Translated by Eve
Edited by Kara
Thank you Loki_Niflheim for the kofi! đ
Guan Zhi was someone who always did as he said. He called Song Xuanhe only two days after the bowling night, wanting to go out and eat with him. However, no one picked up even after he had called several times.
At that time, Song Xuanhe had just gotten off work and was going to meet up with Xiao Shenglin. He hadnât expected to bump into the indifferent-faced Xiao Yuanmu as well as Song Jiani, who he hadnât seen in a long time, at the door.
Just as his phone rang, Song Jiani caught sight of him. She headed over to him and hugged his arm. âXuanhe gege, Auntie said that we should all have a meal together.â
After she said this, she cast a disdainful and proud glance at the tall Xiao Yuanmu, who stood a few feet away. Xiao Yuanmu didnât pay any attention to her expression. His eyes were on Song Xuanhe, who was obviously losing his patience.
His gaze was focused on the hard leather book in Song Xuanheâs hands. His gaze darkened slightly, and he asked, âWhere are you going?â
Song Xuanhe pulled his arm out of Song Jianiâs grasp. He then declined the call from the unknown number. He replied, âI have something going on. About to go eat with someone else.â
When Song Jiani heard this, she pouted, âAuntie said that you had to come back and eat today! She even specifically had me come get you.ââMy mother never mentioned this to me.â Song Xuanhe gave her a cool glance. Actually, he had no idea why Song Jiani was so obstinate. Even his cold words had only made her disappear for a short while. Soon after, she had already made her comeback.
Was liking someone really supposed to be this terrifying?
Song Xuanhe frowned unobtrusively. He secretly rejoiced in the fact that he himself was in love with his art and thus above all of this.
Xiao Yuanmu watched as Song Xuanheâs eyebrows furrowed and then relaxed. He didnât know what the other was thinking about. Song Xuanhe looked like he was vexed one second but then like he was relieved in the next. A flicker of a smile flashed through Xiao Yuanmuâs eyes. However, when he thought about how the other had mercilessly humiliated him on the phone a few days ago, only for some rich merchant from outside of town to donate to the orphanage for seemingly no reason the next day, his smile turned into a probing look.
Song Xuanhe didnât notice Xiao Yuanmuâs expression. He stepped to one side, widening the distance between himself and Song Jiani. When he saw her lips part as if she was about to speak, he cut her off coldly. âI have something to do. If you want to eat, eat by yourself. Donât follow me. Furthermore, youâre no longer an employee of this company. Donât run over here completely uncalled for again.â
Song Xuanhe then left. He passed through several groups of employees, who had purposely slowed down to listen to the gossip. He then waved over the security department chief, who was standing nearby.
The security department chief quickly made his way over. âYoung Mr. Song, do you have any orders?â
Song Xuanhe gestured in Song Jianiâs direction with his head. In a cold tone, he said, âThat woman doesnât work here. Donât randomly let her in next time.â
The security department chief was taken aback. For him to have this position, he naturally had his own connections. He might not know the other people in the company, but he knew who in the company were connected to the executives. He recognized all of them. After all, to keep his job, he had to make sure that he didnât offend anyone he couldnât afford to offend.
The previous security department chief had earnestly advised him to never offend the young lady Song.
When he had heard that Miss Song had quit, he had found it strange. He hadnât expected that she had offended the little master of the company. However, how can he stop her with her identity?
âThatâŠ.â The security department chief hesitated. He wondered why he hadnât just pretended that he hadnât seen Song Xuanhe beckoning for him. He had wanted to give off a good impression in front of the little master, but in the end, he ended up being shoved into the heart of the struggle. âThe shot hits the bird that sticks his head out.â The ancient people who created that saying got it right.
Before the security department chief could speak, Song Jiani had already walked over with red eyes. She gripped her bag tightly, the sharp, fine, diamond studs digging into her flesh. âSong Xuanhe! Do you really hate me that much?!â
âIs it because of that man, who wonât even be accepted by the Song Family?â Song Jiani pointed at Xiao Yuanmu. Her expression was full of indignation as she looked at Song Xuanhe. âYouâre treating me like this because of him?â
Song Xuanhe glanced at Xiao Yuanmu, who she was pointing at. The otherâs expression was calm, but for some reason, he seemed to make out a hidden darkness in the otherâs eyes.
When he thought of what Song Jianiâs fate had been in the book, Song Xuanhe sighed inwardly, âSheâs just looking for trouble, and troubleâs going to kick her in the ass.â
However, Song Xuanhe didnât feel any sympathy or friendship towards her. He had already warned her before. He had no obligation to do anything more for Song Jiani, who would only harm him in the future. However, he would not aggravate the situation either.
