DASFAM_38

"......"

Young Master Shang? Who?

Both Shang Yanxiao inside the car and Zhang Songyang outside were confused by the sudden form of address.

"Teacher, what do you mean, Young Master Shang? Have you mistaken him for someone else?"

Zhang Songyang stepped forward, taking on the role of introducer, "This is Young Master Bai Xu from Zhouye Investments."

"The surname is Bai?"

Hearing this surname, Yan Chunhui showed a flicker of uncertainty and confusion.

He scrutinized Bai Xu's face closely, then tentatively asked, "No, I'm not mistaken. Young Master, it was you who saved me at the mall jewelry store the other day, wasn't it?"

Meeting the old gentleman's delighted expression, Bai Xu had no choice but to admit it, "Yes, it was me, Old Mr. Are you feeling better now?"

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

From this brief exchange, Zhang Songyang quickly grasped the situation, feeling both surprised and pleased, "Teacher, Young Master Bai is the one who rescued you during the incident the other day?"

"That's right!"

Yan Chunhui, momentarily overwhelmed, enthusiastically invited, "Young Master, won't you come inside for a while?"

Zhang Songyang already had a favorable impression of Bai Xu. Hearing about this, he immediately joined his teacher in extending the invitation, "Young Master Bai, if you have no plans tonight, why not come in and join us for a simple meal?"

Yan Chunhui echoed warmly, "Yes, yes! There's plenty of food prepared at home!"

It was hard to decline such earnest hospitality.

Bai Xu was also keen on strengthening his cooperation with Zhang Songyang. After a moment's thought, he agreed, "Then we'll be imposing. Let us park the car nearby, and we'll be right in."

"Very well."

One minute later.

Shang Yanxiao smoothly parked the car beside the old Western-style house and turned to look at Bai Xu, "‘Young Master Shang’? You saved someone, and now you're taking my surname too?"

"......"

The deliberately emphasized address, its tail end tinged with an ambiguous, indistinct trace of amusement.

It had just been meant as a casual joke, so why did it take on a different nuance when spoken by Shang Yanxiao?

Bai Xu’s ears suddenly felt warm, "Who wants to take your surname? I just didn't want to leave my name after doing a good deed. I just didn’t expect the world to be this small."

It seemed fate had intervened, and he was meant to claim the credit for his good deed.

Shang Yanxiao chuckled softly, "En, understood."

"Well, this is perfect. When luck comes, you can't even block it~" Bai Xu unfastened his seatbelt, feeling more certain than ever, "The cooperation with Juesheng Medical is as good as settled."

"Young Master Shang, you can start thinking now about how you're going to thank me once the project partnership is finalized."

Shang Yanxiao replied, "Alright. Whatever Young Master Bai wants, I'll make sure to arrange it."

Bai Xu smiled slightly and asked, "Are you getting out?"

Since they'd agreed to stay for a meal, avoiding showing his face was no longer an option.

Shang Yanxiao had essentially given up on his precarious secret identity by now and accepted it calmly, "En. Let's get out and figure it out from there."

Bai Xu didn't object, "That's fine too."

Different people call for different approaches.

Both Zhang Songyang and Yan Chunhui were at an age where it was unlikely they'd be keeping up with the affairs of the Shang family, which was far away in China. There was little chance they'd go running to the first or second branches to spill any secrets.

"Let's get out. We shouldn't keep Chairman Zhang waiting."

"Alright."

...

Inside the simply furnished old Western-style house, the air was rich with delicious aromas.

Bai Xu recounted the events of that day at the jewelry store when he saved someone, not forgetting to be modest, "Old Mr., your well-being is what matters most. What I did was just a small, effortless gesture, hardly worth mentioning."

"How could that be considered a small matter? If you hadn't reacted so promptly, I fear this old life of mine might have been lost."

Yan Chunhui was deeply grateful to Bai Xu and emphasized, "It was all so sudden that day. I truly didn't have time to get your contact information. After I recovered and was discharged from the hospital, I deliberately went back to that jewelry store."

He had asked for their surname and even checked the surveillance footage.

"Singapore isn't exactly small. For a while, I didn't know where to start looking to properly thank you."

Yan Chunhui glanced at his accomplished student, "To be honest, I asked Songyang here tonight specifically hoping he could use his media connections to help find you."

Zhang Songyang chuckled warmly, "Well, this works out perfectly, saves me the trouble."

As he spoke, he picked up the freshly brewed hot tea, intending to express his gratitude to Bai Xu and the others proactively.

Bai Xu, perceptive as ever, stopped him, "Chairman Zhang, you're too kind."

