When Chen Xu heard Si Ye’s words, he had a surprised look on his face. “Have you found them?” He asked, his voice filled with shock.
Despite all his efforts, he had been unable to find any information about his biological parents. His interest had waned over time, resigning himself to the belief that it was fate that they were not meant to be reunited.
Si Ye held his face gently, his thumb caressing Chen Xu’s ear, “They came to me.”
This answer caused Chen Xu to widen his eyes. Someone who could find Si Ye must come from a wealthy family. Could it be that he was separated from his biological parents due to some family feud?
For a moment, Chen Xu’s thoughts ran wild, influenced by the dramatic stories he had read. But he quickly shook his head, calming himself down and asked hesitantly, “Do they… want to find me?”
“Yes, your family has been searching for you all these years. They never gave up on you,” Si Ye reassured him, holding Chen Xu’s face up to look into his eyes. “Chen Xu, you were born into a family filled with love and blessings. They didn’t abandon you. Like Si Lin, you were lost by accident.”
In an instant, Chen Xu felt a whirlwind of emotions. He had considered this possibility before but never truly believed such good fortune could happen to him. He felt a rush of panic and leaned his head on Si Ye’s shoulder, “Si Ye, what should I do? I’m a little scared.”
Si Ye’s gentle strokes on his back calmed him, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
With those words, Chen Xu’s panic subsided. Yes, he had Si Ye. What was there to fear? Nothing could make him panic when he had Si Ye by his side.
Seeing that Chen Xu had calmed down, Si Ye continued, “Do you remember the Lin family?”
Chen Xu immediately thought of the Lin family, including the famous designer Zhuo Shunan’s husband and the Lin professor he met at the banquet.
In a flash, he connected the dots. “I… Could I be a child of the Lin family?”
Si Ye smiled slightly and nodded, “Yes, you are the youngest son of Lin Penghan from the Lin family’s third branch. Your biological mother is Zhuo Shunan.”
Being suddenly linked to a prominent figure left Chen Xu stunned. No wonder Zhuo Shunan had looked at him with such an emotional expression during the competition’s final. She must have suspected his identity back then. But why?
“I don’t look like Zhuo Shunan…” he started, wondering if he resembled Lin Penghan more.
“You look very much like your grandmother, Zhuang Qiongyin,” Si Ye said, showing Chen Xu an old photo on his phone.
Chen Xu saw a photo that looked almost like a female version of himself. He was astonished. No wonder they suspected his identity upon seeing him; he bore a striking resemblance to his grandmother and matched the age.
He suddenly remembered the heirloom his grandfather had left him and rushed to fetch the gold locket, showing it to Si Ye. “My grandfather left this to me. He must have found it on me when he found me.”
Si Ye examined the small gold locket in his hand, noting the bloodstain, likely from the accident. He fiddled with it and discovered that the side of the locket could be opened. With some force, it popped open, revealing a tiny photo of Lin Penghan, his wife, holding baby Chen Xu, with a younger Lin Yirun standing beside them. The back of the photo had the words “Lin Yize has peace all year round( safe through the four seasons).”
Holding the small photo in his hand, Chen Xu felt the tangible proof of his parents’ and brother’s love for him. “So my name is Lin Yize.” He never expected that the truth had been so close all along. Even his grandfather might not have known that the small locket contained clues about his lineage.
“Yes, your brother is Lin Yirun. You are both from the Yi generation,” Si Ye said, pulling Chen Xu into a comforting embrace, talking about the Lin family. “Professor Lin is Lin Yixuan, your eldest uncle’s son.”
Chen Xu suddenly realized another fact. “So, actress Lin Peixin is my cousin?”
“Yes, your second uncle also has a son, Lin Yijun, an Air Force major. You can see him on TV during the National Day parade.”
After Si Ye’s explanation, Chen Xu realized just how illustrious the Lin family was. No wonder they were so renowned in the capital. Comparing himself, he suddenly felt inadequate.
“Am I dragging them down a bit?” Chen Xu asked Si Ye, feeling somewhat self-conscious.
Si Ye pinched his face gently. “You are already outstanding enough. Leave some room for others to shine.”
