“What’s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?” Chen Xu asked after taking a bath. Seeing Si Ye sitting alone on the sofa with a frown, he walked over barefoot on the soft carpet and snuggled into Si Ye’s arms like a small animal.
Si Ye instinctively wrapped his arm around Chen Xu’s waist, holding him close. Chen Xu had just showered, and his body carried the fresh scent of the Lin family’s minty shower gel, different from the one at home.
Resting his chin on Chen Xu’s shoulder, Si Ye took in his scent and, with a slightly downcast voice, said, “Nothing.”
Chen Xu leaned back, cupping Si Ye’s face. “Uncle Si, you don’t look like you’re fine.”
Si Ye tilted his head up, kissing Chen Xu’s lips. “I just feel useless.”
These words from anyone else might not carry much weight, but hearing them from Si Ye, Chen Xu was initially about to refute them when he suddenly realized that Si Ye was actually being coquettish.
“Is it because of my studio?” Chen Xu asked.
“I didn’t help at all,” Si Ye’s eyes held a trace of grievance, making Chen Xu’s heart ache.
He quickly kissed Si Ye several times, holding his face. “Just having you by my side is the biggest help to me.”
His thumb brushed under Si Ye’s eyes, feeling the slight dark circles. “You’ve been working hard, staying up late.”
Talking was clearly not enough, so Chen Xu pressed closer against Si Ye’s chest, kissing his jawline, his eyes innocent yet alluring.
Summer pajamas were thin, and Chen Xu’s short-sleeved and shorts set made it easy for Si Ye’s long fingers to slip inside.
They hadn’t seen each other in a while, and their gaze met, sparking a blazing fire.
Even the air grew hot and humid.
The next day, Chen Xu slept until the afternoon. When he came downstairs for lunch, Si Xuezhou, seeing the vivid marks on Chen Xu’s pale neck, blushed and quickly looked away, embarrassed.
Zhuo Shunan came out of the kitchen with some food, saying awkwardly, “You’re still young. It’s better to be more restrained.”
After a moment of surprise, Chen Xu realized what Zhuo Shunan was talking about. He forced himself to act calm, nodding slightly. “Okay.”
Although Zhuo Shunan was his mother, it was still awkward discussing such things with her married son. Chen Xu’s not being able to get up the next day showed he had overdone it with Si Ye last night.
“As long as you know,” Zhuo Shunan said, changing the subject. “Si Ye went to the company with your father this morning. They must have business to discuss.”
“I know. Uncle Si texted me,” Chen Xu replied. He had woken up to Si Ye’s message, chatted with him for a bit while lying in bed, and then Si Ye had urged him to go eat.
After lunch, Chen Xu received a message from Tang Zhen, asking if he was free to hang out over the weekend.
Tang Zhen, now an intern at one of Si Corporation’s subsidiaries, had been learning a lot from his enthusiastic colleagues. As summer break was running out, he finally remembered his benefactor, Chen Xu, and wanted to invite him out for some fun.
Chen Xu: I’m not in A City right now, let’s meet after school starts.
Tang Zhen: Oh, I wanted to treat you to hot pot.
Tang Zhen: I’ll try asking Zhu Yao Yuan, but he probably has plans with his girlfriend.
After a while, Chen Xu thought Tang Zhen had failed to invite Zhu Yao Yuan, but to his surprise, he succeeded.
Tang Zhen: Zhu Yao Yuan said his band has a performance tonight and invited me to join. I have a strong feeling I’ll have a romantic encounter tonight!
Chen Xu: Good luck. Be careful and don’t drink anything strangers give you.
Tang Zhen: Got it!
Tang Zhen’s premonition turned out accurate. That night at the bar where Zhu Yao Yuan’s band performed, he indeed met the love of his dream.
Meanwhile, Si Xuezhou, who had been staying with Chen Xu at the Lin family home, had developed an interest in fashion design, watching Chen Xu and Zhuo Shunan discuss it.
“Is it too late for me to start learning now?” Si Xuezhou had some drawing skills but hadn’t practiced in years, essentially making him a beginner.
“If you treat it as a hobby, it’s never too late. But if you want to pursue it professionally, I’d advise you to think carefully,” Chen Xu said.
Si Xuezhou lowered his gaze, contemplating. “I’ll give it a try. Maybe I won’t be interested in a month.”
He had always been like that, passionate about something at first but quickly losing interest.
After going through so much, Si Xuezhou had learned to be cautious. With no parents now, and though his brother and sister-in-law treated him well, he couldn’t rely on them forever, especially given his complicated status. He didn’t want to get involved in Si Corporation’s affairs, which were Si Ye’s efforts and had nothing to do with him.
