ARBRMW : Chapter 61

 

Although it was New Year’s Day, tonight’s dinner was no different from their usual gatherings, with everyone harboring their own thoughts, their faces friendly but their hearts not.

 

Chen Xu sat beside Si Ye, his mind wandering. He didn’t even notice Si Ye putting food on his plate. When he finally snapped out of it, his bowl was piled high with food.

 

“Si Ye, are you raising a wife or a son?” Si Jing always spoke without a filter, saying whatever came to mind.

 

As expected, she was glared at by Si Wanping, “Can’t you keep your mouth shut while eating?”

 

Si Wanping put a piece of chicken gizzard on her plate, Si Jing’s favorite dish, but the smell made her stomach churn, and she quickly got up and ran to the bathroom.

 

“Ugh—”

 

Wei Shifeng immediately followed her. The whole family stopped eating and looked in their direction.

 

“What happened?” Si Yaowei asked in confusion.

 

Luo Yi squinted her eyes, guessing what it might be.

 

Tao Minzhi continued eating without changing her expression, but her eyes darkened slightly.

 

After a while, Wei Shifeng helped Si Jing back. Si Wanping pulled out a chair for her and, with a look of joy, asked, “Are you pregnant?”

 

Si Jing nodded, “Yes.”

 

Si Wanping was overjoyed, “How many months?”

 

“Three months,” Si Jing said.

 

Si Wanping did the math. It must have been conceived around National Day when Si Jing was kept at home and not allowed to go out. This meant the child could only be Wei Shifeng’s. No wonder he had been more attentive to Si Jing lately.

 

Although this wasn’t Wei Shifeng’s first time becoming a father, he was naturally happy to know his wife was carrying his child.

 

Additionally, since Tao Minzhi hadn’t been paying much attention to him, he had shifted his focus more towards Si Jing.

 

“This is great news.” Si Wanping beamed. Sitting beside her, Si Shenqian blinked his big eyes, not understanding what the adults were talking about.

 

Zheng Hongqiao patted Si Shenqian’s head, smiling, “Shenqian, you’re going to be a big brother. Are you happy?”

 

Si Shenqian blinked and then suddenly started crying, “I don’t want to be a big brother…”

 

He didn’t understand much, but he knew that being a big brother meant someone else would come and take his parents, grandparents, and everything from him. His parents barely paid attention to him, and his grandmother was overly strict. Only his grandfather played with him. The love and attention he already got was scarce, and now someone else was going to take it. The fear made Si Shenqian burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

 

No one expected him to cry so miserably. No matter how much Si Wanping scolded him, telling him not to cry, he wouldn’t stop. After all, he was only three years old, and fear had taken over his entire mind, making him unable to listen to anything else.

 

Si Jing walked over, picked him up, and patted his back, saying, “If the baby doesn’t like it, then Mommy won’t have this child.”

 

Before Wei Shifeng and Si Wanping could say anything, a voice objected, “No!”

 

Everyone turned to look at Si Yichen, confused about why he, as a junior, would say no.

 

Under the gaze of everyone, Si Yichen stammered, “It’s… it’s not fair to the baby. Shenqian is a good kid. Talk to him, and he’ll understand.”

 

Si Wanping withdrew her gaze and nodded in agreement, “Yichen is right. You’re already thirty; it’s not easy to get pregnant. You can’t just abort the baby so rashly. I’ll talk to Shenqian. Don’t do anything hasty.”

 

She then reminded Wei Shifeng, “You’re about to be a father for the second time. Be more responsible, don’t laze around, and take good care of Si Jing.”

 

“Yes, Mom, I’ll take good care of Jing Jing,” Wei Shifeng promised, patting his chest.

 

Si Wanping took the exhausted and sleeping Si Shenqian from Si Jing and told them to continue eating. She took Si Shenqian to the guest room on the second floor.

 

Seeing Si Jing pregnant with a second child, Si Yaowei felt a bit envious and said to his wife, Luo Yi, “It would have been nice if we had another child to keep Xuezhou company. But now you’re already forty-one; it’s too risky.”

 

Luo Yi replied indifferently, “What’s the point of having so many? It’s fine as it is now.”

