ARBRMW : Chapter 73

Chen Xu was startled and almost pulled into the bathtub by Si Ye, nearly becoming drenched.

“Uncle Si! What are you doing? I almost got wet,” Chen Xu frowned, pushing Si Ye away unhappily.

“Sorry,” Si Ye’s voice was laced with amusement, not sounding apologetic at all. He held Chen Xu’s hand, his sharp eyes moist, “What were you talking to Si Lin about for so long? Whose nephew is he anyway?”

“Why are you even jealous of your nephew? Isn’t your nephew also my nephew? He just arrived and must be very anxious. You, as his uncle, are his only support now. If you keep a stern face, won’t you scare him?” Chen Xu empathized, thinking if he were Si Lin, he would certainly feel uneasy.

Si Ye wrapped his arms around Chen Xu’s slender waist, pressing his face against Chen Xu’s waist, wetting his white shirt and revealing his fair skin underneath.

“I don’t know how to get along with him either. I don’t have that kind of experience,” Si Ye admitted. Growing up distant from his parents, and with a brother thirteen years older, they didn’t spend much time together. When Si Ye was in elementary school, his brother was already in college, busy with studies, socializing, and dating, leaving little time for Si Ye.

Si Ye didn’t know what normal family affection was supposed to be like. So, facing this nephew he had searched for so long, finally found, he was also at a loss.

Si Ye’s words made Chen Xu’s heart ache. He turned around, cupping Si Ye’s face, and kissed him, “It’s okay. I don’t have experience either. We’ll find a way to get along together.”

“Mm,” Si Ye lifted his head and kissed Chen Xu’s red lips, and Chen Xu cooperated by bending down.

In the end, his clothes didn’t stay dry; they were soaked from inside out, necessitating a change, including the underwear he had brought in for Si Ye.

Afterward, Chen Xu had reason to suspect Si Ye did it on purpose.

Dinner was eaten together by the three of them, as Chen Xu suggested. It would be too pitiful for Si Lin to sit alone at another table, and eating together might help Si Lin and Si Ye bond.

However, Chen Xu’s efforts were in vain.

Fan Ji Ming ate nervously, wanting to talk to Chen Xu but finding Uncle Si’s aura too intimidating. Sitting next to him felt like sitting on pins and needles. How could Chen Xu marry such a terrifying person? Wasn’t he forced?

Chen Xu saw Si Lin eating as if it were his last meal and sighed inwardly, tugging on Si Ye’s sleeve, “Uncle Si, I want to eat shrimp.”

Si Ye picked up a shrimp, placed it on his plate, and meticulously peeled it for Chen Xu.

Fan Ji Ming was stunned, hesitating to speak, “Why do you call Uncle Si, Uncle Si?”

Chen Xu choked for a moment. He had called Si Ye ‘Uncle’ for six years and was used to it. Even after they got together, he hadn’t thought of changing it. Now, asked bluntly by Si Lin, he suddenly didn’t know how to answer.

Si Ye calmly said, “It’s a couple’s quirk.”

Fan Ji Ming awkwardly closed his mouth, while Chen Xu’s ears turned red. Under the table, he kicked Si Ye’s foot, signaling him to tone it down. Si Ye, however, playfully used his foot to tease Chen Xu’s leg, making him nearly jump in surprise.

The meal was torturous for two people, while Si Ye enjoyed it immensely.

—

“What are you doing with the clothes?” Si Ye asked, puzzled, seeing Chen Xu searching for clothes in the dressing room.

“These clothes are new and unused. I’m taking them for Si Lin to wear,” Chen Xu replied without stopping.

For some reason, Si Ye felt annoyed. Even if the clothes were unused, he didn’t want anyone else to wear them.

“I’ll have someone bring clothes over. You don’t need to look for them,” Si Ye said, making a phone call.

“These clothes are just sitting here unused, it’s a waste,” Chen Xu didn’t understand why Si Ye would bother having someone deliver clothes late at night.

Si Ye walked over and hugged him, nuzzling Chen Xu’s neck, “Even if they are unused, keep them. You’ll wear them eventually.”

Chen Xu finally understood, realizing Si Ye was jealous again, “Uncle Si, you’ve been getting jealous quite often lately.”

Si Ye suddenly picked him up, making Chen Xu cling to him like a koala, wrapping his arms around Si Ye’s neck for stability.

