ARBRMW : Chapter 65

Chen Xu wore a light gray suit with a black coat over it. His slender waist, long legs, and outstanding appearance made him the focus in the crowd.

“Are you cold?” Si Ye, walking beside him, frowned. He had asked Chen Xu to wear a down jacket, but Chen Xu firmly refused, saying it was too ugly and didn’t match his suit.

“No, my hands are warm.” As if fearing Si Ye wouldn’t believe him, Chen Xu extended his hand to grasp Si Ye’s.

Feeling the warmth from Chen Xu’s palm, the furrows on Si Ye’s brow finally smoothed out.

Chen Xu leaned close to Si Ye’s ear, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Uncle Si, don’t you think you’re acting like my dad?”

His bright eyes reflected in Si Ye’s gaze. Si Ye tightened his hold on Chen Xu’s hand and deliberately lowered his voice, “There are times you call me dad.”

Chen Xu’s pale ears and face suddenly flushed with color, turning bright red. He struggled to withdraw his hand from Si Ye’s grasp. Although he didn’t know much about such matters, most of his friends were boys, and it was common for boys to make crude jokes. Usually, these jokes didn’t faze Chen Xu, but hearing such words from Si Ye made him feel overwhelmed and embarrassed.

Chen Xu remained silent as Si Ye led him into the company, pouting like a child while Si Ye smiled.

Si Ye handed him a number card for the upcoming raffle, then turned and handed it to Chen Xu. “Draw the prize later.”

“My luck is just average. You should keep it,” Chen Xu said, trying to return the card, but Si Ye didn’t take it, saying casually, “It’s just for fun.”

Chen Xu thought it over and agreed; Si Ye didn’t lack money, so the raffle wouldn’t hold much appeal for him.

Walking beside Si Ye into the hall, Chen Xu didn’t realize that his appearance had already spread throughout the company within minutes.

“I just heard from Xiao Liu at the front desk that President Si brought a little beauty over!”

“What?! Is President Si taken? Do I have no chance?”

“Haha, even if President Si is single, you still wouldn’t have a chance.”

“Dream on, add some reality.”

“What does the little beauty look like? Any photos? Let me see.”

“Is it the boss’s wife? It’s not easy. I thought President Si would marry his work.”

“The little beauty looks fresh and delicate. Looks more like a lover than a wife. I guess it’s either a small celebrity or a young model.”

“Is it the same beauty who came to the company last time looking for President Si? I knew he could win President Si’s heart!”

“I want to see how attractive this person is. No matter how good-looking, a nobody can’t compare to Xiang Xiuhe. I think President Si and Xiang Xiuhe make a better match.”

“What? Did I miss something? What’s the relationship between President Si and Xiang Xiuhe? Are you shipping them?”

“You might not know if you don’t follow entertainment news. Xiang Xiuhe is President Si’s classmate, and they have a good private relationship. Both are beauties, evenly matched, a powerful combo, much better than some weak little beauty!”

“Well, although Xiang Xiuhe is indeed very handsome and holds a high position in the entertainment industry, he can’t be considered evenly matched with President Si. Those who are truly evenly matched with President Si are all older men.”

“Hahaha, it can’t be helped. Our President is too young and accomplished.”

The annual company gala had invited several celebrities to perform, which was a source of excitement every year. Many people wanted to work at Si Corporation just to attend these galas. Some employees even brought relatives, and a few found romantic partners through the event.

Si Ye was called away by Secretary Jiang, leaving Chen Xu to wander backstage. He encountered several stars frequently seen on Weibo trending lists.

“The members of HS Group, please prepare.” A staff member mistook Chen Xu for a member of the group. The group members were also dressed in gray suits, and under the dim backstage lighting, the staff assumed Chen Xu, with his good looks and similar attire, was part of the group and urged him to go on stage.

“I’m not…” Chen Xu found himself pushed toward the stage and quickly clarified, “I’m not one of them.”

“What do you mean you’re not?” The staff member looked at Chen Xu, getting a closer look and realizing how exceptionally handsome he was. The staff, being a bit of a fangirl, considered following this pretty guy.

The HS Group members, overhearing the conversation, turned to see an unfamiliar face among them. Realizing the mistake, they were relieved he wasn’t a crazy fan.

