Translated by Eve
Edited by Kara
Thank you Lin for the kofi đ
As soon as Song Jiabao spoke, everyoneâs eyes had already gathered onto Xiao Yuanmu.
Xiao Yuanmuâs entrance earlier had attracted a lot of gazes. Although the stars of the argument were Song Jiabao and Song Xuanhe, people would still occasionally glance at him. After all, humans were forever chasers of beauty. It was very difficult to control oneself when faced with someone so beautiful.
Therefore, when they heard this piece of gossip regarding the rich, the peopleâs gazes on Xiao Yuanmu became even more enthusiastic than theirs had been on Song Xuanhe when his identity had been revealed.
People would occasionally hear of gossip regarding the rich and powerful on the news. However, theyâd never heard of this kind of âTyrannical President forcing someone to be their loverâ story before.
The reception hall was in complete pin-drop silence. Neither Song Xuanhe nor Xiao Yuanmu spoke either.
When Song Jiabao saw this, he smiled maliciously. He asked, âWas I mistaken?â
Song Xuanhe barked out a cold laugh. He was about to speak when he saw Xiao Yuanmu come over. The other then stood in front of him, naturally pulled Song Xuanheâs hand out of Guo Taoâs, and held it in his own.This series of actions were quick and smooth. Everyoneâs eyes followed Xiao Yuanmu, finally settling on his and Song Xuanheâs intertwined hands in the end.
Xiao Yuanmu didnât even bother glancing at Song Jiabao. He looked at Guo Tao and said in a flat tone, âYou should let go if youâre done greeting.â
Everyone: âŚ.
Since the beginning, Song Xuanhe hadnât felt anything, being stared at like this. But now that his hand was being held by Xiao Yuanmu in front of everyone, he suddenly felt uncomfortable.
Song Xuanhe struggled for a moment, wanting to pull his hand away. However, although it didnât look like Xiao Yuanmu was using much force, Song Xuanhe could not throw off his hold.
There were too many people here, and Song xiao shaoye cared about keeping up appearances. So, he could only purse his lips and look away. He said to Guo Tao, âI didnât know that Song Jiabao was your partner. If I had known, I would have given you a heads-up. If you were to suffer losses later on, Iâd feel responsible.â
Xiao Yuanmu and Song Xuanhe didnât look at Song Jiabao even once. They didnât reply to his question either. Despite that, no one believed what Song Jiabao had said just now.
Just by seeing the natural way that they interacted with each other, as long as you werenât blind, youâd know that what Song Jiabao had said, that Song Xuanhe had âused his familyâs influence to force Xiao Yuanmu to be with himâ was complete baloney.
Would a man who was being forced assert his place as the boyfriend, just because he had seen another person hold his partnerâs hand for a few seconds?
Moreover, if they hadnât seen wrong, the one who was struggling to get out of the otherâs hold was the Song Groupâs little young master. If you had told them that it was this tall, handsome man who was forcing Song Xiao Shaoye to be with him, well, it would be more believable. Song Xiao Shaoye forcing the other man though was a ridiculous idea.
Furthermore, there was such a strong, lovey-dovey air between them. Could a couple, where one party was being forced, emit such an aura?
It was one thing for Song Jiabao to lie through his teeth, but did he take them for fools as well?
However, Song xiao shaoyeâs skill in provoking people was indeed great. Wasnât this saying that Song Jiabaoâs newly opened company would eventually lose money and go bankrupt?
When Guo Tao heard this, his smile froze. Although he and Song Xuanhe were both rich second generations and had also been roommates in university, the differences between their familial situations were vastly different. They each had their own social circles, so they actually werenât that close. They were just a bit closer than ordinary schoolmates would be.
Guo Tao was not very happy to hear Song Xuanhe say such a thing on the day of his companyâs opening reception. However, he was a smooth fellow and didnât show any of his discontent. Instead, he played it off and joked, âHeâs just a small investor. Of course I wouldnât have specifically mentioned him. I heard that you really like to drink RomanĂŠe-Conti. I just so happen to have a bottle. Iâve been meaning to give it to you as a gift. Iâll have someone bring it to you when you leave.â
Song Xuanheâs eyes lit up at that. The only thing he had in common with the original host was their love of wine. The difference was that the original host loved collecting wine while Song Xuanhe loved tasting wine. This world was about the same as his own whether it was history, technology, or the division of the countriesâ borders. Therefore, the famous wineries in his original world were famous here as well.
