DASFAM

March 31, 2025

DASFAM_33

The dinner was prepared sumptuously. Learning from past experience, Shang Yanxiao had instructed the servants in advance to prepare Chinese dishes that Bai Xu was more accustomed to, almost all of them were dishes he had eaten before.

Bai Xu leisurely sipped on rib soup to warm his stomach, "Where did you and Xie Qi go this afternoon? It’s only the second day in the Singapore, and you’re already going out casually. Aren’t you afraid the main family might have people secretly watching you?"

"Being cautious is necessary, but we’ve already been careful enough."

Shang Yanxiao thought of the urgent matter, "There’s a rather pressing project. I need to help Queyan finalize it as soon as possible so he can establish a firm footing in the group."

Bai Xu pressed further, "What project? Can you share the details?"

Shang Yanxiao had never intended to hide it from him, "AI-assisted medical equipment developed by Germany’s AW Technology."

"AI-assisted medicine?"

Bai Xu felt like he had heard of this before, a flicker of thought crossing his brow.

Soon, he grasped the clue from his memory, "Last time during the family meeting, I heard the Old Master reprimanding Shang Songming for losing money on a medical project. Was it similar to what you’re talking about?"

"En."

Everyone knows that the internet and digitalization are lucrative these days, and AI technology, as a key offshoot of this trend, has been a major focus in recent years.

When AI serves as a higher-level aid in the medical field, its market potential is immense. However, though this piece of the pie is tempting, not everyone gets a bite.

"Germany's AW Technology developed a cutting-edge electronic targeting device for cancer treatment a few years ago, which has already passed all regulatory approvals. But due to excessive initial investments, they no longer have the resources to continue subsequent R&D and production."

A month ago, the company filed for bankruptcy liquidation. Now, numerous firms, both domestic and international, are eyeing this opportunity—including the Shang Group, which had already made inroads into the internet sector years ago.

Bai Xu caught on immediately, "You want this project?"

Shang Yanxiao didn’t deny it, "I wanted to take it all, but I’ve already missed the best window."

Bai Xu frowned, "What do you mean?"

Xie Qi stepped in to explain on Shang Yanxiao’s behalf, "AW’s board chairman has close personal ties with the chairman of Singapore’s Juesheng Medical. Leveraging that connection, the latter has already signed a letter of intent with AW ahead of others."

However, conservative estimates suggest that AW’s follow-up R&D will still require hundreds of millions in USD, far from a trivial sum.

The project is undoubtedly profitable, but it demands continuous investment. After all, any product needs ongoing R&D and upgrades, it’s impossible to reap the benefits once and for all.

Perhaps because it was only briefly mentioned in the book, Bai Xu felt a vague familiarity with the company Shang Yanxiao mentioned, but he couldn’t recall the specifics.

"Juesheng Medical?"

"En."

Shang Yanxiao shared the background information he had just learned that afternoon, "Juesheng Medical has shown strong growth momentum in recent years, but based on their public financial reports from the past two years, it's unlikely the company can front the entire amount at once without straining their cash flow afterward. So..."

Bai Xu cut in with the answer, "So, they need external capital infusion and plan to adopt a dual-class share structure later?"

"......"

Hearing his correct response, a faint glint of pleased admiration flashed through Shang Yanxiao's eyes.

Meanwhile, Xie Qi, standing beside them, was visibly stunned, "Mr. Xiao Bai, how do you even know all this?"

Though these terms weren’t particularly obscure, they certainly weren’t common knowledge for someone outside the field, let alone a ceramics major.

Bai Xu calmly took another sip of soup, "I just do."

Shang Yanxiao didn’t press further and simply continued, "Industry rumors suggest Chairman Zhang of Juesheng does have that intention, though it hasn’t been publicly announced yet."

"According to Xie Qi’s intel, there’s less than a month left before the final deadline in their letter of intent."

