Translated by Eve
Edited by Kara
The Deere-Barlow cruise auction just so happened to take place on the winter solstice.
That morning, the Song Family dining table had only had boiled dumplings laid on top of it. However, there had been many different flavours and had, thus, been able to satisfy everyone’s requirements.
Yesterday, Song Xuanhe drank until very late in the night with Zhou Nan. He didn’t have much of an appetite upon waking up. Therefore, he ate a few dumplings and then put down his chopsticks. Similarly, Song Guochao, who was in a perpetual bad mood these days, also didn’t have much of an appetite.After breakfast, Song Xuanhe went back to rest in his room. Shortly after, Zhang Chao informed him that he was already waiting outside. Coincidentally, as he descended the stairs, Song Xuanhe bumped into Song Xuanlin, who was also about to leave.
“Ge.” Song Xuanhe’s eyes curved up into a smile. He greeted his brother in a very lovable tone.
Song Xuanlin nodded, his expression softening. He said, “Mother and Father plan to head out in the afternoon. Did you plan to meet up with your friends? Are you going there now?”
“No, I’m just planning on heading over a little earlier, so I can rest at the hotel. Otherwise, I won’t have any energy at night. I plan on having a good time, ne.”
When Song Xuanlin heard this, a hint of a smile appeared on his face. “Don’t get too crazy at night. Since you’re already ready, hurry and go.”
Song Xuanhe and Song Xuanlin walked out the doors together. As the other boarded his car, Song Xuanhe asked, “Ge, where are you going?”
“I’m heading to the company,” Song Xuanlin said, “There’s some matters I need to attend to. I’ll head to Lan City after I’m done.”“Tut tut.” Song Xuanhe furrowed his eyebrows in disdain, waving his hands. He then sat inside the other car that had been waiting for him. He then waved at Song Xuanlin. “Then, have fun at work. I’m heading out first.”
Zhang Chao nodded towards Song Xuanlin respectfully before closing the door for Song Xuanhe. He then went to sit in the passenger’s seat.
Because they had to go pick up Xiao Yuanmu, they were also heading towards the company. His and Song Xuanlin’s cars were lined up, making it look like they were heading to the same final destination.
Song Xuanhe looked at the car behind them through the rear-view mirror. He then suddenly said, “Zhang Chao, what do you think of my brother?”
Zhang Chao, who had been planning Song Xuanhe’s itinerary, looked up. He thought about it for two seconds before cautiously saying, “Da Xiaoye is a very steady person.”
“I meant his personality.” Song Xuanhe lazed back in his chair, propping his chin up with one hand as he stared out the window. His tone was very casual. “Don’t call him ‘steady’ like everyone else does. I don’t want a perfunctory answer.”
Zhang Chao didn’t know why Song Xuanhe had suddenly mentioned Song Xuanlin. However, as Song Xuanhe’s personal assistant, he’d been with Song Xuanhe since the other had been really young. He knew very well that the other really respected and worshipped his older brother. Therefore, he muttered to himself for a while before saying, “Da Xiaoye is reserved. Because of the difference in your ages, he doesn’t usually play with you. I don’t really know anything about his personality.”
Song Xuanhe nodded. He then asked, “What do you think of Song Jiabao then?”
Zhang Chao was taken aback. He looked up and glanced at the rear-view mirror, taking in the image of the relaxed Song xiao shaoye. Even outsiders knew about the antagonistic relationship between Song Jiabao and Song Xuanhe. However, what very few people knew was why they didn’t get along. But, Zhang Chao was one of the few who did.
Song Jiabao and Song Xuanhe were close in age. Before entering school, the two of them had gotten along quite well. After all, Old Mr. Song was loaded. Song Jiabao’s father and grandfather would come visit, mostly with the intention of currying favour. Song Jiabao was usually brought along, so he naturally had to play well with Song Xuanhe.