Shang Yanxiao followed suit immediately, "Chairman Zhang, please don't trouble yourself. Let me."

Seeing this, Yan Chunhui asked, "Young Master, do you drink? We have homemade osmanthus wine and bayberry wine. Would you like to try some?"

Bai Xu's eyes lit up at the mention, but before he could even utter an agreement—

Shang Yanxiao had already filled his cup with hot tea and calmly interjected, "Professor Yan, our Young Master Shang had a food allergy recently and is still recuperating. Alcohol isn't suitable right now."

"......"

Bai Xu was momentarily speechless, shooting Shang Yanxiao a look of silent accusation: Aren't you being a bit too strict?

Shang Yanxiao understood the unspoken complaint. His lips curved slightly as he said, "It's for your own good."

Yan Chunhui noticed the subtle dynamic between the two, just as he heard his own student chime in to dissuade him.

"Teacher, my wife specifically messaged me yesterday before she left, saying I had to keep an eye on you tonight and not let you drink," Zhang Songyang handed him a cup of hot tea, "Tea is just fine."

Yan Chunhui sounded a bit regretful, "Alright then, tea it is."

After all, they were at someone else's dining table. Bai Xu quickly reined in his momentary pique and raised his teacup for a toast with the others.

After taking a sip of hot tea, Yan Chunhui inquired curiously, "Young Master, how did you and Songyang meet?"

Setting aside everything else, there was a whole generation's age gap between them. Calling them friends didn't seem quite right either.

Bai Xu answered truthfully, "Old Mr., I'm currently in talks with Chairman Zhang regarding a potential collaboration."

Zhang Songyang's impression of Bai Xu had grown even more favorable. He decided to be forthright, "Young Master Bai, to be honest, I was initially more inclined to cooperate with the Chu Group. But as you witnessed today, and probably guessed."

Chu Yuncheng’s demands are exorbitant, far from an ideal partner.

"I’m someone who prefers straightforwardness in business matters. Since you’re being candid, I’ll be equally candid. As long as Zhouye Investments can commit to the required amount and guarantee the funding chain won’t break over the next three years…"

"Chairman Zhang, I understand your position."

Bai Xu calmly acknowledged Zhang Songyang’s conditions and laid out his own leverage, "That’s acceptable. Zhouye Investments has the confidence for this. Chairman Zhang, to be precise, the party intending to collaborate with you through me is the Shang Group from China."

Zhang Songyang was taken aback, "The Shang Group?"

If that were truly the case, the capital backing them would certainly be no less substantial than the Chu Group’s!

Bai Xu maintained control of the situation, providing timely reassurance, "To be frank, I am representing the third branch of the Shang Group to expand their operations here in the Singapore. But tonight isn’t about business, let’s just enjoy a good meal with the old gentleman."

Bai Xu knew how to conduct himself appropriately in different settings and didn’t overstep, "Tomorrow, I’ll have my assistant visit Juesheng Medical with our sincere proposal. Is that acceptable?"

This was no longer a plea for cooperation, but a confident assertion that collaboration was possible.

Zhang Songyang’s emotions were stirred by this sudden revelation, but he decisively accepted the offer, "Of course. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss everything properly tomorrow!"

Although Yan Chunhui didn’t fully grasp all the details, he could infer from Zhang Songyang’s expression that it was good news.

As the elder present, he proactively raised his cup, "Shall we toast with tea instead?"

"Agreed."

The meal proceeded quite harmoniously.

Zhang Songyang stood at the entrance of the Western-style house, watching as Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao got into their car and drove away. The weight of the project funding that had been pressing on him for days finally showed signs of easing.

Yan Chunhui walked out, "They’ve left?"

Zhang Songyang turned around. "Yes, Teacher."

Yan Chunhui shared his opinion based on his own judgment, "Although I don’t understand the intricacies of your business dealings, I can see that Bai Xu has good character. He seems like a reliable partner."

Zhang Songyang nodded, "Yes, Young Master Bai is young, but from my interactions, I can sense he has a steady mind and sufficient boldness."

Hearing this, a flicker of insight passed through Yan Chunhui's eyes, "It’s probably more than that."

Zhang Songyang didn't understand,  "Teacher?"

Yan Chunhui hit the nail on the head, "With the surname 'Bai', how could he be connected to the Shang family? And he gave that same surname when he saved me the other day."

Zhang Songyang truly hadn't considered this angle and was momentarily stunned.

Yan Chunhui continued to guide him, "The relationship between Bai Xu and that young man with him isn't ordinary. I suspect the other man is actually the one from the Shang family."

"......"

