Chapter 73: He

(After yesterday, little brother seems to have awakened—he’s probably learned to swim now. Little brother isn’t quite sure of himself; please, big brothers, judge for me—let me see if I’ve got the hang of it.)

“Big Brother Wang, this stuff is amazing,” Qiu Yingying said, mouth full, swallowing another sip of juice: “Mmm, the juice is delicious too.”

Wang Yan said: “If you like it, just come over and eat anytime.” He glanced at Xiao Li playing with his phone: “Xiao Li, whenever she comes, comp her meal.”

Xiao Li nodded: “Got it, Brother Wang.” He kept staring at his phone.

“How can I let you do that?” Qiu Yingying said shyly. “Big Brother Wang, I can’t let you spend money—I’ll pay.”

“We live right next door, and you’re the heroine who helped me—it’s only right.” Seeing Qiu Yingying about to protest, Wang Yan cut her off: “Enough. Just eat. Or I’ll get mad.”

Qiu Yingying chuckled, buried her head, and kept eating—but she’d already decided: she’d pay for it.

Ignoring Qiu Yingying, who was still wolfing down breakfast, Wang Yan and Xiao Li went over the details.

The shop sold only premium domestic and international liquors—baijiu, beer, red wine, spirits—all genuine, so naturally expensive. Another staff member, Xiao Zhang, was the bartender and quite skilled.

Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with live singing.

After getting the gist, Wang Yan returned and chatted cheerfully with Qiu Yingying.

The girl was fair-skinned and naive, always saying far-fetched things. One moment she’d be talking about her hometown, the next she’d jump to her company. Wang Yan enjoyed listening to her—her chatter was light, pleasant, and helped soothe his weary heart.

He checked the time, jingled his car keys, and said: “Let’s go. Time’s almost up—we’ll drive over.”

“Huh? Already? It hasn’t been long!” Qiu Yingying exclaimed, checking her phone: “Oh no, it’s already past one? I didn’t even notice.” She scratched her head apologetically and grinned at Wang Yan: “Talking with Big Brother Wang is so fun—I didn’t even feel time passing.”

Wang Yan laughed: “I had a great time too. We’ll chat more often. Let’s go.”

Qiu Yingying wiped her mouth, gave the table a reluctant glance, and stood up.

Noticing her gaze, Wang Yan told Xiao Li: “Xiao Li, pack up some snacks—load it up.”

“Got it, Brother Wang,” Xiao Li replied, turning to head to the back.

“Wait,” Qiu Yingying called out. “Big Brother Wang, I’ve already eaten so much—do I really need to take more? I…”

Wang Yan waved Xiao Li on. “Xiao Guan hasn’t tried any of this—take it back for her too. I know you get hungry at night; the extras can be your midnight snack.”

Qiu Yingying thought it made sense, so she didn’t refuse.

Soon, Xiao Li returned with neatly packed portions. Qiu Yingying thanked him, grabbed the bag, and followed Wang Yan.

Half an hour later, Wang Yan pulled up in front of a restaurant.

Qiu Yingying gasped: “Big Brother Wang, we’re eating here?”

“Yeah, what’s wrong?”

“Won’t it be too expensive?”

“What’s expensive about it? I’m craving meat too. Let’s go.” Wang Yan walked in first; Qiu Yingying trailed behind.

It was a decent private kitchen. Wang Yan had booked several places—this was the one that confirmed.

After confirming their names and phone numbers with the front desk staff, they were led to a small private room.

Tea was served. The server bowed politely and said, “Please wait a moment,” then left.

“Big Brother Wang, how much will this meal cost?” Qiu Yingying asked, eyeing the elegant decor.

“Don’t think about money. Just enjoy the food.” Wang Yan poured her tea. “Don’t worry about my wallet—today, eat your fill.”

Before Qiu Yingying could ask more, Wang Yan shifted topics to things she liked—she’d get distracted and forget about the price.

After a few sentences, the server knocked and began bringing out the dishes. Wang Yan said, “No need to stay,” and the server bowed and left.

Looking at the plates scattered left and right, Qiu Yingying exclaimed: “Wow, Big Brother Wang, you weren’t lying—this really is a feast!” She pulled out her phone and started snapping photos rapidly.

Wang Yan smiled: “Next time, when Xiao Guan’s free, I’ll take you somewhere even better.”

“This is already amazing—I’ve never seen so much food.” She put her phone down and asked tentatively: “Can I eat now?”

“Eat. Eat your fill.” Wang Yan grinned, picked up a chopstick, and placed a bite on her plate. “Try this—it’s the specialty.”

Qiu Yingying popped it in her mouth, chewed, smacked her lips, and beamed: “Mmm, delicious.”

