Chapter 78 "No one can bully you."

Chu Yi finally went to Cheng Zhi's birthday party. He had just finished work that day, so he went home and randomly picked out a well-ironed dark gray suit from the closet, without even a tie, and took a taxi directly to the Cheng family's old house.

It gets dark early in winter, and the old house is brightly lit, with all kinds of luxury cars parked in front of the door. Chu Yi had just stepped out of the taxi, feeling cold as he stepped into the warm living room, when he ran into Cheng Yunshu.

Cheng Yunshu's eyes lit up, and she came forward generously with her skirt lifted, and took his arm affectionately: "Second brother!"

The distant expression on Chu Yi's face softened a little, and he nodded slightly: "Why did you come here just now?"

Cheng Yunshu smiled embarrassedly and winked playfully: "Oh, girls always need time to style themselves before going out, unlike you men who have such convenience." As she spoke, she naturally took Chu Yi's arm and walked in, whispering to him about the interesting things that happened recently.

Inside the banquet hall, the air was filled with the clatter of wine and the glimpses of elegantly dressed people. Cheng Zhi, surrounded by the crowd, was chatting with someone, his glass in hand. His eyes casually glanced at the doorway and caught sight of Chu Yi and Cheng Yunshu walking in side by side, chatting and laughing. His smile froze for a moment, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

But in front of outsiders, he maintained his usual patriarchal demeanor and composure, quickly regaining his composure. After exchanging a few pleasantries with the people before him, he found an excuse to leave the crowd and head straight towards Chu Yi and the others.

Cheng Zhi walked closer and turned his gaze to Chu Yi, his tone becoming a little deeper. Although he lowered his voice, the dissatisfaction was still clearly discernible.

"You have no sense of time? Why are you here only now?"

Chu Yi had long been accustomed to his attitude.

There was no emotion on his face, and he even maintained that decent, slightly distant smile. He looked at Cheng Zhi calmly, but did not answer his questions, just ignored them.

Cheng Zhi was furious at Chu Yi's stubborn and submissive attitude without any real response, but he couldn't vent his anger in front of everyone. His expression became even uglier, and he could only stand aside and continue his sermon about "rules" and "family reputation" to Chu Yi in a low voice.

Chu Yi's eyes were blank, his gaze fixed on the crystal chandelier not far away, and he turned a deaf ear to the instructions in his ear.

Just as Cheng Zhi was talking excitedly, Chu Ruoyin walked over with Xie Huaiming on her arm.

Chu Ruoyin had a gentle smile on her face that was just right, and she was very intimate with Xie Huaiming, looking like a kind elder who was looking favorably upon a younger person.

Chu Yi watched this scene. He raised his hand and took a sip of the champagne in his hand. The cold and sour liquid slid down his throat, and he still said nothing.

"Teacher Chu, long time no see." Xie Huaiming took the initiative to greet him in a gentle and polite tone, his eyes falling on Chu Yi with a hint of inquiry.

Chu Yi then turned his gaze towards him, raised the champagne glass in his hand, nodded, and had an impeccable social smile on his face, but he was still very frugal with his words, just to say hello.

Chu Ruoyin noticed Chu Yi's indifference, but kept smiling. "Xiaoyi, have a good chat with Mr. Xie tonight. Mr. Xie is young and promising. You should learn from him."

Almost everyone present understood the matchmaking implication in these words.

Chu Yi still looked as if he didn't want to express an opinion. He neither agreed nor refuted. He just lowered his eyelashes slightly and looked at the golden liquid shaking in the cup.

This silent resistance made Chu Ruoyin lose her smile, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes.

She winked at Cheng Yunshu, who was feeling a little awkward.

Cheng Yunshu looked at Chu Yi, then at the elder who looked worried, and had no choice but to look at Chu Yi apologetically and whispered, "Second brother, I'll go over there first", then he let go of Chu Yi's hand and turned to leave.

