Chapter 097 – This Tragic Movie Emperor – “Hello, Uncle” (02/08)
It’d been a year since Shen Yangfan left the entertainment industry. He opened a bar called Empty Space and turned into a drunkard and a heavy smoker.
As for Ke Ming, he was on the verge of becoming a renowned actor.
Xie Chenyang took a shower and crawled back into bed to sleep. Early the next morning, he was woken up by a phone call.
The voice on the other end was as gentle as the tide. “Xiao Fan, are you awake?”
Xie Chenyang wasn’t irritated by the wake-up call. He found his Bluetooth headset and put it on, responding while getting dressed, “I’m awake.”
“Xiao Fan, my mother-in-law hasn’t been well lately and has returned to our hometown to recuperate. Your brother-in-law and I are constantly flying back and forth… Could Xiao Song stay with you for a while?”
On the other end was Shen Yifan, Shen Yangfan’s sister. In the original storyline, Shen Yifan had made this same call to Shen Yangfan, but he had refused.
Xie Chenyang chuckled. “Sure.”
After the incident involving Shen Yangfan, his parents had wanted him to return to their hometown. But Shen Yangfan hadn’t agreed and had rarely contacted the family since.
Shen Yi sighed in relief. “Then send me your address, Xiao Fan. I’m off today and can bring Xiao Song over this afternoon.”
After hanging up, Xie Chenyang sent the address. He freshened up and went downstairs for breakfast. Fiddling with his phone, he scrolled through the WeChat group for the bar’s staff, tapping one profile picture after another.
[Who do you think my wife is? A bartender? DJ? Waitress? Or… security?]
You Huang: “Not sure he’s one of your employees.”
[True, could be a customer.]
Xie Chenyang didn’t dwell on it. He always found his lover quickly, and this time would likely be no exception.
That afternoon, Shen Yi brought her son, Tao Xiaosong, over.
Tao Xiaosong obediently called him Uncle, politely inquired about his room, then carried his suitcase off to unpack.
Shen Yi and Xie Chenyang sat on the sofa. Seeing his gaunt face, Shen Yi frowned slightly. “Will you go home for the New Year this year? Mom and Dad miss you terribly, but they’re worried you’re still upset and haven’t dared to call.”
Xie Chenyang: “…I’m not upset.”
“Then shall we go home together for the New Year? Xiao Song will be under your care. If he misbehaves, don’t hold back—just discipline him. If it’s too much trouble, just arrange for him to stay at school.”
“…” She’s his real mother though.
Shen Yi didn’t linger long. Before leaving, she handed him a bank card. “ Siblings should be clear about these things. I’m already putting you out by asking you to look after him—leaving this with you is my way of compensating. I can’t have you spending your own money to support him.”
Xie Chenyang took the card. “Are you sure you won’t stay for dinner?”
“No,” Shen Yi said, picking up her bag and waving. “I rarely get time off. I’ve got plans with two friends. Gotta go.”
Xie Chenyang: “…” So her brother wasn’t as important as her girlfriends.
When Tao Xiaosong emerged from the spare bedroom, he immediately spotted Xie Chenyang slumped lazily on the sofa, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. His gaunt, pale face bore pronounced dark circles and stubble, making him look like a washed-up has-been.
“Uncle…”
Recalling Tao Xiaosong’s admiration for his original self, Xie Chenyang curved his lips into a smile. “Hmm, all packed?”
Tao Xiaosong nodded.
“If you need anything, just tell Uncle. I’ll buy it for you.” He exuded an air of deep-pocketed generosity.
Tao Xiaosong tentatively asked, “A computer too?”
The moment Xie Chenyang nodded, Tao Xiaosong’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Uncle!”
You Huang cleared his throat softly. “He’s in his second year of high school.”
Xie Chenyang understood the unspoken warning. Looking at Tao Xiaosong, he said, “I can buy you a computer today. But from now, if you fall behind even one rank in any exam—whether monthly or finals—that computer is gone.”
Tao Xiaosong declared confidently, “Uncle, don’t worry. My grades won’t slip!”
That evening, Xie Chenyang left Tao Xiaosong alone at home to play on his new computer and headed out to tend to his bar.
Empty Space wasn’t large but boasted elegant decor and frequently featured mysterious themes. Its staff were all exceptionally attractive, ensuring the place was always bustling.
[Honey, I’m coming~]
Xie Chenyang made his rounds through the bar. As the owner, he could go wherever he pleased. He even wandered into the back kitchen. Finally, he returned to the bar counter, feeling frustrated.
[Could it be that my wife is on break?]
You Huang smiled faintly. “Could also be a customer. Why not take another look around the patrons?”
Xie Chenyang drank bitterly.
Watching him down glass after glass, You Huang sighed helplessly. “Why the rush? His spirit will be drawn to you and come to you on its own. Just wait right here.”
[What if he got lost?]
You Huang: “…You might as well keep drinking.”
The bartender, seeing the owner drowning in his sorrows, cautiously poured another drink and placed it before him. “Boss, are you feeling down?”
