*bleats pathetically* hhhhh my laptop is going to hospital for a week……………………… ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
They fell into sudden silence.
Shao Ming looked at Zhu Tong with an expression full of complex emotions.
Initially, Zhu Tong could maintain his curiosity about the unknown, but gradually, under Shao Ming’s gaze, he began to feel uncomfortable.
He found Shao Ming’s look peculiar, a mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity, making his hair stand on end.
Zhu Tong asked, “What’s wrong?”
Shao Ming replied, “Nothing.”
Zhu Tong: “…”
Shao Ming took a deep breath and asked, “Do you want to do well on your final exams?”
Zhu Tong immediately straightened up and said, “I do.”
Shao Ming: “…”
“If you do, then don’t ask. I’ll tell you after the exams.”
Zhu Tong: “?”
Why after the exams?
Would knowing now affect his performance?
He didn’t dare ask further – after a momentary thought, he would consult a search engine later. But then, Shao Ming continued, “And don’t look it up yourself, it will affect your studies.”
There’s too much inappropriate content online these days. What if this young master saw something he shouldn’t while searching?
Zhu Tong: “…”
Now he was even more curious, but Shao Ming’s warning was effective. Zhu Tong had good self-control, and the final exams weren’t far off anyway.
After a moment of silence, he nodded and said, “I understand. I won’t look it up.”
Shao Ming breathed a sigh of relief.
Thinking it might be better if Zhu Tong understood less; at least he wouldn’t suffer as much, right?
Then he felt a bit unwilling. Why should he endure more suffering just because he knew more?
Shao Ming couldn’t help but laugh.
Zhu Tong was puzzled by his laughter and looked at him in confusion.
Shao Ming hugged him and asked, “So you don’t mind… cooking the raw rice before we have an official relationship to your family, right?”
“……”
He suddenly leaned in, and Zhu Tong tensed up instinctively.
Shao Ming asked, “Can I put the raw rice in the pot now?”
This expression was quite abstract.
Zhu Tong turned his head and saw Shao Ming’s slightly curved eyes. This time he understood: Shao Ming wanted to kiss him.
‘Right now? Here?’
Before he could react, they suddenly heard the sound of wood being tapped.
They both turned at the same time and saw a female server standing next to their table. “Do you two… need anything?”
The waitress smiled, her eyes showing a mix of three parts apology, three parts embarrassment, and four parts… excitement?
Zhu Tong suddenly realized they were here to eat barbecue. He was momentarily stunned, and his face flushed red.
This barbecue restaurant had no private rooms – each seat was separated only by a wooden board, without doors.
What did they just say? Was there anyone in the neighboring table area? Did anyone hear their conversation?
Zhu Tong’s face instantly turned as red as a braised lion’s head1a type of meatball dish in red sauce.
The waitress maintained her smile.
She really didn’t want to interrupt them, but ever since the two had entered the restaurant, they had been all lovey-dovey, and it looked like they were about to embrace. If she hadn’t come over, their restaurant would no longer be a barbecue place but a couple’s display venue.
Shao Ming seemed unaware of the word “embarrassment” and quickly asked, “Do you have a menu?”
The server replied, “The menu is on the table.”
Shao Ming quickly ordered the food and then turned back to see Zhu Tong still looking like he wanted to disappear into a hole. He reached out and patted his head, asking, “Scared?”
Zhu Tong: “…”
He’s embarrassed!
He glanced at the divider and asked, “Next door…”
“Don’t worry, there’s no one next door. I checked when we came in.”
Zhu Tong sighed in relief and then paused, turning to look at Shao Ming.
This taller young man always seemed to know what Zhu Tong was thinking, what he was worried about, without needing him to say anything.
Zhu Tong felt a sweetness in his heart, and his embarrassment eased a bit.
The barbecue was soon served.
Zhu Tong instinctively reached into his pocket to get something to clean the utensils but found nothing.
He suddenly remembered that Shao Ming had prepared his clothes today, and he had forgotten to transfer his personal belongings over.
He looked at the utensils wrapped in plastic wrap in front of him, thinking maybe he could overcome his discomfort.
Just as he was about to unwrap them, a hand reached over from the opposite side of the table.
Shao Ming had moved from beside him to across from him to make grilling more convenient.
The hand took his utensils and placed a set of already unwrapped utensils in front of him.
Zhu Tong looked up and saw several items in front of Shao Ming that he hadn’t noticed before… items he had forgotten to take out of his clothes when he changed.
“How did you…”
Shao Ming casually replied, “Oh, I stole them from your clothes.”
