Chapter 034 The Young Master – “How come everyone on his side has defected?” (34/35)
That kiss nearly sent Shi Rongqing into a rage right then and there.
As a result, his expression fluctuated wildly the entire ride. Shi Jingge propped his chin on his hand and watched him for a while before gasping in surprise. “Bro, where’d you learn those face-changing skills?”
Shi Rongqing: “?”
“Damn, that’s so cool! Can you sign me up for lessons? I wanna learn too!“ Shi Jingge declared excitedly.
Shi Rongqing raised his hand and smacked Shi Jingge right on the head. Shi Jingge playfully fell against the car window, clutching his head and glaring at his brother. ”Big Brother, what’s your problem?“
Shi Rongqing looked at his dim-witted little brother and sighed deeply. ”You’re just too stupid. I couldn’t help myself.“
Shi Jingge protested, “How am I stupid?”
Shi Rongqing sneered. He practically handed himself over to Wen Xusheng. How was that not stupid?
Shi Jingge nudged closer to Shi Rongqing. “Are you upset, Big Brother?”
“Because of Wen Xusheng?”
Shi Rongqing shot him a sideways glance, his tone aloof and cold. “You know the answer to that question.”
Shi Jingge blinked innocently, shifting all blame away. “I specifically asked you before if you disliked Wen Xusheng. You said you admired him.”
Shi Rongqing: “…”
Fists clenched.jpg.
After a long silence, Shi Rongqing sneered. “Is it too late to dislike him now?”
Shi Jingge shook his head earnestly. “Too late.”
Shi Rongqing glared at him. “You really like him?”
Shi Jingge reflexively protested, “No way! Not at all! “It’s just… seeing him,” the young master stammered. “I… I just wanted to kiss him once. Just… a tiny bit.” The young master held up his pinky finger, struggling to gesture how much.
Shi Rongqing’s temple vein throbbed. “Shut up! Don’t mention such things!
Shi Jingge shrugged, raising his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine, I won’t say another word.”
Sighing, Shi Rongqing spoke slowly, “I’m not one to break up a couple.”
Before he could finish, Shi Jingge cut in, “Of course not!”
“My brother is the best brother in the whole world!” Shi Jingge declared with absolute certainty. “Not only is he handsome and charming, with exceptional skills and extraordinary abilities, but he’s also a kind-hearted, understanding person! I love my brother more than anything in the world, really.”
The little rascal threw himself onto Shi Rongqing, gazing at him earnestly as he delivered a flawless compliment.
Even though Shi Rongqing knew the little rascal was doing this for Wen Xusheng, the corners of his mouth still curled upward involuntarily.
“Get off me. I’m not falling for that,” Shi Rongqing said irritably.
Shi Jingge grinned and rubbed against Shi Rongqing, refusing to budge.
Shi Rongqing couldn’t maintain his stern expression any longer. “You.” He tapped Shi Jingge’s forehead, shaking his head helplessly.
Shi Jingge wrapped his arms around Shi Rongqing’s arm. “Big Brother, if being in love can make me a better person, doesn’t that mean this relationship is worth looking forward to?”
Shi Rongqing replied nonchalantly, “If I said no, would you accuse me of not wanting you to improve?”
Shi Jingge was dumbfounded.
How could his brother’s thought process be so utterly unconventional!
“Enough.” Shi Rongqing tapped his head. “Stop trying to put in good words for Wen Xusheng in front of me. Instead of all this talk, show me something concrete. Your relationship was only confirmed today. Nothing before that counts.
“Work toward your dreams, fulfill your life plans, become a better person. Then I’ll wholeheartedly approve of you two being together. I’ll even personally plan your wedding banquet. Deal?” Shi Rongqing said, sounding annoyed.
“Deal! Deal!” Shi Jingge’s eyes crinkled with laughter as he bowed respectfully towards Shi Rongqing. “Thanks in advance, Big Brother. I’m counting on you.”
Shi Rongqing: “…”
Why did this little brat’s flattery make him want to throttle him?
Shi Rongqing gritted his teeth and ignored Shi Jingge all the way home. Naturally, Shi Jingge remained quiet too.
But the moment they stepped out of the car, Shi Jingge suddenly pulled a small wooden box from his pocket and quickly shoved it into Shi Rongqing’s hand.
It was identical to the one he’d given Wen Xusheng.
The young master took off running. Only after sprinting several meters did he turn back and shout, “If other brothers have it, my brother must have it too! Once I earn money, I’ll make it all up to you!”
With that, he dashed off, not lingering for even a second.
As if he felt ashamed.
Like a scumbag making empty promises.
Shi Rongqing watched his retreating figure and couldn’t help but chuckle.
That little rascal.
Opening the box, he found a bracelet woven from several strands of different colored thread. Those colors were all ones Shi Rongqing loved.
