Translated by Eve
Edited by Kara
Thank you M. Landers for the kofi! đ
Just as Sun Jinren had spoken, the Systemâs notification had also soundedïŒăThe scene has begun.ă
Song Xuanhe turned his head around suddenly, movement abrupt. His action made Sun Jinren, who had been smiling flatteringly, startled. Because of this, neither of them noticed Xiao Yuanmuâs sudden outburst of emotion.
âThisâŠâ Sun Jinrenâs narrowed eyes flickered between Xiao Yuanmu, whose eyes were lowered and whose emotions couldnât be read, and Song Xuanhe, who had on an icy expression and pursed lips. The words he wanted to say were suddenly stuck in his throat. Intuition told him that this wasnât a good time to say those words.
It was just that the gaze behind him that followed him like a shadow forced him to follow the plan. He rubbed his hands nervously, cursing the situation inwardly. He then regretted again having offended Xiao Yuanmu for the nth time before sucking in his belly and saying, âItâs like this, Er shao, I have something to discuss with you.â
Song Xuanheâs face was tense, and his cold gaze was sharp as a knife, slicing at Sun Jinrenâs face.
âWhat do you want to discuss?â
When he heard Song Er shaoâs overbearing and arrogant tone and thought about how the other actually seemed to care about Xiao Yuanmu, contrary to what the rumours said, Sun Jinren thought that telling the other that he wanted Xiao Yuanmu would be the same as provoking him.Even though Song Qiyi had said that Song Xuanhe would not inherit the Song Family, he was still currently publicly acknowledged by the Song Group as one of the successors. Even before his company had changed hands, he still had had to put on a smile around the other. The current him had even less confidence around him and was even more wary of offending him. Furthermore, there was also Xiao Yuanmu, who he couldnât read.
Sun Jinren complained incessantly inside. Originally, although he had been very tempted when Song Qiyi had asked him to participate in this plan, he still feared the Song Family and Xiao Yuanmu. However, aside from the fact that Song Qiyiâs reward was difficult to refuse, he was even more afraid of offending the person in the dark who had told him to do as Song Qiyi said.
By accepting this deal, Song Qiyi would help him get his company back, and he would be able to comply with that mysterious personâs orders. Furthermore, Sun Jinren believed that if his company hadnât changed hands, he would have definitely continued with the previous plan to get his hands on Xiao Yuanmu with Song Qiyiâs cooperation. After all, Xiao Yuanmu was indeed a top quality product. Therefore, even if he did have his misgivings about Xiao Yuanmu, he had no choice but to do this.
The Sun Jinren from before had been full of lust and courage to pursue said lust. But now, all of that was gone. However, he still had to cautiously implement the same plan.
Sun Jinren cast a discreet glance at Xiao Yuanmu and then took a step towards Song Xuanhe. He lowered his voice and said, âI would like to chat with you alone.â
Song Xuanheâs gaze turned even sharper, and his voice took on an icily arrogant tone. âWhat would you need to talk to me in private for? I donât think that weâre close enough for that.â
When he heard this, Xiao Yuanmu looked up, a surprised expression colouring his eyes. In his memories, Song Xuanhe hadnât said that.
The System also reminded Song XuanheïŒăThis is the important scene where youâre supposed to give Xiao Yuanmu to him. It would be best for you to follow your lines.ă
Song Xuanheâs expression didnât change though as if he hadnât heard the System at all. He only stared at Sun Jinren coldly, watching for his reaction.
Sun Jinren sucked his belly in even more. Even though he was displeased with Song Xuanheâs rude tone, he didnât dare comment on it. He only continued to smile apologetically. âItâs just that it isnât appropriate for other people to hear about this. If you are unwilling to speak to me in private, we can chat right here.â
When Song Xuanhe heard Sun Jinren say something different from what had been in the original plot because of his interruption, the light in Song Xuanheâs eyes flickered slightly. He asked, âWhat if I donât want to talk to you?â
Sun Jinren licked his chapped lips awkwardly. He swallowed, feeling very ill-at-ease. A while later, he said, âEr shao, I have come to speak to you with good faith. You absolutely will not suffer any losses by speaking with me.â
Upon saying his line, Sun Jinren had abruptly made a return to the original script.