“Isn’t it natural for a boyfriend to be jealous?” Si Ye teased, kissing Chen Xu’s chin.

Chen Xu, feeling weak from Si Ye’s teasing, buried his head in Si Ye’s neck.

Si Ye carried him effortlessly to the bedroom, making Chen Xu feel completely secure. His mind wandered, influenced by Tang Zhen’s constant innuendos, imagining all sorts of scenarios with Si Ye.

Blushing furiously, Chen Xu buried his head deeper, trying to hide.

“Sweetheart, if you bury your head any lower, you’ll turn into the shrimp you ate tonight,” Si Ye whispered in Chen Xu’s ear, making him shiver and grip Si Ye’s shirt tighter.

“Does what you said on the phone still count?” Si Ye didn’t let him off, his lips brushing against Chen Xu’s ear.

Chen Xu surprised him by lifting his head, eyes watery, and kissed him fiercely.

His kiss was wild and untamed, full of raw passion, making Si Ye’s blood boil. Chen Xu’s fire ignited Si Ye completely.

Their lips parted, both breathless, and Chen Xu, looking determined, said, “It counts.”

—

“Young Master Si Lin, you can’t go to the third floor,” Butler Zhong stopped Fan Ji Ming from going upstairs.

“Why not?” Fan Ji Ming asked, confused.

“The third floor is the master’s private area for rest and work. No one is allowed up without permission,” Butler Zhong explained patiently, then asked kindly, “Are you looking for the master?”

Fan Ji Ming was surprised at Si Ye’s high status in the family, almost like an emperor.

“Chen Xu went up to get clothes for me but hasn’t come down. I was going to find him.”

Butler Zhong was about to respond when a servant came to inform him of visitors.

“Excuse me, Young Master Si Lin,” Butler Zhong said, stepping out briefly and returning with a pile of clothes.

“These clothes are from the master. You don’t need to go find Chen Xu,” Butler Zhong understood Si Ye’s intention, not wanting Si Lin to wear Chen Xu’s clothes.

Butler Zhong felt a twinge of sourness but couldn’t help smiling. He was happiest when the master and Chen Xu were affectionate.

With the clothes delivered, Fan Ji Ming had no reason to go upstairs but wondered why Chen Xu changed his mind.

He believed Chen Xu wasn’t that kind of person. Staring at the clothes, he concluded that Si Ye must have stopped Chen Xu.

Chen Xu was only eighteen, and Si Ye was twenty-eight. This was like an old man preying on a young boy.

The next morning, Fan Ji Ming didn’t see Chen Xu at breakfast.

“Uncle, isn’t Chen Xu eating breakfast?” he asked cautiously.

“He was tired last night, still sleeping,” Si Ye replied, eyeing him coldly, making Fan Ji Ming shiver and almost drop his chopsticks.

Tired from what? Fan Ji Ming wasn’t a child; he understood what it meant. Even though he knew it was normal for a married couple, emotionally, he couldn’t accept it.

After breakfast, Si Ye took Fan Ji Ming to the cemetery to visit his brother and sister-in-law.

Chen Xu woke up close to noon, feeling his throat sore and jaw aching. He even suspected he had slept with his mouth open.

“Cough, cough…” He coughed twice, getting out of bed to wash up.

On the bedside table, there was warm water and throat lozenges. After drinking a glass of water, his throat felt better.

Remembering last night, Chen Xu felt foolish for going so deep, causing his throat to hurt. But seeing Si Ye’s satisfied expression, he felt it was worth it.

Si Ye had looked incredibly sexy, making Chen Xu want to devour him.

A night of madness left his throat, jaw, and thighs aching. But Si Ye had applied ointment while he slept, leaving a cool sensation on his thighs.

He recalled Si Ye mentioning visiting the cemetery with Si Lin today, so they were likely out. He had food delivered to his room.

The kitchen, probably instructed by Si Ye, sent only liquid food, making swallowing easier for his sore throat.

Feeling Si Ye’s thoughtfulness, Chen Xu messaged him.

Chen Xu: Uncle Si, I’m awake and eating.

He expected a delayed reply but was surprised by Si Ye’s instant response.

Uncle Si: Mm, is your throat still sore?

Chen Xu: It’s okay. I’ll take the lozenges after eating.

Uncle Si: Good boy. The Sun family got word and asked me to bring Si Lin over. Stay home, and I’ll return later.

