Deep in the Night - Chapter 6

DITN: Chapter 6

Fang Jin stared at Gu Yuan, dumbfounded. After a long pause, he finally managed to say, “I’m sorry.”

“What good does ‘sorry’ do? Where the hell were you last night? You ignored over twenty calls! You weren’t back all night, were you? Even a corpse could have heard me banging on your door!”

Fang Jin hadn’t expected Gu Yuan to be so fixated on the details. After another long pause, he forced out, “I… I was sleeping with a fever. I really didn’t hear anything.”

Gu Yuan frowned, scrutinizing him sharply for a moment. Then he suddenly strode over to the bathtub.

Fang Jin’s only reaction was to jerk violently, burying his mouth and everything below his nose deep into the hot water. But in the next instant, to his disbelief, Gu Yuan reached out and pressed his hand against Fang Jin’s forehead for a moment before saying skeptically, “You’re just flushed from the hot water, aren’t you?”

Fang Jin splashed a hand out of the water, gesturing wildly at him to get out.

“Water got on me!” Gu Yuan said irritably. He was wearing a formal shirt and trousers, top-quality custom-made attire, which looked oddly out of place in the steamy bathroom. His relentless gaze and probing questions made his demeanor even more aggressive. “Were you this careless when working as Gu Mingzong’s assistant? Why didn’t you answer your phone? Was it on silent? Were you deliberately ignoring it? Why didn’t you call to report your illness?”

Fang Jin shrank into the bathtub, so embarrassed he could barely speak, his eyes watering from the steam.

“I only brought you as my assistant this time!” Gu Yuan said, jabbing his finger at Fang Jin’s forehead. “There are six more days of receptions and conferences left. Falling ill without even notifying me will cause me a lot of trouble! Do you know how much your monthly bonus is?”

Fang Jin’s ears turned crimson, as if they might bleed. After a long pause, he shook his head while maintaining the awkward position of his face half-submerged in the water, his eyes pleading for Gu Yuan to stop.

Gu Yuan was about to continue lecturing when his gaze fell on the faintly visible neck and shoulders beneath the water’s surface, and the deeper-set collarbones. Suddenly, he felt a lump in his throat.

The atmosphere had grown strangely tense, perhaps due to the stifling heat of the bathroom. Gu Yuan suddenly felt the oppressive steam, sweat even forming on the muscles of his lower back.

“…Gu Yuan stood up nonchalantly and said coldly, “Hurry up and get out when you’re done!” Then he turned and walked out.

A moment later, Fang Jin peered out from the bathroom, wrapped in a bathrobe. He saw Gu Yuan sitting on the bed with his back to him, flipping through documents with a crisp rustle. “Are you done yet?”

Fang Jin quickly grabbed the clothes from the bed, rolled them up, and retreated into the bathroom to close the door.

When he emerged a few minutes later, he was fully dressed, his shirt neatly buttoned all the way to the top. Only then did Gu Yuan turn around, holding the German contract Fang Jin had been reviewing, and a thermometer.

Fang Jin was at a complete loss for words. After months as Gu Yuan’s assistant, this was the first time he’d felt the urge to shove Gu Yuan out and slam the door in his face.

Ignoring Fang Jin’s expression, Gu Yuan casually tossed the thermometer over. “Here.”

Fang Jin stood frozen for a long moment before, under Gu Yuan’s intense gaze, he finally picked up the thermometer and inserted it into his ear. A beep sounded the next second. Gu Yuan snatched the device, glanced at the reading, and raised an eyebrow.

“36.8 degree Celsius.”

Fang Jin wanted to cry, but no tears came. “I really felt better this morning…”

Gu Yuan tapped the thick contract in his hand, covered in annotations and analysis. “Considering your work has been… adequate, I’ll let this slide this time. This is a one-time exception. Any future incidents, and I’ll fire you without mercy. Understood?”

Fang Jin’s heart skipped a beat as he stared at Gu Yuan, wide-eyed. His face, caught between a desire to protest and a helpless confusion, seemed almost innocent, as if he hadn’t fully processed what he’d just heard.

