Chapter 25 – Love Rival

Even though Ye Zhou knew he couldn’t compare to Yue Shu, that they were two completely different types of people, he still couldn’t help but research Yue Shu’s background online.

Yue Shu’s parents were both very famous individuals, so finding information about his family background and personal credentials was not difficult at all.

Ye Zhou found numerous reports about Yue Shu, from his first public appearance on stage with his parents when he was young, to his frequent participation in competitions, winning classical music awards almost every year. At just a young age, he was already a top-notch violinist, even performing as a special guest with world-renowned orchestras on tour around the world. His resume was impressive and impressive-looking.

There weren’t many photos of Yue Shu when he was younger, but reports about him during high school increased significantly. Perhaps it was because he was starting to stand out and was becoming the media’s new darling. In the photos, Yue Shu was only seventeen years old, wearing a white shirt and black pants, his figure thin and delicate. But his gaze towards the camera held the arrogance and pride of youth, as if surrounded by a halo named ‘genius.’

After that, however, reports about Yue Shu suddenly decreased significantly. It wasn’t until several years later that he reappeared in front of the camera, his entire demeanor completely different. He had become warm and humble, the pride he once had not gone, but rather subdued, forming a unique charm that was even more attractive.

At this point in time, when Yue Shu was interviewed, he didn’t shy away from talking about his low periods, his mentors, his benefactors, and his ordinary yet interesting school life. These were his sources of inspiration.

The genius hadn’t been defeated, but instead returned to the stage to shine again. Such an outstanding person did indeed match Guan Heng well.

When Ye Zhou saw this, he let out a long sigh. Although he knew the gap between people could be huge, he still felt a sense of defeat. But Ye Zhou didn’t allow himself to sink into such emotions. He might not be as good as Yue Shu in many things, but being together wasn’t just about external conditions; otherwise, he wouldn’t have had a chance at all.

And although Yue Shu said he would come looking for Guan Heng again, Ye Zhou hadn’t encountered him since then, not knowing whether Guan Heng had rejected him or if they had arranged to meet privately.

What surprised Ye Zhou was that Yue Shu didn’t go straight to Guan Heng, but instead came to him first.

One afternoon, after the restaurant had just finished its busy period and everyone could take a break, another customer arrived.

Ye Zhou was about to greet them when he unexpectedly saw Yue Shu: “It’s you…”

There weren’t many customers in the restaurant, and it seemed Yue Shu had deliberately chosen this time to come. He told Ye Zhou, “I have something I’d like to discuss with you. Is now a convenient time?”

Ye Zhou had just read reports about Yue Shu a few nights ago, so seeing him now made him feel somewhat conflicted. Perhaps due to his profession, Yue Shu was dressed neatly even when out privately, wearing a casual suit that wasn’t too formal, clearly custom-made, fitting well and making him appear slender and leggy, with an especially good aura. More importantly, Yue Shu was exceptionally handsome and pretty, and the employees, who may have misunderstood something, looked at Ye Zhou with gossipy eyes.

Ye Zhou: “…”

Ye Zhou did indeed admire this type of person, but that was a thing of the past. Even now, he couldn’t bring himself to dislike Yue Shu. Ye Zhou wasn’t someone who shied away from problems, and what was coming would eventually come: “Convenient. I can’t leave my work, so can we talk here?”

“Sure.”

Ye Zhou glanced around the restaurant and led Yue Shu to a quiet corner seat: “Please sit down. Have you eaten? Would you like something to drink?”

Yue Shu was somewhat surprised, not expecting Ye Zhou to ask him this. The last time they met was because of Guan Heng, so he assumed Ye Zhou would still give him some face. Now that it was just the two of them, Ye Zhou didn’t need to be this polite to him.

Ye Zhou, being stared at, felt a little embarrassed and smiled: “What’s wrong?”

Yue Shu withdrew his gaze and shook his head: “Nothing, I thought…”

Ye Zhou directly said: “Thought I hated you?”

Yue Shu was taken aback, obviously more surprised.

Ye Zhou still smiled: “Sorry, I’m not good at thinking too complexly, so just say what you want to say.”

Yue Shu didn’t order anything, but Ye Zhou considerately ordered him a fruit tea. Although they were love rivals, since the guest had come, there was no need to make things so tense: “You came to see me because of Guan Heng, right?”

Looking at Ye Zhou, Yue Shu seemed to understand a bit why Guan Heng had chosen this person. He wasn’t one to beat around the bush, so he asked directly: “You and Guan Heng… Are you together?”

Yue Shu had specifically come today to ask this. If they were already together, he would definitely not interfere as a third party.

