Mistaken Canary Chapter 33 (Part 1)
Chapter 33.1
Two figures were deeply entwined on the balcony, lost in a fervent kiss. The sound of approaching footsteps broke through their private moment; they froze, looking wide-eyed at the domineering man who now glowered before them. The pressure he exerted was unbearable.
He maintained a sullen silence, and behind him stood another man, equally arresting.
The woman, her face flushed with embarrassment, cursed under her breath, grabbing her companion and swiftly retreating into the hall.
After watching the two strangers disappear, Ying Tongchen shifted his gaze to Zhuo Shu. "What's wrong?" Ying Tongchen finally asked. "Why did you call me here?"
Zhuo Shu released his grip and turned to face him, attempting to command the space with his imposing presence. "I called you here to show you the world, not to have you flirting around."
"Hmm? You call that flirting?" Ying Tongchen raised a questioning eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Isn't it you who gave me a new nickname and sent me out to recognize sons all over the place?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Zhuo Shu's face before it softened almost imperceptibly. "You're really bold. Do you know who those people were?"
"Likely all wealthy or of noble birth," Ying Tongchen replied with an unruffled smile. "Don't worry, I've prepared something small for them too."
"What something?" Zhuo Shu was surprised. "You're actually planning to give them something?"
"Naturally," Ying Tongchen responded with an enigmatic smile.
Zhuo Shu was momentarily taken aback. He turned his gaze towards the window, where the full moon hung luminous, bathing the night in its silvery light and illuminating the person before him with an ethereal beauty.
He gathered his thoughts, clearing his throat with an awkward rumble. "No one in this establishment is easy to deal with. Just remember, you're with me now. If trouble comes, push it my way, and I'll deal with it."
Ying Tongchen's brow arched, his lashes fluttering subtly as his lips parted slightly. "Really?"
"Mm." Zhuo Shu scratched the back of his neck, turning away, looking slightly uncomfortable with his own corny words. He quickly rephrased, "Who was the person who told you to come? If anything goes sideways, it’s on me."
After speaking, he heard no reply. Quietly, he glanced at Ying Tongchen and found him deeply staring at him. Zhuo Shu’s throat tightened, and he turned fully to meet his gaze.
Ying Tongchen leaned in slowly.
As if sensing the unspoken intention, Zhuo Shu flicked a quick glance at the bustling hall, ensuring they were unnoticed, and then slowly closed his eyes, his lips gently pursing in anticipation.
And then... a pair of fingers and thumbs suddenly squeezed his lips.
Zhuo ‘Psyduck’ Shu: "?"
Ying Tongchen: "?"
Zhuo Shu: "What are you doing?"
"I was just about to ask you that—pouting your lips like that, aren't you hoping someone will pinch it?" Ying Tongchen said, puzzled, before quickly getting back to the matter at hand. "But since you've put it that way, be my support for a while."
"Huh?"
Ying Tongchen turned his attention to the people inside. They aren’t just good looking gentlemen and ladies—they’re literally walking piles of cash.
Zhuo Shu noticed the sudden spark in Ying Tongchen’s eyes. "What are you planning to do?"
"Come with me." Ying Tongchen unconsciously tugged at his wrist, but Zhuo Shu didn’t budge.
He looked back, confused, only to find Zhuo Shu staring intently at his hand. Under his breath, he muttered, "What’s with all this push and pull—If you’re so bold, just kiss me already."
Ying Tongchen: "."
"You’re serious?"
Zhuo Shu froze for a moment, realizing that Ying Tongchen had heard his words. He feigned calmness, replying, "What, outside, you wouldn’t dare—"
Before he could finish, Ying Tongchen tilted his head and kissed his lips.
It was gentle, soft.
A fleeting touch.
But the lingering taste remained.
Zhuo Shu reluctantly opened his eyes, a clear expression of unfulfilled desire written in them.
"Alright, let's handle business first." Ying Tongchen, concerned they might get carried away here, tugged him along toward the interior, oblivious to Zhuo Shu’s happy, almost skipping steps.
Back in the banquet hall, many people noticed the two of them and kept a respectful distance, observing from afar.
Ying Tongchen paused briefly, then, once Zhuo Shu stood beside him, whispered softly, "What’s the background of that Sha Bi?"
"He’s the grandson of a real estate tycoon," Zhuo Shu lowered his voice to match.
Ying Tongchen continued to ask, "What about the one next to him?"
Zhuo Shu glanced toward Qian Duo. "The heir of a talent agency."
"And the one dressed so flamboyantly?"
"The successor to a fashion company."
"Fashion? Well, international trade can't be overlooked," Ying Tongchen picked up a glass of wine, walking toward the three with an air of calm confidence.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Qian Duo: "?" We weren't waiting for you!
