Chapter 031 The Young Master – “Just listen to Xiao Ge’s words.” (31/35)
After all, Wei Zhiyun had stirred up trouble first. Learning his lesson, Shao Zechen shouted from the top of his lungs, literally bellowing it out. Not satisfied with just one shout, he bellowed it several more times, one after another. The neighbors next door could hear him clearly, plus Shi Jingge and Wen Xusheng inside the room.
The young master, still reeling in shock, was jolted awake by Shao Zechen’s bellowing. He shivered violently, stammering as he pointed first at Wen Xusheng, then at himself. “You… you… I… I…”
Wen Xusheng stared intently at Shi Jingge, his deep black eyes filled entirely with Shi Jingge’s reflection. At this very moment, only Shi Jingge existed within Wen Xusheng’s gaze.
The instant their eyes met, Shi Jingge fell into Wen Xusheng’s gaze. A familiar sensation inexplicably struck his heart.
“We…”
Before Shi Jingge could finish the word, Shao Zechen’s voice cut in, “Is anyone home?”
The young master snapped back to reality, instinctively shoving Wen Xusheng aside and taking two steps back. His face was flushed crimson.
“…I’ll go check!” Hurriedly leaving those three words behind, the young master bolted away like a rabbit.
Watching his retreating figure, Wen Xusheng exhaled slowly. He drew a deep breath, barely suppressing the churning frustration and anger within.
Who on earth would interrupt people’s romance at a time like this?!
Don’t they know they’ll get struck by lightning?!
Grinding his teeth, Wen Xusheng ultimately gave chase.
The moment he spotted the young master, Shao Zechen sensed something was off.
Why was Shi Jingge’s face so flushed?
Then Shao Zechen saw Wen Xusheng striding toward them.
Wen Xusheng’s steps halted upon seeing Shao Zechen, casting a sidelong glance at him with a faint, ambiguous smile. A chilly breeze swirled around Shao Zechen’s head, a wave of coldness rising from his core.
Had he interrupted something?!
The smile on Shao Zechen’s face froze. Was it too late to slip away now, pretending nothing had happened?
Of course… it was too late.
The young master rubbed his cheeks, the waves of heat washing over him, making him feel slightly uncomfortable.
“What is it?” Shi Jingge asked in a deep, stern voice.
“Nothing,” Shao Zechen forced out. The next second, he felt Wen Xusheng’s gaze grow even colder. Shao Zechen immediately corrected himself. “…Yes! There is something!”
If you had business and came to find someone, accidentally disturbing them, Wen Xusheng could tolerate that; but coming over for no reason and shouting like that—if that’s not intentional, what is it?
That, Wen Xusheng absolutely couldn’t tolerate.
Shao Zechen felt Wen Xusheng’s icy glare, and it truly felt like tears were welling up inside him. He should’ve sent a message to check first before coming over!
Shao Zechen took a deep breath, cutting straight to the point without beating around the bush. “About tonight… I’m truly sorry. My deepest apologies.” Shao Zechen had intended to explain, but the words died on his lips. Realizing excuses were pointless, he simply apologized.
“Huh?” Shi Jingge looked utterly bewildered, turning his head toward Wen Xusheng.
His almond-shaped eyes were filled with confusion, and paired with his flushed cheeks, he looked rather striking. In that instant, Wen Xusheng felt his anger and frustration melt away.
He exhaled slowly, took a few steps forward, and leaned close to the young master, prompting, “Wei Zhiyun.”
“Ohhh.” A flash of realization lit up the young master’s eyes. He turned to Shao Zechen and asked bluntly, “Did you tell Wei Zhiyun to come here and secretly film us?”
“Of course not!” Shao Zechen protested immediately. “How could I possibly tell him to do something like that?”
“Then did you stir things up online?” Shi Jingge pressed.
“Absolutely not. Do you think I’m crazy? Why would I do something like that?”
“Then what exactly did you do?” Shi Jingge tilted his head, looking at him with genuine confusion.
Shao Zechen answered earnestly, “I didn’t personally do anything at all.”
Shi Jingge grew even more perplexed. “If you did nothing, then why are you apologizing?”
Shao Zechen: “…”
He… He was just afraid people would misunderstand him and think he was in cahoots with Wei Zhiyun, QAQ.
The young master shrugged dismissively. “I have no idea what goes on in your head.”
Shao Zechen: “…QAQ.”
