SVWL Chapter 95

Habit is a scary thing. Zhu Tong was unsettled from afternoon to evening because of Shao Ming’s abnormal behavior. Now, just a kiss from Shao Ming has dispelled all his unease.

It’s the familiar recipe with the familiar taste.

His cheeks were slightly warm. He pushed Shao Ming away and said, “You…”

As he raised his eyes, he froze again.

Shao Ming was staring at him forehead to forehead, his eyes full of warmth.

Then Shao Ming straightened up and pulled him into a tight hug.

Zhu Tong leaned against him and could clearly hear both of their accelerated heartbeats.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Now, when Zhu Tong asked this question again, he was already quite calm.

Shao Ming’s response was no longer perfunctory. He chuckled lightly and said, “I got a little scared.”

“Scared? By whom? Grandpa?”

No, just now Shao Ming seemed to ask about… surveillance?

Why did he ask about surveillance?

Zhu Tong tried to lift his head from Shao Ming’s embrace but was held down by the back of his head.

“What are you holding me for?”

Shao Ming said, “I can’t help wanting to kiss you when I look at your face.”

Zhu Tong: “…”

Did he say not to kiss him?

Since when did Shao Ming have reservations about kissing him?

Zhu Tong tentatively asked, “Did Grandpa tell you something?”

Like reminding him to keep his distance?

Shao Ming thought about those almost-publicly-executed photos and shook his head lightly. “No, he didn’t say anything.”

Zhu Tong suddenly became sharp. “Then what did he show you?”

Shao Ming: “…”

He thought that his grandpa shouldn’t be warning him.

Unable to bear letting Zhu Tong experience the same embarrassment as him, Shao Ming sighed and said, “He showed me a surveillance video.”

Zhu Tong used some force to sit up straight from Shao Ming’s embrace. “What video?”

Shao Ming looked down at him. “The video of you in the hospital.”

Zhu Tong: “…”

Zhu Tong tensed up. “Which video?”

He knew there were cameras in the hospital room, but what was interesting about the footage of him in the hospital room?

It was either sleeping or receiving treatment, or passing the time boredly.

The process of hospitalization was definitely not pleasant, and even embarrassing. It was the side of Zhu Tong that he least wanted others, especially Shao Ming, to see.

He lowered his eyes and asked, “Was I very ugly at that time?”

“Not ugly,” Shao Ming said.

Zhu Tong forced a smile. “Is that your rose-tinted glasses? Even if you don’t say it, I know it must have been ugly.”

Shao Ming gently rubbed his face with some affection. “You… when you were uncomfortable at night, why didn’t you ask someone to take care of you?”

Zhu Tong awkwardly said, “What’s there to take care of? I’m not disabled. I can take care of myself.”

“……”

Shao Ming said, “But I want to take care of you.”

Zhu Tong suddenly looked up, his eyes still revealing a hint of unease that he hadn’t managed to conceal.

Feeling a slight tightness in his heart, Shao Ming hugged him again and said, “I like taking care of you, so if you feel unwell in the future, don’t bear it alone anymore.”

Zhu Tong: “…”

If there’s someone to rely on, why insist on carrying everything alone?

This was something Zhu Tong didn’t understand before, but he understood it now.

He now had Grandpa, and he also had Shao Ming.

Reaching out, he hugged the person in front of him and buried his head in Shao Ming’s neck, saying, “I won’t feel unwell in the future.”

Shao Ming’s body suddenly stiffened.

Continuing, Zhu Tong said, “I will get better, do you believe me?”

The increase in goodwill today gave him more confidence in his own speculation.

He would gradually dispel Shao Ming’s worries.

Shao Ming’s voice tightened slightly, “Mn.”

Zhu Tong continued, “You don’t need to worry about me. Just focus on yourself. Grandpa asked you to go to the company for the Xia family’s matter, right?”

Shao Ming nodded lightly, “Yes, he asked me to settle this matter before the New Year.”

Without hesitation, Zhu Tong said, “You can do it. I believe in you.”

Shao Ming: “…”

He couldn’t help but smile, “Why do you trust me so much? Because I bankrupted the Xia family in the novel?”

But that was something that happened after he grew up.

He was still immature now, and dealing with the entire Xia family would still be challenging for him.

Zhu Tong lifted his head and said, “Because you’re not alone now.”

Shao Ming raised an eyebrow lightly.

Zhu Tong continued, “You entered my family’s door with me, so you’re part of my family now. Grandpa will help you.”

“…”

Shao Ming hadn’t expected Cheng-lao xiansheng to approve of their relationship so easily.

After coming downstairs, he had been suppressing himself.

He wanted to appear more mature, not as shameless as he was in the small county.

But the more he tried to control himself, the more uncontrollable he became.

He was happy, yet excited.

So when the milk was delivered to the door, he knew he shouldn’t let the person in, but he still did. He needed someone to vent to, otherwise he might be too excited to sleep tonight.

He might still not be able to sleep, especially after what Zhu Tong said. He didn’t want to send him back now.