"So glad you're back," Sha Bi smiled brightly at him. "We were just talking about you."
Ying Tongchen raised a quizzical brow. "Oh? What were you talking about?"
Qian Duo pressed for information, "What industry are you in? Why haven't we ever seen you before?"
"Hm? I suppose I haven't introduced myself yet." Ying Tongchen put down his glass, extracted a few business cards from his wallet, and handed them over with polite ease. "Yale Lexis Translation Studio, Ying Tongchen. I look forward to working with you all."
The three of them glanced at the cards, and their expressions mirrored Zhuo Shu’s expression from that first moment of revelation.
Wow, I left with no fking words.jpg
Zhuo Shu actually became a bankroller for a Deputy Director?!
The three of them stared in shock, turning in unison to look at Zhuo Shu.
Zhuo Shu lifted his chin slightly, giving a casual shake of his leg, basking in the satisfaction of his superiority.
"If any of you have relevant needs, feel free to contact me," Ying Tongchen said with a smile.
Sha Bi couldn't help but stare at him, then glanced at the business card again. "You... is this business card real?"
"Absolutely legitimate." Ying Tongchen calmly proceeded to give a brief introduction of the studio in English, proving his qualifications.
The trio ZhuangShaQian exchanged puzzled looks. Why did he suddenly switch to English? This was completely unexpected. What do we do now?
Ying Tongchen concluded, and the three of them simultaneously politely applauded.
Sha Bi remained reserved. "Impressive, your American accent is very authentic."
Zhuang Bi commended calmly. "Indeed, the explanation was concise and clear, we understand now."
Qian Duo pretended aplomb, "Alright, let's drink to that."
The group forced themselves to swallow it down, hoping to diffuse the awkward tension. It was then that Qian Duo finally regained his assurance. "Since you're a Deputy Director, why are you with Zhuo Shu?"
The other two echoed his curiosity.
Ying Tongchen answered casually with a relaxed smile. "Of course, it's because Chairman Zhuo is exceptionally capable. Being around outstanding people naturally helps one grow and move forward."
As if.
Alright, he admitted it—his initial interest had been purely physical.
But could he say that to these potential big clients? Of course not.
Zhuo Shu, under the intense scrutiny of the three, nearly had his chin touching the ceiling. He feigned modesty and offered a light reprimand. "What did I tell you before? You should be humble when you're out in the world."
"Got it," Ying Tongchen responded obediently.
Sha Bi: "..." Why am I feeling so sour?
"Mr. Ying, have you always been a translator?" Sha Bi couldn't contain his curiosity. It wasn't hard to understand—other canaries were either a minor celebrity or an internet influencer. So why had such a capable Deputy Director fallen to this?
"Ah, no, I have another job, but it's not worth mentioning," Ying Tongchen replied.
Qian Duo immediately seized the opportunity, finally finding a point to mock. "Not worth mentioning, or just too obscure for anyone to know?"
Ying Tongchen nodded. "Too obscure, just another face in the crowd."
Qian Duo leaned in and whispered to Sha Bi and Zhuang Bi, "Probably just some unnoticed, small-time nobody."
Sha Bi found that plausible and a sense of competition began to stir within him. He hinted, "Aren't you worried about someone else taking your place beside Zhuo Shu?"
"I'm not worried," Ying Tongchen said. "I respect every choice he makes, and he won't disappoint me."
Zhuo Shu: "!"
Leg shake.jpg
Sha Bi then asked, "So, what is it that you like about Zhuo Shu?"
Ying Tongchen: "Everything."
Zhuo Shu: "!!!"
Tap dance.jpg
Zhuang Bi chimed in, "Then if your mom and Zhuo Shu fell into the sea at the same time, who would you save first?"
Zhuo Shu: "..."
Ying Tongchen: What kind of dating show is this?
The answer could easily be avoided, but—
"I'd save Zhuo Shu," he said without hesitation. Afterall, he wasn’t on good terms with his mom.
Zhuo Shu: "!!!"
Closing my eyes as I spin and jump.jpg[1]
The three of them hadn’t expected Ying Tongchen to be such a bootlicker. While they found it distasteful, there was also a faint undercurrent of envy.
This wasn’t the humble kneeling of their little lovers—this was bootlicking infused with style, flattery imbued with sophistication, signaling a whole new era of sycophancy!
Noted—next time they bankroll someone, it would be an eloquent Deputy Director with a great face, long legs, and a killer body.
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Footnote:
[1] Closing my eyes as I spin and jump (旋转 跳跃 我闭着眼) - Is actually the lyrics of a famous pop song, ‘Dancing Diva’, which is sung by Jolin Tsai in 2006. It’s also on Just Dance 2015. https://youtu.be/dKaqbta_320?si=4yWxFlGdLVcZzXxo&t=40