Chen Xu smiled at the reassurance, “But it doesn’t matter. I’m already married to you, so I’m part of the Si family. As long as you don’t mind, it’s fine.”
“Are you trying to tease me? Does your waist not hurt anymore?” Si Ye pinched his waist playfully, causing Chen Xu to gasp and lean into Si Ye’s embrace.
Despite Chen Xu’s acceptance of his lineage, the upcoming final exams meant he couldn’t deal with this matter just yet. He asked Si Ye to inform the Lin family that they would discuss it after the summer break.
“Xiaoze, he… doesn’t blame us, does he?” Lin Penghan asked, tears in his eyes.
“Uncle Lin, you worry too much. Xiaoze knows you are victims too. He won’t blame you,” Si Ye reassured, knowing how anxious Lin Penghan was. He felt responsible for comforting his father-in-law.
Lin Penghan broke down in tears of relief, and Lin Yirun quickly handed him tissues, comforting him, “Dad, don’t be sad. You should be happy. Mom will get better.”
Chen Xu had been a source of heartache for Zhuo Shunan for years. Now that he had been found and didn’t reject them, she would surely recover with his presence.
“Si Ye, our Lin family is very grateful to you. We are willing to reduce the price of the current project by ten percent,” Lin Yirun said, bowing deeply to express his gratitude.
Si Ye helped him up, “There’s no need for that. Reducing by ten percent would mean a loss for you. We’re family now, no need to speak so formally.”
Lin Penghan suddenly realized that the person before him was his son-in-law. His youngest son had been married for a year at nineteen, while his eldest was almost thirty and still single.
Although he wasn’t dissatisfied with this son-in-law, except for the age difference, he was very pleased. The age difference wasn’t an issue as long as he treated his son well. The marriage was already done, so he had to accept it.
Unlike Lin Penghan, Lin Yirun was quite unhappy with Si Ye. His young and tender brother had been taken by this older man.
Anyone who could pursue an eighteen-year-old was not a good person in his eyes.
“The gratitude we owe should be given. I hope Si Ye can accept it,” Lin Yirun said formally.
Si Ye could tell that his brother-in-law was not pleased with him.
Since they insisted, Si Ye didn’t refuse. “Alright, I will accept it on Xiao Xu’s behalf. After all, my assets will go to him in the future.”
Lin Yirun narrowed his eyes. This old fox knew how to talk.
His brother was like a lamb to the slaughter.
Lin Yirun didn’t realize that Chen Xu was far from a harmless lamb; he was a wolf cub with hidden claws. Based on the information he had gathered, Chen Xu was a top student, a perfect child, and easy to deceive.
Lin Penghan sensed the tension in the air and quickly signaled his son to be polite.
Lin Yirun reluctantly retracted his thorns and sat quietly, playing on his phone.
Their family group chat was bustling with activity.
Grandpa: Yiren, when will my dear grandson come home? I have prepared many gifts for him.
Eldest Uncle: Dad, we need to give Xiaoze time to adjust. Yiren, does Xiaoze like cars? I heard Peixin mention a new limited edition from E-brand. I’ve reserved one for him.
Lin Peixin: Dad, am I really your daughter? When I mentioned wanting that car, you didn’t react like this!
Eldest Uncle: You’re already thirty. How can you ask me for money? Xiaoze is still a student.
Lin Peixin: It’s a waste for him to drive an E-brand car while studying.
Eldest Uncle: Universities are tough these days. Without a good car, people look down on you.
Second Uncle: Is that so? If the E-brand isn’t enough, I’ll get something better for Xiaoze.
Lin Yijun: Dad, you always taught me not to compare with others.
Second Uncle: Our family isn’t short of money. We can’t let the child suffer.
Eldest Uncle: You’re right. Xiaoze has suffered enough. All of you must pamper him.
Lin Yixuan: I’ve made a drone for Xiaoze. He can play with it when he gets back.
Second Uncle: Everyone should learn from your eldest brother!
Lin Yirun: Xiaoze has final exams soon. It’s not convenient for now. I’ll ask him during the summer break and bring him home as soon as possible.
Grandpa: Good, good. Exams are important. No one should disturb Xiaoze.
Unbeknownst to Chen Xu, who was busy studying at school, his family was eagerly anticipating his return, showering him with compliments and plans.
