The Scummy Top Desperately Tries to Win Back His Ex After the Breakup - Chapter 9

At eight o’clock in the evening, the gala had just begun. Pei Youting wore a perfectly tailored designer handmade suit, holding a glass of champagne with a polite smile on his face. Standing beside him was Yan Wenhe, who had restrained his usual unruly demeanor and actually carried the air of a refined young master.

The two stood before a portly, older man who spoke with a smile. “The younger generation is truly formidable, truly formidable.”

“Once this project is completed, I hope Uncle Huang will continue to show his support,” Pei Youting replied with a smile.

After a few more pleasantries, the man departed. Yan Wenhe finally exhaled in relief, immediately reverting to his usual rogue-like posture.

“Damn it, my face is stiff from smiling. That old man talks way too much.”

This gala was primarily held to announce the collaboration between the Pei and Yan families on a specific project. It was the first project where the two younger heirs were given full responsibility, serving as a preliminary test of their ability to take over their respective family businesses in the future.

Unlike Pei Youting, who watched his father’s shares like a hawk, Yan Wenhe was a pure hedonist. He had invited a large number of minor celebrities to this serious business event. His eyes were currently darting among the crowd of handsome men and beautiful women, debating whom to choose for company tonight.

Young Master Yan had seen many people and possessed a discerning eye. Several candidates had already failed to impress him. He let out a disappointed click of his tongue, thinking that perhaps he should just practice some self-restraint for the night. However, a movement in his peripheral vision made both of his eyes light up.

From the back, he saw a tall man with long legs, estimated to be about 183 centimeters. His white suit cinched his waist tightly, and the lines of his nape were elegant against fair skin. Yan Wenhe felt a sudden itch of interest and was just about to gear up for a pickup line when the man turned around.

Yan Wenhe was instantly disappointed. He nudged the dignified-looking Pei Youting with his elbow and pointed into the crowd. “Your little sweetheart is here.”

Following the direction of his finger, Pei Youting saw Jiang Zui in the crowd. Jiang Zui appeared to be talking to a stranger, his lips pulled upward in an unnatural, forced smile.

Pei Youting’s brow twitched slightly. He had been busy lately, and since Jiang Zui had dampened his spirits during their last encounter, he had given the man the cold shoulder for a few days. He had not expected Jiang Zui to find his way here.

Perhaps there was some strange tacit understanding between them, as they were always able to find each other’s gaze across a vast sea of people. Once Jiang Zui saw him, he refused to look away. His gaze was burning, and his longing was palpable.

At that moment, the ugly, strained smile Jiang Zui had given the stranger vanished. When his eyes met Pei Youting’s, they curved gently like spring snow melting. Pei Youting returned the smile and walked through the crowd toward him.

The joy of seeing his beloved after many days made Jiang Zui’s heart thud. By the time he realized it, Pei Youting was standing before him. Jiang Zui looked up at him slightly, his cheeks flushed.

Pei Youting adjusted Jiang Zui’s collar with infinite tenderness. “You did not tell me you were coming.”

Jiang Zui opened his mouth as if to answer, but Pei Youting interrupted him first. “This suit suits you very well. You look beautiful.”

With just that one sentence, Jiang Zui felt a wave of warmth in his heart. He stared intently at Pei Youting and, for some reason, blurted out, “Not as handsome as you.”

Pei Youting apparently did not expect that answer. He froze for a moment before laughing. Jiang Zui turned red, and Yan Wenhe tactfully slipped away.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Pei Youting was no longer annoyed by Jiang Zui’s previous lack of compliance. They were sharing an intimate moment when someone approached to whisper in Pei Youting’s ear, “The other young masters are sitting over there waiting for you.”

Pei Youting nodded in acknowledgment and looked back at Jiang Zui. “Let us go together.”

Jiang Zui hesitated, instinctively wanting to refuse. “Me being there, would that be inappropriate?”

Pei Youting interrupted him. “It is just a few friends. It is no problem.”

Pei Youting led him to their seats. Several other young socialites were there, each with a beauty in their arms. One man with dark circles under his eyes saw Jiang Zui and was immediately transfixed.

“Not bad, Eldest Young Master Pei.” The man looked Jiang Zui up and down vulgarly. “Quite a catch.”

Jiang Zui hated people like this, and his brow furrowed. Pei Youting gave the man a cold look. “Watch your attitude.”

“Tch.” The man clearly did not take it seriously. He waved away the person in his lap, patted his own thigh, and whistled at Jiang Zui. His intention was unmistakable.

Pei Youting’s eyes narrowed. Yan Wenhe knew this was a signal of his displeasure and tried to smooth things over. “Hey, Yiming, that is enough. That is Pei Youting’s partner.”

