Unlike the secret thoughts swirling in Pei Yiyan’s mind, Shen Yuqing’s attention was entirely focused on the television.
Not listening would have been better once he did, Shen Yuqing was genuinely surprised.
Song Lejin’s cousin, Song Jue, turned out to have been adopted in his early years. He was taken in by Song Lejin’s uncle, who, for reasons unknown to outsiders, had remained childless for many years before finally adopting Song Jue.
But shortly after the adoption, the couple unexpectedly had a biological child of their own three years older than Song Lejin and currently studying on another planet.
With their own child, their attention toward the adopted one naturally waned.
As Shen Yuqing watched the program, it became clear that Song Jue had largely been raised by Song Lejin’s parents.
No wonder they felt so at ease handing the company over to Song Jue he was practically their own.
Moreover, Song Jue was an alpha, which suggested they had no intention of passing the company to Song Lejin.
Given how capable Song Jue was, he would likely be Song Wangzhuo’s main rival once the latter returned home.
Shen Yuqing pursed his lips. But it was still too early to think about that.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he turned his gaze to Pei Yiyan and walked over. “Are you feeling better?”
Pei Yiyan looked puzzled. “Hmm?”
“This morning, you didn’t seem well when I got up,” Shen Yuqing explained.
Pei Yiyan lowered his eyes. “It’s nothing.”
Shen Yuqing gave a small nod, then asked, “Did you have a nightmare last night?”
At this, Pei Yiyan slowly turned his head, his gaze settling on Shen Yuqing’s face. Shen Yuqing was long accustomed to such scrutiny and continued, “Around midnight, you seemed frightened. I called out to you, but you didn’t wake up.”
So, the terror from last night’s dream had spilled into reality?
Pei Yiyan had thought it was just his imagination, but it turned out Shen Yuqing really had been calling him.
He studied Shen Yuqing, who stared back, clearly waiting for an answer.
Pei Yiyan subtly withdrew his hand and turned away. “I’m fine. It’s just the drastic temperature shifts between the two planets, my body couldn’t adjust. I’ve already forgotten the dream.”
Shen Yuqing kept his eyes fixed on Pei Yiyan’s face. Forgotten? He didn’t buy it.
But if Pei Yiyan didn’t want to talk about it, pressing further wouldn’t help. He simply nodded. “Alright. Just take care of yourself. Let’s eat.”
Shen Yuqing was already starving. After washing his hands, he took a seat at the dining table. Xiao Zhao brought out the rice, and once everyone was seated, he used serving chopsticks to place food on Pei Yiyan’s plate while addressing Shen Yuqing. “Young Master, President Shen mentioned there’s a banquet tonight the birthday celebration for the Song family’s CEO. He asked if you and Young Master Pei would like to attend.”
So they really had invited Shen Zhen and the others.
Shen Yuqing thought for a moment. There didn’t seem to be much point in going. Just as he was about to decline, the long-awaited plot point finally reappeared.
[Song Wangzhuo, dressed in uniform, moved among the elite guests. Tonight’s banquet was hosted by the Song family. A former colleague, short on staff, had invited him to help out. Given the event’s importance and the generous pay, he agreed without much hesitation.]
He carried the tray with both hands, patiently communicating with the socialites who came to inquire. Thanks to his good looks, many wealthy individuals had already approached him for conversation since he started working, and some bold ones even slipped business cards directly into his pants. He endured it all.
The banquet continued, and Song Wangzhuo eventually moved to the back kitchen. Surrounded by colleagues, he felt much more at ease.
“Xiao Song, serve this soup carefully. It’s very hot.”
Song Wangzhuo acknowledged the instruction. Each guest had their own portion of the soup. As he carried the tray out, the first phase of the banquet had ended, and many guests were gradually taking their seats to rest and chat.
He was extremely cautious this tray of soup was meant for the nearest table. Coincidentally, an important guest was passing by.
He slightly turned to let the guest pass first before proceeding.
But then, the unexpected happened. Just as the guest walked in front of him, someone from behind shoved Song Wangzhuo hard, causing him to stumble forward. The tray in his hands, already heavy, tilted abruptly, and the soup bowls toppled over.
Everything happened too fast. Despite his desperate attempt to prevent the bowls from falling, he couldn’t save them while holding the tray.
Helplessly, he watched as the scalding soup poured onto the guest. The porcelain bowls shattered with a crisp sound, and the guest screamed in pain.
Immediately, a harsh slap landed on his face: “If you can’t even handle this, why are you even here?”
The scene paused here, but it was clear Song Wangzhuo’s troubles had only just begun.
“Young Master?” Xiao Zhao looked at him in confusion.
