DASFAM_44

The rain outside the window showed no sign of stopping.

Bai Xu confirmed that Shang Yanxiao’s shoulder was properly medicated, "Be careful when you sleep tonight. If the swelling hasn’t gone down by tomorrow morning, make time to go to the hospital for a check-up."

Shang Yanxiao felt his concern, "Hmm, I’ll keep that in mind."

"Then I’ll head back first. You should rest early?"

As Bai Xu put the ointment back into the medical kit and stood up, Shang Yanxiao took hold of his hand, "Bai Xu."

The unique warmth from the palm made Bai Xu pause and lower his gaze in a daze.

Shang Yanxiao was still sitting on the edge of the bed, the redness in his eyes not yet fully faded. Gone was the reserved, noble young master demeanor he showed in front of others, replaced instead by a rare hint of vulnerability.

Shang Yanxiao didn’t let go, his thumb lightly stroking Bai Xu’s wrist, "Stay with me tonight, okay?"

"......"

Bai Xu’s thoughts, which had just settled, tangled once again, "Shang Yanxiao?"

Shang Yanxiao gently pulled him closer, leaning his head against him as if letting go of all strength, "I’m a bit tired, and my head hurts too."

Bai Xu’s heart stirred from the contact. After hesitating for a few seconds, he used his other hand to gently stroke the back of Shang Yanxiao’s head, "Alright."

After all, they had already done more intimate things under the guise of 'friends with benefits'. What did it matter if they simply shared a bed to sleep?

The bedside lamp was dimmed to its lowest setting.

To avoid putting pressure on his swollen right shoulder, Shang Yanxiao could only lie on his side for the time being.

Bai Xu lay on the left side of the bed and inevitably met his gaze. The intense look fixed on his cheeks stirred a wave of warmth.

Pretending not to notice, Bai Xu turned over, his back facing Shang Yanxiao, "Mm, I’m going to sleep..."

Before he could even finish his sentence, the person behind him pressed closer.

"What are you hiding for? Your ears are already red."

"......"

"Turn around."

A warm breath brushed past his ear, stirring a flutter of restless, tingling sensations.

Bai Xu could bear it no longer and turned over, murmuring under his breath, "Are you going to sleep or not? Your shoulder is still hurt, how can you still be thinking about… that sort of thing?"

Shang Yanxiao let out a soft laugh instantly, "Oh~ So Young Master Bai is the one with his head full of those thoughts?"

He reached out and tightened his arms around Bai Xu, pulling himself a bit closer, "I just wanted to hold you while we sleep, nothing more. But if Young Master Bai particularly wants to, I can oblige."

Bai Xu caught the hint of teasing laced in his trailing tone and was immediately flooded with the awkwardness of having misunderstood. He swallowed, stubbornly refusing to admit defeat, "Who wants that? The Third Young Master still has the mood to joke? After I spent all this time comforting you."

Shang Yanxiao chuckled softly, simply tilting his head to place a kiss on his earlobe.

Brief, like a dragonfly skimming the water's surface, yet enough to send ripples spreading, circle after circle, across the placid lake of his heart.

"A'Xu, thank you."

"......"

It was the first time Bai Xu had been addressed with such intimacy. After a stunned pause of two or three seconds, his breathing rhythm grew even more erratic. As if conceding defeat, he closed his eyes, though his body involuntarily leaned slightly toward Shang Yanxiao, "Going to sleep, goodnight."

Shang Yanxiao's palm resting on his back began patting gently, soothingly, as if coaxing him to sleep, "Alright, goodnight."

...

Old Master Shang was getting on in years, and his sleep had always been light. After last night's argument with Shang Yanxiao, his heart felt tight, one wave after another. Having slept fitfully, he woke up quite early.

Alone in the hotel suite, watching the time crawl toward noon, he grew more and more unsettled—

"I've lived for over half my life, yet none of the sons or grandsons I raised are of any use."

With nothing to do, Old Master Shang got up and began pacing around the room, muttering to himself.

"No one in sight by noon? What was all that talk last night about coming to see me today? That little rascal Bai Xu's mouth is just for show too."

—Ding-dong.

The doorbell rang.

Old Master Shang's expression shifted slightly, and he immediately heard Bai Xu's voice outside the door, "Grandfather, are you in there?"

"......"

The deep frown on Old Master Shang's forehead smoothed out in an instant. Without even grabbing his cane, he hurried to the door.

—Ding-dong!

—Ding-dong!

Two more rings, "Grandfather, it's me, Bai Xu."