Chen Xu awkwardly smiled and explained, “I’m not part of their group. You’ve mistaken me.”

The staff member’s face turned red with embarrassment as they quickly apologized, “Sorry, my mistake.”

The HS Group members, relieved it wasn’t a fan, quietly discussed, “Is he a newcomer? He looks so good. How come we haven’t heard of him?”

“I don’t think so. Look at his earring; it’s not cheap. Newcomers wouldn’t afford that. He must be a young master from a wealthy family.”

“Probably a young master backstage to chase stars. I envy whoever he’s here for.”

The group members didn’t have much time to talk as they were called on stage. Chen Xu continued to wander backstage until he ran into Xiang Xiuhe.

“Chen Xu? What are you doing here?” Xiang Xiuhe, followed by his assistant holding a black down jacket, wore stage makeup that highlighted his handsome features.

Encountering Chen Xu brought back memories Xiang Xiuhe had tried to forget.

“I came with Uncle Si. Do you have a performance later?” Chen Xu suppressed his discomfort and conversed casually.

“Yes, I’m up next. Unfortunately, I have another engagement afterward and can’t chat for long.” Xiang Xiuhe’s face radiated a warm smile.

“Isn’t the event ending late? You still have work?” Chen Xu asked, surprised.

“Yes, it’s busy at the year-end,” Xiang Xiuhe’s assistant chimed in. “Xiang always takes on more work, but he immediately agreed when he heard it was Si Corporation.”

Xiang Xiuhe pressed his lips together, smiling, “It’s my old classmate’s company, after all. Got to show respect.”

When Xiang Xiuhe mentioned Si Ye, his eyes softened. If Chen Xu hadn’t been watching closely, he would have missed the hidden emotion.

Chen Xu’s heart felt like it was doused in something sour, tightening uncomfortably.

“Xiang, it’s your turn soon,” a ponytailed staff member rushed over.

“Sorry, I need to go. Let’s chat next time. Bye.” Xiang Xiuhe smiled and waved.

“Bye,” Chen Xu replied, waving back.

After Xiang Xiuhe left, Chen Xu stood in place for a while until Secretary Jiang hurried over. “Young Master Xu, President Si is looking for you.”

“I got lost,” Chen Xu snapped out of his thoughts and followed Secretary Jiang.

On stage, Xiang Xiuhe’s singing filled the air. It sounded beautiful, and Chen Xu thought sourly, “I can sing too.”

Following Secretary Jiang to the front hall, Chen Xu saw Si Ye focused on filming Xiang Xiuhe’s energetic performance.

When he noticed Chen Xu, Si Ye put away his phone, walked over, and took Chen Xu’s hand. “Where did you go?”

“Backstage. Got lost.” Chen Xu suppressed his negative feelings and answered calmly.

“Seems I need to keep a closer eye on you.” Si Ye kissed Chen Xu’s hand.

Chen Xu forced a smile. He decided they would talk later at home. If Si Ye truly saw him as a substitute, Chen Xu would leave. With Si Yi Chen in prison, his revenge was complete, and he had no other reason to stay at the Si residence.

Not responding, Chen Xu watched Xiang Xiuhe’s performance beside Si Ye. Xiang Xiuhe’s stage presence was indeed captivating, making him a natural star.

“Is Xiang Xiuhe trained in singing and dancing?” Chen Xu knew from Tang Zhen that Xiang Xiuhe was now acting. He didn’t follow celebrities and was unfamiliar with Xiang Xiuhe’s past.

“Yes, he started in a talent show and had a smooth career,” Si Ye knew from Mo Hang’s constant mentions.

Chen Xu glanced at him. Knowing so much about Xiang Xiuhe made it hard to believe they had no connection.

“What’s wrong?” Si Ye noticed Chen Xu’s low spirits and leaned in to ask.

Chen Xu puffed his cheeks and shook his fluffy head. “Nothing.”

He hesitated, then couldn’t resist saying, “I can sing well too.”

Si Ye was momentarily stunned, then laughed, ruffling Chen Xu’s soft black hair. “My little one sings the best.”

Knowing Si Ye was trying to comfort him, Chen Xu still felt happy hearing it.

