ARBRMW : Chapter 78

Xiang Xiuhe arrived at the banquet with Mo Hang. As a popular celebrity, Xiang Xiuhe’s presence immediately drew the attention of many. He was dressed strikingly, and if he were on a red carpet, he would undoubtedly be the center of attention. Chen Xu suspected that he might be here to cause trouble. Even though the protagonist of tonight’s banquet was Si Lin, Chen Xu could feel the hostility coming from Xiang Xiuhe.

Xiang Xiuhe smiled warmly at him, but Chen Xu did not get provoked. With an air of confidence, he nodded at Xiang Xiuhe and then leaned over to whisper something in Si Ye’s ear, a small gesture that displayed their intimacy. Si Ye instinctively leaned closer to listen, showcasing a rare display of attentiveness.

After speaking with Si Ye, Chen Xu walked over to Mo Hang and Xiang Xiuhe. “Brother Xiang, Mr. Mo.”

Mo Hang, who ran an entertainment company, was immediately struck by Chen Xu’s appearance. “Have you considered entering the entertainment industry? If you sign with our company, I guarantee to make you a star.”

“Even more famous than Brother Xiang?” Chen Xu asked casually.

His question made both Mo Hang and Xiang Xiuhe’s smiles freeze. Mo Hang touched his nose awkwardly. “That’s not easy. Your Brother Xiang had the right timing, place, and people. Now there are too many artists and handsome young men everywhere. It’s not easy to stand out. But with your conditions, you might catch up to Xiang in a few years with hard work.”

“Then forget it. I can’t endure hardship. It’s easier to let Uncle Si take care of me.” Chen Xu’s tone was naive but assertive, showing his reliance on Si Ye. Given Si Ye’s known affection for Chen Xu, it was not surprising. Chen Xu being spoiled was only natural.

However, Xiang Xiuhe, who heard this, felt a surge of anger on behalf of Si Ye. Si Ye worked hard to earn money, and Chen Xu didn’t seem to appreciate or understand that. Instead, he acted spoiled.

Xiang Xiuhe struggled to suppress his anger and, adopting a senior’s tone, advised, “Si Ye works very hard every day. You should be more considerate of him. It’s better to find something to do. I remember you were quite good at studying.”

“That’s because I’m smart. Don’t worry, Brother Xiang. Uncle Si said he would pamper me for a lifetime.” Chen Xu smiled innocently, but his words were provocative.

Xiang Xiuhe clenched his fists, trying to control his emotions. Mo Hang, noticing the tension, quickly said, “You don’t need to entertain us. Go about your business. We’re all old friends here.”

“Okay then.” Chen Xu waved goodbye to them and ran back to find Si Ye.

Watching Chen Xu leave, Xiang Xiuhe gritted his teeth, his fists trembling in anger. Mo Hang pulled him aside, frowning, “Didn’t you say you wanted to see Si Ye one last time to try to move on? Why did you say those things to Chen Xu?”

“I did say that, but I wanted to make sure he was really happy so I could move on. Did you hear what Chen Xu said? He doesn’t care about Si Ye at all. He’s just like those people trying to climb into Si Ye’s bed, all wanting to leech off him!” Xiang Xiuhe’s eyes turned red as he spoke.

“And why don’t you blame Si Ye for not being honest? Chen Xu just turned 18, and he was tricked into marriage. He’s still so young, how many people has he seen? He handed his future to Si Ye, the older man. What’s wrong with Si Ye pampering him a bit? Besides, this is a matter between the two of them. If Si Ye hasn’t said anything, why are you so anxious?” Mo Hang tried to reason, but his forehead veins bulged in frustration.

Xiang Xiuhe could not understand Mo Hang’s reasoning at all. He retorted angrily, “He’s taking advantage of his youth to act recklessly. Someone like him can be found everywhere, but there’s only one Si Ye. He deserves to be with someone better!”

“Someone better? Who? You?” Mo Hang pointed at Xiang Xiuhe’s chest, his voice trembling with anger. “Xiang Xiuhe, you used me again. You never intended to move on from Si Ye. All those things you said were just to fool me into bringing you here.”

Tears welled up in Xiang Xiuhe’s eyes. “Yes, I lied to you. But what can I do? Si Ye refuses to see me. He’s cold and dismissive. Chen Xu must have told him you like me, and now he’s avoiding me!”

Mo Hang took a step back, disbelief and pain evident in his eyes. “Are you blaming me for liking you?”

He covered his face, took a deep breath, and thought about his painful, unrequited love. It was his fault for being too obvious, for letting Chen Xu see through him and tell Si Ye. Si Ye, considering him a friend, was now avoiding him to prevent misunderstandings. 

