DASFAM_38

"......"

Young Master Shang? Who?

Whether it was Shang Yanxiao inside the car or Zhang Songyang outside the car, both were confused by this sudden form of address.

"Teacher, what Young Master Shang? Did you recognize the wrong person?"

Zhang Songyang stepped forward, taking the initiative to act as introducer, "This is Mr. Bai from Zhouye Investment, Bai Xu."

"Surname Bai?"

After hearing this surname, Yan Chunhui showed a bit of uncertain confusion.

He looked over Bai Xu's face again and again, inquiring tentatively, "No, I didn't remember wrong. Young sir, that day at the jewelry store in the mall, you were the one who saved me, right?"

Facing the old gentleman's delighted expression, Bai Xu had no choice but to admit, "Old sir, it was me. Is your health alright now?"

Yan Chunhui immediately responded gratefully, "Much better. I really thank you for that day!"

Zhang Songyang realized from these few exchanges, both surprised and pleased, "Teacher, Mr. Bai is the person who saved you when something happened the other day?"

"Yes!"

Yan Chunhui didn't know where to start for a moment, excitedly inviting, "Young sir, may I invite you inside to sit?"

Zhang Songyang's impression of Bai Xu had already been very good, and hearing this now, he immediately joined his mentor in the invitation, "Mr. Bai, if you don't have plans tonight, would you come inside and have a simple meal together?"

Yan Chunhui echoed, "Right, right, we made quite a lot of food at home!"

The warm invitation was hard to decline.

Bai Xu also wanted to deepen cooperation with Zhang Songyang, so after thinking it over, he agreed, "Then we'll be imposing. We'll go park the car over there first and be right back."

"Alright."

One minute later.

Shang Yanxiao parked the car steadily on the side of the old western-style house, turning his head to look at Bai Xu, "Young Master Shang? You save people and that's that, but when did you start taking my surname?"

"......"

The deliberately emphasized form of address, with the trailing tone carrying a trace of unclear, indescribable amusement.

Originally it was just meant to leave a joke, but how did the meaning change when it came out of Shang Yanxiao's mouth?

Bai Xu's ears suddenly burned hot, "Who wants to take your surname? I just did a good deed without wanting to leave my name. I just didn't expect the world to be this small."

Somewhere in the unknown, it was fated that he should take a bit of credit for doing this good deed.

Shang Yanxiao laughed, "Mm, I know."

"Now it's good, when luck comes, nothing can stop it." Bai Xu unfastened his seatbelt, becoming more and more certain, "The cooperation with Juesheng Medical is in the bag now."

"Third Young Master, you can start thinking now about how you'll thank me when the project cooperation succeeds."

Shang Yanxiao replied, "Alright, whatever Young Master Bai wants, I'll definitely arrange it."

Bai Xu curved his lips, asking again, "Are you going down?"

Since they had agreed to eat together, it would be unavoidable to show his true appearance.

Shang Yanxiao had completely given up on his precarious disguise, calm, "Mm, let's go down first and see."

Bai Xu didn't object, "That works too."

Different attitudes for interacting with different people.

Zhang Songyang and Yan Chunhui were already at this age, presumably they wouldn't have the energy to concern themselves with the situation of the Shang family far away in China, with no possibility at all of running to the first branch and second branch's presence to tattle.

"Let's get out, don't keep Director Zhang and the others waiting."

"Alright."

...

In the simply decorated old western-style house, fragrant aromas filled the air.

Bai Xu recounted the incident of saving someone at the jewelry store that day, not forgetting to be modest, "Old sir, as long as you're alright, this small effort of mine is nothing, not worth mentioning."

"How can this be considered a small matter? If it weren't for your timely reaction, I'm afraid this old life of mine would have been lost."

Yan Chunhui was grateful to Bai Xu, emphasizing again, "That day the incident happened suddenly, I really didn't have time to get your contact information. Later after I recovered and was discharged, I specially went back to that jewelry store."

He had asked about the surname and also checked the surveillance footage.

"N City isn't exactly small, for a time I didn't know where to go to find you and express my thanks."

Yan Chunhui glanced at his prized student, "To be honest, the reason I called Songyang here tonight was to have him help contact media friends to find you."

Zhang Songyang chuckled, "Now it's good, it's saved me the trouble instead."

Saying this, he picked up the brewed hot tea, planning to personally express his thanks to Bai Xu and the others.

Bai Xu perceptively stopped him, "Director Zhang, you're too kind."

Shang Yanxiao followed immediately after, "Director Zhang, don't trouble yourself, let me."

