Chapter 23 Ex-boyfriend

The hospital's payment hall was as noisy as a marketplace; the smell of disinfectant mingled with the body temperature of the crowd, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere.

Lin Yi stood there, staring blankly at the payment slip in Shen Beidao's hand.

“We have nothing to talk about.” He spoke softly, turning his head away and no longer looking at Shen Beidao.

"Lin Yi! You're here! I've been looking for you for ages!" Zhang Zexuan's voice rang out from behind. He'd arrived at the hospital sometime earlier. "You didn't answer your phone, what are you busy with?"

Zhang Zexuan ran over, panting, and as soon as he finished speaking, his gaze fell on Shen Beidao.

Zhang Zexuan immediately flashed that smile reserved for social occasions: "Oh? This handsome guy looks familiar... Are you Lin Yi's friend?"

He was about to reach out to shake hands when Lin Yi stopped him.

“Zexuan,” Lin Yi’s voice was hoarse, but with a deliberate tone, “Let me introduce you. This is Professor Shen, the head of the German Department at Jiangzhou University, the professor who’s gone viral online with millions of views in his videos.”

"A professor?" Zhang Zexuan pointed at Shen Beidao. "You're saying he's a professor? He looks about our age, doesn't he?"

Lin Yi coughed. "He is Li Rui's mentor."

Zhang Zexuan clearly didn't understand the sarcasm in the tone. Instead, his eyes lit up: "Ah! It's you! Li Rui talks about you to us every day, saying how amazing and outstanding you are! He even wants to take the postgraduate entrance exam under your guidance!"

As he spoke, he warmly shook Shen Beidao's hand, his standard business demeanor leaving Lin Yi speechless.

Having followed Xie Chun for so long, Zhang Zexuan may not have learned much else, but he has mastered the art of speaking to people in a way that is both appropriate to their situation and adept at adapting his speech to their own.

“…Zexuan.” Lin Yi tugged at his sleeve and lowered his voice, “What do you want to talk to me about? Let’s talk as we walk.”

Sinking North Island was deliberately left to languish.

"Don't rush." ​​Zhang Zexuan then remembered the important matter, leaned close to Lin Yi's ear, and lowered his voice even further, "Uncle Xie asked me to come and see you... Also, guess who I saw at the entrance of the outpatient building just now?"

Lin Yi frowned: "Who?"

Zhang Zexuan raised his chin, gesturing towards the other end of the hall.

Lin Yi followed his gaze and saw Chen Zhinan.

He stood by the glass door at the entrance of the outpatient building, wearing a dark gray trench coat, his hair long and tied in a small bun at the back of his head, with a few strands of hair hanging casually in front of his forehead.

Three years had passed, and he had shed his youthful naiveté; his facial features were now more defined, but his eyes, which were always fixed on him, still held a tender look.

Chen Zhinan also saw Lin Yi.

He raised his hand, waved gently, and a tender smile appeared on his lips.

Lin Yi's heart almost stopped, and he would need a ventilator immediately!

What day is it today? Is it a reunion with my ex-boyfriend?

One just lied to me for two months, and the other disappeared without a word three years ago—are they all crammed into this hospital? They should all be admitted to the neurology department.

He looked away and said to Zhang Zexuan, "Let's go."

The moment I took a step, my wrist was grabbed.

Shen Beidao's fingers were very cold, the chill seeping through his skin. He pulled Lin Yi towards him, saying nothing, but simply gesturing with his eyes, "Come with me."

Lin Yi tried to shake off the hand, but the hand tightened its grip instantly, the fingertips pressing against his throbbing pulse, as if measuring the frequency of his heartbeat.

He was half-forced to walk a few steps to the side, away from Zhang Zexuan.

"Let go," Lin Yi warned in a low voice.

Shenbei Island did not release it.

He moved even closer, so close that Lin Yi could smell his familiar, indifferent scent, mixed with the bitterness of hospital disinfectant, making him unwilling to let go.

Shen Beidao asked him in a low voice, "Recently... has the police contacted you?"

Lin Yi froze for a moment.

Then, he gave a mocking laugh: "Police? What, Professor Shen, are you going to report me for arrest? Just because I broke up with you?"

"no."

"What is that?" Lin Yi's voice rose uncontrollably, attracting several inquisitive glances from those around him.

He immediately realized his lapse in composure and tried to lower his voice, but the tremor in his tone betrayed him, "Thank you for your concern, Professor Shen, but I'm law-abiding and don't need it..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

Shen Beidao suddenly released his wrist.

