The Silent Strength of Arden Li Chapter 9

The weather was getting colder. Arden Li was afraid of the cold and put on a woolen sweater early.

Shao Qun rarely came to him since he came back from the hot spring last time. He didn't know if he was too sensitive. He felt that Shao Qun's attitude was a bit cold. Occasionally, I will be picky when I come here, like now.

"Why don't you open the window? There is an unpleasant smell in the house. Can't you even smell it?"

Arden Li quickly opened the floor-to-ceiling window, and a cold wind rushed in. He shivered and put on another coat.

Shao Qun looked at him like he was a monster and turned on the air conditioner: "You don't know how to turn on the air conditioner."

Arden Li said: "The electricity bill is expensive."

When he used to work in a hotel, he heard that the air conditioner consumed the most electricity.

Shao Qun said loudly: "You have caught a cold, and the treatment will be more expensive. You can't even do the calculations, so you still need to learn accounting."

Arden Li thought that Shao Qun might have encountered something bad again. He was particularly angry today, so he didn't want to get into trouble with him, so he silently went into the kitchen to cook.

Compared with the gentle gentleman Shao Qun was when they first met again, Shao Qun now is a completely different person. The longer they get along, the more Arden Li realizes that this person is domineering, conceited, ill-tempered, and sometimes even unreasonable.

My living habits are also not very good. I throw my clothes and keys around as soon as I enter the house. I get angry when I can't find them before I go out. I kick the broom away when it falls on the ground and blocks the way. I will never help it up. I'm obviously used to being beaten. Serve.

Arden Li is tolerant of all these, and he is willing to take care of Shao Qun in this way--if it can make the two people get along more harmoniously. But recently, Shao Qun's attitude made him feel more and more that Shao Qun came to him just to do that.

After cooking a table of dishes and eating only a few bites, Shao Qun dragged him into the bedroom and vented all his desires for the past few days.

Arden Li was a little hurt by his roughness and lay on the bed for a long time, not wanting to move.

Shao Qun stood up and left the bedroom, then came in again and threw a document in front of him.

Arden Li picked up the document and looked at it, but didn't understand it: "What is this?"

Shao Qun sat on the bedside, lit a cigarette, and said slowly: "This is a gift for you."

"...What?"

Shao Qun opened the document and pointed to the signature: "Sign here, and this house will be yours."

Arden Li was startled, as if his hand had been burned, and let go of the document: "Why...why?"

"You deserve it. You've been with me for more than half a year. You've done a great job."

Arden Li thought his tone was a bit strange. Isn't it right for him to be nice to him?

"I, I can't have it."

Shao Qun took out a pen from the bedside table and threw it to him: "Sign it. You have taken good care of me during this period. This house is a piece of my heart. I don't like to be in debt to others."

Arden Li's face was a little pale, and her heart ached a little: "You don't owe me, I take care of you, not for this."

Shao Qun blew out a smoke ring: "Cheng Xiu, we are already this age, how about being pragmatic? You have been in this city for so many years, and now that you are thirty, you don't even have a place to settle down. Why don't you think about yourself?" In the future of life? It doesn’t happen every day that someone gives you a house for free. Do you understand what I mean?

Arden Li shook his head, he didn't understand.

What did Shao Qun mean when he said these words? He could understand every word, but he couldn't understand the underlying meaning of Shao Qun's words.

Shao Qun impatiently picked up the pen and put it into his hand: "It will be good for you to sign. You will thank me in the future."

Arden Li threw away the pen in his hand, his body was shaking, and he said eloquently: "Shao Qun, this is not why I am following you."

Shao Qun almost blurted out, "Then why the hell are you really playing with my feelings, are you worthy of it?"

He looked at Arden Li's obviously hurt expression and swallowed his words.

He knows that Arden Li is obviously really attracted to him now. Although this makes him very happy, he hopes that Arden Li will be like everyone else and can take something and do whatever he wants when they break up in the future. Don't make a fool of yourself by crying, making trouble, and hanging yourself.

He didn't like to owe people anything, but Arden Li had to be stupid and refused to accept pie-in-the-sky pie. It would be good to have a relationship with him, because he would save a house.

Shao Qun threw the document on the ground, got out of bed, put on his clothes and left.

Arden Li huddled on the bed, feeling a little sore in his eyes. The longer they get along, the more obvious the differences between him and Shao Qun become. The anxiety generated by these differences gradually expanded his inner uneasiness.

Shao Qun did not appear again for more than ten consecutive days.

Arden Li called him, but he just said perfunctorily that he was too busy and hung up in a hurry. He felt uncomfortable, but he didn't want to offend Shao Qun, so he sent a text message every few days to say hello, but he didn't dare to make a phone call.

Shao Qun still comes occasionally, but only to eat, go to bed, and then fall asleep. He rarely holds him, reads and talks like before, and the sweetness between the two has obviously faded.

Arden Li thought of the book he had read and said that all partners get along like this. They are always very enthusiastic at the beginning, but gradually become dull. It's just that Shao Qun's enthusiasm lasted too short.