âWhat does this have to do with him?â Song Xuanhe declined the call again, his tone that of impatience and indifference. âEven without him, I would never like you.â
âI donât believe you!â Song Jiani raised her head. She didnât let her tears fall. She watched as Song Xuanhe declined yet another call and sobbed, âAuntie really did tell me to bring you to dinner. But if you have other plans, Iâll tell Auntie. Why do you have to say such hurtful things? You just have to agree to having a meal with me next time.â
Song Xuanhe realized that his and Song Jianiâs mind didnât work the same way. He gave up on arguing with her and simply passed by her on his way out.
âUnless you agree to have a meal with me, I wonât let you go!â
Song Jiani rushed over and stood in front of Song Xuanhe, blocking off his path. She had a stubborn look in her eye.
However, Song Xuanhe didnât speak. Instead, a chilly voice came from behind her. It was cold and hateful. âHeâs my boyfriend. Why does he have to eat with you?â
It wasnât only Song Jiani who was surprised, even Song Xuanhe hadnât expected Xiao Yuanmu to speak out right now.
However, before he could think about it, he saw Song Jiani turn around, obviously provoked. She raised her hand, wanting to hit Xiao Yuanmuâs face. Her actions were so quick that they caught Song Xuanhe unprepared.
But, Xiao Yuanmuâs actions had been even quicker. He grabbed hold of Song Jianiâs wrist and pushed her backwards. There was no change in his expression.
Song Jiani hadnât expected Xiao Yuanmu to have the gall to push her. After steadying herself, she didnât let the matter go. Song Xuanhe could see the undisguised chill in Xiao Yuanmuâs eyes and felt his back go cold. He pulled Song Jiani back and asked, âWhat are you trying to do?!â
âIâm going to kill that vixen!â Song Jianiâs eyes were red, and her voice was sharp. âThe one you should like is me!â
Song Xuanhe knew that she wouldnât listen to reason. When he thought about how Xiao Yuanmu wasnât one to take abuse anyway and how Song Xuanhe had already done so much for Song Jiani, he simply let go of her. âDo whatever you want then.â
He hadnât expected for Song Jiani to grab his arm. She softened her voice. âI wonât hit him anymore. Donât be angry, okay?â
Song Xuanheâs eyebrows furrowed slightly. He wanted to throw her off, but Song Jiani was holding onto him with all her strength and wouldnât let go. If he forcefully pulled his arm away, Song Jiani would definitely fall.
However, Song Jianiâs nails were digging into his skin. It hurt.
âLet go.â
âI wonât let go. Donât be angry. Donât ignore me.â Song Jiani said in a pitiful tone, eyes red.
If the spectators hadnât known that Xiao Yuanmu and Song Xuanhe were a couple, they would have thought that Song Xuanhe and Song Jiani were in the middle of a loverâs quarrel right now.
Xiao Yuanmu stared at the two peopleâs tightly entwined arms. His eyes turned dark and frosty.
Song Jiani squeezed harder and harder. Her nails digging into Song Xuanheâs arm caused more and more pain. He endured and endured it, but in the end, he couldnât take it anymore and threw her off.
He hadnât expected Song Jiani to actually let go but then grab his other arm instead. Song Xuanhe had his sketchbook in his other hand, so he subconsciously tried to protect it so that she wouldnât tear it.
Unexpectedly, following Song Jianiâs forceful pull, the sketchbook in his hand ended up flying out of his hands and landing open face-up less than three metres away from where Xiao Yuanmu stood.
On the sketch paper was a drawing of a man who looked icily arrogant. He was looking at the world with a frosty look of disdain. His slightly lowered eyelashes were very fine, and his slightly pursed lips emitted a lonely, frigid air.
In that moment, the entire room went silent. Then, whispers arose all around.
âIsnât that Xiao Yuanmu in that drawing?â
âIt really looks like him, especially the eyes and eyebrows. However, the expressionâs a bit different.â
âItâs definitely Xiao Yuanmu. You can tell right away. Besides, itâs Mr. Songâs sketchbook. Who else would it be except for his boyfriend?â
âWhen Mr. Song was pursuing Xiao Yuanmu, he had been so grandiose. When they got together, he had calmed down quite a lot. I hadnât seen them together very much as of late, so I had thought they had broken up. Seeing this drawing though, I realize that I definitely thought too much. If being able to draw him this vividly didnât mean he liked him, what would?â
Everyone agreed. Only one person said quietly, âAm I the only person who wonders why Young Mr. Song draws so well? Like it even looks professional.â
Everyone else was focused on gossiping about Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmuâs relationship. They were also concentrating on the scene before them. Therefore, they all ignored this quiet voice.