Old Master Shang approached the door, quickly reassuming the stern demeanor of the family patriarch before opening it, "First thing in the morning, what's the matter with you, child?"

"......"

It was almost noon? How was that 'first thing in the morning'?

Bai Xu asked a bit uncertainly, "Grandfather, were you still sleeping? Did I disturb you?"

Old Master Shang's peripheral glance swept the surroundings, and seeing only Bai Xu alone, a flicker of disappointment inevitably welled up inside him.

He kept his expression neutral, "What are you here for?"

Bai Xu put on his most well-behaved smile, raising the two stacked food containers he had brought, "Grandfather, may I come in? Yanxiao was worried you might not be used to the food here, so he specifically asked me to bring lunch right on time."

"Hmph."

Old Master Shang turned away, but left the door open for Bai Xu.

Bai Xu hurried in and carefully laid out the exquisite food containers on the dining table. The still-warm dishes immediately released their aroma.

Old Master Shang suppressed the upward curve of his lips, "Where did you buy these from?"

"Buy them?"

Bai Xu shook his head, emphasizing his words, "Grandfather, Yanxiao got up early this morning to make these for you. I just helped out a bit on the side. He also said—"

Bai Xu brought out the clean utensils he had brought, "These are dishes he learned from the Old Madam before. They're all your favorites."

Old Master Shang glanced over the dining table; indeed, each dish was something he particularly liked, "He can actually make these?"

"Of course, they can't compare to the Old Madam's skill," Bai Xu approached the elder, handing the chopsticks to him as if coaxing a child, "Grandfather, would you honor us by giving it a taste?"

Old Master Shang took the chopsticks and slowly took a seat.

Bai Xu served him a bowl of warm millet congee, placing the spoon inside as well, "Here."

Old Master Shang, his expression unchanged, took a few sips of the congee to warm his stomach, then casually picked up some refreshing shredded chicken salad.

Bai Xu didn't touch the utensils either, just watched him, "Grandfather, how is it?"

Old Master Shang said, "Passable."

Bai Xu immediately beamed and said, "Even if it's just barely edible, the sincerity of the apology is in there."

Old Master Shang was already accustomed to Bai Xu's way of acting sweet and trying to please with his words. He retorted, though without real anger, "You have an answer for everything!"

Bai Xu didn't get upset either, "Grandfather, let me ask something. Please don't get angry right away."

Old Master Shang glanced at him, tacitly allowing the question.

Bai Xu probed, "What made you suddenly think of coming to Singapore? Does anyone else at home know about this?"

Old Master Shang caught his underlying meaning and paused his chopsticks slightly, "You two have deceived so many people together, now you know to feel 'guilty' and scared?"

Bai Xu was speechless.

Old Master Shang knew what Bai Xu wanted to hear and didn't hide it, "The eldest and second branches don't know yet. The family doesn't even know I came to Singapore."

"......"

Bai Xu was startled, "Then where did you get the information?"

Old Master Shang picked up another bite of water spinach, deliberately drawing it out to keep him in suspense, "Hmph, I, Shang Hong, have traveled north and south all these years. The salt I've eaten is more than the roads you two have walked combined. What trick could escape my notice?"

"This business of him being unconscious, I've always had my doubts. You two hid it well, but that doesn't mean everyone around you hid it well."

"The second son of the Zhang family sent me a video of Yanxiao lying in the hospital. But who was the person picking them up at the airport? And who was the person appearing at the bar that same afternoon?"

Bai Xu instantly understood, "Grandfather, you... you hired a private investigator to keep an eye on Doctor Zhang and the others?"

They had considered everything, but never expected a slip-up in this area!

Old Master Shang only said, "Since it was fake, a hundred precautions will still have one oversight."

Bai Xu admitted his mistake, "Yes."

After receiving the photos, Old Master Shang guessed that Shang Yanxiao must have a reason for hiding things this way, so he didn’t tell anyone. Using the excuse of 'needing a change of scenery', he went abroad.

Remembering last night’s argument, Old Master Shang’s expression, which had just softened, shifted once more.

Bai Xu, best at reading expressions, immediately spoke up on Shang Yanxiao’s behalf, "This matter with the car accident… the resentment in his heart had really built up for too long. He couldn’t talk to Queyan about it, and it wasn’t easy to confide in any of us either."

When any emotion goes unaddressed for a long time, it’s like a balloon being continuously inflated. It’s bound to burst at some point.

Old Master Shang didn’t respond, his gaze complex, lost in thought.

