DASFAM_31

— Bang!

The manually twisted party popper burst open, followed immediately by the incessant crackling of electronic firecrackers. Qiu Yi, leading the studio members, loudly shouted auspicious phrases at Bai Xu:

"Good luck with the opening!"

"Everything goes smoothly in the studio!"

"Boss Bai, make more money in the future and give us more raises!"

Bai Xu smiled and responded, "Thank you all for your trust and for joining us. Starting today, we will all work hard together for our Ning Ceramic Studio!"

"Alright!"

"Of course!"

Qiu Yi took charge of the proceedings, "Come on, let's hang the plaque first, then cut the ribbon!"

Bai Xu took the custom studio door plaque from her hands, "Alright."

The original host had been used to keeping to himself and didn't have many close friends. Bai Xu also didn't like grand opening ceremonies, so he only invited Zhang Changning, who wanted to come and join in the fun.

In addition, under Shang Queyan's suggestion, Shang Yanxiao sent ten high-end flower baskets, neatly arranged in two rows in the front yard.

Seeing the brand-new plaque, Zhang Changning immediately stepped forward to admire it, "Wow! Is this made of ceramic?"

Bai Xu nodded, "Yes, it was Sister Qiu's idea. Doesn't it fit the vibe of our studio?"

"Yeah, it looks great."

Zhang Changning didn't hold back his praise and pointed out, "You know, your studio seems to have a connection with me. 'Ning', if you switch it to pinyin, isn't that my 'Ning'? How about I invest a bit and become a shareholder?"

Qiu Yi chimed in, "That would be great!"

Bai Xu smiled as he securely hung the plaque, then handed Zhang Changning a pair of scissors, "Come on, join me and Sister Qiu for the ribbon-cutting? Let you experience it too?"

Zhang Changning had never done something like this before, "Sure!"

"Three, two, one!"

Snip! The ribbon-cutting was successfully completed!

The ceramic business is different from traditional brick-and-mortar stores. On the first day of opening, there's no need to chase so-called sales targets.

After the festivities, everyone returned to their individual workstations, designing and creating as usual, in a relaxed and ordinary atmosphere.

With nothing else to do, Bai Xu was pushed by Zhang Changning into the private lounge, and he couldn't help but laugh, "I say, Young Master Ning, with your easygoing manner, who's really the boss of this studio, you or me?"

"Hey, I'm serious, I want to talk business with you."

"What is it?"

The two sat down on the sofa.

Zhang Changning took out a tablet from his backpack and pulled up a series of design drawings,"A friend of mine overseas, who's into art, wants to custom-make a batch of mini ceramics as exhibition giveaways. It's a large order. Can your studio handle it?"

"......"

Bai Xu hadn't expected Zhang Changning to actually come to discuss business, so he straightened up and said, "Hold on a second."

Not being as experienced in this field as the original host, he had to call Qiu Yi over via WeChat.

Upon hearing the news, Qiu Yi quickly made her way to the lounge, "Let me take a look at the design drawings."

Zhang Changning handed them over, "Here."

Qiu Yi carefully reviewed them and replied, "It's not too difficult. If it's a large batch, I have contacts at a firing factory I collaborated with before at Taojing. I can give them a call to discuss. It's just the pricing and costs..."

Zhang Changning interjected, "My friend is looking for high precision, and cost isn't an issue. He's not short on money, which is why I recommended you guys."

Bai Xu smiled, "Since it's your friend, our studio definitely won't set unreasonable prices."

Zhang Changning didn't doubt it at all, "Okay."

Qiu Yi added, "How about this? I'll take charge and first produce a batch of samples based on the design drawings for free. If the client is satisfied, we can proceed with the specifics later."

Zhang Changning responded on behalf of his friend, "No problem, I'll send you the design drawings later."

Qiu Yi nodded, "Alright."

The door to the lounge closed again, and Bai Xu turned to Zhang Changning with a sincere expression, "Changning, thank you."