 

Si Yaowei laughed foolishly, holding her hand, “You’re right. If we had more, we’d have less time together.”

 

Luo Yi had a cool personality and was indifferent to everyone. Si Yaowei’s mother, Pan Manrong, didn’t like her, but since Si Yaowei liked her, she had no choice. At least Luo Yi gave her a grandson, so she didn’t make things too difficult for her.

 

Chen Xu was silent all evening. Si Ye noticed his unusual behavior. After dinner, instead of going to the study to work as usual, he walked over to Chen Xu and asked if he was feeling unwell.

 

“No,” Chen Xu replied coldly, then walked into the dressing room, grabbed his pajamas, and went straight to the bathroom.

 

Si Ye realized that Chen Xu wasn’t just a little unusual; he was very unusual. He seemed to be angry?

 

Judging by Chen Xu’s attitude towards him, it seemed like he was angry with him?

 

Si Ye stood on the bedroom carpet, feeling a bit confused.

 

What did he do to make Chen Xu angry? Si Ye was puzzled, finding Chen Xu more difficult to understand than his cunning business rivals.

 

Si Ye seriously reflected on his recent behavior and realized he hadn’t spent much time with Chen Xu, so he didn’t even have the chance to anger him.

 

Tonight, Chen Xu washed quickly, not taking so long that Si Ye would think he had fallen inside.

 

Chen Xu wore a black silk pajama set that outlined his slender back. As he lowered his head to dry his hair, water droplets from his hair slid down his slender neck into his collar. His fair fingers combed through his wet hair, his fingertips slightly red from the shower.

 

Si Ye’s throat bobbed as he covered his mouth, reluctantly averting his gaze. He felt his heart burning intensely, his dirty desires almost overwhelming his reason.

 

The air was filled with the scent of Chen Xu’s shower gel, which was the same as his, a faint minty smell. Si Ye had also just taken a shower after work, still carrying the same scent as Chen Xu.

 

He couldn’t stay in this space any longer. He turned and walked straight to the study, almost as if fleeing.

 

But unexpectedly, Chen Xu suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist. Before Si Ye could say anything, Chen Xu stood on tiptoe and kissed him.

 

Chen Xu’s kiss was inexperienced and pure, making it even more irresistible.

 

Si Ye froze. Rationally, he should push Chen Xu away, but he couldn’t. Not kissing him back passionately was probably his greatest self-control.

 

Chen Xu pushed him back. Si Ye’s heel hit the bed, causing him to fall back. His view shifted, and the ceiling was replaced by Chen Xu’s face. Chen Xu kissed him again and reached to unbutton his shirt.

 

Si Ye grabbed Chen Xu’s hand, turning his head to avoid the kiss.

 

Chen Xu’s usually bright and clean eyes showed a sharpness, like a gleaming blade, sharp and cold.

 

Si Ye had never seen Chen Xu like this before, not obedient as usual but with a prickly edge, making his heart race. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, unable to speak. Then he heard Chen Xu call his name.

 

“Si Ye.”

 

“What is our relationship?”

 

Si Ye’s heart trembled. He couldn’t answer Chen Xu’s question.

 

He didn’t know their relationship. He had cunningly tied Chen Xu to him with marriage, gradually making him fall in love with him. But just when he was about to get the person he longed for, information about Chen Xu’s background hit him like a bolt from the blue, putting him in a dilemma.

 

If the test results proved they were uncle and nephew, Chen Xu would probably hate him.

 

If the results showed no blood relation, his recent distance had already hurt Chen Xu. Would Chen Xu still listen to his explanation and give him another chance?

 

He never considered himself lucky. He thought pain was his constant companion, something he was used to. But when it came to Chen Xu, every situation caused him unbearable pain.

 

Chen Xu’s eyes dimmed. After a long silence, he withdrew his hand from Si Ye’s grip, “Alright, I understand.”

 

Those five words felt like arrows piercing Si Ye’s heart, making it hard for him to control himself. He pulled Chen Xu into his arms, his voice low and pleading, “Wait for me, give me a little more time, please?”

 

“I know I’m being despicable, but… please, wait for me?”

 

Chen Xu’s forehead rested against Si Ye’s chest. At such a close distance, he could hear Si Ye’s heartbeat, fast and nervous.

