Gu Zhan slowly took a document out of the briefcase he had brought with him and handed it to Chen Lang.

Seeing how calm and composed his boyfriend was, Fu Yan's barely contained anxiety finally eased. No wonder Gu Zhan had specifically brought his briefcase when they got out of the car. Apparently, he had come prepared today too.

“Mr. Chen, this is the supply contract that we signed previously. You should be familiar with it, right?” Gu Zhan pushed up the bridge of his gold-rimmed glasses. “Article 2 of the fifth category of the supplementary agreement states that Chenglang, as the domestic general distributor of the N94-series laptops, shall pay Slungshot twice the profits earned as compensation if, after the distribution agreement between Chenglang and Slungshot has been established, Chenglang makes profits through any means other than those specified below while refusing to supply Slungshot.”

As Gu Zhan recited the contract in precise, official language, Chen Lang's expression grew increasingly ugly. His fingers uncontrollably flipped rapidly to the relevant page of the supplementary agreement, his eyes fixed heavily on the words.

Gu Zhan's gaze swept over the contract in Fu Yan's hands. “I've taken a rough look at the agreement you signed today. Mr. Chen, you're as shrewd as ever—using your position as the seller to name an exorbitant price and take advantage of your leverage. What you're selling is six months of domestic agency rights, essentially in the form of a lease. During those six months, the right to use the domestic agency belongs to Mr. Li You, but ownership still belongs to Chenglang.”

“However, the proceeds from this lease aren't among the methods of profit specified in the supply contract we previously signed. So, how much did you just say you made? Ten times the market price?”

The corners of Gu Zhan's lips slowly curled upward.

“In other words, according to the contract, Chenglang owes Slungshot liquidated damages equal to twenty times the market price.”

By now, Chen Lang's face had turned dark with suppressed fury. He stared at the two contracts in his hands, apparently trying to figure out what to do. Several of his subordinates had also changed expressions and were whispering among themselves, discussing countermeasures.

After a long moment—

“Haha.” Chen Lang gave an awkward laugh, his tone suddenly becoming relaxed and friendly. “Brother Gu, why are you being so serious? Isn't this just about the supply? Don't worry. I'll contact the person in charge of writing the contract right now. At the earliest, I can have supplies transferred to Slungshot tonight. We've been partners for so long. There's no need to make such a big deal out of this, is there?”

Grinning, Chen Lang poured Gu Zhan a cup of tea.

“Come, Brother Gu, sit down and have some tea. I know there's been a bit of a misunderstanding between our two companies lately, but what misunderstanding can't allies sit down and talk through? Once we clear things up, we'll still be brothers in business. We'll make money together and prosper together. There's no need to keep bringing up breaches of contract. Harmony brings wealth.”

Gu Zhan gave a cold laugh.

He had been in the business world for more than ten years and considered himself fairly thick-skinned. He genuinely hadn't expected there to be someone in this world with skin as thick as Chen Lang's. One second, he could still be swaggering arrogantly in your face; the next, he could bow and scrape while calling you his dear brother.

A reasonable amount of thick skin was persistence, resilience, and good psychological fortitude.

But shamelessness without any bottom line was simply having no sense of decency—commonly known as being utterly shameless.

Gu Zhan had long understood that Chen Lang was the kind of person who broke promises and switched sides whenever circumstances changed. A year ago, he'd worked with him only because of the circumstances and Chen Lang's coercion and inducements. Now that he had a choice, how could he possibly continue standing on the same side as someone like him?

“As for whether we're allies or not, Mr. Chen, I'd advise you not to jump to conclusions so quickly.”

Gu Zhan took Fu Yan's hand beside him. The two exchanged a smile, everything understood without a word.

Chen Lang glared viciously at them, his face flushed as he gripped the contracts, looking as though he might slam the table and explode at any moment.

Gu Zhan calmly looked at him and threw his own words back at him.

“Also, Mr. Chen, you'd better be more careful when dealing with people like us. Wouldn't want you getting so angry that you jumped out of your skin.”

“Hahahaha—”

Li You couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing. He gave Gu Zhan a thumbs-up before lowering his voice cryptically.

“Fu Yan, you'd better watch yourself from now on. You've found yourself one hell of a sharp-tongued partner. I've figured it out—you're never going to win an argument against him for the rest of your life.”

Fu Yan pursed his lips and shot Li You a warning glance.

Bang!

Chen Lang slammed the contract onto the table and shot to his feet, pointing a trembling finger at Gu Zhan.

“Don't celebrate too early! How many of Slungshot's projects are tied to Chenglang like flesh and bone? You haven't forgotten, have you? And there's Feifan Select. I can make you lose everything! No matter how capable the Fu family's young master is, can you really fill all those holes one by one?”

The angrier Chen Lang became, the more viciously he spoke, pointing straight at the two of them.

“Even Fu Hongping can't do anything to me. You two wet-behind-the-ears brats actually dare to challenge me? I'll make damn sure you learn who's the boss and who's the subordinate!”

Outside the window, the shrill sound of police sirens drifted down the street.

Chen Lang's ears twitched. He realized the sirens were getting closer and sounded as though they were about to stop downstairs.

His arrogant expression instantly froze.

“This is...?”

Gu Zhan gave him a faint smile.

“Mr. Chen guessed correctly. They're here to pick you up.”

“You! What the hell did you do?” A trace of fear appeared in Chen Lang's sunken eyes, and his voice trembled uncontrollably.

“Did you think that getting the USB drive, controlling Xiao Wen, and manipulating Chang Jian would allow you to erase all the dirty things you've done?” Gu Zhan glared coldly at him. “Before I came here, I called the police and handed over all the evidence of your crimes.”

“Gu Zhan, you bastard! If it weren't for me guiding you this past year, how could a small company like Slungshot have gotten so many good projects? Yes, I was greedy this time and set my sights on Feifan Select. But you've been in business long enough to know how it works. Business is give and take! I introduced you to so many bosses and wealthy businessmen. We've been allies for so long. If you really gave Feifan Select to me, would I have treated you unfairly?”

“You're fucking ruthless! What have I ever done to wrong you? You reported me to the authorities, and now you won't let go of the whole Chang Jian situation. Do you really have to drive me into a dead end?!”

Chen Lang was so furious that he bared his teeth and cursed wildly.

“I admit that you've helped me a lot over the past year, Mr. Chen. So I could tolerate you withholding supplies and coveting Feifan Select. At worst, we could go our separate ways. But you framed the Fu family's factory, engaged in vicious competition, and made an enemy of Director Fu...”

Gu Zhan clenched his teeth, the muscles in his jaw twitching.

“And you kept bullying the people I care about. I'm sorry, but I can't tolerate that.”

Fu Yan's heart warmed at those words.

Gu Zhan had finally taken his side completely. They were standing together against the same enemy.

“Bah! You finally admit it, don't you?” Chen Lang's eyes widened. “Were you in league with the Fu family from the very beginning? Were you working together to scheme against me? You ungrateful traitor!”

He angrily raised his hand, intending to hit Gu Zhan.

Fu Yan stepped forward and swiftly grabbed Chen Lang's wrist. He squeezed hard enough to twist Chen Lang's face in pain before throwing his hand away.

“Mr. Chen, what right do you have to turn around and blame us? Do you really think everyone is as filthy and despicable as you? I don't even want to talk about all the dirty things you've done to the Fu family and Slungshot. And I'm afraid we're not the only ones. Taking advantage of Chenglang's position in the industry, how many times have you bullied people using your influence, openly or behind the scenes? You know exactly how many.”

Gu Zhan also clenched his fists indignantly.

“Mr. Chen, your achievements in business were once genuinely admirable to those of us who came after you. It's a shame... I hope that once you're inside, instead of constantly thinking about who to challenge, you'll take some time to think about what you've gained and lost in this life.”

“Bah! You two little brats think you're qualified to lecture me? What the hell are you so proud of? You perverts...”

Chen Lang was furious and continued spewing obscenities, but the approaching police officers ordered him to stop.

Gu Zhan and Fu Yan exchanged a glance and shook their heads. Ignoring the barking behind them, they walked side by side out of the teahouse.

Downstairs, the three of them stood beside the car.

Li You raised his chin.

“Seriously, you're not coming to eat? It's lunchtime. Today you're getting discharged, so let your buddy treat you to something good.”

Fu Yan waved him off.

Li You spun his car keys and looked at Gu Zhan.

“This Fu Yan guy really doesn't know how to appreciate an invitation. Mr. Gu, come with us.”

Gu Zhan smiled. “You're too kind, Mr. Li, but Fu Yan just got out of the hospital. He'd better eat something light. If we go with you, we might spoil your fun.”

“Yeah, let's skip it today. I've still got things to take care of when we get back.”

Fu Yan put an arm around Li You's shoulder.

“Thanks for all your help this time. I'll definitely treat you to a big meal next time.”

“Oh? What's so urgent that you have to rush home?” Li You winked knowingly and teased, “Mr. Gu says you need to eat something light. I think you're just dying to get home and have a proper feast, hahaha—”

Before Fu Yan could grit his teeth and hit him, Li You quickly ducked into his car.

“Alright, alright, I'm done teasing you two. I'm off to eat.”

“Okay. See you.”

The two smiled and waved goodbye before getting into their own car.

As Fu Yan fastened his seat belt, he asked, “So the USB drive really was switched by Chen Lang?”

“Yeah. Xiao Wen trusted her cousin fairly deeply at first, so she helped Chen Lang swap the USB drive with the one Chang Jian had. She even went with Chen Lang on the day everything happened because he'd deceived her into doing so.”

Gu Zhan started the car as he answered.

“Then how did you get the evidence of Chen Lang's crimes?”

“I had someone continue investigating Chen Lang. We discovered that after taking Xiao Wen away, he arranged for someone to take care of her food and daily needs, but wouldn't let her leave. In effect, he had her under house arrest.”

Fu Yan's eyes darkened.

“Chen Lang wanted to use Xiao Wen as leverage to threaten Chang Jian?”

“Exactly.” Gu Zhan nodded. “Chen Lang intended to make Chang Jian take the blame for all his crimes. But he didn't realize that although Xiao Wen had betrayed Chang Jian, she still had feelings for him. She knew her husband had committed crimes and gave in to Chen Lang because she hoped her powerful cousin would save her husband.”

“But instead, Chen Lang not only refused to help, he kicked Chang Jian while he was down. Xiao Wen finally saw Chen Lang's true colors. Through the private doctor who had been handling her prenatal checkups, she gave me a backup copy of the USB drive.”

Fu Yan nodded slightly.

“That was actually smart of her. Once Chen Lang goes to prison, Chang Jian will only be considered an accomplice. He'll probably get a few years knocked off his sentence.”

“Yeah. That way, her child can see its father sooner.”

Gu Zhan sighed as he held the steering wheel.

Fu Yan looked at him and silently placed a hand over his.

“Our Mr. Gu really has such a soft heart. You feel sorry for that unborn child, don't you?”

Gu Zhan was silent for a moment before saying, “What child wouldn't want to have a complete family?”

How could Fu Yan fail to hear the deeper meaning behind those words?

Gu Zhan was projecting his own experience onto the situation. He had been abandoned at an orphanage when he was young, and even after being adopted, he had only had his adoptive mother, Gu Ru. As a child, he must have envied other families' children—children who had both a mother and a father.

That night in the hospital, Gu Zhan had told him, “In this world, you're the only man who has ever made me feel safe.”

The more Fu Yan thought about those words now, the more deeply he felt them.

It was true. For most children, the first male figure who gave them a sense of security was probably their father.

But Gu Zhan had never had one.

Thinking of this, Fu Yan tightened his grip on Gu Zhan's hand, unwilling to let go.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Gu Zhan glanced sideways at the clingy gaze fixed on him.

Fu Yan smiled and continued staring at him.

“I don't have to drive and watch the road, do I? You don't get to tell me what I can look at.”

Gu Zhan let him stare for a while, but eventually couldn't take that intense gaze anymore. He freed one hand and covered Fu Yan's eyes.

“You just got better, and you're not even resting properly. Can't you lean back and close your eyes for a while?”

Worried that continuing to stare would distract Gu Zhan from driving, Fu Yan chuckled and obediently leaned back against the seat.

The city passed by outside the windows frame by frame. Chinese New Year was only a few days away, and the streets were decorated with lanterns and red-and-gold ornaments, filled with the festive atmosphere of the holiday.

Worried about jostling Fu Yan, Gu Zhan deliberately slowed down and drove steadily.

Looking at the cheerful red lanterns and couplets lining the streets, Fu Yan was in a good mood.

“Are you going back to Suzhou for New Year's this year, or staying in the capital?”

Gu Zhan turned his head and glanced at him.

There was unmistakable anticipation in those dark eyes.

He knew what Fu Yan was thinking. He pressed his lips together before answering.

“I haven't decided yet. I still have to go back to the company for a couple of days before New Year's. I haven't been able to take care of much lately, so I need to go wrap up a few things. Otherwise, with the week-long Spring Festival holiday coming up, it'll be easy for things to get delayed.”

“Oh...” Fu Yan nodded thoughtfully.

He knew Gu Zhan well. Unless he was feeling guilty about something, he normally didn't like explaining himself too much.

Was Gu Zhan worried that he'd suggest spending New Year's together?

Did Gu Zhan not want to spend it with him—or did he not want to spend it with his parents?

Although Gu Zhan had accepted him in the heat of the moment after he was shot, did he still have reservations deep down?

Fu Yan's heart began to churn with uncertainty.

Before he knew it, they were approaching the intersection near home. He hurriedly spoke up.

“Hey, drive to my place.”

“Why?” Gu Zhan glanced at him, puzzled. “I've already had Xiao Chen stock my place with food and everything we need. You don't need me to take care of you? Do you want to live by yourself?”

“How could I possibly want that?”

Fu Yan immediately dispelled that thought.

“It's been so long, and you've never been to my place even once. Li You and the others come over all the time.”

Gu Zhan gazed into the distance at the apartment building ahead—the place he'd once thought he'd never have another chance to enter.

“Well, you never properly invited me over to your place either.”

Gu Zhan had always believed that the reason he had never once visited Fu Yan's apartment during their relationship a year ago was because, deep down, Fu Yan was accustomed to holding something back when he loved someone.

A person like Fu Yan liked to enter someone else's life with passion and abandon, yet was reluctant to open up his own life to them—to share every real, intimate detail without reservation.

Fu Yan looked deeply into his eyes and extended one hand toward him as though inviting him to dance.

With complete sincerity, he asked,

“Mr. Gu Zhan, I sincerely invite you to come home with me. Will you?”