Suddenly, only Chu Yi, Cheng Zhi, Chu Ruoyin, and Xie Huaiming were left in this small corner, and the atmosphere became even more subtle and tense. Cheng Zhi and Chu Ruoyin exchanged a glance, clearly intending to leave the space for Chu Yi and Xie Huaiming.

Chu Yi seemed unaware of anything, or perhaps he didn't care at all. He just turned slightly to the side, holding the champagne glass between his fingers, and his fingertips tapped lightly on the wall of the glass unconsciously, revealing a subtle impatience.

After Cheng Yunshu left, this small circle fell into a strange silence.

Chu Yi always appears calm and restrained in front of others. Even when he is unhappy, he always maintains the most basic courtesy and demeanor.

He couldn't be too close to others, nor did he bother to create a sense of distance. All his emotions were contained behind his calm eyes, with clear boundaries.

The bubbles of champagne rise and burst in the glass, just like the silent clash of thoughts at this moment.

Xie Huaiming didn't seem surprised by Chu Yi's silence. He shook the wine glass in his hand, his eyes fell on Chu Yi's expressionless face. His tone was still gentle, but with a subtle hint of temptation, he broke the silence:

"Teacher Chu," he paused, lowering his voice with a knowing smile, "your mother's opinion seems to have remained unchanged."

These words precisely point to the topic that both parties are well aware of - marriage.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yi slowly turned his head and looked straight at Xie Huaiming.

The thin, social smile on his face disappeared completely in an instant, like mist blown away by the cold wind, revealing the clear and determined nature underneath.

Chu Yi's tone was neither evasive nor roundabout.

"Mr. Xie," Chu Yi said, his tone even more distant than before, "My meaning is also clear and has not changed."

This sentence was like a clear dividing line, clearly defining his position.

He had no interest in participating in this matchmaking led by his elders and based on considerations of interests, no matter whether the other party was Xie Huaiming or anyone else.

Xie Huaiming, far from being angry, chuckled softly, a hint of subtle contempt in his voice. He gracefully raised his champagne glass and gently touched it against Chu Yi's rim, producing a crisp "ding" sound.

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice to ensure that only the two of them could hear clearly, like a condescending "reminder": "Teacher Chu, I admire your...persistence."

Xie Huaiming paused and looked at Chu Yi sharply, "But are you sure that Zhou Ai really needs you? Can he really protect you?"

This sentence was like a poisoned dagger, precisely stabbing the weak point in the relationship between Chu Yi and Zhou Ai that was most likely to be questioned by the outside world - the class gap and the disparity in power.

Chu Yi's fingertips gripping the wine glass tightened slightly, and the cold wall of the glass conveyed a chill, but the look in his eyes did not change at all, not even a ripple was caused.

He looked at Xie Huaiming quietly, his eyes as calm as a deep pool, which made the oppressive feeling that Xie Huaiming deliberately created seem a little ridiculous.

Chu Yi did not refute immediately, but just pulled the corner of his mouth slightly.

Just as Chu Yi was about to speak, a voice with a lazy smile sounded behind him.

"Oh? Whether it can be protected or not, why don't you try it yourself, Mr. Xie?"

This sound...

Chu Yi turned around suddenly.

I saw Zhou Ai coming in at some point. He had obviously just come from some event. He was wearing a well-tailored black velvet suit, no tie, and his shirt collar was casually undone, revealing his beautiful collarbone line.

He was also holding a glass of wine in his hand, his slender fingers casually turning the stem of the glass. Under the light, his impeccable face had a half-smile on it, his peach blossom eyes were slightly narrowed, and his gaze fell accurately on Xie Huaiming. It seemed casual, but it carried a sense of oppression that should not be underestimated.

He obviously heard everything Xie Huaiming said just now.

Zhou Ai walked over slowly with his long legs and stood next to Chu Yi very naturally. His arms seemed to be casually placed on the back of the chair behind Chu Yi, forming a half hug full of possessiveness and protective gesture.

He was slightly taller than Xie Huaiming. At this moment, he lowered his eyes slightly and looked at the other person with his aura fully released.

