In Yan Jiaqiang’s study, an eerie quietness pervaded the air.
Yan Jiaqiang looked at Yan Weifeng, his expression grim, “Did he really say that?”
“Yes.” Yan Weifeng ran his fingers through his hair, eyes cast down in contemplation. “Dad, in my opinion, it’s better not to antagonize Yan Ge.”
Yan Jiaqiang’s face remained stern, his voice rising, “Not antagonize him? Am I the one causing the conflict? He’s the one who doesn’t respect me as his father! Should I, his own father, go begging for reconciliation?”
“Dad,” Yan Weifeng finally asked, “Why don’t you and Mom like Yan Ge?”
Yan Jiaqiang frowned, seemingly unable to comprehend why he was being asked this. “Like or dislike? He’s my son too, and I’ve raised him. What more do you want?”
Yan Weifeng fell silent. He wasn’t the head of the family yet and many things, even with differing opinions, were hard to act upon. The decline of the Yan family’s business was becoming evident, and although a marriage alliance seemed like a good solution, Yan Ge’s strong-willed nature made him an unlikely candidate. Not to mention the presence of Huangfu Yuchen by his side, who was currently unfathomable.
“What’s your plan now?” Yan Jiaqiang asked dismissively. “Since he can say such things, I’ll consider him as if he’s not my son anymore. As for the marriage alliance, Yan Yan will do. He’s nineteen and suitable for Zou Tingran, Zou’s eldest daughter.”
Yan Weifeng was taken aback. Yan Yan? Their father had always doted on Yan Yan. While Yan Yan’s influence had waned somewhat as he grew older, it was surprising that his father would suggest such a marriage. Especially considering that Yan Yan was recently close to a female classmate, there was no way he would agree to a marriage.
At that moment, cries and the clicking of high heels echoed from outside the room.
Shortly after, the study door was pushed open, hitting the wall with a resounding “thud.”
Du Rulan entered, her face cold as she exclaimed sharply, “Jiaqiang, go see what trouble Yan Ge has caused! Look at the state Yan Yan is in!”
“What’s all this noise?” Yan Jiaqiang’s brows furrowed. “Look at you, what’s the difference between you and those quarrelsome women outside?”
Du Rulan was momentarily stunned. She looked at herself, then her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Yan Jiaqiang. “You, you actually called me a quarrelsome woman?”
Yan Weifeng intervened, “Mom, what’s wrong with Yan Yan?”
Thinking about Yan Yan and fueled by anger, Du Rulan momentarily forgot about her argument with Yan Jiaqiang. “He went camping with classmates in Fengshan and they encountered Yan Ge and a certain Huangfu. There was a sudden rainstorm in Fengshan, and Yan Ge didn’t even bother to protect Yan Yan. Yan Yan got drenched like a chicken, and now he’s coming down with a cold.”
“What’s the big deal about a cold? Just call a doctor over,” Yan Jiaqiang grew increasingly displeased with Du Rulan. “How many times have I told you to knock before coming into the study? Don’t you know that Weifeng and I were discussing important matters?”
Du Rulan felt somewhat guilty. With many servants in the house, there was a rule to knock before entering the study to prevent passing servants from hearing discussions. She pursed her lips and said gently, “Fine, it’s my fault. What important matters were you discussing?”
Yan Jiaqiang retrieved a document from the drawer and replied impatiently, “Let’s talk about it later. As for the marriage alliance, let Yan Yan marry Zou Tingran’s daughter.”
“What?” Du Rulan’s eyes widened. “Husband, are you suggesting Yan Yan enters a marriage alliance? Can’t he find someone he likes for himself? Besides, you know how stubborn Yan Yan is. He won’t agree to a marriage.”
Yan Weifeng suddenly realized why Yan Ge felt that his parents didn’t treat him like their own. His father said to consider Yan Ge as if he doesn’t exist, and his mother seemed completely unfazed. He couldn’t help but doubt whether Yan Ge was truly their biological child. However, he was three years older than Yan Ge, and he vaguely remembered Yan Ge’s birth. There was no doubt that Yan Ge was their natural child.