The relationship between the two had changed when Song Jiabao and Song Xuanhe had entered elementary school. Using the Song Family connection, Song Jiabao’s father had managed to send Song Jiabao to the same private school as Song Xuanhe. It was just that this private school was very strict. The students were separated into different classes based on family background and their own achievements. You had to fulfill both to get into the top classes.
Although Song Jiabao had been enrolled via the Song Family connection, the distance between him and Song Xuanhe was still substantial in terms of family background. Therefore, they had not been enrolled in the same class.
Halfway through year one, who knew what had angered Song Jiabao, but he had gone looking for Song Xuanhe during gym class. He had loudly announced that he wanted to break off all ties with Song Xuanhe. The two of them had gotten into a fight. In the end, Song Xuanlin, who had already been in the sixth grade, had been alerted of this, and he managed to get them to break it up.
It was just that, the Song Xuanlin back then…Who knew if it had been because he was following the tradition of chiding one’s own family first or if it was because he had been influenced by Song Guochao, who would scold Song Xuanhe whenever he did something wrong without asking first? Regardless, the Song Xuanlin back then had scolded Song Xuanhe as soon as he had arrived.
Even the teacher had said that it had been Song Jiabao who had started it. Even the fight had been instigated by Song Jiabao. However, Song Xuanlin had still decided that the first action he had to do was scold his younger brother. Afterwards, he had said a few perfunctory words to Song Jiabao before leaving. When Song Guochao heard about this matter, he had once again chided Song Xuanhe fiercely.
This was because Song Guochao had thought that since even his eldest son had scolded Song Xuanhe, then the one in the wrong must have been his own son.
Song Xuanhe had then been punished by being imprisoned in his room for two days. He had cried until his voice had become hoarse. In the end, he had been picked up by Old Mr. Song’s subordinates and sent to be cared for by his grandfather. It was also at that time that Zhang Chao had been assigned to Song Xuanhe.
However, maybe it was because of familial love or because children adored their parents and older siblings, but back then, even though Song xiao shaoye had ended up so traumatized from being imprisoned in a dark room that he couldn’t sleep for a long time, he hadn’t blamed his father or brother. He only hated Song Jiabao.
From then on, the two of them would butt heads every time they saw each other. Even after coming of age, they still didn’t like each other.
Honestly speaking, the reason why Song Xuanhe and Song Jiabao’s relationship was so bad had to do with how Song Xuanlin had handled the situation back then.
Unfortunately, as a subordinate, even if that was what Zhang Chao thought, he couldn’t say that out loud. Therefore, even though he recalled what had happened way back then when he heard Song Xuanhe ask about Song Jiabao after having asked about Song Xuanlin, he could only try to spin his comments in a positive light.
“Jiabao shaoye is more outgoing, but he’s still young. Therefore, he is a bit impetuous. He seems to find it difficult to think things through. There is still room for growth.”
The corner of Song Xuanhe’s lips rose. Zhang Chao’s comment seemed unbiased, but it was obvious whose side he leaned towards.
He then asked, “What about me?”
“Xiao Shaoye is cheerful and carefree. Although you are still a bit impulsive, and your thinking is still a bit young, you show initiative and have drive. You are also quite dauntless. Although you have not fully matured yet, you are an unpolished gem. With time, you will definitely achieve great accomplishments.”
His bias was even more evident here. Song Xuanhe cocked a brow. “Why is Song Jiabao impetuous, but I have drive? So, my impulsiveness means I have drive?”
Although Song Xuanhe was smiling, it felt like he was calling Zhang Chao into question.
However, Zhang Chao’s expression didn’t change. He said, “Jiabao shaoye has an overbearing personality and will end up offending people. However, while Xiao Shaoye is brash, it is seen as a reflection of pride in the Song Family’s accomplishments. The two of you are vastly different and cannot be mentioned on equal terms.”
Song Xuanhe couldn’t help but chuckle. Only now did he realize that Zhang Chao was talented. This ability to speak in such a slick and sly manner wasn’t easy for just anyone to learn.
“Then…” Song Xuanhe saw that they had reached a familiar street. His voice carried a hint of a smile. “What do you think of Xiao Yuanmu?”
