Before he could get downstairs, Qin Yue was stopped by Lao Gong who had a hint of embarrassment on his face.
"Yue'er, you have to believe that this wasn't my intention at all. You must have noticed there seemed to be some kind of misunderstanding between us back there."
"Actually, before I commissioned this painting, I had shown them your previous works and we all agreed you would be the one to paint the portrait of our boss's father for his birthday but they wanted to see your work in person so I asked you to make this, I don't know why they suddenly changed their minds last minute."
Qin Yue couldn't possibly hold it against him. This was one of his longtime fans turned friend, hence why he agreed to the delivery in the first place.
"You don't have to explain that to me, I can see that you have your own difficulties"
Lao Gong shook his head regretfully
"I put you in this situation and I apologise for that"
Qin Yue smiled
"I think it's for the best that I didn't get the other order. My eyesight isn't the best these days and I wouldn't have been able to commit myself to another high intensity task in the short term."
Upon hearing that, Lao Gong seemed both worried and relieved at the same time but there was still a faint hint of guilt in his voice.
"This was definitely not the kind of surprise I had planned out but fret not, I'll keep an eye out for other opportunities"
They shook hands and Lao Gong went back towards the private room while Qin Yue made his way down.
He slid into a seat and gestured to the bartender. Since he was here, he might as well make the most of it.
His drink was ready in no time and Qin Yue sipped slowly while scanning the room when he caught sight of a familiar figure.
Qin Yue tilted his head slightly, a soft sneer forming on his lips. He would recognize that person anywhere.
Walking up to the table, he grabbed the man by the scruff of his neck and pulled him up sharply.
His arm slid from the busty lady's waist and the table fell quiet. The man opened his mouth to curse but choked on his words when he was who it was.
"Qin..Qin Yue"
There was an unmistakable flash of fear in his eyes but Qin Yue couldn't be bothered to decode that at the moment. Without a word, he threw a punch, landing squarely on Bai Jinhai's face.
A few gasps rang out and Bai Jinhai seemed to regain his courage. He shook off Qin Yu's hold and straightened his hat outfit.
"What is wrong with you? Why are you being violent for no reason?"
Qin Yue let out a humorless laugh
"Look into my eyes and tell me you don't know why"
Bai Jinhai turned awkwardly back to the group.
"A moment please"
After a quick glance between them both, everyone filled out and the booth was empty.
Qin Yue took a step back and cleaned his hand with a napkin before training his dark eyes on the person in front of him.
"Sit"
Bai Jinhai glanced at him nervously before sitting down stiffly. Qin Yue sat down next to him and he scooted back.
Qin Yue stared at him quietly and he shifted in his seat, cold sweat seeping down his back.
"It's not what it looks like I promise."
Qin Yue only raised an eyebrow.
"There's nothing going on between me and Xu Wei. It was a mutual decision and as his friend, I think you should respect that. There's no need to go this far. I'll let you go this time because I assume you were kept in the dark."
Qin Yue's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Who are you?"
He stared intently at Bai Jinhai and caught the flash of shock in his eyes which was quickly covered up by a nervous laugh.
"What are you talking about?"
Qin Yue said nothing and only stood up, causing Bai Jinhai to flinch.
Paying no attention to the over the top reaction, Qin Yue turned around and left.
During the whole drive back, he was lost in thought and only snapped out of it when the driver had called out to him several times.
He apologised and walked out of the car.
Upon getting inside, Qin Yue found Xu Wei at the same spot.
"You're back"
Qin Yue let out a small hum. He hadn't noticed it before but Xu Wei's face under the harsh light seemed particularly weary and he suddenly didn't know what to say.
Xu Wei noticed his awkwardness and rolled his eyes.
"Since when did this start?"
Qin Yue smiled but it felt forced even to him.
" I met Bai Jinhai today. He—"
Qin Yue was suddenly at a loss on what to say.
Xu Wei's smile dropped and tears glistened in his eyes.
"I know"