CHAPTER 700: CHAPTER 652: AO CHEN VS HUO QI 18

"Woke up?" Ao Chen raised his eyebrows, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity as he set aside his tablet.

Huo Qi felt awkward. Although he was unfamiliar with New York, he had never been this careless. Following a stranger home and then brazenly sleeping over at their place was not typical for him.

Before he could ask Ao Chen why he hadn’t left him at the hotel, he suddenly remembered the incident at the Nightclub and his trusted mentor, which soured his expression.

"About yesterday, thank you."

Ao Chen crossed his legs and lounged casually. Hearing the earnest apology made him feel somewhat awkward.

"You don’t need to."

"Thank you for helping me yesterday. I didn’t..."

Huo Qi wanted to ask if he hadn’t done anything wrong, but his thoughts spun and feeling this wasn’t the right question, he quickly changed the topic. "I don’t know your name, sir. I..."

"No need for thanks. If you really want to thank me, why not..."

Huo Qi looked at him, confusion written all over his face. Ao Chen suddenly stopped speaking. This version of Huo Qi, so tempting, made him recognize his own preferences, which he never hid. Yet, he found himself hesitant to speak frivolously in front of Huo Qi.

This was not like him.

Before, he would speak lewdly without care, regardless of how the other person might view him.

But the mere thought of Huo Qi disliking him made him quite unhappy. The words he almost blurted twisted on his tongue, and when they came out, they had completely changed. "Please treat me to a meal."

If Jessica and the others were here, they would surely think Ao Chen was pretending to be something he’s not at this moment.

Receiving a favor and merely inviting him to a meal in exchange seemed ridiculous to them.

Huo Qi was well aware that what Ao Chen had initially wanted to suggest was not this, but he couldn’t figure out exactly what it was. Smiling, he nodded his head. "Okay, then leave your phone number with me. Whenever you’re free, you can call me. I am studying at the Film Directing Department at New York University."

Ao Chen nodded. "That professor of yours is not a good person."

"Yes, I didn’t know before, but now I do."

Ao Chen watched him with interest. "Let’s go have something to eat first; we can talk while we eat."

"Thank you."

Huo Qi didn’t fuss about it; he was indeed starving. Since the meal was ready, not eating it would be wasteful.

The two settled down in the restaurant, Ao Chen also picking up a toast to eat, waiting for Huo Qi’s response. Huo Qi chuckled, "Report him."

"That’s hard."

Huo Qi knew it was difficult, but for someone like him, without power or connections, it was the most appropriate method available.

"Do you need my help?"

Ao Chen asked as if casually, but his gaze was constantly fixed on Huo Qi’s face; he was indeed smitten with him at first sight.

As long as he could make a good impression in front of Huo Qi, that was enough.

Time would tell, slow and steady.

Huo Qi was momentarily stunned, then shook his head. "You’ve already saved me, I’m very grateful. How could I trouble you further? No need, but thank you for your kindness, I’ll think of a way."

Ao Chen put down his jam, "Such things are easy for me."

"Still, thank you, but I’d prefer to handle it myself."

Ao Chen scoffed, "Stubborn."

Huo Qi knew he was being criticized for not knowing what was good for him. He could accept whatever was said about him, but accepting undeserved favors and being indebted to someone was something he preferred to avoid.

Helping a stranger once was enough kindness.

He couldn’t afford to trouble someone further, let alone take advantage of their kindness.

After breakfast, as Huo Qi was leaving, Ao Chen asked again, "Are you sure you don’t want my help?"

Huo Qi continued putting on his shoes, smiling at Ao Chen, "No need, thank you."

Being asked the same question twice was a first for Ao Chen, and, of course, being refused was also a first. This person really didn’t know what was good for him.

He anxiously slammed the door after Huo Qi left.

Huo Qi stood outside, slightly dazed and embarrassed. His attempt to wave goodbye felt almost comical. He withdrew his hand and chuckled nonchalantly. After all, they were unlikely to cross paths again. If Ao Chen was upset, then let him be.

"Hey, handsome, those clothes you’re wearing must be Ao Chen’s, right?"

Jessica and others had come early to see what was happening and were already waiting outside. As Huo Qi turned, he saw them eyeing his attire meaningfully. Allen, casting his large frame closer, asked, "Does that guy Ao Chen have any annoying habits? Is he incredibly bothersome?"