ARBRMW : Chapter 69

Chen Xu was surprised to find Si Ye still at home when he woke up. He rubbed his eyes and checked the time. “It’s almost ten. Why aren’t you going to work?”

Si Ye pulled him closer, his chest pressed against Chen Xu’s back. “I’m taking the day off to spend with you.”

“There’s no need for that. Work is more important,” Chen Xu said, not wanting to be unreasonable. He felt that clearing up their misunderstanding was enough; there was no need for Si Ye to stay home to appease him.

Si Ye kissed the tip of his ear. “It’s still the New Year. Spending time with my wife is important too.”

Chen Xu stiffened and turned red all over. It was the first time he had heard Si Ye refer to him that way. “I… I’m a man,” he stammered.

“So… husband?” Si Ye whispered deliberately into his ear.

The word sent a shiver through Chen Xu, almost making him jump out of Si Ye’s arms. But truth be told, it felt good. Si Ye, the fearsome head of the Si family, was calling him “husband.” It was incredibly satisfying.

Chen Xu turned to face Si Ye, his cheeks flushed, his eyes sparkling. “Can you say it again?”

“Husband,” Si Ye said again, making Chen Xu smile brightly.

But the smile didn’t last long before Si Ye said, “It’s only fair that you call me the same.”

Chen Xu’s smile froze. So that’s what Si Ye was waiting for. Si Ye was indeed more experienced.

Blushing deeply, Chen Xu hesitated for a long time, unable to say the word. Si Ye watched him with a smile, clearly not planning to let him off the hook.

Lowering his head, Chen Xu pressed his forehead against Si Ye’s chest. “Uncle Si…”

Si Ye couldn’t help but laugh and touched Chen Xu’s burning ear. “Pouting won’t help.”

“I called you twice. It’s only fair you call me once,” Si Ye said.

Feeling that he would seem less manly if he backed down now, Chen Xu took a deep breath. He finally opened his mouth, his voice barely audible, “Husband.”

Si Ye didn’t catch the sound but saw his lips move. He pretended to be confused. “What?”

Chen Xu, feeling embarrassed but resigned, shouted, “Husband!” Then he tried to escape, but Si Ye quickly caught him and pulled him back into bed, where he was thoroughly teased until he was soft and breathless, clinging to Si Ye’s chest. When Si Ye finally let him go, Chen Xu didn’t want him to leave and chased him for more kisses.

He was so adorable that Si Ye couldn’t resist teasing him again and again until noon when they finally got up.

True to his word, Si Ye spent the day at home with Chen Xu, only taking one call and then putting away his computer and phone.

The weather was perfect, with the sun shining brightly. The snow was melting, revealing the moist grass. Si Ye and Chen Xu went to the flower house, picked some flowers to arrange in their bedroom, and then spent the afternoon on the terrace, with Si Ye posing as Chen Xu’s model.

Being a model for a painter was usually boring, but Si Ye enjoyed it. He loved watching Chen Xu focus on him, studying every detail. It made him feel like he had Chen Xu’s undivided attention, which was incredibly satisfying.

“If you feel bored, we can do this another time,” Chen Xu said, pausing his work.

Si Ye shook his head slightly. “No, I’m not bored. You look great when you’re painting.”

“What’s so great about painting?” Chen Xu muttered, looking away.

“You look amazing. It’s very attractive. You have me completely captivated,” Si Ye said, his eyes twinkling with amusement, making Chen Xu blush.

“Are you sure you’ve never been in a relationship before? Tell me the truth, I won’t be mad,” Chen Xu asked. He couldn’t believe someone as smooth as Si Ye had never dated before.

Si Ye closed his book and sighed. “Really, I haven’t. After I went abroad at twelve for treatment, I spent two years in the hospital. When I was fifteen, I started a company with my classmates and was always busy. When I was sixteen, my brother and sister-in-law passed away, so I had to study even harder. I graduated at eighteen and took over the company at twenty. I’ve been too busy for relationships.”

Hearing about Si Ye’s past made Chen Xu’s heart ache. He hugged Si Ye. “You have me now. I’ll be with you.”

“Mm, stay with me always,” Si Ye said, his heart softening as he kissed Chen Xu’s temple.

Since Si Ye had never dated, it must be his natural talent. They were both men, but Si Ye seemed exceptionally gifted. The thought made Chen Xu blush even more.

As they painted and chatted, Chen Xu remembered Mo Hang and asked, “So Mr. Mo likes Xiang Xiuhe, right?”

Si Ye sipped his coffee. “I think so, but he never told me. I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t found that photo.”

“Didn’t you ever think Mr. Mo was too nice to Xiang Xiuhe?” Chen Xu asked, surprised that Si Ye hadn’t noticed.