Zhang Changning smiled, "You're welcome. We're friends, and of course, I want to support your opening. Besides, I wasn't joking earlier."

Bai Xu caught on, surprised, "You really want to invest?"

Zhang Changning nodded, his curly hair bouncing slightly, "I originally studied art and design, and ceramic falls within my field of expertise, though I'm not an expert."

"My grandmother's health has been declining over the past couple of years, and after discussing it with my family, I've decided to stay in the country for the time being."

The Zhang family wasn't short on money, and Zhang Changning didn't have the usual worries about finding a job.

"Since I’ve got free time anyway, I can work on creative inspiration anywhere. I'm someone who really dislikes hassle, how about I take advantage of your ready-made studio here? The investment money is not a problem."

Bai Xu understood Zhang Changning’s intentions but still felt the need to caution him, "This investment might not necessarily turn a profit. There’s a chance it could all go down the drain in the future."

Zhang Changning, brimming with his innate confidence, replied, "Really? I’ve got plenty of connections, and my eye for potential is pretty sharp. Your studio has a bright future. If it ends up making money, just cut me in on the profits. If it doesn’t—" 

His large, lively eyes sparkled mischievously, "I’ll just have Third Brother cover the losses for you. After all, you two are practically family."

"......"

Family?

Him and Shang Yanxiao?

The sudden term caused Bai Xu's thoughts to pause for a moment. When he spoke again, there was a hint of unconscious pride in his tone, "It's my own studio, I don't need Shang Yanxiao to take responsibility for it. It will make money."

Projects he had valued in the past had never lost money.

Having said this much, it would seem pointless to refuse a shareholder who came knocking.

Bai Xu agreed, "Since Young Master Ning is so eager to board this 'pirate ship', shall I welcome you with open arms?"

Zhang Changning raised his chin slightly, "That's more like it."

The two chatted a bit more in the lounge before Bai Xu received a WeChat message from Sister Qiu: "Bai Xu, come out for a moment, someone is asking for you."

Bai Xu's eyebrow raised slightly, "Someone's looking for me, I'll step out for a moment. Make yourself at home."

Zhang Changning didn't feel neglected, "Alright."

...

Bai Xu walked out of the lounge and from a distance, he saw Qiu Yi hosting a young girl dressed in professional attire, but she looked unfamiliar.

"Sister Qiu."

He approached steadily, his gaze falling on this young and unfamiliar girl.

Facing his scrutiny, she politely introduced herself, "Hello, Mr. Bai, I am Yang Ya, the assistant to Director Sun Miaochun. Here is my business card."

Bo Xu's eyes slightly narrowed as he took her business card, "Director Chun?"

Yang Ya said, "Director Chun heard that your studio is opening today and specifically sent me to deliver an opening flower basket. She also mentioned that she was not as hospitable as she should have been at the last banquet and hopes Mr. Bai will be understanding."

"......"

Although the matter of opening the studio wasn't kept a secret, Bai Xu had never made a big deal out of it. Did Sun Miaochun send someone specifically to inquire about his news?

Bai Xu took her business card and said, "Director Chun is too kind."

Yang Ya, who was there on a mission, continued, "Mr. Bai, Director Chun wishes to commission a batch of private ceramic artworks from your studio, with a total budget around this figure. May I know who I should contact to discuss the details?"

"......"

Qiu Yi, seeing the gesture Yang Ya made, couldn't hide her astonishment.

First, there was Zhang Changning leveraging industry connections to bring in business, and now Yang Ya representing her company's director with a custom order? Having been open for less than an hour, isn't the volume of orders coming in a bit overwhelming?

Not daring to make any decisions on her own, Qiu Yi could only turn her gaze towards Bai Xu.

Bai Xu, catching her silent plea for help, gave a slight nod of his eyes and said, "Thank you, to Detector Chun, for being willing to support our studio's business."

This wasn't a high-society banquet, and his studio had no connections with the Shang family.

Sun Miaochun was a smart person; she should have understood from the last banquet that he wouldn't help facilitate any connections with the Shang family. Despite this, she still sent her assistant to convey her 'apologies' and 'goodwill'.