For some reason, this gaze stirred an inexplicable feeling in Gu Yuan. If he paused to analyze it, this sensation bore an uncanny resemblance to what he’d experienced in the bathroom earlier—a peculiar, tingling, almost indescribable sensation.

He instinctively swallowed, suppressing the unsettling feeling. “Did you hear me?”

“…Yes,” Fang Jin murmured.

Gu Yuan finally relented and beckoned Fang Jin over to review the contract with him.

After returning from Britain, Gu Yuan had taken over Mingda Transport, a long-distance shipping company owned by the Gu Group, and a telecommunications firm in which the group held shares. Fang Jin’s presence wasn’t solely a concession to Gu Mingzong; he was genuinely valuable for his expertise in both sectors.

Fang Jin had earned his master’s degree in finance and banking from Germany, and Mingda Transport’s primary ship supplier was a German company, requiring frequent collaboration with German experts. Additionally, during his time with Gu Mingzong, Fang Jin had reportedly assisted with telecommunications projects, gaining experience in the industry’s financial operations and financial statement analysis—areas where Gu Yuan’s previous trusted aides lacked expertise.

When Fang Jin first joined, Gu Yuan observed him coldly for some time. As an assistant, he proved exceptionally competent: meticulous, thorough, and comprehensive in his approach, always executing tasks to the letter. Most importantly, he remained silent unless asked for his opinion.

Later, Gu Yuan subtly tested Fang Jin several times, and the results were satisfactory. Gradually, he began entrusting him with increasingly important contracts and documents to handle.

“Global oil prices are volatile, and the shipping industry is in a slump. These days, foreign shipyards are practically giving away their vessels at fire sale prices. Once we take delivery of the ships in the second half of the year and resell them, we’ll at least double our investment.” Gu Yuan held up three fingers. “In US dollars. I’ve already secured buyers for the downstream market.”

Fang Jin, seated beside him, listened intently before asking, “But where will we draw the initial capital from?”

“If bank interest rates remain stable, we’ll fund it from our project with Mingda Transport. We’ll receive the payment soon.” Gu Yuan paused, deep in thought, then added, “Based on my calculations, the rates should remain stable. Later, show me the background investigation report on Mingda again.”

Unlike Gu Mingzong, who had already secured his position at the top and only needed to monitor macro trends from his perch, Gu Yuan was burdened with a vast array of intricate and complex managerial duties.

When Fang Jin first joined his team, he was secretly amazed by Gu Yuan’s boundless energy. He would sometimes crash at 2 or 3 AM after a networking event, only to rise early the next morning and work efficiently for 13 or 14 hours straight, his mind operating with computer-like precision.

Even more impressively, he could manage multiple critical projects simultaneously without missing a beat. All connections, project progress, financial flows, and short-term plans were organized in his mind like a detailed map, never faltering or making mistakes.

A man working diligently is the most attractive, Gu Yuan thought. He used a pen to underline key points in the contract, Fang Jin’s gaze lingering on his profile—those deep-set eyes, straight nose bridge, and slightly stunned expression.

“Alright, I still need to prepare my speech for tonight’s reception.” Gu Yuan snapped the file shut and looked up. “What’s wrong?”

Fang Jin abruptly averted his gaze, focusing on the contract cover. “Nothing.”

“…”

Gu Yuan seemed about to speak, but the words vanished from his mind.

He suddenly realized that he and Fang Jin were both sitting on the bed. The fresh, post-bath scent in the air—some floral and fruity soap fragrance—made him want to lean in closer and take a deeper breath.

What scent is that? the thought suddenly popped into Gu Yuan’s mind.

Asking the housekeeper should tell me. All guest room amenities are probably standardized.

As Gu Yuan considered this, he suddenly felt something was off about sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Fang Jin on the bed. The strange feeling he had just suppressed surged back, stronger than before, leaving him momentarily unsure where to put his hands or where to look.

In his daze, the fragrant steam was the only thing that remained clear, its scent invading his nostrils. Gu Yuan held his breath, his mind going blank for a moment.