The hand that had been gripping him tightly just moments before now gently supported the back of his neck, its fingertips digging into his hair, conveying a sense of control and forcing him to tilt his head back slightly.

Shen Beidao lowered his head, and his warm lips covered his without warning.

It was a very light kiss.

It lasted only two or three seconds, but it was enough to make time stand still.

The hospital's announcements, the noise of the crowd, and even Lin Yi's own heartbeat all vanished instantly.

His world was compressed into that chaotic moment: Shen Beidao's nose brushed against his cheek, and the burning heat on his lips spread rapidly...

It wasn't until Shen Beidao spoke up: "Last time you only unilaterally announced the breakup, I haven't agreed yet."

His gaze went straight into Lin Yi's eyes, his voice low and husky from the kiss, "So, we're not really broken up yet."

As Shen Beidao spoke, he took out a disposable mask from his pocket and quickly put it on him. "Why didn't you remember to wear a mask when you came to the hospital? Looks like you're short of someone to take care of you..."

Zhang Zexuan: !!! Holy crap! What's going on?!

Chen Zhinan's smile froze completely. He took two steps forward, then stopped, his brows furrowing tightly.

An elderly woman holding an IV drip looked over, her gaze slightly surprised...

Lin Yi's face suddenly flushed.

The mask covered most of her face, but her exposed eyes and ears were so red they looked like a little rabbit's.

He wanted to push Shen Beidao away, wanted to curse, and wanted to disappear on the spot immediately!

But he saw the look in Shen Beidao's eyes.

In those usually calm and composed eyes, a kind of almost obsessive determination surged at this moment. He seemed not to care where he was, how many people were around, or what others thought. He could openly express his love for himself.

Over the years, none of Lin Yi's boyfriends had dared to express themselves so openly in public.

But Chen Beidao did just that.

In front of strangers, in front of his friends, in the hospital payment hall—the least romantic place—he did the most reckless thing.

Lin Yi's breathing became erratic.

He shoved Shen Beidao away violently, so hard that he stumbled a step: "You're insane!..."

His voice was trembling.

Shen Beidao stood there, looking at him, without saying a word.

But the burning, undeniable, almost domineering love hidden in those eyes was clear enough.

Lin Yi dared not look any further.

He turned around and rushed out of the hospital almost as if he were running away.

Lin Yi walked all the way to the outpatient building before stopping.

He leaned against the cold wall beside him, his cheeks burning hot under his mask, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as if it were about to leap out of his throat.

It must be another fever, it must be.

"Lin Yi." Chen Zhinan followed behind him.

Lin Yi closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then turned around.

He deliberately remained calm: "Is something the matter?"

Chen Zhinan stood a few steps away, not approaching.

He looked at Lin Yi's reddened eyes and the mask that had been put back on, covering most of his face.

"Are you sick? Are you feeling unwell...?" Chen Zhinan's voice was still so gentle, carrying the same concern Lin Yi remembered. "I heard you came to the hospital, and I happened to be nearby..."

"It's just a cold," Lin Yi replied briefly, then paused, "Just now...you saw everything?"

Chen Zhinan was silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "That man... is he someone you're dating?"

"We broke up," Lin Yi blurted out, then realized there was no need to explain, "It has nothing to do with you."

"Lin Yi," Chen Zhinan took a step forward, his tone deliberately ingratiating, and said, "I'm not leaving this time. Jiangzhou has developed very well in recent years. I plan to open a design studio and create an independent brand. Are you... interested in collaborating with me?"

Lin Yi raised his head and looked directly at him upon hearing this.

It's been three years.

Chen Zhinan has changed a lot; he looks more composed now.

But Lin Yi is no longer the boy who would soften at the slightest glance three years ago.

“Chen Zhinan,” he began, “there’s no possibility between us.”

Chen Zhinan's eyes dimmed: "I just want to be with you, for our ideals..."

“Chen Zhinan,” Lin Yi interrupted him, “Don’t tell me you’re only here for work. I’m not stupid. I won’t have any business dealings with my ex-boyfriend, and we’re no longer friends. It’s best not to meet unless there’s something important.”

He finished speaking and turned to leave.

"Lin Yi, about what happened back then... I had no choice. Your mother came to my house back then..."

"Shut up!" Lin Yi's eyes, visible through his mask, warned, "Chen Zhinan, even though I'm sick, I still have the strength to beat people up."

