The scene was initially very awkward. Chen Xu stood frozen in place. “Uncle Si, didn’t you go to the office today?”
“It’s the weekend,” Si Ye replied. He had recently been trying to arrange his work during weekdays so he could spend more time with Chen Xu on weekends.
“Oh,” Chen Xu nodded absentmindedly, thinking to himself that Si Ye was known to be a workaholic. When did he start taking weekends off?
Si Ye walked up and stood in front of him, bluntly asking, “Were you just on the phone with my attending physician?”
“Yes,” Chen Xu nodded stiffly.
“Do you suspect I have sexual dysfunction?” Si Ye hadn’t expected this. Before they had fully explored their relationship, Chen Xu had already suspected there might be a problem.
“No, it’s just that Xiang Xiuhe used a large dose of drugs on you. I was worried it might affect your health.” Chen Xu answered honestly. Since they had tested it last night and Si Ye was fine, he wasn’t worried about hurting Si Ye’s pride by bringing it up now.
Si Ye nodded understandingly. No wonder Chen Xu had been so unusual and proactive last night—it was to test if he had any issues.
He leaned closer and whispered in Chen Xu’s ear, “From your conversation with the doctor, it seems you were satisfied last night?”
Chen Xu’s ears turned bright red. He took a step back, trying to avoid Si Ye’s question.
Si Ye wouldn’t let him off so easily. He reached out and held Chen Xu’s slim waist, pulling him into his embrace.
“Little friend, I’m asking you a question.”
With no escape, Chen Xu could only bury his head in Si Ye’s chest, gently nudging him a few times to express his dissatisfaction.
His actions were gentle, as if he were afraid of hurting Si Ye. Si Ye couldn’t help but find his little cub incredibly adorable.
“Satisfied… very satisfied…” Chen Xu stammered, his fair neck flushing a deep red.
“There’s even more to be satisfied with,” Si Ye suddenly lifted him up and walked toward the unmade bed.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, a gentle spring breeze fluttered the sheer curtains, bringing in a refreshing floral scent.
Chen Xu raised his hand to cover his eyes, finding it hard to handle such intense play in broad daylight.
Si Ye straightened up, removed Chen Xu’s hand, and placed a warm kiss on his glistening eyes. Chen Xu felt cherished and his heart melted into a pool of spring water.
He reached out, wrapped his arms around Si Ye’s neck, and tried to pull him down for a kiss.
Si Ye turned his head away. “We haven’t brushed our teeth.”
Chen Xu ignored him, stubbornly pulling Si Ye’s head back and meeting his lips with passion.
…
Two days later, Chen Xu took a leave of absence to accompany Si Ye for a medical checkup. His advisor gently reminded him that he had been taking a lot of leave lately.
Chen Xu acknowledged this, knowing that as the “financial backer,” the advisor didn’t dare to say much and politely granted the leave.
After a morning of extensive tests, confirming that Si Ye was in good health, Chen Xu was finally relieved.
By the time they left the hospital, it was already noon. Secretary Jiang had booked them a table at a nearby restaurant.
Coincidentally, they ran into an unexpected person at the restaurant.
Secretary Jiang had reserved a table at a Chinese restaurant. There weren’t many customers at noon. As soon as they walked in, they heard the manager scolding someone.
“You’ve been here two months and you’re still clumsy. You have no sense. Even a pig is smarter than you. Get out of the front hall and go wash dishes in the kitchen. If it weren’t for Young Master Zhou, I’d have fired you long ago.”
“Welcome,” a waiter enthusiastically greeted Chen Xu and Si Ye.
The manager, hearing the waiter, realized customers had arrived and quickly stopped talking.
“Get out,” the manager whispered harshly.
The person being scolded quickly nodded. In that moment, he glanced at the new customers and froze when he recognized Si Ye and Chen Xu.
His entire body stiffened. Noticing his gaze, Chen Xu turned his head, surprised. “Pan Qizhi?”
Pan Qizhi clenched his fists, his veins bulging, blood rushing, and body going cold. Chen Xu had seen him at his lowest point. Chen Xu must be happy, surely laughing at him, given how much he used to bully Chen Xu.
Si Ye turned at Chen Xu’s voice, glancing at Pan Qizhi. Pan Qizhi had only seen Si Ye’s back earlier and hadn’t confirmed it was him. Now, a storm raged in his mind.
Chen Xu and Si Ye were dining together? How well was Chen Xu doing now? What about Si Yichen? Had Chen Xu already stepped on him?