The Sun family’s information network was impressive, finding out so quickly. Given their eagerness, Chen Xu understood their urgency but felt sympathy for Si Wanping, who would be least pleased with Si Lin’s return, threatening Si Jin Qian’s status.

After lunch, Chen Xu resolved to work hard, aiming to earn enough to support Si Ye, making him less reliant on the Si family.

—

Si Ye had Fan Ji Ming’s name changed back to Si Lin, planning to announce his identity.

“I saw your exam scores,” Si Ye continued, finding it hard to comprehend how someone could score so poorly on such simple exams. Even Pan Qizhi and Tong Jiaxi, with half Si Lin’s efforts, scored twice as high. Not to mention Si Yichen and Chen Xu.

Si Lin glanced at Si Ye’s cold expression, shrinking back in fear. For the first time, he felt ashamed of his grades. He used to be indifferent, but now, surrounded by excellent people, even the servants had higher education than him, making him feel inferior.

“I enrolled you in a class. You’ll take the college entrance exam again next year. You must at least get into a first-tier university,” Si Ye stated as if it were a simple goal. But to Si Lin, it felt like an impossible task, thinking Si Ye was making things difficult for him.

With his grades, how could he get into a first-tier university? Couldn’t they just pull some strings and get him into a decent university? He thought of Chen Xu’s school.

“Uncle… I don’t want to study. I’m not cut out for it,” Si Lin mustered the courage to protest.

Si Ye frowned, his expression darkening, “You’re only eighteen. If you don’t study, what will you do?”

Si Lin rubbed his hands, thinking he wouldn’t starve even if he did nothing. Why force him to get into a first-tier university? He envied his older cousin, Sun Pangfei, who led a life of luxury, surrounded by beautiful cars and women, always having fun. During his visit to the Sun family, Sun Pangfei’s wealth and freedom left a deep impression on him.

Si Ye’s frown deepened, disappointed. How could his gentle, excellent brother and sister-in-law have a child so lazy and vain? If not for the DNA test and his resemblance to his parents, Si Ye would doubt they found the right person.

“If you admire Sun Pangfei’s lifestyle, you can go to him. Let’s see how long the Sun family will support you. Si family never supports idlers,” Si Ye’s words were heavy, almost saying he’d be thrown out if he didn’t improve.

Si Lin trembled, too scared to argue further. He thought he’d live a carefree life upon returning to the Si family, but reality slapped him hard. His strict uncle wouldn’t allow it.

Back in his room, Si Lin felt increasingly wronged. He took out his phone and hesitated before venting to Chen Xu on WeChat.

Chen Xu was in class, ignoring his vibrating phone. He focused on his lessons, making him a favorite among teachers for being both intelligent and diligent.

The phone buzzed multiple times, but Chen Xu remained undistracted, not even curious about who it was. After class, he discussed some questions with the teacher before leisurely checking his phone.

It was Si Lin, surprisingly, venting his grievances.

Si Lin complained that Si Ye scolded him, making him afraid, forcing him to retake the college entrance exam when he knew he wasn’t cut out for it. He felt helpless and lonely, saying the Si family didn’t feel like home at all.

Rationally, Chen Xu knew he should comfort Si Lin and say nice things about Si Ye to bridge their gap. But emotionally, he couldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of Si Ye. To him, Si Lin was ungrateful, taking advantage of his kindness.

After calming down, Chen Xu realized he was biased. Si Lin was only eighteen, just a child. Leaving the home he knew for eighteen years to return to a complex, unfamiliar family, feeling lonely and scared was normal.

Chen Xu: Uncle Si is planning for your future. Even if you don’t like studying, you need to have a skill to support yourself. Do you have any hobbies?

He thought Si Lin wouldn’t reply quickly but was surprised by his instant response.

Si Lin: Why do I need to support myself? Our family has endless money.

Reading Si Lin’s response, Chen Xu felt choked. Si Lin had barely returned, yet he adapted quickly to the financial benefits, though his relationship with Si Ye remained distant.

Knowing Si Ye planned to hand over the Si family business to someone so unmotivated pained Chen Xu. Si Ye worked hard to revive the Si family, and handing it to Si Lin seemed like sending it to ruin.

Chen Xu: It’s not hard to get into college. If you study seriously, you can do it.