What a ridiculous life. Xiang Xiuhe would never look back at him, and yet, he couldn’t let go.

…

Once everyone arrived, Si Ye began his speech. “Thank you all for taking the time to attend tonight’s banquet. As many of you have heard, sixteen years ago, my brother and sister-in-law tragically lost their child. That child, named Si Lin, is my nephew. After years of searching, we finally found him not long ago.”

While many had heard rumors about this incident, hearing Si Ye confirm that Si Lin had been found was still shocking. Most had believed Si Lin was long dead, fueling various conspiracy theories that suggested Si Lin was secretly killed during internal family conflicts. 

Many had suspected Si Ye himself, doubting that he had genuinely searched for Si Lin. After all, Si Lin’s return meant Si Ye’s position would be threatened.

But to everyone’s surprise, not only had Si Ye found Si Lin, but he was also openly hosting a grand banquet to publicly introduce him and give him recognition.

Everyone eagerly awaited the appearance of this long-lost child. Finally, a slender figure stepped into view. His features clearly resembled those of Si Jinwen and Sun Keting, confirming his identity.

He seemed decent at first, but once Si Lin began speaking, his nervous demeanor and stuttering speech shattered any good impression. Si Lin was overwhelmed by the crowd, which included many prominent figures he had only seen on television. He felt like he might faint at any moment.

Seeing Si Lin struggling, Si Ye stepped in to help, putting on a show of familial affection by placing his arm around Si Lin’s shoulder and speaking on his behalf. Si Lin, initially moved by Si Ye’s gesture, was quickly reminded of Si Ye’s strictness when Si Ye whispered coldly, “Your cousin wrote a speech for you. You couldn’t even memorize it. Come see me tomorrow morning to recite it.”

Si Lin stood there, feeling a mixture of gratitude and fear. Si Ye’s gentle facade shattered, and he realized that Si Ye’s strictness was ever-present.

Disheartened, Si Lin found a corner to eat alone, where his cousin Sun Pangfei joined him. “Why are you by yourself?”

“Big Cousin!” Si Lin brightened up upon seeing Sun Pangfei, finally finding some comfort in a familiar face. 

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to some friends,” Sun Pangfei said, putting an arm around Si Lin and leading him to the garden.

Chen Xu had just set down his wine glass, planning to get some fresh air, when a figure blocked his path.

“I need to talk to you,” Chen Yue ordered. His expression looked grim, suggesting trouble at home.

Chen Xu, though reluctant, decided to hear him out to prevent any scene at the banquet. He led Chen Yue to a secluded balcony, separated from the noise inside by a glass door.

“Your mother’s health check revealed an issue,” Chen Yue said, looking distressed, and Chen Xu could tell he wasn’t lying.

Chen Xu, having little affection for Chen Yue and his wife, was still surprised. “What’s the issue?”

“Uterine fibroids. She needs a hysterectomy¹,” Chen Yue said with evident reluctance.

Chen Xu nodded, confused by his attitude. “You both are past the age of having more children. If the doctor recommends surgery, just go ahead with it.”

Chen Yue glared at him. “What do you know? A woman without a uterus is no longer a woman!”

Chen Xu resisted the urge to hit him. “If you’re not here for my opinion, then why did you come to me? I don’t have time to waste with you.”

“People say you’re ungrateful, and they’re right. Your mother needs major surgery, and you show no concern!” Chen Yue spat, and Chen Xu finally understood. He was here for money.

“Is Chen’s family so broke that you can’t afford a surgery? If that’s the case, I can offer some humanitarian aid,” Chen Xu mocked, and Chen Yue turned red with anger.

“The company is in trouble, and now with your mother’s illness, we need money. I heard from Lawyer Cai that you inherited a part of the company shares. Give them to me to get through this crisis. Once the company stabilizes, I’ll return them to you,” Chen Yue demanded shamelessly.

Chen Xu couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you think I’m three years old?”

Enraged by Chen Xu’s attitude, Chen Yue pointed at him and cursed. “Don’t think you can be arrogant just because you have Si Ye backing you! If your grandfather knew you were whoring around at such a young age, he’d come back to life out of sheer anger. Si Ye is just playing with you. Don’t mistake yourself for the lady of the house!”

Chen Xu’s expression turned cold. “Chen’s company is indeed in trouble. I have a solution to help you through this.”

Chen Yue, thinking he had finally brought Chen Xu to his senses, asked eagerly, “What solution?”

Chen Xu smiled arrogantly. “I don’t mind acquiring Chen’s company.”

Chen Yue’s sanity snapped, and he charged at Chen Xu, who effortlessly blocked his punch and pushed him back, causing him to stumble and knock over a chair.