“Since you’re sick, you should rest,” Gu Yuan said coldly, standing up. “Don’t disappear again tonight, and answer your phone when I call.”

“Yes,” Fang Jin replied softly.

Gu Yuan grunted in acknowledgment, his expression remaining impassive. He set down his documents, circled the large bed, and walked out of the guest room.

The moment he closed the door, he couldn’t resist glancing back. Through the crack, he saw Fang Jin turn to look at him. For a fleeting instant, a hint of sadness seemed to flicker in his subordinate’s eyes, so faint it was like a diluted inkbrush stroke on rice paper.

Gu Yuan wanted to see more clearly, but the door clicked shut before he could.

Is he still upset about me threatening to fire him earlier?

Did I go too far?

For several long seconds, Gu Yuan stared at the door, his doubts growing. For a split second, he felt an impulse to push the door open again and explain himself.

But then he remembered: as the boss, it wasn’t wrong to make a small threat. It was clearly Fang Jin’s own fault for having such a fragile heart as a subordinate.

Yes, it’s all his fault for being so fragile.

Gu Yuan took a deep breath and turned away with a blank expression.

That evening, Fang Jin kept his promise and arrived at the banquet hall before the reception began, impeccably dressed. Gu Yuan, busy preparing his welcome speech, nodded curtly at him without reprimanding him and walked away.

The guests were mostly senior executives from the Gu Group and managers from various branches. Gu Yuan’s speech openly declared Gu Mingzong’s approval of his eldest son. Standing by the long banquet table, Fang Jin clapped along with the crowd while stealing glances at Chi Wanru, who stood nearby. Her exquisite makeup and serene smile betrayed no hint of displeasure.

After all these years in the Gu family, she’s truly a seasoned veteran.

Behind her stood a young woman in a pale gold gown, likely her niece. Fang Jin took a closer look. She was undeniably stunning, with features that exuded an alluring European elegance. Her fair skin, crimson lips, and long, jet-black hair, fastened in an elegant bun with a gemstone hairband, accentuated her striking beauty. Her tall, curvaceous figure and refined demeanor made her perhaps even more captivating than a young Chi Wanru.

Fang Jin felt a pang of surprise.

He had expected a twinge of sadness, but instead found himself genuinely pleased.

Such a beauty is truly worthy of Gu Yuan.

If they stood together, anyone would think they were a golden boy and jade maiden.

Fang Jin thought this, and his clapping gradually slowed. Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gu Mingzong, standing behind Gu Yuan on the raised platform, glance down and lock eyes with him in the crowd. An almost imperceptible smile flickered across the elder man’s face.

Fang Jin’s heart skipped a beat. He turned just in time to see Gu Yuan bow and set down the microphone. Gu Mingzong stepped forward and began delivering a courteous speech of thanks to the guests.

The fleeting, enigmatic smile seemed to have never existed. Fang Jin wondered if he had imagined it, standing stiffly in place.

After the speeches concluded, the reception officially began. Gu Yuan flowed through the crowd, politely fielding conversation and toasts before striding away, the scent of alcohol clinging to him. Fang Jin quickly retrieved a glass of soda from the nearby buffet table and offered it to him.

Gu Yuan downed the soda in one gulp, then took the tray from Fang Jin and devoured half a peeled imperial shrimp in a single bite. After ravenously devouring half the tray, he wiped his mouth with a napkin held by Fang Jin and asked, “What did you eat?”

Fang Jin hadn’t expected this question. After a moment’s pause, he replied, “Just… a little of this and that. Do you need anything else?”

Gu Yuan shook his head and casually grabbed a passing servant. “The congee with century eggs and lean meat we had at noon today was delicious. Bring me a bowl.”

As the servant hurried off to fetch the dish, Fang Jin asked, “Why suddenly crave that?”

“It’s for you.”

“…For me?”

“Didn’t you say you had a fever?”

“…But you didn’t believe me.”

Gu Yuan replied coldly, “I’m just playing along with your act.”

Fang Jin was speechless. He sensed something was wrong with this logic, but he couldn’t immediately put his finger on what.