Seeing this, Yan Chunhui asked, "Young sir, do you drink alcohol? We have homemade osmanthus wine and bayberry wine at home. How about I bring some for you to try?"

Bai Xu perked up when he heard this, but before he could respond with a yes.

Shang Yanxiao poured hot tea into his cup, stopping him in a calm voice, "Professor Yan, our young master had a food allergy some time ago and is still recuperating recently, so drinking alcohol isn't suitable."

"......"

Bai Xu was stuck, looking at Shang Yanxiao with a hint of accusation in his eyes: Aren't you managing too strictly?

Shang Yanxiao understood his silent complaint, his thin lips parting slightly, "It's for your own good."

Yan Chunhui sensed the subtle atmosphere between the two, then heard his own student's dissuasion.

"Teacher, your wife specially sent me a message before going out yesterday, saying that tonight I must watch over you and not let you drink alcohol." Zhang Songyang passed him a cup of hot tea, "Tea is perfectly fine."

Yan Chunhui felt somewhat regretful, "Alright then, let's use tea in place of wine."

After all, he was at someone else's dining table, so Bai Xu quickly put away his little tantrum and raised his teacup to clink with the person across from him.

Yan Chunhui took a sip of hot tea and curiously asked, "Young sir, how did you and Songyang meet?"

Never mind anything else, these two had an age difference of a full generation. To say they were friends really didn't seem quite right.

Bai Xu told the truth, "Old sir, I'm currently trying to negotiate a cooperation with Director Zhang."

Zhang Songyang's impression of Bai Xu improved even more, and now he simply laid it out clearly, "Mr. Bai, to be honest, originally I was more inclined to cooperate with the Chu family, but you saw today's situation and should have guessed."

Chu Yuncheng had asked for an exorbitant price, definitely not an ideal cooperation partner.

"I don't like to beat around the bush on projects. Since you're being frank, naturally I'll be frank too. As long as your Zhouye Investment can come up with this amount, and can ensure that the funding chain won't break over the next three years."

"Director Zhang, I understand what you mean."

Bai Xu calmly accepted Zhang Songyang's cooperation conditions and played his trump card, "Yes, Zhouye Investment has this confidence. Director Zhang, actually, the one who truly wants to cooperate with you through me is the Shang Group from China."

Zhang Songyang was shocked, "The Shang family?"

If this was true, the capital backing them would definitely not be inferior to the Chu family!

Bai Xu controlled the situation, providing assurance at the right time, "To be honest, I represent the third branch of the Shang family in expanding business in Singapore. But tonight let's not talk about cooperation, let's just accompany the old sir for a good meal."

Bai Xu knew what to do at what occasion and didn't overstep, "Tomorrow I'll have my assistant bring our sincerity to negotiate with Juesheng Medical. Is that acceptable?"

It was no longer begging for cooperation, but firmly stating that both parties could cooperate.

Zhang Songyang's emotions surged from this sudden news, but he still decisively accepted this cooperation invitation, "Of course, tomorrow, tomorrow we'll both have a good talk!"

Although Yan Chunhui couldn't fully understand, he could deduce from Zhang Songyang's expression that it was good news.

As the elder, he took the initiative to raise his cup, "Then let's use tea in place of wine and toast?"

"Alright."

The meal was fairly harmonious.

Zhang Songyang stood at the entrance of the western-style house, watching Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao get in the car and drive away. The gloom from being stuck on project funding for days finally showed signs of relief.

Yan Chunhui came out, "They've left?"

Zhang Songyang turned around, "Yes, Teacher."

Yan Chunhui spoke according to his own judgment, "Although I don't understand your business matters, I can see that Bai Xu's character is not bad. He's a reliable cooperation partner."

Zhang Songyang nodded, "Yes, although Mr. Bai is not very old, from my interactions I can feel that his thinking is very steady and he has enough boldness."

Hearing this, Yan Chunhui's eyes flickered, "I'm afraid there's more than that."

Zhang Songyang didn't understand, "Teacher?"

Yan Chunhui revealed with one statement, "With his surname 'Bai', how could he be connected with the Shang family? Moreover, that day after saving me he also left this surname."

Zhang Songyang really hadn't thought in this direction and was stunned.

Yan Chunhui continued to enlighten him, "Bai Xu and that young man beside him have an unusual relationship. I estimate that person is the actual member of the Shang family."

"......"

"However, since the other party didn't clarify his identity, just pretend you don't know."

Having lived to this age, Yan Chunhui's heart was clear as a mirror, "Regardless of who comes forward in the end, as long as the cooperation can be negotiated, understand?"