Calmly adjusting his clothes, Chen Xu said, “I’ll wait for you to contact me. You have one week. After that, the offer is off the table.”

Ignoring Chen Yue’s furious outburst, Chen Xu returned inside.

“Young Master Xu, Mr. Si is looking for you,” Uncle Zhong called, leading him away.

“Is there someone here?” Chen Xu asked.

Uncle Zhong’s eyes gleamed with nostalgia. “The Lin family has arrived.”

“The Lin family?” Chen Xu searched his memory but couldn’t place them. In his previous life, he hadn’t heard of a Lin family that was significant enough for Si Ye to care.

“Young Master Xu, you might not know. The Lin family is from the capital. Old Master Lin’s wife and Mr. Si’s grandmother, Madam Jiang, were close friends. The families used to have a strong bond when Old Madam Lin was alive. They fell out of touch after her passing, especially after the relationship between Old Master Si and Madam Jiang soured. Only after Mr. Si took over and established business connections with the third branch of the Lin family did they reconnect,” Uncle Zhong explained.

The mention of the Lin family from the capital made Chen Xu understand why Si Ye valued them. The Lin family had a prestigious background, with members excelling in politics, military, and business. The most famous among them was the youngest daughter of the eldest son, Lin Peixin, a triple award-winning actress known for her low profile. Her identity was only revealed after she made a name for herself through her talent and hard work. This revelation caused a huge sensation online, with people envying her as someone who could inherit a vast fortune if she failed in her career.

Uncle Zhong led Chen Xu to Si Ye, who was conversing with a man in a light gray suit. The man was slender, with pale skin, as if he spent too much time indoors. His white neck stood out against his clothes.

“Let me introduce you. This is Professor Lin Yixuan,” Si Ye said, naturally taking Chen Xu’s hand and pulling him to his side.

Chen Xu stepped forward, finally seeing Lin Yixuan’s face clearly. He wore square-frame glasses and had a stern, scholarly look, his face devoid of much expression.

“Hello, Professor Lin,” Chen Xu greeted politely, not noticing Lin Yixuan’s initial surprise. Lin Yixuan’s eyes stayed on him for a moment too long.

“This is my spouse, Chen Xu,” Si Ye added, noticing Lin Yixuan’s prolonged gaze and interrupting it.

Lin Yixuan, realizing his impropriety, said, “Hello,” and extended his hand to shake Chen Xu’s. Lin Yixuan noted that Chen Xu’s ring finger bore a matching ring to Si Ye’s.

So young, yet already married to Si Ye. Was it true love, or was Chen Xu after Si Ye’s wealth and status?

From their conversation, Chen Xu learned that Lin Yixuan was the eldest son of Lin’s family head, making him the older brother of actress Lin Peixin. Lin Yixuan was a scientist and a professor at the Capital University, a young talent at thirty-four. He was in town for a lecture at A University, and Old Master Lin had sent him to represent the Lin family at the banquet.

Si Ye didn’t have much interaction with Lin Yixuan, who was known for his straightforwardness and lack of social finesse. His directness and bluntness had earned him a strong reputation, but also many enemies.

“Mr. Si,” Uncle Zhong called, pulling Si Ye away for a moment, leaving Chen Xu and Lin Yixuan alone.

“Where do you study?” Lin Yixuan asked after a long pause, his attempt at small talk awkward.

“At A University, first-year,” Chen Xu replied, trying to be polite.

Lin Yixuan was surprised again. He had assumed that Chen Xu’s young marriage to Si Ye meant his academics were lacking, but A University was one of the top schools in the country.

“What’s your major?”

“Economics,” Chen Xu replied, feeling like he was being grilled by a distant relative during a holiday gathering.

Lin Yixuan nodded, even more surprised. The economics program at A University was one of the best in the country. Did Chen Xu get in on his own merit?

His face betrayed his thoughts, prompting Chen Xu to explain, “I received a national scholarship last semester.”

Lin Yixuan’s eyes widened in admiration, realizing Chen Xu was indeed academically gifted.

He felt a sense of relief. “You got married so young. Didn’t your parents object?”

Though the question was a bit intrusive, Chen Xu answered patiently, “They were very supportive.”

Chen Yue and Wang Qiang were more excited than he was, practically raising both hands in favor of the marriage.

Lin Yixuan wasn’t sure whether to label his parents as pragmatic or progressive. “The capital is a fun place. Have you been?”

Chen Xu felt the conversation was jumping topics too quickly. “No, I haven’t.”

Disappointment flashed across Lin Yixuan’s eyes.

1. Hysterectomy = A surgical procedure to remove all or part of the uterus. ?

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