After learning that Song Wangzhuo wasn’t seriously injured, Shen Yuqing’s heart finally settled, and his entire body relaxed considerably.
Shen Yuqing glanced up at the sky it was still early. He didn’t feel like returning to school, so he decided to head straight home.
Just as he was about to hail a taxi by the roadside, someone called out to him again.
“Yuqing.”
Following the voice, Shen Yuqing turned and saw Nie Xiu, who had just parted ways with him moments ago.
Nie Xiu stood not far away, waving at him to come over.
Shen Yuqing walked toward her. “Auntie Nie.”
Nie Xiu asked, “You’ve already seen your friend?”
Shen Yuqing nodded. “Yes, but he’s in the ICU, so visiting time was limited.”
Nie Xiu looked surprised. “What illness is so serious?”
Shen Yuqing replied, “It wasn’t an illness he was injured. It happened at the academy this morning, but he’s out of danger now.”
He omitted some details, giving only a general explanation.
Nie Xiu nodded. “That’s good to hear.”
Then, she couldn’t help muttering, “Isn’t Silino’s security system supposed to be top-notch? How could something like this happen?”
Shen Yuqing shrugged at her puzzled expression but didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, “Auntie, have you finished your check-up?”
“Not yet. The company called an emergency meeting, so I have to rush back. I’ll come again after the meeting.” Nie Xiu then asked, “Are you heading back? Why not have your driver pick you up? Or I can give you a ride.”
Shen Yuqing shook his head. “No need, Auntie. You’re busy I’ll just take a taxi.”
Nie Xiu seemed genuinely pressed for time. She nodded. “Alright, then I’ll be on my way.”
Shen Yuqing watched as Nie Xiu got into her car and drove off before finally looking away.
He said to the system, Song Wangzhuo’s mother seems really nice.
She is, the system agreed.
Shen Yuqing then asked, After Song Wangzhuo returns home, didn’t she help him at all?
The original story mentioned how Song Wangzhuo struggled for power within the Song family, but Nie Xiu struck him as a strong-willed and capable woman. If she truly knew Song Wangzhuo was her biological son, she would surely take action.
Could it be that even after Song Wangzhuo returned, she still doted on Song Lejin?
That involves major plot points, so I can’t disclose anything, the system said. But Nie Xiu is indeed a good mother.
Still keeping secrets at this point? Shen Yuqing sighed in exasperation. I really can’t with you.
The system fell silent and quietly logged off.
Shen Yuqing took a taxi home, stopping on the way to buy a strawberry milk tea. When he was feeling down, he liked to indulge in something sweet to lift his mood.
When he got home, neither Xiao Zhao nor Haoyunlai were there. It was only then that Shen Yuqing remembered there was some kind of cat competition today. Xiao Zhao had been confident that Haoyunlai would win and asked if he wanted to participate. He had agreed but quickly forgotten about it.
Shen Yuqing took a sip of his milk tea, sprawled on the sofa, and propped his legs up as he played a game. It was rare to have such leisurely alone time, though it felt a bit too quiet.
After a moment’s thought, he turned on the TV.
The screen flickered to a financial news channel. Shen Yuqing glanced at it but didn’t bother changing it he just wanted some background noise.
Just as his game reached a critical moment, the TV began broadcasting breaking news.
“The Song Group intends to collaborate with the government to build a bridge over the Mog Sea for Silino. The bridge is expected to be completed within five years. Once finished, it will carry…”
Shen Yuqing turned his gaze to the TV building a bridge.
He sat up from the couch, still somewhat dazed. Why, out of the blue, were they talking about constructing a bridge now?
The TV screen shifted to show the Mog Sea, introducing the treacherous waters. Though called a “sea,” Mog was actually a river not particularly wide but incredibly dangerous. It lay to the northwest of Silino, dividing the people on either side. To travel from one side to the other, one had to take a flight that lasted an entire day.
If this bridge were completed, driving across would take just an hour, greatly benefiting economic development.
The reason it hadn’t been built before was due to Mog’s perilous currents. The rapid flow made it deadly for anyone caught in its waters. The Silino government had considered constructing a bridge in the past, but after several incidents, they abandoned the idea, focusing instead on improving air travel to shorten the journey.
So why was the Song Group suddenly reviving this project?
Shen Yuqing recalled what the system had told him that the Song family suffered a major setback during Song Wangzhuo’s sophomore year, one that took the Song Group years to recover from. Even under Song Wangzhuo’s leadership, it had required considerable effort to restore the company to its former glory.
Could this “major setback” be related to the bridge?
Shen Yuqing pressed his lips together. If only he weren’t still a student if he could enter the company, he might be able to subtly inquire about it.
He exhaled slowly. Then again, this bridge project was no small matter it wasn’t something to be taken lightly. Besides, the news had only mentioned “intentions,” meaning discussions were still ongoing, nothing finalized yet.
Shen Yuqing lay back down, keeping the matter in mind for now. He’d find an opportunity to ask Shen Zhen about it later.
By the time Pei Yiyan returned, it was already 10 p.m.
Shen Yuqing was sitting cross-legged on the couch, playing a game. He glanced over. “You’re back. Did you eat?”
Pei Yiyan changed his shoes and dismissed Wu Yi, who had accompanied him, telling him to go rest.
After closing the door, Pei Yiyan replied, “I’ve eaten.”
Holding his cane, he walked over. Shen Yuqing had already showered, his body exuding a rich, fragrant scent.
Pei Yiyan asked, “Did you change your body wash?”
“Yeah,” Shen Yuqing answered without looking up. “It’s pretty nice.” And indeed, it was.
Seeing Shen Yuqing engrossed in his game, Pei Yiyan didn’t disturb him further. He called for Xiao Zhao, gathered his clean clothes, and headed to the bathroom.
Turning on the shower, he let the warm water cascade over his body, washing away the fatigue of the day. Closing his eyes, he sighed in relief.
Thankfully, work was nearing completion. Once everything was wrapped up, his company would finally be on track. And soon, he’d need to find a way for his eyes to “recover.”
Pei Yiyan opened his eyes and reached for the body wash. The scent that emerged was identical to the one lingering on Shen Yuqing.
They were, in fact, using the same brand only this new variant was far more fragrant than before.
A slightly complicated emotion flashed through Pei Yiyan’s eyes elusive and hard to decipher but he could feel his mood lifting because of this realization.
In some ways, he was the reason he and Shen Yuqing used the same things.
Pei Yiyan let out a sigh but quickly regained his composure. He had been meaning to find time to see a doctor because he always felt an inexplicable pull toward Shen Yuqing.
Once he finished his work, he would go and get it checked out.
