Chapter Nine, As Time Passes

A slender figure stood silently beneath the shade of the tree, gazing up at the windows of the apartment across the street, while Gao Chi's thoughts were already in a whirl of complexities.

"She must be waiting for you." Qi Yueming's words echoed repeatedly in Gao Chi's ears, causing his hands, which were gripping the steering wheel, to tremble slightly. He felt an overwhelming urge to rush upstairs to embrace and kiss her, but at this very moment, being so close, he suddenly hesitated

The joy of reunion made both individuals recall how several boys used to sweat it out on the basketball court during their student days. Luo Yiheng's calm and exquisite passes complemented Ye Youri's unconventional plays, while Qi Yueming's agile dodges and Gao Chichao's powerful breakthroughs created a fierce competition. The tense atmosphere captivated the classmates watching on the playground, leaving them all breathless. Luo Yiheng's calm and exquisite passes complemented Ye Youri's unconventional plays, while Qi Yueming's agile dodges and Gao Chichao's powerful breakthroughs created a fierce competition. The tense atmosphere captivated the classmates watching on the playground, leaving them all breathless.

With a slight bow of his head, he fixed his gaze on the rim of the cup. The contours of his face were sharply defined and rugged, bearing the melancholy of having weathered many storms. A fleeting chill appeared in his eyes, only to be replaced once again by a calm and cold clarity. Retracting his gaze, Gao Chi looked up at Qi Yueming, and in his dim, grayish eyes, a warm hue gradually emerged. He promised, "Rest assured, I know my limits"

She sat down gracefully, and Gao Chi teased, "Still charming, I see?" Now, every time he lies down to rest, he thinks about the numerous injuries, both major and minor, on his body, and it truly is a miracle that he hasn't been disfigured.

He himself would not admit that he is afraid that when he returns, someone will refuse to embrace her with such hands. Ultimately, what has supported him to endure until today is that person he has been avoiding.

A gentle smile curved at the corners of his lips, instantly softening the strong lines of his face. Gao Chi stepped forward quickly, extending his right hand to firmly shake hands with Qi Yueming, "Yueming."

After a long while, Gao Chi's voice, slightly hoarse due to suppression, finally came through the phone. He asked, "How did you find me?" For some reason, he had always been low-key, and he was somewhat puzzled that Qi Yueming was able to accurately obtain his mobile number.

Gao Chi and Qi Yueming are university classmates, sharing a bunk bed in their dormitory. Only a few people know that when Gao Chi fully acquired Zhu Hai, he was actually sitting in his exclusive office across the ocean, remotely directing the operation. The specific matters, including the drafting of contracts and the payment of the first acquisition amount, were secretly arranged and implemented by Qi Yueming. Despite his identity making it inconvenient for him to appear in person, he managed everything extremely well, without any errors. When Gao Chi confirmed his return date, Qi Yueming happened to be on a business trip, resulting in their meeting being delayed until today. The payment of the first acquisition amount was secretly arranged and implemented by Qi Yueming. Despite his identity making it inconvenient for him to appear in person, he managed everything extremely well, without any errors. When Gao Chi confirmed his return date, Qi Yueming happened to be on a business trip, resulting in their meeting being delayed until today.

Gao Chi smiled self-deprecatingly upon hearing this, his gaze filled with desolation: "If it weren't for the thought of returning, I would have long abandoned my conscience and humanity, becoming a beast." Those years of his life, the most destitute and bleak, nearly made him give up the struggle. How many times, with a gun in hand, he almost lost control of his fingers and pulled the trigger. Yet he always maintained the last line of defense, ensuring that his hands remained untainted by blood.

The lightest may not necessarily be the heaviest. For three years, he has never forgotten that girl with a silly smile.

As he flipped through the brief materials, Qi Yueming was astonished. He never expected that his former brothers would achieve such great success in just a few short years. After several years, is it ultimately impossible to escape the changes in people and circumstances? Qi Yueming had a strong premonition that perhaps the upheaval was not yet over, and everything was just beginning

I know. These three short words caused the pain he had suppressed deep within to suddenly erupt.

Reflecting on it now, the circumstances of individuals are truly subtle. Who would have thought that the acquaintance of four boys was actually prompted by a provocation from Ye Youli? Even more unexpectedly, after that thrilling match concluded, they began to diverge on the paths of life. Ultimately, they never had the opportunity to gather again to play basketball.