“He won’t agree? Then let the Yan company continue to decline,” Yan Jiaqiang retorted, glaring at Du Rulan.
Du Rulan mumbled, “Is it impossible for Yan Ge to marry? He’s still a son of the Yan family, and he’s around the same age as Zou’s eldest daughter. He’s the most suitable match. Yan Yan is still young.”
“That’s fine too, as long as you can convince him,” Yan Jiaqiang replied without looking up.
Du Rulan sensed something amiss in her husband’s demeanor. “Honey, are you in a bad mood today? Why are you so irritable?
Yan Weifeng stood up, “Mom, Dad, you should talk things over. I’ll go check on Xiao Si.”
…
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had no idea that a storm was brewing within the Yan family. Even if they did, they wouldn’t care. They were driving to the supermarket and were planning on going on a road trip to S Province. Their overall plan was to visit domestic attractions before heading abroad.
People in the supermarket noticed two handsome guys walking in, both wearing identical short-sleeved T-shirts. One of them had his arm around the other’s shoulder, and their presence was enough to cause whispers and even low-key speculation about them being celebrities.
Huangfu Yuchen removed his sunglasses from the bridge of his nose and casually pushed two shopping carts. “Baby, let’s split up. I’ll get the food, and you can handle the rest.”
“OK.” Yan Ge grabbed two bottles of mineral water as he passed by the drinks section.
Huangfu Yuchen guided his cart to the food section.
Yan Ge recalled that the tissues in the car were running out, so he picked up a box. After a moment of thought, he took two more boxes and continued searching for other necessities, including some seasonings.
Huangfu Yuchen added a pack of Kang Da Fu spicy beef noodles to his cart, followed by a pack of mushroom stewed chicken noodles. His phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket to glance at it. The caller ID said “Ji Chang.”
“Yes?” Huangfu Yuchen answered the call, placing another pack of Laotan pickled cabbage beef noodles into the cart.
“Greetings Mr. Huangfu. It’s been a week since we last met. I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Wang, Mr. Ruan Mingwei, Mr. He Hong, and Mr. Zhang Jian, just to check in.”
“I appreciate it.” Huangfu Yuchen replied nonchalantly. “Is Mr. Wang recovering?”
Ji Chang sounded somewhat excited. While Huangfu Yuchen appeared cold and indifferent, he was actively concerned about Mr. Wang. “Yes, thanks to your care, Mr. Wang is doing better. But that’s not the main reason I’m calling. There’s an inter-monastery exchange next Wednesday. Are you and Mr. Yan interested?”
“Time and address,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “If Xiao Ge and I are free, we’ll consider going.”
Ji Chang provided the details and then asked, “Where should we deliver the invitation letter?”
“Let’s talk about it when the time comes.” Huangfu Yuchen inadvertently caught a glimpse of a familiar figure darting behind a shelf.
Standing next to the food shelves was a man wearing sunglasses, holding a cute boy of around four or five in his arms. He was unmistakably Yan Jiaqiang. On his right arm was a woman’s handbag hanging.
Beside him stood a woman in her mid-twenties. She was young and beautiful, and had a smile on her face. She whispered something to the young boy, who then turned his head and planted a kiss on Yan Jiaqiang’s cheek.
Yan Jiaqiang was grinning ear to ear, and even his well-maintained face displayed a few lines of wrinkles.
Sensing a sharp gaze on him, Yan Jiaqiang alertly raised his head and locked eyes with Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen had no intention of hiding his presence. He courteously smiled at Yan Jiaqiang.
Yan Jiaqiang had a bad feeling and passed the little boy in his arms to the woman beside him. He gave her some instructions before walking over to Huangfu Yuchen. He rapidly calculated how he could hide his infidelity and the fact that he had a mistress. Yan Jiaqiang had knowledge of the Imperial Capital; the Yan family never came to this side. Unexpectedly, he ran into Huangfu Yuchen here.
