Chapter 36
Murong Cheng’s premonition proved correct.
His impulsive act of comfort had consequences. He spent the entire weekend in bed.
“CEO Murong, does this count as a work-related injury? Should I take sick leave tomorrow?” he asked on Sunday evening, nestled against Murong Yan’s chest. The CEO had, for once, returned home early.
“You can,” Murong Yan stroked his hair. “But you’ll need to be out tomorrow night.”
Murong Cheng: “Tomorrow night?”
Murong Yan nodded. “The gala. We agreed to go public.”
Murong Cheng’s lips twitched. “Did we?”
Murong Yan raised an eyebrow, his expression clearly saying, Wasn’t that what you wanted?
Murong Cheng: “So I need to dress up?”
He had been meaning to buy some decent clothes, but he had procrastinated.
“Yes,” Murong Yan nodded towards the walk-in closet. “Choose an outfit. A stylist will be here at noon.”
Murong Cheng: “Isn’t that your closet?”
Murong Yan looked at him. “The left side is mine. The right side is yours. I had some custom-made outfits prepared for you. I’ve been too busy to tell you.”
Murong Cheng’s jaw dropped. “Custom-made? Like, actually custom-made?”
Murong Yan’s voice was calm. “Try them on and see if you like any.”
He opened the closet, revealing rows of elegant, expensive-looking clothes. The brands were ones he had only seen in high-end department stores. He hadn’t imagined owning such clothes, let alone having them custom-made.
“Are you sure you know my measurements?” he asked, pulling out a pair of silver trousers.
“I know all your measurements,” Murong Yan said, a playful smirk on his lips, his gaze like a predator admiring its prey.
Murong Cheng blushed and took a step back. “Don’t… don’t even think about it. I have to accompany you to the gala tomorrow night.”
Murong Yan’s smile deepened. “Good boy.”
Realizing he had been teased, Murong Cheng glared at him and returned to the closet.
“So many choices. Which one should I wear? What are you wearing?” He should probably coordinate his outfit with the CEO’s.
“You choose first,” Murong Yan said, looking at him. “I’ll match you.”
The gala’s theme was technology, and the attendees were leaders in various high-tech industries. Wanting to look stylish and relevant to the theme, Murong Cheng chose a white suit with sparkling gemstone buttons and a brown and black striped silk scarf. He looked like a prince from a European fairytale.
To complement his outfit, Murong Yan chose a black suit made of the same silk material, with a matching white and brown patterned scarf. They looked striking together, a perfect black and white contrast.
The invited guests were all prominent figures in the tech industry, many of whom had collaborated with Guangyu. Huaqian Technology, Guangyu’s long-term strategic partner and the leading developer of intelligent driving assistance systems in China, would also be attending, its chairman joining Murong Yan for the opening remarks.
Since it was his first time having a stylist and attending an event as Murong Yan’s partner, he opted for a more elaborate look, staying home from work on Monday. At 5:00 pm, Xia Jie arrived to take him to the hotel where the gala was being held.
Like the charity auction, the tech gala was also held in the ballroom of a five-star hotel. The event consisted of three parts: opening remarks, a buffet dinner, and presentations by selected companies. As a leading automotive company, Guangyu was also invited to present, but Murong Yan only had to deliver the opening remarks. The presentation was delegated to the General Manager of Strategic Research.
“Thank you, Xia-ge,” he said as the car arrived at the hotel.
“You’re welcome,” Xia Jie replied, a knowing look in his eyes, but he didn’t ask any questions.
Murong Cheng noticed that Xia Jie was more respectful than usual, even opening the car door for him, a courtesy usually reserved for Murong Yan.
Had he figured out their relationship?
Probably. He had just come from Murong Yan’s apartment, looking perfectly styled. It wasn’t difficult to connect the dots.
But it didn’t matter. Everyone would know tonight anyway.
He took a deep breath and entered the hotel.
Reaching the ballroom entrance, he realized he didn’t have an invitation. Murong Yan, being a prominent figure, usually didn’t need one.