In that case, Bai Xu was willing to accept it.

After all, when running a business, no one would turn away money.

Bai Xu didn't immediately agree, leaving some room for negotiation, "Sister Qiu, could you please take Miss Yang to the office for a detailed discussion? Let's see if our studio has the capability to meet Director Chun's custom requirements."

"Alright."

Qiu Yi politely gestured, "Miss Yang, please follow me."

Yang Ya secretly breathed a sigh of relief, nodded towards Bai Xu, and then followed Qiu Yi into the inner office.

...

The first day of opening went exceptionally smoothly.

To show everyone's support for the studio, Bai Xu specially reserved a private room at a hotel and hosted an opening banquet for all the employees, including Qiu Yi.

As the new shareholder, Zhang Changning naturally joined in the festivities.

After several rounds of drinks, everyone started to think about calling it a night.

Bai Xu gently supported Zhang Changning out of the elevator and looked up to see Zhang Changxu stepping out of a black car.

The two men crossed paths, "Dr. Zhang? What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for him."

Zhang Changxu familiarly steadied the slightly dizzy Zhang Changning, "He sent a message saying he invested in your studio and came here for a dinner gathering."

Hearing this answer, Bai Xu wasn't surprised.

After all, the Zhang brothers were famously known in the book as being 'brother-obsessed' and 'younger brother-obsessed', and in reality, the bond between the two brothers had only grown stronger.

Bai Xu asked, "Dr. Zhang, do you agree with him becoming a shareholder?"

Although Zhang Changning was a bit tipsy, upon hearing this, he immediately raised his voice, "It's my own savings! I make my own decisions!"

His bold gesture was a bit too vigorous, causing his center of gravity to sway again.

Zhang Changxu quickly steadied him, a hint of indulgence and helplessness flickering through his usually cool demeanor, "Alright, it's your decision. No one's stopping you from investing."

Bai Xu couldn't help but laugh.

Hearing the soft chuckle, Zhang Changxu's gaze returned to Bai Xu. Taking advantage of the absence of outsiders, he asked, "Yanxiao is set to leave next week. Are you planning to go with him?"

Bai Xu countered, "Is everything ready?"

Zhang Changxu summarized, "Yes, I've already explained the situation to the Old Master. Once we arrive in the Singapore, there will be trustworthy people to handle the transition."

Bai Xu expressed some concern, "What if someone at home becomes suspicious..."

Zhang Changxu, familiar with the Shang family's situation, stated bluntly, "Those who are supposed to be suspicious have never let go of their doubts. Whether Yanxiao wakes up or not, their plans won't stop."

However, if Shang Yanxiao is not in the country or at the conglomerate, it actually reduces the threat to them and makes it easier for them to carry out their underhanded schemes.

Zhang Changxu pressed on behalf of his friend, "So, are you going?"

Bai Xu snapped back to attention, "Dr. Zhang, why are you so concerned about whether I'm going or not?"

A faint smile appeared on Zhang Changxu's lips, "I just feel that Yanxiao seems to really hope you'll go."

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

Zhang Changxu stopped short of elaborating, deliberately keeping the conversation ambiguous, "Of course, after all, if you go, he'll have one more smart person to help cover for him."

Zhang Changning began to feel drowsy, yawning and squinting as he asked, "Second Brother, are you two done talking?"

"Done."

Zhang Changxu immediately dropped the subject, giving Bai Xu a meaningful look, "We're leaving now. If anything comes up with Yanxiao, feel free to contact me anytime."

Bai Xu agreed, "Alright."

Not long after the Zhang brothers left, Qiu Yi, who had just settled the bill for the private room, also took the elevator downstairs, "Bai Xu, haven't left yet?"

"Just about to leave."

Bai Xu responded, not forgetting to instruct, "Sister Qiu, deduct today's expenses directly from my personal account at the end of the month."

Qiu Yi waved the invoice in her hand, handling the matter professionally, "Got it, it's such a large sum, I won't argue with you over it."