Bai Xu continued playing the peacemaker, "Grandfather, Yanxiao regretted making you angry last night. Actually, he has always respected you as his grandfather deeply, and you can feel that too, right?"

Old Master Shang’s words didn’t match his heart, "Respect? If he truly respected me, why doesn’t he dare come see me?"

Bai Xu seized the opportunity and quickly said, "Grandfather, Yanxiao came with me! He’s just worried you’re still upset, and him showing up might make you feel worse, so he’s waiting downstairs instead of coming up."

He took out his phone, taking another step to test the waters, "How about… I call him up now?"

"......"

Old Master Shang picked up another bite of food, tacitly consenting, "Mhmm, the flavor of this dish is quite good."

Bai Xu held back a smile and quickly sent a message to Shang Yanxiao downstairs.

Old Master Shang glanced at his excited expression while texting and sensed something amiss once again, "Are you two together?"

"Huh?"

Bai Xu was stunned, "What?"

Old Master Shang got straight to the point, "Are you and Yanxiao in a relationship?"

"I..."

Bai Xu hesitated, at a loss for words.

His relationship with Shang Yanxiao had indeed gone beyond that of ordinary allies. But to present the notion of 'friends with benefits' to Old Master Shang... it was likely that even without Shang Yanxiao coming upstairs, he himself would be kicked out by the old man along with him.

Old Master Shang noticed his hesitation, "What are you hemming and hawing about? I'm not that old-fashioned, I won't play the villain who tries to tear lovers apart."

Bai Xu had no choice but to steel himself and admit it, "Oh, we... we just started trying to get to know each other."

Old Master Shang chuckled lightly, offering a rare, vague comment, "I knew it."

Bai Xu didn't catch on, "Huh? Knew what?"

Old Master Shang didn't explain, continuing to leisurely pick at his food.

Soon, the doorbell rang.

Bai Xu proactively got up to answer the door. Meeting Shang Yanxiao's gaze outside, he whispered a few more reminders, "Go inside and talk properly with Grandfather. It's fine to act a bit weak and pitiful, just don't be like last night."

Shang Yanxiao agreed, "I know."

Bai Xu knew when to stop, "Then I'll go wait for you on the restaurant floor?"

Some words are best left for the grandfather and grandson to discuss behind closed doors.

"Alright."

The door to the hotel suite closed once more.

Shang Yanxiao took a deep breath and walked steadily over to the dining table, "Grandfather."

Old Master Shang didn't look at him, just fiddled with his nearly empty bowl of millet congee.

Shang Yanxiao understood the unspoken opportunity being offered and reached out to take it, "Grandfather, shall I get you some more?"

The bowl was refilled with warm millet congee, and the rift between them dissolved in the unseen.

Old Master Shang gestured, "Sit."

Shang Yanxiao sat down and re-expressed the apology he had been brewing for a long time, "Grandfather, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have deceived you, nor should I have said those things last night. I spoke out of turn."

Hearing his apology, the anger that had been in Old Master Shang's eyes and brows last night faded, "Yanxiao."

"Yes?"

"The overseas police did come to me, and I did indeed file another report and then withdraw it."

"......"

"But the reason isn't what you think. It wasn't that I found clues and deliberately concealed them for the first and second branches, but because of your grandmother."

Shang Yanxiao immediately understood the meaning within Old Master Shang's few words, and a wave of guilt surged within him.

Old Master Shang explained in detail, "The car accident that took your family was a devastating blow to your grandmother. During that time, she not only had to bury her own child but also ran back and forth taking care of you two brothers."

These were things that could have been left to others with money, but how could the Old Madam Shang rest easy?

The Old Madam Shang forced down her grief all along, fainting several times during that period.

Mentioning his wife, Old Master Shang's expression softened considerably, even willing to admit, "I withdrew the case because I was truly afraid."

"......"

This was the first time Shang Yanxiao had heard the word 'afraid' from Old Master Shang's mouth.

Old Master Shang sighed, "Aside from your little aunt who's never home and doesn't think about settling down, I know the three branches have always had overt and covert conflicts over the group's interests."

"But what could I do? Your father, your eldest aunt, your second uncle—they are all children your grandmother and I personally brought into this world."

"If the investigation ultimately concludes it was just an accidental car crash, then that grief might slowly fade with time. But if the investigation results truly turn out to be as you said—"

"Have you considered how your grandmother and I would feel?"

One of our own children harming their sibling, plotting to kill their own brother and sister-in-law?

