Chen Xu originally thought Si Ye would take him to the most upscale restaurant in City A, but that wasn’t the case. The car drove down a road Chen Xu didn’t recognize.
“Uncle Si, where are we going?” Chen Xu glanced out the window at the city lights beginning to glow.
Si Ye squeezed his hand and said, “I’m not going to sell you; I can’t bear to part with you.”
Chen Xu tried to pull his hand away but said nothing.
After driving for another ten minutes, the car finally stopped. When Chen Xu got out and looked around, he realized they had stopped in front of a villa.
Surrounded by greenery, the villa’s entrance was adorned with various blooming flowers. Despite it being early spring, the flowers were in full bloom, competing in beauty.
The villa had three floors and featured a blend of Chinese and Western styles, giving it a slightly vintage feel.
Although the house seemed to have a history, the interior was modern. Chen Xu took out his phone and quietly pinpointed their location. As he suspected, the area was surrounded by historical sites. This house seemed to be a small Western-style building from the Republican era.
“Have a seat. Why are you just standing there?” Si Ye took off his coat and hung it up, pulling Chen Xu, who was standing at the door in a daze, inside.
Chen Xu was afraid he might damage the floor, considering the building’s historical significance.
The dining room was romantically set up, clearly prepared for tonight’s candlelight dinner.
As soon as they sat down, someone from the kitchen brought out their dishes. An old phonograph record played in the background, and a single rose adorned the vase on the table. The dim lighting created an intimate atmosphere.
Chen Xu took a bite of the food. Si Ye glanced at him, then casually took a bite and asked, “How does it taste?”
“Not bad,” Chen Xu instinctively replied. Si Ye’s lips curled into a slight smile. “That’s good.”
Upon hearing those three words, Chen Xu suddenly realized that Si Ye had made the meal.
“Did you make this?”
Si Ye nodded slightly. “Yes, I hope it’s not too bad.”
Chen Xu shook his head in delight. “It’s delicious. Uncle Si, you’re amazing, you can even cook.”
“I used to cook for myself when I lived abroad, but that was many years ago. I’m a bit rusty.” Si Ye had cooked for himself when he lived alone abroad, though not frequently. After all, he started his business at fifteen and didn’t have much leisure time to cook for himself.
After returning to China, he had even fewer opportunities to enter the kitchen. This time, he had even hired a chef to teach him, worried he might create a culinary disaster.
Fortunately, his intelligence proved sufficient, and he discovered he had a talent for cooking.
Staring at the dishes before him, Chen Xu suddenly said, “I want to learn to cook too, so I can make meals for you.”
“No need. One person in the household knowing how to cook is enough.” Si Ye glanced at Chen Xu’s slender fingers. Such beautiful hands were better suited for writing and painting. Cooking was his responsibility.
Moreover, given their living conditions, they could easily call a chef home to cook any cuisine they wanted. Occasionally cooking himself was just to add some fun; there was no need to learn it seriously.
Chen Xu thought about it and agreed with Si Ye. “Then I’ll wash the dishes.”
Si Ye chuckled. “We have a dishwasher.”
Chen Xu: “…” So he’s just there to eat for free.
“Your job is to be cute.” Si Ye reached out and touched the little mole on Chen Xu’s nose.
Chen Xu noticed that Si Ye seemed to have a fondness for the mole on his nose, often touching or even kissing it.
He wrinkled his nose and said, “Only Uncle Si would think I’m cute.”
Despite his tough reputation, with no one daring to fight him in high school, and his attempt to keep a low profile in university, everyone he knew or didn’t know now called him ‘Ge’. (Bro, big bro) He felt like a mafia boss.
Si Ye gazed at him, eyes twinkling as if to say, “You are indeed very cute.”
Chen Xu lowered his head to drink, the dim light hiding the flush spreading across his skin.
“The drink in front of you is wine,” Si Ye reminded him, noticing Chen Xu had taken a large gulp.
Chen Xu released the straw and stepped back, staring at his now-empty glass.
“Why does it look so much like juice?” Chen Xu had genuinely thought it was juice. Not paying attention, he hadn’t realized he was drinking wine.
“Because it’s a special blend,” Si Ye explained.
