Ch.51 – Banquet
In the blink of an eye, Elder Shen's birthday banquet had arrived.
In order to look elegant, Shen Yu could only temporarily abandon his crutches and sit in the wheelchair that Uncle Zhang had prepared for him.
At 7 o'clock in the evening, all kinds of luxury cars entered the hotel parking lot in an orderly fashion.
Shen Yu sat in front of the window of his room on the eighth floor. Through several clear and bright streetlamps, he could see the busy streets outside and the lively scenes of the city at night. The bright light was reflected in his pupils.
After a long time of staring, Shen Yu sighed.
In his mind, he was still reluctant to the thought of the coming banquet.
Although this birthday banquet was presided over by him personally, Uncle Zhang and Kang Lin also made a lot of efforts on his behalf, especially in the later stages of planning where they could hardly sit down they were so busy. In reality Shen Yu had been pretty lazy.
At this time, Uncle Zhang and Kang Lin were accompanying Elder Shen in the hall to welcome guests. Shen Yu was inconvenient to move in his wheelchair, so he planned to wait until the birthday party was halfway over before quietly going down.
Time passed by, minute by minute.
Shen Yu acted leisurely and simply picked up the remote to turn on the TV.
Suddenly he heard a slight knock on the door.
Shen Yu tapped his fingertips on the remote and quickly paused the TV. After the TV show was paused, he listened carefully.
Sure enough, there was another noise.
However, it's not a knocking sound like Shen Yu had thought before. Instead, it sounded like the scratch of a card on the door lock. Instantly he felt uncomfortable.
Shen Yu hesitated for a moment, then put the TV remote on the tea table, got up, and staggered to the front door.
He slowly opened the door.
Outside stood a beautiful woman, slightly bowed over, beating the lock on the door with something in her hand.
Beautiful black hair like the finest silk slid down from her shoulder. She looked at the door that suddenly opened in confusion. After a while, she collected her thoughts and looked up at Shen Yu.
"Who are you?", the woman asked. As she opened her mouth, the scent of alcohol rushed forward with her breath.
Shen Yu frowned and subconsciously took two steps back. He did not answer her question and instead asked, "Who are you?"
"I am..." The woman stood up straight and mumbled out three slurred words, which should be her name.
Only then did Shen Yu see clearly that the card in the woman's hand was a room card.
He breathed a sigh of relief, and his tone softened slightly. "This is my room. You're in the wrong place."
"Ah?", slurred the woman, with her mouth open, her delicate face filled with an expression of intoxication and confusion. She tilted her head and mutters after a long time, "No wonder I can't open the door..."
Shen Yu politely told her it was all right and was ready to close the door.
He never cared about such idleness, and the person in question this time was a drunken woman. If something happened carelessly, he might not be able to wash himself clean.
But before closing the door, Shen Yu suddenly remembered that this was a hotel owned by the Shen family's Company... Which was under his management.
So Shen Yu stopped closing the door, and as he spoke his next words, he reached for the room card in the woman's hand.
"Let me see which room you are in. I'll have the hotel attendant take you back."
Just as his fingertips were about to touch the card, he saw that the woman's wrist turned and avoided Shen Yu's hand just in time. Her flexible movements were totally different from those of the clumsy and dull woman he saw just now.
Shen Yu was stunned.
Just as he was about to speak, the woman suddenly seemed to wake up and her eyes became clear. She blushed and said, "thank you" to him. Then she ran away with her high heels clattering down the hallway floor.
Shen Yu: "..."
He looked at the woman running away and felt strange.
Shen Yu shook his head, closed the door, turned and staggered back to his wheelchair.
It wasn't until he picked up the remote and unpaused the TV that Shen Yu suddenly realized what was wrong just now. The hotel had been closed a week ago, that is to say, there should be no guests in the hotel.
Managers and waiters in the hotel have already cleared the whole hotel out. Apart from the lobby on the first floor and the cafe on the second floor, the other floors are temporarily closed to the public.
Even Shen Yu's eighth floor is acting as a temporary accommodation for guests after the birthday banquet.
So –
How did some unknown woman appear on the eighth floor?
And with the room card for a hotel room...
The more Shen Yu thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong. He quickly put down the remote and steered the wheelchair to the door.
Opening the door, he saw a tall figure standing outside.
It's not the woman from just now, but Tang Li who was wearing an elegant suit.
Tang Li had his hand raised and seemed ready to knock on the door. However, the door had suddenly opened from the inside. He was a little stunned and then raised his lips into a smile and laughed, "May I come in?"
"Of course." Shen Yu turned the wheelchair sideways, giving Tang Li room to come in.
Tang Li asked, "Were you going out just now?"
"Oh, no." Shen Yu shut the door and followed Tang Li. After thinking for a while, he decided not to tell Tang Li about the woman, so he casually found an excuse to give Tang Li. "I thought I heard a sound so I went to check what it was. I didn't expect you were coming over."
Tang Li turned his head and looked at Shen Yu. "Is that right?"
This sentence seemed to make Tang Li very happy. His black eyes were full of stars and dots of light. His mouth raised into a cheerful grin, and his cold face seemed to be covered with a soft light.
Tang Li is usually expressionless and seldom showed such a heartfelt smile.
Only in front of Shen Yu did he smile so defenselessly.
Shen Yu raised his head, and his bright eyes reflected the smiling face of Tang Li. Somehow, the tension that had arisen from the fear of that woman disappeared completely.
Tang Li was like a calming tea.
Shen Yu's whole being felt like it was released from some unknown weight.
Despite this, Tang Li, who was usually sensitive to Shen Yu's mood, noticed his anomaly. He half squatted in front of the wheelchair, gently grasped Shen Yu's hand, which was resting on his knee as he sat in the wheelchair, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Shen Yu looked at him, shook his head and said, "It's nothing."
Tang Li knew Shen Yu was lying, but since Shen Yu did not intend to say it, he stopped asking questions and quietly changed the topic: "Shen Rong came from Jincheng tonight."
Hearing this, Shen Yu frowned: "I didn't invite him."
Moreover, he had discussed this matter with Elder Shen beforehand, and decided that they would not allow any relatives of the Shen family to bring Shen Rong to the birthday party.
Tang Li pinched Shen Yu's hand and sighed softly, "He brought a friend with him. Security guards stopped them from entering the hotel, but Grandpa Shen saw them and couldn't make a scene, so he had to let them in."
Shen Yu: "A friend?"
Tang Li nodded: "A musician."
Even if Shen Yu was reluctant, Shen Rong had already come. He could not drive the two people out in front of so many guests.
Forget it.
He'll just ignore Shen Rong.
It was not until ten o'clock in the evening that Uncle Zhang came to inform Shen Yu that it was time to go downstairs.
Shen Yu, wearing a light grey suit, sat in his wheelchair and was pushed out of the elevator by Uncle Zhang. Immediately, his arrival attracted the attention of several of his guests.
A birthday banquet sounds like a party for close friends. In fact, everyone knows that it is only a high-level social networking arena. The guests here either want to make a good impression on the Shen family, or they want to expand their interpersonal relationships with others.
It's a pity that nobody came to congratulate Grandpa Shen sincerely on his birthday except his close friends.
Many people stared at Shen Yu as if they were foxes staring at a juicy rabbit.
Unfortunately, before they could find a chance to talk to Shen Yu, they watched their intended prey be happily called over by Elder Shen.
Elder Shen was wearing a red and black birthday suit, full of spirit, his voice was very loud. He was surrounded by a group of old friends and their younger generations, waving happily at Shen Yu.
"Little Yu." After seeing Shen Yu's wheelchair, Elder Shen stared at him and asked, "Can't you walk down? Why are you in a wheelchair again?
Shen Yu smiled politely and said, "It's not convenient to walk with crutches. It's more convenient to sit in a wheelchair on such an important occasion."
"That's true. My grandson is very considerate." The reproach on Elder Shen's face instantly turned into a deep laugh. Then he turned to his friends and said, "Little Yu has been able to walk on his own for a long time. Normal life is no problem, but the doctor said it will take several years to reach the level of walking as vigorously as before."
An old friend quickly said, "It's only a matter of time. A few years will pass in a flash."
Others echoed similar statements: "Yeah, in the blink of an eye, we're all so old."
With a deep sigh, Elder Shen gradually turned the topic to another direction. He sighed again, this time with a bit more flair, and said sadly, "My Little Yu is almost thirty years old, and he has no one to marry. This poor old man has been worrying himself so much over this matter that he can't even sleep at night."
Another old friend immediately said, "Oh, what a coincidence! My niece is also single. She just returned from studying abroad last year..."
With that, he pulled over the tall woman standing behind him, who had short, refined hair and light makeup. She nodded politely and shyly to Shen Yu.
Shen Yu: "..."
He watched Elder Shen and his old friends sing in unison without saying a word. He quietly steered the wheelchair around and left.
Behind him came Elder Shen's anxious voice: "Little Yu, don't go. If you are not satisfied, Grandpa will get you another one. How about this girl?"
Then came the voice of the others urging their younger generations, "What are you doing still standing here? Back in our day, girls had to take some initiative."
Shen Yu almost spouted blood from his mouth.
He inexplicably produced a feeling of entering the vegetable market, those girls are like the cabbages in the market, letting him pick and choose freely.
Shen Yu felt a little sad, as if he was holding a breath in his heart. He kept speeding up his wheelchair and went over to Tang Li who was in front of the bar.
Tang Li was sitting in on of the bar chairs with one leg bent and the other on the ground. His appearance was a little lazy. His expression was frosty, like a cold mist lingering around his body. He was surrounded by four or five young men and women, who were chattering with him about something.
Looking at Shen Yu's ugly expression as he approached, the men and women immediately scattered like a flock of birds.
Tang Li saw the depression in Shen Yu's expression and gave a big chuckle. The low pressure around him disappeared in an instant.
He asked, "Angry?"
Shen Yu hugged his lips and was silent for a long time before he couldn't help saying, "Sure enough, I am not very suitable for this occasion."
"It seems that way." Tang Li reached out to grab Shen Yu's wrist and squeezed it cheerfully two times. "You looked very ugly just now. Look how fast those people ran away when they saw you."
Shen Yu felt more depressed when he recalled the young people's reaction. He touched his face and said to herself, "If I get angry again, I won't scare them like that, will I?"
People who don't know him may think he's a ghost.
Tang Li raised the corners of his mouth and looked down at Shen Yu's small movements. A certain emotion surging in his chest was about to break away from the shackles and burst out in a clamor. God knows how hard he had to work to suppress that impulse.
Still, unconsciously, his hand touched Shen Yu's cheek.
His fingertips had previously turned cold by the cold wind circulating through the room. So, when he touched Shen Yu's hot skin with his fingertips, it seemed like an electric current ran through them and hit him directly in the deepest part of his heart.
At this moment, he would give anything for time to stop.
He would never have to take his hands-off Shen Yu again.
However, this idea can only be thought about in the deepest parts of his heart. Before Tang Li could take his hand away, he felt a cool breeze blowing through his fingertips. When he finally left his dazed stated, he found Shen Yu had moved away from his touch.
Tang Li's outstretched hand was still hanging stiffly in mid-air. After a long time, he shook out his five fingers and slowly retracted his hand.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter52: Woman
Shen Yu was immersed in the shadows.
From Tang Li's point of view, he could not see Shen Yu's expression. However, he could clearly perceive Shen Yu's resistance.
Tang Li was stunned for a moment. He relaxed his mind and lowered his eyelashes to cover the loss in his eyes. He pretended to smile easily and said: "I'm sorry."
"It's all right." Shen Yu replied calmly as if he can't hear the fluctuation in his voice.
Tang Li wanted to say something but he was told by Uncle Zhang that Elder Shen was looking for him. Tang Li turned to look at Shen Yu, who was motionless. He wanted to talk but stopped. Finally, he didn't say anything. He turned and left.
Uncle Zhang walked to Shen Yu's side and said: "Sir."
Shen Yu lowered his head quietly and his mind was confused. He answered absently: "You don't have to worry about me. Go and see if there are any guests who need to go upstairs to have a rest. Let the waiter send them up."
"Okay." Uncle Zhang nodded and left.
Shen Yu stayed there for a while. The guests carried a wine glass and smiled. They walked up to talk to him.
The time passed quickly. By the time he had finished his entertaining, it was nearly eleven o'clock in the evening.
The people in the hall scattered one after another. They either leave the hotel to go home or are escorted to the room on the eighth floor by the waiter. Even Elder Shen, whose birthday was being celebrated, left early.
Feeling sleepy, Shen Yu greeted Uncle Zhang and let Uncle Zhang to continue his work. He went upstairs to have a rest.
When he came to the elevator entrance, Shen Yu met an unexpected person—Shen Rong.
Compared to Shen Yu's straight suit and well-groomed hair, Shen Rong's dressing looked much more casual.
He only wore a pair of casual black trousers with a simple white shirt. His hair was a little messy. His eyes were reddish and his body was exuding strong alcohol.
Shen Rong leaned drunkenly against the elevator. When he saw Shen Yu approaching, he slowly stood upright. The corner of his mouth grinned with a brilliant arc.
"Hey, Brother Yu. We meet again." Shen Rong narrowed his eyes. He looked at Shen Yu with drunken and hazy eyes. Then, he said vaguely, "I know you are still angry with me for so many years. So, I came here this time to ask for your forgiveness."
After that, Shen Rong burped which completely abandoned his image as a formerly handsome boy.
Shen Yu didn't speak. He raised his eyes to meet Shen Rong's gaze.
