Boyfriend Always Thinks I’m a Little Pitiful Chapter 102

In the office, after finishing a video conference with the headquarters in Country M, Xie Ci received a call from Nok, who updated him on the recent situation of Rongyu. Ever since Xie Ci expressed interest in acquiring Rongyu, Nok had been reporting almost daily.

After the bankruptcy of Desen Bank, Rongyu was like a child without a father, struggling to survive. The revelations from the core R&D engineers pushed Rongyu further to the edge of a cliff, causing its stock price to plummet repeatedly. The market sentiment was extremely negative, affecting not only the sales of all its products but also many ongoing and upcoming projects, leading to liquidity issues.

Xie Ci glanced at the screen showing Rongyu's stock price: "No rush, there's still a lot of room for it to drop."

Nok asked, "Are you so sure Rongyu won't find someone to bail them out?"

Xie Ci replied, "The enemies of Desen haven't all stepped in yet. Whether Rongyu can save itself is not up to them."

Nok whistled on the other end of the line, "There's still a lot to play with."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and assistant Wang Yu walked into the office just as Xie Ci hung up the phone.

"President Xie, Fenghui called. They said that people from Saide Group approached them, stating that they have expanded their new product line and can now take our orders."

Mentioning this, Wang Yu was so angry he almost rolled his eyes. Last year, they competed with Rongyu for three models of the same sensors. Saide Group strung them along for months, eventually giving all the orders to Rongyu. Now that Rongyu is struggling, with many products halted and Saide's parts procurement orders cut, Saide is left with a pile of inventory and wants to turn to them to offload it. Where do they get the nerve?

"Stuff from half a year ago, still calling it new products?" Xie Ci put down his phone, browsing the news on the screen, and casually said, "Inform Fenghui's procurement department that our engineers have found sensors domestically that are better made and more precise, at only one-tenth the price of Saide's. If Saide wants us to help clear their inventory, the unit price can't be higher than one-twentieth of the original quote, not a penny more."

Wang Yu's eyes lit up, quickly agreeing, thinking that President Xie was indeed tough, setting such a price was purely insulting, and it was great to work for such a boss.

Near noon, Xie Ci received a message from Gu Yufeng.

[Let's have lunch together. I've reserved a restaurant. I'm leaving home now and will pick you up in half an hour.]

Xie Ci replied: [Okay, drive safely.]

Gu Yufeng was more relaxed than him. After dealing with Desen, Caitlin would arrange for the remaining trivial matters. Recently, he said he wanted to personally design the courtyard at home, drawing design plans and selecting plant species with great enthusiasm.

Near the end of the workday, Xie Ci received a call from Jiang Chenyu, saying he wanted to meet for a meal, so he simply sent over the restaurant location that Gu Yufeng had reserved.

In the first-floor lobby, a few students from Blue University followed their leader out of the elevator, chatting away. When they saw Xie Ci passing by, they suddenly stopped in their tracks.

A bold male student mustered the courage to greet him: "President Xie, good afternoon. I'm a student from Blue University's Artificial Intelligence Research Institute."

Xie Ci turned to look at him, then glanced at the other students behind him: "It's you guys, have you graduated?"

He had invested in several research projects domestically, one of which was Blue University's Artificial Intelligence Research Institute. Out of interest, he had a position there and would occasionally visit to see the students' work. If he encountered students with ideas and abilities, he would recruit them.

Unexpectedly, Xie Ci looked over, and the sudden eye contact made two girls in the group blush, shrinking back and not daring to speak, their hearts pounding.

Xie Ci was tall and well-proportioned, maintaining a good physique through regular exercise. His tailored suit outlined broad shoulders and a narrow waist, exuding a relaxed yet core-tightened sense of power, with a calm and approachable demeanor, and a subtle air of nonchalance.

They had heard that Senior Xie was handsome, but this was too handsome! Seeing him up close was simply lethal!

Good-looking people have such a strong presence, standing next to him is so pressuring! What kind of person would be worthy of him?!

"We haven't graduated yet. We won an award in last year's innovation competition and got the opportunity to intern at Fenghui. Today, the teacher brought us to visit the company."