Seeing that winter was approaching, although Arden Li was worried, he did not delay his studies at all. He ranked among the best in three exams and finally got the opportunity to intern at Li Shuo's accounting firm.

Since then, he has classes every Monday and Wednesday and works on Tuesday and Thursday. Such a busy and fulfilling life made him feel relieved. He didn't have to stay alone in a cold house wondering if Shao Qun would come today. That feeling was even worse than the cold winter.

On his first day at work, Arden Li was wrapped like a rice dumpling. When he and two other interns were brought to Li Shuo's office to report, Li Shuo didn't recognize him at first sight.

The office is located in a high-end office building in the CBD, and the rent is staggeringly expensive.

Li Shuo is a very charismatic leader. Although he implements centralized management, his subordinates' personal worship of him permeates his work everywhere.

Li Shuo is handsome, funny, generous, and clear in rewards and punishments. Li Shuo can make every employee feel valued. Li Shuo is a perfect boss and a perfect man.

This is the conclusion Arden Li drew from others after only one week at work.

But Li Shuo also has a secret that is not a secret. Perhaps this man's only shortcoming is that he is gay.

He didn't hide it, but he never made it known. Li Shuo, a thirty-six-year-old diamond bachelor, avoided the trouble of being entangled by women just by using rumors, even though he was so popular with women.

Arden Li, like all the employees in the firm, was brainwashed and began to worship his boss. He imagined that one day he could become such an excellent accountant.

Although it is an internship, the nature of the work is basically doing odd jobs.

Since Li Shuo had a stake in the cram school, he gave three internship places as a marketing tool. In fact, there was no need for so many interns.

Arden Li's age is considered old even among regular employees. He wanted to learn more. Basically, he was doing the work of the other two interns, but he was very happy to do it. Checking the data over and over again was much happier than flipping the frying pan over and over again.

"Xiao Li."

Arden Li was binding materials in front of the copier. When he heard Li Shuo's voice, he immediately turned around: "Mr. Li."

Li Shuo handed the thing in his hand to him, glanced at the work in his hand, and said with a smile: "This is quite tedious, be careful not to make a mistake."

Arden Li nodded hurriedly.

"Make a copy of this for me and fax it to this number."

Arden Li had just learned how to use a copy machine. For several days, he spent most of his time wandering around this big machine. He neatly took the document from Li Shuo's hand and said, "Okay."

Li Shuo glanced at him appreciatively: "You work very hard. Diligence is a rare quality. You must keep it up."

"Um."

Arden Li finished his work and knocked on Li Shuo's office with the printed materials.

"Come in."

When Arden Li entered, Li Shuo was bent over looking for something on the bookshelf.

Arden Li put the information on the table: "Mr. Li, the information is here."

Li Shuo finally took out a book and turned around happily: "Here, Xiao Li, I'll give you this book."

Arden Li took it and looked at it. It was an accounting treatise, and the author's name was Li Shuo.

Li Shuo smiled and said, "I wrote it three years ago. I had a lot of experiences when I was taking the actuary exam in my early years, so I compiled a book. I think it's fairly easy to understand. I hope it can be helpful to you."

Arden Li was flattered and thanked him repeatedly.

"You're welcome, you're welcome, Xiao Li. I think you have great potential. You are careful and hardworking. If you do well, you can continue to work here after you graduate."

Arden Li opened his eyes in surprise: "Thank you, thank you, Mr. Li."

Li Shuo looked at him with a smile: "You're welcome."

When Arden Li returned to his desk and continued to check the data, the phone suddenly rang.

He was so embarrassed that he quickly pressed it down, then remembered that he had forgotten to mute it, because no one else would call him except Shao Qun, and Shao Qun hadn't called him for a long time.

As he picked up the phone and walked through the office to the corridor, the phone rang again, and he had no choice but to press it again.

When he reached the corridor, he pressed the call button with confidence: "Hello."

"How dare you hang up on me!" Shao Qun's angry voice came from the other side.

Arden Li explained: "I'm at work."

"Going to work? Are you going to work again?" Shao Qun raised his voice and became angry when he heard the word "going to work."

Shao Qun hadn't contacted him for so long that it was already his second week at work and he didn't have a chance to talk to Shao Qun. However, he felt that it wasn't a big deal and he couldn't keep it at home.

Arden Li said with a little excitement: "I am an intern at an accounting firm."

"Accounting firm? Which firm?"

"That's right, working with the cram school..."

Shao Qun paused for a moment and suddenly said sharply: "Is this the shareholder's office that sent you home last time?"

Arden Li was stunned by his tone, nodded, and then remembered that he couldn't see it, so he said: "Yes."

Shao Qun suddenly fell silent, and after a long time he gritted his teeth and said, "I'll find your address now."

Arden Li hesitated and said, "I'm here, working."

"address!"

Arden Li quickly told him the address, hung up the phone, and waited anxiously for Shao Qun to come over.

He didn't know why Shao Qun was angry. He would never know why Shao Qun was angry. Shao Qun had such a bad temper that anything could make him angry.

He looked at his watch. Fortunately, it was almost lunch break time.