Chen Xu sulked at his drink. He had planned to enjoy a tipsy evening with Si Ye. If he blacked out, it would be a waste.
Fortunately, the alcohol didn’t hit him immediately. Maybe it was low in alcohol, or it had a slow onset.
While he was still clear-headed, Chen Xu took a box from his pocket and pushed it towards Si Ye. His eyes were like dark, polished onyx. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Si Ye’s eyes widened slightly as he took the box. “May I open it?”
Chen Xu nodded. “Yes.”
His eyes, bright like a deer’s, watched Si Ye, making Si Ye’s heart itch.
Opening the box revealed a pair of silver cufflinks inlaid with tiny diamonds. They were understated, luxurious, and complemented Si Ye’s temperament.
“Thank you, I like them very much.” Si Ye stood up, walked over to Chen Xu, and kissed his forehead.
“Help me put them on?” Si Ye placed the cufflinks in Chen Xu’s hand.
“Okay.” Chen Xu lowered his head and carefully put the cufflinks on Si Ye. As he did, his head bowed, revealing the white skin behind his black hair and a slender neck.
Si Ye couldn’t resist kissing the back of his ear. Chen Xu shivered and shrank back, his pale ears turning an enticing shade of red.
“Done…” Chen Xu’s voice trembled, his downcast eyes filled with shy anticipation.
“I also have a gift for you.” Si Ye, seeing Chen Xu shrink back like a turtle, decided not to tease him further.
Hearing this, Chen Xu’s attention shifted. He looked up eagerly. “What is it?”
His eyes sparkled like a child asking for a toy, innocent and adorable.
Si Ye walked to the living room, opened a drawer, and took out a folder, handing it to Chen Xu.
Puzzled, Chen Xu opened the folder to find a property purchase agreement inside.
“I bought this house in your name. It’s now your property. Although it’s old, it has great value and will appreciate over time. It’s priceless. The house will be maintained regularly, and you don’t have to worry about anything,” Si Ye explained.
The folder in Chen Xu’s hand suddenly felt very heavy. After the black card, now an expensive house. He didn’t quite understand the mindset of wealthy people.
“Uncle Si, you don’t need to give me such expensive things.” Chen Xu tried to return the contract. Even though they were in a relationship and married, he didn’t want to take anything financial from Si Ye. He didn’t mind small amounts of money, but he couldn’t accept such a large sum.
“You accepted the house from Grandpa but won’t accept the one from me. Are you treating me as an outsider?” Si Ye asked, his face serious.
Chen Xu’s mind went blank for a few seconds. He hadn’t expected Si Ye’s reason for giving him the house was because Grandpa had given him one.
“Uncle Si, how could I treat you as an outsider? There’s no comparison. I already have Grandpa’s house; I don’t need so many houses.”
“You can never have too much money. You never know what might happen. If one day I’m not here…” Si Ye’s words were cut off by Chen Xu covering his mouth. Frowning, Chen Xu said, “Don’t talk nonsense. There’s no such ‘if.’ You’ll live a long life, and we’ll grow old together.”
When Si Ye said those words, Chen Xu’s mind flashed to that dream where Si Ye, with gray hair, stood alone by his grave. He never wanted to see Si Ye like that. In his heart, Si Ye wouldn’t age or fall.
Si Ye took Chen Xu’s hand from his mouth and said, “I’m ten years older than you. There will come a day. I don’t want you to suffer any harm then.”
At that moment, Si Ye understood Old Master Chen’s thoughts, wanting to arrange everything for Chen Xu so he could grow up unharmed. He hoped the Chen family would treat Chen Xu well, even if out of flattery. But he didn’t expect that once he was gone, Chen Yue and his wife would send Chen Xu to the Si family.
Chen Xu’s eyes reddened, and he glared at Si Ye, biting his lip. “The only person who can hurt me is you, so you have to stay healthy and walk through life with me.”
Seeing Chen Xu’s red eyes, Si Ye hugged him, not wanting to say anything else to upset him. “Okay, I’ll exercise well and stay healthy to be with you. You also have to stay healthy.”
With Si Yi Chen in prison, Chen Xu’s biggest threat was gone. He would live well and be with Si Ye for life. “Yes, we’ll both be healthy.”