"My dear, when did you ever need to rely on others for protection?" Zhou Ai chuckled, his tone a little arrogant, yet as if it was natural. "It is my honor that he chose me. As for the rest..."

He paused, his eyes scanning Cheng Zhi's somewhat ugly expression, and finally fixed on Xie Huaiming's face again. His smile deepened, but there was no warmth in his eyes:

"If you have any tricks, come at me. I'm Zhou Ai, and I'm always here to help."

He said this lightly, but with a sense of ruthlessness and absolute confidence, as if the Xie family and the Cheng family were nothing more than that in his eyes.

This attitude was in stark contrast to Xie Huaiming's arrogant and calculating threats, and the difference was immediately apparent.

Before Zhou Ai's resounding declaration had faded, there was a sudden and noticeable commotion at the entrance of the banquet hall. The crowd retreated to both sides like a parted tide, accompanied by low exclamations and whispers.

The attention that was originally focused on the small confrontation circle between Chu Yi, Zhou Ai and Xie Huaiming was instantly drawn over.

Cheng Zhi's face changed even more. He didn't care about the scene in front of him that made him angry. He immediately adjusted his expression and walked quickly towards the door with several important guests around him. He put on an unprecedented, even somewhat flattering smile on his face.

The crowd automatically dispersed to form a passage, and an energetic old man in a dark Chinese suit walked slowly towards them, surrounded by several people.

He was tall and although he was old, his back was straight and his face was dignified. His eyebrows were surprisingly similar to Zhou Ai's, but he was more calm and reserved, intimidating without being angry, and exuded a powerful aura of someone who had been in a superior position for a long time.

This old man is none other than Zhou Jing'an, the mainstay of the Zhou family and Zhou Ai's grandfather.

Zhou Jing'an's gaze swept across the entire room steadily, and finally, passing Cheng Zhi who was coming towards him with a smile on his face, landed accurately on Zhou Ai and Chu Yi in the corner.

When his eyes met Chu Yi's, there was no trace of scrutiny or criticism. Instead, he nodded very politely.

A trace of genuine surprise flashed through Chu Yi's mind. He hadn't expected to meet Zhou Ai's grandfather in such a setting, in such a way, and he hadn't expected the other party to have such an attitude.

For a moment, the eyes of everyone around were filled with shock, inquiry and disbelief, as they shifted back and forth between Zhou Ai, Chu Yi and Zhou Jing'an.

The whispering grew louder.

"Mr. Zhou, oh, I am so honored to have you here. Why didn't you tell me in advance so that I could greet you at the door in person!" Cheng Zhi's voice was filled with exaggerated enthusiasm, and he almost bent over to toast Zhou Jing'an.

Zhou Jing'an simply took the wine glass handed to him by the waiter, touched his lips symbolically, and said nothing more.

Someone nearby cautiously asked Mr. Zhou why he came.

Zhou Jing'an put down his wine glass and looked towards Chu Yi and Zhou Ai again. "To accompany my grandson," he paused, raised his hand and pointed to where Zhou Ai and Chu Yi were, his tone calm and even with a hint of pride, "to pick up his lover."

The word "lover" exploded in the banquet hall like thunder from a clear sky.

The smile on Cheng Zhi's face froze instantly, becoming extremely ugly, with his face turning blue and white.

He originally thought that Zhou Ai and Chu Yi were just playing around and were not presentable. He never expected that not only did Zhou Ai come in person, but he also invited the reclusive old man of the Zhou family to come out. He directly announced Chu Yi's identity and status in the Cheng family's home turf in the most direct and irrefutable way.

The status of the Zhou and Cheng families...

In the circle of Beijing, who doesn’t know the background of the Zhou family?

This was a family background and wealth accumulated since the Song Dynasty, with several generations holding important government positions, leaving them with complex and deep-rooted connections. By the time of Zhou Ai's father's generation, his father and uncle still held important positions in the capital.