A week later, the Lin family hosted a grand banquet for Chen Xu. His suit, like Si Ye’s, was made by Zhuo Shunan herself, matching perfectly.
At the banquet, genuine congratulations mingled with ulterior motives, as a large family like the Lin’s meant more heirs and thus more division of wealth.
Those who tried to stir trouble with sly remarks about Chen Xu were promptly shut down. The Lin family fiercely protected their young one.
After Lin Old Master introduced Chen Xu, his old friends marveled at how much he resembled Madam Zhuang.
“Yes, we owe it to Zhuang for watching over us, bringing Xiao Ze back,” Lin Old Master said, holding Chen Xu’s hand. “Although Xiao Ze suffered outside, he worked hard and was the top scorer in his high school exams. Zhuang would be proud.”
“Old Lin, your grandson is amazing, the top scorer! My kid is always causing trouble.”
“Not only does he look good, but he’s also smart and well-behaved. You must have done a lot of good deeds in your past life, Old Lin.”
As the old friends praised him, Lin Old Master beamed, while Chen Xu felt increasingly embarrassed. He didn’t feel he deserved such high praise, knowing it was more out of respect for Lin Old Master.
“How old is Xiao Ze? Does he have a partner? He looks about the same age as my Fei Fei,” a noble-looking lady asked kindly.
“I think he would match well with my Jing An.”
“Come on, your Jing An is 26 and a boy. My Xiao Fu is more suitable.”
Seeing the matchmaking fervor, Lin Old Master quickly clarified, “Xiao Ze is already married.”
“What? Xiao Ze can’t be twenty yet. How can he be married? Are you joking, Old Lin?”
“Xiao Ze is nineteen. When love comes, you can’t stop it,” Lin Old Master said. He was very satisfied with Si Ye, believing no other young man could compare. Moreover, Si Ye cherished Chen Xu deeply, making Lin Old Master protective of their marriage.
“Old Lin, Xiao Ze is so young. Are you sure he wasn’t sweet-talked into it?”
“Exactly. Xiao Ze seems too innocent and gullible. You can’t be careless.”
“Yeah, did you check the other party’s background? What if he’s a scoundrel with bad intentions?”
Standing nearby, Chen Xu forced a smile. Did he look that easy to deceive? Why did everyone assume his young marriage meant he was tricked rather than having found true love?
Seeing his friends’ concern, Lin Old Master chuckled. Spotting Si Ye talking with Uncle Lin, he waved him over.
“Isn’t this Chairman Si? It’s rare to see you at such events.”
“Yes, Chairman Si is known for his low profile. It’s hard to find you.”
“Only Old Lin could invite you.”
It was well-known that Jiang Mei and Zhuang Qiongyin were friends, so the Si and Lin families had closer ties. However, Si Ye usually sent gifts to Lin family events instead of attending, given his workaholic nature. But it made sense for him to personally congratulate Lin Old Master on finding his long-lost grandson.
Si Ye greeted them calmly. Although he was of a younger generation, his status allowed him to stand as an equal among these elders.
“Drink less,” Chen Xu said, taking the wine glass from his hand and setting it aside.
“I only had a little, not drunk,” Si Ye replied, his tone almost pleasing, shocking the other family heads present.
What was going on?
Lin Old Master laughed, “Let me introduce you. This is Si Ye, my grandson-in-law.”
This introduction was like a bombshell, stunning everyone.
“Old Lin, you must be joking.”
“Yes, how could Chairman Si and Xiao Ze…”
Si Ye looked at Mr. Qian and said, “I remember you attended our wedding, Mr. Qian. You should know my husband.”
Everyone turned to the bewildered Mr. Qian, who stammered, “I thought it looked familiar, but I assumed it was my old eyes. But isn’t your husband named Chen Xu?”
Lin Old Master explained, “Chen Xu was adopted by Mr. Chen Qin Fu, who named him Chen Xu. Xiao Ze is sentimental, and to honor Mr. Chen’s kindness, we decided not to change his name.”
“I see.” For such prominent families, surnames were significant. The Lin family allowing Chen Xu to keep his name showed their respect for him.
Of course, there were some conspiracy theorists who believed Chen Xu didn’t want to change his name, or the Lin family didn’t want him to bear their surname. But such claims were quickly dispelled by the grand banquet, demonstrating the Lin family’s affection for Chen Xu.
Yet, the most shocking revelation remained Chen Xu and Si Ye’s marriage.
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