Pan Qizhi couldn’t believe it.
After being expelled from the Si family, he was quickly kicked out of the Pan family too. The socialites, seeing him ousted by Si Ye, began to distance and suppress the Pan family. Naturally, the Pan family couldn’t keep him, the troublemaker, around.
Pan Qizhi was abandoned. His fair-weather friends disappeared as if they’d vanished into thin air. He realized he never had true friends.
Soon, he spent all his money, having always been a big spender. Forced to find work, he quickly discovered how difficult it was.
Despite having been accepted into college, he dropped out after high school to work. Initially, he couldn’t endure the hardship or others’ disdain. He would blow up at the slightest provocation and quit in a fit of rage.
Eventually, hunger taught him to bow to life. But even then, it seemed he had enemies, people he had bullied who now kicked him while he was down.
Unable to find a job, he was dismissed from even the lowest positions. Until he begged for a job at this restaurant, rejected until Zhou Hongkuo, whom he had once used to frame Chen Xu, spoke up for him, securing him this hard-won position.
“Uncle Si…” Pan Qizhi’s voice trembled as he called out.
Si Ye gave him a cold glance, then asked the waiter, “Where is the number 5 private room?”
“Please follow me,” the waiter said, astonished that Pan Qizhi knew such important people, though it seemed his efforts were unreciprocated. The waiter’s contempt for Pan Qizhi grew.
Chen Xu followed Si Ye without looking back.
Pan Qizhi watched their intimate backs, his mind in chaos.
The manager gave him a scornful look. “You think you can cling to anyone, but look at yourself.”
Pan Qizhi clenched his fists, his knuckles white, eyes dark. He vowed to make those who bullied him pay.
In the private room, after ordering, Si Ye poured Chen Xu a cup of tea.
“I didn’t expect to see him here. I thought he was still in school,” Chen Xu said, remembering Pan Qizhi’s decent academic performance. It wasn’t as good as Si Yichen’s, but it was better than Si Lin’s.
Si Ye already knew Pan Qizhi had been kicked out of the Pan family, typical behavior of those who curry favor with the powerful. He didn’t bother Chen Xu with such matters.
“He probably ran out of money,” Si Ye said lightly.
Chen Xu remembered that in his previous life, Pan Qizhi had eventually ended up in prison after living a lavish life. Now, he was experiencing hardship much earlier.
For the first time, Chen Xu truly felt that everything had changed. Si Yichen was in prison and no longer a threat; Tao Minzhi was in a sanatorium and couldn’t control Si Ye anymore. Those who had hurt him had received their due punishment.
And he, once a stranger to Si Ye, had become his beloved.
Living another life was truly a blessing.
Chen Xu felt genuine happiness, his face lighting up with a radiant smile.
“What made you so happy?” Si Ye asked, squeezing Chen Xu’s fingers on the table.
“Just thinking how happy I am now,” Chen Xu said sincerely, his eyes smiling.
Si Ye smiled, kissed Chen Xu’s fingertips. “I feel the same.”
The person he had loved for two lifetimes finally reciprocated his feelings. Everything was perfect.
After lunch, Si Ye had the driver take Chen Xu back to school.
Since Si Ye’s health had improved, Chen Xu had moved back to his dorm. Freshmen were required to live on campus, and Chen Xu decided to comply during the remaining time.
“Xu Ge, was that your boyfriend dropping you off again?” Tang Zhen asked, waking up from a nap, his phone in hand, looking gossipy.
“How did you know?” Chen Xu paused while taking off his jacket.
“Because the whole school is watching you!” Tang Zhen handed his phone to Chen Xu.
Looking at the trending post, Chen Xu thought it hadn’t been long since he arrived at school. Yet, the post had already blown up.
179L: Ahhhh! Xu Ge’s boyfriend must be a tall, rich, and handsome guy! Look at that car, I’m so envious.
180L: OMG, what a fairy tale romance. Tall, rich, and handsome guys dating each other. Save one for us!
181L: How do you know Xu Ge’s boyfriend is tall, rich, and handsome? The car is expensive, but the guy might be a greasy, bald, middle-aged man.
182L: Gross, don’t disgust us. Xu Ge’s family is rich. Why would he date a greasy, bald, middle-aged man? Xu Ge is so handsome. His boyfriend must be super handsome too! No arguments!
183L: Someone said they’ve seen Xu Ge’s boyfriend. He’s supposed to be very handsome, a divine beauty.
