DASFAM_CH 14
The air conditioning dispersed.
The drifting emotions finally showed signs of settling.
Shang Yanxiao got up from the bed, steadily easing his body, which had grown stiff from lying down for too long, "I asked you before to investigate Bai Xu's background. Have you figured it out?"
Xie Qi reported the findings in full detail, "The earliest records only show that Bai Xu was an abandoned child before the age of three or four. He was found and adopted by an elderly man living alone."
"…..."
Shang Yanxiao frowned slightly and signaled his assistant to continue.
"However, the old man passed away from illness when Bai Xu was seven. Since he had no children or relatives, and the neighbors were unwilling to take care of him, Bai Xu was sent to an orphanage by the authorities."
From being an abandoned baby to being adopted, only to become an orphan again, such a turbulent upbringing would make anyone shake their head.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Bai Xu was soon adopted by the Bai family, becoming their nominal young master.
Recalling what he had uncovered, Xie Qi hesitated slightly, "I heard from former servants who worked for the Bai family that the late Patriarch Bai was deeply superstitious. It seems he adopted Bai Xu because he believed in feng shui and fortune that he could benefit from his luck."
Shang Yanxiao narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression unreadable, "Absurd."
"Bai Xu's days in the Bai family didn’t seem to be good. Although they officially gave him the title of ‘young master,’ they never truly treated him as one behind closed doors."
"In the past, Bai Xu attended several banquets, where he became the butt of jokes and was bullied, but the Bai family always turned a blind eye."
Shang Yanxiao had heard a little about this before.
"Also, I found out that during university, Bai Xu joined a ceramics studio on his professor’s recommendation and had to rely on his meager internship salary to support himself."
"A ceramics studio?"
"Yes, he studied a related major at Imperial Capital University."
Xie Qi’s report was thorough and precise, "A month ago, Bai Rendo forced him into an arranged marriage. I heard he resisted and got injured. After that… well, you know the rest."
As Shang Yanxiao listened to Bai Xu’s past experiences and thought about his recent behavior, an inexplicable doubt gradually took root in his mind.
Noticing his boss’s expression, Xie Qi lowered his voice and asked, "Third Young Master, don’t you find this strange?"
Shang Yanxiao’s response was brief, "Yes."
Weak? Incompetent? Disliked by everyone?
The Bai Xu he saw now was nothing like that. The contrast was so stark that it felt like they were two completely different people. Or… had Bai Xu been pretending all these years in front of the Bai family?
"Oh, right, Third Young Master, I just got confirmed news..."
Xie Qi adjusted his glasses, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, "The chairman has ordered the termination of the partnership with Jinbai. The second branch won’t be getting this project."
Shang Yanxiao wasn’t surprised by this outcome, "The partnership wasn’t an ideal choice to begin with."
Jinbai had been in decline for years. Old Master Shang wanted to establish a chain commercial district project, aiming to expand from China to overseas within the next decade.
The initial consideration of working with Jinbai was partly due to its experience in international expansion, but mostly because the Old Master, being older, preferred stability.
However, from Shang Yanxiao’s perspective, the Shang family had its own financial channels and supply chain network. There was no need to sacrifice a portion of profits.
It would be far more beneficial to acquire or merge with companies strategically, using them as a foundation for domestic projects and further restructuring. Of course, such an approach would require significant time, effort, and upfront costs.
Xie Qi nodded, "It’s a good thing the second branch didn’t get their hands on this project. Otherwise, who knows how much they would have siphoned off."
"Third Young Master, you should’ve seen how arrogant Shang Songming was toward Fourth Young Master yesterday. He didn’t even bother hiding it. Good thing Mr. Xiao Bai stepped in."
"And honestly, the Old Master’s decision to halt the partnership had a lot to do with Bai Xu’s influence."
Shang Yanxiao had already figured that out. A flicker of understanding crossed his eyes, "Bai Xu must have planned everything in advance..."
"Using the first family banquet after the third branch’s incident, leveraging their name, playing the underdog in public discussions, and subtly guiding the Old Master’s hand to cut off Jinbai’s ‘lifeline’ in one move."
Jinbai was nothing more than a sickly old tiger, appearing strong but crumbling from within. Without Shang Group’s financial backing, its days were numbered.
"As for that Chen Shaoxuan, who relied on his family background to oppress others, Bai Xu simply eliminated the problem at its root. I doubt the second branch or Xiao Yan even saw this coming."