“But wrongs must be addressed with the right person. If I’m going to retaliate, it’ll be against Wei Zhiyun. If anyone owes me an apology, it’s Wei Zhiyun. What does this have to do with you? Since it has nothing to do with you, I definitely won’t accept your apology.”
After a pause, the young master shot Shao Zechen a complicated look and muttered, “I’ve seen plenty of people who love to take advantage and steal credit, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone actually eager to take the blame and apologize.”
“…Or could it be… you’re actually in love with Wei Zhiyun?” By the end of his sentence, the young master’s eyes were ablaze with gossip.
Indeed, everyone harbored a bit of gossip in their hearts.
Shao Zechen wiped his face and sighed. “No.” After another pause, he added earnestly, “Right now, I’m also trying to figure out what the hell was going through my head.”
Shi Jingge: “?”
Seeing Shi Jingge’s confused expression, Shao Zechen felt a strange sense of relief.
What else could it be? Nothing more than fear of being caught in the crossfire.
After so many years in this industry, he’d seen every bizarre way people could harbor grudges. Who knew when someone might start hating you? Like that actress hating Hua Mingyi, or Wei Zhiyun hating the young master. No legitimate reason needed; they just hated with a passion.
Shao Zechen didn’t have powerful connections. Having weathered so many storms over the years to finally reach his current standing, he naturally remained cautious, dreading any potential grudges.
Especially since Wei Zhiyun was someone he’d personally invited. They’d known each other for years. Who didn’t know they were close friends? It was practically impossible to avoid being caught in the crossfire!
Yet the young master delivered this uniquely unexpected response.
Having navigated this industry for so long, Shao Zechen maintained a degree of caution even toward those praised to the heavens. So, despite knowing the young master was decent, a lingering fear remained.
But now, Shao Zechen suddenly realized Wen Xusheng’s assessment of the young master was spot on.
Shi Jingge truly resembled a crescent moon: transparent, straightforward, simple, and pure, possessing a childlike heart.
It made one instinctively want to draw near and interact with him.
Shao Zechen pulled out his phone. “Young Master Shi, shall we exchange contacts?”
Young Master Shi: “???”
Wen Xusheng: “!!!”
After seeing Shao Zechen off, Shi Jingge still felt a bit dazed. “What exactly was he here for?”
Wen Xusheng shook his head. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“Huh?” Shi Jingge turned to look at Wen Xusheng, his eyes blank.
Wen Xusheng said casually, “You still haven’t given me an answer.”
Shi Jingge: !!!
Shi Jingge ran off.
Wen Xusheng didn’t chase after him again, only watching Shi Jingge’s retreating figure before calling out. “Xiao Ge, may I pursue you?”
Shi Jingge’s footsteps faltered, nearly tripping over himself. He didn’t respond; instead he pulled himself together and started to flee again.
Wen Xusheng spoke in a low voice, “If you don’t respond, I’ll take that as consent.”
Shi Jingge opened his mouth to curse, but inexplicably, not a single word came out. In the end, he fled in a daze.
Wen Xusheng watched his retreating figure, a hint of amusement gradually surfacing in his eyes.
At least he didn’t refuse, right?
—– —– —–
The next morning, Shi Jingge felt slightly uneasy upon seeing Wen Xusheng.
But Wen Xusheng was utterly calm, as if last night’s events had never happened. He treated Shi Jingge no differently than usual.
Only then did Shi Jingge breathe a sigh of relief. Yet as he relaxed, a subtle, complex feeling stirred within him. Shi Jingge couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.
Soon, the livestream began. The second episode of ‘Starting with Cohabitation’ officially aired, and Shi Jingge had no time left to dwell on these thoughts.
Not long into the broadcast, the sharp-eyed viewers in the livestream room noticed a series of unusual details.
>> Why is Young Master standing over there with Brother Meng? Why do I feel like Young Master is deliberately avoiding Brother Wen? <<
>> Brother Wen standing behind Young Master, watching him—it just looks so pitiful. <<
>> Abandoned Brother Wen.jpg <<
>> This meme is killing me! <<
>> ??? Did I see that right? Brother Wen accidentally brushed against Young Master, and Young Master’s reaction was huge! <<
>> He literally jumped back three feet! Why does he look like he’s drawing a line? <<
>> Hey, you up front, wait! This isn’t just distancing? This is totally the awkward phase after a young couple gets intimate! They’re usually hugging, cuddling, and touching heads all the time. Now it’s just a sleeve brush, and he’s overreacting? What does that mean? It means they’ve had physical contact! <<
>> Holy shit, holy shit!! I’m shipping this!! <<
>> ShengGe is real! Ahhhhh the young master’s ears are red!! I saw it!! <<
>> Damn, so the young master is actually shy? <<
>> Ah, Brother Wen, go for it!! Take the young master down!! Mom, bring the civil affairs bureau over here!! <<
>> Pass a pen to the lady upstairs, ma’am, food, food!! <<
>> Not sure if it’s my imagination, but even though Young Master Shi is trying so hard to distance himself from Wen Ge, I still feel like they’re surrounded by pink bubbles. <<
>> Me too! Me too! <<
Wen Xusheng let Shi Jingge push him away, never disturbing him, only silently following behind, ensuring that when Shi Jingge turned around, the first thing he saw would always be him.