"But since the other party isn’t revealing his identity, just pretend you don’t know."

Having lived to this age, Yan Chunhui saw things clearly, "Regardless of who ultimately represents the deal, as long as the cooperation goes through, that’s what matters. Understand?"

Zhang Songyang belatedly grasped the subtleties and significance of the situation, "Teacher sees through things so clearly. I’ve learned something."

...

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

Zhang Songyang even proactively proposed more favorable equity terms. Half a month later, the two parties successfully signed the cooperation agreement publicly—a true win-win scenario.

With the huge weight off his mind, Zhang Songyang personally funded a celebratory banquet, inviting only personnel from Juesheng, AW, and Bai Xu's side.

Midway through the banquet, Chu Yate, who loved a lively scene, showed up uninvited. "Young Master Bai, congratulations."

Judging by the smile on his face, one might think he was the one who had successfully closed the deal.

Bai Xu clinked glasses with him, teasing, "Second Young Master Chu, as the General Manager of the Chu Group, aren’t you afraid word might get out that you’re here with us?"

Chu Yate understood Bai Xu's implication, "I'm here to see you, my friend. Who cares what he thinks?"

He recalled Chu Yuncheng's sour expression upon learning about their cooperation and let out a hearty, satisfying laugh, "Oh, you should have seen it. Chu Yuncheng’s face—it's been a long time since it looked that unpleasant."

Chu Yuncheng had been so certain of victory, thinking no third party had the capability to compete with him. Then Bai Xu appeared out of nowhere, effortlessly securing the partnership with Juesheng ahead of him.

The duck that was practically in his hand flew away completely.

When news reached the ears of the old chairman, Chu Tian, he sternly reprimanded Chu Yuncheng.

Bai Xu could easily picture Chu Yuncheng's frustration and smiled along.

Chu Yate took a sip of his drink, "What are your and Mr. Shang’s plans next? Any other projects you’re interested in investing in?"

"He is he, and I am I."

This time, it was only because Shang Yanxiao couldn’t appear publicly that Bai Xu had stepped in on his behalf.

Bai Xu never intended to merge their professional ventures. He swirled his wine glass slightly, "If there are any suitable projects, perhaps you could point them my way, Second Young Master Chu? Let me have a taste?"

Although he had always been managing assets, his available funds were limited.

Projects involving hundreds of millions of US dollars, let alone tens of millions, were somewhat out of reach. However, Bai Xu wasn’t aiming to grow too quickly all at once.

He believed in doing only what his financial capability allowed.

With his investment acumen and capabilities, he certainly wouldn't starve in the short term.

Chu Yate was keen on befriending Bai Xu, "Easy enough. If I come across any suitable projects, I'll definitely keep Young Master Bai in mind."

He had accumulated quite a network over the years and could easily help with something like this.

Bai Xu smiled, "Thanks in advance."

Chu Yate glanced around the banquet hall and couldn't help but ask, "Where's Mr. Shang? Didn't he come?"

Bai Xu lowered his voice, "There are quite a few guests here tonight, and with so many eyes around, it isn't convenient for him to appear."

"That makes sense."

Chu Yate nodded, then seemed to recall something amusing, "So, Young Master Bai can drink freely tonight?"

Bai Xu looked at him, "What do you mean?"

Chu Yate raised his glass suggestively, "Your 'family' isn't here to keep an eye on you. You don't have to be so obedient tonight."

"......"

Who was being obedient?

Shang Yanxiao managing him? And 'family'?

Bai Xu silently mulled over these particular words, stubbornly retorting, "Who says he can manage me? I drink whenever I feel like it."

With that, he clinked his glass against Chu Yate's.

...

Late at night.

The car pulled up at the entrance of the villa.

Bai Xu quickly got out of the car. Without checking if Chen Yufei was following, he hurried toward the house with eager steps.

The villa door swung open.

Shang Yanxiao, who had been waiting in the living room, immediately looked over, "You're back?"

Bai Xu, spotting Shang Yanxiao's figure, paused his steps, "Yeah, it's so late. Why aren't you resting yet?"

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

Shang Yanxiao caught the slight slowness in his speech and stood up, walking closer, "Have you been drinking?"

"......"

Watching the man approach step by step, Bai Xu's earlier confidence from the banquet vanished entirely, replaced by a guilty feeling of being caught red-handed.

He tried to suppress the lingering effects of the alcohol, "En. Chairman Zhang introduced me to quite a few contacts tonight. In those kinds of settings, socializing is unavoidable. I really held back."