It was undeniable that Shen Rong's changes were beyond his expectation.
Although Shen Rong was not as refined and attractive as Tang Li, he was a tall and handsome rich second generation who had been fought over by many women. Now, he was unrestrained. Even, the sharp momentum that once surrounded him disappeared unwittingly.
In terms of temperament, Shen Yu can't believe that the person in front of him was Shen Rong. He, who despised Shen Yu five years ago.
"Brother Yu, why don't you talk?"
Shen Rong slowly approached Shen Yu but he did not dare to touch his body and the wheelchair. He can only support his staggering body and stabilize.
Shen Yu sighed inconspicuously and put away his last sympathy for Shen Rong. He said indifferently: "Is this the way you ask me for forgiveness?"
"Huh?" Shen Rong tilted his head, "What?"
It was as if he really didn't understand the meaning of Shen Yu's words.
Shen Yu stared at Shen Rong for a long time without expression. He didn't know whether Shen Rong was really drunk or pretending to be drunk. Whatever the fact was, it would not affect his dislike. He really didn't want to have something to do with Shen Rong.
"It's nothing." Shen Yu secretly curled his lips. Then, he quietly moved away from the line of sight and said in a bland tone, "Please get out of the way. I want to enter the elevator."
Shen Rong understood this but he didn't mean to let go. He looked at Shen Yu humbly and pitifully: "Brother Yu, I am lowly pleading to you. Are you still refusing to forgive me?"
After a pause, he added, "I was immature before. I kept thinking of Pin Ting in my heart. So, I took out on you. Now, I know I'm wrong. Pin Ting also hurt you too. We are all victims..."
Done speaking, Shen Rong reached out his hands.
Shen Yu could see clearly that Shen Rong had two glasses of red wine in his hand.
Shen Rong handed one glass of wine to Shen Yu.
"This is the wine I made myself." Shen Rong said with focused and burning eyes, "If you are willing to forgive me, drink this wine. Then, our grudges shall be written off."
Originally, Shen Rong also spoke with some stuttering and as well as slurred speech. However, his last words were unexpectedly smooth.
Not like a drunken man at all.
Before that, Shen Yu was still a little skeptical. This time, he was sure——Shen Rong was simply pretending to be drunk.
He didn't know if there's anything in the wine that was handed to him.
"I'm sorry." Shen Yu explicitly refused. "I'm tired now. I don't want to drink."
Shen Rong was stunned. In just two seconds, he restrained his expression and gave up. He moved two steps to the side. He in passing held out his thumb and pressed the elevator button for Shen Yu.
Soon, the elevator door opened with a "ding" sound.
Shen Yu said thank you and steered the wheelchair into the elevator.
There was a smile on Shen Rong's face. He watched as Shen Yu's figure disappeared behind the elevator door. The smile overflowing in his eyes gradually disappeared.
"This is your choice."
Shen Rong stared at the closed elevator door and murmured such a sentence. He then drank a glass of red wine.
He was drinking red wine from the glass that he had just given to Shen Yu.
When Shen Yu returned to the room, he remembered that he had never seen Tang Li.
He put the wheelchair next to the floor window. He got up, took off his coat and hung it on the hanger. He sat on the sofa for a few minutes. He still couldn't resist picking up his cell phone to dial Tang Li's phone after hesitating for a long time.
Since Tang Li was called away by Elder Shen at the banquet, he never took the initiative to return to Shen Yu like before. Later, Shen Yu asked Uncle Zhang about Tang Li's whereabouts. He learned that Tang Li had been brought to another party by Elder Shen to meet the other elders.
Of course, Shen Yu knew that Elder Shen was doing this for Tang Li's sake but he somehow felt a little lost.
It was clear that Tang Li was within a kilometer of him. However, he needed to ask others about Tang Li's developments.
He had to admit that he was not used to it.
After indulging in flights of fancy, Shen Yu found out that the phone he dialed had been hung up at some time.
(TN: 胡思乱想/húsīluànxiǎng means to let one's imagination run wild)
It was not that Tang Li hung up on his phone but no one answered for a long time and it hung up itself.
Shen Yu thought for a while. However, he didn't have the courage to make a second call.
He waited for half an hour. He didn't want to wait for Tang Li to call back. So, he decided to take a bath first.
There were all kinds of daily necessities readily available in the hotel. Even the robes and towels had been sterilized by special personnel/staff. Shen Yu walked without using a crutch to the wardrobe. He took out the robe and staggered to the bathroom.
It didn't take long for the sound of the flowing water to cover the quiet air.
It took Shen Yu more than an hour to finish his bath. He leaned against the sink and put on his robe. He found a hair dryer to blow the wet hair to half-dry. Then, he opened the bathroom door and went out.
However, at the next moment Shen Yu was stunned.
On the edge of the soft big bed opposite the bathroom door, sat a beautiful woman. Furthermore, she looked very familiar.
It was the same woman who drunkenly holding a card outside Shen Yu's room a few hours ago.
The only difference was this time, she seemed very clear about it. Then, she showed a charming smile to Shen Yu.
"Mr. Shen, you're finally done bathing." The woman's lips were slightly opened, and she said in a tone of complaint and coquettishness, "I've waited till flowers withered away."
(TN: it's a classical sentence from a very classical song. You can hear it to get the feeling. https//watch?v=kkYuXgBG5t8)
Who was this woman?
How did she come in?
What was her purpose?
Three consecutive questions dropped from the sky to Shen Yu's head. Unfortunately, before he could get these words out, a flexible figure suddenly appeared in his vision. The man attacked Shen Yu from behind and covered Shen Yu's mouth and nose with a wet white towel.
(TN: 从天而降/cóngtiān'érjiàng means out of the blue)
The pungent smell almost drowned Shen Yu.
After he struggled only to four or five times, he felt that his brain was rapidly becoming drowsy and his limbs were weak.
"Don't be in a daze. Come and help!" It was Shen Rong's voice.
Although Shen Yu was not completely unconscious, his current state was no different from the people in the coma. It was like a fish on the chopping board waiting to be slaughtered by anyone.
(TN: 任人宰割/rènrénzǎigē means to be taken advantage of)
Shen Yu's eyes narrowed. He clearly felt that the woman and Shen Rong had dragged him to the bed together.
On the way, Shen Rong continued to tempt the woman the whole time: "Now, do you know what to do? We only have one chance tonight. If you succeed in conceiving his seed, the entire Shen family will belong to you, mother and son." The woman worried: "Not everyone can hit it right away..."
Shen Rong sneered: "It depends on your ability. If you were not very experienced in this field, do you think I would choose you?"
The woman was silent for two seconds. Then, she said, "But there is no props Ah. He is like this makes me a little embarrassed."
"Don't worry." Shen Rong threw a bag full of things onto the bed. "I've prepared for your need."
The woman was pleasantly surprised.
However, they didn't rush to do anything to Shen Yu. Instead, they threw Shen Yu on the bed like a salted fish and then ran to work on some of the objects they brought.
(TN: salted fish means used to refer to someone feeling tired and sluggish)
Shen Yu was lying on his bed with a splitting headache. The stimulating gas mixed in the white towel was still swimming fiercely in his brain's nerves. It took him a lot of effort to hear the conversation between Shen Rong and the woman.
For a moment, the fire sprang up from the heart directly stuck in Shen Yu throat.
He even tasted some blood.
That Shen Rong...
Even wanted to film a video of him and that woman...
Shen Yu found out that he underestimated Shen Rong. He didn't expect that Shen Rong's vitality would be so tenacious, let alone Shen Rong would exert to such a vulgar method on him.
In a daze, the woman went back to bed. Then, she began to take off her own clothes. After that, she lay down with her naked body and leaned on Shen Yu softly. Her restless hands touched his robe.
At this time, Shen Yu felt sick and nauseated.
The woman put her head on Shen Yu's shoulder and said tenderly, "Mr. Shen, my name is Wei Wei. I'm a sophomore in the academy of music. You may not know me but I've long heard about Mr. Shen's distinguished name."
The woman murmured a lot in Shen Yu's ear. Shen Yu listened to some of them and reacted slowly.
It turned out that this woman was a friend brought by Shen Rong.
Awe Hidden Corner: Awe here. If you noticed, I put the colour footnotes in the chapter. I hope you don't mind. If you found any mistake tell me please as I am still learning to translate. Of course, I am not perfect either. If you have any suggestion, just tell me. Thanks for reading. See you again in another chapter. Bye (????)
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter53: Went Mad (1)
As the time passed, Shen Yu's body grew heavier and heavier. It was as if his body was filled with lead. Yet, his mind was sober, he could clearly sense the way the woman's hands wandered on him. His throat felt like it was on fire. "Go away..."
It took him a while but he squeezed these words full of difficulty. His loathing tone was condensed due to the essence making his voice hoarse which sounded quite contradictory.
The woman's playful laugh rang in his ear. She pretended to feel regretful and spoke with impunity, "C'mon now Mr. Shen, don't be shy. I'll do my best, Brother Rong told me to serve you well. "
Shen Rong impatiently urged her, "Why are you spouting so much nonsense? Hurry up and do it!"
The woman paused, she suddenly became nervous, "Oh... Okay."
Although the woman deliberately made her appearance look like she's experienced, Shen Yu could feel that she was lacking. She was anxious and desperate, her hand shakily stretched out to his nightgown belt, it took her a full minute to untie it.
From this moment, Shen Yu was no longer struggling to speak. He stared dazedly at the ceiling, his cold eyes were mixed with both anger and despair. He slightly gasped. There was already a thin layer of cold sweat on his face. Still, he forced himself to calm down and tried to persuade the woman who was pulling is robe off his body. "If you... want money... I'll give you ..." Shen Yu said, "I can give you as much as I can..." It felt like he had used all of his strength saying this.
Unfortunately, the woman didn't take his words to seriously at all. Instead she casually retorted, "Mr. Shen, I don't want your money. I only want a child."
"..." Shen Yu was speechless, his anger reached to the point his chest was hurting.
When the woman spoke again, she coquettishly uttered, "Would I still need to worry about having no money after I bear a child coming from the Shen family?" Having said that, she became determined to change from her dilly-dallying a moment ago. She gritted her teeth and turned over as she sat onto Shen Yu's waist.
"Mr. Shen, I'm sorry." The woman apologized solemnly.
Shen Yu closed his eyes.
He was like a man climbing on the edge of a cliff. It felt like there was someone who's pulling him down as well as someone pushing him from above. His every movement were not in his control, both hands of his were pried open, then he rapidly fell.
The darkness in the abyss was like a vigorous vine, wrapping him tightly and slowly devouring him... Just as Shen Yu was about to give up from his struggle, he suddenly felt a strong burst of light. Opening his eyes, he saw Tang Li's face. Tang Li wore a Western-style suit at the banquet. His body was shining brightly as it was almost blinding him. Tang Li stood there motionless and stared expressionlessly at Shen. His delicate facial features were filled with indifference. His eyes were cold as if they were strangers.
"Chestnut," Shen Yu shouted anxiously. Tang Li obviously heard his (SY) call, but he didn't move, not even a step forward.
"Chestnut!" Shen Yu felt flustered for no reason. He couldn't wait to go to Tang Li's side. However, he sensed that his body became significantly heavy, it felt very burdensome to move. He was so nervous, he swallowed his saliva then called out to him again, "Chestnut, can you come here? My body can't move. Come and help me. "
Tang Li was still motionless. He was staring at Shen Yu, his eyes reflecting a somewhat peculiar tinted color in them. After a while, Tang Li responded with a complex expression: "Shen Yu, I already have a boy I like. Can't you let me go now?" Shen Yu froze. For a moment, he was somewhat tense, anxious to what Tang Li would say next.
As expected, Tang Li said, "I don't know if you have had any thoughts about me but I'll tell you clearly that I am a living person, not one of your personal belongings. Just because you raised me doesn't mean that you can put a claim on me."
Shen Yu hurriedly explained, "I'm not. I didn't..."
"Really?" Tang Li asked softly, "Are you really telling the truth?"
Shen Yu was silent. He didn't dare look into Tang Li's eyes.
Despite the fact that he didn't want to admit it so badly, he had to acknowledge that he did regard Tang Li as his own multiple times——so much that when he knew that Tang Li would possibly have someone he liked, he would go mad with jealousy. Nevertheless, Shen Yu was well aware that his jealousy is extremely ugly... Tang Li was no longer uttering any word, so he turned and walked away. Shen Yu watched as Tang Li's figure disappeared into the light, warm liquid rushed out of his eyes like broken beads.
The woman who was stuffing medicine into Shen Yu's mouth felt tear drops on her hand. She froze and looked at Shen Yu's moist peach blossom eyes and the tears overlapping from them. The movement of her hand stopped and she felt her heart soften at once.
Shen Rong, who was holding the camera, rose from the sofa and walked towards the woman gloomily. He saw the woman's pity and hesitation. After all, the woman was timid, also it was impossible for her to escape now. Hence, he half coaxed and half threatened her "Once you've shot an arrow, there's no getting it back [1]. Even if you let him go now, he won't remember your kindness. Instead, he will turn around and send you to the police station."
(TN [1: 开弓没有回头箭/kāigōngméiyǒuhuítóujiàn an idiom means once you started something, there's no turning back )
"But I..." the woman started.
"No buts!" Shen Rong looked at Shen Yu, whose eyes were shut in pain. He then recalled all of his experiences that he has encountered in the past five years, leaving only wild hatred in his heart. He eagerly wanted to see Shen Yu fall from the high clouds down to the mud. He had been looking forward to this day for far too long and tonight was his only chance!
