Li was delighted by Gu Yubai’s reaction. Standing beside him, he listened to the nearby sounds of the river waves and called out over the water.

"You asked if the owner needs to wait for us to leave before closing, right? I’ll tell you—he doesn’t! After dinner, we’ll take the boat you see here and row ourselves to the other side to hit up the night market downtown!"

Gu Yubai’s eyes sparkled as he gazed at the brightly lit opposite shore under the night sky. The river breeze dissipated the heat from his body, and at that moment, all he wanted was to shout at the top of his lungs.

Making a megaphone with his hands, he mimicked Yu Li and yelled toward the river.

"Thank you, Brother Yu!"

He turned to Yu Li with a smile, his eyes gleaming and his expression sweet, the joy in his gaze practically dripping with happiness.

Yu Li gazed at him, transfixed, then suddenly reached out and touched Gu Yubai’s cheek.

Gu Yubai gave him a puzzled look before turning back to the river and shouting excitedly.

"And thank you, myself!" Thankful for finally breaking free from the Su family.

"Thank you, Gu Yihong!"

Thankful he’d stepped up to deal with the Su family in his place, for making a scene that revealed their true nature online and helped him escape them completely.

"Thank you, my dear Dad Gu!"

For raising him all those years, for pushing him out of harm’s way when the accident happened.

-----

Tears welled up in Gu Yubai’s eyes, but he tilted his head back quickly to hold them in.

The aroma of barbecue wafted up from the outdoor stairs they had climbed. The middle-aged owner in a white chef’s uniform cheerfully carried up a grill platter, placing grilled lobster, bacon, various grilled meats, vegetables, and oysters on the stone table. He waved enthusiastically at them.

"Come on over! This is the barbecue Xiao Yu specifically requested. I’ve left the rest of the ingredients here too. Xiao Yu, show your little brother what you’ve got."

Gu Yubai burst out laughing at this, giving him a teasing look as he asked curiously,

"How does the owner know about your cooking skills? Did you work here?"

Yu Li covered his eyes sheepishly, his smile casual yet slightly helpless.

"I actually did work here. When I came back home before, I rented his place. Sometimes when they were shorthanded, I’d pitch in as a cook and waiter."

Gu Yubai pressed his lips together to hold back a laugh. "Then I’m really in luck tonight."

No sooner had he spoken than the owner suddenly popped back up the stairs, holding a beautiful bouquet of red roses. Raising his arm high, he called out to Yu Li,

"Xiao Yu! These roses were left by a customer who confessed their love today. Consider them your mood setters for the barbecue!"

The owner gave Yu Li a knowing wink, clearly misunderstanding their relationship.

He placed the flowers in a corner before leaving.

Yu Li’s eyes widened in shock, his face displaying an unusual flustered look for the first time. He glanced at Gu Yubai once, then again, his ears gradually growing warm.

Luckily, the night was dark enough, and the platform’s lighting wasn’t bright enough for Gu Yubai to notice Yu Li’s slightly reddened ears.

Clearing his throat, Yu Li weakly explained,

"He... he misunderstood. Don’t mind him."