When Bai Qianhua said this, there seemed to be relief in his tone, and even a sense of reassurance that his thought-"Just as I expected, Xiaoze can't stand the hardship of physical training. He'll definitely change his mind and go back to school"-had been confirmed.
"Oh, that's wonderful. The first time I saw your brother's photo, I thought he looked like a pillar of talent who ought to be handed over to our country. He'll definitely become a great engineer someday. Hahaha, studying really is the best."
Xiao Lin hadn't expected to hear such good news from his supervisor, and he was even happier than Bai Qianhua himself. Come to think of it, he was only three years older than Bai Xiaoze, and there was a little regret in his voice when he said that last part.
"Mm, may your good wishes come true. We signed a big order today, so the bonus should be pretty good. Thanks for your hard work today, too. There's nothing else in particular to do after this."
"Go ahead and leave early today. If the company's attendance officer asks, tell him I said so. I've sent proof to your phone. If he doesn't believe you, show him and have him call me."
Bai Qianhua looked at the nodding puppy sticker Bai Xiaoze had sent in their chat. The image of him wobbling as he learned to walk as a child surfaced in his mind, and the corners of his lips couldn't help lifting.
"Once we pick up Xiaoze and get back to the hotel, get some proper rest. I'm giving you three days off. You can go home or stay here and sightsee. I'll cover your expenses."
"Oh! Really?! Hahaha, then I won't stand on ceremony! Supervisor Bai-no! Brother Bai! Hehehe..."
"Mm, no need to."
Xiao Lin was absolutely delighted by Bai Qianhua's words.
He grinned the whole way to Jingsheng Recording Center. His girlfriend lived in this city, and he could finally have some proper dates with her!
Hehehe... Brother Bai really was Brother Bai. Even after being promoted from top salesperson to sales supervisor, he was still the top salesperson. Everyone in the company had to show him respect. Otherwise, if he jumped ship to another company, the boss would definitely fire everyone who had driven him away.
Xiao Lin secretly added a halo of holy light around Bai Qianhua in his mind. From this day onward, Brother Bai was his god!
Bai Xiaoze knew nothing about what was happening on Bai Qianhua's end. Holding the handle of the suitcase he had packed long ago, he sat on a bench by the main entrance and looked up at the clouds in the sky. His eyes looked a little red, as though he had cried.
"The cafeteria's new ice cream dessert. Try it. Once you leave, you won't be able to have it anymore. Make sure you remember the taste before you go. Maybe you can recreate it yourself next time."
Something cold touched Bai Xiaoze's cheek. He turned his head and only then discovered that Shang Shujue had come out of the dance studio at some point and stopped by the cafeteria to buy two ice cream desserts.
"Thanks, Brother Jue."
Bai Xiaoze didn't refuse Shang Shujue's kindness. He accepted the ice cream dessert, took the plastic spoon on top, and scooped some into his mouth. It tasted sweet, soft, and creamy, with a refreshing, icy texture. It really was perfect for beating the heat. He liked it a lot and took another bite.
Shang Shujue sat beside him, eating his own ice cream dessert. Seeing his reaction, he couldn't help smiling until his eyes curved. "Well? Pretty good, right?"
"Mm-hmm, it's delicious. Really helps with the heat."
As soon as Bai Xiaoze finished speaking, he couldn't help looking up at Shang Shujue. That somewhat sincere smile left him dazed, and his ears instantly turned red. He no longer dared to meet his eyes. Then, very quickly, something else seemed to occur to him, and he looked at him again.
"Brother Jue, I suddenly understand why those netizens keep saying bad things about you online."
After saying this, Bai Xiaoze didn't wait for Shang Shujue to respond before answering his own question, growing more pleased with himself as he spoke.
"It's because you're too good-looking. You're practically Nüwa's way of showing off her skills. They're jealous of your looks and your family background. That's why they curse you online."
Looking at Bai Xiaoze's certain tone and utterly serious face, Shang Shujue couldn't help thinking of the few young disciples who had always followed him around in his previous life. He suddenly burst out laughing.
"Pfft, hahaha... You really do have a good eye, kid..."
Bai Xiaoze interrupted his laughter. "Brother Jue, laugh later. Let me finish first. Don't interrupt me."
