ARBRMW : Chapter 52

Sun Weiang had returned to the Sun family early in the morning, claiming he needed to help with the guests. However, Chen Xu suspected he was actually trying to talk some sense into the Sun family’s less-than-brilliant members.

Chen Xu lazily got out of bed, stretching his limbs before slowly slipping on his slippers and heading to the bathroom.

The young man’s flexible waist peeked out from under his pajamas, glowing with a pale radiance.

After a quick shower, Chen Xu wrapped himself in a bathrobe and went to find some clothes. Si Ye had already left for work, leaving the large room empty. Chen Xu took his time, bending over in the walk-in closet to grab a beige hoodie. His long, pale legs were exposed to the air, but the room was warm with the air conditioning on, so he didn’t feel cold. He casually pulled on a pair of light blue ripped jeans.

“Young Master Chen, be careful not to catch a cold,” Uncle Zhong said, his elderly sensibilities unable to handle seeing a young man dressed so lightly in early winter, especially with exposed knees. He knew that when Chen Xu got older, he’d regret it with all the joint pain.

“I’m not cold,” Chen Xu replied. He was young and full of energy, and with the air conditioning on everywhere in the house, he didn’t feel the chill.

Uncle Zhong didn’t press further and informed Chen Xu that a stylist would arrive after lunch to help him get ready. His formal attire would be delivered in the afternoon.

“Sir said he’ll come back after work to pick you up and take you to the Sun family.”

“Okay,” Chen Xu said. He had no other plans for the day and intended to stay home, waiting for Si Ye to return.

After lunch, Chen Xu played on his phone for a while. Tang Zhen had sent several pictures in their three-person group chat.

Tang Zhen: Look at this! My idol has reached new heights of handsomeness!

Chen Xu glanced at the photos. Even though he didn’t follow celebrities, he recognized the person in the pictures as Xiang Xiuhe, a currently popular star.

The photos Tang Zhen sent were from Xiang Xiuhe’s recent appearance at a movie awards ceremony. His outfit was indeed striking—a well-tailored suit paired with gold-rimmed glasses and a chain. His hair was slightly long, tied into a small ponytail at the back, giving him a refined and slightly mysterious look. Some of the pictures even had a hint of allure.

Zhu Yaoyuan: My goddess was there too!! She looked stunning! Let me show you.

Zhu Yaoyuan joined in, sharing pictures of his own idol. Chen Xu was a bit surprised to see that Zhu Yaoyuan’s goddess was Bai Churui.

Zhu Yaoyuan: My goddess is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a shame she didn’t win an award this time. So sad.

Tang Zhen: Hahaha, my brother won Best Supporting Actor!

Zhu Yaoyuan: Doesn’t matter. My goddess is beautiful, and that’s enough.

Tang Zhen: Honestly, don’t you think it’s a bit awkward for you to talk about women in our group of gays?

Zhu Yaoyuan: ??? Life is hard for straight men. Sigh.

Tang Zhen: I shouldn’t badmouth your goddess, but don’t you think she’s a bit of a green tea b*tch?

Zhu Yaoyuan: If you know you shouldn’t say it, then why are you saying it?

Tang Zhen: I just feel like I’m watching my good brother get fooled by a green tea, and I want to save you.

Zhu Yaoyuan: To be honest, your idol is a bit of a white lotus too.

Tang Zhen: You can insult me, but don’t insult my brother, or I’ll start cursing.

Zhu Yaoyuan: You started it. [shrugs.jpg]

Chen Xu: Christmas is coming. Any restaurants you guys want to try?

As soon as Chen Xu brought up food, the two immediately stopped arguing.

Tang Zhen: Are you treating us? Starry eyes~

Zhu Yaoyuan: [rubbing hands like a fly.jpg]

Chen Xu: Yes.

Tang Zhen: Dad! I want to eat something fancy!

Zhu Yaoyuan: Hugging Dad’s thigh.

Chen Xu chuckled at their shamelessness.

While browsing a forum, Chen Xu stumbled upon a post about an upcoming spring design competition. Submissions were already open.

He had missed this competition in his previous life due to a high fever, something he had regretted for a long time. That fever, incidentally, had been caused by Si Yichen. During New Year’s, when Chen Xu returned to the Si family, Pan Qizhi had snatched his backpack and thrown it to Si Yichen as a prank.

Seeing Chen Xu’s anxious expression, Si Yichen realized the backpack contained something important and promptly threw it out of a second-floor window into the pond below. Chen Xu had jumped into the freezing water to retrieve his design sketches, only to find them ruined. He ended up with a severe cold and a high fever that lasted over a month.

This competition was a big deal, attracting top designers from both domestic and international circles. The prestige was undeniable.

Having missed it in his previous life, Chen Xu felt a stirring of excitement. However, it was already December, and with exams approaching, he worried about balancing both commitments.

As he continued browsing the forum, someone mentioned that the renowned fashion designer Zhuo Shunan would be one of the judges.

35L: Stop spreading nonsense. Ms. Zhuo has been retired for years. There’s no way she’s coming back.

36L: You never know. Maybe the organizers have some serious pull.

37L: Is this info reliable? My goddess is coming back?!

…

108L: This thread is so fake. Locking it. Don’t engage anymore.

109L: Green burial is satisfying.

As someone studying fashion design, Chen Xu naturally knew who Zhuo Shunan was. She was one of the top designers in the country, with countless awards to her name. Unfortunately, she had retired fifteen years ago due to health issues. Though she had left the industry, her legacy remained.

Chen Xu thought back to his previous life and realized Zhuo Shunan hadn’t made a comeback. This post was likely just a marketing ploy to generate buzz.