Giving a gift and nearly making the recipient cry made Si Ye feel like he had failed.
Using his thumb to wipe away Chen Xu’s tears, Si Ye kissed his forehead and eyes to comfort him. “Okay, no more crying. It’s my fault. I’m sorry.”
Pouting, Chen Xu nodded. Si Ye sat him on his lap, gently coaxing him. Chen Xu had already calmed down but enjoyed being coddled by Si Ye, leaning in closer, eyes red, and said, “Kiss me.”
“Okay.” Si Ye smiled, leaning down to kiss him. Chen Xu wrapped his arms around Si Ye’s neck, refusing to let go.
They kissed until Chen Xu was breathless, his eyes moist and sparkling.
After finally catching his breath, Chen Xu noticed Si Ye’s change and whispered, “Uncle Si, let’s go to the bedroom.”
Chen Xu’s voice trembled with a mix of fear and anticipation.
“Do you know what you’re saying?” Si Ye asked, his voice husky.
Even though Chen Xu lacked experience, he understood Si Ye’s meaning.
Si Ye was asking if he knew that stepping through that door meant there was no turning back.
Chen Xu licked his dry lips and looked directly at Si Ye. “Si Ye, do you love me?”
“I love you,” Si Ye said, his gaze steady.
“That’s all I need to know,” Chen Xu smiled, leaning in to kiss him.
Si Ye hadn’t planned for this, so the house wasn’t prepared. Thinking about the items in his backpack, Chen Xu regretted not bringing it.
Despite their burning desire, they didn’t go all the way but got pretty close.
The next morning, Chen Xu saw a bouquet of flowers on the bedside table, still fresh with morning dew, clearly picked by Si Ye from the garden, filling his heart with happiness.
He put on a coat and went downstairs. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of grass and trees.
Inside the warm house, Chen Xu couldn’t find Si Ye until he reached the first floor and saw him by the window, talking on the phone. The sunlight softened his features, making him look serene and untouchable.
Chen Xu stood, watching, heart pounding. Si Ye noticed him, smiled, and waved him over. Before he realized it, Chen Xu was already moving towards him.
Si Ye hugged him, kissing his forehead. “There’s breakfast in the kitchen. Go eat something. I’ll join you soon.”
Nodding, Chen Xu kissed Si Ye and ran to the kitchen. Si Ye watched him indulgently. “Be careful.”
In the kitchen, Chen Xu found porridge, clearly made by Si Ye. Smiling, he served himself and took some buns and dumplings to the dining room.
The buns and dumplings were likely bought, as Si Ye probably hadn’t mastered making them yet. But the porridge was delicious.
After finishing, Si Ye joined him. Chen Xu tried to take the dishes to the kitchen, but Si Ye beat him to it, loading them into the dishwasher.
“Uncle Si, you’re spoiling me too much. You’ll ruin me,” Chen Xu said, poking his head into the kitchen.
Si Ye wiped his hands. “Ruined? Let me see.”
He pulled Chen Xu into his arms, his warm hands slipping under Chen Xu’s shirt. Chen Xu shivered, recalling the marks Si Ye had left on his body, making him feel weak.
Si Ye carried him to the sofa, holding him like a koala. Sitting down, he placed Chen Xu on his lap. “Sweetheart, I have something to tell you.”
“What?” Chen Xu asked, feeling a sense of foreboding related to the earlier phone call.
Si Ye rubbed his earlobe. “You know the Si family lost a child sixteen years ago, right?”
Chen Xu nodded stiffly. “Yes, Si Lin, right?”
“Yes,” Si Ye said, his hand pausing. “My brother and sister-in-law had a two-year-old son named Si Lin.”
“Sixteen years ago, my sister-in-law and third aunt took Si Lin out. Si Lin suddenly had a stomachache, and my sister-in-law took him to a nearby hospital. While my third aunt was handling paperwork, my sister-in-law was called away by the doctor. She left Si Lin in the VIP ward with a nurse. When she returned, Si Lin was gone.”
Hearing this, Chen Xu was shocked. “Wasn’t there surveillance in the hospital?”
“There was, but the cameras near that area had been broken for a week,” Si Ye said, his eyes darkening. He believed it wasn’t a coincidence, suspecting a planned abduction. But no ransom call ever came, likely because the kidnappers had an accident.