Bai Xu subtly observed Shang Yanxiao's reaction, muttering like a caught kitten, "I'm not drunk~"

Shang Yanxiao chuckled softly, "Hmm, I know."

He had seen Bai Xu completely drunk and worked up before—much more unruly than this.

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

Shang Yanxiao didn't deny it, "Didn't you yourself say, Young Master Bai, that you deserved a proper thank-you after the deal was done?"

"Yes, I did say that."

Bai Xu's eyes held a glimmer softened by the alcohol, sparkling, "So, how does Third Young Master plan to thank me?"

Shang Yanxiao started walking toward the kitchen's wet bar, "Knowing Young Master Bai enjoys a drink and has been deprived lately due to the allergy and stomach issues, I specially picked out a rather nice white wine."

"Wine?"

Bai Xu's interest was piqued, and he unconsciously followed closely.

"I guessed you'd be back around now, so I chilled it in advance."

Shang Yanxiao retrieved a pre-chilled bottle of white wine, "I originally thought we could have a simple celebration when you got back. But it seems you've had quite a bit tonight? Maybe we should skip it?"

"No way. You're celebrating my success, so I call the shots."

Bai Xu, of course, wouldn't let this opportunity slip. He glanced at his phone, "It's still early. Let me take a quick shower first? We'll have a proper drink tonight."

There was nothing urgent tomorrow. Even if he got drunk at home, it wouldn't matter.

Shang Yanxiao noticed the tipsiness in his eyes, "You really still want to drink?"

Bai Xu hummed, sounding a bit petulant, "I do~"

Earlier, he had been in a public setting and needed to maintain proper decorum, so he hadn’t dared to drink to his heart's content.

Even though he knew he should practice 'moderation', Shang Yanxiao still indulged Bai Xu’s request.

“Alright, go ahead and freshen up first. This wine needs a bit more chilling time. I’ll wait a little longer and then bring it upstairs to find you.”

“Okay.”

…

Bai Xu took a quick shower. By the time he changed into his pajamas and stepped out of the bathroom, Shang Yanxiao had already entered his room with the decanted white wine.

The wine swirled against the bottom of the glass, making a pleasant, tinkling sound.

Bai Xu walked closer, “Where’s the wine from?”

Shang Yanxiao could see his barely concealed excitement, “From the Miller Estate. This bottle has a good vintage. Want to try it?”

Bai Xu took the glass Shang Yanxiao offered and relaxed against the side of the bed. Instead of drinking right away, he first brought the glass to his nose to inhale the aroma.

It was a very fresh, fruity scent, refreshing and delightful.

A gleam lit up Bai Xu’s eyes, “Hm~”

Shang Yanxiao raised his own glass, “My thanks to Young Master Bai for helping so much this time.”

“No need for thanks. Congratulations to you too, Third Young Master,” Bai Xu smiled, clinking his glass against Shang Yanxiao’s before taking a small sip.

The sweet, slightly astringent taste burst on his palate instantly, with a finish that held a surprising, untamed intensity, immediately rekindling the dormant tipsiness within him.

“Oh? This is good.”

Surprised by the flavor, Bai Xu tilted his head back and finished the rest of the wine in one go.

Perhaps he drank too hastily. A trickle of the champagne-colored liquid escaped the corner of his mouth, tracing a path down the graceful curve of his neck and disappearing into his pajamas.

“......”

Shang Yanxiao’s attention was completely captured. His voice tightened slightly as he spoke, “Bai Xu, slow down.”

Seizing the boldness brought on by the alcohol, Bai Xu poured himself another glass, “The wine is excellent, but just drinking it like this is boring. It lacks atmosphere.”

Shang Yanxiao followed his lead, asking, "How would you like to make it more atmospheric?"

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

Shang Yanxiao asked, "Where to?"

Looking at the untouched glass in Shang Yanxiao's hand, Bai Xu blurted out impulsively, "I want to go to the seaside. Take me there."

"Now?"

"Yes, right now."

The effects of the alcohol were gradually rising within him.

Bai Xu was well aware his state was becoming unmoored, but he let the impulse take over anyway. "Didn't you say you'd thank me properly after the success? I just..."

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

...

The car sped wildly along the coastline, the rhythmic drumbeat filling the vehicle.  

Bai Xu could feel his heart racing to the beat, keeping pace with the speed of the car. He rolled down the window, letting the fierce wind cool the restless drunkenness inside him, "Shang Yanxiao—"  

Drunkenness urged his rationality to flee, leading to a cheer without rhyme or reason.  

"So exhilarating—"  

Soon, Shang Yanxiao, fully focused on driving, took a right turn at a fork in the road.  

