After Marrying The Wrong Person, I Can’t Leave

Chapter 55

Song Linchu slumped on the table like a lifeless dog and wondered, “Why do we have to attend another lecture? Will it ever end?”

Their school always loved inviting accomplished alumni, successful entrepreneurs, and other prominent figures to give speeches. Each lecture counted as 0.2 hidden credits.

The school required graduates to earn a minimum of 6 hidden credits. Aside from attending lectures, they could also obtain credits by taking exams for certifications such as accounting, computer skills, driver’s license, Mandarin proficiency, etc. Each certification counted as 2 credits.

Some people, after passing the Level 2 computer exam and achieving a Level 4 English proficiency, didn’t want to pursue additional certifications. Their only option was to attend lectures to make up the credits. Four years of attending lectures could accumulate close to 2 credits.

Li Chang was one of those people.

Song Linchu, on the other hand, had already passed the Level 6 English proficiency exam, and… ahem, a marriage certificate also counted. So, he had already fulfilled his hidden credit requirements and didn’t have to worry about it.

However, today’s lecture was about entrepreneurship, and since Song Linchu was planning to start his own business, he intended to listen to it.

He packed his thick textbooks into his bag and nudged Li Chang, saying, “Stop dawdling. Let’s go. We might not get front-row seats if we’re late.”

Li Chang widened his eyes in disbelief. “You actually want to fight for front-row seats? Are you insane?”

“Yes, if you don’t hurry, I’ll poison you.”

“…”

Li Chang reluctantly gathered his textbooks and followed Song Linchu towards the lecture hall. He had three more lectures to attend. Even if he didn’t feel like going, he had to finish them quickly before his junior year ended.

The two of them walked along with the crowd towards the lecture hall. Song Linchu took out his phone from his pocket and unlocked it. Just as he did, the phone vibrated, and it happened to be Tan Yue who sent him a message.

Tan Yue: [What are you doing?]

Little Songlin: [Thinking about gege.]

Little Songlin: [Kidding.]

Little Songlin: (Dog-head.jpg)

Tan Yue: [Dog head (Baidu Encyclopedia) – expressing the complete opposite of what is said in a humorous way.]

Tan Yue: [So, is this a double negative?]

Song Linchu: ???

Does “dog head” mean that?

I’m not well-versed in online slang but don’t trick me!

Song Linchu suspected that Tan Yue was making it up, so he searched it on Baidu. To his surprise, it turned out to be one of the actual meanings…

This conversation had to end!

As they were chatting, Song Linchu and Li Chang had already arrived at the lecture hall. There were quite a number of people trying to accumulate credits, and the lecture hall, which could accommodate hundreds of people, was filling up rapidly. The front-row seats were becoming scarce.

Song Linchu quickly pulled Li Chang’s bag and dragged him to the front row.

“Should I get a dog leash?” Li Chang looked at the podium in front of them with a helpless expression.

This position was right under the speaker’s watchful eyes, and even using a phone would be inappropriate.

No one else seems to be coming to this spot!

He just wanted to accumulate some credits, why was it so difficult?

Song Linchu noticed his evident distress and lightly tapped his temple with his index finger, saying, “Well, why don’t you sit at the back then?”

“Forget it,” Li Chang placed his backpack on the seat. “I’ll consider it as sacrificing myself for a noble cause.”

“… Do you really need to be so heroic about it?”

Song Linchu took a seat and took out his phone to reply to Tan Yue’s previous message.

Little Songlin: [With your level of comprehension, you should be a coach in League of Legends.]

Tan Yue: [I’m more suited to be a swimming coach, ensuring that students pass without failing.]

Little Songlin: […]

Little Songlin: [So, you’re exposing my wounds, huh!]

Tan Yue: [I was simply recommending myself.]

Little Songlin: [No thanks.]

It was impossible. He simply wanted to be a salted fish that feared water.

Tan Yue: [Are you really not interested?]

Little Songlin: [╭(╯^╰)╮ Who knows how much contraband you’re smuggling.]

Tan Yue: [Well, let’s not chat for now.]

Tan Yue: [I have to meet someone important.]

The smile that had unconsciously formed on Song Linchu’s face stiffened.

Another meeting with an important person!

How many important people does this dog man have?

Could it be the same person as before?

Damn it! Which little vixen was it?!

Or maybe, he went too far and angered Tan Yue?