At that time, they were all still young, their strength so meager that they could not really help Gao Chi in any way, only waiting for his return, just like Jian Nuo.

When Xiao Hui brought He Tushu to the location, there were already people waiting in the elegant and spacious private room of the club

With a glance, Qi Yueming signaled the waiter to close the door, then pushed the teacup in front of Gao Chi, saying, "Do you know what I was just worried about?" Looking up at Gao Chi's still handsome face, he suddenly exclaimed, "I was really afraid that the beautiful Gao would end up with a scarred face."

"Even better than before." Qi Yueming has always been generous in praising others

Perhaps this outcome was already within his expectations, yet he could not help but be overwhelmed by pain. He knew he had no right to ask her to wait, especially given his sudden departure and subsequent silence. However, at that moment, he had to leave, and he was uncertain whether he would return alive. As for the words of parting, he could not bring himself to say them; with no other choice, he could only leave without a word.

In an instant, applause and screams erupted, echoing in the air above the stadium for a long time. Their youthful exuberance brought an astonishing and captivating performance to the students of University C, truly a remarkable spectacle.

After graduating from university, Gao Chi and Luo Yi Heng continued to stay at school to pursue their degrees, while Ye You Li took the lead in entering society, donning a uniform to become a police officer. Qi Yue Ming, after going abroad, maintained contact with everyone solely through email. He knew that Gao Chi had a girlfriend, and her name was Jian Nuo. He could sense that Gao Chi was very fond of her, as the way he complained about his girlfriend, who had initially been somewhat resistant to him, increasingly wanting to cling to him was filled with utmost tenderness, devoid of any impatience or reproach, only overflowing with love and affection. He knew that Gao Chi had a girlfriend, and her name was Jian Nuo. He could sense that Gao Chi was very fond of her, as the way he complained about his girlfriend, who had initially been somewhat resistant to him, increasingly wanting to cling to him was filled with utmost tenderness, devoid of any impatience or reproach, only overflowing with love and affection. However, the seemingly beautiful situation was finally shattered by Gao Chi's sudden departure

"I know you are not that kind-hearted." Qi Yueming was not surprised, raising his eyebrows slightly: "You have already done hundreds of millions in charity; he should be content with that." In order to ensure that he had no worries, Qi Yueming had asked his wife to help him thoroughly study the acquisition contract. He had already dissected and understood it completely; as long as there was no default in payment, there would definitely be no disputes. Given this, he naturally had no need to worry that Gao Chi's actions would cause trouble for the book club.

Recalling Gao Chi's experience, Qi Yueming's dark eyes quickly sank. However, reason told him that he could not respond to violence with violence, so he ordered himself to remain calm: "Gao Chi, his death is not a loss, but his death cannot bring back Uncle and Aunt's lives." The affairs of the world cannot be relived, and life is even more so.

"Charity? I am not that magnanimous." Gao Chi's gaze suddenly darkened, and a cold, thin smile curved at the corner of his lips: "He showed no mercy when he forced me to the brink of despair; it seems rather inappropriate for me not to let him die in the streets."

Far away in Wanjie, Qi Yueming was unaware of what had happened in Yicheng. By the time he was unable to reach Gao Chi, the situation had already been determined. Luo Yiheng made an overseas call, struggling to say: "I cannot bring myself to ask him to stay; those are his parents."

Qi Yueming looked at him, his gaze profound, as if assessing the credibility of his words. He said with utmost seriousness: "Consider it for her sake, and leave yourself a way out." After all, she is innocent, and his last warmth may still be in her hands. Qi Yueming hopes that they can come together.

Gao Chi indeed has something to attend to; he is going to a gathering of men

Qi Yueming's eyes uncontrollably turned red, he tilted his head slightly back, and after a while, he cursed, "Little brat." Then he choked up.

Everything is proceeding as planned. We will be fully operational on the 6th of next month. Holding up a cup of Mingqian Longjing tea, Gao Chi's voice was low and calm: "The acquisition of Zhu Hai relies entirely on your assistance." Midway through his sentence, he noticed Qi Yueming glaring at him, and he smiled: "I was just saying that casually, don't think I will be overly grateful." He casually unbuttoned two buttons of his collar, leaning comfortably and lazily against the soft sofa, and said nonchalantly: "I didn't intend to pay him the last installment so readily." He smiled again: "I was just saying that casually, don't think I will be overly grateful." He casually unbuttoned two buttons of his collar, leaning comfortably and lazily against the soft sofa, and said nonchalantly: "I didn't intend to pay him the last installment so readily."