Bai Xu laughed, sincerely thanking her once again, "Sister Qiu, thank you."

Qiu Yi smiled back, "Between us siblings, let's not stand on ceremony. Besides, the salary you're paying me isn't low. Even if it's just for my own sake, I have to work hard to run the studio well."

Bai Xu caught the jest in her latter remark, "En, seems like I'll have to consider a raise, but that'll have to wait until I get back."

Qiu Yi asked, "Get back? Where are you going?"

"To Singapore," Bai Xu was careful not to divulge too much about the Shang family's affairs, "There's some family business I need to attend to, so I'll be accompanying them for a trip. It could be as short as three months, or as long as half a year?"

Bai Xu provided an estimated timeframe based on the plot described in the book.

"If there are any issues at the studio, feel free to communicate with me online anytime. However, since the Singapore is quite close, if there's anything urgent that's hard to resolve, I can always fly back."

Qiu Yi thought for a moment and then nodded, "It's fine, go ahead and take care of your own matters. I've got the studio covered."

She had been in this industry for more than a year or two and was capable of handling general order-related issues.

Bai Xu felt slightly relieved, "Thank you, Sister Qiu. Shall I have the driver drop you off on the way back? It's getting late."

This time, Qiu Yi did not refuse, "Alright."

...

Bai Xu did not involve himself too much in the arrangements for Shang Yanxiao's overseas 'treatment'. It wasn't until the private flight landed in the Singapore that he suddenly felt the reality of being abroad.

—Swish!

The door of the exclusive transfer vehicle closed, blocking the view of unrelated crew members outside.

Only after Chen Yufei drove the car onto the overpass did Xie Qi, sitting in the back seat, quietly breathe a sigh of relief, "Third Young Master, there are no outsiders now."

Hearing this, Bai Xu looked towards Shang Yanxiao on the makeshift stretcher bed.

"......"

Shang Yanxiao slowly opened his eyes, easily catching his gaze, but made no effort to disguise his fatigue.

Bai Xu noticed the fatigue and stiffness in his demeanor and couldn't help but laugh, "Third Young Master, your back must be stiff from lying down all the way here, right?"

Shang Yanxiao allowed him to tease, taking the warm water handed by Xie Qi to moisten his throat, "How long until we reach our accommodation?"

Xie Qi replied, "A two-hour drive."

Bai Xu was startled, "Two hours? Aren't we going to Yasheng Private Hospital?"

Seeing Bai Xu's surprised expression, Xie Qi chuckled softly, "Mr. Xiao Bai, going to the hospital for treatment is just the official story. Now that the Third Young Master is here, he can't continue to be confined to a hospital bed as before."

"We've already made arrangements with the private hospital. Staff will pretend to be the Third Young Master for daily treatments. Xiao Deng and Brother Fei will take turns 'guarding' there, and I will also go over from time to time."

The act must go on, for as long as it can be maintained.

After all, being abroad makes it less easy and convenient for the first and second branches to investigate the truth, and with Shang Queyan keeping an eye on things domestically.

The part about Shang Yanxiao going abroad was briefly mentioned in the book, and Bai Xu was unaware of the actual situation behind it, "So where are we going now?"

Shang Yanxiao interjected, "To another private residence."

Xie Qi nodded, "The servants and the housekeeper there are all foreigners, and everything has been arranged properly."

Bai Xu hummed in acknowledgment, "It seems whether I come along or not doesn't really affect Third Young Master? I thought you might need my help to cover for you."

Shang Yanxiao said, "Since you're here, take a few days to rest first. There will indeed be times when I'll need your help to cover for me later."

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Really?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't specify the answer, instead asking, "Are you tired? Do you want to sleep for a while?"

Bai Xu concealed the slight fatigue in his eyes, "I'm okay, I'll rest when we arrive. It's hard to sleep soundly on the road."

After a pause, Shang Yanxiao casually instructed Chen Yufei, "Try to drive a bit faster."

"Understood, Third Young Master."

...