When Shao Qun called him, it happened to be lunch break. Arden Li answered the phone and took the elevator directly to the underground parking lot.

This office building had three floors in the parking lot alone and looked eerie. Arden Li looked left and right for Shao Qun when a sudden sound of a horn startled him.

He turned around and saw Shao Qun driving a business car he had never seen before, wearing a suit and leather shoes, sitting in the driver's seat with an unhappy look on his face.

Arden Li hurried over, Shao Qun also got out of the car, opened the back seat door, and the two sat in the back seat together.

Shao Qun's face was filled with anger: "Why did you come to work here without telling me? Why are you able to work here? Did the shareholder let you in?"

Arden Li struggled to explain: "You were too busy, so you didn't say anything. My school has exams. If you get good grades three times, you can come here."

Shao Qun looked at him suspiciously: "Did you really get in?"

Arden Li nodded: "Really."

Shao Qun tugged on his clothes worriedly: "How old is that shareholder?"

"Almost forty."

Shao Qun's expression softened slightly: "I told you a long time ago not to go out to work. Not only did you work, but you didn't tell me, what's going on?"

"Shao Qun, I have to work, and it's boring to be alone at home."

"Boy, you can find something else to do. You can go shopping or go to a beauty salon. Anyway, I hope I can see you when I go back."

Arden Li was stunned: "I, I don't go shopping, I can learn knowledge by working. Besides, you rarely go back..."

Shao Qun frowned: "You think I don't have time to accompany you?"

Arden Li said hurriedly: "No, you are busy. I think if I am busy too, I won't be bored."

Shao Qun said angrily: "Then you can move in with me."

As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Shao Qun regretted them.

He never lived with Xiao Qinger. He would have to get her out in the future, which would be very troublesome. But looking at Arden Li's surprised expression, he didn't want to take his words back.

He felt that his appetite had been spoiled by Arden Li. He always felt that the food outside was not as delicious as Arden Li's. The hourly worker at home was not as good as Arden Li. Even a boy who was countless times younger and more beautiful than Arden Li and who could serve others was always worse. There is something unpolished that only Arden Li has.

He didn't know what was wrong with him. He was tired of Arden Li and went crazy outside for a month or so. But now he was tired of it again and felt that Arden Li was better.

Arden Li looked at him uncertainly: "Really?"

Shao Qun K!ssed him: "Really, so I quit my job so you can see me every day."

Arden Li's surprised expression dimmed for a moment: "Shao Qun, I can't quit. I like this job and am very happy."

Shao Qun frowned again: "You go to school and work, how can you have time to take care of me?"

Arden Li looked at him in embarrassment, "Shao Qun, I really don't want to resign. This is my opportunity, Shao Qun."

Shao Qun looked at his pleading expression and found it difficult to say harsh words.

He said before that he asked Arden Li to work at his place, but he just said casually that it was impossible for him to bring his personal life to work. If Arden Li had any bad influence on him, it would be more than worth the loss. But he couldn't make Arden Li resign for the time being. After all, he had neglected him for a while and had to coax him again. It was a bit inappropriate to mention this now.

Shao Qun decided to put this aside for now: "Okay, let's talk about it later."

Arden Li laughed again.

Shao Qun pulled him close to him and touched his waist: "Baby, I miss you, do you miss me?"

Arden Li whispered: "I want to."

Shao Qun smiled with satisfaction and put his hand into his pants...

Arden Li thought that when Shao Qun said they would live together, Shao Qun moved to the place where he lives now, but she didn't expect to ask him to move.

Shao Qun is really resolute in his work. The day after he said this, the elite Assistant Zhou arrived and brought movers with him.

It was not Arden Li's turn to intervene in the whole process. He was led into a small duplex villa with his belongings in one morning.

The lighting effect of the house is very good. As soon as you enter the house, you will feel like the sun is shining. The interior decoration is elegant and elegant, with mainly cool colors. Outside the floor-to-ceiling window was a gArden Li, with a large flower bed and a small fish pond. Arden Li felt that the air here was extremely fresh.

Assistant Zhou expressionlessly directed the workers to return the moved things to their respective places, and then said to Arden Li: "Mr. Li, please try to treat this place as your own home, but there are still some places that need attention. For example, Mr. Ellis's study room is not Please don't go in without his permission. Please don't move the things that Mr. Ellis usually uses. He will be angry if you can't find him. The plants and fish species in the gArden Li are very valuable and are usually cared for by dedicated personnel. Please don't water or feed them casually. "

Arden Li nodded awkwardly, not used to Assistant Zhou's cold and extremely polite tone.

Assistant Zhou looked at his watch before leaving: "Mr. Li, you can start preparing lunch. Mr. Ellis's office is very close to here. He said he would be back for lunch at noon."

"oh..."

Arden Li didn't have time to pack his things, so he got busy first. As soon as he finished cooking, Shao Qun came back.

As soon as Shao Qun entered the door, he was greeted by the tangy aroma of food and was in a good mood.

