After four days, A’Mou and Wen Da Ge finally returned to their owner’s side. A’Mou dashed around the house the moment he stepped through the door, rolling around on the floor and the sofa. Wen Da Ge was a bit cautious when his cat carrier was opened, but after sniffing the familiar surroundings, he soon joined A’Mou in play.
Surprisingly, the bond between the two seemed even stronger than before their owners left on their trip.
Could this be some sort of suspension bridge effect? Perhaps after spending four days together in an unfamiliar environment without their owners, they learned to rely on each other for comfort.
Wen Xia captured the playful scene of A’Mou and Wen Da Ge in a short video and sent it to Zou Boyan, who quickly responded with an indignant, “Damn it.”
Zou Ni: [Why? They’re all cows! What’s wrong with my Niu Niu?]
Wen Yi Xia: [Have you ever considered…]
Zou Ni: [What?]
Wen Yi Xia: [It might be the owner’s fault.]
Zou Ni: [….]
Zou Ni: [Blocked, damn it!]
After putting away his phone, Wen Xia noticed Lin Fengqi taking down the pet friendship schedule from the wall again.
Although it seemed like they hadn’t been following the schedule lately—or rather, they hadn’t followed it much from the start. Plans, it seemed, had this magical tendency to become mere decorations, with everything happening outside the plan.
“Not using it anymore?” This time, Wen Xia didn’t try to stop him.
“Mm,” Lin Fengqi glanced at the schedule, then at Wen Xia, as if firming his resolve. “It’s unnecessary.”
The next afternoon, Wen Xia received a message from Wen Shan Hai: [Head straight to Suoye Mountain Resort tomorrow. Be there by 9 AM.]
Suoye Mountain Resort is a vacation resort, far from the city, located in a nearby tourist county. It would take Wen Xia an hour to drive there from his place.
Old Wen always had a knack for making things inconvenient.
Back at home, Wen Xia informed Lin Fengqi, “I won’t be home tomorrow. Wen Da Ge is in your hands.”
Lin Fengqi simply responded with a soft “Mm,” without asking further.
On Saturday, Wen Xia was roused early by a relentless call from Wen Shan Hai. He checked the time, feeling dismayed. “Why so early, old man…”
“Early? It’s not early at all. Get up!” Wen Shan Hai feigned sternness. “The early bird gets the worm, and the early person gets a partner. Didn’t you know?”
Wen Xia: “…” Sorry, I’ve only heard the first half.
Grumbling, he dragged himself out of bed, half-asleep as he washed up, and then leisurely prepared breakfast for Wen Da Ge. Perhaps the noise from the kitchen woke Lin Fengqi.
“…So early?” he asked.
“Not by choice,” Wen Xia muttered about Wen Shan Hai. “You can go back to sleep, don’t worry about me.”
Lin Fengqi hummed in response and obediently went back to bed.
After Wen Xia left, Lin Fengqi got up, opened the bedroom door, and stared at the closed front door for a few seconds before heading to the bathroom. He meticulously washed and groomed himself, then returned to the bedroom, where he faced a dilemma with the two outfits he had prepared.
He had carefully chosen these two perfect outfits last night, but now he couldn’t decide which one to wear.
Suddenly, he remembered what Wen Xia was wearing today and ultimately chose the second outfit.
The color scheme matched Wen Xia’s clothes better.
Today, he needed to ensure that he stayed with Fang Huai at all times so that even if Wen Xia and Fang Huai met, they wouldn’t be alone together.
He needed to outshine Fang Huai.
Of course, it would be best if they didn’t meet at all.
Despite Wen Shan Hai waking him up early, Wen Xia still arrived at the resort twenty minutes ahead of schedule.
After parking, he stepped out of the lot and immediately spotted Liao Xingchen standing not far away.
“You’re early,” Liao Xingchen remarked, surprised.
“Blame my dad,” Wen Xia replied. “You’re early too.”
“I got here ten minutes ago. Same, forced out of bed.”
They exchanged looks of mutual exasperation.
It seemed their fathers were going to great lengths to set them up, even resorting to such tricks.
Wen Xia sighed. “Shall we head inside?”
“Have you had breakfast?”
“Before I left home.”
“I haven’t,” Liao Xingchen said. “Let’s go in.”
After entering, they first arrived at the reception area. The receptionist greeted them with a warm smile. “Good morning, do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, under Wen Shan Hai.”
“Wen Shan Hai… is that the one with the last four digits 1655?” the receptionist asked after checking the reservation. “There are four people in total. Are you Mr. Wen Shan Hai?”
“No, I’m his son.”
“May I see your ID, please?”
After a brief check, the receptionist handed them each a small badge. These badges served as their passes, allowing them access to all the resort’s facilities.
They decided to stop by a restaurant first to satisfy Liao Xingchen’s hunger.