"..." That was allowed? ∑(❍ฺд❍ฺlll)
Bai Xiaoze cleared his throat. Seeing that he wasn't angry, he took another big bite of ice cream dessert before continuing, his attitude earnest and his tone sincere.
"After spending these past few days with you, I don't think you're the kind of person people describe online. Sure, you're a little hot-tempered sometimes, and you have a really sharp tongue and show no mercy when you curse people out."
"..." You could actually leave that part out.
Bai Xiaoze was getting carried away again, and more associations came to mind, so he voiced his thoughts and even made a comparison.
"But you're really a pretty good person. And you're good-looking, especially like one of those beautiful Ragdoll cats. Even when you're angry, you still look good."
Bai Xiaoze took another big bite of ice cream dessert. For some reason, he suddenly thought of Song Yanqing, and his mouth moved faster than his brain, saying something that made Shang Shujue bristle.
"Oh... Then, putting it that way, whenever Brother Song watches you cursing him out, he doesn't get angry and even smiles. Is that because he pictures you as a cat, so he looks at you so indulgently and dotingly?"
"...ꐦ≖ ≖ Bai Xiaoze! Are you asking for a beating?"
Shang Shujue nearly choked on a breath at Bai Xiaoze's words. Only then did Bai Xiaoze realize what he had said, and he immediately clutched his ice cream dessert and apologized.
"Aww~ I was wrong~ Brother Jue! Don't take my ice cream. You gave it to me! Besides, I'm not wrong. That's exactly how Brother Song looks at you. His gaze is so doting, like he wishes he could take you home in his arms and hide you away!"
"..."
The corner of Shang Shujue's mouth twitched, and the veins at his temples throbbed. The details of Song Yanqing's gaze and expressions surfaced in his mind first. An immense sense of absurdity spread through his chest, making him lash out in embarrassment as he immediately retorted.
"You little brat, that's bullshit! I'm going to beat you up!"
"Oh~ Brother Jue, you've got a guilty conscience, so you want to beat me up. You coward, you won't even admit you like him, and you're pressuring me instead!"
Before Shang Shujue could take action and punish Bai Xiaoze, Bai Xiaoze struck first with his words, stopping him in his tracks. Then he ran off clutching his ice cream dessert, shouting as he ran and tap-dancing all over Shang Shujue's land mines.
"You just like Brother Song and don't dare admit it! Brother Jue's a coward! Coward੭ˊᵕˋ੭ coward੭ˊᵕˋ੭ coward੭ˊᵕˋ੭..."
"...Seriously, you're repaying kindness with betrayal? Give me back my ice cream. You don't get to eat it anymore!"
"No! No, no, I won't!"
"..."
Shang Shujue thought there must really be something wrong with his brain for arguing over this with an eighteen-year-old brat. He pressed a hand to his forehead, feeling nothing but a headache.
"You little brat. I can't be bothered with you."
[Forget it. I'll just call it charity. I really am beautiful and kindhearted. Speaking of which, how do I look like a Ragdoll cat? Song Yanqing doesn't really think I look like a cat, does he?]
Everyone eavesdropping: No need to doubt it. You really do!
Shang Shujue sat on the bench, outwardly acting as though he couldn't be bothered with Bai Xiaoze, while inwardly considering finding a mirror to take a proper look. Hearing his voice, Bai Xiaoze laughed outright. Then he looked up and spotted a familiar car not far away.
"Brother Jue, my brother's here to pick me up."
Bai Xiaoze felt a little sad. He walked over to Shang Shujue and handed him the letter he had prepared long ago but had been embarrassed to give out, his eyes lowered.
"Could you give this letter to the people in my dorm? They all took good care of me while we were living together. I wish them a brilliant future and a dazzling path to stardom."
Shang Shujue looked at the envelope, then at Bai Xiaoze, before curling his lips into a smile and taking the letter. "Sure. I'll pass it along for you. Go on. Good luck with the college entrance exam!"
Bai Xiaoze nodded, cast a discreet glance at everyone huddled in a corner by the wall nearby, then handed Shang Shujue his empty ice cream bowl and left with his suitcase.
Shang Shujue, holding the empty bowl: "..." You little brat, now you're pushing it ⚆_⚆...