Translated by Eve

Thank you Maria Jean Shanks for the kofi

Jiang Deyi could no longer keep up his smile. Never in a million years would he have expected that the cuff links on Song Xuanhes cuffs today were McPhails.

When he recalled Song Xuanhes insincere smile, Jiang Deyi tightened his hold around the napkin on his lap. Song Xuanhe had probably been laughing at him for not recognizing those cufflinks despite the fact he had said that they were very important to him.

Xiao Shenglin didnt know about the covert happenings that had taken place prior to his arrival. He walked over to his spot. When he didnt hear anyone speak, he felt a bit awkward. With a gentle smile, he asked, Was I wrong?

Jiang Deyis expression changed. He cast his gaze over to Song Xuanhe at once.

Song Xuanhe knew what Jiang Deyi was thinking just by looking at his expression. Actually, he hadnt thought of anything when he had first seen Jiang Deyi. After all, regardless of whether it was in his original world or this world, there were many people who didnt like him, as well as people he didnt like. Hed end up wasting a lot of time and energy if he were to pay attention to every single one of them.

It had just been that, even if he hadnt had any plans on provoking Jiang Deyi, Jiang Deyi had taken the initiative to provoke him.

When he heard Jiang Deyis covert challenge, Song Xuanhes first reaction was to laugh. He had then wanted to see when the other would notice his cufflinks. He hadnt expected for the other to ignore it the whole time. He had only reacted when Xiao Shenglin had spoken up. What was even funnier was that, when Xiao Shenglin suspected he had been mistaken, Jiang Deyi had really believed him. He hoped that this pair of cufflinks werent the one by McPhail so that he would be able to break free of this embarrassing predicament.

It was just unfortunate that he was fated to be disappointed.

Chin still propped up on his hand, Song Xuanhe smiled. Youre right. Its this pair.

Upon hearing Song Xuanhes admission, everyone turned to look at Jiang Deyi. Important to him? Yeah right. It was one thing for him not to recognize it despite it being waved right in front of his eyes, but he had actually tried to deride Song Xuanhe for collecting it. Everyone now understood why he had said what he had just now.

When Feng Tong looked at Song Xuanhes cufflinks, he smiled and complimented him. These cufflinks suit your shirt very well.

Song Xuanhe raised a brow. Are you complimenting yourself?

The shirt he was wearing today was from the brand under Feng Tongs teachers name. But everyone here knew that the shirts cut and innovative design were done by Feng Tong on his own. Feng Tongs teacher had never tried to keep this a secret. That was why Feng Tong was rising so quickly in the design world.

Of course not, Feng Tong said with a smile, Im grateful to you for giving me inspiration.

I had also been inspired when I had first laid eyes on these cufflinks. Thats why I had bought them. Song Xuanhe stroked the cufflinks and smiled. Master McPhails designs are unique and creative. If I ever get the chance, Id like to visit him. Id probably be blessed with inspiration if I were to have a chance to converse with him.

The male designer who had spoken to Song Xuanhe as soon as he had arrived looked at him weirdly when he heard this. Seeing this, Song Xuanhe asked, Whats wrong?

That person didnt respond. Instead, he asked, Do you not know?

If that person hadnt been looking at him, Song Xuanhe wouldnt have known that he was talking to him. This question had come out-of-the-blue. Even if he knew that the question was addressed to him, he had no idea what the male designer was referring to.

The confusion was blatant on Song Xuanhes face. Know about what?

Those cufflinks, The male designer said while pointing at Song Xuanhes sleeve, Were designed by Master McPhail in celebration of his twentieth anniversary. Not just that, they also hold a special meaning to him. He has privately said before that whoever ends up with them will be allowed to participate in one of his tea parties.

Everyone knows that although Master McPhail is a jewellery designer, people from all areas of the design world participate in his tea parties, from architects to landscape designers. Experts from all fields gather together at Master McPhails annual tea party and socialize, in hopes of finding inspiration. Naturally, great fashion designers will also be present. After saying this, the male designer looked at Jiang Deyi, whose expression had taken a turn for the worse.

With a mocking tone, he said, Its obvious as to why these cuff links are important to Mr. Jiang Deyi.

Master McPhails tea party?

Song Xuanhe hadnt expected to be given such a pleasant surprise. But after reflecting on it, he realized that he should have seen this coming.

Back then, when he had been participating in that auction, he had wondered why the price had been climbing so high. However, he didnt lack money. And secondly, you could not put a price on a designers inspiration. These cufflinks had given him inspiration. Therefore, he had continued to raise the price until he had won them. That had also been why he had been unwilling to sell the cufflinks no matter how high a price Jiang Deyi had offered.

For him to gain a ticket to a gathering of great masters for just five hundred thousand was a great deal.

It wasnt just Song Xuanhe. The other people in this room who werent jewellery designers also hadnt heard of this before. If they had known, they would have paid any price to get their hands on those cufflinks. What one could learn at a tea party where the worlds top designers gathered could not be bought with money.

Nonetheless, these cufflinks already had an owner. No matter how much they wanted this chance, they would not try to buy it from him now.

