Ethan turned on the TV. The news was reporting that a European brand of overpriced red wine had been pulled from shelves nationwide due to issues with its distributor, Star Rui. He sighed, and in the kitchen, Marcus was cutting up fruit."Luckily, I didn't let Lysol take over that red wine brand," Marcus commented.
After finishing in the kitchen, Marcus walked out with a fruit plate and set it on the coffee table. He settled onto the couch beside Ethan and started watching the news."It seems StarElite has faced several failed investment projects, right? Their stock price has been consistently dropping, and they might go bankrupt if this keeps up."
"Ethan shook his head."Liam thought he had found a treasure but got into trouble. If Starry Rising hadn't been desperate, he wouldn't have gotten involved so quickly."
Ethan's tone held a hint of schadenfreude, which Marcus noticed."Do you think I took advantage of you?"Marcus asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ethan laughed and playfully pushed Marcus onto the sofa, leaning over to kiss him affectionately."No, no, I've been taking advantage of you!"
******
Liam recently started feeling anxious. He initially thought the challenges they faced were minor issues, but it soon became apparent that things were far more complicated. Their investment projects had repeatedly failed, leading to significant losses and a plummeting stock price. Even the bank was unwilling to grant loans, which meant new projects couldn't get off the ground. Liam considered using internal information stolen from Lyson to turn things around and capture Lyson's market and customers. Ultimately, however, he realized that the most important thing for him to do was to focus on the immediate crisis, but in the end, Ethan outsmarted him.
On the bright side, there was still hope. Although the bank wouldn't provide loans, Liam managed to attract a venture capital company to invest in their newly negotiated project for the domestic agency of Korean game software.
"This is the last straw that breaks the camel's back," Ethan told Marcus after hearing the news."If this project fails, StarElite will be destroyed."
Marcus, attempting to keep pace with Ethan's concerns, reminded him, "StarElite has always had a presence in the game software market, not only as agents for foreign games but also through self-developed domestic games. Their sales have been good since their listing, or else the venture capital companies wouldn't have taken an interest. As long as they have funding, there's a chance for them to recover."
"Exactly, so we need to block their path," Ethan replied as he opened his computer to pull up information on the head of an American venture capital company focused on Greater China."Recognize this person?"
Marcus looked closely and was slightly surprised."It's him?"
Ethan smiled and nodded."Let's go and talk to him."
******
After following Ethan to the upscale clubhouse frequented by someone named Lawrence, Marcus suddenly questioned why Ethan's company always involved him. It seemed like none of his business.
Ethan laughed and nudged Marcus's arm, saying, "Who made you the general manager's wife?"
"..."
Ethan, still holding back laughter, coughed lightly and straightened his posture."Didn't Lawrence even pursue you? Can you do me a favor?"
Marcus looked at him quizzically."You're not jealous of him?"
"How many years ago was that? Where's the vinegar to be jealous over? Besides, he's married to a man."
Marcus didn't press further as they entered the clubhouse. Lawrence came here every Friday night, but his arrival time was never fixed. This place attracted a dignified crowd seeking relaxation and entertainment, so it was unusual for them to have such an encounter.
As they arrived, only a few people were present. Ethan and Marcus leaned back on a sofa, sipping wine and chatting. Looking toward the pool room, Ethan asked, "Do you want to play a game?"
Marcus didn't decline and stood up. The two then headed to the pool tables. Ethan, who occasionally played with friends, initially thought he would easily win against Marcus, especially since he assumed Marcus had little experience. However, as Marcus took his turn, Ethan quickly realized he was facing a master.
With a beautiful hole-in-one, Marcus looked at Ethan, raised an eyebrow, and changed his position at the table. He bent down to aim again, entirely focused on the shot.
Having removed their jackets upon entering, Marcus wore a fitted shirt. His posture while leaning over the table highlighted his curves, instantly captivating Ethan's attention. Lost in his thoughts, Ethan forgot to watch the game. When he finally came, Marcus stood up with a satisfied grin."Scored again."
Ethan frowned slightly, noticing that Marcus seemed distracted. He entered a brief silence before placing the cue stick and saying, "You play," as he walked to the bar to continue drinking.
Ethan also set down his cue, joined Marcus at the bar, and raised his glass for a toast."Are you angry?"
"Are you sure Lawrence will be here tonight?"
"I'm sure; there's no reason he wouldn't come, as he always does every Friday night."
Just as Ethan finished speaking, an exaggerated exclamation of"Arthur!" rang out behind them. Marcus turned to see Lawrence approaching, his face lit up with surprise."Arthur, it's you! I didn't expect to meet you here! I haven't seen you in years; you still look charming!"
Without waiting for Marcus's response, Lawrence embraced him.
Watching the hug unfold, Ethan felt irritated, but since he had encouraged his wife to get close to Lawrence, he tolerated it.
Marcus subtly stepped back and shook Lawrence's hand, acknowledging the greeting. Lawrence continued to reminisce about old times, leaving Marcus with little opportunity to introduce Ethan, who stood beside him.
Lawrence then glanced at Ethan, realization dawning on him."You two are still together after all these years; it's enviable."
Marcus and Ethan exchanged silent, surprised looks; Lawrence had misunderstood their relationship.
Lawrence was a senior at the same school in England when they were studying there, two grades above Marcus and his friends. He had pursued Marcus obsessively for a while, which annoyed Marcus. However, since Lawrence was a senior, Marcus felt compelled to follow him around to complete his thesis rather than confront him directly. Eventually, Marcus couldn't stand Lawrence's persistent attention anymore. He told Lawrence he already had a boyfriend, hoping to dissuade him. At that time, Marcus and Ethan were chasing after William. Marcus tried to lead Lawrence to believe he was interested in William, but fate had other plans.
One day, when William is absent, Lawrence insists on following Marcus to find out who his boyfriend is, only to discover Ethan waiting for William instead.
Without waiting for Marcus to explain, Lawrence rushed forward to challenge Ethan. Confused and caught off guard, Ethan took some time to understand that Lawrence mistakenly thought he was Marcus's boyfriend and his romantic rival. Initially, Ethan wanted to set the record straight, but he noticed Marcus nearby, who, despite his cold demeanor, displayed a visibly embarrassed look in his eyes. Ethan wasn't sure what to think then, so he reached out, wrapped his arm around Marcus's shoulder, smiled, and acknowledged their relationship. He then warned Lawrence to stop pestering Marcus, effectively resolving the situation.
Because of this incident, Marcus felt he owed Ethan a favor. However, it was an awkward situation that neither of them spoke about again. Marcus probably would have forgotten it entirely if he hadn't encountered Lawrence's name while researching a venture capital project.
Now that Lawrence had misunderstood their relationship, Marcus and Ethan decided not to clarify it. They were happy to let him think what he wanted. In a way, they found humor in the misunderstanding surrounding their connection.
Lawrence seemed pleased to see the two of them together. He called the waiter for wine and insisted on making a toast. He shared an exaggerated story about how, if it hadn't been for that time they ended up drinking with one of their roommates to ease their confusion, he might have missed out on meeting the most loving person by his side. He added that they were married and thanked Marcus and Ethan for it.
Marcus and Ethan listened somewhat speechlessly. After a while, as Lawrence continued his rambling, Ethan winked at Marcus. Marcus cleared his throat, gathered his thoughts, and asked, "Lawrence, are you planning to invest in Starry's game software project?"
Lawrence, who had been speaking enthusiastically, was suddenly interrupted. Taken aback by the profound shift in conversation, he paused, collected his thoughts, and, with a more serious tone, asked, "You guys are waiting for me to discuss this matter?"