The Awakened Red Rose [9]

“Oh, you’re here?” From a distance, a black-haired man in the lobby, holding a cigarette, waved his hand. This person is named Qu Yan, the eldest young master of the Qu family. He is a good friend of both Zhou Jinheng and Qiao An, forming a close trio during their high school days. He is also the person in this group who dislikes the original host the most. In the previous life, he humiliated the original host more than once, saying things like a toad dreaming of eating swan meat, or a wild chicken that can never fly up to become a phoenix. His tongue is extremely sharp, and the original host, not skilled in words, was repeatedly retorted, bringing tears to his eyes.

The other people, the original host doesn’t remember their names, but can easily match their nicknames and faces, such as someone called Chen Shao or Yang Shao¹. Of course, among this group of rich second-generation troublemakers, there are also hierarchies. Zhou Jinheng and Qu Yan are always seen as leaders, and the others are more like accompanying little brothers.

“Here you are. It’s rare to see you today. Why sit in the lobby instead of going to a private room?” In the spacious lobby, there are thirty or forty tables arranged, and it’s crowded with people. Occasionally, waiters shuttle back and forth. Zhou Jinheng’s group of brothers usually doesn’t like sitting in the lobby; they prefer the comfort of private rooms. However, today is an exception, and there must be a reason for this change in their usual routine.

I guess they want someone to lose face in public. Zhou Jinheng can also guess this and feels slightly displeased. He specifically instructed his brothers, hoping they would give face to his little rose and not be too harsh. Although the brothers scolded him for being captivated by a little vixen, they also promised solemnly. However, when the time came, they decided to show off and make things difficult.

But he can also guess who is the main instigator among them. It’s his good brother, Qu Yan, who grew up with him since childhood. Zhou Jinheng really can’t do anything about him, so he can only take Yin Minglu over.

“We originally wanted to sit in a private room because Minglu is a bit shy.” Zhou Jinheng smiled and said to his brothers, especially Qu Yan. Afterward, he acted like a protective parent, pinched Yin Minglu’s face, held his hand, and took the main seat. His tone was full of indulgence and permissiveness.

In fact, he was expressing his attitude, hoping his brothers wouldn’t make things too difficult and would let it go if everything went smoothly.

“…” Yin Minglu couldn’t be bothered to roll his eyes and found a seat. Under the watchful eyes of those with ill intentions, he took out his phone from his pocket. Since Zhou Jinheng wanted to play the role of a parent, he was happy to relax and play the role of a younger generation brought by the parents to meet friends.

Seeing the two coming over, Qu Yan’s handsome face was full of malicious smiles. While greeting them, he pointed lightly at Yin Minglu, implying something, “It’s okay, it’s okay. But, Jinheng, this occasional guest is more pleasing to the eye than the one you brought half a year ago.”

After saying this, without waiting for Zhou Jinheng and Yin Minglu to react, Qu Yan shook the ash off his cigarette. The ash fell around his female companion’s chest. She uttered a coquettish sound and gently pushed Qu Yan’s arm with red-painted nails, saying, “Qu Young Master, you’re annoying. My chest is not an ashtray.”

After speaking, the female companion still wanted to take advantage of the situation to get close. Unexpectedly, the man, who was originally smiling, suddenly turned his face, slapped the table hard, and said, “You uncouth thing, who allowed you to touch me?”

Due to the forceful impact, the utensils on the wooden table shook for a moment. The female companion was startled and frightened, her complexion paled. After quickly apologizing in a low voice, she left the dining table.

The man brushed his shoulder as a gesture of apology, smiling, “Sorry to startle everyone. There are always some people without discernment who appear, not even realizing what they are.”

The other guests at the table were naturally also startled by his sudden outburst. After hearing his words, they understood the situation and connected it to someone who had just joined them. Everyone tacitly understood that this was a deliberate provocation during the reception.

The guests smiled and said it was okay, and the atmosphere soon returned to cheerfulness. Among them, only Zhou Jinheng looked helpless, and Yin Minglu kept his head low. The former was manageable, but the latter seemed genuinely unaware that this drama was being staged for him. He continued to hold his phone, seemingly absorbed in a game.

People’s gazes toward Yin Minglu carried a hint of mockery. Seeing that the boy remained unaffected, they thought he was forcibly acting calm. Soon, a scripted line from the play emerged.

“The enemy will arrive on the battlefield in 5 seconds. Please be prepared. All troops, charge!”

