ARBRMW : Chapter 74

Si Lin had grand plans, but before he could execute them, his beloved cousin Sun Pangfei invited him out. By midnight, he still hadn’t returned home. Si Ye, who had just finished work, came home and learned from Uncle Zhong that Si Lin went out with Sun Pangfei and hadn’t come back yet. Si Ye’s eyes turned cold, showing signs of anger.

Uncle Zhong hurriedly reassured him, “Master Si Lin is with Young Master Pangfei. He’s probably just having too much fun and lost track of time.”

The Si family had no curfew. Even Sun Wei’ang, who was in his twenties, had his personal life left alone by Si Ye. But Si Lin had just returned to the Si family, his identity not yet publicly acknowledged, and he was already out carousing with Sun Pangfei, visiting entertainment venues full of debauchery.

“Call him,” Si Ye ordered in a low voice.

Uncle Zhong immediately tried calling Si Lin, but there was no answer. He then called the Sun family to check if Sun Pangfei had returned.

“Young Master Pangfei and Master Si Lin went out for the day and haven’t come back yet. Master is furious,” Uncle Zhong’s words made the Sun family anxious, prompting them to call Sun Pangfei.

Si Lin was finally brought back past 2 AM, drunk and reeking of strong perfume. Si Ye, with a face like thunder, had him sent to his room, intending to deal with him in the morning.

When Chen Xu returned home for the weekend, he discovered that Si Lin was being punished by Si Ye, confined to the house and made to copy texts, forbidden to go out.

Si Lin came downstairs for a drink of water. Upon seeing Chen Xu, his eyes lit up and he ran over, “Chen Xu, you’re back!”

“Yes,” Chen Xu responded coldly, quickly heading upstairs with his backpack.

Si Lin watched as the third floor, so close yet so far, slipped from his reach. He felt a sudden sadness. Wasn’t this supposed to be his home? Why couldn’t he go upstairs?

Moreover, if his parents loved him so much, didn’t they leave him any inheritance? He recalled what his cousin said yesterday and began to suspect whether Si Ye had really taken his parents’ inheritance for himself.

Si Lin wanted to wait for Chen Xu to come downstairs, but he never did. He wondered what Chen Xu was doing up there.

Lately, Chen Xu had been dabbling in stock trading, needing practical experience despite his extensive theoretical knowledge. Using some New Year’s money, he made some investments and fortunately hadn’t lost any money, even making a profit.

With the second round of a design competition approaching, Chen Xu was also practicing. Setting themes and timeframes for his drawings, he planned to create a set of clothes for Si Ye after this competition. If he could secure a good place, he could use the competition’s hype to launch his brand, achieving what he couldn’t in his previous life.

Chen Xu had made many preparations for his brand in his past life and had drawn many sketches. After being reborn, he quickly recreated those sketches.

This week, the teacher assigned group work. Chen Xu, Tang Zhen, and Zhu Yaoyuan were in a group again. He initiated a video call to make them finish the work by Friday.

“For the first time since exams, I feel so diligent,” Tang Zhen lay on his desk, looking defeated.

Zhu Yaoyuan, rubbing his hands, said, “Being in a group with a top student is great. I can go on a date with Zhenzhen tomorrow.”

When Tang Zhen first got in, his grades weren’t top-notch. But he worked hard for a scholarship, studying relentlessly, eventually securing it and earning Zhu Yaoyuan’s admiration. As for Chen Xu, he was seen as a genius.

Tang Zhen suspected Chen Xu had a photographic memory. While he struggled to memorize one page, Chen Xu had already memorized ten.

“Wow, so sour,” Tang Zhen clicked his tongue, feeling envious.

He suddenly noticed Chen Xu’s background, which looked quite large, “Chen Xu, is this your bedroom?”

“Yes,” Chen Xu replied, sitting on the terrace with their bedroom in the background. He moved to show them the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

“Wow! It looks bigger than my house!” Zhu Yaoyuan exclaimed, shocked at how wealthy Chen Xu’s family seemed.

“Wait! I think I saw a super handsome guy!” Tang Zhen noticed a picture on the wall, not very clear from a distance, but he could tell it was someone good-looking.

Chen Xu picked up his phone and walked to the wall, showing no hesitation in introducing, “This is my boyfriend. You’ve met him.”

Tang Zhen and Zhu Yaoyuan then realized it was an oil painting, incredibly lifelike and almost like a photo from a distance. The person in the painting was exceptionally handsome.