Hearing him ask like this, Ye Zhou knew that Yue Shu still couldn’t let go of Guan Heng. Although he had confessed to Guan Heng and they had kissed, Guan Heng hadn’t given him a reply. He was the one who had suggested Guan Heng think carefully, so he wouldn’t force Guan Heng to answer at this time, as if forcing him to make a decision. He disliked this, and he didn’t want to make things difficult for Guan Heng. Although their relationship had progressed, a small lie might make Yue Shu give up, but Ye Zhou still honestly replied: “No. Not together yet.”

Hearing this, Yue Shu seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, but he wasn’t truly relaxed. Because Ye Zhou’s meaning was clear: he was pursuing Guan Heng, and they were love rivals. However, there was one thing Yue Shu still couldn’t quite figure out, and it was somewhat hard to ask, but he had to find out. Perhaps this would be a good breakthrough: “Sorry, I don’t mean to pry into your privacy. But you seem… not the bottom type.”

Although this couldn’t be judged solely by appearance, Ye Zhou indeed didn’t seem like it, from his behavior to his attitude towards taking care of others.

Ye Zhou was taken aback, not expecting Yue Shu to ask such a personal question. He suddenly remembered when he talked about these matters with Fang Ji last time, how awkward Fang Ji looked. He didn’t expect to be the awkward one now. But there was nothing to hide, and Ye Zhou admitted: “I’m indeed not.”

“So you, you are willing to…” Yue Shu didn’t know how to continue for a moment, further questioning would be too intrusive. This was ultimately someone else’s privacy.

Ye Zhou answered frankly: “Don’t know.”

Ye Zhou was used to considering a lot before dating, which naturally included these kinds of things. Especially for men, dating wasn’t just a matter of spirit, physical compatibility was also very important. But this was the first time he couldn’t think so much and just went after someone. Just like he couldn’t resist despite his previous resistance, he was deeply attracted to Guan Heng. Since this was irresistible, thinking too much was useless, he could only go with the flow.

Yue Shu stared straight at Ye Zhou: “But I can confidently tell you that Guan Heng is absolutely not the type to be on the bottom. He… he’s not that kind of…”

Yue Shu hesitated, unsure how to put it: “He’s not what you imagine.”

Ye Zhou had seen this expression on Yue Shu before, it was the time they broke up in front of the garbage dump. Yue Shu was the type of person with excellent upbringing, who wouldn’t criticize others behind their backs, even if he did, it was always tactfully. But Ye Zhou didn’t quite understand, so he asked directly: “Then what about you? Since you think he’s so scary, why did you come back?”

Yue Shu’s face paled instantly, staring at Ye Zhou in surprise.

“Sorry, don’t misunderstand.” Ye Zhou explained, “Guan Heng didn’t tell me. When you came to see Guan Heng the first time… I accidentally overheard.”

Yue Shu lowered his eyes, taking a while before lifting his head. From Ye Zhou’s reaction, it wasn’t hard for him to judge that Ye Zhou hadn’t seen Guan Heng’s private side yet, otherwise, he should have understood his meaning long ago. Yue Shu was somewhat conflicted, but at the same time, he gained some confidence. Guan Heng’s other side wasn’t something anyone could see, indicating that he wasn’t completely hopeless: “My words were harsh at the time, I did have some discomfort in getting along with him… but I still couldn’t let him go. I think you’ve probably guessed, I do want to win Guan Heng back. I regret it, but I have no right to say anything. But your situation is different… it’s not that you’re bad, but you don’t understand the real Guan Heng, your… types aren’t really suitable, you’re not even Guan Heng’s ideal type…”

Ye Zhou listened calmly to Yue Shu’s words, then asked in return: “So you think you’re the person most suitable for Guan Heng?”

Yue Shu suddenly fell silent, perhaps realizing he had spoken a bit too much: “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be malicious.”

Ye Zhou looked at Yue Shu, not angry, unable to get angry. Regardless of whether they were suitable or not, what Guan Heng’s ideal type was, but one thing Yue Shu did say was true: he hadn’t truly touched Guan Heng’s heart yet. Guan Heng had feelings for him, was affectionate, but not without reservation. He hadn’t even been inside his house.

After sending Yue Shu away, Ye Zhou sat in a daze behind the cash register.

The gossip-loving employees immediately crowded around: “Boss, who was that guy earlier? He has such a great aura, he’s your type, right?”

“That hot guy from last time…”

“Boss, although both of them look good, you can’t be fickle, you mustn’t be a scumbag.”

What was that supposed to mean…

Ye Zhou was almost amused by their words: “Nonsense, that person isn’t… he’s a love rival.”

The employees all froze in unison.

After saying it out loud, Ye Zhou also found it incredible. The type he used to admire, the type he wanted to pursue, had now become his love rival.