Xie Chenyang opened his mouth, then belched.
Bartender: “…”
Just then, Xie Chenyang’s phone buzzed insistently in his pocket. He pulled it out to see a call from his nephew.
Xie Chenyang stood up, waved to the bartender, and headed out. The moment he stepped outside the bar, he answered the call, “What’s up, kid?”
Tao Xiaosong: “?”
“Oh, nephew.”
“…” Tao Xiaosong’s voice carried a hint of pleading. “Uncle, a classmate of mine got beaten up nearby. He’s hurt and too scared to go home. Can I bring him back with me?”
Xie Chenyang undid two buttons. The cool breeze blew in, easing some of the heat.
“Oh? So you’re the type to act first and ask permission later, huh?”
Tao Xiaosong panicked. “Uncle, I…”
“What’s the panic for? You don’t need to report every little thing to me. Treat that place like your own home. Bring whoever… well, except girlfriends. Bring friends home to hang out if you want. It’s no big deal.”
“Thanks, Uncle.”
“Alright, that’s all for now. I’ll talk more when I get back.”
Watching his light, unsteady gait, You Huang worried. “You’re not drunk, are you?”
[Nothing to worry about. Shen Yangfan drank for a year straight—he can hold his liquor. And I’m no slouch myself.]
You Huang nodded. “Mm.” He even replied mentally—definitely hasn’t lost his wits.
When Xie Chenyang returned home, the living room was empty and dimly lit, likely left on for him.
He unbuttoned his trench coat and tossed it aside, plopping down on the sofa. As he fished out a cigarette, he grumbled: [This Shen Yangfan—his nicotine addiction is too strong!]
You Huang: “That little habit won’t affect you.”
[Alright then.] Xie Chenyang lit his cigarette, took a deep drag, and said gravely: [I just want to smoke.]
You Huang: “…” He wanted to smoke too—smoke some sense into him.
Click.
The door to the spare bedroom opened. Xie Chenyang lifted his gaze to meet a pair of calm eyes.
Seeing his reaction, You Huang let out a schadenfreude-filled, “Oh ho.”
Xie Chenyang’s hand holding the cigarette trembled slightly: [Dad, I think. . .]
You Huang: “Think my ass! He’s still a kid! He’s barely grown yet!”
Xie Chenyang withdrew his gaze, his expression weary. He shook the cigarette, flicking ash nervously: [Dad, tell me. . . this isn’t your doing.]
You Huang: “I don’t have that authority. . .”
No need to guess—it must be his nephew’s classmate.
Yan Qing hesitated, then stepped out.
He headed to the bathroom. As he emerged and turned back toward the room, he heard Xie Chenyang’s slightly hoarse voice. “Kid, come here.”
Yan Qing: “…”
Before Xie Chenyang returned, he’d heard Tao Xiaosong mention that his uncle used to be a big star, but was blackmailed into quitting the industry. Now he was somewhat down on his luck, but still a good person.
A good person…
Yan Qing walked expressionlessly to the sofa. “Uncle, what is it?”
Xie Chenyang’s eye twitched as he stubbed out his cigarette. [I want him to call me brother, not uncle.]
You Huang couldn’t be bothered to respond.
Yan Qing: “Uncle?”
Unlike Xie Chenyang’s hoarseness from heavy smoking, Yan Qing’s voice hadn’t fully matured through puberty. Though he deliberately softened his tone, it remained raspy.
Xie Chenyang extended an arm, his eyes darkening slightly. “I’m a bit dizzy. Help me back to my room.”
Yan Qing: “I’ll go call Xiao…”
Xie Chenyang snapped impatiently. “I told you to help me back to my room! Is that so hard?!”
This was the “nice guy” Xiao Song had mentioned? Clearly just an unreasonable drunk.
Yan Qing grabbed Xie Chenyang’s arm and bent down to help him up.
Xie Chenyang leaned unapologetically against him. “You’re kind of short.”
Yan Qing steadied himself, the overwhelming alcohol fumes making him frown slightly. But with Xie Chenyang’s arm hooked over his shoulder, forcing him closer, he couldn’t very well just drop the guy. So, with a cold expression, he gripped Xie Chenyang’s waist and guided him toward the master bedroom.
Xie Chenyang added, “Shorter than me.”
Yan Qing’s face remained icy. “Uncle, I’m still growing.”
Xie Chenyang: “This height is just fine. No need to grow any taller.”
Yan Qing: “…” Forget it. No point arguing with a drunk.
Yan Qing led him back to the room and fumbled to turn on the light. Xie Chenyang wrapped his arm around Yan Qing’s shoulder, guiding him toward the bathroom. Yan Qing frowned and steered him toward the bed instead.
Xie Chenyang: “I need to take a shower. I don’t need you to wash me. I can do it myself.”
“…” I never intended to wash you.
“But I feel a bit dizzy. Stay outside the door and call out to me every two minutes. If I don’t respond, it means I’ve fainted.”
Xie Chenyang released him, entered the bathroom, and stared intently at him before closing the door. “Wait right here for me. Call out every two minutes.”