âOkay.â Song Xuanheâs eyes curved into a smile. He hadnât really cared about Guo Tao before and thus didnât plan on meddling, but since the other was gifting him a bottle of wine, it would only do to reciprocate. At the very least, he could not just stand-by while he got screwed over.
Song Xuanhe pulled Xiao Yuanmu, who wouldnât let go, forward half a step. He whispered in Guo Taoâs ears, âThereâs something wrong with Song Jiabaoâs initial investment. Iâd recommend you check it out.â
Guo Tao was startled. He subconsciously cast a look at the livid Song Jiabao and then quietly asked Song Xuanhe, âReally?â
Song Xuanhe wanted to say something else, but Xiao Yuanmu pushed down on his shoulder and pulled him back a bit. He turned to glare at Xiao Yuanmu and then said to Guo Tao, âPayment for the wine.â
After that, he nodded to Guo Tao and then pulled Xiao Yuanmu towards Zhou Nanâs direction.
Guo Tao stood in place, bewildered and uncertain. Although he wasnât that close to Song Xuanhe, he also knew that the other was not the type to lie to him. However, the matter of the initial investmentâŚalthough he was a partner, he wasnât involved with this. So even if something was wrong on Song Jiabaoâs end, it shouldnât affect him.
But, Song Xuanhe had gone out of his way to give him a heads-up. This meant that things were not as simple as he thought.
The wine he had gifted Song Xuanhe was meant to bring them a bit closer so that the other would be more amiable to discussions later on. Although that particular dry red wine wasnât very old, its auction price still would reach six figures. That meant that the value of the information Song Xuanhe had given him was still yet to be seen.
Song Xuanhe didnât care what Guo Tao was thinking after he had given his warning. But when he looked at the furious Song Jiabao, he paused and said, âCousin, although Uncle has brought another son home, you donât have to feel too heartbroken over it. After all, old people like children. As a son, you should be sympathetic to the old. Donât be so headstrong.â
After saying this, Song Xuanhe patted Song Jiabaoâs shoulder. If you hadnât just seen him mercilessly tear into Song Jiabao, youâd have thought that they were actually on good terms.
Song Jiabaoâs expression worsened upon hearing this. When he spoke, it sounded like each word was being squeezed out from between his teeth. âSong Xuanhe, donât act so pleased with yourself. Who cares if you think of yourself as the successor of the Song Group? In the end, your familyâs company will belong to Song Xuanlin. When the time comes, you wonât fare any better than me.â
Song Xuanhe took his hand back and sighed as if feeling sorry for the other. âCousin, you donât have to worry. Iâve never had any desire to take over the company. Why would I bother if someone else is willing to take care of me? When the time comes, the shares Iâll inherit will be enough for me to live in luxury. Although you donât have any full siblings, half-brothers are still family. Guide the one who was brought back well. Perhaps the little one will be willing to give you a share.â
Every word stabbed at Song Jiabaoâs heart like knives. They exposed his darkest fear and what he cared about the most. He glared at Song Xuanhe, gaze dripping with poison. If it wasnât because he still had his reason, he would be itching to hack him into pieces.
Song Xuanhe met Song Jiabaoâs gaze with an innocent smile. He pointed to the back and said, âCousin is the host. There are still guests. Iâll do my own thing over here.â
Xiao Yuanmu watched the whole thing quietly. He saw Song Xuanhe sneer and deride Song Jiabao, saw him put on an act, and saw him pretend to be innocent despite being unable to hide how his eyes exposed how pleased he was with himself. As Xiao Yuanmu watched Song Xuanhe and Song Jiabao cross verbal swords, a faint but genuine smile appeared on his lips.
He had nearly forgotten just how long it had been since he had been this happy.
Was it since his first rebirth, or when his parents had begged him to concede the successor position to his younger brother, who had nearly killed him, or when the Xiao Familyâs relatives had been splitting hairs with the board of directorsâthey had shed the grace and calm they showed to the outside and had nearly resorted to violence over a tiny bit of profit.