He didn't like outsiders coming in and out of his home at will. Except for the part-time workers and those who took care of the gArden Li, he usually had to find his own way to make meals, either eating out or going to Arden Li's place.

After eating outside for a long time, you will naturally feel nauseous. Being able to eat home-cooked food at home at noon is a great comfort to your stomach. In particular, the food made by Arden Li is really delicious. He now feels that the top hotel chef is nothing compared to his.

He went up to hug Arden Li and said coquettishly: "Honey, I'm back."

Arden Li blushed and felt as sweet as honey. She patted his back gently and said softly: "Let's eat."

This is the most perfect life in Arden Li's imagination. He can study, work, and cook hot meals for his lover. He feels that he is so happy.

Shao Qun has always had a good habit of taking a nap, which can keep him clear-headed and energetic throughout the day. The nature of Arden Li's previous work meant that he had no concept of taking a lunch break. After eating, Shao Qun pulled him into bed and held him in his arms for a comfortable sleep.

Shao Qun was initially hesitant about Arden Li entering his private territory, and regretted that he had spoken out too quickly. But after a few days of comfortable life, he felt that his decision was the right one.

Arden Li takes care of people as if they are serving people to heaven.

Every morning, no matter whether he has something to do or not, he must get up earlier than Shao Qun. When Shao Qun got up, the toothpaste was squeezed out, clean towels were laid out, and the bathroom was so dry from the sink to the floor that not a drop of water stain could be found. Breakfast must have been prepared long ago. It is still hot when you open the lid, and it will not be the same every day. Even if Arden Li is not at home at noon, lunch will be prepared for him in advance. When he gets home, he can just heat it in the microwave and have a ready-made meal. Arden Li always comes back earlier than him in the evening. No matter what time he comes back, hot food will be served within two minutes. When he wants to take a bath, the water temperature is adjusted, and his underwear and pajamas must be within easy reach of him. After washing, he can put on dry slippers immediately. The bedspreads, sheets, etc. are changed every week, and the house is so clean that even someone as picky as him can't find anything wrong with it.

In short, Arden Li pays meticulous attention to all the details of life. Shao Qun really feels that he has married an all-round wife who allows him to have nothing to worry about except work. As he grew up, he had four nannies at home at most, but he never felt that life could be so comfortable and convenient. When he first hooked up with Arden Li, he really didn't expect that there would be so many benefits.

He felt that as long as he stayed in Shenzhen for one more day, he would not be willing to break up with Arden Li.

When he went to work on Thursday, his colleagues told him that his boss would treat everyone to dinner tonight.

Because it was a group activity, Arden Li was embarrassed not to participate, so he called Shao Qun during his lunch break. Although Shao Qun was unhappy, he didn't embarrass him.

I got off work an hour early that day. Li Shuo booked a high-end Japanese restaurant, and dozens of people went there in a hurry.

During the meal, people kept toasting to Li Shuo, and Arden Li felt frightened when he saw them.

After a few glasses of wine, the usually decent senior white-collar workers started to indulge, and several people grabbed the microphone and howled like ghosts.

Arden Li was afraid of such a scene, so he shrank into the corner of the restaurant alone. There was a large root sculpture in front of him, so he felt more at ease.

He was alone looking at his lively colleagues in a daze, when Li Shuo quietly sat next to him.

Arden Li said in fear: "Boss."

Li Shuo's face turned red and he raised the wine glass in his hand: "Why don't you go over and have a drink?"

"I can not drink."

Li Shuo laughed and said, "That's not possible. How can a man say he doesn't know how to drink?"

Arden Li was a little embarrassed: "I'm a bad drinker."

Li Shuo didn't make things difficult for him. He put down his wine glass and said, "I saw you didn't eat much just now. Why, it's not to your liking?"

"No, I'm not used to eating raw food."

Li Shuo smiled and said, "There are also many cooked noodles here. How about asking the kitchen to make you some ramen."

"No, I'm full."

Li Shuo smiled and shook his head. Before Arden Li could dissuade him, he got up and walked to the kitchen. After a while, he came back with a bowl of noodles, "Ready-made stir-fried udon. It's hot. Eat some."

Arden Li glanced at him gratefully, picked up the noodles with chopsticks, and ate them gracefully.

Li Shuo smiled: "Xiao Li, where are you from?"

"Beijing."

"Oh, why did you come here?"

"Come to work."

"What did you do before?"

"chef."

Li Shuo asked in surprise: "Chef? Why did you suddenly decide to study accounting?"

Arden Li said sheepishly: "No, I decided suddenly. I thought about it a long time ago, but I just don't have the money."

"So now you can finally realize your dream, congratulations."

"thank you boss."

Li Shuo smiled and said, "I love food the most. I wonder when I will have the opportunity to try your cooking?"

"Ah..." Arden Li didn't know how to answer.

"I'm serious. In my free time, I also like to cook something by myself. My kitchen has everything, which is definitely enough for any chef to do whatever he wants. If you have nothing else to do during your break, we will You can invite a few friends to come to my house to cook a meal, chat, and drink tea. "

Arden Li said hesitantly: "Okay." He had never been invited by any classmates or colleagues, and he was really reluctant to refuse such a kind invitation.