“They’ve been classmates for years. It’s not strange for Mo Hang to be good to him,” Si Ye said. He had always thought Mo Hang’s treatment of Xiang Xiuhe was brotherly, never suspecting deeper feelings.

Chen Xu realized Si Ye was a bit of a steel straight man in this regard. Si Ye didn’t know that Xiang Xiuhe liked him, and Chen Xu wasn’t about to enlighten him.

“Since Mr. Mo likes Xiang Xiuhe, you should be more mindful of your interactions,” Chen Xu said, setting a trap.

Si Ye didn’t notice. “I’ve always kept my distance with Xiang Xiuhe. We’re just friends.”

“Things are different now. Remember, Mr. Mo likes Xiang Xiuhe. And I’m just friends with Lu Hai and Zhu Yao Yuan, but you still get jealous,” Chen Xu pointed out, making Si Ye’s face change instantly.

“Keep your distance from Lu Hai. He’s too handsy,” Si Ye said. He didn’t mind Chen Xu having friends, but Lu Hai’s habit of putting his arm around people’s shoulders made him uncomfortable. Zhu Yao Yuan’s sunny, handsome appearance didn’t help either. Although Si Ye never said it, Chen Xu could feel the low-pressure atmosphere whenever he mentioned hanging out with them.

“Lu Hai and Zhu Yao Yuan are straight, like telephone poles,” Chen Xu sighed. “Now you understand Mr. Mo’s feelings, right?”

Si Ye was silent for a moment. “I’ll limit unnecessary contact with Xiang Xiuhe.”

Mo Hang had been chasing Xiang Xiuhe for years without success. It seemed he was quite foolish in this regard.

Chen Xu, satisfied with the answer, painted with a lighter hand. The finished painting was framed and placed in their bedroom by Si Ye.

“I should buy another house to use as a gallery for your paintings,” Si Ye said, admiring Chen Xu’s latest work.

Chen Xu choked on his water. “I’m not a professional painter. There’s no need for that. My work isn’t worth displaying.”

Si Ye handed him a napkin. “These are my priceless treasures.”

“Uncle Si, you’re really good at sweet-talking. Who taught you?” Chen Xu asked, genuinely curious.

“No one. It’s all from the heart,” Si Ye said, his smile making Chen Xu’s heart flutter.

“Maybe you should keep quiet,” Chen Xu said, placing a hand over Si Ye’s mouth. His heart couldn’t take much more.

Si Ye let him cover his mouth, gazing at him with a smile that made Chen Xu’s neck flush.

A few days later, Chen Xu received the results from the hospital. He wasn’t Chen Yue and Wang Qiang’s biological child, which didn’t surprise him. He felt a sense of clarity rather than sadness. Many things now made sense.

Since he wasn’t their biological child, they could mistreat him, send him to live with the Si family, and discard him when he was no longer useful. If he wasn’t their child, who were his real parents? Could the rumors be true that his grandfather was his father?

But the DNA report showed no relation to Chen Yue. It seemed more likely that his grandfather had adopted him and distanced himself to avoid scandal, planning everything for Chen Xu’s future.

Chen Xu visited his grandfather’s grave, placing flowers on the tombstone. The old man’s face was blurry in his memory, but as he looked at the photo, memories resurfaced. His grandfather had saved his life and provided for him, even if they weren’t related by blood.

Tears welled up in Chen Xu’s eyes. “Grandpa, I’m sorry I’m late.”

He stayed at the grave for an hour before leaving, his heart filled with gratitude.

As he left, he realized something important. Si Yi Chen’s motive for killing him in his previous life wasn’t just jealousy. Chen Xu’s existence must have threatened Si Yi Chen’s interests. It was too coincidental that the Si family lost a child around the time the Chen family gained one. If Si Yi Chen knew about this, it explained his desperate actions.

That evening, when Si Ye returned home, the housekeeper mentioned Chen Xu seemed down.

“Didn’t you eat much dinner?” Si Ye asked, entering their bedroom.

Chen Xu looked up from his textbook. “UNcle Si, you’re back.”

He got up to hang Si Ye’s coat. Si Ye kissed his cheek. “Why didn’t you eat properly?”

“I did. The housekeeper exaggerated,” Chen Xu lied, not wanting to worry Si Ye.

Si Ye studied his face. Today, Chen Xu seemed like a wilted kitten. “I asked the kitchen to make something. Will you join me?”

Though he had no appetite, Chen Xu agreed, seeing how Si Ye had worked all day. Si Ye kissed his forehead. “Good boy.”

After Si Ye showered, the kitchen brought up their meal. Chen Xu set the table, his slender waist outlined by his shirt as he bent over. Si Ye wrapped his arms around Chen Xu’s waist and kissed his neck.