The two remained locked in a stalemate.

The pain in Chen Zhinan's eyes was so real that Lin Yi was momentarily dazed.

Three years ago, he looked at me with the same eyes and said, "Lin Yi, let's break up. I'm going to Japan."

There was no explanation, only a cold, impersonal notification.

Now he's back, with his so-called "difficult reasons," what does he want to do? Start over?

What does Lin Yi take him for? A tool that can be put down and picked up again at any time?

Lin Yi smiled, but the smile was cold: "If possible, I hope that even if we live in the same city in the future, we can still act like strangers when we meet."

At that moment, a Land Rover screeched to a halt at the entrance of the outpatient building.

Zhang Zexuan leaned out of the driver's seat and waved anxiously: "Brother Yi! Get in the car quickly! Uncle Xie is urging us to go back to the company! He said it's urgent!"

Lin Yi didn't say anything more, opened the car door and got into the passenger seat, his movements swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

Zhang Zexuan smiled apologetically at Chen Zhinan outside the window: "Brother Nan, I'm sorry! Something urgent came up at the company! Let's get together another day!"

The car drove out of the hospital and merged into the traffic.

They remained silent the entire way.

Zhang Zexuan gripped the steering wheel, stealing glances at Lin Yi several times before hesitating to speak.

Lin Yi leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and frowned.

The lingering sensation of that kiss on her lips, the image of Shen Beidao still haunted her mind, and Chen Zhinan's words echoed in her ears...

Chaos. Everything is in chaos.

The black Land Rover parked in the underground garage. Just as they were about to enter the company, Zhang Zexuan finally couldn't help but speak up: "Brother Yi... there's something I need to tell you beforehand."

Lin Yi didn't open his eyes: "Speak."

“This matter…is related to Du Xiaoman.” Zhang Zexuan paused, then added, “It’s also related to you.”

Lin Yi finally opened his eyes and turned to look at him: "My dad really wants to marry him?"

“It’s not your father, it’s someone directly related to you.” Zhang Zexuan’s expression turned serious. “But before I say anything, answer one question for me first.”

"What?"

Do you know someone named Shen Yizhong?

Lin Yi frowned, searched his memory, and shook his head: "I don't know him."

Zhang Zexuan took a deep breath: "Then... what about his son, Shen Beidao?"

Lin Yi turned to stare at Zhang Zexuan, trying to see any trace of joking on that always grinning face.

But Zhang Zexuan's gaze was so serious that it made him uneasy.

"What do you mean?"

"Simply put a kiss on you at the hospital earlier..." Zhang Zexuan chuckled. "Your relationship is more than just ordinary, isn't it?"

Lin Yi remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement.

Zhang Zexuan sighed and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, as if he was organizing his thoughts.

After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice slow: "Du Xiaoman was arrested for blackmailing people with a photograph."

Lin Yi: "...Photos?"

Zhang Zexuan took out his phone from his pocket, unlocked it, found a photo, and handed it to Lin Yi.

The image on the screen was dark, but Lin Yi recognized it at a glance.

He was sitting in the passenger seat of Shen Beidao's car, his face turned to the side, talking to the person in the driver's seat.

The photo was taken from a very unusual angle, making it look like the two were very close together, almost like they were kissing.

It was that night at the museum.

Shen Beidao drove him home...

"What's wrong with this photo?" Lin Yi asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Du Xiaoman sent this photo to your mother, saying that you... had an improper relationship with a man, and then your mother transferred 300,000 yuan to him as hush money."

Lin Yi: "What?"

He knew nothing about this.

"After he got a taste of success, he sent the photos to the car owner."

Zhang Zexuan continued, trying to put it more tactfully, "Because this Maybach is registered under the name of a German pharmaceutical agency, and the legal representative of the company is Shen Yizhong."

Shen Yizhong? Shen Beidao's father?

Lin Yi's fingertips began to feel slightly cold.

"Du Xiaoman sent ransom notes to the company's publicly available email address and fax number, demanding three million yuan."

Zhang Zexuan paused, "Because... Shen Yizhong has been living abroad, so it was Shen Beidao who received the message."

"Later, Shen Beidao took the initiative to report the case, and his attitude was very firm. He was determined to send Du Xiaoman to jail."

The carriage was deathly silent.

Lin Yi held his phone, thinking and recalling, as the photos on the screen gradually blurred into a dim patch of light.

So that's how it is.

