Chapter 30: Yutong, I Love You

Li Jiyong smiled and accepted the card. "You, you need to settle down. Doing a good job with your ecological landscaping business is better than anything else. Once you have money in your hands, don't waste it on motorcycles, mobile phones, or women!"

Today, Zhang Ning and Lin Chao had each arrived on a newly purchased motorcycle, and Lin Chao had even picked up a mobile phone; he looked every bit the nouveau riche.

"This is just a one-time thing; this money had to be spent. I can't afford a car right now, and without a motorcycle, I can’t exactly ride a bicycle everywhere. Besides, without this mobile phone, it’s not convenient to stay in touch. As for women, they are a necessity. Xiao Zhen is the type I like—not exactly a beauty, but she has a great figure and is durable!"

"Nonsense. How long do you plan on keeping this one before switching? Don't end up causing a scandal over women!"

"That won't happen. This time, I’ll stick with her for at least two or three years. Plus, I’ve already told her: I won't get married before I’m thirty. When the time comes, I won't treat her poorly financially, and if she finds someone suitable, she can get married!"

"Fine, our values don't align. I’m not talking about this with you anymore!"

"Don't be like that. I actually wanted to talk to you about something. You quietly took down the beautiful Su—finally, you've wised up!"

Lin Chao looked at Li Jiyong with a knowing smile. Li Jiyong was startled. "What nonsense are you spouting!"

"Tsk, I’ve been through this enough times to tell the difference between a girl and a woman. Are you saying you didn't do it?"

"Get lost!" Li Jiyong cursed, which was essentially an admission.

"Don't worry, I’m not a blabbermouth. If you two love playing this game, keep it up—though underground work is never easy. I see the way Yutong looks at you; she’s practically pining for you. Honestly, you three are so indecisive. Love, romance, having someone in each arm—what could be better?"

"Nonsense!" Li Jiyong shook his head.

"Don't give me that talk about 'devotion' or 'the one and only.' Don't tell me you wouldn't be bothered if someone were fawning over Yutong right in front of you."

In the past, he had called himself Su Wanqing’s protector, but he had certainly beaten up more than his fair share of Yutong’s suitors.

"Let’s not talk about this. How is the flower forest project going?" Li Jiyong changed the subject.

"It’s alright. We’ve opened two locations now, and we have the right connections. But the market is getting bigger and bigger; I can't swallow it all alone. I’ve had a few drinks with the owners of those other two places. There’s potential for cooperation in the future, and anyone else who wants to enter this industry will have to go through us first!"

"Oh, good. You’ve got the prototype of an industry association. But remember what I said: build a solid foundation and manage it well. You handle the business development, but hire professionals for the management. Don't be afraid to spend money on that, and don't try to cut corners with tax evasion or other tricks. If you want to grow big and strong, you have to pay attention to these details."

"Understood. My academics might be lacking, but my IQ is still online!"

"How is Zhang Ning?" Li Jiyong asked.

"He’s fine. I didn't like the guy much because of you, but after spending some time with him, he’s not bad—aside from being a bit stingy, he doesn't have any major flaws."

"Zhang Ning’s father is a vital connection. Keep a tight grip on that, as it’s very beneficial for your initial development. But watch your methods; don't cross the line. If you want to make a name for yourself in this field, you need to partner with someone who has technical expertise. I think Zhang Ning could develop in that direction. Right now, he’s relying on his father’s network, but in seven or eight years, when his father retires, Zhang Ning’s value in that regard will vanish. However, if he can become a professional management talent in landscaping, he can be your partner. One handles the internal affairs, the other the external—only by combining the two can you make 'Chaofan Ecology' big and strong!"

"Haha, why does it feel like you're playing matchmaker for me?"

"If you two have that kind of passion, I won't stop you!"

"Get out, get out, that’s disgusting!" Lin Chao shuddered.

Li Jiyong had said similar things to Zhang Ning. Through this project, Zhang Ning had earned some money. Although his father had some gray income in the past, it couldn't compare to the profit-sharing from this venture, which also had much better long-term prospects. His father would retire eventually, and he had to prepare for the future.