After all, not everyone is as thick skinned as him. And when Tan Yue was acting all dog-like in the past, he could carry pretend not to have seen the message.

Ah, this…was the old man being intentional?

Come to think of it, what kind of person was Tan Yue? He had been admired by everyone since childhood, with people always coming to please him and cater to him. From the insincere words he (Tan Yue) used to coax him, it was evident that he wasn’t accustomed to this kind of treatment.

And… his feelings for him might not be that deep either.

After all, he had mentioned earlier that he only had a slight affection for him, which was equivalent to having a favorable impression.

Tan Yue’s feelings for him probably hadn’t reached the level of liking him.

It was only because he was enticed by his drunken state the last time that he ended up in bed with him. But now, what’s so extraordinary about sharing a bed? Men are creatures who think with their lower halves. Once stirred, even if not in love, it’s better to sleep together first and think later.

Before, he was willing to indulge him, probably because it was a fresh and exciting experience. But now, he had run away from home for several days and not returned.

Song Linchu pursed his lips.

Perhaps Tan Yue only had an affection for the Song Linchu who showered him with attention every day and chased after him with eagerness.

Song Linchu found himself spiraling into a dilemma, becoming increasingly distressed. He even started contemplating who would get custody of their child if they divorced.

Oh, right, they don’t have a child.

Lost in his deep thoughts, Song Linchu hadn’t paid attention to what the host was saying until he heard, “Now, let’s warmly welcome our keynote speaker, Mr. Tan Yue! Welcome, Mr. Tan!”

Having just imagined various scenarios and tormented himself, Song Linchu was taken aback: “???”

Song Linchu quickly looked up and saw a man with a composed expression walking steadily onto the stage.

No way, it can’t be, right? The important person that Tan Yue mentioned… it couldn’t be him.

Although he entertained the thought, Song Linchu’s mood brightened like the clouds clearing after rain. His entire demeanor relaxed, and even the corners of his eyes and brows were touched with a smile.

This dog man…

The students in the lecture hall, who had been chattering and playing with their phones, all fell silent in unison when the man appeared. Then, a synchronized “Wow!” broke out.

“Oh my god, when the host introduced his credentials, they sounded so impressive. I thought he would be another middle-aged beer-bellied guy! Who are you, handsome?”

“This Mr. Tan is too young and handsome! Unbelievable!”

“Ah, is this the domineering CEO stepping out of a TV drama? So commanding!”

“Mom, I’m in love. I want to have monkeys with him! A hundred monkeys!”

“In one minute, I need all the information on this CEO!”

————-

The people below excitedly engaged in discussions, with some hastily taking out their phones to capture the moment.

Tan Yue stood before the lectern, his gaze sweeping across the entire auditorium. It’s unclear whether his expression was too cold or intimidating, or if his aura was simply too overpowering, but the previously chattering students unexpectedly fell silent at the mere glance he cast.

Song Linchu stared blankly at the man on the stage.

He could never have imagined that Tan Yue would appear here.

After all, he disliked attending any kind of gathering, especially such public events.

Tan Yue’s gaze also locked onto his face.

Then, he lightly tugged at the corner of his lips.

Instantly, a deafening scream erupted throughout the auditorium.

“…”

Flirting in front of so many people is very inappropriate!

Song Linchu felt his ears flush slightly. Just as he was about to lower his gaze to avoid Tan Yue’s stare, the girl sitting next to him blushed and excitedly stomped her foot, saying, “Is he smiling at me? He must be!”

“No, you’re wrong! Clearly, he’s smiling at me!”

“Ah! He’s looking at me!” exclaimed the boy sitting behind him

Song Linchu: “…?”

However, the illusion of these individuals was shattered rather swiftly when Tan Yue picked up the laser pointer and flipped to the first page of the PowerPoint presentation. Many people noticed the ring on his ring finger.

He turned out to be a young married man!

The budding infatuation of those men and women instantly turned into tears.

Although he didn’t want to admit it, Song Linchu found great satisfaction in this.

He couldn’t help but touch the wedding ring on his left hand’s middle finger.

Since he was a student, and a prominent figure at A University, wearing the ring on his ring finger would be too conspicuous. So, he and Tan Yue had applied for permission for him to wear the wedding ring on his middle finger while on campus.

After all, it still represented that he was claimed.