“I think your boyfriend is even better looking than my idol,” Tang Zhen said. When he first saw Chen Xu’s boyfriend in the dorm, he was too intimidated by his cold aura to take a good look. Now, seeing the painting, he could finally appreciate his looks.

Chen Xu hadn’t thought of Xiang Xiuhe since their misunderstanding was resolved. Xiang Xiuhe hadn’t caused any trouble either, probably busy with work.

“But why does he look familiar?” Tang Zhen mused, unable to recall where he might have seen Chen Xu’s boyfriend before.

Unable to remember, Tang Zhen didn’t dwell on it. He and Zhu Yaoyuan continued to marvel at Chen Xu’s bedroom. Suddenly, Tang Zhen noticed something big.

“Chen Xu, you’re living with your boyfriend!” Tang Zhen teased, his eyebrows dancing.

Chen Xu could tell Tang Zhen was thinking dirty thoughts but couldn’t explain that he and Si Ye hadn’t actually had sex yet. 

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but the right moment hadn’t come, and Si Ye was a bit…

After finishing their group work and chatting for a while, Chen Xu heard a car outside and looked down to see Si Wanping arriving.

“Something’s come up, I need to go,” Chen Xu said, ending the call and grabbing his coat to go downstairs.

What was Si Wanping doing here?

Si Lin, downstairs, saw a woman storm in, her high heels clicking, with a stern expression that scared him into tensing up. Why were all the Si family members so intimidating?

Si Wanping scanned Si Lin from head to toe, her sharp gaze making him feel like prey before a predator.

“Is this Si Lin?” Si Wanping asked Uncle Zhong, her tone filled with disdain.

“Yes, Miss,” Uncle Zhong replied nonchalantly, then asked, “Miss, what brings you here? Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“Why? Can’t I come back?” Si Wanping glanced at Uncle Zhong, then crossed her arms and stared at Si Lin, asking, “Have the tests been done? Is it confirmed?”

“They’ve been done, and Mr. Si confirmed there’s no mistake.”

Hearing Uncle Zhong mention Si Ye, Si Wanping no longer doubted Si Lin’s identity. Finding Si Lin was a heavy burden on Si Ye’s shoulders; he wouldn’t fake it. Si Lin’s return meant Si Ye would eventually have to step aside for him.

Si Wanping couldn’t stand Si Lin. He was skinny, timid, and dark-skinned, nothing like the son of Si Jinwen and his wife.

“Such a big deal, and Si Ye didn’t even notify me. Is he trying to keep it a secret?” Si Wanping took advantage of Si Ye’s absence to badmouth him.

Si Lin was surprised by her words. Did she not get along with his uncle?

“Aunt, Uncle Si is planning a banquet to formally introduce Si Lin. He wanted to surprise you. But it seems you’re well-informed and came early,” Chen Xu said, coming downstairs, deflecting Si Wanping’s words.

Si Wanping frowned at Chen Xu. She didn’t like anyone around Si Ye, especially not Chen Xu, who was quick-witted and had Si Ye’s support.

“Who knows if it’s a surprise or a shock,” Si Wanping sneered.

Chen Xu smiled without saying a word, then added, “Since Aunt rarely visits, why not stay for dinner? Otherwise, people might say we younger ones don’t know how to treat guests.”

This subtly implied Si Wanping was just a guest. During family gatherings, she always took charge.

Angry, Si Wanping wanted to slap Chen Xu, but he was taller and had a calm demeanor reminiscent of Si Ye.

“I bet Si Ye is the most anxious right now. It’s best if he publicly announces Si Lin’s identity,” Si Wanping said meaningfully, giving Si Lin a look before leaving in a huff.

After she left, Si Lin remained in shock. He never thought Chen Xu, who seemed quiet, could be so sharp-tongued.

“Who was that?” He pointed to Si Wanping’s departing figure, puzzled.

“She’s your grandfather’s sister. You should call her grand-aunt,” Chen Xu explained, then added to prevent Si Lin from overthinking, “Don’t take her words to heart. Uncle Si has been looking for you for years and would never hide your identity.”

Si Lin nodded stiffly. It made sense. If his uncle didn’t want him back, he wouldn’t have looked for him. If he hadn’t been found, he might never have known he was a wealthy family’s lost child.

But what did his cousin mean by what he said?

Si Lin realized that the relationships in wealthy families were more complicated than he had imagined.

Si Ye, knowing Chen Xu would be home today, left work on time. The employees at the company, seeing the time, knew it meant the chairman’s wife was back.