At its center hung a small wooden tag, carved with an animal. Shi Rongqing strained every ounce of imagination to identify it as a tiger.
Because his Chinese zodiac sign was the tiger.
On the back of the wooden tag was carved the character “Rong” (荣). Though the writing was a bit crooked, it was immediately clear who this tag belonged to.
Most importantly, this was handmade by that little rascal at home.
“How ugly,” Shi Rongqing muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with disdain. Yet the smile playing at the corners of his eyes was utterly impossible to hide.
He slipped the bracelet on immediately, fiddling with it from one end to the other, his mood soaring. He snapped over a dozen photos, flaunting it to everyone around him. Still not satisfied, he raised his hand and unblocked Wen Chenyu from his blacklist.
Shi Rongqing: [Like it? [pic]]
Shi Rongqing: [My little brother gave it to me.]
Then, before Wen Chenyu could respond, he swiftly blocked him again.
Wen Chenyu: “?”
Is this even something a human being would do?!
After a long silence, Wen Chenyu forwarded the picture Shi Rongqing sent him to Wen Xusheng.
Wen Chenyu: [Look who got a gift from his little bro 🙂 ]
Wen Xusheng: [.]
Wen Xusheng: [Wishing you wealth and prosperity.]
Wen Chenyu rolled his eyes but accepted the red envelope anyway. The next second, he froze.
[0.25][mfn] Two and a half cents (equivalent to 0.25 yuan) is approximately equal to 0.0358 US dollars . 1 The exchange rate is based on 1 RMB ≈ 0.143252 USD .[/mfn]
Twenty-five yuan!
Wen Chenyu: [???]
Wen Xusheng: [Read it upside down.][mfn]250 is a polysemous colloquialism in spoken Chinese. The Mandarin pronunciation is èr bǎi wǔ. It often refers to a foolish, reckless, or ignorant person while “520” sounds like “I love you” [/mfn]
Wen Chenyu: “…”
Do I fucking need your measly twenty-five yuan?!!
Not satisfied with this display, Shi Rongqing deliberately went out for a stroll, flaunting the bracelet on his wrist to everyone he met.
Others wondered how he could wear such an ugly thing, but being adults, they mastered the art of tactful speech. Their subtle remarks gave Shi Rongqing ample opportunity to flaunt.
“My little brat made this,” Shi Rongqing said flatly, tinged with disdain. “Insisted on giving it to me. How dare he present such an eyesore as a gift?”
Everyone: “…”
Every word dripped with disdain, but could you tone down the pride and smugness in your voice? Afraid we don’t know you’re showing off?
After a few seconds of shared silence, everyone tacitly praised their heartwarming brotherly bond.
Two hours later, Shi Rongqing, thoroughly satisfied, decided to head home. Walking, he realized his little one’s study sessions really shouldn’t be that long. Halving it would be more reasonable.
His little brat had never studied this intensely before—how could his body handle such sudden, high-intensity learning?
You can’t build muscle overnight. Health comes first.
What a thoughtful, considerate big brother he was.
Another day to shed tears over their exemplary brotherly devotion.
But in reality, even four hours of study per day proved incredibly grueling for Shi Jingge.
He had no prior knowledge in the field whatsoever. Many specialized terms and concepts were completely foreign to him, forcing the teacher to start from the very beginning. Progress was painfully slow, so even after returning home, the young master had to tackle the materials on his own.
And for a beginner, the process of poring over textbooks was undoubtedly agonizing. Within days, the young master visibly grew haggard.
Aunt Bai watched this unfold, her heart aching with concern.
One day, while delivering milk to Shi Jingge, she happened to see him video chatting with Wen Xusheng. He was explaining something, but neither Aunt Bai nor Shi Jingge could understand. Shi Jingge’s brow was furrowed so tightly it could’ve crushed a fly.
Aunt Bai’s heart ached at the sight of Shi Jingge’s dark circles. Resolving herself, she suggested, “Why not invite Mr. Wen over? Face-to-face lessons would surely be more effective.”
Shi Jingge’s eyes lit up briefly before he quickly restrained himself. Hesitating, he shook his head and closed his eyes. “Let’s just leave it like this.”
Aunt Bai understood his hesitation at a glance. “Worried about the eldest young master?” she asked with a smile. Their little master was truly growing up.
“Not at all.” Shi Jingge turned his head and deliberately spoke loudly, “My brother is such a good person, what is there to worry about?”
Aunt Bai smiled warmly. “Then why not invite Mr. Wen over?”
Shi Jingge stammered, unable to come up with a response.
Aunt Bai leaned closer, her voice thick with conspiratorial undertones. “The eldest young master has a banquet tonight he can’t decline. He won’t be home for dinner. I’d wagerHe probably won’t be back until after nine. Aunt Bai will keep watch for you.”
She set down the milk and walked away with a satisfied smile.
Half an hour later, Wen Xusheng appeared at the Shi residence gate. Thus, the newly confirmed couple finally reunited after parting at the airport.
