Xiao Pang agreed, having the same idea. Staying away from these noisy people might even help him recover faster.
Ye Tiancheng made a decisive move and had Xiao Pang discharged from the hospital. The two quickly left the hospital, finally feeling relieved from the suffocating atmosphere. Stepping out of the hospital, they felt refreshed.
Ye Tiancheng took Xiao Pang to his employee dormitory. Xiao Pang couldn't help but praise him.
"Brother Ye, I see you're doing well working under Hou Mingzhu. I thought that woman would give you a hard time, but it seems I worried too much."
Xiao Pang suddenly mentioned Hou Mingzhu, prompting Ye Tiancheng to discuss her proposal of marriage with him.
"What? Brother Ye, I find that incredible. If Hou Mingzhu had married you when you were at your most profitable, it would have been normal. But now, she still wants to marry you? I can't quite figure out what Hou Mingzhu is after."
This was something Ye Tiancheng had also been suspicious of. Later, after thinking it through, Ye Tiancheng explained to Xiao Pang who Ouyang Qianqian was and everything that had happened. With the existence of another woman, Xiao Pang finally understood.
Xiao Pang stroked his chin and told Ye Tiancheng very seriously, "Brother Ye, I think it's good enough that you have a woman to rely on now. Don't be too picky. You're not like me; I can't rely on my looks to make a living, only on my strength. You have potential, so make good use of your advantages."
However, Ye Tiancheng was still hesitant about being a kept man. Moreover, if he were with Hou Mingzhu, he would likely be controlled by that tigress, making life suffocating.
Whether it was reputation or actual well-being, these were points Ye Tiancheng was still contemplating.
"Brother Ye, it's actually quite simple. Just imagine yourself as a canary; you only need to be obedient and not have your own opinions. If you become part of the Hou family, everything can be turned around."
Ye Tiancheng never dreamed that his turnaround would depend on a woman. Yet, he had to admit that this shortcut, which saved a lot of effort, was indeed very appealing.
"Alright then, Xiao Pang, I know being a kept man is shameful, but I plan to try it. If I have to be, at least I have something to eat. I won't pay much attention to whatever jokes others make, as this is my life. I don't want to listen to gossip; I just want to live according to my own wishes."
Though he said it lightly, it was a significant and painful decision for Ye Tiancheng.
That evening, Ye Tiancheng and Xiao Pang drank a lot of alcohol. They talked extensively about past events, including when they first met.
"Xiao Pang, you might think you've only known me recently, but I've lived through this second time. So, when I saw you, I felt a special sense of closeness."
"Alright, Brother Ye, what you're saying is too profound. You'll confuse me. Let me continue. I can't understand what you're saying."
Hou Mingzhu, not yet having received Ye Tiancheng's answer, anxiously went to his employee dormitory with the household registration book.
Having previously taken Ye Tiancheng's key, and always acting domineeringly, Hou Mingzhu opened the door without his permission.
As soon as she opened it, she saw empty wine bottles strewn everywhere. Then she saw Ye Tiancheng asleep on the sofa and Xiao Pang lying on the floor. The scene was truly unbearable.
Hou Mingzhu, who was not known for her good temper, saw Ye Tiancheng and his friend in such a disheveled state. Without bothering to disturb them, she immediately started shouting, completely disregarding Ye Tiancheng's dignity.
"Ye Tiancheng, why have you made such a mess? Are you going to live like this?"
Suddenly awakened by Hou Mingzhu's shouting, Ye Tiancheng was completely bewildered and out of sorts. He had drunk too much yesterday and had a terrible headache.
"Hou Mingzhu, why are you here? Is something wrong?"
"You have the nerve to ask me? How could you make the house like this? I thought a thief had broken in." As Hou Mingzhu walked, she accidentally kicked an empty wine bottle, almost tripping her. Enraged, Hou Mingzhu became even more furious. "Really, drinking so much, don't you care about your life?"
"No, what time is it?"
Ye Tiancheng suddenly realized from the situation outside that it was already broad daylight, and he was still sleeping soundly. Today was not a weekend, so there was no rest; he needed to go to work.
"It's already noon, and you're still daydreaming."
Ye Tiancheng no longer cared about Hou Mingzhu's criticism, nor could he pay attention to Xiao Pang. What Ye Tiancheng was most concerned about was that because he hadn't gone to work and hadn't requested leave, he was unsure of Director Chen's attitude.
Seeing Ye Tiancheng casually tidy himself up and grab his bag to leave, Hou Mingzhu looked at him in surprise and asked him.
"Am I seeing things? Ye Tiancheng, you're still going to work."
"Tell Xiao Pang later; I'm going to work."
The situation was extremely urgent, and Ye Tiancheng really didn't have time to explain more to Hou Mingzhu. After leaving the door, instead of going to the subway station as usual, he directly took a taxi.