"Now, we are like grasshoppers on a ship. If something happens to the other side, no one would be able to flee." Shen Rong stared at the woman's eyes. He gnashed his teeth [2] and squeezed out some words, "Therefore, don't give me any setbacks. Otherwise, we'll die together."
(TN [2: 咬牙切齿/yǎoyáqièchǐ an idiom means displaying extreme anger / fuming with rage between gritted teeth)
The woman's scalp became numb from Shen Rong's sharp eyes. She fervently nodded her head. "I got it." she responded.
Shen Rong nodded in satisfaction. He raised the camera and was about to take a seat back on the sofa. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Both Shen Rong and the woman's expression changed. The two of them quickly glanced at each other and saw fear present in each other's eyes. "Brother Rong." The woman panicked with a low trembling voice. "What are we going to do? someone's here!"
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter53: Went Mad (2)
Since Shen Rong is able to get the room card for Shen Yu's room, it was even easier to get the spare room card. The person knocking on the door felt suspicious. When the moment comes, their scheme would be exposed. They may not be aware, but this would cause them their doom.
"You don't have to worry." Shen Rong frowned and comforted the anxious woman, "Drag him into the bathroom, remember to lock the door. I'll check and see who's outside."
"Okay!" The woman hurriedly replied.
There came an unfamiliar and courteous male voice from outside, "Mr. Shen, your hot milk." Shen Rong and the woman were relieved. The woman wiped off cold sweat from her forehead and smiled weakly at Shen Rong, "Luckily, it's just a waiter. You can just send him off."
Shen Rong grunted in agreement. He turned around and placed the camera on the coffee table, only to find that his palm had been soaked with sweat. He wiped his hands on his pants and carefully walked to the door.
Shen Rong cautiously and solemnly [3] looked out through the door's peephole.
(TN [3: 小心翼翼/xiǎoxīnyìyì is an idiom which means very carefully / prudent / gently and cautiously)
Through the small circle was an unfamiliar face with an indifferent expression. The young man stood opposite the door, dressed in black and white uniform of the hotel, on his right hand was a glass of milk on the tray.
As expected, it was a waiter from the hotel. Shen Rong took in a deep breath. He tried to restrain his annoyed expression on his face then, he unlocked the door. The door had suddenly opened ajar. Like lighting, the waiter's straight leg entered through the gap between the door and the wall.
Shen Rong suddenly had a bad feeling in his heart and tried to push close the door. Unfortunately, he was a step too late. The owner of that long leg leaned in and grabbed the half closed door with one hand. Then, a familiar face broke into Shen Rong's sight, it turned out that it was Tang Li! The Tang family's child that Shen Yu had hosted for five or six years.
At this very moment, Tang Li, who always had a calm face was now like a howling wind and torrential rain [4]. He maliciously stared at Shen Rong so much that he was emitting a murderous aura like it was nothing.
(TN [4: 狂风暴雨/kuángfēngbàoyǔ an idiom means difficult, dangerous situation)
Tang Li's expression was somewhat terrifying, it stunned Shen Rong for a moment. His mind became blank, he didn't know what to do next.
"Where is Shen Yu?" Tang Li asked in a deep voice.
"Oh..." Shen Rong started to reason. "He's busy right now..."
Tang Li's an impatient man therefore he had not waited for him to finish his sentence. He turned to the waiter who was carrying hot milk by the door and told him to keep watch. Then, he pushed Shen Rong out of the way and steadily entered the room.
Shen Rong sensed that his current situation felt wrong. He wanted to go and get hold of the door but he hesitated for half a second. Somehow, the waiter by the door suspected Shen Rong's thoughts, he suddenly stepped forward and reached for the door handle before Shen Rong. He then slammed the door shut. Shen Rong became anxious with sweat when he rushed over to open the door, Unfortunately, the door handle was gripped tightly by the waiter from outside. In this moment, Shen Rong knew that he was done for.
In reality, Tang Li hurriedly finished his work at an earlier time. The reason why he avoided Shen Yu was because he was still angry with him for resisting his actions. At the same time, he wanted to give time to calm himself down. However, it turned out that he couldn't calm himself down at all. Even if he and Shen Yu are separated for only two to three hours, he would still madly think of Shen Yu. He felt like he was a fish, and Shen Yu was like water——There can be no fish in the water but if the fish has no water, there would only be dead end for the fish.
He was staying in his room till midnight. Nevertheless, Tang Li still decided to come to find Shen Yu. Even if Shen Yu refused to see him, he just wanted to at least listen to his voice. However, in order to avoid being rejected by Shen Yu, Tang Li came up a clever plan. He called the waiter to warm up the milk and let the waiter knock on Shen Yu's door first. When Shen Yu opens the door unguarded, he would suddenly show up.
Tang Li did not expect that the person to open the door would be Shen Rong, who had a problem with Shen Yu. Tang Li didn't think much and rushed into the room. When he saw Shen Yu lying on bed in a daze while being half stripped by a panic-stricken woman beside him, he felt his head explode with a bang.
The woman who was bare unconsciously screamed and covered her important parts in a horrified expression. She almost rolled off the bed as she hurriedly picked up and put on her scattered clothes on the ground. Once she wore her outermost dress, the bright light in front of her eyes suddenly dimmed. When the woman looked up, she saw Tang Li, who was at first at a far distance from her, came towards her without her noticing. He looked at her gloomily, terrifying waves were felt coming from his eyes.
"Sorry, I'm sorry..." The woman stood up, "I'm just..."
During her apologetic excuse, Tang Li raised his foot and kicked her ruthlessly in the abdomen. The woman failed to realize his action and was caught off guard by their one meter distance. She was like a heavy sandbag, slamming into the closet behind her. A snapping sound was heard in the soundless room, it seemed to be the sound of one's rib being kicked. The woman sprawled on the ground coughing violently, both her tears and a snivel came out together.
Tang Li was in a state of near madness. His eyes were red and bloodshot, filled with rage. He could not think about anything else and acted purely by instinct. When his fist landed on Shen Rong, a thought suddenly emerged and that was to kill Shen Rong.
Let Shen Rong die!
Let him drop dead!
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter54: Like (1)
Tang Li could vaguely hear Shen Yu calling for him, calling for him so eagerly. However, Tang Li didn't have the courage to turn around. His terrible thoughts were like black ink mixed into clear water, spreading around and turning into a dense net which surrounded all of his reason.
He's aware of the sensation of every punch that he brought upon Shen Rong, as well as his trembling body, and his weakened wailing, together with the continuous screeching of the disgusting woman beside him...
Everything around him was clearly perceived by his nerves— except for Shen Yu's movement. He's quite uncertain on what Shen Yu would deem him to be after seeing him act like a complete madman at this moment. He didn't even dare to think, let alone guess. The fear for the unknown was like a thick black fog where countless of pale arms are stretching out, struggling and waving, dragging him into the abyss where he could not see the bottom.
For a split second, Tang Li felt like he returned to the past.
It was as if he was the only one who had sunk into the past surrounded by infinite darkness...
His hands were covered with warm liquid, reeking of a strong bloody aroma that almost filled every inch of the room. He couldn't even tell which part of Shen Rong's body did the blood come from.
Under Tang Li's fist, Shen Rong's struggle became less and less, he didn't even have any strength to protect his own face, even the woman's desperate and fearful cries were fading.
Tang Li clenched his fist and gasped for breath. His red eyes were staring at an already unconscious Shen Rong. Shen Rong was beaten to a pulp, his blood has completely covered every feature of his face, but it was not enough to extinguish Tang Li's burning rage.Tang Li went silent, he turned around and saw a fruit knife in a fruit basket. For a moment, he lost his ability to think. His body walked towards the basket and instinctively picked up the fruit knife.
The woman's screams rang out again, "Oh my God! Are you mad?! You can't kill him!"
"Shut up! " Tang Li roared.
The woman suddenly became silent. She shrank at the foot of the bed and held her legs, shivering.
Tang Li thought that he must be insane. But, as soon as he recalled the scene he saw earlier when he entered the room, he had the urge of cutting the bastard, Shen Rong to death.
But Shen Yu...
It was only him who had Shen Yu in his thoughts, wanting yet not being able to obtain him. His desire was to tie Shen Yu next to him in order to protect him from harm. How can he even allow anyone to frame and use Shen Yu just like that...?
In any case, Shen Yu had now seen his true facade, so be it.
Tang Li raised the fruit knife, but he suddenly felt a burning sensation in his eyes and he was confused as to why a sour feeling was stuck on his throat. His breathing became shallow, he then closed his eyes and in the darkness, he pictured the shape of Shen Rong's neck, he twisted his wrist, ready to plunge the knife down——
Suddenly, someone grasped onto Tang Li's calf. Tang Li froze and slowly opened his eyes. He looked down and saw Shen Yu who was slightly in a daze, the anesthetic effect in his body hasn't completely dissipated. However, he still climbed out of bed and crawled towards Tang Li's feet. Fortunately, Tang Li was not far. Looking at Shen Yu made Tang Li's mind turn dull and his killing intent earlier disappeared in an instant.
"Enough." Shen Yu said with difficulty, "Chestnut, it's enough."
The way how he addressed his name made Tang Li's mask completely crack. He released the fruit knife and it fell to the ground with a tinkling sound. Tang Li's eyes felt hot, his nose was blocked, his chest even felt like hiding the sky and covering the earth [1] , filled with sadness.
(TN [1: 铺天盖地/pūtiāngàidì is an idioms means earth-shattering / omnipresent / of universal importance)
His line of sight gradually blurred, covered with a layer of mist. He desperately wanted to hold back his tears but he couldn't help it. Either way, he could only let the tears flow out of his eyes like broken beads. Tears flowing down his cheeks, Tang Li cried like a child who has been bullied.
"Shen Yu..." Tang Li held Shen Yu in his arms, he stammered and apologized, "Sorry... I'm sorry. I was late. I was wrong. I.. I should not have been angry with you. I should have personally sent you up... "
Shen Yu's consciousness was still unclear but Tang Li's cries kept buzzing in his ear like it was being magnified by a trumpet. His crying gave him a headache and discomfort was felt in his heart.
"Don't cry." Shen Yu sighed softly and leaned his head on Tang Li's chest. He wanted to raise his hand to wipe away the tears from Tang Li's face. However, his limbs had no strength at all. He comforted him helplessly and said, "A man doesn't cry."
Tang Li was still crying, "I'm sorry."
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter54: Like (2)
"I don't blame you. I was just not alert enough." Shen Yu said. He thought that there wouldn't be any predicament to happen in his family's hotel. He just didn't expect that there would be an anxious rabbit present to bite people. Apparently, Shen Rong would even attack him under Elder Shen's watch.
Shen Yu looked at Tang Li, his thick long eyelashes were soaked with tears. He was still crying and his shoulders were trembling. When Tang Li was a child, he did not even cry, let alone express his sorrow. Shen Yu couldn't help whether to laugh or cry. He didn't know how to comfort this big boy, who looked so pitiful.
Shen Yu found that his instinct feeling was right off the bat ——there was another problem that he needed to worry even more. Earlier, the woman stuffed a large dose of medicine into Shen Yu's mouth. Although Shen Yu didn't know what kind of medicine it was, he can easily guess what the use of those drugs were for. Of course, there was no longer any need for Shen Yu to find out what's its function since the main effect of the drug started to give reaction in Shen Yu's body.
Hot.
It was so hot.
This was what Shen Yu has been feeling so far. Suddenly, his breathing became ragged. It was too difficult for him to breathe, he had to open his mouth to breathe in air. The ice-cold air slightly made Shen Yu's rationality return. However, it was simply like a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood [2]. He was so hot and dry all over. It was as if he had a fire deep inside his body that needed to be extinguished with freezing water.
(TN [2: 杯水车薪/bēishuǐchēxīn is an idiom means a drop in the bucket/ an utterly inadequate measure)
Tang Li held Shen Yu and brought him to his room, he placed Shen Yu on the bed.
"Wait a minute." Tang Li touched Shen Yu's scalding face. The worry in his eyes felt like it could turn into matter at any moment. "I'll call Dr. Liu."
After he spoke, Tang Li walked away.
"Chestnut!" Shen Yu sat up and grabbed Tang Li's arm in a hurry, like a helpless and pitiful little creature. "Don't go."
This time, Tang Li has already stopped crying but he did quite look like a mess, both his eyes and nose were still red, tear streaks still visible.
"What's the matter?" Tang Li asked, "Right now, you're in a bad state. I'll just call Dr. Liu over to examine you."
"No, don't call Dr. Liu." Shen Yu hurriedly said.
Tang Li's face puzzled, "Why?"
"..." Shen Yu paused for a moment, he was ashamed to open his mouth and tell why. He was uncertain on how to bring up this type of topic to Tang Li. He also felt embarrassed to tell him that he had been drugged. Nevertheless, he still needed to solve this problem.
There was a moment of silence. When he noticed that Tang Li wanted to find Uncle Zhang again, he clenched his teeth. He endured the growing desire in his body and said with difficulty, "I'm fine. You don't have to look after me. Just let me have a short rest."
Tang Li looked at Shen Yu, his eyes gradually became clear with realization.
"You may go out first." Shen Yu weakly pushed Tang Li. However, he couldn't push Tang Li away even for a fraction. "I want to be alone."
By the time he said these words, Shen Yu already couldn't endure anymore and had suffered great pain. The heat that spread throughout his body was like fire that kept on burning vigorously. He eagerly wanted to find an outlet from this pain. He was like a patient that contracted skin disease, his extreme thirst for someone to touch him and impatience to relieve the heat in his heart.