Even people standing further away had seen it. Xiao Yuanmu, who was standing the closest to it, had obviously seen it all the more clearly.
When he saw the picture of him, he had been shocked for a moment. Because this was indeed him but not the version of himself that he showed Song Xuanhe. Regardless of whether it had been the previous him prior to his rebirth or the current him, who had put on a facade, he had never shown this side to Song Xuanhe before.
He was very familiar with that cold, aloof, proud version of himself. However, there was also a hint of weakness and apprehension that Song Xuanhe had so easily captured in this drawing. It was a side to himself that Xiao Yuanmu had never seen before.
Xiao Yuanmu lowered his gaze slightly. He had seen the other drawing Song Xuanhe had of him in the otherâs study. In that drawing, the manâs aura was still cold, but there was still a hint of pure warmth left in his eyes. Although he had turned up his nose to that drawing, after seeing his past self in his memories, he couldnât help but admit that Song Xuanhe had very accurately captured his pre-reborn selfâs aura and emotions.
It couldnât be that this was what he looked like in Song Xuanheâs eyes? Or rather, is this what the current him looked like to Song Xuanhe?
Xiao Yuanmu was lost in thought. Meanwhile, when Song Jiani saw this picture, she was so angry that her face turned red. She crawled over, wanting to steal the sketchbook from Xiao Yuanmuâs hand and tear up the picture. However, as soon as she had lifted her hand, Xiao Yuanmu grabbed hold of her wrist again.
This time, Xiao Yuanmu didnât hold back when he threw her off. He let her fall to the ground and then gazed down at her. With a chilly voice, he said, âI donât make it a habit to hit women.â
The crowd, who had still been preoccupied with the drawing of Xiao Yuanmu that Song Xuanhe had done, burst out into a hubbub. They hadnât thought that Xiao Yuanmu, who had no background to lean on, would dare to push Song Jiani.
A male employee couldnât watch this idly and scolded him for not knowing how to treat women kindly. They chided him for actually raising his hand against a woman. However, as soon as that male employee had spoken, a nearby female employee answered back in a dissatisfied tone. âXiao Yuanmu and Young Mr. Song are openly together. Meanwhile, Song Jiani came over here, trying to become the other woman. She was even arrogant enough to try to hit Xiao Yuanmu. All Xiao Yuanmu did was push her a bit. Thatâs still considered not being nice to women? What, is he supposed to just let her hit him?â
Other people agreed. âYeah, besides, Xiao Yuanmu didnât even hurt her. He just pushed her a bit.â
Someone else said, âSong Jianiâs a girl. She isnât that strong to begin with. A slap wouldnât hurt all that much. He pushed her hard though. You can imagine how much it must have hurt just by hearing the sound she made when she fell. You guys are just saying this, because youâre jealous of Song Jianiâs beauty, arenât you?â
âWhy donât you go help then?â Someone sneered. âAnd, you were saying that Xiao Yuanmu has an unfair advantage over Song Jiani because sheâs a girl? Doesnât Song Jiani also have an unfair advantage over Xiao Yuanmu because he has no family background to rely on?â
The employeesâ argument went back and forth. However, Song Xuanhe didnât hear any of it. That was because, the moment Song Jiani fell, the executive elevator a short distance away had opened. Song Guochao, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, walked out. He had seen Xiao Yuanmu shove Song Jiani.
âWhat are you doing?!â
Song Guochao roared, walking over with large strides. He motioned for his assistant to help Song Jiani up. He didnât look at Song Xuanhe and simply said to Xiao Yuanmu, âThis is a company. Which department are you in? You actually dare to hit someone in broad daylight! From tomorrow on, you donât need to come back!â
Song Xuanhe, who had been ignored, snorted. He knew that he wouldnât be able to make his appointment today. With that, he truly became angry.