“Young Master Chen, the stylist is here,” Uncle Zhong knocked on the door to inform Chen Xu.

Chen Xu pocketed his phone and followed Uncle Zhong downstairs.

The styling session lasted over two hours. Chen Xu didn’t understand why a man needed two hours of styling, but when he saw the satisfied and admiring looks from the stylist team, he chose to remain silent.

The formal attire had been custom-made, fitting Chen Xu’s body perfectly. It accentuated his broad shoulders, slim waist, and long legs. Though not exceptionally tall, Chen Xu had excellent proportions—a narrow waist, slim hips, and long legs. A golden rose brooch with a ruby center adorned his chest, complementing his striking features and adding a touch of allure to his otherwise frosty demeanor.

Unaware of the effect he had, Chen Xu asked Uncle Zhong to take a photo and send it to Si Ye.

Si Ye replied almost instantly.

Si Ye: Beautiful.

Chen Xu pressed his lips together, suppressing a smile. Despite all the exaggerated compliments from others, it was Si Ye’s simple two-word response that made his heart race.

Chen Xu: When will you be back?

Si Ye: Soon. Wait for me.

Chen Xu: I’m being good.

Si Ye: Are you acting spoiled again?

Chen Xu’s ears turned red. He stared at his phone for a moment, too embarrassed to reply.

He had indeed been acting spoiled with Si Ye, and he couldn’t deny it.

Chen Xu sent the photo to the group chat, asking Tang Zhen and Zhu Yaoyuan for their opinions. This was the first time Chen Xu would accompany Si Ye to a public event since their marriage. He couldn’t afford to embarrass Si Ye, especially in front of the Sun family, who had mistreated Si Ye in the past. Not to mention, Sun Weiang’s third uncle’s daughter had her eyes on Si Ye. She’d have to see if she could measure up to Chen Xu.

Tang Zhen: AHHHH!! Hubby!!! I could turn top for you!

Chen Xu: …

For a bottom to consider turning top for him, that was truly something.

Zhu Yaoyuan: It’s true what they say—clothes make the man. I think I might be willing to bend for you.

Tang Zhen: The world isn’t straight. [smile.jpg]

Chen Xu: I think I’m pretty dom.

Tang Zhen: No, no, sis. That ass of yours—even I, a bottom, want a taste. [rubbing hands like a fly.jpg]

Chen Xu: …

Tang Zhen’s comment made Chen Xu subconsciously glance at his own backside. Encased in the tailored pants, it did look a bit perky.

It was the kind of firm, masculine curve that wasn’t at all feminine.

Chen Xu: You could get one too with some exercise.

Tang Zhen: Sis, what are you saying to a delicate bottom like me? As a bottom, I’m supposed to be soft and tender.

Zhu Yaoyuan: Can you two please remember there’s a straight guy here? This is too much for me.

After some banter with Tang Zhen and Zhu Yaoyuan, Si Ye returned. He went to his room to change and came out to find Chen Xu standing by the window, looking out at the garden. The scent of plum blossoms filled the air. Si Ye walked up behind Chen Xu, placing a hand on his slightly narrow shoulder.

Through the polished glass, Chen Xu could see Si Ye’s reflection. The angle was unique, slightly blurred, but he could still make out Si Ye’s focused gaze as he looked at Chen Xu through the glass.

“It’s time to go,” Chen Xu said, taking Si Ye’s hand from his shoulder and naturally intertwining their fingers.

As night fell, the car sped through the bustling streets. The Sun family’s banquet was being held at the Golden Swallow Hotel, a property under the Si family’s umbrella. In other words, the Sun family had saved quite a bit of money on the venue. While they hadn’t shamelessly asked Si Ye to cover the entire cost, they had certainly secured a hefty discount.

As soon as Si Ye and Chen Xu entered the hall, all eyes turned to them. Both men were exceptionally good-looking, outshining even the celebrities present.

Sun Weiang’s eldest uncle, Sun Dekang, approached with a smile to greet Si Ye. However, his attitude toward Chen Xu was noticeably cooler. Chen Xu guessed that Sun Dekang saw him as nothing more than a temporary plaything for Si Ye, someone who would be discarded soon enough. There was no need to be overly friendly.

Sun Weiang was the son of Sun Weiang’s second uncle, a man who had been through multiple marriages and divorces and was now on his fifth marriage. With so many children from the eldest and third uncles, no one had the energy to care for Sun Weiang. Thus, the Sun family patriarch had sent him to live with the Si family.

Si Ye handed the gift to Sun Dekang and then took Chen Xu to meet the Sun family patriarch.

The patriarch’s expression darkened when he saw who was accompanying Si Ye. “Where’s Si Yichen? He didn’t come to my birthday? How disrespectful.”

Si Yichen had originally been the adopted son of Si Ye’s elder brother, Si Jinwen, and his wife, Sun Keting. After their deaths, Si Ye, following Tao Minzhi’s wishes, had taken Si Yichen under his wing as the heir.

Technically, Si Yichen should have called the Sun patriarch “Grandfather,” but none of the Sun family members had ever treated him kindly. They all believed he had stolen what rightfully belonged to Sun Keting’s child.

Si Yichen had avoided the Sun family for years, so the patriarch’s sudden mention of him surprised Si Ye.

“Yichen is sick. He’s been running a fever all morning,” Si Ye explained. He wasn’t lying—Si Yichen had been delirious from a high fever, and the family doctor had been called in to administer an IV. His fever had only subsided by noon.

The patriarch didn’t express any concern for Si Yichen. Instead, he remarked that if Si Yichen couldn’t even take care of himself, how could he handle greater responsibilities?

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