"I wasn't sure if I could bear it, but your grandmother certainly couldn't. Do you understand? I didn't want her, at this age, to have to face a situation that might arise."

Old Master Shang had always considered himself clever and exacting all his life, but in this matter alone, he wanted to feign ignorance for his own sake and for his wife's.

Shang Yanxiao, realizing this belatedly, didn't know how to respond, "Grandfather..."

"I've always told people your temper is most like mine."

Old Master Shang took a deep breath, conceding defeat in the unseen, "I know that if this matter doesn't have a resolution, you'll never be able to turn the page, to move past this hurdle in your heart."

"I can't stop you, and I couldn't even if I tried. Besides, I'm already a man with one foot in the grave. I don't want to face your parents' reproach even after I'm gone—"

"Actually, I'm also afraid their couple would ask me: Dad, why didn't you investigate this clearly?"

Shang Yanxiao felt another surge of bitterness, "Grandfather, please don't think that way."

Old Master Shang, as if masking something, cleared his throat, "If you want to investigate, then go ahead and investigate. Regarding those two people you mentioned last night, after I return, I'll also use my own connections to look into them discreetly."

"But there's one thing I need you to promise."

Shang Yanxiao nodded, "Please tell me."

Old Master Shang demanded, "After I go back, I won't reveal this matter to others, but I will video call you. You must reassure your grandmother that you're safe."

"She has always cherished you all. You can't make her worry about you any longer, understand?"

Compared to the anger of being deceived, Shang Yanxiao's safety was what they, the old couple, most hoped for and were most relieved about.

Shang Yanxiao seriously agreed, "I understand."

Old Master Shang looked at his shoulder with concern, "How's your shoulder?"

Shang Yanxiao shook his head, "It's fine."

Old Master Shang knew the force of his own strike, "Make time to go to the hospital for a check-up. If you talk nonsense again next time, I will still reprimand you. Remember that?"

A faint curve finally appeared at the corner of Shang Yanxiao's mouth, "I remember. Grandfather's lesson is right."

"Alright, no more about yesterday. Whether you continue staying in Singapore or come back to the capital with me, even if you don't want to return to the group for now, you should still have a proper career."

"However, your parents and I struggled for a lifetime, not for you to start from scratch and endure hardship. In the future, if any projects need the group's resources, have Queyan help out discreetly."

Old Master Shang never hid his high regard for Shang Yanxiao and firmly believed his grandson had the ability to navigate major projects.

Shang Yanxiao's mood finally lightened, "Thank you, Grandfather."

Old Master Shang checked the time, "My flight is at four this afternoon. It's about time to head to the airport."

"......."

Shang Yanxiao was startled, "So soon? Can't you stay a couple more days?"

"How can it not be soon?"

Old Master Shang had his own plans, "I came here without telling the family. If I don't return soon, I'm afraid your situation will be even harder to keep secret."

Shang Yanxiao understood that the other was helping to conceal his circumstances and was deeply moved, "Grandfather, thank you."

"None of that," Old Master Shang was not one for sentimentality to begin with and simply gestured, "Let's go. You drive me to the airport."

"Alright."

Old Master Shang hadn't brought much luggage, so packing up was easy.

Seeing the exquisite food containers left on the table, he finally remembered to ask, "Where's Bai Xu hiding?"

Shang Yanxiao was carrying his small suitcase for him, "He's waiting for us in the restaurant, said we should finish talking first."

Hearing this, Old Master Shang smiled, a rare occurrence, "You little lovebirds have it all planned out, taking turns to talk to me."

"......"

Little lovebirds?

A light gleamed in Shang Yanxiao's eyes, "Grandfather, did Bai Xu tell you about our relationship?"

Old Master Shang pressed the elevator button, "What's there to tell? I'm not senile yet. Last night, he was siding with you, and you were siding with him, leaving this old man to play the villain?"

The corner of Shang Yanxiao's mouth lifted slightly, and he said instinctively, "Bai Xu, he's very good."

Old Master Shang saw the genuine joy on his grandson's face but praised otherwise, "When has your grandmother's judgment ever been wrong?"

"Initially, it was just a desperate move, wanting to 'ward off bad luck' for you. I never expected it to actually bring you two together. If your grandmother knew about this, she'd be overjoyed."

His words, inside and out, seemed to completely forget how much he had disagreed with this farcical 'alliance marriage' at the very beginning.

Arriving at the restaurant floor, the elevator doors slid open.

Shang Yanxiao immediately spotted Bai Xu eating by the floor-to-ceiling window, a hint of laughter in his voice, "Grandfather, he's over there."