“…”
Soon, Shao Ming had cleaned his set of utensils too. He put away the cleaning tools and looked up, saying, “Didn’t I say? From now on, I’ll go through the trouble with you.”
Zhu Tong felt both sour and sweet in his heart. He moved his lips a few times but swallowed the “thank you” that was about to come out, and instead, said dryly, “Let’s start grilling.”
Shao Ming smiled, “As you wish, young master.”
“…”
Shao Ming skillfully started the fire and placed the first piece of beef on the grill.
By the time they left the booth, it was almost 3 PM.
When they went to the front desk to pay, they encountered the same waitress who had taken their order. Zhu Tong was still a bit embarrassed.
The girl, however, was calm and even gave them a couple’s keychain plushies after they paid.
The two of them remained the center of attention. Their coordinated outfits made the girls entering the barbecue restaurant excited.
“They’re a couple, right? They’re a couple, right?”
“They’re so handsome! It’s true that attractive people always pair up with each other.”
“They look familiar. Aren’t they the two seniors from second year…”
People were curious and observed them but didn’t dare to get too close.
The two wore matching clothes, but their temperaments were entirely different.
Shao Ming suited black well, giving off a restrained yet sexy vibe. His features were deep, exuding undeniable charm.
Zhu Tong wore a khaki coat, carrying an air of elegance in his every move, as if grace was carved into his marrow.
Seeing the two of them together was a visual delight.
Walking out of the barbecue restaurant as if no one else was around, Zhu Tong held up the keychain plushies the waitress had given them, examining them closely.
Shao Ming, with his arm around him, asked, “Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”
“No,” Zhu Tong put down the keychains and turned to say, “The barbecue was delicious. Can we come back here next time?”
Shao Ming couldn’t help but smile, “It’s delicious, but we can’t eat it often. It’s not good for your health. Even if you can eat it now, you still need to control your diet. Don’t make light of your health.”
Zhu Tong agreed, “You’re right.”
But he couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.
Shao Ming added, “Next time, we’ll find something else delicious to eat.”
Zhu Tong’s spirits instantly lifted, “Okay.”
Shao Ming was charmed by his straightforward expression and couldn’t resist pinching his ear, “Why are you so obedient?”
Zhu Tong replied, “This isn’t obedience. It’s called carefully listening to an outsider’s opinions.”
Shao Ming leaned against him and said, “So, am I still considered an outsider to you?”
Zhu Tong：“……”
‘Is he taking advantage of the situation?’
Feeling the sudden weight on his shoulder, Zhu Tong tilted his head and couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Are all dating couples this clingy? Maybe even a bit… over-the-top?’
He curved his lips into a smile and was about to say something when he saw Shao Ming suddenly stop in his tracks.
Following Shao Ming’s gaze, he saw someone standing a short distance away.
The person was a relatively young woman, with a tall and athletic build, striking features, and lightly adorned with accessories. Her fashionable attire and noble demeanor made her seem out of place on the small county town’s street.
Zhu Tong thought her face looked somewhat familiar. Suddenly realizing who it was, he turned to look at Shao Ming.
Shao Ming narrowed his eyes slightly as the woman called out his name.
“Shao Ming,” The woman introduced herself, “I am Xiang Shuyi.”
“…..”
His suspicions confirmed, Zhu Tong’s eyes widened slightly, instantly on high alert.
Shao Ming didn’t say anything or show much reaction. He released Zhu Tong and said, “I’ll take you back first. Do you want to go back to school or home? Or you can go to the store, and I’ll come find you later.”
Zhu Tong refused, “I’m not going back.”
“…..”
Zhu Tong held onto him, “I’ll go with you.”
His tone was firm, and his eyes were full of vigilance.
Shao Ming looked helpless.
Xiang Shuyi seemed a bit surprised.
Shao Ming held Zhu Tong’s hand and said, “Then let’s go.”
His response was directed at both Zhu Tong and Xiang Shuyi.
Xiang Shuyi quickly regained her composure, glanced at Zhu Tong again, and led the way.
When they walked into a store, both Zhu Tong and Shao Ming had slightly strange expressions.
Xiang Shuyi had chosen a café.
It was the same café where Xia Weiyi’s people had arranged to meet Shao Ming on the day Qiu Shaoping lost his mind.
It’s just that the town was so small that such coincidences could happen.
But neither of them mentioned it, and Xiang Shuyi didn’t say a word about Zhu Tong coming along uninvited.
After Zhu Tong sat down, he wanted to order a cup of coffee, but Shao Ming stopped him.