The voice was loud and passionate, accompanied by the boy’s fingers swiftly swiping across the screen. Various crisp and resounding operation sounds intermittently floated out. “First blood! Double kill!”

“…” Everyone was stunned, their eyes widened.

They didn’t expect the young man to be completely indifferent or unaware. He forcefully made Qu Shao flirt with a blind date, performing a scene unexpectedly. Seeing Qu Shao at a loss and glancing at the surprised expression, everyone quietly stifled their laughter.

Qu Yan, holding a cup, also paused. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes. He didn’t expect his little brother’s lover to embarrass him like this. Especially the other’s calm and composed demeanor, not at all like someone new to such occasions.

Not seeing the expected reaction, Qu Yan was somewhat disappointed, to be honest.

Seeing the originally confrontational atmosphere instantly dissipate and his good brother also embarrassed, Zhou Jinheng found it somewhat amusing. He immediately apologized, “Sorry, sorry, the kid is mischievous and playful. I really can’t do anything with him.”

His protective intentions were well known.

“You’re really mischievous. No more playing for you.” Zhou Jinheng turned to “lecture” the young man. After the young man finished a game, Zhou Jinheng took his phone, putting it in his own pocket.

Seeing his phone being taken away, Yin Minglu spread his hands, indifferent. He originally played the game just to cope with the show of power. The most annoying response is to ignore them, but he couldn’t openly mock them. Ignoring these high-minded young masters, making them lose face in front of familiar faces, is naturally more uncomfortable for them than killing them.

“Don’t play games anymore; let’s eat, let’s eat.” Seeing Yin Minglu’s hands empty but his eyes spinning in circles, not knowing what he was thinking, afraid that this kid wouldn’t stay put, Zhou Jinheng quickly intervened. While inviting everyone to order food, he handed a pair of chopsticks to Yin Minglu.

“Oh.” Yin Minglu held the chopsticks in his fair hands, his eyes wandering over the delicious dishes on the rotating table. Mengyuan, this private restaurant, naturally had excellent ingredients and delicious dishes, earning praises from all the guests who came here with high expectations. However, every time Yin Minglu tried to pick a dish, the glass turntable suddenly seemed to have eyes, swiftly moving and forcing his chopsticks to pause in mid-air, unable to find a place to start.

“…” After the glass turntable swiftly moved for the third time, Yin Minglu still had a smile on his face. The person operating the turntable lowered their head silently, pretending to taste the dishes while manipulating the chopsticks.

The child’s desire to express his anger was evident. Zhou Jinheng gave him a calm and patient look, but Yin Minglu raised an eyebrow, indicating he wasn’t willing to endure. Unhappy with the situation, he wasn’t going to make things easy for the other person with such childish tactics.

Since he wanted to spin the plate, Zhou Jinheng decided to make it impossible for anyone. In the next half hour, the young man firmly held the plate with one hand, seemingly casual but exerting great force. Despite seven or eight big men present, none could move it an inch.

Especially noteworthy was that while one hand lightly pressed on the plate, the other hand had plenty of strength left to pick at the dishes with chopsticks. “Hmm, these wings are delicious, the abalone meat is so tender, and this shrimp is fragrant.” After a few bites, the youth’s fair face showed satisfaction. Anyone with keen eyes could see his genuine enjoyment.

The onlookers were shocked, collectively attempting to challenge the situation, but they felt as if a small mountain was firmly pressing down on them. It was an incredible strength, considering the seemingly weak appearance of the young man.

Among them, Qu Yan was the most incredulous. He raised an eyebrow, tapping the bowl with his chopsticks. The deliberate rhythm signaled his suspicion. He even wondered if his brother intentionally made it difficult; otherwise, why couldn’t seven or eight people move the plate? Were they teasing him?

Even with his efforts, and everyone exerting themselves until their faces turned red, they couldn’t budge the glass turntable even half a millimeter. It seemed as if this glass turntable had been firmly fixed to the dining table since its creation, mysteriously immovable.

Zhou Jinheng was observant; he could sense the undercurrents beneath the calm surface of the dining table. Seeing his brothers’ displeased expressions and the youth’s effortlessly composed demeanor, he helplessly grabbed the young man’s hand and whispered, “Stop messing around.”

Yin Minglu rolled his eyes, thinking that Zhou Jinheng, this two-faced man, was clearly aware of his brothers’ attempt to undermine him. Now, he was pleading for mercy on their behalf. Fortunately, he wasn’t the original owner of this body; otherwise, if he married Zhou Jinheng, he would have to navigate through the complexities of pleasing Zhou Jinheng’s brothers. It would be too stifling.