“Young Master Xiao is destined for great things.” Zhang Chao turned around and looked at Song Xuanhe with gravity in his eyes. “I had thought that Xiao Shaoye had only intended to play around with Young Master Xiao. However, I’ve noticed that you seem to have some genuine feelings for him. Furthermore, Young Master Xiao doesn’t seem to be as reluctant to be with you as I had imagined. I want to give you some advice. Even if you and Young Master Xiao choose to break up, try to part on happy terms.”
Song Xuanhe looked up and gazed straight into Zhang Chao’s eyes. He could see the serious expression on Zhang Chao’s face. He couldn’t help but ask, “Why do you think Xiao Yuanmu is destined for great things?”
However, before Zhang Chao could answer, the car came to a steady stop. They had already arrived at their destination.
Song Xuanhe looked away and said in a cool tone, “Go call Xiao Yuanmu. I’ll wait here.”
Zhang Chao nodded and got out of the car. Shortly after, he returned with Xiao Yuanmu.
He opened the back door for Xiao Yuanmu. With a smile, he said, “Young Master Xiao, please sit.”
Xiao Yuanmu bent over and met with Song Xuanhe’s indolent gaze. Suddenly, the image of Song Xuanhe’s radiant smile when the other had been chatting with Xiao Shenglin appeared in his mind. However, his eyes remained as calm as the surface of a lake.
“We’re all in the car. Let’s go.” Song Xuanhe saw Xiao Yuanmu look away. He then instructed the driver to start the car.
The car began its smooth journey once more. But this time, no one talked.
It would take approximately half an hour to get to the airport from downtown. Song Xuanhe drank with Zhou Nan and friends until late into the night yesterday. So, he rested his eyes for a while but eventually started feeling drowsy. Gradually, he fell asleep.
Xiao Yuanmu watched as Song Xuanhe’s head bobbed. Afterwards, the other suddenly opened his eyes. However, he was only awake for a second before he leaned back against the seat, shut his eyes, and went to sleep again. It was just that the other didn’t sleep very well. He would tilt this way and that way. Sometimes, his head would droop down and sway along with the car’s turns.
Xiao Yuanmu just watched on indifferently. He had no intention of fixing Song Xuanhe’s posture.
Zhang Chao had been watching this scene from the passenger seat. He retracted his gaze and stared out the window instead, sighing inwardly.
During one turn, Song Xuanhe’s drooping head had nearly knocked against the window. Luckily, he had woken up before it hit. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at Xiao Yuanmu with fuzzy vision. He wasn’t fully awake yet right now. When he saw the other sitting then with a cold expression on his face, Song Xuanhe snorted and then shifted closer to the window. He was as far away from Xiao Yuanmu as possible.
Xiao Yuanmu had also looked away, his gaze indifferent. He gazed out the window too, thinking about what he had been preparing as of late.
Song Xuanhe moving back to the Song Residence had given Xiao Yuanmu a lot of leeway to contact his subordinates who he had had in his last life. He had managed to once again recruit some of them, following his memory. Although they were not yet as brilliant as they had been back then, it was easier to gain their loyalty by lending them aid in their time of need now than it had been when he had done it in his last life, when they all already had had a bit of known reputations.
He had already sold off some of his stocks. Although he didn’t have much money on hand, it was still enough to start up a company. Moreover, as long as he had the capital down, money was nothing but a number. He would be able to get as much money as he needed.
This time, he would not do things the same way as his previous life. He would not incorporate his little company, which he had put his heart and soul into, into the Xiao Family, who hadn’t taken it seriously. Although this company had been able to help him gain a foothold, the current him didn’t need that anymore.
What was his will be his.
Furthermore, this company was no longer just something he would use to establish himself. It was what he would use to succeed the Xiao Family. Since it was going to be his support, then he would need both money and status. Right now, he had enough money. What he needed now was to think of a way to get his company recognized in the industry. He also had to figure out how to quickly take control of the market.