Soon, a look of conflict flickered in Shi Jingge’s eyes, and he wasn’t overreacting like he had at first. Wen Xusheng curved his lips.
Little kitties were like that—they were proud, stubborn, yet soft creatures.
Now that the little kitten had softened, Wen Xusheng could take a step forward.
Just then, the production team announced this week’s task: “This time, the main task is to create a gift for your roommate. The materials must be obtained from the tasks over the next two days. Only items acquired during these tasks may be used—any other materials will be considered a violation.
“Violators will face a difficult mode in the next episode. Similarly, members who fail to complete their gift will receive punishment at the start of the next episode. So, for your own sake and for your roommate, please make sure to craft a small gift that carries your heartfelt intentions. First game—No matter how far the ends of the earth are, I can come to your side.”
Meng Yisong couldn’t hold back any longer. Turning his head, he complained to Shi Jingge, “Who in their right mind would go to the ends of the earth for no reason? Are they crazy?”
Shi Jingge nodded in agreement.
Just then, Wen Xusheng’s voice sounded beside them. “What about it?
Meng Yisong: ?
Shi Jingge: ?
“If Xiao Ge went to the ends of the earth, I’d go find him too,” Wen Xusheng said it matter-of-factly, his tone flat as if stating a simple fact.
Meng Yisong was dumbfounded. What the hell was that about?
Shi Jingge felt a rush of heat surge up, and he shouted, “Shut up! Don’t say another word!”
Wen Xusheng obediently nodded. “Okay.”
Was Wen Xusheng that soft? That obedient?
Then, Meng Yisong watched as Wen Xusheng naturally moved two steps closer to the young master. Shi Jingge glared at him but didn’t move away.
Meng Yisong: “…” Got it, got it.
Luring the dog in to kill it, huh?
Meng Yisong silently shifted closer to his partner. He wasn’t playing the third wheel anymore!
His partner watched Meng Yisong move toward him and gave a relieved smile.
The director glanced at them and continued explaining the rules.
The plum-blossom stakes from yesterday’s mud pit had been removed. In their place stood a long wooden plank supported by a central pillar. A bunch of small baskets hung several meters above it, filled with materials prepared by the production team.
Two teammates positioned themselves on either side of the plank and advanced toward the center. If they could safely retrieve a basket and walk back down, they’d earn the materials.
Sounds easier than the plum blossom stakes, right?
Not even close!
Shi Jingge glanced up. Even before anyone stepped on it, the plank was already swaying wildly in the wind—proof enough of its precarious nature.
Moreover, the plank operated on a seesaw principle. With two people of different weights, precise positioning and balance were crucial. One misstep, and both would tumble.
Truthfully, this challenge was every bit as difficult as the plum blossom stakes!
So when the director finished explaining the rules, the contestants groaned in unison. Did the production team have a grudge against balance?
Shi Jingge tugged Meng Yisong’s sleeve and asked with deadpan seriousness, “After you fell into the mud yesterday and went to shower, did the production team charge you anything? Like, for instance, snatching a tomato or something?”
That expression and gesture were unbearable not just for Meng Yisong, but for the live-stream viewers too.
In an instant, the chat exploded with laughter, “Hahaha” flooding the screen.
Meng Yisong suppressed his amusement and replied earnestly, “No.”
“That was the most reasonable thing the production team has ever done.” Shi Jingge’s brow remained deeply furrowed as he turned to stare at the mud pit, his expression grave.
Meng Yisong inquired, “What’s wrong? Are you suddenly squeamish?”
“I’m not squeamish,” the young master retorted dismissively, “but Wen Xusheng is.”
The words slipped out effortlessly, and only after speaking did he realize what he’d said.
Meng Yisong rubbed his face. Why did he have to ask that stupid question?
The young master’s expression flickered unpredictably before he finally gritted out, “I didn’t say anything just now! You didn’t hear anything!”