But this man can never be Tang Li.
Even if the one in front of him now was only Tang Li alone.
Tang Li simply sat down at his bedside, it was as if he didn't hear Shen Yu's words urging him away. He looked at Shen Yu's red face and lifted his hand, caressing the pair of clear peach blossom eyes of Shen Yu. These pair of peach blossom eyes slightly narrowed, revealing confusion in them. He was unaware for how many nights these eyes had appeared in Tang Li's dreams, looking affectionately at Tang Li. Tang Li became absent-minded, it felt like he had returned to his dream.
"I can help you." He heard himself saying to Shen Yu in a gentle lukewarm voice holding a bewitching tint to it, "Shen Yu, let me help you, ok?"
Shen Yu's face was full of cold sweat. He leaned on the headboard for support while trying to regulate his breathing. He nearly went mad from the torment of his desire, talking to Tang Li with his last bit of reason.
"No..." Shen Yu shook his head, he refused firmly, "No. You go out. You go out first..."
"I want to stay and help you." Tang Li grabbed Shen Yu's hand.
"No..." Shen Yu was still resisting.
Tang Li's eyes were burning hot. His line of sight was on every inch of Shen Yu's skin. He knew that he was acting like a greedy leopard. Eyeing his prey with such intentions, like a tiger watching his prey [3].
(TN [3: 虎视眈眈hǔshìdāndān an idiom means to eye covetously)
He couldn't control himself, he knew that by doing what he dreamt on doing might cause him Shen Yu's resentment and disgust. It was better to say that he was selfish, considering that he bit the hand that fed him. Restraining himself for a long time would inevitably lead to a moment where he can't bear it anymore.
So, Tang Li slowly tightened his hold on Shen Yu's hand, he carefully leaned forward and covered Shen Yu's lips with his.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 55: Punishment (1)
Shen Yu felt like he was having a long dream.
In his dream, he saw Tang Li's face.
Tang Li's beautiful sculpted face came from the distance and moved closer to him. He then slowly closed his eyes and with hot, trembling lips. He once again traced the shape of Shen Yu's lips.
Those thick and long eyelashes were like small feathered fans, brushing across Shen Yu's face.
It was ticklish.
Shen Yu unconsciously closed his eyes.
In the darkness, Tang Li's every action seemed to be infinitely magnified. His feelings for Shen Yu were intense.
Tang Li's kiss was very green [1, without any skill. His actions were all solely running on adrenaline and instinct. However, the place where his lips touched was like a burning fire that shattered all Shen Yu's remaining reason.
(TN: [1] An adjective. If you say that someone is green, you mean that they have had very little experience of life or a particular job.)
As for what happened next...
Shen Yu couldn't remember.
He didn't know how long he had been asleep.
When Shen Yu opened his eyes he was in bewilderment. His brain was at first in a blank space, after a while, his consciousness came around and gradually became aware of his surroundings.
Dark heavy curtains in the room were blocking out most of the light coming in through the window. Silence was spread infinitely in the air, leaving only the sound of the air-conditioner to be heard.
Shen Yu blinked. He glanced around the slightly dim interior and realized that this was not the room he was staying in. However, after observing the decoration and furnishings around the room, he was nine out of ten sure that he's in the same hotel.
Shen Yu moved his arm and struggled to sit up.
Who knew that Tang Li was behind him, he stretched his arm and circled around Shen Yu's waist skillfully, warm fingertips rubbing against Shen Yu's skin.
Shen Yu: "..."
Suddenly, memories related to the events last night flashed through his mind——Tang Li's stunt where he nearly killed Shen Rong, when Tang Li held him in his arms carrying him up to this room, the cautious kiss, and especially when Tang Li helped him...
The more he thought about it, the redder Shen Yu's face became.
He couldn't believe that the person he would do these things with would be Tang Li. Only God knew what exactly had happened last night. When he realized that Tang Li was the one kissing him, he thought that Tang Li was possessed by another human soul. Just like how his soul possessed the original owner.
As for what happened next...
He felt ashamed.
Shen Yu wished he didn't remember it. He also didn't dare to believe that it really happened. At this very moment, he wanted to be like an ostrich, placing its head in the ground. He wanted to cover himself under the quilt and be isolated from the outside world.
However, he forgot that he was not the only one in the warm quilt, under it was the owner of the arms holding him by the waist.
"Shen Yu." A somewhat hoarse voice accompanied by a burst of hot air sounded by his ear, "Are you awake?"
Shen Yu wanted to resist the impulse to remove those arms away from him. He closed his eyes again. The eye looked at the nose [2] and the nose looked into the heart [3] as he pretended that he was still sleeping.
(TN: [2]眼观鼻/yǎn guān bí is a look of the head bow because of shyness, shame and so on. In this case, it was a shame. [3] 鼻观心/bí guān xīn is it a sense of concentration as the heart does not mind.)
Unexpectedly, Tang Li's hand resting on Shen Yu's skin lightly scratched him. He was caught off guard and suddenly shuddered.
"Are you awake?" Tang Li asked relentlessly.
Shen Yu became angry. He reached out and hurled Tang Li's arm away. Moving his body forward, away from Tang Li. He covered his head in the quilt and said gloomily, "I want to sleep a little longer. Hurry up and get up."
"I want to sleep too." Tang Li replied.
"Sleep your fart!" Shen Yu couldn't help but burst out. He then urged in a muffled voice, "Quickly get up! Don't make me kick you out."
After a moment of silence, he thought this well-behaved child would get out of bed. But all of sudden, Tang Li wrapped both his limbs around Shen Yu. He was like a big sticky octopus, holding Shen Yu firmly together with the quilt.
"No, no, I only want to sleep with you." Tang Li said coquettishly. The words that came out from his mouth were soft but his movements were robust and firm giving others the inability to refuse. As expected, Shen Yu didn't even have any room to break away from him.
"Let go of me!" Shen Yu's face darkened.
"No!" Tang Li refused firmly.
"Let go!" Shen Yu was really anxious. He was ready to turn his face to Tang Li. "Tang Li, if you keep on acting like this, I will kick you out for real."
Hearing this, Tang Li unexpectedly became silent. After a long time, he buried his face in Shen Yu's neck and took a deep breath. He said in frustration, "I'm afraid that after I let go of you this time, I will never be able to catch you again."
Shen Yu was stunned.
For some reason, the anger that had been boiling in his chest instantly disappeared.
He thought about what happened last night and found that he couldn't blame Tang Li for his mistakes. He could only blame Shen Rong, that bastard for using such a shameless trick. In fact, if Tang Li didn't take the initiative to go to his room and help him to solve the problem, he still wouldn't know how he would've survived that endless night.
Shen Yu sighed, "I won't go. If you want to catch me, just reach out your hand towards me."
"..." Tang Li held onto his body and quivered. Soon, Tang Li's voice rang out again, "You're a big living man with hands and feet. You can walk away whenever you want."
Shen Yu smiled helplessly, "That also depends on whether I want to go or not."
"...Do you want to leave now?" Tang Li carefully asked.
Shen Yu replied honestly, "At the moment, I just want to be alone and calm down."
"Alright." This time, Tang Li responded cheerfully. As his voice fell, he let go of Shen Yu and turned over to get out of bed.
The weight on his body suddenly disappeared. For a moment, Shen Yu became unfamiliar with the feeling, he wrapped himself in a quilt and didn't show his face. He narrowed his eyes in the dark, listening to the activity in the room.
It must be Tang Li getting dressed. It didn't take long for the rustling sounds to disappear. Tang Li entered the bathroom to wash his face and rinse his mouth. The sound of his footsteps started to fade as he walked towards the door.
Shortly, he heard a 'click' as the door was closed gently.
Now, the whole world has become quiet.
The quilt wrapped around Shen Yu made him feel stuffy and hot. He slowly breathed out and stuck his head out of the quilt. There was a layer of sweat on his body.
He knew that he should get up and deal with Shen Rong and that woman. He just wasn't sure whether they had already escaped after Tang Li took him out of that room. If Shen Rong wanted to escape, he would've already been on a flight off to a certain country.
When he thought of these things, Shen Yu felt a headache coming in.
Originally, he just wanted to poke on Shen Rong's anger but he didn't mean to cut weeds and eliminate the roots [4]. Besides, Shen Rong shouldn't be sitting in a position higher than him. It was all because of the original owner's guilt.
(TN: [4] 斩草除根/zhǎncǎochúgēn is an idiom means to destroy root and branch / to eliminate completely)
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 55: Punishment (2)
After so many years of guilt and compensation, it was already enough.
He will not show any mercy to Shen Rong anymore.
Shen Yu kneaded the ache in between his eyebrows and slowly sat up from the bed. Only then did he discover that he wasn't wearing any clothes. He was stunned for a moment, blood slowly rushed onto his face and he unconsciously blushed.
(TN: Shen Yu's expression something like this)
His cellphone and clothes can't be found in the room.
Just as Shen Yu was about to pick up the landline and call the front desk, he suddenly heard the doorbell ring.
"Sir." Uncle Zhang shouted outside, "May I come in?"
Shen Yu hurriedly withdrew back into the quilt and wrapped himself like a dumpling, revealing only a pair of eyes, "Come in."
Creak (The door's sound)
Uncle Zhang unlocked the door using the room card. He pushed open the door and entered the room, holding a set of clean clothes on his left hand and a cellphone on the other.
He placed Shen Yu's belongings on the bedside table and nodded, "The elder already knows what happened last night."
Shen Yu frowned, "What did the old man say?"
"He called everyone together and had a meeting upstairs." Uncle Zhang paused for two seconds and added, "Shen Rong's judgment session."
Shen Yu was suddenly baffled, "Shen Rong didn't run?"
"He didn't have a chance to run away." Uncle Zhang said, "We have checked the surveillance. After Young Master Tang Li took you away, he had also arranged four waiters to guard outside the room until dawn. If this incident alarmed the elder, I'm afraid Shen Rong would have died directly inside."
What Uncle Zhang didn't mention was that Shen Rong was badly injured.
Tang Li had broken two ribs and bruised his internal organs which had made him bleed. If no one had rushed him to the hospital, Shen Rong would've probably been a dead man already.
There were people who couldn't understand why Tang Li kept Shen Rong in the room when he was fully aware that he had sustained a grave injury to Shen Rong, it was as if he was waiting for his death.
Even Uncle Zhang couldn't fathom Tang Li's thoughts.
But Uncle Zhang's intuition told him that maybe Tang Li just wanted to torture Shen Rong in such a cruel way and let him die slowly.
Uncle Zhang gathered his thoughts and said to Shen Yu, "I'll be outside. I'll come in when you're ready."
Shen Yu nodded.
Half an hour later, Shen Yu had already washed up and got dressed.
Uncle Zhang arranged bodyguards and cars to escort Shen Yu to the hotel entrance.
Shen Yu was absent-mindedly sitting on the wheelchair while Uncle Zhang and the bodyguards pushed his wheelchair into the car. Once settled, the car started to drive straight to the Shen family's house.
An hour later, Shen Yu was carefully brought out of the car by Uncle Zhang. Aunt Chen and other servants were waiting by the doorway to welcome him. They ushered Shen Yu into the dining room and served him a nice warm breakfast.
Shen Yu was eating and suddenly realized that something was wrong. He asked Uncle Zhang, "What about Chestnut?"
Uncle Zhang stood next to Shen Yu, hands placed on his shoulder, he calmly replied, "The Elder somehow wanted to personally interrogate Young Master Tang Li. That man over there will send Young Master Tang Li back once it's over."
Interrogation?!
He frowned, "What do you mean? They caught Chestnut?"
"You're over-thinking too much, sir." Uncle Zhang said helplessly, "After all, Young Master Tang Li was also involved in what happened last night. Shen Rong was beaten by Young Master Tang Li almost to the point of losing his life. They need to know the whole affair from Young Master Tang Li."
Shen Yu suddenly came to a realization.
People in the Shen family were like a group of wolves, tigers, and leopards, they are very hard to deal with. They coveted the position of the family head and couldn't find the right opportunity to start. So, they lingered around and waited for an opening before they started to react.
But, now is a good time for them to find fault.
Shen Yu raised Tang Li for more than six years and spent countless financial help and energy. People thought that Tang Li would be the next successor of the Shen family.
Everyone knew the importance of Tang Li to Shen Yu. If something had happened to Tang Li, not only would the rumored successor of the Shen family be gone, it would also be something equivalent to a slap on Shen Yu's face.
Considering these possibilities, Shen Yu couldn't calm down. He threw away his chopsticks and supported himself up on the seat to stand.
Uncle Zhang seemed to have guessed that Shen Yu would do this. So, he stepped up and blocked Shen Yu's way, "Sir, you need to calm down."
Shen Yu sneered, "Are you colluding with the old man?"
Uncle Zhang sighed, "I'm only following the elder's orders to look after you for a while."
"Look after me?" Shen Yu retorted. He clutched onto his seat. His eyes overflowing with blood red and his restlessness became more and more intense, "You are simply holding me in and treating me as a prisoner!"
Uncle Zhang lowered his eyes and said nothing but he had no intention to give in at all.
"Uncle Zhang..." Shen Yu can see that acting like this won't work. So, he started rationally talking in a soft tone. "I'm one of the people involved. I should be there to explain as well, I have so many things to say. Can you send me there?"
Uncle Zhang was troubled, "Sir, this is not something I can decide..."
"Should I order you then?" Shen Yu implied, "Now, I'll give you two choices. Either you take me there or you go and bring me Chestnut back."