While lost in his thoughts, he suddenly felt his shoulder get a bit heavier. He glanced to the side. All he saw was a fair, clean, and lovable sleeping visage. It was probably because his shoulder was too hard, it caused discomfort to the sleeping person’s delicate head. As such, the other would occasionally shift his head, and his fan-like curled lashes would flutter softly with its movement.
A thought suddenly appeared in his mind. Before Xiao Yuanmu’s brain could even process, his hand had already moved according to his heart’s desire. He gently moved the sleeping person’s head into the dip of his shoulder. He was afraid that the other’s neck would get too strained, so he also shifted lower into his seat.
When Xiao Yuanmu came back to himself, that extremely lovable face was already very close to his own. The other’s warm breath mixed with his soft snoring interlined with Xiao Yuanmu’s own breath. It was subtle but could not be ignored.
Xiao Yuanmu tilted his head down slightly. His eyes were chilly as he examined Song Xuanhe. There was an unconcealed coldness in his gaze. He was just about to push the other off when he saw the other, who had been sleeping soundly, scrunch up his nose. The nasally hum quietly but rudely entered Xiao Yuanmu’s ears. The sound was willful, arrogant, and unreasonable, just like the person it had come from. It stopped Xiao Yuanmu’s hand in midair.
Xiao Yuanmu pursed his lip slightly, staring at the other. He saw Song Xuanhe hum again as he rubbed his head against him. After some time, it seemed like the other had finally found a suitable sleeping position. The other’s slightly furrowed eyebrows smoothed out, but his long, curled lashes seemed restless. They were like butterflies that had landed on the tops of flowers, occasionally flapping their wings softly. As time passed, the rate his eyelashes fluttered decreased. A few minutes later, they only quietly cast their shadows on the other’s face, now completely still.
Song Xuanhe’s eyelashes are very long. They are also a deep black color and dense. That had been Xiao Yuanmu’s first thought.
He probably hasn’t slept on Xiao Shenglin like this before. This had been Xiao Yuanmu’s second thought.
At the same time his second thought had popped into his head, Xiao Yuanmu’s eyes became colder. This was because he recalled the scene he had watched yesterday.
Yesterday evening, after having finished discussions with his business partner, he had exited the tea house to wait for Yang Jie to come pick him up. Completely by accident, he had caught sight of Song Xuanhe in the pub across the street.
Song Xuanhe, Xiao Shenglin, and Zhou Nan had been sitting on the patio of the bar. There had been fruits, drinks, and other light refreshments on the table in front of them. Zhou Nan had been drinking. Meanwhile, Song Xuanhe had been speaking to Xiao Shenglin with a radiant smile. Even though they had been on opposite sides of the street, he had still been able to see the light in the other’s eyes.
The singer outside had suddenly broken out into the climax of their song. The guests outside all lifted their glasses and hummed or sang along. It was probably because it had been too noisy, Song Xuanhe had brought his face close to Xiao Shenglin’s ears, a smile in his eyes as he said something to him. In the end, he and Xiao Shenglin exchanged smiles. Xiao Shenglin had even rubbed Song Xuanhe’s head.
This was a version of Song Xuanhe that Xiao Yuanmu had never seen before. This version of him was relaxed, happy, and seemed to radiate joy from the inside out. He had spoken to Xiao Shenglin with a beaming smile. Even though Xiao Yuanmu didn’t know what they were talking about, he could see how close and familiar the two of them were. They had a special aura around them that was born from mutual trust. This kind of aura had never existed between him and Song Xuanhe.
It was probably because of the memories of pre-rebirth him, but at that moment, Xiao Yuanmu had had the urge to walk over and come between Song Xuanhe and Xiao Shenglin. He had wanted to break their gaze and conversation and then pinch Song Xuanhe’s face so that the other could only look at him. He had wanted to let everyone know just who Song Xuanhe belonged to.
When Yang Jie had called out to him, he had already taken a step onto the crosswalk. If it hadn’t been for Yang Jie, he probably would have done as he had wanted.