Just then, the servant returned with a small bowl of steaming congee. Fang Jin, unable to refuse, began sipping the congee under Gu Yuan’s piercing gaze. The Gu family’s chef was truly skilled—the century eggs were fragrant and rich, the lean meat tender and distinct, and the dish was garnished with slivered ginger, sesame oil, chopped scallions, and cilantro. The pearl rice was white, round, and sticky, melting in his mouth. Yet drinking congee in this opulent setting, surrounded by luxurious scents and elegant figures, felt strangely out of place. Fang Jin stole glances around him, hoping no one would notice him.

Gu Yuan impatiently tapped his diamond-encrusted Vacheron Constantin watch. “Hurry up. The next round of toasts is starting, and I want to take a stroll outside.”

Fortunately, their corner was relatively secluded. Fang Jin finished the congee furtively, hastily wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Having just finished drinking something hot and vigorously wiping his mouth, Gu Yuan’s lips glistened with a faint red under the banquet hall’s brilliant lights.

Gu Yuan’s gaze instinctively lingered on them before he forced himself to look away, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Done? I drank too quickly during the reception earlier. Come outside with me for some fresh air.”

It would be a lie to say Gu Yuan’s life as the eldest son of a wealthy family wasn’t lavish, but it wasn’t as comfortable as outsiders imagined. He lost his birth mother at a young age, and Gu Mingzong, knowing that boys raised by household maids never amounted to anything, maintained an icy demeanor toward all his personal attendants, strictly forbidding any indulgence or pampering. During his teenage years in England, Gu Yuan was sent to the family-owned farm during every holiday to build his physique and gain practical experience. He learned to brew beer, care for horses, and milk cows. While other wealthy heirs partied on yachts with beautiful women, Gu Yuan was learning to ride racehorses on English country estates, nearly breaking his neck in a fall once.

Upon returning from Britain, Gu Yuan immediately took over a struggling shipping company and a telecommunications project that had been hemorrhaging losses year after year without showing any signs of profit. He moved out of the Gu family mansion and settled into a luxurious apartment in the city center, near his office. He only returned to the family home for large-scale celebrations like birthdays, New Year’s parties, and business thank-you dinners—where Gu Mingzong genuinely used him as a worker. The cunning, ruthless elders of the group were all left for his son to handle.

Outside the banquet hall, colorful lights adorned the garden, the fountain’s gentle trickle accompanied by the distant melody of a string quartet. Gu Yuan loosened his tight tie, the cool breeze instantly sobering him up.

Fang Jin followed behind him. Suddenly, Gu Yuan asked, “Did you see that Chi Qiu?”

“Who?”

“Chi Wanru’s niece.”

Fang Jin’s throat tightened. After a long pause, he carefully replied, “She’s… very pretty.”

“Beauty doesn’t pay the bills,” Gu Yuan scoffed. “Do you think I don’t know she was adopted? The Chi family’s status is low enough, and Chi Wanru hatched this scheme to disgust me. And to think they even brought in an adopted girl to fill the quota! You weren’t there yesterday, but she actually told me in front of her father to ‘get along well with the young lady.’ I shot her down on the spot…”

Fang Jin was startled. “Why did you snap at her?”

“I said that Gu Yang should be taken care of by her cousin, not me,” Gu Yuan retorted coldly. “Leaving her a shred of dignity? She thinks she’s my stepmother now?”

Fang Jin didn’t know how to respond. After a long pause, he offered, “As long as you know the truth, that’s what matters.”

Gu Yuan’s moods were unpredictable around outsiders, but he spoke bluntly to trusted subordinates. He was about to mock her further when a graceful figure flashed by in the distance—Chi Qiu.

Was it a coincidence or deliberate?

Gu Yuan had witnessed countless underhanded schemes from his subordinates. He’d never been associated with phrases like “first love” or “butterflies in the stomach.” To him, so-called romantic encounters fell into two categories: clumsy attempts at manipulation that backfired, or calculated schemes that somehow succeeded. As for “fate,” it didn’t exist. Coincidences were too rare to explain such encounters.