However, being outside, he and Zhou Jinheng were considered a couple. He had to give Zhou Jinheng face, so he pouted, pretending to be reluctantly compliant. “Fine, I’ll listen to you.” Then, unexpectedly, he let go of Zhou Jinheng’s hand and quickly jumped off the chair.

Zhou Jinheng was still puzzled, but the next second, he found out why.

It turned out that the young man had too much strength, pressing the turntable down as if Mount Tai was bearing down on it. Because of their refusal to admit defeat, besides the two of them, all the other gentlemen at the dining table were pulling at the turntable. With seven or eight people simultaneously tugging at the turntable, the young man’s strength disappeared, and the turntable almost flew off.

Moreover, there were already more than twenty dishes on the table, along with pots of soup and other liquids. As the plate turned, those liquids instantly flew out, splashing several people near the dining table. There were several “swoosh” sounds as the surroundings were filled with a plethora of rich aromas.

For a moment, the second-generation rich kids were all stunned. Their clothes and shoes were covered in greasy vegetables and fish, and even their hair carried a scent of wolfberry chicken soup. They looked extremely disheveled. What they insisted on being a grand display in the main hall had now become a scene known to everyone in the entire restaurant.

Everyone was watching them embarrass themselves. Even the actresses on the stage stopped singing, their sweet voices choked in their throats, unsure whether to continue. The restaurant manager hurried over, anxiously inquiring about the situation, promptly inviting them to the lounge to rest, change, and shower. The waitstaff rushed to clean up the aftermath.

“Damn!” As the head of the second-generation rich kids, Qu Dashao couldn’t help but curse out loud. Clearly, he hadn’t expected to lift a stone and hit his own foot. To make matters worse, the young man hid behind his good friend Zhou Jinheng, casting sly and innocent glances, while Zhou Jinheng wore a shocked expression. In front of everyone, he couldn’t just grab the young man and start a fight.

This turned out to be the most embarrassing day of his life, all thanks to his little lover whom he initially looked down upon. Qu Shao brushed aside a piece of vegetable from his hair, gritting his teeth. After kicking a chair in frustration, he stormed off to the lounge.

He swore that once he sorted himself out, that little lover of his would pay for this.

“How could you suddenly let go!” After the scene ended, Zhou Jinheng immediately turned around and coldly accused the young man. The young man blinked a few times, tilted his head, with an innocent expression that was so adorable it could evoke pity. He countered, “Didn’t you tell me to stop messing around first?”

Saying that, he handed the blame over to the young man.

“You, my dear, they are all my brothers. Later, you better apologize to them. You’re young and inexperienced; they will forgive you.” Zhou Jinheng was also helpless.

“Maybe.” The young man neither confirmed nor denied, thinking that since there was nothing to do now, and the meal was ruined, he might as well ask Zhou Jinheng for his phone back.

Quite audacious. Zhou Jinheng took a deep breath and handed him the phone. Seeing him skillfully open the gaming interface, as if he didn’t care about the fact that he had just “bullied” a table of people and sent them to take a shower three minutes ago, his mental resilience was incredibly strong. Zhou Jinheng couldn’t help but say, “Aren’t you afraid?”

“Afraid of what? Are they going to retaliate against me?” The young man gave him a look, with clearly dark eyes that, for some reason, carried a hint of disdain towards Zhou Jinheng.

Perhaps the word “retaliate” was too direct and harsh. Zhou Jinheng immediately retorted, “Of course not. After all, they are my brothers. They might be angry at you, but they won’t be so petty.” At most, they would make a few sarcastic remarks or throw some shade, but engaging in open hostility wasn’t their style.

“Well, that settles it, doesn’t it? Since they won’t retaliate against me, what do I have to be afraid of? The worst-case scenario is breaking up with you, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. Marrying you is as troublesome as marrying a wealthy young lady. No big deal.” The young man didn’t even lift his eyes, boldly asserting. At the end, he showed off his fair and unblemished arms, turning to comfort Zhou Jinheng, “Don’t worry, with your kind of physique, I could take on five or six of you in one go. Considering you’re my brother’s friend, I’ll try to go easy on you.”

Zhou Jinheng choked a bit, realizing that the young man’s tone was serious. The young man truly had no fear, and he even seemed to welcome the idea of breaking up. It left Zhou Jinheng both amused and bemused.