While getting into the car, Ye Tiancheng held his briefcase and thought that although the employee dormitory wasn't far from the company, it wasn't walkable. It was quite frustrating; it should have been closer.
Ye Tiancheng was very anxious all the way. After thinking for a long time, he called Director Chen, but no one answered. Ye Tiancheng thought Director Chen must be busy. A few minutes later, he called again, but the other party directly hung up. Ye Tiancheng realized that the situation might not be good.
Finally arriving at the company, Ye Tiancheng planned to play dead. Since he was already so late, it was best not to attract attention and just quietly do his work.
However, by sheer bad luck, as soon as Ye Tiancheng entered the office, he bumped into Director Chen. Seeing him, Director Chen had a sinister smile on his face.
"You still know to come to work? I thought you had already resigned."
Seeing Director Chen's expression, Ye Tiancheng knew that at this moment, he could only accept the ridicule and apologize profusely, hoping to salvage the situation.
"Director Chen, I'm truly sorry. I had something yesterday and overslept. I promise this will never happen again. This is my mistake, and I am willing to take responsibility for it. You can deduct my pay."
However, Ye Tiancheng's frantic apologies had no effect. Director Chen had already decided Ye Tiancheng's fate and was merely informing him.
"By the way, you don't need to apologize anymore. You've done nothing wrong. Since you don't want to work, go home and sleep. Go to the Human Resources department to complete the procedures. I've already made the notification. You just need to fill out a form and you can leave the company."
Hearing this outcome, Ye Tiancheng's head buzzed. Was it not even possible to be an ordinary employee? He wanted to work hard and become stronger step by step. Why was the beginning so difficult?
"Director Chen, I truly know I was wrong. I sincerely apologize. I don't want to resign."
"I didn't say you should resign. The company is firing you. The decision has been made. I've already sent the email. Just go and complete the procedures. Don't bother me anymore; I have other things to do and am very busy."
After saying that, Director Chen was about to leave with a bag of documents. Ye Tiancheng quickly ran over and blocked Director Chen's path. This was his last chance. If Ye Tiancheng couldn't seize it, he might truly lose this job.
"Director Chen, I hope you can reconsider. I've always been the type of person who works hard in the company. Since I joined, I've almost worked overtime every day. My work is very demanding..."
Director Chen didn't let Ye Tiancheng finish. He rudely interrupted him and adjusted his glasses.
"Little Ye, let me tell you the truth. I dislike people with connections like you the most. If your connections were truly strong, it would be fine; I wouldn't dare do anything to you. Unfortunately, you can't even make Miss Hou happy. I think your relationship with her will break sooner or later. If I fire you, perhaps Miss Hou will think I've done the right thing and even promote me or give me a raise."
This Director Chen was too arrogant. If not for his arrogance, Ye Tiancheng wouldn't have bothered getting angry with him. It was precisely because of his arrogance that Ye Tiancheng deliberately told him.
"Director Chen, you've misjudged this. I'm about to marry Hou Mingzhu. As someone with connections, my relationship should be quite strong, shouldn't it?"
As soon as Ye Tiancheng finished speaking, Director Chen burst into laughter, showing no sign of hiding his contempt for Ye Tiancheng.
"You're killing me! You're going to marry Hou Mingzhu? Don't joke around, okay? If you had that kind of ability, I wouldn't be firing you."
No matter what Ye Tiancheng said next, Director Chen kept laughing, so much so that his back was bent.
Realizing that continuing like this wouldn't work, even if it was mutual utilization, marriage was just a formality. It didn't matter who it was with, as long as it helped him.
Ye Tiancheng instantly understood. Being stepped on by others felt terrible. He had experienced it; he couldn't remain stagnant and be a salted fish forever.
Being trampled by these scumbags was too painful; thinking about it made him feel heartbroken.
"Listen, Old Chen, stop laughing. I'm really about to marry Hou Mingzhu. Just prepare the wedding gift."
Director Chen kept laughing, his words clearly showing disbelief that Ye Tiancheng would truly rise to prominence and marry Hou Mingzhu, belittling Ye Tiancheng to the point of worthlessness.
"Someone like you, how could you marry Miss Hou? A bankrupt pauper, probably even the receptionist at our company wouldn't look at you. You still want to marry a rich girl; you really dare to dream."
Ye Tiancheng stopped paying attention to Director Chen and left the company. Then, he called Hou Mingzhu and agreed to the marriage proposal.
"Ye Tiancheng, you promised me, so you can't go back on your word. I brought the household registration book. Why don't you quit your job too? Bring your household registration book, and let's go register."
"Okay."
The two took their household registration books and went to the Civil Affairs Bureau. There weren't many people queuing today, so they got their marriage certificates in just a few minutes. At the entrance, Hou Mingzhu was still a bit dazed.
"Ye Tiancheng, it's so magical! We're married now."
"You tricked me into this." The male protagonist took the female protagonist's hand. This milestone-like change also had a great impact on him. "Mingzhu, please guide me for the rest of my life."