DASFAM_30

Old Master Shang's earth-shattering statement instantly 'exploded' the room, making some people present unable to sit still.

Shang Keyi and Shang Yun, showing a rare moment of siblings tacit understanding, exclaimed in unison, "Dad!"

Over the years, they had desperately tried to weave their own connections and influence into the group, but Old Master Shang had always been more critical than accepting, leaving little room for their schemes. And now, out of the blue—

He casually extends an olive branch to Bai Xu? On what grounds? Has he truly lost his mind?

Fang Yuhua was burning with anxiety, and Shang Songming even blurted out on the spot, "Grandfather, even if Bai Xu is Yanxiao's arranged marriage partner, they haven't even gotten their marriage certificate yet! He's an outsider who hasn't been here long, what qualifications does he have to enter the group?"

Wu Wei caught the subtle hint in his wife Shang Keyi's eyes and said, "Yes, this... this isn't appropriate, is it?"

Seeing that his parents had already voiced their opposition, Shang Qishun wisely remained silent.

Shang Queyan noticed the restless and anxious expressions across the table and felt a secret sense of satisfaction, "Grandfather, I think it's a good idea. Now that everyone knows Bai Xu is my brother's arranged marriage partner and a part of our third branch of the family, it makes sense for him to join the company to learn and help fill the gap."

As soon as these words were spoken, the daggers in the eyes of those across the table became even more pronounced.

Shang Keyi revealed her domineering side and retorted disdainfully, "Since when has our company ever kept idle people? Even if there are vacancies, they should be filled by capable individuals."

She shot a dissatisfied glance at Bai Xu and questioned, "Bai Xu hasn't had any experience with these matters in the Bai family, has he? The battles of interest in the business world aren't won with just a few clever words."

Her implication was clear: she believed Bai Xu had only won the favor of the elderly couple at the banquet, allowing him to effortlessly secure such a significant opportunity.

"What's all this noise about?" Old Master Shang slammed his teacup down on the table, "Every time I say something today, you all have endless retorts. Should I just hand this family over to you to run instead?"

"......"

Old Master Shang turned to Shang Keyi, who was sitting closest to him, and brought up the past again, "So you do know about 'sweet-talking'? I thought after all these years, you still only knew how to go against my wishes!"

"Dad!"

Shang Keyi's brow furrowed even tighter, and a wave of unspoken resentment welled up in her chest.

How many years had she been married?

Why did he still bring this up from time to time? Was it really necessary?

Back then, the Old Master had insisted that Wu Wei was a freeloader, a social climber who only cared about her family's status, and that their marriage would inevitably lead to major problems! But what had actually happened?

Over the years, Wu Wei had never once stepped out of line! He had remained loyal to their marriage and their relationship!

Shang Keyi muttered under her breath, "Even with your sharp eye for people, there are times when you get it wrong."

"......"

Seeing the situation take a turn for the worse, Wu Wei quickly grabbed his wife's hand under the table to comfort her, "Alright, alright."

Old Master Shang ignored this and instead locked his gaze back on Bai Xu, "Bai Xu, I'm asking you a question. Why have you been silent for so long?"

Shang Queyan, with a hint of anticipation, chimed in, "Bai Xu? What do you think?"

Facing the varied looks from those around him, Bai Xu calmly slipped the black ring back onto his middle finger, "Old Master, thank you for your regard, but I do not wish to work in the Shang Group."

Shang Queyan's anticipation was dashed, leaving him puzzled.

The others collectively breathed a sigh of relief, with Fang Yuhua and Shang Songming exchanging a glance and inwardly sneering:

To pass up such a great opportunity? What a fool!

Old Master Shang stared intently at Bai Xu, "Oh? And why is that?"

Bai Xu, having already prepared his demeanor and words, smiled slightly, "The first reason, you've just witnessed. I don't wish to become the target of everyone's criticism."

"......"

Upon hearing this, the first and second branches of the family felt as if they had been struck in the knee once again.

Bai Xu paid no attention to their reactions and continued, "The second reason is that I genuinely hope you and Old Madam can feel happy on such a wonderful day as your sixty-fifth wedding anniversary."

"That gift truly isn't worth much, but it absolutely isn't mixed with any schemes. I don't need such a return of benefits."

With a few understated words, the contrast was stark.

In the real world, Bai Xu's parents divorced early, and his grandmother, Old Madam Bai, passed away due to illness when he was ten.