In other words, within this month, Zhang Songyang, the top executive of Juesheng Medical, will undoubtedly secure this 'ally'.

Shang Yanxiao made his stance clear, "For Queyan to establish his footing in the group, the first step shouldn’t be too ambitious. If the third branch can secure a stake in this project, the short-term results would be more than sufficient."

Bai Xu nodded, "So, you need to arrange a meeting with Zhang Songyang as soon as possible?"

"That’s precisely the key point I wanted to discuss—"

Shang Yanxiao looked at Bai Xu, making the request both as an ally and with personal considerations in mind, "Bai Xu, given my current situation, it’s not convenient for me to appear in public yet. I’d like you to represent me."

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow, "Me?"

Shang Yanxiao explained straightforwardly, "Xie Qi has already found out that Zhang Songyang will attend a business banquet this Saturday. It’s the best opportunity to meet and talk with him formally in the near future. I can arrange an invitation, but attending..."

Bai Xu easily picked up his train of thought, "You want me to go in your place?"

Shang Yanxiao fell silent for a moment, still reluctant to pressure him too much, "It’s up to you. If you’re unwilling, I’ll figure out another way."

Bai Xu caught the concession in his tone, and his emotions wavered slightly.

In the past, Bai Xu would never have agreed to involve himself in the third branch’s business affairs. But last night, when he suffered that sudden allergic reaction, it was only thanks to Shang Yanxiao’s attentive care that he recovered.

Besides, he had come to the Singapore as an 'ally' in the first place. Negotiating commercial projects like this was second nature to him, on every level, he had no reason to refuse.

Xie Qi, speaking on behalf of his boss, pressed, "Mr. Xiao Bai?"

"Alright." Bai Xu agreed, "You'll need to provide me with all the relevant materials on the project, including information on Juesheng Medical and Chairman Zhang. I’ll need to familiarize myself beforehand."

It was only Monday today, so there were still five days to prepare, plenty of time.

At the same time, he set his boundaries upfront, "I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee a 100% success rate in securing this project."

Bai Xu never doubted his own capabilities, but since this project wasn’t something he was pursuing for himself, it was only prudent to leave some room for error.

The corner of Shang Yanxiao’s lips lifted slightly, "Don’t worry. I’ll be here, you can consult me anytime. If anything goes wrong with this project, I’ll take responsibility."

Bai Xu caught the implication, "You’re coming too? I thought you couldn’t appear publicly?"

Shang Yanxiao, unusually cryptic, replied, "You’ll find out on Saturday."

Bai Xu suppressed his rising curiosity and feigned indifference, "Fine, keep your secrets. It’s not like I’m dying to know."

Shang Yanxiao chuckled softly, "Eat more."

"Hmm."

Bai Xu took a bite of beef and casually asked, "By the way, why did Allen leave after less than a day?"

Shang Yanxiao’s chopsticks paused mid-air, and his gaze flicked toward Xie Qi.

"......"

Xie Qi caught his look and smoothly took over, "Oh, our initial background check on Allen wasn’t thorough enough. His social circle outside of work turned out to be a bit... complicated. I brought it up with Third Young Master, and we decided it was safer to replace him."

Bai Xu found it a little odd, "Really?"

Someone as meticulous as Shang Yanxiao, and with Xie Qi’s efficiency, wouldn’t have suddenly realized the butler candidate was unsuitable and made a last-minute switch.

Shang Yanxiao pressed his lips together slightly, steering the conversation away with a light urgency, "Hurry up and eat, the food’s getting cold. And don’t forget to take your medicine again later."

Bai Xu gave a noncommittal hum, letting the matter drop.

...

Another night descended.

After finishing his bedtime routine, Bai Xu lay in bed, tossing and turning restlessly. The blanket near his nose still carried a faint, lingering scent—

A mix of medicinal ointment and minty shower gel, subtle yet unexpectedly pleasant, making him unconsciously take a deeper breath to savor it.