Uncle Zhang remained motionless.
Shen Yu was angry but he still smiled. His chilly eyes wandered around Uncle Zhang's face and he passed by him, stumbling towards the door.
Who knew that there had already been bodyguards guarding outside the door, he was blocked before he could take one step out of the dining room.
Uncle Zhang's bitter voice came from behind, "Sir, these are orders from Elder Shen. Everyone who dares not listen to him..."
After a few seconds of silence, Uncle Zhang continued, "The elder intends to let Shen Rong spend the rest of his life in prison but it's also an indisputable fact that Young Master Tang Li had beaten Shen Rong close to death. As a matter of fact, many of the Shen family members are watching. If the elder doesn't give a reasonable judgment this time, I'm afraid that he will receive others' criticism."
"..."
Shen Yu's face was full of unfathomable expressions. He thought he had heard wrong and that there was something wrong with his ears but he was mistaken.
"For what reason does our Chestnut need to be accountable for? When Shen Rong was laying his hands on me, what were those bastards doing? Now that it's over, they're showing their face to run him out and look for Chestnut to talk about it? " Shen Yu almost broke down saying this.
The absurdity and despair of reality felt like a tide was drowning him.
Once he thought that he was the head of the Shen family, he looked at the Tang family gratefully. He thought that he was lucky, he wouldn't be tied by his family's complex yet complicated relationship.
However, at this moment, he found himself terribly wrong.
The reason why he can outshine Elder Shen was because Elder Shen was too lazy to step forth. Nothing more.
Now that Elder Shen could turn his fingertip into a five-finger mountain [5] and press him down, he's unable to move.
(TN: [5] 五指山/Wǔzhǐ Shān means in the palm of one's hand aka to have complete power over someone and you have control over them)
Shen Yu's legs were aching. He's only able to maintain a standing posture when he's holding onto the wall.
He felt fire burning in his heart. It felt like he was an ant jumping on a fry pan [6, treading to the rhythm of death on the soles of his feet.
(TN: [6] 在热锅上蹦跶的蚂蚁/ Zài rè guō shàng bèng da de mǎyǐ is an idiom means feeling agitated)
"Sir, the elder is just making a show for you. He really wouldn't hurt Young Master Tang Li. I promise you that in a few days, I will send him back to you intact." It took him a while to fathom what Uncle Zhang said to him.
Shen Yu turned to look at Uncle Zhang.
Uncle Zhang's expression was sincere, he wasn't lying.
Shen Yu knew that Uncle Zhang isn't deceiving him but his bad mood didn't ease even a bit by Uncle Zhang's words. His face looked like it was covered with cold fog. Those beautiful peach blossom eyes stared at Uncle Zhang with unfamiliar eyes.
In a cold voice, Shen Yu said, "Chestnut has nothing to do with it. I'm going to pick him up."
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter56: Escape (1)
Shen Yu didn't say anything further. He took out his cell phone and dialed Kang Lin.
Before Kang Lin was able to get through the call, a hand, as fast as lightning, suddenly reached out from nowhere and took Shen Yu's phone while he wasn't paying attention.
Shen Yu was stunned at first, but then his anger followed, almost engulfing him like flames.
He turned his head sharply, meeting Uncle Zhang's placid face.
The bodyguard who took his cell phone earlier placed his hands behind him. He bowed his head and retreated behind Uncle Zhang in silence.
Very well, it seemed that these people were all on Elder Shen's side.
Shen Yu reached out his hand, "Give me my phone back."
Uncle Zhang shook his head, "I'm really sorry, sir."
"Zhang Tao!" Shen Yu shouted uncontrollably. He stared at Uncle Zhang, his forehead's veins [1] stood out. "Since you chose to stand on the opposite of me. Don't blame me for not caring about our mutual affection from years ago!"
(TN[1] Something like the picture below)
This was the first time that he has directly called Uncle Zhang's taboo name after transmigrating into this world. Nevertheless, he used such an angry tone because he was practically furious with Uncle Zhang.
It was him who hired Uncle Zhang, it was he who paid for him, and it was also him who wholeheartedly trusted Uncle Zhang.
But why was he the one who got betrayed by him in the end...?
Even though Uncle Zhang had only received orders from Elder Shen's coercion, Shen Yu still felt a burst of overwhelming disappointment. His cold heart drowned him.
However, Uncle Zhang didn't even move an inch from his intense disposition. His expressionless face was like a mask that couldn't be removed, he couldn't read past through it. Shen Yu was so annoyed that he wanted to tear that mask off.
After a while, he heard Uncle Zhang's tranquil voice, "Sir, what the elder did for your own good."
Shen Yu angrily said, "I don't need you to do things that I would hate for my own good."
Uncle Zhang remained silent for a few seconds. He resolutely avoided Shen Yu's retort. Instead, he said, "If you're really worried about Young Master Tang Li, I can visit him for you.
Hearing that, Shen Yu laughed dryly.
Visit Tang Li?
Did he really think Tang Li was in prison?
From a legal point of view, Shen's family's conduct had been regarded as illegal detention!
Unfortunately, Uncle Zhang didn't give Shen Yu a chance to refute. He turned around and walked out of the dining room without looking back.
Seeing this, Shen Yu tried to follow him, stumbling.
No matter how many steps he took, the bodyguards who had been guarding nearby would immediately swarm around him like mountains, firmly blocking his way.
Shen Yu realized afterward that he was also imprisoned.
Uncle Zhang had been away for five days.
In the past five days, Shen Yu had not been able to walk past the gate, not even for two seconds. Even his work had been temporarily handed over to Kang Lin. He was only responsible for analyzing and approving the documents and materials sent by bodyguards from time to time.
It's not that Shen Yu has given up on asking for Kang Lin's help, rather he couldn't properly contact Kang Lin at all.
Not to mention that all his contact with the outside world has been cut off by Uncle Zhang. He would act as a bridge between them when he needed to speak to Kang Lin for work. He didn't know if Kang Lin had even noticed anything different.
A prisoner's oppressive life was like a huge rock, it weighed heavily on Shen Yu's shoulder, making him struggle to breathe.
All he had on his mind was Tang Li.
He suddenly regretted driving Tang Li out of his hotel room a few days ago. He should've known that the Shen family would not give up. As long as Tang Li did not have the surname Shen, those people would find thousands of ways to make fun of him.
Shen Yu was trapped at home everyday. He entirely indulged in flights of fancy [2].
(TN: [2] 胡思乱想/húsīluànxiǎng is an idiom means to let one's imagination run wild)
For the first time, he felt that time was painfully slow.
It was as if he hadn't seen Tang Li for hundreds of years. He was thinking of Tang Li like crazy. Even his dreams were full of Tang Li's face and figure...
He even accidentally identified Aunt Chen as Tang Li.
"It's me, sir." Aunt Chen, who was frightened by Shen Yu's sudden action, hurriedly spoke in a low voice.
Hearing this, Shen Yu's train of thought got broken, he was suddenly pulled back into reality, his distracted eyes became focused. Aunt Chen's worried face was reflected in his amber eyes.
"Sorry." Shen Yu hastily released his hand that was holding onto Aunt Chen's wrist.
It was ten o'clock at night, Aunt Chen was still wearing her cleaning work clothes during the day. Shortly after that, she quietly opened the door. She sneaked in and shook off her aching wrist and whispered, "Sir, do you still want to see Young Master Tang Li?"
Shen Yu's eyes suddenly brightened, "Do you have any way?"
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter56: Escape (2)
"This is the key to the back door. You may go out from there. There's someone waiting for you." Aunt Chen placed the key into Shen Yu's palm. "I'll lure the two bodyguards outside away but I'm afraid I can't escort you out. For your convenience, use your crutches or wheelchair"
"Who is waiting for me?" Shen Yu asked.
"It seems that he is a friend of Young Master Tang Li. Young Master Tang Li personally gave me a call earlier." Aunt Chen answered.
Shen Yu was excited, "Is Chestnut alright?"
"He probably should be fine." Aunt Chen scratched her head. "I'm not really sure but you may ask him later."
"That's great..."
Shen Yu was so happy that he somehow lost his bearing. He couldn't wait to see Tang Li. He got up from the sofa and hurried out, Aunt Chen hurriedly following him.
Although Uncle Zhang arranged six bodyguards to keep an eye on Shen Yu 24 hours a day, they did not dare to keep watch of Shen Yu while he's in the bathroom or taking a rest.
When they saw Shen Yu return to his room earlier to rest, they went downstairs to relax.
Shen Yu followed Aunt Chen carefully down the stairs. Due to his weakened body, they almost stopped after two steps. They practically walked for half an hour in a ten-meter distance.
On the first floor, Shen Yu saw two bodyguards lingering in the living room.
The sky outside the French window [3] had completely darkened, showing a deep dark blue color. There was no starlight present, only a silent crescent moon hanging in the air.
(TN: [3] French window is a pair of casement windows that reaches to the floor, opens in the middle, and is placed in an exterior wall.)
The living room was lit up with only two bright yellow floor lamps, drawing the shadow of the two bodyguards.
Aunt Chen, who was walking in front of him, suddenly stopped. She turned around and gave Shen Yu a stop signal, "Please wait here for a while."
Shen Yu immediately stood still.
His pair of round peach blossom eyes widened, his face became white from nervousness and unconsciously swallowed his saliva.
Aunt Chen took a deep breath. In a blink of an eye, her expression became anxious.
She stumbled towards the two bodyguards, pulling the hem of their clothing from one of them. She didn't know what to say as she gasped for breath. She saw that the two bodyguards were so frightened that they turned pale. They did not waste time to even think about it and turned around, running to the second floor.
Shen Yu watched as Aunt Chen and the two bodyguards went up the stairs at full speed. He did not dare to hesitate and immediately dragged his legs to the back door.
There were three back doors in the villa. To prevent paparazzi from sneaking in through the back door, the original owner asked Uncle Zhang to find someone to seal two of the three doors. In case of an emergency, the other door would be used as an emergency exit.
They had been in the villa for so long that it hadn't even been used once. However, it's not until now that it has been made for good use.
It was quite ironic to think about it.
He was glad that the original owner had coincidentally left a way for him to escape.
Shen Yu gritted his teeth hard. His footsteps were deep and shallow as he walked at a fast pace. He grasped the key with his hand to his chest.
He walked out of the villa and went through the dark garden. He didn't dare to stay for a second.
He didn't know how long he had walked. Shen Yu felt his legs gradually hurting, almost losing control over it. His legs trembled so much until it gave up on him. He fell, luckily he was uninjured since he fell on the grass. But the land was wet from rain, the unpleasant smell of wet soil went straight to his nose, dirt splattered on his face and body.
At the same time, a voice came from behind.
"Sir!"
It was Uncle Zhang's voice.
However, what Shen Yu heard was a call from the devil. His whole face had become ashen in the speed of light. He hurriedly crawled up from the grass in panic.
His hands were covered with sticky mud. It was as if he was not aware of it. He continued to walk unsteadily.
"Sir." Uncle Zhang shouted anxiously. "Calm down. Young Master Tang Li is fine. Mr. Shen, they have released Young Master Tang Li."
Shen Yu ignored Uncle Zhang's words, he didn't even look back.
"Sir..."
"Don't come here!" Shen Yu snapped. He walked towards the back door desperately.
He was in a dark place, he couldn't even see his fingers. Behind him were fierce beasts waiting for an opportunity. If he didn't pay proper attention, they would rush up to him and gnaw him to the bone.
In front of him was light, Shen Yu narrowed his eyes and looked straight.
It was close.
He was getting closer and closer.
It was until Shen Yu took out the key to open the door, Uncle Zhang and the bodyguards seemed to have stopped a few meters away from him, they didn't make any more noise and watched Shen Yu leave silently.
Stepping out of the back door, Shen Yu saw dense woods before the narrow path.
There was a black car parked on the other side of the road. The driver noticed Shen Yu's arrival and immediately turned on the headlights, honking twice.
Shen Yu instantly knew. With some difficulty, he walked towards the car. He stooped slightly and looked at the unfamiliar man sitting in the driver's seat through the semi-open window.
It was strange, he had never met this man.
However, this man clearly knew Shen Yu. He saw an embarrassed Shen Yu under the streetlight, mud smudged on his cheek. The man was stunned for a while then uncertainty asked, "Are you, Mr. Shen Yu?"
Shen Yu ignored his question and asked, "Who asked you to come for me?"
"Brother Li." The man replied. He caught a flash of vigilance in Shen Yu's eyes. He squirmed and quickly added, "It's Tang Li. He's waiting for you somewhere else."
As he said those words, the man stretched out his hand to open the front passenger's door. He smiled and introduced himself, "Hello, Mr. Shen. My family name is Zhou and my given name is Che. I'm Brother Li's colleague."
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter57: The Meeting (1)
Colleague?
Shen Yu thought that he had heard wrong. He stopped before getting into the car. Shen Yu looked into Zhou Che's eyes and asked, "Where does this colleague just come from?"
Zhou Che was stupefied. A colleague is a colleague.
What was with his question, 'where does this colleague come from?'.
Just when Zhou Che had trouble thinking of an explanation, a call that was linked via Bluetooth in the car was connected. Tang Li's cold voice came out from the stereo.
"Shen Yu?"
"Chestnut." Shen Yu was both surprised and pleased, he was so excited that his voice's tone changed, "Where are you now?"
"I'm at home." Tang Li said.
"What home?" Shen Yu was slightly at a loss, he didn't understand what Tang Li meant, "I'm at home, but I don't see you."
