DASFAM_35

The man appeared to be just over thirty, dressed in a custom-made champagne-colored suit, and with accompanied by a female companion and an assistant, making quite an impressive display.  

Zhang Songyang extended his hand first, "Mr. Chu, good evening."  

"Chairman Zhang, you’re too kind."  

Mr. Chu briefly returned the handshake before casting a cold glance at the assistant behind him, "My people don’t seem to know how to do their jobs, they didn’t notify me of your arrival right away."  

The assistant lowered his head nervously, resigned to bearing the blame, "My apologies, Mr. Chu. It was my oversight."  

Zhang Songyang smoothed things over, "Ah, I’m hardly an important figure. No need for Mr. Chu to personally greet me, no need for such courtesy."  

"Chairman Zhang, you’re too modest."  

"......"

Bai Xu listened to the polite exchange between the two, discreetly observing Mr. Chu.  

The man’s narrow eyes gave off an unfriendly vibe, and his every move radiated undisguised superiority and arrogance.  

Sensing Bai Xu’s silence, Zhang Songyang interjected, "Here, let me introduce you two. Young Master Bai, this is the eldest son of the Chu family, Chu Yuncheng, currently the general manager of Chu Group Investments."  

"Mr. Chu, this is Young Master Bai from Zhouye Investments. We’ve only just met ourselves."  

Out of courtesy, Bai Xu offered a faint smile, "Mr. Chu, it’s a pleasure to meet you."  

However, instead of reciprocating the courtesy when Bai Xu extended his hand, Chu Yuncheng left him hanging for an awkward moment.  

He gave Bai Xu a slow once-over before merely raising his glass, "Young Master Bai? Can’t say I recognize your face, or the name."  

Bai Xu calmly withdrew his hand, refusing to take the bait, "I’m from China and only recently arrived in Singapore. It’s natural that Mr. Chu wouldn’t know me."  

"No wonder."  

Chu Yuncheng brushed off the remark and turned back to Zhang Songyang, "Mr. Zhang, I’ve been rather busy lately. How about we set a time tomorrow, Sunday, to discuss your AW project in detail?"  

"......"

The moment these words were spoken, Bai Xu's expression shifted imperceptibly.  

Zhang Songyang noticed the subtle change in Bai Xu's gaze and instinctively glanced back at him.  

Chu Yuncheng, catching their barely perceptible exchange, raised an eyebrow, "What? Is Young Master Bai also interested in this project?"  

Zhang Songyang, ever the businessman, smoothly stepped in to answer, "Young Master Bai just brought it up earlier, so we chatted briefly."  

"Oh? Just a casual chat, then? That’s harmless enough," Chu Yuncheng let out a low chuckle, his tone carrying a hint of preemptive dominance.  

"I assume Chairman Zhang is aware that for a project like this, our Chu Group is the top-tier partner in all of Singapore."  

Zhang Songyang wasn’t one to beat around the bush either, "If Mr. Chu is serious about collaborating, that would naturally be ideal."  

"Naturally. I’ll have our assistants arrange a time later?"  

"Very well."

No sooner had he spoken than another voice called out nearby, "Chairman Zhang!"  

Seizing the opportunity to exit this invisible battlefield, Zhang Songyang turned to his two companions, "Mr. Chu, Young Master Bai, excuse me for a moment."  

Bai Xu responded politely, "Of course, Chairman Zhang. I’ll visit you another time if the opportunity arises."  

Zhang Songyang, not bothering to mind Chu Yuncheng’s presence, simply said, "Very well."  

Meanwhile, Chu Yuncheng’s assistant, who had been standing quietly in the background, seemed to receive a message on his phone. He leaned in and whispered something into his boss’s ear.  

"......"  

Chu Yuncheng’s expression darkened instantly, and his gaze turned openly hostile as it landed on Bai Xu, "Young Master Bai?"  

Bai Xu sensed the shift in his tone, "Mr. Chu, is there something you’d like to say?"

"Not so much advice, just a word of caution for you, Young Master Bai," Chu Yuncheng took half a step closer, "As an investor from China, you won’t find it easy to gain a foothold here in Singapore."  

"Don’t set your sights on projects you shouldn’t, and don’t meddle in affairs that don’t concern you. Understood?"  

Though his voice was low, the threat was unmistakable.  

"Projects, or people, that I’ve taken an interest in won’t be up for grabs unless I decide to let go. A newcomer like you has no business interfering."  

Faced with repeated provocations and disdain, a cold fury simmered in Bai Xu’s chest, "Oh? I appreciate the lesson."  

