A Broken Mirror Never Mends - Chapter 5

After returning from Milan, Shi Tian and Ji Yuanlin went back to their hometown to meet their parents. This was a necessary step before the wedding.

They had grown up in the same city and had known each other since high school. Shi Tian’s mother was a thoracic surgeon at the city hospital, and his father was a local businessman who owned several factories. Ji Yuanlin’s parents were both former high school teachers; one taught chemistry and the other taught physics.

Over the years they had been dating, their parents had gradually become acquainted, visiting each other during holidays. However, this was technically their first formal meeting as future in-laws.

The couple originally planned to book a private room at the best restaurant in town and have a chef prepare a feast, but the elders declined. they said that since they were already family, they should cook and eat at home to have a warmer, “homier” atmosphere.

The two mothers cooked many home-style dishes together at Shi Tian’s house. When they saw their sons coming over to help, they couldn’t stop smiling. Since same-sex marriage became legal, the parents’ generation had become more open-minded. They had no objections to the marriage as long as the younger couple was happy and doing well.

When it was time to eat, everyone took their seats. Ji Yuanlin stood up and raised his glass to the four elders. “I’ll drink this first. Mom, Dad, I’m leaving Tiantian in my care from now on. Don’t worry.”

Shi Tian’s parents looked at Ji Yuanlin with smiles and admiration. Shi Tian’s mother, especially, got teary-eyed the moment she heard Ji Yuanlin call her “Mom,” and she turned away to wipe her eyes with her sleeve.

Ji Yuanlin finished his glass of white liquor in one go. Seeing him about to pour another, Shi Tian poked his arm. “That’s enough, A-Lin. My mom looks like she’s about to cry.”

Shi Tian’s mom glared at her son. “You brat, always ruining the moment for your mother!”

As the meal began, Shi Tian and Ji Yuanlin served food to the elders. Across the table, Mother Shi was nagging Father Shi again, telling him to drink less because of his high blood pressure.

Old Shi hadn’t been very family-oriented when he was younger and busy with business. The couple used to fight and talk about divorce every day, but somehow they had made it through to the present. Shi Tian didn’t fully understand the struggles of his parents’ generation, but he had slowly seen the changes in Old Shi.

In the eighth grade, when his mom was determined to get a divorce, Old Shi had held her and cried, saying he was wrong and would never make her angry again. He begged for one more chance. For some reason, his mom chose not to leave.

Shi Tian sometimes wondered: if it were him, would he make the same choice as his mother? He found that he didn’t have a clear answer.

As fellow businessmen, Ji Yuanlin and Old Shi got along very well. Old Shi was enjoying his drink and kept patting Ji Yuanlin’s shoulder, praising his intelligence and vision, saying he would surely do great things. Ji Yuanlin’s parents were more reserved than Old Shi; they sat smiling, looking at the two sons with loving eyes while patiently listening to Old Shi’s loud talking.

When the poached fish was served, Old Shi was so distracted by the spicy heat that he focused on drinking his liquor, finally staying quiet for a while.

Mother Ji put a piece of tender fish into Shi Tian’s bowl and spoke gently, “Xiao Shi, eat more. You look even thinner than Yuanlin.”

“Thank you, Mom,” Shi Tian stood up to accept it and smiled. “A-Lin exercises every day. I don’t really pay attention to that, and I’m a bit of a picky eater.”

To keep the elders from worrying, he didn’t tell Ji Yuanlin’s mother that he used to work long hours and often forgot to eat, which led to chronic gastritis.

Mother Ji glanced at her son. “Yuanlin, take good care of Xiao Shi, do you hear me?”

Ji Yuanlin had also had a bit to drink. Hearing his mother, he paused for a moment before raising his arm to put it around Shi Tian’s shoulder. “Of course, Mom.”

Just then, Father Ji, who had been quiet, suddenly asked, “…By the way, how is that boy from the Zhou family doing? Are you two still in touch?”

As Father Ji spoke, Shi Tian felt the hand on his shoulder suddenly stiffen.

He remembered now: Ji Yuanlin’s father had been their class physics teacher for a semester during their second year of high school. Back then, Zhou Sifu had skipped a physics class to go beat up the teacher’s son, making him famous throughout the whole school.

“I used to think he had no character, just a useless little punk. I didn’t expect him to turn out so successful now.” Father Ji sighed with some emotion. “I heard he made it onto that Forbes list this year, right?”

Ji Yuanlin interrupted his father. “Dad—”

“He donated over 80 million to our school last year to build a new lab building. It’s a pity he didn’t come back for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.” Father Ji didn’t seem to notice his son’s expression and kept talking. “If he comes back, we could all have dinner together. You younger ones are all doing business; you should look out for each other.”

Father Ji was about to take out his phone to check the old class group chat when Shi Tian spoke up. “Dad, we haven’t really been in touch with him since graduation.”

Before Father Ji could ask more, Ji Yuanlin stood up from the table.

“Something came up at the office. I need to take a call,” he said to Shi Tian.

Shi Tian looked up and saw that the hand Ji Yuanlin was using to grip his phone was tense, with a vein faintly bulging on the back of his hand.

—

Danofe Headquarters, Top Floor, CEO’s Office.

Hearing the doorbell, the secretary called out, “Come in.”

The glass doors opened slowly. The Marketing Director walked in, followed by a young man who looked like a college student.

The director signaled the boy to step forward and said to Zhou Sifu, “Milton, I’ve brought him.”

The secretary nodded and spoke first, “Are you Mr. Cheng Xi?”