He looked around, and sure enough, he spotted Yan Ge in the fruit section, choosing fruits with his back to him.
“Mr. Yan, what a coincidence.” Huangfu Yuchen opened with a smile. “The adorable little boy looks a lot like you. He’s about the same age as Xiao Ge’s nephew, right?”
One sentence shattered Yan Jiaqiang’s fantasies. He had no choice but to speak, “Let’s be frank, Mr. Huangfu. As long as you don’t divulge this matter, I promise not to interfere with you and Yan Ge.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s gaze turned cold. He said coolly, “I won’t keep any secrets from Xiao Ge.”
Yan Jiaqiang fell silent for a moment, then continued, “As long as you don’t tell anyone else except Yan Ge, I won’t oppose your relationship with him.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes flashed with a cold light, and he neither confirmed nor denied it, saying indifferently, “Do you think you have the ability to meddle in my relationship with Xiao Ge?”
Yan Jiaqiang locked eyes with him, and was unable to retort.
Huangfu Yuchen’s lips curled into a smile, and the cold aura around him dissipated. “Rest assured, I currently have no interest in meddling in others’ affairs.”
With that, he returned to the instant noodles section and continued selecting his items.
Yan Jiaqiang also turned and left with a frown on his face.
Yan Ge pushed the shopping cart over, “Yuchen, are you done?”
“Almost.” Huangfu Yuchen put a pack of braised beef noodles into the cart.
Thinking about Yuchen’s preferences, Yan Ge had a shiver and quickly glanced into his cart. Almost everything he saw was “Kang Da Fu” and he was bewildered, “Just how much do you love instant noodles?”
“Definitely second to you.” Huangfu Yuchen turned his head and kissed his cheek.
Yan Ge sighed helplessly. If it wasn’t for both of them cultivating, he definitely wouldn’t allow Yuchen to eat so much junk food.
Huangfu Yuchen swept his gaze across the shelves, making sure not to miss any flavor before hugging Yan Ge and moving forward, “Baby, I have some bad news for you. Prepare yourself.”
“Is it related to the two of us?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen thought for a moment, “Probably not.”
Yan Ge remained composed, “Go ahead.”
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t speak, he just pointed ahead.
The first person Yan Ge saw was Yan Jiaqiang. For a moment, he didn’t understand what Huangfu Yuchen was trying to convey. Then he noticed the little boy beside Yan Jiaqiang, cheerfully hugging his leg. His gaze shifted, and he spotted a young woman not too far away. It suddenly dawned on him.
He calmly said, “Indeed, it has nothing to do with us. Let’s go.”
“Let’s go and pay.” Huangfu Yuchen hugged Yan Ge’s shoulder and walked to the checkout counter. He casually picked something up from the shelf beside the cashier and threw it into the cart.
Yan Ge didn’t avert his gaze, instead, he added a package of a different color.
Seeing the variety of instant noodles in the cart, the cashier looked at Huangfu Yuchen strangely.
Yan Ge quickly turned his head, and looked at an advertisement on the wall. He had a look of wanting to avoid trouble, as if he wanted to say—I don’t know this person.
Huangfu Yuchen deliberately called out, “Xiao Ge, come help me for a moment. I need an extra pair of hands.”
Yan Ge walked back helplessly, “Of course you need an extra pair of hands, you bought more than ten packets of instant noodles!”
Huangfu Yuchen advised, “We’re not short on money.”
Yan Ge was exasperated, “Is this about money?”
The people in line behind them were all amused.
Yan Ge quickened his pace, escaping from the supermarket as if he were fleeing.
Huangfu Yuchen hurried to catch up, a wider smile on his face. He enjoyed this feeling a lot. He and his beloved were living just like an ordinary couple.
At the parking lot, they coincidentally bumped into Yan Jiaqiang and his group head-on.
Yan Jiaqiang stiffened, his hand still on the car door.
Yan Ge’s expression remained unchanged; he nodded at Yan Jiaqiang and opened the car door.
They placed their items in the back seat, got in the car, started the engine, and drove away.
