This year’s New Year’s Eve dinner was quieter than in previous years. Si Jing had divorced Wei Shifeng and gone abroad to relax. Although Si Wanping didn’t understand why Si Jing needed to relax, given that her relationship with Wei Shifeng wasn’t that good, she didn’t stop her, thinking it was better than causing trouble domestically.
Si Yi Chen was in jail, and Tao Minzhi was staying in a sanatorium. Over the past year, many people had gradually left the Si family. Superstitious, Si Wanping decided to go to the temple the next morning to drive away bad luck.
Among the younger generation, only Sun Wei’ang, Si Xuezhou, and the three-year-old Si Shenqian were left. Si Ye decided to have them all sit together.
“Xuezhou, you’ll be taking the college entrance exam next semester, right? How are your preparations? Are you confident?” Zheng Hongqiao asked Si Xuezhou, who was focused on eating.
Si Xuezhou stiffened and fidgeted with his clothes, replying, “It’s okay.”
Si Yaowei patted the back of Si Xuezhou’s head and said to Zheng Hongqiao, “Don’t even mention it. His semester exams were a mess. He didn’t inherit any of my or his mother’s intelligence.”
Zheng Hongqiao chuckled, trying to comfort Si Yaowei, “It’s okay. He’s still young. Just do your best.”
“Brother-in-law, don’t say that. His grades are so bad that I get anxious just looking at them. When Shenqian starts school, you need to keep a close eye on him.” Si Yaowei took a sip of wine and glanced at Si Xuezhou with a face full of disdain.
Si Xuezhou smiled awkwardly, losing his appetite. His mother, Luo Yi, sat beside him, eating indifferently, as if she hadn’t heard her husband belittling their son.
“That’s why I say children need to be disciplined from a young age. You two are always flying around and neglecting him. When you finally want to intervene, it’s too late,” Si Wanping said in the tone of someone who had learned from experience.
Wasn’t Si Jing the same? When she was young, she was ambitious and had no time for her child. Zheng Hongqiao was immersed in art and spent even less time with Si Jing. By the time they remembered they had a daughter, she had already gone astray and couldn’t be corrected. Fortunately, after Si Jing got married, she had a son, which was the only value she had created for Si Wanping over the years.
Si Xuezhou felt a surge of anger and grievance. If he had the courage, he would have thrown his chopsticks and left, but he didn’t dare. He could only silently continue eating.
Suddenly, a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs appeared in his bowl. He looked up to meet Chen Xu’s clear eyes.
“These ribs are good. I remember you like sweet food,” Chen Xu’s calm words made Si Xuezhou’s eyes redden, and he suppressed the lump in his throat, muttering, “Thank you.”
He lowered his head, put the rib in his mouth, and savored the sweet and sour taste.
“Delicious.”
Chen Xu, feeling bold, moved the whole plate of sweet and sour ribs in front of Si Xuezhou. “Then have some more.”
“Chen Xu, don’t spoil him too much,” Si Yaowei said. He already had a poor opinion of Chen Xu, who, despite being young and a top scorer in the college entrance exams, had climbed into Si Ye’s bed. Seeing Chen Xu place a whole plate of ribs in front of his son in front of so many elders, Si Yaowei frowned in displeasure.
“It’s just a plate of ribs, Uncle. No need to make a big deal out of it. If you like, the kitchen can make more,” Chen Xu’s indifferent tone made Si Yaowei even more upset.
To him, Chen Xu was just Si Ye’s plaything, bound to be discarded sooner or later, yet here he was, acting like another master of the Si family.
Even his mother, Mrs. Pan, had never been so arrogant after marrying into the Si family.
Si Yaowei wanted to say something, but with Si Ye sitting beside Chen Xu and considering Chen Xu’s current favor, he held his tongue.
However, Si Wanping couldn’t stand it, feeling that Chen Xu was disregarding her as his aunt.
“The elders are still here, and you’re behaving like this. Don’t you have any manners?” Si Wanping’s voice was sharp, sounding particularly harsh and mean.
Si Xuezhou shivered, holding back tears, and said, “I’m sorry, Aunt. Please don’t blame Chen Xu. It’s my fault.”
“Why are you crying? Anyone who doesn’t know might think I’m bullying you,” Si Wanping frowned in displeasure, disliking Si Xuezhou’s teary-eyed look. A boy should have some masculinity.
