Chapter Ten: Just Kidding

Mu Qingyao invited Nie Yunyang to dinner, naturally opting for an upscale restaurant rather than a roadside stall. However, Nie Yunyang would have preferred the simplicity of a street food vendor, but he had no choice.

The wounds on his chest and shoulders were not severe, so Nie Yunyang was unconcerned—after a few days, he would be as good as new.

Mu Qingyao insisted on driving, and since everyone at the company knew Nie Yunyang was her assistant, it didn’t raise any eyebrows.

They arrived at Qiaoshan Banquet on Shancheng Alley in Yuzhong District, one of Chongqing’s most famous restaurants. Mu Qingyao had already reserved a spot on the outdoor terrace.

She frequented this restaurant often, and confidently led Nie Yunyang to their table. From there, they could take in the entire night view of the Yangtze River.

The other guests were all elegantly dressed, clearly wealthy or influential, which made Nie Yunyang feel out of place.

Sitting across from Mu Qingyao, Nie Yunyang smiled and said, “If you’d taken me to a street stall, I could be eating barbecue and drinking beer right now. One meal here probably costs as much as ten regular ones for me.”

Everyone’s background shaped their tastes differently. Mu Qingyao had lived a life of luxury since she was fifteen, surrounded by friends of similar status, so she couldn’t understand Nie Yunyang’s preferences.

“You loser, you’re not happy about your boss treating you to a fancy meal? Besides, those street stalls aren’t clean—you’re not afraid of getting sick?” Mu Qingyao glared at him. This guy always brightened up with just a little attention.

Nie Yunyang nodded. “You’re right. Since it’s your treat, I’m here to eat—decisions are yours.”

“Then no more nonsense,” Mu Qingyao said.

Nearby at the closest table sat a handsome man and a beautiful woman, clearly close and whispering sweet nothings. They found the conversation between Mu Qingyao and Nie Yunyang amusing.

The man frowned at the sound of Nie Yunyang’s voice, seemingly incredulous. When he turned around, Nie Yunyang happened to be getting up to go to the restroom.

But seeing Nie Yunyang’s back gave the man a clear answer, and a grin spread across his face, puzzling his girlfriend.

When Nie Yunyang walked away, the man whispered something into his girlfriend’s ear, then took the seat Nie Yunyang had just vacated, sitting down with bold confidence.

“Hey beautiful, you look familiar. Haven’t we met somewhere before?” the man asked with a sly smile.

Mu Qingyao, chatting with her best friend on WeChat, was momentarily stunned by the stranger sitting opposite her before narrowing her eyes.

She had encountered similar situations many times and immediately denied him. “Sorry, I don’t know you. Please leave immediately!”

“Come on, we didn’t know each other before, but we can be friends now. Who knows? We might have many opportunities to collaborate in the future,” the man said shamelessly.

Mu Qingyao sized him up: handsome, distinguished aura, wearing a Vacheron Constantin watch and dressed in Ermenegildo Zegna. He was probably another wealthy heir.

But she had seen this type countless times and had no interest.

“Great. If you want to collaborate with me, show me a billion yuan first,” Mu Qingyao said.

The man was momentarily stunned but recovered with a smile. “Beautiful, so if you don’t have a billion, you won’t work with me?”

“Sir, you’re really uncivilized. You don’t have a penny but pretend to be a big spender, tricking women. It’s really despicable,” Mu Qingyao snapped, losing patience.

The man wasn’t offended; instead, he teased, “The guy who was sitting here before must be worth over ten billion, right?”

“His wealth is none of your business. That’s my boyfriend. Even if he’s broke, he’s ten times better than you,” Mu Qingyao sneered.

She deliberately claimed Nie Yunyang as her boyfriend to drive the stranger away.

The man persisted with a smile. “Well then, I have to see what kind of man deserves a beauty like you.”

“Are you leaving or not? If you don’t, I’ll call security!” Mu Qingyao snapped angrily.

The man showed no intention of leaving. Mu Qingyao glared at him, about to call security when Nie Yunyang returned from the restroom. Seeing someone in his seat, his face darkened.

“Friend, that’s not your seat. Don’t sit there,” Nie Yunyang said.

The man laughed without turning around. “So, this is your boyfriend? Let me see who he is.”

When the man stood, Nie Yunyang stared at his turning head, trying to identify who had angered Mu Qingyao. His expression suddenly changed, and he was speechless for a moment.

The man smiled faintly at Nie Yunyang. Then Nie Yunyang punched him squarely in the chest. “You bastard! To think we’d meet here. You scoundrel!”