“If it’s good, eat more.”

Qiu Yingying hummed in agreement and began devouring.

Long after, Qiu Yingying slumped back in her chair, belly full, sighed, and gave Wang Yan a plaintive look: “I should’ve eaten less at the bar.”

“Hey, I warned you! Don’t pull that,” Wang Yan dramatically leaned back, feigning offense.

Before Qiu Yingying could comfort him, Wang Yan took a bite, smacked his lips, and said: “Mmm… this dish is excellent.”

“Big Brother Wang…” Qiu Yingying drew out the words in a singsong tone. Wang Yan broke out in goosebumps.

“Stop your magic. I’m not teasing you anymore.” He shuddered dramatically.

“Hahaha… hic” Qiu Yingying clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide, staring at Wang Yan.

Wang Yan shook his head, amused, and poured her tea: “Drink some water to settle your stomach.”

“Th… hic… thank you, Big Brother Wang.” Qiu Yingying blushed deeply, grabbed the cup, and drank without looking at him.

After finishing the last bites, Wang Yan said: “Let’s go buy some groceries, then head home.”

Qiu Yingying nodded, grabbed her things, and followed Wang Yan.

Wang Yan drove Qiu Yingying to a market, bought a jumble of ingredients and seasonings, then returned to Happy Song.

Guan Juer had already texted: she’d finish work at six, get home around six-thirty. It was nearly five now—perfect time to prep.

On the 22nd floor, Qiu Yingying stepped out of the elevator: “Big Brother Wang, I’ll put my stuff away, then come up to help you.”

“Alright,” Wang Yan replied.

Watching the elevator doors close, Qiu Yingying skipped to her door, fished out her key, and opened it.

Inside, Fan Shengmei stood before the mirror, applying makeup. Qiu Yingying beamed: “Fan Sister! I’m back!”

“Oh, I saw you. No need to shout.” Fan Shengmei, noticing Qiu Yingying about to shut the door, said: “Don’t close it yet—I just showered, need to air out.”

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Qiu Yingying walked over to Fan Shengmei: “You’re dressed up so nicely—where are you going?”

“A bar’s opening tonight. A friend’s taking me to the opening party,” Fan Shengmei said coolly.

While changing clothes, Fan Shengmei said: “Little Earthworm, I saw your photos. Your Big Brother Wang really went all out—how was it? Delicious?”

Qiu Yingying dashed out from where she was putting things away and shouted through the door: “Incredible, incredible, incredibly delicious! Really, Fan Sister, I’m not lying—I’ve never eaten anything this good in my life!” Then she remembered the takeout: “Oh! By the way, Big Brother Wang packed me snacks from the bar—try them later. So good!”

Fan Shengmei asked: “Bar? He took you to a bar? Didn’t I warn you yesterday?”

Qiu Yingying hurried to explain: “No, no—it’s his place! A quiet lounge. He didn’t expect me to wake up so early, so the reservation was late, that’s why he took me there for a bit.”

“He owns a bar? Didn’t notice. He’s got some money, huh?” Fan Shengmei sneered.

She’d seen clearly yesterday—when she opened the door, the Wang guy glanced at her once, then ignored her completely. That’s why she looked down on him—a loser, what’s there to be proud of? If he’d been nicer, maybe she’d’ve given him a little favor, bar or not.

She dropped the subject, opened the door, and twirled in front of Qiu Yingying: “What do you think?”

Qiu Yingying clapped enthusiastically: “Absolutely stunning, Fan Sister. With that look, you’ll definitely snag your date tonight.”

At that moment, Qu Xiaoxiao passed by Apartment 2203 and overheard Fan Shengmei’s boastful remarks. After two rounds of verbal sparring, Qu Xiaoxiao won decisively.

Fan Shengmei clenched her teeth, face flushed, glaring at Qu Xiaoxiao’s retreating back.

Qiu Yingying quickly pulled out the takeout: “Fan Sister, try this—it’s delicious.”

Fan Shengmei glanced at the elegant packaging and waved it off: “No time. I have to go.”

“Oh, okay.” Rejected from sharing food, Qiu Yingying sighed. Then she glanced at her watch: “Time? Oh no—I promised Big Brother Wang I’d help! How long has it been?” Ignoring Fan Shengmei’s shock, she shoved the food into the fridge, grabbed her keys, and dashed out: “Fan Sister, I’m off—Big Brother Wang’s waiting!”

Watching Qiu Yingying rush off, Fan Shengmei sighed, picked up her things, and walked away with a sway.

Upstairs, Qiu Yingying saw Apartment 2301’s door was open. She called out: “Big Brother Wang, I’m here!”