184L: Believe that green post if you want. There aren’t that many tall, rich, and handsome guys. I’d be happy if his boyfriend is half as good-looking as Xu Ge. After all, Xu Ge is a divine beauty. Even half of his looks would make a very handsome guy.
“Hahaha, if they knew your boyfriend is super handsome, they’d go crazy,” Tang Zhen laughed, feeling he knew a big secret, but unable to share it. No one would believe him anyway.
Chen Xu shook his head, thinking they had too much free time.
After acquiring Chen Corporation, Chen Xu decided to visit the company early, having scheduled a stylist to come and cut his hair.
From today, Chen Corporation belonged to him.
The acquisition process was handled by his lawyer since he had to attend school. He had taken too much leave before, and upon returning, his teachers kept calling on him in class and checking on him afterward. Chen Xu didn’t dare slack off anymore, attending classes diligently.
Chen Yue and Chen Hao waited at the company entrance for the new boss’s arrival.
As the minutes ticked by, they anxiously looked for any approaching cars, but saw none.
“What kind of boss is this? Didn’t they say they’d be here by ten? It’s already 9:58,” Chen Hao complained.
Chen Yue glared at him. “Watch your mouth. Times have changed. If you upset the new boss, we’ll be kicked out.”
In Chen Yue’s mind, as the former boss, the new boss should give him some respect and keep him in the company. After all, he was an old employee.
As for Chen Hao, as long as he stayed, Chen Hao could stay too.
He had it all planned out, unaware of what awaited him.
At exactly ten, a flashy Ferrari pulled up with a sharp turn, stopping at Chen Corporation’s entrance.
Onlookers gasped, trying to see which tycoon had arrived.
The car door opened, and a pair of long legs stepped out, followed by a tall, striking young man. His delicate features included mesmerizing peach blossom eyes, a high nose with a red mole at the tip, adding a touch of charm.
Despite his beauty, he exuded a sharp, frosty aura, making him stand out. His short hair exposed a fair, full forehead, showcasing his beauty like a honey-coated blade—both beautiful and dangerous.
The senior executives behind Chen Yue hadn’t met Chen Xu, whispering among themselves, wondering who he was.
Chen Yue and Chen Hao were stunned.
What was Chen Xu doing here? Was he the one who acquired Chen Corporation? Where did he get the money? Wasn’t he out of favor? During the New Year, Si Ye didn’t even accompany him home, and his red envelopes were stingy.
Chen Xu walked into Chen Corporation with his lawyer and secretary.
The senior executives, recognizing the lawyer, began to suspect Chen Xu was the new boss.
“Chen Xu?! What are you doing here?” Chen Hao blocked Chen Xu’s path, angrily questioning him.
Chen Xu’s cold gaze swept over him. “I should be asking you that. Where are the security guards? How did they let this trash in?”
Chen Hao’s face turned red with anger, ready to punch Chen Xu. “Are you the one who acquired Chen Corporation?”
“Yes,” Chen Xu nodded. Enraged, Chen Hao lunged at him, ready to fight.
“Fuck you!”
The senior executives panicked, calling security to separate them. Chen Hao had grabbed Chen Xu’s collar, but Chen Xu remained calm, looking at him like he was a clown.
Chen Xu’s composed expression infuriated Chen Hao further. Ignoring everything, he tried to hit Chen Xu, but Chen Xu caught his wrist. “We share the same mother, yet you’re so heartless.”
Chen Xu’s words surprised the senior executives, realizing this was a family feud.
“Spit! We’re not related. You’re a bastard from who knows where, daring to fight me for Chen Corporation, you ungrateful wretch!” Chen Hao lost his mind, openly revealing Chen Xu’s background.
Surprisingly, Chen Yue didn’t stop him. Chen Xu knew his plan—to tarnish his reputation and make the Chen family seem like victims.
Life wasn’t that easy.
“You ruined Grandpa’s legacy. How dare you insult me? If it weren’t for Grandpa, I wouldn’t take this empty shell for free,” Chen Xu retorted, making Chen Corporation’s state clear. He wasn’t taking advantage; he was the savior.
The senior executives blushed, fearing the new boss would leave, costing them their jobs.
“Mr. Chen, please come inside. The staff has been waiting for you,” a chubby middle-aged man stepped forward, respectfully inviting Chen Xu.
Chen Xu nodded slightly, leading his team inside. As he entered, he told the security guards, “Don’t let these two in anymore.”