A mischievous idea struck him. He abruptly grabbed Fang Jin and dragged him to the roadside.

“You…”

Gu Yuan pressed his hand over Fang Jin’s mouth, then pulled him into a tight embrace and pressed their faces together.

“……!”

Fang Jin felt as if he’d been struck by lightning. His breath stopped, his heart seemed to skip a beat, and a wave of numbness spread from the depths of his brain throughout his entire body.

He couldn’t move or make a sound. All his senses vanished, leaving only a hazy awareness of Gu Yuan’s face pressed against his cheek, his breath puffing against his ear. In the dim light, it looked as if they were kissing.

What’s happening?

…Am I dreaming?

Fang Jin’s mind went blank. The moment felt like mere seconds, yet also an eternity. Suddenly, a sound came from nearby, and a pale golden glimpse of a skirt swished back into the bushes behind Gu Yuan.

It’s Chi Wanru’s niece.

Only then did Fang Jin realize what had happened. His heart gradually resumed its beat, and all the blood in his body rushed to his face and hands, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

Gu Yuan held Fang Jin until the footsteps faded, then released him and rasped, “Sorry about that. I had to put on a show for her. You…”

He stopped speaking, almost unconsciously. Fang Jin’s fair, delicate profile was flushed crimson, as if blood might drip from it, while his eyes, glistening with tears in the dim light, seemed to hold the reflection of the entire starry sky.

Gu Yuan was stunned.

The distant night music and voices gradually faded away, leaving only the late breeze rustling through the grass, its sound filling the air.

Why does he look so much like a girl? Gu Yuan thought, his mind racing.

Why is his face so red, and his eyes so wet? Is he angry?

What if he starts crying? Will he suddenly resign?

Gu Yuan’s lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to speak, but his throat felt constricted, preventing any sound from escaping. Suddenly, he realized he was still gripping Fang Jin’s arm tightly. He released it as if stung by an electric shock, his palm burning as if scalded.

“You…” Gu Yuan stammered.

At that precise moment, he suddenly noticed a mark beneath Fang Jin’s collar.

The colorful lights from the distant garden cast a dim glow over the scene, their proximity making them appear brighter than they would at a distance. Gu Yuan, standing taller than Fang Jin, looked down at him from above. From this angle, he could clearly see the mark.

It was a love bite.

Gu Yuan’s mind reeled as if struck by a hammer, a single thought consuming him: So he really did it last night!

No wonder he didn’t answer my calls! No wonder he lied to me today!

He went to see someone else!

A surge of fury, born of betrayal and deception, engulfed Gu Yuan’s heart. It was sudden, violent, and overwhelming, leaving him no time to think or react. He was instantly consumed by the raging impulse.

He gritted his teeth, staring at Fang Jin, his chest heaving. After a long pause, he opened his mouth but said nothing.

Then, with a decisive turn, he strode across the lawn and walked away.

“……”

Fang Jin stood frozen, utterly bewildered. He watched Gu Yuan stride across the garden toward the banquet hall, his eyes wide with shock.

What… what just happened? Does he find me repulsive?

Repulsive.

The thought surfaced almost instinctively, causing Fang Jin’s expression to shift abruptly, as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over his internal organs.

No, no, no, it’s not necessarily like that, Fang Jin reassured himself, a note of panic creeping into his thoughts. Maybe he just suddenly remembered something urgent. Gu Yuan has always been moody and unpredictable. Or perhaps he felt that this clumsy prank made him lose face in front of Chi Qiu…

The faint glimmer of joy that had secretly blossomed amidst his earlier panic was now completely drowned out by terror. Fang Jin’s limbs felt weak and unresponsive. He stood frozen in place for a long moment before slowly turning around, his steps heavy.

He intended to return to the banquet hall, but in the next instant, his pupils contracted sharply—

Two figures stood on the balcony of the second floor of the auditorium, turning to leave. Their silhouettes were all too familiar to him.

Gu Mingzong and Chi Wanru.

They must have witnessed everything from their vantage point above.