Chapter 12
It was Saturday.
After waking up, Lin Zheng rolled around in bed with his pillow.
Last night’s events kept replaying in his mind.
He never imagined Gu Lin would spend fifty million on a necklace just because of a joke, even though he didn’t accept it in the end.
How could he accept such an expensive gift?
He was determined to leave Gu Lin. Although he had vowed to be even more of a scumbag than a scumbag, accepting such an expensive gift felt wrong. Besides, if Gu Lin were to settle accounts later, he would be the one at a disadvantage.
So he absolutely couldn’t accept it.
However…
Gu Lin kept giving him gifts, and he looked worried about his injured wrist. Could it be…?
Lin Zheng had a bold guess.
—Could Gu Lin have fallen for him?!
Seriously?
Lin Zheng never thought his charm would be so great!
Thinking about this, Lin Zheng blushed and smiled broadly.
Remembering the emerald necklace, Lin Zheng rolled to the wall with his pillow.
Such blatant favoritism!
On Monday, a stack of documents almost his height was placed in front of Lin Zheng.
Shen, the assistant: “Lin, Mr. Gu wants you to finish organizing these documents by 2 PM. You’re going to be busy.”
Lin Zheng looked at the documents with an expressionless face. “…”
Favoritism my ass!
No, from a certain perspective, it was a kind of favoritism.
A favoritism aimed at killing him!
He knew it…
To hell with liking, to hell with favoritism!
Just get the work done!
In the CEO’s office.
A glass of water was placed in front of Yan Yang. Yan Yang sat at his desk, watching the person who had placed the water silently leave to make coffee.
Yan Yang raised an eyebrow. “Wow, Mr. Gu, who upset you this morning?” He teased, “I heard you bought an emerald necklace for fifty million at the charity banquet last Friday. That’s a significant contribution to charity.”
Yan Yang glanced at the box on the side, “Is this the necklace you bought? Nice packaging. Worth the price. It’ll be perfect for your future spouse.”
Gu Lin placed the coffee in front of Yan Yang, interrupting him and sitting down opposite him. “Get to the point, don’t beat around the bush.”
Yan Yang said, “I wanted to ask you about this over the weekend, but I couldn’t find the time. I heard what happened that day. You brought Zhao’s youngest son to the banquet?”
Gu Lin sat in his chair and replied, “Is there a problem?”
A man who had shown no interest in romantic relationships for over twenty years, who ignored all advances, suddenly fell in love. This was incredible.
Especially considering the object of his affection was an inconspicuous adopted son.
He rejected many influential people but chose an unremarkable one.
Although the outside world didn’t know about their relationship, Yan Yang, as Gu Lin’s close friend, did.
Yan Yang initially thought Gu Lin’s relationship was a passing fancy, but seeing Gu Lin bring him as his companion to the banquet made him realize it was serious.
“Are you serious about this Lin Zheng?” Yan Yang asked directly.
Yan Yang and Gu Lin had always been frank with each other.
Gu Lin set down his coffee, his gaze lowered in thought.
Serious?
In the past, he never thought he’d use the word “serious” about anyone.
But recalling his feelings from seeing the bruise on the man’s wrist last night…
That feeling, like someone had touched his belongings…
“Yes, I’m serious.”
Hearing this, Yan Yang paused.
At noon, Lin Zheng went to the employee cafeteria downstairs.
Other employees looked at him with scrutinizing eyes.
Lin Zheng sat down with his tray, feeling odd when he heard a low male voice beside him. “Eating alone?”
Turning his head, he saw a strikingly handsome man.
The man sat down in the empty seat next to him, explaining, “Don’t get me wrong. My name is Yan Yang. I’m from the marketing department.”
Hearing the name, Lin Zheng’s brain quickly processed the information.
Yan Yang, the third male lead in the novel. He was Gu Lin’s close friend and, like Gu Lin, possessed exceptional attractiveness. Unlike Gu Lin, however, he was a womanizer.
Although he appeared to be a small manager in the marketing department, he was a powerful top-level operator.
Lin Zheng didn’t know why he was suddenly talking to him, but he assumed it was related to Gu Lin.
Lin Zheng politely replied, “My name is Lin Zheng. I’m President Gu’s personal assistant.”
Although the man seemed to recognize him, Lin Zheng still introduced himself.
Yan Yang glanced at the others. “Didn’t you see today’s news?”
Lin Zheng: “?”
Yan Yang smiled. “Because you have that ‘why are people looking at me strangely?’ look on your face.”
Lin Zheng pulled out his phone.
Yan Yang reminded him, “Search ‘Gu Lin’ and ‘charity banquet’.”