The two of them hugged each other silently for a while. Then Zhu Tong suddenly said, as if remembering something, “Why are you afraid to kiss me?”

Shao Ming: “…”

Zhu Tong seemed to have discovered something interesting, his eyes flashing with light. “Did you watch that video and worry that there might be surveillance in the house, afraid Grandpa might see it?”

Close but not entirely accurate.

Shao Ming wasn’t afraid because of the video, but because of those photos.

Although he could understand why Grandpa would have someone follow Zhu Tong given his previous health condition, the thought of an elder sitting solemnly in the home theater flipping through photos of the two of them still made Shao Ming’s scalp tingle with embarrassment.

Seeing the young master in front of him, who was unaware of the suffering, daring to joke about this matter, Shao Ming couldn’t help but flick his nose with his finger and laugh, “Aren’t you afraid?”

Zhu Tong imagined it for a moment and replied honestly, “Yes.”

Despite saying he was afraid, there was no decrease in the smile on his face.

Shao Ming’s eyes were deep and bright.

The two of them just looked at each other, understanding the joy in each other’s hearts of being recognized by their elders.

Zhu Tong’s face flushed under Shao Ming’s direct gaze, and nervously said, “There’s no surveillance in the room now.”

Shao Ming raised an eyebrow, “So?”

Clasping his hands tightly, Zhu Tong took the initiative to lift his head and kissed Shao Ming on the lips.

Shao Ming’s eyes darkened instantly, and he lowered his head to capture Zhu Tong’s lips.

When the little young master finally fled, his entire face was red. Even at the door, he didn’t forget to remind the “guest” in the room to drink the warm milk.

Although the milk was probably already cold.

Shao Ming watched him leave the room, then focused on the sound from the next room. He picked up his phone from the bedside and sent a voice message to the person next door.

“-Goodnight, Little Young Master.”

Zhu Tong quickly replied to him.

Shao Ming smiled at his response, then exited the interface and checked the message sent by Jiang Wan.

Even if the Xia family’s stock price was plummeting now, it would definitely take more than just the ten days before the New Year for the Xia family to collapse completely.

But as long as the groundwork was laid, the entire Xia Conglomerate would fall soon enough.

Early the next morning, when the two were called downstairs by the servants, there were already two people waiting in the downstairs living room.

After breakfast, Shao Ming was taken to the company by the person arranged by Uncle Liu.

Leaving only one person to accompany Zhu Tong at the dining table.

Zhu Tong looked at the person who should have been busy working in E City and was surprised, “Why are you here?”

Cheng Chen looked at him ambiguously and said, “I heard that your sweetheart was dragged to the company by the old man to work hard, so I was afraid you’d be lonely here by yourself and came to keep you company.”

Zhu Tong: “…”

Ignoring Zhu Tong’s discomfort, Cheng Chen continued, “I must say, you guys are moving fast. You haven’t even graduated from high school yet, but you’ve already met the elder and set your future. And remember when you fainted and kept calling someone else’s name? That was quite a passionate scene.”

Zhu Tong almost sprayed the water he had just sipped all over Cheng Chen’s face, “What are you talking about?”

“Isn’t it true?” Cheng Chen said, “Don’t worry, your cousin is very open-minded. Your aunt and uncle also got together in high school. Love has nothing to do with age. I won’t make fun of you.” (he’s referring his parents)

Zhu Tong looked at him without saying a word.

Actually, he had always wanted to ask what was going on between his cousin and Lu Zheyu, but he felt his cousin wouldn’t tell him the truth.

If he wanted to say it, he would have said it already.

Zhu Tong didn’t bother meddling in other people’s business just for some perfunctory words. He put the cup back on the table and asked, “Do you have some business in A City?”

Cheng Chen said, “Sort of, it’s also for your sake.”

Zhu Tong was surprised, “For me?”

Cheng Chen nodded, “Your little boyfriend is not only extraordinary but also has an extraordinary background. Despite the lack of online information about him, in A City, he’s already completely exposed…”

“Can you use a different adjective?” Zhu Tong interrupted him, feeling a bit weird.

Cheng Chen was shocked, “You care about this too? Has your cleanliness extended to the level of words?”

Zhu Tong: “…”

He just didn’t want to use negative words to describe Shao Ming, but it seemed like he had focused on the wrong point.

He sighed, “Forget it, continue.”

Cheng Chen looked at him suspiciously and continued, “Someone dug up photos of Xiang Shuyi when he was young. Even if he doesn’t admit it, people who have seen him in A City can recognize him by comparing his face with Xiang Shuyi’s. Now that the Xia family and the Xiang family have fallen out, everyone is waiting to see which side this legitimate blood tie will stand on.”

Zhu Tong said confidently, “He won’t stand on either side.”

Cheng Chen said, “Right, he won’t stand on either side. So I’m here to lend a hand.”

Zhu Tong was puzzled.

Cheng Chen looked smug, “Everyone has their own expertise. The Xiang family is mainly in the entertainment industry, so even though your cousin isn’t outstanding, he can still hold his own in that circle.”