The Zhou family is truly a wealthy family, with both nobility and power.

Although the Cheng family is also a wealthy family, if compared with the Zhou family, the gap between them is more than just a chasm.

Normally, if the Cheng family wanted to send an invitation to the Zhou family, they would probably have to go around three times, and it might not even reach the Zhou family’s housekeeper, let alone invite Zhou Jing’an himself to attend the banquet.

But now, Zhou Jingan not only came, but also came for Chu Yi.

This was tantamount to publicly slapping Cheng Zhi and Chu Ruoyin in the face, and completely crushed all their previous attempts to use family pressure and Xie Huaiming to force Chu Yi to submit.

Xie Huaiming stood aside, his face had already turned pale, and he could hardly hold the wine glass in his hand.

In the face of real power, his previous doubts and threats about whether he could "protect it" seemed so ridiculous and vulnerable.

Zhou Ai turned his head and gave a smug smile to the still stunned Chu Yi. He squeezed his palm and whispered, "Look, I told you, no one can bully you."

Chu Yi never expected that Zhou Ai not only "moved" his grandfather from the banquet as a rescuer, but also took Zhou Jingan directly back to the apartment where they lived.

Chu Yi's usual calm and composed appearance seemed a little stretched in front of the Zhou family's mainstay.

He straightened his back almost subconsciously, and with a slightly stiff movement, he went to the kitchen to pour a cup of warm water. Holding it in both hands, he placed it respectfully on the coffee table in front of Zhou Jingan, his voice a little softer than usual: "Grandpa, have some water."

After doing all this, he stood quietly aside, with his hands folded neatly in front of him, like an excellent student waiting for a lecture from the teacher, not even daring to sit down.

The aura of Zhou Jing'an, which was accumulated over the years and was intimidating without even getting angry, was so strong that he couldn't help but feel awe.

In sharp contrast to him is Zhou Ai.

The instigator seemed to be unaware of anything and slumped over on the sofa next to him. He took out a bright red apple from somewhere and was happily chewing it with a "crunch, crunch" sound. One of his long legs was casually crossed over the other leg, and his toes were shaking from time to time. He looked nonchalant and relaxed, as if he had returned to his own territory and was completely relaxed.

Chu Yi looked at him like this, and then compared it to his own nervousness. He couldn't help but feel a little angry, but also worried that he would be too rude in front of the elders. He quietly moved over, and while Zhou Jing'an was looking around the living room, he reached out and, with a hint of warning, gently pinched Zhou Ai's thin waist.

"hiss--"

Zhou Ai took an exaggerated breath and turned his head. His peach blossom eyes were filled with a playful smile. His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear: "My dear, why are you pinching me?"

Chu Yi: “…”

Zhou Jing'an seemed not to notice the little movements of the young couple behind him. He stood up and paced slowly and steadily in the not-so-large living room, his eyes scanning the surroundings steadily.

The living room is decorated very warmly, bearing the traces of two people living together.

The most eye-catching thing is a large bookcase against the wall. It is not a decoration, but is filled with densely packed books, most of which are thick medical books with complex English and Latin printed on the spines.

Above the bookcase, there are many trophies and certificates arranged in an orderly manner, ranging from the Mathematical Olympiad trophy in his youth to various honorary certificates and outstanding graduate medals from the Medical University...silently telling the story of Chu Yi's brilliant resume as "other people's child" from childhood to adulthood.

Zhou Jing'an's gaze lingered on the awards for a moment, his eyes full of admiration. He turned around and spoke gently, breaking the silence: "Xiaoyi...are you studying medicine?"

Chu Yi immediately collected his thoughts and replied respectfully, "Yes, Grandpa."

As soon as he finished speaking, the "conspicuous bag" who was concentrating on chewing an apple next to him immediately interrupted, unable to hide his boasting in his tone: "Of course! Grandpa, our Xiaoyi is a top student who has completed a bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree! Impressive!"

He looked so proud, as if he was the one who achieved these achievements.