At that moment, he had thought that Song Xuanhe must have instilled some kind of mental suggestion into his pre-rebirth self. That must have been why he was being enticed like this even after his rebirth.
The effect Song Xuanhe had on him, or rather the effect his pre-rebirth memories had on him, shocked Xiao Yuanmu. But along with that shock, there was vigilance.
This was because he knew that no matter what Song Xuanhe was like, he could not stand by his side. Moreover, he had never wanted anyone to walk with him shoulder-to-shoulder anyway.
Xiao Yuanmu’s lower jaw tensed. He meticulously examined Song Xuanhe’s sleeping face. From the other’s fair, smooth skin to the nearly invisible tear mole on the outer corner of his eye, Xiao Yuanmu didn’t let off any details.
Song Xuanhe’s appearance was quite good, but in the eyes of Xiao Yuanmu, who had gotten used to seeing the most beautiful people in the world, he was just all right.
A face like this, a person like this…none of it should have attracted his attention. The only reason the pre-rebirth him had fallen for him was probably because he hadn’t seen much of the world yet.
Xiao Yuanmu’s eyes regained their calm. He pinched Song Xuanhe’s chin and then moved him off his shoulder.
Song Xuanhe, who was still drowsy from sleep, still wanted to lean against Xiao Yuanmu’s shoulder. However, Xiao Yuanmu didn’t hold back. No matter how much Song Xuanhe tilted his head, his head was fixed in place.
“What are you doing…?” Song Xuanhe opened his eyes just a crack. His clear eyes had a hint of sleepiness. He obviously wasn’t fully awake yet. His eyes were glossy. “Why are you holding onto my chin?”
His guard was completely down, and he looked confused. This was the first time Xiao Yuanmu had seen Song Xuanhe before the other was fully awake. While his tone was that of discontent, it also sounded a bit coquettish.
However, Xiao Yuanmu remained unmoved. He pushed the other back when he saw that his eyes were open. He said in a flat voice, “We’ve arrived at the airport.”
At the same time, Zhang Chao, who had been watching the situation in the back seat, also spoke. “Xiao Shaoye, we’ve arrived.”
Song Xuanhe rubbed his eyes and then yawned softly. He then opened his eyes fully. The outer corners of his eyes were slightly red from the rubbing. With his watery eyes, he looked even more tired.
Actually, Song Xuanhe really wasn’t fully awake yet. He didn’t even remember to bicker with Xiao Yuanmu for having pushed him. Instead, he just nodded quietly. He then slowly said, “Then, I’ll sleep on the plane.”
Zhang Chao looked at this especially lovable version of his Xiao Shaoye. He was a bit surprised. He had cut off Song Xuanhe just now, because he had been afraid that the other would be angry at Xiao Yuanmu. He hadn’t thought that he would be so easy to deal with today.
Xiao Yuanmu looked at Song Xuanhe. It then dawned on him. Song Xuanhe had also been like this when he had been drunk.
Quiet, lovable, slow…he would do anything you told him to do. He wouldn’t get angry no matter what.
He hadn’t expected Song Xuanhe to be like this after waking up too. Song Xuanhe was probably like this when he wasn’t fully awake or sober.
Xiao Yuanmu subconsciously frowned. His first thought was that he had to make sure that Song Xuanhe didn’t drink or stay out overnight outside. However, before he could think about anything else, he saw Song Xuanhe get out of the car and blindly follow Zhang Chao. He had even wanted to help Zhang Chao get the suitcases.
Zhang Chao had naturally refused. This was the first time he had ever seen Xiao Shaoye act so lovable. Assistant Zhang, who had watched Song Xuanhe grow up and practically saw him as his own younger brother, felt really gratified. But at the same time, his heart ached. This was because from what he had heard from Mrs. Song and Old Mr. Song, Xiao Shaoye had also been a very good, clever, and likeable child when he had been young. He had never expected to be able to see him like this.