So, when Shen Beidao asked him "Has the police contacted you?" it wasn't because of the breakup or because he was angry, but because of Du Xiaoman?

Was I a little rude to him just now?

I should have asked him more carefully, but... he kissed me without my consent. I'm already being too lenient by not hitting him! I really don't want to waste my breath arguing with him!

"Wait a minute, how do you know so much detail?" Lin Yi suddenly looked up and stared at Zhang Zexuan.

Zhang Zexuan's expression stiffened for a moment, and his eyes began to dart around. "It was... Uncle Xie who told me."

"My dad didn't even tell me, the person involved, so why would he tell you?"

"Zhang Zexuan," Lin Yi's voice was laced with pressure, "tell the truth."

"Okay, okay!" Zhang Zexuan raised his hands in surrender. "I've noticed they've been acting suspiciously lately. They even installed a listening device in Uncle Xie's office."

Lin Yi gasped: "You dare to install these things in my dad's office?"

Lin Yi was greatly shocked: "He didn't beat you up?"

"Don't get excited, I only pretended for less than an hour before I was found out!"

Zhang Zexuan looked distressed: "I'm doing this all for you! I'm afraid Uncle Xie will really help Du Xiaoman get away with it and find you a stepfather! So... Uncle Xie told me to come and talk to you about this, as a way to make amends."

They also deducted three months' salary!

Zhang Zexuan groaned inwardly.

Damn it! Capitalists are all as cunning as monkeys, even your friend's own father is no exception!

Lin Yi leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Too much information came flooding in at once; he needed time to process it.

Du Xiaoman used photos to blackmail people.

My mother gave me 300,000 yuan.

It involved Shen Beidao's father.

The alarm was raised on Chenbei Island.

Now, Zhang Zexuan is telling him this...

“There’s one more thing,” Zhang Zexuan said in an even lower voice. “Although Du Xiaoman didn’t extort three million, Shen Beidao… transferred one million to him.”

Lin Yi suddenly opened his eyes: "...What?"

“I heard that the police records show that Shen Beidao transferred one million yuan to Du Xiaoman before reporting the incident to the police.”

Zhang Zexuan also looked confused. "I don't understand why... he could have called the police from the beginning."

Why?

Lin Yi's mind was in complete chaos.

Why should Shenbei Island pay money?

Was it to appease Du Xiaoman?

Or... is there another reason?

"The case is still under trial, and it seems that Uncle Xie still wants to help Du Xiaoman get a reduced sentence."

Zhang Zexuan sighed, "But the transfer record of one million is irrefutable evidence, and Du Xiaoman has already spent part of it... Even if we really want to bail him out, he'll have to spend several years in prison."

Zhang Zexuan turned his head, looked at Lin Yi's pale face, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Brother Yi, when we go upstairs later... think about how to tell Uncle Xie. This matter involves too many things, you need to be mentally prepared."

"You go ahead!" Lin Yi unbuckled his seatbelt. "I suddenly remembered there's something important I forgot to do."

"What's wrong? Why didn't you say so earlier? I could have taken you there."

"No need." I need to ask this guy who paid a million dollars in hush money what he was thinking.

"Hey?... Don't go, Yi-ge! How am I supposed to explain this to Uncle Xie if you leave...?"

Amid Zhang Zexuan's wails, Lin Yi had already walked away.

The only response he received was the distant "ding" of the elevator doors closing.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no... Am I really going to get a good spanking tonight?!"

Zhang Zexuan slumped his shoulders, pulled out his phone with a mournful face, and the screen reflected his utterly hopeless expression.

He opened the orange shopping app, found his order, and stared at the product details page for the item labeled "Miniature Eavesdropping Device - Upgraded Anti-Detection Version," before viciously clicking the "Review" button.

His fingers flew across the virtual keyboard, his resentment almost bursting through the screen:

Terrible! Absolutely must give a terrible review!

Product issues: False advertising! Extremely poor quality! Terrible service!

User experience: Seller, can you sleep?? I certainly can't!!!

What the heck?! What happened to the promised "military-grade shielding technology, worry-free security checks"?!

Why isn't there any security screening function?! It beeps and alarms the moment I'm scanned by the machine! I'm kneeling down begging for forgiveness from the person eavesdropping me right now!!!

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Author's note: Actually, Zhang Zexuan and Xie Chun... well, just imagine it.

Soon, Rolls-Royce will be using all sorts of tricks to coax the child; he has many. [Dog head with rose in hand]