The male student couldn't hide his excitement and asked, "Aren't you coming to the school anymore? The director misses you, always asking about you when he comes over."

Probably missing his wallet, Xie Ci thought, calmly responding, "I'll visit when I have time."

As Xie Ci walked out, he chatted casually with the students.

Just as he stepped out the door, the roar of an engine caught his attention. A flashy yellow Ferrari stopped in front of them.

A handsome man, with one hand on the steering wheel, took off his sunglasses and leaned against the car door, looking over. In the midday sun, his slightly messy hair had a flaxen hue, with light shining through the strands, sparkling. His features were exquisite and well-defined, with light-colored eyes filled with a smile, as if one more glance would draw you in.

The students looked at the sports car, then at the man inside. His shirt was simple yet stylish, and the hand resting on the car door was long and beautiful, clearly well-maintained.

Such a pretty guy, probably some rich second generation, the students thought.

Gu Yufeng smiled at Xie Ci, "Hey handsome, wanna hang out?"

Everyone: "...?!"

Whoa! Flirting with President Xie in broad daylight?!

Xie Ci's gaze swept over Gu Yufeng's casually rolled-up sleeves: "I'm a decent person."

Everyone nodded in their hearts.

As expected of President Xie! He's different from those rich second generations who only know how to eat, drink, and play!

Gu Yufeng leaned back against the seat, thinking for a moment: "Hang out with me, and I'll treat you to soup dumplings?"

Everyone: "..."

Who would care about soup dumplings?! Do rich second generations eat soup dumplings too?

Xie Ci walked over, took off his suit jacket, and draped it over Gu Yufeng's shoulders, pinching his chin: "Aren't you cold wearing so little?"

"I'm a young man full of vigor," Gu Yufeng said, noticing a girl looking over, he held Xie Ci's hand and kissed it, "Get in, I'm hungry."

Xie Ci walked around the front of the car and sat in the passenger seat.

Gu Yufeng put on his sunglasses and drove off with a step on the gas.

Leaving a group of students standing there, wide-eyed.

"No way, President Xie was lured away by a tray of soup dumplings?!" The bold male student couldn't believe it.

A girl whispered, "I have that kind of power too."

Another girl stared, the image of Xie Ci's hand being kissed flashing before her eyes, feeling like she understood something.

"I think I know who this rich second generation is..."

Last year, Xie Ci's scandal was all over the internet, with gossip flying everywhere. Their dorm even joined many groups, organizing online to clear Xie Ci's name.

Could it really be true?!

Whoa!

But they look so good together!

The restaurant wasn't far from the company, and the car drove into the parking lot.

Xie Ci unbuckled his seatbelt, his phone vibrating with a call from Jiang Chenyu. He casually told Gu Yufeng, "Old Jiang is coming for lunch too, he might already be here."

"Good thing we didn't just book a table for two, or he'd have to hold a bowl and squat by the table to eat," Gu Yufeng said, opening the car door.

Xie Ci chuckled, getting out of the car and telling Jiang Chenyu on the phone that they had arrived. As he hung up, he suddenly felt something, quickly turning his head, scanning the parking lot, but it was empty.

"What's wrong?" Gu Yufeng looked around following Xie Ci's gaze, "Did you see something?"

Xie Ci hesitated, shaking his head: "Maybe I'm just overthinking."

Entering the restaurant's private room, Jiang Chenyu was already there. Seeing Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng come in together, he couldn't hide his excitement and gave them a bear hug.

"Old Gu! I've missed you! Have you been in the country lately?"

Since the Xie family's banquet at the end of last year, they hadn't seen each other. Jiang Chenyu had tried to arrange a few meetups after the New Year, but everyone had their own work, and they could never find a time that suited everyone.

"Yeah, I heard you're working with President Xie now?" Gu Yufeng pulled out a chair and sat down.

Jiang Chenyu grinned, showing eight big white teeth, and put an arm around Xie Ci's shoulder, boasting to Gu Yufeng, "Old Xie is now my big brother! If he tells me to go east, I won't go west! I'll follow him to the end!"