Lin Zheng entered the keywords and saw the headlines:
[Gu Lin, CEO of Huichuang and eldest son of the Gu Group, attends charity banquet with a mysterious man, captivating everyone]
[Huichuang CEO Gu Lin unexpectedly brings Zhao’s youngest son, Lin Zheng, to the annual charity banquet]
[Gu Lin, eldest son of the Gu Group, is rumored to be in a relationship with Zhao’s youngest son, Lin Zheng; it’s said that Lin Zheng persistently pursued him]
[…]
Many similar headlines followed, marveling at their appearance at the banquet and speculating about their relationship.
Lin Zheng was instantly furious. “What the hell?!”
Yan Yang smiled. “You’re famous.”
Lin Zheng now understood why everyone had been staring at him. He initially thought it was because he looked too handsome, but it was because of the news.
Yan Yang said, “It’s not surprising. Mr. Gu is frequently in the financial headlines, and he’s handsome. It’s not just gossip; I heard Mr. Gu has some private fan clubs.”
Lin Zheng internally thought he was about to die from the stress.
Lin Zheng believed Gu Lin had fan clubs; every article had comments either saying they couldn’t be together or that Lin Zheng was clinging to Gu Lin.
Yan Yang comforted him, “But it’s only speculation. These types of gossip disappear soon enough.”
Lin Zheng, unfamiliar with this world, wasn’t sure. “Really?”
Yan Yang assured him, “Absolutely.”
Lin Zheng believed him.
Then, for three consecutive nights, his house was besieged by reporters.
Lin Zheng: “…” I believed your lies.
Thursday morning, Lin Zheng slumped at his desk, exhausted.
Yan Yang passed by, saw his appearance, and tapped his desk with the documents in his hand. “What’s wrong? You look like you didn’t sleep well last night.”
Lin Zheng held up three fingers. “Not last night, it’s been three nights.”
Lin Zheng told Yan Yang about his experience. For three nights, he could only sneak into his house after the reporters left and leave early the next morning.
It was terrifying. He felt like a fugitive.
If this continued, Lin Zheng felt his life would be in danger.
Hearing Lin Zheng’s address, Yan Yang questioned, “The house in Beilin? Company housing isn’t there.”
Lin Zheng heard something incredible and sat up straight. “The company has employee housing?”
Yan Yang looked at him in surprise. “Yes, didn’t you know?”
Yan Yang explained that the company provided housing for all employees near the company, with excellent conditions.
Yan Yang stroked his chin. “That’s strange. Mr. Gu should have told you when you joined.”
Lin Zheng understood. Gu Lin, the bastard, didn’t tell him about company housing… Such a terrible person.
Favoritism? Favoritism my ass!
“Maybe Mr. Gu forgot,” Yan Yang said. “Let me apply for you. You need new housing.”
Lin Zheng’s eyes welled up, moved by the man.
What a good person!
I’m sorry I judged you because you’re a womanizer, but now, you’re the best!
Lin Zheng asked, “Will the procedures be complicated? How long will it take?”
Yan Yang leaned in and whispered, “There’s an empty place near mine. I know the person in charge, and I can get it for you. You can move in tonight.”
Lin Zheng slapped him on the shoulder. “Good brother.”
Yan Yang gave him a confident look.
That evening, Lin Zheng received a new key card.
Reporters were still outside. He was planning to stay there for one night, but Yan Yang suggested he move as soon as possible, just in case.
Lin Zheng agreed.
So, after work, under Yan Yang’s cover, he secretly packed his things and avoided the reporters.
Yan Yang took him to his new place.
Seeing the villa, Lin Zheng turned to Yan Yang. “Are you sure this is it?”
He knew Huichuang was rich, but providing this kind of housing for employees was extravagant.
Yan Yang nodded. “Yeah,” he pointed across the street to another villa, “That’s where I live.”
Yan Yang grinned. “I told you, I’m close with the person in charge.”
Lin Zheng snapped his fingers, understanding instantly.
So being a womanizer had its advantages.
“I won’t be shy about staying here,” Lin Zheng thanked Yan Yang.
Yan Yang smiled. “Go rest. You’re tired.”
Lin Zheng nodded, dragging his luggage into the villa.
Although Yan Yang had said someone had moved out recently, the furnishing was beyond his expectations.
The style was minimalist. There wasn’t much furniture, but each piece was tasteful and custom-made.
Lin Zheng was amazed at how much the company cared for its employees.
Exhausted from the lack of sleep, Lin Zheng didn’t want to unpack. He only took out his clothes and went to the bathroom.
He would unpack tomorrow.
After showering, he wore his bathrobe, the belt loosely tied. It barely covered anything when he moved.
But it didn’t matter; he was alone.
Lin Zheng habitually drank hot milk before bed. He heated some and took a sip, leaving a ring of milk around his mouth.
Comfortable.
Feeling sleepy, Lin Zheng walked towards the bedroom with his mug, when he heard a “beep” at the door.
Lin Zheng looked over sleepily. “Huh?”
Was it an illusion?
He blinked.
The next second, the door opened.
Gu Lin, in a coat, stood at the door, looking at him with surprise.