"......"

Only when this soothing aroma seeped into his senses did Bai Xu belatedly snap out of his daze, a trace of imperceptible frustration flickering between his brows.

"What am I doing lying here in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he rolled over and sat up. Glancing around, his restless curiosity got the better of him, and he slipped out of bed and left the room.

The careful twist of the doorknob produced only the faintest sound, but to Bai Xu’s surprise, the door to the adjacent master bedroom opened almost simultaneously—

Shang Yanxiao, also freshly showered, stepped out and immediately locked eyes with Bai Xu, who was clad in thin sleepwear.

Bai Xu froze mid-step, "Is... the soundproofing this bad?"

"......"

Probably due to his earlier tossing and turning in bed, the collar of Bai Xu's pajamas had unconsciously slipped open a bit too much. Shang Yanxiao felt a flicker of discomfort, but what surged more prominently in his chest was concern.

He asked, "Why aren't you resting so late at night? Are you feeling unwell again?"

Bai Xu waved a hand dismissively, "No, I just slept too much during the day and can't fall asleep now. I was thinking of going to the study to see if there are any books that might help me drift off."

After all, scrolling through his phone late at night would only make him more awake.

Shang Yanxiao considered his words, "We just moved in, the study is still mostly empty. There aren’t many books on the shelves yet."

Bai Xu had no choice but to shelve his plan of reading himself to sleep. Then another thought struck him, "Shang Yanxiao, are you tired?"

"Not particularly."

"Then, maybe..." Bai Xu ventured tentatively, "We could chat for a bit? Who knows, talking might make me sleepy?"

Shang Yanxiao chuckled under his breath, "So now I’m your sleep aid?"

Bai Xu recalled how easily he had fallen asleep after the lights were turned off in the early hours, and his heartbeat stuttered imperceptibly.

He coughed lightly, feigning nonchalance, "I, I guess so?"

Shang Yanxiao didn’t refuse, "Let’s go to your room. It’s late, and it’s a bit chilly. Be careful not to catch another cold."

"I won’t. My immune system isn’t that weak."

Bai Xu protested verbally but obediently followed the suggestion and returned to his room.

Shang Yanxiao entered after him, casually pulling over a chair to sit down, "What do you want to talk about?"

Bai Xu flopped back onto his bed without hesitation, glancing at him before asking uncertainly, "Can we talk about your parents? What kind of people were Mr. Shang and Madam Chi when they were alive?"

Bai Xu's parents had divorced when he was very young, and he had experienced little maternal love growing up. Although the book only mentioned them briefly, Bai Xu had still sensed the gentleness of Shang Yanxiao's mother between the lines.

Shang Yanxiao hadn’t expected Bai Xu to start with this topic. He hesitated for a few seconds before answering, "My father, like the other elders in the family, studied business management abroad. My mother was the principal dancer of a Chinese classical dance troupe in her youth."

"One year, her troupe was invited for an overseas tour, where she happened to meet my father, who had been dragged to the performance by a friend."

Bai Xu rolled onto his side, hugging the blanket, his interest piqued, "So, Mr. Shang fell in love with Madam at first sight?"

Shang Yanxiao smiled faintly, "Probably. According to my father, he wasn’t the only one pursuing my mother back then, and he had to put in a lot of effort."

Lacking experience in matters of the heart, even though Shang Qi had been one of the most outstanding young men in the Imperial Capital's social circles, he had struggled quite a bit in this pursuit.

However, the Shang family members all took after the Old Master in matters of love, once they set their sights on someone, they never let go!

Even Shang Keyi and Wu Wei, who had faced the strongest opposition back then, ultimately prevailed through persistence and achieved their happy ending.

Bai Xu pressed further, "The Old Master didn’t object at the time?"

"No, he didn’t."

Shang Yanxiao’s maternal grandparents were both highly respected veteran artists, and Chi Li, as their daughter, was naturally outstanding and exceptional.