But the organizers knew Murong Yan, not his date. He lingered near the entrance, hoping to blend in, but it didn’t work. He had to wait.
Murong Jing walked past. He had expected some sort of confrontation, but Murong Jing simply entered the ballroom with his invitation, his expression impassive, as if he didn’t recognize him.
Murong Cheng pulled out his phone, about to message Murong Yan when he saw him. He looked up, following the gleam of polished black leather shoes, and met the CEO’s gaze.
Murong Yan extended his hand.
He hesitated for a moment.
“Let’s go,” Murong Yan said, his hand hovering patiently, waiting for him to take it, the gazes of passersby upon them, but Murong Yan’s dark eyes focused only on him.
Murong Cheng took a deep breath and placed his hand in Murong Yan’s, his arm looping through the CEO’s.
“Yes, let’s go.”
The gala’s theme was technology, at least until Murong Cheng and Murong Yan entered the ballroom.
Then, all eyes were on them, the whispers starting instantly.
This was the first time Murong Yan had appeared in public with a partner.
And it wasn’t the Oriental Group heiress, as everyone had assumed.
“CEO… Murong?” Duan Shao, who had arrived earlier, stopped mid-sentence, his jaw dropping, as he approached them.
“Yes,” Murong Yan replied calmly.
Meeting Duan Shao’s shocked, yet somehow unsurprised, gaze, Murong Cheng blushed and tightened his grip on Murong Yan’s arm.
Seeing Duan Shao speechless, Murong Yan prompted him. “Continue.”
“Oh, right!” Duan Shao said, as if snapping out of a trance. “What was I saying? Oh, yes, CEO Murong, the organizers have requested that you deliver the opening remarks before Chairman Liao of Huaqian Technology. Here’s your speech.”
He handed Murong Yan a printed copy.
“Good,” Murong Yan glanced at the speech.
“Shall I escort you backstage?” Duan Shao asked, glancing at Murong Cheng. “He…”
He wasn’t sure how to address him.
“Duan-ge, where should I sit?” Murong Cheng asked.
“You escort Ah Cheng to his seat. I’ll go backstage,” Murong Yan instructed.
“Certainly, CEO Murong,” Duan Shao nodded, gesturing towards the front row. “This way.”
Their seats, of course, were the best in the house: front row center.
A perfect spot for interacting with the speakers and seeing the presentations, but also a highly visible location, especially with everyone staring at them.
Murong Cheng could feel the gazes burning into his back. He fidgeted uncomfortably, not daring to turn around.
This was awkward. He had never felt so self-conscious.
He wished the event would start already. Finally, the lights dimmed.
The emcee took the stage. Then, Murong Yan.
Although he saw Murong Yan commanding attention at the company every day, seeing him on stage like this still captivated him.
Murong Yan was a natural leader.
His posture, his tone, his words, his pauses, all perfectly crafted. His speech was inspiring yet grounded, speaking of Guangyu’s present and the future of technology in China.
This charismatic man was his boyfriend. He was undeniably proud, basking in the reflected glory, applauding enthusiastically, as if showing off his prize to the world.
Lost in thought, he barely registered the content of the speech. Murong Yan returned to his seat beside him. He glanced at the CEO, their eyes meeting briefly.
His elbow accidentally bumped against Murong Yan’s. He quickly moved away, his heart fluttering.
Chairman Liao of Huaqian Technology, a seasoned and charismatic leader, delivered an equally impressive speech.
Determined to learn and become a valuable asset to Murong Yan, Murong Cheng listened attentively, taking notes.
“Technology needs fertile ground. Progress requires a strong foundation. Huaqian’s intelligent driving assistance system has provided convenience to countless businesses and customers, showcasing the potential of the automotive industry. This is our past, but not the entirety of our future!”
Liao Tianrui’s voice boomed through the ballroom. Beside him, Murong Yan frowned slightly.
“In the coming years, Huaqian will shift its focus to smart home technology, exploring new possibilities! Our goal is not just to enable smart travel, but to integrate technology into every aspect of our lives, becoming as essential as the air we breathe!”