Obviously, Zhang Chao also noticed that this was probably because Song Xuanhe had yet to fully wake up. However, even if the other hadn’t woken up yet, this was his Xiao Shaoye. This at least proved that Xiao Shaoye wasn’t inherently bad. His brash, domineering personality when awake was just a wall he had built up around him.
But before Zhang Chao could lament for long, Xiao Yuanmu exited the car and came to stand between him and Song Xuanhe. Although the other’s tone was a bit chilly, it was very polite. He asked, “Do you require any help?”
Zhang Chao shook his head. He then glanced at Song Xuanhe, who was standing behind Xiao Yuanmu, and said, “Young Master Xiao, our Xiao Shaoye hasn’t woken up yet. Could you please help me take him inside? I’ll come over once I get the boarding passes.”
Xiao Yuanmu agreed. He took a few steps before he realized that Song Xuanhe hadn’t been following. He, thus, went back to grab Song xiao shaoye’s wrist and drag him into the airport.
The airport was filled with hubbub. Song Xuanhe gradually woke up as he followed after Xiao Yuanmu. He took a look around their noisy surroundings as well as the middle-aged aunties who ran through the airport, probably because they had gone to the wrong check-in station. He wanted to pull his hand away, but Xiao Yuanmu had a firm hold on it.
At least there was a meat shield in front of him for when people charged past them.
Zhang Chao had very quickly obtained their boarding passes. He took them to the VIP waiting room and said, “Xiao Shaoye, you and Young Master Xiao can rest here. I have some things to do.”
At this moment, Xiao Yuanmu let go of Song Xuanhe’s hand. They sat in armchairs next to each other. Their expressions were that of indifference. When he heard Zhang Chao speak, Song Xuanhe had looked up from his phone and said, “Go quickly, and come back quickly.”
Zhang Chao rushed out. Song Xuanhe’s gaze fell back onto his phone screen.
He was currently looking at a small group chat. There were only three people in it, and it was called “Top Male Models Group.” It was named by the shameless Zhou Nan.
Just now, Zhou Nan had sent a message:
Daddy’s Handsomeness is Unrivalled: Are you awake? Let’s continue to go crazy tonight!
Laozi’s the Most Handsome Man in the World: I’m at the airport. I don’t want to go crazy with you tonight.
Daddy’s Handsomeness is Unrivalled: Heh, it’s different now that you have your boyfriend. Daddy is tactful and won’t interrupt you guys from deepening your connection. Don’t worry, I’ll let Lin zi know.
Song Xuanhe rolled his eyes. He also sent a rolling-eye emoji. He replied: Who says I’ll be with Xiao Yuanmu? I’m going drinking with Lin zi.
After sending that, he added: Without you.
Zhou Nan cried bitterly. He sent message after message like crazy. Before Song Xuanhe could read them all, he saw that Zhou Nan had sent a voice message. He didn’t think and clicked on it.
All he heard was Zhou Nan’s indignant voice say: “Tell Daddy just when you and Lin zi got together! You guys dare to get together behind my back?! You guys have let down both me and your Xiao Yuanmu!”
Zhou Nan spoke quickly, and his voice was loud. As soon as Song Xuanhe had been about to end the message, Zhou Nan had already finished speaking. His words echoed through the spacious VIP waiting area. Obviously, Xiao Yuanmu, who had turned to look over here, hadn’t missed it.
The author has something to say:
Song Xuanhe: Idiot! That doesn’t mean what you think it means!
Eve: XYM’s jealousy and the way his first reaction was to make himself more comfortable for SXH to sleep on ahhhh. Also dkm at the ending. SXH has a talent for getting into awkward situations.
Kara: ʱªʱªʱª (ᕑᗢूᓫ∗) Zhou Nan is so embarrassing! I’m honestly surprised Song Xuanhe hasn’t killed Zhou Nan for all the trouble he’s already put him through. But, more importantly, Mumu!! Aiya, just admit your feelings, don’t deny them, embrace them!! (´艸`)