Their matching scents mingled, creating a heady mix. Chen Xu’s skin flushed pink. “Let’s eat,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

It wasn’t fear but shyness. Si Ye’s presence was overwhelming, making Chen Xu feel small and enveloped. Si Ye held him for a moment longer, then released him, leaving Chen Xu both relieved and a bit disappointed.

The meal was sumptuous. Si Ye piled Chen Xu’s plate with food, insisting he needed to eat more to grow. With no choice, Chen Xu complied.

Si Ye’s table manners were impeccable, his posture straight and elegant. “Did you get a lot of confessions in school?” Chen Xu asked, glancing at Si Ye’s handsome face.

Si Ye paused and shook his head. “No.”

“But Xiang Xiuhe said you got a lot of love letters. I won’t get jealous; I’m just curious,” Chen Xu said.

Si Ye placed a shrimp in Chen Xu’s bowl. “I wish you would get jealous.”

He looked at Chen Xu with a smile, making Chen Xu’s ears turn red.

“Xiang Xiuhe was talking about when I was in middle school. After I went abroad, I spent a lot of time in the hospital. Later, when I resumed school, not many people confessed to me. They probably didn’t like someone as thin as I was,” Si Ye explained.

In his late teens, Si Ye’s cold beauty and exceptional skills intimidated most who might have been interested. Though he had admirers, his formidable demeanor kept them at bay.

Chen Xu’s heart ached hearing about Si Ye’s lonely years abroad. He wished he could change the past but resolved to be there for Si Ye in the future.

“This steak is good,” Chen Xu said, placing a piece on Si Ye’s plate.

Si Ye smiled at the gesture. “How about you?”

“What?” Chen Xu asked, not understanding.

“Were you popular in school? A lot of girls seemed interested at your graduation party,” Si Ye teased.

Chen Xu felt a pang of guilt. He now understood how Si Ye felt earlier. “Just classmates,” he said, feeling uneasy.

Si Ye pressed on, “Didn’t you have any crushes?”

“No,” Chen Xu said firmly. “I wasn’t allowed to date before adulthood.”

“Such a good boy,” Si Ye chuckled.

Chen Xu puffed his cheeks, feeling mocked.

Their banter brightened Chen Xu’s mood, making him forget his troubles as he finished his meal.

Si Ye went to his study, and Chen Xu opened a drawer to find the black card Si Ye had given him. Despite trying to return it, Si Ye kept putting it back. Eventually, Chen Xu gave in. He rarely needed it, relying on his own earnings instead.

In his study, Si Ye was on the phone with his secretary, Jiang. He received surprising news. He had asked Jiang to investigate Chen Xu’s background but found a lead on Si Lin instead.

“Chen old master’s driver was found. He said Xu Shaoye(Young master) wasn’t Chen old master’s biological grandson but was rescued from a car accident.”

According to the driver, sixteen years ago, Chen old master rescued a two-year-old Chen Xu from a car wreck. The child was badly injured, and the car exploded soon after the rescue. Chen old master decided to adopt the boy, who became very attached to him.

Chen old master didn’t reveal the boy’s origins to his family, fearing they would neglect him. The driver added that a family named Fan had suspiciously adopted a child soon after, only to move away abruptly.

The car involved in the accident was a stolen vehicle from near the hospital where Si Lin had disappeared.

“It’s likely the child is Si Lin. Should we continue the investigation?” Jiang asked.

Si Ye’s emotions fluctuated wildly. He had thought he’d found Chen Xu’s parents, only to learn they were likely criminals who kidnapped Si Lin. He resolved to find the truth and bring Si Lin home, fulfilling his brother and sister-in-law’s last wish.

“Continue,” he said.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

Chen Xu peeked in. “Uncle Si, are you busy?”

“I’m done. Come in,” Si Ye said, finding Chen Xu’s cautious entrance endearing.

Chen Xu brought in two cups of warm milk. “Let’s toast,” he said with a smile.

Si Ye laughed, clinking cups with him. The warm milk was comforting, and Si Ye pulled Chen Xu close, kissing his lips gently.

Chen Xu snuggled into Si Ye’s embrace. “I met with my grandfather’s lawyer. He left me a house.”

Si Ye was surprised by the old man’s foresight. He kissed Chen Xu’s hair. “Take me to see grandpa’s grave next time.”

Chen Xu blushed at the familiarity. “Okay. And I’ll show you my new house. I’m a homeowner now.”

“Mm,” Si Ye said, enjoying Chen Xu’s excitement.

The winter break flew by, and soon it was time for Chen Xu to return to school. As the weather warmed, he shed his heavy coat for a fitted overcoat. Stepping out of a luxury car, he was immediately photographed by fellow students and became a topic of admiration on the school forum.