"You can invest the money you have into the development of Chaofan Ecology. Sort out the equity matters properly; there will be plenty of opportunities later. In the next twenty years, real estate development will definitely be a highly lucrative industry, but I don't recommend you get into that. First, the stakes are too high, and you can't succeed without specific connections, plus the risks are too high. Landscaping, however, is indispensable for both municipal projects and real estate. By the time others realize the importance of greening, you will already be far ahead. If one day, when people enter a residential complex and say, 'The landscaping here was done by Chaofan Ecology,' and it immediately raises the perceived value of the property by three levels, then you will have succeeded. By then, it won't be you chasing after projects; it will be the real estate developers lining up, waiting for you to choose them!"

"Haha, you’re painting such a picture that I’m almost drooling!"

...

"Our class is going on a trip for National Day. We can bring friends along!" Di Yutong looked at Li Jiyong full of hope.

"Uh, we probably have to make up for missed classes during National Day, don't we?" Li Jiyong said.

"I asked Wanqing; you’ll have three days off. Won't you come with me for those three days? You can spend the days with me, and I’ll tutor you in foreign languages at night!"

Li Jiyong said helplessly, "Forget it. I don't know many of your classmates!"

"No, I’ve already asked for leave from Wanqing on your behalf. You're not allowed to refuse!"

Li Jiyong turned his head to look at Su Wanqing, who was eating cake. Her expression was calm.

"Is Wanqing coming too?" Li Jiyong asked.

Su Wanqing shook her head. "There’s hiking involved, and I don't like being in a crowd. You go. Keep Yutong safe, or I’m holding you responsible."

"Alright, but I can only stay for three days. Then I have to come back for class!"

"OK, I won't stop you from being a good student. Bye-bye!"

After nine o'clock, the birthday dinner ended. Su Wanqing returned to her dormitory, and Li Jiyong rode his motorcycle to take Di Yutong back to her school.

Di Yutong sat behind him, holding onto Li Jiyong’s waist, her face pressed against his back. Feeling the firm, resilient pressure against his back, Li Jiyong’s breathing quickened. He didn't speak, and in less than twenty minutes, the gate of Yunzhou University came into view.

"We’re here, Yutong!" Li Jiyong slowed the bike to a stop.

But Di Yutong didn't say anything; she just held him tightly, unwilling to let go.

"Yutong, it’s getting very late..."

Di Yutong’s voice came, slow and melancholy. "Do you know, I really wish time would stop at this moment so I could hold you like this forever!"

Li Jiyong’s heart trembled inexplicably, and he couldn't help but take Di Yutong’s hand.

"Could you take me to the entrance of my dormitory building?" Di Yutong finally got off the bike.

"Sure!" Li Jiyong nodded.

He had visited Yunzhou University many times in his previous life. Although the campus had changed, he knew that the way to the dorms was definitely not in this direction. However, he didn't point it out. Di Yutong had led him on a long detour just to spend a little more time alone with him. It was hardest to let down the kindness of a beautiful woman, yet he couldn't abandon Su Wanqing. He vaguely remembered Lin Chao’s words, but that was just a passing thought. Laws and morality were not things one could ignore just by saying, "I do."

Ahead was a path lined with willow trees, the streetlights dim. Di Yutong clung to Li Jiyong’s arm as they walked along the roadside. Even though it was past nine, there were still scattered couples chatting on benches or under the willows, whispering sweet nothings.

Di Yutong held his arm until they reached the front of the dormitory building, then reluctantly let go. At that moment, there was a crowd gathered in front of the girls' dormitory.

"What’s going on? Why aren't they going back to their dorms this late?" Li Jiyong asked curiously.

"It must be someone acting crazy again, confessing to a girl with candles and roses. It’s so silly!" Di Yutong remarked, though her eyes seemed to carry a flicker of expectation. But as she glanced at Li Jiyong, that expectant gaze faded.

"Alright, go on in!" Li Jiyong waved at her.

"Hmm. Remember, you’re coming on the trip with me. Don't stand me up, or I’ll break off our friendship!"

"Don't worry, I keep my word!"