In Yan Jiaqiang’s study, an eerie quietness pervaded the air.
Yan Jiaqiang looked at Yan Weifeng, his expression grim, “Did he really say that?”
“Yes.” Yan Weifeng ran his fingers through his hair, eyes cast down in contemplation. “Dad, in my opinion, it’s better not to antagonize Yan Ge.”
Yan Jiaqiang’s face remained stern, his voice rising, “Not antagonize him? Am I the one causing the conflict? He’s the one who doesn’t respect me as his father! Should I, his own father, go begging for reconciliation?”
“Dad,” Yan Weifeng finally asked, “Why don’t you and Mom like Yan Ge?”
Yan Jiaqiang frowned, seemingly unable to comprehend why he was being asked this. “Like or dislike? He’s my son too, and I’ve raised him. What more do you want?”
Yan Weifeng fell silent. He wasn’t the head of the family yet and many things, even with differing opinions, were hard to act upon. The decline of the Yan family’s business was becoming evident, and although a marriage alliance seemed like a good solution, Yan Ge’s strong-willed nature made him an unlikely candidate. Not to mention the presence of Huangfu Yuchen by his side, who was currently unfathomable.
“What’s your plan now?” Yan Jiaqiang asked dismissively. “Since he can say such things, I’ll consider him as if he’s not my son anymore. As for the marriage alliance, Yan Yan will do. He’s nineteen and suitable for Zou Tingran, Zou’s eldest daughter.”
Yan Weifeng was taken aback. Yan Yan? Their father had always doted on Yan Yan. While Yan Yan’s influence had waned somewhat as he grew older, it was surprising that his father would suggest such a marriage. Especially considering that Yan Yan was recently close to a female classmate, there was no way he would agree to a marriage.
At that moment, cries and the clicking of high heels echoed from outside the room.
Shortly after, the study door was pushed open, hitting the wall with a resounding “thud.”
Du Rulan entered, her face cold as she exclaimed sharply, “Jiaqiang, go see what trouble Yan Ge has caused! Look at the state Yan Yan is in!”
“What’s all this noise?” Yan Jiaqiang’s brows furrowed. “Look at you, what’s the difference between you and those quarrelsome women outside?”
Du Rulan was momentarily stunned. She looked at herself, then her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Yan Jiaqiang. “You, you actually called me a quarrelsome woman?”
Yan Weifeng intervened, “Mom, what’s wrong with Yan Yan?”
Thinking about Yan Yan and fueled by anger, Du Rulan momentarily forgot about her argument with Yan Jiaqiang. “He went camping with classmates in Fengshan and they encountered Yan Ge and a certain Huangfu. There was a sudden rainstorm in Fengshan, and Yan Ge didn’t even bother to protect Yan Yan. Yan Yan got drenched like a chicken, and now he’s coming down with a cold.”
“What’s the big deal about a cold? Just call a doctor over,” Yan Jiaqiang grew increasingly displeased with Du Rulan. “How many times have I told you to knock before coming into the study? Don’t you know that Weifeng and I were discussing important matters?”
Du Rulan felt somewhat guilty. With many servants in the house, there was a rule to knock before entering the study to prevent passing servants from hearing discussions. She pursed her lips and said gently, “Fine, it’s my fault. What important matters were you discussing?”
Yan Jiaqiang retrieved a document from the drawer and replied impatiently, “Let’s talk about it later. As for the marriage alliance, let Yan Yan marry Zou Tingran’s daughter.”
“What?” Du Rulan’s eyes widened. “Husband, are you suggesting Yan Yan enters a marriage alliance? Can’t he find someone he likes for himself? Besides, you know how stubborn Yan Yan is. He won’t agree to a marriage.”
Yan Weifeng suddenly realized why Yan Ge felt that his parents didn’t treat him like their own. His father said to consider Yan Ge as if he doesn’t exist, and his mother seemed completely unfazed. He couldn’t help but doubt whether Yan Ge was truly their biological child. However, he was three years older than Yan Ge, and he vaguely remembered Yan Ge’s birth. There was no doubt that Yan Ge was their natural child.