Wang Yan had changed back into yesterday’s clothes, wore an apron, and came out to greet her: “Come in. No need to take off your shoes—treat it like home. Browse around—I’m cooking.”

Qiu Yingying smiled at him, nodded, stepped in, and shut the door.

She stared, stunned, at the clean room and the many books. She hated books—shook her head, then looked around.

After a long while, standing on the rooftop feeling the breeze, she snapped back to reality, scolded herself, and rushed to the kitchen.

“Sorry, Big Brother Wang—I promised to help, but your place is so cozy, I got lost in it.” She rolled up her sleeves: “What can I do?”

Wang Yan smiled: “It’s fine. I can handle it. Keep getting lost.”

“No, I must help. Big Brother Wang, give me something to do!”

Wang Yan shook his head and handed her some vegetables: “Here, clean these.”

She took them happily: “Big Brother Wang, watch me—I’m the best at cleaning veggies. My mom always says I do it perfectly.”

Without Wang Yan, Qiu Yingying would’ve chattered nonstop anyway—but with him occasionally guiding her, she grew even more animated, laughing and chattering. She felt he was good—he listened to her, unlike the others who thought she was dumb.

Time flies when you’re happy—before they knew it, it was past six.

Wang Yan’s dishes were nearly done. He finished stir-frying the last one, checked the time—it matched Guan Juer’s estimate.

“All set. Let’s carry the dishes over—Xiao Guan’s almost back.”

Just as Qiu Yingying was about to answer, her phone rang. She picked up: “Hello?”

“White supervisor?”

“Really?”

“That’s amazing, thank you, darling.”

“Alright, bye.”

She hung up and shrieked: “Big Brother Wang! Big Brother Wang! White supervisor is going to be in my class tomorrow!”

Wang Yan’s heart, usually steady, jolted slightly at her scream: “Who’s the White supervisor? Why so excited over a class?”

“White supervisor is…” Qiu Yingying started to explain, but the doorbell rang. Seeing Wang Yan holding two dishes, she dashed to open it.

Seeing Guan Juer at the door, Qiu Yingying rushed forward and hugged her: “Ah, Guan Guan! You’re back! I’ve got to tell you—White supervisor, White Handsome, is in my class tomorrow!”

“Ah, alright, alright, I heard,” Guan Juer said, struggling to free herself. “Qiu Yingying, let go—I can’t breathe!”

Qiu Yingying quickly released her, embarrassed: “Sorry, Guan Guan, I’m just so happy.”

“Come eat quickly, the food will get cold.” At that moment, Wang Yan put down the dish and called from inside.

Wang Yan waved at Qiu Yingying to signal it was fine, then blushing, Guan Juer said, “I’m sorry, Brother Wang, I have two overseas meetings coming up soon, so…”

“No matter how busy you are, you still need to eat.” Wang Yan stepped out and waved his hand. “Go get your computer. Have your meeting right at the table—we’ll stay quiet and not disturb you, right, Little Qiu?”

Qiu Yingying nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, yes! Guan Guan, sit down—I’ll go get your computer.” Then she dashed downstairs without giving Guan Juer a single chance.

“Little Qiu, slow down!” Wang Yan called after her, then said to Guan Juer at the door, “Come in, Little Guan. No need to take off your shoes—treat this like your own home.”

Guan Juer nodded and walked in slowly. “Brother Wang, you have so many books—have you read all of them?”

Wang Yan shrugged. “I haven’t read a single one. Come on, sit down and eat first.”

“Okay, thank you, Brother Wang.”

“Don’t be so formal.” Wang Yan handed her a bowl and chopsticks. “Try it—how is it?”

Guan Juer shook her head. “Wait for Yingying. Otherwise she’ll complain again.”

“Tap-tap-tap.” “Clang.” “Guan Guan, here’s your computer.” Qiu Yingying panted.

“Thanks~”

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome.”

“Alright, you two, eat up.” Wang Yan handed Qiu Yingying a bowl and chopsticks. “Taste my cooking—give me your reviews, both of you.”

Guan Juer and Qiu Yingying each tried a few dishes, smacked their lips, and nodded in unison.

“Delicious, Brother Wang—your cooking is amazing,” Guan Juer said in surprise.

Qiu Yingying said, “Brother Wang, I never thought you could cook this well—it’s even better than my dad’s.” “Though it’s still a bit short of the fancy meal we had this afternoon.”

Guan Juer glanced at Qiu Yingying but said nothing, silently pulling out her computer. Wang Yan noticed and smiled at Qiu Yingying. “Of course—she’s a professional chef. I just make home-style dishes; I can’t compare. Now, eat up.”