Zhang Songyang belatedly realized the intricacies and implications, responding, "Teacher still sees through everything. This student is taught."

...

The cooperation with Juesheng Medical went far more smoothly than Bai Xu had imagined.

Zhang Songyang even proactively proposed more optimized shareholding conditions. Half a month later, both parties successfully completed the cooperation signing publicly, a true win-win in every sense.

The heavy stone in Zhang Songyang's heart finally fell to the ground. He paid out of his own pocket to arrange a cooperation banquet, only inviting personnel from the three parties: Juesheng, AW, and Bai Xu's side.

The banquet continued to the halfway point when Chu Yate, who loved excitement, showed up uninvited, "Young Master Bai, congratulations."

Just looking at the smile on his face, one would think he was the one whose cooperation had succeeded.

Bai Xu clinked glasses with him, teasing, "Second Young Master Chu, as the general manager of Chu Group, aren't you afraid that the news will reach other people's ears if you run over to our side?"

Chu Yate knew what Bai Xu was implying, "I came to see you, my friend. Who cares what he thinks?"

He recalled Chu Yuncheng's deflated expression after learning about the cooperation between both parties and laughed out loud with great satisfaction, "By the way, you don't know this, but Chu Yuncheng's face hasn't looked that bad in a very long time."

Chu Yuncheng had thought victory was in his grasp, that no third party had the strength to dare compete with him. As a result, Bai Xu appeared out of nowhere and easily seized the cooperation with Juesheng first.

The duck in hand flew away completely.

When this news reached the ears of old Chairman Chu Tian, he sternly reprimanded Chu Yuncheng with a straight face.

Bai Xu could imagine Chu Yuncheng's deflated appearance and smiled along.

Chu Yate took a sip of wine, "What are your and Mr. Shang's plans next? Are there any other projects you're interested in investing in?"

"He is him, I am me."

This time it was because Shang Yanxiao couldn't conveniently appear in person that he had taken the field in his place.

Bai Xu never planned to mix their business territories together. He swirled his wine glass, "If there are suitable projects, could Second Young Master Chu give me a push? Let me have a sip of the soup?"

Although he had always been doing asset management, after all, the funds in his hands were limited.

Never mind projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars, even projects worth tens of millions were somewhat difficult. However, Bai Xu didn't plan to become fat in one bite.

He would do as much as his financial capability allowed.

Anyway, with his investment vision and capability, he wouldn't starve in the short term.

Chu Yate was interested in befriending Bai Xu, "No problem, if there are suitable projects I'll definitely think of Young Master Bai."

He had accumulated quite a few connections, and this small favor was something he could help with.

Bai Xu smiled, "Thanks in advance."

Chu Yate looked around the banquet hall and couldn't help asking, "Where's Mr. Shang? He didn't come?"

Bai Xu lowered his voice, "There are quite a few guests tonight, with so many people around it's complicated, so it's not convenient for him to appear."

"True."

Chu Yate nodded, then as if remembering something amusing, said, "Then can Young Master Bai drink freely tonight?"

Bai Xu looked at him, "What?"

Chu Yate raised his glass to indicate, "Your family member isn't here and can't control you, so tonight Young Master Bai doesn't have to be so obedient."

"......"

Who was being obedient?

Shang Yanxiao controlling him? And family member?

Bai Xu savored these special terms, yet remained stubborn, "Who said he can control me? I've always drunk whenever I wanted to."

Saying this, he clinked glasses.

...

Nightfall.

The car stopped at the villa entrance.

Bai Xu quickly got out of the car. He didn't care whether Chen Yufei behind him had caught up or not, and ran toward the house with excited steps.

The villa door opened.

Shang Yanxiao, who had been waiting in the living room, immediately shifted his gaze, "You're back?"

Bai Xu caught sight of Shang Yanxiao's figure and paused in his steps, "Mm, it's so late, why haven't you rested yet?"

The other had already changed into pajamas and should have already washed up.

Shang Yanxiao heard his slower tone and got up to approach, "You've been drinking?"

"......"

Bai Xu watched the man approach step by step, all his confidence from the banquet earlier completely gone, instead feeling the guilty conscience of being caught doing something wrong.

He stood in place, suppressing the floating alcohol, "Mm, Director Zhang introduced me to quite a few connections tonight. In that kind of setting, socializing was unavoidable. I was already very restrained."

Bai Xu surreptitiously observed Shang Yanxiao's reaction, muttering like a cat, "I'm not drunk."

Shang Yanxiao laughed, "Mm, I know."