"It's not the Shen family's..." Tang Li vaguely said as if he didn't want to have that discussion with Shen Yu. He soon changed the topic without batting an eye, "Just follow Zhou Che. He will bring you to see me."
Zhou Che hurriedly pointed to himself, "I am Zhou Che!"
"Oh, okay..." Shen Yu said dryly.
After hanging up, Shen Yu sat in the car and fastened his seat belt without saying a word.
Seeing that Shen Yu was silent, Zhou Che pursed his lips. He started the car and drove along the road that's as twisty as sheep's intestine [1] toward the gate of the villa. It had to be said that Zhou Che was quite familiar with the terrain here.
{TN: [1] 羊肠小道/yángchángxiǎodào is an idiom means narrow and winding road}
It had to be said that Zhou Che was very familiar with the terrain here.
It was already eight o'clock in the evening. The night was dark and the only lights present were the street lamps that emitted a dim yellow glow. However, it was not enough for people to distinguish that the road ahead was basically the same.
Even Shen Yu, who had lived here nearly seven years felt the scenery outside was very strange.
When they were getting closer the security pavilion near the villa's gate, Shen Yu was surprised. He turned and asked Zhou Che, "Do you live here?"
"Even if I want to live here, I can't even afford it..." Zhou Che laughed at himself, "I've been around here for two days. It is not easy to get a clear scope of the environment in this area. Also, I'm afraid that if there would be a situation where we would get lost, brother Li won't be able to let it go and scold me to death."
Shen Yu couldn't help but chuckle.
Zhou Che laughed too.
"I'm afraid it's not appropriate for you to call him, Brother [2] Li. Chestnut is much younger than you." Shen Yu said.
{TN: [2] 哥/gē means elder brother. I forgot to mention this in the chapter before. Zhou Che actually call Tang Li, Big brother Li or Li Ge}
"I just found out about it too." Zhou Che smiled wryly, "I had guessed that Brother Li used a voice changer when he was talking to us. I had thought Brother Li was older, but I didn't expect him to actually be so young. No wonder he used a voice changer."
Young and unconvincing.
A lot of people would've understood this reason.
Speaking of this, Shen Yu was a little curious, "By the way, you said you are colleagues. What is your job?"
Zhou Che was silent for a moment and a smile was fixed on his face.
He was not stupid. From the conversation between Tang Li and Shen Yu earlier, it can be found that Tang Li has been hiding a lot of things from Shen Yu. However, he wasn't sure if these things were also included in Tang Li's work.
But, just to be on the safe side, it was better to keep it as a secret.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Shen. It's not convenient for me to tell you." Zhou Che decided to be honest, "If you really want to know. Please ask Brother Li. He would tell you."
Shen Yu shut his mouth, "...Alright. "
Once they left the neighborhood, the car drove into the traffic flow without any delay. After half an hour, Zhou Che stopped the car.
"Here we are."
"Thank you." Shen Yu said, opening the car door and getting off.
What entered his sight was the surface of a tranquil, still lake. The night sky was dotted with stars as well as the glow of the silver moonlight, he staggered forward by two steps and held onto a tree that was on his right.
Fortunately, it was not too cold on this summer night. The cool breeze blew on his face, carrying the smell of the lake.
The rear lights of the car flashed twice before it quickly fell into the thick night. Zhou Che seemed invisible, without any trace of his existence, he was sitting quietly in the car.
Shen Yu looked around and didn't see Tang Li, not even his silhouette. He was a little disappointed. He was ready to go back in the car and ask Zhou Che.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter57: The Meeting (2)
As soon as he turned around, a pair of strong hands reached out from behind and held him tightly in his arms.
Shen Yu didn't have time to react but he just felt a fervent body attached to his back. The man behind him was so glad that he didn't even give him a chance to breathe.
Although Shen Yu couldn't see the person's features but he can tell just from the scent—— that he was Tang Li.
Just after thinking about this, he heard a low voice, "Shen Yu, I miss you so much."
It was a very familiar voice.
For almost every night, that voice appeared in Shen Yu's dreams.
Tang Li held Shen Yu as tight as he could, like a sad child who had lost his favorite toy, holding onto it tightly once it was found. He would like to hold it all his life and never let go.
Shen Yu did not struggle, he quietly leaned on Tang Li's arms.
Their surroundings were unusually quiet.
It was as if the sound of the wind was silently flowing.
In this type of scenario, a strong heartbeat could be heard coming from Shen Yu's chest.
Thump, thump—
It seemed like at any second, the sound would come out from his throat.
"I can hear your heartbeat." Tang Li suddenly spoke, his breath sprayed on Shen Yu's neck. It tickled Shen Yu as he tried to subtly shy his neck away.
"Nonsense." Shen Yu was happy but he also felt that it was ridiculous, "If my heart doesn't beat, then I'm a dead man."
Shen Yu realized later that Zhou Che was watching them from a distance. He hurriedly broke away from Tang Li's embrace and turned to face him, with regret he said, "I'm sorry, I couldn't help you."
"It's all right." Tang Li shrugged his shoulders, "Can't you see, I safely got out."
Shen Yu didn't utter a word and carefully looked over Tang Li. Tang Li really did come out of Shen family's hands safely. Not only was he not missing any limbs, but he was also in full spirit.
Tang Li wore light-colored casual clothes. His haircut and delicate facial features were shrouded in a layer of light from the moonlight. His beautiful phoenix eyes were slightly curved up like an inverted gentle smile.
He was really handsome.
On the contrary for him, he hasn't slept well for several days in a row. There were thick dark circles under his eyes, face full of fatigue. He didn't even take a good care of his hair.
And the reason was...
When Shen Yu ran out of Shen's family house not long ago, he accidentally fell on the muddy grass. Up until now, his face and clothes are all covered with dried mud.
Even he, himself, could smell the unpleasant odor on his body.
Compared to Tang Li, Shen Yu thought that he was a cutting a sorry figure like a tramp. He awkwardly looked down and suddenly felt that he was at his wits' end.
He had to admit that for the first time, he had developed something akin to inferiority in front of Tang Li.
Shen Yu reflexively took two steps back. Seeing Tang Li coming close to pull him back, he quickly hid his hands behind him and whispered, "Don't touch me. I'm filthy."
Unfortunately, what he said did not discourage Tang Li.
For a moment, Tang Li was stunned but then he encircled his arms on Shen Yu's waist, he smiled helplessly, "When was I ever disgusted by you?"
"It's not a matter of being disgusted or not..." Shen Yu sighed. He hesitated for a moment, unwilling to take Tang Li's arms away. He asked, "What did you say to them?"
"them" naturally referred to the Shen family.
"It's a long story." Tang Li said, "let's go to the hotel first. You need to take a bath and change your clothes. I'll tell you everything later."
Shen Yu nodded, "Okay."
Zhou Che, who was sitting on the driver's seat, watched the two people in front of him embracing each other in the moonlight, he was so shocked that his chin almost fell to his lap.
Although he had not seen Tang Li, he knew Shen Yu. When he came to S city to study at University, he had heard and read Shen Yu's name countless times from the internet, lecturer and during discussions among his classmates.
Shen Yu was famous in S city.
It's not because of Shen Yu's capability, but rather because of the Shen family. The Shen's were very rich and Shen Yu was the sole heir of the Shen family.
To meet the talk of the town in flesh. Of course, Zhou Che would naturally want to. However, he never thought that his first meeting with Shen Yu would be under such circumstances.
He didn't know if the paparazzi would immediately go mad once they learn that Shen Yu was gay.
Just within ten minutes, Zhou Che's mind became a complete mess. He even thought that he would be killed by Shen Yu if he knew such a private thing.
When Shen Yu was pulled into the car by Tang Li, Zhou Che immediately cleared his thoughts and sat seriously. He looked in front and pretended that he was a soulless machine.
"Zhou Che." Tang Li who was in the back seat called out his name.
"Ah?" Zhou Che quivered, "What's the matter?"
"Go to the Four Season Hotel." Tang Li ordered.
"...Okay. " Zhou Che was sure of his conjecture but he also admires the directness of these two people.
They obviously went through a lot of hardship to see each other. In the end, those ten minutes of feelings being exchanged weren't enough. They're going straight to the hotel to express their thoughts for each other through actions. Neither Shen Yu nor Tang Li knew that Zhou Che's thoughts had already drifted to the Pacific Ocean.
On the way to the hotel, Shen Yu was so tired that he lied down. Tang Li reached for Shen Yu's head and gently moved his position so he could lean on his shoulder.
Shen Yu had not yet fallen asleep. As soon as Tang Li took back his hand, his eyes opened, suddenly alert.
"It's me." Tang Li touched Shen Yu's face. His words contained a hint of distress. "Go back to sleep, I'll wake you up when we get there." He whispered in Shen Yu's ear.
Hearing Tang Li's voice, Shen Yu relaxed.
"Oh..." Shen Yu was in a daze, "I'm so tired ah. Remember to wake me up." Shen Yu unconsciously rubbed his cheek on Tang Li's shoulder twice and soon fell asleep.
Tang Li did not let go, rather he continued to caress Shen Yu's face. His eyes were gentle. It was as if he was holding onto a treasure that he liked so much, he was reluctant to let go.
Twenty minutes later, Zhou Che parked his car outside the hotel.
"Brother Li..."
"Shhh——"
Zhou Che turned around and saw that Shen Yu had fallen asleep on Tang Li's shoulder. His voice stopped abruptly and he faced back front without delay.
"Keep driving." Tang Li's voice came from behind, "Drive along this road until he wakes up."
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter58: Delighted (1)
A long time seemed to have passed by the time Shen Yu woke up.
The car was still moving around, wandering aimlessly without a destination. It's very quiet in the car, even the sound of one's breathing could not be heard.
Shen Yu blinked. He lifted his head only to discover that there was a hand under his neck all this time. He was stunned for a moment and reacted when he saw that it was Tang Li's hand.
"Are you awake?" Tang Li's voice sounded in his ear.
"En..." Shen Yu sat up and kneaded his neck in a daze. It was not as sore as he thought it would be. It must be due to Tang Li who held and supported him with his hand.
For a while, Shen Yu was shocked. Then, he turned to look at Tang Li, "What time is it now? How long have I been sleeping? "
Tang Li leaned on his side slightly with his right hand motionless on the back of the chair. His posture looked awkward, it was not very comfortable.
"It was not long ago." Tang Li smiled. In the dim light, his dark eyes fixed on Shen Yu. The arm placed behind Shen Yu was never meant to go down.
Shen Yu took out his cellphone and looked at the time.
It had only been a half an hour.
It was indeed not too long.
Shen Yu breathed out a sigh of relief. Soon, his attention fell on Tang Li's arm, "What happened to your hand?"
"It's a bit numb." Tang laughed unconcernedly, "It's nothing."
Shen Yu thought that he had just slept for half an hour. However, Tang Li has kept himself motionless for half an hour. For a moment, his heart felt bitter. He's already moved by Tang Li's considerate act but at the same time, he was also annoyed at himself. It was not easy for him to see and meet Tang Li, yet he unexpectedly fell asleep on the road.
"You should've woken me up." Shen Yu sighed, "We haven't arrived at the hotel yet?" he asked.
Tang Li looked toward Zhou Che, "We should arrive soon." He said with an uncertain tone.
After hearing this, Zhou Che hurriedly agreed and said, "We'll arrive soon. We'll take a turn here and drive another kilometer."
Shen Yu was silent for a moment, "...Are we going in circles?" he dumbfoundedly asked.
"No. It's Brother Zhou [1] who's going the wrong way." Tang Li immediately answered. He placed a big pot on Zhou Che's head [2, his expression did not change, "Brother Zhou, remember to concentrate on the road next time when you drive."
{TN [1: Tang Li called Zhou Che 周哥/ Zhou Gē means big/older/elder brother Zhou. Please take note: calling someone brother or sister does not mean they are related in Chinese culture
[2: It means Tang Li put the blame on Zhou Che}
Zhou Che, "..."
He really wanted to come forward and directly say——
Was it not you, Tang Li, who wanted me to drive straight ahead?! Why is it that it turned out to be my mistake?!
However, from the rearview mirror, Tang Li's cold stare made Zhou Che subconsciously swallow his saliva along with the words he wanted to say.
Ten minutes later, the car stopped in front of the hotel.
Tang Li took the lead to get out of the car. He kept the car door open for Shen Yu and helped him down. He then turned around and leaned toward the window of the driver's seat. In a low voice, he requested Zhou Che to help him purchase a set of clothes for Shen Yu to wear.
In fact, in a strict sense, Zhou Che was Tang Li's immediate superior.
But ever since Tang Li joined their team, he often occupied the leading position. Zhou Che, as a big boss, had taken Tang Li's words as an imperial edict. As the time passed, employees in the company regarded Tang Li as another boss.
As for the genuine big boss Zhou Che, he served Tang Li as a chauffeur for this matter...
It's already a common occurrence.
Moreover, there were even a lot of people privately discussing whether Zhou Che liked Tang Li or not. After all, his words and manners resembled like he's Tang Li's lap dog...
Of course, Zhou Che as a person involved didn't know that the story of love and hatred between him and Tang Li had been published in 800 versions. He earnestly noted down Tang Li's instruction seriously while nodding his head like a pounded garlic, "Okay, I'll go now." he said.
Tang Li patted Zhou Che on the shoulder, sincerely he said, "Thank you, Brother Zhou."
Zhou Che waved, "You're welcome, Brother Li [3]."
{TN [3: As expected, Zhou Che called Tang Li, 栗哥/ Li Gē means big/older/elder brother Li. lol}
Afterward, both of them became silent.