Xie Qi was startled, "How could he have predicted all this?"
Shang Yanxiao didn’t have a definitive answer yet, but if his suspicions were correct, then Bai Xu was someone worth reassessing.
"I'm just speculating. Since he hasn't done anything to harm the third branch's interests for now, we'll keep observing. No need to be overly cautious around him at home."
Suddenly, Shang Yanxiao recalled that brief moment of close contact from earlier. His Adam’s apple moved slightly as he swallowed, "Oh, and next time, don’t let him enter my room alone, especially at night."
The last words carried a noticeable weight.
Xie Qi picked up on the subtle undertone, the corners of his mouth curving slightly, "Understood, Third Young Master."
…
Bai Xu was woken up by the vibration of an incoming call.
Still drowsy, he reached for his phone on the nightstand and answered it without looking, "Hello?"
His just-awakened voice was husky, carrying a soft, nasal tone.
The person on the other end paused for a moment, their voice unconsciously lowering, "Xiao Bai, it's me, Sister Qiu. Did I wake you up?"
"…..."
Sister Qiu?
Bai Xu's thoughts were still sluggish from sleep, so he responded instinctively, "En. What's up?"
"You haven't been to the studio in almost a month. How’s your design for the competition coming along? The boss wants you to come in this afternoon at two."
"…..."
Studio? Competition piece? Boss?
Bai Xu pieced the key words together in his mind, and the drowsiness in his eyes gradually faded.
He sat up in bed, "Got it. I'll be there this afternoon. Thanks, Sister Qiu."
Sister Qiu chuckled, "Alright, see you then."
The call ended.
Bai Xu stared at his phone screen for a moment before tapping open his WeChat Moments.
To outsiders, his feed appeared completely blank, but in reality, the original host had set all past posts to 'only visible to me'.
Most of the hidden content consisted of ceramic design notes and firing process records.
Even though the original host was just a 'cannon fodder' in the novel, his life and experiences had been real—
His academic performance had been excellent, and he had passed the entrance exam for the ceramics design program at Imperial Capital University. He had shown talent and a natural instinct for the craft, participating in numerous design projects under his mentor as early as his sophomore year.
During his senior year internship, he had joined Taojing, a ceramics design studio, on his professor’s recommendation and signed on as an independent ceramics designer.
Before his accident, the studio’s boss had tasked him with creating a new piece for an international exhibition, with a deadline of one month.
Memories belonging to the original host surged in his mind.
His gaze darkened slightly. Without hesitation, he turned off his phone.
It was time to meet the people at the studio, as Bai Xu.
...
At exactly 2 PM, the car came to a stop in front of a standalone villa.
Chen Yufei, who had accompanied him, glanced at the 'Taojing Studio' sign at the entrance before turning to look at Bai Xu in the back seat, "Mr. Xiao Bai, would you like me to go in with you?"
"No need. Just find a place to park and wait for me."
Bai Xu checked the time, "I’ll be out in no more than half an hour."
Chen Yufei had received orders from his boss just last night, he didn’t need to keep an especially close eye on Bai Xu, "Understood."
Bai Xu stepped out of the car and pushed open the gate to the villa’s courtyard.
Soon, a casually dressed woman with short hair emerged from inside. She held a steaming cup of herbal tea in her hands and greeted Bai Xu with a warm smile.
"Xiao Bai, I knew you'd be right on time. You’re looking well."
Bai Xu recognized her instantly, "Sister Qiu."
Qiu Yi was the original host’s senior by three years and had joined this studio before him. In addition to design work, she was also responsible for exhibitions and studio operations, talented and outstanding in every way.
The original host had been introverted and disliked socializing. Whether it was team-building events, exhibitions, or sales, Qiu Yi had always looked after him like an older sister. She was a cheerful and kind-hearted woman.
She glanced toward the black car that was driving away and asked curiously, "Who dropped you off today?"
Bai Xu answered simply, "A friend."
Qiu Yi nodded without suspicion, then lowered her voice as she pulled him aside before they entered, "Just a heads-up, keep an eye on yourself in there. The boss doesn’t look too happy today."
"Oh, and Master Song is here too. They’re all in the second-floor meeting room right now."
"......"
Bai Xu’s smile faded slightly, “Got it. Thanks, Sister Qiu.”