"Having such a loyal little brother, I'm almost envious to tears," Gu Yufeng sighed lightly.

Xie Ci said seriously, "Crying won't help, you can't envy it."

Gu Yufeng looked at Jiang Chenyu: "If I asked you to come work with me, would you choose him or me?"

Jiang Chenyu laughed, "Old Gu, you still like to mess with Old Xie."

"I'm serious." Under Jiang Chenyu's surprised gaze, Gu Yufeng smiled, "Qingfeng is planning to expand its domestic business and needs a batch of partners. Of course, if you want to develop overseas business, I have many good projects in hand."

Jiang Chenyu looked dumbfoundedly at Xie Ci, then at Gu Yufeng: "Old Gu, don't mess with me."

After saying that, no one spoke.

Jiang Chenyu cursed under his breath: "Really?!"

Seeing Gu Yufeng nod, Jiang Chenyu was troubled: "But I've already promised Old Xie."

"No need to rush to refuse." Gu Yufeng leaned on the table, hands crossed in front of him, "Opportunities to win without effort are rare, once this village is gone, there's no shop."

Jiang Chenyu: "..."

Xie Ci patted him, sitting down next to Gu Yufeng: "Little Gu's invitation is worth considering."

Jiang Chenyu: "..."

Why are you saying that too?

When the dishes were served, Jiang Chenyu saw Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng each eating their own food, their table manners pleasing to the eye but seeming unfamiliar, and tentatively asked, "How did you two come together?"

Xie Ci: "When you called me, I happened to be discussing a project with Little Gu, so we came together."

"DR and Qingfeng are collaborating too?" Jiang Chenyu looked at Gu Yufeng, a bit excited.

Does this mean these two can reconcile?

Gu Yufeng looked up at someone who lied without blinking, casually agreeing, "It's the higher-ups' decision, I'm just following orders."

"Then we'll have more chances to meet in the future." Jiang Chenyu chuckled, "Sometimes when I'm free on weekends, let's meet up for basketball. A few days ago, I drove past Yi Zhong and saw them playing, my hands were itching."

Gu Yufeng: "If President Xie goes, I'll go."

Xie Ci: "Next Saturday works, I'm free."

Jiang Chenyu: "Then it's settled! I'll contact Old Zhang and Old Fang! Go to Yi Zhong's gym? After playing, let's go to Old Li's for barbecue!"

Xie Ci looked up: "He's still open? Didn't move?"

"Nope." Jiang Chenyu replied, "During the New Year, I went with Old Zhang and the others, the shop hasn't been renovated much. They say it's nostalgic, but it doesn't have the same vibe as before."

Gu Yufeng nodded in agreement: "A very business-savvy old man."

The three of them chatted about everything, able to talk for half a day on any topic.

Jiang Chenyu glanced at the ring on Gu Yufeng's left middle finger, leaning over to gossip, "Old Gu, when can we drink your wedding wine?"

Gu Yufeng glanced at the ring on his hand, noticing Xie Ci eating like an outsider, and said meaningfully, "That depends on when he wants to get married, it's not just up to me."

There was a hint of resentment in his words.

Xie Ci pretended not to hear, getting up to go to the bathroom.

Gu Yufeng watched his departing figure, a flash of loneliness in his eyes.

They've been together for eleven years, and for ordinary couples, they'd already be like an old married couple. Maybe he shouldn't care about things like proposals, just remembering to exchange gifts on holidays is good enough.

Xie Ci had clearly said he would stay with him forever, and that should be enough. Obsessing over these superficial things makes him seem petty.

That's the logic, but it's still frustrating!

What's wrong with proposing to him?!

He just wants a word!

He also wants to take wedding photos!

He also wants to have a wedding!

He also wants a honeymoon trip!

Who says old couples can't pursue a sense of ceremony?!

The more Gu Yufeng thought about it, the angrier he got, feeling a tap on his shoulder, Jiang Chenyu sneakily leaned over.

"Old Gu, you don't know, when you dropped out in the second half of your senior year, Old Xie was really upset."

Gu Yufeng squinted slightly, deliberately asking, "What was he upset about?"