Wen Xusheng had even brought a gift for Aunt Bai.
Aunt Bai loved wood carvings, so Wen Xusheng gave her a small ornament. It wasn’t expensive, but it was exquisitely crafted—clearly the work of a skilled artisan.
Aunt Bai declined several times before finally accepting it.
What she accepted wasn’t the gift itself, but Wen Xusheng’s affection for Shi Jingge.
Only someone who truly cared for another would remember the preferences of everyone around them, seeking the support and blessings of each person.
Wen Xusheng truly cherished her young master.
Aunt Bai’s attitude softened considerably.
Especially after seeing Wen Xusheng off later that day, their young master was radiant with happiness. His gaze was bright and cheerful—the first time since his return that he turned off the lights and went to sleep before eleven o’clock. Aunt Bai stood outside his door with a glass of milk, her heart overflowing with joy.
From then on, Aunt Bai found Wen Xusheng more and more to her liking.
It wasn’t just Aunt Bai; most of the Shi family thought highly of Wen Xusheng.
Especially the other long-serving butler, Uncle Sun.
Uncle Sun had recently had a falling out with his granddaughter. She was sulking and refusing to speak to him. With no other options, Uncle Sun turned to Wen Xusheng, hoping to get an autographed photo to appease his granddaughter.
Uncle Sun’s granddaughter was a devoted fan of Wen Xusheng.
When Uncle Sun came begging, he was incredibly nervous.
Who would’ve guessed Wen Xusheng agreed with surprising ease? Not only did he sign the photo, but he also wrote a message wishing Uncle Sun and his granddaughter a strong bond.
Uncle Sun’s heart was utterly warmed.
From then on, Aunt Bai wasn’t the only one keeping watch for Shi Jingge.
Soon, Wen Xusheng won the unanimous affection of the entire Shi family through his “personal charm.” Everyone tacitly agreed to keep Wen Xusheng’s presence hidden from Shi Rongqing.
As for Shi Rongqing, he’d been exceptionally busy lately.
He needed to carefully plan the charitable foundation proposed by his little rascal; he had to oversee the follow-up to the Hua Mingyi incident and keep a close eye on those people from the Zhang Group—not a single one of them was going to get away. Add to that the company’s daily operations and various necessary social engagements, and Shi Rongqing was spinning like a top. He hadn’t been home for lunch or dinner in three full days.
So, on this particular day, when he finally wrapped up work early and could head home for dinner, he was overjoyed. He hadn’t even called ahead, wanting to surprise his little one at home.
Yet the moment he cheerfully stepped through the Shi family gate, something felt off.
Why did everyone look so strange upon seeing him?
“Where’s Xiao Ge?” Shi Rongqing asked, shedding his coat.
“Young Master… Young Master is…” someone stammered. “…in the dining room.”
Shi Rongqing strode purposefully toward the dining room. A strange, ominous feeling began to spread through him. Then, as he neared the dining room, he heard the sound of light, beautiful music.
Immediately, a chill ran through Shi Rongqing’s heart. That sense of foreboding nearly reached its peak.
He pushed open the dining room door forcefully.
Inside, Wen Xusheng and Shi Jingge sat facing each other. Beautiful candles were arranged around them, with a bouquet of roses at the center.
Roses.
This… This is a candlelit dinner!!
They’re having a date right here in his own home!!!
In that instant, Shi Rongqing felt as if he might faint.
Wen Xusheng and Shi Jingge heard the disturbance and turned to look simultaneously.
The room fell silent.
Just then, Aunt Bai entered carrying a tray of dishes. She collided with Shi Rongqing standing in the doorway.
Shi Rongqing glanced at the tray and laughed bitterly in anger. A full French meal? And Aunt Bai had cooked it herself!
Aunt Bai steeled herself, sidestepped Shi Rongqing, and placed the assorted dishes before Shi Jingge and Wen Xusheng.
Then she approached Shi Rongqing, tugged at his sleeve, and pleaded, “Young Master, Young Master Shi and Mr. Wen are finally having a date. Why don’t we let them be? Haven’t you eaten yet, Young Master? Shall I make you a bowl of shredded pork noodles?”
Shi Rongqing: ???
They get French cuisine while I’m stuck with shredded pork noodles??
What kind of preferential treatment is this?
Wait a minute!
When did Wen Xusheng win Aunt Bai over?
He hasn’t eaten at home for only three days, not three years!
How could Aunt Bai betray him like this?
Shi Rongqing scanned the room. Everyone he made eye contact with immediately lowered their heads, looking slightly guilty.
In a flash, a thought struck Shi Rongqing—Aunt Bai wasn’t the only one who’d switched sides!
—————————-
Author’s Note:
Shi Rongqing: Heart as cold as ashes.jpg
Shi Rongqing: I finally understand what it means to fight alone 🙂
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
