ARBRMW : Chapter 72

The Fan couple originally had a child, but that child tragically died, and Mrs. Fan lost her ability to have children in the process. The blow was so severe that she almost committed suicide. It was during this time, on their way back to the village, that they discovered a car accident on the roadside. An infant had fallen beside the overturned car, apparently thrown out of the window.

 

They hurriedly ran over and picked up the child. The child was well-wrapped and unharmed. In their panic, they glanced inside the car and saw two adults, covered in blood, seemingly dead. At that moment, still grieving the loss of their own child, the couple decided to take this child and raise him themselves. After all, the adults were dead, and no one would know about it.

 

The couple, who had been honest all their lives, did something out of character. They were so nervous that they didn’t notice another child barely alive in the woman’s arms in the passenger seat. After hastily taking the young Si Lin, they fled on their motorcycle.

 

They were scared for a long time, fearing someone would come to claim the child, but no one came. Eventually, neighbors noticed the new addition to their family and began to inquire. To avoid suspicion, Mr. Fan, who had made some money from a small business, decided to move to the city with his wife and the child, cutting off contact with the village.

 

However, their good times didn’t last. When Si Lin was about five years old, Mr. Fan’s business failed, leaving them heavily in debt. Despite numerous attempts, they couldn’t recover, and life became increasingly difficult. The family of three could only afford a small, cramped apartment where even the sound of a faucet could be heard by the neighbors.

 

“You must leave! Ji Ming is our son, not Si Lin! You have the wrong person,” Mrs. Fan said, pushing Secretary Jiang and Si Ye out the door, unwilling to let them in or discuss the matter.

 

After being taken in by the Fan family, Si Lin was renamed Fan Ji Ming. After high school, he didn’t continue his studies but started working to help Mr. Fan pay off debts.

 

“Mrs. Fan, we’ve conducted a DNA test and confirmed that Fan Ji Ming is indeed our chairman’s nephew,” Secretary Jiang said with a polite smile, unaffected by Mrs. Fan’s hostility.

 

“According to our investigation, Mr. Fan currently owes more than two million yuan. Our chairman is willing to pay off this debt for you and give you additional money as a token of appreciation for raising Si Lin. We hope you can understand our chairman’s wish for a family reunion,” Secretary Jiang continued, speaking eloquently.

 

Mr. Fan wavered upon hearing this, but Mrs. Fan remained obstinate. “Are you human? You’re thinking about that money, aren’t you? Selling our child for wealth?” she accused Mr. Fan.

 

“It’s not about the money. Of course, I don’t want to lose Ji Ming, but these are his real relatives, and they’ve been looking for him for so many years,” Mr. Fan argued, blushing with embarrassment.

 

“They lost Ji Ming in the first place! How do they have the nerve to come looking for him?” Mrs. Fan retorted.

 

Just as the situation reached an impasse, a voice interrupted from behind Si Ye. “Mom, Dad, what’s going on?”

 

Si Ye turned around and saw a young man, dark-skinned from working outside, with features resembling his late brother and sister-in-law. The young man was about 1.78 meters tall, slim, and wearing cheap clothes with nonsensical English printed on them.

 

Noticing Si Ye’s gaze, the young man took a step back in fear, watching Si Ye warily.

 

“Since he’s here, let’s hear what he has to say,” Si Ye suggested.

 

For the next while, Fan Ji Ming’s mind was in turmoil. He sat on their worn-out sofa, unable to process the news.

 

“Ji Ming, Mom knows you want to stay with us, right?” Mrs. Fan tearfully clutched his hand.

 

Fan Ji Ming pulled his hand back sharply, turning to Si Ye. “Uncle, I want to go with you.”

 

Mrs. Fan nearly fainted, but Fan Ji Ming felt elated. Finally, he could escape his burdensome life. He was actually the child of a wealthy family. He had seen the luxurious car downstairs and had even taken a photo to show off to his friends. Now, that car belonged to his family. How could he not be overjoyed? He felt like running ten laps in excitement.

 

No longer would he have to wake up early and work tirelessly, only to see his earnings barely dent their debt. He didn’t know how wealthy his uncle was, but he knew it was substantial. As a child of such a family, he could finally pursue the person who had been his only ray of light in his difficult life.

 

“Dad, Mom, I’ll go with Uncle. You won’t have to worry about debts anymore, and I also want to see my biological parents,” Fan Ji Ming said, pretending to sacrifice himself for their sake.

 

Hearing this, the Fan couple believed he was making a noble sacrifice.