The boy looked nervous. He swallowed slightly and answered formally, “Yes… yes, I am Cheng Xi.”

The Marketing Director led Cheng Xi to the sofa, poured him a cup of tea, and told him to wait a moment before leaving the office.

The secretary stood behind CEO Zhou, quietly observing the young model. Cheng Xi had just finished an ad audition downstairs. He had removed his makeup, but he still had naturally good looks. He wore a light gray suit that seemed a bit too formal for his age, and his hands were gripping his sleeves tightly. His puppy-like eyes were wide with nerves, looking clear and honest.

No wonder his fans online called him “Wife.” Just by sitting there, he would attract everyone’s attention with his looks.

Except for one person.

The office was silent except for the sound of a pen on paper. CEO Zhou kept his head down, looking at reports as if he had no plan to stop. Seeing the big boss of Danofe so focused on work, Cheng Xi didn’t dare to interrupt. He sat with his fingers interlocked, biting his lip and looking at the secretary for help.

The secretary couldn’t stand being stared at like that and let out a light cough.

Hearing the cough, Zhou Sifu finally looked up from his desk.

The secretary quickly introduced them. “This is our CEO, Mr. Zhou Sifu. CEO Zhou, this is the candidate who came to audition as the spokesperson for the S260 series today.”

The secretary didn’t quite understand. It was CEO Zhou who had asked to see this person, but now that he was here, Zhou was ignoring him.

Hearing the introduction, Cheng Xi stood up quickly. “Hello, CEO Zhou. I am Cheng Xi from Taigu Entertainment. I’m very happy to have this audition opportunity—”

Cheng Xi began the self-introduction his manager had taught him. He was a bit shaky at first, but seeing the man at the desk listening seriously, he gradually became less nervous.

After Cheng Xi finished, Zhou Sifu picked up a stack of documents and asked, “Mr. Cheng, are you currently single?”

Cheng Xi blinked blankly, not understanding the point of the question.

“The S260 is our main model this season. After the launch, there will be a series of media events and promotions.” Zhou Sifu interlocked his fingers on the desk and looked straight at the person in front of him. “As the brand ambassador, Mr. Cheng will attend all events with me and act as my male companion at the dinners.”

“I am currently single,” Zhou Sifu said. “But if Mr. Cheng is not, it might cause some unnecessary misunderstandings. We might need to reconsider our cooperation.”

Having been in the industry for a few years, Cheng Xi immediately understood. Zhou Sifu needed him to attend public events to deal with the media. To make a new brand famous quickly, the most effective way is to create “buzz” during the promotion. Zhou Sifu’s strategy for the S260 was to use Cheng Xi’s fame to create a rumored romance.

And in those words, Zhou Sifu was also hinting at something else. If he had a boyfriend, the marketing would be ruined, and there would be a risk of negative news. In that case, Danofe would find someone else.

To him, this endorsement was like a gift from heaven. If he missed it, he would regret it forever.

“I…” Cheng Xi was dazed for a moment before reacting. “…I, I am single!”

His manager didn’t know about his relationship with A-Lin, and the files given to Danofe likely said he was single. He had almost said the wrong thing.

Hearing his answer, Zhou Sifu nodded. “That’s good. I was worried it might cause you trouble.”

“Go prepare the contract for Mr. Cheng.” While instructing the secretary, Zhou Sifu stood up and reached out a hand to Cheng Xi. “I look forward to working with you.”

—

After Cheng Xi left, Zhou Sifu picked up his files and continued reviewing the reports. People in the company joked that even if the world ended tomorrow, CEO Zhou would finish his work before dying.

After standing by the desk for a while, the secretary couldn’t help but speak up for Cheng Xi. “CEO Zhou, did that kid not realize what was happening? He seemed a bit… simple.”

“He’s acting; he knows exactly what’s going on,” Zhou Sifu sneered. “He managed to get Ji Yuanlin to give him hundreds of thousands in monthly allowance, a villa, and a supercar. Do you think he’s simple?”

The secretary asked worriedly, “But CEO Zhou, we still don’t know who stole the security footage from the Marriott. If we hire Cheng Xi and the footage is leaked one day, won’t it affect us too?”

Zhou Sifu looked at his watch. “Think about what you just said.”

The secretary immediately shut his mouth. He could feel that the boss had been in a bad mood lately. No, a very bad mood.

Not wanting to disturb his work, the secretary stayed for a bit longer and then quietly closed the door and left.

Close to lunchtime, the secretary knocked and came back in with a document.

“CEO Zhou, Mr. Shi’s wedding invitations started going out today.” The secretary pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Zhou Sifu. “The date is Wednesday the 10th of next month, at the Bulgari Estate in the suburbs. Here is the guest list.”

The pen paused slightly, leaving a small ink stain on the paper. Zhou Sifu didn’t look up. “Read it.”

“Yan Hongwei, Lin Kaiji, Yu Yanyan, Yin Ke… most are high school classmates of you and Mr. Shi. There are also executives from famous companies you know, like CEO Li from Hongfa Construction, CEO Huang from Shunhe Finance, and Lucius from Wave Health—”

The secretary read nearly a hundred names before Zhou Sifu finally stopped working.

“Fine,” he tapped the desk with his knuckle. “Leave the invitation here. You don’t need to read anymore.”

The secretary: “…”

A few seconds of silence followed.

“CEO Zhou, well…” The secretary struggled to find the right words. He held his breath and forced himself to say, “…Mr. Shi did not invite you.”

Zhou Sifu: “?”