Applause erupted. Liao Tianrui bowed.
The emcee announced the next segment, inviting everyone to the buffet dinner. But Murong Yan seemed lost in thought, not moving.
“Yan-ge?” Murong Cheng whispered, nudging him gently.
Murong Yan blinked, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Murong Cheng asked softly.
“Nothing,” Murong Yan shook his head, his usual composure returning. “Let’s go.”
Despite his words, Murong Yan seemed distracted throughout the dinner.
These buffet dinners were meant for networking.
Murong Yan politely acknowledged the various company representatives who approached him but didn’t actively engage in conversation. He picked at his food, his mind seemingly elsewhere.
What was wrong? He had seemed fine during the speeches.
Murong Cheng was curious but couldn’t ask in such a public setting.
He overheard a conversation between Liao Tianrui and another executive at a nearby table.
“Chairman Liao, I heard you say earlier that Huaqian is completely changing its focus? Without your leadership in intelligent driving assistance systems, we’re lost!”
“Our current systems already meet most customer needs. Further advancements, as you know, aren’t just about technology. The market follows demand. Demand can stagnate, but technology cannot. We’re exploring new avenues, new directions for growth,” Liao Tianrui replied.
“What about your partnership with Guangyu…?”
“With Huaqian’s strategic shift, the nature of our collaboration will inevitably change. Oh, CEO Murong! I was just looking for you,” Liao Tianrui said, noticing Murong Yan, and walked over, his plate in hand. “CEO Murong, I apologize for not discussing the content of my speech with you beforehand.”
Murong Yan put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Huaqian’s future direction doesn’t require Guangyu’s approval.”
His voice was calm, but a subtle chill emanated from him.
Liao Tianrui’s smile faltered. “Huaqian owes its success to Guangyu, to you, CEO Murong. Such a significant change should have been discussed with you. But…”
He lowered his voice. “Even with this shift, we’re still working within the Murong family, aren’t we?”
Under Murong Yan’s subtle pressure, he had revealed his true intentions.
Murong Yan’s eyes narrowed.
Liao Tianrui continued, “Lingyu Group has been investing in smart home technology for a while now. Chairman Murong has visited my new R&D center several times.”
Murong Yan’s face darkened.
As a subsidiary, Guangyu’s success benefited Lingyu Group. But a subsidiary shining too brightly could threaten the parent company’s position. He had been wary of his father trying to control Guangyu, but he hadn’t expected him to actively sabotage it, even if it meant destroying it, just to maintain his grip on Lingyu.
“Huaqian has always focused on technology, perhaps too narrowly,” Liao Tianrui said with a forced laugh. “Lingyu Group has a strategic partnership with Oriental Group, and with our move into smart home technology, we also want to be more market-facing. We all share the same goal: serving our customers.”
Huaqian was no longer content being Guangyu’s behind-the-scenes technology provider. They wanted a bigger piece of the pie.
He had never realized Liao Tianrui’s ambition.
“I understand,” Murong Yan said casually, his long lashes concealing his emotions.
But Liao Tianrui wasn’t finished. “CEO Murong, now that Huaqian has shifted its focus, perhaps we should put our current agreement on hold? We’re all busy with the new contracts with Lingyu, and we don’t have the manpower. Guangyu’s intelligent driving assistance systems are already quite advanced. Perhaps next year, Guangyu can focus on optimizing other vehicle components.”
While his earlier words had been a veiled attempt to portray Huaqian as a victim of Lingyu’s influence, this last statement revealed his true betrayal and ambition.
Optimizing other vehicle components…
They all knew what he meant: the recent news about the car fire.
Murong Yan didn’t believe Liao Tianrui would be this bold without someone backing him.
But who? Murong Jing? His father, Murong Zhenguo? Or Murong Jing acting on his father’s instructions?
He was a failure as a son. His own father was using them, pitting brother against brother, under the guise of “training” them.
He ignored Liao Tianrui and turned to Murong Cheng. “I’m finished. I need to make a call. You eat slowly.”
He stroked Murong Cheng’s hair and then left the ballroom.