Once again, Song Xuanhe got a taste of how futile it was to try and resist the worldâs storyline, especially when it came to a crucial scene. His eyes dimmed slightly, and he subconsciously turned to glance at Xiao Yuanmu. What he found was that the otherâs eyes seemed to have been on him the whole time.
Although their gazes had met, Song Xuanhe could not read anything from the otherâs serene eyes.
Song Xuanhe suddenly realized that Xiao Yuanmu now, who had been reborn early, was not like the Xiao Yuanmu from before at all. While the pre-rebirth Xiao Yuanmu would have hidden behind an icy expression, he would have also occasionally revealed his weak and lonely side. Meanwhile, post-rebirth Xiao YuanmuâŠas long as he didnât want Song Xuanhe to know how he was feeling, Song Xuanhe would have no way to read him.
The reason why he had even sensed the anomaly in Xiao Yuanmu at all was partly because he had been intuitive since young, and Xiao Yuanmu hadnât particularly tried to pretend to be like his pre-rebirth self. Even so, he still hadnât been able to confirm that there was really something off about Xiao Yuanmu until a few days ago.
So, just what emotions were hidden beneath those calm eyes?
The finger Song Xuanhe had on the sofa curled up slightly, his nail gently tracing the somewhat crude pattern of the fabric sofa. The sound of his nail against the sofa was so quiet that it was almost negligible, but Xiao Yuanmu had heard it loud and clear.
Xiao Yuanmu paused, and then, his gaze shifted to Song Xuanheâs pale, slender finger. The otherâs nails were neatly trimmed and looked very good. His nails were a faint pink colour, looked healthy, and did not seem at all feminine. His hands were a pair of very good-looking, masculine hands.
Right now, the other was gently carving his nail into the sofaâs cushions. Xiao Yuanmu knew that this was something the other did when he felt uneasy and anxious or when he felt guilty.
For example, in his memories prior to his rebirth, Song Xuanhe had done this when he had flipped all the dishes on the table onto the floor without any warning. Another example was when Song Xuanhe had bossily ordered him to go buy him congee on that rainy night.
Xiao Yuanmuâs gaze drifted upwards. He looked into Song Xuanheâs limpid eyes. The otherâs emotions were very obviously displayed on his face. Right now, he had a look of impatience and agitation on. Despite this, Xiao Yuanmu also knew that Song Xuanheâs pair of seemingly pure eyes were able to hide any and all emotions he genuinely wanted to conceal.
He was really curious. He wanted to know just what exactly Song Xuanhe was thinking about to cause his deceptive eyes to become so enigmatic and conflicting.
Sun Jinren watched as Song Xuanhe turned to look at Xiao Yuanmu rather than respond. As time passed, he couldnât help but grow nervous. He once again licked his dry lips and cautiously called out, âEr shao?â
Song Xuanheâs pupils moved slightly as he transferred his gaze back to Sun Jinren. However, he still kept his silence, waiting for the other to continue.
According to the plot, after the last line Sun Jinren had said, his next line was destined to come soon after. There was no need for Song Xuanhe to reply.
When Song Xuanhe turned his head, Xiao Yuanmuâs gaze finally left Song Xuanheâs body and fell onto Sun Jinren.
Sun Jinren was suddenly the object of both peopleâs gazes. One was cold and laced with impatience while the other was serene but unreadable. This caused him to swallow back down the words he had been about to say. His lips flapped, but he still didnât speak even after mulling over it for half a day.
But even if he didnât speak, Song Xuanhe had no intentions of speaking up either.
The three of them thus entered a deadlock, looking at each other like this. The atmosphere around them seemed to grow stagnant.
âIâŠhave something to discuss with you,â was what Sun Jinren said in the end.
Song Xuanhe gave him a frosty, askance look. âYou have already said that three times.â
Sun Jinren swallowed and cast a careful look towards Xiao Yuanmu. âI heard that youâre in charge of your companyâs marketing department. I was wondering if you would be interested in cooperating with Roller Company.â
âI can help you with that. As long as you snatch this huge contract with Roller, after you succeed the Song Group, your prestige and reputation will be all the greater.â
Song Xuanhe laughed. Although he was reciting his lines word for word, his words were genuine. âI have no interest in inheriting the family business. If this is what you wanted to talk about, then you can leave.â
âOf course itâs not just this.â Sun Jinren pulled his phone out and took another glance at Xiao Yuanmu. He then said, âI want to show you something. I am certain that you will find this very interesting. However, only you can look at it.â
âThen, I wonât look at it.â
Song Xuanheâs expression was cold. There was no interest on his face whatsoever.