Si Xuezhou bit his lip and lowered his head, not daring to speak again.
Chen Xu put down his chopsticks and looked up at Si Wanping with a cold gaze. “It’s just a plate of sweet and sour ribs. There’s no need for Uncle and Aunt to make a fuss. If I remember correctly, your health reports show high blood pressure and blood sugar. You can’t eat the ribs anyway, so why waste them? The kid likes them, so let him eat.”
His words left Si Wanping and Si Yaowei speechless and embarrassed.
Si Wanping wanted to say more, but Si Ye placed a bowl of peeled shrimp in front of Chen Xu and slowly wiped his hands with a warm towel. “In our own home, what rules do we need? If you don’t want to eat, don’t come next year. Chen Xu and I are newlyweds and would like some time alone.”
His words of protection made Si Wanping and Si Yaowei hold their tongues, though inwardly they cursed Chen Xu as a seductress.
Si Ye, the head of the family, was peeling shrimp for Chen Xu, which they thought was beneath him.
Si Xuezhou, gripping his chopsticks, felt a surge of emotion. Though Chen Xu was about his age, he was being protected like a child. He thought Si Ye might not care much for Chen Xu, but their relationship seemed better than any couple in the family.
Chen Xu savored the shrimp peeled by Si Ye, feeling sweet inside. He didn’t forget to pick some of Si Ye’s favorite dishes for him.
After dinner, the elders handed out red envelopes. Since Chen Xu was married to Si Ye, he didn’t receive one. Sun Wei’ang, who was older, received several red envelopes as usual. The Si family tradition was that as long as you weren’t married, you could get a red envelope. At eighteen, Chen Xu lost that eligibility.
He gave out two red envelopes, one to Si Xuezhou and one to Si Shenqian.
Si Xuezhou blushed and accepted the money. “Thank you, brother.”
The moment he spoke, Chen Xu’s face turned cold. He extended his hand, saying, “Give it back.”
“I was wrong. Thank you, Brother Xu.” Si Xuezhou stuck out his tongue, quickly correcting himself.
Chen Xu and Si Ye didn’t have the habit of staying up late. Si Ye had it worse; he still had to work during the New Year. After giving out the red envelopes, he went back to his study for a video conference.
Tang Zhen: Happy New Year, sisters! May we all find good men in the coming year!
Liu Xiao: Happy New Year! I just want to catch up with Zhenzhen. No need for men.
Chen Xu also sent a Happy New Year message and a red envelope.
Tang Zhen: Wow! Thanks, Dad! I’m so lucky to get 88.8!
Liu Xiao: …I’ve shut down for the New Year.
Tang Zhen: Hahaha! You’re killing me! You only got 2.1. You’re definitely the unlucky one.
The remaining 109.1 went to Chen Xu. He stared at his phone, feeling that his luck had improved since his rebirth.
Tang Zhen: So you’re the real lucky one, Dad!
Chen Xu: No need to be so polite.
They exchanged a few more red envelopes. Chen Xu’s band group also started sending red envelopes. Yuan Ren sent the first one, and Chen Xu, being the last to click, turned out to be the lucky one again.
Ke Xinghao and the others clamored for Chen Xu to treat them. Chen Xu didn’t refuse and arranged a time to meet. Lu Hai complained in the group chat that finding a lead singer was hard since the last one had left before the end of the year to go to another province.
Chen Xu remembered hearing Zhu Yaoyuan singing in the bathroom, sounding surprisingly good. He mentioned it in the group chat.
Lu Hai: Xu, you really have hidden talents around you! I remember Zhu Yaoyuan. He looks great! You must bring him over!
Yuan Ren: I remember him too. Quite handsome.
Ke Xinghao: Xu is really something. He’s a handsome guy surrounded by other handsome guys. If I weren’t straight, I’d never worry about finding a partner.
Chen Xu: You’re overthinking. Even if you were gay, you wouldn’t find a partner.
Lu Hai: Ke Xinghao, you clearly don’t understand why you’re single.
Yuan Ren: Actually, Ke Xinghao isn’t that ugly. You guys shouldn’t be so harsh. Keep it up, Ke Xinghao. We’ll all find partners this year!
Ke Xinghao: …I feel like quitting the group.