He had already gotten used to finding happiness in business instead. He would feel accomplished every time he won a deal. But, those accomplishments were made up of too many things. The parts that could make you happy were miniscule to the point where he could barely feel it.
He had been so unhappy that, when he had just woken up, a strange feeling of satisfaction and joy had accompanied both the unfamiliar and familiar memories. It made him feel like everything wasnât real. He had even subconsciously tried to suppress that strange feeling, to face the world he would soon open his eyes to with the most vigilant and rational approach that he could have.
However, what he had now suddenly realized was that there was nothing wrong with these memories. Regardless of what kind of person Song Xuanhe had been, at least his existence now could make him feel happiness.
Even if this happiness were to disappear in the near-future, that didnât mean he couldnât enjoy it nowâenjoy the strange, uncertain, but genuine emotion.
Xiao Yuanmu was pulled over to Zhou Nanâs table by Song Xuanhe. When Zhou Nan caught sight of their intertwined hands, he couldnât help but scoff. He said to Song Xuanhe, âYouâre abusing the single dogs or even slaughtering them right now. Canât you have a shred of sympathy for us?â
Song Xuanhe only then remembered that he was still holding hands with Xiao Yuanmu. He quickly pulled his hand away. He didnât think that this time, it would be so easy to get free. It had been so easy that Song Xuanhe couldnât help but look up at Xiao Yuanmu.
Catching his gaze, Xiao Yuanmu withdrew his smile. He peered downwards and said in a cool voice, âWhatâs wrong?â
âNothing.â Song Xuanhe looked away. He picked up a glass containing an iced cocktail from a passing waiter with his hand from which he could still feel Xiao Yuanmuâs body heat. The icy liquid drained down his throat. Only then did he look up and say with a slightly cold voice, âDonât grab my hand so casually like that again.â
Xiao Yuanmu held back all emotions in his eyes. You could not tell what he was feeling. His clear and cool voice carried an innocent tone, however. âArenât we a couple?â
Song Xuanhe was speechless at that. Honestly speaking, he really didnât think that they were a couple. Although they had kissed, and they lived together, the kiss had been forced, and what couple had separate rooms? At most, they were roommates.
Moreover, he hadnât thought that Xiao Yuanmu would ever admit to being a couple with him.
Song Xuanhe didnât speak, but Zhou Nan couldnât keep watching this. He thought that Xiao Yuanmu was much better than those messes who Song Xuanhe used to date. At least this one seemed like a decent person. Although he seemed a little cold, his neither servile nor overbearing attitude was very good. He made quite a good match with Song Xuanhe.
When he first saw Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmu, he had been a bit skeptical about their relationship seeing how they werenât particularly intimate. However, after seeing what had happened at Qian Qinâs birthday party and today, his doubt had been completely dispelled. Although they were not as sticky as other couples, the air around them was the same. Although Zhou Nan could not say that he was extremely experienced, he still had more experience in the love department than the average person. It was impossible for him to mistake this.
It was just that there was something Zhou Nan had been curious about lately. In the rumours and from what heâd personally seen before, it had been Song Xuanhe who had chased after Xiao Yuanmu. But looking at them now, it appeared that Xiao Yuanmu liked Song Xuanhe more. Meanwhile, Song Xuanhe was a bit cold to Xiao Yuanmu.
Based on what he knew of Song Xuanheâs history, he knew that the other would only ever be interested for a short amount of time. He guessed that Song Xuanhe was already bored of Xiao Yuanmu.
When Zhou Nan thought of this, he couldnât help but say, âThatâs right. Itâs normal for lovers to hold hands. What are you grumbling and acting all embarrassed about?â
Xiao Yuanmu was probably the best partner that Song Er, this fellow, could ever find. After all, everyone knew that Song Er dated people based on their appearances. Xiao Yuanmuâs appearance was the peak of human beauty. At least, Zhou Nan had never seen a celebrity more good-looking than him. If Song Er were to annoy the other to the point of breaking up, it would be really difficult to win Xiao Yuanmu back.
As his friend, Zhou Nan thought that it was his responsibility to warn Song Xuanhe.
However, Song Xuanhe didnât seem to understand his good intentions. He retorted, âWho said lovers had to hold hands? I donât like it. Donât hold my hand for no reason ever again.â
Zhou Nan coughed twice. When he saw Song Xuanhe glance at him, he gave him a look with his eyes.
