Chapter 816: Love Starting from a Breakup 05

Hey, breaking up right at the start, really fresh.

0731, feeling emotional.

But it still doesn't understand.

Host, why must you break up?

Top floor of a hotel somewhere in Didu.

Jin Chen stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at everything below, expressionless.

Not breaking, not establishing.

Some truths need Young Master Qiao to discover them himself.

Moreover, Qiao Xu doesn't know how to love; he grew up in a family overflowing with unconditional indulgence, being lifted high by his stepmother's sweet words laced with poison.

He only knows he is loved, but doesn't know how to love others.

His thoughts were in turmoil, and Jin Chen sighed.

If there were a better way, he wouldn't want to agree to the breakup.

The phone rang.

Jin Chen glanced at it and answered.

"Young Master, the family head heard about what happened at today's banquet and asks you to return home quickly."

"Hmm."

Recalling the unfinished business from when he was shot earlier, Jin Chen narrowed his cold eyes, first going to deal with that damned person, then meeting with the young master.

——

The afternoon after the breakup, Young Master Qiao returned to the Qiao Family.

What happened at yesterday's banquet has caused an uproar, with some saying Qiao Xu announced the breakup in public, giving Jin Chen no face.

Those on good terms with the Qiao Family also say that although Jin Chen's background is mysterious, he is ultimately in shady business, and certainly not a good match for Qiao Xu.

In short, opinions vary, but they all silently agree on one thing.

Young Master Qiao is a pampered fate who would never wear a piece of jewelry worth millions twice.

Now the socialite young masters in the circle are starting to stir.

"Little Xu is back."

Gu Liuyun was drinking tea in the tea room; hearing the voice, she quickly set down her teacup and poured a cup for Qiao Xu.

"Come, try and see if Aunt Gu's tea-making skills have improved."

Since Qiao Xu was fifteen, Gu Liuyun married into the Qiao Family, and it's been a full ten years now, but Qiao Xu has never thought of changing how he addresses her.

Fortunately, Gu Liuyun doesn't mind, and she's still like a birth mother to him.

Qiao Xu obviously didn't sleep well last night; his eyelids are a bit swollen, and he looks listless.

He sat opposite Gu Liuyun, took the teacup, sipped some black tea, his tone low: "Aunt Gu, I've broken up."

Gu Liuyun let out an exasperated sound, her beautiful eyes flashing at him: "It's just a breakup; our Little Xu is so outstanding and good-looking, there will be plenty of people to find in the future."

"What you say is also correct; Aunt Gu also thinks Jin Chen and you are unsuitable."

Qiao Xu hummed in acknowledgment.

"Thank you, Aunt Gu."

"This kid is talking nonsense; why thank Aunt Gu? Go rest in your room for a while, look at those swollen eyes."

Seeing Qiao Xu leave, Gu Liuyun narrowed her beautiful eyes, her red lips curving into a smile.

It seems the breakup really dealt Qiao Xu a heavy blow.

Having a blow is good; it's most suitable for letting someone "take advantage of the opening."

"Xiao He, hurry and have Qi Zhan come over."

Gu He passed by the tea room, his expression subtle: "Already went, Auntie, no need to worry."

"Auntie knows you feel upset, having your boyfriend try to win over Qiao Xu, but Xiao He, we want to take down the Qiao Family, this huge entity, and we can't rely solely on me."

Aunt knows you feel uneasy, she had her boyfriend go and try to win Qiao Xu over, but Xiao He, we want to take down the Qiao Family—this massive entity—we can't rely solely on me.

These days, few in Didu know that the Gu Family originally started in black-market business.

But later, after latching onto the Qiao Family's line, they gradually went legit; unfortunately, they didn't make a name in the black market and were suppressed everywhere by the Jin Family, the dragon head.

Even after going legit, they still can't compare to other aristocratic families.

So to let the Gu Family truly reach the peak, they can only annex those aristocratic families.

Qiao Xu's room occupies the entire third floor of the villa, from the music room and jewelry storage to the living room and bedroom, fully equipped.

Even though he hasn't returned home for a long time, it remains spotless, and all his clothes are the latest seasonal styles.

He had no intention to rest, entering the music room to play the zither.

Qiao Xu is currently a consultant at Didu's largest music shop; he usually goes to work only every few days, and playing the zither is one of the few hobbies he has stuck with.

Just as he sat on the stool and tested the feel, he heard someone enter.

"Little Xu, long time no see."

Qi Zhan pushed the door open, wearing casual beige attire, holding a pot of coffee.

His handsome face bore a smile, seeming infinitely tolerant.

Qiao Xu glanced at him, then looked away and nodded.

"Brother He is on the second floor."

"I came to find you."

Qi Zhan sat at the single sofa beside the music stand, poured a cup of coffee, and handed it over.

Qi Zhan sat down at the single-person sofa next to the piano stand, poured a cup of coffee and handed it over.

"Want to try? I just freshly ground it."

Qiao Xu frowned, smelled it, and shook their head.

"No, these beans don't make a good drink."

They didn't even try it.

A flicker of surprise appeared on Qi Zhan's face, and they lowered their head to look at the coffee in their hand.

This is one he usually drinks; the beans aren't cheap, and he's never heard anyone dislike it.

"All right then, I'll find some better coffee beans later and grind them for you to drink."

Qi Zhan's smile remained unchanged, still warm like a spring breeze; they set the coffee pot on the side table, looking at him with anticipation.

"I've long heard that Xiao Xu plays the piano exceptionally well; I don't know if I'll get to enjoy that treat today."

Qiao Xu gave a proud, pleased nod.

He's certainly talented, having won many big awards long ago.

Qi Zhan is Gu He's boyfriend, so Qiao Xu automatically casts him in the role of a cousin or similar, feeling no discomfort.

Slender fingertips played a melody on the keys, notes flowing pleasantly, delightful to the ear.

When Qiao Xu plays the piano, they become especially earnest; the corner of their mouth unconsciously curls into a smile, a strand of hair falls to one side, bright light shining on them, resembling a Western fantasy angel.

At this moment, Qiao Xu outshines everyone, unconsciously drawing everyone's admiring gaze.

Including Qi Zhan.

He had of course met Qiao Xu many times before, but previously he only thought them beautiful yet a bit affected, lacking some soul.

But this idea was completely overturned today.

After finishing a piece, Qiao Xu rubbed their fingertips and unconsciously lifted their hand to the side.

Upon meeting Qi Zhan's gaze, the words "Can you blow on it for me?" that were about to be spoken were swallowed back.

This isn't Jin Chen either.

Qiao Xu pinched their fingertips in frustration.

What the hell.

How had they not noticed before—Jin Chen had permeated every aspect of their life.

Even playing a piece could make them think of him.

Qi Zhan didn't notice their oddness, continuing to tease, "Xiao Xu is really talented."

"I also learned piano before; could we have a chance to play a duet?"

Qiao Xu refused straightforwardly.

"No."

"If you're not skilled, you can't keep up with my tempo, and I don't like that either."

After saying that, Qiao Xu pointed to the coffee pot giving off a caramel aroma.

"Besides, please take this coffee pot out; the smell is unpleasant, and I need quiet now."

Qi Zhan: "……"

They still wanted to say something, opened their mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

Does just smelling the coffee affect one's mood?

Truly deserving of the title Young Master Qiao.