 

His originally hard heart softened instantly. He seemed destined to be unable to be cruel to Si Ye. Unreasonably, the dream flashed in his mind, Si Ye with frost at his temples, standing alone and lonely in front of his grave.

 

“Okay…” Chen Xu replied hoarsely.

 

Si Ye tightened his arms. Whether it was due to nervousness or excitement, Chen Xu clearly felt his hands trembling.

 

Does this person really not love me?

 

From Si Ye’s attitude and behavior, Chen Xu couldn’t believe Si Ye deeply loved Xiang Xiuhe and merely saw him as a substitute.

 

Or could it be that these two things were not mutually exclusive? Could it be that while having a “white moonlight” in his heart, he also loved him?

 

Chen Xu didn’t like to overthink things. Since he had agreed to give Si Ye time to provide an answer, he would wait without further overthinking.

 

Nothing could stop Chen Xu’s dedication to his studies. Even after his confrontation with Si Ye, he could still pick up his textbook and continue studying.

 

This left Si Ye in awe. He thought to himself that Chen Xu would undoubtedly become a workaholic no less intense than himself once he started working.

 

Si Ye returned to his study to continue working. At midnight, Chen Xu closed his book and knocked on the study door.

 

“Uncle Si, it’s time to sleep.”

 

“You go ahead. I still have some work to do,” Si Ye said, looking up from his work.

 

But tonight, Chen Xu was not easy to deal with. He stood firmly at the door, staring at Si Ye without saying a word, making him feel cornered.

 

“I…” Si Ye started, but was interrupted by Chen Xu.

 

“Uncle Si, are you planning to sleep in the study again tonight?” Chen Xu asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

Si Ye didn’t expect that his habit of sleeping in the study had been discovered. He felt a bit speechless and guilty.

 

“I took a step back. Don’t you think you should take a step back too, to be fair?” Chen Xu’s tone was calm, yet it made Si Ye feel a long-lost sense of pressure.

 

Thus, the formidable head of the Si family gave in, obediently shutting down his computer and following Chen Xu back to the bedroom.

 

It had been a long time since they had both lain awake in the same bed. After turning off the lights, Chen Xu turned his back to Si Ye and soon fell asleep.

 

After he fell asleep, perhaps sensing that Si Ye’s side was warmer, he turned over in his sleep and snuggled into Si Ye’s arms. Si Ye, already wide awake, felt his mind go blank when Chen Xu nestled into his embrace.

 

Although it was winter, the house was heated, and their pajamas were thin. Chen Xu, seeking a comfortable position, used his hands and feet to climb onto Si Ye, one foot slipping between Si Ye’s legs, pressing against his cool skin, and causing Si Ye to clamp his legs around it.

 

Si Ye’s entire body stiffened, heat spreading through him, nearly scorching him.

 

He reached out to pull Chen Xu away from his embrace, feeling his self-control being tested. By the faint moonlight, he gazed at Chen Xu’s delicate face. Chen Xu’s features were exquisite, his skin as smooth as an egg without a single flaw. His looks were more beautiful than handsome, but his beauty wasn’t effeminate like Tong Jiaxi’s. It was a pleasing, refreshing kind of beauty.

 

Si Ye recalled how Chen Xu had shown a rare assertiveness tonight, like a sharp and beautiful knife, both captivating and dangerous, making his blood race.

 

His gaze wandered over Chen Xu’s face, lingering on his moist lips. Si Ye licked his own dry lips, resisting the urge to kiss him.

 

The beast in his chest, eager for blood, seemed ready to break free, swallowing his rationality. Si Ye raised his hand to touch Chen Xu’s still youthful face, his eyes dark and unfathomable. He couldn’t imagine what he would do if Chen Xu really was Si Lin. He couldn’t stop loving Chen Xu, but he also couldn’t drag him into a moral abyss.

 

He watched Chen Xu, lost in thought until dawn.

 

When Chen Xu woke up, it was already broad daylight. The space beside him was cold, indicating that Si Ye had been gone for a while.

 

After washing up, he went downstairs to have breakfast and learned from Uncle Zhong that Si Ye had left at around seven, citing an urgent matter at the company.