Meng Yisong massaged his temples and replied earnestly, “I genuinely didn’t hear a thing.”
The young master exhaled in relief.
“But whether the person behind me heard anything—well, that I can’t say,” Meng Yisong added quickly, then stepped aside, fully exposing Wen Xusheng standing behind him.
The young master whipped his head around, meeting Wen Xusheng’s smiling eyes head-on.
Shi Jingge: !!!
Shi Jingge’s first reflex was to run, but after two steps, he spun back, glaring at Wen Xusheng.
Wen Xusheng smiled at him, utterly gentle.
Shi Jingge gritted his teeth. “You didn’t hear anything just now!”
Wen Xusheng watched him, a smile playing at his lips, but said nothing.
The young master grew impatient. “Speak up!”
Wen Xusheng hesitated, then pointed to his own lips.
Young Master: ?
Wen Xusheng opened his mouth, forming each word silently with his lips, not making a sound.
The young master mimicked the movements, spelling out the words. “Can… I… speak?”
“Of course you can. Who said you couldn’t speak?” The young master was speechless, wanting to roll his eyes.
“Wasn’t it you, Xiao Ge?” Wen Xusheng asked softly, his gaze gentle.
Shi Jingge: ?
A pot fell from the sky and smacked Shi Jingge on the head, leaving him completely dazed.
Wen Xusheng looked up. “Just now, Xiao Ge told me to shut up and not speak. If Xiao Ge doesn’t let me speak, of course I won’t speak.”
After a pause, Wen Xusheng smiled at Shi Jingge. “Am I being very obedient?”
Shi Jingge: !!!!!
Wen Xusheng cleared his throat, his ears flushing red as he slowly added, “If Xiao Ge says I heard it, then I heard it; if Xiao Ge says I didn’t hear it, then I didn’t hear it; if Xiao Ge says shut up, then I shut up; if Xiao Ge says don’t speak, then I don’t speak. I’ll do whatever Xiao Ge says.”
Shi Jingge was stunned. His eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape. The bomb Wen Xusheng had just dropped had completely obliterated him; he couldn’t utter a single word.
The comments exploded even more fiercely.
Is this man, soft as a puddle of water, really their Brother Wen?!
Is this really their silent, never-say-a-kind-word Brother Wen?!
This is flirting, right?! This is fucking flirting, right?!
>> I refuse to believe this is my Brother Wen!! <<
>> Damn, did Brother Wen take a crash course in sweet talk overnight? How’s his mouth gotten so smooth? <<
>> Honestly, it’s kinda awkward, but we all know what kind of guy Brother Wen is. For him to say stuff like this is already a huge step. <<
>> Fucking awkward as hell xswl [mfn]xswl is an abbreviation of the pinyin for the Chinese phrase “笑死我了” (xiào sǐ wǒ le), meaning “I’m laughing so hard I’m dying.”[/mfn]<<
>> Are this generation’s CP fans all this strict? Hahahaha <<
>> Don’t even mention it. Doesn’t even my Wen Ge feel awkward? Look how red his ears are! But what can you do? Chasing your boyfriend requires this level of shamelessness! <<
>> Especially that sister above—she’s still wearing that “Brother Wen’s Die-Hard Fan” badge hahaha <<
>> Brother Wen has fans? Aren’t they all Little Master’s fans now? <<
>> Who’s Wen Xusheng? That celebrity pursuing my Little Master? [dog head emoji] <<
>> Can’t expect too much from Brother Wen—we need to shower him with praise and encouragement. After all, marrying into a wealthy family isn’t easy for him! <<
>> Hahahaha but clearly the Young Master is totally into it! <<
>> Victory for cheesy pick-up lines? <<
>> Now that’s a perfect match! <<
>> Perfect match! Perfect match! <<
The chat was filled with cheerful chatter. Wen Chenyu glanced at the comments, then looked at his dim-witted little brother in the livestream, shaking his head helplessly.
How could this stupid little brother be so inflexible?
In critical moments, it was still up to him, the older brother.
Wen Chenyu pulled up Shi Rongqing’s WeChat and sent a message.
[Old Shi, how about an arranged marriage?]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author’s Note:
Shi Rongqing: Arrange my ass
Shi Rongqing: Also, ban every single one of those “perfect match” commenters!!
#AngryBigBrother,RagingOnline#
Forgive the delay, our whole team is down with whatever is going around right now. Stay healthy, guys, take your vitamins and keep hydrated.
Edited: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