In fact, the tradition of teasing each other’s significant others among their group of brothers had been established for a while. They euphemistically called it a test of character, but in reality, it was a way to show authority.

If the person couldn’t handle it, cried under pressure, the brothers would mock them, saying they weren’t fit for the position and promptly advise breaking up. Numerous relationships had ended this way. Yin Minglu was the only one who not only faced their authority but also played the part of a pitiful, weak innocent.

Honestly, Zhou Jinheng, having played the role of the “bad guy” advising breakups, had seen several men and women being bullied to the point of breaking down. After witnessing their embarrassing and ugly scenes, he initially didn’t have much confidence in his little rose. He hoped the other could be a bit more generous, not take it to heart, treat it as the final test of their love, endure a bit, and get through it. However, he didn’t expect the little rose to be so “capable,” causing his brothers to spew harsh words. Despite finding it amusing and bewildering, he couldn’t help but be impressed by the young man.

He admired this boldness, finding it even more impressive than Qiao An’s composure. He still remembered the first time he brought Qiao An to a club gathering, where people deliberately embarrassed Qiao An. Qiao An chose to smile and endure, not reacting on the spot. At that time, Zhou Jinheng admired Qiao An’s demeanor, but now, for some reason, he felt Qiao An was a bit too mild and submissive. In contrast, the way the little rose could collide with people and make their heads spin was intriguing. Although dealing with the aftermath was a bit helpless, having someone with such a daring and passionate nature, someone who dared to love and hate, gave him an unparalleled sense of conquest.

It was as if everyone knew that the little rose had thorns, loved to throw tantrums, but this fiery personality belonged to Zhou Jinheng alone. For instance, when he first pulled the young man onto the stage, amidst a group of privileged children of the powerful whom everyone knew not to offend, the young man was engrossed in his phone, blatantly ignoring them. However, once Zhou Jinheng spoke, the little rose, reluctantly perhaps, would listen, attentively and seriously, as if he were the most important. This sense of satisfaction provided Zhou Jinheng with immense vanity.

How could he not like someone so fiercely straightforward?

Unfortunately, Yin Minglu was unaware of Zhou Jinheng’s shamelessly flattering inner thoughts. Otherwise, he might have doused him in food and sent him to the lounge to cool off.

While the dishes were being spilled, Yin Minglu chose to pull Zhou Jinheng aside. He didn’t want to find himself isolated and defenseless when opposing these second-generation rich kids, especially considering their various ways of reprimanding people in private. When everyone at the table, except for him and Zhou Jinheng, ended up in a sorry state, his friends would automatically consider Zhou Jinheng and him as part of the same camp.

Even if it made him furious to the point of spitting blood, he would still consider Zhou Jinheng’s face and refrain from acting against him. That’s why Yin Minglu felt confident and fearless.

Of course, there would be some petty tricks, but was he afraid of those?

As expected, when the group of second-generation rich friends emerged, someone suddenly suggested that since it was already Friday, having a simple dinner and then each going their own way would be boring. Instead, they could all stay overnight at the Qu mansion, go fishing and swimming at sea the next day, and maybe even organize a bikini party on the yacht.

Everyone applauded the idea, and with the majority in agreement, Zhou Jinheng, who didn’t want to dampen everyone’s spirits and knew his brothers wouldn’t endure another setback, reluctantly agreed to the proposal. The “test” continued.

Seeing Zhou Jinheng agree, Qu Yan lazily shifted his gaze onto the young man, seemingly casually mentioning, “Oh, I forgot to ask, Minglu, can you swim? Can you use advanced fishing rods? We’ll be competing later, and the loser will face a punishment. You’re not completely clueless about everything, right?”

Everyone looked at the young man with a playful interest.

The young boy “shyly” lowered his head, hiding behind Zhou Jinheng. It seemed like he couldn’t speak, and everyone assumed that this child didn’t know anything. Immediately, smiles appeared on their faces, thinking that there would be a good show.

Little did they know, in the shadows unseen by everyone, the corners of the boy’s mouth were also curling up. Swimming? Since the age of three and a half in his past life, he had been dominating the family pool. Breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke, freestyle – he knew them all and even won medals, have a look at that? Fishing? In his past life, he played the role of a bait worm in ancient times, seeming idle, but he almost depleted the fish in the moat. Who would have thought?

Author’s note: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me with likes or irrigated the nutrient solution!~

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