Sun Jinren unlocked his phone. His expression suddenly went from apprehensive to confident. There was a strange smile on his face. âTrust me, you will definitely be pleased with this. If you donât look at it now, youâll definitely regret it later.â
As Song Xuanhe took in Sun Jinrenâs nervous but certain expression, lines from the story appeared in his mind:
ăSun Jinrenâs smile was that of confidence. His features were all squished together on his chubby face, causing his smile to appear all the more lasciviousïŒâTrust me, you will definitely be pleased with this. If you donât look at it now, youâll definitely regret it later.â
Song Xuanhe was interested. He asked, âWhat is it?â
Sun Jinren whispered into his ears. He then saw Song Xuanheâs expression change. A smile finally appeared on his face.
Although Song Xuanhe was willing, there was a threat in his voice. âIf you canât arouse my interest, the one who will regret this will be you.â
âOf course.â
Song Xuanhe then followed Sun Jinren to a nearby corner. Sun Jinren handed his phone over to Song Xuanhe. As expected, he saw Song Xuanheâs expression change drastically. Sun Jinren then took his phone back and smiled. âEr shao, as long as youâre willing to strike a deal with me, the person you see on my phoneâŠthat person will be yours. How about it?â
âWhat do you want?â There was determination to have what the other had offered in Song Xuanheâs eyes.
âXiao Yuanmu.â Sun Jinrenâs lustful gaze shifted in Xiao Yuanmuâs direction. He did not conceal his desire at all. âXiao Yuanmu is nothing but an orphan. I heard that heâs not very sensible and is unable to gain Er shaoâs fondness. How about you give him to me to train for some time? I promise that Iâll give you back an obedient, good boy.âă
The book didnât say what Sun Jinren had shown Song Xuanhe. Even near the end, there was no mention of it.
Therefore, Song Xuanhe was very curious about what Sun Jinren had in his phone that had made the original Song Xuanhe change attitudes so quickly and agree to give him Xiao Yuanmu.
After all, with the character settings of the original Song Xuanhe, even if he hadnât liked Xiao Yuanmu, he would have become furious and wanted revenge on anyone who dared to drool over his things. This was because in the original hostâs mind, even if he didnât want something anymore and was throwing it away, it still was not something that other people could just pick up, let alone something people could ask him directly for.
The thing the book never mentioned but could make the original host agree to this deal right away must be something the original Song Xuanhe had really wanted but had found difficult to get. This thing had been able to make him instantly forget about his rage over having someone drool over what was his. It was even enough to make him willing to hand Xiao Yuanmu over to Sun Jinren. This had been very abnormal behavior. Therefore, Song Xuanhe was very intrigued.
Song Xuanheâs gaze fell on Sun Jinrenâs phone. He asked, âWhat is it?â
Sun Jinrenâs foot moved. He had wanted to take a step towards Song Xuanhe. However, as soon as he had lifted his foot, he felt a bone-chilling gaze fall onto himself. His foot froze in midair. When he looked at the owner of said gaze, he placed his foot back down in its original position.
âEr shao, only you can see this. I promise that you will be interested in it.â Sun Jinren cautiously looked at Xiao Yuanmu while he spoke to Song Xuanhe. âI would not lie to you. You will understand when you see it.â
When he saw that Sun Jinren didnât come in close to speak to him, Song Xuanheâs disdainful expression loosened. Obviously, he didnât want Sun Jinren, this greasy old man, to whisper into his ear, but he couldnât help but find this odd. Although the book didnât mention what Sun Jinren had said, it probably hadnât been this.
This was because there was nothing in these words that would have aroused the original Song Xuanheâs interest.
Regardless, Song Xuanhe was still very curious as to what this thing was. Therefore, he continued with his lines. âIf you canât arouse my interest, the one who will regret this will be you.â
Sun Jinren sighed in relief. A weird smile once again appeared on his face. âOf course.â
Song Xuanhe stood up and was about to head to another corner with Sun Jinren. However, as soon as he had taken one step, Xiao Yuanmu grabbed hold of his hand. He turned to face him.