It was already past seven in the evening when they arrived at the new residence.

The independent duplex villa, though not as spacious as the Shang family's villa, boasted exquisite decoration and a tranquil environment. Xie Qi had specifically investigated—

The residents in this area were all wealthy or noble, ensuring excellent daily privacy.

The newly hired housekeeper was a British man in his early thirties, who stepped forward steadily to greet them, "Good evening, gentlemen. I am Allen, very pleased to offer you long-term housekeeping services."

Allen did not understand Chinese, which was deliberately arranged by Xie Qi.

Shang Yanxiao nodded slightly, but before he could respond, Bai Xu beside him spoke up first, "Is dinner ready? I'm hungry."

His fluent and proficient British accent sounded exceptionally pleasant.

Allen's eyes lit up, "Of course, Mr. Bai, your pronunciation is very accurate."

Bai Xu tilted his head slightly, easily joking with him, "If you let me eat my fill before speaking, I can be even more accurate."

Allen laughed heartily.

In the car, Shang Yanxiao noticed the brief interaction between the two, his eyes deepening with thought. He stepped out of the car with his long legs, brushing past Allen, "Let's go inside."

His steps didn't pause unnecessarily, his stern expression exuding a powerful aura.

Allen immediately realized that he was the central figure among the group, feeling a chill, "Yes, Mr. Shang."

Bai Xu also sensed Shang Yanxiao's fleeting coldness, frowned, and looked towards Xie Qi and Chen Yufei beside him, "What's wrong with him?"

"......"

Xie Qi adjusted his glasses, "Third Young Master is always like this with outsiders, Mr. Xiao Bai, let's go inside too."

Bai Xu hid his inexplicable sense of strangeness and followed them inside.

Perhaps considering that it was Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu's first time at home, the dinner was prepared especially lavishly.

Bai Xu's current constitution made him somewhat airsick, and coupled with the fatigue from the two-hour car ride, he finally settled down at home. Upon smelling the aroma, his appetite naturally opened up.

Bai Xu took a bite of the salmon avocado on the dining table and looked somewhat surprised at the servant beside him, "Hmm, this is quite well done."

The delicate texture of the fish paired with the moderate sweet and sour taste of the avocado puree was delicious.

The servant, busy serving them soup, quickly responded upon hearing Bai Xu's compliment, "Mr. Bai, Allen helped make this."

Allen explained, "The avocados bought today are very good. If you like them, Mr. Bai, shall I make you an avocado milkshake?"

"Sure, thank you."

Bai Xu agreed with a smile and then looked towards Shang Yanxiao, "Would you like one?"

Shang Yanxiao scooped a spoonful of soup and replied indifferently, "No."

Bai Xu noticed the hint of coldness in his tone and slightly frowned, then turned back to Allen, "Just one then, thank you~"

His naturally soft voice carried a wave-like coquettishness.

"......"

Shang Yanxiao gently placed the soup spoon in the bowl, "Xie Qi, come with me for a moment."

Xie Qi, watching Allen's busy figure heading to the kitchen, lightly adjusted his glasses, "Mr. Xiao Bai, enjoy your meal slowly."

Bai Xu didn't pay much attention to his words, but his gaze lingered on Shang Yanxiao's hurriedly departing figure, the inexplicable feeling in his heart growing a bit stronger.

He casually set down his chopsticks, "What's going on? Why is Shang Yanxiao acting so strangely today?"

Chen Yufei met his inquiring gaze and shook his head.

Bai Xu looked at Shang Yanxiao's barely touched bowl and chopsticks and suddenly lost his appetite. When Allen brought back the avocado milkshake, he took the opportunity to stand up, took it, and went upstairs.

Tap, tap, tap.

The staircase echoed with footsteps.

As Shang Yanxiao and Xie Qi came out of the study, they happened to see Bai Xu going upstairs with the milkshake.

Their eyes met, devoid of any hint of a smile.

Bai Xu took a sip of the milkshake, with a hint of temper he himself hadn't noticed, and looked towards Xie Qi, "Where's my room?"