Di Yutong circled around the crowd and walked toward the dormitory. Li Jiyong stood outside, ready to watch the drama. He was quite tall, and even without squeezing into the front, he saw a young man in a suit and tie holding a large bouquet of roses, surrounded by a heart-shaped arrangement of candles. The candles were already lit; he seemed to be waiting for the leading lady.

Suddenly, the protagonist’s eyes lit up—he had seen his leading lady arrive.

"Yutong, I love you!"

The sudden shout left Di Yutong stunned. She turned back to see the sunny, handsome young man standing in the circle of candles. She paused for a moment.

Li Jiyong, who had been watching the spectacle from the crowd, was instantly frozen. *Damn, this is so cliché!* He felt inexplicably annoyed, though he said nothing, keeping his eyes on Di Yutong, who stood on the steps at the dormitory entrance.

After a moment of hesitation, Di Yutong searched the crowd, her eyes landing on Li Jiyong. Then, with a smile, she turned and walked down the steps. The onlookers willingly parted to make way for her. College students were a sentimental bunch, and many were willing to help a romantic gesture succeed.

"Yutong, I love you. Be my girlfriend, and I will love you with all my heart!"

An empty, hollow confession—Li Jiyong gave it a thumbs down.

Di Yutong didn't speak; she walked into the heart made of candles.

"What’s your name? Are you serious? I don't even know you!" Di Yutong said casually.

"Yutong, we danced together at the orientation party. I fell in love with you at first sight. My name is Qu Zhihang, a junior in the finance department and vice-chairman of the student union. My father works for the Pingzhou Municipal Committee, and my mother does business in Pingzhou. I’m not saying this to brag, just to tell you I’m serious, and I can give you a high-quality life..."

Looks, talent, family background—it all seemed perfect, and he seemed very sincere.

Di Yutong didn't respond; instead, she looked at Li Jiyong and asked calmly, "Should I say yes to him?"

Li Jiyong felt a sudden sense of suffocation. Rationally, perhaps this Qu Zhihang was a decent match. But Li Jiyong couldn't bring himself to tell her to accept. If it were Di Yutong’s own choice, he would have nothing to say and would offer his blessings as long as the man was reliable. But for this man, whose name Di Yutong didn't even know, to ask her to accept so rashly was just too ridiculous. He had seen too many men in suits and ties who were nothing but hypocrites.

Because of Di Yutong’s gaze, Li Jiyong was immediately spotted. The people in front of him had moved aside, and Qu Zhihang turned to look at him, his brow furrowed, a flicker of malice in his eyes. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a warm smile.

"Is this your brother?"

From that subtle change, Li Jiyong didn't like Qu Zhihang at all. At the very least, he wouldn't let Di Yutong date this guy so carelessly.

"I don't have a brother. He is the man I’ve been chasing for eighteen years and haven't caught. If he agrees, I’ll go with you tonight!"

That sentence drew a gasp from the crowd!

Qu Zhihang’s expression shifted instantly. He took a deep breath and walked toward Li Jiyong. "Hello, how should I address you?"

"Li Jiyong!"

"Yutong values you highly. I hope you can bless our love!"

Li Jiyong let out a dismissive laugh. "Yutong doesn't even know you. 'Love'—don't you think that’s laughable?"

"It was love at first sight for me," Qu Zhihang said earnestly.

"All 'love at first sight' is just lust at first sight!"

As Li Jiyong finished, a burst of laughter erupted from the crowd.

"Classic! 'All love at first sight is just lust at first sight!'"

"If anyone says that to me from now on, I’m spitting in their face!"

Qu Zhihang swallowed his anger. "Having more friends means having more paths!"

"Paths are divided into those that lead to life and those that lead to death. If you make the wrong friends and get tricked, that’s a dead end. I’d rather not have that kind of path!"

"Don't go too far. There are some people you can't afford to provoke!" Qu Zhihang longed to punch him.

"That’s true. There are indeed some people I can't afford to provoke. I wonder if you have that kind of strength? Let me hear it—how many hundreds of millions is your family’s business worth?"

Qu Zhihang gasped in frustration. Hundreds of millions—in all of Changjiang, how many billionaires could you even find?

"Hmph, there are at least twenty or thirty million!"