 

Although it was New Year’s Day, Si Ye seemed to never have a holiday, working every single day of the year.

 

“I thought Si Ye’s workaholic nature would change after marriage, but I guess I was wrong,” Si Jing, rare for her, had gotten up for breakfast but started to feel nauseous after just a sip of milk.

 

After vomiting, she nonchalantly returned to continue eating. Chen Xu watched her, struggling to understand her attitude. She seemed indifferent, with no intention of aborting the child.

 

Chen Xu remembered Si Yichen’s unusual behavior yesterday and started to ponder why he had reacted so strongly. What did Si Jing’s decision about her pregnancy have to do with him? Talking about fairness to the child in the womb wasn’t something Si Yichen would typically care about.

 

In his previous life, this scenario hadn’t happened, leaving Chen Xu puzzled and only able to speculate.

 

“Jing Jie, are you alright?” Chen Xu handed her a glass of cool water.

 

“Morning sickness is normal; it will pass in time,” Si Jing replied casually.

 

“It’s a pity you married Si Ye. You’ll never experience being a father.”

 

Chen Xu didn’t know if she was just making small talk or mocking him. He wasn’t particularly affected, responding calmly, “I do have a son.”

 

Si Jing was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, nearly knocking over the table.

 

Si Yichen, coming downstairs, overheard this and turned red with anger, quickly rushing down and glaring at Chen Xu, “Chen Xu, are you looking for death!”

 

The servants were startled, thinking Si Yichen was about to hit Chen Xu.

 

Chen Xu put down his fork, calmly raising his eyes to look at Si Yichen, “Why? Am I wrong?”

 

Fury nearly overwhelmed Si Yichen, his chest heaving as he breathed heavily, ready to strike.

 

Chen Xu ignored his rage, a faint smile playing on his lips, “Or do you not want to acknowledge Si Ye as your father?”

 

This statement was like a knife to Si Yichen’s heart, making him freeze and tremble.

 

Chen Xu actually dared to threaten him? Si Yichen clenched his fists, his face flushing with rage.

 

“Chen Xu, let’s see how long you can remain smug,” Si Yichen pointed at Chen Xu, his eyes bloodshot with anger.

 

Instead of frightening Chen Xu, his words only made him calmly pull out a napkin to wipe his mouth. A servant handed him a warm towel to wipe his hands. “Uncle Zhong, has this month’s allowance been transferred yet?” Chen Xu asked.

 

The allowance Chen Xu referred to was a monthly amount transferred to the younger members of the Si family at the beginning of each month. Si Yichen, Sun Wei’ang, Pan Qizhi, Tong Jiaxi, and Chen Xu all received it. Now that Pan Qizhi and Tong Jiaxi had been sent away, only the three of them received the allowance each month.

 

Si Yichen’s card had been frozen, and the only money he could use was from this allowance. Even though Si Ye wouldn’t let Si Yichen be so broke that he couldn’t afford a meal, this money was never enough for Si Yichen, though it was always more than enough for Chen Xu. However, even the smallest amount was crucial for Si Yichen now.

 

Uncle Zhong respectfully stepped forward to answer Chen Xu, “Young Master Xu, not yet, but you should receive it by noon today.”

 

Chen Xu nodded, then said in a calm tone, “In that case, there’s no need to transfer Young Master Yichen’s allowance. I’m sure he doesn’t care for it.”

 

“Chen Xu!” Si Yichen exploded with rage, rushing forward to grab Chen Xu by the collar.

 

The security personnel at the door quickly intervened and pulled Si Yichen away.

 

“Fuck your mother!” Si Yichen struggled, his eyes blazing.

 

Si Jing touched her stomach, her face turning cold as she addressed Si Yichen, “Si Yichen, that’s enough. Chen Xu is now married to Si Ye. No matter how much you dislike it, he is your elder. Do you want to be sent back to the Tao family?”

 

A bucket of cold water seemed to be poured over Si Yichen’s head. His vision momentarily blurred. As he regained his focus, his gaze fell on Si Jing’s face and then her stomach. He suddenly realized what he had been doing.

 

He was already walking on thin ice in the Si family. Engaging in a physical altercation with Chen Xu in the dining room would surely result in him being sent back to the Tao family if his father found out. Forget about dragging Chen Xu down or talking about becoming an heir.