“He won’t agree? Then let the Yan company continue to decline,” Yan Jiaqiang retorted, glaring at Du Rulan.
Du Rulan mumbled, “Is it impossible for Yan Ge to marry? He’s still a son of the Yan family, and he’s around the same age as Zou’s eldest daughter. He’s the most suitable match. Yan Yan is still young.”
“That’s fine too, as long as you can convince him,” Yan Jiaqiang replied without looking up.
Du Rulan sensed something amiss in her husband’s demeanor. “Honey, are you in a bad mood today? Why are you so irritable?
Yan Weifeng stood up, “Mom, Dad, you should talk things over. I’ll go check on Xiao Si.”
…
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had no idea that a storm was brewing within the Yan family. Even if they did, they wouldn’t care. They were driving to the supermarket and were planning on going on a road trip to S Province. Their overall plan was to visit domestic attractions before heading abroad.
People in the supermarket noticed two handsome guys walking in, both wearing identical short-sleeved T-shirts. One of them had his arm around the other’s shoulder, and their presence was enough to cause whispers and even low-key speculation about them being celebrities.
Huangfu Yuchen removed his sunglasses from the bridge of his nose and casually pushed two shopping carts. “Baby, let’s split up. I’ll get the food, and you can handle the rest.”
“OK.” Yan Ge grabbed two bottles of mineral water as he passed by the drinks section.
Huangfu Yuchen guided his cart to the food section.
Yan Ge recalled that the tissues in the car were running out, so he picked up a box. After a moment of thought, he took two more boxes and continued searching for other necessities, including some seasonings.
Huangfu Yuchen added a pack of Kang Da Fu spicy beef noodles to his cart, followed by a pack of mushroom stewed chicken noodles. His phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket to glance at it. The caller ID said “Ji Chang.”
“Yes?” Huangfu Yuchen answered the call, placing another pack of Laotan pickled cabbage beef noodles into the cart.
“Greetings Mr. Huangfu. It’s been a week since we last met. I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Wang, Mr. Ruan Mingwei, Mr. He Hong, and Mr. Zhang Jian, just to check in.”
“I appreciate it.” Huangfu Yuchen replied nonchalantly. “Is Mr. Wang recovering?”
Ji Chang sounded somewhat excited. While Huangfu Yuchen appeared cold and indifferent, he was actively concerned about Mr. Wang. “Yes, thanks to your care, Mr. Wang is doing better. But that’s not the main reason I’m calling. There’s an inter-monastery exchange next Wednesday. Are you and Mr. Yan interested?”
“Time and address,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “If Xiao Ge and I are free, we’ll consider going.”
Ji Chang provided the details and then asked, “Where should we deliver the invitation letter?”
“Let’s talk about it when the time comes.” Huangfu Yuchen inadvertently caught a glimpse of a familiar figure darting behind a shelf.
Standing next to the food shelves was a man wearing sunglasses, holding a cute boy of around four or five in his arms. He was unmistakably Yan Jiaqiang. On his right arm was a woman’s handbag hanging.
Beside him stood a woman in her mid-twenties. She was young and beautiful, and had a smile on her face. She whispered something to the young boy, who then turned his head and planted a kiss on Yan Jiaqiang’s cheek.
Yan Jiaqiang was grinning ear to ear, and even his well-maintained face displayed a few lines of wrinkles.
Sensing a sharp gaze on him, Yan Jiaqiang alertly raised his head and locked eyes with Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen had no intention of hiding his presence. He courteously smiled at Yan Jiaqiang.
Yan Jiaqiang had a bad feeling and passed the little boy in his arms to the woman beside him. He gave her some instructions before walking over to Huangfu Yuchen. He rapidly calculated how he could hide his infidelity and the fact that he had a mistress. Yan Jiaqiang had knowledge of the Imperial Capital; the Yan family never came to this side. Unexpectedly, he ran into Huangfu Yuchen here.