Chen Xu replied briefly, then stopped responding, fearing he might lose control and want to drag Si Lin out for a beating. He suddenly understood the frustration parents felt towards disappointing children.

He felt anger tightening his chest.

“Talking to your boyfriend?” Tang Zhen teased, seeing Chen Xu busy with his phone.

“No,” Chen Xu shook his head, packing his bag. “Let’s go. Didn’t you want to eat Liu Ji’s rice noodles this morning? We might miss out if we’re late.”

“Why are you shy with me?” Tang Zhen, convinced he was messaging his boyfriend, teased.

“Really not. There’s a kid at home complaining,” Chen Xu vaguely explained, mentioning Si Lin’s troubles briefly.

“Not even getting into a junior college? How bad were his grades? Either he didn’t try in school, or he has some intellectual issues,” Tang Zhen remarked. His hometown had many students who wanted to start working immediately after high school, barely paying attention in class.

After learning about Si Lin’s foster family, Chen Xu initially thought he quit school to help with debts. But after talking to Si Lin today, it was clear he had no interest in studying, only wanting a life of luxury.

If Si Lin weren’t in such a unique position, it wouldn’t matter if Si Ye supported him for life. But he was the only bloodline of Si Ye’s brother and sister-in-law, expected to inherit the family business. Even if he disliked studying, he had to learn.

Tang Zhen patted his shoulder, comforting, “A naughty kid, just needs a beating. If one doesn’t work, two will.”

Chen Xu agreed, but he couldn’t hit Si Lin. If anyone were to do it, it would be Si Ye. Though Si Ye wasn’t one to use physical punishment, he had plenty of ways to discipline without laying a hand.

“By the way, why haven’t I seen that delivery guy today? Did he give up on you?” Tang Zhen asked, curious.

“You overthink. He just greeted me occasionally,” Chen Xu couldn’t tell Tang Zhen the whole complicated story; Tang Zhen would freak out.

“You underestimate your charm. That guy clearly has a thing for you. Otherwise, how could he always ‘bump into’ you?” Tang Zhen, with zero practical experience but plenty of theoretical knowledge, spoke confidently.

Chen Xu didn’t believe it. How could Si Lin have a crush on him? That would be a mess.

Seeing his disbelief, Tang Zhen shrugged, “You know you’re the campus heartthrob. Lots of people like you. Too bad you’re taken. Must’ve broken many hearts. But as your roommate, I’ve gained some popularity too. More people added me on WeChat this semester.”

Chen Xu glanced at Tang Zhen, surprised, “And you’re still single?”

Tang Zhen got angry, “They all want to hook up. A few wanted to date, but most are players.”

He clasped his hands together, “Please, let me meet someone genuine.”

Chen Xu sighed, thinking if he had gay friends, he’d introduce them to Tang Zhen.

Photos of them eating noodles soon appeared on the campus forum, with everyone praising how handsome Chen Xu looked even eating noodles. Tang Zhen, next to him, was deemed unnecessary.

Forum Post #122: “The campus heartthrob is always with TZ. I suspect they are sisters.”

Forum Post #123: “No way! Our heartthrob is too manly to be a bottom!”

Forum Post #124: “Why can’t a top and bottom be friends? Both are gay and roommates. ZYY is busy chasing his crush. What’s wrong with them hanging out?”

Forum Post #125: “Exactly. The heartthrob is 1.8 meters tall. How could he be a bottom?”

Forum Post #126: “What’s wrong with a 1.8-meter bottom? He’s tall, but slim and curvy. If I were a top, it wouldn’t matter who his boyfriend is!”

Forum Post #127: “Posting a pic of the heartthrob in gym class. Check it out.”

The picture showed Chen Xu playing basketball in a thin T-shirt, exposing a sliver of his white, lean waist, shining under the sun.

The forum went wild, veering into dangerous territory.

Forum Post #147: “OMG! The heartthrob has abs! I’m screaming! I want him!”

Forum Post #148: “So jealous of his boyfriend!”

Forum Post #149: “That waist must feel amazing to hold. I want him.”

Si Lin, who was squatting at home browsing the forum, happened to see this post, and his unspeakable thoughts suddenly became agitated again. Chen Xu did not reveal his boyfriend’s identity, only mentioning it was someone outside the school. If he went to find Chen Xu, will others misunderstand that he is Chen Xu’s boyfriend outside school?

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