Shen Yuqing turned around and said, “Song Wangzhuo, there’s something at the door.”
Song Wangzhuo walked over and glanced at it. “It’s not mine.”
Shen Yuqing replied, “Let’s see who it belongs to.”
He removed the scarf, revealing a basket containing scented candles and some cookies.
A small note was attached to the candles.
Shen Yuqing picked it up and read: “I moved in a couple of days ago and may have caused some disturbance. Please accept this small token of apology your downstairs neighbor.”
So, Song Lejin had been at the door earlier to deliver this basket.
Shen Yuqing handed the basket over. “It’s from Song Lejin.”
Song Wangzhuo didn’t take it. “Throw it away.”
Shen Yuqing gasped. “What a waste!”
But Song Wangzhuo genuinely didn’t want the basket. Shen Yuqing asked, “Don’t you like cookies?”
Song Wangzhuo fell silent again.
Sometimes, Shen Yuqing found it frustrating. Whenever these two male leads were upset or displeased, they simply refused to speak.
Once their relationship improved in the future, he’d definitely have to lecture them about it.
Shen Yuqing sighed. “Fine, if you don’t want it, I’ll take it. Throwing it away would be such a waste.”
Song Wangzhuo gave a faint hum. “Okay.”
Shen Yuqing casually grabbed a cookie from the basket, tore open the packaging, and ate it as he walked.
Honestly, this brand of cookies was pretty tasty.
Only after watching Shen Yuqing step into the elevator did Song Wangzhuo close the door.
Shen Yuqing’s gaze lingered on the number “7” for a moment before he pressed the button for the first floor.
As the elevator doors closed, the familiar chime of the plot notification sounded.
[Ding!]
[Song Wangzhuo placed the freshly picked-up order in the bike’s basket, ensuring it was secure before mounting the electric scooter.
This was his last delivery for the night. Once finished, he could finally rest.
Song Wangzhuo exhaled deeply. Since quitting his job at the bar, his routine had become much more regular. Though this side gig required him to be out and about often, it was flexible and relaxed something he quite enjoyed, as it allowed him to take in different sights.
A light rain had just fallen, leaving the roads damp. To avoid slipping, Song Wangzhuo rode with extra caution.
But as the saying goes, the more you fear something, the more likely it is to happen. As Song Wangzhuo turned a corner, a sleek black luxury car suddenly sped up behind him, honking twice without slowing down.
Song Wangzhuo maneuvered his scooter to the side, trying to make way.
Yet, with a loud bang, the car rear-ended him.
The impact sent Song Wangzhuo crashing to the ground, his scooter skidding several feet away.
The luxury car screeched to a halt.
Both the driver and a passenger stepped out. When Song Wangzhuo looked up, he recognized the passenger none other than Song Lejin, who had recently become the talk of the campus.
Song Lejin also recognized him, surprise flashing across his face. After giving Song Wangzhuo a once-over, he asked, “Are you alright, classmate?”
“Song Lejin again?” Shen Yuqing muttered, still chewing on the cookie.
“Can’t we catch a break from him tonight?”
Moreover, this plot development didn’t seem like something that would push Song Wangzhuo toward a dark path.
Shen Yuqing was starting to feel confused about how these plot points were being delivered.
More importantly, this particular scene had nothing to do with him.
[Perhaps it’s because the protagonist was harmed.] Even the system sounded uncertain.
Shen Yuqing nodded. “That might be it.”
Judging by the timeline, this plot point should occur over the weekend. How could he tell Song Wangzhuo, “Don’t go to your part-time job this weekend, you’ll get into a car accident”?
Song Wangzhuo would probably think he’s crazy.
Moreover, it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to be at the scene either. For Pei Yiyan’s plot point, he could at least use the excuse of skipping class and passing by out of boredom.
But late at night, after rain, and likely far from his usual whereabouts what plausible reason could he give for being there?
[Maybe I should just warn him when the time comes.] Shen Yuqing thought. Alternatively, he could try keeping him home for tutoring over the weekend.
The system agreed with Shen Yuqing’s approach.
After all, this plot point was a bit strange.
The next day.
The day of Pei Yiyan’s discharge from the hospital.
Xiao Zhao sent him a message saying Shen Zhen had asked both of them to return to the family estate for dinner—likely to discuss Pei Yiyan’s recent incident.
Shen Yuqing didn’t particularly care, though he still felt a bit nervous about-facing Shen Zhen.
But he had no choice but to go.
He sighed in the car. Pei Yiyan had been picked up directly from the hospital by the Shen family driver, while Xiao Zhao had come to the school gate to fetch him.