Keeping his composure, he smiled, soft on the surface but sharp beneath, "Mr. Chu’s confidence is truly impressive. Most people wouldn’t dare carry themselves like this."  

The last remark was a deliberate double entendre, dripping with sarcasm.  

Chu Yuncheng’s brow furrowed, "You—"  

—Clink!

Bai Xu lightly clinked his champagne glass against Chu Yuncheng's, cutting off his retort, "Excuse me, I'll take my leave first."  

With that, he turned away swiftly, not sparing another glance.  

Chu Yuncheng stared at his composed retreating figure, feeling as though his aggression had been swallowed by cotton, frustratingly ineffective. In a burst of irritation, he downed a gulp of champagne and dug his fingers into his companion’s waist as an outlet for his anger.  

The woman winced in pain but clenched her teeth, refusing to make a sound.  

Chu Yuncheng ordered his assistant coldly, "Coordinate with Chairman Zhang’s assistant as soon as possible to finalize tomorrow’s meeting time."  

The assistant responded promptly, "Understood."

...

Bai Xu walked back to the lounge area and coldly poured the champagne he had 'clinked' with Chu Yuncheng into the trash.  

Only when facing the familiar Shang Yanxiao did he let his true emotions show, "Another arrogant fool who thinks his family background makes him untouchable."  

Shang Yanxiao removed his miniature earpiece and soothed, "Don’t waste your energy on someone like that."  

Bai Xu knew nothing about this suddenly emerging figure, "You hadn’t heard of him before either?"  

Shang Yanxiao replied, "I’ve heard of the Chu Group in Singapore, but I don’t know much about them. We’ve never had any project dealings before. I’ve already asked Xie Qi to dig up detailed information on Chu Yuncheng."  

What was frustrating and unexpected was that their act of kindness, saving that young actress, had unwittingly put them in the crosshairs of someone like this.  

Suppressing his irritation, Bai Xu said, "The materials Xie Qi gave me didn’t mention anything about Chu Yuncheng intending to collaborate with Zhang Songyang."  

"Indeed, they didn’t. I only just found out myself."

Shang Yanxiao's brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly pieced it together, "They probably haven't finalized the deal yet. To avoid unnecessary complications, both sides must have deliberately kept the news under wraps."  

Bai Xu added, "True. Before Chu Yuncheng approached, it seemed Chairman Zhang was genuinely interested in exploring deeper discussions with us."  

"Though Zhang Songyang started as a doctor, as the chairman of a company now, he must weigh all options in business deals and carefully compare potential partners to find the best fit."  

No one here was a fool.  

If negotiations with the Chu Group hit a snag, having a viable alternative would only be prudent.

Zhang Songyang had just managed to avoid offending either side, skillfully using their presence to subtly provoke each other—though, of course, this was a common tactic in business, nothing too egregious.  

Shang Yanxiao checked the time, "Still want to stay? I think our interaction with Zhang Songyang ends here for tonight."  

After all, Chu Yuncheng had made his intentions blatantly clear, and in such a public setting, Zhang Songyang wouldn’t risk delving deeper with them now.  

Bai Xu had little interest in these glamorous yet impersonal gatherings full of strangers, "How about heading home? There’s not much point in staying."  

Shang Yanxiao pulled out his phone and sent a message to Chen Yufei, "Let’s stay another half hour, then leave."  

"Alright."

...

Half an hour later, in the hotel's underground parking lot.  

Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao got into the car one after the other. Only after the doors closed did Xie Qi in the front seat turn around to ask, "Third Young Master, Mr. Xiao Bai, did tonight not go smoothly?"  

"Drive first."  

Shang Yanxiao instructed Chen Yufei while casually removing his cumbersome mask, "We'll talk at home."  

Bai Xu explained, "We did run into some issues, it's a long story. How’s the investigation into Chu Yuncheng and the Chu family going?"  

Xie Qi checked the time, "We’ve already sent people to look into it. We should have the information by the time we get home."  

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Yufei, who was usually a steady driver, suddenly slammed on the brakes.  

—Screech!  

The other three in the car, caught off guard, lurched forward from the momentum. Shang Yanxiao, who had fastened his seatbelt earlier than Bai Xu, immediately turned to shield him.  

"Bai Xu, are you okay?"  

"......"

Bai Xu's head bumped against the back of the seat, and he waved his hand dizzily, "I'm fine."  

Shang Yanxiao's expression darkened, "What happened?"  