Tang Li touched his nose [4] awkwardly, "You can just call me by my name."
(TN [4: Tang Li's gesture something like picture below)
"...All right, Tang Li." Zhou Che said.
Having said that, Zhou Che looked at Tang Li's face, which was obviously much younger and more handsome than him. In a split second, his heart cried a river.
Comparing one person to another really made someone die of anger [5].
{TN [5: Can't compare cuz there would always be someone better}
Shen Yu stood behind Tang Li. He vaguely heard Tang Li and Zhou Che's conversation. The doubts in his heart grew heavier but he didn't say anything.
Tang Li helped him into the hotel. Originally, he wanted to carry Shen Yu on his back or hold him in his arms, but Shen Yu refused adamantly.
"You are still young." Shen Yu used this excuse to prevaricate Tang Li.
Tang Li was very dissatisfied. He lightly pinched Shen Yu's palm, "I'm grown up now."
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter58: Delighted (2)
"You are not an adult yet." Shen Yu jokingly said.
"There's more than a year left. It'll be over in a blink of an eye." Tang Li looked down at Shen Yu's face that's immersed in the light. His eyes reflected his full tender feelings, "Furthermore, I'm taller than you now."
"..."
Shen Yu, who had been stabbed in his heart, shook Tang Li's hand, "You, shut up for me." he said.
"I was wrong. I was wrong." Tang Li admitted his mistake proactively and hurriedly grabbed Shen Yu's arm, coaxing him pitifully, "Shen Yu, I was wrong. Don't be angry."
Shen Yu pursed his lips and said nothing. He pushed Tang Li towards the reception desk.
Consequently, Tang Li eagerly ran to the desk.
Shen Yu stared at Tang Li's happy figure from behind. For a moment, he couldn't hold back and chuckle. He quickly clenched his fist and slapped his face. But, he couldn't suppress the corner of his mouth to rise into an arc.
He was very happy.
He had not been so happy for quite a while.
During the five days when he had lost all contact with Tang Li, the time he had spent felt endless. Now, his joy shrouded him while he's recovering what he had previously lost. It was as if the air was filled with the taste of sweetness.
In a short time, Tang Li came back with the room card. His face was brimming with a smile that looked like it has solidified.
Shen Yu, who finally calmed down, suddenly was unable to restrain a smile. With only two of them in the elevator, he asked, "What are you smiling at?"
Tang Li shrugged, "Nothing. Just feel very happy."
Shen Yu slightly raised his chin and looked at Tang Li's face that's bathed in the backlight. The smile from the corner of his mouth seemed like poison, it spread to Shen Yu's deepest heart in an instant.
It was terribly sweet.
"Idiot." Shen Yu said.
Hearing these words, Tang Li smiled brightly even more. He did not deny, "You are right. I am an idiot."
He was not only dumb but also foolish. The foolish girl at the reception desk asked him without hesitation if Shen Yu was his boyfriend. For quite a while, he had been joyful at the thought. He wished he had recorded what she had asked and play it from time to time.
Shen Yu looked at Tang Li's incessant smile. He just shook his head helplessly.
After entering the room, Shen Yu rushed directly into the bathroom. The bright light shone on the mirror without a speck of dust. Inside it clearly reflected his cut sorry figure appearance——His hair was messy, his cheeks were pale and his dark circles were thick like lump eye shadows under the eye frame.
His clothes were dirty and wrinkled, he also exuded a bad smell.
He didn't know if Tang Li could smell him when he was sleeping on his arms in the car earlier.
To think that Tang Li had been permeated by this strange smell for half an hour. Shen Yu felt that he, himself, was no good. This kind of emotion called shame was like a bug, wriggling to his heart...
Dammit.
Shen Yu cursed inwardly. He then efficiently took off his clothes and pants.
~Outside the bathroom.
Tang Li sat on the sofa in front of the french window and stared at the closed bathroom door. He waited for a long time yet he did not wait for Shen Yu to come out. He could not help but feel worried.
When he was about to get up and knock on the door, his cellphone on the coffee table suddenly rang.
Tang Li saw the name displayed on the bright cellphone screen. He froze and slowly squeezed his lips.
Although he didn't want to be disturbed, Tang Li had to pick up his cellphone and connect it.
"Second Uncle." Tang Li said in a deep voice.
"En." A steady middle-aged man's voice came from the cellphone, "I just came from City C to catch up. But I heard that you are away, is there something matter?"
Tang Li responded with a low voice, "There's something that's a bit urgent. "
"What in this world is more urgent than being reunited with your family?" The party on the other side was slightly discontented although the tone he used was light, but the words he used were disguised as a blame, "I know you have just returned home and there are many things that you are unable to adapt for the time being, but I hope you can distinguish which is more important."
"I know. Thanks, Second Uncle for your guidance." Tang Li said as he looked down at the blanket on the floor. His long eyelashes and bright pale skin casted a shadow. It was clear that there was no expression on his face, but it would make people feel cold as if the cold seeped into their skin to their bones.
The second uncle on the other side of the call didn't feel that there were any problems. Knowing that Tang Li's being obedient, he relaxed a little, "You, remember to come back before noon tomorrow. I brought your eldest uncle and second aunt with me. We'll have a meal and get to know each other."
"Alright, Second Uncle." Tang Li replied.
After that, the Second Uncle repeatedly warned and reminded him of a few more words before hanging up.
Tang Li hasn't budged from his position for a long time. He held his cellphone and there was hostility hidden in his eyes like a surging undercurrent, quietly overturning the sea and river [6].
{TN [6: 翻江倒海/fānjiāngdǎohǎi is an idiom means overwhelming / earth-shattering / in a spectacular mess}
When he heard a knock on the door, the pressure around him suddenly faded. In a blink of an eye, it seemed as if nothing had happened to him.
He got up to open the door. Outside, stood Zhou Che, who was panting, holding huge shopping bags in his hand.
"I bought some clothes that looked good. You can choose yourself." Zhou Che panted. He shoved the shopping bags to Tang Li's arms, "There are also some close-fitting clothes in this small bag."
Zhou Che was about to leave after his delivery. But then, he suddenly thought of something right after he took two steps. He reached into his trouser's pocket with one hand and pulled out two thin square plastic bags and quickly placed them into Tang Li's pocket.
"I bought it at the drugstore." Zhou Che winked at Tang Li, "I wish you a pleasant night."
Unfortunately, Tang Li didn't see clearly what Zhou Che had in his hand just now. He was a little confused, "...What is this? "
"It's time for you to stop pretending." Zhou Che clicked his tongue and patted Tang Li on the shoulder. He made a cheering gesture and then slipped away.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter59: The Forthcoming (1)
Tang Li went back into the room with a pile of shopping bags in his arms. As for Shen Yu, he was still hiding in the bathroom refusing to come out.
Tang Li placed the huge shopping bags on the coffee table. He picked out a set of clothes that looked comfortable and went to knock on the bathroom door.
After a long wait, Shen Yu's nervous voice came faintly from the bathroom, "Who is it?"
Tang Li imagined Shen Yu's expression when he voiced out those words. Instantly, the smile on his face can't be suppressed. He laughed and said in a helpless voice, "Who else will be in this room besides the both of us."
"Oh, it's chestnut..." Shen Yu seemed to be talking to himself. However, he had no intention to come out and opened the door. "Is there something wrong?"
"I asked Brother Zhou to buy some clothes. You can change into them after taking a bath." Tang Li said.
The talk ended.
Shen Yu went silent.
Not long after, a rustling sound came out from the bathroom. It seemed that Shen Yu was in a hurry to get dressed.
Tang Li listened attentively for a moment. He suddenly felt that something was wrong. Before he could make a sound, he saw the closed bathroom door quietly open to a small gap.
A dark brown eye peered through the gap.
Tang Li did not know whether to laugh or cry when he looked at Shen Yu's peering eye. For a while, his heart went soft as if he had been stuffed with a ball of cotton.
To him, Shen Yu was like a cat.
A cat with bare fangs and brandish claws [1].
{TN [1: 张牙舞爪/zhāngyáwǔzhǎo is an idiom means to make threatening gestures}
It tickled his heart, made him itch to pat the temperament cat, and put it into his arms, never to part again.
Within a few seconds, a thousand thoughts had already flown through Tang Li's mind, yet he forcefully buried all of them down inside him. He smiled and laughed while remaining calm and collected facade. He handed the clothes hanging on his arms to the gap of the door.
"You can try to fit in these. If it doesn't fit, there are also various clothes and sizes."
"Thank you." Shen Yu said gratefully.
Shen Yu retreated from the door. Two seconds later, a clean arm stretched out from the crack of the door.
"..." Tang Li watched silently as the hand fumbled in the air.
Just when Shen Yu's hand was about to touch the clothes he handed over, Tang Li suddenly thought of something and swiftly pulled his hand back for a bit.
Shen Yu didn't notice Tang Li's actions. He thought his hand wasn't extended enough, so he simply stretched out his entire arm.
This time, Tang Li could see it clearly.
The smooth and slippery arm.
If he was not mistaken, Shen Yu should have already taken off his clothes in the bathroom.
Tang Li could naturally think, the reason why Shen Yu took off his clothes. He sighed. Somehow, he grumbled in his heart that Shen Yu still treated him as a child.
No...
To be precise, the complaint in his heart will never fade away.
He was already able to stand on his own, yet in Shen Yu's mind, it seems that he had always been that ten years old when he first came to the Shen family. So, even if he encountered difficulties, Shen Yu would unlikely choose to ask him first for help if something had happened.
Tang Li kept enduring and restraining himself. In the end, he couldn't hold back. He shoved the clothes into Shen Yu's hand and grabbed the bathroom door abruptly before Shen Yu could pull it back.
"Tang Li! What are you doing!"
Shen Yu was scared out of his mind with frantic shouting as Tang Li opened the bathroom door with an unyielding attitude.
The first thing that came into view was his fair body that seemed to have little to no fat. Under the bright light, it could be described as a bouquet of white flowers.
However, Shen Yu quickly took the clothes to cover his body.
"Did I let you in? Get out!" Shen Yu's face was brimming with shame and anger. He continued to raise his voice. His face flushed as he yelled at Tang Li, "You, get out!"
"I..."
Tang Li just wanted to spit out a word but it got stuck in his throat right away.
He was staring at Shen Yu in daze. At this moment, he only felt a familiar impulse like a torrent of strong tides, which drowned him in an instant.
The reason he knew this feeling well was because he had been controlled by this impulse to wake up from his dreams for countless mornings.
And in his dreams...
It was all about Shen Yu.
The smiling Shen Yu, the frowning Shen Yu, the sighing Shen Yu, and as well as the sobbing Shen Yu...
At this moment, the Shen Yu who stood in front of him was real. In fact, Shen Yu was burning in anger.
Tang Li felt that he was going crazy.
He was about to be tortured to madness by Shen Yu.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter59: The Forthcoming (2)
"I just came in to get the clothes and take them away." Tang Li forced himself to move away from Shen Yu's line of sight. After searching in the bathroom for a while, he saw the clothes and trousers hanging on the clothes hanger.
The mud-stained part of the clothing had been washed by Shen Yu with clean water. It was a pity there was no laundry detergent. It obviously had not been completely washed clean.
Next to it was a hairdryer that was already on.
Shen Yu paid attention to Tang Li's gaze, and suddenly his stifled face seemed pale. He hurried forward to take away his hanged clothing, "I have something dirty on my clothes. So, took it off and washed it..."
Before his voice fell, one hand took away the clothes first.
Shen Yu was stunned. He looked at Tang Li with a red face.
Tang Li uneasily looked away from Shen Yu's eyes. He then reluctantly smiled from the corner of his mouth and said, "Go take a bath, I'll wash your clothes for you."
With that, Tang Li turned and walked out of the bathroom.
His pace was so fast as if something was chasing after him.
Bang. (The door sound)
Tang Li easily closed the bathroom door.
He stood still in front of the door while clutching the half-dried clothing. After a while, he breathed out a sigh of relief.
Just as Tang Li was about to lift up his foot to leave, he suddenly felt a warm liquid gushing out of his nose. He was stunned. He reached his hand to his nose and wiped it gently.
He placed his hand down and looked.
Dazzling red.
He had a nosebleed.
Tang Li, "..."
He went to the coffee table and pulled out two tissues to wipe the blood clean from his nose. He called room service and acted as if nothing had happened.
It didn't take long for the hotel staff to come and knock on the door.
Tang Li handed over Shen Yu's clothing to the service staff. He carefully told the other party to wash and dry them. He then closed the door and sat on the sofa. He waited for an hour.
The clothes bought by Zhou Che were just right for Shen Yu. After bathing, Shen Yu felt refreshed. Even his mood became elated.
When he walked out of the bathroom, Shen Yu saw a small tissue roll tucked in Tang Li's nostrils. He couldn't help but worry. He unsteadily walked over to him, "What's wrong with your nose? Does it hurt? "
Tang Li avoided Shen Yu's hand and embarrassedly said, "It's nothing. I accidentally bumped into it."
"Did your nose bleed when you bumped into it?" Shen Yu asked.
"No." Tang Li subconsciously denied, "There is no blood."
Shen Yu obviously didn't believe it, "...So why is there a tissue roll stuck in your nose? "
Tang Li thought for a moment, then solemnly replied, "I'm taking precautions to prevent any nosebleeds."
Shen Yu, "..."
He was not stupid enough to repeat what Tang Li had said, but since Tang Li looked and acted as nothing big happened to him, he didn't continue to ask for more details.