He had seen Bai Xu's completely drunk and tipsy appearance, which was much more unruly than now.

Bai Xu breathed a sigh of relief, "Were you waiting for me?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't deny it, "Wasn't it Young Master Bai himself who said it? That after things were successful, you'd deserved a proper thank you properly?"

"Right, I did say that."

Bai Xu's eyes carried a watery sheen soaked with alcohol, sparkling brightly, "So how does Third Young Master plan to thank me?"

Shang Yanxiao took the initiative to walk toward the kitchen's beverage bar, "Knowing that Young Master Bai loves to drink and has been holding back during this period of stomach recovery from allergies, I specially selected a pretty good white wine."

"Drink wine?"

Bai Xu became interested and unconsciously quickened his steps to follow.

"I guessed you were about to come back, so I chilled it in advance."

Shang Yanxiao took out a bottle of pre-chilled white wine, "Originally I wanted to wait for you to come back and have a simple celebration, but seeing you've drunk quite a bit tonight? Should we skip it for now?"

"No way, you're celebrating for me, I get to decide."

Of course Bai Xu wouldn't pass up this good opportunity. He took out his phone to glance at it, "It's still early. Let me go take a shower first? Tonight we'll have a good drink."

There were no important matters tomorrow, so even if he got drunk at home, it didn't matter.

Shang Yanxiao caught that hint of intoxication in his eyes, "You really still want to drink?"

Bai Xu whined softly, "I want to."

After all, he had been outside earlier, and he had to maintain proper conduct in front of others the whole time, not daring to drink to his heart's content.

Knowing he should 'stop at moderation,' Shang Yanxiao still indulged Bai Xu's request.

"Then you go wash up first. This wine's chill is still a bit lacking, I'll wait a bit longer. Later I'll bring things up to find you."

"Alright."

...

Bai Xu quickly took a shower. When he changed into pajamas and came out of the bathroom, Shang Yanxiao had already brought the decanted white wine into his room.

The wine liquid hit the bottom of the glass, swaying and making pleasant sounds.

Bai Xu approached, "What region is the wine from?"

Shang Yanxiao saw through his barely concealed interest, "Miller Estate, this vintage is quite good. Want to try?"

Bai Xu took the wine Shang Yanxiao handed him and sat comfortably leaning against the bed. He didn't rush to taste it, but first brought it close to smell the wine.

Very fresh fruit wine aroma, refreshing to the heart.

Bai Xu's eyes brightened slightly, "Mm."

Shang Yanxiao raised his own wine glass, "Thank Young Master Bai, you were a huge help this time."

"You're welcome, and congratulations to Third Young Master too." Bai Xu smiled and clinked glasses with him, first taking a small sip.

The sweet and astringent taste instantly burst forth, and the aftertaste surprisingly carried a few notes of wild intensity, immediately igniting the dormant intoxication within.

"Mm? Delicious."

Bai Xu was surprised by this wine's flavor and tilted his head back to drink the remaining liquid in one gulp.

Perhaps he drank too hastily, the champagne-colored wine liquid ran down from the corner of his mouth, following the nearly perfect curve of his neck into his pajamas.

"......"

Shang Yanxiao's attention was completely drawn, his voice tightening, "Bai Xu, drink slower."

Taking advantage of his strong intoxication, Bai Xu poured himself another glass, "The wine is good wine, but just drinking like this is too boring, no atmosphere."

Shang Yanxiao went along with his question, "How else do you want atmosphere?"

Bai Xu had a sudden whim, "Shang Yanxiao, I don't want to stay in the room, I want to go out."

Shang Yanxiao asked, "Where to?"

Bai Xu looked at the wine glass in Shang Yanxiao's hand that hadn't been touched yet, his head heating up, "I want to go to the seaside, take me there."

"Now?"

"Mm, right now."

The intoxication within gradually rose.

Bai Xu clearly knew his state was already floating, but still let this impulse run wild, "Wasn't it you who said that after things were successful, you'd thank me properly? I just..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shang Yanxiao agreed, "Alright, I'll take you there."

...

The car raced along the coastline all the way, fast-paced drum beats echoing in the car.

Bai Xu only felt his entire heart jumping with the rhythm, matching the car's speed as it sped wildly. He opened the car window, letting the fierce wind cool the restless intoxication within, "Shang Yanxiao!"

Intoxication instigated reason to escape, a cheer without rules.

"Awesome!"

Soon, Shang Yanxiao, who was concentrating on driving, chose to turn right at a fork in the road.