Song Xuanhe didnât understand what Zhou Nan was trying to say with his eyes. His gaze fell on him for two seconds before moving away.
Xiao Yuanmuâs eyes fell on Song Xuanheâs slightly red ears. He then quietly said, âOkay.â
There was no discontent in his expression or voice. There was even a bit of warmth in his eyes as he gazed downwards. Zhou Nanâs expression froze for two seconds. Now he knew why people said not to interfere in other peopleâs relationships.
In this couple, one was willing to attack, and the other was willing to take it. Neither would appreciate his efforts.
Zhou Nan rolled his eyes and finished his drink in one go. He then said, âIâm going to head over there. Wonât disturb you two anymore.â
Song Xuanhe glanced at him, expression dull. He didnât even pretend to urge Zhou Nan to stay. He just said, âGo quickly.â
Zhou Nan gnashed his teeth. He understood why Song Jiabao hated Song Er, this youngster. If he had known this earlier, he would have helped and cheered for Song Jiabao to put this youngster in his place a bit.
When Song Xuanhe saw that Zhou Nan hadnât moved despite saying that he was going to leave, he couldnât help but ask, âArenât you leaving?â
Zhou Nan: âŚ.
âIâm going!â
Song Xuanhe couldnât stop himself from smiling when he saw Zhou Nan stomping off in anger. Zhou Nan was really like one of his childhood friends from his original world. His words were sharp, but his heart was warm. As long as he considered you one of his own, he would never hold a grudge against you. But, itâs exactly because of this trait that they would very easily be stabbed in the back by someone close to them.
His only childhood friend, who had also been his best friend, had died because of that.
That stupid fellow hadnât showed any hatred nor had he acted upset right until his death. When he had breathed his last, he still had remembered to remind Song Xuanhe to take care of himself. He told him that being alive was actually a wonderful thing.
Song Xuanhe didnât know if living was wonderful or not. All he knew was that the last person he could fully trust had left him.
Song Xuanhe looked away and dismissed his memories from back then. He focused on waiting for the plot to begin.
He didnât want Zhou Nan to stay here. He had ushered the other away because of the upcoming scene. Today was the first and only time Xiao Yuanmu would feel anotherâs kindness since getting together with Song Xuanhe.
Song Xuanhe kept drinking his alcohol. The empty cocktails were whisked away by the waiters. A short moment later, he would grab another glass from another passing waiter. The alcohol content of the cocktails was not high. Although he had drunk quite a number of glasses, he didnât feel the slightest bit tipsy.
Xiao Yuanmu watched as Song Xuanhe lowered his gaze, thinking about who knows what. The other drank glass after glass. Although Xiao Yuanmu could not read any expression from the otherâs face, he could tell that the other was feeling very unwell.
Nothing had happened just now. That meant the source of his upset was whatever Song Xuanhe was thinking of. So, just what was it that was making him look so weak and lonely?
Was it because of someone or something?
Song Xuanhe grabbed another drink. Xiao Yuanmuâs eyebrows furrowed slightly. He was about to grab the glass out of his hands, but before he could move, a familiar silhouette appeared in his line of view.
At the same time, the Systemâs voice rang in Song Xuanheâs head:ăXiao Yuanmuâs white moonlight has appeared. Heâs behind you. Heâll reach you two in less than five seconds.ă
âWhite Moonlightâ was something Song Xuanhe had taught the System. Originally, the System hadnât understood, but after searching the internet, it discovered that this term was very fitting. Therefore, from then on, it would use the moniker, âWhite Moonlight,â to refer to Bai Mo.
Song Xuanhe put down the glass, rubbing the bottom of it with his finger. He had yet to take his hand back when he felt someone come up from behind him, stopping next to him.
A clear, rich voice sounded next to him. âMay I ask if you are Song ershao, Song Xuanhe?â
Song Xuanhe turned his head and saw the appearance of the person who had been speaking. It was a fairly good-looking but still ordinary-looking young man. Probably because the other had very pale skin, when he wore a suit, he looked even younger.