Zhuo Yaoyuan reduced his time with Qin Yuzhen and spent most of it studying with Chen Xu and Tang Zhen in the library.
Because Chen Xu had taken several days off this term, he studied even harder during the exam period, reducing his communication with Si Ye.
Fortunately, the exam week wasn’t long, and Chen Xu’s focused studying made the time fly by. Soon, the holidays arrived.
Tang Zhen didn’t plan to go home early. He wanted to find an internship related to his major, but such opportunities were scarce. With no success by the start of the holidays, he might have to find other part-time jobs to gain experience and earn some money.
“I’ll ask Si Ye if his company needs interns,” Chen Xu offered when he saw Tang Zhen’s worried expression.
“Really?!” Tang Zhen was overjoyed but quickly calmed down. “Wouldn’t it be inappropriate to use connections?”
Chen Xu lightly knocked his head. “You’re overthinking it. I’m just asking. If they don’t need interns, there’s no hope.”
“But you should be prepared. These jobs usually don’t pay much.”
“If I can intern at Si Corporation, I’d be willing to work for free!” Tang Zhen’s eyes lit up.
“Alright, I’ll ask when I get home.” Chen Xu had just finished speaking when he received a call from Si Ye, who surprisingly came to pick him up himself.
Si Ye not only came in person but also helped Chen Xu move his luggage.
Although Chen Xu didn’t have many things to take, mainly books, a computer, and clothes, he quickly packed when he got the call.
When he ran downstairs with his luggage, Si Ye was already there.
“Slow down. I won’t run away,” Si Ye said, worried about Chen Xu tripping.
“It’s not heavy,” Chen Xu replied with a bright smile, bathed in sunlight.
If they weren’t at school, Si Ye would have kissed him right then.
“Let’s go home,” Si Ye said naturally, taking the suitcase from Chen Xu as they walked side by side.
Even with many students already gone, their presence still turned heads.
1L: Live broadcast! The school hunk’s husband came to pick him up!
2L: I’m so jealous. Look at how handsome and considerate someone else’s husband is.
3L: Photos! I need photos!
4L: Here are the photos. They were taken secretly! The school hunk and his husband are so well-matched. I didn’t believe he was the bottom until now. He’s so sweet with his husband!
5L: I can accept the school hunk’s husband!!
6L: What a sweetie. Give me back my super A hunk! But this sweetie is also so tempting.
7L: My mind is racing with thoughts.
8L: Writer, here’s your pen! Don’t just think about it. Write it out for us to see!
9L: The fierce sweetie and his domineering husband. Ah Wei is dead!!
10L: Other people’s husbands always impress. Mine just tells me to drink more hot water. Other people’s husbands never disappoint!
Chen Xu had just sat in the car when he received a message from Tang Zhen.
Tang Zhen: You’re amazing, Yize. In such a short distance, you and your husband are already trending!
Chen Xu: The photos turned out nice. We look good together.
Opening the link, Chen Xu saved a few photos of him and Si Ye taken by a fellow student. One showed them walking side by side, talking to each other, bathed in sunlight with a golden halo around them.
The blurry picture conveyed deep affection.
Chen Xu not only saved the photo but also set it as his phone wallpaper.
“What are you looking at?” Si Ye asked, seeing Chen Xu engrossed in his phone.
Chen Xu showed him the screen without hesitation, “Someone took photos of us just now. I think they look good, so I saved them.”
Si Ye glanced at the photo, indeed finding it nice.
“Speaking of which, we didn’t take wedding photos when we got married. Let’s make up for it,” Si Ye suggested. Their wedding had been rushed due to Chen Xu starting university. Although they took many photos during their honeymoon, they never took formal wedding pictures.
“Okay.” Chen Xu felt a bit regretful about that too, but what he regretted more was their agreement marriage. They didn’t truly love each other when they said their vows.
The car was quiet for a while, and Chen Xu suddenly turned his head and asked Si Ye, “Since you were reborn so early, many things must have been under your control. You must have dealt with those shareholders with ulterior motives in the previous life, right?”
He looked into Si Ye’s eyes calmly, “Si Ye, you schemed against me.”