Only when a tranquil expanse of water appeared before Bai Xu did the car’s speed finally drop to nothing, "We’re here."  

A gentler sea breeze drifted over, carrying with it the distinct salty freshness of the air. The rustling coconut trees along the road added to the atmosphere.  

The dark, vast sea was dotted with a few flickering solitary lights, stretching all the way into the boundless night. Looking up, a dense and clearly visible galaxy filled the sky.  

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

"Bai Xu, you…" Shang Yanxiao couldn’t stop him, so he grabbed the coat from the back seat and followed him out, "Slow down."  

Bai Xu, holding a wine bottle, spun around as he ran. The flip-flops on his feet had long since disappeared, and now he was treading on soft, fine sand, easily losing his balance.  

Shang Yanxiao quickly pulled him into his arms and wrapped the long coat he’d 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 sighed helplessly and coaxed, "It’s cool by the sea. You’ll catch a cold if you stay out too long."  

Bai Xu pouted, "Hmph."  

Shang Yanxiao could tell he wasn’t convinced and couldn’t help but laugh, "What’s with the ‘hmph’? I shouldn’t have gone along with your late-night craziness in the first place."  

Going to the seaside at eleven o’clock at night just to have a celebratory drink?  

In the past, Shang Yanxiao would have thought such behavior was ridiculous. But when Bai Xu suggested it, he found himself wanting to fulfill the request for no reason at all.  

Bai Xu let Shang Yanxiao 'lecture' him, smiling as he raised the bottle of white wine he’d brought from home, "Now that we’re in the perfect spot, want a drink?"  

Shang Yanxiao countered, "If I drink too, how are we getting back later?"  

Bai Xu only then realized the issue and tried to find a solution, "Just a little? We can stay in the car a bit longer before heading back."  

Shang Yanxiao shook his head, "You go ahead and drink. I’ll stay here with you."

A home always needs someone to stay awake.  

Bai Xu’s enthusiasm for drinking hadn’t waned, so he simply took another couple of sips.  

This time, though, the wine felt chillingly cold as it went down his throat, making him shiver involuntarily.  

Shang Yanxiao noticed Bai Xu’s slight tremble and took hold of his wrist, “Come on, let’s get in the car.”  

This time, Bai Xu complied obediently, “En.”  

The smart seats adjusted to their positions, and the gap between the front and back seats was filled with soft cushions.  

The sunroof slid open, allowing the galaxy to flow into the small space, creating a unique starry camping spot.  

The broadcast playing in the car had switched from lively drumbeats to jazz, its lingering and enchanting melody winding through the vehicle, carrying an indescribable sense of intimacy.  

Bai Xu leaned against the seat, tilting his head, “Shang Yanxiao?”  

Shang Yanxiao, also reclining, responded, “Hm?”  

“…...”  

Bai Xu’s mind was already starting to fog over, so he simply stared quietly at Shang Yanxiao.  

From his brows to his nose bridge and then to his thin lips, Bai Xu’s drunken, heavy gaze traced the other’s features under the light, each detail appearing impossibly perfect.  

Shang Yanxiao seemed to sense something and subtly closed the distance between them, “Want to finish the wine? There’s still a little left.”  

The man’s striking features loomed larger in front of him once again.  

Bai Xu felt his throat go dry, swallowing thickly as he replied in a muffled voice, “Hmm.”  

Shang Yanxiao reached for the wine bottle first, patiently bringing it to Bai Xu’s lips. “Drink up. I’ll help you.”  

“…...”  

The bottle tilted slowly, pressing insistently against his lips.  

The wine flowed quickly into his mouth, leaving Bai Xu without any control, compelled to swallow instinctively.  

Shang Yanxiao’s gaze deepened, his movements seeming to lose their usual restraint.  

The remaining wine trickled down Bai Xu’s neck, pooling into his pajamas. The chill made him whimper softly, and he raised a hand to try and stop it.  

Shang Yanxiao once again clasped his wrist, his breathing heavy and uneven, “Sorry, I got your clothes dirty. Let me clean it up.”  

His calloused fingertips brushed against Bai Xu’s delicate wrist, the touch as scorching as fire.  

Bai Xu felt his body temperature spike suddenly, the restless wine-fueled heat clamoring to break free, “Shang Yanxiao, I…”  

“Hm?”

Shang Yanxiao let out a low sound, partly in response to his call, and partly as if deliberately enticing him.  

Deep down, something seemed to be stirring restlessly.  

Bai Xu couldn’t quite put this feeling into words, yet he desperately wanted to grasp it, “Can I kiss you?”

–

TL: Muji

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