Song Xuanheâs gaze fell on the human resources department chief, who was a few paces behind Song Guochao. He asked, âDepartment Chief Sun, did you hand over your work to Mr. Song?â
Department Chief Sun shivered upon being looked at by such a cold gaze. He cursed himself for having such bad luck, but he still smiled apologetically. âOf course not.â
âThen, why is Mr. Song capable of firing an employee with a single word?â Song Xuanhe cocked his brow, voice dripping with ice. âAnd, here I thought that you were about to quit and leave.â
Department Chief Sun was startled into breaking out into a cold sweat by these two calm sentences. He promptly said, âFiring an employeeâŠalthough weâre the human resources department, we also have to communicate with the executives of said employeeâs department. I canât just fire someone because I say so.â
âIs that so?â Song Xuanhe walked over to Xiao Yuanmu and faced Song Guochao, ridiculing the latter. âI didnât know that Mr. Song had been transferred to the venture investment division? Are you making such bold changes as soon as you have taken office? Is this just the first change?â
Song Guochaoâs expression darkened. In the past, Song Xuanhe would have taken into consideration the time and place when he quarrelled with him. Usually, it would only be at home, in the meeting room, or in the offices where only the executives who knew of their situation were present. He hadnât expected that Song Xuanhe would actually shed all pretense of cordiality here in public and leave him no way of getting out of this situation.
âWhat?â Song Guochao said in a heavy voice, âDo I not even have the right to fire an employee?â
Song Xuanhe raised a brow. âOf course you have that right. But, I do think youâre using your authority here at this company to take revenge for a private grudge.â
Song Guochao hadnât expected for Song Xuanhe to actually acknowledge his relationship with Xiao Yuanmu in front of so many people. Although same-sex marriage had become legal in China long ago, Song Guochao was still a traditional-minded man. In his eyes, a relationship should be between a man and a woman.
It was a disgrace to the Song Family for Song Xuanhe to be with a man.
âIâm using my authority to take revenge for a private grudge?â Since Song Xuanhe didnât care about his reputation, he wouldnât give him any face. Song Guochao snorted, âI have no grudge against him. Fighting is not allowed in the company. If it happens, the employees involved must be fired. What, does he get special favour, because heâs yours? What will happen to the company if we donât adhere to our rules?â
Song Xuanhe smiled coldly and said, âI hadnât thought that Father would be supportive of seeing other people barging into other peopleâs spaces and trying to steal someone who is already taken. It seems I was wrong.â
When he heard how Song Xuanhe had revealed his scandal, Song Guochao was shocked. Then, his face turned red. He had never expected that Song Xuanhe would mention his scandal shortly after the worst of it had passed!
Song Guochao pointed at Song Xuanhe, his finger shaking. âYou b*stard!â
âEven someone who had raised his first love as his mistress outside for several decades and allowed her to come knocking on his familyâs door isnât considered a b*stard. I donât dare accept that honour.â Song Xuanhe raised a brow. There was a bit of a smile in his curved eyes.
He was really grateful to Song Guochao for giving him this opportunity. Although Song Guochaoâs matter had blown up, only his family and the stockholders knew of the change in his status. The other people in the company hadnât really known about this. If this had continued, when something happened to Song Xuanhe later, Song Guochao would still have been able to act like he had in the novel. He would have been able to choose not to protect him while pretending to still be a loving father.
Even though such a scandal had occurred, those who had not personally witnessed how bad their relationship was would never have thought that Song Guochao was intentionally choosing not to help him. However, everyone here had now witnessed it. Now, when the time came, Song Guochao would be forced to act like a decent person and refrain from causing him more trouble.
In the beginning, he had been vexed, wondering how he should go about letting everyone know that he had already cut ties with Song Guochao.
He hadnât expected that Song Guochao would handle this for him. How could this not make him happy?
A real smile appeared on Song Xuanheâs face. However, from Song Guochaoâs point of view, it was a reflection of the otherâs pride over having ridiculed him in front of everyone. That smile infuriated him immensely.
âYou, you!â When he heard everyone whispering around him, things went dark in Song Guochaoâs vision. He thought that it would be good if he fainted from his anger. However, he had always taken good care of his body. Even though he was so furious, it wasnât enough to make him faint.
Song Xuanhe didnât really want to anger Song Guochao into fainting. If that happened, instead of the victim, heâd become the perpetrator. Therefore, he quit while he was ahead.
He was about to leave. However, when he turned around, he met with Xiao Yuanmuâs eyes. The other was staring at him with serene eyes, his sketchbook still in the taller manâs hand. Song Xuanheâs steps paused. He then grabbed the otherâs arm and started to head outside.
âXuanhe gege!â
Song Jianiâs voice came from behind him. Song Xuanhe pulled Xiao Yuanmu with him, quickening their pace.
Yesterday, he had taken his car to get some maintenance done. For once, Song Xuanhe had woken up early, so he had come to the company with Song Xuanlin. He had originally planned on taking a cab to his appointment and back. However, he hadnât expected for this to have happened.
Standing on the street, Song Xuanhe was at a loss over where to go.
