He used his connections to spread misinformation. As long as the information that reached Meng Zhen did not include Qiao Huaiyao’s presence, they could buy some time. The mistake on his birthday was indeed unexpected. And as for the diary in the briefcase, he didn’t expect Qiao Huaiyao to take the wrong one.
“Rest well, get some sleep, and don’t worry about these things,” Bai Jinyan said as he set the towel aside and got up. “I won’t let her affect you. You should handle everything on your own. Qiao Huaiyao just needs to focus on his studies and shouldn’t be disturbed by this mess.”
Qiao Huaiyao looked up at him and whispered, “Aunt Meng can’t affect me.”
In his previous life, after graduation, he had directly joined a world-class research laboratory formed by multiple countries.
He remembered all the details of the data he had handled, and he could significantly shorten the research cycle, allowing certain hidden substances to be discovered sooner.
On a global scale, there was no way Meng Zhen could influence him.
Moreover, who would dare to release negative information about him?
As for matters of the heart, it was no one else’s business.
They had already missed out on so much, and Qiao Huaiyao didn’t want anything else to become an obstacle between them.
“Brother,” Qiao Huaiyao stood up beside the bed and glanced at the necklace around Bai Jinyan’s neck. “Didn’t you ask me about the secret of this necklace before?”
“Hmm?” Qiao Huaiyao picked up the necklace with his fingertip, and the special material still held warmth. “I’ve been wearing this necklace since I was a child. Besides regular maintenance, I’ve taken it off twice.”
Qiao Huaiyao smiled and asked, “Can you guess what the first time I took off this necklace was for?”
It was a question without context, making it hard to provide an answer. Bai Jinyan replied seriously, “A talisman? Something for good luck?”
“No,” Qiao Huaiyao bent closer, whispered in his ear, “It was for confession.”
Originally, he should have given it to him a long time ago, but due to various circumstances, it had been delayed for so long.
However, it seemed that, in the end, the necklace was serving its original purpose.
Bai Jinyan suddenly froze, and as Qiao Huaiyao let go, the necklace fell back against his chest with a subtle warmth.
The warm breath near his ear disrupted his thoughts.
Bai Jinyan, his voice soft, seemed to be unsure how to respond to this revelation.
Taking advantage of Bai Jinyan’s momentary distraction, Qiao Huaiyao turned to look at him and said, “When I put the necklace on you earlier, you didn’t refuse. That means you’ve already accepted my confession, so…”
Qiao Huaiyao smiled, leaned in, and lightly kissed his lips, the soft touch vanishing in an instant. He said, “Goodnight, boyfriend.”
After saying that, without waiting for Bai Jinyan’s reaction, Qiao Huaiyao walked out of the room and closed the door behind him.
His actions were smooth and fluid, without a hint of hesitation.
The door clicked shut.
Qiao Huaiyao leaned against it, his face flushed with warmth, and his ears had turned red as well.
He had actually said those words.
After the impulsive confession, his mind went completely blank.
His heart pounded loudly, and he felt a bit overwhelmed by what he had done.
He didn’t dare to look at Bai Jinyan’s expression at that moment.
Slowly, he brought his fingertips close to his lips, as if they still retained the warmth of the kiss.
Qiao Huaiyao pursed his lips, then quickly withdrew his hand and placed it behind his back.
The necklace had been returned. He had agreed. Or rather, he should agree.
Qiao Huaiyao had come out to calm himself down, but standing here, all he could think about was replaying that scene in his mind. It was just a brief kiss, but it occupied all his thoughts.
Knock, knock.
The knocking sound came from behind him, causing Qiao Huaiyao to inhale sharply.
Subconsciously, he turned around, leaving some space by the door.
The door began to open from the inside, and Bai Jinyan walked out. He smiled lightly, “This is my room. Why did you run off like that?”
Qiao Huaiyao’s face turned even redder.
He glanced at the door and then quickly averted his gaze. “I, I…”
The more flustered he became, the more incoherent his words were.
Qiao Huaiyao took a deep breath, kept his head down, and didn’t dare to look at Bai Jinyan. “You should sleep early… brother.”
As he said that, he lowered his head and tried to walk past Bai Jinyan to go back to his room.
However, Bai Jinyan’s arm blocked his way.
Qiao Huaiyao took a step back instinctively, and his shoulder hit the wall.
There was no way to retreat further.
Bai Jinyan bent down and approached, trapping him between himself and the wall.
In his flustered state, Qiao Huaiyao stammered, “Can, can’t we kiss?”
Bai Jinyan was momentarily stunned by this sudden question, but then he smiled.
His soft laughter was right next to Qiao Huaiyao’s ear, causing him to blush even more.
He lowered his head, avoiding Bai Jinyan’s gaze, and muttered to himself, “What kind of strange things am I saying?”
Bai Jinyan said, “Yes, we can.”
As soon as he said that, Bai Jinyan bent down and kissed his lips.
“Um—!”