Tan Yue paid no attention to the commotion below. He tested the microphone, then began, “Good afternoon, fellow students of A University. I am Tan Yue…”

The man’s voice carried a solemn and aloof tone, spreading through the auditorium via the microphone and reaching every corner. It’s unclear whether it was the overwhelming “aura” or not, but the auditorium fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop, and even those who were playing with their phones ceased to do so.

Many people held up their phones, unsure whether they were recording Tan Yue’s captivating speech or capturing the man.

Although he knew he shouldn’t, or at least shouldn’t feel this way, Song Linchu couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable.

However, he soon disregarded these thoughts. Tan Yue’s speech was remarkable, and being an entrepreneur himself during his college years, he had rich experience in this field. Song Linchu became completely engrossed as he listened.

Tan Yue’s gaze occasionally landed on someone who was attentively listening.

He had a serious expression, occasional lowering his head to take notes, and even the strands of hair displaying an air of concentration, Tan Yue felt that it was worth taking time out of his busy schedule to deliver this lecture.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see someone earnestly listening up close.

So cute.

Song Linchu failed to notice Tan Yue’s subtle glances. Today, Tan Yue’s lecture was incredibly valuable, answering many of his doubts. As for others, he couldn’t say, but for someone like him with entrepreneurial aspirations, this lecture held immense significance.

When Tan Yue said, “That concludes my speech,” and applause filled the classroom, and Song Linchu realized that an hour had passed so quickly.

However, wasn’t this applause a bit too loud?

In a daze, Song Linchu turned his head and noticed that, at some point, the area outside the auditorium had also filled with students. These people had somehow caught wind of it, probably because a student in the hall had shared the news, and they came upon hearing it.

As for how many were drawn by Tan Yue’s looks, how many by the content of his speech, and how many by both, it was hard to tell.

Tan Yue lifted his wrist and glanced at his watch, saying, “The next 15 minutes are for questions. Please raise your hand if you have any.”

As he spoke, his gaze once again fell upon Song Linchu.

Song Linchu had quite a few questions, but he had no intention of asking them since he could always ask his husband when he returned home. However, under Tan Yue’s gaze, he found himself somewhat tempted.

But he wasn’t the only one feeling that way. As soon as Tan Yue finished speaking, someone immediately raised their hand.

Tan Yue’s gaze landed on the person, gesturing a “please.”

It was a girl who had raised her hand. Realizing that she had been called upon, she stood up excitedly and received the microphone passed from the front row.

Perhaps due to her excitement, her mind went blank for a while, and despite struggling to find the right words, she grew increasingly anxious, making it even harder for her to speak. With all eyes on her, her face turned red, and even her eyes became teary.

“No need to be nervous,” Tan Yue’s low voice came from the stage, with an unprecedented touch of reassurance. “Take your time.”

Song Linchu couldn’t help but curl his lips in response. So, even a typical straight steel man knew how to comfort people, huh?

Perhaps it was a rare moment when Tan Yue deviated from his usual aloof demeanor, and the girl felt it. Miraculously, she calmed down quickly and soon remembered her question.

After she finished speaking, a boy sitting two rows behind her immediately raised his hand.

Tan Yue gestured for him to proceed.

The boy took the microphone, clearly a rather smooth-talking student, and said with a cheerful smile, “I’m feeling a bit nervous too. Mr. Tan, could you give me some encouragement?”

“Wow!”

The students let out quiet exclamations, clearly not expecting such audacity to appear in the face of this indifferent and domineering executive.

With an expressionless face, the executive replied, “Next.”

Song Linchu immediately raised his hand.

Upon seeing his raised hand, Tan Yue ignored the raised hands of others in the auditorium and said, “This student.”

When the others in the auditorium saw that it was Song Linchu who stood up, another round of screams ensued.

After all, he was their “school flower”!

Song Linchu took the microphone and was about to speak when Tan Yue interjected, “I noticed this student just now. He was very attentive and took notes. Do you have entrepreneurial aspirations?”

Who’s asking the questions here, you or me?

Don’t you know whether I have entrepreneurial aspirations or not?

Song Linchu blushed slightly and replied with an “Mm.”

Tan Yue nodded and said, “You can send your business plan to the investment company under the Wanou Group. If it’s a good idea, there might be a chance for investment.”

Song Linchu: “…”

Other students were puzzled but collectively let out an envious exclamation of “Wow.”

