Chapter 9

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When Xi Shi mentioned the so-called richest man’s illegitimate son, it was obviously a joke he made. The richest man seemed to be only in his thirties this year—there was no way he could have a son that old. That Ye Siye probably came over initially out of respect for the Shao family’s reputation. After Xi Shi exposed the broken engagement, Ye Siye spoke as he did to save face for himself. Still, it felt satisfying, haha. Especially watching Yu Wanjia beat his chest in frustration, wishing he could slap himself a few times—it was incredibly gratifying. Serves you right for looking down on me.

Shortly after Ye Siye left, a staff member came over and fixed the switch on the armrest of the chair. Xi Shi happily raised the armrest and leaned against Jing Chen as he wished. However, lacking any artistic sensibility, Xi Shi’s eyelids began to flutter soon after the symphony started. Jing Chen, who had been fully focused, felt a weight on his shoulder. Turning his head, he saw Xi Shi leaning against him, fast asleep and completely unconscious.

Jing Chen had thought Xi Shi invited him to the symphony out of genuine interest, believing the young man’s restless appearance hid a calm heart. Now, it was clear he had overthought it. With a helpless sigh, Jing Chen reached out to support Xi Shi’s head, preventing a stiff neck and ensuing complaints when he woke up.

Just as he settled Xi Shi’s head, Xi Shi was roused by the movement. Groggy, he lifted his head and heard Jing Chen whisper, “Keep sleeping. I’ll wake you when it’s over.” Xi Shi leaned back, found a comfortable position, and mumbled, “Do I have to pay extra to lean on your shoulder?” Jing Chen paused, then said, “Tonight, it’s free.” Xi Shi muttered, “You have so many extra charges, I can’t afford to keep you.” Jing Chen patted his head, the softness tempting Xi Shi to rub it again, then said gently, “Sleep.” Their voices were low and drowned out by the music, so normally no one else would hear. Of course, there were exceptions—like Huo Siyuan sitting behind them, whose attention was entirely on them throughout.

Huo Siyuan, usually aloof and seemingly untouched by worldly tenderness, was utterly shocked to hear his little uncle treat that young man so gently. More unbelievably, he thought he heard the young man say he was supporting his little uncle financially?! Words could not express his astonishment. He even pinched his own thigh hard. Ouch. It hurt like hell. This wasn’t a dream. His little uncle seemed to be indulging in a very new kind of “play”...

The concert ended at ten o’clock. Refreshed from his nap, Xi Shi left Tianhe Mansion with Jing Chen. Once in the car, Jing Chen asked, “Should I take you home?” “My place is a mess,” Xi Shi said nervously. “Let’s just find a hotel nearby.” He was indeed captivated by Jing Chen’s allure, but they were destined to part ways; he understood that lovers weren’t brought home.

Jing Chen tightened his grip on the steering wheel and said calmly, “Alright.”

—

The next day was Saturday, a day off work. Jing Chen, who usually left early, slept in late. But his self-discipline meant “sleeping in” was only until eight. After getting up, he washed, ate breakfast, made a call, caught up on the morning financial news, checked stock market updates and important emails, then read for thirty minutes—already nearly ten o’clock. Xi Shi showed no sign of waking up. Youth was a blessing; give him a bed and he could sleep through anything.

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But it was getting late. Jing Chen walked over to the bed and woke him gently. Xi Shi was sound asleep, and upon waking, was still groggy. Rubbing his eyes, he mumbled, “What time is it?” Jing Chen answered, “Ten o’clock.” “Oh, still early,” Xi Shi yawned, “I’ll sleep a little more.” He turned over, about to doze again, but Jing Chen held him down.

“The developer gave mid-year bonuses a few days ago. I won two tickets for a two-day luxury trip to Jianhai. I heard there will be blue tears there tonight. Want to come with me?” Jing Chen considered himself a decent man who wouldn’t run off after a fling. Now that he had slept with Xi Shi, he needed to nurture the relationship. He happened to have the next two days free.

“Maybe next time,” Xi Shi mumbled, “I have plans today.” “…” “They expire in a couple of days,” Jing Chen hinted. “Then you can take a friend,” Xi Shi said, cupping Jing Chen’s face and planting a coaxing kiss on his lips. “Be good. Next time, sugar daddy, I’ll make it even more luxurious and fun.” Jing Chen was speechless.

Xi Shi wasn’t just brushing Jing Chen off—he was genuinely interested. With a rare weekend off, he wanted to spend every moment glued to Jing Chen. But he really had things to do. The tech wizard Xie He wanted had attended the concert last night using tickets Xi Shi gave him. Feeling indebted and finally patient enough, he listened to Xie He’s introduction of their game. Afterward, he thought the game had real potential and wasn’t a shady scam, so he agreed to help solve their technical problems. This eccentric genius was signing his contract today. With such a top-tier employee joining, Xi Shi, as investor and nominal boss, had to be present.