Chen Yufei, who was usually composed, looked flustered as he hurriedly explained, "Third Young Master, Mr. Xiao Bai, my apologies, a sports car suddenly cut in front of us."  

If he had braked even a second later, they would have crashed right into it!  

Hearing this, Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao simultaneously looked through the front windshield. A silver-red supercar was parked directly in front of them, dangerously close.  

Shang Yanxiao tensed, "Be careful."  

Honk, honk.

Chen Yufei’s expression turned stern as he honked the horn twice in warning.  

Within seconds, a young man in a red suit stepped out of the sports car.  

Sensing the gazes from inside the car, the man leaned casually against his door and raised his hands in a playful, exaggerated surrender gesture.  

Xie Qi rolled down the window, "Sir, you..."  

The man in red replied breezily, "Sorry, got a little impatient. But I’m just here to talk to someone, won’t take long."  

With that, he began walking toward them.  

Bai Xu watched through the window as the distance closed, his confusion growing. The next moment, the man in red knocked on his window.  

Knock. Knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock.

The light, almost cheerful rhythm cut through the tension effortlessly.  

"......"

Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao exchanged a glance before rolling the window down halfway.  

Up close, Bai Xu noticed the man had mixed-race features, with deep green eyes that held a hint of roguish amusement, bold but not hostile.  

The man in the red suit bent slightly, stealing a quick glance at Shang Yanxiao in the back seat, who had already put his mask back on, with gaze fixed forward, revealing only half his profile.  

"......"  

The man’s eyes flickered briefly before shifting his attention back to Bai Xu with even greater interest. "Young Master Bai, first time meeting you. I admit my approach was a bit reckless just now, my apologies."  

Bai Xu silently scrutinized with a questioning look, "May I ask who you are?"

The man arched a meaningful brow, "I know what you wanted to discuss with Chairman Zhang of Juesheng. I can help make that connection for you."  

Bai Xu’s eyes sharpened, "Oh?"

The man in the red suit pulled a slip of paper from his pocket, a hastily written phone number, "Tomorrow at 2:30 PM, they'll be at Steven's private golf course. If you trust me, you can contact me anytime before then."

"......"

Bai Xu silently took the note, naturally unwilling to easily trust this stranger who had approached them.  

The man in the red suit didn’t seem bothered by the wariness directed at him and simply said, “You’ll believe me eventually. I’ll move my car to make way for you.”  

With that, he turned and left without another glance, getting into his car and driving cleanly out of the underground parking lot.  

The car window rolled back up.  

Bai Xu handed the slip of paper with the phone number to Shang Yanxiao, “Who was that?”  

Shang Yanxiao didn’t recognize him either, “Whoever he is, at the very least, his actions prove he’s been watching you, Zhang Songyang, and Chu Yuncheng from somewhere else.”  

Bai Xu realized, “If he said he wants to help us make connections, does that mean he doesn’t want Zhang and Chu to reach a deal?”  

An enemy of an enemy… could potentially be an ally, right?  

“It’s still too early to say for sure.”  

Faced with this sudden, unsolicited 'assistance', Shang Yanxiao remained cautious, “Let’s discuss this at home. We’ll investigate these people one by one, and find the answers eventually.”  

“En.”

...

By the time they returned home, it was already past nine in the evening.  

The two of them went upstairs together, and just before entering their rooms, Bai Xu couldn't help but call out to him, "Shang Yanxiao, wait."  

Shang Yanxiao obediently stopped, "What is it?"  

Bai Xu stepped closer with a smile and lightly tapped the air near his baseball cap and mask, "We're home now, why are you still wearing these? Isn't it stuffy?"  

Only then did Shang Yanxiao remember. He took them off, "Forgot."  

He had actually removed them as soon as they got in the car earlier, but after unexpectedly running into the man in the red suit, he had put them back on.  

Noticing Bai Xu's gaze still lingering on his face, Shang Yanxiao asked, "What's wrong?"  

"Here."

Bai Xu reached out again, teasing, "The mask left a red mark here, looks kinda cute on you~"  

His warm, soft fingertips brushed faintly against Shang Yanxiao's cheek, barely touching, yet still stirring a faint, restless itch that unsettled the mind.  

Shang Yanxiao instinctively caught his 'mischievous' fingers, "Bai Xu."  

"......"  

Fingertips pressed against fingertips, their calloused skin meeting.  

Bai Xu froze at the strange sensation, trying to pull his hand back but underestimating Shang Yanxiao's grip. For a moment, he couldn’t free himself.  

"Shang Yanxiao?"