Old Master Shang noticed his instantly lifted mood and saw through it without comment, "Let's go over."

Bai Xu saw the grandfather and grandson walking over one after the other, the atmosphere no longer as oppressive and heavy as last night.

He roughly guessed the outcome of their talk and smiled, "Grandfather, did you two sort things out?"

Old Master Shang nodded slightly.

Shang Yanxiao told him, "Yes. Grandfather's flight back to China is at four this afternoon. I need to take him to the airport."

Bai Xu stood up without hesitation, "Then I'll go with you?"

"Alright."

...

The car soon arrived at the airport parking lot.

Just as Shang Yanxiao was about to get out to see him off, the Old Master Shang stopped him, "Yanxiao, there's no need for you to get out. Since you still want to keep up the pretense, you should maintain a low profile in your daily life."

The airport is crowded and bustling; what if you run into an acquaintance?

Shang Yanxiao and Bai Xu exchanged a glance, with the latter seamlessly picking up the conversation, "Then, Old Master, shall I see you off?"

Old Master Shang did not refuse.

The two of them got out of the car one after the other.

Bai Xu took the initiative to carry the Old Master's small suitcase and followed him into the elevator that went directly to the departure level.

The elevator slowly ascended.

Old Master Shang looked at Bai Xu beside him, thought for a moment, and then called out, "Bai Xu."

"Hm?"

"Yanxiao has had a steady temperament since he was a child. He doesn't cry or make a fuss when things happen, and he can keep things to himself."

"His parents are gone. As an older brother, he wouldn't complain to his younger brother, nor would he confide in me or his grandmother."

Old Master Shang paused, a seemingly casual remark had been brewing for a long time, "If possible, keep him company more often."

"......"

Bai Xu could hear the concern hidden in Old Master Shang's calm tone, and his eyes involuntarily stung with emotion.

Old Master Shang looked straight ahead again, with a composure that seemed to have come to terms with life and death, "His grandmother and I are already at this age. We don’t know when we’ll be gone. Among all these children, I truly worry most about the two brothers."

After all, no matter what, the grandchildren from the other two branches still have elders to rely on.

Bai Xu recalled the plot in the original book concerning the Old Master’s serious illness, and his heart felt as though it were being clenched tightly by an invisible hand.

He instinctively refuted, "Old Master, you’re in good health. Why talk about such things?"

The elevator doors opened.

Old Master Shang signaled to Bai Xu, "Alright, give me the things. I’ll go in by myself. You should head back."

"......"

Bai Xu hesitated to speak, but in the end, he risked upsetting him and said, "Old Master, when you have time, could you go for a heart-related checkup?"

Old Master Shang’s expression shifted slightly.

Bai Xu quickly added, "It’s just that I saw you holding your chest last night when you were angry, and I was worried you might be uncomfortable in that regard."

Old Master Shang took his small luggage case, "I know my own body. I get checkups every year; there’s no need for you to worry about me."

Bai Xu pursed his lips, "That’s good then."

The Old Master’s physique did indeed seem quite robust.

This world might not necessarily follow a set course. Perhaps the events from the book wouldn’t play out exactly the same in 'reality'?

Old Master Shang, unaware of Bai Xu’s complex thoughts, said, "You go back. Don’t keep Yanxiao waiting."

Bai Xu was very thorough in his courtesy. He took back the small case from him, "There’s no rush on his end. Let me accompany you to check in first, and I’ll leave after you pass through security."

...

Half an hour later, Bai Xu finally returned to the car.

He met Shang Yanxiao's gaze and took the initiative to explain, "Rest assured, Grandfather has already passed through security. The timing is about right, he should be boarding in a little while."

"Okay."

Bai Xu fastened his seatbelt and looked at Shang Yanxiao's shoulder, which couldn’t move much due to the injury, "Should we still go to the hospital? I’m really not at ease with your condition."

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to drive for Shang Yanxiao, but the original owner didn’t have an international driver’s license, so there was genuinely no way for him to take the wheel.

As soon as he finished speaking, both of their phones buzzed simultaneously with a message notification. When they opened them, they realized it was a group message from the 'Eaglet Cinema Project Group'.

A team member had directly tagged the three of them, seemingly at a complete loss.

"Young Master Bai, Mr. Shang, Mr. Chu, bosses, I'm really sorry to bother you, but we've run into a tricky problem during the project preparation, and we might need you to step in to resolve it!"

–

TL: Muji

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