 

Moved to tears, they hugged him and said, “Mom and Dad aren’t afraid of hardships.”

 

Fan Ji Ming inwardly rolled his eyes. If they hadn’t taken him, he would have grown up as a young master. Now they were oblivious to how much they had harmed him. His true family had finally found him, yet they still wanted to drag him down. How stupid and selfish.

 

But he hid these thoughts, consoling them, “Don’t worry, I’ll come back to see you often.”

 

Si Ye then instructed him to pack his things, saying, “You don’t need to bring clothes. Everything will be prepared at home.” Half an hour later, he was ready to leave.

 

Fan Ji Ming feared his uncle. Did he really search for him for sixteen years? Why did he seem so cold? He hadn’t even hugged him, and his biological parents didn’t come. 

 

With many questions, Fan Ji Ming packed his few belongings, knowing he would have better things soon. He didn’t even take a photo with the Fan couple, eager to escape his hellish life.

 

“Ready?” Si Ye asked after sending a message to Chen Xu.

 

“Yes,” Fan Ji Ming replied, carrying only a backpack.

 

“Say goodbye to your foster parents. I’ll wait outside,” Si Ye said, brushing his clothes before heading out with Secretary Jiang.

 

Si Ye’s imposing presence made it hard for anyone to breathe. As soon as he left, Fan Ji Ming finally looked up.

 

Outside, Si Ye frowned in thought. Secretary Jiang, sensing his mood, cautiously asked, “Chairman Si, are you dissatisfied with Young Master Si Lin?”

 

“He’s my brother and sister-in-law’s son,” Si Ye replied curtly.

 

Secretary Jiang nodded, understanding. No matter what, Si Lin was family.

 

As someone close to Si Ye, Secretary Jiang easily saw through Fan Ji Ming’s thoughts, but refrained from comment.

 

“Perhaps he’s been through too much and fears poverty,” Secretary Jiang suggested, empathizing with Fan Ji Ming’s desire for a better life.

 

Si Ye didn’t respond, receiving a call from Chen Xu. His expression softened immediately.

 

“I’m almost done here. I’ll be home soon,” Si Ye said, his demeanor warm. 

 

“You’ve been so good, haven’t you?” Si Ye teased.

 

“Of course, do I get a reward?” Chen Xu asked, thinking of the previous night.

 

“What reward do you want?” Si Ye asked, smiling.

 

“Something to eat,” Chen Xu replied suggestively.

 

Si Ye’s mind raced, realizing the implication. “Is it what I’m thinking?”

 

Embarrassed, Chen Xu didn’t reply.

 

“I look forward to it,” Si Ye said, his voice deep with desire, making Chen Xu’s heart race.

 

After the call, Si Ye couldn’t wait to get home. Just as he was about to send Secretary Jiang to hurry, Fan Ji Ming came down with his bag.

 

“Uncle, I’m ready,” Fan Ji Ming said, nervously eyeing the luxurious car.

 

On the way to the Si residence, Fan Ji Ming fidgeted beside Si Ye, excited yet nervous about his new life.

 

“Do you want to change your name back?” Si Ye asked.

 

“Yes,” Fan Ji Ming replied, though nervous about Si Ye’s indifferent tone.

 

Si Ye nodded, not speaking further, which made Fan Ji Ming uneasy. He sweated nervously, trying to find something to say.

 

“Why didn’t my parents come? Do they not like me?” he asked timidly.

 

“Your parents passed away twelve years ago,” Si Ye said, his voice heavy.

 

Fan Ji Ming was stunned, feeling lost.

 

“They loved you very much and never stopped searching for you. Our family and your grandparents have been looking for you all these years. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see them,” Si Ye said, avoiding mentioning the tragic cause of their deaths.

 

“Okay,” Fan Ji Ming replied, trying to process the news.

 

Meanwhile, Chen Xu arranged dinner at home, preparing a simple meal for Si Lin’s return, knowing there would be a formal announcement later.

 

He felt conflicted about Si Lin, not knowing him well but resenting the idea of Si Ye giving up his hard-earned company. Yet, for Si Ye’s sake, he decided to try and be welcoming.

 

As it neared six o’clock, Chen Xu heard a car outside and went to meet them.

 

Seeing Si Ye and a nervous young man, Butler Zhong asked, “Sir, who is this young guest?”

 

“This is Si Lin,” Si Ye introduced.