Just an ordinary name, yet it carried a rare hint of flustered uncertainty.  

Shang Yanxiao released his grip on Bai Xu's fingers, subtly rolling his throat, "Tired? If you are, rest early tonight."  

Bai Xu cleared his throat lightly, "Not really. Aren't we still waiting for Xie Qi's background check? I’ll take a quick shower first."  

"Alright."  

The bedroom door closed.  

Alone, Bai Xu pinched his fingertips, shaking off those inexplicable, wandering thoughts before striding toward the bathroom.  

But within seconds, he couldn't help but muttered, "What’s Shang Yanxiao’s problem? Why did he tie a dead knot for me?"

...

Bai Xu took his time showering. By the time he changed into his pajamas and stepped out, he noticed the light was on in the study to the right of the staircase.  

He walked over slowly and knocked on the slightly ajar door, "Shang Yanxiao?"  

"Come in."  

Xie Qi, who was also in the study, called out, "Mr. Xiao Bai, perfect timing. I was just about to discuss the Chu family matters with Third Young Master."  

Shang Yanxiao gestured to the seat beside him with a glance, "Sit."  

Bai Xu sat down and spotted a steaming cup of oat milk on the table, "Why is there milk here?"  

Xie Qi answered on his behalf, "Third Young Master had the housekeeper prepare it for you. Said it’d help you sleep better at night."  

Bai Xu wrapped his hands around the perfectly warm cup, feeling the warmth seep all the way into his heart.  

"Thanks~"

With a bright smile, Bai Xu looked at Shang Yanxiao, no trace of the cold facade he wore in front of outsiders, his voice sounding especially soft.  

Shang Yanxiao returned the smile, then motioned for Xie Qi to get down to business, "What did you find out?"  

Xie Qi said, "The Chu Group is a major conglomerate ranked among the top in Singapur. They started out in the mining industry before expanding into many other sectors. It’s essentially a family-run enterprise."  

Bai Xu glanced at Shang Yanxiao, "Sounds similar to the Shang family, doesn’t it?"  

"Comparable."  

Xie Qi affirmed the remark before continuing with the background check, "The current chairman of Chu Group is Chu Tian, Chu Yuncheng’s biological father. He’s already seventy this year."  

Bai Xu wasn’t surprised, "How old is Chu Yuncheng? Seems Chairman Chu married and had children quite late?"  

Xie Qi replied, "Chu Yuncheng is thirty-two. In his early twenties, he was infamous as a playboy. Rumor has it he only started seriously handling corporate affairs four or five years ago."  

Shang Yanxiao saw through it clearly, "At Chairman Chu’s age, retirement is overdue. If Chu Yuncheng doesn’t step up and learn to manage the company soon, the family’s branch relatives might end up benefiting instead."

Xie Qi nodded but added, "And I’m afraid those eyeing his position aren’t just the branch relatives."  

Bai Xu caught the implication, "What do you mean? Does Chu Yuncheng have other brothers?"  

Xie Qi flipped the tablet around, showing them the only photo they had managed to obtain, "Chu Yuncheng has a half-brother, reportedly seven or eight years younger. He was born late in Chairman Chu’s life, after his divorce from his first wife, with another woman."  

On the tablet was a group photo.  

Standing in the center was Chu Tian, chairman of the Chu Group. To his left was his eldest son, Chu Yuncheng, while the young man on his right was—  

Bai Xu’s eyes landed on the familiar mixed-race face, and he instinctively glanced at Shang Yanxiao, "That’s the guy we ran into in the parking lot?"  

Shang Yanxiao was also surprised, "En."  

Xie Qi explained, "His name is Yate. Rumor has it his mother is German. Chairman Chu met her when he was in Germany for business negotiations, she was hired as his interpreter at the time."

To put it bluntly, the two developed a consensual physical relationship outside of work, but it never progressed to marriage.  

After the business project ended, they went their separate ways.  

"But unexpectedly, the woman only showed up after giving birth to Yate, claiming she didn’t want Chairman Chu to take responsibility for her, only to provide regular child support."  

When Chu Tian confirmed the blood relation between himself and Yate, he was overjoyed. Far from keeping it hidden, he openly acknowledged and reclaimed his son.  

Over the years, Chu Yate has split his time between Singapore and Germany, but he has always been publicly recognized by the Chu family as the second young master.  

Shang Yanxiao speculated, "From the sound of it, the relationship between the two Chu brothers probably isn’t great?"  