After having her background checked, the old Shang patriarch was reassured. Moreover, his second son, Shang Qi, had never given him any cause for worry growing up, so the marriage was blessed by both families.

Bai Xu asked curiously, "Were you and your brother especially popular as kids? Madam probably wasn’t strict with you either, right?"

Shang Yanxiao replied, "I was alright, but Queyan was quite mischievous as a child. Both my parents were very even-tempered people and hardly ever got angry with us…"

He paused, then recalled something, "The only time both of them got upset was during a trip when I didn’t stop Queyan from climbing a tree out of restlessness, and he ended up slipping and falling."

"I tried to catch him immediately, but I wasn’t strong enough and couldn’t fully break his fall."

Even though it was just an old memory, Bai Xu still tensed up for a moment, "What happened then?"

Shang Yanxiao sighed helplessly, "I ended up getting dragged down by Queyan. My forearm was scraped, and my arm got cut by a sharp stone, it took several stitches to close."

As he spoke, he rolled up the sleeve of his pajamas, revealing the old scar from the stitches.

Bai Xu’s brows furrowed slightly, "It must’ve hurt a lot at the time, right?"

Shang Yanxiao had long forgotten the pain, only saying, "Queyan had it worse, he fractured his right leg and was crying buckets of tears."

With both their precious sons injured in one go, the third branch’s couple had been furious and frantic, their words harsher than usual. They even forbade the brothers from going outside until their injuries healed.

Hearing this, Bai Xu’s initial tension melted into amusement, "Queyan was the troublemaker, and you were the unlucky one dragged into it."

"What else could I do? He’s my brother, had to endure it."

Shang Yanxiao chuckled lightly before steering the conversation toward Bai Xu, "What about you?"

"......"

Bai Xu fell silent for a few seconds, picking out a couple of truthful statements that wouldn’t give anything away, "I don’t remember much. I don’t have many memories of my mom, but I think she was a very beautiful, very gentle woman."

After the divorce, Bai Xu’s mother had gone overseas for her career, and the two hadn’t seen each other since.

Bai Xu knew she had built a new life for herself and had never dared to disturb her.

Shang Yanxiao’s gaze darkened slightly, "I’m sorry."

Bai Xu forced a faint smile, "It’s fine. I brought it up first, Shang Yanxiao..."

Shang Yanxiao’s eyes remained steady on his face, "Hm?"

Bai Xu spoke whatever came to mind, "Before the accident, did your family ever pressure you?"

Before transmigrating into the book, he had been around the same age as Shang Yanxiao, mid-twenties. Though still young, that hadn’t stopped his family elders from nudging him toward arranged meetings.

The only problem was, Bai Xu had never been one to prioritize romance. He’d never had his heart stirred by anyone growing up, so each time, he’d just laugh it off.

Shang Yanxiao was once again caught off guard by Bai Xu’s question but answered honestly, "I never really thought about it before. Emotions and marriage… they weren’t necessities for me."

Hearing this expected reply, Bai Xu’s lips curved slightly.

As expected, Shang Yanxiao was fundamentally the same type as him, better lacking than settling.

Shang Yanxiao continued, "My mother did bring it up once or twice. She even asked what kind of person I liked, saying she could help me look properly."

Bai Xu couldn’t hold back a chuckle, "And what did you say?"

Noticing Bai Xu’s amusement, clearly enjoying the drama, Shang Yanxiao swallowed his original answer of 'I brushed it off' and changed his reply at the last second.

"I told her I didn’t like girls."

"......"

Bai Xu, for once, couldn’t control his expression, his eyes widened in shock and bewilderment.

Shang Yanxiao took in his reaction and pushed the harmless little joke further, "Otherwise, why do you think Grandma had so-called 'masters' calculate our birth charts and then sought out someone like you, a guy?"

"......"

Huh?

That was the reason?

All drowsiness fled Bai Xu’s mind, "Sh-Shang Yanxiao, are you serious?"