Xiao Yuanmu stared at Song Xuanheâs hand on his arm. The corner of his lips raised a few degrees. âWhere do you want to go?â
As soon as he said this, Song Xuanheâs phone rang again. Song Xuanhe picked up his phone and looked at the caller ID. It was Xiao Shenglin.
âLin zi.â When he thought about how he would miss the dinner with the designer whose work he enjoyed, Song Xuanhe pursed his lips. âSorry. Something happened. I wonât be able to make it tonight.â
âWhatâs wrong?â Xiao Shenglin asked, âDo you need any help?â
âYouâll probably hear about it by nighttime.â When he recalled Song Guochaoâs expression just now, Song Xuanhe smiled. âSorry, can you help me apologize to Feng Tong? Tell him Iâll definitely treat him next time.â
When he heard this name, Xiao Yuanmuâs gaze moved to Song Xuanheâs face.
If he didnât remember incorrectly, Feng Tong was a very renowned new designer. Had Song Xuanhe been taking this sketchbook with him to see Feng Tong?
Song Xuanhe was still chatting with Xiao Shenglin. Xiao Shenglin apologized to Feng Tong for him and said that Feng Tong didnât mind. He also told him that the other had agreed to have a meal together some other time. With that, the call ended.
Xiao Yuanmu watched as Song Xuanheâs expression regained its warmth. The other looked very happy. A sliver of a baffling sense of discomfort arose in his heart. He didnât know why he felt uncomfortable. However, he knew that he really wanted to destroy Song Xuanheâs happy mood.
After Song Xuanhe hung up, his phone rang again.
Song Xuanhe noticed that it was a familiar unknown number. He recalled that this was the fifth time this number had called. The other side probably really had some reason to call him. Therefore, he accepted the call this time. He hadnât expected for Guan Zhiâs furious voice to come through though. âYou promised to eat with me! Why have you been declining my calls!?â
âIf you donât want to eat with me, just tell me! Did you think that I need you to eat with me?! Do you think that I only have you to eat with?!â
Before Song Xuanhe could even speak, Guan Zhi fired off like a machine gun. It felt like the anger-covered bullets had managed to travel through the phone and hit Song Xuanheâs body. âWhy arenât you saying anything?!â
âGreat young master.â Song Xuanhe didnât know whether to laugh or cry. It was actually really hard for him to be angry when faced with Guan Zhi. He could only say, âYou were talking so much, I couldnât interrupt.â
Guan Zhi paused for a few seconds. His tone then eased up a lot. âThen, tell me why you kept declining my call.â
âYouâre calling from an unknown number. Isnât it normal to decline?â Song Xuanhe didnât let Guan Zhi cut in. âSomething was up on my end just now. Weâll eat together next time. I promise not to decline your call.â
Probably because he had just become an adult, and he had always been sheltered, Guan Zhi was very easy to coax. When he heard that something had come up for Song Xuanhe, his anger had vanished. He wasnât rebellious like other kids his age at all.
Not only that, but he was even worried. He asked what had happened and if Song Xuanhe needed any help.
Song Xuanhe told him vaguely that it was a family matter. Guan Zhi was reassured by this. He was then very amenable, agreeing to eat together a few days later. Song Xuanhe sighed in relief. He didnât notice that Xiao Yuanmuâs dark eyes had regained their calm or that his slightly pursed lips had relaxed.
When he finished dealing with Guan Zhi, Song Xuanhe remembered that he was still holding onto Xiao Yuanmuâs hand. He let go of the otherâs hand and went to grab the sketchbook Xiao Yuanmu was holding. However, just as their hands had been about to touch, he saw Xiao Yuanmu raise his hand.
Song Xuanhe paused. He then stood up and looked at Xiao Yuanmu. He was about to ask why the other wasnât giving it back to him. However, as he looked up, he accidentally met with Xiao Yuanmuâs unreadable eyes and swallowed his question back down.
âWho are these designs for?â
This was what Xiao Yuanmu had asked, gaze fixed on Song Xuanhe.
The author has something to say:
Xiao Yuanmu: The measurements for the upper body are right, but the measurements for the pants are a bit off. Letâs measure it again when we go back.
Song Xuanhe: Measure my ass, f*ck you!
Xiao Yuanmu: Yes.
Eve: The emotional roller coaster XYM has makes me, a spectator, tired. LOL
Kara: Aiya, Song Jiani is so annoying. Girl, get a grip, please. Mumu, you donât want to destroy SXHâs happiness; you just want his happiness to come from you instead. HeheïŒ*âââäșșïŒâ„