Seeing that Song Xuanhe wasnât speaking, Bai Mo blinked. âSong ershao?â
Song Xuanhe brought his gaze back and smiled. âThatâs me.â
Bai Mo sighed in relief, seeing that he hadnât been mistaken. He smiled. âI thought I spoke to the wrong person. Yuan ge has a bottle of wine stored in my fatherâs wine cellar. He wanted my father to give it to you, but Father had something pop up, so I came to let you know. Just come find me when you are ready to leave.â
âThank you.â The corner of Song Xuanheâs lips rose. He asked, âAre you President Baiâs son?â
Bai Mo nodded. When he smiled, two tiger teeth were revealed. âYes. My name is Bai Mo, the Mo from âend.â Iâve been abroad for school and have just returned.â
Song Xuanhe nodded and heard Bai Mo continue. âWhoâs your friend?â
Xiao Yuanmuâs gaze was dark. He hid the inscrutable emotion in his eyes and then slightly curled his lips into a smile. âHello, Iâm Xiao Yuanmu.â
Bai Mo widened his eyes slightly, making his average face look a bit cute. He smiled. âYuanmu? Your parents must really love you to give you a name like that.â
Xiao Yuanmu lowered his gaze and said in an indifferent tone, âIâm an orphan.â
âIâm sorry.â Bai Mo immediately apologized and then said, âRegardless, I think that the person who gave you that name must have loved you a lot. And, you have already met the expectations of the person who picked out your name.â
Xiao Yuanmuâs gaze fell onto Bai Mo. A long time later, a faint smile appeared on his face. âIs that so?â
âOf course.â Bai Mo smiled back. âUnlike my name. They called me Bai Mo just because Iâm the youngest. How half-hearted.â
Xiao Yuanmuâs lips quirked up. Song Xuanhe looked away, a passage of text that heâd already seen before emerged in his head. ăWhenever he recalled this, a light would burst through his endless dark memories, causing Xiao Yuanmuâs heart, which he had hidden away, to remember that pure kindness that had not been tainted with any desires for profit or pity.ă
âRight.â Bai Mo turned to look at Song Xuanhe and smiled. âI heard that you liked to collect wine. I have several bottles of collectorâs editions. When you go pick up your wine, I can take you over there. I heard that you have a huge collection as well. If itâs convenient, can I come see your wine cellar?â
Bai Moâs voice was mellow with a liveliness to it that only young people had. It made him seem all the more younger and made it easy for people to develop goodwill towards him. It was very hard to reject this request, especially because he wasnât asking for much.
However, Song Xuanhe flashed a smile back and mercilessly rejected him. âItâs inconvenient.â
Bai Mo was startled, having been rejected. But, there was neither resentment nor awkwardness on his face. Instead, he scratched his face, embarrassed. He said, âSorry, I guess I asked for something I shouldnât have.â
Song Xuanhe nodded slightly as if agreeing that the otherâs words just now had been really rude.
But, Bai Mo showed no signs of anger. He laughed. âRegardless, I hope that you can help me take a look at the wines when you go get yours. Father says that you are very insightful when it comes to wine, so I was hoping you could help me differentiate the wines we bought.â
He was very polite, his voice carrying a bit of a fawning tone. But, Song Xuanhe showed him no consideration. He said, âSorry, I donât have the time.â
At that moment, Bai Moâs expression changed slightly. He pressed his lips into a straight line. Although he was upset at having been rejected twice, he still smiled and said, âWe met for the first time today. Indeed, Iâm acting too familiar. Since itâs like this, I wonât bother Song shao anymore. Remember to call for me when you want to get the wine.â
Song Xuanhe nodded, unenthusiastic. His expression was one of indifference. He didnât say anything else to the other.
Bai Mo smiled helplessly. He turned to look at Xiao Yuanmu and flashed his two tiger teeth. He said, âMr. Xiao, letâs meet again if we have the chance.â
Eve: Announcement~ (1) New release schedule will be Sun/Tues/Thurs (3x!). (2) I have added Patreon tiers for RMLE. Check out my Patreon for early release chapters and to support me <3.
Kara: He better not come anywhere near our Mumu!! (ภâ˘Ě_â˘Ě)ภMumu is SXHâs only!! I also donât think this Bai Mo is as pure of a white moonlight as the story makes him out to beâŚ..Someone who hides their feelings so easily is not that simpleâŚ.ďźďż˘Đˇďż˘ďź