Time flies, and it has been five years since we last met. However, the understanding between us remains intact. After a firm handshake, we simultaneously released our grip and delivered a hearty punch to each other's shoulder blades. Looking at the subtle signs of weariness on each other's faces, we were momentarily filled with a myriad of emotions.

At that time, they were so happy that they had no cares. He had thought that they would love each other forever and grow old together

He took out a cigarette and lit it. Gao Chi took a deep drag, and amidst the swirling smoke, the pain on his handsome face was forcibly suppressed. His tone suddenly turned severe, his voice as cold as ice: "I will not break the law unless absolutely necessary; I will choose other methods to ruin his reputation."

It is time to provide her with an answer upon their meeting, but he is uncertain whether he can afford it at this moment

Upon hearing this, Qi Yueming suddenly became dazed, as if an entire cycle had passed. After a long pause, he desolately said: "We will wait for him"

The road ahead is too long, so long that one cannot know when it will reach its end. However, memories are limited, and for now, I shall pause, allowing everything to return to reality

The night is tranquil, with only the faint sound of the wind passing through the treetops.

Gao Chi fell silent for a moment, as if struggling, and then said: "Go help me take a look at her"

Through the half-open glass door, he saw Qi Yueming rise and call out, "Gao Chi"

They are not together. She should be waiting for you. " As Qi Yueming said this, he looked at his back while leaving the club

Once their emotions had completely settled, they continued the phone call. Under Qi Yueming's persistent questioning, Gao Chi casually mentioned his experiences over the past three years since leaving. How could someone as astute as Qi Yueming not detect his concealment? He could not utter a single word of comfort, feeling that everything was too late to be salvaged, and Gao Chi did not need it either. Thus, just before hanging up, he simply said: "Come back soon, brother is waiting for you"

When Gao Chi answered the phone, the two brothers surprisingly did not know what to say. After incredulously calling each other's names, they simply held the receiver in silence, as if quietly listening to the breath on the other end of the line to confirm each other's real existence

The sorrowful gaze was fixed on her serene face in the photograph, and Gao Chi's heart felt as empty as if it echoed. He reached out to touch the cold screen and hoarsely called out "Xiao Nuo." A single crystalline tear overflowed from the corner of his eye with that hopeless whisper.

What left the deepest impression on Qi Yueming was the fiercely competitive farewell match in his senior year. Gao Chi stood tall and proud on the court, his slender figure exuding confidence, as he held the basketball with an elegantly defined forearm. Then, with an unstoppable and astonishing momentum, he launched the ball, which traced a beautiful arc in the air before successfully landing a three-pointer

... ...

Gao Chi's smile remains gentle, yet it rarely radiates warmth; a profound sense of emotion surges within, and his ink-colored eyes instantly become moist

Soon after receiving an email from Qi Yueming, Gao Chi learned that Jian Nuo had graduated and started working at Jintai Law Firm, where Luo Yiheng was employed

The deliberately sealed memories were awakened, and that night he recalled many past events. It turned out that he had never forgotten the scene of her petite figure embracing him excitedly and screaming as if no one else was around. He was deeply enamored by the sparkle in her eyes at that moment, a complete and unreserved admiration and affection, which made him unable to help but smile.

A deep sigh passed through my heart, and Qi Yueming spoke earnestly: "The assets of the Gao family were earned with your life. If you were to encounter an accident afterward, then everything you endured before would lose its significance." After a pause, he said each word carefully: "A victor without breath is the most thoroughly defeated."

It is not that he has never considered an eye for an eye, but when he thinks of Jian Nuo, Gao Chi cannot overcome this hurdle within himself. She is a lawyer, and he does not wish for a day when the two of them stand on opposing sides, as that would make him feel exceptionally uncomfortable. Although he is not a person of great malice, it does not mean that Gao Chi would repay evil with virtue; he also has his limits: debts of money may go unpaid, but debts of life must be repaid.

Gao Chi smiled, casually fiddling with the teacup, without saying a word

In comparison, Qi Yueming's feelings for Gao Chi are indeed deeper. After returning to the country, he began to search for Gao Chi's whereabouts through various connections, employing every possible means, even going so far as to spend a considerable amount of money to hire a private detective. Finally, he received news of Gao Chi six months ago

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