It wasn't until a stretch of tranquil water appeared before Bai Xu that the car speed finally reduced completely to nothing, "We're here."

A gentler sea breeze than before blew over, the air carrying a unique salty fresh smell. The coconut trees along the road rustled, adding to the atmosphere.

The pitch-black sea surface was sporadically dotted with a few swaying lonely lights, extending all the way to the endless night at the end. Looking up, there was a dense, clearly visible galaxy.

Without a word, Bai Xu opened the car door and ran out.

"Bai Xu, you..." Shang Yanxiao couldn't catch him and could only grab the coat from the back seat and follow out of the car, "Slow down."

Bai Xu grabbed the wine bottle and spun in a circle while running. His slippers had long since flown off somewhere, and beneath his feet was soft, fine sand, easily losing his balance.

Shang Yanxiao quickly and deftly pulled him into his embrace, wrapping the long coat he had brought around him.

Bai Xu felt like he was being wrapped up like a silkworm and wasn't too pleased, "I don't need it, it's hot."

Shang Yanxiao coaxed helplessly, "The seaside is cool, staying too long will make you catch cold."

Bai Xu pursed his lips, "Hmph."

Shang Yanxiao heard his defiance, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, "What are you huffing about? I shouldn't be accompanying you in your crazy foolishness in the middle of the night."

To drink a celebratory wine, running to the seaside at eleven at night?

If this were in the past, Shang Yanxiao would only think this behavior was sick, but after Bai Xu proposed it, he just felt an inexplicable desire to satisfy it.

Bai Xu let Shang Yanxiao 'scold' him, smiling as he raised the bottle of white wine they had brought from home, "Now the setting is right, want to drink?"

Shang Yanxiao asked back, "If I drink too, how do we get back later?"

Only then did Bai Xu realize this problem, trying to solve it, "Drink a little? We can stay in the car a bit longer before going back."

Shang Yanxiao shook his head, "You drink, I'll keep you company."

In a household, someone always has to stay sober.

Bai Xu's drinking enthusiasm hadn't faded, so he simply took two more sips.

Only this time when the wine liquid entered his throat, it was indeed cold enough to make him shiver.

Shang Yanxiao noticed Bai Xu's momentary cold shudder and naturally took hold of his wrist, "Come on, sit in the car."

This time Bai Xu obediently cooperated, "Mm."

The front and back car seats intelligently adjusted, the gap between the seats filled with soft cushions.

The car's sunroof opened, allowing the galaxy to flow within this small space, forming a unique stargazing camping spot.

The broadcast playing in the car had already switched from lively drum beats to jazz, lingering enchantingly and gracefully throughout the entire car interior, with an indescribable tender flavor.

Bai Xu leaned on his side against the car seat, "Shang Yanxiao?"

Shang Yanxiao also reclined, "Mm?"

"......"

Bai Xu's brain was already having trouble turning. He could only quietly stare at Shang Yanxiao.

From eyebrows to nose bridge to thin lips, his gaze thick with intoxication traced like a paintbrush outlining the other's features under the light. Every part was unreasonably good-looking.

Shang Yanxiao seemed to sense something, closing the distance without a trace, "Want to finish the wine? There's still a bit left?"

The man's already impactful features magnified once again before his eyes.

Bai Xu only felt his mouth dry and tongue parched, his Adam's apple rolling as he responded in a muffled voice, "Mm."

Shang Yanxiao took the wine bottle one step ahead, with extreme patience bringing it to Bai Xu's lips, "Drink, I'll feed you."

"......"

The bottle slowly tilted, brought to his lips without allowing refusal.

The fine wine entered his throat quickly. Bai Xu lost control, only able to swallow instinctively.

Shang Yanxiao's eyes grew deeper and deeper, his hand seemingly losing its sense of proportion by mistake.

The little remaining wine liquid ran down his neck, gathering and disappearing into Bai Xu's pajamas, cold enough to make him whimper, raising his hand to try to stop it.

Shang Yanxiao once again held his wrist, his breathing unreasonably heavy, "Sorry, I dirtied your clothes. Let me wipe it for you."

Fingertips with thin calluses rubbed against the delicate wrist, the touch hot as fire.

Bai Xu only felt his body temperature rise in an instant, the intoxication restlessly wanting to be released, "Shang Yanxiao, I..."

"Mm?"

Shang Yanxiao let out a syllable, as if responding to his call, more like deliberately bewitching.

Deep in his heart, something seemed to be stirring.

Bai Xu couldn't describe this feeling, yet desperately wanted to grasp it, "I want to kiss you. May I?"

–

TL: Muji

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