Li Shuo happily took out his phone and pressed a few buttons.

Arden Li's cell phone rang suddenly. He looked down and saw that it was an unfamiliar caller.

"This is my number. Call me whenever you have time."

Arden Li stared at the screen blankly, wondering when Li Shuo saved his phone number.

Li Shuo put down his phone and said, "I'll take you back later. I happen to know the place."

"I, I moved."

"Oh? It doesn't matter. There won't be a traffic jam for a while anyway."

Arden Li remembered Shao Qun's words about not letting him take someone else's car, so he declined politely: "Thank you, boss, I'll go back by myself."

Li Shuo smiled gently and said, "You're welcome. Taking care of employees is also the duty of a good boss. This place is relatively remote and it's hard to take the bus."

Arden Li insisted: "Thank you, boss. I will go back myself."

Li Shuo looked a little disappointed and spread his hands: "Okay, then be careful for a while and call me if anything happens. I'll be happy to help at any time."

Arden Li nodded and said sincerely: "Thank you, boss."

Arden Li didn't get home until after nine o'clock that night. Shao Qun was very unhappy and asked him to avoid attending such useless gatherings in the future. If he couldn't, he would resign.

Arden Li was most afraid of him resigning, so he quickly promised him not to participate as much as possible in the future.

A few days later, Li Shuo called him to the office and said that he would take him to a bidding meeting for a state-owned enterprise. He brought two key members of the firm with him, and Arden Li was the only intern.

Arden Li was naturally overjoyed to have such an opportunity and thanked Li Shuo repeatedly.

After leaving the office, he noticed that his colleagues looked at him differently, but it was not out of malice, but mostly ambiguous and prying.

After the lunch break, the driver drove across most of the city and took the four of them to the bidding meeting.

Li Shuo was confident, calm and witty at the meeting. He outshone everyone and made Arden Li and others admire him even more.

Arden Li originally thought it was just a meeting and it should be over before getting off work, but he didn't expect it was over. The way back was during the rush hour after get off work, and the whole city was jammed. He only drove 200 meters in half an hour.

Arden Li looked at his watch, anxious.

His two colleagues finally couldn't sit still anymore and got out of the car one after another, planning to take the subway back.

Arden Li could only worry. The place where Shao Qun lives does not have access to the subway. People in the residential area have private cars to go in and out. Even the bus station is ten minutes away. Taking the bus now is also jammed.

Li Shuo looked at his watch and pursed his lips with a smile: "At this rate, it will take two hours to get back to the company. It's dinner time now, and I'm so hungry that my chest is touching my back. I know there is a restaurant nearby, It only takes ten minutes to walk there, let's go have a meal."

Arden Li looked hesitantly at the endless queue outside and felt that it was simply impossible to go home earlier than Shao Qun today.

Li Shuo got out of the car without any explanation, walked around to the opposite side, opened the door for Arden Li, and made a gesture of invitation: "Come on, instead of wasting your time here, why not go enjoy the delicious food, and when we finish eating, The blockage should be over."

Arden Li had no choice but to get out of the car. Li Shuo said something to the driver, closed the door, and held Arden Li's back and led him to the sidewalk: "Come on, be careful and watch the car."

Arden Li wrapped his clothes tightly and followed Li Shuo. After getting on the sidewalk, he took out his mobile phone: "Boss, let me make a call."

Li Shuo smiled and nodded.

Arden Li turned his back and dialed Shao Qun, but no one answered the phone after two calls.

Li Shuo joked: "Why, is your girlfriend waiting for you?"

Arden Li shook his head: "No." There was a bit of worry in his eyebrows, fearing that Shao Qun would get angry again when he found out he was not there when he returned home.

Li Shuo made a gesture of invitation again: "No matter who is waiting for you, you can't go back right now, so you should leave your time to me."

Arden Li bowed slightly politely: "Thank you, boss."

Li Shuo walked beside him with his head held high, and Arden Li could see that many women's eyes lit up the moment they saw Li Shuo.

Li Shuo took him into a Thai restaurant and introduced with a wink: "The curry crab here is really amazing. It's not raw this time. I'll have to eat more soon."

Arden Li smiled and nodded.

This Thai restaurant has a very unpronounceable name. The layout and atmosphere of the restaurant are mostly designed for couples. There are only a few large tables, and there are couple seats for two people near the window.

Li Shuo skillfully ordered a few dishes. While waiting for the dishes, he put on a chatting posture, his eyes gentle and sincere: "Xiao Li, I want to know more about you."

Arden Li didn't know why and asked cautiously: "Understand...what?"

Li Shuo took off his glasses and rubbed his eyebrows: "I'm really tired today. You've seen it too. Everyone is like a hungry beast when they're trying to grab business. But now that we're off work, you don't have to treat me as yours." Boss, I don’t intend to treat you as my employee. I hope we can become friends, what do you think, Cheng Xiu? "

Friends... No matter how inexperienced Arden Li is in the world, he also knows that employees cannot be friends with their bosses.