Shang Yanxiao remained utterly unruffled, still teasing him, "En. I told my mother I like someone who looks obedient on the surface but is fiercely competitive and sharp-witted at their core. They’d have to share my interests, to the point where just a glance..."

He deliberately slowed his words, his deep eyes never leaving Bai Xu, "...would tell me exactly what they’re thinking."

Despite the lack of any overtly aggressive gesture, Bai Xu inexplicably felt pinned in place.

His throat bobbed unconsciously, "Oh. You... like that kind of person? Uh, I think I’m getting sleepy."

His words tumbled out disjointedly, a rare hint of fluster slipping through.

Shang Yanxiao caught the unspoken tension hidden beneath his facade and couldn’t hold back a full laugh.

"Bai Xu?"

"Ah?"

Bai Xu rolled onto his side, pretending to rub his eyes, "I’m actually kinda tired now."

Shang Yanxiao knew when to quit while he was ahead, "I was just messing with you. Why are you so nervous?"

"......"

Bai Xu froze for a second before realizing he’d been played. He whipped back around, "Shang Yanxiao!"

Meeting Shang Yanxiao’s still-amused expression, he scrambled to salvage his dignity with forced criticism, "You, are, so, boring!"

Shang Yanxiao neither confirmed nor denied it, "Oh? It is getting late. Goodnight?"

Bai Xu yanked the blanket over his head, "Who’s saying goodnight to you? Just go back already."

Shang Yanxiao took in the sight of Bai Xu, flustered and hiding under the covers, and stifled a laugh as he turned off the light, "Goodnight. Sweet dreams."

He stood decisively and headed for the connecting door between their rooms for convenience. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, a muffled grumble came from beneath the blankets.

"Goodnight."

...

Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye. Bai Xu changed into the banquet attire prepared in advance by the butler—

The summers in the Singapore are even hotter, so it’s no longer practical to wear a conventional three-piece suit. Instead, a moonlit-hued silk shirt with a fluid drape feels cool and smooth against the skin, offering a much more comfortable wear.

The collar had no buttons but instead featured two pre-sewn wide ribbons. A light tie was all it took to adjust the openness at the front freely.

Bai Xu casually knotted a loose bow at the mirror, not too tight, leaving the slightly turned-out collar to reveal a hint of collarbone.

"Not bad."

Bai Xu examined his reflection in the mirror, raising an eyebrow in satisfaction.

Knock, knock.

A knock sounded at the door.

Xie Qi’s voice followed, "Mr. Xiao Bai, may I come in?"

Without turning his head, Bai Xu replied, "Come in."

Xie Qi entered carrying a large wristwatch case and opened it in front of Bai Xu, "Mr. Xiao Bai, Third Young Master asked you to pick one to wear."

"......"

The case contained eight luxury watches, the least expensive worth over a million, the most valuable exceeding ten million.

Bai Xu skimmed over them, he knew his stuff, "Is all this pomp really necessary?"

Xie Qi answered, "Tonight’s business banquet is of the highest caliber. Third Young Master said your presence must carry the appropriate weight."

At high-profile commercial gatherings like this, women flaunt diamonds and jewelry, while men showcase watches and lapel pins, the simplest and most straightforward way to convey status.

Bai Xu understood tonight wasn’t some casual affair, "Fine."

He carefully inspected each watch and finally selected one inlaid with white and blue diamonds, a perfect match for his outfit tonight.

Click.

The clasp of the wristwatch fastened with a soft sound.

Perhaps it was the price tag, but even this tiny 'click' seemed unusually pleasing to the ear.

Bai Xu savored the long-unfamiliar extravagance of the 'wealthy' lifestyle and sighed inwardly, "By the way, where’s Shang Yanxiao? Didn’t he say last time that he’d be attending tonight’s banquet too?"

He glanced at the time, "It’s five already. Shouldn’t we be heading out soon?"