Seeing Chen Xu’s mood lift, Si Ye’s heart swelled with love. He kissed Chen Xu’s forehead, “Who’s such an easy-to-please little one?”

Chen Xu’s ears turned red. He knew Si Ye was treating him like a child but couldn’t help liking it.

After the performances, it was time for the main event—the raffle.

Si Ye was invited on stage to draw the prizes. Watching him, Chen Xu’s heart swelled with a mix of love and bitterness.

The lively atmosphere cooled as Si Ye took the stage. His mere presence intimidated the crowd.

The host maintained a professional smile. “Let’s have President Si draw tonight’s lucky winner.”

Si Ye drew a slip from the box. As the camera zoomed in on his hand, someone noticed a wedding ring on his finger!

The crowd was more interested in Si Ye’s ring than the raffle. When did he get married?

Rumors had circulated among higher-ups, but Si Ye’s routine hadn’t changed, and the rumors died down. But now, seeing the ring, everyone was stunned. Who was the lucky person?

Everyone looked at Chen Xu, the only one who had visited twice and seemed close to Si Ye. Not a lover, but the wife!

Feeling the stares, Chen Xu blushed. When had Si Ye started wearing the ring? They hadn’t publicized their marriage due to Chen Xu’s age and school, so neither wore rings.

After the kidnapping attempt, their relationship had improved, and Chen Xu assumed that was Si Ye’s answer. He hadn’t thought much about it until seeing Xiang Xiuhe again reminded him of unresolved issues.

Si Ye’s wearing the ring in public was as surprising to Chen Xu as anyone. Why now? If Si Ye truly cared for Xiang Xiuhe, he wouldn’t have married Chen Xu or worn the ring. Yet, the photos and Si Ye’s attentiveness to Xiang Xiuhe raised doubts.

As the crowd buzzed about Si Ye’s ring, he read the winning number.

The winner, a young girl new to the company, trembled as she accepted the prize, repeatedly bowing in thanks.

Back at her office, her colleagues bombarded her with questions.

“Is President Si super handsome up close?”

“I was too nervous to look properly!”

“Well, you got lucky! He’s someone else’s now.”

Next, Si Ye drew the second prize. The winner, a company executive, joked about getting permission to play cards, lightening the mood.

Then came the grand prize—a Porsche. The host tried to hype the crowd, but Si Ye’s cold demeanor was daunting.

“Let’s have President Si draw the grand prize winner.”

Si Ye, eager to finish and be with Chen Xu, drew a slip. Seeing the number, he smiled, a rare and heart-melting sight.

The screen displayed the number, and Chen Xu recognized it. He pulled out his ticket, shocked. He won?

As the crowd murmured, Si Ye approached the microphone. “Need me to show you the way?”

Understanding, Chen Xu blushed and walked to the stage. Si Ye met him and led him up, the screen zooming in on them.

The crowd gasped at their looks and the revelation. They suspected Si Ye rigged the raffle to show off his love.

Blushing, Chen Xu refused the prize. “I’m not an employee. I shouldn’t participate.”

Si Ye’s eyes twinkled as he replied, “Isn’t the title of the boss’s wife enough?”

Chen Xu was speechless, and the crowd cheered. The host, cautious, asked Chen Xu to say a few words.

Realizing Si Ye had teased him, Chen Xu took the mic and spoke, “I’m honored to receive this prize. The ticket was from President Si. He’s the real lucky one. I’m happy he shared this luck with me and hope to pass it on to all of you. May the new year bring you health and happiness. Thank you.”

Surprised by his eloquence, the crowd applauded.

Afterward, Chen Xu received the Porsche. Though he had a driver’s license, Si Ye insisted on getting him a safer car.

“This Porsche costs two million; it’s not cheap,” Chen Xu, having worked odd jobs, appreciated money’s value more than most rich kids.

“I want you safe,” Si Ye replied, concerned.

“Porsche is fine,” Chen Xu insisted.

After a brief standoff, Si Ye drove home, showing his willingness to compromise.

Back home, they bathed and settled in bed. Chen Xu, tired, nestled into Si Ye’s arms and quickly fell asleep.

Si Ye kissed his forehead, whispering, “Goodnight, my love (Baby, darling).”