Hearing from Uncle Zhong that Si Wanping had visited but was sent away by Chen Xu, Si Ye couldn’t help but smile.

“I heard a certain young man was very brave today,” Si Ye said, sneaking in and hugging Chen Xu from behind as he adjusted his guitar.

Chen Xu jumped, nearly dropping the guitar.

“Uncle, stop saying that. In other families, I’d be scolded for being disrespectful.”

“In our family, you’re the most important,” Si Ye said, nuzzling Chen Xu’s nose. Chen Xu obediently turned his head to kiss him.

When Chen Xu wasn’t home, Si Lin usually ate alone. Si Ye often came home late, so they rarely saw each other. But with Chen Xu home, eating with them, it was even more torturous for Si Lin.

“I’m going out tomorrow night,” Chen Xu remembered Lu Hai mentioning an upcoming performance, which was also Zhu Yaoyuan’s first time on stage.

Si Ye paused while serving food and asked, “Is Lu Hai asking you out again?”

Chen Xu sighed, “He’s really straight.”

Si Ye didn’t care, continuing to serve Chen Xu, “Tell him to keep his hands to himself.”

“Okay, I’ll pass that on,” Chen Xu chuckled.

The two of them chatted and laughed, while Si Lin, feeling left out, ate in silence. He had no idea who Lu Hai was or where Chen Xu was going. Could he tag along?

Chen Xu noticed Si Lin’s silence and nudged Si Ye, giving him a look.

Following Chen Xu’s gaze to Si Lin, Si Ye said, “The driver will take you to class tomorrow. Study hard. I’ll test you.”

The already tense atmosphere grew even more rigid. Si Lin hung his head like a bullied child. Being forced to study was bad enough, but now his uncle would quiz him? He felt doomed, unable to imagine what would happen if he couldn’t answer.

Chen Xu nudged Si Ye’s knee with his, then said, “I still have my high school notes. I’ll give them to you later. The textbook knowledge isn’t hard. With the right study methods, you’ll do great.”

Hearing he’d get Chen Xu’s notes, Si Lin perked up, “Really? Thank you.”

In this cold Si family, only Chen Xu treated him well.

But he didn’t realize Chen Xu wasn’t being kind to him; he just didn’t want Si Ye and Si Lin’s relationship to worsen.

After dinner, Chen Xu went to the second floor to find his old notes, with Si Lin following curiously.

“Why are your notes here?” Si Lin didn’t know Chen Xu used to live here, thinking he came from outside. Seeing how familiar Chen Xu was with the room, he was confused.

“This used to be my room,” Chen Xu replied casually, not hiding his past relationship with Si Ye.

Si Lin was stunned, unable to comprehend why Chen Xu used to live here.

“Found them,” Chen Xu said, pulling out a stack of notebooks. “These are my notes from first to third year of high school. They’re concise, so take what you need.”

Chen Xu’s notebooks were well-preserved. Flipping through them, Si Lin saw neat handwriting and detailed content that left him bewildered. Seeing Chen Xu’s beautiful script, he felt a pang of inferiority, thinking of his own messy handwriting.

He had heard Chen Xu was the top scorer in the province’s college entrance exam, but now, holding his notes, it felt real.

They were worlds apart.

With the notes in hand, they were about to leave when Si Lin noticed Chen Xu’s easel. He was surprised and asked, “You can paint?”

“Yes, as a hobby,” Chen Xu replied flatly.

Si Lin rubbed his hands against his pants, nervously asking, “Can you paint one for me?”

The request was sudden, and Chen Xu paused before refusing, “Sorry, I rarely do portraits.”

This was a polite refusal. Rationally, Si Lin knew he should stop, but he couldn’t help asking, “It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

Chen Xu’s eyelashes fluttered as he looked deeply at Si Lin, “I don’t do casual paintings.”

Left with no excuse, Si Lin hung his head and left the room.

As they exited, Chen Xu locked the door behind him.

Si Lin noticed and couldn’t help but wonder, was Chen Xu locking him out?

No one here treated him like family.

Si Ye had just finished a call when Chen Xu walked in.

“You took so long. Giving him your notes is a waste,” Si Ye said with a laugh.

Chen Xu smiled and stepped closer, sniffing Si Ye, “You’re so sour, Uncle.”

Si Ye took the opportunity to hug him, “Can’t I be jealous?”

“You can, but being jealous of your nephew is too childish,” Chen Xu teased, noticing Si Ye’s behavior had become more immature since they started dating.