Shen Yuqing snapped out of his thoughts. Instead of answering immediately, he turned to Pei Yiyan and asked, “Do you want to go out?”
Pei Yiyan, who had been drinking soup, set down his bowl and spoon before replying, “You decide.”
That meant he was fine either way.
Shen Yuqing nodded. “Then let’s go. It’ll be good to get some fresh air.”
He added, “You shouldn’t stay cooped up at home all day. When you have time, let Xiao Zhao accompany you downstairs for a walk. Breathe in some fresh air.”
Shen Yuqing thought Pei Yiyan was too much of a homebody, and that wasn’t healthy staying indoors for too long could lead to problems.
Pei Yiyan neither agreed nor disagreed, but based on Shen Yuqing’s understanding of him, that meant it was acceptable.
Shen Yuqing glanced at Xiao Zhao, who promptly said, “Understood, Young Master.”
After lunch, Shen Yuqing checked the time it was about time to head to Song Wangzhuo’s place.
But just as he was about to leave, Pei Yiyan suddenly asked, “Do you and that tutor have lessons every afternoon?”
Every time, Shen Yuqing would eat and then leave immediately. At first, Pei Yiyan found it quite nice, he felt more at ease when Shen Yuqing wasn’t around.
But for some reason, seeing Shen Yuqing ready to dash off again now stirred a faint sense of irritation in him.
He didn’t know where this frustration came from. Logically, he should be glad Shen Yuqing wasn’t home.
Shen Yuqing blinked. “Yeah, the tutoring’s been pretty effective lately. Why?”
Pei Yiyan pressed his lips together slightly. “Nothing.”
Shen Yuqing glanced at him and said, “Oh, then I’ll be going.”
With that, he decisively walked out the door.
Pei Yiyan stared at the closed door, feeling that familiar irritation rise in his chest again.
Just then, Xiao Zhao emerged from the kitchen and asked, “Young Master Pei, are you taking a nap now?”
Pei Yiyan replied, “Mm.”
He stood up and headed toward the bedroom, but after a few steps, he paused and asked, “What’s the background of Yuqing’s tutor?”
Xiao Zhao didn’t understand why Pei Yiyan was asking about this, but he answered honestly, “He’s the young master’s classmate currently ranked first in their grade.”
Pei Yiyan gave a noncommittal hum and continued toward the bedroom. As soon as he opened the door, Lucky darted out. Xiao Zhao had kept him in the room while cleaning earlier, and now that he was free, the dog immediately went to play with his favorite toy, completely ignoring Pei Yiyan.
Pei Yiyan’s gaze followed the dog as it trotted off with the ball in its mouth, reminding him of how he had woken up that morning clutching the same ball in his hand.
How had he ended up holding it last night?
He raised a hand to touch his scent gland. Maybe it was his imagination, but today, the skin there felt warmer than usual.
Dropping his hand, he turned and said, “Have Wu Yi come over later. I’m going to the hospital first.”
Xiao Zhao quickly responded, “Understood. I’ll make the arrangements right away.”
When Shen Yuqing arrived at Song Wangzhuo’s place, the latter had also just gotten home. As Shen Yuqing stepped inside, Song Wangzhuo was on the phone and only glanced at him before continuing his conversation.
After a moment, he said, “Got it. I’ll be there on time.”
By the time he hung up, Shen Yuqing had already walked over to him.
“Do you have something to do?” Shen Yuqing asked.
Song Wangzhuo didn’t hide it. As they both sat down, he explained, “A colleague took on a job but is short on staff, so they asked me to fill in.”
It was just for tonight, but with setup and cleanup, he probably wouldn’t be back until past midnight. The pay was unusually high, so he hadn’t hesitated to accept.
Shen Yuqing already had an idea of what the job entailed but still asked, “Oh? Where is it?”
“A banquet,” Song Wangzhuo said. “They didn’t give specifics.”
Shen Yuqing made a sound of acknowledgment. “What a coincidence I’m also going to a banquet tonight. Maybe we’re headed to the same one?”
Song Wangzhuo looked up at him. Shen Yuqing grinned and added, “Song Lejin’s cousin, Song Jue, is turning thirty today, and they’re throwing a birthday party. My brother told me to tag along. If we really are going to the same place, send me a message when you get there. I’ll have Xiao Zhao drive you back.”
Song Wangzhuo hummed in agreement but then said, “Just reimburse the fare. No need for Xiao Zhao.”
Shen Yuqing leaned back in his chair. “We’ll see tonight. If you do end up going, remember to message me.”
Though he wasn’t sure why Shen Yuqing wanted him to, Song Wangzhuo nodded. “Alright.”