Xie Qi replied, "They’ve likely been at odds all along, especially after Chu Yate graduated from university and also began joining the Chu Group, taking charge of several projects."

With Chairman Chu's retirement imminent, the two brothers are undoubtedly going all out in their overt and covert rivalry.  

Bai Xu took a leisurely sip of milk, now completely certain, "What did I say? The enemy of my enemy is my friend."  

Xie Qi, who had long served as Shang Yanxiao’s assistant, had a knack for reading between the lines. "Third Young Master, I did some quick digging—"  

"Chu Yate and the golf course Mr. Xiao Bai mentioned are privately operated, following an ultra-exclusive membership system."  

"Not only does it require a one-to-one referral, but only those with cumulative annual spending above a certain threshold can gain entry. We can’t just buy our way in."  

Bai Xu raised an eyebrow, "So, the only way in is if Chu Yate takes us?"

No wonder he said before leaving that they would eventually reach out to him.

If Chu Yuncheng and Zhang Songyang have already established a firm intention to collaborate and tomorrow’s negotiation is set at that golf course, then the Shang family’s third branch doesn’t have much time left.

Recognizing the urgency, Bai Xu made a swift decision, "Shang Yanxiao, should I be the one to contact him?"

Shang Yanxiao knew this was the only viable option left, "Alright. Have Xie Qi assist you as your secretary when reaching out."

Bai Xu  didn't think much of it, "Hm? Sure, why not."

...

The Luofu Manor in the western suburbs of new city is home to the Steven Private Golf Course.  

Shang Yanxiao changed back into his 'bodyguard' attire and slowly drove the car to a stop at the first security checkpoint.  

A uniformed guard approached and knocked on the window, "Hello, please cooperate with the identity check."  

Bai Xu rolled down the window and introduced himself, "Zhouye Investments, Bai Xu. I was invited by Second Young Master Chu."  

The guard had already been informed by the supervisor and glanced at Shang Yanxiao in the driver's seat, "Young Master Bai, as Second Young Master Chu's guest, you are permitted entry. However, your driver cannot be allowed through."  

If Bai Xu were a high-level member of this golf course, his accompanying bodyguard, driver, or assistant could have been granted access. The problem was, he was merely an invited guest and did not have that privilege.  

The guard phrased it tactfully, "We have dedicated shuttle vehicles and a guest lounge. Could this driver please wait there?"  

"......"

Shang Yanxiao glanced sideways, his expression a mix of speechlessness and suppressed frustration.  

From childhood till now, this was the first time he had ever experienced the absurdity of being 'denied entry' because of his assumed identity.  

Bai Xu stifled a laugh but maintained his politeness toward the dutiful guard, "Hold on, let me contact Second Young Master Chu first, alright?"  

The guard didn’t dare refuse, "Of course."  

Bai Xu dialed Chu Yate’s number, explained the situation once the call connected, and then handed the phone to the guard, "Here, please listen."  

The guard accepted it politely.  

After presumably receiving confirmation from Chu Yate on the other end, he immediately stepped aside upon hanging up and waved them through.  

"Young Master Bai, Second Young Master Chu is waiting for you in the A3 course lounge. Please follow the signs."  

"Thank you."

The golf course was vast, and it took the two nearly fifteen more minutes to reach the A3 course lounge.  

Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao stepped out of the car simultaneously and walked inside one after the other. The moment they pushed open the lounge door, a light whistle sounded from the bar counter.  

Bai Xu turned his head and met Chu Yate’s strikingly mixed-race smiling face.  

The man was dressed in his usual flamboyant red, raising his glass in greeting, "Young Master Bai, less than twenty-four hours, and we meet again."  

Bai Xu motioned for Shang Yanxiao to follow as he approached and extended his hand, "Second Young Master Chu, let’s make it official."  

"Bai Xu, from Zhouye Investments. Pleasure to meet you."  

"Likewise."  

Chu Yate shook his hand amiably, then let his gaze flicker past him.

Following his gaze, Bai Xu introduced Shang Yanxiao, "Oh, this is my assistant and bodyguard. I’ve had a weak constitution since childhood, so I always bring someone along when I go out. Thanks for helping smooth things over earlier."  

Shang Yanxiao remained silent, standing stiffly beside Bai Xu, still wearing his cap and mask like an unresponsive statue.  

"No need for thanks."  

Chu Yate’s smiling eyes swept over Shang Yanxiao as he took a casual sip of his drink, "Whether it’s Young Master Bai’s face or Third Young Master Shang’s, I’d always oblige."

–

TL: Muji

Previous | TOC | Next