—

Huo Siyuan accidentally uncovered his little uncle’s secret last night. The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. To prevent his little uncle from being secretly taken advantage of at a young age, he hurried over today to gauge his uncle’s attitude. But his little uncle wasn’t home.

The butler, subtly proud and unable to hide it, said, “The master went on a date.” Even the butler knew—clearly no secret. Huo Siyuan sighed and, driven by gossip, asked, “When did this happen? Why was there no sign before?” The butler gleefully said, “I only found out when he called the Fang sisters who handle gardening, asking where to go on a first date.” The two sisters, Fang Fang and Yuan Yuan, were in charge of the estate’s horticulture.

Ms. Liu, arranging fresh flowers inside, smiled and said, “He called and said he won’t be back for two days and even gave us bonuses. Looks like a new master is coming soon.” “Maybe more than one,” the butler said, suddenly having a thought. “Xiao Liu, after you finish arranging these flowers, please tidy up the nursery.” “Okay, okay,” she replied eagerly. Huo Siyuan was speechless. He didn’t dare mention that his little uncle’s partner might be a man—he’d just be wasting his breath. Judging from the household’s joyful atmosphere, everyone was seriously invested in his little uncle’s lifelong happiness.

“I won’t keep you from work,” Huo Siyuan said, “Let me know when my uncle’s back.” “Will do, Third Young Master.” Just as he was about to leave, the door monitor beeped with a robotic voice: “Yan B85005, welcome home.” The butler and Ms. Liu froze. “Isn’t that the master’s car he drove away in yesterday?” Ms. Liu asked. To prepare fully for their master’s return, the front monitor would instantly notify them. The butler chuckled nervously, “Maybe they went to Jianhai and didn’t need the car, so the driver brought it back. I’ll check.” He walked to the monitor and froze, seeing their master’s familiar face behind the wheel, his smile frozen. Huo Siyuan came over and saw the icy expression. He immediately sensed trouble.

“I’ve got to go. Don’t tell my uncle I was here. I’ll come back next time to say hi,” Huo Siyuan said in one breath and dashed out the back door before the butler could respond. His curiosity about his uncle’s partner was killing him, but he dared not ask or snoop. He had to set his curiosity aside and hang out with friends.

At the friend’s meeting spot, Huo Siyuan handed his car keys to the valet and was just about to enter when he caught sight of a familiar figure entering the coffee shop next door. He quickly lowered his sunglasses. Once his vision cleared, he confirmed it was his uncle’s partner. Haha, it wasn’t him snooping—it was his uncle’s partner walking right into him.

After Xi Shi signed the contract with the tech wizard, the latter started discussing technical matters with Xie He. Understanding nothing, Xi Shi went down to the café to treat the employees working overtime because of this. Just as he was about to order, someone approached the counter and said to the barista, “Beautiful, I’m paying for this handsome guy’s order.” Xi Shi was speechless.

He turned to see Third Young Master Huo from yesterday at Tianhe Mansion’s elevator, who waved at him, “Hi.” No good deed goes unpunished. Xi Shi hadn’t forgotten his reaction to Jing Chen yesterday. Facing a potential rival, he coldly looked away and said, “No need, I’ve got my own money.” Huo Siyuan thought Xi Shi must see him as a lecher and hurriedly said, “No hidden meaning—I just want to be friends.” Xi Shi thought, yeah right, and ignored him. He ordered seven coffees and several desserts and snacks.

This little auntie sure had personality. Huo Siyuan’s curiosity grew stronger.

The café offered an 8.8% discount to university students. Seeing Xi Shi pull out a student ID, Huo Siyuan’s eyes widened, and he blurted, “Are you a student at Yan University?” “You guess,” Xi Shi replied. “…” Yeah, guess what? The student card is right there.

Seeing Huo Siyuan’s stunned expression, Xi Shi asked, “So shocked?” The last time Jing Chen found out he was a Yan University student, he was just as surprised. Did he really look that un-student-like?

More than just shocked, Huo Siyuan opened his mouth, then struggled to find his voice. “No, I just remembered—I have a cousin also at Yan University, a freshman probably still at military training base now.” Xi Shi said, “Then your cousin’s just as awesome as me.” “…” Huo Siyuan, seeing no reaction, dared not reveal who his cousin really was.

He sensed there were many secrets between his future aunt and little uncle. If he accidentally pierced one, he’d definitely get a scolding from his uncle. Who would have thought his little uncle, quiet for thirty years, would suddenly erupt like this?

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