Chapter 7

It wasn’t that Xi Shi was avoiding Shao Xun and Wang Yang; he genuinely had other matters to attend to.

He had a close high school friend, Xie He, who, like him, had been admitted to Yan University. Xie He majored in computer science and, due to his outstanding grades, was recruited during his freshman year by a senior to join a studio they had founded.

In recent years, mini-program games had become all the rage. Following the trend, the seniors planned to develop a mini-program game.

At first, Xie He was pulled in as a developer—more like a workhorse—but after the game was released and failed to make money, the seniors all graduated and secured offers from major companies, gradually leaving the studio. The primary developer intended to sell the game cheaply.

Xie He had invested a lot of effort into this game and believed it had great potential for revival. Selling it off hastily would be a waste.

However, coming from a modest background, he couldn’t even afford the smallest share.

So he approached Xi Shi, who was a second-generation rich kid, to see if he wanted to take over the project together.

At that time, Xi Shi had some disposable cash and an entrepreneurial spirit. After hearing Xie He’s analysis, he decided to take it on.

Over the course of nearly a year, the game underwent significant and bold transformations under the team Xi Shi established, slowly coming back to life.

To support the game, Xi Shi had tightened his belt and poured a considerable amount of money into it, even borrowing some from his cousin.

But once the game started turning a profit, the returns were substantial.

Don’t underestimate WeChat mini-program games; hardcore spenders can pour tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, into them.

Now, Xi Shi was close to recouping his losses, and with the game's momentum growing, he might even achieve financial freedom through it.

The studio had rented half a floor in an office building right next to Yan University. Xi Shi only needed five minutes on foot to get there.

“What did you want me to come for?” Xi Shi asked as he strode into Xie He’s office, plopping down in the chair opposite him without ceremony.

Adjusting his thick glasses, Xie He said, “We’ve hit a technical snag in our app development.”

Their game was a mini-program, but as the player base grew, some veteran users requested an app version. Although mini-programs were convenient, they suffered from crashes, disconnects, and lag. Having a standalone app would be much better.

These interested players were loyal ones, and having both platforms was a way to retain them. So, once the reset version of the game got on track, they immediately dove into app development.

Since this directly affected future profits, Xi Shi’s expression turned serious.

“Is there any way I can help?” he asked.

Xie He replied, “A senior recommended a top expert who can solve this issue, but he looks down on our small studio and refuses to come.”

Taking a sip from a water cup on the desk, Xie He continued, “But I found out he really likes a symphony orchestra called ‘High Mountains and Flowing Waters.’ They have a concert in a couple of days, but given his status, he can’t get tickets. So...” He looked at Xi Shi. “I need two tickets, seats next to each other. Can you manage that?”

Xi Shi had heard of ‘High Mountains and Flowing Waters’—a renowned domestic symphony orchestra.

He searched on his phone for the upcoming concert. It was to be held at the prestigious Tianhe Mansion, an infamous den of extravagance. Clearly, this was an exclusive event for the wealthy and well-connected; no commoner could get an invitation.

Seeing the organizer’s name, Xi Shi nodded, “No problem. I’ll have someone deliver them to your office first thing tomorrow.”

A smile spread across Xie He’s face, and he gave a thumbs-up. “I knew you could do it.”

Xi Shi said, “I can’t help with the technical issues, but this small matter is doable. Anything else you need, just say the word.”

“Well, actually, there is one more thing...” Xie He suddenly became shy, clearing his throat before continuing, “You’re getting married soon, right? I prepared a gift for you.” From under his desk, he pulled out a cardboard box filled with various plush toys.

Xi Shi recognized them immediately—not just ordinary plushes, but the spirit pets from their WeChat mini-game.

He picked up a nine-tailed fox plush with some surprise.

“These are incredibly accurate—exactly like in the game.”

Xie He relaxed, “I’m glad you don’t mind. The gift is modest. I felt awkward giving it during your wedding, so I’m giving it to you early. Congratulations on your marriage.”

“Not at all!” Xi Shi hugged the box. “But I haven’t told you yet—my wedding’s been called off. No need for congratulations, but I’ll still accept the gift.”

Fearing Xie He might change his mind, Xi Shi dashed off with the box.

“...What nonsense? Explain yourself clearly! Hey!” Xie He called after him, taking a few steps. But wary of showing any unprofessional side to the staff, he stopped and watched Xi Shi slip away.

Back in his nearly decorative office, Xi Shi finally set the box down.

Even if he hadn’t run off, Xie He would have given him the plushes anyway. But Xie He’s modest background made him feel inferior, especially in front of a rich kid like Xi Shi. Taking the gift “by force” was a way to show how much he valued it.

Of course, he genuinely liked the plushes.

After inspecting each one, Xi Shi remembered the real purpose and pulled out his phone to start securing tickets for the concert.

This was no challenge for him. Soon, he contacted the organizers and requested four tickets in total.

Once the tickets arrived, he sent two to Xie He and opened his chat with Jing Chen.

“How about Friday night? Free?”

Jing Chen replied quickly.

“What’s up?”

Xi Shi sent him the concert tickets.

“Wanna go?” (with a flirtatious wink)

Jing Chen probably didn’t want to type, sending a voice message instead.

“You actually like symphonies?”