For Bai Xu, who had transmigrated into the book, he not only felt that the Old Master Shang resembled the grandfather who raised him but also envied Shang Yanxiao for having such a gentle and loving grandmother like Old Madam Shang.

Most importantly, the unwavering affection between the elderly Shang couple over the decades moved and inspired him, someone who had long lost hope in marriage.

If everything were to unfold as per the original plot, and if the Old Master was fated to fall ill and pass away next year, then Bai Xu only wished—

That today's bowl of yellow croaker noodles could add one more good memory to the limited days remaining for the elderly couple.

"......"

Old Master Shang had heard too many insincere flatteries, most of which carried ulterior motives.

He silently scrutinized Bai Xu, attempting to find even the slightest trace of hypocrisy on his face, but for once, his efforts were in vain.

The Old Master steadied himself and asked, "Is there more? Go on."

Bai Xu replied, "The third reason is for my own sake. Although Shang Yanxiao and I are in an arranged marriage, he has been unconscious all along, and there is indeed no emotional foundation between us."

"Old Master, I am an independent individual, not an appendage of Shang Yanxiao or the Shang family. I don't want to be pointed at and said that I have latched onto a powerful family or taken shortcuts."

"I am aware of the Shang family's status in the Imperial Capital's social circles. I have indeed gained a level of respect that I never had before because of this status, and that is enough."

In this society, having so-called 'background' to aid one's endeavors is indeed beneficial, but if one becomes overly dependent, there's a risk of becoming complacent and losing one's edge.

Moreover, Bai Xu has always been determined to leave the Shang family.

If he were to enter the corporation now for temporary gains, it would inevitably lead to countless entanglements, making it much harder to extricate himself in the future.

"If possible, I would like to prove my worth outside of the Shang family with my own abilities."

Bai Xu, with a tone that was neither arrogant nor humble, presented a nearly perfect response.

After hearing his answer, Old Master Shang let out a subtle chuckle, "You certainly have backbone. Since that's the case, you may proceed as you see fit. Everyone has their own aspirations, and I won't force you."

Bai Xu responded with a smile, "Thank you for your understanding, Old Master."

Shang Qishun, observing the interaction between the Old Master and Bai Xu, felt a long-lost sense of crisis creeping up on him.

The corner of his mouth involuntarily tightened for a moment before returning to its usual slight curve, still choosing to keep a low profile and not deliberately draw attention to himself.

...

Shortly after nine o'clock, the car came to a halt at the entrance of the villa.

With the assistance of the driver, Shang Queyan carefully maneuvered his wheelchair out of the vehicle. The moment the wheels hit the ground and jolted, a flicker of pain crossed his face.

Bai Xu noticed this and glanced at his legs, "Are you okay?"

Even with a prosthetic limb, the process of rehabilitation is not something that happens overnight. It was no small feat for Shang Queyan to have come this far in such a short time.

After spending this period together, Shang Queyan no longer resisted Bai Xu's concern, "I'm fine."

The two entered the house one after the other.

Zhang Changning, who had been waiting in the sofa area, immediately stood up, "Bai Xu, Queyan, you're back?"

Shang Queyan asked, "You haven't left yet?"

"En."

Zhang Changning approached, signaling with his eyes towards the upstairs, "After the banquet ended, my brother said he wanted to have a chat with Third Brother... They're still upstairs."

Zhang Changning had learned about Shang Yanxiao's true condition from his own brother. Of course, he had always stood with the third branch of the family and would never casually disclose such important matters.

"By the way, Bai Xu, the gift you gave tonight—" Taking advantage of the absence of outsiders, Zhang Changning began to praise, "It was absolutely stunning! Even my brother praised you for your brilliance."

"Is that so?"

Bai Xu glanced towards the second floor and teased, "I thought Second Young Master Zhang only had eyes for his younger brother. I didn't expect to receive praise as well?"

As soon as the words fell, footsteps sounded from the spiral staircase, and Zhang Changxu came down, "What are you talking about?"

Zhang Changning's eyes lit up, "Second Brother, are you done?"

Zhang Changxu met his bright gaze, "Yes, it's getting late. Let's go back."

"Alright."

Zhang Changning agreed swiftly.

Before leaving the villa, he made sure to remind Bai Xu repeatedly, "When your studio opens in a few days, you must send me an invitation. I'll be there to support you!"

Bai Xu smiled in response, "Got it, be careful on your way back."