Xiao Yuanmu had changed his sitting position at some unknown point in time. His legs were no longer crossed. His long, slender legs were casually planted on the floor, slightly bent at the knees. His pants legs were slightly pulled up, revealing the contoured muscles beneath his slacks. Just like him, they seemed quiet and harmless but were actually capable of releasing stored up explosive strength at any time.
Song Xuanheâs gaze shifted away from Xiao Yuanmuâs legs. He asked, âWhatâs wrong?â
Xiao Yuanmu stared at him, eyes like a bottomless well. His cold voice seemed to be holding back some emotion. âI asked you just now, if I wanted to leave, would you leave right away? You havenât answered me.â
Song Xuanheâs pupils trembled slightly. It felt like there was no blood travelling to the hand that was in the otherâs hold. It felt stiff. He stood there in place for a long time, his expression fluctuating slightly. It looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he only pressed his lips into a straight line and cast his eyes downwards.
âIs the answer important?â
Song Xuanheâs voice was quiet, but Xiao Yuanmu had heard it loud and clear.
Neither of them spoke.
Sun Jinren, who had already walked quite a bit of a distance ahead, realized that Song Xuanhe was still where he had been. He stopped his steps and gazed in their direction. He had been about to speak, but upon seeing the atmosphere between them, his parted lips closed once more.
A few seconds later, the corner of Xiao Yuanmuâs lips curled up slightly, a sliver of derision flickering through his eyes. He let go of Song Xuanheâs wrist.
Song Xuanhe moved his stiff hand a bit, curling and unfurling his fingers to get rid of that rigid feeling. He took a step back and glanced at Xiao Yuanmuâs half-lidded eyes. He then replied, âIf you say you want to go, I will go right now.â
Xiao Yuanmu looked up abruptly and met with Song Xuanheâs pure eyes. Song Xuanhe asked him, âDo you want to leave right now?â
Sun Jinren was taken aback. He promptly took a few steps closer and interrupted, âEr shao, I still have something to say to you. Letâs talk before you leave!â
Song Xuanhe didnât pay Sun Jinren any attention. He simply stared at Xiao Yuanmu.
Xiao Yuanmuâs lips curved up even more, but Song Xuanhe couldnât hear any emotion in his voice. âSince you have something to do, you should deal with it first.â
Song Xuanhe, thus, looked away and walked over to Sun Jinren.
The System, who had been watching this the whole time, sighed in reliefïŒăBrother, this is an important scene! If any accidents occur, your life will be in danger! Donât play around anymore! Even if Xiao Yuanmu isnât reborn this time, there will still be another chance in the future. However, itâs not the same for you. If you mess up this important scene, you wonât get another life!ă
Song Xuanheâs steps faltered. He askedïŒăIs the important scene me giving Xiao Yuanmu to Sun Jinren, or is it the car accident that occurs after Sun Jinren has taken him away?ă
ăBoth!ăThe System was afraid that Song Xuanhe would cause the scene to deviate again by adding in linesïŒăThey are interrelated. If you donât give Xiao Yuanmu to Sun Jinren, Xiao Yuanmu wonât be reborn. All steps must be taken. Without the cause, there is no result. Therefore, Brother, please take this seriously. Donât play with your life! ă
Song Xuanhe smiled, his gaze on Sun Jinren in front of him. He asked in an insipid toneïŒăYou should also know that Xiao Yuanmu has already been reborn. Does he have to be reborn again?ă
The System was silent for a few seconds. He avoided Song Xuanheâs verbal trap and saidïŒăRegardless of whether or not heâs been reborn, you cannot avoid such a crucial scene. You should know that what is about to happen is the most important point in the novel. Any previous deviations will not produce any huge effects. However, everything that had happened before this was all for this moment. It is only by completing this scene that you will be able to get to the later scenes. It is only by completing this scene that you will be able to go back to your original world.ă
The System didnât hear Song Xuanhe reply immediately. Therefore, it warned againïŒăXiao Yuanmu is the protagonist. He can be reborn, but you do not have that privilege. Donât be reckless.ă
Sun Jinren stopped walking. Song Xuanhe stood a step away from him.
The System was right. He had no way out of this.
In the past, he had thought that he wouldnât care if he were to be sent back with only half a year to live. But now that it was actually time to make a choice, he was selfishly choosing himself without any hesitation.
Song Xuanhe looked at Sun Jinren, waiting for him to speak.