While eating, Liao Xingchen asked, “By the way, my dad said he ran into you downstairs the other day. I forgot to ask, did he say anything strange?”
“Nothing strange, just overly enthusiastic. He’s very keen on the idea of me becoming his ‘son-in-law.’”
Liao Xingchen grimaced, then remembered something. “Didn’t he see you with Lin Fengqi?”
Wen Xia shook his head.
If he had, there’s no way he’d be this eager about today’s plans.
Ten minutes later, Wen Shan Hai and Liao’s father arrived, looking a bit disheveled. They saw the two of them sitting together and grinned like sunflowers. “Having a good chat?”
Liao’s father said, “Ah, young people have so much energy. They’re early risers, too.”
Wen Shan Hai added, “Unlike us old folks, who take our time.”
Wen Xia and Liao Xingchen exchanged a glance, both at a loss for words.
But to the two fathers, this glance was full of subtle emotions, a hint of shyness and awkwardness from being teased about their potential relationship.
They grew even more delighted, feeling optimistic about the match.
The two fathers energetically walked ahead, deliberately picking up the pace to leave the younger two behind, effectively giving them some alone time.
Eventually, they fell so far behind that the fathers called back, “Hey, you youngsters probably won’t enjoy hanging out with us old folks. No need to stick with us, go do whatever you like.”
With that, they both headed to the fishing area.
Neither Wen Xia nor Liao Xingchen had much interest in fishing, so they were better off on their own.
Suoye Mountain Resort was vast, offering a wide range of facilities. It had the usual amenities like KTV and a game room, but also a horse riding field, a billiards room, a golf course, a spa, foot baths, and more. If they stayed the night, they could even enjoy the hot springs.
But from Wen Shan Hai’s words, it seemed they were only here for the day and wouldn’t be staying overnight.
Free from their fathers’ watchful eyes, Wen Xia stretched and asked Liao Xingchen, “Want to go horseback riding?”
Liao Xingchen visibly relaxed, “Let’s go.”
The two immediately agreed.
It had been a while since Wen Xia last rode a horse. After putting on their gear, he and Liao Xingchen went to pick their horses. Since they arrived relatively early, the horse field wasn’t crowded, giving them plenty of options.
While Wen Xia was still deciding, Liao Xingchen approached with a black horse. His expression was a bit odd, prompting Wen Xia to ask, “What’s up?”
“I’m not sure if it’s just my imagination,” he said, “but I think I saw that guy we ran into outside your place last time…”
“Fang Huai?”
“Yeah, that’s his name, right?”
Fang Huai was here too?
This has to be some sort of cursed fate. Of all the places in the world, why did he have to show up here?
“Where did you see him?” Wen Xia asked.
“By the front desk,” Liao Xingchen replied. “I saw him when I went to get a helmet, but he didn’t seem to be coming in. He was leaving when I spotted him.”
“Was he alone?”
Liao Xingchen shrugged. “No idea.”
Wen Xia remembered that Lin Fengqi seemed to consider Fang Huai a rival. If Lin Fengqi knew Fang Huai was also at Suoye Mountain Resort, what would he do?
Better not to provoke him. Wen Xia suspected that if he posted something on social media that only Lin Fengqi could see, it might just spur him into coming over. No need to put him through that.
Wen Xia finally picked a gentle, beautiful white horse, and the two of them rode leisurely around the vast field a couple of times. As they made their way back, their horses slowly walking side by side, Liao Xingchen suddenly asked, “Are you planning to tell your dad about you and Lin Fengqi?”
“Not yet,” Wen Xia paused before adding, “I don’t think it’s the right time.”
Liao Xingchen was curious, “How did you two end up getting married? And judging by how Lin Fengqi acted before, like he saw me as a rival, it doesn’t seem like you two got married out of mutual love.”
Wen Xia thought for a moment, then replied, “Because he’s an idiot.”
Liao Xingchen clicked his tongue. Why did that sound like he was being shown off to?
They rode leisurely back, but just as they reached the entrance to the horse field, Wen Xia nearly fell off his horse. Standing right there, holding the reins, was someone with a cool and steady gaze.
—Why is Lin Fengqi here?!
Wen Xia was taken aback. And it wasn’t just Lin Fengqi; Fang Huai was there too, along with Fang Lianshu and a few other bosses that Wen Xia recognized.
When Fang Huai saw him, his expression turned sour, while Fang Lianshu greeted him warmly, “Ah, isn’t this Xiao Xia? What brings you here?”
Wen Xia dismounted and called out, “Uncle Fang,” without answering his question.
Since Wen Xia didn’t answer, Fang Lianshu patted his head and answered his own question, “Oh, right, you must have come with your dad. I heard he was planning to come here today with some friends. I was wondering why he didn’t invite me—we’ve known each other for so many years, old classmates, neighbors… wouldn’t you say?”