"Okay."

The villa door closed once again.

Shang Queyan maneuvered his wheelchair towards the elevator, "I'm going upstairs to check on my brother. Do you want to come along?"

Bai Xu, fully aware of the situation, nodded, "Sure."

As soon as the two entered the master bedroom, they were met with Shang Yanxiao's expectant gaze.

Shang Yanxiao had already heard about the banquet from his friend, "The Old Master is very pleased with the gift you prepared."

Bai Xu did not take all the credit, "This gift was from the third branch together. If it weren't for you sending Xie Qi to find it and Queyan personally confirming it, we wouldn't have had such an effect tonight."

Shang Yanxiao's lips curled into a slight smile, "But the idea was yours."

Even he couldn't have grasped such a seemingly insignificant detail after reading the autobiography and thus presented a heartfelt gift.

Shang Queyan nodded and recounted the details of the family meeting to his brother. He recalled Bai Xu's response to the Old Master and couldn't help but feel genuine admiration.

"Bai Xu, actually, very few people dare to refuse Grandfather's proposals. I thought you would seize this 'opportunity'."

"Everyone makes different choices, and my reasons for refusing have already been clearly stated."

Bai Xu smiled, not feeling the least bit regretful.

His gaze met Shang Yanxiao's and then shifted to Shang Queyan, "Too many people in your family 'fear' the Old Master, simply because they see him as the head of the group and the Shang family, high and mighty, with a single word that can determine life and death."

Deciding the fate of each branch's projects, the investment funds for subsidiaries, and even the future division of family assets.

Wanting to gain something is why they fear.

Bai Xu doesn't need to reap any benefits from the Old Master Shang, so naturally, he doesn't fear this figure. Without fear, he can engage in normal and equal dialogue.

"Actually, stripped of the titles 'head of the family' and 'chairman's group', isn't he just an ordinary old man?"

Bai Xu hit the nail on the head, even adding a touch of obvious teasing, "The older people get, the more they resemble children. When they throw a tantrum, just find the right remedy and coax them a little."

"......"

Huh?

Is that so?

Shang Queyan didn't understand but was greatly shocked, and couldn't help but look towards his elder brother.

Shang Yanxiao, sensing his younger brother's questioning gaze out of the corner of his eye, found it hard to look away from Bai Xu, "You're right, the Old Master isn't that difficult to get along with, you just have to figure out his temperament."

Bai Xu, receiving affirmation, raised an eyebrow, "En."

Shang Queyan, seeing his elder brother and Bai Xu in such harmony, was somewhat skeptical, "Why don't I feel that way?"

Shang Yanxiao said to him, "You've spent a lot of time abroad before. Once you enter the group in a couple of days and have more contact with the Old Master, you'll understand."

Bai Xu succinctly summarized, "When it comes to corporate projects, speak less and do more. In daily family matters, agree more and question less. If you really can't get on the same page, don't force it, just let him be."

Shang Queyan nodded, then couldn't help but mumble indistinctly, "...How come you two always seem to be on the same wavelength about everything?"

Bai Xu didn't catch that, "What did you say?"

Shang Queyan shook his head, "Nothing."

Shang Yanxiao brought up the main topic, "By the way, I just had a chat with Changxu. Since the first branch has returned to the country, they are bound to probe my side multiple times, and they will only watch more closely and fiercely than the second branch. If I continue to stay here, I will only be restricted at every turn."

"Moreover, whether it's the subsidiaries or within the group, the assets of our third branch are closely tied to the Shang family."

Family businesses have their advantages, but also many inconveniences.

Bai Xu caught on immediately, "Are you planning to avoid the surveillance of the first branch and even the entire Shang family to establish another asset company?"

Shang Yanxiao nodded slightly, tacitly acknowledging this statement.

Shang Queyan, who always trusted his decisions, asked, "Brother, are you planning to take this opportunity to leave? Where are you going?"

"......"

Bai Xu suddenly remembered a briefly mentioned detail in the original story and ventured, "Singapore?"

Shang Yanxiao was somewhat surprised, "Yes, that's the plan for now. Changxu will tell the old man that there are new medical facilities in Singapore that could aid in my recovery."

Once there, Shang Yanxiao would arrange for a 'double' to lie in the hospital and use the available liquid funds to start another business.

He looked at Shang Queyan, "You'll keep an eye on things domestically. I'll give you a new contact method later. If there's anything you can't handle in the subsidiaries or the group, you can contact me."