The 'Master Song' Qiu Yi mentioned was the original host’s university mentor, Song Zhiqing, a highly respected figure in China’s ceramics industry.
Two months ago, the studio’s boss had assigned the original host to design an original piece for an exhibition under the team’s name. With the registration deadline fast approaching and no updates from Bai Xu, it was likely that today’s meeting was about to turn into a reprimand.
As he ascended the spiral staircase, Bai Xu could already see the two people inside through the transparent glass.
Boss Fang Xu was lounging on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, gesturing animatedly as he spoke to Song Zhiqing, who sat to the side.
The older man, dressed in his usual modified Tang-style jacket, sipped his tea calmly while listening.
Bai Xu adjusted his expression and knocked on the door.
Both men turned their attention toward him at the sound.
Fang Xu’s expression darkened the moment he saw his late-arriving employee, his displeasure evident.
Meanwhile, Song Zhiqing, sensing the shift in mood beside him, maintained his warm and composed demeanor, “Bai Xu, you’re here? Come in.”
Bai Xu stepped forward, “Boss, Master Song.”
Fang Xu leaned back into the sofa, immediately voicing his dissatisfaction, “Bai Xu, I have to say, you’ve been completely out of line lately!”
“If I hadn’t told Qiu Yi to call you, were you planning to just never come back? I’ve given you as much freedom as possible with your work, but that doesn’t mean you can just take your salary and slack off!”
"......"
Bai Xu remained silent, quietly waiting for the second act of the performance to unfold.
Sure enough, Song Zhiqing stepped in to 'mediate' on his behalf.
"Boss Fang, there's no doubt that Xiao Bai was in the wrong here. I apologize on his behalf. He’s a student I personally mentored, and I know character well..."
As he spoke, he took the initiative to pour tea for Fang Xu.
"Xiao Bai is definitely not the kind of person who lacks ambition. There must have been some family matters that delayed him. Please, on my account, let this go."
Fang Xu accepted the tea, his expression easing slightly, "Master Song, you’re too polite. How could I refuse you?"
Having successfully soothed Fang Xu, Song Zhiqing turned back to Bai Xu and got to the main point, "Xiao Bai, I heard from Boss Fang that there's an international ceramics design exhibition at the end of the month? He worked hard to secure a valuable entry spot for you."
"Since Boss Fang is giving you this opportunity, you need to make the most of it. That way, you won't bring shame to our university, or to me. It will also be beneficial for your own future."
Watching the two of them play their roles so seamlessly, Bai Xu felt an overwhelming wave of disdain and disgust.
Song Zhiqing might appear warm-hearted and upright, but in reality, he was nothing more than a complete hypocrite.
Back in university, he had recognized the original host’s talent in ceramics design early on. Using his authority as a mentor, he had repeatedly stolen Bai Xu’s works, claiming credit for them to boost his own reputation.
Even when Bai Xu discovered the truth, Song Zhiqing always found ways to twist the narrative, manipulating him with well-crafted reasoning and psychological pressure. He even openly and covertly used his title as 'mentor' to suppress him.
The reason he introduced Bai Xu to Taojing Studio was because he secretly held shares in it through family connections. It was all about the idea of ‘don't let one's own fertile water flow into others' field*’.
*t/n; proverb: keep the goodies within the family » keep the benefits within his circle.
This wasn’t the first time—
One played the good cop, the other the bad cop, applying as much pressure as possible on the timid and introverted Bai Xu. Their ultimate goal? To force him to 'hand over' his painstakingly designed original work!
They called it teamwork, but in the end, all the fame and fortune went to them. Absolutely shameless!
The original host had always known the truth. But beyond his genuine love for the craft, he had no support, no one to turn to—
After all, if he didn’t comply with their demands, Fang Xu’s ruthless tactics and Song Zhiqing’s industry influence would surely destroy any future he had in the field.
Seeing Bai Xu remain silent for so long, Fang Xu glanced at Song Zhiqing. The latter took a sip of tea, subtly shooting him a look from behind his cup.
Fang Xu understood the signal and continued playing the bad cop, “Bai Xu, I’m talking to you. How’s your preparation going? The registration deadline is almost here.”
As painful memories surfaced alongside the original host’s buried grievances, Bai Xu turned to them, a mocking glint in his otherwise cold gaze.
“If this spot is so precious, why don’t you take it yourselves?”
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