"Can I call you Cheng Xiu?"

Arden Li nodded hurriedly.

"Then outside of work, I don't want to hear you call me boss. You can call me Brother Li."

Arden Li didn't feel happy about his boss's initiative to get closer. Instead, he felt frightened and stared at the lemonade in front of him, not daring to raise his head.

Li Shuo's gentle voice, combined with the soft music, softly rang in Arden Li's ears: "Arden Li, call out and listen."

Arden Li hesitated for a long time and whispered: "Brother Li."

Li Shuo smiled with satisfaction: "As friends, is it natural for us to understand each other?"

Arden Li echoed: "Yes."

Li Shuo crossed his hands, put his thumb on his chin, and looked into Arden Li's eyes without hesitation: "Cheng Xiu, actually from the first time we met, I can see the similarities between us."

"What they have in common?"

Li Shuo has a pair of very beautiful eyes, small, narrow, and unusually deep. After taking off his glasses, he looks a little less rigorous and sophisticated, and a little more suave. When stared at by such a pair of eyes, it seems that he can be seen through in an instant.

Arden Li felt a little embarrassed by him, and his eyes began to move around.

It started to rain unknowingly outside. There was a small fountain pool outside where they were sitting. The music was gentle and quiet. The sound of rain hitting the water was clear and sweet. Li Shuo's rich and magnetic voice sounded solemnly at that time. Arden Li Thinking back on it later, I felt that it was the most beautiful passage he had ever heard.

"Cheng Xiu, when people reach my age, they start to avoid wasting time. Because I feel that youth is no longer available, I have to do everything early, so as not to miss the opportunity and regret it when I am old. To be honest, a few months ago, I just finished I have been in a relationship for three years, thinking that he is the one who can stay with me for the rest of my life, but...how to put it, I gradually can't keep up with the minds of young people. I believe in mine. S3xual orientation is not a secret in the office. I have a pair of very liberal parents. I have always been looking for someone who is willing to live a serious life with me. So I invited you today to get to know you. I hope this will not be too abrupt. , but I believe you don’t like beating around the bush, right?”

Arden Li was wringing his fingers under the table awkwardly. He never dreamed that Li Shuo meant this to him, and his eyes widened in surprise.

In his mind, Li Shuo was so unattainable. Although he was always modest and polite in his dealings with others, a person whose faults could not be found should be held up high like an idol.

How could Li Shuo step down from the altar?

This made him panic.

Li Shuo laughed out loud and waved his slender fingers in front of his eyes: "Look, are you so scared?"

Arden Li came to his senses awkwardly: "Boss..."

"Hey, we agreed not to call you boss, but call me Brother Li."

Arden Li opened his mouth several times, but still didn't have the nerve to shout: "I, how do you know, I am..."

Li Shuo smiled pretending to be mysterious: "I have met too many people in my life, and you can tell whether they are the same kind. In fact, the first time I sent you home, I really just had good intentions. I didn't expect that. , you will automatically come to me, isn't this fate?"

"But..."

"What, do you already have a boyfriend?"

Arden Li blushed and was about to speak when the phone suddenly rang. As soon as he looked at the screen, he immediately picked up the phone: "Hello, Shao Qun..."

"Where have you been?" Shao Qun's angry voice came out from the other end of the phone. The surroundings were already quiet, but Li Shuo was so close that he could hear it clearly and couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

Arden Li looked embarrassed, nodded apologetically to Li Shuo, got up and walked to the corner.

"Shao Qun, listen to me."

"It's already past seven o'clock, do you know? I'm still hungry, and I didn't even seem to be popular when I entered the house. Didn't you say you won't go to any stupid parties in the future?"

"It's not a party. Today, I'm going to attend a tender meeting and I'll be stuck in traffic when I come back."

"Even if there is a traffic jam, you should still be in the car now. The sound on your side doesn't sound like you are in the car."

"I'm here, follow..." Arden Li remembered that every time he mentioned his boss, Shao Qun was very disdainful, and his face would immediately drop. He didn't want to avoid Shao Qun because of this unpleasantness, and just said lightly, "Follow Colleagues, let’s eat.”

Shao Qun's voice immediately became sharp: "What colleague? Male or female?"

Arden Li glanced at Li Shuo and gritted his teeth: "Colleagues...many, colleagues."

Shao Qun's tone softened slightly, but he was still unyielding: "You should resign as soon as possible. I've been tired all day and can't even eat a meal when I get home. What do you want me to do?"

Arden Li's heart tightened, feeling that what Shao Qun said was too serious.

Shao Qun probably felt that his tone was harsh, so he took a breath and said, "Where are you? I'll pick you up."

"I...I don't know either."

"Ask the waiter and tell me your address. No matter what you just ate, you are not allowed to eat anymore. Wait for me to eat with me when I arrive."

"But..."

"Cheng Xiu, our food is here. Come and eat it while it's hot. My stomach is growling with hunger." A gentle and ambiguous voice suddenly broke in. Arden Li's spine went cold, and there was suddenly no sound from Shao Qun. .