Si Ye nuzzled Chen Xu’s nose, not mentioning that Si Lin’s feelings were clear. There was no need to tell Chen Xu, as it would only draw more attention to Si Lin.

Frankly, Si Ye was disappointed in his nephew. After so many years of searching, this was the kind of person they found. Even if he were as simple as the Fan family couple, it would be better than this scheming, unskilled boy.

He hoped Si Lin was just going through a rebellious phase and would eventually mature.

“He’s your age. Why does he rely on you for everything? You’re not his mother,” Si Ye knew Chen Xu was kind to Si Lin for his sake, but Si Lin wasn’t one to appreciate kindness. The more Chen Xu helped, the more Si Lin demanded.

Chen Xu found it annoying that Si Lin often sought him out to complain, mostly about Si Ye. It was amusing; did Si Lin think he’d side with him against his husband?

“You should be nicer to him. He’s terrified of you and can only come to me,” Chen Xu said, spreading his hands in resignation.

Si Ye wasn’t trying to be harsh, but he lacked experience. All his tenderness was reserved for Chen Xu. He couldn’t smile for anyone else.

“I’ll try,” Si Ye rubbed his temples. Without a reliable elder in the family, he felt troubled. He was grateful that he and Chen Xu were both men, knowing he wouldn’t make a good father.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Chen Xu stood on tiptoe to kiss him.

Si Ye pulled him close and kissed him deeply.

“I bought something. Shall we try it tonight?” Si Ye’s low voice asked.

Realizing his meaning, Chen Xu blushed from neck to face. Resting his head on Si Ye’s chest, he nodded, “Okay.”

Si Ye kissed his reddened ears, feeling an urge to tease his obedient partner.

Chen Xu had a remarkable ability to focus. Although he struggled to concentrate at first, his mind eventually calmed, and he entered a state of deep concentration.

Whenever he encountered difficult points, he’d note them down and review them with Si Ye later. Initially, Si Ye teased him, but he soon realized how serious Chen Xu was, earning a glare if he joked, so he settled into his role as tutor.

Both had sharp minds. Chen Xu grasped concepts quickly, and Si Ye explained things clearly. Their study sessions were highly efficient.

At 9:30 PM, Chen Xu remembered their plan for the evening and hurriedly grabbed his pajamas for a shower.

“Have you showered, Uncle?” Chen Xu asked, holding his clothes.

“Not yet. You go first,” Si Ye replied with a smile.

Chen Xu rubbed his ears, nervously suggesting, “Shall we shower together?”

Blushing, he clutched his pajamas, waiting for Si Ye’s response.

Si Ye ran his fingers through Chen Xu’s hair, feeling the soft strands, and pinched his neck, “I’ll shower later.”

His hand slid from Chen Xu’s neck to his back, feeling the bones beneath his thin shirt. Chen Xu tensed, looking at him nervously.

“Go on, or I’ll change my mind,” Si Ye warned.

Chen Xu stiffened, then quickly ran to the bathroom.

In the mirror, he saw his flushed face and cursed himself. How could he be so timid?

He imagined he’d be brave, but his shame overwhelmed him.

Chen Xu spent a long time in the shower, cleaning himself thoroughly, especially certain areas, feeling both nervous and excited.

As an inexperienced young man, his mind was a whirl of thoughts until Si Ye knocked, reminding him not to stay too long.

“Okay,” Chen Xu responded, quickly rinsing and drying off.

He hesitated over his underwear, recalling Tang Zhen’s flashy recommendations but deciding on his usual comfortable style.

“I’m ready,” Chen Xu said, his hair still damp. Si Ye handed him a hairdryer, but he took it, saying, “I’ll do it. You go shower.”

Si Ye teased, “In a hurry?”

Chen Xu hadn’t meant it that way, but Si Ye’s teasing made him feel impatient. He silently plugged in the dryer.

There was no point in arguing; his eagerness was undeniable.

Deep down, he couldn’t wait.

Si Ye squeezed his neck, grabbed his clothes, and headed to the bathroom.

Chen Xu’s hair had grown long, taking a while to dry. He decided he needed a haircut soon, assuming he’d be up for it tomorrow.

After drying his hair, the water in the bathroom suddenly stopped, making Chen Xu anxious. Sitting on the sofa felt awkward, like he was trying to hide his anticipation. Going to bed seemed too eager, like waiting for his lover.

Caught in indecision, he heard the bathroom door open, his body tensing.

Si Ye had finished his shower.

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