He looked around, and sure enough, he spotted Yan Ge in the fruit section, choosing fruits with his back to him.
“Mr. Yan, what a coincidence.” Huangfu Yuchen opened with a smile. “The adorable little boy looks a lot like you. He’s about the same age as Xiao Ge’s nephew, right?”
One sentence shattered Yan Jiaqiang’s fantasies. He had no choice but to speak, “Let’s be frank, Mr. Huangfu. As long as you don’t divulge this matter, I promise not to interfere with you and Yan Ge.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s gaze turned cold. He said coolly, “I won’t keep any secrets from Xiao Ge.”
Yan Jiaqiang fell silent for a moment, then continued, “As long as you don’t tell anyone else except Yan Ge, I won’t oppose your relationship with him.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes flashed with a cold light, and he neither confirmed nor denied it, saying indifferently, “Do you think you have the ability to meddle in my relationship with Xiao Ge?”
Yan Jiaqiang locked eyes with him, and was unable to retort.
Huangfu Yuchen’s lips curled into a smile, and the cold aura around him dissipated. “Rest assured, I currently have no interest in meddling in others’ affairs.”
With that, he returned to the instant noodles section and continued selecting his items.
Yan Jiaqiang also turned and left with a frown on his face.
Yan Ge pushed the shopping cart over, “Yuchen, are you done?”
“Almost.” Huangfu Yuchen put a pack of braised beef noodles into the cart.
Thinking about Yuchen’s preferences, Yan Ge had a shiver and quickly glanced into his cart. Almost everything he saw was “Kang Da Fu” and he was bewildered, “Just how much do you love instant noodles?”
“Definitely second to you.” Huangfu Yuchen turned his head and kissed his cheek.
Yan Ge sighed helplessly. If it wasn’t for both of them cultivating, he definitely wouldn’t allow Yuchen to eat so much junk food.
Huangfu Yuchen swept his gaze across the shelves, making sure not to miss any flavor before hugging Yan Ge and moving forward, “Baby, I have some bad news for you. Prepare yourself.”
“Is it related to the two of us?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen thought for a moment, “Probably not.”
Yan Ge remained composed, “Go ahead.”
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t speak, he just pointed ahead.
The first person Yan Ge saw was Yan Jiaqiang. For a moment, he didn’t understand what Huangfu Yuchen was trying to convey. Then he noticed the little boy beside Yan Jiaqiang, cheerfully hugging his leg. His gaze shifted, and he spotted a young woman not too far away. It suddenly dawned on him.
He calmly said, “Indeed, it has nothing to do with us. Let’s go.”
“Let’s go and pay.” Huangfu Yuchen hugged Yan Ge’s shoulder and walked to the checkout counter. He casually picked something up from the shelf beside the cashier and threw it into the cart.
Yan Ge didn’t avert his gaze, instead, he added a package of a different color.
Seeing the variety of instant noodles in the cart, the cashier looked at Huangfu Yuchen strangely.
Yan Ge quickly turned his head, and looked at an advertisement on the wall. He had a look of wanting to avoid trouble, as if he wanted to say—I don’t know this person.
Huangfu Yuchen deliberately called out, “Xiao Ge, come help me for a moment. I need an extra pair of hands.”
Yan Ge walked back helplessly, “Of course you need an extra pair of hands, you bought more than ten packets of instant noodles!”
Huangfu Yuchen advised, “We’re not short on money.”
Yan Ge was exasperated, “Is this about money?”
The people in line behind them were all amused.
Yan Ge quickened his pace, escaping from the supermarket as if he were fleeing.
Huangfu Yuchen hurried to catch up, a wider smile on his face. He enjoyed this feeling a lot. He and his beloved were living just like an ordinary couple.
At the parking lot, they coincidentally bumped into Yan Jiaqiang and his group head-on.
Yan Jiaqiang stiffened, his hand still on the car door.
Yan Ge’s expression remained unchanged; he nodded at Yan Jiaqiang and opened the car door.
They placed their items in the back seat, got in the car, started the engine, and drove away.