 

“Young Master Si Lin?” Butler Zhong exclaimed, his eyes red with emotion. He grabbed Fan Ji Ming’s arm, overwhelmed with joy.

 

“Finally, Young Master Si Lin, you’re home! Young Master and Mistress can rest in peace,” Butler Zhong cried.

 

Fan Ji Ming, feeling awkward, was startled by the enthusiastic greeting.

 

“I’m sorry, Young Master Si Lin, I’m just so happy. Please, come in. Let me take your bag to your room,” Butler Zhong said, wiping his tears and turning to Chen Xu.

 

“You should have told me, Young Master Chen,” Butler Zhong said, still emotional.

 

Chen Xu smiled, “I wanted to surprise you.”

 

Fan Ji Ming looked at Chen Xu, recognizing him. “It’s you?!”

 

Chen Xu was taken aback. “Do we know each other?”

 

“You helped me with directions at school when I was delivering food. Don’t you remember?” Fan Ji Ming asked, embarrassed.

 

Realizing, Chen Xu nodded, “Oh, it’s you. I didn’t recognize you without your uniform.”

 

Relieved, Fan Ji Ming smiled.

 

“You know each other?” Si Ye asked, wrapping an arm around Chen Xu’s waist.

 

“Yes, Si Lin used to deliver food to our school. I helped him with directions,” Chen Xu explained, amazed at the coincidence.

 

Fan Ji Ming’s unease grew as he noticed the intimacy between his uncle and Chen Xu. His heart sank, feeling something was off.

 

“Si Lin, this is your aunt, Chen Xu,” Si Ye introduced.

 

Chen Xu glared at him, “Just call me by my name. We’re around the same age.”

 

Fan Ji Ming was shocked. Chen Xu was married to his uncle?

 

“Are you married?” he asked, struggling to believe it.

 

“Yes, last National Day,” Si Ye confirmed.

 

Fan Ji Ming was devastated, feeling his dreams crumble.

 

“Don’t stand at the door. Dinner is almost ready. Si Lin, I’ll show you your room. Si Ye, go change your clothes,” Chen Xu said, pushing Si Ye gently.

 

Si Ye held onto his hand, “Let a servant show him. Don’t you miss me?”

 

Blushing, Chen Xu pulled away, “It’s only been half a day.”

 

Si Ye persisted, “Half a day is long enough. You’re such a little heartbreaker.”

 

Chen Xu, embarrassed, pulled him aside and kissed him quickly, “Don’t be too much.”

 

Satisfied, Si Ye went upstairs, leaving Chen Xu to calm his racing heart. He turned to Fan Ji Ming, “I’ll show you to your room.”

 

Though embarrassed by their kiss, Fan Ji Ming followed, feeling uncomfortable with their intimacy.

 

“Do we live here alone? I didn’t see anyone else,” he asked.

 

“No, there’s also Sun Wei’ang, your cousin. But he’s in college and doesn’t come home often. You’ll meet him another time,” Chen Xu explained.

 

Fan Ji Ming wondered why his cousin lived with them.

 

Unlocking the door to Fan Ji Ming’s room, Chen Xu handed him the key. “This is your room now. If you need anything, ask Butler Zhong. Tomorrow, someone will come to measure you for new clothes. Meanwhile, I’ll have some of my clothes brought over.”

 

“Thank you,” Fan Ji Ming said, moved by the thoughtfulness.

 

Looking around the room, he was amazed at its size and decor, so much better than his previous home.

 

“Did you set this up for me?” he asked, hopeful.

 

“Partly. I gave the instructions, but Butler Zhong and the staff did most of the work,” Chen Xu replied, not noticing Fan Ji Ming’s intensity.

 

To Fan Ji Ming, it felt like Chen Xu had done everything. He was thrilled, ignoring the reality.

 

“If I have questions, can I ask you?” he asked.

 

Surprised, Chen Xu nodded, “Sure.”

 

Fan Ji Ming was overjoyed, feeling welcomed.

 

“I’ll leave you to rest. Someone will call you for dinner,” Chen Xu said, heading downstairs.

 

Instead of going to the first floor, Chen Xu returned to his and Si Ye’s bedroom.

 

Si Ye was in the bathroom. Hearing the door, he called, “Chen Xu, bring me a pair of underwear.”

 

Blushing, Chen Xu went to get them. Though they’d been intimate, he was still shy about such things. Picking up a pair, he headed to the bathroom door.

 

“Come in, I’m in the bath,” Si Ye said.

 

Chen Xu entered, only to be pulled into a strong embrace.


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