"I, I'll go over right away." Arden Li was so frightened that he quickly stepped back and looked at Li Shuo with a smile on his face in horror.

"Arden Li!" Shao Qun gritted his teeth and said these three words, and hung up the phone angrily.

Arden Li looked at the phone blankly and wanted to call back, but he didn't dare. Shao Qun became angry.

Li Shuo pulled him back to the table: "Come, let's eat. It would be a pity if it gets cold."

Arden Li was still restless, with beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead.

Li Shuo picked up a dish and put it in his bowl: "Cheng Xiu, you deserve a gentle lover, at least a lover who knows how to respect you."

Arden Li defended: "He just has a bad temper. In fact, he is... pretty good to me."

"Oh, really?" Li Shuo chuckled, "Why do you feel so forced to say this? You are just having a meal with friends, and I can yell at you. How can I respect you?" "

Arden Li's face gradually turned pale.

"Sorry, I shouldn't comment on your affairs. I just think that if there is a lack of respect and trust in a relationship, it must be unbalanced. An unbalanced relationship is in danger of overturning at any time, don't you think?"

Arden Li took a bite of the food in silence, but found it was tasteless.

Li Shuo's words seemed to awaken the dreamer. Before this, Arden Li had never thought about the word "respect".

He has always carefully maintained his relationship with Shao Qun with a grateful attitude. There is someone who likes him and keeps him company. This alone is enough for him to be grateful for the rest of his life. What's more, for such an outstanding person as Shao Qun, there is no balance between him and Shao Qun.

Shao Qun has a bad temper, is overbearing and unreasonable, and sometimes speaks unpleasantly, which is very hurtful. But there were times when Shao Qun was gentle and considerate. Shao Qun gave him a place to live, allowed him to study again, and gave him many beautiful memories. Overall, Shao Qun was still kind to him. He shouldn't be too greedy. Even if he needs to compromise to keep this relationship, he still thinks it's worth it. Between the two of them, Shao Qun would never give in to him, so it was up to him to tolerate all Shao Qun's shortcomings for the sake of the hard-won happiness in front of him.

Moreover, thinking about what happened just now, he was also wrong. He and Shao Qun lied.

Thinking of this, he became even more uneasy and said apologetically to Li Shuo: "Boss, I'd better go back first."

Li Shuo put down his chopsticks and frowned slightly: "So anxious? You haven't eaten yet."

Arden Li also felt quite embarrassed, thinking that he should pay for the meal, hoping to express a little apology, so he subconsciously glanced at the bill placed next to him. This was incredible. The crab actually cost more than 2,000 yuan. Arden Li suddenly had a lump in his throat. He used to work in a hotel, so he had seen expensive ingredients, but when he really had to consider paying for it himself, he felt that the price was unacceptable.

He looked at the orange-yellow and fragrant curry crab, and felt that it would be a huge waste if he didn't finish the food in front of him, which made Li Shuo feel even more guilty.

So he had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue eating with Li Shuo.

Li Shuo changed the subject and talked with Arden Li about the food here, which immediately relieved a lot of the awkward atmosphere.

Towards the end of the meal, Arden Li's phone rang again, this time it was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello?"

Assistant Zhou's cold voice sounded on the other end of the phone: "Mr. Li, is it French food, Thai food, Hunan food or Sichuan food?"

"Huh?" Arden Li was stunned when he asked.

"Mr. Ellis asked me to locate your mobile phone. There are these four restaurants in the building you are in now. I guess you are not in Pizza Hut, so which one is it? I can tell Mr. Ellis that he will soon arrive."

Arden Li suddenly felt a chill running down his spine and said tremblingly: "Thai, Thai food."

"Thank you." The other person hung up the phone neatly.

Arden Li looked out the window anxiously and put down his chopsticks: "Boss, I've finished eating. I, I have to go."

"Oh?" Li Shuo wiped his mouth with a napkin, "I'm full too, let's serve dessert. All the coconut-related desserts here are delicious. You have to try them." He raised his hand and called The waiter.

Arden Li couldn't stop him in time, and the waiter turned around and brought them exquisite desserts.

Arden Li was restless, looking out the window and on his phone frequently.

Li Shuo smiled and said, "Is your boyfriend coming to pick you up?"

Arden Li nodded.

"This is a good thing. Why are you so nervous?"

"I..."

Li Shuo sighed: "It's a pity, I have a crush on you, but someone has already taken the lead, but..." Li Shuo blinked at him, "You are not married, you can get married at any time." You can regret it without any legal responsibility."

Arden Li was so frightened that he waved his hands repeatedly: "We, we are fine."

Li Shuo raised his eyebrows and smiled, noncommittal: "Cheng Xiu, although it is not a gentleman's behavior to win someone's love, it is the wise man's choice to abandon the dark and turn to the light. I would rather be a villain for once and let you be the wise man, but I don't know, you What's going on?"

Just as Arden Li was about to open his mouth to argue, Li Shuo suddenly raised his hand to stop him and said, "One more thing, I am a Chinese-American. I can give my lover a true marriage and enjoy the same rights as ordinary couples. Cheng Xiu, have you ever considered your future with your young and impulsive boyfriend?"