“Don’t drink coffee right after eating barbecue. It’s not good for digestion.”
Zhu Tong: “…”
He didn’t really want coffee – he just thought that since they’re inside a café, ordering a coffee would create a better atmosphere.
In the end, Shao Ming ordered a glass of plain water for him.
Zhu Tong: “…”
Xiang Shuyi ordered herself a cup of Blue Mountain coffee without asking if they wanted anything.
Her expression remained indifferent. If it weren’t for their similar facial features and knowing her identity, Zhu Tong would never have guessed that this woman was Shao Ming’s biological mother.
Her eyes lacked any motherly warmth. Her attitude towards Shao Ming wasn’t like that of a stranger, but also not of a family member.
She calmly drank her coffee.
Zhu Tong didn’t want to be rude and stare at a woman, even though he was curious about Xiang Shuyi’s purpose in meeting Shao Ming.
Soon, the waiter brought Zhu Tong’s water. Shao Ming took it and placed it in front of him, then looked across the table and said, “Go ahead, what do you want?”
He got straight to the point. Xiang Shuyi, who had been calmly stirring her coffee, paused for a moment before looking up and saying, “I am suing Xia Weiyi for divorce.”
Shao Ming said, “I know. What do you need from me?”
His voice was emotionless, which made Xiang Shuyi’s hand tighten slightly. She directly said, “I need a paternity test.”
“…”
Zhu Tong frowned slightly.
It wasn’t hard to guess why she would ask Shao Ming for a paternity test in a divorce case.
Shao Ming said, “To secure more benefits for yourself?”
She must have already done the paternity test with Xia Yang. Doing another test with himself would prove that Xia Weiyi had swapped the legitimate child for an illegitimate one.
But this wouldn’t help Shao Ming at all.
Proving Xia Weiyi’s betrayal could be achieved with just the paternity test with Xia Yang.
Or did she want something more than that?
Xiang Shuyi remained silent, seemingly confirming his suspicions.
Shao Ming continued, “Do you think I would agree?”
Xiang Shuyi said, “Whether you agree or not is up to you. I’m just asking. If you’re not willing, I’ll just consider this a wasted trip.”
“……”
“……”
Zhu Tong was also somewhat astonished.
This woman had come all this way… though perhaps it wasn’t a grand gesture, it was still quite sudden.
But if Shao Ming wasn’t willing, would she really give up after coming all this way?
Zhu Tong was skeptical.
Before they could say anything else, Xiang Shuyi put down her coffee and said calmly, “I haven’t taken care of you for over ten years, so I won’t ask anything from you. Don’t overthink it, just give me your answer.”
Shao Ming remained silent.
Xiang Shuyi glanced at Zhu Tong, then looked down again. “I heard about you two while I was in A City.”
Zhu Tong’s heart tightened.
Why bring this up now?
Xiang Shuyi continued, “Xia Weiyi used this to try to give you a status that would make you and Zhu Tong well-matched. You refused. Before I came to see you today, someone mentioned the same thing to me.”
Zhu Tong frowned, wanting to speak, but Shao Ming gently squeezed his hand.
After a moment, Shao Ming asked, “Among the people following and secretly taking pictures of us today, were there any from your side?”
Zhu Tong: “…”
Secretly taking pictures? When did this happen?
Suppressing his surprise, Zhu Tong didn’t interrupt, just looked at Xiang Shuyi with more caution.
Xiang Shuyi didn’t deny it. “Yes, there were people from the Xiang family.”
Shao Ming nodded.
“But you don’t need to worry,” Xiang Shuyi said, looking up. “No one from the Xiang family will bother you anymore, and they can’t give you a ‘well-matched’ status.”
“Well-matched?” Zhu Tong couldn’t hold back. “He doesn’t need any ‘well-matched’ status. Having me is enough.”
‘What kind of people are these?’
‘They spoke in such a condescending manner, pretending to offer help, but in reality, they just wanted to use Shao Ming to achieve their own goals. Each one with grandiose words, but in fact, they all harbored ill intentions.’
‘And they had people secretly following us? No wonder this woman appeared before us so coincidentally.’
The more Zhu Tong thought about it, the angrier he became. But sitting across from them was an elder, and Zhu Tong felt restricted in expressing his anger, gripping Shao Ming’s hand tightly.
He didn’t even realize what he had just said.
Both sets of eyes fell on him.
Xiang Shuyi looked at him with a complicated expression, then glanced at Shao Ming. Suddenly, she seemed to relax, taking a sip of her coffee.