 

Cold sweat dripped down Si Yichen’s back. The air seemed to grow heavier. He licked his dry lips, swallowed his hate, and with a hoarse voice, said to Chen Xu, “I’m sorry, I overstepped.”

 

After a long silence, Si Yichen clenched his fists, veins bulging on his arms. He opened his mouth, his lips trembling. After several attempts, he managed to squeeze out a single word, “Dad.”

 

The dining room fell silent. Even Uncle Zhong held his breath, let alone the other servants. For Si Yichen, who had always been arrogant, to call Chen Xu “Dad” was more unbelievable than seeing pigs fly.

 

For Si Yichen, it was like crushing his dignity to dust, worse than kneeling to Chen Xu. But rationally, he knew that if he didn’t do this, if he didn’t make Chen Xu calm down or satisfy him, everything he did today would be reported to Si Ye. The only thing waiting for him would be a one-way ticket back to the Tao family.

 

He comforted himself, saying this was enduring hardship to achieve his goal. Soon, Chen Xu would be dead, so why bother with a dead man?

 

Si Yichen raised his eyes, hoping to see Chen Xu’s gleeful pride. Instead, he met Chen Xu’s cold gaze. There was no joy, only a mocking disdain that made Si Yichen’s blood boil. His anger surged again, but he suppressed it, reminding himself to endure for his goal.

 

The breakfast left the servants on edge. They had always thought of Chen Xu as a peaceful person, but today they witnessed his sharp side. Those who had underestimated him began to feel a sense of respect and fear.

 

Young Master Xu, at eighteen, already had the presence of someone ten years older.

 

This also made them realize that Chen Xu was indeed another master of the Si family.

 

Back in his room, Chen Xu opened his laptop, deep in thought. He had tested Si Yichen and Si Jing earlier, and their reactions were indeed strange. Si Jing, usually enjoying the spectacle, had actually warned Si Yichen, and Si Yichen’s subsequent behavior was quite intriguing.

 

First, he looked at Si Jing’s face, then at her stomach.

 

After that, Si Yichen calmed down, apologized to Chen Xu, and even called him “Dad.”

 

Why?

 

Chen Xu couldn’t figure out the connection. What was the relationship between these two?

 

Could they have some sort of deal? But what could Si Jing offer Si Yichen, and vice versa?

 

Shaking his head, Chen Xu rubbed his temples.

 

Sister Shuang: Want to go out for a drink?

 

Chen Xu saw the message from Sister Shuang and remembered that it had been a while since he had contacted them.

 

Chen Xu: Just the two of us?

 

Sister Shuang: Call Haozi. You ask Lu Hai if he wants to come. Let’s meet at the boss’s bar.

 

Chen Xu: Sure.

 

He sent a message in their band group chat, asking who wanted to go out for a drink. Yuan Ren was doing a project with his mentor and wasn’t in A City. Lu Hai readily agreed, and Ke Xinghao excitedly said Chen Xu had finally “resurrected,” declaring that drinking couldn’t happen without him.

 

“Young Master Xu, do you need a car?” a servant asked when they saw Chen Xu preparing to leave.

 

“No need. I’ll take a cab.” Chen Xu, knowing he’d be drinking later, didn’t want to ride his bike.

 

It was still a bit early for drinking, so they first went to an arcade, then to a milk tea shop.

 

“Hey, where’s that pretty girl?” Ke Xinghao asked, looking around the milk tea shop for the girl Sister Shuang had flirted with before.

 

Sister Shuang lit a cigarette, “She quit a long time ago.”

 

“What? Did you get her contact info?” Ke Xinghao asked, leaning in gossipingly, only to be hit in the face with smoke.

 

“Cough, cough, Sister Shuang, if you’re in a bad mood, don’t take it out on me.”

 

“I did, but it’s probably useless now.” Sister Shuang had rarely been interested in someone. Initially, she thought there was a chance, but the girl disappeared shortly after, leaving only their chat history as proof she hadn’t imagined it.

 

Hearing this, Chen Xu glanced at Sister Shuang, feeling a bit worried that Jiang Tingxue might be led astray by Si Yichen, that scumbag.