Twenty or thirty million in this era was quite impressive—equivalent to a hundred apartments, and in thirty years, it would be at least three to five hundred million.

"Tsk, twenty or thirty million isn't much! How high-ranking is your father?"

Qu Zhihang clenched his fists. "Just a deputy bureau-level official!"

*Just* a deputy bureau-level official! Li Jiyong was stunned for a second.

Qu Zhihang thought Li Jiyong was scared and was feeling triumphant, only to hear Li Jiyong say with an expression of anger, "Damn, just a deputy bureau-level official? The members of the Provincial Standing Committee of Changjiang come to my house every year to drink with my father. Just two days ago, I was having dinner with the municipal party secretary. Should I be even more arrogant than you? Just a deputy bureau-level official, and you really think you’re a 'second-generation official'!"

Wasn't a deputy bureau-level official a "second-generation official"? However, few people likely believed Li Jiyong’s words. The clothes Li Jiyong wore looked like cheap market goods, so he was likely bluffing.

"Here’s a thousand yuan. Take it and get lost, don't look for trouble!" Qu Zhihang pulled out his wallet and took out a stack of cash.

"What the hell do you mean by that?" Li Jiyong’s expression darkened instantly.

"We’re both smart people. It’s just for fun, don't make things difficult for yourself. Two thousand at most—enough for you to find ten women..." Qu Zhihang leaned in and whispered in Li Jiyong’s ear.

"You bastard!"

Li Jiyong exploded, swinging a punch. Qu Zhihang’s two teeth flew out. He staggered, and before he could steady himself, Li Jiyong kicked him in the chest. Qu Zhihang flew more than two meters and landed on the ground, nearly gasping for air from the pain.

"You son of a bitch, stay away from Yutong. You’re scum. If I ever see you pestering Yutong again, I’ll destroy you!"

Li Jiyong hadn't fought in a long time, but just then, he really couldn't hold back.

"Hee hee, you look so handsome when you fight!" Di Yutong giggled and walked toward Li Jiyong.

"Young Master Qu!"

"You're looking for death! How dare you hit Young Master Qu? Kill him!"

Five or six students, all looking quite muscular, rushed up. It was unclear if they were Qu Zhihang’s classmates or his drinking buddies. They surrounded Li Jiyong.

In the crowd, Wei Min, who was in the same dormitory as Di Yutong, stepped out.

"Yutong!"

"Xiao Min, you’re here too? Where’s your Fang Zhan?"

"You still have the heart to watch? These guys are from the school basketball team; they’re always fighting..."

"It’s fine. Jiyong is great at fighting; these guys are just appetizers. He looks the most handsome when he’s fighting!"

Wei Min tried to say more, but one of the guys surrounding Li Jiyong swung a punch, only for Li Jiyong to grab his arm and throw him over his shoulder onto the ground. The others, who looked even more burly than Li Jiyong, were no match for him.

"He’s so strong!" Wei Min said in surprise.

"Of course, he is... my protector!" Di Yutong paused, a touch of sadness in her eyes.

"Right, stay away from this Qu Zhihang in the future!"

"Hee hee, I’m not that stupid!"

"Then why were you playing with him like that? You’re a girl; you’ll get hurt!"

"I have the 'kick-to-the-balls' move. If anyone is tired of living, I’ll send them on their way!"

While they were talking, Li Jiyong had finished the fight.

"Hi, what a coincidence!" Wei Min waved at Li Jiyong.

"It is a coincidence. I’m leaving, or someone will call the police soon!" Li Jiyong waved back.

"Wait..." Di Yutong ran over.

"What’s wrong?" Li Jiyong asked.

But before he could react, Di Yutong threw her arms around his neck and, giving him no choice, kissed him! Li Jiyong was stunned. Di Yutong clearly didn't know how to kiss; she just pressed her lips against his. A unique fragrance filled his senses, making his breathing quicken, and he couldn't help but cradle the back of her neck.

Her first kiss—Di Yutong’s first kiss!

He instinctively responded, his mind wandering.

"Together!"

"Together!"

"Together!"

The students cheered, especially since Li Jiyong’s fighting moves had been so cool.