"Really!" Jiang Chenyu emphasized, watching the bathroom direction to keep an eye on Xie Ci, lowering his voice, "One day I came back to the dorm after a shower and saw Old Xie standing by your bed, lost in thought. He doesn't say it, but who knows how upset he was inside."

Gu Yufeng imagined that scene, his eyes flashing: "Maybe he was just daydreaming?"

"Daydreaming while touching your bed? Who was he thinking about?" Seeing Gu Yufeng's disbelief, Jiang Chenyu added, "Didn't your family come to collect your things later? Before that, Old Xie had already tidied it up, and I've never seen him tidy up anyone else's bed."

As he said this, Gu Yufeng vaguely remembered that during the first semester's winter break, he had just flipped his bedding over, not even folding the quilt, leaving it messy, thinking he'd tidy it up himself when he returned the next semester, not expecting there wouldn't be a next semester.

"Old Xie really considers you a very good friend." Jiang Chenyu said softly, "If you have any disagreements, sit down and talk it out, reconcile quickly, I'm anxious just watching."

Seeing Xie Ci return, Jiang Chenyu immediately sat up straight, giving Gu Yufeng a look, signaling him not to speak.

Xie Ci noticed Gu Yufeng's improved mood, puzzled: "What did you talk about in secret?"

Gu Yufeng held a teacup, looking deep: "A secret between men."

Xie Ci: "..."

After the meal, Gu Yufeng drove Xie Ci to the company entrance.

"Having dinner at home tonight?"

Xie Ci: "At home, I don't have any social engagements tonight, I'll be home around five-thirty."

"Then I'll wash the vegetables and wait for you to cook?" Gu Yufeng asked.

"Yeah." Xie Ci casually agreed, opening the car door to get out, then turned to ask Gu Yufeng, "What did you and Old Jiang talk about?"

Gu Yufeng held back a laugh: "Are you very curious?"

Xie Ci held back, only saying to drive safely, closing the car door and leaving.

Gu Yufeng called after him: "Your suit jacket is still in my car."

At this time, people were coming and going, many of them DR employees.

Xie Ci just glanced back, ignoring the sneaky glances around, and said calmly, "I'll get it from you tonight."

Passing employees: "...?!!"

When did President Xie and Qingfeng's Little Gu get so close?!

Halfway through his walk, Xie Ci noticed three plainly dressed elderly people sitting on a bench by the roadside, pointing at the DR building.

The CBD was mostly young people, so these elderly people stood out like a sore thumb. Their behavior seemed off, so Xie Ci kept an eye on them, listening to their conversation as he approached.

"Look, this whole building belongs to Little Rou's nephew! So many employees! Our building will start construction in the second half of the year."

"I told Little Rou, once the company is set up, to arrange a position for my son. He's almost thirty, and without a good job, no one wants to date him."

"Make him a team leader, no, a general manager! We've invested so much money, we're shareholders, we have a say in the company!"

Xie Ci understood, nonchalantly returning to the office. After work hours, he called assistant Wang Yu in.

"Have someone issue another anti-fraud notice."

Wang Yu: "Yes."

After work, returning home, Xie Ci entered to find Gu Yufeng sitting at the desk in the small hall, working on the computer, wearing glasses, focused. The sunset outside the floor-to-ceiling window cast a serene and beautiful scene, making one reluctant to disturb.

"You're back?" Gu Yufeng looked up, waving at Xie Ci, "I just finished the second version, come take a look."

Xie Ci walked around the desk, leaning over to look at the computer screen, which displayed a 3D rendering of the courtyard design.

"I added a play area for the dog on the right side, so if Xiao Fang stays at home, there's a place to play."

Gu Yufeng rotated the rendering, explaining the purpose of each area, "Should we add a basketball hoop in the backyard? It's our own home, so we don't need to consider extreme aesthetics, just comfort and practicality. Also, which flowers do you think would be better here? And here..."

Listening, a faint smile appeared in Xie Ci's eyes, and he dropped a kiss on Gu Yufeng's hair.

When did this kid ever take anything outside of work so seriously?

He used to think this kid wouldn't have the patience for such things, but now it seems he was completely overthinking it.