Chu Yi maintained a proper smile on his face, but quietly moved closer again. His fingertips accurately found the same spot on Zhou Ai's waist and pinched it "gently" again.

"Hmm!" Zhou Ai groaned this time, biting the apple and looking at Chu Yi aggrievedly, his eyes seemed to say: I was not wrong!

Zhou Jing'an took in the small interaction between the two young men. He sat back on the sofa, picked up the glass of water and took a sip. His tone was more gentle than before: "Very good. Doctors save lives and heal the wounded. It's a noble cause. It's much better than some people."

The "certain people" who were named touched their noses in dissatisfaction, continued to chew their apples, and didn't dare to interrupt anymore.

Chu Yi's tense nerves relaxed a little because of Zhou Jing'an's words that were full of teasing and approval.

Zhou Jing'an put down the water cup, folded his hands on his knees, and looked at Chu Yi solemnly. The look in his eyes was no longer just the kindness of an elder, but also carried a heavy trust.

"Xiaoyi," he began, his voice steady and clear, every word piercing his earnestness. "I'm here today, not only to give you some support, but more importantly, I want to tell you in person—I want to officially hand Zhou Ai over to you."

The weight of these words made Chu Yi, who was standing aside, hold his breath. Even Zhou Ai, who was chewing an apple next to him, stopped, sat up slightly, and looked at his grandfather.

Zhou Jingan continued, his tone carrying a subtle warmth: "Xiaoai is the youngest child in our family. She's been spoiled since she was young, so she's become tough and unruly. She might have caused you a lot of trouble."

He glanced at Zhou Ai, who seemed a little unconvinced and wanted to refute, but the latter swallowed his words under his gaze.

"However, it is undeniable that this child is serious and responsible at heart. He will stick to his beliefs and follow their lead until the end, never looking back.

"He may have a thousand faults, but his heart is pure and sincere."

Zhou Jing'an's gaze returned to Chu Yi's face, with undisguised admiration: "Xiaoyi, you are ambitious, excellent, capable, and calm. The fact that you are interested in our Zhou Ai and are willing to be with him is a blessing for him and our Zhou family."

At this point, Zhou Jing'an's voice became even gentler and more powerful. "In my eyes, there has never been any prejudice against family background. The fact that two people can come together is a rare fate. As an elder, I am very happy to see your sincerity towards each other, and I sincerely wish you all the best."

These words are simple and sincere, without any perfunctory or politeness. They are true recognition and blessings from the heart.

It was like a warm current, instantly dispelling the last trace of tension and uneasiness in Chu Yi's heart.

Chu Yi raised his head, his eyes clear and firm, and nodded solemnly to Zhou Jingan: "Grandpa, thank you. Thank you for your understanding and blessings."

He paused, then glanced sideways at Zhou Ai, whose eyes sparkled with emotion as she listened to his grandfather's praise. A gentle smile unconsciously spread across his lips, and his voice softened.

"Zhou Ai... is truly a very good person. You may not know this, but he takes care of almost all the household chores in this house. He is meticulous and takes care of me meticulously. Moreover, in his own professional field, he is also very motivated and hardworking. To have achieved what he has today and have so many people who love him, he has made a lot of sacrifices, which is not easy."

Chu Yi did not make those grand vows. He just used the simplest words to describe the good things about Zhou Ai in daily life, and described the Zhou Ai he saw who was equally serious and hardworking behind the brilliant performance on the stage.

Zhou Ai listened to Chu Yi's words and looked at his serious profile when he was "defending" himself. His heart softened and he couldn't help but reach out his hand. He quietly held Chu Yi's slightly cold fingers at his side and held them tightly in his palm.

Zhou Jing'an watched the scene unfold before him, the warmth and tacit understanding flowing naturally between the two young people. A relaxed, gratified smile finally broke out on his dignified face. He nodded, and the last bit of worry in his heart seemed to fade away.

"Okay, okay." He said the word "okay" twice in a row. "Seeing you like this, I feel relieved."