Wen Xia glanced at the group of big and small bosses, many of whom used to follow his father around, flattering him with “Mr. Wen” this and “Mr. Wen” that. Now, when they saw him, they only smiled politely, without the same warmth and flattery.
Just opportunists.
Wen Xia’s final gaze landed on Lin Fengqi.
Probably for convenience while riding, Lin Fengqi wasn’t wearing a jacket. He wore a pale pink turtleneck sweater that clung to his frame, perfectly accentuating his shoulder-to-waist ratio. His black trousers were slim-fitting, and he wore a pair of Martin boots. He stood there, holding the reins, looking casually dressed but with a certain… flair.
Damn, why did this man have to look so good?
Wen Xia slowly averted his gaze, suppressing a sudden flutter in his chest.
“I see you’re not short on friends yourself,” Wen Xia said with a calm smile. “My dad’s free-spirited personality wouldn’t mesh well with your big entourage.”
A couple of the older men’s expressions shifted upon hearing Wen Xia’s snarky remark. Some looked displeased, while others appeared awkward. People had pride, after all.
But some remained unfazed. In this circle, whoever was in power was who you wanted to be close to. It was as simple as that.
Just like how Fang Lianshu was eager to cozy up to Lin Fengqi.
One reason was that Lin Fengqi was in the spotlight right now, and the other was his youth. Being young sometimes meant being easy to manipulate. Wen Xia wouldn’t believe for a second that this old fox didn’t have ulterior motives.
Fang Lianshu chuckled, pretending not to catch the underlying meaning in Wen Xia’s words. “Xiao Xia, you’re too much. Your dad would get mad if he heard you talking about him like that, wouldn’t he?”
Wen Xia kept smiling. “No, my dad never scolds his children in front of others.”
Fang Lianshu’s smile stiffened as he glanced at Fang Huai.
Fang Huai’s face was dark and gloomy, his lips pressed into a thin line, remaining silent.
Wen Xia’s comment hit close to home because Fang Lianshu had indeed done just that. On Fang Huai’s birthday, no less, he had slapped his son hard across the face and berated him in front of all his friends.
That had been back in high school when Fang Huai had said he didn’t want to go to school anymore and wanted to become a race car driver instead. The argument had been ongoing for a while, with frequent loud disputes coming from the Fang household. The birthday slap had been the result of Fang Huai deliberately failing a series of exams and secretly enrolling in a training base, which Fang Lianshu found out about from someone else.
Already feeling inferior to Wen Shan Hai, Fang Lianshu was further enraged that his own son couldn’t measure up to Wen Xia in any way and wasn’t as obedient. So, he lost his temper.
That day had ended very badly, with Fang Huai’s friends leaving in a hurry and Fang Huai himself, face swollen, running off to Wen Xia’s house. Wen Shan Hai, infuriated, had gone out to trade insults with Fang Lianshu for a good three hundred rounds, with both men red-faced and hoarse by the end. The shouting match was only stopped when Fang Huai’s mother intervened.
That might have been the only time Wen Xia ever saw Fang Huai cry.
He sometimes wondered if Fang Huai’s later intensified hostility towards him was because he had witnessed Fang Huai at his most vulnerable.
Although Fang Huai eventually followed the path his father wanted, seemingly enjoying it, this incident had left a deep scar between father and son.
Wen Xia had a real knack for hitting people where it hurt.
He knew exactly where to twist the knife.
Fang Lianshu didn’t get the upper hand in their verbal sparring and forced a couple of dry laughs before finally turning his attention to Liao Xingchen. “Is this young man your friend?”
Liao Xingchen had observed enough to understand the dynamics among this group. With a polite smile, he said, “Hello,” without offering further details about himself.
And Fang Lianshu, not particularly interested in Liao Xingchen’s background, assumed from his unfamiliar face that he wasn’t from a particularly wealthy family. He must just be a friend tagging along with Wen Xia, so Fang Lianshu simply smiled at him before patting Wen Xia on the shoulder. “Well then, Uncle Fang won’t keep you any longer.”
With that, he led his group into the horse field.
Meanwhile, Lin Fengqi, who had been standing quietly like a shadow, finally walked up to Wen Xia.
He didn’t say anything, just looked at Wen Xia.
Liao Xingchen cleared his throat and tactfully excused himself, “I’ll go return the horse.”
After he walked away, Wen Xia couldn’t help but ask, “Did Fang Lianshu invite you?”
Lin Fengqi nodded. “Mm.”
Wen Xia tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Why are you hanging out with him?”
Because of Fang Huai.
But that wasn’t something Lin Fengqi could say out loud.
He pressed his lips together in a brief silence before saying, “You’re here.” And so was Fang Huai.
Wen Xia’s heart skipped a beat.
