Chapter Forty-Six

It was already past nine in the evening and You Yige still hadn’t returned. Yi Xiaoyu called her, but nobody answered, so he phoned Xiao Zhou instead. Xiao Zhou told him that You Yige was drinking at a bar.

Yi Xiaoyu had just arrived at the entrance to the bar when he saw Yi Yu walking in. Even though he only caught a glimpse of his back, Yi Xiaoyu was certain it was him.

Getting out of the car, Yi Xiaoyu hurried into the bar, silently following Yi Yu all the way to a private room on the second floor.

After Yi Yu entered, Yi Xiaoyu checked the room number at the door—it was indeed the one Xiao Zhou had told him about.

What’s that guy doing drinking with them?

Yi Xiaoyu thought to himself. It was clear Yi Yu had arranged this with You Yige in advance, swaggering in as if he belonged.

Yi Xiaoyu didn’t believe for a second that You Yige would invite Yi Yu out for drinks.

He’d already warned You Yige that Yi Yu was after his company. As an ally, You Yige should have been more likely to rough Yi Yu up on his behalf than to share a drink with him.

Inside, Yi Yu saw You Yige downing one glass after another, clearly in a foul mood. Only after asking Xiao Zhou did he learn that the couple had argued.

Yi Yu sat down beside You Yige, leaned in with a chuckle, and whispered something in his ear. Instantly, You Yige’s expression shifted to utter disbelief. He stared at Xiao Zhou in shock. “It’s already signed?”

Yi Yu nodded. “Big brother signed without hesitation—not the slightest doubt. So, Brother You, you should be happy.”

A wide grin broke out across You Yige’s face, a warm current surging through his limbs, making his whole body feel wonderful.

Xiaoyu had actually sold the shares.

He hadn’t accepted that man’s help.

In the end, he loved himself more than the company.

“Come on, let’s drink!” Boss You clapped Yi Yu on the shoulder. “You did well, kid.”

“I couldn’t have done it without your help, Brother You. Honestly, I never thought my brother would give in in the end. Brother You, now that my brother’s no longer president, he might not take it well—make sure you look after him these next few days.”

“Mm.” Boss You straightened his jacket, adopting the authority of a head of household. “Of course, I won’t treat him badly.”

“Boss, Xiao Yu, what are you talking about?” Xiao Zhou asked in confusion. “Why isn’t Brother Xiao president anymore? Did his company go bankrupt?”

“That’s not for you to ask.” Boss You’s smile couldn’t be suppressed. “By the way, Xiao Yu, come with me for a moment, I have something to tell you.”

He led Yi Yu out of the private room, stopping only after turning into a corner at the end of the corridor.

“Brother You, what’s so secretive?”

Boss You lit a cigarette, his expression complicated. “About helping you get those confidential files from Xiaoyu’s computer—you must keep that secret for me, understand? And that old land debt—don’t let anyone know it was me who dug it up. Especially in front of your brother, you have to cover for me.”

“Don’t worry, Brother You. How could I betray you?”

Boss You ruffled Yi Yu’s hair, laughing. “Good. I won’t show my face at the company—you’re in charge of everything. Don’t let anyone know the real boss is me, especially your brother. Let him keep believing you took his forty-five percent stake.”

“Brother You, why are you still so afraid of my brother, even now?”

“Nonsense! I’m not afraid of him. I just… don’t want to argue over these petty things. You have no idea—when your brother gets angry, he throws punches, and he doesn’t hold back.”

“Oh, so you’re afraid of domestic violence. But helping me like this—isn’t it so you can have the upper hand at home, maybe gain more authority?”

“Hey, watch your mouth! Afraid of domestic violence? Wanting more authority? Am I that much of a coward? Mark my words, from now on at home, when I say ‘one,’ your brother won’t dare to say ‘two.’”

And besides, I’ll finally have the confidence to demand more variety in bed.

Just thinking about it made him excited! Heh heh…

“Brother You, you’re drooling.”

“…”

Boss You didn’t bother with more words; his spirits were high. He planned to have a few more drinks before heading home—tonight, he would defend his position as head of the household.

With his arm around Yi Yu’s shoulders, the two turned around, only to freeze in place as they saw Yi Xiaoyu step out from the corner just two meters ahead.

Their laughter died instantly, as though they’d been struck by lightning.

Boss You’s face turned ashen, his lower body trembling uncontrollably, as if he’d lost all feeling.

Yi Yu swallowed. “Brother, when… when did you get here?”

Yi Xiaoyu didn’t even look at Yi Yu; his gaze was fixed on You Yige, his dark eyes bottomless. “From the moment you started speaking.”

Boss You’s heart was pounding so hard it nearly leapt out of his chest. He avoided Yi Xiaoyu’s gaze, then suddenly gathered the nerve to look him in the eyes, only to look away again almost instantly.

His mind was in chaos—he could only think, It’s over! It’s over! Completely over!

He wished this was just a dream.

Staring at the floor, he didn’t look up until Yi Xiaoyu’s shoes came into his field of vision. Yi Xiaoyu gripped his chin, forcing him to meet his eyes.

Yi Yu, a bit embarrassed, said, “I’ll… I’ll go now.” As he started to walk away, he suddenly turned back to Yi Xiaoyu. “Since you heard everything, let me remind you—Brother You is now your real boss.”

With that, Yi Yu dashed off.

Yi Xiaoyu gazed at You Yige’s sweat-soaked face and gave a desolate laugh. “President You, is it?”

You Yige suddenly shoved his hand away, took a deep breath, and said, “Yes. Since you heard everything, I’ll say it outright. I’m now the largest shareholder in your company. I’ve kept your position as vice president for you, and you…”

He trailed off, unable to go on, seeing the tears welling in Yi Xiaoyu’s eyes. A sharp pain pierced his heart.

You Yige stepped back, pressing his lips together, saying nothing more.

Yi Xiaoyu seemed about to speak, but in the end, he only let out a bitter laugh, turning away and walking off.

Even after getting into his car, Yi Xiaoyu felt dazed. Only when he saw the tears falling onto the back of his hand did he realize he was crying.

His heart hadn’t hurt this much in so long—so much that he couldn’t breathe. The last time he’d felt such pain was two years ago, when Wen Ming left him.

He never would have imagined that the man who had lived with him for two years, whom he trusted more than anyone, could deceive him like this.

Suddenly, You Yige ran out of the bar in a frenzy, but by then, Yi Xiaoyu had already driven away.