These two people sat on the sofa, silent.
In the past five days, Shen Yu held back from a lot of things that he wanted to say to Tang Li.
Unexpectedly, when he saw Tang Li now, it was like he didn't know how to open his mouth. He felt weary to say anything.
He wanted to explain to Tang Li why he did not come forward to help him.
He wanted him to know what kind of life he had been living during that period of time.
He wanted to ask Tang Li how he safely escaped from the Shen family.
As well as...
The "home" that came out from his mouth not long ago, on the phone. Which "home" was that?
No matter which or what question it was, he can't explain it in a few words.
Shen Yu felt weary when he thought about it. His body was tired and his heart was even more weary.
After thinking about it for a while, he had to urge Tang Li to take a bath first. If he had anything to say, he would wait until he had finished taking a bath.
Shen Yu originally wanted to take advantage of Tang Li's bath time to sort out his chaotic mind. How could he know that Tang Li's bath was very quick. Within half an hour, he came out of the bathroom with wet hair.
Shen Yu, who fell into contemplation, supported his chin. He heard the sound of footsteps and turned around, "Why didn't you dry your hair?" he frowned.
"It will dry quickly." Tang Li randomly scratched his hair and he then sat on the sofa opposite of Shen Yu.
The two men continued to stare at each other.
Finally, Shen Yu sighed softly. He conceded and started to talk, "Go to the bathroom and take out the hairdryer."
"Alright." Tang Li, who was ordered, ran very fast to get it.
There was no socket near the sofa. So, Shen Yu let Tang Li sit at the bedside. He sat behind Tang Li with his legs crossed and turned on the hairdryer. Warm breeze and fingers slowly went through Tang Li's hair.
For a moment, there was only a howling wind of the hairdryer in the quiet room.
None of them spoke.
Warm feelings were spreading in the air.
Shen Yu looked at Tang Li's head and his broad back. His heart was filled with all sorts of feelings...
"I..."
"I..."
The two men spoke almost at the same time and they also turned silent at the same time.
Shen Yu rubbed Tang Li's hair and paused. He wanted Tang Li to continue talking. In the end, he waited for a whole minute and didn't hear anything from him.
Thus, Shen Yu said with a smile, "What did you want to say?"
"It's a very important matter." Tang Li's voice was being pressed down that it was almost drowned in the endless stream of white noise
Shen Yu almost couldn't hear what he was talking about. So, he turned off the hairdryer.
Instantly, the room became quiet, so quiet that a drop of a needle could be heard.
"Tell me." Shen Yu said in a calm voice, "What's so important?"
In fact, when Shen Yu uttered this sentence, he was vaguely aware of something. However, he still had some delusion in his mind, hoping that those thoughts were just the product of his imagination, yet Tang Li easily shattered his hope.
Shen Yu heard him say, "I'm going home."
"Which house?"
"Tang family."
"..." Shen Yu wanted to laugh but he found out that he couldn't laugh at all. He even felt like crying. He was very sad and his heart felt unwell. It took a lot of effort to force himself to calm down. "When is it?"
"Soon." Tang Li said so.
Shen Yu knew that Tang Li didn't want to answer his questions. If Tang Li didn't want to say anything anymore, he won't ask any more questions. But now, it seemed that he couldn't control his emotions. Before his brain could react, his mouth blurted out.
"How long is that 'soon'?"
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter60: Letting Go
Shen Yu didn't know why he felt so sad.
He really wanted to calm himself down.
But after a few times of struggle, he could not calm down at all.
The oppressive air imperceptibly changed into a gigantic hand, choking Shen Yu's neck ruthlessly. The suffocation that came with it, deprived him of every little oxygen he has left.
It was so much that he had to open his mouth, resembling a fish that was on its deathbed, breathing painfully.
Somehow, even when he knew that Tang Li liked boys and also had a target of affection, he didn't find it so hard to accept.
That time, the cabbage that he had painstakingly grown was hogged by a wild boar [1].
{TN: [1] Shen Yu was implying that the cabbage aka Tang Li will be stolen by another person}
But this time, the cabbage took an initiative to run away.
Correct...
Tang Li chose to leave.
In fact, Shen Yu had expected that there would come such a day, and he was well prepared for the arrival of this day.
However, when it really came to this moment, he felt that the truth was so cruel and it felt unacceptable.
Just when Shen Yu thought Tang Li wouldn't answer him, he suddenly heard the other side slowly say, "About a year ago, Tang Ming from the Tang family came to me. He said my grandfather was in critical condition. He hopes that I visit grandfather before the falling leaf returns to the roots [2]."
{TN: [2] 落叶归根/luòyèguīgēn is an idiom a fig. all things go back to their source eventually / in old age, an expatriate returns home. He probably mean grandpa will die eventually}
Finally, he added, "Two days ago, Tang Ming took me away from Grandpa Shen."
Hearing this, Shen Yu was stunned.
A sick face showing the vicissitudes of life gradually emerged in his blank mind——in Shen Yu's impression, Tang Li's grandfather was always sick and skinny, almost unable to see his normal appearance.
Before Tang Li first came to the Shen family's home, Shen Yu met Tang Li's grandfather several times for his custody. Later, he requested Uncle Zhang to find a sanatorium for Tang Li's grandfather and gave Tang Li's relatives a sum of money. Then, he didn't pay attention to this matter again.
If it wasn't for Tang Li who mentioned it all of a sudden, Shen Yu would have forgotten the old man who was one foot from his grave.
And Tang Ming...
A very familiar name.
Shen Yu recalled before, he accompanied Tang Li to the English competition in Jincheng five years ago. He came across Tang Ming who was waiting for his cousin, Tang Wenjing, outside the library.
Based on his calculations, if he went according to the original plot line, now was a crucial time for Tang Li to return to the Tang family.
For a moment, a deep sense of powerlessness swept over Shen Yu.
After a while, Shen Yu once again picked up the hair dryer with his hand, and continued to dry Tang Li's still wet hair.
It's been blowing like this for nearly an hour.
Then, Shen Yu got out of bed, stumbled into the bathroom and returned it back to the cabinet.
He faced the mirror, his hands propped up in front of the sink. He motionlessly looked at the mirror. He looked pale, there wasn't a hint of colour on his face. His complexion was so unsightly that he could not squeeze out a fake smile.
Since Tang Li wanted to go, then he will let him go.
Eventually, children grow up and their own way of thinking is to be considered.
Moreover, his initial purpose for taking Tang Li was not to keep him with him all his life. As long as Tang Li didn't hate or detest him as he did in the original text, his plan has been accomplished.
Shen Yu constantly consoled himself, but he did not feel any better.
In the end, he gave up.
He walked out of the bathroom with a gloomy expression.
Tang Li remained seated on the bedside; there was not even any movement. He observed Shen Yu's expression anxiously like a child who made a mistake.
Upon seeing this, Shen Yu couldn't help but wanted to laugh. In fact, he actually laughed. Soon after, he supported himself with the back of the sofa and finally sat on it.
He beckoned Tang Li and said, "come here."
Hearing this, Tang Li immediately got up and moved to the opposite of Shen Yu to sit down.
Shen Yu seized up Tang Li without batting an eyelash. He discovered that Tang Li's appearance had always looked as he had remembered. His eyebrows, eyes and quiet look were the same as Tang Li five years ago.
However, circumstances had changed. They had no choice but to change.
"Have you made up your mind?"
"It's decided." Tang Li seems to know what Shen Yu wanted to ask. He answered it without pause, "I will be back to pack my luggage in two days' time. If it's inconvenient for you all, I can also acquire my stuff again."
Shen Yu sighed while smiling, "The Shen family's house is your second home. It's convenient for you no matter when you come back."
Tang Li did not speak. He silently watched Shen Yu attentively.
Shen Yu had a reluctant smile on his face. Tang Li's blunt gaze made him uncomfortable. Hence, he turned away to avoid the other's eyes.
Smile...smile.
He couldn't smile at all.
His eyes and tip of the nose felt sour and astringent. His heart was letting out a stream of air that will rush up to the throat at any moment.
Only God knows how hard he had to make himself look so calm and collected.
At this time, Tang Li suddenly came closer to him. Subsequently, a pair of strong hands gently embraced Shen Yu.
"I assure you..." Tang Li's low voice sounded in the ear, similar to some kind of irresistible magic, "This is not the end. This is the beginning."
Shen Yu blinked. He didn't understand the meaning of Tang Li's words.
Obviously, Tang Li didn't need him to understand. He rubbed Shen Yu's head and touched his hair gently,"I will come back to you. I never intended to leave."
Deep down, Shen Yu understood him. He chuckled then he sighed,"I never thought of tying you by my side."
Although he was very sad, it was good for him to wait and figure it out.
He will only try to persuade himself and accept reality. He will not force Tang Li to stay.
Tang Li lowered his eyes and without saying anything, he held Shen Yu's hand. His hand gradually tightened on his.
Shen Yu didn't struggle and allowed Tang Li to hold him. After being held for more than ten minutes, he placed his hands on Tang Li's chest and gently pushed him away.
"Who is Zhou Che exactly?" Shen Yu asked, "He said he is your colleague."
Tang Li hummed, "I was helping him in the company, just like a colleague."
Shen Yu was stunned for a moment, "When did that happen?" he asked.
Tang Li sensed that Shen Yu was not happy. He touched his nose again and again. Despite his heart being very anxious, he still told him the truth, "After graduating from third year of middle school."
Shen Yu, "..."
He only found out that whether it was the Tang family who came knocking at the door or Tang Li and Zhou Che were acquaintances, in those matters, he was not included. He didn't even know a bit of this inside story.
In Tang Li's world, he was a complete stranger. He was not even qualified to take part in it.
Perhaps, the only thing he knew was that Tang Li liked boys.
Shen Yu thought he would be deeply hurt for quite a time. However, he didn't feel anything at this very moment. He was so numb that he could even show Tang Li a smile that evolved from his heart.
"It's late. Go to sleep." Shen Yu stood up. He thought about it again and said, "There is only one bed in this room. I'll go look for another room."
Tang Li hurriedly got up to follow him, "You are already here. I will go to other rooms."
Shen Yu raised up his head and shrugged, "Alright."
"I'll be leaving then. If something matters, you can call me." Tang Li said.
Shen Yu nodded. He suddenly had no will to talk.
He helplessly watched Tang Li take a step and leave the room. Before closing the door, he suddenly noticed from the corner of his eye that there were two pink objects falling from the sofa.
That's where Tang Li sat.
"Chestnut!" Shen Yu hurriedly shouted.
Tang Li had already put on a good show earlier, then he was called back by Shen Yu. Hearing Shen Yu's shouted voice, his two eyes shone and his suppressed emotion was replaced by joy in an instant.
Before Shen Yu could say the following words, Tang Li stopped his pace, went back to the room and slammed the door.
"I'll just sleep on the sofa." Both Tang Li's eyes were bright. He took an initiative to say, "Let the attendant bring the bedding and pillow later."
Shen Yu was stupefied, "Eh?"
Tang Li soon realized that something was wrong. For a moment, He was confused, "What's the matter?"
"Aren't you going to sleep in another room?" Shen Yu asked.
Tang Li was silent for a while. Only then, he weakly spoke,"But you have called me back..."
"That's because something of yours has fallen." Shen Yu raised his hand. The two pink squared were sandwiched between his index finger and the middle finger was shining in the light. If he looked carefully, he could see the plastic cover sprinkled with gold powder.
Tang Li was at loss. He stepped forward and snatched it from Shen Yu's hand.
In the next second, he suddenly remembered that this was what Zhou Che forced into his pocket before he left.
Maybe it fell down when he sat on the sofa earlier.
Tang Li looked at what was on his hand and raised his head to ask Shen Yu, "What is this?"
"..." Shen Yu's mouth twitched a bit. He didn't answer the question, "Where did you get it from?"
"Zhou Che gave it." Tang Li said.
Shen Yu looked at Tang Li's expression suspiciously. He found that Tang Li really didn't know what the object was in his hand. He suddenly felt speechless.
At the same time, he also recalled——Although he and all of his teachers had taught Tang Li numerous things, they never explained that aspect to Tang Li.
After thinking about it, Shen Yu sighed, "You, open it up and have a look."
Tang Li didn't doubt him. He tried to tear up one of the pink squares and opened it. Just as he was preparing to move, he was instantly aware of something. His body froze.
Shen Yu was enjoying the bustling scene and folded his arms. He turned around to sit on the sofa. He was calm and unruffled in the midst of chaos [3] and looked at Tang Li's face that became red in an instant.
{TN: [3] 好整以暇/hàozhěngyǐxiá is an idiom means to take it easy}
He jokingly asked him, "Do you know what it is now?"
It was rare for Tang Li to show his wits' end expression. He still had those two pink squares in his hand. For a moment he thought, to keep holding them was wrong, to throw them away was also wrong and he could only stand in the same place.
"I-I'm just..." Tang Li's face was red like a monkey's butt. He suddenly stammered, "I really don't know what it was just now. It's mainly because the package is so strange. I've never seen such a fancy package before."
Shen Yu didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "It's just because you haven't seen it before. In fact, there are more bizarre packages."
Tang Li sighed and threw it into the trash can.
"Then I'll go now."
"Go on."
Shen Yu was sitting on the sofa and didn't move. He watched Tang Li walk towards the door without blinking. For a moment, he didn't know whether there was something in his brain and unexpectedly asked, "By the way, you said Zhou Che bought it for you. Who are you going to use it with?"
In a split second, Tang Li was stunned.
Shen Yu continued to ask, "With the person you like?"
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter