Chapter 58 Part 4

It was all because of him. Huo Boyan had fallen out with Huo Junlin, gotten entangled with Zhu Yanqing, and made enemies in the Huo Family—all because of him.

He could keep enjoying the romance because Huo Boyan was shielding him from disasters behind the scenes.

But why? What right did he have to keep basking in Huo Boyan’s care? And why should Huo Boyan willingly put up with him?

Huo Boyan already had the power to make anyone happy. Why settle for him? Wouldn’t it be easier with someone better?

Heavy rain poured outside the window. Zhu Ran stared fixedly at Zhu Yanqing’s name. The typhoon had landed on him first.

Zhu Ran had never been this angry before, but he acted with eerie calm. He casually had his bodyguard drive him home, then lured Zhu Yanqing to a nearby hotel under the pretense of discussing the divorce.

Zhu Yanqing had no defenses up. He didn’t want the divorce anyway—it would cost him dearly in career and money. He hoped Zhu Ran could talk Wang Ruyun into reconsidering. Perfect match.

Zhu Yanqing picked up the room key at the front desk. The moment he opened the door, a dull pain exploded at the back of his head, and he lost consciousness instantly.

When he woke again, he found himself sprawled in the entryway. Two hours had passed.

What happened…?

Dazed, Zhu Yanqing staggered to his feet. His head throbbed dully. He checked his belongings carefully—no losses. The only odd thing was his phone, blown up with calls, and countless WeChat messages.

He skimmed a few. They all asked the same thing: What happened? Were the posts on your Moments real?

Moments? Zhu Yanqing tapped in and went pale.

An hour ago, he’d posted: I’m Zhu Yanqing, professor of pharmaceutical engineering at A University. I cheated during my marriage and illegally solicited investments, extorting money from entrepreneurs. Evidence attached. I voluntarily accept all investigations. [Screenshots x9]

Comments and likes poured in. Zhu Yanqing nearly fainted from rage.

He’d always maintained a stellar public image. His career was respectable, he was handsome and well-preserved, looking barely over forty. He’d charmed many young students, some even flirting with him.

Zhu Yanqing enjoyed the admiration but never crossed lines with students. For one, he thought too highly of himself—he’d had his fill in his own student days, which was why he’d married Wang Ruyun. More importantly, he savored the superiority from money and power more than fawning coeds. Conquering naive young girls wasn’t impressive; making men of equal status—who’d once looked down on him—bow was the real thrill.

Thirty years on, Zhu Yanqing had meticulously upgraded everything: looks, demeanor, tastes, worldview. He was the epitome of urban elite now—no one would link him to that country bumpkin anymore.

But he was still unsatisfied. Even as a man above others, some had more money, more power. He still had to bow to them! The Huo Family could crush him with a flick.

Zhu Yanqing had schemed endlessly to climb higher. This Hong Kong trip hooked him into the Huo Family, giving him a glimpse of true high society.

All ruined by this post!

Fuming, Zhu Yanqing deleted the Moments and Weibo posts. But screenshots had spread everywhere, even alerting A University’s disciplinary committee!

Calls flooded in. His thirty years of polished image went up in smoke, and prison loomed.

The sky had fallen on Zhu Yanqing.

·

A street away, Zhu Ran didn’t bother with an umbrella. Dressed in a black windbreaker, he braved the storm-swept streets. He’d planned to leave today, but typhoon-canceled flights and trains gave him time for a proper goodbye with Huo Boyan.

A flower shop nearby hadn’t closed yet. The owner battled the gale to move plants inside. But the wind was too fierce—one potted green plant teetered, only steadied by a pale, slender hand.

The young man helping wore a black windbreaker. His features were strikingly handsome even in the rain.

He smiled at her and said, “Hello, I’d like to buy a bouquet of roses. Do you have any left?”

“Yes, of course. What kind would you like?”

He looked ethereal, but his taste was straightforward: “Something that represents love.”

Ten minutes later, Zhu Ran tucked a bouquet of red roses into his jacket and headed home.

He’d just stepped out of the elevator when Huo Boyan opened the door. Worry shadowed his gaze, his tone sharp. “Where were you?”

Zhu Ran stood dripping at the threshold, hair plastered and streaming water—like a sneaky pup caught after a joyride.

“Why are you soaked? Didn’t you bring an umbrella?” Huo Boyan’s face was stern, but his voice full of concern. He led him inside. “Take off your clothes and pants. Go wash up.”

As he turned for a towel, Zhu Ran grabbed his hand. Cold, slick fingers burrowed into his palm, wet eyes locking on like hooks.

Huo Boyan faltered. He gripped Zhu Ran’s hand, voice deepening but gentling. “Be good. Shower first.”

Zhu Ran shook his head. Right in front of Huo Boyan, he unzipped the windbreaker. A vibrant bouquet of red roses burst out. The blooms were plump and dewy, but none outshone Zhu Ran’s flushed, radiant face.

Zhu Ran smiled at Huo Boyan, rose on tiptoe, and wrapped arms around his neck. He whispered in his ear, “Huo Boyan, I love you.”

This was the first time Zhu Ran had said he loved him!

Before Huo Boyan could respond, Zhu Ran kissed him—fervent, initiating.

Roses scattered across the floor amid the fervor. Zhu Ran clutched Huo Boyan’s back, wishing this moment could last forever.

But he knew it couldn’t.

He wasn’t a great partner. Conflicts would erupt someday.

Better to end it at its peak than watch it crumble into mess later. That way, memories would stay happy.