SDS: Chapter 55
"We’re Each Other’s First Love"
Tang Keyi frowned, immediately jumping to Qin Zhiyan’s defense.
"He’s usually incredibly attentive! I just didn’t remind him because I knew the Qin family had important matters that day—I didn’t want to distract him. It’s not like he’s as free as I am. Fine then, I’ll spend my birthday with you instead."
"Pfft—who wants to spend it with you?" Han Qiuqiu deliberately needled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I’m just your second-choice backup plan."
"Oh, come on, Young Master Han! It’s not like you have anyone else to spend Valentine’s Day with either. Bros before woes!" Tang Keyi raised his glass.
After a beat, Han Qiuqiu clinked his drink against Tang Keyi’s in reluctant agreement.
"Since the mighty Tang shaoye lacks nothing, this year’s birthday gift will be a horse. Once spring hits, we’ll go riding—pick any one you like from my family’s stables."
Tang Keyi’s face lit up. The Han family was renowned for their prized horses, and their stock was unmatched.
"Just wait till I pick the best one. Don’t come crying to me afterward."
"Take your pick!" Han Qiuqiu flicked his eyebrows arrogantly before leaning in, gossip sparking in his eyes. "So… how far have you two gotten? Have you kissed yet?"
"Yeah… here, and here." Tang Keyi pointed to his forehead and cheek.
Han Qiuqiu’s jaw dropped.
"You’ve been together for almost a month and you haven’t even properly kissed? Is Qin Zhiyan just not into you, or is he… y’know, incapable?"
Tang Keyi recalled the cinema incident and mumbled,
"He’s definitely capable…"
"Then I’m starting to doubt if he even likes you for real."
"Ugh, we’re both first-timers, okay? Can’t we be pure and innocent?" Tang Keyi retorted.
"Don’t compare us to a seasoned player like you."
"Whatever. You two ‘pure and innocent’ lovebirds take your sweet time."
Han Qiuqiu rolled his eyes.
——
Li Mingxing and his entourage had just parked at the club when one of his lackeys pointed excitedly at a corner.
"Mingxing, check out that car! It’s MB’s latest limited edition! How many people in the capital can even afford this?"
Before Li Mingxing could respond, another chimed in,
"Not just limited—it’s custom. Remember? At Old Madam Tang’s birthday banquet, President Qin auctioned off MB’s customization rights. She won the bid. You think she’d drive this?"
"Wait… so this is Tang Keyi’s?"
"That obnoxious red is totally his flashy style. Look at the monogram on the handle—his initials!"
"Damn, it really is!"
As they gawked, the owner of the car suddenly appeared.
Tang Keyi and Han Qiuqiu hadn’t expected to run into Li Mingxing’s group on their way out.
Han Qiuqiu smirked. "Li Mingxing, hitting the club this late?"
"We’re just leaving," Tang Keyi added, spotting their designated driver. "Oh, our ride’s here." He waved.
Li Mingxing studied their flushed, tipsy faces but only nodded silently as they drove off.
"What’s there to be proud of? It’s not like President Qin gave him that car."
"Right? Everyone’s just waiting for the day Qin dumps him."
"Hahaha, it’ll be hilarious—"
Li Mingxing’s expression darkened. After a long pause, he suddenly whipped around, his glare venomous.
"Who the hell do you think you are? Even if he becomes a joke, you aren’t worthy of laughing at him."
"Li… Li shao? I thought you hated Tang Keyi?"
"Whether I hate him is my business. Watch your fucking mouths."
The hangers-on—all from minor families dependent on the Lis—immediately shrank back, stammering apologies.
——
In the backseat of the MB, Han Qiuqiu nudged Tang Keyi. "Why didn’t Li Mingxing talk trash today? Bet he was shook by your car."
"Who knows? Doesn’t matter." Tang Keyi yawned, tipsy and drowsy.
"Guess not."
——
To Tang Keyi’s surprise, he ran into Li Mingxing again days later—this time at a luxury watch boutique.
He’d stopped by after work, intrigued by their Valentine’s Day couples’ collection. But the moment he stepped into the VIP lounge, he froze.
Li Mingxing was there, having just made a purchase. As he turned to leave, he overheard the salesperson pitching the couples’ watches to Tang Keyi.
"Planning to gift one to Qin Zhiyan?"
Tang Keyi browsed halfheartedly. "Just looking. He’s picky—might not even buy anything."
"Tang Keyi." Li Mingxing’s voice was uncharacteristically solemn. "You’ve always acted so high and mighty. How can you debase yourself like this for Qin Zhiyan? Do you really like him that much?"
"Who’s ‘debasing’ themselves?!"
For a second, Tang Keyi thought Li Mingxing was mocking him—but his expression was oddly earnest, almost… concerned.
"Qin Zhiyan would never genuinely love someone like you." Li Mingxing held his gaze, deadly serious.
"Oh? So he’d love you instead?" Tang Keyi snapped, recalling Li Mingxing’s failed sauna seduction attempt.
Li Mingxing’s eyes flickered. "I’m not interested in him. I only approached him before to one-up you."
Something in his tone made Tang Keyi pause. Against his better judgment, he explained, "You have no idea how clingy Qin Zhiyan is, or how much he adores me. Save your worries."
The words had the opposite effect. "Clingy?" Li Mingxing scoffed. "No one would ever use that word for Qin Zhiyan. Stop lying to yourself."
Fuming, Tang Keyi abandoned the watches and stormed out. "Believe what you want!"
——
Qin Corporation.
"Be good. Stop squirming and sleep."
During their afternoon nap, Qin Zhiyan pinned a restless Tang Keyi against his chest, gently patting his back until he stilled.
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