As midnight approached, Guan Qingqing sent New Year’s greetings. Since starting college, Chen Xu had rarely been in touch with her, though he did contact her sister, Guan Shuang, more frequently.
Chen Xu sent a simple New Year greeting back. They exchanged a few words before saying goodnight, not continuing the conversation.
He used to be close to Guan Qingqing, but now their relationship had cooled. In a few years, they might become mere acquaintances.
For a moment, Chen Xu felt melancholic about the fragility and strength of relationships. What about his future with Si Ye? Would they also become strangers?
Lying in bed, his mind wandered until he heard footsteps. Looking up, he saw Si Ye.
“Are you done?” Chen Xu, with his pale skin, had just bathed, wearing light gray linen pajamas. His hair was messy, and he still smelled faintly of the same fragrance as Si Ye.
The warm light from above cast a glow on Chen Xu’s white neck, giving it a glossy sheen.
“Yes.” Si Ye wrapped his arms around Chen Xu’s slender waist and pulled him into his embrace. Chen Xu, nestled in Si Ye’s scent, like snow in a pine forest, crisp and clean.
Surprised, Chen Xu instinctively grabbed Si Ye’s shirt, asking, “Where are we going?”
Si Ye didn’t answer, instead wrapping him in a blanket and carrying him like a child to the balcony.
The wind stung his face, making Chen Xu burrow into the warm blanket.
He held Si Ye’s shoulder and looked up, seeing the wind tousle Si Ye’s neat hair. His dark eyes glowed like polished jade, and his handsome face, half-lit by the dim balcony light, was breathtaking.
Chen Xu stared at Si Ye, his heart surging with the desire to possess him completely.
Suddenly, a loud noise filled the air, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks.
Chen Xu turned to the brilliant fireworks, hearing Si Ye’s gentle whisper, “Happy New Year, little one.”
—
The beautiful fireworks almost made Chen Xu lose control last night, but Si Ye stopped in time.
Si Ye kissed Chen Xu’s slightly reddened eyes, shimmering with tears. “You’re still young. Let’s wait until you grow up a bit more.”
Chen Xu wanted to say he was already grown up, even twenty-two in his previous life. Although inexperienced, he was capable of making his own decisions.
Seeing Chen Xu’s nonchalant attitude, Si Ye proved with action that Chen Xu couldn’t even handle his kisses, let alone more. A kiss left Chen Xu weak, trembling, and with eyes full of moisture.
Everything seemed overly sensitive, as if any touch was too much.
Thinking of last night, Chen Xu covered his face in embarrassment. How could he, a twenty-two-year-old adult, be so naive, while Si Ye was so skilled, like a playboy?
Given Si Ye’s status, many people must have tried to get close to him. Although Si Ye was known for his restraint, rumors suggested he had issues, which was why he led a celibate life.
Some who disliked Si Ye mocked him, saying that no matter how rich and successful he was, he couldn’t enjoy the pleasures of being a man or leave behind descendants.
Chen Xu couldn’t help but think of Xiang Xiuhe. Xiang Xiuhe seemed to care for Si Ye, remembering every detail about him and making time for Si Ye’s company events.
Si Ye had hidden Xiang Xiuhe’s photo in his book and secretly filmed him, making Chen Xu feel like an intruder.
He didn’t like this feeling and decided to talk to Si Ye today.
“Uncle Zhong, where’s Uncle Si?” Chen Xu asked while having breakfast. It was unusual for Si Ye to be gone early.
“He went out.”
“Where to?”
Uncle Zhong shook his head. “He didn’t say.”
Chen Xu felt uneasy. After breakfast, his mother called, asking him to bring Si Ye home for a family meal.
“Uncle Si is out.”
Chen Xu rarely contacted his family, and even less so after marriage. It was surprising they hadn’t clung to him.
Unbeknownst to him, Si Ye had given the Chen family benefits during their marriage, ensuring they contacted him instead of Chen Xu. Today’s call was an attempt to connect with Si Ye during the holidays.
“Are you being arrogant because you’re favored? I warned you not to get complacent. If he finds someone new, you’ll regret it!” Chen Yue scolded, assuming Chen Xu had upset Si Ye.
Chen Xu didn’t bother explaining, knowing they wouldn’t understand.
“Since Uncle Si isn’t here, I won’t come back.”