Yan Qing pulled out his phone expressionlessly and called Tao Xiaosong.
Tao Xiaosong was mid-game with his squad, which blared through the speakerphone. “What’s up? Ran out of toilet paper? Hold on till I finish this round…”
Yan Qing: “Your uncle’s back.”
Tao Xiaosong: “Oh, hang on—shooter, what the hell? Didn’t you see me retreat like crazy?! I’m low on health and you still push like a maniac? You think you can solo three? …Damn, that was clutch! Triple kill!”
Yan Qing frowned deeply. “Your uncle’s drunk and taking a shower. He wants me to wait outside in case he passes out. You come watch him, and I’ll cover your match.”
“No way! Just help watch the door, bro. My uncle showers fast. Ugh, gotta go gank! Gotta go! Gotta go!”
Yan Qing stared at the disconnected call, a flicker of self-doubt flickering in his eyes.
Why did he choose to come to Tao Xiaosong’s? Wouldn’t staying in a hotel be better?
Right, he was underage. Couldn’t book a room.
Yan Qing lowered his head, rolled up his sleeve, and examined the bandage wrapped around his arm. No blood seeped through.
Earlier, whether by design or accident, Xie Chenyang’s arm had wrapped around his shoulder without jostling his injured limb.
“Kid, you still out there? Why didn’t you call out to me?”
“...Uncle.”
Xie Chenyang stood under the showerhead, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyes completely sober: [Huh, after hearing it so many times, I think him calling me ‘Uncle’ actually sounds pretty good.]
Since he was showering, You Huang had automatically activated, so he didn’t respond.
Outside, Yan Qing simply leaned against the wall, raising his left arm to look at his watch, and called out to him every two minutes.
With each call of “Uncle,” Xie Chenyang felt his heart blossom.
Yan Qing’s voice turned cold. “Uncle, how long has it been since your last shower? It’s been half an hour. How much grime did you scrub off?”
Silently, he turned off the showerhead. Choosing between a bathrobe and a towel, he decided to wrap himself with a towel. Facing the mirror, he adjusted his gaze to carry a hint of hazy drunkenness, then stumbled a bit towards the door.
“Has it been that long?”
Yan Qing met his water-drenched chest, then averted his gaze. “Since you’re done, I’ll be leaving.”
Xie Chenyang murmured, “Help me blow-dry my hair.”
Yan Qing replied, “You’re Tao Xiaosong’s uncle, not mine.” The implication was clear: Enough. Stop bossing me around!
Yan Qing had already held back his temper for far too long tonight.
If not for this man being Tao Xiaosong’s uncle, and considering he was under someone else’s roof—and drunk, at that—his fist would’ve already been flying.
Xie Chenyang seemed oblivious as he staggered over to grab the hair dryer. He plugged it in and placed it on the coffee table before plopping down on the sofa. He tilted his head, his gaze hazy as he watched Yan Qing.
Water still dripped from his hair, his bare torso appearing thin and frail.
“Kid…”
“Shut up!” Yan Qing walked coldly behind him, picked up the blanket draped nearby, and tossed it over him. “Wrap yourself up.”
Xie Chenyang obediently wrapped himself in the warm blanket, a smile in his eyes.
The hair dryer switched on. It was a quiet model, its hum barely noticeable.
Yan Qing noticed Xie Chenyang’s hair was surprisingly soft and smooth to the touch. The other man’s lowered gaze clearly revealed his slender neck and delicate ears.
Yan Qing’s throat moved involuntarily, bewildered by his own reaction. The dryer’s powerful air quickly dried Xie Chenyang’s short hair. Yan Qing set it down and left without looking back.
Xie Chenyang: “Go get Xiaosong.”
Yan Qing returned to the guest room to find Tao Xiaosong still gaming. He approached with a stern expression and pulled off his headphones. “Stop playing. Your uncle wants you.”
Tao Xiaosong: “But this match—”
“I’ll play for you.”
Tao Xiaosong reluctantly left. “Uncle, you wanted me…”
Xie Chenyang was already lying in bed. “The rightmost cabinet has blankets.”
Tao Xiaosong looked confused. “Huh? No need. Qingge and I can just share one.”
“You’re sleeping here tonight.”
“On the floor? Why?”
Xie Chenyang replied earnestly, “Your classmate’s injured. What if you roll over and bump his wound while sleeping together?”
“I sleep very still…”
“Safety first.”
“Uncle…”
“Are you disobeying me?”
Tao Xiaosong sighed helplessly. “Fine. I see your quilt is pretty big anyway. We don’t need two…”
“You sleep on the floor.”
Tao Xiaosong conceded. “Then I’ll go tell Qingge.”
“Five minutes,” Xie Chenyang said firmly. “It’s already late. Be back in bed by then.”
“…Got it.” Waaah, so this is how stubborn Uncle gets when he’s drunk!
Xie Chenyang watched Tao Xiaosong’s retreating figure and smiled faintly.
[You want to share a bed with my wife? Fat chance!]
Not even my nephew gets to!
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