It was just that everyone now had a different opinion of Jiang Deyi. Song Xuanhes shocked expression hadnt been faked. It was obvious that he really hadnt known about this. Actually, although it wasnt necessarily bad of Jiang Deyi to withhold this information while trying to benefit from Song Xuanhes ignorance, it was despicable for him to try to slander Song Xuanhe after he had failed.

Song Xuanhe broke the silence. He genuinely thanked the male designer. I had never heard about this before. This must be insider information. Im really grateful to you for telling me about this.

The male designer shook his head. His expression softened. No need for thanks.

Since this matter has been resolved, lets eat. Feng Tong smiled. The foods getting cold.

Aside from Jiang Deyi, who had shamelessly stayed despite being exposed, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. After the meal, Feng Tong and Ren Yi went off on a date. Although everyone was a bit reluctant to part, they exchanged contact information and left.

Song Xuanhe, Zhou Nan and Xiao Shenglin had decided to find a bar to relax at so they hadnt split up. What they hadnt expected was that Jiang Deyi, who had just walked off in the opposite direction, would suddenly turn around and stop them.

Or rather, stop Song Xuanhe.

Jiang Deyi said, Song shaoye, I want to talk to you,

Song Xuanhe paused. About what?

Jiang Deyis gaze was on Song Xuanhes sleeves. Master McPhails cufflinksIm willing to pay you a million and two hundred thousand yuan for them. This is everything I have saved up. I really need the chance to attend Master McPhails tea party. I know that youre not a designer so Master McPhails tea party doesnt mean anything to you. Therefore, I hope that youll be willing to sell them to me.

Song Xuanhe had always thought that his skin was thick. He had also thought Zhou Nan and Wei Chen were rather shameless. But it wasnt until he had met Jiang Deyi that he had learned what shamelessness really looked like.

He was nothing compared to Jiang Deyi when it came to shamelessness.

Song Xuanhe asked, Do you think Ill sell them to you?

I think that its a worthwhile deal to sell something you dont need to someone who does, Jiang Deyi said, Although there was that misunderstanding between us in the past, I believe that youre not the type to miss out on a profitable deal.

Zhou Nan gave him a thumbs up. Impressive! Trying to talk money with Song Er!

Indeed, Im not the type to miss out on a good deal, Song Xuanhe said, But I dont really lack money and it just so happens that I dont like you. Therefore, I dont plan on selling them to you.

You should know that Im with Hayden Schroder. Jiang Deyi said in a dark voice, Although youre in China and the Schroder Familys hands cant reach you here, but.

But what? Song Xuanhe raised a brow, the smile not reaching his eyes. But they can still threaten me?

Are you really not afraid of the Schroder Familys retaliation?

He has no reason to worry about that. Xiao Shenglins brows furrowed as he cut off Jiang Deyi. He looked displeased. Were busy. Please move aside.

Hearing Xiao Shenglin speak up, Jiang Deyi grit his teeth. He still wanted to continue but he still moved to the side in the end.

While walking to the parking lot, Song Xuanhe laughed and then teased, This is the first time Ive seen you angry. I used to think you couldnt get angry.

What kind of person would be incapable of getting angry? Xiao Shenglin laughed in spite of himself. Its just rare for me

Song Xuanhe frowned when he saw Xiao Shenglins expression. Theres something off about you today. This kind of thing wouldnt usually anger you.

The smile on Xiao Shenglins face grew fainter. When Zhou Nan heard this, he was about to say something but changed his words when he saw who was coming towards them. He couldnt help but poke Song Xuanhe, who was currently looking at Xiao Shenglin. In a hushed voice he said, Your mans here.

Song Xuanhe was taken aback. He turned to look over and, as expected, he saw Xiao Yuanmu walking towards them.

Xiao Yuanmus gaze swept over Zhou Nan and Xiao Shenglin, eyes pausing on Xiao Shenglin. He then turned to look at Song Xuanhe. Do you have time? I have something to discuss with you.

What?

Xiao Shenglin sighed in relief. He smiled gently. Since youre busy, lets meet up another time. Zhou Nan and Ill head out first.

After Zhou Nan and Xiao Shenglin left, Song Xuanhe walked towards Xiao Yuanmu. He stopped in front of the other and asked, How did you know I was here? And arent you really busy? How do you have time to come looking for me?

Xiao Yuanmu peered down at him and said in a cool voice, If I didnt come to see you, would you have come to see me?

I didnt want to bother you, ah. Song Xuanhe walked with him side-by-side. His voice was casual. You look like youve gotten thinner. Are you staying up all-night again?

Mn.

Remember to eat your meals on time. Song Xuanhe reminded him as friends would. Regardless of anything else, your health is most important.

Looking at the snow-covered branches and the ground that had been rendered into a slushy mess by the pedestrians, Xiao Yuanmu grabbed Song Xuanhes hand and led him down an empty alleyway.

Song Xuanhe let him hold his hand. He didnt ask about the alley and silently followed along. A moment later, he asked, Are you in a bad mood?

Xiao Yuanmu stopped walking. He turned to face Song Xuanhe, his gaze passing over him to look at the footprints they had left in the snow. The wind seemed to carry his cool voice away, making it difficult to grasp. Do you even care?

Eve: I love how you can feel the subtle differences in their interactions. Like SXH had also been perceptive of XYM, but now hes voicing it. He reads him so well. And theres also how SXH seems to have just accepted this level of skinship with XYM.