“Thought you were going to be a big shot forever. Didn’t expect to see you here,” the man cursed with a grin, then excitedly hugged Nie Yunyang, pounding his back repeatedly.

Other guests looked on in confusion, even Mu Qingyao was stunned. What was going on?

After a while, when they parted, the man, whom Nie Yunyang called “Second Brother,” laughed. “Damn it. I thought I had the wrong person. But hearing your voice and seeing how you walk, I knew it was the indestructible little cockroach.”

“Damn, I didn’t expect to bump into you here either,” Nie Yunyang laughed heartily.

Second Brother looked at Mu Qingyao and chuckled. “Sorry about earlier, beautiful. I was just joking to tease Yunyang. Didn’t expect this guy to get lucky and find such a stunning girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Nie Yunyang was puzzled, glancing at Mu Qingyao.

Mu Qingyao had intended to use Nie Yunyang as a shield but ended up shooting herself in the foot, blushing and stammering.

“This lady said she’s your girlfriend,” Second Brother reminded.

A sly smile curved Nie Yunyang’s lips as he immediately understood. He walked over to Mu Qingyao, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and said, “Yeah, Yao Yao is my girlfriend. This is Yuan Wei, my high school roommate, second in our dorm.”

“Hello, nice to meet you,” Mu Qingyao smiled, squeezing Nie Yunyang’s waist hard from behind.

Nie Yunyang winced but dared not show it. Mu Qingyao’s tiny waist was truly soft.

“Hello, sister-in-law. That was a misunderstanding earlier. Don’t take it to heart; I didn’t mean any harm,” Yuan Wei said.

Their high school dorm had four roommates: Nie Yunyang was the eldest, Yuan Wei the second, the third from Guizhou, and the fourth from Sichuan.

Mu Qingyao calmed down upon learning Yuan Wei’s identity. After a few words, the two tables were combined into one.

Yuan Wei introduced his girlfriend, Gao Qi, who was refined and tall—a true lady from a respectable family.

Nie Yunyang knew Yuan Wei’s character well; the man was fickle and likely to be with another girl next time they met.

“Big brother, it’s been ten years. You disappeared like a stone sinking in the sea. I thought you’d jumped into the river,” Yuan Wei complained after several rounds of toasting.

Nie Yunyang didn’t explain. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you when we have the chance.”

“Alright then. Next time, the guys and I will get together again. I really miss those days. Remember when the boys from the next class caused trouble, and you stood at the front, taking on a dozen people by yourself? So brave. Thinking about it still fires me up,” Yuan Wei said, eyes shining as he recounted.

Nie Yunyang smiled bitterly. “Youth without recklessness is wasted youth. Wine that doesn’t burn the throat is no real wine. By the way, how are Third Brother and Fourth Brother doing? Haven’t seen them in ten years. I miss them.”

“Third Brother came to Chongqing on a business trip last month. We had dinner together. He’s now a civil servant and well-regarded by his superiors. Fourth Brother and I both joined a company, but he works harder than me. He’s become a successful entrepreneur in Sichuan, unlike me, who’s still a slacker,” Yuan Wei said.

Nie Yunyang thought for a moment. “Arrange for them to join us for a meal sometime.”

“No problem. Once I’m back, I’ll call Third and Fourth Brother. If they dare not come, I’ll break their legs,” Yuan Wei joked.

Mu Qingyao quietly watched the two brothers converse.

Suddenly, Yuan Wei had a thought. “Big brother, if I send them a picture now, will they rush over immediately?”

Nie Yunyang didn’t stop him. Yuan Wei took a photo with Nie Yunyang and Mu Qingyao and sent it to Third and Fourth Brother via WeChat.

Just after putting down his phone, Fourth Brother called. “Second Brother, are you out of your mind? Sending pictures at night?”

Yuan Wei replied, “Big brother is right in front of me at Qiaoshan Banquet with a river view. Are you coming or not?”

Fourth Brother, who was in Chengdu on business, blurted out, “Damn, give me three hours, and I’ll be there, riding a horse if I have to.”

Yuan Wei had speakerphone on, so everyone heard.

Right after hanging up, Third Brother called. “Idiot, where are you messing around?”

“In Yuzhong District, Shancheng Alley, enjoying the river view,” Yuan Wei said.

“Last train left. I’m coming right away,” Third Brother said before hanging up.

Yuan Wei put down his phone, laughing. “Why are these two crazy at night?”

Mu Qingyao and Gao Qi exchanged glances.

Nie Yunyang drained his glass, feeling deeply moved. In life, brothers are truly reliable.

Some people are destined to be passing strangers, while others will accompany you to the very end...