The coffee was bitter, with a nuanced flavor that was both sour and sweet, with a hint of fruitiness, making for a very complex taste.
Xiang Shuyi let out a soft “hmm.”
Zhu Tong: “…”
What did “hmm” mean?
At that moment, Shao Ming squeezed his hand tighter and said softly, “Yes, having you is enough.”
Zhu Tong: “…”
Then Shao Ming looked up and said, “Alright, I agree.”
Zhu Tong turned his head sharply.
Shao Ming gave him a reassuring smile, then looked at Xiang Shuyi. “I will do the test, but whatever you intend to do, don’t involve me or my family.”
Xiang Shuyi was surprised by his decisiveness. Hearing him mention “family,” her hand holding the coffee cup trembled slightly. She quickly nodded. “Alright.”
On the way back, Zhu Tong didn’t speak, but his eyes kept glancing to the side.
Shao Ming turned his head with a smile. “Since you’re unhappy, why didn’t you stop me when I agreed with her just now?”
Zhu Tong looked away. “I’m not unhappy.”
Shao Ming asked, “Really?”
Zhu Tong: “…”
He did feel a bit uneasy, but saying he was unhappy wouldn’t be accurate.
It was Shao Ming’s decision to make, and he neither had the right nor the desire to interfere, although he couldn’t help but be curious.
He asked, “Why did you agree to her request?”
Shao Ming replied, “She said the Xiang family can’t give me a ‘well-matched’ status.”
Zhu Tong: “?”
“Not that they won’t, but that they can’t.”
Zhu Tong was suddenly taken aback.
Shao Ming gave him time to react but didn’t spell it out.
The “person” Xiang Shuyi mentioned was undoubtedly her father, the head of the Xiang family.
Although the Xiang family couldn’t compare to the Zhu or Xia families, they had been a stable presence in City A for nearly twenty years. Xiang Shuyi and Xia Weiyi’s marriage was considered well-matched, and what Xia Weiyi could provide, the Xiang family could too. Yet Xiang Shuyi said, “The Xiang family can’t give it.”
After getting entangled in the divorce case, Xia Weiyi was overwhelmed with troubles. The two families had been intertwined for over a decade, knowing each other well. When close allies turned on each other, the damage was often more severe. The Xia family, given their current plight, would be left severely weakened.
The Xiang family, on the right side of the divorce, should have been able to take advantage of the situation, suffering some losses but gaining as well, and not faring much worse than before.
So, what did Xiang Shuyi’s statement mean?
She seemed certain that the Xiang family members wouldn’t come to Shao Ming again.
Human greed is hard to suppress, and the Xiang family wouldn’t heed her advice; she didn’t have control over them.
Her assurance that Shao Ming needn’t worry could only mean she had a way to restrict the Xiang family members.
Zhu Tong suddenly asked, “What does she want to do?”
Shao Ming smiled. “Figured it out? Our Little Young Master really is smart.”
Zhu Tong: “…”
“I don’t know exactly what she wants to do,” Shao Ming said. “But it definitely won’t benefit either family.”
Zhu Tong looked down at the ground.
He could understand She would harm the Xia family, but why would she harm the Xiang family?
“Does she not get along with the Xiang family?” Zhu Tong asked.
Shao Ming pressed his lips together and said, “Maybe.”
Zhu Tong looked at Shao Ming again.
Even at a time like this, Shao Ming was calm and rational.
That woman, whom he never met since birth, was his biological mother. However, there was no dramatic reunion or awkwardness in their meeting. They simply sat together calmly and completed a transaction.
Was Shao Ming really as unaffected as he seemed?
Zhu Tong didn’t want to ask.
He recalled that when they left the coffee shop, after nodding in agreement, Xiang Shuyi hadn’t looked at Shao Ming again.
She hadn’t shown any emotion when talking about the Xiang family either.
Her indifference to everything was quite similar to the old Shao Ming.
Thinking of this, Zhu Tong shook his head.
Shao Ming was different – he didn’t disregard everything.
But if she was indifferent to everything, why did she choose this moment to divorce Xia Weiyi after being inactive for over a decade?
And why did she promise Shao Ming that she wouldn’t let the Xiang family trouble him?
Filled with questions, Zhu Tong was suddenly steered into a turn by Shao Ming. He snapped out of his thoughts. “Where are we going now?”
Zhu Tong thought for a moment and said, “Back to school.”
Shao Ming nodded with a faint smile. “Alright.”
All the troublesome matters could wait until after the exams.
After another round of intensive and tense studying, the final exams arrived as scheduled, during a snowfall that blanketed the entire campus.