When Sun Jinren met with Song Xuanheâs gaze, his back felt cold for some inexplicable reason. He took out his phone hesitantly and handed it over to Song Xuanhe. He quietly said, âEr shao, as long as youâre willing to strike a deal with me, the person you see on my phoneâŠthat person will be yours. How about it?â
It was the same line, but the tone was different. It was completely different.
Song Xuanheâs gaze fell onto the screen of Sun Jinrenâs phone, and his eyebrows furrowed.
What had made the original host hand Xiao Yuanmu over excitedly hadnât been some kind of contract or treasure like he had expected. It was just one photo.
Specifically speaking, it was a photo of a man. The man in the photo looked refined and graceful. His skin was fair, and when he smiled, he looked gentle and reserved. He looked like a very lovable and well-behaved child. He also looked faintly familiar.
It was just that, although the young man was good-looking, compared to Xiao Yuanmu, he was nothing but dirt. Based on looks, he wasnât even a tenth as good-looking as Xiao Yuanmu.
Song Xuanhe completely did not understand why the original Song Xuanhe had wanted this young man in exchange for Xiao Yuanmu. Furthermore, he couldnât find any information related to this young man in the original hostâs memories.
The original host didnât know this young man at all. So, why had he sent Xiao Yuanmu away in exchange for him?
Song Xuanhe pondered over this for a long time but still couldnât understand. If the original host had known this person, then perhaps his actions could have been justified. However, the original host had never met him before.
Sun Jinren watched as Song Xuanhe stared at the photo silently. There was no interest on his face as he had expected. Sun Jinren couldnât help but get nervous. Song Qiyi had been certain that Song Xuanhe would agree to the deal as soon as he had seen this image. But now, looking at Song Xuanheâs expression, it didnât look like he would agree.
Some time later, Song Xuanhe finally looked up. âWhat do you want?â
When he heard this, Sun Jinren relaxed. He was still a bit hesitant though. Song Xuanheâs reaction was completely different from what Song Qiyi had predicted. This made him feel very unsure. However, they had already reached such a point, he might as well continue on with the plan. âI want Xiao Yuanmu.â
Contrary to Sun Jinrenâs expectations, Song Xuanhe didnât look angry or moved. There was no expression on his face at all. Although his eyes made it look like he would be easy to deal with, there were no emotions inside.
Sun Jinren didnât dare speak for a moment, being stared at like this by Song Xuanhe.
A while later, Sun Jinren wiped the sweat off his forehead. He said, âEr shao, as long as you give Xiao Yuanmu to me, the Roller contract is yours. Furthermore, this man will be given to you right away.
ââŠXiao Yuanmu doesnât look well-behaved at all. Moreover, you treat him so well, but he doesnât seem to like you at all. He seems completely cold to you. Thereâs no point in keeping him by your side. How about you give him to me, and Iâll train him properly before giving him back to you?â
These lines are not the same as those in the original plot was what Song Xuanhe was thinking. However, he still recited his own according to the script. âYou just want him temporarily? When will you give him back to me?â
âYes, yes, yes.â Seeing that the deal was on the right track, Sun Jinren immediately said, âWhen the time comes, both the person in the photo and Xiao Yuanmu will be yours. You definitely wonât lose out.â
Sun Jinren looked up, lips curling into a smile. Song Xuanhe turned to look at Xiao Yuanmu, who was still sitting on the sofa. He then said his last line, âI can give him to you. But, I have to speak to him first. If he agrees, then Iâll let him go with you. How about it?â
Sun Jinrenâs mind whirled. Although he didnât know about Xiao Yuanmuâs history, he had an inkling about the otherâs personality. If someone like him, who emitted a noble aura from his bones, heard his own boyfriend ask such a question, he would very likely agree either because of his dignity or because he was peeved.
Therefore, as long as Song Xuanhe had agreed to this, his mission would be complete.
âOf course, of course.â Sun Jinren smiled flatteringly. âOf course you should ask Mr. Xiao for his opinion.â
Song Xuanhe glanced at Sun Jinren and then left. He walked over to Xiao Yuanmu and then cast his eyes down on the other. âBoss Sun asked me for you. I have already agreed.â
After saying this, Song Xuanhe felt like something in his chest had suddenly dropped. He didnât feel relieved. Instead, he felt like he had been heavily struck by whatever had fallen. It was a complicated feeling that he found difficult to put into words.