Xie Qi quickly glanced at Shang Yanxiao and promptly pointed, "Over there! Right next to Third Young Master's bedroom!"

As if remembering something, he added, "By the way, Third Young Master, Mr. Xiao Bai, there's a small door inside your rooms that connects to each other. If anything happens at night, you can help each other out?"

"......"

Bai Xu walked up the remaining steps, inadvertently closing the distance with Shang Yanxiao, "Third Young Master is very capable, what could possibly happen?"

Shang Yanxiao noticed his unusually sharp tone, his brow furrowing slightly tighter.

Seeing that Shang Yanxiao still appeared cold and indifferent, Bai Xu suddenly felt disinterested, "You guys carry on, I'm going back to my room to rest."

"......"

So close yet passing by without even a basic 'good night'.

A trace of frustration broke through Shang Yanxiao's brow, but he quickly concealed it, "Xie Qi, make sure to expedite the tasks I've assigned."

Xie Qi saw through it, "Understood, Third Young Master."

...

That night.

Bai Xu lay half-asleep, curled up on the bed, his expression betraying an indescribable pain.

At some point, a dry, painful sensation had begun to rise in his throat, and beyond that, a severe burning feeling surged in his stomach. Even the slightest movement caused his skin, where it touched the sheets, to tingle with pain.

"......"

Bai Xu tried to endure for a while, but the pain only grew heavier, completely driving away any semblance of sleepiness.

He forced himself up despite the discomfort, but before he could get out of bed to fetch water, the dizziness from standing up stirred a tumultuous upheaval in his stomach, sending him rushing to the bathroom to vomit violently.

—Swish!

Rinsing his mouth and splashing his face with cold water, the chill stimulated his burning nerves.

Bai Xu looked up at his reflection in the mirror; his eyes had already reddened rapidly from discomfort, and itchy red spots had appeared on the sides of his neck and arms.

—An allergic reaction? How could that be?

Bai Xu breathed lightly in disbelief, but his body's instinctive reactions had already confirmed the truth. His stomach, now completely empty, still spasmed with pain, and waves of cold and hot sweat assaulted him.

Bai Xu, always resilient, dragged his weakened steps out of the bathroom, wanting to use warm water to alleviate his discomfort, but he had seriously underestimated the stress response of this allergic reaction.

"Ughh."

Suddenly, his stomach spasmed with pain, his hand trembled, and the water cup fell to the ground with a clatter, the noise particularly clear in the dead of night.

"......"

Bai Xu truly had no strength left to clean up. He forced himself to lean against the small bar in the bedroom, waiting for the wave of pain to pass.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the tightly closed small door of the room, "Bai Xu?"

It was Shang Yanxiao's voice, "What happened?"

Bai Xu adjusted his breathing rate, his voice somewhat unsteady, "It's nothing, I accidentally broke a cup."

Shang Yanxiao didn't believe him, "Open the door."

Bai Xu clenched his teeth, "I'm fine, you..."

—Bang!

The small door, which wasn't locked, was pushed open by Shang Yanxiao.

Shang Yanxiao immediately noticed Bai Xu's abnormal complexion, and his expression instantly filled with tension, "What's wrong with you?"

"......"

Bai Xu was trembling with pain, yet stubbornly refused to utter a word of complaint, "Seems like the soundproofing in this room really isn't good."

Shang Yanxiao noticed the red spots on his skin and immediately reached out to feel his forehead, "Allergic reaction? Or are you feeling unwell somewhere else?"

The slightly cool touch of his palm against Bai Xu's forehead caused him to unconsciously groan, "Shang Yanxiao?"

Seeing that Bai Xu was having trouble standing, Shang Yanxiao quickly supported him, "Hm? I'm here."

Bai Xu, unprepared, leaned into Shang Yanxiao's embrace. The familiar scent of the other enveloped him, easily breaking down the psychological defenses he had been struggling to maintain.

"Shang Yanxiao, it hurts so much."

–

TL: Muji

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