Xie Qi closed the watch case, deliberately keeping the suspense, "Mr. Xiao Bai, Third Young Master is already prepared. He’s waiting for you downstairs."

Bai Xu’s recently suppressed curiosity flared up again, "He’s ready?"

Xie Qi nodded, "Yes."

"What’s with all the secrecy?"

Despite his calm tone, Bai Xu quickened his pace as he walked out.

He had only descended halfway down the spiral staircase when he spotted the figure standing by the first-floor tea bar from afar—

A black, lightweight shirt and black trousers. The outfit couldn’t have been simpler, yet it perfectly accentuated the man’s impeccable physique.

Broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs—it was impossible to look away. A natural-born clothes hanger.

Hearing the footsteps from the staircase, Shang Yanxiao turned around, "Ready?"

Bai Xu sped up his descent, "What’s with this...?"

Shang Yanxiao picked up the spare baseball cap and black mask nearby, fully equipping himself, "Well? Do I qualify as your undercover bodyguard, following you into the banquet’s inner circle?"

Dressed head-to-toe in black, his eyes seemed even deeper than usual.

Bai Xu rose slightly on his toes, leaning in to tug down the mask, "Third Young Master, with all due respect, you were never cut out to be a bodyguard."

"No matter how ordinary the clothes or how well you cover up, in a crowd, you’d still stand out the most."

Shang Yanxiao’s eyes brightened faintly at the implicit praise, "Which is why, for tonight’s banquet, I’ll still need you to cover for me."

Bai Xu chuckled, lowering back onto his heels, "En, I’ll do my best. But are you sure you want to go?"

Shang Yanxiao turned serious, "Don’t worry. The real business elites and socialites have high standards when it comes to personal bodyguards."

Take Chen Yufei, for example, who’d been assisting them all this time, he was a standard 185cm tall, and when suited up with a stern expression, his presence was downright intimidating.

"Once we’re inside the banquet, just introduce me as your accompanying bodyguard. I’ll stand to the side and play the mute."

As he spoke, he pinned a pre-customized brooch onto Bai Xu’s outfit, "This contains a miniature audio transmitter. If there are moments when I can’t get close, it’ll help me keep track of your situation in real time."

Bai Xu was slightly surprised, "Third Young Master, you’ve prepared this thoroughly?"

"Just in case."

Shang Yanxiao fastened the brooch for him, his gaze drifting upward—

In just the short walk down the stairs, the silk bow at Bai Xu’s collar had already loosened slightly. Not only was his collarbone visible, but the view further down was half-revealed as well.

"......"

Shang Yanxiao’s thoughts froze for a split second, but his hands moved faster than his mind.

Bai Xu noticed his sudden adjustment of the bow and instinctively leaned back, "What are you doing?"

"Don’t move!"

Shang Yanxiao stopped him firmly, stepping closer.

With quick reflexes, he tightened the loosened ribbon completely, even tying a secure knot to thoroughly conceal the alluring glimpse.

Bai Xu couldn’t quite see the details from his peripheral vision, "Shang Yanxiao, don’t tie it so high up. It’s too tight."

Shang Yanxiao only let go after confirming it was securely fastened, "It’s not too tight. The banquet will definitely have the AC on, and your outfit is thin to begin with. Better to cover up properly."

Bai Xu hesitated, half-convinced, "Really? Then shouldn’t I just bring a light jacket?"

"The jacket’s already prepared. If you feel cold, let me know. It’s about time, we should head out," Shang Yanxiao smoothly changed the subject, yet leaned in slightly, almost imperceptibly.

"Young Master?"

"......"

The deep voice brushed against his ears.

Hearing the address and meeting that strikingly handsome face up close, Bai Xu’s response came out a little faint, "Hm?"

Shang Yanxiao asked quietly, "I won’t be able to engage much with others tonight. You’ll be the one calling the shots, is that alright?"