The guards saw he was referring to the former boss and his son. They quickly agreed, respectfully promising, “Don’t worry, Mr. Chen. We won’t let them in.”
Chen Yue hoped to stay in Chen Corporation, but now he and Chen Hao couldn’t even enter. They fumed outside while Chen Xu entered the elevator, unaware of their anger.
The senior executives accompanied Chen Xu around the company in the morning. They suggested lunch at a nearby restaurant, but Chen Xu declined, opting to eat in the cafeteria.
Having visited Si Corporation’s cafeteria, Chen Corporation’s couldn’t compare. Without prior notice, Chen Xu ended up with an unforgettable meal. What was watermelon stir-fried with mooncakes?
With the senior executives present and Chen Xu’s striking appearance, employees whispered, speculating about his identity.
“Is he the new boss’s son?”
“Wow, the young master is so good-looking. I’m in!”
“Look at Xu Fatty fawning over him. He must be important.”
“Where are Mr. Chen and young Mr. Chen? Did they offend him and get fired?”
“Are you sure he’s the young master? Maybe he’s from another wealthy family.”
“Latest news, the pretty boy is actually the new boss! And he’s Mr. Chen’s son and young Mr. Chen’s brother!”
“No way! So explosive? But I don’t believe it. How could someone so young be the boss? Is he even an adult? And I’ve never heard of Mr. Chen having another son. They always brought the son and daughter to the company events.”
“Yeah, everyone knows Mr. Chen only has one son. How could they hide another son for so long?”
“I don’t know, but I heard young Mr. Chen fought with him at the gate this morning. It was quite a scene.”
“No wonder they haven’t been seen since. They must have really offended someone.”
The company was abuzz with gossip. After lunch, Chen Xu left. The senior executives wiped their brows, realizing the young boss was no pushover, asking tough questions that left them struggling to answer.
Their ordeal worsened when they received Chen Xu’s rectification notice that evening. In just one afternoon, the new boss identified numerous issues needing correction, hitting the nail on the head. Chen Xu’s decisive style made them feel the heat of the new leadership, predicting tough times ahead.
Chen Yue repeatedly tried to get back into the company, hoping Chen Xu would give him and Chen Hao jobs. But Chen Xu had explicitly instructed the guards not to let them in, leaving Chen Yue to slink away dejectedly each time.
Failing to catch Chen Xu at the Si family residence, Chen Yue resorted to seeking him out at A University.
Fed up, Chen Xu said, “I’ve done nothing wrong to you. Even if you take me to court, it won’t change anything.”
Chen Yue knew he was in the wrong. As the former boss, he was well aware of Chen Corporation’s dire state. Chen Xu wasn’t exploiting them; he was offering a lifeline. Though he and Chen Hao resented Chen Xu for taking over, the employees should be grateful to Chen Xu for saving the company and their jobs.
“Chen Xu, you can’t do this to us. Your mother is still in the hospital. Are you trying to force us to die by kicking us out of Chen Corporation?” Chen Yue looked haggard, having lost weight. He had nowhere else to turn, unable to contact Chen Xu and receiving threats from Si Ye if he caused trouble.
Desperate, he begged Chen Xu, hoping for a job out of respect for Chen Xu’s grandfather.
Chen Xu looked down at the pathetic man before him, the burden of his childhood, now so diminished.
“I’ll give you one chance, but there’s only one position. You decide if it’s for you or Chen Hao. Start from the bottom,” Chen Xu said, his last five words making Chen Yue’s face pale.
“I’m too old to start from the bottom. You’re humiliating me!” Chen Yue, once the boss who ruled Chen Corporation, now faced the indignity of a low-level job.
“Mr. Chen, times have changed,” Chen Xu said coldly. “If you don’t want the job, forget it.”
He turned to leave, hands in his pockets.
“Wait!” Chen Yue called out, stopping him. “I… I’ll send Chen Hao.”
“Alright, have him report to the company at 8:30 tomorrow morning.” Chen Xu wasn’t surprised by Chen Yue’s choice. Chen Yue was old, and Chen Hao, having always relied on his status as the young master, never seriously studied or worked. Now, finding a decent job was unrealistic.
“8:30? That’s too early!” Chen Yue, who usually arrived at work by ten, and Chen Hao even later, knew they wouldn’t manage an early start.
“That’s the company’s start time,” Chen Xu said, giving Chen Yue a warning look. “Make sure Chen Hao behaves. If he causes trouble, he’s out.”
Chen Yue could only nod, his anger unspoken.
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