Arden Li was stunned by his question. marriage?

Li Shuo looked at him sincerely: "Cheng Xiu, although it is too early to say this, I really feel that you and I are very suitable. Many of your qualities, such as gentleness, calmness, and caution, make me very happy." Appreciate it. I sincerely hope to get to know you better."

Just as Arden Li opened his mouth, Li Shuo interrupted him again: "Don't rush to use your boyfriend to reject me. People make many choices in their lives, some are right, some are wrong, and some have to wait until time has changed. , can you see clearly whether it is right or wrong. So don't rush to reject me. Maybe he is really not the right person, maybe I am, at least I will be a more mature and gentle lover than him, and I will respect you. Are you not curious about who can spend your life with you? "

Li Shuo's words were round and full, and his words touched people's hearts without being harsh or harsh, leaving Arden Li speechless.

Arden Li only thought of escaping. He started to get dressed: "Thank you boss, I'm leaving."

As soon as he hung the scarf around his neck, a sharp shout echoed throughout the restaurant.

"Arden Li!"

Arden Li shuddered, and in a blink of an eye he saw Shao Qun walking over angrily. The wooden floor made a loud bang with his steps, and everyone in the restaurant looked at him sideways.

Arden Li stood up nervously, Li Shuo raised his eyebrows, stood up gracefully, and looked at Shao Qun with a slightly scrupulous look.

As soon as Shao Qun saw the tall, heroic and graceful Li Shuo next to Arden Li, the rage in his chest seemed to explode, completely igniting his whole body.

Just when he was still a few meters away from them, Li Shuo had already taken a preemptive strike, stretched out his hand, and smiled politely: "My surname is Li, and I am Cheng Xiu's boss. I wonder what your surname is, sir?"

Shao Qun tried his best to suppress the fist he wanted to throw out, glared at him fiercely, then turned to Arden Li, grabbed his arm, and said angrily: "Many colleagues? Huh? When did you learn to lie?"

Li Shuo took back his hand and did not feel embarrassed. Instead, he took a step forward and explained: "There were indeed several other colleagues just now, but everyone has gone back. As the boss, I have to stay and pay the bill."

Shao Qun gave him a suspicious look and glared at Arden Li: "Really?"

How dare he say no at this time? He nodded quickly, feeling grateful to Li Shuo in his heart.

Shao Qun squinted his eyes and glanced at their dining table. No matter how you looked at it, it looked like two people having dinner together.

Arden Li was so nervous that his hands were shaking.

Li Shuo calmly explained for him again: "Originally, we were at a big table, but after everyone left, the restaurant changed us to a small table."

Arden Li nodded quickly and called weakly: "Shao Qun..."

Shao Qun was still full of doubts. He didn't want to believe anything said by the smiling man in front of him.

He grabbed Arden Li and said coldly: "Go home." Then he dragged Arden Li out of the restaurant.

Arden Li glanced at Li Shuo apologetically and quickly lowered his head to avoid the suspicious glances directed at them.

After leaving the house, Arden Li remembered that he wasn't even wearing a coat, and he was shivering from the cold.

Shao Qun didn't seem to notice this at all, and silently pulled Arden Li toward the parking lot.

Arden Li tried to ease the tense atmosphere: "Shao Qun... let me eat with you."

Shao Qun suddenly stopped and turned around with a gloomy look on his face. He grabbed Arden Li's chin with one hand and said harshly: "I'll deal with you when I get back."

Arden Li's face turned pale.

At this moment, Li Shuo's voice sounded again from a distance: "Cheng Xiu."

The two of them turned their heads at the same time. Li Shuo was wearing a camel-colored cashmere coat, still looking cool in the cold wind. He was holding Arden Li's coat in his hand.

"Cheng Xiu, why have you forgotten your clothes? Be careful of catching a cold." Li Shuo didn't even look at Shao Qun, who looked gloomy. He opened his coat and was about to put it on Arden Li.

Shao Qun suddenly grabbed the coat and threw it to the ground. Then he went up and grabbed Li Shuo's collar. He narrowed his eyes and threatened every word: "Stay away from my people."

Li Shuo was not afraid, but smiled gracefully: "Then you have to watch carefully."

Shao Qun's fist was ready to go, and he was about to swing it as soon as he heard this. Arden Li had been carefully watching Shao Qun's actions beside them. When he saw him raising his arm, he rushed to hug his arm: " Shao Qun, Shao Qun, don't. "This is his boss, not a bad person who is besieging or molesting him.

Li Shuo patted Shao Qun's hand that was holding his collar away, took time to smooth out the wrinkled front, smiled at Arden Li and said, "Goodbye, Arden Li, please keep warm." After that, he left gracefully.

Shao Qun waved hard and Arden Li was thrown to the ground. He turned around and kicked his car, and the smooth body of the car immediately sank into a large piece.

Shao Qun picked up the stunned Arden Li from the ground and stuffed him into the car, then kicked the accelerator and sped out of the parking lot.