Hearing his sigh, Xiao Zhao asked, “Young Master, what’s the sigh for?”
Shen Yuqing replied, “I’m definitely going to get scolded when we get back. How can I not sigh?”
Xiao Zhao chuckled. “Not necessarily. Young Master Pei already told Mr. Shen that you were the one who saved him. He probably won’t scold you.”
In fact, he might even praise him.
After all, the old Shen Yuqing would never have done something like saving a person if he didn’t make things worse, it would’ve been a blessing.
Of course, Xiao Zhao didn’t dare say that out loud.
The car pulled into the Shen family villa, and Shen Yuqing stepped inside.
At a glance, he saw several people seated on the sofa.
Well, well his brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew were all there. Pei Yiyan sat among them, holding his niece in his arms, looking every bit the picture of domestic warmth.
As soon as Shen Yuqing walked in, the two kids wriggled free from the adults and rushed over excitedly.
“Uncle! Uncle! You’re finally back!”
Seeing them charge at him, Shen Yuqing instinctively crouched down and scooped them up, one in each arm.
The two children perched securely in his embrace, chattering away. “Uncle, we missed you so much!”
Each then planted a kiss on his cheek, unbearably sweet.
No wonder even a troublemaker like Shen Yuqing melted into a puddle around these two.
Who could resist such adorable, affectionate kids?
What he didn’t notice was Pei Yiyan’s gaze lingering on him.
No wonder he had been able to carry him to the hospital effortlessly holding two children like this wasn’t something just anyone could do.
Shen Zhen spoke up. “Are you two trying to crush your uncle? Get down before you fall!”
Shen Yuqing laughed. “It’s fine, they’re not that heavy.”
He even pretended to stumble, sending the kids into fits of giggles.
Walking over to the sofa, he set the two little radishes down and took a seat in the armchair. “Brother, sis-in-law.”
Then he glanced at Pei Yiyan.
The boy was quiet, lost in thought.
That glance didn’t escape the notice of his brother and sister-in-law.
Exchanging a look, they saw a hint of relief in each other’s eyes.
The relationship between the two had indeed improved quite a bit.
They had already reviewed the surveillance footage obtained from the Pei family. At that time, Shen Yuqing didn’t hesitate to take off his jacket and jump into the pool. After coming out, he even draped the only dry coat over Pei Yiyan.
If only they’d known that living separately would help their relationship blossom, they should have arranged for them to live together from the very beginning.
Shen Zhen asked, “How’s your tutoring going lately?”
He hadn’t forgotten what Xiao Zhao told him that Shen Yuqing had found a classmate as a tutor and was seriously studying now. To be honest, the idea of Shen Yuqing studying diligently was something he truly doubted.
His first thought was whether Shen Yuqing had taken a liking to that alpha classmate. He even had Xiao Zhao investigate the boy’s background. When he found out the tutor came from the slums, he grew even more concerned that the boy might succumb to Shen Yuqing’s “tyranny.”
But fearing that Shen Yuqing might genuinely be turning over a new leaf, he didn’t want to discourage him by interfering. So, he instructed Xiao Zhao to keep a close eye on them.
Later, Xiao Zhao reported that their relationship was purely academic. He even showed Shen Zhen the test papers Song Wangzhuo had prepared for Shen Yuqing clear evidence of a proper tutoring arrangement.
This finally put Shen Zhen’s mind at ease. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have known how to explain things to their parents or to Pei Yiyan.
Shen Yuqing replied, “It’s going alright. I can understand what the teacher explains now.”
Shen Zhen gave an acknowledging hum. “Do you want me to find you a few more tutors to help you catch up?”
“No need,” Shen Yuqing refused without hesitation. “The tutor I found is good enough.”
Shen Zhen didn’t press further. “Alright then. Make sure you treat him well teaching you is no easy feat.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Su Geyue slapped his thigh. “What are you saying? Yuqing is very smart.”
Shen Yuqing said, “Sister-in-law, sometimes I think you’re more like my real sister.”
Shen Zhen glared at him. “You brat, what nonsense are you spouting?”
Shen Yuqing snorted.
Seeing his smug expression, Shen Zhen snorted too and let the matter drop. He then said, “Now, about the Pei family matter…”
Shen Yuqing immediately straightened his posture here came the serious discussion.
Pei Yiyan’s gaze had been fixed on Shen Yuqing the whole time, not missing any subtle change in his demeanor. Hmm… how should he put it? Shen Yuqing looked just like a kindergarten kid coming home with a little red flower, eagerly seeking praise from the adults.
It was rather adorable.