Gu Yufeng didn't hear a response for a while, looking up: "Were you listening?"

"A basketball hoop would be nice, as for the flowers, I don't know much about them, just pick what you like."

Xie Ci straightened up, unbuttoning his cuffs and rolling up his sleeves, "Hungry? I'll go cook."

"Hungry, just waiting for the chef to come back and feed me." Gu Yufeng took off his glasses and placed them on the desk, picking up the now-cold coffee, and followed Xie Ci to the kitchen.

Passing by the bookshelf, Xie Ci glanced at Gu Yufeng, casually asking, "How's the treasure hunt going?"

"You left too many question cards." Gu Yufeng was a bit dissatisfied, "I'll slowly find them after I finish the courtyard design."

Xie Ci remained calm: "I'm afraid the hidden treasure will get moldy."

Gu Yufeng raised an eyebrow: "Did you hide food?"

"Don't try to trick me." Xie Ci glanced at the various pre-cut ingredients on the island counter, heading to the sink to wash his hands.

Gu Yufeng leaned on Xie Ci's shoulder, getting closer: "Give me a hint?"

Meeting his curious gaze, Xie Ci relented: "There's something you want."

Gu Yufeng thought for a moment, smirking: "Something for the bedroom? Did you buy something indecent and hide it?"

Xie Ci: "..."

Gu Yufeng continued guessing: "What material? Silicone? No, does silicone get moldy?"

Xie Ci looked at him, speechless: "...Is that what you want?"

Gu Yufeng: "Isn't it?"

Xie Ci suspiciously paused for a moment: "That's all I can hint at, find it yourself."

Seeing Xie Ci carrying the dish to the stove, Gu Yufeng leaned against the sink, lost in thought.

Can't blame him for guessing in that direction, after all, Xie Ci is someone who once hid condoms in a car model.

The next day, Xie Ci had to get up early for work, while Gu Yufeng was still on vacation and could sleep in.

When Xie Ci was about to change into his work clothes, he saw Gu Yufeng in the dressing room matching clothes for him, even thoughtfully helping him put them on, so considerate it was scary.

"If you're unhappy about something, just say it, don't act like this." Xie Ci held Gu Yufeng's hand, which was helping him button up.

Gu Yufeng continued buttoning: "I'm a househusband now, don't disturb my interest."

Xie Ci: "..."

What kind of persona is he setting up now?

Just as he finished changing, assistant Wang Yu called, and Xie Ci casually answered: "What's up?"

Wang Yu: "President Xie, there's a situation with Ye Yurou's family. Last night, several people they scammed were causing a ruckus at their house until dawn. This morning, more people went to block the door, and I heard from below that it's already gotten noisy."

"Got it." Xie Ci replied emotionlessly, "Keep monitoring."

Not long after hanging up, Zhang Ruochuan called.

"Old Xie, I heard some victims are planning to go to Ye Yurou's house to demand an explanation, probably around ten."

Xie Ci checked the time, asking him: "What about the thing I asked you to investigate?"

Zhang Ruochuan: "I found out there are eight people, with over two million invested, starting from more than a year ago. They have a group with over four hundred members, but it's unclear if they're all involved."

After finishing with Zhang Ruochuan, Xie Ci hung up, patting Gu Yufeng's head: "I have to go out at noon to handle something, you'll have to sort out lunch yourself, send me a photo."

Gu Yufeng: "...Afraid I'll starve myself?"

After sending Xie Ci off, Gu Yufeng went back to the small hall to continue modifying the rendering, working until noon.

Assistant Wang Yu brought two chefs over, saying it was takeout ordered by Xie Ci, preparing a table full of dishes.

"This is from President Xie for you." Wang Yu respectfully handed a box to Gu Yufeng, "It's a gift for you, only to be opened when you're alone."

"Why is takeout so ceremonial?" Gu Yufeng curiously took the box to the small hall.

The box had "Wishing You Success" written on it. Opening it, seeing the contents, Gu Yufeng's expression froze, laughing in exasperation.

Since it required an additional purchase, it meant the treasure hidden at home wasn't at least silicone material.