Wang Yan’s cooking skill was LV3—he could open a restaurant. Even the vendors outside his compound probably couldn’t match his level. As for that afternoon’s meal, Wang Yan guessed it was LV4—significantly better than his.

He continued to Qiu Yingying, “Let’s keep quiet and not disturb Little Guan.”

“Thank you, I’m so embarrassed, Brother Wang.”

“No problem—it’s work, I understand. Just eat.”

Guan Juer opened her laptop, ate a bite now and then, and occasionally tapped the keyboard.

Wang Yan and Qiu Yingying ate while whispering to each other.

“Little Qiu, earlier you mentioned that white…?”

“White Supervisor,” Qiu Yingying happily added.

“Right, White Supervisor.” Wang Yan picked up a piece of food and put it in her bowl. “Why were you so happy when he taught class?”

Blushing, Qiu Yingying shyly said, “I think he’s handsome… I… I like… I think he’s really nice.”

“Oh…” Wang Yan gave her a look that said, I get it, don’t explain further—making Qiu Yingying lower her head.

“But, Little Qiu. I’m telling you—think carefully. Just by looking at you, I know you don’t really know him.”

Qiu Yingying opened her mouth to protest, but paused—she realized it was true. She puffed her cheeks. “But isn’t it only by spending time together that you get to know someone?”

“Have you spent time with him?”

Qiu Yingying shook her head. “No, but I’ve been quietly observing him.”

Wang Yan took a bite of food. “What have you observed?”

Qiu Yingying recited everything she’d noticed: “That’s all.”

Wang Yan thought for a moment. “Hmm, I roughly understand. As a man myself, from my experience…” He paused, then changed the subject. “How about we make a bet?”

“Sure, what’s the bet?”

“Tonight, White Supervisor will text you asking for your address, saying he’ll pick you up for class.”

Qiu Yingying giggled. “He’ll text me?”

Guan Juer, half-listening to their conversation, wearily slapped her forehead.

“Hey? Brother Wang, how do you know he’ll text me?”

“I don’t know for sure—it’s just a possibility. That’s why I’m betting with you.”

“Oh, okay. What’s the stake?”

“You treat me to a meal. How’s that?”

“No problem!” Qiu Yingying answered instantly, then added shyly, “But Brother Wang, I can’t afford anything too fancy…”

“No worries—KFC, McDonald’s, skewers, hot pot—all fine. I’m not picky.”

Qiu Yingying grinned and raised her pinky. “Deal?”

Wang Yan nodded and pinky-swore with her: “Pinky promise, a hundred years, no changing.”

“By the way, if he texts you—don’t tell White Supervisor about this bet. Pretend nothing happened. Keep some distance.” Wang Yan warned her—he knew Qiu Yingying well enough to believe she’d do exactly that.

Qiu Yingying nodded half-understandingly and went back to eating.

Because of Guan Juer’s work, the meal lasted a long time. Qiu Yingying, who’d eaten so much in the afternoon, had recovered her appetite and ate even more.

Without help cleaning up, Guan Juer borrowed a few books, and Wang Yan saw them both out the door.

As she opened the door, Qiu Yingying said, “Guan Guan, do you think White Supervisor will text me?”

“I don’t know. Let’s wait and see.”

“Mm.” Qiu Yingying nodded, opened the door, and dashed inside. “I need to wear something pretty to catch White Supervisor’s attention. Guan Guan, help me pick!”

Guan Juer said weakly, “I still have work, Yingying—just pick for yourself.”

………

MINT Bar.

Energetic music, flashing lights, swaying crowds, restless hearts, heated bodies, uncontained desires.

Yao Bin found Qu Xiaoxiao dancing to the music and pulled her aside.

Moving with the beat, Qu Xiaoxiao swayed her body. “Well? Did you find out everything?”

“Of course I did.” Yao Bin handed her his phone. “Here’s the info on the 911.”

Yao Bin warned her not to stir up trouble—she couldn’t handle them, couldn’t outplay them.

Qu Xiaoxiao said insincerely, “I’m too busy teasing my brother to bother with her. What about the poor guy upstairs?”

Yao Bin scrolled through the phone. “Here’s the idiot’s file. Didn’t expect him to actually have some money.”

Qu Xiaoxiao flipped through it. “Even if his parents left him some money, it wouldn’t account for his current assets. What about connections? Nothing else?”

The information wasn’t detailed—Yao Bin hadn’t reached that level yet. He’d only found the news report about his parents’ accident, the property named Happy Song, the bar shop, and the car.

Yao Bin shook his head. “You know my limits. More details would take a long time.”

Qu Xiaoxiao nodded. “Then let’s wait a while. No rush—we’ll play this slow with him.”