"Alright."

Listening to the conversation between the brothers, Bai Xu understood clearly.

Indeed, any brief time transitions in the original story, when translated into 'reality', encompass countless situations.

In the original book's briefly mentioned plot, Shang Yanxiao went to Singapore for nearly three months of treatment before suddenly 'waking up' and returning to the country after his condition improved.

By then, Shang Queyan had also undergone growth and transformation, not only able to move freely with a prosthetic limb but also gradually gaining a firm foothold in the group.

Shang Yanxiao called out, "Bai Xu."

Bai Xu snapped back to attention, "Hm?"

A rare hint of hesitation surfaced in the depths of Shang Yanxiao's pupils, "Will you stay in the Imperial Capital? Or will you come with me to Singapore?"

"......"

Bai Xu had never considered this question before and was momentarily at a loss for an answer, "I don't know."

"There's still time, think it over at your own pace," Shang Yanxiao concealed the light in his eyes and did not press further, "It's late today, you should both get some rest."

Bai Xu took a light breath, "Alright."

...

Another peaceful night passed.

Bai Xu was not awakened naturally but by a series of short knocks on the door. He struggled to lift his eyelids and then heard Xiao Deng calling from outside.

"Mr. Xiao Bai, are you awake?"

"......"

"Mr. Xiao Bai?"

The voice seemed deliberately hushed, with an urgency that was palpable.

Sensing something was amiss, Bai Xu frowned, rolled over, and sat up. He quickly got out of bed and opened the door, "What's wrong?"

It was not yet nine o'clock.

Xiao Deng, seeing his sleepy appearance, wore an anxious look tinged with apology, "I'm sorry, Mr. Xiao Bai, to disturb your rest, but the Eldest Young Master is in the master bedroom right now!"

Bai Xu was startled, instantly wide awake, "Shang Qishun?"

"Yes!"

Xiao Deng kept his voice down, rapidly explaining the situation, "He said he wanted to visit the Third Young Master. Brother Fei and I couldn't keep blocking him, and Assistant Xie went to the subsidiary with the Fourth Young Master early this morning."

Shang Qishun was no easier to fool than the members of the second branch. Choosing this time for a 'sudden visit' was clearly a ploy!

"Brother Fei was afraid the Eldest Young Master might notice something, so he told me to come and get you..."

Before Xiao Deng could finish, Bai Xu was already heading towards the master bedroom, "I understand."

...

In the overly quiet master bedroom, a sense of oppression gradually rose.

Shang Qishun stared at the motionless Shang Yanxiao on the bed. Behind his glasses, his gaze, usually gentle and refined in public, became heavy and cold.

Chen Yufei, standing opposite the bed, kept a stern face, closely watching his every move without missing a beat.

Shang Qishun was the legitimate Eldest Young Master of the Shang family and had come under the proper pretext of a 'visit'. As bodyguards, if they forcibly prevented him from entering, it would only provoke more speculation.

Therefore, Chen Yufei could only provide close protection.

Fearing that Shang Qishun might notice something amiss, he had Xiao Deng rush to inform Bai Xu at the first opportunity.

Suddenly, Shang Qishun bent slightly, as if reaching out to touch.

Chen Yufei urgently intervened, "Eldest Young Master!"

Shang Qishun glanced at him, "Why are you so nervous? Could it be that..."

—Bang!

The door to the master bedroom swung open, interrupting the unspoken interrogation.

Bai Xu walked in quickly, and Chen Yufei seemed to see a savior, "Mr. Xiao Bai!"

Bai Xu, noticing his overly tense tone, pretended to be relaxed, "Good morning."

Shang Qishun rubbed his fingertips, turning around nonchalantly to look at the newcomer, "Young Master Bai, up so early?"

Bai Xu smiled back, "Not as early as the Eldest Young Master."

Choosing this time to come was clearly intended to catch them off guard.

Shang Qishun remained unflustered, "I came by after breakfast to check in. I've been thinking about Yanxiao a lot during these more than three months abroad, but it was too late yesterday, so I didn't come with you and Xiao Yan right away."

Bai Xu twitched the corner of his mouth, not responding.