“Are you saying you can’t come home without him? You’re like water poured out once married. Come back for lunch; don’t keep everyone waiting!” Chen Yue hung up, confident Chen Xu would comply.
Chen Xu told Uncle Zhong he’d be out, asked the driver to take him, and mentioned he wouldn’t be back for lunch.
He went upstairs to change and noticed a red envelope under his pillow. Inside was a black card, luxurious and gleaming.
Chen Xu stared at the card, realizing it was far beyond a typical red envelope.
He called Si Ye, but there was no answer. Not wanting to disturb him, he put the card back and took his earphones.
On the way to his family, Chen Xu received a call from his grandfather’s lawyer.
His grandfather had left him an inheritance, which he could claim upon reaching adulthood. The lawyer had contacted him before, but Chen Xu had refused, preferring to earn his own money and avoid complications.
Half a year later, the lawyer contacted him again, hoping he’d accept the inheritance.
“It’s your grandfather’s wish.”
Chen Xu had heard from the servants that his grandfather was kind to him when he was young. Yet, as he grew older, his grandfather became distant, creating complex feelings.
The inheritance was unexpected, especially since it equaled what his siblings received combined.
This had caused resentment in Chen Hao, who believed their grandfather favored Chen Xu.
“I understand. I’ll visit the law firm tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Cai.”
“It’s no trouble. I’m glad you’ll come. I’m sure your grandfather would be too.”
Thinking of his refined grandfather, Chen Xu softly replied, “Yes.”
As expected, the Chen family was bustling with children playing. Chen Yuqi was arguing with her twelve-year-old cousin, who had broken her perfume. The adults thought it was minor, chiding Chen Yuqi for being petty.
Seeing Chen Xu return, Chen Yuqi forgot their usual animosity and complained to him.
Chen Xu glanced at her hefty cousin, finding no trace of childishness, making Chen Yuqi even angrier.
His aunt, snacking on melon seeds, snidely remarked, “He’s just a child. You, as his sister, should be more forgiving. It’s just perfume. Your brother-in-law can buy you more.”
Chen Xu didn’t take the bait, calmly removing his coat. “I’m just a student. Unlike Uncle, who’s doing a big project and must be making a lot.”
His aunt, embarrassed, forced a smile.
Coincidentally, Chen Xu’s uncle’s partner was Ke Xinghao’s father, who found him unreliable and planned to end the partnership.
“Chen Xu, you’re back. Where’s Mr. Si?” The relatives eagerly approached, cooling when they saw Si Ye wasn’t with him.
“He had something to do.”
“Married for only a few months, and he doesn’t accompany you home? Doesn’t he care about you?” His eldest aunt insinuated.
Chen Xu smiled silently. The relatives tried to probe for information, but Chen Xu remained tight-lipped, leading them to believe Si Ye had lost interest.
They suggested he get as much money from Si Ye as possible, treating him like a kept lover.
Failing to extract anything, the relatives left, leaving Chen Hao to mock him. “You managed to get Si Yi Chen jailed. I thought you were impressive, but it seems Mr. Si is already tired of you.”
“It wasn’t me who put Si Yi Chen in jail. He broke the law and paid the price,” Chen Xu calmly replied, peeling an orange.
Chen Hao sneered and sat beside him. “Since you’re married into the Si family, you don’t need Grandpa’s inheritance. Hand it over. You’re living well, but we and our parents are still struggling.”
Chen Xu paused, looking at Chen Hao. “You want Grandpa’s inheritance?”
“Grandpa was just senile, leaving so much to you. You should be aware of that,” Chen Hao didn’t hide his greed.
“Really? Mr. Cai said Grandpa made his will years ago, not when he was senile. We’re all Grandpa’s grandchildren. Why should you and Yuqi have the inheritance, and not me?” Chen Xu’s eyes were cold.
Chen Hao scoffed, “So the servants were right. Otherwise, why would Grandpa leave you so much?”
A vague remark, but Chen Xu understood. Years ago, he had overheard servants saying he wasn’t Chen Yue’s child but Grandpa’s illegitimate son. The servants were quickly replaced, and the rumor died. Chen Xu, too young then, had forgotten it until now.
Rain : I love reading you guys. I realized, we’re the same and sometimes in the same mood when reading hhhh it makes me happy ?(?????)?
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