Caught off guard, Si Ye’s heart skipped a beat. He knew Chen Xu was smart and would catch on to any slip-ups.
Si Ye’s eyes flickered, and Chen Xu moved closer, their noses almost touching. “Hmm?”
“Xiao Xu, don’t be mad,” Si Ye said, holding Chen Xu’s arm, explaining, “I lied about the company crisis. I wanted a legitimate reason to tie you to me. I was afraid someone else would get to you first.”
“You know, I can’t bear to lose you again.”
Si Ye’s tone was solemn, his apology sincere. Chen Xu only wanted to show that lying in a relationship was wrong and should not happen again. He had never intended to blame Si Ye. He understood why Si Ye did what he did. If he were in Si Ye’s position, he might have done the same. Having already lost Chen Xu once, he couldn’t bear to lose him again.
“I don’t blame you. Don’t be like this,” Chen Xu said, holding Si Ye’s hand. “I wouldn’t marry just anyone, even for an agreement. Si Ye, you are special to me.”
Chen Xu’s smile reflected in Si Ye’s eyes, bright and radiant. Si Ye didn’t mind being a bit underhanded if it meant having Chen Xu.
“I’m sorry for making you wait for two lifetimes,” Chen Xu said, leaning in to kiss Si Ye’s lips gently.
Si Ye’s heart melted. He pulled Chen Xu into a tight embrace, “Thank you for fulfilling my wish.”
After calming down, Chen Xu continued, “So, how long have you been secretly in love with me?”
“Not long,” Si Ye avoided his gaze. Four years of silent admiration were nothing in the grand scheme of things.
“Not long? How long is not long?” Chen Xu pressed on, seeing through Si Ye’s evasion.
Si Ye sighed, resigned, “Four years.”
“Since I came of age?” Chen Xu couldn’t believe Si Ye had harbored feelings for him for four years in the previous life. Those years, he had lived thinking they had no special connection.
Knowing this made Chen Xu’s heart ache. How had Si Ye coped after his death, with such a deeply buried love?
His eyes reddened, and he buried his head in Si Ye’s shoulder. “It’s all in the past. Don’t be sad. Four years isn’t too long.”
Si Ye gently patted Chen Xu’s back. The true hardship wasn’t those four years but the three years after Chen Xu’s death. Every day had been torture for him, filled with endless regret and what-ifs.
Chen Xu felt his heart shatter. The more he learned, the more he realized how deeply Si Ye loved him, far more than he had imagined. He didn’t want to lose to Si Ye in love; he wanted to love Si Ye even more, to make up for the pain he had caused.
“I will love you with all my life,” Chen Xu said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Si Ye’s voice caught in his throat. He held Chen Xu tightly, “Okay.”
When they arrived home, Si Ye let the driver go. Chen Xu’s eyes were still red, looking as if he had been harshly bullied.
Feeling more composed, Chen Xu held Si Ye’s hand as they got out of the car.
“Where’s Xuezhou?” Chen Xu asked, expecting to see Lin Xu at home.
“I gave him a house. He moved out,” Si Ye explained, quickly adding, “It was a gift for his adulthood and college entrance.”
Chen Xu chuckled, “Why are you so nervous? It’s your money. Spend it as you like.”
“I heard that husbands give their wives all their money after marriage. My assets are a bit much, so I’ll organize them and give them to you. Just give me some pocket money each month,” Si Ye said, teasingly.
“No need. That’s your premarital property,” Chen Xu said, flustered.
Si Ye rubbed his nose against Chen Xu’s, “Aren’t you my wife?”
The question made Chen Xu blush furiously. He tried to escape, but Si Ye held his hand firmly.
“Just give me enough for socializing and meals. I don’t like going to those entertainment places. I won’t spend much,” Si Ye whispered in Chen Xu’s ear, making him shiver.
Blushing, Chen Xu managed to break free and ran up to the third floor.
Si Ye’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, pleased with his victory. From a certain perspective, Lin Yirun’s concerns were justified.
Rain : Brother was right hhhh
Keep me fueled with caffeine! Support me on Ko-fi! ?~(????)
D-day 9!! ?o?.(??? ??)
You can also give me your suggestions for my next project (September). I’ll be happy to work on it ?