Lin Fengqi’s lingering presence quickly caught Fang Lianshu’s attention.
He glanced back and saw that the person he wanted to network with was being monopolized by Wen Xia. He quickly stopped his son, who was about to mount his horse, and said, “Go bring Lin Fengqi over here. Can’t you see? I worked hard to set this up for you, and now Wen Xia’s going to steal him away.”
Fang Huai’s face showed his annoyance. He thought to himself that Lin Fengqi had long been taken, but under his father’s stern glare, he grudgingly walked over.
“Lin Zong—” Fang Huai called out in a slow, drawn-out tone, but as soon as he got close, he saw Lin Fengqi shift his stance, positioning himself between Fang Huai and Wen Xia, effectively blocking them from each other.
Fang Huai: “?”
Wen Xia watched as Lin Fengqi’s face fell the moment he heard Fang Huai’s voice, and as he moved to block his view, he almost burst out laughing.
Pretending to be oblivious, Wen Xia deliberately tried to peek around Lin Fengqi to look at Fang Huai.
Lin Fengqi’s face fell even further, and he took another step to block Wen Xia’s view.
Wen Xia tried looking from another angle.
Lin Fengqi immediately stepped in front to block him again.
Wen Xia peeked again.
Lin Fengqi blocked him once more.
Already annoyed, Fang Huai thought: What the hell is going on here?
Wen Xia finally straightened up, frowning slightly at Lin Fengqi. “Why are you blocking me?”
Lin Fengqi pressed his lips together, not saying a word, his gaze fixed intently on Wen Xia, as if guarding a precious treasure that might fly away the moment he blinked.
Fang Huai felt he should say something, “Lin Zong…”
“I know,” Lin Fengqi responded instantly, without even looking back.
Fang Huai: “.”
For crying out loud, this is so annoying.
He couldn’t stand being on the same piece of earth where he had to breathe the same air as Wen Xia and Lin Fengqi. “Fine.”
With that, he turned and walked away, off to report back to his father.
When Fang Lianshu saw his son returning alone, he glared at him. “What’s going on?”
“How should I know?” Fang Huai, not giving his father another chance to tug him back, swiftly mounted his horse. “Maybe he prefers being with Wen Xia.” With that, he gave his horse a nudge and quickly rode off.
“Damn brat…”
With his son being useless, Fang Lianshu had no choice but to rely on himself.
Not one to lower his status, he mounted his horse and leisurely trotted over to where Lin Fengqi and Wen Xia were talking. “Lin Zong, what are you two chatting about? We’re all waiting for you.”
Lin Fengqi was truly exasperated.
Why did it feel like when one Fang left, another arrived?
Is the entire Fang family this irritating?
He glanced up at Fang Lianshu, replying with a faint “Sorry, I’ll be right there.”
But Fang Lianshu had no intention of leaving. He just sat on his horse, waiting patiently.
Others might not notice, but as someone who had reached level eight in the art of interpreting Lin Fengqi, Wen Xia could see the growing irritation in his eyes. Wen Xia turned his head, coughed lightly into his fist, and suppressed a laugh disguised as a cough, then said, “You should go. We can talk later.”
Hearing this, Fang Lianshu immediately thought, Talk later?
What’s going on here?! How does this Wen Xia know Lin Fengqi so well?
Unwilling to let them have the chance to chat, he decided to butt in further.
Lin Fengqi led his horse into the field, but as he rode away, he turned back to find that Wen Xia had also left. Fang Lianshu quickly tried to fish for information. “Lin Zong, you know Xiao Xia?”
Lin Fengqi’s tone was indifferent. “Yes, I do.”
“What a coincidence! We’ve known the Wen family for years. Wen Xia’s dad and I were classmates back in the day. We got married and became neighbors. Even my Ah Huai grew up with Xiao Xia—they were like brothers, always inseparable…”
Strange, why does it feel cold?
Fang Lianshu paused for a moment, noticing that Lin Fengqi’s expression remained unchanged, so he continued, “It’s only when they went to different high schools that they grew apart. It’s a shame, really. If they had stayed together in high school, they might have gone into business together by now. The Wen family might not have fallen so far…”
How odd, why does it keep feeling colder?
Fang Lianshu loosened one hand from the reins to touch his forehead. No fever.
The truth was, the feeling of cold came from the realization that Fang Huai and Wen Xia had indeed drifted apart in high school, followed by the chill from Lin Fengqi’s displeasure at the underhanded jab at Wen Xia’s family situation.
Lin Fengqi was genuinely fed up and didn’t want to hear any more from anyone named Fang.
He lightly nudged his horse forward, leaving Fang Lianshu behind with a breezy, “Yes, quite a shame.”
A shame that the person by Wen Xia’s side in high school wasn’t Fang Huai—it was Lin Fengqi.
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