“Oh, a sister-in-law, then.” Although he said it, his gaze remained glued to Jiang Zui, clearly unwilling to let go so easily.

As the wine flowed, the group of “crown princes” exchanged recent news. The conversation started out respectably, but as the alcohol took hold, it gradually turned crude. The young masters held their companions closely, their hands wandering restlessly. The scene became increasingly suggestive, and Jiang Zui’s expression soured.

Pei Youting noticed the change in his expression. There were many people at the gala; his intention had been to keep Jiang Zui by his side, not to subject him to these scenes.

“Go take a walk,” Pei Youting whispered, turning to Jiang Zui. “I will join you in a moment, alright?”

Jiang Zui nodded. He did not want to stay a moment longer and immediately stood up to leave this den of vice, but his wrist was suddenly grabbed by the man with the dark circles under his eyes.

“Liu Yiming.” Pei Youting maintained a smile, but his eyes were icy. “What are you doing?”

“Pei Youting, why are you sending him away?” Liu Yiming chuckled, his hand reaching out improperly toward Jiang Zui. “Is he not your partner? Why do you just let him sit there without touching him?”

“Do you not like him?” Liu Yiming looked at Pei Youting. “Then give him to me. I like him very much.”

Yan Wenhe was stunned. He had already stated that Jiang Zui was Pei Youting’s person, yet Liu Yiming was still recklessly trying to lay hands on him. Yan Wenhe glanced at Pei Youting; though his expression remained still, Yan Wenhe had grown up with him and knew that Pei Youting was reaching the peak of his rage.

Liu Yiming only grew more emboldened, clicking his tongue and openly asking Pei Youting for the man. “I am serious, Brother Pei, this kid is really my type. Since you are not serious with him anyway, why don’t you…”

Jiang Zui’s hand began to tremble. He reached for the red wine bottle on the table, his fingers shaking as they gripped the glass. Suddenly, he felt a rush of heat. Pei Youting had placed his hand over Jiang Zui’s, his gaze toward Liu Yiming now sharp and dangerous.

“Liu Yiming, do you have a death wish?” Pei Youting asked, crossing his legs.

When the “crown prince” truly showed his anger, every young master present fell silent, not daring to provoke him. However, Liu Yiming had drunk too much and forgot his place, actually daring to challenge Pei Youting. “Today, I am going to…”

CRASH!

Glass shards from the wine bottle scattered like rain, clattering across the floor. Liu Yiming stared blankly at Pei Youting, reached up to wipe his face, and found his hand covered in blood.

The group around the table froze, staring at the cold-faced Pei Youting and the broken bottle in his hand.

The neck of the bottle that had been in Jiang Zui’s hand had changed owners. Flying shards had grazed Pei Youting’s palm, yet he seemed to feel nothing.

Pei Youting looked down at Liu Yiming, a smile on his lips but his tone lethal. “I see you really have forgotten who is in charge here.”

Jiang Zui turned to look at the man beside him. His heart thudded uncontrollably and his chest heaved. Pei Youting reached out to pat his back, using his uninjured hand to lead him out. Jiang Zui heard the frantic voices of the other socialites behind them.

“Holy shit, what do we do?” “Is he dead?” “Shut up and call an ambulance!”

On the other side, they walked through the massive crowd, through the bizarre mixture of alcohol, perfume, and cosmetics. Jiang Zui stared blankly at Pei Youting’s back, his blood running hot. It was as if, in this hollow place of vanity, he had found a foundation of security that allowed him to feel at peace.

Pei Youting pulled him out to the balcony. The night wind was cold, but it could not cool Jiang Zui down.

“I am truly sorry,” Pei Youting said, taking a step back. “I will make him apologize to you in person later.”

Liu Yiming’s family only survived on the scraps dropped by other families. People gave him face by letting him join their gatherings, but the fool actually thought he was someone important. Now, he even dared to covet what belonged to Pei Youting. He had clearly lived long enough.

However, Jiang Zui was stunned by his actions. He finally believed in his heart that Pei Youting was different from the others. Pei Youting truly respected him; Pei Youting protected him; Pei Youting…

Pei Youting loved him. Therefore, Pei Youting was different from everyone else. Pei Youting loved him.

Was it the alcohol? Or was it the longing from the days they were apart? Today, his heart was restless and burning. His love broke through the gates like a surging tide. Jiang Zui could no longer restrain himself and looked at the other man with total resolve.

“Pei Youting, I love you.”

It was a confession that seemed to give everything away. In the night, Jiang Zui looked at him with such unwavering conviction, as if offering his whole heart without reservation.

Then, he stepped forward, wrapped his arms around Pei Youting’s neck, closed his eyes, and pressed his lips against his in an act of total devotion.

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