The deep male voice came through the receiver. Xi Shi rubbed his tingling ears, heart fluttering, not hiding his desire at all.

“Mainly because I want to go on a date with you in a suit.”

It was still warm outside, so wearing a suit felt strange. But at such a high-class, elegant concert, many guests dressed formally. Jing Chen would fit right in.

“...” Jing Chen was speechless at this message.

Others liked him for power or money, but this kid openly lusted after his looks.

After a moment’s thought, Jing Chen recorded another voice message, the cold, aloof tone flowing through the phone.

“Okay, but it’ll cost extra.”

“...” Xi Shi was speechless.

How could such a refined voice utter such a mercenary line?

They were in a kept relationship; Jing Chen asking for money felt natural.

Without hesitation, Xi Shi transferred 10,000 yuan as an appearance fee to secure the date.

Friday evening, Jing Chen came to pick him up. Xi Shi timed it perfectly and walked toward the north gate of the university.

Near the gate, he overheard a group of girls excitedly whispering.

“Wow, that’s really a Pagani Utopia. I heard there are only two in the whole city. Today’s an eye-opener.”

“The car’s cool, and the guy’s handsome. Ahhh, the rich, handsome male lead from novels has come to life!”

“Who’s he waiting for? A girlfriend?”

“Maybe a boyfriend too, but whatever, it’s none of our business, hehe.”

Xi Shi paid no mind and reached the gate. Just as he was about to pull out his phone to check if Jing Chen had arrived, someone called his name.

“Xi Shi.”

Hearing that voice made him freeze. Turning around, he saw the irritating face of Shao Xun.

Shao Xun stood beside a striking cobalt blue sports car—the very Pagani Utopia the girls had been talking about.

Xi Shi suddenly recalled that Shao Xun had mentioned ordering a flashy limited-edition sports car to serve as their wedding car. This had to be it.

Now Shao Xun was clearly there to pick up Wang Yang.

Such a car was bound to draw attention. By next week, everyone at Yan University would know Wang Yang’s partner drove a Pagani Utopia.

Given Shao Xun’s identity as the second son of Shao Yu Group, everyone would also know, and countless people would envy and chase after Wang Yang.

That couple sure knew how to make a scene.

But since their wedding was called off, it was none of Xi Shi’s business, whether Shao Xun arrived in a luxury car or a spaceship.

Xi Shi nodded coldly at him.

Shao Xun approached.

Xi Shi’s good looks were famous at Yan University. Seeing Shao Xun walk toward him, the onlookers all wore knowing expressions: the beautiful girl deserved a rich guy.

Xi Shi’s face darkened. He turned to leave but heard Shao Xun say, “Just one thing, then I’ll go.”

Xi Shi’s expression was blank. “Speak.”

“...There are still some of your things in the marital home. Remember to pick them up.”

“I don’t want them. Consider them yours.”

Xi Shi said, spotting his own mint-green car in sight. His icy expression softened, and without looking back, he hurried over.

Shao Xun recognized the car by the license plate and wondered if Xi Shi had hired a driver with the ten million yuan he’d given him.

But as the car drew near, Shao Xun peered through the windshield and caught sight of the driver. His expression stiffened.

The driver was strikingly handsome, dressed in a suit, exuding a mature, noble charm.

Having known Xi Shi for a year, he knew his tastes well.

This man was exactly his style.

What was going on?

Who was this man, and why was he driving Xi Shi’s car?

Shao Xun tried to get a better look, but after Xi Shi got in, the car turned around, hiding the driver’s face.

“Brother Shao, what’s wrong? Did you see someone?” A gentle voice suddenly whispered in his ear.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Shao Xun realized his fists were clenched tightly.

“No one. Let’s go.” Feeling a bit empty, he opened the car door and got in.

Wang Yang had actually just come out moments after Xi Shi and witnessed everything. She bit her lip.

What exactly did Shao Xun mean? Wasn’t the engagement already off?

...

The little incident didn’t affect Xi Shi much. Seeing Jing Chen lifted his spirits even higher.

With the semester just starting and many tasks at hand, they hadn’t met for days. Now, seeing him felt like reuniting with a long-lost lover, and his heart raced uncontrollably.

Today, Jing Chen wore the suit Xi Shi had bought him at the mall last time. Back then, they’d rushed straight to a hotel, and Xi Shi remembered the jacket had been all rumpled.

But today, the suit was crisp and perfectly pressed, not a wrinkle in sight—surely it had been professionally cleaned and ironed.

Nice—very meticulous.

Jing Chen stood tall, his well-proportioned figure and smooth lines on full display, making Xi Shi wish he could peel away his layers to see what lay beneath.

Xi Shi slightly regretted inviting this man to a symphony instead of a hotel room. Wouldn’t it be better to skip the concert and go straight to bed?

His gaze was so intense and direct that Jing Chen couldn’t ignore it.

Taking advantage of a red light, Jing Chen reached out and covered Xi Shi’s beautiful eyes with his hand.

The man’s palm was burning hot, making Xi Shi’s heart race even faster. He wondered what Jing Chen had in mind by blindfolding him.

Just as he was filled with anticipation, Jing Chen whispered, “If you keep looking, you’ll have to pay.”

Xi Shi was speechless.

How could such an extraordinary, elegant man have such a mercenary streak?