“The Si and Sun families have been searching for the child ever since. I thought we’d never find him, but recently, Secretary Jiang informed me we might have a lead on Si Lin.” Si Ye’s words made Chen Xu’s heart race.
He had guessed Si Ye’s distance might be due to suspecting he was Si Lin. But Si Ye’s renewed closeness indicated otherwise, making Chen Xu feel at ease. Now, hearing about Si Lin again, he felt anxious, worried he might be wrong.
He felt like a condemned man waiting for the executioner’s axe to fall.
“Just now, Secretary Jiang confirmed they found Si Lin,” Si Ye continued, unaware of Chen Xu’s inner turmoil. “Sixteen years ago, he was adopted by a family named Fan and has been living in City A.”
Relief washed over Chen Xu. Sweat covered his forehead as Si Ye touched it, concerned. “Are you okay? Why are you sweating so much?”
Chen Xu shook his head, letting Si Ye wipe his sweat. “I’m fine.”
So, he wasn’t Si Lin after all. But then, who was he? Abandoned by his biological parents or stolen like Si Lin? Who were they, and would they love him?
Chen Yue and his wife’s cold treatment had left lasting scars, dampening any hopes for parental love. He had no desire to find his biological parents. He was Chen Xu, loved by his grandfather and in love with Si Ye. That was enough.
“Will you bring Si Lin back? His adoptive parents must be heartbroken,” Chen Xu asked, considering the impact on Si Lin’s life.
“Yes, Secretary Jiang is handling it. We’ll compensate his adoptive parents generously and won’t stop Si Lin from visiting them,” Si Ye said, acknowledging the Fan family’s role in Si Lin’s survival. They were the Si family’s benefactors.
Chen Xu nodded. “That’s the best way. Your brother and sister-in-law would be happy.”
“Yes,” Si Ye said, caressing Chen Xu’s face. “I promised Ms. Tao that if we found Si Lin, I’d return the Si family to him.”
“But don’t worry. My own company is enough to support you.”
Chen Xu felt frustrated. Why should Si Ye give up the family business? It wasn’t fair. Si Ye had saved the Si family from internal strife and led it to prosperity. Now, he had to hand it over unconditionally.
Hugging Si Ye tightly, Chen Xu said, “I’ll study hard and earn money. I’ll take care of you.”
Si Ye smiled at Chen Xu’s sweet words, not contradicting his promise. He patted Chen Xu’s back. “Alright, I’ll wait.”
With plans to bring Si Lin back, Chen Xu and Si Ye didn’t stay long and returned home.
Si Ye didn’t let Chen Xu accompany him to the Fan family. He needed to personally express gratitude.
Chen Xu wondered about Si Lin’s personality. Being around the same age, would he be friendly or resentful of having a same-aged aunt?
At home, Chen Xu busied himself preparing a room for Si Lin. The largest room on the second floor had belonged to Si Yi Chen, now in prison. It was perfect for Si Lin.
“Is a guest coming, Young Master Xu? The guest room is always ready,” Uncle Zhong asked, unaware of Si Lin’s situation.
“No, you’ll understand when Uncle Si returns. It’s good news,” Chen Xu replied.
Uncle Zhong, puzzled but obedient, followed the instructions of the second master of the house.
Uncertain of Si Lin’s preferences, Chen Xu decorated the room like an ordinary boy’s. Since he enjoyed music and art, he used Si Yi Chen’s room as a reference, filling it with models and gaming equipment. Clothes would be tailored once Si Lin arrived.
While setting up Si Lin’s room, Chen Xu felt like a mother preparing for her child. He and Si Ye couldn’t have children, so this was the closest feeling he had.
Meanwhile, Si Ye arrived at the Fan family’s building.
“Mr. Si,” Secretary Jiang greeted him.
“How are Mr. and Mrs. Fan?” Si Ye asked.
“Mr. Fan understands, but Mrs. Fan is very emotional and doesn’t want to let Young Master Si Lin go,” Secretary Jiang explained, ready with a plan B.
“And Si Lin?”
Secretary Jiang hesitated. “Mr. and Mrs. Fan haven’t told Young Master Si Lin about this.”
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