Zhu Tong suddenly realized, “So you’re going against the Xiang family?”

“Going against them is giving them too much credit,” Cheng Chen shrugged. “Does the Xiang family still need to be taken down? They’re already at odds with the Xia family, and both sides have depleted their assets. But even a mosquito’s leg, no matter how small, still has meat on it. There’s still profit to be made.”

Zhu Tong: “…”

So, is his cousin simply here to help?

“But does this kind of thing require you to come in person?” 

“So I said it’s for you,” Cheng Chen suddenly leaned in close to him. “My dear little cousin, finally on vacation, want to hang out with your cousin?”

Zhu Tong promptly refused, “Not interested.”

Cheng Chen sighed, “Then what are you doing at home on vacation? How’s your recovery going? Are you still putting yourself under house arrest?”

Zhu Tong said solemnly, “No, I still have homework for the winter vacation.”

Cheng Chen: “…”

His cousin must be crazy.

Cheng Chen shook his head. He had wanted to take Zhu Tong out, but seeing that he wasn’t interested, he didn’t force it. “Then continue to frolic in the ocean of study. Wait for good news from your cousin.”

With that, he got up to leave.

Zhu Tong suddenly stopped him, “Cousin.”

Cheng Chen paused and turned to look at him.

Zhu Tong hesitated for a moment, “If possible, leave the Xiang family to Xiang Shuyi.”

Cheng Chen was taken aback.

Zhu Tong didn’t explain further.

The marriage between the Xiang and Xia families back then was ultimately a voluntary exchange of interests between both sides. People online may morally condemn them, but they have no right to judge them.

Zhu Tong didn’t care what Xiang Shuyi wanted to do in her madness or how the Xiang family would be treated by others after being pushed into the limelight by public opinion. He just didn’t want Xiang Shuyi’s actions to be attributed to “for Shao Ming.”

He didn’t want Shao Ming to feel indebted to anyone.

Even if Xiang Shuyi became destitute after his actions, it wouldn’t be Shao Ming’s responsibility.

Even if Xiang Shuyi’s intention was just to make up for his past weakness and disdain.

But if they decided to no longer have any dealings with each other, it would be best for them to owe each other nothing.

Cheng Chen looked at Zhu Tong in surprise for a moment, then smiled, “Don’t worry, this dearest cousin of yours knows his limits.”

Watching his cousin leave the villa, Zhu Tong finally breathed a sigh of relief and went upstairs to do his homework alone.

---

Shao Ming being brought into the company by Liu Jianbai quickly spread in A City. Upon hearing the news, Mr. and Mrs. Xiang hinted several times that they wanted Xiang Shuyi to bring Shao Ming back to the Xiang family to meet him, but Xiang Shuyi always evaded the suggestion.

“That child has been raised by others for more than ten years. It’s already difficult enough for him to agree to meet me. Besides, just because he’s been brought in by Liu Jianbai doesn’t mean he’s already firmly established in the company. If you want to see him, you should wait for some time,” Xiang Shuyi maintained a calm attitude, as if she had everything under control.

But Xiang Zhuang – Mr. Xiang – couldn’t sit still.

During this period of confrontation with the Xia family, he firmly believed that he could bring Shao Ming back to the Xiang family.

Xiang Shuyi told him that exposing the truth about the switched child online was their sincerity. She, as a mother, took responsibility for the mistake that led to the child being switched. Xiang Zhuang, as the grandfather, was an innocent bystander who knew nothing about it. Shao Ming wouldn’t hold any grudges against him.

Xiang Zhuang initially believed her words.

He had to believe it even if he didn’t.

Having already torn apart relations with the Xia family, if the Xiang family wanted to continue developing, that grandson who hadn’t been brought back yet was their last hope.

Moreover, since Shao Ming wanted to be with Zhu Tong, he needed a status that could stand side by side with him.

But now Shao Ming had already gone to Liu Jianbai’s company.

Even without them, the Xiang family, Shao Ming had gained recognition from Liu Jianbai.

That child no longer needed them!

Even his own daughter, Xiang Zhuang, couldn’t fully trust anymore.

He looked at Xiang Shuyi and said in a deep voice, “I want to see him now!”

Xiang Shuyi calmly replied, “I can’t reach him on his phone right now. I have no way to contact him…”

Before she finished speaking, there was a loud crash as a glass on the floor shattered near Xiang Shuyi’s feet, thrown by Xiang Zhuang.

Xiang Shuyi looked down at it, still expressionless.

Xiang Zhuang’s chest heaved violently as he glared angrily at her.

He now realized, very clearly, that he had been played.

He had been played by his own daughter!

But he was powerless to change anything now.

The father and daughter from the Xiang family faced each other in silence, with even the air around them becoming charged with tension.

The situation in the Xia family was even worse.

Xia Weiyi never expected that he would finally be able to sit at the same table with Liu Jianbai, only to find a negotiation table in front of him.