Looks really are important. Even before he said anything, the CEO has already extended an olive branch to him. Just think about the previous male student. What a difference in treatment…

They were jealous!

For a moment, Song Linchu received various gazes—some envious, some jealous…

Li Chang was also close to envying his former roommate and felt happy for him at the same time. Wanou was a large enterprise, and if he could really secure investment from one of its subsidiary companies, his future would be incredibly bright.

Song Linchu is so talented; he deserves it!

But why would this CEO, who is usually so aloof and even cold, take a different approach when it came to Song Linchu?

Could it be that this married executive has set his sights on their Song Linchu and wanted to pursue him?

Damn it, are all people with the surname Tan such scumbags?

Wait a minute, this person’s surname is Tan!

Li Chang, who is thick-headed enough to hang himself, belatedly sensed that something was amiss.

He suddenly looked at Song Linchu and noticed the flushed color on his ears and neck.

Li Chang: ?????

What talent is he fancying? This is clearly a public display of affection!

Ah, tui!

Fortunately, neither Song Linchu nor Tan Yue were people who mixex personal and professional matters. Tan Yue merely uttered that one sentence, and Song Linchu responded with a random “Mm” before posing his own question.

After Tan Yue answered, more people in the back continued to ask questions.

It wasn’t until the 15 minutes were over that Tan Yue announced the end of the Q&A session, and the crowd dispersed reluctantly.

Song Linchu and Li Chang left the lecture hall with the rest of the crowd.

Once they reached a less crowded place, Li Chang couldn’t hold back any longer and asked, “That Tan Yue, is he the one you mentioned?”

Song Linchu cleared his throat and nodded, “Yes.”

“Damn, no wonder you wanted to sit in the front row. Turns out it’s for convenient eye contact and secret communication. You two really know how to play in public.”

Secret communication my foot!

“No!” Song Linchu’s ears, which had just cooled down, grew hot again. He defended himself, “He didn’t tell me that he would be here. I genuinely wanted to attend the lecture.”

“No need to explain, I get it. I totally get it, hehe.”

Song Linchu: “…”

You don’t get anything!

Seeing Tan Yue’s outstanding qualities and his handsomeness, Li Chang harbored fewer grievances towards people with the surname Tan. However, a new concern arose.

“Just… um, Linchu, it’s not that I think you’re not good enough, but I see how exceptional Tan Yue is, and he’s so wealthy. The choices available to him are beyond our imagination. So, is he genuinely interested in you?”

Song Linchu understood his worry and reassured him, “No, he’s good to me. Don’t worry.”

Li Chang blushed and said, “No, I mean… well, I’m wondering if he might have any physical shortcomings, like, ahem,ahem, wasn’t it said that his uncle is… a ‘sheep’s tail’?”

This was not something Song Linchu had told Li Chang. Tan Mingqing had sent a voice message and Song Linchu had accidentally played it on speaker, so Li Chang overheard it.

Regarding this question, Song Linchu facepalmed.

“No, they’re not the same person.”

“Really?”

Song Linchu nodded, “Really.”

Li Chang still had some concerns, “Are you sure this CEO Tan is the real deal? Have you… cough, tried him?”

Even though everyone teased him during the hot pot dinner last time, Song Linchu had consistently denied it. Who knew if his denials were actually true.

Song Linchu hesitated, his face turning red.

How did the conversation take such a turn?

“Come on, we’re brothers. Why are you blushing?”

“…” Fuck you!

Yeah, they were brothers. There’s nothing to be shy about.

Just as Song Linchu was about to say something, Li Chang suddenly made a face and gestured at him.

What’s he doing?

Was he afraid that he will be deceived again and got so angry that his face contorted?

No need to go that far, no need.

In order to prevent any mishaps from angering the child, Song Linchu made up his mind and said, “I’ve tried him, and he’s exceptional, truly exceptional!”

After pausing for a moment, he added, “He almost sent me to the hospital the first time. Can you imagine how fierce that was?”

Li Chang remained silent, his expression somewhat peculiar.

While Song Linchu was puzzled, he heard a familiar voice from behind, saying, “What do you mean by ‘almost sent you to the hospital’? How fierce was it?”

“…”

Song Linchu stiffly turned his head, meeting the man’s familiar cold eyes that now has an unmistakable hint of amusement.

This was a social death scene.

Song Linchu didn’t want to live anymore.

Come on, bring in his coffin and let him rest in peace!