"However, it seems Young Master Bai has been taking good care of Yanxiao?" Shang Qishun glanced at Shang Yanxiao on the bed, pondering, "I've heard that people in long-term comas can suffer from muscle atrophy and weight loss due to insufficient nutrition, but—"

He paused for two seconds, a cold light reflecting off his glasses, "Yanxiao's condition almost makes me think he's pretending to... sleep."

His words carried a hidden meaning, making Chen Yufei's heart tighten.

But Bai Xu responded with ease, "Then we'll take your kind words as a blessing."

"We would prefer that the Third Young Master is just asleep, at least that way there's always a day he'll wake up. When that time comes, I'll be sure to send someone to inform the Eldest Young Master immediately~"

The last sentence was particularly sincere.

Shang Qishun smiled impeccably, "Good."

Bai Xu took two steps forward, subtly forcing him to keep his distance, "Eldest Young Master, please step aside, the Third Young Master's nutrient drip is almost empty, I need to change it."

"......"

Shang Qishun stepped back.

Bai Xu, while signaling Chen Yufei to fetch a new nutrient bag, bent down to adjust the corner of the blanket for Shang Yanxiao.

He sensed the persistent gaze from behind and seemingly offered a friendly suggestion, "However, Eldest Young Master might want to spend more time dealing with your own private matters?"

Shang Qishun's expression changed slightly, "Private matters?"

Bai Xu noticed the sudden stiffness in his tone and turned around to ask, "Aren't you and Miss Bai getting engaged in the second half of the year? I've heard that wedding preparations are quite cumbersome. Isn't that your private matter?"

Shang Qishun's expression relaxed, "I thought it was something serious. Just spend some money to hire a wedding planner."

Bai Xu detected the subtle change in his demeanor and pressed on, "I was just casually reminding you. Look how nervous the Eldest Young Master is? One might think you're hiding something from everyone."

Facing Bai Xu's insinuations one after another, Shang Qishun responded flawlessly, "Young Master Bai is quite different from the rumors, quite fond of joking."

Was the second branch really sending a fool to humiliate Shang Yanxiao?

Clearly, they were finding a very capable ally for him.

"You flatter me."

Bai Xu replied lightly, but he was not polite when it came to urging someone to leave.

"Eldest Young Master, here's the thing. To foster the bond between Yanxiao and me and to get him accustomed to my voice, I usually spend breakfast time alone with him. So, it's not convenient to have outsiders around."

As he spoke, he actively made a gesture to usher him out, "Since the Eldest Young Master has already eaten, I won't keep you. Please, feel free to go."

"......"

Shang Qishun, having lived for nearly thirty years, heard this kind of 'guest-dismissing' rhetoric for the first time.

He was taken aback, and the corners of his mouth were no longer in their standard curve, "Bai Xu, you are more interesting than my third brother."

Bai Xu tilted his head slightly, not responding.

Shang Qishun wouldn't seek his own embarrassment. He glanced at Shang Yanxiao on the bed again, "Then I wish you... a pleasant meal."

After saying that, he left the room without looking back.

It wasn't until the room door closed that Bai Xu muttered, "Quite hypocritically polite."

After a while, Chen Yufei came back carrying breakfast, "Third Young Master, Young Master Bai, I saw him leave with my own eyes. He probably won't come back again."

Shang Yanxiao sat up, his previously calm brow now furrowed with a cold severity.

Bai Xu, having finished washing up, returned and casually picked up the oatmeal milk, "Did it give you a scare?"

Shang Yanxiao sighed imperceptibly, "I was prepared, but not enough."

The two were only three or four years apart and had been genuine rivals since they could remember, well acquainted with each other's ways of doing things.

Shang Yanxiao had guessed that Shang Qishun would not easily dismiss his suspicions based on outsiders' opinions, and sure enough, he came.

Bai Xu recalled Shang Qishun's earlier suspicions, "In your current state, staying at the manor is indeed unsafe, and there's always a risk of exposure."

After all, no matter how much one pretends to be in a coma, it's difficult to replicate the most instinctive signs of illness.

"True."

Shang Yanxiao's heartstrings loosened slightly, "It's a good thing you arrived in time."

Bai Xu took a few sips of the oatmeal milk, humming with a smile, "Now you see the importance of having an ally like me, don't you? In critical moments, it's still up to me to cover for you."

"......"

Shang Yanxiao caught a glimpse of the moisture on his lips, his thoughts wavering slightly, "En."

He knew he shouldn't impose on others, but he couldn't help but ask, "So, will you, my ally, come abroad with me?"

–

TL: Muji

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