From Villain to Virtual Sweetheart: The Fake Heir's Grand Scheme(BL)
Chapter 137: The Boy Beside Him

Chapter 137: The Boy Beside Him

They stood there in the middle of the food street like two cowboys in a stand-off, Micah, arms crossed and eyes narrow, and Clyde, hands in his pockets and a calm but unrelenting stare on his face. The crowd flowed around them, but neither of them moved, like time had frozen just for them.

Then Micah’s phone buzzed.

He blinked, breaking eye contact, and quickly pulled out the device from his pants pocket. His thumb swiped across the screen, and he read the message.

LioNessQueen: should I say my cousin to get it?!

Micah sighed. His shoulders dropped a little, and the corners of his mouth twitched in a tired smile. He typed fast.

SugerPlumFairyisLeo’sWife: Yeah, just in five minutes.

He tucked the phone back in and turned toward Clyde. "I have to drop something at the security kiosk," he said, voice quiet but steady.

Clyde didn’t answer. He just watched, his eyes following the boy as Micah turned on his heel and walked toward the west gate of the university. The food container was cradled in his arms like it held something precious.

At the security kiosk, Micah greeted the bored-looking guard, handed over the container, and explained something quickly with a short bow. The guard gave a nod and took it, placing it behind the counter.

Clyde stood still, hands deep in his coat pockets, silent as ever. His eyes didn’t waver. Now it made sense. He understood how Jacklin had lured Micah here. If he was really a girl, that would be a good plan to set them up. But unfortunately, Micah had appeared as himself. If he didn’t know Micah’s true identity, he would have likely flown into a rage after seeing him here, since everyone had thought Micah was Asena’s boyfriend. Jacklin’s scheme was really a double-edged sword.

What Clyde did not know was that Jacklin had assumed Micah’s gloomy mood came from a fight with either Asena or Darcy. She figured he wouldn’t run errands for Asena. So the chance encounter between Clyde and Asena would go smoothly.

After handing the container, Micah came back slowly. His steps weren’t rushed. He followed Clyde to the car without any words. Clyde opened the driver’s side and glanced at Micah standing outside. The boy rubbed his stomach once, subconsciously, like it hurt.

"Still pretending you’re fine? You look pale," Clyde said.

Micah pursed his lips. Truthfully, he had been feeling uncomfortable long before eating the street food. He had just ignored it, pretending it wasn’t serious. But now, he felt his stomach started to churn. He obediently climbed into the car. "You win," he muttered. "Where are we going?"

"You liked that restaurant last time I got food for you. Let’s grab something mild before heading to the hospital." Clyde said as he started the engine.

"No. Not the hospital," Micah replied, quickly shaking his head. "It’s not that bad. Just some soup and my medicine, I will be okay."

Clyde did not insist. The car rolled down the city streets. Soon, they pulled up in front of a discreet building with a soft, glowing sign written in elegant gold Chinese characters. It was the famously exclusive restaurant his grandfather had to pull strings to get on their VIP lists.

Micah got out of the car and followed Clyde inside, more curious than hungry. The moment they entered, a soft wave of warmth and calm hit him. Inside was quiet, peaceful, and beautifully decorated.

At the front desk, a young receptionist looked up. Her eyes widened slightly when she recognised Clyde. She stood quickly and bowed.

"Good evening, sir."

Clyde gave a small nod. "Where is your boss?"

Micah’s eyebrows shot up high. Clyde knew the boss? His eyes flicked between Clyde and the startled receptionist.

"I’ll call him right away," she said, already dialling.

After a few moments, a young man around 30ish appeared from the hallway. His steps were quick, eyes scanning the room. "Ah, brother, why didn’t you call ahead? I would have prepared your usual..."

He froze when he saw Micah standing beside Clyde.

Lin Heye’s eyes widened. He blinked. He looked at Micah, then back at Clyde. His stare was so obvious that Clyde cleared his throat and said calmly. "I need something for a weak stomach. Mild and easy to digest."

Micah was busy looking around the restaurant, completely missing the exchange between the two men.

Lin Heye turned his head to Clyde, his eyes full of gossip. The silver-haired boy was nothing like an assistant/secretary or bodyguard. He never had seen anyone besides Clyde except his niece and nephew. Even they, his minimal friends, were not worthy of hanging out with him most of the time.

He was dying to ask who the boy was, but Clyde’s look said one word and he would be finished.

"Right away. Do you want to eat here or pack..."

Hearing the question, Micah cut in without hesitation. "Eat here, please."

This was a golden opportunity to dine here! He wouldn’t lose this chance.

Clyde raised an eyebrow and gave Micah a look. But he didn’t object.

Lin Heye gaped at Micah. Who was he? He could even make Clyde listen to him.

Micah noticed the strange look this time and frowned. Why was he so surprised?

He glanced at Clyde and got closer, getting on his toes to lean to his ear. "Do they not serve customers?" he whispered.

His breath tickled Clyde’s ear. The man stiffened slightly, caught off guard. Something inside of him awakened. He shifted a little, clearing his throat. "No, they do."

Then Clyde turned to his friend, Lin Heye. "What’s the matter?"

Lin Heye watched their interaction in shock. Clyde’s voice jolted him awake and stammered. "N-Nothing, this way..."

He led them to the second floor, to a private room with sliding doors and a long low table set in the traditional style. "It will be ready in fifteen minutes."

"Bring some herbal tea and healthy snacks," Clyde added unceremoniously as they stepped inside.

Micah lowered himself onto the cushion behind the elegant wooden table. His fingers ran along the smooth surface. The room was quiet, the lighting soft. A small vase sat in the corner with a single orchid. Everything was simple but full of detail. The room felt chic without being showy.

Clyde sat across from him, watching the boy subtly.

There was a change.

The sadness that dulled Micah’s eyes earlier was gone. He wasn’t smiling, but something in him looked more grounded now. More present. He was sitting in a relaxed posture. Even the slight glow in his eyes had returned.

Micah was coming back to himself. Good.